Unprecedented levels of demand in the last quarter owing to lower gold prices have led to depletion of stocks in a number of key markets. Jewellery shops in China and India have run low or in some cases completely out of stock, it said. “In India, imports of gold are headed towards record levels in Q2 of 2013. We anticipate 300-400 tonnes of imports in the second quarter, as much as a 200 per cent year-on-year increase and almost half of total imports last year,” the WGC said in its market update for the second quarter of this year.
The country had imported only 153 tonnes of gold in the same period in 2012 calendar year as demand was lower because of record prices at that time.
Despite the price fall in April, the WGC’s research indicates that sentiment towards gold in the two largest markets is still extremely positive, with 70 per cent of consumers in India and China anticipating a stable or increasing price in the next 12 months. “Purchasing behaviour has been extremely strong, which indicates sustained demand over 2013 as a whole. While it is expected volumes will return to more normal levels, the momentum created in demand in Q1 and thus far in Q2 is likely to continue,” it observed.
Noting that the outlook for the remainder of 2013 is even more positive, the WGC said, “We anticipate record quarterly totals for the second quarter in India and China. Even if ETF (electronically traded funds) outflows continue, it is quite likely that gold previously held in the ETFs will find its way to Asian consumers taking a long-term view on gold.”
During the first quarter (January-March) of this year, there was very strong demand in the consumer markets for bars, coins and jewellery, the report said. “Purchases in India, China and the US were particularly strong. Consumer reaction to lower prices in the quarter was very positive and led to records being set in Chinese demand and in jewellery demand worldwide,” it said.
In India, consumers have flooded into the market, viewing the lower prices very much as a buying opportunity, with a sudden rise in jewellery sales reported from retailers across the nation. This was echoed in re-stocking by jewellers ahead of Akshaya Tritiya on May 13, it added.
Gold imports from India, the world’s largest consumer, are expected to increase to 900 tonnes in the current calendar year as against 860 tonnes in 2012.
A former Indian-origin cricket coach here has been sentenced to 15 months in jail for his role in a burglary in May last year.
Jeraj Puvaneshen, 26, pleaded guilty to helping two fellow coaches, Rajeswari Pasupathy and Vigineswari Pasupathy, both sisters, burgle the apartment of one of their students at Hougang area here May 17, 2012, media reports said Thursday.
Both the sisters had represented Singapore in cricket before.
At the time of the incident, Puvaneshen was the cricket coach of St Andrew's Secondary School and St Andrew's Junior College.
According to the reports, the sisters came to know that one of their students, a 12-year-old boy, was staying in his flat alone as his parents were away.
They then asked Puvaneshen to take the boys cricket team for a run outside the school in the afternoon.
While the boy was away from his home, the two sisters stole gold jewellery worth S$20,000 and other items from the flat using the keys to the flat they had taken out from the boy's bag.
2013年5月30日星期四
Lindsay Lohan buying family jewellry
Lindsay Lohan has bought her family jewellery in a bid promote harmony among them.
The troubled star has been using her 90 days of court-ordered rehabilitation treatment to reflect upon her past mistakes and is making amends by giving her family anchor-shaped pendant necklaces to represent their supportive influence on her life.
Lindsay, her mother Dina, and her brother Cody already had the chain, so the 27-year-old actress has decided to give the pendant to her dad Michael, sister Ali and her brother Michael Jr. in order to bring her family together, TMZ reports.
The 'Mean Girls' star's action has been inspired by her councillors at the Betty Ford rehab centre in Rancho Mirage, California, who were worried the ongoing conflict is an impediment to her recovery.
Michael was so moved by her gesture when he visited Lindsay this weekend, he bought all the chains himself and sent them to her address so she can give them out in person.
The actress' father believes she is looking ''phenomenal'' and is on the path to recovery, but wants Lindsay - who agreed to go to rehab as part of a deal after pleading ''no contest'' to charges of lying to police during a car crash last June - to be transferred to the Lukens Institute in Florida because he doesn't think his daughter should be around medicinal drugs.
Michael recently said: ''She is doing phenomenal, I mean awesome. There is a lot of healing going on. This is only the beginning of the process and she has 60 more days. She did say that at the beginning of the month that she wants to leave and go to Lukens.
''They are giving some people in here medication, Valium, and other narcotic medication, you don't do that in rehab. Lukens doesn't treat people like that.''
The actress is currently serving her court-ordered 90-day rehab stint in the Betty Ford treatment centre in California. It was previously reported that staff at the facility wanted to arrange a therapy session for Lindsay’s family, including her warring parents Dina and Michael.
According to TMZ, Lindsay is taking the advice of her counsellors seriously and is trying to help repair the rift between her mom and dad.
She has reportedly chosen chains with an anchor for her father, sister Ali and brother Michael Jr. The jewellery symbolises that each member of Lindsay’s family is an anchor for her.
“Lindsay believes the symbolic gesture can actually open the door to some semblance of family unity... which counsellors think could help her in rehab,” the website reports.
Lindsay also owns the same anchor, along with her mom and brother Cody.
It has been reported that the Betty Ford centre encourages families with difficulties to meet in the same room to resolve their conflicts. Counsellors are still hopeful they can persuade Lindsay’s whole family to attend a session, in order to aid her rehab process.
Lindsay told her father about her plan to present family members with the piece of jewellery when he visited her last weekend. It has been claimed he was so touched by the idea, that he bought the anchors himself and had them shipped to his daughter. Lindsay, 26, is set to give the gifts to her siblings Michael Jr. and Ali when they next visit.
The star is currently fulfilling her plea deal in connection to a 2012 car crash in which she was charged with reckless driving and lying to police.
It has been reported that the actress is “adapting” well to the treatment plan.
The troubled star has been using her 90 days of court-ordered rehabilitation treatment to reflect upon her past mistakes and is making amends by giving her family anchor-shaped pendant necklaces to represent their supportive influence on her life.
Lindsay, her mother Dina, and her brother Cody already had the chain, so the 27-year-old actress has decided to give the pendant to her dad Michael, sister Ali and her brother Michael Jr. in order to bring her family together, TMZ reports.
The 'Mean Girls' star's action has been inspired by her councillors at the Betty Ford rehab centre in Rancho Mirage, California, who were worried the ongoing conflict is an impediment to her recovery.
Michael was so moved by her gesture when he visited Lindsay this weekend, he bought all the chains himself and sent them to her address so she can give them out in person.
The actress' father believes she is looking ''phenomenal'' and is on the path to recovery, but wants Lindsay - who agreed to go to rehab as part of a deal after pleading ''no contest'' to charges of lying to police during a car crash last June - to be transferred to the Lukens Institute in Florida because he doesn't think his daughter should be around medicinal drugs.
Michael recently said: ''She is doing phenomenal, I mean awesome. There is a lot of healing going on. This is only the beginning of the process and she has 60 more days. She did say that at the beginning of the month that she wants to leave and go to Lukens.
''They are giving some people in here medication, Valium, and other narcotic medication, you don't do that in rehab. Lukens doesn't treat people like that.''
The actress is currently serving her court-ordered 90-day rehab stint in the Betty Ford treatment centre in California. It was previously reported that staff at the facility wanted to arrange a therapy session for Lindsay’s family, including her warring parents Dina and Michael.
According to TMZ, Lindsay is taking the advice of her counsellors seriously and is trying to help repair the rift between her mom and dad.
She has reportedly chosen chains with an anchor for her father, sister Ali and brother Michael Jr. The jewellery symbolises that each member of Lindsay’s family is an anchor for her.
“Lindsay believes the symbolic gesture can actually open the door to some semblance of family unity... which counsellors think could help her in rehab,” the website reports.
Lindsay also owns the same anchor, along with her mom and brother Cody.
It has been reported that the Betty Ford centre encourages families with difficulties to meet in the same room to resolve their conflicts. Counsellors are still hopeful they can persuade Lindsay’s whole family to attend a session, in order to aid her rehab process.
Lindsay told her father about her plan to present family members with the piece of jewellery when he visited her last weekend. It has been claimed he was so touched by the idea, that he bought the anchors himself and had them shipped to his daughter. Lindsay, 26, is set to give the gifts to her siblings Michael Jr. and Ali when they next visit.
The star is currently fulfilling her plea deal in connection to a 2012 car crash in which she was charged with reckless driving and lying to police.
It has been reported that the actress is “adapting” well to the treatment plan.
2013年5月28日星期二
This will not require Deacon Yanga to establish
DEACON Ladu Yanga, from Banyo's Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary, is
praying for a miraculous unravelling of government red tape so his
mother can fly from Sudan to attend his ordination to the priesthood
this month.
He's tried once with the help of immigration lawyer Peter Lee to get his mother Kolorina Martin to Australia in time for the June 29 ordination.
Deacon Yanga attempted to get his mother here from newly independent South Sudan on a "Visitor visa - Sponsored Family stream".
Seminary vice-rector Fr Frank Devoy, along with Peter Lee's office, is spearheading a new attempt to get the Sudanese-born deacon's mother here on a "Visitor visa - Tourist stream".
This will not require Deacon Yanga to establish his relationship to Mrs Martin.
A letter has been despatched to Wayne Swan, Federal MP for the electorate to which the Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary belongs, in the hope a complex visa approval process can be sped up.
The letter, signed by all the seminary's staff and seminarians, outlined the urgency of the situation.
"It stated that Deacon Ladu is known to us all as a remarkable and dedicated person who wishes to use his gifts in a lifetime of service in the Church in Australia and the community at large," Fr Devoy said.
"The seminary offers a financial guarantee that Mrs Martin will return home to Sudan after her son's ordination.
"We appeal for the issue of this visa so all at the seminary may have the joy of her presence at this memorable and holy event in her son's life."
But, as Fr Devoy explained, "time is of the essence in what is a very complex process".
The process was carried out in the failed attempt to get Mrs Martin on a "Visitor visa - Sponsored Family stream".
"First we had to scan the relevant form and get it to Mrs Martin who lives about 80 kilometres from the South Sudanese capital Juba," Fr Devoy said.
"Mrs Martin then had to get the document to Juba where she signed it with a thumb print in front of government officials.
"The form then came back to us to be packaged with other forms and sent to the Immigration Department at which time the application was refused."
Fr Devoy said this whole process had taken nearly five weeks.
"Now we're back at the start of a new application process with Mrs Martin having to sign the new visa application," he said.
"And at this stage we haven't received Mrs Martin's newly signed document back from South Sudan yet.
"Once this is verified, the Immigration Department will send the documentation on to the Immigration Office at the Australian High Commission in Nairobi.
"This is the office which will issue the relevant visa to allow Mrs Martin to come to Australia for her son's ordination.
"With the ordination so close, time is of the essence which is why we've contacted Wayne Swan in the hope the process can be somehow expedited."
Deacon Yanga was accepted as a refugee to Australia in 2001, more than a decade after being separated from his family and escaping to Kenya as a teenager.
He said he listed Mrs Martin's name as his mother on his refugee application.
The deacon sponsored three brothers to migrate to Australia in 2006 but his mother chose to return to a newly independent South Sudan to look after her other children after years in exile in neighbouring Uganda.
Mrs Martin has more than a dozen grandchildren in the country.
Deacon Yanga said he was not happy about the situation.
"But at the end of the day, what can I do," he said.
"We're trying every possible means but we're running out of time.
"It is so important to have my own mother with me for this memorable and holy event in my life.
"I'm still hopeful, but these processes take at least four weeks even when things are working well.
He's tried once with the help of immigration lawyer Peter Lee to get his mother Kolorina Martin to Australia in time for the June 29 ordination.
Deacon Yanga attempted to get his mother here from newly independent South Sudan on a "Visitor visa - Sponsored Family stream".
Seminary vice-rector Fr Frank Devoy, along with Peter Lee's office, is spearheading a new attempt to get the Sudanese-born deacon's mother here on a "Visitor visa - Tourist stream".
This will not require Deacon Yanga to establish his relationship to Mrs Martin.
A letter has been despatched to Wayne Swan, Federal MP for the electorate to which the Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary belongs, in the hope a complex visa approval process can be sped up.
The letter, signed by all the seminary's staff and seminarians, outlined the urgency of the situation.
"It stated that Deacon Ladu is known to us all as a remarkable and dedicated person who wishes to use his gifts in a lifetime of service in the Church in Australia and the community at large," Fr Devoy said.
"The seminary offers a financial guarantee that Mrs Martin will return home to Sudan after her son's ordination.
"We appeal for the issue of this visa so all at the seminary may have the joy of her presence at this memorable and holy event in her son's life."
But, as Fr Devoy explained, "time is of the essence in what is a very complex process".
The process was carried out in the failed attempt to get Mrs Martin on a "Visitor visa - Sponsored Family stream".
"First we had to scan the relevant form and get it to Mrs Martin who lives about 80 kilometres from the South Sudanese capital Juba," Fr Devoy said.
"Mrs Martin then had to get the document to Juba where she signed it with a thumb print in front of government officials.
"The form then came back to us to be packaged with other forms and sent to the Immigration Department at which time the application was refused."
Fr Devoy said this whole process had taken nearly five weeks.
"Now we're back at the start of a new application process with Mrs Martin having to sign the new visa application," he said.
"And at this stage we haven't received Mrs Martin's newly signed document back from South Sudan yet.
