PCS eyeing $11 billion Sandy loss estimate

LONDON (Reuters) - Data aggregator Property Claims Service (PCS) is putting insured losses from superstorm Sandy at $11 billion, which currently leaves catastrophe bond investors safe from losses - but experts say the figure is likely to rise.

PCS has not formally released its loss review yet, but an initial estimate based on its first survey has been seen by cat bond funds and traders.

PCS is an industry loss compilation service used by the majority of cat bonds to define whether an insurance event qualifies for a payout under the terms of the deal.

Catastrophe bonds allow insurers to pass on extreme risks, such as those related to earthquakes or hurricanes, to financial market investors, and are seen as an alternative to reinsurance.

The initial figure from PCS, which bases its estimates on confidential insurer surveys and its own database of houses across the country, is much lower than estimates release by disaster modeling firms such as RMS, AIR Worldwide and Eqecat, which currently stand at $15 billion - $25 billion.

Losses topping $20 billion would trigger payouts on two catastrophe bonds sponsored by Swiss Re, the world's second-largest reinsurer, according to market participants.

The $11 billion loss estimate from PCS will not significantly impact the 67 percent of U.S.-hurricane exposed cat bonds.

"While investors will be relieved by the loss estimate from PCS, they will still be pondering the evolution of these figures in general," one UK-based cat bond investor told Reuters.

Some transactions known as "aggregate" bonds are at risk of losses, meaning it will only trigger if it accumulates enough losses on an annual basis to reach a pre-agreed attachment point.

Sandy could count as a qualifying event, say investors.

Cat bond issuers make regular interest payments to the bondholders, and, if no catastrophe-related losses are incurred, return the principal once the notes expire.

Investors usually receive interest payments and are required to pay out only under specific conditions.

Such payouts are a rare occurrence, with only eight of some 210 property catastrophe bonds issued since 1997 ever being triggered.

Historically, PCS has dramatically increased estimates from its initial guess as it gathers data from insurers.

The firm raised its estimates for 2011's Hurricane Irene by nearly 18 percent to $4.3 billion from its previous report.

Likewise, its initial estimate for Hurricane Katrina stood at $3.4 billion - increasing to $41.1 billion two years after the event.

(Reporting by Sarah Mortimer)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/pcs-eyeing-11-billion-sandy-loss-estimate-122207362--sector.html

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States, cities look for ways to prepare transportation systems for new rounds of wild weather

WASHINGTON - Wild weather is taking a toll on roads, airports, railways and transit systems across the country.

That's leaving states and cities searching for ways to brace for more catastrophes like Superstorm Sandy that are straining the nation's transportation lifelines beyond what their builders imagined.

Despite their concerns about intense rain, historic floods and record heat waves, some transportation planners find it too politically sensitive to say aloud a source of their weather worries: climate change.

Political differences are on the minds of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, whose advice on the design and maintenance of roads and bridges is closely followed by states. The association recently changed the name of its Climate Change Steering Committee to the less controversial Sustainable Transportation, Energy Infrastructure and Climate Solutions Steering Committee.

Still, there is a recognition that the association's guidance will need to be updated to reflect the new realities of global warming.

"There is a whole series of standards that are going to have to be revisited in light of the change in climate that is coming at us," said John Horsley, the association's executive director.

In the latest and most severe example, Superstorm Sandy inflicted the worst damage to the New York subway system in its 108-year history, halted Amtrak and commuter train service to the city for days, and forced cancellation of thousands of airline flights at airports in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

In Washington state, "we joked we were having 100-year storms every year," said Paula Hammond, head of the state's Department of Transportation.

Last year flooding threatened to swallow up the Omaha, Neb., airport, which sits on a bend in the Missouri River. The ground beneath the airfield became saturated, causing about 100 sinkholes and "soil boils" ? uplifted areas of earth where water bubbles to the surface. The airport was spared through a massive effort that included installing 70 dewatering wells and stacking sandbags around airport equipment and buildings.

Record-smashing heat from Colorado to Virginia last summer caused train tracks to bend and highway pavement to buckle. A US Airways jet was delayed at Washington's Reagan National Airport after its wheels got stuck in a soft spot in the tarmac.

