K2T Dolan: Nov 14, 2010

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Ancient Caesarea Needs Every Grain

"K2T Wisata"

Is King Herod’s “City by the Sea” doomed once again? Man-made developments have put Caesarea at risk.

The ancient sea port and other archeological sites in the Israel coastal community of Caesarea is being threatened by encroaching sea water due to a lack of natural sand, according to Zeev Margalit, Architect and Director of Conservation and Development for Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority. Margalit has been involved in restoring and preserving a number of archeological sites around Israel, including the well known excavations at Masada near the Dead Sea. In March, 2007 sent a warning that much of the excavations at this popular historic site were in danger of being destroyed as the result of an unusually heavy rainfall, unless repair work estimated at $18 million be spent to repair them. Another project Margalit has been involved in is the Old City of Acre (Akko) where its weakened sandstone walls are being threatened by the forces of the wind and sea. … [visit site to read more]

Hajj Pilgrimage be Greener Than Ever?

"K2T Wisata"

Even with the completion of the “Mekkah Metro” scenes like this are bound to continue during the Hajj for years to come.

As the 2010 Hajj pilgrimage begins this week, many wonder if this year’s journey of faith will be more environmentally friendly than in previous years. In previous Green Prophet articles, we have noted the logistical challenges of dealing with an influx of more than 3 million pilgrims into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and onwards to the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medinah, which up to how has been done by thousands of buses and private cars.

This in itself is enough of a nightmare to those involved in dealing with conveying so many people to this event, as well as insuring their health and safety during the 4 day event, which in recent years has been affected by diseases such as swine flu, as well as severe flooding from sudden rainstorms at ports of entry like Jeddah in which more than 120 people died. … [visit site to read more]

Over Natural Gas Bounty

"K2T Wisata"

A government panel proposes a new tax regime for energy profits, cheering social activists and angering explorers.

Israel’s social activists and its energy barons drew their swords on Thursday as the fight over who will get what share of Israel’s natural gas windfall got underway. The lines of battle were laid out by a government commission, chaired by Hebrew University Professor Eytan Sheshinski, which the day before offered its preliminary recommendations about how Israel should tax profits from natural gas and oil. It will now hold hearings with the public before it makes its final recommendations prior to the parliamentary debate.

“There’s a big, big political battle ahead,” Brenda Shaffer, an energy expert at the University of Haifa’s School of Political Sciences, told The Media Line. “The prime minister hasn’t said anything yet and the infrastructure minister is against it. So it’s not clear at all yet what is going to emerge as the final legislation.” … [visit site to read more]

Killer Baboons Running Loose

"K2T Wisata"

Fed by tourists for fits and giggles, Saudi baboons have turned rogue.

A gooey, cotton-candy visit to the local zoo or circus is the closest some people ever get to the ever-diminishing wild, which in turn dulls their wild sensibilities. There is the classic story of a Japanese tourist who visited a lion park in South Africa, pulled over with a tripod-mounted video camera, and walked over to cuddle one especially handsome maned-male. He never made it home.

Darwin award candidate treated a wild predator like a squishy Labrador puppy and paid the ultimate price. Unfortunately, such ignorance frequently results in extreme disposal measures for the animals that are then considered a nuisance. In Saudi Arabia, tourists who feed baboons (to satisfy their own fits and giggles) have turned them into rogue raiders against which the local community is now rallying. … [visit site to read more]

Get New Pool And Gym

"K2T Wisata"

Masdar students will soon be able to take a break from their hot, clean energy studies for a workout and a swim.

Despite widespread criticism leveled at its organizers (which has simmered down since reaching its zenith with a New York Times article earlier this year), the Masdar City project plods on. Still in the midst of the first building phase of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), The National reports that phase two broke ground last Friday.

Designed in tandem with the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT – which has since distanced itself from Abu Dhabi), MIST is a research facility attended by bright students from around the world. One American student joked that she was living on a distant planet, understandable given the harsh terrain in which she found herself. But students will receive a reprieve from the heat when phase two of the building project is complete. … [visit site to read more]

University in the UAE First to Offer “Bachelor’s” Degree in Motherhood

"K2T Wisata"

Two women in hijab sit on a bench, eating.

Will society value motherhood more, when offered by universities as a degree subject?
A new university program in Ajman in the United Arab Emirates is claiming to be the first in the world to offer a bachelor’s degree in the “mothering profession.” Claiming that how to mother is no longer passed down from mother to daughter, Dr Nizar al Ani, the university director, said that the program aspires to improve mothering skills, lower dependence on maids, and decrease the divorce rate.

