Came across this article yesterday, and had a brief discussion in the evening class - it dawned on me that it's not just Beijing would accept Microsoft's offer, so did a council in the UK and Paris according to our lecturer... Not very precise description, anyway, you got the idea.
Below is the article from FT.com.
Beijing city buys Microsoft software
By Mure Dickie in Beijing
Published: February 22 2005
MicrosoftThe Beijing city government has quietly made substantial purchases of software from Microsoft after it cancelled a controversial Rmb29m ($3.5m) order for the US company's Office suite and Windows operating system late last year, according to municipal officials and industry executives.
The decision by the Chinese capital to push through the purchase of Office and Windows products in spite of widespread local opposition is a boost for Microsoft, which has worked hard to fend off competition from lower-cost Chinese software rivals.
However, the municipal government's refusal to make public any information about the purchases raises serious questions about its handling of the procurement process. Under China's Law on Government Procurement, big government purchases must be "open and transparent".
The city's finance department and its "Office of Informatisation" declined on Tuesday to give details of Beijing's software spending since the cancellation of the tender won by the US company last year.
The tender for Microsoft software was scrapped after local software companies complained it had been mishandled and local commentators criticised it for not giving enough support to local vendors.
However, a municipal official with knowledge of its technology policy said the city bought Microsoft's products anyway and that its purchases from the US company "were greater than those made from domestic vendors".
A manager at a large Chinese software company said it had also heard from customers in the municipal government that it had gone ahead with purchases from Microsoft.
The Beijing Informatisation Office declined on Tuesday to comment on whether the software purchases from Microsoft were handled according to law.
The purchases could reignite debate about the degree to which state software procurement should favour local suppliers.
The cancellation of the Microsoft order last year had been seen as an important victory for supporters of the local industry.
Li Wuqiang, then an official at the Ministry of Science and Technology, had heightened the pressure on Beijing officials by issuing a high-profile denunciation of the "many" local governments that ignored "national interest and security" by buying foreign software.
The municipal official with knowledge of IT issues said the decision to buy from Microsoft reflected in part the difficulty of introducing local software in time to meet a central government deadline for the the city government to stop using pirated software.
Microsoft declined to give details of Beijing city purchases. "We appreciate and support the Beijing government's decision to use legal software including Microsoft's products within its government entities," the company said.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Thursday, February 24, 2005
iTunes Music Store adds over 1,000 Chinese tracks
Feb 07, 2005 | By Kristie Masuda
Apple has added over 1,000 tracks by top Chinese artists in its 15 iTunes Music Stores, according to the Financial Times. Many of Universal's top selling Chinese artists including Jacky Cheung, Kelly Chen, Hacken Lee and Alan Tam will be available, making this the first time that this range of Chinese music is available for sale outside of the region. According to the Financial Post, the launch "is aimed especially at the big overseas Chinese population, which has been able to access the music in physical form only through a limited number of specialist retailers."
Apple has added over 1,000 tracks by top Chinese artists in its 15 iTunes Music Stores, according to the Financial Times. Many of Universal's top selling Chinese artists including Jacky Cheung, Kelly Chen, Hacken Lee and Alan Tam will be available, making this the first time that this range of Chinese music is available for sale outside of the region. According to the Financial Post, the launch "is aimed especially at the big overseas Chinese population, which has been able to access the music in physical form only through a limited number of specialist retailers."
