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Patent application title: STORED VALUE TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING AN INTEGRATED DATABASE SERVER
Michael Blandina (Aurora, CO, US)
Robert Berry (Salt Lake City, UT, US)
Mari Belczynski (Aurora, CO, US)
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
IPC8 Class: AG06Q4000FI
USPC Class:
705 16
Class name: Data processing: financial, business practice, management, or cost/price determination automated electrical financial or business practice or management arrangement including point of sale terminal or electronic cash register
Publication date: 2011-02-03
Patent application number: 20110029395
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Patent application title: STORED VALUE TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING AN INTEGRATED DATABASE SERVER
Michael Blandina
Robert Berry
Mari Belczynski
Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (AMEX)
Origin: PHOENIX, AZ US
IPC8 Class: AG06Q4000FI
USPC Class:
Publication date: 02/03/2011
Patent application number: 20110029395
An integrated database and information server are provided that
efficiently share information and tasks between various stored value
programs. A server is configured to provide reusable objects and data
structures that are suitably shared between various stored value
products. A database at the server allows data to be shared between
various programs so that each consumer associates with only one database
record even though that consumer may use multiple shared value products.
By integrating modules and avoiding duplicate records, the record
communicates with all stored value programs, so the information does not
need to be repeatedly entered into the database. Moreover, new stored
value products are quickly and easily created through selection and
arrangement of various shared objects preferably maintained within the
1. A computer based system, comprising:a computer network communicating
with a non-transitory memory;said memory communicating with a processor
for managing a plurality of accounts; andsaid processor, when executing a
computer program, performs operations comprising:managing a plurality of
subsections of a database, wherein each subsection contains a high-level
key class of objects and a plurality of secondary classes of objects,
wherein each of said plurality of secondary classes of objects is
associated with one of said plurality of stored value accounts;
andmanaging a plurality of reusable classes from which said high-level
key class of objects is derived.
2. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of accounts are associated with a device selected from the group consisting of magnetic-stripe cards, smart-cards, ATM cards, RFID cards and Internet transaction account cards.
3. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein said high-level key class of objects relates to a first business unit, and said secondary class of objects relates to a second business unit.
4. The computer based system of claim 3, wherein objects of said first business unit share a common default language and a common default currency.
5. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein said high-level key class of objects relates to a first geographical region, and said secondary class of objects relates to a second geographical region.
6. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein said high-level key class of objects relates to a first type of account, and said secondary class of objects relates to a second type of account.
7. The computer based system of claim 1, further comprising a firewall which includes at least one of software access controls and router-implemented access restrictions.
8. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of secondary classes of objects are configured to at least one of load and deduct monetary values to said plurality of accounts.
9. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of secondary classes of objects are configured to at least one of activate and create a new account for, one of said plurality of accounts.
10. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of secondary classes of objects are configured to serve as intermediaries to intermediate classes of objects between other secondary classes of objects.
11. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of secondary classes of objects are derived from said high-level key class of objects.
12. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of secondary classes of objects define a business unit.
13. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein said accounts are financial accounts.
14. The computer based system of claim 1, wherein said accounts are stored value accounts.
15. A method comprising:selecting, by a computer based transaction authorization system, a first plurality of objects from a repository of objects to form a first account; andselecting, by said computer based transaction authorization system, a second plurality of objects from said repository of objects to form a second account, wherein said first account and said second account interact with a database, and via said first plurality of objects and said second plurality of objects, respectively, to implement said first account and said second account, respectively, wherein said database comprises consumer information data and merchant information data.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving a transaction request from a point of sale terminal, said transaction request corresponding to one of said first account and said second account.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining at least one of said first account and said second account corresponding to said transaction request.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising processing said transaction request in accordance with said first plurality of objects in response to said transaction request corresponding to said first account.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising processing said transaction request in accordance with said second plurality of objects in response to said transaction request corresponding to said second account.
20. An article of manufacture including a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by a computer-based transaction authorization, cause said computer-based system to perform operations comprising:selecting, by said computer based transaction authorization system, a first plurality of objects from a repository of objects to form a first account; andselecting, by said computer based transaction authorization system, a second plurality of objects from said repository of objects to form a second account, wherein said first account and said second account interact with a database, and via said first plurality of objects and said second plurality of objects, respectively, to implement said first account and said second account, respectively, wherein said database comprises consumer information data and merchant information data.
[0001]This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/240,714 filed Sep. 29, 2008 and entitled "STORED VALUE TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING AN INTEGRATED DATABASE SERVER." The '714 application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. Pat. No. 7,447,648 issued on Nov. 4, 2008 and entitled "STORED VALUE TRANSACTION SYSTEM INCLUDING AN INTEGRATED DATABASE SERVER" (aka U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/669,008 filed Jan. 30, 2007). The '648 patent is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,091 issued on May 8, 2007 and entitled "STORED VALUE TRANSACTION SYSTEM INCLUDING AN INTEGRATED DATABASE SERVER" (aka U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/241,199 filed Feb. 1, 1999). The '091 patent is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/105,406 filed on Jun. 26, 1998 and entitled "STORED VALUE TRANSACTION SYSTEM INCLUDING AN INTEGRATED DATABASE SERVER" which is abandoned. All of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002]The present invention relates generally to financial transaction systems, and more particularly, to a computer server and architecture for managing financial transactions involving stored value products.
[0003]Financial systems using stored value products are well-known in the art. An example of a stored value product is a pre-paid telephone card, which is typically a plastic or paper card with a unique identification code. The code may be printed on the front of the card, or it may be stored electronically on a magnetic stripe that is attached to the card. To access the value on the card, consumers may, for example, dial a pre-determined phone number and input the unique code, thereby identifying the card and allowing the consumer to access a service (such as long distance telephone service). Besides telephone services, magnetic stripe cards have been used to pre-pay for, among other things, gasoline or department store merchandise. In these industries, special card reading machines such as those found in many retail establishments (e.g. point of sale (POS) terminals) are typically configured to read the magnetic stripes incorporated onto the card.
[0004]A relatively new stored value technology is the smartcard which typically replaces the magnetic stripe with a microprocessor. Other stored value products include, for example, ATM cards, at-home banking and many Internet commerce products.
[0005]Stored value products have been suggested as a replacement for cash in many transactions because such products have been shown to be secure and convenient without compromising the privacy of the user. Consumers frequently purchase stored value cards for pre-determined amounts, or, alternatively, the card may be configured to hold an electronic representation of value that the consumer has purchased.
[0006]However, unlike cash transactions, stored value transactions typically utilize an administrator to facilitate card creation, card distribution, transaction management, and/or the like. Administering institutions frequently support multiple stored value products through computer systems that are configured to track information such as card balances, consumer mailing addresses, financial transactions and/or the like. The interfaces and components associated with each stored value product (smartcard, phone card, ATM card, etc) often require that each product be administered by a dedicated computer system. Accordingly, when administering institutions support multiple stored value products, they often support multiple computer systems. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 B, these computer systems are frequently disjoint systems configured to support only one particular stored value product. These disjoint systems are usually inefficient because they often incorporate substantial duplication in data and administrative overhead. For example, functions that are commonly implemented on each administration system include, among others: adding new cards, enrolling customers in new accounts, issuing personal identification numbers (PINs), adding value to smartcards and other accounts, handling transactions (merchant, ATM, telephone, etc.), and generating reports (such as billing statements and letters to consumers). An example of such a prior art pre-paid card system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,109 issued on Nov. 19, 1996 to Stimson et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, a system for supporting multiple functionality on a single card is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,269 issued on Nov. 12, 1996 to Mori et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0007]Recently, as shown in FIG. 1B, some disjoint administrative systems have become somewhat more integrated through the sharing of limited functionality such as card authorization and transaction processing. Although this arrangement is improved over that of FIG. 1A in that it is somewhat less redundant, the FIG. 1B arrangement still includes substantial duplication of information and administration because each program incorporates data records and general parameters such as currency type, language used, etc. Disjoint systems exhibit a further disadvantage in that each administration system is typically individually constructed, thus requiring excessive time, labor and expense to create, maintain and operate.
[0008]Accordingly, there exists a need for a card management system that will simultaneously support various stored value products and their associated functions. Such a system is needed to reduce implementation times, to improve data processing efficiency and to reduce administrative overhead for each system.
[0009]An integrated database and information server are provided that efficiently share information and tasks between various stored value products. A server is configured to provide reusable objects and data structures that are common to multiple stored value products. A database at the server allows data to be shared between various shared value products so that each consumer associates with only one database record even though that consumer may use multiple stored value products. An exemplary common record for a consumer includes information relating to mailing addresses, preferred language, and the like. By integrating modules and avoiding duplicate records, the record communicates with all stored value products, so the information does not need to be repeatedly entered into the database. Moreover, new stored value products are quickly and easily created through selection and arrangement of various reusable, shared objects stored in the database.
[0010]The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are hereinafter described in the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar parts in the similar views, and:
[0011]FIG. 1A is an exemplary entity relationship diagram of prior art administration servers for stored value products;
[0012]FIG. 1B is an exemplary entity relationship diagram of prior art administration servers for stored value products with limited functionality sharing;
[0013]FIG. 2A is an entity relationship diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0014]FIG. 2B is an entity relationship diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0015]FIG. 3 is an entity relationship diagram showing exemplary data flows for creating and initializing a new stored value account.