"Once this is verified, the Immigration Department will send the documentation on to the Immigration Office at the Australian High Commission in Nairobi.
"This is the office which will issue the relevant visa to allow Mrs Martin to come to Australia for her son's ordination.
"With the ordination so close, time is of the essence which is why we've contacted Wayne Swan in the hope the process can be somehow expedited."
Deacon Yanga was accepted as a refugee to Australia in 2001, more than a decade after being separated from his family and escaping to Kenya as a teenager.
He said he listed Mrs Martin's name as his mother on his refugee application.
The deacon sponsored three brothers to migrate to Australia in 2006 but his mother chose to return to a newly independent South Sudan to look after her other children after years in exile in neighbouring Uganda.
Mrs Martin has more than a dozen grandchildren in the country.
Deacon Yanga said he was not happy about the situation.
"But at the end of the day, what can I do," he said.
"We're trying every possible means but we're running out of time.
"It is so important to have my own mother with me for this memorable and holy event in my life.
"I'm still hopeful, but these processes take at least four weeks even when things are working well.
Rivera also seemed to appreciate the gifts
Jimmy Crupi and John Colombo have been working the security detail in the Mets visitors bullpen for more than 20 years, so that means they were on duty the first time Mariano Rivera showed up for work at Shea Stadium on June 26, 1998, the night he would earn his first save in Queens.
For the next 15 years the two men, especially Crupi, developed a bond with Rivera, a player they both consider to be the finest gentleman, and among the most good-natured pranksters, they have encountered in their work.
Rivera has forged relationships with various bullpen security guards from New York to Anaheim, but he seemed to hold a special affinity for Crupi.
Rivera, the Yankees 43-year-old closer who has said he will retire after the season, noted Tuesday at a news conference held by the Mets to honor him that Citi Field if full of familiar faces, including Crupi’s.
“I have a lot of good friends, actually, here at the stadium,” he said. “I have one in the bullpen, Jimmy. Jimmy is my man, there.”
Colombo confirmed the special affinity that Rivera holds for Crupi, even in enemy territory.
“Mo loves him,” Colombo said. “You should see, when he sees Jimmy, he just lights up. Jimmy’s been his guy for years.”
Crupi first started working at Shea in 1980 when Rivera was a schoolboy in Panama. He moved into the bullpen a few years later and has been there since the inception of the Subway Series at Shea in 1998. He called Rivera, “a hell of a nice guy,” who always asks about his family and jokes around with him. He said he never once saw Rivera refuse an autograph request from a fan and always treated everyone around him with respect.
“He was never a guy with his nose up in the air,” Crupi said. “He’s a lot of fun to be around.”
Crupi and Colombo seemed especially taken with Rivera’s sense of humor and willingness to include the guards in his pranks.
One time Colombo said he had an encounter with a fan that could have escalated into an incident. He said the fan was throwing peanuts at him and they kept hitting him. After the first one Colombo looked up into the stands and issued the fan a warning to stop. He got hit a second time and in a more stern tone told the fan that if it happened again, he would have to come into the stands and deal with it directly.
By the time the third peanut hit him, Colombo noticed Rivera, sitting nearby, doubled over and laughing hysterically. Rivera had been the culprit all along, stealthily flicking the peanuts at Colombo while pretending to be looking at the field.
But Rivera also enjoyed being on the other end of lighthearted jokes. Crupi and Colombo recalled the story of the grounds crew worker, who was also friendly with Rivera during his time at Shea and Citi Field.
One day the worker asked Rivera if he would sign a baseball for him, and Rivera quickly agreed. In the back hallways where Rivera could not see, he assembled several dozen empty boxes of balls (each one holds nine balls), enough to have taken hours to sign. He piled the empty boxes on a cart and wheeled them into the bullpen when Rivera was not looking.
The worker then approached Rivera, standing in front of the boxes so that Rivera could not see, and handed the closer one pearly white baseball. Rivera signed it. He thanked him and then told Rivera he had a few more for him to sign, stepping aside to reveal the cart with the stack of boxes. Rivera’s jaw dropped at first before he realized the boxes were empty.
“He laughed and laughed for like 10 minutes,” Colombo said. “He thought it was great.”
Rivera also seemed to appreciate the gifts the Mets gave him Tuesday to commemorate what was expected to be his final game at Citi Field, a start delayed more than an hour by rain. Being called the greatest fireman of all time, Rivera was given a mounted nozzle from a New York City Fire Department fire hose, presented by Jeff Wilpon, the Mets chief operating officer; and a mounted fire call box, presented by New York City Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.
Wilpon noted that Rivera usually throws the last pitch in games, but asked him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Tuesday’s game. Rivera said he would be honored. He pitched to John Franco, and the scoreboard read, “Congratulations on a Hall of Fame Career.”
“Mariano, we’ve watched you for so many years,” Wilpon said. “It’s a great honor to have you here for the last time. I wish we could see you in the World Series, but I’m not sure that’s going to happen.”
The Mets were 10 games under .500 going into Tuesday’s game, but Rivera politely said, “You never know.”
Wilpon shrugged and said: “We could get on a run. The fact is it’s been great to watch you. We just really want to celebrate your last year.”
When Crupi heard that Rivera had mentioned him in front of about four members of the news media, he was humbled, but not surprised; nor was Colombo.
“I’ve been doing this for 25 years,” Colombo said, “and I can say without hesitation he’s the best man I’ve ever met in baseball.”
For the next 15 years the two men, especially Crupi, developed a bond with Rivera, a player they both consider to be the finest gentleman, and among the most good-natured pranksters, they have encountered in their work.
Rivera has forged relationships with various bullpen security guards from New York to Anaheim, but he seemed to hold a special affinity for Crupi.
Rivera, the Yankees 43-year-old closer who has said he will retire after the season, noted Tuesday at a news conference held by the Mets to honor him that Citi Field if full of familiar faces, including Crupi’s.
“I have a lot of good friends, actually, here at the stadium,” he said. “I have one in the bullpen, Jimmy. Jimmy is my man, there.”
Colombo confirmed the special affinity that Rivera holds for Crupi, even in enemy territory.
“Mo loves him,” Colombo said. “You should see, when he sees Jimmy, he just lights up. Jimmy’s been his guy for years.”
Crupi first started working at Shea in 1980 when Rivera was a schoolboy in Panama. He moved into the bullpen a few years later and has been there since the inception of the Subway Series at Shea in 1998. He called Rivera, “a hell of a nice guy,” who always asks about his family and jokes around with him. He said he never once saw Rivera refuse an autograph request from a fan and always treated everyone around him with respect.
“He was never a guy with his nose up in the air,” Crupi said. “He’s a lot of fun to be around.”
Crupi and Colombo seemed especially taken with Rivera’s sense of humor and willingness to include the guards in his pranks.
One time Colombo said he had an encounter with a fan that could have escalated into an incident. He said the fan was throwing peanuts at him and they kept hitting him. After the first one Colombo looked up into the stands and issued the fan a warning to stop. He got hit a second time and in a more stern tone told the fan that if it happened again, he would have to come into the stands and deal with it directly.
By the time the third peanut hit him, Colombo noticed Rivera, sitting nearby, doubled over and laughing hysterically. Rivera had been the culprit all along, stealthily flicking the peanuts at Colombo while pretending to be looking at the field.
But Rivera also enjoyed being on the other end of lighthearted jokes. Crupi and Colombo recalled the story of the grounds crew worker, who was also friendly with Rivera during his time at Shea and Citi Field.
One day the worker asked Rivera if he would sign a baseball for him, and Rivera quickly agreed. In the back hallways where Rivera could not see, he assembled several dozen empty boxes of balls (each one holds nine balls), enough to have taken hours to sign. He piled the empty boxes on a cart and wheeled them into the bullpen when Rivera was not looking.
The worker then approached Rivera, standing in front of the boxes so that Rivera could not see, and handed the closer one pearly white baseball. Rivera signed it. He thanked him and then told Rivera he had a few more for him to sign, stepping aside to reveal the cart with the stack of boxes. Rivera’s jaw dropped at first before he realized the boxes were empty.
“He laughed and laughed for like 10 minutes,” Colombo said. “He thought it was great.”
Rivera also seemed to appreciate the gifts the Mets gave him Tuesday to commemorate what was expected to be his final game at Citi Field, a start delayed more than an hour by rain. Being called the greatest fireman of all time, Rivera was given a mounted nozzle from a New York City Fire Department fire hose, presented by Jeff Wilpon, the Mets chief operating officer; and a mounted fire call box, presented by New York City Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.
Wilpon noted that Rivera usually throws the last pitch in games, but asked him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Tuesday’s game. Rivera said he would be honored. He pitched to John Franco, and the scoreboard read, “Congratulations on a Hall of Fame Career.”
“Mariano, we’ve watched you for so many years,” Wilpon said. “It’s a great honor to have you here for the last time. I wish we could see you in the World Series, but I’m not sure that’s going to happen.”
The Mets were 10 games under .500 going into Tuesday’s game, but Rivera politely said, “You never know.”
Wilpon shrugged and said: “We could get on a run. The fact is it’s been great to watch you. We just really want to celebrate your last year.”
When Crupi heard that Rivera had mentioned him in front of about four members of the news media, he was humbled, but not surprised; nor was Colombo.
“I’ve been doing this for 25 years,” Colombo said, “and I can say without hesitation he’s the best man I’ve ever met in baseball.”
2013年5月27日星期一
Faster conversion of all Edmonton street lights would cut costs
Edmonton could save $50 million over two decades by speeding up the
conversion of street lights to LED dimmable from conventional equipment,
a new report says.
The city began a 20-year program in 2011 to install LED bulbs in all 100,000 street lights, a move expected to cut the power they use by one-third and reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by six per cent, says a report released Thursday.
But completing the work in five years would eliminate an additional 130,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases, as well as reducing spending on electricity and maintenance, it says.
While the conversion would cost about $60 million, that money would be paid back from lower expenses within 13 to 17 years.
“Based on the initial review, it is anticipated that over the 20-year lifespan of the equipment the city would see a net savings of approximately $50 million after the paydown of the capital costs.”
The report recommends looking at carrying out the program with an energy service company, which would finance the work and then be reimbursed by the city from a portion of the savings.
Any money saved after the costs are paid would be shared by the city and the company.
The proposal will be discussed Wednesday by council’s transportation committee.
Transportation general manager Bob Boutilier said the potential savings surprised him when they were examined last year.
“That one was absolutely amazing. We went through and had everybody analyze it from the standpoint that ‘it can’t be true,’ ” he said.“The energy saving is phenomenal.”
Edmonton is one of the Canadian leaders in this area. Mississauga, Ont. is aiming to switch its lights to LED over three years and the Nova Scotia government banned non-LED street lights in 2011.
Coun. Don Iveson called the move “kind of a no-brainer,” and said Edmonton’s conversion has been well-received in areas where it has occurred, such as Duggan.
“There’s less glare off some of these lights than our current sodium fixtures … They use less power and waste less light that goes into people’s windows at night and can distract people when they’re driving.”
The extra reduction in greenhouse gases from making the change more quickly would equal the city’s total emissions for almost six months, he said.
“It helps us get down the road further to the 50 per cent reduction (target) on greenhouse gases by 2020.”
Iveson is also willing to consider hiring a private company to handle the project.
“There’s some opportunity to transfer some risk around the cost of power and the cost of technology and maintenance by working with a partner.”
The city began a 20-year program in 2011 to install LED bulbs in all 100,000 street lights, a move expected to cut the power they use by one-third and reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by six per cent, says a report released Thursday.
But completing the work in five years would eliminate an additional 130,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases, as well as reducing spending on electricity and maintenance, it says.
While the conversion would cost about $60 million, that money would be paid back from lower expenses within 13 to 17 years.
“Based on the initial review, it is anticipated that over the 20-year lifespan of the equipment the city would see a net savings of approximately $50 million after the paydown of the capital costs.”
The report recommends looking at carrying out the program with an energy service company, which would finance the work and then be reimbursed by the city from a portion of the savings.
Any money saved after the costs are paid would be shared by the city and the company.
The proposal will be discussed Wednesday by council’s transportation committee.
Transportation general manager Bob Boutilier said the potential savings surprised him when they were examined last year.
“That one was absolutely amazing. We went through and had everybody analyze it from the standpoint that ‘it can’t be true,’ ” he said.“The energy saving is phenomenal.”
Edmonton is one of the Canadian leaders in this area. Mississauga, Ont. is aiming to switch its lights to LED over three years and the Nova Scotia government banned non-LED street lights in 2011.
Coun. Don Iveson called the move “kind of a no-brainer,” and said Edmonton’s conversion has been well-received in areas where it has occurred, such as Duggan.
“There’s less glare off some of these lights than our current sodium fixtures … They use less power and waste less light that goes into people’s windows at night and can distract people when they’re driving.”
The extra reduction in greenhouse gases from making the change more quickly would equal the city’s total emissions for almost six months, he said.
“It helps us get down the road further to the 50 per cent reduction (target) on greenhouse gases by 2020.”
Iveson is also willing to consider hiring a private company to handle the project.
“There’s some opportunity to transfer some risk around the cost of power and the cost of technology and maintenance by working with a partner.”
