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There may not be a fool-proof method to making a well-reviewed, profitable game, but don't tell that to 5th Cell. At this year's D.I.C.E. summit, Jeremiah Slaczka and Joseph Tringali, two of the developer's founders, gave a stirring speech explaining how the company operates. They also shared some amazing statistics: Scribblenauts was created by 12 people over 13 months, and the franchise has sold over 2.5MM copies. Drawn to Life was likewise created by a dozen employees over only 11 months, and sold 3.5MM units. Those are amazing numbers by any metric.
How did they do it? By choosing concepts that either hadn't been done in the past or that they thought they could do better than anyone else. The goal is leading the market instead of following trends. The studio keeps two games in development at any given time and staggers their releases so they're always working on a project.
They also ignore the industry standard of hiring people for a game and then laying off a percentage of their staff when the game is completed. When you take a job at 5th Cell, you're hired for life. Finding the right publisher is also key, and the two men noted that it was important to get what you'd like to do in writing, and make sure the publisher understands and nurtures talent.
"And finally, milestones," Slaczka stated. They hate the idea of milestones. "This isn't schedules and your internal milestones, this is the contractual milestones." He stressed that milestones are counter-productive to high-quality development. "They're in every contract... they assume games are made in chunks, and they have an even progression from beginning to end. Unfortunately, they don't." Milestones can also be tied to monetary bonuses, causing developers to rush to meet arbitrary goals at the expense of the entire experience.
The other thing that came up is how the company chooses what types of games to create. They used the term "best of breed," meaning that if you can't be first, you'd better be best—that's very hard to do when you're chasing another game that's found success. So why not be original?
While everyone is talking about Facebook games, that's not an area that 5th Cell is interested in moving into. Zynga dominates Facebook games so completely, and there's no passion from the team, so they're not likely to come up with better games. "Why compete with Zynga, who eats, lives, and breathes these types of things when we don't?" Slaczka explained.
And that's it: a small team, a rapid development cycle, holistic development goals, a strong idea of what the developer does well, and staying away from concepts that already exist and are being perfected elsewhere. While all this may seem intuitive, having it all laid out in business terms and with cogent explanations for why it works was illuminating. New ideas, good people, and a strong relationship with your publisher are things every developer wishes for, and 5th Cell has it down to a science.

subset: commoncrawl


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Being stuck at the airport is no fun, but these self-care moves will keep the stress at bay.
A lot of travel equals a lot of standing in long security lines. Unless, of course, you sign up for Global Entry!
Flight cancellations and delays can turn your travels into a hassle. Don't let them! Here's how to deal.
Canceled flights are a total travel bummer. Avoid an airport temper tantrum by following these steps.
If the friendly skies aren't so friendly to your wallet, these flight-booking hacks will help.
Corralled into a never-ending TSA line? Put your boredom to work and make these money moves while you wait.
Don't let an overstuffed suitcase weigh down your happy travels. Leave these items home!
With Britain planning to divorce the EU, many things are up in the air — including some of your travel plans.
All hope is not lost just because your luggage is. Here's what to do when you're the last one standing at the baggage carousel.
You don't have to dread the airport. These smart frequent flyer secrets will have you breezing through the terminal (almost) stress-free.
Flying wasn't always such a hassle. Reminisce about these unbelievable, long-gone perks from the good old days of air travel.
Take the hassle out of travel with this collection of nifty road trip shortcuts.
Air travel is no picnic these days. Learn to avoid these five common abuses and maybe you'll arrive in a tolerable mood (and almost on time).
From where to shower to skipping security lines, discover the best airport tricks and secrets from 10 of the world's most frequent (and frugal) travelers.
Too often the worst part of travel is navigating the airport. Get through it quickly and easily with this collection of tips and advice.
Flying can feel like a waste of time. Whether you're a business traveler or just want to be productive, follow these tips to make working in-flight work right.
From luggage fees, late flights, and TSA screening procedures, can air travel be saved? How can consumers help improve the industry?
If you're stuck at an airport that charges for Internet connections, here's a solution: Go to the gift shop and ask for a a free Wi-Fi pass.
Once in a while friends and relatives would visit my family from other countries, and we usually go to the airport to pick them up. The problem is that sometimes flights are delay
Whether it's an unplanned layover, a means of making an early flight, or simply an attempt to save money on accommodation, the season of sleeping in airports is upon us. I know, I
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A Política de Privacidade de Dados da FICO explica a coleta e o uso de cookies da empresa. Os cookies nos ajudam a lembrar suas configurações para lhe fornecer uma melhor experiência de navegação; nos permitem avaliar, monitorar e melhorar o desempenho do site; e permitem que nossos parceiros façam anúncios para você. Você pode desativar os cookies, ao alterar as configurações do seu navegador, e você também pode nos informar para não compartilhar seus dados de cookies com terceiros. Ao utilizar este site, você concorda com o uso de cookies, conforme descrito na Política de Privacidade de Dados da FICO.
5 de janeiro de 2013
SAN JOSE, Calif. – January 4, 2013 – FICO (NYSE: FICO), the leading provider of predictive analytics and decision management technology, today announced that it has relocated its corporate headquarters to San Jose, Calif. from Minneapolis. The new headquarters will serve as an innovation and development hub in the heart of Silicon Valley, enabling the company to continue to take advantage of technology innovations in Big Data and cloud computing, and draw from the region's deep technology talent pool.
The move brings FICO back to its origins — the company was founded as Fair, Isaac in 1956 by engineer Bill Fair and mathematician Earl Isaac, who met when working on operations research projects at the Stanford Research Institute in Menlo Park, Calif. In its early days, the company revolutionized consumer lending through credit scoring, with analytic products such as the FICO® Score, the standard measure of U.S. consumer credit health. Today banks, retailers, insurance companies, government agencies, pharmaceuticals companies, telecommunications firms and many other organizations use FICO analytic software to make better decisions.
"FICO began in Silicon Valley, and we view this move as a homecoming," said Will Lansing, president and CEO of FICO. "Operating from our base in Silicon Valley, we can more readily build upon our company's deep talent pool, collaborate with other big thinkers in the world's premier technology hub, and provide our customers worldwide with powerful innovations that will help them compete more effectively in the era of Big Data."
"I want to thank FICO for choosing to locate its headquarters in San Jose and expanding its presence in Silicon Valley," said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. "A leader in the growing field of analytics, FICO exemplifies the type of innovation that makes San Jose the Capital of Silicon Valley. By returning to its roots in Silicon Valley, FICO will have greater access to talent as well as global business and technology partners."
FICO currently employs 90 people in San Jose, and plans to hire additional engineers and analytic scientists throughout the year. The company will continue to maintain regional hubs in San Diego and San Rafael, Calif., London and Birmingham, England, Singapore, Beijing, São Paolo, Brazil and at its new offices in Roseville, Minn., which opened last month.
Sobre a FICO
FICO (NYSE:FICO) delivers superior predictive analytics solutions that drive smarter decisions. The company's groundbreaking use of mathematics to predict consumer behavior has transformed entire industries and revolutionized the way risk is managed and products are marketed. FICO's innovative solutions include the FICO® Score — the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the United States — along with industry-leading solutions for managing credit accounts, identifying and minimizing the impact of fraud, and customizing consumer offers with pinpoint accuracy. Most of the world's top banks, as well as leading insurers, retailers, pharmaceutical companies and government agencies, rely on FICO solutions to accelerate growth, control risk, boost profits and meet regulatory and competitive demands. FICO also helps millions of individuals manage their personal credit health through www.myFICO.com. FICO: Make every decision count™.
For FICO news and media resources, visit www.fico.com/news.
Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information Except for historical information contained herein, the statements contained in this news release that relate to FICO or its business are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the success of the Company's Decision Management strategy and reengineering plan, the maintenance of its existing relationships and ability to create new relationships with customers and key alliance partners, its ability to continue to develop new and enhanced products and services, its ability to recruit and retain key technical and managerial personnel, competition, regulatory changes applicable to the use of consumer credit and other data, the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions, continuing material adverse developments in global economic conditions, and other risks described from time to time in FICO's SEC reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2012. If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes, FICO's results could differ materially from its expectations. FICO disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
FICO and "Make every decision count" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and in other countries.
Greg Jawski
+1 212-601-8248
Darcy Sullivan
Europa, Oriente Médio e África
+44 (0) 209-940-8719
Saxon Shirley
Pacífico Asiático
+65 6422-7795
Marisa Arribas
América Latina
+1 786 482 7231
Milla Delfino
América Latina
+55 11 97673-6583
Kit de imprensa