Dallas had more than five weeks of consecutive 100 degree-plus high temperatures. "That puts stress on pavements that previously we didn't see," Horsley said.

States and cities are trying to come to terms with what the change means to them and how they can prepare for it. Transportation engineers build highways and bridges to last 50 or even 100 years. Now they are reconsidering how to do that, or even whether they can, with so much uncertainty.

No single weather event, even a storm like Sandy, can be ascribed with certainty to climate change, according to scientists. But the increasing severity of extreme events fits with the kind of changing climate conditions that scientists have observed.

For example, several climate scientists say sea level along New York and much of the Northeast is about a foot higher than a century ago, mostly because of man-made global warming, and that added significantly to the damage when Sandy hit.

Making transportation infrastructure more resilient will be expensive, and the bill would come at a particularly difficult time. Aging highways, bridges, trains and buses already are in need of repair or replacement and no longer can handle peak traffic demands. More than 140,000 bridges are structurally deficient or obsolete. The problem only will worsen as the U.S. population grows.

A congressional commission estimated that all levels of government together are spending $138 billion a year less than is needed to maintain the current system and to make modest improvements.

"The infrastructure of the nation is aging and it's at risk because, quite frankly, we're all not investing enough to take care of these facilities," said Hammond, the chairwoman of the climate committee. "And now we're facing extreme weather threats that cause us to need emergency response capabilities beyond what we've had in the past."

In Washington state, "we have seen more erratic weather patterns that we haven't had before, so we really can't imagine what kind of winter or summer we're going to have anymore," Hammond said.

More frequent heavy rainfalls in the western half of the state have increased the volume and velocity of water in rivers and streams, undermining the foundations of bridges. Rising sea levels are eroding coastal roads. In the drier eastern half of the state, more frequent wildfires have forced road maintenance crews to change their methods in an effort to prevent sparks that might cause a blaze.

"Each time you replace a bridge, states have to be thinking about not just what kind of traffic demand there is, but how do I make sure this is a bridge that will withstand the future given the erratic weather patterns and climate change we're seeing," Hammond said. "It's a new layer of analysis."

About half the states have taken some steps toward assessing their most critical vulnerabilities, experts said. But few have gone to the next step of making preparations. New York was an exception. Not only had transit officials made detailed assessments of the potential effects of climate change, but they'd started to put protections in place. Subway entrances and ventilation grates were raised in low-lying areas to reduce flooding, but that effort was overwhelmed by Sandy.

"They got hit with what was even worse than even their worst-case scenario," said Deron Lovaas, a transportation expert with the Natural Resources Defence Council, an environmental group. "This was an active test of ... climate preparedness, and they failed."

While more than 97 per cent of the scientists who publish peer-reviewed research say that global warming is real and man-made, the issue remains highly charged. In conservative states, the term "climate change" is often associated with left-leaning politics.

Planning for weather extremes is hampered by reluctance among many officials to discuss anything labeled "climate change," Horsley said.

"In the Northeast, you can call it climate change. ... That's an acceptable term in that region of the country," he said. "Elsewhere, in the South and the (Mountain) West, it's still not an acceptable term because of ideology or whatever you want to call it."

For example, Horsley said, in North Dakota, where there has been severe flooding in recent years, state officials avoid bringing up global warming, preferring to couch their discussions on how to shore up infrastructure as flood preparation.

The Obama administration has also shied away from talking publicly about adaptation to climate change. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's office refused to allow any department officials to be interviewed by The Associated Press about the agency's efforts to help states adapt. The Transportation Department and other federal agencies are involved in preparing a national assessment of climate change impacts and adaptations that may be needed. Their report is expected to be finished in the next few months.

Steve Winkelman, director of transportation and adaptation programs at the Center for Clean Air Policy, said he uses terms like "hazard mitigation" and "emergency preparedness" rather than climate change when talking to state and local officials.

"This is about my basement flooding, not the polar bear ? what I call inconvenient sewer overflow," Winkelman said. "It makes it real."

