Attorney Or Agent: Schubert Law GroupVallone; Mark C.
Other References: Nortel Networks, "Multimedia PC Client User Guide", http://it.com.itd.umuch.edu/networkengin/seasler/MCS/Setup;/NortelDocumen-tation/MMPCC%User%%20Guide.pdf, Dec. 2003, pp. 1-68. cited by other.
Molly Wood, "CNET Imagines the Perfect E-Mail Client", Apr. 3, 2002, pp. 1-6. cited by other.
Non-final office action dated Jun. 14, 2007 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/926,590. cited by other.
Final office action dated Nov. 26, 2007 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/926,590. cited by other.
Notice of Allowance dated May 1, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/926,590. cited by other.
Abstract: Systems and media for updating an instant messaging system on a network are disclosed. More particularly, hardware and/or software for updating status indicators such as `away` messages of an instant messaging system are disclosed. Embodiments include determining that a change in status of the user has occurred and automatically transmitting an indication of the change in status to instant messenger system manager via a network. Embodiments include determining that a change in status of the user has occurred based on receiving an indication that the user's status has changed, such as from user input on a keyboard, mouse, etc. Other embodiments include determining that a change in status has occurred based on determining that the user's status has changed based on an electronic calendar, expiration of a time period, etc.
1. A computer readable storage device having a computer readable program stored thereon, the computer readable program comprising program instructions which, when executed byone or more processors, perform a method for updating an instant messaging server on a network, the method comprising: receiving, in an instant messaging client, a request to configure a status indicator to an away status for a user of the instantmessaging client, wherein the request to configure the status indicator includes an indication of an `away` message, wherein the user belongs to a particular organization, and wherein the `away` message comprises a first message for other users whobelong to the particular organization and a second, different message for other users who do not belong to the particular organization; setting the `away` message; transmitting the `away` message to the instant messaging server via the network; afterthe transmitting the `away` message, detecting an activation of a screen saver; after the detecting the activation of the screen saver, receiving an indication that the user is active while the status indicator is in the away status; after thereceiving the indication that the user is active, determining that a change in status of the user has occurred; and after the determining that the change in status has occurred, querying the user as to whether the user desires to change the statusindicator to an active status, and in response to receiving an affirmative response from the user, automatically transmitting an indication of the change in status to the instant messaging server via the network.
2. The computer readable storage device of claim 1, wherein the determining that the change in status has occurred comprises determining that the user is active; and wherein the indication of the change in status is an indication of an activestatus.
3. The computer readable storage device of claim 1, wherein the indication of the change in status includes a new `away` message.
4. The computer readable storage device of claim 1, wherein the indication of a change in status is an indication of an `away` message selected from a plurality of `away` messages based on a current time.
5. An instant messaging system on a network, the system comprising: an instant messaging server in communication with the network, the instant messaging server being adapted to facilitate instant messaging between users belonging to aparticular organization; a plurality of computer systems in communication with the network, at least one computer system having an instant messaging client to receive requests to configure a status indicator to an away status for a user, wherein theaway status includes an `away` message that itself comprises a first message for other users who belong to the particular organization and a second, different message for other users who do not belong to the particular organization; wherein the instantmessaging client, after detecting an activation of a screen saver and after receiving an indication that the user is active while the status indicator is in an away status, determines if a change in the user's status has occurred, and wherein further theinstant messaging client automatically transmits an updated status indicator to the instant messaging server after determining that the change in status has occurred and after querying the user to determine if the user desires to change the statusindicator to active and receiving an affirmative response.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the change in status is from an away status to an active status.
7. A computer system comprising one or more computer readable storage devices, one or more processors, one or more computer readable memories, and a computer readable program stored on at least one of the one or more computer readable storagedevices, the computer readable program comprising program instructions which, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more computer readable memories, perform a method for updating an instant messagingserver on a network, the method comprising: receiving, in an instant messaging client, a request to configure a status indicator to an away status for a user of the instant messaging client, wherein the request to configure the status indicator includesan indication of an `away` message, wherein the user belongs to a particular organization, and wherein the `away` message comprises a first message for other users who belong to the particular organization and a second, different message for other userswho do not belong to the particular organization; setting the `away` message; transmitting the `away` message to the instant messaging server via the network; after the transmitting the `away` message, detecting an activation of a screen saver; afterthe detecting the activation of the screen saver, receiving an indication that the user is active while the status indicator is in the away status; after the receiving the indication that the user is active, determining that a change in status of theuser has occurred; after the determining that the change in status has occurred, querying the user as to whether the user desires to change the status indicator to an active status, and in response to receiving an affirmative response from the user,automatically transmitting an indication of the change in status to the instant messaging server via the network.
8. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the determining that the change in status has occurred comprises determining that the user is active; and wherein the indication of the change in status is an indication of an active status.
9. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the indication of the change in status includes a new `away` message.
10. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the indication of a change in status is an indication of an `away` message selected from a plurality of `away` messages based on a current time.
The present invention is in the field of data processing systems and, in particular, to systems and media for updating the status of a user on an instant messaging system on a network by automatically updating a status indicator when a change inthe user's status has occurred.
Personal computer systems are well known in the art. They have attained widespread use for providing computer power to many segments of today's modern society. Personal computers (PCs) may be defined as a desktop, floor standing, or portablemicrocomputer that includes a system unit having a central processing unit (CPU) and associated volatile and non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM) and basic input/output system read only memory (BIOS ROM), a system monitor, akeyboard, one or more flexible diskette drives, a CD-ROM drive, a fixed disk storage drive (also known as a "hard drive"), a pointing device such as a mouse, and an optional network interface adapter. One of the distinguishing characteristics of thesesystems is the use of a motherboard or system planar to electrically connect these components together. Examples of such personal computer systems are IBM's PC 300, ThinkCentre, ThinkPad, Aptiva, and IntelliStation series.
The use of mobile computing devices, such as notebook PCs, personal digital assistants (PDAs), sophisticated wireless phones, etc., has also become widespread. Mobile computing devices typically exchange some functionality or performance whencompared to traditional PCs in exchange for smaller size, portable power, and mobility.
The widespread use of PCs and mobile computing devices in various segments of society has resulted in a reliance on computer systems both at work and at home, such as for telecommuting, news, stock market information and trading, banking,shopping, shipping, communication in the form of hypertext transfer protocol (http) and e-mail, as well as other services. Many of these functions take advantage of the communication abilities offered by the Internet. E-mail, which allows a user totransmit a message to another user, is one of the more popular uses of the Internet, and its use continues to increase.
Another application that continues to increase in popularity is instant messaging (IM). IM systems allow two or more users on computer systems such as PCs or mobile computing devices to exchange messages in real-time (or near real-time). IMsystems allow users to maintain a list of other users, called a buddy or contact list, with whom they wish to interact. Using the IM system, a user can send an instant message to any person on their contact list as long as that person is on-line. IMsystems typically provide current status information about users on the contact list, telling the contact list owner whether each user on the list is on-line or off-line so that they will know with whom they may interact. This feature is often calledpresence management. Sending a message to an on-line user opens up a window where each user may type messages that the other user may see, allowing for an electronic "conversation". Many IM systems also provide chat room capability, where a user canset up a chat room to be shared by multiple users. The chat room operates under the same principles as basic instant messaging applied to multiple users, as each user may type in messages for other users in the chat room to see.
The popularity of IM systems is partially based on the immediacy of IM systems, particularly when compared to e-mail. This immediacy requires both parties in an IM exchange to be on-line at the same time, unlike e-mail. It allows, however, forinteractive, back-and-forth exchanges of information without having to perform multiple steps to read, reply, and send a reply e-mail.
IM systems typically provide a choice of different status configurations indicating the user's current status. These status indications will be seen by other users from their own IM programs. If a user is active and available for instantmessaging, their status will indicate `active`. If a user is active on the system and desires not to receive instant messages, they may also select a `do not disturb` status which will tell other users not to transmit instant messages even though theuser is on-line. If a user is logged in to the system but will be unable to respond to instant messages, such as when they are in a meeting, they may select an `away` status. A user may designate a customized `away` message that provides whateverdetails a user would like, such as how long the user will be away. If a user is off of the system (logged out, etc.), the instant messaging system will indicate that the user is off-line with no status indicator.
These status indications, particularly the customized `away` messages, often do not reflect the correct status for the particular user. For example, a user may set their `away` message indicating that they will be, say, in a meeting for thenext hour. The `away` message will remain the same until it is changed by the user. A user often forgets to reset the `away` message when they return from their time away, which can be confusing for other users who are receiving false information aboutwhere the user is, where the user may be found, or when the user will be back.
There is, therefore, a need for an easy and effective system to facilitate updating of status messages on an instant messaging system. There is an even greater need for such a system when customized `away` messages are used.
The problems identified above are in large part addressed by systems, methods and media for updating an instant messaging system on a network. One embodiment provides a method of updating an instant messaging system on a network that generallyprovides for receiving a request to configure a status indicator of the instant messaging system to an away status for a user, wherein the request to configure the status indicator includes an indication of an `away` message. The method also generallyincludes setting the `away` message and transmitting an indication of the `away` message to an instant messaging system manager. The method further includes determining that a change in status has occurred and automatically transmitting an indication ofthe change in status to the instant messaging system manager, which may then update the status of the user.
Another embodiment provides a machine accessible medium containing instructions effective, when executing in a data processing system, to cause the system to perform a series of operations for synchronizing a database on a network. The seriesof operations generally includes receiving a request to configure a status indicator of the instant messaging system to an away status for a user, wherein the request to configure the status indicator includes an indication of an `away` message. Theseries of operations also generally includes setting the `away` message and transmitting an indication of the `away` message to an instant messaging system manager. The series of operations further includes determining that a change in status hasoccurred and automatically transmitting an indication of the change in status to the instant messaging system manager.
A further embodiment provides an instant messaging system on a network. The instant messaging system may include an instant messaging system manager in communication with the network for facilitating instant messaging between users. Theinstant messaging system may further include a plurality of computer systems in communication with the network having instant messaging clients adapted to receive requests to configure a status indicator to an away status for a user. The instantmessaging client may be adapted to determine if a change in the user's status has occurred and to automatically transmit an updated status indicator to the instant messaging system manager.
FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart example for updating the status of a user on an instant messaging system according to another alternative embodiment.
The following is a detailed description of example embodiments of the invention depicted in the accompanying drawings. The example embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the invention. However, the amount of detail offered isnot intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The descriptions below are designed to make such embodiments obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for updating an instant messaging system on a network are disclosed. More particularly, hardware and/or software components for updating status indicators such as `away` messages of an instantmessaging system are disclosed. Embodiments include determining that a change in status of the user has occurred and automatically transmitting an indication of the change in status to instant messenger system manager via a network. Embodiments includedetermining that a change in status of the user has occurred based on receiving an indication that the user's status has changed, such as from user input on a keyboard, mouse, etc. Other embodiments include determining that a change-in status hasoccurred based on determining that the user's status has changed based on an electronic calendar, expiration of a time period, etc.