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2006 GMC Envoy
The GMC Envoy features a broad lineup of versatile, sophisticated, and highly capable SUVs. About a dozen different variants are available, including the luxurious Denali.
The standard Envoy is a five-passenger SUV with two rows of comfortable seats. The SLE and SLT models are compelling alternatives to the Ford Explorer and other mid-size SUVs. Stable and responsive with excellent road manners, the Envoy comes with a smooth, powerful inline six-cylinder engine that has been updated for 2006.
The Envoy Denali is equipped with a more powerful V8 engine that improves its performance and increases its cargo-hauling and trailer-towing capability. This optional 5.3-liter V8 features GM's Displacement on Demand technology, which idles half the cylinders when cruising to enhance fuel economy. Denali is also upgraded with luxury features and special trim, including 18-inch aluminum wheels for 2006.
The extra-long Envoy XL models are considerably longer, allowing seven-passenger seating and greater hauling versatility. Because it's longer and heavier, the XL doesn't handle as well as the Envoy nor does it feel as reassuring as the wider GMC Yukon. In short, we much prefer the Envoy and Yukon over the Envoy XL, though the latter does represent a value proposition.
Safety gets a major addition for 2006, as all Envoys come equipped with GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Proactive Roll Avoidance. This system uses selective wheel braking and compensating shock absorber adjustments to help maintain vehicle control on slick and uneven road surfaces, as well as during emergency lane changes or avoidance maneuvers. It's a great system.
Model Lineup
GMC Envoy and Envoy XL are available in SLE, SLT, and Denali trim, each with a choice of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive ($2,250). Envoy and Envoy XL models come with the six-cylinder Vortec 4200 engine. Denali models are equipped with the 5.3-liter V8. All models come with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Envoy SLE ($28,590) and Envoy XL SLE ($29,920) come with cloth upholstery, manually controlled dual-zone air conditioning, CD stereo, power windows and locks, keyless entry, an electric rear window defogger, 17-inch aluminum wheels and fog lights. An SLE Enhanced Package ($970) adds an eight-way power driver's seat, an overhead console with Homelink transmitter, illuminated vanity mirrors, and a compass in the rearview mirror.
Envoy SLT ($32,125) and Envoy XL SLT ($33,425) get leather upholstery, automatic climate control, eight-way power seats for driver and passenger with memory on the driver's side, a driver information center, audio controls on the steering wheel, separate rear-seat audio controls, heated outside mirrors with turn signals, a machined finish for the aluminum wheels, and other features.
Denali ($36,435) and Denali XL ($37,865) upgrade with a premium leather interior, unique styling cues, new 18-inch aluminum wheels, and all of the features of the SLT.
(The XUV, with its dual-function tailgate, retractable roof and hose-out cargo bay, has been discontinued.)
Options (and there are a lot of them) include power-adjustable pedals ($150), tilt-and-slide sunroof ($800), automatic load-leveling rear suspension ($375), DVD entertainment ($1,295), XM Satellite Radio ($325), and OnStar telecommunications ($695). Navigation ($1,995) and a Bose premium sound system ($495) are available for SLT models, along with an MP3 player. Discount packages bundle the sunroof with various audio and entertainment options. The 2WD models can be ordered with a locking rear differential ($270) and traction control ($175).
Safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS) as standard equipment on all models. Head-curtain and side-impact airbags are optional ($495).
The GMC Envoy and Envoy Denali models are mid-size SUVs, with a 113-inch wheelbase and overall length of 191.6 inches, about the same size as a Ford Explorer. Envoy is smaller than a GMC Yukon, but bigger than SUVs built on car chassis.
The XL models have been stretched 16 inches, increasing the wheelbase to 129 inches. This provides space for third-row seating. One way to distinguish an Envoy XL from the standard Envoy is to look at the rear doors. The Envoy's rear fenders overlap the rear door edges; the Envoy XL, with its length stretched amidships, has enough space for the rear edge of the rear doors to drop straight down all the way to the rocker panels. Some buyers see the Envoy XL as a less-expensive alternative to the full-size GMC Yukon. Indeed, the Envoy XL is nine inches longer than a Yukon, but it's four inches narrower.
Envoy models share their chassis and engines with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and Buick Rainier (as well as the Saab 9-7X and Isuzu Ascender). Each of these nameplates boasts unique styling, but there are feature differences as well. The GMC offers more features than the Chevy, and the high-end Denali versions are GMC exclusives.
Envoy may be the best-looking of the bunch. It looks like it's ready to tackle the tough jobs (and it is), but the styling is conservative and upscale. It looks more sophisticated than the TrailBlazer. Envoy's giant black grille with its big ruby-red logo says GMC in no uncertain terms.
The front end, with its distinct headlamps, round fog lights and pouty front bumper with a wide, slim slit at the bottom is clean and sleek. Strong beveled shapes extend along the sides and around the wheel wells, and help make the Envoy look imposing. It doesn't have the TrailBlazer's showy fender flares, instead housing its big 17-inch wheels inside hefty wheel openings that are part of its trapezoidal design theme. The rear bumper is stepped for its full length, and includes big round backup lights. From behind the wheel the Envoy seems to be lean forward as you look down over the strong hood, as if poised for action.
Denali models are distinguished by their chromed honeycomb grille, body-color bumpers that reach lower to the ground, body-color mirrors, and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels. Running boards, which also serve as stone guards, are integrated into the rocker panels.
While the standard Envoy is a handsome vehicle, the proportion of the XL models make them look ungainly. They look too long in the back relative to their front proportions.
Interior Features
The GMC Envoy and Envoy Denali seat five passengers. The XL versions add a third row to seat seven. The front and middle rows of the standard models are the same as in the XL models.
The GMC's seats seemed more comfortable than those in the Chevy. The Envoy's seat cushions are longer, wider and thicker, and offer noticeably more side bolstering, though the seat bottoms could use more support.
The leather upholstery in the Envoy SLT is plush, but the cloth in the SLE grips the driver better. Head, hip and legroom are comparable to that of the Ford Explorer. As with Explorer, the sides of the seat bottoms are not fully trimmed around to the inside. On the SLT, the driver's bucket is eight-way power adjustable, with two-way lumbar support and optional heat. The shoulder belts are fixed to the seatbacks; we'd prefer adjustable-height anchors.
The brushed nickel interior trim looks classy. The SLT gets burl woodgrain trim on the center stack and console. Wood is also used around the light switches and the switches on the door armrests. Four big round registers for heating and air conditioning look stylish and purposeful in nickel. The four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel comes standard, and on the SLT it includes climate, audio, and cruise controls. Overall, the dash looks a bit choppy, not smooth and organic. Instrumentation is complete and clean, however. A big tachometer is on the left, speedometer in the center, and on the right are smaller gauges for water, battery, gas and oil.
SLE's manual climate controls use sliders, which seem like a throwback in technology, while the SLT's excellent digital controls use round knobs. Turning a knob is easier than sliding a lever, especially when bouncing around on rough roads. Both systems feature dual zones so temperature can be controlled separately by driver and front passenger. In XL models, rear-seat passengers get their own temperature control, which can be controlled by the driver, an important feature for dogs as well as people on hot summer days.
The center console features an enclosed compartment, an open storage bin, with a pair of superb cup holders forward of the shifter. The emergency brake lever is located there. Pockets in the front doors and behind the front seats are provided, but we'd like more places to put stuff in the center console area. Three power outlets are provided in the center stack, though unfortunately none have power when the ignition is switched off. Behind the rear seat is a small hidden compartment under the floor, a cargo net (on SLT), and another power outlet. Rear-seat headrests conveniently flip down to give the driver a better view to the rear.
SLT's overhead console includes a sunglasses holder, Homelink universal transmitter and an optional Travelnote digital recorder ($85), which allows the driver to verbally record phone numbers while on a cell phone. Interior lights abound, including reading lights.
The optional Bose audio system with six-disc in-dash CD player offers outstanding sound quality and adjustment versatility. All Envoy audio systems include RDS (Radio Data Systems) technology, allowing the listener to search for stations by type, display song and artist information, and provide traffic and weather updates.
OnStar, GM's telematics system, is optional on all models and we recommend it both for its safety and convenience features. OnStar includes hands-free cell phone communication, automatic crash reporting (set the airbags off and they'll send out the rescue teams), automatic theft reporting, remote unlocking, and other services. Onstar's latest (Gen 6) technology improves voice recognition and hands-free operation. For 2006 a system has been added to send accident information automatically to participating 911 systems in the event of a crash to facilitate emergency response. More often, you'll use OnStar for directions to an ATM or gas station or for recom
Driving Impressions
As mentioned, we enjoy driving the GMC Envoy and Denali models, but don't care too much for the longer, heavier XL versions.
The 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine that comes standard on the Envoy is smooth and powerful, and it's a perfect companion for these vehicles. This engine is a modern inline-6 with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and variable phasing for the exhaust cam to produce 291 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. That's significantly more than the 210 horsepower produced by the 2006 Ford Explorer's 4.0-liter V6.
GMC's 4.2-liter six is EPA-rated 16/21 mpg city/highway in an Envoy 2WD.
It's an excellent engine, and with its broad and bountiful torque, the transmission doesn't have to downshift excessively to generate power. Stand on the gas and the full-throttle upshift comes at about 6000 rpm, and the engine feels like it's only striding, not screaming. About 90 percent of the GMC's peak torque is available at just 1600 rpm, and it's still there at 5600 rpm. That means quick response at any engine speed, allowing the Envoy to bound past trucks on steep uphill two-lanes.
The smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission is the proven Hydramatic 4L60-E, used in GM applications from Corvettes to Cadillac Escalades, and used for both the 4.2-liter inline-6 and 5.3-liter V8. A 3.42:1 rear-end ratio is standard for maximum economy, but ratios of 3.73 and 4.10 are offered for easier towing. With so much torque available, we couldn't discern a significant improvement in acceleration performance with the 4.10. Towing was a high engineering priority, and an Envoy is rated to tow 6300 pounds with 2WD, 6200 pounds with 4WD.
The 5.3-liter V8 is standard on the Denali models. It develops 300 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, which is a bit more power than the 2006 Explorer's optional 4.6-liter V8. An Envoy Denali is rated to tow 6600 pounds with 2WD, 6500 pounds with 4WD. All Envoys come with a trailer hitch platform and seven-wire trailer harness.
The V8 features GM's Displacement on Demand technology, which shuts down four of the eight cylinders when they are not needed, for up to 8 percent better fuel mileage under light-load conditions. The engine-management computer instantly revives the sleeping cylinders the second the driver demands more go. This all happens transparently and is undetectable in normal, everyday driving. The 5.3-liter V8 is EPA-rated 15/20 City/Highway mpg.
Once underway, the Envoy feels smooth and stable, even at high speeds. It rides smooth and car-like at lower speeds without being overly soft in corners. Yet it's sufficiently compliant for stable handling on bumpy roads. We found the rear end stayed impressively planted when going over washboard surfaces at high speeds. The Envoy is designed to lean exactly 5 degrees in corners, then stop leaning. Envoy's track is among the widest in the class (wider than the 2006 Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner, for example). Also, the engine is mounted relatively low, lowering the Envoy's center of gravity. A low center of gravity means better handling and stability.
The available load-leveling air suspension is intended to provide a more luxurious ride. It uses a silent air compressor, which yields one additional benefit: a 22-foot air hose that attaches to a small valve in a compartment in the cargo area, and can be used for filling everything from tires to toys. Off-road, we found that the load-leveling suspension bottomed easily, signaling a need for the optional skid plates. Our test model had the skid plates, of course, which we dragged in soft sand, chugging easily along at 5 mph in Auto4WD. On low-speed whoop-de-doos, the front end bobbed up and down more than we would have liked.
The Envoy's four-wheel-drive system, called Autotrac, works well and features four settings: 2WD, Auto4WD, 4HI and 4LO. Auto4WD automatically apportions p
The GMC Envoy is an excellent choice among midsize sport utilities. Envoy is well-engineered and enjoyable to drive, stable and responsive with good brakes and a superb inline six-cylinder engine. The Envoy Denali models are luxuriously equipped and come with a more powerful 5.3-liter V8. The extra-long XL models are ponderous, lacking the handling and responsiveness of the standard-length models.
NewCarTestDrive.com editor Mitch McCullough is based in Los Angeles.
|Model Line Overview
|Model lineup:
|GMC Envoy SLE 2WD ($28,590); SLE 4WD ($30,840); SLT 2WD ($32,125); SLT 4WD ($34,375); Envoy Denali 2WD ($36,435); Denali 4WD ($38,685); Envoy XL SLE 2WD ($29,920); XL SLE 4WD ($32,170); XL SLT 2WD ($33,425); XL SLT 4WD ($35,675); XL Denali 2WD (37,865); XL Denali 4WD (40,115)
|4.2-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6; 5.3-liter ohv 16-valve V8
|four-speed automatic
|Safety equipment (standard):
|dual-stage front airbags, ABS
|Safety equipment (optional):
|front side-impact and head-curtain airbags, traction control
|Basic warranty:
|3 years/36,000 miles
|Assembled in:
|Moraine, Ohio; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
|Specifications As Tested
|Model tested (MSPR):
|GMC Envoy SLE 4WD ($30,840)
|Standard equipment:
|dual-zone manual heating and air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, cigar lighter and four accessory power outlets, front manual-reclining bucket seats with lumbar support, folding 60/40 split second-row seat, remote keyless entry, power windows, power locks, electric rear window defogger, interior lighting package, floor console with storage and cup holders, deep tint rear glass, trailer hitch and wiring harness
|Options as tested (MSPR):
|SLE Enhanced Package ($830) includes overhead console with Homelink universal transmitter, 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar, illuminated vanity visor mirrors, compass in rearview mirror; XM Satellite Radio ($325)
|Destination charge:
|Gas guzzler tax:
|Price as tested (MSPR):
|four-wheel drive
|4.2-liter sohc 24-valve inline-6
|Horsepower (lb.-ft @ rpm):
|291 @ 6000
|Torque (lb.-ft @ rpm):
|277 @ 4800
|four-speed automatic
|EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
|15/21 mpg
|113.0 in.
|191.6/74.7/71.9 in.
|Track, f/r:
|63.1/62.1 in.
|Turning circle:
|36.4 ft.
|Seating Capacity:
|Head/hip/leg room, f:
|40.2/55.5/41.4 in.
|Head/hip/leg room, m:
|Head/hip/leg room, r:
|39.6/58.1/37.0 in.
|Cargo volume:
|80.1 cu. ft.
|Towing capacity:
|6200 Lbs.
|Suspension, f:
|independent, upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
|Suspension, r:
|live axle, upper and lower trailing links, track link, coil springs with supplementary air springs, anti-roll bar
|Ground clearance:
|8.0 in.
|Curb weigth:
|4612 lbs.
|Brakes, f/r:
|ventilated disc/ventilated disc with ABS
|Fuel capacity:
|22.0 gal.
|Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle. All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSPR) effective as of November 15, 2005.Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges. N/A: Information not available or not applicable. Manufacturer Info Sources: 1-800-462-8782 - www.gmc.com
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Pendants and Charms are always a fashionable part of jewellery making and here at The Bead Shop we have a whole range to suit any taste. From Diamante and metal to fimo, resin and ceramic, personalised pieces can be created in minutes. So whether you prefer a large focal pendant on a necklace or a charm bracelet filled with unique charms you will find all the beautiful pieces you need in one place.
It doesn't matter whether you're making jewellery for yourself or friends, pendants and charms are perfect when you're looking to create something special and personalised. With a selection of Christmas Fimo Charms, chocolate themed charms or gold plated charms with 'Made With Love' written in them, they're also ideal to mark particular occasions.
Whether you want to create a pendant necklace or a charm bracelet, The Bead Shop has a wide selection of pendants and charms to choose from.To create quirky vintage inspired pieces, Resin Charms could be the answer. With a variety of charms to choose from including biscuits, teapots and chocolate swirls, your jewellery is sure to stand out in the crowd and make a statement. There are also Resin Charms with Lobster Clasps, making it even easier to attach your charms to everything from bracelets to keyrings.
Create your own festive decorations for your Christmas tree by attaching gingerbread man charms to ribbons or cords. Alternatively, you could make a pair of festive earrings by adding the Christmas Tree Fimo Charm.


