text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Apr 24, 1990
|Filing date
|Oct 26, 1988
|Priority date
|Nov 2, 1987
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Michel Dufresne, Samir Sammoun, Dave Gregory, Jean-Paul Champagne, Alain Tessier, Pierre Scott, Francois Methot
|Original Assignee
|Videotron Ltee
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (6), Referenced by (138), Classifications (17), Legal Events (6)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This invention relates to a bidirectional transmission system, and particular to one in which many subscriber stations can transmit data signals upstream to a head end.
Cable transmission systems typically carry various TV signals downstream in a tree-type network containing a main trunk and branches from the trunk, with subscriber terminals connected to drops via splitters to the branches. Typical networks are fabricated of coaxial cable, with repeater amplifiers spaced along the network to maintain the signals to be distributed above a predetermined minimum level.
It has been an objective to allow signals to be originated at the subscriber terminals for transmission upstream to the head end as requests for service, for selection of programs, responses to polling, etc. However various problems as will be described below have prohibited successful provision of services whereby signals could be originated at the subscriber terminals, passed upstream through the network, to the head end. Consequently such systems have utilized a separate transmission network, e.g. telephone system or only pseudo-interactive systems in which all programs or information signals are presented to the subscriber terminals and the programs or information are selected at the terminals. In both cases the signals originating at the subscriber terminals are not passed upstream in the system.
Two very significant problems prohibited successful two-way communication via the same CATV network. With typically thousands of subscriber terminals having the possibility of transmitting upstream within the same frequency band, there is a significant likelihood that several might be transmitting at the same time. The result at the head end is pollution of the signals received from one subscriber terminal by signals received from other simultaneously transmitting subscriber terminals. The problem is made worse by the existence of various time delays within the system presented to the signals transmitted from various subscriber terminals due their locations being at various different line lengths (transmission distances) from the head end.
The second problem involves noise gathering. It will be appreciated that significant upstream noise is gathered from the various branches feeding into a single trunk, which noise often can be significantly higher than the signal level transmitted by a single subscriber terminal The problem is increased with the use of two-way amplifiers in the system, those amplifying in the upstream direction attempting to amplify whatever signals are applied to their inputs, e.g. noise. Such amplifiers typically use automatic gain controls, which operate with maximum gain at the time of minimum signal, thus outputting maximum noise collected from all branches feeding into that amplifier.
The present invention is a cable transmission system which substantially reduces or eliminates the problem of collisions between signals from various subscriber terminals arriving at the head end at the same time. Also disclosed is means for substantially reducing or eliminating the problem of noise gathering.
The head end in the cable system of the present invention provides television signals as in a normal CATV system, but also transmits data signals in a separate downstream data channel. The signals in the data channel are transmitted in packets divided into time slots, the time slots being separated by a special byte of data referred to herein as a status byte. The status byte is formed of bits which are referred to herein as "busy bits".
The downstream data signal is frequency
multiplexed with the TV signals, using a separate channel, and is transmitted downstream through the network to the subscriber terminals. The subscriber terminals each detect the busy bits and after decoding, determine whether the network is idle, busy, or whether a collision has occurred and if desired, a priority level. Each subscriber terminal if it has data to transmit, transmits back to the head end, with a certain probability factor. The probability factor is modified depending on whether the busy bits which the terminal continuously receives indicates a collision (which indicates that another subscriber terminal has transmitted, polluting its data signal). If a collision is detected, the probability factor is changed, and the subscriber terminal retransmits the data from the time slot which has been polluted at a time dependent on the probability factor.
The transmitting subscriber terminal also counts collisions, i.e. the number of collisions indicated by the busy bits. If the number of collisions is in excess of a predetermined threshold, it recycles the probability factor and retransmits the entire data sequence at a time which is controlled by the new probability factor.
Any subscriber terminal is inhibited from transmitting if the busy bits which it receives indicate that the network is busy in the upstream direction. Thus the collision effect occurs following the time that the busy bits indicate that the upstream data channel is idle, data has begun to be transmitted by more than one subscriber terminal, and prior to the time that subscriber terminals receive busy bits from the head end which indicate that the upstream channel has been seized, i.e. is busy. Thus the collision effect occurs typically at the initiation of a new transmission by more than one subscriber terminal when the channel is idle, increasing with increasing traffic.
The probability of transmission factor is varied using a random number generator, which, coupled with the likelihood of different time delays for signals transmitted from the various subscriber terminals within the system, decreases the likelihood that more than one would transmit at the same time, than if the probability factor was varied in the same way at each subscriber terminal Further, since the number of collisions causes a decreased probability that a subscriber terminal is allowed to transmit, the heavier the traffic, the more the likelihood that a subscriber terminal is automatically caused to wait for a longer random period to transmit. The system thus automatically compensates and adjusts for increased traffic.
The problem of noise gathering is substantially solved by causing each subscriber terminal to transmits its data using frequency shift keying at two spaced frequencies, and by using a narrow band filter, having two passbands just sufficient to pass the two frequencies, in the upstream direction in each branch of the network. The downstream data signals are unaffected The filters thus block virtually all noise except a small amount in the two narrow passbands from passing upstream to the head end. The filters are preferably remotely addressable so that they can be controllably switched to pass signals or upon receipt of an upstream signal. It has been found that this structure successfully inhibits noise gathering.
The prior art problems of collision of upstream signals in a bidirectional cable communication system and noise gathering are thus substantially overcome
Briefly, the invention is a directional cable communication system comprising a head end, a bidirectional transmission network connected to the head end for carrying signals downstream from the head end to a plurality of subscriber stations and for carrying data signals upstream to the head end from the subscriber stations. A circuit at the head end detects collisions between signals received from the subscriber stations and generates a collision signal, and a further circuit at the head end transmits downstream on the transmission system a status byte of data signal indicative of the collision, whereby upon detection thereof by a subscriber station it can be enabled to cease transmission.
Preferably the head end collision detector also includes apparatus for detecting whether or not signals are being received from any subscriber station and for generating a busy or idle status byte signal respectively, the byte transmitting circuit generating the byte of data signal indicative of the collision, the idle, or the busy status.
It is also preferred that the status byte of data should be transmitted separating time slots of a downstream data signal, in which a maximum round trip propagation trip delay, being the sum of the delays of all components in the transmission loop to the longest delayed end of the network in both downstream and upstream directions, defines the time period between successive status bytes which should be at least as long as said propagation delay.
The invention is also a subscriber terminal for use in a bidirectional cable communication system comprising apparatus for repetitively receiving a data signal from a bidirectional transmission network comprised of a status byte indicative of the status of the network including signal collision, busy or idle, and preferably priority, apparatus for formulating and storing a data signal to be transmitted via the network to the head end, apparatus for transmitting the data signal to the head end via the network, apparatus for controlling the apparatus for transmitting, the apparatus for controlling comprising apparatus for receiving the status byte and for enabling transmission of the data signal with a predetermined probability P, apparatus for counting the number of signal collision status signals received and for adjusting the probability P in accordance therewith.
It is preferred that the apparatus for controlling inhibits transmission for a period of time if the number of signal collision status signals received exceed a predetermined maximum, thereupon reinitiating retransmission of the complete data signal.
A better understanding of the invention will be obtained by reference to the detailed description below of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a bidirectional cable communication network in accordance with the invention,
FIG. 2 illustrates the downstream data stream with time,
FIG. 3 illustrates a data packet with time,
FIG. 4 is a block schematic of a subscriber terminal in accordance with the invention,
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the extraction logic circuit shown in FIG. 4,
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the media access circuit shown in FIG. 4, and
FIG. 7A and 7B form a schematic of the control transmitter at the subscriber terminal.
