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Market Snapshot: Nepal
A tiny country often overshadowed by its booming neighbour to the south, Nepal could soon be on many an international student recruiter's travel itinerary. ICEF Monitor provides a clear overview of the challenges and opportunities that await recruiters in this mountainous nation.
Previously, students in Nepal went to school for ten years, from age five to age fourteen. In the 10th grade they took the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) and could then leave school or go on for a further two years to higher secondary education, grades 11 and 12 (Plus 2). The SLC is seen as equivalent to the British GCSE, and a student who has successfully completed Plus 2 education has qualifications similar to an American high school graduate.
School reforms are currently underway to introduce an integrated education system in line with international standards, and, all going well, by 2015 the new system is expected to be in place. Basic education will consist of grades 1-8 and secondary education grades 9-12. It is hoped the School Sector Reform plan (SSR) will "contribute to Nepal's socio-economic and sustainable development through a continuous process of enhancing institutional and organisational capacity as well as developing human capitals at all levels."
Editor's Note: In January 2014, the Ministry of Education unveiled a ten-year plan to run classes in English medium in all community (government) schools.
Students wishing to pursue tertiary education can apply to one of the six universities in Nepal; although, like many of its neighbours in South Asia, demand for higher education outstrips supply in Nepal.
Nepalese students who consider a foreign higher education do so for a variety of reasons: the perceived quality of universities overseas, employment potential in the host country post-graduation, scholarship opportunities, or a chance to escape the country's political instability. For more on the mindset of prospective international students from Nepal, readers might appreciate the British Council's Student Insight report.
For a small country, Nepal sends out a surprising number of students to study at the tertiary level. In 2010 there were over 24,000 Nepalese students studying outside of Nepal, up from 17,700 in 2008. As the British Council's report The future of the world's mobile students to 2024 suggests, this number keeps climbing – making Nepal a source country to keep an eye on.
Market potential
Nepal's total population in 2011 was 26.5 million, although the CIA World Factbook estimates the population is now over 30.4 million.
Education providers worldwide can look to Nepal as a source market for a number of years. As of June 2011, 55% of Nepal's total population was under 25 years of age. This means that the number of students seeking university and other higher education opportunities will continue to grow, at least for the medium-term.
Economic challenges
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. With a per capita GDP of US $1,300 (2012 est) it ranks 207th out of 229 countries. However, on the positive side, the country's total GDP grew by 3.6% in fiscal year 2013, and although that was down from 4.5% the year before, the forecast for next year is growth again. Simply put, a growing economy means more people with money to spend on education.
This indicates a growing middle class population who are eager to send their children to university, but the skyrocketing costs of higher education overseas puts it out of reach for most Nepali families. The US has long been a popular destination for high-achieving Nepalese students because of the scholarships many American colleges and universities offer. According to International Educational Exchange's (IIE) 2012 Open Doors report, Nepal ranked 11th as a place of origin for international students to the US, with the majority of them studying at the undergraduate level. Other popular destinations include Australia, Japan, India and the UK.
Several of the top destination countries for Nepalese students – US, UK, Australia – have implemented changes in immigration policies recently which have negatively affected international student recruitment.
The UK's repeal of their Post Study Work (PSW) visa saw a marked drop in the number of students from across South Asia, and after Australian authorities introduced stricter visa regulations, they "saw enrolments from South Asia nosedive."
These worries are confirmed in a recent headline from The Rising Nepal newspaper: "Nepalese students going abroad for studies declining." Laxmi Khadka, chief of the scholarship section of the Ministry of Education, said:
"This trend, however, has nothing to do with the declining interests of the students. Changing policies and stricter regulations in the destination countries have discouraged the students to go abroad for studies."
The government has no exact figures on the number of students studying abroad; instead they rely on the number of students seeking no-objection letters from the Ministry of Education as an indicator. In terms of the numbers of students who received no-objection letters from the Ministry, the statistics are as follows:
2008/09: 587
2009/10: 24,824
2010/11: 26,948 total, with 19,068 students acquiring no-objection letters for the UK alone
2011/12: 11,912 total, with 3,075 for the UK
The year 2011/12 was markedly down, and the US fared no better. World Education News & Reviews reported earlier this year, "the number of F-1 visas issued to Nepali students declined 71% between the 2008/09 and the 2011/12 academic years." And the Open Doors 2012 report indicated that in the 2011/12 academic year, the US saw a 6.6% decline in the number of students from Nepal (when 9,621 went to the US).
It's not all doom and gloom. An article in The Australian recently reported, "The latest Australian Immigration Department statistics show that student numbers from the subcontinent have rebounded under the new streamlined visa processing system. Visas for Pakistanis and Nepalese to study higher education have more than doubled, compared to the same period in 2011/12."
ICEF Monitor wrote about favourable changes to the UK's immigration rules which took place at the beginning of this month: "UK's new immigration rules signal more welcoming approach to international students."
Meanwhile, up-and-coming destination countries, such as China, are making their move to attract top talent from Nepal. In May, thirteen Chinese universities staged a China Education Exhibition in Kathmandu to inform Nepali student about higher education in China and to encourage them to apply. According to the article on the Study in China website, nearly 3,000 Nepalese students were studying at Chinese universities last year. At the opening of the exhibition, the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai proclaimed, "Higher education in China is developing very fast and it is of international standards."
As the Nepalese market is price sensitive, students are also increasingly looking at educational opportunities in India, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Germany (a nation they have strong ties with, and which funds various language centres in Nepal). It is not uncommon for students to begin their studies in one of these more cost efficient destinations, and then look to transfer to the US, for example, to complete their degree.
Agents and recruitment
Like other countries in South Asia, student recruitment in Nepal is agent driven. Most recruitment agencies are small operations based in Kathmandu, and there seems to be some effort to regulate the market and maintain a standard level of service with the National Education Consultancies Association (NECA), although it is difficult to tell how active this organisation is.
A nod to quality control from the NECA website should give education providers who are thinking about venturing into Nepal some hope: "It is the students' right to receive genuine counseling and true information on education abroad. As the number of Nepali students aspiring to study abroad is an increasing trend, it is incumbent upon educational consultancies to be more responsible and meticulous in terms of dealing with those who aspire to study abroad."
For a first-hand glimpse into student recruitment in Nepal from an American viewpoint, this blog post by a Vanderbilt University admissions officer is a fun read, if slightly sentimental. To give you an idea of the interest there, the author "had several phenomenal school visits and met with over 200 students (more than I will see in most domestic territories) who attended my reception/presentation."
Jonathan Weller, Associate Director at the Office of Admissions for the University of Cincinnati, also has a lot of experience recruiting from Nepal. At last year's AIRC conference in Miami, he gave a talk about the market and explained that overall, there two key challenges to be aware of when recruiting there: financial constraints and high visa denial rates.
In terms of finances, as mentioned previously, price is a chief concern. According to Mr Weller, some families will practically bankrupt themselves to send their children to college. The weak Nepali rupee further threatens their ability to afford an education overseas, as we've seen with the Indian rupee.
This makes Nepal an interesting market for schools offering excellent value for money in terms of an education, and/or scholarships for students overseas, as well as the opportunity for students to work (on campus if visa restrictions apply) during their studies.
In Mr Weller's experience, the student recruitment agencies there tend to have high staff turnover, so it is important to consider the time and money needed to invest in agent training and relationship building. His university has contracts with five or six agencies there in order to ensure results. Nepal has a close knit agent community and there is some consolidation happening now, with some agencies banding together.
Not everyone is as enamoured with the market, however. This article out of Finland, "Finland stops recruiting students from developing world," describes how Finnish universities have found students from poor, developing countries are unable to pay their fees.