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Fiction in 58, a little writing prompt I created a few years ago to tell a story in just 58 words. Good exercise for the verbose. Or, for those with attention disorders.
He's up there, my dad, goose-stepping across the tiled bath.
There's a yelp, so I bound the steps by twos.
He's holding a foot, twisted in some yoga pose.
"Hey, check it out."
His feet have grown webbing. Thick skin between each toe.
He smiles.
"Run a bath," he says. "Let's see what these babies can do."
Just a slip of fiction
Labels: creative writing, fiction, Fiction in 58, flash fiction, micro-fiction
1 comments:
- Noah the Great said...
That must be unsettling but at the same time magnificent.


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Surgical Technologist
The NYU Langone Medical Center Surgical Technology Program is designed to prepare qualified individuals to become Surgical Technologists.
A Surgical Technologist is an integral member of the surgical team who works closely with the surgeon, anesthesiologist and registered nurse, delivering direct patient care before, during and after surgery.
The certified technologist may seek employment in the operating room, as a private scrub for a surgeon,
in the delivery room, central service, cardiac catheterization and surgi-centers.
The Program
It is a one year program, divided into two six-month semesters, with classes starting in September and March.
During the first semester, classes are held M-F from 5:30pm-9:30pm with (2) Saturdays a month from 9am - 5pm.
The second semester each student is in the clinical area 4 days a week from 7am-3pm and in the classroom one day a week. Scheduled hours for the classroom time may vary. The first semester is devoted to classroom study in aseptic technique fundamentals of operating room technology.
The latter portion of this semester is spent introducing the student to common basic surgical procedures.
The second semester is spent in the operating room to develop practical expertise and students are evaluated on their performance.
The ARC/STSA Outcomes Based Assessment Exam Pass Rate for our Program in 2019 is 92%.


