text:
Patent application title: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SIMULATING A PROXIMITY-BASED TRANSACTION DEVICE
Patrik Smets (Nijlen, BE)
Patrik Smets (Nijlen, BE)
Eddy Lodewijk Hortensia Van De Velde (Leuven, BE)
Duncan Garrett (London, GB)
Duncan Garrett (London, GB)
David Anthony Roberts (Warrington, GB)
Mastercard International Incorporated
IPC8 Class: AG06K19073FI
USPC Class:
Class name: Registers records conductive
Publication date: 2011-02-24
Patent application number: 20110042465
Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are published SIGN UP
Reference equipment including a reference card and a reference reader is
provided for testing electronic payment devices such as cards and card
readers. The reference equipment includes reference cards and reference
readers that respectively can be used to verify compliance of product
cards and product readers with product specifications The product
specifications may, for example, be the ISO 14443 Standard specifications
which are commonly accepted in the electronic payment industry The
reference equipment is designed to enhance interoperability of product
payment devices whose functional behaviors may vary because of vendor
customization of device specifications or due to manufacturing tolerances
In some embodiments, the reference equipment includes a reference card
for testing card readers The exemplary reference card can comprise a
current mirror to permit an electronically adjustable variable load using
an external controller The reference card electronic circuit can exhibit
variable load conditionsClaims:
1. A reference card for testing card readers that are used to read a set
of several different types of contactless payment cards that are deployed
in an electronic payment system, the set of different types of payment
cards exhibiting a corresponding set of diverse behaviors, the reference
card electronic circuit comprising:a current mirror having electrically
programmable parameters;a control input node coupled to said current
mirror, said input node capable of being connected to an external
controller programmed to alter said electrically programmable parameters;
andwherein said reference card electronic circuit is configured to
exhibit load conditions that simulate behavior of more than one types of
contactless payment cards in the electronic payment system to the card
reader under test.
2. The reference card of claim 1 wherein the reference card electronic circuit comprises an antenna having a resonant frequency tuned to any one of 13.56 MHz, 16.1 MHz, and 18 MHz.
3. The reference card of claim 2, wherein the variable load represents a maximum card power consumption in a worst case scenario to the card reader under test.
4. The reference card of claim 1, further comprising:a manually selectable load switching device;a set of load simulating elements coupled to said load switching device, said load simulating elements including at least one variable resistive load and one non-linear load;whereby one or more of said load simulating elements are activated by the manipulation of said manually selectable load switching device.
5. The reference card of claim 4, wherein said manually selectable load simulating device is a jumper connected to a plurality of diodes.
6. The reference card of claim 1, further comprising an external load input port capable of being connected to en external load.
7. The reference card of claim 1, wherein the reference card electronic circuit is configured to transmit information to the card reader under test using different-levels and shapes of load modulation.
8. The reference card of claim 1, wherein said reference card is configured to induce noise in the transmitted information.
[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent applications No. 60/948,099 filed on Jul. 5, 2007; 60/948,087 filed on Jul. 5, 2007, and 60/948,093 filed on Jul. 5, 2007. All of the aforementioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
[0002]Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are small integrated circuits (ICs) connected to an antenna, which can respond to an interrogating RF signal with simple identifying information, or with more complex signals depending on the size of the IC. This technology does not require contact or line of sight for communication. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is now economically viable and is deployed in more and more commercial and industrial applications. For example, RFID technology is now widely used for tags on items in warehouses, shops, ID or access cards, etc. In addition, a type of RFID technology has been introduced in the payment card industry (e.g., by MasterCard, American Express and Visa) in the form of "contactless" payment or credit cards embedded with RF or contactless circuitry. These contactless payment cards can be used to make electronic payment transactions via radio communication with an RF-enabled payment terminal. The contactless payment cards can provide consumers with simple, fast and convenient ways to pay for goods and services, for example, in retail establishments, stores or supermarkets.
[0003]Several RF technologies are available for use in contactless payment cards and card readers/terminals. The basic components of a contactless system are the contactless reader (or Proximity Coupling Device (PCD)) and a transponder (or Proximity Integrated Circuit Card (PICC)). The contactless reader is an antenna connected to an electronic circuit. A transponder consists of an inductive antenna and an integrated circuit connected to the ends of this antenna. The combination reader-transponder behaves as a transformer. An alternating current passes through a primary coil (reader antenna) that creates an electromagnetic field, which induces a current in the secondary coil (transponder antenna). The transponder converts the electromagnetic field (or RF field) transmitted by the contactless reader (PCD) into a DC voltage by means of a diode rectifier. This DC voltage powers up the transponder's internal circuits. The configuration and tuning of both antennas determines the coupling efficiency from one device to the other. The transponders may be the contactless payment cards (or payment devices, when not in card form).
[0004]For contactless payment card systems to be economically viable and to gain commercial acceptance, the contactless payment cards must be interoperable at all or most RF-enabled payment terminals, even when the cards and terminals have technological features that are proprietary to specific card providers/issuers, vendors or terminal manufacturers. Industry-wide interoperability is desirable. Towards this end, industry standards organizations and groups (e.g., International Organization for Standards (ISO) and International Electro Technical Committee (IEC)) have formulated voluntary industry standards for implementation of contactless payment technologies. Three such exemplary standards which have been defined by ISO/IEC are the ISO/IEC 10536, ISO/IEC 14443, and ISO/IEC 15693 standards applicable to Close Coupling, Proximity and Vicinity cards, respectively.
[0005]The ISO/IEC 14443 proximity card standards (ISO 14443) have been used for several contactless card deployments worldwide. The targeted range of operations for ISO 14443 proximity cards is up to 10 cms, although this range varies depending on business needs, antenna geometries, power requirements, memory size, CPU, and co-processor.
[0006]The ISO 14443 standards document has four distinct parts. [0007]Part 1: Physical Characteristics, defines the physical dimensions for a Proximity Integrated Circuit Card (PICC). The card is the ID-1 size (85.6 mm×54.0 mm×0.76 mm). This is the same size as a traditional payment card. [0008]Part 2: Radio Frequency Power and Signal Interface, defines key technical characteristics of the contactless IC chips, including items such as frequency, data rate, modulation, and bit coding procedures. Two variations are detailed in Part 2, the Type A interface and the Type B interface. Both operate at the same frequency and use the same data rate, but they differ from one another in the areas of modulation and bit coding. [0009]Part 3: Initialization and Anticollision. Initialization describes the requirements for proximity coupling device (PCD) (i.e., the reader) and the card to establish communication when the card is brought into the reader's radio frequency (RF) field. Anticollision defines what happens when multiple cards enter the magnetic field at the same time, identifying how the system determines which card to use in the transaction and ensuring that all cards presented are inventoried and processed. [0010]Part 4: Transmission Protocols, defines the data format and data elements that enable communication during a transaction.
[0011]For a system of contactless payment cards and card readers to be compliant with ISO 14443, they must meet the requirements of at least some of parts of the voluntary standard. In addition to contactless technologies that are standardized under ISO 14443, a number of proprietary contactless interfaces are also used in the industry (e.g., Cubic's GO-Card and Sony's FeliCa card). With existing card technology deployments, interoperability can be an issue. Card readers deployed by vendors in the marketplace should preferably accommodate several different card types. For example, a desirable card reader would support ISO 14443 Type A and Type B cards, ISO 15693 cards and any additional proprietary card types.
[0012]Interoperability issues can arise even with card deployments that are presumably compliant with a single ISO standard (e.g., ISO 14443). In the ISO 14443 standard, all requirements or specifications related to RF Power and signal interfaces in the contactless card and reader system (i.e., the physical layer in an Open System Interconnection (OSI) model view of the system) are defined using separate standardized tests for cards and for readers. The ISO/IEC 10373 Standard Part 6 (ISO 10373-6) deals with test methods, which are specific to contactless integrated circuit card technology (proximity card). Compliance of contactless cards and readers to ISO 14443 is verified using reference devices. According to ISO 10373-6, a set of "reference" cards (i.e., Reference PICC), which represent the characteristics of contactless cards, is used for measuring specification compliance of a contactless reader. (See, e.g., FIG. 1a). For example, the Reference PICC is used to test the magnetic field produced or transmitted by a PCD, and to the test the ability of the PCD to power a PICC. Similarly, a "reference" reader (i.e., a Test or Reference PCD), which may represent the characteristics of a typical contactless reader, is used for measuring specification compliance of contactless cards. For example, the Reference PCD is used to test the load modulation that is generated by cards during testing.