2013年5月26日星期日
The Indian banking consortium is conducting a forensic
What makes their job particularly difficult is the absence of adequate securities against exposures to Winsome. This is because last year, the banks had released corporate guarantees and mortgages that the Winsome group had given to obtain credit facilities from the local lenders.
While the rationale behind freeing the securities remains unclear, it could have been done to enable associates and subsidiaries of Winsome Diamonds & Jewellery -- a listed company formerly called Su-raj -- to raise funds.
However, they were left with no choice thanks to the "accelerated payment" provision in the gold loan agreement between Winsome and bullion banks. This provision enabled the bullion banks to invoke LCs well before due dates if there were signs that Winsome would default in future. Indian banks may have changed their stance after RBI pointed out that their non-payment could be construed as sovereign default, say bankers familiar with the case.
Emails and text messages to KR Kamath, Chairman of Punjab National Bank, the leader of the 15-member consortium, went unanswered. However, a senior official of the state-owned bank said that personal guarantee furnished by Su-raj promoter Jatin Mehta is still with banks. But lenders, whose total exposure to Winsome group exceeds 6,000 crore, may be unable to avert a hit by invoking Mehta's personal guarantee.
Mehta, who is related to the Adanis -- a well known business family - stepped down as Winsome chairman last year and mostly operates out of Dubai and Singapore.
Meanwhile, banks have been recently told that Winsome's inability to repay is due to huge derivative losses suffered by the jeweller's overseas clients who are said to be in financial difficulties.
Around eight bank officials visited Dubai to carry out on-site inspection of these counterparties of the Winsome group. A meeting also took place between the lenders, Jatin Mehta and the foreign counterparties at Sharjah. While representatives of these counterparties admitted at the meeting that they had defaulted to Winsome following derivative losses, banks are yet to verify these claims and have no detailed knowledge about these Middle-East companies.
Winsome has also proposed a restructuring of loans so that the dues can be cleared over 8 to 10 years. But banks, who are yet to spell out their stand, may ask the counterparties (Winsome's Dubai customers) to make a down payment of at least 25% of the outstanding dues to demonstrate their commitment. Banks also want Mehta to open an escrow account so that they are able to get hold of funds remitted to Winsome companies by overseas clients.
The Indian banking consortium is conducting a forensic audit on Winsome. Banks have decided that they will consider restructuring the loans only if the audit establishes that additional funding is viable and funds were not diverted, said a person familiar with the negotiations.
A core committee of lenders has been formed to review the accounts. It includes PNB, Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India and Canara Bank.
While the rationale behind freeing the securities remains unclear, it could have been done to enable associates and subsidiaries of Winsome Diamonds & Jewellery -- a listed company formerly called Su-raj -- to raise funds.
However, they were left with no choice thanks to the "accelerated payment" provision in the gold loan agreement between Winsome and bullion banks. This provision enabled the bullion banks to invoke LCs well before due dates if there were signs that Winsome would default in future. Indian banks may have changed their stance after RBI pointed out that their non-payment could be construed as sovereign default, say bankers familiar with the case.
Emails and text messages to KR Kamath, Chairman of Punjab National Bank, the leader of the 15-member consortium, went unanswered. However, a senior official of the state-owned bank said that personal guarantee furnished by Su-raj promoter Jatin Mehta is still with banks. But lenders, whose total exposure to Winsome group exceeds 6,000 crore, may be unable to avert a hit by invoking Mehta's personal guarantee.
Mehta, who is related to the Adanis -- a well known business family - stepped down as Winsome chairman last year and mostly operates out of Dubai and Singapore.
Meanwhile, banks have been recently told that Winsome's inability to repay is due to huge derivative losses suffered by the jeweller's overseas clients who are said to be in financial difficulties.
Around eight bank officials visited Dubai to carry out on-site inspection of these counterparties of the Winsome group. A meeting also took place between the lenders, Jatin Mehta and the foreign counterparties at Sharjah. While representatives of these counterparties admitted at the meeting that they had defaulted to Winsome following derivative losses, banks are yet to verify these claims and have no detailed knowledge about these Middle-East companies.
Winsome has also proposed a restructuring of loans so that the dues can be cleared over 8 to 10 years. But banks, who are yet to spell out their stand, may ask the counterparties (Winsome's Dubai customers) to make a down payment of at least 25% of the outstanding dues to demonstrate their commitment. Banks also want Mehta to open an escrow account so that they are able to get hold of funds remitted to Winsome companies by overseas clients.
The Indian banking consortium is conducting a forensic audit on Winsome. Banks have decided that they will consider restructuring the loans only if the audit establishes that additional funding is viable and funds were not diverted, said a person familiar with the negotiations.
A core committee of lenders has been formed to review the accounts. It includes PNB, Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India and Canara Bank.
who we have trained up through the scheme
Instead of using bows and arrows to take from the rich and give to
the poor, she uses the money spent by wealthy people on her expensive
handmade pieces to help some of the world's most disadvantaged
communities.
With her jewellery selling for as much as ￡70,000 per item, London-based Pippa is in demand with fashion houses like Gucci, Chloe and Nicole Farhi.
Her designs are worn by celebrities including actress Nicole Kidman, and Pippa attends fashion weeks around the world. Yet in stark contrast to such glitz and glamour, she also inhabits a completely different world.
"Just as I was starting the business full-time 10 years ago, I had spent a summer working with Burmese refuges in Thailand, who were just full of horror stories, horrendous testimonies," she says.
"And I remember coming back to Europe to go to the Paris fashion week, and just being struck dumb by the contrast. I just couldn't reconcile the two completely different realities."
Instead of using bows and arrows to take from the rich and give to the poor, she uses the money spent by wealthy people on her expensive handmade pieces to help some of the world's most disadvantaged communities.
With her jewellery selling for as much as ￡70,000 per item, London-based Pippa is in demand with fashion houses like Gucci, Chloe and Nicole Farhi.
Her designs are worn by celebrities including actress Nicole Kidman, and Pippa attends fashion weeks around the world. Yet in stark contrast to such glitz and glamour, she also inhabits a completely different world.
"Just as I was starting the business full-time 10 years ago, I had spent a summer working with Burmese refuges in Thailand, who were just full of horror stories, horrendous testimonies," she says.
"And I remember coming back to Europe to go to the Paris fashion week, and just being struck dumb by the contrast. I just couldn't reconcile the two completely different realities."
Today Pippa gets 70% of her jewellery made in India, "the world's gold jewellery capital", with the profits she makes from this main part of her business being invested into special collections made in workshops in countries such as Afghanistan, Kenya, Panama and Bolivia from locally sourced materials.
While Pippa admits she has a profitable business and good lifestyle, in all countries she pays at least a 10% premium to ensure working standards are as high as possible, both in sourcing the metals and precious stones she uses, and for the workers who then make the jewellery.
In Bolivia her jewellery is made from gold produced in a mine that is run as a co-operative, and is working towards Fairtrade accreditation through it being run in as an environmentally friendly a way as possible.
In marked contrast, Pippa's Kenya-made jewellery is all made from recycled glass and scrap metal sourced from Nairobi's largest waste tip.
Working with the Made charity, 160 people who live in a slum next to the site are involved in the manufacture of the jewellery.
"They live in completely inhuman conditions, but they are really industrious, going through the garbage seeing what they can sell," says Pippa.
"I know we are only helping a very small number, but it is amazing to see the difference we can make - it is all about giving these people the confidence of having a skill and being able to contribute.
"Within a couple of years, many people who we have trained up through the scheme leave to start their own micro-businesses. That is particularly pleasing."
With two Pippa Small boutiques, one in London and the other in Los Angeles, she plans to continue to grow both the business and her work with disadvantaged groups.
With her jewellery selling for as much as ￡70,000 per item, London-based Pippa is in demand with fashion houses like Gucci, Chloe and Nicole Farhi.
Her designs are worn by celebrities including actress Nicole Kidman, and Pippa attends fashion weeks around the world. Yet in stark contrast to such glitz and glamour, she also inhabits a completely different world.
"Just as I was starting the business full-time 10 years ago, I had spent a summer working with Burmese refuges in Thailand, who were just full of horror stories, horrendous testimonies," she says.
"And I remember coming back to Europe to go to the Paris fashion week, and just being struck dumb by the contrast. I just couldn't reconcile the two completely different realities."
Instead of using bows and arrows to take from the rich and give to the poor, she uses the money spent by wealthy people on her expensive handmade pieces to help some of the world's most disadvantaged communities.
With her jewellery selling for as much as ￡70,000 per item, London-based Pippa is in demand with fashion houses like Gucci, Chloe and Nicole Farhi.
Her designs are worn by celebrities including actress Nicole Kidman, and Pippa attends fashion weeks around the world. Yet in stark contrast to such glitz and glamour, she also inhabits a completely different world.
"Just as I was starting the business full-time 10 years ago, I had spent a summer working with Burmese refuges in Thailand, who were just full of horror stories, horrendous testimonies," she says.
"And I remember coming back to Europe to go to the Paris fashion week, and just being struck dumb by the contrast. I just couldn't reconcile the two completely different realities."
Today Pippa gets 70% of her jewellery made in India, "the world's gold jewellery capital", with the profits she makes from this main part of her business being invested into special collections made in workshops in countries such as Afghanistan, Kenya, Panama and Bolivia from locally sourced materials.
While Pippa admits she has a profitable business and good lifestyle, in all countries she pays at least a 10% premium to ensure working standards are as high as possible, both in sourcing the metals and precious stones she uses, and for the workers who then make the jewellery.
In Bolivia her jewellery is made from gold produced in a mine that is run as a co-operative, and is working towards Fairtrade accreditation through it being run in as an environmentally friendly a way as possible.
In marked contrast, Pippa's Kenya-made jewellery is all made from recycled glass and scrap metal sourced from Nairobi's largest waste tip.
Working with the Made charity, 160 people who live in a slum next to the site are involved in the manufacture of the jewellery.
"They live in completely inhuman conditions, but they are really industrious, going through the garbage seeing what they can sell," says Pippa.
"I know we are only helping a very small number, but it is amazing to see the difference we can make - it is all about giving these people the confidence of having a skill and being able to contribute.
"Within a couple of years, many people who we have trained up through the scheme leave to start their own micro-businesses. That is particularly pleasing."
With two Pippa Small boutiques, one in London and the other in Los Angeles, she plans to continue to grow both the business and her work with disadvantaged groups.
2013年5月22日星期三
what Smith has accomplished compared to the five
Richard Petty tried his hand at politics in 1996, losing the general
election for North Carolina secretary of state as the Republican
nominee.
NASCAR's all-time wins leader certainly proved to be capable in his latest political endeavor, successfully lobbying to get brother Maurice Petty into the fifth class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame that was announced on Wednesday.
It was another reminder that the Petty family is and always will be the First Family of NASCAR.
Say what you want about the 2014 class that also included Tim Flock, Dale Jarrett, Jack Ingram and Fireball Roberts, there is no disputing that Maurice belongs with the other three family members -- brother, Richard; father, Lee; and cousin Dale Inman -- who made the Hall before him.
Richard and Lee stole all the headlines, winning a combined 254 races and 10 championships. Inman, who won seven titles as Richard's crew chief and another with Terry Labonte, got the credit when they didn't.
Maurice was, as Richard said, the silent Petty.
But Maurice did it all. He built the best engines of his era, including those with which Richard won his seven titles and seven Daytona 500s. He also built winning engines for his father, Buddy Baker, Jim Paschal and Pete Hamilton.
When he wasn't doing that he drove the truck and worked on the pit crew as a tire changer. During one stretch he even drove in 25 races.
"He was the complete package," Richard said.
All Richard did, Maurice joked as he sat on a scooter inside the shrine's main hall, was "show up on Sunday and drive."
On Wednesday, Richard drove home the point that Maurice deserved to be in the Hall.
But "The King" wasn't the only person politicking for Maurice. Kyle Petty and former crew chief Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president for competition, also worked behind the scenes to make sure the man chairman Brian France described as the best person to ever turn a wrench in NASCAR got in.
Pemberton was so nervous beforehand that he didn't want to mention Maurice for fear of jinxing him.
Kyle, who jokingly says he'll have a lot of sleepless nights as the "only" member of the Petty family who'll never get into the Hall, argues that statistically Maurice's numbers are better than anybody's in the family.
"He could do anything anytime he wanted to," Kyle said.
In truth, Maurice's selection reinforced just how much of a family effort Petty Enterprises was.
"It shows that none of them probably could have accomplished any of this without the other," Kyle said. "The four of them epitomizes what a team sport this really is."
It epitomized what a family sport NASCAR is.
So did the selection of Jarrett, whose father, Ned, was selected into the Hall in May 2011. They become the third father-son combination to make it, joining Lee and Richard and founding father Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr.
But Dale Jarrett, an ESPN NASCAR analyst now, didn't expect to be selected into this class any more than his dad did two years ago. He arrived at the selection show dressed in white pants, a plaid shirt and white tennis shoes because this was supposed to be a quick stop on the way to his son's high school graduation pool party.
The honor was deserved, though. With three Daytona 500 wins, two Brickyard 400 wins, victories at Darlington and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte -- not to mention a championship in 1999 and 32 career wins -- he didn't need a campaign strategist to become a first-ballot selection.
