IDC expects PC vendors to ship a total of 258.2 million units this year, a figure which would be 6.4 percent lower than last year. The previous estimate was a 7.2 percent fall, which IDC announced in August. Growth will still be negative in 2017, but shipments are expected to decrease by just 2.6 percent compared to this year.
Google’s website is at the fore of an expected boom in websites taking advantage of a 2-year-old change in internet rules that lifted the limits for these suffixes, called top-level domains. That’s brought .paris, .movie and .xyz to websites and email addresses.
While we’re still waiting for worldwide shipments to go positive, both IDC and Gartner report that PC shipments in the US have increased for the first time in more than a year. IDC reports that shipments have increased by 4.9 percent, and Gartner says they’ve risen by 1.4 percent.
Worldwide, PC shipments are still on a decline. Gartner estimates a 5.2 percent drop, and IDC calculates around a 4.5 percent decrease in shipments.
In the U.S. — typically social media’s most lucrative market — Instagram use was down 36.2 percent, Twitter was down 27.9 percent, Snapchat was down 19.2 percent and Facebook fell 6.7 percent
Much of that success can be attributed to the game’s open structure and limitless potential. Players can build anything they imagine, provided its outward-facing geometry is made up of simple, colorful blocks. The focus on creativity is why so many players, young and old, have been drawn to the game and continue to play years after its release.
Apart from Tetris, few games have come anywhere close to hitting the 100 million mark.
In plain English, they’re abandoning their wired Internet for a mobile-data-only diet — and if the trend continues, it could reflect a huge shift in the way we experience the Web.
Seventeen percent of households making between $75,000 and $100,000 are mobile-only now, compared with 8 percent two years ago. And 15 percent of households earning more than $100,000 are mobile-only, versus 6 percent in 2013.
Beyond the price spike, Ethereum is also attracting attention from giants in finance and technology, like JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft and IBM, which have described it as a sort of Bitcoin 2.0.
The system is complicated enough that even people who know it well have trouble describing it in plain English.
Researchers argued that Silk Road and its successors, known as cryptomarkets or darknet markets, became successful after bringing together four technologies: the bitcoin virtual currency and encrypted internet protocols such as Tor, which allowed anonymity, as well as Escrow and customer feedback systems, which gave buyers and sellers confidence in their transactions.
“In the drug cryptomarket era, having good customer service and writing skills, and a good reputation, via feedback, as a vendor or buyer may be more important than muscles and face-to-face connections.”
The tablet market is still in decline.
Q4 2015 is the fifth straight quarter in a row to see a decrease year over year: 65.9 million units shipped, down 13.7 percent from the 76.4 million units that shipped the same quarter last year, according to market research firm IDC. For the whole year of 2015, shipments were 206.8 million, down 10.1 percent from the 230.1 million shipped in 2014.
IDC argues that the biggest trend to watch for in 2016 is the transition towards detachable devices. Indeed, pure slate tablets experienced their greatest annual decline to date of 21.1 percent, while detachable tablets more than doubled their shipments since the fourth quarter of last year.
Again, it’s not surprising to learn that broadband is moving from “the thing that brings you websites and email” to “the thing that brings you video.” But change over time drives it home: Sandvine says that five years ago, video/audio represented 35 percent of prime-time usage. Now it has doubled, to 70 percent.


text:
2 in every 4 Deaf and disabled women are at risk of domestic abuse.
That’s why we set up DeafHope: the only sign language service for Deaf female victims.
Lynn Shannon, manager of DeafHope, explains that International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women “starts 16 days of action for the elimination of violence against women and girls.
“SignHealth are supporting this special day, and DeafHope will be continuing their prevention work, through delivering healthy relationship workshops to Deaf young people and raising awareness of domestic abuse within the Deaf community.”
Every year 750,000 children witness domestic abuse. We need your support to stop it.”
If you do not feel safe at home, if your partner verbally or physically abuses you, and you need advice about getting help, please contact DeafHope now.

domain: sociology


text:
Pentair celebrates 80 years of its Everpure residential line of products
Pentair celebrated the 80-year anniversary of its Everpure line of products by showcasing its innovations in water treatment at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in New Orleans, April 19 to 21. Pentair is renewing its commitment to developing products that improve ease of use for consumers and reducing the products’ environmental footprint.
Nearly everyone involved in the restaurant industry has an interesting experience to tell. One such situation occurred in the northeastern U.S., in a town where serious water contamination issues were found in the municipal water (and were later immortalized in the John Travolta film, “A Civil Action”). A customer walked into a local restaurant years after the situation was resolved. When the customer approached the counter, the following dialogue took place:
RO treatment system provides high-quality water for better ice
Products reflect the future of water treatment for residential, commercial and industrial applications
Pentair unveiled its newest innovations in water treatment, which encompass smart technological advancements geared toward improving ease-of-use for customers and reducing environmental footprint. These innovations add to the full scope of Pentair’s product capabilities across residential, commercial and industrial applications. The unveiling took place at the WQA Aquatech USA 2013 show in Indianapolis, the industry’s largest tradeshow in North America.
Facility will meet demand for filtration products
At the WQA Aquatech USA 2013 conference and exhibition, Dow Water & Process Solutions announced the opening of a commercial-scale manufacturing facility for the Tequatic Plus fine particle filter in Menlo Park, Calif., that is designed to meet growing demand for its line of F-50, F-75 and F-150 models.
The Nelsen Poly-UF offers filtration down to 0.02 micron at service flow rates of up to 12 gpm. Utilizing ENPRESS’s patented and industry exclusive liner design, the internal UF module treats colloids, bacteria, cysts, viruses, turbidity, tannins and other particles down to 0.02 micron size. The Nelsen Poly-UF can be utilized as a final polishing stage or with water reclamation systems for storm or grey water, and it offers protection during power outages and intermittent power. The system is BioVir certified and tested for log reduction.
New 75- and 100-gpd elements help remove contaminants and impurities in household water systems
Dow Water & Process Solutions, a business unit of the Dow Chemical Co., launched Filmtec reverse osmosis (RO) 75- and 100-gal-per-day (gpd) home drinking water membranes at the WQA Aquatech USA 2013 conference and exhibition.
The RO membranes are the company's latest innovation to facilitate potable water that tastes better, smells better and has fewer impurities to help bring clean drinking water to homes in water-stressed areas.
WWIF challenges Safe Water Team to a dollar-for-dollar match towards the purchase of 500 filters
Guillermo Guzman's recent visit to Bagliga and neighboring villages in northern Ghana reinforced his desire to do more. Upon his return to the U.S., the founder and CEO of Wishing Well International Foundation (WWIF) contacted Jim Bodenner, Safe Water Team (SWT) executive director, to discuss future collaboration between the two organizations in Ghana and other countries where SWT oversees distribution centers, including Kenya, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Honduras.
FX ChloraGuard carbon blocks provide five times more chloramine reduction capacity than standard carbon blocks. With more than 70 million Americans drinking chloraminated water, the need for chloramine filtration products has never been greater. These carbon blocks are available in all standard sizes for POU, POE and light commercial applications.
Dust-free GreensandPlus finely granulated media for drinking water applications requires minimal backwashing upon installation — usually less than 10 minutes. It removes iron, manganese, arsenic, radium and hydrogen sulfide for municipal, industrial, POU, POE and other applications. It has WQA Gold Seal certification and is available in 1⁄2-cu-ft bags on pallets or 2,205-lb bulk sacks.
Many water utilities across the U.S. are transitioning to chloramine for disinfection as an alternative to chlorine. This change is in response to stricter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations on disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which are created when chlorine reacts with organics in water. Chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, is more stable and does not create DPBs.
Specialized carbon products improve chloramine removal