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Julián Castro, Dan Patrick slug it out over immigration
San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro came out swinging against state Sen. Dan Patrick Tuesday night during a debate on immigration policy while the Republican lieutenant governor candidate tempered his sharp rhetoric on the red-meat issue.
Patrick, who is in a heated race with incumbent David Dewhurst for the state's second-in-command, said he would repeal in-state tuition prices for undocumented immigrants because it is "unfair to American citizens" and "force Washington to fix the problem" of illegal immigration in Texas.
"I do not agree with a pathway to citizenship after 13 years," said Patrick, adding that he is not "radical" or "anti-immigrant."
Castro, who is not running for office this cycle but seemingly has ambitions for higher office one day, said he supports a pathway to citizenship and opportunities for undocumented immigrants, of who "the vast majority are here to work and improve their life."
Castro blasted Patrick, who has said there is an "illegal invasion from Mexico" and that immigrants bring diseases such as leprosy in former campaigns, for what he called softening up on his rhetoric over immigration.
"You've been huffing and puffing on the campaign trail like the Big Bad Wolf and now you are tip-toeing around like Little Red Riding Hood," Castro said.
Patrick managed to expand the debate, which was slated as exclusively over immigration, to include other controversial issues such as abortion and Obamacare.
After the debate, Castro said he believed he won and that he hopes Republicans and Democrats can work across party lines nationally, statewide and locally to pass effective immigration reform.
He also said he does not have a formal or informal role for the state party but that he thought the time was right to challenge Patrick's immigration stance and rhetoric.
"Dan Patrick's numbers are wrong, his policies are wrong, and he is wrong for Texas," Castro said.
For more on the debate, check out Wednesday's San Antonio Express-News or read the full story on ExpressNews.com.
Twitter: @KoltenParker


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Los Angeles and mankind are threatened once again, this time in the trailer for "Skyline," the new end-of-days sci-fi film about an armada of ships that come to Earth to suck up all the humans.
The clip opens with news anchors Lawrence O'Donnell and Dan Rather echoing the sentiments of acclaimed scientist Stephen Hawking, who is smart enough to know that aliens are probably out there, are likely smarter than us and would no doubt wipe us out. In short, Hawking thinks we should avoid them like the plague. Amen, brother.
"If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans," said Hawking in April.
U.S. & World
There's not really much to the trailer, with the exception of O'Donnell and Rather, no one else speaks and the only two other actors we get even a peek at are seen from behind. It's pretty much just a CGI rendering of L.A. being attacked and then its inhabitants being vacuumed up like so many bedbugs.
The film was directed by Colin and Greg Strauss, a pair of special-effects veterans who've worked on dozens of films ranging from "The Nutty Professor" to "Avatar," and stars a collection of recognizable faces with little known names, like Donald Faison, Eric Balfour, David Zayas, Scottie Thompson and Brittany Daniel.
The rest of the film arrives Nov. 12.


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What's New
- app stability improvements
App Description
- EZ Radar PA gives you ANIMATED radar coverage for all of Pennsylvania from the National Weather Service. Why buy a radar application with a bunch of radars you don't need and that's complicated to use, get EZ Radar now for your area! Users love EZ Radar!
- When the application first loads you get a static radar shot of the region. Then just simply touch on the buttons within the application for animated radars of each region/city. You are also able to pinch and zoom in for a really close look at the storms. Any Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm warnings that are issued, are overlaid on top of the radar echos. These radars are fully featured and are powered by the National Weather Service. All radars load up fast on any type of connection - even EDGE! Now you can see what storms are headed towards you - even on the go! Easily get away from the hail storm that might be coming your way!
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- Checking local animated radar quickly and on the go!
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- Greater Philadelphia Area, Greater Pittsburgh Area & Central Pennsylvania
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Bro. Reinharts Struan
Been awhile since I've made this bread - made it yesterday ~ not to pretty -But tasty just the same!!
Did the "ONE" thing I've always stressed not to do - Rushed it a wee bit - LOL - plus used bigger loaf pans ( 9x5 ) instead of 8x4 .
Saw Dolfs pics when I got home and on-line - NICE Job - Plus read about autolyse - going to try this method this afternoon - will post results good or bad -
Am a chef / pastry chef for a private club and revamping menu - getting away from fried "Bar food" entrees and into a more classic tavern style food /with less starchs and lighter sauces. Plus starting to do all breads for sandwichs - so far have very good results with the sour dough - even though my starter is only 6 weeks old. Use it for two different sandwich breads - roast beef on garlic caibatta - and a two pound loaf for club sandwichs.
The One great perk about this job is the kitchen - I have access to it anytime ~~ we open at 4 and close at 11 - monday thru thrusday and open for lunch Fridays,Sat, and Sundays .... So I have tyme to "Play" Will keep ya'all posted . Plus think its tyme to buy a digital camera .
Till Later ~


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How a Pencil Can Save a Pelican
Schools and students find creative ways to help the Gulf Coast
By Cindy Long
When she heard about the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, 11-year-old Olivia Bouler from Long Island, New York, burst into tears.
After many vacations spent fishing and bird watching along the Gulf coast with her cousins and grandparents who live in Louisiana and Alabama, Olivia decided she'd like to one day become an orinthologist. So when she saw the images of helpless, oil soaked pelicans, she knew had to do something to help. First, she picked up her drawing pencils. Then she sent a letter to the Audubon Society.
Olivia's drawing of a brown pelican.
"I have an idea," she wrote. "I am a decent drawer, and I was wondering if I could sell some bird paintings and give the profits to your organization." She included a drawing of a cardinal as a sample, proving that she was not just a decent drawer, but a skilled young artist.
The Audubon Society readily agreed, asking that she donate her bird drawings to those who donated to the wildlife recovery efforts. She drew herons, pelicans, and other species native to the Gulf. But a girl can only draw so many birds without her schoolwork suffering, so when she hit her limit of 500 original bird drawings, the Audubon Society began providing limited edition print versions. So far, she's raised more than $110,000 for the organization's cleanup efforts.
Support Spilleth Over
Since April 20, when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded about 50 miles off the coast of Louisiana, and thick, brown oil began gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, there's been an outpouring of support and concern for the people and wildlife living along the coast.
Like Olivia Bouler, many are students. And like Tara Stimac from Grand Blanc, Michigan, many are educators.
Stimac is a first-grade teacher at Brendel Elementary School. Her young students were upset by stories of birds, sea turtles, dolphins, and other wildlife struggling to survive the coating of oil. They wanted to help, but didn't know how, so Stimac came up with a plan that would include the whole school.
A Family "Hair" Affair
Stimac's brother, who is in the Army and stationed in Florida, began volunteering with an organization called Matter of Trust, a San Francisco-based charity that collects human and animal hair to stuff into nylon "booms" that absorb oil and help keep it from wildlife habitats.
Stimac's mom Vicki, a hairdresser, had also heard about Matter of Trust and started collecting hair from her salon and others from the Grand Blanc area to send to the organization.
Turns out they're part of a nationwide movement — as of early May, hair salons and groomers had sent 400,000 pounds of hair and fur to the Matter of Trust's 15 collection sites.
"I wanted to help, too," says Stimac. So she decided to transform her school's gym into a salon for an entire day so students and staff could donate their hair to the cause.
Her students and their third-grade partners came up with the "Save the Sea" theme, and decorated the gym with posters of fish, seabirds and seascapes. They set up salon chairs, staffed by volunteer stylists from Vicki Stimac's salon, and played "Under the Sea" as the young "clients" came in for their cuts.
After their gym teacher had his entire head shaved, a lot of the boys followed suit. Some of the boys got Mohawks, while the girls had three, four, five or more inches cut off to help reach the goal of 500 inches of locks.
With the help of a few other salons donating their hair, Brendel Elementary reached its goal, and an anonymous donor paid for the hair to be shipped from Michigan to Florida.
"This was so important for our students," said Stimac. "They really are helping save the sea."
Educator organizations, like the National Education Association, are also pitching in. NEA is partnering with the National Wildlife Federation to pass clean energy legislation. Ask your senators to pass comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation now.
NEA delegates to the Association's Annual Meeting cancelled their annual Friendship Night activity so that $25,000 could be donated to Plan!t Now, an organization that helps with Gulf Coast disaster recovery efforts, including cleanup from the oil spill.
For more information on what you and your students can do to help, see our list of volunteer opportunities below.Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
- National Wildlife Federation Volunteer Gulf Coast Surveillance Teams — To monitor the impact of the oil spill on wildlife and habitat, the National Wildlife Federation and its state affiliates in the Gulf are organizing and deploying teams of volunteers to observe the more than 10,000 miles of shoreline along the Gulf Coast. You can also volunteer through the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, or through the Sierra Club.
- The Greater New Orleans Foundation has opened the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund, which will benefit communities most affected by the oil spill in Plaquemines, St. Bernard and lower Jefferson parishes. Donations can be made online.
- Corporation for National & Community Service
Working with its network of community partners and national service resources, The Corporation for National and Community Service is launching a short- and long-term effort to leverage citizen service to address the devastating economic, health and environment impact inflicted by the oil spill.
- LA Gulf Response (Louisiana Volunteer Program)
Local, regional and national conservation organizations are coordinating volunteers to assist in local, state and federal recovery efforts in Louisiana.
- Global Green USA
By reaching out to the environmental community and emergency responders to identify needed volunteer efforts in response to the Gulf Oil Spill, Global Green USA can notify you of numerous service opportunities in the area.
- Volunteer Louisiana
This group provides a search engine of volunteer opportunities in the area and information regarding the response to the spill.
- Volunteer Mississippi
By providing links to various volunteer response centers and the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service, Volunteer Mississippi lists numerous opportunities to help out with the spill.
- Volunteer Florida
Recommending activities including Coast Watch, pre-oil landfall beach cleanups and fundraising, Volunteer Florida provides a number of possible actions open to volunteers.
- The Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
This Alabama office provides a list links including information regarding training for the BP Spill Response.
- Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research
Offering a special adoption package featuring Louisiana's state bird, the brown pelican, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research is working to come to the aid of birds, some which are victims of the oil spill.
- Help Prepare for Florida Oil Spill in Panhandle
Join this Facebook group to get the latest oil spill news and find contact information for a number of volunteer groups.
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Obama likes all the 'folks'
Some people were surprised Friday at the informal way in which President Obama said "we tortured some folks" while discussing an upcoming report on enhanced interrogation techniques in the wake of 9/11.
Obama has used the term "torture" a few time before — and the term "folks" many, many times; it's one of his favorite colloquialisms.
In fact, the president used the term "folks" 11 times during his 49-minute news conference Friday.
He talked about "working folks" and "folks who have student loan debts." He spoke of "helping folks get health care" and "legislation to strengthen our border and put more folks down there."
Obama also referred to "folks" two more times after telling reporters about the forthcoming interrogation report that "we did a whole lot of things that were right, but we tortured some folks."
Citing the fear and uncertainty that gripped the nation after the 9/11 attacks, Obama said that "it's important for us not to feel too sanctimonious in retrospect about the tough job that those folks had. And a lot of those folks were working hard under enormous pressure and are real patriots."
The Washington Post put together a brief history of Obama and "folks" throughout his presidency. For example:
"August 2009. Folks discussed: Folks being crushed, critical folks, folks with signs, folks who created a mess.
"Campaigning in Virginia, Obama rails against the folks, critics, who say the economy is a mess. He doesn't want to hear the "folks who created the mess do a lot of the talking." He also notes that sometimes there are folks outside with signs. Meanwhile, Virginia folks are being crushed by health premiums. What a world!"


