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By: AJE Recruiting Specialist
When on a job interview, the question and answer session is the best way for recruiters to determine if you are the best candidate for the job. It is also an opportunity for you to interview prospective employers. By asking them and yourself questions so you can determine if the company and position is the right fit for you. The 10 questions below will help you itemize the pros and cons of different jobs, and begin to define the type of career that is right for you.
- Is this an industry that you like and do you think it has a good future?
- Do you like and respect the company? Do they develop a good product and will they continue to experience growth?
- Do you see yourself working in this industry and for this company for several years?
- Why is the position vacant? Is it a new position or has it been recently vacated, and if so, why did that person leave?
- What skills are most important for the job? Do you have them or will you need to invest time or money in acquiring them? If so, does the company offset any training expenses?
- Is there a defined career path that this job will allow you to follow? Have other employees progressed within this position and company?
- What are the expectations of employment? Typical work day. Travel requirements. Do employees work late, or are they required to always be accessible.
- Is the salary in line with your expectations and are there opportunities for salary growth, such as annual performance reviews?
- Do you like this type of job? Are there parts of the job that are personally satisfying?
- Where is the position located? Will it be an easy or long commute and how will this impact your day to day schedule?
For more career advice, visit America's Job Exchange for job listings, resume writing and interview tips, salary information and more.


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Advice to young people – Donald Knuth
I remember to have read the book series 'The Art of Computer Programming' by Donald Knuth during my studies and on early days of computing. What I learned then continues to help and guide me decades later in my software engineering career though I have forgotten the rigors of mathematical treatment in that
Note that the key point that he puts across is in this short video is to follow your mind and instinct rather than following herd mentality. It reminds me of words from famous Stanford University commence speech of Steve Jobs: "our time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary|". The same observation can be observed as an underlying thread in Dijikstra's lectures as well
The same observation made from two different people in two different contents points to an fundamental fact. Well, fundamentals don't change!
Five innovations in cognitive computing
looks like human-computer interface set for drastic change, changing for ever man-machine interactions and consequently raising the bar … and scope of computing and consequently that of software
The Profession of the IT Architect – The Next Ten Years
A very interesting lecture by Grady Booch
Victims of 'push' technology
I was surprised by rise in my facebook friends watching videos and articles which I found as obscene and offensive. I was surprised as we 'choose' our friends, and how could my friends stoop to such lows… Just as the case with any society, I believe wired world is no different from regular world as far as importance of health social interactions are concerned. This includes understanding just expectation on one another, honoring the expectations, mutual respect, social etiquettes, and so on. These are mandatory for healthy social interaction in social circle in wired world also. I believe my friends too understand this
I have come to conclude that many of my surprises are due to them being gullible victims of yet evolving social format. Many new feeds from 'Trending videos', 'Trending news, etc appearing in my page confirms my view. Messages are provocative and one may innocently or accidentally click on these… and that must be it.
I wish feeds not forced on users but left to their choice. But that is not the case as of now. Feeds are thrust on gullible. If you are one such victim, and if you would like to block such videos, articles and news, all you need to do is to modify your Privacy Settings as mentioned here ….
DId you say usability?
An interesting message from a commercial product! Wonder what it seeks to convey. …
Of course, I have removed details to hide information on product, and its manufacturer to protect their interest
Dependence, Independence and Interdependence
One of my friends recently asked me a question as to 'why people, by and large, not aware of the persons those who are pioneers and leaders in software engineering?'. For instance, names of Donald Knuth, David Parnas, Edsger Dijkstra, John McCarthy, etc are not names familiar even to a typical software engineering of today.
I think it has partly to do with maturing of this profession as well as maturing of the specific individual as a professional.
Why maturing of profession? No profession worthy of existence can forget people who contributed to making it better. A common man may know only handful of greats in Physics like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. But a physicist cannot be ignorant of greats like Max Plank, Werner Heisenberg, etc whom an common man may not be aware of. Every profession has become what it is because of great work of people like this.
Why individual? A professional musician, an professional actor, a professional movie director, a professional artist etc would acknowledge that he or she is not an island of excellence. What he or she is, is a result of contribution of many, known directly or indirectly. I have heard such acknowledgement while listening to interviews of professional, irrespective of their profession.
What this has to do with dependence, independence and interdependence? Many of us start our career working for a big organization. Does not matter, even if organization that you work for is small. Point here, you are part of a big system and you are dependent on that system. You may not have much of choice in the kind of technology that you work with, the kind of project that you do, the kind of process that you follow
But gradually scenario changes and you get into position where you can command at least to some extent. As you keep working, you come across many Déjà vu experiences and it becomes too familiar to you. Then you also start looking around and realizing that you are not alone.
At this stage, you start learning from patterns, learning from the past, learning from society, learning from everyday life and learning from collaboration, acknowledging work of greats in the past and contributing back to business, society and world around

