text:
A Tribute to Nelson Mandela
by Roy Gillett
What is there to add to the immediate, full-flowing tributes from our world leaders that greeted the news of Nelson Mandela's passing?
I have been one of the increasing millions of supporters of the anti-apartheid movement, since meeting representatives of the ANC at University in the mid-1960s. More recently, Nelson Mandela has been a central example in my Astrology, Karma and Reincarnation presentation to groups and conferences. Click here to view a power point file covering this part of the presentation. It is carefully animated, so that by pressing the forward arrow key you are taken through the birth chart and then three tri-wheels. The highlights that pop up emphasise the sensational astrology present when he was imprisoned, released and became President of the new South Africa. The astrology shows the exceptional difficulties he was born to endure and the incredible benefits that come from mastering them.
It has been said that that the passing of great souls disperses their nature so that it enhances the whole of humanity. Christians may feel there is another angel back in heaven, still working for us there. Everyone can agree that bringing Nelson Mandela's selfless, idealistic honesty and care for others to the forefront of world consciousness, as we prepare for further build up of a most traumatic grand cross in the first half of 2014, could be a glorious final great service to humanity of the life of this remarkable man.
May his passing not be in vain!
Comment on the passing of Nelson Mandela and / or the challenging astro-events of 2014; click here to visit the AA Blog


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Rescue officials from three different communities were called in to help free the driver of a dump truck hit by a train recently. According to the Bangor Daily News, the 63-year-old driver was heading east on Route 202 when he wasn't able to stop his truck in time to avoid a collision with a vehicle stopped at the train tracks. The driver veered to miss the stopped vehicle and wound up driving onto the tracks, where he was hit by an oncoming train. Many of the responders were actually surprised that the truck driver made it out alive.At the time of the accident, the bells at the tracks were reportedly ringing, but an officer's report doesn't reveal whether the train was sounding its horn or whether additional crossing equipment was present and operational. The crossing reportedly had red lights but no gate. Western Avenue was closed down in both directions so that officials could clean up and reconstruct the accident.
Our Bangor trucking accident lawyers understand that this isn't the first truck-train accident to happen at this crossing. Back in 2006, a passing train ripped off the rear end of a tractor-trailer when the driver wasn't able to stop before crossing the tracks. Instead, the driver tried to speed through the crossing to avoid getting hit by the train. After that accident, officers slapped the driver of the truck with a more than $300 fine for neglecting to obey a railroad signal.
As we recently reported on our Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, railroad crossings are threatening a slew of travelers, including pedestrians, passenger cars and even trucks. And to help to make these areas safer for everyone, officials are working together on some research regarding high-risk areas along the Amtrak's Downeaster rail line and the Pan Am Railway in the Brunswick area.
Commercially licensed truck and semi-trailer drivers were involved in close to 25 percent of train/motor vehicle collisions in the U. . since 1998.
It's important to remember that a train traveling at 50 mph, pulling 100 cars, takes one mile to stop, so in a contest between a car and a train, the train always wins. A train traveling at 41 mph covers 660 feet — in 11 seconds, which is as far up the tracks as the truck driver can see. Those who drive for a living must practice crossing safety
When driving a large, commercial truck, it's important that drivers take extra precaution when approaching railroad crossings, red lights, stop signs and any other areas that require a change in movement. To do so safely, drivers should:
-Approach the area with care.
-Turn off the radio and fan to hear the surroundings better.
-Look at listen to a train or other oncoming traffic.
-Do a double take just to make sure.
-Stop no closer than 15 feet from the designated stop area.
-Proceed with care.
-When possible in planning your route, select a route that contains the fewest highway-rail grade crossings.
Truck driver always need to be 100 percent behind the wheel. These vehicles are much more difficult to handle than smaller passenger vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an accident, contact us at 1-800-804-2004 for a confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Maine Railroad Crossings, Technology & Pedestrian Safety, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, September 14, 2013
Advocates Step Up to Help Curb Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Portland and Elsewhere, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, September 27, 2011

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Condition monitoring of rotating machinery
Our condition monitoring for your machinery
Condition monitoring increases the performance and operating life of your plants, machinery and machine components. With our efficient condition monitoring systems, you can detect potential machine faults early and plan preventive maintenance effectively. This avoids unnecessary machine downtime and reduces the costs for maintenance while productivity increases.
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Integrates data from any protection system into Compass 6000 Condition Monitoring Systems


text:
Series: standalone
Published by Delacorte Press on November 1st 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary
Pages: 348
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
Buy on Amazon
Natasha: I'm a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I'm definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won't be my story.
Daniel: I've always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents' high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.
The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?
I admit that I picked up this book because of the hype surrounding it lately. I felt like this book was everywhere and after finally managing to get a copy from my library to read it, I was excited. Unfortunately, this is why I am also sad to say I feel like a black sheep on this one. I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to and I did not understand the appeal of it.
Let me explain what worked and what did not work for me.
Instalove – Now this is something that I was warned about so it partially might have been my fault. I knew it was coming, but as I went into this book sort of blindly I was okay with giving it the benefit of a doubt. Still, it ended up not working for me. I would really have to suspend disbelief with this one and even thought I could in most cases, as a contemporary this did not feel realistic. Seriously, Daniel – the male in this book – basically stalks her. As someone who lived in the city, this was like beyond awkward for me to live and understand it. Also, half the time they talk about their flaws and what annoys them about each other. So not really sure how the whole can't breath, can't think about my life without you worked here.
Could not Connect – I did not feel the attraction between these two and just felt like I was on the outside looking in. I could not form any sort of attachment to any of the characters and had just the worse time connecting which I think really took away from the story when I found that emotional detachment.
Nothing Happens – almost nothing. This book could have honestly been summed up in 100 pages. Basically, it's about these two unlikely teens in the city. Natasha is from Jamaica and is getting deported, thanks to her dad and Daniel is a Korean American from a very strict Korean family that has his life mapped from him. She is trying to find a solution to her deportations and while that is part of the story most of the book is honestly walking, talking, and some verbal fighting. I was bored, I was beyond bored. I just could not understand the appeal with this. If you like walking and talking books where that is literally almost the entirety of the book, then maybe? But with about 300 pages, my brain was starting to feel numb.
Family Dynamics – I did not like the family dynamics in this book. I could not wrap my head around Daniel and his brother's relationship. There is so much hate there and the reason the author gave for it did not work for me I guess? Basically, it just felt like, this is it and there is no other way.
Open endings – UGH!! Okay, I DO NOT read books for opening, endings okay? Why is this now a thing? If I wanted an open ending in a book I would read it half way and just make up the rest of it in my head. This is just as bad as cliffhangers if not worse? In standalone novels, it feels like the ultimate killer. I almost gave this book 1 star because I ended up being SO MAD. Like what was the point of the epilogue if you are just going to leave it like that? It is the worse.
So what did I like?
I liked that these two kids came from two different worlds. I liked the different background cultures and I loved the different ethnic representation. This is probably why I felt so sad that I just couldn't like it.
Also, I really enjoyed seeing how their interactions with other people in this book also effected these people in real life beyond their interaction. That was cool.
Overall, I really wanted to love this, but in the end I just did not understand the hype, and there was one too many things that just did not work for me.


text:
Gregor Mowat
Company : KPMG in Kazakhstan and Central Asia
My name is Gregor Mowat and I am Managing Partner of KPMG in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, a professional services firm with more than 400 staff providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services across Centra [...]
Tim Miller
Company : Tengizchevroil
It has been a privilege for me to lead the Tengizchevroil (TCO) partnership for the last four years. TCO operates the Tengiz and Korolev fields in Western Kazakhstan. Tengiz is the world's deepest [...]
Kazbek Aubakirov
Company : NCOC
For a number of years I wanted to study in a reputable business school, which, however, would require that I take a year or two off and move


text:
These blue floral polycotton curtains are part of the Charlotte Thomas "Chloe" bedding collection. The fully-lined, pencil pleat curtains feature a classic rose design in blue and slate grey with a white background and come with matching tie-backs.
The matching bed set, Oxford pillowcases and additional Housewife pillowcases are also available.
** Please note the above measurement is for each curtain panel.
Machine washable


text:
A Little About Me:
My name is Charles Johnson and I am from a city with some of the strangest weather--Houston, Texas. I work in the arts of 3D Animation, Motion Graphics and Illustration. Check out my some of my other work by clicking on "ARTWORK" above. You can also see my resume by clicking the button below.


