This is where ISAAC enters the picture. We help our "clients"
1. become familiar with the Asian experience in North America,
2. strengthen Asian North American organizations and congregations, and
3. understand how to become Christian disciples and leaders who have a healthy integration of their faith with Asian North American identities and issues

The three aspects of our equipping work are:
1. Teaching and equipping opportunities
2. Research and resources
3. Consultation and coaching

So far, so good - easy stuff, I think. But, when we talk about who we are serving, it's not so easy. That's because we have two target audiences: the Church and Academe. Working with both communities is the most complex and misunderstood aspect of what we do. All of us who started ISAAC are deeply grounded in theological education and ministry. We've all served as local church pastors or para-church staff. We've had many years of teaching experience in ATS-accredited seminaries. We are convinced, for the sake of God's kingdom and the common good, that religious and academic institutions need to collaborate and communicate with each other. Unfortunately, Asian North American religious communities (Christianity, in particular) are low research priorities for most universities and seminaries. This doesn't mean that research in these communities are non-existent. Several new studies - mostly sociological - have been published in the past ten years. However, there are few venues for scholars of Asian North American Christianity to meet, debate, and critique each others' works. Nor are there funds to advance future research. ISAAC is attempting to fill the gap by organizing the Society of Asian North American Christian Studies (SANACS), a community of advocates for advancing scholarship in this area. Some of our publications are designed to be teaching tools for college and seminary professors to use in their classes. We believe that these efforts will help colleges and seminaries to better equip their students for a world that is becoming increasingly diverse. In the long run, strengthening the study of Asian North American Christianity will benefit the churches as well.

ISAAC's other audience is the Church. Many have already written about the rising tide of Asian American Evangelicals on North American campuses. But this is just an indication of the strength of Christianity among Asian North Americans. The recent Pew Forum survey on religion in America found that 45% of Asian Americans identified themselves as Christians. Effective resources are necessary to address this population's unique needs and issues. So whether on campus, in an ethnic-specific church, in a pan-Asian or multi-ethnic church, or even in a predominantly white setting - wherever Asian North American Christians are - ISAAC provides resources to help them lay claim on and live out the faith for themselves. As many African and Hispanic American people have demonstrated, Christianity is not simply the religion of Euro-American white colonizers. Nor are should all evangelicals be identified with the uneducated or the Religious Right, as noted by many recent scholars, including D. Michael Lindsey, who describes the growth of evangelicalism in elite colleges [see his article in the Chronicle of Higher Education at http://chronicle.com/free/v54/i35/35b01201.htm]. Christianity is far too complex and diverse today to be assigned such a limited role. ISAAC believes that Asian North American Christians understand this and want to help them live out their faith without imitating Euro-American Christianity (or its stereotypes). That is why, beginning in the Spring of 2009, ISAAC will start equiping ministry and lay leaders as well as continuing our efforts in the scholarly community.

Equipping and bridging the Church and Academy hasn't been easy. Most pastors and professors are over worked and have little time to connect with each other. Institutional suspicion abounds as charges of "ivory tower" and "anti-intellectualism" are levied agains each other (both are fairly accurate, in my opinion). Asian North Americans, while over-represented in both institutions, continue to be marginalized in the curriculum or programs and key decision-making roles. It may be a hopeless cause, but ISAAC will continue to try to work with two audiences simultaneously because we envision a time when Asian North American Christians will play a pivotal postivie role in the Church, institutions of higher education, and the broader society.

So when you think about what ISAAC is about - think equipping equippers. When you think about who ISAAC serves, think Church AND THE Academy!

FRIDAY JULY 18

12:18 - Entered the lounge area which is full of square white seats which have a scattering of people doing a lot of looking around sitting on them.  There is a preponderance of tall slim girls with sharply angled faces mingling about.  I grab a beer from the Veltin's girls.  I have a feeling they will be seeing a lot more of me over the course of the weekend.  When I come back with my beer I see that the magazine I set on my seat is now being read by the lady who was sitting across from me and a man has taken me seat.  I give up and go to the media center to plug in my video camera battery.

12:21 - the media center is a shoebox full of sweaty journalists on laptops.  I get out of there as fast as possible.

12:26 - Just realized I only have 4 photos left on my Holga, need to go buy film.  

13:06 - Have just sat down inside the fashion show area proper with Philip.  They took our fresh beers away at the door on the way in.  Drat.

13:13 - I can't figure out if there are a bunch of girls who look the same or if they are just exceptionally fast changers.  Breast size seems to average an a-cup.  Expressions seem to average from blank to bored.  They kind of lean back so that their front legs look kind of like the front legs of horse kind of prancing out in front of the body.

13:15 - People just started clapping.  Ah, the show is over.  

13:18 - So that's it.  Our first fashion show.  Am slightly underwhelmed.  Some girl is trying to get us to leave the catwalk area already as I write this.  I need a beer.

13:27 - Beer number 3.  Someone took my magazine again without asking.  A lot of milling around.

13:47 - Beer number 4.  Am bored.  Philip went to talk to the Swarovski girl and disappeared.  There is a guy wearing one of those thin headbands in his hair.  Color = teal.  I am wondering how much these girls get paid for dressing up like stewardesses and handing out energy drinks.  

14:14 - In the shuttle right now to go to "Premium", whatever that is.  Hilarious that we are getting driven around the city.  We are with a Costa Rican and a German girl.  The Costa Rican works in investment banking and is talking about how she wants to go to "fabulous" parties.  I can't imagine spending time alone with this girl.

14:29 - We are at the "Premium" exhibition.  Met two girls w/ wings who gave me an organic apple.  Organic = Biologique in German.