The Ministry of Higher Education has accredited the program, which divided into three sections: “The first deals with women’s civic and legal rights, including her Islamic rights as a woman and mother. The second teaches her how to run a household with courses in cooking, home decoration, personal fitness and grooming. The third focuses on raising children.”

… [visit site to read more]

What we learned Saturday

"K2T Wisata"

Saturday was full of surprises and it provided the college football fan with an education. Here is what we learned Saturday . . .

Wisconsin put up 83 points against Indiana Saturday, demonstrating that at this time they are the best team in the Big Ten. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Wisconsin is the best team in the Big Ten. Sorry Ohio State and Michigan State fans. After watching the Badgers’ put up 83 points against Indiana Saturday, how can you argue otherwise. With only Michigan and Northwestern left on the schedule, Wisconsin should finish the season 7-1 in the Big Ten Conference and earn a trip to the Rose Bowl.

It might be time for Ron Zook to go. The Illinois coach has had his ups-and-downs during his six seasons in Champaign but Saturday’s 38-34 loss to a one-win Minnesota team was the last straw. Zook’s record is 26-44 overall and 15-31 in the Big Ten. At 5-5, the Illini need to beat Northwestern and Fresno State to quality for its first bowl bid since 2007.

Boise State should send a thank-you card to Notre Dame. The Broncos must have enjoyed watching the Fighting Irish’s 28-3 victory over No. 15 Utah. That win showed that maybe TCU’s 47-7 win over the Utes a week earlier wasn’t as big as it was played up to be. Tack on the fact that the Horned Frogs’ struggled in a 40-35 win over San Diego State Saturday and Boise State could pass TCU in this week’s BCS.

A false start penalty saved Oregon’s season. Trailing the top-ranked team in the country 15-13, Cal kicker Giorgio Tavecchio hit a 24-yard field goal that would have given the Golden Bears a 16-15 lead but it was negated by a false start committed by Tavecchio. Cal lined up for a 29-yard field goal on the next play and missed it. Oregon held on to win 15-13.

College football is full of redemption stories. Take Florida State kicker Dustin Hopkins. The sophomore missed two critical fourth quarter field goals against North Carolina last week allowing the Tar Heels to beat the Seminoles 37-35. Saturday night, Hopkins kicked a career-best 55-yard field goal as time expired to give Florida State a 16-13 victory over Clemson. The win keeps the ‘Noles in the race for the ACC Atlantic Division title.

Watch out for Texas A&M. After suffering a three-game losing streak earlier in the season, the Aggies have put together an impressive four-game winning streak which has seen them make noise in not only the Big 12 Conference but the BCS standings. It’s no coincidence that Texas A&M began their streak after making the switch at quarterback. Ryan Tannehil is 3-0 as a starter and the offense has outscored their opponents 165-86 during that stretch. A big showdown against Nebraska on Nov. 20 could help to improve the Aggies chances in the postseason.

Florida International is making strides under Mario Cristobal. Before the season, the Golden Panthers were 9-27, with their best season coming in 2008 when they went 5-8. But Saturday’s 52-35 victory over perennial Sun Belt power Troy (5-4, 4-2), not only gave FIU their most conference wins in a season (4) but it also moved them into the lead in the conference. Cristobal’s squad rolled up 668 yards and three separate players had over 100 yards in the game — Darriet Perry (186), T.Y. Hilton (158), and Darrian Mallary (118).

South Florida is back in the Big East race. A month ago, you couldn’t mention the Bulls and the Big East conference title in the same sentence but my how times have changed. After opening conference play with losses to Syracuse and West Virginia, Skip Holtz’s team has rolled off three straight wins – Cincinnati, Rutgers, Louisville — and wins against Pitt and UConn could have USF at least tied for first-place in the conference.

Rich Ellerson was the right hire for Army. The Cadets beat Kent State, 45-28 Saturday becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 1996. In the two season as the head coach at Army, Ellerson has put together an 11-11 overall record and has helped revitalize the service academy.

Marcus Lattimore will be a Heisman Trophy candidate next season. The freshman rushed 40 times for a career-high 212 yards and three touchdowns in leading South Carolina past Florida, 36-14 and clinching the school’s first SEC East Division title. Lattimore is the conference’s second-leading rusher (964) and if he stays healthy, could become the school’s all-time leading rusher.

College football’s Week 11

"K2T Wisata"

With Week 11 of the college football season officially in the books, here is a look at some of the top stars from this week’s games.

Carrying the ball 40 times, Marcus Lattimore rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Gamecocks to a 36-14 win over Florida. (Gary W. Green/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

Bryan Ellis, QB, UAB
Buzz: The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder threw for a career-high 418 yards and five touchdowns during the Blazers’ 54-42 loss to East Carolina on Thursday.

Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
Buzz: The junior shattered the school’s single-season record for passing yards with his 409 yard performance against Texas Saturday. Weeden now has 3,391 yards on the season.

Alex Carder, QB, Western Michigan
Buzz: The Mid-American Conference’s second-leading passer completed 17 of 21 passes for 349 yards and four touchdowns in leading the Broncos to a 45-30 victory over Eastern Michigan.

Dominique Davis, QB, East Carolina
Buzz: Davis threw for 331 yards and five touchdowns during the Pirates’ 54-42 win over UAB. The junior set the school’s single-season record for touchdown passes (31) and total yards (3,077) held by Jeff Blake.

Lance Dunbar, RB, North Texas
Buzz: Dunbar rushed for 226 yards and a touchdown in the Mean Green’s 23-17 win over Middle Tennessee. He’s gone over 200 yards rushing in two of his previous three games.

Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
Buzz: The Big East’s second-leading rusher carried the ball 37 times for a career-high 222 yards in the Huskies’ 30-28 win against Pitt.

Robbie Rouse, RB, Fresno State
Buzz: The sophomore rushed for over 200 yards in back-to-back performances leading the Bulldogs in a 35-34 loss to Nevada. Rouse had 217 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.

Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
Buzz: Carrying the ball 40 times, the freshman rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Gamecocks to a 36-14 win over Florida, wrapping up the SEC Eastern Division title.

A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Buzz: The junior had his best day since returning from a suspension, catching nine passes for a season-high 164 yards and two touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 49-31 loss to Auburn.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Buzz: A 67-yard touchdown catch highlighted the day from Blackmon who had nine catches for 145 yards in the Cowboys’ 33-16 victory over Texas.

VIDEO EXTRA: A look at A.J. Green’s performance against Auburn.

Tega Cay Weekends

"K2T Wisata"

November 14: Tega Cay Weekends

Yes, I am enjoying my time in South Carolina. Thought the state line runs right through a corner of this lake so I may actually be in North Carolina – apparently there is a difference.

American Express Wishlist

"K2T Wisata"

American Express conducted a survey to learn what the wealthy in China are thinking.

Indeed the rich are different.

The wealthy in China are different than their parents.

Most noticeably, their parents weren't rich. Still…

1. Wealthy Chinese want to enjoy their fortunes, NOW.

2. Wealthy Chinese don't plan to leave their money to their kids.

3. Wealthy Chinese want to try something new and will spend money to try anything new.

4. Wealthy Chinese want something new that will help them increase their wealth.

5. Wealthy Chinese are very fashionable, fashion conscious.

6. Wealthy Chinese want world-class service.

7. Wealthy Chinese have some sense of their social responsiblity.

In the next 5 years, there will be 4.2 million Chinese with assets of at least $300K compared to 2.2 million now.

By 2011, there will be 908 thousand millionaires in China compared to 467 thousand now.

How would your attitudes change or not change if you were rich?

source

How Many Job Seekers Can Line Up

"K2T Wisata"

How many angels on the head of a pin?

How many job seekers can line up at a booth in one place?

The answer: All of them.

There are lots and lots and lots of job seekers in China. And, I think they ALL attended this job fair.

China’s Human Resources and Social Security Minister is blaming the ‘grim’ situation on the global economic situation.

The current unemployment in China is 4%, but is expected to get worse before it gets better, sometime next year after the Ten Steps to Spark Growth, the 6 Steps to Create Jobs and $568 billion kicks in.

The top concern – labor unrest.

Yahoo China Profitable Next Year

"K2T Wisata"

Jack Ma, founder and CEO of Chinese e-commerce firm Alibaba predicts Yahoo China will be profitable by next year.

He doesn’t think Yahoo will challenge Baidu, China’s number one search engine or Google anytime soon. Furthermore, he doesn’t care that they aren’t a challenger yet.

Jack Ma is a small fellow with a big attitude. When told the market-share people have low expectations for Yahoo, his response was, "We don’t care."

When told Yahoo might have but one percent of the market, he responded with, "So, what?"

Right now Yahoo China is focusing on improving the search technology.

Jack Ma took over Yahoo China’s operations in 2005 when Yahoo took a 40% stake in Alibaba in exchange for $1 billion cash.

Alibaba is a business-to-business site. Yahoo China is a search engine. Alipay works like paypal and Taobao is similar to eBay.

Ma said his company is profitable through Alibaba alone. And, for now, that is enough.

Jack Ma doesn’t do things the traditional way. That’s why he has the most desired private internet company in China.

What do you think?

