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Tag Archives: weight
Aaaaand do it again, and again, and again…
How many times can you fall off the cart and get back on before you realize you need to get a seatbelt and stay put?? 16 months after the birth of my son, and some futile efforts to lose weight … Continue reading
Posted in Planning, Reflection Tagged Exercise, Fat, fitness, health, Healthy eating, Nutrition, Self-Awareness, self-esteem, sugar addict, Tired, weight, weight loss Leave a comment
An Odd Weight-Loss Program?
Get pregnant. (I kid… I kid…) I know it won't last forever, but I'm down in weight since conception and continually going lower. My thought is that maybe my body already has enough "padding" to protect the child, so with … Continue reading
Posted in Updates Tagged Couch, Exercise, health, Healthy eating, Pregnancy, sugar addict, weight, weight loss 3 Comments
It turns out that I'm pregnant. FINALLY! We've been trying for a year and a half, so it's welcome news. The nurse scared the crap out of me though, I have to say. She says "Chance of miscarriage is 40%, … Continue reading
Posted in Planning, Progress, Updates Tagged Fat, health, Healthy eating, Nutrition, Tired, weight, weight loss 11 Comments
An Interesting Development
So it turns out that there may be a far more interesting explanation for my exhaustion and "not feeling it" of the last few weeks. More later today, as I know more! #Vaguebooking
Posted in Achievements, Updates Tagged health, Self-Awareness, Sick, Sick and Tired, Tired, tracking, weight, weight loss 3 Comments
Not Feeling It
Today, and the last couple of weeks, I'm just not feeling it. I've been exercising when I can, eating as well as I can, and yet I feel bloated, a little queasy, exhausted, and (TMI, sorry guys!) am just over … Continue reading
Posted in Updates Tagged Fat, health, Tired, weight, weight loss 2 Comments
How's August Going?
July 31st, I posted the following as my August goals: "So on that note, here are my short-term goals for August: End August weighing less than 212 pounds Weekdays: Lunchtime walks and evening exercise, each minimum three times … Continue reading
Posted in Progress, Reflection, Updates Tagged Exercise, Fat, health, Healthy eating, tracking, weight, weight loss 1 Comment
Is a Good Attitude Considered an NSV??
Last night I did the first day of my elliptical plan, and it almost killed me. I had to pause so many times to catch my breath, and I almost fell down the stairs later because my legs were so … Continue reading
Posted in Achievements, Progress Tagged Exercise, Fat, fitness, health, Self-Awareness, Tired, weight, weight loss 2 Comments


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Learn the basics of Skype, a software application that allows spoken conversations--and viewing using a webcam--over the Internet. Learn to set up an account, and what equipment to use. Start video chatting with far-off friends and family, or video conferencing with co-workers, or conducting remote interviews.
For ADULTS and TEENS. Observers welcome. For more information or to register, please call 972-744-4359.
Additional computer classes in the Library
411 W. Arapaho Rd. Richardson, TX 75080-4551 PH# 972 -744-4100 | Mailing Address P.O. Box 830309 Richardson, TX 75083-0309
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subset: commoncrawl


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TITLE: Three Little Words
SERIES: Fools Gold #13
CHARACTERS: Ford Hendrix & Isabel Carlisle
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: July 30, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
Can first love turn into the real deal in a sizzling new Fool's Gold story from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery? Isabel Carlisle thinks she's cursed in the romance department. Her teenage crush, Ford Hendrix, ignored all her letters. Her husband left her for another…man. So Isabel has come home to dust off her passion for fashion and run the family bridal shop until her parents are ready to sell it. Then she'll pursue her real dreams. At least, that's the plan, until sexy, charming Ford returns and leaves her feeling fourteen all over again….
Seeing Isabel all grown up hits bodyguard trainer Ford like a sucker punch. Back when heartbreak made him join the military, her sweet letters kept him sane. Now he can't take his eyes-or his lips-off her. The man who gave up on love has a reason to stay in Fool's Gold forever-if three little words can convince Isabel to do the same.
4.5 Stars Loved this story, even if at times I wanted to shake the tar out of Ford. That boy is so beyond stubborn. He can't see that the best thing he will ever have in his life has been staring him in the face for years.
Isabel has loved Ford for years. She loved him even when he was engaged to her sister. Even when Ford left town and joined the military, that didn't stop her love for him. No, Isabel wrote to Ford almost the whole time he was gone. Telling him all about the trials and tribulations going on in her life. But not once in all of those years did Ford ever write back. But Isabel could never have guessed the impact that those letter made on Ford.
Now both are back in Fool's Gold. While Isabel is not planning to stick around for long, she is willing to spend time with Ford. Even if that means she is willing to risk another broken heart. But that is a risk she is willing to take.
Another wonderful Fool's Gold story. I can't wait to see what Susan has in store next for the inhabitants of Fool's Gold. I did love the sub-storyline in the book too with Ford's brother. I hope that we get to see more of his love story soon.
5 Stars I have waited a long time for Ford… ok for Ford's story at least. And I was not disappointed.
Visiting Fool's Gold is like coming home. We know so much about the town and its people that it is hard not to become a huge fan of the town. Ford was introduced so long ago that I wondered if we would ever get his story so when this year the bodyguards came to town I was thrilled. But then I had to wait until the last of the three story arc but it was worth the wait. And as a extra bonus we get Kent's story too!!!
Navy SEALs are everywhere in the book world now a days but what was different was Mallery did not write Ford with injuries either physical or mental. Yes he has been through a lot but he is not suffering as so many SEALs are written today. And I appreciated that. I loved Ford's sense of humor and how jovial he could be especially around Isabel. I could go on and on about what I loved about Ford but why spoil this story for others? Isabel is so sweet. I enjoyed her story. I loved that these two have a past that doesn't involve an old affair or something like that. Isabel was a young girl with a crush and while she has been through a lot over the last decade she never really lost the feelings for Ford.
I was happy to see Kent's story in this book too. It was enjoyable to watch the two brothers falling at the same time and how different the process is for both of them and yet it is enjoyable to see how similar they can be.
I am never disappointed when I visit Fool's Gold but this might be my favorite book of the series (and that is saying something) in a while. Maybe I was just like Isabel and had a crush on Ford even before he came back to town but having spent time with him I fell in love! Bring on the football players!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.


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For those with hemorrhoids or genital issues you can use the Sitz Bath, which is a shallow bath, to alleviate the discomfort. There are plastic devices specifically designed to fit on your toilet seat. If you don't want that you can just use a simple basin or jump into the bathtub. This will help in your recovery period during treatment. This is more of a less invasive way to keep your hygiene at its best and provide you will soothing relief at the same time.
It's recommended that you use a sitz bath up to four times each day. Using a device kit specifically designed for this infection you want to add about three to four inches of water at the bottom of the basin you have. Luke warm water that is comfortable to your skin is the best option here. Don't go too cold or too hot. You want to be right in the middle. When you purchase a sitz bath kit it will come along with a water bag and vents in the basin. This will work by supplying your bottom with fresh water and the vents will let the water overflow go straight into the toilet bowl. This will help to prevent overflow onto your bathroom floor.
When you are utilizing a water bag you want to sit on the basin first. Then take the clamp off of the water bag. This will let the free water flow down into the basin. The suggested length of time you should spend soaking is about twenty minutes. Your doctor may prescribe more time. It's really different for everybody.
Once you are done with your sitz bath you should use a clean town to dry the area. Be sure to only pat down the towel as to not inflame the infection even more. Let the area air dry and maintain a good level of ventilation. You don't want to keep any moisture in the infection site as this could worsen your condition.
Some patients prefer to take these baths after a bowel movement. This makes them feel more fresh and clean. Others use these baths to help induce a bowel movement. This is a sensitive and soothing bath so it can help to relieve constipation and produce movements. A number of people prefer to include witch hazel extract in their sitz bath as a way to naturally health their symptoms. Also salt water sitz baths are becoming overly popular these days as salt has an antibacterial agent to helps to encourage wound healing.


