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Graduate Council Meeting
September 13, 2012
The meeting was called to order at 2:05 p.m.
Voting members and alternates present were: J. Allen, G. Alter, C. Brun, A. Chamberlain, R. Grandhi, B. Gray, M. Gruys, B. Hull, M. Kadakia, M. McNutt, M. Miller, B. Milligan, W. Mosier, B. Rigling, R. Ramsey, M. Schultz, E. Self, T. Tarpey and J. Warfield.
Non-voting members, alternates and other attendees were: B. Ayres, M. Brainerd, C. Cherrington,S. Foster, E. Gilles (scribe), A. Goshtasby, J. Greening, L. Hofmeyer, L. Hong, A. Hsu (chair), L. James, J. Keferl, D. Krane, T. Longley-Cook, C. Loranger, M. Mamrack, D. Steele-Johnson, and R. Williams.
II. Approval of Minutes
It was moved and seconded that the minutes of the May 17, 2012 meeting be approved as written. Motion carried unanimously.
III. Report of the Dean (A. Hsu)
a. Graduate Council Scholars – Four of the eight continuing and new Graduate Council Scholars were introduced to the Council: Amanda Haag, Sanjay Wijertne, Kelsey Danner, and Elizabeth Sancomb. Dr. Hsu thanked the Graduate Council and particularly the Student Affairs Committee for their help in selecting these outstanding students.
b. Enrollment Management – PowerPoint presentation. The 14th day data was not available at the time of the meeting today, but the Graduate School is expecting the enrollment to be down from last year. The Graduate School has been diligently working to address this issue. Dr. Hsu developed an equation to help explain enrollment: Enrollment = (Pre.Yr.Enrollment – Graduation) * Retention% + Admission * Yield%
The previous year enrollment number is affected by graduation and attrition. In a typical year, 1200 students graduate. A "big year" might see as many as 1300-1400 graduates. Last year, over 1500 students graduated ahead of the conversion to semesters. Every year, students are lost to attrition. In a survey conducted by the Council of Graduate Schools, WSU students cited poor advising and financial constraints as reasons for leaving. To reduce attrition, the Graduate School launched a new initiative to help retain students who are struggling financially by offering graduate retention scholarships. The Graduate School relies on the programs to provide advising; plans are underway to offer an advising workshop.
Attempts were made to replenish the pipeline of students through increased marketing efforts. The Graduate School saw a record number of applications (15-18% increase). Some of the applications were rejected; some admitted students decided not to come. The final result is the current year enrollment. The estimated increase in new students is 10%. The estimated decrease in continuing students (due to record # of graduates) is -15.5%. (Day 14 data released while Graduate Council was in session shows 21.4% increase for new graduate students on the Dayton campus and 13.8% decrease in continuing students, resulting in a 8.3% decrease in total enrollment). Overall, the admission numbers are lower than expected based on the number of applications. The number of admissions should increase proportionally with the number of applications, but some colleges had reduced admissions even though more students applied. A couple of ways programs can help improve yield is by processing applications quicker and by contacting new admits that haven't enrolled yet. Discussion: Concerns regarding the lack of university plans for more faculty and for more financial support were expressed as challenges.
c. Marketing – The Graduate School has been consulting with a marketing firm who is evaluating the effectiveness of the Grad School's current marketing efforts. A presentation is planned for a future Grad Council meeting.
d. Tuition Fee Remission Policy – An ad-hoc committee of the Research Council redrafted the policy. The draft has been distributed to the colleges/schools for input. Continued discussions expected.
IV. Report of the Assistant Dean (R. Ayres)
a. Announcements – The Graduate Open House will be Monday, October 8, 5:00-7:00 p.m., and the next Graduate Program Directors Workshop is scheduled for Friday, November 2, 12:00-2:30 p.m.
b. Online graduate education project with Academic Partnerships – Last year, Provost Angle offered the opportunity to all of the colleges to work with Academic Partnerships to develop a completely online program. CEHS volunteered. Two of their M.Ed programs and two of their Ed Specialists programs that had suffered a downturn in enrollment were selected. The goal is to begin offering the programs in Jan. 2013. Three areas of focus: curriculum development, administrative side, and marketing. CEHS had a jumpstart on these – they have been offering a portion of the program online already so the curriculum was already in place. Academic Partnerships will handle the marketing and support services for the students. The biggest hurdle has been on the administrative side but once in place, future programs should have an easier time.
V. Committee Reports
a. Policies Committee (G. Alter)
The Policies Committee met on Sept. 7 and considered a number of items. Two items regarding transcripts and graduate faculty qualifications are still under consideration. Two other items involved section 4.50 of the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual, specifically Policy 4.51 Combined Degrees and Policy 4.52 Senior Permission. There were two separate issues: establishing a maximum number of credit hours and permitting a policy exception. The language added to the policy address the following glitches: (issue 1) some students have taken advantage of both the combined degree policy and the senior permission policy and have applied to Graduate School with 24 credits completed as an undergrad; (issue 1) transfer students can transfer up to 50% of previous credits (15 semester hours) but WSU students in the combined degree programs can currently only double-count 12 semester hours; and (issue 2) an exception needed for second-degree students in the BEACON program (and other similar programs) to be able to take graduate courses as undergraduates. On behalf of the Policies Committee, G. Alter moved to approve the additions to policy 4.53 (underlined): Non-degree undergraduate students are not permitted to register for graduate courses. Undergraduate students already possessing a bachelor's degree are eligible to apply as non-degree graduate students and are not permitted to register under the Graduate Course Permission policy (section 4.52), unless they are enrolled as part of a program that has received waiver permission to this rule from the Graduate School and the credits being taken are being applied towards a second undergraduate degree. (addresses BEACON issue) Students participating in combined-degree programs may also take graduate hours for graduate credit using the Graduate Course Permission Form (section 4.52), but only up to a total of 15 graduate credit hours, taken as an undergraduate, may be applied to the graduate degree.(matches policy for transfer students) Except as arranged within specific approved combined-degree programs, no undergraduate student will be allowed to double-count more than 12 semester credit hours towards both degrees, and the total of double-counted hours and Graduate Course Permission hours applied to the graduate degree should not exceed 15.(addresses issue of having majority of graduate credits by time of u-grad graduation). Discussion: None. A. Hsu called for a vote. All in favor. Motion carried.
b. Membership Committee (B. Gray)
Since the last Graduate Council meeting, the Graduate School Dean approved 4 regular graduate faculty memberships and 16 adjunct memberships. The Membership Committee approved 2 adjunct memberships and 1 regular membership. Based on one of the reviews involving a nominee who is not in the tenure track line but is qualified to have regular membership, the Membership Committee is drafting some policy language to be considered by the Policies Committee.
c. Curriculum Committee A (R. Grandhi)
No Report.
d. Curriculum Committee B (S. Franco)
No Report.
e. Student Affairs Committee (C. Brun)
The Student Affairs Committee met on Sept. 11, 2012, and had two items of business:
1. Graduate Council Scholars – The committee reviewed its recommendation that the Graduate Council Scholar Awards be given as one year awards to 8 students as reported at the May 17, 2012 Graduate Council. Four one-year awards will be given for 2013-2014 and eight one-year awards for 2014-2015. There will be two calls for nominations like past years.
2. Minority Fellowship Awards – The committee has been given the charge to review candidates for the Wright Fellowship program aimed at attracting high quality underrepresented minority graduate students to WSU. Since there are funds available for 2012-2013, the Graduate School will begin a nomination process for 8 scholarships for Spring 2013. The call for nominations will be made soon. The committee is still defining "underrepresented minority" and may permit colleges to define a minority specific to their programs. Only graduate students who began Fall 2012 or will begin Spring 2013 will be eligible for the Spring 2013 awards. A separate nomination process will take place later in the academic year for 2013-2014. Up to 4 awards will be given to graduate students who begin Fall 2013.
VI. Graduate Student Assembly (GSA)
James Greening introduced himself as this year's president of the Graduate Student Assembly and Lindsey Hofmeyer as treasurer. The GSA is extremely appreciative of the Graduate Council's support. Last year, the GSA was able to offer a total of $10,000 to deserving graduate students to assist them in their travels for research related activities. These students were representing WSU around the world! This year, the GSA has begun Graduate Innovation2 with the dual goals of doubling their membership (currently have 70 members) and of doubling the money to offer for grants to $20,000. Dr. Hsu thanked the GSA for their great efforts.
VII. Old Business – None
VIII. New Business – None
IX. Discussion - None
X. The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.