Many students from Nepal face similar financial concerns in the US, UK and Australia, and some colleges and universities are asking themselves if it is worth recruiting there, both for ethical reasons as well as financial ones.
To conclude
It may not be a primary market due to financial and visa challenges, but with the promise of growth, Nepal is going to be on the radar. Only a two-hour flight from New Delhi, a recruitment trip to Nepal could be combined with one to India. The evidence suggests Nepalese students want to study overseas, and foreign education providers are welcome.
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This entry was posted in Agents, Asia, Higher Education, Immigration, K-12, Most Popular, Nepal, Regions and tagged visa application, tertiary education overseas, undergraduate student recruitment, Most Popular, Ministry of Education.
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4 thoughts on "Market Snapshot: Nepal"
Shyam Bhandari on 01 Nov 2013 at 05:40 said:
Hi ICEF Monitor, thanks for covering Nepal in this issue. I note that you have quoted NECA in the article, and this surprises me: NECA is no more in existence in Nepal for it has merged with ECAN (Education Consultancies Association of Nepal) and thus ECAN is the only umbrella organization of agents in Nepal now. Furthermore, it would have been better if you had interviewed some Nepalese agents and covered their views on this article. Hope you will note this for any future coverage of the Nepalese market. Thank you.
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Russia's Emergencies Ministry is establishing 10 Arctic rescue centers, reported Director of the Ministry's International Cooperation Department Alexander Romanov.
"To ensure economic security and protect the population in the Arctic — as a significant mass of ocean water floods the shore — 10 Arctic rescue centers as well as space data acquisition stations are being established," Romanov told a meeting of representatives of the Emergencies Ministry and embassies.
According to Romanov, the move is necessary to provide security for the Northern Sea Route.


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Providing abused children with a safe haven
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29 Jun 2017 • 5 min read
When Genevieve De la Reux landed in Kenya from her country, Australia for a volunteer internship in 2014 she didn't know what to expect. This was her first visit to Africa but during this short stay she fell in love with the country.
The founder and executive director of The Genevieve Audrey Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to rescuing children from the heartbreaking world of sexual abuse, is not your typical white girl in Africa on a holiday.
Passionate about the need to make a better world for children, Genevieve first worked at Jamaa Mission Hospital in Buruburu where she offered psychological support to patients. Later she was attached to Kikuyu Mission Hospital and it is here that her passion to care for abused children was birthed.
At Buruburu she interacted with some of the sexually abused children who came to the hospital in search of medical help.
"I was touched by their plight and my heart went out to them, having been a victim of physical and sexual assault in my younger years. I thought it wise to start an organisation to help such victims," explains Genevieve, a psychologist.
Although she would later go back to her country Australia, she kept returning to Kenya to find out how these children were fairing on.
Child abuse in Kenya
Genevieve says that she was aware of the statistics on sexual violence in Kenya but was surprised to learn that it was more rampant than what she thought. Even further surprising was the fact that a lot of the victims did not receive the medical attention they deserved.
"I realised that even after physical treatment most hospitals were not offering the victims psycho-social support in terms of counseling and therapy, or even a safe place for them to heal. Some cases were too severe and leaving the victim without any psychosocial support only made things worse for the victims.
The reality is that if sexual abuse is not well treated the likelihood of the victims being haunted by the events forever is always very high," she says, adding that post trauma is very severe and most of those who don't go for counseling either become perpetrators of sexual violence, engage in prostitution or bury their sorrows in alcohol or drugs.
At the Genevieve Audrey Foundation they rescue, re-house, educate and completely support young girls who have been victims of violent sexual abuse and rape, many of whom get pregnant. Currently they have accommodated girls as young as nine years old.
Genevieve opens up about her personal experience of being abused. "As a young girl at the age of 11 years, I went through physical and sexually abuse at the hands of my parents.
As a result, I ran away from home and got help from a good Samaritan who accommodated me until I turned 19 years and was able to fend for myself. If it were not for the help I received, I bet my life would have turned out very differently. The damage caused to me by my parents affected me later in life and made me suicidal," she shares.
She says that her past has played a big role in shaping her to be the person she is today. She has dedicated her life to be a mouthpiece for the less fortunate and stand up for them.
At first she thought of starting an organisation in Australia to offer a lifeline to abused children but the stringent laws and lack of good will from the government to punish
penetrators discouraged her.
"You can't compare Kenyan laws to those of Australia in as far as punishing sexual abuse perpetrators is concerned. The laws in Kenya are good only that often the legal process is a long and tedious one and sometimes the evidence may get lost in the process," she notes.
Genevieve says that if it were up to her, she would advocate for sexual perpetrators to rot in jail or get hanged as most of the times they hardly reform. She further notes that the government needs to be firm on the perpetrators as the trend is slowly growing and `needs to be curbed.
According to Genevieve, it is everyone's mission to be on the lookout for sexual violence incidences especially against children and intervene so as to prevent as many children as possible from having to undergo the horrendous ordeal. Currently, she is working to stop child trafficking incidences, as she believes all children are entitled to a decent life.
"In Kenya there are many incidences of child trafficking with the Coast region reported to be the most affected but all efforts need to be made to put a stop to it. It is up to each one of us to stand up for the children," she says boldly.
Experiencing challenges
Despite her noble efforts, it has not been without challenges. She points out that before she started her organisation she had partnered with different non-governmental organisations in Kenya. To her disbelief, she learnt that some of them were not working for the benefit of children.
"Corruption is very rampant in most NGOs in the country as some people lie to donors that they are using the funds given to help the children while the truth is they use it to enrich themselves," reveals Genevieve.
Currently she is working closely with Agnes Pareiyo a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and United Nations Woman of the Year as her advisor. "I realise that people are not always genuine even those who come in the organisation as volunteers. Hence the reason why I have looked for an advisor and so far so good," she observes.
Agnes is the founder of Tsaru Ntomonok initiative that works within the Maasai culture and surrounding community to eradicate the practices of female genital mutilation (FGM) and early childhood marriages by educating girls and their families.
Genevieve who refers herself Naisula on facebook points out that it is Agnes who gave her the name Naisula, a Maasai name for a warrior. "I told her my personal story and she told me I am supposed to be called Naisula," she says amused.
Genevieve is currently working in three counties – Narok, Kajiado and Nairobi, which she terms as some of the most affected by child abuse cases.
"We currently have 81 children under our care. I am committed to educate them to university level and for those who will not go on with education after form four, I am determined to ensure that at least they pursue their dream courses," she says.
Genevieve points out Dr Catherine Hamlin, founder of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, as her role model. Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is dedicated to the treatment and prevention of childbirth injuries called obstetric fistulas.
Genevieve has been running the organisation on her own but now she has opened doors to well wishers who would like to support the course.
"I am urging people who would like to help with second hand clothes, money or any form of gifts to do so," she concludes quoting the famous African proverb, 'it takes a whole village to raise a child.'
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Home > Resources > Publications > Foresight Publications > Weekly News Digest
Foresight Fellows, Blockchain, Salons, Prize Nominations Open, Vision Weekend
Foresight Update 30.02—June 28, 2017
· Foresight Fellows
· Blockchain Symposium
· Foresight Salons
· 2017 Foresight Institute Prize Nominations Are Now Open
· Vision Weekend
· Friends of Foresight: DOE Workshop on AI Applied to Materials Discovery and Design
Following Up
· AI for Scientific Progress Workshop
· Foresight at BIL
· Foresight Junior Student Prize awarded
Nanodot Update
· USA-Austrian and Swiss Nanocars finish first in first Nanocar race
· 2017 Foresight Fellows Announced in Molecular Machines, Space, Longevity, Artificial Intelligence
· First International NanoCar Race showcases molecular vehicles
Foresight Fellows
Congratulations to our 2017 inaugural class of Foresight Fellows! The Foresight Fellowship is an exclusive one year supportive program committed to giving change-makers the support and mentorship to accelerate their bold ideas into the future. The complete list of our Foresight Fellows can be found here.
