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04 December 2016
2 Advent
Homily from Father James Gilhooley
2 Advent
Second Sunday of Advent - A Cycle - Matthew 3:1-12
A millionaire announced to Mark Twain, "Before I die, I will go to the Holy Land. I will climb Mount Sinai and read aloud the Ten Commandments." Twain observed, "I have a better idea. You could stay home and keep them." I introduce this homily on sin with an illustration from a layman precisely because many people do not like priests speaking on sin. Many Catholics no longer buy into the concept of personal sin. We live our lives in an era which has dry cleaned sin away. How else can one explain that so few of us go to Confession? Eg, a university professor was arrested for collecting his mother's social security for six years after her death. He didn't understand what was wrong. Nowadays you must feel guilty about feeling guilty. If you send people on a guilt trip, God help you! No one else will. You will be called a killjoy. There is one serious problem in this scenario.
Jesus and His main man, John the Baptist, speak more often of sin than of love. There are more references to sin in the New Testament than to love. A novelist says love means you never have to say you're sorry. John the Baptist replies "Rubbish." Why else would John the Disturber have come in from the desert "proclaiming a baptism of repentance that led to forgiveness of sin?" The Gospels tell us people bought his message hook, line, and sinker, repented of their sins, and were baptized. Today John the Baptist might well be out of a job. He might be locked up for upsetting people's peace of mind and forced to take antidepressant pills. Young people are being deprived of education in morals by those who should know better - namely, myself, their parents, and teachers. What message are we sending boys and girls when we allow public school teachers to demonstrate putting condoms on cucumbers and then present studies of the homosexual lifestyle? They advise students with an ear-to-ear grin to practice safe sex whatever that is.
A Catholic professor in a private college told freshmen that in ethics there is no right or wrong, only points of view. Can you imagine what John the Baptist would have to say to him? Infinitely worse, what he would say to us who tolerate this nonsense? To airbrush sin away is to turn religion into cherry vanilla ice cream. To bury sin with socio-economic buzz words is to sell Christ out. It makes John the Baptist retch. Good manners demand that for slight offenses we must say to God, "Excuse me." For serious offenses we must say, "Pardon me." The place to find that pardon is on our knees in the confessional. It is only when we say,"I have sinned!" that God can say, "I forgive you." (Joseph Felix) When Peter denied Christ, he did not say he blew his cool. He did not blame his defection on bad toilet training. Matthew's Gospel tells us "he went out and began to weep bitterly." Today, if he was caught weeping, he would be forced to take a holiday. Judas took responsibility for his betrayal of Christ. He did not say, "Hey, give me a break. It's only my first betrayal." The prodigal son confessed his sins saying, "Father, I have sinned against God and against you." Check it out in Luke 15:21.
The Gospel of Matthew advises us the first command Jesus spoke to a live audience was a stark one worder, "Repent!" Christ must have taken his repentance cue from John because today's Gospel tells us the first thing the Baptizer said after walking out of the desert was not "Have a nice day!" but "Repent!" God wants us to be like John the Baptizer. He wants us to be a voice and not a whisper, a burning light and not a dying bulb. Most of us resemble medieval oil paintings. We are covered with years of dust and grime. Confession is the only way out for us. Some say that when God made John the Baptist, He threw the mold away. This Advent we should pick up our flashlights, find that mold, and squeeze ourselves into it. To become a contemporary John the Baptizer would be a wonderful gift to present the Infant that we shall shortly salute. Good people are in short supply in our culture. In this season, we celebrate not what we are nor what we were but what we could be and want to be. (AU) Do you get the feeling that Confession should be way up there on your must-do list this Advent? John the Baptist says to us today, "If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up space."
Homily from Father Joseph Pellegrino
2 Advent
Second Sunday of Advent: Not by Appearances I love dressing up for Sunday Mass, and I love seeing so many in our parish who dress up for Church. People are very interesting. Everyone has his or her own look. Consider me. I have my own look. And it takes a lot of time for me to get this look. The washing, the primping, the Just for Men, the combing; it takes a lot of time. Then there's the picking out the right outfit for the day. "Let's see what should I go with today, black, or black, or my favorite, black?" A teenager once asked me why priests wear black. I told him, "school colors." Anyway, having primped and chosen my wardrobe, my day starts with me making the proper appearance as a priest. I hope you appreciate it. Because God, certainly, does not care. "Not by appearance shall he judge," we just heard in the first reading from Isaiah. He is not impressed by our coiffure, our wardrobe, or even our demeanor. He doesn't care if someone has a pietistic attitude that makes you wonder if he or she is a model for a plastic sculpture of a saint.
He doesn't care if someone does not appear different than any one else. He doesn't care. There was no missing the Pharisees and Sadducees when they came before John the Baptist in today's Gospel. Both groups had distinctive garb to demonstrate their holiness. John, reflecting God's attitude, was not impressed. He called them a "Brood of Vipers." Definitely not impressed. Nor does God care what anyone says about someone else. You know, "She is really a saint," or "He is such a loser." No, God doesn't judge by hearsay either, according to Isaiah. So, how does God judge? And why was John so negative regarding the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to be baptized? According to Isaiah, God judges by actions. He judges by justice. The way people live, the way they treat others is what matters. He judges by justice. The biblical concept of justice is deeper than the legal connotation of justice. In the Bible, justice is the correct relationship with the Lord. Evidence of this relationship is seen in every action of a just person's life. We call a person a "Godly Man or a Godly Woman" because the love of God is seen in the way he or she treats others. The Godly Man is a Just Man. The Godly Woman is a Just Woman. That's why John was furious with the Pharisees and Sadducees. There was nothing godly about these self styled paradigms of holiness.
They were more concerned that others respected them than they were about how they treated others. They looked down at people as though they were dirt. But they were the ones whose bellies were in the dirt. So, John called them by their just name, Brood of Vipers. If they wanted to prove John wrong, they could. He told them they could. What they needed to do was produce good fruit as evidence of their commitment to God, of their repentance. That's why John didn't kick them out. He baptized them too. Have you mastered proper, plastic, pietism? Can you get your heads tilted at the proper slant so that all around you will expect you to be swooped up into heaven at any moment? I hope not. That is not what this Kingdom that John proclaimed is all about. What the Kingdom of God is about is wisdom and understanding, and counsel and courage and reverence for the Presence of God. The cardinal virtues are first found here in the reading from Isaiah. Each virtue speaks about seeing God in others and in the world and acting according to that vision. Each virtue leads us to make justice the band around our waists. Imagine what a beautiful world we would live in if people were truly godly. It would be a world where there was no hatred, or fear, or war, or suffering. Isaiah became quite poetic when he considered this world: the wolf shall be the guest of the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the baby goat, (kid actually), the calf and the lion shall browse together and the lion won't have veal for lunch. The cow and the bear will get along. And children would no longer die. The baby will play in the cobra's den and not be bitten. The child will put his hand in the adder's lair and not be hurt. "There shall be no harm or ruin on my holy mountain," the song we love to sing for Advent comes from here, Isaiah 11. The ideal is upon us. The Kingdom of God is transforming the world. And we can be part of this transformation. We can change the world by being godly people. We can change the world by being people of justice and love. The manner that we treat others has far deeper implications than our relationship to this or that individual. When we are kind to someone, we are making the Kingdom a reality in that person's life. When we treat someone with justice, we are providing the world with an experience of God's presence.
For example, let say that a retired person's adult children have been rather unapproachable during the year. They have not bothered about the family. Their own lives were too important and too busy to call to Mom or Dad. Now they want to come to visit for Christmas. Mom and Dad may feel that they have a right to treat them coldly, but if, instead, they are kind and loving, forgetting their absence in past and enjoying their presence, than those children will know what it is like to be welcomed back home not just by their parents, but by God. They will have an experience of the Kingdom of God in the justice of their Godly parents. Maybe it's not the children of a retired person, but a brother or sister who has hurt a sibling and now wants to be warm and friendly for Christmas. Perhaps, they did the same thing last year and the year before, then restored hostilities shortly after the tree came down. It makes no difference. No one can hold a grudge and be a Christian. The conquest of the Kingdom is more important than the rationale for an argument.
When people are genuinely welcoming, when people are warm, then they are godly people working to transform the world, one person, one grudge at a time. Perhaps it's the Teen in school who has invented new ways to be nasty to others. He or she is the least popular person in the class, a distinction he or she has earned by saying things about others, by making others' lives difficult, by just plain being mean. Shock him or her. Give this Teen a Christmas card and truly wish that he or she has a beautiful Christmas. You will be giving the Teen a great Christmas present, an experience of God. You and I need to do this and similar actions, because we have the blessing of being called into the Kingdom of God. Not by appearances does the Lord judge, but by justice, and kindness, and the determination to let the presence of God prepare others to enter His Kingdom. This is justice. And this justice will transform the world. That is our Advent Hope.