FIG. 1 illustrates a bidirectional cable communication network in accordance with the present invention. However it should be noted that the invention could be used in a star type network, a local area network or other kinds of networks. In the present embodiment, a system is comprised of a head end 1 which communicates via a wideband communication medium such as a coaxial cable 2 with a plurality of subscriber terminals 3. The terminals and head end 1 communicate via a network, such as a well known tree network, but could be another form of non-looping network. The tree network is comprised of bidirectional amplifiers 4 and splitters 5 which are connected via drops (not illustrated) to the subscriber terminals. The network is terminated at a matching impedance 6 in a well known manner.
For ease of description only one subscriber terminal 3 has been shown However it should be clear that subscriber terminals can be connected to splitters distributed along the network in a well known manner.
In a conventional network, amplifiers 4 will be unidirectional in the downstream direction, whereby they carry a plurality of television channels. The present invention, however, is directed to the class of networks which also carry data signals. Such signals have been provided in networks which carry data signals which are to be reconstructed into computer generated pictures, computer programs, control signals for descramblers, etc. Such data signals are sometimes carried in the vertical interval of a television channel, but in the present invention they are carried by a separate high speed data channel. Consequently the amplifiers 4 should have the capability of transmitting the data channel in the downstream direction.
In order to order specific services, the subscriber terminal 3 typically has a keyboard which generates signals, ultimately resulting in command or other data signals to be transmitted upstream to the head end. Several problems have characterized this upstream transmission, with the result that few, if any such practical systems exist. The present invention provides means for reliably transmitting data upstream from a large number of subscriber terminals. It should be noted, however, that bidirectional amplifier 4 should also have the capability of transmitting the data signals received from the subscriber terminals in the upstream direction. Such amplifiers exist and the present invention is not specifically directed to them.
Problems associated with upstream transmission include noise gathering and data collisions. Noise gathering involves the generation of noise from the many branches of e.g. the tree network, which all feed into the main trunk or port of the system. The noise is amplified by each of the amplifiers, resulting in a noise level at the head end which is excessive.
Data collisions exist when more than one subscriber terminal transmits data signals in the upstream direction which arrive overlapping in time at the head end. Clearly this causes corruption of all data signals which overlap.
The solution to the problem of avoidance of noise gathering is not the subject of the present invention. In the present invention the problem of collisions is solved, by the use of so-called "busy bits" which are transmitted from the head end downstream to the subscriber terminals. A byte of two busy bits defines the busy or idle quality of the channel. The two bits can of course define four different states, i.e. idle, busy, collision and a fourth state which can be used as a priority indicator or other information. However other number of busy bits can be used if desired.
In general, the head end transmits on a regular basis, busy bits indicatinq an idle channel, preferably using AM modulation of a courier. If it receives data signals, it changes the character of the busy bits to define a busy condition. Upon analysis of the data, the head end detects collisions between received data signals, and if it detects such collisions, it changes the busY bits to indicate a collision condition.
The subscriber terminal, on the other hand, transmits the upstream data, preferably in a frequency shift keyed form (e.g FSK) It constantly monitors the downstream busy bits, and transmits when the channel is indicated as being idle (assuming that there is some data to transmit). If, while transmitting, it detects collisions between busy bits, it stops transmitting, waits for a period of time as will be described below, and then retransmits the signal.
In order to minimize noise on the trunk filters 7 are connected in series with various branches of the distribution network, each filter having sharply defined narrow bandpasses for the upstream frequency shift data, each filter being connected in the transmission upstream direction. This reduces all upstream noise except that which is in the bandwidth of the filter. To improve the upstream data transmission performance preferably filters are used which will remain shut off until they sense the presence of upstream carrier signal in the actual bandwidths of the filter, whereupon they will quickly open; e g. within microseconds, allowing the upstream data signal to pass. In addition, the filters could be addressable from the head end to open and close, for network maintenance purposes. The filters are transparent in the downstream direction; the television signals and downstream data signals pass through these filters in the downnstream direction.
Within the head end a source of television signals is connected to a modulator 8, which has its output connected through channel filters 9 to the coaxial cable. Television signals are thus applied to the network as in the prior art.
Receive bandpass filter 10 has its input connected to the coaxial cable 2, and its output to a data demodulator 11. The frequency keyed data transmitted from subscriber terminal 3 thus is output from demodulator 11.
Also connected to the output of filter 10 is a collision detector 12. Collision detector 12 detects the presence of overlapping bits preferably by means of envelope detection. Since that type of collision detection must be very fast, it is preferably done in broadband.
Logic within collision detector 12 also provides the pair of bits which is referred to herein as the busy bits, designating the four states referred to above, idle, busy, collision and priority or undefined. These bits, designated as IEC or channel state indicator are applied to a communication controller 13. Here the busy bits are interleaved (multiplexed) into a downstream data stream, which is applied to modulator 8. Modulator 8 applies the combined data stream into a high speed data channel, from which the output is treated as described earlier with reference to the television signal source.
The busy bits preferably are sent through the downstream channel at 4 M bits per second periodically at the beginning of each time slot, as shown in FIG. 2 which illustrates the downstream data stream with time. The busy bits illustrated by arrows 18 therefore define the time period of each time slot. The time slots can be programmed at the head end each containing e.g. 128, 256, 512, 1024 bits, for example, the bit duration now preferably being 0.25 microseconds. The downstream data sent within the time slot is indicated as reference 19.
The communication controller also ensures that downstream data packets are not transmitted during a busy or collision state of the network. It also switches off the transmitter if it transmits for too long a period, e.g. if it transmits over a predetermined maximum packet size. The transmitter is thus locked and timed out.
It is important that the period of time that separates the transmission event of consecutive pairs of busy bits should be equal to or greater than the maximum round trip propagation delay of the network. This delay is the sum of the delays of all of the components which constitute the transmission loop with maximum cable length, going first to the longest delayed end of the network, in both directions.
Each data packet sent from the head end should preferably also be equal to or longer than one time slot period. A typical packet format is shown graphically in FIG. 3; it can be formed for example by a 2-7 byte preamble, followed by a one byte start frame delimiter followed by a 4 byte destination address, followed by a 4 byte source address, followed by a two byte frame length indicator, followed by an indeterminate number of bytes containing the data to be transmitted, following by an indeterminate number of padding bytes (if necessary), followed by a two byte frame check sequence
Turning now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of the preferred form of subscriber terminal 3 shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated. Coaxial cable 2 from the network is connected to both downstream bandpass filter 22 (which is similar to filter 9) and upstream bandpass filter 23, the latter of which can form two narrow passbands just sufficient to pass the two frequencies of the frequency shift keyed modulated output signal to be generated in the subscriber terminal
The output of filter 22 is carried via splitter 23A to TV tuner/analog circuit 24. Circuit 24 may consist of a tunable down-converter, pay TV descrambler or the like. The output of the circuit 24 is applied to modulator 25 for application to a TV set 26.
The output of filter 22 is also connected via splitter 23A to the input of a digital demodulator 27, which demodulates the data stream in the digital channel. Digital demodulator 27 provides data and clock output signals on corresponding output lines, in a well known manner. These signals are applied via a CAD circuit 8 where they are translated into parallel in a known manner, and applied to data and clock inputs of a central processor/memory circuit 29. A data and address bus 30 communicates with the central processing unit/memory circuit 29. Other peripheral digital circuits 31 associated with the subscriber terminal are also connected to the central processing unit/memory circuit 29, e.g. to control a video display generator, to monitor alarm circuits, etc.
The data and clock lines output at the digital demodulator are also connected to corresponding inputs of busy bits (IEC) extraction logic circuit 32, which is also connected to bus 30. A divide by N circuit 33 is connected to the clock line, its output being a clock signal C1. The divide by N circuit thus generates un internal clock signal C1 from the clock line, and is thus desired from the downstream data signal.
A buffer 34 is connected to the bus 30, for receiving data signals from processor circuit 29 for transmission to the head end. The output of buffer 34 is connected to frequency shift key modulator 35, for modulating the output signal from buffer 34 into a frequency shift keyed signal within the passband of the upstream data channel. The output of modulator 35 is applied through a time out circuit 36 which controls the transmission interval of the upstream signal. The output of time out circuit 36 is applied to upstream bandpass filter 23, from which it is applied to coaxial cable 2 for transmission to the head end.