"That's the way this sport was built for a lot of years," Dale said.
It's hard to argue with any of those in the latest class. It was good to see Roberts, considered by many the sport's first superstar, make it even though he never won a title. Ingram's stats as a legend in what is now the Nationwide Series made him a logical choice for a Hall that strives to be diversified. Flock maybe should have been in a class or two ago with two titles and 39 career victories.
Speaking of politics, Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith wasn't voted in and it had nothing to do with his threat earlier in the week to move a date from Charlotte Motor Speedway to Las Vegas.
If anything, Smith's threat is why you could have made a case for him to be in this class. NASCAR wouldn't be where it is today without innovative thinkers willing to stand up for what they believe in, willing to stand up against the establishment to keep things in check.
Nobody has done that more than Smith -- just ask the France family how often it has knocked heads with him.
But when you look at the big picture of what Smith has accomplished compared to the five who made the class, there is no doubt he deserved to be on the list.
NASCAR's all-time wins leader certainly proved to be capable in his latest political endeavor, successfully lobbying to get brother Maurice Petty into the fifth class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame that was announced on Wednesday.
It was another reminder that the Petty family is and always will be the First Family of NASCAR.
Say what you want about the 2014 class that also included Tim Flock, Dale Jarrett, Jack Ingram and Fireball Roberts, there is no disputing that Maurice belongs with the other three family members -- brother, Richard; father, Lee; and cousin Dale Inman -- who made the Hall before him.
Richard and Lee stole all the headlines, winning a combined 254 races and 10 championships. Inman, who won seven titles as Richard's crew chief and another with Terry Labonte, got the credit when they didn't.
Maurice was, as Richard said, the silent Petty.
But Maurice did it all. He built the best engines of his era, including those with which Richard won his seven titles and seven Daytona 500s. He also built winning engines for his father, Buddy Baker, Jim Paschal and Pete Hamilton.
When he wasn't doing that he drove the truck and worked on the pit crew as a tire changer. During one stretch he even drove in 25 races.
"He was the complete package," Richard said.
All Richard did, Maurice joked as he sat on a scooter inside the shrine's main hall, was "show up on Sunday and drive."
On Wednesday, Richard drove home the point that Maurice deserved to be in the Hall.
But "The King" wasn't the only person politicking for Maurice. Kyle Petty and former crew chief Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president for competition, also worked behind the scenes to make sure the man chairman Brian France described as the best person to ever turn a wrench in NASCAR got in.
Pemberton was so nervous beforehand that he didn't want to mention Maurice for fear of jinxing him.
Kyle, who jokingly says he'll have a lot of sleepless nights as the "only" member of the Petty family who'll never get into the Hall, argues that statistically Maurice's numbers are better than anybody's in the family.
"He could do anything anytime he wanted to," Kyle said.
In truth, Maurice's selection reinforced just how much of a family effort Petty Enterprises was.
"It shows that none of them probably could have accomplished any of this without the other," Kyle said. "The four of them epitomizes what a team sport this really is."
It epitomized what a family sport NASCAR is.
So did the selection of Jarrett, whose father, Ned, was selected into the Hall in May 2011. They become the third father-son combination to make it, joining Lee and Richard and founding father Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr.
But Dale Jarrett, an ESPN NASCAR analyst now, didn't expect to be selected into this class any more than his dad did two years ago. He arrived at the selection show dressed in white pants, a plaid shirt and white tennis shoes because this was supposed to be a quick stop on the way to his son's high school graduation pool party.
The honor was deserved, though. With three Daytona 500 wins, two Brickyard 400 wins, victories at Darlington and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte -- not to mention a championship in 1999 and 32 career wins -- he didn't need a campaign strategist to become a first-ballot selection.
"That's the way this sport was built for a lot of years," Dale said.
It's hard to argue with any of those in the latest class. It was good to see Roberts, considered by many the sport's first superstar, make it even though he never won a title. Ingram's stats as a legend in what is now the Nationwide Series made him a logical choice for a Hall that strives to be diversified. Flock maybe should have been in a class or two ago with two titles and 39 career victories.
Speaking of politics, Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith wasn't voted in and it had nothing to do with his threat earlier in the week to move a date from Charlotte Motor Speedway to Las Vegas.
If anything, Smith's threat is why you could have made a case for him to be in this class. NASCAR wouldn't be where it is today without innovative thinkers willing to stand up for what they believe in, willing to stand up against the establishment to keep things in check.
Nobody has done that more than Smith -- just ask the France family how often it has knocked heads with him.
But when you look at the big picture of what Smith has accomplished compared to the five who made the class, there is no doubt he deserved to be on the list.
Whichever way you look at it the numbers are huge
Research out today has revealed parents are paying fifty percent more to bring up two children than they did five years ago.
Much of the extra money is discretionary, going on childcare and private schools.
Lower income families spend significantly less.
Whichever way you look at it the numbers are huge. In 2012, an Australian family earning $110,000 dollars a year will spend nearly eight times that amount to bring up two children.
It's something Jane Campbell, a mother of three in Brisbane knows only too well.
It's extremely expensive and I think part of that expense is the practicalities of life and that is that teenage boys eat so much for a start but it's also the social pressure of them having to have certain things in order to fit into a particular social group - X-Box, the latest skateboard, you know, the right type of shoes and that sort of thing.
According to the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling - or NATSEM - the reasons the Campbell's are feeling the pinch are typical. Australian middle income parents are paying more, but it's not because they have to -- it's because they are choosing to.
Partly it's higher prices, so things like private school education, university education, the cost of recreation and transport. There's also been a shift towards many items that are quite expensive such as private school education. So parents are actually choosing to spend more money.
The researchers didn't look at why more and more middle income parents are choosing private over state schools, but they did find that with the increase in family income due to the strong economy, there's been a corresponding increase in spending on children.
For families on the lower income end of the spectrum the average cost of two kids is much lower, at around $450,000. And Ben Phillips says much of that cost is met by the government.
We actually found around 85 per cent of their costs were actually paid for effectively by the government either through family payments or baby bonuses or school kids bonus. You still find that at the lower income families actually face a higher proportionate cost relative to their income. Older kids certainly cost a lot more than younger kids and that does have ramifications in terms of those family payments.
So things like baby bonuses, family payments are quite heavily directed or at least equally directed towards younger children whereas we're finding the cost of older kids is so much more. So perhaps there needs to be more tweaking of the family payment system towards those older children.
The VIP tables are gone and only a few dozen tickets remained as of Tuesday for the unique event, the brainchild of three local businesses known for their support of craft brewing: Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, Eureka! Gourmet Burgers & Craft Beer and Moo Creamery.
Much of the extra money is discretionary, going on childcare and private schools.
Lower income families spend significantly less.
Whichever way you look at it the numbers are huge. In 2012, an Australian family earning $110,000 dollars a year will spend nearly eight times that amount to bring up two children.
It's something Jane Campbell, a mother of three in Brisbane knows only too well.
It's extremely expensive and I think part of that expense is the practicalities of life and that is that teenage boys eat so much for a start but it's also the social pressure of them having to have certain things in order to fit into a particular social group - X-Box, the latest skateboard, you know, the right type of shoes and that sort of thing.
According to the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling - or NATSEM - the reasons the Campbell's are feeling the pinch are typical. Australian middle income parents are paying more, but it's not because they have to -- it's because they are choosing to.
Partly it's higher prices, so things like private school education, university education, the cost of recreation and transport. There's also been a shift towards many items that are quite expensive such as private school education. So parents are actually choosing to spend more money.
The researchers didn't look at why more and more middle income parents are choosing private over state schools, but they did find that with the increase in family income due to the strong economy, there's been a corresponding increase in spending on children.
For families on the lower income end of the spectrum the average cost of two kids is much lower, at around $450,000. And Ben Phillips says much of that cost is met by the government.
We actually found around 85 per cent of their costs were actually paid for effectively by the government either through family payments or baby bonuses or school kids bonus. You still find that at the lower income families actually face a higher proportionate cost relative to their income. Older kids certainly cost a lot more than younger kids and that does have ramifications in terms of those family payments.
So things like baby bonuses, family payments are quite heavily directed or at least equally directed towards younger children whereas we're finding the cost of older kids is so much more. So perhaps there needs to be more tweaking of the family payment system towards those older children.
The VIP tables are gone and only a few dozen tickets remained as of Tuesday for the unique event, the brainchild of three local businesses known for their support of craft brewing: Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, Eureka! Gourmet Burgers & Craft Beer and Moo Creamery.
2013年5月20日星期一
who moderated the question and answer sessions
The prayer was a "very specific" devotion, Hamilton remembered, in which she asked God to use her for more than just surfing, a passion she had pursued since she was a small child and one for which she was already gaining renown at age 13.
Hamilton lost her left arm in October 2003 -- just two weeks after she said that prayer -- when she was bitten by a tiger shark while surfing in Hawaii.
"And I'm like 'OK, God, what are you up to? This isn't quite what I had in mind,' " Hamilton told a group of students Monday at New Smyrna Beach High School.
Since the attack Hamilton has served as a source of inspiration while speaking across the country to groups just like the one in New Smyrna Beach. She also didn't allow the loss of one of her limbs to stop her dream of becoming a pro surfer, which she accomplished at age 18.
"A lot of people would just give up; she didn't and I think that's really cool," said Tony Spears,17, a junior at New Smyrna Beach High who is also a surfer. "That takes a lot of heart and a lot of courage."
Hamilton's appearance at the high school kicked off Beach Weeks, a six-week series of beach-and fitness-themed special events that begins Thursday and runs through July 4. Hamilton participated in question and answer sessions twice Monday. The first session was only for students and staff while the evening session was open to the public.
After Hamilton spoke, both crowds took in screenings of the 2011 movie "Soul Surfer" based on her autobiography released seven years earlier. The movie stars AnnaSophia Robb, who played Hamilton, and Carrie Underwood.
Hamilton ,23, said she wouldn't change anything about her life has turned out.
"I look back on it now and am like just in awe of how (God) can turn something so horrific into something so absolutely beautiful," she said.
Despite losing her arm, Hamilton was no doubt also fortunate. According to an Associated Press report shortly after the attack, the shark took a chunk out of Hamilton's surfboard that measured about 16 inches across and 8 inches deep. Hamilton said she gave the board to the California Surf Museum where it's still on display.
After several surgeries, Hamilton was back in the water a month or so after the attack.
"It was like I had two arms," she said. "I was on a long board but I just had that sensation again of, like, riding waves again and that was like, 'Ok, I'll be surfing for a while.' "
Hamilton returned to competition in January 2004 and turned pro in 2007. Among her career highlights was finishing second in the Association of Surfing Professionals 2009 World Junior Championships.
In addition to a host of public speaking engagements throughout the U.S., Hamilton has also made a number of television appearances, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Ehren Tresher, who moderated the question and answer sessions, asked whether Hamilton planned to try out the waves in New Smyrna, which has gained a dubious distinction in some circles as the shark bite capital of the world.
"I didn't bring my board and I'm flying home tomorrow, so probably not," she said, but added that she did get to take in some waves in Jacksonville.
And despite being a victim of an attack, Hamilton said she ardently supports shark conservation efforts.
Lily Whatley, 15, a freshman at New Smyrna Beach High who is also a surfer, said Hamilton is a "big inspiration," mainly for her show of faith. Like Hamilton, Whatley said she is a Christian.
High school administrators, along with New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer, and officials with the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority presented Hamilton with a donation to her charitable organization, Friends of Bethany Hamilton, which supports shark attack survivors and other amputees.
While there was some initial doubt that Hamilton would be able to continue to surf after her injury, she said she always maintained a positive attitude.
"Surfing was more than just a sport," she said. "It was something like I spent my whole life doing and all my friends surfed and it was just what we did; It would be weird not to have that life."
Ricky Tauscher,17, a New Smyrna Beach High junior who said he has surfed since about the age of 7, was impressed after listening to Hamilton's story.
"It's cool that she could back from an injury like that and do what she does," he said. "It's an astonishing story to hear."
Hamilton lost her left arm in October 2003 -- just two weeks after she said that prayer -- when she was bitten by a tiger shark while surfing in Hawaii.
"And I'm like 'OK, God, what are you up to? This isn't quite what I had in mind,' " Hamilton told a group of students Monday at New Smyrna Beach High School.
Since the attack Hamilton has served as a source of inspiration while speaking across the country to groups just like the one in New Smyrna Beach. She also didn't allow the loss of one of her limbs to stop her dream of becoming a pro surfer, which she accomplished at age 18.
"A lot of people would just give up; she didn't and I think that's really cool," said Tony Spears,17, a junior at New Smyrna Beach High who is also a surfer. "That takes a lot of heart and a lot of courage."
Hamilton's appearance at the high school kicked off Beach Weeks, a six-week series of beach-and fitness-themed special events that begins Thursday and runs through July 4. Hamilton participated in question and answer sessions twice Monday. The first session was only for students and staff while the evening session was open to the public.
After Hamilton spoke, both crowds took in screenings of the 2011 movie "Soul Surfer" based on her autobiography released seven years earlier. The movie stars AnnaSophia Robb, who played Hamilton, and Carrie Underwood.
Hamilton ,23, said she wouldn't change anything about her life has turned out.