14:52 - Back in shuttle.  Looks like we might miss the next show.  French girl in car.

16:06 - Penkov show now.  We didn't miss it because it actually has the girls standing still in two lines like Buckingham Palace guards with everyone just walking around them, checking them out.  I find this is actually a better way to view fashion then the quick walk up and down the catwalk.  Drinking champagne now.

16:18 - Decide to try and interview models at Philip's urging.  I don't expect them to respond, but in fact they seem to enjoy the break and most of them have a pretty good sense of humor.

16:32 - Philip was determined to steal a couple of the champagne glasses and now they are in my backpack where I am certain they will soon break into smithereens.  We are trying to get a shuttle and finally grab one but it turns out not to be going back to the main location.  

16:45 - See the very end of another show, which actually looked kind of nice since it was outside on some strange concrete structure.  Take off quickly to get to the front of the shuttle line.

17:33 - Beer number 8 or so.  Back in the lounge at this point which is getting quite packed; Philip has talked our way into some awards show thing which starts in half an hour.

17:45 - One of Philips friends is spotting celebrities and then we are interviewing them.  My interviews tend a bit toward the ridiculous as I have no knowledge of who these people actually are.

18:07 - I wrote beer number 8 a second time in my notebook.  This is a telling sign of my state of sobriety.  The show is about to start.

18:40 - My handwriting at this point is difficult to decipher.  If I remember correctly Philip and I managed to smuggle drinks into the show in order to avoid descending into anything resembling a semi-coherent state.

19:24 - My notes seem to revolve around having to go to the bathroom really badly and the announcer saying "Megacool!" repeatedly.  

*This is where the notes for the night end.  After the New Generation show ended the author and friends headed over to the Michalsky show, which was followed by the Michalsky party.  The author and friends were out of their collective gourds at this point and acting in a manner not unlike that of the common jackass.  The author was not prepared for an entire day of free drinks.

SATURDAY, JULY 19

The next day I skipped fashion week altogether except for a cameo appearance at the Premium party that night, which was, in fact, quite a lot of fun.

SUNDAY, JULY 20

Went to the Kai Kuhne show at 5pm, then hung around with Philip and Dino for the Vivian Westwood show which everyone seemed to be losing their shit over.  I am in no position to judge whether this shit losing is merited, but it did seem a bit excessive.  In the end I was not paying attention when they called us in, and, since they had overbooked, by the time I finally made my way to the entrance they had cut off the admissions.  So I got to hear about the show from Philip and Dino afterwards.  Apparently the models did some sort of pose-striking at the end of the catwalk, and at when it was over Westwood got a standing ovation.  So I guess all ended well for the Berlin fashion week.  And if there was a Westwood afterparty we were not able to catch scent of it, which is probably for the best.  

All in all, an enjoyable time was had, and I must recommend fashion week to any group of friends who are looking to visit a foreign city.  Just apply for your fake media credentials online and let the free drinks roll.

La serata conclusiva del Carpisa Neapolis Festival era cominciata bene: non c'erano i 10mila dei REM, ma la folla si avviava comunque ordinatamente verso il palco e gli stand, per poi assistere alle 19 allo show dei Baustelle. Portano in tour il loro ultimo lavoro "Amen", intriso di letteratura, citazioni cinematografiche e malinconia-ironia.

Rispetto a qualche anno fa, i ragazzi di Montepulciano sono maturati non poco sul palco. In particolare il leader Bianconi è riuscito ad acquisire la sicurezza che prima gli mancava. "L'Aquilone", "Baudelaire","Charlie fa surf","Un romantico a Milano": i brani più celebri si alternano a cantilene bizzarre e bohemien, come il suo abbigliamento serioso ma addobbato da un girasole nel taschino.

La voce di Rachele Bastreghi fa da contraltare alla decadenza molto francese di Bianconi. A volte sembra di ascoltare un giovane De Andrè alle prese con le colonne sonore di Milano Violenta, altre volte Piero Ciampi senza il suo amato vino. Cresciuti.

Poi il cambio di programma: i previsti Bluvertigo devono rimandare la loro esibizione dopo quella di Elio a causa di "un problema che Morgan ha avuto sull'autostrada", come annunciano nei microfoni. Domanda: che ci faceva a quell'ora sulla Napoli-Roma? Non avrebbe già dovuto essere al festival?

Il cambio di strumenti impiega circa 40 minuti, il tempo che l'attesa per gli Elii aumenti: alle 22 circa, il palco si riempie di numerosi musicisti: Elio, Faso, Rocco Tanica, Stefano Mayer, Cesareo, due musicisti alla sezione fiati, Stefania Folli ai cori e Mangoni ai divertissement. Questa sera Stefano Belisari (Elio) introduce il suo concept-concert: l'eleganza.

Tutto da qui alla fine si misurerà con l'eleganza "la quale fino ad ora è stata raggiunta solo dai Baustelle". Sembra di stare ad un concerto rock, anzi pop, anzi soul, anzi funk, anzi sudamericano. Si perchè la band di "Studentessi", passa da un genere all'altro senza sbavature, con fior di musicisti che non perdono nemmeno una nota.

Si improvvisa, ci si diverte: "Parco Sempione" e i bonghi sfondati per "vendicare l'Africa", "Mio cuggino", "Fossi Figo", "Tapparella", "Amico uligano", "Il Pippero": spazio ai classici perchè ai festival si fa così, si cerca di conquistare il pubblico. E gli EelSt ci sono riusciti alla grande. La serata era per loro.