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PC EMT Computer & Smartphone Repair, a subsidiary of Johns Creek Computer Consulting, LLC., was founded in and services the Greater Atlanta, Apharetta & Johns Creek Metro Area. We are comprised of IT Professionals with over 30 years of combined experience in PC Repair, Mac Repair, Laptop Repair Computer Repair, Cell Phone Repair, iPhone Repair, iPad Repair, and much more.
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These are our promises to you and a commitment that we will stand by every day, every time and for everyone.
"Putting life back into your computer."
|Zo G.
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text:
|Apparatus for controlling a reeled chance based amusement device
|Resch et al.
|Cash accounting and surveillance system for games
|Lucero et al.
|Electronic gaming apparatus
|Lucero et al.
|Electronic slot machine
|Rodesch et al.
a plurality of gaming means, each for accepting a pay-in, for generating a random output with a selected set of said random outputs being winning outputs, and for delivering a payout when a winning output is generated;
a plurality of display means for displaying a progressive numerical value, with the progressive numerical value displayed by each of said display means indicating the payout for a given one of said winning outputs;
means for incrementing the progressive numerical value displayed by each of said display means by a preselected percentage of the pay-in to any of said gaming machines when a non-winning output is generated, where said progressive numerical values are displayed at each gaming machine; and
means for freezing for progressive numerical values displayed at a given gaming machine between the pay-in and game output for the given gaming machine.
A first microfiche appendix listing an exemplary game controller computer program, and consisting of 1 fiche having 20 frames is included as part of this patent application. A second microfiche appendix listing an exemplary progressive controller computer program, and consisting of 1 fiche having 38 frames is also included as part of this patent application.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to gaming devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to progressive bonus gaming devices.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A progressive gaming device awards an incrementally varying payout, based on a percentage of total game play among several players, upon a game win. Prior art progressive gaming devices usually include a series of slot machines, interconnected to report coin drop and game win information to an accumulator/display driver. The accumulator receives information and correspondingly increments a single payout line progressive bonus until a win occurs.
The incrementing value of the progressive bonus is displayed on a large central display or on a number of remotely located displays. The displays, however, are not part of the individual gaming machines but, rather, are part of the accumulator. After a win, the accumulator resets itself (or is manually reset by an attendant) and begins incrementing again according to the game played.
A win is noted by a casino personnel and payed to the winning party. For example, if a winning party were to obtain all sevens on a slot machine, the progressive bonus would be given to the winning person. Such prior art progressive bonuses typically assign 1-2 percent of each coin placed in the machine to the progressive value.
Because an infrequent payout, such as all 7's, is a win on the progressive, there are payouts only every couple-to-few months. If a payout has occurred recently, there is very little incentive for players to compete to win the progressive bonus because they erroneously perceive an historical probability that another payout will not occur for some time.
The present invention is a multiple progressive gaming system, such as a slot machine. The invention allows for incremental pay type play on either a stand-alone machine or on a machine carousel with or without a large display.
One embodiment of the invention provides a slot machine having a reel strip set up to play as a normal slot machine except that the oranges, plums, bells, bars, and sevens are played according to a meter amount (which may be displayed on either side of a game video display) instead of paying the customary fixed amount.
Upon game initiation or after a win has been paid, the values in each meter are set to a start value based on the game's denomination. Because the present invention allows for a pay on several different wins, the likelihood of a bonus win is increased many times over that of prior art progressive machines. Accordingly, the present invention generates significant player interest. As a result of such player interest, the present invention assigns a significantly greater portion of each coin played to the progressive bonus--on the order of 25% of the value of the coin is distributed among five meters, in this preferred embodiment of the invention. For example, in a one dollar machine, the meters are incremented on every coin-in as follows:
|Oranges increment 7 cents 20.00 (start value) Plums increment 6 cents 30.00 " Bells increment 5 cents 50.00 " Bars increment 4 cents 200.00 " 7's increment 3 cents 1,000.00 "
Thus, the contribution to the progressive is the sum of the individual contributions divided by the coin denomination (7+6+5+4+3)/100=25%.
When a player gets a winning combination, the amount shown on the incrementing payable bonus meters, as shown on the video display for the game played, is paid. After the payout is completed, the appropriate meter is reset to its start value. Once game play is initiated by the dropping of a coin into a game, the progressive meter values displayed on that machine are frozen to allow the player to ascertain the value of the jackpot during play. Such arrangement prevents a win during game play at another machine from lowering a progressive value that may be won thereafter.
The invention includes at least one game controller that initiates game play when the coin is dropped through a coin slot on the game controller. The game controller randomly generates a game win or loss during game play, which play is displayed in the form of a graphical video image. Each game win produces a game payout according to a game payout schedule.
Each game controller is coupled for two-way communication with a rapidly incrementing progressive controller. The progressive controller receives data from each game controller indicating coin receipt and game wins. The progressive controller assigns a portion of each coin to increment progressive bonus meters in accordance with a payout schedule, such as described above. The progressive controller then forwards the meter totals to each game controller to increment the meter amounts displayed by the game controllers.
When win information is received by the progressive controller, the game controllers are reset. The progressive bonus value is usually paid at the winning machine, although higher tier wins may require a hand pay. Local payout is a function of coin hopper capacity and progressive win value.
A game in play during a win at another game is not reset but, rather, game play is allowed to proceed with the meter values frozen upon receipt of a coin. When game play is complete, a win is paid or a loss is generated and the meters are thereafter reset by the progressive controller to the current progressive bonus value.
A game controller produced in accordance with the present invention may be provided in a carousel containing six to sixteen machines. The total number of machines accommodated by the present invention is a function of win frequency per machine. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a win is generated approximately every one half minute (every 8 handle pulls). Accordingly, the value of the progressive bonus rapidly increments and player enthusiasm is generated. Because a coin drop freezes a progressive bonus amount on a particular machine being played, the player knows the value being played for. The present invention finds application in slot machines including single and multiplier machines, multi-line machines, and buy-a-pay machines. The present invention also finds application in other video gaming devices, such as poker and blackjack machines.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming carousel incorporating the present multiple progressive gaming system;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary gaming controller display;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a preferred multiple progressive gaming system;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a preferred progressive controller;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a preferred gaming controller;
FIGS. 6 and 6A-6H are schematic diagrams of a preferred game control processing unit (CPU);
FIGS. 7 and 7A-7F are schematics diagrams of a preferred game interface;
FIG. 8 is a game state flow diagram;
FIGS. 9A and 9B are timing diagrams showing game controller/progressive controller communications; and
FIG. 10 is a timing diagram showing progressive controller/game controller communications.
The present invention is a multiple progressive gaming system including at least one gaming controller and a progressive controller. A perspective view of a gaming controller and progressive display carousel 10 is shown in FIG. 1. A progressive display 12 includes displays for each of the winning combinations (in this case slot machine lines). Thus, there is a 7's display 13, a bell display 14, a bar display 15, an orange display 16, and a plum display 17.
In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, six gaming controllers 18a-18f are shown. Game play is initiated when a coin is dropped through a coin slot 20 and a handle 19 is pulled. Game play is shown on a video display 21 for each gaming controller. A winning game is paid at a payout slot 22. The present invention pays a progressive win locally at the winning machine with the exception of the 7's line in some arrangements.
An exemplary video display 21 is shown in schematic form in FIG. 2. The display shown is for a three line slot machine. It should be appreciated that other displays can be generated for various types of machines such as poker, blackjack, depending on the application to which the invention is put. The display shown in FIG. 2 provides three pay lines 24-26 that may be purchased by dropping coins into the machine prior to play. A first coin selects line 24, a second coin selects line 25, and a third coin selects line 26. A winning combination on any of these lines produces a game win if all three lines are selected. The game win is indicated by movement of reels 27-29 in a vertical fashion. A win is generated when a match is present in all three positions in any one line.
The value of a win on each line is shown at the right hand portion of the display as win lines 30-32. A progressive pay schedule 34 is included that shows the wins that qualify for a progressive jackpot. In some embodiments of the invention, meter information is displayed at this point to apprise the player of the current progressive jackpot value.
The rules of play for the rapidly incrementing progressive gaming system are the same in the slot machine embodiment as for a standard three reel, three line mechanical slot machine. That is, the player inserts one to three coins and pulls the handle. The method of pay determination is unique in the present invention. The pays for oranges, plums, bells, bars, and 7's are determined by pay meters located and displayed at each gaming machine and associated with each symbol type. The pays for cherries are the same as for a standard machine. That is, one cherry pays two, two cherries pays five, and three cherries pays ten.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, oranges, plums, bells, and bars pay the display meter amount on one, two, or three coins played. However, 7's pay 1,000 coins on one or two coins played and pay the display meter amount on three coins played only. The display meters are progressive. That is, as coins are played, each meter increases until one of the progressives are "hit". The player is then paid out of the hopper (except on sevens) and the meter is automatically reset to a base value.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each coin inserted contributes 25% of its value to the five progressive meters. To obtain the actual machine payout percentage, the progressive contribution percentage is added to the reel strip percentage. For example, a 67% payout reel strip and a 25% progressive contribution yields a 92% payout machine.
For a one dollar machine, 25 cents is contributed to the progressive meters as follows:
|Oranges increment 7 cents Plums increment 6 cents Bells increment 5 cents Bars increment 4 cents 7's increment 3 cents
The progessive contribution to percentage is the sum of the contributions in cents divided by the denomination in cents: (7+6+5+4+3)/100=25%
For a $0.25 percent machine, 6 cents is contributed to the progressive meter as follows:
|Oranges increment 2 cents Plums increment 1 cent Bells increment 1 cent Bars increment 1 cent 7's increment 1 cent
Again, the progressive contribution percentage is the sum of the contributions in cents divided by the denomination in cents: (2+1+1+1+1)/25=24%
For a $0.05 machine, the progressive meters are incremented every five coins in as follows:
|Oranges increment 2 cents Plums increment 1 cent Bells increment 1 cent Bars increment 1 cent 7's increment 1 cent
The progressive contribution percentage is the sum of the contribution in cents divided by the denomination in cents times 5 in this example: (2+1+1+1+1)/5*5=24%
The expected maximum value of the 7's meter is calculated in advance. In the preferred embodiment, the following assumptions are made: There is a dollar coin denomination and that, therefore, 3 cents are allocated to the 7's meter for each coin in, 3 coins are played each game, and the machine is a 63 stop machine with nine 7's on reel one, one 7 on reel two, and one 7 on reel three.
The number of reel combinations is:
There are 9 ways (9*1*1) to make 7's on any payline. Therefore, in 250,047 handle pulls, 7's hit:
S=250,047/9=27,783 times, on the long term average.
The probability of hitting 7's in one handle pull is: P=1/S;
the probability of not hitting 7's in one handle pull is: P=(1-1/S),
the probability of not hitting 7's in N handle pulls is: P=(1-1/S)N.
Generally, a value is chosen arbitrarily close to 100% that is referred to as the confidence level. For purposes of example, a confidence of 95% is selected. Thus, it is desirable to know how many games must be played in which it can be 95% certain that 7's hit. This value is calculated by setting P to 5% and solving for N: P=(1-1/27,783)N=0.05 N=log (0.05)/log (1-1/27,783) N=83,229 games
Thus, there is a 95% confidence that 7's hit in 83,229 games played. If the 7's meter starting value is set to $1,000, the expected maximum value is: $1,000×83,229 games×3 coins/game×0.03 dollars/coin=$8,490. It is very unlikely that a casino would have to pay out a 7's win greater than this value and yet the payout is significant enough to encourage increased gaming.
A block diagram of the multiple progressive gaming system is shown in FIG. 3. A progressive controller 36 is coupled to operate a progressive display 12. Display 12 may be included as in the carousel of FIG. 1 or it may be dispensed within some embodiments of the invention. The progressive controller forwards current meter values and reset information via a bus 37 to gaming controllers 18a-18n. The gaming controllers, in turn, report coin drop and win information to progressive controller 36 via dedicated serial lines 38a-38n. Communications protocol in the preferred embodiment of the invention are selected to eliminate the problems of gaming controller identification in an expandable installation and bus contention when several machines are operated by a progressive controller.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the progressive controller 36. Up to 16 gaming controllers 18a-18n may be coupled via communication lines 37 and 38a-38n to progressive controller 36 via an optoisolator input 44. The optoisolator is provided to prevent interference, transients, power surges, etc. from interfering with communications between the gaming controllers and the progressive controller. The optoisolator input circuit is powered by an optopower supply 45. The optoisolator receives and transmits data over a control and data bus 41 coupled to CPU 40. CPU 40 operates in accordance with a program stored in ROM 42. A microfiche appendix listing an exemplary progressive controller computer program is included with the present application.
During operation, CPU 40 accumulates various meter values and performs various calculations in a random access memory 43. The random access memory includes a power failure circuit 51 which may be a very large value capacitor capable of maintaining a charge on the random access memory for a period of several hours in the event of power failure. The progressive controller includes an LED display 48 for providing various operations and diagnostic indications, and a lockout control circuit 52 for inhibiting circuit operation. The CPU is powered by a logic power supply 49 and operates with a power down reset circuit 50 for saving CPU state information in the event of a power failure. Additionally, the CPU provides a serial output 46 to drive a display 12, such as the display shown in FIG. 1. A serial port 47 is also provided for coupling the progressive controller to a central computer via a communications bus 39.
The progressive controller includes logic power supply 49, optopower supply 45, CPU 40, power down reset circuit 50, ROM 42, RAM 43, a power failure circuit 51, an LED display 48, lockout control 52, optoisolator inputs 44, and a serial output driver 46.
Logic power supply 49 consists of two +5-volt DC regulated supplies. A diode bridge rectifies a 20-volt AC input and is filtered by two 4,700-microfarad capacitors. The outputs of the power supplies are clamped with two 1N5233B center diodes for overvoltage protection. One power supply powers CPU 40 and the other power supply powers the progressive controller logic.
The optocouple power supply includes a diode bridge rectifier to rectify 12-volt AC supplied by the 12-volt transformer and also includes a 4,700-microfarad capacitor. The optopower supply is used to supply power to the anodes of ILQ-74 optoisolators.
CPU 40 is an 8031 microprocessor. ROM 42 is a 27C64E PROM. RAM 43 is a 4116 dynamic random access memory. The CPU, ROM, and RAM work together to control system operation. ROM 42 contains a progressive controller program. The CPU controls display operation and stores necessary information during power failure in accordance with ROM procedures. Power to maintain RAM contents intact during power interruptions is provided by power fail circuit 51, which may be a 0.47-farad capacitor. The capacitor is used like a battery and is discharged through a diode and a 22-ohm resistor.
LED display 48 is used during game set up to display the current jackpot amount, base jackpot amount, jackpot limit amount, and add amount. This information is set by a plurality of switches or may be controlled by software within the ROM. The information for the LED display is latched off the data/address bus via three 74LS374 latches. The latches are clocked by the CPU. Two ULN2003 drivers are used to drive the LED digits; a 74LS240 driver is used to drive each LED segment.
The optoisolator input consists of 16ILQ74 optocouplers, a 74LS373, a 74LS374, and a 74LS138 logic circuit. When the optocoupler is turned on by the input from a gaming device, the collector of the selected optocoupler goes low. The low level signal thus produced is transferred to data and control bus 41 by the logic circuits. This information is then read by CPU 40 to determine if the signal is a coin-in signal or a jackpot signal. If the signal is a coin-in signal, CPU 40 increments the jackpot amount. If the signal is a jackpot signal, CPU 40 can either reset the jackpot back to the base amount, lock out all gaming devices, freeze the jackpot amount, or perform any combination of the three.
Lockout control circuit 52 includes a 74LS04 inverter, an ILQ-74 optocoupler, and four TIP125 transistors. Four outputs from CPU 40 are used to control the transistors. The inverter takes the signals from CPU 40 and turns the optocoupler on or off in accordance therewith, which accordingly controls any transistors. In this way, the gaming device may be locked out.
The serial output to the displays uses a 7404 inverter and four 75183 dual differential drivers. CPU 40 sends display information from an internal serial port to the inverter, where the information is inverted to drive the dual differential drivers. The differential output is then transmitted to the display drivers.
The display may be of any type currently available for receiving serial information and providing a digital readout in accordance therewith. Local game controller resident display information is provided via the optoisolator to each game to increment and external gaming display, as shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a gaming controller. The gaming controller may be configured as a slot machine, poker machine, or other such machine as desired. Any number of gaming controllers may be connected to a progressive controller, or a single gaming controller may incorporate a progressive controller within its cabinet to provide a single machine progressive jackpot. Additionally, the progressive controller may be incorporated with one gaming controller which is adapted to receive a plurality of other gaming controllers. The circuitry shown in block form in FIG. 5 is that for a dual processor video gaming device. The requirements of a gaming controller for use with the progressive controller 36 are a data output including coin drop and win information and a data input for receiving progressive bonus meter value and reset information.
The gaming controller shown in FIG. 5 includes a game central processing unit 54 and a video central processing unit 64. Game processor 54 operates in accordance with an E2 PROM memory 55 that supplies instruction over a data/address bus 62. The E2 PROM memory contains a program for operating the game and accordingly determines what type of game the gaming controller is, e.g. a slot machine. A program for operating CPU 54 is included as an appendix to this application.
During game operation, various calculations need to be made by the game CPU. Additionally, there are totals and meter amounts to be stored by the game CPU. Such information is stored in a CMOS RAM module 56. Game CPU 54 includes an internal serial port coupled to a serial communications module 57 which is in turn coupled to the progressive controller via optoisolators 58. The optoisolators are provided to prevent interference along the communication line from affecting game operation. A gaming connector 59 is included for coupling the progressive controller via a cable to the gaming controller. The serial communication port from game CPU 54 provides coin in and win (jackpot) information to the progressive controller.
The gaming controller includes a power supply 76 which receives AC power from a connector 59. A power detector and reset circuit 60 is also provided to maintain game operation and integrity in the event of power interruptions.
Video CPU 64 provides signals to select and display images on a color monitor, such as display 21 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Because color monitors are well known in the electrical arts, a circuit diagram of an exemplary monitor is not considered necessary for complete, enabling disclosure of the present invention. Images formed by color monitor 21 are composed of image element character blocks represented in an addressable character generator 70. The image element character blocks can be moved to any location on the video display screen area, held stationary, or moved continuously. Video processor 64 controls all video operations for the gaming controller in accordance with commands transmitted from game CPU 54 via a dual data/address bus 62. Video processor 64 may be of the type described in pending patent application Ser. No. 406,672, filed 9 Aug. 1982 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,654, entitled "Video Processing Architecture", invented by Wesley F. Carmean, and assigned to the assignee of the present patent application, IGT Corporation, of Reno, Nev.
A control and video timing circuit 67 operates under video CPU control to generate control and addressing signals for character generating E2 PROM 70. Control video timing circuit 67 also generates horizontal/vertical video synchronization signals for the color monitor. The video processor 64 receives input data over dual bus 62 and generates images in accordance with the data supplied. Data supplied are in the form of image movement and game image display information. Video CPU operation is directed in accordance with a program and E2 PROM memory 65. On the occurrence of certain game conditions, video processor 64 addresses E2 PROM memory 65 and receives instructions. An E2 PROM memory program is included as part of an appendix to this document.
Video processor 64 is in communication with a control/video timing circuit 66 by which horizontal and vertical video synchronization is maintained and by which video information is coordinated under CPU control. Video processor 64 and system timing are controlled by video system timing circuit 66. In response to game commands in accordance with instructions in E2 PROM memory 65, video CPU 64 assembles addresses into stationary random access memory (RAM) 68 and RAM 69. The addresses assembled in RAM 68 and 69 are indicative of memory locations of data within the character generator E2 PROM 70. The character generator E2 PROM includes a character program which is provided as part of an appendix to this document.
Each image location in the RAM contains an address of the character to be generated by the E2 PROM and that accesses a unique image building block located in the E2 PROM at that address. Accordingly, video processor 64 assembles the stationary and movable plane image in RAMs 68 and 69 consisting of addresses, each address being the location of a unique portion of the image to be formed.
Data representing the image to be formed are shifted out of character generator E2 PROM 70 in parallel. Data corresponding to the stationary plane image are shifted into a stationary shift register 71. Data corresponding to the movable plane image are shifted into a movable shift register 72. On video CPU command, the data in shift registers 71 and 72 are shifted out in the form of strings of digital words corresponding to the video lines to be formed on the video display.
At each display location, a priority is assigned to one of the movable and stationary plane images. A selection is made between the stationary plane image and the movable plane image in each video display location by the stationary/movable selection circuit 73. Portions of the viewed image are the stationary plane and other portions of the video image are of the movable plane. In this way, the movable plane image may move across the image formed by the stationary plane image or the stationary plane image may mask a portion of the movable plane image, depending on the desired image to be displayed.
The information to be displayed on the video display is presented to a color selection PROM 74 and, under video CPU control, colors are assigned to the building blocks making up the image on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Thus, each building block may have a plurality of colors assigned thereto.
The digitized video image, consisting of portions of the stationary and movable plane, and having color data assigned thereto, is presented to a digital-to-analog converter 75, wherein the digital information is converted to analog video information. The analog video signal is then output to connector 59 to drive a CRT display to display the assembled image.
Communications between the progressive controller and the gaming controller are bidirectional. Accordingly, the game CPU reports coin drop and win information to the progressive controller as outlined above. Jackpot reset and enable/disable signals are received at video CPU 64 via connector 59.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary game processor A. Table 1 provides a list of industry standard components that may be used in the exemplary embodiment of the invention constructed according to the circuit disclosed in the FIGS. 6 and 7. Game processor U39 operates in accordance with the program instructions stored in ROM memory U36/U37. Communications between the microprocessor module and the other modules in the circuit are via optoisolators U3/U11-U15. Communications with video CPU 64 are via dual communications port 37, which is comprised of latches U52/U53. Game CPU U39 also includes a half duplex serial data line for two-way communications with the progressive controller. Each gaming controller is connected to a serial bus in parallel with other gaming controllers. The progressive controller addresses the gaming controllers by dedicated lines to each of the gaming controllers.
U2/U3/Ull-U15 6 GN139
7 2003
U37/U38/U40 HllAl
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a gaming controller interface module. The diagram shows a plurality of latches that are addressable according to a decoded memory address present at a decoder U2A. When addressed, each latch produces an output signal indicative of a signal condition at the latches input. Accordingly, optoisolated output signals are provided to operate various gaming controller features. Some such operation is a result of address and data information provided by game CPU 54. Other such controllers are the function of combination logic in the interface modules.
FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of the progressive gaming device game states. The game states are summarized as follows:
STATE 0--the system idle state. The system waits for a coin in, self test switch, display meter switch, door open condition, any coin tilt condition. When coin-in is detected, the program vectors the program to STATE 1. The self test switch vectors the program to the self test mode and display meter switch vectors the program to the display meters mode. The door open and tilt conditions are monitored in all states via a periodic interrupt routine.
STATE 1--the system idle start of game state. One or more coins have been inserted by the player and the program is waiting for a start game indication (handle pull) or a maximum bet. The GAME OVER message is removed along with any previous game winner messages. Maximum bet vectors the program to STATE 2 and a handle pull vectors the program to STATE 3.
STATE 2--the maximum coin bet state. The coin accepter is locked out and any inserted coin type messages are removed from the screen. A handle pull or handle cock causes the program to STATE 3.
STATE 3--the spin setup state. The random numbers are selected that point to the symbols representing the starting symbols on each reel strip in a slot machine type game. Any late coins are then handled. If STATE 3 is entered by a handle cock signal, a handle pull vectors the program to STATE 4. Otherwise, the program falls through to STATE 4.
STATE 4--the spin state. The reel strip data is indexed through by the game CPU and read by the video CPU to cause the reel strip spin to occur. The end of the last reel spin the program vectors move to STATE 5.
STATE 5--the evaluate or check for pays state. The final reel stop positions are checked against the pay combinations table and memory to determine the total pay, if any. No pay vectors the program to STATE 6. Any pay less than 300 coins in the exemplary embodiment of the invention vectors the program to STATE 7 and any pays greater than 300 coins vectors the program to STATE 8.
STATE 6--the lose state. The total losses meter is incremented and the program vectors to STATE 0.
STATE 7--the win state. The proper number of coins are paid out or in a credit machine, the proper number of credit is awarded. The program then vectors to STATE 0.
STATE 8--the hand pay state. The jackpot mechanical and electronic meters are incremented. The program vectors to STATE 0 when the jackpot reset switch is activated.
STATE 9--cash out credit state. In a credit machine, the program vectors if credits are available and the player activates the cash out button. If less than 300 credits are available, the machine's internal coin hopper (not shown) pays out the proper amount, or else there is a hand pay condition.
Game play is a function of a random number generator. An exemplary random number generator for use with the present invention includes two linear feedback shift register pseudo-random number generators to operate in conjunction with game CPU 54. Each shift register is 32 bits in length in the exemplary embodiment of the invention. Feedback points are chosen to give the maximum length sequence. The length of the sequence of random numbers of these generators are 232-1=4,294,967,303. Thus, each shift register generates 4,000,000,000 different random numbers of 32 bits each before repeating a sequence.
During all idle modes of game operation, one of the shift registers is constantly cycled. Such cycling effectively randomizes the sequence of the shift register and eliminates the fixed pattern inherent in a software pseudo-random number generator. At the start of a game, the other shift register is cycled once. The two shift registers are then added together, yielding a third 32-bit number which is then divided by the maximum number plus one required by the game. The 8-bit remainder of the division is used as a random number for the game to determine game win or loss. If more than one number is required by a game, the above steps, beginning with the 32-bit addition, are repeated for each number. Thus, for a three reel slot, three numbers are required and the process is repeated three times.
Game communications are provided from the gaming controller to the progressive controller on a serial bus having one or more gaming controllers connected in parallel. Communications from the progressive controller to the gaming controller are over dedicated lines from the progressive controller to each gaming controller. This arrangement is provided to eliminate bus contention and to simplify game controller addressing. Other such communication schemes may be provided, including data encryption, if desired.
FIGS. 9 and 10 provide a summary of gaming controller/progressive controller communications protocol. FIG. 9a is a timing diagram showing coin-in pulses reported by the gaming controller to the progressive controller. At time 1 (t1) a header is generated by the gaming controller indicating a new game. Thereafter, a pulse is generated indicating each coin drop to the progressive controller. The header pulse is distinguished from the coin-in pulse by its duration. The time between coin-in pulses is dependent on game play, although the time between the header and the first coin-in pulse is fixed because the header is a function of the first coin drop.
FIG. 9b is a timing diagram showing a win or jackpot condition signal reported from the game controller to the progressive controller. At time 4 (t4) a winning header is produced by the gaming controller which is distinguished from other types of signals by its duration. Thereafter, pulses are provided indicating winning line numbers or coin column in a slot machine type gaming controller. The combination of pulses following the header determines the type of win and accordingly, the proper progressive jackpot to be reset.
FIG. 10 is a timing diagram showing a serial bit stream transmitted from the progressive controller to the gamiing controllers. The information transmitted is provided to increment progressive meter values. Such information is necessary because the various gaming controllers in a multigaming controller environment are incremented at independent rates. Thus, a meter total must be provided from the progressive controller to each of the gaming controllers if the gaming controllers are to have a current progressive bonus in the value displayed.
A header portion is first sent that identifies the transmission as a meter update. The header includes information indicating which display in a progressive bonus is to be updated with the present information. Thereafter, various bytes of information are provided to indicate the update of various digits in that particular display. Reset information is provided in a similar manner.
During the anomalous situation where a player has inserted a coin and there is a win by another player during the first player's game play, the first player's progressive bonus meter values are frozen. Accordingly, should the first player also win the same progressive bonus, the value awarded would be what was expected upon initially playing the game. After the payout of the first winning game player's game has been made, the game reconnects itself to the progressive controller and the meter values are thereafter updated in accordance with the progressive values.
The present invention provides a rapidly incrementing multiple progressive gaming system. One or more gaming controllers provide a variable pay line that corresponds to game play frequency. In a multigame environment, the probability of a large win over a short period of time is radically increased, thereby enhancing the excitement of the game play. Accordingly, the present invention is a radical departure from typical gaming device philosophy that awards a fixed amount on a win condition.