___

Follow Joan Lowy at http://www.twitter.com/AP_Joan_Lowy

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/states-cities-look-ways-prepare-transportation-systems-rounds-153020253.html

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Travel Modes From Surat To Mumbai

Surat is one of the major industrial cities of Gujarat with a population of 45 lakhs approximately. Formerly known as Suryapur, it lies on the banks of Tapti River. Till 17th century, Surat was the capital of British East India Company. Surat is often called the diamond capital of the world as 92% of the cutting and polishing of diamonds in the world is done here. Surat is also famous for its textile industry.

Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra state with a population around 20 million. It is called the commercial capital of India as many important financial institutions and the corporate head offices of many companies are located here. Mumbais tourist attractions are film city, Juhu and Chaupathi beaches, Mahalaxmi and Sidhivinayak temples and the Elephanta Island among others

Mumbai is located to the south of Surat at an approximate distance of 279 km. Both the cities are well connected by road and rail. Gujarat state highway (SH 140) connects Surat to Mumbai. From Dahisar, on the Mumbai border, to Bandra the western express highway can be used by travellers. If you are driving your own car from Surat you take Ansuian road, Swami Dayanand Sagar marg, SH 6, Udhana CNG circle, tower road and grid road to reach state highway SH140. After driving through 217 km long stretch of SH140 you can catch up western express highway to reach Bandra in Mumbai. The distance from Surat to Mumbai can be covered in 4.5 hours depending upon the traffic on the roads.

Private bus operators are running buses from Surat to Mumbai with varied amenities. Depending on the services provided, bus fares vary from Rs 500/- for a non- A/c bus to Rs 1000/- for an A/c bus. Volvo multi-axle semi sleeper class buses are also available, the fare being Rs 2200/- approximately. Buses normally take 6 to 6.5 hours to reach Mumbai. There are a few Gujarat govt. buses plying between Surat and Mumbai. Though the charges are less (Rs 270/-) running time will be more for these. In case of urgency one can hire taxi cars; the fare depends on the type of vehicle. An ordinary car will cost around Rs12/ km and a luxury type Rs 55/ km.

The rail link from Surat to Mumbai is one of the busiest in India. There are many trains connecting these two cities including passenger, express, superfast and Rajdhani trains. The average time taken by rail is 4 hours for express trains and 7.5 hours for passenger trains. Certain trains like12010 Dn Shatabdi express take just 3 hour 33 minutes to reach Mumbai. Nearest airport to Surat is Bhavanagar, 75 km away from where direct flights are available to Mumbai.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Travel-Modes-From-Surat-To-Mumbai/4278875

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Your Guide to Selling Niche Products | SEO


Businesses Online | SEO | * Written by Alice Jonathan | Wednesday, 21 November 2012 01:43 | Word Count: 575

Niche marketing is a great way to obtain a high profit margin. In niche marketing you find a small segment of the population that is under-served and market a relevant product to them. If there are few, or even no, competitors offering a similar product to this niche market; you can demand a premium price for your product.
This technique of marketing is not difficult, by following a few steps almost anyone should be able to sell niche products.

1. Niche by Material: When you look at your product category, are you working with the same material as everyone else?? You should work with a dominant material to sell it and make it look different than the others. And picking one signature, and unusual, material can be a great way to build a niche for your products. Ensure the material used is customer-friendly and of the best nature.

2. Niche by Subject Matter: A great way to create a niche product, regardless of the materials you work with, is to focus on one unique subject matter. The purpose of the product should reach the audience clearly. It should be well-defined and simple. Don?t complicate it. Conduct a research: it?s important to understand the market and preferences of buyers. Market segmentation with respect to age, gender, income is essential. There is no point selling ageing cr?me in university dominated area.

3. Cost Effective: Pricing of the product should? be as per the target buying power and market? equilibrium. At the initial stage one can offer discounts and and other cost strategies to ensure the product reaches at everyones door steps. Later it can be sold at premium prices. Ensure the customer loyalty reamins intact.

4. Niche by Aesthetic or Style Is there a dominant aesthetic in your product category?? Does your work have a similar style to just about everything else on the market? Another way to get your products to stand out is to find the dominant style in your niche, and do the opposite. It?s a bold and aggressive style of marketing, but to make your product known one has to adopt this style. One needs to be unique while selling it.