A media access management transmit logic circuit 37 (MAC) (controlling means) is connected to bus 30, and has other inputs connected to the extraction logic circuit 32 for receiving the busy bits. The MAC circuit is also connected to a control input of buffer 34 and to a control input/output of time out circuit 36. The purpose of the MAC circuit 37 is to detect the busy, idle or collision status of the network by monitoring the busy bits, and to control the transmission and the timing of the transmission of signals stored in buffer 34 to the head end.
The digital channel signals are received from the head via cable 2, are filtered in filter 22 and are applied to digital demodulator 27. The resulting data and clock signals are applied to processor 29. A keypad or other means operating through other digital circuits 31 communicates with processor 29 to cause it to formulate data signals for transmission to the head end. The mechanism for formulating these signals in the CPU/memory is not the subject of the present invention as techniques known to persons skilled in the art can be used. Suffice to say that once the signals are formulated, they are passed via bus 30 to the input of buffer 34 where they are stored.
The IEC extraction logic circuit 32 detects the busy bits on the data and clock lines at the output of demodulator 27. The busy bits are presented to the MAC circuit 37.
MAC circuit 37 operates using an internal algorithm to be described below If the MAC circuit receives busy bits which indicate a busy channel or a collision, it waits until the arrival of the next busy bits, and continues monitoring the busy bits state. If the busy bits indicate a free channel, the MAC circuit decides to transmit with a probability P, or decides not to transmit with a probability (1-P) and thus will wait until the arrival of the next set of busy bits whereupon it will operate of a probability of transmission adjusting algorithm.
The MAC circuit upon deciding to allow transmission, applies a control signal to buffer 34, which causes it to begin outputting its stored packet At the same time the MAC circuit monitors the busy bits. If the busy bits received, while the circuit is transmitting, indicate collision, which means that one or more other transmitters are transmitting during the same time period, it immediately controls buffer 34 to halt its transmission A collision counter is also incremented within the MAC circuit.
If the number of collisions indicated on the collision counter exceeds a predetermined maximum, the enitre packet transmission process is stopped. The packet is returned to the buffer 34, where it waits a period of time prior to transmission again as controlled by the MAC circuit.
If the number of collisions already occurred is less than the maximum, the packet transmission probability P is reduced by a factor K (where P=P/K) to a minimum retransmission probability value Then it waits until the next pair of busy bits at whick time it repeats the examination of the next set of busy bits.
If the next pair of busy bits does not indicate a collision, it will necessarily indicate a busy state, since the subscriber station itself is transmitting. This means that the local subscriber terminal has uniquely captured the channel. Transmission is reinitiated and continued until the end of the packet, after which the channel will be declared free. The collision counter is then initialized to zero, and its transmission probability P to 1.
The extraction logic circuit 32 and MAC circuit 37 of FIG. 4 will now be described in detail. Turning to FIG. 5, the busy bit extraction logic 32 circuit is shown in block diagram. The data and clock lines are connected to a descrambler circuit 40, for descrambling if necessary, if the downstream data signal has been received scrambled. Descrambler 40 is a mirror image circuit of the head end scrambler, which can be included as part of communication controller 13 (FIG. 1). The output signals of descrambler 40 are clock and data signals which are applied to the data and clock inputs of bit counter 41. Counter outputs of bit counter 41 are connected to flag determining circuit 42, which determines the beginning of a packet from the contents of counter 41, and provides on its IND output a pulse or leading edge of a pulse which indicates the presence of the beginning of a received data packet.
The data and clock outputs of bit counter 41 are connected to zero extraction circuit 43. This circuit is used in a well known manner to remove zeros which may have been inserted in the communication controller 13 at the head end to distinguish the value of long bytes which all consist of ones. Thus zero extraction circuit 43 reconstitutes the original data. This corrected data is applied to a status byte extraction circuit 44.
The corrected data signal is also applied to a counter and interval control circuit 45, which is connected via address bus ADDR and data bus D0-D7 to bus 30.
Bus 30 is, as described earlier connected to processor 29. The time slot interval is determined by the CPU and stored in its memory, and this data is sent via the bus 30 to circuit 45 which in turn presents a control signal on the CTRL line to extraction circuit 44. The time slot can be found by changing the interval on the extraction circuit until the received packet check sum matches. Extraction circuit 44, which can be a programmable register, thus can receive the data within a time slot and provide the bits associated with the time of the busy or status bits to its output terminals. Those output terminals are connected to a decode IEC circuit 46, which is a two bit decoder, for decoding the busy bits. The four output terminals of decode IEC circuit 46 thus reflect the four states of the two bits constituting the busy or status bits: idle, busy, collision state, and a priority or other fourth state, which terminals are correspondingly labelled in FIG. 5. The lines connected to those terminals are connected to the MAC circuit 37.
Turning now to FIG. 6, media access circuit 37 is shown within the dashed lines in block diagram, along with additional details of circuits already shown.
The busy bit extraction circuit 32 is shown having its data and clock inputs connected to the output of digital demodulator 27 reproduced from FIG. 4. Its output leads idle, busy, collision and priority are connected to the input of a transmitter control 51. The clock input to busy bit extraction circuit 32 is also connected to an input of the transmitter control 51. The address and control leads of bus 30 are connected to an address decoder 52, the decoded output thereof being connected to transmitter control 51. The data leads D0-D7 of bus 30 are connected to the busy bit extraction circuit 32 as well as to the transmitter control 51. The transmitter control includes an interrupt output, which is connected to the central processor in a well known manner, a transmit accomplished (TR.OK) lead connected to a restore circuit 53, an input from the restore circuit, an increment collision counter output INC.COL connected to a collision counter circuit 54, a COLL.EXC input from the output of the collision control circuit, a ready RDY input, a transmit permission PERMISSION TX input, and IECLIV (busy bit idle indicator) output lead, a transmit on-off TRON/TROFF (output), a VID, clock C1, INSZERO and a TIMEOUT inputs Details of the transmitter control are shown in schematic form in FIGS. 7A and 7B.
The restore circuit 53 has a reset input RST from the microprocessor, and an output connected to the input of the collision counter 54 to an input of a back-off factor circuit 55. Outputs of the address decoder 52, the collision counter 54 and the increment collision counter lead INCCOL are connected to inputs of the back-off factor circuit 55. Outputs of the back-off factor circuit 55 are connected via a ready lead RDY to the transmitter control 51, and via a SHIFT CLOCK lead to an input of a probability register 56. The restore circuit 53 output which is connected to the collision counter and back-off factor circuits is also connected to an input of the probability register 56.
A random number generator 57 has its output connected to latch 58, which has a latch enable input connected via the busy bit idle lead from the transmitter control 51. The same lead is connected to the compare enable input of a comparator 60, which has its two sets of inputs connected to the output of latch 58 and probability register 56 respectively. The output of comparator 60 is a transmit permission lead PERMISSION TX.
Buffer 34 (reproduced from FIG. 4) is connected to the address and data leads of bus 30. The output of buffer 34, consisting of parallel data leads 34A is connected to the input of a signal converter circuit 35A, considered to be part of modulator 35 in FIG. 4. The output of circuit 35A is connected to the input of FSK modulator 35, the output of which is connected to the time out control circuit 36, which has its output lead 59 connected to filter 23. The TR ON/TR OFF output of transmitter control 51 is connected to signal converter circuit 35A and to time out control 36. A lead INSZERO for carrying an indication that a zero has been inserted is connected from circuit 35A to control transmitter 51. The clock divider 33 (reproduced from FIG. 4) has its output connected to clock Cl inputs of modulator 35, circuit 35A and control circuit 51, as well as through a divide by 8 circuit 33A to a byte clock input of buffer 34.