Please meet our two Featured Fellows Christopher Wilmer and Eva-Maria Strauch
Christopher E. Wilmer
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Wilmer's research focuses on the use of large-scale molecular simulations to help find promising materials for energy and environmental applications. He is the principal investigator of the Hypothetical Materials Lab at Pitt, and leads his team in solving energy and environmental challenges with complex, hypothetical nanostructures called "molecular machines." He earned his bachelor's degree in applied science from the University of Toronto's Engineering Science–Nanoengineering program, and his PhD in Chemical Engineering at Northwestern under the mentorship of Prof. Randall Q. Snurr.
While at Northwestern, Dr. Wilmer took an interest in developing new technologies through entrepreneurship and co-founded NuMat Technologies, which designs porous materials that could be used to make better natural gas fuel tanks for vehicles. In 2012, the company won the Department of Energy's National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition, while Dr. Wilmer was named to Forbes' "30 Under 30 in Energy." He has authored more than 20 publications and holds more than 500 article citations. For more information visit Dr. Wilmer's website at www.wilmerlab.com
Eva-Maria Strauch
Acting instructor/translational investigator at the University of Washington's Institute for Protein Design
Dr. Strauch received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin's Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She is inspired by the meticulous atomic details by which proteins are arranged and their involvement in almost all processes in life. She believes that if we understand how a virus's proteins encode information about how to enter and hijack specific cells, we will identify its Achilles heel and be able to stop viral infections. We might also learn new ways to fight cancer cells.
Eva Maria's most recent work was just published in Nature Biotechnology ("Computational design of trimeric influenza-neutralizing proteins targeting the hemagglutinin receptor binding site") with a special report in Science ("Designer protein halts flu") and Scientific American ("Designing Antiviral Proteins Via Computer Could Help Halt the Next Pandemic").
Even though Influenza mutates quickly, there are areas in the its major surface protein hemagglutinin that cannot change; otherwise the virus would lose its ability to replicate. One of those areas is a small region that binds to sialic acid molecules on the surface of the host cells in the human body. To block this initial interaction between virus and the host, we computationally designed first a small protein that binds to that site. In a second step, we designed a self-assembling protein that coordinates three of these small inhibitors to match the symmetry of the influenza hemagglutinin. As many other viral surface proteins, such as HIV and Ebola, influenza's hemagglutinin is a trimer. By blocking all three binding sites at once, we achieved very tight binding, which is why we called our most successful design flu-glue. Flu-glue neutralizes the virus in mice and provides new means for diagnostics as we can pull down hemagglutinin and even whole virus particles onto paper strips that resemble a pregnancy stick.
1. Strauch EM, Bernard S, La D, Bohn A, Nieusma T, Lee P, Garcia NK, Holstein C, Anderson CE, Hooper KA, Trenant M, Sheffler W, Bloom JD, Yager P, Lee KK, Ward A, Fuller D, Wilson IA, Baker D, "Computational design of trimeric influenza-neutralizing proteins targeting the hemagglutinin receptor binding site", Nat. Biotechnol. 2017 Jun 12. doi: 10.1038/nbt.3907. [Epub ahead of print]
2. Holstein CA*, Anderson CE*, Strauch EM, Bennett S, Chevalier A, Nelson J, Fu E, Baker D, Yager P; Development of a Paper-Based Assay for Whole Influenza Virus Detection using a Computationally Designed Hemagglutinin Head Region Binder, Anal. Chem. 2017 May 25. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b00769. [Epub ahead of print] *contributed equally
Blockchain Symposium
The Next Frontier: Blockchain meets Object-Capabilities
To attend this free event, please apply here: https://goo.gl/P8Ky6Z
July 3rd, Monday 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Venue in Alamo Square SF, will be released upon RSVP.
Mark S. Miller, Google
Zooko Wilcox, Zcash
Brian Warner, Tahoe-LAFS
Jorge Lopez, Economic Space Agency
Michael Casey, MIT Digital Currency Initiative
Join us as we explore how blockchain technologies can leverage the secure computation model of object-capabilities to expand its reach, capacity, and interoperability towards open web platforms and open web infrastructure. This is a conversation around how — without forsaking security and data sovereignty — we can usher in an unexplored era of human collaboration.
For more info, visit the Facebook event page.
Foresight Salons
Foresight has started a series of small salons dedicated to tackling topics of high-interest. Please check our Facebook page for updates on new salons. The last two salons sold out within a day - please find the videos below:
Foresight Salon #2: Brunch with David Brin
Foresight Salon #1: Building Better Futures on the Blockchain
2017 Foresight Institute Prize Nominations Are Now Open
Nominations for the 2017 Foresight Institute Feynman Prizes: Experimental and Theory are due on August 1, 2017. Winners will be announced by October 2017.
Two prizes in the amount of $5,000 each will be awarded to the researchers whose recent work has most advanced the achievement of Feynman's goal for nanotechnology: molecular manufacturing, defined as the construction of atomically-precise products through the use of molecular machine systems. Synonyms include "atomically precise manufacturing" (APM) and "productive nanosystems". Separate prizes will be awarded for theoretical work and for experimental work. More ...
Feynman Prize Submission/Nomination Instructions
Nominations for the 2017 Distinguished Student Award are due on August 1, 2017. Winner will be announced by October 2017.
The Foresight Distinguished Student Award was established in 1997, and is given to a college student or graduate student whose work is notable in the field of nanotechnology. The award includes a $1,000 prize, and an expenses-paid trip to the autumn 2017 Foresight Workshop. The prizewinner must accept in person at the award ceremony. The prizewinner will receive complimentary full registration including reception, coach airfare and up to 2 nights hotel (arranged by Foresight Institute, Sat. night stay may be required), and the physical award. More ...
Student Award Submission/Nomination Instructions
The 2017 Feynman Prize winners and the 2017 Distinguished Student Award winner will be announced at an Awards banquet at an invitational Foresight workshop titled "Atomic Precision for Healthspan & Longevity" to be held in September or October of 2017.
Vision Weekend
The Foresight Institute Vision Weekend will be held in San Francisco on December 2-3, 2017. The event will take place at Gray Area in San Francisco and will be open for registration to Senior Associates and speakers. Please see the flyer below for more info and sign up here to be notified when registration opens.
Sign up to learn more: goo.gl/cR51Yo
Friends of Foresight: DOE Workshop on AI Applied to Materials Discovery and Design
The Advanced Manufacturing Office of the Department of Energy invites you to a Workshop on Artificial Intelligence Applied to Materials Discovery and Design from August 9-10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Please find more info here.
AI for Scientific Progress Workshop
The white paper for our 2016 AI for Scientific Progress Workshop is online here. It contains background reading on AI and Atomic Precision and summaries and videos featuring the project proposals that were hatched at the workshop. The winner of last year's workshop gave rise to our follow-up workshop, AI for Atomic Precision, this May with the intention to turn the project into a research proposal. One of our most successful workshops so far — the corresponding white paper coming soon!
Foresight at BIL
Christine Peterson, Steve Burgess, and Allison Duettmann from Foresight Institute spoke at BIL Conference in SF. The talks will be available soon online.
