text:
Administrative and Student Services Fees (SSF) Event Grants
Grant Funding Update
Grant Applications for the 2017-2018 academic year are set to open on June 12.
The Student Activities Grants are intended to provide supplemental financial support to student groups seeking to host or participate in activities, programs, and special events that enhance the co-curricular experience for students at the University of Minnesota. Funding intended to support registered student groups hosting activities, programs, and special events that promote student development. Priority will be given to projects that promote student development, enhance diversity, and benefit the community. Includes: the Administrative Grant and Student Services Fees (SSF) Event Grant. Individual initiatives are detailed below.
Administrative Grant
- Application must demonstrate that initiative offers opportunities for students to broaden their educational development through stated educational goals.
- Funds represent contributions from University of Minnesota administrative units; therefore, applicants may not receive additional funding from other University administrative units for this event/initiative.
- Campus Life Programs are not eligible to receive Administrative Grant funding due to established departmental support as a registered student group.
- Both on-campus and off-campus events are eligible to receive funding.
- If attending a conference, application must include a plan to share the information with the larger campus community upon return.
- Both fees-receiving and non-fees-receiving groups are eligible to be considered for up to $1000 per on-campus event/initiative and $500 per off-campus event/initiative. This distinction exists in order to ensure that the bulk of grant funding towards events that take place on campus and enrich the University of Minnesota student experience.
Student Services Fees (SSF) Event Grant
- Funds represent contributions from the University of Minnesota students; therefore, events must be inclusive of the on-campus community.
- Application must show that efforts have been made to make current students the primary intended audience for the initiative.
- Events are free or low-cost for University of Minnesota students.
- Only on-campus events that are open to all students are eligible to receive funding.
- In order to be considered "open to all students," applications must show that events meet the following criteria:
- Publicity efforts reaching all corners of the University campus, beyond the buildings dominated by a specific major or group of students.
- Educational and event goals identify specific ways all students would benefit from attending.
- Realistic expectation that students outside the targeted major or group will attend.
- In order to be considered "open to all students," applications must show that events meet the following criteria:
- Funding is only available for student groups that do not already receive Student Service Fees allocation.
- Additional funding may be available for registered student groups who collaborate with one or more other registered student groups. Collaboration is intended to be more than just monetary support.
- Individual non-fees-receiving student group applicants are eligible to be considered for up to $1000 per event/initiative.
- Events/initiatives that feature a partnership with at least one additional student group are eligible for up to $1,500 per event/initiative.
- A fees-receiving group may partner with a non-fees-receiving group, when the non-fees-receiving group is the primary applicant. In these cases, a grant award check will be given to the primary applicant.
How to Apply
Find out how to apply for grants.
Additional Grant Eligibility Considerations
For additional eligibility considerations, please refer to our eligibility matrix, judging criteria form, and our policies and procedures.


text: Overview Discussion topics Read Activity Members 1–1 of 1 comment No idea why I'm posting this, but take a look: Prophet of The Odd Posted by DamienLeniart on April 6, 2013 Add reply Share Send to a fan or friend Short link: DamienLeniart posted April 6, 2013 One of the most personal poems I've written. No clue why I'm sharing it but here ya go: http://www.protagonize.com/poem/prophet-of-the-oddFeel free to leave feedback. Back to top

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
Seppi Esfandi
If you or a loved one have recently been arrested and have a pending criminal or DUI case against you, it's vital to your freedom that you find the quality legal representation to get your case dismissed or drastically reduced. With 16 years of experience serving the Los Angeles area as a Criminal Defense Attorney and DUI Lawyer who has cross-examined hundreds of so-called experts, Seppi Esfandi is prepared to challenge any evidence the prosecution has against you.
Seppi has the highest rate of success in getting your case dismissed, and getting the lives back of the defendants he represents. From felony and misdemeanor state charges to federal cases, Esfandi Law Firm handles all criminal cases, and we promise you the best outcome possible.
Why a Criminal Defense 'Specialist'?
Seppi Esfandi is not your average criminal defense attorney. He also holds the coveted title of a Criminal Law Specialist. He is one of only 70 hand-picked attorneys to hold this distinction and is ranked among the top 5% of attorneys in all of Los Angeles. This expertise in Criminal Defense is the edge you need to win your case, or receive a satisfactory outcome with no jail time.
This is peer-reviewed proof that Seppi Esfandi is highly effective in the field of criminal justice. Esfandi was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from the highly revered UCLA School of Law. He has experience defending an array of crimes including, but not limited to: DUI, fraud, sexual offenses, drug charges, juvenile cases and theft.
Give us a call at 310‑274‑6529.
Close And Personal Attention
Being charged with a criminal offense can be a frightening and stressful time. This being said, Seppi Esfandi makes his clients his top priority. Esfandi works personally with each of his clients and listens to their side of the story, he takes a personal investment in each case and works tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome.
Remember, only a Specialist in Criminal Defense will tip the scales of justice in your favor. Knowledge is power, especially in the courtroom.
Seasoned DUI Attorney
At Esfandi Law Firm, we have experience defending a broad spectrum of DUI related crimes in Los Angeles including, but not limited to: DUI for persons under 21, Felony DUI, Commercial DUI and CA DMV Driver's License Hearing.
A felony DUI can ruin your life and your criminal record, therefore it's crucial to retain the best legal representative in a serious DUI case. We are committed to getting you the best resolution, which is usually in the form of a dismissal, or at very least a drastic reduction. Please feel free to visit our Driving Under Influence Page for more information.
Long-Standing Relationship
with Judges and DA's
Seppi Esfandi has practiced Criminal Law as a Los Angeles Criminal Justice Counselor for over 16 years. Through his years of service he has formed positive and lasting relationships with numerous judges and district attorneys. This means that there is a clear channel of communication between the prosecutor and Seppi Esfandi when discussing his client's cases and their character. Communication is paramount in Criminal Justice.
Compared to the rest of the field, Seppi Esfandi is quite affordable. We are confident you won't find a better quality counsel at a better price. Give us a call at 310‑274‑6529, or fill out the form on the Contact Us Page. We answer at all times from 8am-5pm Pacific Time (Emergency situations till midnight).
Both Proactive and Passive
You want a criminal defense attorney that will immediately go to work on your case, making calls and devising a defense strategy as if you were their own family, rather than sitting back and waiting to see what the prosecution has to offer. You also want a criminal defense attorney who can successfully execute either an aggressive or passive strategy, depending on what the evidence calls for. Seppi Esfandi is a master in devising and deploying the proper defense strategy required for your specific case.
State and Federal Cases
We primarily handle state cases in California and Nevada, but in the case of Federal Charges brought on by the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS (Internal Revenue Service), ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms), or DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency), you need a Federal Criminal Defense Specialist like Seppi Esfandi to handle your case. Don't put serious matters in the hands of a non-specialist, hire the best.
Why Our Clients Stay Out of Jail
If your loved one is in custody, our Defense Counsel can arrange an emergency bail hearing to secure an 'OR Release' or 'Bail Reduction'. We assist inmates in custody at any of the Southern California jails, including the Twin Towers Jail, Los Angeles Men's Central Jail, Hollywood Area Jail, Van Nuys jail, Pasadena Jail, Burbank Jail, Long Beach Jail, Beverly Hills Jail, Culver City Jail, Orange County Central Men's Jail, Theo Lacy Jail, James A. Musick Facility, Orange County Central Women's Jail, Ventura County Main Jail, Ventura County East Jail, Ventura County Todd Road Jail, San Bernardino West Valley Detention Center, Robert Presley Riverside County Jail, Pitchess Detention Center (Wayside), and the Century Regional Female Detention Facility.
Privacy Matters
One of the most basic principles underlying the lawyer-client relationship is that communications are kept confidential. This means that lawyers cannot reveal your oral or written statements to anyone, including prosecutors, employers, friends, or family members, without your consent. It doesn't matter whether defendants confess their guilt or insist on their innocence: Attorney-client communications are confidential. You can rest assured that our law firm will keep your information 100% secure.
Time is of The Essence
Judges are forced to push both the prosecution and defense attorney to move the case along faster and resolve it in a short time frame, therefore a typical criminal case does not usually take longer than two to three months. It is very important to contact a criminal defense attorney as quickly as you possibly can regarding your case. Every single day is crucial in fighting your case, do not wait till the last minute to get an attorney, it may result in not getting the best outcome, or even losing the case. Call Now.
Some Helpful Resources
Our main goal here at Esfandi Law is to help you through your difficult situation regardless of whom you choose as your Criminal Defense Attorney or legal representation, that is why we are providing you an extensive Southern California Criminal Defense Resource Page. In the meantime, here are a few important links:
|Los Angeles Resources
|Area Courthouses
A Message from Seppi Esfandi
I'm Criminal Defense Attorney Seppi Esfandi. For over 17 years, I've helped people with their criminal problems. I realize that when you're calling me, you're in a bind and need someone who will support you through thick and thin. Ever since graduating from UCLA Law School, I've helped people get their cases dismissed, their charges reduced, and avoid jail or prison. I promise to treat you like family, and treat your case like I would a brother or a sister. I have been peer-reviewed by Judges and other attorneys as highly qualified in the area of criminal law. I have a wide range of experience litigating various criminal cases. I can be both nice and aggressive- depending on what is required to get the best result for you. My reputation is very important to me, and I protect it by getting excellent results for my clients. You can go to Yelp, Google, my website, or any other site to see what my clients are saying about me. I am always available to speak with you. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Early Intervention Specialist
Early intervention refers to the time between a defendant being arrested and their charges being filed. Seppi Esfandi is a specialist at contacting the prosecuting agency and convincing them that there is insufficient evidence to successfully prosecute. By utilizing a top-rated Criminal Defense Attorney or DUI Attorney like Mr. Esfandi, it's possible to have a case dismissed without any effect on one's criminal record.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Specialist
Seppi Esfandi is a Specialist in Criminal Law. This means that he has been recognized by the State Bar of California, other attorneys, and judges as being highly knowledgeable in Criminal Defense Law. In order to become a 'Specialist', Esfandi passed a written examination in Criminal Law, demonstrated a high-level of experience, and fulfilled strenuous educational requirements. Less than 2% of Los Angeles attorneys are Specialists in Criminal Law.
Contact Us for Free Consultation
Please don't hesitate to call us for a free, no-obligation consultation with Mr. Esfandi at 310‑274‑6529. During your call, Mr. Esfandi will hear the details of the case and advice you on the best approach to defend yourself. If you wish, a consultation in our office can be promptly scheduled with one of our criminal defense attorneys.