[0013]FIG. 1b shows the functional tests conducted on a product reader under ISO 10373-6 for testing the power and data links between cards and readers.
[0014]While the separate card and reader compliance test procedures under ISO 10373-6 may ensure that deployed product devices individually have characteristics that fall in either the designated specification range for cards or readers, the procedures do not ensure interoperability in the field. Cards and/or readers verified as compliant may be only marginally so (e.g., by having a characteristic value at the end or edge of a designated specification range). This manner of standards compliance can lead to operational failure in the field. For example, a marginally compliant card may be unreadable or difficult to read using a card reader that is also only marginally compliant.
[0015]Consideration is now being given to ways of enhancing interoperability of electronic payment devices that are used in contactless electronic payment systems. Attention is directed to reducing variations in card and reader properties consistent with commonly accepted standards. In particular, attention is directed to improving standard compliance procedures to enhance interoperability of payment devices.
[0016]The present invention provides reference equipment for testing payment devices that may be deployed in the field for conducting electronic payment transactions. The reference equipment includes reference cards and reference readers that respectively can be used to verify compliance of product cards and product readers with product specifications. The product specifications may, for example, be the ISO 14443 Standard specifications which are commonly accepted in the electronic payment industry.
[0017]The reference equipment is designed to enhance interoperability of product payment devices whose functional behaviors may vary because of vendor customization of device specifications or due to manufacturing tolerances or differences in design approaches. In some embodiments, the reference equipment includes a reference card for testing card readers. The exemplary reference card can comprise a current mirror to permit an electronically adjustable variable load using an external controller. The reference card electronic circuit can exhibit variable load conditions that simulate field use of the several different types of payment cards in the electronic payment system to the card reader under test.
[0018]In some embodiments, the exemplary reference card electronic circuit can comprise an antenna having a resonant frequency tuned to any one of 13.56 MHz, 16.1 MHz, and 18 MHz.
[0019]Furthermore, in some embodiments, the exemplary reference card can be used to allow the variable load to represent maximum card power consumption in a worst case scenario to the card reader under test. Additionally, in some embodiments, the load provided by the exemplary reference card can be non-linear load. Also, the load can be adjusted internally or controlled by external load controller.
[0020]The reference devices may be used to establish acceptable compliance with specifications for issued cards and deployed readers using, for example, the methods disclosed in allowed, related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/182,354. In the disclosed methods, the reference card and reference reader are cross-calibrated to link the operational specifications for the cards and the readers. A suitable selection of overlapping specification ranges or tolerances for proper card and reader functions, enhances the interoperability of the issued cards with a deployed reader, and conversely, the interoperability of deployed readers with an issued card.
[0021]Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.
[0022]FIG. 1a is a block diagram, which schematically illustrates the step of cross-calibrating a Reference PICC with a Reference PCD in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The cross-calibrated Reference PICC and PCD devices are then used for testing the functional properties and specifications of a product contactless payment card and reader, respectively.
[0023]FIGS. 1B1-1B4 is a schematic illustration of the several functional tests of power and data links between contactless readers and contactless proximity cards, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0024]FIG. 2A is a picture of an exemplary PayPass-Reference reader designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0025]FIG. 2B is a picture of an exemplary PayPass-Reference card designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0026]FIG. 2C is a picture of an exemplary Reference CMR Circuit designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0027]FIG. 3A is a circuit diagram of an antenna used in the PayPass-Reference reader of FIG. 2a in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0028]FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of the PayPass-Reference card of FIG. 2b in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0029]FIG. 4 is a picture of an alternative exemplary Reference card (PICC) designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0030]FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an alternative exemplary Reference card (PICC) designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0031]The present invention provides reference equipment for testing product payment devices that are deployed or used in the field for conducting electronic payment transactions. The reference equipment includes reference cards and reference card readers that respectively can be used to verify compliance of product cards and product readers with standard industry product specifications. The reference card and reader devices are designed so that their externally observable behavior is specified. The externally observable behavior is selected to replicate or simulate a nominal range of observed or expected behaviors of product devices deployed in the field. Using these reference devices to test product payment devices promotes interoperability of devices whose functional behaviors may vary due to vendor customization or due to manufacturing tolerances.
[0032]The inventive reference equipment is described herein in the context of implementations of electronic payment systems in which the contactless payment device specifications are intended to conform to a common industry standard such as the ISO 14443 Standard, which further specifies standardized test methods (i.e., ISO 10373-6 Test Methods, Proximity Cards) for verification of the specification of individual contactless payment devices. Recently, assignee MasterCard International Incorporated ("MasterCard") has developed proprietary specifications MasterCard PayPass® ISO/IEC14443 Implementation Specification ("PayPass") for implementation of proximity payment card technologies (e.g., by issuers, vendors or manufacturers of cards and card readers). The PayPass implementation is consistent with the ISO 14443 Standard and provides a convenient example illustrating the principles of the present invention. It will be understood that the selection of the PayPass implementation for purposes of illustration herein is only exemplary, and that the principles of the present invention can be more generally applied to electronic payment devices and systems that operate under other common industry or proprietary standards.
[0033]The PayPass implementation specifications, which may be utilized by different issuers, vendors or manufacturers of contactless cards and/or card readers, provide standard specifications for implementations of contactless payment device technologies. Specific communication protocols requirements are imposed on contactless payment devices, i.e., on cards (PICCs) and readers (PCDs). The PayPass specifications describe, for example, the electrical characteristics of the contactless interface between a PICC and PCD, and the data transfer characteristics of the communications between a PCD and a PICC including the high-level data transmission protocol, detailed signaling, modulation and bit coding schemes, and data formats used in such communications. The PayPass specifications also specify PCD processes and commands available for device functions such as initialization, polling, collision detection, and PICC activation and deactivation, and the state machine of the PICC in such processing functions. The PayPass specifications, therefore, although compatible with ISO 14443, refine these specifications to improve interoperability by restricting options and specifying parameters in a manner consistent with the Reference PICC and PCD.
[0034]The inventive reference equipment may be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed in allowed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/182,357 for enhancing the interoperability of contactless payment devices (i.e., product cards issued to consumers and product readers deployed by merchants). The disclosed systems and methods ensure that individual product cards and readers operate or function in tighter specification ranges than they are permitted to operate in under the ISO 14443 standard. The systems and methods involve cross-calibrating the reference devices (i.e., the Reference PICC and Reference PCD devices), which are used to test specification compliance of individual product readers and cards under the ISO 14443 and ISO 10373-6 standards. The Reference PCD is used to establish a range of observed functional behaviors or parameters ("nominal card range") of the Reference PICC. Product card readers are required to have functional behaviors or parameters that are within this nominal card range as measured by the Reference PCD. Conversely, a Reference PICC is used to establish a range of observed functional behaviors or parameters ("nominal reader range") of Reference PCDs. Product readers are required to have functional behaviors or parameters that are within the nominal reader range when reading the reference card.
[0035]FIG. 1b schematically shows the functional tests conducted on payment devices in the PayPass implementations using cross-calibrated Reference PICC and Reference PCD devices.
[0036]The cross-calibration of the Reference PICC and Reference PCD establishes a relation between the two standard devices, and links the specifications for individual product cards with the specifications for product readers. This avoids interoperability failures that are possible with conventional unconnected or separate testing of card and reader specifications, for example, with the cards and readers that lie at the extreme edges of their respective specification ranges that are allowed under the ISO 14443 standard.
[0037]Exemplary procedures for ensuring or enhancing power, data transfer, and other functional interoperability of product contactless payment devices, which are based on cross-calibrated Reference PICC and PCD devices may involve the following steps: [0038](a) measuring the power provided by a PCD on a Reference PICC, [0039](b) measuring data transmission (e.g., modulation depth, or other signal parameters) on the Reference PICC, [0040](c) testing data reception (e.g., load modulation sensitivity) by a PCD by generating different signals through the Reference PICC. The PayPass-Reference PICC is first calibrated with respect to the Reference PCD to determine the levels and characteristics of the different signals generated by the Reference PICC, [0041](d) measuring the data transmission by a PICC on the Reference PCD, with the Reference PCD parameters set to "average", and the Reference PCD sending value commands to the PICC and with the Reference PCD providing an "average" power level. Both the power level and the command characteristics produced by the Reference PCD are calibrated with respect to the Reference PICC, and [0042](e) checking the data reception and power sensitivity of a PICC using the Reference PCD, with the Reference PCD sending commands with modulation characteristics and power levels at the border of the tolerance interval or range. Again, for setting these extreme values, the Reference PCD is calibrated with respect to the reference PICC.