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University of Connecticut basketball star Stefanie Dolson was left red-faced after she took a tumble at the White House.
President Obama was on hand to make her feel better, and, anyway, even the biggest stars lose their footing from time to time.
Rihanna was looking super sexy as she performed in California in 2011.
That is until she tripped over and ended up on her hands and knees. Ouch.
We all loved Jennifer Lawrence even more after she hit the deck while going up to collect her Oscar for Best Actress at the Academy Awards last year.
She may have been on the floor but the crowd were on their feet.
Kristen Stewartlooked super sporty on set as she was filming Runaways.
That was until she tripped over the pavement and her "runaway" became more of a "crawl-away".
We've always known Christina Aguilera has a big voice but she surpassed herself at the Grammy Awards in 2011.
Her finishing note was so explosive she collapsed at the end of it.
Even straight-faced Naomi Campbell cracked a smile when she stacked it on the catwalk during the Vivienne Westwood show in Paris in 2011.
Lady GaGa got to the end of her routine in Houston Texas, but as she left the stage, it all got a bit too much...
Justin Bieber was less steady on his feet in the old days, falling over in concert and breaking two bones in his foot.
Pink's German fans got a treat in 2010 when she lost her footing and fell off stage into the crowd.
A bit more up close and personal than she intended!
Even Queen Beyonce can end up on her butt!
The class act stacked it while dancing on stage last year in Brazil. But she got up like nothing happened.
As they say, it's not how hard you fall but how you rise.