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Ducks will do your bidding when you wear this Duck Hunting Bandana Gray Beard Kit. You can look just like the redneck millionaire who revolutionized duck hunting!
- Chest-length synthetic beard secured w/ 2 elastic bands
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text: Divxturka.net is using Redbunker! Because Redbunker is better than Hotfile, Netload and Rapidshare ! Click here and buy REDBUNKER premium account! Plot: Beth Raymer leaves her dancing job at a Florida strip club to become a Las Vegas cocktail waitress. Not exactly an ideal career choice, but her borderline-ditzy personality doesn't give her many options. In walks Dink, a professional sports bettor who sees through her bubbly exterior and offers her a job placing wagers all over town to gain an advantage over the casinos. Her surprisingly impeccable mind for numbers soon cements her status as Dink's good-luck charm, until his gorgeous-but-frigid wife, Tulip, starts to get jealous. Faced with no other choice but to fire Beth, Dink's luck runs out when she heads to New York to work for a smarmy bookie, a turn of events that lands her squarely on the wrong side of the law. Genre: Comedy IMDB rating: 4.8/10 from 1,199 users Directed by: Stephen Frears Starring: Rebecca Hall, Bruce Willis and Vince Vaughn Release Name: Lay.the.Favorite.2012.1080p.BluRay.x264-SAiMORNY Size: 6.54 GiB Video: MKV | 1920×1040 | 8521 kbps Audio: English | DTS | 1509 kbps Runtime: 1h 33mn Information: Code: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1132449/ Download: Code: http://www.redbunker.net/tpplicoxv79d/saimorny-lay.the.favorite.1080p.part1.rar.html http://www.redbunker.net/jybq3xn9z7xo/saimorny-lay.the.favorite.1080p.part2.rar.html http://www.redbunker.net/ax5im87zg7eh/saimorny-lay.the.favorite.1080p.part3.rar.html http://www.redbunker.net/slkbthqcps0w/saimorny-lay.the.favorite.1080p.part4.rar.html http://www.redbunker.net/xzrv51lyf5yc/saimorny-lay.the.favorite.1080p.part5.rar.html Enjoy!


text:
Hi everybody,
I have successsfuly configured AD authentification, and I get the message "ActiveDirectory authentication is enabled", BUT when I try to login to the portal using my regular username and password, it fails authentification
I have tried with domain\user and firstname.lastname@example.com and all kind of variations....it still doesn't work...I get the "Login failed..." message.
6 Replies
Jan 18, 2010 at 1:23 UTC
Keep IT Simple Technology Group is an IT service provider.
Are you referring to your admin account?
If so - Currently there is no AD integration for admins account.
Try Regular user, and set your SW admin password to match your AD Password.
Jan 18, 2010 at 7:39 UTC
Jan 18, 2010 at 1:20 UTC
no i am not referring to my admin account.
i have authenticated my Active Directory and it is enabled.
By when a user on the domain tries to login with his domain username and password, it says login failed
Jan 19, 2010 at 7:57 UTC
1st Post
Exactly the same problem here...i did everything I could possible do...same story. If user click on ticket, login is needed. But whatever I enter login fails!!! I did new instalation but situation remained the same!
Any idea!!!
Jan 20, 2010 at 2:23 UTC
Grrrrrrrrrrr solved! SW can not resolve user if you use DNS name of the AD server even if it says ActiveDirectory authentication is enabled...you must use IP! Now it works....
Jan 20, 2010 at 11:16 UTC
ok so I have my AD server as an IP address..
The user account is just a user with access to AD.. AD auth is enabled.
Nobody can login into the user portal though.


text:
Mono Back and Forth: Already Part of GNOME Standard Installation in Lenny
The Debian community has been arguing over the last few weeks about whether Mono should be part of the standard Debian installation. Now it appears that it has already been an integral part of the sofware ever since Lenny.
Debian spokesperson Alexander "Tolimar" Reichle-Schmehl's recent attempt to explain the GNOME project's position on including Mono in the standard Debian installation to FSF's Richard Stallman seems to have run aground. Reichle-Schmehl was mistaken on two counts, he admits in a recent blog.
It appears that the controversial C#-based Mono is already more than recommended in Lenny 5.0. The new Debian installer for Lenny is the gnome metapackage that installs it by default rather than the thinner gnome-desktop-environment used in previous versions that does not. The gnome metapackage pulls in the Mono-based Tomboy note-taking software such that the complete Mono components are installed. Only the CD installation without Internet connection is Mono-free, because Tomboy and its other Mono dependencies aren't included on the CD.
Tolimar would prefer to summarize the situation as, "Debian might install Mono with its GNOME install media, but that can still change." Up to now the dependency on Mono was based on a nonbinding recommendation, although Tolimar suggests your "Joe Average" will now have the dependency choice of Tomboy or the non-Mono Gnote during installation. The dispute over Mono in Debian ignited after Debian developers wanted to extend the simple Mono recommendation to a dependency, so it seems that the dispute might continue for some time to come.
Issue 199/2017
Buy this issue as a PDF
Red Hat Announces OpenShift.io
Red Hat takes its IDE online.
Microsoft Bakes Linux into Windows Server
Microsoft is slowly becoming a Linux vendor.
Fearless Coyote, Linux Kernel 4.11 is Out
The new kernel makes swap implementation more scalable, which will help cloud providers.
Docker Appoints Steve Singh CEO
The new CEO comes from a very strong SaaS background.
Docker Announces Linux Kit and Moby Project
Both projects help organizations build their own containerized systems.
Ubuntu Returns to Gnome as Its Mobile Plans Shatter
Mark Shuttleworth has resumed the position of CEO of Canonical.
Microsoft is Shutting Down CodePlex
Microsoft's open source code hosting platform CodePlex will come to an end after a more than 10-year stint.
Fedora 26 Alpha Released
Comes with Gnome 3.24
Old Linux Kernel Bug Discovered
The bug was introduced back in 2009 and has been lurking around all this time.
OpenSSH 7.5 Released
The new release deprecates the sshd_config UsePrivilegeSeparation option.


text:
A Hunter & His Prey
I am the Hunter. It is my prey. I seek it, but for reasons it cannot comprehend.
Ah, the sense of wonderment before me. I lay myself down upon the cool mountain's face and breathe in the air of the valley, rising up to me so far above. The wind blows calmly, its touch familiar and soothing. And as I rise I see it standing there. A majestic creature in all its glory before me. Turning to face me it spreads its wings and flies directly towards me. What is it that I am feeling? Fear? Of course. Shock? No surprise there. Excitement? Maybe just a little bit. I've spent the last fifteen years of my life chasing this bird down. Following it from mountain to mountain, valley to valley, across lands and kingdoms, into the deepest and darkest reaches of the forests, and now here it is before me. I wish it knew why I chased it. My reasons are not like the others. We all chase it for one reason: It is the last male of its kind. It's feathers are priced at nearly $250,000 a piece. Why? For fashion obviously. We humans slaughtered and butchered them, tore their habitats to pieces, and then used them to make ourselves more attractive. I've never understood that concept. Destruction equals beauty? Nevertheless I hunt him, but for reasons he cannot conceive. I don't want his feathers, but his seed, for little does he know he is not the last of his kind. Just the last male. And I? I possess his mate.