[0043]In accordance with the present invention, exemplary card and reader reference devices are designed so that their externally observable behavior is specified. The externally observable behavior of reference devices may be selected to replicate or simulate a nominal range of observed or expected behaviors of product devices deployed in the field. Such reference devices (e.g., FIGS. 2a and 2b, PayPass-Reference PCD and PayPass-Reference PICC devices) are utilized in the PayPass implementation. FIGS. 2a and 2b respectively show photographs of physical PayPass-Reference PCD and PayPass-Reference PICC devices that are designed according to the PayPass implementation specifications.
[0044]The exemplary PayPass-Reference PCD and PayPass-Reference PICC are representative of existing deployments of contactless payment technologies. These reference devices are designed for operation with any counterpart product devices, which have functional characteristics that lie within a common industry specification range (e.g., a range allowed by the ISO 14443 standard, or observed in the field). The designs require that the reference devices can operate with all counterpart product devices including product devices whose functional characteristics may lie at the extremes of allowed or observed specification ranges. This design requirement promotes interoperability by permitting testing of all contactless PayPass or PayPass-like product devices. Any issued product card or PICC can be tested against the PayPass-Reference PICC and similarly any deployed product card reader or PCD can be checked against the PayPass-Reference PCD using, for example, the methods described in allowed related application Ser. No. 11/182,354.
[0045]The exemplary PayPass-Reference PCD includes a circular antenna and a Common Mode Rejection (CMR) circuit. (See, e.g., FIGS. 2A-C).
[0046]The antenna, which may be fabricated as a printed coil assembly, has a dual active and dummy windings. The dual windings reduce electric field sensitivity of the antenna. FIG. 3A shows a circuit diagram of the antenna, which, in addition to the dual winding coil, includes a tuning circuit, a matching network and suitable cable connectors (e.g., SMA connectors). The antenna coil, which is designed to resonate at 13.56 MHz, is fitted with a landing zone or plate on which cards may be placed for testing. In the exemplary PayPass-Reference PCD, the landing zone is specified to be at a fixed distance of about 15 cms from the antenna. The coil may also include an additional resistance in series with the antenna coil to enable the Q factor to be adjusted to cater for batch to batch variations. The PayPass-Reference PCD allows sending commands to PICCs when connected to a signal generator. The response from a PayPass PICC can be analyzed using the CMR circuit.
[0047]Table 1 shows a selected set of antenna design parameter values for the exemplary PayPass-Reference PCD.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Input impedance: 50 ohms at 13.56 MHz Coil diameter: 7 cms Physical location: mounted 15 mm below landing zone plate Overall board dimensions: 4724 mils × 3543 mils Coil inductance in free air, <1 micro Henry with no mutual coupling: Number of turns: two, excluding compensation coil Shape: two concentric circles, connected in series Track width: 1 mm Turn spacing: 0.5 mm Q factor: 30 to 35 Resonant frequency: 13.56 MHz ± 7 KHz
[0048]The antenna characteristics are selected to be representative of product reader characteristics observed in the field. For example, PayPass product terminals or readers deployed in the field have been empirically noted to have antenna diameters ranging from about 4 cms to about 10 cms, which corresponds to an average diameter of about 7 cms. Accordingly, the PayPass-Reference PCD antenna diameter is selected to be about 7 cms as representative of readers deployed in the field. Other PayPass-Reference PCD design parameters (e.g., electromagnetic, circuit and physical parameters) also may be similarly selected to make the device representative of readers deployed in the field.
[0049]In operation, a signal of about 600 mW may be fed into the antenna's 50Ω input impedance to generate a magnetic field, which is representative for most PayPass PCDs deployed in the field. The circular antenna creates a symmetric field distribution about the z-axis, which can simplify measurements.
[0050]Further in operation, a 13.56 MHz signal drives the reader coil via the matching network producing high voltages across the coil winding. The 13.56 MHz RF carrier emitted by the antenna can be amplitude modulated. The antenna hardware (e.g., CMR circuits) may allow recovery of the two carrier sidebands at 12.7 MHZ and 14.4 MHZ generated by the load modulation presented by a card or PICC under test. The recovered signal is fed into the CMR circuit to subtract the 13.56 MHz carrier signal and to recover an 847.5 KHz subcarrier signal. The CMR circuit may have any convenient or suitable design. A suitable CMR circuit and its operation are described in allowed related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/182,358 and co-filed on Jul. 7, 2008 U.S. patent application named "Method And System For Detecting a Signal Generated By a Proximity-Based Transaction Device".
[0051]The PayPass-Reference PCD antenna has a high Q factor (˜30-35). The high Q factor causes a significant circuit "ringing" when the carrier is switched off ("pause"). This "ringing" represents the worst case scenario for modulation (i.e., a small antenna with high Q factor). Product readers provide better quality modulation. Therefore, any product card, which operates satisfactorily with the PayPass-Reference PCD under extreme load conditions, is likely to work in the field with deployed product readers.
[0052]It will be understood that the architecture and circuit parameters of the PayPass-Reference PCD and PayPass-Reference PICC devices are selected with consideration of their intended use for testing product devices. A particular architecture of the exemplary PayPass-Reference devices is described herein only for purposes of illustration. Alternate reference devices may have any convenient architecture and design consistent with the present invention as long as their externally observable behavior is similarly specified. It will be understood that choice of the architecture and design parameters for the reference devices is independent of the architecture and design parameters of product cards and product readers. The choice of a particular architecture for a reference device does not impose or require the product devices to have the same or any particular architecture (e.g., antenna layout and resonance frequencies).
[0053]Like the PayPass-Reference PCD, the PayPass-Reference PICC (FIG. 2b) is designed to be representative of product card characteristics observed in the field. The PayPass-Reference PICC has an antenna, which is similar to those found in ID-1 cards, and which like the PayPass-Reference PCD antenna may be wound as a coil on a printed circuit board assembly. FIG. 3b shows a circuit board diagram of the PayPass-Reference PICC. In addition to the antenna coil, the circuit board (referred to as the "PICC circuit") includes tuning circuits, a bridge rectifier, FET Shunt modulators, Zener diode, smoothing circuits, clock demodulators and other signal processing circuits.
[0054]Further, in addition to the PICC circuit, the PayPass-Reference PICC includes a calibration coil, which is mounted about 15 mm above the printed circuit board in a single unified assembly. The unified assembly is designed to analyze the signals as sent out by a PCD. The calibration coil allows analysis of the full frequency content of a PCD signal, which usually cannot be accomplished using the PICC circuit alone, given its limited bandwidth. The calibration coil may be designed based on criteria defined in ISO 10372-6 standards.
[0055]The PICC circuit is designed so that characterization tests of a PCD are always conducted under load conditions which simulate card use conditions in the field. The PayPass-Reference PICC is also designed to send information back to a PCD using different levels of load modulation. For this purpose, the PICC circuit includes a variable load, which is self-adapting to changing magnetic field strength. While sending data back to a PCD, the calibration coil can be used to induce noise and test the receiver quality of the PCD.
[0056]Table 2 lists a set of design parameter values selected for the exemplary PayPass-Reference PICC.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Coil size: 72 mm × 42 mm with 5 mm radius at corners Physical location: mounted 15 mm below landing zone plate Overall board dimensions: 5200 mils × 1890 mils Coil inductance in free air, ~3-4 micro Henry with no mutual coupling: Number of turns: 4 Shape: two concentric circles, connected in series Track width: 0.5 mm Turn spacing: 0.5 mm Resonant frequency: 16.1 MHz ± 50 KHz On board circuitry: rectifier, variable load, modulation circuits
[0057]Further, the values of the parameters of the variable load in the PayPass-Reference PICC are selected based on the maximum power consumption observed in PICCs currently deployed in the field. The maximum power consumption load represents a worst case scenario for a PCD. Currently deployed product PICCs are expected to consume less power than the PayPass-Reference PICC. Future versions of PICCs, which will benefit from evolving low-power semiconductor device technologies, are likely to consume even less power.