Christine spoke on Cyber Risk: My favorite risk & how to fix it
Steve spoke on Nanotech Abundance: What, How, and Why?
Allison spoke on Why Existential Risks matter—and some decentralized approaches for reducing risks
Foresight Junior Student Prize awarded
Congratulations! The Foresight Junior Student Prize was awarded to Andrew Nazareth for his Project on Cell Phone Radiation: Watts Worse — Voice or Data Transmissions? A Comparison of Electromagnetic Field Strength. Andrew Nazareth attends the 9th Grade of the Kirby School in Santa Cruz.
USA-Austrian and Swiss Nanocars finish first in first Nanocar race
https://foresight.org/usa-austrian-swiss-nanocars-finish-first-first-nanocar-race/
Our previous post announced a race around a 100 nm course of six NanoCars, each a unique concept created from only several dozen atoms and powered by electrical pulses. The race was run a few weeks later and two winners declared, due to two different tracks being used. ...
2017 Foresight Fellows Announced in Molecular Machines, Space, Longevity, Artificial Intelligence
https://foresight.org/2017-foresight-fellows-announced-in-molecular-machines-space-longevity-artificial-intelligence/
The Foresight Fellowship is an exclusive one year supportive program committed to giving change-makers the support and mentorship to accelerate their bold ideas into the future.
We invite people who care about improving the state of the world and have the courage to follow their own path. We encourage those who are working on technologies that have massive potential for the future — Especially if this technology is relatively undervalued in the media, and not blindly followed by the hype.
Our mission is to catalyze collaboration among leading young scientists, engineers, and innovators who are working on emerging new technologies that have the power to transform society. Since 1993 Foresight Institute has been rewarding those who are making strides in the field of Nanotechnology …
First International NanoCar Race showcases molecular vehicles
https://foresight.org/7238/
Twenty years ago Dr. Christian Joachim of CEMES=CNRS (France) shared the 1997 Foresight Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology for Experimental Work with two researchers then at IBM Research Zurich for work using scanning probe microscopes to manipulate molecules. Eight years later he won 2005 Foresight Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology for Theory for developing theoretical tools and establishing the principles for design of a wide variety of single molecule functional nanomachines. For the past few years he has been organizing the first ever international nanocar race which will provide an arena to test half a dozen very different designs for vehicles comprising only several dozen atoms each to race along a 100-nm course powered by electrical pulses from an STM tip. The races will be held April 28-29 in Toulouse, France. From a CNRS March 13 news release "The world's first international race for molecule-cars, the Nanocar Race is on" …
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NH Children's Crusade
The attorney who has taken the lead in using the courts to destroy local control over education taxation in New Hampshire by relentlessly pressing the Claremont case (requiring the state to usurp local taxation), has recently talked a weak-kneed local school board into politicizing children in its care by participating in a march on Concord "for education."
This is what you get when you have a state-controlled centralized school system run out of Concord. You pay homage to the state capital. You pray to the dome and those under it.
The chant was a 2001 version of "Alms for the poor." Todays Union Leader account says that the children joined in the chant of "Do it right; do it now!"
"Marchers met at the school and joined seventh and eighth graders in an assembly before beginning the eight mile walk to Concord for a second, more overtly political, rally at the State House."
In Maine during the 1977 referendum battle to repeal the state property tax for education, at least one superintendent (Portland) sent out notices to parents by way of their children just before the vote, to urge them to go to the polls and vote to keep the tax.
As soon as I found out about it, I called the Commissioner of Education to tell him to call off his dogs. (We did repeal the tax on December 5, 1977, but it was not without a great struggle to overcome barriers set up by the education bloc to keep it.)
The religious trappings and spiritual force of what now passes for education has grown through the years, as the public has been steadily excluded by mumbo-jumbo verbiage known only to the previously initiated, complex statutes, rules and regulations. No one feels close to schools any more. The response by many parents has been to switch to private schools and home schooling. Charter schools and school vouchers have also been proposed as a political fix.
When was the last time you remember anyone inviting their childs public school teacher home for supper? That was an annual custom fifty years ago and was an indicator that families were close to their schools.
The sacred theories, the methodology, the trappings, the icons, the we-know-best attitudes of those who uphold the holy grail of modern education, have left the average parents and taxpayers as mere spectators beside the road as the procession of their "betters" passes by..and takes the lions share of the towns tax dollars with them.
As a test, try approaching a local school board sometime with a grievance or a budget challenge and find yourself treated as a heretic who has failed to understand the mighty objectives of The Board. (I watched a local car dealer practically burned at the stake here in my own school district for challenging the local school budget. He was planning to retire to Florida immediately and that was the only reason he dared to do it.)
With a national reputation, Volinsky has become the high priest of the educationists in New Hampshsire. That includes the teachers unions, school boards, their superintendents.and now the students.
When "Father" Volinsky first approached the Allenstown School Committee about sending their children off on a Claremont Crusade to Concord, their common sense told them "no." But Volinsky prevailed.
Not everyone agreed. The story says that "Hooksett School Board Chairman Peggy Teravainen said politics, like religion, doesnt belong in the schools. We have as a policy that children arent to be used as messengers, she said."
Children were used in the tragic crusade of 1212 and the cynical Concord Crusade of 2001. Ms. Teravainen fails to realize that education is the state religion. Judge Brock and the Brockettes on the State Supreme Court have, in so many words, ruled it so. Thats why it has no tolerance for the tenet of local control, and why its adherents can be swayed by Volinsky to send other peoples children into its ideological battle. (Keep in mind that more than 70% of all money raised for education goes to teachers salaries and perks. Never forget that school finance is always a teachers crusade.)
The Union Leader reported that at first Allenstown School Board Chairman John Hayward said his initial reaction to Volinskys proposal to involve the children in school finance politics was "no way."
But in the end, Hayward indicates that hes a true believer and that he and the school board understand the real purpose of education when he concludes, "Our main goal is to solve the problem and get more money for Allenstown."
He sees the light. Amen.
Posted by Mary Adams on Jun 18, 2001 in Education, New Hampshire


Experience the scintillating vocals and mesmerising rhythm of the Mark Isaacs Trio with Briana Cowlishaw in their Sydney and Queensland regional tour through SYDNEY, CHARLEVILLE, TAMBO, CLONCURRY, TOWNSVILLE AND CAIRNS in September 2015. Tickets are on sale now.
Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "a splendid musical mind" jazz and classical composer/pianist Mark Isaacs performs with long-term collaborators and tight rhythm section, Brett Hirst, bass and Tim Firth, drums.
The trio will also be joined by the scintillating vocals of Briana Cowlishaw in this intimate live show.
An extraordinarily versatile musician, Mark Isaacs has recorded and performed with some of the biggest names in international jazz, he writes symphonies and concertos, works as a classical pianist and his critically acclaimed albums have been nominated for two ARIA Awards.
Briana Cowlishaw is inspired by the sounds of Joni Mitchell, Vince Jones, Diana Reeve, Esperanza Spalding and Elis Regina and weaves through the styles of jazz, latin and pop to create a performance of sublime perfection. Now London based, Briana has just returned from the Edinburgh Jazz Festival especially for this tour.
Performing a mixture of original songs as well as the band's own interpretations of standards and covers, this mesmerising contemporary jazz fusion will be bursting with colour and melody. The set list interpreted in Isaacs' inimitable style features beautiful jazz and pop standards including Fire and Rain, What a Wonderful World, Fool on the Hill and It's Too Late and includes Isaacs' original work, Duende and You Never Forget Love.
