At the following time, we will be performing FINAL FANTASY XI maintenance on all Worlds. During this period, FINAL FANTASY XI will be unavailable.
- Several in-game issues will be fixed.
We ask that players who are scheduled to enter Assault areas, Dynamis or Limbus at the time of the maintenance wait until it is complete before entering. Please note that we cannot replace items that are lost during the maintenance process.
Recently, a number of accounts which were confirmed to have violated the the user agreement by using unauthorized third-party software tools were discovered and have been permanently suspended.
Since the middle of May, 2006, the development team and the GMs carried out a detailed investigation of this problem, and discovered the existence of a group using illicit methods to produce large amounts of gil that are later sold in the real world (Real Money Trading). We would like to take this opportunity to outline the measures that have been taken to correct this issue.
Based on the results of this investigation, more than 250 accounts among those found to be involved in large-scale RMT operations have been terminated. We will continue to monitor accounts suspected of dealing in gil created or obtained in an unfair manner. Thanks to these measures, more than 250 billion gil has been removed from circulation.
As has been previously stated, acts of RMT will not be tolerated in FINAL FANTASY XI, and any violations of the user agreement will be dealt with severely. We would like to assure our players that all efforts are being made to ensure a fair playing experience.
We hope to have your continuing understanding and cooperation in creating a Vana'diel that everyone can enjoy.
The FINAL FANTASY XI Linkshell Community Beta Version!
The FINAL FANTASY XI Linkshell Community beta version starts today! Use this page for all your linkshell needs, including everything from recruiting members for missions to posting news on upcoming events.
The FINAL FANTASY XI Linkshell Community Beta Version is a new service that will be available to adventurers in the very near future! Now you will be able to communicate with your linkshell members from any location with Internet access!
Many tools are provided by the Linkshell Community to support the groups that adventurers have formed within the world of FINAL FANTASY XI. For example, members of a linkshell will have access to an exclusive message board, as well as an up-to-date list of current member information. The Linkshell Community will also provide a linkshell search function and a list of recently formed linkshells for each individual World.
The character profiles displayed on the linkshell member lists will be directly connected to in-game data. Character information will be automatically updated at regular intervals, making it unnecessary for players to manually adjust their profiles. In addition to job levels and synthesis skills, other information such as current titles and mission ranks will also be displayed, allowing members to easily recruit for missions and plan events for their linkshell.
We will continue to add many more useful functions as the Linkshell Community evolves.
The Linkshell Community is an official SQUARE ENIX site;, however, please be cautious when registering your information on other FINAL FANTASY XI-related social networking sites. We hope this new service will help bring a new dimension to your life in Vana'diel!
With the upcoming merit point additions, you will be able to improve your character even further with all-new abilities and spells in the existing 15 job categories. Merit point job categories will also become available for blue mages, corsairs, and puppetmasters.
The existing 15 job categories will be improved to allow players the opportunity to further customize their level 75 characters with unique abilities.
These improved categories will include 4 to 8 abilities for each job. Depending on the distribution of merit points, it will be possible for players to access multiple new abilities.
Check out the upcoming version update news for what's in store.
The 15 existing job categories will be divided into subcategories. Group 1 will include conventional abilities, while Group 2 will include the new job abilities, job traits, and spells.
You can access Group 2 abilities by spending 1 point on the ability you wish to learn. Additional points spent on the same ability will shorten the recast time or enhance the effect (refer to the help text for each ability to learn the specific bonus).
Lowering the number of merit points in an ability to zero will cause it to disappear from your ability list.
The Group 1 and Group 2 subcategories have separate totals for the maximum number of possible ability increases. Spending merit points to improve conventional abilities will not affect the acquisition of the new abilities.
In the upcoming version update, merit point job categories will be added for the three new jobs introduced in the Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion disc.
These categories will initially contain only the Group 1 subcategory, allowing players to improve the basic abilities for these jobs.
In the upcoming version update, new notorious monsters and battlefields will be introduced into the Treasures of Aht Urhgan areas. Also, certain monsters will soon possess an accumulative resistance to magic.
Now that everyone seems to be used to the new areas and enemies of the Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion disc, a number of notorious monsters will be introduced in the next version update.
In addition, a new type of high notorious monster (HNM) will be added to the beastman strongholds.
Victory will not come easy when facing these new challenges!
A number of new battlefields are scheduled for the Treasures of Aht Urhgan areas. You can attempt these battlefields by using Imperial Standing credits.
We have adjusted the system so that most players should be able to make an attempt once or twice a week with the Imperial Standing they earn, but players can enter the battlefield every day if they have enough credits. This should make the new battlefields more accessible than orb battles.
Currently, a large number of players can team up to overpower the enemy in certain battles by hitting the enemy repeatedly with only elemental magic. This tactic has had an unbalancing effect on the game, and we decided a change was needed.
However, altering the effects of powerful magic spells would have a negative effect on black mages and other magic users. Rather than altering magic effects or strengthening monsters, we determined that the adjustment to solve this issue should be as small as possible in scope and affect other gameplay mechanics as little as possible.
Therefore, for the next update we have decided to implement an accumulative magic resistance effect for all monsters whose strength reads "impossible to gauge."
We have also made several other adjustments to minimize the effect of this change on black mages and other magic users. For example, a party fighting a notorious monster with one to two black mages will probably not notice the difference.
However, we have decided to give Bahamut in the quest "The Wyrmking Descends" and Diabolos in the quest "Waking Dreams" a stronger accumulative magic resistance than other notorious monsters.
When a monster with accumulative magic resistance is hit by a magic attack, the amount of damage it receives will decrease in accordance with that monster's resistance. At the same time, its resistance will increase.
The monster's resistance will increase in accordance with the amount of damage incurred, but each monster has a maximum resistance level.
In addition, the monster's resistance will decrease with time if it is not hit by any repeated magic attacks.
The Empire has released a list of some of the more prominent villains among the beastmen. Click here to see Aht Urhgan's most wanted!
In the upcoming version update, we will increase the importance of strategy during Besieged by introducing new Notorious Monsters as well as various system additions and adjustments.
Since its introduction in the Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion disc, Besieged has become far more popular than the development team ever anticipated.
This popularity leads to certain victory with little need for strategy on almost every World, as hundreds of players unite to repel the beastman hordes. With the gradual adjustments that have been implemented, it is now possible to witness the furious battle unfolding within Al Zahbi. However, many players have voiced their desire to participate in a more strategy-based Besieged. With this aim in mind, the following adjustments are planned for the upcoming version update.
With the addition of Notorious Monsters that require more than just numbers to defeat, Al Zahbi will find itself under attack from even more powerful beastman armies.
The composition of the armies advancing on Al Zahbi will be greatly affected by attacks on the beastman bases.
Invading the home ground of the savage beastmen and weakening their forces will become an essential step in the defense of Aht Urhgan's capital.
We are aware that the crowding that accompanies the Besieged event overwhelms the processing power of many clients, and prevents a smooth gaming experience.
The standard solution to this issue would be to restrict the number of players in the area; however, we feel that hundreds of characters of all levels participating in the same battle is what makes Besieged so popular in the first place.
We have no plans to restrict or remove this new feature based on hardware issues. While there is no simple solution, we intend to continue making adjustments that will improve players' enjoyment of Besieged.
We are also planning on implementing measures in the next version update that will address issues associated with insufficient memory for certain types of hardware.
An interview with the FFXI developers is available at 1up.com, with further info on changes in the next game update; topics include the new zones, chocobo raising, HNM spawns, and more.
Quests for Blue Mages, Corsairs, and Puppetmasters!
The artifact and limit break quests for the blue mage, corsair, and puppetmaster jobs will be added in the next version update! More details below.
The version update was scheduled to take place in mid-July, but has been postponed until late July.
The artifact and limit break quests for the blue mage, corsair, and puppetmaster jobs will be added in the next version update. You must have attained a certain level with each job to access its new quests.
The artifact quests are continuations of the previously available "An Empty Vessel," "Luck of the Draw," and "No Strings Attached" quests. Like the artifact quests for other jobs, there will be three quests for each new job that the player must complete in order to attain the artifact weapon and two pieces of armor.
The other three pieces of artifact armor will not be available in coffers, but instead can be obtained by a new method. The Aht Urhgan areas are for high-level players, and placing coffers in these areas would make the artifact quests significantly more difficult than those for the other jobs.
The NPC Maat, famous or even infamous for his part in previous limit break quests, will not be appearing in the new quests due to his lack of expertise in the jobs of the Near East. Instead, the player will have to battle against important figures for each job in order to breach their innate limits.
You must complete the three artifact quests for each job before attempting its limit break quest.
Click here to read another "Life in Vana'diel" article about chocobo raising. New information on changes and additions to chocobo digging and gardening can also be found below.
There will be a number of changes and additions to chocobo digging and gardening in accordance with the introduction of the chocobo raising feature in the next version update.
The following changes and additions will be made to chocobo digging to complement the chocobo raising feature. These changes will not affect players' digging skill. The player's chocobo digging skill will apply to any chocobo they ride or raise.
Raising a chocobo in a certain way may result in the acquisition of various abilities. Some of these abilities will enhance the profitability of chocobo digging, such as by increasing the variety of items obtainable via the digging command.
-The number of buried items in each area will increase.
-Depending on the chocobo, "fatigue" similar to that incurred during fishing will be imposed upon the player after digging for a certain period of time.
New seeds will be added in the next version update to allow players to grow their own chocobo feed. Players will be able to grow feed in the same manner as other plants, and will not need to learn any special techniques or purchase any specific tools.
In the next version update, we will be adding all new Assault missions that continue in the spirit of providing casual gameplay for busy players. We also plan to adjust the number of Assault Points received for existing missions.
In conjunction with the release of the two new mercenary ranks, we will be introducing additional Assault missions. Five new missions will be available at the rank of Lance Corporal, and another five missions at the rank of Corporal. A wider range of options and the necessity for unique strategies will accompany these new missions, so don't let your mercenary skills grow rusty!
When participating in an Assault mission with 4 or more people, the penalty on the number of Assault Points earned per person will be decreased.
The number of Assault Points earned for each Assault mission will be adjusted to better reflect the level of difficulty.
The next version update will bring the release of a new region, new mercenary ranks, and the long-awaited continuation of the Treasures of Aht Urhgan storyline in the form of new missions.
The FINAL FANTASY XI Development Team left difficult battles out of the early Treasures of Aht Urhgan missions in order to allow as many players as possible to enjoy the new content. However, the new missions will be aimed for higher level players, reinforcing the words of Naja Salaheem: "Salaheem's Sentinels only takes the best of the best, the crrream of the crop!"
Fierce adversaries and the mysteries of the Aht Urhgan Empire await you!
The next version update will introduce two new mercenary ranks and their corresponding rank evaluations.
One of the new rank evaluations will be themed after helping out the less experienced.
The new region "Ruins of Alzadaal" will be added to the Aradjiah continent.
At first, only a part of the area "Alzadaal Undersea Ruins" will be accessible, but other areas will gradually be made available by subsequent version updates.
The FINAL FANTASY XI Development Team has put several measures into effect since the release of the Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion disc to lessen the congestion in Al Zahbi, including adjustments to Besieged and the introduction of auction house fees and bazaar taxes. The upcoming Mog Locker expansion and the introduction of new features in Aht Urhgan are designed to create a more convenient atmosphere for players. While the effects of these changes may not be immediately visible, we believe that these measures will eventually result in less overcrowding of the new towns.
The Mog Locker was introduced for the convenience of players exploring the new areas of Aht Urhgan. In order to preserve in-game balance, the Mog Locker was given an initial capacity of 50 items and limited to use in Al Zahbi. Even more players than expected have begun to use this service, so we decided to eliminate some of the restrictions on the Mog Locker during the next version update.
Following the next version update, trading Aht Urhgan currency to Fubruhn in Aht Urhgan Whitegate will allow you to increase your Mog Locker capacity to hold 60 items.
You will soon be able to use your Mog Locker in your Mog House from anywhere in Vana'diel after the completion of certain free procedures. However, these procedures will slightly shorten the length of a Mog Locker lease, which costs one Imperial bronze piece to renew. In addition, the remaining time on the current lease will be proportionately reduced. Of course, you can always choose to make your Mog Locker usable only in Al Zahbi once again.
In accordance with the Mog Locker access expansion, players will also be able to renew their lease for one Imperial bronze piece from a Mog House at any location.
The chocobo stables in Al Zahbi will finally open for use in the next version update. Players will be able to rent a chocobo in Al Zahbi and ride out into the Wajaom Woodlands. Please note, however that the NPCs at the chocobo stables may be captured during Besieged, disabling chocobo use until their rescue.
Furthermore, additions will be made to the number of special event items that can be stored.
In this next installment, we bring you more in-depth information from the world of chocobos! See here for the full details.
Version Update Scheduled For July!
The first version update after the release of the Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion disc is scheduled to take place in mid-July. As announced at the FINAL FANTASY XI Fan Festival 2006, players will finally be able to raise their own chocobos! Adjustments to Besieged, new missions and quests, and a variety of other additions and changes are also on the way! More information will be posted on this site as soon as it is made available, so keep checking back for the latest updates!
The FINAL FANTASY XI development team has finally addressed everyone�s cries for a system to raise their own personal chocobos. As announced at the FINAL FANTASY XI Fan Festival 2006 in Santa Monica, this new feature will be introduced in the next version update!
Chocobos differ based on their color and type�and possibly more. Naming will be handled in the same way that dragoons and puppetmasters select their wyvern or automaton�s name, but there will be more options than ever before!
Match up your chocobo with your friend�s chocobo and see what happens. If the match is right, you could end up with a new baby chocobo!
Scores of other exciting features are scheduled to be added in the next version update, so keep checking the main site for more information in the next few days!
A large slew of new mobs and quests make up the majority of this site update, all part of the new expansion zones. These can be seen in further detail in the April 2006 FFXI Patch Compilation of Info.
At the following time we have performed a version update of FINAL FANTASY XI.
- During defensive Besieged, beastmen will now focus on reaching their goal, the Astral Plinth, than actively involving into battles.
- An issue wherein players may be able to receive experience points and Imperial Standings which has exeeded the cap has been fixed.
- Addressed an issue where internal test messages would display on the screen during Besieged.
At the following time, a FINAL FANTASY XI update was performed on all Worlds.
An issue was fixed wherein the game may freeze if players check their delivery boxes during a defensive Besieged.
At the following time, we performed FINAL FANTASY XI version update on all Worlds.
- Chances of NPCs within Al Zahbi being captured during Besieged have been adjusted.
- The Imperial defense recovery rate based on the amount contributed to the NPC "Gajaad" within Al Zahbi has been modified.
At the following time, we have performed FINAL FANTASY XI maintenance on all Worlds.
- Bazaar custom calculation for Aht Urhgan Whitegate has ben applied to the Al Zahbi area.
- The Home point within Al Zahbi has been removed.
- Beastmen level during besieged has been adjusted.
- Upon entering level limited areas o battle fields.
- Received monsters' attacks with dispel effect.
- Fixed an issue wherein "Empress Band" or "Chariot Band" bonuses would wear off without reaching the maximum bonus limit when under Sanction effect.
*The client software has also been updated at this time. The version update process will automatically begin upon login after the time stated below. Please follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
- After the event scene for the beginning of a besieged is over, all participants will be automatically relocated to different positions within Al Zahbi.
- Fixed an issue wherein players were unable to obtain their "runic portal use permits" upon consuming 200 Imperial Standings.
- Fixed in game message regarding Corsair's ability "Phantom Roll."
- ";" would not function upon key assigning.
- And issue where the software keyboard would not function properly after the controller's power supply has been switch off.
-An issue where a disbanded alliance would remain as not disbanded will be fixed.
- An issue where a map purchased with Imperial Standing could be purchased again will be fixed.
- Monster "Sicklemoon Jagil" will be addressed to only respond to sound instead of sight.
- An issue where players may be unable to obtain key item for the "Vanishing Act" quest while harvesting will be fixed.
- Guild NPC has been giving out the incorrect recipe for synthesizing "Jaridah Salvars." This will be addressed.
As of May 16, FINAL FANTASY XI will celebrate four years of service! In gratitude for everything adventurers have done for Vana'diel, the moogles are holding another Adventurer Appreciation Campaign. You can see reports on your battle history, and have the chance to receive some great items! Join your friends and bask in the appreciation of Vana'diel's citizens!
Even the heads of state agree that the safety of our nations, the security of our cities, and the peaceful lives of our citizens are all made possible through the tireless efforts of Vana'diel's adventurers.
It is time for adventurers to reap the rewards of their service!
Once again, the nations of San d'Oria, Bastok, and Windurst will become the stage for the "Adventurer Appreciation Campaign."
During the planned events, adventurers will receive gifts of gratitude from the townspeople and hear detailed reports of their conquests in battle (based on data secretly collected by the M.H.M.U.).
"Adventurers great and small, you have our heartfelt gratitude!
Your dedication and courage have made Vana'diel the wonderful place it is today!"
This event is scheduled to begin on May 11 at 17:00 and end on May 31 at 0:00 (PDT).
A slew of additions here, providing data from the new Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion. Expanded details on much of this info can be found in the April 2006 FFXI Patch Compilation of Info.
And so, the moogles are once again asking for help from the "courageous, illustrious, and awe-inspiring adventurers of Vana'diel" (in their own pleading words). Will you answer their call?
Vana'diel is once again gearing up for the Feast of Swords, a Far Eastern festival in which town residents celebrate their sons' healthy growth by raising banners decorated with enormous fish, and dressing the towns' male youth in armor for mock fights.
Many citizens of Vana'diel still remember the chaos of the last Feast of Swords, when the priceless armor the Mog House Management Union (M.H.M.U.) borrowed from the Far East was stolen. Thanks to the efforts of the adventurers, the armor ended up with back its Far Eastern owners just in time, but the near diplomatic near-disaster had everyone in a cold sweat for days.
Many seasons have passed since the international incident, and everyone expected the M.H.M.U. to have abandoned all hopes for the Feast of Swords...until now. Rumor has it that the M.H.M.U. was determined this time to create the perfect festival this time, and persisted in its pleas until the Far East finally gave in--and the Genji family lent them their legendary armor once more.
The moogles busily scurried around to make the preparations, and everything seemed to be in order...or so they thought.
The ship was immediately set upon by Near Eastern pirates after docking at the Mighoya Dunes on the continent of Mindartia. The pirates' leader, Barracuda Myu, had followed the vessel all the way from the Cyan Deep, believing that it carried powerful Aht Urhgan weapons.
Fortunately (or unfortunately?) for the Far Eastern crew, the Federal Forces of Windurst appeared to save the day. However, when Myu's gang was surrounded and left with nowhere to run, they turned to drastic measures. Upon learning that the ship actually carried sets of priceless armor, they devised a plan to escape wearing the cargo. They reasoned that surely no one would risk harming a national treasure.
And so, the moogles call on the adventurers to save them from yet another prickly situation. The master carpenter Kupelcian has once again begun production of a special weapon designed to inflict no scratches or dents on the treasure. Take up the wooden katana once more and save the invaluable armor from the pirates! The dignity of the M.H.M.U.--no, of the Middle Lands--can only be preserved by your actions!
-Speak to an event moogle in one of the three main nations to receive a lotus katana.
-Once you have a wooden katana or a lotus katana, speak to a nomad moogle to participate in the event.
-While participating in the event, you will be restricted to level 1, but your movement speed will increase. Please note that any equipment that you are wearing that is for level 2 or higher will automatically be removed.
-You cannot attack or be attacked by regular monsters during the event.
This event is scheduled to begin on April 27 at 17:00 and end on May 11 at 0:00 (PDT).
More information regarding the MPK measures mentioned in the recent version update news is now available. Click here for details.
At the following time, we have performed FINAL FANTASY XI version update.
- Unable to use auto translation function using the "Pause" key.
- "Mog Locker" item sort information was not saved properly.
- Several items were unable to be sorted correctly.
- Unable to filter countdown message while logging out.
- An issue wherein the wide scan would not function properly with Blue Mage, Corsair or Puppetmaster set as support job.
- An issue with incorrect automaton status display.
- Some Shadow (fomor) type monsters which have lost their target would not disappear when they are out of their radius of activity.
- During Besieged, level and speed of beastman army marching towards Al Zahbi have been modified.
At the following time, we will be performing FINAL FANTASY XI version update.
- An issue where characters may become stuck at the pier of Al Zahbi or Nashmau.
- Icons within auction houses are not displayed correctly.
- An issue where Aht Urhgan quest and mission Current and Complete lists displayed for those who do not have "The Treasure of Aht Urhgan" installed.
- An issue where only the party leader was allowed to enter assault areas.
- Game freeze issue would occur during the "Bait and Switch" quest under certain circumstances.
- Besieged stronghold military decrease rate has been adjusted.
- Changed the increase rate of the checkpoint forces.
- Checkpoint forces will not decrease even if Archaic Mirror in the beastmen checkpoint is destroyed. But it will stop the increase of the checkpoint forces.
- Increased the number of passengers on the ship heading out from Aht Urhgan Whitegate.
- Bazaar items will be taxed in Aht Urhgan Whitegate. The tax rate is the same as in Jeuno region.
- An issue where Nashmau can be set as a home point after changing the job has been addressed.
- Changed the sale price of black ghost.