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Odin Sphere has cute bunny shopkeepers and a pretty talking bluebird. It also has war, death and vengeance.
Odin Sphere has cute bunny shopkeepers and a pretty talking bluebird. It also has war, death, vengeance and a protagonist who hopes her death will finally win her the love of her father.
As Vanillaware's action/role playing game begins, a cute, big-eyed young woman lies dying on the field of battle. She hands her weapon to her pretty, armored sister Gwendolyn, saying in a childlike voice, "This spear has slain many foes, making a mountain of corpses."
This mix of cute, childlike characters and angst is not uncommon in Japanese games aimed at older children as well as adults, but I find it odd. It is like watching a first-grade class perform "Hamlet."
Gwendolyn, a Valkyrie warrior and daughter of the Demon Lord Odin, heads back to the battlefield to avenge her sister, protect the kingdom and, according to the bluebird that is a manifestation of her tortured thoughts, perhaps finally see some sign that her father loves her.
Odin Sphere is an old fashioned, two-dimensional side scrolling game. Battlefields are circular; if you keep running in one direction you will wind up where you started, so you can run away from a monster and come up behind it, although it is easier to just jump over enemies to attack their rear. A small silhouetted version of the battlefield lets you see the location of off-screen enemies.
Fighting is entertaining, although there's not a lot to it. You hit the square button a bunch of times to slash or jump in the air and hit the square once to dive-bomb your opponent. Vanquished foes release something called phozons that Gwendolyn can absorb to power magical attacks. Phozons can also be used to grow fruit-bearing plants with healing properties.
Enemies range from soldiers to zombies to living fireballs, with the occasional more powerful foe like an evil queen, whose deadly attacks require more tactical considerations.
All this fighting takes place in pretty environments, with idyllic forests and snowy wildernesses. Character design is quite fanciful; the Demon Lord is a stooped old man, four times the size of his daughter, who shakes the ground as he walks. The billowing of the evil queen's skirt is beautiful and mesmerizing. Gwendolyn wears something that looks like furry blue ear muffs; I never could figure out what it was supposed to be.
The elaborate graphics cause trouble when too many things are onscreen at once; some battles are so overpopulated with monsters that the game runs in slow motion; it's like trying to fight underwater.
Supporting the simple combat mechanic are basic role-playing concepts. Each battle makes you stronger, and ingredients like eggs and milk can be cooked into dishes that make you stronger still. Inexplicably, some meals can be prepared only in a restaurant and others in a cafe, which means you have to deal with the game's long load times to go into one establishment and then the other.
There are four other characters you play besides Gwendolyn, each traversing the same areas and filling in more of the story, but I can't tell you about them because I could not get past Gwendolyn's final battle with the evil queen. Time after time I died before doing even a tenth of the necessary damage.
Determined, I revisited past areas to collect items for the diners and re-fight vanquished foes, making Gwendolyn stronger. I spent about six hours doing this, and when I finally returned to that big battle, I managed to last 20 minutes, and knocked down the queen's health by a third before losing. I guess I would have to sink another 10 hours into building up my strength before I would have a shot.
Succeeding would mean starting over with a new character and probably having the same problem somewhere along the line, so I admitted defeat.
I do not play a lot of 2-D fighting games; people who do have reported completing Odin Sphere in 40 hours, even though I spent more than 30 just to get close to the end of the first part. I imagine a 17-year-old with great eye-hand coordination could sit down and kill that evil queen in about five minutes.
All the same, I can't help resenting the designers. If someone decides to play a game on easy mode, they do so because they do not have the skills to play at a higher level, so suddenly introducing an enemy about 10 times tougher than anything seen previously is absurd.
While Odin Sphere's developers ignore the fact that not everyone is good at games, Metia Interactive, the designers of the puzzle game Cube, ignore the fact that not everyone is bad at them.
Cube, which involves rolling a cube along elaborate paths and platforms, starts the player off with incredibly easy puzzles. There are pathways made up of attached blocks, and you can roll your cube along any side of these paths, circumventing obstacles as you work you way toward a goal.
There are three easy sections, each containing 15 puzzles, and you have to play two sections before you can play any of the medium-difficulty puzzles. Unfortunately, the easy puzzles wouldn't challenge a bright 8-year old.
After I slogged through 30 easy puzzles, the game finally let me move on to the intermediate level, a vast improvement. Puzzles were more intricate, involving redirecting rolling bombs to ram into obstacles, activating elevators and flipping around platforms. These elements were also in the easy puzzles, but it was not until the medium level that they required any ingenuity. Each area must be explored thoroughly to find triggers and buttons, and at times you will have to carefully rearrange moveable blocks to fill in gaps or clone your cube to bridge a space.
Even when the puzzles were fun and clever, I never got that excited about Cube. Part of this was the bad first impression of the game with its easy levels (I was even more infuriated when, after playing 15 medium puzzles, I discovered that the game would not let me play the other two medium sections until I finished the remaining easy section).
But much of the problem is the game's antiseptic feel. Everything is just so geometrical; squares rolling along squares in front of a grid background. Cube reminds me of a New Yorker cartoon in which a man in a square office full of square furnishings asks his secretary to bring in something round.
I prefer puzzle games in which you make cute, wacky creatures pull levers and jump on giant springs. Odin Sphere made a game about death and sorrow pretty and cute, but the peaceful Cube feels lifeless.
Perhaps the cube just needs a pair of furry blue ear muffs.

subset: commoncrawl


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Justin Timberlake may look smooth and suave while performing on stage, but he told Out magazine he isn't super human – he too perspires.
"Actually, I'm a sweater," he told the mag after a question about how he dances so hard and stays so dry. "That's the beauty of [a] camera. HD has kind of done a number on that, but I always thought the sign of a good performer was that they were working really hard and didn't look like it."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hollywood's Hottest Couples!
While on stage, Justin is in a league of his own, off stage and in the fashion world, the star takes inspiration from a host of well-dressed men.
"Early Elvis — not the Elvis of onesies, but with the pomaded hair and big collar, the rockabilly stuff," Justin said about his style influences. "Also, Sinatra. Johnny Cash."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Justin Timberlake: From The Stage To The Red Carpet!
But Justin revealed he also takes influences from his own family.
"My stepfather was one of my style icons growing up. He was a banker and I used to love to watch the routine he would go through," Justin said. "He would lay out his suit and the power tie he wanted to wear the night before. I used to watch him tie his own ties in the morning before going to school. When you go through the ritual of buttoning a collar, tying a tie, spraying on a scent, and picking out the right socks — you walk out a little more confident."
Justin said an important part of pulling off a look is having the kind of confidence to wear an outfit proudly.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Justin, Jessica, Demi & More At The Cartier 100th Anniversary In America Celebration
"I think at the end of the day style comes from swagger more than anything," he said. "I don't think you should walk out of the house saying, 'I am going to try to pull this off.' You have to feel completely comfortable in it before you step out the door."
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Trailer: Justin Timberlake's 'The Open Road'
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MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Justin Timberlake - Music - Style - Rock - Movies


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LONDON (Reuters) - The lawyer for the family of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko, who was murdered in London in 2006, accused Britain and Russia on Tuesday of colluding to try to shut down an inquiry into his death for the sake of lucrative trade deals.
Litvinenko, who had been granted British citizenship and had become a vocal critic of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, died after someone slipped polonium-210, a rare radioactive isotope, into his cup of tea at a plush London hotel.
At a pre-inquest hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, lawyers for Litvinenko's widow said Britain was now trying to keep secret details of his work for its MI6 intelligence service, and material which showed Russia was behind his death.
"It is crucial, absolutely crucial, that the outcome of this hearing is to scotch, once and for all, any possible suggestion that it is because (Prime Minister) David Cameron is interested in promoting trade with Russia that he is trying to close down the truth about this inquest," said Marina Litvinenko's lawyer, Ben Emmerson.
Police and prosecutors say there is enough evidence to charge two former KGB agents, Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitry Kovtun, with murder, while Litvinenko put his name to a deathbed statement accusing Putin of ordering his death to silence him, a claim dismissed by the Kremlin as nonsense.
Russia refused to extradite Lugovoy, who denies any involvement in the killing, and ties between Britain and Russia fell to a post-Cold War low in the immediate aftermath.
However, Cameron has sought to improve relations and strengthen business links since he came to power in 2010.
He secured 215 million pounds worth of business deals during a flying 24-hour visit to Russia in September, 2011. Britain has been the fifth-largest investor in the Russian economy since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union, according to Russian statistics.
At Tuesday's hearing, lawyers for British Foreign Secretary William Hague argued sensitive information held by the government about Litvinenko should be subject to a public interest immunity (PII) certificate, preventing it from being publicly revealed.
"The disclosure of material would pose a real risk of serious harm to public interest," said lawyer Neil Sheldon. Hague, he said, had considered all other options but had concluded nothing short of a PII certificate would be sufficient.
At a hearing in December, a lawyer acting on behalf of the inquest indicated Britain held information which established "a prima facie case as to the culpability of the Russian state".
Emmerson said withholding such material would defeat the whole purpose of the inquest, which is held under British law when a person dies unexpectedly to determine the cause of death.
"He (Hague) is approaching his coverup responsibilities, and that is what they are, with alacrity and enthusiasm," said Emmerson. "We can't allow Her Majesty's Government, by misusing the PII system, to force this inquest to dance to the Russian tarantella."
He mocked the government's "neither confirm nor deny" policy on whether Litvinenko, 43, was a paid MI6 agent, saying his legal team had evidence he was.
He said if the coroner, High Court judge Robert Owen, granted the PII request, he could potentially be shown secret evidence which conclusively showed the Kremlin was complicit in murder, but would then have to issue a public judgment which exonerated Russia of any involvement.
"This has all the hallmarks of a situation which is shaping up to become a stain on British justice," said Emmerson.
Owen, who earlier said the long-delayed full inquest was now unlikely to start on May 1 as planned, said he would give his ruling on the PII certificates on Wednesday morning.
Hague said on his Twitter page on Tuesday that he would be meeting Russia's Foreign and Defence Ministers London on March 13 to discuss foreign policy and "bilateral issues".
Editing by Louise Ireland


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The Cash & Rocket (RED) Tour
EVENT DATE: Jun 24, 2012
We're still seeing (RED)! For 4 days, 70 women travelled across Europe, raising money to help (RED) deliver an AIDS FREE generation by 2015. The Tour has ended but our mission is far from over. You can still help by joining in - sponsor the whole team or pick your favorite driver. Check out our photos from the road!
Driving 35 red cars, these 70 women participated in the inaugural Cash and Rocket (RED) Tour - from the excitement of central London, to the beauty of Place Vendome in Paris, through the cobbled piazzas of Milan ending on the coast of Monte Carlo. Each stop held an exciting event including a reveal of the latest (BUGABOO)RED design collaboration at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme to a stop in Geneva for lunch and a polo match followed by a dinner event upon arrival at the Park Hyatt Milan and culminating with an auction in Monte Carlo.
The European road trip raised both awareness and funds to help fight AIDS. And it could not come at a more important time.
We are currently at a critical milestone in the fight against AIDS: by 2015 we can virtually eliminate the transmission of HIV from mums to their babies. Every day 1,000 babies are born with HIV. By 2015, that number can be near zero. It's an incredible possibility – one that could help see the beginning of the end of AIDS. And when you set that against the backdrop of the AIDS pandemic – 30 million deaths in 30 years – the opportunity to turn the tide on this disease is a possibility we can seize.
To learn more follow (RED) on Twitter @joinRED!


