text:
NICEATM requests available data and information on approaches and/or technologies currently used to identify substances with the potential to cause acute systemic toxicity when swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Submitted information will be used to assess the state of the science and determine technical needs for non-animal test methods used to evaluate the potential of chemicals to induce acute systemic toxicity.
Guidelines for Submission of Acute Toxicity Data
Acute systemic toxicity tests are conducted to determine the potential for a single or short-term dose of a substance to cause illness or death when inhaled (inhalation toxicity testing), swallowed (oral toxicity testing), or absorbed through the skin (dermal toxicity testing). These tests are required by multiple regulatory agencies and can use large numbers of animals. NICEATM, which fosters the evaluation and promotion of alternative test methods for regulatory use, supports efforts to develop, validate, and implement alternative approaches for acute systemic toxicity testing that replace, reduce, or refine animal use.
Respondents should provide information on any activities relevant to the development or validation of alternatives to in vivo tests currently required by regulatory agencies that assess acute oral, dermal, or inhalation toxicity. Of specific interest are chemical-specific data from non-animal tests for acute systemic toxicity hazard, as well as available data on the same chemicals from in vivo acute systemic toxicity tests, such as ethical human or animal studies or accidental human exposures. Respondents should include their name, affiliation (if applicable), mailing address, telephone, email, and sponsoring organization (if any) with their communications.
Responses to this notice will be posted on this page; therefore, no proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in responses. View NTP guidelines for public comments.
Federal Register notice announcing data request (July 18, 2016) — View as a webpage


text:
Disclaimer: I own nothing and nothing owns me.
Summary: 76 sentences/drabbles doccumenting the relationships between a large percent of Vampire Knights pairings. Based off of my favorite Rent song- Out Tonight.
#1- What's the time
The hours dinged from every clock in the great hall of the Sun Dormitories, telling all who were around that it had just turned three.
And right after they finished ringing, Zero always asked Yuki what the time was.
#2- Gotta be close...
Seiren wasn't a particularily pretty girl. Not by vampire standards, anyway. So she knew that she'd probably never amount to much as a bride for Kaname.
That's alright. She'd rather be his friend.
#3- To Midnight
"Good morning, Ruka."
As the sleek aristocrat dried off her hair with a towel, she raised an elegant brow at Kain, finding his greeting to be rather humorous.
"Don't ever get up before twelve?"
He grinned.
#4- My body's talkin' to me...
The scent of Rima's blood, at least to Shiki, was at times a highly potent aphrodisiac and it was becoming harder and harder for him not to just pounce on her.
#5- Time for Danger
Clutching Maria very close to himself, Ichijou moved out of the path of the E Level's sharply clawed fist. Why did he always do whatever Kaname asked?
#6- Wanna commit...
"So... do you want to go to the movies on Saturday?" The ebony haired hunter asked the somewhat strange headmaster, his feet shuffling nervously.
"My, my, Toga... Are you asking me out?"
#7- A Crime
"I can't believe you broke that window!!"
Nervous as she was to be around this flaky vamp, Yori kept a cool head as she picked up the glass from president Kuran's bedroom window. And behind her, Aido, who had been nice enough to let her in, stood guard at the door watching her.
#8- Cause of a fight
Admittedly, throwing the poor sucker who was hitting on Yuki against a wall, wasn't the smartest thing Zero had ever done. But, hey, it made him feel better.
And it also got him a couple points as the protective boyfriend.
#9- Wanna put on...
"What do you think? Red shirt and black pants, or olive green shirt and forest green pants?"
Holding her head in her hands, Seiren looked up at Kaname's selection of clothing for what must have been the twenty-fourth time that half-hour.
"Kuran-sama, again, either one looks fantastic on you, so can you just pick one, already?!"
#10- A tight skirt
Kain Akatsuki always loved it when Ruka wore her uniform, but when she managed to get a hold of a pair the day class's skirts, he was, how could one put this? Drowning in a puddle of his own drool.
#11- Flirt
"You're looking rather adorable today, Shiki-san."
"As are you, Rima-chan."
Behind the crooning couple, their friends tried to resist the urge to vomit. Who knew some vampires could act like...That.
#12- With a stranger
Observation, at times, was a rather useful tool for finding out more about someone. For Ichijou, it was perfect when he needed to discover Maria's birthday.
Of course, observation from within her closet wasn't exactly perfect and had flaws. Like finding out that she had a fianc'e who had hadn't even heard of.
#13- A knack
"This isn't going to kill me, is it?"
A frown that wasn't truely a frown placed itself on Headmaster Cross' lips as Yagari eyed the sandwhich he had made.
"Give me some credit! You're too cute to try and poisen."
#14- From Way Back
While it was very true that Yori didn't particlarilly care about anything pertaining to the night class, it was also true that when she was just a freshman she had been interested in a certain blonde who liked to walk around campass with his cousin like he owned the place.
If the other Day class girls had not dubbed him 'Idol' her interest would have grown. Such a shame.
#15- Breaking
A heart was supposed to be cared for expertly. And yet, even with proper care it could break so easily.
Lucky for Zero, he had chosen just the right girl to tend to his.
#16- The Rules
"Don't come into my room. That was the one and only rule I asked you to obey, Kaname-sama!"
For once in his life, Kaname, prince of the purebloods, was rather afraid of Seiren. Her voice never raised to the height before, and frankly, that was a good thing.
#17- Learn
"And for your homework assignment tonight, you're to try and sketch one of your fellows as acurately as possible."
In his chair, although he didn't really show it, Kain was shaking like an excited lapdog. Art class, God bless the Headmaster for including it in studies, was the only class that her truly enjoyed.
Because, it always allowed him an oppotunity to ask Ruka for a favor.
#18- The Game
Hiding with her breathe held tightly in her lungs behind a large oak tree, Rima stayed silent as possible. If she lost this round to Shiki, she knew an underwear show awaited her on his photo set. Again.
#19- Get Up
Mud was coated all over Maria's shoes, but at least she wasn't lying in it. Unlike Ichijou, she at least had enough sense to change her shoes when she left the school complex.
#20- Life's too Quick
"You want me to go with you to a shooting range?" Yagari asked the tightly bundled up weirdo standing by his bedroom door with a suspiciously happy smile on his face.
"Well, I thought since the last time we went out was rather...uncomfortable, I'd take you to do something you're likely to appreciate."
#21- I know Someplace
"You know, my parents own this really great yacht and it's empty at this time of year..."
Blank eyes stared at Aido like he had grown a second, third, and fourth head. Yori didn't look very impressed with what he was trying to say, but then, she didn't look annoyed with him, either.
Considering a hasty retreat, he was about to take it back, but then she opened her mouth and fate decided to treat him to a round akwardness.
"Are you asking me out?"
#22- Sick
Allergies. Horrible things to endure in some cases, easy to avoid in many. For Yuki Cross, it was the former. At least in spring, when so many boys in the Night Class gave her flowers with opening buds filed with pollen.
But at the end of every day, Zero welcomed her in the dorm with about thirty boxes of tissues and lemonade. So, it was worth it.
#23- This Chick
Oh, how Seiren hated going out with the guys. It was true, she wanted to help Kaname get over his break-up with Yuki, but did that really mean having to go with him, Aido, Kain, Ichijou and Shiki to a freaking strip-joint?
#24- Dance
Holding Ruka's blonde hair between his fingers as Kain and the daughter of Souen paced in harmony along the dance floor, he couldn't help but admire the grace she loaned him when they were like this.
#25- In the Flames
"Put it out! Put it out!!"
Grabbing a bucket of what he thought to be water, Shiki chucked it at the table that had begun to go up in smoke from a candle.
Oh, what a surprise he got when Rima told him to stop.
"That's not water, that's liquer!"
#26- Do't need
"Colace... Where have I heard of that?"
Looking at Ichijou with a blush on her face, Maria really didn't want to answer that question. Where would she begin? And anyway, why would he ... need to...
"Wait! Don't eat that!"
#27- Any Money
Raising his uncovered eyebrow, Yagari tried not to openly mock Cross, as he was looking at the hunter with such hope in his eyes.
"I'm broke, you leech."
#28- Get It
Holding her bleeding wrist out to the sickly vampire, Yori didn't even flinch as Aido's tongue tasted the red stream and his lips and teeth clutch her skin. Aftyer walking in on Yuki doing something rather like this for Zero, giving Aido nourishment seemed like a walk in the park.
But, he better get her a band-aid when he was full.
#29- For free
"Do you ever pay for anything, or do people always offer it to you?" Yuki Cross asked her silver haired boyfriend followed her down the aisle of the movie theater.
"All depends on what I'm wearing, really." Zero answered honestly.
#30- Get in
"Come on in, the water's fine."
Blinking for a few seconds, Seiren tried to remember why she had come to the pool. However, the sight of Kaname's bare chest was fogging her memory and any coherent thought that might have been trying to register.
#31- With Me
"Do you... like me?"
The question had caught Kain off guard obviously, because the martini he had been drinking was suddenly making it's way deep into his windpipe, while Ruka continued to stare at her feet, thinking maybe the choking noises were an answer.
About ready to turn and leave, the female vampire was relieved to finally hear Kain say," Yes, of course! I'm with you, aren't I?"
#32- Let's go
"Why are we taking these lessons, again?"
From atop his own horse, Shiki tried to think of good answer for Rima, finding it difficult since he was on top of White Lily, Zero's wild horse.
"Uh, to race, maybe." The model answered, watching Rima smirk as the horse under him seemed to be getting ideas involving her hooves trampling him.
#33- Out Tonight
"You've never gone for a night on the town before?" Ichijou asked the shy little aristocrat who decorated his arm, concerned and afraid of her surroundings.
"You read my file, you know the answer already Takuma." Maria snapped, gripping him tighter all the same.
#34- I have to
"Is it truly important for you to sneek into my bed every time there's a storm?"
Ignoring the dark haired hunter's rather rhetorical question, Headmaster Cross snuggled closer to the stronger body, grinning to himself in delight.
#35- Wanna Play
Cold hands grazed over Aido's cheeks, making him noticably shiver. Not in reference to the cold, but because it was Yori's hands. She had never toughed him like that before.
But, then again, she had never run into him after shoveling the entire front walk in thin gloves, either.
Still, the cunning and playful look in her eyes did not cause him to sway from previous thoughts.
#36- Let's run Away
The dead trees surrounding the compound in which the E level was hiding, did nothing to help the growing dread in the pit of Yuki's stomach.
