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Saturday, December 7, 2013
A chilly Saturday morning here in NW Florida - Yah yah I know, in Nebraska this am its -2 and in Wyoming its -24ish but when its 80 one day and 54 with wind chill to 40 the next, its cold!!!! My puppy sure loves to walk when its cold though, its like she gets and energy boost (and she is already pretty energetic!!).
I have a project to finish in the craft room today and I am going to try and get the Christmas decs down from the attic and get the tree up today too...then tonight is a Christmas party with my work crew which I hear is always interesting (I usually don't go but got talked into it this time).
My Chief Enabler Pat and I went to Pensacola yesterday shopping - found me some New Balance shoes on really good sale - hard to find in my area especially in a wide size and at a decent price to boot!!! I also found some pretty good deals at JoAnn's (they have a super store in PSC) and at Hobby Lobby too - both of us did and by the time we went to both of those we decided we had better stay out of Mike's as both of us had spent more than we planned.....
On the way to lunch we passed a new Flea Market near the mall which is really awesome - its a great mix of antiques, craft items and art - and its huge!!!! It will defiantly be added to our must stop list for our rare trips over yonder....
Well todays card is another for my Christmas stash - only about 20 to go (I may need to simplify!!)
I used a Flourishes stamp and Neenah Desert Storm paper from Paper Temptress and colored it with prismacolor pencils.
I used some faux stitching around the edge of my Spellbinders die for the current Tuesday challenge over at Flourishes - www.flourishes.org/blog/
I had better get a move on this am - my 2 big project to finish off and then its release week again over at Flourishes with the first challenge being a sketch, so I need to get to work on that too!!!
Have a great weekend!!!
Posted by stampqueen at 8:35 AM
Labels: Christmas card, Flourishes, Paper Temptress, Spellbinders
4 comments:
- TLady said...
VERY PRETTY TERRA!!! THIS is ONE of my FAVORITE stamp sets from Flourishes!!!!!!! ;)BEAUTIFUL COLORING JOB TOO!!!!!!!:)
- December 7, 2013 at 10:36 AM
- Allison Cope said...
Good golly Tera! Wow.. your holly colouring is AMAZING! It just jumps right off your card front. I love the golden tones of all the yellow you used too! Another beautiful card for this week's challenge! Thanks for playing along with at Flourishes!
- December 9, 2013 at 1:28 PM
- Cheryl said...
Wow, Tera, you've been busy, Girl! This card is stunning! Your coloring rocks! Love the highlights and the dark (kraft?) background, and your layering is beautiful! Thanks for joining us again in this week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge!
- December 9, 2013 at 3:32 PM
- Kerin said...
Wow a beautiful image and I love the fancy frame around it!
- December 9, 2013 at 5:44 PM
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By Sodium
The year 2015 has started yesterday. And on yesterday, I have tried to say something that might have made some sense to those who are dedicated readers of this website but regrettably I failed. Today, the second day of the New Year, I am still attempting to find better words than the usual words, " I wish you a Happy New Year " and still feel such words cannot possibly express what I really feel deep inside my whole being as a human being. Reasons:
( 1 ) Trends in big powers politics seem to be going into the wrong directions, at different places in the globe: Ukraine, Syria , Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Afghanistan and lastly but not least the Palestine-Israel conflict that has been going on for almost 50 years, with no hopeful resolution in sight.
( 2 ) The United Nations Organization has been founded immediately after World War Two, ( WW II ) to maintain peace in the world. The content of the Charter of the United Nations is a master piece of an internationally respected document, but the whole United Nations' functions have been used and abused by certain big powers to serve their own selfish interest, instead of the interest of peace among the people of the world.
( 3 ) A deadly disease called Ebola is spreading and has already killed more than 3,000 human beings. In order to find a medical cure for this dangerous disease, a huge amount of financial resources is badly needed to defeat such a deadly killer, but the big powers in the world seem to be committed for their geopolitical competitions for hegemony of specific countries which either have strategic locations or natural resources the big powers want to exploit and control its productions and distributions. Meanwhile, the deadly disease continues to spread and flourishes. Add to such a human foolishness, the millions above millions of poverty enduring human beings who live on less than two dollars a day and you will get the idea of what this writer is trying to convey to the readers of this website.
There are more reasons to list, but the above three reasons are the main ones and suffice to explain the difficulties encountered in just wishing you " A Happy New Year."
Under such miserable human conditions, " Happy New Year " has become meaningless and will not do you any good, let alone doing any good for the rest of the human race.

subset: commoncrawl


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Colorado Parks and Wildlife is looking for Bear Aware volunteers in Glenwood Springs and will train them tomorrow (April 20).
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife's website:
Bear Aware is a network of trained Colorado Parks and Wildlife volunteers throughout the state who help their neighbors and communities prevent problems for themselves and for bears. Our Bear Aware program was founded in 1998. Today there are over 220 volunteers, statewide, dedicated to helping people coexist with bears. Bear Aware volunteers can answer questions, offer practical advice and even make house calls. They also do educational programs and staff informational booths at events.
Wildlife managers in the Roaring Fork Valley expect significant bear activity in the region again this year.
"Simple things like keeping trash and food away from bears can help," said said District Wildlife Manger Dan Cacho, of Glenwood Springs in a press release. "But people often need to be reminded and Bear Aware teams have been effective in spreading education in other communities across Colorado."
Read the Colorado Parks and Wildlife press release here.
Find out more about the Colorado Bear Aware program here.
Read an article about the call for volunteers in the Aspen Business Journal, here.
Image: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Bear Aware program sticker


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On March 6, 2008 from 10:00 to 7:00 Sew Sisters Quilt Shop will be having a Community Service Day. Bring your sewing machine and thread if you can, and join us to make quilts for Project Linus! We will provide all the fabric as well as the instructions to make quilts for charitable donation. This will be a day of friendship, fun and accomplishment -- we hope you will join us
Project Linus is a 100% volunteer, non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need, through the gifts of ne, homemade, washable quilts, blankets, and afghans, lovingly crafted by volunteer blanketeers. Sew Sisters collects your handmade items and sends them on to Project Linus where they are distribute to children in need. You can drop off your contributions at any time. Visit the Project Linus website to learn more about this wonderful organization and for free patterns to use in making your quilt, blanket, or afghan.


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"I love y.." Picture by ~Alephunky of flickr.com
When two hearts are in love, being apart is hell for them. They just want to be together forever and never be apart from each other. Every moment is valuable. If it is possible, they want to live in a place where there's no timeline whatsoever. They just want to freeze time and be together. If they have wings, they want to fly together to the skies.
This is the same with us and our sins. We surely LOVE doing our SINS. We are in love with our sins. At first, we will feel some guilt in our hearts but as time flies, when it is at its peak, we will feel nothing at all, no guilt at all. We are drowned in the sea of sins until we are able to 'breath' in it. We are able to bear with it until we feel uncomfortable, unease a day without it.
Before I go on, I want you to imagine you doing your sins this very moment. Imagine, remember back, and feel that temptation of you doing your sins, how does it feel? Good right? And now when you are enjoying your sins, someone pours oil onto your body and lit up the fire. Your body is on FIRE! Your body is burning like hell! You are witnessing your hand burning with fire. The pains of fire eating up your skin slowly until your hands are left with only bones. It hurts right?This is only the heat that exists on earth, what about the wrath of Al-Mighty Allah in Hell then?
So now, at this very moment your reading this, I want to dare you, let us our LOVE behind!
For more of this post, pleas visit Langit Ilahi ^_^


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Round Table
Thomas A. Clark's poetry has been part of StAnza for many years now, with his semi-permanent text installation Grove spreading poetry throughout the Byre Theatre. As Grove makes clear, place is important concept in Clark's work: the poet pays close attention to the form and placing of poetry, whether site-specific or book-bound, and his poetry reflects the experience of walking in an often Scottish landscape. Join him in person for an intimate reading, limited to just twelve places. Early booking is recommended.
Sponsored by the Fraser Gallery


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OU will host The Big Event March 28, an annual event at over 60 universities in the nation. Awareness Week will take place February 16-20 to raise awareness about the event.
Awareness Week is scheduled at OU Feb. 16-20 to educate the campus about Big Event,the largest student-run community service effort in the nation, according to the event's official website.
Various activities will be provided throughout the week to promote the event scheduled for March 28. Applications for group and individual volunteers will be provided this week.
"I think that Awareness Week is a good idea because I feel like Big Event is such a helpful day," OU student Kaitlyn Dekalb said. "Big Event already has such a great turnout, and the more they prepare for it the more people will show up for it and the community will benefit."
Registration deadline is Feb. 20, and applications can be turned in at the Oklahoma Memorial Union.


