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1. Finance Ministers of the G7 and the representative of the European Commission met in London on 8 May, as a part of the preparations for the Birmingham Summit, 15 - 17 May. We reached conclusions on a group of issues, set out below. We will also be reporting our discussions to our Heads of State or Government, for their Summit next week. Michel Camdessus, Managing Director of the IMF and Jim Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank, joined us for our discussions on the lessons of the Asian crisis, and steps to strengthen the world's financial system.
World Economy
2. We reviewed recent developments in the world economy. We welcomed the historical decisions in Europe on Economic and Monetary Union. We look forward to a successful EMU which contributes to the stability of the international monetary system. We discussed and welcomed the substantial policy measures announced by the Government of Japan in April, aimed at achieving domestic demand-led growth. Japan expressed its intention to implement them quickly and stressed the importance of further strengthening the financial system. We also noted that the United States economy required vigilance to stay on a sustainable path.
Strengthening the global financial system
3. Globalisation brings clear benefits to people throughout the world but it also brings certain risks. Previous summits have agreed on ways to reduce these risks and strengthen the global financial system. However, the continuing process of globalisation and recent events in Asia have revealed a number of weaknesses and vulnerabilities in national and international financial systems, as well as in the lending practices of private sector investors. We need to act to strengthen the global financial system further, both to reduce the likelihood of such crises occurring in future and to improve techniques for containing and responding to crises when they do occur.
4. We have developed proposals where there is now an emerging consensus for modifications to the architecture of the international financial system. There are important aspects of the issues discussed that require further work. Discussion within our countries, with emerging market countries and with the private sector will continue over the coming months. For now, having restated the importance of sound economic policies, we have identified the need for action in five key areas:
5. We have set out our proposals in a separate report to our Heads of State or Government, which outlines how work is being taken forward in each of these areas and signals a number of areas for further work.
Financial Stability: Supervision of Global Financial Institutions
6. Since the Lyon and Denver Summits, work has been underway to strengthen the international financial system. Recent events in Asia, combined with the rapid consolidation and globalisation in the financial sector, have highlighted once again the need to improve urgently co-operation between supervisors of internationally active financial institutions. We welcome the work done by the international regulatory bodies in this area and urge them to move quickly towards implementation of the concepts they have devised. Today we have reached important conclusions in a separate report. We commend the 10 Key Principles on information exchange which we will be promoting throughout the world as standards to which all countries should aspire. The G7 also looks forward to the continuing contribution of the private sector to developing international standards that enhance the supervision of global financial firms, while reducing regulatory burdens. On the year 2000 issue, we call on the Basle Committee, the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) and the Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems (CPSS), and their newly formed joint Year 2000 Council to monitor the work that firms in the financial area already have underway, and to do all that they can to encourage compliance.
Financial Crime
7. The fight against financial crime is one of the major challenges of our times. We emphasise that, as both financial services and crime become increasingly globalised, this challenge can only be met if all major financial centres work together. Effective co-operation between financial regulators and law enforcement authorities at the international level is an essential element of this. A G7 expert group was set up by the Denver Summit to consider how this cooperation can be improved within our countries. We now agree to:
8. We have instructed the G7 expert group to provide a report on progress on all these areas and any further recommendations in preparation for the Köln Summit.
9. We also recognise that action must not be confined to G7 members and we emphasise that all countries should provide effective international administrative and judicial cooperation. In particular, we are concerned at the number of countries and territories, including some financial offshore centres, which continue to offer excessive banking secrecy and allow screen companies to be used for illegal purposes. We recognise that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has already taken significant steps in this area and endorse FATF's efforts to support the Offshore Group of Banking Supervisors in its mutual evaluation process. We therefore call on the FATF to review the present position and make recommendations to Ministers by the Köln Summit on what can be done to rectify these abuses.
Financial Action Task Force
10. We commend the work that the FATF has carried out since its creation in 1989 to develop and promote action against money laundering. Its Forty Recommendations remain the essential standard for effective countermeasures. However, although considerable progress has been made in the fight against money laundering, we agree with the FATF that much still remains to be done. We therefore endorse the decision of the FATF to continue its mandate for a further five years and the new strategy it has adopted.
11. We agree that the major task during this period should be the establishment of a world-wide anti-money laundering network encompassing all continents and regions of the globe. We support FATF's intention to expand its own membership to a limited number of countries meeting the agreed criteria and to encourage the further development of regional anti-money laundering bodies. We call on other international organisations to work closely with the FATF in its mission. We also consider it essential that the FATF continues to monitor money laundering trends and techniques and to ensure that its Recommendations keep pace with new developments.
12. We encourage FATF to implement its new strategy as quickly as possible and urge all countries to join in the fight against money laundering.
Tax Competition
13. We warmly welcome the OECD agreement on action to tackle harmful tax competition. This provides a strong basis for co-ordinated international action to curb harmful tax competition through preferential tax regimes and tax havens. And we note the complementary development of the EU Code of Conduct.
14. We strongly endorse the OECD recommendations, and we welcome the establishment of the OECD Forum on harmful tax practices. We will work through the Forum to secure effective implementation of the recommendations, and will actively support the proposed dialogue with non-OECD members to promote the agreed principles and recommendations on a global basis.
15. We urge the OECD to give particular attention to the development of a comprehensive programme to improve the availability of information to tax authorities to curb international tax evasion and avoidance through tax havens, and through preferential tax regimes. This would involve developing further the proposals to improve exchange of tax information between OECD countries to address the problems caused by restricted access to banking information and to improve the supply of information from tax havens by the negotiation of effective information exchange arrangements.
16. In addition we encourage international action to enhance the capacity of anti- money laundering systems to deal effectively with tax related crimes. Action here would both strengthen anti-money laundering systems and would also be an essential component of a coherent programme to increase the effectiveness of tax information exchange arrangements. Action could be based on furthering the following objectives:
a) Effective anti money laundering systems must ensure that obligations to report transactions relating to suspected criminal offences continue to apply even where such transactions are thought to involve tax offences.
b) Money laundering authorities should be permitted to the greatest extent possible to pass information to their tax authorities to support the investigation of tax related crimes, and such information should be communicated to other jurisdictions in ways which would allow its use by their tax authorities. Such information should be used in a way which does not undermine the effectiveness of anti-money laundering systems.
17. We intend to pursue the development and implementation of these objectives with our OECD partners and in other appropriate fora including the FATF.
18. We in G7 commit ourselves to giving a lead by working to further the foregoing objectives in all territories and jurisdictions for which we have international responsibilities or over which we have influence. And we will follow closely the progress of further work on harmful tax competition which the OECD intends to undertake and the related work on tax related crimes.
Customs Procedures
19. In Lyon we initiated an effort to standardize and simplify customs procedures. We welcome the further work undertaken since Denver which has produced a harmonised and simplified data set for import and export procedures, and urge our experts to reduce that data to a minimum consistent with customs responsibilities by the end of this year. We ask our experts to complete their work, including the development of standardised electronic declarations and to encompass the related import and export data requirements of other government departments and agencies. Our countries will, drawing on each others' experience, take all steps possible to establish customs prototypes or other procedures involving all the G7 countries, which will use an agreed G7 data set, by the Summit in the year 2000 if possible.
20. We also welcome the significant progress made on the Action/Defis programme of the World Customs Organisation to strengthen co-operation between enforcement agencies and associations of international carriers. We encourage further development of this work.
21. We welcome the reports of the G10 and OECD on macroeconomic and financial implications of ageing populations. We ask the OECD to undertake further work looking at individual country ageing issues. We ask for a report from the OECD by the Summit in the Year 2000.
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Saturday, May 2, 2009
Victorian Ball Gown Bodice
The sleeve overlaps itself towards the top of the off-the-shoulder bodice, creating a petal effect. With the airy undersleeve below I think this will be quite feminine, indeed. Now I'm wanting a ball gown of my own! I keep telling myself to wait though. I hope to loose some more weight before investing time and money into a silk ball gown and I can't really nurse in a ballgown bodice this reenacting season, anyway. Malachi seems determined to nurse at every moment he can induce me to sit down. No three hour spans of time in the evening to steal away for dancing in a back opening dress!I can still plan and sketch designs and research! Thankfully those occupations don't need time to slim down and no money for purchase! :)
Have a lovely weekend!
16 comments:
That is breathtaking, Sarah!ReplyDelete
It's beautiful!ReplyDelete
How beautiful! Oh my, I so need to sew!!!! I've just GOT to carve out some time!ReplyDelete
Very beautiful!!! Good job!ReplyDelete
I love it!ReplyDelete
Georgeous gown.ReplyDelete
Job well done.
God Bless.
Somehow I missed something ... are you *selling* that?! It is absolutely gorgeous, Sarah! Wow, I'm impressed. =)ReplyDelete
Wow, that is so beautiful, the details are gorgeous!ReplyDelete
Beautiful, Sarah! You have such an amazing ability to sew! You have me wishing to leave further East where there are so many re-enactments and to have my husband be willing to dress and dance with me. Ho-hum…. ;)ReplyDelete
Thanks! :) I can't take any credit for the fabric or trim or design though - the dear lady I'm making it for picked it all out and all I had to do was to sew it! :)ReplyDelete
Zebu, as far as comments about my boys being girls, it is hard to pick an exact response. Sometimes, if I'm just passing by and someone calls out "you have lovely daughters!" I let it pass without saying anything. If someone approaches me about my "girls" I will say something like "Oh, these are my boys. I will keep them in skirts until they are potty trained, then they will wear short trousers." Sometimes people I have explained to that my boys ARE boys still persist in calling them girls. I don't know why. . .especially at the Lincoln event when Malachi was 4 weeks old no matter how clearly I explained to a certain person that he was a boy, she kept telling me what a "beautiful little girl" he was! :)
That is so beautiful!ReplyDelete
That is stunning! When I first glanced at it, I actually thought it was an original and there was no way it was a repro! Awesome job!ReplyDelete
Wow, I love that! I'd love to see a pic with the skirt and bodice together. Maybe your client will be willing to send you the photo of the completed ensemble. Lovely!!ReplyDelete
Yet another gorgeous creation! Wow! Your client may have done the selecting of materials, but you have put in so much effort - and the result it stunning!!!ReplyDelete
Your story about people calling your sons girls makes me laugh. Very strange though, that people won't believe you - as if you'd make up such an elaborate story! lol
Kayla :-)
dear Sarah,ReplyDelete
Oh my. The trim is airy, the whole effect is airy. We cannot wait to see the full result! I am sure your client will be very happy.
As for boys in "girls'" dress, here's a thought: explain that in times past, dresses were a whole lot easier to keep clean, due to the old-fashioned diapers. Think how much easier it is to pull up a skirt to change a boy than it would to fiddle with a million buttons and/or multiple straps and strings. No snaps back then, and I can't remember when safety pins came in, but perhaps none of those either on the diapers. Bulky and messy. They were being practical!
Very best,
Natalie in Kentucky

