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Thursday, 25 April 2013 21:13
Revolution Under Construction: Tunisia, the World Social Forum & Feminist Internationalism | Maria Poblet
Reflections on the World Social Forum. Tunis, Spring 2013.
Tunisia is a society under construction. After a successful revolution in 2011 that sparked the "Arab Spring", the country, and the entire region, are in the midst of profound social transformation. I went to Tunisia thrilled to learn from the social movements that overthrew a profoundly entrenched, decades-long dictatorship. The World Social Forum (WSF), held in Tunis in late March, occurred in the wake of this groundbreaking change. The Forum brought together 50,000 people from social movements on all over the world to share and learn from each other and from the advances of the "Arab Spring."
Alma Blackwell, lead member of Causa Justa :: Just Cause, and I were both part of a majority-women of color delegation of Left community-based organizations from the United States, organized by the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance (GGJ). In our community organizing work at Causa Justa :: Just Cause in California, we emphasize bringing our work to scale, and building a movement strong enough to have national impact. Just last month, we helped launch Right to the City's national "Homes for All" campaign and brought together homeowners in foreclosure with public housing residents, homeless people with renters, all with the goal of building a movement large enough to win the change we need.
Published in Maria Poblet: ¡Todo el Pueblo al Sueño!
Tuesday, 19 March 2013 03:05
Women's Rights in the Age of Empire | Maria Poblet
Reflections on internationalist solidarity, in preparation for the 2013 World Social Forum in Tunisia
"Hijab is part of our culture!" yelled a young woman in a gold and yellow "hijab" Muslim headscarf, squared off against an older French blonde, whose chin and shoulders were pulled back, signaling how offended and taken aback she was. "You think feminism is taking off the scarf?" the young woman continued, "Why don't you stop the wars in our countries, stop the criminalization of Islam in Europe? We do not want to be in your country but we have no choice but to migrate, now you want to take away our culture, too?"
Published in Maria Poblet: ¡Todo el Pueblo al Sueño!


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It would seem that Tracey and Dave have gain the trust of Deseronto home owners. Tracey Dickson and Dave Pinnell Jr. now have 4 (soon to be 5) homes listed for sale in Deseronto, Ontario, Canada. Deseronto is a great community just outside of Napanee where you will find amazing homes for even more amazing prices. Please take some time and visit our listings by clicking on the website address, it will take you, to what we hope will be your new home !!!
Please do not hesitate to contact Tracey Dickson or Dave Pinnell Jr, sales representatives for Century 21 Real Estate Limited (613-354-4347) for all your Deseronto Real Estate needs. Tracey's cell 613-328-2383 or Dave's cell 613-328-7213.
and visit the Town of Deseronto's website at www.deseronto.ca

subset: commoncrawl


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karenrcfv AT yahoo DOT com.
VS: I want to thank you, Karen for being my guest here on The Writing Mama today. I know being a parent and writer can be hard, but you do more than just write and raise a family. You also host authors on your blog and run a virtual blog tour group, so to start here is the first question . . . how many children do you have and what are their ages?
Karen: Hi, Virginia, thank you for featuring me; it's certainly an honor. As far as question #1, I have two grown daughters, 30 and 34. And, I have two grandsons, 4-years-old, and 20-months-old. I babysit them two days a week, so I'm still in the trenches as a writing grandmamma. J During the summer, my 10-year-old great nephew is in the mix also.
VS: Wow, sounds like you are busy with kids even after yours have grown-up. What is a typical writing day like for you?
Karen: My typical writing day is spending an awful lot of time on the computer, except Tuesdays and Thursday (they are my babysitting days). After watching my grandsons for 8 or 9 hours, I often just crash.
On most days, I try to take care of household chores in the morning when I have some energy. Then, I go on the computer. First I check my email (including my groups' daily digests), and respond to mail that needs to be answered; I also look into any interesting newsletters or information.
After that, I spend my time writing one thing or another; with ghostwriting, editing, copywriting, and my own articles for my blogs and article directories my day flies by with writing and research.
VS: After reading what your day is like, I had to go take a nap. LOL. I totally understand days flying by with writing, research, and taking care of kids. I think it is great you watch your grandkids. My mom helps me out as well when I need a break. So is your family supportive of your writing and other ventures?
Karen: My husband is very supportive of my writing, although every now and then he feels I'm on the computer too much. My girls are supportive, but for some reason they always laugh when I say I'm busy working. And, my 4-year-old grandson is starting to become interested in my writing. He recently asked if I write books, and wanted to write one with me.
VS: That's wonderful to hear. I think husbands sometime view our writing as a hobby. At least mine did until was paid for my work. He doesn't say much now about how much I'm on the computer because he's on more than me. However, if the kids are climbing the walls . . . he has no trouble pointing out I need to get off. J Have you had any training to become a writer?
Karen: In college, I minored in English Literature, but no real formal training to become a writer. After I became disabled with multiple sclerosis in 2000, and had to give up my accounting career, I entered the writing arena. First, I took several years to get healthy enough to function better. Then, I joined The Children's Writer's Coaching Club (CWCC) with Suzanne Lieurance. My training, in respect to writing for children, is through Suzanne and her instruction, guidance, coaching, and motivation. I've been a member for over 2 years now, and I know I wouldn't have gotten this far without Suzanne.
I also put in the time and effort; I did, and still do, a lot of research and reading about learning to write and marketing.
VS: That is so amazing Karen. I have to tell you I forget you have MS. You do so much and never seem to slow down and I'm sure Suzanne is there motivating you every step of the way. She's great and her programs from what I hear are wonderful. I haven't taken one yet, but I do get her newsletter and chat with her from time to time. Okay, so what type of books do you mostly write?
Karen: I seem to be all over the place. J I started with children's picture books, then moved on to children's chapter books (which I really like writing), and I've written 3 nonfiction e-books on writing and marketing; the most recent one is over 100 pages. And, I know I have a novel in me somewhere . . . someday.
VS: I think it is great you're trying all the different genres. I think one should never limit their choices and once you find the niche you do best in . . . really hit it hard. Karen, I would love it if you would share with us a little about your current book.
Karen: My current book, Walking Through Walls, is a children's chapter book geared toward ages 8-11. It's in contract with 4RV Publishing, and is in edits. It takes place in
I also have another children's chapter book in the works (on the back burner for the time being) about two boys lost in space and a children's pb (also on the backburner).
VS: Your book, Walking Through Walls, sounds interesting. My family live books based in other countries. You'll have to let me know when it is out. I also know what it is like having WP's on the backburner. I finally pulled two of my pb's out of the drawer to start working on them again after two years. As I mentioned before, you don't only write, but also host and run a blog tour group. Can you share a little about this group and what a blog tour is?
Karen: Yes, VBT – Writers on the Move. I started this group in October 2008, as a direct result of the 2008 Muse Online Writer's Conference. I participated in a workshop with Denise Cassino that prompted the group.
Basically, we are a group of authors and writers who use cross-promotion to increase visibility. Our strategies include ongoing blog tours, promotion of the tours, link exchange, twitter retweets of not only the tours, but any other blog post a member requests we visit and comment on (I call it Marketing Plus), and a group blog site where contributors have another site to post content. I don't think I'm forgetting anything, but can't remember at the moment—let's see, I can blame it on my age, or the MS. J
A blog tour is a strategy for creating or increasing visibility. I wrote an article a while ago explaining tours and VBT; it's more detailed than I can add here. Anyone interested can check it out at:
VS: VBT is such a great group. I'm really enjoying being a part of it. It does take a lot of work, but it is worth it. Now you also do ghost writing. I've looked into this kind of work before, but wasn't sure if it was something I wanted to try. Can you share with us what it is like working on someone else's book?