domain: chemistry


text:
What it says on the tin- I DID IT!!! I feel like I'm going to keel over dead right now, but I ran my first 10k and was solidly in the middle of the pack!
October 2011 I started running. I was out of shape, overweight, desperate and feeling outright miserable.
Some big bloke on reddit managed to get to the front page of reddit with his weight loss story. He spoke fondly of C25K and I decided to pick it up. The results were bad.
On that run I nearly died. My knees exploded, my heart pounded and I fell like shit. I kept running however and soon found my passion for it. I couldn't be stopped. I started shedding weight and my energy levels improved.
Yesterday, the 18th of february I graduated my second goal. A sub-1 hour 10K.
It was the first time ever I ran a 10K, it was amazing. I finished without feeling tired, I came home with the energy of a thousand men, and was ready for more running. It was a strange, but hugely satisfying feeling. It felt like I was flying.
I worried I overdid myself and that today (the 19th) I would have to face the consequences, but all seems fine. I'm happy to start practicing for a 12K in march and a 1/2 in October (perhaps already doing a casual half in the summer).
The reason I posted this here is to motivate others. I was fat and still in 4 months I managed to run a sub-1 hour 10K (all in all a 50 minute 10K or so). Also 30 lbs of fat disappeared :)
I could do it, and so can you. Just start running and be happy. It's the greatest hobby in the world.
Keep running my friends,
Ran 50 minutes straight about a month ago, but been struggling to get to the 60 minute mark. My wife started running and does about one minute per mile slower than my normal pace. Decided to join her on her 5k run this morning, and let her lead the way. Felt great at the 3 mile mark, and just kept going. Of course I got stupid and changed back to my pace and felt dead at the end, but ran for an hour straight for probably the first time in 30 years. Only covered 5.25 miles, but now know I can do it.
Also, just about on the verge of switching from obese to overweight for the first time in 20 years. Note to fellow old fat guys, it can be done. Have a 5k race in about a month, and eyeing a 10k this fall.
C25K done. B210K done. What a journey. And it's not just with the running and the stamina, diet has improved, i'm much more healthier and also happier. Thank you C25K and thank you B210K. If you're reading this and you're not done with B210K, maybe even C25K, this is worth every step.
A few months ago, I couldn't run ten minutes without stopping... with the help of C25K and B210K, I can honestly say I love running and the happiness and rush it gives me!!! It's taken a lot of failed runs and a few tears to get here though... thanksmy run! Reddit so much for all the motivation you've given me!
Yesterday I got up with the mindset that I didn't care how long it took, it was the final day of my plan and I was going to run a 10k. Luckily for me a cold front came through and the temperatures were amazing Sunday morning.
I thought that I would do it at a slow pace (12:30 min/mile) but surprised myself by going almost a whole minute faster at an average of 11:20 min/mile. And this was even with my husband and I stopping at water fountains for drinks and walking after the drink for a few feet.
It is just crazy how much easier it gets once you get past those first couple of miles. Once you reach a certain point there is just a rhythm and you feel like you can keep going no matter what. I don't know how far I could have run, but I still felt good after I stopped.
For anyone out there reading this I just want to say: I used to be someone that said I could never be a runner. I struggled during parts of C25k. But today I'm out there with the other runners, pounding that pavement, and achieving things I'd never thought I'd achieve. You can do it, too!
My race is scheduled for October 10th! I'll try to remember to take pics!
Happy running everyone!

domain: hobby


text:
People love the Weber’s Restaurant Experience!
Looking for fancy restaurants in Ann Arbor – but stuck on where to go? At Weber’s we want to provide you and your friends a truly fine dining experience that’s actually worth getting dressed up for. Here’s what one of our recent guests had to say:
“They have the best Beef Wellington (appetizer) I have ever had and a fantastic cheesecake. You can't go wrong with any of their stakes or the prime rib. Last time I had a great crab cake and a French martini with peach liqueur instead of pineapple juice, as it is usually made. It was delicious.”
- Sara F.
Enjoying a fancy restaurant shouldn’t be about the price of each dish but the experience! Our menu is diverse. Our ingredients are always fresh. Our staff works to ensure that you enjoy every bite of your meal and have a great evening! Click Here to learn more about the Weber’s Restaurant experience. Give us a call at (734) 665-3636 to schedule your reservation!

domain: food


Recently we acquired some photos that are said to depict the all new 2019 Honda Insight Hybrid. Photographers assured us that the vehicle at hand is indeed the new Honda Insight and according to them these photos were taken in Europe where the vehicle has been tested.
When it comes to a body of the vehicle it resembles heavily a pre-facelift Honda City. That car is something like a sedan variation of the Honda Jazz/Fit. One can deduce that by looking at the bold side creases. Those same creases can be found on the Jazz/Fit.
On the other hand, there are many differences. It is clear that hood is sitting a bit high and it’s got a hump in the middle. At the rear side of the vehicle, the bumper has an add-on which can only mean that the chassis sticks out further than the bumper would originally allow. Combining that with the flared arches only suggests that the Insight will indeed be bigger than the City, the City is 4,442mm long, 1,694mm wide and 1,477mm tall.
We found one feature somewhat peculiar about this sedan. Considering that this will be a rival of Prius shouldn’t it be a kind of a streamlined hatchback? Let us remind you that the company halted the Insight and CR-Z hybrids due to poor sales and it really looked like these hybrids were going to be picked up by Clarity for a while. They would have shared the faith of being a fuel-cell vehicle, an EV, and PHEV.
However, this prototype doesn’t fit any of the aforementioned two types. Why? Because of the single exhaust pipe. Honda City already offers in itself a small hybrid sedan. That’s the powertrain it features and that’s the powertrain we already had.
Therefore we believe that this vehicle is something completely different. A move made by the Civic in the market left a slot for a budget-friendly basic sedan in Honda’s European range. Something like a Skoda Rapid or Peugeot 301 rival.
Fortunately, this is only the early stage of the prototype’s development and Honda has more than a year to work on this project before the announcement.


text:
Work gets underway on pool improvements
Last updated 10/27/2021 at 3:06pm | View PDF
Visitors to the Hinsdale Community Pool next swim season will enjoy a wave of improvements.
Work began last month on $771,600 in upgrades to the facility, including a new concrete lap pool deck, a new filtration system, repainting of the pool and new fencing.
Heather Bereckis, Hinsdale's superintendent of parks and recreation, said the major renovations will ensure the pool can be maintained for users for years to come.
"These improvements will really increase the longevity of the pool," Bereckis said, noting the pool's filters were at the end of their useful life. "Now we've increased it by about 20 years."
Other facelifts are also sure to be appreciated, she said.
"We will also be repainting the locker rooms, refreshing the outside bathrooms, completing landscaping work and updating our concessions offerings for the 2022 season," Bereckis said.
Originally planned as a two-phase project starting after the 2020 season, construction was delayed a year to allow time for the village to apply for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant to cover the budgeted $1.05 million cost. Bidding came in well under estimates, and the $400,000 OSLAD grant awarded resulted in a total expenditure of $433,406 for the village.
Bereckis said the village was fortunate in going out to bid in January, before the full impact of the pandemic was felt in the construction markets.
"We had a good time for bidding, I think," she said, noting that most of the work will be performed in just one phase. "We are going to be under budget, and we expect it to be completed on time."
Those money saved as a result of the grant are poised to be used for additional pool enhancements, including the installation of a climbing wall and deck improvements in the baby pool and diving areas, Bereckis explained. Those renovations would not be performed until after the 2022 season at the earliest, and the estimated costs are still being calculated.
"We don't know what that total numbers will be yet," she said.
Bereckis said patrons have continued to show their support for the pool even during the pandemic, suggesting that investing in the village attraction is money well spent.
"We actually had a really good season. Sales of passes were good and daily visits were good," she said of the 2021 pool season. "People like being there and having this community amenity."