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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg of the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a plea by former Director of Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Rajat Gupta, to remain on bail while he appeals against his conviction. He has filed a petition for rehearing his case before the Second Circuit appeals court in April and the court is yet to take action over it. He was found guilty of insider trading by a Manhattan Federal Jury in June 2013 and is supposed to surrender to prison authorities on June 17, to begin a two –year sentence.
After this conviction, he had swiftly filed an appeal which was shot down in March. In addition to the two-year prison term, Gupta has been ordered to pay $5 million in fine and a separate $6 million in reimbursement to Goldman Sachs. He also has a separate appeals case to reduce this reimbursement amount, as well as against a separate civil ruling that demands Gupta pay $13.9 million for his insider trading crimes, brought upon him by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In April Gupta appealed to the SEC to dismiss the $13.9 million fine, saying that the monetary and punitive damage he has already incurred are more than enough.
He contended that it is improbable that he'll flee and he is likely to win the appeal due to legal errors committed during the conviction. His assertion was that if the Supreme Court intervenes after he starts with his jail term, by the time a decision is confirmed, he would've served at least half the two-year sentence. His conviction was affirmed by a federal appeals court in New Court.
His attorney, Seth Waxman negated the option of resubmitting the application to a different Justice.
The Harvard Graduate was found guilty of passing confidential boardroom information to billionaire Galleon Group LLC co- founder Raj Rajaratnam. He is the highest-profile executive in the U.S. crackdown on insider training at hedge funds, charges that were brought against him by Manhattan's India-born top federal prosecutor Preet Bharara. He alleges that the wiretaps used as evidence against him, were improperly admitted. Also, that he should've been given a chance to justify his good character before the jury.
Rajaratnam was convicted in separated proceedings and awarded 11-year sentence in a federal medical prison in Ayer, Massachusetts. He is seeking Supreme Court review, and the court may act as soon as next week on his case. His brother, Rengan Rajaratnam's trial will commence on 17 June, the day Gupta is scheduled to begin serving his prison sentence.
He submitted that the trial judge, Jed Rakoff should've informed the jurors that evidence of good character could raise reasonable doubt about his guilt. According to Bloomberg, his lawyer suggested that there was no evidence that he received any direct financial benefit from any of Rajaratnam's trades, also stating that he pursued a life of extraordinary philanthropy, dedicating his wealth and time to causes great and small.
This ruling by the Supreme Court is the final nail in the coffin for his case, which is now at the ultimate stage after more than two years. As a result of this conviction, Gupta is barred for life from management positions of any type in the securities industry.


