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A To Z Full Form Free Downlod Pd FA To Z Full Form Free Downlod Pd F is a collection of products with 90 downloads. The most lightweight of them are Ability Office (sized at 114,594) and Populist (sized at 137,227), while the largest one is TI-Nspire™ CAS Teacher Software with 328,733,698 bytes. It includes 39 freeware products like TechnoRiver Free Barcode SDK and The Complete Shakespeare Reader as well as commercial software like Greatis Form Designer .Net ($420) and Form Designer.Net ($399)
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My family loves queso. We eagerly sample the cheesy dip at any possible restaurant and rate accordingly. Factors such as color, consistency, spiciness, and additional ingredients are carefully weighed. Discussions ensue, arguments arise, factions result — there's Mexican, interior Mexican, and Tex-Mex varieties to differentiate. And then there's the whole aspect of just how that queso is eaten: scooped up on chips or tostadas, or with corn tortillas (and do you dip or roll the queso within)?
Naturally, we make our own at home — really, is any sort of gathering complete without queso? We think not.
Hummus inspires the same passion and intense debate. The Middle Eastern and Mediterranean staple is even claimed by separate countries, Israel and Lebanon. Restaurants here in Tel Aviv have devoted entire menus solely to hummus. Everyone has an opinion on just what constitutes the best.
Basics of Hummus
It seems there are three things everyone agrees upon as essential to any decent hummus recipe: chickpeas, tahini, and garlic.
Whether canned or dried, chickpeas are the primary ingredient in hummus. These wonderful legumes (also known as garbanzo beans) are quite good for you. They provide an amazing amount of fiber and protein as well as vitamins and minerals. Take a look at what's found in one cup of cooked chickpeas:
- 269 calories
- 45 grams carbohydrates
- 15 grams protein
- 13 grams dietary fiber
- 4 grams fat
- 0 grams cholesterol
- Vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C, iron, sodium, vitamin B-6, and magnesium
Tahini is a paste or sauce made out of sesame seeds. It's very versatile and can be used in any number of ways, including as a spread, replacement for peanut butter in recipes, addition to smoothies, and flavoring for grilled items.
The amount of garlic included is pervasive but subjective. Recipes call for varying amounts, and many specify "to taste." Garlic has many documented beneficial properties, and has been believed to a sports performance enhancer, aphrodisiac, and cancer preventative, among other claims.
Adding to Those Hummus Basics
Beyond the Big 3 Ingredients and whether the recipe is Israeli or Lebanese (or, for that matter, anything else), ingredients vary.
Pine nuts are usually toasted and added as a flavorful garnish.
Lemon juice, squeezed from one or two lemons, adds tartness.
Extra virgin olive oil shows up in a variety of ways: in the basic mix, drizzled on top, and as ingredient AND topper in a single recipe.
Spices, such as salt, pepper, and ground cumin, are found in varying amounts, often left to the cook's personal discretion.
Chopped herbs (parsley, cilantro) add color and a fresh taste.
3 Recipes for Perfect Homemade Hummus
Here are three representative recipes for homemade hummus. But, as Mulder and Scully always knew in The X-Files, "The truth is out there." You'll have to decide just what constitutes the perfect hummus for your palate.
And then we can argue over the ultimate hummus delivery vehicle…pita bread, sliced fresh veggies, falafel chips, a sandwich, kebabs, green salad….
Recipe #1: Gluten-Free Hummus
Chickpeas are both vegan and gluten free*, and glutenfreegirl.com shared this recipe from Cooking Gluten-Free! by Karen Robertson
1 can chickpeas (reserve 1/4 cup liquid when draining)
5 tablespoons tahini
3 tablespoons olive oil
juice of 2 lemons
2–4 cloves garlic
1/2 tablespoon sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
*If you're buying pre-made hummus, always check the label to make sure that nothing has been added that contains gluten.
Recipe #2: Israeli Hummus
The blogger at myjewishlearning.com shared this recipe from Foods of Israel Today by Joan Nathan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
2 cloves garlic (or to taste)
2 tablespoons pine nuts
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
ground pepper to taste
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup tahini
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 cup dried chickpeas
- Soak raw chickpeas in cold water overnight.
- Drain and rinse; place chickpeas in a heavy pot and cover with cold water. Bring to boil, then simmer (partially covered) until chickpeas are soft and skin begins to separate, about 60 minutes. Add water as needed.
- Drain chickpeas, reserving 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid. Set aside 1/4 cup cooked chickpeas to be used for garnish. Process chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and 1/2 cup liquid until a paste-like consistency. Add more liquid as necessary.
- Stirfry pine nuts in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
- Spread hummus on plate and make a depression in the center with the back of a spoon. Fill depression with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with remaining chickpeas.
Recipe #3: Lebanese Hummus
This recipe was shared by Salma Hage on her website and from her cookbook of the same name, The Lebanese Kitchen
28 ounces canned chickpeas
3 garlic cloves, peeled
4 tablespoons tahini
juice of 2 lemons
2 teaspoons sea salt
extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Drain chickpeas, reserving 1/4 cup liquid, and rinse.
- Combine chickpeas, garlic, and tahini in a food processor and grind.
- Add reserved liquid, half of the lemon juice, and salt. Add more lemon juice to taste.
- Process until smooth.

subset: commoncrawl


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A Collection of Miscellaneous Photorealistic Drawings
Categories: Gallery - People Portraits - Animal Portraits - Good cause
Here you can see a few of my drawings that couldn't be categorized on the other pages.
I make most of my drawings with pencil, but the trees you see here I made with pen.
Copyright © Remrov's Artwork / firstname.lastname@example.com / Shop / Contact / About / Wordpress / Fine Art America


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Simon Birch (1998)
Sep 11, 1998 114 min Watch Trailer
overview : Simon Birch tells the story of Joe and Simon's heart-warming journey of friendship. Simon Birch was born with a condition that makes him much smaller than all the other kids in town. Now, due to his condition, Simon thinks God made him this way for a reason and highly believes in God. Together, Joe and Simon go on a journey of trust and friendship to find the answers to many things. Their friendship is put to the test when some unfortunate events happen.
Genres : Comedy, Drama, Family
Tags : illegitimate son
Ashley JuddRebecca Wenteworth
Ian Michael SmithSimon Birch
Joseph MazzelloJoe Wenteworth
Oliver PlattBen Goodrich
David StrathairnRev. Russell
Dana IveyGrandmother Wenteworth
Beatrice WindeHilde Grove
Jan HooksMiss Leavey
Cecilley CarrollMarjorie
Jim CarreyAdult Joe Wenteworth
Sean FlynnJunior Lamb


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Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you have a daughter like mine, she will want one of the hottest toys around - a Monster High Doll!
Since the Monster High brand made its mark, taking over the YouTube home page on Friday the 13th for its official launch, the number 13 has proved appropriately lucky for this perfectly-imperfect brand. In 2012 Monster High kicked off a yearlong celebration of "Freaky Fab 13" – with special content unveils and activities for fans timed to the 13th of every month.
Check out some of the newest dolls and products that have been unveiled in time for Valentine's Day, to celebrate Draculaura's Sweet 1600:
C.A. Cupid: - The newest ghoul of Monster High, Cupid is the daughter of Eros, and is specialized in the dealings of relationships, with a focus on teenagers. She hosts a daily radio show from her station in the Monster High Catacombs.
The Sweet 1600 Doll Assortment: Featuring Draculaura, boyfriend Clawdeen Wolf, along with their fierce friends Frankie Stein and Clawdeen Wolf – the dolls are dressed to impress and ready for the event of the millennium.
Monster High Sweet 1600 Roadster: What is the ultimate gift for any ghoul celebrating her sweet 1600th birthday A freaky, fabulous two-seat convertible in her favorite colors – black and pink. Draculara will look fangtastic driving her new, sleek monster-mobile that comes complete with tires that move, a steering wheel that turns and a blinker control that allows Draculara to switch lanes.
- Once you Like Evan and Lauren's Cool Blog on Facebook share the link to Evan and Lauren's Cool Blog on Facebook.
- Grab my Blog Button and add it to your site and comment here you did. +2 entries
Contest closes Tuesday, February 14th, 2012.


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The next few weeks are chock-full of interesting science-related events. Here is a small sampling:
ScienceOnlineSeattle (What is: ScienceOnline Seattle), is in Seattle on April 16th, that is tonight at 7pm. There will be a livestream here.
The Story Collider (What is: The Story Collider) is in NYC, this Wednesday April 18th at 8pm. The theme is "Travel" and one of the storytellers will be our own Charles Q. Choi.
ScienceOnlineVancouver (What is: ScienceOnlineVancouver), is in Vancouver on April 19th
ScienceOnlineBayArea (What is: ScienceOnline Bay Area), is in San Francisco on April 19th
North Carolina Science Festival, April 13-29.
The Philadelphia Science Festival, April 20-29.
Triangle Science Tweetup #2 in Raleigh, on April 19th at 6pm.
Grand Opening of the Nature Research Center, the new wing of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh NC, Apr. 20-21st, will be a huge event, a 24-hour long opening with tons of fun stuff to do.
#NYCSciTweetup (What is: #NYCSciTweetUp), NYC, April 22nd (exact location TBA). I will not be there, but instead, the guest of honor will be someone much more fun - Karen James so try to make it if you can.
USA Science & Engineering Festival (What is: USA Science & Engineering Festival) will be in Washington D.C. on April 28th and 29th. Scientific American is a proud media partner.
Science Online NYC (What is: Science Online New York City), May 2nd. This is the first anniversary of the event. Instead of a panel, there will be an Open Mic, so come prepared to say something smart!
Many of these events are extensions of the ScienceOnline community, and some in more than obvious ways. For example - the opening of the NRC wing of the Museum. When you look at all the people who run the place, including several who were just recently hired, they are almost all ScienceOnline veterans (including past coorganizers and speakers): Meg Lowman, Kari Wouk, David Kroll, Brian Russell, Brian Malow, Helen Chappell, and more...


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Boy Scouting in Utah turns 93 or 90 this year depending on whether you count the first troop in the state or the first widespread Scouting effort. Either way, the Beehive State has one of the nation's longest-running Scouting legacies since the start of the Boy Scouts of America 93 years ago.
Troop No. 1 in Logan got its start in 1910, the same year as the Scouts first appeared in the Eastern United States.
"We're the oldest troop west of the Mississippi," Paul Davis, former Scoutmaster of Troop 1 and a current member of the troop's committee, said.
An Episcopal minister in Logan, John Paul Jones, originally from England, started the Cache Valley Scout troop, Davis said. The Boy Scouts originated in England under the guidance of Lord Robert Baden-Powell in 1909.
On May 21, 1913, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 15-month-old "MIA Scout" program was officially invited to join the Boy Scouts of America. This gave Utah its first widespread Scouting movement.
The LDS Church started its MIA Scouts on Nov. 29, 1911, to provide worthwhile leisure time and activities for its young men. The MIA Scouts held meetings for up to 30 minutes before or after the regular Mutual Improvement Association meetings on Tuesday nights. The first big conference of Salt Lake area Scouts was held on June 7, 1913, at Wandamere, a large park that is now Nibley Park Golf Course.
In 1919, two Utah Scout councils Great Salt Lake and Lake Bonneville (now the Trapper Trails Council) were formed. The Utah County Council, a forerunner to today's National Parks Council, started in 1921.
"We were among the earliest," Paul M. Tikalsky Jr., director of finance and marketing for the Great Salt Lake Council, said. He estimates there may be about 50 councils nationwide as old or older than Salt Lake City's. The East Coast probably has the oldest.
"But there's no official Troop No. 1 nationally," he said. Even in Salt Lake County, claims about who started the first troop are debatable.
By one account, Irwin Clawson of Salt Lake City is believed to have started the first Salt Lake Boy Scout troop in 1911. At age 18, he was considered too young to be a Scoutmaster, though, and had to settle for being an assistant until he reached age 21. He was honored at an "Expo" event at Lagoon in 1975 for his accomplishments. Clawson said at that time that the first Scouting activity he administered was an overnight camping trip up City Creek Canyon. He also felt Scouting ideals were unchanged from 1911 to 1975, though uniforms have changed.
By yet another account, T. George Woods started Salt Lake's first Scout troop in 1911 the Waterloo Ward, Granite Stake, LDS troop (another Troop No. 1). Woods, who died in 1964 at age 76, served as Scoutmaster for 15 years.
The Liberty Park LDS Ward also has one of Utah's oldest Scout troops.
Although the LDS Church was the first sponsoring organization for Scouts in Salt Lake City, Tikalsky said the Catholic Church started local Scouting units very soon after, and so did some other faiths. "The Catholic Church always had a Scouting presence in Utah too."
In addition to churches, some nonprofit groups have also sponsored local Scouting units from the early days. For example, Logan's Troop No. 1 was originally sponsored by the Episcopal Church. Today, it meets at the Episcopal Church but is sponsored by the Logan Lions Club, and at times in its history it was sponsored by the Elks Lodge and even the Fire Department. Today, Troop 1 in Logan involves almost 50 boys, about 30 percent of whom are LDS and come from wards where Scout programs have struggled.
"Historically, we're a non-affiliated troop," Davis said.
John L. Cross Sr., 84, historian for the National Parks Council, has been involved with Scouting for 73 years. Cross' father, Joseph Cross, was an English emigrant to Utah in 1913 and had served under Baden-Powell in England's military. He later became a Scout assistant for the Waterloo Ward's Troop No. 1.
"Stand up straight," Cross said, was a strong principle his father believed in from Powell's era. In fact, Cross said the principles of Scouting haven't changed at all since his youth.
"There have been many changes," he said. "But the principles are the same. . . . God comes first to a Boy Scout."
Early Scout uniforms in the 1920s resembled World War I military uniforms. They have changed a lot over the years. George W. Fowers of Pleasant Grove has an extensive collection of old Scout uniforms, manuals and memorabilia.
By 1928, LDS Church leaders had designated Scouting as the official activity program for deacons and teachers. In 1934, the church had 24,000 Boy Scouts, ages 12-16. By 1948, Cub Scouting was adopted by the church.
"The BSA and the (LDS) Church have forged a close working relationship," according to the Encyclopedia of Mormonism. "In partnership with the church, the BSA provides its programs, facilities, support and training. The church, in turn, provides youth, youth leaders, financial support and promotion of its implicit values.
"This relationship has flourished because Scouting continues to support wholesome leisure-time activities, to provide a spiritual view of life that is compatible with the church's teachings and to encourage boys and leaders to be loyal to the church."
Scouting has faced some challenges in recent years.
Kay Godfrey, foundation director for the Great Salt Lake Council, said the gay issue has quieted down a lot recently. He said atheists and girls wanting to join the BSA have caused a stir nationally but not in Utah. Also, some United Way organizations nationally have withheld funding because of the gay issue, but not in Utah.
He said persistent rumors the LDS Church may leave Scouting are unfounded. "Their commitment to Scouting is unwavering," Godfrey said.
Those who prey on youths and use Scouting as a vehicle to do so have been a problem everywhere, he said. The new adult leader screening process the BSA implemented this spring should help reduce that problem.
"The BSA is on the cutting edge of youth safety," Godfrey said.
He said the only real controversy Scouts in Utah currently have involves the Great Salt Lake Council the aftermath of last year's East Fork of the Bear River Fire, allegedly started by Boy Scouts.
"That's still being litigated," Godfrey said. "Most of what happens there now happens behind closed doors."
Utah Boy Scouts also sponsor some large events each year. The first Sunday in February is usually "Scout Sunday" at local churches. Each spring, they conduct a statewide food drive for the Utah Food Bank, and a Scout-A-Rama/Expo is held each May.
Christ United Methodist Church's Scout organization sponsors a popular "Buffalo Barbecue" in Salt Lake City each spring.
E-MAIL: [email protected]


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How To Change Your Page Settings: The following instructions may not be entirely accurate, but should be very close. How a webpage prints is just as much about the browser settings as it is the printer settings. There are many, many browsers available for public use. We do not pretend to even know all their names.
Try changing your browser settings first before your change any printer settings, especially if your other (non-web browser) files are already printing just like you want them to.
Just remember to write down your page settings before you change anything. Then you can easily revert back to how things were before you made any changes, by typing in the codes for the old settings.
Each brand of browser also has many versions, and the way to change the settings from version to version may also vary. The most popular browsers currently in use, according to our logfiles, are Internet Explorer and Thunderbird.
These instructions are for these two of the more popular browsers from our logfiles. They will probably get the job done for you, or get you close enough so that you can figure out exactly what to do for your browser or version.
1. Open your browser
2. At the top click File > Page Setup
3. Set Paper to Letter
4. Set Header to empty
5. Set Footer to empty
6. Set Orientation to Portrait
7. Set Left Margin to .25 inches
8. Set Right margin to .25 inches
9. Set Top Margin to .5 inches
10. Set Bottom Margin to .5 inches
11. Click OK
12. Print your calendar
1. Open your browser
2. At the top click File > Page Setup
3. Click Format & Options
4. Set Orientation to Portrait
5. Set Scale to 90%
6. Check Print Background
7. Click Margins & Header-Footer
8. Set all Margins to .5 inches
9. Set all 3 Header boxes to -blank-
10. Set all 3 Footer boxes to -blank-
11. Click OK
12. Print your calendar
Unfortunately, my calendar pages do not seem to print properly from the Opera browser. Netscape users should check with Netscape regarding their version's print settings. I have not tested Konqueror or any other browsers unnamed here.


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I-Network is an ICT for development (ICT4D) organization that is mainly supported by the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD).
First we thought the PC was a calculator. Then we found out how to turn numbers into letters with ASCII — and we thought it was a typewriter.
Then we discovered graphics, and we thought it was a television.
With the World Wide Web, we've realized it's a brochure ! !–Douglas Adams
To participate in ICT for development discussions, subscribe to our mailing list by sending an email with your full name, country of residence, job title and address to email@example.com
You could also fill out the form on Dgroup: I-Network Uganda.
More information on the mailing list can be found at http://www.dgroups.org
Follow I-Network updates on:


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Golden Years|__|Living off the Land|__|Subscribe Enterprise|
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Links|__|Photos|__|Archives|__|Classified|__|ENTERPRISE HOME PAGE
Van Horn Advocate
The article, entitled "Glory Days Again," points out that the oil bust of the 80s hit those two cities hard but their economies have recently turned around, thanks to one thing, cooperation.
According to the article, the turn around began when the two cities campaigned for, and received designation as a single Metropolitan Statistical Area in 1994. When major companies began to realize that there are more than 234,000 people in one area instead of about 100,000 each in two different cities they began to realize the potential of the region.
Midland and Odessa city, business and community leaders followed up this first step with more cooperative efforts that have added up to big improvements for the area.
Some elements of Pecos have also started to realize the potential of cooperation. Members of the Pecos Chamber of Commerce, city government, school district and Reeves County government appear to realize the benefits of cooperating to fund an economic development director position to improve economic conditions in the city and county.
Not all elements of the area recognize the value of cooperation, however. The Pecos Head Start program has been all but destroyed by petty bickering, finger pointing, blame shifting and name calling. As it stands the Community Council of Reeves County has given up trying to ride heard over the unruly group, at the urging of the federal organization that oversees the Head Start program.
Other groups and organizations in the area also suffer from small mindedness.
Hiring or appointing friends or relatives into positions they are not qualified for and then covering for their ineptness seems to be a way of life out here. In the past, that may have served to protect family groups in tough times.
Times now demand a larger vision. The only way the economy is going to improve in Reeves County and the Town of Pecos is if more people develop a vision for the whole area instead of just what is good for them individually.
More groups in Pecos and Reeves County need to join together and see what they can accomplish. When an economic development director is hired for the area he needs to concentrate on bringing the many groups that comprise this area together with a unified vision.
Much is said about the benefits of teamwork nowadays. When it comes to economic development, nothing works better than teamwork. If this area is going to improve economically the "me and mine first" attitude of the past must be put aside. A new attitude of cooperation must be put in place.
Editor's Note: Rick Smith is the City Editor and Enterprise writer whose column appears each Monday.
It seems the entire world had followed her marriage, the birth of two sons to her and Prince Charles and then the break-up of her marriage. We had all hoped, it seemed, that this would be a storybook life for the Prince and Princess but that was not to be.
The thirst for information on these two larger than life figures led to their pursuit by the news media and it is said by some that is what caused her death as she and her date were being pursued by the paparazzi - photographers who seek elusive pictures so as to sell them to the media.
Since those accusations, we have learned that the driver of the car in which the princess was riding was intoxicated past the point legally allowed.
We do not support the invasion of privacy by the paparazzi but that is also part of being in public life although Diana did not relish that role and sought to avoid being public.
Our hearts go out to her family, particularly her two sons who have lost a mother who from all appearances was very devoted to their lives.
The world has also lost a person who sought to help those who have not had good fortune in life, children suffering from ailments, the homeless and drug addicts.
Even though we didn't know her personally, it seems we have all lost a friend.
Mac McKinnon
Pecos Enterprise
Mac McKinnon, Publisher
Division of Buckner News Alliance, Inc.
324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
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Copyright 1997 by Pecos Enterprise
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Staying in hotels in Sydney is new to me - for so many years, my sister has provided a home base there, but now she's in Bathurst, I looked for somewhere reasonably cheap and close to public transport. Strathfield is between Olympic Park, where the fair is held, and the city - and I'd realised that I could also spend some time in the State Library looking at toy trade journals. So I booked the single ensuite room at Whelan's Hotel in Strathfield, which is heritage-listed - just down the road from the block of flats my Australian Nana managed in the 1960s and 70s. I was going to include some photos of the hotel, and my room there, complete with vintage furniture! but I get very frustrated at not being able to position photos across the page, as we used to be able to do on Blogger - I don't want lots and lots of blank space around photos that aren't dolls house-related, so if you want to see my photos of the hotel, you can find them on facebook (I may add them to flickr sometime, too).
I went to the Miniatures Fair on Saturday morning, soon after it opened, and again on Sunday afternoon, until it closed. I caught up with Anna-Maria (The Shopping Sherpa) and Norma of Make Mine Mini - here we are together:
Margaret Webster of Tamworth very kindly took this photo for us, and then Anna-Maria took one of me with Margaret:
(Margaret owns the first dolls house posted on the Mystery Houses page of Dolls Houses Past and Present, and I showed photos of her Milly Molly Mandy room at the Fair last year.)
I also met Emily of Architecture of Tiny Distinction, thanks to Anna-Maria bringing her over to introduce us!
I didn't take as many photos as last year or the year before, but here are some things that caught my eye.
A long street of houses, with two sides:
Visible in the background of this photo are many of the displays. On the far left is Davidia Williams' Shabby Chic Shop:
Davidia told me that she had had surgery this year, and so created something that was quick, rather than one of her very detailed period reconstructions (1960s Waldfrieden and modern 1226 Cliff Drive, Watsons Bay, in 2012; Tamara de Lempicka's 1930's Paris studio apartment last year, or the 1950s Rose Seidler House in 2009).
I guess for her it would take less time than those houses - there's still an incredible amount of detail in it, and I think she also made the Bear Hug shop and Japanese kitchen next to it (though she wasn't there on Sunday when I took these photos, so I couldn't check).
I'm sorry about the lopsided angles - there were two people sitting and talking right next to this display, so I couldn't get right in front of them.
Some exhibitors had made clever use of gift bags:
I love this scene of two little Caco girls making cupcakes!
There was also a Christmas bag room:
The Tamworth group had some shops too, including Margaret Webster's very inviting antiques shop, A Little Nostalgia. Spot the actual vintage items!
[EDIT: I have been asked to remove photos of another creation from Tamworth, a room in a book.]
Also from Tamworth were a lolly shop by Karen Brown:
[I have been asked to remove photos of a country kitchen made by another Tamworth member. It had a gun over the fireplace.]
Last year, Margaret Webster had a Milly Molly Mandy room - this year, someone else had Milly Molly Mandy's bedroom:
This one was made by Rhonda McDonald; I don't know where she is from.
Nearby was a witches' room, with a rather sad explanation:
Still in the realm of fantastic creatures was this Hut on Tyrannosaur's Legs, inhabited by Scribes, small genetically modified ground sloths:
This was created by Marilyn Pride, of the Blue Mountains group - I gather we'll see more of it next year.
Its neighbour in the display was a comics shop, guarded by a superhero:
I also photographed Margell Public School, which Anna-Maria bought:
It was created by a teacher who had always wanted to work in a one-teacher school, but never had the chance. (From what I've heard, it's very hard work - all years of primary school to plan for and teach, all the administrative work, and often all the cleaning too. I think a miniature one-teacher school would be much more fun!)
There were many, many more displays, but I hope you've enjoyed this small sample. I have yet to photograph my purchases, which I hope to do in the next few days. I also have quite a few photos from the 1972 and 1973 issues of the Australian toy trade journal, which I've started going through, plus a few more photos of my dolls houses in Bathurst - late April, early May is always such a rich time!


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Find out more about Hans Maurer's new book, "The Value Braid."
Two empty wooden boxes, which have clearly seen better days, loitering in serene harmony on the pavement outside a street cafe on State Highway 1. Thousands of cars pass by each day and pay no attention to these remnants from a by-gone era. Pedestrians deposit rubbish into the black bags encapsulated by these very roughly nailed together bits of timber. Could we have seen these boxes on the same spot yesterday? Probably. Are they likely to be there again tomorrow? More than likely.
Are they worth a second thought? Why is one of them yellow and the other one green? Why are there faded letters visible on the green one, spelling the word 'ALPACK'? How old are they? What was there original use?
And by now readers will be asking why SAUERKRAUT is getting so excited about a couple of old wooden boxes he nearly tripped over, rounding the corner in Tirau on a sunny Sunday's afternoon. Those blog afficionados with a little history in the produce industry will, just like I did, spot the irony of those two unlikely mates leading a peaceful co-existence. And if you are interested in understanding what functions these boxes used to have and what this had to do with the produce industry, please start with having a look at this document. Written only ten years ago but a life time away.
Posted: February 11th, 2013 under Industry Politics, Produce Companies, Supply Chain.
Tags: merchandise, Once Upon A TimeComments: none
What comes to your mind when you see a vehicle like this? Brightly coloured, two front bits and no rear end, a re-engineered middle and a ruddy great banana on the top of the roof?
I don't know about you, but what comes to my mind is that this very cleverly put together promotional vehicle reflects the state of our produce retail industry.
The two front bits represent respectively the supermarkets – Foodstuffs (New World, Pak N' Save) at one end and Progressive (Countdown/Wooolworths/Foodtown) at the other. The 'bit in the middle' is the rest of the retail industry – the urban green grocers, the fruit shops at the edge of town, the gate sellers, the farmers markets, the opportunitists at the roadside selling produce from their vans, the office fruit bowl stockists and the internet 'box of stuff' vendors.
There are several questions that play on my mind in connection with this state of the retail industry:
Let me start with this observation.
Fruit and vegetable ranges stocked in supermarkets are continuing to reduce, driven by item based shrink and profit consideration at both merchandise and buying office level. Buyers and category managers whose performance is judged by the profitability of narrow product categories are not prepared to gamble by stocking niche products. Store staff with insufficient training are not best placed to sell non-mainstream produce. So if I am looking for whitloof, fennel and red currants, I know that I will not find those in the supermarkets.
This thread will be continued over the next few weeks and comments are as always welcome.
Posted: June 6th, 2010 under Produce, Thoughtpieces.
Tags: equilibrium, merchandise, supermarket, value chainComments: none
I bought a book the other day. There is nothing surprising in that as I buy quite a few. The book's title, "How to catch a fish", should also not raise any eyebrows. I do enjoy trout fishing and catching a "fish" in this instance means trout.
What is fascinating though is the author's approach. Kevin Ireland is no mug. He is one of New Zealand's most acclaimed writers and has published four novels, two memoirs and fifteen volumes of poetry. He also likes trout fishing and has taken a very methodical approach in his book. Izaak Walton, the 17th century English author revered in trout literati circles, wrote in the Compleat Angler that "… fishing was employment for his idle time… that was not idly spent… a rest to his mind, a diverter of sadness, a moderator of passions… a procurer of contentedness; and that it begat habits of peace and patience in those that professed and practiced it." Read more »
Posted: May 29th, 2010 under Thoughtpieces.
Tags: fresh food, merchandise, ProduceComments: none
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Hi Supermoms,
To bake a lemon loaf has been in my bucket list for a very long time. As there are more 'citrus haters ' in my family, I kept postponing this bake until I saw a picture of Starbucks Lemon loaf sent to me by a cousin.
Oh My God!!! It looked just delicious. A simple tea cake with sugar glaze stole my heart.
I was excited to create my own version of a delicious yet healthy lemon loaf.
I wanted to tempt my family with a delicious looking cake...and guess what ? I succeeded. I omitted butter completely and used Olive Oil . I did not use refined sugar but used Organic brown sugar. I also used Whole Wheat Sugar to increase the fibre content in the cake.
When I started to bake this loaf, I did not plan to dress it up. I wanted to serve it as a warm cake during tea time. Sometimes baking disasters do happen and some foodfixes help us out ! I had forgotten to grease the baking pan in overexcitement and you know what came by !!! The cake was super moist...but just broke during my frantic efforts to remove it from the pan!!!!
I was disappointed ...but for just a minute!!! I tasted the cake and it was simply delicious. Did not want to present a unappealing 'broken' cake. So, it was time for a FOODFIX!!!
The 'intuition brain' in me started to work real fast....and this is what I did :
First ,I placed a long cling film inside the empty loaf pan, put the broken loaf on top of the film . Gently pressed to bind and cling wraped tightly.I refrigerated the loaf for a full day.
It was worth the wait as I got a neat loaf ...look at it !!!
2. I did not want any trace of cracks to be seen (told you earlier that I wanted to tempt my family with an attractive ' Lemon Cake' for the other wise Chocolate Loving bunch! ).........
So, covered up the cake with butter cream and seasonal fruits!!!!!!!
The cake was just too delicious and I was in double joy as I had baked a yummilicious cake and also fixed the flaw ! After the cream and fruit frosting I freezed the cake just for a few minutes before slicing . And to my delight ,the cake slices were firm and did not break at all. Sent Cake love to my daughter's friends too!
Lemon Cake with Cream and Fruits :
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time :25 minutes
Serves :4 to 6
Kitchen Equipments Required : A whisk and Spatula
Measurements : 1 cup = 250ml
Ingredients :
1. Whole Wheat Flour - 1 Cup
2. Organic Brown Sugar -1 Cup
3. Olive Oil -1/2 cup
4. Egg -1
5. Vanilla Extract -1 teaspoon
6. Lemon juice -2 tablespoon
7. Lemon rind -1/2 teaspoon
8. Baking powder -1 teaspoon9. Milk -1 tbsp ( plus extra if required)
Method :
1. Get all your ingredients ready. GREASE YOUR LOAF PAN.
2. Mix the dry ingredients together with a fork. In a bowl, add sugar, oil and one whisked egg. Mix well using a whisk. Add the dry ingredients to this bowl.
3. Using a spatula, fold the batter to mix. Do not over mix. The batter will be thick and sticky.
4. Add the Vanilla essence, lemon juice , lemon rind and fold again.
5. Add little milk if the batter is too thick.
6. Transfer the batter to a loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C in the middle rack for 25 minutes or till the time a toothpick inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake in a rack for 10 minutes and you can slice and enjoy the cake with your coffee or tea. A perfect after dinner dessert too! Frosting is optional as the cake is so delicious on it's own. You can give it a simple sugar glaze and the cake is ready to be served!!!
"Cooking is love made visible".....how true !!! And that is all that matters!
Just don't forget to grease the pan or rather forget and have FUN !!!!!!
Chef Tips:
1. If you want to omit eggs, you can add 1/4 cup of thick whisked yoghurt or Flaxegg.
2. You can bake in any pan , infact if you are sending these to school,then baking in muffin pans is a better option.
3. You can add chocolate chips to the batter to give your loved one that little surprise.
4. You can add butter instead of Olive Oil for that creamy texture.
5. If you have an electric beater, then beat the butter to get a fluffy texture before you add the sugar.
6. You can try this recipe with other citus fruits as well.
7. Do not overbeat as the cake might sink in.
Happy Cooking !!!
With love,
MasterchefmomThis is an entry to #FoodTalesWithTinyOwl
You can choose your favourite dishes from thousands of menus available for delivery and place your order @ TinyOwl's Android and iOS app. Explore the app to see more features.


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Your Health After Alcohol Poisoning
You hear about it every once in a while — a college kid partied too hard during rush week or a holiday office party got out of hand — but alcohol poisoning is no laughing matter. A consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, alcohol poisoning affects your breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex and can lead to coma or death if not addressed immediately.
Chronic binge drinking can lead to serious health risks, including irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, stroke, fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, weakened immune system and breast, liver, throat and mouth cancers. Binge drinking is considered consuming four or more drinks in two hours for women and five or more for men. The fact is, even people who drink regularly do not usually intend to drink to the point of alcohol poisoning, and it is a terrifying experience. So how do you recuperate?
Drink a lot of fluids. Seriously … a lot. Alcohol depletes your body of water and electrolytes, and this can lead to a range of health issues. Spend the days after alcohol poisoning drinking double or triple your usual amounts of water.
Avoid caffeine. While many people use coffee to avoid having a hangover, coffee aids in dehydration. Stick with water and sports drinks to replenish your store of electrolytes and avoid a killer headache.
Rest and sleep. You may experience soreness from muscle contractions used in throwing up. While you should avoid sleeping in the first 24 hours of alcohol poisoning (so that a friend or family member can monitor your consciousness), you can sleep to relieve headaches and fatigue that will occur in the days following.
If you or a friend is experiencing the signs of alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately, especially if the person loses consciousness.
Legal Stuff: We should remind everyone that our blog entries are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. If you're going to drink, do it legally and responsibly; don't be stupid =).


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This programme, accredited by the Royal Statistical Society (RSS), equips aspiring professional statisticians with the skills they will need for posts in industry, government, research and teaching. It is suitable preparation too for careers in other fields requiring a strong statistical background.
Students whose mathematical and statistical background is insufficient for direct entry on to the appropriate programme, may apply for this course. The first year of the programme gives you a strong background in statistics, including its mathematical aspects, equivalent to the Graduate Diploma in Statistics. This is followed by the MSc in Statistics with Finance.
About the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (SMSAS)
The School has a strong reputation for world-class research and a well-established system of support and training, with a high level of contact between staff and research students. Postgraduate students develop analytical, communication and research skills. Developing computational skills and applying them to mathematical problems forms a significant part of the postgraduate training in the School. We encourage all postgraduate statistics students to take part in statistics seminars and to help in tutorial classes.
The Statistics Group is forward-thinking, with varied research, and received consistently high rankings in the last two Research Assessment Exercises.
Statistics at Kent provides:
- a programme that gives you the opportunity to develop practical, mathematical and computing skills in statistics, while working on challenging and important problems relevant to a broad range of potential employers
- teaching and supervision by staff who are research-active, with established reputations and who are accessible, supportive and genuinely interested in your work
- advanced and accessible computing and other facilities
- a congenial work atmosphere with pleasant surroundings, where you can socialise and discuss issues with a community of other students.
National ratings
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, research by the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science was ranked 25th in the UK for research power and 100% or our research was judged to be of international quality.
An impressive 92% of our research-active staff submitted to the REF and the School's environment was judged to be conducive to supporting the development of world-leading research.
Course structure
Linear algebra, analysis, regression and probability and inference are core topics for the first year of this two-year programme, which also includes a dissertation module. In the second year, stochastic models and processes, Bayesian statistics and the analysis of large data sets are among the range of topics explored.
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.
|Compulsory modules currently include
MA5513 - Real Analysis 2
This module builds on the Stage 1 Real Analysis 1 module. We will extend our knowledge of functions of one real variable, look at series, and study functions of several real variables and their derivatives.
The outline syllabus includes: Continuity and uniform continuity of functions of one variable, series and power series, the Riemann integral, limits and continuity for functions of several variables, differentiation of functions of several variables, extrema, the Inverse and Implicit Function Theorems.View full module details
MA602 - Project in Statistics or Probability
This modules offer students the opportunity to work on a project in statistics or probability. Student choose a project and supervisor during the Autumn term and work on the project with the support of the supervisor in the Spring term. The module offers the opportunity to develop their skills in self-study and report writing.View full module details
MA6507 - Mathematical Statistics
Probability: Joint distributions of two or more discrete or continuous random variables. Marginal and conditional distributions. Independence. Properties of expectation, variance, covariance and correlation. Poisson process and its application. Sums of random variables with a random number of terms.
Transformations of random variables: Various methods for obtaining the distribution of a function of a random variable —method of distribution functions, method of transformations, method of generating functions. Method of transformations for several variables. Convolutions. Approximate method for transformations.
Sampling distributions: Sampling distributions related to the Normal distribution — distribution of sample mean and sample variance; independence of sample mean and variance; the t distribution in one- and two-sample problems.
Statistical inference: Basic ideas of inference — point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing.
Point estimation: Methods of comparing estimators — bias, variance, mean square error, consistency, efficiency. Method of moments estimation. The likelihood and log-likelihood functions. Maximum likelihood estimation.
Hypothesis testing: Basic ideas of hypothesis testing — null and alternative hypotheses; simple and composite hypotheses; one and two-sided alternatives; critical regions; types of error; size and power. Neyman-Pearson lemma. Simple null hypothesis versus composite alternative. Power functions. Locally and uniformly most powerful tests. Composite null hypotheses. The maximum likelihood ratio test.
Interval estimation: Confidence limits and intervals. Intervals related to sampling from the Normal distribution. The method of pivotal functions. Confidence intervals based on the large sample distribution of the maximum likelihood estimator – Fisher information, Cramer-Rao lower bound. Relationship with hypothesis tests. Likelihood-based intervals.
In addition, for level 6 students:
Bayesian Inference: Prior and posterior distributions, conjugate prior, loss function, Bayesian estimators and credible intervals. Examples of application.View full module details
MA6508 - Applied Statistical Modelling 1
Constructing suitable models for data is a key part of statistics. For example, we might want to model the yield of a chemical process in terms of the temperature and pressure of the process. Even if the temperature and pressure are fixed, there will be variation in the yield which motivates the use of a statistical model which includes a random component. In this module, students study linear regression models (including estimation from data and drawing of conclusions), the use of likelihood to estimate models and its application in simple stochastic models. Both theoretical and practical aspects are covered, including the use of R.
Indicative content: Simple linear regression; the method of least squares; sums of squares; the ANOVA table; residuals and diagnostics; matrix formulation of the general linear model; prediction; variable selection; one-way analysis of variance; practical regression analysis using software; multivariate normal distribution; logistic regression (level 6 only).View full module details
MA346 - Linear Algebra
This module is a sequel to Algebraic Methods. It considers the abstract theory of linear spaces together with applications to matrix algebra and other areas of Mathematics (and its applications). Since linear spaces are of fundamental importance in almost every area of mathematics, the ideas and techniques discussed in this module lie at the heart of mathematics. Topics covered will include vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalisation, orthogonality and applications including conics.View full module details
|Optional modules may include
MA501 - Statistics for Insurance
This module covers aspects of Statistics which are particularly relevant to insurance. Some topics (such as risk theory and credibility theory) have been developed specifically for actuarial use. Other areas (such as Bayesian Statistics) have been developed in other contexts but now find applications in actuarial fields. Stochastic processes of events such as accidents, together with the financial flow of their payouts underpin much of the work. Since the earliest games of chance, the probability of ruin has been a topic of interest. Outline Syllabus includes: Decision Theory; Bayesian Statistics; Loss Distributions; Reinsurance; Credibility Theory; Empirical Bayes Credibility theory; Risk Models; Ruin Theory; Generalised Linear Models; Run-off Triangles.View full module details
ENLA6001 - Advanced English for Academic Study in the Applied Sciences
The focus of the module is on the development of the advanced English language competence necessary for post graduate study in scientific disciplines. This includes the ability to interpret and evaluate authentic scientific texts; analyse, discuss and summarise written and visual information both in writing and orally; organise written texts effectively and submit them in grammatically accurate English, and present the results of research orally in a coherent and stimulating way.View full module details
MA6529 - Statistical Learning
Multivariate normal distribution, Inference from multivariate normal samples, principal component analysis, mixture models, factor analysis, clustering methods, discrimination and classification, graphical models, the use of appropriate software.View full module details
MA636 - Stochastic Processes
Introduction: Principles and examples of stochastic modelling, types of stochastic process, Markov property and Markov processes, short-term and long-run properties. Applications in various research areas.
Random walks: The simple random walk. Walk with two absorbing barriers. First–step decomposition technique. Probabilities of absorption. Duration of walk. Application of results to other simple random walks. General random walks. Applications.
Discrete time Markov chains: n–step transition probabilities. Chapman-Kolmogorov equations. Classification of states. Equilibrium and stationary distribution. Mean recurrence times. Simple estimation of transition probabilities. Time inhomogeneous chains. Elementary renewal theory. Simulations. Applications.
Continuous time Markov chains: Transition probability functions. Generator matrix. Kolmogorov forward and backward equations. Poisson process. Birth and death processes. Time inhomogeneous chains. Renewal processes. Applications.
Queues and branching processes: Properties of queues - arrivals, service time, length of the queue, waiting times, busy periods. The single-server queue and its stationary behaviour. Queues with several servers. Branching processes. Applications.
Marks on this module can count towards exemption from the professional examination CT4 of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Please see http://www.kent.ac.uk/casri/Accreditation/index.html for further details.View full module details
MA639 - Time Series Modelling and Simulation
A time series is a collection of observations made sequentially in time. Examples occur in a variety of fields, ranging from economics to engineering, and methods of analysing time series constitute an important area of statistics. This module focuses initially on various time series models, including some recent developments, and provides modern statistical tools for their analysis. The second part of the module covers extensively simulation methods. These methods are becoming increasingly important tools as simulation models can be easily designed and run on modern PCs. Various practical examples are considered to help students tackle the analysis of real data.The syllabus includes: Difference equations, Stationary Time Series: ARMA process. Nonstationary Processes: ARIMA Model Building and Testing: Estimation, Box Jenkins, Criteria for choosing between models, Diagnostic tests.Forecasting: Box-Jenkins, Prediction bounds. Testing for Trends and Unit Roots: Dickey-Fuller, ADF, Structural change, Trend-stationarity vs difference stationarity. Seasonality and Volatility: ARCH, GARCH, ML estimation. Multiequation Time Series Models: Spectral Analysis. Generation of pseudo – random numbers, simulation methods: inverse transform and acceptance-rejection, design issues and sensitivity analysis.
Marks on this module can count towards exemption from the professional examination CT6 of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Please see http://www.kent.ac.uk/casri/Accreditation/index.html for further details.View full module details
|Compulsory modules currently include
MA881 - Probability and Classical Inference
This course introduces (and revises for some students) the essentials of probability and classical (frequentist) statistical inference, which provide the backbone for later modules.
Syllabus: Probability: axioms, marginal, joint and conditional distributions, Bayes theorem, important distributions, generating functions and various modes of convergence. Classical Inference: Sampling
distributions. Point estimation: consistency, Cramer-Rao inequality, efficiency, sufficiency, minimum variance unbiased estimators. Likelihood. Methods of estimation. Hypothesis tests: maximum likelihood-ratio test, Wald and score tests, profile and test-based confidence intervals.View full module details
MA882 - Advanced Regression Modelling
Linear model. Least squares. General linear model; simple and multiple regression, polynomial regression. Model selection, residuals, outliers, diagnostics. Analysis of variance. Generalised linear model.
Discrete data analysis. Review of Binomial, Poisson, negative binomial and multinomial distributions. Properties, estimation, hypothesis tests.
Contingency tables. Tests for independence. Measures of association. Logistic models.
Multidimensional tables. Log–linear models; fitting and model selection.View full module details
MA883 - Bayesian Statistics
Bayes Theorem for density functions; Conjugate models; Predictive distribution; Bayes estimates; Sampling density functions; Gibbs and Metropolis-Hastings samplers; Winbugs/OpenBUGS; Bayesian hierarchical models; Bayesian model choice; Objective priors; Exchangeability; Choice of priors; Applications of hierarchical models.View full module details
MA886 - Financial Econometrics
Stationary Time Series: Stationarity, Autocovariance and autocorrelation functions, Partial autocorrelation functions, ARMA processes. ARIMA Model Building and Testing: Estimation, Box Jenkins, Criteria for choosing between models, Diagnostic tests for the residuals of a time series after estimation. Forecasting: Holt-Winters, Box-Jenkins, Prediction bounds. Distributional properties of asset returns, Regression test for CAPM, Multifactor models, Financial applications of AR, MA, and ARMA, Predicting asset returns, ARCH and GARCH models, Random walk hypothesis tests, Volatility processes.View full module details
MA942 - Data Science with R
Introduction: Machine learning and data visualisation with R.
Classification and prediction: Generalised linear model (GLM), linear discrimination analysis (LDA), k-nearest neighbors (KNN). R-based worked examples.
Resampling methods: Cross-validation (CV) and bootstrap. R-based worked examples.
Regression tree-based methods: Classification and regression trees (CART), bagging, random forests and boosting. R-based worked examples.
Support vector machines (SVM): Support vector classifier, regression SVM. R-based worked examples.
Machine Learning in Action:
(a) Biomedical and health data analysis;
(b) Bond default data analysis;
(c) Insurance data analysis;
(d) Financial data analysis;
(e) Other big data analysis.View full module details
|Optional modules may include
MA7529 - Statistical Learning
Multivariate normal distribution, Inference from multivariate normal samples, principal component analysis, mixture models, factor analysis, clustering methods, discrimination and classification, graphical models, the use of appropriate software.View full module details
MA836 - Stochastic Processes
Introduction: Principles and examples of stochastic modelling, types of stochastic process, Markov property and Markov processes, short-term and long-run properties. Applications in various research areas.
Random walks: The simple random walk. Walk with two absorbing barriers. First–step decomposition technique. Probabilities of absorption. Duration of walk. Application of results to other simple random walks. General random walks. Applications.
Discrete time Markov chains: n–step transition probabilities. Chapman-Kolmogorov equations. Classification of states. Equilibrium and stationary distribution. Mean recurrence times. Simple estimation of transition probabilities. Time inhomogeneous chains. Elementary renewal theory. Simulations. Applications.
Continuous time Markov chains: Transition probability functions. Generator matrix. Kolmogorov forward and backward equations. Poisson process. Birth and death processes. Time inhomogeneous chains. Renewal processes. Applications.
Queues and branching processes: Properties of queues - arrivals, service time, length of the queue, waiting times, busy periods. The single-server queue and its stationary behaviour. Queues with several servers. Branching processes. Applications.
In addition, level 7 students will study more complex queuing systems and continuous-time branching processes.View full module details
MA837 - Mathematics of Financial Derivatives
This module introduces the main features of basic financial derivative contracts and develops pricing techniques. Principle of no-arbitrage, or absence of risk-free arbitrage opportunities, is applied to determine prices of derivative contracts, within the framework of binomial tree and geometric Brownian motion models. The interplay between pricing and hedging strategies, along with risk management principles, are emphasized to explain the mechanisms behind derivative instruments. Models of interest rate and credit risk are also discussed in this context. Outline syllabus includes: An introduction to derivatives, binomial tree model, Black-Scholes option pricing formula, Greeks and derivative risk management, interest rate models, credit risk models.
Marks on this module can count towards exemption from the professional examination CT8 of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Please see http://www.kent.ac.uk/casri/Accreditation/index.html for further details.View full module details
Teaching and Assessment
The programme is assessed by coursework and written examinations. In the second year, there is also a substantial dissertation.
Programme aims
This programme aims to:
- give you the depth of technical appreciation and skills appropriate to Masters' level
- students in statistics
- equip you with a comprehensive and systematic understanding of theoretical and
- practical statistics, and their uses in finance
- develop your capacity for rigorous reasoning and precise expression
- develop your capability to formulate and solve problems relevant to statistics
- develop your appreciation of recent developments in statistics and the links
- between the theory of statistics and financial modelling (and other areas of application)
- develop your logical, mathematical approach to solving problems
- develop your enhanced capacity for independent thought and work
- ensure you are competent in the use of information technology, and are familiar
- with computers and relevant software
- provide you with opportunities to study advanced topics in statistics, engage in research at some level, and develop communication and personal skills
- provide you with the depth of knowledge of the subject sufficient to enter a career as a professional statistician or appropriate career in quantitative finance
- provide a deep understanding of the use of statistics in finance and financial econometrics.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You will gain knowledge and understanding of:
- probability and statistics and the range of principles involved
- the links between different statistical concepts and methods
- advanced information technology skills relevant to statisticians
- a comprehensive range of methods and techniques appropriate to statistics at postgraduate level
- the role of logical mathematical argument and deductive reasoning
- an appreciation of particular subject areas to which statistics is applied, particularly finance, and the important role of statistics in those areas
- an appreciation of the use of statistics in finance and the probabilistic concepts involved.
Intellectual skills
You develop intellectual skills in:
- the ability to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the main body of statistical knowledge
- the ability to demonstrate skill in calculation and manipulation of data
- the ability to apply a range of statistical concepts and principles in various challenging contexts
- the ability for logical argument
- the ability to demonstrate skill in solving complex statistical problems using appropriate and advanced methods
- the ability in relevant computer skills and usage
- the ability to work with relatively little guidance
- the ability to evaluate research work critically.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in:
- the ability to demonstrate knowledge of advanced statistical concepts and topics, both explicitly and by applying them to the solution of problems
- the ability to demonstrate knowledge of statistical modelling techniques commonly applied to finance
- the ability to abstract the essentials of problems to facilitate statistical analysis and interpretation
- the ability to present statistical analyses and draw conclusions with clarity and accuracy.
Transferable skills
You will gain the following transferable skills:
- problem-solving skills: the ability to work independently to solve problems involving qualitative or quantitative information
- communication skills, including the capacity to report to others on analyses undertaken
- computational skills
- information-retrieval skills involving a range of resources
- information technology skills including scientific word-processing
- time-management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working
- skills needed for continuing professional development.
Students often go into careers as professional statisticians in industry, government, research and teaching but our programmes also prepare you for careers in other fields requiring a strong statistical background. You have the opportunity to attend careers talks from professional statisticians working in industry and to attend networking meetings with employers.
Recent graduates have started careers in diverse areas such as the pharmaceutical industry, financial services and sports betting.
Professional recognition
The taught programmes in Statistics and Statistics with Finance provide exemption from the professional examinations of the Royal Statistical Society and qualification for Graduate Statistician status.
Study support
Postgraduate resources
Kent's Computing Service central facility runs Windows. Within the School, postgraduate students can use a range of UNIX servers and workstations. Packages available include R, SAS, MATLAB, SPSS and MINITAB.
Dynamic publishing culture
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Annals of Statistics; Biometrics; Biometrika; Journal of Royal Society, Series B; Statistics and Computing. Details of recently published books can be found within our staff research interests.
Global Skills Award
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
Entry requirements
A good first degree (or the equivalent) in an appropriate quantitative subject.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and experience will also be taken into account.
International students
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information for your country. Please note that international fee-paying students cannot undertake a part-time programme due to visa restrictions.
English language entry requirements
The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.
For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages.
Need help with English?
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
Research areas
Biometry and ecological statistics
Specific interests are in biometry, cluster analysis, stochastic population processes, analysis of discrete data, analysis of quantal assay data, overdispersion, and we enjoy good links within the University, including the School of Biosciences and the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology. A recent major joint research project involves modelling the behaviour of yeast prions and builds upon previous work in this area. We also work in collaboration with many external institutions.
Bayesian statistics
Current work includes non-parametric Bayes, inference robustness, modelling with non-normal distributions, model uncertainty, variable selection and functional data analysis.
Bioinformatics, statistical genetics and medical statistics Research covers bioinformatics (eg DNA microarray data), involving collaboration with the School of Biosciences. Other interests include population genetics, clinical trials and survival analysis.
Nonparametric statistics
Research focuses on empirical likelihood, high-dimensional data analysis, nonlinear dynamic analysis, semi-parametric modelling, survival analysis, risk insurance, functional data analysis, spatial data analysis, longitudinal data analysis, feature selection and wavelets.
Staff research interests
Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website.
Dr Diana Cole: Senior Lecturer in Statistics
Branching processes in biology; cell division models; ecological statistics; generalised linear mixed models; identifiability.; parameter redundancy.View Profile
Dr Alfred Kume: Senior Lecturer in Statistics
Shape analysis; directional statistics; image analysis.View Profile
Dr Alexa Laurence: Lecturer in Statistics
Medical statistics and applied statistics.View Profile
Dr Fabrizio Leisen: Senior Lecturer in Statistics
Bayesian nonparametrics; MCMC, Urn models; Markov and Levy processes; Move-to-Front and Move-to-Root allocation rules.View Profile
Dr Owen Lyne: Lecturer in Statistics
Stochastic epidemic models; applied probability; simulation; statistical inference; goodness of fit; branching processes; martingales; medical education.View Profile
Professor Byron Morgan: Professor of Applied Statistics
Biometry; cluster analysis; stochastic population processes; psychological applications of statistics; multivariate analysis; simulation; analysis of quantal assay data; medical statistics; ecological statistics; overdispersion; estimation using transforms.View Profile
Dr Rachel McCrea: Research Associate
Integrated population modelling of dependent data structures.View Profile
Professor Martin S Ridout: Professor of Applied Statistics
Analysis of discrete data in biology; generalised linear models; overdispersion; stochastic models; transform methods.View Profile
Dr Xue Wang: Lecturer in Statistics
Bayesian nonparametric methods; copula function with its applications in finance; wavelet estimation methods.View Profile
Professor Jian Zhang: Professor of Statistics
Semi and non-parametric statistical modelling; statistical genetics with medical applications; Bayesian modelling; mixture models; neuroimaging.View Profile
The 2019/20 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
|Statistics with Finance (International Masters) - MSc at Canterbury:
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact firstname.lastname@example.com
General additional costs
Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:
- University and external funds
- Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering this programme.


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01.06.09 Ancient Chinese healing art points the way to a pain-free pregnancy
Pregnancy can bring all sorts of aches and pains that you never imagined. Well, a new Swedish study points to acupuncture as a possible reliever for a specific suffering that affects about 30 percent moms-to-be—pelvic pain, ">Reuters reports. (Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles to stimulate certain areas linked to organs in order to restore balance and health in the body.)
">Reuters says that researchers in Sweden found that "sensory stimulation" from both styles of acupuncture—traditional and non-penetrating—helped ease pelvic pain in a study of 115 expectant women. The study cites that pelvic pain was markedly lower for both groups, making neither acupuncture styles more effective than the other. Several of the participating women were able to continue working and other daily activities for a longer period of time than women who took sick leave due to the pelvic pain. Pelvic pain is one of the leading causes of disability and the need for sick leave during pregnancy, Reuters reports.
There's a long list of benefits from acupuncture, what with Chinese medicine identifying more than 2,000 acupuncture points throughout the body plus more women seeking drug-free treatments for pregnancy woes. Studies show that acupuncture can improve your changes of conceiving, especially when combined with in vitro fertilization. Research also shows that this natural remedy can help ease morning sickness, not to mention swelling, back and labor pain.
Mind you, acupuncture is not for everyone. So if you can't stand needles, this alternative approach to pain relief might not be right for you. Remember, some insurance companies might not cover acupuncture expenses. Also, make sure you avoid the stimulation of certain points during pregnancy, such as the intestine or spleen, because it could bring on labor.
Maria Vega is Fit Pregnancy magazine's copy editor. She wonders if acupuncture would help her allergies.


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Sunday, May 25, 2014
Sketcing a Dragon
This is Dusty, the bearded dragon, he's from Australia and currently lives with his mate, Matilda, in the Discovery Room at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven, CT
The Big Brown Bats above were taxidermy specimens also in the Discovery Room.
But back to Dusty. A reptiles skin is really fascinating. The frill, the folds and all the scales and patterning were incredible beautiful, subtle and varied and that's what I wanted to focus on.
I started with a Gray Ultra Fine Point Sharpie which is a pen I've grown to like a lot over the past few months. Of course it's permanent and waterproof like all Sharpies but I like it because of its color. A soft, subtle gray that's perfect to begin a drawing with if you plan to work over your initial sketch with other media, which is what I often like to do. It's great because the line is a line that you can see, but it's also light enough so that it can disappear and blend into what goes on top of it. This is good because it allows you to correct and refine your sketch along the way, making incorrect lines disappear into further restatements of other media, in this case watercolor and brown marker, or keep the correct lines and they continue to have a presence in the finished drawing.
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Caring for babies, toddlers and families since 1920
Tweddle's 'Babies' Brains Matter' Seminar announced for Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
Tweddle's 'Babies' Brains Matter' Seminar announced for Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
By admin
As part of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, The Tweddle Foundation will present Babies' Brains Matter – a half day seminar based on Infant Mental Health, Trauma & Attachment'.
The half day seminar (9am – 12.30pm) will take place on Thursday 15th June at Tweddle's Education Centre and feature guest speakers Kristen Pringle, Dr Matthew Roberts, Ms Lauren Vanderzeil and Ms Louise Gawler.
- Kristen Pringle is a paediatric Occupational Therapist, an infant, parent, child, youth & adult Mental Health Clinician, Yoga Teacher, and one of 15 Trauma Centre Faculty Trainers worldwide (TCTSY-T). Kristen is also a Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator.
- Dr Matthew Roberts is a Psychiatrist specialising in the area of infant mental health. Dr Roberts will be talking on the topic of Dads and mental health.
- Lauren Vanderzeil, a Family Support Coordinator at Tweddle, has a Bachelor of Occupational Health, extensive Early Parenting sector experience and has worked internationally and in Australia as a mental health clinician including at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.
- Louise Gawler is Tweddle's High Risk Program Manager. Louise, a Registered Nurse and Midwife with a BSc (Hons) in Child & Family Health, is currently completing a Masters of Infant Mental Health. She has worked with vulnerable families across Australia and overseas for over 25 years.
Guests speakers are specialists in infant mental health, childhood trauma, attachment, early parenting support and interventions. Tickets to this event are $20 and include morning tea.
Tickets are limited and are available here
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Grads, Dads and TEACHERS Oh My! PART 1
Posted by Presently AKA Patrice DeHaven on 25th May 2018
Grads, Dads, and TEACHERS Oh My!
It's happening, a crazy time of year with schools ending, graduations, and then there is Father's Day right around the corner. This is Part 1 and we will start with Teachers.
Id like to share some insight with you about teacher gifts. Having teachers as friends, getting their feedback and stopping by a particular yard sale was a huge eye opener for me. There are numerous times throughout the school year you are gifting those wonderful patient teachers, and not that your gifts aren't appreciated, BUT... mugs, ornaments, apple everything and anything times 30+ students per year you can only imagine. As I mentioned 'that yard sale'...I stopped with a friend that was a teacher at a yard sale. The yard was full of tables and tables of teacher related mugs, ornaments and apple something in every way shape and form. This woman had just retired after teaching for 25 years so you can only imagine, and then she said this isn't everything! We chatted and she shared a few stories and then we were on our way. Bottom line is 'teachers are mugged to death'! NO we didn't purchase anything for our daughters teachers, which most were in the boxes and could have been re-gifted very easily. Elementary teachers always receive gifts, middle & high school teachers as a rule don't...there are too may of them.
Some suggestions for those gifts...
~ Perhaps the whole class could donate towards a gift of 'A Few of Their Favorite Things'. A good thing for the room mom to do at the beginning of the year is give them an intake form. Their favorite team, color, sweet, restaurant, hobby, etc.
~ Most classrooms now have aides and assistants so you can't leave them out. Each should be given a token of your appreciation which can be shared. A unique box of chocolate always a good thing that says THANK YOU
~ Gift cards are always appreciated, especially since they purchase a lot of their classroom supplies themselves. Presentation is everything right!
~ For those middle and high school teachers, I made sure to gift them all, but it had to fit into their mailboxes in the office, per my daughters request :) If they were gift cards, they were always attached to something consumable like cookies or their favorite candy bar, the kids normally know.
Stay tuned for my Grads and Dad's post coming soon!
Creatively yours,
~ Presently


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Southeast Asian-American Student Services
The Southeast Asian-American Student Services (SAASS) office provides recruitment and retention services which are essential in helping Southeast Asian-American (Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian and Vietnamese) students. To best serve students, the office works closely with the faculty, staff, and students at UWM, and Southeast Asian communities and leaders in Milwaukee and Wisconsin.
The support services include academic advising, assistance with the application for admission, career planning assistance, financial aid assistance, personal counseling and more. Recruitment activities currently are targeted at all areas of Wisconsin which have a significant population of Southeast Asians.
Our Mission
- To provide culturally sensitive supportive services that are essential for Southeast Asian (Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, and Vietnamese) American students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to achieve their educational goals.
- To recruit Southeast Asian-American students to the university through recruitment and outreach activities.
- To work with the campus community to create a warmer, friendlier campus environment that encourages Southeast Asian-American students to engage in the process of learning and discovery.
Our Advising Goals
- To thoroughly and systematically advise Southeast Asian-American students in L&S in regards to their academic plans, policies and procedures.
- To work closely with other academic advising programs to provide the best academic course of actions for non-L&S Southeast Asian-American students to facilitate the achievement of their education.
- To encourage Southeast Asian-American students to think beyond their undergraduate education and reach their fullest potential.
- To encourage and promote regular communications between the Southeast Asian-American students and their academic advisors in the appropriate academic programs.
Our Services
- Intensive academic advising
- Counseling on university policies and procedures
- Assistance with financial aid and scholarship applications
- Guidance for academic, personal or career issues and referral to campus resources
- Connection to Hmong, Laotian, and Vietnamese student organizations
- Celebration of your success
- Career exploration
- Community engagement
- Information on Asian academic programs including the Asian Studies Certificate and the Hmong Diaspora Studies Certificate
- Information on English as a Second Language


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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) _ Hyundai Motor Co. and its labour union
have agreed on a new wage deal, the company said Tuesday, likely
averting a threatened strike.
Hyundai Motor spokesman Jake Jang had no details on the deal
other than that one had been reached. The most recent negotiations
between management and the union were held Monday and Tuesday in the
southeastern industrial and port city of Ulsan, where the company
has its main factory.
Jang said the deal is tentative and must still be voted on by the
union rank-and-file.
Union representatives could not immediately be reached for
The 44,867-strong union voted last week in favour of a strike,
but postponed the walkout to give negotiators more time to forge a
Labour unrest at Hyundai, the world's sixth-largest automaker, is
an annual event. The union has gone on strike every year but one
since it was founded in 1987. Workers have already walked off the
job twice this year.
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As a student of literature, particularly British Literature, I have come to understand a great deal of how good, well-published, well-liked, and critically acclaimed works are written. The authors that I love to study have died at least one hundred and eighty years ago but are still loved and read today. As I read writers like Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, Robert Burns, Victor Hugo, and William Shakespeare, I find that my own styles of writing seem to emulate theirs, often to my professors' frustration. Yet even as my poetry often follows the style of Robert Burns or my fantasy writings follow J.R.R. Tolkien style, I come to realize the real basis behind writing and how in doing so, I become more in the image of God.
What is fantasy literature? In the modern context, whenever someone mentions fantasy, everyone thinks of The Lord of the Rings, The Harry Potter books, and other such books. Tolkien, in his essay "On Fairy Stories" explains it thus:
What is a fairy-story? In this case you will turn to the Oxford English Dictionary in vain. It contains no reference to the combination fairy-story, and is unhelpful on the subject of fairies generally. In the Supplement, fairy-tale is recorded since the year 1750, and its leading sense is said to be (a) a tale about fairies, or generally a fairy legend; with developed senses, (b) an unreal or incredible story, and (c) a falsehood….I said the sense "stories about fairies" was too narrow. It is too narrow, even if we reject the diminutive size, for fairy-stories are not in normal English usage stories about fairies or elves, but stories about Fairy, that is Faerie, the realm or state in which fairies have their being. Faerie contains many things besides elves and fays, and besides dwarfs, witches, trolls, giants, or dragons: it holds the seas, the sun, the moon, the sky; and the earth, and all things that are in it: tree and bird, water and stone, wine and bread, and ourselves, mortal men, when we are enchanted….The definition of a fairy-story—what it is, or what it should be—does not, then, depend on any definition or historical account of elf or fairy, but upon the nature of Faërie: the Perilous Realm itself, and the air that blows in that country. I will not attempt to define that, nor to describe it directly. It cannot be done. Faërie cannot be caught in a net of words; for it is one of its qualities to be indescribable, though not imperceptible. It has many ingredients, but analysis will not necessarily discover the secret of the whole. Yet I hope that what I have later to say about the other questions will give some glimpses of my own imperfect vision of it. For the moment I will say only this: a "fairy-story" is one which touches on or uses Faerie, whatever its own main purpose may be: satire, adventure, morality, fantasy. Faerie itself may perhaps most nearly be translated by Magic—but it is magic of a peculiar mood and power, at the furthest pole from the vulgar devices of the laborious, scientific, magician. There is one proviso : if there is any satire present in the tale, one thing must not be made fun of, the magic itself. That must in that story be taken seriously, neither laughed at nor explained away. Of this seriousness the medieval Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an admirable example.
While works like Great Expectations or Jane Eyre may contain "falsehood" in them as regards reality (did there ever exist a Pip Pirrip? I think not), there is a distinction between them and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone or even Beowulf. And perhaps the only way to explain their differences is to say one variety has magic in it whilst the other does not. I think that the primary distinction in this genre is what makes the discussion all the more interesting.
While poetry expounds the feelings of the heart and thoughts of the mind, fantasy literature explores the wilds of your imagination and captivates the very attention and soul of your readers. Tolkien wrote a great deal of fantasy literature and also wrote a lot about it in his essay, "On Fairy Stories". However, he incorporated theology into writing and once one understands the fundamentals of why we write and create stories, the more we enjoy God and his gift and praise Him for it.
We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the true light, the eternal truth that is with God. Indeed only by myth-making, only by becoming 'sub-creator' and inventing stories, can Man aspire to the state of perfection that he knew before the Fall. Our myths may be misguided, but they steer however shakily towards the true harbour, while materialistic 'progress' leads only to a yawning abyss and the Iron Crown of the power of evil."
This certainly puts fantasy literature in another light. We often ask, "why do we write"? If one understands the world as Tolkien, Lewis, and countless others including myself do, we ill whole heartedly agree with Tolkien because we all believe that God created all things and sustains all things and has created us in His image. One of the greatest joys of being a Christian is knowing, understanding, and reading history and seeing God's hand throughout all of it. Our Faith is historical in nature and yet if one studies the Bible closely, there are elements which aren't too far from what we call "fantasy". Tolkien explains it this way:
I would venture to say that approaching the Christian Story from this direction, it has long been my feeling (a joyous feeling) that God redeemed the corrupt making-creatures, men, in a way fitting to this aspect, as to others, of their strange nature. The Gospels contain a fairystory, or a story of a larger kind which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. They contain many marvels—peculiarly artistic, beautiful, and moving: "mythical" in their perfect, self contained significance; and among the marvels is the greatest and most complete conceivable eucatastrophe. But this story has entered History and the primary world; the desire and aspiration of sub-creation has been raised to the fulfillment of Creation. The Birth of Christ
is the eucatastrophe of Man's history. The Resurrection is the eucatastrophe of the story of the Incarnation. This story begins and ends in joy. It has pre-eminently the "inner consistency of reality." There is no tale ever told that men would rather find was true, and none which so many sceptical men have accepted as true on its own merits. For the Art of it has thesupremely convincing tone of Primary Art, that is, of Creation. To reject it leads either to sadness or to wrath.
If we understand that we act as we have been created, to be in the likeness of God, then one of our highest and most beautiful gifts, aside from glorifying Him, would be creating. Of course we cannot create ex nihilo "out of nothing" as God did in the beginning. Other works influence us and yet give us each a distinction tha tmakes each work our own.
There is another aspect to fantasy writing which Tolkien speaks of in his essay, the idea of Escape. This is an idea which interests me greatly since it is through understanding this concept that I understand why I write fantasy. When I was a child, I "escaped" to my backyard to play and create worlds which flowed from the expanse of my Imagination. The Imagination truly is an incredible thing. Through my imagination I created worlds suited to my own gifts and likes. Yet my imagination did not simply create small bedtime stories. In the confines of a large backyard, I acted out the dialogues and plots of each world or story I made. Each "fairy land" had its own history and culture and length of these stories varied. Some stories may have lasted a few hours or a day, others lasted weeks. Unfortunately, most of the memory of my stories has faded but one story remains; a story which I am in the process of transcribing. It is the particular story which deals greatly with the idea of Escape. Tolkien looks at the literary conception of Escape like this:
"Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisoned by the enemy, don't we consider it his duty to escape?. . .If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we're partisans of liberty, then it's our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us as we can!"
Tolkien argues that Escape is often criticized due to the confusion between the escape of the prisoner and the flight of the deserter. Escape is not an flight of reality; it is merely the move from one reality (prison, death, Evil, or darkness- take your pick) to another (life, salvation, Good, or light). Desertion is the rejection of reality and your value for life. While it seems fantasy may be the escape from reality with its common use of dragons, elves, knights, castles, and other such ancient notions, the creators of such beasts or beings do not let them exceed the limits of Reason or reality. While you may create some beast that has hooves and can fly, the beast itself does not try to escape from what it was created to inhabit. The beautiful thing about fairy stories within the spectrum of Tolkien's taste is the fact that they are more beautiful than those worlds which are more progressive with gadgets and robots. Tolkien had a great distaste for anything "robotic" and "progressive". He lived during a time when industry was replacing agriculture in Britain and his views on the Industrial Revolution are found within the pages of the Lord of the Rings. Escape then is a beautiful thing and I found it to be a primary theme in my novel since the larger picture is escape from bondage into liberty.
I feel that I am inadequate at this stage to write on the theory of writing fantasy, perhaps that will come soon. I feel that only until I have mastered the art of writing fantasy and have a published work that I can speak authoritatively on the process of writing fantasy. I hope that my own thoughts, comments, and postulates on writing fantasy as an Imago Dei are clear; writing essays on themes or reasons for writing are demanding in the shadow of Tolkien. As an heir with Christ, I can hope that my writing is glorifying to Him and resounds the effects of my being a new creation in Christ. I definitely hope that my writing, though marked as fantasy, will be different than the writings of secular writers who seek their own glory and not their Maker in whose likeness they create stories of their own.


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Thought I'd make you all aware of this .... you may have read about it elsewhere or vaguely heard about it.
A serious vulnerability has been discovered in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 which would allow an attacker to gain access to your system and compromise its security. This enables the installation of malware onto your system such as viruses, trojans, adware, and spyware by way of an infected WMV (Windows Media Player) file.
Here is the article I read pertaining to it; a bit technical in places but it does outline and describe the problem.
Someone on another forum has also pointed me to this article here which gives the download location for an unofficial, but tested fix. Microsoft is unlikely to release a fix for it themselves until at least the 10th January.
This unofficial patch can be removed using Add/Remove programs. I'm not sure as to whether the Microsoft one, when it becomes available, will clash with this. If it does, then uninstall this one.


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Listening over one of the better open-back full-size headphones, the sound might feel like it's surrounding you. You're in the middle of the sound field, or it might come from slightly above your head. The headphones melt away and you are one with the music. Sometimes when I'm watching a movie I forget the headphones. The sound isn't over there, it's all around me; I'm in the middle of a sound "bubble."
I'm not suggesting that headphones can ever mimic what we hear from speakers. Headphones can't do that, but the downside to speakers is they can never be heard directly; the speakers' sound is combined with the room's reflections, reverberations, and other forms of acoustic interference. With headphones the sound "couples" directly to your ears, so you have a far more intimate connection to the music.
With full-size over-the-ear headphones, the contours of your outer ears direct the sound to your inner ears in the same way sound is heard from speakers. In-ear headphones "bypass" the outer ear and produce a more direct connection to the recording. With purely acoustic music, the sound over headphones takes on what I call a microphone perspective, you hear what the mics "heard."
That's not the case with electronic music since no microphones were used to make the recording. Even so, I find lots of electronica sounds amazing, and some of the best albums were mixed to produce out-of-head stereo imaging. Listen for depth, does the sound seem very close to your ears or further away? Recordings vary a lot in their stereo imaging, but the more closely you listen, the more aware you will be of spatial cues in headphone listening. Try some of Brian Eno's ambient albums like "On Land" and "Apollo" to hear what I'm talking about.
To get started, relax and focus on the sound. Your surroundings should be fairly quiet, close your eyes, and sink into the music. After a few minutes the separate left, center, right stereo perspectives should fall away, and your head will feel like it's in the center of an expansive sound field.
Share your thoughts on spatial headphone listening below.
We found this excellent article here and as you can see it give us valuable information on why headphones aren't better than speakers, but if you don't want your neighbors complaining or your family moaning, then you'll have to wait for the technology to come up with perfect acoustic sound.


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"The only way to live is like the rose: without a Why."
~Meister Eckhart~
We agonize by asking ourselves, "Why me?", "Why now?" "Why him?" "Why did it have to happen like that?", "Why so much pain and loss?". And even if you find the answer will it bring you solace, hope, relief? Usually not. It may provide your mind with information that solves a puzzle, but it rarely offers balm or comfort to the soul - or ever fully explains human behaviours - or moves you beyond a predicament.
* How did I contribute to this dilemma? There may be an answer. Then the next question can be:
* What will I do next time to avoid such a dilemma?
* Given that these are the circumstances, HOW do I proceed from here?
* With so many losses behind me, WHAT choices lay before me?
* What could I have done differently?
* How will I manage similar situations in the future?
How and what questions are oriented to the present and future, to action and hope. Why questions usually are oriented to the past and often have us banging our head against a wall - feeling hopeless and helpless.
So, don't go to the extreme, and say you should never ask a why question. Of course, we will all ask why questions at times. But when you notice yourself asking one try not to get stuck there, and try a 'what' or 'how' question to see if it opens up more possibilities for you.
(Another thought about 'why' questions that come at you, instead of from you: If friends or loved ones are always asking you why you do this or that, why you make the choices you do - they are basically asking you to justify yourself. E.g. Why do you always go to Mexican restaurants? Why do you always wear that color? Why do you always get your books from the library? Why do you still hang out with her? Why do you spend so much time volunteering? Why do you wear the same old clothes? Why do you have a brush cut?, etc. etc. etc. Sometimes we should account for and justify our actions - but not ALL the time. Beware of people who are always asking you to justify yourself by asking "Why?". Someone who claims to care for you should be open and accepting - not judgmental and interrogating.)