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CLEVELAND (AP) — In the tight-knit neighborhood near downtown where many conversations are spoken in Spanish, it seems most everyone knew Ariel Castro.
He played bass guitar in salsa and merengue bands. He parked his school bus on the street. He gave neighborhood children rides on his motorcycle.
And when they gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember two girls who vanished years ago, Castro was there, too, comforting the mother of one of the missing, a neighbor said.
Neighbors and friends were stunned by the arrest of Castro and his two brothers after a 911 call led police to his house, where authorities say three women missing for about a decade were held captive.
A 6-year-old girl also was found in the home, and a neighbor said she was at a park a week earlier with Castro, who referred to her as his "girlfriend's daughter." Israel Lugo lives down the street from the house where the women were found Monday and said he was stunned to see one of them holding the girl, who was screaming and crying.
Castro and his brothers, ages 50 to 54, were in custody Tuesday but had not been formally charged.
Castro was friends with the father of Gina DeJesus, one of the missing women, and helped search for her after she disappeared, said Khalid Samad, a friend of the family. He also performed music at a fundraiser held in her honor, Samad said.
"When we went out to look for Gina, he helped pass out fliers," said Samad, a community activist who was at the hospital with DeJesus and her family Monday night. "You know, he was friends with the family."
Tito DeJesus, one of Gina's uncles, said he played in a few bands with Castro over the past 20 years. He remembered visiting Castro's house after his niece disappeared, but he never noticed anything out of ordinary, saying it was very sparsely furnished and filled with musical instruments.
"That's pretty much what it looked like," DeJesus said. "I had no clue, no clue whatsoever that this happened."
Castro's son, Anthony Castro, said in an interview with London's Daily Mail newspaper that he now speaks with his father just a few times a year and seldom visited his house. On his last visit two weeks ago, he said, his father would not let him inside.
"The house was always locked," he told the newspaper. "There were places we could never go. There were locks on the basement. Locks on the attic. Locks on the garage."
Juan Perez, who lives two doors down from the house, has known Castro for decades.
"He was always happy, nice, respectful," Perez said. "He gained trust with the kids and with the parents. You can only do that if you're nice."
He said Castro had an ATV and a motorcycle and would take children on rides. Nothing seemed wrong with it then, he said, adding that he now thinks that was one way Castro tried to get close to the children. He also worked until recently as a school bus driver.
Castro's personnel file with the Cleveland public school district, obtained by The Associated Press through a Freedom of Information request, shows he was hired in 1990 as a bus driver after saying on his application that he liked working with children.
The personnel file includes details on his dismissal, approved by the school board last fall after he left his bus unattended for four hours.
Police identified the other two suspects as the 52-year-old's brothers, Pedro Castro, 54, and Onil Castro, 50.
A relative of the three brothers said their family was "as blindsided as anyone else."
Juan Alicea said he hadn't been to the home of his brother-in-law Ariel Castro since the early 1990s but had eaten dinner with him at a different brother's house shortly before the arrests Monday.
Lucy Roman lives next to a house she said is shared by Pedro Castro and his mother. She said police arrested him Monday night.
"I feel sorry for her," Roman said of the mother. "She's a very nice lady."
Several residents said they saw Ariel Castro at a candlelight vigil for the missing girls.
Antony Quiros said he was at the vigil about a year ago and saw Castro comforting Gina DeJesus' mother.
One neighbor, Francisco Cruz, said he was with Castro the day investigators dug up a yard looking for the girls.
Castro told Cruz, "They're not going to find anyone there," Cruz recalled.
Castro's Facebook page identifies him as a Cleveland resident and says he attended the city's Lincoln-West High School. His interests include Virginia Beach, the Chinese crested dog breed and Cuban-born salsa singer Rey Ruiz.
On April 11, he wrote to congratulate "my Rosie Arlene" and wish her a fast recovery from giving birth to "a wonderful baby boy. That makes me Gramps for the fifth time. Luv you guys!"
Associated Press writers Mike Householder, Thomas J. Sheeran, Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Cleveland and Meghan Barr and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pa., contributed to this report.


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"Jones' frustration and talk of retirement came after seeing his batting average drop 100 points last year. He led the National League with his .364 average in 2008 but fell to .264 last season with 31 fewer hits in almost 50 more at-bats.and
He said last year he won't keep playing if he doesn't return to form this season. He's sticking with that stance this spring.
"It was a true statement," Jones said. "If I don't play this game at the level I want to play it at, then I will walk away from it.""
"Jones started strong last season, hitting .322 in April and .312 in May. His average peaked at .335 on June 9. He hit only .230 the rest of the way and drove in only 30 runs after the All-Star break."His OPS before the All-Star break was .878 while it was only .750 after (he usually does not decline like that). Even then, a .750 OPS is not terrible. The NL average excluding pitchers was .761 (from the Lee Sinins Complete Baseball Encyclopedia). His offensive winning pct (OWP) for the whole year was .603. Among the 222 players in MLB last year who had 400+ PAs, that was 56th. So he was better than 75% of the roughly full-time hitters.
And among the 183 37-year olds who ever had 400+ PAs, his .603 OWP is 57th, which puts him in the upper 1/3. So his entire 2009 season should not be seen as a disappointment. His career OWP is .697. It does not seem that strange for a 37-year old with that number to register a .603.


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How enterprises could have an active appetite for InnovationPosted by email@example.com May 25, 2014
Innovation is the life blood of any enterprise's success and growth. Embracing innovative ideas is important for any brand's sustained leadership in the market. History is testimonial to the fact; businesses which have not implemented new ideas on time have eventually been elbowed out of business by competition… and organizations which have resisted the needed change have perished without trace. While it is normal for organizations to strive for excellence, claim to be receptive to new ideas and accommodative to changes; seldom do we see them doing something real to make innovations happen.
A survey by Price Waterhouse Cooper's reveals '61% of CEOs worldwide say that innovation is a primary concern within their businesses'. A recent Bain & Company survey found that two-thirds of enterprise executives named innovation as one of their top three priorities.
We know well, an organization is a large pool of innovative ideas; people whether they are employees or customers or partners have great ideas to make a business successful. But the real challenge is how to tap this collective intelligence for common good. People have great ideas; they have the wish to participate but there isn't any platform where they will be heard & valued. People in the bottom rungs of the organization often don't have access to the top management. But does that necessarily mean they couldn't have 'life changing' ideas?
Let's accept, managing Innovation is tricky. It needs a lot of deliberate efforts to build an active appetite for innovation. How to build the right strategy for innovation? Could Innovation be managed & fostered? Here are some great ways an enterprise could make INNOVATION happen!
Don't hesitate to be repetitive
A professor of Physics in a University used to repeat the same question in every exam he gave to the students. 'Same question in every exam? Why would you do this?' asked his fellows in academics. 'You could always ask different questions?'
The professor replied earnestly 'the question no doubt is the same but as far as I get different answers I am OK. I get new versions of the answer every time because the students are evolving with every class & exam. In that sense I actually get new ways to solve the same problem every time'.
Innovation is highly iterative. It's not linear… it happens in cycles. Innovation is a journey. In this journey you often experience 'déjà vu'…and sometimes frustrations too. It's a continuous process. If you have developed a great 'mobile app' today… chances are the competition comes out with an even better one next week. Mind you! It's a journey chasing excellence. There is no destination.
'firstname.lastname@example.com' is not enough for innovation to happen.
Many enterprises have email IDs such as email@example.com where people are expected to share their ideas for some great innovation. But…hardly anyone actually shares anything. Eventually the ID becomes a junk box/ a black hole which no one even bothers to check. Such initiatives only increase the chaos. 'Digital suggestion box' is not the right way to foster innovation. Innovation doesn't happen that way. Innovation needs a mature platform.
Provide people with a platform to ideate… They all can't be in the boardroom
Study by 'Idea Champions' reveals- only 3 percent of the people come up with their best ideas at work. The other 97 percent said their best ideas come to them while they are in the shower, on vacation, taking walks, enjoying a glass of wine, or just doing nothing.
Often we too have our 'eureka' moments in the cafeteria or while attending a boring conference call J but all we could do is park the idea to be discussed in the next office meeting. No wonder ideas die before they are incepted.
Having an Enterprise Social Network (ESN) doesn't guarantee innovation
Innovation doesn't happen by chance. Ideation should be an active, repeatable & quantifiable business process within the organization. ESN could be a great way to enable collecting ideas. Ideas could be crowdsourced from customers, employees, partners etc in the internal & external communities of the enterprise. While this is important for innovation; even more is how these ideas are driven from concept to reality. Most of the ideas which emerge as great ones do not get materialized because there isn't a mechanism in place to incubate and implement them.
Enterprise Innovation Management (EIM) could make an enterprise thrive on innovations
A true collaborative enterprise should have a platform to make innovations happen. There has to be system which should actively capture, share & evaluate ideas. Ideas should go through a 'graduation' process where they are evaluated on various parameters by people from different groups. It's a process to separate wheat from chaff. It's a process to separate real signals from noise.
People need collaboration and mobility tools to work anywhere, any time. Ideation could be workflowed into the daily works of the employees. In most of the enterprises Innovation is still a siloed, separate activity.
Implementation of the qualified ideas is key to successful innovation
Once the idea graduates; there has to be the further necessary actions like budgeting, funding, Go to Market, Product Management initiatives, RoI calculations, customer communications, Trials/ POCs etc. Many people are required to bring ideas into action. This could be done assigning people with necessary 'tasks & projects' in a time bound manner. Collecting ideas is important but even more important is what we do of the ideas we collect.
Ensure participation & engagement of all stakeholders
Methods for engagement like gamification could help in motivating employees to participate in the ideation process. It's a way to instill 'high value' behaviors in people. As per McKinsey 50% of highly profitable companies have 50% more engaged employees versus unprofitable companies. What drives profit? Excellence & Innovation at work right? Gamification exactly helps in doing that.
Measure. Think. Repeat
Idea Analytics could help in monitoring how the process of ideation is fairing. How people are participating & sharing. Reports/ dashboards/ data visualizations help to keep a tab on the entire Innovation management process right from inception to implementation.
Keep ideas safe so they are not stolen away
Proper Access & Identity Management could help to ensure only the right people see the details of the ideas and all discussions around them. Be pragmatic. You never know, some disgruntled employees might take your nice ideas to the competition before you implement them. Be ware.
Remember no idea is bad… only that its time hasn't come.
If an idea cannot be implemented immediately; it always remains in the repository to be evaluated later. No idea is bad. Every idea has it's time. Sometimes a great idea comes out of nowhere and jumps into your lap. You never recognize it at first as a great idea, then suddenly it hits you "it's a GREAT IDEA" you just never noticed it before.
EIM (Enterprise Innovation Management) is a platform to manage ideas and make innovation happen. It helps to check that ideas don't slip through the cracks.
A successful enterprise would always find ways to manage ideas properly. It would strive to harness and not hamper innovation.
Unsuccessful enterprises have many options...of which one could be to remain content with an email ID like:
we_need_some_great_ideas_now!_Hurry! send_them email@example.com
What would you be like?