Hello all. This is my first post here. As someone who played Wing Commander when it first came out almost 25 years ago, I was thrilled when I received an email from GOG saying that the games had been re-released, and just as thrilled when I found this site and discovered that there is an active and vibrant community dedicated to these games that, in my opinion, are as to computer games what Star Wars is to movies.
I am trying to figure out as much as I can on my own regarding the WC games I have purchased on GOG. I've learned about and played around with DosBox in the last few days and have somewhat figured out the mapper.map program to make keyboard/joystick configurations.............and here is my issue.
I purchased both a Thrustmaster T16000M and a Logitech Extreme 3d Pro and have played them both with Wing Commander 1, GOG version. Without a doubt, the Thrustmaster is better as far as accuracy of the stick goes. The Logitech joystick just has a larger dead spot and more play in the center and the difference while playing WC1 is very noticible to me. However, it seems that I cannot get the hat switch programmed on the Thrustmaster. I was able to get everything mapped with the Extreme 3D Pro, and I would have gone with that joystick if not for the dead zone/accuracy issues. As much as I have tried, I cannot make the hat switch on the Thrustmaster function while playing in-game. When pressing Control-F1 and setting up the Thrustmaster in DosBox, everything seems to go ok, just like setting up the Extreme 3D Pro. But once I get in the game, none of the hat switch functions on the Thrustmaster will work. But they do on the 3D Pro.
Has anyone else had this problem? Both joysticks have been calibrated in Win 7 64 bit Ultimate, also have tried the Control-J calibration for both joysticks at the WC1 options screen.
Note: I also have a Logitech Trackball USB plugged in. Could this be causing problems? Again......no function problems at all with the 3D Extreme Pro, only the accuracy/dead zone issue, and just the hat switch problem with the Thrustmaster. Would love to use the Thrustmaster, but need to find solution first.
Also, any mapper.map configuration tips would be appreciated...........I'm not trying to get someone else to do my homework for me, but I've Googled and Yahooed and just can't find a fix for this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated and again it's awesome to see this WC community here. Who woulda' thought!
multiple USB controllers plugged in *can* cause issues. If it's registering as a secondary joystick, they'll often interfere with each other. The easy way to tell is to unplug any extraneous USB controllers and see if the issue goes away. If you unplug them and the problem persists then you know the issue lies elsewhere.
AD, thanks for the reply. I have finally solved the problem. Apparently DosBox has joystick settings specifically for Thrustmaster sticks, and in the DosBox.conf file it is necesary to set the joystick type to "fcs" from "auto". The Extreme 3D Pro was not negatively affected by the "auto" configuration. This solved the hat switch problem and I can now completly configure the joystick how I want it. Per your post I am now disconnecting the usb trackball when I go to play games so as to avoid any potential conflicts. Thanks again for the help, and to anyone who reads this post that is considering buying the WC series and a joystick, in my case the T16000m makes a huge difference in playability. I'm not trying to sound like a commercial for Thrustmaster, but maybe this info will help someone who is trying to decide what stick to buy for these games.
Thanks again for the help, and to anyone who reads this post that is considering buying the WC series and a joystick, in my case the T16000m makes a huge difference in playability. I'm not trying to sound like a commercial for Thrustmaster, but maybe this info will help someone who is trying to decide what stick to buy for these games.
Oh, I totally agree! I'm pretty comfortable playing the games with a mouse. I prefer it over the old 2 button gravis I used to have. But upgrading to a proper stick and throttle assembly was a night and day improvement when picked up a new stick for WC Prophecy back in the day.