text:
Johnson City's Blue Plum Festival announces changes and musical acts
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - The Blue Plum Festival in Johnson City is getting closer, and Wednesday organizers announced the bands and changes that you'll see this year.
They have several acts that will be spread across three stages the Fountain Square Stage, Southern stage, and the Jazz Stage.
Among the new features they are adding a Storytelling Stage to this year's festival. They will also still have popular events like the Blue Plum 5K and the Urban Art Throw Down.
Jenny Lockmiller is with the festival and she tells us every year it bring around 80,000 people to downtown Johnson City. "It's a huge economic development driver for this area, and it's also just a great way to showcase all the beautiful architecture, the restaurants, and everything else we have," she said.
Organizers are still looking for volunteers to make this year's festival possible.
The entire concert line up will be available on BluePlum.org.
Organizers are still looking for volunteers to make this year's festival possible. Click here for contact information.


text: 6 comments Trust me, I feel your pain! I've been there too many times myself to forget the horrible feeling of not being able to buy your family any gifts for Christmas or any other Holiday or Birthday for that matter! So what do you do when you're hit last minute […] I have no job need money now – Can I still give my family Christmas?This entry was posted in Information and Education Need Income? Not Getting Any Job Offers? and tagged How to have a Joyful Christmas with No Money I have no job need money now No Job No Joy No Money Surviving an unemployed Christmas on December 23, 2015 by Jeremy Wilson (updated on January 2, 2016)


text:
…as queenmothers raise concerns over development
From Samuel Agbewoode, Ho
Queenmothers and concerned women groups in the Ketu-North and South
districts have asked the governments of Ghana and the Republic of Togo to, as a matter of urgency, take the necessary steps to stop the continuous brutalities being meted out to travelers, especially, women, at both sides of the Aflao border.
The queenmothers allege that immigration personnel at the Aflao border had been extorting monies from travelers at the Ghana and Togo side of the border, and that any traveler who failed to heed their demand is assaulted.
Addressing a press conference in Ho to protest against the wanton assaults, the spokesperson for the queenmothers and the concerned women groups, Mama Ayabah II, said the negative development at both sides of the border did not auger well for the promotion of cordial relations between the two nations.
Mama Ayabah continued that the unprofessional conduct of immigration officers at both sides of the Aflao border, was rather threatening the safety of the people and security at the border.
She alleged that the Ghanaian immigration officers demand between GH¢2.00 to GH¢5.00, while their Togolese counterparts demand CFA100, before a traveler is allowed to cross the border.
"The immigration officers in particular, refuse to allow travelers with national ID cards such as voters identification cards or health insurance cards to cross. They are often not prepared to listen to travelers' explanations in Ewe, saying, 'I don't understand that language'."
Mama Ayabah explained that to avoid being victims of harassment, embarrassment, and assault at the hands of these immigration officers, many travelers dress shabbily to outwit the immigration officers.
The queenmothers said there were a number of reported cases of such maltreatments, and unreported ones, citing for instance, that in August 2010, five of such cases were reported to the Ketu District Assembly and were investigated.
Mama Ayabah said the latest incident at the Aflao border was an assault case of a 23 year old pregnant woman, Madam Yawa Akakpo, who lost the pregnancy, which was alleged to be twins, as a result of severe brutalities by the immigration officers.
She explained that the 23 year old woman was returning from the New Hope Clinic at Avoeme near Denu in Ghana, and on reaching the border, the immigration officers stopped her and asked her to go back because she had no travelling documents. The woman pleaded with them, but the security personnel refused to hear her plea, which resulted in the assault, leading to the miscarriage of the pregnancy.
"Much as we would not like to be seen as interfering in, or dictating to the personnel of security operatives, especially at the Aflao border, we cannot sit down idle, while our humanity and dignity of womanhood is debased, violated, and destroyed with impunity," she said.
The queenmothers noted that the negative conduct at the Aflao border was a result of the lack of education and knowledge on the part of the immigration officers on the traditional relationship between Ghana and Togo, especially in the two Ketu districts.