subset: commoncrawl


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"..some expertly crafted, pristinely produced pop."
Body of Light is a lush, percussive, 6-piece pop band from Nashville, TN. Led by twins Mike & Mitch Kluge, Body of Light is touring on material from their first self-titled & self-released album as of August 2013.
Body of Light is a highly interwoven pseudo electronic act that draws influence from pop but also the avant garde. Mike and Mitch Kluge's bass and guitar duo is backed by odd meter hip hop grooves, glitchy effects, swirling atmospheres, layered vocals, and the occasional james brown sample.
For fans of something Radiohead might do with Don Caballero, Pinback & Magma.


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November 07, 2011
CPS media protocol is a protocol agreed between media organizations and crown prosecution service detailing how material (i.e., CCTV footage) used in court can be used in the media.
Modules 1-3 are finished. First 14 chapters of textbook, plus human rights act, contempt of court act, PCC code of practice, Ofcom Broadcast code
Photographs of defendant when ID is an issue (Child abduction cases; identification parades; etc.)
Bad character
Attorney General v. Associated Newspapers LTD and News Group Newspapers Ltd (2011)
Even though only online, still contempt the court — even despite jury being told not to go online and search for details.
Vilification of the defendant
Detailed account of the evidence against the defendant
Details of confessions
Comment on the evidence
Legal argument in absence of jury
Guilty pleas not known to the jury
Site visits showing jurors or identifying jurors.
§5 Contempt of Court Act 1981
Attorney General v. English (1983)
Daily Mail discussed pro-life candidate during case of doctor who had killed a Downs Syndrome child.
Magistrates Court §8 Magistrates Courts Act 1980 — What can be reported
Must remain anonymous
What is anonymous?
Jigsaw identification
Cannot broadcast proceedings


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Whether a manufacturer is large or small, it's always interested in saving money—whether it's a large or small amount. Consider a huge company like Lockheed Martin Space Systems, and its constant need to cut costs in every aspect of a project, such as parts needed to build a satellite.
This priority was front and center for Lockheed in September 2012 when it hired Sciaky Inc. to determine if 3D-printed titanium parts were the same or better quality than traditionally forged metal parts. The titanium Sciaky tested was Ti-6Al-4V, a lightweight, highly durable Grade 5 metal. Over the course of several months, metallurgical experts at both companies discovered that the tank was of higher quality, cost less to make, and reduced material waste and production time.
"The tank was 3D printed with [Sciaky's] Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) system," explains Marilyn A. Hewson, chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin. "The tank met our customer's performance standards, with a 55 percent reduction in cost, a 75 percent reduction in waste and an 80 percent reduction in the amount of time needed to manufacture it."
Starting with a 3D model from a CAD program, the EBAM system's electron beam gun (or guns) deposits metal (via wire feedstock) layer by layer, until the part reaches near-net shape and is ready for finish machining. Equally important is EBAM's patented closed-loop control—called IRISS (Interlayer Real-time Imaging and Sensing System)—that ensures consistent geometry, mechanical properties, microstructure and metal chemistry for every part.
With this system, Lockheed produces parts from less than 8 inches to more than 19 feet long. Speed-wise, EBAM offers gross deposition rates of 7 to 20 pounds of metal per hour. The system comes with a dual wire-feed option that enables Lockheed to combine two different metal alloys into a single melt pool to create custom alloy parts or ingots that don't need to be joined or welded together before use. In addition, the manufacturer can change the mixture ratio of the two materials during the printing process to create graded parts or structures.
EBAM technology was originally launched as a service in 2009 for manufacturers looking to save significant money and time on the production of critical metal parts and prototypes. Today, Sciaky's EBAM services team is able to produce critical parts and prototypes made of titanium, tantalum, Inconel and other materials.
"Just as our customers rely on our ability to deliver breakthrough technologies, they also need us to pursue innovation in manufacturing, materials and sustainment—all of which are key drivers of cost and value," explains Hewson.
"Major advances in additive manufacturing are making a significant impact."
Along with EBAM technology, Sciaky offers electron beam and advanced arc welding systems and services worldwide for the defense, automotive, healthcare and other industries. The company's welding equipment meets rigid military specifications to manufacture items such as airframes, landing gear, jet engines, guided missiles and vehicle parts.
For more information on metal additive manufacturing, call 877-450-2518 or visit www.sciaky.com.