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After many frustrating years of searching for answers to various health symptoms, I was diagnosed with a hormonal disorder, the cause of which is still unknown. After four years of marriage, I've finally accepted the painful reality that I might never become pregnant or give birth to a child who has my husband's wit and generous, loving heart. So the recent federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate that would force me to pay for other women's contraceptives and sterilizations as part of the new health care law's "preventive services" mandate adds insult to my injury.
Healthcare is about healing and restoring the body to good and proper functioning. Sterilization, abortifacients, and contraception communicate the irrational message that the healthy, natural state of fertility is somehow wrong and diseased. Mutilating healthy organs and distorting a woman's natural hormone levels in order to avoid pregnancy have nothing to do with preventing and treating diseases. Contraception promotes an impoverished view of a woman's body and the gift of her fertility. It is an affront to God's design for life and love because it deliberately separates a married couple's loving union from their ability to be open to life. God wove humanity into an incredibly delicate but splendid intricacy. We should celebrate and protect the capacity of women to join with their husbands in becoming co-creators with God.
Although Catholics and others recognize that hormonal contraceptives can harm a woman's body, her relationships, and her soul, the personal decision to contracept is not the public policy issue that is currently being debated. The bishops object to the HHS mandate mainly because it violates religious liberty and conscience rights by forcing all who conscientiously object to these drugs and procedures – whether they are religious or not – to pay for them against their will. The Catholic bishops recognize that increased access to contraception does not reduce, and often increases, abortions. They also objected to the final version of the new health care law because it allocates billions of dollars in new funding that evades longstanding laws against federal funding of abortion. The HHS contraceptive mandate is a dangerous step towards mandating that everyone carry insurance coverage for abortion. The bishops are calling for the mandate to be dropped.
Instead of undermining their natural capacity to accept children lovingly from God by using contraceptives or sterilizations, married couples are encouraged to use Natural Family Planning (NFP) as a way of cooperating with God's plan for their family size. NFP promotes responsible parenthood by working with the couple's natural fertility cycle; it is a healthy and morally acceptable way of spacing or delaying the gift of children. NFP can also be used to achieve pregnancy, and is a useful tool to help identify hormonal imbalances and other health issues.
Women need not feel alienated, but rather honored and protected, by the Catholic vision of sexuality and reproduction. Blessed John Paul II's Apostolic Letter "On the Dignity of Women" (1988) presents a vision of women's unique role in society and in the Church. Women are called by the Church to use their particular gifts to glorify God.
While I may have to bear the pain of childlessness, I am heartened by the Church's courage in advocating for my freedom to live out my beliefs without government interference and control. To learn more about how to promote and protect conscience rights and religious liberty, visit www.usccb.org/conscience.
Mary McClusky is Special Projects Coordinator at the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. To learn more about the Catholic bishops' activities on conscience protection, visit www.usccb.org/conscience.
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FICPAYou Are Here:
Quick CPE Search
Florida Ethics History
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In the wake of the Sarbanes/Oxley act passed by Congress in 2002, many state legislatures have focused more on integrity, independence and objectivity in the accounting profession. During the 2004 legislative session, the Florida Legislature followed the lead of 36 other states and created a statutory requirement for a four hour ethics course for Florida CPAs. SB 2720 by Sen. Jeff Atwater and its companion HB 1315 by Rep. Don Sullivan, were the result of a cooperative effort of the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) and the Florida Board of Accountancy (BOA).
Who Must Complete Ethics CPE?
Pursuant to s. 473.312(1)(c), F.S. and BOA Rules 61H1-33.003 to 61H1-33.00342, F.A.C., all Florida licensees are required to take a total of four hours of ethics CPE as part of their 80-hour CPE requirement for license renewal. This course can only be taken from BOA-approved ethics course providers, and because it is Florida-specific, another state's ethics CPE will not meet this requirement.
Why Support an Ethics Requirement?
To understand why the FICPA supported this statutory change, one need only look at what is happening at the national level. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) drafted a whitepaper titled, "Answering the SOX Challenge" that supported the concept of a pre-licensure and post-licensure ethics course. For years, the Uniform Accountancy Act rules drafted by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and NASBA supported mandatory ethics CPE courses.
With current college curriculum being required to teach a growing body of knowledge in accounting, auditing, taxation, business law, etc. there is no room for ethics education per se. The need for the profession to concentrate on teaching professionals to not only do what is technically correct, but to also conduct themselves in a manner of doing what is intended and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety needs to be emphasized periodically. The ultimate goal of this new law is to provide for public protection by having licensed individuals periodically demonstrate an understanding of Florida laws and rules governing their behavior and understand the widely recognized components of an effective ethics program.
What Does the Ethics Law Require?
Within s. 473.312(1)(c), F.S., licensees are required to complete four hours in ethics, "applicable to the practice of public accounting." The law goes on to state that, "this requirement shall be administered by providers approved by the board and shall include a review of the provisions of chapter 455 and this chapter (473) and the related administrative rules." The law and rules exam and the ethics course should give licensees the knowledge they need for ethical conduct.
Implementing BOA Rules
Since SB 2720 was signed by the Governor in May of 2004, the Florida BOA has been diligently drafting administrative rules to implement the requirement. Some key items in BOA rules that affect licensees should be noted:
As should be noted, the Florida BOA has the authority to revise the above mentioned rules through the administrative process. To view changes to these rules, please visit BOA or contact the FICPA's Governmental Affairs Department at [email protected] or (850) 224-2727, Ext. 202.