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Amazon offering Logitech B170 Wireless Mouse worth Rs 799 @ Rs 499 only.
- Easy instant pairing
- 10-meter reliable wireless range
- Advanced optical tracking
- 12-months battery life
- Universal Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS
Tip: Join wait list if deal is 100% claimed, an alert will appear on your upper right screen notifying when the item becomes available with the 'Add to Cart' button activated.
The Logitech B170 is an affordable wireless mouse with reliable connectivity, 12 months battery life and modern design. This wireless mouse offers an excellent 10 meters reliable wireless range along with 1000 dpi.
How to Avail this Deal:
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Airbnb patent: Upcoming solution for mobile connectivity problems while you are travelling
Airbnb's patent could solve one the most frustrating problems for a traveller. Read on to know how. When I was a kid, there were three basic needs for life; food, clothing and shelter. But in this new era, there is one … Continued


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Dell 7-Inch Tablet
Dell Quietly Announces Plans For a 7-Inch Tablet
At a conference in San Francisco today, Michael Dell casually introduced a seven-inch tablet device that will run on the Android platform. He did not mention any technical details or release dates, just that the tablet exists and will be running the Android OS. Some say the device is similar to the five-inch Dell Streak, others believe it may be the recently leaked Looking Glass.
Whatever this new device ends up being, it could be poised to compete with Apple's rumored seven-inch iPad. Expect it to be priced similarly, too; currently the five-inch Dell Streak is priced at $300 with an AT&T contract or $550 without.
Image Source: Getty


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Have you heard of sketch comedy troupe Mettlesome? They open their newest set, "Two Months In," at The ArtsCenter this week. Be sure to also get Eve Ensler's "Emotional Creature" on your calendar – it's playing at Sonorous Road Theatre in Raleigh this weekend only.
Other openings more suitable for families include "13, The Musical" at NRACT, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Theatre Raleigh, and Transactors Improv explore the fantasy genre at the ArtsCenter.
It's all happening this week onstage in the Triangle:
13, The Musical (OPENING) – Mar. 10 – 26, North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre, Raleigh – The excitement of turning 13 turns into chaos as a youngster's parents divorce and he moves to the country in this coming-of-age story from Jason Robert Brown, Dan Ellish, and Robert Horn
Crumbs from the Table of Joy (CLOSING) – Mar. 3 – 12, PSI Theater, Durham Arts Council, Durham – Bartlett Theater follows the journey of an African American family moving from the American South to Brooklyn in 1950 in Lynn Nottage's 1995 drama
Emotional Creature (ONE WEEK ONLY) – Mar. 10 – 12, Sonorous Road Theatre, Raleigh – Eve Ensler's adaptation of her own book, "I am an Emotional Creature," looks at stories about and for girls around the world in a presentation of monologues and songs
LITE 2017 (OPENING) – Mar. 9 – 16, various locations in Cary and Morrisville – Eight one-act plays from mostly local playwrights make up this collection intended to make audiences laugh (L), be inspired (I), think (T), and be encouraged (E), with subject matter ranging from late-night TV commercials to pets to the Grim Reaper
A Midsummer Night's Dream (OPENING) – Mar. 9 – 19, Kennedy Theatre, Raleigh – Theatre Raleigh's presents the first of its Family Series, introducing young audiences to Shakespeare's masterpiece of faeries, magic, and love on the rocks
This is Not a Novel (CLOSING) – Mar. 2 – 11, Scrap Exchange ReUse Arts Center, Durham – Little Green Pig lets audiences wander at their own pace through "a delirious playscape for adults" based on four novels by David Markson in an experimental installation of sights, sounds, and performers
Transactors Improv: For Families! (ONE NIGHT ONLY) – Mar. 11, The ArtsCenter, Carrboro – The Transactors riff on worlds of fantasy and the imagination in this family-friendly set of short form improvisation
Twelfth Night – Mar. 1 – 19, Paul Green Theatre, UNC, Chapel Hill – Shakespeare's classic comedy takes the stage at Playmakers, full of mistaken identities, cross-dressing, misdirected lust, and drunken debauchery
Two Months In (OPENING, pictured above) – Mar. 10 – 18, The ArtsCenter, Carrboro – New sketch comedy troupe Mettlesome takes stock of the first two months of the Trump Administration and attempts to Make American Laugh Again, with appearances by the NC General Assembly and the Ghostbusters, among others
© 2013 Vibration. All Rights Reserved.


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Dylon Machine Fabric Dye With Salt - 35 Terracotta Brown 350g374208
Dylon Machine Fabric Dye With Salt - 35 Terracotta Brown 350gRead the full description
This vibrant brown recalls the beautiful terracotta tiles and pots of the Mediterranean. Their rich, earthy tones bring warmth and contrast to any landscape. Worn with Olive Green this colour looks fantastic, and why not bring it into your home for a touch of rustic Tuscan charm.
1 x DYLON010/35 TERR - DYLON MACHINE FABRIC DYE WITH SALT
Delivery and Returns
Your order will be despatched within 3-5 working days. Most deliveries require someone to accept and sign for the delivery to ensure the goods are received correctly. To help you we can arrange for delivery to be made elsewhere.Click here for more information.
We hope you like your purchase, however, if you are not entirely satisfied with any item, it may be sent back to us for a refund, provided it is returned within 14 days (unless otherwise specified) from the date of despatch. Please click here for more information.
- £6.99
- Club members pay £6.29