The disclosed embodiments help prevent outdated `away` messages for a user that may confuse or mislead other users. By determining that a change in status may have occurred and automatically transmitting an indication of me change in status toan instant messenger system manager in some embodiments, obsolete, incorrect or misleading `away` messages can be minimized. In some embodiments, little or no action by the user is necessary.
While specific embodiments will be described below with reference to particular configurations of hardware and/or software, those of skill in the art will realize that embodiments of the present invention may advantageously be implemented withother substantially equivalent hardware and/or software systems.
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an environment for a system for updating an instant messaging system according to one embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, system 100 includes a plurality of computer systems 102 in communicationwith a network 110. System 100 also includes an IM system manager 104 in communication with network 110 for managing the instant messaging system. System 100 may also include database 106 in communication with the IM system manager 104 and/or network110. In system 100, the computer systems 102, IM system manager 104, and database 106 may be located at the same location, such as in the same building or computer lab, or could be remote. While the term "remote" is used with reference to the distancebetween the components of system 100, the term is used in the sense of indicating separation of some sort, rather than in the sense of indicating a large physical distance between the systems. For example, any of the components of system 100 may bephysically adjacent or located as part of the same computer system in some network arrangements.
Network 110 may be any type of data communications channel, such as the Internet, an intranet, a LAN, a WAN, an Ethernet network, a wireless network, a proprietary network, a broadband cable network, etc. Many instant messaging systems, such asICQ, utilize the Internet and are open to all. Other IM systems, such as Time Warner Inc.'s AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), use proprietary networks. Semi-private networks are used in some instant messaging systems, such as Microsoft Corp.'s MSNMessenger. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention described herein may be, implemented utilizing any type of data communications channel.
Computer systems 102 may include personal computers, workstations, servers, mainframe computers, notebook or laptop computers, desktop computers, PDAs, set-top boxes, mobile phones, wireless devices, or the like. Each computer system 102 mayinclude an instant messaging client (IM client) 108. An IM client 108 may be, in one embodiment, a software application that communicates with an instant messaging server, such as the IM system manager 104. In this embodiment, the IM client 108 maytransmit information, such as status messages of a contact list, to the IM system manager 104 and it may receive information as well, such as the current status of IM clients 108 related to other users on the contact list.
IM system manager 104 may be executing on one or more personal computers, workstations, servers, mainframe computers, notebook or laptop computers, desktop computers, PDAs, set-top boxes, mobile phones, wireless device, or the like. In oneembodiment, an IM system manager 104 may be a server in communication with a plurality of computer systems 102 via network 110. IM system manager 104 facilitates instant messaging between IM clients 108 on different computer systems 102 by transmittingand receiving information, such as the identification, status, and/or network address of IM clients 108 and/or computer systems 102. Many different IM system manager 104 applications exist, such as ICQ, AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, etc.Optional database 106 may provide storage for any type of information for the IM system manager 104, such as information about IM clients 108, network addresses, etc. Database 106 may be located anywhere within system 100, including as a standalonedatabase, as part of the IM system manager 104, etc., and may be stored on any type of storage device, such as hard drives, volatile memory, etc.
In one embodiment, a user on a computer system 102 may open an IM client 108 so that it is executing on the computer system 102. The IM client 108 then attempts to connect to the IM system manager 104 using network 110. Using the IM client108, the user then typically enters a user name (or other identification) to log in to the IM system manager 104. In this embodiment, the IM client 108 then transmits connection information (such as the IP address and port number assigned to IM client108 on computer system 102, as well as a contact list, etc.) of the computer system 102 on which the IM client 108 is located. The IM system manager 104 may then determine if any users from the contact list are currently logged in (i.e., their IM client108 is active and running), after which it will transmit status information (as well as IP address and port number) for users on the contact list back to the initial IM client 108, as well as transmitting status information (`active`) for the initial IMclient 108 to the users in the contact list. Status information for each user may be stored at the IM system manager 104 and/or database 106.
The user may then use their IM client 108 to select one of the active users from their contact list. The IM client 108 then opens a window that provides a direct connection to the selected user's IM client 108, bypassing the IM system manager104. The direct connection is possible because the initiating IM client 108 has the connection information, such as the IP address and port number, for the other IM client 108 or computer system 102. Each user's instant messages may appear in the openwindow, which is then displayed on both computer systems 102. When either user logs off the IM system manager 104, the IM system manager 104 changes the status of that user to `away` and transmits the updated status information to other users.
In this embodiment, a user using the IM client 108 may see a list of all of their contacts or buddies and the status of each. The status of each contact may be `active`, `away`, `do not disturb`, or off-line, as described previously. Some, ofthe `away` statuses may include `away` messages, which are user-configurable or automatically generated messages that provide additional information as to the status of the user beyond simply that they are away or unavailable. `Away` message is used asa general term to indicate a message that provides any indication that a user is not available for instant messaging. In one example, an `away` message may indicate that the user is in a meeting for two hours and will not be active on the instantmessaging system during that time. In another example, an `away` message may indicate that a user will be away from their computer for the rest of the afternoon. In both of these examples, a user may very easily forget that their `away` message isconfigured in this way when they return to their computer, possibly misleading other users. Even after they log back in to the IM system manager 104 (becoming `active` again) and later log back out, their `away` message will remain the same unless theyactively change it, resulting in additional confusion.
An `away` status may also include the off-line status in one embodiment. In this embodiment, when a user is logged off the IM system an `away` message may be stored on the IM system manager 104 or database 106 during the off-line timeframe,instead of having the IM system provide an off-line indication with no status. This allows the `away` message methodology described herein to be applied to the off-line status as well, or any other status indication.
Disclosed embodiments address this issue and provide an automatic way of updating the status indicator of a user, particularly the `away` message. In one embodiment, a user sets a particular `away` message (of it is automatically generated) andlogs off the IM system manager 104. If the user becomes active again on their computer system 102, the IM client 108 may reset the `away` message and transmit the new status, including the reset `away` message, to the IM system manager 104 so that otherusers, do not receive outdated information. The user may be considered active again on the computer system if they use the keyboard, mouse, pointer, pen, voice command device, or other user input devices, or if they initiate an instant message or chat. In another embodiment, the IM client 108 may interface, with a calendar program to receive more accurate status information for the user and may reset the `away` message based on the user's calendar program. These and other embodiments provide a moreaccurate `away` message for a user on an instant messaging system.
FIGS. 2 and 3 depict one embodiment of a personal computer 212 suitable for use as, for example, a computer system 102 or an IM system manager 104 in one embodiment. Other possibilities for the computer system 102 or IM system manager 104 arepossible, including a computer having capabilities other than those ascribed herein to a "personal computer", and possibly beyond those capabilities, and they may, in other embodiments, be any combination of processing devices such as workstations,servers, mainframe computers, notebook or laptop computers, desktop computers, PDAs, mobile phones, wireless devices, set-top boxes, or the like.
FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of certain elements of a personal computer 212 according to one embodiment, including a chassis 230, a cover 214, and a planar board 232. Cover 214 is a decorative outer member that cooperates with achassis 230 in defining an enclosed, shielded interior volume for receiving electrically powered data processing and storage components to process and store digital data. At least certain of these components may be mounted on a multi-layer planar 232 ormotherboard which may be mounted on the chassis 230 and may provide a means for electrically interconnecting the components of the personal computer 212, including those identified above and such other associated elements as floppy disk drives, variousforms of direct access storage devices, accessory adapter cards or boards, and the like.
Personal computer 212 may have a power supply 234 that may be actuated by a power switch (not shown). The chassis 230 may have a base indicated at 236, a front panel indicated at 238, and a rear panel indicated at 240. The front panel 238 maydefine at least one open bay for receiving a data/storage device such as a disk drive for magnetic or optical disks, a tape backup drive, or the like.
In the illustrated form, a pair of upper bays 242, 244 and a lower bay 246 are provided. One of the upper bays 242 may be adapted to receive peripheral drives of a first size (such as those known as 3.5 inch drives) while the other 244 may beadapted to receive drives of a different size (such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive) while the lower bay may be adapted to receive another drive. One floppy disk drive indicated at 248 maybe a removable medium direct access storage device (DASD) capable ofreceiving a diskette inserted there into and using the diskette to receive, store and deliver data as is generally known. One CD-ROM drive indicated at 250 is a removable medium DASD capable of receiving a compact disc inserted there into and using thedisc to deliver data as is generally known. One hard disk drive is indicated at 252 and is a fixed medium DASD capable of storing and delivering data as is generally known.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a block diagram 300 of certain components of the personal computer 212 of FIG. 2. The components of FIG. 3 comprise components mounted on the planar 232 of other hardware of the personal computer 212. Connected to the planar 232 is the system CPUs of processor(s) 310, which may be connected directly to a memory controller hub (MCH) 312. As one example, the system processor(s) 310 could be an Intel Pentium processor, Cyrix 586-P75 processor orAdvanced Micro Devices 8486 processor or any other suitable processor.
MCH 312 and input-output (I/O) controller hub (ICH) 314 represent part of the personal computer's 212 core logic chipset, facilitating access to/from processor(s) 310 from/to memory devices and I/O devices, respectively. More specifically, MCH312 may provide access to system memory 322 and level three (L3) cache memory 320. In many such embodiments, level one (L1) and level two (L2) cache are incorporated into each processor of processor(s) 310. MCH 312 may also include a special busadapted for direct memory access (DMA) by a video controller. In other embodiments, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus such as a PCI-E bus may be implemented for video display 318. System memory 322 may include random access memory (RAM)such as double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM).
Input/Output Controller Hub (ICH) 314 may be designed to coordinate communications with various I/O devices. In the depicted embodiment, ICH 314 couples with local area network (LAN) adapter 324, universal serial bus (USB) ports 328, redundantarray of independent disks (RAID) controller 330, integrated drive electronics (IDE) bus 332, PCI Express (PCI-E) bus 334, PCI bus 350, and low pin count (LPC)bus 370. LAN adapter 324 may be coupled to either the PCI bus 350 or directly to ICH 314 tofacilitate communication (i.e., transmit/receive data) with a remote computer or server over a LAN via a connection or link 326. LAN adapter 324 may be a card to be plugged in personal computer 212 or a LAN connection embedded on the planar 232. LANadapter 324 may also be known as a network interface card (NIC).
Personal computer 212 may include one or more USB ports 328, which are hardware interfaces for peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, printer, telephony devices, hard drives, compact disk (CD) drives, digital video disk(DVD) drives, and the like. Personal computer 212 may also include a RAID controller 330, which is a controller for a disk subsystem that is used to increase performance or provide fault tolerance.
IDE bus 332 and PCI-E bus 334 may be incorporated to facilitate connection of additional I/O devices with ICH 314. IDE bus 332 is a type of hardware interface widely used to connect hard disks, CD-ROMs and tape drives to a PC. IDE bus 332provides for the attachment for hard disk drive 344 and CD-ROM drive 346. PCI-E bus 334 may be a high-speed peripheral interconnect. PCI-E bus is designed to match the higher speeds of CPUs and can accommodate Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet and evensupport chip-to-chip transfers. PCI bus 350 may Couple a PCI bridge 352 to facilitate the connection of additional PCI devices and a PCI expansion connector 360 to facilitate expansion of the PCI bus 350 so even more peripheral devices can communicatewith ICH 314 via PCI bus compatible peripheral cards.
Attached to the LPC 370 may be a flash memory (FM) module or chip 372, power management logic 374, and a real-time clock (RTC) 376, and a multi-function or super I/O controller 380. Flash memory module 372 contains microcode that personalcomputer 212 may execute on power on and may be a non-volatile memory module or chip. Power management logic 374 allows for changing between various power states (e.g., off, suspend and normal operating states). The real-time clock (RTC) 376 may beused for time of day calculations. Super I/O controller 380 may include functionality such as, for example, a National Semiconductor PC87307. The super I/O controller 380 may contain a variety of I/O adapters and other components such as the disketteadapter 382, serial adapter 384, a parallel adapter 386 and keyboard controller 388. The diskette adapter 382 provides the interface to the diskette drive 348. The serial adapter 384 has an external port connector, serial port 390, for attachment ofexternal devices such as modems (not shown). The parallel adapter 386 has an external port connector, parallel port 392, for attachment of external devices such as printers (not shown). The keyboard controller 388 is the interface for the connectors,keyboard 336 and mouse 338.