Even though you guys have not seen an update on this build in a while, work has been moving at a steady pace. However, not so much visual stuff has been going on; the guys are in the process of trying to finish up the custom built harness that will work with the new Racepak Smartwire system. Being the meticulous guy Jerry is, everything needed to be executed at the highest quality. Along with the Electronics side of things, some additional pieces have made it onto the car and I also have a small update on the redesign in progress of the one piece front.
I'm not sure if I wold have mentioned it in a previous post; The Eibach coilovers were sent to be serviced and revalved. If you pay close attention you will notice that Jerry's old Buddy Club coilovers are currently installed. The main purposes are to test fit the remainder of the suspension pieces to ensure there are no clearance issues and to easily move the car around.
Another piece of information I left out in a previous post is that Jerry will be going back to one of his previous setups in terms of an oil cooler. In the initial stages of this build, Jerry used a Laminova Heat Exchanger but as the build evolved he opted for a more conventional air-to-oil cooler. Since the front end has been redesigned, coupled with the dry sump setup it is significantly easier to use the Laminova unit once again.
Previously, being hard pressed for time the radiator fans were cable tied to the radiator. However, this time around Jerry made a few alterations to the radiator and the fans will now be bolted directly to it.
When we last left off Jerry was in the process of rewiring the car which also included installing the Haltech ECU. Being by there are significantly more pieces in comparison to the Hondata K-Pro, Jerry needed somewhere to safely place them. A final decision was made to have them mounted on a panel and placed out of sight on the underside of the dashboard.
A closer look at the Peterson Fluid Systems breather tank with the -16 hose running to the oil tank inside the car.
Cartek LED FiA approved rain light mounted but awaiting the necessary wiring to make it functional.
Jerry has been wanting to change the pedal assembly in the car for quite some time, actually from the very first time he drove the car. At the time the budget wouldn't allow for it, but in moving forward with this new build Jerry made sure it wasn't left out.
A Tilton pedal assembly was purchased to take on the duty. The unit is made of billet aluminum and guarantees no flex which is one of the many problems Jerry exhibited with his old setup. Another problem that will be addressed with this new assembly is the pedal feedback, previously Jerry exhibited poor feedback which limited him at how hard he was able to drive the car being unsure about his brakes. It's safe to stay that for the first time ever Jerry will have brakes the way he intended them to be with a proper pedal assembly.
A package arrived from Eibach, the front coilovers have returned and with various spring rates. Previously Jerry ran 750 at the front and 550 at the rear. The new lower control arm layout does not come with provisions to use an anti roll bar, primarily to help shed weight. To counteract this, Jerry opted to stiffen up the spring rates which will now be 1100 at the front and 850 at the rear.
Things on the inside are coming along with the lines already ran to the Tilton pedal assembly and reservoir tank thanks to the guys over at S.D.R.R Hydraulics.


1. DON'T INSURE FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE MORTGAGE. Many homeowners blindly insure for the amount of their mortgage balance. The result can be either too much insurance coverage or not enough. The mortgage balance has absolutely nothing to do with how much insurance you need.
2. RAISE YOUR DEDUCTIBLE TO LOWER YOUR INSURANCE PREMIUM. If you can afford to pay for small claims yourself without involving the insurance company, raising your policy deductible from $500 to $1,000 will usually reduce your annual premium about 20 percent. If you can afford to raise the deductible to $2,000, your premium savings will be even greater.
3. LOWER YOUR LIABILITY COVERAGE, RAISE YOUR UMBRELLA POLICY COVERAGE. If you have a net worth of more than $500,000, it can pay to lower your homeowners insurance liability coverage and raise your umbrella liability insurance policy to $1 million or $2 million, perhaps more.
4. DON'T MAKE SMALL INSURANCE CLAIMS. In case you haven't heard, some insurers are either nonrenewing or raising premiums for homeowners who file too many insurance claims. If you have a large claim, by all means file an insurance claim. However, if you have a modest loss slightly above your deductible amount, it's often best not to file a claim and to pay the entire loss yourself.
5. CARRY ACTUAL CASH VALUE PERSONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE. A controversial way to save on homeowners insurance personal property coverage is to insure for the depreciated actual cash value rather than the full replacement cost.
6. ASK ABOUT MULTIPOLICY DISCOUNTS. Many insurance companies offer savings of 5 percent or more if you have two or more insurance policies, such as automobile and homeowners, with the same insurer. Also ask about other available discounts such as for burglar alarms, smoke detectors and dead-bolt locks.