Makar Sankranti

"K2T Wisata"

Makar Sankranti Or Pongal is a national festival of India. Sankranti is also one of the most auspicious day for the people of the Hindu community, and is celebrated in almost all parts of India in different forms , with great devotion and Pomp

Lakhs of people take a dip in places like Ganga river and pray to Lord Sun. It is celebrated with great pomp in southern India as Pongal, and in Punjab is celebrated as Lohri & Maghi. Gujarati’s not only look eaderly up to the sun, but also offer thousands of their colorful oblations in the form of beautiful kites all over the skyline. They may be trying to reach up to their glorious God or bring about greater proximity with the one who represents the best.

It is a day for which Bhishma Pitamah of Mahabharatha kept waiting to leave his mortal coil. Makar Sankranti is the day when the glorious Sun God of Hindus begins its ascendancy and entry into the Northern Hemisphere.

Click Here for Sankranti E-Greetings

Click Here for Pongal Greetings

How to Celebrate Sankranti

1. Get up early in the morning, before sunrise, have bath and be ready with water & flowers for the sunrise. Worship the rising Sun, by offering water, flowers with both the hands & then pray with folded hands by chanting the Gayatri Mantra and pray for knowledge, wisdom and enlightenment to rise in the similar way to greater & greater heights. Pray for blessings to live a dynamic, inspired & righteous life.

2. Do tarpan for your ancestors. Offer water to the ancestors while praying for their blessings. Resolve to redeem the pledges & pride of your forefathers. Live life in such a way that wherever your forefathers may be their head is held high by the life & deeds of their children.

3. Have a special session of Meditation, wherein you bring about the awareness of the self-effulgent subjective divinity. Affirm the greatest importance of your spiritual goal very clearly, and pray to God to bless you with the capacity to constantly revel in your true self. May the graph of your rise like the Uttarayana Sun. May there be greater ‘Love & Light’ in your life & the world.

4. Prepare laddus or other sweets of Til & Gur and offer them to your friends & relatives. See to it that your ‘Well-being Prayer for all’ gets manifested in action & deeds.

5. Have the lunch of Khichiri. This stands for inculcating simplicity in your life & habits.

6. Give some Daan on this day to someone who truly deserves.

7. Visit your son at his place and give presents to the son and the daughter-in-law. If it is not possible to visit, then organize to send presents to them to express your love & affection to them. Work to properly cultivate the generation, which has to carry forward all the best you cherish & value.

How China is Sneakily Keeping Its Competitive Advantage

"K2T Wisata"

Eight, 10, 12% growth is not enough for China.

The Middle Kingdom is pulling out all the stops to keep the economy energized. It will grow at ONLY 9% this year.

China has a Y57 trillion (that’s a “t”) ($900+B) plan for a spending package and has lowered interest rates four times since September. Still, Beijing is sneakily (?) doing more.

In 2005, China changed from a fixed exchange rate for its currency to allow its currency to move. It since lost nearly 20% in value. It was a bit over Y8=$1, and is now Y6.8817 = $1.

The People’s Bank of China has generally guided the change by limiting the maximum amount of fluctuation that can take place in one day.

With the world economy doing the slow dance, China’s exports have taken a beating. So….for the past four days, China has allowed the yuan to depreciate against the dollar by the maximum allowable limit. What happens then is China’s exports become more competitive, eh? Sneaky, sneaky. And, likely to keep on going till China is able to keep its economy chugging along above 10% while the rest of the world’s economy stops or goes backward.

So, who’s going to tell China to stop?

Wal-Mart Accused

"K2T Wisata"

This sounds to me like a story of the pot calling the kettle black.

Nevertheless, Wal-Mart has been found guilty and will be reeling from the stiff penalty imposed on the company for 'product fraud.'

A customer bought 10 boxes of tooth whitening powder. The Chinese label said it was made in Japan. The orignal Japanese label said it was made in Thailand.

The same customer bought 10 boxes of cookies with a Chinese label saying the 'date of production' while the English label said 'expiry date.'

It seems somebody doesn't know how to read a dictionary.

At any rate, Wal-Mart has been ordered by a Shanghai court to come up with a 920.6 yuan ($120) refund and, on top of that, pay the customer 187 yuan in compensation for forging details.

I am not sure, but it may be the beginning of the end for the retail giant.

Chicken Taco Soup and mint brownies for dessert

"K2T Wisata"

I have not posted about an office lunch for awhile, so I thought today I would share what I made for my husband’s office meeting this week.

For those new to my site, my husband occasionally has staff meetings during lunch and I do the cooking for these meetings. I occasionally like to post what I make.

In the past I have made things like Chipotle style beans and rice with lemon bars for dessert or Chicken Taco Soup and mint brownies for dessert.

This week I made taco soup and served it with salad and tortilla chips.