Friday, December 30, 2005
Reuters: Pricey Indonesian coffee via civet
"NEW YORK (Reuters) - Would you pay $175 for a pound of coffee beans which had passed through the backside of a furry mammal in Indonesia?
Apparently, some coffee lovers wanting to treat themselves to something special are lapping it up.
Kopi Luwak beans from Indonesia are rare and expensive, thanks to a unique taste and aroma enhanced by the digestive system of palm civets, nocturnal tree-climbing creatures about the size of a large house cat.
"People like coffee. And when they want to treat themselves, they order the Kopi Luwak," said Isaac Jones, director of sales for Tastes of The World, an online supplier of gourmet coffee, tea and cocoa.
Despite being carnivorous, civets eat ripe coffee cherries for treats. The coffee beans, which are found inside of the cherries, remain intact after passing through the animal.
Civet droppings are found on the forest floor near coffee plantations. Once carefully cleaned and roasted, the beans are sold to specialty buyers.
Jones said sales for Kopi Luwak rose three-fold just before the Christmas holiday compared with the first half of the year. The company started selling the rare coffee in February 2005.
He expects to sell around 200 pounds of the coffee this year, with orders coming from North America and Europe. So far, most of the orders have been from California.
Indonesia produces only about 500 kilograms, or roughly 1,100 pounds, of the coffee each year, making it extremely expensive and difficult to find.
"It's the most expensive coffee that we know about in the world," said Jones.
By comparison Jamaica's Blue Mountain coffee, considered to be an expensive type, sells for $35 to $40 per pound, while a pound of Colombia's Supremo arabicas can be bought for about $14."
Not only is it gross but its probably a health violation.
Apparently, some coffee lovers wanting to treat themselves to something special are lapping it up.
Kopi Luwak beans from Indonesia are rare and expensive, thanks to a unique taste and aroma enhanced by the digestive system of palm civets, nocturnal tree-climbing creatures about the size of a large house cat.
"People like coffee. And when they want to treat themselves, they order the Kopi Luwak," said Isaac Jones, director of sales for Tastes of The World, an online supplier of gourmet coffee, tea and cocoa.
Despite being carnivorous, civets eat ripe coffee cherries for treats. The coffee beans, which are found inside of the cherries, remain intact after passing through the animal.
Civet droppings are found on the forest floor near coffee plantations. Once carefully cleaned and roasted, the beans are sold to specialty buyers.
Jones said sales for Kopi Luwak rose three-fold just before the Christmas holiday compared with the first half of the year. The company started selling the rare coffee in February 2005.
He expects to sell around 200 pounds of the coffee this year, with orders coming from North America and Europe. So far, most of the orders have been from California.
Indonesia produces only about 500 kilograms, or roughly 1,100 pounds, of the coffee each year, making it extremely expensive and difficult to find.
"It's the most expensive coffee that we know about in the world," said Jones.
By comparison Jamaica's Blue Mountain coffee, considered to be an expensive type, sells for $35 to $40 per pound, while a pound of Colombia's Supremo arabicas can be bought for about $14."
Not only is it gross but its probably a health violation.
ABCnews: Authorities hunt for 'Bigfoot' in Malaysia
"ABCNews/AP
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Dec 30, 2005 — Authorities began searching the jungles of southern Malaysia on Friday for the mythical "Bigfoot" following a reported sighting of three giant human-like beasts, officials said.
Wildlife authorities may set up cameras in the 309 sq.mile Endau Rompin National Park in Johor state to see if the creatures do exist, they said.
Park director Hashim Yusof ventured into the jungle Friday to survey the site where three fish farm workers reportedly saw the beasts two adults and a young one last month, Hashim's secretary told The Associated Press. She did not want her name used and declined to give details.
The fish farm workers were in the jungle to clear an area for a fish pond. They alerted their employer who photographed what appeared to be footprints measuring up to 17 inches, said Lim Teong Kheng, the chairman of the Malaysian Nature Society in Johor.
He said brown hair reeking of body odor was also reportedly retrieved nearby, and a broken tree branch at the site appeared to indicate the creatures were some 10 feet tall.
The New Straits Times newspaper on Thursday reprinted one of the photographs taken by the fish farmer, showing what appears to be a triangular depression in the undergrowth.
Lim welcomed the investigation by the national park saying "Bigfoot" sightings have been reported for decades in the area but never taken seriously for lack of evidence.