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92.7 BIG FM announces THE BIG Kannada Music Awards 2012
Published by Hemant Sanganee on Sep 10, 2012
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Sandal Wood star Ramesh Arvind to be the event Ambassador
Bengalore, India's No 1 Radio Network and winner of Broadcaster of the year at Golden Mikes Awards 92.7 BIG FM announces the 2nd edition of BIG Kannada Music Awards 2012, an exclusive platform that acknowledges, applauds and recognizes the versatile outstanding talent of the Kannada music fraternity. BIG Kannada Music Awards is a unique platform which seeks to recognize the excellence in the regional music industry.
Conceptualized and marketed by 92.7 BIG FM, the property will witness all the verticals of Reliance Broadcast Network's Ltd coming together to ensure that the awards show reaches maximum consumers through multiple touch points across the country. BIG Kannada Music Awards is the true people's choice awards that empowers people to recognize regional musical excellence with a wide national reach.
Starting from the last week of September, BIG Kannada Music Awards 2012 will see month long extensive 360 degree promotions and marketing through different verticals including TV, Radio, Print, Outdoor and Digital ensuring maximum reach and visibility. The extensive promotion gives opportunity for the marketers and the advertisers to reach opening space for greater brand visibility in every nook and corner of the country.
The award ceremony is scheduled on October 13th, 2012.
There will be a 21 awards. The awards will see talent being judged by the audience to ensure transparency and fair play as the power to vote rests with the audiences.
Sandal wood super star Ramesh Arvind will be the event ambassador for the music awards
Commenting on the occasion Ramesh Arvind said "With the rich music heritage of Karnataka with an amalgamation of versatile talent, BIG Kannada Music Awards provides a platform for recognition at much larger scale. With Big Kannada Music Awards we endeavor to felicitate the best talent in the Kannada music industry. Due to 92.7 Big FM's constant endeavor to recognize the best music stalwarts, I have decided to be a part of this prestigious event."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


With all eyes on the much larger Spain and Italy, Slovenia might actually turn out to be the next eurozone country in line for a bailout.
The economy of this small alpine nation has contracted in two of the last three quarters, and losses are projected to continue through 2013. Such poor performance has exacerbated a banking crisis that has been building for years.
The government is now trying to pass austerity measures to avoid a bailout. However, they have not yet addressed the core issue. "They will need to go back to the banking sector and recapitalize it somehow, and the best way to do that is [by launching] a big push for privatization," says Birch.


Hydraulic LeversMcGuire LH Series dock levelers feature the Truss Header and are clean-frame designed for easy, unobstructed cleaning of the pit. All levelers are manufactured to industry standrad sizes and capacities (based on ANSI MH30.1). All LH Series levelers are designed to accommodate 3-wheeled forklift trucks without the need for an additional center deck beam, feature a velocity fuse "Fail Safe" system that automatically locks the deck in case of unexpected truck departure, and come standard with a NEMA 4X. UL Listed, pushbutton control panel for easy operation.Mechanical LevelersMcGuire also manufactures a high quality line of mechanical dock levelers - the LM Series. These levelers are structurally sound and provide years of dependable service. These cost effective levelers include all of the same advanced construction features as our LH Series models. LM Series levelers are manually operated by pulling the chain at the rear of the leveler. The deck raises and the lip extends automatically. The weight of the attendant is all that is required to lower the deck and lip onto the trailer bed.Edge of Dock LevelersTwo models are available; the hydraulic edge of dock and the "Lift Free" mechanical edge of dock. These levelers are specifically suited where space and budget are limited. These levelers can be mounted to the face of the dock, eliminating the need to construct or break out a pit. The Lift Free mechanical model is the easiest to use mechanical leveler in the world! The simple two step operation handle eliminates personnel injuries and physical exertion. The hydraulic model features a pushbutton control panel for easy operation.


We paddle out just before sunset to take in this awe inspiring scene from our boards.
Once the sun goes down we turn on the NOCQUA lights underneath our paddle boards.
This illuminates the water around us turning it into a magnet for amazing sea life.
From here we will tour along the coast enjoying all of the beauty above and below our boards.
This tour is $75 USD per person and is 1.5 hours. We meet at Playa Casitas, Palapa #3 to the North, under the Shaka Snack Bar.