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February 28, 2017
Dear Parents,
The safety of our children is of great importance to all of us. We can do our best to keep them safe at home and school, but situations may arise that we cannot control. These incidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and with anyone. It is not just an issue in the big cities or always a "stranger danger" attack. Parents are often unsure of what to say to their young children and how much information they should provide to them.
Mrs. Andrews will provide an age appropriate, hands on self-defense workshop in which you may participate with your family. When parents are in attendance, they can hear and see firsthand what she plans to cover. Your child can practice these techniques on their parents or adult family members. Competence and confidence in self-defense techniques can relieve anxiety and is a good resource for your child. The majority of self-defense is avoidance of dangerous situations and good information. This will be Mrs. Andrews' main focus. We will be practicing physical defenses, though, so please have your child wear comfortable clothing and safe gym shoes. Older siblings and all family members are encouraged to participate. The number of participants will be limited due to safety and space needs, so be sure to return this sign up slip no later than Wednesday, March 15, 2017.
The event will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2017, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for students in K-5. At 8:00 p.m., students from Grades 5 are welcome to stay for an internet and middle school situations safety presentation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Andrews at firstname.lastname@example.com or at 630 428-6709.
Please complete and return this portion of the form to Terri Andrews no later than Wednesday, March 15, 2017.
Student's Full Name: __________________________
Number of people attending Self-Defense Night:________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________________
Edit This Story
Principal: Brian LeCrone
800 S. Whispering Hills Dr. (map)
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone: 630.428.6700
Fax: 630.428.6701
Is there something you'd like to tell us?
Please let us know!
Principal: Brian LeCrone
800 S. Whispering Hills Dr. (map)
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone: 630.428.6700
Fax: 630.428.6701
Is there something you'd like to tell us?
Please let us know!
Useful webpages and printouts for students and parents…
204 Tipline
Current District Calendar
Third-Party Educational Programs
Transportation / Bus Routes
School Lunch Program
School Supply Lists
Parent-Student Handbook
District 204 e-Folder
School Report Card
Current Tutor List
18-19 Kdg. Parent Preview Nights
Useful webpages and printouts for students and parents…
Follow IPSD 204 on Twitter to get the latest district news and info.
Follow @ipsd204
Follow IPSD 204 on Twitter to get the latest district news and info.
Follow @ipsd204
©Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204, serving Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook, & Plainfield, IL. Login


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Patagonia School Misiones is located in the heart of El dorado city, just 100 km from Iguazu Falls. It´s near all main banks, post office and Civic Centre. Here restaurants, bars and pubs near it. The school has four big and comfortable classrooms, with Cd players, TV, DVD or video recorder all of them have air conditioning. There are computers connected to Internet too. Our teachers are all professionals.
Our language school has 20 years of experience teaching languages, (English, Portuguese, and Spanish). The method is highly personalized, with the using movies, audio recordings and all the resources that students need to improve their learning, having as well the option to study at the waterfalls or any of the beautiful landscapes in Misiones.
Our Spanish Courses includes:
Level evaluation
Study materials
After School activities
Final certificate
In Patagonia School Misiones you can study Spanish in a way that is fast and easy, while enjoying the unique landscape of Misiones. Our programs are organized into 12 levels. The objective is for you to learn in depth the Spanish language.
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Directed by George Melford, and starring Rose Hobart, Charles Bickford, and Georges Renavent, East of Borneo is an American adventure film which combined the usual love triangle with orientalist imaginations of Far Eastern people and nature. While the advertisement might have had high hopes for the excitement levels of the film, the overused plot of a conflict between the American hero and the Machiavellian oriental sultan was far too predictable.
Indeed, one scathing reviewer commented that
'One cannot take it seriously and therefore one may find it amusing. Its manufactured thrills are cause for a smile, and its studio fakings are perfectly obvious. …Although the heroine journeys on a raft down a jungle river, you never for a moment believe she is anywhere but Hollywood'[1]
This is no fault of the actors, but rather the tired plot lines. This following reviewer explains how the actors did the best they could with the source material. Clearly, film critics in the 1930s were less accepting of the fabrications, especially when the plot was as unoriginal as this.
While the storylines might have been found wanting, the non-human aspects of the film was raved about. In fact it was one of the first major movies filmed with the new type of super-sensitive panchromatic Eastman film. This allowed "increased speed and more even color in the actual 'shooting' of scenes and objects, which in the Universal picture [East of Borneo] is particularly noticeable in the 'shots of the wild animals'."[2]
In addition to the superior technical features of the film, it also coincided with the rise of jungle films and growing interest in popular representations of Malaya's flora and fauna. As the following London reviewer of The Times puts it, "the film wanted more animal, and less human, interest."
Despite the poor international reviews, it seemed to have been well-received by local audiences. The Singapore Free Press film correspondent, in a rather alliterative mood, considered it "fine fare for film fans" and the "most novel motion picture to be shown in Singapore this season."[3] The Straits Times reviewer also had high praises, considering it the "best jungle picture yet produced" and commented that "there is a 'punch' about this picture which will arouse and hold the interest of the most indifferent filmgoer."[4] Perhaps because of these reviews, and certainly reinforcing them, the film was so popular that the Pavilion had to apologise for turning away patrons because it was oversubscribed and promise screenings in the future.
Register and we promise we won't turn you away, like the Pavilion did. Join us for the screening of East of Borneo on 5 June 2013, at the NUS Museum, and decide whether it is a tired old cliche or a most remarkable film.
[1] John S. Cohen, Jr. 'The New Talkies', The New York Sun, 26 Sep 1931.
[2] 'Kodak Executives Study Film in Special Private Showing of 'East of Borneo' at Palace Theater', Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 17 Sep 1931.
[3] 'Fine Fare for Film Fans', SFP, 23 Jan 1936, p. 6
[4] 'The Triumph of 'East of Borneo'', ST, 5 Feb 1932, p. 12


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Hotels Near Tate St. Ives
Find Hotels near Tate St. Ives
Collect 10 nights, get 1 reward night
And look out for Secret Prices on selected hotels
Find the perfect hotel close to Tate St. Ives
5 of our most popular choices are:
1. Oystercatcher
2. An-porth
3. The Barn
4. Waterside
5. Trevose Harbour House
And to help you make up your mind, you can read some of our reviews for Tate St. Ives hotels.
Staying near Tate St. Ives
Our map based hotel search function can be accessed from the map image above (or via standard search results) clearly showing the location of each hotel around Tate St. Ives. You can also refine your search within St Ives based upon other nearby landmarks and neighbourhoods as well as transport options to help you get around.
If you're driving, be sure to also check for hotels that offer onsite parking.
To get the best hotel deals near Tate St. Ives you can also filter by price/ average nightly rate, and if you know what quality you are looking for, you can also filter by star rating and our own guest review rating, with reviews written by other guests from the UK and around the world.
If you're visiting Tate St. Ives with the family or in a large group, be sure to check out the room options and facilities we list for each hotel to ensure we help find you the perfect hotel. Right now, our most popular hotel in St Ives is Oystercatcher.
Deals on hotels near Tate St. Ives
Hotels.com makes it easy to save money on every booking. We offer our Price Guarantee on most bookings. Plus we offer 4 more ways to save:
1. Hotels.com Rewards - Collect 10 nights, get 1 free*
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Things To Do in St Ives
Where to Stay in St Ives - From Family B&Bs to Beach View Apartments
St Ives has been a popular tourist destination for decades, and its accommodation options are plenti...
Shopping in St Ives - Art Galleries to Craft Markets
This seaside town is bursting with diverse shops, most of which line the harborfront or are tucked a...
What to See and Do in St Ives - Surfing, Coastal Walks, and Art
St Ives is a fantastic destination for all ages, with 4 main sandy beaches close to the town centre ...


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Tatiana blogs for H&C TV Australia
Tatiana from Horse Rush TV is now blogging on all things horse for Horse & Country TV Australia. Tatiana has been in the industry for 12 years going pro in 2012. She is now finalising her first film. Marwari – War Horse of the Maharaja to be released in NYC later this year. Click on the link as she recaps her 12 years in the industry filming horses around the world.