FIG. 4 depicts an example of a flow chart 400 for updating the status of a user on an instant messaging system according to one embodiment. The method of flow chart 400 may be performed, in one embodiment, by an IM client 108 executing on acomputer system 102. Flow chart 400 begins with element 402, receiving a request to configure a status indicator to an away status. In one embodiment of this element, an IM client 108 receives a request from a user to configure the status indicator toan away status. A user may make such a request by selecting an away status from a pull down menu or any other input method. The user may optionally select an away status that may be, automatically updated (such as described in this FIG. 4) from a listof statuses that includes any methodologies for updating away status or not updating away status at all. Flow chart 400 continues to element 404, where the away status and `away` message are set based on the input received in element 402.
In one embodiment, a user may also input an `away` message, such as by typing the `away` message on a keyboard, via/voice input device, by selecting standard or commonly-used `away` messages from a list, or any other means. As describedpreviously, the `away` message may contain information about the status of the user, such as where they are, what time they will be back on-line, how they may be reached, etc.
Flowchart 400 continues to element 406, transmitting away status, including `away` message, to the IM system manager 104. After receiving the status and message from IM client 108, the IM system manager 104 will update its status for the useror IM client 108 in one embodiment. The IM system manager 104 may store status information locally, in database 106, in permanent of temporary storage, etc. Status information, including `away` messages or the like, may be organized by user, by IMclient 108, by computer system 102, or in any fashion, but organization based on the user (and the user's login name-or identification) may be particularly useful.
In element 408, an indication that the user is active is received. In one embodiment, the indication is received by the IM client 108 operating on a computer system 102. In this embodiment, a user input on the computer system provides anindication that the user is active, such as input from a user input device (i.e., keyboard, mouse, pen, pointer, voice, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, actions taken by the user may serve as indication that the user is active, such as the useropening the IM client 108, typing in characters in a chat window, sending or responding to an instant message, logging in to the computer or the IM client 108, etc. Any indication of user activity is possible, such as detection of the user's physicalpresence, or any indirect indication of activity of a user, such as the expiration of a time period (as a proxy for when the user is supposed to be active), electronic calendar entries, or any other indirect methods described in relation to FIGS. 5 and7. The expiration of a time period may be particularly useful for when a user has an estimate of how long they will be unavailable (e.g., going on a one week vacation, two hour meeting, etc.) so that they can input the estimate and have the `away`message indicating that their time away lasts only that long.
In one alternative embodiment, element 408 is not performed until a period of time has passed. This alternative allows for a period of time to pass to allow the user to finish what they were doing, lock their computer, or otherwise exit thecomputer system 102. Such a delay serves to reduce the risk of "false alarms" that incorrectly indicate that the user is back and active again when they have not yet really been away. The period of time may be a standard time (e.g., always fiveminutes), user-configurable, etc. In an alternative embodiment, element 408 is not performed until the occurrence of an event, such as closing the IM client 108, exiting computer system 102, activation of a screen saver on the computer system 102, etc.
Flowchart 400 continues to optional decision block 410, where it is determined if the user desires to change the status indicator to an active status. In one embodiment, the user is queried whether they wish to update their status indicatorafter it is determined that the user is active again in element 408. In this embodiment, the user may be queried via a pop-up window or other user interface methodology by the IM client 108, computer system 102, etc. The user may be allowed to choosebetween different alternatives, such as active status, different `away` messages, do not disturb status, etc. The user may also, in other embodiments, choose to delay making the choice, such as by choosing an option to be queried again in a period oftime (such as a default, user-defined, etc. period of time). In an alternative embodiment, decision block 410 is not necessary and it is simply assumed that the user desires to update their status indicator and the flowchart continues to element 412. This embodiment is functionally equivalent to the answer of decision block 410 always being "yes".
If it is determined that the user desires to, change the status indicator (or if decision block 410 is simply not performed), the flowchart 400 continues to element 412, resetting the status indicator. After the status indicator is reset, themethod continues to element 414, transmitting the status indicator to the IM system manager 104, after which the method terminates. The IM system manager 104 may store the hew status information, update its records, transmit the new status informationto other users (such as those on the initial user's contact list), etc., just as it would with any status indicators.
Element 412 allows for the status indicator to be reset in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, element 412 may be accomplished by the IM client 108 resetting the status indicator to a default `away` message. In this embodiment, the defaultmessage replaces a customized `away` message the user may have chosen, preventing confusion from other users seeing an outdated `away` message. Alternatively, a new customized `away` message may be chosen. In another embodiment, the IM client 108 mayreset the status indicator to an active status. In many cases, this may bean accurate status, as element 412 is only reached when an indication that the user is active in element 408. In yet another alternative embodiment, the status indicator may bereset to an option chosen by the user in decision block 410.
FIG. 5 depicts an example of a flow chart 500 for updating the status of a user on an instant messaging system according to an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, users may configure any number of `away` messages to be displayed basedon an associated time slot for each. The function of flow chart 500 may be performed on an IM client 108, computer system 102, or other system. In element 502, one or more `away` messages are received, each with an associated time slot during which itshould be used, where each time slot may have a start time and an end time. A queue of `away` messages may thus be created, providing for a series of `away` messages. One example of this queue would be an `away` message that was listed as a first timeslot that said "I'm unavailable and in a meeting" that had start and stop times of 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, and another `away` message in a second time slot from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. that said "Out of office running errands". Users may selecta time slot, such as from a pull-down menu, for each `away` message. The user entry mechanism may prevent overlap of `away` messages or, in an alternative embodiment, it may allow overlapping `away` messages and utilize any type of methodology toresolve conflicts, such as based on priority, which message started earliest, alphabetical order, etc.
Flow chart 500 continues to element 504, determining the appropriate `away` message. In element 504, the method analyzes the `away` messages received in element 502 and determines which of them should be used based on the current time (and timeconflict resolution methodology, if relevant). The operation of element 504 is described in more detail in relation to FIG. 6. In element 506, the method transmits the `away` message determined in element 504 to the IM system manager 104. The IMsystem manager 104 may store the new status information, update its records, transmit the new status information to other users (such as those on the initial user's contact list), etc. In one embodiment, the newly determined `away` message is ultimatelytransmitted to other users from the contact list so that each user has the most current status information. The method continues to decision block 508, determining if the `away` message is no longer active and, if not, whether another `away` message isavailable. If the current `away` message is no longer active (i.e., the timeframe has expired) and another `away` message is available, the flow chart returns to element 504, where a new `away` message is determined. If no new `away` messages areavailable, flow chart 500 terminates, leaving the last `away` message as the current status indicator.
In one embodiment, the functions of flow charts 400 and 500 may be combined. In this embodiment, a user may set up a series of `away` messages, for example, as in flow chart 500 while the IM client 108 continues to search for indications ofuser activity, as in flow chart 400. In this embodiment, the user gets the benefit of customized `away` messages for different timeframes in addition to functionality that helps eliminate inadvertently leaving an `away` message in place long after it isaccurate.
FIG. 6 depicts a schematic of an `away` message priority and time methodology of the method of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment. The schematic 600 illustrates an example of the methodology of element 504 of FIG. 4. Schematic 600 includes twoaxes, one for time and one for `away` message number. The time axis includes different time regions 1, 2, and 3. `Away` messages 602, 604, and 606 are represented by arrows with their optional priority written within the arrow (lower numbers beinghigher priority) and with the end of the arrows indicating the start and stop times of the time slot for the `away` messages 602, 604, and 606. In one embodiment, element 504 of FIG. 5 chooses the selected `away` message based on the current time. Inthis embodiment, and applied to schematic 600, `away` message 602 would be the selected `away` message during time period 1, as it is the `away` message whose time slot covers that timeframe. During time period 2 after the time slot for `away` message602 expires, `away` message 604 would be chosen over `away` message 606, as it has a higher priority. `Away` message 606 would be chosen during timeframe 3 as `away` message 604 expires. This embodiment may be particularly useful when a user has acomplicated schedule with overlapping commitments.
Schematic 600 only shows one embodiment of the methodology of element 504, and other methodologies are possible. As described above, methodologies using only assigned time slots are possible, such as when users may not enter `away` messageswithout conflicting time slots, as well as customized methodologies that may be based on user preferences, the intended recipients of the statuses (i.e., different `away` messages for people outside the company), etc.
FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart example for updating the status of a user on an instant messaging system according to another alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the `away` messages may be configured based on an electronic calendar. Thefunction of flow chart 700 may be performed by an IM client 108 on a computer system 102, in one example, that may be in communication with an electronic calendar, which may be on the computer system 102 or accessible using network 110. In element 702,the method receives a request to configure `away` messages based on an electronic calendar. Any electronic calendar may be used, such as Microsoft Corporation's Outlook, Yahoo! Inc.'s Calendar, etc. The request is typically received from a user, and maybe selected by the user from a pull-down menu or other data entry method. The IM client 508 and electronic calendar may also be integrated into one program.
Flow chart 700 continues to element 704, determining the `away` message based on the electronic calendar. In this element, the IM client 108 may interpret information from the electronic calendar in order to determine an appropriate `away`message. In one embodiment, for example, the header, title or subject line of calendar entries may be used as the `away` message. The IM client 108 may use the current time to determine which calendar entry is applicable. In another embodiment, somecalendar entries may be private such that the header, title, of subject line should not be displayed. In this case, a default "private appointment" or other message may be used as the `away` message. If the calendar does not have an entry for thecurrent time, then the `away` message may default back to a standard or user-configurable default `away` message. In an alternative embodiment, the priority-based alternative methodology of FIGS. 5 and 6 is used with calendar entries replacing theuser-configured `away` messages. For example, each calendar entry could have an associated priority that may be used to determine which should be used for an `away` message when calendar entries overlap with respect to time. Any methodology may be usedto determine an `away` message based on the electronic calendar.
In element 106, the method transmits the `away` message determined in element 704 to the IM system manager 104. The IM system manager 104 may store the new status information, update its records, transmit the new status information to otherusers (such as those on the initial user's contact list), etc. In one embodiment, the newly determined `away` message is ultimately transmitted to other users from the contact list so that each user has the most current status information. The methodcontinues to decision block 708, determining if a new calendar event is occurring. If a new calendar event is occurring (i.e., enough time has passed that a new calendar entry is now relevant), the flow chart returns to element 704, where the new `away`message is determined. If the calendar events are completed, flow chart 700 terminates, leaving the last `away` message as the current status indicator.
In one embodiment, the functions of flow charts 400, 500 and 700 may be combined. In this embodiment, an electronic calendar may be used to determine `away` messages, for example, as in flow chart 700 while the IM client 108 continues to searchfor indications of user activity, as in flow chart 400. In this embodiment, the user gets the benefit of using their electronic calendar to create customized `away` messages in addition to the functionality that helps eliminate inadvertently leaving an`away` message in place long after it is accurate.
In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the invention, may be part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, module, object, or sequence of instructions. The computer program of the presentinvention typically is comprised of a multitude of instructions that will be translated by the native computer into a machine-readable format and hence executable instructions. Also, programs are comprised of variables and data structures that eitherreside locally to the program or are found in memory or on storage devices. In addition, various programs described hereinafter may be identified based upon the application for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular program nomenclature that follows is used merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the present invention contemplates methods, systems, and media for synchronizing a database on a network, particularly where inputs to the database derivefrom computer systems behind a firewall. It is understood that the form of the invention shown and described in the detailed description and the drawings are to be taken merely as examples. It is intended that the following claims be interpretedbroadly to embrace all the variations of the example embodiments disclosed.


