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by Jude the Foodie
I have this theory I call the "Disney World theory." That's when your favorite thing is the last thing you did. When you just get off Space Mountain that's your favorite ride until you get off of the Rock and the Rollercoaster and that becomes your favorite ride.
When I drove my son from Chicago to D.C. to Boston, his favorite school was the one we just visited (with a few exceptions, but that's not what this post is about).
Remington Tavern and Seafood Exchange at 184 Sweeney St., North Tonawanda, is my new favorite seafood spot. So much so I have been there three times in the past month.
It has a very cool vibe and the tables in front by the canal are fun, too. The building is a late 1800s power house on the Erie Canal built by International Railway. The restoration really began in 2007, and it is the current site of this fine restaurant, and a few other businesses.
The bar is located in the middle of the seating area, so you are never very far from friends and diners. They have a seasonal bar menu (don't you just love that?) and I started my evening last week with a "Cucumber Cooler." It was Hendricks gin, fresh lime juice, fresh cucumber and grapefruit bitters all in a highball glass. I liked it both because it had fresh lime and because it was not too sweet.
Our bartender also gave us a primer on the fresh oyster selection. That day they had several from Prince Edward Island and other northern climates. On our tasting plate were oysters called "Rocky Shore," "Malpeque," "Beach Blonds" and "Wallace Bay." The "Beach Blonds" were the mildest of the bunch. Some were a little briny and others were sweet. They were all better with the two sauces. I loved the cocktail sauce with shaved horseradish on top. It was not as hot as I would have expected.
We ordered an appetizer from the specials menu. The stuffed spicy banana peppers were filled with ricotta cheese, extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic. The filling was smooth and creamy with just the right amount of seeds remaining for the kick. If we have a criticism, it would be the plate and presentation. The plate was too small, because the peppers slid around, which made them difficult to cut. Maybe that lettuce garnish has a purpose, after all? Also, a piece or two of bread would have been helpful, too, as a way to cut the heat for those who do not prefer it. Overall, though, they were delicious.
I asked about the white wine selection and Melanie suggested a glass of Chateau Fantin Bordeaux Blanc from Bordeaux, France. She had me at France since I will be testing French wine in the French countryside next week. It was a smooth wine and a good value at $25 a bottle. I had never tried a white Bordeaux before and was happy for the experience.
We each tried a different entree. The sirloin steak sandwich ($16) with portobello, grilled onion and mozzarella was, as one companion said, cooked to perfection. The grilled chicken breast sandwich ($11) was served the same as the steak sandwich. She loved the caramelized onions and the fresh roll. They were both served with french fries, which had the right amount of crisp.
The grilled barbecue St. Louis ribs ($16 half/$28 full) were spicy and the sauce was generous. The fries were served with a vinegar aioli, which was one of my favorite bites of the evening. I love french fries with vinegar and this was a cool take on that.
I had one of the dinner specials: seared diver scallops served with a sun-dried tomato cous cous and arugula salad. The scallops were seared with some spice. They were perfectly cooked. My other favorite bite of the evening was the cous cous salad. It was room temperature, which was surprising. What a great idea on a sunny summer day!
When our server offered dessert, I forced my friends to go to the dark side with me. I think they are glad they did. We had an almond lace cookie cup ($8) with whipped cream and fresh berries and a hot fudge brownie sundae ($8) with peppermint stick ice cream. I burned my mouth on the brownie, but was able to sooth it with the creamy ice cream. The lace cookie cup had a lovely brown sugar flavor and the caramel sauce was a nice balance with the fresh fruit (blueberry, mango and strawberry).
If you go, know they do not accept reservations, so you should be ready to enjoy hanging at the bar. The vibe is very cool and I look forward to my next visit.


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Bonds, Clemens snubbed
Baltimore Sun
It's not surprising that no one received the needed 75 percent of BBWAA ballots. It's also not surprising that Craig Biggio, he of the 3,060 career hits for the Astros, was the highest vote-getter with 68.2 percent.
What surprised me was that suspected performance-enhancing drug users Barry Bonds (36.2 percent) and Roger Clemens (37.6), arguably the two best players in the Steroid Era, were named on barely one-third of the ballots. I thought they each would be closer to 50 percent.
From reading various stories over the last few weeks, it was obvious the electorate was torn on Bonds and Clemens. But not as torn as we were led to believe. More than 60 percent exclusion is a resounding no.
Schilling deserved more
Mandy Housenick
Morning Call
Surprised? Not really. Glad? You bet.
Any players rumored to have used performance-enhancing drugs, particularly after they were banned from baseball, don't belong in the Hall of Fame. Give them their own wing if you want, but don't put their plaques next to Lou Gehrig, Cy Young, Jackie Robinson or Joe DiMaggio.
What really surprised me was how few votes Curt Schilling got. I wasn't expecting him to get in, but I thought he'd receive more than 38.8 percent of the votes. Nine times he posted regular-season ERAs under 3.50, and in five of those years, his ERA was below 3.00.
Factor in his 11-2 record and 2.23 ERA in the postseason, and it's hard to believe he won't get in on a future ballot.
Not under circumstances
Dave Van Dyck
Chicago Tribune
Given the unique circumstances surrounding this unusual Hall of Fame ballot, it should not be surprising that no player was voted in.
Of course, those circumstances included the presence of suspected "juicers" Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa on the ballot, plus an otherwise fairly lackluster list of candidates.
Even Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson admitted it was "not a surprise we had a shutout." What may have been more surprising was that only five blank ballots — usually a sign of protest — were sent in by eligible Baseball Writers Association of America members. That's fewer than the year before and a good sign that at least the writers tried to get things right.
Tough for Bonds, Clemens
Mike DiGiovanna
Los Angeles Times
I was surprised that Roger Clemens, who was named on 37.6 percent of the ballots, and Barry Bonds, who was named on 36.2 percent of the ballots, received as little support as they did.
There seemed to be a 50-50 split between those who would vote for Bonds and Clemens and those who wouldn't. The fact they were named on only one-third of the ballots will make it very difficult for them to achieve the required 75 percent for Hall entry over the next decade.
Craig Biggio (68.2 percent), Jack Morris (67.7 percent), Jeff Bagwell (59.6 percent) and Mike Piazza (57.8 percent) receiving such strong support bodes well for their future chances.

subset: commoncrawl


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Joseph Gordon-Levitt
"I follow my creative impulses"
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Versatile Hollywood star Joseph Gordon-Levitt talks about playing the renegade CIA/NSA man in Snowden, the importance of principles and the power of the Internet
Mr. Gordon-Levitt, few people are both as lauded and condemned as Edward Snowden. How do you go about playing such a controversial character?
Snowden's story is part of a larger political conversation, but I tried to approach him like any other character, tried to understand who he was as a person and bring more attention to that than any political argument or agenda.
You've met him, too. Is there anything about him that's hard not to like?
He is quite an old-fashioned guy, extremely polite. He's from North Carolina where people traditionally attach importance to good manners. Of course, he has very strong beliefs and principles. He really is extremely dedicated to what he cares about. And he cares a lot about his country.
Something most Americans probably wouldn't agree with …
Sure, he was critical of certain individuals and institutions within our government. But for him, that criticism is something that comes very much out of the love he has for his country. When he sees something bad happening there, he wants to try and fix it.
Do you have strong convictions yourself?
I have never risked my life for any of my principles. I would not compare myself to Snowden.
What are your principles?
One that I focus on is not being overly seduced by money. But the truth is, I have never been hungry or poor. I don't know what it's like not to have enough.
As a Hollywood actor, you're presumably no stranger to commercial considerations …
I don't think very often about whether a movie is going to make money or be good for my career. I follow my creative impulses.
Can you afford to do that?
So far, yes. I also have faith that the career and the business will do what they are supposed to do if I stick to that principle.
Is it enough to have just one?
That's an interesting question. I feel that we should appreciate what makes each of us unique. Rather than comparing somebody to the expectations you might have, you should listen to and treat people as individuals. You could call that empathy. I don't know if it's a principle. It is difficult to put yourself in someone else's shoes. I am certainly not perfect at it, but it's something I strive for. I do it explicitly when I am acting.
So did you become an actor to develop your empathy?
If you ask an artist why he does what he does, there is no answer. If I could explain it in words, why would I have to do it? I remember the first time I was on a stage. It was in a little community theater and I was playing the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. I was five years old. And I remember the first scene, walking like the scarecrow, falling and getting up, and I remember the audience laughing and the rush that gave me. I wanted to experience it again. But that wouldn't be my answer because it would be too simple.
Do you get an adrenaline rush in front of the camera?
To a degree, yes. But it's more intense when it's a live performance. Like when I twice hosted "Saturday Night Live" – live TV, very rare nowadays. You have no second chance if you mess up.
If you ask an artist why he does what he does, there is no answer
Your parents are founding members of the Progressive Jewish Alliance, which campaigns for social equality, among other things. How have they influenced your attitude to life?
My parents played an enormous part, just like my older brother. I would give a lot of credit to my parents for making me a self-possessed person and giving me the confidence to listen to my inner self.
And what does it say you should be doing?
My dream is to make people participate in rather than just consume media.
Which is why you founded the interactive online production company HitRecord, whose users create art together. What's special about it?
HitRecord changes the whole concept of creativity. In our culture, we have a tendency to pigeonhole, saying "Either you are a writer or you are a performer. You can't be both." At HitRecord we use a single word for all the different types of media so as not to set limits to human creativity. Those projects make me happy.
Don't you risk losing sight of reality in the big, wide world of the Internet?
That's a tough one, a big question for our generation. There are certainly a lot of pitfalls inherent in online culture. The Internet is highly addictive, damaging and mind-numbing, shallow, narcissistic etc. But it has the ability to allow us to connect to each other and organize and be productive. Ultimately, it's the same as with any technology, it can be used positively or negatively. Not a particularly original answer, but that's the way I see it.