Homily from Father Phil Bloom
Available in Spanish - see Spanish Homilies
2 Advent
Resisting Happiness Week 2: Tourist or Pilgrim? (December 4, 2016)
Message: Let's not live like tourists getting upset when things don't go our way. Let's become pilgrims. Today we have the second homily in our Advent series on Resisting Happiness. We have seen that God made us for happiness, but we resist. We turn from things that would lead to real happiness and go for things that bring some kind of immediate satisfacion but wind up creating misery for ourselves and those close to us. To make the point I used fairly obvious examples like drugs, alcohol, illicit affairs. St. Paul talks about more subtle traps: factions, rivalries, party spirit, bursts of anger. Those things bring a kind of immediate pleasure, but then long term sadness. Still they can a grip on a person and make him resist real happiness. This series asks how we can overcome resistance to happiness.
Our readings today describe something of great importance - having a goal. Not simply drifting but having a goal that matters. Isaiah describes the "day" that awaits us - the day of reconciliation, healing and justice. Jesus tells us that ultimate justice will happen as his kingdom arrives. For that reason we pray, "Thy kingdom come." If we have a goal - Jesus' kingdom - then life changes. It become a pilgrimage - a journey to a goal. That's what I propose for this homily: that our lives become a pilgrimage. You know, there's a big difference between a pilgrim and tourist. In his book "Resisting Happiness" Matthew Kelly says, "Tourists want everything to go exactly as they have planned and imagined it...Tourists get upset if there are delays. They demand prompt attention and service to their every need and desire. They focus on themselves, often shoving past others to get where they want to go. Tourists go sightseeing. Tourists count the cost. "Pilgrims are very different. They look for signs. If a flight gets delayed or cancelled they ask, 'What is God trying to say to me?'...Pilgrims are aware of the needs of others. Pilgrims go looking for meaning. Pilgrims count their blessings."
When our World Youth Day group went to Poland, our bus broke down stranding us at a service station with no working bathrooms. As it turned out we celebrated an open air Mass and it bound us together in a beautiful way. We did a fair amount of preparation to visit the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, but Auschwitz was not our goal. Our goal was to recognize the radical need for God that we share with every human. That only in Jesus, his kingdom, will we have have reconciliation, healing and justice. Let's not live like tourists getting upset when things don't go our way. Let's become pilgrims. Like St. Paul to ask the "God of endurance' to give us what we need to continue on. I'd like to conclude with "A Pilgrim's Prayer" by Thomas Merton. I put the whole prayer in the bulletin. Here is key part: My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end.... You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem lost in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen. ************
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end.... Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you, does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem lost in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone
Homily from Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe,Pa
Saint Vincent Archabbey
2 Advent
Second Sunday of Advent, Classic Matthew 3:1-12
Gospel Summary
Today we hear once again the impatient voice of John the Baptist urging us to change so that we may be worthy to receive the Lord as he continues to come into our world. Crooked ways must be made straight; bad habits need to be corrected; conversion must continue. This message comes straight from God and that is why John proclaims it in the desert—a place that has always been associated with divine mystery and freedom. (See how this is portrayed in the relationship between Ahab and Elijah: 1 Kings 18:7ff.) Human control has no place in the symbolic wilderness of divine freedom. John wears the garments that identify him with the great prophet Elijah. Just as Elijah challenged the sinful King Ahab, so does John demand a break with a past of sinful human control to make room for a future where God's will is honored and obeyed. This will not be easy. And so John uses very strong language to scold those who are not interested in change that goes deeper than appearances. True conversion and true readiness for the coming of Jesus requires a conversion that touches our hearts and our deepest values. Life Implications God very much wants to come to us.
We also want to receive him. However, it is usually only on our own terms. We wish to remain attached to habits and attitudes, which are unworthy of us and hurtful to others. Like Saint Augustine, we are inclined to say, "Change me, Lord…but not yet." Such hesitation is most unfortunate because an unqualified reception of the Lord can provide far more happiness and peace than all the objects of our sinful attachments. What is called for is repentance and we must be careful not to confuse that with remorse. Remorse is simply a temporary regret about our unworthy behavior. It usually lasts a very short time and then we return to our old habits. By contrast, repentance means that we have found something better and more promising than our sinfulness.
This discovery is the love and goodness of God. If we could only realize how much God loves us, we would be able to resist every temptation. We make this discovery primarily through earnest prayer and a deep yearning to become better persons. Today's gospel urges us to make room in our hearts for the love of God, not as a theoretical fact or on someone else's word, but in our own experience. The Eucharist reminds us every Sunday that God loves us and has given his only Son to die for us. This means that we are very precious in God's sight. This also means that God is more than ready to enter our hearts and to lead us to true repentance. We are asked to put aside selfish and defensive behavior so that God's love can give us the freedom to be what God wants us to be—confident and responsible human beings. In this regard, we are reminded of the words of the Book of Revelation: "Behold! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me" (3:20). This readiness of the Lord to become our best friend is true at all times, but never more so than in the season of Advent. Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B.
Homily from Father Alex McAllister SDS
2 Advent
Second Sunday of Advent
Homily by Father Alex McAllister SDS
In the middle two Sundays of Advent we hear a lot about John the Baptist. He is a very important figure in the Bible and in the history of our salvation since he uniquely bridges both the Old and New Testaments. It is not difficult to regard John as the very last of the Old Testament Prophets and the picture painted of him in the extract from the Gospel we are presented with today certainly makes him look and sound like one of those prophets of old. He is very much a man in the model of Ezekiel or Daniel or one of the other rather striking figures we encounter in the Old Testament. John is presented to us as an out of the ordinary kind of person, someone who lives at the very extremes of society but who like the other prophets comes with a very strong and forthright message of repentance urging the people to return to the proper observance of the laws of God. All the trappings, such as his garment of camel hair and his diet of locusts and wild honey, mark John out as a most extraordinary person. And, although he comes across as rather severe in his message, we find that the people respect him for his integrity and they flock to receive Baptism at his hands.
The ordinary people recognise that John's message is an authentic one and that it comes from God. Although John is presented to us much in the same way as the other Old Testament Prophets we need to realise that he is above all the forerunner of all the New Testament witnesses to Christ. In a real sense he is, apart from Mary, one of the very first followers of Jesus. We are not sure precisely how much of the actual content of Jesus message John accepts or is even aware of. But this is not so important because his role is to clearly point to Jesus as the Messiah, the one who was foretold. In his pointing out of Jesus and in his instruction of the people to follow him John places himself at the very forefront of the disciples of Jesus. John's remarks in the text before us addressed to the Jewish leaders are quite scathing. He calls the Pharisees and Sadducees a 'brood of vipers' because they come to him for Baptism without truly repenting of their sins. He has no truck with these hypocrites and his language towards them is excoriating.
He warns them that the Day of Judgement is coming and that they will be answerable for their sins. John seems to equate this Day of Judgement with the actual coming of the Messiah who he says will winnow the wheat from the chaff. John is also suffered a martyr's death. In this he is like the Old Testament Prophets, six of whom were martyred including some of the most important; among them being Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah. This theme of martyrdom is, of course, also a hallmark of the New Testament followers of Jesus, for example all of the Apostles died a martyr's death except John. When we hear of John's martyrdom at the hands of King Herod we are not surprised. Now that his role of being a forerunner of the Messiah is complete John is able to leave the stage wearing the crown of martyrdom. In a way it is fitting that John dies a martyr's death since in this he is able to share the same fate as his master Jesus.
It is worth looking at the first reading today since it is a beautiful and rather poetic prediction of the coming of the Messiah taken from the Book of Isaiah. It opens with the line: 'A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse.' You will all know that Jesse is the father of King David and you will be equally aware that the Messiah is foretold to come from David's house and line. During this season in homes with children you will sometimes find Jesse Trees. These usually show pictures of the various ancestors of Jesus beginning with Jesse and sometimes showing also the various symbols associated with Jesus or other figures from the Old Testament. Jesse trees can be pasted on to cardboard or made into mobiles or be in the form of pictures hung from a tree branch. They are good reminders of the origins of Jesus and help us to keep in touch with the themes of Advent. They are an excellent activity for children with inquiring minds since they can lead to good conversations about precisely who Jesus is and what he came to achieve. The prophecy of Isaiah tells us about where the Messiah will spring from and he gives us also a picture of just the kind of Messiah that he will be.
