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Breastfeeding in Public
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August 1st, 2013, 07:56 AM
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Right now it's just on Amazon (print and Kindle), but I can get it on Kobo, Nook, and iPad if there's interest. We still have to find the right publisher for putting it in physical stores, but I leave that work up to my agent
Thanks for telling them about this and about the book. I am thinking maybe I should write up an article about this, and when I do would probably include many of the points these wonderful ladies made
I agreed with every last word they had to say and I am in awe at how gently and effectively they expressed themselves. Lucky kiddos to have mamas like that!
Thank you
for the beautiful siggy!
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Books published by members of The Department of Economic Informatics and Cybernetics
Android Applications Programming
- Authors: Paul POCATILU, Ion IVAN, Adrian VIȘOIU, Felician ALECU, Alin ZAMFIROIU and Bogdan IANCU
- ASE Publishing House, Bucharest, 2015
- Pages: 714
The book entitled Android applications programming deals with the programming model of mobile applications targeting Android platform. The book presents Android components: activities, intents, content providers, broadcast receivers and services. In addition, the book address topics such as: building graphic user interface, event handling, menus, dialogs, persistent data storage including SQLite database, network access and XML and JSON processing, personal information management, two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics, multimedia and animation, sensors and geographical location. The book also includes complex topics such as Widgets applications, native programming using NDK and data transfer using Bluetooth and NFC technologies. The book presents mobile applications quality assurance methods and Android applications specific security issues. In the end the book describes the steps required to publish applications on Google Play. The books addresses to everyone interested in application development for Android platform.
Mobile Devices Programming
- Author: Paul POCATILU
- ASE Publishing House, Bucharest, 2012
- Pages: 600
The book approaches mobile applications programming for the several mobile operating systems and platforms. The first two chapters are related to hardware and software features of mobile devices. The following chapters address the application programming models for: Java ME, Android, Windows Mobile, .NET CF, Windows Phone and Symbian. For each operating system or platform the followings topics are addressed: user interface, persistent data storage, network access, multimedia, sensors, etc. The last two chapters focus on ARM processors programming and development of mobile Internet applications. All chapters include examples tested on mobile devices and emulators.
Contents at a Glance
- Foreword
- 1 – Introduction
- 2 – Mobile devices hardware characteristics
- 3 – Operating systems and applications for mobile devices
- 4 – Java Micro Edition (Java ME)
- 5 – Android
- 6 – Applications Programming using Win32 API
- 7 – .NET Compact Framework
- 8 – Windows Phone
- 9 – Symbian
- 10 – Assembly languages for ARM processors
- 11 – Internet-based applications for mobile devices
- 12 – Conclusions
- References
- Annex – Acronyms
- Abstract
- Contents
Computer programming. Applications
- Authors: Cristian Uscatu, Marius Popa, Lorena Pocatilu, Catalin Silvestru
- ASE Publishing House, Bucharest, 2012
Computer programming. Applications is designed as a tool to support studying computer programming, both during individual study and during class work.
This book is a rich collection of problems that reflect the techniques and notions studied in Programming algorithms and Computer programming classes at the Faculty of Cybernetics, Statistics and Informatics for Economy of the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies. Most of the problems are already resolved, while some are left for the students to solve. The problems are grouped in chapters, according to the curriculum, allowing a gradual approach from simple notions to the more advanced ones. At the end of each chapter / subchapter there are proposed problems that allow students to individually test their knowledge and abilities. Some of these problems propose improvements to the solutions presented in the book.
The book is designed mainly for the students of the second year of the Faculty of Cybernetics, Statistics and informatics for Economy, but it is useful for other categories of specialists interested in studying computer programming.

subset: commoncrawl


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The 11 Most Important Motorcycles of All Time
As we stand around and consider the Yamaha YZF-R1s recent Motorcycle of the Year award, its not the worst idea in the world to put it into historic context. There have been some amazing machines in the 100-plus years of motorcycling, a fact not lost on us when we put our heads together and crowned the Motorcycle of the Century.
It was, of course, Hondas CB750. This was the bike that changed everything. It didnt break new technological groundthe engine configuration had been used before, and none of its essential chassis elements were totally newbut Honda managed to package the CB in a most compelling way. Suddenly, there was a smooth, sophisticated four-cylinder bike built to showcase state-of-the-art technology at an affordable price. By 1973, four years after the CB750 debuted, Honda was selling more than 60,000 of them a year.
The massive impact of the CB750 forever banished Japans former reputation as a copycat nation, capable of little more than mass-producing others' designs for a fraction of the cost. The CB750 forged a new reputation for the island nation as an indisputable source of the best engineering, design and technology in the world. More important to motorcycle enthusiasts, the CB750 acted as the archetypal Japanese superbike, kicking off an epic high-performance arms race that continues to this day. There would be no Honda CBR1000RRnor Kawasaki ZX-10R, or Suzuki GSX-R1000, or Yamaha YZF-R1if the CB750 hadnt come first.
1960 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Its ironic that the most iconic British motorcycle of all time isnt named after Donington Park, Silverstone or Brands Hatch, but a sunbaked salt pan located in the southwestern United States. It was at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1956, however, that Jack Wilsons methanol-burning Triumph Thunderbird 650, ridden by Johnny Allen and nicknamed The Texas Cee-Gar, set an absolute motorcycle speed record of 214.17 mph. When Triumph needed a name for its first dual-carburetor 650cc twin, then its fastest production motorcycle, only Bonneville would do.
The T120 Bonneville first appeared in 59, but its the redesigned 60 version, with the stiffer twin-cradle frame and separate headlamp replacing the old nacelle, thats considered the definitive version. With its stately, Edward Turner-designed parallel-twin, long chrome peashooter mufflers, pancake saddle and signature two-tone paint, the Bonneville characterized classic Brit-bike cool. Bob Dylan rode one. So did Paul Newman, Paul McCartney and, of course, Steve McQueen.
The Bonnevilles engine was based on that of the T110 Tiger, but came equipped with dual Amal carburetors instead of a single unit, as well as a performance intake cam. With light weight, abundant torque, decent handling and a 110-mph top speed, the Bonneville was the epitome of 60s high performanceuntil the first Japanese superbikes arrived at the end of that decade. The Bonneville ruled everywhere from dragstrips to dirt tracks, and a Bonneville even made the first 100-mph production-bike lap at the Isle of Man TT, in 68. The performance may have faded but the Bonnevilles silhouette has stood the test of time. Triumphs current modern classic Bonnevilles, shamelessly styled to ape the originals, are among the best-selling bikes on the market today.
1949 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra-GlideThis is the bike that inspired a million imitations, both from within Harley-Davidsons own styling department and, decades later, from halfway around the world, when the Japanese jumped on the bandwagon and began building American-style heavyweight cruisers. It's the archetypal motorcycle, with a timeless look thats as compelling now as it was back then.
Harley-Davidson debuted its FL chassisa variation of which is still its best-seller todayway back in 41, and introduced the famed, 1200cc Panhead engine in 48. But it wasnt until the following year, when the antique springer fork was replaced with a modern telescopic unit, that the quintessential American cruiser silhouette took form. Dubbed the Hydra-Glide in reference to the new hydraulic fork that delivered twice the travel of the old springer, this latest Big Twin offered much-improved ride quality and road-holding ability. The new fork also imparted a modern look more in line with the telescopic-forked British bikes that were beginning to food the American market.