text:
Medical City Arlington has actually completed building and construction of its cutting edge Inpatient Rehab Center, situated on the brand-new 5th flooring addition of the health center situated on the corner of Matlock and Mayfield roadways.
The $12 million task becomes part of a continuous $100 million center growth and restoration. The medical facility commemorated with a ribbon cutting June 5.
"Medical City Arlington is steadfast in our dedication to increase our capability, abilities and performance in order to serve the health care requirements of Arlington and surrounding neighborhoods," stated Keith Zimmerman, CEO of Medical City Arlington.
A rehab fitness center becomes part of the brand-new Inpatient Rehab Center at Medical City Arlington. MCA is staffing the Inpatient Rehabilitation Center with a client care group that consists of a doctor focusing on physical medication, along with licensed therapists and nurses. Clients that have incapacitating injuries such as stroke, multi-trauma, hip fractures and more can now likewise be dealt with at MCA prior to returning house.
Presently the only Level III Trauma Center in Arlington, MCA is pursuing a Level II Classification, a distinguished and minimal certification with the capability to supply detailed emergency situation care of all vital specializeds 24 Hr a day.
Media Contact
Company Name: The Nation Today
Contact Person: Michael R. Thrasher
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: (866) 954-1189
City: Las Vegas
State: NV
Country: United States
Website: https://www.thenation.today/


text:
The imbecilic Stick's initial attack on Sherry Bain's Laure, for example, was downright ugly in terms of writhing and screaming. I guess you could commend the two actors for creating such a realistic assault, but that would make me feel all icky and junk.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Wild Riders (Richard Kanter, 1971)
The imbecilic Stick's initial attack on Sherry Bain's Laure, for example, was downright ugly in terms of writhing and screaming. I guess you could commend the two actors for creating such a realistic assault, but that would make me feel all icky and junk.
8 comments:
Oh, thanks for the animated CKR animated gif!ReplyDelete
Whenever there's a SC-themed answer on Jeopardy, I get all giddy. Gamecocks! Woo hoo! Our cocks go deeper, as the diving team t-shirts used to say!
Alex Rocco will always be Al Floss to me in the short-lived, underrated The Famous Teddy Z, starring Jon Cryer, post-Pretty in Pink, but pre-Two and a Half Man (ugh).
I've never seen Wild Riders but I did enjoy the Deborah Shelton pic!ReplyDelete
Karim Amir: I came across the gif while perusing a thread dedicated to CKR at some Battlestar Gallactica message board.ReplyDelete
My Jeopardy-based giddiness usually revolves around Alex's pronunciation of French words.
Used to say? They should still say that. I mean, how wonderfully naughty. :D
I vaguely remember that show. Anyway, I'm always impressed by your knowledge of obscure TV shows circa 1989-90.
I've never seen Two and a Half Man, or, for that matter, the new Battlestar show.
Jay Amabile: Gaudy aerobics gear and Deb Shelton are a match made in heaven.
- AnonymousMay 6, 2009 at 8:18 AM
Soooo, you're recommending this one right? Thought so. I'm a sucker for movies that have prolonged writhing and screaming, murderous scumbags, and Alex Rocco.ReplyDelete
I never knew that I shouldn't mess with a man who plays the cello due to the fact that they will fuck my shit up. Maybe THE SOLOIST is going to be a better movie than I thought...
Speaking of Jeopardy!--Jenny Lewis was in a clue tonight. She was also on some late night talk show last night (Ferguson?).ReplyDelete
If I'm ever on Jeopardy, I hope there's a "Obscure television shows of the late eighties and early nineties" category. :D
With a name like Gamecocks, you can imagine how many phallic puns exist. My sister's gay best friend, he was so excited to go to Columbia and buy a hat with the words "Cocks" on it. Maybe the diving team still uses that slogan, but I seem to remember some puritanical uproar.
Mr. Canacorn: Yeah, I recommend it if you're a fan of prolonged writhing and screaming. But not if you're looking for a biker flick.ReplyDelete
The cello's endpin is surprisingly effective as a stabbing tool.
Karim Amir: Hey, I just watched the Jeopardy ep with the Jenny Lewis clue. (I'm not sure, but I think may have mumbled the word "morons" when they all missed the Flaming Lips clue.)
Alex: This actress played the "acid-tongued" Linda Phillips on the FOX sitcoms Duet and Open House.
Gamecock Enthusiast: Who is Alison LaPlaca?
Alex: Correct.
Gamecock Enthusiast: Woo-hoo! Where are my mother-f-in' points, you Canadian PRICK! *gingerly raises the roof*
Quirky fun-fact: Acid Tongue is the name of Jenny Lewis' second album.
Puritanical uproar is my least favourite uproar.
Oh, and did you know that Bruce Greenwood is in the new Star Trek? I saw him on a Canadian talk show yesterday; he's a cool guy.
Great post. I've never seen this film before. Heck, I've never even heard of it. I might have to check this one out.ReplyDelete
Thanks, Keith. You can find Wild Riders on Drive-In Cult Classics, Vol. 4.ReplyDelete


text: Investing in companies that are restoring their payouts is a sound long-term strategy. By Jeffrey R. Kosnett, Senior Editor November 3, 2012 The financial collapse of 2008 and 2009 reshaped the roster of dividend champs. Hundreds of banks, industrial companies and real estate investment trusts that had been reliable dividend payers slashed or eliminated their cash distributions during the downturn. But now, more than three years after the recession ended, the economy is slowly recovering, corporate profits are healthy, and some of the worst offenders are assiduously moving to repair the damage. SEE ALSO: Kiplinger's Guide to Income Investing These dividend rebuilders offered many fine income-and-growth opportunities, even as the stock market approached record highs in early October. Investing in companies that are restoring their payouts is a sound long-term strategy. If you buy shares that pay a small dividend, the yield on your original investment can soar if the company boosts the rate. And because rebuilders formerly paid high dividends, you can be confident the bosses are willing to share the wealth once the exchequer permits them to. Sponsored Content Finding Candidates There's no simple way to screen for these kinds of stocks. One way to generate ideas is to filter for firms that have a record of negative dividend growth over the past five years but increased payouts strongly in 2011 and 2012. From that starting point, you need to inspect balance sheets and cash-flow statements, and glean clues from earnings calls and press releases, to be confident that a company has the money—and the will—to maintain dividend momentum. Low interest rates help because many companies are refinancing their debt. That lowers their costs and allows them to build up their cash piles—which can be used for paying dividends, among other things. Advertisement Because dividend rebuilders are by definition turnarounds, their current yields can be underwhelming. Consider S.L. Green (symbol SLG), a REIT that owns office and retail properties in and around New York City. Green's current annual dividend rate is $1 per share. With the stock at $79, the yield is a puny 1.3% (all prices are as of October 4). But Green paid an annual rate of $3.15 in 2008, and on their second-quarter conference call with analysts and investors, officials promised to continue raising dividends substantially. In fact, the process has already begun: The dividend rate was 40 cents a share last year. And the prognosis for commercial real estate values and rents in New York City is favorable. Bank stocks, like REITs, offered superior yields before the Great Recession. Some will never do so again, even if they managed to survive the crisis. But as more banks, especially leading regional institutions, put time and space between themselves and both the housing crash and the government's loan-bailout program, they are accumulating the wherewithal to fix their fallen dividends. Worth considering, among others, are BB&T (BBT), which, at $34, yields 2.4%; Fifth Third (FITB), which yields 2.5% at a price of $16; and PNC (PNC), which trades at $65 and yields 2.5%. As long as the economy avoids falling back into recession, these stocks should perform well and should deliver a steadily rising stream of dividends. Turning to industrial stocks, a top candidate is Dow Chemical (DOW). Its quarterly dividend rate had been 42 cents per share before it was trimmed to 15 cents in 2009. As the company reduced its debt and boosted profits and cash flow, it raised the rate to 25 cents in 2011 and to 32 cents in 2012. At $29, the stock yields 4.4%. Other well-known industrial firms that are mending tattered dividends include General Electric (GE), trading at $23 and yielding 3.0%, and Ingersoll-Rand (IR), which at $46 pays 1.4%. Among less-familiar names, two that have begun restoring their payouts are amusement-park operator Cedar Fair (FUN), yielding 4.7% at a price of $34, and furniture maker Steelcase (SCS), which at $10 yields 3.5%. Note that Cedar Fair is a master limited partnership, so purchasing it could complicate your tax returns. Follow Jeff on Twitter Kiplinger's Investing for Income will help you maximize your cash yield under any economic conditions. Subscribe now!