Karen: I like ghostwriting. To me it's a win-win situation – the author gets a story and you paid for it. J I usually work from an outline or rough draft provided by the author.
As long as you don't have the need to have your name on the book, it's a practical way to earn money from your writing. I've done several children's books so far, and turned down a paranormal novel because I'm not familiar enough with the genre. I'm currently working on editing/rewriting a 320 page memoir (once some rewriting is involved I consider it a form of ghostwriting). The key is to make sure you get paid enough for your time, and sometimes you don't always know how involved, or how long it will take.
VS: Yes, I can see that being a downside to ghostwriting. Besides writing your own books and ghostwriting . . . you also do reviews. What do you like about reviewing?
Karen: The first is the reading part; I've read so many interesting books from reviewing. The other thing I like about reviewing is helping authors out by bringing attention to their books through reviews. Unfortunately, with my workload, I have slacked off on reviews.
VS: Totally understandable. You do a lot Karen, so slacking off on a few things is bound to happen. One reason why I took a break from Stories for Children Magazine last year. Okay, with all that you do what type of book promotion works for you? Any special strategies you'd like to share?
Karen: Without hesitation, article marketing for article directories and my blogs works.
Readers want information or entertainment; providing what readers want draws traffic and creates visibility for what you're offering, whether it's your books or your services. This is why in the VBT tours I'm trying to steer the members toward featuring more guest articles rather than pure promo.
VS: A very smart move indeed. What is the best writing advice you ever received?
Karen: There are two bits of advice that I think are invaluable to a writer, and both came from Suzanne Lieurance:
1. Don't compare yourself to other writers and their accomplishments.
2. Persevere.
VS: Great advice Karen. It is so true that what works for one writer may not work for another so comparing yourself to others is just asking for failure. Sine you mentioned persevere, do you find it hard to balance your personal writing time with your other jobs?
Karen: YES! I struggle with this all the time, and my personal writing time is losing big time. But, as a freelance writer, you need to take the jobs when they come.
VS: I'll second that! Okay, a publishing question for you . . . the world of book publishing is extremely competitive, with many authors hesitating between trying their luck with a traditional publisher or self publishing. What advice would you offer writers who are oscillating between these two publishing venues?
Karen: I think self-publishing is an option, as long as you take the necessary steps to make your book 'publish ready' (professionally edited, and if it's a pb, professional illustrations). And, with e-books on the rise, and more and more companies such as CreateSapce, Smashwords, and Lulu, it's easier than ever to create a book.
But, whether right or wrong, I think there's a certain feeling of accomplishment when your manuscript is accepted by a publisher. And, book promotion is a lot of work, even if you're traditionally published, with self-publishing it's even more difficult and time consuming.
VS: Yes, I think a lot of writers who take the self-publishing route don't realize how much hard work marketing is and more so because you don't have a publisher's support (most of the time.) Karen, what would we be surprised to learn about you?
Karen: I've been promoting myself for almost two years now; you all probably know more about me than I remember myself. J
Okay, I'm not sure if anyone knows this, but I recently joined the staff at 4RV Publishing as an acquisitions editor intern.
VS: That's wonderful news. Congrats! Karen, is there anything else you would like to share with us about being a "Writing Mama"?
Karen: I think in closing, I'd just like to emphasis that anyone interested in self-publishing should take the time to do it right. I've read a number of self-pubbed books for reviews, and it was obvious the authors jumped in without learning to swim first.
VS: Karen, thank you again for sharing your busy writing mama life with us. It is always a pleasure to have writers like you who are so multi-talented on The Writing Mama.
To sign up for Karen's free monthly newsletter, A Writer's World, and in the process get two free e-books: The Self-Publisher's Guide, and The Blogger's Checklist. Go to:
http://karencioffi.com or http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com
To learn more about Karen's book Day's End Lullaby visit:
You can learn more about Karen and her books at:


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Beloved in Christ;
Words fail me to express how grateful I am to have had your company at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on the 30th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. I was expecting the usual small but faithful crowd and walked into a full chapel, nearly 40 of you taking the trouble to join me in giving thanks! I was so moved, I could barely keep my composure during the Canon. The reception and present afterwards were more than thoughtful of you. But it is gift of your prayers and presence that will always be with me.
I am humbled and thankful, every day, for the honor of serving you as your bishop, and always in prayer for your lives and ministries. May you all be richly blessed in this Season of the world's hope and expectation.
Blessings in Christ,
(The Right Reverend) Dorsey McConnell
The Bishop of Pittsburgh
crux est mundi medicina


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Abe Lincoln close-up stereo photo by Keystone (3-D)
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I do not know what will happen to the style of this listing after the June 1st changes. I get the impression, (I hope I am wrong) that the pictures will shrink. If you do not get a giant mono-blow-up that about fills your screen, as well as a full-stereo scan slightly enlarged, email me for a direct link.(Consignor la) Canadian ebayers, despite what the postage reads above, the shipping is actually $1.60 within Canada. Lot consists of one stereoview by Keystone. #(H148) 28016 "Abraham Lincoln." (Tight close-up) Some bits of emulsion are off the prints, a tiny bit off his forehead in left print. Tones G+, mt top corners cut, mount otherwise Exc. Please click on the ' me ' on this page or on my main listings page for more information about my business and other fine photography available soon, mostly stereoviews, including close-up 'people-views,' Minnesota, Wisconsin, Canada, Philippine War, Chicago and Fire, Construction, Ships & Boats, Trains & RR, Air Transportation, Pool & Billiards, Crystal Palace, Doremus Floating Gallery series, Indians of North America, California, Caves, mid-western USA, Eastern Europe, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France, England, other Europe, Risque, ANOTHER HUGE SELECTION OF BOXED SETS including Yellowstone N.P. by Stereo Travel (79/100), also Italy (100/100), California ... read more


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Bull Run Fossil Plant, Clinton, Tennessee When TVA's Bull Run Fossil Plant was erected in the mid-1960s, it could boast of having the largest boiler in the U.S., and the plant has enjoyed a long, enviable efficiency track record. Today the public judges coal plants by their emissions. Now that it's been outfitted with the [ Read More ]
Categories: Coal plant


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|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|20 Dec 1994
|Filing date
|29 Jun 1992
|Priority date
|29 Jun 1992
|Fee status
|Publication number
|Victor S. Johnston
|Original Assignee
|Johnston; Victor S.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (7), Non-Patent Citations (22), Referenced by (138), Classifications (7), Legal Events (3)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating a composite of an individual face without the need for recall of discrete facial parts, through the evaluation of a series of computer-generated facial composites.
2. Background Art:
Humans have excellent facial recognition ability. Age, sex, race, intention, mood and well-being may be determined from the perception of a face. Additionally, humans can recognize and discriminate between an "infinity" of faces seen over a lifetime, while recognizing large numbers of unfamiliar faces after only a short exposure. Unfortunately, humans often have great difficulty recalling facial characteristics in sufficient detail to generate an accurate composite of the individual. As a consequence, current composite-drawing creation procedures, which depend heavily on recall of specific facial features, are not always adequate.
When the nature of the perceiver is fixed, such as when a witness is required to identify a criminal suspect, only the configuration and presentation of the stimulus facial print may be varied to facilitate recognition. To ensure success under these circumstances, the facial stimuli must provide adequate information, without including unnecessary details that can interfere with accurate identification. A body of research has attempted to uncover the important factors governing facial stimuli and methods of presentation that are most compatible with the recognition process. The most systematic studies of facial recognition have been conducted in the field of criminology.