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With December here, I have given my Flutter By Team the whole month off from creating for FBW and also from commenting~unless they want to. This time is so busy so I want the focus to be on other things so I hope you'll understand if you don't receive comments and if there aren't many Flutter By Team creations!
Each challenge for December is easy peasy~ Any Winged Creature!! I'd love to see what you can create for this!!
Here's some inspiration for you~
The nitty gritty details~
- Challenge this week is Any Winged Creature!
- Once you've created your NEW creation, please leave a direct link in the InLinkz below.
- I reserve the right to remove any links not linked properly or that I deem inappropriate!
- Enter your link before midnight (PST) next Tuesday, December 10th, 2013.
- Have fun!


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OSHPD Awards $170,000 to School of Nursing at CSULBPublished: April 15, 2010
The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) has awarded $170,000 to the School of Nursing at CSULB to support family nurse practitioner training and preparation for primary care careers.
CSULB received the largest of the 15 awards that were given to universities throughout the state. Awarded through the OSHPD's Song-Brown Program, the grants totaled more than $1.7 million and are meant to assist the growing demand for health care practitioners throughout California.
"Each of these programs has shown ongoing commitments in training and preparing healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide culturally competent healthcare that meets the needs of California's underserved populations," said OSHPD Director David Carlisle, M.D.
At CSULB, the funds will be used in a variety of ways, including hiring a nursing faculty member to help find clinical placements for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) in underserved areas, according to Loucine Huckabay, director of the School of Nursing. The money will also enable FNP students to take three medical Spanish language courses, which will help them take health histories and interview patients and family members who speak only Spanish.
"The experience our family nurse practitioner students gain through these clinical placements is invaluable, and the Spanish language courses are essential for the work they will eventually being doing," said Huckabay, who wrote the Song-Brown grant proposal and defended it in Sacramento in front of the OSHPD Commission in October. "This money will help our campus produce very competent family nurse practitioner graduates who will be able to work in underrepresented minority areas, caring for underrepresented minority patients and their families."
The Song-Brown program was established by the Song-Brown Act of 1973 to increase the number of family practice physicians and physician assistants being trained in the state to provide needed medical services to Californians. OSHPD works in conjunction with the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission to award Song-Brown program funding.
Family nurse practitioners were added to the Song-Brown program in 1978, and in 2005, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger expanded the program to include registered nurses. Song-Brown funds come from a health facilities fee that goes into a special OSHPD-administered California Health and Data Fund.
–Rick Gloady


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The IP address 192.168.01 is another private IP address widely used by router manufacturers as a default IP for their routers. Of course, the popularity of this IP is also attributable to the manufacturers, Netgear and D-Link, who are certainly the two most popular brands. Since we have mentioned that the IP 192.168.0.1 is both a private and a default IP address in the next few lines we are going to give some more details about it.
Why this IP is called "private"? Simply, there are a few IP ranges named "private" and 192.168.0.1 is in one of these ranges. 192.168.0.1 belongs to the range of private IPs from 192.168.0.0 up to 192.168.255.255. All these IPs can't be accessed from the Internet (Network Address Translation (NAT) is required for Internet communication). The private IPs can be used in a network, and it is good to know that only one device can have this IP 192.168.0.1. If two devices happen to have the same IP a, so-called, "IP conflict" can occur, which can cause one of the units, or both, to become unusable inside that particular network. However, this IP can be freely used in two different networks and even more. https://www.192-168-01.com/
So what exactly is a default IP? Well, we can simply say that it is an IP address used by router manufacturers, which help the end user gain access to the router configuration and edit all the settings that have to be set up, such as network security, etc. At the same time, this is the first place you go if you experience any networking problems. All manufacturers use one default username and password for their routers, so it is recommended to change the password once you set up your network.
Once you login to the configuration settings area you can greatly improve the security of your network. For example, you can change your default password, turn on or off WPA/WEP security, change your SSID or completely hide it. It is important to change these settings and apply the changes if you want to stay away from potential hacker attacks.
If you already know that your default IP is 192.168.0.1, simply type this IP in the address bar of your browser. It is not necessary to type www or http:// in front of it. However, make sure not to type 192.168.01 because IP addresses are made of numbers, not numbers and letters. You will be asked to enter your username and password (see the table below for default usernames and passwords)
*NOTE: If these usernames and passwords don't work you can check your user manual.
Unfortunately, there are some cases when the default username and password won't work. This can happen due to many reasons:
- Someone has changed it
- You have changed it and forgotten it
- You have purchased a second-hand router and know nothing about it
- You are typing 192.168.01 which is not a valid IP address.
Luckily, you can still access your configuration settings. Resetting your router to its factory settings is the most common options because in this way the default usernames and passwords you have seen in the table above will definitely work. Before we continue we have to inform you that if you decide to reset your router all the previous settings will be deleted, so continue with care. To reset the router, you can consult your user manual and follow the steps. A paper clip or a pen will be very helpful here. Once you complete this operation, your router will be set to the default factory settings. This means that the default username and password will work. Just once more we have to remind you not to use 192.168.01. You would be surprised how much trouble a simple typing mistake can make.


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Federal judge questions government drone program
- %27The most important part of the United States is that it is a nation of laws%2C%27 judge says
- Civil rights advocates challenging killings of three Americans
- Judge did not rule on government request to dismiss lawsuit
WASHINGTON — A federal judge expressed deep reservations Friday about the authority of the government to carry out targeted killings of Americans in counterterrorism drone strikes abroad and appeared to reject a Justice Department argument that the courts had no role in one of the most controversial parts of the nation's security strategy.
U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer did not immediately rule on a government request to dismiss legal challenges to the killings of three Americans, including al-Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki and his 16-year-old son, brought by civil rights advocates and Anwar's father, Nasser al-Awlaki. But she strongly questioned the government's assertion that the courts were "not in a position to second-guess'' security officials when faced with an imminent threat.
"Your argument is that the court has no role in this — none, none none,'' U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer told Brian Hauk, deputy assistant attorney general of the Justice Department's Civil Division. "I find that a little disconcerting. The scope of your argument concerns me. It gobbles up all the air in the room. ... The most important part of the United States is that it is a nation of laws.''
The advocates, representing the ACLU, the Center for Constitutional Rights and Anwar's father, allege that the killings of al-Awlaki, Abdulrahman al-Awlaki and Samir Khan, the force behind the influential jihadist magazine known as Inspire, violated U.S. law.
"The killings were part of a broader program of 'targeted killing' by the United States outside the context of the armed conflict and based on vague legal standards, a closed executive process and evidence never presented to the courts,'' the groups said.
Earlier this year, Attorney General Eric Holder acknowledged that four Americans had been killed in counterterrorism drone strikes since 2009, including the al-Awlakis and Khan.
Holder said then that only one of the four, Anwar al-Awlaki — the operational leader of al-Qaeda's affiliate in the Arabian Peninsula — was specifically targeted in the drone operations against al-Qaeda. Khan was killed with Anwar al-Awlaki on Sept. 30, 2011, and al-Awlaki's son was killed in a separate drone strike two weeks later. Hauk said the deaths of Khan and the younger al-Awlaki occurred as the government targeted other operatives.
Hauk echoed the administration's earlier justification for lethal force against U.S. citizens, saying the action is lawful when such targets are considered senior al-Qaeda operatives in foreign countries who pose an "imminent threat of violent attack'' against the U.S. and whose capture is not feasible.
"This is not the thing that arises again and again,'' Hauk said, arguing that the government's drone operations against Americans have been limited. "This is extraordinary.''
But Collyer said she also was troubled that there were few checks outside of the government's executive branch and Congress when decisions on targeting are made.
"The executive (branch) is not an effective check on the executive with respect to a person's constitutional rights,'' the judge said. "You cannot ask the executive to check himself.
"Your argument has no end to it,'' she said.