The operation of the circuit described above is as follows. The central processor forms a packet of data which is to be transmitted to the head end (except for presumable flag, CRC and zero insertion if necessary) and PRBS conversion. The buffer 34 is then loaded with the packet from the microprocessor via bus 30. The transmitter control 51 is informed via the bus that the packet is ready for transmission, designating the portion of the buffer which has been loaded.
The transmitter control monitors busy bits received from the busy bit extraction circuit 32. If the busy bits indicate an idle condition, the transmitter control transmits a command on the busy bit idle lead connected to latch 58 to freeze the output signal of random number generator 57 in latch 58. The output of latch 58 is received by comparator 60 which compares its received number with the output signal of probability register 56.
If the number in the probability register is greater than that of the random number generator, then an enable signal is applied to the transmit permission lead PERMISSION TX to enable transmission. (Rather than using comparison of a random generator output signal with that of a probability register, a geometric distributor could have been used. Such a distributor could schedule a transmission with prohibiting 1 after e.g. X number of time slots, where X is generated according to a probability register value using a geometric distribution algorithm).
Once the transmit permission enable signal has been received (PERMISSION TX on), the control transmitter 51 applies a transmit enable signal on the TRON/TROFF lead, and also informs the buffer 34 via the bus to begin tansmitting data via signal converter circuit 35A.
Circuit 35A converts the parallel input signal from buffer 34 into serial form, and inserts the preamble, flag, zeros and frame check sequence (CRC) into the packet in a known manner, converted into a PRBS sequence, and transmits the data through modulator 35 where it is minimum frequency shift keyed, and through time out control circuit 36 and lead 59 to narrow FSK signal passband filter 23, from which it is applied to the coaxial cable 2 (FIG. 4). In the meantime the transmitter control monitors the busy bits received. If it detects either busy or idle, it continues to enable transmission. However if it detects a collision busy bit signal, the TRON/TROFF signal is changed to "inhibit", which stops the time out control 36, and causes the buffer to re-initialize to start the next transmission from the beginning. It also sends a signal to increment the collision counter 54. The collision counter 54 compares whether the number of collisions exceeds a predetermined maximum number of collisions (e.g. 16). If it does exceed this maximum it provides a "transmit collision" signal on the TRCOLL lead which is applied to the restore circuit 53. The restore circuit in response initializes the backup factor circuit 55, sets the collision counter 54 to zero, and the probability register 56 to one. It also provides a signal to the transmitter control 51 to write the present status into the transmitter control, and interrupts the microprocessor to cause it to read the register storing the status i the transmitter control 51. The microprocessor then controls the transmitter control whether to retransmit, to wait, etc.
If the number of maximum collisions was not exceeded, the probability register 56 is decremented by the factor K, referred to herein as a back-off factor, by the backup factor circuit 55 under control of the collision counter. The probability register is shifted by the back-off factor (e.g. 1, 2 or 3) and a ready RDY signal is sent back to the transmission control 51 (very quickly, in less than 1 nanosecond). The transmission control 51 then waits for the next set of idle busy bits, then repeats the process.
The variation of probability causes the likelihood of transmission to be reduced. Therefore it may be seen that with an increase in traffic in the network, causing more collisions, the probability of the transmission by any of the subscriber stations is reduced, automatically controlling the traffic. The more subscriber stations that attempt to access the network over a certain maximum which causes collisions, the more the speed of access of each of the stations to the network is reduced.
Detailed operation of the transmitter control will now be explained With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which form a schematic of its structure. An RQTRAM input lead from the microprocessor, connected to the D input of flip-flop 65 is set ON by the microprocessor to indicate that a frame has been loaded into the buffer 34, and is ready to transmit. The idle lead from the busy bit extraction circuit 32 receives a pulse therefrom which enables AND gate 66 provided that the RDY lead which is connected to the second input of AND gate 66 is ON. The RDY lead is kept ON by the back-off factor circuit 55 except during the time that the incrementation of the collision counter and the probability back-off process is under way following detection of a collision.
The resulting output pulse from AND gate 66 is passed through OR gate 67 (assuming that the input PERMTX from the transmission permission lead output from comparator 58 is off), causing operation of flip-flop 65. The Q output of flip-flop 65 is connected to the D input of flip-flop 68 and this flip-flop is also operated The result sets the busy bit idle lead ON. Since that lead is connected to the enable inputs of latch 58 and comparator 60, the output of random number generator 57 is latched and is compared with the probability value output from register 56. The permission transmit lead PERMTX is thus set ON, if the output of the random number generator is less than or equal to the probability of of transmission value in the probability register.
If the permission transmit lead PERMTX is on, it blocks, through OR gate 67, any further action of the signal on the idle lead through AND gate 66. However it also causes operation of flip-flop 69, which has its Q output connected to the TRON/TROFF lead and to the data input of flip-flop 70. The Q output of flip-flop 69 thus establishes the transmit ON or transmit OFF signal on the TRON/TROFF lead, to start the transmission.
The Q output of flip-flop 68 is used to reset flip-flop 65 through AND gate 71.
If the random number generator output signal is greater than that of the probability register value, then the transmit permission lead PERMTX signal stays OFF, allowing the next busy bit idle siqnal on the IDLE lead to pass through AND gate 66.
If the above process results in the signal on the TRON lead to be on (the Q output of flip-flop 69 to be on), then transmission is enabled, since the TRON signal is applied to the signal, converter circuit 35A and time out control 36, as well as to the buffer 34. In the meantime, if a signal on the collision lead COLL from the busy bit extraction circuit 32 indicates that a collision has not occurred, transmission continues until the last byte in the buffer is transmitted. Following this a signal on the VID lead which is input from the buffer 34 goes ON, which starts a counting process to allow the last bit to leave the time out circuit 36 to the network. The VID lead enables modulo 32 counter 72 via the Q lead of flip-flop 70 through OR gate 73 to the input of counter 72. Following the count, counter 72 operates flip-flop 73A which sets a signal on the TROK lead to high, which is applied to the clock input of flip-flop 74, thus saving its state. The TROK lead is also connected to one input of NOR gate 75, the output of which is connected to the reset input of flip-flops 69. Flip-flop 69 is thus reset which causes the TROFF lead to change state which in turn resets the signal converter circuit 35A, time out control 36 and the buffer circuit.
If a collision occurs, the COLL lead connected from busy bit extraction circuit 32 goes high. The COLL lead is connected to the other input of NOR gate 75, and thus when the COLL lead goes high flip-flop 69 changes state, thus turning the Q output off. This causes the TRON/TROFF lead to turn off, which again resets the signal converter circuit 35A, time out control 36 and buffer 34. In addition, an increment collision signal is generated on the INCCOLL leads by the COLL signal being applied to one input of AND gate 76 (if transmission is underway, the Q output of flip-flop 69 is high) which output is connected to the other input of AND gate 76. The INCCOLL lead is connected to the collision counter 54 referred to with reference to FIG. 6. The collision counter is thus incremented, INCCOLL causes the RDY signal on the RDY lead to go off; this lead is connected to the second input of AND gate 66. The result is the inhibiting of any signal level on the busy bit idle lead until a check of the number, of collisions that has taken place, and, if a predetermined number or value is not exceeded, a backing off of the probability factor by shifting of the probability register once this has been accomplished, the RDY signal is set on, allowing the busy bit idle lead to be activated upon arrival of idle busy bits on the IDLE lead. If the number of collisions has been exceeded, this state is saved in the transmitter control register R5 as described below.
The COLLEXC lead output from the collision counter 54 (FIG. 7B) is connected to the clock input of flip-flop 77. The Q outputs of flip-flops 74 and 77 are connected to inputs of OR gate 78, the output of which is the interrupt lead INTR. Thus if the transmission is completed without collision state on the TROK lead or the number of collisions is exceeded on the COLLEX lead, an interrupt signal appears on the INTR lead via gate 78. This interrupt lead at the microprocessor causes the CPU to check the state of the transmitter control. The Q output of flip-flop 74, designated by lead INTROK and the Q output of flip-flop 77, designed by lead INTREXC can be connected into registers for checking by the microprocessor. An on signal on the INTREXC lead designates that the number of collisions has exceeded the predetermined value and a signal on the INTROK lead indicates that transmission has been completed without collision. Nor gate 81 has its output connected to the reset inputs of counter 72 and the flip-flop 70 and has one input connected to the COLL lead and the other to an inverter 80 having its input connected to the RSTO lead with an input to AND gate 71. This ensures the flip-flop 70 and counter 72 are not reset with the COLL signal high or the reset signal on RSTO high.