About 1463 STOREYs. Related surnames: STORY (1960) STEER (800) STORER (748) STAIR (359) STORIE (306) STEERE (283) STONEY (241) STORES (225) STORR (209) STUHR (141).
This STOREY index was pre-built so it loads quickly. Click here for live data and advanced tools for collaboration, genetic genealogy, surname projects, etc.
George Storey abt 1836 London, Eng.
Mercela Storey 1834 Malta, Saratoga Co., NY, USA.
One of the Storey females married H.J. Miller and lived in New York 8 Feb 2018.
Closed off Profiles 6 Feb 2018.
Looking for Paul Alexander Stewart - was married to M Storey 26 Feb 2015.
Storey Family Mysteries Pomona, California managed by Barbara Behl.
Please join us in collaborating on STOREY family trees. We need the help of good genealogists to grow a completely free shared family tree to connect us all.


text:
Q: Cannot reference a post with proper base address in Jekyll I am trying to reference a post in my github pages site http://myuser.github.io/myproj/ with Jekyll:
{% post_url 2016-03-21-mypost %}

This will point to http://myuser.github.io/post/2016/03/21/mypost.html which is wrong, as it should point to: http://myuser.github.io/myproj/post/2016/03/21/mypost.html. Thus I tried:
{% (post_url 2016-03-21-mypost) | prepend: site.baseurl %}

Where site.baseurl is /myproj. But it fails:

Liquid Exception: Liquid syntax error (line 26): Tag '{% (post_url
  2016-03-21-mypost) | prepend: site.baseurl %}' was not properly terminated with regexp: /\%}/ in /home/myuser/Git/myproj/_posts/2016-03-21-mypost.md

How can I reference my post with the base address?