Dopo le 23, vestiti tutti di bianco (in particolare Morgan con una mise alla Presley) salgono sul palco i Bluvertigo: il Re tour, inaugurato con la registrazione del programma di MTV Storytellers, era stato invocato da tutti. Era la fine degli anni 90, quando la ricerca e la sperimentazione dei monzesi, unita ad una eccentricità nel look ed a testi spiazzanti e intelligenti, portò a vendere quasi 100mila copie del loro album Zero.

Si inizia con "Sono come sono", ma qualcosa non va per il verso giusto. In "Complicità" pensi che "meno male che sono tornati assieme", ma ti rimangi le parole in "Altre forme di vita": Morgan dimentica alcune parole (e questo succede), poi ognuno suona per i "fatti suoi". Si perchè nonostante i continui ammiccamenti tra i componenti della band, si nota una certa tensione.

Sembra di rivedere il film "The Doors": il cantante ormai semprè più rockstar ed il resto della band che lo accompagna dal vivo. Egocentrismo, nonostante l'immensa bravura. Quattro singoli che suonano. Morgan, pensando ad X-Factor, si sente (e lo è) al centro dell'attenzione. Cerca suoni, si dimena e sbaglia qualche attacco.

"La crisi" risveglia il pubblico, ma dopo nemmeno un'ora Sergio Carnevale si alza dalle pelli, lancia le bacchette al pubblico e si allontana senza nemmeno una parola. Stupore. La band lo invoca a gran voce (seppure con una forte ironia) ma nisba. Se ne vanno, mentre i fan li acclamano. Morgan resta per un po' ai bordi del palco ma non c'è verso.

Il concerto è finito, così come l'edizione 2008 del Carpisa Neapolis Festival. Un bilancio complessivamente positivo, 25mila persone in totale (quasi 12 mila per i REM) con headliners internazionali innamorati di Napoli (REM e Massive Attack), reunion attesissime (Almamegretta e Bluvertigo), il nuovo rock inglese (Editors, These New Puritans) e le conferme di Elio e Baustelle.

Appuntamento al 2009 con la XII edizione: si tornerà all'area dell'Ex Italsider, casa ideale del Neapolis, dove è nato, e dove, si spera, continuerà negli anni.

Luigi Ferraro

il sito del Neapolis

Un ringraziamento particolare alla Hungry Promotion

The 500 page report, entitled "Human Health in a Changing Climate: A Canadian Assessment of Vulnerabilities and Adaptive Capacity," warns that the changing climate will severely threaten the lives of the vulnerable elements within our communities, including children, the elderly and low income Canadians.  It stresses the importance of a strong infrastructure to combat volatile storm patterns, further research into the issues raised in the report and the indirect threats to physical and mental health in a deteriorating climate.  According to Quentin Chiotti, a collaborator on the report and member of the environmental think-tank Pollution Probe, the report is meant as a "wake-up call . . . that climate change is going to have a significant impact on the health of Canadians." (Canadian Press: July 24, 2008)

According to the Canadian Press who received a copy of the report, there is concern amongst contributors to the document that instead of being released publicly, it will be relegated to a small musty corner of Health Canada's website.  After all, it wouldn't be the first time.  Earlier this year, a report by Natural Resources on the environment was released after 5:00 pm on a Friday, making the report as good as forgotten before it had an opportunity to inform or enlighten Canadians.  This is just one example of the government's unwillingness to deal with the issue of the environment or tackle any topic that might interfere with the prostitution of Canada to the interests of the US, global corporations and Big Oil.  This is yet another example of the Conservative zeal for controlling information that could sponsor a Canadian revolt against the party and its right wing capitalism.  They have repeatedly worked to muzzle the media and control the information trickling from the party and the House of Commons.  Harper understands that knowledge is power, and like many autocrats of the present and the past, he is desperate to control who is granted access to the truth portfolio.

What I find to be the stumper here is that the authors of this report imagined that it would see the light of day without the coaxing of media and critics (lets hope they are successful here).  Unless there was a clear pronouncement of the environmental benefits of dumping tailings into otherwise pristine lakes, the report was destined to be covered up in the bureaucratic vacuum.  The report was only commissioned so that the Conservatives could say they were interested in environmental reports.  Its an old trick in capitalist democracies, convince the voters you care through noncommittal commitments.  The future beyond re-election is irrelevant as this style of democracy is reactionary, not proactive.  It deals with problems because it has the effect of looking active while committing to anything of benefit to future generations is irrelevant, unless it makes money for the corporate lobby.

So, just in case you thought that there was any real hope of a Conservative environmental policy that would attempt to repair or at least halt the destruction of our world, consider the source of your faith.  A leader who recently spent his time at the G8 summit trying to block any meaningful movement on any issue including the environment, and a leader who applauded and signed a toothless smoke screen agreement on the environment at that same summit.  The one thing that puzzles me though.  As I listen to the environmental aspirations of Stephen Dion and others, the last I heard, we had a minority government which seems content to let Harper lead the way.  I guess a corporate sponsor is a corporate sponsor no matter what side of the spectrum your office is on.

Just in case the report does get buried in government website hell, here is the address of the Health Canada publications site, have fun: Health Canada Reports and Publications: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/index-eng.php.