Saturday, February 19, 2005
英國的母親節 Mothering Sunday
http://www.getset.com.tw/cultural_corner_mothers_day.html
英國的母親節
四 旬齋日後的第四個星期天是英國母性的星期天。雖然也常稱這天為 ” 母親節”但實際上和美國的母親節並沒有什麼關聯。在早期的英格蘭，孩子們，特別是離家幫傭的女兒，會在母親節這天請一天假來拜訪母親及親人。而在今日，孩 子們會在這一天為他們的母親準備禮物，花朵和親手製作的卡片。
英國母親節的淵源
在 英格蘭的教徒們通常會利用大部分的星期天到最近的教區或教堂作禮拜。幾個世紀後，人們視四旬齋日後的第四個星期天為極重要的一天，因為他們會在這一天回到 他們一年拜訪一次的”mother church”，所以每年四旬齋中旬，每個人都會拜訪自己的”mother church“或教區上主要的教堂。自然而然的，回到” mother church”已成為離家工作的孩子們舉家團員的原因。(在當時，一但孩子年滿十歲，離家出外工作是很普遍的。)大部分的史學家認為因為回到” Mother church ”的緣故使孩子們得以休假一天返家探親成了慣例，特別是當學徒或是替人幫傭的孩子。在這些孩子們沿著返家的鄉間小路上，他們會摘一些野花或是紫羅蘭帶到教 堂表達對教會的感恩，或是當作送給母親的小禮物。
美食饗宴
英 國的母親節同時也是大家熟悉的可稍稍恢復精力的星期天，因為這一天可以進食，不需禁食，大家也可以稍微放鬆一下。在新約福音中有一段耶穌以五個小麵包及兩 條小魚讓五千人飽餐的故事。”如今這個地方已長滿許多草，所以為數五千的人們席地而坐， 接著耶穌拿起一個麵包，向上天感恩後，將麵包和魚分發給席地而坐的人， 這些麵包和魚就如取之不竭般的讓所有的人都飽餐了。 ( 約翰福音，第六章，10-12節)
Simnel蛋糕
和 英國的母親節特別有關聯的食物是Simnel 蛋糕。Simnel 蛋糕 是一種夾有兩層杏仁醬的水果蛋糕，一層在蛋糕的最上層，一層在中間。這種蛋糕是以最上層的11球marzipan糖衣來代表著耶穌的11個門徒。( 猶大不包含在內 ) 。一般上，紫羅蘭糖果也會加在蛋糕的上層。
為何叫做Simnel
Simnel這個名字可能是由拉丁文中的” simila “而來，意指用來烘培蛋糕的小麥麵粉。有另一種流傳的說法是有一個名叫Simon的男子和他的妻子Nell為了母親節的蛋糕應用烘烤的方式或是煮的方式而起了爭執。
最後，他們這兩種方式都試了，所以蛋糕以這兩人的名字作為蛋糕的
名稱。
Simnel cake
奶油175 g (6 oz)
糖175 g
3個打好的蛋
桿平的麵粉225 g (8 oz)
磨碎的荳蔻1/2匙
肉桂1/2 匙
醃過的櫻桃 125 g (4 oz)
剁碎的綜合果皮50 g (2 oz)
小葡萄乾 250 g (9 oz)
無核白葡萄乾125 g (4 oz)
杏仁醬450 g
如 果必要的話可以加一點牛奶將奶油和糖加在一起攪拌， 直到顏色變淡泡沫變細。慢慢的蛋將打入，加入麵粉和香料，舖上水果，如果麵粉還是很硬，可以加上一兩匙的牛奶。將一個約18公分高的蛋糕模型內圈圖上油以 便烘烤。取一半準備好的麵放進蛋糕模中，接著舖上一層約16公分寬的杏仁醬，再將另一半準備好的麵粉加(蓋)在杏仁醬上，放入烤箱烘烤，直到顏色變深，蛋 糕變硬。將蛋糕取出，等蛋糕冷卻後，將剩下的杏仁醬舖在蛋糕的最上層，用高溫迅速的蛋糕烤成褐色。
Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday in the UK is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Although it's often called "Mothers Day" it has no connection with the American festival of that name. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family. Today it is a day when children give presents, flowers, and home made cards to their mothers.
History of Mothering Sunday
Most Sundays in the year churchgoers in England worship at their nearest parish or "daughter church".
Centuries ago it was considered important for people to return to their home or "mother" church once a year. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their "mother" church, or the main church or Cathedral of the area.
Inevitably the return to the "mother" church became an occasion for family reunions when children who were working away returned home. (It was quite common in those days for children to leave home for work once they were ten years old.)
And most historians think that it was the return to the "Mother" church which led to the tradition of children, particularly those working as domestic servants, or as apprentices, being given the day off to visit their mother and family.
As they walked along the country lanes, children would pick wild flowers or violets to take to church or give to their mother as a small gift.
A Foodie Festival
Mothering Sunday was also known as Refreshment Sunday because the fasting rules for Lent were relaxed that day.
Originally both Old and New testament lessons on mid-lent Sunday made a point of food.
The Gospel reading from the New Testament told the story of how Jesus fed five thousand people with only five small barley loaves and two small fish. Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. (John 6:10-12)
Simnel Cake
The food item specially associated with Mothering Sunday is the Simnel Cake. A Simnel cake is a fruit cake with two layers of almond paste, one on top and one in the middle. The cake is made with 11 balls of marzipan icing on top representing the 11 disciples. (Judas is not included). Traditionally, sugar violets would also be added.