5. Niche by Branding: Even if you love everything about your products, and don?t want to change, there?s still a way to carve out a niche for yourself through your branding. Use SEO to create online awareness, leveraging print media through newspapers and magazines can be of great help. Ensure Customers should be aware of your product. Since it?s a niche product, branding in terms of quality and utility should be the priority. Customer service should also be part of branding strategy. Identify publications that your niche market are likely to read, such as local community newspapers and newsletters, and focus your advertising on those.

As marketers, we have a seemingly infinite number of skills, techniques, and ideas at our disposal.? But as business people, it?s critical that we focus our attention on something a little narrower in order to make our products stand out. Instead, look at your current products and skill sets and ask yourself if there?s a way to dive deeper into a niche in one of these areas.

Take advantage of our extensive experience of Seo Vancouver based services to achieve high search rankings. Ismoip.com is one of the best Internet marketing companies which offer you full-range of online marketing services that include SEO, PPC and SEM services.

Article Source: Article Directory - http://www.freearticleforyou.com


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Author of this article: Alice Jonathan.

Number of Articles Published: 14

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Alice Jonathan joined FAFY - Free Article For You on Wednesday, 05 September 2012.

Additional ArticlesRe-Publish: Your Guide to Selling Niche Products You have permission to re-publish this article electronically or in print, as long as you are able to follow the Publishers Guidelines.

Source: http://www.freearticleforyou.com/Businesses-Online/SEO/your-guide-to-selling-niche-products.html

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Solar PV Systems And Its Various Uses - News and Society

Solar PV units are super easy to mount. ?The whole process is as simple as growing some fruits in your very own garden. ?I don?t possess a green thumb thus solar cells are tricky for me. ?Even though solar panels are basic units, they?re nevertheless investments. ?Even if you come up with your own, there is still money involved. ?The installation of solar PV systems may only be affordable if you have electronic expertise.

The setup and cost really should come easy considering reasons that solar power devices are important purchases. ?Roof PV panels strongly offer a greener and cleaner source of energy. ?Even when you are not a keen environmentalist, it?s effortless to consider solar rather than fossil energy. ?Later in life, there will be not too many options to choose from nevertheless. ?Before long, solar panel installers would be in popular and their service price ranges will not be as reasonable as now. ?Solar energy bends your rational side for the good of your pocket.

Another reason people must buy solar power is efficiency. ?Power from the sun can get through to a broad surface area. ?You can simply put solar panels in open areas around your home. ?You do not need to find a proper place for panels to lie in since there are likewise freestanding panels you may plunk down on your roofing. ?Since the rays from the sun have a broad range and is free, you can cut back on electricity also. ?Solar panels are one-time investments that has monthly profits.

The third benefit is you can earn money off green energy from solar power. ?If ever your way of life is heading home just in the evening, then you?ve got energy source to save. ?If you?ve got a solar panel system, extra power could haul in serious cash. ?To start with, you need to spend money on good quality solar panels from great solutions such as Aethon green energy. ?You can make your very own solar panels too yet a hand from the pros goes a long way.

Skilled technicians can assist you with Mastervolt inverters along with other precise specifics to be sure you receive the fourth benefit which is actually the feed-in tariff. ?It is good how the administration pays people to generate clean energy. ?I?ve got absolutely no issues with it in any way since it is obviously a smart reward system. ?It?s good to have a thing that boosts the number of individuals purchasing greener energy. ?Every country ought to have it.

The fifth reason people should turn to solar powered energy is the minor servicing needed. ?This bodes very well since I?m not really a fan of cleaning except when I get payment for it or if I?m cleaning PV panels in Wales. ?This would mean free travel yet I?m very likely to keep tabs on digital activity rather than clean. ?Electronic or PC energy tracking is enjoyable as compared to checking out solar cells. ?Either way, I would switch over to solar power any time. ?Given the best five reasons, it?s actually a worthy investment.

Source: http://www.gongyifair.org/solar-pv-systems-and-its-various-uses.html

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Amazing Spider-Man, Gangstar Rio, and other Gameloft titles on sale for Thanksgiving

Android Central

Gameloft has kicked off their Thanksgiving / Black Friday sale by cutting the price of a handful of their titles down to a buck.