Beyond the use of sketch artists, more empirical approaches have been developed to aid in suspect identification. The first practical aid was developed in Britain, between 1968 and 1974. J. Penry, "Photo-Fit," Forensic Photography, vol. 3(7), pp. 4-10 (1974). Termed "PhotoFit," this technique uses over 600 interchangeable photographs of facial parts, picturing five basic features: forehead and hair, eyes and eyebrows, mouth and lips, nose, and chin and cheeks. With additional accessories, such as beards and eyeglasses, combinations can produce approximately fifteen billion different faces. Initially, a kit was developed for full-face views of Caucasian males. Other kits for Afro-Asian males, Caucasian females and for Caucasian male profiles soon followed.
Alternatives to PhotoFit have since been developed. They include the Multiple Image-Maker and Identification Compositor (MIMIC), which uses film strip projections; Identikit, which uses plastic overlays of drawn features to produce a composite resembling a sketch (see Solso et al., "Prototype formation of faces: A case of pseudo-memory," 72 British J. of Psych 499-503 (1981)); and Compusketch, a computerized version of the Identikit process available from the Visitex Corporation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,753, Identification Kits, to Haggas, discloses an overlay based identification kit similar to Identikit.
The Compusketch software is capable of generating over 85,000 types of eyes alone. With no artistic ability, a trained operator can assemble a likeness 45 to 60 minutes. Because of such advantages, computer-aided sketching is becoming the method of choice for law enforcement agencies.
However, because Of its wide distribution, the PhotoFit system has generated the largest body of research on recognition of composite facial images. One study of PhotoFit compared memory for photographs of faces with memory for PhotoFit facial prints which have noticeable lines around the five component feature groups, reporting that subjects recognize the unlined photographs more easily. The presence of lines appears to impair memory, and random lines have the same effect as the systematic PhotoFit lines. G. M. Davies, H. D. Ellis, and J. W. Shepherd, "Face Identification--the Influence of Delay Upon Accuracy of Photo-Fit Construction," Journal of Police Science and Administration, vol. 6(1), pp. 35-42 (1978). Individuals display a high degree of recognition of photographs, but generally describe a human face poorly. At least three sources of distortion arise between viewing a suspect and a PhotoFit construction--"selective encoding of features," assignment to physiognomic type,⃡ and "subjective overlay due to context"--which contribute to the production of caricatures of a suspect rather than accurate representations. G. M . Davies, J. W. Shepherd, and H. D. Ellis, "Remembering Faces--Acknowledging Our Limitations," Journal of the Forensic Science Society, vol. 18, pp. 19-24 (1978).
The need to respond to suggestive stimuli or concentrate on specific facial parts is a failing of all currently used systems of generating facial prints. The introduction of bias is particularly sensitive, since the primary use of these systems is in the law enforcement and legal areas. Ideally, to avoid such bias, an unskilled witness should be able to generate a composite facial stimulus unaided and uninfluenced.
Moreover, humans employ different and multiple methods of facial recognition that involve processing dichotomies that vary between analytical, feature based, and holistic organizational strategies. Existing methods of creating facial composite prints appear to constrain some of these methods of recognition. A major conclusion from cognitive research is that the mechanics of Compusketch and its predecessors, PhotoFit, MIMIC, and Identikit, actually inhibit recognition, by forcing witnesses to employ a specific cognitive strategy; namely, constructing facial prints from isolated feature recall. Since facial recognition appears to also involve holistic processes, the single feature methodology may be inappropriate. Indeed, One study has suggested that the single feature approach may be a more serious source of recognition distortion than interference from an outside source. G. M. Davies and D. Christie, "Face Recall: An Examination of Some Factors Limiting Composite Production Accuracy," Journal of Applied Psychology, vol. 67, pp. 103-109 (1982).
Many of the problems and limitations of the existing identification systems may be eliminated by adopting a strategy for generating facial prints that exploits the well developed human skill for facial recognition, rather than individual feature recall. Moreover, the present invention has been designed so that it accommodates a wide variety of individual styles of cognitive processing, using a genetic algorithm to generate composite facial prints, evolving an individual facial print over generations, and using recognition as the single criterion for directing the evolutionary process.
The present invention is not primarily concerned with automated recognition of faces, but rather with permitting unskilled individuals to generate facial composites using a computer. Patent dealing with the former area of endeavor include U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,969, Method and Apparatus for Uniquely Identifying Individuals by Particular Physical Characteristics and Security System Utilizing the Same, to Tal; U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,575, Image Encoding and Synthesis, to Welsh et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,487, Picture Storage and Retrieval System for Various Limited Storage Mediums, to Newmuis; U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,189, Personal Access Control System Using Speech and Face Recognition, to Feix et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,686, System for Checking the Authenticity of Identification Papers, to Bonicalzi et al.; and U.K. Patent No. GB 2,231,699 A, Obtaining Information Characterizing a Person or Animal, to Sherman.
The genetic algorithm, first described by in 1975 by J. H. Holland, Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems (Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press 1975), is a robust search algorithm based upon the principles of biological evolution. In essence, the genetic algorithm is a simulation of the evolutionary process, and makes use of the powerful operators of "natural" selection, mutation and crossover to evolve a solution to any complex design problem. Unlike other procedures Currently in use, a genetic algorithm is capable of efficiently searching a large sample space of alternative facial composites and of finding a "satisficing" solution in a relatively short period of time. Since such a genetic algorithm procedure can be based on recognition rather than recall, and makes no assumptions concerning the attributes of witnesses or the cognitive strategy they employ, it can find an adequate solution irrespective of these variables.
The present invention is of a method and apparatus for creating a satisfactory facial composite of a human face comprising: generating a set of facial composites; identifying a fittest facial composite of the set; combining the fittest facial composite and another facial composite from the set to create an intermediate facial composite; placing the intermediate facial composite in the set; and repeating until the intermediate facial composite is satisfactory.
In the preferred embodiment, generating a set of facial composites comprises randomly generating the set after initially limiting the universe from which the set of facial composites is generated by sex, race, and other identifying characteristics. A set of unique strings of binary digits is randomly generated, each of the strings corresponding to a unique facial composite. Each of the composites is rated by a user on a scale of fitness to an observed human face (or any other desired face, such as a beautiful face). The rating may be performed or supplemented by measuring physiological responses of a user. Combining the fittest facial composite and another facial composite comprises breeding two genotypes corresponding to the fittest facial composite and another facial composite to generate an offspring genotype corresponding to the intermediate facial composite. Breeding two genotypes comprises permitting crossover of genes between the two bred genotypes with a probability of 0.24 and mutation of genes within the two bred genotypes with a probability of 0.05. The invention preferably further comprises permitting the user to prevent further changes to a specified feature of the intermediate composite and to modify a specified feature of the intermediate composite. The intermediate composite is placed in the set only if the fitness of the intermediate composite is greater than the fitness of a least fit facial composite of the set, in which case the least fit facial composite is removed from the set.
The primary object of the invention is to provide a facial composite generator usable by an unskilled individual.
The primary advantage of the present invention is its reliance on recognition rather than recall. If a witness is unable to recognize the observed face then accurate facial feature recall is not possible. However, a witness may recognize an observed face without possessing the ability to recall all, or even some, of the separate features of that face. The invention operates independently of the cognitive strategy employed by the witness. Since the invention does not enforce any particular strategy or rely upon any specific attribute, it allows a witness to pursue an individual approach. Because of the lack of constraints on the witness's processing method, the composites are generated more efficiently and more accurately by the invention than by either the Compusketch method or from the assembly of composite parts. These advantages are independent of the age, gender, hemispheric advantage or cognitive style of the witness.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the self-directed development of a facial print eliminates any biasing influences introduced through a human interview. Unlike other facial print techniques, the invention does not require the use of an extensive set of questions about the observed individual prior to generating the composite. This reduces the possibility that other information, unintentionally provided by the questioner, may bias witnesses in their selection of facial features.