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Which Pokemon games for Nintendo Switch are best?
Pokemon games have come a long way since the release of Pokemon Red and Blue in 1996. While the first generation of games only featured 151 Pokemon that you could catch and trade, now there are nearly 1,000 Pokemon across 35 main series games.
Whether you're brand new to the franchise or a seasoned Pokemon veteran, the Nintendo Switch has several great Pokemon games. For a Pokemon Switch game that incorporates cutting-edge graphics while maintaining the feel of the main series, Pokemon Sword and Shield are the top picks.
What to know before you buy a Pokemon game for Nintendo Switch
Each game takes place in a region of the Pokemon world. You start as a young trainer tasked with catching Pokemon, fantastical creatures with elemental powers like fire, water and ice. As you travel throughout the massive world collecting new Pokemon, you face off against other trainers and bosses, called gym leaders, growing and evolving your Pokemon along the way.
You'll also usually have in-game foes with nefarious plans and a plotline relating to defeating them. For instance, in Pokemon Sword and Shield, you'll be expected to face-off against Team Yell to stop them from wreaking havoc with an ill-advised plan to stop the energy crisis.
There are also many side quests and activities in Pokemon games to occupy your time as you explore the in-game world.
Each installment of the main series is associated with a different generation. Most generations introduce new species of Pokemon, gameplay features and distinct regions to explore. A single generation typically includes two games with minor differences, mainly to encourage trading and collaboration among players. For example, the first generation had Pokemon Red and Blue, but Red players could only collect every Pokemon if they traded with a Blue player.
Many generations also include remakes of games from previous generations. A real-life location in a different part of the in-game world inspires each generation. Generations one to four are set in regions modeled after parts of Japan, while newer installments introduce players to areas inspired by locations like New York City and mainland Europe.
Pokemon games for Nintendo Switch
There are plenty of Pokemon games available for Nintendo Switch. The seventh-generation Pokemon Switch games Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are great choices for young players. The eighth-generation games Sword and Shield and the ninth-generation games Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are classic main-series games. You can also buy Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, which are 2021 remakes of 2006 fourth-generation Pokemon games.
Aside from the main series, spinoff Pokemon Switch games such as Pokemon Snap and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team are also available. Plus, there's Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which was released as a prequel to Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, veering away from the usual turn-based RPG format by mixing in aspects of action and adventure games.
Although there are some remakes of older games for Nintendo Switch, it isn't possible to play every Pokemon game on the Switch. Those made for older consoles don't have Switch versions unless they've been intentionally updated, such as in the case of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Part of the ninth generation, these are the newest Pokemon Switch games, released in 2022. They take on an open-world format, giving players more freedom to explore the region than ever before. You'll be able to check out the Paldea region in the order of your choice, while older titles funnel you around the gameplay area in a set route.
- Pokemon Legends: Arceus: In a new kind of Pokemon adventure, you'll experience the ability to interact with wild Pokemon in real-time rather than just in a turn-based manner. You revisit the region of Sinnoh long before the events of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. This game was released in early 2022.
- Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Explore the Sinnoh region in these remakes of the 2006 fourth-generation games Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. The storyline is faithful to the original, and you'll encounter the same Pokemon, all repackaged with improved graphics for the Nintendo Switch.
- Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield: These 2019 games belong to the eighth generation and take place in Galar, a vast region heavily inspired by Great Britain. These Pokemon Switch games introduced the Dynamax game mechanic and had trainers battle in stadiums rather than gyms.
- Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!: These are remakes of the first-generation game Pokemon Yellow. These Pokemon Switch games borrow elements from the animated Pokemon TV series and are perfect for young gamers.
Pokemon Switch game features
Most Pokemon Switch games use a traditional turn-based combat system. This consists of choosing a move to unleash on your opponent, then waiting as they select an action to use against you. Although they move slower than real-time combat games, turn-based games like Pokemon emphasize strategy over brute force. All Pokemon have a type with its own strengths and weaknesses, so part of the strategy is putting together the right team.
Many games in the series, including Let's Go, Eevee! and Let's Go, Pikachu! use an overhead perspective when exploring the in-game world. At the same time, newer installments like Sword and Shield utilize a fixed-camera, third-person perspective.
Number of Pokemon
The number of new Pokemon introduced in each generation varies. In the past few generations, less than 100 new Pokemon have been introduced, while in earlier generations, you got roughly 100-150 new ones each time.
However, it's not just new Pokemon that you can catch in each region; you'll also be able to get your hands on several returning Pokemon. While you'll never be able to catch every Pokemon in every game, newer Pokemon Switch games have around 400 Pokemon to catch, when you combine new and returning critters.
Evolutions are a key feature of Pokemon games. As you train your Pokemon, they gain levels. Most Pokemon automatically evolve once they reach a certain level. However, in some cases, other conditions must be met for evolution to occur. For example, sometimes the Pokemon must be holding a particular item. Some Pokemon can't be caught in-game. These can be gained only through evolution.
If you love your Pokemon just as they are, you can cancel the evolution process as it's happening. However, Pokemon get tougher and more effective at battling when they evolve, so it's usually worth letting them take on their new form.
You can purchase many Pokemon accessories alongside the games, including limited edition Nintendo Switch consoles and a Poke Ball-shaped controller. Two expansion packs for Sword and Shield have also been introduced, including The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra.
How much you can expect to spend on a Pokemon game for Nintendo Switch
Most people can expect to spend around $40-$60 on Pokemon Switch games. Limited edition versions and game bundles can cost considerably more depending on what they include.
Pokemon game for Nintendo Switch FAQ
What is the newest Pokemon game for Nintendo Switch?
A. Released in November 2022, the newest Pokemon Switch games are Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. These are the first ninth-generation games, bringing new features, game mechanics and Pokemon in a new never-before-seen region.
As you might expect from a new game, the graphics are an improvement on those from the eighth generation. You'll also get to explore the map in the order of your choice, which differs from older games where you've only been able to move around the region in a set route from the beginning.
What age group are Pokemon games intended for?
A. Pokemon Switch games are rated E, which means the games are appropriate for any age group. That said, turn-based gameplay is typically more enjoyable for gamers over the age of 8. There's no upper age limit for these games, and they have many adult fans.
Is Pokemon multiplayer?
A. Since the first generation, Pokemon games have encouraged collaboration among players. Aspiring Pokemon trainers can go online to trade and battle with other players worldwide in the most recent Pokemon games. However, there isn't a multiplayer console mode, so two people can't play together on the same console simultaneously. In newer Pokemon Switch games, there are options to team up with up to three other players remotely, though you'll each need your own console and game.
Best Pokemon games for Switch
Set in the Paldea region, based on the Iberian peninsula, players can explore this world more freely than ever before, catching Pokemon and training them to win battles. As with all main-series games, there are foes to defeat as part of an overarching storyline, all while trying to become the region's best trainer.
Sold by Amazon
Pokemon Violet is the sister game to Pokemon Scarlet — the storyline and region is the same, there are just a handful of differences in the available Pokemon. The idea is that players pick one game and trade with friends if they want the Pokemon not included in their choice.
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Rather than being purely turn-based, like main-story games, in this title, you can sneak up on and catch Pokemon in real-time, adding an air of realism to the game. As a prequel to the main-series games, you can help build the world's first Pokedex.
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Pokemon Shield offers a massive world for you to explore, full of different biomes and exciting opportunities, although the ultimate goal is to become the new Champion. In this Pokemon Switch game, you get the chance to catch the Legendary Pokemon Zamazenta.
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The vast land of Galar includes a variety of fun environments to explore, including snowy mountain peaks, bustling cities and dense forests. New moves and features like Dynamax combat make it an exciting addition to the franchise.
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A remake of the fourth-generation Pokemon Diamond, which was released for the Nintendo DS, this version is great as a nostalgia trip for those who played the original or a stand-alone game. The storyline and scale of the towns has been reproduced, with updated graphics for the Switch.
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Like Brilliant Diamond, Pokemon Shining Pearl is a recreation of an old fourth-generation Pokemon game. Players explore the Sinnoh region in these Pokemon Switch games, catching, training and battling to become one of the best Pokemon trainers around.
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Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
These Pokemon Switch games are modern remakes of the classic first-generation game Pokemon Yellow, particularly aimed at younger players. This duo takes the original 151 Pokemon species and the classic experience provided by the first gen games and repackages them with cutting-edge graphics and Pokemon Go connectivity.
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A departure from the main series, this spinoff Pokemon Switch game is dedicated to researching Pokemon in their natural habitat. Instead of capturing and training Pokemon, you get to observe the creatures and photograph them in a richly detailed and lush environment.
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Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
This isn't one of the core Pokemon Switch games, but it's a fun adventure nonetheless. In Mystery Dungeon, you play as your choice of Pokemon. You're tasked with battling through dungeons to help Pokemon in trouble. Along the way, you may just discover your true purpose.
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Part Pokemon, part Tekken, this is a fighting game in which you play as a Pokemon. If you're looking for a standard Pokemon experience, this isn't the Pokemon Switch game for you, but it's great fun if you're happy to try anything in the Pokemon world.
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text:
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Jeng jeng jeng..
1. Azmin Ali - bukan lagi rahsia.
2. Iskandar Samad - bukan lagi rahsia.
3. Dr. Ahmad Yunus - ini memang pendedahan la juga walaupun nama dia antara yang disebut pada awal2 krisis dulu.
Dan. Wan Azizah confirm takde dalam senarai. Walaupun PKR stick to its decision and tulis surat untuk mengadap sultan, tapi jeng jeng jeng.. DSWA tetap tak boleh jadi MB oooo.. sultan takmo dia..
Rupa2nya. Wakil sultan sudah bersemuka dengan ketiga2 calon MB yang dinamakan di atas secara peribadi. Senang cakap, sesi temuduga la. Ketiga2 calon di atas telah melalui sesi temuduga dan pada selasa nanti salah seorang dari calon2 di atas yang akan dilantik untuk menjawat jawatan menteri besar Selangor yang baru.
Yang kuat orang syak Azmin Ali dan Iskandar. Tapi jangan2 si Ahmad Yunus yang terpilih. Low profile jek aku tengok.
Laporan oleh The Star ;
Three potential candidates for the Selangor mentri besar post have been granted audiences by the Sultan of Selangor for him to assess their suitability for the top job.
The three are PAS state executive councillors Iskandar Samad and Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.
Their audiences with Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah took place separately at Istana Kayangan in Shah Alam earlier this week.
It is understood that the meetings were part of the final steps towards a decision on who is best able to replace outgoing Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.
The swearing-in of the new mentri besar has been confirmed to take place on Tuesday with the invitation cards already sent out.
Sources said the three assemblymen were informed that the royal audience was a sort of "interview" to enable the Sultan to evaluate them and have a better idea of their capabilities and personalities.
It is learnt that the others who sat in included state secretary Datuk Mohamed Khusrin Munawi, state legal adviser Datuk Nik Suhaimi Nik Sulaiman and two members of the Selangor Royal Council.
The sources said each audience lasted more than an hour and that the "interview panel" was very civil and cordial.
The assemblymen were advised to be on standby and told that they would be informed accordingly.
It is likely that the name of the next mentri besar will be known by Monday.
Iskandar is the state PAS chairman and Cempaka assemblyman while Dr Ahmad Yunus is the assemblyman for Sijangkang.
Azmin is Selangor PKR chairman as well as Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman and Gombak MP.
Sources said Azmin met Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday to personally inform the PKR adviser of the audience with the Sultan as he did not want Anwar to misunderstand the situation.
It is learnt that Anwar took the news positively and agreed that it was "time to move on" contrary to claims that PKR and DAP would push for a snap state election if Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was not chosen.
The two PAS candidates were among the three names that the party presented to the palace in compliance with the Sultan's request to have more than two names for his consideration.
The palace had asked each of the three Pakatan Rakyat parties to present more than two names for the Sultan's consideration but DAP and PKR proposed only Dr Wan Azizah on the grounds that 30 state assemblymen had signed statutory declarations supporting her for the post.
The palace subsequently said the Sultan would exercise his prerogative to choose the next mentri besar from the list of PAS names or from a name outside the list.
The mentri besar crisis was sparked off by the Kajang Move, which began with the sudden resignation of assemblyman Lim Chin Cheh.
It caused a rift between PAS and the other two Pakatan parties and has dragged on for more than half a year ~ The Star


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Legendary by Stephanie Garber is the second book in the Caraval trilogy. There will be Caraval spoilers in here so beware but none for Legendary.
While Caraval was written in Scarlett's perspective and didn't give us much insight into Tella's personality, Legendary is entirely narrated by Donatella. For this reason, it took me a while to warm up to the book because obviously, I'd developed a connection to Scarlett in the last one and switching it up so drastically did not endear to me. I came around eventually though I still wasn't as taken with it as I was Caraval.
In Legendary, Caraval is to perform at Empress Elantine's 75th birthday and Tella plans to use this chance to find out Legend's true name and fulfill her part of the promise she made with a "friend". When Caraval starts though, Tella realizes that this performance is quite a bit different than the previous and that the dangers may no longer be a part of the game but as real as you and me.
I would give Legendary an 8.5/10 because I wasn't very impressed with the ending… I was expecting a few mindblowing plot twists like Stephanie delivered in Caraval but I was VERY disappointed with the actual results. That said, I did enjoy the story and plotline overall and I'm definitely going to give the final book a read!