Other input leads to the circuit are the clock Cl lead into OR circuit 73, the INSZERO lead into OR gate 73, and reset leads into the reset inputs of flip-flops 74 and 75 via OR gate 79 from the RST lead (from the microprocessor) and the LRCTRL lead from the bus. The reset clock and insert zero inputs will be understood by a person skilled in the art understanding the above description and need not be further explained.
The above circuit thus clearly controls the operation of a subscriber terminal in transmission of data signals to the head end, upon reception of the busy bits which are provided from a head end to all subscriber terminals. The control clearly also establishes the waiting period prior to transmission, which controls the traffic density carried by the network. With the traffic density controlled and certainty of the reliable reception of the data signal from a receiver once it has seized the network, reliable upstream transmission has been found to be obtainable.
A person skilled in the art and understanding the above description may now conceive of alternatives and variations in design, using the principles described herein. All are considered to be within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined in the claims as appended hereto.
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|U.S. Classification
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Feb 27, 1989
Owner name: VIDEOTRON LTEE,, CANADA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:DUFRESNE, MICHEL;SAMMOUN, SAMIR;GREGORY, DAVE;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:005050/0194;SIGNING DATES FROM 19890105 TO 19890201
|Oct 21, 1993
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Oct 24, 1997
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Nov 15, 2001
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Apr 24, 2002
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Jun 18, 2002
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 20020424


text:
Miami Herald/WLRN
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Is job hunting in South Florida tough for teens?
Getting a job as a teen remains difficult. While the overall unemployment rate has steadily dropped, youth employment hasn't greatly improved as anticipated. Andrew Sum, director of the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University, said the behavior is equivalent to a Great Depression for teens.
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Harry Potter and the magic of puberty!
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text: animals Comments 9 Graduation Advice from Animals By Jennifer Grudziecki Jun 5, 2012 Share! Recommend this on Facebook Share on Tumblr Share on Twitter Back 1 of 12 Next More More Slideshows Dating With Science: Are Guys Threatened By Smart Girls? If Alexander Hamilton Could Text Texts From Star Wars Characters Back Next more > Back Next more > Your furry friends may not go to school with you, but they've still got some words of wisdom for you on graduation day. Share! Recommend this on Facebook Share on Tumblr Share on Twitter Topics: Life Tags: graduation, animals, high school, slideshows, advice, cute animals, animal slideshows, furry animals, graduation advice Transmedia Tuesday: Viral Summer Movie Tie-Ins Transmedia Tuesday: Viral Summer Movie Tie-Ins Open Thread for June 5 Open Thread for June 5 Related Posts The Piglet/Bunny Bracket that EVERYONE Has Been Waiting for Cute Animals Quoting Philosophy 30 Really Bad Graduation Gifts What Is Your Spirit Animal Trying to Tell You? Write your own comment! Hold up there partner! Before you comment on a post there's one more step. You'll have to choose a nickname to be displayed on your comment. Give 'er a shot below! Write your own comment! OR Remember me OR Please log in first Email Password Remember me Log in Create an account | Lost password ...or log in using


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Ever since a few years ago when the system was announced, Sony's PlayStation 3 gaming system looked to blow everything out of the water with the littlest of ease. But as the launch date came closer and closer, the system was built up higher and higher until its expectations became so ridiculously large that God herself couldn't make a system half as good. And so, here we are. The new age has dawned and the PlayStation 3 has been released upon the world, and though it didn't live up to its mythological expectations, I couldn't be happier for waiting 45 hours in front of a Target to get one. And God said let them have a killer app for launch, because most of these launch titles are either terrible, ports of 360 games, or both. And lo, Resistance: Fall of Man came to be. The next generation starts now.
Resistance: Fall of Man, or R:FoM for short, is a first-person shooter set in England in the 1950's where Hitler never got a chance to strike because a terrifying alien race known as the Chimera struck first. Nathan Hale, an American soldier fighting the Chimera in an overrun England is the main character in this story, and the whole thing is narrated by a woman he meets for a brief time in a Chimeran facility. The ideas behind the story and the mythos to the game are engaging, but the characters introduced are hardly explained, not to mention that Hale says about 5 sentences throughout the campaign. But that can be forgiven as the entire videogame is amazing, and just the story of the Chimera invading is engaging enough. The campaign is truly an example that many first-person shooters should live by, the length of it being about 14 hours, which is longer than most FPSs (especially you, HALO 2!). And though throughout most of the game you will be fighting against the standard-issue "Hybrid" Chimera, there is enough variety in level design to keep you occupied enough to hardly notice. Plus, there are quite a few different types of Chimera so it's not to say that the Hybrids are all you will be shooting at.
The levels are amazing. When you get farther and farther through the game, the blown up city streets of England start changing more and more into Chimeran bases and just to see all of the Chimeran technology progressing throughout the game is a reason to keep playing in itself. Another thing that really shows off the power of the PS3 is the fact that when you go through a level, especially an outside one, so many things are happening at once that you won't know where to look. It's truly a sight to behold when you run through a war-torn England setting while guys in bunkers are having their heads cut through by bug-creatures, helicopters are being blown out of the sky, and enemy dropships are hovering past, all while about fifty Chimeran soldiers are running up towards you while another ten flank your position with red glowing bullets whizzing by your head and you're still trying to figure out which gun to use.
The game also shines with its spectacular physics. The glass is the most realistic ever seen in a video game when it's being shot at for one thing. When you shoot aliens who were all standing in the same spot, they won't just fall down and glitch through each other, no. In the next generation there is no glitching. They all stack on top of each other in a big pile. Even when they're up against a small railing their arms or legs wont glitch through it, their limbs will react completely realistically, hanging on it or doing whatever depending on how they hit it. Throwing grenades it extremely fun to see as the bodies fly in every which way, and though they are using ragdoll physics, the ragdoll physics look so much more real here, totally immersing the player into the game.
The graphics, while extremely attractive when everything's in motion (if maybe the slightest bit cartoony), when you run up real close to something and look at it, the textures really are pretty low-res. For example, I was running around and this certain wall looked really crisp and clear, like a real brick wall. And so I had to investigate, and when I looked at it close, it was actually a blurry mess that wasn't very impressive on any front. So the moral of the story here is don't look at the textures up close because they will disappoint. But on the flip side of that coin, some of the wooden floors and things like that have some extremely realistic bump-mapping, making it supremely satisfying to circle strafe them and just look at the light reflect off of them (yes, dear readers, this is how I play my video games). And the Chimera character models, especially the Hybrids, which were scaled down but still have the properties of 1,000,000 pixel models (!) look amazing when you just gaze at their dead bodies on the ground. Not to mention if you shoot one of the tubes connecting from their little backpack things which cool them down the tubes will spray round and round until they run out of air, the cool part about it being that they cut in the exact spot you shot them in. Just pay no attention to the ground under him which looks like the background in a photo of Sasquatch.