[0016]FIG. 4 is an entity relationship diagram showing exemplary data flows for transaction processing.
[0017]FIG. 5 is an entity relationship diagram showing exemplary data flows for report generation.
[0018]FIG. 6 is an entity relationship diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a database server based transaction system.
[0019]FIG. 7 is a functionality pyramid showing an exemplary arrangement for a database server.
[0020]FIG. 8 is an entity relationship diagram showing data flows for an exemplary implementation of the database authorization.
[0021]FIG. 9 is an entity relationship diagram showing an exemplary relationship between various objects in the database.
[0022]Referring to FIG. 2A, a preferred embodiment of the invention suitably includes a system 20 which includes a database server 116 that suitably supports a number of stored value products such as, for example, various brands of smartcards, magnetic stripe cards, ATM cards, Internet transaction accounts, or other stored value products. Stored value products often correspond to financial products offered to customers by financial institutions. Financial products may include checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, customer loyalty accounts, or any other type of financial instrument which would be suitably associated with a stored value product. Database server 116 generally provides centralized management of the various products, and preferably includes a database (such as a relational or object oriented database) that centralizes data and procedures to be shared across the various stored value products.
[0023]As shown in FIG. 2A, client system 138 is any device or entity that is suitably configured to include particular functionalities and to interface with a common server. Client systems 138 preferably include only the functionality that is unique to the particular client system 138, such as, for example, sales and pricing information and interface handling. In other words, most common functionality is located and shared at database server 116 such as, for example, card/account creation, addition of funds, account information, report information and/or the like (the details of the functionality are described below with respect to FIG. 8). In a particularly preferred embodiment, client system 138 represents a particular brand of a smart card. Client systems 138 suitably transmit data to database server 116 corresponding to the creation of new stored value cards/accounts and to the addition of funds in the stored value account. In alternative embodiments of the invention, client systems 138 suitably receive data such as account information and report information from database server 116. Alternatively, as can be seen from FIG. 2B, database server 116 interacts with client systems 138 through intermediating modules such as report generating system 136 and card production system 128. In other embodiments, client system 138 resides on database server 116, operating as a separate process. In still other embodiments, client systems 138 are eliminated entirely and consumers and business entities interact directly with database server 116.
[0024]Database server 116 preferably supports two modes of interacting with client systems 138. The first mode of system 20 (shown by client systems 138A, 138B and 138C in FIG. 2A) is typically referred to as a "centralized back end" or "centralized back office" because the client system 138 merely acts as a "front end" (i.e. interface) for database server 116 which primarily handles data management functions. In embodiments wherein client system 138 is a business entity, representatives of the client business entity provide information to database server 116 electronically, through online CSR input, or other means.
[0025]The second mode of system 20 (commonly called the "decentralized back end" or "decentralized back office") suitably incorporates a franchise server 120 between client systems 138D-E and database server 116. Franchise server 120 suitably interfaces with stored value products from several different organizations while retaining centralized data management in database server 116. In a particularly preferred embodiment, franchise server 120 supports a business entity having several customers corresponding to client systems 138. As can be seen from FIG. 2A, a single database server 116 is preferably configured to simultaneously supporting multiple centralized and decentralized back office client systems 138. Alternatively, multiple database servers 116 are configured to interface with any combination of centralized or decentralized franchise servers 120.
[0026]The various servers and clients discussed above are suitably connected through any electronic communication media including, for example, telephone links, leased lines, frame relay or asynchronous transfer mode connections, local area networks, or wide area networks. Alternatively, the client systems and servers are suitably interconnected through any combination of two or more data communications media. Although the communications links between client systems and server are preferably available at all times, some embodiments of the invention use polling or batch processing schemes whereby client systems and servers interact only at predetermined time periods. Alternatively, persons representing business entities provide information to database server 116 through any form of communication including telephone, Internet, mail or any other suitable means.
[0027]As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in use, a client system 138 preferably notifies database server 116 of a consumer 100 request for a new card. In other embodiments of the invention, client system 138 is bypassed and a new card request from a consumer 100 is provided to database server 116 electronically, or through a customer service representative, or through another means. After processing the new card request as discussed below, database server 116 preferably sends a message to card production system 128 which suitably creates a new card by known card creation methods and the new card is forwarded to consumer 100. Card production system 128 also suitably notifies the relevant client system 138 (if applicable) that a card has been created.
[0028]After the card is created and sent to consumer 100, in preferred embodiments of the invention, consumer 100 activates the card prior to use. Activation is preferably accomplished through an activation server 132 that receives information about new cards from database server 116, preferably either in real time as cards are created, or alternatively, activation server 132 receives information in batches at predetermined periods of time. Various activation servers are known in the prior art and activation server 132 may be implemented internal or external to the present invention. To activate the card, consumer 100 suitably contacts activation server 132 via telephone, Internet or another connection to verify the consumer's identity. Consumer is verified through any suitable verification method, including recitation of a number printed on the card (or mailed with the card) or recitation of some identifying information about consumer 100 such as the consumer's social security number or parent's name. If the identity of consumer 100 is properly verified, then activation server 132 suitably notifies a transaction authorization system 108 that the card is approved for use. Various transaction authorization systems are known in the prior art and transaction authorization system 108 may be implemented internal or external to the present invention.
[0029]If the card is rejected, consumer 100 is preferably connected by telephone, Internet or other means to a customer service representative (CSR) 134 who verifies (preferably through online access to either client system 138 or database server 116) the consumer's ability to use the stored value card or account. If the account is rejected by CSR 134, then the card or account will remain blocked and transaction authorization system 108 rejects any use of the card or account. If the CSR is able to verify consumer 100 and the card/account, then CSR 134 preferably sends a "remove block" or comparable message to transaction authorization system 108 so that consumer 100 may properly use the verified and activated account.
[0030]If consumer 100 wishes to add value to the previously created card/account, the consumer generally provides the added funds to a client system 138 (via any communication means such as telephone, Internet, POS terminal, ATM machine, or the like) which in turn suitably passes the information to database server 116, causing database server 116 to update the consumer's account. In alternative embodiments, consumer 100 provides value directly to database server 116 in the form of a check or credit card number that may be electronically entered, or manually entered by a CSR. Alternatively, consumer 100 adds value to a card/account via, for example, a point of sale terminal, ATM machine, Internet connection or telephone connection. Funds are preferably recorded in database server 116 through a real-time or batch processing scheme.
[0031]FIG. 2A shows an exemplary direct bi-directional flow of information between client system 138 and database server 116. In contrast, the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 2B and 3 show database server 116 receiving information directly from client systems 138A-C while providing data to client systems 138A-C through intermediating systems such as card production system 128 and report generating system 136. For example, database server 116 provides information to client system 138 preferably by sending a "generate report" or similar message with all necessary parameters of the data to report generating system 136 as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, database server 116 provides the report directly to client system 138 through a telephone, Internet, or other connection.
[0032]Transaction processing is preferably managed through interaction between database server 116, transaction authorization system 108, and a transaction capture module 112. As can be seen from FIG. 4, database server 116 suitably communicates card/account status information to transaction authorization system 108. Status information generally includes account balance updates, status changes or the like for the various card accounts. For example, new cards are preferably assigned a "hold" status in transaction authorization system 108 until consumer 100 initializes and validates the card as described above, at which time the authorization system preferably changes the status from "hold" to "pass" (or similar terms). A "hold" status is also preferably assigned if an account balance decreases below a minimum amount, or if a card is lost or stolen or the like. Accounts/cards that are assigned a "hold" status are preferably rejected by transaction authorization system 108 in any subsequent requests for transaction approval.
[0033]Point of sale terminal 104 is any device that is capable of identifying and gathering data from any stored value product. For example, point of sale terminal 104 could be implemented as an actual terminal in a store, an Internet server, a telephone system, a card reader in a vending machine, an automatic teller machine, or any other device that is capable of accepting stored value information in financial transactions. Point of sale terminal 104 suitably communicates with transaction authorization system 108 to approve or reject transactions based upon information available to the transaction authorization system 108 from database server 116. Alternatively, transaction authorization system 108 supplements information from database server 116 with information obtained from other external sources (not shown) such as external authorization systems, credit reporting bureaus, etc. Authorization preferably takes place in real time, but in some embodiments the authorization is accomplished using a polling or batch processing scheme. In a preferred embodiment, when a consumer 100 presents a stored value card or enters an account at a point of sale terminal 104, the terminal sends an authorization request for the transaction to transaction authorization system 108. Additionally, for some transactions (such as those involving very small amounts of money) point of sale terminal 104 may not transmit an authorization request at all. Although authorization may take place over any communications medium, authorization preferably occurs over a data communications link such as a telephone link, a leased line, the Internet, a wide area network, or the like.