[0058]FIG. 4 shows an alternative exemplary Reference card (PICC). This alternative exemplary Reference PICC comprises a single PCB with two coils at one end. The other end to the coils has a circuit that tunes the antenna, rectifies the RF signal, provides a series of load circuits and provides for load modulation of the RF field. Connections are made to a series of SMA connectors at the end farthest away from the coils. Although, a Reference PICC is normally tuned to 16.1 MHz, it is also possible that it will be tuned to other frequencies for specific purposes.
[0059]FIG. 5 shows a circuit diagram of an alternative exemplary Reference card (PICC). The Reference PICC circuit contains the following parts: [0060]1. An antenna and tuned circuit [0061]2. A bridge rectifier [0062]3. A modulator for generating PICC->PCD communications [0063]4. A noise injection circuit [0064]5. Linear Loads [0065]6. A non linear load [0066]7. A pickup coil for sensing PCD communications
[0067]The antenna comprises a 4 turn coil and tuning capacitors (C3,C4,VC1) that resonate the antenna to a specific frequency (13.56, 16.1 or 18 MHz). In order to allow for tuning, an SMA connector, J6, is included. This is in parallel with the tuned circuit and it is important to note that the outer of this SMA is not at local ground potential when the Reference PICC is in use.
[0068]The rectifier comprises a pair of dual diodes, D1 and D11 together with a small capacitor C6. This generates a "DC" voltage from the antenna. C6 does not eliminate ripple from this voltage--it still carries a significant RF component. The aim of C6 is to swamp any small variations in usage caused by minor capacitance changes. It cannot be large or load modulation would be affected.
[0069]The modulator comprises R1, R16, Q8, R10, R5 and J2. The input from a signal source is delivered to the SMA connector J2 which presents an approximate 50Ω load to the source. The signal may go negative but is intended to constitute a positive going signal relative to ground of amplitude of approximately 2.5V peak. The amplitude will vary in use as the amplitude of this signal controls the amplitude of the load modulation generated by the Reference PICC. R10 has been chosen to set the nominal operating point at about 2.5V and R5 chosen to create the nominal 50Ω load at J2. Q8 is a current mirror that presents a varying load on the Reference PICC in accordance with the control signal delivered to the mirror via J2 from an external controller.
[0070]The noise injection circuit comprises R13, R14, R17, C5, R12 and J3. This circuit, intended for future use if required, permits an AC signal to be superimposed on the signal from the modulator, thereby creating noise in the load modulation. This input is designed for "broadband" or "band limited" noise. It is also possible to generate other forms of "noise" by means of the modulator input J2, depending on the type of test being performed.
[0071]The load is selected by using the connector J8. In use, a jumper is either omitted (no load) or connected between pin 1 and one of the other 3 pins, pins 2, 3 or 4 of connector J8. When connected from pin 1 to pin 4, a non linear (stepped) load is selected. This presents a load very similar to that present in a previously described version of the Reference PICC. J8 also permits two other loads to be selected by use of pins 2 and 3. These are resistive (linear) loads. One is a fixed 330Ω load, the other may, subject to Reference PICC configuration, be fitted with a variable or a fixed resistor. Connector J5B permits the connection of an external circuit. This connector is designed for experimental use for other load circuits--for example a voltage regulator or a current sink.
[0072]The non linear (stepped) load comprises all components shown to the right of R4. J7 allows some variation in this load. A jumper is used to short out none, 1, 2, 3 or all 4 pairs of diodes. To implement a load the same as previously described Reference PICC, two pairs of diodes are shorted. This is the usual configuration of the non linear load. J1 is an SMA connector that permits the voltage across the load to be measured. This is used in checking the field generated by a PCD.
[0073]Finally, the pickup coil is formed of L2, TX2, R15, R20 and J9. It is modelled on the coil structure proposed by LETI/CEA--Laboratoire D'Electronique, de Technologie et D'Instrumentation, Commisariat a L'Energie Atomique. This design minimizes the coupling between the main antenna (L1) and the pickup coil (L2). The coupling is frequency dependant, and rises at higher frequencies. The significance of coupling between the coils is twofold. First, strong coupling compromises the measurement of PCD type B modulation and secondly, harmonics generated by the Reference PICC rectifier interfere with measurements. The use of TX2 and a 50Ω load on J9 reduces these effects to the point where they are insignificant. A small amount of high order harmonic distortion will be seen on the J9 connector and although it does not affect the accuracy of measurements, a 50Ω inline filter such as the Mini-Circuits BLP21.4 will remove any trace of harmonics. In use, R20 is not fitted and J9 connected at all times to the CMR, which presents a 50Ω load to the connection. This imposes a small but constant load on the field. A high impedance probe is not needed or used. Finally, in use, the ground of the pickup coil is not connected to the ground of the rest of the circuit. Solder pad ST1 is provisioned in case local ground connection is required.
[0074]The resonant frequency of the Reference PICC coil alters with the applied field strength. As the load increases, either because a low impedance load is used or because the non linear load applies a greater loading, the Q will decrease and the resonant frequency will also decrease. This mimics the behavior seen in many cards.
[0075]While the present invention has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments of the invention are considered merely illustrative, and the invention is limited in scope only as specified in the appended claims.
User Contributions:
Comment about this patent or add new information about this topic:


text:
Arby's is a leading global quick-service restaurant company operating and franchising over 3,400 restaura... more
TOOK FAMILY TO THE ROBINS NEST LAST NIGHT TO CELEBRATE HUSBAND'S BIRTHDAY... ARRIVED AROUND 6:30PM SIGN O... more
FINALLY a safe place for a person with gluten allergies/intolerance to eat with VARIETY!!! You have to ch... more
McDonald's in the USA: Food and nutrition info, franchise opportunities, job and career info, restaurant ... more
Taco Bells official site where you can find more about Happier Hour, Cantina Bell, and Doritos Locos Taco... more
Top Trending Articles
What Extra Services Do Family-Friendly Restau...
Although many restaurants are not child-friendly, there... more
The Top 3 Most Popular Restaurants in America
Learn about the most popular American restaurant chains... more
How to Find the Best Places to Eat in Redondo...
Redondo Beach restaurants offer incredible cuisine. Re... more
San Diego's Best Restaurant is One of the New...
When looking for a new restaurant in San Diego, do not ... more
3 Best Thanksgiving Restaurants Located in Re...
Finding great Thanksgiving restaurants in Redondo Beach... more
© 2015 Local Corporation - US Patent 7,231,405
Some data provided by Acxiom. Questions and Comments?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
my Nutrition
my Fitness
Other Goals
my SparkPoints
Web Search
Articles & Videos Home
Health & Wellness
Health A-Z
Cold & Flu
GERD (Heartburn)
Healthy Heart
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Pain Management
Seasonal Allergies
Weight Loss
Pregnancy & Family
Instant Inspiration
Lifestyle Centers
Beauty & Style
Brides To-Be
Family Wellness
Healthy Home
Pet Health
Senior Health
The SparkPeople Blog
Community Home
Message Boards
Challenge Central
Success Stories
Friend Feed
Advertisement --
Learn more
about ads on this site.
count your blessing
View EVER-HOPEFUL's Sparkpage
View All Blog Entries from EVER-HOPEFUL
Saturday, April 30, 2011
or in other words,be grateful for small mercies,look on the sunny side of the street,remember that the glass is half full not have empty,every cloud has a silver lining and last but not least there is always someone worse off than yourself.etc,etc.if you have more please feel free to add.