An additional advantage of the present invention follows from the fact that interactions between features and their positions may be a major source of error when features are selected and then position-adjusted in two separate operations. This is the common strategy in current computerized systems. By representing facial variables as genes, both cephalometric and/or soft tissue anthropometric measurements and specific feature elements of the composite may be coded in the same genotype. Witnesses using the invention can therefore evolve both the facial features and their relative positions at the same time, and in context.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the use of a common gene code allows additional attributes, such as color, to be added easily in any future development of the invention.
A further advantage of the present invention is that, when used to implement a selection routine for facial identification, the invention provides a selection strategy that performs the double function of generating a composite and a genotype for that composite. This genotype can serve as a code for that individual face, not unlike a fingerprint. These genotypes then become useful codes for comparing composite faces with stored records.
Another advantage of the present invention is that genotypes generated by a number of witnesses may be combined through the invention and used to generate a new facial print. These may be more reliable than single source composite prints.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set:forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.
FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the preferred method of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of the preferred apparatus of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a graph of an example stochastic walk through a five-dimensional face space;
FIG. 4 is a graph of mean and maximum fitnesses over generations of composites;
FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating Binary, Gray, and BIN/GRAY genotype codings;
FIG. 6 is a graph of mean fitnesses over generations for the codings of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a graph of mean fitnesses over generations for standard, flood, and freeze embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a graph of mean and maximum fitnesses over generations using freeze; and
FIG. 9 illustrates a display screen generated by the preferred method and apparatus of the invention.
This invention relates to a computerized method of generating a randomly determined set of facial composite prints, from which an unskilled witness can rate the relative likeness to the observed (or otherwise desired) face on a simple numeric scale, followed by successive generations of computer-generated groups of facial composite prints generated by a genetic algorithm, from which the unskilled witness can continue to rate the likeness, until a satisfactory facial composite is achieved.
A small number (e.g., 30) facial prints (phenotypes) are generated from a random series of binary number strings (genotypes) according to a standard developmental program. During decoding, the first seven bits of the genotype specify the type and position of one of 32 foreheads, the next seven bits specify the eyes and their separation, and the remaining three sets of seven bits designate the shape and position of nose, mouth and chin, respectively. Combinations of these parts and positions allow over 34 billion composite facial prints to be generated. A small number of preliminary questions (e.g., the sex, color, distinctive features, or approximate age of the observed individual) can be initially asked of the witness, and that information used to optimize the 34 billion possibilities to the observed face; i.e., to reduce the size of the "face-space" which must be searched.
The position of all features are referenced to a standard eye-line, defined as an imaginary horizontal line through the center of the pupils. Four positions (2 bits) are used to specify the vertical location of each feature (eyes, mouth, nose and chin) with reference to this standard, and two bits to specify pupil separation. These positions cover the range of variability found in a sample population. The number of bits used to specify features or position can be increased if necessary.
The initial thirty random facial prints can be viewed as single points spread throughout the 34 billion point multi-dimensional "face-space". The function of the genetic algorithm is to search this hyperspace and find the best possible composite in the shortest possible time. The first step in the genetic algorithm is the "selection of the fittest" from the first generation of facial composites. This is achieved by having the witness view all thirty facial composite prints, one at a time, and rate each print on a nine-point scale, according to any resemblance whatsoever to the observed face (a high rating signifies a good resemblance to the observed face). This measure does not depend upon the identification of any specific features shared by the observed face and the facial print; the witness need not be aware of why any perceived resemblance exists.
After ratings of fitness are made by the witness, a selection operator assigns genotype strings for breeding the next generation, in proportion to these measures. Selection according to phenotypic fitness is achieved using a "spinning wheel" algorithm. The fitness ratings of all thirty facial composites are added together (TotalFit) and this number specifies the circumference of an imaginary spinning wheel, with each facial composite spanning a segment of the circumference, proportional to its fitness. Spinning a random pointer (i.e., selecting a random number between one and TotalFit) identifies a location on the wheel corresponding to one of the thirty composites. The fittest face and one selected in proportion to fitness are bred together.
Ratings may be made by measuring physiological responses of a user, e.g., galvanic skin response on P3 component of Event Related Potential, either in addition to or as a substitute for the behavioral rating. This will permit a composite to be generated by a young child or others in which an emotional response conveys useful information.
Breeding involves two operators: Crossover and Mutation. When any two genotypes mate, they exchange portions of their bit strings according to a user specified crossover rate (Xrate=number of crosses per 1000), and mutate (1 to 0, or 0 to 1) according to a user specified mutation rate(Mrate=number of mutations per 1000). For example, two selected genotypes (A and B) for breeding may be represented as shown below.
During breeding the first bit of A is read into newA and the first bit of B into newB. At this point a check is made, to see if a crossover should occur.. A random number between 1 and 1000 is generated. If the number is larger than the crossover rate then reading continues with the second bit of A being entered into newA, and the second bit of B into newB and again checking for a random number less than the crossover rate. If a random number less than the selected crossover rate is encountered (after bit 5 for example), then the contents of newA and newB are switched at this point, and filing newA from A and news from B continues as before. If these are the only crossovers executed, then the newA and news will now be:
______________________________________newA 0,1,1,0,0,1,0,0,1,0,1,0,1,1,1, . . . 1newB 1,0,0,0,1,0,1,0,1,1,1,0,0,0,0, . . . 0______________________________________
Exchanging string segments in this manner breeds new designs using the best partial solutions from the previous generation.
When a bit mutates, it changes (1 to 0) or (0 to 1). As each bit of strings A and B are examined, a mutation is implemented if a second random number (between 1 and 1000) is less than the mutation rate. Mutations provide a means for exploring local regions of the gene hyperspace in the vicinity of the fittest facial composites. To accelerate the process of generating the new generation, the mutation operator may be combined with the crossover operator into a single breed function. Following selection, crossover and mutation, a random one of the offspring is developed and rated by the witness as before. If the fitness of the offspring is greater than the current least fit genotype in the population, then the genotype of the offspring replaces the least fit genotype. Two new breeders are then selected and the procedure continues until a satisfactory composite has been evolved.
FIG. 1 presents a flowchart of the preferred method 10 of the invention. Upon start 12 of the process, initialization 14 occurs, comprising entering desired crossover and mutation rates and selection of an appropriate "face space" based on gender, racial origin, and distinctive features of the target face. An initial generation of size N is then randomly generated 16. The first of the initial generation is randomly selected as the initial best composite and its phenotype is displayed on the screen 18. Until all N composites are rated 24, phenotypes are displayed on the screen and the user may freeze any feature or modify any feature and assigns a degree of fitness to the phenotype 22. The highest rated phenotype is then bred with one selected in proportion to fitness and one of the offspring displayed and rated 26. The user then may freeze or modify features of the offspring and rates it 30. If the offspring receives an evaluation greater than the current least fit genotype 32, the offspring replaces the least fit 34. If the user is satisfied 28 with the offspring, the process is ended 38 after the user is permitted to touch up the composite and add accessories 37. If the user is not satisfied, two new breeders are selected as before and bred with a crossover and mutation function applied to them 26 until the user is satisfied 28.