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Apparatus and methods for broadcasting auxiliary data in an FM stereo broadcast system
|Remote control signal processing device
|Katsu et al.
|Broadcasting system with supplemental data transmission and storage
|Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving television program information
|Multimedia bidirectional broadcast system
|Baji et al.
|Television system for the interactive distribution of selectable video presentations
|Pocock et al.
|Tuner control apparatus having tune-by-label capability
|Duffield et al.
|Pipeline information delivery system
|Method and apparatus employing audio frequency offset extraction and floating-point conversion for digitally encoding and decoding high-fidelity audio signals
|Multi-channel PCM music broadcasting system
|Tuner control apparatus having tune-by-label capability and using alphabetical label storage
|Video cassette recorder programming via teletext transmissions
|System for audio/video presentation
|Pocock et al.
|Apparatus using teletext to provide channel identification information in a television transmission system
|Tactile display apparatus
|Presentation player
|McCalley et al.
|Remote control apparatus
|Sasaki et al.
|Reconfigurable remote control transmitter
|Evans et al.
|Apparatus and method for providing digital audio on the sound carrier of a standard television signal
|Digital interactive communication system
|McCalley et al.
|Music delivery system
|Jones et al.
|Remote control circuit
|Miyahara et al.
|System for electronically controllably viewing on a television updateable television programming information
|Reiter et al.
|Interactive television and data transmission system
|TV schedule system and process
|Television signal receiving apparatus
|Hayashi et al.
|Reconfigurable remote control
|Welles, II
|Methyl substituted pinyl oxopentenes, organoleptic uses thereof and process for preparing same
|Von Kohorn
|Television viewing center system
|Kruger et al.
|Method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a television signal receiver
|Method and apparatus for selectively recording a broadcast
|Yarbrough et al.
|Information displaying system
|Doumit et al.
|Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving additional information in a television signal
|Siegle et al.
|Television receiver system having facility for storage and display of character information selected from digitally encoded broadcast transmissions
|Hutt et al.
|Signal transmission system for transmitting programed information such as programed instruction
|Yanagimachi et al.
|April, 1977
|September, 1988
|June, 1988
producing a plurality of digital program data signals, each of which corresponds to the contents of a program selection;
producing a plurality of digital program selection signals, each of which corresponds to one of said program data signals and describes the attributes of the associated program selection;
encoding the plurality of digital program data signals with the plurality of digital program selection signals into a plurality of digital combined signals, each of said combined digital signals being arranged in blocks of a predetermined number of bits of a program data signal and a predetermined number of bits of an associated program selection signal, whereby each program selection signal remains associated with its corresponding program data signal during transmissions therewith; and
multiplexing the plurality of digital combined signals into the data stream.
means for producing a plurality of digital program data signals, each of which corresponds to the contents of a program selection;
means for producing a plurality of digital program selection signals, each of which corresponds to one of said program data signals and describes the attributes of the associated program selection;
means for encoding the plurality of digital program data signals with the plurality of digital program selection signals into a plurality of combined digital signals, each of said combined digital signals being arranged in blocks of a predetermined number of bits of a program data signal and a predetermined number of bits of an associated program selection signal, whereby each program selection signal remains associated with its corresponding program data signal during transmissions therewith; and
means for multiplexing the plurality of digital combined signals into the data stream.
The present invention relates to the field of digital signal transmission and more particularly, to transmitting digital signals accompanied by program content data so that listeners/viewers may see a display of the program content data as they are listening/viewing the performance, without interrupting the performance.
Presently, program content information, for example, song title, artist, record label, etc., is communicated to the customer/listener by announcers' disc jockeys (DJs). In the case of video programs transmitted by broadcast means, video text messages are presented between programs and during interruptions of programs. In the case of many premium services, it is undesirable to interrupt programs for presentation of program content information. It may also be undesirable to have any form of announcer or DJ between program or selection of music.
Those such announcers or interruptions of program may be undesirable in some services. Nevertheless, it is highly desirable to communicate program content information. Frustration of customers, and possible loss of revenue due to subscription cancellation can occur if a subscriber has no method of knowing the title, composer or artist of the particular selection of music. To the music industry, identification of recording label and identification number is critical to sale of the recordings. Currently, a subscriber viewing a premium video program must consult a separate listing, tune to a different channel, or wait till the end of the program for its identification.
Similarly, the cable television industry is currently introducing audio-only services. Program content information is printed in a separate listing. These cable "radio stations" may play a continuous succession of musical selections without commercial interruptions. These services may not use a "disc-jockey" to identify the musical or other selections. Instead, under the present invention, data channels will contain information about the music being played.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a display of this data has been envisioned that has been termed an "electronic DJ". This display could be built into the subscriber terminal itself, or it could be a separate display unit that would connect to a port on the rear panel of the terminal.
The problem with such displays is that, unless they are very large and therefore costly, they cannot be easily placed within reading distance of the listener. Long cables for the display would be difficult to route in a typical living room, and we need only look at the success of VCR wired remote controls to convince ourselves that such a tethered display would not be optimum.
Wireless remote controls have brought great convenience to the control of consumer products. Highly intelligent remote controls with liquid crystal displays are available. Programmable and universal "learning" remote controls are available that assume the functions of multiple other controls. These remote controls receive information from each other, and display the functions available to the user.
It can be a frustrating experience to enjoy a piece of music on the radio, only to have the station fail to identify the piece. To lovers of music, having such information as music title, composer, artist and record label is vital. Without this information, the service will be reduced to the level of generic background music.
The problems and related problems of transmitting and providing a display of program content data are solved by the principles of the present invention. In furtherance of these principles, it is an object of the present invention to provide program information to subscribers without interrupting the program.
It is an object of the present invention to transmit and provide program information for digital audio transmitted to subscribers, where the program information is combined with the digital audio.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide program data to subscribers of video information.
It is another object of the present invention to provide program information to subscribers where the information is communicated through a remote control unit.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system where digital program information is combined with digital audio/video signals which are transmitted via satellite, coaxial cable, or other means to subscribers.
It is another object of the present invention to provide program data corresponding to audio/video signals to subscribers with disabilities.
In accordance with these and other objects, apparatus for encoding according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of means for producing digital signals; a plurality of means for producing a plurality of program data signals, each program data signal corresponding to one digital signal; and, at least one encoding means, coupled to the plurality of means for producing digital and program data signals, for encoding the plurality of program data signals with the plurality of digital signals to produce a plurality of combined digital and program data signals.
Additionally, under these and other objects, a method is disclosed for encoding program information into a digital data stream comprising the steps of: producing a plurality of digital signals; producing a plurality of program data signals, each program data signal corresponding to one digital signal; and encoding the plurality of program data signals with the plurality of digital signals to produce a plurality of combined digital and program data signals.
Conversely, under the above and other objects, an apparatus is disclosed for communicating progra information corresponding to a track of digital data from a signal containing a plurality of digital and program information signals comprising: first receiving means for receiving an encoded signal containing a plurality of digital signals and a plurality of program data signals, each program data signal corresponding to one digital signal; at least one selecting means, coupled to the first receiving means, for selecting one digital signal and one corresponding program data signal from the received signal; at least one decoding means, coupled to the selecting means, for decoding the selected one digital signal and the one corresponding program data signal so as to separate the corresponding program data signal from the selected one digital signal; transmitting means, coupled to the decoding means, for transmitting the one corresponding program data signal; second receiving means, coupled to the transmitting means, for receiving the one corresponding program data signal; and, communicating means, coupled to the second receiving means, for communicating the one corresponding program data signal.
Similarly, a method under the above objects is disclosed for communicating program information corresponding to a track from signal containing a plurality of digital and program information signals comprising the steps of: receiving an encoded signal containing a plurality of digital signals and a plurality of program data signals, each program data signal corresponding to one digital signal; selecting one digital signal and one corresponding program data signal from the received encoded signal; decoding the selected one digital signal and the one corresponding program data signal so as to separate the corresponding program data signal from the selected one digital signal; transmitting the one corresponding program data signal to a communicator; receiving the transmitted one corresponding program data signal; and, communicating the received one corresponding program data signal via the communicator.
Finally, under the objects of the present invention, a handheld apparatus for communicating program information corresponding to digital data is disclosed comprising: receiving means for receiving a program data signal corresponding to a digital track; processing means, coupled to the receiving means, for processing the received program data signal; and, communicating means, coupled to the processing means, for communicating the processed program data signal.
The communicating means under the present invention could take the form of a standard remote control, i.e. a hand-held unit with a display of some sort. The display could be a liquid crystal or other suitable technology. A benefit of having the display in a remote unit under the present invention is that the cost of the display need not be included in the base unit. The display can be a value-added extra-cost feature. It can thus be seen as a means of increasing revenue, or of making the service more affordable to those not desiring the feature.
The communicating means under the present invention could also take the form of a table-mounted unit. It could use a larger display than might be possible on a hand-held remote. It could also use ac power instead of batteries and thus power a brighter and larger display more suitable for low light viewing. The control and display functions could be separated into two individual units.
The base subscriber terminal could automatically update the remote display/control unit whenever there has been a change in programming. This, however, may result in brief intervals during which the use of other remote controls might be disrupted. Instead, the communications may be structured such that for information to be sent from the base subscriber terminal, it must be polled from the remote unit. Memory could be used in either the base unit or the remote to store information on previous selections. This information could be recalled by the user on demand.
The communications link between the base subscriber terminal and the remote unit could use radio frequencies, infrared, visible light, acoustical transmission through air, or other wireless means. The concept could also be extended to carrying the information on the household power lines, telephone wires, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable or means other than the direct connection of a cable to the base unit.
These and other advantages of the present invention may be appreciated from studying the following detailed description together with the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a blocked diagram of the overall system in the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a detailed block diagram of the encoding and transmitter portion of the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the encoding portion of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the receiving portion of the present invention;
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the digital music tuner;
FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the application specific integrated circuit shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 shows a block diagram for the remote communication device of the present invention; and,
FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a simplified frame format using the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an overall system in the present invention is described. The present invention will be described with respect to transmitting audio signals with program data. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may, instead of transmitting audio with corresponding program data, transmit any of the following, with corresponding program data: television, games, software, video, and other combinations of audio/video or software information.
Compact disc players 10-1 through 10-n provide a plurality of digital audio signals to the present invention. These CD players may be the so called "jukebox" type wherein up to sixty or more compact discs may be stored and accessible by the player.
The digital audio signals from CD players 10-1 through 10-n are input to encoders 20-1 through 20-n which will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3. Controller and music database 30-1 through 30-k controls the output of CD players 10-1 through 10-n and any respective selection of compact discs within these players and also provides a database containing program data with a one to one correspondence to the tracks contained on the compact discs. This program data includes title, track, artist, publisher, composer, song identification and play time information blocks for each song contained on a compact disc. These program data signals could also include other information relevant to describing the particular track contained on a compact disc, as those skilled in the art can appreciate. For example, if the information were historical audio data, information on the time and place such data was first conceived or transmitted may also be contained within this program information. Additionally, if the digital signals transmitted contained video information, the corresponding program data signals would relate to the video program being transmitted, for example, the title, actors, director, publisher, year, or other relevant information.
The plurality of digital audio signals inputted by the CD players 10-1 through 10-n are combined in encoders 20-1 through 20-n with the program data signals inputted by controller and music databases 30-1 through 30-k. The combined signals from encoders 20-1 through 20-n are then inputted into multiplexer 40 which combines the signals into a serial digital data stream.
Additional signals may be combined with the digital audio and program information signals. Subscriber control 45 contains information on various subscribers who may receive the digital audio data produced by the present invention. This subscriber information stored in subscriber control 45 is multiplexed with the digital audio and program data signals in multiplexer 40, producing a serial digital data stream containing digital audio, program information, and national subscriber information.
The serial digital audio/program data stream from multiplexer 40 is input into the digital satellite transmitter 50 and broadcast, via satellite, to digital satellite receiver 60. However, those skilled in the art will realize that any delivery system, not just satellite transmission, may be used, such as cable television (CATV), microwave distribution (MDS or MMDS), telephone systems, terrestial broadcasts, and other coaxial or optical cable lines.
The previously described transmitter section will be more fully discussed with reference to FIG. 2, while the following receiver section will be more fully described with reference to FIG. 4. Digital satellite receiver 60 transfers the digital data to headend processing 70 which in turns converts and sends the information to digital cable modulators 75. The digital audio data is then added with signals from other cable modulators in summing circuit 80 and sent over a cable distribution system.