[0034]If the transaction is authorized, the transaction is preferably completed at point of sale terminal 104. Point of sale terminal 104 generally requests information such as the transaction amount and the identity of the stored value product used to pay for the transaction and this information is then suitably transmitted to transaction capture module 112 for settlement. To facilitate batch processing of settlement requests, merchants generally store information for multiple transactions. Alternatively, settlement requests are suitably transmitted in real time or are suitably polled by transaction capture module 112.
[0035]With continued reference to FIG. 4, transaction capture module 112 suitably captures financial transaction data from POS terminal 104 and routes this information to database server 116. During a purchase transaction involving a stored value product, funds are suitably transferred from an account associated with a stored value card into a merchant's account. Records for card and merchant accounts are generally accessible by database server 116, and are preferably maintained within database 142 (not shown in FIG. 4). A balancing system 118 is preferably located between database server 116 and transaction capture module 112 to verify transaction data. Balancing system 118 is any computer system that provides a check based upon data received from database server 116 and transaction capture module 112.
[0036]As best shown in FIG. 5, a single report generating system 136 preferably generates reports (1) for client system 138 using stored value products, as described above; (2) for merchants 140 that accept stored value products as compensation for goods or services; or (3) for consumers 100 that receive, for example, periodic statements of their accounts and transactions. Alternatively, multiple report generating systems 136 create various reports. As another alternative, database server 116 internally generates some or all reports without the use of an external report generating system 136. In some embodiments of the invention, reports are generated in real-time (i.e. as requested by the account manager, the consumer, the database server 116, or any another entity). Alternatively, reports are processed in varying embodiments in batches, at predetermined times, when polled by the report generator, or by any other timing arrangement. Report generating system 136 preferably retrieves relevant data from a database associated with database server 116. In other embodiments, database server 116 provides necessary data to report generating system 136 as part of a report generation request. Alternatively, database server 116 suitably sends a pointer (such as a memory address accessible via a shared bus, or a uniform resource locator (URL), or any other pointer) to information that is stored. After obtaining data for the report requested, report generating system 136 formats the data and provides the data to the proper client system 138. Various report generating systems are known in the prior art, and any report formatting system may be used in accord with the present invention.
[0037]FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a combined system for adding cards, handling transactions and processing reports. As can be readily ascertained from FIG. 6, a preferred embodiment of a stored value transaction system includes a database server 116 supporting multiple stored value products, each product preferably being associated with a particular client system 138. Database server 116 preferably receives input from client system 138 and from a transaction capture module 112, as well as optional online input from consumers or customer service representatives 134. Stored value cards and accounts are preferably registered with a transaction authorization system 108 that is configured to approve or deny individual transactions at various point of sale terminals such as terminal 104 in the drawing figures. Preferably, database server 116 communicates with a report generating system 136 that is configured to assemble data into reports for client systems 138, merchants 140 and/or consumers 100, thereby formatting and simplifying data output from database server 116.
[0038]As stated above, database server 116 includes common data and operations for the various stored value products. Database server 116 preferably retains at least core information 192 and local information 190, as shown in FIG. 7. Core information 192 generally includes all functions, data, software and infrastructure that are common to all stored data products, including database management, interface formatting, transaction management and various product features. Local information 190, is generally non-standard information that is specific to a particular product, country or consumer that provides no shared value for other applications. Local information 190 includes, for example, language details, local currency, taxes, customs, address formats, and local interface data. Separating local information 190 from core information 192 allows flexibility to implement coding "shortcuts" that may provide the most effective solution to certain individual tasks. Shortcuts are possible because some local information 190 is not applicable to core information 192. Moreover, local information 190 is located at the-bottom of the database organizational pyramid shown in FIG. 7, indicating that local data does not substantially update or modify core information 192. Core information 192, however, frequently modifies local information 190. Thus, separating high value business rules and objects (i.e. core information 192) from low-level technical infrastructure (i.e. local information 190) promotes implementation independence, and hence greatly facilitates the sharing of data and resources between disjoint stored value products.
[0039]Database server 116 generally retains information substantially within a database 142 that is preferably a relational or object oriented database. In a particularly preferred embodiment, database server 116 is an AS/400 computer running DB/2 database server software available from the IBM Corporation of Armonk, N.Y. In other exemplary embodiments, database 142 is implemented using SQL Server (available from the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.), ORACLE Database Server (available from the Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, Calif.) or ADAPTIVE Server (available from the Sybase Corporation of Emeryville, Calif.) miming on any form of computer hardware.
[0040]In a preferred embodiment, database 142 is separated into various logical subsystems generally identifying particular classes of objects. Classes of objects generally include, inter alia, functions and attributes. "Functions" correspond to operations performed by objects of the particular class. "Attributes" correspond to characteristics that objects of the class exhibit. For example, a "smartcard" class generally contains functions for creating new cards and adding value to existing cards, as well as attributes that identify cardholders and accounts. Subsystem classes as shown in FIG. 7, then, generally contain objects that perform related functions and/or retain related information.
[0041]Database 142 preferably contains a "key" field that partitions the database according to a high-level class of objects. An example of a "key" field is the "business unit" key class 188 shown in FIG. 7. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the "business unit" key class 188 organizes the database into partitions corresponding to, for example, a company organizational structure. Alternate embodiments of the invention organize database 142 in radically different fashions by using differing key fields. For example, the key could be used to logically separate database 142 according to geographic region (e.g. "North America", "Europe" and "Asia"), or according to product classes (e.g. "Smartcard", "ATM card", "Internet account" and the like), or according to any other suitable differentiator. Key class 188 substantially defines many of the default values for various dependent classes because objects depending from key object class generally inherit substantially all of the attributes and functions defined for the parent class. In an embodiment that uses "business unit" as a key class 188, for example, all database objects that reside in the same business unit generally share common default currencies, languages, product details, address masks and the like.
[0042]Regardless of the particular key class 188 selected, in preferred embodiments the key class 188 logically separates objects maintained on database 142. Objects belonging to different key classes 188 are preferably separated by hardware or software "firewalls" that partition database 142 based upon the key. A firewall is any mechanism that prevents access across a logical boundary. Although the firewalls are preferably implemented as software access controls, alternate embodiments include user ID/password schemes or hardware controls such as router-implemented access restrictions. Alternatively, multiple firewall techniques such as physical access controls and software controls are combined. Firewalls generally preserve business unit autonomy and data integrity by isolating data according to, for example, the key field.
[0043]In a preferred embodiment, secondary classes 186 depending from key class 188 are created to substantially define individual stored value products. Each of these secondary classes 186 generally depends from the key class 188. Alternatively, intermediate classes (corresponding to geographic region, business sub-units, or any other suitable form of differentiator) exist between the highest level key class 188 and the secondary class 186. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, secondary class 186 differentiates various products belonging to the same key class 188. Objects belonging to the secondary class 186 inherit attributes and functions from the applicable parent "business unit" key class 188.
[0044]The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes a "business unit" key class 188 that separates database 142 into Business Unit One (BU1) 146 and Business Unit Two (BU2) 148. Objects BU1 146 and BU2 148 in FIG. 8 are instances of the key "business unit" key class 188, and objects 150, 152, 154, 156, and 157 are instances of secondary class 186. In the example shown in FIG. 8, objects 150, 152, and 154 depend from object BU1 146, and objects 156 and 157 depend from object BU2 148. Each of the objects 150, 152, 154, 156, and 157 represents a separate stored value product such as a particular smartcard program, ATM card program, or the like. For example, both object 150 and object 156 could define smartcard products, even though these two objects depend from different business units. Although the two "smartcard" classes are distinct from each other and each preferably contains independent local data, functions and attributes, the two object classes preferably share functions and attributes as described below.
[0045]With continued reference to FIG. 8, database 142 preferably includes an object repository 144 that generally functions as a library of objects. Objects retained within repository 144 suitably perform various functions or retain particular formats of data, as described below. These objects are suitably utilized by objects of key class 188 and secondary class 186, as well as any intermediating classes (not shown). Objects contained in repository 144 generally provide core functionality required by the various product objects of secondary class 186. Because each product object of secondary class 186 has access to the entire repository 144 of core information, objects stored in repository 144 are effectively shared and re-used by the various objects of key class 188 and objects of secondary class 186, thus resulting in substantially reduced programming effort and implementation time. Moreover, many objects contained within repository 144 suitably utilize other objects in the repository.
[0046]Different embodiments organize the various classes depending from the key class 188 in a variety of ways. Although repository 144 is shown in FIG. 8 as distinct from objects belonging to key class 188 and secondary class 186, this distinction is a logical distinction made for purposes of explanation only. One skilled in the art would understand that any organization of database 142 would fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, database 142 could be organized hierarchically, sequentially or in any another suitable manner. Objects in database 142 are preferably organized in a manner that provides optimum performance while efficiently using hardware resources such as storage space and memory on database server 116.
[0047]Repository 144 generally includes various groupings of objects (called "subsystems") that have similar attributes or that perform similar functions. Although particular subsystems are described herein and in the accompanying drawings, one skilled in the art would appreciate that various object groupings could be formulated that are within the scope of the invention. For example, any of the groupings presented herein could be eliminated, or additional groupings could be added. Moreover, the various objects could be arranged in any of a variety of subsystems. The various subsystems of an exemplary preferred embodiment of repository 144 are discussed below.