Why Simnel?
The name Simnel probably comes from the Latin word "simila" which means a fine wheat flour usually used for baking a cake. There's a legend that a man called Simon and his wife Nell argued over whether the cake for Mothering Sunday should be baked or boiled. In the end they did both, so the cake was named after both of them: SIM-NELL.
SIMNEL CAKE RECIPE
175 g (6 oz) butter
175 g (6 oz) sugar
3 beaten eggs
225 g (8 oz) plain flour
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
125 g (4 oz) glace cherries
50 g (2 oz) chopped mixed peel
250 g (9 oz) currants
125 g (4 oz) sultanas
450 g (1 lb) almond paste
A little milk if necessary
Cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs slowly. Fold in the flour and spices. Add the fruit and fold in. Add a teaspoon or two of milk if too firm. Line and grease an 18 cm (7 in) round cake tin. Roll out half the almond paste to a 16 cm circle. Spoon half of the cake mixture into the cake tin. Put the almond paste circle on top of the cake mixture. Then add the rest of the cake mixture. Bake until dark brown and firm. Once the cake is cool, roll out the rest of the almond paste into an 18 cm circle. Place the circle on top of the cake and brown quickly under a hot grill.
單字
1. Lent-四旬齋，指(逾越節)復活節前星期天除外的四十天準備期，也就是從Ash Wednesday至Easter Eve 的四十天，在此期間為紀念耶穌在荒野禁食，在此時期內，基督徒特別祈禱、刻苦作補贖，尤其守齋禁食，故此舊名稱又叫「封齋期」。
2. Mother Church 人們加入教會受洗的教堂。隨著基督教在歐洲的擴散，人們將四旬齋日後的第四個星期天轉為對「Mother Church」的崇敬：表達人們對賦予他們生命、保護他們免於傷害的精神力量的感謝。從此，教會的儀式便與母親節的慶祝活動相結合，以同時傳達人們對母親 與教會的感念。
英國的母親節
四 旬齋日後的第四個星期天是英國母性的星期天。雖然也常稱這天為 ” 母親節”但實際上和美國的母親節並沒有什麼關聯。在早期的英格蘭，孩子們，特別是離家幫傭的女兒，會在母親節這天請一天假來拜訪母親及親人。而在今日，孩 子們會在這一天為他們的母親準備禮物，花朵和親手製作的卡片。
英國母親節的淵源
在 英格蘭的教徒們通常會利用大部分的星期天到最近的教區或教堂作禮拜。幾個世紀後，人們視四旬齋日後的第四個星期天為極重要的一天，因為他們會在這一天回到 他們一年拜訪一次的”mother church”，所以每年四旬齋中旬，每個人都會拜訪自己的”mother church“或教區上主要的教堂。自然而然的，回到” mother church”已成為離家工作的孩子們舉家團員的原因。(在當時，一但孩子年滿十歲，離家出外工作是很普遍的。)大部分的史學家認為因為回到” Mother church ”的緣故使孩子們得以休假一天返家探親成了慣例，特別是當學徒或是替人幫傭的孩子。在這些孩子們沿著返家的鄉間小路上，他們會摘一些野花或是紫羅蘭帶到教 堂表達對教會的感恩，或是當作送給母親的小禮物。
美食饗宴
英 國的母親節同時也是大家熟悉的可稍稍恢復精力的星期天，因為這一天可以進食，不需禁食，大家也可以稍微放鬆一下。在新約福音中有一段耶穌以五個小麵包及兩 條小魚讓五千人飽餐的故事。”如今這個地方已長滿許多草，所以為數五千的人們席地而坐， 接著耶穌拿起一個麵包，向上天感恩後，將麵包和魚分發給席地而坐的人， 這些麵包和魚就如取之不竭般的讓所有的人都飽餐了。 ( 約翰福音，第六章，10-12節)
Simnel蛋糕
和 英國的母親節特別有關聯的食物是Simnel 蛋糕。Simnel 蛋糕 是一種夾有兩層杏仁醬的水果蛋糕，一層在蛋糕的最上層，一層在中間。這種蛋糕是以最上層的11球marzipan糖衣來代表著耶穌的11個門徒。( 猶大不包含在內 ) 。一般上，紫羅蘭糖果也會加在蛋糕的上層。
為何叫做Simnel
Simnel這個名字可能是由拉丁文中的” simila “而來，意指用來烘培蛋糕的小麥麵粉。有另一種流傳的說法是有一個名叫Simon的男子和他的妻子Nell為了母親節的蛋糕應用烘烤的方式或是煮的方式而起了爭執。
最後，他們這兩種方式都試了，所以蛋糕以這兩人的名字作為蛋糕的
名稱。
Simnel cake
奶油175 g (6 oz)
糖175 g
3個打好的蛋
桿平的麵粉225 g (8 oz)
磨碎的荳蔻1/2匙
肉桂1/2 匙
醃過的櫻桃 125 g (4 oz)
剁碎的綜合果皮50 g (2 oz)
小葡萄乾 250 g (9 oz)
無核白葡萄乾125 g (4 oz)
杏仁醬450 g
如 果必要的話可以加一點牛奶將奶油和糖加在一起攪拌， 直到顏色變淡泡沫變細。慢慢的蛋將打入，加入麵粉和香料，舖上水果，如果麵粉還是很硬，可以加上一兩匙的牛奶。將一個約18公分高的蛋糕模型內圈圖上油以 便烘烤。取一半準備好的麵放進蛋糕模中，接著舖上一層約16公分寬的杏仁醬，再將另一半準備好的麵粉加(蓋)在杏仁醬上，放入烤箱烘烤，直到顏色變深，蛋 糕變硬。將蛋糕取出，等蛋糕冷卻後，將剩下的杏仁醬舖在蛋糕的最上層，用高溫迅速的蛋糕烤成褐色。
Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday in the UK is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Although it's often called "Mothers Day" it has no connection with the American festival of that name. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family. Today it is a day when children give presents, flowers, and home made cards to their mothers.