This picture is quite different from the one ordinarily held by the Jews of the time who thought that the Messiah would be a conquering hero who would ensure their victory over all the other races. Actually what Isaiah presents to us is a Messiah who will usher in a time of peace and harmony. He predicts that in the age to come all those who are presently enemies will live in friendship and peace will flourish. The 'wolf living with the lamb' and the 'calf and the lion cub feeding together' are very apt representations of the various nations of the world living together amicably. So according to the Prophet Isaiah the Messiah is not a warlike figure but rather one who comes to restore justice and to establish peace and tranquillity in the world.
So in order for us to become part of this new world we would need to seek the forgiveness of our own sins. You can see the link here with John's Baptism of repentance, because sorrow for sin is the necessary pre-requisite for peace. Sin has caused division in the human family and it needs to be rooted out. It is only when we have openly acknowledged our sins and expressed true remorse for them that we can live peaceably with others. In Churches throughout the world people will be coming in large numbers during the season of Advent to confess their sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They do this in order to be able to celebrate Christmas in a truly spiritual way with their consciences cleansed of sin. But also they confess their sins because they so much want to be part of the Kingdom of God, their deepest desire is to belong to this wonderful new realm ushered in by the Messiah. Pope Francis recently concluded the Year of Mercy; but, in a way, such a year can never truly end because God shows his mercy continually, in all times and seasons. God is always ready to forgive; but on our part we too need to be ever more aware of our need for mercy and reconciliation. Particularly at this time of year forgiveness is something that we should seek out in a sacramental way.
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Hotel Hi Xinmin
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Hotel Hi Xinmin
About the hotel
Property Location
Located in Chiayi, Hotel Hi Xinmin is minutes from Taiwan Hinoki Museum and Jia-Le-Fu Tourism Night Market. This hotel is within close proximity of Art Site of Chiayi Railway Warehouse and Chiayi Cultural Park.
Make yourself at home in one of the air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and premium TV channels provides entertainment. Conveniences include safes and complimentary newspapers, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless Internet access and tour/ticket assistance.
Enjoy a meal at a restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours).
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Hotel Facilities
- Smoke-free property
- One meeting room
- Offsite parking reservations required
- Free breakfast
- Luggage storage
- Free self parking
- 24-hour business center
- 24-hour front desk
- Parking (limited spaces)
- Restaurant
- Free WiFi
- Tours/ticket assistance
Room Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Minibar
- Daily housekeeping
- Free newspaper
- Free toiletries
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
- Premium TV channels
- Flat-panel TV
- In-room safe
- Private bathroom
- Free bottled water
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Hotel Policy
Know Before You Go
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|16 Jun 2013
For torrents ? That is against the rules here . If you would like a legit download of Windows 7 Ultimate x64-bit click on the link below
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
It will have everything you need
Step 1 : will have the link to the legit Windows 7 Download .iso files
Step 2 : Will have the link to show how you could create a bootable USB or a DVD disc from the ISO you downloaded in Step 1
|My System Specs
|16 Jun 2013
I know the drill i instaled Windows few times on my PC
|My System Specs
|16 Jun 2013
Install Windows 7 64-bit and if you have any issues let us know .
I would recommend looking at the tutorial I posted . It is really helpful .
|My System Specs
|16 Jun 2013
What about drivers i need a backup do i?
|My System Specs
|16 Jun 2013
You could but I don't think they will help on the x64-bit .
If you have the PC plugged into the router or modem during installation you should be able to have Windows update get you the drivers needed .
|My System Specs
|16 Jun 2013
You're welcome .
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD — Joint Base Lewis-McChord will hold a deployment ceremony Friday for the 2nd Stryker Brigade as about 4,000 soldiers start heading to Afghanistan for a nine-month tour.
Base spokesman Joe Kubistek said they'll join more than 4,000 Lewis-McChord soldiers already in the country. Most are with the 3rd Stryker Brigade which started deploying in December.


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prepared by James T. Perry University of San Diego. Ch. 1: Introduction to VB. Writing windows applications with VB Prog. languages: procedural, object oriented, & event driven Writing VB projects The VB environment Writing your first VB project Finding & fixing errors Visual Basic help.
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Alan Keane and James Vear have been announced as the Head Coaches charged with leading the new GB Under-18 and Under-16 teams.
The appointments follow Basketball England's announcement last month as the pair took charge of training camp at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester.
Keane had been England's Under-16's Head Coach since 2013, leading them to promotion in 2015, while Vear served as assistant coach to both Douglas Leichner and more recently, Andreas Kapoulas with GB's Under-20's.
The Under-18's only learned of their fate last week as the Division B European Championship draw was announced with GB going up against Czech Republic, Sweden, Albania, Netherlands and Luxembourg in Tallinn, Estonia.
Meanwhile, Vear's Under-16's head to Sofia, Bulgaria in August where they will go up against Georgia, Portugal, Macedonia, Luxembourg and Kosovo.
"I've always believed coaching at national level to be the greatest honour that can be bestowed upon us as coaches," said Vear.
"My first priority is to ensure our players develop over the next three months in preparation for April's training camp.
"Communication between our GB coaching staff, the players and their academy/club coaches is key, with a shared goal of promotion to Division A this summer."
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So Maybe The Nassy Movies Weren't Snoops Idea AfterallMarch 14th, 2008 . by admin
Keeping up with the theme of David Beckham posts that have nothing to do with soccer….
Beckham and his Chihuahua looking wife Victoria were spotted at "The Pleasure Chest Adult SuperStore" in Hollywood, which surprised a lot of people.
"David grabbed a small shopping basket and stocked up on some goods. Victoria was very vocal, cracking jokes constantly.
"They seemed to know exactly what they wanted and after asking an assistant where items were, they grabbed what they came for."
When I read this, it immediately caused me to revisit my previous statement that Snoop may have bullied Beckham into financing an adult film. The proper little english boy has a bad side afterall.
Speaking of Snoop.
His new album Ego Trippin is good stuff, in fact it's good enough for me to forgive his decision to remix the theme song to ABC's "One Life To Live".
Staxxx In My Jeans is definitely the best song on the album


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This sophisticated antique gold hammered metal wall sconce embodies the "less is more" rule of successful design.More Details >
A simple antique gold finish hammered metal ring-within-a-ring draws your eyes in to this captivating, minimalist two-light wall sconce. Each gesture behind this clean, modern fixture has been planned carefully to create the height of style with the most efficient design possible. Topped by a crisp white drum shade. From Crystorama.


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Paper Archives
07. April 2013
well-known selections
One of the particular very well-known selections taken as an action among kids as well as grown-ups is Motion Figures Toys. Your trustworthiness of these strong toys as well as activities using the neighborhood can create it an easy choice among various other well-known collector items. This really is thanks for the publicity introduced concerning by the films, video gaming, or even comics exactly where these sometimes-pricey toys as well as activities are generally made popular.
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Mark unread tabs in FireFox
I'm a heavy FireFox user. When doing research these days my primary source of information is the web and the browser is my primary application. So I'm interested in everything that makes my FireFox life easier. I'd like to share the best tweak I know.
When reading a page I open a lot of tabs. Search results to be checked out later. Interesting topics I stumble upon by serendipity. References an article links to. A simple ctrl-click and they're being loaded in the background for later reading. The following tweak marks an unread tab with any style you like.
Open the file chrome/userChrome.css in your FireFox profile directory. If this file does not exist you can create an empty one.
Put the following simple css rule in it, restart FireFox and you're done.
#content tab:not([selected]) { color:red !important; }
See the Customizing Mozilla page on mozilla.org for more information about the chrome css files and lots of other tweaks.
Reactions on "Mark unread tabs in FireFox"
|Placed on: 03-28-2010 14:04
Patrick van Bergen
to be continuum
Another interesting way to manage your tabs is the Tree Style Tab Firefox extension: https://addons.mozilla.o...n-US/firefox/addon/5890 . Edward de Leau described it very eloquently in his blog: http://edward.de.leau.ne...style-tab-20100326.html .
garfix has edited this message on: 03-28-2010 14:05
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Almond cookies
February 23, 2009
Originally posted on travelingkitchen.blogspot.com
So, say, you make a clementine cake, which requires a great amount of ground almonds. And now you have all these ground almonds, and are unsure what to do with them. So you scour all the Internets for almond cookie recipes, and none of them are satisfactory, so you end up mashing together the ideas from a couple different posts on allrecipes.com, and crossing your fingers while the cookies are in the oven. And then, miraculously, you get some fabulous almond cookies — not too sweet, perfectly crunchy, perfectly almondy. And then you know exactly where the rest of those ground almonds are going to go.