The genetic algorithm provides a unique search strategy that quickly finds the most "fit" outcome from a choice of evolutionary paths through the "facespace". FIG. 3 illustrates a stochastic walk over ten generations through face space. The strength of the genetic algorithm lies in (a) the implicit parallelism of the search along all relevant dimensions of the problem, (b) the exponential increase in any partial solution which is above average fitness, over generations, and (c) the exploration of small variations around partial solutions. D. E. Goldberg, Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimization and Machine Learning (Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley 1989). Beginning with a set of points that are randomly distributed throughout the hyperspace, the selection procedure causes the points to migrate through the space, over generations. The efficiency of the migration is greatly enhanced by the sharing of partial solutions (i.e., best points along particular dimensions) through crossover, and the continual exploration of small variations of these partial solutions, using mutations. The result is not a "random walk" but rather, it is a highly directed, efficient, and effective search algorithm.
The optimal crossover and mutation rates for the genetic algorithm were established by use of a second genetic algorithm (meta-level genetic algorithm), with binary, meta-level strings, coded for the crossover and mutation rates. The optimal crossover rate has been found to be 0.24 and the optimal mutation rate 0.05. Use of these rates increases..the accuracy of the generated composites and reduces the overall time required to achieve a satisfactory result.
When witnesses rate any composite, they are permitted to lock one or more features of this composite (hair, eyes, nose, mouth or chin) with a "freeze" option. That section of the 35-bit string corresponding to the locked feature is then inserted into all of the genotypes of that generation, before breeding. That feature cannot then be modified by the cross-over operator or by mutation.
The "freeze" option substantially improves performance, allowing a substantial likeness to the observed face to be achieved after only 10 generations. It is possible to find a single, almost perfect composite (out of 34 billion) by rating only 200 composites (less than 0.000,000,6%).
The invention, in its preferred embodiment, can be implemented using current computer technology and used by untrained witnesses, producing a successful compilation in less than one hour. No artistic ability or computer expertise in necessary to generate a composite. FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred apparatus of the invention 50, comprising general purpose computer 52, display screen 54, input devices 56 and 58, and hard copy output device 60.
In the Examples described below, the apparatus of the invention employed was an Apple Macintosh microcomputer operating under software embodying the method of the invention.
While the method and apparatus of the invention fits most naturally for use by eyewitnesses to crimes to generate a composite image of the criminal, the invention is useful in a wide variety of applications. For instance, it may be used to create composite images of the faces of acquaintances. Alternatively, a face considered extremely beautiful or ugly may be generated by ranking generated phenotypes not for fitness to a known face but on a scale of beauty (or ugliness).
The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.
A simulated witness program (SAM) was developed to facilitate the development and testing of the present invention. SAM was designed to simulate a "perfect" witness who could accurately rate each generated facial composite according to its phenotypic distance (resemblance) from the culprit. SAM made it possible to evaluate each design modification of the method of the present invention over hundreds of experimental runs.
First, a Stochastic Universal Sampling procedure (SUS) was incorporated into the invention. FIG. 4 shows the improvement of a facial composite (fitness) over 50 generations, using SUS and the simulated witness. Both the average fitness of the population (mean fitness) and the fitness of the best composite (max. fitness) are shown. There were 20 composites per generation. SAM had evaluated only 400 composites out of 34,359,738,368 possible composites (0.0001%), by generation 20. A real witness would require about 1 hour to make these evaluations. Since one hour and 400 evaluations are about the maximum values we could reasonably expect from a real witness, the performance after 20 generations (G20 performance) has been used as a benchmark. In FIG. 4, the maximum possible fitness (perfect composite) is 635. The mean G20 performance is therefore 560/635; 88% of the maximum possible fitness--the best G20 performance is 610/635; 96% of maximum.
Next, a Gray Code and Binary Code evaluation was performed. Referring to FIG. 5, a potential problem with binary code can be seen when moving from decimal 3 (binary 011) to decimal 4 (binary 100). If decimal 4 is a fit phenotype then decimal 3 also has high fitness. However, at the level of the genotype (binary) it requires three simultaneous bit mutations to move from 011 to 100. This "hamming distance" can be reduced by using Gray code, where a single mutation is all that is required to move from any integer value to the next higher or lower decimal equivalent.
FIG. 6, shows the effects of Binary and Gray code on genetic algorithm performance using SAM. Over multiple simulations, the G20 performance of binary(88.6%) was always superior to Gray (81.1%). The problem with Gray appears to be the inconsistent interpretation of the most significant bits. A new code (BinGray in FIG. 5) was tested, which uses binary for the most significant bite and Gray for the least significant bate The average G20 performance of BinGray was 87.1%. At present, binary coded genotypes appear to be superior.
Next, the user interface of the program was evaluated to determine if the implementation was sufficiently fast for practical use, and to examine the effect a of presenting the best facial composite from the previous generation to a witness rating the current generation.
Subjects. The subjects were 40 undergraduate student volunteers (20 male and 20 female) who were randomly assigned to the two experimental groups. Subjects in Group N (10 males and 10 females) did not have the best composite from the previous generation available when rating the current generation. Group C (10 males and 10 females) subjects were provided with their best prior composite (displayed on the right side of the computer screen) while rating the current generation of faces.
Apparatus. A HyperTalk program was used in this experiment. This version of the software generated an initial set of twenty random bit strings (genotypes), each string being 35 bits long. The 20 strings were decoded into facial composites (phenotypes) using seven bits to specify each facial feature (hair, eyes, nose, mouth and chin) and its position relative to a fixed eye line. (The eye position bits specified the distance between the eyes). The 35 bit code had the potential to generate over 34 billion unique composites.
Each new generation of faces was produced by breeding together the highest rated faces from the previous generation, using Stochastic Universal Sampling and the optimal crossover and mutation parameters derived from a meta-level analysis.
Procedure. Each subject was exposed to a ten second display of a standard culprit's face. Immediately following this display they used the program to evolve a facial composite of the culprit. The subjects were told to (a) rate each of the first generation of faces, on a 9 point scale (fitness), according to its perceived resemblance to the culprit, (b) wait until a new generation of faces was generated by the computer program, (c) rate each of the new generation faces, and (d) repeat steps (b) and (c) until a one hour experimental session was completed. The subjects in Group C were informed that after the first generation the most highly rated composite from the previous generation would be displayed as a reference, while they viewed the new generation of faces. They were instructed to consider this composite as having a value of 5 on the 9 point rating scale, and to rate a current composite as higher than a 5 only if it had a closer resemblance to the culprit than this reference face.
Results. There was a wide variation in performance between subjects. The number of generations completed within the one hour session varied from 7 to 12. For the purpose of data analysis, the generation 7 composite (G7) was examined for all 40 subjects. Two measures of the quality of G7 were used; a "subjective" and an "objective" measure.
The "subjective" measure was obtained by having 12 naive raters (6 male and 6 female) examine the G7 composites of all 40 subjects and rank them for degree of resemblance to the culprit. An analysis of G7 composites revealed no significant difference in quality between the two treatment groups.
The "objective" measure of quality was computed as the phenotypic distance, in the data base, of the G7 composite from the culprit. That is, (hair distance+eye distance+nose distance+mouth distance+chin distance) divided by 5. If the G7 hair was correct, then the hair distance would be zero; if the G7 hair was one above or below the culprit's hair in the data base order, then the hair distance would be 1. (This phenotypic distance is the same measure used by the simulated witness as discussed in the previous report).
Discussion. The purpose of the pilot study was (a) to evaluate the gains or losses associated with presenting the prior generation best composite during the rating of the current generation and (b) to test the user interface of the program.
