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Leopard ... Spots...'nuff said.
Posts by HollyHopDrive
192 posts • joined 3 Nov 2009
Edge out rivals? No! Firefox boss BLASTS Microsoft's Windows 10 browser brouhaha
Are you a Tory-voting IT contractor? Congrats! Osborne is hiking your taxes
Re: I will be worse off
And I'm sure there are a load of perms laughing their heads off and saying we deserve everything we get.
But consider this, how much did the UK gov give the big consultancies in contracts. How much corporation tax did they pay in relation and how much did they deliver vs not deliver. And then ask yourself who are the real tax avoiders and who are value for money consultants.
Once more the Tories looking after their mates and shitting on the hard working middle.
I didn't vote for the cnuts.
Shine a light on the rogue IT that hides in the company shadows
I have to disagree with this article for a number of reasons, but not least because you are suggesting letting the tail wag the dog.
There is the other problem of outsourcing....while I harp on about this a lot it is one of the reasons this will never happen. For a start, they are trying to keep things cheap, this means you are getting the cheapest resource india (or other favoured outsource nation) can provide. Its based on the goal of cost and if you want somebody who has been coding for more a year or so good luck with that. Also, a lot of 'learning on the job'. While there must be a place for this somewhere the whole 'ship it out' mentality means its all shit.
Then to counter the lack of experience/knowledge the then limit what is available for use within the business. And then because they (IT) themselves know the offshore lot are not much better than a waste of space they then limit what they can actually do with the platforms all under the banner of 'Governance'.
The the decisions on what we (the business) can do and the 'techies' can do are all set by a bunch of goons who've been promoted way above their abilities and only care about their department/area. So when the business request something (oh, like a database) they get told no, or yes but it will be delivered in 10 months.
So the invertible shadow IT pops up.
However, I make a tidy living from this nonsense and being more techie than most techies I have to deal with means a) they can't bullshit me b) I can make some inroads where others cant.
Then I sit in front of a load of business users and help get them to where they need to be, or as close as we can within the 'rules'. And I sell them a list of compromises and ideas to work around any real restrictions.
Stupid thing is the business I work for wastes millions on consultants and contractors (and me!) because instead of IT being just a business function that provides services to the business they let the IT dept dictate what is allowed within the business. Hardly a way to grow a business.
Its a hard fact to face, IT (in a non IT businesses) will never make the business money. Its a cost and a tool, pure and simple. (like running a VAN / Building / Machine etc). However, used correctly you can provide your product (the bit the company actually sells) with better insight and lower cost but it requires a monumental shift in thinking on both sides. (the one team pulling in the same direction philosophy)
Its been like this for well over the last 15 years and is getting steadily worse, so I can't imagine we will see a u-turn any time soon.
I'll await the down votes from all the techies who think the business make ridiculous demands (which I agree, sometimes they do with unrealistic nonsensical timelines and requirements) but thats an education thing which can easily be dealt with by not saying "No" to everything but rather 'lets discuss'.
Will Apple reveal a $10-a-month Spotify rival next week? Yeah, yeah, probably
Re: I don't mind this future
But that 10 dollars will be 10 GBP once converted on the 1:1 currency converter.
But that conversion rate seems apply to all foreign companies though.... That bit is not an apple exclusive.
Microsoft's certification exams: So easy, a child of six could pass them. Literally
Re: Nice
Its all a bit pointless - if my son's IT lessons are anything to go by he should have been learning powerpoint not word. Seems my Sons IT teacher thinks Powerpoint is at the cutting edge of IT. Apparently putting hyperlinks into your presentation to make them 'interactive' is all the rage.
Powerpoint is used for english homework too rather than say, a word processor, like er... Word.
But fair play to the lad, word is an overcomplicated crock of sh1t these days and anybody who can make that monstrosity do something vaguely useful and keep the intended formatting gets a tip of the hat from me.
Home Office splashed £35m trying to escape e-Borders contract
Re: Henry VI part II, Act IV Sc 2 line 77
The bigger question for me is who the fuck allowed a contract for £750m to be signed without an exit clause?
Projects of this size are usually broken down into phases and one phase has to end before the next can begin. Each phase is costed and a project can be scrapped at the end of any one phase.(be it budget, performance, ability). This limits exposure by all parties. Usually phase 1 involves a pilot to prove the concept to stop stupidly convinced ideas becoming reality.
The stupidity of our overlords continues to amaze me.
Thousands of UK drivers' details leaked through hole in parking ticket website
Re: Yet another reason..
Which is enough of a loophole to give an insurance company a get out if you cause an expensive claim. Trust me, when they want a way out you need to make sure you don't give them an easy option to void your claim.(remember the question about car registered to your home address. And they will check that is where the car is parked most of the time... With the neighbours!). They aren't stupid these days. Gone are the days of using the parents address.
I hate it when some people who think for some reason they are exempt from the rules of the land. It's the law. If you don't stick to it yourself how can you take the moral high ground when somebody else doesn't??
Don't get me wrong, i understand it's because of leaks like this that people think this is the logical thing to do. But really we should be outraged and be expecting this to be dealt with with suitable repercussions that people are shit scared of ever leaking stuff on a badly protected website. If they were fined £1000 per record which was payable to the affected person this would be a nice incentive as a) you'd be real careful and b) the affected party would know what had leaked and the risks to them. Rather than not where nobody knows if their record has been leaked.
And this was the reason I opted me and my while family out of the sharing your medical records debacle. That's one database you don't want leaking yet is hugely valuable to legitimate and illegitimate people alike.
This company should be fined at a hugely disproportionate amount to encourage them to be more careful in future.
Britain needs more tech immigrants, quango tells UK.gov
more like...
... companies are unwilling to pay decent salaries so want much cheaper resource and naively think they can get just as good people abroad.
And if the offshore muppets who I have to work with on a daily basis are anything to go by we would be better off letting school children of 5 years old have a go.
Why are we not training out current 12-18 year olds these skills?? My 13 year old son came home from school complaining about his IT lessons. So far they have learnt Word, excel and PowerPoint and scratch. They dropped the proper programming module this year because they are running behind. IT infests out lives. I think it should infest their school lives. I.e. in science they should be using spreadsheets for analysis of results from data and experiments. In geography doing mapping and the like using opendata. It all needs to merge and not be separate. How can we expect people to get good at this stuff if it's not a natural and comfortable choice.
One almost thinks that the gov don't want high paid skilled workers but just want low paid skilled workers. Time for the tin foil hat...
Three to pleasure bumpkins with 800MHz
as somebody who has just returned to three....
..... Good news indeed but I get way better data coverage in the less densely populated areas than I did from o2 (or should that be no2) so if it's going to get even better then brilliant. At least if/when three get o2 and merge it all together they will kill off o2's stupid gprs service which I seemed to spend too much time on when not in any kind of city.
Telefónica to offload O2 to Three daddy Hutchison for £10.25bn
Re: using an O2 bundle abroad?
I'm sure due to timescales of merger existing O2 customers will be tied to their contracts as is. Longer term though this may turn out to be good for O2 customers.
I just left O2 (or NO2 as they should be known - no data on 1/2 of the motorway network and GPRS doesn't count or work with google maps) and moved to three. Better call quality and much better and faster data. They seem to have improved significantly since I was with them last time.
Hopefully if they bring those improvements to O2 then it could be the 3/O2 could be the best network by a long shot.
Post-Microsoft, post-PC programming: The portable REVOLUTION
Re: "...so far there hasn't been an Android tablet with hardware to match the iPad..."
I wasn't going to rise to the bait but....then there are facts...
I've been using connectbot for SSH since my HTC desire. Thats got me out many a sticky situation before the 'great ipad' turned up.
