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It's no secret that carrying extra pounds can up your chances of developing creaky knees and other joint problems. But for women, obesity may also increase the odds of the painful autoimmune condition rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic reviewed medical records from Olmsted County, Minn., covering the years 1980 to 2007, for more than 1,600 adults (half with RA and half without), looking at such factors as smoking, height, and weight. They discovered that the incidence of RA went up by 9.2 per 100,000 women over the 27-year period, with obesity responsible for about half of the increase.
Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men, and the number of women developing this condition is on the rise. A previous study from Mayo that also used records from Olmsted County found that the incidence of RA in women increased by nearly half from 1995 through 2004, but the numbers in men didn't change. Based on the findings, experts speculate that the obesity epidemic plays a big role in the jump.
Inflammation, Weight, and RA
What's the connection between obesity and RA? Although more research is needed, they may have one thing in common: Inflammation.
In people with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, the body's natural defenses against infection-causing germs start to attack body tissues instead. As a result, chemicals are released that cause inflammation, pain, and swelling. Fat tissue, especially the visceral fat that surrounds internal organs in the belly — the classic "apple shape" — has also been linked to chronic inflammation.
"We know that fat tissues and cells produce substances that are active in inflammation and immunity," co-author Eric Matteson, M.D., chair of the Division of Rheumatology at Mayo, said in a press release. The study was published online in Arthritis Care & Research.
Lose Weight With RA
Besides RA, the inflammation linked with excess weight and belly fat has been linked to type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease — so losing those extra pounds may protect you against those and other serious health conditions.
But even if you already have rheumatoid arthritis, carrying around extra weight puts even more stress on already aching joints. To shed the pounds, choose healthy, low-calorie meals, and be sure to get enough exercise. Low-impact workouts like water aerobics or riding a stationary bike are best. Because some RA medications, like steroids, may affect weight by increasing your appetite or causing water retention, discuss their use with your doctor. You may be able to find alternatives that will help you achieve your weight-loss goals.
Last Updated: 5/20/2013


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April 16, 2011
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State pitcher Mackenzie Popescue held the ninth-ranked Bruins to just four hits, as #1 Arizona State defeated UCLA 2-0 on Saturday at Farrington Stadium. Freshman Jessica Hall and junior Aleah Macon combined to strike out seven in six innings of work.
The Bruins fall to 29-8 overall and 5-3 in Pac-10 play, while the Sun Devils improve to 38-5 and 5-3 in league action.
Hall (14-6) started for UCLA and struck out three in 3 1/3 innings, allowing two runs, three hits and three walks. Macon tossed 2 2/3 frames of scoreless relief, fanning four and giving up two hits. Offensively, the Bruins could only muster singles from senior GiOnna DiSalvatore, juniors Katie Schroeder and Dani Yudin and freshman Alyssa Tiumalu.
Hall struck out the side in the first inning and set down the Sun Devils in order in the second. In the third, Arizona State's Alix Johnson drew a one-out walk and moved to third on a double to left by Katelyn Boyd. One out later, Kaylyn Castillo walked to load the bases and Krista Donnenwirth followed with a single to center to plate Johnson and Boyd to make it 2-0.
Macon retired the final six batters she faced, striking out two in the sixth.
The Bruins had only two baserunners get into scoring position in the first five innings before producing their best chance in the sixth. With one out, Schroeder was hit by a pitch and moved to third when DiSalvatore reached on a fielding error by second baseman Sam Parlich. But Popescue induced freshman Kellie Fox into an inning-ending double play to keep UCLA off the board.
UCLA and Arizona State conclude its three-game series on Sunday at 12 p.m. Gametracker and free live audio will be available at UCLABruins.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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In an article on Xconomy Boston, Erin Kutz discusses a transcript of an interview with Dan O'Malley, CEO of PerkStreet Financial, a web-based financial services company based in Boston, which he founded in 2008.
In his interview, O'Malley narrated how he changed his focus from higher income clients to more middle income clientele. He left the bank he was working for at the time, Capital One, to start up Perkstreet Financial.
PerkStreet is now a highly successful financial institution offering debit cards with the rewards benefits of a credit card. But, unlike credit card issuers, it is not associated with debt nor does it set limits. Since debit card users are spending money from an existing account and not buying on credit, they aren't racking up debt, making them smart money-savers!
Source: http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2011/05/24/debit-cards-arent-for-stupid-people-qa-with-perkstreet-ceo-on-flying-into-the-startup-abyss/


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Karel Velebny: Andulko Safarova
Andulko Safarova
Karel Velebny (tenor sax, bass clarinet, vibes)
Karel Velebny (tenor sax, bass clarinet, vibes),
Jiri Stivin (alto sax, flute, recorder), Ludek Svabensky (piano), Karel Vejvoda (bass), Josef Vejvoda (drums).
Composed by Karel Velebny.
Recorded: Germany, 1968
Rating: 92/100 (learn more)
This feels like a requiem for something or somebody. Maybe for a really big fan of Rahsaan Roland Kirk who met with a tragic end? Seriously, I hate to make light of Velbny's composition because it's a very textured affair just loaded with ominous sounds and off-kilter rhythms. Beginning with phrases presented by flute, recorder and bowed bass, successive rounds are punctuated with chunks of prepared piano, scraped bass strings, bells, and some of the moodiest bass clarinet passages you've ever heard. A lively, almost angry flute does come in to make a few insistent statements before the full band plays out the tune's last spooky lament.
Reviewer: Mark Saleski
Tags: 1960s jazz · free jazz
Comments are closed.


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College Hockey:Team USA Wins IIHF Tuneup With Sweden
PORTLAND, Maine — The U.S. Men's National Team rolled to a 5-1 victory over Sweden Sunday in its lone tuneup prior to beginning play in the 72nd annual International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship on Friday, May 2, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
"I thought it was a good team effort," said U.S. head coach John Tortorella of a game that featured five different USA goal-scorers. "It was good to see our team under game conditions."
Team USA jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first period. A highlight-reel play resulted in the first U.S. goal when Patrick Kane (Buffalo, N.Y./Chicago Blackhawks) avoided defenders in the high slot with a nifty spin-o-rama move and then found Peter Mueller (Bloomington, Minn./Phoenix Coyotes) who beat Sweden netminder Mikael Tellqvist from the right of the crease at 9:26.
The other U.S. goal came on the power play at 12:06 when Patrick O'Sullivan (Winston-Salem, N.C./L.A. Kings) put home the second rebound from in front between the circles. Phil Kessel (Madison, Wis./Boston Bruins/Univ. of Minnesota) and Mueller drew assists on the play.
Craig Anderson (Park Ridge, Ill./Florida Panthers), who stopped all 14 shots he faced in the first 32:22 of action, was solid in the opening stanza with 11 saves.
After a scoreless second period, Team USA opened up a 3-0 advantage at 3:58 of the third period when Dustin Brown (Ithaca, N.Y./L.A. Kings) took Nathan Gerbe's (Oxford, Mich./Boston College) feed from behind the net and fired one home from the left circle.
The U.S. extended its lead to 4-0 off Gerbe's rebound goal at 11:52. Just 1:29 later, Kane finished Team USA's scoring for the evening when his shot from the side of the circle deflected off a Swedish defender and past Tellqvist. Mueller won the faceoff to begin the play and drew the lone assist on the goal.
Sweden got its only goal of the evening with 2:06 to play off the stick of Mattias Weinhandl.
Team USA will practice at the Family Ice Center in Falmouth, Maine, through Wednesday (April 30) before heading to Halifax to begin play in the IIHF World Championship.
All 56 games from the 2008 IIHF Men's World Championship will be broadcast live on WCSN.com.
The following is a self-policing forum for discussing views on this story. Comments that are derogatory, make personal attacks, are abusive, or contain profanity or racism will be removed at our discretion. USCHO.com is not responsible for comments posted by users. Please report any inappropriate or offensive comments by clicking the "Flag" link next to that comment in order to alert the moderator.
Please also keep "woofing," taunting, and otherwise unsportsmanlike behavior to a minimum. Your posts will more than likely be deleted, and worse yet, you reflect badly on yourself, your favorite team and your conference.


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Larry Darnnell Dorsey
Position: WR
Height: 6-1 Weight: 195 lbs.
Born: August 15, 1953 in Corinth, MS
High School: Corinth
College: Tennessee St. (school history)
Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 3rd round (64th overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft.
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 5 (9377th overall since 1950)
Output includes all passing, rushing, and receiving plays.See all Larry Dorsey Super Bowl plays using the Super Bowl Play Finder


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Angels Flight: a downtown Los Angeles landmark. Its orange, beaux-arts archways and simple, Edwardian technology stand in contrast to the modern skyscrapers of the financial district. This cherished historical monument is a remnant of an earlier age. In the early decades of the twentieth century, from downtown L.A. to Mt. Washington, and from Catalina Island to the San Gabriel Mountains, incline railways climbed hillsides and conquered steep grades across Southern California.
A few blocks north of Angels Flight, another incline railway once also scaled the face ofBunker Hill. Named Court Flight, the railway linked the courthouses and public administration buildings of the civic center to the otherwise inaccessible residential neighborhood perched above.
With the exception of Angels Flight, these incline railways -- also known as funiculars -- are now lost to history, their remains rusting on hillsides or long ago sold for scrap, their memory preserved only in the photographs, films, and maps of the region's archives. Now, discover the stories of these forgotten funiculars through "Incline L.A.," a new video series showcasingL.A. as Subject member collections and the archivists, historians, and experts who care for them. Share your thoughts -- or your memories of Angels Flight -- with the hashtag #inclineLA.
Collections Featured in Episode One: Downtown
Experts Featured in Episode One: Downtown