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As a part of Mahindra & Mahindra's Joint Venture arrangement with Navistar subsidiary International Truck and Engine Corporation (ITEC), M&M gets access to GM brands like Kodiak, TopKick and Isuzu T-Series. The deal also covers GMC and Chevrolet brand vehicles in the class 4-8 gross vehicle weight range.
Flickr: GMC: ThisIsIt2's photos
M&M and ITEC, last month, announced a JV for making diesel engine with additional investments of $90 million over the next five years. The venture, to be owned 51% by Mahindra and 49% by ITEC, will make diesel engines for medium and heavy commercial vehicles.
Mahindra International is building a new facility at Chakan near Pune and will likely kick off with a 25-tonne truck and a nine-tonne export-only bus.
The JV will use M&M's light commercial vehicles factory at Zaheerabad (in Andhra Pradesh) till the Chakan plant comes on stream.
The Economic Times
Indian automobile industry Pune automobile industry Pune automobile blog Mahindra &Mahindra Navistar International acquisition General Motors' medium-duty truck business Joint Venture International Truck and Engine Corporation (ITEC) Kodiak TopKick Isuzu T-Series GMC Chevrolet diesel engines for medium and heavy commercial vehicles M&M and ITEC JV Mahindra International Chakan, Pune Zaheerabad (in Andhra Pradesh)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Mahindra &Mahindra to gain from Navistar International's acquisition of General Motors' medium-duty truck business
As a part of Mahindra & Mahindra's Joint Venture arrangement with Navistar subsidiary International Truck and Engine Corporation (ITEC), M&M gets access to GM brands like Kodiak, TopKick and Isuzu T-Series. The deal also covers GMC and Chevrolet brand vehicles in the class 4-8 gross vehicle weight range.
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Wednesday, December 26, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: mahindra and mahindra
Monday, December 24, 2007
Bajaj Auto to relaunch two-stroke Chetak Scooter, Kawasaki-Bajaj 100 Motorcycle with gasoline direct injection (GDi)engines
Bajaj Auto has introduced direct injection technology, as the GDi name suggest, replacing the carburettor which delivers better fuel efficiency and higher power (torque) than the conventional two-stroke engines.
In the GDi technology, the fuel is injected through a common rail fuel line directly into the engine's combustion chamber where it is completely burnt unlike the conventional carburettor-run two-stroke engine which leaves out unburnt fuel and results in higher emission.It also meets the stringent emission norms with 50% lower carbon monoxide ((CO) and 25% lower hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides (HC+NOx) than the earlier two-stroke engines, which were phased out by two-wheeler companies because they failed to meet the required emission norms.
The gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine has substantially lower emissions than even alternate clean fuels like CNG and LPG.
Additionally, gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine has lower operating costs than four-stroke technology that currently dominates the bike market.
Bajaj Auto is in the process of developing two-wheelers that will run on CNG fuel.
The Economic Times
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Monday, December 24, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Saturday, December 22, 2007
LG Electronics India Ltd to invest Rs 1,100 crore in the next 3 years to consolidate its position in the premium segment of consumer durables
"We are targeting 30 per cent sales in the premium segment in 2008, up from 20-22 per cent currently, for which, we will invest heavily in marketing," LGEIL head (sales and marketing), Mr Amit Gupta said.
The company is also targeting a revenue of Rs 16,000 crore by 2010 from the expected figure of Rs 9,500 crore this year, 81 per cent of which would come from domestic sales.
The Statesman
Consumer electronics and home appliances major LG Electronics India Ltd (LGEIL) plans to create an image of a mid-range to high-end brand focused on consumer benefits:Amit Gupta, head of sales and marketing for LGEIL, said the company is in the process of creating flagship stores across the country to display its products and acquaint customers with the benefits of being an LG customer. Two such stores - in Noida and Hyderabad - have already been set up and more will come in course of time, he said.
Gupta said the number of brand shops as well as service centres will be increased and service will also be made available out of large multi-brand stores. Special attention will be provided to the newly-opened channel of modern retail - part of institutional sales for LG - as the company expects a greater contribution from this segment in the future.
Business Standard
LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd (LGEIL), the 100% subsidiary of LG group of Korea, shifts focus from home appliances to high-end GSM mobile phones, laptops and flat plasma display panelsAlthough LG would not pull out of the CDMA, it would switch over to the GSM as the mainstay of its mobile business, Shin said. While the demand for CDMA phones is growing at 1-1.5% per annum, it is 10% for the GSM ones.
LGEIL, with a product portfolio of consumer electronics, home appliances, IT products and mobile handsets, commands a market share of 26%, the highest among the electronics goods producing Companies, followed by Samsung's 17% and Whirlpool's 7%.
Shin said the company, after evolving the new marketing strategy, expected a 25-30% growth year-on-year compared with 17-18% it has witnessed this year.
This will bring about "a disproportionate growth enabling LGEIL to attain a top line of Rs 16,000- 20,000 crore by 2010 from Rs 9,500 crore at present," according to managing director Moon B Shin.
The Financial Express
LG's devises a unique process of subjecting their appliances and their various parts to extreme weather conditions to suit every corner of the India — from Kashmir to KanyakumariEstablished in 1997, LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd (LGEIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of LG Electronics, South Korea, which benchmarked the Toyota production system since last year, has invested in R&D for all-weather consumer appliances for the Indian market.
It is immersing remote controls and electronic panels into 2-inch layer of dust to acclimatise to Indian weather conditions.
With products from Noida and Pune 85 per cent indigenous, chambers have been created to subject refrigerators to 91 per cent humidity or temperatures up to 41.8 degrees Celsius to see what parts need to be changed to make it more viable in all parts of the country.
Washing machines are being kept in cages full of rats to see which parts of the appliance attract them most and thus make changes accordingly.
And packaged goods are thrown around from great heights to ensure after-sales delivery by unskilled porters doesn't affect the machines.
The Telegraph
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Saturday, December 22, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Amit Gupta-sales and marketing-LGEIL, LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd (LGEIL), Moon B Shin-MD
Friday, December 21, 2007
Tata Motors introduces its new range of medium and heavy commercial vehicles
This year, Tata Motors will redefine motoring solutions in the country with its all-new range in Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles. These trucks and value-added applications clearly signal Tata Motors commitment to bringing customised solutions with the latest technologies. It will be the first time that these many new models are being launched in a single year.
Commenting on the launches, the Executive Director of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Mr. P.M. Telang said, "It gives me immense pleasure to showcase our new range of medium and heavy commercial vehicles. With the introduction of this new range, Tata Motors reiterates its leadership position in providing the best commercial vehicle solutions for its customers and business partners. The new product range further enhances the company's image as a value-added M&HCV manufacturer".
The Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles range on display includes:
1. The Tata LPS 4930 Novus - 6x4 BSII Tractor: is a 49 ton 6X4 Novus tractor:
The vehicle has a contemporary and a luxurious AC cabin, which is customised for optimum performance in Indian conditions. It is fitted with ATOS 80 frame to withstand toughest operating condition. It has 11 R 20 radial tyres along with ABS technology to provide maximum safety. The maximum power capacity of the vehicle is 295.8HP @ 2200 rpm and torque of 1127 Nm@1400 rpm and 25% gradeability. It is also factory fitted with GPS/ Data logger solution. It has been fitted with a maximum gear speed of 82 kmph.
Ideal vehicle for container, steel, cement and petroleum.
2. TheTata LPS 4923 TC 6x4 BS II Tractor is a 49ton GCW Tractor-Trailer:
The vehicle has been fitted with a proven world class Cummins engine with matching Eaton gearbox. It offers 25% gradeability for use in tough terrains. The vehicle has inverted bogie suspension, which has long life and good axle alignment retention property, used for the first time by Tata Motors in this class of vehicle. It is a durable and world-class vehicle, with easy maintenance, lesrs down time and offers enhanced safety and comfort features. The engine delivers a superior power of 230HP. Its torque is 814 Nm resulting in less fatigue and more mileage. The vehicle has been fitted with an Anti Lock Brake System (ABS). The Tata LPS 4923 offers some more additional product features such as inter-axle differential lock, serrated coupling, small silencer size, propeller shaft, water-cooled compressor, air-assisted clutch booster. It has 3 variants - cowl, cabin chassis and fully built with 3-axle trailer.
Ideal vehicle for steel coil, cement, containers and ODC (over dimensional cargo).
3. The Tata LPT 3118 TC 8x2 BS II Truck is India's first 8 X 2 Multi Axle truck with 'Lift Axle':
It is fitted with Automatic Load Sensing Value for optimum Lift Axle function. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is 31,000 kgs, thus offering more payload, minimum operating cost and in turn more earnings for the customer. It delivers a maximum power of 177HP@ 2500 rpm and torque of 650 Nm@1500 rpm and gradeability of 21%. It has a max gear speed of 79.1kmph, an overall length of 9290 mm (for cab) and a ground clearance of 248 mm. It has 3 variants - cowl, cab chassis and cab load body.
Ideal vehicle for cement, containers, tankers, petrochemicals, fertilizers, food grain, timber and general cargo.
4. The Tata LPT 2516 Super Turbo Multi Axle Truck:
It provides the best fuel efficiency in its class coupled with superior power pick-up and speed. It is powered by 160 PS, 697 turbocharged intercooled diesel engine. This is the first time that radial tyres have been offered as a standard fitment. The new engine comes with a Waste Gate Turbo Charger, Special Cylinder Head and Combustion Chamber, Pistons and High Pressure Injectors. The vehicle has booster assisted clutch, making clutch operation as smooth as a car. The vehicle provides the owner superior fuel efficiency, faster turnaround time, improved tyre life and better drivability.
Ideal vehicle for the use of cement, tankers, fertilisers, foodgrains and general cargo.
5. The Tata LPK 2518 TC 6x4 BS II Tipper:
It has high power and torque with a higher gradeability of 24%. It has contemporary ribless body design with a meritor MT 28 1495 heavy duty axle, G750 6- speed gearbox. The Cummins engine delivers a maximum power 176HP@2250rpm. The torque is 654 Nm@1500 rpm and has a FC tipping to provide more stability during tipping at uneven surfaces. Its wheelbase is 3880 mm and has a maximum gear speed of 70 kmph. It overall length is 6830 mm (for 38 W.B for chassis with N.S cab). It has an option of 20 cubic metres body on 48WV.
Ideal vehicle for light mining, construction and road work.
6. The Tata LPK 1618 BS II Tipper:
This is India's first 4 X 2 front end tipper with 176HP Cummins engine, which delivers a maximum power of 176.9HP @ 2500 rpm and a high torque of 650 Nm @1500 rpm. Further it comes with a clutch booster for driving comfort. The Tipper has the highest gradebality in its class of vehicle range of 35%, and offers contemporary ribless body design. This offers the best driving comfort to the customers. The LPK 1618 TC is available in three variants - 10 cum box, 8 cum box and 7 cum scoop load bodies. It has a 3600mm wheelbase and is also available in 3200mm wheelbase.
Ideal vehicle for mining (iron ore, O&B removal), tough construction sites like dam, irrigation, etc.
Applications such Trailer Transit Mixers, Tip Trailers, Side Walled-Trailers, Garbage Compactors, Reefer Trucks, Dumper Placers, Hi- Decks and Half Decks have been introduced on these and other M&HCV's, making the range robust.
About Tata Motors:
Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with revenues of Rs. 32,426 crores in 2006-07.
With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, it is the leader in commercial vehicles and the second largest in passenger vehicles.
It is also the world's fifth largest medium and heavy truck manufacturer and the second largest heavy bus manufacturer.
Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America.
Tata Motors and Fiat Auto have formed an industrial joint venture in India to manufacture passenger cars, engines and transmissions for the Indian and overseas markets; Tata Motors also has an agreement with Fiat Auto to build a pick-up vehicle at Córdoba, Argentina. The company already distributes Fiat-branded cars in India.
Tata Motors' international footprint include Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd. in South Korea; Hispano Carrocera, a bus and coach manufacturer of Spain in which the company has a 21% stake; a joint venture with Marcopolo, the Brazil-based body-builder of buses and coaches; and a joint venture with Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Company of Thailand to manufacture and market pickup vehicles in Thailand.
Tata Motors has research centres in India, the UK, and in its subsidiary and associate companies in South Korea and Spain.
PRdomain: Press Release
Indian automobile news Indian automobile industry Indian automobile companies Pune automobile news Pune auto blog Pune automobile news medium and heavy commercial vehicles customised solutions with the latest technologies Tata LPS 4930 Novus - 6x4 BSII Tractor Tata LPS 4923 TC 6x4 BS II Tractor Tata LPT 3118 TC 8x2 BS II Truck Multi Axle truck with 'Lift Axle' Tata LPT 2516 Super Turbo Multi Axle Truck Tata LPK 2518 TC 6x4 BS II Tipper Tata LPK 1618 BS II Tipper Trailer Transit Mixers Tip Trailers Side Walled-Trailers Garbage Compactors Reefer Trucks Dumper Placers Hi- Decks and Half Decks Tata Motors, India\'s largest automobile company Tata vehicles commercial vehicles passenger vehicles medium and heavy truck manufacturer heavy bus manufacturer Tata Motors and Fiat Auto industrial joint venture Córdoba, Argentina Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd., South Korea Hispano Carrocera, Spain Marcopolo, Brazil Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Company, Thailand India, UK research centres subsidiary and associate companies: South Korea and Spain PRdomain Press Release
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Friday, December 21, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: P.M. Telang - Executive Director of Tata Motors, Tata motors
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Madras High Court restrains TVS Motor Company from booking, selling and marketing its new 125cc bike Flame following a petition filed by Bajaj Auto
The interim order came on rival Bajaj Auto's petition, challenging the launch of Flame, which it claims infringes its so-called digital twin spark ignition (DTSi) technology, which uses two spark plugs for better fuel efficiency.
This new case is in addition to the law suit filed by TVS against Bajaj Auto in the Madras High Court, under the Indian Patents Act. TVS filed that case to counter Bajaj Auto's allegations of patent violation.
TVS has also filed a Rs2.5bn defamation case against Bajaj Auto in the Bombay High Court, which has already served a notice on the Pune-based company. The legal tussle between two started in September, when Bajaj Auto accused TVS of stealing its DTSi technology. TVS responded by unleashing two separate cases.
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Thursday, December 20, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor Company
Jack Schofield of The Guardian on Spyware Detector, an anti-spyware program, by Max Secure Software, Pune
What's your opinion of an anti-spyware program called Spyware Detector? I've just purchased it and it seems to be very good, but it is never mentioned in any magazines.
Anthony Cox
JS: I hadn't heard of it, but it seems a legitimate product from a reputable private company based in Pune, India (maxpcsecure.com/profile.htm). There's a list of rogue antispyware programs at spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
Ask Jack | Technology | The Guardian
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Thursday, December 20, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Jack Schofield, Max Secure Software
Tata Motors' 1-lakh car will be launched in manual and automatic (continuous variable transmission) versions
According to industry sources, work on the new small car assembly line at Tata Motors' Ace plant at Uttarakhand, which involves a financial outlay of Rs 400 crore, commenced a couple of months ago. The line will have an installed capacity to manufacture 60,000 cars annually, and is expected to be ready for trial production by early April.
The remaining components will be sourced from Pune, sources say, adding that the initial plan is to produce 30,000 cars.
However, those close to its development here reveal that it has a rear engine, weighs around 600 kg and is powered by a 32-HP engine.
People's car: In manual, automatic versions - Sify.com
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Thursday, December 20, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: 1 lakh car, Tata motors
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