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|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|May 13, 2008
|Filing date
|May 15, 2003
|Priority date
|May 15, 2003
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Juergen Cezanne, Sunil K. Gupta, Chetan Vinchhi
|Original Assignee
|Lucent Technologies Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (29), Non-Patent Citations (14), Referenced by (6), Classifications (10), Legal Events (6)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to audio signal processing and more specifically to automated tools for applications such as speech therapy and language instruction.
2. Description of the Related Art
Intonation is an important aspect of speech, especially in the context of spoken language. Intonation is associated with a speech utterance and it represents features of speech such as form (e.g., statement, question, exclamation), emphasis (a word in a phrase or part of word can be emphasized), tone, etc.
The benefits of intonation variation as an aid to speech therapy are known. In a typical case, a speech therapist listens to the live or recorded attempts of a student to pronounce test words or phrases. In the event the student has difficulty pronouncing one or more words, the therapist identifies and stresses the mispronounced words for the student by repeating the word to the student with an exaggerated intonation in which the pitch contour of the word or one or more parts of the word is modified. Generally, the student will make another attempt to properly pronounce the word. The process typically would be repeated as necessary until the therapist is satisfied with the student's pronunciation of the target word. Continued failure to properly pronounce the word could invoke progressively more severe intonation variations for added emphasis.
Automated tools for general speech therapy are known in the art. The automated tools currently available for speech therapy are typically software programs running on general-purpose computers. Coupled to the computer is a device, such as a video monitor or speaker, for presenting one or more test words or phrases to a student. Test words or phrases are displayed to the student on the monitor or played through the speaker. The student speaks the test words or phrases. An input device, such as a microphone, captures the spoken words or phrases of the student and records them for later analysis by an instructor and/or scores them on such components as phoneme pronunciation, intonation, duration, overall speaking rate, and voicing. These tools, however, do not provide a mechanism for automated intonation variation as an aid to speech therapy.
The problems in the prior art are addressed in accordance with the principles of the present invention by a system that can automatically perform an arbitrary transformation of intonation for applications such as speech therapy or language instruction. In particular, the system can change the pitch of a word or one or more parts of a word rendered to a user by an audio speaker of the system. According to one embodiment of the invention, pitch can be changed by combining the signal-processing techniques of resampling and time-domain harmonic scaling. Resampling involves increasing or decreasing the sampling rate of a digital signal. Time-domain harmonic scaling involves compressing or expanding a speech signal (e.g., by removing an integer number of pitch periods from one or more segments of the speech signal or by replicating an integer number of pitch periods in one or more speech segments, where each speech segment may correspond to a frame in the speech signal).
For example, increasing the pitch of an audio signal corresponding to a word or part of a word can be achieved by downsampling the original audio signal followed by harmonic scaling that expands the downsampled signal to achieve an output signal having approximately the same number of samples as the original audio signal. When the resulting output signal is rendered at the nominal playback rate, the pitch will be higher than that of the original audio signal, resulting in a transformed intonation for that word. Similarly, the pitch of an audio signal can be decreased by combining upsampling with harmonic scaling that compresses the upsampled signal. Depending on the embodiment, resampling can be implemented either before or after harmonic scaling.
Transformation of intonation using the present invention can lead to significant enhancements to automatic or computer-based applications related to speech therapy, language learning, and the like. For example, an automated speech therapy tool running on a personal computer can be designed to play a sequence of prerecorded words and phrases to a user. After each word or phrase is played to the user, the user repeats the word or phrase. The computer analyzes the user's response to characterize the quality of the user's speech. When the computer detects an error or errors in the user's utterance of the word or phrase, the computer can appropriately transform the intonation of the pre-recorded word or phrase by selectively modifying the pitch contour of those parts of the word or phrase that correspond to errors in the user's utterance in order to emphasize the correct pronunciation to the user. Possible errors in user's utterances include, for example, errors in intonation and phonological disorders as well as mispronunciations. In this specification, references to pronunciation and mistakes or errors in pronunciation should be interpreted to include possible references to these other aspects of speech utterances.
Depending on the implementation, the process of playing the word or phrase with transformed intonation to the user and analyzing the user's response can be repeated until the user's response is deemed correct or otherwise acceptable before continuing on to the next word or phrase in the sequence. In this way, the present invention can be used to provide an automated, interactive speech therapy tool that is capable of correcting a user's utterance mistakes in real time.
According to one embodiment, the present invention is a method for generating an output audio signal from an input audio signal having a number of pitch cycles, where each input pitch cycle is represented by a plurality of data points. The method comprises a combination of resampling and harmonic scaling. The resampling comprises changing the number of data points in an audio signal, while the harmonic scaling comprises changing the number of pitch cycles in an audio signal. The output audio signal has a pitch that is different from the pitch of the input audio signal.
According to another embodiment, the present invention is a computer-implemented method that compares a user speech signal to a reference speech signal to select one or more parts of the reference speech signal to emphasize. The one or more selected parts of the reference speech signal are processed to generate an intonation-transformed speech signal, and the intonation-transformed speech signal is played to the user.
Other aspects, features, and benefits of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which:
Reference herein to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments.
The present invention will be described primarily within the context of methods and apparatuses for automated, interactive speech therapy. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the present invention is also applicable within the context of language learning, electronic spoken dictionaries, computer-generated announcements, voice prompts, voice menus, and the like.
Reference speaker source 110 comprises a live or recorded source of reference audio information. The reference audio information is subsequently stored within a reference database 128-1 in memory 128 within (or accessible by) controller 120. User-prompting device 130 comprises a device suitable for prompting a user to respond and, generally, perform tasks in accordance with the present invention and related apparatus and methods. User-prompting device 130 may comprise a display device having associated with it an audio output device 131 (e.g., speakers). The user-prompting device is suitable for providing audio and, optionally, video or graphical feedback to a user. User voice input device 140 comprises, illustratively, a microphone or other audio input device that responsively couples audio or voice input to controller 120.
Controller 120 comprises a processor 124, input/output (I/O) circuitry 122, support circuitry 126, and memory 128. Processor 124 cooperates with conventional support circuitry 126 such as power supplies, clock circuits, cache memory, and the like as well as circuits that assist in executing software routines stored in memory 128. As such, it is contemplated that some of the process steps discussed herein as software processes may be implemented within hardware, for example, using support circuitry that cooperates with processor 124 to perform such process steps. I/O circuitry 122 forms an interface between the various functional elements communicating with controller 120. For example, in the embodiment of
Although controller 120 is depicted as a general-purpose computer that is programmed to perform various control functions in accordance with the present invention, the invention can be implemented in hardware as, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As such, the process steps described herein should be broadly interpreted as being equivalently performed by software, hardware, or a combination thereof.
Memory 128 is used to store a reference database 128-1, pronunciation scoring routines 128-2, control and other programs 128-3, and a user database 128-4. Reference database 128-1 stores audio information received from, for example, reference speaker source 110. The audio information stored within reference database 128-1 may also be supplied via alternative means such as a computer network (not shown) or storage device (not shown) cooperating with controller 120. The audio information stored within reference database 128-1 may be provided to user-prompting device 130, which responsively presents the stored audio information to a user.
Pronunciation scoring routines 128-2 comprise one or more scoring algorithms suitable for use in the present invention. Briefly, scoring routines 128-2 include one or more of an articulation-scoring routine, a duration-scoring routine, and/or an intonation-and-voicing-scoring routine. Each of these scoring routines is implemented by processor 124 to provide a pronunciation scoring engine that processes voice or audio information provided by a user via, for example, user voice input device 140. Each of these scoring routines is used to correlate the audio information provided by the user to the audio information provided by a reference source to determine thereby a score indicative of such correlation. Suitable pronunciation scoring routines are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/188,539, filed on Jul. 3, 2002 as attorney docket no. Gupta 8-1-4, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Programs 128-3 stored within memory 128 comprise various programs used to implement the functions described herein pertaining to the present invention. Such programs include those programs useful in receiving data from reference speaker source 110 (and optionally encoding that data prior to storage), those programs useful in processing and providing stored audio data to user-prompting device 130, those programs useful in receiving and encoding voice information received via user voice input device 140, and those programs useful in applying input data to the scoring engines, operating the scoring engines, and deriving results from the scoring engines. In particular, programs 128-3 include a program that can transform the intonation of a recorded word or phrase for playback to the user.
User database 128-4 is useful in storing scores associated with a user, as well as voice samples provided by the user such that a historical record may be generated to show user progress in achieving a desired language skill level.
Specifically, method 200 of
If the user's pronunciation of the phrase or word is not acceptable, then, at step 235, those parts of the word or phrase that were mispronounced are identified. Once the mispronounced parts are identified, intonation transformation is performed on the reference target at step 240. The intonation transformation might involve either an exaggeration or a de-emphasis of each of one or more parts/segments of the reference word or phrase. The resulting word or phrase with modified intonation is then audibly reproduced at step 245 for the user, e.g., by audio output device 131. Depending on the implementation, processing may then return to step 210 to record the user's subsequent pronunciation of the same word or phrase in response to hearing the reference word or phrase with transformed intonation.
The input reference speech signal is processed in frames, where a typical frame size is 10 msec. Signal-processing engine 300 generates a 10-msec frame of output speech for every 10-msec frame of input speech. This condition does not apply to implementations (described later) that change the timing of speech signals in addition to changing the pitch.
Intonation can be represented as a pitch contour, i.e., the progression of pitch over a speech segment. Signal-processing engine 300 selectively modifies the pitch contour to increase or decrease the pitch of different parts of the speech signal to achieve desired intonation transformation. For example, if the pitch contour is rising for a part of a speech signal, then that part can be exaggerated by modifying the signal to make the pitch contour rise even faster.
Pitch computation block 302 implements a pitch extraction algorithm to extract the pitch (p_in) of the current frame in the input reference speech signal. The user performance data is then used to determine a desired pitch (p_out) for the corresponding frame in the transformed speech signal. Depending on whether and how this part of the reference speech is to be modified, for any given frame, p_out may be greater than, less than, or the same as p_in, where an increase in the pitch is achieved by setting p_out greater than p_in.
Pitch modification block 304 changes the pitch of the current frame of the input speech signal based on p_in and p_out to generate a corresponding frame for the output speech signal, such that the pitch of the output frame equals or approximates p_out. Depending on the relative values of p_in and p_out, the pitch may be increased, decreased, or left unchanged. Depending on the implementation, if p_in and p_out are the same for a particular frame, then pitch modification block 304 may be bypassed.
Time-domain harmonic scaling is a technique for changing the duration of a speech signal without changing its pitch. See, e.g., David Malah, Time-Domain Algorithms for Harmonic Bandwidth Reduction and Time Scaling of Speech Signals, IEEE Transactions on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, vol. ASSP-27, No. 2, April 1979, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Harmonic scaling is achieved by adding or deleting one or more pitch cycles to or from a waveform. In particular, the duration of a speech signal is increased by adding pitch cycles, while deleting pitch cycles decreases the duration.
Resampling involves generating more or fewer discrete samples of an input signal, i.e., increasing or decreasing the sampling rate with respect to time. See, e.g., A. V. Oppenheim, R. W. Schaefer, Discrete-Time Signal Processing, Prentice Hall, 1989, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Increasing the sampling rate is known as upsampling; decreasing the sampling rate is downsampling. Upsampling typically involves interpolating between existing data points, while downsampling typically involves deleting existing data points. Depending on the implementation, resampling may also involve output filtering to smooth the resampled signal.