History of Mothering Sunday
Most Sundays in the year churchgoers in England worship at their nearest parish or "daughter church".
Centuries ago it was considered important for people to return to their home or "mother" church once a year. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their "mother" church, or the main church or Cathedral of the area.
Inevitably the return to the "mother" church became an occasion for family reunions when children who were working away returned home. (It was quite common in those days for children to leave home for work once they were ten years old.)
And most historians think that it was the return to the "Mother" church which led to the tradition of children, particularly those working as domestic servants, or as apprentices, being given the day off to visit their mother and family.
As they walked along the country lanes, children would pick wild flowers or violets to take to church or give to their mother as a small gift.
A Foodie Festival
Mothering Sunday was also known as Refreshment Sunday because the fasting rules for Lent were relaxed that day.
Originally both Old and New testament lessons on mid-lent Sunday made a point of food.
The Gospel reading from the New Testament told the story of how Jesus fed five thousand people with only five small barley loaves and two small fish. Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. (John 6:10-12)
Simnel Cake
The food item specially associated with Mothering Sunday is the Simnel Cake. A Simnel cake is a fruit cake with two layers of almond paste, one on top and one in the middle. The cake is made with 11 balls of marzipan icing on top representing the 11 disciples. (Judas is not included). Traditionally, sugar violets would also be added.
Why Simnel?
The name Simnel probably comes from the Latin word "simila" which means a fine wheat flour usually used for baking a cake. There's a legend that a man called Simon and his wife Nell argued over whether the cake for Mothering Sunday should be baked or boiled. In the end they did both, so the cake was named after both of them: SIM-NELL.
SIMNEL CAKE RECIPE
175 g (6 oz) butter
175 g (6 oz) sugar
3 beaten eggs
225 g (8 oz) plain flour
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
125 g (4 oz) glace cherries
50 g (2 oz) chopped mixed peel
250 g (9 oz) currants
125 g (4 oz) sultanas
450 g (1 lb) almond paste
A little milk if necessary
Cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs slowly. Fold in the flour and spices. Add the fruit and fold in. Add a teaspoon or two of milk if too firm. Line and grease an 18 cm (7 in) round cake tin. Roll out half the almond paste to a 16 cm circle. Spoon half of the cake mixture into the cake tin. Put the almond paste circle on top of the cake mixture. Then add the rest of the cake mixture. Bake until dark brown and firm. Once the cake is cool, roll out the rest of the almond paste into an 18 cm circle. Place the circle on top of the cake and brown quickly under a hot grill.