A: You can't add a filter to a tag {% %} except for the assign tag {% assign myvar = 'toto' | capitalize %}.
Try : {{ site.baseurl }}{% post_url 2016-03-21-mypost %}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Pfeiffer grad pushed boundaries of news
Rick Thames had no way to predict the current events he would cover as a journalist, but he was ready to face them. Pfeiffer made the difference, he told students at our opening convocation this year.
As a journalist Thames, was dispatched to places like Panama, Great Britain, and Russia, joined paratroopers on survival training, flew with the Blue Angels, met boats of Cuban and Haitian refugees, helped track a serial killer in Wichita, stood over meteorologists as they tracked hurricanes, flew into the Everglades in search of missing planes, and edited some of the first stories ever published about AIDS.
Thames ('75) was most recently Executive Editor and Vice President for News at the Charlotte Observer. He is a member of the Pfeiffer University Board of Trustees.
"Pfeiffer launched me into the world more than 40 years ago," said Thames. At his 1972 Pfeiffer student interview, "I sat before a panel of three faculty members and braced myself for interrogation. The head of the panel was Joe Ferrebee, Pfeiffer's legendary baseball coach. Coach Ferrebee welcomed me to Misenheimer and said. 'Rick, tell us about your interests. Tell us what you would like to do with your life.'"
Thames said Pfeiffer faculty, "Wanted to know what mattered to me. What I dreamed about."
Pfeiffer shaped his dreams and confidence. He recalled a history professor, Dr. Robert (Fred) West, who, "...wanted his students to care about history as much as he did. One night Dr. West invited the class to dinner at his home. He was known to do this for all his classes. But looking back on it, I think he picked this night for a reason. After dinner, he turned on the TV. There before us was Richard Nixon addressing the nation about Watergate. Dr. West did not want us to miss it."
West used the event as a real-time history lesson. He was the catalyst for critical thinking that students would use for a lifetime.
Thames used those lessons well as a journalist and industry leader. The Charlotte Observer's journalists have won or been finalists for virtually every national journalism award, including the Pulitzer Prize. Twice under his leadership they have won the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for Public Service.
About his career and life, Thames told students, "Pfeiffer prepared me for this. And it can prepare you for whatever it is that you want to do. So work hard. Listen closely. Take advantage of this wise faculty."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Hey Jastey, I'll soon start a SoA + ToB playthrough, and would be happy to playtest Ajantis!
Congrats on the release, that mod will definitely part of my installation on my next playthrough!
Saw no point in creating a new thread, so here is the list of mods I'm planning on installing for my upcoming BG2 game. I would be grateful if you could point me to any problems I might have related to the install order or to incompatibilities between mods, as well as any suggestions on glaring omissions and/or mods you would not advise to use. Thanks!
Hi Jastey, I'm planning on soon starting a new BG2 runthrough, this time with a full paladin-only party - and so I have selected Ajantis to be part of the crew. But before starting, I have a few questions: 1. I know that Ajantis doesn't have ToB content so far. Do you have any idea when you might release the new version with ToB content? 2. If, as I reckon, the new release date is not around the corner, do you think I'll have problems upgrading mid-game? I'm a very slow player with little time for gaming, so it will probably take me several months to play through such a big game as BG2, which may mean that you will release the ToB version before I've finished SoA. 3. What would be the best time to pick up Ajantis in your opinion? Straight out of Irenicus dungeon? I also plan on recruiting Mazzy, so, in terms of maximizing content, do you think I should go to the Windspear Hills first or rather to Umar Hills and then go pick up Ajantis? 4. As my PC will be a paladin, I'll follow the Paladin questline, which includes battling Firkraag at some point I believe (I've never played it though, so no spoiler please!!). Does the Ajantis mod interfere with that in some way (e.g if I go to the Windspear Hills early in the game to pick up Ajantis, do I have to fight Firkraag? And if not, will I still have to enter his lair? I don't think an early game party can beat Firkraag, so I would have to come back later, but that always feels a bit wrong RP wise... ) Thank you for your advice, and I'm looking forward to playing with Ajantis!
Your work looks absolutely great. I haven't read the whole thread but for which project/mod are you doing this?
Good news! Haven't had time to test v2 yet, so I guess I'll skip directly to v3.
I've already posted this at Haldamir's official forum (http://www.tolkienacrossthewater.com/forum/index.php?topic=144.15) but there doesn't seem to be much activity there. I know berelinde often stops by G3, so I'll also post it here. "I'm currently in Ust Natha and I seem to have a problem with Haldamir. I don't know if it's a misfiring script or something else but I have difficulties making him move. Each time I click on a destination, he walks for a short time and then stop, and the "cross" marking his destination disappears. He also doesn't seem to be able to loot corpses: the loot interface either doesn't show up or briefly shows up and then disappears. Any idea how I can fix this? I've tried the string fixer (through the PID) just in case but it didn't solve the problem. PS: I'm using Alpha 0.5"
Ah, it seems the fate of this mod depend on Nythrun's return. Well, let's cross our fingers then.
Well, thank you for making the mod in the first place! Good luck.
So, how's the beta going?


text:
Posted: March 5, 2015 in Uncategorized
Tags: Glass Animals, Lord Huron, Prins Obi, Sticky Fingers
Featuring tracks from Lord Huron, On An On, Sillyboy, ODESZA, Klingande, Oh Wonder, Glass Animals and Royksopp.
https://thebreakdownwithben.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/the-indie-electro-breakdown-episode-84.mp3
Stream it in playlist format (with the ability to skip tracks) by clicking here
To download the mp3 file, right click and "save link as" here: The Indie Electro Breakdown Episode 84
Hello dear music lovers and welcome to another fantastic episode of the Breakdown. This edition sees us taste testing tidbits from upcoming albums from established artists and also saying wow to a bunch of new electro artists.
More tracks have leaked from Lord Huron's soon to be released second album Strange Trails, and they are hitting the nail on the head. One month to go, people, hold tight.
A new song from US three-piece On An On has also been released ahead of their second album. It picks up where their debut album Give In left off, and has picked up the emotional intensity significantly. We are immensely looking forward to the album, which is to be titled And The Wave Has Two Sides.
Other albums still being enjoyed come from Sticky Fingers, Glass Animals, Royksopp and Greek solo artist Sillyboy. This episode also contains more Greek goodness courtesy of our Athens correspondent Stratos, in Stella and Prins Obi (solo side project of Baby Guru frontman).
The new tune from English crew Oh Wonder is here too. These guys are adopting an inventive way of releasing an album, choosing to release a new song on the first day of every month for a year. Our favourite so far is February's song, Lose It.
Some electro bombs have been dropped too. Favourites this episode include French bloke Klingande, Aussies Our Man in Berlin, German duo Andhim and Snowdrifts, who nobody knows anything about :-/
There are also a disproportionate number of remixes in this episode, even though we love a good remix. The almost undisputed kings of remixing, ODESZA, have struck again, remixing a pretty average song of Sia's into a gem. These guys can turn anything to gold. There is also a remix here that we think could compete for the title of remix that sounds most unlike its original. Filous has taken a pumped up, energetic and somewhat frenetic tune by The Glitch Mob and turned it into a peaceful, ethereal and beautiful little number. There are also remixes from Alle Farben and Bassnectar.
We hope you enjoy this collection of new tunes. Make sure you get behind the artists.
Sillyboy – One Part (00:00)
Klingande – Riva (Restart the Game) [feat. Broken Back] (04:23)
Our Man in Berlin – Moliere (07:50)
Stonefox – This City (11:40)
Lord Huron – Fool For Love (15:50)
On An On – Drifting (19:43)
Oh Wonder – Lose It (24:18)
ODESZA – Big Girls Cry (Remix of Sia) (28:05)
Snowdrifts – Eyes of a Lion (32:25)
Vondelpark – California Analog Dream (35:45)
Filous – Our Demons (feat. Aja Volkman) [remix of The Glitch Mob] (39:30)
Oscar – Daffodil Days (43:15)
Passion Pit – Where the Sky Hangs (46:10)
Andhim – Boy Boy Boy (50:00)
Jonah – All We Are (Alle Farben remix) (55:00)
Prins Obi – Notions (1:00:10)
Misun – Coffee (1:03:00)
Lord Huron – Hurricane (Johnnie's Theme) (1:06:43)
Stella – The Map (1:09:40)
American Wrestlers – Kelly (1:13:00)
Joker – Midnight (Bassnectar Remix) (1:17:43)
Glass Animals – Cocoa Hooves (1:21:22)
Sticky Fingers – Lazerhead (1:24:55)
The Very Best – Hear Me (1:30:50)
Royksopp – Something In My Heart (1:35:30)


Bob had never been to Belgium so that was our next destination; on our son's recommendation, we chose Ghent as our base. We decided to stay in this city two nights, which allowed us lots of time to explore. Although our hotel was in a suburban area, we chose to walk towards the centre of the city in order to see more along the way. We made sure to carry our umbrellas; it was to be a rainy day.
Our path took us past a park and the university, but the first major site we came upon was Sint-Pietersabdij – that is Flemish for Saint Peter's Abbey. It was an impressive structure in a large square. There are extensive abbey buildings adjacent to it which are now used as museums. The church was a welcome refuge from the persistent rain.
Making the best of a rainy day in Ghent. That is one big leaf beside me!
After lunch, the rain stopped and for a short time, we had sunshine and blue skies. This coincided with our arrival at the Belfry of Ghent, one of the city's three towers. I took advantage of this opportunity to take the lift to the top and look over the town. Begun in the early 14th Century, the Belfry once displayed a gilded dragon at the top of the tower; over the centuries, it has been used to sound warnings for the townspeople and as a watchtower.
Ghent, as seen from the Belfry.
Below me, Bob captured the beauty of this corner of the city. This part of Ghent is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each of the major buildings is absolutely beautiful.
Rear view of Saint Nicholas Church. We ended our walking tour here.
The Belfry lies between St. Nicholas Church and Saint Bavo's Cathedral. These grand buildings vied for Bob's attention, as he tried to snap them from every angle.
Not to be ignored in the same area were the modern and unique Pavilion building and the Royal Dutch Theatre which stands between the Belfry and the Cathedral.
A side view of the Cathedral. The facade was under scaffolding.
As we continued our tour of the city, the skies became overcast again, but the rain held off for another hour or so. Really, we were lucky to see almost all the major sights before a late afternoon downpour.
One of the towers of the school of the arts.
Ghent's architecture is fascinating. The city hall, for instance, is part Renaissance and part flamboyant gothic; not far away, the school of the arts is dominated by two circular towers.
Jacob and I point towards England.
In a large square, we came across the statue of Jacob van Artevede. He had advocated for the recognition of Edward III in the 14th Century and has been immortalized pointing towards England ever since.
Eventually, we arrived in the canal area of Ghent where I was reminded of another beautiful Belgian city, Bruges. In spite of the weather, some tourists had opted to see the city from canal boats below us. A particularly lovely sight was the Great Butcher's Hall near a bridge.
In this square next to the castle is a statue with a dog on the top. I like his paper hat.
Very close by is the Castle of the Counts. This fortress sits in the middle of the city, rather than where castles are supposed to be – on a promontory above everything.
Along the Graslei canal are Ghent's former guildhouses - with beautiful stepped façades. Even under threatening skies these were lovely to look at. At about this time, the skies opened up. Fortunately, the last two sites we had yet to visit were churches, St. Michael's and St. Nicholas'. We were more than happy to duck inside, but we got very wet as we dashed between them.
Our tour over, the rain was so heavy that we decided to take the tram back to the neighbourhood of our hotel, When we arrived at the train station, we were amazed at the sea of bikes parked there. I love that Europeans often prefer the bike to the car as personal transport. There would have been some very wet people that evening though.
Due the the weather, we spent our evening close to our hotel - we found a delicious Thai restaurant a mere 100 meters away - and prepared for an early departure the next morning.
The Atonium structure in Brussels Park.
We headed south to Brussels, a mere 30 minutes away. However, we soon discovered that, without a map, it was not easy to find our way to the centre of this city, even with a GPS, so when we saw some silver balls in the distance, we headed in that direction. This was the Atomium, constructed for the Brussels World's Fair in 1958. There, some very nice men programmed an address into our GPS and off we went.
View towards the old city from the Art Gallery garden.
Emerging from the underground parking, I immediately recognized where we were - very close to the art gallery and the Royal Palace. Thus oriented, we began our walking tour of Belgium's capital.
Over the next three hours or so, we saw more of the city than I had seen in my previous visit in November when our school group had stopped there for a few hours. Even though the skies were threatening at times, we never experienced any rainfall.
Our excursion around Brussels led us to Saint-Catherine's Church in the old part of the city; we also passed the "bourse", (the stock market building), an ornate building erected in the latter half of the 19th century.
Of course, we eventually ended up in Grand Place, the square where all the tourists seem to go. And why not? The town hall and the museum of Brussels are both remarkably beautiful buildings. On this day, there were flower sellers adding colour to the scene; this was a hint of what will happen in August when the centre of the square will be covered by a floral carpet.
We had one more stop in Belgium planned, so we hit the road again by mid-afternoon to make our way to a beautiful Belgian village, Dinant. We had seen images online of the 12th century citadel perched above the town, and wanted to take pictures of our own of this site.
Dinant's citadel sits above the town.
When we arrived, we were surprised at the traffic. "Did Dinant have a rush hour?", we thought. To avoid the slow down, we parked away from the centre of town and decided to explore on foot, rather than ascend in the car to the opposite of the citadel for the best perspective.
The bridge across the Meuse river was festooned with giant and very colourful saxophones. At the base of each one was the name of a country. This is the "Bridge of the Sax" to honour the inventor of the instrument, Adolphe Sax, a Dinant native.
Charles de Gaulle, hero of Dinant.
When we reached the other side, there was a statue of Charles de Gaulle, a tribute to his role as a lieutenant in the WWI Battle of Dinant. He was injured there, but the Belgians are thankful for his contribution to the defence of their town in 1914.
This would be our last stop in Belgium. A new country awaited us.