I programmed a prototype app on my Motorola Xoom tablet using a custom keyboard typing on the screen using AIDE. (great bit of software for writing android *on* android]. I've also used a bluetooth keyboard and a USB keyboard using an OTG cable. Thats a fucking 3 year old tablet you moron. It was the first tablet that came close to an ipad. (granted the screen was better on the ipad, but it was still a pretty decent tablet of its time albeit app support wasn't so good in the early days)
That only got retired the other day when I bought the nexus 9. Which is a pretty decent tablet even if every reviewer gushes over the ipads aluminium shell rather than just how much better the Android OS has got and (while I'm sure the ipad lovers will disagree) now pisses all over IOS big style. The number of iphone people at work that have drooled over Android Lollipop and have vowed to now switch is shocking even for me as a fully paid up member of the android club.
Finally, android has had intents since ...oh yes day 1. Once more apple invented something last week that has been around for years on other platforms. If the situation was reveresed and iOS had had it for years and android was just getting them the reviewer would have called Android a promising but immature platorm rather than being excited because 3 applications now support it.
Don't get me wrong, the ipad is a great tablet. Build quality and usability is excellent. Great user experience (leaving the walled garden thing aside) and a great brand. I'm a massive Macbook fan and as called out my tool of choice for more traditional PC use or big programming projects.
But don't make out the ipad is changing the development model and is the only tool of choice.
Awful article awash with ipad love, android hatred and just full of too much FUD and misinformation.
On a side note, my previous employer forced a Windows RT tablet on me. I got an SSH client. But the stupid security model wouldn't let me port forward to a differnt application. Now there is a tablet you can't use for development. And that comes with a jeffin' keyboard. Go figure!
UK Cabinet Office's £200m IT bonanza: I got 999 contracts but a pitch ain't won (yet)
Re: "... as many as 999 firms ..."
How very cynical.
I think you have failed to see the success that outsourcing has clearly delivered in this instance. If this had still been done in house this would have been 2 digits so this is a 33% field size increase delivering a whopping 10x number size storage ability. Now that's good value.
Honestly some people..... ;-)
IT JOB OUTSOURCING: Will it ever END?
Re: Perhaps sooner for IT.
Or they will carry on regardless. I am currently contracting for a very large bank who are continuing their relentless task of moving all tech work off shore. Apparently its been a huge success and lots of back patting on a good job well done. Let's keep going.
Doesn't explain why I've got a contract with a department doing tech work off radar because of repeatedly failed attempts by the off shore tech boys. So far I've achieved more in a few months than a whole team of offshorians for a year. (Not blowing my own trumpet but its really not a high bar to jump)
Problem is success is measured in money saved not projects delivered or lost opportunity.
As I've said before it costs a lot less to deliver nothing.
Mobile coverage on trains really is pants
Re: Nonsense!
Clearly you aren't on o2 or you wouldn't get even the page up to type in.
Birmingham to Euston I've given up. I can get 4g while sat in coventry station other than that its GPRS with NO throughput until off the train at Euston. I used to be on three and it was fairly usable (I even used to tether to my laptop!) - only 5 months left on my O2 contract then I'm off the worst network I've ever used (and over the years I've been on 3/T-Mobile/orange/o2)
£150m, three years... TWO base stations. Gov.uk? You guessed it
Is it me or are there soooo many things wrong with this project.
A. Surely if there is only 1 operator this is still a not spot and the project should encourage a bit of sharing. I.e. share it, well subsidise you with money from the others OR we will fine a disporportially big fine. Your choice.
B. 2g is ridiculous and 3g is the *minimum*. Data is equally important as voice these days
C. The operators should have been forced to each stump up 1/5 of the cost not the gov. (EE getting the honours of 2/5 for their merger and 4g head start) - can't be accused of gov subsidy.
I'm starting to get right hacked off with private business that essentially has a protected market (I.e. barriers to new entrants so high that new competitors unlikely) not covering areas of 'uneconomic value'. If you provide public service (gas/electric/phone/internet/water etc) then you should have to cover the poor pickings as well as the rich ones. While I accept that there may be marginally higher charge for the service it would probably be in reality marginal.
Don't even get me started on the electricity companies, first we build the power stations and this morning we are about to spend 11 billion on smart meters. You'll be telling me my next smart phone will come from the gov from taxes but I'll pay the operators for the service and they get to keep all the profit.
....I need a lie down.....
Ministry of Justice IT bods to strike over outsourcing fears
Re: Just strike on principle!
Given the government are claiming that IT is saving Britain economy and want a UK silicon valley do they want to destroy our economy by outsourcing?
as for "Outsourcing should be illegal, everywhere!" - I'm not sure I totally agree but....
---- all state / government work should NOT be allowed to leave British soil but I can't help think that's just common sense though [not that anybody seems to use common sense these days]
----outsourcing should be illegal outside of Europe (we have to accept 'free EU trade - that part of the deal of being in europe - but india & china we not part of Europe last time I checked']
And as somebody who's work with outsourcing (both in and out of Europe) its shit. It cheap and saves money at the expense of delivering anything. "You can't make a silk purse out of a Sow's ear."
Tor is '90 per cent of the net' claims City of London Police Commish – and he's dead wrong
Re: Hilarious
When did anyone use facts when creating (or trying to create) law. If we used proper facts there would probably be less laws and a fair few abolished.
NHS slammed for MAJOR data blunders as scale of patient info sell-off is revealed
Re: I bet
Three things should come out of this (in no real order)
1. Sackings at the top and lots of them (including the government)
2. Criminal proceedings for such negligence
3. A law stopping patient data being sold or supplied to private companies EVER.
This is serious stuff. And you know insurance companies would love to only insure people who will never claim. This data is too valuable to let loose without responsible ownership and somewhere for the buck to stop with.
YouView loses YourView trademark fight, may have to pick new name
Re: Wow the logos are totally different
I actually think the Judge in this case is right - I think you have to consider the context of the companies and the trademark in this case.
YourView is provided by total - a company thats been trading for 15 years according to their website. Regardless of whether YourView is their only product or not they are entitled to their trademark. They provide services to the communications industry. And that is the crucial point imho. BT and TalkTalk also do the same and are jointly providing YouView. So, given they all operate in the same sector its fair to assume that some confusion could potentially arise.
As the Judge pointed out, if they had searched a little harder they would have seen the YourView already in registration and should have considered
a) finding a new name
b) buying up the rights to the name
I don't always agree with some trademark stuff, but this looks like a case when examined from the right point of view to be fairly valid especially when two Giants are late to the table trying to use might over right.
What I would say though, is how much damage has been done so far? I'd imagine that the publicity for Total far outweighs any loss. So other than YouView not being allowed to call it YouView anymore plus paying for the legal costs its probably all square.
But we are all entitled to an opinion, but its the one from the Judge that counts.
Everyone can and should learn to code? RUBBISH, says Torvalds
Re: arehole
There is no point teaching everybody to do the same thing. Its pointless because its self destructive. If everybody can lay bricks you'd never call a bricklayer but you'd all be fucked getting an electrician because everybody is a bricklayer.
With coding while I believe you should have the opportunity to be exposed to it but its not for everybody. My wife thinks its pointless and boring (she's a teacher and supposed to teach it from september!) But its not going to cure all that's wrong with IT or education. Art, music, science and literature are just as important in a diverse market.
You could force me to learn French. I was shit at it. I was certainly never going to make a living at it. So it stands to reason other people are the same with coding.
So imho linus is correct.
YOSEMITE GLAM: Apple unveils gussied up OS X
Re: At what point will they...
@ac well of course an outsourcing company isn't going to have any. They are trying to do everything at a rock bottom price. Remember, outsourcing is done for cost not quality reasons. Don't even get me started on that one!
And apple don't do low price. You aren't their customer.
Re: At what point will they...
@zot - there is a reason apple will never do that......the open source crowd.
Techies love macs. And when techies love shit you can bet your shirt that they will try like fuck to get that kit into their workplace. Noticed how many enterprises have macs and ipads these days?
While they may at some point make it more difficult (setting hidden away in the control centre somewhere) they are never going to stop it. The second you can't get your favourite open source tool because you can't get it from the store yet is the second the techs will turn. (and my god are we a fickle group) and look elsewhere. And apple are way too smart for that! That said, I think a lot more distribution will come via their app store. Don't get me wrong 30% of your price seems a high price to pay..but in reality they'd normally be giving 30-40% discount on RRP anyway otherwise retailers like amazon etc wouldn't be able to sell at a discount. What it actually means is you will no longer be able to buy at a discount and will always pay RRP. (except when they run an offer on the store)
So, in some ways your are right, the store is coming and it may be your only route for commercial software but they will never lock the door completely that would be [potentially] suicide.