text:
Browsing Working Papers (INF) by Title
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The influence of technological regimes and strategic posturesMahnke, Volker; Overby, Mikkel Lucas; Özcan, Serden (København, 2004)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: IT-enabled innovations are of increasing importance for competitive success in most sectors today. This paper offers a novel theoretical and empirically illustrated explanation of why IT-outsourcing strategies differ between innovative first-movers, fast followers and late entrants. In particular, an analysis of three companies in the financial sector - Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investment, and Merrill Lynch - reveals that governance choices influence a company's ap-propriable learning curve advantage to slow down or speed up adoption and imitation of IT-enabled innovation. Moreover, we discuss the implications of governance choices in techno-logical environments characterised by either accumulation or disruption. Keywords: IT-enabled innovation, outsourcing, technological regime, strategic posture, first-mover advantages, financial services, online brokerage URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6488
Files in this item: 102-2004.pdf (878.3Kb)
The Case of Mobile Service ProvidersEngel Nielsen, Lars; Mahnke, Volker (København, 2003)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Many companies in high technology fields engage with alliance partners to reduce risks, create synergies and learn. While the challenges of managing individual alliances are well documented, little is known on how to manage several R&D alliances simultaneously. Multiple alliance strategies can be observed in several companies engaged in the cross section of telecommunication and mobile technology where increased complexity magnifies managerial challenges. Drawing on modern portfolio theory, this paper offers a model for managing portfolios of R&D alliances. In particular, an analysis of a technology platform leader reveals how companies can reduce several types of risks associated with new technology and gain synergies by engaging in several alliances simultaneously. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6493
Files in this item: 1
The case of Mobile CommerceMahnke, Volker; Overby, Mikkel Lucas (København, 2004)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Many companies in the cross section of telecommunication and mobile technology engage in R&D collaborations to manage uncertainty, create synergies and learn. While the challenges of managing individual collaborations are well documented, little is known on how to systematically manage several R&D collaborations simultaneously. We use modern portfolio theory as an analogy to show how companies active in mobile telecommunication manage risks and create synergies by simultaneously engaging in several inter-firm collaborations. Keywords: Portfolio theory, risk, synergy, R&D collaboration, mobile commerce URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6502
Files in this item: 116-2004.pdf (341.8Kb)
an empirical validation of the HED/UT scaleHeijden, Hans van der; Sangstad Sørensen, Lotte (København, 2002)[More information][Less information]
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6482
Files in this item: 12002-24.pdf (334.4Kb)
mobile decisions aids, task complexity, and decision effectivenessHeijden, Hans van der; Sangstad Sørensen, Lotte (København, 2002)[More information][Less information]
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6461
Files in this item: 12002-25.pdf (354.7Kb)
Understanding and Addressing Workplace Disgruntlement through the Application of Organisational JusticeWillison, Robert (, 2009)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Within the IS security field, employee computer crime has received increased attention. Indeed, a number of researchers have focused their attention on the behaviour of the 'insider', both prior to and during the perpetration. Despite this, there is currently an absence of academic insight into the problem of workplace disgruntlement and how this may motivate employee computer crime. To address this deficiency, this paper draws on a body of knowledge called 'organisational justice', which examines how perceptions of fairness are formed. Under this umbrella term are four constructs which relate to different organisational phenomena and influence employees' fairness perceptions. It is believed that these constructs, entitled distributive, procedural, interactional and informational justice, and the theories which underpin them, can not only assist in understanding, but also in mitigating disgruntlement. To illustrate this, a case of employee computer sabotage is analysed, highlighting which forms of organisational justice occurred, and how they could have been addressed. The discussion section notes how mitigating disgruntlement provides a new area for safeguard implementation, with the final part of the paper discussing the conclusions and potential for future research. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7759
Files in this item: 1WP_2009_001.pdf (249.0Kb)
The Evolution of the Indian IT IndustrySudhanshu, Rai (Frederiksberg, 2010)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: In this article I discuss the Indian outsourcing phenomena and ask the question now what? Using data from the Euro-India project I demonstrate that a small but significant part of the Indian IT entities are moving beyond outsourcing, to co-creation where Innovation and the desire to create new markets is the key driver. This does not imply that outsourcing will disappear but it does mean that firms will engage in globalization using innovative mix of business models and technical platforms. We discuss the implication of this slow transformation to co-creation of innovation for the global outsourcing industry. The key thesis of this paper is to discuss co-creation as a form of innovation and how such a form of innovation is likely to bring Indian companies rich dividends. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/8262
Files in this item: 1Sudhanshu_Working Paper 7.pdf (69.65Kb)
Heijden, Hans van der; Sangsted Sørensen, Lotte (København, 2003)[More information][Less information]
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6443
Files in this item: 1hans.pdf (579.3Kb)
Beyond the Business CaseHolck, Jesper; Kühn Pedersen, Mogens; Holm Larsen, Michael (København, 2005)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Lately we have seen a growing interest from both public and private organisations to adopt Open Source Software (OSS), not only for a few, specific applications but also on a more general level throughout the organisation. As a consequence, the organisations' decisions on adoption of OSS are becoming increasingly more important and complex. We present three perspectives organisations can employ in their decisions: seeing OSS acquisition as a business case, as COTS acquisition, and as architectural change within a governance framework. We present case studies of decisions on OSS adoption, and categorise the decision criteria we have found. Our results indicate that for large-scale adoption of OSS, focus will be on architectural considerations: enterprise-wide architectures will at first be a barrier, but in the long term OSS's support of open standards can be a major enabler for OSS adoption. In contrast, in smaller organisations and in small-scale adoption of OSS, the cheap price of OSS is a major enabler, as it provides a good opportunity for experiments and short-term economic benefits. For small organisations these experiments can lead to development of a common IT-architecture, and in larger organisations OSS can be adopted in niche-areas, without significantly violating an existing IT-architecture. Keywords: open source, COTS, IT architecture, governance URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6471
Files in this item: 107_2005.pdf (167.0Kb)
Implications for the Government PolicyKühn Pedersen, Mogens; Fomin, Vladislav V. (København, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Literature review URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6489
Files in this item: 108_2006.pdf (227.2Kb)
Considering systems risk from the offender's perspectiveWillison, Robert; Backhouse, James (København, 2005)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Systems risk refers to the likelihood that an IS is inadequately guarded against certain types of damage or loss. While risks are posed by acts of God, hackers and viruses, consideration should also be given to the 'insider' threat of dishonest employees, intent on undertaking some form of computer abuse. Against this backdrop, a number of researchers have addressed the extent to which security managers are cognizant of the very nature of systems risk. In particular, they note how security practitioners' knowledge of local threats, which form part of such risk, is often fragmented. This contributes to situations where risk reducing efforts are often less than effective. Security efforts are further complicated given that the task of managing systems risk requires input from a number of departments including, for example, HR, compliance, IS/IT and physical security. In a bid to complement existing research, but also offer a fresh perspective, this paper addresses systems risk from the offender's perspective. If systems risk entails the likelihood that an IS is inadequately protected, this text considers those conditions, within the organisational context, which offer a criminal opportunity for the offender. To achieve this goal a model known as the 'Crime Specific Opportunity Structure' is advanced. Focussing on the opportunities for computer abuse, the model addresses the nature of such opportunities with regards to the organisational context and the threats posed by rogue employees. Drawing on a number of criminological theories, it is believed the model may help inform managers about local threats and, by so doing, enhance safeguard implementation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6453
Files in this item: 110_2005.pdf (413.3Kb)
reducing employee computer crime through Situational Crime PreventionWillison, Robert; Siponen, Mikko (København, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Employee computer crime represents a substantial threat for organisations. Yet information security researchers and practitioners currently lack a clear understanding of how these crimes are perpetrated, which, as a consequence, hinders security efforts. We argue that recent developments in criminology can assist in addressing the insider threat. More specifically, we demonstrate how an approach, entitled Situational Crime Prevention, can not only enhance an understanding of employee computer crime, but also strengthen security practices which are designed to address this problem. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6456
Files in this item: 111_2006.pdf (167.9Kb)
Clemmensen, Torkil; Roese, Kerstin (, 2009)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: In this paper, we analyze the concept of human-computer interaction in cultural and national contexts. Building and extending upon the framework for understanding research in usability and culture by Honold [3], we give an overview of publications in culture and HCI between 1998 and 2008, with a narrow focus on high-level journal publications only. The purpose is to review current practice in how cultural HCI issues are studied, and to analyse problems with the measures and interpretation of this studies. We find that Hofstede's cultural dimensions has been the dominating model of culture, participants have been picked because they could speak English, and most studies have been large scale quantitative studies. In order to balance this situation, we recommend that more researchers and practitioners do qualitative, empirical work studies. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7948
Files in this item: 1WP_2009_003.pdf (415.2Kb)
Sammenfatning og perspektiverViborg Andersen, Kim (København, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Brugerne af de danske uddannelsesinstitutionernes hjemmesider er slet ikke tilfredse. Bedst på Nettet har gennem de sidste fem år placeret institutionernes hjemmesider nederst, når det kom til både brugervenlighed og kvaliteten af betjeningen. Alligevel viser en helt ny undersøgelse fra CBS, at lederne af de selv samme institutioner endog er meget optimistiske og tilfredse, når de skal evaluere medarbejdernes it-kompetencer og anvendelsen af dem. "Det er et meget tankevækkende paradoks, som undersøgelsen viser, når vi sammenligner den med brugernes hårde dom de sidste 5 år. Noget kunne tyde på, at der er store udfordringer for lederne med at koble brugernes oplevelse af hjemmesiderne og de kompetencer som medarbejderne har sammen. Det entydigt positive billede af it-kompetencerne som vores undersøgelse afdækker kan tolkes positivt; at der er håb forude, men også negativt; at der mangler informationskanaler til lederne, der hjælpe dem med at vurdere, hvordan det står til med medarbejdernes reele it-kompetencer," fastslår professor Kim Viborg Andersen, der er ophavsmand til undersøgelsen. Der har medvirket over 700 ledere fra folkeskolerne, erhvervsskolerne og de videregående uddannelsesinstitutioner i undersøgelsen. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6472
Files in this item: 102_2006.pdf (222.3Kb)
A Delphi StudySudhanshu, Rai (Frederiksberg, 2010)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Though this paper is in a very preliminary stage, I use the data gathered using the Delphi process to discuss some policy instruments that could be of use for emerging economies to create an environment of innovation. I acknowledge fiscal instruments to be an important driver but I choose not to focus on fiscal enablers of innovation rather focusing on how the lack of fiscal incentives can help create a sustainable environment for innovation. I use the early Indian experience and contrast it with later fiscal activism shown by the government to illustrate that perhaps the government need to focus on the supply side of knowledge and let the demand for knowledge and innovation be led by the firms at the local level. I argue this strategy to be the most sustainable in the long run. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/8259
Files in this item: 1Sudhanshu_Working Paper 2.pdf (129.6Kb)
Tools, techniques and methods for developmentNielsen, Janni; Nielsen, Lene; Jespersen, Mikkel; Smith-Hansen, Ole (København, 2005)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The project on Personalisation of Self-service Solutions across On-line Platforms (POSS ON-LINE) focuses on users, clients, and self-service solutions. It is based on the understanding that clients and users are different and have different goals, and that self-service takes place in different contexts, on different platforms, and within different applications and this requires development of complementary approaches and solutions. Traditionally the tools used to predict user behaviour build on users leaving traces of their actions. However, new application and developments for existing applications do not gather traces, and new ways of profiling the user is needed. To digitalise e.g. public services such as TOLD & SKAT to meet citizen's needs is a huge challenge because the user's context has to be taken into account. As the tracking tools are not sufficiently refined (1,4,14) pushing of information to users with the aim of increasing sales, e.g. AMAZON, still leaves much to be wished for. Despite the fact that the user profile, which the system generates, is continuously updated through user's interaction with the system (15), e.g. myyahoo.com. Personalised application may both service the client and the user. The system gathers data about the user, which enables the client to push information to the user. Personalisation enables graphic user interface design that is personalised and relevant to the individual user and invites the user to get access to information with less strain. Personalisation of self-service solutions is promising and IT companies are experiencing an increase in the clients' demands. At the same time the development of solutions moves within a shorter and shorter time span. Hence the process of innovations is paced and there is an increasing need of new ways of looking at the process of development. However, we lack methods to predict user behaviour without having to deal with huge amounts of data and data from both quantitative data as well as life world observations are required. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6476
Files in this item: 102-2005.pdf (301.4Kb)
Clemmensen, Torkil; Nielsen, Lene (København, 2005)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Copenhagen Business School is happy to host the 5th Danish Human Computer Interaction Research Symposium. The aim of the symposium is to stimulate interaction between researchers from academia and industry through oral presentations and a keynote presentation. We received 17 paper contributions for the symposium, of which 14 were presented orally in four panel sessions. Previously the symposium has been held at University of Aarhus 2001, University of Copenhagen 2002, Roskilde University Center 2003, Aalborg University 2004. Torkil Clemmensen & Lene Nielsen Copenhagen, November 2005 CONTENT INTRODUCTION DHRS 2005 – CONFERENCE PROGRAM ABOUT THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER EMOTION AS A CONSTRUCT IN HCI Pradeep Yammiyavar DESIGNING GAMES – BALANCING FUN AND SERIOUSNESS Anne Marie Kanstrup & Ellen Christiansen TRAPS & TRIGGERS -DESIGN FOR DISCUSSION Rune Nielsen EARLY EXPERIENCES FROM AN INSPIRATION CARD WORKSHOP Kim Halskov Madsen & Peter Dalsgård FASTTRACK SCROLLING: A FASTER AND MORE SATISFYING SCROLLING INTERFACE FOR WEB BROWSERS Søren Jakobsen USING PERSONAS TO GUIDE ITERATIVE DEVELOPMENT Anders Toxboe "THEN THE PICTURE COMES IN YOUR MIND OF WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN ON TV" – A STUDY OF PERSONAS DESCRIPTIONS AND USE Lene Nielsen DEALING WITH REALITY - IN THEORY Gitte Skou Petersen A NEW IFIP WORKING GROUP – HUMAN WORK INTERACTION DESIGN Rikke Ørngreen, Torkil Clemmensen & Annelise Mark-Pejtersen CLASSIFICATION OF DESCRIPTIONS USED IN SOFTWARE AND INTERACTION DESIGN Georg Strøm OBSTACLES TO DESIGN IN VOLUNTEER BASED ORGANISATIONS Olav W. Bertelsen & Pär-Ola Zander PROCESS MANAGEMENT TOOLS IN HIGHER EDUCATION E-LEARNING – A NEW RESEARCH AREA Karin Tweddell Levinsen FROM HANDICRAFT SCHOOL TO DESIGN UNIVERSITY Eva Brandt THE USE PROJECT: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN USABILITY EVALUATION AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Als, B., Frøkjær, E., Hornbæk, K. , Høegh, R., Jensen, J., Nørgaard, M., Skov, M., Stage, J. & Uldall-Espersen, T. BRIDGING BETWEEN IT AND THE ILLITERATE WORLD - RETHINKING HCI Janni Nielsen URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6509
Files in this item: 112_2005.pdf (1.168Mb)
Holm Larsen, Michael; Klischewski, Ralf (København, 2003)[More information][Less information]
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6492
Files in this item: 1no12.pdf (2.988Mb)
Theory and ExamplesClemmensen, Torkil (København, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: In this chapter, I will review current approaches to online sociability and present and exemplify a psychological theory, the Social Reality theory, of online sociability. By analyzing sociability in a virtual world based university course, I will present and analyze examples on how to understand the students' design of the conditions for sociability as communication about cultural symbols, such as avatars and virtual landscapes, and the social reality of perceived groups of people. The analysis results will be used to illustrate different kinds of online sociability: superficial, convivial, and negative sociability. The chapter suggests solutions and recommendations to designers and researchers with a focus on online communities and networked communication. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6440
Files in this item: 107_2006.pdf (1.839Mb)
Economic and political rationalityZinner Henriksen, Helle; Mahnke, Volker; Meiland Hansen, Jens (København, 2003)[More information][Less information]
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6480
Files in this item: 1no.14-2003.pdf (206.4Kb)
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text: In the aftermath of the killing of Osama Bin Laden, FRONTLINE presents two inside views of the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban. First, Afghan journalist Najibullah Quraishi-who reported last year's award-winning FRONTLINE film Behind Taliban Lines-once again journeys deep inside enemy territory. This time, he gains extraordinary access to a band of militants and foreign fighters in Afghanistan who say they're loyal to bin Laden and are readying a Spring offensive against the U.S. Then, FRONTLINE crosses the border into Pakistan, where correspondents Stephen Grey and Martin Smith go inside "The Secret War" against the militants. They uncover new details of a CIA "private army" of militiamen launching kill raids against al Qaeda and the Taliban inside Pakistan. They also find new evidence of covert support for elements of the Taliban by the Pakistani military and its intelligence service, the ISI. At a safe-house not far from where bin Laden was killed, they make contact with one mid-level Taliban commander who tells FRONTLINE, "If they really wanted to, [the Pakistanis] could arrest us all in an hour."