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Pragmatists for copyleft, or, corporate hive minds don't accept software licenses
One of the common oversimplifications in discussing open-source software licenses is that copyleft licenses are "idealistic" while non-copyleft licenses are "pragmatic." But that's not all there is to it.
The problem is that most people redistributing licensed code are doing so in an organizational context. And no human organization is a hive mind where those who participate within it subordinate their goals to that of the collective. Human organizations are full of of people with their own motivations.
Instead of treating the downstrem developer's employer as a hive mind, it can be more producive to assume good faith on the part of the individual who intends to contribute to the software, and think about the license from the point of view of a real person.
Releasing source for a derivative work costs time and money. The well-intentioned "downstream" contributor wants his or her organization to make those investments, but he or she has to make a case for them. The presence of copyleft helps steer the decision in the right direction. Jane Hacker at an organization planning to release a derivative work can say, matter-of-factly, "we need to comply with the upstream license" if copyleft is involved. The organization is then more likely to do the right thing. There are always violations, but the license is a nudge in the right direction.
(The extreme case is university licensing offices. University-owned software patents can exclude a graduate student from his or her own project when the student leaves the university, unless he or she had the foresight to build it as a derivative work of something under copyleft.)
Copyleft isn't a magic commons-building tool, and it isn't right for every situation. But it can be enough to push an organization over the line. (One place where I worked had to a do a source release for one dependency licensed under GPLv2, and it turned out to be easist to just build one big source code release with all the dependencies in it, and offer that.)
Newer: Moral values in society (08 August 2017)
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Wild Animals That Best Align With Your Horoscope
Have fun finding the wild animal that best suits your personality and horoscope sign.
Wild animals are often associated with horoscopes to symbolize specific characteristics that pertain to each zodiac sign. It's fun to explore these representations to learn about and appreciate the deeper personality traits in each of us.
These pairings are by no means an exact science and can be interpreted in many ways, but you can still have fun finding the wild animal that best suits your personality and zodiac sign.
ARIES: The Ram (March 21-April 19)
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Mars
Personality Traits: Determined, Quick, Assertive, Independent, Competitive, Impulsive
The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world and is associated with the quick-thinking nature of Aries.
The cat also has an uncanny determination and is primarily successful in getting what it wants, just like people born under this competitive zodiac sign.
The wolf is an active creature that exhibits strong leadership qualities, much like Aries in the work environment.
But like the sign, the wolf can also be aggressive when it doesn't get its way.
This spirited animal is determined and knows how to get what it wants but has fun doing it — similar to the quick-thinking skills of an Aries.
Female lemurs are known to dominate males, making them a perfect personality match for the female Aries.
TAURUS: The Bull (April 20-May 20)
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Venus
Personality Traits: Ambitious, Trustworthy, Reliable, Strong, Sensual, Creative
Grizzlies prefer a routine life, much like Taurus. The hibernation pattern of the animal is an excellent example of their love for sticking to a schedule. They are also patient creatures that are not afraid to wait for what they want, as seen in their salmon hunt.
Their level of patience matches Taurus' temperament, who's willing to wait for the right moment to achieve a goal.
This bird of prey exhibits progressive thinking in its creative abilities to capture its next meal.
Their intelligence, ambition and surprising strength mirror the traits of a Taurus.
Despite its reputation for being lazy, the sloth is actually a hard-working animal with incredible patience while accomplishing a task, even though it works at a slow pace.
Similar to Taurus, the sloth is also reliable, practical and loyal in its relationships.
GEMINI: The Twins (May 21-June 20)
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Personality Traits: Curious, Passionate, Expressive, Versatile, Kind, Optimistic
These animals are fun-loving and sociable, just like Gemini. They prefer living in close-knit communities but tend to move around frequently due to their versatile nature.
And like Gemini, they are gentle and caring but nervous when conflict arises and will do whatever is necessary to avoid problematic situations.
The gorilla is an affectionate, caring animal that is always curious about what's going on.
Gorillas are great communicators that learn new skills quickly and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others — all common traits of Gemini.
This versatile critter adapts to almost any type of environment and is known for its ability to change — much like Gemini's capacity to evolve in their quest for self-improvement.
The chameleon also shares this zodiac sign's inquisitive nature and nervousness.
CANCER: The Crab (June 21-July 22)
Ruling Planet: Moon
Personality Traits: Protective, Creative, Sentimental, Loyal, Generous, Psychic
The otter is very protective of its family and quick to defend itself when it feels threatened, similar to Cancer.
As the zodiac sign, Otters are considered compassionate and sensitive, but they also get easily irritated.
The stealthy blue whale moves slightly slower than other creatures but is incredibly powerful and intelligentlike people born under this sign, especially those with psychic abilities.
The whale is also a water animal, which matches the element trait of Cancer.
Although this big cat is usually associated with Leo, it also correlates strongly with Cancer in its loyalty to family and the home it rules.
Lions are nurturing and generous but fiercely protective and will put their life on the line for their family, just like a devoted Cancer.
LEO: The Lion (July 23-Aug. 22)
Ruling Planet: Sun
Personality Traits: Proud, Outgoing, Confident, Energetic, Dramatic, A Born Leader
These sleek, exotic cats stand out in a crowd, just like the attention-craving Leo. The panther represents strength, energy and confidence — similar temperaments that characterize this sign.
However, panthers have a dark side that appears when they are knocked off balance, causing them to become aggressive and unpredictable, much like Leo.
The zebra is another flashy animal that loves being in the spotlight like Leo.
They are proud, bold and self-sufficient creatures that share this zodiac's stubborn streak.
Horses in the wild are confident, born leaders with strong personalities that resemble Leo's outgoing side.
They are stubborn like the zebra but have incredible instincts and strong social bonds with those they interact with, characteristics that align with Leo's nature.
VIRGO: The Virgin (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Personality Traits: A Perfectionist, Organized, Hard Working, Gentle, Sophisticated, Optimistic
Beavers are notoriously hard workers that are not afraid of challenges, which suits the Virgo personality. They tackle obstacles head-on to get the results they want.
If a beaver is disrupted from its task, it may become irritable and aggressive. The same can be said about this super-organized zodiac sign that is also a perfectionist at heart.
One of the quieter animals in the wild, the rabbit is a sensitive, analytical creature that prefers not to draw attention to itself, just like Virgo.
They are gentle creatures and can even be affectionate, but they also have a darker side that is willful and demanding, not unlike the Virgo personality.
Mandrill Monkey
For the most part, the Mandrill monkey is an optimistic, charming animal, but they tend to be more introverted than expected. This fits the quiet, shy nature of many Virgos.
However, the monkey can be greedy and will lash out if it feels threatened — a behavior pattern duplicated by some people born under this sign.
LIBRA: The Scales (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Personality Traits: Balanced, Social, Pragmatic, Creative, Diplomatic, A Dreamer
The capybara is considered the largest rodent in the wild. They are amiable animals, and like Libra, they are happiest when socializing in groups.
They're also quite adorable, and what Libra doesn't like to be told how cute they are?
Ravens are also sociable creatures, which makes them the perfect fit for this zodiac sign. The lighter side of the raven is its intelligence and desire for harmony, something Libras strive for.
On the darker side, the bird will hold a grudge if slighted, a tendency found in many people born under this sign.
The dreamy peacock likes to strut its gorgeous plumage for all the world to see.
Libra also enjoys the attention that beauty brings, but like the bird, this sign has a mean streak and will attack when it feels threatened.
SCORPIO: The Scorpian (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Ruling Planet: Pluto, Mars
Personality Traits: Brave, Honest, Outspoken, Cerebral, Stubborn, Passionate
The fox is both cunning and secretive like Scorpio.
Its clever nature matches this zodiac sign's cerebral side, and its habit of keeping a wary distance from others fits the tendency of Scorpios, who go out of their way to avoid getting hurt.
Snakes represent the dark, mysterious side of Scorpio.
The shedding of their skin is a perfect metaphor for this astrological sign's ability to reinvent itself continuously to become a better person.
Penguins are energetic creatures that are passionate and have a clear sense of purpose, just like Scorpio.
They tend to be jealous and a bit stubborn, which also suits this sign, but like Scorpio, they are loyal to their partners and prefer to remain close.
SAGITTARIUS: The Archer (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Personality Traits: Extroverted, Energetic, Funny, Adventurous, Honest, Strong-Willed
This animal is known for its playfulness and eagerness to explore — the same traits associated with the Sagittarian's love for adventure and fun.
At times, the panda can be impulsive and impatient, but they like their solitary time, which matches this zodiac sign's needs.
Like Sagittarius, mice are a bundle of energy and usually quite extroverted if they're comfortable in their environment. The rodent loves new experiences but prefers planning over spontaneity and is very self-reliant, similar to Sagittarius' personality.
Mice are also sympathetic creatures that are happy to help others, which fits this astrological sign's traits.
These tiny birds are restless yet adaptable and optimistic like Sagittarius.
They love their freedom and are impossible to cage, much like the nomad spirit of this sign.
CAPRICORN: The Goat (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Personality Traits: Hard-Working, Disciplined, Focused, Confident, Independent, Somewhat Stoic
Sharks are bold, confident creatures, much like Capricorns, with a reputation for power and authority. They have great perception and understanding of situations and a laser focus that equates to people born under this astrological sign.
Sharks are also predatory and will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Although the bee is not a "wild animal," it best symbolizes Capricorn's strong leaning toward a hard work ethic and determination.
A highly disciplined insect, the honeybee is inflexible when it comes to getting the desired results it wants, much like Capricorns.
Fearless and formidable, the alligator has been associated with power and wisdom, matching many aspects of the Capricorn personality. Wary of strangers, the alligator, like the zodiac sign, prefers to observe others before revealing their intentions.
They are patient but assertive, and once they sink their teeth into something, they refuse to let go. The males are particularly territorial, solitary creatures that work best independently to achieve their goals.
AQUARIUS: The Water-Bearer (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Personality Traits: Imaginative, Idealistic, Smart, Independent, Quirky, Honest
The elephant is an intelligent, independent animal that is caring and kind to others, just like Aquarius. Shy at first, they become more sociable once they get to know someone.
Despite their tough exterior and aloofness (a tactic they use to ward off conflict), a soft heart beats beneath that thick skin. They are very protective animals and will put themselves in harm's way to protect their family. Elephants also have excellent memory skills, and like Aquarius, they never forget.
The eagle represents many aspects of the Aquarian personality (bravery, power, honor, beauty, freedom), making it the perfect symbol for this astrological sign. Eagles are intelligent, task-oriented birds that work independently and are filled with both passion and idealism.
Like the zodiac sign, they enjoy chasing their dreams and feel entitled to success. At times they are considered rigid and egocentric, but for the most part, eagles are nurturing creatures that love to explore and learn new skills, much like Aquarius.
Rats are thrifty, hard-working rodents with a positive nature and creative-thinking skills similar to Aquarians' traits. Although cautious and calm, the rat has acute instincts, excellent problem-solving skills and a quick response to change.
Aquarius also shares the rat's stubbornness when it comes to listening to others' advice, but for the most part, both the rodent and zodiac sign are industrious and considerate creatures.
PISCES: The Fish (Feb. 19-March 20)
Ruling Planet: Neptune
Personality Traits: Sensitive, Artistic, Psychic, Quiet, Affectionate, Non-Judgmental
Since this astrological sign's element is water, it only fits for the peaceful, fun-loving dolphin to be paired with the empathetic, intuitive Pisces.
Dolphins are intelligent fish known to put the needs of others first, and they have their own brand of musical talent, which suits the artistic side of this horoscope sign.
Quick and fastidious, the squirrel's nervous energy matches the behavior of many born under this sign.
The rodent represents Pisces' ability to find the perfect work-life balance and not take things too seriously.
The deer is a sensitive, shy animal with a gentle and quiet nature similar to the character's zodiac. Deers are easily frightened off in the wild, as are Pisces when confronted with aggressive, offensive people.
Both deer and Pisces do well in small groups and prefer being with like-minded members.