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Fall has been really busy, so busy I haven't had the chance to write. I've been menu planning anyway, which is essential! Our schedule is still busy full of soccer games, after school science class and the CSA pick up, not to mention homework!! So, it's Wednesday, but here is my late plan for this week's meals.
Last week I made this awesome recipe, Crock pot BBQ Apple Pork Loin. What a simple and tasty recipe! I had purchased a twin pack of pork loins at Costco the other week and didn't realize that each pack had two pork loins in it, so I ended up making a lot of pulled pork from this one recipe. I used my homemade cinnamon applesauce and a chipolte bbq sauce, along with half a chopped onion. I had plenty of sauce for all of the pulled pork and was able to get two and a half family meals out of it! I first served it over shredded napa cabbage and butter lettuce for me and in tortillas for my husband. Then on Friday night before my son's evening soccer game, I served pulled pork sandwiches using whole wheat brioche buns I bought at Whole Foods. I still have a small portion left that could make another sandwich or two for lunches. This was a great recipe!
With the pulled pork, I made homemade sweet potato fries, at my son's request. Our CSA just started offering sweet potatoes in our pick up and I had a small amount to use up. In the past I did not have good luck with making fries, ending up with either over cooked (burned) fries or mushy ones. I finally found some tips to make them turn out crisp but not burnt! A cold water bath and some corn starch did the trick. Read about how to make your own crispy sweet potato fries!
This week will be another hectic week. We have a school event from 5-7 on Monday night, which means dinner will be late. We are considering a quick meal at one of the two new local restaurants that opened this past week. We have two more weeks of evening soccer practice too.
Monday: probably out!
Tuesday: Taco Tuesday with salads
Wednesday: Soup night! Easy chicken noodle soup using rotisserie chicken and a tortilla chicken soup with some added heat and veggies for the adults.
Thursday: stir fry chicken and rice
Friday: Homemade pizza and salads
Weekend: TBD
What's on your meal plan this week? Check out Organizing Junkie for more inspiration!


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Legal counsel – insurance
Growing international insurance company seeking a lawyer to work closely with the Associate GC for EMEA.
You will enjoy a broad diet of work, primarily non-contentious in focus – everything from legal (corporate and commercial), product development, regulatory and wider business issues including general commercial agreements. You will support a number of divisions across this insurance and reinsurance organisation and have excellent access to the business in this truly full-service in-house position.
You will have an insurance background from a top firm or in-house experience with an insurer or reinsurer.
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
Please note that your personal information will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy.


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I love my kids. I have four 100% huggable and lovable kids. And whenever ministry gets tough, or I get distracted, or I just am in the dumps over my own apathy and sin, I often find great comfort in and rejuvenation through my family.
I remember times in 2004 when I was getting some heat from a few church members (who are now gone). It was really hard on me, and I would come home at the end of the day and just hold my daughter for five minutes on the couch, or play a game with one of my boys, or chase the kids around with a Nerf gun shooting their eyes out.
These things could be seen nice ways to distract me from the stressful things of life and ministry, and they are helpful distractions. But much more positively they are reminders. Reminders of who I am more than a pastor, more than a preacher, more than a sinner. I'm the pastor of my family.
Two nights ago we had our five year old pray for our dinner. He prayed and thanked God for the food to make us healthy and strong, and prayed for everyone in the world to become Christians, and prayed that when people become Christians they would become fishers of men. When I heard that, it made all the frustrations of life shrink.
I'm about ready to head home for the night. Tonight, as we do each day, our family is going to read some Scripture to learn about God and talk about what He is calling us to do. The kids will probably ask a half-dozen questions, and then we will hold hands in a circle and pray. We will pray for God to help us live what we have learned and to provide for what we need.
May God raise up in my home fishers of men who will turn the world upside down, and may he use this weak vessel to train them. I can think of nothing to do today that is more important for God's mission and my own heart.


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"There is a lot to learn from essential oils, they are steeped in ancient understanding and wisdom. When you get to really experience essential oils it is only then that we fully appreciate their power and beauty" – Beck Thompson.
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Cold Chain
- Closed-loop temperature monitoring during transportation
Ellab offers a wide range of options to fit your various temperature monitoring requirements on route. View our recommended solutions and learn more about the requirements below.
Get equipment
Get your own Ellab equipment to validate, qualify and monitor your processes.
Rent Equipment
Rent Ellab equipment for projects of any size and try our solutions before you commit.
Field Service and Consulting
Get on-site validation, qualification and calibration services as well as expert GMP consulting.
Supply chain solutions
- for ultimate peace of mind
Hanwell Pro and IceSpy hardware can be used in conjunction with one another at manufacturing facilities, distribution centres and during transportation, making it a suitable choice when looking for a one-stop-shop for environmental monitoring solutions.
Meet FDA, HACCP, and national regulatory compliance requirements while audit-ready reporting tools provide automated and clear data for action to be taken when needed.
EMS Software Reports
Cold Chain


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The Goat Shelter will be introduced in Farmville 2 The Nannies Quests. This will be the latest additions to the animal shelters in Farmville 2 farms. These new building will hold your prized goat all in one place and can be tend all at one time. Another features of the Goat Shelter is that once completed in will add an additional +25 feed capacity to farm! So let's try to finish this building up. This Farmville 2 Quest maybe released after the Dairy Delicacies Mission.
[alert style="white"] Quick Tip: Adult animals and Prized animals are different when it comes to harvesting requirement. [/alert]
Quest 1: Farmville 2 Prized Pride
Place a Goat Shelter
Buy 1 Baby Goat
- Any Baby Goat will count
Raise 1 Baby Goat
- Feed the Baby Goat with enough Milk Bottle to turn it into Adult
20 xp, 400 coins
Quest 2: Farmville 2 Goji Goats
Harvest 20 Goji Berries
Make 20 Feed
Make 3 Crimson Dyes
20 xp, 400 coins
Quest 3: Farmville 2 Cheesy Fun
Collect 5 Goat Milking Gloves
Feed 2 Prized Goats
Craft 1 Premium Goat Cheese Tart
20 xp, 400 coins
Quest 4: Farmville 2 A New Home
Finish the Goat Shelter
Harvest 10 Strawberries
Make 2 Strawberry Yogurt Pies
20 xp, 400 coins
Quest 5: Farmville 2 Dress It Up
Collect 5 Green Bandanas
Harvest 15 Pumpkins
Feed 5 Adult Goats
20 xp, 400 coins
Quest 6: Farmville 2 Care and Feeding
Harvest the Goat Shelter 2 time
Harvest 3 Lemon Trees
Craft 10 Lemon Waters
20 xp, 400 coins
Quest 7: Farmville 2 Mood Music
Collect 5 Pan Flutes (ask your friends for Pan Flutes)
- the fastest to complete this is to go to zynga.com and play Farmville 2 and post this request)
Feed 5 Adult Goats
Lend a hand on Marie's farm and observe her Goats
- Click Marie's image in your neighbors bar and visit her farm. Now perform 5 actions in Marie's farm)
20 xp, 500 coins
Quest 8: Farmville 2 Prize Perfect!
Harvest the Goat Shelter 2 times
Craft 2 Premium Goat Cheese Tarts
Harvest 20 Goji Berries
Goat Topiary, 20 xp, 400 coins


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Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Endovascular aneurysm repair is a procedure that developed in the 1990's. In this procedure, we insert catheters into an artery in your groin and guide them to the aneurysm.
Using continuous x-rays, we will watch the procedure on a video screen to assure proper placement of the stent-graft. Once in place, the stent-graft will allow blood to flow through normally and prevent additional pressure on the aneurysm walls. This prevents the aneurysm from rupturing.
With this procedure, patients have a shorter hospital stay and recover much more quickly than with the open aneurysm repair.
After the operation, it is important for patients to have regular check-ups. We need to make sure that the stent-graft is in the proper position and that it is functioning correctly.
Is Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Right for Me?
We need to evaluate your aneurysm, typically with a CT scan, to see if a stent-graft will fit. If it fits anatomically, we then need to evaluate if it will lead to a lasting repair.
Schedule a Consultation
Fill out this form or call
239-344-7061 today!