The deep-skirted front fender and thick, widely spaced fork legsthe upper halves enclosed in streamlined, stamped-steel nacellesgive the Hydra-Glide a broad-shouldered look that has never gone out of style. The rest of the bike, including the Fat Bob-type tank with its center speedometer and the sprung saddle cantilevered high above a rigid rear triangle, is just as memorable. Compare a vintage Hydra-Glide to a modern Heritage Softail Classicor even a Star Roadlinerand youll count more similarities than differences. This is style with staying power.
BMW has been synonymous with Boxer-twins since the beginning literally. The very first BMW motorcycle, the 1923 R32, was powered by a 494cc fat-twin that transferred power to its rear wheel via shaft drive. Designed by famed aircraft engineer Max Friz, the R32 is an engineering masterpiece that established the struggling firm as a successful motorcycle manufacturer. The Boxer configuration aided with cooling, and featured a recirculating wet-sump oil system. Frizs design proved so sound that, 90 years later, it still forms the foundation for BMWs most popular models.
1948 Vincent Black Shadow
Its been immortalized on dragstrips and dry lakes and even celebrated in song, but the Black Shadows most lasting impact was its influence on future motorcycle design. Monoshock rear suspensions, frameless chassis designs, dual front brakes, adjustable controls and many other innovations originated with Phil Irvings legendary Black Shadow. Powered by a black-enameled, 1000cc V-twin that propelled this black beauty to 125 mph, the Black Shadow was the wickedest motorcycle made in 1948and remains one of the most desirable today.
1973 Honda CR250 Elsinore
Hondas CR250 Elsinore wasnt the first motorcycle designed specifically for of-road racing, not even the first Japanese one, but it was the trickest, most reliable and least expensive. Named after Southern Californias epic Elsinore Grand Prix, it looked like something straight from the race shop with its lightweight chrome-moly frame, polished-aluminum gas tank, plastic fenders and 29-horsepower, two-stroke engine. Elsinore-mounted Gary Jones easily won the 1973 AMA 250cc Motocross Championship on what was the ultimate working mans motocrosser.
1979 Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special
Yamahas small-bore two-strokes were one of the great two-wheeled success stories of the 70s, regularly humiliating bikes with more than double the displacement on racetracks and backroads across America. These quick-and-dirty giant-killers sold for next to nothing and provided racetrack handling to the masses. The Daytona Specialnamed to honor the TZ350 forebears that won more consecutive Daytona races than any other motorcycle was the last, and arguably, the best, of Yamaha's air-cooled two-strokes.
1980 Honda GL1100 Gold Wing Interstate
Hondas Gold Wing invented the modern luxury-touring concept, and at every point in its evolution has continued to redefine that segment of the market. The biggest step forward came in 1980, when Hondas legendary mile-eater received a larger, 1100cc fat-four engine as well as the Interstate touring package with a frame-mounted fairing and hard luggage that set a new standard for motorcycle accessory integration. Still now, 38 years after its introduction, nothing approaches the Wing in terms of performance, function, comfort or style.
1983 Honda VF750F V45 Interceptor
Honda debuted its wild NR500 GP racer in 1979, replete with radical technology like a liquid-cooled V4 engine, 16-inch wheels, Pro-Link rear suspension and the sophisticated, Torque-Reactive Anti-Dive Control (TRAC) fork. The cursed NR500 may have been the least successful GP bike ever built, but the streetbike it inspired Hondas V45 Interceptorwas one of the most sublime. With all of the above technology in a fine-handling, aggressive-looking package, the Interceptor was an immediate best-sellerand Japans first real repli-racer.
1985 Suzuki GSX-R750
Early sportbikes were crude machines, all overpowered engines in spindly frames with squishy suspension and worthless brakes. Suzukis GSX-R750 changed all that. The proverbial racebike-with-lights, this was basically Suzukis world championship-winning XR41 endurance racer with the minimum necessary modifications for street use. Everythingaerodynamic bodywork, aluminum frame, 18-inch mag wheelswas lifted from factory racebikes, and the oil-cooled, 106-horsepower inline-four delivered racetrack acceleration. A true milestone, we called it at the time. Nuff said.
1994 Ducati 916
There have been more innovative motorcycles, and motorcycles that accelerated faster or sold better, but few will argue theres ever been a more beautiful motorcycle than Ducatis 916. Massimo Tamburinis masterpiece brilliantly mixes purposeful mechanical details and purely sensuous design. Te cats-eye headlights and underseat exhaust defined sportbike styling trends for almost two decades, and the 916 virtually dominated World Superbike racing as well. This was unquestionably the most influential sportbike of the 90s, and it still remains relevant today.
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Bond Street
- Now open in store
Look good and feel better from the inside out. We are thrilled to welcome Bodyism's Clean and Lean To Go Café to our ground floor. From shakes to to acai bowls and muffins to courgetti or quinoa salads, you can eat clean every day.
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by NRA Staff - Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. has announced the launch of its new AR-556 semi-automatic, M4-style, direct impingement Modern Sporting Rifle.
The AR-556 is constructed from top-quality components, including forged 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receivers and a cold hammer-forged chrome-moly steel barrel with M4 feed ramp cuts. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the AR-556's carbine-length, flat-top, M4 design is fully configured with a Ruger Rapid Deploy folding rear sight, milled F-height gas block with post front sight, forward assist, dust cover, and brass deflector.
"The AR-556 is the first firearm designed and built in our Mayodan, North Carolina, facility, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the finished product," said Ruger President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Killoy. "Through extensive design review and product testing, our Mayodan team has delivered a solid rifle that our customers will be proud to own - and we are proud to call a Ruger."
Technical Specifications:
• Weight: 6.5 lbs.
• Length: 32.25-35.50"
• Length of Pull: 10.25-13.5"
• Width: 2.5"• Height: 7.75"
For more information, go to Ruger.com.
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- A new online yoga class each week (styles include: Hatha, Hatha Flow, Vinyasa, Yin, Yin Yang, Pranayama and Meditation)
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- Life time access to videos and classes for as long as you are a BYOM
No contract. No joining fee. No minimum sign up period.
Note: In order to set up your BYOM you will be required to create or use an existing Paypal account. This is because Paypal processes the monthly payments from your debit/credit card. A debit/credit card is required even if you are doing a free month trial. You can cancel your subscription at anytime before your next billing cycle to stop any future payments.


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For a week, everything had broken the Red Sox way, then the knuckleballer threw a curveball into the Red Sox rotation.
Tim Wakefield�s sore shoulder has messed up their plans.
Things are a lot more dicey now, and it�s not because Sox manager Terry Francona was counting on Wakefield to dazzle the Colorado Rockies in Game 2 tonight.
Wakefield hadn�t pitched well since late August and he�s never really been much in the postseason. At this point, young Jon Lester is probably more reliable than the 41-year-old knuckleballer.
Problem is, Lester won�t pitch until Game 4 on Sunday. It should be a dramatic moment, having his 2006 season cut short by cancer, then coming all the way back to pitch in the World Series. You know FOX will milk every possible bit of drama from that story.
Lester has pitched well in big games. (Of course, none as big as the World Series.) He is coming off an impressive ALCS performance of three shutout innings in relief. He should be fine.