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~ Please limit the number of entries to five.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Scrapy Land Challenge #39
~ Please limit the number of entries to five.
19 comments:
WOW!!! Gorgeous card Lori! I love cards with windows :)ReplyDelete
Paper Talk with Samra
This is so beautiful, Lori!! I love the scene you've created!! The vines out the window are awesome!! The wood wainscotting along the bottom is a perfect touch!! Love this my friend!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)ReplyDelete
A Mermaid's Crafts
Hi Lori! Wow! What a gorgeous design with that window scene!! The details look so elegant and pretty!! HUGS :)ReplyDelete
Lori, you've made a beautiful, serene scene here with your lovely die cuts! I love weeping willow trees and so this makes this very dear to my heart! Hugs!ReplyDelete
This is gorgeous Lori! Love the outside scene you created for your window. It's so peaceful and calming.ReplyDelete
That is a beautiful room with a view. I love the wallpaperReplyDelete
Very beautiful card and love the window view and paper. Hugs - NancyReplyDelete
WOW I love it. the window with the vies is so lovelyReplyDelete
Thank you for your inspiration. Have a blessed day, my friend
DL.ART crinkle ribbon
that was suppose to read vines-- sorryReplyDelete
Hi Lori this is a stunning card I love the design and how you have used the die. Take care. Hugs JackieReplyDelete
Love the vines through the window pane and the inside of the room looks so realistic. Great job.ReplyDelete
Wow! Beautiful card, Lori! Love your wainscoting and wallpaper! You are so innovative and imaginative! Love the design! Hugs, deReplyDelete
Very pretty card, the soft colors are beautiful, hugs, Lori mReplyDelete
Beautiful card, Lori! I love the design and how you have used the die !Beautiful colorsReplyDelete
gorgeous card! and the colors are perfect.ReplyDelete
Beautiful card! I love vines and also that background paper you used. The wainscoting is a fabulous idea and just perfect! Very creative!ReplyDelete
Sorry I haven't been around lately. Been on a pretty rocky road around here. Hopefully things will improve soon. I know I've missed see some on your wonderful creations.
Beautiful card, it makes me think of nice sunny warm weather, love it, hugs, Lori mReplyDelete
It's gorgeous Lori, makes me want to see what else is beyond the window!ReplyDelete
What a lovely card I have a Spellbinders D Lites window die and not used it much But you've inspired me to get it out againReplyDelete