[0048]With continued reference to FIG. 8, the various subsystems within repository 144 will now be described. Funding subsystem 158 within repository 144 generally includes objects that add value to stored value cards. Funding features are generally selected according to relevant product classes so that funds from many sources may be applied to many different stored value products without requiring individualized programming for each product. For example, an "ATM account transfer" object defines a process for transferring money from a consumer's checking account to a stored value card in response to the consumer's input at an ATM. Once defined, this object is preferably used by multiple product objects such that the same software code facilitates ATM transfers to smartcards, phone cards, and other stored value products. The funding subsystem preferably includes such features as funding delays, input of batch funds, applying funding fees, applying funds at a card or an account level, or handling suspended/held funds.
[0049]Customer records are preferably maintained in a customer data subsystem 172 that generally implements a single database record for each customer even though the customer may use multiple stored value products. Card data, account data, client data customer data and the like all generally reside within customer data subsystem 172, which frequently communicates with objects from the products, funding, transaction processing and address subsystems described herein. Additionally, many user interface elements such as screens and access control are generally contained within the client demographics subsystem.
[0050]Objects associated with merchant data subsystem 168 generally enable specific merchant processing options. Other objects preferably store contract information relative to specific merchant product offerings, such as special offers or joint marketing efforts such as rebates, loyalty awards, etc. Merchant data subsystem also preferably includes accounts payable objects that enable merchants to capture stored value transactions for settlement.
[0051]Addresses (including, for example, customer billing addresses, merchant addresses and the like) are preferably maintained in address subsystem 160. Address subsystem 160 generally houses address information and provides an interface with all other subsystems needing address information, such as the customer data subsystem 172 and merchant data subsystem 168. Address subsystem 160 suitably provides a single point for maintaining substantially all of the address information stored in database 142, and preferably supports multiple addresses for each person (e.g. home, business and Internet addresses, among others). Other objects in address subsystem 160 preferably support temporary addresses, optionally with an associated "effective date" such that forwarding addresses, traveling addresses, and the like are supported.
[0052]Transaction processing subsystem 170 generally includes objects for storing and managing financial and non-financial transactions. Preferably, many objects associated with transaction processing subsystem 170 contain mechanisms to provide substantially real time access to financial data by, for example, customer service representative 134 as described above for online transaction inquiries. Preferably, transaction processing subsystem 170 is also accessible by at least customers and merchants. Transactions are generally formatted by type (e.g. airline, car rental, retail purchase, and the like) such that transaction records are easily searchable.
[0053]Preferably, repository 144 includes a spend management subsystem 176 that includes objects that implement various product-specific spend management rules. For example, spend management rules may allow certain cards to only be used at specified merchants within a particular geographic region, or within a specific time period. Alternatively, spend management subsystem 176 may also provide available balance information to consumers or to external transaction authorization system 108. Preferably, spend management subsystem includes objects that are configured to track spending patterns of cardholders/consumers to assist in determining product effectiveness.
[0054]Repository 144 preferably includes an input/output (I/O) management subsystem 174 that includes objects for funneling interface data in and out of database server 116. Preferably, I/O management subsystem 174 includes objects that track, manage and log data sent and received by database system 116. In a preferred embodiment, I/O management subsystem 174 contains mechanisms for real-time access to database information that are utilized by, for example, CSRs and customers needing access to data retained transaction processing subsystem 170.
[0055]Financial control subsystem 164 generally includes objects that are configured to substantially protect the financial integrity of database system 116. Generally, financial control system 164 receives data from transaction capture module 112, as well as funding subsystem 158 to maintain accurate account balance information. Financial control system 164 optionally includes objects that implement an interface to disputes and adjustments subsystems (not shown).
[0056]Data sharing between various objects and classes is preferably facilitated by a structures subsystem 166 that suitably combines groups of cards, accounts or merchants into common classes. The structures subsystem 166 establishes and maintains hierarchical relationships established by customers, corporations, governments and the like by defining data structures corresponding to these relationships. These data structures are suitably utilized to group members of a particular hierarchy together across various stored value products. In a preferred embodiment, structures subsystem 166 suitably allows viewing and reporting of such classes according to predefined hierarchies. Defining various relationships into structures presents several advantages over treating entities within the hierarchy individually. First, the data structures facilitate easy movement, copying and transferring of information from one entity to another because only the data structure (and not each individual member) need by moved. Secondly, structures may be suitably modified as a class, thereby reducing the need for changes to individual objects corresponding to members of the class. For example, if a data structure represents individuals belonging to a hierarchy (such as a corporate reporting structure) and the name of the hierarchy changes, the change need only be entered once (in the data structure object) and not in every object corresponding to every member of the hierarchy.
[0057]Database server 116 preferably includes a security subsystem 162 that includes objects for managing security controls throughout the database. Users generally are assigned one of various levels of authority based upon the user's need to obtain information. Security restrictions are preferably implemented at many levels in the database 142, including at the key class 188 level and the secondary class 186 level. Objects in security subsystem 162 generally implement the firewalls discussed above.
[0058]Objects from output generation subsystem 178 generally provide formatting and control of data output from database 142. In a preferred embodiment, outputs are administered by three separate optional subsystems corresponding to letters module 180, reports module 182 and statement module 184. In other embodiments, a single output generation subsystem 178 provides all outputs. Letters module 180 preferably contains objects for generating and producing letters such as, for example, automated letters, event driven letters (e.g. negative balance, collections, etc.), CSR initiated letters (service, dispute resolution, etc.) and legal notifications (change in terms, legal disclosures, etc.). The reporting module preferably includes objects for scheduling, creating, and maintaining all database reports. In a preferred embodiment, objects included in report module 182 interfaces with external report generating system 136 for actual report creation. Alternatively, objects included in report module 182 substantially prepare and format reports, thereby incorporating the functionality of external report generating system 136. Objects associated with the statements module 184 preferably create or format database statements such as periodic bills. Objects included in output generation subsystem 178, 180, 182 and 184 preferably produce output via selectable media such as fax, paper, Internet or any other information transmission media.
[0059]Referring now to FIG. 9, stored value products of secondary class 186 are created using various objects from repository 144. Generally speaking, users create new products in accordance with a particular business unit key class 188 by selecting suitable objects from repository 144 that correspond to those attributes and functionalities desired in the new product of secondary class 186. For example, a user may select, among others, an object for creating a card, various objects for storing value in an account associated with the card (or on the card itself), an object to manage financial transactions, and an object to generate reports for consumers. When these objects are selected, database server suitably assembles a product structure that references the various objects requested. In a preferred embodiment, product structures are tables of pointers to the various objects in repository 144, but any suitable method of organizing the various objects (such as in a data structure or in a database record) could be used. When the product executes, database server 116 retrieves the particular objects requested. Because this method of constructing products substantially reuses objects of pre-written code, design and implementation times are significantly reduced.
[0060]The corresponding structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material or acts for performing the functions in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given above.
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Patent applications by Mari Belczynski, Aurora, CO US
Patent applications by Michael Blandina, Aurora, CO US
Patent applications by Robert Berry, Salt Lake City, UT US
Patent applications by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Patent applications in class Including point of sale terminal or electronic cash register
Patent applications in all subclasses Including point of sale terminal or electronic cash register
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text:
Votto best up North, eh?
Posted on December 15th, 2010 by The Baseball Zealot
Today, Joey Votto received the 2010 Lou Marsh Award which honors Canada's top athlete.
Others in the running for the award were: Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Scott Virtue and Tesse Moir, Georges St-Pierre, Alexandre Bilodeau, Christine Nesbitt and Joannie Rochette.
Just to provide some perspective, some of Votto's countrymen in the MLB include Jason Bay, Jason Morneau, Ryan Dempster and Jesse Crain.
For those interested (I was so I looked him up), Lou Marsh was an Ontario-born athlete of a renaissance nature. In the early 20th century, he was a sprinter, played rugby, sailed, among other sports. He followed up his athletic career by becoming one of Canada's premiere boxing and hockey referees.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ekanta laid in a makeshift hospital on the edge of town. She felt like she was burning up. She weakly opened her eyes and saw a man leaning over her.
"Who are you?" She whispered.
"Doctor Banner." He replied. "You're Ekanta Chatterjee, right?"
She nodded her head in reply.
"You have scarlet fever. Your fever hasn't gone down even though I've been giving you fever reducing medication." He explained as he got a syringe ready. "I'm going to give you a mix of antibiotics and pain killers, hopefully it should help."
She nodded and quickly fell asleep right after he injected her.
She woke up the next day with rays of sun shining into her eyes. She rolled over onto her side to escape the sun's light. She looked around; it was a single room with numerous people lying on cots, all in different stages of illness. She thought about what happened the other night, particularly the handsome doctor that had saved her life. She sat up and looked around the room for him. She didn't see him anywhere but a nurse rushed over to her. "Are you feeling better?" She asked in Hindi as she stuck a thermometer in my ear.
"Yes." She replied in Hindi.
She looked at the thermometer. "Your fever broke last night." She said with relief.
"Does that mean I can go home?" She asked.
"Yes, let me give you some medication you need to make sure you don't relapse." She replied.