As a jazz pianist, Mark Isaacs has toured extensively in Europe, Russia, Asia, the USA, Australasia and the Pacific performin at major festivals including the Tokyo Jazz Festival and Pori Jazz, Finland. He has collaborated with some of the most distinguished figures in international jazz including Dave Holland, Roy Haynes, Kenny Wheeler, Adam Nussbaum, Vinnie Colaiuta and Bob Sheppard and has released many internationally-acclaimed CD's.
Tour produced by Gracemusic and supported by The Playing Queensland Fund and arTour, initiatives of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, part of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.


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India and China for Building Developmental Partnership
By TN Ashok / Diplomatic Editor
New Delhi, September 19 : India and China today decided to strengthen political communication, deepen strategic trust as well as intensify political dialogue and consultations at all levels as the three day visit by Chinese President Xi Jingping ended on a highly successful note here.
In a joint statement, India and China said they agreed upon regular visits at the level of Heads of State/Government. They also agreed upon regular visits at the level of Heads of State/Government. The leaders of the two countries will continue to meet on the side-lines of multilateral fora as frequently as possible. President Xi Jinping welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's early visit to China.
Prime Minister Modi thanked President Xi Jinping and accepted the invitation from the Chinese side and looked forward to visiting China at an early date.
The leaders assigned the Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) to explore new areas for economic cooperation in cross-cutting fields including industrial investment, infrastructure development, energy conservation and environment protection, high-tech industry, clean energy and sustainable urbanization. The SED will explore designing joint demonstration projects and initiatives in smart cities. In this regard, it was agreed that a city in each country would be identified for a smart city demonstration project.
Here are the details of the joint statement issued by the leaders of the two countries.
The leaders evaluated positively the progress of India-China relations over the recent years, and noted that both sides always consider their relations from a strategic and overall perspective. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to abide by the principles and consensus both had agreed to, and further consolidate the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and mutual respect and sensitivities for each other's concerns and aspirations. They agreed that as two large developing and emerging economies, their developmental goals are interlinked and should be pursued in a mutually supportive manner. Recognizing that their respective growth processes are mutually reinforcing, they agreed to leverage mutual complementarities and build a closer developmental partnership. The leaders agreed to make this developmental partnership a core component of the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. This developmental partnership is conducive not only to the common interests of both sides, but also to stability and prosperity of the region and the world.
The two sides decided to strengthen political communication, deepen strategic trust as well as intensify political dialogue and consultations at all levels. With this objective, they also agreed upon regular visits at the level of Heads of State/Government. The leaders of the two countries will continue to meet on the side-lines of multilateral fora as frequently as possible. President Xi Jinping welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's early visit to China. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Xi Jinping for that and said he accepted the invitation from the Chinese side with pleasure and looked forward to visiting China at an early date.
The leaders assigned the Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) to explore new areas for economic cooperation in crosscutting fields including industrial investment, infrastructure development, energy conservation and environment protection, high-tech industry, clean energy and sustainable urbanization. The SED will explore designing joint demonstration projects and initiatives in smart cities. In this regard, it was agreed that a city in each country would be identified for a smart city demonstration project.
At its 10th meeting held recently, the India-China Joint Economic Group reaffirmed its determination to expand and diversify bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The two sides agreed to take positive steps towards rebalancing bilateral trade and addressing the existing structural imbalance in trade that has a bearing on its sustainability. Such measures will include cooperation on pharmaceutical supervision including registration, speedier phytosanitary negotiations on agro-products for two-way trade, stronger links between Indian IT companies and Chinese enterprises, and increasing services trade in tourism, films, healthcare, IT and logistics. India appreciated China's willingness to import greater number of Indian films for commercial release in its market. The two sides signed the Five-Year Development Program for Economic and Trade Cooperation that lays out a roadmap for comprehensively deepening and balancing bilateral economic engagement.
The Chinese side announced the establishment of two industrial parks in India, one in Gujarat and one in Maharashtra. The Chinese side would also endeavor to realize an investment of US$ 20 billion in India in the next 5 years in various industrial and infrastructure development projects. India welcomes Chinese enterprises to participate in its manufacturing and infrastructure projects. Each side will also facilitate companies of the other to invest and operate in their own country. The two sides will work together to forge production and supply chain linkages, which will help develop a more broad-based and sustainable economic partnership.
The leaders also noted with appreciation the progress achieved in railways cooperation and conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding and Implementation Plan on Cooperation in Railways. It was agreed that: (i) the two sides will cooperate to identify the technical inputs required to increase speed on the existing railway line from Chennai to Mysore via Bangalore; (ii) the Chinese side will provide training in heavy haul for 100 Indian railway officials; (iii) the two sides will cooperate in areas such as redevelopment of existing railway stations and establishment of a railway university in India; and (iv) the Indian side will actively consider cooperating with the Chinese side on a High Speed Rail project.
The two sides agreed to hold the 7th India-China Financial Dialogue in New Delhi this year to enhance cooperation between Indian and Chinese financial regulators. The Indian side approved, in principle, the request of the Bank of China to open a branch in Mumbai, for which the Chinese side expressed its appreciation.
The two sides agreed to initiate a dialogue mechanism between the Department of Economic Affairs of the Government of India and the Development Research Centre of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
As large developing countries committed to promoting the use of clean energy, India and China believe that expansion of civil nuclear energy program is an essential component of their national energy plans to ensure energy security. The two sides will carry out bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy in line with their respective international commitments, including working level consultations between the Department of Atomic Energy of India and the China Atomic Energy Authority.
Recognizing deep civilizational linkages between India and China, the two sides agreed to launch the India-China Cultural Exchange Initiative with a view to further promoting the bonds of cultural and people-to-people contacts. Key elements of this will include:
i. The leaders decided to designate 2015 as the "Visit India Year" in China and 2016 as the "Visit China Year" in India. Under this, the two sides will carry out a series of promotional activities to boost two-way tourism flows and strengthen people-to-people bonds. The Chinese side agreed to assist India to promote its tourism products and routes in China, which are related to the historical travels of the Chinese monk-scholar Xuan Zang to India in the 7th century AD.
ii. Recognizing the significance of youth exchanges in increasing mutual understanding, the leaders agreed to continue with the annual exchange of 200 youth from 2015 to 2019.
iii. An MoU was signed to provide the framework for exchanges between the museums and other cultural institutions of the two countries. An exhibition of Indian Buddhist Art and another exhibition of Contemporary Indian Art will be organized in China in 2014-15. Similar exhibitions will travel from China to India. China will be the partner country at the Delhi International Book Fair 2016.
iv. The two sides agreed to establish ministerial level consultations to intensify cooperation in the field of culture.
v. The project on mutual translation of classics and contemporary works will be speeded up.
vi. The two sides will collaborate to strengthen exchanges in movies, broadcasting and television shows. An Audio-Visual Co-production MoU was signed to facilitate joint production of movies. China will be the guest country at the Indian International Film Festival 2014.
vii. The two sides will mutually support the teaching of Indian languages in China and of Chinese language in India.
The agreements on establishing a provincial partnership between Gujarat and Guangdong Province and Sister-City relationships between Mumbai-Shanghai and Ahmedabad-Guangzhou were signed.
The Indian side appreciated the support and cooperation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the local government of Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China to Indian pilgrims for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra (Gang Renpoche and Mapam Yun Tso Pilgrimage). For further promotion of the two countries' religious exchange and facilitating the Indian pilgrims, and upon the request of the Indian side, the Chinese side decided to open a new route for the Yatra through Nathu La Pass, for which the Indian side expressed its welcome and appreciation.