domain: news


Diplomat says US sanctions may destroy prospects for better relations with RussiaRussian Politics & Diplomacy July 26, 10:08
Survey suggests Russians showed little interest in Nemtsov murder caseSociety & Culture July 26, 8:33
Military aviation deployed in Kazakhstan and Russia's Siberia ahead of Soyuz launchScience & Space July 26, 7:21
US denies arms supplies to Ukraine — State Department spokespersonWorld July 26, 7:12
UN Security Council blocks statement condemning attack on Russian embassy in DamascusWorld July 26, 4:27
Russia looks into its citizen’s removal from domestic US flightWorld July 26, 3:43
US House of Representatives passes bill to toughen sanctions on RussiaWorld July 26, 1:09
Diplomat blasts US media reports on Russia's alleged arms supplies to TalibanRussian Politics & Diplomacy July 25, 21:39
Putin, Iraqi vice-president discuss possible supplies of T-90 tanksMilitary & Defense July 25, 21:18
MOSCOW, February 13 (Itar-Tass) — One of the founders of the Right Cause party announced on Monday that he decided to leave its ranks and restore the Democratic Party of Russia (DPR).
“Unfortunately, the Right Cause project did not meet expectations. I’ve decided to leave the party and supported the initiative of my colleagues to restore the Democratic Party of Russia that will turn 22 years in 2012,” he told reporters.
He noted that on February 12 the Democratic Party held its congress, where a decision was taken to revive the party structure.
The congress was initiated by Andrei Bogdanov Centre, an independent non-profit organization for the development of social technologies that succeeded the Democratic Party of Russia liquidated in 2008 to set up Right Cause.
The congress, in which 153 delegates from 51 regions took part, elected him as the party’s leader. Political council includes seven people.
At present, the party’s lawyers are preparing the documents for submission to the Ministry of Justice for registration. If the party is successfully registered, it will nominate its candidates for the elections to regional parliaments this fall.