The cable distribution system includes line amplifiers 90 for boosting the signal and compensating for any line loss. System tap 85 directs the combined signal to a subscriber's premises and into digital music tuner 100. Digital music tuner 100, more fully described with respect to FIG. 5, selects the channel containing the digital audio and program data signals. Additionally, digital music tuner 100 separates the digital audio signal from the program information signal. The digital audio signal is converted to analog, amplified and output on a subscriber's audio electronics, while the program information signal is processed and sent to a local display or remote using information display 200. The demultiplexing and decoding of the signals is discussed more fully with reference to FIG. 6. These displays then communicate to the subscriber the particular program information corresponding to an audio track currently being listened to by the subscriber. The remote music information display is more fully described with respect to FIG. 7.
Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the studio and transmitter, or uplink, section of the present invention is described. Compact disc players 10-1 through 10-n are driven by microcomputers 15-1 through 15-n. Microcomputers 15-1 through 15-n could be IBM Model AT microcomputers. These microcomputers are in turn controlled by the studio sequencing master controllers 30-1 through 30-k. These master controllers 30-1 through 30-k include a database containing the program information described above. These master controllers are preferably IBM Model PS/2 microcomputers or other computers containing a 386 type microprocessors.
The digital audio output from CD players 10-1 through 10-n is input into encoders 20-1 through 20-n along with program information supplied by master controllers 30-1 through 30-k. Encoders 20-1 through 20-n combined the digital audio signals with the program data signals and output the combined signal to system data multiplexers 40-1 and 40-2. Preferably, the outputs of 30 encoders 20-1 through 20-30 are input into multiplexers 40-1 and 40-2 where the signals are time division multiplexed. Multiplexers 40-1 and 40-2 may include error correction encoding using, for example, Hamming encoding or Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghen (BCH) encoding, or other error correcting/encoding methods known by those skilled in the art.
Billing system 47 includes subscriber information of the present invention and national control information and may be comprised of an IBM Model PS/2 microcomputer. The subscriber information and other billing system data would be contained within a large database within billing system 47. Typical billing system data could include, for example, identity, location, etc. for subscribers and their current billing status. Billing system information from billing system 47 is input into the system manager digital audio controller 45. System manager 45 is preferably comprised of a series 8500 System Manager manufactured by Scientific Atlanta or a similar product. System manager digital audio controller 45 controls master controllers 30-1 through 30-k. Additionally, the system manager 45 may also input subscriber data from the subscriber database within billing system 47 into multiplexers 40-1 and 40-2.
The subscriber information may be combined with the digital audio and program signals through multiplexers 40-1 and 40-2. Multiplexers 40-1 and 40-2 provide the master clock to all the decoders 20-1 through 20-n and to satellite exciters 53-1 and 53-2. The output of multiplexers 40-1 and 40-2 is a 34 megabits per second (Mbps) data stream comprising the preferred 30 channels outputted by the 30 encoders 20-1 through 20-30.
Relay circuit 43 provides fault protection so as to switch the system to multiplexers 40-2 and 40-2 from multiplexer 40-1 in event of a fault. The outputs from multiplexers 40-1 and 40-2 are two coaxial cables, for plus and minus balanced connections. These balanced coaxial cables are used from the output of multiplexers 40-1 and 40-2 through satellite transmitting and receiving electronics. The combined signal from multiplexer 40-1 passes through relay 43 into fiber-optic transmitter 49. Fiber-optic transmitter 49 transports the signal from the studio to the transmitter site and into fiber-optic receiver 51. The output of the fiber-optic receiver drives an offset quadrature phase shift keying (OQPSK) satellite modulator 50. The signals is then up converted, amplified and transmitted to the satellite, as more fully described below.
The signals are received from fiber-optic transmitter 49 into fiber-optic receiver 51 in transmitter 50. From fiber-optic receiver 51 the signals pass through fault protection relay 52-1 into OQPSK Exciter 53-1. The digital signals from OQPSK exciter 53-1 enter splitter 57-1 and through fault protection relay 52-2. Thereafter, the signals pass through an upconverter 58-1. From upconverter 58-1 the signals pass through switch 56-1 into high powered amplifier 59-1 and once again through switch circuit 56-2 and then transmitted. The transmitting is preferably performed via a satellited. The transmission may also occur via coaxial cables or fiber-optic cables.
Redundancy control logic 55 controls transmitter 50, so in the event of a fault, redundant circuitry is activated. Specifically, redundancy control logic 55 controls relays 52-1 and 52-2 and switches 56-1 and 56-2 so as to switch to redundant exciter 53-2 and splitter 57-2, redundant up converter 58-2 and high powered amplifier 59-2.
Referring to FIG. 3, a more detailed block diagram of an encoder 20-1 is described. Outputs from CD players 10 are input to multiplexer 31. Preferably, the outputs from 16 CD players 10-1 through 10-16 are input into multiplexer 31 where their signals are combined and output as two channels to rate synchronizers 33-1 and 33-2. The rate synchronized signals are then input into mixer and signal compressor 35. Mixer and signal compressor 35 preferably uses the data compression format described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,537, incorporated herein by reference. Mixer and data compressor 35 is controlled by input signals from master controller 30-1 which also inputs the program data signals corresponding to the digital audio signals. The digital audio signals are compressed, program data signals are mixed therewith, and then the mixed signal is input into frame sync detector and output formatter 37. Circuit 37 may also include circuitry to encrypt the mixed and compressed signals using, for example, the Data Encryption Standard (DES) or using other similar encryption techniques known in the art. Circuit 37 may include error correction encoding using, for example, Hamming encoding or Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghen (BCH) encoding, or other error correcting/encoding methods known by those skilled in the art. Hamming encoding is disclosed in Electronic Engineers Reference Book, edited by F. Mazda, page 32/10, incorporated herein by reference.
The audio data is clocked into and out of circuits 33-1, 33-2, 35 and 37 at a rate 44.1 kilosamples per second. The mixed compressed and encrypted signals are output of circuit 37 at 1.12896 Mbps in Applicant's preferred embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 4, the mixed, compressed and encrypted signal is received in the C-band via satellite receive antenna and amplified and block converted in a low-noise block converter 63, along with other satellite distributed signals. The signal is output in the L-band at 950 to 1450 megahertz and input into splitter 65 where the audio signal is input into OQPSK receiver 67. Receiver 67 demodulates the OQPSK information and provides one 34 Mbps signal stream containing the preferred 30 satellite distributed channels. The 34 Mbps signal is output of receiver 37 at 34 megahertz clock rate into demultiplexer 70. Preferably, demultiplexer 70 is a 1:6 demultiplexer which separates the single data stream into six channels containing 5.6 Mbps digital audio and program data each. These six channels contain five stations each.
The signals are clocked at 11 megahertz to modulators 75-1 through 75-6. Each modulator 75-1 through 75-6 is a nine state quadrature partial response (9-QPR) modulator capable of handling five stations and each occupying a 3 megahertz bandwidth. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one may also use phase shift key modulation or other modulation methods known in the art with fewer or greater numbers of states.
The modulated signals from modulators 75-1 through 75-6 are combined in radio frequency combiner 80 along with other modulated signals from other cable modulators 77. Modulators 75-1 through 75-6 digitally filter the data, quadrature partial response (QPR) modulate and convert the data to the selected output frequency for combining with other modulated channels 77 in the present cable television system. Each block of five stereo pairs occupies 3 megahertz of band width and can be carried in half of one 6 megahertz video channel of the present cable television system. Since the present system uses a common 6 megahertz video channel, no modifications of current CATV distribution system equipment is required.
The combined signals from RF combiner 80 are distributed over a coaxial cable or fiber-optic distribution system into a subscriber's home. Directional coupler 85 directs most of the signal to video set top terminal 87. A sample of the signal is sent from directional coupler 85, at a loss of 10 decibels to digital music tuner 100. Tuner 100 is controlled by either a plain remote 201 or a music information display remote 200. Additionally, tuner 100 outputs left and right analog audio signals, and may also output an optional digital signal output.
Referring to FIG. 5, a block diagram of digital music tuner 100 is shown. The digital audio and program data signal is inputted from directional coupler 85 into set top terminal tuner 110. This tuner preferably includes phase locked loop circuitry. The signal from tuner 110 is amplified by amplifier 115 and filtered by saw filter 120 before being demodulated by demodulator 125. Tuner 110 converts the selected radio frequency channel to a demodulation intermediate frequency. The output of demodulator 125 is QPR demodulated to produce a 5.6 Mbps data stream containing five stereo pair of digital audio data to applications specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 140. Demodulator 125 also provides an automatic gain control signal 130 to tuner 110 to maintain constant signal level. Additionally, demodulator 125 provides data to clock recovery phase locked loop (PLL) 135. Data clock PLL 135 contains a 33.8 megahertz crystal 137 from timing purposes.
This timing signal is sent to ASIC 140, which will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 6. ASIC 140 provides a digital audio output to interface 170. Interface 170 uses the Sony-Philips digital interface format (SPDIF). Similarly, the digital audio signals are input from ASIC 140 to digital to audio converter 160. From digital to audio converter 160, the analog left and right audio signals are filtered through filters 165-1 and 165-2 and input into bypass 170. Bypass 170 allows additional audio components (e.g., a CD player or tape deck) to be switchably connected with the digital music tuner 100.
Microprocessor 150 controls phase locked loop of tuner 110, ASIC 140, digital to analog converter 160 and bypass 170. The program data signal from ASIC 140 is sent to microprocessor 150 where it is stored in internal memory of the microprocessor, and may be displayed on front panel interface 180 or transmitted through remote control transmitter 190. Remote control receiver 195 may select particular program data information or audio channels through microprocessor 150.
Power supply 175 would supply both positive five volts digital and analog power, and a negative five volt supply to the system. Positive 12 volt and positive 30 volt power supply signals are also provided from power supply 175. Additionally, tuner 100 would preferably have input means, e.g., push buttons or toggle switches, on the exterior of its housing (not shown). These input means would allow selection of channels, stations, display of program data, and display of particular information blocks contained in the program data signal. Additional selections or inputs may be provided as those skilled in the art recognize.
Referring to FIG. 6, a more detailed block diagram of ASIC 140 is provided. The signal from demodulator 125 is input into demodulator support circuit 141 which comprises logic circuitry (e.g., flip-flops) required in demodulation of the signal. The signal from demodulator support circuit 141 is then input into demultiplexer 143 which separates the 5.6 Mbps data stream to select one of five stereo pairs of digital audio signals. This signal is then sent to decrypting circuit 145. The decrypted signal is then separated in signal separator 148 where program data is sent to microprocessor in/out circuit 149 while audio data is sent and decoded in circuit 147. Decoder 147 uses the data decompression technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,537, incorporated herein by reference.
Microprocessor in/out, address and control circuit 149 interfaces with microprocessor 150. All circuits within ASIC 140 are driven by clock 146. Memory 144 stores bits of data to support the demultiplexing, decrypting and decoding functions occurring in circuits 143, 145 and 147 respectively. The memory may be of a nonvolatile type such as an EPROM or similar ROM memory or may be a volatile type RAM memory supported by battery 171, preferably a lithium type battery. Such a battery 175 would prevent loss of data stored in memory 144.
Referring to FIG. 7, a block diagram of the remote music information display unit 200 is shown. Program data signals are received by receiver 201 from remote control transmitter 190. Preferably, infrared transmitter and receivers 190, 195, 201 and 205 are used. However, radio frequency, ultrasonic, wire, fiber-optic cables or other means could be used as those skilled in the art can appreciate. The received signal is then input into processor 203 which processes and sends the program data signal to display 209 for communicating program data corresponding to currently playing audio track to a subscriber. Display 209 may be a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode, a braille reader, a voice synthesizer or a cathode-ray tube or any other communicating device as may be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Audible or tactile communicating means would allow communication of the program data signals to subscribers with disabilites, as would the use of a remote unit.
Input means shown as keyboard 207 may receive program data selection commands or audio track commands from a subscriber which are sent to processor 203. Keyboard 207 may also include means to allow a subscriber to control volume, power, channel selection, station selection, display, or other suitable subscriber commands that those skilled in the art appreciate. Processor 203 then converts and transmits the subscriber command signal to transmitter 205 which is received by remote control receiver 195. The received signal from receiver 195 is input into microprocessor 150 where appropriate signals are sent therefrom to ASIC 140 and tuner 110 so as to bring about the subscriber's desired audio track, audio channel or program information.
Repeaters could be placed throughout a dwelling to extend the range of the display/control unit. Additionally, processor 203 could contain memory for storing various information, particularly program information.
In an alternative embodiment, the remote display unit may display only a code number representing the program data signals, whereby a subscriber may reference the number in printed material for a full description of the currently playing audio track. The printed material could be a publication which would rotate monthly or weekly as the programs on respective stations change. Such a system would allow for a smaller display on the remote unit, and thus be less costly to a subscriber. Such a printed publication would also allow a subscriber to determine which programs were playing on the various channels.
Additionally, the remote display unit or turner 100 could display, upon a subscriber's request, program data corresponding to data being transmitted on channels not currently being listened to/viewed by the subscriber. In this way, a subscriber may scan what is being broadcast on alternate channels while listening to a currently playing channel.
The preferred thirty stereo audio stations are multiplexed as follows. Groups of five stations are formatted into a frame of data. Six such frames are interleaved bit by bit for transmission over the satellite. Each such frame containing five stations has a header. This header is used by the headend demultiplexer 70 to deinterleave the satellite received data into six frames of five stations each. The header is also used in the ASIC 140 to synchronize on the frame. A second header contains subscriber control transaction data. This second header would preferably include channel and subscriber transaction data as previously described with respective billing system 47. The headers include additional bits for error detection.
Following the headers, compressed audio data with its associated program data is sent. Audio data for each station includes a seven bit "k factor" and a three bit "exponent" for each block of nine samples as described in previously referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,573. Five such k factor and exponent blocks for each station are included in each frame.
The audio and program data for the five stations in the frame are interleaved bit by bit. That is, the first bit is sent for station No. 1, followed by the first bit for station No. 2 and so on until the first bit of each station has been sent. Then the second bit of each station is sent and so on. After the last audio data bits in each block of nine samples have been sent, the program data bits are sent in the same manner. Thus, the program data for each station is multiplexed in the frame with its associated station so that when the frame is demultiplexed or rearranged, the program information for that station is kept with its station. The advantage of multiplexing the program information with the audio data is that one may easily process the combined signal without fear of scrambling channels of audio data with their respective program information. Error correction and detection bits are also sent with the audio data and the program data.
Two program data bits are sent in the same block together with every nine compressed samples (100 bits) of audio data. This effectively provides a data channel of about 9800 baud used to transmit program data information. The information is sent in ASCII representation, but could easily be sent in other formats such as EBCDIC as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. FIG. 8 shows the program information as preferably sent and the size of each field in the present embodiment. Other information can be sent, such as music classification for selection of station by music type, special event announcements, or other such information, known by those skilled in the art.