Almond cookies
1 stick of butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or AP flour)
3/4 cup ground almonds
3 teaspoons amaretto liqueur (or almond extract)
Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter and sugar in a bowl. Beat in egg and amaretto. Add almonds until they're all incorporated, then do the same with the flour.
If you're a fan of softer, chewier cookies, drop batter by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving about an inch between the cookies. Stick an almond on top of each cookie, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
If you like your cookies crunchy, like me, smooth the spoonfuls down into flat rounds, stick almonds on top, and bake for 15+ minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
Clementine cake
February 23, 2009
Originally posted on travelingkitchen.blogspot.com
Some recipes have back stories, and some just speak for themselves. Like Nigella Lawson's Clementine Cake, from her book How To Eat. I mean, look at it. This cake has five ingredients, and none of them are flour. This cake is arguably healthier for you than a bag of trail mix. It's a fruit and nut cake, all proteins and simple fruit carbs. But it's cake. Beautiful thing, that.
Clementine Cake (by Nigella Lawson)
4-5 clementines (about 1 pound total weight)
6 eggs
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 and one-third cups ground almonds
1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
Put the clementines in a pot with some cold water, bring to the boil and cook for 2 hours. Drain and, when cool, cut each clementine in half and remove the seeds. Dump the clementines into a blender or food processor – skins, pith, fruit and all – and give a quick blitz. Then tip in all the remaining ingredients and pulse to a pulp. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Butter and line an 8 inch springform pan.
Pour the cake mixture into the prepared pan and bake for an hour, when a skewer will come out clean; you'll probably have to cover with foil or greaseproof after about 40 minutes to stop the top burning. Remove from the oven and leave to cool, on a rack, but in the pan. When the cake's cold, you can take it out of the tin.
Originally posted on travelingkitchen.blogspot.com
My grandmother was not the best cook. Even when I was a kid, I preferred my mom's veggie-heavy and experimental approach to food to my grandmother's more traditional eastern European (read: starchy, meaty, bland) fare. But there were a couple things that she did better than my mom, and those are the ones that stick in my mind when I think of her tidy kitchen.
The main one is coleslaw. It's not necessarily the taste I remember most, but the process. I've never seen Americans mix and crunch up the raw cabbage with their hands, but that's how Russians make their slaw, much to the detriment of the American kind. I loved helping make coleslaw because it meant sticking my hands into a big bowl of vinegary cabbage to knead and squeeze and crunch it with my fingers. The result is that the veggie pieces break down and absorb the vinegar faster, taking on a lovely pickle-crunchy texture. Plus, it's fun. I dare you to stick both your hands in a bowl of cabbage and not smile at the sheer silliness of what you're doing.
I've been thinking about coleslaw since the lovely Angry Librarian wrote about it a couple months ago:
I'm seeing a lot of recipes for dishes that were designed to be economical getting dumbed up by foodies with expensive ingredients. Guys, that's not the point. The point is that your grandparents and great-grandparents went to the store, not knowing what they wanted to make for dinner, not with a plan, but looking for cheap, nutritious food they could turn into something tasty. The resourcefulness is gone. This makes me sad, because that's the fun part. So when you go to the store, trip over a $4 jicama, say what the hell and bring it home to make slaw, you've betrayed the point of slaw. Unless you live in Texas or Mexico or someplace where jicamas grow and cabbage doesn't. Slaw is what happened when your grandmother went to the store and cabbage was all they had that wasn't wilty.
With this in mind, I picked up a pretty little head of red cabbage a few days ago, and proceeded to browse through coleslaw recipes online. The vast majority were disappointing, for the exact reasons the Librarian stated: they were asking me to gussy up the slaw beyond recognition with things like peanut sauce and I don't even know what else. So I scrapped them all and decided to play it by memory.
There are three ingredients in this coleslaw. Three! And after the vinegar did its magic for a couple hours in the fridge, I ate half the bowl standing up in the middle of the kitchen, shoveling purple forkfuls of tangy, crunchy goodness into my mouth.
Basic, simple coleslaw
A small head of cabbage (I used red, but it doesn't really matter)
A couple big glugs of vinegar, probably about 1/4-1/3 of a cup (apple cider works well)
A couple big dashes of salt, to taste
Chop up the cabbage into slaw-like shreds and put in a bowl. Pour vinegar and salt on top. Roll up your sleeves and mix the slaw up with your hands for a couple minutes. Taste to see if it needs more salt (the vinegar will make itself more pronounced over time). Cover and stick in the fridge for a couple hours.
Bread and other basics
February 23, 2009
Originally posted on travelingkitchen.blogspot.com
A while back I typed the words, "What should I do with my life?" into a Google search and came up with this book. The book didn't actually answer my question, but it did have one insightful message: one of the subjects interviewed was in culinary school, and said that his class was full of people in the midst of a life crisis. The cooking and eating of food, he said, is such a basic comfort that people turn to it for stability when everything else is falling apart. Some make careers out of it, and some, like me, come home from miserable job interviews and make elaborate meals out of whatever was on sale at the store. Because, obviously, I'm not a complete failure if I can still feed myself, right?
So that's what this new blog is about: weathering the storm, taking life back to basics, making delicious food. I used to be a newspaper reporter, then I drove big rigs around America, now I just sort of bum around and take whatever work comes along. I've also lived in four states in the past five years: a wayward gypsy type who takes a sledgehammer to everything in her life because change has just GOT to be better than stagnation. And then I stand amid the ruins and wonder what I'll do next. That's where I am right now, and that's the journey the blog will follow. With food.
Since it's all about going back to the basics, the first recipe is a loaf of bread. Like many cooks, I used to be afraid of yeast. But then unemployment happened, and those lovely artisan loaves just didn't agree with my budget anymore. Bags of flour proved much more agreeable.
I credit Mark Bittman and his famed no-knead white bread with getting me over my yeast phobia. But as wonderful as the original recipe was, I wanted something heartier and whole-wheatier. Hence began the tinkering with Bittman's no-knead wheat bread, until I came up with a version that is now the mainstay of my breakfasts.
You can certainly use all whole wheat flour in this recipe with good results. However, the dark rye flour adds a really wonderful flavor, and the AP flour helps make the dough airier and less dense than most whole wheat breads.
No-knead whole wheat bread
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup whole grain dark rye flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 slightly heaping teaspoon instant yeast (1/2 a package)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
Oil as needed
Combine flours, yeast and salt in a bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups water and stir with a plastic or silicone spatula until blended and no more flour clings to the bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest about four hours at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.
Oil a standard-sized loaf pan. Take your spatula and use it to fold the dough over a few times, then scoop it into the loaf pan, pressing out to the edges. Brush top with a little more oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for another hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake bread for 45 minutes. Remove from pan as soon as it's cooled enough to handle, but wait until it's completely cooled before cutting.
The anatomy of a marinade
September 30, 2008
One of the regular dishes at the vegetarian cafe where I worked as a teenager (where I learned to cook from a slightly nutty but very sweet woman who said she hired me because I reminded her of someone with whom she got arrested once in the '60s) was ginger-baked tofu. The thick slices of tofu would sit in a spicy soy sauce marinade overnight, then get popped in the oven with a sprinkling of sesame seeds, then go into the deli-style display case, from which they'd quickly disappear.
Last weekend, as I was mincing ginger and garlic for a pork chop marinade, I realized I was using basically the same marinade. In fact, I use this marinade all the time. In the past week, it got prettied up for the aforementioned pork chop dinner, as well as dressed down for beef kabobs for an impromptu dinner party with friends. The basic soy-ginger marinade goes seamlessly between red meat and poultry, and between tofu and seafood. It's tangy and spicy, with the main building blocks being soy sauce, garlic, ginger, something spicy and something sweet. The dilution with water is very important: a little soy sauce goes a long way, and can make your meat inedibly salty.
Here are the two most recent versions: first the fancy, then the super-easy.
Soy-ginger pork chops with bok choy and mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- about a square inch of ginger, peeled and minced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- a very generous squirt of Sriracha (or a couple teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes, or whatever spice you've got on hand)
- a similarly generous squirt of maple syrup
- the zest of one orange
- 3/4 cup of cold water
- two nice, big, boneless pork chops
- half of a medium red onion, chopped
- 3-4 bunches of baby bok choy, chopped
- butter for cooking
- mashed potatoes (I'm not going to insult your intelligence by telling you how to mash potatoes)
A few hours before you plan to make dinner (or the night before, if you have more foresight than I could ever muster), pour the soy sauce into a two-cup measuring cup. Add the ginger, garlic, hot stuff, maple syrup, and orange zest. Stir until it becomes a nice, thick goo, like in the photo above. Add the cold water, and stir to make sure the maple syrup and Sriracha have dissolved. Now put your pork chops in a zippered bag, pour the marinade over them, and pop them in the fridge for as long as you can.