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Legal Professional: Build Your Bussiness
Dear Anonymous,
Under the given set of circumstances, you would definitely need an attorney. Your daughter is an adult now and you'll need a new report, a doctor's report, which states she is unable to handle her personal and/or financial affairs. Financial affairs come into play if indeed your daughter receives any sort of state assistance because by such, she has an "estate" which needs managing. Guardianships are not only granted for folks that are mentally & developmentally disabled, but also for those who because of some behavior (i.e., alcohol, drugs, gambling) are rendered unable to properly manage their own affairs. Your daughter, being 25 will have some say in who is appointed as her guardian and if this older woman is as cunning as she sound, she may influence whom your daughter selects or at least indicate your daughter should vehemently oppose any sort of guardianship if she legally can. Unfortunately, guardianship isn't something you can take your daughter by surprise with. She has to be given notice. I strongly suggest you consult an attorney. It sounds as though you really love your daughter and that you are living the nightmare of many a parent. Fight for her smartly by investing money in a good attorney or beg one to do the guardianship for you pro bono. Best wishes to you and please and know that you will not always be sen as the enemy by your daughter.


text:
Bags for collector and trading pins can be found right here! We offer the finest quality bags in the industry, and at the industry's lowest possible pricing.
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These high quality bags are designed to last, using heavy duty construction techniques, while allowing storage for up to 400 lapel pins. Protect and proudly display your valuable collection for years with one of these great looking bags.
Trading Pin Bags
If you collect lapel pins, we have bags for your collections. We have exactly what you need at an affordable price.
If you've been collecting Disney pins for decades, the time has come for you to invest in a bag. A Disney bag is the perfect home for your collection. This is especially true if you plan to attend a trading night at the Disney World or Disneyland resorts.
Collector pin bags are one of the most useful items in your collection. They allow you to keep your collection organized and in good condition. If you plan to trade pins and treasure them forever, proper storage is of the utmost importance. You should never skimp on pin bags, and with our great prices, you don't have to!
Custom Lapel Pins © Lapel Pin Superstore, All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Contact | Articles | Disclaimer | Sitemap | Lapel Pin Quote


text:
Pistachio Cake RecipeRead Reviews Be the first to add a review
- 1 package white cake mix (regular size)
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda
- 1 cup canola oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1-1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup pistachios, toasted
- Whole red shell pistachios and fresh mint, optional
- In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes; stir in walnuts.
- Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- For frosting, in a large bowl, beat milk and pudding mix on low speed for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cake. Sprinkle with pistachios. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before cutting. Garnish with whole pistachios and mint if desired. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12-15 servings.
Reviews for Pistachio Cake
"Awesome recipe. Used club soda instead of lemon lime soda to cut down on the sweet. It was awesome!!"
"This is much better than the original that used the powdered whipped topping mix. The thawed topping makes it fluffier, I actually used the "creamy" version. It was slightly softer, but looked exactly like the photo. No walnuts for us : )"
"Excellent; lighter, fresher, more flavorful than the recipe I have had for 30+ years that uses four eggs, club soda, and no nuts"
"Love this easy recipe!"
"I don't t think it's fair for me to give this cake a rating because everyone else here seems to have love it, and I didn't. The cake baked up nicely, but it's way too sweet - and I have a huge sweet-tooth, but this had too much sugar. I'm also disappointed at how the cake took on a walnut flavor and the pistachio flavor just disappeared. And, why were walnuts listed? Why wasn't chopped pistachios called for? I would not make this cake again; it won't make my recipe box, as there are other recipes more worthy to try out."


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» List all forums
» » Forum: Module Requests
» » » Thread: Jehovah's Witness Bible?
|Print at Jun 29, 2016 11:19:31 AM
|View all posts in this thread on one page
|Posted by njk42490 at Nov 29, 2009 10:51:37 AM
Jehovah's Witness Bible?
I personally am not a Jehovah's Witness but love to study out their religion. It would greatly aid me in my studies should there be a New World translation.
|Posted by jonmmorgan at Nov 30, 2009 4:46:26 AM
Re: Jehovah's Witness Bible?
Since the NT was published in 1950 and the full translation in 1961, it should be under copyright. I imagine only Watchtower could grant you permission to distribute it. It does appear to be available at http://www.watchtower.org/bible/toc.htm.
|Posted by dmsmith at Dec 1, 2009 4:38:09 AM
Re: Jehovah's Witness Bible?
Look for the "Diaglot" module. It is the 1942 edition on which the current NWT is based.
It's a long story, but a Jehovah's Witness accidentally led me to Christ. Reading the NWT side-by-side with any other translation is a real eye-opener. You will see that the NWT is obviously a very bad translation.
Bible Desktop has a feature that allows you to compare it and another translation side-by-side with the differences marked up in a middle column. It will clearly show changes, additions and redactions.
|Posted by jonmmorgan at Dec 1, 2009 5:45:24 AM
Re: Jehovah's Witness Bible?
I'm surprised. I knew the Diaglott and NWT were related to the JW's, but I couldn't find anything saying that one was derived from the other. Also, it is I presume NT only, while the NWT is whole Bible.
|Posted by dmsmith at Dec 1, 2009 7:29:04 AM
Re: Jehovah's Witness Bible?
It appears that the module is NT only. Comparing it with my hard copy, it is clear the module is a revision of the 1942 printing of Benjamin Wilson's Emphatic Diaglott.
Not only are the "emphatic" parts of it gone, but much of it is different. Some examples:
Matt 1.1-2
A Register of the Lineage of Jesus Christ, Son of David, Son of Abraham. From Abraham proceeded ISAAC ; from Isaac, JACOB ; from Jacob, JUDAH and his BROTHERS.
(Note: ISAAC, JACOB and JUDAH are small-caps, but BROTHERS is all caps. Spacing of punctuation is distinctive.)
The module has:
A record of descent of Jesus Anointed, son of David, son of Abraham. Abraham begot the Isaac, Isaac and begot the Jacob, Jacob and begot the Judas and the brothers of him.
Another example of John 1:1-2
The book has:
In the Beginning was the LOGOS, and the LOGOS was with GOD, and the LOGOS was God. This was in the Beginning with GOD.
(LOGOS and GOD are small-caps.)
The module has:
In a beginning was the Word, and the Word was with the God, and a god was the Word. This was in a beginning with the God.
This is not surprising to me. Once when some Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door, we compared Diaglotts, both purporting to be 1942 editions. Theirs read like the module does. I doubt that the Watch Tower Society is going to broadcast its editorializing of the Bible.
It did not give me confidence that what I had wasn't redacted either.
|Posted by mdbergmann at Dec 1, 2009 3:43:46 PM
Re: Jehovah's Witness Bible?
It's a long story, but a Jehovah's Witness accidentally led me to Christ.
That's interesting, the same happened to me. :)
|Posted by truth2btold at Jan 26, 2010 11:30:24 AM
Re: Jehovah's Witness Bible?
Check out the book "Truth in Translation, Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament",
by Jason David BeDuhn - Jason David BeDuhn is an associate professor of religious studies at Northern Arizona University, in Flagstaff. He holds a B.A. in Religious studies from the University of Illinois, Urbana, and M.T.S. in New Testament and Christian Origins from Harvard Divinity School, and a Ph.D. in the Comparative Study of Religions from Indiana University, Bloomington. He is the author of many articles in the areas of Biblical Studies and Manichaean Studies, and of the book, The Manichaean Body: In Discipline and Ritual (Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000), winner of the "Best First Book" prize from the American Academy of Religion.
Current timezone is GMT
Jun 29, 2016 11:19:31 AM


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With 10 successful years under its belt, the Baltimore Running Festival continues to disprove those who thought a successful marathon in Baltimore could not be done. On its 11th consecutive year with numbers on the rise, the BRF will be host to over 25,000 runners in all its events.
The first year only brought in 6,000 runners since then the BRF's number continue to soar.
This is the fifth consecutive year in a row that ALL ADULTS EVENTS (marathon, half marathon, 5K and relay) HAVE SOLD OUT!
A total prize purse of $145,000 with $25,000 going to the winner both male and female.
As it was said at today's media event held at the Under Armour headquarters, the elite runners who win the Marine Corps Marathon (no prize purse) could not contend with the elites that race for the award at our Baltimore Marathon. Also, studies have shown that those who begin their running career at the BRF's 5K 83% come back to run the same or other events held this weekend.
Marathon Course: Beginning at Camden Yards at Russell and Camden St. This year the marathon course will take you into the Baltimore Zoo around mile three. After passing JHU, marathoners will head down St. Paul Street for a nice downhill cruise for over three miles. Marathoners will then enjoy the flat routes throughout the Inner Harbor until the marathon joins up with the Half Marathon at mile 16 around Patterson Park. course map
Half Marathon Course: Starts at Light and Conway just in front of Harbor Place. Out of the start gate, runners head straight uphill. The half converges with the full around Patterson park, or mile three. After the merge, runners make they way toward Lake Montebello on rolling hills with the final climb just before the flat and sunny 1.5 mile loop around the lake. The last three miles of the half are mostly downhill with a brief climb over the Howard Street bridge to come into the into the finish. Don't be deceived by the fun portion through Camden yards; though a good place to start picking it up, the finish line is deceptively much further than expected! course map
Start times:
Marathon 8:00 am
5K 8:30am
Kids fun run 9:20
Half Marathon 9:45
The BRF is one of only five marathons with 5 hours of live coverage, thanks to WBALTV. Also runners can be tracked via text or email thanks to T-Mobile. Sign up to track runners before 7am on race day.
Remember to check back here for more BRF coverage, results and recap. You can follow the Baltimore Running Examiner on Facebook.


text:
Richard Kay Wildung
Position: T-DT-G
Height: 6-0 Weight: 221 lbs.
Born: August 16, 1921 in Anoka, MN
Died: March 15, 2006 in Minneapolis, MN
High School: Luverne
College: Minnesota (school history) (Wildung college stats)
Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 1st round (8th overall) of the 1943 NFL Draft.
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 0 (15060th overall since 1950)
1-time Pro Bowler (fine print)
Our primary support comes from users like you. Sponsor this page for $5. Your message will replace this ad.
Output includes all games from 1920 to 2015.