Oh, and don't think apple are alone in this strategy - I'm sure Microshite are planning the same.
TOADOCALYPSE NOW: Madagascar faces down amphibious assault
Re: The Vikings are Coming!
Probably because nobody would spot it because the relatively small handful would be killed and eaten before anybody noticed or before they have chance to breed.
Its only when they are not eaten alive that anybody pays attention.
Microsoft Surface 3 Pro: Flip me over, fondle me up
Re: Who ate all the pies?
@Preston - lol - but don't you think that is actually the problem. Microsoft didn't hire him. Microsoft hired yes men. And you also need some no men. Because when your no men say yes, you've probably cracked the serious flaws. Whereas the yes men just want to keep getting paid so just keep saying yes.
My problem is, the top end one costs as much as a macbook pro of a equal if not better spec. Way more than an mac air. Screen will be better in either case (apple do seem to have lovely screens the monkeys!).
Now, granted they are aimed at businesses not consumers (a flaw btw!) - look at what apple have done. They got the consumer and now we see Macbooks and ipads in business. Something that even 3 years ago would be a real rarity.
MS (IMHO) need to stop inventing the laptop-tablet. Sometimes I want a tablet. Sometimes I want a laptop. Sometimes I want a hammer, sometimes I want a screwdriver. I can use a decent screwdriver as a hammer but it doesn't give the best finish, and is cumbersome but for a quick job we've all done that!. Sometimes that doesn't work and that's when I get the hammer. Also, putting a screw in with a hammer just is overkill. Nobody invented the screwdriver hammer.[well MS have in my analogy] It doesn't need inventing. I am happy to own both.
Apple (and samsung) have set the bar. Microsoft are way off the mark with this one. I don't want my desktop apps on my tablet. Its a dreadful device to write a document on, but a great device to read one on. Until they get that.....and laptops....really...what percentage of people actually use on on their lap to do anything serious for any period of time.
Oh...I think I need a lie down.....my rant has got out of control...
iPhone-stroker-turned-fandroid sues Apple over iMessage text-slurpery
Re: Oh FFS
Where the #£%& does the 5 million in damages come from? Has it left her unable to walk? Jesus... If she asked for $500 (and that's a lot for not receiving a text) they'd have probably just paid to shut her up. Mind you lawyers don't want to settle for the compensation for the actual inconvenience do they? You can't buy a new house/car with those winning amounts. I'm no fan of apple but I hope this gets thrown out purely for greed.
Motorola Moto E: Brill budget blower with one bothersome blunder
Re: I don't see this as a problem.
Its horses and courses but my kids love a bit of video chat if myself and/or the wife is away for a night or so. Bless the little blighters but it does provide them with comfort. So while it wouldn't bother me it would them. And while its not an essential feature its a daft one to miss out.
Given this is the kind of thing I'd buy the kids (if they break it you don't get too anoyed at this price point) it does seem silly. My son has the original moto g and I'd be quite happy with the moto g myself (especially now its 4g) if I didn't have a nexus 5. The ssd slot gives it the leg up too imho.
Still, probably for my mum and dad who don't give a toss it may be the way to go.
Maybe its the E for the olds and the G for the yoof'.
Linux distros fix kernel terminal root-hole bug
Re: Never mind the facts!
@sabroni There is far too much truth in that statement.
I think it's far too easy to take the moral high ground with Linux though based on relatively few serious exploits over the years it's probably partly justified. But just like windows if you don't patch it.....
I'm a big Linux advocate but I also an happy to admit that there are from time to time holes in it. But I'd still rather take my chances with it over windows. In fact I'm off to quickly patch my machines now....
Google Maps adds all UK public transport timetables
Re: And whilst ranting.....
Yep. I just checked my option for going to work via public transport. 37 miles to coventry. By car its about an hour. By public transport (3 buses and 2 trains plus some walking) an amazing 3 and a bit hours! In fact it takes just 3 minutes longer to cycle according to Google. I also bet that public transport jaunt would cost significantly more than the 6 Quid's worth of diesel each way I spend now.
British Gas 'in talks' to outsource tech services desk, whispers insider
"British" gas
Makes a mockery - I actually think they should be FORCED to change the company name. If they can't behave in a British way, with British Interests and (or at least European) jobs then they shouldn't be able to claim "British" in the title. You shouldn't be allowed to stamp "made in Britain" when it isn't! (yes, I know we probably get the gas from Russia but you get my point!)
DreamWorks CEO: Movie downloaders should pay by screen size
Re: Allofmp3
I'm all for finding new pricing models but the movie industry do need to get a grip of themselves.
A movie from google play can cost 6.99 for SD and 9.99 for HD. What I don't get is its the same film - the actors did no more work, they had to film it in the highest resolution anyway. In fact, surely then going on to make a SD version costs money! The actors/directors/etc got paid the same, the distribution cost difference is negligible and I don't believe the royalties are different either. If they can sell the SD for 6.99 then the HD should be 6.99 and the SD version should not exist. Its this 'taking the piss' that consumers don't like. Plus DRM is a pain in the arse.
If they bothered to look at the music industry and the fact they have on the whole grown up and got over the fact that the odd person pirates stuff, now they sell without DRM because enough people buy it. Its cheap, so taking a chance on an album isn't that much of a problem. Plus I can put it on all my devices with little resistance.
So, if they made films DRM free (happy with some hidden watermark as long as it doesn't infringe on me playing it on anything I choose) and cheap then I'd buy more. If films were all £5 I'd buy 10 times the movies I buy now, because when a film costs me £10+ I don't buy that often.
And thats the strange rub, maybe, just maybe selling them cheaper and giving more flexibility they'd sell a lot more and make a *lot* more money. Stack em high, sell em cheap.
I can't help but think a lot of people pirate because it offers more flexibility and a cheap price point. Its not that people won't pay something - I truly believe they will - but if it becomes a real pain to watch it because of your hardware then of course they will take the path of least resistance.
I really thought the movie companies would have got this by now.......seems we are in for a long wait.
CSC: Brits, say hi to your new UK boss – say bye to 750 coworkers
@wolf - my apologies for the misjudgement - I've been lucky enough to not have been subjected to the drivel of UKIP marketing machine.
I stand by the rest of my rant though.
@wolf - just because somebody complains of off shoring doesn't make them some kind of closet racest.
I had my entire team off shored. I personally found some of the replacements difficult to work with partly because of the language barrier partly because of ability. I know I'm asking them to speak their non native language so I'm not criticising them in that respect but it does mean the finer detail in what you were asking was often lost even when written down. Also after questioning I find out most of the new team have less than 2 years real work experience which were replacing my guys with 10-20 years.
I also found the outsource company forced them to work as fast as possible and on multiple projects so their attention to detail left a lot to be desired. Also they move on quickly only being required to give 2 days notice before you are given another person to [try to] fill the void.
This left me with many problems
- 5 hour time difference
- lack of experience because of a constantly changing team
- poor quality of work
- terrible stakeholder skills
Still, it was all hailed a massive success because it saved about half a million quid. I was finally let go to pick up another failing project.
What's interesting is that its now all gone to shit. Nothing is being delivered and there is now a 3 month backlog of deliverables. The whole thing has got choked up by a lack of experience.
So....offshoring is shit. Plain and simple. But the bean counters love it because delivering fuck all is hell of a lot cheaper than deliving something that the bigwigs never see.
Anatomy of OpenSSL's Heartbleed: Just four bytes trigger horror bug
Re: I don't get it..
Call me paranoid....Who would like to be able to get userids and passwords without tricky legal issues.....
Tin foul hat at the ready.....
Microsoft was 'willing' to buy WhatsApp says Bill Gates
Re: Has Bill gone senile?
@shonko Kid
The biig hurdle that MS just seems unable to contemplate is making ALL their (end user) products multi-platform and (important this) no less functionally rich if not working on a windows platform. (i.e. an Ipad, mac etc).