When ready to cook, melt a bit of butter in a skillet. Fish your chops out of the bag and plop them in the butter. No need to rinse them. Keep the marinade bag handy. Cook the chops until they're almost ready, take them off and cover with foil. Spoon enough of the leftover marinade into the pan to cover the bottom, then deglaze with a wooden spatula or spoon by stirring and scraping up the porky bits. Throw the bok choy and onions into this sauce, cover, and cook until the onions are tender and the greens wilted. Uncover and return the chops to the pan, coat them in the sauce, make sure they are cooked all the way, then turn off the heat and serve over the mashed potatoes you managed to cook while you were doing the rest of this stuff.
Soy-ginger kabobs
This was randomly thrown together at a friend's house last week, hence no pictures, and served over a rice dish that did not turn out as well as I'd hoped. This is the most bare-bones version of this marinade ever, made with the most basic of dried spices found in any spice rack worth its salt.
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- about a teaspoon of garlic powder
- about a teaspoon of powdered ginger
- about a tablespoon of cayenne pepper (or whatever other spicy stuff you have sitting around)
- about a tablespoon (or more) of brown sugar (or molasses, or honey, or regular sugar…)
- 1-1/2 cup of cold water
- about 3 lbs. of beef cut for stew (a.k.a. into bite-sized chunks)
- plenty of veggies cut into bite-sized pieces, like onions, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, whatever
Pour the soy sauce into a two-cup measuring cup, and mix in the garlic, ginger, pepper, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Fill the cup to the top with cold water. Put the beef into either a large dish, or a large zipppered bag, and cover with marinade. Let sit for at least an hour or two.
Invite people over. Find some skewers. Have everyone grab a skewer and make their own kabob with whatever combination of meat and veggie they like. Stick 'em on a grill. Meat on stick, roar!
Turkey and greens enchiladas
September 3, 2008
I've made enchiladas about a dozen different ways, and none of them are particularly authentic. Not that I've ever made any claims to any kind of authenticity, but thought I should put this up as a disclaimer.
I never really plan to make enchiladas. The idea for them inevitably comes to me in a grocery store, where I look at some random selection of ingredients in my cart and go, "Hm, all this stuff could be really good in some enchiladas." Then I grab some tortillas and go home and throw them together. They're usually good, but the ones I made the other night were the best so far. The flavor combination was perfect, and by a rare coincidence I had just enough time to chop all the ingredients while other ingredients were cooking, minimizing on prep time. This recipe is mostly so I remember what the hell I did here, so hopefully I can recreate the dish at a future date.
Turkey and greens enchiladas
- one small onion, or half of a large onion
- several cloves of garlic (I used three, but I have a very low tolerance for garlic, so you may want to use more)
- one jalapeno pepper
- one pound of lean ground turkey
- five or six tomatillos (green tomatoes) (or you can just use regular tomatoes)
- one green bell pepper
- a handful of fresh cilantro
- a couple handfuls of fresh spinach
- five burrito-size tortillas
- about a pound or less of shredded cheese (I used cheddar, but pepper jack would be even better)
- salt, cayenne pepper, and cumin to taste
- a 9×13 baking dish
- cooking oil
Preheat oven to 300. Chop up the onion, and mince the garlic and jalapeno pepper. Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet and throw in the onion, garlic and pepper. Start chopping up the tomatillos and bell pepper. When the onions are soft, add the turkey to the pan. Stir frequently so it doesn't turn into one big turkey burger.
When the meat is cooked through, add the tomatillos and bell pepper. Season liberally with salt, cayenne, and cumin. Stir and cover, and let it cook for a few minutes. In the meantime, roughly chop up the cilantro and spinach, grate the cheese, and grease the baking dish.
When the tomatillos have lost their shape and the bell pepper chunks have softened up, uncover the skillet and throw in the cilantro and spinach. Cook uncovered for a minute or two, just long enough for the spinach to wilt. Turn the burner off.
Divide all that filling roughly into five parts. Put each fifth in the middle of one tortilla, roll it up and line the enchiladas in the baking dish. The dish should be full now. Cover the top with cheese and stick in the oven for 15-20 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt.
Fun with crescent dough
June 26, 2008
Did you know that crescent dough is the most amazing, delicious, simple ingredient ever? I bet you didn't. I bet you thought it wasn't good for much more than vaguely perverse-looking pigs and a blanket, and the simple crescent rolls for which it's designed.
I can't take credit for opening your eyes to the infinite dumpling possibilities of crescent dough. That credit goes to my good friend Cindy, who wrapped some strawberries and chocolate chips in the pliant dough triangles and baked them one night for dessert. The strawberries ended up too jammy, but the treat planted the seeds of experimentation.
I made five versions of crescent dumplings in the course of a week, and they all rocked. There were three savory kinds: mushroom and herb, chicken fajita, and spinach and feta; and sweet apricot and apple. The buttery flavor of the dough is so versatile that it goes well with either sweet or savory fillings. You can use anything. The only trick is getting the hang of wrapping up the dough triangles so they look ok and nothing falls out. It takes a few tries. But obviously, even the Frankenstein-looking ones still taste good.
Mushroom and Herb Crescent Dumplings
- Half-pound or more of mushrooms of your choice
- Small onion, chopped
- A few garlic cloves, minced
- A teaspoon or so of minced or ground ginger (optional – I'm a ginger freak but you don't have to be)
- About a quarter cup of crushed pecans (also optional, though it does add a great texture)
- Parsley, thyme, whatever other herbs you like
Preheat oven to whatever temperature the crescent roll box tell you. Saute onion, garlic, ginger, and mushrooms in a skillet, covered, until the onions and mushrooms are soft. Salt and pepper to taste, stir in the nuts and herbs, and remove from heat.
Now the tricky part: take a spoonful of the mushroom mixture and put it in the center of the crescent triangle. Wrap the triangle sides around the filling and seal all the holes. As I said above, this may take a few tries. Put the dumplings on a baking sheet and bake for however long the crescent roll box tells you to. Top with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt or dressing and serve with a nice salad.
Chicken Fajita Crescent Dumplings
- A couple of skinless and boneless chicken breasts, cut into little chunks
- A bell pepper, diced
- An onion, diced
- A jalapeno pepper, diced and seeded (the more seeds, the spicier the result)
- Spices: salt, pepper, cilantro, cumin, garlic
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Saute onion and peppers in some oil for a couple minutes, then add the chicken and saute until it's cooked through. Season to taste (liberally). To stuff the dumplings, follow directions above, except put some cheese into the filling of each, then a little more cheese on top of the wrapped-up dumpling before sticking it into the oven.
Sweet Crescent Dumplings
Much easier than the savory kinds. Basically, each time I made savory dumplings I had a few dough triangles left over, so I grabbed whatever fruit I had lying around (apricots and apples) and honey and used it as filling. Take a couple slices of fruit, drizzle a little honey and maybe cinnamon on it, then wrap it up and bake.
Now, here's a challenge: try a filling I haven't mentioned and tell me how you liked it!
Eggplant parmesan
January 23, 2008
Eggplant Parmesan was one of the first big, fancy-seeming meals I ever learned to make, and it remains one of my favorites – this is what I make for people I'm trying to impress. It's relatively easy to prepare, too, albeit a little time-consuming. I think people are surprised at how few ingredients you need to make this dish…
Eggplant Parmesan
- Three large-ish eggplants
- A jar of your favorite tomato sauce (minimally chunky)
- A pound of shredded mozzarella cheese
- A cup of plain breadcrumbs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, any herbs you like
You'll also need a 9×13″ baking dish, and a skillet.
First, slice your eggplants into rounds, about half an inch thick. Then put breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl with about a teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Unless you're using heavily herbed tomato sauce, you can also put in equal amounts of herbs, like basil or parsley or oregano or thyme. Stir the breadcrumb mixture until the herbs and stuff are equally distributed.
Preheat oven to 375, then heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet on high heat. Put the eggplant slices in the pan in a single layer. The goal here is to fry the eggplant until it's just a little bit soft, and golden on both sides. You don't need to cook it all the way, just be sure you fry it on both sides. Eggplants tend to eat up a lot of oil, so keep adding oil if the pan is too dry. Do this with all of your eggplant slices.