The Indian side expressed appreciation to China for providing flood-season hydrological data and the assistance in emergency management. The two sides will further strengthen cooperation through the Expert-Level Mechanism on the provision of flood-season hydrological data and emergency management, and exchange views on other issues of mutual interest.
Both sides reiterated their willingness to proactively resolve all outstanding differences based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence through friendly negotiation without letting them affect the overall development of bilateral relations. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to consolidate the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity on the basis of the principle of mutual and equal security and mutual sensitivity for each other's concerns and aspirations.
During the visit, the two sides exchanged views on the India-China boundary question and reiterated their commitment to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution, proceeding from the overall interests of bilateral relations. Recalling the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the Boundary Question signed in April 2005, both sides reiterated their commitment to an early settlement of the boundary question and expressed their conviction that this will advance basic interests of the two countries and shall, therefore, be pursued as a strategic objective. They reaffirmed the utility and significance of the mechanism of Special Representatives for seeking a political settlement of the boundary question and of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs for handling border related matters.
Peace and tranquility on the India-China border areas was recognized as an important guarantor for the development and continued growth of bilateral relations. Pending a final resolution of the boundary question, the two sides would continue to make joint efforts to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.
The two sides noted that improved bilateral military ties are conducive to building mutual trust and confidence. Both sides agreed to a regular exchange of visits between the defence ministries and military leaders, so as to expand pragmatic cooperation in the relevant fields. They also agreed to hold the fourth joint army training at a mutually convenient time, hold navy/airforce joint exercise at a proper time, and strengthen cooperation in such areas as peace-keeping, counter-terrorism, naval escort, maritime security, humanitarian rescue, disaster mitigation, personnel training, and think tank communication.
The two sides decided to hold the first round of maritime cooperation dialogue within this year to exchange views on maritime affairs and security, including anti-piracy, freedom of navigation and cooperation between maritime agencies of both countries. They also agreed to hold the consultations on disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control at an early date.
The two sides noted the progress made in promoting cooperation under the framework of the BCIM (Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar) Economic Corridor. Both sides recalled the first meeting of the Joint Study Group of BCIM Economic Corridor and agreed to continue their respective efforts to implement understandings reached at the meeting.
The two sides believe that the 21st century should be marked by peace, security, development and cooperation. As developing countries, India and China have common interests on several issues of global importance like climate change, Doha Development Round of WTO, energy and food security, reform of the international financial institutions and global governance. This is reflected in close cooperation and coordination between the two sides within the BRICS, G-20 and other fora.
The promotion of a multi-polar world, economic globalization, cultural diversity and information revolution are high on the global agenda. The two sides will make joint efforts to democratize international relations and strengthen the central role of the United Nations in promoting global peace, security and development.
The two sides support a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including recognizing the imperative of increased participation of developing countries in UN's affairs and governance structures, so as to bring more effectiveness to the UN. China attaches great importance to India's status in international affairs as a large developing country, and understands and supports India's aspiration to play a greater role in the United Nations including in the Security Council.
Both sides reiterated their resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with 'zero tolerance', and committed themselves to cooperate on counter-terrorism. They also emphasized the need to implement all relevant UN resolutions, in particular UNSC resolutions 1267, 1373, 1540 and 1624.
The two sides recognized that climate change is a common concern of mankind and one of the greatest global challenges in the 21st century, which needs to be addressed through international cooperation and in the context of sustainable development. The two sides will work together with other countries to advance the multilateral negotiation to achieve a balanced, comprehensive and equitable agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2015, with a view to enhancing the full, effective and sustained implementation of the Convention in the post-2020 period. The two sides reaffirmed that the 2015 agreement shall be in full accordance with the principles, provisions and structure of the Convention, in particular the principle of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the enhanced bilateral engagement at the working level on wide-ranging issues of regional and global significance. Bilateral consultations on Afghanistan, West Asia, Africa, Central Asia and Counter-terrorism have already been held and found to be meaningful.
The Asia-Pacific region plays an increasingly important role in global affairs. The two sides are of the view that the current priority of this region is to maintain peace and stability of the region, promote regional common development, and establish an open, transparent, equal and inclusive framework of security and cooperation based on the observance of the basic principles of international law. The two sides support multilateral cooperation mechanisms in Asia and agree to broaden cooperation in the relevant regional organizations.
President Xi Jinping expressed his appreciation to the government and people of India for their warm hospitality. President Xi Jinping invited President Pranab Mukherjee to visit China at a mutually convenient time. President Pranab Mukherjee accepted the invitation with pleasure.
Chinese President Xi JingpingDevelopmental PartnershipIndia and China relationPrime Minister Narendra Modi
+ = six


My drawing ability is sub-Pictionary level, so I was nervous when I sat down with Jason. As you'll see in the video, he led me through a few drawing exercises, where we drew ourselves over and over. Throughout the process, Jason emphasised the importance of gesture drawing, which focuses on the whole shape instead of fussing over details too soon.
My first attempt was terrible: A full-on stick figure. But by the end, I'd managed to scratch out what you see in the thumbnail above. No one would mistake it for a professional drawing, but it's the best drawing I've done since primary school. I bet I could slip it into a first-year art student's reject pile without much notice.
Next, let Jason teach you how to draw a cartoon.


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GNU/Linux Gaming Forum
News About GNU/Linux Games
Basilisk Games Eschalon Heroes of Newerth RTS Frictional Games free source Contest Koonsolo Sci-Fi Tactics online Winter Wolves Puzzle Unity MMORPG Interview Amnesia FPS FREE GPL Visual Novel FOSS LGN The Humble Indie Bundle Strategy Platform cRPG Adventure Kickstarter RPG
Axis Game Factory – Dream, Build, Create And Play!
Posted: 6th January 2013 by Maxim Bardin in Uncategorized
Tags: Axis Game Factory, game creation
Axis Game Factory is a build your own game platform based on the Unity4 engine which now started a kickstarter campaign.
With this easy to use, noob friendly game creating tool, you can create worlds and whole unique games from different genres.
At it's basic goal the standard platform comes without the ability to code or import 3d files, however this might change in the "pro" pak in the future.
If you dream about creating your own game but can't program or model, now is your chance!
MORE DETAILS ON "HOW" IT ALL WORKS!
We have been receiving a lot of fantastic questions regarding the Axis Game Factory and we want to use our first update to more clearly define what Axis Game Factory is and more importantly, what it is not. And please remember, what you are currently seeing is a prototype! Just think of how robust it will be in 9 months when we launch the product!
The Axis Game Factory is:
• A powerful yet simple tool for those who love to create, design, build, play and explore games
• A teaching tool for those who want to learn design basics
• A great way to collaborate and create a community through sharing levels and games
• A great way for Machinimators to create carefully crafted Machinima cinematics, movies, series and stories
• A community for gamers and Machinimators to collaborate their work and earn recognition, status and earn reward credit in the Axis Game Factory
The Axis Game Factory is not:
• It is not a full professional game engine like Unity or Unreal
• It is not a way to create games for sale
• While it is very powerful and will give players access to many types and styles of gameplay, at launch, it will not able to create every type of game (like MMO's and turn-based)… that is a "stretch goal"
The Axis Game Factory will exist as a Free-To-Play product with basic design functions and building blocks. People are pledging for assets and extended features. Let's break down what comes in the Free-to-Play version and what is unlocked in Deluxe by purchasing assets for Axis Game Factory.