|Publication number||US7937734 B2|
|Application number||US 10/931,576|
|Publication date||May 3, 2011|
|Filing date||Sep 1, 2004|
|Priority date||Aug 2, 1994|
|Also published as||US5555441, US5835843, US6072982, US20050097619, WO1996004753A1|
|Publication number||10931576, 931576, US 7937734 B2, US 7937734B2, US-B2-7937734, US7937734 B2, US7937734B2|
|Inventors||Joseph C. Haddad|
|Original Assignee||Anosole Pass Holdings, L.L.C.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (54), Non-Patent Citations (6), Referenced by (4), Classifications (9), Legal Events (6)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/501,553 filed on Feb. 9, 2000, now abandoned which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/054,020 filed Apr. 2, 1998, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,982, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/711,583, filed Sep. 10, 1996, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,843 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/284,846 filed Aug. 2, 1994, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,441, the disclosure of which in its entirety is incorporated-by-reference herein.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an interactive communication system that allows a plurality of subscribers to access a central audiovisual library, more specifically, a system capable of handling each subscriber's tailored requests for program segments.
2. Background of Related Art
Systems which provide subscriber access to prerecorded program segments from a distributor center have been described. For example, in a system described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,806 to Abraham, a plurality of subscribers are able independently to access segments of a central program library. The requested broadcast segments are digitized and time compressed at the central station. They are then delivered to the requesting subscriber only. The time-compressed segments are recorded at the subscriber station by a two-speed recorder. When the transmission of the requested segment is complete, a broadcast signal attached to the end of the broadcast segment causes the two-speed recorder at the subscriber station to playback immediately the transmitted segment. In this system subscriber-viewing time is a function of the program delivery time.
In a system described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,684 to Clark et al., each system subscriber is able to request program segments from a distribution center. These segments are then delivered to all subscribers indiscriminately. Subscriber requests to the center are placed in line in the chronological order in which they are received, and are broadcast in turn on one common channel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,995 to Lang discloses a video recorder/transmitter apparatus that enables a user to receive, compress, edit, and retransmit video program information in either compressed or decompressed format. The apparatus includes memory for mass data storage. The patent proposes the linkage of a plurality of the apparatus to a network transfer system, with one apparatus acting as a distribution center. The above-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,521,806; 4,751,684; and 4,963,995 are incorporated herein by reference.
Other recent audiovisual delivery systems include pay-per-view (PPV) and video-on-demand. Both systems offer real time or near instantaneous delivery of subscriber requested video programs in exchange for fees. Both systems emulate an on premise or home video store. But different from a video program rented from a video store, a drawback of these systems is the inability of the subscriber to manipulate the video program, such as rewind, pause, fast-forward, etc., while it is being played or delivered. Further, the fees charged to the subscriber requesting the video program are based on the amount of time the subscriber accesses or is on the system. In contrast, a user who rents video programs from a video store may choose to access the program as many times and whenever he chooses without incurring further charges.
Therefore, there exists a need for an audiovisual delivery system that is efficient for the program distributor while accommodating the individual needs of each subscriber. More particularly, a system capable of handling subscriber requests of several time allowance intervals within which program segments will be delivered. The program distributor accumulates like orders and has the option and capability to fill each of these like orders simultaneously. The subscriber is subsequently able to manipulate and View segments or an entire delivered program.
To achieve these goals the system according to the present invention provides for subscribers not only to have unlimited access to a program library, but also to select variable time allowance intervals for each program requested. The subscriber is not choosing “yes” or “no” to predetermined times of the day for delivery, as in PPV systems. Instead, by choosing a variable time allowance interval, (s)he is indicating the minimum and maximum amount of time (s)he will wait for the deliver of a request, with those minimums and maximums dependent upon, and beginning with, the time that a request is placed.
The system according to the present invention allows a plurality of subscribers to select any recorded program of a central audiovisual library, without the constraints of a central broadcast menu preselected by the distributor. The system further allows a subscriber to receive and store his selection(s), and to view them subsequently at any time he chooses. Independent viewing by each subscriber is made possible by linking a temporary storage unit with a microprocessor and keypad at each subscriber location. With microprocessor control of the temporary storage unit, the system further allows for a predetermined amount of time that a program request can be viewed by a subscriber, that amount to be determined by the subscriber or the system distributor.
An object of the system according to the present invention is to allow for off-peak delivery of requested programs. The present invention addresses the issues of affordability, efficiency, and subscriber appeal. In most audio-visual distribution systems the greatest consumer demand occurs in the early evening hours. This peak demand taxes the distribution network and may cause distributors to limit consumer choices. The present invention allows the distributor to shift much of the demand away from the peak hours without limiting the consumer to a pre-set or limited menu of programs.
In the present invention the distributor provides the subscriber with several variable time allowance intervals for delivery of requested programs. For example, the distributor can offer “express delivery”, that is, within one hour; “one day delivery”, that is within a twenty-four hour period; or “long term delivery”, within seven (7) days. Each time allowance interval is defined by the maximum amount of time it will take for the order to be filled. Longer-term time frames can allow a minimum of time to elapse before delivery. For example, the seven (7) day time frame can be structured so that the program segments will be delivered before the end of seven days, but not before a specified time, for example, twenty-five (25) hours In this way, the subscriber can anticipate his or her future program selections and place them at a much earlier date without prematurely burdening his own storage capabilities. The system of the invention also allows the subscriber to waive the minimum time before delivery in those instances where his own storage capacity would not be overburdened. If the subscriber, for example, chooses a seven (7) day delivery service, he can waive the twenty-five (25) hours delivery minimum and receive delivery anytime within seven (7) days. The subscriber will choose which of these time frames meets his needs on any given occasion. Product prices will vary accordingly. Pricing strategies will encourage distribution during off-peak hours and thereby utilize the system hardware more fully. Not all program segments need to be available for each interval.
Another object of the present invention is to allow identical orders to accumulate within a given time period. The distributor has the option and the capability of delivering simultaneously all or several requests for the same program segment as long as there is some overlapping time period for the associated time allowance-intervals as defined by the various requests. The feature of allowing order accumulation provides maximum efficiency and flexibility for the distributor. The distributor is able to use the variability of the time intervals as a basis to employ an optimization strategy. The advantages derived from the optimization include a lower overall cost.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide viewing time independent of transmission (delivery) time. The system described herein enables the subscriber to order and store one or more program segments. At any time after transmission, the subscriber can view the program segment entirely or in part. The number of viewing times may be limited to a predetermined number, except in those cases where the subscriber has purchased the program segment through the system.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, and the accompanying drawings:
Briefly, the system according to the present invention preferably utilizes a compressed digital video technology to provide for transmission of full motion video programs from a central distribution center to individual subscribers, which are connected over a communication network.
The system provides high-speed communications, preferably 1.544 Mbits/sec or higher, to carry video program segments from a distribution center 100 to a plurality of subscribers 110. The system also provides a low speed bi-directional communication link, which can be used for controlling the video transmission. The system can further use high-speed dial-up transmission with calls to subscribers originating from the telephone switching center. Permanently connected links are also contemplated.
The high-speed link 120 is preferably an optical fiber link for transmission of program data from the distribution center 100. The high-speed link 120 may broadcast the same data to all subscribers, much the same as existing CATV systems. The high-speed link may also use switching capabilities to facilitate services such as conferencing. It is apparent to one skilled in the art that other known communication techniques including wireless communication can be implemented to accomplish the features of the delivery system according to the present invention. The low speed link 130 is preferably a communication link, via modems and dial-up telephone lines. It provides a duplex (two-way) channel for order requests and confirmation. A subscriber terminal 140 at each subscriber location is configured to receive those programs that have been confirmed through the order entry subsystem at the distribution center. The transmission could be encoded to prevent unauthorized reception. Unlike typical computer communication protocols, there is no need for the subscriber terminal to acknowledge whether a data packet has been received correctly. Occasional transmission errors are not critical in full motion video and would not be objectionable. The high speed and the low speed links described above can be combined into one link, such as the Bell System ADSL, for communicating the aforementioned information via a single bi-directional link.
For order entry processing on the other hand, the integrity of the transmitted data is extremely important, and full two-way handshaking is preferred. The amount of data in this case is moderate and relatively low speed. A modem speed of 2400 baud is usually sufficient.
The distribution center 100 performs the following major functions:
The video programs are preferably available in compressed form and stored on an optical disk. Write Once-Read Many (WORM) or CD-Recordable technology can be used, with the disks stored in a jukebox arrangement. Manual intervention may be necessary to assure that the required program disks are loaded in the jukebox as needed.
Video compression techniques are known. Applicable compression techniques for the present invention include DVI (Digital Video Interactive from Intel Corp.) and the Compressed Digital Video (CDV) technology from Compression Labs, Inc. For an average compression ratio of about 160:1 for VCR quality moving images, a frame of video 512.times.480 pixels.times.3 colors (720 KBytes) can be reduced tp 5 KBytes/frame. With a 30 frames/sec rate, the compressed video requires 150 KB/sec. For a 90-minute (5400 sec) video, total storage required is about 810 MB. The CDV technology has a somewhat better image quality but requires 1.5 Mbits/sec (188 KBytes/sec) resulting in a little over 1 BGyte for a 90-minute video. It is anticipated that with MPEG2, high quality video could be provided at 3 to 5 Mbits/sec or studio quality video at 7 to 10 Mbits/sec.
The system of the invention handles incoming orders without interrupting the transmission of the video programs. The distribution center includes, multiple processors for video transmission control. Preferably, each processor transmits a separate video program. The transmission scheme can be by ADSL, with a conference call transmitting to multiple subscribers simultaneously. Alternatively, the several programs can be time-division multiplexed onto the optical fiber, providing better utilization of the fiber capacity. In either case each communication line may be serving subscribers in a particular geographic area.
The Distribution Center includes an order processing computer 200 which handles the communication with the subscriber terminals over the low speed modem links 130, processes incoming orders, and maintains the customer information/billing data. Authorization to receive a particular program or to make a permanent copy of a program would be sent back to the subscriber terminals, along with any encryption keys, if necessary, to decode the transmitted program. The order processing computer 200 also determines a schedule for transmitting the video programs and notifies the transmission control processors 205 what programs to transmit and when to transmit them. A display associated with the order-processing computer alerts an operator to load program disks into the video library of the appropriate transmission control processor.
The order-processing computer 200 includes a standard hard disk (not shown) for storage of customer information and billing data as well as a catalog of video programs. Depending on the number of subscribers and the number of incoming orders anticipated, one or more additional processors may be dedicated to handling telephone communications and some of the order processing functions to off-load the main order-processing computer.
An interface bus, preferably IEEE-488 interface bus 215, links the transmission control processors to the order processing computer for initiation of a video program transmission and passing encryption keys. Several transmission control processors can be connected on a single IEEE-488, and more buses could be added as needed.
Video Transmission Control
The primary function of the transmission control processors 205 is to retrieve video program data from, the video library 210, provide encryption or other receiver authorization control, and transmit the data over the high speed fiber link 120. The process of transmitting a program is initiated on command from the scheduling function in the order-processing computer 200. Several transmission control processors may be transmitting different video programs at the same time using a time-division multiplexing scheme.
The video library 210 includes a set of WORM optical disks or CD-Recordable disks that can be loaded into a jukebox type disk reader. The memory 215, which may also be a jukebox, can hold a number of disks and select the appropriate one for access. The memory 215 holds over 1300 gigabytes of data and can be further expanded if necessary. Other contemplated storage mediums include magnetic tape systems that can automatically select and mount tape reels from an extremely large archive library. A digital I/O board 220 is used to output the video data to the fiber optic transmitter 230. This board provides for a transfer rate of 400 KBytes/sec with Direct Memory Access (DMA). At this data rate, a 90-minute program can be transmitted in a little over, a half hour using DVI compression technology. The digital, I/O board may be a PDMA-32, which is commercially available from Keithly-Metrabyte, or any substantially equivalent I/O board having similar performance characteristics.
The capacity of the fiber optical link is in the range of 270 Mbits/sec (33 MBytes/sec) to 1 Gbit/sec (125 MBytes/sec). At the lower rate the link is capable of handling about 80 different programs simultaneously. Using a time division multiplexing scheme, packets from different video programs would be intermixed on the fiber link under control of multiplexing logic circuitry 225 interfacing the several transmission control channels to fiber optic transmitter 230. At the subscriber terminals, similar demultiplexing logic circuitry would identify those packets that a particular terminal was authorized to receive and store them in a buffer memory, to be read in via the digital I/O board.
The fiber optic transmitter 230 includes an optical fiber transmitter/receiver module available from Force, Inc., model #2666T-SCXX with data bandwidth of 50 Mb/s to greater than 1 Gb/s at operating range 10 km to 20 km (typical). The module connects to an Advanced Micro Devices. TAXI chip set (AM7968/AM7969) which in turn interfaces to the multiplexor 225 described above. The multiplexor 225 can be custom designed using the same technology as the TAXI chip, sets.
The major components of a subscriber terminal 110 are shown in
A demultiplexer/decoder 320 demultiplexes the received signals previously multiplexed by multiplexor 225 of the Distribution Center 100 and digital I/O board 330 interfaces the demultiplexed data to the video and data distribution circuitry, which includes a terminal processor 340, a video processor module 350 and memory 360. The terminal processor 340 is preferably a personal computer (PC), which includes associated display, modified keyboard (keypad), hard disk memory, and/or WORM or CD-recordable memory. The terminal processor 340 is also connected to telephone link 130 through modem 370 for communicating with the Distribution Center 100 including requesting and receiving authorization for selected program, segment orders.