When the eggplant slices are done frying, coat each one in the breadcrumb mixture and put them into the baking dish in a single layer. When the first layer is done, pour half the jar of tomato sauce on top, distributing it evenly so all the eggplant is covered in tomato. Repeat with a second layer of eggplants and the other half of the sauce. The three large eggplants should be just enough to make two layers.
Dump all the cheese on top and spread it around. It looks like a lot of cheese. Mmm, cheese. Stick the whole thing in the oven for half an hour. Makes enough food for a week. Eat with crusty bread.
Lentil soup
January 18, 2008
Yeah, I haven't posted in a while. Lots of cooking, not lots of posting. The return can be credited to Miz Cindy and her request for a lentil soup recipe.
This makes a lot of soup. It works quite well frozen in tupperware and eaten for work lunches. Good with cheese muffins – for those, take any muffin recipe (like the oaty muffins), reduce sugar to a tablespoon, take out the vanilla, and replace the fruit with all the shredded cheese and herbs (like cheddar and rosemary) you can handle.
The addition of spinach and sage when the soup is almost done is essential for this recipe. If the greens are added in the beginning, they lose all their flavor and texture. Without them, the soup is pretty bland.
Lentil soup with spinach and sage
- Medium-ish onion, diced
- Couple cloves of garlic, diced or pressed or whatever
- Couple of carrots, diced
- Couple celery sticks, diced
- A pound of uncooked lentils, rinsed
- A couple big handfulls of spinach, chopped
- A handful of fresh sage, chopped
- A bunch of water (8 cups seems to be the consensus among other recipes)
- Salt, pepper, cooking oil, etc.
Saute onion and garlic in some cooking oil on medium-high in the bottom of a big pot (I use a five-quart Dutch Oven) until they are soft. Add carrots, celery, lentils, salt, pepper, maybe a bay leaf or two if you have them, mix it all up.
Pour in the water, enough to cover the lentils by a couple inches. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer and cook for like 20-30 minutes, or however long your lentil package tells you to cook the lentils. Add water as necessary – more if you like thinner soup, less if you want it stewy.
When they're almost done, throw in the spinach and sage and cook for another five minutes or so.
Eat on wintry days when you require comfort food.
Spinach quiche
September 20, 2007
Quiche is one of those things that looks much more complicated and daunting to make than it actually is. All it really involves is a pie crust, eggs, milk, and whatever filling your heart desires (or whatever needs rescuing from the fridge). I've made potato and pepper jack cheese quiches before, tomato and mozzarella pizza ones, etc. They've all been good. But my favorite is definitely the spinach and feta combination – I love spinach in everything, and the way the feta cheese melts together with the egg is really wonderful.
A note about crusts: if you make your own, more power to you. But if not, I strongly recommend the kind that you roll out into a pie dish rather than the dry kind that comes with its own tin, because the latter burns and dries out and doesn't taste as good.
Spinach and Feta Quiche
- A pie crust
- Four eggs
- About a cup and a half of milk
- Salt-n-pepper
- Stuff! For this one, I used a handful (and by "handful," I mean that I reached my hand into a bag of salad spinach, grabbed as much of it as I could, and chopped it all up) of spinach, a much smaller handful of basil leaves, one green onion and a 4oz thing of crumbled feta cheese. As I've said above, you can use anything.
Preheat oven at 375. Put pie crust into pie pan.
Roughly chop up your spinach and whatever else, and put all the filling into the pie crust. The general guideline for filling is that it should loosely fill up the pie crust, so that the egg just fills in the crevices.
Crack the eggs and whisk them with the milk and the salt and pepper. Pour into the crust.
Stick in oven for 35 minutes or so, until the center is just set and the top is a little bit browned.


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GraphicRiver Christmas Balls 9207383
Category: Stock Vector | Comment: ( 0 )
GraphicRiver Christmas Balls 9207383
Stock Vector \ Conceptual \ Seasons \ Holidays \ Christmas
Object \ Merry \ Light \ Illustration \ Isolated \ Ornament \ Round \ Tradition
Stock Vector - Christmas Balls 9207383 by frostyara @ GraphicRiver
Stock Vector \ Conceptual \ Seasons \ Holidays \ Christmas
Graphics Files Included: JPG Image, Vector EPS, AI Illustrator; Layered: No; Minimum Adobe CS Version: CS5.
Set of Christmas balls next to each other on a white background
Ilex; Christmas Gift; Pumpkins; Halloween Face; Bow Icons; Fantasy Bow; Sharp Sword Icons.
Keywords: adornment, bauble, bright, celebration, christmas, colored, decor, decorate, decorative, design, glass, glossy, glow, hang, holiday, icon, illustration, isolated, light, merry, new, object, ornament, round, season, shape, shiny, sphere, tradition, xmas.
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EA allegedly considering two ways of re-introducing microtransactions into Star Wars Battlefront 2; Details
Nov 17, 2017 | 17 Comments
Welcome to the maiden voyage of GameZone's latest ongoing feature, Casting Couch, where we'll mix and match actors with their in-game counterparts for various mostly-hypothetical game movie adaptations.
Just in time for Halloween, we're kicking things off with Left 4 Dead, the feel-good game that royally screws a quartet of strangers by forcing them to survive against the junior varsity track zombie horde from 28 Days Later (minus Cillian Murphy's junk).
Bill - Sam Elliot
Louis - Mos Def
Francis - Chuck Liddell
Zoey - Rose Byrne
Boomer - Nick Frost
Smoker - Steve Buscemi
Tank - Andy Serkis (CGI)
Witch - Mageina Tovah
Hunter - Phil "The Unabomber" Laak
That's it for the first Left 4 Dead movie. Who would you cast in the sequel?


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INTERPOL dijo que no capturará a Santos
Posted by FernanDoylet en julio 4, 2009
26.095245 -80.253225
Posted by FernanDoylet en julio 4, 2009
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- Home
- International Travel
- Discovering Treasures of Mediterranean Islands
Discovering Treasures of Mediterranean Islands
- By Nicholas Svensk
- Published 29th January, 2017
- International Travel
- Unrated
Nicholas Svensk
I'm a passionate world traveler with particular interest in world history and culture. Hoping to visit Japan some day. Cycling and hiking enthusiast, eco-activist and occasionally an aspiring writer.View all articles by Nicholas Svensk
Adventure Awaits
The Mediterranean basin is one of the most friendly and attractive places for travelers around the world. This region attracts over 306 million tourists every year and the forecasts are saying that this number is going to double in about 10 years. The Mediterranean is the exotic European destination, offering unique cuisine, pleasant climate and great diversity of natural and historical treasures. However, the most iconic part of the Mediterranean basin is represented by its coast and islands. Bellow, we will introduce you to the some of the most impressive islands in the Mediterranean and let you know why should put them on your traveling bucket list.
Santorini (Greece)
Santorini is one of the most popular island in Greece, located in the Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast from the mainland. The most striking thing that you'll notice when arriving on Santorini is the local architecture. From the distance island and the cities shine with unique dreamlike ambiance, with its white buildings perfectly contrasted with blue rooftops. It is bound to impress everyone with the good eye for the aesthetics. This island is shaped as a big "C" and was formed around a volcano. The volcano is still active and it can be visited. There aren't many places in the world like Santorini, which manage to combine a spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, ancient cities and some great restaurants into a perfect creation. Santorini never ceases to amaze you.
Sardinia (Italy)
This island is located right in the middle of the Mediterranean and its existence has been mentioned many times in history. Even if Sardinia is a relatively mountainous region, it manages to provide some impressive natural sights. From dreamlike mountains, over sandy welcoming beaches, to crystal clear azure sea waters, nature of Sardinia is bound to charm you. Like pretty much anywhere in the Mediterranean, on Sardinia you'll witness some great cultural heritage reflected mostly in architecture from the the ages gone by. Domus the Janas or better known as "The House Of Witches" is one of the best preserved megalithic monuments in Europe and it's certainly worth of your time.
Ibiza (Spain)
Ibiza is one of the most attractive destinations, not just in Mediterranean, but in the whole Europe. It has mainly earned this popularity for its summer electronic music festivals and for its many nightclubs. However, Ibiza is more than that as you can enjoy many other things while on Ibiza. This island is also known for its amazing beaches, paved with the finest white sand and the crystal clear sea in the background. Playa d'en Bossa is one of the most wonderful and active beaches, and besides sunbathing, you can enjoy in surfing, snorkeling and paragliding there. If you'd like to explore the historic part of Ibiza, you can wander around the city and admire its great architectural wonders. But be sure to visit Dalt Vila, an ancient fortress that still up to this day amazes with its incredible design and imposing presence.