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News Desk |
Turkey on Saturday condemned Israel's illegal settlement activities in occupied East Jerusalem.
"Israel's continuation of its illegal settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories even during the holy month of Ramadan is the latest example of its inhumane approach," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Israel occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.
The ministry said Israel continued to hijack the rights of the Palestinian people by approving the construction of over 800 additional settlement units in occupied East Jerusalem, which we recognize as the capital of the State of Palestine.
It stressed that Israel disregards fundamental human rights and international law with its actions. "It is now time to put an end to Israel's decisions which aim to erode the status of Jerusalem and to destroy the vision for a two-state solution," the ministry added.
Read more: Israel accuses Syria, Iran of orchestrating Gaza rocket fire
"In Palestine, we will never accept history to be rewritten, justice to be exchanged in return for economic interest and dignity and legitimacy to be ignored. We will always continue supporting our Palestinian brothers and sisters and the just cause of Palestine," it said.
Israel occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. International law views the entire West Bank as "occupied territory" and considers all Israeli settlement building there as illegal.
Roughly 650,000 Jewish settlers currently live on more than 100 settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Palestinians, for their part, want both these territories — along with the Gaza Strip — for the establishment of a future Palestinian state.


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Download PDF
Download page Citrix Global.
Citrix Global
Menu path: Sessions > Citrix > Citrix Global
This section describes global Citrix settings which apply for all Citrix sessions. Most of these settings can be either carried over or overwritten in the individual sessions.
Please note that a number of configuration options depend on the version of the Citrix Receiver selected.
If there are problems with the logging in to a Citrix Storefront session because of the expired password, see Login Failed because of the Expired AD Password.


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Do you have a place in Lisbon which is a must see to you? Tell me where do you want to be photographed closed to and I will do it. Lisbon Custom is your answer. Get in touch for more information.
Lisbon Photo Memories (+351) 967 961 074 [email protected] facebook instagram
© 2023, Lisbon Photo Memories
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text:
Ross K Nichols
Latest Episodes
New Series – Prophets & Prophecy
I am excited to announce a new series, beginning January 6th, 2018, called Prophets and Prophecy. The classes will be live-streamed every Saturday morning at 10:30 AM CST from the United Israel Facebook Page. We will discuss not only the origin of,
Helping Victims of Hurricane Harvey
In this episode of the Ross Nichols Show, I interview my good friend Rod Bryant. Rod is the Director of Education and Counseling at Netiv, in Humble Texas. Rod is also the host of a popular show on Israel News Talk Radio called Beyond the Matrix.
Ross Nichols Show – Episode 1
Welcome to the Official release of the Ross Nichols Show Podcast. In the debut show, I talk a bit about Hurricane Harvey. This storm made landfall in the coastal bend of Texas as a Category 4 storm, bringing winds in excess of 130 MPH and LOTS of rain....
It's Not in Heaven!
For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we m


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C-Series Flat Rocker Circuit Breaker - Single Pole - 10A
- Rocker actuator is flush in the "ON" position, eliminating the risk of accidential switching
- Color actuator indicates "OFF" position
- Provides overcurrent protection for inverters, bow thrusters, and windlasses
- Combines switching and circuit protection into a single device
- "Trip Free" - cannot be held closed after trip
- Ignition protectedsafe for installation aboard gasoline powered boats
- Amperage: 10A AC / 10A DC
- Actuator Style: Flat Rocker
- Poles: 1
- Maximum Voltage: 240V AC / 48V DC
- Circuit Breaker Type: Magnetic Hydraulic - trip free
- Terminal Stud Torque: 35 in-lb (3.95 Nm)
- Interrupt Capacity: 3000A @ 120V AC / 3500A @ 240V AC / 5000A @ 32V DC
- Minimum Operating Temperature: -40° C
- Maximum Operating Temperature: 85° C
- Mounting Screw: #6-32 Stainless Steel
- Mounting Screw Torque: t6 in-lb (0.68 Nm)
- Switching Cycles: 10000
- Terminal Stud: 1/4-20 Tin-Plated Brass
- Weight: 0.38lb (0.17 kg)
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Amperage: 10a
- Box Dimensions: 1"H x 1"W x 12"L WT: 1 lbs
-All orders are processed within the next 1-2 business day(s).
- If you placed your order over the weekend it would be processed on the next following business day (ie. Friday orders will be processed on Monday)


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Autocache - An automatic caching framework for Perl.
use Autocache;
autocache 'my_slow_function';
sub my_slow_function
This code came about as the result of attempting to refactor, simplify and extend the caching used on a rather large website.
It provides a framework for configuring multiple caches at different levels, process, server, networked and allows you to declaratively configure which functions have their results cached, and how.
Autocache acts a lot like the Memoize module. You tell it what function you would like to have cached and if you say nothing else it will go ahead and cache all calls to that function in-process, you just specify the name of the function.
In addition to this though Autocache allows you to specify in great detail how and where function results get cached.
The module uses IoC/dependency injection from a configuration file to setup a number Strategies. These are the basic building blocks used to determine how things get cached.
Strategies determine how a cached value should be validated, refreshed, and even whether or not the value should be stored at all.
The goal here is to make it stupidly simple to start to cache certain functions, and change where and how those values get cached if you find they're in the wrong place.
There are a number of considerations when using autocache, or any caching mechanism.
Any function that is pure should have no trouble being cached.
A pure function being one;
whose value depends soley on the parameters passed to the function and no other global information, state or input from IO or external devices.
generates no side-effects (although, depending on your use, side-effects may be allowable).
If your function does depend on external state then you may or may not be able to use some form of caching. For example if your function depends on one of a number of states that may be the current one then you can always create a new function that does depend on all of that information and make the current function simply a driver for it.
For example, the function below depends on the state of a global variable $mode.
autocache 'authorised';
sub authorised
my ($user,$resource,$action) = @_;
if( $mode eq 'normal' )
...normal mode code...
elsif( $mode eq 'strict' )
...strict mode code...
...all other mode code...
If this function is cached then autocache will cache the value generated for whatever the $mode variable is set to at the time of the first invocation, if this function is invoked again later on it may produce incorrect results since the value of $mode has changed.
We can still gain a speedup through caching but we have to rewrite it slightly to make sure we're caching a pure function.
autocache '_authorised_by_mode';
sub authorised
my ($user,$resource,$action) = @_;
return _authorised_by_mode($user,$resource,$action,$mode);
sub _authorised_by_mode
my ($user,$resource,$action,$mode) = @_;
if( $mode eq 'normal' )
...normal mode code...
elsif( $mode eq 'strict' )
...strict mode code...
...all other mode code...
Now even though the authorised function is still dependant upon the global $mode variable the new _authorised_by_mode function is entirely dependant upon it's input parameters and nothing more and it can be cached.
Function results are cached based on the arguments to the function. For functions whose arguments are position dependant and are simple values autocache should simply do the right thing.
Two cases where autocache will require help are when the arguments to a function are provided through a hash, or more complex data structure and when objects/references are passed around that are equivalent but where the identities of the references are not.
For example, if a function 'fn' accepts a hash containing one or more parameters named 'a', 'b', 'c' and 'd' then the following calls are equivalent but autocache can't tell that.
fn( 'a', 3, 'd', 4 );
fn( 'd', 4, 'a', 3 )
To overcome this you can provide a normalisation function that takes the parameters that are passed to the function and provides a canonical string version that ensures equivalent calls appear to be the same to autocache. Obviously care should be taken when designing a normalisation function where the inputs may be large. (TODO - cookbook for normalisation)
To allow autocache to automatically pick up your normalisation function it should be named the same as the function it provides normalisation for but prefixed with '_normalise_'.
For the above function we could use something like this;
sub _normalise_fn
my (%hash) = @_;
return join ':', map { "$_=$hash{$_}" } sort keys %hash;
Perl functions are called in one of three contexts.
Autocache automatically maintains seperate caches for each of the first two contexts that functions may be called in. Since it expects functions to be pure it understands when a function is called in void context and does nothing at all since the value will not be used.
TODO - add option to merge all contexts into one if the author knows that the same value is returned in either scalr or list context.
Autocache initially split up the process of caching into generating the values and storing the values. This has since been unified under the banner of 'strategies'. There is a 'Store' namespace in 'Strategy', intended to represent strategies that involve storage.
Strategies may be chained. Some examples of Strategies are CostBased, Refresh, Store::Memory and Store::Memcached.
The API for Strategies is not yet completely fixed but you should be able to quite easily take one of those that already exists and modify it to suit your needs. The configuration syntax allows you to use any custom classes you like as long as they can accept the way we perform IoC (sub-optimal right now).
Test, test, test.
Loads, and adding more all the time. This code is yet to become stable.
This module is Copyright (c) 2010 Nigel Rantor. England. All rights reserved.
You may distribute under the terms of either the GNU General Public License or the Artistic License, as specified in the Perl README file.
This module is free software. IT COMES WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
Nigel A Rantor - <firstname.lastname@example.com>
Rajit B Singh - <email@example.com>
To install Autocache, copy and paste the appropriate command in to your terminal.
cpanm Autocache
CPAN shell
perl -MCPAN -e shell
install Autocache
For more information on module installation, please visit the detailed CPAN module installation guide.