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New Kevin Collins search in S.F.
Federal and local law enforcement officers searched a home in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood Tuesday as part of a renewed probe into the 1984 disappearance of 10-year-old Kevin Collins, but found little except apparent animal bones, authorities said.
Cadaver dogs brought in by San Francisco police and the FBI detected remains under the concrete floor of the garage in the duplex at 1106-1108 Masonic Ave., a block from where the boy was last seen, police said. Authorities had the floor jack-hammered, but what they found appear to be the bones of an unidentified animal, police said.
Further tests will be done to confirm the source of the remains, police said.
Kevin was the first of a string of Bay Area children who vanished in the 1980s and early 1990s and never came home. A photo of his freckled face was among the first to be widely featured on milk cartons in an effort to publicize missing-children cases.
Hard for family
His parents long ago reconciled themselves to the likelihood that he is dead, but Tuesday's renewed search was wrenching all the same.
"I feel numb," said Kevin's mother, Ann Collins, 72, who now lives in Concord. "I hope I can sleep tonight."
Kevin disappeared on his way home from basketball practice at St. Agnes School on Feb. 10, 1984. He was last seen on a bus bench at 6:40 p.m. at Oak Street and Masonic Avenue, half a block from the school.
No solid suspect ever emerged. The closest lead anyone had was a report that, around the time he was presumably snatched, Kevin was talking to a tall, blond man with a large black dog.
The home that was searched Tuesday is a block south of Oak and Masonic. The current occupants are not suspects, police said in a statement, but a law enforcement source said a man who used to live there had been a person of interest in the case.
The man, who has since died, was never arrested. Police investigators who recently reviewed the cold case decided that he matched the general description of a man who might have been seen talking to Kevin, and noticed that when his home was searched at the time, cadaver dogs had not been used.
Dogs from the Alameda County Sheriff's Department were brought in for Tuesday's search, which lasted most of the day.
A neighbor, Michael Scharff, 72, said the former resident had run a motorcycle business out of the home's garage.
"I'm wondering what happened," Scharff said. "I hope they find something."
'Time for it to be over'
Ann Collins said part of her wanted the mystery resolved, and part did not.
"It's a very strange thing," she said. "Two or three of my boys have called and said, 'Mom, it's time for it to be over.' It would be nice to have closure, but at the same time not."
She added, "Maybe for me and my children and my grandchildren, it's better to have closure and go on with our living. But sometimes, I think it would be better not knowing."
Kevin Collins would have turned 39 last week. Ann Collins said her son loved doing things with his hands. The other day, a TV commercial showing a man working under a car made her think of him - and the future he never got to live.
"That's the hard part - he was only 10," she said. "We didn't have him long enough to know" what he could become.
Jaxon Van Derbeken, Vivian Ho and Nanette Asimov are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. E-mail: email@example.com, email@example.com, firstname.lastname@example.com


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"I cannot understand the time, energy and cost spent in maintaining a bad relationship", a leading Indian businessman said in Delhi yesterday when he opened a seminar on building a good relationship with strong economic ties between India and Pakistan, South Asia's two fractious nuclear power neighbours.
Salman Bashir, a former Pakistan foreign secretary and now the high commissioner in Delhi, told the seminar that it was an "extremely delicate" job to manage the two countries' bilateral relationship – it needed "vision" and "leadership" in both countries.
That vision and leadership was sadly lacking over the previous three days when Pakistan's aggressive and voluble interior minister, Rehman Malik, visited India and spent time and energy ensuring that the relationship remained bad.
He came to Delhi to sign an agreement on visas for businessmen, tourists and others that should improve access between the two countries, and he also made various security-related pledges (that Pakistan might or might not honour). But he soured the relationship with repeated jibes and half-truths that played well in the Pakistan media (and probably earned him praise from the army), but infuriated his hosts and enabled India's sensationalist media and foreign policy hawks to fuel anti-Pakistan sentiment.
Such behaviour at a time when political leaders of both countries are trying to build amicable relations is counterproductive. It strengthens anti-Pakistan public opinion in India, where there is deep distrust about the real motives of the country's army and intelligence agencies.
The weekend's events graphically illustrated the good and the bad in relations between countries, whose people have strong family and emotional ties, despite three wars and one near-war since 1947 plus potentially nuclear confrontations, and multiple deaths caused by a disputed border in Kashmir and Pakistan-generated terrorism.
Both countries' top leaders, businessmen, and many others, want to move ahead and normalise relations, probably accepting that the primary issue of the disputed Line of Control quasi-border in Kashmir is unlikely to be settled in the foreseeable future. Informal talks in 2007 produced a soft-border solution with a withdrawal of troops and a degree of devolved government on both sides, but that was never approved by the army and other hard line lobbies in either country. It is not feasible now because India could not accept an open border when Pakistan is wracked by Taliban terrorism.
Economic potential
In India, Manmohan Singh, the prime minister has been saying for more than two years that India "cannot realise its full [economic] development potential unless we have the best possible relations with our neighbours – and Pakistan happens to be our largest neighbour". That has led him, in the eyes of sceptics in India's external affairs and home ministries and elsewhere, to be too accommodating when Pakistan is not taking real action against leaders of groups linked to terrorism such as attacks in Mumbai in 2008 and on the Indian parliament building in 2001.
The prime minister was almost certainly responsible for Malik being invited by Sushilkumar Shinde, India's new home minister, even though others in the government opposed the visit, agreeing with former home minister Palaniappan Chidambaram's view that India should not indulge Malik and provide a public platform for his habitual provocative behaviour.
Pakistan's leaders and senior officials talk about the need to "let's forget the past" and "put the past behind us", and say that all the country's leaders, including the army and military intelligence, see the need for neighbourly peace because of the heavy toll that ideologically based militancy and terrorism has taken on the country. Malik echoed that line in a rambling but carefully targeted hour-long extemporary lecture at Delhi's Observer Research Foundation on Sunday. He talked about how extremism and terrorism – and a sensitive mix "of religion and poverty" – had begun when Pakistan "wisely or unwisely" joined the America in resisting the Soviet Union's 1979 invasion of Afghanistan.
Salman Bashir told the seminar yesterday that Pakistan saw the need for good and stable relations" and that "we have the will to work the relationship" That echoes the views of Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan's 35-year old personable foreign minister, (right, in Delhi, July 2011) but her charm does not have such a lasting impact on Indian public opinion as Malik's brash approach.
From the moment he landed in Delhi, Malik made a series of provocative statements. He inexplicably linked the Mumbai terror attacks with the 1991 demolition of a Indian mosque at Ayodhya (which sparked anti-Muslim riots), and claimed that an Indian army captain who was captured by Pakistan troops and tortured during a 1999 border war might have died because of the "weather".
He also obfuscated and misled the Indian government about how Pakistan has handled allegations of masterminding the Mumbai attacks against Hafiz Saeed, leader of the Lashkar e Taiba terrorist organisation, who has been freed from jail by Pakistan courts.
Malik also cast doubt on terrorist evidence sent by India to Pakistan, prompting M.J.Akbar, an Indian editor and columnist, to note that Bashir, when he was foreign secretary, "dismissed Indian evidence provided by Home Minister P. Chidambaram as 'mere literature'."
Alongside all this, some progress is being made in normalising relations between the two countries. In addition to the visa agreement, India decided last year to allow foreign direct investment from Pakistan, and is awaiting the implementation of most-favoured national trading status (which it gave Pakistan 15 years ago). Bilateral trade officially totals only some $2.5bn a year, plus perhaps another $3bn in informal links routed through the Gulf.
There is a target of $6-8bn, but that is unlikely to be realised because policy decisions are rarely implemented fully or quickly and there are only two cross-border airline flights a week – a fact that illustrates the tortuous relations. Movement on other initiatives such as opening bank branches is slow, despite big demand in both countries for the other's goods, as has been shown by the brisk business when Pakistani companies attend trade fairs in India
The best that can be expected in the foreseeable future is an improvement of these sort of people-to-people links and economic ties. There is no chance of the Line of Control being agreed in the foreseeable future, and military sensitivities on both sides make it difficult to settle two isolated border issues at Sir Creek on the maritime border (between Gujarat and Sindh) and the Siachen Glacier in the Himalayas.
But above all, there is a need for Pakistan to show it is dealing with those involved with terrorism in India, especially the Mumbai attack – as Manmohan Singh bluntly told Malik during a brief meeting. That might seem over-optimistic at a time when Pakistan is unable to quell terror attacks in its own cities, but Indians will not trust the Islamabad leadership till it demonstrates that it is sincerely doing its best.
Malik's visit and prevarications had the reverse effect because he appeared to be taunting India. There seems therefore to be no end to what Sunil Munjal of the Hero group called "the time, energy and cost spent in maintaining a bad relationship".


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The grandeur and riches of the Hanseatic League in the 14th century could hardly be more vividly illustrated than in the historic centres of Stralsund and Wismar. Both towns boast virtually unchanged medieval layouts and extensively preserved architectural heritage from the brick Gothic period.
A total of six brick parish churches alone in Stralsund and Wismar, on the Mecklenburg-Western Pomeranian coast, offer a representative cross-section of Gothic church architecture in the late Middle Ages. A permanent exhibition in Wismar's Church of St. Mary explores the techniques of Gothic brick building and medieval craftsmanship as part of the European Route of Brick Gothic Architecture. Wismar is the best-preserved Hanseatic town of its size along the southern Baltic coast and, like Stralsund, it has an abundance of charm, quaint harbourside pubs and picturesque spots. Wismar's historical harbour basin gives an accurate portrayal of the once mighty trading town, while the Alte Schwede, the town's oldest mercantile house and now a restaurant of the same name, is a compelling reflection of the proud townspeople's wealth and creative drive. It also serves as a reminder of the Swedish rule under which both towns stood in the 17th and 18th century. There are some exceptional baroque buildings dating from this time, such as the armoury in Wismar and the Swedish government palace in Stralsund. On Stralsund's harbour island, the Ozeaneum aquarium offers a fascinating glimpse of what lies beneath the waves of the Baltic, North Sea and Atlantic Ocean and even the waters of the Polar seas. With its modern architecture, the Ozeaneum building forms a captivating contrast to the medieval beauty of the town centre – yet it bears testimony to the great passion for all things maritime in the historical Hanseatic towns.
World Heritage exhibition on Stralsund and Wismar's historical town centres on the ground floor of the building at Ossenreyerstrasse 1, daily from 10am to 5pm, free admission (languages: German and English)
Guided walk around the old town: 1 April to 31 October daily at 11.00am
Stralsund Hanseatic Convention (June)
'Wallenstein fair' medieval spectacle (July)
Guided tours: 18 March to 31 October daily at 10.30am
Further information:
Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar is part of the '' UNESCO route. Other stops on the route are:
UNESCO World Heritage sites:
Other towns and cities worth seeing:
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Builder.com has a new tutorial posted today about the use of the PEAR Net_GeoIP package to help with the geo-location of the visitors to your website.
Ever wondered how sites like Google and Yahoo! always seem to know which country you're in, and automatically redirect you to the most appropriate country sub-site? Or how some Web sites display advertisements perfectly targeted to your city or region? Well, it isn't magic -- these sites are simply mapping your IP address to a geographical database to identify your location, and then using this information to send you precisely-targeted data.
They work through the steps to get it up and working - the installation, a few basic code examples to show how to use it, and a full example of how to target different areas with different kinds of ads (geographically-targeted advertising).