And once they accept things have changed and concentrate on good, clean functional products not platform tied products they can once more be a modern and more successful business. That 90's practice needs leaving behind to achieve it.
Windows XP market share GROWS AGAIN, outstrips Win 8.1 surge
Re: I worry about the squirrels and otters
Have you been reading Linux fud because Ubuntu doesn't take a month to install ;-)
Go for mint, quick install (about 10-15 mins) and a nicer look a and feel than Ubuntu (my opinion) - all the same Debian underpinnings either way.
Re: That has got to be embarrassing for Microsoft
@big_d yes, but that's because nobody wanted their new OS. And they have had 3 years to fix that and still nobody wants their new OS.
As I see it Microsoft have a very embarassing situation on their hands.
If they let XP support expire and the world becomes one big virus ridden botnet then its their fault. Even though they gave fair warning that will be the perception. But a u-turn would be seen as "oh they'll keep extending it". So that's not a winable start point either way.
I reckon they are hoping that they can drown out the bad news with the hoped good news of the big rush of sales on windows 8.1. I don't think this will happen. People don't want to do that kind if thing. You don't replace your washing machine if it still works because zanussi stopped making parts for it. Especially if there is no material value in a replacement. (i.e. Spare parts doesn't count). And remember most of these people won't be techies and understand the value of patching.
What Microsoft should have done is reskinned windows 8 with an alternative XP style(a bit like Linux has with gnome,KDE etc) and made it cheap (Like 19.99) and less resource hungry to run on older kit. People like the XP/windows 7 experience and making them not have the choice is the mistake.
This isn't going to end well for anybody on either side of the fence.
Labour calls for BIG OVERHAUL of UK super-snoop powers in 'new digital world'
Re: OVERHAUL
"At one point, she noted that master NSA squealer Edward Snowden had damaged the image of national security by exposing the scale of surveillance being carried out by spooks on both sides of the Atlantic."
You only look bad if you've acted bad. And this potential bill just looks to *try* and legitimise what you are doing anyway.
I made a birthday cake for my wife. Nobody knows other than my family but if that leaked out - other than me looking a bit soft perhaps it doesn't make me out to be a bad bloke.
If I'd setup a webcam to watch the "fit bird" [nice bit of 1970's sexism ;-) ] over the road and that leaked out everybody would think I was a dirty pervert. And that would be because I'd have acted like a pervert.
If you don't want to make the national security look "bad" then make cakes. But you've been setting up webcams haven't you.[actually yahoo webcam sniffing ] Deal with it. Accept you've been caught and take your thoughts on snooping and stuick them so far up your own arse you can taste them.
Microsoft asks pals to help KILL UK gov's Open Document Format dream
Re: Kettle, met pot, pot meet kettle
This is actually the problem with Microsoft and where they have totally lost their way since slowly having their Monopoly ebbed away.
They have two options -
a) fight like dogs to keep their monopoly (a battle they will eventually loose even if this approach keeps them going for another 20 years)
b) Embrace the opportunity to compete fairly on merit and actually implement the Open standard.
You can't deny office is good (and I'm no fan of Microsoft) but they got to the top by not playing fair with wordperfect, borland, lotus and the like. They don't like that open office is starting to scrape away at (potentially) government. They know its a slippery slope from there.
If I'd been Microsoft I'd have gone for the second option and use the "positive PR" to show what damn good eggs we are these days and how oh we've changed. (Even if on the inside you are fuming) By doing what they are doing people just think Microsoft are a bunch of scum bags and that in actual fact the decision for open standards is actually the right way to go. (Which it is btw)
As I've said before, the government need to really kick this bunch out to field and make them compete on a fair and even basis.
We need to save money and Office isn't cheap. How many people use more than 10% of word (I don't and I use it every day!) or 10% of excel (again, its my tool of choice for presenting data and I use this A LOT). Could I do my job with Libre Office - er... yes I could. In fact, importing data in Libre Office is a damn sight better than with Excel (Excel does make prettier document though)
I guess the question is would we save enough money rolling out Open Office to the government vs paying the licence fees and sticking with the shitty standards....
Well here is a thing - turns out all the XP desktops have got to be replaced anyway so sticking a different office into the build is a negligible cost - you'll be retraining the staff anyway if they end up on Windows 8 or the latest office if they've been stuck on 2003. So, yes, it is cost effective. In fact, this **is** the opportunity to save money!
Amazon fuses LoveFilm, subs service, calls it Prime Instant Video
I love prime and think its worth every penny. However, the reason I've never taken out a lovefilm subscription is because it doesn't support android. (kindle fire doesn't count, you can't connect one to the telly with a cable as far as I can tell)
Given I a) don't want to buy a new TV b) pay the microsoft tax [xbox live] to allow my Xbox to access the internet [the sole reason I will never buy another xbox ever!!!] c) buy an ipad (personal thing this but I prefer android and given we as a family have now got 4 android tablets I don't see the need for another one just to watch a film)
I can only see me cancelling my prime account now, can't say its worth £80 a year to me.
Hey-ho, still got 6 months left and still enough episodes of breaking bad on netflix to keep me going.
Not so FAST: Another discount software broker BOOTED OUT
Re: Smart move
You could price your software to make buying second hand seem a pointless exercise. Or you could try and maintain artificially high prices by making second hand difficult, legally dubious or just impossible to buy.
Knock on effect though is people start looking for alternative cost solutions - if the price is a problem and you are buying second hand probably for economic reasons you are sure as shit going to look at open source if you can't buy at a significant discount. Next thing you realise that open source may be the only way forward for your budget.
Microsoft and co should be careful what they wish for.
Devs SLAM UK.gov's JavaScript-astic, 'shoddy' security education website
Re: Bears and woods....UK Gov IT is all bears and woods!
...ditto. And most of the guys who worked there were learning on the job and weren't that good at learning either. They were far more interested in lunch time, their holidays and general entitlements not to mention getting their moneys worth out of the sick leave. Oh, and you never see one do any extra hours without 'overtime'. [which was rarely on offer....so no extra then]. And the manager seem hell bent on making the wheels turn as slowly as possible.
Not saying everybody who works in Gov tech are all like that, but I've worked on gov projects a couple of times over the years and none of the projects have ever left me to conclude anything different than the above.
Whitehall and Microsoft negotiate NHS Windows XP hacker survival plan
Re: How about @HollyHopDrive
@Steve Todd - no not at all - I'm not a developer (miss the days though!) migrated up the tree a bit. [better money, shittier work :-) ] but the stuff is obviously so out of date you need to sort the problem properly, not a half arsed fix.
The "web" has matured enough to allow browser based applications to be good enough as fat client. I'm not naive enough to suggest this is a quick 6 month project and all will be well, but a 5-10 year plan to sort things out properly. And one of the things that has to go is legacy crap.[it may be functionally ok but if it isn't a strategic solution built for the future it needs to go] You wouldn't keep an 15 year old ambulance with 15 year old equipment in would you? But likewise, you can't just throw them away and expect nothing to fill the gap. So, you just have to say, we are going to refresh everything but anything that we buy or put in from this point forward must be new and conform to the following criteria. No exceptions.
The NHS are a massive customer, if you tell the vendor it must be modern browser compatible or it will be replaced with one from your competitor. I'll tell you now, those companies will rally round and fix the problem. Open standards too so you can get your data out!!
If the software isn't modern, its probably riddled with security nightmares anyway, so likewise it probably needs to go sooner rather than later.
I'm very aware of the NHS. In fact I've worked on many a government project. And they always strike me as very political, big divides and the wheels that turn so slowly you wonder if they do actually move at all.
I'm just saying it needs somebody with some big balls to come in and shake this shit up. Not just throw some money at it and hope the problem goes away. It won't, but if you don't make some strategic plans to get out of this cyclic mess you will be doing the same thing again in 5 years time having blown a couple of billion we can little do with wasting a second time!