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Been researching the best way to get my feet wet in the world of Programming .. and I think I might've found an answer » How to Design Programs.
More info about HtDP can be found at » Teach Scheme. It's based on the classic Structure & Interpretation of Computer Programs (SICP), which which Peter Norvig calls "probably the best introduction to computer science."
SICP was created by two professors at MIT. You can actually watch the SICP videos » HERE (very cool). Here, too.
Everything about both SICP & HtDP is free (freely downloadable) .. tho you can also purchase dead-tree versions of these texts.
HtDP, which is a watered-down version of SICP, even comes with a graphical "programming environment" called DrScheme, which offers 5 incremental language-functionality settings (to avoid overwhelming the n00b):
- Beginning Student
- Beginning Student with List Abbreviations
- Intermediate Student
- Intermediate Student with Lambda
- Advanced Student
••• today's entry continues here below •••
This GUI comes as part of the language itself, called PLT Scheme (« as in "PLaneT Scheme") .. a 23-MB download, last updated January 21, 2009, which decompresses to ~200MB on your hard drive .. comprising nearly 11-K files in roughly 700 directories. (Good compression there.)
It was especially encouraging to read that even middle-school kids have been successfully taught this course. So maybe there's hope for me. =)
I've accumulated a considerable amount of info on the topic of the best way to approach introductory programming, which I may share later. I mean, I've read enough articles & opinions that my dang eyeballs are ready to fall out.
The last time my eyes burned this bad was back when I was researching Virtual Private Servers (.. and that turned into a Rad guide). If I'm going to spend time learning a subject (like I did with XHTML and CSS, for example), I like to invest in some research, so I feel confident I'm using my study-time wisely.
For now however, my goal is to develop a solid foundation in the world of programming, and I think HtDP is the option that will help me accomplish this best (.. by allowing me to learn skills & techniques that can be applied to any programming language).
Before closing, I will note that (besides Scheme) many consider Python a good language to start with .. particularly when paired with Zelle's book.
Every once in a while, I ran across a recommendation for Ruby (a language which has interested me, primarily cuz of the Rails web framework), especially when combined with Chris Pine's book (see here for reviews on the first revision) .. but those recommendations were usually followed by disagreements asserting that Ruby obscured too much of what happens at a lower level to be a good language to learn the basics of programming.
For more along these lines, here's a Google search preconfigured for the query » how to best learn programming language introductory