After giving Ekanta the medication and writing down the instructions for use on a small piece of paper she started heading back home. On her way back she saw someone that looked familiar. He was tan but also unmistakably white with brown curly hair. She realized it was the doctor that had saved her life. He was walking rather quickly but Ekanta was determined to catch up with him. She wanted to tell him how grateful she was. He briskly walked through crowed streets and narrow alleyways. Ekanta didn't catch up to him until they were near the outskirts of town. She jogged up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around, surprised to see someone behind him. Ekanta gave him a soft smile.
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
"You probably don't remember but last night you saved my life. I'm Ekanta Chatterjee. I just wanted to say thank you for all you've done. Scarlet fever has been tearing through this town like fire and I'm glad that someone was there to save my life and the lives of everyone else that has been infected." She said.
"Helping people has always been what I've wanted to do." He said with a smile.
Ekanta inched a little closer to him and lowered her voice. "I don't know what you've done but the house you're headed to is surrounded by military men."
"How did you know?" He asked as he looked at the house and suddenly also saw the soldiers that surrounded it.
"I've got an eye for these types of things." She explained. "They aren't looking at us yet. You could probably get away if you quickly walked the other way."
"I've been running my whole life. If they can find me here then there's no point in running anymore." He resigned himself. "But you're not a part of this. You should go home. You don't want to be around when they decide to use their full force to capture me."
"What have you done?" She asked. "What could be so horrible that they've chased you from the west all the way to India?"
"It's a long story. Please just get out—"
"Doctor Banner. I've been waiting to see you." A red haired woman said as she came out of the house.
"Get out of here now." He hissed to Ekanta. She nodded and started to quickly walk away but was subdued by one of the soldiers.
"Who is she?" The redhead asked the doctor.
"She has nothing to do with me. She's just a patient that wanted to thank me. She doesn't know anything." He explained in a surprisingly calm matter.
The redhead looked over at the girl, processing the information and deciding what to do. Before she could tell the soldier what to do Ekanta vanished from her sight. The redhead gasped and took a step back. The doctor looked just as surprised as everyone else. Ekanta reappeared as a figure running in the distance. A soldier raced towards her and tackled her. As the soldier was dragging her back to the house the redhead turned to the doctor.
"I was sent her to recruit you for S.H.I.E.L.D—"the redhead began.
"Because of the Other Guy?" The doctor asked.
"Because of your expertise in gamma radiation." She explained. "I didn't expect to come across someone with invisibility. She'll have to come too, she could be useful."
Once Ekanta was back the redhead looked at her. "I'm Natasha, you'll have to come with us. I'll explain everything on the helicopter." She said. Ekanta nodded and all three of them walked further into the outskirts of town with a small army following them.
Journey Into the Mundane
This is were I rant about stuff.


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More than 2,000 kangaroos have been killed in Australia in a controversial cull which prompted a mock funeral by animal rights campaigners.
The culling programme around the capital Canberra was ordered by the local Australian Capital Territory government to limit the number of kangaroos in eight sensitive national parklands.
The programme has been conducted annually for the past six years but has led to international protests, including condemnation by Sir Paul McCartney.
ACT Animal Liberation took legal action to block the cull but it was deemed lawful by a territory tribunal.
However, the legal action delayed the cull, which led to 1,519 eastern grey kangaroos being shot – almost 100 short of the original target. A further 514 pouched young kangaroos were considered too small to survive and were also killed.
Daniel Iglesias, from the territory's park and conservation authority, said the cull was conducted humanely.
"Although the legal challenge significantly reduced our operating window and we experienced bad weather in the first few weeks which restricted operations, we were very close to reaching the quota of 1,606 kangaroos," he said.
"The cull was undertaken humanely in accordance with a strict code of practice."
Meat from 10 per cent of the culled kangaroos was used to produce baits for programmes to control wild dogs and foxes.
ACT Animal Liberation sought to disrupt the cull by moving between the night-time shootings and the animals.
"More than 1,500 kangaroos have been killed which is completely unnecessary," spokeswoman Carolyn Drew told Fairfax Media.
"It is sad that we can't stop the shooting the way that we would like to but at the same time, for us going onto the reserves and trying to stop the shooting is making a statement to the government that they're not killing numbers in a formula or objects on a screen."
The group held a memorial for the dead kangaroos outside the territory's parliament building.


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Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid are fighting to sign 15-year-old Chelsea sensation Kyle Scott.
According to the Daily Mail, European giants have set their sights on the midfielder who is yet to sign a professional contract.
Scott has already played for England at Under-16 level and caught the eye of several top clubs.
It would be unusual for Juve to snap up Scott, as in Italy the rules make it harder for clubs to sign teenage players to professional contracts.
This is why Giuseppe Rossi and Federico Macheda were among those snatched away from Serie A while under-age to join Manchester United.
See the latest Serie A predictions and betting tips with Eurotips.co.uk


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Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 22.214.171.124
Forum Moderators: incrediBILL & martinibuster
I have a site that, among other things, has a 'news roundup.'
The current day's news is on one page, news.html. Yesterday's news is on archive.html. On the third day, the news is moved into a dated archive, where it remains.
Now, clearly, news.html and archive.html change daily.
A couple of days ago, AdSense stopped serving real ads to news.html and archive.html and went to public service ads.
Is anyone else experiencing similar things with the public service stuff? Or am I connecting things that aren't connected?
Another thing to keep in mind is that many advertisers turn off their campaigns over the weekend, which could also reduce the number of available ads to show. What were these pages showing in previous weekends?
Here are a few examples:
But even if it was completely static, isn't a news round-up page likely to cover too broad a range of topics to allow a page theme/topic to be deduced?
Our index page shows the latest project postings to our site, and adsense has been keeping up with the change in content.
It still dishes up writing, programming etc ads.
Is this normal? Or will it change once we get spidered. Even though I think we have already.
IMHO PSA ads only come up when there isn't any discernable key content on the page.
Not in my experience.
We have a few pages with a paragraph or two and a link to a great search engine submission/ranking program. The ads on those pages are for 3 SEOs and a portal search.
But even if it was completely static, isn't a news round-up page likely to cover too broad a range of topics to allow a page theme/topic to be deduced?
Our news and archive pages (mentioned in my first post) are Drudge-style headlines linked to news stories. They are pretty focused, and sectioned off in categories such as "Bioterrorism News," "Israeli / Palestinian Headlines," etc.
Further, one the third day, after a page has moved through the news.html page and the archives.html page and into a permanent place, we get ads for "Terrorist Alert System," "Iraq Reconstruction News," and a conservative book service. The page has the exact same layout throughout the migration process.
It's still a mystery to me.


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Posted by Sonia Morrison in Uncategorized | 0 Comments
Books, Books and More Books!
A couple of days ago I had the rare treat of having my granddaughter read her first books to me. Now I love books and let me tell you, that was a complete thrill. I have always been an avid reader. I love books! I highly recommend my own book, The Heart of Caregiving, A Guide to Joyful Caring, A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron, becauseI laughed and cried out loud, Quantum Warrior, The Future of the Mind by John Kehoe, How I raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling by Frank Bettger, plus my all time favorites; Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker, and You Can't Afford The Luxury of A Negative Thought by John Roger and Peter McWilliams.
My Current Reading List; The On-Purpose Person, Kevin W. McCarty, Chicken Soup For The Caregiver's Soul, The Law of Success, Napolean Hill, In My Mom's Kitchen, Johnny Tan, The Power of Self Healing, Fabricio Maniam, The Girl Who Played With Fire, Stieg Larson, The Richest Woman in Babylon, Annette Tersigui,
Perhaps, that is, part of the reason, that I have become an author, myself.
This is my MOTHER"S DAY SPECIAL! , ends May 17th
Here is an Introduction to my new book, The Heart of Caregiving, A Guide to Joyful Caring:
Introduction to the
You have two hands. One hand to help yourself, and the second hand is to help others. ~Unknown
When we place our hands together, we balance the outward flow of energy, giving care to others with the inner flow energy, of self-care.
Keeping our hands close to our heart and mind, we balance the energies of our thoughts and spirit, while protecting our bodies.
We can provide safer, more consistently loving care, at the same time. I invite you to be with each chapter to learn and practice the gems of self-care, along with the caregiving tips.
Nursing, especially my hospice experience, has taught me that being before doing helps me to have more of what I want in my life.
Before DOing,
Helps me to HAVE more of what I want in life.
When we treat ourselves with respect, as a caregiver, we all benefit from optimum care.
This is the "How To" of forming a secure and rewarding caregiver-client attachment. I developed a caregiving strategy that bridges the best of analytic and relational psychology with the every-day physical needs of clients and families in practice.
The art of caregiving reaches deeper than good communications theory, into the nitty-gritty of emotional release, safety and connection.
Six dual Principles of self-care and caregiving:
DISCIP-line and the meaning of your Right Hand
The principles that guide the discipline of nursing are held in the right hand. The bottom line thinking to provide this discipline, consistently, may be spelled out to help remember them. These bottom line principles of DISCIPline may be applied to any situation and may be easily remembered. The last four letters of discipline rest upon the right wrist and the "DISCIP" in the palm and on each digit of the right hand represent the six principles of caregiving; dignity, independence, safety, communication, infection control, and privacy.