"Nobody dared say anything in case people say they are out of their minds," Lim told the AP. "But sightings have been enumerated by many others before this at the Endau Rompin area."
"Bigfoot" is a popular name given in the United States to giant hairy creatures walking on two legs. Sightings of such beasts are reported in many parts of the world but never confirmed."
Somebody tell Sasquatch he has cousins in Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Dec 30, 2005 — Authorities began searching the jungles of southern Malaysia on Friday for the mythical "Bigfoot" following a reported sighting of three giant human-like beasts, officials said.
Wildlife authorities may set up cameras in the 309 sq.mile Endau Rompin National Park in Johor state to see if the creatures do exist, they said.
Park director Hashim Yusof ventured into the jungle Friday to survey the site where three fish farm workers reportedly saw the beasts two adults and a young one last month, Hashim's secretary told The Associated Press. She did not want her name used and declined to give details.
The fish farm workers were in the jungle to clear an area for a fish pond. They alerted their employer who photographed what appeared to be footprints measuring up to 17 inches, said Lim Teong Kheng, the chairman of the Malaysian Nature Society in Johor.
He said brown hair reeking of body odor was also reportedly retrieved nearby, and a broken tree branch at the site appeared to indicate the creatures were some 10 feet tall.
The New Straits Times newspaper on Thursday reprinted one of the photographs taken by the fish farmer, showing what appears to be a triangular depression in the undergrowth.
Lim welcomed the investigation by the national park saying "Bigfoot" sightings have been reported for decades in the area but never taken seriously for lack of evidence.
"Nobody dared say anything in case people say they are out of their minds," Lim told the AP. "But sightings have been enumerated by many others before this at the Endau Rompin area."
"Bigfoot" is a popular name given in the United States to giant hairy creatures walking on two legs. Sightings of such beasts are reported in many parts of the world but never confirmed."
Somebody tell Sasquatch he has cousins in Malaysia.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
ABCNews: Austrians pull art showing the Queen, and World leaders in a lewd act
"By GEORGE JAHN Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press
VIENNA, Austria Dec 28, 2005 — Her Majesty would not have been amused. Neither would President Bush or his French counterpart, Jacques Chirac, over a Vienna-wide art project depicting them naked and engaged in a sexual act with British Queen Elizabeth II.
The work of "euroPART," an independent artists' group, the scenes being displayed on electronic billboards across the Austrian capital were also embarrassing for the government just days before the country assumes the European Union's rotating presidency Sunday.
Austrian media reported that the offending images were yanked Wednesday just a day after they started flashing at motorists on personal orders of Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel. A woman answering the telephone at the chancellor's public information department who refused to identify herself said she could not confirm the report.
Leading opposition party figures suggested Schuessel was at least indirectly responsible, saying the group had received about $1.2 million in government subsidies.
Schuessel spokeswoman Heidi Glueck was quoted by the Austria Press Agency as saying the chancellor had been "unaware" of the subject matter being displayed."
Yeah right.
The Associated Press
VIENNA, Austria Dec 28, 2005 — Her Majesty would not have been amused. Neither would President Bush or his French counterpart, Jacques Chirac, over a Vienna-wide art project depicting them naked and engaged in a sexual act with British Queen Elizabeth II.
The work of "euroPART," an independent artists' group, the scenes being displayed on electronic billboards across the Austrian capital were also embarrassing for the government just days before the country assumes the European Union's rotating presidency Sunday.
Austrian media reported that the offending images were yanked Wednesday just a day after they started flashing at motorists on personal orders of Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel. A woman answering the telephone at the chancellor's public information department who refused to identify herself said she could not confirm the report.
Leading opposition party figures suggested Schuessel was at least indirectly responsible, saying the group had received about $1.2 million in government subsidies.
Schuessel spokeswoman Heidi Glueck was quoted by the Austria Press Agency as saying the chancellor had been "unaware" of the subject matter being displayed."
Yeah right.
BBC: Does my bum look big in this?
"Researchers at a Scottish university are aiming to answer the question - does my bum look big in this?
Heriot-Watt University's School of Textiles and Design has launched what is believed to be the world's first study on how clothing affects the bum.
Four female models with various sized bottoms will wear different types of clothing as part of the research.
The study will examine how designs, colours, patterns and fabric types affect perception.
The university believes the research could have major implications for retailers.
Female volunteers wearing hundreds of different types of clothing will have their rears photographed for the research.