La gente di San Clemente e di tutta Caserta è convinta che qui l’attività di cave e cementifici si sia ridotta e stia per concludersi, al massimo in tre anni. Ma non è così, basta guardare a come si sta lavorando nella cava Moccia. La montagna su cui ha messo le mani la società Moccia è stata rosicchiata di molti altri metri. Grazie a una “proroga” del Genio Civile si è ripreso a sparare mine. Questo mentre l’assessore regionale Walter Ganapini si incontra con il presidente della Cementi Moccia per valutare quando e come bruciare la monnezza nel vecchio cementificio. La ditta Moccia non prevede di delocalizzarsi da San Clemente, anzi ha assunto nuovo organico che al momento opportuno farà da scudo per impedirne la chiusura.
Tutta la storia nella beffa di una sentenza tradita e di provvedimenti burocratici contro la legge che è abbastanza complicata ma che infine significa chiaramente una cosa: una fregatura per i cittadini che nel 2010 avrebbero finalmente potuto respirare aria e non fumo e polvere.

vai al documento diffuso da Giovanna Maietta
presidente del Comitato Parco Cerasola-Centurano
impegnato per ridare aria pulita a Caserta ^

vedi anche LE DELIZIE DI CASERTA, CAVE E CEMENTIFICI ^

Bangalore has been hit by five serial bomb blasts at crowded locations on a stretch from Brigade Road to Hosur Road.

The blasts reportedly occurred at Nayandahallil, Anepalya, Madiwala and Koramangalam within a span of 12 minutes, leaving at least 3 dead.

According to preliminary reports, the first blast took place at 1.30 in the afternoon. The low intensity bombs were planted mostly near refugee settlements and appeared to have been triggered by timers.

Bomb squads have been rushed to the blast sites. The telephone lines have been jammed.
The city police commissioner has urged the people to ''carry on with their daily activities without any fear.''

As the report reads, 5 (or rumoured to be 7) blasts occured in Bangalore's many crowded locations. The bombs were low-intensiity ones (thanfully), made of gelatin. The blasts ended up killing 3 (feared to be 7) people and about 15-20 people injured. Irishtimes.com says Islamist militant groups of Pakistan and Bangladesh are suspected to be behind these blasts. The Commissioner of Police is supposed to have urged the people to continue with their daily activities without any more fears. Easier said than done!

Hopefully things will be cleared up soon and the situation will not become a setback for the newly formed government in the state.

Update: 8.30 PM

There have been totally 8 bombs that have gone off today until now. All have been recognized to be low-intensity ones. The number of dead people is 2 and injured ones are more than 20. The government has assured a sum of 1 Lakh rupees to the families of the deceased.

The bombs were mostly placed in the southern parts of the city; in areas like Audogodi, Mallya hospital region, and Mysore Road. Another bomb was found (which did not go off) mainly made crudely of gelatin sticks.

The traffic has come to a stand-still at many places owing to the large number of checkposts that the police have set up around the city. If you are in the city, you can do the following to avoid having to walk into another bomb (God forbid!):

• Movies and parties can wait. Don't make them the last ones you attend.
• Stay indoors. Contact any one who is yet to return and make sure they get to a safe place (closest friend/relative) ASAP.
• Call the police if you are in trouble or need help! Here is the list of contact numbers based on the zone you are in: Police Contact Information
• If it is inevitable for you to go out, carry all the necessary vehicle documents and personal identification to avoid any confusions when the Police check you.

The central government claims to have alerted the state of an imminent attack and says the blasts were the result of the state government's complacent attitude. The blame game begins!

As Bangaloreans, we just hope that the night has silenced for good.

[redlasso id="ebadfe6e-0efc-41a7-967f-c9b6fce5b53d"]

via REALTALKNY.NET

Gem Episode Migente.

Mengomentari award diatas itu hmm Gimana yaaa :D blog ini emang rada-rada ga jelas, pengennya bikin yang baca ketawa karena Sarcasm eh malah kebawa Blue, mo bikin orang Blue karena Sad eh malah pada ketawa hehe :D

Anyway.. this is my award TAG and this is the rule

So buat yang menerima award2 dibawah tolong bikin award kalian yaa :D

1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Add links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

Kriteriaku, hmm adalah blog-blog yang aku masukin folder subscription di RSS-Readerku :D dan mereka adalah blog yang memang aku tunggu untuk update.. layaknya felm seri di TV selalu menarik untuk membaca new-entry mereka karena blog-blog itu menggambarkan sebuah sisi dan dipaparkan dengan sisi  yang berbeda-beda :D

Intina mah.... asyik aja baca blog mereka :D

So my Award goes too:

#REGULAR# Gerrymon ~ Anime Review

Regular dalam artian gw selalu berkunjung kesini mo ada entry mo nggak :D,This Blog sesuai dengan headernya berisi "random rambles and anime stuff" so kalo kamu seneng Anime! add blog ini ke subscriptionmu :D Melihat bagaimana cara Gerry-sempai mereview dengan cara yang bener-bener memahami perasaan kaum pria :D he do knows how to review something :D

#CURIOUS# Carra's World

Curious itu dalam artian, gw selalu penasaran apa ulah yang *Bumil* ini lakukan di blognya :D she has a rich and massive personality yang bener-bener ga cukup untuk dipaparkan dalam satu blog dan itu membuat pembacanya goes like "Woh! ternyata!", dan bagaimana dia membuat orang penasaran untuk berkunjung itu benar-benar menarik :D

#CHAOS# Never Ending Story Of Mii's

Blog yang dibuat oleh anak ingusan 17 tahun-an ini memiliki satu kata yang gw pikirkan pas gw baca "CHAOS" eh jangan salah paham dulu :D kupikir itu karena pemikiran penulis Blog yang bener-bener wild kesana dan kemari (kayaknya dia mengidap LLI neh haha), dan tulisan-tulisan baru yang kadang lucu, mengejutkan dan mengherankan itu unik untuk dijadikan langganan di RSS reader :D

#SUPPORTIVE# Naira Smile

Blognya mungkin tidak banyak berisi apa-apa karena dia sendiri masi mengatakan "masi belajar menulis yang bagus", tapi apa yang diingat dari nairasmile dengan emoticon super-nyengir (orangnya juga suka ngengir2 ga jelas) itu adalah cara dia untuk menjaga teman-temannya :D cara dia untuk memberikan support :D hmm kalo Tuhan pernah lupa untuk ngasi satu sifat saat manusia diciptakan, kurasa sifat "egois" adalah sesuatu yang Tuhan ga kasi ma dia :D

#BOLD# Therry Says

She's Bold wkwkwkw.. yep everytime you read her blog, you'll think that she's a bold, brave.. fast and furious person :D (judul felm banget dah) haha... blognya yang mainly in English ini bagus banget buat belajar bahasa inggris, ilustrasi dan desain dia lucu-lucu ( walo herself-celeb-centric :D ) dan kritik dia, protes dia, pemaparan dia bener-bener ga tanggung-tanggung dan menyeluruh (pokoknya gini ya gini, gitu ya gitu)

Intinya sih no one can stop her... just no one!