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Federal elected officials from Illinois didn't mince any words when commenting about the impeachment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the cloud of embarrassment he cast over the state.
Federal elected officials from Illinois didn't mince any words when commenting about the impeachment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the cloud of embarrassment he cast over the state.
With this chapter closed, they said they hope Illinois can refocus efforts, regroup and address pressing needs with Gov. Pat Quinn.
What lawmakers -- and the president -- had to say about the impeachment conviction:
"Today ends a painful episode for Illinois. For months the state had been crippled by a crisis of leadership. Now that cloud has lifted. I wish Gov. Quinn the best and pledge my full cooperation as he undertakes his new responsibilities."
-- President Barack Obama
"On a cold morning in December, the people of Illinois awakened to find that their Governor had been arrested on charges of trying to sell a Senate seat and to use his public office for personal gain.
"Instead of resigning immediately, Rod Blagojevich put our state through weeks of turmoil at a time when many Illinoisans wanted to share in the joy of having just elected one of our own to the Presidency. Today, the Illinois Senate came to the only reasonable conclusion: Blagojevich can not continue to serve as our Governor.
"It is now time to close this chapter in Illinois history. The State of Illinois is in need of a fresh start. I look forward to working with Gov. Pat Quinn to move our state forward."
-- U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
"I stand behind the Illinois State Senate's decision today to remove Governor Blagojevich from office.
"As I've repeatedly stated, the Governor must be held accountable for his actions to the legislature, in a court of law and to the people of the State of Illinois. Impeachment is about whether our State's best interests are being served having the Governor remain in office. Today's conviction speaks loud and clear that there are serious issues preventing him from fulfilling his responsibilities and I support putting new leadership in place. I expect others will join me in thanking the state Senate for fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
"It is my hope that today will be remembered as a new beginning, more than as an end. I look forward to working with our new Governor Pat Quinn, as we focus our attention back to more pressing issues such as creating jobs, providing healthcare and building a foundation that will provide a better future for all Illinois people.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Blagojevich family during what must be a personally challenging time. And my thoughts and prayers remain with Illinois people who have endured such a long and unfortunate distraction during such a crucial time for our state and our nation."-- Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill.
"Good riddance. The Blagojevich scandal has been a national embarrassment. I hope and pray that today's decision by the Illinois Senate will give our state the fresh start it so desperately needs.
"Governor Blagojevich was elected as a reformer and instead spent his time in office making a complete mockery of good government and the rule of law.
"Illinoisans need a leader in Springfield, not someone too drunk with power to do the people's business.
"Ordinary families are losing their jobs, homes, and healthcare. Many are travelling on crumbling roads and bridges. I urge our new Governor to put politics aside and spend all of his energy addressing these pressing challenges."
-- U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island
"It has been a sad seven weeks in the history of the State of Illinois. On the day of his arrest - Dec. 9 - I called for Governor Blagojevich to immediately resign. Obviously, it took the Illinois General Assembly to impeach and convict him.
"I hope that Gov. Patrick Quinn will have an open door and be willing to listen to the concerns of central and southern Illinois. He is already taking correct steps to restoring faith in that office by planning to reside in the Governor's Mansion.
"I hope to meet or at least talk with our new Governor soon and discuss issues of mutual concern to our constituents."
-- U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville
"The nightmare of Rod Blagojevich is not quite over. He left much of our state government in shambles. Governor Quinn will have to pick up the pieces and he will need the cooperation of everyone as he leads the effort.
"Long before the astonishing transcripts of wiretaps by the U.S. Attorney's office were released it was clear to all who followed Illinois government that we had the equivalent of an organized crime
ring systematically shaking down people who dealt with Illinois government for personal and political gain. It was racketeering pure and simple.
"It's a shame Rod Blagojevich was re-elected and has put our state through all that we have had to endure, but at long last his state plane and perks have turned into the proverbial pumpkin and we are free of such a horrible public servant."
-- U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria
Karen McDonald can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com. The State Journal-Register contributed to this report.