According to certain embodiments of the present invention, harmonic scaling can be combined with resampling to generate an output frame of speech data that is the same size as its corresponding input frame but with a different pitch. Harmonic scaling changes the size of a frame of data without changing its pitch, while resampling can be used to change both the size and the pitch of a frame of data. By selecting appropriate levels of harmonic scaling and resampling, an input frame can be converted into an output frame of the same size, but with a different pitch that equals or approximates the desired pitch.
For example, to increase the pitch of a particular speech frame, the speech signal may first be downsampled. Downsampling results in fewer samples than are in the input frame. To compensate, the downsampled signal is harmonically scaled to add pitch cycles. Conversely, to decrease pitch, the input signal is upsampled and harmonic scaling is used to drop pitch cycles. Depending on the implementation, the resampling can be implemented either before or after the harmonic scaling.
Referring to
When p_out is greater than p_in (i.e., where the desired pitch of the output signal is greater than the pitch of the input signal), resampling involves an overall downsampling of the input speech signal. In this case, the downsampling rate N_dn_samp will be selected to be greater than the upsampling rate M_up_samp. Similarly, to decrease the pitch of the input signal (where p_out<p_in), resampling will involve an overall upsampling of the input signal, where the downsampling rate N_dn_samp is selected to be smaller than the large upsampling rate M up_samp. Block 402 calculates appropriate values for upsampling and downsampling rates M_up_samp and N_dn_samp corresponding to the input and desired output pitch levels p_in and p_out.
In the implementation shown in
Block 406 applies time-domain harmonic scaling to scale the incoming reference speech frame (of N_frame samples) to generate N_buf_read samples of harmonically scaled data. When the pitch is to be increased, the harmonic scaling adds pitch cycles (e.g., by replicating one or more existing pitch cycles possibly followed by a smoothing filter to ensure signal continuity). When pitch is to be decreased, the harmonic scaling deletes one or more pitch cycles, again possibly followed by a smoothing filter.
Block 408 resamples the N_buf_reqd samples of harmonically scaled data from block 406 based on the resampling ratio (M_up_samp/N_dn_samp) to produce N_frame samples of transformed speech at the desired pitch of p_out. As described earlier, this resampling is preferably implemented by upsampling the harmonically scaled data from block 406 by M_up_samp, followed by downsampling the resulting upsampled data by N_dn_samp. In practice, the two processes can be fused together into a single filter bank.
Although intonation transformation processing has been described in the context of
Emphasis in speech may involve changes in volume (energy) and timing as well as changes in pitch. For example, when emphasizing a particular part of a word, in addition to increasing pitch, a speech therapist might also increase the volume and/or extend the duration of that part when pronouncing the word. Those skilled in the art will understand that the intonation transformation processing of the present invention may be extended to include changes to volume and/or timing of parts of speech signals in addition to changes in pitch.
Note that changing the timing of speech may be achieved by modifying the level of compression or expansion imparted by the harmonic scaling portion of the present invention. For example, as described earlier, increasing pitch can be achieved by a combination of downsampling and harmonic scaling that adds pitch cycles. Extending the duration of this higher-pitch portion of speech can be achieved by increasing the number of pitch cycles that are added during harmonic scaling. Note that, in implementations that combine timing transformation with pitch transformation, the size of (e.g., the number of data points in) the output signal will differ from the size of the input signal.
The frame-based processing of certain embodiments of this invention is suitable for inclusion in a system that works on real-time or streaming speech signals. In such applications, signal continuity is maintained so that the resultant signal will sound natural.
Although the invention has been described above in reference to an automated speech therapy tool, the algorithm for transforming intonation has general applicability. For example, although the present invention has been described in the context of processing used to change the pitch of speech signals, the present invention can be generally applied to change pitch in any suitable audio signals, including those associated with music instruction applications.
While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the described embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, which are apparent to persons skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to lie within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.
Although the steps in the following method claims, if any, are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those steps, those steps are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.
The present invention may be implemented as circuit-based processes, including possible implementation on a single integrated circuit. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, various functions of circuit elements may also be implemented as processing steps in a software program. Such software may be employed in, for example, a digital signal processor, micro-controller, or general-purpose computer.
The present invention can be embodied in the form of methods and apparatuses for practicing those methods, including in embedded (real-time) systems. The present invention can also be embodied in the form of program code embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readable storage medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. The present invention can also be embodied in the form of program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a machine, or transmitted over some transmission medium or carrier, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code segments combine with the processor to provide a unique device that operates analogously to specific logic circuits.
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|Wang Laboratories, Inc.
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|Method and apparatus for assembling a prediction list of name pronunciation variations for use during speech recognition
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|Syracuse Language Systems
|Method and apparatus for teaching prosodic features of speech
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|Automatically determining words for updating in a pronunciation dictionary in a speech recognition system
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|Phonological awareness, phonological processing, and reading skill training system and method
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|Error correction in speech recognition by correcting text around selected area
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|International Business Machines Corporation
|System and method for adapting speech playback speed to typing speed
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|Lucent Technologies Inc.
|Method and apparatus for interactive language instruction
|Dec 10, 2001
|Jul 18, 2002
|Silke Goronzy
|Method for online adaptation of pronunciation dictionaries
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|Silke Goronzy
|Methods for generating pronounciation variants and for recognizing speech
|Mar 5, 2002
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|Method for recognizing speech using eigenpronunciations
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|Heikkinen Ari P.
|Method and apparatus for improved voicing determination in speech signals containing high levels of jitter
|Mar 13, 2003
|Sep 25, 2003
|Spectral Design
|Method and device for changing the temporal length and/or the tone pitch of a discrete audio signal
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|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Oct 18, 2007
|Oct 11, 2011
|Tal Sobol-Shikler
|Speech affect editing systems
|Oct 18, 2007
|Jun 19, 2008
|Tal Sobol-Shikler
|Speech Affect Editing Systems
|Jun 20, 2010
|Dec 22, 2011
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Speech output with confidence indication
|Oct 17, 2012
|Feb 14, 2013
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Speech output with confidence indication
|Apr 3, 2012
|Feb 6, 2014
|Mordechai Shani
|Providing computer aided speech and language therapy
|Apr 3, 2012
|Oct 11, 2012
|Mordechai Shani
|Providing computer aided speech and language therapy
|U.S. Classification
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|May 15, 2003
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text:
Selecting the right dog extends to rescue dogs too
There seems to be a double standard going on. We devote quite a lot of time (and rightfully so) toward counseling prospective dog parents on selecting the right dog for their family and individual situation. In fact, right now on amazon.com there are over 20 titles of books and dvd's on that very topic. Most focus on matching dogs and humans based on a certain dog breed's characteristics and the human's lifestyle. Criteria such as size, temperament, exercise requirements, trainability, coat type and grooming requirements are taken into account. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you're steered away from breeds that need more activity such as sporting breeds and terriers. If you live in an apartment, smaller dogs and dogs that don't require much room are suggested. However when it comes to rescuing a dog, I've noticed more emphasis on getting dogs out of rescue and into homes than making sure that dog gets in the right and most appropriate home.
Recently I received several calls from frantic newly adoptive parents of rescue dogs. In the first case, the family had wanted a dog for their daughter as a pet and companion and also to accompany her when she trains for the cross country team. She often has to run early in the morning before school and sometimes after school before her parents get home. Wanting to "do the right thing" and provide a home for a rescue dog, they visited a local rescue organization's shelter facility and carefully looked through the available dogs. They settled on a very sweet Lab mix that seemed to immediately bond with their daughter. The dog had been picked up as a stray so had no known history but had been at the shelter for about a month. There were no cautions of aggression, but his kennel card did mention he'd do best in a single dog family. Since they didn't have any other dogs, they spoke with a staff member and expressed interest in adopting him. They filled out the application and the staff member went over all the requirements including a fenced yard, references, etc. A couple of days later, they were approved and took Buddy home. All went well for the first few days and it was looking like he was going to be a great addition to the family. They decided to take Buddy out for a walk to see how he was on leash, and that's when it happened. A neighbor was walking his dog on the other side of the street and the minute Buddy saw the other dog he went ballistic! He started lunging, barking and growling at the other dog, ultimately pulling the daughter to the ground, and yanked his leash out of her hand. He bounded across the street and jumped on the other dog and started biting him. Fortunately the other dog was just as large and fully coated, so Buddy's teeth didn't have time to penetrate before the other owner was able to pull his dog to safety and Buddy's family were able to get control of his leash. The shaken family went inside and immediately called the rescue organization to alert them to what had happened.
The rescue group representative's response,"Well you were told he wasn't good with other dogs."
To which the adoptive parents' responded, "No, not really. His card said he would do best with a single dog family, which we are, but we weren't told he was aggressive toward other dogs. That's a big difference!" The staff member continued to insist that they did inform the family about his behavior, and that the problem could likely be fixed with some training and might subside after he's been in a stable home environment for a while. That's when the mother called me. She asked the usual questions, 1) could the problem be fixed, 2) how long would it take, and 3) how much would it cost. Sigh. I explained that great strides can and have been made in dogs with dog aggressive behavior through behavior modification, but it takes time, sometimes a lot of time, there are no quick fixes, and it takes as much effort as it takes time, along with a lot of management along the way. And if they will be working with a professional, yes, it's going to be a financial investment as well. Then she asked one more question, "so this dog probably isn't going to be a good running partner for our daughter then, at least not for a while?" It was rhetorical, as she had already figured out the answer. Next, she expressed anger in that the rescue organization did not fully explain his aggression issue, and how guilty they would feel having to take him back. Before we hung up I again reiterated that behavior modification can be very effective in lessening dog/dog aggression, and if they were up to the task, I'd be happy to work with them. Lastly I added that it's not only okay but appropriate to select a dog that will best fit into your family and they should never feel guilty about that. She expressed deep gratitude, and I figured it wasn't for what I'd told her about dog/dog aggression, but moreso for my helping to relinquish her guilt.
Next I received a call from a woman who was calling for her single, adult son who'd recently adopted a dog that immediately showed severe separation anxiety. Her son works all day, and the dog had already eaten through and destroyed two metal crates, and had scratched up three wooden doors and the molding. She was currently on vacation and was babysitting the dog while her son was at work, but had to return to work the next week. She didn't know what to do because her son really wanted a dog, liked this dog, but he worked long hours. "We'd feel so guilty if we had to take her back," she said. Now this particular dog had been in a foster home for quite some time, so I asked if her son had been alerted to any separation anxiety issues. Her answer was, "no." Sigh. Now it is entirely possible that the behavior didn't manifest in the foster's care, especially to that extent if the dog was always with other dogs and if the dog hadn't been crated. I suggested the possibility of doggie daycare during the day and since the anxiety was so severe, also offered to refer her to a veterinary behaviorist who might offer pharmacological treatment and options along with behavior modification. I also told her that they shouldn't feel guilty about wanting a dog that would best fit into their family. Again, she expressed deep gratitude.
No dog is perfect, and frankly, there probably isn't really a perfect match between dogs and humans. We're different species! All dog human relationships will need tweaking, and give and take on the humans' part, along with compromise and some modifications to our lives. Rescuing a dog is indeed an honorable thing, and we all would love if every homeless dog could find a forever home. But when it comes to adopting a rescue, especially one with no known history, how much tweaking, compromise and modifications to their lives should an adoptive family feel obligated to make? And if they aren't up to or just don't want to make those compromises and modifications, should they be made to feel guilty? I say no, but I see the opposite happening. That just isn't right.