#INSIGHT# Call Me Eve

Tiap datang dan meninggalkan her blog selalu saja mampu membuat gw melakukan pemikiran mendalam? hmm yang jelas blog ini berisi sisi hidup.. she call herself pathetic :) tapi di mata gw sih patheticism adalah perendahan hati untuk menaikan nilai :D yep.. interesting side untuk dijadikan langganan dan dibaca :D

#JOURNALIST# ChikaStuff

Blog ini adalah the #1 blog yang masuk RSS subscription list karena pemaparan yang journalist like (akhirnya tau kenapa? lah dia kerja di media)... hmm pertama gw ngeblog, pertama blogwalking kesini ya langsung subscribe dah :D enak dibaca dan no wonder masuk list seleb blog

#WOW!# Chuurippu

Kalo kamu mengenal orang ini sebanyak gw mengenal orang ini.. yap.. kamu akan berkata hal yang sama ama gw pas baca blog dia "WOW" hahaha.. sorry PR darimu belum gw bikin ne.. sibuk :D

Bagus2 kaaan blog2 diatas :D

Hmm sebenernya sih masi banyak blog-blog bagus lain yang mau aku Review sekalian disini :D tapi karena lagi sibuk ga sempet bikin badge lain neee :D kapan2 gw share pake NetViBe deh :D

Going to the Warped Tour is like going to a special operationg in the armed forces. It would had been nice if I were to go to the 10th anniversary edition of the Vans Warped Tour back in 2004 (I was planning to go to the Vancouver stop at that time), but had I went there without explaining my uncle A.J., he would be EXTREMELY mad at me. I would have gone into a "covert operation" on going to the Warped Tour at that time.

Anyways, back to my scenario. This year's Warped Tour was held at "The Flats at Arrow Hall" in Mississauga, which is situated at the International Centre. Now, this has finally put into my "books" of my planned report, that I will plan to present to Kevin Lyman, the founder of the Vans Warped Tour in the near future. Take my advice from my fellow colleague, Ed Drass. He doesn't drive, but he believes that better public transit access should be made all across the GTA. Ed Drass can be appeared on most major newspapers all across Canada, but most importantly, his article "In Transit" can be seen in the Toronto edtion of the free daily newspaper, Metro. Although he does not know what the Warped Tour is, he is quite impressed on what I had made on my blog.

I was thinking of doing a special request on hiring someone to create a special cover page on the Warped Tour and Public Transit. I'm still thinking about it....

My birthday is coming up, it's just around the corner......lol

Download Report: US Department Of Education Issues Inaugural Guide For Evaluating Online Learning

Published on Monday, July 21, 2008 - 08:07 PM PST
Source: Education Week
The evaluations highlighted in the guide, which range from internal assessments to external scientific studies, demonstrate how program leaders and evaluators have successfully implemented strong evaluation practices despite challenges that seem inherent to learning in an online environment, according to the guide.

Read the Full Article

Aprono i These New Puritans, in orario anticipato rispetto alle 19: il migliaio di persone presenti assiste con interesse (ma un po' distaccato) al loro post punk ripetitivo e ossessivo. Da rivedere.

Tra il pubblico, si scorgono Rayban anni 80, jeans neri attillati e gilet addobbati con pins di band inglesi: sono i fan degli Editors, figli del revival anni '80. Applauditissima, la band inglese paga pegno alle prime sonorità U2 (ai tempi di War) con le chitarre taglienti e la batteria ripetitiva che riporta ai Joy Division. "Suonano new-wave", come spesso hanno scritto gli inaffidabili giornali inglese. Ma la new wave non appartiene a due decadi fa? Beh, come cantano i Bluvertigo, c'è sempre bisogno di una "decade di decadenza" e Tom Smith e soci si lanciano alla conquista del palco.

Carismatico il leader, anche nel look, riesce a trasportare dal vivo l'ansia epilettica e rockeggiante di "The Racing Rats" e "Munich", rispettivamente da "The Back Room" (album d'esordio) e "An End Has Start". Sono stati scelti personalmente da Michael Stipe e i suoi gusti musicali non ci hanno mai deluso. Finalmente siamo riusciti a vedere a Napoli una band fresca e, come direbbero i più, della "nuova scena".

Alle 21 in punto, al crepuscolo, dalla luna sbarcano i REM. Sono di un altro pianeta, visto che suonano insieme da quasi 30 anni e sembra avessero iniziato ieri. La prima parte del set è tiratissima: "Living Well", "Begin the begin" e "What's the Frequency Kenneth" da quel capolavoro confusionale che è "Monster". Palco con schermi dietro, che spezzettati, come degli specchi rotti, mandano le immagini di videoclip, dello show e del pubblico.