I for one as a taxpayer in the "shouldering the burden" tax bracket don't like this current bunch of fuckwits wasting my hard earned pennies. No commercial business would last with the same attitude to blowing money on failed projects and half fixes without going bust, so why does the public sector think its ok? Is it because they can just tax us all a little harder rather than addressing the real issue of just trying to spend less in the long term?
Re: How about
This is a ****ing outrage that such a large amount of money will be essentially pissed into the wind because the uk gov were not rid of XP in time. In a time when we are supposed to be saving money, giving what will probably work out to be measurable in billions (by the time all the other periphery bollox has been added in). I wouldn't mind, but I'd put money on MS not paying tax on the profits from that lot!
I'm not blaming microsoft here (though to be fair they've got their clients by the short and curlies) but our incompetent overlords. And they claim they aren't paid enough.
Now, getting these chaps of XP is going to be nothing short of expensive (ignoring the XP support costs). Because, Microsoft of course are going to recommend Windows 8. Which means new hardware. Which means more cost. Then of course, none of the jeffin software will probably work on it, not to mention the ridiculous re-training to be able to use office 2013 and windows 8. To people who's full time job doesn't revolve around technology.
The only acceptable answer to sorting out this mess is
All software products that don't have to be physically connected to a PC should only be browser accessible. If you can't use it through a browser it shouldn't be allowed. This then separates your client products from your server products and maximises future choice
All software should have to work 100% with ANY two browsers (Chrome / Firefox / IE / Safari) on any platform. If it doesn't it will fail the 'refresh test'. This stops vendor lock in to software (I'm looking at you microsoft)
Office applications should be browser based - Office 365 / Google / whatever as long as it meets the browser test.
Desktops should be refreshed based on need - Old XP machines recycled with Linux for kit that is passable (anything HP/Dell etc less than 4 years old should be fine) - remember - we are only going to be running a browser if done correctly!
Windows 7 kit for everything else (minimal re-training)
And last but least - Don't just give Microsoft the cash - they are charging premium money here - If they cock it up and there is any kind of mess / data breach they are responsible for ALL costs multiplied by 3. Loss of patients records should be deemed to be £10k per patient (times 3 - 50% payable directly to each patient concerned) - Risk vs reward. (rather than just reward which looks to be the chosen model)
Christ....maybe we should just go back to paper - at least it never stopped being supported by biros.
BBC, ITV gang up on YouView with 'FreeView Connect'
I did walk into Curry's and buy one on a humax freesat box a couple of months ago and I like it. Bit peeved if they muck it up now.
I don't mind spending 200 on a new box every 2 or 3 years as i wont subscribe to skys overpriced tish and it more than pays for itself in comparison
'No, I CAN'T write code myself,' admits woman in charge of teaching our kids to code
Re: Go for it?
Oh my god.... I haven't laughed that much in ages. That is the best interview I've seen. I'm still wiping the tears of laughter from my eyes........
I've ranted before about teaching kids to code, but apparently you can build a website in an hour. Does make you question if its that jeffin' easy how come the government have had to get big consultancies in to build all this IT stuff. We've spend billions when apparently a days training and a couple of hours work would have sorted everything.
Mind you, IMHO Michael Gove seems to know bugger all about education (having gone to school doesn't make you an expert in education in the same way using the tesco website to do your shopping doesn't make you a web developer) so this level of apparent incompetence should come as no great shock.
eCards....brilliant......economic and job crisis over.....
"What is code" and then that look from the woman....hahahhaha......I'm going to be smiling about this all week.
15,000 London coppers to receive new crime-fighting tool: an iPad
Re: Have they picked the right tablet
The bit I don't understand is how does an iPad make a policeman more productive? Surely expecting a policeman to know his beat and have a bit of a gut instinct would be better rather than relying on him to wait for his iPad to tell him something is up.
I can't imagine for one second that writing up a report that Mr X is alledged to have done Y in public view in Starbucks is going to stand up particually well from either a data protection point of view or from a victims / accused point of view either.
I wish people would stop thinking technology is the answer to a problem. Technology can hep sometimes but most of the time it just gets in the way of people at the coalface.
Smells of PR and backhanders all the way....
BOFH: Attractive person is attractive. Um, why are your eyes bulging?
Re: Did I just read a thinly veiled mysogynistic rant or what?
Misogyny or (large amount of) Truth......you decide.
For example, last week I tried to help my wife out being a nice bloke and seeing she was a bit late. "I'll drop the boy off today if you can drop Hannah at the childminders" [for context, "The Boy" is a 10 minute drive each way in the wrong direction where Hannah needs dropping 200 yards down the road.]
This woke the Crazy, and not by a gentle nudge awake but by Smashing it in the face with a wrecking ball. "Oh, easier for you is it?? Suits you to do that doesn't it" (it doesn't but usually we do it the other way around and I still don't get the logic she used to get there).
Anyway, four times since then she's wanted to do it this way around so she can get to work quicker. And I've still not received a "I'm sorry for the over-reaction" or "you were right" or "that really helps me out"
The case for the prosecution rests M'lud.
'Maybe we haven't been clear enough about med records opt-out', admits NHS data boss
Re: Is there an option to do that
"... there had never been a "single example of that data being compromised".
No, in 25 years there has never been an example
a) PUBLICLY
b) reported properly
c) spotted
And as we all know past performance is no guarantee of future performance.
It concerns me because as we all know, data governance has historically never been that good in public bodies. I know from time I've spent in the 90's on government projects data was whizzed about with little care. Dev & Test databases were just copies of live. Code and snapshots just left on network shares and I'm sure I saw the odd contractor laptop on the LAN.
So, smells of bullshit to me.
Also, this data is worth a fortune to some people so I'd imagine anybody who can 'borrow a copy' would get a handsome reward. And lets be honest, its not like the private sector is known for its honesty - why would an insurance company not like this data - even unofficially.
Thats why I opted out, and god help the doctor if he still decides to give my (and my families) data away. You can't stop it once its out there which is a major objection of mine! Maybe if they were more transparent about what they will actually give away I'd be a lot more willing.
Its a good idea but very badly implemented with what looks to me very little safeguard. (a promise to be really really careful honest - isn't a safeguard!)
Right....where is my tinfoil hat...
Devs: We'll bury Candy Crush King under HEAPS of candy apps
what about a game for the over 50's where they have to chew on candy without breaking their teeth.......we could call it.......SAGA CANDY CRUSH
Sync'n'steal: Hackers brew Android-targeting Windows malware
"This article is the answer to the commonly heard statement "why would I get an iOS device, you can't do as much with it".
Spoken like a true idiot.
Apart from the fact that this is a bit 'theoretical' as pointed about by the above posters I'm really confused about who is plugging their android device into a PC to sync it??? Why do you need to do that (other than unless you are a developer doing some DEV). Its by far and away the best 'cloud' O/S there is. Google's stuff is seamless, dropbox is perfect and if you really need to do some 'file moving' then ES explorer from your phone/tablet is your friend over wifi.
Android - because you can do much with it but you can also *choose* not to.


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Labor Day
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We opened for business May 01, 2010 with the simple goal of offering the local archery community honest service, quality products, and TechnoHUNT fun.
We are proud to offer our customers the best bows on the market.
Plum Creek Archery is a full service archery shop that understands the level of customer service the archery community needs for success. Retailing archery equipment is only one part of this multi-facet shop that includes service, repair, tournaments, TechnoHUNT, birthday parties, corporate events, JOAD, group classes, individual lessons and coaching. PCA staff are certified instructors / coaches for USA Archery, ASA, and NFAA. Two levels with multiple ranges offer comfortable shooting up to 35 yards. Truly, "Our Aim is Your Success!"
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text:
William R. HeickAmerican (Jefferson County, Kentucky, 1916 - 2012, Mill Valley, California)
Woman on 22 Filmore with "Life"
1948photograph | gelatin silver print
Not on view at this time; find out where you can see works from our collection at locations around the Bay Area while our building is closed for expansion
9 1/2 in. x 7 7/8 in. (24.13 cm x 20 cm)
Acquired 2001
Collection SFMOMA
Accessions Committee Fund purchase
© William Heick


text:
22-3251 - BNC / RCA / F Type Compression Tool
The compression multi-tool is designed to compress the ferrules of all three MCM Compression Connectors; "F", BNC, RCA.