text:
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text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|May 17, 2005
|Filing date
|Jun 7, 2002
|Priority date
|May 29, 1998
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Andrew Goodman, Jean Rene Menand
|Original Assignee
|Opentv, Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (18), Non-Patent Citations (2), Referenced by (29), Classifications (31), Legal Events (3)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is continuing application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/087,269, filed May 29, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,238.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to interactive television systems and more particularly to management of application modules which are delivered to an interactive television receiver.
2. Description of the Related Art
Interactive television systems enable television sets to be used to provide various new means for providing services to viewers. Interactive television systems are capable of displaying text and graphic images in addition to typical video program streams. Interactive television systems are also capable of registering viewer actions or responses. Proposed features of interactive television include a variety of marketing, entertainment and educational capabilities such as allowing a user to interact with televised programs by ordering advertised products or services, competing against contestants in a game show, or requesting specialized information regarding particular programs.
Typically, a broadcast service provider generates an interactive television signal for transmission to a viewer's television. The interactive television signal includes an interactive portion consisting of application code or control information, as well as an audio-video portion consisting of a television program. The broadcast service provider combines the audio-video and interactive portions into a single signal for transmission to a receiver connected to the user's television. The signal is generally compressed prior to transmission and transmitted through typical broadcast channels, such as cable television (CATV) lines or direct satellite transmission systems.
The interactive functionality of the television is controlled by a set-top box connected to the television. The set-top box receives the signal transmitted by the broadcast service provider, separates the interactive portion from the audio-video portion and decompresses the respective portions of the signal. The set-top box uses the interactive information to, for example, execute an application while the audio-video information is transmitted to the television. The set-top box may combine the audio-video information with interactive graphics or audio generated by the interactive application prior to transmitting the information to the television. The interactive graphics and audio may present additional information to the viewer or may prompt the viewer for input. The set-top box may provide viewer input or other information to the broadcast service provider via a modem connection.
Interactive television applications may consist of a set of program modules. The set of modules forming an application is typically self-contained in that all of the code needed by the application is in the set of modules. The first module is a directory module which identifies all of the modules which are part of the application. The entire set of modules, which is listed in the directory module, is transmitted via the broadcast channel to the set-top box and the application is executed. If a first interactive television application has completed execution and a second is to be executed, the directory and other modules of the second application are transmitted to the set-top box and the second application is executed. The entire set of modules used by the second application are transmitted even though some of the modules might be identical to modules used by the first application.
One of the advantages of designing software applications in a modular fashion is the ability to share modules between applications. The advantages of modularity may include conserving the limited amount of memory in a set-top box which can be used for interactive applications, reducing the time required to download applications from a broadcast station to a set-top box and reducing the amount of application code which must be written by allowing modules to be shared. The components of an application, however, may reside in different carousels (sets of modules, as described in more detail below) or in modules which may not be available at the time the application begins execution. It is therefore desirable to implement a system for management of the different modules. It would be advantageous for this management system to be capable of handling modules which have not yet been received and which may have to be extracted from an interactive television signal. Further, it would be advantageous for this management system to be capable of simultaneously monitoring several sources (e.g., a broadcast channel and a modem channel) for the modules needed by an application.
The invention comprises a system and method for managing modules of interactive television applications. One embodiment of the invention includes a set-top box configured with several input ports for receiving one or more interactive television signals which may embody the carousel modules. The interactive television signals typically comprise packets of compressed data corresponding to modules of an interactive television application, television programs, or other interactive television data. ("Television program" as used herein refers generally to any type of audio and/or video programming which is normally viewed on a television.) The various types of packets are generally time multiplexed with each other. The set-top box monitors the input ports to determine whether a packet received at the input port contains module data and, if so, whether the module should be processed and stored in the set-top box. If the system determines that the module should be stored, the packets corresponding to the module are extracted from the interactive television signal. When all of the packets corresponding to the module have been extracted from the interactive television signal, the module is processed and made available for execution.
If there is no interactive television application executing in the set-top box, the system monitors the input ports for auto-loading modules, such as application directory modules. When one of these application directory modules is detected, the system begins collecting packets containing data from the directory module. When all of these packets have been collected, the system reconstructs the directory module and authenticates it. The system then monitors the input ports for the carousel modules (i.e., those listed in the directory module,) stores the corresponding packets and reconstructs the modules for use by the application corresponding to the carousel.
The executing application may request modules which are not yet available in the set-top box. These requests are stored by the system, which monitors the input ports for the corresponding modules. The system collects the packets of these modules when they are detected at the input ports, then stores the modules. The system thus matches incoming modules with pending requests and makes the modules available for execution. The system may provide for modules which are in greater demand among subscribers of the system to be transmitted to all of the subscribers via a broadcast channel, while modules which are in less demand are transmitted to individual subscribers via a modem channel.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
One embodiment of the invention is described below. In this embodiment, an interactive television receiver accepts an audio-video-interactive signal via a broadcast channel such as direct satellite transmission. ("Direct" satellite transmission as used herein contemplates transmissions received by the interactive television receiver, more particularly by its antenna, directly from the satellite.) The audio-video-interactive signal contains television programs or similar audio-video content, as well as interactive content such as control signals or interactive applications. ("Broadcast" is used herein to refer to transmission of a single signal to all subscribing receivers.) The interactive television receiver is also configured to receive signals via a modem channel. The signals transmitted via the broadcast and modem channels may both embody various modules. Each of these two channels is therefore considered a "module source" for the purposes of this description. The modules contained in the signals from the module sources may comprise components of an interactive application. The modules can contain any type of data, such as application code, raw data or graphical information. Because the modules are generally transmitted to the television receiver in a cyclic manner, the set of modules is often referred to as a carousel. (An application is a carousel which contains a "top-level" program.) A module manager is implemented in the system to control the manner in which the modules are requested by an application, received from the module sources and matched with the application requiring the modules.
If no application is executing in the system, the module manager monitors the module sources for modules which are auto-loading. The directory module of an interactive application, for example, may be auto-loading. If an application is executing in the system, the application may request modules. More particularly, it may request modules which are not part of the same carousel as the application. The module manager stores the application's requests and monitors the module sources for modules corresponding to the requests. When one of the requested modules is detected, the module manager stores it, makes it available to the executing application and removes the request from the module manager's request queue. If the module manager receives a module which has not been requested and which cannot be automatically loaded, the module is ignored (i.e., it is not stored in the system.)
Referring to
The broadcast signal is relayed by communications satellite 18 and received by receiving station 20. Although the figure illustrates a satellite transmission, it is contemplated that any broadcast medium (e.g., CATV or direct satellite transmission) may be used. Receiving station 20 is contemplated to be one of a number of such stations which are subscribers of the broadcast service provider operating broadcast station 10. The broadcast signal is collected by receiving antenna 21 and fed to receiver 22, which in this embodiment is contemplated to be a set-top box. Set-top box 22 processes the packetized signal to reconstruct the television programs and interactive applications embodied in the signal. The reconstructed applications are executed in the set-top box, while the reconstructed television programs are passed to the television, where they are displayed. The interactive applications may generate graphics or audio which are combined with the television program prior to being displayed.
In addition to the broadcast channel between the broadcast station and receiving station, there may be other channels, such as a modem channel (which may also be referred to as an http, or hypertext transfer protocol, channel.) These types of channels serve two functions in the system: they allow the set-top box to provide feedback to the broadcast station; and they provide an alternate path for programs and applications from sources 12 to be delivered to receiving station 20.
Referring to
Control system 35 may include a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor (DSP), or some other type of software instruction processing device. RAM 37 may include memory units which are static (e.g., SRAM), dynamic (e.g., DRAM), volatile or non-volatile (e.g., FLASH), as required to support the functions of the set-top box. When power is applied to the set-top box, control system 35 executes operating system code which is stored in ROM 36. The operating system code executes continuously while the set-top box is powered in the same manner the operating system code of a typical personal computer (PC) and enables the set-top box to act on control information and execute interactive and other applications. The set-top box also includes modem 38. Modem 38 provides both a return path by which viewer data can be transmitted to the broadcast station and an alternate path by which the broadcast station can transmit data to the set-top box.
Although the term "set-top box" is used herein, it is understood that this term refers to any receiver or processing unit for receiving and processing a transmitted signal and conveying the processed signal to a television or other monitor. The set-top box may be in a housing which physically sits on top of a television, it may be in some other location external to the television (e.g., on the side or back of the television or remotely located from the television), or it may be incorporated into the television itself. Set-top box 22 serves to demodulate the signal received from broadcast station 10 and to separate the components of the signal, such as different television programs and interactive applications. Similarly, television 23 may be a television or a video monitor employing any suitable television format (e.g., NTSC or HDTV), or it may be replaced by other devices, such as a video recorder.
The receiving station is operatively connected to the broadcast station by a broadcast channel. This broadcast channel could utilize various transmission media and is contemplated to include media such as coaxial cable and free space (e.g., as used for direct satellite transmissions.) The broadcast channel forms a transmission path between the broadcast station and the receiving station. The broadcast station and receiving station are also connected by a return path. The return path typically consists of a pair of modems, one in the receiving station and one in the broadcast station, each connected to a standard telephone line. Other means for establishing a return path, e.g., using a portion of the bandwidth of the transmission path, are also contemplated.
Referring to
The directory modules of all the applications have a common format. The format consists of three parts: a portion having fixed-length components; a portion having variable-length components; and a portion having certification information. The fixed-length portion contains data on the application and each of the modules in the application. The variable-length portion contains string data on the module names and the hash of the modules. The certification portion contains the producer certificate and directory signature.
In one embodiment, an application includes at least one module which is downloaded and executed automatically. Other modules containing data or additional code may not be needed immediately, so they may be downloaded after execution of the application begins. The downloading of these modules may be subject to timing constraints, however, so the interactive television system is configured to take these constraints into account and deliver the modules in a timely manner. If necessary, one of these modules may be multiplexed with other modules or data to be sure it is received when needed.
Referring to
Before the modules 51 are transmitted, they are formatted into transmission units 54. For the purposes of discussion, items referenced by the same number but different letters (e.g., 54 a, 54 b, 54 c) will be collectively referred to by the number only (e.g., 54). Each of the transmission units 54 contains header information 55, which uniquely identifies that transmission unit 54 within the stream of transmission units, and data 56 which comprises a portion of the module being transmitted. The header 55 contains information such as the module ID, module offset and size, which allow the transmission units 54 to be reconstructed into a complete module 51. The transmission units 54 comprising a particular module 51 may be interleaved with other transmission units 54 in the transmission stream. The last transmission unit 54 for a module 51 carries the CRC 53.
The format of the transmission units 54 is dependent upon the transmission medium, but typically employs a series of packets of fixed length (the last packet may be padded to obtain the proper length.) The first packet 58 in the series carries the header information for the transmission unit 54. This header packet 58 is a special packet which can generate an interrupt in the CPU and which contains information to enable the CPU to determine whether the module 51 should be decoded and where it should be loaded into memory. The header packet 58 in a direct satellite transmission utilizes an auxiliary type packet which can generate an interrupt. The remainder of the packets 58 in a direct satellite transmission utilize a basic type packet which simply carries the transmission unit data.
The audio-video-interactive transmission from the broadcast station to the interactive television receiver comprises a series of transmission units. The transmission units which form a given module are typically time multiplexed with other information. This information may consist of transmission units of another module or compressed audio or video. The transmission units which are received by the interactive television receiver are reconstructed into their respective application modules.
Referring to
The broadcast signal is received by set-top box 22, which demultiplexes the packets and reconstructs the respective television programs and modules. As explained above, the modules are stored in RAM 37, where they are available for use by applications executing in the control system 35. The set-top box may employ a security mechanism to ensure that the carousels and/or particular modules which are being downloaded are authentic. A certificate system may be used to ensure that the modules are produced by authorized producers and that the modules have not been altered before being received by the set-top box.
A certificate is a collection of information which typically identifies a module and can be taken as proof of the module's authenticity and integrity. The certificate may use "public key" encryption for this purpose. There are various encryption algorithms which may be employed by public key encryption systems. One embodiment uses RSA (Rivest, Shamir & Adleman) and DES (Data Encryption Standard) algorithms. Public key encryption utilizes a pair of encryption keys, one of which is termed a private key and one of which is called a public key. The private key is kept secret by its owner, while the public key is made freely available. A message or other file which is encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted with the private key. Likewise, a file which is encrypted with the private key can only be decrypted with the public key. Thus, when a public-key encrypted message is sent to the owner, the sender can be assured that, even if the message is intercepted, only the owner (who holds the private key) can decrypt it and read the message.
The set-top box maintains copies of the public keys of one or more trusted parties. When the set-top box receives a directory module, it checks the module for a certificate signed with the private key of the producer. The certificate contains a producer's certificate, which is the producer's public key, signed by a trusted party. The set-top box, having a copy of the trusted party's public key, can verify that the producer's certificate (the producer's public key) is authentic. Then, the producer's authenticated public key can be used to verify that the certificate is unaltered. The security mechanism may also include performing a hash function over the modules and including the hash value in the corresponding directory module or the like. Credentialing or other security in the directory module is typically implemented after the insertion of the other modules' hash values with their entries in the directory module.
The module manager controls delivery, access and other functions which relate to the modules. Referring to
Source interface 61 manages requests from module sources. Source interface 61 is a series of uni-directional channels from the module sources to module manager 60. Source interface 61 includes a mechanism for requesting a buffer which can be used to store a module received from one of the module sources.
Client interface 62 handles client requests. Client interface 62 maintains a client database which consists of a linked list of client entries. Each entry in the client database has a pointer to the next entry, a client ID, client notification data and reference data.
Credential database 64 contains information on the producers of various carousels and the credentials associated with the producers. Credential database 64 is implemented as a linked list of producer entries, each entry having an ID for a given producer, a pointer to the next producer entry and a pointer to a first credential in a linked list of credentials for the given producer. The credentials in the linked list for each producer are verified before the credentials are entered in the database, so the signature and credential flags are removed before the credentials are stored. Each credential entry includes a pointer to the next credential entry, IDs for the carousels granting and being granted access, an expiration date and various flags. Accesses to credential database 64 may include adding, removing or finding specific entries, and removing groups of entries which are old or non-global.
Carousel database 65 contains information regarding carousels of which module manager 60 is aware. Carousel database 65 is implemented as a linked list of carousel entries. Each entry includes a carousel ID, various flags and pointers and a reference counter. The pointers indicate the locations of the directory module for the corresponding carousel and a list of associated requests in the request database. Carousel database 65 can be accessed by finding, adding or deleting entries, and by reading or manipulating data within the entries. Some of the carousel database access routines also manipulate things other than carousel database 65. For example, if the buffer in which the directory module should be loaded is requested, but no such buffer is assigned, a temporary buffer will be allocated.
Request database 66 contains information on pending requests for various modules. Request database 16 is implemented as a set of linked lists, each of which is associated with a corresponding carousel. As pointed out above, each entry in carousel database 65 has a pointer to a corresponding linked list of associated requests in request database 66. Each entry is also recorded in a hash table in order to reduce the amount of time which may be required to search for particular entries. Each entry in request database 66 has a pointer to the next entry, IDs for the requested module and its carousel, various flags and state and buffer information. Each entry stores a pointer to a buffer in which the requested module is to be stored, as well as the size of the buffer. Request database 66 may include a temporary storage allocation component which allows the request database to receive modules which have not been requested or for which buffers have not been allocated. Because the temporary storage allocation component of the database may not be optimized to efficiently store these modules, they should be moved to more permanent storage as soon as possible. Request database 66 implements functions to find, add, delete or read entries as well as to update the state of the requests as described below.
Each request entry includes a value indicating the state of the request. This value corresponds to one of the states shown in the state diagram of FIG. 7. The states include: requested; loading; loading zombie; reallocate; post-load; post-load zombie; loaded; and canceled. When a module is requested, but before it arrives from a module source, the request is in the "requested" state. If the request is canceled, the state changes from "requested" to "canceled." If the requested module begins to arrive at the module manager from a module source, the state changes from "requested" to "loading." (If a module arrives without first being requested, it may go directly to the "loading" state.) From the "loading" state, the request can move to the "requested," "post-load," "reallocate" or "loading zombie" states. If the loading of the module failed, but should be re-attempted, the state reverts to "requested." If the loading is canceled, the request changes to "loading zombie" while the buffer is still in use by the module source, then to "canceled." If the module finishes loading, the state transitions to "post-load" (if the buffer was not temporary) or "reallocate" (if the buffer was temporary.) If the request is in the "reallocate" state, it changes to "post-load" when the requested module is moved to permanent storage. The request remains in the "post-load" state while the requested module is processed into its final form. If the request is canceled while it is in "post-load," the state changes to "post-load zombie" until the processing of the module is complete, then to "canceled." Otherwise, when the processing of the requested module is complete, the request goes to the "loaded" state.
The module management unit monitors the various module sources coupled to the set-top box. As described above, the module sources may include broadcast signals, http signals, modem communications or other means for supplying input signals to the set-top box. (The term "module source" as used herein is broadly interpreted to include both transmission sources, such as satellite or modem transmissions, and inputs to the module management unit which carry processed, e.g., reconstructed and decompressed, signals.)
At start-up, the module management unit idles while waiting for a packet at one of the module sources. The broadcast station may transmit modules for which the module management unit is waiting on one of the module sources. The selection of a channel or module source to transmit a given module may be dependent upon the efficiency of the selected channel. For example, a module which is needed by many of the subscribing receivers might be transmitted over a broadcast channel, while a module which has a lower demand might be transmitted over a modem line. Because the module management unit monitors all of its module sources, a requested module may be received via any of the sources.
When a module is detected, the module management unit begins loading the module into memory. Once a module is completely loaded, it is entered in a list of stored modules. It is then tested to determine whether it is a directory module. If the module is a directory module, the module management unit authenticates the module's producer certificate. The module management unit may be programmed to take any of several actions if the certificate is not authentic, such as simply discarding the module, warning the user, or shutting down the set-top box. If the certificate is authentic, the module may be checked to verify its integrity according to the security mechanisms implemented in the system. If it is determined that the module contains errors, it is discarded. If the module is error-free, it is made available to the system for use in downloading other modules and providing information about the modules for execution purposes.
After start up, the module management unit may download modules in response to requests or as a result of being listed in the directory module (collectively, "needed" modules.) Requests for particular modules are placed in a list of pending requests maintained by the module management unit. The module management unit waits, monitoring the module sources for packets corresponding to the needed modules. The packets are detected and separated from the incoming stream of packets in the manner described above for the directory module. The module management unit may retrieve packets of more than one module at a time if they are interspersed. When receipt of all the packets for a module is finished, the module is reconstructed. The module may be tested for errors and its authenticity may be verified if the appropriate error-checking and security mechanisms have been implemented. If the completed module corresponds to a pending request, the module is matched to that request (i.e., the request is canceled and the module is made available to the application or module which initiated the request.) When the module management unit completes downloading of the needed modules which were available at the module sources, it resumes waiting for the next needed module.
In one embodiment, the module management unit is implemented in software executing in the control system. The module management unit may alternatively be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software as a matter of design choice. Likewise, the particular broadcast medium and other details of the particular embodiments described above may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary rather than limiting, and it is contemplated that the scope of the invention includes various modifications and embodiments which will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the invention.
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text:
Popular property highlights
Located in Zentrum-Suedost within a 5-minute walk of Gutenberg Galerie, Days Inn Leipzig City Centre is within a 15-minute stroll of Grassi Museum. This 72-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, express check-in, and a 24-hour front desk. Mendelssohn Haus and Augustusplatz are also a short walk from this Leipzig hotel.
Start each morning with buffet breakfast, available for a fee from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
All 72 soundproofed rooms feature refrigerators, free bottled water, and phones. Guests can expect free WiFi and TVs with satellite channels. Hair dryers and desks are also standard.
Property features
Days Inn Leipzig City Centre features free WiFi in public areas, a meeting room, and express check-in. Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist with tours or tickets, luggage storage, and securing valuables.
- Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
- 24-hour front desk
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Days Inn Leipzig City Centre
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Days Inn Leipzig City Centre features tour/ticket assistance, multilingual staff, and express check-in. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access. This business-friendly hotel also offers discounted use of a nearby fitness facility, a safe deposit box at the front desk, and an elevator (lift).
- Use of nearby fitness center (discount)
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- 24-hour front desk
- Total number of rooms - 72
- Number of floors - 6
- Elevator/lift
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- One meeting room
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in
- Multilingual staff
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Free Wi-Fi
- Soundproofed rooms
- Refrigerator
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Room Amenities
Days Inn Leipzig City Centre offers 72 accommodations with complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. Satellite television is provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations.
Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Housekeeping is provided daily.
- Shower/tub combination
- Private bathroom
- Soundproofed rooms
- Phone
- Free bottled water
- Refrigerator
- Daily housekeeping
- Hair dryer
- Television
- Desk
- Satellite TV service
- Free WiFi
- Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
Where to Eat
Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
Hotel Policies
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-out time is 11:30 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
- Rollaway/extra beds are available for EUR 14.00 per night.
- Pets allowed for an extra charge of EUR 5.50 per pet, per night
- Dogs only
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
No cribs (infant beds) available
24-hour check-in
Optional extras
- Fee for buffet breakfast: EUR 10 for adults and EUR 6 for children (approximately)
- Pet fee: EUR 5.50 per pet, per night
- Rollaway bed fee: EUR 14.00 per night
Hotel Name
- Days Inn Hotel Leipzig City Centre
- Days Inn Leipzig City Centre
- Garni Hotel Leipzig
We should mention
Children 12 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
National Rating
Hotelstars Union assigns an official star rating for properties in Germany. This property is rated 3 stars.