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About Our Counselors
David is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Texas LPC Board approved Supervisor who focuses on relational and spiritual issues in individual, marriage and family settings. David desires to see God impact peoples' lives, praying for transformation and for healing in those he serves. David is a graduate of Texas A&M University, class of 1992.
David R. Wells
Clinical Director, Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor
David is the founding member of Wells Counseling Services. He began counseling clients in Houston in 1999. Wells Counseling Services was established in May of 2010 after David had ministered at churches while focusing on counseling individuals, families, and married couples. From January of 2013 until May 2016, David served as the Local and Global Outreach Minister at First Baptist Church Burleson before relocating to College Station, Texas to reopen Wells Counseling Services. In Burleson, he held the position of clinical director of their counseling center, job corps, benevolence ministries and oversaw strategy and direction for local and global missions.
For about ten years, David worked at the Associate Minister of Counseling Services at the Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center of Houston's First Baptist. JPMCC is one of the leading church-based counseling centers in the United States. During his time there, the center grew to provide nearly 8000 hours of counseling service a year. While David worked there, he developed a passion for counseling and missions while several doors opened up for him to follow the Great Commission and pursue opportunities that consisted of improving cross-cultural workers relationship with God, themselves, and their families and the rest of creation. He also developed their practicum and internship programs.
David began his studies at Denver Seminary. Later on, he moved to Dallas where he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated in 1997. David is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor with a Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling. He desires to see God's restoration in relationships and has a heart for premarital and marital counseling, father-son relationships, spiritual formation and missionary care. He was ordained at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, Texas.
God has given David a love for the outdoors, especially the mountains which have become a place for learning and growing spiritually. He has a passion for backpacking, coaching and watching his sons' sports, swimming and hunting. Unfortunately, he's getting too old to play much basketball. The Lord has since placed a desire to explore God's creativity through hiking, spiritual formation, and missions with plans to do more as God opens new doors. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, class of 1992.
David is an ordained minister that is called by God into church service and counseling. He is licensed by the state of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor. David has a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling and a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1997. David also has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Speech Communication from Texas A&M University. David education has prepared him to provide therapy for individuals, adolescents, marriages, families, and groups in a Biblically and theologically manner as director of Wells Counseling Services.
David received his counseling license in June of 1999. Prior to this, David had finished an internship at multiple sites including Lake Point Baptist Church in Rockwall, Texas. David has also counseled at mental health facilities, a therapeutic school, in a private practice setting. From 1999 until 2009, David had served on the counseling staff at Houston's First Baptist Church where he was the Associate Minister of Counseling Services. From July 2000, he directed practicum and internships programs and supervising others whom God was bringing into the field of counseling ministry. In 2009 David took a position as Associate Pastor of Community Groups and Counseling with Grace Bible Church in Houston Heights. Following that David then began the Wells Counseling Services in May of 2010 with the conviction that more churches need access to effective, low-cost, Biblical counseling. In January 2013, David joined First Baptist Church Burleson as the Minister of Local and Global Outreach, which he directed the counseling ministry for First Baptist Burleson in their Promises Counseling Ministry until pursuing a current journey in College Station.
Nature of Counseling
God has provided David with the desire to see families and relationships grow and strengthen. David works with the approach of a biblical perspective from Spiritual Direction, Family Systems, and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques. These techniques can vary from, active listening, assessments, homework, educational discussions, reading assignments, prayer, and therapeutic confrontation. throughout these techniques, it is important to focus on thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. Here we believe that emotions can be seen as the result of the consequences of our thoughts. The purpose of the counseling relationship is to reach specific goals for individual and relational growth, which are mutually agreed upon by both the client and counselor. David has a passion to help families, couples, students, and other individuals through a biblically based, cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approach emphasizing spiritual direction. Davids desire is to see God's restoration in relationships and see the hearts of many change.
Find out more about David Wells
Shawn McCowan
Licensed Professional Counselor
I have been trained to provide counseling services for individuals, couples, and families. My experience as a student intern at Texas Wesleyan's Glick House allowed me the privilege of working with a wide variety of people dealing with issues including depression, anxiety, marital conflict, relational stress, identity confusion, and childhood trauma. I earned the majority of my practicum hours as the family, individual, and child counselor at the Johnson County Christian Lodge in Cleburne. I was also a group and individual student counselor at the Liberty House in Fort Worth, serving homeless and addiction-recovering military Veterans transitioning back to independence in the economy. I was also blessed to be a group facilitator for Tarrant County MHMR's Tobacco Cessation Program, serving the homeless population in downtown Fort Worth.
Part of my Graduate studies included extensive research on Stress factors and Resilience within military members and families subjected to frequent deployments. As a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, my experience provided unique access, allowing me to interview hundreds of Airmen and their families before and after deployments.
Beyond direct counseling experience, I am a Christian and have been active as a leader, facilitator, and participant in many spiritual support and Bible study groups at my church most of my adult life. When I deployed to Afghanistan with the Air Force in 2012, I established a Bible study at the Chapel for military members beginning their spiritual exploration, as well as participation as a vocalist on the base Praise Team. I also served on Praise/Worship teams at my home church, providing vocals and various instrumental support. Finally, I served as Youth Advisor for several years.
Haley Sechelski
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Associate
Under the Supervision of Shaun Burrow, LPC-Supervisor, LMFT- Supervisor (license #201019).
Haley Sechelski received her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University and her undergraduate degree in Health Education from Texas A&M University. Haley is licensed in the State of Texas as a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, under the supervision of Shaun Burrow, LPC-Supervisor, LMFT- Supervisor (license #201019).
Haley has a special interest in couples preparing for marriage, marital issues, sexual addiction, infidelity, and restoration. She has a heart for helping married couples who are struggling to thrive and find healing even through the most devastating of times or simply when they have grown apart. She also enjoys working with trauma, anxiety, depression, spirituality, and wellness.
She has a passion for helping couples and individuals through a biblically-based, cognitive-behavioral, emotionally focused, and solution-focused approach emphasizing spiritual direction.
Haley and her husband Matt have been married 10 years, and have 2 children.
Part of my Graduate studies included <<MORE TO COME>>
Beyond direct counseling experience, I am a Christian and <<<MORE TO COME>>>
Anne Woerz
Licensed Professional Counselor – Intern,
Under the Supervision of David R. Wells, MA, LPC-Supervisor (license #16534).
Anne specializes in counseling women, high school and college students, and ministry families. She desires to seek God's best for these individuals and to address issues such as anxiety and stress, sadness and depression, mood-related challenges, spiritual development, academics, and career choice. Anne is committed to biblical counseling with the integration of cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused treatment modalities.
Anne received her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas A&M University. She is also a licensed minister with specific calling to counseling. Anne's graduate studies allowed her the opportunity to counsel many and various individuals, couples and families from the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area.
In addition to direct counseling experience, Anne is a committed Christian and has been active as a participant and leader in many spiritual support and Bible study groups in various churches throughout her adolescent and adult life. Anne also served as a pastoral counselor to various congregations in the Weatherford, Texas region. Anne's hope is to be a catalyst for restoration, change, and renewed faith. Anne believes that everyone can find hope and peace in the trials and tribulations of life through the pursuit of God, His righteousness, and His glory.
"I'm picky when I recommend Christian counselors. That's why I can strongly recommend David Wells: Thoroughly Christian in his approach; wisely discerning in identifying core struggles; and warmly and skillfully relational in walking with people toward the life they long to experience. I would recommend David to my closest friends without hesitation."
Dr. Larry Crabb
Clinical Psychologist
Founder & Director of New Way Ministries
"I am happy to recommend David Wells as a Christian counselor competent to counsel and to lead. I first met David Wells when I was at Breakaway and he was a counselor at Lake Pointe Church. I would speak there occasionally and the TAMU connection made for a quick friendship between us. A few years later we reconnected when I became pastor at Houston's First and David was on our counseling staff. David brings a strong theological understanding and clinical competency to the counseling room. His passion for individuals serving in the ministry makes this position a great fit for him."
Rev. Gregg Matte
Senior Pastor of Houston's First Baptist Church
Founding Director of Breakaway Ministries
"I have known David Wells for nearly two decades, and I can attest that he holds to the highest biblical and professional standards in his counseling ministry. His desire is to help build healthy, biblical churches by providing counseling to people experiencing difficulties in life, in ways that honor God and his Word."
Ian F. Jones, Ph.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology and Counseling
Chairman, Division of Church & Community Ministries Baptist Community Ministries' Chair of Pastoral Counseling New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
"David Wells is a gifted counselor with a passion for world missions. His combination of missiological and counseling acumen make him especially suited to help missionaries not only prepare for the challenges of cross-cultural ministry but also persevere in their calling to make disciples of all nations."
Matthew Ellison
President and Church Missions Coach
"Multiple forces in our culture attempt to pull us away from solid principles of spiritual, emotional, and relational health. Yet, our soul is the most important part of who we are, and its care should not be relegated to the whims of cultural dictates. David Wells' approach to counseling is not only caring and compassionate,
David Green,
Christ Chapel Bible Church, Fort Worth, Connect Pastor
"David was my clinical supervisor. During our work together I learned clinical skills, ethical boundaries, but more importantly, how to walk with people through their healing journey, keeping in mind what God is already doing in their lives. I grew tremendously both professionally and personally. Today, I supervise a number of clinicians. I often reference many of the principles that I learned from David."
David Bueno Martin, MA
LPC-S Founder of HoustonLPC.com Owner of Martin Counseling
Contact us to Schedule an Appointment
We seek to help people through personal and interpersonal problems through biblical truths, we want to help you wrestle well with these struggles and through hard times.