BMW India is focused on the fast growing domestic market, no plans of exporting cars manufactured at its Chennai plant
Headquartered in Gurgaon, BMW India is a 100 per cent subsidiary of the BMW Group set up with an initial investment of Rs 1.1 billion.
The Chennai plant, started operation in March this year and produces the BMW 3 and BMV 5 series Sedans in petrol and diesel variants.
The plant has a capacity to produce 1,700 units a year.
BMW India has also partnered with Bajaj Allianz Insurance for offering motor insurance and with ICICI Bank to offer customised financial solutions for its customers.
BMW India President Peter Kronschnabi was in Pune to inaugurate company's first showroom, Bawaria Motors.
DNA - Money - BMW India to focus on domestic market - Daily News & Analysis
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Wednesday, December 19, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: BMW India, Peter Kronschnabi
Tata Motors Unveils Details Of '1-Lakh' Budget Car
Some of the secrecy surrounding the Tatas' "1-Lakh" small car has been shed, with a company executive disclosing that the vehicle will get 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) per liter and in performance terms will match the Maruti 800, one of the most popular cars in the budget segment of the Indian market.
"It's an eco-car with a 25 kilometer-per-liter mileage on petrol, meets every international standard and specification, including Euro-4 norms. Acceleration wise, it's the same as a Maruti 800," R. A. Mashelkar, a nonexecutive director on Tata Motors' board, told reporters in Calcutta.
"How spacious the car would be?" In the story published on Forbes dot com, Ruth David says there is ample space in both the front and the rear to fit Mr. Mashelkar's six-foot frame.
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Wednesday, December 19, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: 1 lakh car, R. A. Mashelkar, Ratan Tata, Tata motors
Mimosa Systems Awarded Microsoft ISV Star Partner Award
Mimosa Systems Chosen by Microsoft for Exceptional Integration Ability and Channel Strength
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mimosa Systems™, a leading provider of Live Content Archiving solutions, today announced that it has received the ISV Star Partner Award for the Microsoft SMS&P NY Metro District. The award recognizes Mimosa as the 2008 outstanding independent software vendor that exemplifies exceptional integration with the community and has a channel and partner ecosystem to bolster aspects of the business, grow revenue, and integrate applications with Microsoft solutions. Mimosa is also recognized as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner — among a select number of Microsoft partners to gain this distinction.
This coveted Microsoft recognition is the latest in a growing list of awards for Mimosa. Earlier this year, Mimosa's NearPoint™ for Microsoft® Exchange Server solution was cited as TechTarget's SearchExchange Product of the Year. With hundreds of entries each year, this recognition is considered a benchmark for excellence throughout the computer industry. NearPoint was also recently named a Top 10 Product by Network World and named one of five "Storage Standouts." Additionally, Mimosa received accolades in the channel as a Top 75 Emerging Vendor by CRN magazine.
Mimosa NearPoint is tightly integrated with Microsoft Exchange Server and addresses critical customer requirements for email information archiving, eDiscovery, regulatory compliance, data protection, disaster recovery and storage optimization. The solution enables litigation readiness, business continuity and end-user search while reducing overall operational costs.
"We are especially proud to receive the Microsoft Star Partner Award because it again recognizes the close relationship between Microsoft and Mimosa. We've added several significant project wins, many new channel partners and deepened our contacts within Microsoft and the Partner Community. We value our position as a trusted Microsoft partner and look forward to continued successes in the email archiving space," said Christopher Culine, senior vice president, worldwide sales, at Mimosa Systems.
About Mimosa:
Mimosa Systems, Inc., delivers next-generation information management solutions for information immediacy, discovery, and continuity. Mimosa NearPoint for Microsoft Exchange Server is the industry's most comprehensive information management software solution for Microsoft Exchange, unifying email archiving, recovery, and storage management. With options for eDiscovery and disaster recovery, NearPoint ensures litigation readiness and email continuity while leveraging cost-effective disk technologies to optimize email storage growth. Mimosa is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, recognized for its competencies in networking infrastructure solutions, ISV/software solutions, and advanced infrastructure solutions. Mimosa is a privately held company whose investors include August Capital, Clearstone Venture Partners, Dot Edu Ventures, JAFCO Ventures, and Mayfield Fund. Mimosa was founded in 2003 and is based in Santa Clara , California, with offices in Munich, Germany, and Pune, India. For more information, see www.MimosaSystems.com.
Mimosa Systems award Microsoft ISV Star Partner Award Integration Ability Channel Strength Live Content Archiving solutions Microsoft SMS&P NY Metro District independent software vendor community Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Mimosa's NearPoint™ for Microsoft® Exchange Server TechTarget's SearchExchange Product of the Year computer industry Top 10 Product by Network World Storage Standouts Top 75 Emerging Vendor by CRN magazine eDiscovery email information archiving regulatory compliance data protection disaster recovery Christopher Culine, senior VP, Mimosa Systems information management solutions August Capital Clearstone Venture Partners Dot Edu Ventures JAFCO Ventures Mayfield Fund Santa Clara , California Munich, Germany Pune, India Business Wire Press Release Ventana Public Relations Sabrina Sanchez, Ventana Public Relations
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Wednesday, December 19, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Mimosa Systems
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Dun & Bradstreet's ITeS/BPO survey makes startling revelations
Contrary to popular perception the rising salary levels and not the appreciating Rupee against the US Dollar is the most pressing concern for the IT-enabled services (ITeS) and BPO industry, says the latest study by Dun & Bradstreet.
The findings are based on a survey covering over 200 ITeS and BPO companies in the country, including captives, third-party vendors and Indian subsidiaries of multinationals.
Indian BPO industry Indian BPO news Indian BPO companies Pune BPO news Pune BPO companies survey Dun & Bradstreet ITeS/BPO survey salary salary survey salary level US dollars US dollar rate Indian subsidiaries multinational India outsourcewatch
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Sunday, December 16, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Dun and Bradstreet
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Aztecsoft, global software engineering services company, inaugurates it's new centre in Hinjewadi, Pune
The new facility that would house 1500 people is spread over a total constructed area of 200,000 square feet. This facility will provide Product Engineering services, Independent Testing services, Sustained Engineering and Professional Services.
Inaugurating the facility, Samir Bodas, CEO of Aztecsoft said, "This facility is strategic to the company's expansion plans. The depth of engineering talent and solid educational institutions in Pune convinced us that we should double down on our investment in this city and build this world class facility".
Marking the occasion, Aztecsoft is holding a week-long celebration starting December 10 that ends in a carnival for employees and their families.
In addition to state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, the facility houses a gymnasium, meditation room, recreation center, multi-cuisine cafeteria and a basket ball court.
Spread over five floors, the new campus is fully operational . The facility is located at No. 37, Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Phase -1, MIDC, Hinjewadi, Pune-57.
Speaking at the occasion, Amar Karvir, VP and Head of Pune Center said, "This facility is a testimony to Aztecsoft's commitment to its employees and customers."
The Pune Center will serve global customers and will develop and test some of the most complex software in the world.
About Aztecsoft Ltd.:
Since 1995, Aztecsoft has built and tested over 1600 software products.
The software engineering specialist provides best-in-class development and testing services to software product companies, business and consumer portals, SaaS providers, and companies in the mobility & wireless domain.
Aztecsoft provides full life-cycle product engineering, independent testing, professional services, and sustained engineering services.
With a client list that includes many of the largest fortune 500 companies, Aztecsoft's passion for technology, excellence and people gives their customers the best combination of expertise, experience and depth of services to make it the technology partner of choice.
Aztecsoft has won a number of industry awards for innovative HR practices from independent agencies, which is an external validation of Aztecsoft's consistent growth momentum.
To learn more about Aztecsoft, please visit www.aztecsoft.com or email email@example.com.
IndiaPRwire: Press Release: Mickey Bopanna, PR Consultant, Corporate Voice Weber Shandwick:
Indian IT industry Indian IT companies Indian IT news Pune IT industry Pune IT companies Pune IT news Aztecsoft Limited global software engineering services company inauguration development center facility Product Engineering services Independent Testing services Sustained Engineering Professional Services expansion plan strategic Pune engineering Pune education institution celebration software products SaaS providers mobility wireless domain innovative HR practice growth press release Mickey Bopanna, PR Consultant, Corporate Voice Weber Shandwick
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Thursday, December 13, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Amar Karvir, Aztecsoft, Samir Bodas
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Siemens PLM Software expands its operations in India by opening a new and much larger, development center in Pune
Siemens PLM Software, a division of Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, today announced it has significantly expanded the capacity of its operations in India by opening a new, and much larger, development center to accommodate up to 1,100 employees.
The division's India-based development team has experienced a growth rate of 30 percent (CAGR) over the last few years.
The new facility, recently inaugurated by Dr. Helmuth Ludwig, president of Siemens PLM Software, currently employs 800 individuals responsible for many of the division's software product developments, modules and service engagements on a global basis.
"Our investment in India is not only critical for our expansion in the Asia Pacific region, but globally because it provides us with proximity to customers in the area and is a superior talent resource pool for our development efforts," said Ludwig.
Siemens PLM Software has operated in India for nearly 20 years and has more than 2,200 customers throughout the country. Its customer list includes leading manufacturing enterprises from such industries as automotive and transportation, machinery, aerospace and defense and numerous small- to mid-sized businesses.
"We have a longstanding, significant presence in India and have consistently led the PLM market here," added Ludwig. "The new development facility and the increased investments in our sales and support infrastructure in India is further proof of our unwavering commitment to India."
Throughout India, Siemens PLM Software employs more than 900 professionals and has offices and centers in five cities. It serves customers in more than 50 cities across the country and also has a strong channel network.
In addition, Siemens PLM Software's products are also used to train students at more than 300 engineering colleges and training centers across the region.<
About Siemens PLM Software:Siemens PLM Software, a division of Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D), is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services with 4.6 million licensed seats and 51,000 customers worldwide.
Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software's open enterprise solutions enable a world where organizations and their partners collaborate through Global Innovation Networks to deliver world-class products and services.
For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.
About Siemens Automation and Drives:The Siemens Automation and Drives Group (A&D), Nuremberg, Germany, is the leading manufacturer in this field worldwide.
Products supplied by A&D include standard products for the manufacturing and process industries and for the electrical installation industry as well as system solutions, for example for machine tools, and solutions for whole industries such as the automation of entire automobile factories or chemical plants.
Supplementing this range of products and services, A&D also offers software for linking production and management (horizontal and vertical IT integration) and for optimizing production processes.
A&D employs 70,600 people worldwide and in fiscal year 2006 (to September 30) earned a group profit of €1.572 billion on sales of €12.848 billion and orders of €14.108 billion, according to U.S. GAAP. Further information about A&D is available in the Internet at www.siemens.com/automation
Press release from: Siemens PLM Software. PR Agency: Mutual PR
Indian IT company Indian IT news Pune IT company Siemens PLM Software Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services development center Pune expand employees opening growth rate software product developments modules service investment India Asia Pacific region customer automotive and transportation machinery aerospace defense small- to mid-sized businesses PLM market channel network professional engineering college training center Plano, Texas, US Innovation production processes automation automobile factories chemical plants global fiscal year profit
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Wednesday, December 12, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Dr. Helmuth Ludwig, Siemens PLM Software
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Tata Motors to erect unit at Dharwad
Tata Motors resolved to construct its manufacturing unit at Dharwad and the state government took steps to allot 300 acres of land adjacent to the Telcon on the Pune-Bangalore National Highway,10 kms off Dharwad, reports Business Standard.
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The setting up of Tata Motors will help provide direct employment to 1000 people while another 2000 would be indirectly employed. In addition, it cost the industrial activity in the region with several ancillary industries coming up.
The Rs 21 billion project is expected to manufacture 30,000 buses every year. Tatas showed interest and the process of allotting the land will be completed soon
Source: My iris
Flickr: Photos from temp13rec.
Pune automobile industry in India automobile industry in Pune auto blog Dharwad, Karanataka, India Pune Bangalore National Highway ancillary industries employment investment buses Google Maps
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Saturday, December 08, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Tata motors
For India's wind man, green is good business
Saving the environment wasn't as much on his mind as cutting costs when Indian entrepreneur Tulsi Tanti first turned to wind energy 13 years ago.
Confronted with a soaring electricity bill and unpredictable power supply, Tanti had a pair of wind turbines installed at his textile plant in western India and became a quick convert to what became his business calling.
After building Suzlon into Asia's biggest wind energy firm in 12 years, Tanti can claim credit for prescience in seizing a market opportunity from concerns over global warming and climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels.
The 49-year-old mechanical engineer has also become a hero of the global renewable energy movement as the world counts the cost of greenhouse gas emissions and developing economies such as India's battle chronic power shortages requiring tens of billions of dollars in investment.
:Khaleej Times Online
Flickr: Photos from Ken Lennox:
environment Pune Indian entrepreneur wind energy electricity turbine textile energy company market opportunities global warming climate change global renewable energy movement greenhouse gas developing countries developing economy investment ravi karandeekar
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Saturday, December 08, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Gaurav Gandhi, Suzlon, Tulsi Tanti, Vivek Kher
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Josh Software: Making its mark in Ruby on Rails
Pune is now increasingly becoming the hot-bed of Ruby on Rails activity in India and Josh Software Pvt. Ltd. are strongly making a mark in this field. Satish Talim of RubyLearning.com recently talked to Gautam Rege, one of the founders of this company.
Satish>> Could you tell us a little more about Josh Software Pvt. Ltd.?
Gautam>> Josh Software Pvt. Ltd. is a one and half year old company. We are primarily into software product development. This is quite a different area. We are neither a product company nor a services based company. We build software products for others. Our claim to our success has been our ideology: "You bring to the table your domain knowledge, we bring our software skills and together we build a software product". Josh Software Pvt. Ltd. was earlier Josh Consultants Pvt. Ltd. but Sethu and felt to change our name to showcase our software development abilities.
We are based in Pune and have core skills in Ruby On Rails, .NET, C++ and Java. Given our personal work experience we have worked on virtually all UNIX, Linux and Windows platforms. Cross platform development is our forte and we aspire to be one of the top software product development companies in India.