Axis Game Factory: Free-To-Play
• Basic grey blocks to create environments with
• One generic character to control in "Play" mode
• Ability to save objects in "Build" mode
• Ability to save scenes in "Design" mode
• Two camera options for "Play" mode
• Generic lighting
• Ability to Undo and Redo actions on your saved Objects and Scenes
• Ability to "Scene-Link" up to three levels
Axis Game Factory: Deluxe
• Multiple cameras for "Play" mode
• Ability to save your own camera types
• Depth of field and atmospheric options
• More lighting options
• Unlimited "Scene linking" – creating transition points from one built scene to another (with your levels as well as with shared levels)
• Machinima input and playback features – great for Machinima or scripted events in game
• Edit your playable character
• Editing NPCs – textures, dialog, movement/animation, voice over options, etc.
• Editing Enemies – textures, stats, loot drop, movement/animation, voice over options, etc.
• Editing Quests/Objectives – Create quest or objective flows for your game
• HUD Overlays for different game types
• Deluxe Mode comes with a "Starter Pak" theme of your choice (at launch it will include Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Military) – these paks include expansive main characters, NPC's, enemy, terrain, plants, vegetation, props, building material, vehicles, weapons, lights, cameras, sky boxes, atmospheric effects, sound, VO and ambient music – all in the theme of your choosing
Here are some new Frequently Asked Questions we would like to address in this update to help clarify the product.
Q: I have pledged X amount and will receive X Asset Pak(s) according to my donation level, will I have to pay for more assets later? What will they cost, if anything?
A: At launch, we will be releasing a substantial amount of assets for you to build the most diverse games possible from Day 1 in the paks that you have secured. Those who pledge get a large amount of assets for the donation price! After that, we plan to support the Axis Game Factory with more tools, themed paks, assets and features on a regular basis.
We plan to provide regular software updates to continue to improve upon the Axis Game Factory, and that will come automatically with the Deluxe feature mode. Additional assets and features will be made available for purchase OR acquired through in-game credit you have earned.
Q: How do I purchase/acquire more asset paks and features to expand my Axis Game Factory warehouse?
A: There are two ways in which people can bring in more features/assets to their warehouse – the first is to purchase them directly from the store. Items will be priced appropriately and will cost as little as $1.00 and could be as much as $25.00 – depending on what it all entails…
The second way to access new assets and features is through earned AGF credits… There are three ways you will earn credits in the Axis Game Factory: 1) Through time spent playing and creating in the Axis Game Factory – at the factory – you clock in on your time card and you earn AGF credits for doing so… the more time you spend, the more you earn. 2) When you post your creations to the Axis Game Factory, your peers get to help build your status… the more other players "like" what you've made, the more credit you earn. 3) By the amount of direct shares of your creations… this applies to games as well as any Machinimation created and shared on the Axis Game Factory You Tube site as well.
Q: Can I sell what I make with Axis Game Factory?
A: Currently, the "Deluxe" mode is not set-up for a retail model whereby players can monetize on their games except through the earned credit they receive to go toward the purchase of additional assets. The playable levels are made to work within the Axis Game Factory software only and cannot be distributed through other platforms. – We are looking at creating a "Pro" version – but that will not be made available until after we launch the Deluxe mode and have time to develop a proper model that will benefit our community accordingly.
Q: If I create a game or Machinima video, who owns it? Are there licensing issues with using the art and assets provided by Axis Game Factory?
A: Everything you create through Axis Game Factory is yours. We will not come after you with scary lawyers demanding a cut of your internet fame and fortune 😉 We will provide you with the proper language stating that you have the legal rights to use the assets in the Axis Game Factory. We will reserve the right to use clips of your work for promotional use only.
Q: If I build a house – can I go inside that house?
A: The Axis Game Factory is an open toolset that allows you to build anything – homes, buildings, cars, military vehicles… you do this in "Build" mode. In "Design" mode, you bring your assets in – or assets that are already complete and you begin to build your game level. You can go inside your house, furnish it, or bust it up – it's up to you. The user interface is very easy to use – you don't have to be a game designer or programmer to figure it out. All of the assets and most of the characters are scaled to work in a realistic way so that you can enter and exit buildings easily. You could also use Scene Linking to have an exterior of a house or building and create a whole scene that is the interior!
Here are some interesting quotes from the devs :
We have actually been making games as a studio for over 16 years… full games on multi-sku platforms and not the kind that use middleware as a jump point.
The PlayStation Home content that we have created as of late requires a ton of programming, as their HDK in built in LUA and is very difficult to program for. Additionally, we are one of a few that have actually created full blown games for the platform – Emo Ray vs. the Intergallactic Teddy Bears just shipped in November. Here is a link to the article that highlights the game…
http://www.hsmagazine.net/2012/11/emo-ray-vs-the-intergalactic-teddy-bears/
Furthermore, we have a team of programmers creating the Axis Game Factory, so rest assured, we know what we are doing, have delivered for decades and are quite confident we have an amazing product on our hands that consumers will enjoy and get that it is much more than a GUI overlay.
Thanks for your email,
Tammy McDonald
"If you are interested in checking out the regular software progression, you are welcome to check out the videos that are posted regularly here: http://www.axisgamefactory.com/videos.htm"
Axis Game Factory is a stand-alone product… outside of the additional features, assets and software updates that we provide, and will continue to support with regular updates and content, we are not including any hands-on programming features.
This might change down the road as the product develops as we are considering a "Pro" pak as a stretch-goal, but our immediate focus is to provide users with an easy to use product that ANYONE can create games with and quality assets/content.
Thanks for the support, Dan. I really appreciate your time and hope I was able to answer your question.
We are so glad you are excited about Axis Game Factory and see the vision that we are creating! There will actually be quite a bit of customization in Axis Game Factory… Depending on the type of game you want to make, you can control your main character's actions, animation, behaviors, weapons, and gameplay attributes as well as the NPC and enemy characters; they will be adjustable through sliders.
Each character, NPC and enemy will have a variety of selections… from clothing, weapons, animation, sfx and voice dialogue. You will even be able to adjust hit points and damage.
Obviously, we still have work to do – and part of the excitement is working directly with our supports through the Forum once this goes live to collaborate and share the development progress with you.
Thanks again for your support!
So what you outlined in your scenario is basically this. There is a user character in an environment. In order to convey the quest you place an NPC character in the environment. Edit the NPC via the Interface, Turn on "can communicate" radio button. When the radio button is activated a dialog box will appear allowing you to add text to it. This is where you type in your information for the user to read. The character only gives this information to the user if the user chooses to interact with the NPC. The interaction code happens automatically when the user comes in contact with an NPC that has something to say. After the user reads the text and clicks the accept quest button or what ever you happen to name the button. The Quest would be added to the users Quest list. Then the user finds the Dragon you placed and the sword that you reward after it is killed. All editing is handled in the same manner with simple menus. Connecting multiple communications to the same quest would be like adding people to your "circle" of friends. Create multiple characters and add them to the same circle so that the code knows that they are all part of the same conversation for the quest. There are other ways it could be handled but what I laid out is probably the most straight forward.
"Corpselocker, that feels odd to type BTW. There must have been a miss-communication. I don't know where you got the "Sliders" impression as the only form of input for any data that might be need for any particular thing. I think it might have been gleaned from a generic answer from Tammy for editing something.
Please rest assured that I want the product to be as flexible and as powerful as it can be without being too difficult to use for beginners. "Easy to use but difficult to master" has always been my mantra for designing product. You want it to be accessible to all and at the same time have depth to keep people inspired. If there is anything I know about in life is making a tool-set like I have outlined in AGF.
I have literally been working towards this product for the last 22 years on a daily basis, almost 23 now. Ever since I bought my first computer an AMIGA 2000 and Lightwave 3d. I create something in 3D everyday, I have the Terra-bites of data since I have started to prove it.