As she and Zero kept their eyes and ears open, she could vaguely make out the lining of a body just bneyond some rocks. And it wasn't the E level's.
Keeping the bile from forming in her throat, the deep haired human took a step backwards, right into Zero.
"Let's leave Zero. There's nothing here."
It wasn't so much a suggestion, as it was a plea. One that he agreed to if it would make her feel better.
#37- Won't be Back
Taking one last long look at his family home, the heir to the Kuran bloodline moved back over to his mate, Seiren was holding his jacket for him.
In spite of himself, he smiled at her. When they got back to their new apartment, he'd have to thank her for convincing him to leave this place.
#38- Before
"Okay, this says to wait ten minutes before it's ready."
"Wonderful things, these human devices."
Giving Akatsuki a light nudge in the thigh, Ruka made her way over to the egg-timer and watched the plastic shelled stick she had put next to it. She hoped this time it would read 'Blue'.
#39- New Year's Day
Twelve at night. Shiki vaguely remembered something was supposed to happen at that time on New Year's. But what was it.
The question had him so occupied that when Rima turned him around, he first wanted to find out what she wanted, but was interupted by the sound of noise makers, the cheers of 'Happy New Year!' from Ichijou, and her lips pressing against his.
#40- Meow
The sight that greeted Ichijou when he first awoke in the wee, small hours, was so strange that he thought he was still asleep. But, after rubbing his eyes clean of any sandy substances, he knew he was not sleeping.
On his brand new rug was Kurenai Maria, clad nothing but a pair of black cat ears and a fake white tail.
It wasn't his birthday already, was it?
#41- A Wink
"Are you trying to wink at me, or are you just blinking?" Cross asked his old friend innocently enough as the taller male tried to resist the urge to smack himself.
"Gee, I don't know. I handed you twenty bucks worth of alchohol and my hands are on you waist. What do you think?"
#42- The Doorman
If Aido had been a human, the smile the club's doorman gave Yori would have earned the guy a taliking to, or maybe a threat.
Of course, Aido wasn't human, therefore he could key the guy's car.
#43- Do you know
The water that had been so rudely thrust at Yuki's head slowly slid down her as she ran at top speed through the halls of the Sun dorm, cursing the little bitch with the bucket.
Crossing the hall, she ran into her partner," You know, should the opportunity arise to do these girls a disservice... I might not be able to resist it."
#44- How lucky
Three little, red plastic cherries. All in a row. Huh.
"Uh, Kaname, you just won fourteen million dollars." Seiren said rather plainly as the pureblood had pieces of confetti shower on top of him.
Turning slowly towards the aristocrat, Kaname simply replied,"You want it?"
#45- On the line
"Kain! Akatsuki!! Baby-doll!!"
"Just saying his name in any way, shape and form that you can won't stop him from doing that, Ruka."
"Shut up, Aido!"
As Ruka tried to follow Kain up the multitude of library stairs, the rest of their little group enjoyed the misery.
"So, what is Kain doing?" Rima asked.
"Calling his parents to say he got her knocked-up." The younger blonde aristocrat answered sweetly.
#46- Feline
"No, no, no, no no, no, NO! And that's final!" The dark haired model said with complete confidence as Rima continued to observe the little kittens in the pet store window.
#47- Avenue B
Left turn there, a right turn three blocks ago. Ichijou knew the directions were right, and yet he knew he had still managed to loose his way in Tokyo. And he only had three hours left to find Maria's new apartment before that asshole of a dorman came on shift.
#48- Wanna Prowl
"Don't go out now, it's raining!" The light haired headmaster begged Yagari in the most pitiful voice he could put on, his eyes shining like a puppy as the hunter tried to pry Cross off his leg.
#49- Night Owl
"Tough night?"
Pulling her window curtains tightly closed, Yori yawned long and hard as Aido continued to make eggs. He had gotten used to sleeping at night, but she hadn't just yet. And he didn't blame her. She still worked the night shift at the hospital.
"You have no idea. I had to scrub in on a bowl replacement and had to tell the family the bad news when the guy's heart failed. Is this juice?"
#50- Take my Hand
"Zero, hold onto my hand and I'll pull you up, okay?"
The half-vampire nodded as his fingers were becoming numb from the cold and the water flowing under him from the busted damn was making him so weak. If he didn't have Yuki here, he'd probably be dead.
#51- Howl
"Could you please yell at me normally, the dogs next door are trying to sleep." Kaname asked his very pissed off girlfriend as she was practically foaming at the mouth.
Seiren's eyes narrowed and as she opened her mouth for another wave of abuse Kaname knew he would owe the neighbors an apology later.
#52- Evening
In the dusty evening air, the scent of magnolias was thick and making Ruka almost dizzy. But, even if she fell down drunk at that moment, she had Kain sitting behind her, his normal caring nature hidden in the sun's dying rays.
#53- Got to Roam
"I can't believe we just did that." Rima sighed to Shiki, the other model still grinning in that stupid way he always did when they pulled off a prank on Aido.
"What are you complaining about? That was great!"
"Yeah... Hey, lets walk a little faster, okay?"
#54- Can't Sleep
Lifting her head off of her soft, fluffy pillow, Maria opened her eyes to catch the sight of Ichijou Takuma standing beside her door looking like a lost puppy and carrying his thick blanket like a toddler.
"Can I sleep in here?"
Lord, he could be so cute sometimes.
#55- In the City
"Everything's so bright here! How does anyone sleep?"
As Yagari Toga continued to keep walking, he kept one ear at attention to Cross's babbling. They had been in New York a grand total of three hours and the fur wearing headmaster was still asking annoying quiestions.
"It's the Big Apple, nobody sleeps."
#56- Of Neon and Chrome
"This is your apartment?"
Yori's question was answered with a happy nod of the head from Aido as he tossed their coats atop a rack that had seen better days.
Edging past the coach that could have been made a good century ago, Yori's deep eyes scanned over the piles of paper work that had to be signed by her male companion. She vaguely wondered if her had ever rented an apartment before.
#57- Feels too damn much like home
"If you want to go, I won't make you stay."
Light silver strands of hair fell over his eyes, hiding his image from Yuki as he nodded, silently thanking her for this favor. He hated parties with the night students. It rimined him too much of the old days. Before his brother betrayed the clan and he was marked as a vampire.
#58- Spanish
Seiren moved carefully from one beautiful art piece to the next admiring the texture of all the museum had to offer. She had not been born in that era and that made it special.
Behind her, Kaname watched her face turn up, smiling because this made her smile that much better.
#59- Babies Cry
"Wow, Kain... fatherhood hath not been good to you."
Weary eyes looked over at Ichijou with murderous intent. Oddly, though, not from Kain, but from Ruka.
"Ichijou, leave him alone. Having twins takes it out of you rather quickly."
#60- A Bar
"A specialty bar?" Shiki asked the shorter female aristocrat, eyebrows raised high.
"This place is good. The beverages almost tast like O-positive with the right ingrediants." Rima replied, ordering a banana float with ale.
#61- So Dark
"Eyes like witch hazel..."
Blinking rappidly, Maria looked at Ichijou in confusion, her mouth opening to let a question take flight.
Some question.
"Your eyes," He responded," They remind me of an herb we gather in the darkest reaches of the garden."
#62- We Forget
"Do you remember what tonight is?"
Long blondish hair whipped around as headmaster Cross turned to his lover, tons of paperwork in both their arms.
"Um, Tuesday?" The shorter man said, unsure even as the words left his mouth.
Sighing dejectly, very strange for Yagari, the hunter nudged Cross in the side, passing the idiot briskly," No. Our six month anniversary."
#63- Who We Are
Aido teeth ground together in annoyance as he father began to preach for the thousandth time that hour about aristocrats and their obligations. Inside, all the young vampire could hear was that just because of blood lines he couldn't date the woman who stole his thoughts since they met.
Behind him, the creeking of the office door announced itself as it opened to reveal said woman.
"Aido, come on. It's time for class." Yori not so much suggested as offered, ignoring the other vampire's annoying glare at her easily.
How Aido loved this girl.
#64- Scars
Tracing the little white marks across Yuki's hand, Zero got the feeling that these were the most un-violent scars he had ever seen. And that brought a grin to his face.
"Kittens did this?"
#65- Nevers and maybes Die
Warm lips touched Kaname's, sweet and soft. Opening his beautiful eyes, he was greeted with the sight of Seiren hovering over him like some ghost coming into the world. Or an angel.
"Morning, sleepy head."
"Morning, my fair lady."
#66- You're Sweet
"Mmm... You taste like sugar."
If it were within his power, Kain would have run out the door the moment Ruka said that. But, unfortunately, there was no way that was possible.
#67- Wanna Hit
"This is great! Why didn't we ever come here before?"
Drinking some bottled water, Shiki shrugged, continuing to stare at Rima while she knocked the crap out of the gym's newest punching bag.
#68- The Street
"This... Where are we?" Kurenai Maria asked her boyfriend breathlessly as they continued to walk down the way of the most fabulous shopping distric in the world.
"This, my little powder puff, is the Shamps Elleeses." Ichijou replied, pecking her cheek.
#69- Wanna Wail
Crying was something that Yagari, famed vampire hunter, rarely did. But, holding the newborn in his hands was something worth crying over. Cross had already done it, now it was the hunter's turn.
#70- At The Moon
"Moon Dorm grounds. Center of our universe. Ain't it beautiful?"
While Aido continued to grin like an idiot,Yori lightly stepped from the solid earth into the cold pond water, relishing the feel of the place, tasting the air and absorbing the moon's energy.
"Yes. Rivetting. You coming in or what?"
Her question was answered by the blonde removing his shoes, pants, jacket and shirt. And then jumping in, spraying her with freezig cold water.
#71- Like a Cat
"You know what you remind me of?"
Turning from his homework, Zero was greeted by Yuki crossing over to him in nothing but a towel. Shock value hit, but he continued to listen," What?"
"A cat. Because, sometimes you won't let anyone touch you, you're picky and..."
Leaping onto his bed, the young girl wrapped her arms around the albino, laying a kiss on his forhead.
"You're oh-so lovable."
#72- In Heat
Hands spread carefully over Seiren's swollen stomach, Kaname's grin never having been so evident as it was at that moment.
"You're so beautiful."
#73- Just Take Me
"Let's leave."
Snow fell above their heads and fluttered onto them as Ruka and Kain sat inside their open convertable, the cold not even noticable at the moment.