read more | digg story
Indian IT industry Indian IT company Indian IT news Pune IT company software product development cross platform development UNIX Linux Windows .NET C++ Java domain domain knowledge software skills software interview
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Thursday, December 06, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Gautam Rege, Josh Software, Ruby on Rails, RubyLearning.com, Satish Talim
NASSCOM announces 100 IT Innovators 2007
We have announced the finalists for the 100 IT Innovators. The showcase of Innovative companies profiles some of the large, medium and small organizations that have made innovation an important part of their growth strategies.
The nation-wide search for these companies conducted for the fourth time in India and positioned as an annual feature on NASSCOM's roster of activities, unveiled a wide spectrum of young enterprising companies and some of the large companies that are making waves both at home and overseas.
read more | digg story
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Thursday, December 06, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: IT Innovators 2007, NASSCOM
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tata's Eka, the fourth fastest super computer to rev up investments in Pune
While Eka, the fourth fastest super computer in the world and the most powerful one in Asia and Asia-Pacific region developed in Pune by Tata Group subsidiary Computational Research Laboratories (CRL) has certainly put the city on the world map, according to Sunil Sherlekar, Head of Embedded Systems R&D, what is more significant is the subsequent slew of investments the project is likely to encourage in the city along with the varied applications that the super computer is capable of.
Adding that the breakthrough is also important for showing the world that India can do high-end technical work, Sherlekar said the challenge before the team now is to use the supercomputer for a variety of applications, each of which will have a significant impact.
"The super computer is an enabling technology and a lot of design work is capable through it,'' he said. According to Sherlakar the significant areas where the technology could be used includes the crucial sector of weather and climate modeling which could lead to vastly better weather predictions with far reaching effects in the field of agriculture, space launches and even optimisation of airline routes.
read more | digg story
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Wednesday, November 28, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Computational Research Laboratories, Dr. Narendra Karmarkar, Eka, Sunil Sherlekar, Tata Group
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Brainvisa launches new web- based rapid eLearning tool- RapideL-i
RapideL-i is an internet-based, rapid eLearning content authoring platform which allows a true server based collaborative development at anytime, from anywhere. Multiple users can now log on together and work simultaneously to create engaging eLearning at the speed of business. The new version is set to deliver an intuitive end user-experience coupled with a global support plan.
RapideL-i allows creation of interactive and engaging eLearning in Flash or HTML with the help of its ever-increasing library of instruction ally sound templates. Subject matter experts, Instructional Designers, Graphic Designers, Professors, Trainers or anyone with content familiarity can now create eLearning and focus only on content while RapideL-i takes care of the speed of development, instructional value of the content, deployment options of the course and ROI on every dollar spent!
RapideL-i is extremely cost-effective and comes with a central Assets repository, a rich reporting framework, an online review mechanism and the ability to share courses to work effectively in a collaborative environment. The course output can be easily published for SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004 or CD based deployment. The application also spells boon for an organization's branding needs with its customizing capabilities.
"The new version is in line with our mission to provide easy to access and easy to use platforms for an ever-growing community of e-Learning developers worldwide. This version will allow true server based collaborative development at anytime, from anywhere. We are excited to launch this new offering and we are sure that users will immensely benefit from our promises," says Regy Pillai, Product Manager RapideL.
NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Pune.
Contact: Meghna M
:Flickr: Intrenational Handshake#2: Pisco Bandito's photos.
Pune IT news blog Indian IT industry Brainvisa eLearning tool- RapideL-i web based internet-based interactive Flash HTML Designers Graphic Designers Professors Trainers cost-effective customization branding e-Learning developers server based collaborative development Newswire Today press release
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Tuesday, November 27, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Brainvisa, Meghana Motiani, Regy Pillai
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
SOA – A new paradigm in Business-IT integration by Ganesh Natarajan
An interesting point of departure from the earlier paradigm shifts is that while most of the earlier developments happened because of the availability of the right technology at that point in time. Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) in some ways contradicts this paradigm because it is more of a business driven architectural concept rather than an IT driven technical fad or a shrink wrapped product. It is a new way of thinking on how you look at your business in the short term/long term, what the key business functionalities are, how you see them growing and evolving in the coming years and how you can leverage them across the organisation in a technology neutral way..
read more | digg story
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Wednesday, November 21, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Ganesh Natarajan, NASSCOM, zensar
Friday, November 16, 2007
Automotive Research Association of India - Forging Industry Division, launches its official web site www.firiindia.com
The web site provides the information on the infrastructure available, various kinds of testing to be undertaken, research activities and training being offered by the institute.
At Automotive Research Association of India - Forging Industry Division, the main objective is to promote research and other scientific work connected with the design, development, testing of forged assemblies and to impart training to the personnel from the industry on Techno-managerial skills.
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"We are confident that our web site will facilitate wider awareness on the services being offered by us and build a platform for interaction with all prospective customers, researchers and associates" stated Mr. Sukhdev Ganotra, the Director of the Institute.
:ARAI Forging Industry Division launched its official web site :MACHINIST.
Pune Auto blog Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) ARAI-Forging Industry Division Forging Industry Research Institute of India (FIRI India) infrastructure testing research training Forging Industry web site services Chakan, MIDC Ravi Karandeekar
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Friday, November 16, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: ARAI, FIRIindia, Sukhdev Ganotra
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Tata Eka World's Fourth Fastest Computer Puts India on Forefront
EKA, The Supercomputer developed by Tata's Pune based Computational Research Laboratories, has been ranked the world's fourth fastest and fastest in Asia. This information was disclosed in the 30th Top500 Supercomputer list. Its a proud moment for India and us Indians as its the first time such system from India has made it to the Top 10
read more | digg story
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Thursday, November 15, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Computational Research Laboratories, Eka, Tata Group
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Caterpillar identifies Automotive Robotics as a facilitator between OEM Solutions and original equipment manufacturers in India
Rajeev Ranadive, director, Automotive Robotics, specialists in vehicle engineering, systems and software, said, "Caterpillar is interested in the huge investments planned in the Indian infrastructure sector."
"The Indian heavy machinery sector is abuzz with activity as players are expanding their product range to address the opportunity in the infrastructure sector," Ranadive said.
Automotive Robotics has been working with Caterpillar for the last few years and also has an engineering centre in US, close to Caterpillar facilities. It has manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and a markleting office in Pune.
"Our role will be that of an equipment integrator," he added. Manufacturers of off-highway vehicles, mining equipment, tugs, platforms for mobile generators, bottom dump trucks, earth moving equipment will be among the major customers of Cat products, Ranadive said.
: Caterpillar finds ally in Robotics: Dileep Athavale: Business Standard:
Big Boy Toys on Flickr by Stuck in Customs.
Lowering costs:"This is not the normal dealer model since we will not stock any Caterpillar products or components. The physical delivery of products or components will be done by the supplier and the buyer:
we will do application engineering, market development, find new customers, provide application engineering and electronics services along with the homologation and other tests.
Usually, Caterpillar does this on its own; this is one of the rare times they are outsourcing," Mr Ranadive said.
This outsourcing, like all others, will result in lowering costs by a huge 30-40%, for a vehicle which would have cost a few crore rupees in the US or western Europe.
Automotive in JV with caterpillar: Gouri Agtey Athale: The Economic Times.
Caterpillar Automotive Robotics OEM OEM solutions original equipment original equipment manufacturers Indian infrastructure development Indian infrastructure industry Indian infrastructure companies Hyderabad Pune application engineering market development electronics services homologations outsourcing Gouri Agtey Athale The Economic Times Dileep Athavale Business Standard ravi karandeekar
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Wednesday, November 14, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Automotive Robotics, Rajeev Ranadive
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
marketRx acquisition opens up a client base of 75 life sciences customers, 20 largest pharmaceutical and 4 top biotechnology companies for Cognizant
Why the marketRx acquisition?Ramakrishnan Chandrasekaran: marketRx has a proven global delivery model for analytics, domain knowledge and proprietary analytics software platform that have helped the company build an impressive client list in the life sciences market. This was one of the main reasons that attracted us. This combines analytics, market research and software services to provide scalable, web-based solutions in three functional areas for life sciences companies: sales management and operations, brand marketing and product management, and market research.
The acquisition opens up for us a client base of 75 life sciences customers, including the largest 20 pharmaceutical companies and four out of the top five biotechnology companies. It expands our capabilities in the analytics segment and broadens our service offerings for the life sciences industry, while providing strong synergies with our existing business intelligence, data warehousing and customer relationship management services. The acquisition would also help us strengthen our offerings across all areas of the life sciences value chain.
New Jersey-based Cognizant, which started operations in 1994 as an in-house division of Dun & Bradstreet and Satyam Computer Services, has been the darling of Wall Street, much like Infosys in India. Ramakrishnan Chandrasekaran, president and managing director of the $2 billion company, spoke to Venkatesh Ganesh on the company's recent acquisition, its growth plans and strategy to compete against top Indian IT exporters.
: 'Our rupee expenditure is about 30 pc of our total expense': Hindustan Times.
Flickr: Stairway of Knowledge: Stairs in the life science institute of the university of Nijmegen.......represents the DNA helix with the lights as the building blocks of life....: *Pyrus*'s photos.
Cognizant New Jersey, USA marketRx acquisition life sciences market pharmaceutical companies biotechnology companies sales managemen brand marketing product management market research business intelligence data warehousing customer relationship management Dun & Bradstreet Satyam Computer Wall Street Infosys Venkatesh Ganesh top Indian IT exporters Pune IT news blog
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Tuesday, November 13, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Cognizant, Ramakrishnan Chandrasekaran
Monday, November 12, 2007
Global IT and BPO services firm Zensar Technologies, Pune, is set to acquire a SAP services provider in the Germany, Austria and Switzerland market
The proposed acquisition will help Zensar get a toe-hold in continental Europe and also bolster its revenues from SAP, reckoned as one of the fastest growing segments of the industry.
"We have short-listed 21 potential companies for acquisition and this will be further narrowed to a dozen. We expect to announce the acquisition this fiscal," said Zensar Technologies deputy chairman and MD Ganesh Natarajan.
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Tactile acquisition:"Understandably, Zensar has zoomed in on the German speaking market as it reckons that DACH countries, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, offer a huge business potential for SAP," said an analyst.
SAP, headquartered in Germany, is the third largest independent software company and is operating in a field dominated by US companies.
: Zensar set to buy European SAP service provider: Hema Ramakrishnan: The Economic Times.
: Flickr:
: Sumit Verma's photos.
: michael.biermann's photos.
Zensar Technologies Indian IT company Indian BPO global IT companies global IT consulting Indian IT consulting companies Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP) DACH market (Germany, Austria and Switzerland market) Europe media and entertainment space Japanese market OBT Global vertical vertical integration vertical strategy Hyderabad Bengaluru (Bangalore) UK market German language European IT companies US IT companies business potential Walldorf, Germany SAP solutions SAP services SAP ecosystem SAP Global AccuMed Global life science Bajaj Finance CLSA, Hong Kong Sirpur Paper Mills SEW EuroDrive Ankur Pharma Sharda Exports Spentex Sutlej Textiles (KK Birla Group) Sangam Group clients Pune IT news blog Delaware, USA acquisition acquisition company acquisition strategy Thoughtdigital, USA Oracle applications EZA, Tokyo, Japan
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Monday, November 12, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Ganesh Natarajan, zensar
Young Indian start-ups can now plug into the structured support systems
Over the past few months, two of the world's largest technology companies, Microsoft Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc., have announced a slew of initiatives for young technology start-ups in India, ranging from free consulting services to incubation facilities and access to product development labs, to steep discounts on new technology.
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Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Monday, November 12, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: College of Engineering-Pune, Microsoft, Microsoft Innovation Centre-Pune, Ravi Venkatesan- chairman-Microsoft India, Sun Microsystems Inc., Symbiosis International University, Technology Strat-ups
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Volkswagen will launch its locally produced small car in India by 2009 when its green field plant will be fully operational in Pune
Volkswagen, owners of luxury brands like Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti, too, has agreed that it is working on a small car for India. The company is already in the process of appointing autoparts suppliers to ensure uninterrupted supply of parts for its small car.
Kevin Rose, executive director, sales international, Volkswagen, said, "There are products on the drawing board and we expect to have a car soon just for India. This car will be a completely new model."
: Global majors rush for India car.
Flickr: Photos from
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Saturday, November 10, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: 1 lakh car, Kevin Rose, Ratan Tata, volkswagen
Is There a Third Way to Think About Low-Cost Cars?
Discussing Ratan Tata's 1 lakh car - and other entrants to the ultra-cheap car market - New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman wrote an "No, No, No, Don't Follow Us". Friedman argues following the American model of motorization would be catastrophic for India's economy and its environment. There is a third way for India: clean mass mobility
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Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Saturday, November 10, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Friday, November 9, 2007
Workers of Bajaj Auto who managed to get inside the Akurdi plant, feel it's meaningless as there is no work for them
C.P. Tripathi, vice president of BAL, said: 'The workers wanted to come inside so we allowed them. We are not going to resume production. That is very clear. So, they can have a big party, play cards, sing devotional songs. It is their choice.'
The workers are feeling like birds in a cage. They have to report at the plant at 6:30 am and sit idle the entire day till 3:30 pm.
The management has laid out carpets and installed television sets for the workers at the spare parts shop inside the plant.
: No work, all play at Bajaj's Akurdi plant: Keralanext.com
Posted by Ravi Karandeekar at Friday, November 09, 2007 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Bajaj Auto