Participants will then be asked to look at the pictures to assess how big or small each model's backside appears.
Dr Lisa Macintyre, who is leading the research, said four models had been chosen to provide as representative as possible a sample of female rears.
One has a "standard" womanly backside while another has a much fuller "pre-Raphaelite" bum.
The academic said the third model was slim with a small bum while another had a curvier behind like singer Jennifer Lopez.
Dr Macintyre, 33, from Edinburgh, said: "There's much discussion in the media of clothing styles that flatter the body and it's generally accepted that enhancing body perception can improve confidence and self-esteem.
"But the factors behind this have never been fully investigated in a proper scientific manner.
"Designers and consumers don't currently have access to established information that could enable them to make or choose garments that enhance body size and shape.
"This study will provide for the first time detailed and usable information that would enable designers to make the clothes that help women make the most of their natural assets."
The results from the first phase of the study, which will look at how different styles of trouser affect the appearance of bottom size, are to be published in May.
Dr Macintyre, whose PhD was in dressings for burn scars, plans to apply for a government research grant to expand the study. "
There's only one way to see if your bum is really big, and we can't say it in public, thank you. Well we could, but we won't.
Heriot-Watt University's School of Textiles and Design has launched what is believed to be the world's first study on how clothing affects the bum.
Four female models with various sized bottoms will wear different types of clothing as part of the research.
The study will examine how designs, colours, patterns and fabric types affect perception.
The university believes the research could have major implications for retailers.
Female volunteers wearing hundreds of different types of clothing will have their rears photographed for the research.
Participants will then be asked to look at the pictures to assess how big or small each model's backside appears.
Dr Lisa Macintyre, who is leading the research, said four models had been chosen to provide as representative as possible a sample of female rears.
One has a "standard" womanly backside while another has a much fuller "pre-Raphaelite" bum.
The academic said the third model was slim with a small bum while another had a curvier behind like singer Jennifer Lopez.
Dr Macintyre, 33, from Edinburgh, said: "There's much discussion in the media of clothing styles that flatter the body and it's generally accepted that enhancing body perception can improve confidence and self-esteem.
"But the factors behind this have never been fully investigated in a proper scientific manner.
"Designers and consumers don't currently have access to established information that could enable them to make or choose garments that enhance body size and shape.
"This study will provide for the first time detailed and usable information that would enable designers to make the clothes that help women make the most of their natural assets."
The results from the first phase of the study, which will look at how different styles of trouser affect the appearance of bottom size, are to be published in May.
Dr Macintyre, whose PhD was in dressings for burn scars, plans to apply for a government research grant to expand the study. "
There's only one way to see if your bum is really big, and we can't say it in public, thank you. Well we could, but we won't.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Reuters: Mobile phones to announce 'You've been indicted'
"SEOUL (Reuters) - South Koreans may look at their mobile phones with some trepidation in the new year because prosecutors will start telling people they have been indicted via text messages, an official said Monday.
In a country where about 75 percent of the population carries mobile phones, prosecutors felt it was time to move away from sending legal notices on paper and send them electronically instead, said Lee Young-pyo, an administrative official.
"Most people in South Korea have mobile phones and since the notices don't reach them immediately by regular mail, this is a more definite way for the individuals to know they have received a legal notice," Lee said.
The indictments by text messages are not intended to take people by surprise. "People will receive a text message of a legal notice only after they apply for the service," he said.
Prosecutors expect to save about 160 million won ($158,000) a year by shifting to the service and reducing the number of legal notices it sends through the mail.
Other notices that will be sent by text messages include information on fines and penalties.
The service starts Tuesday but will be fully implemented in 2006."
Now this is not a bad idea.
In a country where about 75 percent of the population carries mobile phones, prosecutors felt it was time to move away from sending legal notices on paper and send them electronically instead, said Lee Young-pyo, an administrative official.
"Most people in South Korea have mobile phones and since the notices don't reach them immediately by regular mail, this is a more definite way for the individuals to know they have received a legal notice," Lee said.
The indictments by text messages are not intended to take people by surprise. "People will receive a text message of a legal notice only after they apply for the service," he said.
Prosecutors expect to save about 160 million won ($158,000) a year by shifting to the service and reducing the number of legal notices it sends through the mail.
Other notices that will be sent by text messages include information on fines and penalties.
The service starts Tuesday but will be fully implemented in 2006."
Now this is not a bad idea.