text:
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Delving into DirectX 12 performance
Subject: General Tech | April 20, 2016 - 07:14 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: hitman 2016, gaming, dx12, asynchronous compute, ashes of the singularity
DX12 is very new and with these two games utilizing it, Hitman 2016 and Ashes of the Singularity, it is difficult to get a good sample of results to see exactly what the new API will offer. [H]ard|OCP have been working with both of these games to determine the performance differences between DX11 and DX12 and to find where the bottlenecks, if any, are. With Ashes they tried limiting the CPU, one set of tests at 1.2GHz and the second at 4.5GHz which showed how well DX12 lived up to the touted benefits of reduced CPU usage. They also tested with older GPUs on a 4.5GHz CPU to see if the new API does indeed help out older GPUs. They also delve somewhat into the confusion surrounding AMD's Asynchronous ace in the hole.
For Hitman they contrasted various GPUs from both AMD and NVIDIA while leaving the CPU alone for the testing. This review emphasizes the performance delta between DX11 and DX12 on the same GPUs, and unfortunately also addresses some stability issues which DX12 has brought with it. Read through the review to see what results they gathered so far but do not consider this the final word since both NVIDIA and AMD's GPUs could barely manage 10 minutes of DX12 gaming before completely locking up.
We still have a lot more investigation to perform before we can define the strengths and weaknesses of DX12.
"Hitman (2016) supports the new DirectX 12 API. We will take this game and find out if DX12 is faster than DX11 and what it may offer in this game and if it allows a better gameplay experience. We will also compare Himan performance between several video cards to find what is playable and how AMD vs. NV GPUs compare."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Battlezone 98 Redux Brings Back FPS-RTS Fun @ Rock, Paper, SHOTGUN
- Total Warcraft: Hammers Offers Zone News, I Think @ Rock, Paper, SHOTGUN
- Ashes of the Singularity Review @ OCC
- XCOM Beyond Earth: Shock Tactics @ Rock, Paper, SHOTGUN
- Mafia III will be released on 7th October on PC, PS4 and Xbox One @ HEXUS
- Ratchet & Clank @ Polygon
- Vroomshakalaka! Rocket League Hoops Mode Next Week @ Rock, Paper, SHOTGUN
- Quick Look: Banner Saga 2 @ Giant Bomb
Best of luck in your new life; farewell to Jonney Shih
Subject: General Tech | April 20, 2016 - 06:03 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: jonney shih, asus
There are some fairly solid rumours that Jonney Shih, Chairman of ASUS, will be stepping down soon, with ASUS co-founder Ted Hsu likely to take the reigns. He has been chair of ASUS for 23 years and has overseen some very large changes in the industry. He is widely know for the ASUS Eee PC Project, which has changed the mobile computing world from larger notebooks to the netbooks and ultraportables which have become ubiquitous. His presentations have always been both informative and entertaining, hopefully his retirement is not immediate and we will still see him around for a few years yet.
We at PC Perspective would rate his performance as head of ASUS as 9.99 out of 10.
"Asustek Computer will have co-founder Ted Hsu, currently vice chairman for ODM Pegatron, return to become chief strategy officer, triggering speculation that Asustek chairman Jonney Shih is going to retire and let Hsu succeed him."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Intel literally decimates workforce: 12,000 will be axed, CFO shifts to sales @ The Register
- Oof! Acer suffers 25 per cent hit to PC sales in turbulent Q1 @ The Register
- Canonical delivers Ubuntu 16.04 LTS with OpenStack Mitaka @ The Inquirer
- Sony's PlayStation 4.5 Is Rumored To Be Twice As Fast As The Original – What Could We Expect? @ Techgage
- Google Admits That Google.com Is Partially Dangerous @ Slashdot
Lian Li Announces DK-04 Standing Computer Desk Enclosure
Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 20, 2016 - 02:20 PM | Sebastian Peak
Tagged: standing desk, Lian Li, enclosure, DK-04, desk enclosure, case, aluminum
Lian Li has officially announced their standing desk shown at CES 2016, and the DK-04 offers variable (powered) height adjustment.
The DK-04 in standing position
"Standing desks aren't just fashionable, they're proven to be beneficial and healthy in multiple ways. Lian Li sought to design a new computer desk chassis in this spirit. Users can configure up to four different height settings, from 67.5cm to 116cm, for the desk to automatically adjust to at the press of a button. The DK-04 can serve as a standing desk for work and switch to a sit-down gaming desk in an instant!"
The DK-04 lowered to sitting position
I had a chance to check out the DK-04 in person at this year's CES, and it was an impressive piece of hardware. My first question? How much will it cost, of course! Lian Li didn't have an answer for me back in January, but official pricing was included in today's annoucement.
I checked out the DK-04 at CES 2016
The cost? MSRP is $1499, and the DK-04 will be available on May 10, 2016.
If you've priced ergonomic office furniture the $1499 price tag won't seem quite so shocking, especially for a powered sit/stand design made entirely from aluminum (don't forget this is also a PC enclosure).
The DK-04 is also a full-sized PC enclosure under the glass top
Of course, in the world of PC components it's obviously going to require a specific use-case to justify an enclosure that costs as much as a fairly high-end gaming PC.
Summer Games Done Quick 2016 Schedule Published
Subject: General Tech | April 20, 2016 - 12:55 AM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: gdq, pc gaming
It's still a few months out, but the schedule for Summer Games Done Quick 2016 has been posted to their official website. SGDQ 2016 is almost a solid week of speedruns, starting on Sunday, July 3rd at noon and ending some time after the midnight between Saturday, July 9th and Sunday, July 10th. Games Done Quick, itself, is a charity event, which generated over a million dollars of donations in four out of its last five occurences. It occurs about twice each year, plus an extra one for special events (such as the 2011 earthquake in Japan and TwitchCon 2015).
They usually have a fair amount of PC titles in their mix. While the schedule doesn't state the chosen platform, Elder Scrolls II, III, and V will be run back-to-back-to-back, followed by Fallout 3 and Fallout 4. That all takes place after a block of Quake, Hexen, System Shock, Deus Ex, Star Wars: Dark Forces, Serious Sam, and other titles. Curiously, Super Mario 64 is missing, except for a 50-star run of Super Mario 64 DS, which is usually their big event. They will have a TAS block, though, which uses a computer to submit controller input at a much higher precision than a human would be capable of, leading to interesting glitches, like injecting an IRC client into Pokémon.
It's a fun spectacle, and it's for a good cause. SGDQ 2016 will benefit Doctors Without Borders.
DroboAccess Enables SSL Encrypted Remote File Access for Drobo 5N and B810n
Subject: Storage | April 19, 2016 - 09:00 PM | Allyn Malventano
Tagged: SSL, remote access, NAS, DroboAccess, drobo, B810n, 5N
We are currently testing a round of Drobos here at PC Perspective, and Drobo recently rolled out a new feature that I thought would be better written up as a quick news post. This is a remote access feature that applies to the NAS-style models, specifically the 5N and B810n, and leverages the Drobo Apps capabilities of these devices. If you are a current 5N or B810n owner, you can update your Dashboard application and firmware to unlock this newly announced 'DroboAccess' feature.
DroboAccess falls under the 'myDrobo' category of Drobo Apps. These are apps developed and supported by Drobo (as opposed to coming from a third party). With Drobo more involved in the end-to-end aspect of this process, they were able to work some additional magic into their implementation:
After a Drobo owner registers their device, they can install any/all of the supported apps (DroboAccess, Koken, and Wordpress). Upon registering, each app prompts for a public URL (a subdomain of .mydrobo.com). Drobo handles the behind-the-scenes registration of a 2k SSL certificate which is installed in the chain, which means that any browser access to the new subdomain is over an SSL (HTTPS) end-to-end encrypted connection. Drobo has set up a relay server that manages incoming internet connections to the 5N or B810n. Home NAT routers are not an issue as the device running the app maintains an outbound link to the same relay server. This eliminates any custom router configurations / port forwarding necessary on the user-side of things, and that free SSL cert keeps prying eyes out of the data coming across the wire. I stepped through this process myself and it was about as simple and seamless as it could possibly be. Once set up, I could browse to (chosen subdomain).mydrobo.com from any internet-connected browser and see the files on the B810n:
The interface is similar to what you'd see from other remote access apps (Dropbox, etc). There is also an iPhone and Android app available, but Drobo has chosen to charge $0.99 for this app - an odd choice given the vast majority of remote file access companion apps are free downloads. I spent some time with the iOS app and while functional, I found it a bit clunky in its current form. As an example, sending a photo to DroboAccess from the iOS Share Menu gave an 'Upload to' prompt with no ability to choose a destination folder (images were simply dumped in the root, which is *not* mountable on the local network - only subdirectories of root are mountable on the LAN). This means that you would have to log into the Drobo via web browser to access those uploads and move them to shares so they would be visible to local SMB-connected machines.
In testing browser access, I discovered a few more issues:
- The data throughput rate appears to be capped at 8 Mbps by the myDrobo relay server.
- Downloading files >2GB failed silently, resulting in a 0-byte file placed on the host.
…so while things are a bit rough around the edges right now, the setup was quick and painless, which was Drobos initial goal for this feature roll out. We've fed back our findings thus far, and I suspect the other parts should receive more polish and tweaking over the coming weeks. I've include Drobo's press blast for DroboAccess after the break.