text:
Thank You For Shopping Bits and Pieces!
Expires August 31
Winter Porch Chatter is a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle designed by artist Sam Timm. Winter birds have gathered on a railing to chat and watch the sunset on this crisp winter eve. Cardinals, chickadees and a bluebird perch on snow-covered evergreens while families emerge from church service.
• This scenic bird puzzle is a great gift for nature and nostalgia lovers.
• This jigsaw puzzle is made of recycled cardboard
• 500 piece jigsaws have a medium difficulty level
• This panoramic jigsaw puzzle measures 13-3/4" x 39"
• Add puzzle accessories to your order so you can glue, frame and display your puzzle


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Beyond the Archives
Archives serve as institutional memory. They provide evidence of the past and promote accountability and transparency of past actions. Archival record can be in any format including paper documents, photographs, maps, films, sound recordings, electronic records, documentary art, or architectural drawings. The mandate of the United Nations Archives is to collect and preserve the records of the United Nations Secretariat and its field operations. Beyond this scope, there are many archives around the world with archives that are complimentary to the ones at the United Nations.
Many offices, associated with the United Nations Secretariat publish reports, statistics, photos and other documentation on their own websites.
The Yearbook of the United Nations —published by the Department of Public Information—stands as the authoritative reference work on the activities and concerns of the Organization. Based on official UN documents, the Yearbook provides comprehensive coverage of political and security matters, human rights issues, economic and social questions, legal issues, and institutional, administrative and budgetary matters. There are many other yearbooks produced by various UN organizations and related agencies.
The Dag Hammarskjöld Library provides research and information to support the work of United Nations Member States. As an integral part of the UN Organization, the Library also aids in the dissemination of UN information to a wider public audience through online services, and a global depository library network. The Library collects print and digital copies of UN documents, publications and a variety of other material produced by the Organization, such as maps and press releases. Their Guide to Official Documents explains how to search records of the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, and Trusteeship Council.
UN Multimedia provides access to official Video and Photo collections. These materials illustrate the work of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, deliver humanitarian aid, promote sustainable development, and uphold international law.
The historic archive of the United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law aims to preserve, in a vivid and informative manner, the audiovisual heritage of the United Nations in the progressive development and codification of international law and thereby promote a better understanding of the essential role of the United Nations in the advancement of the rule of law.
"Every treaty and every international agreement entered into by any Member of the United Nations ... shall as soon as possible be registered with the Secretariat and published by it." (Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations). The United Nations Treaty Collection (UNTC) is a global portal providing on-line access to comprehensive information relating to the work of the Treaty Section.
Most of the art works displayed in the United Nations Headquarters in New York have been presented as gifts or donations to the organization. General Assembly resolution 63/270 of 7 April 2009 requested the Secretary-General to create a gift registry. The Dag Hammarskjöld Library has a gifts reference guide for more information, and you can search some of the gifts in the UN Archives Historic Items and Gifts Collection.
Current and former peace operations can be searched through the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Also of note is Global Peacekeeping Data and a brief history of peacekeeping.
UN Member States on the Record provides links to selected UN databases, websites, and other information resources, in order to make the record of Member States' activities at the UN more accessible. Information available for each Member State includes: the key documents related to its membership in the UN; statements made before the principal organs; draft resolutions sponsored; periodic reports submitted on Human Rights conventions, and more.
Meeting Coverage and Press Releases for the Secretary-General, General Assembly, Security Council and Economic and Social Council.
The Journal of the United Nations lists daily official, informal and forthcoming meetings, as well as lists of documents, signatures and ratifications, press conference and general information.
International Organizations
The UN Archives collects original unpublished material created by the United Nations Secretariat (as well as some organizations that existed and closed before the founding of the UN). There are other agencies within the UN system and in the international community that have public archival and/or library collections:
- ADB – Asian Development Bank (Manilla, Philippines)
- CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva, Switzerland)
- EC – European Commission (Brussels, Belgium)
- ESA – European Space Agency (Firenze, Italy)
- ESCAP - United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok, Thailand)
- ESCWA - United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (Beirut, Lebanon)
- EUI – Historic Archives of the European Union (Firenze, Italy)
- FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Rome, Italy)
- IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (Vienna, Austria)
- IBE - International Bureau of Education (Geneva, Switzerland)
- ICCROM – International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (Rome, Italy)
- ICJ - International Court of Justice (The Hague, Netherlands)
- ICRC – International Committee of the Red Cross (Geneva, Switzerland)
- IFRC – International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Geneva, Switzerland)
- ILO - International Labour Organization (Geneva, Switzerland)
- IMF – International Monetary Fund (Washington, DC, United States)
- ITU - International Telecommunication Union (Geneva, Switzerland)
- IRMCT - United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (The Hague,The Netherlands, and Arusha, Tanzania)
- NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Brussels, Belgium)
- OECD – Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (Paris, France)
- UN – United Nations Archives (New York, United States)
- UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Paris, France)
- UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva, Switzerland)
- UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund (New York, United States) [closed for research]
- UNOG - United Nations Office at Geneva (Geneva, Switzerland)
- UNRWA - United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (online)
- UPU – Universal Postal Union (Berne, Switzerland)
- WB – World Bank Group (Washington, DC, United States)
- WHO - World Health Organization (Geneva, Switzerland)
- WIPO - World Intellectual Property Organization (Geneva, Switzerland)
- WTO –World Trade Organization (Geneva, Switzerland)
Many thanks to UNESCO and CWHIP for compiling the basis of this list.
General Archive Resources
- Access to Archives of Intergovernmental Organizations
- Code of Ethics for Archivists
- Global Resources Human Rights Archives and Documentation Project
- Guide to Archives of Intergovernmental Organizations
- Human Rights Working Group
- International Council on Archives
- International Records Management Trust