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Apple has a funny way of doing math.
Former CEO Steve Jobs had no problem with Android controlling the smartphone market for example.
He said by over-saturating the market by Google putting its operating system on too many phones, the company was inherently making an inferior product.
It turns out that Jobs may have known what he was talking about after all.
It turns out Apple's iPhone has just 4.2 percent of the mobile market but the the Cupertino-based company's sole entry into the smartphone market accounts for than half the industry's profits.
The news comes, according to Canaccord Genuity, whose analyst Michael Walkley said it was "remarkable" that Apple was able to net such a big share of the profit from just one phone.
And he says Apple's share of the pie is only set to grow with its recent iPhone 4S sales.
"With Nokia in the midst of a challenging smartphone strategy transition and our checks indicating RIM and Motorola Mobility continue to struggle in North America given the increasingly competitive Android smartphone market, we believe Apple will gain further value share in the December quarter and could capture over 60 percent of industry profits," he said.
The study focuses on phone makers and not necesarily software developers.
Eight of the largest phone manufacturers all came in with under 10 per cent of the profits.


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I could not find anything on Google, I thought id try here.
I have a program that will look in a specific directory the user selects (Lets use the Desktop for example)
Now, this user can see everything on their desktop from this program, in the form of a listbox.
Now, lets say this person has a folder on the desktop called "aaaa" and inside that "bbbb" and inside that, "ccccc".
They want to go inside aaaa, so they doubble click on the folder "aaaa" from the listbox.
Now, lets say they navigate into bbbb, and they want to go back out into aaaa from the program, they would press the "back" button instead of the "forward" button.
My question is: How exactly is a "back" and "forward" button constructed?
Right now, all I could figure out, is how to navigate them to 1 folder up, so if there on the desktop, then I can have it navigate them to aaaa, however, if they try to click on bbbb, the program will try to go to the desktop, and proceed 1 lvl up, which would be aaa, so it will crash.
Code:IO.Directory.GetDirectories(My.Computer.FileSystem.SpecialDirectories.Desktop & "/" & Listbox1.SelectedItem)


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A Multicentre Trial of Second-line Antiretroviral Treatment Strategies in African Adults Using Atazanavir or Lopinavir/Ritonavir (ALISA)
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01255371
Recruitment Status : Withdrawn (drug procurement issues)
First Posted : December 7, 2010
Last Update Posted : November 8, 2012
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
In the well recognized context of HIV infection chronicity, it is now crucial to identify and evaluate effective, well tolerated and affordable second line regimen in resources limited countries where patients often change treatment after a long period of viral replication while on first line regimen.
This multicentre international, randomized, non-blinded phase III trial aim to demonstrate the non-inferiority of a generic lamivudine-tenofovir-atazanavir/ritonavir regimen (daily intake) as compared to a standard emtricitabine-tenofovir-lopinavir/ritonavir (twice daily intake)regimen for second line HIV-1 treatment. by stratifying on the viral load level (between 1000 and 5000 copies/mL versus > 5000 copies/mL) at inclusion, this trial will also allow to evaluate the optimum moment for instituting the second-line treatment.
|Condition or disease
|Drug: Lopinavir Drug: Atazanavir
|Phase 3
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|0 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|None (Open Label)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|A Multicenter Phase III Trial of Second-line Antiretroviral Treatment Strategies in African Adults (Tanzania Ans South Africa) Using Atazanavir or Lopinavir/Ritonavir
|Study Start Date :
|March 2012
|Estimated Primary Completion Date :
|May 2013
|Estimated Study Completion Date :
|December 2014
Active Comparator: Arm A : Lopinavir
Emtricitabine/tenofovir :
Lopinavir/ritonavir :
Drug: Lopinavir
Evaluation of second line antiretroviral regimen including boosted lopinavir
Experimental: Arm B : Atazanavir
Lamivudine/tenofovir :
Atazanavir/ritonavir :
Drug: Atazanavir
Evaluation of second line antiretroviral regimen including boosted atazanavir
- Virological response [ Time Frame: 48 weeks ]Proportion of patients with plasma HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL
- Virological response [ Time Frame: 12 and 24 weeks ]Proportion of patients with plasma HIV RNA < 400 copies/mL
- Viral resistance [ Time Frame: 12, 24 and 48 weeks ]Incidence of resistance mutations after treatment failure (HIV RNA < 1000 copies/mL)
- Clinical course of HIV infection [ Time Frame: Up to 48 weeks ]Mortality, occurence of clinical events stage 3 or 4 (WHO classification), immune reconstitution sundrome, non-AIDS clinical events including bacterial infections
- Tolerance assessment [ Time Frame: 24 and 48 weeks ]Proportion of adverse events related to antiretroviral treatment, proportion of treatement discontinuations due to antiretroviral side effect, variation of biological parameters and metabolic markers between second line antiretroviral initiation and 24/48 weeks.
- Adherence assessment [ Time Frame: At each protocol visit : week 2, 4, 12, 24, 36 and 48 ]Measurement of pills consumption at each visit, face-to-face questionnaire with the pharmacist
- Hepatitis B evaluation [ Time Frame: At entry ]Prevalence of HBs AG, HBe Ag, HBV viremia, and HBV asociated drug resistance mutations at baseline
- Immunologic response [ Time Frame: 24 and 48 weeks ]Variation of circulating total and CD4+ lymphocyte count between second line treatment initiation and 24 weeks/48 weeks
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- age 18 and above
- out patient
- documented HIV-1 infection
first line treatment failure:
- after first-line antiretroviral treatment with a combination including a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
- two measurements of plasma HIV RNA levels > 1000 copies/mL after at least 6 months of uninterrupted treatment or without any major modification
- satisfactory compliance (>80%) to 1st line antiretroviral treatment
- signed informed consent
- agreement for contraception for women of childbearing age
Exclusion Criteria:
- HIV-2 infection or HIV-1/HIV-2 coinfection
- uncontrolled, ongoing opportunistic infection or of any severe or progressive disease including active TB
- first line antiretroviral treatment with a protease inhibitor or tenofovir
- ongoing treatment with rifampicin
- severe hepatic insufficiency (PT < 50%)
- ALT < 3 times the upper limit of normal
- creatinine clearance calculated by Cockcroft's formula < 50 mL/min
- Hb <=8 g/dL; platelets < 50,000 cells/mm3; neutrophils < 500 cells/mm3
- pregnancy and lactation
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01255371
|South Africa
|Tshepang clinic, Limpopo University
|Pretoria, South Africa
|NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Program-Mbeya Referral Hospital
|Mbeya, Tanzania
|Principal Investigator:
|Eric Delaporte
|Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement, France
|Principal Investigator:
|Issakwisa Mwakyula
|NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Program-Mbeya Referral Hospital, Tanzania
|Principal Investigator:
|Mzileni O Mogiyana
|University of Limpopo
|Principal Investigator:
|Alexandra Calmy
|University of Geneva, Switzerland
|Responsible Party:
|French National Institute for Health and Medical Research-French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (Inserm-ANRS)
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|Other Study ID Numbers:
IP.07.33011.004 ( Other Grant/Funding Number: EDCTP )
|First Posted:
|December 7, 2010 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|November 8, 2012
|Last Verified:
|November 2012
Second line antiretroviral treatment
Sub saharian Africa
Atazanavir Sulfate
HIV Protease Inhibitors
Protease Inhibitors
Enzyme Inhibitors
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Anti-HIV Agents
Anti-Retroviral Agents
Antiviral Agents
Anti-Infective Agents
Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors
Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors


text:
**B Grade** ROG G751JY-T7009H - 17.3" FHD LED / i7-4710HQ / Nvidia GTX980 4G / 24G / 1TB 7200 +
- The Asus ROG G751 series gaming laptops feature the very latest NVIDIA 9xx series graphics for incredible gaming performance!
Stock Code: BG-801-AS
Manufacturer: Asus
+44 (0)1782 44 44 55
**B Grade** ROG G751JY-T7009H - 17.3" FHD LED / i7-4710HQ / Nvidia GTX980 4G / 24G / 1TB 7200 +
B Grade items may have been used, have damaged packaging, missing accessories or a combination of these (Motherboards may be missing I/O shields).
Some items may have scuff marks or slight scratches but should otherwise be an operable product.
Designed to get you in the game
With its aluminum finish and illuminated ROG logo, there's no doubting the ROG G751's gaming DNA. You'll be immersed in a Full HD gaming world through a 178-degree wide-view angle display with an anti-glare coat; while an ergonomically-angled keyboard ensures no fatigue during marathon gaming sessions. There's even special Game Keys for Steam, gameplay recording, and macros
Stealth fighter-inspired aluminum chassis
ROG G751 retains the classic stealthy F-22 Raptor-inspired lines found on previous G Series iterations; only this time it sports an aluminum finish with an illuminated ROG logo. Dual rear vents add to the visual drama, and play a part in its highly efficient and effective thermal design.
Ergonomically-angled keyboard
ROG G751 has an ergonomically-angled keyboard and a durable, soft touch, anti-slip palm rest to ensure your hands and wrists stay comfortable even during marathon gaming sessions.
Programmable game keys and marked WASD keys
ROG G751 has dedicated keys for instant Steam access and one-click gameplay recording. The ASUS ROG Macro Key can be programmed with up to three commands, so you can make complex in-game multi-key actions, launch applications, or load up a specific website with one keystroke. It also features specially-marked WASD keys.
Responsive backlit keyboard
The seamless one-piece keyboard has 2.5mm of key travel to give you responsive keystrokes and no key float for a solid typing feel. Isolated arrow keys provide a true gaming feel, while the large multi-touch touchpad with scissor feet buttons enable easy navigation. Keyboard backlight levels are adjustable for low-light environments.
Spectacular Full HD IPS display
The Full HD IPS display gives you 178-degree wide viewing angles for minimal colour shift even when you view it from extreme angles. You get to enjoy spectacular visuals and color accuracy, and even share your favorite gaming moments with family and friends by your side. A matte anti-glare coat gets rid of annoying reflections so you can focus on what's onscreen without straining your eyes.
Awesome gaming performance
The quad-core Intel® i7 processor gives you the gaming performance you need without sacrificing efficiency, while gaming-grade NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX graphics satisfies the most hardcore gamer's need for supreme visuals. ASUS TurboMaster Technology provides simple and stable real-time GPU overclocking; while an intelligent dual-fan cooling system ensures ROG G751 withstands the demands of high performance gaming.
Powerful Intel® Core™ processor
The 4th gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor found in the ROG G751 provides efficient, powerful performance for the demands of today's fast-paced games and multitasking.
Enthusiast-grade NVIDIA® GTX series graphics
The latest enthusiast-grade NVIDIA® GTX series graphics scores over 9.3K in the 3DMark 11 performance benchmark, providing you with sharper visuals for fast-paced games. NVIDIA® GeForce® Experience™ optimizes settings for higher resolutions and greater in-game detail for extra-sharp image quality; it also enhances frame rates to give you super smooth gameplay.
ASUS TurboMaster for a graphics boost
ASUS TurboMaster technology, gives you the ultimate gaming experience. ASUS TurboMaster supports real-time GPU overclocking to give you a performance boost of over 5%. An upgraded PCB design ensures a stable power supply; and features a dedicated 3-phase GPU power design along with upgraded Tantalum capacitors.
Intelligent dual-fan cooling system for stable performance
Hyper Cool with Duo-copper heat sinks and independent rear-vented dual fans guarantee system stability even when overclocking. The CPU and GPU get their own dedicated fans; with three heat pipes drawing heat to the GPU fan to provide efficient, silent cooling. The hot exhaust is also directed away from you through the rear vents.
Geared for incredible gaming experiences
Intel® Thunderbolt™ technology provides ultra-fast graphics and data transmission via a single connection; while GameFirst III optimizes networks to give you smooth, lag-free online gameplay. ROG G751 has a Full HD IPS display that gives you incredible levels of detail. It also has ASUS Trinity Display technology so you can hook the ROG G751 to up to three displays for multi-display gaming set-ups.
Faster connections with Thunderbolt™ technology
Intel® Thunderbolt™ technology gives you ultra-fast graphics and data transmission via a single connection. This new standard has the capacity to deliver data and graphics at up to 20Gbit/s - almost double the bandwidth of USB 3.0. Dual protocols provide more connectivity options, allowing you to turn ROG G751 into a hub for your various devices.
Multi-task with Trinity Display
Trinity Display technology allows ROG G751 to output to three displays simultaneously through its HDMI 1.4 and mini DisplayPort 1.2 ports. Gaming aside, Trinity Display is ideal for movies as well as multi-tasking.
Realistic, immersive
in-game audio
SonicMaster completely immerses you in high quality in-game audio, with MaxxAudio, a professional-grade processing tool, and ROG Audio Wizard giving you several preset audio modes suited for different gaming genres for total mastery over in-game sounds.
ROG G751 also includes Bass Eye - an internal subwoofer that's perfectly balanced with the rest of the notebook for added low-frequency impact.
SonicMaster Audio
A mixture of hardware, software, and tuning, SonicMaster was developed by the ASUS Golden Ear team with the clear goal of giving you the best notebook PC audio. Larger speakers and resonance chambers deliver powerful sound and deeper bass; while specialized software tailors audio for a wide range of entertainment. Whether you're listening on headphones or speakers, SonicMaster delivers richer, more detailed sound.
- LCD Cover Color & Decoration: Black
- Top Case Color & Decoration: Black
- On board processor: Intel® Core™ i7-4710HQ Processor, 2.5 GHz (6M Cache, up to 3.5 GHz)
- Operating System: Windows 8.1 (64bit)
- Office: Microsoft® Office 2013 Trial
- Chipset: Mobile Intel® HM87 Express Chipsets
- Memory Slot: 4x
- DIMM Memory: DRAM DDR3 8G *3
- Total System Memory: DRAM DDR3 8G *3
- Storage: SATA 1TB 7200RPM 2.5' HDD, PCIEx4 256G M.2 SSD
- Display: 17.3'//LED Back-lit//300nits//FHD 1920x1080 16:9// IPS Panel
- External video display modes: "HDMI 1.4 VGA max. 2048*1536 @85Hz refresh rate Displayport 1.1A"
- Discrete/Share: Discrete
- Video Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX980M (N16E-GX)
- Video memory: GDDR5 4GB
- Video Camera: HD web camera
- Optical Drive: [SATA] 9.5"mm 6X Blu-Ray (Read)
- Built-in TV-Tuner: N/A
- FingerPrint: N/A
- Wireless: 802.11ac+Bluetooth 4.0 (Dual band) -WIDI
- LAN: 10/100 Mbps
- Card Reader: SD?MMC
- USB Port: 4x USB 3.0
- Interface: "1x Microphone-in jack 1x Headphone-out jack (S/PDIF) 1x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert 1x VGA Port (D-Sub) 1x HDMI 1 x Thunderbolt"
- Audio: "Built-in speaker Built-in array microphone Built-in subwoofer Sonic Master"
- Weight (Kg): "3.60 KG (Without Battery) 3.80 KG (with 8 cell battery)"
- Dimension (cm): 41.6(W) x 31.8(D) x 2.30 ~ 4.30 (H) cm
- AC Adapter: "230W AC Adapter Output : 19.5V DC, 11.8A, 230W Input : 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz universal"
- Battery: 88WHrs, 4S2P, 8 cell Li-ion Battery Pack
- Keyboard Type: Illuminated Chiclet Keyboard
- Keyboard Specification: ASUS 417mm keyboard with 19mm full size key pitch and integrated numeric keypad
- Antivirus and Tool Software: "30 days Office 365 Home Premium Power2Go Adobe Reader MaxxAudio MyBitCast"
- Security "Intel Anti-theft LoJack"
- Supplied Accessories: Without carry bag
- Warranty: 2yr Asus On-Site
More links for "**B Grade** ROG G751JY-T7009H - 17.3" FHD LED / i7-4710HQ / Nvidia GTX980 4G / 24G / 1TB 7200 +"
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text:
We'll remove cost from your business without compromising the customer experience you deliver or the business value it builds.
Our first step will be to create new ways to interact with customers that are efficient, effective and generate results. In service operations that means resolving issues fast at first contact. In sales it means prioritising attention on those customers most likely to buy.
Our second step will be to deliver those interactions across the most appropriate channels from the best locations with a lean, motivated and passionate workforce.
Because good financial performance balances cost and revenue, we'll never propose any cost management action that puts revenues or customer relationships at risk. What's more, we'll underpin our performance promise by linking our remuneration to the business value we deliver.
We use analytics to identify unnecessary customer contacts that add cost without value and frustrate your customers. We'll eradicate them by introducing process changes in our organisation or yours that prevent customer issues arising. And we'll use digital channels or intelligent IVR to provide proactive information that answers questions before they're asked.
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Instead of looking at interactions in isolation we prefer to manage across the customer lifecycle. In this way we can introduce changes at the start of relationships that make them easier to manage as they progress. For example, our proactive onboarding programmes have been proven to reduce future contacts – and to establish a solid foundation for long tenure and high spend.
We pay as much attention to cost of sale as revenue generation. We use advanced data modelling and predictive analytics to target sales opportunities where revenue potential and propensity to buy are highest. That means we make more sales with higher value at lower cost.
We've built an extensive network of lower-cost locations. But even here, our decisions aren't driven by cost alone. Offshore locations are always cheaper on paper, but only deliver ROI if they add value. We measure our offshore performance by the percentage of 'compliant' interactions we deliver – interactions that meet our clients' targets for customer experience and revenue generation as well as productivity. In many of our contracts compliant interactions are the only ones our clients pay for. We think that's fair. If a contact delivers no value, why should you pay?
We all know digital channels operate at a fraction of the cost of the phone. Use our complete channel portfolio to match appropriate channels to appropriate tasks. We'll automate simple processes where possible and reserve human contact for the times customers need it most or it adds most value.
Where we really stand out from the crowd is in our ability to operate across channels. We use integrated technologies and journey design to ensure customers receive a consistent joined-up experience however they make contact and even when they channel hop.
Webhelp Netherlands, a leading player in the transformation of customer experiences, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Telecats, a company specialised in the deployment of voice and speech technology. Customer experiences and business processes are changing rapidly due to the increasing use of technology. This acquisition confirms Webhelp's growing reputation as a technology enabler...Read
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A rehearsal spat between reality star Kate Gosselin and pro dance partner Tony Dovolani, that nearly led to the professional quitting the show, took center stage on Monday night's "Dancing with the Stars."
Before each pair took to the stage to show off their dance number for the week, producers rolled out footage of Week 2 rehearsals and while several of the "Stars" – including Erin Andrews and Jake Pavelka – had trouble with their professionals, Kate's spat with Tony appeared to be the most heated.
While rehearsing for Monday night's jive, Kate took on Tony for his teaching techniques, something that clearly pressed buttons for the normally cool "DWTS" regular.
"It's like you're telling me how to teach you how to dance. That's what I do for a living," Tony said after Kate told him she didn't understand his instructions over a particular foot placement.
"He feels like I undermined him as a teacher and I didn't. I'm not qualified to teach, but I am qualified to know how it is that I want something to be shown to me," Kate said to camera. "Like, I just want to learn, like show me, so I can get it."
The discussion between the two continued in a heated fashion, with Kate claiming Tony wasn't "hearing what [she was] saying," to which he replied, "I've heard you all day."
When Kate chimed in, "Please, don't make arguments where there's none," Tony lost his patience and announced, "I quit," before walking out the door as Kate wiped tears from her eyes.
He eventually cooled down and came back.
"I may need to walk it off, but I won't quit," he added.
As for their actual competition number, like their rehearsals, that too had trouble.
Despite her short and sexy red dress, and up 'do, Kate's disjointed footwork and missteps in their jive to Elton John's "I'm Still Standing" was slammed by the panel.
"Oh Kate, this song brings back such great memories of me dancing with Elton John in the South of France, and now you've turned it into a nightmare," Italian judge Bruno Tonioli — who appeared in the original music video for the song — commented.
British judge Len Goodman did try to inspire the mother of eight for next time.
"You're a try-er and you're a worker," he said.
"Come out and really go for it," he added as the pair took home 15 out of 30 for a two week total (combined with the premiere week's score) of 31 out of 60. "Don't go down as a wimp. Go out fighting."
Kate did fight back – just not on the dance floor.
While being interviewed by show co-host Brooke Burke, she said the rehearsal footage wasn't the whole story.
"It's 30 seconds of a great week of practice with a great teacher, you know, we just met each other. We have to learn to communicate like a marriage," she said before uttering an "Eek!"
In fact, Len actually took the side of the professionals after Erin's footage with her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy showed the ESPN commentator arguing with her pro teacher.
"Turn up, keep up and shut up. That's what you should all do," he said. "Get on with the dancing, trust in your pros."
While Kate and Tony ended up toward the bottom of the pack, the top slot was reserved for Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough, who took home the first 10s of the season – one from Carrie Ann Inaba, the other from Bruno – for their energetic and sexy jive to Rihanna's "S.O.S.," which got a standing ovation from the audience.
"It was phenomenal," Bruno exclaimed of their fast-moving, thrilling number, which scored 28 out of 30 for a two-week total of 53 out of 60. "I've never seen a jive that good on Week 2… Sensational."
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PLAY IT NOW: Nicole Scherzinger On Tackling The Jive On 'Dancing': I'm 'Scared For My Life'
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Dancing With the Stars - Kate Gosselin - Reality TV - TV