text:
Gazette CR N.I.E Junior event has banner field
Aaron Simone of Pinehaven Country Club doesn't know if he will be able to defend his overall boys' title in Friday's 16th annual Gazette Capital Region Newspaper in Education Junior Championship at Schenectady Municipal.
But he has a very good reason for remaining in the dark.
Simone, who also has two boys' 12-14 age division titles to his credit, will be competing in the 38th annual Junior PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club in Washington D.C. this week. If he makes the cut there, he won't be back in Schenectady in time to attempt a repeat.
That would leave Bobby McCarthy of Van Patten and Alex Bond of Amsterdam Municipal as the players with the lowest handicaps (4) in the boys' division.
Other top threats include Cody Husek (5) of Fox Run, Derrick Brown (6) of Schenectady Municipal, David Renko (7) of Ballston Spa CC, Mike Zhao (7) of Shaker Ridge Country Club, Kevin Johnston (7) of Nick Stoner, Michael Dwyer (9) of Amsterdam Municipal and Dennis Ziamandanis (9) of Albany Country Club.
Grace Ziamandanis (4) of Albany CC is the heavy favorite in the girls' division.
Entry deadline is Monday. As of Friday there were close to 50 entries. Entry fee is $35 and includes golf, lunch and prizes, including some great door prizes.
Trophies and gift certificates will be awarded in both gross and net to the top three in the boys' 12-14, boys' 15-18 and girls' 12-18 age divisions. Longest drive and closest to the pin contests are also included.
Drop off entry blanks to The Gazette at 2345 Maxon Road. Checks should be made payable to The Gazette. We will accept entries without entry blanks as long as they include the name, address, age, handicap, telephone number and entry fee.
All proceeds benefit The Gazette's NIE program.
Schuyler Meadows Club did a phenomenal job in hosting the 91st annual New York State Amateur Golf Championship this past week.
Club members and staff helped make more than 140 players and guests feel comfortable, and the competitors faced an extremely tough and demanding layout all three days.
Although the New York State Golf Association was hoping to feature hard and fast conditions throughout the tournament, heavy rain the first day softened up the course. Gusting winds on the second day helped dry out the greens, however, and by the 36-hole final day on Thursday, the course was playing about as difficult as it could.
Matt Stasiak from Buffalo, who plans on turning professional in the next month or so, ended up winning the tournament by one shot over local favorite Victor Fox of Normanside Country Club. The 18-year-old Fox lost a two-shot lead on the final hole, but he played brilliantly all week and was the tournament leader through the first three rounds.
Despite the fact that Capital Region golfers still haven't won a State Amateur since Jay Gunning triumphed in 1986, this year's event was one of the best-run and most exciting that I've been involved with in my 25 years of covering the sport.
Local players competing in the New York State Open this week at Bethpage State Park's Black Course had strong performances.
Chris DeForest, son of Rondout Country Club head pro John DeForest, tied for seventh with a three-day total of two-over-par 216 and earned $2,210. Tied for 11th were Cobleskill Golf & Country Club assistant pro Scott Berliner (71-74-72 — 217), the defending Northeastern New York PGA Player of the Year, and Schalmont High School/Siena College graduate Bryan Bigley (70-70-77 — 217), who is now competing on the mini tours in North Carolina. Both earned $1,760.
Also competing but missing the cut were Colonie Golf & Country Club assistant pro Ian Breen (78-74 — 152), former Wolferts Roost Country Club standout Jeb Buchanan (78-77 — 155), who is now a professional, Colonie G&CC head pro Frank Mellet (78-81 — 159) and McGregor Links Country Club head pro Tom Oppedisano (92-77 — 169).
The 37th annual Edison Invitational — the Capital Region's top one-day stroke play tournament for local scratch players — will be held Aug. 5 with a 12:45 p.m. shotgun start.
There will be three divisions this year: Open, Senior (50 and over) and Super Senior (65 and over). A skins game will be available in each division.
Entry fee is $100 and includes a practice session made with prior arrangements from head pro Craig McLean. Carts are available at an extra cost of $18. Courtesy range balls will also be available.
Included in the entry fee will be hors d'oeuvres and an outdoor cookout.
Call 399-2992 for more information. Entry deadline is Wednesday.
u The Northeastern Women's Golf Association Championship, the premier individual scratch event for local women, will be held Tuesday and Wednesday at Colonie Golf & Country Club.
u Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course will host the annual Joe Merendo Swing Fore Kids Scramble Aug. 9. Entry fee for the four-person scramble will be $100, and it includes golf, lunch, dinner, Titleist balls, a glove and a hat. Call the Amsterdam Municipal pro shop at 842-4265 for more information.
u The fifth annual Tech Valley Golf tournament at Saratoga National Golf Club raised $150,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation and other local charities. A total of 248 golfers competed. The winning team shot a 59 and included Tony Plugh, Werner Greyling, Liam McGrath and Andy Giordano. Tim Krohl, Matt Riggins, Tom Shannon and Dan Markowitz finished second with a 60, while Darin Hart, Desiray Elsenbeck, Dave Marshall and Brad Clark were third with a 61.
u Derrick Brown (81) and Ryan Gallagher (87) were first and second in the boys' 17-18 age division, Emma Ward (102) played unopposed and won the girls' 17-18 age division, identical twins Kyle (76) and Connor (77) Adams placed first and second in the boys' 15-16 age division and Christine Guidarelli (104) took the girls' 15-16 age division in the Rotterdam Elks #2157 New York State Elks Junior Qualifier this week at Schenectady Municipal Golf Course. All qualifiers advance to the 58th annual New York State Elks tournament in Utica Aug. 12. The Adams twins have a schedule conflict and will be replaced by Tyler Popp (78) and Darryn Bradt (83). The boys' 12-14 age division will be represented by Mike Zhao (79) and Mike Doxie (83).
u Airway Meadows will hold its 10th annual Benefit Tournament Aug. 17. Entry fee for the four-person scramble will be $85 and includes a barbecue picnic. This year's event will help defray medical costs for Lexi Gurka and Colin Flanders. Call 792-4144 for more information.
u Local club pros from the Northeastern New York PGA will compete in the Professional Championship at Berkshire Hills Country Club Monday and Tuesday.
u Pioneer Hills hosts the next Eastern New York Golf Association event on Wednesday.
u Junior camps for players age 6-15 and golf 101 camps for players of any age are now available at the eduKaytion Golf facility at the Cranwell Resort Spa & Golf Club. LPGA Teaching Pro Kay McMahon is the instructor. Call 669-1551 for more information.
u Carson Thompson, age 92, shot rounds of 78 and 79 this week at Amsterdam Municipal. He has shot or bettered his age more than 25 times.
u Also at Amsterdam Municipal, Bo Karutis posted five birdies in the same round.
Golfers always hope that a great shot is just around the corner. Despite the fact that John Caufman had gone more than 60 years without a hole-in-one, he collected his first ace at Saratoga Lake recently by sinking a 5-iron from 147 yards. Just seven days later, Caufman used his same 5-iron from 150 yards to hole out on the 11th hole at Winding Brook Country Club. That's two holes-in-one in eight days. It's never too late.
Ann Gagnon wielded a 3-wood for a hole-in-one on the 145-yard fourth hole at Whispering Pines.
Aces were dropping by the bundle at Van Schaick Island Country Club in the last two weeks. Marie Budd aced the 15th hole with a 7-rescue club for her third hole-in-one on July 11. On the same day, Dave Fruscio recorded his fifth career ace on the sixth hole. Mike Dawkins then collected his first hole-in-one with a 4-hybrid on the 199-yard sixth hole on July 19, while Bob Warren used a 3-wood to also hole out on the sixth hole during the VSI Member-Guest.
Stan Moore posted his eighth career hole-in-one by hitting an 8-iron from 150 yards on the fourth hole while playing in the Dirty Dozen outing at Amsterdam Municipal.
Lonny Warshaw of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., hit a 5-iron from 170 yards for a hole-in-one at Saratoga Lake Golf Club.
Also at Saratoga Lake Golf Club, Steve Ellinger used a pitching wedge to hole out on the 144-yard 17th hole.
At Brookhaven, Vinnie Nichols Jr. had a hole-in-one on the seventh hole with a 7-iron.
Former Gazette Senior County Amateur champion Mike Carroll posted his third hole-in-one this month by acing the 15th hole at Mohawk Golf Club.
Brian Henry, playing with former Edison Club head pro Rick Wright at Mohawk Golf Club, posted a double-eagle on the par-5 13th hole.
Mary Gomolinski eagled the 15th hole while competing in the Briar Creek Ladies league.
Recording eagles at Amsterdam Municipal this week were Alex Bond (No. 3), Lew Quinn (No. 5), Chris Quenelle (No. 10), Jim Russo Jr. (No. 10) and T.J. Sumigray
(Nos. 5 and 10).
Dennis Ahl eagled the 15th hole at Hales Mills Country Club.
John Privitera eagled the 12th hole while competing in the Stator Frame league at Schenectady Municipal Golf Course.
At Ballston Spa Country Club, Ron Deperto eagled the third hole.
Ryan Meikle eagled the 10th hole at Van Schaick Island Country Club.
Junior golfer Nate Shawver recorded his first eagle by reaching the 523-yard par-5 eighth hole with a driver and 4-wood and then sinking the putt at Airway Meadows.