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Hope everyone enjoyed their holidays with friends and family.
I spent December with 'zero' sewing. A bit upsetting as I had a Christmas top cut out but no time to sew. So we opted to re-wear what we have; mine is a 2012 Christmas Alma and Mom with her 2013 Black Lace with Purple/White Chrysanthemum Alma-Laurel (I still want a long-sleeve Alma for myself).
The one thing I did a lot of was ironing as my parents gifted me an iron back in November.


text: Just outside the village on Pinchbeck Marsh stands Pinchbeck Engine Museum, a Victorian beam engine built to fight the floods and drain the surrounding land. Ken gave me a great tour, sharing newspaper reports of the destructive floods of 1947 and stories about Charles Seymour, the last man to look after the engine. Until his retirement in 1952 Charles managed, mended and maintained the Pinchbeck steam engine for 43 years. He lived and worked on site, to stoke and run the steam engine. Ken showed me the bald wooden shelf next within a few feet of the furness where Charles would have rested on nights when he needed to keep the fire stoked 24 hours a day to keep the land from flooding. I was particularly drawn to the display of tools in one room, handmade and unique to the Fenlands, with strange shapes and stranger names – prongs for eel hunting and funny shaped scoops for ditch clearing. Ken then showed me the on site workshop, complete with forge, where Charles would have crafted some of these items and made repairs for the engine. Today this steam engine contrasts with the unmanned electric pumping station next door, but it has a new life as a museum, celebrating and sharing its contribution to the story of the Fens.


text: On February 2nd the single Damage Done will be available for free download on our music page for 24 hours. Due to pending distribution agreement, the release of Damage Done and She Moved Me will be delayed until further notice. The two songs will be released as an EP with an additional special bonus track in late February, early March. Check back here for further updates.