Six Principles of Caregiving
Dignity is held in the palm of the right hand. Respect is the center of all caregiving.
Independence is represented with a thumbs-up for what you are able to do for yourself.
The pointer finger represents safety, just like when your teacher or mama may have shaken that finger in your face; it was a way to caution you and keep you safe.
The middle finger represents a very specific communication in some cultures. In this instance, it stands for and represents all communication.
The ring finger represents infection control. I experienced, firsthand, many a hangnail that turned into painful infections.
Last and not least, the pinky finger represents the need to provide a little privacy.
Peace and the meaning of your Left Hand
Your left palm holds peace and being FIT.
The left pointer finger represents gifting your time, attention, energy, thinking and being FREE of clutter, physical and mental.
The middle finger represents FAMILY, in the center of the left hand.
The Heart of Caregiving
The ring finger holds the key to our FINANCES. By taking tiny steps daily we can reach our bigger goals more easily.
The pinkie finger holds and represents the FUTURE.
To remind you, note the pictures in each chapter and the video link, Six Principles of Self-Care
In my experience, a positive mental attitude will bring success every time. Freedom from fear is very liberating and possible. Being present to the reality of the moment helps to shift away from the monkey mind of distress. Being in the moment, allows us to be able to take action and separates us from the paralysis of the negative thinking. Negative thinking examples are what-if and if-only.
An open mind on all subjects and toward all people is worth striving for. This self-discipline of openness will allow us to grow the wisdom of understanding people, while being engaged in the labor of love, caregiving.
Often we need to take time to reflect, realize and remember the strengths we have to offer. The willingness to share these blessings with others will best guide our actions and build our faith. This faith will grow our hope of future achievement and provide financial security.
Your caregiving can grow only as much as you do.
If you want to change your results, you need to change your thinking and actions. According to T. Harv Eker, our thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to action, action leads to results.
Results equal Health, Wealth and Weight
We live in a world of cause and effect, which is tempered by what we
have seen, heard and experienced.
Emotions almost always win over logical thoughts and actions. With awareness, understanding, and choice we can choose, as many times as it takes to successfully change behavior.
If your motivation for caregiving comes from fear, anger or needing to prove yourself, your caregiving will not bring you happiness.
Are you ready to choose a new model of caring?
Try the following exercises. Remember a challenging caregiving incident, and write it down. Do you see how you have a choice now? Release and create new caring experiences.
There are no happy victims.
Complaining brings more to complain about.
Practice optimism.
With your hand on your heart, say out loud, with positive energy and zest, these statements:
I create my own level of happiness.
I focus on being responsible for my own happiness. I am an excellent caregiver.
I focus on opportunities versus obstacles.
I admire other successful caregivers.
What is your willingness to change?
Are you willing to grow bigger than your problems?
Be prepared to be an excellent receiver and you will become an excellent giver.
The Heart of Caregiving
Do not limit your love.
Focus on the results. You can provide excellent care to others AND care well for yourself.
Thoughts are seeds.
Actions connect the inner thoughts to the outer results.
Caregiving becomes easier when you are willing to do what is hard.
When you are uncomfortable, you are growing.
Four positives quotes to post as reminders:
"How you do anything is how you do everything." ~T. Harv Eker "Where attention goes, energy flows and results show." ~T. Harv Eker
"You can choose to think in ways that will support your happiness and success, instead of ways that don't."
~T. Harv Eker
"Training and managing your own mind is the most important skill you could ever own, in terms of both happiness and success."
~T. Harv Eker
The heart of caregiving is a combination of optimum self-care and the important discipline of nursing. The discipline of nursing includes caring in a loving and professional way.
To harness our healthy caring we can provide consistent, effective care to our loved ones. We benefit, greatly, by discovering the balance and focus of providing optimum self-care.
Are You Ready To Grow?
We need to treat ourselves with dignity by providing for our own health, before we are able to provide care with dignity for our loved ones. To be well balanced and focused in life, self-care needs to be balanced with caregiving. Both self-care and caregiving, with awareness, need to be practiced consistently.
To give optimum care to our loved ones, all six dual principles of self-care and caregiving need to be practiced, regularly. The more you practice, the more skilled you become.
Each chapter includes dual principles of self-care and the mirror actions for caregiving.
Chapter 1 focuses on the first dual principle of being FIT for our own self-care and caregiving with DIGNITY. By focusing on our own mind, spirit and body needs we are more aware and able to assist the mind, spirit and body needs of the person we are caring for.
Having a system in place for this optimum self-care will save many a headache and heartache.
See the Tips at the end of each chapter for a proven success system. What works for one caregiver may not work for another. What works at one time in our lives may not work in another time.
Chapter 1 will begin to share the secrets of successful self-care and caregiving. To be FIT we need to balance all three parts of ourselves; body, spirit and mind. Our body, spirit and mind each need three things; fuel, exercise and rest. When our thinking is correct our success and happiness are nearby.
When we are in balance, our focus and caring are more easily maintained.
The Heart of Caregiving
Start Your Day (or end your day)
Two thumbs up for remembering to have fun and spend 15 minutes writing, or enough time to fill three pages, and answer the following questions:
What Am I Grateful For?
What Do I Appreciate About Myself?
What Do I Appreciate, About My Life?
What is my Focus for Today?
How May I Remain Balanced?
How Can I Be of Service?
Left Hand: You, truly, hold peace in the palm of your hand exercise.
Whenever you are stressed, simply breath-in peace, with your left hand over your heart and breath out stress. Repeat this several times and you will find a moment of peace that you can return to at any time or place. Close your eyes, if this helps you to focus inside for a moment. Remember to make choices that feed your spirit.
Our caregiving spirits may be fueled by special quiet or creative time. Often this refueling time is represented by creative space and meditative time. Meditative time can be simply breathing in and out with attentive presence. For some caregivers this refueling is being in nature and for other caregivers, it is daydreaming. Expression of our spirit through the art of making things with our hands can be very fulfilling. Reading something inspirational; like a story, a poem, a quote, or other inspirational guide, provides exercise for the spirit.
Inspiration may come from listening to music, watching a video or movie, praying, giving to others and simply being in community.
Sometimes, simply being aware of another person's perspective can be uplifting. Resting our spirit by letting go, to a greater source, is healthy. In other words, acceptance can be a balm for the heart and soul. Spirit may be refilled in many ways; meditation, yoga, song, prayer, poetry, and nature are just a few examples.
In my own experience, our right hand brings us closer to our Godliness by serving others. Our left hand gives us strength to face each day, by grounding us with our own needs met.
Following are the words to Debbie Friedmont's song, called The Angel's Blessing, and represents some of the ideas that the heart of caregiving is based upon.
"May our right hand bring us closer to our Godliness. May our left hand give us strength to face each day. And before us may our visions light our paths ahead. And behind us may well-being heal our way. All around us is Schechinah. May Michael be at my right hand, Gabriel at my left. Before me Uriel, behind me Raphael and above my head the divine Presence."
Schechinah is the Hebrew meaning for the presence of God or 'she who dwells within'. Angel Michael is known as the commander of God's army, a person of authority; someone who can think and do. Gabriel is God's messenger & has a horn for judgment day. Gabriel is at my left to assess if I am balanced and focused with my self-care. Uriel carries a light in his palm or flaming sword to light the way, representing our awareness. Raphael carries a trumpet and represents healing.


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Multi-Location Study of Soil Enzyme Activities as Affected by Types and Rates of Manure Application and Tillage Practices
AbstractSignificant amounts of manure are produced in the USA; however, information on the changes in ecosystem services related to soil biogeochemical cycling for agroecosystems supported with organic amendments such as manure is limited. A multi-location field study was initiated in Colorado (CO), Kansas (KS) and Kentucky (KY), USA in loam soils to evaluate the effects of manure and tillage practices on enzyme activities that are key to biogeochemical cycling such as β-glucosidase (C cycling), α-galactosidase (C cycling), β-glucosaminidase (C and N cycling) and phosphomonoesterases (P cycling). The treatments were as follows: (i) two years of beef manure applications to a fine sandy loam at different rates (control: 0, low: 34 kg N ha−1 and high: 96 kg N ha−1) and tillage practices in CO; (ii) three years of beef manure applications to a silt loam at different rates (0, low: 67 kg N ha−1 and high: 134 kg N ha−1) and tillage practices in KS and; (iii) three years of poultry and dairy manure applications to a silt loam with different tillage practices at the same rate (403 kg N ha−1) in KY. Tillage practices (none vs. conventional) had no effect on the enzyme activities. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) grouped all enzyme activities with the high beef manure application rate after the first year in CO at 0–5 cm. By the second year, the low and high beef manure rates differed in enzyme activities for the KS soil with no difference between the low rate and control in CO. Since the first year of the KY study, acid phosphatase activity was greater in the poultry treated soil compared to dairy or the control; whereas, C cycling enzyme activities were similar in soil treated with dairy or poultry manure. For all studies, PCAs for soil samples from 5–10 cm depth did not reveal treatment separation until the second year, i.e., only high application rate differed from the other treatments. Results of the study indicated significant responses in C and P cycling enzyme activities to manure applications within two years, suggesting potential benefits to soil biogeochemical cycling essential for the productivity of agroecosystems supported with organic fertilizers. View Full-Text
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Share & Cite This Article
Acosta-Martinez, V.; Mikha, M.M.; Sistani, K.R.; Stahlman, P.W.; Benjamin, J.G.; Vigil, M.F.; Erickson, R. Multi-Location Study of Soil Enzyme Activities as Affected by Types and Rates of Manure Application and Tillage Practices. Agriculture 2011, 1, 4-21.
