caGrid 1.2 Released

date: Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 12:41 PM
subject: Announcing release of version 1.2 of caGrid Core infrastructure

On behalf of the entire caGrid core infrastructure team, I am pleased to announce the release of version 1.2 of caGrid core infrastructure. All the release artifacts can be accessed at https://cabig.nci.nih.gov/workspaces/Architecture/caGrid

Some of the key enhancements for the release include:

- Creation of a simplified Grid Transfer Service to handle large scale data transfer for grid based queries

- Integration with the latest releases of Software Development Kit (SDK) and Common Security Module (CSM)

- Availability of a new Web based Single Sign On Framework, called WebSSO, for providing single sign on capability for web based applications integrated with caGrid GAARDs security infrastructure, based on collaboration with the caBIG Clinical Trials Suite (CCTS) team from the Clinical Trials Management Systems Workspace

- Substantial improvements to usability of tools such as Introduce Toolkit based on user feedback

- Integration with Apache Ivy build system for improved dependency management of sub components within the caGrid core infrastructure

- Early preview to integration with the Taverna Workbench for developing workflows, based on collaboration with the Integrative Cancer Research Workspace

- Backward compatible with the caGrid 1.0 and caGrid 1.1


Feel free to contact us if you have questions or suggestions.

Thank you for your interest in caGrid!

My third project out the door since November.

caBIG(TM) in Computerworld

A nice write up on caBIG(TM) in Computerworld:

[...]

The National Cancer Institute took on that issue in 2003 by launching what it called the largest IT project in the history of biomedical research. The NCI created what is, in essence, a World Wide Web of cancer research.

The Cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid, or caBIG, promises to help researchers, physicians and patients across the country to better share more-detailed information about diseases and thus speed the development of new drugs and treatments for them.

The government-funded effort costs about $20 million a year, the NCI said.

To date, 42 of the institute's 63 national cancer centers are either linked to the caBIG grid or are installing the necessary infrastructure to participate. Many are already building applications that can be shared by members of the grid.

[...]

Hey Jeebus! Who's your publicist?

Pope Benedict AND Jesus Christ in the news? What about the Easter Bunny?

That's some algorithm you got there, Google(s).

NY Governor Spitzer: "Involved" in a Prostitution Ring

From Albany Times Union:

Report: Spitzer involved with prostitution ring
Associated Press Last updated: 2:22 p.m., Monday, March 10, 2008

NEW YORK -- The New York Times is reporting that Gov. Eliot Spitzer has told senior advisers that he had been involved in a prostitution ring.

Spitzer is scheduled to make an announcement Monday afternoon.

Spitzer officials wouldn't immediately comment on the story.

What does "involved" mean? Did he help them file a class action suit against Trojan?

He has been governor for about 20 minutes, and you can expect his resignation by close of business.

Idiot.

Possibly the Greatest Invention Ever

William-Sonoma's Beer Tender:

Available exclusively at Williams-Sonoma, the innovative BeerTender from Krups and Heineken allows you to enjoy fresh, perfectly chilled pub-style draft beer at home. The sleek, self-contained appliance features a patented system engineered for compatability with Heineken’s compact five-liter DraughtKegs, the only kegs available featuring the CO2 technology that keeps beer fresh for up to 30 days. The internal carbonation unit ensures that each serving delivers a crisp, refreshing draft brew topped with an optimal head of foam. Freeing up space in your refrigerator, the BeerTender is simple to use. Just insert a keg and position its tube, then close the lid and select the desired serving temperature. A powerful Peltier cooling system provides precise chilling to three preset temperature settings. Displayed on a digital panel, readouts include both current temperature and desired temperature. Volume and freshness indicators show how much beer remains in the keg and how long it will maintain top quality. Intended for indoor household use only. 11 3⁄4" x 19" x 16 1⁄2" high.

Soon enough, this bitch will be in the outlets, and then she will be mine.

Cross One Nightmare Off My List

From Gothamist:

The owners of four Manhattan Burger King franchises are locked in a nasty legal battle with their royal overlord. Luan Sadik and his sister, Elizabeth Sadik, rebelled against the mandatory 99-cent menu and the recent dollar Value Menu because the prices couldn’t cover the obscene Manhattan rent and the fast food monarch roared.

According to the Daily News, their rent at a Fifth Avenue restaurant is $9,000/month and $18,000.month at a 47th Street location. The Sadiks also kick up a monthly royalty to the King based on gross sales.

Dear Creepyface,

Monthly rent on my bed just went up to $30,000.00 per month. Pay, or get the fuck out.

Home of the Not-so-much-whopper,
tAJ

Susann's Amazing Puppy Plan

Susann and I discuss puppies:

theAlphaJohn: i want 4 puppies
Susann: get 3 girlfriends and that would be perfect
theAlphaJohn: i like the way you think
do you know 3 girls who wouldnt mind sharing me?
cause im pimp like that
Susann: im sure you could find some on craigslist
theAlphaJohn: i'm allergic to online dating in any form
Susann: how about online hooking up?
theAlphaJohn: that's different
i'm in a 12 step for that
esp M4T (where T == nubian tranny >= 300lbs)