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After the introductory niceties, the video continues with an amusing discussion of how to list occupation on tax forms. Amusingly, the ACORN tax specialist suggests calling her a "performance artist."
"It's not dancing, trust me," the law student admits.
"But dancing is considered an art," the ACORN staff member assures him. The ACORN staff member agrees when he says that "Sex is kind of like dancing, right." Strippers, the official says, "Usually go under performing arts, which will be what you are — a performing artist."
The ACORN official tells her needn't claim all of her $8,000 a month in income because she can claim tax write offs for clothing and grooming aids. After that, the law student divulges his plan to import and prostitute 13 underage girls from El Salvador. Yes, the ACORN official says, that would trespass the law, but the IRS would consider them dependents with the right paperwork.
"What if they are going to be making money because they are performing tricks too?" the inquisitive beau asks.
The ACORN tax specialist explains that they aren't legal anyway and that "They don't even exist." Another staff member tells them to claim the girls are "Exchange Students," and then assures the pair, "Don't worry. You're fine." She also warns the two to "Make sure they go to school."
"But they can still work?" the law student asks.
"They can still work, but they need to go to school."
The first ACORN tax specialist then explains how the pair can use child tax credits for some of the young prostitutes, but not to claim all of them. "I wouldn't put no more than three," she advises.
At one point, the tax specialist tells her to stop calling herself a prostitute. Unsurprisingly, a national ACORN spokesman went nuts over the video. "The portrayal is false and defamatory and an attempt at gotcha journalism. ACORN wants to see the full video before commenting further."
Clearly, the film crew was successful in Baltimore, but in any event this type of blatant disregard for the law is typical of ACORN. Its shenangians during the presidential 2008 election were widely reported, and this week ACORN officials turned in 11 of their own workers for falsifying voter registrations in Florida.
40,000 fake voter resgistrations from the '08 election
There were 26 charges of compensation for registration of voters and 13 charges of being a "principal" in the incident in Nevada. In Nevada, it is unlawful for a person to provide compensation for registering voters. Larry Lomax, the registrar of voters in Las Vegas, says he believes 48% of Acorn's forms "are clearly fraudulent."
Federal and state authorities in Miami are still searching for five of the 11 people suspected of falsifying information on hundreds of voter registration cards -- including registering the name of the late actor Paul Newman. Arrest warrants have been issued in Miami for 11 people suspected of falsifying information on hundreds of voter registration cards last year. The case involved nearly 900 fraudulent voter cards in the Homestead area.
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New stats from Microsoft suggest that app developers for the Windows Phone platform should probably give a little more than just cursory head-nod to lower-powered devices. As Microsoft found in its analysis of Windows Store downloads from this past November, 71 percent of all app downloads came from what it describes as "low-memory devices."
A low-memory device, in Microsoft terms, is a Windows Phone 7 device that only has up to 256MB of RAM or a Windows Phone 8 device that only has up to 512MB of RAM. Nokia's Lumia 520a 512MB Windows Phone 8 smartphoneis currently the most popular Windows Phone device right now, Microsoft notes. Additionally, the top five devices based on Windows Phone Store downloads in November were all low-memory devices; expand to the top ten, and low-memory devices took up seven spots.
"With 71% of downloads now coming from low-memory devices, you can more than double your potential market by optimizing your app to run on low memory devices. If that's not possible, consider creating a version with lower memory requirements to offer alongside your primary apps," suggests Microsoft, in a related blog post.
As before, the most popular category for app downloads from the Windows Store or Windows Phone Store was games. Though the specific rankings for the categories in second through fourth place shifted around since Microsoft's last big update in September, the categories themselves remained the same: Tools & Productivity, Music & Videos, and Social.
Though it's no secret that most of the top-grossing apps in the Windows Store and Windows Phone Store all use in-app downloads for to generate revenue, there doesn't appear to be a benefit for keeping one's in-app costs low.
"While the majority of in-app purchases in the Windows Phone Store are at price points below $2.00, the top 3 highest grossing price points, ordered by total revenue, are $9.99, $4.99, and $19.99. In short, in-app pricing does not have to be low to be profitable," reads Microsoft's blog.
Further Reading
- Google Removes Android Version of Fortnite from Google Play Store
- Apple Pulls Fortnite from iOS App Store, Epic Games Hits Back With Lawsuit
- These Are the Apps We Miss Right Now
- TikTok Violated Google Policy by Collecting Android User Data
- More in Mobile Apps


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Ordinary Doctors Doing Extraordinary Things
Social media's leading physician voice, Kevin Pho, MD, shares the stories of the many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from. Welcome to The Podcast by KevinMD.
The business podcast for physicians and health care leaders.
Two medical residents podcasting with a purpose: to learn and spread knowledge
We showcase the powerful work nurses do each day. Join us in conversations with nurses leading the way in nursing science, policy and innovation.
Solutions to Healthcare's Problems
Inspiring stories highlighting innovative and human-centered solutions driven by nurses addressing today's most challenging healthcare problems.
Health Unchained hosts conversations with blockchain/healthcare professionals who are disrupting the health industry.
Experts share their invaluable insights into the mode of transmission and pathophysiology of the COVID-19 virus
Weekly Editors' Audio Summary for JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Highlights from our world-class medical conferences. Curated. Portable. Trusted.
Patient Convert Podcast delivers healthcare marketing insights and the latest digital strategies to help providers and health systems reach new patients.


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David Cameron's outwitting of Alex Salmond has probably saved the Union – and it is a warning to anyone in Labour who thinks the next election is in the bag.
The Prime Minister played the First Minister like a fiddle to secure a one-question referendum on Scotland's future.
Cameron, whose previous interest in the lands north of Hadrian's Wall seemed confined to shooting Bambis on his stepfather-in-law's estate, saw Salmond dance to his tune.
He didn't shout or issue threats but co-ordinated pressure with Labour and the Lib Dems to exploit the hubris of a majority SNP regime in Edinburgh unable to avoid a showdown.
Denied the safety net of a fallback position on greater devolution, Salmond is poised to be the separatist who put independence off the agenda for a generation by losing a national vote.
Poll on top of poll suggests autumn 2014 will not be an SNP victory reviving memories of Bannockburn but a defeat on the scale of Culloden.
Salmond would be the Nick Clegg of Scotland, a Tartan failure bracketed in history with the Deputy PM who dropped the Liberal Democrat's Holy Grail of electoral reform.
Cameron, on the other hand, avoids the fate of Lord North, a Tory Premier who lost the American colonies.
Labour's Westminster leadership is quietly cheering Crafty Cameron and his outmanoeuvring of slippery Salmond.
Stripped of Scottish seats in the House of Commons if Britain was Balkanised, Gordon Brown may have gone down in the record books as Labour's last ever Premier.
But Cameron is saving Britain because he's a Unionist rather than an upper class Labour Fifth Columnist.
The truce is over Scotland only and Cameron's Tory arsenal, bought and paid for by banksters and speculators, will blast Ed Miliband all the way to General Election Day in May 2015.
The steel behind Cameron's smirk is what leaves him a foe to be reckoned with.
He deceived voters to stumble into No 10 and will trick and lie to prolong a Downing Street occupation.
Those in the Labour Party who reckon its marching back to power deceive themselves.
Stitching up Salmond is a reminder Cameron is down but far from out.
What are the Tory toffs scared of?
BLAIR and Brown were models of accountability compared with the current PM.
Cowardly Cameron's not held a no-holds-barred Downing Street press conference for 18 months.
But Dodgy Dave's record is better than George Osborne's, Terrified of the Treasury never opening himself to scrutiny.
What are the Tory toffs scared of?
Why Theresa May is wrong on lawlessness and disorder
SUICIDE Bomber Hussain Osman proved why Theresa May is wrong on lawlessness and disorder.
The fugitive was repatriated to Britain from Italy without fuss after fleeing London when he failed to maim and kill Tube passengers in July 2005.
Police used a European arrest warrant to get their hands on a terrorist who, with three others, planned a second wave of mass murder in the capital.
Detonators failed and all four got life with a minimum of 40 years. Yet the Home Secretary foolishly wants to limit co-operation with our country's Continental partners.
No wonder criminals think it's Christmas every day while she's Home Secretary.
Rank and smile - favours for military's to brass
MILITARY top brass enjoy a gentleman's lifestyle (grace and favour homes, butlers, chauffeurs) courtesy of the public purse followed by retirement on generous pensions.
The Royal British Legion's now ex-president, Lt Gen Sir John Kiszely, is the first casualty of the Generals for Hire arms exposure but he shouldn't be the last.
It's said that if the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it.
I doubt the same would be said of Cameron crony General Lord Dannatt, an ex-Army chief who entertained investigators posing as arms dealers in a Beefeater-guarded apartment.
Genl Dannatt, Constable of the Tower, thought £100,000 "reasonable" for two days work a month. I bet he did.
A private in Afghanistan's paid £17,265 a year for a seven-day week.
I know who deserves a nice pad on the Thames, and it isn't the retired officer who thinks he's worth six soldiers for a job on the side.
Bungling Aidan Burley is trade unionists' dream
OLYMPIC party pooper Aidan Burley, sacked as a Ministerial aide over his role in a Nazi stag party, is emerging as trade unionists' dream.
The penny's dropped with the brothers that as long as Burley heads a Tory body demanding unions be shackled, they'll be cut a bit of slack.
Bungling Burley's biggest supporters are his enemies who fear an opponent with credibility!
Lunatics in charge at Broadmoor
THE lunatic was in charge of the asylum when Jimmy Savile was handed the keys to Broadmoor.
Staff in the high-security psychiatric hospital thought Ronnie Kray was sane compared with the tracksuited paedophile.
Thatcher's lot appointing Savile to head up a taskforce into how staff treated patients should be a warning.
Not many celebs may be paedos but jobs for stars, the Jim'll Fix It stunts, seldom solve problems and often backfire.
When wit can win the day
WIT is a potent political weapon and demos are – honest – fun.
I loved a student placard declaring "Admission: Impossible" after university fees were trebled.
The slogan "The Revolution Will Not Be Privatised" was sharp, another marchers' "Down with this sort of thing" inspired.
I'll be looking for the funniest banner slogans on Saturday's TUC march and rally in London to make A Future That Works.
If anyone beats "They told me there'd be biscuits" I'll buy them a cup of tea.
Points of disorder 1: Branson should run trains for nowt
FAT Controller Patrick McLoughlin should demand Richard Branson runs trains for nowt.
Virgin's boss offered a free deal to avoid losing the hugely profitable West Coast lines.
Instead I bet the billionaire beardy smirks all the way to a tax haven after the franchise crash.
The Transport Department's off the rails and we pay a high price for monumental failure.
Points of disorder 2: gerrymandering's dead
CAMERON squandering millions more on parliamentary boundary changes is throwing good money after bad.
Gerrymandering's dead after Dozy Dems suddenly clocked they'd lose 20 seats so the Cons could gain 20.
Britain has too many national politicians but it's 813 unelected Lords who should be culled, not 650 elected MPs.
Going up: Labour star Yvette Cooper
LABOUR star Yvette Cooper tasered Home Secretary Theresa May with a long charge sheet of crimes against the police.
Going down: Andrew "plebs" Mitchell
STRIPPED of authority to discipline Con MPs, Cameron's Chief Whip Andrew "plebs" Mitchell is in high office but not in power.