text:
package org.insightech.er.editor.model.dbexport.db;

import java.sql.Connection;
import java.sql.DatabaseMetaData;
import java.sql.ResultSet;
import java.sql.SQLException;
import java.util.HashSet;
import java.util.Set;

import org.insightech.er.db.DBManagerFactory;
import org.insightech.er.editor.model.ERDiagram;
import org.insightech.er.editor.model.dbexport.ddl.DDLCreator;
import org.insightech.er.editor.model.dbexport.ddl.DDLTarget;
import org.insightech.er.editor.model.diagram_contents.element.node.table.ERTable;
import org.insightech.er.editor.model.diagram_contents.element.node.view.View;
import org.insightech.er.editor.model.diagram_contents.not_element.sequence.Sequence;
import org.insightech.er.editor.model.settings.DBSetting;
import org.insightech.er.editor.model.settings.Environment;

public abstract class PreTableExportManager {

	protected Connection con;

	protected DatabaseMetaData metaData;

	protected DBSetting dbSetting;

	private ERDiagram diagram;

	private Exception exception;

	private String errorSql;

	private String ddl;

	private Environment environment;

	private String ifExistsOption;

	private Set<String> newViewNames;

	protected Set<String> newTableNames;

	private Set<String> newSequenceNames;

	public void init(Connection con, DBSetting dbSetting, ERDiagram diagram,
			Environment environment) throws SQLException {
		this.con = con;
		this.dbSetting = dbSetting;
		this.diagram = diagram;
		this.environment = environment;

		this.metaData = con.getMetaData();

		this.ifExistsOption = DBManagerFactory
				.getDBManager(this.diagram)
				.getDDLCreator(this.diagram, this.diagram.getCurrentCategory(),
						false).getIfExistsOption();

		this.prepareNewNames();
	}

	protected void prepareNewNames() {
		this.newTableNames = new HashSet<String>();

		for (ERTable table : this.diagram.getDiagramContents().getContents()
				.getTableSet()) {
			this.newTableNames.add(this.dbSetting.getTableNameWithSchema(table
					.getPhysicalName(), table.getTableViewProperties()
					.getSchema(), true));
		}

		this.newViewNames = new HashSet<String>();

		for (View view : this.diagram.getDiagramContents().getContents()
				.getViewSet()) {
			this.newViewNames.add(this.dbSetting.getTableNameWithSchema(view
					.getPhysicalName(), view.getTableViewProperties()
					.getSchema()));
		}

		this.newSequenceNames = new HashSet<String>();

		for (Sequence sequence : this.diagram.getDiagramContents()
				.getSequenceSet()) {
			this.newSequenceNames.add(this.dbSetting.getTableNameWithSchema(
					sequence.getName(), sequence.getSchema()));
		}
	}

	public void run() {
		try {
			StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder();
			sb.append(this.dropViews());
			sb.append(this.dropForeignKeys());
			sb.append(this.dropTables());
			sb.append(this.dropSequences());

			sb.append(this.executeDDL());

			this.ddl = sb.toString();

		} catch (Exception e) {
			this.exception = e;
		}
	}

	private String dropSequences() throws SQLException {
		StringBuilder ddl = new StringBuilder();

		ResultSet sequenceSet = null;

		try {
			sequenceSet = metaData.getTables(null, null, null,
					new String[] { "SEQUENCE" });

			while (sequenceSet.next()) {
				String name = sequenceSet.getString("TABLE_NAME");
				String schema = sequenceSet.getString("TABLE_SCHEM");
				name = this.dbSetting.getTableNameWithSchema(name, schema);

				if (this.newSequenceNames == null
						|| this.newSequenceNames.contains(name)) {
					ddl.append(this.dropSequence(name));
					ddl.append("\r\n");
				}
			}

		} finally {
			if (sequenceSet != null) {
				sequenceSet.close();
			}

		}

		return ddl.toString();
	}

	private String dropSequence(String sequenceName) throws SQLException {
		String sql = "DROP SEQUENCE " + this.ifExistsOption + sequenceName
				+ ";";

		return sql;
	}

	private String dropViews() throws SQLException {
		StringBuilder ddl = new StringBuilder();

		ResultSet viewSet = null;

		try {
			viewSet = metaData.getTables(null, null, null,
					new String[] { "VIEW" });

			while (viewSet.next()) {
				String name = viewSet.getString("TABLE_NAME");
				String schema = viewSet.getString("TABLE_SCHEM");
				name = this.dbSetting.getTableNameWithSchema(name, schema);

				if (this.newViewNames == null
						|| this.newViewNames.contains(name)) {
					ddl.append(this.dropView(name));
					ddl.append("\r\n");
				}
			}

		} finally {
			if (viewSet != null) {
				viewSet.close();
			}

		}

		return ddl.toString();
	}

	private String dropView(String viewName) throws SQLException {
		String sql = "DROP VIEW " + this.ifExistsOption + viewName + ";";

		return sql;
	}

	protected String dropForeignKeys() throws SQLException {
		StringBuilder ddl = new StringBuilder();

		ResultSet foreignKeySet = null;

		try {
			foreignKeySet = metaData.getImportedKeys(null, null, null);

			Set<String> fkNameSet = new HashSet<String>();

			while (foreignKeySet.next()) {
				String constraintName = foreignKeySet.getString("FK_NAME");
				if (fkNameSet.contains(constraintName)) {
					continue;
				}
				fkNameSet.add(constraintName);

				String tableName = foreignKeySet.getString("FKTABLE_NAME");
				String schema = foreignKeySet.getString("FKTABLE_SCHEM");

				tableName = this.dbSetting.getTableNameWithSchema(tableName,
						schema);

				if (this.newTableNames == null
						|| this.newTableNames.contains(tableName.toUpperCase())) {
					ddl.append(this.dropForeignKey(tableName, constraintName));
					ddl.append("\r\n");
				}
			}

		} finally {
			if (foreignKeySet != null) {
				foreignKeySet.close();
			}
		}

		return ddl.toString();
	}

	private String dropForeignKey(String tableName, String constraintName)
			throws SQLException {
		String sql = "ALTER TABLE " + tableName + " DROP CONSTRAINT "
				+ constraintName + ";";

		return sql;
	}

	protected String dropTables() throws SQLException, InterruptedException {
		StringBuilder ddl = new StringBuilder();

		ResultSet tableSet = null;

		try {
			tableSet = metaData.getTables(null, null, null,
					new String[] { "TABLE" });

			while (tableSet.next()) {
				String tableName = tableSet.getString("TABLE_NAME");
				String schema = tableSet.getString("TABLE_SCHEM");
				tableName = this.dbSetting.getTableNameWithSchema(tableName,
						schema);

				if (this.newTableNames == null
						|| this.newTableNames.contains(tableName.toUpperCase())) {
					try {
						this.checkTableExist(con, tableName);
					} catch (SQLException e) {
						continue;
					}

					ddl.append(this.dropTable(tableName));
					ddl.append("\r\n");
				}
			}

		} finally {
			if (tableSet != null) {
				tableSet.close();
			}
		}

		return ddl.toString();
	}

	private String dropTable(String tableName) throws SQLException {
		String sql = "DROP TABLE " + this.ifExistsOption + tableName + ";";

		return sql;
	}

	private String executeDDL() throws SQLException {
		DDLCreator ddlCreator = DBManagerFactory.getDBManager(this.diagram)
				.getDDLCreator(this.diagram, this.diagram.getCurrentCategory(),
						true);
		ddlCreator.init(this.environment, new DDLTarget(), null);

		return ddlCreator.getCreateDDL(this.diagram);
	}

	protected void checkTableExist(Connection con, String tableNameWithSchema)
			throws SQLException {
	}

	public Exception getException() {
		return exception;
	}

	/**
	 * errorSql ���擾���܂�.
	 *
	 * @return errorSql
	 */
	public String getErrorSql() {
		return errorSql;
	}