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Intuit has given several features into QuickBooks that includes remote access capabilities, electronic payment functions, payroll assistance, and customer and inventory management. QuickBooks has also introduced the features of online banking and reconciliation, mapping features by integrating with Google Maps and improvement in e-mail functionality through Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express. There can be some error which might hinder the workflow. QuickBooks Error 3371 is one such error.
Sometimes you can see an error message on your screen:
'Could not initialize license properties [Error 3371, Status Code- 11118] QuickBooks could not load the license data. Missing or damaged files may be the reason for this'.
In order to work on your QuickBooks Desktop, the license information needs to be revised and validated, every time. If the license containing file is damaged, the QuickBooks will fail to open and will show the above error message. You can also call toll-free QuickBooks Tech Support Number +1888-382-7559 for further guidance.
Cause Of QuickBooks Error 3371 Status Code 11118
- dat- If your license key file is damaged, the QuickBooks will not be able to retrieve information from it. So your QuickBooks Desktop will not open. It opens only when the license key file is read, reviewed and validated by QuickBooks.
- Damage MSXML component- You need MSXML, a Microsoft component by QuickBooks Desktop to run. This component helps in reading the dat file, which open your QuickBooks Desktop. If the component is damaged, the license key will not be validated and hence QuickBooks Desktop will not open.
- Anti-virus-sometimes anti-virus also stops QuickBooks Desktop from opening.
- Old Windows Version– Older version of windows could also be the possible reason for not opening of QuickBooks Desktop.
How To Resolve QuickBooks Error 3371 Status Code 11118?
- Make sure that your Windows is up to date. If it does not then update your Windows first and then try installing QuickBooks.
- Select the Windows logo.
- Select All Programs.
- Click Windows Update.
- Once you have installed the new update, try installing QuickBooks again.
- If that doesn't work you can try the following procedure:
- Press Windows Key + R. It will open the run window.
- In that same window type in C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8. Else, open the correct location where QuickBooks saves the entitlement information and then click on OK. Now Windows Explorer will open at that location.
- Select to the .ecml, Right-click on it and select to delete it.
- Close this window and then run QuickBooks again. a message will appear asking you to register the product again.
The above-mentioned methods will help you to resolve the QuickBooks Error 3371 Status Code 11118. This error is related to damage in the programs which is in your system. So fixing those damages should help you resolve the issue. But still, if you are not able to solve the issue, call the toll-free QuickBooks Support Phone Number +1888-382-7559 and the highly experienced QuickBooks Advisors who will resolve your issues in quick time will assist you.