text:
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text:
Canadian Fashion Industry Needs Unity To Thrive
By Nabenah Johnson
Canada at one time or another had many cities building the Canadian fashion industry. In a previous blog by Naira Fragoso da Costa, titled, "Canada Needs A Fashion Council To Save The Industry," we got an introduction into the Canadian fashion industry and why it is not flourishing.
One of the main issues that the Canadian fashion industry has is division. The industry lacks unifying support between all major fashion cities in Canada, such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa. All cities must come together and within each city to create unity and support within ourselves. The industry is in need of something that breaks the vicious cycle of division and unites us all.
Fashion weeks showcasing seasonal collections used to be prominent in many Canadian cities. Slowly there has been a decline over the last few years as fashion weeks in major Canadian cities started to disappear. For those who don't know, IMG pulled the plug on Toronto Fashion Week and made its last Fall/Winter 2016 season back in March.
Although Vancouver still produces a fashion week, along with smaller markets in the cities Halifax and Edmonton, time will only tell how much longer they can last with the absence of Toronto.
As a fashion business major with experience in the industry in Toronto and New York, I believe Canadian fashion needs support in each city, along with unifying support to align all the cities in Canada that want to produce fashion weeks and generate a long standing, profitable business.
The senior-vice president/managing director of IMG Fashion Events & Properties, Catherine Bennett had discussed the end of IMG sponsorship for Toronto fashion week with the Canadian Press back in July. "Partnership and sponsorship plays a really important role in it, and I think in the market in Toronto we just weren't seeing the local support for the industry that we do see in some other markets."
In America, as we know, they have a fashion council that unifies all designers. The CFDA (the Council of Fashion Designers of America) is a not- for-profit organization that develops emerging designers and supports established designers. The CFDA fashion awards recognize and acknowledge works of excellence within America and the designers apart of the CFDA. There is also a scholarship program in place to award students with merit-based scholarships, who apply to a four-year college program in fashion. Not to mention the countless amount of grants awarded to designers apart of the CFDA.
If a council was to be introduced in Canada, I believe it would benefit the industry immensely. The CFDA is a partnership between all designers across America and a sponsorship as well to powerhouse New York's fashion weeks. Having a council in Canada would unify the industry and sponsor fashion weeks for years to come. If a council was present to govern all things related to fashion weeks and designers, it would bring about local support, country-wide support and generate funding. It would connect all aspects of the Canadian industry from designers to manufacturing to other creatives.
Fashion is art and commerce with an estimated $887million dollar economic impact in just New York City alone. Imagine the benefits of a council that would govern the industry in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa? The possibilities would be endless.
Of course, this cannot happen overnight, it will take a lot of time and years to build a council. But we must start now with local support within each city and an overall positive supportive force between Canada. Coming together will not only benefit us in the long run but eventually show the other fashion cities that Canada too can compete with the rest of the world. All in all, if we don't support each other now, no one else will!
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From velvet to spiked, from bow-tied to chained, the summer's must-have accessory has gone from nice to very naughty this fall season. We aren't complaining. We just cannot get enough of the sexy femininity of a choker necklace in all its '90s glory. If you love the way it was styled at the Alexander Wang fall 2016 (pictured) runway show (layered, extra tight, leather) then you'll have no problem taking your chokers to the next level. Remember, more is more. Mix different materials; wear three chokers at a time. Say goodbye to your sweetly saccharine velvet pussy bow and hello to gunmetal.
Are You Am I Dassa Wrap Chain Choker, $169. Available at areyouami.com.
Ettika Leather Fringe Choker, $99. Available at revolve.com.
UNOde50 Silver Choker Necklace, approx. $572. Available at unode50.com.
The shoes get weirder, as A$AP Rocky would call of his Fashion Killa, and it is time to rejoice! If you're a girl who loves shoes (and we've yet to meet one who doesn't) you were probably drooling over all the butterfly-in-your-stomach inducing footwear on the fall runways. We love how the lace-up sandal — an already wardrobe staple — got freakier with feathers instead of tassels. And don't be afraid to rock a crazy funkalicious slide this fall (you can wear socks if your feet are cold). For the freshest slides in town, we turn to Miu Miu and we cannot resist a Vogue cult favourite du jour, Brother Vellies. Basically when it comes to shoes this fall, don't be basic. Pictured: Gucci fall/winter 2016 ready-to-wear.
Zara Suede Lace-Up Tasselled Mid Heel Shoes, $89.90. Available at Zara.
Miu Miu Pearly Faux-Shearling Slides, $1,080. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Brother Vellies Black Magic Tufted Dhara Sandal, $715. Available at brothervellies.com.
Hate it or love it, fur is here to stay. But not to worry, there are amazing faux versions to be had. The fur this season comes in bright colours as well as patchworked with the most beautiful designs as seen on the Valentino and Fendi runways. And we gotta love ourselves a classic Gucci bubblegum pink coat (pictured). But don't worry, J.Crew is also doing a version for Holiday 2016… We also cannot get enough of blogger girl Vanessa Hong's faux fur coats and chubbies. Her clothing brand, THP, has been seen on the likes of Lady Gaga, and each piece has been painstakingly made by hand. She's our go-to for faux fur heaven — major girl crush!
THP Baby Blue Boxy Coat, $340 (sale). Available at thopshop.co.
Saint Laurent Fox Fur Coat, approx $15,238. Available at mytheresa.com.
Businessman? How about Boss Lady? Whatever you want to be called these days, the fall runways have the perfect pantsuit and pinstripe separates that we ever did see. Ralph Lauren, Max Mara (pictured), Tibi, Gucci, and Suno, were only some of the many designers that proffered masculine tailored pieces like suit jackets, duster coats, high-waist pants and vests. The boxier the better. You can choose how you want to play up this trend. Some ladies will dare to wear the full masculine silhouette, while others might pair a boxy double-breasted blazer with a miniskirt or a fabulous pair of jeans. Whatever you do, rock it like it's nobody's business.
Banana Republic Tie-Front Tuxedo Vest, $170. Available at Banana Republic.
Zara Double Crepe Blazer, $69.90. Zara Double Crepe Trousers, $49.90. Both available at Zara.
Victoria Victoria Beckham Pinstriped Wool Dress, approx. $869. Available at mytheresa.com.
Marissa Webb Hyde Pinstripe Pant, $450. Available at Intermix.
We're pretty jazzed that so many designers have added leopard print to their offerings this fall. Some of our favourites include Isabel Marant (pictured), Dior and Dolce Gabbana. Feel free to add a touch of leopard to your fall wardrobes however you deem appropriate. There are leopard print shoes, coats, bags and accessories to totally invite you into this feline frenzy. We adore the J. Crew Crossbody bags in full leopard or colourblocked. They are so easy to personalize with different accessories and colourways. And lets be honest, leopard print never really goes out of style.
J.Crew Collection Signet Bag In Italian Leopard-Printed Calf Hair, $358. Available at J.Crew.
Moschino Leopard-Print Wool-Blend Coat, $1,450. Available at Net-a-Porter.com.
Something of a romantic meets a Renaissance babe with the introduction of velvet this fall. You can wear velvet tight or relaxed, depending on who you'd like to seduce: your date or your cat. (Cats love to cozy up and purrr into velvet fabric, duh.) We love a skimpy velvet dress layered over a prudish turtleneck keeping it totally schoolgirl vibes. Add a sprinkle of velvet to your outfits this fall season by sealing the deal with a velvet blazer in a deep jewel tone (think Vetements). Or do a velvet ballet shoe (think Miu Miu). Whatever you do, think twice about your undergarments as velvet, like satin, is completely unforgiving to lace EVERYTHING. Pictured: Valentino fall/winter 2016 ready-to-wear.
Club L Velvet Cami Strap Midi Dress, $41. Available at ASOS.com.
Zara Velvet Dress, $39.90. Available at Zara.
Jupe By Jackie Almonaster Velvet A-line Skirt, $580. Available at Net-a-Porter.com.
So the trend is this: you wear your puffer jacket — no brainer — but you have to keep it unzipped and casually, but intentionally, off the shoulder. If you can master this whilst adding to your Instagram story, holding a handbag, two baguettes and exiting an Uber gracefully, then you are deemed ready for this trend. We just love getting the chance to wear puffer coats and bombers again. The apex of this outerwear was found at both Balenciaga (pictured) and Vetements runway shows — which isn't surprising as they have the same creative directors at the helm.
Vetements Oversized Bomber Jacket, approx. $2,254. Available at mytheresa.com.
Express Olive Bomber Jacket, $79.90. Available at Express.
Raf Simons Navy Down Oversized Coat, $4,045. Available at SSENSE.com.
Fjällräven Expedition Down Jacket, $1,073. Available at fjallraven.com.
We don't know why — perhaps it is a marketing ploy or perhaps it is indeed a mark of good taste — but it is certainly time to invest in an embellished guitar bag strap for all your designer handbags. It seems as though these days it is not enough to have a crossbody strap in a decent leather finish ... we are urged to go one step further this fall and get colourful, get embroidered, get psychedelic, baby. We loved all the pretty bag straps on the Fendi runway (pictured) but will probably have to opt for the affordable Rebecca Minkoff version and ride out the trend, thank you very much. A bag strap that costs more than the actual handbag? Now that's a trip!
Gucci Dionysus Small Quilted Leather Hobo Bag, $2,720. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Rebecca Minkoff Embroidered Guitar Bag Strap, $130.55. Available at Nordstrom.
Valentino Animalia Embroidered Guitar Strap for Handbag, $1,431.87. Available at Neiman Marcus.
In the on again, off again, love story of fashion's favourite body part as of late, there is no resolution to the quarrel this season. We saw all types of shoulders on the runways — exaggerated hyperbolic shoulders in metallic '80s fabrics for Hedi Slimane's swansong at Saint Laurent (pictured), elongated sleeves and ruffled off-the-shoulder frocks ... one shoulder, two shoulder, three shoulders! No just kidding, we didn't see three shoulders. Or did we? Who can keep track? We love a sweet ruffle across the decollete, like this metallic green number by Canadian label, Greta Constantine. Pay attention to how you show and tell your shoulders this season. Everybody's watching.
Greta Constantine Off-Shoulder Frill Dress, $2,316.79. Available at Farfetch.com.
Rebecca Minkoff Dev Top, $138. Available at RebeccaMinkoff.com.
When designers got together to discuss how to reinvent the shearling this year, they must have all done some serious hallucinogens. The shearling jacket has been cut up, patched together, elongated and destroyed this season. One of our all-time faves is the terracotta cropped version we are literally drooling over thanks to Yeezy. And if you think a fur coat is ostentatious AF, a shearling is a wonderful, pared down but still super luxe, alternative. Everyone had a shearling this season. You'd be hard-pressed to find a designer who didn't dabble in this outerwear at least once in their fall collection. Words of wisdom, the faux version never looks as good as the real deal. When it comes to the shearling coat this fall, go big or go home. Pictured: Lacoste fall/winter 2016.
Coach Crackled Shearling Aviator Jacket, $1,995. Available at Coach.
Chloe Shearling Puffer Jacket, $4,696.67. Available at Farfetch.com.