IOGear's Kaliber Gaming Mechlite,
Subject: General Tech | April 19, 2016 - 05:54 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: input, Kailh, Kaliber Gaming Mechlite, IOGear, mechanical keyboard
IOGear have joined the mechanical keyboard market with the Kaliber Gaming Mechlite, opting for Kailh Blue switches as opposed to the Cherry MX switches which have dominated the market. The plain black look will appeal to some, for others the blue LED backlighting with adjustable light levels will be more attractive. The lighting is controlled via a switch as opposed to software, something which may lessen the attractiveness of the board to potential buyers, as will the lack of a bundled wrist rest. Currently it sells for $70 on Amazon, relatively competitive for a backlit mechanical keyboard. Neoseeker has published their impressions of the keyboard if it piques your interest.
"The Kaliber Gaming Mechlite has a blue LED backlight with adjustable brightness levels in 7 different patterns. It has 5 programmable macro keys supporting up to 32 characters each, anti-ghosting keys with full N-key rollover, a Windows key lockout, laser cut keys and braided USB connector cable."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Tt eSPORTS Poseidon Z RGB Keyboard @ techPowerUp
- OZONE Strike Battle Mechanical Compact Gaming Keyboard Review @ NikKTech
- Cooler Master Devastator II Keyboard+Mouse Combo @ Modders-Inc
- Mionix Castor Optical Gaming Mouse @ eTeknix
- Corsair Gaming M65 Pro RGB Optical Mouse @ eTeknix
- G.Skill's Ripjaws MX780 gaming mouse @ The Tech Report
An easier way to make flexible FETs
Subject: General Tech | April 19, 2016 - 04:30 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: flexible transistors, quantum dots
Flexible transistors have been made in the lab before but the process to deposit semiconductors on a flexible substrate required a vacuum to evaporate all but the desired portions of the layers laid on that substrate. This new technique utilizes the same materials for insulators and semiconductors but the process uses inks and a photoresist mask to ensure the correct placement of a layer of conductive silver nanocrystals for the gate. Over top opf the later of silver a layer of aluminium-oxide is added as the insulator, then cadmium-selenide quantum dots for the semiconductor channel and then another layer of silver nanocrystals and indium nanocrystals for the drain. This is baked as you would normally treat transistors to dope the semiconductor channel and you end up with working FETs on a flexible substrate. Check out more details on the process at Nanotechweb.
"A high-quality, flexible transistor, made entirely from colloidal nanocrystals, has been developed by a team in the US. By sequentially depositing their components in the form of nanocrystal "inks," the researchers could make transistors using standard industrial methods, without the need for high-temperature, high-vacuum specialist equipment."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- MIT boffins build AI bot that spots '85 per cent' of hacker invasions @ The Register
- Nvidia's Maxwell-powered Quadro M2000 GPU can drive four 4K displays @ The Inquirer
- Microsoft's pretty-but-dim Edge browser will have support for VP9 and Opus @ The Inquirer
- Seagate launches LaCie 12big offering 96TB on a desktop @ The Inquirer
- TSMC to launch 7nm trial production in 1H17 @ DigiTimes
- Super Thin Display Makes Your Skin Your Screen @ Hack a Day
- Canon 1D X Mark II First Look @ Tech ARP
Sony plans PlayStation NEO with massive APU hardware upgrade
Subject: Graphics Cards, Processors | April 19, 2016 - 03:21 PM | Ryan Shrout
Tagged: sony, ps4, Playstation, neo, giant bomb, APU, amd
Based on a new report coming from Giant Bomb, Sony is set to release a new console this year with upgraded processing power and a focus on 4K capabilities, code named NEO. We have been hearing for several weeks that both Microsoft and Sony were planning partial generation upgrades but it appears that details for Sony's update have started leaking out in greater detail, if you believe the reports.
Giant Bomb isn't known for tossing around speculation and tends to only report details it can safely confirm. Austin Walker says "multiple sources have confirmed for us details of the project, which is internally referred to as the NEO."
The current PlayStation 4 APU
Image source: iFixIt.com
There are plenty of interesting details in the story, including Sony's determination to not split the user base with multiple consoles by forcing developers to have a mode for the "base" PS4 and one for NEO. But most interesting to us is the possible hardware upgrade.
The NEO will feature a higher clock speed than the original PS4, an improved GPU, and higher bandwidth on the memory. The documents we've received note that the HDD in the NEO is the same as that in the original PlayStation 4, but it's not clear if that means in terms of capacity or connection speed.
Games running in NEO mode will be able to use the hardware upgrades (and an additional 512 MiB in the memory budget) to offer increased and more stable frame rate and higher visual fidelity, at least when those games run at 1080p on HDTVs. The NEO will also support 4K image output, but games themselves are not required to be 4K native.
Giant Bomb even has details on the architectural changes.
|Shipping PS4
|8 Jaguar Cores @ 1.6 GHz
|8 Jaguar Cores @ 2.1 GHz
|AMD GCN, 18 CUs @ 800 MHz
|AMD GCN+, 36 CUs @ 911 MHz
|Stream Processors
|1152 SPs ~ HD 7870 equiv.
|2304 SPs ~ R9 390 equiv.
|8GB GDDR5 @ 176 GB/s
|8GB GDDR5 @ 218 GB/s
(We actually did a full video teardown of the PS4 on launch day!)
If the Compute Unit count is right from the GB report, then the PS4 NEO system will have 2,304 stream processors running at 911 MHz, giving it performance nearing that of a consumer Radeon R9 390 graphics card. The R9 390 has 2,560 SPs running at around 1.0 GHz, so while the NEO would be slower, it would be a substantial upgrade over the current PS4 hardware and the Xbox One. Memory bandwidth on NEO is still much lower than a desktop add-in card (218 GB/s vs 384 GB/s).
Could Sony's NEO platform rival the R9 390?
If the NEO hardware is based on Grenada / Hawaii GPU design, there are some interesting questions to ask. With the push into 4K that we expect with the upgraded PlayStation, it would be painful if the GPU didn't natively support HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60 Hz). With the modularity of current semi-custom APU designs it is likely that AMD could swap out the display controller on NEO with one that can support HDMI 2.0 even though no consumer shipping graphics cards in the 300-series does so.
It is also POSSIBLE that NEO is based on the upcoming AMD Polaris GPU architecture, which supports HDR and HDMI 2.0 natively. That would be a much more impressive feat for both Sony and AMD, as we have yet to see Polaris released in any consumer GPU. Couple that with the variables of 14/16nm FinFET process production and you have a complicated production pipe that would need significant monitoring. It would potentially lower cost on the build side and lower power consumption for the NEO device, but I would be surprised if Sony wanted to take a chance on the first generation of tech from AMD / Samsung / Global Foundries.
However, if you look at recent rumors swirling about the June announcement of the Radeon R9 480 using the Polaris architecture, it is said to have 2,304 stream processors, perfectly matching the NEO specs above.
New features of the AMD Polaris architecture due this summer
There is a lot Sony and game developers could do with roughly twice the GPU compute capability on a console like NEO. This could make the PlayStation VR a much more comparable platform to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive though the necessity to work with the original PS4 platform might hinder the upgrade path.
The other obvious use is to upgrade the image quality and/or rendering resolution of current games and games in development or just to improve the frame rate, an area that many current generation consoles seem to have been slipping on.
In the documents we've received, Sony offers suggestions for reaching 4K/UltraHD resolutions for NEO mode game builds, but they're also giving developers a degree of freedom with how to approach this. 4K TV owners should expect the NEO to upscale games to fit the format, but one place Sony is unwilling to bend is on frame rate. Throughout the documents, Sony repeatedly reminds developers that the frame rate of games in NEO Mode must meet or exceed the frame rate of the game on the original PS4 system.
There is still plenty to read in the Giant Bomb report, and I suggest you head over and do so. If you thought the summer was going to be interesting solely because of new GPU releases from AMD and NVIDIA, it appears that Sony and Microsoft have their own agenda as well.
Report: NVIDIA GTX 1080 GPU Cooler Pictured
Subject: Graphics Cards | April 19, 2016 - 03:08 PM | Sebastian Peak
Tagged: rumor, report, nvidia, leak, GTX 1080, graphics card, gpu, geforce
Another reported photo of an upcoming GTX 1080 graphics card has appeared online, this time via a post on Baidu.
(Image credit: VR-Zone, via Baidu)
The image is typically low-resolution and features the slightly soft focus we've come to expect from alleged leaks. This doesn't mean it's not legitimate, and this isn't the first time we have seen this design. This image also appears to only be the cooler, without an actual graphics card board underneath.
We have reported on the upcoming GPU rumored to be named "GTX 1080" in the recent past, and while no official announcement has been made it seems safe to assume that a successor to the current 900-series GPUs is forthcoming.
Western Digital Reworks Enterprise Lineup, Launches 8TB Gold Datacenter HDD
Subject: Storage | April 19, 2016 - 12:00 PM | Allyn Malventano
Tagged: Xe, western digital, wdc, WD, se, RE, Media Cache, hgst, HelioSeal, gold, 8TB
Western Digital rolled out their Se / Re / Xe branding back in mid-2013. Since that time, a lot has changed in the rapidly evolving enterprise storage industry. SSDs are encroaching into more of the data center rack space out there, and the need for small capacity 10k and 15k RPM drives is dropping substantially in favor of more power efficient (in power and capacity per dollar), larger spinning disks.
With these winds of change comes today's announcement from Western Digital:
The new Gold lineup appears to be a merging of old and new product lines. The 6TB and below Re series are essentially being absorbed under the new Gold label, but 6TB will no longer be the top capacity offered to WD enterprise customers. A new 8TB capacity will be offered in the form of a HelioSeal drive. The 8TB model will share more parts with the HGST He8 than WD's previously released 8TB Red, including HGST's Media Cache architecture, which should yield a nice boost to sustained random write performance over drives lacking this technology.
The press release does not state this, but I suspect WD will be phasing out their Se and Xe product lines over the coming months in favor of Helium-filled drives of the 5400 (Red) and 7200 (Gold) RPM variety. Fewer lines to manage should help them tighten things up a bit and reduce costs even further over time.
We'll be reviewing the new 8TB Gold just as soon as samples arrive for testing, so stay tuned!
Full press blast appears after the break.
Zalman's Z9 Neo White, ready to go out of the box
Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 18, 2016 - 07:45 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: zalman, neo, Z9 Neo
Neo is a popular appellation for computer hardware, from PSUs to motherboards and today another case from Zalman. The Z9 Neo is a mid-tower case which can hold heatsinks under 200mm tall and GPUs of up to 420mm, perfect for the majority of builds. The PSU mounts at the bottom and there is a dust filter to protect it, unfortunately one which slides to the rear, making it somewhat difficult to get at. The case comes with five 120mm fans included, a nice bonus for those looking to be ready to run as soon as possible. Benchmark Reviews also determined it to be friendly for watercooling if that happens to be your preference.
"Unlike it's predecessors in the Z-series line, the Z9 Neo comes with a full length front panel door. Now if your old school, as I am, you probably shutter at the mere mention of a computer case having a door. But over the years, especially with the rise in digital mediums and digital distribution, I find myself using 5.25″ drives less and less."
Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
- Raidmax Monster II Midi Tower Review @ NikKTech
- NZXT Manta Chassis @ Kitguru
- Silverstone AR07 & AR08 @ eTeknix
- DeepCool CAPTAIN 240 White Liquid CPU Cooler Review @ NikKTech
The FiercePC Imperial Stormer; shoots close to the mark but misses
Subject: Systems | April 18, 2016 - 05:55 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: watercooling, FiercePC, Core i7 6700K, GTX 970, carbide 400c
The components chosen for this prebuilt system are an odd mix, the 6700K is paired with a GTX 970, though the rest of the components make sense, with 16GB of DDR4 memory, a 250GB Samsung 850 EVO SSD and a 2TB HDD. These are all installed in a Corsair 400C and the CPU is cooled with an Alphacool NexXos XP3 Light water block, NexXos ST3 radiator; it is the only component which is watercooled. Kitguru found the enclosure to be impressively quiet and the performance matched their expectations but they also felt that both the GPU and SSD should have been upgraded.
"The FiercePC Imperial Stormer is a gaming PC that squeezes a custom-built water-cooling loop and some very nifty lighting effects into a rather svelte Corsair Chassis. This enables a mighty 4.7GHz overclock for the Intel Core i7-6700K, which coupled with a GeForce GTX 970 – delivers some very good performance results."
Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
- MSI C236A Workstation @ Phoronix
- MSI Vortex G65 6QF @ Kitguru
- Computer Upgrades: A Data-Based Perspective @ Benchmark Reviews
HP's Z1, a user upgradeable All-in-One workstation
Subject: General Tech | April 18, 2016 - 04:47 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: hp, z1, workstation, AIO
The newly announced HP Z1 all-in-one workstation is smaller than its predecessors but hides quite powerful capabilities inside. You can choose between a Skylake or Xeon E3 chip from Intel, 32 or 64GB of RAM and you can add in a pair of HP Z Turbo Drive PCIe SDDs to complement the installed HDDs. The screen is 4k, but of a slightly smaller size than previous models at 23.6" which may deter some previous owners from upgrading, support for NVIDIA's new Maxwell chips may change that opinion. For peripherals, there are a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports, Type-C form factor for those of you whom this is of prime importance. As you can see from the picture at The Inquirer, these AIO's are designed to be user serviceable and you can upgrade most of the components after you have purchased the machine.
"HP INC has unveiled its third-generation Z1 workstation, having given it a boost with more memory, more storage and the latest Intel processors. "
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Seagate revenue numbers rain on cloud after market misses @ The Register
- Huawei P9 vs P9 Plus specs comparison @ The Inquirer
- Hackers can track a smartphone just by knowing its number @ The Inquirer
- Understanding LXC and LXD, Canonical's Open Source Container Solution @ Linux.com
- Mitel nabs Polycom in $1.96bn deal @ The Register
Sony's Optical Disc Archive Storage Reaches 3.3 TB
Subject: Storage | April 18, 2016 - 04:32 PM | Sebastian Peak
Tagged: storage, sony, optical disc archive, optical disc, ODA, hard drives, backup, Archival
Sony has developed a higher-capacity version of their Optical Disc Archive (ODA), which now allows up to 3.3 TB of archival storage with the promise of 100-year retention.
Sony ODS-D280U (Image credit: Sony via Computer Base)
Of course the viability of such a system in the next century is unknown, and a working cartridge (which is similar to the multi-CD systems found in cars a few years ago) would be needed to access the data. The idea is certainly interesting considering the potential for failure with traditional hard drives, though hard drives are relatively inexpensive and offer more utility, unlike the write-once Sony ODA cartridges.
Cartridge exploded view (Image credit: Sony via Computer Base)
For those seeking pure read-only archival storage, the higher capacity of the second-generation Sony ODA at least brings it closer to parity with current hard drive storage.
NZXT Announces Partnership with human-I-T for Earth Day Recycling Program
Subject: General Tech | April 18, 2016 - 12:00 PM | Sebastian Peak
Tagged: recycling, nzxt, human-I-T, Earth Day, e-waste
To celebrate Earth Day (April 22) NZXT is partnering with human-I-T to help users recycle their unwanted technology, with the working items being donated to those in need. And as a thank you, NZXT is providing discounts for purchases made on their website for those who participate.
"This Earth Day, we're partnering with Human I-T to turn your inoperative laptops, desktops, smartphones and other devices into powerful and free educational tools. Not only does it reduce E-waste, it also helps close the digital divide by enabling vocational training for millions of people in need."
The page is up on NZXT's website, and the process looks painless with a free label provided for your shipment of approved devices.
The program begins on Earth Day, but NZXT plans to continue this program into the future.
Almost disposable gaming peripherals? Cooler Master's Devastator II mouse and keyboard combo
Subject: General Tech | April 15, 2016 - 06:33 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: input, cooler master, Devastator II, gaming mouse, gaming keyboard
If you tend to be hard on your mice and keyboards it seems a waste to invest in a $100 device which will end up dead or at least severely injured within a few months. Cooler Master has come up with a package that just might appeal to you, the $30 Devastator II keyboard and mouse combo. The mouse has an optical sensor with 1000, 1600 and 2000 DPI levels and six buttons, including the sensitivity adjustment button. The keyboard is backlit and the "mem-chanical" switches Cooler Master uses are Cherry MX compatible so you can swap keycaps if you are so inclined. Drop by Hardware Canucks for a closer look.
"Cooler Master's Devastator II keyboard and mouse combo claims to do the impossible: provide a capable gaming-grade keyboard and mouse in a package that retails for just $30."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Tesoro Sagitta Spectrum Mouse @ Benchmark Reviews
- Corsair M65 Pro RGB FPS Gaming Mouse Review @ NikKTech
- Logitech G900 Chaos Spectrum @ Legion Hardware
- Corsair MM300 Anti-Fray Cloth Mouse Mat Review @ Neoseeker
Knights Landing apparently knows Ninjitsu
Subject: General Tech | April 15, 2016 - 04:27 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: knights landing, Intel, CentOS
That's right, if you already hired a rock start ninja programmer, soon you will be able to give them the hardware they want as well. Intel's new Knights Landing HPC Phi devices will sell under the unfortunate name of Ninja Development Platform and can be pre-ordered for just under $5000USD for the 72 core desktop model and upwards of $20,000 for a four node racked device. According to the sources that The Register spoke with they will run using CentOS 7.2 and customers will be able to choose the amount and type of memory and local storage they desire. We do not have exact shipping dates yet, but we should see this 14nm silicon soon.
"Intel's fulfilling its 2015 promise to let developers get their hands on a Knights Landing developer platform before the 14 nm HPC silicon reaches general availability."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Uninstall QuickTime for Windows: Apple will not patch its security bugs @ The Register
- Google Updates: Chrome 50, save nifty, disability fund not thrifty @ The Inquirer
- Measuring Parts for Accurate Reverse Engineering @ Hack a Day
- Google broke its own cloud AGAIN, with TWO software bugs @ The Register
- Man destroys his entire company with a five-character Bash command @ The Inquirer
- Synology RT1900ac Wireless Router @ techPowerUp
QuickTime For Windows Apparently Won't Be Updated...
Subject: General Tech | April 15, 2016 - 06:37 AM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: apple, quicktime, Adobe
So TrendMicro has published a blog post that lists two unpatched vulnerabilities that affect QuickTime for Windows. Worse? They announced that Apple will no longer provide security updates for that software, either. These exploits will continue to exist until you uninstall the software (unless Apple has an abrupt change of heart). Basically, uninstall the software.