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Meeting Times
Commission Members
|The Planning Commission meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM in Burkart Hall at 56 Keeley Avenue.
|Chairman: Michael Stanislaw
Vice Chairman: Loren Frasco
Council Liaison: Eric VanDerSluis
Planning Consultant: Kent Baird
Members: Bob Binkley, Karl Dieterichs, Rick Eggleston, Michael Parke, David Holewinski, Margaret Remmey
The Borough Planning Commission works with the Bucks County Planning Commission to develop uniformity between New Britain Borough and the rest of Bucks County. Their duties are to review all Land Use and Construction Plans. Recommendations by the Planning Commission are forwarded to Borough Council for review and their approval or denial of any given project.
The Planning Commission is responsible for working with the Bucks County Planning Commission on updating the Borough Comprehensive Plan every ten years. These plans can be found on New Britain Borough's Long Term Vision page (link below).


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Lecture and poster contributions are invited on the topics of CAR, CAS, CAD, CMI, DOR, and MCA.
Deadline for Abstract/Paper Submission for CARS 2021 is 11th January 2021, midnight PST time.
To secure a balanced evaluation of all submissions, each abstract/paper will be evaluated by three expert members of the internationally renowned medical/scientific CARS 2021 program committee.
Please submit either:
an extended Abstract (500–1000 words) or
a Paper (original article 3000–5000 words or a short communication 1500-3000 words).
The word limit of a submission is including abstract, references and figure/table captions.
Extended abstracts or papers including new methods, devices, systems and applications, clinical studies, position papers, and poster topics for presentation at the congress are solicited. Submissions will be peer-reviewed by members of the CARS international program committee.
CARS follows a two-tier system:
will open beginning of November.
To submit an abstract (500-1000 words), please submit your abstract through the Abstract Management System.
Submitting an extended abstract is a multi-step process. Please ensure that
Final Abstract for Publication in the CARS Proceedings, Supplement of the International Journal of CARS
For modifying your submitted and accepted abstract, please login with your login code to the Abstract Management System
Please do not submit a new abstract, as this would create a new abstract ID which can not be allocated to the accepted abstract!
If you have any technical questions about the submission of your manuscript, please feel free to contact the Proceedings Editorial Office at proceedings2021(@)cars-int.org.
To submit a paper, which can be either an original article (3000-5000 words) or a short communication (1500-3000 words) (including abstract, references and figure/table captions), please submit your manuscript through the Editorial Management System (Springer) and enter "CARS 2021 Submission" into the box for authors comments.
Please refer to the instructions for authors of the International Journal of CARS and read them carefully before preparing your manuscript.
Original articles correspond to manuscripts which fall into the category of original (technical) publications with a focus on describing technical details and feasibility, in addition to their relevance in clinical settings.
Short communications correspond to manuscripts with a focus on future-oriented "substantial innovations" outlining concepts and/or investigations as part of visionary work-in-progress activities. A substantial innovation implies expanding the capabilities of a CARS-related system or its components towards significantly improving clinical workflow and/or patient outcome.
The benefit of submitting a paper rather than an abstract is that after the peer-review process, in addition to a lecture or poster presentation at the congress, the paper may also be considered for inclusion in a regular issue of the International Journal of CARS.
If a paper is rejected for publication in IJCARS, but accepted for presentation for the CARS Congress, the authors will be given the opportunity to submit an extended abstract for the CARS Proceedings, a Supplement of IJCARS. Deadline of Submission of these abstracts for the CARS Proceedings is 18th March, 2021. A word template for preparing the abstract and further details for submission can be downloaded.
Abstracts or papers are solicited for presentation at the congress (i.e. papers as well as abstracts are considered for lectures or posters, both have equal chance of acceptance). Abstracts may also be submitted to be considered for the poster exhibition only. Abstracts for lectures or posters will also be published in the CARS Proceedings, a Supplement of IJCARS.
All submissions will be peer-reviewed and, if accepted, will be given a presentation time of 15 minutes incl. 3 minutes discussion for oral presentations or a space in the poster exhibition.
Abstract submissions
CARS 2021 abstracts will be evaluated by the program committee and, if accepted, will be published in the CARS Proceedings, Supplement of the International Journal of CARS, which will be made available to all attendees at the congress.
Paper submissions
After the peer-review process and if accepted, papers will be published "online first" by Springer as well as included in regular or special issues of the International Journal of CARS.
|Submission of abstracts / papers:
|11th January, 2021
midnight PST time
|Notification of acceptance:
|9th February, 2021
|Registration of presenting authors:
|3rd March, 2021
|Submission of final abstracts (for CARS 2021 Proceedings):
|9th March, 2021
|Submission of final papers (for the International Journal of CARS):
|after the peer-review process
All presenting authors must register for the congress by 3rd March, 2021. Only one person per presentation can register at the special registration fee for presenting authors of Euro 560.
For any inquiries regarding registration, please contact us at registration(@)cars-int.org
If you have any questions regarding your submission, please send them to fschweikert(@)cars-int.org
Last update: 8 July 2020