But, the real draw here isn't the graphics but the weapons, considering this game is made by Insomniac, creators of the Ratchet & Clank series. And how they deliver! There are plenty of weapons to choose from, each not being your standard issue shotgun, assault rifle, sniper rifle (though those are in the game) but hey all have special properties when you press L1 (or whatever button you set it to because of its fully customizable controller settings). So, the sniper rifle has a focus mode which slows down time and makes the blood which gushes from the spot you shot them in like no game has really done before that much more satisfying. There are also the alien weapons, like the bullseye, which can "tag" an enemy for a short time, making it so every shot you fire hits that target until you run out of time or until he's dead. There's the Auger, which can shoot through walls and make shields for a few seconds. There's the LAARK rocket launcher, which can stop its rockets in mid air until you tell them where to go, and much more. And the good thing is that the weapons aren't just your HALO style human tech and then alien tech that does the same exact thing but just looks different, they are all unique. And, as if that's not enough, once you beat the game's campaign mode once, you can play it a second time, but in the second playthrough, there is a whole other set of weapons to get as the game progresses, making it have twice the amount of weapons you'll see in the single player campaign in your first playthrough.
What the game really does, as many sources have said already, is combine all of the elements of the best first-person shooters. But in my opinion, it just makes something completely different, which has never quite been seen before in this fashion. And the multiplayer is amazing too. It can support up to 40 players in a match and if you have less, it will scale down the levels to support the size of the game. It has a bunch of different modes to play in (though not as customizable as something like HALO 2 in ranked games, but what game is nowadays?) including such faves as capture the flag, deathmatch, and team deathmatch. But there are a few Resistance-specific online modes such as Conversion, where everyone starts out as a human with two lives, if they die once, they respawn as a Chimera and if they die again, they are out. The last player standing is the winner. It's actually quite fun to play, as are all of the modes in the game, thanks in part to the special abilities of each race. The humans can sprint forever (which is a bigger advantage than one might think) and have maps that tell you where all allies and enemies are, but can't shot accurately while sprinting, and the chimera can go into a rage mode which makes them a little harder to kill, lets them sprint, can shoot accurately while running, and lets them see players through walls if they're a certain distance away, but if they stay in that rage mode too long, they will overheat and start losing health. Though in concept it sounds like the Chimera have an advantage, it's a very well-balanced trade-off in practice. The only thing about the online is that when you die you will almost always glitch through something. Your arms will go through the wall you're next to, and things like that, but who cares? It's the online mode, and it's not really supposed to have as much realism, but besides that, the graphics are pretty much the same. The game has its own achievements, which can unlock you new clothing and appearance modifications to your online character, though there are no achievements cross-games like in Xbox Live. And the only other thing about online is that your friends list in the game does not add them to your friends list out of the game. (This has been fixed since I wrote this)
But despite its flaws, Resistance is a game that doesn't really change the way you'll play games forever, but it is surely something you haven't seen before, and if you were lucky enough to get a PlayStation 3 on launch day, this is the one game to get with your shiny new hardware. Resistance delivers on all fronts, and it delivers in spades. This might just be the best launch title of all time on any system and it would have impressed a year into the launch of the system. It being out now makes it just that much more impressive. If you have a PS3 you need this game, it's as simple as that.


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Regular fit
The model (height 5'8& rdquo and chest 33& rdquo ) is wearing a size M
This feminine top from Elle is trendy and chic. Its light weight cotton fabric is sure to keep the summer heat off. Style it with a pair of slim fit jeans and gladiators for a cool and casual look.
Shaded, blueish grey, woven top, pleated ruffles around the neck, sides and arm holes, V neck, buttoned up from the front, elasticated smocking at the hemline
100% cotton
Machine wash delicate
Do not bleach or tumble dry
Cool iron


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You're cranking along, a constant flow of golden, sweet smelling liquid swirling into the kettle. Things are good. You take a sip ...
Description & Highlights
Cellar Classic Winery Series French Grenache Syrah
The Cellar Classic Winery Series French Grenache Syrah 4811 kit offers a full-bodied dry red wine that features delicious aromatics with flavors of dark fruit and black pepper. GenuWine Winery Crushed Grape Skins provide complexities and offer an authentic wine making experience.
Enhanced flavor profiles:Select grape juice concentrates create exquisite wine in only 6 weeks
GenuWine Winery Crushed Grape Skins:Contribute to the authentic wine making experience and add complex flavors and tannins
Ideal blend of flavors:Quality ingredients are sourced from around the world.
- Model: 4811Cellar Classic Winery Series French Grenache Syrah
- Brand: BSGGrape skins included? Yes
- Wine type: RedConcentrate included? 18 L
- Oak intensity: 4 (Full - medium)Yield: 6 gallons
- Body: 4 (Full bodied - medium)Fermentation time: 6 weeks
- Sweetness: 0 (Dry)


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Funny Pictures & VideosShared publicly -
if you agree..? ++++
434 comments
maybe you shouldn't have your name as "funny" .. cuz half of them arn't that funny no offense ..i like'em ,just seems different then what your name says lol
But always watch closely for that rare perfect moment to be perfectly timed and placed in that moment to creat the most Perfectly Perfect Moment of all Moments in space time. 2nd law of thermodynamics might have something to say there....
Nourez Wattoo
Absolutely true.... Today i'm gonna make a perfect moment that i've been looking for to b perfect ! Prayz for Me.. =)
And 2 make a moment perfect, 1st of all we must have perfection within ourselves.Is not it /
My girlfriend made me carry her engagement ring with me, since I was going to propose "at the perfect moment" and she insisted that, should that moment arrive, I'll have the ring and be ready.
+Bikash Uzir we not perfect so to make a moment perfect it has 2 b wit d person who see u has perfect as u see dem love makes everyday wit this person perfect even when y'all r fussin its beautiful which i think makes it THE PERFECT MOMENT dont u
wat is this man... no funny videos or quotes... m tired and bored of reading such quotes everyday....
it;s true l are gree with yuo dia' becouse many people are waintng good moment to came, even the bible say's plant your seed in the morning, and then do not let your hand to get rest evening' becouse you do not know whch one will grow.
ya allah
when you wait fotr the noment to come - you lost already!
when you make the moment you win all the time
when you make the moment you win all the time
همه زبون نفهمن مگنه !!!!!
That is the most fucking stupid failure of a watermark I've ever seen. I knew you were retarded, +Funny Pictures & Videos, but really?
life is not about the breath that we take but it's about breath taking moments
bomoi acama
Well, methinks there is nothing like a perfect moment! just be spontaneous & that does it! guess I am also alluding to making the moment perfect!
like i love love love all the quotes and stuff but shouldn't they be named life lessons or Motivational Quotes rather than Funny Pictures & Videos?
Cause I'm not laughin
Cause I'm not laughin
Yes go for it..... Why wait for what you can get done in that moment of time. Seize the moment while you have it, because when it is gone you can't get it back.
How can I make something perfect, if it is already perfect?
Every moment already is perfect.
It's only my thinking that thinks it isn't.
Every moment already is perfect.
It's only my thinking that thinks it isn't.
+Eila Martin omg so i go here all the time and see these qutoes and im like how is this a funy pic? and NO ONE SAYS anying about so today i was finally going to post it and bam. Your post was there
Aakriti Singh
1 put your hand to your mouth
2 whisper a wish into your hand
3 post this on 3 other comments
4 look at your hand
2 whisper a wish into your hand
3 post this on 3 other comments
4 look at your hand
Most of the time great people recognised once they passed away, like wise most of the greatest moment recognised once they passed away. Only afew recognised the greatest phase and enjoy it to prefect.........listen you heart and just do it.
Sanjeev Malhan
Sanjeev Malhan
whoever is the 500th comment, don't just waste by saying you're the 500th comment, actually say something about the picture
espero tener eso siempre en mente ;)
Add a comment...


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ICE Texas field offices remove more than 800 sex offenders so far this year
More than 2,000 removed every year in past three years
DALLAS – The four Texas field offices within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) have deported more than 860 sex offenders so far this fiscal year.
Of the 862 alien sex offenders deported by the Texas-based offices, about 27 percent were convicted of sex offenses against children.