"I look back on it now and am like just in awe of how (God) can turn something so horrific into something so absolutely beautiful," she said.
Despite losing her arm, Hamilton was no doubt also fortunate. According to an Associated Press report shortly after the attack, the shark took a chunk out of Hamilton's surfboard that measured about 16 inches across and 8 inches deep. Hamilton said she gave the board to the California Surf Museum where it's still on display.
After several surgeries, Hamilton was back in the water a month or so after the attack.
"It was like I had two arms," she said. "I was on a long board but I just had that sensation again of, like, riding waves again and that was like, 'Ok, I'll be surfing for a while.' "
Hamilton returned to competition in January 2004 and turned pro in 2007. Among her career highlights was finishing second in the Association of Surfing Professionals 2009 World Junior Championships.
In addition to a host of public speaking engagements throughout the U.S., Hamilton has also made a number of television appearances, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Ehren Tresher, who moderated the question and answer sessions, asked whether Hamilton planned to try out the waves in New Smyrna, which has gained a dubious distinction in some circles as the shark bite capital of the world.
"I didn't bring my board and I'm flying home tomorrow, so probably not," she said, but added that she did get to take in some waves in Jacksonville.
And despite being a victim of an attack, Hamilton said she ardently supports shark conservation efforts.
Lily Whatley, 15, a freshman at New Smyrna Beach High who is also a surfer, said Hamilton is a "big inspiration," mainly for her show of faith. Like Hamilton, Whatley said she is a Christian.
High school administrators, along with New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer, and officials with the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority presented Hamilton with a donation to her charitable organization, Friends of Bethany Hamilton, which supports shark attack survivors and other amputees.
While there was some initial doubt that Hamilton would be able to continue to surf after her injury, she said she always maintained a positive attitude.
"Surfing was more than just a sport," she said. "It was something like I spent my whole life doing and all my friends surfed and it was just what we did; It would be weird not to have that life."
Ricky Tauscher,17, a New Smyrna Beach High junior who said he has surfed since about the age of 7, was impressed after listening to Hamilton's story.
"It's cool that she could back from an injury like that and do what she does," he said. "It's an astonishing story to hear."
The last try of the half went to winger Josh Mantellato
A brave and battered Sea Eagles side was unfortunate to lose to a last minute try from the Newcastle Knights last Saturday at Brookvale Oval.
Manly were first on the board when teenage debutant Zach Nicholls placed a well-weighted cross field kick into the hands of winger Michael Chapman, who crossed in the corner to take the score to 6-0.
Newcastle leveled the scores in the 10th minute when halfback Adrian Davis showed a good turn of speed to break the line and veer around the fullback to score under the black dot.
Manly set the deficit back out to six points with another converted try when a cut out ball from Nicholls found Jackson Williams on the overlap, who avoided the Knights winger to score Manly’s second.
No more than five minutes later, Sea Eagle’s five-eighth Kayse Greer put on a devastating right foot step to score just right of the posts. Chapman again converted to give Manly a strong 18 – 6 lead.
The last try of the half went to winger Josh Mantellato, who took a spectacular one-handed catch off a cross-field kick to send the players into the sheds at half-time with an 18 -10 score line in favour of Manly.
Five minutes into the second half, Mantellato had his second when his opposite winger Chapman let the ball bounce in the in goal, allowing for a contest in the air which eventually lead to a loose ball which Mantellato dived on to score.
The story of the day however, was Manly’s injury toll. After coming within a whisker of scoring, Steve Tavita went down with what looked like a neck injury, forcing Manly to proceed with not one person on the bench after Vasek, Ikuvalu and Tonga all went off previously.
It became even worse for Manly coach Luke Williamson, who was forced to remove Justin Lemalu from the field late in the game, asking his players to hold on with only twelve men on the field.
The pressure became too much for the injury-ravaged side, when Newcastle number 6 Will Smith charged onto an up-for-grabs ball that had just came out the back of his interchange forward Dylan Smith.
The Sea Eagles were not happy with the call, believing that the ball flew out forwards but the result remained unchanged; Newcastle defeating a gallant Manly in the final minute to seal a Round 10 victory, 22-18.
Manly will be at home once again in Round 11 when they play host to Mounties while the Knights make the trip across the Tasman to face the Vulcans.
In this week’s live televised game the Cronulla Sharks maintained their 100% win record with a 28-12 over a gritty Illawarra Cutters side.
The Sharks led only lead 12-6 at half time but ran away with the game during the second 40 scoring an additional three tries. As always halves Finch and Towsend played well for the Sharks but man of the match honours went to fullback Nathan Gardner who put in a strong attacking performance in his first game back form a hamstring injury.
Later that afternoon the Wests Tigers and Newtown did battle at Leichhardt with the Jets emerging victorious 30-26. The Tigers took the early initiative shooting out to a 20-6 lead at half time after tries to Naiyaravoro, Iosefa and a double to Luke Brooks. However, the second half belonged to the Jets who scored four tries to one to claim first bragging rights over their local rivals. Saulala Houma was strong for the Bluebags scoring two tries, while Paul Rokolati also contributed a try and five goals.
At Brookvale Oval Newcastle scored their fourth win in succession with a narrow 22-18 victory over the Sea Eagles. Manly started strongly and held an 18-10 advantage at the break. However, the Knights fought hard in the second half scoring two more tries while holding Manly scoreless. Knights winger Josh Mantanello continued his point scoring exploits scoring two tries and kicking three goals.
A week after their courageous win over Auckland, the Wyong Roos came crashing back to earth last Sunday with a 55-16 loss to a red hot Wentworthville side at Morry Breen Oval. Boosted by the inclusion of experienced first grade campaigners like Ben Roberts, Ben Smith and Ryan Morgan, the Magpies ran riot racking up ten tries, including a hat trick to Brayden Williame, to completely stun the Roos’ faithful.
Mounties three game winning streak came to an abrupt end at Centrebet Stadium after they were crushed 48-6 by Windsor. The Wolves were in control throughout, racing to a 22-0 lead by halftime and they had scored twice before winger Shannon Chapman scored Mounties’ lone try off a quick tap. Young back rower Vaipuna Tia Kalifi continued to assert himself as a star of the future, scoring two tries for the Wolves.
At Belmore the Bulldogs scored their first win since Round Two with an exciting 38-30 win over the Auckland Vulcans. The home side were well served by back rower Paul Carter who contributed two tries in the upset win.
Manly were first on the board when teenage debutant Zach Nicholls placed a well-weighted cross field kick into the hands of winger Michael Chapman, who crossed in the corner to take the score to 6-0.
Newcastle leveled the scores in the 10th minute when halfback Adrian Davis showed a good turn of speed to break the line and veer around the fullback to score under the black dot.
Manly set the deficit back out to six points with another converted try when a cut out ball from Nicholls found Jackson Williams on the overlap, who avoided the Knights winger to score Manly’s second.
No more than five minutes later, Sea Eagle’s five-eighth Kayse Greer put on a devastating right foot step to score just right of the posts. Chapman again converted to give Manly a strong 18 – 6 lead.
The last try of the half went to winger Josh Mantellato, who took a spectacular one-handed catch off a cross-field kick to send the players into the sheds at half-time with an 18 -10 score line in favour of Manly.
Five minutes into the second half, Mantellato had his second when his opposite winger Chapman let the ball bounce in the in goal, allowing for a contest in the air which eventually lead to a loose ball which Mantellato dived on to score.
The story of the day however, was Manly’s injury toll. After coming within a whisker of scoring, Steve Tavita went down with what looked like a neck injury, forcing Manly to proceed with not one person on the bench after Vasek, Ikuvalu and Tonga all went off previously.
It became even worse for Manly coach Luke Williamson, who was forced to remove Justin Lemalu from the field late in the game, asking his players to hold on with only twelve men on the field.
The pressure became too much for the injury-ravaged side, when Newcastle number 6 Will Smith charged onto an up-for-grabs ball that had just came out the back of his interchange forward Dylan Smith.
The Sea Eagles were not happy with the call, believing that the ball flew out forwards but the result remained unchanged; Newcastle defeating a gallant Manly in the final minute to seal a Round 10 victory, 22-18.
Manly will be at home once again in Round 11 when they play host to Mounties while the Knights make the trip across the Tasman to face the Vulcans.
In this week’s live televised game the Cronulla Sharks maintained their 100% win record with a 28-12 over a gritty Illawarra Cutters side.
The Sharks led only lead 12-6 at half time but ran away with the game during the second 40 scoring an additional three tries. As always halves Finch and Towsend played well for the Sharks but man of the match honours went to fullback Nathan Gardner who put in a strong attacking performance in his first game back form a hamstring injury.
Later that afternoon the Wests Tigers and Newtown did battle at Leichhardt with the Jets emerging victorious 30-26. The Tigers took the early initiative shooting out to a 20-6 lead at half time after tries to Naiyaravoro, Iosefa and a double to Luke Brooks. However, the second half belonged to the Jets who scored four tries to one to claim first bragging rights over their local rivals. Saulala Houma was strong for the Bluebags scoring two tries, while Paul Rokolati also contributed a try and five goals.
At Brookvale Oval Newcastle scored their fourth win in succession with a narrow 22-18 victory over the Sea Eagles. Manly started strongly and held an 18-10 advantage at the break. However, the Knights fought hard in the second half scoring two more tries while holding Manly scoreless. Knights winger Josh Mantanello continued his point scoring exploits scoring two tries and kicking three goals.
A week after their courageous win over Auckland, the Wyong Roos came crashing back to earth last Sunday with a 55-16 loss to a red hot Wentworthville side at Morry Breen Oval. Boosted by the inclusion of experienced first grade campaigners like Ben Roberts, Ben Smith and Ryan Morgan, the Magpies ran riot racking up ten tries, including a hat trick to Brayden Williame, to completely stun the Roos’ faithful.
Mounties three game winning streak came to an abrupt end at Centrebet Stadium after they were crushed 48-6 by Windsor. The Wolves were in control throughout, racing to a 22-0 lead by halftime and they had scored twice before winger Shannon Chapman scored Mounties’ lone try off a quick tap. Young back rower Vaipuna Tia Kalifi continued to assert himself as a star of the future, scoring two tries for the Wolves.
At Belmore the Bulldogs scored their first win since Round Two with an exciting 38-30 win over the Auckland Vulcans. The home side were well served by back rower Paul Carter who contributed two tries in the upset win.
2013年5月15日星期三
Pandora Australia president David Allen
Facilitate a palette of trade show options that promote the development of a diverse, robust, efficient and responsible trade in jewellery, as well as in related jewellery components, equipment and services. With this proposed mission statement on Wednesday, 8th May, the Jewellery Trade Commission, an authority belonging to CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation which held its 2013 Annual Meeting in Tel Aviv, officially established itself in the Israeli capital.
Participants were provided a presentation by the Commission President and Executive Director of Fiera di Vicenza, Corrado Facco , in which he described the mission of the new body that provides a common forum for trade show organisers serving the jewellery sector.
The mission of the commission, Facco said, is to provide a common platform, and develop options by which the trade can be developed, while upholding the ethics of CIBJO, which include Corporate Social Responsibility, disclosure and fair trade.
"In many respect the new Trade Show Commission is a networking body. It provides us with a recognised forum in which we discuss common issues, and, if possible, develop projects that will serve all of its members," Mr. Facco said. "It also will provide our a community with a collective structure in which we can sit down and talk to members of the jewellery industry - where ideas can be raised, grievances aired and troubleshooting initiated."
"As we have been very careful to emphasise, the Trade Show Commission is no way intended to influence the spirit of fair competition that exists between the various trade show organisations. There is absolutely no intention to create a monolithic organisation that will dictate policy" he stated.
Fiera di Vicenza's commitment has been confirmed by its newly-elected President, Paolo Mantovani , for whom intervening in educating and sensibilising the entire international jewellery production industry on topics of transparency and ethicality is absolutely fundamental.
Potential trade show members have been contacted ahead of the congress, including representatives of Fiera di Vicenza, IBGM, Russia's Restec, the Armenian trade show and the Bangkok trade show. In addition, the organisers of the Hong Kong Gems and Jewellery Fairs, HKTDC, said that they would be willing to serve as observers, while Dubai also pledged its support.
Representing 7.4 per cent of total group revenue was Australia, which reported DKK148 million (A$26 million) in sales, an increase of 19 per cent in local currency compared with Q1 2012. Like-for-like (same store) sales for the brand’s concept stores also increased by almost 16 per cent from the previous year.
Pandora Australia president David Allen said that the region’s strong performance – which followed a successful Q4 2012 – was primarily driven by both its Valentine’s Day range and accompanying marketing campaign as well as the launch of a new collection in March.
“Both of these collections were commercially very strong, performed exceptionally well and were positively received by both our partners and our consumers,” Allen explained.
Participants were provided a presentation by the Commission President and Executive Director of Fiera di Vicenza, Corrado Facco , in which he described the mission of the new body that provides a common forum for trade show organisers serving the jewellery sector.
The mission of the commission, Facco said, is to provide a common platform, and develop options by which the trade can be developed, while upholding the ethics of CIBJO, which include Corporate Social Responsibility, disclosure and fair trade.