No significant differences in the quality of the final G7 composite were obtained during the two experimental procedures. However, subjects using a reference composite did show a more systematic improvement in all features over generations; all regression line slopes are negative in value. This parallel improvement in all features is the major strength of the present invention. It is also clear from the slope of the regression lines that some features (e.g., chin-slope=-3.57) were being selected more than other features (e.g., nose-slope=-0.67). This suggests that some facial features may be generally more important than others in determining the degree of similarity between two faces.
The user interface was satisfactory, with the following exceptions. Some subjects found it difficulty to use the computer mouse to click on the rating scale. Consequently, keyboard function keys (F1 to F9) were implemented as an alternative way to input ratings. In addition, subjects were frustrated by the delay between generations (almost 3 minutes) and the inability to "keep" what they perceived to be a good composite. They often complained that good features were lost between generations. The next example outlines the modifications to the program in order to overcome these difficulties.
The program embodying the method of the invention was subsequently rewritten in SuperTalk, a commercial application program designed as an improvement to HyperTalk. Implementation in SuperTalk reduced the inter-generation time from 3 minutes to 18 seconds. At the same time, the computer interface was redesigned to permit keyboard inputs for all operator controls. Audio signals and flashing buttons were added to prompt the user in the event of a long delay in any input response.
Based on the pilot study findings, the best composite from the prior generation was concurrently displayed while subjects rated the composites of each successive generation. Comments from the subjects on the use of the prior composite suggested additional options which could enhance the effectiveness of the FacePrints process (the present invention) and, at the same time, overcome the subjects' reported frustration in the loss of good features between generations.
Flood Option: When subjects rated any generation of (20) composites, the highest rated composite from that generation was displayed in a window of the computer screen. Before breeding the next generation, subjects were now permitted to lock one or more features of this composite (hair, eyes, nose, mouth or chin). That section of the 35 bit string corresponding to the locked feature was then inserted into all the genotypes of that generation, before breeding. Since all genotypes were then identical at the location of the locked feature, the cross-over operator could not modify that feature in the next generation of faces. (There is still a small probability of modification by mutation).
Freeze Option: A variation of the above procedure, the Freeze option, was implemented in a similar manner, but now the locked feature was also protected from mutations.
Evaluating Flood and Freeze Options. In order to evaluate both of these locking procedures, it was first necessary to evolve the optimal cross-over and mutation parameters for each technique. Results obtained from running the meta-level program (see above) revealed that the optimal probability of a crossover was 0.24 for both options, but the optimal mutation probability was 0.03 for the Flood option and 0.05 for the Freeze option. The simulated operator program (SAM) was used to compare the expected performance of FacePrints with and without these two options. FIG. 7 shows the results of this analysis. The G20 performance revealed that both the Freeze and Flood options produced a marked improvement in the performance of the algorithm (Standard G20=88.6%, Flood G20=93.1%, Freeze G20=96.4%)- The superior performance of Freezing over Flooding probably resulted from the harmful effects of mutations as composites began to converge to the likeness of the culprit. Mutations in early generations may have enhanced performance (by exploring more areas of the data base), but in later generations these mutations have a higher probability of being destructive.
FIG. 8 shows the mean fitness of the population and the fittest composite within each generation (maximum), using the Freeze option. The mean and maximum performance at generation 10 and 20 were: G10 =83.3, 94.3; G20=96.4, 98.6, respectively. These results suggest that a substantial likeness to the culprit can be achieved after only 10 generations, if the behavior of a real witness approximates the behavior of the simulated witness. This is a very encouraging result since it establishes that in theory it is possible to find a single almost perfect composite (out of 34 billion) by rating only 200 composites (less than 0.000,000,6%). for this reason, the Freeze option has been included in the preferred embodiment.
The program embodying the method of the invention was expanded to include new features ("eyebrows" and "position of eyebrows") and allow accessories (beards, moustaches, eyeglasses, and hats) to be added to any facial composite. The number of bits in the genotype was increased to 66, allowing more than 73 billion, billion (266) different composites to be generated. The efficiency of the search was increased by the following modifications.
1. The user was permitted to freeze any feature on any displayed composite during the genetic algorithm search process. This is implemented by clicking on feature icons (or keyboard equivalents) while any phenotype is being displayed (see FIG. 9). The consequence of this is to spread the genotype fragment corresponding to the selected feature throughout the entire population of genotypes.
2. The user was permitted to move any feature during the search process. This is implemented using arrow keys (see FIG. 9) and the consequence is to change the segment of the genotype of the displayed face to a new value.
3. The user was permitted the option of generating a crude composite of the desired face prior to the search algorithm. This was implemented by allowing the user to select between a small number of feature types which were spaced throughout the feature data bases. The spacing distance (S) is a variable of the program which may be given a value between 1 and. X, where X is the number of examples of any feature in the data base. The features of the crude composite may be used to narrow the search space from which the initial random population is generated.
4. The genetic algorithm was modified so that after the first generation, the best composite was mated with a second composite, selected in proportion to fitness, and one of the two offspring of this mating were then presented to the user for immediate evaluation. If it exceeded the rating of the currently lowest rated composite, then the latter was replaced by the new genotype and the process was repeated. This procedure reduced the computation time between generations and allowed the program to run efficiently in HyperTalk rather than SuperTalk. The procedure also eliminated the necessity for displaying the prior best composite, on the other side of the screen, as was the case in the prior versions of FacePrints.
Based on the data obtained from the current sample of subjects and culprits under laboratory conditions, the best estimate of the effectiveness of the present invention is that it is capable of generating a useful composite of a criminal in more than 50% of cases, when the witness has good recognition ability.
Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. Each and all of software, computer application programs, algorithms, patents, articles, reference, procedures, and methods described herein or cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.
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|U.S. Classification
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Year of fee payment: 4
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text:
- 86 years old
- Date of birth: May 16, 1929
- Place of birth:
- Date of passing: Nov 22, 2015
- Place of passing:
|Let the memory of Alma be with us forever
We will remember her forever. She is our treasure from God!
The Healing Gift of Memories...
It is without a doubt that our Mom has been a larger than life force throughout the years! She has certainly been known for her kindness, her compassion, her humour and indeed, her deep love of family and friends. She has touched so many lives and left behind so many wonderful stories. It is for this reason that we reach out to you - her friends, her family and her acquaintances. We would be so happy and indeed, honoured if you would please share any thoughts or memories you may have of her with us. It may be a thought, a funny story, a photograph, a saying or an expression of Mom ... anything you remember about Mom. Every story or thought is a precious gift that we would cherish forever!
"Dear Alma, it's been two years since you passed away. Mom is now in a home and still misses you, as do I. I hope that you are in a better place and have joined with Clarence and my father Nelson. Remembered forever."
"Alma, another year has come and gone. You were the light for so many people who have loved and missed you. Your family has been steadfast in their love for you. It takes an amazing person to remain so well loved. May we meet again someday. Lots of love June and Brenda Belbin"
"It has been a year since this wonderful, thoughtful lady left an empty place in the hearts she has touched. Thinking of the family today. Alma left many memories in many lives."
"( Message on behalf of Mom's friend Verena Ellis from her daughter, Bonnie Burton).
I remember your mom and going to your house when I was younger. Hope you are doing well.Wow!I wish we could go back to those days again.I also want to say that I am so sorry for your loss.My dad passed away and we were very close so I know what you must feel.