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Campagnolo Record S2 Braze-On Front Derailleur
Campagnolo's Record Braze-On Front Derailleur with the S2 system features an aluminum internal cage plate and an external carbon one for incredibly quick shifting and a sleek look. The super-light cage along with the aluminum body gives you one of the lightest front derailleurs you can buy. It's versatile too, working with both standard and compact cranksets. The S2 system features an additional component on the derailleur that increases stiffness.
- Drivetrain speeds: 11
- Derailleur capacity: 16T
- Max ring (teeth): 55T
- Double or triple: Double
- Only compatible with 2015+ Campagnolo Chorus, Record, and Super Record


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We have teamed up with bricks4kids to offer some fun lego sessions .
Do you struggle to entertain the children after school, well why not pop along to one of our after school sessions aimed at children on the spectrum ( siblings are also welcome ).
The sessions aim to give you child the opportunity to take part in a range of activities they may otherwise not participate in, it's also a chance to met up with other families in a similar situations .
Parents are encouraged to help and support their children .
Parents must also supervise their own children at all times !


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'No excuses' formed the last part of yesterday's post and here we are today trying to scramble around for a bag of them. Look no further than a weak squad and a manager whose lack of imagination with his tactics and total contempt for ruthlessness in his selection yet again leaves us banging our heads against the proverbial brick wall.
Swansea know how to play possession football, Wenger arrogantly quipped 'in their own half' before the game, sadly they showed us how wrong he was. At times they commanded 63% and the bulk of it was in our third. They looked more inventive than us, they were certainly more daring and ultimately, they proved too good for us. Once again, we're waking up to another defeat, our 7th, against the back drop of taking the lead. That's 8 points thrown in 4 games and 0 points so far this year.
How did this all happen? Well, it wasn't because of a bad start. Robin Van Persie opened the scoring after 4 minutes when Arshavin picked him out perfectly with a through ball, the Dutchman looked like he'd taken too long over his decision, he faked, then slipped his snap shot inside Vorm's post. A fabulous finish.
Swansea didn't falter though. This wasn't your usual newly promoted side. This was a team that played like a classic Italian team. They kept possession in the middle of the park and slowed the tempo of the game to suit them, when they saw a chance to slip a winger in, they'd jump on it.
Sadly it wasn't a lovely piece of possession play that resulted in their goal. Miquel made a hash of a clearance which lead to a Swansea attack, as Dyer was looking to manoeuver in the box, he sensed Ramsey behind him and dropped when it looked like the Welshman had brushed him. It looked soft to start with, on replay, it was a blatant dive. Terrible reffing. A decision we'd never get in reverse. It's a shame I have to criticise Ramsey for standing behind a player in the box, but that's the way of the game these days. Sinclair took the penalty and beat the keeper to his left. 1-1.
Ramsey went close soon after we'd kicked off, he latched onto a duff Robin shot, took the ball round Vorm but had no one in a red shirt in the box. Yossi found Robin moments later, the Captain only had the keeper to beat but blasted his shot right at him.
Theo Walcott was looking abject at best. His decision making in the final third was not of the highest order and he didn't look particularly interested. How long does the boss persist with him? 'Swansea 63% possession' flashed up on the screen, they we controlling the game and playing very well.
Our cumbersome full backs were causing us problems. They'd bomb forward without the pace to return. Their lack of mobility in the final third made you wonder why they kept marauding forward like a pack of Bendtners.
The second half opened with a bit more of a bang, Robin fed in Theo, sadly, he could only fire over the bar. Arshavin did the same when Rambo teed him up minute later. Swansea weren't deterred, fizzing two shots just wide from the edge of our box. We needed to get tighter.
The Welsh took the lead after Aaron Ramsey gave the ball away twice with a poor pass firstly, then a shoddy bit of control, Joe Allen picked up the pieces, played in an unmarked Nathan Dyer with a well weighted pass and let him bury his shot across Chesney. Where was Miquel? About a mile up the pitch… that's where. Two very weak mistakes by Aaron as well. He really wasn't doing his Aaron ambassadors any favours…
Wenger changed up the side pretty sharpish. He brought on Thierry Henry for Arshavin (who was dead) and he oddly opted to bring on Rosicky for Benayoun. Why oh why when you're chasing a game would you bring on a player who hardly ever makes an impact (2 years since his last goal), especially when taking off a player who has always seemed far more dangerous.
My gripes could be put on hold for a moment, Theo Walcott levelled things up when JD threaded him through on goal from right back. Sure it was a nice finish, but it didn't disguise his woeful performance. Or the fact it was his first contribution to the goal tally since October. He really is out of his depth at Arsenal.
Barely having enough time to sit back down, Miquel was again caught out of position by Siggurdson, he was rumbled, Thierry then lost it on the half way line trying to recover the mistake, Swansea split the defence, Danny Graham beat Koscielny and fired a shot across goal. Chesney was well out of position and they scored. What a debacle.
We were losing by a goal against a team with the lowest transfer spend out of everyone who had a wage bill equal to 3 Diaby's last season. What a joke. We didn't really make much of an effort to level things up. AOC was brought on for Mertesacker and he looked bright. Trouble was that no one really gave him the ball. Thierry had a glancing header that whistled past the post and Koscielny nearly acrobatically turned in a spilled Rosicky shot, but bar that, it was frustration all around.
We'd lost. Beaten by Swansea. Call ourselves a top 4 team? Not on this evidence.
What can you say that hasn't already been rehashed a million times on here? We don't have the squad to handle injuries to key players. Arteta picked up a calf strain before the game and we lost our maestro. Our passing wasn't accurate for most of the match and we really struggled to penetrate Swansea in their own half. We had hardly any shots and we certainly didn't seem to be able to match the fight on show from the minnows.
The team selection gets tougher and tougher to digest every week. We know certain players aren't good enough, yet we persist. Arshavin did level in with an assist and I thought he did ok in the first half, but his fitness really is questionable. AOC looked far more lively and interested than Theo has for the last few games, yet he's still only considered for cameo appearances. If a player isn't in good form, whatever happened to dropping them? We never do… Wenger doesn't look at a passport when he selects, he looks at how much of his ego he's invested in a player before he does. He's certainly wagered a big chunk on Theo after saying he had more than Messi at 19…
What really gets me is our system. 4-3-3 works when we've got all our best players available, but when the bulk of them are missing, shouldn't we change things up. If we really do value intelligence in players, then adapting to a new set up shouldn't be a problem. Things to consider yesterday…
1. Our full backs were both carthorses.
2. Andrey is the only creative outlet of class
3. Pace is an issue
Why don't we opt for a more defensive 4-5-1, with Arteta and Song anchoring, Theo and AOC wide with Andrey in the hole… or try something über classic… yep, I'm talking a 4-4-2. We could again have two anchors, like the classic Paddy and Petit with two zippy wingers in AOC and Theo with Andrey playing second striker to Robin. We could switch Arshavin with Thierry when chasing the game.
I'm not saying the above systems are the answer, then again, I'm not going to sit here and tell you flogging the same system regardless of personnel is the future of Arsenal's football. When we get into ruts like we're in at the moment, Wenger doesn't have a way out. He's incapable of motivating the players and the best we can hope for to change things up is a return from injury.
Typically, the manager was 'surprised' at what happened.
'There were some other turning points. When we came back to 2-2, straight away, a defensive mistake. It looked similar to me to Fulham. Lack of appreciation of the ball. Our defensive performance was not good enough and that's why we lost the game.
"We made defensive mistakes that you should not make. In the last two games we made mistakes that, at that level, are difficult to explain. It is unbelievable. For a team of that experience, for a team of that ambition, it is difficult to explain."
He also went on to lambast our attacking play. How can the manager of a team who have conceded 31 goals in little over half a season and been largely dependent on one man in attack claim 'surprise' at results like that?
Wenger for me is lost at the moment. He's struggling to get the best out of players he banked on being legends, he's despondent about the transfer market (hence why he's still living in 2002 with transfer fees) and his tactics are too rigid for the quality of squad. We're in a right old mess that I fear he won't be able to rectify until the summer.
It's also worth noting Thierry got into an altercation with a fan. I don't know the ins and outs… but it doesn't look good after being back all of 6 minutes does it? Apparently Thierry had to force some of the players to thank the away support, which resulted in a fan accusing the team of lacking passion. A fair accusation. I'd be saying they lack appreciation of what an arse ache it is to get to Swansea and have yourself presented with that dross. Things have changed since Thierry upped sticks and left a few years ago, much like revisiting an old relationship… things are rarely the same again.
On the injury front, don't get your hopes up. Jack will be back mid-February at the earliest. Most likely the end of. We'll find out today when Arteta is back later on today I'd imagine, but my gut feel is that if Wenger said he was rested (which he wasn't), then the injury must be very minor. Still, Santos should be back in the country soon and Vermaelen and Sagna are close. Those two will be an absolute god send to get back in the side.
Oh, and on the transfer front, I've heard this new left back we're trialling is a midget. Smaller than Gael Clichy and built like my nan after her annual bikini crash diet. Superb… can you believe we're stooping this low?
Anyway, United up next. Brilliant.
P.S. You might want check out this stadium review of Highbury. I'm so depressed today, that feels like something I could do and enjoy.