單字
1. Lent-四旬齋，指(逾越節)復活節前星期天除外的四十天準備期，也就是從Ash Wednesday至Easter Eve 的四十天，在此期間為紀念耶穌在荒野禁食，在此時期內，基督徒特別祈禱、刻苦作補贖，尤其守齋禁食，故此舊名稱又叫「封齋期」。
2. Mother Church 人們加入教會受洗的教堂。隨著基督教在歐洲的擴散，人們將四旬齋日後的第四個星期天轉為對「Mother Church」的崇敬：表達人們對賦予他們生命、保護他們免於傷害的精神力量的感謝。從此，教會的儀式便與母親節的慶祝活動相結合，以同時傳達人們對母親 與教會的感念。
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Bohemia
Czechs are West Slavs, as are Poles and Slovaks. The capital Prague is often called The Heart of Europe. There are about 10 million people in the Czech Republic and about 1.3 million people in Prague. Western part of the Czech Republic is called Bohemia, eastern Moravia.
At the beginning of the 20th century Bohemia was a part of Austrian Empire. After World War I in 1918 Czechoslovakia declared its independence. The new republic had three parts: Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia. The popular Tomas Garigue Masaryk became the first president. In October 1938 the Nazis occupied the Sudetenland, with the acquiescence of Britain and France, after the infamous Munich Agreement. In March 1939 Germany occupied Bohemia and Moravia. Slovakia proclaimed independence as a Nazi puppet state. After World War II in 1945 Czechoslovakia was reestablished as an independent state. In the 1946 elections, the Communists became the largest party with 36% of the popular vote and formed coalition government. In 1948 the Communist staged coup d'etat and Czechoslovakia became a communist country. In the 1960s Czechoslovakia enjoyed a gradual liberalization under the reformist general secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party, Alexander Dubcek. But this short period was crushed by a Soviet invasion in August 1968. In 1969 the reformist Dubcek was replaced by the orthodox Gustav Husak and Czechoslovakia stayed a communist country under the Soviet influence. The communist government resignated in November 1989 after a week of demonstrations known as the Velvet Revolution. The popular Vaclav Havel was elected president of the republic. At the end of 1992 Czechoslovakia split into Czech Republic (Bohemia and Moravia) and Slovak Republic (Slovakia). This peaceful splitting is called the Velvet Divorce. Twelve years later, on May 1, 2004 Czech Republic became a part of the European Union.
http://www.czechsite.com/history.html
***
Bohemia (Čechy in Czech, Böhmen in German) is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western and middle thirds of the Czech Republic. With an area of 52,750 sq. km. and 6.25 million of the country's 10.3 million inhabitants, Bohemia is bounded by Germany to the north-west, west and south-west, Poland to the north-east, the Czech province of Moravia to the east and Austria to the south. Bohemia's borders are marked with mountain ranges such as the Šumava, the Ore Mountains or Krkonoše (Riesengebirge) as part of the Sudeten mountains.
Note: In the Czech language, there is no distinction between the adjectives Bohemian and Czech (český).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemia
***
Bohemia is also a place in the State of New York in the United States of America: see Bohemia, New York.
At the beginning of the 20th century Bohemia was a part of Austrian Empire. After World War I in 1918 Czechoslovakia declared its independence. The new republic had three parts: Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia. The popular Tomas Garigue Masaryk became the first president. In October 1938 the Nazis occupied the Sudetenland, with the acquiescence of Britain and France, after the infamous Munich Agreement. In March 1939 Germany occupied Bohemia and Moravia. Slovakia proclaimed independence as a Nazi puppet state. After World War II in 1945 Czechoslovakia was reestablished as an independent state. In the 1946 elections, the Communists became the largest party with 36% of the popular vote and formed coalition government. In 1948 the Communist staged coup d'etat and Czechoslovakia became a communist country. In the 1960s Czechoslovakia enjoyed a gradual liberalization under the reformist general secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party, Alexander Dubcek. But this short period was crushed by a Soviet invasion in August 1968. In 1969 the reformist Dubcek was replaced by the orthodox Gustav Husak and Czechoslovakia stayed a communist country under the Soviet influence. The communist government resignated in November 1989 after a week of demonstrations known as the Velvet Revolution. The popular Vaclav Havel was elected president of the republic. At the end of 1992 Czechoslovakia split into Czech Republic (Bohemia and Moravia) and Slovak Republic (Slovakia). This peaceful splitting is called the Velvet Divorce. Twelve years later, on May 1, 2004 Czech Republic became a part of the European Union.
http://www.czechsite.com/history.html
***
Bohemia (Čechy in Czech, Böhmen in German) is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western and middle thirds of the Czech Republic. With an area of 52,750 sq. km. and 6.25 million of the country's 10.3 million inhabitants, Bohemia is bounded by Germany to the north-west, west and south-west, Poland to the north-east, the Czech province of Moravia to the east and Austria to the south. Bohemia's borders are marked with mountain ranges such as the Šumava, the Ore Mountains or Krkonoše (Riesengebirge) as part of the Sudeten mountains.