"In many respect the new Trade Show Commission is a networking body. It provides us with a recognised forum in which we discuss common issues, and, if possible, develop projects that will serve all of its members," Mr. Facco said. "It also will provide our a community with a collective structure in which we can sit down and talk to members of the jewellery industry - where ideas can be raised, grievances aired and troubleshooting initiated."
"As we have been very careful to emphasise, the Trade Show Commission is no way intended to influence the spirit of fair competition that exists between the various trade show organisations. There is absolutely no intention to create a monolithic organisation that will dictate policy" he stated.
Fiera di Vicenza's commitment has been confirmed by its newly-elected President, Paolo Mantovani , for whom intervening in educating and sensibilising the entire international jewellery production industry on topics of transparency and ethicality is absolutely fundamental.
Potential trade show members have been contacted ahead of the congress, including representatives of Fiera di Vicenza, IBGM, Russia's Restec, the Armenian trade show and the Bangkok trade show. In addition, the organisers of the Hong Kong Gems and Jewellery Fairs, HKTDC, said that they would be willing to serve as observers, while Dubai also pledged its support.
Representing 7.4 per cent of total group revenue was Australia, which reported DKK148 million (A$26 million) in sales, an increase of 19 per cent in local currency compared with Q1 2012. Like-for-like (same store) sales for the brand’s concept stores also increased by almost 16 per cent from the previous year.
Pandora Australia president David Allen said that the region’s strong performance – which followed a successful Q4 2012 – was primarily driven by both its Valentine’s Day range and accompanying marketing campaign as well as the launch of a new collection in March.
“Both of these collections were commercially very strong, performed exceptionally well and were positively received by both our partners and our consumers,” Allen explained.
Stringent checks are conducted on all cufflinks
Wholesale Fashion Supplies, the name synonymous to stylish accessories has added new designs of cufflinks to its product catalogue. Cufflinks supplied by Wholesale Fashion Supplies are crafted by expert designers who have a keen sense of fashion and create impressive and aesthetically appealing accessories.
Talking about the manufacturing techniques used, a senior executive from Wholesale Fashion Supplies stated,"Modern technology as well as systems are used by us to ensure that accessories are well crafted and have an excellent finishing. Raw materials sued for creating the cufflinks are carefully sourced in order to ensure that they are of the highest quality. Use of good-quality raw materials helps in making the product durable."
Efficient production management and development of accessories in adherence to defined industry parameters helps in ensuring that the items are suitable for a global market. Excellent distribution network established by Wholesale Fashion Supplies ensures that clients in all parts of the world can be catered to.
Speaking about the delivery services provided for the accessories purchased, a senior official from Wholesale Fashion Supplies commented, "Premium quality packing materials are used to wrap items like cufflinks while shipping them across." Skilled packing personnel at Wholesale Fashion Supplies ensure that the cufflinks are not damaged in any manner while being delivered to the client.
Stringent checks are conducted on all cufflinks being sent to clients to ensure that they match the required standards of quality. Wholesale Fashion Supplies is also counted amongst the renowned fashion jewellery manufacturers and earrings exporters. If you are looking for stylish costume and fashion jewellery, wholesale prices and collection offered by the manufacturer will be a sheer delight for you.
Wholesale Fashion Supplies manufactures and supplies a variety of accessories ranging from bracelets, bangle, cufflinks, dog tag to fashion jewellery and acrylic Demi Parure. Being one of the reliable fashion and costume jewellery manufacturers, Wholesale Fashion Supplies ensures all deliveries are made in a timely manner. Fashion accessories are also customized by Wholesale Fashion Supplies in order to meet the requirements of the clients. Global delivery services are provided for all fashion accessories by Wholesale Fashion Supplies.
It all began with Rene Lalique, an artist who revolutionised jewellery-making and who, as early as 1885, started to create unrivalled Art Nouveau works of art in his own name, before going on to become a master glass-maker in the Art Déco movement.
Lalique's work came at a time of intense artistic movement in France, which can only be compared with the Renaissance period in Italy.
There was a very special kind of creative energy at work, which left Paris almost breathless, carried along on a wave of artistic feats and technical innovations.
It was in the midst of these turbulent times that Lalique, guided by his craft and his boundless imagination, started to work on his first piece of jewellery.
What was most important to him was the design, the force of the lines and the strength of contrasts.
As a result, he created his first piece by freeing himself from the boundaries previously imposed by the nature of the materials.
He chose materials for their strength, their colour or their texture, regardless of whether they were precious or not, and he drew his artistic inspiration from them.
He created artistic pieces, blurring the boundaries between fine jewellery and costume pieces, mixing ornamental stones with gold or ivory and enamel with precious stones.
Lalique Jewellery is a living representation of a return to mythology, to the four elements of water, air, earth and fire.
According to Suen Jewellers Sdn Bhd founder and managing director, Lee Sze Suen the Sacred Fire Odyssey is an ode to mythological goddesses and creatures, fauna and flora.
"This collection pays homage to Vesta, the phoenix-woman, mythical goddess and guardian of the sacred fire.
"The dragonfly, the nymph with a body of fire, marches proudly beside her, all ablaze as she captivates us," said Lee.
Mother-of-pearl, lacquer, diamond, gold and crystal are all blended with boldness and passion to create these emotive pieces of jewellery for the Lalique Sacred Fire Odyssey.
The pieces really come to life, as precious stones are suspended in pendants and dragonfly wings flutter gracefully.
The vivid colours of the various materials provide the details in the story of these "living jewels".
Talking about the manufacturing techniques used, a senior executive from Wholesale Fashion Supplies stated,"Modern technology as well as systems are used by us to ensure that accessories are well crafted and have an excellent finishing. Raw materials sued for creating the cufflinks are carefully sourced in order to ensure that they are of the highest quality. Use of good-quality raw materials helps in making the product durable."
Efficient production management and development of accessories in adherence to defined industry parameters helps in ensuring that the items are suitable for a global market. Excellent distribution network established by Wholesale Fashion Supplies ensures that clients in all parts of the world can be catered to.
Speaking about the delivery services provided for the accessories purchased, a senior official from Wholesale Fashion Supplies commented, "Premium quality packing materials are used to wrap items like cufflinks while shipping them across." Skilled packing personnel at Wholesale Fashion Supplies ensure that the cufflinks are not damaged in any manner while being delivered to the client.
Stringent checks are conducted on all cufflinks being sent to clients to ensure that they match the required standards of quality. Wholesale Fashion Supplies is also counted amongst the renowned fashion jewellery manufacturers and earrings exporters. If you are looking for stylish costume and fashion jewellery, wholesale prices and collection offered by the manufacturer will be a sheer delight for you.
Wholesale Fashion Supplies manufactures and supplies a variety of accessories ranging from bracelets, bangle, cufflinks, dog tag to fashion jewellery and acrylic Demi Parure. Being one of the reliable fashion and costume jewellery manufacturers, Wholesale Fashion Supplies ensures all deliveries are made in a timely manner. Fashion accessories are also customized by Wholesale Fashion Supplies in order to meet the requirements of the clients. Global delivery services are provided for all fashion accessories by Wholesale Fashion Supplies.
It all began with Rene Lalique, an artist who revolutionised jewellery-making and who, as early as 1885, started to create unrivalled Art Nouveau works of art in his own name, before going on to become a master glass-maker in the Art Déco movement.
Lalique's work came at a time of intense artistic movement in France, which can only be compared with the Renaissance period in Italy.
There was a very special kind of creative energy at work, which left Paris almost breathless, carried along on a wave of artistic feats and technical innovations.
It was in the midst of these turbulent times that Lalique, guided by his craft and his boundless imagination, started to work on his first piece of jewellery.
What was most important to him was the design, the force of the lines and the strength of contrasts.
As a result, he created his first piece by freeing himself from the boundaries previously imposed by the nature of the materials.
He chose materials for their strength, their colour or their texture, regardless of whether they were precious or not, and he drew his artistic inspiration from them.
He created artistic pieces, blurring the boundaries between fine jewellery and costume pieces, mixing ornamental stones with gold or ivory and enamel with precious stones.
Lalique Jewellery is a living representation of a return to mythology, to the four elements of water, air, earth and fire.
According to Suen Jewellers Sdn Bhd founder and managing director, Lee Sze Suen the Sacred Fire Odyssey is an ode to mythological goddesses and creatures, fauna and flora.
"This collection pays homage to Vesta, the phoenix-woman, mythical goddess and guardian of the sacred fire.
"The dragonfly, the nymph with a body of fire, marches proudly beside her, all ablaze as she captivates us," said Lee.
Mother-of-pearl, lacquer, diamond, gold and crystal are all blended with boldness and passion to create these emotive pieces of jewellery for the Lalique Sacred Fire Odyssey.
The pieces really come to life, as precious stones are suspended in pendants and dragonfly wings flutter gracefully.
The vivid colours of the various materials provide the details in the story of these "living jewels".
2013年5月13日星期一
China platinum jewellery demand near record
China's demand for platinum jewellery jumped 16 percent to near record levels in 2012 as lower prices, particularly in relation to gold, attracted more buyers, Johnson Matthey said on Monday.
The world's biggest market for platinum jewellery consumed 1.95 million ounces last year, within sight of the 2009 all-time high of 2.08 million. Consumption was 1.680 million ounces in 2011.
Platinum refiner Johnson Matthey said there was a surge of buying by Chinese manufacturers last year to supply platinum jewellery to retail outlets in the word's most populous nation.
Consumers were lured by platinum's discount to gold, which encouraged jewellers to boost stocks, JM said. Platinum slid to a seven-month low around $1,374 an ounce in late July before bouncing back to around $1,726 by Oct. 5.
China and India are seen as vital growth markets for platinum jewellery demand, JM said. Buying there is still far from reaching a ceiling.
"Driven by these two markets, we expect gross global demand for platinum in jewellery fabrication to remain firm in 2013, while perhaps not attaining the level of 2012, which was the second highest on record."
China's demand for platinum to make autocatalysts was unchanged at 105,000 ounces, but its appetite for palladium pushed consumption to 1.255 million ounces last year from 1.155 million in 2011.
China, where most cars are gasoline-powered, is a much bigger market for palladium than for platinum, which is chiefly used in the diesel engines favoured in Europe.
"Output of light duty vehicles in China, most of them powered by gasoline engines, is forecast to rise substantially this year, and this will raise palladium demand significantly," JM said.
Demand for palladium as a catalyst will continue to rise over the next few years as new emission standards introduced in March roll out gradually across China, JM said.
The world's largest auto market aims to introduce national V standards for automotive diesel fuel by June and similar specifications for gasoline by end-2013.
Before that, Beijing will launch national IV fuel standards for automotive diesel, similar to Europe's IV quality, with sulphur content of 50 parts per million (ppm), the central government says on its website www.gov.cn.
By contrast with the strong interest from the auto sector, China's demand for palladium jewellery fell last year for a fourth straight year to 240,000 ounces from 305,000 ounces in 2011.
"Anaemic consumer demand for palladium jewellery in China has resulted in fewer manufacturers and retailers producing it or carrying stocks," JM said.
The world's biggest market for platinum jewellery consumed 1.95 million ounces last year, within sight of the 2009 all-time high of 2.08 million. Consumption was 1.680 million ounces in 2011.
Platinum refiner Johnson Matthey said there was a surge of buying by Chinese manufacturers last year to supply platinum jewellery to retail outlets in the word's most populous nation.
Consumers were lured by platinum's discount to gold, which encouraged jewellers to boost stocks, JM said. Platinum slid to a seven-month low around $1,374 an ounce in late July before bouncing back to around $1,726 by Oct. 5.
China and India are seen as vital growth markets for platinum jewellery demand, JM said. Buying there is still far from reaching a ceiling.
"Driven by these two markets, we expect gross global demand for platinum in jewellery fabrication to remain firm in 2013, while perhaps not attaining the level of 2012, which was the second highest on record."
China's demand for platinum to make autocatalysts was unchanged at 105,000 ounces, but its appetite for palladium pushed consumption to 1.255 million ounces last year from 1.155 million in 2011.
China, where most cars are gasoline-powered, is a much bigger market for palladium than for platinum, which is chiefly used in the diesel engines favoured in Europe.
"Output of light duty vehicles in China, most of them powered by gasoline engines, is forecast to rise substantially this year, and this will raise palladium demand significantly," JM said.
Demand for palladium as a catalyst will continue to rise over the next few years as new emission standards introduced in March roll out gradually across China, JM said.
The world's largest auto market aims to introduce national V standards for automotive diesel fuel by June and similar specifications for gasoline by end-2013.
Before that, Beijing will launch national IV fuel standards for automotive diesel, similar to Europe's IV quality, with sulphur content of 50 parts per million (ppm), the central government says on its website www.gov.cn.
By contrast with the strong interest from the auto sector, China's demand for palladium jewellery fell last year for a fourth straight year to 240,000 ounces from 305,000 ounces in 2011.
"Anaemic consumer demand for palladium jewellery in China has resulted in fewer manufacturers and retailers producing it or carrying stocks," JM said.
Upscale flea mart for the discerning
JEWELLERY stores and goldsmiths in the city saw large crowds of customers yesterday as Hindus worldwide observed Akshaya Tritiya, a day when buying gold and diamonds meant a "never diminishing prosperity".
Considered one of the foremost sacred days of the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya is a day when many choose to set up a business or get married as it is believed that the outcome of endeavours started on the auspicious day is bound to be fruitful.