Michael Stipe in un elegante gessato, Mike Mills versione cowboy e Peter Buck a gigioneggiare vicino al secondo chitarrista Scott McCaughey (che sbaglierà l'attacco di "Supernatural Superserious" facendosi prendere in giro più volte da Stipe) e il batterista Bill Rieflin. Michael è innamorato dei suoi brani e ce li presenta ogni volta con l'aggettivo "wonderful". Sorpresa per la vecchissima Driver 8, Electrolite invece, ripescata da New Adventures in Hi-Fi, è piacevole nel suo country-folk. Il sogno onirico di Drive si infrange nelle chitarre virtuose di Ignoreland.

L'unica pecca (ma questo è un parere personale) è il tentativo di acusticizzare "Let Me In", il brano di Monster dedicato a Kurt Cobain. Il bello sarebbe stato riproporlo così com'era, con quella pioggia di chitarre e feedback. Pochi cantano "Disturbance at Heron House", altro ripescaggio, mentre "Find The River", emozionale e intimo, conquista il pubblico composto sia da ragazzini che da adulti innamoratisi con Losing My Religion.

Dopo Supernatural Superserious e Hollow Man (che i 10mila conoscono già a memoria) è tempo di greatest hits: Bad Day, The One I Love, The Great Beyond e la magnifica Imitation Of Life. Poi arriva, la canzone di una vita, quella che all'epoca fu adottata dalle associazioni cattoliche. La cantano tutti e non sarebbe potuta andare diversamente. Chiude l'epocale Man On The Moon, capolavoro spesso sottovalutato.

Stipe confessa di amare l'Italia ( e noi ci crediamo, visto che nel 2003 si fermò un giorno in più), il cibo e "the best underwear". Poi presenta umilmente se stesso e la band e alle 23 si chiude. Concerto bello e grezzo, senza orpelli e tutto suonato.

Differenze col 2003? Meno caldo ed esibizione più tecnica e tirata (all'Italsider eseguirono ballate come Nightswimming e Everybody Hurts).

Luigi Ferraro

What do you think?

The competitive landscape is focused on the major sector participants in terms of specialists and integrated third party logistics players. It also provides a brief overview of the major players that operate in the sector.

The report also covers some of the major drivers for the sector going forward and the outlook for the industry including changes in technology, impact of changes in related sectors such as retail, as well as government initiatives that will play a major role in shaping the future of the industry.

Executive Summary

Warehouse and Cold Chains are segments of the logistics sector that have surfaced as critical components of supply chain networks in India. The rapid evolution of organized retail in India along with the emerging large food processing sector has made modern and well developed warehousing and cold chain infrastructure indispensable for storage and transportation of perishable goods. India which is world’s largest producer of fruits and the second largest producer of vegetables does not have facilities for proper storage. Around 25 to 30 percent of fruits and vegetables get spoiled due to improper handling practices and inadequate storage infrastructure.

Organized retail in India grew from USD 16.99 billion in 2006--07 to USD 25.44 billion in 2007--08, a growth of 49.7 percent. According to the retail and fashion research firm, Images Multimedia, India’s organized retail market has the potential to reach USD 45 billion by 2010. Food retail is presenting the most significant growth opportunity for retailers. The development of a modern retail sector will necessitate streamlined supply networks with well developed storage infrastructure between the source and the end consumer. A number of large players are already investing huge sums to develop their supply chains, including a warehouse and cold chain network to ensure the preservation of produce from the farm till the plate. Pharmaceutical sector also depends upon cold chain networks for storage of biotech drugs and vaccines.

The traditional preference for fresh produce among Indians has been a hindrance to the growth of large storage capacities. Additionally, poor connectivity between the production and consumption centers and varied tax structures across the country has also prevented large scale investments in building a nationwide storage infrastructure.

However, the changing consumer trend towards convenience and processed foods indicate a future for greater storage capacities. In addition, introduction of Value added tax (VAT) and a potential shift to a national Goods and Services Tax are also likely to provide an impetus to the sector. Government of India (GoI) is also taking initiatives such as national highway development program and is partnering with Indian Railways to establish storage infrastructure.

Table of Content

• Overview of Global Logistics Industry

• Market Dynamics in India
1. Indian Logistics Industry
2. Warehouses
3. Cold Chains

• Catalyst Industries for Warehouses & Coldchains

• Opportunities and Challenges

• Technology in Warehousing Industry

• Competitive Landscape
1. Competitive Analysis
2. Major Players
3. Key Financial Ratios
4. Financial Analysis

• Industry Regulations & Taxation

• Porter’s Five Forces Model

• Future Outlook

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The report provides a snapshot of the Gems and Jewellery industry in India. It covers an overview of the size and growth of the sector along with the market structure and various segments of the market including Gold, Silver and Diamonds. The industry value chain covers provides a brief overview of various linkages in the sector from mining to retail of jewellery.

The competitive landscape provides a brief overview of the prevailing competitive scenario and includes a profile of the major players in the industry. The report will also highlight any key regulatory and taxation issues that impact the sector.

The concluding section of the report will cover the major growth drivers and outlook for the sector including the entry of new players and development of retail infrastructure.
For ordering and more information kindly visit: http://www.bharatbook.com/productdetail.asp?id=80690

Executive Summary

The Gems and Jewellery (G&J) market essentially comprises of sourcing, processing, manufacturing and selling of precious metals and gemstones, such as, Gold, Platinum, Silver, Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire etc. The G&J market is a significant contributor to the Indian economy, based on the size of the domestic market and through its contribution to the country’s exports. India is the largest consumer of gold (around 20 percent of global consumption) and also the largest diamond processor (around 90 percent by pieces and 55 percent by value of the global market).

India’s G&J industry is highly unorganized and fragmented with 96 percent of the total players being family owned businesses. The gold processing industry has around 15,000 players, with only 80 having revenues over USD 5 million. India is also home to around 450,000 goldsmiths, 100,000 gold jewelers along with 6,000 diamond processing players and 8,000 diamond jewelers.