yesturday i wrote on my statement i had enough of dr�s and therapists appointments as i had 4 in two days and two of them meant going on trains and getting connections to get there and back,which took tiome and nerves with three children and also the stress and rush of getting from one to the other without being late for the next appointment.i appologise now for that statementb it was generally how i was feeling but i forgot one important thing.even if it is a pain if it wasn�t for theese appointments and therapy myself or my son might not even be here.my appointment for my INR test is nessacary to make sure i am taken the right dosage of my medicine as without the right dosage i am at risck of stroke,heart attack etc which could then even turn into the fact that i could die.do i want to put my family through that.do i want my kids see me have a stroke or a heart attack like i witnessed my mom having when we were alone and i was 9 and not certain what to do when she was lying there motionless.no.so i am greatful for theese test.without zakariya�s physio theraphy twice a week and me continueing it daily at home,would he still be here?would hive lungs have been strong enough when he had his last really bad asthma attack or when he went into anerlethic shock for eating something he shouldn�t?i don�t think so so i should be grateful for them as it is because of his phisio that he can play most of the time like a normal child as he puts it.he biggest wish is to be able to eat chocolate and to play as long and hard as all the normal kids(what today is normal)
also lately i have been down and angry,sad you name it as the untimely death of my cousin.instead i should be grateful that he wasn�t in pain long.i should be grateful that god allowed him to be born in the first place that i had him in my life,was able to love him and have his love.to have all the memories i have .can treasure and when needed pass on at relevant times antidotes and saying like i do often from my nana and tiad.
the same with delwins mom my aunty noreen and my father in law who are both end statium.knowing that has given them and us a chance to accept and say good bye.to be more open with one another,to treasure the time they have left more than we might have done if we didn�t know before hand like with my cousin del.i never had time to say goodbye and tell him what and how much he meant.my aunt and fil now have time to put all their affairs in order to do things they have always wanted to do instead of putting it off and maybe never getting around to doing it,like my fil had done the hajj but never omra(spelt wrong)but he did that end of last year)life to them now is more viberant and real than before they got their diaognosis as they appreciate life more,value it more and don�t waste time on unimportant things.it learns you to get your prioieties right.instead of complaining and saying why them and wasting time on things we can�t change we should make the most of here and now and love appreciate and show the people we love how much we care and what they mean to us.before it is too late.have you someone you think you should phone or talk to after reading this.then do it don�t wait.
there is too much sadness,and tragedgy going on in our world we only have to listen to the news to know that,tsasumie,earth quakes,fires,bombs,war etc,etc but there is also lots of good things going on.like the royal wedding yesturday.i new drug for a certain illness or deciese.a bird singing in the trees,a baby taking its first steps or giving you a smile.the sun shining or not shining depending what your weather taste are.loosing a lb,not loosing but not gaining weight.there are so many,many things.the fact that you woke up today.the fact that you can see to read my blog.here on spark people a lot of people complain about all the advertisements on it but without them we wouldn�t get this site for free we would have to pay goodness knows how much and that i can not afford.without this site i wouldn�t have met all you lovely people.
today i have a challange for you.if for some reason you are feeling down for some reason i want you to stop and think.is this a real reason to be down,can i find something good in it?also remeber it is our hardships and troubles that make us what and who we are,it helps us appreciate the things that go right more.it is not so much what we have in this life it is a question of how we deal with what we have.i am going to write a list of 10 things i can count my blessing .if i wrote them all down i don�t think mine or your computer would have enough storage space.when you have read this go and write your own ten things you are blessed with either in your reply here,on paper or in a blog.lets all count our blessing and smile while we are alive and if you ever catch me feeling sorry for myself or down again please feel free to give me a kick in the you know what
10 of my blessing
1#i am alive
2#my husband and children are alive
3#i have a god who loves me
4#i have a roof over my head
5#i have food on the table
6#clothes to wear
7#family and friends i can turn do when i need to
8#i am relatively intellergent
9#i found spark people
10#it is my birthday tomorrow,so instead of being down for being a year older i am going to be grateful that god gave me another year to live,learn,share and love.
take care and keep smiling and always look on the bright side of life(in the words of monty python)
Report Inappropriate Blog
Member Comments About This Blog Post:
Very nice post, thanks!
Report Inappropriate Comment
Happy Birthday! You are right it is indeed important to focus our energies on the here and now and what is important in life. Thank you again for your inspiring words.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Karen...you are so right...we need to look at what is right instead of wrong! Thanks so much for blog:)
Report Inappropriate Comment
Karen...this is what I love about you!!! you are one amazing woman!!!
in the middle of your problems, you find ways to encourage others....
Report Inappropriate Comment
God is good to each of us!!!
Report Inappropriate Comment
First Happy Birthday, and your blog shows that you are just one year wiser, not older
. I think the biggest thing I took away from your blog is not to feel sorry for ones self but to see the bigger picture. Thanks for the wonderful post.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Assalamu Alaikum!
*Giving you a big hug*
Thanks for reminding us all today!
Report Inappropriate Comment
what a wonderful blog it sure makes you look for the cloud with a sliver lining.
Report Inappropriate Comment
mashallah great one
Report Inappropriate Comment
Happy Birthday !
Many Happy Returns !
We all have so much to be grateful for.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Im sorry to hear about your cousin and the heartbreak in your life, but I commend you for counting the blessings instead of wallowing in the pain.
ps- In case I forget.. Happy Birthday tomorrow.. May this be the best year ever
Report Inappropriate Comment
I always have stressed to people the importance of the things in life that are essential--- the air we breathe, housing, food on tha table, clothing on my back, health, family and friends..
I am sorry you have been struggling but you can overcome anything
Report Inappropriate Comment
Karen, Being frustrated, overwhelmed and upset are all human emotions, and you are entitled to each of them, but you are right we all have much to be thankful for.
YOU are a blessing, full of encouragement and good humour. Thank you for sharing your list of blessings, and know you are on mine!
Wishing you a OUTSTANDING year, full of peace, joy, good health and positive outcomes!
Report Inappropriate Comment
I totally agree and have thought similar many times myself.
Have a wonderful birthday tomorrow!!
Report Inappropriate Comment
Report Inappropriate Comment
Life is a job, everything I have I never take for granted,, utilities, people, cars, home,etc.. I am blessed with them..
Report Inappropriate Comment
Sunday school song...
"count your blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done" no matter what faith, it's the same God.
Happy Saturday, a weekend with the family.
best wishes, Sandra
Report Inappropriate Comment
Wonderful Blog Karen and ohh so true my friend.... We should all be grateful for small blessings and take each day as it comes ...
Happy Birthday my dear friend .. I hope you have a lovely day ... Love and Hugs Susie
Report Inappropriate Comment
Add Your Comment to the Blog Post
Log in
to post a comment.
Advertisement --
Learn more
about ads on this site.
Get An Email Alert Each Time EVER-HOPEFUL Posts
Other Entries by EVER-HOPEFUL
hoping it is a good sign
- 4/16/2015
some more beautiful places in wales.
- 4/2/2015
100 questions
- 3/14/2015
some photos of our walk on sunday
- 3/11/2015
View All Entries


text:
Adrienne Maloof's Potential Spinoff: Former Housewife Has Several "Big Opportunities"
Sadly, we told Adrienne Maloof goodbye at the end of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 3, but it looks like the the reality star could be returning to the small screen pretty soon. She's very busy with her fashion career, but for someone who has always been in the spotlight, her return to TV is almost inevitable.
Wetpaint Entertainment caught up with Adrienne at the Brent Shapiro Foundation Summer Spectacular on September 7 and the former Beverly Hills housewife dished about her family, her business, and her potential spinoff! Check out the interview below and then hit the comments to let us know if you're excited about Adrienne's bright future.
Wetpaint Entertainment: Are you good friends with Bob Shapiro?
Adrienne Maloof: Yes, I have known Bob and Linell for a long time. They're a wonderful family. It's heartbreaking, I know they have three little boys, I can't imagine what they've gone through. They've turned something so tragic into something so positive, so I admire them for that.
What have you been up to?
Very busy summer. Created a new jewelry line called Beverly Hills Gypsy by Adrienne Maloof. You'll see it at Bloomingdale's.
What's a typical day of fashion work?
I have a great partner, number one. Number two, it's everything that my fans love. I know what my fans have wanted. And I have created a very affordable luxury line for them. I'm very proud of it. It takes my artistic design.
What's the latest with your Real Housewives spinoff?
I have several different opportunities I have that I can't talk about, but they're big opportunities. Something along the lines of is what I'm all about is a businesswoman. Giving back philanthropically.
You're not done being in the public eye after what you've been through?
I've been in the public eye my whole life. So I deal with it. But what I want to do is give back and give something positive. There is always drama, there is always drama in life. What I've dealt with the past year and a half has been more than any person could have imagined. My father who passed away when I was very young told me, if they're talking about you, you have to do something positive with that. So I've turned a negative into a positive.