Acosta-Martinez V, Mikha MM, Sistani KR, Stahlman PW, Benjamin JG, Vigil MF, Erickson R. Multi-Location Study of Soil Enzyme Activities as Affected by Types and Rates of Manure Application and Tillage Practices. Agriculture. 2011; 1(1):4-21.Chicago/Turabian Style
Acosta-Martinez, Veronica; Mikha, Maysoon M.; Sistani, Karamat R.; Stahlman, Phillip W.; Benjamin, Joseph G.; Vigil, Merle F.; Erickson, Richie. 2011. "Multi-Location Study of Soil Enzyme Activities as Affected by Types and Rates of Manure Application and Tillage Practices." Agriculture 1, no. 1: 4-21.


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Welcome to a Florida island paradise.
Located on Florida´s Gulf of Mexico, along 3.5 miles of tropical powder sand beaches, our newly renovated Balinese-styled resort offers 727 casually luxurious rooms and suites that surround you with feelings of well-being, balance and harmony.
All of Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort´s rooms and suites offer guests a home away from home with various unique and indulgent amenities to make each stay as comfortable as possible.
During the recent renovations, the staff left no inch unturned to make the rooms unforgettable.
Each of the guest room balconies were refreshed with floor-to-ceiling tinted windows and sleek new outdoor furniture to relax on while watching the stunning views of Marco Island and the Gulf of Mexico.
The interiors of the accommodations received a facelift as well, boasting new high-definition plasma televisions and incorporating the new Marriott Bedding Package: a washable duvet with 300-thread count, triple-sheeted linens, topped with a decorative bed scarf.
In addition, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is one of the first Marriott Hotels & Resorts to offer new ultra-adaptable rooms that are fully compatible with the way you work and play.
Just check-in, plug-in and watch as your room adapts to your needs.
Additional Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort guest room amenities include:
Private balcony, hairdryer, custom-blended bath amenities, iron/ironing board, coffeemaker, mini bar and refrigerator, cable television, on demand movies, telephone, voice mail, data port, high speed internet access, in-room safe, in-room dining, non-smoking rooms & handicapped accessible rooms.


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with Tags: init X
You lost, stole, gave away or sold your Storwize V7000 USB key?
anthonyv 2000004B9K Comment (1) Visits (13646)
I love USB keys, I love free ones, conferences give away ones and ones shaped like lego blocks. The exciting thing (for me) is that if you buy a Storwize V7000, you also get a USB key: A key which has two fundamental purposes: It's used to make installation very quick and easy (which it does very well!). It's used to reset the superuser password (in case you forget what it is) or to set the... [More]


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On Mon, 8 Aug 2011, Paul Goyette wrote:
Have you updated your host OS around the time when the problem started? I'm wondering if it might be suffering from kern/45187.Hmmm, I don't know about kern/45187, but I _did_ update the host OS recently. I was previously running on 5.99.52, but recently updated to 5.99.55. The timing of the upgrade is consistent with the appearance of this problem.So, "maybe"
Well, I just installed an up-to-the-minute kernel on one of my other machines and gave it a try. No change, it still hangs after the 'halt' command and waits for expect() to time-out. I have verified, and this kernel uses kern/sys_select.c rev 1.35
So either I'm having a different problem, or sys_select is still not quite completely fixed. :)
Just as an additional datapoint, there were multiple "stalls" reported during the installation of base and comp sets ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Paul Goyette | PGP Key fingerprint: | E-mail addresses: | | Customer Service | FA29 0E3B 35AF E8AE 6651 | paul at whooppee.com | | Network Engineer | 0786 F758 55DE 53BA 7731 | pgoyette at juniper.net | | Kernel Developer | | pgoyette at netbsd.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------


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The web the way you want it
Well, Readonly, anyways...
This is a small demonstration of a CMS web site which uses Create.js as the editing interface. The storage backend is provided by the MidCOM PHP framework, the integration is done with CreatePHP.
A Forest is made out of Trees...
... and so are many web sites, if you think about it. There's the DOM tree Javascript operates on, and which is deduced from the page's HTML, and there's the content in the storage backend, which usually can be expressed in tree form as well (e.g. file/folder hierarchies, parent/child objects, their properties and so on).
CreatePHP models your contents in trees so that they can be easily accessible in both frontend and backend code.
CreatePHP models your contents in trees so that they can be easily accessible in both frontend and backend code.
Editing in style
In case you haven't noticed, you can edit all texts in this page by clicking the "Edit" button in the top right corner of the screen and then just clicking into the text you want to change. You can type directly in the page, with all CSS rules applied, so that clicking "Save" won't lead to nasty surprises.
Oh, but since this is a demo server, the data won't actually be written to disk. So hitting F5 will bring back the original state.
Oh, but since this is a demo server, the data won't actually be written to disk. So hitting F5 will bring back the original state.
This particular site uses Midgard as a storage backend and MidCOM as the PHP framework, but you can of course use Drupal, Typo3, Symfony or good ol' PHP scripts copied'n'pasted together from Google searches, if that suits your needs better.
All you need to do is to implement the rdfMapper interface and you're good to go.
All you need to do is to implement the rdfMapper interface and you're good to go.
Low Maintenance Overhead
CreatePHP doesn't have any dependencies, so it shouldn't be hard to keep runnning. You can also use it without actually running Create.js: Your content will have all the semantic markup you want and you can still use different editing interfaces
This one's a no-brainer
CreatePHP is designed to produce as little cognitive overhead as possible. Mastering RDF concepts is hard enough, so we don't want to saddle you with an over-engineered API on top of that.
You'll interact mostly with nodes (in the sense of DOM nodes), set attributes, render them, and ideally, CreatePHP will do the rest
You'll interact mostly with nodes (in the sense of DOM nodes), set attributes, render them, and ideally, CreatePHP will do the rest
word of Warning
CreatePHP is still a relatively young project, so don't count on the APIs being set in stone yet. But on the other hand, this means that it's possible to influence its development, be that with patches, bug reports, feature requests or other input.
CreatePHP itself does not have any dependencies (except for Create.js, obviously), so that integrating it into existing applications should be straightforward, but there's a couple of things about it that might be good to know.
You and your users don't need any secret-sauce plugins or esoteric configurations, just a reasonably modern browser and PHP 5.3 on the server side.
CreatePHP was designed for real-world use, but it's of course not possible to predict all possible use cases, so if CreatePHP doesn't fit into your project or workflow, please talk to us, we'll see what we can do.
CreatePHP is PSR-0 compatible and installable with Composer. So it should fit into contemporary development and deployment workflows like a glove.
You don't need to know Coffescript to work with Create.js (except for the Hallo editor), but some Javascript sure couldn't hurt. Not to worry, though, CreatePHP takes care of the basics, so you should be up and running pretty fast.
We use as little magic as possible, since it always starts out looking like a good idea, but in the long run, it will invariably come back to haunt you . So we keep the APIs sane, even if it makes them a bit more verbose.
PHP is getting flamed relatively often these days, but we find it a nice environment to do actual work in. And of course, we like CreatePHP, and we hope that so do you!
This part of the page doesn't really have all the much to do with CreatePHP. in fact, it was copied over from our company website. But you might be interested to know that editing with create.js also works in the inline popups.
Lufthansa Group
Frontend | Web Applications | CMS | Support
Frontend | Web Applications | Consulting | Support
There are many special interest portals where people post classified ads of all sorts. If you have seen eBay and its competitors, you have no doubt noticed how ugly they usually are. If users could enter their posts directly in the rendered page, it would sure be easier for them to produce good-looking content.
Stivali Photography
Frontend | CMS
Stivali Photography
Some websites work almost completely nonverbally. So it's a shame that the editors of these pages are forced to use another paradigm when updating their contents. Dragging and dropping images into web sites has not been tested yet with CreatePHP, but it certainly is high up on the todo list
Web Applications | Consulting
Web Applications | CMS | CRM | Maintenance
In the end, all web sites are a little different, with different UI concepts and so on. Capturing all of them with a single admin interface or backend is hardly possible. Which is why inline editing makes life easier for the developer as well: Once the page UI is done, the edit interface is automatically there as well.
Bayer Business Services
Web Applications | CMS | Maintenance | Consulting
Bayer Business Services
When doing CMS for bigger customers, you're often forced to work on their custom infrastructure, which might consist of a plethora of mutually incompatible "enterpricey" services. By using established standards like RDF and implementing small, well-defined interfaces, you can work in almost any environment and still keep your sanity.