text:
1 pkg.(6.5 oz.) Alouette® garlic & herbs spreadable cheese
1 10"-12" ready-to-use pizza crust
20 medium shrimp, cooked and peeled
3 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce
1 ½ teaspoons toasted pine nuts
Pre-heat oven to 450°F. Spread Alouette® Garlic & Herbs
spreadable Cheese on pizza crust to within 1" of edge. Drain
shrimp on a paper towel to remove excess moisture and
arrange shrimp on pizza. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Remove
from oven and dot with pesto sauce (a squeeze bottle works
well). Sprinkle with pine nuts. Slice and serve immediately.
Two 4 oz. pkgs. of Alouette® Garlic & Herbs spreadable
Cheese may be used in place of one 6.5 oz. pkg.
Serves 6 to 8
Refrigerate remainder
Can be eaten cold or gently reheated in microwave


text:
(or Forgetaboutit.)
who walked the kids to school and back.
of pedagogy that revive a new resilience ir not
Prerequisite to the Beginning of
Liberal Art
My goal & aim in all classes is to under cutt & undermine
otherwise be measurable out comes, taunt & tweak, mock
students won't know whether they're coming or going,
motivated or lazy: & down and down we go, round and
in under that old black magic called liberal art.
Can't be forced. Takes a pillage to raze a child
profane. Whatever's profane: make sacred.
sounds like.


text:
Its all in the mind, really
But I draw a fine line when it comes to astrology/numerology. I'm not the kind who'd call them absolute humbug. But I would not run, horoscope in hand, at the first instance of trouble striking.
I'm not a very religious person either. I follow traditions only to the extent that I can. And I do them for my own/immediate family circle's satisfaction or just of out of habit. My father says one should either follow the system to the T, or be bold enough to say NO to such practices. but I'm content to balance (not hang) somewhere in between.
I don't make a face or ruffle my nose when someone eats non-veg, and consider people who do make faces to be really rude. And I do not like comments such as "She claims to be a vegeterian, but try tempting her with this pastry, you'll know!". Yes I've tried eating eggs, but disliked them. But I do eat some cakes made of eggs, as hey, they are tasty, so. If asked whether I'm a veg or a non-veg, I say I'm veg. If someome says I'm not being true to myself they're wrong. And I will not try and argue with people to prove my point.
I keep a bindhi even when I wear jeans/skirts or the most elegant frock coat. Well, the size of the bindhi may be small (Resembles a mosquito bite, is what my mother would say). But I don't panic when my bindhi falls off even when I'm in a saree and I couldn't find the bindhi packet in my handbag;
But I'm a temple person. It is not that I need to visit temples on a regular basis, but when at close proximity, I make it a habit. So when this friend of mine said there's a Vinayakar Temple 5 mins from where I live, I set out. I usually google any place before I visit, but since my friend said its about 10 steps from the shop I frequent, I went without doing the usual homework. The Temple was a small one but I was happy that there's a place of worship to visit. After returning home, I surfed for some info like how long the temple has been there etc. and came to know that the place where the temple now stands was apparently a leisure centre. Also, the tone of the article in which I read this was meant to give an idea of how people have gone to the extent of huddling many Gods together in for convenience sake. I was jolted a bit but not utterly shocked. So what if the place where a Peter was probably swimming or running on the treadmill has now become the place where a Palani comes to seek blessings from God? One could pray with solemnity at any place (be it a temple or not) is my humble opinion.
Mind and our numerous beliefs could really get complex. Not very frequently, I have found myself contradicting what I used to believe/follow. But why not, I ask? Its ok to change as the circumstances so warrant.
11 comments:
- avdi said...
Bubs - lovely post. I am fairly ambivalent in my opinions as well, and like to keep an open mind.
- 24 March 2010 at 21:37
- avdi said...
BTW - the template is really nice. It is quite different from what I see around.
- 24 March 2010 at 21:38
- bouncingbubble said...
Av-I wish I had your ability of summing up so well. As for the template, it is simple but I like it a lot.
- 25 March 2010 at 02:36
- WhatsInAName said...
Wow! You echoed my sentiments. I am almost the same. I follow traditions as much as I can and want but if someone forces their opinion on me, I rebel! I have tasted non veg but have stopped it now. I still like eggs but don't make it at home since MIL is particular about it and Noone else likes it :)
Its really in the mind. Why follow something for others sake?
- 26 March 2010 at 00:52
- bouncingbubble said...
Wian:I really wish I liked eggs. It would be so much easier while traveling with no sparse veg fppd around and having to put up with a burger or a sub.
- 26 March 2010 at 05:50
- Shweta said...
Hi , I found your blog through Bhargavi's . Must say you write beautifully. I wish I could pen my thoughts so fluently. Great post.
- 26 March 2010 at 07:45
- bouncingbubble said...
Welcome to my blog, and thanks much!
- 27 March 2010 at 03:50
- Smita said...
I totally agree with you and the title mostly! It is all in the mind!
See I have never been one of those ppl who are too religious but when it comes to doing things which can make others happy my simple principle is "if doing something doesn't hurt and you and makes other happy then there is no harm in doing it" yes we shouldn't compromise or principles and neither shud we let these lead our life as in the case of ur fren!
We should know where to draw the line!
- 30 March 2010 at 21:08
- eye-in-sty-in said...
Isnt life all about feeling comfortable in ones own shoes.. as long as the walk's plesant and the shoe fits...wear it.. If it doesnt change it :-)
Loved the use of "gobsmacked"... I'll try to use it this week :-)
Did I say I loved this post?
The company we keep has a lot to do with our thoughts and actions... I'll not be surprised if your friend is surrounded by superstitious people....
(am I right?)
- 3 April 2010 at 21:16
- bouncingbubble said...
Smi-readin about the temple site, just made me ramble on whatever I've written.. as you've mentioned, i/o of just being stubborn we could just give in & do things for others' sake.
eisi:interestingly, my friend is not surrounded by superstitious ppl. but once you get into this kind of stuff and something good comes of it, you're afraid to detach yourself, lest something goes wrong..
- 4 April 2010 at 04:14
- Abhay Patel said...
lovely post. I like it. Thank you for sharing.
CAT 2012 Exams
- 11 January 2012 at 02:41


text:
Tarot Bomb!
The Questions ARE the Answers, One Card at a Time...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Page of Pentacles
1. What message(s) is your body telling you?
2. What are you uptight about? How can you relax?
3. Where is your sense of wonder about the natural world?
4. What value must you re-examine?
4. What new habit should you start?
Newer Post
Older Post


text:
What's up with BOMC.
It now makes such a huge update, it is hard to cater for multiple models from a bootable device .
Instead of just the latest, it adds multiple versions of everything.
EFI boot support ? na
Useful tool ? na
I'm a multi vendor/platform engineer, and having to work on IBM xseries makes me cringe.


text:
Today I got a TuesZava Surprise (Hint: Tuesday)! So you may be wondering what is your Zujava Surprise? I saw $$ on my affiliate earnings. I was very surprised because I got my first sale a couple of months ago and today I check my my dashboard and I see that two of my leaves got new numbers with them. What a beautiful way to start the day knowing you made sales! It surely made my day! Like you already know the amount of money you get from whatever sold is usually a few cents, but money is money and it's still valuable.
This are the two leaves that I made sales on:
Christmas Candy Canes Decorations for Home : This leaf is been sitting on tier2. The sales were related to my leaf which made me even happier! And to top it off the person didn't order one sale but more than one because the sum next to my affiliate earnings are more than $2 dollars!
Top Christmas Gifts for Kids Who Like to Draw: I was very surprised when I saw this leaf making sales because it's in the bottom tier, I didn't promoted, It doesn't get so much visitors but I guess the few visitors it gets come from organic traffic.
If you're a member of Zujava keep writing leaves, sales will come later on. If you're not a member yet you can sign up and make extra money in your spare time.


text:
Dairy Farmer Fed Woman With Cattle Hormone To Induce Miscarriage
A US dairy farmer hoping to induce a woman he impregnated to miscarry gave her a soft drink containing a cattle hormone sometimes used to force abortions in cows, police said.
William Stanley Sutton III, 25, added ProstaMate last week to a soft drink he gave to 21-year-old Lauren Ashley Tucker, according to documents in the US state of Maryland charging Sutton with reckless endangerment, assault and poisoning.
Tucker felt sick to her stomach and vomited after drinking the soft drink that "tasted nasty and burnt her throat," according to court records.
She went to the hospital on August 9, and the hospital reported a possible poisoning to police.
Tucker was treated and released and is now 15 weeks pregnant.
ProstaMate is a hormone given to cows in the breeding process to bring all cows in heat at the same time.
It can also be used to stimulate an early term abortion in a heifer that gets pregnant too young or a cow that mates with an undesired bull.
Tucker told authorities Sutton tried to get her to drink more of the soda, "telling her that soda helps an upset stomach," according to charging documents. She told police Sutton is the father of the foetus and that he wanted her to have an abortion, the records state.
Sutton told police he bought some ProstaMate from a veterinarian and put it in Tucker's drink while she was visiting him, according to the documents.
According to police, Sutton said he did not mean to harm Tucker, just to cause her to miscarry.
"It's an unthinkable type of situation," Kent County sheriff's Sergeant Glenn Owens said.
Sutton was charged on Monday. A judge released him on $US50,000 ($A61,170) bond and ordered him not to have contact with Tucker.


text:
For the last month I've been feeling lonely. I had a steady Gf from 18 to 21 and things fell apart the week I turned 21. Now for the past year I've been partying every weekend and club/bar hopping with the sketchy sorority girls. Well I'm 22 now and I'm a little tired of sleeping around and want something real but I still don't trust people yet. I heard it takes longer for men to move on then women and I'm starting to agree.
Most Helpful Girl
I think you just have to try and find someone that seems trustworthy and have them prove that through time. I don't think your problem is that you can't trust people and your goal shouldn't be to start trusting everyone. You should hand out your trust to people that seem deserving of it, and you just don't have anyone like that at the moment. Also keep in mind that everyone will make a mistake at some point. We even hurt ourselves in certain ways, and we forgive ourselves. The same should apply to someone else that you truly care about.00|00|0
I'm a poser now lol I'm a quiet caring kid at heart but now I'm fakkmg being social and happy when I go out but feel empty.
- Show AllShow Less
Unfortanutley I lost those when I started to drink too much and decided to push people away. I don't know the only good thing in my life right now is that I'm still passing college with good grades other than that I'm a mess.
It's a good thing things can be found again.


text:
The Drowning House by Elizabeth Black (Nan A. Talese; 288 pages; $25).
"If there was a sign, I missed it" begins Elizabeth Black's highly publicized debut, The Drowning House. Yea, if there was a sticker on the front of this book proclaiming it tired and tedious, I, too, missed it.
Photographer Clare Porterfield has suffered a huge blow, and her hometown of Galveston has called her home. Clare battles some tough inner demons, as she grapples with her daughter's death, a freak accident in the family backyard. She blames herself; strangely, she also blames her daughter, too eager to recreate the famous photo her mother took of her. With her marriage in shambles, Clare intends to put her heart and soul into her next project: directing an exhibition in Galveston, a place she has avoided for ten years.
She begins a monotonous search for her childhood friend, Patrick Carraday. Black drags out Clare's pursuit so much that I began to doubt his existence entirely. Through Clare's reminiscences of Patrick, it becomes clear they were playing with fire, literally, and were forced apart after a tragic accident.
Accidents seem to follow Clare around. So do family secrets. She does not share close relationships with either her mother or her sister. Her deceased father treated her with scorn and often stood outside her door as a child. There is an undercurrent of sexual abuse here, but Black holds back when she should have fleshed out this issue.
Clare cannot take command of the page. She is Black's main protagonist, yet she pales in comparison to Stella Carraday, a beautiful young woman who drowned in her family's home during the Great Hurricane of 1900. Local lore has made the story legendary: "Stella had been only seventeen when she drowned…So many strange things were said to have been discovered in the aftermath of the storm. A horse, thirsty and disoriented in a second-floor bedroom. Dead snakes dangling from the trees." Stella was supposedly found naked, hanging by her long hair from a chandelier, "the storm waters tore the clothes off most of the drowned."
Stella's intriguing story is interspersed throughout The Drowning House, but Black would have done well to have turned the tale into a dual narrative. I found Stella's scenes far more interesting than Clare's, especially once Black suggested Stella may actually have survived the storm. Stella's character presented an intriguing element, and Black may have been able to save this novel by embellishing this unique individual.
Despite all this discussion of what Black gets wrong, she does do a few things right. Black truly transports the reader to early 1990s Galveston and illustrates the great beauty of the island. "The sky was gulf blue, a color you see nowhere else, intense and full of light, a color that throws ordinary things into sharp relief and turns them into sudden visions." The smells of oleander and of salty air and the stories of hurricane legends provides an atmospheric quality to the story.
The Drowning House is utterly haunting in its descriptions of the Great Hurricane of 1900. Black somehow manages to show the gaping wounds the storm left on the island ninety years after its impact. Hurricanes alter landscapes; storms erode sand dunes and devastate families. Black does not let the Great Hurricane of 1900 destroy Stella's story, though, and, for me, that was why I kept reading this book. Too bad Black chose to write Stella as an afterthought; she deserved more, her character cried out for it.
Wonderful atmospheric qualities notwithstanding, The Drowning House is a disappointment. Black's storyline is too uneven, too unpolished. As a reader, I felt strung along and kept waiting for something more, for something better. Sadly, I never got it, but still I continued reading. I would have turned back, but missed the signs.


text:
In the spirit of the holiday season, and with all of the hallmark words floating around, I thought that today I would write about patience. The saying "patience is a virtue" are my words to live by. Case in point - gaining access to a much-wanted nylabone.
Lucky will often pick up the largest, yummiest looking nylabone in the house and settle down for a chew fest. This used to be very upsetting to me because I would want that particular nylabone too (even though there are other nylabones and an assortment of toys to choose from).
But, I learned that if I were very, very patient, the coveted nylabone would eventually be mine. All I have to do is lay quietly next to Lucky as she chews on the nylabone. I put my head down between my two front paws and stare intently as she chews... and chews... and chews. Finally, after what seems like forever, she finally stops. But, the nylabone isn't mine yet. No, I must be even more patient for Lucky will then rest her head next to the nylabone... and I dare not take it at this point. But, in time, Lucky will get bored and finally walk away and the nylabone will be mine, mine, mine! Ahhhhhh!
So, as you are dealing with the holiday madness - waiting in security lines at the airport, waiting for long lines in the shopping malls to move, waiting for Santa to finally arrive - remember this: Patience is a virtue... and, if you are very patient, eventually that "nylabone" will be yours.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
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