Video processor 3510 decompresses the video data received from the digital I/O 330 and provides Red-Green-Blue (RGB) video outputs and Hifi/stereo audio outputs. The video processor 350 may be an Action Media 750 available from Intel. The compressed video program data may be stored on one or more magnetic hard disk, for temporary storage and, a WORM or CD-Recordable disk for a permanent copy. If more than one hard disk is used, a previously received program could be viewed at the same time that a second program is being received. To store three 90-minute video programs in temporary storage, approximately 2.2 GBytes of memory are required.
As an alternative to temporary storage of video programs at the subscriber terminal, a pool of hard disks located at the Distribution Center could provide real time transmission. These disks would receive program segments from the transmission control processors as requested by subscribers.
Order entry may be selected through a menu driven process using the PC keyboard and monitor. With this approach the keypad would only need a set of number keys plus an ENTER key. The subscriber terminal 110 dials up the distribution center 100 to process orders and to receive the authorization codes and/or encryption keys to receive the program. The program would be stored on the magnetic disk, and if authorization for permanent copy is received, it would be copied to the WORM optical disk as convenient. Programs could be copied from temporary to permanent storage only when authorization is received from thee order processing system.
Distribution Center Software
The software architecture for the Distribution Center includes five primary processing modules and preferably five databases. The processing modules are loosely coupled and operate on an event-driven basis. They perform the following general functions of: (1) Order processing—processes the incoming request from a customer; (2) Scheduling—schedules the video program segments for transmission; (3) Transmit—controls the transmission of the video program segments; (4) Customer maintenance/billing—maintains customer information and billing records; and (5) Library maintenance—maintain the library and catalog of video program segments.
The databases are organized as follows:
Each entry includes receiver authorization codes and keys into the Orders and Catalog databases. A description of each module follows.
The Order Processing module provides the interface by which the customer enters a request for a video program segment. A representative flowchart of the order processing module is shown in
On receiving an incoming phone call over a modem (405), the call is answered and a NewOrder data object is created (405) for processing this call. Note that several instances of these data objects may exist at the same time as simultaneous incoming requests arc processed. The following functions are performed for each NewOrder data object.
The Scheduling module has two primary functions: (1) Feasibility—to quickly determine whether it is possible to satisfy a customer's request for a particular video segment at a certain variable time allowance interval so that a pending order can be accepted or rejected. This function is invoked from the Order Processing module whenever a new order or a change to an order is received; and (2) Optimization—uses a rule-based approach to select the next program segment to transmit over a channel when the channel becomes free. The technique optimizes the delivery of video segments that have been ordered to efficiently, utilize the available hardware channels while meeting variable time allowance interval requirements. This function is invoked just before a hardware channel is to finish transmission of a video segment so that the selection can be made from the current list of orders. For example, orders for the same program segment having overlapping time allowance intervals can be accumulated and accessed at the appropriate delivery time so that the delivery to the requested subscribers can be substantially simultaneous or broadcasted.
For continually processing new orders without interrupting the optimal schedule, each function maintains a separate schedule for its own use as described under Schedule, Database section.
The variable time allowance interval may include a minimum delivery time, which determines the earliest time that the program segment is to be available for viewing. This is accomplished through the authorization codes, which tell the subscriber terminal when viewing is permitted. The actual transmission may occur early; however, such early transmission should only be allowed when a subscriber indicates that he has sufficient memory to receive the program. If desired, the customer could be made aware that the program segment is available before the minimum waiting period and that an order could be processed to authorize immediate viewing.
When the Feasibility function is invoked, it receives the following information from the Order Processing module:
If the system is split geographically with a separate link(s) for each area, the link that serves each customer must be identified in the Customer database, and the schedule must contain two parts: the schedules for the communication lines and the schedules for the transmission control channels. If the fiber optic link is not geographically split, all subscriber terminals may receive the same transmissions, and the number of control channels should equal the number of program segments that can be multiplexed on the fiber link at any one time. Alternatively, with high-speed dial-up transmission capability, each transmission control unit can be connected directly to any number of subscriber terminals, and any number of control units may be used (limited only by the number of different program segments in the library). In either of these cases only the control channels need to be scheduled.
Determine the latest time that delivery can be completed for the requested variable time allowance interval;
Search existing Feasible Schedule for the requested video segment (605);
If the video segment is found (610) and if the scheduled time satisfies the requested variable time allowance interval (645) (assuming proper link schedule on a geographically split system), then return a code to Order Processing that the order can be accepted (675). Otherwise copy the current Feasible Schedule into a tentative working schedule (615);
If the video segment is found (610) but the scheduling time does not satisfy the requested variable time allowance interval (645), remove the program segment from the schedule (650, 655). For a geographically split system, remove the program segment from the tentative schedule for the appropriate geographic link;
Insert the program segment into the schedule at the latest possible time. Maintain the latest time order by inserting at the proper location and shifting other segments forward if necessary and if possible. When trying to insert the program segment into the schedule, check for conflict with other program segments for the same customer at the same time, and, if there is a conflict, insert at the latest possible time when there is no conflict (620);
If the insertion was successful (625), save the tentative schedule as the new Feasible Schedule (660) and return a code that the order can be accepted (680);
Otherwise if there is no lower variable time allowance interval (630), delete the tentative schedule (665) and return a code that the offer must be rejected (685);
If a lower variable time allowance interval exists, lower the variable time allowance interval, and try to insert the segment into the schedule (635);
If successful, save the tentative schedule as the new Feasible Schedule (640, 670) and return (690), indicating the highest variable time allowance interval than can be scheduled. Otherwise, go back to step 630.
For a geographically split fiber link system, the insert program segment routine (steps 620, 635) is expanded as shown in
Search the Orders database for other orders of this same video segment (805).
If no other order exists (810), then remove the video segment from the Feasible Schedule (815, 820).
If the order exists, get the latest delivery time for the new segment and move segment later in the schedule if possible (825, 830).
Return to the calling program (835).
The Optimization function is invoked (via a timer scheduled by the Transmit module) just before a hardware channel completes delivery of its video segment. Sufficient time is allowed so that the optimization can be completed. The function may also be invoked if the Transmit module finds that the schedule needs to be reoptimized before initiating the transmission of a video segment. This function selects only the next video segment to be transmitted for each hardware channel. It is not practical to try to optimize the complete schedule since new orders would require it to be continually reoptimized.
If a channel is to remain idle by the application of these rules (945), a tiler is set to poll that channel again in about 10 or 15 minutes (945, 950). The amount of weight to be added in applying these rules (small, moderate, etc.) is for a small weight to be preferably around 0.1 and a moderate weight to be around 0.3. The weights could be updated as operating experience has gained. For example, if the rate of arrival of express orders is less than what has been experienced, the idle channel weight would be reduced.
For the geographically split system, the rules should be applied to the Feasible Schedules for both the channels and the links. An additional rule for coordinating more than one link with a channel would be that once a segment is selected for transmission on a particular link, see if it is also needed on other links. If so, then wait for those links to become available if the wait is not too long and if it doesn't violate the slack time for other segments on the new link.
The Transmit module controls the actual transmission of the video program segment. It uses the Optimal Schedule to determine which segment to transmit over a particular hardware channel (steps 1000 to 1045). Keys obtained from the Optimal Schedule (1015) point into the Orders and Catalogue databases, which in turn contain keys into Customer and Library. When transmission of the program segment is complete, the corresponding entries in the Optimal and Feasible Schedules (1050) are deleted and all appropriate Customer records are updated to indicate that delivery has been made (1020, 1035). When transmission of a new video segment is initiated, a timer is set to start up the Optimization Scheduling function (LOGO) just before delivery is scheduled to complete.
This module (not shown) is used to add or remove available program segments to or from the Library and update the corresponding entry in the Catalog. It is initiated by operator selection from the main system menu.
This module (not shown) is initiated by operator selection from the main system menu. There are two main functional areas that are involved:
Update of all user information including that need to authenticate customer identity.
Generate customer bills from the record of program segment deliveries in the Customer database. Implementation of this module is readily apparent to an ordinarily skilled programmer.
Subscriber Terminal Software
Through the PC keyboard and monitor at the subscriber terminal, order entry and program viewing are controlled using a menu selection approach in which a set of options are displayed on the monitor and the customer enters his choice via the keypad. This technique is similar to that currently used for programming a VCR. The keypad need only have a set of numeric keys (0-9) and an ENTER key. If desired a BACKSPACE key could be added to allow for correction of a miskey before ENTERing the selection.
When the customer wishes to make a request, for example to place or modify an order or to view a program segment which he has already received, he presses the ENTER key. The system responds by displaying a menu on the video screen and waits for the customer to enter a response through the keypad by pressing the numeric keys that correspond to the desired menu selection and then pressing ENTER. If a program segment was being viewed on the monitor when the ENTER key was pressed, that program pauses until the customer is finished with the menu selections. On return from the menus, the customer has the option to resume viewing the program, to stop viewing, or to select a different program.
The Subscriber Terminal subsystem is driven by two types of events which generate hardware interrupts: 1) a key being pressed on the keypad and 2) the communications hardware recognizing the start of a video program segment being transmitted over the communication line. Keypad events are handled by the Request module, or by a standard keyboard processing routine, depending on the state of the system. The communications event invokes the Receive module, which is responsible for getting the incoming program segment off the communication line and storing it to disk. The Receive module can run in the background in a multi-tasking mode while other processes such as order entry, program viewing, or making a permanent copy are in progress.
The Subscriber Terminal software system consists of seven modules, some of which are subroutines called from the other modules.
The receive module is invoked by an interrupt from the communications hardware on the start of transmission of a new program segment (1130). The module first checks whether this Subscriber Terminal has been authorized (11.35, 1140) (through the Process Order module) to receive the program segment. If so, the module grabs the incoming blocks of program data from the communication line and stores them to disk (steps 1145, 1155 and 1160). The module continues to run in the background (at high priority) in a multi-tasking mode until all blocks of the program segment have been received. Alternatively, the authorization code may be transmitted to the subscriber terminal as described in the Distribution Center Order Processing module. In that case, the Receive module examines the list of customers in the first block of a program segment to see if it is authorized to receive that program. If so, the authorization code that is sent with that block is extracted to identify which of the subsequent blocks belong to that program segment.
The Process Orders routine is shown in
The Select View module is shown in
The View module is shown in
The Copy module copies a program segment from the hard disk to a removable storage medium Such as a WORM disk. It executes in the background in multi-tasking mode at a very low priority.
This module is one of two modules that process hardware interrupts from the keypad. When the system is powered up, the start up module directs that any keypad interrupts be processed by the Request module. All keys but the ENTER key are ignored at this point, causing the module returns immediately. When the ENTER key is pressed, however, the module becomes ready to handle a customer request. It first directs that keypad interrupts be processed by a standard keyboard interrupt processor, which places key presses in a queue where they may be accessed by standard input functions. Next, it checks whether a program segment is currently being viewed, and, if so, it sets the flag in the View module to tell that module to pause. It then displays a menu on the monitor and waits for a response to be entered via the keypad (using standard input routines). The menu options and subsequent actions are as follows:
Notice that before returning from this module, the keypad interrupt processor is set for this Request module.
Process Orders Subroutine
This subroutine may be called from the Request module or the Select View subroutine. A parameter is passed to indicate where it is called from. The first step is to dial up the Distribution Center (1305) and establish communication with the Order Processing module there. It sends the customer identification information (1325), including any passwords if desired, and tells whether to process a new order (where this subroutine was called by the Request module) or an extension to an existing order (where this subroutine was called by Select View). After receiving a validation of the customer identification from the Distribution Center, it waits for a message packet (1335, 1340). The message options are shown below with the corresponding actions taken. All keypad entries are followed by ENTER.
The system according to the invention is not limited to any specific means or methods of data communication between subscriber and distributor. For example, it is readily apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the distribution of programs can take place over CATV lines, fiber optic lines, or any other adaptable data link. Also without substantive changes, the system can be employed whether the method of distribution is a continuous loop, as in conventional CATV systems, or whether the method uses dedicated or private lines, as in conventional telephone system. Regardless of the type of distribution link, the system provides interactive communication between subscriber, and distributor, expanded memory for the subscriber, and an archive of time allowance intervals that provides maximum flexibility for the subscriber and maximum efficiency for the distributor.
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|International Classification||G06F3/00, G06F13/00, H04N1/00, H04N7/173|
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|European Classification||H04N7/173B2, H04N7/173B4|
|May 29, 2008||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: INTERIM DESIGN, INC., PENNSYLVANIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HADDAD, JOSEPH C.;REEL/FRAME:021050/0757
Effective date: 20080529
|Oct 30, 2008||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: ANOSOLE PASS HOLDINGS, L.L.C., DELAWARE
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INTERIM DESIGN, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021774/0156
Effective date: 20081009
|Oct 11, 2011||CC||Certificate of correction|
|Dec 12, 2014||REMI||Maintenance fee reminder mailed|
|May 3, 2015||LAPS||Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees|
|Jun 23, 2015||FP||Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee|
Effective date: 20150503