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Blog Running – What is wrong with the Republican Party – 'How Conservative Media Lost to the MSM and Failed the Rank and File'
'Before rank-and-file conservatives ask, "What went wrong?", they should ask themselves a question every bit as important: "Why were we the last to realize that things were going wrong for us?"
'Barack Obama just trounced a Republican opponent for the second time'.
'But unlike four years ago, when most conservatives saw it coming, Tuesday's result was, for them, an unpleasant surprise'.
'So many on the right had predicted a Mitt Romney victory, or even a blowout — Dick Morris, George Will, and Michael Barone all predicted the GOP would break 300 electoral votes'.
'Joe Scarborough scoffed at the notion that the election was anything other than a toss-up'.
'Peggy Noonan insisted that those predicting an Obama victory were ignoring the world around them'.
'Even Karl Rove, supposed political genius, missed the bulls-eye'.
'These voices drove the coverage on Fox News, talk radio, the Drudge Report, and conservative blogs'.
'Those audiences were misinformed'.
'Outside the conservative media, the narrative was completely different'.
'Its driving force was Nate Silver, whose performance forecasting Election '08 gave him credibility as he daily explained why his model showed that President Obama enjoyed a very good chance of being reelected'.
'Sure, Silver could've wound up wrong. But people who rejected the possibility of his being right? They were operating at a self-imposed information disadvantage'.
'It is easy to close oneself off inside a conservative echo chamber. And right-leaning outlets like Fox News and Rush Limbaugh's show are far more intellectually closed than CNN or public radio'.
'If you're a rank-and-file conservative, you're probably ready to acknowledge that ideologically friendly media didn't accurately inform you about Election 2012'.
'You haven't just been misinformed about the horse race. Since the very beginning of the election cycle, conservative media has been failing you'.
'With a few exceptions, they haven't tried to rigorously tell you the truth, or even to bring you intellectually honest opinion'.
'What they've done instead helps to explain why the right failed to triumph in a very winnable election'.
'Conservatives were at an information disadvantage because so many right-leaning outlets wasted time on stories the rest of America dismissed as nonsense'.
'WorldNetDaily brought you birtherism. Forbes brought you Kenyan anti-colonialism'.
'National Review obsessed about an imaginary rejection of American exceptionalism, misrepresenting an Obama quote in the process',
'And Andy McCarthy was interviewed widely about his theory that Obama, aka the Drone Warrior in Chief, allied himself with our Islamist enemies in a "Grand Jihad" against America'.
'Seriously'?
'Conservatives were at a disadvantage because their information elites pandered in the most cynical, self-defeating ways, treating would-be candidates like Sarah Palin and Herman Cain as if they were plausible presidents rather than national jokes who'd lose worse than George McGovern'.
'How many hours of Glenn Beck conspiracy theories did Fox News broadcast to its viewers'?
'How many hours of transparently mindless Sean Hannity content is still broadcast daily'?
'Why don't Americans trust Republicans on foreign policy as they once did? In part because conservatism hasn't grappled with the foreign-policy failures of George W. Bush'.
'A conspiracy of silence surrounds the subject'.
'Romney could neither run on the man's record nor repudiate it'.
'The most damaging Romney gaffe of the campaign, where he talked about how the 47 percent of Americans who pay no income taxes are a lost cause for Republicans'?
'Either way, bad information within the conservative movement was to blame'.
'But I expect that it'll be quickly forgotten, that none of the conservatives who touted a polling conspiracy will be discredited, and that the right will continue to operate at an information disadvantage'.
'After all, it's not like they'll trust the analysis of a non-conservative like me more than the numerous fellow conservatives who constantly tell them things that turn out not to be true'.
From : http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/11/how-conservative-media-lost-to-the-msm-and-failed-the-rank-and-file/264855/
Posted in Politics, Republican Obstruction and tagged Culture War, Politics, Republican Obstruction
3 thoughts on "Blog Running – What is wrong with the Republican Party – 'How Conservative Media Lost to the MSM and Failed the Rank and File'"
Chris on November 8, 2012 at 12:14 pm said:
Jon Stewart had a segment on the Daily Show about this same phenomenon, and how ugly it is to be so far removed from reality that you just implode when the real world bursts your little bubble. Frankly, I'm fine with it. They can stay in that bubble as long as they like. They are happy and comfortable, America never has a Republican president again…it's a win-win situation!
fatherkane on November 9, 2012 at 6:35 am said:
I could go along with that too except that 238 of them happen to be in the House of Representatives – defunding everything.
To me the next 2 years will be how to fight that ignorance and how to promote the middle class.
Fighting FOX will be a whole lot of fun!
Chris on November 9, 2012 at 7:04 am said:
Agreed 100%. 🙂


Hi folks, I'll keep this short and sweet for all of you.
I've been working on testing a new content optimization strategy with a friend Liam Fallen, to test the effectiveness of Surfer SEO software on a competitive low-ranking keyword.
The progress is still ongoing, but after a few weeks we wanted to give everyone an update!
Right now, using only the data provided by Surfer, we have managed to take the keyword from 50th position to 6th position in less than three weeks.
At Surfer, we like to let the results speak for themselves.
We decided to focus our efforts on this specific keyword because we could see it had some very well optimized websites ranking above it and also because we love a good challenge!
The page we started with had no previous optimisation and was used for a keyword density test by Liam. We decided this page was perfect to target the keyword 'Technical seo for wordpress'. The page already had a lot of content and ranked around 50th, which made it perfect for our test.
Here at Surfer, we are driven by results!
Our customers results drive our own results so we need to practice what we preach and deliver on what we promise our customers.
We know our customers want to improve their rankings.
This is why we made it as easy as possible to pick a keyword, run an analysis in Surfer and look for ways in which to improve your rankings!
Here is an example Surfer Audit from the 18th October. Check audit here!
As you can see there are specific errors that Surfer has found for us to improve.
We found one of the main areas for improvement was the huge content gap. There were 52 phrases missing that we agreed to add to improve the content, which directly impacted the results of this test.
We hoped to just tweak a few things here and there but we ended up adding a few hundred words to the article.
It wasn't that bad but we did have a lot of stuff to add.
The article was already long-form and with our enhancements it ended up with just over 2,500 words in total. Afterwards, we did another audit which you can see here (second audit) to see the impact of our changes.
It took 2 hours to analyze and update the content, we watched the page do the Google dance and the results worked out pretty good, considering we made minor tweaks to the content and META-data.
Quick wins are everywhere if you're using the right tools and looking in the right places, especially when you make decisions based on a data-driven approach to SEO.
Sign up and get the Black Friday deal here!
Google indexed changes on November 2nd, danced with us a bit and stabilized just under top 10. Content stayed the same and when it settled down page raised up again to the top ten and now ranks in #6.
Was this test worth it? Definitely.
Could we do it without Surfer? Yes, but would we? No.
Surfer made this really easy for us to accomplish and it would take a lot longer to get the same results not using Surfer!
Please note: the testing site is no longer online as we are always testing new strategies we like to keep our test sites a secret.
Become a Surfer - optimize not only your content but your time as well!


While waving goodbye at the end of the gig, Peter Gordeno offers Fletch his hand to walk offstage together, and Fletch takes up on it, but he forgets to look ahead and falls over some wires. According to Billboard, the attendance was 7,565 people and the gross sale was $523,669.
The Jezabels were the support act.
Credit to blackarmy and bongmute on Home.
Source 2 is Christopher Myatt's good master audience recording.


Made in Michigan Gift Basket for sale. Buy online at Zingerman's Mail Order. Gourmet Gifts. Food Gifts.
Guaranteed to cure homesickness for the misplaced Michigander in your life.
This handsome wicker gift basket is stuffed with a jar of Cherry Berry Spoonfruit preserves from American Spoon in Petoskey, a jar of Koeze's Cream-Nut Peanut Butter from Grand Rapids, a bag of Al Dente pasta from Whitmore Lake, six all-butter Palmiers, and from here in Ann Arbor a bottle of Clancy's Fancy hot sauce, a bag of Zingerman's sea salt potato chips, a box of Zingerman's peanut brittle, a bag of whole bean High Flyer coffee, and a loaf of Zingerman's crusty Farm Bread.


Nagpur: Roohi Kulkarni Kale from Coach the Pooch Dog Training and Dhanashree Ambaselkar from Dobby-the-Chef hosted a 'Dog Carnival & Pool Party' at Comrade Fitness Zone on October 28 in city.
The event was first of its kind in Nagpur with 60 persons and 25 dogs including Labradors, Boxers, Shih Tzus and Pugs, enjoying dog puzzles, hurdles and a pool to splash in! Dobby-the-Chef provided fresh food for the pooches.
The dogs were all divided into groups according to their breed, size and temperament. This ensured that they were comfortable and that there were no dog fighting incidents. The winners of the games got toys specific to the dogs' needs and nature!
The idea to hold such an event came from attending Dog parties in Mumbai where Roohi has studied Dog Behaviour & Training. Nagpur is witnessing a growth in dog pet population where people are treating their dogs more as family members and want to give more to them. Dogs should get the opportunity to just be dogs and have fun once in a while!