text:
After opening the packaging make sure to remove any pieces shoved into the cavity. Usually you'll find a neck, gizzard and maybe a liver in there. Surprise!
Then rinse off the inside and outside of the chicken.
Next you're going to make a bed for it in the bottom of your crockpot. Slice up any combination of the following: Onions, garlic, celery, lemon, lime, or orange. Today I had celery, onion and elephant garlic in the bottom of my crock.
Next rub the outside skin of your chicken with seasoning salt.
Then place breast side down on the bed of veggies.
Turn the crock on low and cook for 10 hours or until juices run clear. (some crocks take only about 8 hours but you really can't overcook this unless you leave it in for 24 hours or more.)
Day one is done and look how juicy that is! I didn't add any water. It makes such a moist chicken and we just carve it up while it's still in the pot. When you're done just leave the leftover bones, juices, veggies and meat in the bottom of your crockpot and store in the fridge for Day 2.
I'll fill you in on the details for Day 2 tomorrow


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New study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology organized by the World Heart Federation
In the study, all-cause and CVD mortality risks were found to be significantly higher among study participants that didn't exercise compared with active participants at all blood pressure levels. Moreover, the excess mortality risks of physical inactivity, when converted into a "blood pressure equivalence of physical activity" measurement, revealed that physical inactivity was similar to a rise in mortality risk equivalent to an increase in blood pressure of 40-50 mmHg.
"The risk of developing CVD has been proven to increase significantly as blood pressure increases; and reducing blood pressure to reduce CVD risk is an important treatment goal for all physicians," said CP Wen, Institute of Population Health Science, National Health Research Institute, Taiwan. "This study is the first to quantify the impact of exercise on the risk profile of people with high blood pressure. Appreciating this relationship will hopefully help to motivate people with high blood pressure that are inactive to take exercise."
Dr Wen continued, "To date, exercise and high blood pressure have been managed separately, with people mainly being concerned about their blood pressure readings. However, these results suggest that doctors should also discuss the importance of physical exercise as a means to manage the CVD and all-cause mortality risk."
The prospective study of 434,190 individuals in Taiwan was conducted over a period of 12 years. Of the participants 54 per cent were classified as inactive, 22 per cent as low active and 24 per cent were considered to be medium, or above, active. All-cause and CVD mortality risk of inactive subjects were compared with active subjects. The blood pressure equivalence of physical activity was then identified by the difference in mortality risks between physically inactive and active subjects.
Hypertension and CVD
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the major preventable risk factors for premature death from CVD worldwide. High blood pressure contributes to around half of all CVD and the risk of developing CVD doubles for every 10-point increase in diastolic blood pressure.
High blood pressure that is left untreated can greatly increase a person's risk of developing CVD. Treating raised blood pressure has been associated with a 35 per cent reduction in the risk of stroke and at least a 16 per cent reduction in the risk of myocardial infarction.


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VANCOUVER — Drum beats and songs sung in half a dozen different languages echoed through the massive heritage building, which was once the west coast terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway.
There were men and women wrapped in blankets — both button and woven. There were men and women with rattles and eagle feathers. There were beaded, deerskin vests, skirts and jackets. There were women in printed dresses in the tradition of both Metis and Ojibway.
It was just one of the Idle No More gatherings being held in Canada and in other countries. These gatherings have ranged from prayers and ceremonies by rivers to blockades of rail lines in Ontario.
It was an overwhelmingly young crowd in Vancouver's Waterfront Station Wednesday, gathered not by the sound of drum beats, but by social media.
They were noisy, but polite. People smiled and rubbed the cheeks of the many babies in strollers. They said sorry and excuse me as they manoeuvred through the mass of people.
The various First Nations represented there took turns speaking and singing.
They all talked about the strength they feel in coming together, uniting despite many historical and current differences among nations over everything from treaty negotiations to the Enbridge pipeline.
As peaceful and even cheerful as it was, it would be a mistake to not recognize the movement's underlying volatility. It was reflected in a single sign that read: Respect Existence or Expect Resistance.
Myriad problems including racism, poverty, violence, sickness and the accompanying despair have ignited this movement and the resolve for change.
Because by every measure, Canada's indigenous people are the country's most disadvantaged citizens and none more so than the women and girls.
The disparity and inequality between First Nations and other Canadians that fuels this new movement has festered for more than a century. It persists despite many royal commissions, inquiries, meetings, summits, negotiations, dialogues, an apology and two attempts at a truth and reconciliation commission. Billions of dollars have been spent on talk alone, to say nothing of what it has cost to administer the Indian Act.
There have been various site-specific uprisings over the years – Oka, Gustafsen Lake, Lyell Island – dating back to the Riel Rebellion and the so-called Indian wars in Eastern Canada.
So, another rising up should come as no surprise. What is surprising is how quickly it has grown in Canada and spread through social media to the United States, New Zealand and Australia.
But Idle No More's potential potency is that many of the concerns are not unique to First Nations.
It's a point made to me by Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and Ian Campbell, a hereditary chief and elected councillor, over the drum beats, and earlier by Judith Sayers, a former chief and lawyer.
First Nations people are not alone in their concerns about increasingly remote and autocratic leaders both federally and provincially, about the hollowing out of environmental protection laws and regulations, about rising unemployment, a falling standard of living and Canada's declining record on human rights.
It's not only First Nations people who question the sale of our natural resources and are asking what are appropriate means of extracting and using them.
In British Columbia, the recent report of the Missing Women Commission once again focused attention on the long-standing indifference of authorities to the disappearance and murders of hundreds of aboriginal and non-aboriginal women. But it's something that is endemic across Canada.
The question is, what next? What can or will be done to answer all those concerns?
Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has insisted all along that she will only start eating again if Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with First Nations leaders. On Thursday, she insisted through a spokesman that the meeting be held within 72 hours.
Harper has refused so far, just as Spence has refused to meet with Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan.
I understand that prime ministers don't want to be, and shouldn't be, blackmailed into meeting every person with a grievance.
But this is a dangerous political calculation.
What if Spence or one of the other hunger strikers dies?
Complicating the decision is that even if the prime minister meets with Spence or agrees to the Jan. 24 meeting proposed Thursday by Shawn Atleo, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, it may not be enough to mollify the movement.
(There is, after all, as much of a disconnect between many chiefs and their people as there is between many Canadians and their mayors, premiers and the prime minister. Atleo himself and other leaders have been largely absent from the Idle No More gatherings.)
Still, the longer Harper refuses to meet or address at least some of the concerns and the weaker Spence gets, the angrier and more dangerous the crowds will almost certainly become.
The prime minister has talked about oil extraction and building pipelines as being of overriding national interest.
So, too, are the health and welfare of all of Canada's first people. To ignore that is not only to Harper's peril, but to Canada's as well.


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Brenner Children's pediatric emergency department has moved back to its original location. Learn more
In order to help protect patients, family members and health care workers from the spread of COVID-19, no visitors are allowed at any of Wake Forest Baptist Health's outpatient or inpatient facilities, except in certain situations.Learn moreMore COVID-19 Updates
Kristin was worried. After a summer spent in the sun, she noticed a strange-looking mole on her shoulder. Since she'd just read an article about how more people in their teens and twenties are getting skin cancer, she decided to get the mole checked out.
Kristin made a doctor's appointment, but continued to worry in the days before the exam. What if it was cancer? Why hadn't she been more sensible about the sun? Fortunately, her mole was not cancerous. Her doctor reassured her that she'd done the right thing by having it checked — skin cancer is a lot easier to treat if it's caught early.
Although there are several different types of skin cancer, most don't become life-threatening because they aren't likely to spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, melanoma is different. If it's not caught early, melanoma can spread from the skin to other organs — often with deadly results.
If there's any good news about melanoma, it's this: You have the power to substantially lower your risk of getting it. All it will cost you is a little extra time spent protecting yourself from the sun and paying attention to the moles on your skin.
Melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the melanocytes. Melanocytes are skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
Melanocytes commonly cluster together to form skin growths called moles (or "nevi," in medical terms). Most people have several moles — maybe even dozens — and they usually don't cause any problems. Moles may be flat or raised, large or small, light or dark, and can appear anywhere on our bodies.
Sometimes, though, melanocytes can malfunction. Because of a genetic change, they can begin growing out of control, sticking together to form lesions or tumors, crowding out healthy cells, and damaging surrounding tissue. This condition is known as cancer.
Melanoma that's caught early, when it's still on the surface of the skin, can be cured. But if melanoma is ignored or untreated, it can grow downward into the skin until it reaches the blood vessels and lymphatic system. These two systems can act like a highway for the cancer cells, allowing them easy access to distant organs like the lungs or the brain. That's why early detection is so important.
How does a normal melanocyte become malignant (cancerous)? Researchers believe it's probably a combination of genes and the things we do, like tanning.
One of the most important contributors to melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) sun damage. Cells that have been damaged — particularly by short bouts of bad, blistering sunburns during childhood or regular tanning bed use as a teen or young adult — are more likely to become cancerous over time.
The jury is still out, but some experts think that factors like the thinning of the ozone layer or clothing styles that expose more skin also may contribute to a person's risk of skin cancer. It's also thought that, as people live longer and become more are aware of the disease, more cases of skin cancer are naturally going to be diagnosed. But more likely today's melanoma rates have as much to do with lingering misconceptions about tanning from generations ago.
Back in your parents' and grandparents' day, most people (including doctors) thought it was safe and even healthy to lather up with oil and tan as much as you wanted — just as they thought it was OK to smoke in hospital rooms, which seems crazy now! Even tanning beds and sun lamps were touted as being safer than the sun when they first became popular in the 1980s.
Today we certainly know better. Experts know that certain risk factors increase a person's chance of developing melanoma, including:
Although it's less likely, you can still get melanoma even if you're dark skinned, young, and have no family history. It appears that behavior — too much sun exposure and not enough skin protection — can override the other risk factors.
Many melanomas start out as a mole or a bump on the skin. Of course, not every mole is cancerous — far from it. What's more telling is whether a mole has undergone any kind of recent change, whether in size, shape, or color.
That's why it's important to take a mental snapshot of your skin — kind of like a mole roadmap — so you'll know what's normal for you. With that as a baseline, you'll be able to spot any changes early. Keep the ABCDE rule in mind when checking your moles:
If you answered yes to any of these questions about an existing mole — or if you have a new mole, or one that's started to itch or bleed — see your doctor right away.
The most common places for melanoma to occur are on the torso, head, and neck for men, and the lower legs for women. African Americans are more likely to get melanoma under the nails, or on the palms and soles of the feet.
If a doctor suspects melanoma, he or she will perform a biopsy — removing all or part of the mole in question and examining its cells under a microscope. Not only can a biopsy tell if the cells are cancerous, but it can also be used to tell how deeply cancer has penetrated the skin and predict its risk of spreading. Knowing these details will help the doctor map out a treatment plan.
What doctors do about melanoma depends on how big and deep the cancerous area (known as a "lesion") is, what part of the body it's on, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment for melanoma typically includes surgery to remove the lesion. If doctors suspect that cancerous cells may have traveled to other areas of the body, treatment may also include radiation (high-energy X-rays that are directed at tumors) or chemotherapy (cancer-fighting drugs). Doctors may also use immunotherapy (also known as biologic therapy), a treatment that stimulates the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells, alongside these other treatments.
Although you can't control how fair your skin is or whether you have a relative with cancerous moles, there are several things you can do to lower your risk of developing melanoma. The most important is limiting your exposure to the sun. Take these precautions:
Also, be sure to check your moles often (you may need to ask a friend to help with those hard-to-reach areas, like your back and scalp). Keep dated records of each mole's location, size, shape, and color, and don't wait to have anything suspicious checked out.
Not all skin cancer is melanoma, but every case of melanoma is serious. So now that you know more about it, take responsibility for protecting yourself and do what you can to lower your risk.
Reviewed by: Rupal Christine Gupta, MD
Date reviewed: September 2014
Originally reviewed by: Christopher N. Frantz, MD
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You've been associated with Versace for three years now. Can you describe your progression in the company?
As a BBA Strategic Design and Management student, I knew that an internship would help to define my career goals. I used the Parsons online job board, where employers list internships and job opportunities exclusively for Parsons students and alumni. I also met with Career Services advisors, who helped me modify my résumé and write a good cover letter. I got my start at Versace as an intern. During my internship, I assisted buyers, analyzed data, and developed reports. Retail Buying and Retail Planning, courses I took at Parsons, helped me learn business concepts, including sales analysis and order planning.
After my internship, I was hired as a part-time buyer. I then became a full-time retail operations analyst. I was recently promoted to retail operations manager/ analyst.Can you describe the role a retail operations manager/analyst plays?My job involves three areas: managing store operations, analysis for the retail division, and creating weekly and monthly reports that enable management to analyze the business.It sounds as if you have an extremely full schedule. Do you ever hire interns?I hired three interns from Parsons this semester, and another is scheduled to start this summer. Internships help students learn about different aspects of the business world and identify interests.