It is a particularly lucky day to buy gold as it symbolises wealth and prosperity.
Gold bought and worn on this day means the keeping of good fortune forever.
A Streets visit to Jalan Masjid India and Brickfields yesterday showed the jewellery stores filled with Indian customers.
In Brickfields, Madras Jewellery had been crowded with buyers since Sunday, said store sales assistant S. Muragavel, 47.
"Sales have been encouraging since the price of 916 gold dropped from RM179.90 per gramme to RM139.90 per gramme. Customers took the opportunity to boost their assets," he said.
S. Rajeswary, 37, from Subang Jaya said buying gold was an old Indian practice.
"We believe that wearing gold can improve blood circulation. We also believe that we will enjoy everlasting prosperity by buying the precious metal today," said Rajeswary, who had bought a ring for her husband.
She also bought a pair of earrings for her 11-year-old daughter to mark her coming of age.
"It is our culture to present our children with gold when they reach puberty and when they get married," she said.
It is also believed that those born on this day would shine in life.
In Jalan Masjid India, customers were streaming into the gold stores as soon as they opened.
Sagala Sagadevan, from Serdang, bought a set of gold jewellery comprising bangles and a necklace for her mother, Kamala Ponnusamy, at Bombay Jewellery.
"I knew about this festival from my friends and I decided to buy some gold jewellery to celebrate this auspicious day.
"Coincidentally, the festival falls around the same time as Mothers Day, so I bought jewellery as a gift for my mother," said the 30-year-old.
Harshini Das, 21, also bought gold jewellery for her mother, Thanaletchumy Raman, 50, for both Akshaya Tritiya and Mothers Day.
"I bought gold bracelets for mother and me at Little India Jewellers.
"Gold is a treasured item among Indians and we believe that this festival brings good luck and prosperity for the entire family," said Harshini.
Meera Devapranan, 32, said she had pre-ordered gold earrings at SMS Deen Jewellery for herself and her mother.
"It is tradition for us to buy gold on this special occasion.
"My most memorable Akshaya Tritiya was in 2011, when I got married and I received lots of gold jewellery."
Considered one of the foremost sacred days of the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya is a day when many choose to set up a business or get married as it is believed that the outcome of endeavours started on the auspicious day is bound to be fruitful.
It is a particularly lucky day to buy gold as it symbolises wealth and prosperity.
Gold bought and worn on this day means the keeping of good fortune forever.
A Streets visit to Jalan Masjid India and Brickfields yesterday showed the jewellery stores filled with Indian customers.
In Brickfields, Madras Jewellery had been crowded with buyers since Sunday, said store sales assistant S. Muragavel, 47.
"Sales have been encouraging since the price of 916 gold dropped from RM179.90 per gramme to RM139.90 per gramme. Customers took the opportunity to boost their assets," he said.
S. Rajeswary, 37, from Subang Jaya said buying gold was an old Indian practice.
"We believe that wearing gold can improve blood circulation. We also believe that we will enjoy everlasting prosperity by buying the precious metal today," said Rajeswary, who had bought a ring for her husband.
She also bought a pair of earrings for her 11-year-old daughter to mark her coming of age.
"It is our culture to present our children with gold when they reach puberty and when they get married," she said.
It is also believed that those born on this day would shine in life.
In Jalan Masjid India, customers were streaming into the gold stores as soon as they opened.
Sagala Sagadevan, from Serdang, bought a set of gold jewellery comprising bangles and a necklace for her mother, Kamala Ponnusamy, at Bombay Jewellery.
"I knew about this festival from my friends and I decided to buy some gold jewellery to celebrate this auspicious day.
"Coincidentally, the festival falls around the same time as Mothers Day, so I bought jewellery as a gift for my mother," said the 30-year-old.
Harshini Das, 21, also bought gold jewellery for her mother, Thanaletchumy Raman, 50, for both Akshaya Tritiya and Mothers Day.
"I bought gold bracelets for mother and me at Little India Jewellers.
"Gold is a treasured item among Indians and we believe that this festival brings good luck and prosperity for the entire family," said Harshini.
Meera Devapranan, 32, said she had pre-ordered gold earrings at SMS Deen Jewellery for herself and her mother.
"It is tradition for us to buy gold on this special occasion.
"My most memorable Akshaya Tritiya was in 2011, when I got married and I received lots of gold jewellery."
2013年5月8日星期三
The team has marketed itself relentlessly abroad over the years
It’s hard to imagine anyone replicating Sir Alex Ferguson’s remarkable 26-year career as manager of Manchester United, which has included 13 Premier League championships, two Champions League titles and a top-three finish every year since the Premier League started in 1992. Off the field he did even more, transforming Man U from a regional doormat into a sports and economic powerhouse with 650 million fans in more than 100 countries and a market value of $3-billion.
So when the 71-year old Scotsman announced plans on Wednesday to retire as the club’s manager at the end of the season, the news shook the soccer world and beyond, and sparked an outpouring of praise. British Prime Minister David Cameron hailed him as “a remarkable man in British football who has had an extraordinary, successful career.”
Sepp Blatter, the head of FIFA, the world governing body for soccer, said on Twitter that Sir Alex’s “achievements in the game place him without doubt as one of the ‘greats.’ ”
The team has marketed itself relentlessly abroad over the years, going on annual tours in far-flung countries and pushing its brand relentlessly worldwide. Today the club pulls in more than $500-million annually from several sources of revenue, and manages to turn a profit despite rising costs. And its famous red-and-yellow logo can be found on T-shirts, jerseys, coffee mugs, caps and scarves in 130 countries. The club’s global reach is so broad it signed a sponsorship deal last month with a Vietnamese bank that plans to offer Man U credit cards to the club’s roughly 25 million Vietnamese fans.
The club and Sir Alex have been so successful that he was the subject of a recent Harvard University study on management styles. “Football management,” he told the Harvard researchers, “in the end is all about the players. You think you are a better player than they are, and they think they are a better manager than you are.”
Sir Alex, who was knighted in 1999, said he plans to remain with the club as an ambassador and a director after the team’s last away game on May 19. (On Monday, Man U will celebrate its championship parade in Manchester, having sewn up the League title weeks ago.)
“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly,” he said in a statement Wednesday. “It is the right time. It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so.”
Few would argue with that. He arrived at Manchester in 1986 after a string of success in the Scottish leagues, inheriting a group of players who hadn’t won much and seemed more interested in drinking than playing. That didn’t suit the driven Glaswegian, who grew up in a rough part of town and mixed his soccer-playing with apprenticing in a typewriter factory and running a pub. He promptly introduced a new training regimen, discipline code and youth program that ultimately developed future stars such as Ryan Giggs, Mr. Beckham, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes.
By 1992, Man U was a contender and part of the new English Premier League, a group of 20 clubs that broke away from the Football League. The EPL soon became the most popular league in the world and lured top players with exorbitant salaries. And Man U became the star attraction, as Sir Alex won a series of titles that bolstered its fan base and it coffers.
“Ferguson’s luck was to become a great manager at the start of the Premier League,” said David Boyle, a soccer writer and researcher based in London. “Manchester United has utterly been transformed.”
Sir Alex hardly mellowed with success. He gained a reputation for criticizing referees and opposing coaches, players and the media. He refused to speak to any reporter from the BBC for seven years after the network broadcast a documentary alleging his son had exploited the family name to bolster his career as a player agent. The feud ended in 2011 after a meeting with senior BBC officials.
The fiery manager also became famous for his rants at players – which came to be called the “hairdryer treatment.” He also never shied away from cutting loose even good players if he decided they no longer had the team mentality. And he kept winning and reinventing the club as other teams, such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, rose and fell. When American Malcolm Glazer, owner of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, took control of the club in 2005, much to the anger of many supporters, Sir Alex held firm and won still more championships.
A bronze of Sir Alex stands in front of the club’s famous stadium, Old Trafford, and his name is emblazoned across one of the stands.
The question now is whether Sir Alex’s successor can fill his shoes. Man U’s shares fell more than 5 per cent on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday before recovering somewhat by the end of trading. Sir Alex’s replacement is expected to be his friend and fellow Scot David Moyes, whose contract as manager of Everton ends this season.
So when the 71-year old Scotsman announced plans on Wednesday to retire as the club’s manager at the end of the season, the news shook the soccer world and beyond, and sparked an outpouring of praise. British Prime Minister David Cameron hailed him as “a remarkable man in British football who has had an extraordinary, successful career.”
Sepp Blatter, the head of FIFA, the world governing body for soccer, said on Twitter that Sir Alex’s “achievements in the game place him without doubt as one of the ‘greats.’ ”
The team has marketed itself relentlessly abroad over the years, going on annual tours in far-flung countries and pushing its brand relentlessly worldwide. Today the club pulls in more than $500-million annually from several sources of revenue, and manages to turn a profit despite rising costs. And its famous red-and-yellow logo can be found on T-shirts, jerseys, coffee mugs, caps and scarves in 130 countries. The club’s global reach is so broad it signed a sponsorship deal last month with a Vietnamese bank that plans to offer Man U credit cards to the club’s roughly 25 million Vietnamese fans.
The club and Sir Alex have been so successful that he was the subject of a recent Harvard University study on management styles. “Football management,” he told the Harvard researchers, “in the end is all about the players. You think you are a better player than they are, and they think they are a better manager than you are.”
Sir Alex, who was knighted in 1999, said he plans to remain with the club as an ambassador and a director after the team’s last away game on May 19. (On Monday, Man U will celebrate its championship parade in Manchester, having sewn up the League title weeks ago.)
“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly,” he said in a statement Wednesday. “It is the right time. It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so.”
Few would argue with that. He arrived at Manchester in 1986 after a string of success in the Scottish leagues, inheriting a group of players who hadn’t won much and seemed more interested in drinking than playing. That didn’t suit the driven Glaswegian, who grew up in a rough part of town and mixed his soccer-playing with apprenticing in a typewriter factory and running a pub. He promptly introduced a new training regimen, discipline code and youth program that ultimately developed future stars such as Ryan Giggs, Mr. Beckham, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes.
By 1992, Man U was a contender and part of the new English Premier League, a group of 20 clubs that broke away from the Football League. The EPL soon became the most popular league in the world and lured top players with exorbitant salaries. And Man U became the star attraction, as Sir Alex won a series of titles that bolstered its fan base and it coffers.
“Ferguson’s luck was to become a great manager at the start of the Premier League,” said David Boyle, a soccer writer and researcher based in London. “Manchester United has utterly been transformed.”
Sir Alex hardly mellowed with success. He gained a reputation for criticizing referees and opposing coaches, players and the media. He refused to speak to any reporter from the BBC for seven years after the network broadcast a documentary alleging his son had exploited the family name to bolster his career as a player agent. The feud ended in 2011 after a meeting with senior BBC officials.
The fiery manager also became famous for his rants at players – which came to be called the “hairdryer treatment.” He also never shied away from cutting loose even good players if he decided they no longer had the team mentality. And he kept winning and reinventing the club as other teams, such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, rose and fell. When American Malcolm Glazer, owner of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, took control of the club in 2005, much to the anger of many supporters, Sir Alex held firm and won still more championships.
A bronze of Sir Alex stands in front of the club’s famous stadium, Old Trafford, and his name is emblazoned across one of the stands.
The question now is whether Sir Alex’s successor can fill his shoes. Man U’s shares fell more than 5 per cent on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday before recovering somewhat by the end of trading. Sir Alex’s replacement is expected to be his friend and fellow Scot David Moyes, whose contract as manager of Everton ends this season.
who is a member of a gang will result in the entire
If we get just one thing right regarding the immigration confusion,
let’s demand common sense from our professional political clowns who
could and would write a 300-page instruction manual on how to tie your
shoes.
In America, nothing worth having comes easy or cheap. We should erect tough hurdles and tests in front of all immigrants to deter those not willing to try hard. Those who are willing to apply Herculean effort to become a productive American should have a welcome mat put out in front of them, losers not so much. We already have way more than we can handle.
The Nuge Immigration Plan (NIP) takes five years for even illegal immigrants to become Americans. Until then, they should be treated like indentured servants, meaning that they have to earn their citizenship.
The NIP is not an amnesty program. Amnesty is for left-wing mollycoddlers, losers, bureaucrats and hippies. Occupy that.
We need a real full-length, undefeatable border fence built. All illegal men in America should be required to work on building the fence, to be completed in one year. We would pay them minimum wage, provide food and shelter, and provide them English and American history classes at night. Everyone wins.
Illegal aliens trying to become an American are not eligible for any state or federal crack welfare during the five-year Nuge immigration probationary period. None. When the going gets tough, the tough Wango ze Tango.
A child of an illegal immigrant who is a member of a gang will result in the entire family being sent back to Mexico. This will result in the family being permanently barred from ever applying for citizenship in America. There are no appeals. We need strong families, not strong gangs.
Any man or woman who is a known member of a street rat gang will be tossed out of the country and is not eligible to return. If he or she is caught re-entering America, we will apply Sheriff Joe Arpaio justice.