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Controversial New Zealand X Factor judges Natalia Kills and Willy Moon have been axed after an on-air tirade at a contestant.
MediaWorks, which owns TV3, says the couple are no longer suitable to judge the reality television show.
The decision follows Kills and Moon's stinging attacks on contestant Joe Irvine during Sunday night's show. After Irvine's performance of Cry Me a River, Kills launched into a stinging critique.
"As an artist who respects creative integrity and intellectual property, I am disgusted at how much you have copied my husband (fellow judge Willy Moon), from the hair to the suit. Do you not have any value or respect for originality?
"You're a laughing stock, it's cheesy, it's disgusting," she said.
Moon went on to compare Irvine to the fictional Psycho murderer Norman Bates and said Irvine's performance felt "a bit cheap and absurd".
"While the judges on X Factor are expected to provide critiques of performances, we will not tolerate such destructive tirades from any of the judges," MediaWorks chief executive Mark Weldon said.
"We no longer have confidence that Kills and Moon are the right people to perform the role of the X Factor judges, and they will leave the show, effective immediately."
FremantleMedia Australia, which co-produces the show, is backing MediaWorks' decision.
"We are appalled at the very poor judgment and intention shown by Natalia Kills and Willy Moon," director of programming Jonathon Summerhayes said.
"The X Factor does not tolerate the behaviour they displayed last night."
The show's other two judges, Stan Walker and Melanie Blatt, will appear on Monday night's results show.
Two new judges will be announced before next Sunday's show.
The comments prompted booing from the studio audience and a flurry of tweets from viewers at home.
An online petition calling for Kills to be removed from X Factor's judging panel attracted more than 70,000 signatures in less than 24 hours.
NZ on Air, which funded the second season of X Factor to the tune of $800,000, along with major sponsors McDonald's and 2 Degrees all distanced themselves from Kills' comments and said they did not condone bullying.
Meanwhile, Irvine posted a photo of himself after the show giving the thumbs up, with the caption "I survived the Kills!"
I survived the Kills!
pic.twitter.com/4wxnvjhqGw — joe irvine (@jooe63_joe)
March 15, 2015
Fellow judges took to Twitter to air their feelings about the incident.
There is a time & place for everything. For ME it aint on tv. I am completely against bullying, but fighting fire with fire aint the way. — Stan Walker (@1stanwalker)
March 15, 2015
Ive tried to keep my cool and stay professional but really
@nataliakills ? Sorry love , you're a twat
https://t.co/l2lIE21G99 — melanie blatt (@melblatt)
March 15, 2015
Under-fire judge Kills also responded to the backlash on social media with a series of posts.
I love you guys, thanks for your support & understanding my passionate opinions! You know what they say about me...
https://t.co/DNBksvmYWM — NATALIA KILLS (@NataliaKills)
March 15, 2015
The Human Rights Commission welcomed the decision to sack the pair and stand up to bullying.
Human Rights Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy said "bullying isn't acceptable" whether at work, at school or on stage at an X Factor talent show.
"I'm glad to see Mediaworks decided to not be a bystander and to publicly condemn bullying abuse.
"Many people across the country spoke out to support the young man who was publicly ridiculed on the show last night.
"I'd like to congratulate the thousands of everyday New Zealanders who took to social media to condemn this bullying behaviour, to stand up for someone else who was being bullied."
With Stuff, AAP


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Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 188.8.131.52
Forum Moderators: LifeinAsia
Most are bogus, but I've received a few from reputable businesses that are looking for exposure to my readers.
Does anyone have experience with this?
These businesses don't have affiliate programs, so I'm thinking about a contract type situation where I charge them a certain amount per month.
Sometimes the advertiser or agency initiates the I/O and you sign it and return it to them. A few of them want you to initiate it and send it to them. Either way all it does is state who will be billed, what kind of ads will be run, how many, what the cost is, when billing will be done, and any restrictions you have on the creative (size of the ads, file size for image ads, placement of ads, etc.)
Then you run the ads you promised on the schedule and in the quantity you promised. At the end of the month you send an invoice.
You can save time responding to advertising inquiries by preparing a rate card and sending it in response to ad inquiries. A "rate card" is a word doc or text file that tells a little about the site, who uses it, what you charge for various size ads.
From what I've been seeing in the past 6 months or so, there are more advertisers - and their agencies- looking for good niche sites to advertise on. And, there's a lot less of the competitive RFP/ spreadsheet stuff to fill in than there was back in 1998-2000. Or, at least the advertisers an agencies we've been seeing have a lot less red tape now than those of a few years back.
I'm not sure what AdBrite pays, but just in general its been my experience over the years that I've made a lot more money dealing one on one with advertisers and agencies placing ads for a single advertiser at a time than I make getting ads through ad networks. The only exception to that is (sometimes) AdSense.
Sometimes AdSense pays off better for the use of a certain size ad block than individual advertisers will pay.
If you aren't sure what to charge for ads, AdSense can be a good way to determine your pricing. Just charge advertisers more than you'd get by running the same size AdSense ad block in any space.
If you charge $15 CPM for a skyscraper ad (120 x 600) and can expect to display the ad 100,000 times in a month, you'd charge 100 x $15 or $1500.
Something for webmasters/publishers that is in between Adsense, etc. and having your own sales staff (or selling your own ads).
Sites are reviewed individually by human beings and you have to have a certain level of quality content and traffic to be allowed into the system.
If done properly, should be higher revenues for the publisher and better leads for the advertiser.
(Yes, I know this is also what John Batelle is doing at FM Publishing and there are a couple other "networks" out there).
(Actually, I tend to go for the flat monthly rate just because it's easier for me to keep track of. Pay me, ad goes up, one calendar month later, you get a payment reminder, and the ad comes down.)
If you have other advertising, a similar thing applies: compare what you make from it and price your other advertising accordingly.
People will say that the days of $10.00 CPM are gone, but that has not been my experience on my sites.
One of the website I run is a community website, so everything has to be pretty easy to do and understand. No CPM, CPC, etc. Just plans you can buy.
I create a 2 page rate sheet with two types of advertising, banner and directory.
- 1 month
- 6 month
- 12 month
- Free (name, address)
- Bronze (description, etc)
- Silver (logo, top level)
- Gold (everything)
I have a form people fill out and I send them back the rate sheet and walk them through any issues or questions.
So far, so good.
Now you should be laughing at this point;), if not let me make a joke you can't resist!
If it works for Google & Yahoo, MSN, why is it such a bad solution for you? Yeah, because they can sell it and you can't!
Sorry, you need to fix that issue, or quit right now....the choice is yours!
(Actually, I tend to go for the flat monthly rate just because it's easier for me to keep track of. Pay me, ad goes up, one calendar month later, you get a payment reminder, and the ad comes down.)
One of the website I run is a community website, so everything has to be pretty easy to do and understand. No CPM, CPC, etc. Just plans you can buy.
I'm starting to see that this may be the approach I have to take for hosting advertising. The businesses in my niche seem to contact me directly about advertising space, and they all seem to be looking for simple plans.
Thanks for the info.
Now, I have to figure out a way provide simple transactions between the payer and the payee!
I am also about to implement a pretty nice flat-rate fee for my site, although I am actually going to have maximum terms of advertising for now, as I want to be able to raise rates as the site grows.
If you sell it as more of a partnership and associatation and not just a straight eyeball to webpage kind of deal , I think you can do well with a flat-rate plan. Especially if you are targetting smaller niche advertisers. There is value beyond clickthroughs for advertising, and that cant be dismissed. So you need to work with them and make sure you properly allow them to be recognized as branded sponsors of your site.


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By FRANCO PANIZO
Clint Dempsey joined Tottenham last summer with the idea and hopes that the club would eventually give him the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in his career.
Well, that idea and those hopes hinge on this dramatic final weekend of action.
Dempsey and Spurs face a must-win situation against Sunderland on Sunday if they are to have any shot of partaking in next season's Champions League, but picking up a victory at home is not all they need. On top of needing the three points, Tottenham need Newcastle United to hold Arsenal to at least a draw in order for Spurs to finish the campaign in fourth place and claim the Premiership's only Champions League qualifiers spot.
Fabian Johnson and Hoffenheim are also shooting for a win and some help, but they are doing so under a different kind of pressure. Hoffenheim are staring relegation right in the face and the only way they have a shot at avoiding the drop is by picking up what would be a shocking win vs. second-place Borussia Dortmund and either an FC Augsburg loss to cellar-dwellers SpVgg Greuther Furth or Fortuna Dusseldorf defeat to Hannover. Even then, Hoffenheim might still need to play in the relegation play-offs to determine their Bundesliga future.
A similar uphill battle is what Herculez Gomez and Santos Laguna will need to climb in order to keep their season alive. Santos suffered a 3-0 loss at home in the first leg of their Liga MX semifinals series against Cruz Azul and a big victory will be needed in order to prevent their playoff hopes from ending.
Here is who the Americans Abroad take on this weekend:
Eugene Starikov and FK Rostov play FK Amkar Perm'.
Fabian Johnson, Danny Williams and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim play Borussia Dortmund. (Williams is out injured.)
Michael Parkhurst and FC Augsburg play SpVgg Greuther Furth.
David Yelldell and Bayer Leverkusen play Hamburg SV.
Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96 play Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Timmy Chandler and FC Nurnberg play Werder Bremen. (Chandler is out injured.)
Jermaine Jones and Schalke 04 play SC Freiburg.
Maurice Edu and Bursaspor play Genclerbirligi.
Terrence Boyd and Rapid Vienna play SV Mattersburg.
Ventura Alvarado and Club America play Joaquin Alonso Hernandez and Monterrey in the Liga MX playoffs.
Tim Howard and Everton play Chelsea.
Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea and Stoke City play Southampton.
Clint Dempsey, Brad Friedel and Tottenham Hotspur play Sunderland.
Sebastian Lletget and West Ham United play Reading.
Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj and Aston Villa play Wigan Athletic.
Carlos Bocanegra and Racing Santander play CD Sabadell.
Michael Bradley and AS Roma play Napoli.
Alfredo Morales, John Anthony Brooks and Hertha Berlin play Energie Cottbus.
Joe Gyau and St Pauli play Kaiserslautern.
Andrew Wooten and SV Sandhausen play FC Erzgebirge Aue.
Bobby Wood and TSV 1860 Munich play VfR Aalen.
Tony Taylor and Estoril Praia play Gil Vicente.
Caleb Patterson-Sewell and Vitoria Setubal play Braga.
Sacha Kljestan and RSC Anderlecht play Zulte-Waregem in the Pro League playoffs.
Brian Span and Djurgarden IF play Halmstad.
Herculez Gomez, Benji Joya and Santos Laguna play Cruz Azul in the Liga MX playoffs.
Freddy Adu and Bahia play Vitoria in the second leg of the Baiano finals. Bahia trail on aggregate, 7-3.
Charlie Davies and Randers FC play Aalborg BK.
Clarence Goodson and Brondby IF play AC Horsens.
Conor O'Brien and FC Nordsjaelland play Esbjerg.
Alejandro Bedoya and Helsingborg IF play Elfsborg.
Mix Diskerud and Rosenborg BK play Josh Gatt and Molde FK.
Steve Clark and Honefoss BK play Lillestrom.
Which of these games are you most looking forward to? Think Dempsey and Tottenham grab that Champions League qualifiers spot? Can you see Johnson and Hoffenheim doing the unthinkable and beating Dortmund while seeing another result go in their favor?
Share your thoughts below.
Dempsey needs a hat trick this weekend. Crossing fingers they get the 4th spot
I'm counteracting your finger crossing by doing the same for Arsenal.
Josh Gatt needs to leave Norway. He won 2 titles there and got to play Europa League which is great, but his club is now close to relegation.
Omar Little
Agreed. I would love to see him move to Holland or maybe the Championship but I have never heard so much as a rumor about him garnering interest in a bigger league. Hopefully this summer someone makes a bid for him and he can move to the next stage in his development.
Nate Dollars
i know the 'move to holland' is cliched, but i think, in this case, it's true.
he's got the raw skill, but his tactical decision-making really needs to improve. would be awesome if a lower eredivisie side would see him as an investment.
Holland or Germany please
ed - houston
You are right about the raw. I did like his hustle when he played, in that dreadful game, here in houston vs canada.
Nate Dollars
lol, i wrote '(very) raw' at first, then changed it cause i didn't want to seem like an a$$hole.
on my way
Exactly. If he wants to be on that plane to Brazil, he needs a move this summer
Good thing Danny Williams was called in to the national team, if he is out injured for this one! probably yellow card cover for Jones / Bradley anyway
If Hoffenheim have to play in the playoff could that affect when FJ is ready to join the Nats?
I hope not! Castillo is already out for the belgium game (copa libadores).. Dont want to see parkhurst or beasley at LB again!
Shea may very well get to play this weekend. From goal.com:
'Stoke City manager Tony Pulis told the club's website that he is hoping to deploy Shea in Sunday's season finale against Southampton, saying he is "desperate" to get a look at the former FC Dallas winger, who has been battling a calf injury.'


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UPDATE: As of 9/24, this event is sold out!
To celebrate DC Beer Week 2016, 3 Stars is bringing together some killer hop forward beers and some of our favorite sours from around the country.
Try beers from Other Half, J. Wakefield, RAR, Oxbow, DC Brau, Adroit Theory, Logsdon Farmhouse, Ocelot, Union Brewing, Oakshire, & more. Friends from Rappahannock will be on hand with their world class oysters, DJs, cornhole, food trucks and more to kick off your DC Beer Week in style.
Tickets will be $15 and include admission, a custom glass, and your first beer. Tickets will be limited and are unavailable at the door, but you can get them now online through 3 Stars' website. Breweries on the roster: Other Half, J. Wakefield, RAR, Oxbow, DC Brau, Union, and more.