I phoned my mom and asked her about your mother and this is what she told me. She said that when she worked in Old Perlican hospital, she met Alma. Night time, mom and Jean Goodwin who went out with her brother Max would have a big sing song night time at your house in the room off the kitchen. Mom dated Jack at that time. Mom said that Alma was one of her best friends and they used to go to the movies together, across from her house. Phil Smith put off the movies. Mom always visited her when she could. I asked mom if there were any funny memories and she said that there were too many to tell,especially for the computer. Mom thought a lot of your mom and considered her one of her best friends.She went there a lot.My apologies once again for not getting back to you sooner.There has been just so much going on in my life right now.Just want you to know that I appreciate your message and it is so very nice to hear from you.Take care and I wish you all the best."
"(Posted on behalf of Mom's friend, Evelyn Thorne)
We were all saddened to hear of Alma's passing, bringing to an end many years of suffering. I never knew Alma when she lived in Old Perlican but when she moved to New Chelsea we were both involved in L.O.B.A., U.C.W., church, school and P.T.A.
We really became friends when several of us decided to become seamstresses. Lucy Harris taught us sewing two nights a week at the old school in New Melbourne. We really had a great fun time. Our first apron was a real masterpiece! It was good that Lucy had lots of patience.
Later, while doing a Statistics Survey in that area each month, I always managed to drop in for a cup of tea, and it turned into a lengthy visit. The six of us also enjoyed getting together for a game some weekends.
Alma, at that early time, really suffered with headaches and face pain but was always cheerful and not complaining. But after surgery, her life really changed. She was so lucky to have a family that cared for her every need until the end and I know that she knew and appreciated that.
Rest in Peace Alma and great job done Barbie, Clarence and Ralph.
(Evelyn T.)"
"I met Alma during the summer of 2002, when I visited Barb's family in New Chelsea for a few days (Barb was my wonderful teacher at McDonald Drive Junior High :)) While my visit was short, I remember the warmth, humor and hospitality with which I was welcomed :) Some of my favorite moments from the visit were the dinner table conversations and assembling a jigsaw puzzle together. Alma always wanted to make sure that I was cared for and well-fed :) Thank you so much for your kindness, and for raising such wonderful children, who have given love to their students and to all those around them."
"Barb, Ralph and Uncle Clarence: The first Mother's Day, the first birthday, (so close together!!) and the first Christmas are the worst. You are in my thoughts. Try to think about the happy times you had together, the laughter and the joys. The tributes people have left are very uplifting and Aubrey and I pray that you are finding comfort in them. Maxine and Aubrey."
"Happy Birthday to a dear friend. We sure had lots of laughs together. I have so many good memories over the years. I will always cherish the memories i have. She was such a good friend and so good to my Mom. Love always Marcella"
"Happy birthday in heaven hope you are having a blast
Think of you often with fond memories love from your buddy's Ed and Debbie xx"
"Message to Alma and family via Heaven, Today is your birthday Alma and though you left them behind when you went to live with the angels, we still think of you and wish you all the very best. Maybe you've met up with Dad and are renewing loving relationships with all your past acquaintances and family you are dearly missed on this earth and lovingly thought of on this special day of your earthly birth. Hugs, June and Brenda"
"Yang (Iris) was always very special to Mom. The fact that she was so very far from her home and her family and of course, the fact that she was so petite made Mom feel all that much more protective of her.
This is a follow up to Yang's post...I'd like to share it
Hi Barb:
I was trying to post these pictures on Alma's memorial website, but it didn't work.
I would never forget that morning in 2005 you were curling Alma's hair at your kitchen. You were very concentrate. Alma looks beautiful with her curly hair. This Monday coming is Alma's birthday. I just realized my litter brother has the same birthday as your mom. I will think about Alma on May 16 every year and remember her forever.
Talk to you soon. :)
"I have wonderful memories of Alma when I was a university student and lived with Pynn's family. Alma calls me "little one". Clarence and Alma taught me how to play bridge card game at Barb's kitchen. They welcomed me to their home in New Chelsea for Thanksgiving day.I will always remember Alma. ---I also wanted to say Barb, you are the best daughter in the world. Love oxox"
"Hi Barbara - I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Alma's passing. Please know that I'm thinking of you all at this very difficult time. May God give you the strength to get through the coming days. I had all intentions of visiting Barrett's Funeral Home. I kept checking their site for information but her obituary was not showing - nor was it showing on Greens. I got word today that she's now resting at Greens. Unfortunately, I'm unable to get out home. Please know that my heart and mind is there. (Nadine Bursey)"
"Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Take the memories you have, the love and guidance which she showed you and hold them dearly to your heart. They will help you through the coming days.
I remember many times when her and Clarence would drop down on a weekend for a visit with Jackie's family, of course we were all privy to a joke or conversation that was on the go...many giggles and laughter, as a young girl, I thought so much fun enjoyed by all…I remember Jack's Alma making cold plates for Sunday supper, everyone sitting around the table, great family times."
"She was a very sweet lady....I worked with her at the plant.
(Peggy Vallis Guilliford)"
"Much loved by June & (Nelson) Belbin.
(Written by daughter, Brenda)"
"Many fond memories of your mom when l was part of their card club when I lived in New Chelsea. Always ready for a laugh and some fun. I used her favourite saying many times over the years. R.I.P. Sweet lady.
(Shirley Harris)"
"What can I say about such a wonderful person!!!One of the many times at her home, (I guess I may have talked too much), she said"Lee Ann if I give you a quarter would you stop talking for a minute? Do I talk that much? Anyway, that was our friendship...just give and take,a wonderful lady with so much spunk!!!!
(LeeAnn Bown)"
"I have many good memories of time spent at her house with my dear friend Beverley. She always made me laugh and feel so welcome. We took advantage for a chat whenever we met. Hugs and take care.
(Judy King)"
"She always called me mother of mercy. She was funny!
(Malvena Harris)"
"I have thought of you many times since hearing of your Mom's passing, hope you are managing through this very difficult time...I know how close you were to her. How is your Dad doing? I had a look at your facebook site created for your Mom and I love the picture of her in the pink top, that's how I remember her..so bright and full of life, such beautiful eyes. My memory is of babysitting you. I loved to get a call to babysit as it meant I could listen to my records, remember that stereo you had? We were also allowed to bring our boyfriend's in for a little while. We should have the records on while sitting at the living room window watching for them to walk or drive by...lol. If my memory is correct, your Grandma was there at one time?? I also loved that your Mom took the time to sit and chat with us, she wanted to hear all the news about what was happening on Trimm's Square...in thinking back on it, she was different from the other adults who spent their day cleaning...she loved to socialize! Take care.
( Carol T)"
"There are no words to express how sorry I am for your loss. As much as you are hurting now, remember the good times. You devoted your life to your mom and I'm sure that your care made her life much better than it might have been otherwise. There's never a good time to lose the ones we love but this time of year is the worst. Our faith tells us that she is in a better place as much as you want her here. Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
Marilyn Moulton"
"So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She has fought a tough battle and has had many challenges over the years. Today she is having the peace beyond our comprehension as she is singing and dancing in the presence of the Great One. I hope you find solace and comfort in knowing that. I am sure the void is deep, but find comfort knowing that you have given all that you could have and your mother left this world knowing that. Be strong and be comforted knowing that you are in my prayers during this time. Big hugs my friend.
(Lindy Brophy)"
"I remember your mother as being care free and always in a good mood. Loved to have a laugh!"