	/**
	 * ddl ���擾���܂�.
	 *
	 * @return ddl
	 */
	public String getDdl() {
		return ddl;
	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Angle buoyed by new popularity
Posted by Jon Waldman | Sep 11, 2001
As a former amateur wrestling champion and Olympic gold medallist, Kurt Angle had a tough time making a leap to the pros, but success in the World Wrestling Federation has come quickly to the "Olympic hero".
"There was a lot of transitions and it was very difficult for me to slow down and to learn a different style, but eventually I was able to catch on and be the best I could, and I think I've done pretty well so far," he told SLAM! during the Wrestlemania X-8 press conference last Monday in Toronto.
Part of the transition for Angle was adjusting to the many aspects of performing in the WWF. Angle was used to working against one opponent, whereas now there are several people he has to keep in mind while wrestling. "You're so used to competing against an opponent and focusing on that one opponent, not so many things you do in sports entertainment which includes crowd, working with your opponent to make sure the show goes on really well," he said.
Angle is one of fastest rising superstars in WWF history. Since joining the pro circuit in 1999, he has held the European, Intercontinental, and World Championships, as well as being the 2000 King of the Ring and former WCW Champion.
Angle's popularity is high across North America, in spite of his character being an American patriot. Despite being covered in the red, white, and blue of the USA, Angle notes that the fans react well to him north of the 49th. "Actually, my reception is very good here in Canada," he said.. "That's the one great thing about Canadian fans, or fans in the United States for that matter — it doesn't matter where you're from. It matters where you are on the card, what you're doing in the storylines."
"Fans enjoy me because I'm funny and entertaining, at least my character is," he quipped.
A lot of Angle's success can be attributed to his own enjoyment of his character. "I think he's entertaining, he's funny, and he's one of the best athletes in the World Wrestling Federation, no doubt about it," he said.
Angle, who won the gold medal in freestyle wrestling in the 220-pound class at the 1996 Olympic Summer Games, is looking forward to Wrestlemania X-8 in Toronto. He feels that the WWF does not do enough shows in the Ontario capital. "I don't think we're here enough," he said. "Three times a year might sound like a lot to most cities but in Toronto, Canada, they're very loyal to the World Wrestling Federation."
"Every single time we come here, it seems to be sold out. The Toronto fans really enjoy the show."
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Jon Waldman
Jon Waldman was the co-editor of the SLAM! Wrestling book and an enthusiast of all things Winnipeg, collectibles and especially trading cards.


Sometimes, when i think about it, i am inclined to think Black/Africans have a problem that is specially embedded in their DNA or maybe it is not that, maybe the problem seem to surface in a large gathering of Africans because there are minute exceptions that have thrived in a different environment.
It is not a question of Self-esteem, anyone who look at things objectively & is not economical with the truth will see it..
Just look at anywhere with a large population of Black/Africans, all you will see is crime, backwardness, desolation & retrogression even those that are not on the map of African such as Haiti, Jamaica & those Afro Caribbean countries have retrogresive problems like Africa. Blacks/Africans make up for the larger population of the American Prison, sime might blame it on the regime but a quick glance of the way crime and jail is portrayed by Black music might say different.
Africa is the richest continent in terms of resources and yet it is inhabited by the poorest people/Nation?. We are the champion of all bad things: War, HIV|AIDS, Disease, Poverty, Starvation, Genocide, Underdevelopment & terrible politics and Leadership.
While a lot of Nigerians are taking the moral high ground in the wake of this South African Xenophobia wahala. I do so with my tongue in cheek because unlike many, i haven't forgetten my History lessons just yet.
Most people have forgotten our own Xenophobic act, which was way bigger than anything South Africa is exhibiting now. For those who dont know how that popular Bag got the name "GHANA MUST GO!" ask an elderly person around you or read your history books.
I used to think blaming other people for your problems was a "Nigerian thing", now i know better. It seems in Africa, if things are not going your way, then it is the work of the old woman in your village, abi ancestoral curse or the work of spiritual enemies. South Africa is basically doing the same thing we did during that Shagari era of "Ghana Must Go". Where Nigerians blamed the Ghanians for unemployment, our economic woes and we threw them out of the country. Note that this event all happened with the backing of the Nigerian government. The Ghanians had no one to protect them from our venom. At least the South African government is doing its best to stop this madness.
For an economy that is in need of jobs and more investment, that will set Nigeria backwards and scare any rational investors away because it would be a clue that their business is not safe in Nigeria.
Shall we blame the actions of a few thugs in South Africa on people who are running Legal businesses here?
Will it be fair to describe all Nigerians as Scammers(419ers or Yahoo-Yahoo boys) based on the actions of a few bad eggs online? Or will you gladly wear the tag of being called a terrorist based on the actions of Boko-Haram?.
I hope other African countries & Nigeria handle this matter with a more rational approach rather than make moves that will lead to war or counter-productivity in the end.
Nigeria will make no move to repertraite its citizen until a couple of them actually dies... We don't do Prevention, we are all about Cure.. Jesus wept!.
Around this time last year, i read in the news about Ghanaians chasing Nigerians out of their market.
You see Africa get problems Walai, it is not just a South African thing.
We need Total mind Cleasing.
Boko Haram warning South Africa to stop Xenophobic attacks.. The Irony of this suitation makes me Speechless!


text:
Down in the Dumps
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GARBAGE DUMP DIVER
Text by Kathy Johnson | Photos by Greg Lashbrook
The straps of the safety harness bite into my thighs when the tender attaches a steel cable from a 10-ton crane to a carabiner between my shoulder blades. The crane's cable retracts, and my feet lose contact with the ground. My tender's hand tightens around my ankle to keep me from spinning as the crane swings me around. Like a motionless marionette, I hang limply over a pitch-black, seemingly bottomless shaft. I breathe deeply to slow my heart rate. The team waits patiently for my command. "Diver down," I say. The microphone inside my full-face mask transmits my words to earpieces across the work site. The crane's engine burps out a cloud of diesel fumes. The cable uncoils, and my first dive into a garbage dump begins.
Kent County in Western Michigan faced a serious problem. The drainage system at the county landfill, which keeps toxic liquids from overflowing and contaminating the surrounding groundwater, got clogged. Unfortunately, the landfill's master plan did not account for clogged drains. The landfill is a 90-acre, 100-foot deep hole lined with an impermeable geomembrane. An 8-inch perforated line lies across the width of the hole for drainage. Every 50 feet developers set on end a 4-foot concrete sewer pipe to function as a giant inverted funnel. As the dump filled with garbage, workers added additional sewer pipe sections to create vertical shafts from the bottom of the dump to the top.
The 8-inch lines on the bottom were clogged, and the county had no idea how to reach them. They needed help and encouraged anyone capable of unclogging a pipe buried under 100 feet of decomposing garbage to submit a bid.
METHANE DIVERS
Wayne Brusate started his commercial diving business with one helmet and a communications system clamped to a 1-inch by 6-inch board in the back of his van. Ten years later Brusate answered Kent County's call for help. "When we got there, it was not what I expected," Brusate said.
"They were dumping garbage over here and covering it over there. And the smell…!" Like a forgotten bag of lettuce in the back of the refrigerator, decomposing garbage turns into thick, black, smelly goo, which the waste management industry calls leachate. The inside of a back-alley dumpster on a hot summer day is the underlying fragrance of leachate. The stench of rotting flesh and seafood mixes with the noxious fumes of household cleansers to create the unforgettable leachate landfill aroma.
The smell assaults visitors before reaching the site. The human brain intuitively identifies the smell as toxic and slams the nostrils shut. The next breath passes over the tongue and burns the taste buds. The urge to skip-breathe is overwhelming.
Brusate said leachate was not the biggest issue. Methane was of much greater concern. The vertical shafts contained hydrogen sulfide and methane, which can form in the absence of oxygen but can ignite in the right mixture with oxygen. "We lit a couple of shafts on fire to test the equipment," Brusate said. They found that the lack of oxygen limited the fire to the top 10 feet, keeping the entire shaft from igniting. While the diver might be well below the flames, the umbilical unfortunately would be exposed.
Brusate spent months developing and testing all the protocols needed to safely drop a diver down a 10-story shaft filled with pure methane gas. It took another six months to convince the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that it was safe from asphyxia risk.
Arnie Chickonoski is a 6-foot-tall, 300-pound walking teddy bear and a great guy to have at the end of a rope. He's a professional firefighter and a seasoned member of Brusate's crew. "I couldn't do it," he said candidly about dump diving. One hour into his first dive, panic set in. "I told Wayne, 'Get me out! Get me out!'" Chickonoski said. While the topside crew jumped into emergency mode to expedite the process, Brusate calmly talked him through the panic.
"The next guy didn't last much longer," Chickonoski said. That diver succumbed to the heat: The dump's interior temperature is a stifling, suffocating, heatstroke inducing 102°F. "I failed, and the next guy failed, so Wayne brings in a girl," Chickonoski said. "And she did what we couldn't."
THE DIVE
The crane slowly lowers me into the shaft. The light dims. I scan the concrete walls and look for loose material. A tiny piece of concrete falling 90 feet could cause a painful bruise. Anything bigger than a golf ball was potentially lethal. I sparingly use a rubber mallet to knock off the loose bits and send them to the bottom ahead of mewith the goal of not completely destabilizing the shaft's walls. I slowly spin in a clockwise circle, and then counterclockwise, to keep my umbilical from becoming twisted.
Spin, scan, knock. Spin, scan. Spin, scan.I keep my mind focused on the walls and not on my descent or what awaits me at the bottom. One of the other divers found 23 somewhat-intact bird carcasses.The dump's pungent aroma draws ring-billed gulls. From the birds' perspective, the shaft's rim appears to be a perfect place to roost. Tragically, the methane fumes asphyxiate the birds, causing them to lose consciousness and fall to their deaths.
Scan, spin. Knock, knock, spin. Twenty minutes later, my feet touch a semisolid surface. Hot mush swallows my feet and oozes past my ankles. Thankfully, the bottom solidifies before the mush covers my knees.
"Stop. On bottom," I tell the topside crew. I peer through the darkness into the blackness. I'm used to zero visibility conditions, so the lack of light isn't an issue, but the heat is almost overwhelming.
"Slack," I say. My feet sink another inch into the hot ooze as the harness releases its bite on my thighs. I ease down onto my knees before stopping the crane. I need enough slack in my lines to work, but too much and I risk entanglement. The shaft is the size of an oldworld telephone booth and feels as constricting as a middle coach seat in a row of strangers. I reach my hand into the hot black muck. Redundant layers of rubber significantly reduce my sense of touch. The top is watery but quickly thickens to an oatmeal consistency. I'll need to remove about 2 feet of muck to access the drainage line.
"Bucket down," I say. Chickonoski gives the start command as he guides an empty five-gallon bucket down the shaft. He controls the bucket with an intricate set of hand signals to the crane operator. Both men wear headsets, but neither speaks. Looking up, I see only a tiny dot of light in the far distance, reminiscent of an eye exam. I lean back against the hot concrete wall and try to stretch out my legs. A garden hose hangs beside me; I open the nozzle and place it against the nape of my neck where the thin latex of my protective drysuit allows the water to provide the cooling sensation my body craves. The heat is slowing me down.
I've lost track of how many hours have passed or the number of buckets we've filled, but I'd managed to remove most of the leachate mush using a small plastic trowel. I am glad I did not find any identifiable bird bits. Besides the incredible heat, the worst part of this job is sending the buckets back up. Chickonoski controls the crane cable, and a line tied to the bottom of the bucket allows me to guide it from below. Most buckets contain chunks of broken concrete. If the bucket snags and tips over, I've got nowhere to hide.
To guide it safely is a slow, tedious process. It's been a slow, tedious and stressful day. I enjoy the sound of the men's camaraderie topside through the communications system; their voices are muffled as if coming from a television in another room. I hear bits of one conversation and pieces of another. "Hey, Arnie," I say into space. "What's up, Kath?" His chipper tone is incredibly soothing. "Thinking about supper," I reply. "What's the plan?" he asks. In a time-honored commercial diving tradition, the restaurant is always the main diver's choice. "Mexican?" I suggest. "Sure, love me a wet burrito," Chickonoski replies with a hearty laugh, adding, "Boss wants to know when we'll be done." "Three buckets and I'm out," I say. "Roger," he replies.
The background noises muffle again as he pushes his microphone into the collar of his coveralls. With my garden-hose water flowing out of the bottom of the shaft, I have finished today's job.The topside crew works quickly to prepare for my ascent. While I wait, I distract myself by imagining I'm on a white-sand beach, and the searing heat is the welcome feel of the midday tropical sun.
I used to think the diver got to pick the restaurant as a result of having the hardest job. But that's not true. Everyone on site worked hard. I had learned the reason had more to do with the fact that if anything goes wrong, the diver is the one most likely to die, making every meal potentially the last. It's a sobering truth best left unspoken.
The crane lifts me clear of the shaft and drops me straight into a decontamination shower. The shower is the best part of this job. The blessedly cold water removes the black layer of leachate covering my suit and cools my body. I linger in the spray as the crew secures the work site; my only thoughts now are on where to go for dinner.
Author's note: Following the system failures at the Kent County landfill, the waste management industry has changed landfill designs to incorporate long-term maintenance concerns. AD
Posted in Alert Diver Spring Editions, Dive Safety FAQ
Tagged with Commercial diving, Commercial schools, Surface supplied Air, Drysuit diving, Dive safety