text:
Reports said that the Ministry of Economic Development of Italy has announced that certain blockchain projects will qualify to apply for up to $46 million in government subsidies starting from September.
It has been reported that the Ministry said companies and public or private research firms will be able to apply for funding from the government for the development of projects related to artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and blockchain technology.
However, the fund will have an initial budget of 45 million euros, around $46 million, as of July 5, for expenses and costs from 500 thousand (worth $512,150) to 2 million euros ($2,048,600) as part of the Italian government’s goals for investments in technology, research and innovation.
Giancarlo Giorgetti, the Minister of Economic Development, said:
“We support companies' investments in cutting-edge technologies with the aim of encouraging the modernization of production systems through management models that are increasingly interconnected, efficient, secure and fast. The goal of competitiveness requires the manufacturing industry to constantly innovate and use the potential of new technologies.”
The report said that the government directive was made possible by a decree in December 2021 establishing criteria for using the fund and a subsequent one in June 2022 in which the Ministry set the terms and conditions for submitting applications.
According to the decree, companies of any size will be eligible to apply for subsidies provided the funds will be used for IoT, AI, or blockchain in sectors including industry and manufacturing, tourism, health, the environment and aerospace.
A member of the European Union, Italy would likely be affected by recent regulations agreed upon by the EU Parliament aiming to bring crypto issuers and service providers within its jurisdictional control under a single regulatory framework.
Thus, the country’s securities regulator, the Italian Companies and Exchange Commission (CONSOB) has previously warned residents about the possible risks of crypto investments, while the Organismo Agenti e Mediatori is largely responsible for granting regulatory approval for crypto service providers — in May, the regulator gave the green light to major crypto exchange Binance to open a branch in Italy.