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The center of your spaceship board is on the '7's in all four directions. Since the odds of rolling a certain number increases as that number approaches 7, it seems reasonable to build toward one side if persuing a small ship strategy.
You cannot look at the event distributions until you have placed a single component, so what is the best side to build toward (based on all card events per level), so that you can choose the possibility of a small ship that will take the least damage, before having a chance to look at the events?
Should I only place a component with 1 or 2 open connections as my first piece, and if so on which side?
This question is related to When should I avoid a small ship strategy?
For reference (rulebook), here is the Small I, Medium II, and Large III maximum ship sizes for each stage.
A reference of the 144 ship tiles (original size is available with a BGG account), until I can discover a way to describe the components in text.


text:
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Contact a sales agent to assist you with your purchase.
This four-sided pitchers plate will be a long lasting and durable
addition to your game. Designed to be rotated regularly to extend
its life, the plate is constructed of rubber with inner support
tubing for added strength. It is adult sized and will provide a
solid surface for your pitcher.
Our staff are available to answer any questions you may have about this item.
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Example 3.14. Example properties for Oracle
kodo.ConnectionDriverName: oracle.jdbc.driver.OracleDriver kodo.ConnectionURL: jdbc:oracle:thin:@SERVER_NAME:1521:DB_NAME
Oracle has support for "query hints", which are formatted comments embedded in SQL that provide some hint for how the query should be executed. These hints are usually designed to provide suggestions to the Oracle query optimizer for how to efficiently perform a certainly query, and aren't typically needed for any but the most intensive queries.
Example 3.15. Using Oracle Hints
Query query = pm.newQuery (...); query.addExtension ("openjpa.hint.OracleSelectHint", "/*+ first_rows(100) */"); List results = (List) query.execute ();
Query query = em.createQuery (...); query.setHint ("openjpa.hint.OracleSelectHint", "/*+ first_rows(100) */"); List results = query.getResultList ();
The Oracle JDBC driver has significant differences between different versions. It is important to use the officially supported version of the driver (10.2.0.1.0), which is backward compatible with previous versions of the Oracle server.
For VARCHAR fields,
and a blank string are equivalent. This means that
an object that stores a null string field will
have it get read back as a blank string.
Oracle corp's JDBC driver for Oracle has only limited
support for batch updates. The result for Kodo is
that in some cases, the exact object that failed an
optimistic lock check cannot be determined, and Kodo
will throw an
OptimisticVerificationException with
more failed objects than actually failed.
Oracle cannot store numbers with more than 38 digits in numeric columns.
Floats and doubles may lose precision when stored.
CLOB columns cannot be used in queries.


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Local bank supports USC forum for small business owners
October 14, 2013
The Popular Community Bank Foundation has donated $100,000 to develop and implement the USC Popular Community Bank Small Business Leadership Forum to benefit a broad range of small businesses grossing under $1.5 million annually.
Beginning in early 2014, cohorts of small business owners will attend eight courses at USC, based on a needs-assessment survey taken earlier this year to learn what local business owners need, with the curriculum designed accordingly.
The leadership forum, at no cost to business owners, will focus on strategic business planning, marketing and compliance taught by USC faculty and graduate students from the USC Marshall School of Business, the USC Gould School of Law, the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
Also participating are the Los Angeles Mayor's Office, Southern California Minority Development Council, U.S. Small Business Administration and Popular Community Bank employees.
"This effort is to help business owners stay ahead of the game and abreast with all of the technology and resources to help identify efficiencies and increase margins," said Vernon Aguirre, Popular Community Bank California region executive, a member of the USC Latino Alumni Executive Advisory Committee.
"This generous gift and partnership with Popular Community Bank aligns with our Family of Businesses mission to support local businesses, create more jobs and strengthen the region's economy," said Thomas S. Sayles, senior vice president for USC University Relations.
"We already work with a lot of local businesses through programs like USC's Bridges to Business," he added. "Our goal is to make the Family of Businesses program as strong as our Family of Schools."
For more information, contact Theda Douglas, associate vice president for USC Government Partnerships and Programs, at (213) 821-6536.


text:
Congo In Harlem, Raises Awareness to crises through cinema and lectures
"Congo In Harlem" is here again. In its 3rd annual installation, Congo In Harlem is a week- long film series dedicated to screening films that educate the global community on important issues that affect the Democratic Republic of Congo and that explore and celebrate Congolese culture.
Organized by Friends Of The Congo, a nonprofit organization, as a part of a global movement known as Congo Week, Congo In
Harlem III will take place from October 16, 2011 – October 23, 2011 at the Maysles Theater in Harlem, 343 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York City, between 127th & 128th Streets. Screenings are open to the public at a suggested donation of $10, where all proceeds will fund and support emerging Congolese Filmmakers.
Congo In Harlem III will also include musical performances, evening receptions, and panel discussions led by Activists, award-winning Journalist and Author Howard French, and critically acclaimed Film Directors, to name a few. "Congo in Harlem Film and Performance series represents the flag ship event of Congo Week. Congo in Harlem provides a platform for Congolese filmmakers, performers, intellectuals, activists and practitioners to articulate the challenges and prescriptions for what is the greatest humanitarian crisis at the dawn of the 21st century," said Maurice Carney, Friends of The Congo Director.
Congo In Harlem provides a very interactive program for audience members to be engaged, entertained, and educated about one of the most devastating crises in the world.
In addition to the Congo In Harlem event as a part of Congo Week, Friends of The Congo has developed many strategic alliances and partnerships and will partake in prominent activities throughout the globe that lead up to Congo Week. Furthermore, Congo Week is a preface to the Breaking The Silence Speakers Tour, where intellectuals and activists unite and travel the world to educate students and youth about the crisis in the Congo and provide them with ways to get involved in the global movement in support of the Congo.
"With the tremendous response from organizers in many countries during Congo Week, Friends of the Congo follows up Congo Week with visits to communities in North America, Europe and Africa on a Breaking the Silence Speakers Tour to organize and mobilize supporters around the global movement in support of the Congo," said Kambale Musavuli, Student Coordinator and National Spokesperson for Friends Of The Congo.
"Breaking the Silence Congo Week is a global youth movement connecting ordinary people around the world with Congolese youth who are striving to bring about peaceful and lasting social change in the Congo. Young people in the Congo are working day and night to
determine their own affairs in the same non-violent, progressive spirit as the youth in the North Africa who stood up against tyranny to bring about change in their countries," Kambale added.
To Learn More About Congo In Harlem, Please Visit: www.congoinharlem.org
To Purchase Tickets and For The Full Congo In Harlem program, visit: http://www.mayslesinstitute.org/cinema/congo.html
The Congo is the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world today where nearly 6 million people have died since 1996, half of them children under 5 years old and hundreds of thousands of women have been raped all as a result of the scramble for Congo's wealth. The United Nations said it is the deadliest conflict in the world since World War Two. Nearly 45,000 people are dying each month, with no worldwide resolution to end the conflict and carnage there.
The Friends of the Congo (FOTC) is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt advocacy organization based in Washington, DC. The FOTC was established in 2004 to work in partnership with Congolese to bring about peaceful and lasting change in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly Zaire.
"Speaking Truth To Empower."
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Ann GarrisonFebruary 22,2018 @ 08:03 PM
I think you have "Filtered HTML" turned on here. If you switch to "Full HTML," it will probably...