Mykonos (Greece)
Known also as The Island Of The Winds, Mykonos is part of Cyclades island group, located in the Aegean Sea. This island offers a successful combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere, magnificent beaches, great nightlife and some incredibly picturesque landscapes. If you want to admire the overall beauty of the place, just take a walk around the narrow streets of Chora and you will surely be thrilled by its wonders. Little Venice is another place that needs to be visited. This place is known for its breathtaking sunsets that can't be compared with anywhere else in the world. The luxury hotels, the great restaurant and the marvelous landscapes, are making from Mykonos a great traveling destination.
Krk (Croatia)
Krk is one of the most popular islands in Croatia and it attracts over half a million tourists every year. Krk offers a great diversity of attractions and it can please even the most prominent tourists. Like the rest of Croatia, this place also impresses with its great historical and architectural treasures. City of Krk is without any doubt, the most iconic attraction of this island. Its 2000 years old walls will amaze you and so will the Frankopan Castle and the Krk Cathedral. Many local yacht charter services on Krk are offering sailing trips all around the island. This is a perfect way to truly appreciate its natural wonders. Some of the most regarded Croatian Blue Flag beaches are actually located on Krk, like famous Oprna Beach and Glavotok Beach.
The Mediterranean Europe is a great and welcoming destination for all types of tourists. No matter which island you choose, you are bound to have unique and memorable experience.


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Challenges Facing the IMF and Malaysia -- Address by Michel Camdessus
July 15, 199696/15 Address by Michel Camdessus
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
at a Meeting of Financial and Business Leaders
Kuala Lumpur, July 15, 1996
Thank you, Mr. Minister, for your kind words.
It is a great pleasure for me to be visiting Malaysia again. This is my second visit to Malaysia and I still have vivid—and warm—memories of my first visit, which was almost a decade ago, shortly after I took office. It is a privilege to see first hand the giant strides that Malaysia has made in this period, and I am frankly amazed by these changes. I will have more to say on this in a moment. Let me say, first, that I take great pride in the IMF's long and close relationship with your country. Also, I especially welcome this opportunity today to speak to many leaders in the fields of business and finance about the challenges facing the IMF and Malaysia.
Malaysia is well known at the IMF as one of the most successful economies, centered in the most dynamic region in the world. Malaysia's transformation from a relatively poor, primary producing country with a per capita income of about $300—just three decades ago—to the threshold of a fully industrialized country is among the more remarkable stories of modern economic history. Growth rates of about 7-8 percent—outstripping even the objectives of your own development plans—have allowed real income per head to grow more than tenfold in this period, and the proportion of people living below the poverty line to be reduced by four fifths. Very few countries in the world can make such a claim.
Equally extraordinary is that this growth has been of the high-quality kind, a goal I never tire of stressing. What do I mean by high-quality growth? It is a demanding concept, with at least four dimensions. I believe that growth, to be sustainable, must maintain macro stability, benefit all sections of the community (especially the poorest), and respect national cultures and political freedom.
High-quality growth of this kind is obviously not easily attained. However, even by the high standards of the ASEAN region, Malaysia's performance in this respect stands out. After all, Malaysia has been exceptionally successful in sharing the benefits of its rapid growth among its culturally diverse population and in dramatically reducing poverty. In the early 1970s, close to 50 percent of Malaysia's population lived below the poverty line. By 1995, this had been reduced to 9 percent, better than targeted in the Sixth Plan and, I understand, a further reduction—to 6 percent—is targeted over the next five years. Hard-core poverty—those with incomes less than one-half the poverty line—has already almost been eliminated. Sensitivity to the environment—I am glad to say—has also been a major concern of Malaysia for many years. Indeed, with Malaysia's urban environment among the cleanest in Asia, I can see why chief executives of foreign companies view Malaysia as a top destination! Why do I stress these achievements? It is not to flatter your government. Rather it is because part of my job is to be involved in monitoring economic progress in the world and, when outstanding performers can be identified, to try to understand the reasons for their success, and then to disseminate this understanding throughout the IMF membership.
So, the question for me is: what are the reasons for Malaysia's success? Five sets of policies deserve emphasis, with several elements in common with your fast-growing neighbors:
- First, policies have maintained broad macroeconomic stability, which is crucial to the achievement of the virtuous circle of high saving, high investment, and rapid growth that you have enjoyed;
- Second, the overall strategy has been both outward-oriented and increasingly market-friendly;
- Third, the long-term emphasis on the investment in human, as well as physical, capital has unlocked another powerful virtuous circle of education spending, productivity, and growth;
- Fourth, as I have already emphasized, the successful pursuit of deliberate anti-poverty programs has not only reduced poverty, but also helped maintain social stability and ensure the political sustainability of the reform process; and
- Fifth, the very cooperative way in which Malaysia has availed itself of the benefits of its membership in the Bretton Woods institutions, especially the IMF, has resulted in a permanently open and mutually trustful dialogue.
How did the latter develop?
- At crucial times, the IMF has helped with financial support: in Indonesia, in the early years of its stabilization program, between 1966-73; in Thailand, through the support of their comprehensive adjustment program in the first half of the 1980s; and, in Malaysia, through the financing we provided in the 1970s and early 1980s, to tide your country over periods of commodity price declines and export shortfalls.
- The Fund has also provided Malaysia—as well as its neighbors—with technical assistance in a number of areas of IMF expertise. Such technical assistance has focused on establishing a sound basis for lasting macroeconomic stability—by strengthening the domestic institutions for macroeconomic management, especially in the central banking and budgetary areas, and improving statistical systems.
- On a more regular basis, Malaysia, like all other IMF member countries, participates in the annual surveillance exercise. It is through this surveillance process that the IMF seeks to maintain a sound external environment for all countries, a factor that has certainly contributed in no small measure to the success of this country and of the region. Surveillance involves in-depth discussions every year between each government and the IMF staff on the country's economic developments and prospects. The reports subsequently prepared by Fund staff are discussed by the IMF's Executive Board in Washington, which represents all of its 181 member countries. Through this process, Malaysia gets the benefit of our experience in all other countries; equally, Malaysia has the opportunity to give its views on the policies of all other countries. Thus, the membership can exercise considerable peer pressure and moral suasion over the direction of individual countries' policies. This is a form of discreet and mutual support that has gained increased importance at a time when globalization multiplies challenges and risks facing every country.
Globalization equals opportunities, risks, and new tasks for the IMF
The globalization of the world economy is basically positive. It has boosted net private capital flows to developing countries tenfold over the past two decades—to over $100 billion per year in recent years. Malaysia—and the region as a whole—is no stranger to these trends. You have been among the most effective countries in tapping private capital inflows and quickly responding to opportunities in the global market place. Indeed, the most spectacular increase in such flows has occurred in Asia.
However, these trends have also brought risks. Among the many lessons of the experience with Mexico is the all-important reminder of the speed with which market sentiment can shift and how disruptive such shifts can be. Given the high degree of market integration today, crises can quickly spill over into other markets. Therefore, the IMF now has an even more challenging responsibility in maintaining a favorable and stable external environment.
How do we do this? By promoting high-quality growth in all countries. As I said not long ago in Manila, and will repeat here, the words "high-quality growth" define our actions. The importance of this has been reconfirmed by the experience in Mexico, especially the importance of macroeconomic discipline and consistent policy implementation in maintaining market credibility—and of the severe consequences entailed by a loss—even temporarily—of such discipline. Thus, we see our principal task as one of encouraging countries to pursue sound domestic economic policies, to open up their economies to trade and investment, and to practice good governance—by which I mean transparent and accountable governments that follow the rule of law.
This is our mandate. But the question remains: how are we preparing ourselves to make our role even more effective in the context of the new challenges? I will touch on three areas:
First, let me address our surveillance role. We are building on this role to make it even more effective. In particular, we have intensified our dialogue with member countries so that we will be in a better position to assist with emerging problems before they become full-blown crises. We have also introduced new, more flexible—and more frequent—reviews of country and regional matters by the IMF's Executive Board, to supplement the surveillance exercise. Through these vehicles we are paying greater attention to the soundness of banking systems, especially to the nature and quality of banking supervision, to financial flows and their sustainability, to the problems of countries at risk, and to countries where financial market tensions could spill over into other countries' markets.
Second, we have committed ourselves to promoting the increased transparency of each country's policies. A crucial aspect of this is the increased transparency that results from the availability of timely data on a country's economic performance—this was yet another key lesson of the Mexican crisis. Toward this end, the Fund has developed a set of data standards to guide member countries in providing greater economic and financial information to the public, so that markets will be better informed—and less prone to surprises. We are encouraging all member countries to provide basic information to the public. We are urging countries that tap the international financial markets to meet a more demanding standard with regard to the coverage and periodicity of the data they release. It is my hope that Malaysia—and other countries in this region—will take the lead in this respect.