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Posted by Zel Allen's nutgourmet on October 21, 2011
The chestnut harvest is in and ready for cookin'! I've just placed my order and will probably be cooking and peeling a heap of the beauties when they arrive in about a week.
This year I ordered from Girolami Farms and Correia Farms but an abundance of the sweet nuts can also be found at Allen Creek Farms, Croft Chestnuts, Washington Chestnut Company, Chestnut Growers, Inc., and Delamarvelous Chestnuts. Don't wait too long to order. Many of the farms sell out by mid November, though some will have chestnuts through January.
Honestly, I'm not getting a commission for touting the chestnut growers. I'm just very passionate about chestnuts and hope to see more people cooking and enjoying their naturally sweet flavor and delightful soft and creamy texture.
The neat thing is if you're not inclined to cooking and peeling chestnuts, you can buy them already cooked and peeled. It doesn't get better than that!
Today, I'm welcoming myself back to fun and utterly delicious nutty blogging. I've been absent for good reason. I just turned in the manuscript for my new cookbook. Yea!!!! And Whew!!!!!
While the new book will still have a banquet of nut recipes, it places the focus on killer-delicious vegan recipes for the holidays—from Thanksgiving through the New Year. During the year and especially during this coming holiday season, I'll be sharing some of the nuttier delicacies from Gone Vegan for the Holidays, starting today.
A year ago I was puttering in the kitchen with my freshly cooked chestnuts and came up with a seductively delicious meal starter I call Tijuana Chestnut Cocktail. No, this cocktail is not a beverage like its name suggests. Instead, it was my effort to create a vegan version of shrimp cocktail—only much tastier with the addition of chestnuts that contribute more complex flavor.
It looks really elegant and is amazingly easy to assemble. The photo says it all.
Initially, I created this recipe to spotlight chestnuts, then replaced them with tofu for its ease of preparation. Either way, it's a delicious starter. For an exceptional presentation, serve the cocktail in long-stemmed wine glasses or champagne flutes. Put each glass on a dish with a doily underneath and garnish with a slice of fresh lime on the rim. Make the cocktail a day ahead, chill it, and it's ready to serve.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
1 1/2 cups cooked, peeled and chopped chestnuts, or cubed firm tofu
1 large avocado, diced
3/4 cup chopped onions
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 to 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cilantro sprigs
Lime wedges
1. Combine the diced tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, tofu, avocado, onions, cilantro, lemon juice, jalapeno, cumin, coriander, and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir well to distribute evenly. Serve immediately, or chill and serve later.
2. When ready to serve, spoon the cocktail into long-stemmed wine glasses, old-fashion glasses, or glass dessert bowls and garnish each with a sprig of cilantro and a wedge of fresh lime. Serve with spoons.


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The two-episode sign-off before the three-week hiatus featured yet another male character being raped without so much as an utterance of the assault. This lack of sensitivity that Once Upon a Time has shown — multiple times — is majorly problematic, especially since a huge part of the fanbase is made up of children.
The fantastical element of Once Upon a Time can sometimes blur the lines with situations that are next to impossible in the real world, making it a little harder to see things as they are. That doesn't change the fact that the series has now used women disguising themselves as other women to lure men into their beds for the mere purpose of a baby, twice.
This is called rape in the real world. Yes, men can get raped, too. Consent requires knowing who it is you're about to sleep with.
Neither Robin nor Hook gave consent to have sex with Zelena nor Gothel, respectively. Now, I get that this is a little hard to imagine because you can't just magic yourself into someone else in real life. So, to help explain, imagine you're dating a woman who is an identical twin. Both sisters look exactly alike and sound exactly alike. It's very difficult to tell them apart. Now, imagine that the other sister pretends to be your girlfriend, and the two of you have sex. You later realize that you were not actually in bed with your girlfriend. You didn't give consent to her twin; she took advantage and raped you. That's what happened here.
Of course, these aren't the only two cases. As much as I love Regina/Evil Queen, she did her fair share of terrible acts — including raping Graham, over and over again, in season 1. He couldn't consent without his heart. She was making him do whatever she damn well pleased. Zelena did the same thing with Rumple. They didn't go all the way, but sexual assault still occurred.
While we're at it, Regina didn't exactly accept Leopold's proposal and whatever else might have insued during their marriage. She was forced into this, and if — and we're expected to assume that this did happen — that marriage was consummated, there is a 99% chance she did not consent to that. This was a case of a woman being raped, which was also completely ignored by the powers that be.
Right now, the media is flooded with sexual harassment and assault cases of men in power taking advantage. Women are coming forward left and right. The #MeToo campaign filled social media feeds, showing that nearly every woman you know has been assaulted or harassed in one way or another.
But women are not the only ones that can be attacked. Men can be sexually harassed and assaulted as well. The fact that Once Upon a Time has shown cases of men being taken advantage of by women in power, then turned a blind eye, is disgusting.
How are you going to claim that you're a show about hope and love and not bother to even bring up the fact that you've now had multiple characters raped?
This subject is not one to make light of. This is a problem that is happening all over the world and has been swept under the rug for far too long. It's time that we start holding people accountable for their actions, and that includes those on-screen. Just because this is a Disney show, and it's fantasy, doesn't take away the fact that these characters not only dealt with assault — but their assault was swept under the rug and laughed at, more or less.
For a series that has proven to be something that has helped people get through hard times, this is not acceptable. What message are you sending? There are children that watch this. Their subconscious mind is picking up on this: a television series sending a message that rape isn't to be acknowledged or discussed. And that's problematic on so many levels.
Do better, Once Upon a Time. Do better.


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Brewed by: Lefty's Brewing Company
Bottle/Draft: 22oz Bottle
Lefty's brews are not available in Maine; the brewery is located in Greenfield, MA. I have to thank my friend Rick for bringing me a bottle to try.
This coffee porter pours a dark brown with red highlight. Pour produced a thin white head, steady carbonation is visible.
Smells very sweet, the initial smell reminded me of cotton candy, which I was not expecting. This is definitely a malty beer, I pick up caramel and light coffee notes but no hops aroma to speak of.
The malty smell was not misleading; this beer is sweet, caramel and toffee up front. The sweetness mellows around mid-sip and a mild coffee flavor develops, there is also an almost toasty flavor as well. There is a mild bitterness, I'm associating this more with the coffee than a hoppy bitter.
Overall I enjoyed this beer, I'm not sure I can compare it with any other coffee porter I've ever had. I think this one is a bit sweet for me and the coffee flavor is pretty light, but I could see how that combination would be very appealing for someone who isn't a fan of strong coffee flavors. If you are in MA and run across a bottle of Lefty's Coffee Porter pick up a bottle, it's worth a try.