Note: In the Czech language, there is no distinction between the adjectives Bohemian and Czech (český).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemia
***
Bohemia is also a place in the State of New York in the United States of America: see Bohemia, New York.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Web: Google's counts faked?
Google's counts faked?
also refer to this article by Andy Beal, the Vice President of Search Marketing for WebSourced, Inc and http://www.KeywordRanking.com, the global leader in professional search engine marketing.
Andy has had articles published around the world and is a repeat speaker at Jupiter Media's Search Engine Strategies conferences. Clients include NBC, Lowes Home Improvement, Alaska Airlines and Experian.
More articles can be found at: http://www.webpronews.com/authors/andybeal.html.
The King is dead, long live the King
Elvis PresleyThe King may have been dead for more than 27 years, but the power of his music is undiminished. Sony BMG, which owns the rights to Elvis Presley's recorded catalogue, has pumped new life into a once-bloated frame in a textbook study in brand resuscitation.
To mark what would have been Presley's 70th birthday on January 8, the record company launched a series of reissued British number one singles, with original artwork, available in limited edition CD and 10in vinyl formats.
The results have been impressive. The day after Elvis's birthday,"Jailhouse Rock" returned to number one. Last Sunday his 1959 chart-topper "One Night" replaced it at the top, winning a further publicity bonus as the 1,000th bestseller in British chart history.
FT.com: Paul Sexton
January 17, 2005
To mark what would have been Presley's 70th birthday on January 8, the record company launched a series of reissued British number one singles, with original artwork, available in limited edition CD and 10in vinyl formats.
The results have been impressive. The day after Elvis's birthday,"Jailhouse Rock" returned to number one. Last Sunday his 1959 chart-topper "One Night" replaced it at the top, winning a further publicity bonus as the 1,000th bestseller in British chart history.
FT.com: Paul Sexton
January 17, 2005
Pope gets Ferrari of his own
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope John Paul has received a Ferrari from the Italian racing team -- a model of one, that is -- for having what they said was the inside track on the roads of humanity.
Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher and the rest of the Ferrari team met the Pope in the Vatican's frescoed Clementina Hall on Monday to give him the 1:5 scale model of the car that won Ferrari both the championship and constructor title in 2004.
Ferrari President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo told the Pope the drivers, mechanics and management wanted to honour him. He said his courage and defence of human rights had put him "for the past 26 years in the pole position of the roads of humanity".
(Mon Jan 17, 2005 12:16 PM GMT)
Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher and the rest of the Ferrari team met the Pope in the Vatican's frescoed Clementina Hall on Monday to give him the 1:5 scale model of the car that won Ferrari both the championship and constructor title in 2004.
Ferrari President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo told the Pope the drivers, mechanics and management wanted to honour him. He said his courage and defence of human rights had put him "for the past 26 years in the pole position of the roads of humanity".
(Mon Jan 17, 2005 12:16 PM GMT)
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Model gets millions for coffee mug shot
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A California jury has ordered Nestle USA to pay nearly $16 million (8.5 million pounds) to a model whose face appeared on Taster's Choice coffee labels in 18 countries for six years without his knowledge, his lawyer says.
Model-actor Russell Christoff, 58, had no idea of his fame among the instant java set until 2002, when a woman at a store remarked on his resemblance to the smiling man on the Taster's Choice jar, Christoff's attorney, Colin Claxon, said.
Christoff had received about $200 for posing for test shots for Nestle Canada for a different product, but was not contacted about the coffee labels, which were redesigned to use his photo in 1997, Claxon said.
Nestle spokeswoman Yasmeen Muqtasid said the company "believed we had permission to use the photograph." She would not comment on whether the company would appeal the verdict.
Last week, a Glendale, California, jury ordered Nestle USA, a division of Switzerland-based Nestle SA, to pay Christoff a $330,000 fee plus $15.6 million, or 5 percent, of Taster's Choice profits for the time he appeared on the label.
Earlier in the litigation, Christoff offered to settle the case for $8.5 million but Nestle refused, Claxon said.