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To achieve the perfect system balance and ensure you get the highest quality experience from your pump solution investment, it is important to get the pump(s) correctly commissioned. By choosing an industry expert such as Grundfos Service you have the assurance that with complex systems, a lot of things that have the capacity to go wrong, will operate effectively and efficiently.
Energy analysis/audits
A great opportunity for saving energy can be achieved by reviewing pump products and installations. This is because most currently installed pumps are larger than necessary for the job at hand, often using 60% more energy than they should. Working out the efficiency of your pumping solutions is complex this is why at Grundfos Service we have developed a range of tools that can accurately assess your current pump system performance and make recommendations about what steps you can take to ...
Fire Service
Reliability and optimum performance are key for anyone using and relying on fire pumps to supply any sprinkler system. Grundfos Service Ltd can provide peace of mind and ease the ownership with the provision of: Servicing (diesel, electric and combinations); testing and system testing; commissioning; installation; general maintenance; workshop service; repair and overhaul and 24/7 call-out option.
One aspect that has been recently highlighted as playing a very important role in contributing to a buildings energy use was for business to look at re-commissioning a buildings' central plant equipment - such as the pumps - at least every five years.
Recommended spare parts
When you need to purchase spare parts, our recommended spare parts give you additional quality assurance and are the best way of achieving results that will help to prolong pump service life. Grundfos provide a wide range of spare parts or replacement components for obsolete products for up to 10 years after production has ceased.
Remote monitoring
GRM Solution Management is an efficient and cost effective alternative to costly SCADA systems or similar. With our Internet-based solution, you get a little extra overview with reliable performance data from your pumping installation at a very low cost, and with complete system security and reliability.
Service agreements
It goes without saying that once you have purchased your pump you want it functioning efficiently and reliably – all day, every day. The most effective way to achieve this on a longer term basis is via a service agreement. This will ensure your pumps are maintained to the highest standard, reducing unscheduled downtime, improving reliability and reducing energy consumption and running costs.
Service kits
Ensuring years of trouble-free and energy-efficient pump operation requires proper maintenance and effective repairs, which in turn requires that you use original spare parts. If your pumping system consists of standard pumps, you do not need to purchase the necessary parts individually. Grundfos can offer service kits developed specifically for each pump/system.
Workshop repairs
Grundfos Service Ltd. operates a series of regional repair facilities throughout the UK. These workshops are controlled from the service headquarters in Leigh (Manchester), by a dedicated team of operatives.


text: On Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 02:35:25PM +0000, Izumi Tsutsui wrote: > Log Message: > Replace bootinfo stuff on sgimips (which has been disabled in bootloader) > with ones used on arc (which has been working for a year) and > enable it in bootloader. Tested on IP32. This breaks booting of sgimipscd.iso for me on two O2s. The current kernel (both GENERIC* and INSTALL*) still work, and a CD created with this change backed out works too. Martin