96-1195 - Angled Anti-Magnetic Tweezers
Stainless anti-magnetic steel Two different types available: Straight ultra fine tip and angled fine point Overall length: 43/4"
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21-3656 - 1/2 inch Self Adhesive Cable Clamps
Durable nylon clipssecurely hold cable upto 3/4'' diameter. Ring can be re-opened for easy removal and reinsertion of cable. 50 per bag. Black.
22-14545 - Universal Compression Tool - Compact Design
Universal compression tool is designed for crimping standard F compression connectors on RG6, RG59, RG7 and RG11 cable. Rotating cable guide allows for quick change of connectors with no adjustments required.
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This versatile, easy to use wire stripper works with RG59, RG6, RG6 quad, RG7, RG59 and UTP cables making it ideal for any installer. Features dual cartridges ready for multi cable stripping and the tool body has a molded storage area for an additional cartridge....
This was not my first order I keep coming back, satisfied again.


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Blinds, Awnings and Shutters
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Houses to let in Chatham Road, Northfield, Birmingham B31
Keywords and filters like garden and parking live here
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Filter your 1 result Clear filters
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Church Road, Northfield, Birmingham, West Midlands. B31Property to rent - 4 bedrooms
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Marketed by Oakmans Estate Agents, B29. Call 0121 659 8564


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Farrell stars for Sarries as George helps secure title
Man-for-man marking from the Premiership final as Saracens defeated Bath
Welcome to the new Independent website. We hope you enjoy it and we value your feedback. Please contact us here.
Man-for-man marking from the Premiership final as Saracens defeated Bath
Lancaster has warned administrators that the Elite Player Squad members need to be looked after better following a gruelling Lions tour and first half of the domestic season
We select our best XV from the penultimate round of group matches across Europe
Saracens came unstuck against French opposition once again after they saw their hopes of a home draw fade with defeat to Toulouse
Second-half was a true contest of will and power on a spring-like day
A superb performance by Owen Williams, the young replacement at fly-half for Toby Flood, in Leicester's 30-23 Premiership victory over Sale Sharks was overshadowed by allegations from Richard Cockerill that the visitors "cheated" at the scrum.
Warriors are staring relegation in the face after latest defeat
Billy Vunipola was in Tiggerish mood against the Leicester Tigers as Saracens stayed on top of the Premiership with a six-try, 49-10 win at Allianz Park. The all-action England No 8, playing on Sarries' blind-side flank, spilt a coupled of restarts amid the wind and rain, scooped up an errant opposition put-in at the scrum, scored a third-quarter try and stepped mischievously into every position at rucks and mauls: offside and on.
Record defeat for Leicester follows confirmation they will lose their England fly-half to France
Conor O'Shea believes Harlequins can clinch a remarkable comeback and qualify for the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup after earning their second successive victory over big-spending Racing Metro.
Gloucester's gifted outside-centre lost out on a place in the autumn internationals through injury, but is fit again and eyeing Six Nations spot
Munster just don't know when to give up in the Heineken Cup.
Sarries record back to back wins over Zebre to hit the top of Pool Three and force Toulouse into producing a response after their defeat to Connacht last week
Sarries remain top of the Aviva Premiership as they grind out victory against a valiant Sale side led by the former England fly-half
Bath v Exeter Today, 3.15pm
Saracens survived a late attacking onslaught from Exeter to maintain pole position in the Aviva Premiership with a hard-fought 16-9 win at Sandy Park.
Gareth Steenson has warned that Premiership play-off contenders Exeter are ready to "push on and achieve more" after positioning themselves strongly for domestic and European success.


text:
Hide and Seek (Paperback)
Karla is having trouble with a game of hide and seek. IT S JUST NOT FAIR Other animals can easily spot her black and white stripes. Mama to the rescuewith home movies about animal camouflage. Karla learns that stripes may make her stand out, but they can also help her to hide too
About the Author
Susan Kim & Laurence Klavan cowrote the graphic novels City of Spies and Brain Camp.
Susan is also a five-time Emmy nominee for her work in children's television and a Writers Guild Award winner for best documentary. She wrote the stage adaptation of Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club, teaches writing at Goddard College, and is a blogger for the Huffington Post. When she was growing up, her family moved a lot, and the combination of being a) shy, b) the constant new kid, and c) the only Asian meant she was often picked on. In Guardians, she explores her thoughts and feelings about not just bullies but how others deal with them . . . and learn to stand up for themselves.
Laurence has also written the novels The Cutting Room, The Shooting Script, and the Edgar Award-winning Mrs. White and a short-story collection, The Family Unit and Other Fantasies. He received two Drama Desk nominations for the book and lyrics to Bed and Sofa, a musical produced by New York's Vineyard Theatre. Laurence was the baby in his family, the youngest of four brothers; even his twin brother was two minutes older. He learned that having little expected of you can be a source of power. So does Esther in Guardians she has to finally accept being a leader of people before it's too late. She is sixteen, after all.


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Redwood City or New York Shazam is seeking an outstanding Recruiter to help us source the best possible talent to enable our business to continue to grow. If you?re a results orientated, quality Recruiter, come and talk to us. You'll be responsible for leading hiring, devising9/3/2015 Redwood City, CA Save This Job
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Shazam is growing, and our innovative sales organisation is at the heart of this growth. We are looking for a highly commercial operator with a background in sales operations to come and work alongside our Ad Sales team in New York and support that growth. You will provide9/3/2015 New York, NY Save This Job
at Shazam (View all jobs) New York Shazam Design Internship 2015 Shazam connects more than 500 million people to the music, TV shows and ads they love. Every month another 15 million people embrace Shazam. All this makes us the world?s leading media engagement company. It?s an8/4/2015 New York, NY Save This Job
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Top Definition
The way 'pint of cider' is written, when several have been consumed. Ideally suited to drunken men from Norfolk.
'I had a pnit cdier' - Dr Mark Cousens
by Comedy's Matt Lee April 06, 2004
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I'm looking for a way to change the Right-Click context menu in Firefox using jQuery/CSS... and disable de default one of course.
I'm trying to make a Windows Explorer-like app to manage images and i want to be able to delete pictures using the right-click.
Anyone have an idea, cant find one.


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nominate your favorite nicu nurse! they deserve to be remembered for all the hard work they do/did for our little ones.
nicu nurse giveaway
Comments (4)
you can also post it here as a comment if that's more convenient for you. (i'll add it to the votes)
I would love to nominate Mary Shelton at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Washington. Mary was the nurse on duty the day Spencer arrived in the NICU and was the first one I met when I was able to finally get out of bed. I had HELLP syndrome so they told me I wasn't allowed to go to the NICU for 48 hours as I had to stay in bed...YEAH RIGHT...I waited 41 years for a baby, not waiting 48 hours to see him...so 12 hours later I was in the NICU and met Mary.
Over the next 64 days Mary was not only a nurse, but a friend as well. My parents passed away in 2005 and my husband's folks live in the UK along with the rest of his family. Mary was patient in teaching us how to care for a preemie rather than just being his nurse.
Mary was the one that showed me how to give a bath to Spencer once he hit the 3lb mark, she's the one that told me I was doing a great job when I would get depressed, and she would come chat with me about her family and children, etc so I wasn't just sitting there staring at Spencer all day every day as we had private rooms.
She was my primary nurse during the day and she worked Thurs-Sun each week. One Thursday she wasn't there, but the next day I received a call from her at the hospital to let me know her MIL was sick in CA so she and her DH had gone to care for her and she probably wouldn't be back before I was discharged, and she asked if she could keep in touch with us!
Tomorrow I will have been home for 2 weeks, and yesterday Mary came to visit Spencer and I at home, brought him some Dr. Seuss books and a few other presents. Mary was not just Spencer's nurse, she was our friend, preemie mentor and teacher. I knew she had been put there for a reason as Mary was also my mother's name.
WOW...why am I crying?? Damn hormones...