First up is The Amazing Spider-Man, an action game based on the latest movie. You can see our full review over here. Then there's Gangstar Rio, the "homage" to the popular open-world GTA games. Then there's BackStab, which mixes up 3D platforming and stealth action with a pirate-flavored twist. If you're looking for something a little more lighthearted, The Adventures of Tintin offers fast-paced action that's suitable for the young'uns. Finally, the sci-fi shooter N.O.V.A. 3 is also on sale, though you've got to get it through the Amazon Appstore.

So, anything catching your eye? Seeing any other solid Android game sales for Black Friday? 

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/rGlmtIi3R_A/story01.htm

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Trouble not over for Jesse Jackson Jr.

FILE - In this March 20, 2012 file photo, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill. speaks in Chicago. A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner says he has received letter of resignation from Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Wednesday. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

FILE - In this March 20, 2012 file photo, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill. speaks in Chicago. A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner says he has received letter of resignation from Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Wednesday. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

FILE - This March 20, 2012 file photo shows Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., his wife Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, and their children Jessica, 12, and Jesse III, 8, thanking supporters at his election night party in Chicago after his Democratic primary win over challenger, former Rep. Debbie Halvorson, in the Illinois' 2nd District. A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner says he has received letter of resignation from Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Wednesday. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

FILE - This March 9, 2012 file photo shows Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. , D-Ill., and his wife, Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, asking each other for their support and votes as they arrive at a polling station for early voting in Chicago. A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner says he has received letter of resignation from Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Wednesday. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

(AP) ? Jesse Jackson Jr.'s resignation from Congress might end his once-promising political career but it doesn't mark the end of troubles for the civil rights icon's son.

Just two weeks after voters re-elected him to a ninth full term, Jackson on Wednesday sent his resignation letter to House Speaker John Boehner, citing his ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder and admitting "my share of mistakes" while confirming publically for the first time that he's the subject of a federal probe and cooperating with investigators.

Federal authorities are reportedly investigating Jackson's possible misuse of campaign funds and the House Ethics Committee is investigating his dealings with imprisoned ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. It was unclear how the committee would proceed following Jackson's resignation. The committee could still decide to release a final report on him but it no longer has the power to punish Jasckson.

Jackson, 47, was never charged with wrongdoing and in his resignation letter wrote, "they are my mistakes and mine alone."

Jackson's attorneys offered few details of the reported probe into misuse of campaign funds.

"Mr. Jackson is cooperating with the investigation. We hope to negotiate a fair resolution of the matter but the process could take several months," according to a statement from Jackson's attorneys, including former U.S. Attorney in Chicago Dan Webb. "During that time, we will have no further comment and urge you to give Mr. Jackson the privacy he needs to heal and handle these issues responsibly."

Experts said Jackson's resignation and confirmation of the federal investigation signaled more details would likely follow.

"I think it won't be too long before we hear an announcement of a plea agreement," said Bruce Reinhart, a white-collar defense lawyer in West Palm Beach, Fla., who was a federal prosecutor for 19 years. "The government doesn't like people who are going to plead guilty to abusing public office to remain in a position of public trust. ... Resignation would be a significant bargaining chip for Congressman Jackson in order to get a better deal from the government."

Late Wednesday the longtime Chicago congressman's father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., told reporters his son resigned because he didn't believe he could continue to serve effectively while also trying to get well.

"He made the decision to choose his health," Jackson said.

He also said there is no way of knowing how long it will take for his son to recover from what he characterized as an "internal unresolved challenge."

"It's not the kind of illness you can put a timetable on," Jackson said, adding that he is confident his son "will get well in time."

Jackson first took office in 1995 after winning a special election in a Democratic district made up of South Side Chicago neighborhoods, several southern suburbs and rural areas.

He began his career in Washington with a star power and pedigree that set him apart from his hundreds of other House colleagues. But despite high expectations, Jackson largely went unnoticed as a policymaker.

He went on medical leave in June, though his office was never forthcoming about details about his condition, his whereabouts or if he would return.