domain: finance


text:
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - U.S. stocks on Wednesday opened lower as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke readies for Congressional testimony on the economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA, +1.74% fell 55.76 points to 12,629.16. The S&P 500 [$spx] declined 7.74 points to 1,373.55, while the Nasdaq Composite COMP, +0.61% dropped 16.06 points to 2,329.15.
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text: At the age of 12, Billy released his first country album, One Voice, with Sony Records. The title track earned Billy a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and was on the Billboard Country Top 40 for seven weeks. Billy became the youngest artist to ever have a Top 40 hit and a 2x platinum album. As Billy grew up and his voice changed, he was eventually dropped from his record deal. In 2014, a reporter found out that Billy was gay and threatened to out him, so Billy posted a YouTube video opening up to his fans as a gay man. Since coming out and choosing a career focused on pop music instead, Billy finally feels like his true self.

domain: celebrity


text:
Wow. What a full day. I feel like we just did most people’s whole vacation today after an overnight flight in which Norah slept a whopping 2 hours. Which translated to us each getting about an hour each.
Kegan felt terrible all day. I think I felt fine because there are a lot of nights with work that I only get 2-3 hours. I’ve acclimated. Lol
We hit Rome around 9am local time and we were in our rental car headed to our hotel for tonight by 10:30am.
Norah discovered a “playground” with her laser vision by baggage claim so we had to take a 10 minute detour for that.
Security was extra “military” today in Rome in light of the Paris attacks yesterday. Full gear and machine guns on display almost everywhere there was a crowd.
Once we checked in we walked to Piazza Spagna via the Medici Palace. More about those Medici once we get to Florence.
Norah’s love for water extends to fountains and we always have to play in any water feature we encounter. This could be fun in a country with as many per capita fountains as people. I swear if she dances naked in a fountain in Italy, you guys will be the first to know.
There are citrus trees just growing alongside the road full of fruit. I wanted to pick an orange… But I refrained. I’m guessing prison outside the US is no joke…
Did you know that Rome has more obelisks than any other city in the world?? Yeah, neither did I until I researched the history behind this one. 🙂 Apparently this a copy of some great obelisk made by Ramses II is 400 BC or so and brought to Rome after the defeat of Mac Anthony and Cleopatra around 10BC. But we didn’t see that one. We saw this one and thought it was that one. Haha This one was made for some private collector back in the 1500s when they decided to re-erect the original during the Renaissance. It says that the Roman workers who made the copy accidentally transcribed some of the hieroglyphics upside down or transposed since they were looking at the hieroglyphics while it was on the ground horizontally, taking notes and carving later.
M The famous Spanish steps are closed for renovations.(In fact, a lot of sites had scaffolding up right now…must be the “construction season” of Rome)
The Piazza do Spagna, where a lot of the designer shopping is centralized. Versace, Prada, Valentino, ya know…the stuff no one can really afford.
Awesome doors. Note the military present on the side. They were pretty prevalent today…and I was okay with that.
A street vendor roasting chestnuts. It was tempting….
We ended up with doppio espressos and pressed sandwiches for lunch which were amazing.
The Latin inscription on the side of the Santa Maria in Trivio church from like 600AD. It’s the oldest church in Rome although most of what you see was redone in the late 1500s
The Trevi Fountain. The fountain where the water from the ancient aqueduct ended in Rome; the Aqua Virgo. The water then fed in to the ancient Baths of Agrippa and worked for over 400 years. The acquisition was rebuilt as the Aqua Vergine and now ends in this fountain. This photo really doesn’t do it justice if you’ve never seen it. This is with my extremely wide angle lens…and still barely fit in the frame. Each of those figures is probably 10-15 feet tall . Massive marble sculptures. Gorgeous up close. But so.many.people….I can’t imagine coming here in the middle of the summer in tourist season.
This was probably my favorite thing today. Why this isn’t more famous and in a museum somewhere….I don’t know. The Marcus Aurelius column.
The column was finished in the year 193AD. 1800 years ago!! (Restored in the 1500s). Took over 15 years to make. It tells the stories of the “Danubian” wars in a spiral relief across 27 blocks of Carrera marble. Unbelievable carvings of war and victories… Just amazing. Apparently in the Middle Ages people used to climb to the top as a challenge. It got so popular that they started auctioning off the rights annually to sell tickets at the site for people who came to climb it. Seeing it in person….no.way.
The holes are actually windows to the hollow interior spiral staircase that leads up to top viewing platform.
A bird that also enjoyed the column.
A girl. Watching the bird.
Such old streets. You can just feel history with roads like these. (My feet could feel history, too. Haha They are seriously sore this morning from just walking over uneven stones for miles yesterday) Temple of Hadrian built after his death by his son Antonius Pius in 145AD. Only the columns now remain and have been built into the building behind. Such a cool way to preserve ancient history!
The side of the Panteon as we walked up.
The front from the Plaza Nuvona.
“M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COSTERVTIVM.FECIT”is the enscription in the front.
M[arcus] AGRIPPA L[ucii] F[ilius] CO[n]S[ul] TERTIUM FECIT
“Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this building when consul for the third time.”
However, it’s not entirely true. The original Pantheon Agrippa built was destroyed and only the front facade remains. This Patheon was built by Septimis Servius and his son Marcus Aurelius Antoninus in 200AD
Amazing metal doors two stories tall.
The Panteon holds the record for the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world
A perfectly circular, dome shaped ceiling with an opening in the high center. To this day, when it rains it rains right inside in the middle and down a drain.
Norah NEEDED a picture with the elephant. There is a monument at every corner. I have no idea what this one is. Ha
Then she needed to take my picture while I’m trying to be nice and get my camera ban before she drops it. Haha
I have no idea what this is but was just very cool on the side of a building
The Altare do Patria (Alter of the Fatherland)
The ancient excavated ruins were very cool to see in person versus a textbook.
The Colliseum was even more massive than I had envisioned. What an amazing feat of engineering.
Norah made it to dinner after a nap through the Colliseum. Just barely. Girlie was sleepy. Haha
We went to sleep very shortly after dinner and had some much needed sleep. Tomorrow is Siena and Pisa with some stops along the way.
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CVIM staff members are responsible for the overall management of the organization including medical and dental services, drug dispensary and administration. This core staff oversees the team of 435 volunteers and 200 healthcare profession students who perform vital services at the clinic.
|President and CEO
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A Washington-based ethics group is raising questions about an event a Romanian government official organized at a property owned by President TrumpDonald TrumpOmar, Muslim Democrats decry Islamophobia amid death threats On The Money — Powell pivots as inflation rises Trump cheers CNN's Cuomo suspension MORE last month.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) published an article Thursday noting that the Consulate General of Romania in Chicago celebrated the country’s annual Great Union Day at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in the city late last month.
CREW noted that Romania is the fourth country to celebrate a holiday at a property owned by Trump, joining the Philippines, Kuwait and Bahrain, who have all held events at Trump’s hotel in Washington, D.C.
It is not clear who paid for the event in Chicago, though the Consulate General lists itself as the organizer of the gathering, CREW noted, citing an article on the Consulate General's website.
CREW noted that the consulate did not hold its annual celebration at Trump’s property either of the two previous years, when Trump was running for the White House and his first year in office.
The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill on Thursday.
Trump has long drawn scrutiny over foreign dignitaries and officials staying at his properties, with questions raised about whether he is benefitting financially from their stay at the properties.
Attorneys General in both Maryland and D.C. have sued Trump alleging that he has violated the Constitution's Emoluments Clause by accepting payments from foreign and state governments through the Trump International Hotel in D.C.
The clause prohibits public officials from receiving gifts or payments from foreign governments without approval from Congress.
Both attorneys general are planning numerous subpoenas in an attempt to prove that Trump has illegally profited from his presidency.
CREW has previously raised questions about whether Trump has violated the Emoluments Clause.
Last year, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit the group filed against Trump over his decision to not fully divest from his businesses.
In September, CREW submitted another request to investigate whether Trump broke federal law by campaigning during official visits.
The watchdog group said Trump and his aides may have violated the Hatch Act by using government resources to travel and hold campaign events.