Julie (43)�DH (45)�
Spencer arrived on 11/27/09 at 29weeks 0 days!�Due�2-12-10 we spent�64 days in the NICU�
http://www.itsapreemiething.com and on FB!
I would like to nominate Joanne, nurse at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN. We called her "grandma Joanne" by the end as she held a special role in our stay in the NICU. She was the one that taught us how to bathe our LO. She always treated our LO as her own, not a patient. We were fortunate enough to have her on duty on Christmas Eve, so we knew our LO would be loved and cared for on that special day. We thank you!
Mommy of Katie, born 12/4/09 32 weeks 1 day, 4# 9oz due to PPROM. 31 day stay in NICU.
thanks ladies... i've decided to close submissions on the 15th.. so i'll post when you need to come back (and get your friends to come back) and vote. :)
anyone else, feel free to post here or on the blog. i'll add your stories until the 15th.


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Phang Nga Bay hotels
Phang Nga Bay
PhangNga Bay is one of the most scenic bays in Thailand. It is located between Krabi, PhangNga and the tourist mecca of Phuket. It has definitely been discovered by tourists, yet is still worth exploring for the unparalleled natural phenomenon and the picturesque local villages. Sheer limestone pinnacles draped with lush green vines, cerulean blue water, tiny specs of islands with white sandy beaches- put them all together and you have the extraordinary eco-wonderland that is PhangNga Bay. There are many islands to choose from, each with its unique charms, according to your preference.
- KohPanyee is an island of approximately 300 families that is built on stilts. Reachable only by boat, there are hundreds of dwellings and businesses on these platforms.
- The white limestone "Sea Mountains" rise from the sea floor 40 feet above the water line. A boat cruise, booked in Phuket, to these magnificent sedimentary wonders will delight you.
- Sign up for a canoe trip through the blue-green water and mangroves of PhangNga Bay. Paddling through the waters is a peaceful way to enjoy the water and greenery. You will feel worlds away from busy Phuket.
PhangNga Bay is usually a one-day excursion from Phuket. The Phuket Airport offers daily flights from Bangkok, and with connections, flights from around the world. Not all of the islands offer accommodations, so check some of the larger ones if you'd like to extend your stay in the bay. Most tours depart from PhangNga Town. You can compare and bargain with the tour operators that are stationed there. PhangNga Bay tours can also be booked from Krabi or Phuket, but they are often more expensive because of the extra layer of operators involved.
Recommended hotels
1 Six Senses Yao Noi
56 Moo 5, Tambol Koh Yao Noi, Amphur Koh Yao Map
Stay 5 Nights & Save 20%
Six Senses Yao Noi is a beachfront resort with luxurious accommodations that caters to holidaymakers in a short- or long-term beach vacation in this part of Thailand. Guests at this eco-friendly... More
2 Niramaya Villa and Wellness
29/9 Moo 5, Ko Yao Noi Map
Assuring comfortable accommodation and quality amenities, Niramaya Villa & Wellness Phang Nga welcomes its guests for an unforgettable holiday in Thailand. Si Phang Nga National Park lies in Phang... More
3 Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort and Spa
24 Moo 4 Map
Includes Extra Benefits
Along with comfortable accommodation and friendly service, the Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort & Spa offers various facilities and a fine location in Phang Nga Bay. GeneralGuests can take a... More
4 Koyao Island Resort
24/2 Moo 5, Koh Yao Noi Map
Book 30 Days In Advance & Save 25%
Remotely set on Phang Nga Bay amidst turquoise waters, Koyao Island Resort Phuket offers a tropical retreat for vacationers looking for a relaxing island getaway in Phuket. During leisure, guests... More
5 Villa Thalanena
135 Moo 3, Tambon Khao Thong Map
Book Now & Save 25%
Offering luxurious and plush accommodations nestled amidst a tropical resort, Villa Thalanena makes for an ideal base for discerning travellers in a Krabi holiday. Patrons of this chic resort can... More
6 Koh Yao Yai Village Phang Nga
78 Moo 4, Koh Yao Yai Map
Koh Yao Yai Village Resort Phang Nga has a variety of facilities and activities for holiday travellers. It provides accommodation and friendly services in Phang Nga. It is situated in a unique... More
7 Thalane Resort Krabi
33 Moo 3 Map
If what you're looking for is a conveniently located hotel in Krabi, look no further than Thalane Resort. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. For those... More
Refine your search
- Khao Phing Kan hotels
- Koh Yao Noi Island hotels
- Koh Yao Yai Island hotels
- Khlong Muang Beach hotels
- Iglesia ni Cristo hotels
- Blue Canyon Club hotels
- Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary hotels
- Marriott's Phuket Beach Club hotels
- Ao Por hotels
- Krabi West Beaches hotels
- Ton Sai Waterfall hotels
- Nopparat Thara Beach hotels


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Submissions Status
Updated 24th July 2015 : Open – We are currently open for submissions in the following categories: horror, crime & thrillers, epic/heroic fantasy and story-driven space opera. We will also consider high-concept speculative fiction that would appeal to non-genre readers.
Please refer to our submission guidelines page for further information.


text:
Tutorial: Web Services in PHPWeb Services in PHP
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Web Services in PHP
Tutorial Web Services in PHP.
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text: More from SI Report: Dodgers release pitcher Freddy Garcia Report: Dodgers release pitcher Freddy Garcia Marshawn Lynch sports gold cleats for Super Bowl Marshawn Lynch sports gold cleats for Super Bowl Louisville vs. FIU: Game time, live stream, TV coverage Louisville vs. FIU: Game time, live stream, TV coverage Pittsburgh-area high school football player dies after... Pittsburgh-area high school football player dies after... Close Tweet0 Share0 Comment0 Share0 Share0 Stumble It0 Print0 More SI Wire Report: Celtics to resolve Doc Rivers situation by Monday by John Otano Email Posted: Sat Jun. 22, 2013 Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge are expected to meet over the week to discuss Rivers' future. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers and general manager Danny Ainge plan to talk over the weekend to resolve Rivers' future with the Boston Celtics, according to Yahoo! reporter Adrian Wojnarowski. Rivers informed the Clippers on Friday that he will no longer be pursuing the open Clippers head coaching position. After talks between the Celtics and Clippers broke down in a potential deal that would have sent Rivers and Garnett to the Clippers in exchange for DeAndre Jordan and two first-round picks, the Clippers focused solely on acquiring Rivers' services. The Clippers hoped to add Garnett and Paul Pierce at a later time after attempting to deal for Rivers. NBA Commissioner stated in an interview with ESPN that trades involving coaches contracts is not allowed under the rules of the collective bargaining agreement. Rivers is expected to decide between returning to the Celtics as a head coach or working on TV as an analyst.https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/348226933634506752 Promoted Stories Comments


text:
Oakland Home Prices & Values
Zillow Home Value Index
The Zillow Home Value Index is the median Zestimate valuation for a given geographic area on a given day. Learn more
- 15.2% 1-year change
- 5.9% 1-year forecast
Market temperature
Based on three metrics—sale-to-list price ratio, the prevalence of price cuts on home listings, and time-on-market—the market temperature provides information on the current balance of bargaining power between buyers and sellers in this city relative to other cities in the same metropolitan area. A particular city may be identified as a good market for buyers in a metro market favorable to sellers overall. Learn more
The median home value in Oakland is $553,700. Oakland home values have gone up 15.2% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 5.9% within the next year. The median rent price in Oakland is $2,500, which is lower than the San Francisco Metro median of $3,300.
Foreclosures will be a factor impacting home values in the next several years. In Oakland 3.0 homes are foreclosed (per 10,000). This is greater than the San Francisco Metro value of 1.0 and also lower than the national value of 3.5
Mortgage delinquency is the first step in the foreclosure process. This is when a homeowner fails to make a mortgage payment. The percent of delinquent mortgages in Oakland is 5.5%, which is lower than the national value of 6.0%. With U.S. home values having fallen by more than 20% nationally from their peak in 2007 until their trough in late 2011, many homeowners are now underwater on their mortgages, meaning they owe more than their home is worth. The percent of Oakland homeowners underwater on their mortgage is 8.6%, which is higher than San Francisco Metro at 6.1%.Read more
Relative ZHVI- +
Oakland Market Overview
Data through Aug 31, 2015
1-yr forecast
The Zillow Home Value Forecast is Zillow's prediction of what the Zillow Home Value Index will be one year from now. Learn more(Aug 31, 2016)
- No data Median listing price
- $579,900 Median sale price
We are currently unable to retrieve data matching your current criteria.