text:
Hospedaje Dona Rosa is a wonderful casa particular located in Sierra del Rosario, a natural paradise in Cuba, just 45 minutes from Havana. Enjoy your vacation with the family care, the good taste of Cuban food and the ever-green natural setting. Add then all commodities in terms of lodging and service, yet for the most economic price.
United States
1 Review
Comented Thu 03 Apr 2014
Recommend to other travelers
We spent two days at dona rosa back in january and we had a great time. the owners are very friendly and the room is very clean and comfortable. on our request, the prepared an exquisite cuban lunch for us the day we left. we also visited the soroa villas, a resort nearby, with pool, bar, store and other amenities.
Room quality
Sleep quality
Quality of service
Price/quality ratio
|Ctra Soroa Km 5. Artemisa. Cuba
|Price from:
|25.00 CUC (per Night/Room)
|Nº 3 of 9 B&B in Soroa, Cuba | 5.0/5 - 1 Review
Latest Booking: 5 days, 7 hours ago
Latest Booking: 6 days, 6 hours ago


text:
Okay so I was at my girlfriends sisters wedding.
My gf had recelny been in an argument with the female leader of a group of friends my gf is part of.
I thought the hatchet has been buried by the time the wedding came. I made the mistake of talking to one of the members of the rivalling female tribe. This annoyed my gf as apparently this girl was rude to her.
The next day my gf contacts me saying someone overheard me mocking my gf to this other girl. Apparently I said "I hope she's having fun waiting for me on the dance floor".
I never said this. Whoever overhead it misheard what I said. I do recall ending the conversation saying something like "I should go find my gf now I think she's looking for me at the dance floor" or something like that.
My gf is taking the stance that the person who overheard me heard exactly what I was saying.
I'm now feeling like I should contact the girl I was talking to confirm for my own personal reassurance I never said that.
Problem is gf hates this girl now and I feel bad dragging random girl into it.
Should I contact this girl to verify what I'm saying? I
Should I involve her frienemy?
Okay so I was at my girlfriends sisters wedding.
Have an opinion?
What Girls Said 1
Id say sit down in a moderately public place (so there's no violence due to anger) and talk it out , explain in detail what happens and try to come to an understanding between you two00|00|0
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text:
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Key resources
The Rhonda Marriott scholarship provides support and recognises the contribution of Aboriginal nurses and midwives and the role they play in Western Australia (WA) Health. The scholarship will provide WA Health employed Aboriginal registered nurses and midwives with the costs associated with postgraduate education.
Scholarship funding is $2500 per semester. The funds will be dispersed once the Nursing and Midwifery Office have received a copy of results showing the successful completion of each semester.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:
Application details: Please see the links below for more information about applications.
Nursing and Midwifery Office
Department of Health
PO Box 8172
Perth Business Centre WA 6849
Ph: (08) 9222 4075
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text:
O´NEAL ZIPPER AMX - ginocchiere
articolo n.: 2168575
Spedizione in USA
O´NEAL ZIPPER AMX - ginocchiere S
descrizione del prodotto
Thanks to their super light IPX technology, the ZIPPER AMX knee protectors by O'NEAL offer excellent protection. During the ride, the protectors adapt to your movements; in case of an impact the material hardens in order to effectively protect you from injuries.
• light IPX technology
• full-length side zip
• 3D Mesh with breathable elastane for optimum ventilation
• ergonomic fit
• can be adjusted via velcro fastener
• small pack size
• KEVLAR knee cap
• exceeds the EN1621 protective standard
Material: 70% polychloride, 22% polyamide, 5% polyethylene, 3% aramid
Manufacturer's ref.: 0293
The Intelligent Protection adapts to the body temperature and the surrounding temperature. During the ride the padding becomes soft and allows thus optimum freedom of movement. In case of a crash, the foam hardens automatically in order to protect you from injuries. After the crash, the foam returns to a soft shape. Even several crashes will not harm it.
A lightweight and highly durable yarn with tremendous tensile strength. KEVLAR offers extra protection in the areas that are most vulnerable to abrasion and friction.
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Consortium refers to partnership or association between two or more persons, the purpose of which is to achieve something specific by combining the resources of all persons or partners which have agreed to become a part of consortium.
Consortium is also used by companies, banks, educational institutions in order to achieve their desired objective. Consortium is different from partnership in the sense that partnership involves sharing of profits and losses by doing business while consortium is done in order to achieve something specific and the purpose of consortium is not always profit.


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Windows 7 Ringtone Editor
by Haris on October 15, 2009
in Tips and Tricks, Windows
Want to create ringtones of your favourite music? Well, you can now do that right from your Windows 7 without having to download or install another third- party applications to create them.
The new Ringtone Editor, which is a part of Device Stage, let's you can make ringtones from songs and sound files already on your PC, or you can create something with your own recordings.
It also gives you some options like fading in and out of the sound. To use Ringtone Editor with your phone, it should be compatible with Device Stage. If supported, you can directly preview a ringtone, save it directly to the phone, set it as your primary ring, or assign it to one or more of your contacts.
Download Device Stage Plugin
You can download it from here: Download Device Stage Plugin


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- 4Beds
- 4Baths
- 4,178Sq Ft
Listing provided courtesy of: Coldwell Banker Residential
Glorious open views of Clearwater Bay are yours from the living areas of this Island Estates renovated home. Outdoor recreation opportunities await with a covered boat dock and open pool or you can relax on the covered lanai. A formal entry hall leads to the open living and dining rooms with ceiling beams, dentil moldings and French doors to the lanai. The remodeled galley style kitchen includes wood cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances plus a breakfast bar and walk-in pantry. Ceilings soar in the two story family room with brick fireplace and tile flooring. A spiral staircase leads to an open loft with vaulted ceiling. The second floor master suite offers sliders to a waterfront deck, walk-in closet and updated bath with granite topped dual sink vanity and glass front shower. Two bedrooms share a private "Jack and Jill" bath with tub//shower and furniture style vanity. The fourth bedroom, located off the foyer, provides a walk-in closet and private entrance to an updated hall bath with granite topped vanity and glass front shower. Conveniences include a laundry room, updated half bath and oversized three car garage. Island Estates provides shopping, dining and services. Clearwater Beach offers white sandy beaches and attractions just minutes away.
General Features
- Property Style Single Family Home
- County Or Parish Pinellas
- Financing Available Cash, Conventional
- Housing For Older Persons N/A
- MLS Area Major Clearwater/Clearwater Beach
- Tax Year 2016
- Taxes 19446
- Township 29
- Year Built 1972
Building Features
- Architectural Style Patio
- Appliances Included Dishwasher, Disposal, Microwave, Range, Refrigerator
- Additional Rooms Family Room, Foyer, Inside Utility, Loft
- Air Conditioning Central, Zoned/Multiple
- Community Features Park, Playground
- Property Description Two Story
- Fireplace Description Family Room, Gas Fireplace
- Floor Covering Carpet, Quarry Tile
- Foundation Slab
- Garage Carport 3 Car Garage
- Garage Features Attached, Door Opener
- Heatingand Fuel Central, Fuel - Electric, Zoned/Multiple
- Interior Features Inside Utility, Walk In Closet, Washer/Dryer Hookup
- Interior Layout Kitchen/Family Room Combo, Living Room/Dining Room Combo, Living Room/Great Room, Volume Ceilings
- Kitchen Features Breakfast Bar, Pantry, Walk In Pantry
- Pool Private
- Roof Shingle
- Sq Ft Heated 4,178
- Sq Ft Total 6102
Property Features
- Exterior Construction Block, Siding, Stucco
- Exterior Features Balcony/Sun Deck, French Doors, Irrigation System, Mature Landscaping, Oak Trees, Patio/Porch/Deck Covered, Patio/Porch/Deck Open, Trees/Landscaped
- Location Balcony, Cul-de-sac, Flood Zone, In City Limits, Sidewalk, Street Paved
- Front Exposure West
- Lot Number 22
- Lot Size Acres 0.26
- Lot Size Sq Ft 11282
- Total Acreage 1/4 Acre to 21779 Sq. Ft.
- Utilities Cable Available, City Water, Electric, Public Sewer, Public Utilities, Street Lights
- Water Access Bay/Harbor, Intracoastal Waterway
- Water Extras Boathouse, Bridges - No Fixed Bridges, Dock - Slip Deeded On-Site, Seawall - Concrete
- Water Frontage Bay/Harbor, Intracoastal Waterway
- Water Name CLEARWATER HARBOR
- Water View Bay/Harbor - Full, Intracoastal Waterway
- Waterfront Feet 80
Days on Market
- This property was listed on the market for 112 days
- Average days-on-market for homes between $1,100,000 - $1,650,000 = 131 (in zip code 33767)
Walk ScoreGet the Walk Score Report
Home ValuationGet the Home Value Report
Ask A Question
Community Demographics for Zip Code 33767 (CLEARWATER BEACH)
Housing Occupancy
- Home Owners: 3,311 (38%)
- Renters: 914 (11%)
- Vacant: 4,475 (51%)
- Total Housing Units: 8,700
- Average Household Size: 1.79
- Housing Density (People per square mile): 3,807
Age Range (number of people)
- Age 0-14: 428
- Age 15-24: 300
- Age 25-39: 543
- Age 40-59: 1,537
- Age 60-79: 3,014
- Age 80+: 1,753
- Total: 7,575
* All numbers in this section are 2016 projections provided by Geolytics Inc
School Information for 33767 (CLEARWATER BEACH)
School data for this property is not available.
* School data provided by US Department of Education


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Category Archives: Canaan Valley
I will never be able to properly express how much I LOVE this wedding and how very proud I am to have documented it. Thad and Jane are avid backpackers who reside in the Washington, DC area. For their wedding weekend, it was very important for them to be immersed in nature and to go […]


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The Secret Dangers of Belly Fat
The fat you are desperately trying to shed before beach season is usually fat stored…
Eating is one of the most pleasurable activities we partake in on a daily basis. It's how we incorporate the nutrients we need to live into our bodies so needless to say, our diet has a profound impact on our health and overall well-being.
One diet that can be regarded as controversial and even edgy is the vegan diet, this diet entails abstaining from all animal products such as meat, milk, cheese and eggs.
Some people see vegans as tree-hugging, long haired, weaklings while other see them as strong, conscious minded health advocates.
This particular diet and lifestyle can be justified by many reasons ranging from spiritual to health, to just wanting to piss off your local hog farmer.
Let us delve into the depths of the vegan diet to determine if it is safe or dangerous.
Vegan diets is healthy when properly planned and based on whole, unprocessed foods in consultation with Dietician.
but it's not like they only eat salad.