ICE's four Texas field offices are located in Dallas, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio. The Dallas area of responsibility includes 128 counties in north Texas, and the state of Oklahoma. Dallas ERO deported 171 sex offenders so far in fiscal year 2014; 47 were convicted of sex offenses against a minor. In all of fiscal year 2013, the office deported 463 sex offenders; 154 were convicted of sex offenses against a minor. In 2013, all four Texas offices deported 2,124 sex offenders; 508 were convicted of sex offenses against a minor. In fiscal year 2012, Texas ERO offices deported 2,007 sex offenders, and 2,127 in 2011.
ICE officers routinely apprehend removable convicted sex offenders during targeted enforcement operations, or they are turned over to ICE custody when local/state jails or prisons release them after they serve their prison sentences. Additionally, ICE and the Texas Department of Public Safety have begun to regularly share information on sex offenders. This partnership allows ICE to cross-reference the list of sex offenders provided from the state to determine if they are removable aliens.
"Identifying and locating aliens convicted of sex offenses and other serious crimes are a high priority for our fugitive operations teams," said Thomas P. Giles, field office director for ERO Dallas. "Ultimately, our efforts to remove these criminals from our streets, our communities and our country have a positive impact on public safety."
Some of the more egregious offenses of the criminal alien sex offenders deported throughout Texas include: sexual assault, kidnapping, and aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Following are some of the sex offenders deported by officers with the ERO Dallas office: (In accordance with Department of Homeland Security privacy policies, ICE cannot include the names of those deported.)
- A 34-year-old man from Mexico was arrested by ERO officers in Dallas. In November 2013, he was convicted in Moore County, Texas, of indecency with a child by contact. He was deported Dec. 20, 2013.
- A 29-year-old man from Guatemala was arrested by ERO officers Nov. 7 in Mesquite. In March 2000, he was convicted in Dallas County, Texas, of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and evading arrest. He was deported Dec. 11, 2013.
- A 55-year-old man from Mexico was arrested by ERO officers Oct. 31 in Fort Worth. In October 2013, he was convicted of indecency with a child in Tarrant County, Texas. He was deported Dec. 5, 2013.
- A 20-year-old man from Mexico was arrested by ERO officers Oct. 1 in Lubbock. In September 2013, he was convicted of aggravated sexual assault in Gaines County, Texas. He was deported Oct. 2, 2013.
Nationwide, ICE has removed more than 72,000 aliens with criminal convictions so far this fiscal year. These removals represent the agency's ongoing commitment to prioritizing the removal of criminal aliens and egregious immigration law violators.
ICE is focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that prioritizes the removal of criminal aliens, recent border crossers and egregious immigration law violators, such as those who have been previously removed from the United States.
News Source : ICE Texas field offices remove more than 800 sex offenders so far this year
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Beyoncé and Kendrick Take 'FREEDOM' to a New Level
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar perform 'FREEDOM' from her latest album, LEMONADE!
(Photo: Atlantic Records)
When Day26 came on the scene in 2007, they were an extremely talented quintet that had a hugely popular reality TV show. Fast-forward to 2012, and you see a quartet that has left reality TV behind, but one thing is for sure — their talent has only gotten better.
Willie, Brian, Rob and Mike have grown a lot as young men and, musically, they're about to take Day26 to the next level. They have a successful webseries titled "A New Day," which allows fans an intimate look at everything that's happened behind the scenes during the development of the much-anticipated follow-up to 2009's number-one hit album, Forever in a Day.
Tonight, catch up with Day26 and see their new joint, "Made Love Lately" for the first time, only on 106 & Park at 6P/5C!
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar perform 'FREEDOM' from her latest album, LEMONADE!
Jesse Williams speaks for us all and says what many of us have felt for a long time.


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This is probably my favorite John Stowell performance on YouTube. In another video he performs the same song on an ES-175 guitar. Both are great.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with us.
Get it into the Spirit of Mexico's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 by celebrating and having fun. Check out the festivities and fun stuff happening around town.
A party at all our locations to commemorate Mexico's 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. $5 Tacos (Filet Mignon, Bison, Duck Leg Confit and Blackened Salmon); $5 Street Corn; The Grill Margarita, Regular or Fruit Flavors, $8 (12oz), $9 (16oz); Cadillac Margarita, $11 (16oz), Regular or Fruit Flavors; Draft Beer, $6 (16oz), $7 (20oz), and $5 Shots.
A party to commemorate Mexico's 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla.
$5 Tacos (Bison, Filet Mignon, Duck Leg Confit and Blackened Salmon), $5 Truffle Street
Corn, and Special Cinco Drinks including $8 House Margs (regular or fruit, and $6 Mexican
Beer (bottle or draft).
Thursday May 5, 20163:00 pm-Close
Where: 1535 W Katella Avenue
Orange, CA 92867
Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo with us! Lucha VaVOOM "Cinco de Mayan" May 5 & 6, Mayan Theatre.
What is Lucha VaVoom? The Most FUN you will ever have on Cinco De Mayan for Cinco de Mayo (or Valentines Day or Halloween for that matter). Continue reading "CINCO De MAYAN: THIS is Lucha VaVOOM!!" »
The Bungalow Santa Monica will be hosting a party on Thursday, May 5th for guests to escape to the Baja-inspired retreat in Santa Monica, CA. Featuring a menu of refreshing cocktails including their signature Margarita and a specialty-cocktail for the night, a Michelada (beer, lime juice, and assorted sauces, spices, and peppers), The Bungalow will also have exclusive bites including Carnitas, Nachos, Churros, and some Bungalow favorites such as Tacos, Chips & Guacamole, and more. Performing for patrons throughout the venue, special musical act Mariachi Mi Jalisco will be serenading guests throughout the night while DJ Max Vanville keeps the music going on the turntables.
Thursday, May 5th, 2016 / 5:00pm – 2:00am PT.
101 Wilshire Blvd. at Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA.
Reservations: For Table Reservations: Please email email@example.com The Bungalow's Facebook (www.facebook.com/thebungalowSM) and Instagram (http://instagram.com/thebungalowsm)
Legendary musician Eddie Money will be rocking at the Malibu Guitar Stage
Eddie Money, the classic rock musician who has amassed over 20 hits and sold over 28 million records, will be at the Malibu Guitar Festival rocking out his classic tunes, "Baby Hold On" and "Two Tickets to Paradise."
Money is happily looking forward to sharing the stage with all his kids at the Guitar Festival gig. He will be performing with his son Dez Money and his son's band, the FAZE. His other son, Julian Money, plays drums, and his daughter Jessica Money is his backup singer.
The event's proceeds benefit Mending Kids and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, among others. The 2015 Malibu Guitar Festival raised more than $30,000 for the Boys & Girls Club, Little Kids Rock and the Malibu Special Education Foundation.
"We live in north Malibu and have a lot of friends in Malibu. The reason I'm doing the whole thing was, when I was a kid, I grew up in New York City, and to me, going to the Boys Club kept me out of trouble. And this whole benefit is for the Boys and Girls Club of America. I'm doing this to give the kids something to do — something healthy, keep them off street. Its a great organization. If you're familiar with Denzel Washington, he's a big advocate of the Boys Club, too."
The Malibu Guitar Festival is the place to be for budding musicians and rock aficionados alike. "Live music is very important," Money said. "A lot of kids now don't really read music. I'm not a big advocate of reading music — sometimes. I wish I could read music. If you play rock 'n roll, you don't really have to know how to read music. You just have to have a good ear and know the scales."
When asked about if he prefers playing live to other gigs, Money said, "We have had a lot of hits on the radio. … You have to have songs that are really great to write. You have to look at somebody like Prince — what a shame that he died."
Money was also invited to play at Prince's club. Unfortunately Prince was on the road and missed the gig. He left him a little letter saying he was sorry, but he was out of town. Money remembers Prince as a real gentleman who treated everyone fairly.
"I really loved Prince. We lost David Bowie, we lost Natalie Cole, Glenn Frey and Jimi Jamison (remember Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger"?), and now we lost Prince. It's horrible — it's so sad. You gotta take care of yourself. As far as Prince goes, he was always honest to the people, and he pushed people to be their best. It's a shame he couldn't make my show that night when I played his club in Minneapolis. But he was nice enough to send me a note, so that's cool."