Making a town or city green and eco-friendly is a huge task for the government. That is why people are encouraged to cultivate plants in their lawns. Besides, "As a gardener, there are many ways you can help the environment". Some of the things you can do include: growing species that encourage wildlife into your home, installing green roofs, and many others. But, to help make such tasks easier, of course, you will need the following tools.
Shovel – This is extremely essential since you will be digging soil. Since you will use it often, be sure to buy one of good quality. The most important types you will need are a flat-head and spade-shaped tool.
Hoe – You will need this to make trenches, move soil, and remove weeds. This is especially useful if the ground is hard.
Gloves – To ensure that your hands do not pick up dirt and bacteria, you will need a thick pair of these.
Hose – Choose one that has five-ply walls and brass fittings to make sure it does not kink and tangle up easily. And, for easy storage, be sure to buy a rack or reel.
Pruning Shears – Secateurs are important for trimming plants. You should get an Anvil with one sharp bade for cutting thick branches.
Lawnmower – This machine is an indispensable tool for a manicured garden. It is great for shredding leaves and keeping the grass even.
These are just some of the most important contraptions that you need for maintaining your garden. Now, to secure your plants and maximise their growth, you should consider getting a polytunnel from Ferryman. This equipment keeps vegetables and shrubs protected all year round. For more information about this gardening equipment, browse through the rest of the website now!
Wildlife and Pet Devices - Communing with nature is one of the hidden benefits that you can reap with your garden and the best way in which you can do so would be to make the area more comfortable and welcoming to cute critters. Fodder that is specially formulated for your feathered or furry friends are stuff that you should acquire too.
Polytunnels - If you have a green thumb, then you should wield it well. You may do so by planting more than just flowers and shrubs in your yard but also a couple of vegetables and root crops. Of course, you will need suitable equipment so that you will be able to cultivate and harvest them year-round. Tunnels made of polyethylene are wonderful when it comes to that as they keep your greenery protected.
Deck or Patio - Although the great outdoors is exceptional when you need some time alone, they are also marvellous when shared with friends and family members. For this reason, you should have a brick, tile, stone, or even wooden platform constructed with the assistance of professional contractors. Obtain the necessary furniture such as chairs, tables, and maybe even BBQ grills to complete it.
There are numerous activities that you can do in your beloved garden and attaining appropriate add-ons that are both practical and decorative is an excellent means in which you can perform them more enjoyably. The objects mentioned above are only a few of the many that you can choose to set up and they each come with their own set of benefits. It is up to you which ones to go with but if you can afford them, why not have all?


text:
Governor Vows to Fight Re-Soliciting Proposals for Dulles Rail
Today's Washington Post reports that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will oppose efforts to force the state to rebid the proposed Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport.
The Post says, "In the House version of the 2008-10 budget, Del. Joe T. May (R-Loudoun) inserted a provision that instructs the Virginia Department of Transportation to 're-solicit competitive proposals' for the project.
May's amendment comes after federal officials announced last month that they are unlikely to fund the project as it is currently structured.
Kaine (D) and Virginia's congressional delegation are trying to work with federal officials to salvage the plan and secure as much as $900 million in federal aid for the $5 billion project.
At a meeting Thursday between House and Senate budget negotiators, Kaine said one of his top priorities is having May's language removed.
Stay tuned to Loudoun County Traffic for more developments in the Dulles Rail saga.


Delle talks about the dreaded four-letter word: LOVE! How do we know what love is? How do we know if we're really in love with someone? How do we know that we've finally found "IT?" Why are we asking so many questions?
Str8 Up With Delamar Episode 7: The Internet of Good Things!
Str8 Up With Delamar Episode 3: Why So Angry, Internet?
Str8 Up With Delamar Episode 2: The Ex Files!


Description: Our fully assembled molecular sieve filter drier canister comes pre-filled with 4A zeolite absorbent to filter out and remove water and smelly sulfur compounds from your hydrocarbon gas streams. This device is meant to replace your current "grenade" style recovery pump filter driers, and as such, it should be installed prior to the recovery pump's inlet port. The 3″x 12″ canister is made from 304 stainless steel and includes 3/8″ FNPT hemispherical end caps, two Viton 40 mesh internal screens gaskets, and two high pressure clamps. The canister is capable of holding 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) of 4A zeolite, giving each canister the capability of trapping up to 210 grams of filtered material before needing to be regenerated or replaced with a new bag of 4A zeolite.


text:
Toplis and Harding was established in 1790 by James Toplis later joined by William Daniel Harding in 1844. While the investigation of losses and risk analyses were limited to Great Britain and Ireland until the end of the 19th century, an expanding phase started in the first years of the new millennium. By the end of the 20th century, Toplis and Harding had developed to become one of the world's largest independent International Loss Adjusting and Surveying companies with more than 100 offices spread throughout the world.
At the beginning of the 1970s, the management in London decided to start business in Germany and in 1973 the branch office in Dusseldorf was founded. In 1975 Thomas A Wunderlich joined the company and was Managing Director of this office until he became a shareholder in 1991. In 1996 he took over the remaining shares.
In order to have a greater customer proximity for the local market in Northern Germany, in September 2000 a second branch was opened in Hamburg.
We are proud to continue the experience of generations of highly qualified loss adjusters under the name of Toplis and Harding and are committed to the best possible adjusting service for the insurers and underwriters around the world.
International Adjusters
and Surveyors
Hauptbüro Düsseldorf
D - 40221 Düsseldorf
Tel.: (+49) 211 397061
Rodenbekstieg 8
D- 20145 Hamburg
Tel.: (+49) 40 41424 500
© 2014 TOPLIS AND HARDING (Deutschland) GmbH | Legal Notice | Vacancies | Internal