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Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform
Global Cloud Platform
Fujitsu's Global Cloud Platform provides fully configured, on-demand IT infrastructure over the Internet. The public cloud platform is delivered via our global network of data centers — in Japan, Australia, United States of America, Singapore, United Kingdom and Ireland and Central Europe — to provide cost-effective yet reliable and secure access to infrastructure as a Service.
Using a drag-and-drop, self-service portal, you are able to design and deploy the virtual infrastructure required — in the quantity needed — with the server, storage and network services provisioned automatically to support business needs. Those needs range from a simple, publicly facing website to the deployment of a set of completely secure, three-tier enterprise applications.
With Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform, traditional IT capital expenditure is eliminated; payment for the service is on an hourly basis, with customers only billed for what they use, while supported 24x7 through a dedicated service desk (at no extra cost).
To safeguard your data, Fujitsu Backup as a Service (BaaS) offers a highly flexible, fast and efficient cloud-based backup and recovery service.
In addition, the service portal enables you to monitor status and trends, start and stop virtual machines, and operate backup/restore — all through a secure and protected environment, eliminating internet security issues.
Recognizing that vendor lock-in is a concern among cloud customers, Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform also ensures you have easy access and portability of data, both among partners and in and out of your Fujitsu cloud.
And to help you determine your individual needs, we provide a complete range of cloud consulting services, starting with assessment and advisory services to assist in defining which workloads to move and which type of cloud environment makes the most sense economical.
Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform combines the best of both worlds — the scalability and cost-benefits of a public cloud, with the security and robustness of trusted private data centers.
Your instant portal to the cloud
Register and explore the service at any of the following regional Global Cloud Platform portals:
Dela med andra


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So I broke down and went to the KBBQ for non-K people, Soot Bull Jeep. It was only to try the tongue, I swear! In most respects I think Park's beats Soot Bull Jeep (although some readers may not agree with me): better service, awesome panchan, cleaner, prices about comparable or maybe a little less. Plus Soot Bull Jeep charges extra for their panchan! Can you imagine?
But let's move on to the things Soot Bull Jeep does right. They have a parking lot, and it's free and non-valet, two things I like. No, the list doesn't end there. Their tongue is better than Park's. The reason is it's cut thicker. If you cut it too thin, it just won't be tasty, as I remarked when I blogged about Park's. Here's the tongue before:
And here's the after photo:
The tongue is good with Soot Bull Jeep's green onion salad, which rocks. I tried the tongue with the lettuce wraps, but the lettuce tended to overwhelm it. I mean, even thick tongue still isn't thick enough to compete with all that lettuce. The lettuce is better with the kalbi, which we also ordered. The panchan (which we paid extra for!!!) were only so-so. I think they were left over from yesterday or something.
Soot Bull Jeep
3136 W 8th St
(just west of Catalina)
Los Angeles, CA 90005


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Aerosmith authentic VIP Guest 1989-1990 tour Backstage Pass
Current price $29.95
Listing type Fixed Price Item
Location Peoria, Arizona 853** US
Quantity sold 0
Quantity available 1
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Seller rocknrollwarehouse (10299)
Seller rating 100% positive feedback
Original/Reproduction Original
Country/Region Of Manufacture United States
ItemType Backstage Pass
Band Aerosmith
Date 1989-1990
Type Satin Backstage Pass
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This is an authentic Aerosmith Satin Backstage Pass that was made for the 1989-1990 concert tour. Unless noted these cloth/satin tour passes still have the adhesive sticker backing still attached. Backstage passes are sold for collectible purposes only and are not to be used to gain access to any restricted concert stage areas. All of our backstage passes are authentic band related music memorabilia and and would make a great addition to any Aerosmith collection. Please view our other eBay listings for more great Aerosmith music memorabilia and rare concert collectibles.
Satin Backstage Pass
VIP Guest
Near Mint - original backing still attached to pass
All of our merchandise at Rock-N-Roll Warehouse is guaranteed to be authentic band issued memorabilia obtained from individuals within the music industry. Unless noted in the listing description, you are purchasing ONE (1) item only. Added scans may show the front and back of the listed item or additional products that we have in inventory. RNRW may use stock photos in many of our listings and the item you purchase may vary slightly due to minor wear or printing process. Read all description, payment & shipping info prior to purchasing. WE BUY rare band memorabilia and hard to find music collections.
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Once the package is shipped an email will be sent to you with the tracking information, this information will also be posted on eBay as well as PayPal for convenient viewing.
Rock-N-Roll Warehouse offers low shipping costs for all packages shipped within the USA, this includes packages shipped to Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico (please allow 1-2 additional days for delivery in those areas). Most packages will be shipped via USPS standard mail, although we do offer Priority and Express shipping services (additional rates would apply) Please review shipping tab before checkout for more info.
As a courtesy to our International customers we ship Worldwide. To help customers keep shipping costs down, our items are usually shipped via USPS Standard Mail. Please note this service includes limited tracking which will only show the package location until it leaves the USA. There is no insurance on this service and does carry added risk. For those in need for additional protection, we also offer more secure and expedited shipping services for an additional cost. Please click the shipping and payments tab next to the description tab before completing your purchase.
We also ship to APO/FPO addresses for all of our hard working Military customers.
If you have any additional questions regarding shipping, tracking numbers or shipping quotes please feel free to contact us.
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Please contact us 48 hours in advance so we can have your item(s) ready.
* Rock-N-Roll Warehouse firmly believes that you will be happy with your purchase from us. That's because we only sell authentic tour memorabilia. We ensure that every item is described accurately.
We understand, however, that in very rare occasions sometimes a product may not meet your expectation. That is why we've made the return process simple and easy to follow.
We offer a full 30 day 100% return policy on items that are not accurately described.
No returned merchandise will be accepted without a Return Material Authorization (RMA). To obtain a RMA, contact us. You may choose between an exchange of a like item or refund. If you choose a refund Rock-N-Roll Warehouse reserves the right to charge a 20% percent restocking fee, initial shipping costs incurred and yours to return the item will not be reimbursed. We will credit you in the same manner as your original payment within 7 days of receiving the returned item. We will pay the return shipping only if the return is a result of our error.
* Rock-N-Roll Warehouse will have a various auctions each month, usually starting on a Saturday. These auctions will last for a period of 7 days and end the subsequent Saturday. This format allows our customers the opportunity to have the auction experience without having to check our listings on a daily basis.
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* Rock-N-Roll Warehouse pays top prices for hard to find music memorabilia collections. We are always looking for items.
Why sell to us? Confidentiality is our #1 priority when buying items from private individuals or touring personnel. We will never disclose any information on whom or where we make purchases from. Whether you are a crew member, tour manager or even Mick Jagger himself, you can rest assured we will keep your information private.
No collection is too large for Rock N Roll Warehouse to purchase. We will travel anywhere in the USA for valuable hard to find music collectibles.
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|Artist: Dawn
|Date Added: November 9, 2010
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|Tags: how to draw planet sheen characters
Description: This is the second request that I am going to fill and this time it's going to be on the evil character Dorkus. As you know every awesome animated series needs to have a really creepy, crude, and devilish character to play the bad guy. For Planet Sheen this figure happens to be Dorkus, the green colored alien with plots to kill. Before Sheen arrived, Dorkus used to be the right hand man to the Emperor which gave Dorkus an advantage because being a wing man is almost like being in charge. Nowadays Sheen Estevez has taken Dorkus' spot next to the Emperor and because of this, all Dorkus wants to do is wreak havoc for Sheen and all of his buddies. Sheen must constantly keep his head up where ever he goes because Dorkus is always throwing fast balls at Sheen's head. He must find a way to elude terrible monsters as he tries to go about his business to help his friends, and himself. Dorkus kind of looks like a monk because he wears a hooded cloak tied with a yellow string belt. His green well defined face almost reminds me of a grim reaper. The only difference between the two is Dorkus has facial tissue and a reaper does not. Anyways, this is sure to be great fun as you tackle your way through this tutorial on "how to draw Dorkus", step by step. If there is other Planet Sheen characters you would like to see as a tutorial, just let me know and I will jump on the request as fast as I can. In the mean time have fun, and enjoy the rest of your drawing day.