OSX users are unaffected. QuickTime is still supported on that platform.
For most users? This shouldn't be a big deal. There really isn't anything that the free QuickTime Player does which cannot be accomplished with VLC. Then again, I'd expect that many of those users (who would also be reading our website) have already moved on.
QuickTime Pro and Adobe users will likely be more affected by this. The formats and utilities that Apple provided are very useful in professional applications. For instance, QuickTime is one of the only reliable video formats (unless something came up that I was unaware of -- correct me if I'm wrong) that had an alpha channel for transparency. This allows you to share translucent footage between applications without resorting to some frame-by-frame solution, like a PNG sequence. It is also required to handle QuickTime footage in Adobe Premiere, if you need to collaborate with a Mac user or you have QuickTime-centric hardware.
This is mighty annoying of Apple, but that's a downside of relying upon proprietary software.
NVIDIA Releases 364.96 Hotfix Driver
Subject: Graphics Cards | April 14, 2016 - 10:44 PM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: nvidia, graphics drivers
The GeForce 364.xx line of graphics drivers hasn't been smooth for NVIDIA. Granted, they tried to merge Vulkan support into their main branch at the same time as several new games, including DirectX 12 ones, launched. It was probably a very difficult period for NVIDIA, but WHQL-certified drivers should be better than this.
Regardless, they're trying, and today they released GeForce Hot Fix Driver 364.96. Some of the early reactions mock NVIDIA for adding "Support for DOOM Open Beta" as the only listed feature of a "hotfix" driver, but I don't see it. It's entirely possible that the current drivers have a known issue with DOOM Open Beta and, thus, they require a hotfix. It's not necessarily "just a profile," and "profiles" isn't exactly what a hardware vendor does to support a new title.
But anyway, Manuel Guzman, one of the faces for NVIDIA Customer Care, also says that this driver includes fixes for FPS drops in Dark Souls 3. According to some forum-goers, despite its numbering, it also does not contain the Vulkan updates from 364.91. This is probably a good thing, because it would be a bit silly to merge developer-branch features into a customer driver that only intends to solve problems before an official driver can be certified. I mean, that's like patching a flat tire, then drilling a hole in one of the good ones to mess around with it, too.
The GeForce 364.96 Hotfix Drivers are available at NVIDIA's website. If you're having problems, then it might be your solution. Otherwise? Wait until NVIDIA has an official release (or you start getting said problems).
DigitalFoundry Dissects Quantum Break (and I rant)
Subject: Graphics Cards | April 14, 2016 - 10:17 PM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: microsoft, windows 10, uwp, DirectX 12, dx12
At the PC Gaming Conference from last year's E3 Expo, Microsoft announced that they were looking to bring more first-party titles to Windows. They used to be one of the better PC gaming publishers, back in the Mechwarrior 4 and earlier Flight Simulator days, but they got distracted as Xbox 360 rose and Windows Vista fell.
Again, part of that is because they attempted to push users to Windows Vista and Games for Windows Live, holding back troubled titles like Halo 2: Vista and technologies like DirectX 10 from Windows XP, which drove users to Valve's then-small Steam platform. Epic Games was also a canary in the coalmine at that time, warning users that Microsoft was considering certification for Games for Windows Live, which threatened mod support "because Microsoft's afraid of what you might put into it".
It's sometimes easy to conform history to fit a specific viewpoint, but it does sound... familiar.
Anyway, we're glad that Microsoft is bringing first-party content to the PC, and they are perfectly within their rights to structure it however they please. We are also within our rights to point out its flaws and ask for them to be corrected. Turns out that Quantum Break, like Gears of War before it, has some severe performance issues. Let's be clear, these will likely be fixed, and I'm glad that Microsoft didn't artificially delay the PC version to give the console an exclusive window. Also, had they delayed the PC version until it was fixed, we wouldn't have known whether it needed the time.
Still, the game apparently has issues with a 50 FPS top-end cap, on top of pacing-based stutters. One concern that I have is, because DigitalFoundry is a European publication, perhaps the 50Hz issue might be caused by their port being based on a PAL version of the game??? Despite suggesting it, I would be shocked if that were the case, but I'm just trying to figure out why anyone would create a ceiling at that specific interval. They are also seeing NVIDIA's graphics drivers frequently crash, which probably means that some areas of their DirectX 12 support are not quite what the game expects. Again, that is solvable by drivers.
It's been a shaky start for both DirectX 12 and the Windows 10 UWP platform. We'll need to keep waiting and see what happens going forward. I hope this doesn't discourage Microsoft too much, but also that they robustly fix the problems we're discussing.
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New York, NY — October 31, 2008. The Foundation Center has developed a new online feature, "Focus on the Economic Crisis," which provides a wide array of resources to help nonprofits and foundations alike as they face the challenges of an unstable economy.
"Focus on the Economic Crisis" is the latest in a series of web features offering easily accessible information on specific topics and current events as they relate to the field of philanthropy. It includes:
The feature will be regularly updated with additional maps, news, research, and other resources.
"At times of crisis, Americans look to their local nonprofits for assistance," said Brad Smith, president of the Foundation Center. "Our goal is to make sure that nonprofits and the foundations that support them have the knowledge they need to weather the storm."
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Established in 1956, and today supported by close to 600 foundations, the Foundation Center is the nation's leading authority on philanthropy, connecting nonprofits and the grantmakers supporting them to tools they can use and information they can trust. The Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. grantmakers and their grants — a robust, accessible knowledge bank for the sector. It also operates research, education, and training programs designed to advance philanthropy at every level. The Center's web site receives more than 57,000 visits each day, and thousands of people gain access to free resources in its five regional library/learning centers and its national network of close to 400 Cooperating Collections. For more information, please visit foundationcenter.org or call (212) 620-4230.
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text:
Halo film?
I think that the film should be good and Peter Jackson should make it into something special! I just wonder what the cast will be like and what the scipt is like too. Especially since it has been done by the one of the authors of the books.
Any thoughts?
I'm disgusted with the concept, really. I mean...movie? Ugh, hopefully Peter Jackson can curb it for the best.
I thought the game was alright and the story pretty average, so I honestly doubt the movie will be any good. Besides, Peter Jackson is the producer, not the director.
If they take the story straight from the game, then it should be a good film, but i doubt they will mainly because of time.
Any ideas/hopes for the cast?
The game story sucks. They need to get one from the books.
It might work.
But we'll see.
Indeed. Do we have any idea when it's coming out?
i think it said mid 2007 - without checking
again - any hopes for the cast?
Hmm, Microsoft will have some big demands on this one.
Probably like 90% of the box-office money
The game was awesome. It is my favorite, but Peter Jackson making the movie? I'm a little sceptical. Look at his King Kong movie... All I'm saying is if they want to turn a video game into a movie - it better be good.
HAHAHAHH Halo? That would be retarded if they made a Halo movie. Oviously Peter Jackson has more class then to make some movie where it was based on a video game! In my opinion just knowing that there are Halo books is kinda wierd... I personaly find the games fun, but a movie? I am appald that a director can't make a good movies these days.
The story line for halo was... iffy. It's not movie material, IMO.
I just hope they'll shed some light on how the Covenant-Human war started.
I hope it''s better then DOOM!
They better not mess this up!
I will cry
Of course they will!
Naw they won't. I think they should make it animated though. Like they did the final fantasy spirits with in movie, en though it sucked. I just can't see Halo a movie with "real" people.
Peter Jackson
im quite worried about this. Previous history tells us that films based on games are going to include this:
1. amazing special effects.
2.extremely large fan base.
Although, what usually happens is this:
1.Someone forgot to put a plot in
2.No one really goes to see a film for the special effects.
3. the large fan abse all of a sudden go into hiding, ashamed of what they saw.
take the new silent hill film for example.
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Well, first the good news: The cover for No Doubt's new LP Push and Shove, due out late next month, is way, way less of an eyesore than the art for their comeback single "Settle Down," still the most unsightly thing we've had the displeasure of setting our eyes on this year. The less-than-good news: the No Doubt cover art does seem slightly borrowed to us, from a source that we would consider less than iconic:
Not that there's anything wrong with the black-and-white four-quadrant look, and at least No Doubt didn't do the weird thermo-vision thing that the Stones did back in the day, though the four members are weirdly blurry/shimmery/fingerprinty/whatever. But if you're gonna copy a Stones album cover, we'd say stick with Some Girls or (if you have the crotch for it) Sticky Fingers. And if you have to go the four-quadrant way, the Talking Heads' Remain in Light is a cooler look anyway.