"Anywhere we want to go."
#74- Don't Forsake Me
"Do you love me?"
Shiki Senri held onto Rima as he replied an afermative, keeping their body's close, even if they were already boiling from the heat of summer.
"Then don't ever let me go."
"I won't."
#75- I'll let you
"Okay... Okay, okay, okay..."
Nodding his head, Cross closed his eyes in preparation of what Yagari was about to do.
"Now just hold still and it won't hurt."
"Okay just don't pull until I tell you--"
A small flash of pain formed, the band-aid was applied, and it was all over. The sliver had been removed.
"Thank you, Toga."
"Any time, Cross."
#76- Make Me
"Go out with me."
"Go out with me, please."
Desperation grew as Aido followed Yori into the library, passing the ancient history department to get to the arts.
Maybe there was something to help him in tis strange, ironic twist?
"Dear, lady. Would thou be so good as to grant me a night in her company?"
Maybe not.
Finally reaching his breaking point, the blonde vampire moved in front of her, blocking her passage to the elevator.
"I'm giving you one more chance. Go out with me, or else."
"Or else, what?" Yori asked, eyes glittering in amusement.
Reaching both hands behind her head, Aido pulled her into him, his lips crashing against hers.
For a moment nothing happened. But, when he released her, he was greeted not with angry words or a fist in the face, but a grin.
"What time are you picking me up?"
And that's the end of that. I must admit I had trouble with some paragraphs, but had fun.
If any of you reviewers guess my favorite pairing, I'll try and give you a treat. Lime a cookie or a drabble, or something...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Buying and selling property can be a minefield, creating grey hairs and sleepless nights for many people, can't it? So what if I could lead you through the process with ease?
Wouldn't it be wonderful to know that you have an agent working for you who listens, understands, communicates with you and makes your dreams and objectives her top priority?
For the past eight years I've been with Barfoot & Thompson I've sold millions of dollars of real estate, won numerous industry awards recognising my results, and been instrumental in making countless beneficial real estate transactions come to pass for my clients and their families.
I am one of the top women in real estate in New Zealand with a broad business background, coupled with Real Estate makes a winning combination!
My dynamic team includes associate Antony and my Personal Assistant Lauren. We all work together as a team to get results for YOU.Phone: Diana Cussen: 027 225 8131
Barfoot and Thompson Pukekohe
email: email@example.com
68 King Street, Pukekohe


text:
Elton John: Lady Gaga's 'ARTPOP' Was 'Not A Good Idea,' LG5 Is 'Back To The Early Stuff'
Elton John isn't one to shy away from being blunt, which is why it wasn't particularly surprising to hear his rather candid opinion(s) of Lady Gaga's music.
During an appearance on Zane Lowe's Apple Music Beats 1 radio show to promote his 33rd studio album (!) Wonderful Crazy Night, the "Tiny Dancer" icon had an illuminating chat about his latest record, surviving in the music industry, up-and-coming talent (he loves Christine And The Queens!) and the state of pop music today.
Aside from his own music, the prolific singer-songwriter also revealed that he's heading into the studio with longtime friend, collaborator and godmother to his sons Elijah and Zachary, and he's already heard some of her upcoming studio album (code name: LG5).
"I'm writing with Gaga tomorrow. She's doing a new record. I've heard two songs, which are killer. They're just great songs, it's like back to the early stuff of hers," he explained, referencing "You & I" (which he amusingly called "You & Me" — oops!) and the "Bruce Springsteen one," "Bad Romance."
He remained surprisingly objective when it came to her less well-received moments in the past few years. "She made some bad career decisions," he admits. "ARTPOP was not a good idea. It was not a good album. I think she will admit that." (Would she really, though?)
But, as we've seen, she's now in the process of a slow, steady return as she continues to play the long fame game. "Last year, which was 2015, she did three things which were kind of amazing. She did the whole tour and album with Tony Bennett, which did amazingly well. She sang the Julie Andrews tribute on the Oscars which everyone loved. And she was on American Horror Story," he pointed out.
"I think she's a great writer. For me, she is Stefani Germanotta and I love her and care about her. She's the godmother to my two children. I want her to make a simple, fabulous, great song record. Maybe like [Carole King's] Tapestry, but her version of Tapestry. I heard two of the songs. They're not complex arrangements, but they're great songs. It's all about the song."
Listen to Elton's full, fascinating interview on Zane Lowe.
And for those who aren't already fully aware of Carole King's 1971 record-breaking, influential classic that Elton suggests Gaga could be crafting for herself in 2016, have a listen below. Can you hear Gaga doing the same, Mother Monster style?
Subscribe to PopCrush on
Gaga Stuns on the 2016 Golden Globes Red Carpet


text:
To get a quick overview of all the messages click on
" Switch to Threaded style "
Have any of the car restoration programmes ever 'done' a Ruby - or any Austin Seven, for that matter? If not, why not?
Location: Cheshire
I think that "Car SOS" did a box saloon, but I haven't seen it.
Location: Piddle Valley
Location: Polegate, East Sussex, United Kingdom
I've watched quite a few of these programmes but never seen a Seven - but some of the programmes run to several series so I have not seen them all, by any means. If no Sevens have been featured it is surprising given their popularity and availability? It would be interesting to see a Seven, but the way these programmes go about showing restoration seems to me to be very unrealistic - so much is glossed over and reported timescales are shrunk beyond credibility. Not sure why they do this - wears a bit thin?
A Seven would seem to be the ideal car for one of these programs, nice and simple to pull apart and all parts available, but all these type of programs work to a format, find a car,house,or whatever restore it, with a more or less unlimited budget in a given time frame, and every body goes wow at the end. Very little is shown on how to do the actual work that seems to just happen between the presenters having a good time and the end of the show.
I suppose these type of shows are now the only things we are allowed to watch these days, as anything informative could blow up in their faces when some idiot rebuilds his brakes incorrectly after seeing it on the telly.
Does any one remember the special being built at Beaulieu autojumble a few years back, now that would make a excellent program, filmed from finding the parts to the finish vehicle built by a team in a long weekend spread over a half a dozen programs.That would be worth watching.
Location: Pembrokeshire
Fairly certain I saw a Ruby in the background of a recent replay of Foyle's War (the after-war series) but so brief, not featured. There was an old English film (of course, name forgotten!) that featured a Box saloon as a bank-robbers' getaway car and the commandeered chaser was a short wheelbase Box. Filmed in London traffic - which must have taken some organising. I doubt there's ever been anything filmed which featured a Seven being restored. Cheers, Bill
Location: Euroa, Australia
Perhaps we should all be thankfull Clarkson never got to a Seven. (I wonder if he realises the grand opportunity missed. Antics with the Robin could have paled into insignificance! Would probably have ended using a jaws of life to extricate him. A top speed run on a bumpy road would have established if he really is a skilled driver. Maybe he tried one and his nerve failed.)
Where the restoration shows are costed, often seem very moderate for the work done professionally. Some actually recover much of the cost! Suspect some mighty discounts granted
Location: Auckland, NZ
Contrary to the above, I seem to recall Top Gear heaping praise on a Chummy they used. Or is that selectful thinking? Cheers, Bill
IIIRC James May featured a Seven in his list of the world's greatest cars?
Good morning all. I believe the Ruby was made road worthy and is in the care of one of Practical Classics writers. The box was turned into a special but it hasn't been featured for some time.
Location: Staffordshire, the creative county.
Hi everyone,
Reading all about Sevens on TV must have awoken the last workiong brain cell as if I recall did not a box get blown up in an episode of Foyles War? Before you all get too excited one camera shot looking through the bonnet side grills showed clear air through the radiatior, so no mechanicals then. The poor thing looked very much like a sad looking rolling shell and that's before it exploded!
James May of Top Gear extolled that it was the humble Austin Seven that introduced the now accepted standard three pedal layout (right throttle) on a production car, if true fame indeed.
Location: Not so sunny Cornwall today
Just checked on-line - Wheeler Dealers, Car SOS and Classic Car Rescue haven't tackled a Seven in any of their episodes. It would perhaps be good to see something unusual from the Seven world from the wide range available - there are so many possibilities from an early Chummy onward - and plenty of cars out there that need work? Though the format of the various programmes leaves a lot to be desired, they do at least have the potential to raise the profile of a featured car in people's minds, which is helpful in the long run? For example, the bit on Top Gear showing the prescient pedal layout proved positive Austin press.
One of the items in the History of the World in 100 Objects
Location: Ripon
In one episode of Foyle's War they blew up an RN saloon.
The episode in question was a Top Gear episode in which Clarkson and May looked for the first car with the conventional control layout used today. They did not conclude that the Seven introduced it, but instead as such a cheap, popular vehicle in the UK, that it was the car which made the three pedal layout the accepted standard.
A reasonable assumption I think, given the number of Seven's sold, and the sheer number who learned to drive in one.
Location: Penrith
Re the reference above of the Box being blown up, I didn't recall seeing that - until the other night by co-incidence one of the repeats Of Foyle's War was shown. So if not seen before, at least a lot of Ozzies have now seen it. Cheers, Bill
Location: Euroa,Australia
There was a series on ITV called "Home Fires" which was cancelled in 2016 after only two series. There was a box saloon possibly a RN which was often in the background driving around the village. Must have been driven by someone with plenty of ration tokens.
I'd forgotten the one in Home fires just tantalisingly clear to view without being able to see it's number.


text:
Owen Rowlands, 23, was accused of slashing fellow dancer James McGuigan at Soho's Village club on April 17 last year.
The pair rowed over Rowland's insistence on taking his boyfriend with them on a working holiday to Ibiza.
At Southwark crown court, Rowlands, of Stratford, was cleared of unlawful wounding.
- More about:
- Boyfriends
- Ibiza
- Southwark Crown Court


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Nov 23, 1999
|Filing date
|May 9, 1997
|Priority date
|May 9, 1997
|Fee status
|Publication number
|Peter Immarco, Lawrence Cohen, Theodore J. Gordon
|Original Assignee
|Immarco; Peter, Cohen; Lawrence, Gordon; Theodore J.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (3), Referenced by (76), Classifications (7), Legal Events (3)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is related to commonly owned copending application entitled "SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR IN-STORE PRODUCT LOCATOR", filed May 8, 1997, bearing U.S. Ser. No. 08/853,676 and naming Peter Immarco, Lawrence Cohen, and Theodore J. Gordon, the named inventors herein, as joint inventors, the contents of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and commonly owned copending application entitled "SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR ADVANCED VOICE RECOGNITION WORD SPOTTING", filed May 8, 1997, bearing U.S. Ser. 08/853,959 and naming Peter Immarco, Lawrence Cohen, and Theodore J. Gordon, the named inventors herein, as joint inventors, the contents of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to voice recognition and in particular to voice recognition systems used to control machinery. In addition, improved barge-in features for enhancing the voice recognition system are shown.