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The Zeitgeist On Wall St
Following on my last post, I wanted to collect some thoughts on the ongoing Occupy Wall Street protest, which has rapidly grown more interesting. Today, for instance, instead of biking to Golden Gate Park and seeing some of the great free music, I watched mass arrests of hundreds of marchers who made their way onto the south (bklyn-bound) lane of the Brooklyn bridge where they were kettled by the NYPD. Live on the internet. Pretty high drama, but it's possibly quite a lot bigger than that.
First of all, my initial take on all this has been skeptical. I've done my share of protesting, back in mighty Oregon and in NYC during the tense period between 9/11 and the war in Iraq. I'm not convinced the form has much value. Like my sister I don't have a high tolerance for empty rhetoric, and there's also the question of pragmatic effect. We had 100s of 1000s in the streets of NYC in early 2003 and it made zero impact on the decision to invade.
I have read my Alinsky, but I've also read my Critical Art Ensemble and they called it back in the '90s: as power becomes virtual, the ability for a physical protest to challenge that power is greatly diminished. There used to be important buildings that could be blockaded and actually stop things. Today the best you can do is create inconvenience. If the powers-that-be have something really important to do in meatspace, they use a private island.
This is something different though. In the tradition of Tienamen and Tarir, it appears to be creating a catalytic space for an alternative to develop. I'm wary of seeing this as a global movement — the Weathermen had the same notion — and the stakes aren't directly comparable to Egypt, Tunisia, Syria or Bahrain, where kids fought and died for basic freedoms I was born with.
But there is a zeitgeist at work, and that's f'ing interesting, man.
The View from Liberty Square
I'm lucky enough to know some intelligent and credible people on the ground in NYC, and their reports carry a lot of weight for me. Matt Stoller is someone I met through the Living Liberally set — if I recall he was roommies with Krebs at Harvard — and he's a smart / serious person. Most recently he worked as a congressional staffer for Alan Grayson. His impressions, I trust. Here's a particularly illuminating graph from his post:
Meaning is a fundamental human need. The act of politicization, of building any movement, is based on individual, and then group self-confidence. As Daniel Ellsberg said, "courage is contagious". I'm reminded of how Howard Dean campaign worker and current law professor Zephyr Teachout characterized the early antiwar blogosphere and then-radical campaign of Dean, as church-like in their community-building elements. That's what #OccupyWallStreet reminded me of. Even the general assemblies, where people would speak, and others would respond, had a rhythmic quality to them, similar to churches or synagogues I've attended.
Another person I know and respect is Micah Sifry, who gave me his press pass at the '04 Democratic Convention so I could get in and see the final night of action. His piece gets down into the nuts and bolts a bit more, and his skepticism is basically the same as mine. Ultimately though I couldn't be more intrigued with his conclusion:
I think it's time to recognize that we're no longer in a what veteran activist Myles Horton would have called an organizational phase of political activity, where meetings have walls around them, messages have managers, advocacy is centrally paid for and done by professional lobbyists, marches have beginnings and endings, and the story line goes neatly gives from petition to legislation to reform.
Instead, in America we're now entering into a third wave of movement politics (the first being the rise of the "netroots" within the Democratic party after its leadership collapse between 2000-2003; and the second being the rise of the Tea Party after the conservative losses of 2006 and 2008). I don't pretend to know where the "Occupy" movement is going to go, though its main purpose appears to be to show first of all that it is here to stay, and to force a different perspective into a national discourse that up until now has marginalized and ignored grassroots anti-corporate social justice advocacy.
Finally, as many of you may now I am a shameless Umair Haque fanboy. His most recent post which tries to thread things together globally is also what I would consider a must read:
In other words, it's not just about inequality--but the deeper failure of institutions. To let people--especially the young--redress inequality by whatever slender means they might muster, by creating new opportunities. At every turn, the people in the Metamovement feel not merely spurned and scorned--but suffocated and strangled by institutions every bit as unflinchingly lethal as a hangman's noose.
For no matter how small and insignificant those destinies might seem to those looking down from the Olympian heights, in an era where prosperity itself lies in tatters, to have no agency over your destiny is the final word; the allegorical slap in the face; the insult that cannot be borne; the spark of quiet revolution.
This is vital. The Occupation of Wall Street (and maybe a city near you) is bringing this trend home to the states. This is the latest synergy of movements and tactics that have been developing over the past several years. The live-stream tactic was developed in this spring's labor dispute in Wisconsin, where the activists streamed stirring imagery of the occupied capitol building as a way of building national support for their cause. Anonymous is running the IRC channel. A lot of the logistics are being handled by grassroots orgs that grew out of the "dot org boom" of the mid-aughts. And now it's all coming together.
Now My Own Position is Ticklish
In the days of my youth I was much more of a classist from the lower-end. I was prejudiced against rich people because of some negative experiences I had growing up, and a vague sense of injustice and resentment about it all. Since then, I've gotten to know plenty of people who are fabulously successful and/or work in the "belly of the beast" on Wall St or in other areas of finance or corporate management. Good people. Sure, there are plenty of assholes in those places, but there are also plenty of assholes who work for non-profits.
I've become myself a successful entrepreneur, and am in the midst of dancing the Silicon Valley Venture waltz. You might say it's hypocritical of me to support a protest that's rhetorically aimed at the finance sector while simultaneously seeking financing for my latest enterprise, but I don't see the two as being inconsistent. I firmly believe we can have economy that works much better than what currently passes for capitalism. This is one of the core assumptions that continues to drive me as a businessperson, and I hope most agree that it's a worthwhile goal.
So then, In the context of these protests I hope that my friends at funds and on floors and clustered in boardrooms and suchlike realize that although there's going to be some heavy rhetoric pointed their way, at the end of the day none of this is really about them. This isn't an indictment of individuals. It's an indictment of the system.
Cliché as that sounds, it's true. We are failing to create opportunity, and the loss of dignity and agency that brings is both morally and pragmatically unacceptable. There are now more 22 year olds in the US than at any time since the peak of the Baby Boom, and these young people see a very dark future ahead. That's a social responsibility we all bear, all of us with any hands on the levers of power. The system isn't working.
To me, bringing that simple fact to the fore is the immediate value of these protests. It's gob-smackingly obvious that we're in a state of institutional failure — the airplane is stalling and pretty soon we'll start on a crash-course. Everyone can feel it, but the mainstream discourse has been studiously ignoring the stomach-turning lurch. You get occasional wafts of trader-panic on CNBC, but that's mostly people upset that they might lose some money, some of what they have. No voice for the human potential currently being squandered.
That wasted potential is huge, by the way. Left unaddressed it really might mean that dark future comes true. Until we free ourselves to question everything — including and especially the guts of our economic system — we're unlikely to see the kind of serious inquiry and marshaling of political will that would presage meaningful progress.
That kind of progress is something I think most people can get behind. But it'll never happen until we start asking these fundamental questions.