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Muppet madness: Henson's handiwork back with panache
The popularity of the Muppets is given new life in The Muppets, a funny, wickedly self-aware musical that opens by acknowledging they've outlived their shelf life. There's some truth in that; this is the first Muppet movie since "Muppets From Space" (1999), and there wasn't exactly a clamor for a revival. Yet for those who grew up with them, they had lovable personalities and (shall we say?) character defects.
What's rather canny about this revival is that it sidesteps the fact that some younger members of the family may not actually be very familiar with the Muppets. Their parents will be the fans. The movie opens with the Muppets disbanded; their movies and TV shows are all in the past. They've moved on. Miss Piggy, we discover, became the editor of a Paris fashion magazine.
It's a human fan that misses them most. Jason Segel plays Gary, who not only loves the Muppets but actually lives with Walter, who has been his best pal since he was a child, even though now Gary's at least five feet taller. Full review.Read more on: movie review


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I recently installed Ubuntu Linux 9.04 on my girlfriends lovely new EEE Netbook (I highly recommend the 1005HA + EEEBuntu), but left the original Windows install intact, because, well, I've always had a need to go back to Windows for 30 minutes at some point for some reason or another.
The one problem I foresaw with this Ubuntu install was that if she ever had to use the Huawei Mobile Broadband modem I have, she'd have to boot into Windows. I'd read a year ago that Ubuntu supported it, but when I tried with Ubuntu 8.10, it failed miserably.
So today I was using her netbook and needed mobile broadband, and was about to boot into Windows, when I thought "what the hell", and tried it in Ubuntu first, fully anticipating the same failure as before, or at least 10 hoops that had to be jumped through before I could get it working.
But no – I was presented with a list of operators for my country (Ireland), asked if I was bill pay or pre-pay, I clicked once and I was connected! No install required, unlike with windows, just enter your PIN and away you go.
The main argument against Ubuntu, and Linux in general, is that it doesn't have enough driver support, making it impossible for non-computer literate people to simply plug in their devices and do what they need to do. It's great to see that the community is adding in new drivers at a great rate, and that things like cameras, wireless (which is also vastly improved recently) and now mobile broadband now "just work", and in this case work much better than Windows.
My girlfriend, who is in no way interested in computers or open source, now complains about having to use Windows in university, because Ubuntu is so much easier and faster to use. I can imagine the same story is playing out all over the world. Hopefully at least 🙂


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Let's talk about running.
I'm not doing any of it right now. Boo. I feel like I've been in injury city lately. Can we all have a giant injury pity party? I think I need one. And I know most of you runners have dealt with injuries at one point or another.
They suck.
I've had a nagging foot injury that crept up last month after my Tar Heel 10-Miler that has gradually gotten more painful. One of these days I will actually make it to the doctor but until then I'll just be bratty and complain about it.
I have to admit, I'm pretty terrible at dealing with injuries. Mostly, I'm just stubborn and continue running/dancing/exercising despite the pain which inevitably makes things worse. Funny how that works. True story: my senior year of high school I tore my hamstring during dance class and didn't notice for 3 days, I guess I had some serious endorphins rushing through my system?
Even though I'm still a little (okay a lot) stubborn when it comes to exercise, I'm slowly that rest and recovery is critical to not getting injured, and that doing plyo on a hurt foot is a really terrible idea. Between dealing with tendonitis and now my foot, these injuries are really cramping my style. I miss running and I've only got a small window of time before things get unbearably hot here in NC.
I'm not really sure where I'm going with this post other than I'd love to hear your injury stories and how you dealt with it, because obviously I'm not doing a very good job with mine. Any tips for injury prevention/how to not go crazy without running? Tina actually just posted a great post about the benefits of injuries and she brings up a lot of great points about how injuries force you to listen to your body, try new things and train smarter.
Here's my I-refuse-to-get-injured-again game plan:
- Go to the doctor – I'm only resisting it because I'm pretty sure it's going to go like this: "Ice it and take some naproxen sodium". I know there's really not much they can do, but I hate paying for a doctor's visit just to hear that. And why are doctors visits so expensive? Lame.
- Stretch, stretch and stretch again – sometimes I'm really on the ball about stretching and sometimes I really stink at. I want to get more consistent with it. I've been neglecting yoga like crazy lately and I can tell my muscles seriously hate me for it. Sorry muscles.
- Foam roll my little heart out – Along with yoga, I've been neglecting my foam roller, I busted it out the other day and my muscles were crazy tight. Sorry again muscles.
- Drink more water – a well hydrated body is a happy body.
- Strength training – as much as I hate lunges (I'm pretty sure they qualify as torture) strong and balanced muscles help prevent injuries. Luckily, Best Body Bootcamp has been helping me in this area.
- Sleep – it's essential for recovery, and even though I suck at getting enough sleep, I'm trying to make a really effort to get my 7 hours every night.
- Build up mileage slowly – When I can run again. I thought I was already adding pretty slowly, but it's pretty clear my needs some time to adjust to longer distances because my injuries tend to happen when I'm training for races.
- Lots and lots of spin classes – I'm addicted to that post-cardio endorphin rush, so I will be hitting up plenty of spin classes to get my fill of endorphins in a low impact way.
I actually went to a 6AM spin class this morning, my favorite instructor ended up subbing for the class AND we ended class with tabatas to Macklemore and I think that was the fastest I've ever pedaled. Best way to end a spin class everrrrr.
Have you ever dealt with injuries? If not I'm super jealous and you need to spill your secrets ASAP.
If so, how did you keep yourself from going crazy?
Are you a fan of spin?


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There are many things in life we can get behind. Few make as much sense as a roofless 1963 Volvo P1800 with a Ford small-block. Wanna buy it? Great news! You can!
In times like these, it's best to let the sales pitch do the talking. From the San Francisco Craigslist post advertising the car:
It has a Ford V8 eng w 5 speed standard trans and mustang rear end, professionaly reinforced body.Hello. The body on the car is very strong and has been well reinforced. there is no twisting. The doors have never touched the the quarter panels.
Oh come on really, people. $13,555 and the doors have never touched the quarters. Hello indeed. How could you possibly pass that up?
[Craigslist and Webshots]


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Wholesale Nautical Décor
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Ah, December. The year's end is upon us; it's a time to reflect and wind down. But this month in the world of viral videos, it was anything but quiet. We were serenaded by a trifecta of expertly produced music videos: a (possibly sacrilegious) rap battle, a send-up of the beloved photo-sharing social network Instagram and an unlikely singing sensation straight from the cramped markets of East London.
Muhammad Nazir's "One-Pound Fish" video was perhaps the most shocking viral hit of December. He crafted his simple ditty to set himself apart from the competition at his fish stall in London's Upton Park neighborhood. But a fish seller with a stellar voice and a congenial attitude is a YouTube clip waiting to happen — and Nazir became a small-time online sensation earlier this year. Enter an X Factor appearance and a bit more street cred, and Nazir now has his own high-budget music video. We hope the increased demand won't spike the price of his fish, though.
(LIST: TIME's Top 10 Viral Videos of 2012)
The demand is certainly strong for Epic Rap Battles, we've found. The same YouTube phenoms that previously put together such historic face-offs as Justin Bieber vs. Beethoven and Mitt Romney vs. Barack Obama went a couple of millennia back this time, bringing us a battle between Moses and Santa just in time for Christmas. But what made this special is that they farmed out the role of Moses to none other than Snoop Lion (formerly Snoop Dogg).
Instagram, a Mayan-apocalypse gag from one of the world's most major heads of state, and how physics responds to these insanely frigid temperatures made up the rest of our favorite videos of the past month. May 2013 hold just as many viral hits.


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The Travelling Suitcase Library is going to be running a very informal, family book swap during the Big Free Festival Day, part of I Love West Leeds Festival.
The festival takes place in Bramley Falls Park, 1-5 pm on the 3 July. I'm going to be about all afternoon, with a suitcase brimming with books for all the family (might even squeeze in a couple of story tellings if I can find my story telling hat!) but once again I need your help!
In the past the Suitcase has catered more for adult-only events, so my collection of books for children and young adults is to be honest poor.
If anyone has any children's books left after the call out last month for the Book That Appeal for the Birmingham school (which I'm pleased to say had a fantastic response and the children love their books!) please let me know.
I know this is the time of year when many people move house, if you are having a clear out I'm more than happy to collect from you. Or you can leave the books in Arcadia at any time.
For more info on the festival go to http://www.ilovewestleeds.co.uk/
I Love West Leeds Festival
The Travelling Suitcase Library is going to be running a very informal, family book swap during the Big Free Festival Day, part of I Love West Leeds Festival.
Book That!
So today I threw all my toys out of my pram a bit over this article http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/jun/01/three-in-10-uk-children-own-no-books?CMP=twt_gu from a report from The National Literacy Trust that 3/10 children do not have their own books.
Now I know that there are millions of children that go without a bed every night and I am in no way saying this is more important. But this is something that quite frankly makes me rage.
Because without fail every single time I set up the Travelling Suitcase Library, someone always says "oh I have sooooo many books I mean to donate".
Really? Well three in ten children DON'T and I'm sorry but that is bollocks.
So in the midst of my Massive Row on twitter about this whole thing, in which I behaved like a petulant child which I'm very sorry for, I was contacted by a primary school teacher working in inner city Birmingham whose children love books, but do not have that much access to them.
I know there are various arguments that unless adults are reading, children won't. That's why I always carry a book everywhere I go, read in public at every opportunity and try and get as many people as possible to do the same, only by normalising reading does it become acceptable, only by saying "actually, this is what we do" do you stop the idea that by reading you are somehow missing out on "having a life".
And how is a child supposed to know if they're a reader or not if they don't have the opportunity to explore reading?
SO I've got this primary school's address and will be sending them the books that are age appropriate from the TSL and my shelves.
I think I've got about 30, which is pathetic and less that a class full. I can't afford to this month but next month I shall be hitting the charity shops in an attempt to get that number up. Do YOU have children's books just lying around waiting to be donated?
If you want to send some, email me bookelfleeds (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll email you the address.
Thanks, and Happy Reading!