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First Tutors helps you to find a local spanish tutor in Longfield and across the UK. Home spanish tuition is an excellent way to boost confidence as well as increasing grades and doesn't have to be dull! Please use our service to search for Longfield spanish tutors and select which best suits your requirements.
First Tutors is the best place to discover through one search the top Longfield spanish tutors for your needs, enabling you to find a private Longfield spanish teacher for any subject, for example, GCSE English, A-Level Maths or even university Biology. We also help with language tuition, so if you want to learn Spanish, take a Arabic course or prepare yourself for Spanish life, we can help - and all in Longfield! We order spanish Longfield teachers in your area according to their spanish lesson costs and proximity to you.
If you are a Longfield spanish teacher wanting to offer your home spanish tuition services in Longfield or the UK, please register with First Tutors or find out more about what we do here. Private spanish tuition is a fantastic way to re-affirm your spanish knowledge while helping someone else, all in the Longfield area!


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A LITERACY project led to a fundraising scheme for four primary school pupils who have done their bit to save endangered rhinos.
Throston Primary School Year 6 pupils Lily-Mae Adams, Anjalee Dhaliwal, Nicole Hunt and Katie Willis were learning about the various species of several animals during a recent lesson.
But after finding out about the threat to critically endangered rhinos in Africa and Asia, the youngsters set about raising awareness of the issue.
The girls did their own research at home and in the classroom to find out more about the work of the Save the Rhino Trust before designing a slideshow presentation which they showed to the whole school.
And not content with raising awareness of the issue, the four pupils then all baked a selection of tasty cupcakes and set up a stall to sell them to parents who visited the school for the recent Easter productions.
Lily-Mae, Anjalee, Nicole and Katie were delighted to raise just over £200 and have now written to the charity in an attempt to set up a date to hand over the cash.
Mark Atkinson, headteacher at the school, in Flint Walk, said: "We support various charities in school throughout the year but this was all the doing of the individual pupils.
"They did all the research themselves, designed the presentation themselves, baked the cakes and organised the cake stall and raised £202 which is fantastic.
"They used their initiative to raise both awareness and money, it was extremely kind of them and all of the teachers are very proud.
"All of the children in the school now know a lot more about the dangers posed to rhinos thanks to the work of the girls.
"Lily-Mae, Anjalee, Nicole and Katie should all be very proud of themselves.
"They leave us to start secondary school shortly and I'm sure they will go on to take part in various other charity projects."


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FREE T-Shirt For Orders $200 or More!
07-31-2017, 05:14 PM (This post was last modified: 07-31-2017 05:14 PM by HighHorseman.)
Post: #1
FREE T-Shirt For Orders $200 or More!
Congrats to HHP's Rob Goss for taking runner-up in NMCA Superbowl and Street Outlaw class this past weekend at Route 66 Raceway.
In light of his success, HHP is offering *FREE t-shirts for all new orders totaling $200 or more through Sunday. Just use corresponding coupon code for your size at checkout.
*(Cannot be combined with other coupons, limit 1 shirt per order, coupon only valid for new orders).
Small shirt code: FreeTs
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Teams and fans alike highly anticipated the NBA Draft 2016. But, when it came to Boston Celtics pick Ante Zizic, it became a letdown.
As Boston Celtics announced they would be picking the Croatian, fans bowed down their heads in disappointment. Though drafts are not the be-all and end-all of NBA teams, it does give everyone an insight into a team's strategy and likely path in the future playoffs and conferences.
So before fans go back to hating Boston Celtics' decision for the NBA Draft 2016, here is a more comprehensive look at Boston Celtics draft pick Ante Zizic.
Ante Zizic is a 19-year old basketball player from the Croatian league. At 6'11 and 235 pounds, he already has the physique of an NBA player.
ALSO READ: Rio 2016: LeBron James' Absence Won't Matter
ESPN also reports the big man as an excellent rebounder. For a man his size, Boston Celtics pick Ante Zizic moves deftly on the court.
Looking at his playing statistics, his average PER of 24.73 per NBA's report easily comes at the top of his age group.
This rating comes after a highly successful playing career from three leagues in Europe, namely the Adriatic League, FIBA Europe Cup and Croatian A1. He also comes off his latest season as FIBA Center of the Year.
However, the Croatian is not without weaknesses. Though Zizic's rebounding skills cannot be doubted, his passing and lack of offensive skills weigh him down in the eyes of critics. ESPN also called him out for his low basketball IQ.
ALSO READ: Curry Back 2 Back MVP Pack Release: Price, Photos & Where to Buy?
His defense also needs work on top of increasing his perimeter game. Another criticism against Zizic's gameplay is his old school trick of boxing out other players. Though this strategy has worked in his previous leagues, it won't do for NBA. Aside from this list, Zizic also finds a crowded in the paint game with other big men already in position.
Though Boston Celtics pick Ante Zizic has a lot of potential, Celtics blog has earmarked him as a "draft-and-stash" pick.
Being a highly physical player, the 6'11 player may have limited opportunity to shine in the upcoming NBA playoffs.


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We're truly still in the heart of sport seasons. Even when the season ends, for gamers, it's either just beginning or midseason via Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or whichever system best fits our need. But when gaming publishers allow gamers and fans alike to help make executive decisions, we have more than a reason to cheer with everything we've got.
NCAA Football 14 is right around the corner, which has sparked cover votes for EA Sports. If you've followed the rankings so far, then you are quite aware that the final 8 schools left with a chance of landing cover are (in order of most votes last week):
|1. Alabama
|2. Texas A&M
|3. Michigan
|4. Ohio State
|5. Oregon
|6. Notre Dame
|7. Georgia
|8. Florida State
Make sure to get your votes in this week here as in the coming week EA SPORTS will begin announcing the athletes which will be representing their respective schools on Facebook. Fans should check back daily as the biggest names in college football are unveiled, all in the hopes of securing the cover for their alma mater. Athlete-specific voting will begin on Monday, February 4th and continue until Monday, February 18th, at which point the field will be cut to four.


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A Colorful Start At Shalhevet
The Shalhevet building was abuzz with excitement on Tuesday, September 3. The halls were filled with smiles and shrieks of laughter as the girls reunited with one another, met new students, and spoke with teachers. The seniors took their yearbook pictures, books and lockers were distributed, and orientation was presented by Mrs. Eisenman and Mrs. Lisker. The freshmen had their own orientation, followed by a pizza lunch and painting by Owl Ceramics. This enabled them to break the ice with each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Everybody was so excited to be at Shalhevet and cannot wait for another fabulous year!