The value chain of the industry starts from sourcing and mining of the metals and extends to jewellery retail. While India is not a major miner of previous metals and stones, the country’s inexpensive and well skilled workforce makes it a world leader in processing of diamonds. The country’s jewellery retail sector is also expected to evolve with a shift among consumers towards branded jewellery, driven by greater quality consciousness.

There are a few major players in the G&J segment, with Rajesh Exports being the most dominant name. Other key players in the field include Gitanjali Gems, Suhashish Diamonds, Su-Raj Diamonds, Vaibhav Diamonds and Tanishq. Many of these players are focused on developing strong brands, large retail operations, strengthening their core manufacturing operations and building a strong international presence.

India’s large population and rapid economic growth offer significant opportunities for growth of the industry. The emergence of jewellery retail chains provide customers with convenience and assurance of quality. The entry of foreign players is also likely to increase competition and provide consumers with greater choice. Apart from the above, there are other factors that contribute to a favorable outlook for the industry.

Table of Content

• Market Overview
1. Market Size, Exports & Growth
3. Market Structure
4. Market Segments

• Industry Value Chain

• Key Challenges

• Competitive Landscape
1. Competitive Analysis
2. Major Players

• Industry Regulations & Taxation

• Porter’s Five Forces Model

• Growth Drivers & Future Outlook

For ordering and more information kindly visit: http://www.bharatbook.com/Indian-Gems-Jewellery-Market.asp

The competitive landscape provides an overview of the major participants in the sector including the interplay among full service and low cost carriers, the changing market share scenario, as well as emerging airport operators. The report also provides a brief snapshot of the carriers and airport operators.

The study further covers the industry regulations, some of the key drivers for the sector and an overview of the outlook for the industry going forward including government initiatives that are likely to play a role in shaping the future of the industry.

Executive Summary

The Aviation industry in India encompasses a wide range of services related to air transport such as passenger and cargo airlines, unscheduled service operators --- private jets and helicopters, airport management, and support services like Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO), ground handling, in-flight catering, and training.

The Aviation sector has reaped massive benefit from the entry of private carriers, especially from those of the low fare ones. The growth of the airlines sector has caused a sharp upturn in demand for allied services including MRO, ground handling, and catering services. The booming aviation industry, along with its tertiary services, has wreaked a major talent crunch, boosting opportunities for training service providers. The ever-expanding Indian economy and increased demand for trade has pushed the need for air cargo services to a new high. Increasing number of entrants in the sector has forced airports to expand their cargo handling capacities.

The aviation sector is still a small part of the travel and transportation services sector in India. 2006-07 posted annual passenger traffic of about 96 million, as compared to nearly 6 billion passengers carried by the railways. The industry has already bumped into several challenges; inadequate infrastructure being the most crucial. The airlines suffered losses of around USD 500 million in 2006-07 and the situation is expected to deteriorate in 2007-08. The high cost of operations, intense competition, and unsustainably low fares have contributed to these losses. While initiatives have been taken to remove bottlenecks to growth, a need for further investments in capacity is felt more than ever. A recent spate of mergers, however, has come to some relief.

The decelerating profit margin does not entail a slump in revenue generation. It is the increasing costs that have thrown the aviation industry into the present plight. India’s aviation sector stands up to the crisis and races against its fastest growing global competitors. Improved affordability and connectivity add to the expected improvement in both passengers and cargo traffic. Large public and private investments in air travel infrastructure, supported by government initiatives, are expected to pour in.

Table of Content

• Overview of Aviation Industry in India
1. Market Size & Growth
2. Market Segments

• Current Scenario

• Key Challenges

• Competitive Landscape
1. Competitive Analysis
2. Major Players

• Regulation and Taxation

• Porter’s Five Forces Model

• Growth Drivers & Future Outlook

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We met the rest of our team in the lobby at 5am, and were boarding the bus for a departure time of 5:15.  It was dark.  It didn't feel so cold right then.  We commented that it even felt warmer than Saturday's short run.  That thought lived only as long as the bus ride, however.  We were deposited at the Cuvaison winery, at the bottom of the hill on Duhig Road, and as soon as we got off the bus, the shivering started.  Fog somewhat covered the area, and the sun was nowhere to be seen.  It was 6:15am.  We had 45 minutes until the race would begin.

We walked around, checked our gear bags, tried to warm up.  Luckily for me, the intestinal distress that had kept me awake Saturday night seemed to have passed.  Denise and I each had a bit of coffee, and made our way back down towards the starting line.  We met up with Joe and Joy, and our coach Melissa, and chatted with them for a while.  Time was getting close, so we headed toward the back of the pack.  Fred joined us, and also Jody. 

We were off!  Not as a big rush, being towards the back, but we were moving.  The start was on the winery, and the route took a left turn up the entire hill.  We joked that we'd be warmed up and the cold would be forgotten by the time we reached the top.  After that, there wasn't much joking.  Denise and I kept an even 9/1 interval going, running 9 minutes and walking 1, after the first straight 10 minutes.  It's pretty uneventful for the first hour or so, we were feeling good, keeping close to 12 minute miles (or faster) without much trouble. 

We passed the 12K finish, and crossed Highway 12.  It was shortly after that point though that I started having trouble.  An injury that had bothered me about a month ago, which I thought was just a fluke, clearly wasn't.  My right groin muscle wasn't on board with this half marathon business, and it was letting me know.  I kept on with Denise for a while, at one point reassuring her that I was right behind her, and "don't worry about me, I'm here!"  And then, I wasn't.  I let her run on, keeping on with the interval, and I walked.  She was doing so well, I wasn't going to hold her back.