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1st Edition
Factor Five Transforming the Global Economy through 80% Improvements in Resource Productivity
When first published in 1997, Factor Four: Doubling Wealth, Halving Resource Use by renowned economic and engineering experts Ernst von Weizsäcker, Amory Lovins and L. Hunter Lovins, transformed how economists, policy makers, engineers, entrepreneurs and business leaders thought about innovation and wealth creation. Through examples from a wide range of industrial sectors, the authors demonstrated how technical innovation could cut resource use in half while doubling wealth. Now twelve years on, with climate change at the top of the world agenda and the new economic giants of China and India needing ever more resources, there is a unique historic opportunity to scale up resources productivity and radically transform the global economy. And Factor Five is the book set to change all of this. Picking up where Factor Four left off, this new book examines the past 15 years of innovation in industry, technical innovation and policy. It shows how and where factor four gains have been made and how we can achieve greater factor five or 80%+ improvements in resource and energy productivity and how to roll them out on a global scale to retool our economic system, massively boost wealth for billions of people around the world and help solve the climate change crises. Spanning dozens of countries including China and India and examining innumerable cases of innovation in design, technology and policy, the authors leave no engineering and economic stone unturned in their quest for excellence. The book tackles sustainable development and climate change by providing in depth Factor 5 resource productivity studies of the following sectors: Buildings, Industry, Agriculture, Food and Hospitality, and Transportation. In its systematic approach to demonstrating how Factor 5 can be achieved, the book also provides an overview of energy/water nexus and energy/materials nexus efficiency opportunities across these sectors. Given that these sectors are responsible for virtually all energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions globally, this book is designed to guide everyone from individual households, businesses, industry sector groups to national governments in their efforts to achieve the IPCC recommended target of 80 per cent reductions to greenhouse gas emissions. It also looks at innovation in regulation to increase resource productivity, pricing, carbon trading, eco-taxation and permits and the role of international institutions and trade. The authors also explain exciting new concepts such as bio-mimicry and whole system design, as hallmarks for a new generation of technologies. The last part of the book explores transformative ideas such as a long term trajectory of gently rising energy and resource prices, and new concepts of well-being in a more equitable world. Like its predecessor this book is simply the most important work on the future of innovation, business, economics and policy and is top drawer reading for leaders across all sectors including business and industry, government, engineering and design and teaching. This book is full colour throughout. Published with The Natural Edge Project
"As economic, environmental, and security imperatives converge, advanced resource productivity is quickly rising to the top of the global agenda. But let's make no little plans: new technologies, artfully combined via integrative design, can now quintuple the work wrung from energy, water, and other resources. Building on our 1997 collaboration in Factor Four, and cross-pollinating with new findings from around the world, this exciting synthesis combines a powerful efficiency toolkit with farsighted policy insights - vital to ensure that efficiency's gains are not offset but reinforced to create a richer, fairer, safer, and cooler world." – Amory B. Lovins, Chairman and Chief Scientist, Rocky Mountain Institute, USA, Co-Author of 'Factor Four'
"This book shows once again, even to the most conservative critics, that not only are significant improvements possible, they are profitable, and when coupled with the understanding that reducing environmental devastation is critical, provide a vital message of hope for the future." – Hunter Lovins, President, Natural Capitalism Solutions, Co-Author of 'Factor Four'
"The fivefold increase of resource productivity described in this book is impressive, but perfectly feasible, and it would give the world a bit more time to learn how to adapt." – Dennis Meadows, Co-author Limits to Growth and 2009 Japan Prize Laureate
"The exciting thing about Factor Five is the combination of boldness and realism, precisely what is needed to get civilization back onto an economic path that is environmentally sustainable." – Lester R. Brown, President, Earth Policy Institute
"The potential to reduce emissions by 80% on an economically viable basis is good news for world leaders and their negotiators on climate change." – Dr R K Pachauri, Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
"Factor Five is the clearest non-partisan handbook on ecological renaissance available to date and should be read by every policymaker and practitioner." – Professor Calestous Juma, Harvard Kennedy School
"The arrival of Factor Five couldn't be more timely - or more significant." – Jonathon Porritt, Founding Director, Forum for the Future, UK
"The mounting concern about climate change has distracted attention from the fact that CO2 emissions are just part of the existential problem facing humanity. We need urgently to reduce our use of ALL the resources, not just fossil fuels. This new book is the best point of departure I know for doing that. The fivefold increase of resource productivity it describes is impressive, but perfectly feasible, and it would give the world a bit more time to learn how to adapt to ecological collapse. The book has two especially important innovations. The authors deal seriously with the rebound effect, and they base their scenarios on a long term trajectory of rising energy prices." – Dennis Meadows, Co-author Limits to Growth and 2009 Japan Prize Laureate
"Is it possible to imagine a world where we can actually phase out fossil fuels before the climate phases us out? It's now feasible by reading Factor Five." – Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability, Curtin University and author of Resilient Cities
"[There can be] no sustainable development without a sustainable development of companies. Factor Five provides compelling arguments and examples that sustainable business is achievable and profitable on a large scale and that companies play a key role in creating sustainable development. Factor Five confirms the crucial role of increasing eco-efficiency to foster sustainable development." – Stefan Schaltegger, Professor of Sustainability Management, Leuphana University, Germany
"The world needs radical eco-innovation to shape an opportunity out of the current crisis. This book provides excellent key examples in a systems perspective. Written by radical thinkers with a unique experience on how change can be managed, this book is a must-reading for both leaders and academics." – Prof. Dr. Raimund Bleischwitz, Wuppertal Institute, Co-Director 'Material Flows and Resource Management' Professor at the College of Europe, Bruges/Belgium
"Some may have ignored the message of Factor Four 15 years ago. We can no longer afford to ignore it, and should now embrace the strengthened message of Factor Five." –Professor Bedrich Moldan, Senator, Czech Republic, Former Chairman, European Environment Agency, and former Czechoslovak Environment Minister
"We are living in the most exciting era of human history. We are in the process of expanding our perspectives from a focus on short-term economic and materialistic growth to a whole-system approach with true, long-term happiness for all at its core. We are adding the need for 'sufficiency' to 'efficiency' and 'productivity' in our discussions on how to reduce human impacts on the Earth. Economy and ecology are not an 'either-or' trade-off. We now know that both are critical in every aspect of society. We must advance science and technology based on values and vision. The 'leapfrog' effect should be promoted in developing nations-not only in terms of technology but also in terms of lifestyles and societal values. Our urgent imperative is to figure out how to maximize happiness while minimizing environmental impacts. Factor Five provides the West and East alike with a compass to set our visions and to measure our progress." – Junko Edahiro, Environmental Affairs Journalist, co-Chief Executive, Japan for Sustainability
"Factor Five is the clearest non-partisan handbook on ecological renaissance available to date. It should be read by every policymaker and practitioner irrespective of their political position on global change." – Professor Calestous Juma, Harvard Kennedy School
"We all know what will happen if we go on producing and consuming the same way as in the twentieth century. But we don't really know how to produce and consume in the planet-friendly way. This is why we need this book. So urgently." – Brice Lalonde, French Climate Ambassador, former environment minister of France
"Strong economic signals and innovative technologies make a powerful combination, and are the best hope - indeed, the only hope - of the changes needed to protect the environment. Building on the robust foundation of Factor Four, Ernst von Weizsacker and his colleagues write an inspiring manifesto for change to reduce resource use while minimising the impact on living conditions. If their recipe is sometimes over-optimistic, that is a good fault. The environment needs some optimistic friends these days." – Frances Cairncross, Exeter College, Oxford (Author of Costing the Earth)
"Climate change represents the biggest challenge our generation has experienced. Factor Five shows us through sustainable business practices we can achieve positive environmental and economic outcomes. They are not mutually exclusive concepts - sustainability is just good business." – Dan Atkins, Managing Director, Shaper Group
"Even if the climate were not changing, the need for the transition from fossil fuels to renewable, regenerative systems would be just as urgent. This is a recipe book for a far more economically rational world, as well as a more sustainable one." – Professor Janis Birkeland, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and author of Positive Development
"Every lawyer and lobbyist who is asked to defend 'Business As Usual' should read Factor Five. This manual for re-engineering the future holds out both hope and profit in equal parts - if only we can get the political framework right, and align the lobbies with the interests of humanity." – Tom Spencer, Former Member of the European Parliament, Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Public Affairs, and Vice Chairman, Institute for Environmental Security
"Today, the world is faced by many challenges which all derive from the unsustainable practices with which we use our resources. Despite the most severe global economic crisis, resource prices have not returned to the low price levels of the 1990's, demonstrating that we have to reduce our 'resource obesity' as an economy and come to sustainable levels of resource consumption. A factor five improvement in resource efficiency is not only necessary, it is imperative for economies and companies to survive in a new resource and atmosphere-constrained world. This book not only clearly makes this point, but also shows that it is possible with what we know today. This key message makes this book essential reading." – Professor Ernst Worrell, Utrecht University, Lead Author, IPCC Working Group III, Fourth Assessment Report (2004 - 2007)
"Factor Five is about how to achieve the resource productivity gains that are necessary for the world to avoid a future with declining human wellbeing. It provides a clear way forward. In the past, the pursuit of efficiency gains has sometimes led to loss of resilience, resulting in unexpected and unwanted outcomes (like salinized irrigation systems). I applaud the Factor Five initiative, and urge it to embrace the equally important goal of maintaining resilience in the face of the looming global shocks confronting the world." – Dr Brian Walker, CSIRO Research Fellow, Resilience Alliance Program Director and Chair of Board
"Surely the ingenuity and creativity of human civilisation can rise above economic activity saddled with collateral damage? The opportunity to build new markets, new industries and new jobs while rebuilding ecosystem resilience is an exciting challenge. Are we up to the task of our future? Well, only if we act speedily. Read Factor Five and rejoice that there are still options. Then ask what role you can play to make sure the global effort arrives in time and at sufficient scale." – Fiona Wain, Chief Executive Officer, Environment Business Australia
"Factor Five links together the two pillars of future planetary sustainability: (1) implementation of 'five-times' as productive technologies and systems across resource intensive industries and (2) adoption of new political frameworks and understandings for promoting rapid, ethical and just transition away from a prosperity that creates unacceptable environmental damage. We now have the tools! Do we have the courage?" – Professor Mary E. Clark, Author of Contemporary Biology, Ariadne's Thread, and In Search of Human Nature
"Factor Five is an essential reference which shows companies who were inspired to action by An Inconvenient Truth how to radically reduce CO2 emissions AND reduce costs. It is one of the first books to feature the world's best practice sectoral case studies and then explain how they have achieved such large CO2 reductions cost effectively. It will help all CEOs identify significant cost saving opportunities and strategies to reduce risks in a carbon constrained future. We must all be committed to achieving significant greenhouse gas reductions - and Factor Five shows us how!" – Molly Harriss Olson, Founder National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development and Phillip Toyne, Director EcoFutures
"There is a paucity of publications which holistically address the needs seen in pursuing the goal of sustainable development in a realistic way. Factor Five is thus a welcome addition to the body of knowledge and literature available today, since it shows to both policy makers and society as a whole the various solutions and policy options which are available. All we need to do now is to implement them." – Professor Walter Leal Filho, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg)
"Factor Five is an important contribution to a growing corpus of work regarding energy and resource efficiency, work that is critical if the world is to meet the looming challenges of greenhouse gas emissions, sensible resource use, marketplace success, and global equity. Factor Five is especially appealing because it asks the right questions about what we do, why we do it, and, most importantly, how we do it. The authors have not only delved into the major resource-consuming systems we humans create, but also rigorously explore how they can be improved - by at least five times or more." – Cameron M. Burns, Senior Editor and Journalist, Rocky Mountain Institute
"Every day and all around us, you can see the earth's resources being wasted by us and our style of consumption, as if there is no tomorrow. Doing more with less has been around in many cultures for thousands of years, but not ours today, as you and me mostly don't do it at all. We all need to practice in our everyday work, business and home choices the immediate consideration and behaviours of using less in ways which allow both more and retention of a quality of life. If this new book, Factor Five, can provide us with inspiration from practical and meaningful examples then we better get on with it now, and start acting on its tips. Bring Factor Five into your consumption choices at home and at work, with your colleagues and friends and stop wasting our planet by 80% as if life on earth didn't count. Make Factor Five your first choice, not your last." – Greg Bruce, Executive Manager - Integrated Sustainability, City of Townsville
"The Climate Exchange concept has proved that once GHG reductions programs build momentum there is no limit to the innovation and creativity that can be harnessed within companies. And of course innovation will be a critical part of the solution. Factor Five shows the potential for major resource intensive sectors to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective manner. Whether through emissions trading or other market-based mechanisms, our experience at the Chicago Climate Exchange and the European Climate Exchange has made clear that companies that lead to confront the challenge will be leaders in their sectors." – Richard L. Sandor, Executive Chairman of Climate Exchange plc. (CLE.L), an AIM-listed company which owns the Chicago Climate Exchange, Chicago Climate Futures Exchange and the European Climate Exchange
"In an ever more crowded and production-oriented world, the need to reduce the global ecological footprint, and hence provide the 'space' for ecosystem services to support a healthy biosphere, is paramount. Factor Five, through its exploration of the interwoven roles of technology, regulatory and economic tools and socio-political frameworks in achieving greater resource use efficiency, provides the basis for transition to a lower footprint future. This is an important book not least because it provides clear directions for achieving a more secure and sustainable planetary future." Dr Ronnie Harding, Institute of Environmental Studies, University of New South Wales, Australia
"The authors articulate the technical and legislative solutions needed to drive massive resource efficiency and realign consumption patterns with natural renewal rates by taking a whole systems approach. It is obvious that our challenges have as much, if not more, to do with leadership and political will than with technical challenges. Factor Five provides case studies that challenge the status quo and will inspire every engineer, architect, and technician to strive for greater resource efficiency and address rapidly encroaching global constraints. At the same time, it provides a vision and road map for legislative solutions and a platform for elected officials to be purposeful leaders - exactly what we need right now to solve the most pressing problems human civilization has faced. A must read!" – Archie Kasnet, Partner, Aedi Group
"Throughout my experience as a young scientist across several countries, I have learned that working solely in environmentalism is not enough to tackle the problem of climate change; the integration of politics, science and the global economy are necessary to provide solutions. Factor Five embodies these principles and provides a clear path forward to realize the lowest hanging fruits in resource efficiency." – Mary Louise Gifford, Energy and Resources Group, UC Berkeley, USA
"As natural resources become more scarce and we begin to price water and carbon, resource productivity becomes a critical driver for future growth. This book will be an essential tool for all those who wish to understand and seize the opportunities of this future world." – James Bradfield Moody, Executive Director, Development, CSIRO, and past member and co-founder of The Natural Edge Project
"A deeply-researched report on the increasing worldwide potentials of energy and water productivity. The authors are renowned experts in this vital field and show in this book where the greatest improvements are to be found. Essential reading!" – Hazel Henderson, Author of Ethical Markets: Growing the Green Economy, and President of Ethical Markets Media (USA and Brazil)
"We've seen some change since Factor Four was published 12 years ago, but more is possible, and much more is needed. There are still those in the building, construction, steel and cement sectors who argue that four to five fold efficiency gains are not possible, and policy makers who don't understand what is needed to drive that change. Factor Five is a timely reminder of just what is possible, and a clarion call to policy makers that we need a new sense of direction and political decisions on framing conditions to realise that change." – Maria Atkinson, Global Head of Sustainability, Lend Lease Corporation
"In the wake of a global financial crisis, climate change, water scarcity and energy security, the question of 'Resource Efficiency' for many professional engineers and their clients is no longer why?, but rather how? Factor Five is the perfect companion for decision makers and solutions providers who are seeking the answers to that important question." – Darren Bilsborough, Director of Sustainability, Parsons Brinckerhoff, and Adjunct Professor of Sustainability, Curtin University
"For too long politicians and industry, amongst others, have prioritised economic growth and regarded it as the key measure of success. Even when we became aware of the ecological impacts of that growth, we were reluctant to revise our thinking because of the perceived cost. Climate change now leaves us with little choice. All sectors have to face up to the fact that our future is indeed bleak if we do not mitigate greenhouse gas emissions dramatically and rapidly. We need to adopt a 'whole systems approach' to production, regulation, and consumption. Factor Five sets out an agenda for achieving this and gives us hope that it may be achievable." – Professor Juliet Roper, Associate Dean of Sustainability, Waikato University Management School and President of the Asia Pacific Academy of Business in Society (APABIS)
"Nobel Laureate Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893 - 1986) once said that 'Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and [then] thinking what nobody has thought.' - and so it was with Factor Four. Genuine ideas staring us in the face until brought to light by people looking at it a little differently. The application of the ideas in Factor Five will enhance one's design work, but the process and approach you will learn from reading it, can only enrich one's work and transform our society." – Philip Bangerter, Global Director - Sustainability, Hatch Engineering
"A significant contribution to the current debate on how to maintain prosperity in a carbon constrained world. Sceptical government and corporate leaders will be surprised to find that a Factor 5 transition to a robust green economy is within their grasp by employing various strategies that are both politically and economically attractive." – Jim MacNeill, Chairman Emeritus International Institute for Sustainable Development and Secretary-General, Brundtland Commission
''Factor Five' is a fine collaboration of many scholards and thinkers, making for an enthusiastically recommended read for economic and environmental collections." – The Midwest Book Review, April 2010.
"...this book may delight...As a result, having read Factor FIve, I am far, far better informed about resources productivity in practice" – Charlie Wilson, Department of Geography and Environment, LSE, Environment and Planning C
"It contains a lot of useful information, and its central claim that 'business as usual' cannot continue is certainly valid" – A.A Batabyal, Choice, August 2010.
"They provide the most comprehensive roadmap showing how the world's economies can rapidly reduce their resource consumption and associated pollution, while supporting strong economic growth" – Abstracts of Public Administration, Development, and Environment.
"Factor Five is informative and challenges managers to campaign for eco-efficiency and politicians to develop barriers to green innovation. This book is fast on its way to becoming as influential a masterpiece as its predecessor." – Qualityworld Magazine