Third, the experience of Mexico also demonstrated that the Fund must have adequate financial resources so that it can continue to fulfill its mandate—as forcefully and decisively as circumstances demand—in this globalized, and at times unpredictable, world. With claims on our resources continuing at a high level— including from Russia, other transition economies, Latin America, and Africa—we are taking the following steps to strengthen our resources:
- Work is underway on the Eleventh General Review of Quotas, and this will remain our top priority. Quotas are the main resource base for IMF lending, and we are aiming for a timely and substantial increase in quotas—hopefully a doubling—that would be needed to see us through to the beginning of the next century.
- In addition, as you may know, the G-10 and other countries—including, I am glad to say, countries in this region—are establishing parallel financing arrangements, complementary to those already in place, with the aim of doubling the credit lines currently available to the Fund, to a total of approximately $50 billion under this mechanism.
- We are working to ensure the long-term future of the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (the ESAF) so that the Fund can continue to assist its poorest members into the 21st century.
- Finally, I fervently hope that we will be able to make progress in making a new allocation of SDRs in a way that will address the important equity issue rising from the fact that 38 of our members have never received an SDR allocation.
In all these adaptations of our role, the IMF has received strong support from Malaysia. Indeed, as Malaysia's economic role in the world has dramatically increased, and pari passu with its growing economic strength, Malaysia will be playing an even larger role in the IMF in the years ahead. Not only do we look to your country for the lessons of growth, but also to your support in strengthening the IMF's resource base, as well as in increasing the relevance of our surveillance. In a word, Mr. Chairman, the Mexican crisis has made crystal clear to the world that we are already in the brand new, globalized 21st century, a world with tremendous opportunities and challenges. What is the immediate implication of this for Malaysia?
Challenges facing Malaysia
Yes, let me now turn to some of the challenges facing Malaysia in this new environment, as it seeks to maintain growth and build on the successes of the past three decades. Many of these challenges Malaysia shares with the other fast-growing countries in the ASEAN region.
The basic challenge is the familiar one—to maintain the ingredients of high-quality growth that have already characterized Malaysia's economic performance over a long period. It remains essential, of course, to maintain macroeconomic stability, pursue a market-friendly economic strategy, maintain and promote investment in physical and human capital, and continue the successful fight to eliminate poverty.
While the agenda for maintaining these vital ingredients is already well established, rapid global integration raises more specific challenges in the immediate future, including strains on the macroeconomic framework. After the recent years of rapid growth in Malaysia—and in the region—these strains are not surprising. Specifically:
- Strong demand pressures—stemming from increased investment and consumption—have raised external current account deficits and put pressure on domestic prices. In Malaysia, the strain has been felt most acutely in the current account, where the deficit has risen quickly from about 4 percent of GDP in 1992-93 to over 8 percent of GDP in the past year. In the real economy, these strains can also be readily seen in a number of indicators, such as labor market pressures, especially of skilled labor, and rising property prices.
- In some countries, strains have also been felt in domestic banking systems that have had to intermediate a massive volume of resources, especially in the context of the surge in capital inflows.
The Malaysian authorities are, of course, well aware of these challenges. Indeed, the need for careful management of the pressures resulting from high growth has been well set out in Bank Negara's most recent Annual Report, including the need to maintain a strong financial system. And, a number of steps have been implemented toward this end. Let me say, also, that economic fundamentals in Malaysia—as in the region—are strong, and provide an margin of comfort against possible risks. Nevertheless, open economies like yours have to pay increasing attention to market sentiment. Given the mobility of capital flows, and their speedy response to concerns about sustainability, there is a clear premium on not delaying policy adjustments. Thus, we welcome greatly the continued commitment in the Seventh Plan and in the Bank Negara Report to a stable macroeconomic environment, one that would keep inflationary pressures in check and significantly reduce the current account deficit in the coming years.
A common issue in our discussions with countries across the region has been how best to strengthen the policy response to demand pressures. As we put together the lessons of these consultations, allow me to offer some observations on how the macroeconomic policy mix could best be adapted to deliver the demand restraint that is needed. In Malaysia, where a concern must be to reduce the current account, it will be necessary, of course, to increase saving relative to investment. Although higher private savings are desirable, Malaysia's record in this regard is already exemplary. Thus, especially in the short term, the public sector has to play an important role in responding to the demand pressures. In Malaysia, where the public sector is already in broad balance, the challenge is to aim for a fiscal surplus. This will require policymakers to strike a balance between spending needs—particularly in infrastructure areas—and the demands of macroeconomic stability. A similar challenge confronts Indonesia and Thailand (where the government sector is already in surplus). I have every confidence that the region will rise to this challenge, as it has to previous ones.
Why do I focus on fiscal policy in the recommended macroeconomic policy mix? This is because the tightening of fiscal policy tends to reduce interest rates and the current account deficit, simultaneously, and thus addresses the problem posed by capital inflows. A tightening of monetary policy, alone, is more likely to have adverse effects on private activity, capital inflows, and the current account. Thus, the obvious lesson for the policy mix is that monetary policy is best used in conjunction with fiscal policy to reduce demand pressures.
While so far I have focused on the near-term challenges posed by demand pressures, allow me to say a few words on where Malaysia stands with regarad to its continuing structural reform process and the medium-term goal of sustaining high- quality growth. Without question, Malaysia has come a long way in deregulating its economy, an accomplishment that has surely been at the root of the impressive rate of total factor productivity growth achieved over a long period. Nevertheless, in today's environment where all countries are competing for market confidence, there is always more work to be done. The Seventh Plan gives considerable confidence that Malaysia will be building strongly on its structural reform efforts of the past. An impressive agenda of reform is set out in the Plan, covering a variety of crucial areas—education, the labor market, infrastructure, health, environment, to name just a few.
From a macroeconomic perspective, let me highlight these important points. First, further development of the financial sector would be instrumental in helping finance—and sustain—Malaysia's high growth. Second, continuing tax reform—most efficiently, in our experience, through the introduction of the value added tax—would help with the fiscal consolidation. Third, the further liberalization and simplification of Malaysia's trade regime—where future progress is among the regional initiatives of AFTA and APEC—would deepen the outward orientation of the economy. All these structural reforms would, both, contribute to an even more efficient economy, as well as establish a lasting foundation for macroeconomic stability.
Allow me now to return to an area that is particularly close to my heart—and also to sustainable growth—and place high emphasis on maintaining Malaysia's competitive advantage in environmental matters. It is essential that environmental quality be maintained in the face of rapid industrial growth. For many years, Malaysia has enjoyed one of the least polluted environments in Asia. While rapid economic growth is starting to impose costs, I am pleased to say that policymakers in your country are responding actively to this challenge. I applaud these steps, and encourage you to continue and strengthen your efforts in this area, and so safeguard Malaysia's rich natural resources for future generations.
Last, but not least, Mr. Chairman, let me applaud the sense of international responsibility that your country has displayed as its economy has continued to strengthen—especially in accepting a more active role in our multilateral institutions and in supporting the efforts of poorer countries on their path towards adjustment and reform. For example, Malaysia has contributed to the ESAF in the past, thereby demonstrating that it regards solidarity with the poorer countries as a universal "must," and I am hopeful that it will continue to do so in the future. I look forward to Malaysia's leadership in other areas as well—not least to its contribution to the discussion of international monetary affairs in the IMF and in the Interim Committee— the IMF's policy-making body that is playing an increasingly important role in defining a cooperative global strategy. All countries in the world should pledge to implement the latter so as to promote worldwide stability, growth, and development. This would indeed be a most effective way for Malaysia to play its full role in the "new global partnership" that the G-7 summit in Lyon emphasized, and that should benefit our new world, as long as all partners fulfill all their obligations.
In conclusion, Malaysia still faces further challenges as it looks ahead
to becoming a fully industrialized economy. Prime Minister Mahathir's Vision
"2020" sets the target of achieving industrial country status
by that date. Malaysia's progress in recent years leaves no doubt that
this objective can be met. You can count on the IMF to support your efforts
with every means at its disposal. Equally, I am sure that the IMF can count
on Malaysia to continue working with other IMF members to strengthen the
international monetary system. In integrating itself into the world economy
more everyday, Malaysia sees both the benefits and the responsibilities
that such integration entails. I have no doubt that you will continue taking
advantage of the former, while acknowledging the latter.
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