I was hurting.  Even though it was only three days ago, the pain is hard for me to recall, to describe.  Every step though, I knew something wasn't good.  And though the throbbing down my thigh hurt, the disappointment I was feeling in myself, the goal of 2:30 slipping away from me with each walking step, that was what hurt worse, I think. 

I tried to run intervals still, short ones.  Basically, it went like this:  Run for as long as you can stand it, then walk.  Rinse, repeat.  I cried out a couple times, pushing through it.  For brief moments, I thought I might not be able to finish.  But there was no way I was going to approach someone at a water station to suggest it.  I was hoping Coach Melissa would come by, so I could ask her about it, but I think by that time I was so far along in the course ( past mile 10) that she was probably back, encouraging others who were not as advanced in the mileage.  Though tempted to walk the rest of the way, I became determined hold on to my last goal, to beat my time in the 2007 race, 3:07:xx.  I was determined to come in under 3 hours.

Finally, I reached the bike path, that signalled less than a mile to go.  I continued with my sad intervals.  People cheering, calling my name (it was on my bib), you would think that would encourage me.  I felt unworthy because I wasn't running, or running fast enough for my taste.  Sick, isn't it?  I choked back my tears, thankful for my sunglasses on this overcast day.

Off the bike path, left on to MacArthur.  Run 30 to 60 seconds, walk forever, it feels like.  I can see Broadway ahead.  One right turn, and I'm on the final, torturous stretch.  Run, walk.  Where's that 13th mile marker?  Run, walk.  Lots of spectators now, cheering for the woman in the Team Challenge singlet.  There are 510 Team Challenge participants in this race, and I'm one of them.  Run, walk.  There's the 13!

Finally, I can see the finish line, the banners, the clock.  I can see the blue carpets that cover the timing chip sensors.  I took one final walk break, and then began my push to run over that finish line.  I owed it to myself to not stroll in like I was out for an evening constitutional.  Looking at the race photos now, I can see the tension in my shoulders, the grimace on my face.  The only thing I see is that blue carpet, and the only thing I hear is the announcer calling out my name to the crowd, telling the world (or at least the folks in Sonoma town square that day) that I was finishinig for Team Challenge, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, in two hours and fifty-seven minutes.  (That's gun time.  Chip time, I finished in 2:54:59.2.)

Kids were cutting off timing chips, and I had to lift my right foot onto a milk crate to get mine cut off.  I literally had to pick up my leg.  I managed to keep it together (mostly) while I proceeded through the finishing area, picked up my medal, and was going to the recovery tent when I saw and heard Denise calling to me, taking my picture, so happy and proud of me for finishing!  I burst into tears though, the weight of the pain and the disappointment finally rushing out.  It was then she realized that my tears weren't joyous ones, and she cried with me.  She also stopped taking pictures, bless her heart. :)

She helped me get through the recovery tent, and we started for the Team Challenge tent so I could check in there.  A TC gal came over, and asked if I needed ice.  I admitted that I did, and moved to go with her to get it.  One look at my face though, and she quickly told me to stay where I was, and she'd be right back with it.  I must have had quite the wince going on! 

I was kind of limping around by this point.  Denise helped me get my gear bag, and I was able to ditch my running shoes and socks for my Keen Bali sandals.  I gave Denise the card I'd gotten together, with photocopies, drawings, traces, or faxes of hands - High 5's from our Hot Chicken Wings girlfriends who couldn't be with us in Sonoma that day.  This was Denise's first half marathon, first race at all, and we are all so proud of her - from all the training through to the end of the race, she worked hard every step of the way.  This made her cry!  These great accomplishments, they are emotional times.  These were good tears.

Joe and Joy came over, and each had one pain reliever, which they both willingly donated to me.  (Thanks, guys.  They definitely helped.)  We all found our way out of the finishers area, and decided to wait in line for complimentary massages.  The line was outrageous, but we waited.  The line was so long, in fact, that they closed it - after the people just behind us.  The massage tent was closing at noon, and they didn't want to turn anyone away.

I was so thankful when it was my turn.  I was so cold, due to the sun not really coming out, not moving around much due to the ... wait for it ... pain in my leg, and being soaked with sweat.  Great combo.  I had a heck of a time getting on to that massage table too.  Carrie (not you Carrie!) worked on my groin and leg, and she commented about the amount of pain it must be causing me.  I think she took pity on me and took some extra time, even though it was after noon.  She even had to help me sit up, to get off the table.  That was slightly embarrassing for me.  I can't even sit up on my own?  Yikes.

The massage was good though.  Denise commented that I was walking better afterwards, which was encouraging.  Everything around the square was shutting down then, so we stopped by the FRS tent so I could get some free samples (which I have yet to try, duh, but which also thankfully made it home intact in my checked luggage) before heading to the shuttle to take us back to the hotel.  A nap was in my near future, and I needed the rest.

More later.

Non è che Guido Bertolaso - un alfiere de Lo Uttaro e un suscitatore della Grande Puzza - qui ci sia proprio simpatico. Però sentir definire un sottosegretario del governo una "scopa" fa una certa impressione e appare indicativo della considerazione in cui Berlusconi tiene gli uomini del governo. Mercoledì il premier ha dichiarato trionfante: "Abbiamo utilizzato la competenza di Guido Bertolaso, la stessa scopa che ha utilizzato la sinistra, ma in questo caso naturalmente il manico è diverso ...". Poi ha dato le pagelle ai giornali: bocciati Il Messaggero e la Repubblica, rei di non aver messo in risalto scope e mazze della "soluzione" dell'emergenza rifiuti in Campania,