The impact of the injury isn�t Lester replacing Wakefield. It�s having Curt Schilling pitch tonight on four days� rest.
Is anyone concerned about this?
Francona had hoped he wouldn�t have to do this in the postseason and for two series he didn�t. He hoped that Wakefield would be able to pitch, buying two extra days� off for the 40-year-old Schilling.
This is what happens when you�re carrying a couple of 40-somethings in the rotation. You get their experience, but the tradeoff is accommodating their special needs and deteriorating bodies.
That hasn�t any big deal so far in the playoffs. All those extra days off have meant that everyone has plenty of rest.
Starting tonight that begins to change.
Schilling his pitched on four days� rest � normal time off between starts in a five-man rotation � just once since coming back from the shoulder problems that put him on the shelf for six weeks in midseason.
He lost that game, but pitched well, giving up just one run on five hits in six innings against Tampa Bay on Sept. 10.
Since then, his rest between starts has been five days, eight days, 11 days and six days twice.
His velocity isn�t what it once was, but he has shown he can reach the low 90s with sufficient rest.
The Sox have obviously done everything in their power to make sure he gets that rest.
The Sox skipped his last start of the regular season so he would be ready to face the Angels in Game 3 of the ALDS. They were more concerned with making sure he was strong for the start than any rust he might accumulate by not pitching in almost two weeks.
The move worked as Schilling pitched seven shutout innings to beat the Angels.
He had six days off before Game 2 of the ALCS. He lasted 4-2/3 innings in that one, giving up five runs on nine hits. The next time out he lasted seven innings and gave up two runs with the Sox beating the Indians in Game 6.
Francona didn�t pitch Josh Beckett on three days� rest in Game 4 because he didn�t think he could handle it. He knew that bringing Beckett back early would have meant having Schilling work with fewer days off than he needed, as well. He clearly didn�t want to do that.
The Sox wanted to keep that schedule intact in the World Series and have Schilling pitch on Saturday before Wakefield�s balky shoulder forced them to change their plans.
Wakefield would�ve worked Games 2 and 6, so he wouldn�t have to worry about whether his knuckleball would do its usual dance in the thin air of Denver. Now, Daisuke Matsuzaka will get the ball in Game 3, putting him in line to pitch Game 7 if it gets that far.
Schilling said it doesn�t matter to him when he starts. He was preparing to pitch Game 2, 3 or 4.
�I�ll be fine,� he said. �I think that a lot of their approach with me was that if you can get the extra rest, good. If not, fine. I mean, mentally I didn�t have to have it. I think it helped. But I don�t think it�s going to have any effect whatsoever on my stuff and my ability to pitch and to win.�
What else is he going to say? That he�s going to bring nothing to the mound?
He might be right, too, but it will be the Colorado Rockies who will determine that.
Contact Paul Jarvey via e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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When a judge orders Madea to do 20 hours of community service at a local retirement home, the residents and staff are not ready for her special brand of "the truth." But all's well that ends well when Madea helps the residents of Easy Rest Retirement Home realize the importance of family, love and forgiveness.
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Huff. Huff. Psshhhhhhh…
It's the cavernous synchronous breathing that catches your ear. Other times, the glimmer of sun reflecting off a dorsal fin in the near distance. And then there is the graceful rise and fall of a pod moving in unison, slicing the chilly waters of the Salish Sea with each breath of fresh air. The tail slap signaling a playful hello.
In a blink of an eye, the mighty creature breaks through the water with a forceful burst of air, displaying striking and dramatic black and white markings…you know you are in the presence of our cherished orcas.
Impressive and fascinating creatures by any measure, there is a mystical quality that draws us to seek out these magnificent marine mammals that have occupied our waters for hundreds of years. A little known fact is that there are two types of orcas cutting through the Pacific Northwest's waters. These two groups are quite different from each other, except in physical appearance. The local Residents stay close to the Puget Sound most of the time, are very social and family oriented and travel in three clans called J, K and L pods.
Even more elusive than the much sought-after Residents, are the other group of killer whales often found plying the protected San Juan waters, the Transients. Unlike the Residents, the Transients cruise up and down the Pacific coast and spend summers in the San Juan Islands. They lead a more solitary life, only forming groups when hunting for prey. While they share the same waters, the Residents and Transients do not intermingle. In fact, Resident orcas will chase Transients out of the area, leaving very few Transients in the area.
With 25 years of experience in the San Juans, we have become experts on these magical mammals. Full of a wealth of information, onboard naturalists are with you the entire voyage, sharing their passion by shouting exuberantly as they sight the orcas. The naturalists are excellent ambassadors for the orcas, by teaching you about the life and habits of the killer whales. Long after you have gone on your trip, you will remember your experience with the whales and will want to ensure that they are protected, so that these captivating creatures will be around for several hundred more years.
Over the next few weeks, we'll be diving into a series of feature articles about these special islands and their inhabitants. The series will give you an inside look at every step of the voyage. From the journey across the Salish Sea, to an up close and personal look at the real locals of the San Juans, to countless opportunities for exploration on the islands themselves. Be the first to know about future installments of our "Discover the San Juan Islands" articles as we unveil them, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and of course check back on Clipper Magazine.
Part 1: The Journey
Part 2: A Day Spent with the Real Locals
Part 3: Exploring Friday Harbor and San Juan Island
Clipper Recommends:
- See the mighty orcas breach, splash and play in their natural habitat on our San Juans Islands Whale Watching & Sealife Search Day Trip.
- Stay overnight on San Juan Island and check out the many delicious restaurants, open air market or experience the great outdoors by bird watching, biking, beach-combing or hiking.


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Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the GW universe, and I haven't made even one red cent from writing about them.
Rating/Warnings: R for sexual scenes and yaoi, predominantly a Heero/Duo story, but the other pilots are included as well.
Lies - Between Friends and Lovers
Prologue - Relena Peacecraft
by Dyna Dee
Slipping out of the confines of her home wasn't as difficult as it should have been. The tricky part was avoiding the security cameras and guards who walked the outside perimeter of the estate. Dressed in dark clothing from head to toe and wearing deck shoes, (the only pair of footwear she owned that didn't have heels) she followed the familiar dark garden path, jumping slightly with a start at the slightest sound, fearing discovery. She had fifteen minutes until the security trip lines were activated in the garden area, so there was no time to waste.
Finally reaching her first destination, the far right corner of the garden and the vine-covered cement wall that surrounded the estate, she fumbled several moments within the dark shadows to find a good foot and handhold. Once she did, she began the cautious climb up the twelve-foot barrier. Though Heero had often complained about the hardy ivy being a security problem, she'd protested cutting it down completely, arguing that the vines had been there for as long as anyone could remember and that the garden looked more lush and beautiful with the large green leaves covering the otherwise unimpressive cement wall. Heero had grudgingly agreed to her request, allowing a limited number of the original vines climbing the twelve foot tall structure that surrounded the Peacecraft mansion to remain intact. The vines on the outside of the wall, however, had been completely eradicated.