2. Background Art
Voice recognition systems have been developed for a number of office environment uses. Voice recognition engines analyze digitized speech files and return to their calling programs the resulting word or phrase. A digitized speech file contains a digital representation of an utterance. An utterance is a single body of speech spoken by a person. Such an utterance can be a word, a sentence, a paragraph, or an even larger body of speech.
Voice recognition engines which translate utterances can be classified by two characteristics: the plurality of speakers who can use the system and the type of speech that the system can accept. Voice recognition engines can be either speaker dependent or speaker independent. Speaker dependent engines require a voice recognition engine to be "trained" on a speaker's voice before the engines can recognize the speaker's speech. Speaker independent engines can recognize speech from any speaker without needing to be "trained" on the voices.
Voice recognition engines can also accept either continuous or discrete speech. Engines which use discrete speech require that the speaker pause between every word for at least 1/10th of a second. Continuous speech engines allow the speaker to talk at a normal rate of up to 200 words per minute. There are two ways for handling continuous speech, in the first an utterance is compared against a library of phrases and the phrase that is the closest to the utterance is returned. In the second, word spotting is used in which the speech recognition engine examines whole speech segments to identify any occurrences of the words the engine has been instructed to look for. The set of words the engine is looking for is known as the "Active Vocabulary." Word spotting is drastically harder to perform compared to the first method because the word or words to be identified have to be extracted from a messy seamless stream of phonemes regardless of: the placement of the words in the utterance, the order of the words, or the general shape or quality of the phonemes in the digitized speech file (such as due to the slurred or accented voice of the speaker).
Currently, voice recognition engines that perform speaker independent, continuous word spotting are limited to active vocabularies of 50 words or less. This means that these types of engines can look for, i.e. "spot", a maximum of 50 distinct words at the same time when analyzing an utterance. This limit of 50 words relegates continuous speech word spotting engines to carefully controlled, almost contrived, applications, such as spotting the digits 0 through 9 or word spotting an item from a small list of choices.
At this point, it is important to understand the difference between a resident vocabulary and the size of a word spotting voice recognition engine's active vocabulary. The resident vocabulary is the number of words that the word spotting voice recognition engine can have stored in memory and available for use when they are needed. However, the word spotting voice recognition engine is unable to look for all of those words at the same time. Therefore, only some of the words in the resident vocabulary are activated. The remaining vocabulary words remain inactive. The number of activated words is the number of words that a word spotting voice recognition engine can simultaneously look for in an utterance. If the speaker uses any words that have not been activated by the word spotting voice recognition engine, these words will not be recognized.
Speaker dependent, discrete speech voice recognition engines currently can have large active vocabularies that may contain many thousands of words, as opposed to continuous speech, word spotting systems. The primary disadvantage to such discrete speech systems is that these speech systems force the speaker to speak in a very unnatural, tiring manner. Except for a few limited cases of dictation, this makes them unusable for most commercial applications A second disadvantage with such systems force the user to train the voice recognition engine on their voice for several hours and then require the user to pause between each word while speaking slowly. These systems can only accept such broken speech at a maximum rate of 100 words per minute. In a normal speaking situation, nobody pauses between every word and most people speak at rates between 120 and 200 words a minute.
Another disadvantage of such speaker dependent systems is that there are very few commercial applications that can afford the time it takes to train the engine on a speaker's voice. For example, asking the user of an automated teller machine to undergo a training session for an hour or two before using the system is completely unfeasible. In fact, anything short of no training time required is commercially useless. This is why the vast majority of possible applications of speech recognition have not been realized yet.
One important area in which voice recognition systems have been largely ignored is in the area of industrial and manufacturing use. Manufacturing machines such as lathes, milling machines, etc, typically require manual control by an operator. Physical drawbacks to this method of use include the possibility of injury to the operator if an accident should occur when controlling the machine. In addition, manufacturing jobs often require repetitive operations which can lead to other disabilities, such as carpel tunnel syndrome. It would be advantageous to have a system capable of allowing a machine operator to control machinery via voice commands rather than through manual operation.
A further area of concern is the ability of the computer to recognize when a user is speaking and to halt output to receive the user input. This process is called "barge-in." Prior art systems have required the use of two channels or even two computers to achieve this function. One channel or computer dedicated to inputting data and the other channel or computer dedicated to outputting data. In an industrial or manufacturing environment, the ability to interrupt the particular machine in use can be important for safety and economic reasons. It would be advantageous to have an inexpensive voice recognition system which allows barge-in with a minimal amount of system resources.
The prior art has failed to provide an advanced voice recognition system that is readily usable by manufacturing or industrial equipment or which allows barge-in to be conducted more effectively.
A voice recognition system which controls industrial equipment or machinery. A proximity detector is attached to automatically adjust microphone sensitivity and to control automatic shutdown when the machine operator is not present. An enhanced barge-in feature uses a VOX switch that includes an input audio delay storage. The delay storage prevents loss of initial input data by delaying the input until the VOX switches from output to input modes. A variety of audio/video responses are provided to vary output and enhance attention span.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the speech input machine control device.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the central computer system which manages a network of tools in a factory or series of factories.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a method of providing "barge-in" to the system.
For ease of discussion, in the figures discussed below, elements having the same number perform essentially the same functions.
The related applications, referred to above, teach an automated means for directing customers to the in-store location of desired products using voice recognition. The system described provided a human-interface, i.e., it used primarily voice input from the customer/user and responded after analyzing the customer's natural speech with output in the form of synthetic voice or prerecorded voice along with video images of a human store clerk. In addition to the voice and visual output, printed material such as a coupon or recipe was available. Alternate forms of input, by touch screen, keypad, or keyboard, was available as well.
The related applications focused particularly word spotting and on the use of this voice-controlled human-interface to direct store customers to the location of a product they inquired about and to provide coupons, recipes and other printed information to the customers. The interface was created to allow customers to interact with the computer system by speaking in conversational English. Customers were not limited to a small set of voice command words, nor did they need to train the computer system to their voice. The computer system's ability to respond to conversational English and to respond with voice and video resulted in more human-like interface than in past systems.
The same techniques used in the related applications can be used in at least two other important ways: (1) as a command system for machinery or equipment, and (2) in other applications in which the human-interface produced by response to voice input results in a seemingly intelligent response. Both further applications of this human-interface are described below.
In addition to these two applications, this invention includes descriptions of three novel features of such speech recognition systems, mainly: (1) a novel method for achieving "barge in", (2) a technique for improving user attention span, and (3) the use of such voice-recognition systems in sales situations.
The human-interface supplied by the disclosed speech recognition computer system can be used to control machinery or other equipment. For example, a lathe can be coupled with a speech recognition system having the capability of the many features for example:
1. Through the aggregation in an external data base, over time, of word pronunciations that are initially unrecognized;
2. Means of a self-extending thesaurus that records spoken words with equivalent meanings;
3. Calibration of a speaker's voice through the use of a common salutation.
4 Parallel searching of disaggregated databases;
5. Searching the stored data in a sequence determined by the likelihood that a given word will be spoken--thus the most likely words are searched first;
6. Detection of the presence of a user who wishes to use the machine;
7. Use of active noise cancellation and directional microphones to minimize the extraneous noise entering the system; and
8. Word spotting, that is, the extraction of key words from a sequence of natural language speech.
With these capabilities included in a machine control system, a lathe operator can speak the words, "Take off another thousandth," in order to command a lathe cutting tool to move in the direction that would remove 1/1000 of an inch of material from the work in progress.
The functions of decoding the spoken input, accounting for different pronunciations, noise cancellation, etc., are identical with the techniques described in the related application's disclosures. In this application, a different output is involved: the motion of a tool, or the activation of a machine function. As in the previous disclosure, the output might also include printed material (a record of the machine operations); a video clip (illustrating the shape that the part is assuming) or a voice (that confirms the instruction). The use of a lathe with the voice-recognition system is only one use. Other machine tools, mobile machinery, or household appliances can be controlled in this same manner.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the speech input machine control device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the central computer system which manages a network of tools in a factory or series of factories.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a device for machine control using speech input 100 which can be installed in a factory or machine shop. The purpose of this system is to augment human operators of machines by providing them a voice actuated means of obtaining data and specifications during human controlled operations and, further to provide a "hands off" means of controlling machines. An important advantage of the hands off technique is that it not only reduces the risk of accidental injury, but may also reduce the risk of repetitive injuries, such as carpel tunnel syndrome.
The speech input machine control device 100 is based on a computer 110. Computer 110 is connected to a proximity detector 120, input devices 130 such as a microphone, and output devices 140 such as a speaker, printer and screen display. Computer 110 is also connected to a modem 150 and computer storage 160 containing databases 170 and software 180 in RAM, in ROM, on disks, on tape, on CD-ROM or stored in other computer media.
Proximity detector 120 senses the presence of the operator. Not only does this sensing place the system into operation, but it also is used to detect whether the operator has stepped away from the machine so that, for safety purposes, the machine operation can be programmed to cease if no operator is present.
In normal operation, the proximity detector 120 initiates operation and allows the machine operation to continue. This sequence may begin with computer 110 using output devices 140 to interact with the operator. The operator may perform a query on the speech input machine control device by speaking into input devices 120. Input devices 120 might also include a keyboard or touch sensitive screen to provide alternative methods of input.
Software 180 analyzes the input from operator and searches the speech databases 170 for the words that describe the desired operation. In one embodiment, databases 170 can contain other information about the operation that can be shared with the operator, such as, "That operation is unsafe; the material is too thin to support the operation." In addition, the software can also be used as a teaching system to train operators in the use of the equipment.