"Barb & Ralph....so very sorry we didn't get to your Mom's funeral service....we were in Toronto on a little vacay. Your Mom was so very blessed....your love for her was endless and a love like no other. Your lives will never be the same without her. Paula got me a funeral brochure and I just finished reading it. It's beautiful. You truly have to believe that you will see her again someday....I don't think we could keep going thinking otherwise. As you go through each day, always believe that she's with you....it makes you be on your best behaviour too. lol We are sending all our love to you both and your Dad. You will have many lonely days and the tears will seem like they'll never end......the hurt does subside some but there will always be that void that, unless you've experienced this loss, you can't explain it. Over the next few days, we plan on sending a donation in memory of your Mom. I just wanted you to know that I can't stop thinking of you guys. My heart is broke for you..... xoxoxo Love always, Lisa & Mike"
"Barb , Ralph and uncle Clarence. We remember your mom fondly and especially at Christmas when there was a beautiful tree with all her loving adornments. The house felt so nice and cozy and there was always a drink with some Christmas cake. We would always love to make our rounds during Christmas with all the aunts , uncles and cousins in new Chelsea. We look back at that time with so many fond memories and it seems like yesterday. God bless and always remember the good times. Hazel , Bruce , Jessica snd Josh"
"I remember , your Mother, as a lady I loved to see and chat with ; always had a story to tell and full of humor. I also remember her as a Mom who dearly loved and always spoke well of her family , with nothing but love. Cherish all your fine memories!"
"Barb I am so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I remember her so well from high school days. She was such a vibrant woman and so loving to you and Ralph. I hope you are doing well. (Geraldine Critch-Gillingham)"
"There are no words that can express how I feel for your loss. Loved her beyond words. I have so may memories !! As a young girl she was a mentor to me!!(Yvonne Pynn Wheaton)"
"Your Mom was a beautiful lady, wonderful friend and next door neighbour.
Love Marvin and Ruby."
"She was a very sweet gentle person .I work with her at the plant for a few years .She loved her bit of fun .I will always remember her"
"Barb, Ralph and Clarence, When I started coming to New Chelsea I was always welcomed into your home. Myself and Rick played a lot of cards on Friday or Saturday night where Alma enjoyed the battle encouraging the female team fought to the bitter end. When Marie came along she loved her Sunday morning visits, where she was loved and got what she wanted. Time goes on but leaves us with lots of memories, ensuring family, friends and good times are never forgotten.Marilyn, Rick and Marie"
"Alma and Clarence were well loved in their community of New Chelsea, NL. My mother and father, June and Nelson considered Alma and Clarence as best of friends. Alma once gave me a wooden heart on a ribbon with my name on it. I've kept it as a reminder of a very sweet lady and it remains attached to a zipper on my purse. I think fondly of a very sweet lady, each time I see it. Alma will be dearly missed by all her friends."
"Barb, Ralph and Uncle Clarence, I will always remember Aunt Alma for her dry sense of humor. She loved her children so much. I have many fond memories of the many sleep overs we shared as young teens. Your mom always made me feel welcome and cared for. I know from personal experience that this grief feels like a hole in your heart that will never heal. It will; life will be forever changed but your pain will also change and in it's place you will have sweet memories that will leave laughter and sometimes tears. Trust in God for your strength. He is always faithful."
"Barb, I never really knew your Mom until I started working with her, but I soon realized that she was kind of person you could get attached too real quickly. Alma was very kind , loving & sweet person, she also had a very good sense of humour & you really didn't know what was coming out of her next but I really enjoyed that it made your work a lot more fun than just actually working. Barb, in spite of all she had to go through she always had that smile which I Loved. I have got to say that it was my Pleasure to work with your Mom, I still Miss Her to this very day, Every time I pass by the house I think of her & when I worked with her & the good times we had together. I Loved Your Mom Very Much As I Did Your Dad, You & Ralph & I want To Thank You All For Giving Me The Priviledge Of Working As Your Mom's Home Care Worker, It's Something I won't Forget Too Soon. I Love You All & I Think Of You All Often. Hugs To You All, Take Care & God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"This site is not room enough to share all our memories of a special friend Alma.Our many games of cards,laughs and get togethers at their home in New Chelsea and At Barbara's in St. John's.She was the life of them all.We have shared many ups and downs with Alma and her family and she will be missed by everyone.From turkey dinners at the Health Science to hamburgers at the Miller Centre .She enjoyed it all and so looked forward to our many many visits."
"I have fond memories of Alma as a child visiting Aunt Louie and Uncle George at their home in Old Perlican. Also through our friend Blanche March I was able to keep in touch with Alma and Clarence. I always enjoyed my visits with them over the past years. Alma will be missed. Thank you for creating this Memorial to her."
"Barb and family: I didn't know Alma personally. Her sister, your aunt Yvonne lived with me and my many international students and sons for a few years after she moved to Nanaimo, BC. (everyone who lived in my house at the time called Yvonne, Grandma). I recall Grandma telephoning often to chat with each of you. She always loved to hear from your mom, her sister. Even the briefest conversations made Grandma's days brighter. The love of her sister was one of her greatest treasures."
"Great memories of Alma playing pranks such as "for sale" sign on our boat. We always enjoyed listening to her analysis of events & speed of response if questioned. She is an amazing lady creating much laughter to so many!! The Harris family thoroughly enjoyed her company."
"Wonderful memories of growing up next door to her and her beautiful, loving family! This is an indirect thought of your Mom brought on by my Mom (which is something that remains with me to this day)....if you asked my Mom who cooked a certain meal - not sure why we even asked that - but Mom used to always jokingly say "Oh, Alma cooked this!".....Your family was and still are thought of very often in very fondest, loving memories. Always remember that your Mom was truly blessed with the truest, most unselfish love and caring that anyone could ever ask for!!!"
"I didn't know your mom really well Barb but on the several occasions I did meet her she was always such a kind and caring person. I remember how she welcomed me to your home, many years ago when we were in university, and I went home with you for the weekend. She was such a quiet, soft spoken and gentle person, with a heart of gold and a good sense of humour!! May you, your dad and Ralph and his family cherish your memories. I will always remember her fondly."
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PinchMe will be releasing new free samples on Tuesday, May 16th at 12PM EST - in the mean time, you may want to check your account to see if you've been selected for early access today! If you haven't got anything today, make sure to check back next week when the samples go live for everyone.
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text: I need to vent.... Can anyone explain to me WHY a seller lists an item(s) and then REFUSES to answer any questions? I want to buy a hoodie that is over $300 and I have a few questions and no one will reply. I dont get it!! So I just said ya know what I am not giving that creep any of my $, and I removed it from my watch list. This is the 2nd hoodie that I have had interest in and they didnt reply the 1st or 2nd time I asked a question.


text:
Buffalo Kirkbride Tours
Friday, September 9th, 2011
Public tours of the Buffalo Kirkbride building have been scheduled for this fall! The one hour guided tours will take place on Saturday, October 15th; Sunday, October 16th; and Sunday, October 23rd. Email firstname.lastname@example.com to make reservations and for payment and parking instructions.
I was lucky enough to take a semi-public tour of the Buffalo Kirkbride back in July. We were shown the basement and first floor of the admin, one floor each of two wing sections, plus a bit of the attic. I'm not sure, but from the description on the Richardson Center Corporation's Facebook page, I gather that these upcoming tours will more or less cover the same area.
The interior is pretty much as impressive as you'd guess by looking at the exterior. I'm sure, like me, you've seen pictures of the inside before, but actually being in that space is something pictures can't really prepare you for. Most everything is on a massive scale and exudes a sort of robust energy, except for the main staircase in the admin curiously. It's a really nice staircase, but it's surprisingly modest compared to everything else. It was interesting too to see some of the interior preservation work the Richardson Center Corporation has been doing. It looked really good and in keeping with the building's spirit. They still have a lot to do though.
Since taking the tour is a way to contribute to their preservation work, I really recommend it to any Kirkbride enthusiast who can make it to Buffalo in October. I'll write a bit more about my own experience touring the Kirkbride on a later date, after I finally sit down and process all the pictures I took.


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