Keeping her body as low as she possibly could, she used her forearms to ease her chest and then one leg over the foot wide ledge at the top of the wall where she paused, torso flat with the ledge, but only for a moment. Having readied her self for the next step, she carefully eased the lower half of her body over the outside edge and lowered herself as far down as she could manage until she was hanging on by her manicured fingertips. Having no other hand or foot holds on that side the wall, she mentally crossed her fingers and let go, dropping the remaining distance to the green grass below. She landed with a grunt and a quiet thud, her feet sharply stinging despite having been cushioned by the manicured lawn.
Once her feet stopped stinging, she turned to scan the surrounding area to make sure she wasn't spotted before dashing down the grass-covered mound to the roadway below. She kept to the shadows until she reached the corner of the block, then stepped out onto the sidewalk properly, as nonchalantly as she could manage. With a quick glance behind her to make she the alarms hadn't been sounded, the world around her seemed as it should be, at peace. With a nod of satisfaction, she turned her attention forward to the road she was following. It would, at least temporarily, lead her away from all the obligations and worries she carried throughout the day'.
Walking down the street, lit dimly by the old-fashioned styled streetlights, she breathed in deeply, enjoying the smell of freedom, if only for a few short hours. Slipping a hand into the pocket of her slacks, she reassured herself that the credits she'd pocketed for her late-night snack hadn't slipped out during her climb up the leafy vine ladder. She smiled, touching the folded bills, wondering what type of high-content sugar or salty treat lay in store for her at the all-night convenience store located less than a mile down the lane. Something with nuts and caramel and covered in chocolate perhaps. Yes, she was really quite pleased with herself for the ease of her escape and she intended to enjoy every moment of the evening.
Her smile lingered as she calmly strolled along the avenue, feeling completely safe despite the late hour and the impenetrable darkness beyond the streetlights. Sanq had one of the lowest crime rates in all of Europe, and besides, there were other people walking about, though not in large numbers: lovers strolling arm in arm and young people coming or going to the movie theater or out for a treat, just as she was.
The storefronts she passed were relatively dark, with only a few having a light shining in the display windows or a back room. She fought the urge to pause and peer into the many windows to study the wares on display, knowing she really shouldn't. Having been thoroughly tutored by Heero, she knew she should remain alert to her surroundings, not gazing at pretty trinkets, shoes or clothing. The last thing she wanted to happen on her little late-night escapade was to run into friend or foe, for either one could land her into more trouble than she wanted. Being seen in public at that time of night, alone and without security or a chaperone, would be fruitful fodder for the press. As it was, she would most likely receive a severe scolding from Milliardo in the morning for sneaking out again, after the guards at the front gate informed him, of course. It was something that couldn't be avoided because of the simple fact that it was easier to breakout of the security placed around her home than it was to break in, thanks to Heero and the team he'd retained for her safety. Still, another lecture was a small price to pay for the hour or two of freedom and anonymity.
At one time she would have thought the security measures outlandish, but after being drugged and kidnaped while visiting the colonies a year after the end of the first war, she no longer raised her voice in protest as she might have once done.
Strolling across several street crossings and passing several cafes, restaurants and more stores, thoroughly enjoying her outing, her attention soon became fixed upon the bright lights of the convenience store located no more than half a block ahead. She glanced around to see that she was very much alone on the street, though there were two customers just entering the building she was headed for.
And then something changed. A warning prickle crept up her spine, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She nervously cast her eyes about, looking for the cause of her sudden apprehension. She jumped and stumbled back a few feet when a low, dark shadow streaked across the roadway a few feet in front of her. With a relieved chuckled she let herself relax. It had only been it a cat. With one final glance about her, and seeing no one else in close proximity, she picked up the pace, still feeling rather foolish for having jumped at shadows.
I'm perfectly safe
, she firmly told herself, though she made sure to keep to the middle of the sidewalk, avoiding the alleyways and whatever trouble might lurk in those ink-black depths.
As fixed as she was on her destination, not more than fifty feet away now, she wasn't aware of anything untoward until a strange smelling cloth appeared out of nowhere and was forcefully pressed against her nose and mouth. At the same instant, a strong arm forcefully pulled her body back, pinning her entire backside against a solid chest. She cried out in alarm, but her voice was sufficiently muffled behind the cloth. She struggled with all her might to break free, but her efforts seemed in vain. She was being held almost completely immobile with her arms pinned to her side by the unyielding arm wrapped around chest. She began to panic, realizing her ability to fight back had been effectively thwarted by her assailant by his hold on her.
Heero's stern voice filtered into her mind through the rising panic, telling her to remain calm and think. He had trained her in many tactics for self defense. With that flash of memory she recalled that her legs and feet were still free and could be used as weapons. Then, just as Heero had instructed, she lifted her right leg up and forcefully brought her foot down in an attempt to injure the top of her attacker's foot, breaking the delicate bones so that whomever held her would let go. Her foot, unfortunately, met only pavement, and painfully so, but the pain was quickly dismissed as panic set in once agin. Her heart was racing with fear as she continued to struggle to free herself. Catching a breath became difficult with her mouth hampered by the cloth, and the pungent odor coming from it was now so overwhelming. Fear, greater than anything she'd experienced in a long, long time, closed in on her waning consciousness.
She mentally wailed.
Not again!
Unable to utter more than a grunt, she succumbed to the noxious ordor and slumped against her kidnapper. Her last thought was of Milliardo and Heero, thinking both men were going to be very, very angry with her.
on to part 1
back to fiction
back to dyna dee fiction
back home


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Thresh Build Guide by
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Thresh Build
Essential Stuff
Ap resist
Ability Sequence
Not Updated For Current Season
The masteries shown here are not yet updated for the current season, the guide author needs to set up the new masteries. As such, they will be different than the masteries you see in-game.
What the Heck is dat?
Many of you are going to ask themselves waht I am doing here. pls try this guide before judging.
My focus is on crowdcontrol, in order to do that i need tankiness, remember that you can use the q also to pull yourself to an enemy, use this either to initiate or to escape by hooking to a monster camp. In Lane use your w to pull in the jungler, or to pull your adc to safety, in Teamfight: When you see that the fight is loss, make an escape and pull a ally to safety with the lantern. Back on track, after Lvl 16 you should be close to 5k health so go either for ad or for ap to do damage, remember, that thr e causes you basic atacks to make huge magic damage, keep in ming that the magic damage is increased for the time you are not attacking.
Anyways have fun trying an unusual way of playing Thresh


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Whether it has been Denard Robinson or Noel Devine, Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff have had success recruiting in the state of Florida. Clive Georges is just one of the 2012 Wildca...
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Podcast: Download (Duration: 11:14 — 10.3MB) | Embed
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John Stapleton, Chairman and CFO of El Capitan Precious Metals, Inc. (OTCBB: ECPN), called into SmallCapVoice.com to explain to the listeners that ECPN is an exploration stage precious minerals company based in Scottsdale, Arizona that is principally engaged in the exploration of precious metals and other minerals. The Company's primary asset is its wholly owned subsidiary El Capitan, Ltd., an Arizona corporation, which holds the 100% equity interest in the El Capitan property located near Capitan, New Mexico.
Interviews Tagged ECPN


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Sugar & Spice Trailer (2001)
"Why would the most popular girl in school wear a mask?" 24 January 2001 Comedy, Crime 81 mins
When Jack (James Marsden) and Diane (Marley Shelton) find themselves in an unexpected adult situation, the A-Squad comes to their rescue. In order to help their friend Diane, the A-Squad goes where no cheerleader has gone before: taking on a little after-school project known as bank robbery. But the A-Squad does things their way -- with sugar and spice -- forever changing their friendship, their future and the nation's notion of teen spirit.