Experience more of Ted Nugent’s no-holds-barred passion and patriotism in his books and WND’s “Ted Nugent for President!” bumpers sticker
Because learning English in order to be an asset to your fellow Americans is the first common-sense rung on the American Dream ladder, all illegal immigrants must be fluent in the English language at the end of my five-year plan and pass a U.S. Constitution and history exam, including what a scoundrel Santa Anna was.
Any felony conviction during the five-year immigration probationary period just bought the person a one-way ticket back to his home nation – you remember, the hell hole you desperately wanted to get the hell out of. He or she will be permanently barred from ever coming back to America. We do not need any more criminal thugs.
The anchor baby scam should be immediately rescinded. You don’t need to be a constitutional expert like our president to know that the original intent of the 14th Amendment was not to provide citizenship to illegal women or their babies who are born on American soil.
Our massively ignorant, politically correct, terminally boondoggled juggernaut of a federal government should immediately cease printing any signs or literature in Spanish or any other language.
The most racist thing our government does is to print literature in Spanish, thereby encouraging people not to learn English and deny themselves all the American Dream has to offer.
Illegal Mexicans in America on the NIP pathway to citizenship should be proud of their Mexican heritage. They should be more proud to be an American and teach their children that Mexico is the old country they wanted out of. America is the new country they pledge allegiance to, because it is better. Much better.
In America, nothing worth having comes easy or cheap. We should erect tough hurdles and tests in front of all immigrants to deter those not willing to try hard. Those who are willing to apply Herculean effort to become a productive American should have a welcome mat put out in front of them, losers not so much. We already have way more than we can handle.
The Nuge Immigration Plan (NIP) takes five years for even illegal immigrants to become Americans. Until then, they should be treated like indentured servants, meaning that they have to earn their citizenship.
The NIP is not an amnesty program. Amnesty is for left-wing mollycoddlers, losers, bureaucrats and hippies. Occupy that.
We need a real full-length, undefeatable border fence built. All illegal men in America should be required to work on building the fence, to be completed in one year. We would pay them minimum wage, provide food and shelter, and provide them English and American history classes at night. Everyone wins.
Illegal aliens trying to become an American are not eligible for any state or federal crack welfare during the five-year Nuge immigration probationary period. None. When the going gets tough, the tough Wango ze Tango.
A child of an illegal immigrant who is a member of a gang will result in the entire family being sent back to Mexico. This will result in the family being permanently barred from ever applying for citizenship in America. There are no appeals. We need strong families, not strong gangs.
Any man or woman who is a known member of a street rat gang will be tossed out of the country and is not eligible to return. If he or she is caught re-entering America, we will apply Sheriff Joe Arpaio justice.
Experience more of Ted Nugent’s no-holds-barred passion and patriotism in his books and WND’s “Ted Nugent for President!” bumpers sticker
Because learning English in order to be an asset to your fellow Americans is the first common-sense rung on the American Dream ladder, all illegal immigrants must be fluent in the English language at the end of my five-year plan and pass a U.S. Constitution and history exam, including what a scoundrel Santa Anna was.
Any felony conviction during the five-year immigration probationary period just bought the person a one-way ticket back to his home nation – you remember, the hell hole you desperately wanted to get the hell out of. He or she will be permanently barred from ever coming back to America. We do not need any more criminal thugs.
The anchor baby scam should be immediately rescinded. You don’t need to be a constitutional expert like our president to know that the original intent of the 14th Amendment was not to provide citizenship to illegal women or their babies who are born on American soil.
Our massively ignorant, politically correct, terminally boondoggled juggernaut of a federal government should immediately cease printing any signs or literature in Spanish or any other language.
The most racist thing our government does is to print literature in Spanish, thereby encouraging people not to learn English and deny themselves all the American Dream has to offer.
Illegal Mexicans in America on the NIP pathway to citizenship should be proud of their Mexican heritage. They should be more proud to be an American and teach their children that Mexico is the old country they wanted out of. America is the new country they pledge allegiance to, because it is better. Much better.
2013年5月1日星期三
There are places that you can go to get help
It can be a challenge to figure out how much to spend on food each meal, but what if you only had one dollar and fifty cents for the entire day?
The “Live Below the Line” campaign challenges Americans to see if we can live one day below the poverty line between April 29 and May 3, something much easier said than done.
Spending $1.50 a day is the current equivalent of the accepted global figure used to define extreme poverty.
Basically, if you live on less than that every day, you’re recognized internationally as living in extreme poverty.
“Most of the people in fact probably 99 percent of the people who come here to the shelters and ask for shelter and care, do not have a dollar and a half a day,” said Joy VanZomeren, of Northern Lights Alliance for Homeless.
Joy is the Executive Director for the Northern Lights Alliance for the Homeless, and her job is to make sure those who ask for help receive it.
“People know how to survive and I know when people come to the homeless shelter and they do not have anything except a backpack or maybe not even that. We try to qualify them for all the services that we have in our community so that they don’t have to go without,” said Joy.
To spend only $1.50 is a challenge that many Americans face. Though there is help, community kitchens such as the one in Mason City are located in many cities across the US and their goal is simple, to offer for us all.
“There are places that you can go to get help and I hope people know that. We’re here to serve the community and we’re always happy to see new faces,” said Rebecca Higgins of Mason City Community Kitchen.
While the challenge may not be for everyone, Joy says it’s an opportunity that’s hard to miss.
“People are real resourceful and they can take care of themselves if they have the skills and the knowledge to do that. Most of the people that come here are seeking for that knowledge and help and so that’s what we’re trying to do,” said Joy.
Joy and her employees will be taking part in the challenge throughout the rest of the week and she urges us all to. She says walking a mile in anyone else’s shoes can be tough but with homelessness, this is a world not too many of us are familiar with. Which makes matters even more difficult.
If you do take the challenge or have tips on ways to stretch the dollar, follow us on Facebook at KIMT News 3 and leave your comments.
The “Live Below the Line” campaign challenges Americans to see if we can live one day below the poverty line between April 29 and May 3, something much easier said than done.
Spending $1.50 a day is the current equivalent of the accepted global figure used to define extreme poverty.
Basically, if you live on less than that every day, you’re recognized internationally as living in extreme poverty.
“Most of the people in fact probably 99 percent of the people who come here to the shelters and ask for shelter and care, do not have a dollar and a half a day,” said Joy VanZomeren, of Northern Lights Alliance for Homeless.
Joy is the Executive Director for the Northern Lights Alliance for the Homeless, and her job is to make sure those who ask for help receive it.
“People know how to survive and I know when people come to the homeless shelter and they do not have anything except a backpack or maybe not even that. We try to qualify them for all the services that we have in our community so that they don’t have to go without,” said Joy.
To spend only $1.50 is a challenge that many Americans face. Though there is help, community kitchens such as the one in Mason City are located in many cities across the US and their goal is simple, to offer for us all.
“There are places that you can go to get help and I hope people know that. We’re here to serve the community and we’re always happy to see new faces,” said Rebecca Higgins of Mason City Community Kitchen.
While the challenge may not be for everyone, Joy says it’s an opportunity that’s hard to miss.
“People are real resourceful and they can take care of themselves if they have the skills and the knowledge to do that. Most of the people that come here are seeking for that knowledge and help and so that’s what we’re trying to do,” said Joy.
Joy and her employees will be taking part in the challenge throughout the rest of the week and she urges us all to. She says walking a mile in anyone else’s shoes can be tough but with homelessness, this is a world not too many of us are familiar with. Which makes matters even more difficult.
If you do take the challenge or have tips on ways to stretch the dollar, follow us on Facebook at KIMT News 3 and leave your comments.
Police in neighbouring Chile had been seeking Castillo
A Chilean man accused of organizing the ritual bonfire killing of a 3-day-old boy hanged himself early Wednesday from a rope in an abandoned house in the highlands city of Cuzco, authorities said.
Ramon Castillo, 36, was found hanging from a beam on the second floor of the house, wearing jeans, a grey jacket, a cap, shoes and a backpack, Gen. Javier Avalos, the regional police chief, told reporters.
Chile's most-wanted man had placed four bricks in the backpack, the prosecutor in charge of the case, Miguel Astete, told The Associated Press.
The body was identified through fingerprints that Chile sent via Interpol. Astete said officials found two bus tickets for the Urubamba Valley in his pockets and were investigating whether he might have been travelling with someone else.
Police in neighbouring Chile had been seeking Castillo and other members of the sect that he led for their alleged participation in the baby's slaying on a hill in the town of Colliguay near the Chilean port of Valparaiso on Nov. 23.
The child's mother was arrested last week along with three other members of the sect. She allegedly approved the sacrifice.
Chilean police have said the baby was thrown onto a bonfire because Castillo and his followers believed the child was the antichrist.
Authorities said the 12-member sect was formed in 2005 and counted among its members professionals with university degrees.
Police said the group's rituals included using ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic plant that grows in Amazon forests.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a burglary to the Southwest Ranches home of Miami Heat center Udonis Haslem.
According to the police report, on April 13, deputies were dispatched to the home after a burglary alarm was triggered from Haslem’s security company just before 10 p.m.
Twenty minutes after deputies arrived, Haslem, who shares the home with fiancee Faith Rein, returned home and told them no one was supposed to be inside. When he let deputies inside to investigate, an open suitcase was seen in the foyer with clothes strewn all over the floor. Haslem told investigators that the suitcase was not like that when he left.
During a walk through of the house, the report states that several drawers inside the master bedroom were pulled out and ransacked. Several pairs of shoes and purses were missing from the walk-in closet, but were later found to be stuffed into black trash bags on the side of the master bed. A safe in the closet appeared to be tampered with, but the thieves were not able to pry it open.
Deputies believe the point of entry was through the garage, after noticing damage to the lock and jamb of the door frame. Several siren alarm units had been pulled from the wall and left on the floor.
Authorities believe the burglars fled the home from the french doors in the master bedroom after a “look-out” alerted them to the arrival of police. BSO dispatched an aviation unit to conduct a search around the property, but no suspects were located.
According to the report, Haslem told investigators that just a day before, a technician from the security company had been called to the home to fix a faulty sensor on the garage door believed to be the burglar’s point of entry.
Just ten days earlier, the Miami Beach home of Haslem’s teammate Chris Bosh was robbed as he and his wife celebrated his birthday. More than $340,000 worth of jewelry and purses was taken in heist, which occurred while several children and a babysitter were inside.
“It’s unfortunate. Sometimes you get targeted,” Haslem told reporters after the Bosh incident. “Pissed me off. Man’s out enjoying his birthday with his family and friends and somebody takes advantage of that. To me there’s nothing worse than a thief.”
Ramon Castillo, 36, was found hanging from a beam on the second floor of the house, wearing jeans, a grey jacket, a cap, shoes and a backpack, Gen. Javier Avalos, the regional police chief, told reporters.
Chile's most-wanted man had placed four bricks in the backpack, the prosecutor in charge of the case, Miguel Astete, told The Associated Press.
The body was identified through fingerprints that Chile sent via Interpol. Astete said officials found two bus tickets for the Urubamba Valley in his pockets and were investigating whether he might have been travelling with someone else.
Police in neighbouring Chile had been seeking Castillo and other members of the sect that he led for their alleged participation in the baby's slaying on a hill in the town of Colliguay near the Chilean port of Valparaiso on Nov. 23.
The child's mother was arrested last week along with three other members of the sect. She allegedly approved the sacrifice.
Chilean police have said the baby was thrown onto a bonfire because Castillo and his followers believed the child was the antichrist.
Authorities said the 12-member sect was formed in 2005 and counted among its members professionals with university degrees.
Police said the group's rituals included using ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic plant that grows in Amazon forests.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a burglary to the Southwest Ranches home of Miami Heat center Udonis Haslem.
According to the police report, on April 13, deputies were dispatched to the home after a burglary alarm was triggered from Haslem’s security company just before 10 p.m.
Twenty minutes after deputies arrived, Haslem, who shares the home with fiancee Faith Rein, returned home and told them no one was supposed to be inside. When he let deputies inside to investigate, an open suitcase was seen in the foyer with clothes strewn all over the floor. Haslem told investigators that the suitcase was not like that when he left.
During a walk through of the house, the report states that several drawers inside the master bedroom were pulled out and ransacked. Several pairs of shoes and purses were missing from the walk-in closet, but were later found to be stuffed into black trash bags on the side of the master bed. A safe in the closet appeared to be tampered with, but the thieves were not able to pry it open.
Deputies believe the point of entry was through the garage, after noticing damage to the lock and jamb of the door frame. Several siren alarm units had been pulled from the wall and left on the floor.
Authorities believe the burglars fled the home from the french doors in the master bedroom after a “look-out” alerted them to the arrival of police. BSO dispatched an aviation unit to conduct a search around the property, but no suspects were located.
According to the report, Haslem told investigators that just a day before, a technician from the security company had been called to the home to fix a faulty sensor on the garage door believed to be the burglar’s point of entry.
Just ten days earlier, the Miami Beach home of Haslem’s teammate Chris Bosh was robbed as he and his wife celebrated his birthday. More than $340,000 worth of jewelry and purses was taken in heist, which occurred while several children and a babysitter were inside.
“It’s unfortunate. Sometimes you get targeted,” Haslem told reporters after the Bosh incident. “Pissed me off. Man’s out enjoying his birthday with his family and friends and somebody takes advantage of that. To me there’s nothing worse than a thief.”
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