You're hanging out with the kids?
We'll be going in the holiday season to Aspen. They love to ski and do inter tubing, so it's a fun family thing.
Are you still talking with all the Housewives?
I do, yes. Camille is very close to me. She knows what she's gone through in her divorce. I admire her, she admires me. There are nights when I've had to say hey you've gone through this, and only when you go through this is when somebody else can understand. She understands.


text:
Discover how to get the most from your meetings—turning them into productive avenues for communicating, connecting, and accomplishing real work.
Develop your strategic leadership by studying and making insightful connections between your company, your market, and your customer.
Discover how to set up and run effective one-on-one meetings.
Explains how to manage time in order to accomplish more.
"I'm a new subscriber. I'm 10 minutes in and I can't thank you enough. I'm learning what would normally cost me nearly $1,000!" —Melissa K.
more from our members »


text:
Bridge replacement work scheduled this week
The Virginia Department of Transportation has scheduled several days of work related to bridge replacement along I-95 in Henrico County and Richmond. Traffic delays should be expected during the coming week at the following dates and times:
Oct. 18-19 – There will be periodic right lane closures of about 20 minutes on I-95 north and south at Lombardy Street (mile marker 75) and Chamberlayne Ave. (mile marker 82) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to place temporary traffic signs on the side of the highway for the upcoming bridge replacement. Additionally, the left and center lanes will be closed on I-95 north and south between Boulevard (exit 78) and Laburnum Ave. (exit 79) from 8 p.m. Tues. through 6 a.m. Wed. to prepare the crossover for the bridge replacement Oct. 21-24. Oct. 20 – There will be periodic right lane closures of about 20 minutes on I-95 north and south at Lombardy Street (mile marker 75) and Chamberlayne Ave. (mile marker 82) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to place temporary traffic signs on the side of the highway for the upcoming bridge replacement. Oct. 21-Oct. 24 – Beginning at 8 p.m., Oct. 21 at I-95 north/south at Laburnum Ave. (exit 79), both I-95 north and south will have one travel lane in each direction to allow the contractor to replace the southbound sections of the Laburnum Avenue bridge. Both directions of traffic will merge onto the northbound bridge during construction on the southbound bridge. Expect major delays along I-95 and I-64 at the Bryan Park interchange through 6 a.m., Oct. 24. |
Your trees, please
With a nod to Arbor Day, Citizen seeks photos, descriptions of significant Henrico trees
Citizen Staff Reports 04/28/2015
Do you have a favorite tree in Henrico?
Do you know of a tree with an interesting story?
Do you live near an especially large, old, or otherwise unusual tree – or do you pass by one that has always intrigued you?
Arbor Day 2015 (April 24) was last week, and though the Citizen has published stories about a few special trees over the years (see sidebar) we know that our readers can lead us to more. > Read more.
Henrico's most famous tree
Henrico's most famous tree, known as the Surrender Tree, still stood for more than a century near the intersection of Osborne Turnpike and New Market Road -- until June 2012.
It was in the shade of that tree on April 3, 1865, that Richmond mayor Joseph Mayo met Major Atherton Stevens and troops from the 4th Massachusetts Cavalry and handed over a note surrendering the city to Federal troops. Evacuation had already begun. > Read more.
ARC event raises $75k for ICDS program
The Greater Richmond ARC's annual Ladybug Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on April 11 netted $75,165 to benefit its Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) program.
About 350 guests sampled fine West Coast wines and craft beer from Midnight Brewery at Richmond Raceway Complex's Torque Club, along with food from local eateries. Carytown Cupcakes provided dessert. > Read more.
Page 1 of 127 pages 1 2 3 > Last ›
Weekend Top 10
In the mood for some spring shopping? Eastern Henrico FISH will hold their semi-annual yard sale this weekend – funds raised assist at-risk families in Eastern Henrico County. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will hold a spring plant sale which is among the largest in the region with more than 40 vendors selling plants ranging from well-known favorites to rare exotics. Put on your detective hat and find out "whodunnit" at the movie "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" and "The Case of the Dead Flamingo Dancer," presented by the Henrico Theatre Company May 1-17. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Weekend Top 10
It's that time of year – charity races are popping up everywhere! On Saturday, St. Joseph's Villa will be the site of the sixth annual CASA Superhero Run and the fifth annual Richmond Free to Breathe Run/Walk will be held in Innsbrook. Also in Innsbrook, the 2015 Richmond Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis will take place on Sunday. If you're more into relaxation than exercise, check out Wine for Cure's Dogwood Wine Festival or the Troubadours Community Theatre Group's production of "West Side Story" at the Henrico Theatre. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Weekend Top 10
There are several fun events this weekend taking place outside including the third annual Virginia Firefighter Games at Short Pump Town Center; Twin Hickory Park's "April Showers: A Celebration of Spring" event; the Young Life Richmond West 5k in Innsbrook; and the Gold Festival on Broad which benefits Prevent Child Abuse Virginia. Fingers crossed for no rain! For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Freeman HS team places third nationally in Constitutional competition
Federal grant will expand preschool program
'It Takes a Village' forum planned for Apr. 30
Henrico County property transactions, Mar. 30-Apr. 5
Ruritans honor Varina students
- More News
Print Edition
Apr. 16, 2015
Click here to read the print edition.Entertainment
Weekend Top 10
Weekend Top 10
Weekend Top 10
Weekend Top 10
Restaurant watch
- More Entertainment
Obituary – Haydn Michael Woodall
Obituary – Pauline B. Law
Obituary – Randolph Lee Morchower
- More Obituaries
Your trees, please
Henrico's most famous tree
ARC event raises $75k for ICDS program
- More Community
Cabin fever cures - and blessings
Getting schooled
Time to give spanking the boot
- More Opinions
Athlete of the Week – April 24: Brooke Carter
Athlete of the Week – April 17: Sukrija Dudic
Benedictine-Saint Christopher's benefit baseball game scheduled for April 18 in Glen Allen
- More Sports
Reader Survey | Advertising | Email updates
Sr. SAS Programmer Analyst w/MS degree & 1 yr. exp.: provide analytical support to perform data analysis, backend testing, adhoc reporting, custom./modify. to standard reports, dev. strategies to increase bus.… Full textPlace an Ad | More Classifieds
The Henrico County Community Author Showcase, a program that connects writers and readers in the community, will begin at 7 p.m. and continue on Thursdays at various libraries. Zachary Duresky… Full text


text:
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Knock a few back to dull the pain in the knowledge that Jason Segel got to make out with two of the hottest actresses in Hollywood today.... -
On This Week's Show: Kevin professes his love for both Kristen Bell and Mila Kunis while Neil contemplates the potential consequences of fathering unknown children throughout the world. ... -
It appears things are definitely looking up as far as theater business goes in the next few weeks. We have the Judd Apatow production Forgetting Sarah Marshall, we have the Al Pacino thriller 88 Minutes, and the action flick The Forbidden Kingdom.... -
Forget Sarah Marshall, or any other girl (or guy) with these Hawaiian themed drinks and a special tasty treat!... -
According to Yahoo! news, Judd Apatow, who has become a juggernaut of comedies in the last three years with films like Knocked Up, The 40-Year Old Virgin and Superbad will be honored as Comedy Person of the Year at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, July 10-20.... -
Theater lobby displays are certainly nothing new. I remember way back in the day a number of Looney Tunes displays graced the floors of my local cineplex when Space Jam came out. According to /Film, Pixar's Wall-E is the newest to add something to lobby charm.... -
I really loved this one, it was one of my favorites of the festival and I can't wait until all of you can see it. ... -
Judd Apatow's camp comes through again with a comedy that is a lot smarter than you would initially think... [Grade: B+]... -
New Images from Tropic Thunder — More Blackface Downey Jr!
- By Neil Miller
- @rejects
- March 11, 2008
Paramount Pictures has released some new shots from Ben Stiller's next film.... -
I just came from the WonderCon preview panel for Forgetting Sarah Marshall where they showed six minutes of footage (a mix of old and new), and I'm still laughing.... -
The South by Southwest Film Festival announces it's official line-up.... -
We begin our official 2008 movie preview with Universal Studios -- and the return of some larger-than-life superheroes.... -
The Judd Apatow invasion continues. This time its a possible break-out film for another Freaks and Geeks alum....