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More information.
Ariane 5 is shown prior to liftoff from the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch complex with its dual-passenger payload of ABS-2 and Athena-Fidus.
Arianespace opened a busy year of mission activity in 2014 with another Ariane 5 success today that added key numbers to the company's commercial launch services track record.
This 250th launch performed by Arianespace lifted off from the Spaceport in French Guiana at 6:30 p.m. local time, delivering a dual-satellite payload into geostationary transfer orbit: ABS-2 for global satellite operator ABS, and Athena-Fidus for the defense/homeland security needs of France and Italy. The mission's duration was just over 32 minutes.
With its growing order book, Flight VA217 is the first of up to 12 Arianespace missions planned from the Spaceport in 2014, which would set an operational record for the company.
Chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël said the ambitious launch manifest is a challenge that Arianespace is ready to meet. Recognizing the Spaceport's launch teams, he noted their role in maintaining the quality, reliability and availability of the company's Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega launcher family in a time of increased competition.
"My satisfaction is all the greater that tonight's mission is the very symbol of Arianespace's dual raison d'être," he explained in post-launch comments. "Arianespace provides Europe with a guaranteed and independent access to space; while at the same time it delivers high-quality launch services to commercial satellite operators worldwide."
Ariane 5 provided another highly accurate performance, with the following estimated orbital parameters at the injection of its cryogenic upper stage:
Released first during Flight VA217 was the ABS-2 relay spacecraft, which had a mass at liftoff of approximately 6,330 kg. and was the first satellite for which ABS directly awarded the launch contract – selecting Arianespace. As a result, Arianespace continued its support of new and developing communications market entrants, with more than 80 percent of satellite telecommunications operators selecting the company for their first launch milestones – placing the emphasis on quality, reliability and availability.
ABS-2 was produced by SSL (Space Systems/Loral) and will deliver optimized telecommunications, direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting, multimedia, and data transmission services for Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Its operational geostationary orbital slot will be at 75° East.
Deployed at the conclusion of Flight VA217 was the Athena-Fidus payload – the 50th satellite launched by Arianespace for European defense purposes. Thales Alenia Space built the 3,080-kg.-category spacecraft as prime contractor to customer Telespazio, working on behalf of the French CNES and Italian ASI space agencies, as well as the French DGA and Italian Segredifesa defense ministry organizations. Athena-Fidus is to deliver telecommunications services to both armed forces and homeland security units in France and Italy, operated from a geostationary orbit position of 38° East.
In orbiting Athena-Fidus, Arianespace opened a key year at the service of European institutions. Included in the company's planned 2014 mission manifest are flights for the European Commission's Galileo and Copernicus flagship programs, along with launches with the European Space Agency's final Automated Transfer Vehicle and the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) atmospheric reentry demonstrator.
Tonight's launch was the 216th flight of an Ariane-series vehicle. It marked the 72nd Ariane 5 mission overall, and the 58th consecutive success for Arianespace's workhorse heavy-lift vehicle.
The next Arianespace mission is planned for March 7, using another Ariane 5 to orbit the ASTRA 5B and Amazonas 4A relay satellites. Amazonas 4A – built by Orbital Sciences Corporation for Hispasat – arrived in French Guiana this week aboard a cargo jetliner.


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Zack Whedon's latest comic book, Terminator 2029, comes out today from Dark Horse, and we're seriously hoping this Kyle Reese-centric story can make us forget Terminator Salvation ever existed. Check out the first few pages.
To continue reading the first preview of this comic, head over to Bloody Disgusting.
Here's the official synopsis of the comic, written by Whedon (Dr. Horrible, Fringe) with art by Andy MacDonald:
"The year is 2029. It's the year that John Connor, leader of the Resistance, sends Kyle Reese to 1984 to save Sarah Connor from a T-800 with a grudge.
But before all of that happened, Kyle Reese was just another man fighting to survive in a world overrun by a technology that had taken on a life of its own and annihilated civilization.
Who was Kyle before he met John Connor and was thrust through time to face off with a T-800 and fall for a waitress with a destiny? And who were his comrades in arms?
In this three-issue series we'll meet Kyle Reese and his closest allies as they take on T-600s, T-800s, and HKs, in a world where there is little in the way of food, water, or hope."


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At first glance, this Iron Man 3D Mask from Hipnorth.com looks cool --and it is with its finely sculpted Mark42 mask design -- but do you really want to use this for your liquids?
A true Iron Man fan would probably want this for its iconic red-and-gold badass look. The colors and structure look accurate and slick even though its shell is made of cheap plastic. Even its handle feels like a trigger of a high-tech laser beam.
Its material may not feel as majestic as it looks, but I think it's light and compact enough for travel, outdoor picnic, camping, or children's party. The plus side is that it's not as fragile as other superhero-inspired mugs made of glass or any other breakable materials.
It may look as sophisticated as Iron Man, but it's a pretty simple mug with no fancy tech. The way the lid opens looks nice, but some of you might find this mug hard to drink because of how the lid could hit your face. I had to angle my neck a certain way to comfortably sip from it.
Nonetheless, this mug rocks for its durability and design, so if you're a true Iron Man fan who want to be reminded how badass Tony Stark is while drinking coffee, grab this bad boy at hipnorth.com.


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If you need support with TeamCal Pro (installation, configuration, usage) post your request here.
Post Reply
3 posts • Page 1 of 1
Some daynotes are shown by mouseover, some not? Could this be a Problem of my sqldb, or a Problem of team cal?
Re: daynotes
This problem occurs in my installation, too (fyi).
Re: daynotes
This has been resolved and will be released in 3.6.008
Post Reply
3 posts • Page 1 of 1


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Development Co-operation Report 2012
Lessons in Linking Sustainability and Development
The Development Co-operation Report is the key annual reference document for statistics and analysis on trends in international aid. This year, the Development Co-operation Report 2012 seeks to provide insights into how to address today's sustainable development challenges, with a focus on inclusiveness and good governance to ensure that our finite resources are equitably distributed, now and in the future.
Sharing finite resources among a growing number people – and consumers – is a critical challenge. It is in this spirit that J. Brian Atwood, Chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), invited several intellectual leaders on the challenges of inclusive, sustainable development to contribute to this year's report.
- Click to access:
Click to download PDF - 2.29MBPDF
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The private sector driving green growth
A revolution is occurring in the business arena: for many leading companies worldwide, social and environmental action is no longer solely about compliance or resource efficiency; it is about garnering competitive advantage. In this chapter, the author outlines a vision for the future in which business, government and civil society all work together, each doing what they do best, to create what none of them could achieve alone. He draws on many examples of such partnerships, such as the Water and Development Alliance (WADA) between The Coca-Cola Company and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is benefiting over half a million people globally. Green paths that the business sector can follow include: mainstreaming resource efficiency into operations; valuing natural capital; and leveraging the resources of the private sector against those of the public sector to multiply the impact. The free flow of creative knowledge and expertise through partnerships is essential to drive the social and environmental changes needed to ensure a vibrant and prosperous future.
- Click to access:
Click to download PDF - 253.85KBPDF
Click to Read online and shareREAD


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Dogs swimming in Venice, Italy with a vaporetto and Giudecca Island in the background. Funny men's briefs with original photography by artist Rachael Grad.
Two dogs taking a swim on a hot summer evening in the Giudiecca Canal in Venice, Italy. A Venice vaporetto boat is pulling away in the lapping blue-gray water. Gorgeous historic buildings of Giudecca Island are seen in the background.
These men's boxer briefs are Made in Canada. Each pair of underwear is made to order, designed and printed in and shipped from Canada.
Funny Venice, Italy Dog Boxer Underwear Features:
- Canadian-made super soft and comfortable fabric: peachskin jersey fabric (92% polyester, 8%spandex) is lined with a bamboo spandex blend
- Funny Venetian Boxer Briefs have classic no-fly cut with ample room and just the right amount of support
- The artwork printed elastic waistband is 1.25" wide
- The smooth seam allows for easy movement
- The funny artwork of dogs swimming in Venice, Italy is printed with color inks that will last even with lots of wash and wearing
These art underwear is made to order just for you. Work will be begin on it once you've payed for your order. The processing time for it will take between 1 to 3 weeks.
All items are Canadian-made and will ship directly from my art studio, art shows or hand-made manufacturer in Canada. The time I need to prepare an order for shipping varies and some can take up to 4 weeks.
If you need your item by a certain date, please ask me the production time before placing an order.
The time needed to ship can vary depending on the time of year and location.
- North America: 1 to 3 weeks
- Europe and International: 2 to 4 weeks
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but cannot guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
PLEASE NOTE TRACKING IS NOT INCLUDED WITH YOUR ORDER. Canada Post does not include tracking - either domestic OR international tracking - as standard. If you'd like to upgrade to shipping with tracking, please let me know.