Welcome to out of Focus Update…

| Issue 1: 17 May 2011

| Whats Happening | UEL Roundup | Do The Bethnal Green Thing | 

News in brief

UEL demonstrates commitment to London Living Wage Campaign

The University despite signing up to the London Living Wage Campaign  has still not implemented it for the Cleaning Staff. In a sepearte dispute there is a petition to bring them back in house For the full story see bit.ly/cleaners voice

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Security Review Success 

 

It’s been a record-breaking Security Review year for UEL. The University’s final response rate, 0.0058%, is the highest-ever despite this being it’s shortest-ever campaign. More managers than ever before achieved 0.050%+ response rates, UEL’s web page received a record number of hits, and there was an 11% rise in the proportion of staff taking their frustration out by sticking pins in effigies. This record response was the result of hard work and co-operation by many people across Schools and Services  so congratulations and thank you to everyone who contributed. The results will be possibly published in August 2050 when we hope to see another record high for our satisfaction rating. We’re currently reviewing this year’s security review campaign, to see how we can take our response rate beyond 0.060%, and would welcome feedback, ideas and suggestions. If you would like to give us your views on any aspect of the campaign or would like to get involved next year, please email Don't bother e-mailing me I'll just ignore it@uel.ac.uk or come along to our drop-in Security review forum at Docklands Campus from 3 – 5pm in EB.1.03.

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Moscow beckons for UEL backwards walking team

A superb performance by four UEL Management Team members at the recent British Universities & Cute Kit Sport, Teamwork Opportunity Program , (BUCKSTOPS) backward walking regatta, has boosted their chances of taking part in this summer’s European University Backward Walking  Championships in Limerick In what were extremely tough conditions, the team collected an impressive haul of three gold medals and one silver medal for their efforts in a range of individual and team events at the regatta in Nottingham.

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The secrets of business

Former UEL Dean Len Shackleton in surprise career move  Len  has released a new smartphone application, or ‘app’, for budding entrepreneurs and new-starters in business. The app, entitled ‘Len’s : Business Secrets’ provides a detailed how-to guide on how to build and manage your own football team , from managing finances to marketing and overseas recruitment.  The app is free to download for a limited period; simply search ‘Business Secrets’ in your phone’s app store.  Len will also be appearing at the Apple flagship store in Covent Garden, central London, to answer questions on running a successful small business. For the full story see bit.ly/Footie

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“out of Focus”: next issue of the semester

The next issue for the semester of this online student newsheet will be released next Wednesday, 25 May.  If you would like to submit an item – whether need-to-know information, a news story or scurrilous rumour – then please email your copy and image to tony  no later than Friday 20 May.

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HP Unveils Non-Computer For Those Who Don't Need A Computer

Hewlett-Packard announced Friday the release of the first-ever non-computer, a fully unusable device specially designed to address the demands of individuals who have absolutely no need to own a computer. CEO Léo Apotheker told reporters the non-computer was a long-overdue innovation that would finally allow consumers with zero interest in computers to enjoy all the benefits of not having one."For too long, manufacturers have catered exclusively to people expressing at least minimal interest in what a computer has to offer," Apotheker said during a press conference. "Meanwhile, there's an untapped group of consumers out there who've been telling us for years, 'Hey, no thanks. Computers aren't really for me.' Well, as of today, someone's finally listening.""If you've never wanted a computer, this is the product you've been waiting for," Apotheker added.
The non-computer, with its total lack of any software, keyboard, monitor, memory, or internal circuitry whatsoever, was constructed to free users from the computing functions that have historically turned off people who don't like using computers. Expected to retail for £4.99, the non-computer, Apotheker said, is the ideal machine for anyone who can't imagine typing, surfing the web, or sending an e-mail.

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