Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Mineral Exploration and Mining in British Columbia

British Columbia’s $6 billion mineral exploration and mining industry is an integral part of the provincial economy. Competitive taxes, an ample supply of low-cost power, and government's commitment to the industry make this province an ideal place to invest.

The Mining and Minerals Division of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources manages British Columbia's substantial mineral resources. The Division implements policies and programs that encourage the responsible development of these resources and ensures that all mining activities respect the safety of workers, the public and the environment.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Wuling National Forest Recreation Area

Wuling National Forest Recreation Area occupies the northeast corner of Heping Township in Taichung County, central Taiwan. It stretches from the rear part of the Wuling River terrace through Wuling Farm to dense growths of pine, encompassing a unique landscape of forests, rivers, waterfalls and high peaks. The crystal waters of the Cijiawan River are home to the rare Formosan landlocked salmon.

The climate here maintains at a pleasingly cool 22 degrees centigrade in summer, making it a popular destination in the hot season. In autumn, the foliage dons beautiful golden hues and in winter the snowcapped peaks lend a northern air to the landscape. Each season offers a different experience at Wuling.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Hedge fund

"Hedge fund" is a general, non-legal term used to describe private, unregistered investment pools that traditionally have been limited to sophisticated, wealthy investors. Hedge funds are not mutual funds and, as such, are not subject to the numerous regulations that apply to mutual funds for the protection of investors — including regulations requiring a certain degree of liquidity, regulations requiring that mutual fund shares be redeemable at any time, regulations protecting against conflicts of interest, regulations to assure fairness in the pricing of fund shares, disclosure regulations, regulations limiting the use of leverage.

Monday, December 08, 2008

UK attract FDI

The UK's inward investment promotional effort combines both national and regional agencies in a co-ordinated network. This consists of staff based overseas in the principal markets from which FDI is sourced; UK Trade & Investment's HQ in London; and the English regional development agencies (RDAs) and the devolved administrations (DAs) in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. UK Trade & Investment has a key role in managing this network and co-ordinating the efforts of both the public and private sector partners around the UK to make the best case for "UK plc". This ensures that potential investors have access to all the available help and advice they need to make the best commercial decisions. UK Trade & Investment's principal objectives in the area of FDI are to attract, retain and add value to UK investment.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Italian painting of the 15th century

All over Europe, the late middle ages favored a decorative and courtly manner known as the International Style. By the early 15th century, however, people in Florence and other towns of central Italy genuinely believed they were living in a new era—the Renaissance. Not only did the Renaissance bring new, more naturalistic styles, but also increased patronage from private individuals, and new, secular subjects.

In the fifteenth century, artists learned to depict the visual world in a naturalistic manner. They extended their understanding of light and shadow, of space and anatomy. The idealized statuary of classical antiquity served as models, while in architecture the classical orders were applied to Renaissance buildings.The prosperous mercantile economy of Florence helped to nurture the arts. Commissions came from the church, the state, and wealthy families. Classical as well as biblical heroes and heroines were portrayed as examples of virtue and moral fortitude.

However, to view the art of the Renaissance as a mere conquest of naturalistic representation would overlook the complexity of the period. Carlo Crivelli painted sumptuous altarpieces in a boldly ornamental manner, and Cosimo Tura frequently departed from logical, naturalistic norms in favor of an energetic idiom with an eccentric elegance. Portraiture flourished during the Renaissance, and the Venetians, foremost among them Giorgione and Bellini, excelled in their depictions of pastoral landscape.