Commercials are a substantial source of income for actors and performers, who therefore guard the use of their images aggressively.
In 2002, country singer Wiley Gustafson sued Yahoo! Inc. for $5 million after the online search engine paid him to appear in one commercial but kept using his trademark yodel in others.
Gustafson and Yahoo settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, and Yahoo continued using the yodel.
After the settlement, Gustafson said he hoped his lawsuit would raise awareness among artists and corporations of the value of copyrights and artists' creations.
(Wed Feb 2, 2005 08:59 AM ET )
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
£15,000 offer to bright students (BBC News)
The University of Manchester is offering £1,000 per year for students with three A-level A grades.
And for such talented students from low-income families, there is a bursary of £5,000 per year.
There is also additional support available to students from low-income and local families - to help cover the increasing cost of higher education.
And for 10 extremely able students, the university is offering bursaries worth £10,000 per year.
University of Manchester: £5,000 per year for low-income, three A-level A-grade students £1,000 per year for all students with three A-grades £1,000 per year for students from low-income families £2,000 for students from local access scheme £10,000 per year for 10 "outstanding" students
Top 10: Walks in Paris (FT.com)
1. Jardin des Tuileries
2. The Left Bank
3. Montmartre
4. The Marais
5. Jardin des Plantes
6. Jardin du Luxembourg
7. The Passages
8. Ile St-Louis
9. Bois de Boulogne
10. Boulevard St-Germain
1. Jardin des Tuileries
A stroll through the beautiful Tuileries Gardens is one of the must-dos of Paris. Before the Revolution this was a prime spot for the aristocracy to show off their latest fashions, and it remains a great place for people-watching.
2. The Left Bank
A very Parisian walk, particularly on a Sunday, is along the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) of the Seine. The riverside quays of the Latin Quarter have been lined with second-hand bookstalls (bouquinistes) for centuries. The books are mostly in French, but you'll also find stalls selling prints and postcards.
3. Montmartre
The steep streets of the Butte are a good place to get some exercise after indulging in the irresistible French cuisine. Although this famous artists' quarter is more touristy than Bohemian these days, its old charms can still be found in the winding back streets and small squares.
4. The Marais
With inspiring art galleries, delectable delis, and shop after shop filled with contemporary fashions and objets d'art, a walk in the Marais is great fun, even if you only window-shop. The beautiful mansions are a great backdrop for your stroll and there are plenty of cafés and bars for sustenance.
5. Jardin des Plantes
In this historic botanical garden you can escape the bustle of the city and lose yourself on the shady tree-lined avenues, amid colourful flowerbeds, or the hothouses and exotic gardens. Or simply relax on the lawns.
6. Jardin du Luxembourg
Napoleon designated this the "garden of children", and whether or not you have little ones in tow you'll enjoy a walk through this favourite haunt of the Latin Quarter. After you've seen the octagonal pond and the Medicis Fountain, seek out the miniature Statue of Liberty and the statues of French queens.
7. The Passages
These covered arcades were built at the end of the 18th century to shelter elegant shoppers from grimy streets and bad weather. Now lined with speciality and antiques shops, they are wonderfully atmospheric places to explore. Most are in the 2nd arrondissement, and connecting passages Verdeau, Jouffroy and Panoramas together form the longest in Paris.
8. Ile St-Louis
Although you could walk end to end in about 10 minutes, the Seine's smaller island demands a more leisurely stroll. You'll discover superb little art galleries, trendy boutiques, and a village-like atmosphere within this up-market enclave.
9. Bois de Boulogne
Come here at the weekend if you want to join the locals in the "great escape", and you'll have 865 ha (2,135 acres) from which to choose your path. The Bagatelle Gardens are a fine place for a walk in spring and summer, when a stunning array of roses and other flowers are in bloom.
10. Boulevard St-Germain
There's no better way to enjoy the Latin Quarter than to do as the Parisians do – stroll the Boulevard St-Germain, preferably late on a Sunday morning. After your walk, honour the birthplace of café society with a coffee at either Les Deux Magots or Café Flore, two of the city's most famous literary and intellectual haunts.
2. The Left Bank
3. Montmartre
4. The Marais
5. Jardin des Plantes
6. Jardin du Luxembourg
7. The Passages
8. Ile St-Louis
9. Bois de Boulogne
10. Boulevard St-Germain
1. Jardin des Tuileries
A stroll through the beautiful Tuileries Gardens is one of the must-dos of Paris. Before the Revolution this was a prime spot for the aristocracy to show off their latest fashions, and it remains a great place for people-watching.