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"Is it fair to do business with the poor?"
Mr Mohammad Yunus and Mr Michael Chu debated whether commercial finance should make a profit from doing business with the poor in the plenary debate at the World Microfinance Forum, October 1 – 2, 2008, in Geneva.
Although Professor Mohammad Yunus is the founding father of microfinance and its chief proponent, the Nobel Prize winner is cautious about the positive impact that Western commercial investors can have on microfinance. At the Worldwide Microfinance Forum in Geneva, October 2, 2008, in a debate entitled "How fair is it to do business with the poor?" he questioned how appropriate it was for commercial finance to invest in the microfinance industry for profit. Mr Michael Chu, a former President and CEO of ACCION, and keen proponent of further investment and the commercialisation of the industry, took the other side of the floor.
First principles
Mr Yunus' believes that the primary motive of helping people out of poverty should not be coupled with the aim of making a profit. Aligning the two requirements can lead to mission drift with the result that the poor get an 'unfair' deal. He supports social businesses, like his own Grameen Bank, which not only lends money to the working poor, but is also owned by them. He explained, "I could have done it differently, it {Grameen} could be owned by a few or by me, for example." But this would have gone against his first principle, which is poverty alleviation.
In his view finance is merely a tool to use in pursuit of his goal to help the poor. If the cycle of poverty can be broken with the intervention of a loan, he believes the recipients will then help themselves and amazing things can happen. "Poverty is not the person…. all human beings have unlimited potential and the same capacity, whether rich or poor."
Role of profit
Mr Chu understood how Mr Yunus's message appeals to humans' better natures, by acknowledging that the "tremendous discomfort" felt by people about making a profit out of the poor was very natural. "Hundreds of years of culture equates profit with greed, but service to the poor with self-sacrifice, but is this valid in the eyes of the poor?"
According to Mr Chu, "to roll back poverty rather than to merely alleviate it", any solution needs to be able to reach massive numbers, deliver permanent results that can help many generations, provide continuous effort so it gets better and better at what it does, and provide continuous efficiency so it also becomes cheaper and cheaper. Mr Chu believes the only state that can offer all these four requirements is business.
Mr Chu estimated that the outstanding loan requirement amongst the poor worldwide is USD 500 billion and that this cannot be filled without the use of commercial finance.
Will competition bring lower interest rates?
Mr Yunus was not convinced that further competition lowers interest rates and brings efficiencies that will help the poor. He believes that low interest rates should be set and not come as a by-product of competition. On the other hand Mr Chu thought competition was "crucial" and provided the example of Bolivia, where rates have dropped inexorably since 1998 when competition started. Mr Yunus responded, "I believe in competition, not to make myself richer, but to make life better for the poor. What are you competing for?"
Will private commercially motivated investors make microfinance institutions (MFIs) raise interest rates and pull away from the poor?
Mr Chu thought this question was a red herring. "Strong MFIs know their segment well. It would make little sense for officers with dust on their shoes to chase after rich clients." If MFIs are doing well in their own field they should have no motivation to move to another segment, he explained, using the example of the food retail trade, where few fast food chains suddenly want to become exponents of fine dining if they are successful. Mr Yunus thought there would be mission drift if MFIs' number one goal was no longer helping poor people.
Do MFIs know when they are over-indebting their clients, and to what extent is this happening already?
Mr Chu admitted that this will happen, as increasing competition is likely to lead to indebtedness as "lots of money will be looking for a home." The expansion process will not be smooth and there may be some casualties along the way. Mr Yunus believed this problem would not necessarily occur if the Grameen model were followed as it does not issue penalties to borrowers. "We will welcome people, whatever" (i.e. regardless of problems with repayments).
Is raising foreign capital necessary for MFIs?
Mr Yunus thought that the ultimate solution for MFIs is to rely on local money. "External money could provide risky solutions – foreign exchange risk." Any money should be provided in local currency and mainly be used to facilitate the development of local money resources, rather than take the place of them.
Mr Chu responded that not all foreign capital, such as equity investment, leads to foreign currency exposure. Also, there were potential upsides to foreign currency, which generally is offered at lower interest rates than local currency. The risk and reward of both these sources of funding need to be managed professionally by the treasury of each MFI, requiring an increase in the professional management skills in the industry.
Challenges and opportunities
Both men saw the regulatory and legal environment as being fundamental to the evolution of the microfinance industry over the next 10 years. Mr Chu worried that political interference and poor regulatory involvement could undermine the growth of the market, through capped interest rates, for example. Measures such as these, "suck money away from the poorest people."
Mr Yunus also thought there was a challenge for the regulatory bodies, and was especially keen that "legal frameworks allowing MFIs to become banks were developed, allowing deposits and local money to develop MFIs further." For him the future lies in the hands of the working poor. "The next generation will be different and much more equipped."
Role of the donor community
Both men thought the role of the donor community would be diminished in the future, though they played tribute to the community's importance in establishing microfinance. Mr Yunus thought that in the future donors could plug the gap in funding when deposit taking is not possible, but admitted that, "donor dependency is a sign of immaturity," and that their involvement would only be an interim solution. Mr Chu thought "donors must be careful so that their presence does not delay the acceleration of the market." They should focus on what they do best, nurturing new concepts or being involved in areas where profitable solutions had yet to be established.
The Future
When asked about who the dominant players would be in 20 years time, both agreed that there would be organisations not even envisaged today. Both believed that the stimulus for development would come from the poor themselves. Mr Chu thought the poor would stimulate change through their power as clients, as the concept of the poor being clients to be serviced becomes more established, leading to the development of businesses and initiatives designed for them. Mr Yunus thought the talent of the poor, given further opportunities through microfinance and education will change the future, saying people will, "Look at the poor as a missed opportunity to change the world."
Local vs. International
The real debate was not about the fairness of doing business with the poor, but where should the money come from to do business and who keeps the profit afterwards. Mr Chu represented the international capital markets and Western investors following free market methods of investment. Mr Yunus thought the role of foreign investors is to facilitate the collection and use of local money, with the profits going back to local people.
Mr Yunus' stance on commercial investment was in some ways a direct contradiction to the purpose of the conference, convened to uncover 'Profitable Investment Opportunities,' but the investment managers and financial specialists in the audience were nonetheless electrified by his presence and humanitarian message. It was Michael Chu, defending the role of the capital markets, who "spent an uncomfortable hour."
However, the difference between the two sides could not separate their fundamental optimism both men felt for the future of the industry.
By Amy Rennison
Similar Posts:
- MICROFINANCE EVENT: Toronto International Microfinance Summit to Feature Muhammad Yunus, September 29, 2016, Toronto, Canada
- SPECIAL REPORT: Microfinance Investment Vehicles, MFIs "Speed Date" at SAM Investor's Fair in Ethiopia
- MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Nigeria's Access Bank, FMO Launch Female Leadership Programme in Ghana
- SPECIAL REPORT: Evolving Regulations Obscure the Future of Microfinance in Myanmar
- SPECIAL REPORT: The Impact of Finance on the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) in Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam


text: Doesn't OZ use GM E-type of socket heads? Got a pic? Mark Rosenkrantz On Sun, Apr 20, 2008 at 9:35 PM, scott <audisscott at gmail.com> wrote: > Do any of you have the sockets to rebuild 3pc OZ wheels? If so I'd > love to rent them from you. > > Thanks much, > > -Scott


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From The Washington Post: It is a cool world, in both senses. A hard-sand path winds into a hardwood hammock of live oak, and coconut and cabbage palms, arriving soon at one of the park's most-advertised features: a 100-foot-long canopy walk, strung with wood and rope 25Read more →
Why Walkways? Article by Helen Gold Can Canopy Walkways Help To Get Your Kids in Touch With Nature? Canopy walkways – also known as 'treetop walks' – are a dream come true for a nature lover. They provide unprecedented access to the kind of habitat which weRead more →
Here are some views of our Williams College canopy walkway in Hopkins Forest, Massachusetts. It's the first canopy walkway in North America and was built in 1992.Read more →
This Canopy Walkway is located just outside of Sarasota, FL in Myakka River State Park. The walkway is suspended 25 feet above the ground and extends 85 feet through the hammock canopy. A tower soars 74 feet in the air to present a spectacular view of treetops,Read more →
On November 24, 2014 local families from Sarasota-Manatee VillageLearners gathered together at Myakka River State Park for a guided tour of the Canopy Walkway and Tower led by Dr. Margaret "CanopyMeg" Lowman. The children and their families learned about epiphytes, bromeliads, and the definition of "arbornaut". The childrenRead more →
Join Untamed Science for their visual tour of CanopyMeg's Amazon field research. The video team joined her July 2014 citizen science research expedition, so watch for a series of videos to be posted! Enjoy! This summer marked the 20th year of CanopyMeg's long term research at thisRead more →
From the Times of India: Directorate of tourism, Andaman and Nicobar administration invites proposals for development of canopy walkways project in Andaman & Nicobar Islands under item rate base offer. Details: Click for larger imageRead more →
Danté Fenolio was part of the science team for the latest expedition to the canopy walkway in the Amazon with the New College students. He has two recent blog posts that contain some great images taken during the trip. His blog posts are here: The ACTS CanopyRead more →
Canopy Walkways for Conservation: A Tropical Biologist's Panacea or Fuzzy Metrics to Justify Ecotourism
Click on the cover thumbnail below to read one of Dr. Margaret Lowman's latest journal articles published in BIOTROPICA. The document is in PDF format and includes Tom Lovejoy's one page introductory editorial. More of Dr. Lowman's journal articles are located here.Read more →


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Excellent Concert and Events at the Axis in Planet Hollywood
You would want to have the best music events and concert experience when watching at your favorite artists perform on stage. Of course, the venue and its facilities could drastically maximize your enjoyment, especially with spectacular audio-visual effects electrifying your senses.
Experience Best Concert Events at the Axis Planet Hollywood
Located on the Las Vegas Strip's Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, The Axis is one of the best auditorium all throughout United States, and is known of its handling big names like Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys.
The Axis at Planet Hollywood boasts a 4,500 to 7,000 seat capacity, with high-end sound and light effects. Added by the presence of the world's biggest indoor projector screen, concerts and events in the theater are magnified for multiple times with its grandiose facilities. It is even the largest theater of its kind in the whole United State, thus serving as a significant landmark for various national or global events.
Some of the notable events handled by the axis planet hollywood britney spears are beauty pageants like Miss USA, Miss America and even Miss Universe. Different awards nights also took place in the auditorium, and big names in the music and performing arts industry have regular events in the Axis like annual shows.
Aside from the theater itself, the fact that it's a part of the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip makes it a great venue for enjoyment. It would be easy to access vital establishments of Las Vegas with its nice location, thus can maximize your stay in the city if you're a tourist. Know more about the Axis at Planet Hollywood now, and don't miss the upcoming big events this year! Just visit lasvegas auditorium to learn more about the Axis, and know where to grab tickets for events and concerts.


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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - The KARE 11 Investigative unit has been recognized by National Headliners Awards for three stories that aired on KARE 11 in 2016.
The National Headliners Awards have been recognizing journalistic merit in the communications industry since 1934. The contest is one of the oldest and largest of its kind.
- KARE 11 placed first in the category "Broadcast or cable television stations health/science reporting" for a story on the delays in the VA organ transplant system. That piece was reported by A.J. Lagoe, Steve Eckert and Gary Knox.
ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION: Distance, delays and denial: The VA organ transplant system
- KARE also took second in "Broadcast or cable television stations continuing coverage of a single news event" with a series on Minnesota's secret sex offenders. A.J. Lagoe and Steve Eckert were responsible for the reporting that has helped to prompt some legislative action in Minnesota.
ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION: The Secret Sex Offender
- Lastly, KARE received a third-place award in "Broadcast or cable television stations business and consumer reporting" for the work that A.J. Lagoe, Steve Eckert and Gary Knox did exposing a contractor's scheme to take customers' money without doing the promised work.
ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION: Contractor takes money, doesn't build
Other local winners include the Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio.