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'…One of the reasons we fail to understand business crime is because we put crime into a category that is separate from normal business. Much crime does not fit into a separate category. It is primarily a business activity...'
William Chambliss.
As someone who has spent all his adult life dealing with the phenomenon of white collar crime, I never cease to be amazed at just how little willingness is shown by the financial services industry in encouraging strategically-positioned practitioners to gain higher academic qualifications in an understanding and interpretation of the issue.
Financial crime now costs UK plc billions of pounds annually, money which is deducted directly from the bottom line of the balance sheet. The problem is so acute that the FSA now makes it a primary requirement of good governance that all regulated member institutions must adopt a risk-based approach towards the prevention and interdiction of financial crime, as part of their compliance strategies.
The responsibility for ensuring the successful implementation of this policy lies at senior board level, but when such individuals are questioned as to their domain knowledge of the causes, the practices, the activities, the phenomenology of the problem they are required to prevent, the level of practical expertise is a resounding zero.
Work down the food-chain within the corporation, and try and find anyone who has any understanding of the way in which the criminal mind works, and you will find an almost complete void. Occasionally you may be lucky and you will discover a former detective or seasoned former police officer in post in some dark corner of a financial institution, but their role and position is rarely a senior one, and they have a very limited input on policy-making decisions.
But why stop with the regulated sector, examine the regulatory agencies. How many experienced former detectives with the knowledge or expertise to be able to understand the criminal mentality are there holding down senior policy-informing roles within the various regulatory agencies? Who in their various financial crime teams has really worked in the arena of financial crime and who has had any experience of really dealing with professional financial criminals. This is not to belittle any of the efforts made by these good people, it merely asks the question, what is the basis of their experience or knowledge which befits them for this role?
I recall meeting a woman at a conference not so long ago who asked me a series of questions on my presentation about criminal trends and criminological tendencies. It turned out that she had been seconded to one of the regulators and was responsible for determining a financial crime policy initiative. When asked what experience she possessed, the answer was that she had absolutely none at all, but she did have a Ph.D in finance and as her employing bank had no work for her at that time, she had been sent on a sabbatical to the regulatory agency to fill in the time until the market conditions improved. The regulator obviously had no room for her in any of the financial policy divisions, so they tucked her away in the financial crime office and told her to find something to do. She was reduced to doing the rounds of the conferences, trying to dredge up enough background information to enable her to make a contribution to the internal debate for which she had been employed.
It is instances like this that make the wider white collar crime debate risible, and illustrate just how little anyone, government or industry really care about domain knowledge and expertise in the field of white collar crime.
Perhaps this goes some way to explain why the volume of financial crime is rising exponentially, and why Government is repeatedly demonstrating its powerlessness to deal with the phenomenon.
Recent Government initiatives have either just dwindled away to nothing, (taking yobboes to cashpoints to draw out cash to pay their on the spot fines); and some like the Asset Recovery Agency, (ARA) which have been forced to close down because of their incredible inefficiency. When she was appointed to the role of head of the ARA, Jane Earl was interviewed by reporter Nick Cochan for the Observer. He wrote;
'…A new crime fighter is gearing up to take on the heaviest of
Ms Earl came to her role with no qualifications, domain knowledge or life experience of dealing with the very people whom she was going to be expected to confront on a daily basis. It's not her fault that she was appointed by some apparatchik who almost inevitably shared her complete lack of criminological experience, but who believed her when she declared her 'passion' for finding new ways of dealing with crime. This was 'Blair-speak' with knobs on and people who talk the language of New Labour get the jobs under New Labour!
Some of the applicants for the head of the ARA were deeply experienced practitioners who had already proved their mettle in asset recovery operations against major criminals and Irish terrorists, and who would have brought significant experience to the role. However, skills, knowledge, expertise, a few hardened battle scars, none of these count for anything as long as you can talk the talk of the new regime of Major-Generals appointed by Lord Protector Blair to rule the UK's public policies.
Jane Earl herself expresses disappointment at the failure of her agency to deliver results. She talks in a surprised voice of the tactics adopted by her targets and their lawyers in using the civil court procedure to fight back against ARA actions. She appears distracted by the fact that those with the most to lose, financially, do not appear to have any qualm about taking every point to obfuscate the issue and to deflect the Court's direction, and make the ARA prove its case to the ultimate degree.
What did she expect? It was not her fault that she had no experience of dealing with professional law breakers, who would and should be expected to fight back with every last resource against having their assets confiscated. The fault should lie with the bureaucrat who failed to understand the problem either, and who, instead, unblinkingly obeyed Tony Blair when he said that taking the profits of crime from criminals would teach them not to do it again, and would prove to be a major disincentive to crime.
Let me let you into a little secret known only to former detectives. All you do when you take assets from a thief is to guarantee another series of thefts!
The point of my concern is that there is frankly no agenda, either within Government or within the industry it seeks to regulate, to provide any level of real academic expertise designed to enable the acquirer to truly understand the nature of the criminal mentality and criminogenic behaviour.
Why should this be? Is it that those who administer these environments have merely overlooked the importance of these subjects; or is it more sinister, reflecting a deeply submerged realization, as the quotation at the start of this essay pointed out, that so many of the practices which are commonplace in the financial sector, and which are openly encouraged by those with money to make, are little more than thinly-disguised criminal activities in themselves, and that those who engage in them are indeed nothing more than financial criminals, in nice suits?
Could it be that those with the most to lose from a truly transparent evaluation of so many of the business customs and practices prevalent in the market, deliberately discourage any wish to study or become proficient in the understanding of the problem, for fear that this new-found knowledge might become antithetical to the continued ambitions of those with the most to gain from an unfettered continuation of the status-quo.
Now before someone from a training company suffers a sudden rush of blood to the head, let my stress that I am not talking about training! There are more training companies out there than you can shake a stick at, some are very good, some are not quite so good, and some are downright useless!
Training is vital for a well-regulated industry, and is legally mandatory, but with respect, a training course is designed for entirely different purposes. It is there to enable staff to be aware of their role and responsibilities within the regulated sector, and to give them a very basic but workmanlike knowledge of the jobs they have to perform.
It simply does not and can provide the level of academic input, nor demands the depth of intellectual rigour which a higher degree requires, and it is this level of academic excellence of which I speak. Training merely looks at the status quo and provides responses in suitable circumstances. Education looks at the status quo and asks 'Why?' and 'How?' and 'What If?' and 'How does this inform me?' and 'What if this were to happen again in other circumstances?' and 'How would I react if I saw this conduct but in very different circumstances?' Training gives people a series of possible answers. Education teaches people to ask further questions.
All too often I have addressed these issues with practitioners, only to be told, and with apologies to Pink Floyd, 'we don't need no education'. Academic study, so it seems, is not required, merely a minimally-necessary level of training to satisfy the regulators. Universities have serious difficulty in attracting students to study for higher degrees in white collar criminology or financial crime management. I have approached a major
Yet this is such a short-sighted policy. What lies behind the adamant refusal to admit the need for more academic knowledge, research and study in appropriate circumstances?
The study of white-collar criminology teaches us a significant amount about the human condition, and helps to interpret the attitudes which are so often expressed by practitioners.
The work of the American criminologist, Austin Turk on 'Conflict and Criminality' provides an illuminating insight into the work attitudes of financial services compliance officers, and explains a great deal about their discomfiture about being perceived to be performing a 'policing' function within a financial environment. The fact that the original research dealt with township kids in
White collar criminology also assists in our understanding of why City people behave in the way they do and why they so often get their institutions into difficulty. Nick Leeson was an accident waiting to happen. Had one of his managers read and understood Christopher Stanley's research on the legitimation of deviancy and the Anomie of Affluence, they would have identified the risk Leeson posed.
In his article, 'Mavericks at the Casino: Legal and Ethical Indeterminancy in the Financial Markets',
I suspect that deep at the root of the problem of the institutionalised intransigence to accept that criminology can help understand the white collar fraud and financial crime phenomenon, lie attitudes and preconceptions about class. It is almost as if the final recognition that the wrong-doing of the middle and educated classes can be identified in exactly the same way as the behaviour of more easily recognizable members of the criminal underclass, is something which those who engage in this kind of conduct, do not wish to accept.
The professional and chattering classes do not want to be confronted by the fact that their behaviour is no different from the class they profess to despise, and with whom they would never, ever admit any degree of similarity. In the case of politicians, this sense of social differentiation is even more pronounced, but because they do not understand the criminological implications of their behaviour, they inadvertently make themselves even more ridiculous.
Take, as an example, the recent spat between No.10 and the police investigating the 'Cash for Honours' scandal.
Detectives, and particularly those who deal with the crimes of the powerful know, as a given, that when police investigations begin to get close to the source of the problem, the suspects can rely on friends and commercial colleagues to begin to mount a vociferous defence of their interests. It is a well recognized criminological phenomenon within this class type. Those who can still remember the Guinness and Blue Arrow investigations will recall the tidal wave of sneering press stories and adverse publicity that sought to rubbish the validity of the police and SFO investigations. The aim of course, was to seek to influence the political will to continue the investigations and to undermine the possibility of prosecutions.
Detectives ignore these interventions, treating them as nothing more than a mild irritant, because they know that the louder the rubbishing, and the more elevated the status of the rubbisher, the closer they are getting to the truth.
The detectives who arrested the No 10 aide, Ruth Turner, will not have been fazed in the least by the interventions of the likes of David Blunkett, a man who can be relied upon to provide a 'rent-a-quote' service at the slightest opportunity, Tessa Jowell or Lord Puttnam. On the contrary, they will have been reassured by these uninformed but clearly coordinated outbursts, because they will know that they are really on the right track, and their investigations are now really 'shaking the tree' in the right places.
When people like Blunkett, or Jowell, both of whom have been members of a Cabinet which has introduced some of the most draconian measures to deal with the criminal class in recent history, begin to voice concern at the use of perfectly ordinary police powers against one of their own protected species, what they are really doing is seeking to engage in special pleading on behalf of someone who comes from their politically-elite environment. They don't mind such powers being used against criminals suspected of burglary or theft or illegal immigrants, because they of course, are different; but when it comes to someone from their milieu, then a whole different range of attitudes is expressed. The fact that Ruth Turner is now suspected of having committed an extremely serious offence of attempting to pervert the course of justice, is irrelevant. She, so they claim, should have been treated differently!
The police know better. They know that when any person is faced with the possibility of going to prison, possibly for a long time, for allegedly committing a serious offence, they will behave in exactly the same way as their brothers and sisters under the skin, and try and cover up their actions, destroy evidence or otherwise seek to impede the police investigation. They know that it doesn't matter what class you come from, when the chips are down then we all revert to type, and they respond accordingly!
Blunkett, Jowell and Puttnam do not understand the criminological implications of their contributions, they are merely responding in a predictable political class-based fashion, but their words are doing nothing to help Ruth Turner, or anyone else for that matter. They would do their so-called friends a lot more good if they just shut up! However, the arrogance of power and high office is a dangerous combination, and it is to be doubted whether they will see the wisdom of this course of action.
Senior management needs to completely reconsider its attitudes towards providing selected personnel with the academic education necessary to understand the white collar crime phenomenon. Young ambitious graduates, looking to further their careers in business, finance and management, think nothing of signing up for very expensive MBA courses. The MBA has almost become the sine qua non of the level of qualification required for entry to the highest levels of management.
If business provides such recognition of the MBA, then why does it refuse to contemplate the opportunity offered by the provision of the highest level of crime preventative and loss forestalling understanding and expertise offered by a Master's degree in white collar criminology. Such degrees do exist, but unless they are recognized for being the sources of inspired business awareness and best practice facilitators which they are, the courses will be closed down, and the costs of fraud and losses to business will continue to follow their exponential growth curve.


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Using Maven for Large Projects
Having just recovered from the "culture-shock" from converting from Ant to Maven, I'd like to pass on a few words about the experience.
At first glance, Maven seems quite complicated. Rather than writing your own targets, Maven has dozens of its own, already written for you. Then comes the realization that all of the stuff you normally write in Ant scripts is there already; for many projects, you don't need to write a thing.
Where It's At
What you do need to do is follow a specific pattern as to where you put what. Source should go in "src/java", for example. Output jars go in "target", and so forth. These directories can be overridden if you need to, but it's not very difficult to simply adapt to the Maven structure, and it makes for a good standard accross Maven projects.
One special type of location for Maven are "repositories." There are "local" repositories, where Maven maintains versioned copies of all jar files required by your projects, and remote (possibly public) repositories, where versions of jar files reside ready for use in projects.
The Maven project definition (Project Object Model file, or POM) tells Maven what jar file dependencies are required for the specified project, and it will search a list of remote repositories (usually including http://www.ibiblio.org/maven) for the necessary jar files, and download them to the local repository (once) when required. This information is normally stored in project.xml.
All for One
The other concept that makes a lot of sense, once you get used to it, is "one project, one artifact." Simply put, this means that any one Maven project produces a single "artifact," or result file. This is usually a war file (for Web applications) or a jar file, either executable or not. Back when I was using Ant, I've found myself creating a couple of different targets that built different parts of an application—say, one to create the dependency jar files, and another to produce the finished webapp.
The Lingo
The terminology for Maven is not much different from Ant. Instead of "targets," Maven talks about "goals." Each collection of source files designed to produce a certain resulting file (artifact) is a "project," just like Ant. When you see the scripting in Maven (if you ever do), it's a lot like Ant; in fact, virtually every Ant task can be used within Maven scripts, with minor, if any, changes.
Chances are good, however, that you'll not need to write as much custom scripting for Maven as you did with Ant. You'll want to browse the list of available plugins on the Maven site (http://maven.apache.org) to get familiar with what's out there.
Plug It In
Maven is oriented around the concept of a plugin, which, in short, allows you to add custom goals to Maven. A large collection of existing plugins has every goal that most projects need, meaning you have exactly no work to do—other than a bit of learning, that is. For the occasion where you do need to do some custom work, you can create a maven.xml file that is specific to one project, just like a build.xml file for Ant. For larger projects, however, you'll likely want to re-use your custom goals, and creating your own plugin is the answer for this. A plugin is a Maven project just like any other, although it may not have any Java code associated with it if all you need are custom goals without any code. Once a plugin is created, you can "deploy" it to a repository, and the rest of your team can type a single command to download and install it on their local machine.
Plugins, just like every other component Maven handles, are versioned, so you can release updates to your plugin in an organized and controller manner.
Versions, Versions Everywhere
Maven is organized around the concept of versions, for plugins, projects, and dependencies. If you establish a reasonable version numbering mechanism, after a while you'll wonder how you ever got along without Maven.
For example, your primary project might start with a version 1.0, let's say. It, in turn, depends on service-database-1.0.jar. You simply declare this dependency in the project.xml, and Maven takes care of making sure that service-database-1.0.jar is in the classpath when you build your project. If it's not already in the local repository, it searches all known remote repositories to try to find it, and downloads it automatically.
Later, you find a bug in service-database-1.0, and service-database-1.0.1 comes into being. Again, when your project is ready, you simply edit project.xml, increment the version of your main project to (say) 1.1, and build. Now, both 1.0 of the project and 1.1 are able to be built—so in the (unlikely!) event you, ahem, introduced an unintentional feature (a bug) in 1.0.1 of service-database, rolling back is very easy as well. Another month passes and an API change is made to service-database-1.0.1, making it now service-database-2.0. Your existing projects, all of which rely on service-database-1.0.1, with its older API, still work just fine. As they are upgraded to the new API, then simply declare the new dependecy on 2.0. No upheavals, no whipping the rug out from under existing projects when something changes.
Take a SNAPSHOT
In a team development situation, however, sometimes things move a bit faster than the above scenario can easily handle. If bug fixes and enhancements are coming thick and fast, you may want a way to say "this project depends on the very latest available service-database, whatever that is." This is a good spot to use a SNAPSHOT. When creating a jar file for our service-database, we have the option to build and deploy either a versioned jar (for example, 2.0), or a SNAPSHOT. Snapshot is a special version that indicates a current development copy. Unlike regular versions, Maven will check for a new SNAPSHOT version in a remote repository for every build. For "normal" versions, once Maven has downloaded 2.0 (for example), it never tries to get a "new" 2.0. Once 2.0, always 2.0—to get changes, you'd need to go to 2.0.1 (or some other version). With a SNAPSHOT version, though, Maven will automatically fetch the latest SNAPSHOT every time you build your project. For rapidly moving code, this can be a necessity, particularly in a team environment.
Testing, Testing
Maven supports unit, integration, and functional tests. For unit tests, the default is JUnit, making the popular test framework trivial to put to use. Tests are kept (again, by default) in a seperate source tree, and need not be included with your deployed code (or jar).
Maven's default setup is to actually refuse to build the project artifact (jar or war) if all available unit tests are not running successfully. You can override this behavior easily, of course, but it's a good safety for production code.
Enough has been said about the absolute requirement for good testing that I won't repeat the sermon here, other than to say that Maven provides the ideal backbone and structure for a comprehensive test suite at every level.
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Wine & Tomato Braised Chicken
Here chicken thighs cook in a simple herb-infused tomato-and-wine sauce. The bone-in thighs give it plenty of hearty flavor, and since you cook them without the skin, it keeps the dish healthy. There's plenty of sauce, so serve it over pappardelle or brown rice. Steamed broccoli or sautéed broccoli rabe tossed with olive oil and a splash of lemon juice complete the meal. Download a FREE Cookbook of Fall Recipes


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Panetta focuses on the unseen wounds of soldiers
For more than 10 years of war, America's finest men and women have repeatedly deployed to distant battlefields to defend our nation. They have performed magnificently, enduring the brutal and unpredictable nature of modern warfare in marketplaces, road, and fields. Each of them has come back changed. As our service members return home to American supermarkets, highways, and ball games, the stress of combat often continues.
For some it happens in a crowded place, for others it is when they are alone. All of a sudden, they are in a fight once again: one that is harder to see, harder to understand, and leaves too many fighting on their own.
Post traumatic stress disorder is a cost of war that has been paid by generations of America's veterans. It has been called shell-shock, combat fatigue, hysteria and other names. It took decades to accurately recognize the nature of this injury and how to help veterans heal.
At the Department of Defense, we believe the unseen wounds of war are every bit as pressing - and every bit as treatable - as the visible wounds that have left a permanent physical mark on thousands of our heroes. While we have made great strides in treating wounds from IED blasts and bullets, we still struggle with the scale of unseen injuries caused by combat stress and their manifestation in substance abuse, depression, relationship issues, and suicide. But steadily, we are developing a strategy to confront this challenge.
First, addressing post traumatic stress begins with leadership. All of those in command positions throughout the military, beginning with junior officers and NCOs, need to be sensitive to signs of stress in the ranks. Military leaders ensure their units are physically fit. We must elevate mental fitness to the same level of importance.
Second, we must continue to expand access to quality behavioral and mental health care. The military services are embedding behavioral health professionals into line units and primary care clinics. We now have more than 9,000 mental health professionals in military hospitals and clinics, a 35 percent increase in three years. As a result, the number of PTSD cases diagnosed increased by more than 25 percent, even as the total number of deployed troops decreased.
There are several additional steps the Department of Defense is taking to improve care. All of the military services are now systematically reviewing the PTSD screening process for wounded warriors to help ensure we provide the best holistic care. Earlier this month, the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund announced plans to construct state of the art interdisciplinary mental health research centers at nine of our largest military installations.
We are also working to reduce knowledge gaps in patient history for service members moving to health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Responding to a challenge from President Obama, we are on track to unify the electronic health care record systems of both departments by 2017. This will greatly reduce bureaucratic red tape and provide VA doctors with up-to-date patient information, including combat medical records.
Third, we must enlist all Americans to address the stigma of getting help. We know we're not reaching every service member and veteran. So today, on National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness day, I urge you to talk with America's veterans. Recognize that normal responses to traumatic events include feeling scared, anxious, sad or guilty. Yet, if these feelings persist after a month, or get worse, or start to return - something may not be right.
We want our entire military family - those who are serving today and those who have served in the past - to know that seeking help is a sign of strength and inspiration for others to do the same. In partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, we maintain the Military and Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255. Since 2007, this line has taken 600,000 calls, made 93,000 referrals and rescued 22,000 from potential suicide. These mental health professionals are available 24/7 to address immediate issues or help those in need find care across the country.
The end of the Iraq war and the drawdown in Afghanistan will ease some of the strain on our troops but post traumatic stress will remain a critical issue for decades to come. The Department of Defense remains determined to urgently address the unseen wounds of war. We ask all Americans to join us in helping to protect those who have fought to protect us.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will be in San Antonio briefly Wednesday afternoon to visit wounded warriors at Brooke Army Medical Center.


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Running back Darren McFadden was spotted on the practice field this morning, working out under the guidance of a team trainer. He hasn't been seen on the field since he suffered a midfoot sprain to his right foot Oct. 23.
McFadden walked around the perimeter of the near field, without a protective boot on and with no obvious sign of a limp. It wasn't much but it has to pass as progress.
At this rate, it's likely that the Raiders are targeting the Green Bay Packers game Dec. 11 as the projected return for McFadden.
Coach Hue Jackson has to feel pretty confident that his team can handle the Miami Dolphins without McFadden and given how well Michael Bush has played the past five games.
Bush has amassed 520 yards rushing in the five games McFadden missed all or part of — McFadden rushed two times for 4 yards in the game he got hurt and showed that he is capable of carrying the workload.
The lone potential downside to bringing back McFadden for the Packers game is the weather in Green Bay that time of year.
According to weather.com, the average temperature in Green Bay for Dec. 11 ranges from a low of 16 degrees to a high of 30. The all-time low is minus-17.
With that said, McFadden likely would be playing on a frozen field and in freezing conditions. Hey, at least he wouldn't need a pain-killing shot, eh?
Wide receiver Jacoby Ford said Monday that he is hopeful of returning to practice Thursday, though he isn't sure if his sprained left foot will be healed enough for him to play Sunday.
"It's kind of week-by-week, day-by-day," Ford said. "That's just kind of how we're taking it. Slow process, but it's getting there. It's definitely getting better."
Ford suffered his injury at the end of a long reception against the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 10. He has not practiced since that time.
Fortunately for the Raiders and Ford, the injury doesn't appear to be as bad as the one suffered by McFadden.
"It wasn't as severe as Darren's," Ford said. "I don't think it was as bad as his. He kind of sprained the whole thing and mine is just in one spot."
Ford said he took great delight in watching the exploits of punter Shane Lechler and kicker Sebastian Janikowski against the Bears.
Janikowski kicking a franchise-record six field goals and Lechler booming an 80-yard punt made them the center of attention in the locker room afterward. Literally.
"The atmosphere of the locker room was great," Ford said. "They got a 'thank you' from the team, and Shane spoke to us. SeaBass doesn't speak, definitely doesn't speak at all. They asked him if he wanted to speak and he was like 'nah.' But he came to the middle and broke it down with us."
As a kick returner, Ford has a great appreciation for the value of special teams. He said he gained an even greater appreciation for the value of Lechler and Janikowski by watching them Sunday.
"It makes you appreciate them," Ford said. "If you didn't appreciate them, that made you appreciate them more. But I appreciate them anyway."
Left offensive tackle Jared Veldheer played so well against Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen that it was assumed he would hold his own against Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers.
As it turned out, Peppers notched two sacks against Veldheer and got the better of the second-year Veldheer. A holding penalty also went against Veldheer.
The Raiders-Packers game was flexed Monday, with the game time being moved from 10 a.m. PDT to 1:15 p.m. The network that has the rights to the New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys game that day opted to leave it in place, for obvious reasons.
Lechler set a franchise mark with the 80-yard punt early in the fourth quarter Sunday. Afterward, he singled out a punt against the Tennessee Titans a few years back and another one against the 49ers as some of his better punts during a 12-year NFL career.
For my money, I'll take one he kicked Aug. 7, 2009, in training camp in Napa. From his own end zone, Lechler launched a punt that sailed 75 yards in the air, well over returner Justin Miller's head, bounced a couple of times and came to rest 108 yards away from Lechler's foot.
For accuracy's sake, I met with Lechler afterward to determine where he kicked it from. In fairness, there was a strong wind at Lechler's back that day, and the ball took a couple of favorable bounces. Still, 108 yards is 108 yards.
Ever wonder what it's like waiting for an on-side kick to come down, as a gaggle of defenders are bearing down on you, looking to separate you from the ball, knowing full well that the outcome of the game hinges upon whether you hold on to the ball?
For that, we went to Raiders safety Matt Giordano, who found himself in just that predicament near the end of Sunday's game.
"The saying, 'Take one for the team' comes to mind," Giordano said. "You got to do it for the team. That's why we're out there."
The ball kicked by Robbie Gould and a Bears defender arrived at the same time, just as Giordano attempted to secure the ball, as well as the Raiders' 25-20 lead.
Giordano got his hands on the ball, but he didn't have any time to bring it toward his body, where he could protect it and brace himself for the vicious hit.
The ball popped out, went behind Giordano and on the ground. Raiders rookie David Ausberry recovered the loose ball and preserved the victory.
"That was a great kick," Giordano said. "That was great execution by their part. … This one was right at me, so I had to step up and try to make a play. It was a perfect kick, a perfect execution by them. I'm glad we got the ball, though."
Being in that situation is feast or famine, Giordano said. He is accustomed to making his living laying licks on offensive players and on special teams. This was the one time where he was the hunted.
"That's what being a professional is all about," Giordano said. "You got to understand that, sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you. The Chicago Bears, we played the Chicago Bears yesterday. I got hit on that one."
Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour hasn't practiced in more than two weeks, and he has been limited in the past two games.
Still, he said Monday, his injured knee is getting better just in time for the stretch run.
"Health is moving in the right direction, so I'm a lot better than I have been the previous couple of weeks," Seymour said. "I'm doing everything I can in the training room. The training staff and strength and conditioning coaches have been awesome, so that's been good."
Seymour is accustomed to being in the playoff hunt from his years with the New England Patriots. He said he and his teammates are relishing their being in the thick of the playoffs picture this late in the season.
"Seize the opportunity," Seymour said. "You would rather play in games like this where every play is meaningful rather than a game where the stands aren't filled. It's so much more fun for everybody. It's a game that we're playing. It's not life or death. It's a game that we go out and play, and you want it to be in crucial situations. The bigger the game, the more exciting and more fun it is."
Follow me on Twitter: @corkonthenfl


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The Heroine tote bag. It's an everyday accessory as famous as any iconic. The shape, the functionality, the spacious, the design and oh gosh I am getting hungry again.
Anyways, the Alexander McQueen did an unexpected move. Usually, designer brands start to release the medium and large size of a bag and then slowly move to small and mini. But because the Alexander McQueen Heroine Tote in medium and mini already exist, there is a gap in between, the small size! Please welcome; the Alexander McQueen Small Heroine Tote Bag just joined the big family.
Here's what you need to know; if we put the small size and the mini separately, you will never guess the size. That is, because there are actually no differences between them, the small size has the same shape, construction and luxurious suede lining, and it also has a removable adjustable leather strap, just like its mini size.
Therefore we post a comparison of the original, small and mini size, so it can give you an idea of how it looks. As you can see, the small size might be perfect for you (especially for girls like me, who doesn't own a pair of legs like the models). The mini might be too tiny, as it got limited spaces.
Here are a few more designs of the Alexander McQueen Small Heroine Tote that has been released so far:
Alexander McQueen Studded Suede Small Heroine Tote:
Size: 14 x 25 x 30 cm (D x H x W)
Alexander McQueen Woodplate Small Heroine Tote:
Size: 14 x 25 x 30 cm (D x H x W)


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The list of multi-use beauty products we love are almost entirely for the face. Stains that work on the lips and cheeks or highlighters that double as eyeshadow, usually. When it comes to hair, it's generally more prescriptive. Shampoo to cleanse, conditioner to hydrate, serum to smooth, etc. One product I rarely use is hairspray, even thought it would definitely help my curls hold a little longer. Which is why this week's Beauty VIP, Living Proof Restore Revitalizing Spray, is so brilliant. It's a styling hairspray that protects against heat and UV damage and can be used on wet or dry hair. It gets major bonus points for being odorless and not building up in the hair. I only wash my hair (using water) a few times a week, so products that leave residue in my hair are not welcome in my routine.
This spray + Beachwaver waves = pretty, shiny, smooth, protected hair. I'm not surprised that it's Living Proof to come out with such an inventive product. Check it out here.


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The Perfect Desktop - Fedora 14 i686 (GNOME)
Posted on: 11/09/2010 10:02 PM
Howtoforge posted a tutorial about setting up Fedora 14 as Linux desktop
The Perfect Desktop - Fedora 14 i686 (GNOME)
This tutorial shows how you can set up a Fedora 14 desktop (GNOME) that is a full-fledged replacement for a Windows desktop, i.e. that has all the software that people need to do the things they do on their Windows desktops. The advantages are clear: you get a secure system without DRM restrictions that works even on old hardware, and the best thing is: all software comes free of charge.
Printed from Linux Compatible (


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Small ProductMore Information
The Irwin Quick-Grip® Quick-Change™ Bar Clamps can be converted from a clamp to spreader in seconds, with a clamping hold load of 136kg. The lockable swivel jaw enables uneven surfaces to be clamped and it is fitted with square XP-style protective pads to protect the work surface from damage.
The Irwin® Quick-Grip® Clamp Stand can be coupled with heavy-duty or medium-duty one-handed bar clamps when level clamping is required. The clamp stand is ideal for parallel clamping applications such as frames, caseworks and drawers.
Enhance your clamps with a wide range of Quick-Grip® Clamp Accessories listed below. Also available from buyaparcel .com
Irwin Medium Duty Clamp Coupler Q/G1988920
Irwin Hold Down Jig Table Clamping Q/G1988932
Irwin Wide Pads Q/G1988933
Irwin 90° Corner Clamp Q/G1988935
Irwin Clamp Stand Q/G1988936
Irwin Edge Clamp Q/G1988919
Irwin Decking Spacer Q/G1988934
2 x IRWIN Quick-Change™ Bar Clamp 150mm (6in)
2 x Irwin Clamp Stand Q/G1988936
Each Irwin hand tool is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the tool under normal wear and tear, except for damage caused by misuse or alteration.
For more information please visit the Irwin website.
Buyaparcel offer delivery throughout the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, Scottish Highlands and other Islands of the UK. In addition we can now also deliver through Europe.
UK Delivery Prices
£2.95 - Royal Mail Second Class (2-5 Days Approx - selected products only)
£3.95 - Standard UK Delivery (2-3 Days Approx)
£5.95 - Next Day UK Delivery (Orders placed before 3.30pm Monday - Friday)
£8.95 - Saturday Delivery (Orders placed before 3.30pm Friday)
£36.00 - Pallet Delivery (2-3 Days Approx - selected products only)
International Delivery Prices
In addition we now deliver through Europe on a 48 Hour Delivery Service as Standard
Zone 1 – £9.99
Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Netherlands, Rep Ireland.
Zone 2- £14.99
Austria, Denmark, Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Hungary.
Zone 3 – £19.99
Estonia, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Portugal, Latvia.
Zone 4 – £29.99
Bulgaria, Finland, Romania.
Zone 5 – £49.99
Bosnia, Croatia, Switzerland.
Zone 6 – £59.99
Norway, Serbia, Iceland.
Choose a Delivery Date to Suit You
You also now have the facility to choose a day you wish to have your order delivered on if your order is being delivered via courier or pallet. This can be done at the checkout stage where you will be shown a calendar if you select the book in option. You will have the option of booking in your delivery for a day that is convenient for you. Should you require the order the following day please select the next day option.
Is My Item Available for Next Day Delivery?
If your item is stocked in our immediate picking location it will available for you to choose a next day delivery. This will be highlighted by a green tick and a 1 day dispatch time on the item information.
You will have the option to choose this service if you are purchasing your item for delivery to mainland UK.
What courier will my item be delivered with?
If your item is being delivered in the UK or Ireland, it will be delivered by UK Mail or Royal Mail, with the exception of pallet items. The courier type is displayed on each item but will be confirmed at the checkout stage when you have completed your shopping.
If you are an international customer, your goods will initially be sent via UK Mail, and then exported to either Eurodis or DHL. The appropriate tracking can be provided when necessary.
Details of each courier service we offer are detailed in our Delivery Guide.
How do I track my delivery?
To track your order online, go to 'Your Account' and click on 'Purchase History' for an update on your order.
Our team work extremely hard to get your parcels to your door in the shortest possible time but please note that we recommend you do not book a plumber etc until you have received and checked your goods.
Please note:
- Delivery addresses cannot be changed once the order is placed except in the case of an error, which we will do our best to change, but orders are often shipped quickly after being processed.
- The couriers we use do not deliver to PO boxes or building sites.
Returns at Buyaparcel
We've simplified our returns process! We now offer a no-questions-asked, free returns service within the first 30 days (subject to T&Cs).
You can find our returns information in our Terms and Help page.


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When Does Small-Cap Fundamental Indexation Pay?
A look at one comparison, a small-cap fundamental index versus the S&P 600 Index, helps provide insight.
I was always ready to grant the argument in the case of large-capitalization indices such as the S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX), but the indexers have found themselves hoist on their own petards here: From the March 2009 low to the end of 2012, the S&P 500 equal-weighted index has outperformed the regular capitalization-weighted index 174.9% to 122.7%. This has forced an argument whether equal-weighting is somehow superior to capitalization-weighting and while we are at it, whether something called fundamental-weighting is somehow superior to either of them.
Small and Fundamental Is Beautiful
That argument will fill conferences and academic journals forever and without resolution (remember, in the academic world resolution is a precursor to unemployment). Let's take a very narrow focus on one comparison, a small-capitalization fundamental index managed by Research Affiliates versus the S&P 600 Index (INDEXSP:SP600). The history favors the fundamental index.
The outperformance comes in two bursts, however -- one during and after the dot-com implosion when the tech stocks within the S&P 600 might have been overweighted by virtue of their past performance, and the other after the March 2009 low. Investors have a tendency to flee from small-capitalization stocks to the large-capitalization cousins during times of markets stress as the larger issues carry a veneer of safety; this perception often turns into a mirage as both recent major bear markets saw plenty of carnage amongst larger issues.
This is when fundamental weighting, what might have been called stock-picking in a simpler day, can show its value. The fundamentals involved include top-line revenue, book value and dividend yield. In case you were wondering, higher sales, larger book value and greater dividend yield are preferable to their opposites.
Economic Environment
At least two other economic and market factors not included in the list of "fundamentals," a club whose membership also leads to academic food fights, are the strength of the dollar and the shape of the yield curve. My own research into this matter shows the incremental return of the fundamental index declines for any overall market environment when the dollar strengthens. In addition, sharp changes in the yield curve between two and 10 years lead to lower incremental returns for the fundamental index.
The reasons behind these divisions are fairly straightforward. The dollar has tended to rally during times of global financial stress. This stress leads investors to trade assets more on a "risk-on/risk-off" basis than on a fundamental basis. Second, whether the yield curve is steepening or flattening abruptly is more of a function of policy decisions than of anything intrinsic to corporate balance sheets and income statements. If the Federal Reserve is slamming expectations for short-term interest rates about, investors have to take a more macro view.
These two instances when capitalization-weighting benefits at the expense of fundamental-weighting underscore one of the drawbacks for fundamental analysis: It must rely on static data reflecting past performance and not on changing perceptions of future performance. As any good academic would say, further research is necessary.
- 1
The information on this website solely reflects the analysis of or opinion about the performance of securities and financial markets by the writers whose articles appear on the site. The views expressed by the writers are not necessarily the views of Minyanville Media, Inc. or members of its management. Nothing contained on the website is intended to constitute a recommendation or advice addressed to an individual investor or category of investors to purchase, sell or hold any security, or to take any action with respect to the prospective movement of the securities markets or to solicit the purchase or sale of any security. Any investment decisions must be made by the reader either individually or in consultation with his or her investment professional. Minyanville writers and staff may trade or hold positions in securities that are discussed in articles appearing on the website. Writers of articles are required to disclose whether they have a position in any stock or fund discussed in an article, but are not permitted to disclose the size or direction of the position. Nothing on this website is intended to solicit business of any kind for a writer's business or fund. Minyanville management and staff as well as contributing writers will not respond to emails or other communications requesting investment advice.
Copyright 2011 Minyanville Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Daily Recap Newsletter
entertainment, education and
smart market commentary.


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Friday, May 16, 2008
Hakushu 25 - "nice for a price"
Read our updated post at Whisky Hills: Hakushu 25 and Yamazaki 25
Last week, the Yamazaki 25 years. This week, the new 25-year-old from Suntory`s other distillery, Hakushu. These are the top of Suntory`s range and I have raised my eyebrows in print before about their price. At 100,000 yen (ie. about £400/$800) a bottle this sherry barrel aged number is certainly not for the average punter or even the moderately loaded one.
But what does it taste like? One reason Whisky Live is a must for any whisky fan is because you get a chance to taste whiskies like this without emptying the family food budget for the next two months. I tried Hakushu 25 at the February event just a few days after it was released and was very impressed despite my previously stated misgivings about the price. Apologies for the delay in reporting. I lost my notebook.
It smelled very understated - pine wood and roses - but in the mouth it was a different kettle of fish altogether. Not fish. Forget fish! Whereas the smell is noticeably understated, the taste is well rounded but powerful: marmalade, dark chocolate and berry fruits. It develops smoky influences and aniseed. Very warming.
Abv 43 per cent
Price (January 2008)
700 ml - 100,000 yen
1 comment:
- kev said...
apparently this is the "best japanese single malt" at wwa'09. ahhh... when will i ever get a taste?!
- May 27, 2009 at 5:20 AM
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Marks the Spot: Accident Scenarios
Everyone agrees that there will be accidents if nuclear waste is transported by train and truck through 45 states for 38 years to the repository at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. The Department of Energy (DOE) predicts that there will be about 100 accidents over the life of the project. The State of Nevada predicts about 400 accidents during the same time period.
To date, however, the public has not been provided meaningful information about the potential effects of a serious nuclear waste accident in any of the heavily-populated metropolitan areas through which Nevada-bound radioactive waste would travel. This report is the first attempt to utilize government data and computer models in order to describe the consequences of a serious, but plausible accident involving the release of high-level radioactive waste in major cities along the DOE-proposed nuclear waste transport routes.
For people living along the Department of Energy's proposed nuclear waste transport routes, the question is: What if there is a nuclear waste accident in my community that involves the release of radiation?
The maps presented here by EWG Action Fund are the first attempt to provide the public with answers to this question. We use government models and government assumptions as presented in more detail below. The maps describe the consequences of an accident of moderate severity, not a worst case scenario. We did not model the impact of an attack on a nuclear waste shipment that penetrates or explodes the cask, or results in a severe long-term fire, like the Baltimore Tunnel fire, dispersing a far greater amount of radiation into the surrounding community.
The DOE has not published a detailed analysis of the impact of a terrorist attack on a nuclear waste shipment. Instead, the DOE has produced a generic, one-size-fits-all estimate of the number of fatalities from a serious accident, and conducted complex and lengthy probability analyses designed to show that such an accident is very unlikely to occur. The DOE analysis was an abstract exercise. It did not situate the modeled event in any actual community.
Given the unanimous agreement that train or truck accidents are inevitable during the tens of thousands of radioactive waste shipments to Yucca Mountain, we believe people have a right to know what would happen if one of those accidents led to a release of radioactive materials in their town.
Read more: download Adobe Acrobat versions of this report
- National report
- Allentown, PA
- Arlington Hts., IL
- Atlanta, GA
- Brattleboro, VT
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Davenport, IA
- Denver, CO
- Des Moines, IA
- Detroit, MI
- Green Bay, WI
- Hartford, CT
- Houston, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Kansas City, MO
- Lansing, MI
- Los Angeles, CA
- Macon, GA
- Miami, FL
- Milwaukee, WI
- Minneapolis, MN
- New Haven, CT
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Phoenix, AZ
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Portsmouth, NH
- Rockford, IL
- Saint Louis, MO
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Springfield, IL
- Tallahassee, FL
- Washington, DC
- Wilmington, DE


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There's been nothing ordinary about the beginning stages of the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl title defense.
Ed Reed became the latest star defender to walk out the door, telling NFL.com's Albert Breer on Wednesday that he plans to sign with the Houston Texans.
|Take a look back at Ed Reed's career.
Less than two months after their triumph over the San Francisco 49ers at the Superdome, the Ravens' roster is getting younger, cheaper and much less recognizable.
A rundown of who's gone:
» Ed Reed, safety: Close to deal with Texans.
» Dannell Ellerbe, linebacker: Signed with Miami Dolphins
» Paul Kruger, linebacker: Signed with Cleveland Browns
» Cary Williams, cornerback: Signed with Philadelphia Eagles
» Anquan Boldin, wide receiver: Traded to San Francisco 49ers
» Bernard Pollard, safety: Agreed to deal with Titans
» Bobbie Williams, guard: Released, free agent
» Ray Lewis, linebacker: Retired
» Matt Birk, center: Retired
The Ravens did manage to lock up quarterback Joe Flacco with a massive long-term contract last month, and the offense should be able to survive the loss of Boldin, a veteran who peaked during Baltimore's playoff run.
It's a different story on the other side of the ball. Reed becomes the sixth key defensive player to leave the team since the Super Bowl. The draft obviously will become hugely important as the Ravens try to re-stock the cupboard.
In the meantime, finding a way to land Elvis Dumervil would be a nice Band-Aid.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.


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Community Health Services
Through the pharmacy clinics, Physical Therapy Clinic, and Speech-Language Pathology Clinics, our faculty, staff, and students provide more than 2,000 hours of health related services to community members in need.
Learn more about the services that our School offers by visiting each of the clinics below:
Medication Use Safety Training
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Clinics
Outreach Events
Service learning is an opportunity for students to use what they learn in the classroom and apply it in the real world. Through community outreach they become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform. Students build character and become active participants as they work with others in their school and community to create service projects in areas such as education, public safety, and the environment. Students are given opportunities to both serve and lead, improving the lives of others, and learning about themselves. Please refer to our homepage (www.pacific.edu/phs) for a listing of upcoming events.


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Girl smelled something before Indiana blast, lawyer says
INDIANAPOLIS – An attorney for the owner of a house believed to be at the center of a deadly Indianapolis explosion says the woman's 12-year-old daughter smelled a strange odor off and on for weeks before the blast.
Randall Cable told The Associated Press Wednesday that Monseratte Shirley and her boyfriend speculated that what her 12-year-old daughter smelled was natural gas. But he says they didn't think the odor was strong enough to report.
Cable also says Shirley's boyfriend, Mark Leonard, had replaced the thermostat recently after their furnace had stopped working.
Investigators say they have found no leaks in the gas main or pipes leading into the house and are now focusing on interior gas lines and appliances.
Experts say there should be clues even though the explosion obliterated the house.


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Japanese sojourners in the New York metropolitan area: the relationship of domestic and ethnic media use and assimilation to American culture
Cornell University, January, 1996 - 234 pages
From inside the book
9 pages matching entertainment programs in this book
Where's the rest of this book?
Results 1-3 of 9
What people are saying - Write a review
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Structural Functionalist Approach
Mass Media Uses and Gratifications
4 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
AC2E acculturation American culture American media amount of Japanese analysis of variance assimilation level audience Correlation analysis indicated culture shock days/week demographic desire to assimilate employed females employed males English proficiency entertainment programs ethnic media Female with job FUJI Fujisankei Communications International gratifications approach household hypothesis immigrants Inamura independent variable Japan Japanese citizens Japanese companies Japanese live Japanese mass media Japanese media Japanese sojourners Japanese television programs Japanese television viewed Japanese TV Japanese values Kadowaki Keio University length of stay level of assimilation Male with job mass communication media use patterns motivation to assimilate never 2 times/month number of Japanese occupation One-way analysis overseas personal attributes potential respondents questionnaire questions regression analysis relationships remaining length sex-occupation society survey Table time/month 3 times/month times/month 1 time/month Total Amount total length United variance showed week almost never week or less WNJV WNYC WNYO York metropolitan area


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From the heat of Rio's nightlife to the chilled out atmosphere of Ilha Grande, discover the treasures of Brazil on this comfortable week-long adventure. You'll wander the colonial streets of Paraty—it's a UNESCO heritage site and quite possibly the prettiest spot on the planet—and savour seafood and life without cars on the island of Ilha Grande. Stand in awe of awesome Iguassu Falls deep in the interior, then marvel at it from Argentina's side. Brazil awaits—let's make the most of it.
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Afro-Brazilian Community Visit, Paraty
Your Discover Moment: Ilha Grande. Arrival transfer. Schooner tour to Paraty's nearby islands and beaches. Visit an Afro-Brazilian community and enjoy a local meal. Tour both sides of Iguassu Falls. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Chill out on the remote and relaxed island of Ilha Grande, cruise on a schooner to pristine islands and beaches while sipping a caipirinha, visit a local Afro-Brazillian community and share a meal, get misty at the mighty Iguassu Falls, feel the energy of Rio de Janeiro
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, theme packs are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask you sales CEO.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO), a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, Avg 10.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
Note: Food is generally considered to be more expensive in Argentina and Brazil than in most other South American Countries. Moreover, as this is a comfort tour many travellers may want to visit more exclusive restaurants.
Private van, ferry, plane, walking.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Comfort hotels (8 nts).
My Own Room
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Joining Instructions
An arrival transfer is included with all Comfort Service Level tours when you arrive on Day 1, or when you arrive up to three days prior to the tour, provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
A G Adventures representative will meet you at the airport. If you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel. A taxi to the centre costs approximately $50 USD and can be arranged from the official counter inside the Arrivals area. Please keep your receipt and your Chief Experience Officer or G Adventures Representative will refund the cost of the taxi. If your taxi driver does not speak English and you do not speak Portuguese, simply show driver the hotel address to simplify communications.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities are planned. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will leave a Welcome Note with details of the Welcome Meeting time on Day 1. It is usually around 7pm. In this meeting you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Effective January 7, 2013 all US, Canadian and Australian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity tax in order to enter Argentina. This reciprocity tax must be paid in advance online with a credit card. Cash at the border or airport is not accepted.
US citizens: 160USD, valid for 10 years
Australian citizens: 100USD, valid for 1 year
Canadian citizens: 75USD for one entry and re-entries from bordering countries within 3 months; OR 150USD for a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.
If you cannot locate the G Adventures Representative for your pre-booked airport transfer within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel. A taxi to the centre costs approximately $60 USD (90 BRL) and can be arranged from the official counter inside the Arrivals area. Please keep your receipt and your Chief Experience Officer or G Adventures Representative will refund the cost of the taxi. If your taxi driver does not speak English and you do not speak Portuguese, simply show driver the hotel address to simplify communications.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
G Adventures Office Buenos Aires, Argentina
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Argentina: +54 11 2150 2581
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 2150 2581
After hours Emergency number
From outside Argentina: +54 9 11 3425 0380
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 15 3425 0380
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Packing List
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance
- Airline tickets
- USD cash
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G Adventures vouchers and trip details
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Cover for backpacks
- Pocket knife
- Concealable money belt
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. They often charge by item and it is quite expensive. There are many Laundromat services available along the way which charge by the kilo. Your CEO will inform when it is best to do laundry. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
Americans, Canadians, Australians and some other nationalities need a tourist visa in order to enter Brazil. Please contact your local Brazilian Embassy to find out if you need to apply for one and for further details. If you are required to have a visa you will need to get one before entering Brazil, otherwise you will be refused entry. Processing fees and time frames depend on each country, but can take 2 weeks or longer, so we advise you to apply for it as early as possible.
US citizens: 160 USD
Australian Citizens: 35 USD
Canadian Citizens: 65 USD
Effective January 7, 2013 all Canadian and Australian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity tax in order to enter Argentina. This reciprocity tax must be paid in advance online with a credit card. Cash at the border or airport is not accepted.
Australian citizens: 100USD, valid for 1 year
Canadian citizens: 92USD for one entry and re-entries from bordering countries within 3 months
This trip crosses the border between Brazil and Argentina on Day 6 of this tour. The border name is Paso Iguazu and borders the cities of Foz do Iguazu and Puerto Iguazu.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL).
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and in the case of Argentina, more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Departure Tax
Most airlines include departure tax in the cost of the ticket. Please check with the airline with which you are travelling.
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
Ilha Grande
- Lopez Mendez Hike
- Hike to Pico do Papagaio (130BRL per person)
- Ilha Grande Boat Excursion (120BRL per person)
- Cachaça Distillery Visit (90BRL per person)
Puerto Iguazú
- Iguassu Falls Boat Tour (70USD per person)
Rio de Janeiro
- Samba Show (200BRL per person)
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical rating for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
Trip Specific Safety
You should be especially careful walking around Rio de Janeiro on your own, particularly at night. It is very important to exercise common sense when in Rio as tourists can be easy targets. Do not walk down dark streets or go on the beach in the early hours of the morning. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveller's cheques and cash you won't be using immediately within the hotel's safety deposit box. Keep your camera safe and valuable objects attached to you as there are many 'grab and run' thieves lurking about.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures' itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures' Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at email@example.com and we will send it on to you.
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Max Pax
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro
Referred to as the "Cidade Maravilhosa" (Marvellous City), few cities enjoy such a dramatic setting as Rio. Brilliant, white beaches in Copacabana and Ipanema, the deep blue waters of the Atlantic, the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay, and the bare blue slopes of the Sugar Loaf combine to make Rio unique.
Standing over it all, at the top of Corcovado mountain, is the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer; the best place to appreciate the city.
Head to some of the famous beaches, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable visit.
Additional Notes:
We recommend booking pre or post accommodation in Rio to get the most out of this remarkable city.
Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Arrival Airport Transfer
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro/Ilha Grande (1B)
Travel by land and ferry to one of the most picturesque and laid-back islands on the coast, Ilha Grande. Optional activities include jungle hikes, boat excursions and visiting secluded beaches.
Shared Van (3.00-3.50 hours, 150km)
Ferry (1.50 hour(s))
Day 3: Ilha Grande (1B)
Free time to hike and explore the island's beaches or take an optional boat tour.
Day 4: Ilha Grande/Paraty (1B, 1L)
Paraty's bay is filled with more than 65 tropical islands and dozens of beaches. Each offer something different, and are covered with vegetation that remains lush and colourful year-round. The bay's water is always the right temperature for swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
Included Activities:
Afro-Brazilian Community Visit
Ferry (1.50 hour(s))
Shared Van (1.50-2.00 hours)
Day 5: Paraty (1B, 1L)
Enjoy an included schooner tour of the harbour's many islands and beaches.
Included Activities:
Paraty Bay Boat Tour
Day 6: Paraty/Foz do Iguaçu (1B)
Spend two days exploring the tri-border region where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet at the junction of the Paraná and Iguazú river. The focus will be on magnificent Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguassu falls.
In order to see the falls properly you need to view them from both the Brazilian and the Argentinean side. Included visit to both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the Falls. Experience an exhilarating optional boat tour at the falls or a trip to the bird sanctuary on the Brazilian side of the falls.
Additional Notes:
Note: If you have booked the Iguassu Falls Boat Ride Theme Pack, you will do it on Day 7 when visiting the Argentine side of the falls.
Included Activities:
Iguassu Falls (Brazil Side) Guided Tour
Private Vehicle (5.00-6.00 hours)
Plane (1.50 hour(s), 1000km)
Day 7: Foz do Iguaçu (1B)
Explore trails directly over the falls of the Devil's Throat — the highest and deepest of the falls. Other trails allow access to the stretch of falls across the forest on the Argentine side.
Included Activities:
Border Crossing (Brazil – Argentina)
Iguassu Falls Visit
Border Crossing (Argentina – Brazil)
Private Vehicle
Day 8: Foz do Iguaçu/Rio de Janeiro (1B)
Fly back to Rio and relax at our centrally-located hotel in Copacabana. Option to take in a Samba show.
Plane (2.00 hour(s))
Day 9: Rio de Janeiro (1B)
Depart at any time.
Included Activities:
Departure Day


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Why "No Impact Man" Colin Beavan Is Running for Congress
In 2006, Colin Beavan and his wife and toddler daughter began a painstaking process of reducing every impact their lifestyle choices had on the environment. For one year, they stopped using electricity in their home in Brooklyn, New York, took the stairs instead of the elevator, and got around the city on foot and by bicycle.
Beavan chronicled his experiences on the "No Impact Man" blog, which became widely popular online. The experiment led to a movie, a book, and a national movement (including the "No Impact Week" collaboration between YES! Magazine and The No Impact Project).
"A few people said I was 'too stupid to know that one person can't make a difference,'" Colin wrote about the experience.
This year, Beavan made a departure from his focus on lifestyle-based activism—he is running for Congress on the Green Party ticket in New York's Eighth Congressional District. YES! Magazine spoke with Beavan about his latest effort to prove that it's possible to make a difference—this time by tackling the political process.
Madeline Ostrander: What led to your decision to run for political office?
Colin Beavan: I believe that we are in a dire emergency for the climate, for the economy, and for our quality of life. And all of those things are connected. They're all based on the use of fossil fuels to power a corporation-based economy, and it's dangerously close to collapse.
What we need to do is replace the system, not just make adjustments to it. But in the political realm what they're talking about is all the old, well-worn social issues, like who should we tax. In other words, we are talking about exactly the same things we've been talking about for the last 50 years and completely ignoring the big problems. My campaign is doing something different.
Ostrander: Why did you choose to run for a congressional seat rather than a local or state position?
Beavan: Things like restructuring the economy, breaking down the mega-corporations, and getting off of fossil fuels need to be done on a national level. And honestly, I am stronger on national issues than I am on local issues at this stage.
Ostrander: Can you tell me a little bit about your district and the people you're representing?
Beavan: It's New York's eighth congressional district. It has a totally weird shape. It starts in one part of Brooklyn then goes around to another part of Brooklyn, then into Queens, then out to Coney Island.
It's been slammed by the economic downturn. And I'm arguing that many of the social problems that exist in these neighborhoods are the result of this screwed-up economic system. The current paradigm is that the corporations suck the wealth out of communities, and then elected representatives go to Washington to beg the corporations for campaign money. What we need to do instead is start investing in local communities and businesses to make the communities themselves resilient.
Ostrander: Do you worry at all about a Ralph Nader phenomenon—dividing the left in your district?
Beavan: In my district? No. My district votes something like 70 percent Democratic so there is no way a Republican is going to win. The front-running Democrat, Hakeem Jeffries, has collected campaign donations from Wall Street law firms and Wall Street banks. It's important to give voters an alternative to that kind of candidate.
I think we have to be a little careful about worrying too much about the Ralph Nader phenomenon. We have to be willing to take some risks, or we'll never make any change.
Honestly, if we as progressives had thought about whether No Impact Man was going to work as a media phenomenon and take us where we wanted to go, we would never have done it—because I got so much criticism from progressives when I launched the project. We have to try things at the margins, or we just won't get anywhere.
Ostrander: Can you talk about the key pieces of your platform?
Beavan: One is that the current United States two-party system is failing to address the emergencies of climate, the economy, and the coming end of oil, because both Republicans and Democrats are funded by corporations. So we need to find alternative ways of funding our democracy. There should be no corporate money in politics. Elections should be publicly funded.
Two, move away from a consumption-based economy. Consumption can no longer serve as the foundation of our economy, in large part because we're running out of resources, including oil, to keep it going. We need to base our policies on something like national happiness rather than GDP.
Three, climate change will increasingly and dramatically affect poor communities that can't afford to insulate themselves—think of more events like Hurricane Katrina. We should tax fossil-fuel use by rich corporations, instead of the incomes of the middle classes.
Next, jobs could be created by moving away from a fossil-fuel-based economy. We need massive increases in mass transit, a high-speed rail network, energy-efficiency measures, and renewable energy investment. All of that will create plenty of jobs. Much of that money can come from slashing the military budget by half—which we won't need if we're not fighting for oil.
Finally, government investment—in the form of stimulus and other subsidies—should be made in small, local businesses with strong ties to communities. The growth in those local economies will make for more jobs, reduce social strife, and make them resilient in the face of economic collapse and climate change.
These are not positions that most other politicians are running on.
Ostrander: You're running against somebody with a lot more money and political party support than you. What's your strategy for reaching voters?
How Voter Suppression Could Swing the Election
It won't be easy to protect our votes from being sidelined and stolen this year, but here are a few simple things we can do.
Beavan: I'm talking to people. I have weekly campaign meetings, which are open to everybody, where volunteers can show up. The two campaign managers think about what tasks need to be done before we talk to people at the meetings. The tasks are assigned by show of hands, and we ask questions like "Who can do this?" and "Who can print some fliers on a photocopier?" By the way, we're only using paper recovered from the waste stream. So that means that our fliers are free. So that's saving us a lot of money.
So, just the very idea that a campaign can be run by the people, for the people instead of by the corporations, for the corporations to me means that we're already winning, regardless of what happens on Election Day.
Ostrander: So part of the goal of running—in addition trying to win the congressional seat—is to influence public dialog about the elections process?
Beavan: Yes, our campaign comes into this with three non-electoral goals. One is to bring a conversation about system change to a community that doesn't get to have that conversation. Ethnic minorities, like the ones in my district, are the ones most at risk from climate change, and they deserve to be included.
The second is citizen engagement, which has always been a part of my work. We have an all-volunteer campaign. For most of them, when they come with me to a debate, it's their first time doing something like that.
The last non-electoral goal is to use what profile I've built to model the idea of a citizen occupation of politics on a local, national, and international level. The professional politicians are no longer being professional, so it's time for citizens to go in.
We—not just the president—have to be the agents of change in our society. How do we extend our electoral organizing beyond the elections?
Who's the latest supporter for a constitutional amendment to overturn the controversial Supreme Court decision? Just the President of the United States. No big deal.
Tips for spreading your ideas without getting the runaround.


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Navigating health insurance can be intimidating — and expensive. But with a few simple steps, you really can get the healthcare you need without overspending.
It's difficult to save money on healthcare if you don't have access to cost information. Arm yourself with one of these easy-to-use price lists.
Your health insurance plan can impact your health...and your finances. But how do you choose? Use this guide to make a smart decision.
Sure, an apple a day "keeps the doctor away." But there many other easy, fun, and money-saving things that you can do to prevent unnecessary visits.
Like the majority of Americans, I try to make the most of my health-care dollar. If you are also comfortable with a keyboard, consulting an on-line doctor may be a great option.
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