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Author, activist, motivational speaker, and former cheerleader Barby Ingle has been touring the country and appearing on TV shows advocating for people with RSD as well as others with chronic pain. As someone who suffers from chronic pain, Barby has become a fearless advocate for those in the grips of this debilitating condition. As someone who suffers from RSD herself, Barby is an inspiration because she does not let it limit her, but rather it makes her move forward at the speed of light. Barby also appears regularly on younow.com as a talking head, serving as a role model to young women around the world. A mix of beauty, grace, and a 'lil butt kicking spunk, Barby Ingle was easily this week's Panic Girl.
|Barby speaking and educating on RSD
1. You are involved in an organization called Power of Pain, what exactly does the organization do?
The Power of Pain foundation is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic care conditions involving pain. The POPF provides awareness, education, and support for Chronic Pain Patients, specifically those involving Neuropathy Pain, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), and Lyme disease. The ultimate goal is to allow chronic pain patients the ability to perform their regular activities in the community and to bolster society's ability to provide full opportunities and appropriate supports for its pain citizens. Through supporting education for pain patients, family members, caretakers and medical professionals, we make an important contribution to the overall knowledge and treatment of chronic pain. This allows our foundation to affect the lives of the millions of people with Neuropathy pain nationwide as well as chronic pain patients, caretakers, family members and healthcare professionals. Chronic Pain affects females 3 to 1 over men, so many of our programs do address this disparity in our healthcare system. Unfortunately, studies show that there is an under treatment of pain in women and children verses men. You can get more information about the Power of Pain Foundation at www.powerofpain.org.
2. You are a chronic pain sufferer yourself. How has that placed limitations on you, and how have you overcome them?
I have been battling a Neurological condition for almost 10 years now. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a progress Autoimmune Neurological condition that affects multiple systems in the body and needs to be treated early so that disability does not take over. I know firsthand how hard it is to continue looking for relief, perfect answers, and then coming up against healthcare professionals who blow you off or do not believe what you are saying could actually be what you're experiencing. As I search for a cure, I have become my own best advocate and work sharing the information so that other patients do not have to go through the same struggles that I experienced. Even after seeing over 100 healthcare professionals, having major surgeries I didn't need, complications such as internal bleeding, medication interactions, kidney stones, tumors, and so much more – I did not give up or give in! I was tested to my limits and realized they are past the boundaries I placed on myself.
I had to become the Chief of Staff of my Own Medical Team. If I can do it, anyone can. RSD is a very progressive and severely painful condition that can also involve movement disorders, skin color changes, balance issues and other life changing challenges. I fought the disabilities every step of the way, but did end up in a wheelchair for a few years. Finally, I had a Portacatheter placed in my chest and I ended up receiving an Infusion Therapy, similar to the process of a cancer patient receiving chemotherapy. This treatment was over $100,000 to receive, and luckily for me, my insurance company helped pay for the treatment. I am currently in remission and out of my wheelchair. I overcame my limitations through my positive attitude, and inner drive to never let life's challenges beat me. I also realized that I needed to give my anxiety and fear to God when it came to the pain and what might come from having RSD and focus on being the best me I could with the situation I was in.
3. You have written a couple of books. What are they called and where can we purchase them?
My first was, RSD in Me!, a patient's guide to living with a chronic pain conditions based around my story of challenges and how I overcame each one. My second book is; ReMission Possible, based on the year long process of going into remission and what came from the experience. I wrote them to be books of motivation, inspiration and positivity. I want people to know that even when facing the toughest of times that there is hope and help available. The books offer practical advice, tips and tricks for better daily living and resolutions to the challenges of living with chronic pain. My story goes through a nine-year journey with twist and turns through the medical system and encourages the importance of thinking positive even in the worst of times. They are available at most bookstores such as Barnes and Nobel, Borders Books, Kindle, and Amazon. I decided to donate all of the money raised from the book sales to help further the mission of the Power of Pain Foundation, so that other people can reach the success that I have with my healthcare.
|Barby on the Dr. Drew show.
4. Through your advocacy, you have met Paula Abdul, what was that experience like?
I have been a fan of Paula Abdul since the 90's when her song Straight Up hit the scene. Paula has a very similar background to me. She did cheerleading and dance from a young age as well as singing. I found out in 2005 that Paula also has RSD. At that moment, I made it my mission to meet her and try to get her to speak out more often about RSD and the daily struggles 10,000,000 Americans with it, go through. In September 2011, I finally did it! I got to talk to Paula, before the premiere of X-Factor. I started by saying, "You are my cheerleader of hope and possibility" and she just started talking and we had great a conversation, and she hugged me, and we talked more and then got our picture together. I introduced her to my husband, Ken, and she got a big kick out of us being 'Ken and Barby', so that was awesome. I gave her a gift-bag I made for her. The message on the bag said, "You Just Totally Rock!". I told her what was in the bag; info on RSD, my books (autographed of 'course), awareness bracelets for her and her assistance, my cheer megaphone pin from my high school Letterman's jacket from 1988 when her first record came out, and a personal letter from me. It was amazing; she is so beautiful and nice. I don't know if I will change her mind about speaking up about her RSD challenges or not, but at least I know she has the info, she knows she has support and she now knows a real-life "Barby and Ken". We had a great conversation and she was totally engaging. So, I am extremely happy and got another item checked off my bucket list! The next week in People's Magazine, she spoke about having RSD in an interview, for the first time since 2005. I am hoping I had something to do with it and I hope it continues. About a month later, I saw Paula again at an event and she recognized me and yelled out on the microphone, "I know you". It was awesome because people who meet so many other people, everyday, don't typically remember most of the people they meet. I had hoped that I made a lasting impression on her, and it turns out I did.
5. You were a cheerleader when you were younger and are still involved in the sport. When people say that cheerleading is a negative thing for women, how do you respond to those critics?
I started cheerleading, dance and gymnastics at the age of 4. I told my father back then that I would be a cheerleader the rest of my life. I knew that was God's plan for me, it is a part of me and will forever be who I am. I have learned so many life lessons from cheerleading; time management, athleticism, optimism, positivity, motivational skills, social skills, got rid of my shyness, confidence, trust, dedication, determination, equality, and I learned how to always be excited and up for any challenge. I learned business skills and creative fundraising and marketing ideas by having to fundraise for my uniforms, summer camp, private lessons, and competition entry fees. I cheered all of the way through college, and then started my own cheer/dance training company. I also became one of the youngest collegiate coaches at a Division IA school (Washington State University).
6. You have an adopted sister, Marby who happens to be multi-racial. Has this experience made you passionate about activism in other ways?
My sister is half black and half Thai. Our parents raised us as twins and we didn't realize that people were different "colors" until we were bullied on the playground when I was in 2nd grade. We were picked on by both, whites and blacks, growing up because other children in our area were raised with racism in their family values. I have seen how differently my sister was treated specifically because of her skin color, even by other black people who saw her as "too white". My parents were smart to expose us to all types of people with different backgrounds; disabled, different races, gay couples, etc... Having these experiences as a child helped me learn to accept people for how they treat others and not how they look. I really learned to appreciate that all humans have something to offer society and that there is no reason to bully anyone for race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other reason just because it differs from who you are.
|Just a typical day in the life of a Panic Girl
7. You tour the country as a motivational speaker. What is your favorite city that you have been to and why?
My favorite was Las Vegas for the past few years because of the atmosphere, the lights, the shows, and even if you have no spending money you can just go sit down on the strip and meet people from all over the world. I love diversity and getting to know new people and that is what you get in Vegas. But this January I got to go to NYC and fell in love with it. I will be going back to both places later this year to do presentations and really looking forward to NY and the Pizza, Cannoli, and people watching at Time Square.
8. Dog person or cat person? If so why?
Dog, for sure! I have had both growing up and I like dogs better because they are more loving and interactive. My favorite dog was a Maltese named Tuci, who I had to give up for adoption after I was too ill to take care of her. I hope to get a dog again when I am not traveling so much, because I am feeling better now that I am in remission, and I miss the companionship.
9. If you could have dinner with one famous person from history, who would it be?
Jesus Christ. I'd have a lot of questions regarding human interaction/connection and lots of why this & why that type questions.
10. What does this Panic Girl eat for breakfast?
I enjoy a big breakfast. It is typically my biggest meal of the day and consists of scrambled eggs, hash browns, crispy bacon, and toast with grape jelly. The rest of the day I usually eat junk food and candy.
|Testifying, this Panic Girl is making it happen
|Panic Girl Stats
Name: Barby Ingle
Height: 5' Tiny but mighty
Weight: I was a flyer in my cheerleading days. 'Nuff said.
Sign: My sign is change. That's my sign.
Status: Married, and very happily so. Sorry guys.
Hometown: Queen Creek, AZ


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Walking the Yorkshire 3 Peaks | Vlog
In May, I, along with a bunch of Outdoor Bloggers members, tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks. It's the second time I have completed the 26 mile challenge and I #enjoyed it just as much this time around as I did the first.
Our adventure started at just after 7.30am in the morning at the Holme Farm campsite in Horton in Ribblesdale and ended just before 8.30pm.
Here's my vlog spanning our exciting walk from just after I got up, looking incredibly tired, and returning to the campsite just under 11 hours later. Enjoy!
The Outdoor Bloggers adventurers that attended the weekend were:
Zoe Homes from Splodz Blogz and Co Organiser of Outdoor Bloggers
Mark from Hill Explorer
Cerys from Mascara and Mud and her sister
Sarah from Summit Your Success
Clare from Mud and Nettles
Daniela and Cristian from Go Straight Ahead
Following the never-ending path from Pen-y-Ghent to the viaduct
Walking alongside the viaduct towards Whernside
Approaching Ingleborough
Looking back towards Whernside and Sarah from Summit Your Success
Walking through the limestone pavement on the last leg of the journey with views of Pen-y-Ghent


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Very interesting article and gadgets.
I have some questions. I will be traveling to Europe soon and I'd like to be able to use my US cell phone without purchasing and international plan or SIM card.
Would I be able to use my cellphone in Europe with either of these gadgets? When you say 4-5 miles range do you mean I can call someone that is within that range? Does the person I'm calling needs to have the gadgets as well or can I just call anyone on any cellphone or landline?
Thank you for any information you can provide.
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