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College Hockey:Gallery: Merrimack at Northeastern
In Hockey East's opening game, host Northeastern defeated Merrimack 4-2 on Wednesday. The Huskies went up 3-0 in the first period while the Warriors scored twice in the second period. An empty-net goal in the final minute for Northeastern was the only score in the third period.
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Please also keep "woofing," taunting, and otherwise unsportsmanlike behavior to a minimum. Your posts will more than likely be deleted, and worse yet, you reflect badly on yourself, your favorite team and your conference.


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Pinterest announced today a new addition to its popular image collecting service that allows users to edit their feed to provide them with content that is related to what they have been pinning. Dubbed the "Edit Home Feed" option, users can now opt out of letting Pinterest track your activity on other sites.
Pinterest now tracks you on sites that have a "Pin It" button whenever you pin something from that website. It then uses this data to suggest boards based on your interests. Opting out is a simple as ticking a box in your account settings. Pinterest added this feature to help ease concerns over online tracking which is been at the forefront of the news for the past few months now.


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Title: Breaches of Discipline
Category: Custodial Operations - Standard Operating Procedures
Version: 03
Implement Date: 29 August 2013
Application: Custodial Operations
Availability: Public
Appendices and Forms
Associated Custodial Operations Standard Operating Procedures
Local Procedures
QCSA Training Manual
Review Date:
Ownership: Custodial Operations
|Performance Standard
|Procedure Requirements
|Acts or Omissions That Constitute a Breach of Discipline
|Officer's Report to be Prepared
|Decision to Take Formal Action
|If a CoP referral is made
|When Alleged Breach Referred to the CoP
|Process if CoP advises will not be prosecuted as an offence
|Work Camps
|Consideration to Treat as Minor or Major Breach
|Relevant factors to consider
|If act or omission had previously been referred to the CoP
|If act or omission had not previously been referred to the CoP
|Commencing the Breach Process
|Signing breach register
|Date to be recorded on IOMS
|Transfer of prisoner where a breach of discipline has not been finalised
|Documents to be Given to Prisoner
|Prior to breach of discipline hearing
|When breach of discipline process formally commences
|Upon finalisation of the breach of discipline process
|Breach Hearing
|Consideration of any special needs of the prisoner
|Relevant factors to be considered
|Making and documenting a decision that a prisoner has committed a breach
|When a Hearing Officer Determines a Prisoner Has Committed a Breach of Discipline
|Prisoner to be notified immediately of decision
|Separate confinement pre-conditions for minor breaches
|Restitution payments
|Positive drug test
|Review of a Deciding Officer's Decision
|Relevant factors of consideration for a reviewing officer
|Making and documenting a review decision
|Electronic Visual and Audio Recording of Major Breach Hearings and Reviews
|Where Breach Proceeding Discontinued
|Regulation 6(K) Breaches of Discipline
|Accommodation in a Detention Unit
|Prisoner access to recreational or general equipment
|Duties of officers carrying out duties in a detention unit
|Log book requirements - application of restraints
|Daily routine
|Authorised access
|Specialist staff
|Minimum requirements
|Electronic visual and audio recordings
|Code of conduct
|Quality Assurance of Breach of Discipline Process
Breach proceedings are fair, transparent, consistent and without bias with the dignity and rights of prisoners; including those with different beliefs, cultures and religions; respected.
Proceedings are in accordance with -
Safety & Security - Our Principles - Containment
4. Prisoner discipline
We will provide consistent, fair and transparent processes and consequences regarding prisoner discipline.
Refer - Safety and Security - Our Principles (in-confidence)
Chief Inspector Healthy Prisons 2007 Standard 22 - Discipline
Disciplinary procedures are applied fairly and for good reason. Prisoners understand why
they are being disciplined and can appeal against any sanctions imposed on them.
Refer - Healthy Prisons Handbook
Standard Guidelines for Corrections in Australia Standards 1.17 to 1.76 - Punishment of Prisoners.
Refer - Standard Guidelines for Corrections in Australia Revised 2004
Corrective Services Act 2006, ss. 113-120, 121, 265
Corrective Services Regulation 2006, s. 6, 5(d)
Refer - Corrective Services Act 2006 (CSA), ss. 113-121 and standard operating procedure Administrative Decision Making.
The disciplinary process must provide a prompt, non-adversarial mechanism to deal with alleged internal disciplinary breaches by prisoners. All acts or omissions must be dealt with separately and based on the circumstances of each individual occurrence.
Only permanently appointed correctional supervisors accredited in hearing major breaches and approved by the General Manager or Deputy General Manager or more senior officers may decide a major breach of discipline. This is to ensure transparency and independent decision making for breach hearings. Refer - Instrument of Limitation of Corrective Services Officers' Powers (in-confidence)
Refer appendix - Breach Process Flowchart.
A prisoner undergoing separate confinement must be given the opportunity to exercise, in the fresh air, for at least two daylight hours a day, refer CSA, s 5(d)
Separate confinement, in relation to a prisoner, means the separation of the prisoner from other prisoners. Refer CSA, schedule 4
Refer - Corrective Services Regulation 2006, s. 6; appendix - Definitions for Breaches of Discipline.
If a prisoner allegedly commits an act or omission which could be dealt with as an offence or as a breach of discipline, the officer observing or becoming aware of the act or omission must complete an officer's report detailing the circumstances of the act or omission. If an incident report is raised on IOMS, the officer's report must be attached, refer IOMS Online Learning Materials - Add New Incident.
An officer observing or becoming aware of a breach of discipline must decide whether to -
Prisoners should not be automatically transferred from a residential accommodation to secure accommodation area once a breach is initiated. If a breach of discipline is considered to be of a minor nature the prisoner may continue to reside in the residential accommodation area.
If it is determined that the matter is to be referred to the CoP for consideration, the prisoner must be advised verbally by an officer within 24 hours of this determination. The time and date of verbal notification must be recorded in the incident recorded on IOMS, refer IOMS Online Learning Materials - Incidents.
The CoP must be advised of the matter within 48 hours after the prisoner has been advised that the matter will be referred to the CoP.
An officer must not commence proceedings (section 8 of this standard operating procedure) against a prisoner for an alleged breach of discipline if the matter was referred to the CoP under CSA s. 114(2)(b), unless the CoP has advised that the matter is not to be prosecuted as an offence.
Refer - CSA ss. 113(4)-(5), 114(2)(b); Instrument of Delegation of Chief Executive Powers - Corrective Services Act 2006 (in-confidence)
If the matter was referred to the CoP and the CoP advises the chief executive or delegate that the matter will not be prosecuted as an offence, as soon as practicable, but within 14 days after the chief executive or delegate receives the advice, a breach hearing must make a decision (ie. 14 days in which the breach hearing must occur commences from the time CoP advice has been received by a QCS officer).
The general manager of the corrective services facility must establish a process of monitoring the return of incidents for breach action from the CoP.
Refer - CSA s. 116(2)(a)
For example -
An act or omission has been referred to the Corrective Services Investigation Unit (CSIU) under CSA s.114(2)(b) via an IOMS incident report. CSIU communicate a decision not to prosecute to the corrective services facility on a Friday via the IOMS incident report but an officer at the facility first becomes aware of this on the following Monday morning. The 14 day period in which a breach decision must be made commences from the Friday, ie. the day the advice was received.
All incidents regarded as minor which do not constitute an offence or breach of discipline, should be addressed by the relevant field supervisor, usually through individual counselling and the completion of a Behaviour/Performance Report.
When an incident involves a prisoner allegedly committing an offence or breach of discipline the field supervisor must advise the responsible manager, in person or by telephone, as soon as practicable and provide a written report to the manager, by end of duty on that day, or sooner, as required by the manager.
The manager must contact the general manager of the corrective services facility to which the respective work camp is aligned as soon as possible if the responsible manager has any concerns regarding the management and supervision of the prisoner and whether the prisoner's placement needs to be reviewed.
The officer observing or becoming aware of a breach of discipline must inform the prisoner that the matter will be dealt with as a minor breach or a major breach.
When determining whether a breach of discipline should be dealt with as a minor or major breach, the officer observing or becoming aware of the breach should consider -
If a breach of discipline referred to CoP under CSA s.114(2)(b) is not to be prosecuted as an offence, it may only be proceeded against as a major breach of discipline, refer CSA s. 113(5).
If the matter was not referred to the CoP, a decision on the commencement of breach proceedings must be decided for a minor breach of discipline within 24 hours after the time the alleged breach happened
If the matter was not referred to the CoP, a decision on the commencement of breach proceedings must be decided for a major breach of discipline as soon as practicable, but within 14 days, after the deciding officer becomes aware of the alleged breach.
Refer - CSA ss. 1116(1); Instrument of Limitation of Corrective Services Officers' Powers (in-confidence) - Corrective Services Act 2006
For example -
An officer gives a direction to a prisoner to tidy his/her cell and minimise the amount of property. The prisoner refuses to do so. The officer informs the prisoner he/she will be breached and completes the required documents. The major breach hearing for the prisoner is to commence within 14 days of the deciding officer receiving and becoming aware of the breach.
An education tutor writes a report to the General Manager of the facility who reads the report some weeks after and determines that a breach has occurred. The breach hearing is to occur within 14 days of the General Manager of the facility becoming aware of the fact.
If the matter was referred to the CoP under CSA s. 114(2)(b), the breach process is not to commence unless the CoP has advised that the matter is not to be prosecuted as an offence.
Refer administrative form - Breach Process Checklist.
The officer observing or becoming aware of a breach of discipline must -
The breach register must be checked and endorsed by an officer who has been delegated to decide or review major breaches of discipline at a minimum of twice per week.
The date of the breach of discipline recorded on IOMS must be the date on which the act or omission occurred. For example -
A prisoner provides a test sample on the 1 January 2010 and the presumptive test indicated that the sample contains methylamphetamine. The sample is re-tested by the laboratory and confirmatory testing received on 1 February 2010 indicates the presence of methylamphetamine. The date the alleged breach occurred in IOMS must be 1 January 2010. The Awareness date in IOMS would be 1 February 2010. This matter would be referred to the CSIU. If the CSIU notify the centre they will not be prosecuting the prisoner, the deciding officer, within 14 days must hold a breach hearing and make a decision..
The general manager of a corrective services facility must establish a process that ensures prisoners transferred prior to the finalisation of a breach of discipline process, including those referred to the CoP, have notification of the pending breach action communicated to the receiving corrective services facility prior to the transfer of the prisoner.
A print-out from IOMS of the Form 23 - Breach of Discipline completed up to and including Part A must be given to the prisoner by a corrective services officer. The Form 23 must be provided to the prisoner before the breach hearing with the prisoner provided sufficient time to read and understand all documents. The prisoner must be provided the opportunity, if requested, to prepare a response in their defence on any mitigating circumstances for the breach hearing. Further, the prisoner is to be informed of their right to make submissions in their defence.
The prisoner is to be advised in writing of the method in which they may reliably obtain a copy of the legislation prior to the breach hearing.
The date and time that a copy of the Form 23 - Breach of Discipline was given to the prisoner must be documented on the Form 23. A corrective services officer is to sign both the prisoner's copy and the original.
The breach process formally commences when the prisoner is handed the Form 23.
When the breach of discipline process has been finalised and recorded in the breach of discipline raised in IOMS, a copy of the IOMS breach of discipline is to be printed and provided to the prisoner, refer CSR, s 7.
Refer appendix - Guidelines For Hearing a Breach of Discipline
A hearing (deciding or reviewing) officer must conduct a hearing to decide whether a breach was committed.
Officers conducting disciplinary hearings must assess the language and comprehension skills of the prisoner and ensure that the prisoner understands the proceedings.
Where a prisoner may be disadvantaged by language barriers or impaired mental capacity they may be helped by someone from the facility.
The hearing officer must give the prisoner the opportunity to make separate submissions in their defence on any mitigating circumstances. [If in the event that a prisoner states the referring officer did not comply with an Agency procedure or process, this must be recorded on the Form 23 eg. non compliance with substance testing procedure].
Refer CSA ss. 116 and 119(1); Instrument of Limitation of Corrective Services Officers' Powers (in-confidence)
The following factors are relevant to a hearing officer -
Further, the hearing officer must ensure that the language used to communicate to the prisoner ensures that they understand their right to make those submissions.
Taking all factors into consideration including the officer's report, the prisoner's version of events, any mitigating evidence the prisoner may offer and the questions asked to the prisoner. The hearing officer will then make a determination on the penalty. If the breach is a major breach, the process must be electronically recorded (refer CSA s. 117(1)).