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Displaying 1 - 20 of 246 Results
A customized triggers program: a children's hospital's experience in improving trigger usability.
Reinhart RM, Safari-Ferra P, Badh R, et al. Pediatrics. 2023;151:e2022056452.
Trigger tools are widely used for detecting potential adverse events among adult and pediatric inpatients. This article describes the development of a pediatric triggers program that can identify potential adverse events in near real-time to facilitate appropriate preventative measures. The tool includes criteria from the IHI Global Trigger Tool as well as novel triggers (such as pain reassessment time, hospital readmissions, and suspected sepsis). The trigger team created a process for linking triggers to the organizational incident reporting system based on specific criteria (to reduce false-positive reports). The trigger team is continuously developing and refining triggers based on stakeholder input.
The value of learning from near misses to improve patient safety: a scoping review.
Woodier N, Burnett C, Moppett I. J Patient Saf. 2022;19:42-47.
Reporting and learning from adverse events is a core patient safety activity. Findings from this scoping review indicate limited evidence demonstrating that reporting and learning from near-miss events improves patient safety. The authors suggest that future research further explore this relationship and establish the effectiveness of system-level actions to avoid near misses.
Redesigning Event Review with RCA2
Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Mar 14 - May 16, 2023.
Root cause analysis (RCA) is a widely recognized retrospective strategy for learning from failure that is challenging to implement. This series of webinars will feature an innovative approach to RCA that expands on the concept to facilitate its use in incident investigations. Instructors for the series will include Dr. Terry Fairbanks and Dr. Tejal K. Gandhi.
In conversation with Ellen Deutsch, MD, MS, FACS, FAAP, FSSH, CPPS
Perspective on Safety December 14, 2022
Ellen Deutsch, MD, MS, FACS, FAAP, FSSH, CPPS is a Medical Officer in the Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Dr. Deutsch is a pediatric otolaryngologist and has vast experience in simulation and resilience engineering. We spoke with her about resilient healthcare and how resilient engineering principles are applied to improve patient safety.
Examination of maternal near-miss experiences in the hospital setting among Black women in the United States.
Byrd TE, Ingram LA, Okpara N. Womens Health (Lond). 2022;18:174550572211338.
Maternal near misses are associated with lower quality of life and poorer outcomes for the pregnant person and their family. In this study, 12 Black women who experienced a maternal near miss describe major contributors. They list communication problems, such as not being believed, their relationship with their provider, and provider discrimination as major contributors.
Resilient Healthcare and the Safety-I and Safety-II Frameworks
This piece discusses resilient healthcare and the Safety-I and Safety-II approaches to patient safety.
A multicenter collaborative effort to reduce preventable patient harm due to retained surgical items.
Carmack A, Valleru J, Randall KH, et al. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2023;49:3-13.
Retained surgical items (RSI) are a never event, a serious and preventable event. After experiencing a high rate of RSIs, this United States health system implemented a bundle to reduce RSI, improve near-miss reporting, and increase process reliability in operating rooms. The bundle consisted of five elements: surgical stop, surgical debrief, visual counters, imaging, and reporting.
Influencing a culture of quality and safety through huddles.
McCain N, Ferguson T, Barry Hultquist T, et al. J Nurs Care Qual. 2023;38:26-32.
Daily huddles can improve team communication and awareness of safety incidents. This single-site study found that implementation of daily interdisciplinary huddles increased reporting of near-miss events and improved team satisfaction and perceived team communication, collaboration, and psychological safety.
The impact of COVID-19 workflow changes on radiation oncology incident reporting.
Volpini ME, Lekx‐Toniolo K, Mahon R, et al. J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2022;23:e13742.
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted the way that health care teams function. This study examined how COVID-19-related workflow changes affected reporting of medical errors and near misses occurring in one hospital's radiation oncology program. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was fewer incidents reported overall, but an increase in submissions related to poor documentation and communication.
False Assumptions Result in a Missed Pneumothorax after Bronchoscopy with Transbronchial Biopsy.
WebM&M Case October 27, 2022
A 47-year-old man underwent a navigational bronchoscopy with transbronchial biospy under general anesthesia without complications. The patient was transferred to the post-acute care unit (PACU) for observation and a routine post-procedure chest x-ray (CXR). After the CXR was taken, the attending physician spoke to the patient and discussed his impressions, although he had not yet seen the CXR. He left the PACU without communicating with the bedside nurse, who was caring for other patients. The patient informed the nurse that the attending physician had no concerns.
When medical error becomes personal, activism becomes painful.
Millenson M. Forbes. September 16, 2022.
Unnecessary medication infusions indicate weaknesses in medication service processes. While no harm was noted in the case discussed, the actions by the patient's family to initiate an examination of the incident were rebuffed, patient disrespect was demonstrated, a near miss incident report was absent, and data omissions took place. The piece discusses how these detractors from safety were all present at the hospital involved.
Reducing near miss medication events using an evidence-based approach.
Smith-Love J. J Nurs Care Qual. 2022;37:327-333.
Barcode medication administration (BCMA) is one approach to reducing near-miss medication safety events. Researchers used a FOCUS (find-organize-clarify-understand-select) PDSA (plan-do-study-act) methodology to help frontline nursing staff identify gaps in care processes and root causes contributing to poor compliance with barcode medication administration.
Monitoring preventable adverse events and near misses: number and type identified differ depending on method used.
Isaksson S, Schwarz A, Rusner M, et al. J Patient Saf. 2022;18:325-330.
Organizations may employ one or more methods for identifying and examining near misses and preventable adverse events, including structured record review, web-based incident reporting systems, and daily safety briefings. Using each of the three methods, this study identified the number and types of near misses and adverse events. Results indicate that each method identifies different numbers and types of adverse events, suggesting a multi-focal approach to adverse event data collection may more effectively inform organizations.
Adverse event reviews in healthcare: what matters to patients and their family? A qualitative study exploring the perspective of patients and family.
McQueen JM, Gibson KR, Manson M, et al. BMJ Open. 2022;12:e060158.
Patients and families are important partners in improving patient safety. This qualitative study explored the experiences of patients and family members involved in adverse event reviews. The authors identified four themes (communication, trauma, learning and litigation) and outline eight key recommendations to address these themes by involving patients and families in adverse event reviews.
Near miss research in the healthcare system: a scoping review.
Feng T-ting, Zhang X, Tan L-ling, et al. J Nurs Adm. 2022;52:160-166.
When reported and investigated, near misses provide a unique learning opportunity for individuals and organizations. This scoping review of the literature on near misses identifies contributing factors (organizational, human, and technical); barriers and facilitators to reporting; and quality improvement projects to improve reporting of near misses.
In Conversation With... Remle P. Crowe, PhD
Perspective on Safety May 16, 2022
Remle Crowe, PhD, NREMT, is the Director of Clinical and Operational Research at ESO. In her professional role, she provides strategic direction for the research mission of the organization, including oversight of a warehouse research data set of de-identified records (the ESO Data Collaborative). We spoke with her about how data is being used in the prehospital setting to improve patient safety.
Identifying Safety Events in the Prehospital Setting
This piece focuses on measuring and monitoring patient safety in the prehospital setting.
Compensation claims in Danish emergency care: identifying hot spots and blind spots in the quality of care.
Morsø L, Birkeland S, Walløe S, et al. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2022;48:271-279.
Patient complaints can provide insights into safety threats and system weaknesses. This study used the healthcare complaints analysis tool (HCAT) to identify and categorize safety problems in emergency care. Most problems arose during examination/diagnosis and frequently resulted in diagnostic errors or errors of omission.
Annual Perspective: Psychological Safety of Healthcare Staff
Perspective on Safety March 31, 2022
A psychologically safe environment for healthcare teams is desirable for optimal team performance, team member well-being, and favorable patient safety outcomes. This piece explores facilitators of and barriers to psychological safety across healthcare settings. Future research directions examining psychological safety in healthcare are discussed.
Strategies and Approaches for Investigating Patient Safety Events
Patient Safety Primer March 30, 2022
This primer provides a broad overview of three widely used tools for investigating and responding to patient safety events and near misses. Tools covered in this primer are incident reporting systems, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). These tools have been used in high-risk industries and occupations such as aviation, manufacturing, nuclear power, and the military and have been adapted for use in enhancing patient safety in healthcare settings over the past two decades.