Oakland Market Health
Data through Aug 31, 2015
Very healthy
The Market Health Index illustrates the current health of a region's housing market relative to other markets across the country. The Market Health Index is based on up to 10 metrics including those capturing the past and projected evolution of home values, the prevalence of foreclosures, foreclosure re-sales, negative equity and delinquency, as well as whether homes are currently selling faster or slower than in the past.(Jul 31, 2015)
- No data Average days on Zillow
- 8.6% Homes with negative equity (15.4% US Avg) (Mar 31, 2015)
- 5.5% Delinquent on mortgage (6.0% US Avg) (Mar 31, 2015)
Homes foreclosed (per 10,000)
We are currently unable to retrieve data matching your current criteria.
Neighborhoods in Oakland
|Median ZHVI
|Upper Dimond
|Median ZHVI
|Meadow Brook
Listings & Sales
Data through Aug 31, 2015
- No recent data Median list price / sq ft
- $458 Median sale price / sq ft
- No data Listings with price cut
We are currently unable to retrieve data matching your current criteria.
Oakland Rentals
Data through Aug 31, 2015
Zillow Rent Index
$2,650 Oakland$3,313 San Francisco Metro$1,381 United States
The Zillow Rent Index is the median Rent Zestimate valuation for a given geographic area on a given day. Learn more
Breakeven horizon
The breakeven horizon is the number of years after which buying is more financially advantageous than renting. Learn more(Mar 31, 2015)
- $2,500 Rent list price
- $2.09 Rent list price / sq ft
We are currently unable to retrieve data matching your current criteria.


text:
Defense Acquisitions:
Status of Ballistic Missile Defense Program in 2004
GAO-05-243: Published: Mar 31, 2005. Publicly Released: Mar 31, 2005.
Additional Materials:
- Highlights Page:
- Full Report:
- Accessible Text:
(202) 512-3519
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(202) 512-4800
Since 1985, the Department of Defense (DOD) has invested $85 billion in ballistic missile defense programs, with $66.5 billion more anticipated over the next 7 years through 2011. As a major result of this investment, the Department is on the verge of activating our nation's first missile defense system for protecting the United States from intercontinental ballistic missile attacks out of Northeast Asia. This initial capability--referred to as Limited Defensive Operations (LDO)--is the first step of a national priority to develop, field, and evolve over time an overarching ballistic missile defense system (BMDS). To fulfill a congressional mandate, GAO assessed how well the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) met its cost, schedule, testing, and performance goals during fiscal year 2004. GAO assessed the program last year and will continue to provide assessments of MDA progress through 2006.
By the end of fiscal year 2004, MDA carried out activities needed to field an initial missile defense capability, as planned. These included delivery and emplacement of Ground-based Midcourse Defense interceptors; upgrades of ground-based radars; enhancements to Aegis Navy ships for improved surveillance and tracking; development of command and control software for system operation; and tests to verify that components of this initial capability can communicate as part of an integrated whole. However, the performance of the system remains uncertain and unverified, because a number of flight tests slipped into fiscal year 2005 and MDA has not successfully conducted an end-to-end flight test using operationally-representative hardware and software. Additionally, based on our analysis of prime contractor cost and schedule performance, the development of BMDS elements cost approximately $370 million more than planned during fiscal year 2004. To cover much of this cost overrun, MDA deferred work planned for fiscal year 2004, redirected funds earmarked for other programs, and requested additional funds in its fiscal year 2005 budget to cover the cost of deferred work. In the future, MDA will likely face increased funding risks. MDA plans to request about $10 billion annually from DOD for BMDS development, procurement, and sustainment. However, DOD's acquisition programs are likely to be competing for a decreasing share of the total federal budget and MDA's programs are competing against hundreds of other DOD programs. Also, MDA continues to budget for unanticipated cost growth. For example, the Airborne Laser program plans to spend an additional $1.5 billion to develop and demonstrate a prototype aircraft. Furthermore, procurement and sustainment will demand increased funding as more missile defense components are fielded over time. MDA policy defines a block as an integrated set of capabilities fielded during the 2-year block cycle, but we observed that MDA's fielding goals do not consistently match its cost goals. For example, Block 2004 funds are used to procure 32 Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense missiles, but of these missiles, 11 will be delivered in 2004-2005 and the remaining missiles will be delivered during 2006-2007. MDA officials intend to clarify the block policy in the near future to better align the cost and fielding goals.
Recommendation for Executive Action
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has moved forward in modifying its block policy so that cost goals and fielding goals are properly aligned. As reflected in the FY 2006 President's Budget (and seen in the Staffer Day Briefings), MDA implemented a new BMDS baseline approach that reallocated funding between blocks. The biggest reallocation involved the THAAD program, which is planned to have its first fielded unit in FY 2009. This fielding is now considered a "Block 2008" fielding (rather than a Block 2006 fielding), and THAAD's Block 2004 activities have been folded into the Block 2006 program. MDA did not realign block funding for the Airborne Laser program.
Recommendation: To assist decision makers in Congress and DOD in exercising their oversight of MDA's acquisition plans and in evaluating MDA's budget requests, the Director, MDA, should clarify and modify, as needed, its block policy to ensure that a block's cost and fielding goals are consistently aligned.
Agency Affected: Department of Defense: Office of the Secretary of Defense: Missile Defense Agency
Explore the full database of GAO's Open Recommendations »
Oct 1, 2015
Ford Class Aircraft Carrier:Poor Outcomes Are the Predictable Consequences of the Prevalent Acquisition CultureGAO-16-84T: Published: Oct 1, 2015. Publicly Released: Oct 1, 2015.
Tricare Pharmacy Pilot:Improved Monitoring Needed with Expansion of Pilot RequirementsGAO-15-768: Published: Sep 30, 2015. Publicly Released: Oct 1, 2015.
Sep 30, 2015
DOD Contract Services:Improvements Made to Planning and Implementation of Fiscal ControlsGAO-15-780: Published: Sep 30, 2015. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 2015.
Sep 28, 2015
DOD Financial Management:Continued Actions Needed to Address Congressional Committee Panel RecommendationsGAO-15-463: Published: Sep 28, 2015. Publicly Released: Sep 28, 2015.
Sep 21, 2015
- Department of Defense's Waiver of Competitive Prototyping Requirement for the Air Force's F-15 Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) ProgramGAO-15-800R: Published: Sep 21, 2015. Publicly Released: Sep 21, 2015.
Sep 17, 2015
Prepositioned Stocks:Marine Corps Needs to Improve Cost Estimate Reliability and Oversight of Inventory Systems for Equipment in NorwayGAO-15-651: Published: Sep 17, 2015. Publicly Released: Sep 17, 2015.
Sep 9, 2015
Defense Infrastructure:In-Kind Construction and Renovation Projects Initiated by DOD during Fiscal Year 2013GAO-15-649: Published: Sep 9, 2015. Publicly Released: Sep 9, 2015.
Military Compensation:DOD Needs More Complete and Consistent Data to Assess the Costs and Policies of Relocating PersonnelGAO-15-713: Published: Sep 9, 2015. Publicly Released: Sep 9, 2015.
Sep 3, 2015
Military Personnel:Additional Steps Are Needed to Strengthen DOD's Oversight of Ethics and Professionalism IssuesGAO-15-711: Published: Sep 3, 2015. Publicly Released: Sep 3, 2015.
Aug 27, 2015
Weapon System Acquisitions:Opportunities Exist to Improve the Department of Defense's Portfolio ManagementGAO-15-466: Published: Aug 27, 2015. Publicly Released: Aug 27, 2015.
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