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A little boy who walks to school; the arrival of Railways; an old orthodox mother; a neglected and discouraged wife; unwavering followers; and a Swami with a tainted past – these are all vignettes of an India that lives among the memory of the post-colonial times.
The Guide, by R.K. Narayan, bundles the threads of these post-Raj images, and weaves them into the tale of Raju. In doing so he encapsulates the sentiments of an India after the Raj, an India that is conflicted between being traditional or modern. This book also introduces us to a woman's status in these times of contrasting perceptions – be it a traditional woman, who has been in public for only once; or a modern woman, with a college education – the men in their lives are the ones making the decisions for them. They pay no regard to the opinions and wants of the women in question. Women are still waiting to be asked.
Raju, a tour guide, meets Rosie, the neglected wife of his client Marco, and is immediately taken by her form and spirit.
My thoughts dwelt on her golden touch. A part of my mind went on saying. 'No, no. It is not right. Marco is her husband, remember. It's not to be thought of.'
His infatuation with the beautiful Rosie made him turn a deaf ear towards his friend Gaffur's warning, his orthodox mother's pleas, and the reasoning of own conscience. He gets embroiled in an extra-marital affair. Such is the enormity of this absurdity in that era, that controversial instances are merely hinted at. The taboo on sex, that too extra-marital, fell so heavily that even the author had to imply its occurrence in the book rather than directly allude to it.
"No, no. Go away," she said. But on an impulse I gently pushed her out of the way, and stepped in and locked the door to the world.
Even in print, the modern India was constrained by tradition. Modernity strived all the same, for it was only a modern college degree that could have overwritten a caste back then. Alas, for the post-graduate Rosie , her academic achievements were no match for her social standing as a caste less woman. But, they did meet the conditions of Marco, her modern husband with traditional expectations. Rosie married Marco to leave her caste, but couldn't seem to let go of dance, her art form . Still , for all his modern outlook, Marco was not at all supportive of his wife's ambition for dancing, which she did with so much devotion and grace. It is in Marco that we see a husband, limiting his wife to his needs, not her potential; seeing her not as a friend and lover, but as an extension of his respect and dignity.
The Guide brings us face to face with The Husband, with whom The Wife couldn't be anything and without whom The Wife was nothing.
When Rosie's husband abandoned her, she helplessly turned to Raju for helping her realise her ambitions. She had no doubt influenced the ruin of his past employment but she also gave him a chance at a more rewarding pursuit, to which he happily applied himself as a labourer of love.
[pullquote align="full" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]While watching Rosie do her practice I seemed to get a clearer notion of what I should be doing.[/pullquote]
Rosie, upon becoming famous and respected, called herself Nalini and Raju, at seeing his wealth and influence grow, answered to Raj. With the change of name there was a change of intentions. All that Raju did for Rosie was out of love, but Raj's services were driven by bottomless greed.
The thought of her warmed me up. "She is a gold-mine," I cried.
Raj exploited her. Nalini was no longer a form of Rosie's creative expression, but took shape of Raj's money maker.
Once again, Narayan opens our eyes to yet another facet of the Indian psyche – the sense of possession, which men hold over their female counterparts.
The Indian atmosphere like that of Narayan's fictional Malgudi is abound with fungal spores of men and women with tainted pasts. They take root wherever there is a rich bed of good, gullible people and sprout into Godmen, or Godwomen , from nothing. They conjure ash out of thin air, provide means to network with divinity, or simply cure death. They enchant, enthrall and, like the Pied Piper of Hamelin , may even coerce their blind followers to jump off a cliff. Raju fades behind prison bars and becomes Swami outside of it, purely by chance.
It seems to me that we generally do not have a correct measure of our own wisdom.
It is most surprising to see him consider himself equal to the role unwittingly thrust upon him. He adapts himself to make the most of the situation. He would narrate stories from the epics, give spiritual discourses or simply pretend to meditate when he didn't feel like doing anything in particular. He would effortlessly carry out a sham.
His beard now caressed his chest, his hair covered his back and around his neck he wore a necklace of prayer beads.
Raju now looked like a Godman, spoke like a Godman, he just wasn't a god-man. Yet his followers would seek him for answers without questioning his capabilities. Even the village head-master, a man of sound mind, went about following his suggestions. Such was his charisma.
Within a short span of time Swami had become the center of the village thought.
He protested to Velan one day, "I'm a poor man and you are poor men; why do you give me all this? You must stop it." But it was not possible to stop the practice; they loved to bring him gifts. He came to be called Swami by his congregation, and where he lived was called the Temple. It was passing into common parlance. "The Swami said this or that," or "I am on my way to the Temple." People loved this place so much that they lime-washed its walls and drew red bands on them.
The devotion towards Swami grew. His words, however untrue, were taken as etched in stone. They brought untold comfort and generated hope. After the drought broke, Swami began a fast to appease the rain god. Immediately, the whole country was taken by this selfless soul. Mangal, the village, became flooded with devotees and media persons and government officials and politicians.
A tour guide had become a tourist attraction!
'The Guide' manages to essesntially describe a much discussed aspect of the religious scenario of the present-day India, in spite of being written more that half a century ago. Only now, the 'Godpeople' are more glamorous, while their tainted pasts stretch on till their present. They aren't just spiritual leaders, but also the brand ambassadors of their manufactured products, be it biscuits or noodles. It is the blind faith of the followers which doesn't diminish.
'The Guide' ends on a promising note, as Swami fasts selflessly. A Godman acting on pure intents is quite unheard of in this day and age. This work of Narayan holds great significance as it brings to light societal taboos that we have known and felt – the hardships of women, that we have seen and condemned; the God-men that we have criticized or agreed with. It isn't hard to draw parallels between Swami and our current Godmen.
For instance, Valentine's Day, a day of love, attracts a lot of hate from the Hindu Fundamentalists. Moral policing and public beatings of couples aren't uncommon. This year, Asaram Bapu, a self-styled God-man, advocated the celebration of 'Matri Pitri Pujan Diwas ' in lieu of Valentine's Day. Note, that this very spiritual figure is in jail for his alleged involvement with a sexual assault case.
Societal life continues to be an uphill battle for women. Ghastly stories of dowry deaths are a ubiquitous feature of newspapers. Other tales of exploitation, such as domestic abuse, unfair wages, and sexual harassment at the workplace, are rife in all manners of media. In spite of being clothed in modernity, women are still draped by tradition.
The saddest part is that after all these years, not much has changed.
Picture credits: theguardian.com.