Watch the official Sugar & Spice 2001 trailer in HD below or find more Sugar & Spice videos on Vidimovie.


text:
The Sixth Man | 1997
Jump to
First Baptist Church of Windermere
Just as college basketball star Antoine Tyler is about to realize his dream of making it to the NCAA Championships, he dies, leaving his brother Kenny to lead the perenially last place Washington Huskies to victory. Heartbroken, Kenny loses his drive to win until Antoine's ghost appears, determined to take his team from worst to first. Although nobody except Kenny can see or hear Antoine's wise-cracking, prankster ghost, sports reporter R.C. St. John is determined to discover the reason behind the miraculous comeback the Huskies make following the slump that was triggered by Antoine's death. As the team dribbles and slam dunks its way to the championship, the outcome is both comedic and heartfelt as Kenny comes to realize he must ask "the 6th man" to leave the team so he and his teammates can play fair and square.


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Thermal Properties of Matter Multiple Choice Questions Test 6 Tests pdf Download
Practice physics test 6 on thermal properties of matter MCQs, grade 9 evaporation multiple choice questions and answers. Evaporation revision test has physics worksheets, answer key with choices as boiling point, freezing point, in between freezing point and boiling point and at all temperatures of multiple choice questions (MCQ) with evaporation quiz as evaporation takes place at for competitive exam prep. Free physics study guide to learn evaporation quiz to attempt multiple choice questions based test.
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The nature of modernity, and its connection with capitalism, are questions at the heart of contemporary sociological debate. In Capitalism and Modernity, Derek Sayer critically re-examines the answers given by two of the greatest social theorists of capitalism, Karl Marx and Max Weber. He provides a fresh reading of both men's work, and breaks new ground in showing the remarkable relevance of their thought to the modern condition. From behind the well-worn stereotypes of "the Marx-Weber debate" emerges a disturbing critique of modern sociality, subjectivity, and power which has lost none of its intellectual force or moral relevance.
Clearly and compellingly written, Capitalism and Modernity is a major work of original scholarship. As an authoritative yet accessible commentary on a debate central to modern sociology and politics, this work is likely to become a seminal text in social theory.


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|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jun 23, 2009
|Filing date
|Mar 29, 2002
|Priority date
|May 8, 2000
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Phillip Y. Goldman
|Original Assignee
|Microsoft Corporation
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (31), Non-Patent Citations (27), Referenced by (75), Classifications (53), Legal Events (5)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/820,582, entitled "Regulating the Quality of a Broadcast," filed Mar. 20, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. The present application further incorporates the entire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/567,474 by reference herein.
1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to displaying information to viewers regarding the number of other viewers who are watching specified television programs. More specifically, the present invention relates to using a back channel to gather statistics relating to real time viewing behavior and using the gathered information to modify electronic program guides (EPGs) so as to inform viewers of the number of other viewers who are watching the television programs.
2. Background and Related Art
Historically, television has been a source of entertainment for the general public and a medium through which an enormous number of individuals can be reached. During recent years, cable television systems and digital satellite broadcast systems have greatly increased the number of television channels that are available to viewers. Selecting from among tens or even hundreds of television programs can be daunting. Viewers typically attempt to find interesting programs by flipping through channels. Unfortunately, this practice is time consuming and often annoys other viewers who happen to be watching the same television. There is therefore a need for a means of more quickly locating programs of interest.
Television directories have been developed to simplify the process of determining which television programs are being broadcast. Such television directories are published in weekly printed guides or, more recently, using electronic program guides displayed to viewers on the television screen. Electronic program guides enable viewers to conveniently find programs that may be of interest and to manage the functionality of the television system by, for example, tuning to or recording the desired program.
Although television directories are a useful resource for television viewers, conventional electronic program guides and other directories are limited due to the fact that viewers using electronic program guides have been isolated from the rest of the viewing public. For example, as a viewer scrolls through the listings of an electronic program guide, the viewer has no reliable way of knowing which programs will turn out to have been extremely popular or to have been viewed by the friends or acquaintances of the viewer. In hindsight, viewers often wish they could have viewed programs that were particularly interesting. For example, a viewer might feel excluded when friends or coworkers are excitedly discussing a program the viewer missed the night before. Such a viewer would benefit from a system that would alert him or her to programs that relatively large numbers of other viewers are watching.
One of the reasons for which electronic program guides have typically operated in isolation from the rest of the viewing public is that the technology that has been conventionally used to gather viewing statistics does not operate in real time. In one current method of gathering such statistics, members of the viewing public are paid by businesses to record in logbooks the television channels they watch during a sample period of time and then mail the logbooks to a central location after the completion of the sample period. More recently, this basic technique has been enhanced with systems that electronically record viewing behavior. In either case, however, the process of gathering and processing this viewing data introduces latency on the order of hours or days. This method is useful for gathering historical data associated with viewing behavior, but is clearly not useful for informing real time viewing decisions.
The present invention relates to systems and methods for utilizing a back channel as a feedback system to reveal what other television viewers are watching at a given moment. More specifically, the present invention is directed to tracking viewer behavior information at home entertainment systems corresponding to specific television programs broadcast, transmitting the tracked information as feedback across a back channel, and using the viewer behavior statistics to display information on electronic program guides regarding the number of viewers who are watching currently-broadcasted television programs.
Implementation of the present invention uses a back channel as a feedback system that obtains and reports actual information as to what and how a broadcast is being used. The implementation may take place in association with a set-top box, cable or satellite box, television set, personal computer, or any other device that is included in a home entertainment system and has the processing capabilities to perform the operations disclosed herein. In one implementation, addressable set-top boxes track user behavior information and send the information in real time through the use of a back channel. Alternatively, the user behavior information is periodically uploaded from the set-top boxes to a satellite link.
Because the process of gathering the viewing statistics is in real time or nearly so, the improved feedback gives television viewers more accurate, readily identifiable information on program viewer data. For example, an EPG displays a list of currently (or recently) broadcast programs. The EPG display includes some visible indicia that specifies the absolute or relative number of other viewers who are watching the corresponding programs. The user may then select and view programs corresponding to certain color or iconic indicia. Any of a variety of visible indicia can be used on the EPGs, including color, size, order, brightness, etc., to indicate the absolute or relative numbers of viewers who are viewing the corresponding programs. In this manner, a viewer can look at the EPG and determine, for example, which group of currently-broadcasted programs is the most popular and then select from among this group.
The improved feedback mechanism also allows a form of television "chat", similar to what is found in popular instant messaging software data such as Microsoft's MSN Messenger, or America Online's AOL Instant Messenger, etc. In this case, a viewer may subscribe to a group of "buddies", or a viewing preference group. When one of the viewer's buddies watches a particular program, the EPG displays a specific color-code or icon associated with the show the buddy is watching (or has watched), assuming the buddy takes no effort to block his viewing habits. Thus, subscribers to a particular buddies group may be alerted to shows that other buddies—having similar viewing interests—are watching. The viewer may then simply watch the alerted program, or simultaneously engage the buddy in a form of television chat.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The present invention relates to systems and methods for utilizing a back channel as a feedback system to reveal what television viewers are watching at a given moment. As the viewing behavior statistics are gathered in real time, the EPGs displayed to viewers can be modified to indicate which of the currently-broadcasted programs are the most popular. The EPG can be modified in any of a various ways that communicate to viewers the absolute or relative number of other viewers who are watching the television programs corresponding to the EPG listings.