"The excellent speed and high standards of service support we receive from Content Control are a benchmark for our agency relationships. Your flexibility and pro-active thinking have been a great help in making my job very easy." Emma Wilson, Lufthansa Group
this page is brought to you by:
Andreas Flack
CreatePHP/MidCOM lead developer
Christian Friedrich
Customer Relations & Strategy
Jan Flögel
Robert Gudd
You can fork CreatePHP on github. It is open source, you know ;-)
You want to get in touch about a high-revenue support contract? Go right ahead and fill out the form below! But we're also happy about feedback, ideas, criticisms, lolcatz...


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Discussion in 'TPF Fight Club' started by Fight Club, Feb 7, 2010.
Suggestions are open until Thursday, so let's get going!
In honour of Valentines Day, 'romance/romantic'
Or the after effects of Valentine's Day, an empty wallet or swollen credit card bill.
Here may be a tricky one, Mood lighting, or "Setting the mood"
Broken Heart
Old School
Out on the Town
Up Up and Away!
Out of town, will post poll tomorrow!
Separate names with a comma.


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Search this site
Chainsaw Motor Bicycle
motor bicycle
A motorcycle (also called a motorbike, bike, or cycle) is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.
chain saw: portable power saw; teeth linked to form an endless chain
A chainsaw (or chain saw) is a portable mechanical saw, powered by electricity, compressed air, hydraulic power, or most commonly a two-stroke engine.
A mechanical power-driven cutting tool with teeth set on a chain that moves around the edge of a blade
Chainsaw is a java-based GUI tool to view and analyze log files - specifically logs generated by the Log4j logging system. Both Log4j and Chainsaw are Open source projects under Apache Software Foundation. The latest release is Chainsaw v2.
chainsaw motor bicycle - Bicycle Motor
Bicycle Motor Kit 80cc (Silver, 80cc)
We've tried lots of manufacturers and kits and have settled on the best. The Z2-80 by X-Motor. On sale! Installs in just a few hours and doesn't require special tools. You will turn heads wherever you ride! Can peddle like normal or just rest your feet on the peddles and use the twist throttle to cruise up to 35 MPH, all while getting 150 MPG! Made to be installed on 26 inch cruiser style bicycles. All parts included minus the bicycle. -User manual (email .PDF file when package ship) This kits are 66cc -66/80cc needle bearing 2 cycle EPA certified engine ( slant head , big mount ) -41 tooth sprocket with mounting hardware ( Chrome ) -Chrome exhaust muffler with Cat. converter -petcock -push button lock alloy clutch lever with long handle -heavy duty motor bike chain (#415/#50) -adjuster bearing chain idler -carburetor assembly -CD ignition assembly -Twist throttle assembly with stop bottom -chain guard -spark plug with tool -2 Litter gas tank with mounting brackets -bicycle frame mounting -other needed mounting and hardware -Large frame adapter -fuel filter
futura motorcyle drag bike
Low slung, lean and mean this techno 2 wheelers got what you need. Dominated by sleek aluminum spun wheels (industrial plumbing flanges) and a space age mega-capacity gas tank (vintage flashlight). Solid aluminum bicycle crank arms and vintage tennis racket press parts handle the suspension duties up front and a set a fender supports lifted of a Harley Davidson take care of the "south end". An ice cream scoop fairing, old golf pull cart leg frame and a "blown" chainsaw monster motor round out this package. Hang on tight - your headed straight into the future.
Nashbar Panier Photo Review 2
The 4L jug of motor oil. It's for my chainsaw, if you're wondering. Fits snug inside the panniers.
chainsaw motor bicycle
The Black & Decker LBXR20 20 Volt MAX Extended Run Time Lithium Battery is compatible with the Black & Decker 20-Volt MAX line of power and gardening tools. These batteries have been formulated for longer runtime and improved performance. This battery is compatible with cordless tool models BDC120VA100, BDCDMT120, BDCDMT120-2, BDCDMT120F, BDCDMT120IA, BDCF20, BDH2000SL, LC3K220, LCC220, LCS120, LCS120B, LD120VA, LDX120C, LDX120PK, LDX120SB, LDX220SB, LDX220SBFC, LGC120, GLC120B, LHT210, LHT2220, LHT2220B, LLP120, LLP120B, LPHT120, LPHT120B, LPP120, LPP120B, LST220, LSW120, LSW20, LSW20B, SSL20SB, SSL20SB-2.
The cordless LCS120 chainsaw (view larger).
Get the power you need with Black & Decker's 20-volt lithium system (view larger).
If you've ever used a chainsaw for a big job, you know how hard it can be on your body, and you'll appreciate the superb comfort features built into the Black & Decker LCS120 20-volt MAX Lithium cordless chainsaw. Everything about it is designed so you can last as long as its 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery.
First, there's the wrap-around soft-grip handle. It provides multiple gripping positions so you can make precise cuts at virtually any angle. When you're pruning or trimming high branches or in close quarters, that flexibility helps keep fatigue at bay.
Next, there's the eight-inch reduced-kickback bar and low-kickback chain. They offer great control and stability for both soft and hard woods — so you can tackle a variety of cutting jobs safely and with confidence. With an eight-inch bar, you can handle the big stuff - branches up to eight inches in diameter.
Finally, at just over 5 pounds, it's lightweight enough for virtually any user.
Cut More. Wait Less.
The cordless LCS120 features a LBXR20 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery for lots of cutting power per charge — up to 150 1.5-inch diameter cuts in a single charge, so you know you can finish the job you start.
The Black & Decker 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery offers a longer lifespan and retains its charge 5x longer than similar 18-volt NiCad batteries. It's compatible with the full line of Black & Decker's 20-volt MAX line of power and gardening tools, and you won't be limited by an extension cord.
What's in the Box
LCS120 20-volt MAX lithium-ion cordless chain saw; LBXR20 battery; LCS20 battery charger; operating instructions
About Black & Decker
Since 1910, Black & Decker has been setting the standard for innovation and design of power tools, accessories, outdoor yard care equipment, home cleaning products, automotive and lighting products, hardware, and other home improvement products. The inventor of the first portable electric drill with pistol grip and trigger switch, Black & Decker has evolved from a small machine shop in Baltimore, Maryland to a global manufacturing and marketing powerhouse with a broad line of quality products used in and around the home and for commercial applications. When users need to get work done, they trust Black & Decker for the products that will do the job efficiently and reliably.
LCS120 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chain Saw
Key Features
Makes up to 150 cuts on a single charge, up to 1-1/2-inch diameter
20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery provides longer battery, life year after year
8-inch reduced kickback bar and low kickback chain
Handles both soft and hard wood measuring up to 8 inches in diameter
Wraparound handle allows multiple gripping positions
Weighs 5.1 pounds
Energy Star rated
Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
Soft grip handle provides added comfort during use (view larger).
8-inch reduced kickback bar and low kickback chain (view larger).
Wraparound handle allows multiple gripping positions (view larger).
Chainsaw Motor Bicycle
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September 5, 2013 ASIS&T AZ Chapter Meeting
1. Discuss chapter report and uploading
2. Discuss website updating
2. Discuss speaker and other future activities 3. Discuss next meeting and future meetings
Marila (email@example.com) Don Fallis email@example.com
Hong Cui firstname.lastname@example.com
Yan Han email@example.com
Diane Daly firstname.lastname@example.com
Chapter report:
Financial report due in October, and treasurer usually simply emails ASIST to submit it.
Marila will lower resolution of web header.
Post meeting notes (Meeting note taker - Diane this time, getting site login from Marila to post notes; Hong next time)
Social media: ASIST general FB page is
AZ-ASIST FB account perhaps in future with higher activity levels
Trish: Online
via elluminate
Hong will ask Bruce first, then we should tell Trish time and date possibilities.
Other events:
internship / job fair October 26th
AZ-ASIST may participate using jobs websites, for example: http://www.jobtarget.com/c/search_results.cfm?site_id=180
Look for more correspondence over email.
Resume, CV, and Professionalism workshop with Kay M. ASIST could help with recruiting reviewers by field December SIRLS graduates are interested in. HR then those who put out call then phone call then 2nd phone call, so it should be 1 dept head and 1 Sr. librarian.
Look for more correspondence over email.
LSO Student Symposium spring sponsorship:
2 awards- students vote 1-4th choices
Diane will contact LSO just to get them thinking about it/
Ontology tags project from last semester: Ended up with a quality
poster; ask Julian E for more information.
Members are encouraged to consider going to Montreal for the annual
meeting, Nov. 1-5 in Montreal.
Location: the multipurpose room of the School of Information Resource and Library Science
Attendants: Steven Chong, Hong Cui, Don Fallis, Yan Han, Sarah Philipson and Qianjin Zhang (ordered by last name)
Brief Self-introduction.
Hong Cui's research presentation
Hong gave a wonderful presentation on Plant Habitat Ontology. The interface of Flora of North America Experimental Search was presented. Her group has been working on habitat ontology candidate terms to achieve the goal of building a controlled vocabulary for the interface.
Discussion: ASIS&T AZ Chapter will hold a workshop of introduction to programming language such as Java or Perl in the near future. The workshop is aimed at improving the SIRLS graduate students' computer skills.
Luncheon (Optional) at Student Union