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Playing this video requires the latest flash player from Adobe.
Download link (right click and 'save-as') for playing in VLC or other compatible player.
We have made a new
measurement of the electron's electric dipole moment (EDM) using a beam of YbF
molecules. By measuring atto-eV energy shifts in a molecule, this
experiment probes new physics at the tera-eV energy scale. According to the
standard model, this EDM is d_e=10^(-38) e.cm
– some eleven orders of magnitude below the current experimental limit.
However, most extensions to the standard model predict much larger values,
potentially accessible to measurement . Hence, the search for the
electron EDM is a search for physics beyond the standard model. I will describe
our experimental method, our current results and their implications for
particle physics. I will also outline the prospects for further major
improvement in sensitivity.


text:
After Massive Runaround, HP Sends Your Laptop Back Filled With Viruses
HP is known for its incompetent repair process, but what makes Aaron's case special is that at the end they decide to kick it up a notch. When he sends his computer in and gets it back from the repair center, HP has so ever so graciously filled it with free spyware and viruses.
Aaron writes:
The very first computer my family bought was a Compaq Presario from RadioShack many years ago. Due to my recommendation, the first laptop my dad, and my wife, bought was an HP laptop many years ago. The first desktop I bought was an HP, many years ago… etc, etc. We have each had at least one or two more HP products since then.
I have a fairly large social circle, which often turn to me for recommendations as to what kind of computer to buy. I can think of ten people just of the top of my head who have bought HP products because that is what I recommended to them.
I have had a few problems in the past (like a hard drive breaking or DVD-Rom drive not working) and have never had any significant problems with the service on my problems. This in part is why I have recommended this company. They have great value and up until now have always had great service resolutions for me.
My product:
I am a computer geek, love electronics, and am working on a career that relies on computers. This past fall I decided to buy my very first laptop. I have never actually spent the money for a laptop. I have had many powerful desktops, an HP ipaq, and some pretty amazing phones – but no laptop. I wanted to buy a high-end device that would last for awhile and fulfill some of the requirements I needed for my business. After comparing different models from Lenovo, Sony and HP I decided on the HP EliteBook 2730P; it is a small, powerful, tablet-pc.
My issue:
On October 3rd I gave HP $2,036.94 for the brand new 2730P. A week later (October 10th) I got an email stating my product was delayed and would not meet the original delivery date. It arrived nearly a week later on October 16th.
I played with it for a month or so until I was vacationing at my relatives for Thanksgiving (end of November.) While I was there my computer's screen had froze one day, and after manually power cycling it, it would not turn back on. It tried to power on, but would flash some kind of blue screen (The BSOD!) and then just cycle over and over. I put it away for the duration of my visit and planned on fixing it later when I was home.
I am in sales so November and December are a busy time for me. I never got around to trying to fix my computer until December 19th. It was on this day I found out the problem was more serious than I had hoped. I ran the computer's built in diagnostics and it failed the Boot Test. I called HP technical support and went through the process of waiting, and trying basic steps to fix my problem. The Tech support agent determined that it indeed was my hard disk drive that had failed and that I would need a new one. I was given the option of sending in my computer to be fixed, or having a new hard disk drive mailed to me. Since I am rather computer savvy I chose to perform the operation myself.
My problem:
The agent told me that my part was backordered and could easily take a week or so to get to me. A couple weeks and all of the holidays go by and I still do not have my new hard drive. On January 9th I get an email saying that the shipment date of my part would be January 16th. Of course I did not get the part so finally on January 30th I call tech support again and inquire about my replacement part. I am told that it is still back ordered and that my case (3604305572) was being escalated and I was even assigned a customer relations case manager (Nancy van de Wall.)
Nancy must have done a great job because she managed to have a part shipped directly from the manufacturer to me. It arrived February 2nd (51 days after the original request.) But to my sadness it was the wrong part. They shipped me a physically larger hard drive, attached to part of a case with a USB port on the part of the case.
I called Nancy back and left a voicemail but she never got back with me.
An agent called me a few days later on February 5th asking about my part, if it worked, and offering instructions on sending the old part back. I told her it was the wrong part and she quickly transferred me back to tech support and they ordered the right part.
The next day (February 6th) I again got an email telling me the part was backordered and would ship on February 14th. I called back and told them it was not acceptable so they again escalated my case and ended up getting my part to me on February 10th.
It gets worse:
I install my new hard drive and attempt to install the operating system but my computer will not read my external DVD-Rom drive (I know this drive works with my system because I previously used it to clean install Windows Vista, since my computer incorrectly came with the XP downgrade pre-installed.) My computer would not recognize an external device, no matter what BIOS and start-up settings I changed. I then tried booting from a USB stick, SD card, and even tried a friend's external DVD-Rom drive. Nothing would work.
I call HP tech support again, and go through the diagnostic process. The agent determined that there are more issues with my computer than just the hard drive, and told me that my only option would be to send it in for them to fix. I did not want to do this at this point (after reading other stories on the comsumerist.com about HP keeping products for even months to fix) so I waited until Monday to talk again to a customer relations agent.
The agent insisted that I had to send it in, and that they could not just replace it since they had not repaired it three times prior yet. So they overnight me a box, I overnight it back, they take two days with it and overnight it back to me on February 27th.
Here is where I lose all respect for HP:
After using my newly working computer for ten minutes or so I find that I am getting a lot of Windows permission popups asking for weird-named programs to run, and then getting odd pop-up ads on sites like google, and yahoo, and others who would never have popup ads. My first instinct is to install Spy-Bot Search & Destroy. It finds 5 problems; Trojans and spyware. It was unable to remove all of the issues so I downloaded and installed AVG Anti-virus. It found even more Trojans and attempted to remove them but was not able to. HP sent me a computer back filled with malicious programs!
This brings me back in a circle to where I was previously, (see above topic: "It gets worse.") I again cannot reimage and re-install an OS. I boot back into windows safe mode and proceed to reinstall Windows from there, but after copying the files to the hard drive, and restarting itself I am left looking at:
A disk read error occurred
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart
_ (blinking underscore)
This is where I am at now; 72 days later with no way to start my computer or read from an external device (I cannot even run a live Linux cd to at least get a little usage out of my machine.)
What I want: I want HP to send me a brand new computer, and an apology. And I am hoping that the attention that the consumerist.com garners will allow me to have this.
Completely disappointed,
-Aaron N
Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.


text:
A BIG Ouch!
July 27, 2007
Tonight's Lineup
Bourn, cf; Victorino, rf; Rollins, ss; Howard, 1b; Burrell, lf; Dobbs, 3b; Ruiz, c; Nunez, 2b; Moyer, p.
A Big Ouch!
Seeing Chase Utley get hit by that pitch yesterday sent my tummy tumbling. Then, after he scored a run, he high-fived his teammates in the dugout with his left hand. Not a good sign. Being as touch as nails, he finished the game.
There's an x-ray room in the athletic trainer's area of the clubhouse. No more transporting an injured player to a hospital for x-rays as was the case when we were at the Vet.
The results turned fear into reality, a broken hand.
A definite potential MVP candidate this season, Chase will be missed. The surgery this a.m. was 20 minutes in length. Recovery time is up to four weeks.
Pat Gillick said in spring training he thought this team had character and that character would help carry the club through the tough times. There are always tough times in a 162-game schedule. Other key injuries have happened and this club has remained in the hunt.
Chase echoed Pat's feelings yesterday when he said, "This team has a lot of character."
Charlie Manuel has kept the team afloat when all the wheels could have come off. The team hasn't quit and it won't.
Afternoon Activity
Phillies are usually on the field to begin stretching at 4. Today, there was activity on the field starting an hour earlier.
Abraham Nunez took ground balls at second base for 15 minutes . . . Davey Lopes worked with Michael Bourn on base-running, getting leads off second base . . . Pat Burrell, Wes Helms, Greg Dobbs, Carlos Ruiz were all taking extra batting practice under the watchful eyes of Charlie Manuel and Milt Thompson.
Roster moves included activating Brett Myers, optioning Michael Zagurski to AAA, purchasing 2B Joe Thurston from Ottawa and putting Utley on the DL.
2 Comments
Picking up Iguchi as a short term fix might work…but shows a lack of support for Nunez. I would have looked to the Cubs and made an offer for Theriot..an all around excellent fielder and .300 hitter with speed. A month or so ago when the Cubs were having problems at the catching position they could have probably gotten Theriot for Coste.
As a fan, you love to make outlandish deals as if players were game pieces. These are people with families; the contracts involved have to be gone over with a fine-toothed comb; the player's union gets involved and team organizations have to meet their business needs.
Like any business, they are trying to work within a budget and get the most value for their dollar. They hope to not obtain damaged goods and they don't want other team's problems. Fans seem to think it's just picking up the phone and saying, "Roy Oswalt for A.J. Happ" or "Burrell for Johan Santana". That only works in fantasy baseball or computer games. If I was a player, living with my family in Philly, I'm certainly going to discuss the trade/relocation options with my family first. I want to stay in my comfort zone. Loyalty exists only as far as a dollar takes it. Why should I disrupt my life so the team can get a closer, or a starter, or whatever?