As under herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "number of viewers" when used to describe the viewing behavior or viewer activity associated with television programs, extends to absolute numbers of viewers, relative numbers of viewers, percentage of the viewing public, or any other metric that can indicate a degree to which a television program is being viewed, and is not limited to an absolute number of viewers. The "viewing behavior" associated with television programs extends to any viewer activity associated with television programs, including tuning and display of a television program that may be viewed in real time, recording a television program, scheduling a future recording of a television program, and setting a reminder to be displayed to a viewer for a television program indicating that the television program is to be broadcast. As used herein, the term "television" extends to any display device or system on which broadcast programming is displayed, and includes conventional television sets, personal computers or special purpose computing devices and their associated display devices on which broadcast programming can be displayed, or other such display device. The term "home entertainment system" extends to systems that include a television as defined herein along with a processing device that can perform the methods disclosed herein for monitoring the viewing behavior of the viewer, regardless of whether the system is included in a residence, a business, etc.
Embodiments within the scope of the present invention include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise physical storage media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, such a connection is also properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions.
The invention will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by set-top boxes or other computers. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.
The methods for using the back channel to gather viewing behavior information in real time will be discussed below, followed by a description of various techniques for modifying the display of an electronic program guide to show the number of viewers who are watching specified television programs.
1. Tracking Viewer Behavior Information
In one embodiment, the tracked information is transmitted via a back channel to the signal source. In another embodiment, the tracked information is transmitted via a back channel to a clearinghouse system. Furthermore, in one embodiment the information is tracked anonymously such that the identity of the viewers is not disclosed.
While the illustrated embodiment provides signal source 80 as a single entity, those familiar with the art of transmitting a broadcast can appreciate that a signal source may comprise a system of entities. For example, a central broadcast facility may broadcast to a variety of local facilities that in turn broadcast to home entertainment systems. As such, the feedback across the back channels can take place between the home entertainment systems and the local facilities and/or between the local facilities and the central broadcast facility. Furthermore, the dynamic restructuring of the broadcast can take place at any level of the broadcast transmission, including at the central facility or at one or more of the local facilities.
Home entertainment system 90 tracks each time broadcast 88 is output, recorded or otherwise utilized at home entertainment system 90, by generating viewer behavior information to indicate that the broadcast 88 was output, recorded or otherwise utilized at home entertainment system 90. The viewer behavior information may further indicate how the broadcast 88 was output, recorded or otherwise utilized at home entertainment system 90.
In one embodiment, data that is used to generate the tracked information is made available through the use of a data source. The data source is used to correlate the state of the television (e.g., the channel to which the television is tuned) to information identifying particular television programs. In this manner, the particular television program to which the television is tuned can be identified.
One example of a data source is an electronic program guide. EPGs are widely commercially available, and general concepts relating thereto will be understood by those skilled in the art. An EPG, for example, can be employed that is tailored to include programming information specifically selected for use with the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced with substantially any existing data source. In a further embodiment, the EPG data is kept current at home entertainment system 90 by updating the EPG data at home entertainment system 90. The updating of EPG 97 can take place in a number of ways. By way of example, EPG 97 could be updated via direct-dial communication over standard telephone lines, a satellite communication system, a cable system, or over a network, including the Internet. The updating information can come from a variety of sources such as from a clearinghouse system 100, as indicated by EPG data 108, or from a separate source, including the signal source 80.
The amount and type of information available through an EPG is diverse, yet specific. The information can include any information related to the broadcast being received such as the provider of the broadcast, the type of broadcast, the date and time that the broadcast is being provided, the origination of the broadcast, and the manner in which the broadcast is being supplied. By way of example, and not limitation, the EPG information may include information specific to one or more programs of the broadcast such as the title of a program, the episode, the director of the program, the performing actors, program ratings, etc. The information may also include information specific to a channel of the broadcast that is tunable at the home entertainment system 90, such as the channel number, the call letters of the station, the network affiliation, the transmission frequency, the origin of transmission, etc. The information furthermore may include other descriptive information specific to the broadcaster or subscriber, such as whether the signal originates from a local station, a network station, a cable station, or a satellite station, the location of the subscriber, the date subscribed, etc.
Therefore, information describing the viewing behavior (e.g., tuning, display, recording, scheduled recording, or setting a reminder) associated with particular television programs is tracked at home entertainment system 90. The tracking may be initiated upon the occurrence of an event performed by a viewer of home entertainment system 90. In this description and in the claims, the term "event" encompasses an instructional input received by a home entertainment system, whereby video data corresponding to broadcast 88 is output, recorded or otherwise utilized at home entertainment system 90. The input may be entered by the viewer or some other source. The term "event" also extends to other changes in programming displayed on the home entertainment system without viewer input, one example being the beginning of a scheduled program on an already-tuned channel.
Once an event occurs, home entertainment system 90 couples the occurrence of the event with information specific to the program output, recorded, or otherwise utilized. This may include, for example, coupling unique IDs from an EPG to an occurrence of an event. The IDs identify such information as the program viewed and the channel tuned. Thus, a processor 94 at home entertainment system 90 that is coupled with computer-executable instructions represents one example of means for generating viewer behavior.
Depending on the type and volume of viewer behavior information that is desired to be tracked, specific data corresponding to the broadcast can be requested remotely. In general, the type of viewer behavior is at least sufficiently detailed to enable the system to determine the television program, if any, that is being displayed on the television. For example, the operator of central clearinghouse 100 to which the viewer behavior information is to be sent might decide that the desired types of information from the EPG that are to be included in the viewer behavior information are a channel ID, a subscriber ID, a program ID and title, the city and state of the channel, and the current date and time. Thus for each event, the foregoing information contained in the appropriate data fields of the EPG and information otherwise maintained at the home entertainment system is identified and stored as an instance of viewer behavior information.
Although the information used to compile the tracked viewer behavior information can be conveniently retrieved from a signal source as described above, the information can alternatively be retrieved directly from data transmitted on a signal. For instance, data is often encoded in the vertical blanking interval of a television signal. In other situations, an entire channel can be dedicated to transmitting data on a signal. In any of these cases, the encoded data can represent a description of a broadcast.
As the viewing behavior information is generated and compiled at home entertainment system 90, the information is transmitted in substantially real time so that the information can be used to modify the EPGs used by other viewers so as to show the number of viewers who are watching particular television programs. However, in an embodiment in which scheduled recordings are tracked, scheduled recording or reminder information can be transmitted to a clearinghouse system 100 at any time after the viewer has scheduled the recording or the reminder. An advantage of the scheduled recording or reminding embodiment is that when a viewer tunes to the guide at broadcast times, the guide data is already preliminarily filtered on the basis of the scheduled record or remind events. As the broadcast continues, the guide data can be updated as the system receives more data about what programs viewers are actually watching. As described above, the tracked viewer behavior information generated at home entertainment system 90 is transmitted as feedback across a back channel, as illustrated in
The back channel used to transmit the viewer behavior information can be any communication link established for transmitting data upstream to the signal source 80 or clearinghouse system 100. In embodiments that use a cable television system to distribute the broadcast signal, the back channel can be the cable infrastructure connecting the cable head end with individual home entertainment systems. In embodiments that use a digital satellite broadcast system or a terrestrial antenna system to distribute the broadcast signal, the back channel can be a telephone connection between a set-top box or other processing device at the home entertainment system and the signal source 80 or clearinghouse system 100. In this case, the telephone connection can be either directly to the signal source 80 or clearinghouse 100 or to a server on the Internet.