Money said a lot of the proceeds from the Malibu Guitar Festival are going to Pets for Vets. They teach dog to take care of vets. If he does have an album coming out. He will be donating the proceeds charities for wounded veterans.
"It's heartbreaking to think of these men and women contemplating suicide. This is the greatest country in the world. We have to do everything we can for these people. They didn't join the Army or Marine Corps because they liked the uniform. They joined the Army because they love this country, and they want to serve this country, you know? I don't care who people are voting for. But if you don't vote then you can't complain. You have to get out there and vote — it's very important."
Eddie Money was managed by the late and revolutionary concert promoter Bill Graham, of whom he spoke fondly. "Bill Graham was a wonderful man, he was like a second father to me. He was an amazing man, and a very tragic loss in my life. He was a hands-on guy, He is the one that put me in a suit and tie for "Baby Hold On," on "Saturday Night Live." I played an arts festival with 650 people. (After that) he had me on the road with the Rolling Stones. I played with Fleewtood Mac, Steve Miller, The Who. He was a wonderful man. (When Graham was a boy) he walked out of Russia with 500 kids trying to get to Paris. And 250 didn't make it — they died of starvation on the way there. He had a very tough life before he came to the States. His sister used to cook for us — she was actually in Auschwitz (the Nazi concentration camp during World War II)."
Eddie Money will be at the Malibu Guitar Festival on April 30, 2016,
and at the Microsoft Theater August 12,2016.
MORE INFO: malibuguitarfestival.com
Sunny skies and big stars for the first weekend of the 2016 New Orleans Jazz Festival
By Jenny Peters and Andy J. Gordon
The sun gods smiled on the opening weekend of the 46th annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. After heavy rains soaked the area on Thursday April 22, 2016, the Fair Grounds Race Track, long time host of the festival, was surprisingly dry at 11am the next day. The good weather held through the weekend as crowds flocked to the event to see some of their music idols.
Fans that arrived early on Friday were treated to local trumpet hero Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers, who did a beautiful version of Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World." Continue reading "Sunny skies and big stars for the first weekend of the 2016 New Orleans Jazz Festival" »
Video: John Stowell – 'I Should Care' on a Ribbecke solidbody guitar
The world has lost a tremendous talent Prince Rogers Nelson, dead at 57
It's official, Prince Rogers Nelson has left the earth plane. The world has lost a tremendous talent. The online social media networks were blew up with grief and disbelief on the news of his passing.
The 57 year old musician was found dead in his home in the same manner the former professional wrestler and adult film actress Chyna ,who only one day before was found, though there is speculation that Chyna
had been dead for a few days.
Prince started at a very early age forming a band with his cousin, getting signed at 17 , In 1981 he opened for the Rolling Stones and was booed on stage. Prince has a very long musical history, he was known his highly independent and eccentric flair and for his talent to play over thirty instruments and for being a hard working musician.
The Recording Academy released the following statement,
"The GRAMMY® family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Prince. Today, we remember and celebrate him as one of the most uniquely gifted artists of all time. Never one to conform, he redefined and forever changed our musical landscape. Prince was an original who influenced so many, and his legacy will live on forever. We have lost a true innovator and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, collaborators, and all who have been impacted by his incredible work.".
Gary Clark Jr. will bring his compelling live performance to the Santa Barbara Bowl.
Gary Clark Jr. will bring his compelling live performance to the Santa Barbara Bowl on Friday, September 30 at 6:30 PM. Shakey Graves will support the show. Tickets go on saleSaturday, April 30 at 11: 00 AM
Santa Barbara Bowl BUY TICKETS
Los Angeles Music Concerts for 2016
SiriusXMs Hair Nation Festival
Vince Neil,Bret Michael's, Yngwie Malmsteen, KiK, Slaughter, Lita Ford and Many more! SiriusXM's Hair Nation Festival is set for Saturday, September 17 at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
Southern California. Eddie Trunk
made the announcement with special guest Bret Michaels live on his SiriusXM show Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk on Sirius XM's Hair Nation channel on Monday, April 18.
Tickets On sale Friday, April 22
Battle of the Bands Set for Wednesday, August 17 at the Whisky A-Go-Go in West Hollywood,CA. For the most up-to-date information, please visit: www.HairNationFest.com
Iconic performer and musical chameleon Cyndi Lauper brings her DETOUR TOUR to the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on October 5 in support of her upcoming studio album DETOUR available May 6 on Sire Records. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 29 at 10:00 AM.
ADAN & XAVI Y LOS IMANES in Los Angeles July 7, 2016 El Rey Theatre
Inspired by friendship, a mutual admiration for one another's art and a sheer love of music, Adan Jodorowsky (Adanowsky) and Xavi Polycarpe (Gush) collaborate to create Adan & Xavi y Los Imanes. With music in English and Spanish and influences & recording methods rooted in the past, but with a modern take, this show will be a rare gem to witness.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 29th 10am at AXS.com Produced by Goldenvoice
FIDLAR at the Santa Ana Orange County Observatory
This one will be with FIDLAR, SWMRS, The Frights and No Parents at The Observatory on May
13th,14th: http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/FIDLAR2 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, CA. 714.957.0600
Jacob Whitesides is an 18-year old singer and songwriter that will be stopping at the Troubadour in West Hollywood June 17th. Be sure to check him out.
British Funk Pioneers Cymande To Tour U.S. For First Time Since 1973
The British-based funk music pioneers, emerged as innovators of the funk music scene during the early 1970s. The band has a new album 'A Simple Act Of Faith'
June 4th Fonda Theatre Los Angeles, CA
Acid Folk Artist LeE HARVey OsMOND–moniker for multi-faceted artist Tom Wilson— He's currently touring with a stop in Los Angeles at The Troubadour on Monday, May 16 alongside tour mate Joseph Arthur.
Check out his new album BEAUTIFUL SCARS and music video is worth checking out.
Video: Jonathan Stout plays 'I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby' on his Gibson 1932 L-5
Jonathan Stout plays "I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby" on his Gibson 1932 L-5 acoustic. He sounds great — nice chord movement and time feel. See all of Jonathan's videos on YouTube.
Video: Jonathan Stout on his 'new' (yet very old) Gibson L-5 acoustic archtop guitar
If you're wondering whether or not you really want or need an acoustic archtop guitar, give this video from swing-guitar specialist Jonathan Stout a listen as he spends nearly 40 minutes talking about how and why he acquired this 1932 Gibson L-5 acoustic archtop guitar from Norman's Rare Guitars in Tarzana.
I've watched a LOT of YouTube videos of players demonstrating acoustic archtop guitars, and about 90 percent of the time, the guy (it's always a guy) really doesn't know how to approach an acoustic archtop. They usually grind out some kind of folksy blues, or totally overplayed rhythm chords (they say Freddie Green but obviously never really listened to him), and as a result the guitar, be it cheap or expensive, sounds horrible.
Well, Jonathan Stout is, as they say, the real deal. He gets a sweet sound out of this very rare guitar and discusses at length the process that led him to this particular instrument, plus how it differs from the Gibson L-12 and Epiphone (Emperor?) he also plays.
One tip I picked up from Jonathan: He takes all his guitars to Westwood Music for repair work, and 80-year-old guitars often need a whole lot of work.
Jonathan has posted a ton of videos, and I'm eager to dig into them for a whole lot more acoustic jazz guitar.


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A candle surrounded by pine cones. Merry Christmas to all and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.
golden glow cone pine candle glowing textures warmth shining shine candlelight backgrounds lit cones lite wick votive life partylite glass warm light holiday wax close up flame still christmas xmas brown
Beautiful Stephen!
so elegant Stephen
beautiful Stephen!!
Lovely warm Christmas image, Stephen. Agnes x
pretty..and well done!
well done
Great card Stephen :)
Beautiful image; Merry Christmas Stephen!!xxxx
Very Nice!
very serene and romantic
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