Databases 170 are maintained by software 180 or a CAD/CAM system 190. The CAD/CAM system 190, in one embodiment, can transfer information concerning part specifications, dimensions, and special instructions to the databases 170. The tool control system 195 contains the drive motors, actuators and instrumentation required to provide mechanical operation of the machine as well as data on its set up and operation to the computer. These data might include, for example, temperature of the cutting bit of a lathe tool. These feedback data can also be used to activate an output device 140 to inform the operator of the state of the operation, and if necessary, to trigger warnings. The machine control using speech input device 100 can also be maintained via modem 150.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the central computer system 200 which manages a network of in-factory devices in one embodiment of the invention. Central computer system 200 may consist of a central computer 210 connected to a central modem 220 and central storage 230. Central modem 210 allows communication with one or more in-factory speech input machine control devices 100. Central storage 230 consists of ROM, RAM, disk drives, CD ROMs or other computer storage media.
Central storage 230 stores, among other items, software 240 and pronunciation database 250 which allows the updating of databases 170 in the network of in-factory speech input machine control devices 100.
Central computer system 200 can collect information, such as new machine operations, specifications, tolerances, safety procedures and the like, and download this information to the speech input machine control device 100 via central modem 220 and modem 150. Additionally, if speech input machine control device 100 is unable to match an operator's command with a previously stored command, speech input machine control device 100 can contact central computer system 200, either in real-time or batch mode, and a human operator of central computer system 200 can make a decision about whether the input constitutes a legitimate new entry into pronunciation database 250. If the word used by the operator is in database 170 or 250 but not recognized because of a different pronunciation, the human operator can elect to have central computer system 200 add the pronunciation to pronunciation database 250 and later transferred to databases 170. This improves the ability to recognize this pronunciation in the future and allows for the addition of synonyms to a thesaurus database 170. In one embodiment, the human operator may also be able to communicate with the operator at the machine position.
A typical interaction between a machine operator and the speech input machine control device is now described. In one embodiment, output devices 140 includes a screen display playing a prerecorded video sequence of the desired machine operation or other instructions and warnings while speakers of output devices 140 transmit, by speech, the desired information. The output devices might also include printed information. When proximity detector 120 is activated, the system would be ready to receive the common salutation from the operator, such as "Computer, turn on." This salutation would be used as a substitute for voice "training" that is common in today's speech recognition software applications. The video clip shown in response to this salutation could appear to say to the operator an introduction such as, "What operation would you like to perform?" The operator might respond, "I'll be using the lathe. I will turn part 567123 and take it to the required dimensions." The speech input machine control device would detect the statement or key words in the statement and look up the appropriate responses. It might then respond, for example, "Here is a short video that shows some dangers in this operation," and proceed to display the clip. When completed, the machine might then say, "Please set up the operation." The operator would set up the lathe, using the information just conveyed by the device and then say, "All set. Start the lathe."
The device would check the set up using feed back information from the tool control system 195 and if an error were detected, it might say, "I think the tool is set at the wrong angle. Here's a picture of the correct setup," and proceed to show a video of the correct setup. The operator would then correct the setup and indicate the readiness to proceed saying something like, "OK let's go." The lathe would start spinning. The operator could then say, "Remove ten thousands," etc. At the end of the sequence, the device could print the results of the operation.
Although the example was based on using a lathe, clearly it would have major application to much more complex and dangerous operations such as control of nuclear power plants, space vehicle launch and operations, and the operation of chemical plants. In this way the speech input machine control device's human-interface allows it to seem as a human-ike assistant to the human operator.
In the second application described in this disclosure, the speech input system uses most of the previously described features, but instead of only using a set of prerecorded responses to key words, this application adds the ability of seemingly intelligent responses. For example, suppose that this application is used in a child's doll. In such a doll, if the child while playing with the doll were to say, "I'm sad today," some seemingly intelligent responses from the doll might be "Why are you sad?" "I'm sad sometimes too." or "Have you told your mother you're sad?" Or, in this application, the doll might itself initiate the conversation with the child by a statement such as "What is your name?" followed then by "What's new?" or "What did you do today?" As a result of having catalogued probable responses of children through observation and statistical analysis, the computer program spots key words spoken by the child and responds accordingly by choosing randomly from a set of appropriate responses.
In a sense this application utilizes "rule based" artificial intelligence. For example, if the child says the key word "dog" the computer code contains the rules:
Rule 1: If "dog" is detected, respond with one of five responses:
"What's the dog's name?"
"I love dogs, too."
"I once had a dog name Spot."
"Dogs have been pets for a long, long time."
"Did you know that dogs and wolves are close relatives."
Rule 2: After one possible response is given, eliminate it for possible random selection until all other choices have been made.
With rules like these, the responses can be "chained." An example conversation based on the above rules might be:
Doll: "So what's new?"
Child: "I have a dog."
Doll: "Did you know that dogs and wolves are close relatives."
Child: "My dog is not a wolf"
Doll: "What's the dog's name?"
Child: "Spot. He loves to play with me."
The word "play" in the last sentence might also be a key word. If so, the program would then branch to the possible responses for this trigger. But suppose that the final sentence contains no key word. Then "escape" routines are enabled. For example, the subject might be changed by asking "Do you like sports?" or "Do you like school?" Another escape strategy is to analyze the sentence spoken by the child and select a word located in a particular point in a sentence, usually the final word, and repeat it back to the child in the form of a question. This is a technique used earlier in pseudo-psychiatric interview programs. If the child says "My daddy just bought a new Chevrolet," the doll might respond "Chevrolet?" Since relevant answers are drawn randomly from a set of possible responses, the dialog between child and doll is not often repeated. Furthermore, when random changes of subject and questions are thrown in, the conversation seems to be intelligent.
In the doll application, the computer elements and data bases are stored in nonvolatile memory chips in the doll. A proximity detector or a "detect vertical" switch can be used to "arm" the doll. Each doll might have its own name and when the child addresses the doll with that name, it serves as a salutation "training" as described previously.
The application demonstrated by the inventor also incorporates a subprogram that recognizes vulgarities and in response to such utterances, evokes a response that admonishes the user to avoid such language. Two demonstration dialogs resulting from the testing of this application with actual children are included as Tables 1 and 2. In these Tables, the doll's "voice" is shown in uppercase letters and the child's voice is represented in lowercase. As can be seen in Tables 1 and 2, the child's input is analyzed and influences the next response by the doll. Clearly the pseudo-intelligent system described here can be used for purposes that go beyond simple doll-play. For example, the doll could be programmed to tell stories, play simple games, such as knock-knock jokes, teach spelling, encourage moral behavior, etc.
TABLE 1______________________________________DIALOG______________________________________YOU'RE PRETTY. CAN YOU TELL ME YOUR NAME?redRED, I LIKE THAT NAME. MY NAME IS ELISA.SO WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN, RED?I read a lotI LIKE TO READ TOO -- WHAT HAVE YOU READ LATELY?rain falls on cedarsTHAT'S AN UNUSUAL THING TO SAY:RAIN FALLS ON CEDARSwell its a dandy book, a little weirdDO YOU LIKE TO READ?only good booksDO YOU LIKE TO READ?yes, I saidCOOL. WHAT ELSE IS HOT?well I also dance and play ballWHAT ARE YOUR FRIENDS UP TO, RED?they are all dumbI DON'T KNOW ABOUT THAT -- THEY ARE ALL DUMB.well most of them anywayBEEN TO ANY GOOD PARTIES LATELY, RED?Mary had one and a few girls danced with boys. big dealHOW ARE YOU FEELING, RED?happyI LIKE IT WHEN YOU'RE HAPPY. WHY ARE YOU SO HAPPY?well I like to play with youBYE FOR NOW. I HAVE TO GO TO SLEEP______________________________________
TABLE 2______________________________________DIALOG______________________________________YOU'RE SURE EXOTIC LOOKING.WHAT'S YOUR NAME, DOLL?ToniTONI, I'M PLEASED TO MEET YOU. MY NAME IS HAILEY.WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR NEXT VACATION,TONI?my dad is going to take us to a ball gameMY SISTER ONCE SAID THE SAME THING --MY DAD IS GOING TO TAKE US TO A BALL GAME.and did she goWHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES, TONI?I like to play with dollsWHAT ARE YOUR DOLLS' NAMES?Teresa and FrancisDO YOU REALLY MEAN TERESA AND FRANCIS?why are those names so strangeDO YOU WANT TO PLAY A GAME, TONI?ok, whatMY BROTHER ONCE TOLD ME THE IDENTICAL THING --OK WHATand what happened to himDON'T KNOW. WHAT DO YOU THINK?he probably went to jailHOW ARE YOU FEELING, TONI?a little sadI REALLY HATE TO SEE YOU SO SAD.CAN YOU DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT?well if I could play I'd feel betterLET'S PLAY AGAIN.______________________________________
The term "barge-in" refers to the ability of a speech recognition system to accept the spoken input from a user without requiring that the system be in a stand-by mode. Early speech recognition systems included the voice and video output statement "Reply after you hear the beep." While this approach is simple, it requires that the user wait before responding and this introduces an unnatural element into an otherwise flowing dialog. Systems employing "barge-in" allow the user to answer at any time, including the interval during which the system is "talking." The conventional approaches to barge-in that have been discussed require the use of two channels, one of which is assigned to the listening function. Once user speech is detected, the system switches to the input mode in which the system ceases its output and "listens" to the user's speech. This requires two separate computers, or at least two separate boards within the computer that are dedicated to their unique functions. The present invention utilizes a solid state switching system that allows the system to change from the output mode to the input mode without losing any of the user's speech.
Voice operated switches (VOX) are common in many applications, such as in amateur radio. VOX switches are placed in the microphone circuit so that when the radio operator speaks into the microphone, the transceiver switches from receive to transmit. The receiver is placed into a standby mode, the transmitter is activated and the words spoken into the microphone are transmitted. The switching occurs rapidly after speech input is detected. Systems of this sort also use "anti-VOX" in which a portion of the receivers output is fed out of phase to the microphone circuit so that the audio output from the receiver does not trip the VOX circuit. The problem in using this approach in speech recognition systems is that the first part of the first word is missed since a finite time is required to accomplish the switching.
The present invention provides a means for recording and delaying the speech input to the system. The actually spoken words are continuously recorded on a system equivalent to an endless tape. When speech is detected from the microphone circuit, the system is placed into its listen mode, but the audio input to the system comes from the slightly delayed recording rather than directly from the microphone. In this way no speech is lost to the system.
Please refer to FIG. 3. A noise canceling microphone 301 detects incoming speech. It may be amplified by optional preamplifier (preamp) 302. Using a preamplifier has the advantage of providing means for achieving pre-emphasis that makes the microphone output more linear across the voice spectrum but also providing deliberate emphasis on certain parts of the voice spectrum to make later recognition by the system more reliable.
The output from preamp 302 is fed to the system speech recognition application 303 so that when speech is detected 305 the system switches 306 from output to input. Of course this switching takes time so that if the direct feed from the preamp were used as the system's voice input 307, the first part of the sound would be lost.
Instead, the voice information is obtained from delay mechanism 304. Although a solid state approach is used, its function is most easily understood if the delay mechanism is pictured as an endless loop tape recorder with a separate record and playback head. Fresh information is always being recorded and the playback is derived from the separate playback head located a short distance downstream of the recording head. The length of the short delay that is thus introduced is determined by the tape speed and the spacing between the heads. Since all of the speech information provided by the user during the interval is on the tape, nothing is lost by the system.
A typical time sequence might be as follows:
Recording of the last second of microphone output is continuous
______________________________________0 millisecond User speech is detected0.1 millisecond Signal is sent to the system and the system is switched to input (listen) mode0.2 millisecond Playback head senses material recorded 0.2 milliseconds earlier and conveys this to the______________________________________ system.
As noted earlier, the actual means of delaying the information will be solid state. The ISD 1020 chip, for example can record and playback 20 seconds of audio. The audio segment required can be accessed by addressing the chip digitally. The chip is described as a miniature tape recorder with the ability to pre-position the playback head anywhere on its 20 second tape. The chip requires only minimal external components, audio, and power (between 5 and 20 volts at 100 ma).
In the inventions described in this and the related disclosures, a video clip may be presented in response to a spoken word or phrase. For example, as noted earlier, an actress might be shown in a video clip responding to a customer's request to be directed to a particular location in a store. We have found that use of one of a set of equivalent video clips, chosen randomly, avoids user tedium and boredom. For example, if the system always presented the same introduction video and voice saying "Welcome to our store," the smiling face of the actress would soon loose its charm and the users would be discouraged from further use. However by providing the system with a dozen or a hundred alternative clips and choosing randomly from the alternative clips for each use, the users gain a sense of spontaneity. The dullness that might otherwise have occurred is avoided.
In addition, the inventors envision using a multiplicity of actors and actresses to convey the messages on the video clips so that the personality of the person shown on the video clip can be chosen to be appropriate to the message being conveyed. For example, if a cake mix is the subject of the video clip, a famous bake cook might deliver the, message. Cartoon characters, and political and sports figures can also be used. This will also help avoid tedium.
The uses of the system can go well beyond those described previously. For example, the system and its video clips can be used to present sales information. A machine located in the lawn equipment department of a department store might be used to answer the request of a customer to compare the features of the various lawn mowers that are for sale in the store. Brief video clips could show the lawn mowers in operation, compare their features, and finally take the order.
The system can also replace human operated systems such as those used in drive up windows of fast food restaurants, amusement park vending areas, etc. In this manner, the user can enter the user's order directly into the computer instead of telling an operator and then having the operator enter the data. Likewise, the user can make payments directly either through an automated bill reading machine (for cash) or with an ATM type reader which would entirely eliminate the need for the restaurant or other service organization to have a human operator.
While the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit, scope, and teaching of the invention. Accordingly, the invention herein disclosed is to be limited only as specified in the following claims.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Oct 21, 1988
|Jan 30, 1990
|Electronic Security Products Of California, Inc.
|Programmable alarm system having proximity detection with vocal alarm and reporting features
|Jan 27, 1989
|Oct 2, 1990
|Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
|Method and apparatus for inputting a voice through a microphone
|Oct 13, 1994
|Jan 14, 1997
|Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
|Transaction implementation in video dial tone network
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Dec 31, 1998
|Jun 12, 2001
|At&T Corp.
|User barge-in enablement in large vocabulary speech recognition systems
|Aug 2, 1999
|May 14, 2002
|Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag
|Voice based interface for a printing press
|Jan 13, 1999
|Jun 3, 2003
|Lucent Technologies Inc.
|Acoustic speech recognizer system and method
|Dec 11, 2001
|Dec 9, 2003
|Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
|Device location discovery by sound
|Jan 28, 2002
|Jun 7, 2005
|Edwin A. Suominen
|Message recognition using shared language model
|Feb 23, 2001
|Sep 6, 2005
|At&T Corporation
|Method and system for providing automated audible backchannel responses
|Apr 25, 2001
|Oct 4, 2005
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Audio source position detection and audio adjustment
|Dec 4, 2001
|Nov 29, 2005
|Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
|Enabling voice control of voice-controlled apparatus using a head mounted camera system
|Feb 4, 2000
|Feb 28, 2006
|Custom Speech Usa, Inc.
|System and method for automating transcription services
|Nov 9, 2001
|Jun 27, 2006
|Netbytel, Inc.
|Influencing a voice recognition matching operation with user barge-in time
|Dec 11, 2001
|Aug 15, 2006
|Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
|Controlling the order of output of multiple devices
|May 22, 2002
|Jan 23, 2007
|Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
|Communication terminal controlled through touch screen or voice recognition and instruction executing method thereof
|Nov 3, 1999
|Mar 20, 2007
|Ncr Corporation
|Self-service terminal
|Jul 23, 2000
|Jun 12, 2007
|Innovaport Llc
|Apparatus and method for providing products location information to customers in a store
|Dec 27, 2000
|Oct 14, 2008
|Intel Corporation
|Voice barge-in in telephony speech recognition
|Nov 19, 2004
|Mar 9, 2010
|Universal Entertainment Corporation
|Conversation control apparatus, conversation control method, and programs therefor
|Apr 24, 2003
|Jul 6, 2010
|Morris Gary J
|Environmental condition detector with speech recognition
|Feb 19, 2007
|Oct 26, 2010
|Innovaport Llc
|Apparatus and method for providing product location information to customers in a store
|Nov 5, 2004
|Mar 6, 2012
|Vocollect, Inc.
|Voice-directed portable terminals for wireless communication systems
|Jan 20, 2012
|May 8, 2012
|Gary Jay Morris
|Environmental condition detector with validated personalized verbal messages
|Mar 22, 2005
|Jun 19, 2012
|Optical Research Partners Llc
|Message recognition using shared language model
|Nov 12, 2009
|Feb 26, 2013
|Vocollect Healthcare Systems, Inc.
|Training/coaching system for a voice-enabled work environment
|May 5, 2012
|Apr 23, 2013
|Gary Jay Morris
|Environmental condition detector with validated personalized verbal messages
|Aug 25, 2008
|Jun 25, 2013
|Intel Corporation
|Voice barge-in in telephony speech recognition
|Nov 30, 2012
|Dec 3, 2013
|At&T Intellectual Property Ii, L.P.
|System and method of dynamically modifying a spoken dialog system to reduce hardware requirements
|Mar 24, 2011
|Jan 21, 2014
|Nippon Telegraph And Telephone Corporation
|Information communication using majority logic for machine control signals extracted from audible sound signals
|Jul 22, 2010
|Feb 25, 2014
|Vocollect, Inc.
|Method and system for correctly identifying specific RFID tags
|Oct 4, 2010
|Jul 8, 2014
|Innovaport Llc
|Apparatus and method for providing product location information to customers in a store
|Mar 14, 2013
|Jul 22, 2014
|Innovaport Llc
|Apparatus and method for providing product location information to customers in a store
|Feb 24, 2014
|Jan 13, 2015
|Vocollect, Inc.
|Method and system for correctly identifying specific RFID tags
|Nov 26, 2012
|Feb 3, 2015
|At&T Intellectual Property Ii, L.P.
|System and method of dialog trajectory analysis
|Dec 4, 2012
|Feb 23, 2016
|Sync-Think, Inc.
|Application of smooth pursuit cognitive testing paradigms to clinical drug development
|Mar 11, 2013
|Jul 5, 2016
|Sync-Think, Inc.
|Optical neuroinformatics
|Dec 19, 2014
|Sep 20, 2016
|Vocollect, Inc.
|Method and system for correctly identifying specific RFID tags
|Oct 26, 2012
|Oct 4, 2016
|Azima Holdings, Inc.
|Voice controlled vibration data analyzer systems and methods
|Jul 7, 2014
|Nov 8, 2016
|Innovaport Llc
|Apparatus and method for providing product location information to customers in a store
|Sep 10, 2010
|Mar 21, 2017
|Vocollect, Inc.
|Multimodal user notification system to assist in data capture
|Aug 23, 2001
|Apr 11, 2002
|Korea Axis Co., Ltd.
|Toy having speech recognition function and two-way conversation for dialogue partner
|Dec 11, 2001
|Jun 27, 2002
|Hewlett-Packard Company
|Controlling the order of output of multiple devices
|Dec 4, 2001
|Aug 8, 2002
|Hinde Stephen John
|Enabling voice control of voice-controlled apparatus
|Dec 4, 2001
|Aug 8, 2002
|Andrew Thomas
|Enabling voice control of voice-controlled apparatus
|Mar 12, 2001
|Oct 3, 2002
|Shaw-Yuan Hou
|Voice-activated control device for intelligent instruments
|Apr 25, 2001
|Oct 31, 2002
|International Business Mashines Corporation
|Audio source position detection and audio adjustment
|May 22, 2002
|Jan 9, 2003
|Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
|Communication terminal controlled through touch screen or voice recognition and instruction executing method thereof
|Jul 13, 2001
|Jan 30, 2003
|Josephson Daryl Craig
|Interfacing apparatus and methods
|Apr 24, 2002
|Feb 13, 2003
|Walker Jay S.
|Method and apparatus for generating and marketing supplemental information
|Jan 28, 2002
|Mar 20, 2003
|Suominen Edwin A.
|Text processing system
|Nov 9, 2001
|May 15, 2003
|Netbytel, Inc.
|Voice recognition using barge-in time
|Aug 30, 2002
|Jul 3, 2003
|Palmquist Robert D.
|Translation device with planar microphone array
|Dec 27, 2000
|Aug 21, 2003
|Xiaobo Pi
|Voice barge-in in telephony speech recognition
|Feb 27, 2003
|Aug 28, 2003
|Jens Maase
|Electrical household appliance and methods for testing and for initializing a voice operating unit therein
|Apr 24, 2003
|Dec 11, 2003
|Morris Gary J.
|Environmental condition detector with voice recognition
|Feb 27, 2003
|Jan 22, 2004
|Robert Sulc
|Electrical appliance, in particular, a ventilator hood
|Jul 10, 2003
|Jan 13, 2005
|Vocollect, Inc.
|Method and system for intelligent prompt control in a multimodal software application
|Jul 11, 2003
|Jan 13, 2005
|Vocollect, Inc.
|Method and system for integrating multi-modal data capture device inputs with multi-modal output capabilities
|Nov 19, 2004
|Jun 30, 2005
|Jun Fujimoto
|Conversation control apparatus, conversation control method, and programs therefor
|Mar 22, 2005
|Aug 4, 2005
|Suominen Edwin A.
|Message recognition using shared language model
|Jul 22, 2004
|Jun 28, 2007
|Thomas Portele
|Method for driving a dialog system
|Feb 23, 2006
|Aug 23, 2007
|Dana Abramson
|Method for training a user of speech recognition software
|May 7, 2007
|Nov 13, 2008
|Steven Clay Moore
|Emergency shutdown methods and arrangements
|Aug 25, 2008
|Dec 18, 2008
|Xiaobo Pi
|Voice barge-in in telephony speech recognition
|Mar 24, 2011
|Jul 21, 2011
|Nippon Telegraph And Telephone Corporation
|Information Communication Apparatus, Transmission Apparatus And Receiving Apparatus
|Nov 26, 2012
|Mar 28, 2013
|At&T Intellectual Property Ii, L.P.
|System and Method of Dialog Trajectory Analysis
|May 26, 2015
|Sep 10, 2015
|OOO "Speaktoit"
|Method for user training of information dialogue system
|Feb 20, 2008
|Nov 9, 2010
|Vocollect Healthcare Systems, Inc.
|Body-worn mobile device
|Aug 20, 2010
|Aug 9, 2011
|Vocollect Healthcare Systems, Inc.
|Body-worn mobile device
|Aug 19, 2010
|Aug 16, 2011
|Vocollect Healthcare Systems, Inc.
|Body-worn mobile device
|Jul 13, 2001
|Nov 9, 2004
|Lucent Technologies Inc.
|Method and apparatus for word counting in continuous speech recognition useful for reliable barge-in and early end of speech detection
|Apr 14, 2001
|Oct 24, 2002
|Schott Glas
|Three dimensional coordinate measurement of surface of a measurement piece or object using an automated measurement device in which commands for moving the feeler are input through a voice recognition system
|Apr 14, 2001
|Feb 5, 2004
|Schott Glas
|Sep 10, 2001
|Mar 14, 2002
|Agentai, Inc.
|A point-of-sale commercial transaction processing system using artificial intelligence assisted by human intervention
|Dec 27, 2000
|Jul 4, 2002
|Intel Corporation
|Voice barge-in in telephony speech recognition
|Dec 19, 2002
|Jul 17, 2003
|Speechgear, Inc.
|Translation device with planar microphone array
|Feb 12, 2015
|Aug 27, 2015
|Honeywell International Inc.
|Voice augmentation for industrial operator consoles
|Jan 7, 2016
|Aug 4, 2016
|Method, device and terminal for starting voice input function of terminal
|Feb 5, 2016
|Oct 6, 2016
|Yokogawa Electric Corporation
|Methods, systems and computer program products for machine based processing of natural language input
|U.S. Classification
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jun 11, 2003
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Nov 24, 2003
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Jan 20, 2004
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 20031123


text:
Nintendo's newest addition to its slowly growing mobile library launched a couple of months ago… for the iOS store, and it was a hit… for the iOS store. Those of us clutching our Android devices, wondering when it was going to launch for the Play store were left in the dust. In case you haven't completely given up on getting to play it, you'll be happy to know that it has finally become available for download from the play store.
The game is a take on the console titles with a few traits borrows from mobile games. Playing involes tapping alone (the games boats that it can be played with only one hand) with Mario jumping on or over enemies and obstacles just like any classic Mario game. It's only real mobile feature will be its one in-app purchase to unlock the full game ($9.99 USD), but other than that, it's a full fledge game. It's a faithful reimagination of the Wii and Wii U titles, with similar music, sound effects and graphical style. There are twenty-four levels spread across six worlds, with Boss levels at the end of each. Far less than the the console games, but each levels' replayability factor is high, as each stage has you going back to try perfecting runs collecting all of the five purple coins spread through out each level (and they can get pretty hard to collect.) There's a fun mini game called "Toad Rally" Which has you playing stages against the best run times of opponents from around the world- not in realtime though.
There are many more features to the game that you may enjoy. There is a rather large download after installing and finishing the training level, so those with slow or limited data be warned.


text:
The components of a great Valentine's Day are surprisingly simple, and yet they have yet to be discovered by the majority of mankind. What we should have been including all along are as follow:
~Homemade Turkey Chili: Yum, yum! What is that you say? You don't have an amazing recipe for turkey chili because you, unlike me, are not the queen of all things spicy? (Over-inflated ego much? I think not.) Well that's fine; we can solve that right quick. Just pretend I have a magic wand:
Kickass Turkey Chili
1.5 lbs ground turkey
1 chopped onion
1 14-16oz can stewed tomatoes
1 16oz can tomato sauce
1 can black beans
1 can Mexicorn
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
.75 bottle of A-1 type sauce
hot sauce to taste (I used about 2-3 tbsp of Mamoun's hot sauce for the batch, but I didn't really measure. Throw some in, mix it up, add more if needed)
Brown up the onion. Add in the turkey, brown that up too, drain any excess liquid (or just cook it off). Add all other ingredients except beans and corn, bring to a boil, simmer 10 minutes. Add beans and corn, simmer 10 more minutes. Eat heartily.
~McSorley's Dark: you don't get the sawdust on the floor and the glorious atmosphere of the bar when you buy a sixer, but the beer is still tasty as hell and budget friendly for the cheap bastard in all of us.
~One of those gorgeous winter days that is cold but sunny and not raw.: I guess you kinda have to luck out on this one, but it was gorgeous yesterday afternoon in Jersey.
~Two of the best non-valentine valentine's buddies ever.: I will let the picture speak for itself on this one…
…chocolates and flowers got nothing on watching vampire kung fu movies and G4's coverage of AEE '10 with these two.
Monday, February 15, 2010
How to take the sap and hallmark out of valentine's day so you can actually have a good time...
3 comments:
Awww I love it!!! Your buddies look awesome!!ReplyDelete
And WEIRD! I had a 20 minute conversation about turkey chili the other day... hmmm I was asking a co-worker for a recipe. She said you're thinking of chicken chili... I was like, nooo.... turkey... Anyway, i just copied and pasted that into my email! THANK YOU!!
Sounds like a great day to me!ReplyDelete
@carissajaded: Chicken? In chili? This is a thing I have never heard of, but glad to spread the turkey chili love.ReplyDelete
@Ashley: It absolutely was. I suggest you grab a friend and a tiny, fat dog and give it a try yourself!
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text: Trudy's may be outside of your area. Please enter your delivery address to check availability Do you need any... Napkins / Utensils Continue to checkout Trudy's Back to menu Your order refresh Trudy's Your bag is empty Edit Delivery address Please enter delivery address Edit Delivery time Closed for the Selected TimePlease change the delivery time Add someone to this order Kid's Cheese Enchiladas Served with beans & rice. What Kind Of Beans?Select one of the choices With Refried Pinto Beans With Refried Black Beans With Refried Borracho Beans With Pinto Beans With Borracho Beans With Spicy Black Beans No Beans Add instructions? Special instructions Label for x $6.66 or Cancel


text:
A Free UST Webinar for Nonprofit EDs/CEOs, CFOs, and HR Staff
Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/8704851523463900674
With $35 million in potential unemployment liability mitigated last year for over 2,100 nonprofits, it's likely that your nonprofit could be overpaying. This short 30-minute webinar reveals some of the most common unemployment & HR risks that can cost your nonprofit thousands of dollars. After identifying the risks, this webinar reveals UST's top recommendations to combat these issues.
Nonprofit Executives, Directors, and HR Staff with 10 or more employees should register to learn about:
• Reducing unemployment tax liability as a 501(c)(3)
• Benchmarking unemployment costs
• Protecting funding from claims and liability
• Efficiently managing unemployment claims, protests, and hearings
• Avoiding costly HR mistakes
• Getting free outplacement services as a nonprofit
The webinar will also explore UST's holistic program, created by and for nonprofits, which can help further lower your unemployment and HR liability. You can also get your questions answered live by an expert advisor at UST.
If you work for a 501(c)(3) with 10+ employees, register today.
6/25/2017Learn to maximize your nonprofit's cash flow.
6/19/20172017 American Heritage Awards
6/8/2017Infuse passion and creativity into your grant writing
6/26/2017 » 6/30/20172017 Summer Camp
6/27/2017Financial Leadership for Board Members Bayou
6/27/2017LANO Connects - Houma
Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations | 528 Louisiana Avenue | Baton Rouge, LA, 70802


text:
With 1.7 million freelancers, we'll match you with the perfect talent.
Professional looking to apply her 17 years experience and education to a position in sales, marketing, human resources, and customer service. Superior leader, with over 10 years experience in supervisory and management roles. Solid experience in training/instruction; can explain procedures/policies quickly and efficiently. Proven ability to apply communication skills in nearly every environment: expert knowledge of employee relations, conflict resolution, customer service, sales, marketing, office administration, time management,...Read More »


text:
A/N: The evil plotbunny strikes again.
Disclaimer: I don't own this. Duh.
A thousand years ago in the sunny fields of Scotland an allegiance was born.
It was at a time when wiches and wizards were being persecuted for practising their magic. You see, back then we magical folk revealed our self to muggles, showed them our magic, impressed them with our power. And then it changed. The became afraid. Afraid of what we would do to them, frightened we would torture or kill them if the did wrong. So, the began to plot against us, planned to burn every witch and wizard in the land at the stake. Being a magical being was very dangerous one thousand years ago, and we slowly began to hide our power, and didn't use it in the public eye. But we found out of their desire to purge us from the Earth, to cleanse the land of "that different breed of dirty freaks."
We were scared. Scared for our life, scared for our family, scared for ourselves. Muggles may be narrow-minded and ignorant, but they existed in great numbers, and could sneak up on us in the darkness. We wanted, needed, poweful wizards, not just powerful, legendary, who would create a place of solace to protect us from our enemies and educate the young whose parents had fought and lost.
First came Godric Gryffindor.
Little Godric was raised in Scotland.
He had fiery red hair and eyes as clear blue as the sky. He attended
a magic school that had long succumbed to history, it's name lost to
the world, but it must have been a good school, for he was famous all
over the country for his skills. But the one thing that set him apart
from his gifted peers was that he was braver than them all. When he
was thirteen year old, he captured a rattlesnake with is bare hands.
When he turned fifteen, he raced a bull down the countryside. But his
true test of bravery came at age nineteen when his niece was drowning
in The Lake. It may not seem like such a wonderful thing to do, swim
across a lake to get her, but this was not any lake. It was The Lake,
and every sea creature known to man in that day lived there, from
Grindylows to Kelpies. There was a myth that some other brave soul
had once swam across The Lake, but the myth went on to say he was
captured by a Kelpie and devoured by gulping plimpies. It may not
have been true, but it was enough to stop everyone from swimming
But Godric's little niece was young and malnourished in education, so she decided to dip her feet into the cool water one hot July day. It is a fact that a grindylow grabbed her by the foot and dragged her underwater, but she managed to break it's fingers off and resurface, but could not swim, so her head almost fell below the water forever. Godric was on the other side of the lake, an even though he was brave he was not stupid; he knew that running around to the other side of The Lake to retrieve her would prove useless- The Lake was large and round. So, he did the only thing he could do, and jumped into the water and began to swim. Several children were outside playing when it happened, and when Godric dove into The Lake, they stared, wide-eyed, and then ran to get their mothers and fathers. And mothers in long skirts and fathers with open mouths rushed behind their children and watched as a faraway form splashed through shining blue water. To this day no one is sure what beasts tried to attack him, but if any did, he fought them off. By the time he had scooped up his niece and exited The Lake, a crowd had formed on the other side of the lake. And not one person there that day had any trouble answering when they were asked who was the bravest of them all:
"Godric Gryffindor!"
Second came Salazar Slytherin.
Salazar was raised in Austria. He had
dark, inky black hair and eyes like polished emeralds. From a young
age he had a penchant for business and raising money. If you were to
stroll around his small neighborhood you would most likely find him
sitting behind a crude wooden box, selling anything of value he could
get his hands on. He sold flowers, mostly, and years later people
would say how ironic, a sulky, brooding child like that selling
flowers. But even though he was teased for it, he was bright enough
to know that women who lived near by loved to wear fancy hats adorned
with all sorts of things. So every day he made his way to the top of
the highest hills for miles around, where the most beautiful
wildflowers grew. He picked only the best, most colourful flowers
from the bunch. He would return home and weave the ends together over
and over, flowers upon flowers, until you couldn't see any stems at
all, just a string of lilac and gold and blood red petals. He would
display them on his rickety box, and the rich women would come and
pick their favourites and delicately lay them across their expensive
hats, and pay him one pound per string of flowers. Half the money
went to his parents, and he kept the rest for himself. He dreamed of
one day becoming a traveling merchant, selling and trading beautiful
things all over Austria. Then, one day, a real merchant came to town.
His name is lost in history, and all we know now is that he wore brown leather sandals and held a mule by some reigns as he walked into town. And Salazer wanted that mule for his father, who ran a farm, and whose horses had not been breeding lately. Salazar bargained with the merchant; offering him flowers, only the best. No, was his answer. I'll give you wonderful foods, Salazer told him. No, was the answer. On and on it went, for many an hour, and by that time a crowd had formed to watch him, to see if he could bargain that merchant out of his mule. You see, this merchant had a wife, and a baby, and needed something to soothe his child when he was in agony from his teeth coming through his soft, fleshy gums. And so Salazar, knowing this, made the trade, and left the scene with a mule for his father and the respect of everyone there.
Salazar traded a bag of ice for that mule.
And later, when people who watched that day were asked who was the most ambitious of them all, not one person had any trouble answering:
"Salazar Slytherin!"
Third came Helga Hufflepuff.
Helga was raised in
Ireland. She had hair the colour of freshly squeezed orange juice,
and eyes the the lightest brown, like cinnamon. She was very
distantly descended from a Veela. Fact: Helga's mother and father
died when she was very young. Fact: Helga was taught magic by her
mother's mother. Fact: Helga was the most beautiful maid in the land.
Before she was even sixteen, men had been knocking on the door of her
grandmother's house, asking for Helga's hand in marriage. You see,
not only was Helga Hufflepuff beautiful, but her parents had defied
tradition and left all of their land not to her father's parents, who
were still alive and well, but to their daughter. Since she was four
years old she had legally owned fifteen acres of land, a successful
farm. All the residents of her small Irish village knew Helga could
leave at any time with all the money she inherited, just up and leave
her tight knit community for the fine clothing and precious gems of
the monarchy.
That she did, but against her will.
The seventeen year old beauty was kidnapped, kidnapped in her sleep by a man whose name has been lost to history. She was thrown roughly into a burlap bag and carried all the way to London to be presented to the King and Queen. These Muggles, who could not understand the nature of her soft beauty, who rejected the idea of gorgeous Veela who had children and grandchildren and great grandchildren (of which Helga was one), promised her marriage to an Indian prince from far away. She stayed in the fine castle, eating only the freshest meat, drinking only the sweetest wines, donning only the richest silks, and Helga was miserable. She longed for the loving embrace of her grandmother, the tinkling laughter of the children playing outside, the warm sun on her face.
She decided to run away.
Doing this required a bit of smarts, some skill, and a lot of luck. She planned it all out very carefully. Helga had lived at the palace now for one year, her eighteenth birthday several weeks behind her. She had memorized schedules, and the one most crucial to the success of her escape involved the changing of the guards. Every day at exactly 10:00 AM, the palace guards changed places in an elaborate ritual. Helga and her ladies in waiting took strolls about the garden in the early morning, and Helga realized that with the guards distracted by their moving, she could slip away quite unnoticed. A simple lie to her ladies that she had dropped a coin and to go one ahead of her was all it took, and she was free.
That is how the story goes, Helga Hufflepuff abandoning her high lifestyle in favor of the close Irish community, and when all those there at her homecoming witnessed her tears of joy, they had no trouble answering when asked who was the most loyal of them all:
"Helga Hufflepuff!"
Fourth came Rowena Ravenclaw.
Rowena was born in
Wales. Her golden hair and mint green eyes gave the appearance of a
silly school girl, when she was anything but. Since a very young age
her greatest joy in life was solving puzzles and riddles, a feat she
marveled her family with. Not a question passed before her that she
could not answer.
Rowena's father was disliked by the people of their village. He had been widowed when Rowena and her brother were but tiny infants, and had married again not six months after his wife's tragic death, and to a community devoted to the church it was not a proper mourning period. They searched endlessly for evidence of his incompetence as a father and husband. Ministers and townspeople discovered that, when actual evidence is not found, resorting to lies works best of all. The real reason that Rowena's father was wanted dead was because his son was sickly, and soon to die. He held a large amount of land that, though Rowena would be his only rightful heir if his son died, would be passed onto the church as she was a girl.
The summer of her sixteenth year her father was put to trial with charges of the very worst, adultery. He vehemently denied all accusations, but greedy men do not listen to an honest man's pleas. He was condemned to death by hanging.
Her father, hoping to spare his children the horror of his death, had sent Rowena and her brother to the house of his elderly mother to live out their days. Sickly Rowan was confined to bed, but gave his sister his blessing in helping to save their father. She set out towards the church and arrived with but moments to spare. Her father was walking towards the noose when she burst into the building. She had no idea how to handle to angry, jeering crowd. She remembered her mother's voice speaking to her from a long, long time ago- "All problems have a solution. It's just a question of whether you can find it amidst all the chaos."
Rowena began to speak to the crowd, using a technique later dubbed reverse psychology. With words coming switly to her head she convinced the priest and minister her father would suffer more, so much more, if "forced" to live at home with his "mistress." With her clear eyes and vacant face her lie was believed with ease. After a sufficient trial, Rowena's father was sent home.
And when all those living in her home village were asked who was the cleverest of the all, none had any difficulty answering:
"Rowena Ravenclaw!"
And this is how the Founders of Hogwarts were chosen. Though they lived in very different places and had very different personalities their destinies intertwined.
They are the Founders, and God bless the Founders of Hogwarts School.
Bottom of Form 1


text:
Ирландское кружево."Листочек". МК Галины Болтянской.. Обсуждение на LiveI | Ирландское кружево
▶ How to Cook and Make Pulled Sugar Step By Step-How to Cook Sugar for Pulling-How to and Recipe - YouTube
Pulled Sugar Flowers!! Someday I would love to learn the art of pulling sugar...Looks so fun!!
How to make pulled Sugar Ribbon https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sen-Cakes/183759651652639.
Suzy Homefaker: HOW TO MAKE EDIBLE SUGAR DIAMONDS
Torta de boda Naked, una de las tendencias en tortas de bodas 2014. #TortaDeBoda
30 - Great Cake Recipes. I'll have to try these.
Pink Peacock Wedding Cake - For all your cake decorating supplies, please visit craftcompany.co.uk
Recycling Containers with Crochet - My great grandmother made a small pouch for me from a tiny margarine tub when I was 4 or 5 years old to contain my tiddly winks (remember those?) I've always wondered what happened to it, but now I can make my own! Can't wait to try!!


text:
FALL SEMESTER 2017: September 15, 22, 23, 24
Johnson State College, Johnson, VT
Understanding its Principals, Methods & Techniques
Opened to JSC Students only
Current JSC students can register for this course online
For more information contact Tim Hayes at: firstname.lastname@example.com
Course Description
This course explores the rapidly growing alternative therapeutic field of equine assisted therapy. It will investigate the following topics: general background and history of the field; theories and philosophy behind the field; types of programs that utilize equine therapy and the variety of populations they serve; the science and research behind its efficacy; legal and ethical concerns associated with this field. This course will take an in-depth look at the therapeutic potential of the human-horse relationship and why horses are used as a therapeutic tool for humans. All Students will have the opportunity to work one on one with their own horse.
Students interested in becoming certified and pursuing a future in the field of Equine Therapy will be given all the information, requirements and next steps of action from Good Hope Farm during our 1~Day field trip to their organization. There is a 2~Day horse rental fee of $102.50 per student that will be added by JSC. Completion of this course does not include any professional equine therapy certificate.
Good Hope Farm (aka CHAMP) is a PATH Premier Accredited Center.
PATH Intl. = Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. See: http://www.pathintl.org/