Since the viewer behavior information is used to present information relating to the number of viewers watching particular television broadcasts, the methods of generating and transmitting the information is typically practiced in a plurality of networked home entertainment systems.
Each home entertainment system of
The tracked viewer behavior information 98 of each home entertainment system 90 is transmitted to one or more locations that are generally remote with respect to the home entertainment systems 90. When the one or more remote locations comprise a clearinghouse system 100, a storage device 104 gathers the tracked information from the myriad of home entertainment systems 90. The tracked information arrives at the one or more remote locations in a format that is usable or close to being usable, because it can include information that identifies and describes programming displayed, rather than merely including a channel number.
With reference to
The processing of the tracked information includes an analysis of the data in order to enable the EPGs to be modified. Once the viewing behavior information is processed at clearinghouse system 100 the results, illustrated as information report 109, is provided to an entity that modifies the display of the electronic program guides. There are at least two basic ways in which the EPGs can be modified according to the invention. In a first embodiment, the raw viewing behavior information that enables the EPG to be modified is transmitted to the home entertainment systems, enabling a set-top box or another processing device to process the viewing behavior information and modify the graphical user interface on which the EPG data is displayed. Thus, this embodiment enables the individual home entertainment systems to modify the EPGs.
In a second embodiment, the viewing behavior information is processed by an EPG data source, which processes the viewing behavior information and the other data associated with the EPG so as to define an EPG user interface image that shows the number of viewers who are watching particular television programs. The processing of the data is generally similar in each of these two embodiments, although in this second embodiment, much of the processing is performed centrally rather than in a distributed manner at the individual home entertainment systems.
As shown in
Report 109 is sufficiently detailed to enable the electronic program guide to be modified to indicate the number of viewers who are watching particular television programs or who are engaged in other viewing activities. The level of detail included in report 109 depends on the level of detail that is to be displayed on the EPG. If the EPG is to be modified to simply show a ranking of, for example, the top ten currently-broadcasted programs in terms of viewership, report 109 can merely include information defining this ranking. If, however, the EPG is to display the absolute number or percentage of viewers associated with each television program, report 109 includes more detailed statistical information that enables the EPG to be modified in this manner. As will be further described below, the EPG can be modified with even more information, including the identity of "buddies" and the television programs that such buddies may be watching. In this situation, report 109 includes correspondingly more information and can be tailored to specific viewers having specific buddy lists.
2. Modifying EPGs to Show Viewing Behavior
In this example, "Survivor" on channel 11, is ranked first in terms of the numbers of viewers watching the program. In percentage terms, "Survivor" currently is being viewed by approximately 21% of the viewing public. In this example, the remaining programs of the list of top ten programs are also ranked in order of viewership and have an associated percentage of viewers displayed on EPG 200.
It should be understood that
In another embodiment, the home entertainment system can be programmed to force-tune to any program that has a viewership greater than a selected threshold. Thus, if the viewer elects to take advantage of this feature, the viewer activates the feature in the set-top box or other processing device, such that when a percentage of the viewing public higher than the threshold percentage has tuned to a particular program, the viewer's television will also be forced to tune to the same program. This feature enables the viewer to reliably view any highly popular program, which, depending on the selected threshold, is likely to be an important or memorable television program.
One embodiment of the invention is adapted for use with instant messaging or chat sessions with individuals who are also watching television programs. Various companies, such as Microsoft Corporation and America Online, offer instant messaging services that allow people connected to the Internet to send instant messages to one another. Instant messaging systems typically allow a viewer to receive a message alerting him or her that a friend is currently connected to the Internet. In a typical example, each client creates a list of friends, or "buddies." In conventional systems, when the client connects to the Internet, a server communicates with the client to determine whether any of the listed friends are also connected to the Internet. If so, the server notifies the client. The server periodically checks for friends and announces their presence should they log on.
As shown in
Where privacy is a concern, joining a group requires some form of permission from members of the group and/or from the entity that set up the group. Some viewers may not want others to know what they are watching. Thus, one embodiment of the inventions allows viewers to configure their televisions to block messages that report their viewing behavior information or to prevent their identity from being associated with the viewing behavior information.
3. Exemplary Operating Environment
The invention has been described above in the context of televisions having associated set-top boxes or processing devices that generate viewing behavior information and also in the context of modifying EPGs to display the number of viewers who are watching particular television programs. A specific example of a suitable set-top box or processing device that can be used with the invention is described below in reference to
In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented in combination with a system that uses a conventional television screen or other display unit to display information and includes a set-top box or a similar processing device that has been adapted to perform the operations that have been described herein.
In the embodiments in which buddies are listed, the report 109 of
In one embodiment, viewers can sign up to be notified immediately if a selected buddy changes channels. For example, one member might be notified when a friend switches to a different program. The viewer behavior information reports only indicate that a buddy has changed channels if the buddy remains tuned into the given channel for a specified time period, such as one minute, to avoid unnecessary messages that might be initiated by channel surfing, display or a conventional computer monitor. An audio output module 76 communicates with audio system 16 using an audio link 34 to enable audio system to render the audio data. Similarly, a video output module 74 communicates with display device 14 using a video link 32 to render the video images.
Processing device 10 includes a user input interface 24, which receives input from an input device 26, such as a remote control, keyboard, microphone, or any other device capable of generating electronic instructions for processing device 10. Input device 26 is communicatively coupled to processing device 10 over an input link 28 so as to enable such control. Input device 26 is particularly useful in systems that provide access to the Internet or provide "chat" or other messaging capabilities.
The operation of processing device 10 is controlled by a central processing unit (CPU), illustrated as processing unit 36, which is coupled to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 38 and uses computer-executable instructions implemented in software and/or hardwired logic circuitry. Processing unit 36 and ASIC 38 are coupled via a system bus 40, which also interconnects various other system components, such as the system memory 42, mass storage interface 44, user input interface 24 and signal input 18. Processing unit 36 executes software designed to implement features of processing device 10 including the EPGs and the viewing behavior information generating features discussed herein. ASIC 38 contains circuitry that is used to implement certain functions of processing device 10. Instructions, data, and other software necessary for the operation of processing unit 36 and ASIC 38 may be stored in the system memory 42, such as in read-only memory (ROM) 46 and/or in random-access memory (RAM) 48, and/or in a mass storage device 50, which is coupled to mass storage interface 44. ROM 46, RAM 48 and mass storage device 50 are communicatively coupled to ASIC 38 so as to be readable by ASIC 38 and so that data may be written from ASIC 38 to RAM 48 and possibly mass storage device 50.
Mass storage device 50 may be a magnetic hard disk 52 or any other magnetic or optical mass memory device that is capable of storing large amounts of data. Any desired computer-readable instructions or data, including application programs 54, and other program modules 56. Application programs 54 include the EPGs described herein. In systems that provide access to the Internet or chat or instant messaging features, processing device 10 communicates with a remote computer 60 via a wide area network (WAN) 62 by including a serial port interface 64 that is interposed between the system bus 40 and a modem 66, a wireless link, or other means for establishing communications over a WAN that may be internal or external to processing device 10.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
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|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Mar 29, 2002
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|Fee payment
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text:
United Community Ministries (UCM) is a perfect example of a nonprofit which is solely focused on the community. Instead of specializing in one specific field, UCM has a multitude of programs ranging from a focus in youth & childhood education to aiding community members in times of crisis. UCM continually helps families, children, and individuals break the cycle of poverty and make communities stronger.
United Community Ministries (UCM) is an extraordinary agency that provides exemplary programs and services for indigent children, youth, adults, and families in a comprehensive and holistic fashion. For more than four decades, UCM's programs have empowered, uplifted, and inspired vulnerable residents in the mount Vernon Community.
UCM's service to the community is long standing and far reaching. Its wide array of programs which each address critical needs help build stronger individuals, families and ultimately, communities. I have always been particularly impressed with the work UCM does to support children - the Bryant Early Learning Center prepares children to enter kindergarten ready to succeed; Healthy Families programs are effective in promoting positive parenting and reducing child abuse; and UCM's Community Centers at Sacramento and Creekside Village provide safe places for youth during out of school hours where they can participate in tutoring and leadership development activities. UCM is a tremendous asset to the community - as a social work professional, they have my wholehearted support.
UCM has provided much needed services for a very diverse population for over forty years. It is difficult to comprehend were the needy families and children would be without the emergency services provided by this trusted agency. The longevity of the helpful staff speaks to the compassion and selflessness this organization employs both within and to the community. Thank you UCM for all that you have done and continue to do. Felicea
I have had patients who needed help with basic necessities for children or themselves and UCM is always there as a referral. They may have come in to me with their broken bone but medical help was not all what they needed. UCM is always there to help with the 'realiites' of daily living. Thank you for all your help in the community!
As a social worker with a private agency I was always limited in the types of assistance I could provide clients. But, thankfully, I could refer people to UCM with the assurance that their needs would be addressed wisely and knowledgably. Over many years I have seen this agency grow into a better and better organization, with services that really address the needs of an increasingly needy and growing community. UCM has my total respect.


text:
This outdoor thermometer has extra - large figures.
No more tiny, illegible figures and complicated assembly of thermometers.
This outdoor thermometer has extra - large figures and can therefore be read from quite a distance.
Simply attach to the outside of the window. The outdoor thermometer clings to the window due to the big suction pad-there is no easier way!
Temperature scale in Fahrenheit and Centigrade.


text:
Reports suggest that, Rapper Tinny lost his father, Mr. Ricky Tetteh Quaynor on Saturday, February 14 after he succumb to cancer.
In an interview with GHBase, Tinny said the late before his death had been battling cancer for a long. He added that his father has been his producer since day one of his career and will miss him.
"He died of cancer. He has been battling with it for some time now until just 5 minutes ago – he left the body into eternity. He died at the Labadi Polyclinic. He is the one who has 'executively' produced me right from Makola Kwake till date. He has been my backbone all these years. It's sad but the lord knows best. I shall fill you in later" he said.


text:
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Nick Invites the '90s to Comic-Con
Nickelodeon and its library programming block The Splat are opening the vaults for a slime-tastic, immersive experience at Comic-Con International in San Diego (July 21-14). Based out ... Continue Reading →
'Miles from Tomorrowland' Charts Star-Studded Season 2
Season two of its Emmy-nominated animated series Miles from Tomorrowland will launch on Monday, June 20 on Disney Channel (9 a.m. ET), and the intergalactic CG adventures will be packed ... Continue Reading →
Weird Al Yankovic Stars in Disney XD's 'Milo Murphy's Law'
Legendary satirist and Grammy-winning recording artist Al Yankovic (a.k.a. "Weird Al") will provide the voice of the titular hero for Disney XD's Milo Murphy's Law — an ... Continue Reading →
'7D' Season Two Sees Osbourne Family Reunion
An interesting roster of notable guest stars are lined up for season two of Disney XD's The 7D — a comedic take on the Seven Dwarfs –which kicks off Saturday, January ... Continue Reading →
New Animated Series and Specials Coming to Adult Swim
Adult Swim has announced its programming plans for 2015-16, which includes 30 new original series, specials and pilots joining its slate of returning hits. "Adult Swim has always ... Continue Reading →
Star Voicers Join Graverobber's 'Beef Sumo' Project
Indie shingle Graverobber Productions announces that some of the most prolific actors in the voiceover business have signed on to its popular Kickstarter series project, The Beef Sumo ... Continue Reading →
Disney Junior Re-Ups 'Miles from Tomorrowland'
Disney Junior has ordered a second season of the year's No. 1 preschool series Miles from Tomorrowland. The show charts the outer space missions of young adventurer Miles Callisto ... Continue Reading →
'Miles from Tomorrowland' Launches on Disney Junior Feb. 6
Disney Junior will debut a new intergalactic adventure series, Miles from Tomorrowland, on Friday, February 6, on Disney Channel. The launch will comprise four back-to-back episodes ... Continue Reading →
Disney Goes for Second Helping of '7D'
Disney has ordered a second season of hit animated comedy The 7D, which takes a comedic look at the classic Seven Dwarfs as seen in the studio's Snow White film. The show currently ... Continue Reading →


text:
Absolute Beginners: Irish Tenor Banjo
Absolute Beginners: Irish Tenor Banjo
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Manufacturer Description
The Absolute Beginners Irish Tenor Banjo book tells you whatever you need to understand about playing this special instrument from the very first moment you choose it up. Including helpful and useful overviews of whatever from holding your Tenor Banjo to playing your first tunes, this book and accompanying download card will take you through your start stages and beyond. Beginning with a short history of the instrument, the book takes you through the anatomy of a Tenor Banjo, how it's tuned and how to hold it, before getting you playing and choosing. The book continues by teaching you the D Major scale and fundamental rhythm, then carries on to your first tunes. The inclusion of genuine songs (in notation and tablature) from the very starting helps you to put what the theoretical ideas that you've found out into context, developing your musicality as well as your knowledge. As you are introduced to more strings, more scales and more tunes, you will see how Tenor Banjo players utilize ornamentation to decorate their playing and make it more musical and more fun.With helpful, detailed explanations of each principle, clear images throughout and brief musical passages transcribed in basic notation and tablature, the Absolute Beginners Irish Tenor Banjo guide book will teach you the fundamentals and get you playing some really enjoyable tunes at the very same time. The special download card that accompanies this book includes over 60 demonstrations of each tune taped by the author to help you choose and pluck your method through every note. It's basic to utilize, all you have to do is download each track to your computer system and listen as you go through.If you have actually constantly wished to learn Irish Tenor Banjo however have actually never ever been able to discover a thorough approach, or you've simply discovered its remarkably unique sound, this edition of the Absolute Beginners series is for you. With reliable guidance and a conveni
Product Features
Sheet Music, Downloads Banjo