Hearing officers must record adequate reasons for their decision on the Form 23.
On completion of the breach determination process, details of the breach must be entered and approved in IOMS and also recorded in the Disciplinary Breach Register. The completed Form 23 must be scanned and attached to the IOMS Breach of Discipline under the "Attachments" tab, refer IOMS Online Learning Materials - Breaches.
The following data must be entered into IOMS under the 'comments' section -
Refer administrative form - Example of a Disciplinary Breach Register
When a hearing officer determines a prisoner has committed a breach of discipline, consideration should be given to the following factors -
Refer appendix - Guidelines For Hearing a Breach of Discipline
The hearing officer may -
Refer CSA s. 118
Immediately after making a decision that a prisoner has committed a breach of discipline and a penalty has been determined, the hearing officer must tell the prisoner the decision. Where the decision was made by a deciding officer the prisoner must also be advised -
Separate confinement may be ordered for a minor breach of discipline only if the prisoner has habitually committed minor breaches of discipline and, on the occasion of the breach immediately preceding the alleged current breach, was warned that the next breach could result in the prisoner being separately confined.
The payment of restitution is not to be considered by a deciding or reviewing officer in the breach process. This is a separate process delegated to the general manger or deputy general manager. Refer procedure - Prisoner Monies, section 4(g) - Withdrawals.
Refer appendix - Substance Testing - Response to Drug and Alcohol Use
The entitlement for a prisoner to seek a review of a breach of discipline includes the right of review of both the liability for discipline (ie. has the breach been proven to the requisite standard) and the penalty imposed. This includes circumstances where a prisoner may have pleaded guilty, or has been found guilty, of the beach of discipline and seeks a review only of the penalty imposed. In that case the issue of penalty is not to be considered independently of review; rather it is the breach of discipline process as a whole that is to be the subject of review.
Refer - CSA s. 119(1) and appendix - Guidelines For Hearing a Breach of Discipline
If a prisoner wants to have a decision reviewed, the prisoner must advise the deciding officer immediately after being informed of the decision. The deciding officer must not make any comment that would influence the prisoner's decision on whether to seek a review of a breach decision.
If the prisoner advised the deciding officer that he/she wants to have the decision reviewed, the deciding officer's decision is stayed until the review is finished.
The review must be held as soon as practicable after the prisoner informs the deciding officer they are wanting a review, refer CSA s. 119(2)(b).
The review decision process must be heard by a more senior officer than the deciding officer. The reviewing officer must not be the same officer as the deciding officer even though the officer may be in a more senior position. In this eventuality the review decision must be forwarded to the next most senior position.
For example -
The Accommodation Manager is the deciding officer for prisoner A. Prisoner A indicates that he/she wants the decision reviewed. When the decision comes to the Deputy General Manager the Manager, Accommodations is acting as the Deputy General Manager. In this case the acting Deputy General Manager should not review the decision and should forward the review to the General Manager.
Refer Instrument of Limitation of Corrective Services Officers' Powers (in-confidence)
In reviewing a breach determination, the reviewing officer must take all relevant factors into consideration, including -
The reviewing officer must complete the example determination questions on Form 23 - Breach of Discipline.
The following factors are relevant to a reviewing officer -
Review officers must record adequate reasons for their decision on the Form 23.
On completion of the review process, details of the review must be entered and approved in IOMS and also recorded in the Disciplinary Breach Register. The completed Form 23 must be scanned and attached to the IOMS Breach of Discipline under the "Attachments" tab, refer IOMS Online Learning Materials - Breaches.
Refer CSA s. 119
An electronic visual and audio recording must be made of major breach of discipline hearings and reviews, refer CSA ss. 117(1) and 119(6).
When a major breach hearing or review is conducted, there is to be no interruption of the electronic visual and audio recording during the breach hearing or review. If the proceedings are interrupted, an explanation is to be given on camera as to the reason for the interruption.
The general manager of a corrective services facility must establish a process that ensures electronic visual and audio recordings are stored for a 5 year period (from date of last action) in a safe, secure and easily accessible manner.
Refer appendix - Recording, Storage and Downloading Custodial Breach Video Evidence.
The following actions must occur-
Refer appendix - Operational Instruction - Storage and Disposal of Audio and Video Recordings used for Monitoring
If a breach proceeding is not to continue and the breach has already been entered into IOMS, the breach must be cancelled from the prisoner's IOMS file by a person of a higher authority. The general manager of the facility must develop a process to ensure that if breach proceeding is not to continue (eg. discharge of the prisoner) a case note explaining the reasons is entered onto IOMS. If the breach has been closed, only the general manager or deputy general manager is authorised to request a Data Correction from the IOMS help desk for the removal of the breach.
A request by a prisoner for a review of a breach of discipline decision does not constitute a breach proceeding being discontinued.
Refer administrative form - IOMS Defect Notification
The Department of Community Safety (DCS) Complaint Management Toolkit, appendix 2 - Complaint Categories, states that it is the determining officer (the person responsible for authorising the outcome of a complaint) who has discretion to decide whether or not a complaint is frivolous or vexatious. A decision that a complaint is unsubstantiated does not necessarily mean the complaint was frivolous or vexatious.
A power to breach a prisoner under CSR, regulation 6(k) must only be exercised where-
A detention unit provides for the accommodation of a prisoner who has been found to have committed a breach of discipline and has been ordered to undergo a period of separate confinement.
When a prisoner is accommodated in a detention unit all staff must be cognisant of the at-risk indicators that may present as a consequence and take immediate action as required in accordance with the Procedure- At-Risk Management (Self Harm/ Suicide)where there are grounds for the raising of aNotification of Concern.
In circumstances where a prisoner has been identified as being at-risk of self harm or suicide the door between the cell and the exercise yard of the detention unit is not to remain open unless the prisoner is under constant observation.
Where a prisoner is accommodated in aDetention Unit and has not been identified as being at-risk of self harm or suicideand does not present with at-risk indicators then any decision is respect to the prisoners access to the exercise yard will be made in accordance with the ordinary day to day operation of the Unit.
All recreational or general equipment available to prisoners in a detention unit must be approved by the Deputy Commissioner, Statewide Operations prior to prisoner issue. Refer appendix - Approved Recreational and General Equipment Available to Prisoners in a Detention Unit for current approved items.
Recreational or general equipment in a detention unit available to a prisoner must be inventoried and checked daily to ensure integrity of the item. A detention unit inventory report must be provided to the chief executive or authorised delegate of the corrective services facility on a quarterly basis.
Prisoner access to items in a detention unit such as brooms, mops, skipping ropes etc, should be on a risk assessed basis and not stored or left unattended in exercise yards where they may be used as weapons. For security reasons, all recreational or general equipment that is issued to a prisoner which is not a fixture, must be removed from access and secured on completion of the purpose for which it was issued.
Officers carrying out duties in a detention unit must ensure that -
To prevent a prisoner from harming themselves or others restraints may need to be applied that result in the prisoner having significantly restricted movement (eg. lying prone on the floor and unable to stand). In the event that this occurs, in addition to the log book requirements specified in section 3.1 of standard operating procedure Gate Books, Log Books, and Registers, staff rostered to detention units must record -
Section 16.3 does not apply to prisoners who have restraints applied in accordance with appendix Escort Staffing, Weapons and Restraint Matrix (in-confidence) for external escorts.
Refer to appendix Restraints Schedule and training manual Control and Restraint Student Manual
A file must be established for a prisoner placed in a detention unit. The file must include -
A supervisor must check the file of each prisoner placed in the detention unit once during his/her shift or as required under any observation regime. This check should assess information recorded on the file and whether further action needs to be taken for individual cases. This check must be placed in the unit log and recorded on the prisoner's file.
The contents of the file must be scanned and placed on IOMS and/or transferred to the prisoner's Offender File when the period of detention is completed.
A supervisor must ensure that any officer entering the unit is aware of his/her responsibility for entering details in case files and the unit log book as required.
Refer standard operating procedure - Gate Books, Log Books and Registers and procedure Offender File Management (in-confidence)
The general manager must document the daily routine and privileges for prisoners detained in the detention unit, refer appendices - Daily Routine Detention Unit (in-confidence) - Separate Confinement; Behaviour Requirements Separate Confinement (in-confidence); Detention Unit Prisoner Accommodation Conditions Sheet (in-confidence) - Separate Confinement
Only those persons authorised by the general manager may access a detention unit.
The general manager must determine and provide for the required level of intervention by specialist staff and their access to the unit.
The general manager must specify the minimum requirements for staff accessing a cell and escort arrangements, which take into account the reasons for detention.
The general manager must provide for a prisoner's needs in accordance with the reason for his/her confinement in a detention unit. Subject to the safety and security of a corrective services facility, consideration must be given for access to -
For further details regarding a prisoner undergoing separate confinement refer CSR s 5; appendix - Authorised Property Separate Confinement and At Risk Observations.
Refer standard operating procedure - Search - Prisoners and Corrective Services Facilities and Direction for a Search Requiring the Removal of Clothing of Prisoners
A prisoner detained in the detention unit under this standard operating procedure must be examined by a doctor in compliance with CSA s 121 (separate confinement).
Officers must immediately refer any medical needs of a detention unit prisoner to the Queensland Health Nurse Unit Manager and/or registered nurse.
The general manager or nominee, in consultation with the Nurse Unit Manager, where applicable, may determine more frequent services in accordance with a prisoner's medical needs or the operational needs of the facility. A record of that consultation must be placed in the unit log and recorded on the prisoner's file as listed in section 16.2 of this standard operating procedure.
If a prisoner requires medical treatment that cannot be provided in the detention unit, the prisoner must be removed to the Queensland Health centre located within the facility with the approval of the general manager.
The general manager of the corrective services facility must provide for the use and storage of electronic visual/audio recordings used in a detention unit and account for all recordings in a register containing the following information -
Any electronic visual and audio recording registers and log books must be archived under the conditions specified in the Libraries Act 1988 and the Retention and Disposal Schedule.
Electronic visual and audio recordings which depict the commission of an offence in a detention unit, must be treated as evidence and removed from circulation, secured and signed for by the general manager of the corrective services facility.
Refer standard operating procedure - Preservation of a Crime Scene and Evidence
The general manager of a facility must ensure that all personnel operating closed circuit television monitoring and recording devices are instructed on and acknowledge the intent of the Agency's Code of Conduct and procedure - Use of Information and Communication Technology Facilities and Devices.
The general manager of the facility must develop a process that ensures a reasonable sample (a minimum of 10%) of the facility's breaches of discipline are reviewed on a quarterly basis. The review must check that breaches of discipline are being conducted in compliance with practices outlined in this standard operating procedure. The review and any follow up actions to any findings are to be recorded in the breach register.
Endorsed by:
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Statewide Operations
Approved by:
29/08/2013 Version 03 - 19/02/2013 Version 02 - 03/01/2011 Version 01


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TAMPA, Fla. – The New York Yankees have agreed to terms with relief pitcher Andrew Bailey on a minor-league deal, according to a report from ESPN's Buster Olney on Saturday night.
The major-league side of the deal is worth $2.5 million and includes a 2015 option. Though he will not start the year in the major leagues as he continues his rehab from shoulder surgery, the Yankees hope a healthy Bailey could be in the mix for late-inning work in their bullpen.
Bailey, 29, pitched in 30 games for the Boston Red Sox last season, recording a 3.77 ERA and striking out 39 hitters in 28 2/3 innings before undergoing season-ending surgery.
Bailey has 89 career saves, but just 14 came during his two-year stint with the Red Sox. The rest came over three seasons with the Oakland Athletics, where he was a two-time All-Star. Bailey also was named the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year with the Athletics.
Dan is Examiner.com's beat writer for the New York Yankees and the Trenton Thunder. Follow him on Twitter at @danpfeiffer74 for all the latest New York Yankees news.