text:
My stomach has endured the full scope of awful foods this planet has to offer Trying adventurous food is a big part of travelling, but India, where I'm travelling through now, has more problems with [food] hygiene than anywhere else in the world. It's a cultural problem, as eating meat is a rarity in rural areas, so they treat it like a vegetable, keeping it in a cupboard. So when the occasional Westerner passes through, by the time it's pulled out, it's been in there for a few months. When travelling across poorer parts of India now, I try to survive off rice and dahl.
Like this page on Facebook for updates
Man lost on the Pacific Ocean for '16 months' reaches shore on remote Ebon Atoll
Friday 31 January 2014
In a story similar to the plot of the film Castaway starring Tom Hanks, Jose Ivan was found on the atoll having floated 8,000 miles from Mexico
Man fights off shark, stitches up wounds and has a beer before finally going to hospital
Monday 27 January 2014
Victim had 'a couple of good holes on both sides of his leg'
Australia: First shark killed as controversial culling policy begins
Monday 27 January 2014
The three-metre animal, believed to be a female tiger shark, was caught on bait lines and shot in the head four times at close range
Saracens swim with the Sharks to close north-south divide
Friday 24 January 2014
London club set to play two games in 48 hours but they see money-spinner against South African side as the way to go
Leonardo DiCaprio survives shark attack after getting trapped in diving cage
Wednesday 08 January 2014
The daring Wolf of Wall Street star revealed his terrifying encounter during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres
The News Matrix: Monday 6 January 2014
Monday 06 January 2014
ScottishPower cuts prices by 3.3 per cent
How a campaign to save sharks can help elephants
Monday 23 December 2013
When the buying of ivory and shark fins stops, the killing can too
Australia shark hunting scheme will see any going near popular beaches caught and killed
Tuesday 10 December 2013
New measures for west coast come after spate of recent killings – but are slammed by environmental campaigners
Elephant Appeal: No more deaths on the savannah... politicians must act
Tuesday 10 December 2013
It's not too late to do something, but it will be soon
Ronnie Wood for the Elephant Appeal: No more deaths on the savannah... politicians must act
Monday 09 December 2013
I'm lucky, in a way. I've seen the devastation with my own eyes. The rotting carcasses with their heads removed, and the little orphaned babies. When crocodiles and lions kill elephants, they go for the babies, which is heartbreaking to watch when you see it on television. But poachers go for the biggest ones they can, and that means orphans.
Saracens 24 Sale 19: Fresh Will Fraser injury mars Saracens' joy
Sunday 01 December 2013
If someone had beamed down from Mars – or from rugby's amateur era, which feels even more remote – for the Aviva Premiership leaders Saracens' 24-19 win over Sale Sharks on Saturday how would they have judged the spectacle? An arena of wonderfully nuanced and contrasting players such as Saracens' gliding fly-half Charlie Hodgson and cerebral lock Steve Borthwick? Or a base battlefield of mega-muscled gladiators battering each other Rollerball-style with casualties shipped off to hospital on motorised carts for the benefit of the paying public, television viewer and now – as we are told enthusiastically by competing broadcasters – broadband consumers?
Saracens 24 Sale 19 match report: Saracens bring Danny Cipriani's full house down with second-half tries
Saturday 30 November 2013
Sarries remain top of the Aviva Premiership as they grind out victory against a valiant Sale side led by the former England fly-half
Review: Tatiana, By Martin Cruz Smith
Saturday 23 November 2013
Having survived the KGB and a bullet to the head, detective Renko is going strong
Video: New species of 'walking' shark discovered in Indonesia
Wednesday 04 September 2013
The 28-inch long species of bamboo shark uses its fins and wriggles its body from side to side to cruise the ocean floor
General Election 2015: Chuka Umunna on the benefits of immigration, humility – and his leader Ed Miliband
The sickening truth about food banks that the Tories don't want you to know
Migrant boat disaster: Ukip candidate mocks victims in sickening Twitter post
Nigel Farage wants the BBC to stop making programmes like Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing, and Top Gear
Global warming: Scientists say temperatures could rise by 6C by 2100 and call for action ahead of UN meeting in Paris
General Election 2015: Britain would become a 'communist dictatorship' under Ed Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon, claims wife of Michael Gove
- 1 Migrant crisis: Greek soldier saved 20 people singlehandedly off Rhodes beach
- 2 The confessions of men who ordered mail-order brides
- 3 UK weather: Britain braced for snow as arctic air mass moves in
- 4 Aaron and Melissa Klein: Oregon anti-gay bakers ordered to pay $135,000 after refusing to make cake for same-sex wedding
- 5 'Isis' schoolgirls: Missing British teenager tweets picture of her Syrian takeaway
Framing Fashion with Oliver Proudlock
Watch the first video in our new series for tips on new trends and London's style scene.
Back to nature
Check out our insider's tour of Menorca's beaches, from the accessible to the remote.
Win up to £15K to bring your idea to life
The Evening Standard has teamed with Born to find the next big innovation. Find out how you can win £15K to bring your idea to life...
The battle of Hallam
The hotly contested Sheffield seat has the most educated voters in the country. Will they show their displeasure at the Lib Dems' tuition fee u-turn by ousting Nick Clegg?
Win £125 of glasses with Specsavers
The Evening Standard have teamed up with Specsavers to offer readers the chance to win stylish frames and sunglasses to boost your spring look.
There's more to New York than just business
We've teamed up with Hilton Garden Inn to give away a fantastic 5 night trip to New York
It's always a good time to visit Barbados
Discover Barbados with this amazing promotion from Brilliant Barbados, giving visitors more than ever before.
Discover Tobago for FREE!!
We are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a seven night self-catering holiday for two. What are you waiting for? Enter now.
Voting Clever
Detailed polls show where certain seats can be won – or lost – by the power of the student vote. Those who use the polls strategically could really make a difference, writes Lucy Hodges
Health professionals create a design for life
A team at Sheffield Hallam University have designed a revolutionary new neck brace that could transform the lives of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) patients.
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.


text:
Kukla's Korner Hockey
Afternoon Line
by Paul on 06/17/13 at 02:52 PM ET
Comments (2)
KHL horning in? Not on Vlad's watch. As soon as he gets here, the KHL becomes the Far East Coast Hockey League.
NHLers in Sochi? They'll be the only ones allowed to go.
After a while, all other sports will be consumed and then disbanded. Hockey fights will be replaced by ice judo. We will all conform and look happy doing it. Or else.
Having an intransigent strongman in charge of the league sounds risky. But we've managing it for a while. Offering his job to a global troublemaker at least has the benefit of doing our future suffering for the greater good.
-Cathal Kelly of the Toronto Star "suggesting" Vladimir Putin should be the next NHL commissioner. Read more on this topic from Kelly...
Filed in: NHL Talk, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: vladimir+putin
GENIUS!!!! a Corruptocrat former KGB Agent/Communist !! BRILLIANT!!
Posted by Evilpens on 06/17/13 at 03:14 PM ET
Loved the article…should have read that in the morning!!!
Posted by gowings from MTL on 06/17/13 at 04:08 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
KK- How To Help Kukla's Korner
Standing Pat For The Pittsburgh Penguins
Momentum On The Side Of The Ottawa Senators
Morning Line- Brandon Dubinsky
The St. Louis Blues Face Elimination Today In Minnesota
The Calgary Flames Now Face The Anaheim Ducks
Videos- Recap Of The Four NHL Playoff Games Played On Saturday
About Kukla's Korner Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla's Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the 'net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
Email Paul anytime at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Clinical trials & health science studies at Internet scale
The bottleneck restricting health science discovery frustrates two sides of a $40B market:
- Consumers demand evidence-based answers, speed and engagement.
- Researchers need efficiency and scale, as well as cohorts and data.
Genomera provides online study operations and a social-powered marketplace, connecting participants with researchers.
Helping consumers, academics & commercial orgs grow evidence to answer health questions.
Unicorn Whisperer. Product & Marketing @SenseLabs. Founder @Genomera. Exits: Xing $75M @Experts Exchange @Vantive $500M @Responsys $1.5B Chordiant $200M.
Patent-holding developer and architect. Solis Designs, @Macromedia, IBM, Genomera, Pickwick & Weller.