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Separate names with a comma.
With just two short months to go until release, developers Kylotonn Racing Games have released a new Isle of Man TT Trailer.. oh and...
(for original post) See this thread, page 2: http://www.racedepartment.com/threads/snaefell-mountain-course.127333/
Following a successful first airingat the recent Isle of Man TT motorcycle road race, Bigben Games have released a batch of new...
In an ever growing climate of political correctness and risk aversion, has the time come to call an end to the dangers of the Isle of Man...


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Many or all of the products here are from our partners. We may earn a commission from offers on this page. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
For savvy travelers, the Citi ThankYou Rewards program has a lot to offer. The program features several ways to use points, including flat-rate redemptions and transfers to many travel partners. To make it even better, the Citi credit cards you use to earn those points offer some of the best rewards rates you'll find, plus useful extra perks.
Just like with other types of rewards credit cards, you'll get the most out of Citi ThankYou points when you know how they work. This complete guide will go over the finer details of this valuable rewards currency, from what it's worth to how you can use your points.
You can always get a minimum value of $0.01 per point with Citi ThankYou points, but it's also possible to get over $0.03 per point with transfers to travel partners.
It can be tricky to assign a value to ThankYou points, because your redemption options depend on which Citi card you have. All Citi ThankYou cards let you redeem points towards travel purchases at $0.01 per point, making that a reliable minimum value to expect.
Some Citi ThankYou cards also let you transfer points to travel partners and book award travel. With this type of redemption, the value of your points depends on the travel you book.
You earn Citi ThankYou points, of course, by using a credit card in that rewards program. The complicated part is that only certain Citi ThankYou cards let you transfer points to all the program's travel partners. Others have more limited options.
The following Citi cards let you transfer your points to any of Citi's travel partners:
These Citi cards earn ThankYou points, but don't offer transfers to most travel partners:
With these, you can redeem your points through the Citi ThankYou Travel Center to purchase travel at $0.01 per point. The Citi Rewards+® Card and the student version both let you transfer points to JetBlue at a 5:4 ratio, worse than the 1:1 ratio you'd get with the Citi Prestige® Card or the Citi Premier® Card. You also can't transfer points to any other partner.
Here's the good news -- if you have multiple Citi cards, you can move your ThankYou points around to unlock more redemptions. Let's say you have the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Prestige® Card. By moving your points from the Citi Rewards+® Card to the Citi Prestige® Card, you'd be able to transfer them to a wider range of partners.
This also works if you have the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer, although that's technically a cash-back card. Citi lets you transfer the cash back you earn on that card to any ThankYou Rewards card. You get 100 ThankYou points per $1 of cash back. Since the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer earns a high flat rate on all spending, combining it with a Citi ThankYou card is a smart way to accumulate credit card rewards faster.
For more examples on how a typical Citi card earns ThankYou Rewards, check out our guide to Citi Premier® Card benefits.
You can buy Citi ThankYou points at $0.025 per point. Points must be purchased in increments of 1,000 for $25. If you need additional points for a redemption, you can purchase points online during the redemption process. You can also call the Citi ThankYou Service Center to buy points.
In most cases, it's not a good deal to buy points. The high price means you'll be lucky to break even on the purchase, and it's more likely that you'll end up losing money. The only time buying ThankYou points makes sense is when you have a redemption ready that will get you more than $0.025 per point, and you don't quite have enough points to cover it.
Citi ThankYou points expire, and the expiration date depends on how you obtained them. If you earn points by using a Citi credit card, the points remain active as long as your card is open. Points you purchase expire at the end of the calendar year in which you purchased them.
The easiest way to know when your points will expire is through your online account. To find this information, go to the Citi ThankYou Rewards site and log in. Go to the Points Summary page. This page lists any points you have with an expiration date. If there's nothing listed, then none of your points are set to expire.
You can redeem ThankYou points on the Citi ThankYou Rewards site, which you can visit directly, or through the link in your Citi credit card online account. You can also redeem by calling the ThankYou Rewards Service Center.
Redemption options include travel (through the Citi ThankYou Travel Center and via transfers to travel partners), gift cards, shopping with points through select retailers, and cash back. It's most effective to stick to travel redemptions. With most travel rewards credit cards, your points are worth much more when used for travel, and Citi's cards are the same way.
These are the Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer partners:
If you transfer points from the Citi Prestige® Card or the Citi Premier® Card, you'll usually get a 1:1 ratio, as in 1,000 points in the partner's loyalty program for every 1,000 ThankYou points you transfer. With the Sears Shop Your Way program, however, you get 12 Sears points for every 1 ThankYou point you transfer.
There are certain redemptions that you can only accomplish by phone, including:
Here's how to redeem Citi ThankYou points online:
The process varies depending on how you're redeeming your points, but Citi makes everything straightforward and easy to understand on its site.
The most effective way to use Citi ThankYou points is transferring them to a partner airline to book award airfare, so you need a Citi Prestige® Card or Citi Premier® Card to get the most out of your points.
With all the airline partners available, there are a lot of ways to use ThankYou points. Here are a few tips to find high-value transfer opportunities:
Citi ThankYou points offer plenty of redemption options that can save you serious cash on your travels. They're particularly useful if you like to travel internationally, thanks to the diverse collection of airline transfer partners. If you spend a little time checking out all the available redemptions, you're sure to find a good use for your points.
Here are some other questions we've answered:
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The world is too big to stay in one place.
My name is Lecia (aka Dr Wanderlust). I have traveled to over 60 countries touching 5 continents and more than half of the US States. So basically I am a travel addict :).
I have traveled for pleasures, work, philanthropy, group trips, sports.. you name it. I have traveled on a strict budget, and I have splurged on the luxuries in life. But no matter what I travel for or how I travel I love helping other experience the world too. So I want to share my adventures with you to motivate and inspire your own travels whether it is for business, pleasure, or philanthropy.
I have also helped people plan and book their trips for years. I have even taken a few people on trips with me as well. I hope to open more trips up to individuals to join in and experience the world through the heart and adventures of Dr Wanderlust.

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An apple and nut-filled muffin topped with a buttery crumble and vanilla glaze
Preheat oven to 375. Line muffin tins with paper liners. Set aside. Cream together butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs and sour cream. Mix until combined. Add in dry ingredients. Mix until just incorporated. Fold in nuts and apples. Spoon batter into muffin tins. (3/4) full. Meanwhile, combine ingredients for streusel in a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle the streusel over the muffins. Bake for 20 minutes or until tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 3-5 minutes before placing on a cooling rack. Meanwhile, whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over muffins. Store in an airtight container.


A combination of offshore wind and Norwegian hydroelectric power via an extended grid of seabed interconnectors can help Europe reach its goals on renewable energy. Scatec subsidiaries have developed a new concept for offshore wind foundations and an installation vessel, based on technology and experience from offshore oil & gas.
Alf Bjørseth, CEO and Chairman of Scatec AS, Norway
Alf Bjørseth, entrepreneur within renewable energy and advanced materials. Established Renewable Energy Corp (1994), NorSun, NorWind, Scatec Solar, Norsk Titanium Components and others. Dr. Phil. in physical chemistry, started his career within research; professor at the Ui Oslo and Bergen, Corp. Dir. of Research Norsk Hydro and Dir. of Technology Elkem.
If you are unable to view the presentation above please download a PDF copy here.