It was later revealed that he was being treated at the Mayo Clinic for bipolar disorder and gastrointestinal issues. He returned to his Washington home in September but went back to the clinic the next month. His father said his son had not yet "regained his balance."

Jackson has not provided details of his treatment. Attempts by The Associated Press to locate Jackson were unsuccessful, and family members either declined to comment or could not be reached.

In the letter Jackson said he returned to Washington the first time against the recommendations of his doctor and that over the months as his health "deteriorated" his ability to serve his constituents had "diminished."

"My health issues and treatment regimen have been incompatible with service in the House of Representatives," he wrote.

Bipolar disorder used to be known as manic depression and it can cause severe mood swings that interfere with the ability to handle daily tasks. Prescription drugs including the mood stabilizer lithium and antidepressants can help manage the symptoms, but it often takes time to find the right drug, or combination of drugs, to take effect.

Fellow congressman said Jackson's resignation not been an easy decision.

Rep. Bobby Rush, a fellow Chicago Democrat, told reporters that he spoke to a melancholy Jackson on the phone early Wednesday morning ? hours before he submitted his resignation.

"He sounded very sorrowful ? in so much pain ... that he wouldn't be able to serve in Congress anymore," Rush said.

Voters in his Chicago area district have been largely supportive of Jackson, who easily won every election since 1995. But as his medical leave was prolonged and new details released, cracks started to appear in that support.

Voter Rodney Butler said Jackson did not handle his leave of absence well. The 62-year-old retiree described the congressman's approach as "hush-hush" and said it made it seem as though Jackson had done something wrong.

The timing of Jackson's leave and the way it was handled invited scrutiny. Jackson's leave was announced just after a former fundraiser connected to the Blagojevich corruption allegations was arrested on unrelated medical fraud charges.

The vacancy left by Jackson's departure creates a rare opportunity for someone else to represent his district.

Even before the resignation the gambit of potential successors floated around Chicago. Prominent Chicago attorney Sam Adam Jr., a onetime attorney for Blagojevich and R&B singer R. Kelly, said he'd be interested. Other names circulating are Chicago Aldermen Sandi Jackson and Anthony Beale, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and former one-term U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, will schedule a re-election in the coming days. He said he planned to set both a primary and a general election.

___

Henry C. Jackson reported from Washington. Associated Press Special Correspondent David Espo in Washington and Associated Press writers Sara Burnett in Chicago and Pete Yost in Washington contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2012-11-22-Jackson-Resignation/id-3953c19c361349ab8bc80a5a01f20d8d

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Video: Israeli Airstrikes Target Hamas' Operational Communications ...

According to dimwit lefties like Whoopi Goldberg these pinpoint strikes are ?massacring? women and children.

On Nov. 18, 2012, as part of Operation Pillar of Defense, the IDF surgically targeted Hamas? operational communications capabilities on the roof of a civilian building in the Gaza Strip. The IDF did not target any other parts of the building.

Source: http://weaselzippers.us/2012/11/20/video-israeli-airstrikes-targets-hamas-operational-communications-infrastructure/

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Movie review: 'Life of Pi' | Advocate Magazine

 Movie review: Life of PiWith Life of Pi, Ang Lee turns in?his most engaging and ?confidently made feature since Brokeback Mountain (2005), and perhaps ?his most visually resplendent one ever. With fully realized characters inhabiting a carefully structured story embellished with stunning ? but not overwhelming ? visual effects, it?s part elemental survival epic, part coming-of-age fable, and part rumination on the testing of one?s faith.

Based on the book by Yann Martel, it opens with a blocked writer (Rafe Spall) visiting a middle-aged Indian man (Bollywood steady Irrfan Khan, recently a heavy in The Amazing Spider-Man) in his home in Canada, following a lead for a story that ?will make him believe in God?. The interviewee, the Pi of the title, relates?a very personal, very elaborate, and very unusual story of loss and survival.

Most of the movie takes place in flashback, as Pi Patel describes his youth in Pondicherry,?a (then) French section of India, where his family owns a zoo. Growing up in a diverse environment, young Pi (played by Ayush Tandon) ?is exposed to Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity; being a broad-minded, inquisitive, and receptive child, he adopts all three.