2. The Left Bank
A very Parisian walk, particularly on a Sunday, is along the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) of the Seine. The riverside quays of the Latin Quarter have been lined with second-hand bookstalls (bouquinistes) for centuries. The books are mostly in French, but you'll also find stalls selling prints and postcards.
3. Montmartre
The steep streets of the Butte are a good place to get some exercise after indulging in the irresistible French cuisine. Although this famous artists' quarter is more touristy than Bohemian these days, its old charms can still be found in the winding back streets and small squares.
4. The Marais
With inspiring art galleries, delectable delis, and shop after shop filled with contemporary fashions and objets d'art, a walk in the Marais is great fun, even if you only window-shop. The beautiful mansions are a great backdrop for your stroll and there are plenty of cafés and bars for sustenance.
5. Jardin des Plantes
In this historic botanical garden you can escape the bustle of the city and lose yourself on the shady tree-lined avenues, amid colourful flowerbeds, or the hothouses and exotic gardens. Or simply relax on the lawns.
6. Jardin du Luxembourg
Napoleon designated this the "garden of children", and whether or not you have little ones in tow you'll enjoy a walk through this favourite haunt of the Latin Quarter. After you've seen the octagonal pond and the Medicis Fountain, seek out the miniature Statue of Liberty and the statues of French queens.
7. The Passages
These covered arcades were built at the end of the 18th century to shelter elegant shoppers from grimy streets and bad weather. Now lined with speciality and antiques shops, they are wonderfully atmospheric places to explore. Most are in the 2nd arrondissement, and connecting passages Verdeau, Jouffroy and Panoramas together form the longest in Paris.
8. Ile St-Louis
Although you could walk end to end in about 10 minutes, the Seine's smaller island demands a more leisurely stroll. You'll discover superb little art galleries, trendy boutiques, and a village-like atmosphere within this up-market enclave.
9. Bois de Boulogne
Come here at the weekend if you want to join the locals in the "great escape", and you'll have 865 ha (2,135 acres) from which to choose your path. The Bagatelle Gardens are a fine place for a walk in spring and summer, when a stunning array of roses and other flowers are in bloom.
10. Boulevard St-Germain
There's no better way to enjoy the Latin Quarter than to do as the Parisians do – stroll the Boulevard St-Germain, preferably late on a Sunday morning. After your walk, honour the birthplace of café society with a coffee at either Les Deux Magots or Café Flore, two of the city's most famous literary and intellectual haunts.
Zen: about cooking
Zen philosophy: the process of cooking is as important as the result. The food should be eaten not only with gratitude to those who prepared the dish and to the farmers who produced the vegetables but, above all, with respect for nature.
In the late 12th century, six centuries after Buddhism first came to Japan, the austere Zen sect arrived from China, bringing with it the strict vegan cooking of shojin ryori. Shojin refers to the Buddhist training to attain purity of body and spirit, and is written as "advancement of the spirit". Zen became popular among the ruling samurai class, perhaps because of its austerity and frugality. However, pragmatic samurai never adopted shojin ryori and continued to eat fish and game such as venison, pheasant and wild boar. Shojin ryori remained within the confines of Zen temples.
Put two tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds and a teaspoon of sugar with a pinch of salt in a mortar and grind for 2-3 minutes with a pestle, or until it becomes a coarse paste - don't forget to meditate as you do it! Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and grind it a little more. Drizzle the mixture over any steamed or lightly boiled vegetables. You will have an instant taste of Zen. (Kimiko Barber)
In the late 12th century, six centuries after Buddhism first came to Japan, the austere Zen sect arrived from China, bringing with it the strict vegan cooking of shojin ryori. Shojin refers to the Buddhist training to attain purity of body and spirit, and is written as "advancement of the spirit". Zen became popular among the ruling samurai class, perhaps because of its austerity and frugality. However, pragmatic samurai never adopted shojin ryori and continued to eat fish and game such as venison, pheasant and wild boar. Shojin ryori remained within the confines of Zen temples.
Put two tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds and a teaspoon of sugar with a pinch of salt in a mortar and grind for 2-3 minutes with a pestle, or until it becomes a coarse paste - don't forget to meditate as you do it! Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and grind it a little more. Drizzle the mixture over any steamed or lightly boiled vegetables. You will have an instant taste of Zen. (Kimiko Barber)
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