Finance, Ops, Marketing. Ex-Allen & Co., Bear Stearns
Co-Founder of Flatiron Health, previously Co-Founder/CEO of @Invite Media
Co-Founder, @Flatiron Health Inc. Previously Co-Founder, President & COO at @Invite Media Inc. part of @Google
Managing Director, LaunchCapital
West Coast Director for @LaunchCapital. I hail from @Apple, frogdesign, and @Yahoo. Mentor at @500 Startups
Principal @LaunchCapital.
Thinker, Maker, Do-er / Bioinformaticist, Computer Scientist, Entrepreneur
Currently @ Greylock. Was 2nd in at @AngelList (managed dealflow through 8K startups), @Oxford MBA, Cambridge Eng.
Entrepreneur. Advisor @Rock Health. Former COO/CTO of @Health Hero Network, leading company from funding through major M&A exit. Worked at @Apple, Kodak
Physician / Scientist: Faculty Chair for Medicine, Singularity University. Founding, Executive Director, Exponential Medicine. Co-founder, Bioniq Health.
I like making it easy to share things. Sage Bionetworks, Kauffman Foundation, Lybba. Formerly Science Commons/Creative Commons, W3C, Incellico, Berkman Center.


text:
VN hopes for increased ties with Japan
HA NOI (VNS)— Viet Nam wished to strengthen co-operation with Japan to perfect its market economy and develop high-quality human resources and infrastructure.
National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan made the remark at a reception for visiting Japanese Senator Professor Keizo Takemi in Ha Noi yesterday.
Appreciating Takemi's contributions to the two countries' co-operation, Ngan asked for Japan to continue its support for Viet Nam in official development assistance (ODA) projects, specifically in the medical sector.
She asked the senator to call on Japanese companies to invest in pharmaceutical and medical equipment factories in Viet Nam.
For his part, the Japanese guest said his visit was aimed at sharing experience in the health insurance sector, especially the control of health insurance funds and healthcare for the elderly.
He promised to continue consolidating and strengthening the friendship and co-operation between the two countries and their parliaments. — VNS
VietNamNews may edit your comments and not all emails will be published.
Distinguished scientists and experts in the field of urban planning raised many challenges at a conference yesterday to review Ha Noi's urban tree planning.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government Inspectorate have issued a joint circular announcing that whistleblowers will be rewarded up to VND3.4 billion (US$160,000).
As you get older, you spend hours regretting each minute you wasted in your youth, which flies by.
Many companies in industrial zones claim they lack capital to introduce equipment to save energy and lessen emissions.
Quang Binh, home of the biggest cave in the world, Son Doong, is offering visitors treks, caving tours and a race.
Outlook Viet Nam News Monthly Publication
Sunday Việt Nam News The National English Language Daily


text:
Thanks for redeeming.
{{else}}Success! Thanks for repurchasing.
{{/if}} {{else}} {{#if Expired}}Increase my visibility!
{{else}} {{#if IsMultiPack}}{{#if HasMultiPack}} You have {{MultiPackCount}} top spot(s) left. Now loading you into the search listings... {{else}} You have used all top spots. Now loading you into the search listings... {{/if}}
{{else}}We are loading you into the search listing pages...
{{/if}} {{/if}} {{/if}} {{/if}}{{Current}} just saw you!
{{/if}} {{#if LastTopSpotPurchaseIsMulti }} {{#if HasAnyTopSpot}}{{#if HasFreeTopSpot }} {{ UnclaimedTopSpotFree }} Free {{/if}} {{#if HasPaidTopSpot }} {{#if HasFreeTopSpot }} & {{/if}} {{ MultiPackCount }} {{/if}} Top Spot{{#if Plural}}s{{/if}} Left
{{else}}0 Top Spot{{#if Plural}}s{{/if}} Left
{{/if}} {{else}} {{#if HasFreeTopSpot }}{{ UnclaimedTopSpotFree }} Top Spot{{#if Plural}}s{{/if}} Left
{{/if}} {{/if}} {{else}} {{#if HasResults}}{{Current}} see you now!
{{else}} {{/if}} {{/if}}You can now invite anyone to meet at your favorite Starbucks.
Limited-time feature
30 year old man | Hollywood, CA, USA | Seeking women 22-30 within 50 miles of Los Angeles, CA
Tempt me with a good time. I DARE YOU!
Lately I find myself spending every minute of every day wishing I was somewhere else adventuring. I LOVE TO TRAVEL! Give me an amazing suggestion on where my next adventure should be! I love to cook and am the official inventor of the term, "foodiecall". It's much like a booty call but where delicious food is involved in place of self loathing sex acts. I travel a lot for work and spend way to much time thinking about all kinds of get rich quick schemes. I can't help it, I'm half persian. It's genetic. On a typical Friday night I am most likely crocheting cat scarves. What can I say, it's a passion. Instagram: rzakeri
Camping , Coffee and conversation , Cooking , Dining out , Movies/Videos , Museums and art , Music and concerts , Exploring new areas , Nightclubs/Dancing , Playing sports , Travel/Sightseeing , Wine tasting
Cycling, Football, Martial arts, Running, Swimming, Weights / Machines, Yoga
I exercise 3-4 times per week.
I like Dogs, Fish
On a typical Friday night I am most likely crocheting cat scarves. What can I say, it's a passion.
Him | What he is looking for | |
Appearance | ||
Height: | 5'10" (177cms) | 4'10" (147cms) to 5'6" (167cms) |
Body type: | Athletic and toned | Slender, About average, Athletic and toned |
Eyes: | Green | Blue, Brown, Grey, Green, Hazel |
Hair: | Light brown | Auburn / Red, Black, Light brown, Dark brown, Blonde, Silver, Dark blonde, Grey, Platinum |
Lifestyle | ||
Smoke: | No Way | No preference |
Drink: | Social Drinker | Social Drinker, Regularly, Moderately |
Occupation: | Sales / Marketing | No preference |
Income: | $75,001 to $100,000 | No preference |
Relationship: | Never Married | No preference |
Have kids: | No | No preference |
Wants kids: | Definitely | No preference |
Background | ||
Ethnicity: | White / Caucasian | Asian, Latino / Hispanic, Pacific Islander, White / Caucasian, Other |
Faith: | Spiritual but not religious | No preference |
Languages: | English, Spanish, Other | English |
Education: | Bachelors degree | No preference |


text:
Forgot Password? | Not a User? Sign up
Your browser does not support iframes.
Joe and Margie Coulter will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary with a reception on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012 at The Springfield Inn from 2-4 p.m. They were married Aug. 14, 1937. All friends and relatives are cordially invited to attend. They request no gifts.
David and Melody Mays will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on Aug. 11, 2012. There will be a reception held in their honor on Sunday, August 5, at Muldraugh Hill Baptist Church from 3-5 p.m. All friends and relatives are invited to attend.
Lanham The annual Lanham family reunion will be held Sunday, Aug. 5, at the Gravel Switch Community Center, 640 Hwy. 243, Gravel Switch, beginning at noon. Bring your favorite foods, pictures and family memorabilia. Call (270) 699-6452 or (270) 692-4292 for more information.
By Lottie Robey
By Brandon Mattingly Landmark News Service


text:
Released: Nov 01st, 1997
Running Time: 90
Director: Me Mo Nasty
Company: Legend Video
Chastity (I), Imami, Byron Long, Devlin Weed, Maci, Tony Eveready
Critical Rating: AAA 1/2
Genre: Feature
Devlin Weed runs a modeling agency, which of course avails him plenty of opportunities to wax the sumptuous backsides of the licorice-tinged ladies angling for the attentions of his long, probing lens.
Ass-piring pin-up girl Lil' Asss shines in the balmy opening scene, during which she savors the star-making attributes of big Byron Long, who, for the record, is hung like a Mongol raiding pony.
Ms. Asss also finds herself with Weed's star-maker planted firmly in her sumptuous sally port while Long plows her pussy from below.
Also worthy of note is Imami's closing samba with Weed's black mama, during which she exudes a full-bodied, earthy sensuality that's been missing from porn since Ebony Ayes jiggled off into the sunset.
Although the two remaining scenes here don't quite conjure the heat generated by Lil' Asss and Imami's blistering, bone-catching bids, this is solid, all-black smut.