Years later, when financial troubles force the zoo to close, the Patel family is forced to relocate to Canada, taking the animals with them to sell to another zoo. The ship they?re on sinks during a storm; only a teen-age Pi (Suraj Sharma) and a handful of animals survive. Eventually the numbers are reduced to two: Pi and Bengal tiger with the unlikely name of Richard Parker. Survival at sea is tough enough; when you?re sharing a boat with something that will likely eat you as soon as it gets a chance, it?s pretty much impossible. Pi?s Hindu upbringing and childhood affinity for animals prevent him from killing Richard Parker; instead, with plenty of time on his hands, he manages to train him and establish enough trust that the two form an uneasy and very unusual alliance.

 Movie review: Life of PiIt?s a long-running gag in Hollywood that directors are usually advised to avoid working with children and animals, as well as filming at sea. Lee rises to the technical challenges, as well as those of a rather tricky story.?Of course, it helped that the tiger was CGI and the boat was mounted on a gyroscope in front of a blue screen, but let?s not split hairs. In adapting the novel to the screen, Lee and screenwriter David Magee (Finding Neverland) take a huge risk that has paid off in full.

A decade in development, the movie was largely considered unfilmable ? and it indeed it was up until the quality of digital effects and 3-D photography caught up with it in recent years. Lee outdoes himself visually, following the lead of Martin Scorsese?s Hugo?by using 3-D effects to enhance the story rather than as the focus of attention. Virtually every scene is stunning, with a painterly dedication to detail, and Richard Parker is an incredibly realistic creation. Lee and his effects crew have set a new standard in photorealism.

Still, as many flops have shown us, all the gee-whiz effects in the world don?t add up to much if the story is lacking r if the cast is underwhelming. For the most part, the entire movie rests on the lanky shoulders of Sharma, a young actor who bravely and ferociously inhabits the role, establishing Pi?s complex mix of sensitivity, intellect, heartbreak, and courage. It?s an impressive performance from an unknown, one that will undoubtedly put him on the proverbial map.

Lee likes to challenge himself creatively, and isn?t afraid to step outside his comfort zone ? if he even has one. He is, after all, the director who repeatedly dives into the deep end via the likes of?Brokeback,?Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon,?Pride and Prejudice,?Hulk, and so on, and usually to good effect. Here, the deliberate pacing and a final-act revelation rock the narrative boat a bit, but don?t quite capsize it. Lee proves himself?more than comfortable with pushing the boundaries of storytelling, navigating some very choppy waters indeed.

0 Movie review: Life of Pi

Source: http://lakehighlands.advocatemag.com/2012/11/movie-review-life-of-pi/

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The Industry Restaurant To Host An ?Off The Wall? Dinner Series ...

A booming restaurant town deserves an eatery geared toward service workers, and Pennsport?s The Industry obliges.

Owners Dave Garry and Heather Gleason of Center City?s Good Dog have announced a fun ?Off The Wall? event series featuring the work of the talented Philadelphia food and drinks professionals whose portraits adorn the walls at The Industry.

The kick-off event, on Tuesday, November 27 at 7:30 p.m., will feature brewers Paul Rutherford and Chris LaPierre of Iron Hill Brewery?s Chestnut Hill and Maple Shade, NJ locations, respectively. They?ll collab with Chef Pat Szoke for a five-course meal at a $60-per-person price point.

The idea behind the series, besides offering the special opportunity for guests to experience the food and drink of a combination of area professionals in a comfortable setting, is to tell the fun stories behind the photos on The Industry?s walls. For example, Chris LaPierre?s photo shows him carrying handsoap. How come? You?ll have to ask him yourself at the ?Off The Wall? event.

Call (215)-271-9500 for reservations.

?Off The Wall? Dinner Series at The Industry
Where: 1401-1403 East Moyamensing Avenue
When: Starting Tuesday, November 27, 7:30 p.m.; future dates to be announced
Cost: $60 per person
More info: www.theindustrybar.com

Source: http://www.uwishunu.com/2012/11/the-industry-restaurant-to-host-an-off-the-wall-dinner-series-featuring-notable-philadelphia-chefs-brewers-and-bartenders-beginning-tuesday-november-27/

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