We can all work together to make this product change they way the world creates this kind of content.
A cutting-edge open world toolset for players to create, design, build and share games: by industry veteran Matt McDonald's Heavy Water
HEAVY WATER'S OPEN WORLD-BUILDING TOOL-SET
Industry veteran, Matt McDonald, and his development studio, Heavy Water, are excited to bring you a game-changing, open world-building tool-set that provides players with the ability to design, create, build, play and share their very own game creations with user-friendly technology and expansive game assets.
Axis Game Factory puts the power to create an entire game into YOUR hands! By providing players with endless assets, themes, characters, cameras, game modes – all of the ingredients to make amazing games – the only thing missing? You!
At Heavy Water, we've worked on every type of game and genre imaginable; having delivered on over 100 titles. We love to make games, but even more so, we want to put you in the driver's seat to design and build your own creations, and that's why we're here – we need your help to make it a reality!
AXIS GAME FACTORY IS FOR ANYONE – KIDS, ADULTS, DESIGNERS, PROFESSIONALS, DIRECTORS, STORYTELLERS AND IMAGINEERS… IF YOU CAN DREAM IT – YOU CAN BUILD IT!
At Heavy Water, we know enough about building games, tools and content to know that it just shouldn't be as difficult as it is! And there should be a way for EVERYONE to have as much fun making games as us. We have eliminated the need for you to have an entire game development team and instead, wrapped it all up for you in the Axis Game Factory!
Built for the PC/Mac/Linux systems, Axis Game Factory is a real time game tool-set (built in UNITY) that acts and looks like a scene editor/game development tool but we've taken all the hard parts out – without having to know how to program or model in 3D!
Full GUI scene and gameplay editing tools
Extensive art asset libraries for terrain, foliage, structures, props, atmospheres, characters, lights, and more from different art styles
Ability to create custom models from separate pieces to use just like any other art asset in your toolbox
Every saved file, scene or model, saves the history so even after you've closed and opened the file you can undo and redo the entire file
Positional NPC's that can be configured by altering variables via sliders, attaching animations, voice acting, way points, and sound effects
Positional enemies that can be configured with variables via sliders same as NPC's plus variable for aggressiveness, strength, etc.
Scene linking between your different environments to give your game a larger than life feel, linking environments by start and end points
Multiple camera choices during gameplay to create different types of games such as FPS, platformer, adventure 3rd person, and side-scrollers
Multiple playable characters with expansive animations to fit various gameplay genres
Press play at anytime during design development to play your level in progress to test out and then easily switch back into design mode
The ability to play back user inputs from gameplay and choose different camera angles to create compelling Machinima
Share your in-development scenes with friends who have the same assets to collaborate on a game design
Become a real game designer by sharing your final game to the community to play for free and earn status within the community
Update your warehouse inventory by purchasing new kits, themes and features
Anyone will be able to download and play Axis Game Factory in Basic Mode – but if you want all of the bells and whistles, you will need to step up and buy a starter-kit of a theme of your choosing, to unlock the "Deluxe Mode." From there, you can add any number of kits and features as they are made available. You will be able to share your creations with your friends to play and rank you, as well as download other games to play and link your levels to for endless fun!
When we say, "we love what we do" – we mean every word of it – and providing YOU with the tools to create in the same space as the pro's is a life long passion of ours. Having published our own games and virtual world content for the last several years, we know there is a better way to the finish line than going the traditional publisher route and having them as the middle-man between us and you.
Through Kickstarter, we get to collaborate directly with you about the game and development features we will be including in Axis Game Factory. Plus, we don't have to make compromises with a publisher. We make the development decisions, we market the game, and we don't have to answer to anyone but you – our fans. It's time to put the power of your imagination into your hands and support us through Kickstarter!
We need to raise $400,000 to fund the development team that will be completing the tools, assets, features and networking platform required to support the Axis Game Factory.
The good news is that from our years of game and content development, we have amassed a library of amazing assets, tools, and features that will be going into the Axis Game Factory, so we already have a great head-start!
We have designed the Axis Game Factory to grow and expand with new features and models to support the community. Once we reach our target goal, we will begin to add-in more features from our list of stretch goals as they are met as well as input from our community members. All additional money raised will go straight into the development and support of the game to continue to seed new features, gameplay systems, characters, and additional genres.
So if you ever dream about developing your own games but can't program on model, now is your chance !
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Ubuntu Vibes
Daniel Eriksson: Congrats to 0 A.D. I
Aaryadev: wow great news :)
Truck: Thanks for informati
ian: and now its like 4
Maxim Bardin: This game runs fine
Ben Ranch: Ubuntu 13.04? I thin
KDE: Does anyone knows ho
Random Logic: Apparently, it is do
DaveMB: I'll be uploading th
Maxim Bardin: Yeah...64-bit is the
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Q: Windows 8 bluetooth audio choppy when there is network activity I brought a generic bluetooth dongle for my pc and a Rapoo H6060 Bluetooth headset. After pairing I connected the headset to PC and that's fine.
The issue is when I'm listen to music on the bluetooth headset, the sound is choppy when I'm download or even browsing.  I stopped the download and everything ran pretty smooth.
is that a issue with my dongle? (it's a cheap generic one which doesn't provide any drivers) or it might be the pc it self?
i got a core i7 930, 6gb of ram (ram get 40 utilization most time) samsung 840 ssd and a 1.5TB hdd from seagate.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Damon Houx
Chris Hemsworth Could Be 'Doc Savage' for Shane Black
It's a Shane Black kind of news day, as not only has it been announced that Black will be directing Fox's latest 'Predator' reboot, he's also still hard at work on his adaptation of 'Doc Savage' and has met with Chris Hemsworth about playing the title character.
'Rambo 5′ May Focus on Sylvester Stallone Fighting Mexican Cartels
Sylvester Stallone has had two great franchise characters, Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, and was able to resurrect both over the last decade successfully. But though Balboa's gloves are hung up (even if Stallone recently paid homage to that character), it looks like we're going to get a 'Rambo 5' that promises to be one of the most thoughtful of the series' sequels.
Will Matt Damon's Jason Bourne Be Back for 'Bourne 5'? [UPDATE]
Recently 'Bourne 5' was delayed almost an entire year from August 14, 2015 into the more prime real estate of July 15, 2016. Could it be the real reason was to accommodate original star Matt Damon's return to the series? That's the latest rumor.
'Jurassic Park 4′ Teases a First Look at the Dinosaurs
Though we're still a year away from the release of 'Jurassic Park 4,' director Colin Trevorrow wants us to know that the dinosaurs are coming, and that some will be done with practical effects, as he's just teased a first glimpse at one of the dinos!
'Dumb and Dumber 2′ Trailer: Harry and Lloyd are Back!
The 'Dumb and Dumber 2' trailer is here, and it shows that Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels haven't lost a step in returning to Harry and Lloyd's idiotic shoes. Sure, late in the game sequels aren't always great, but this suggests that the magic could very well be back.
'Forrest Gump' Celebrates Turning 20 With an IMAX Engagement
'Forrest Gump,' which turns 20 this year, is about to be rolled back into theaters to celebrate. Paramount has announced that the film will screen in IMAX auditoriums starting September 5, and have also moved up 'SpongeBob SquarePants 2' from February 13 to February 6, 2015.
'Beauty and the Beast' to Get the Live-Action Treatment From 'Twlight' Director Bill Condon
Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' will be the next animated movie re-imagined as a live-action film. The bright spot is that it will be directed by Bill Condon, who's won an Oscar, on top of being the helmer of the final two 'Twilight' films.
'Cliffhanger' is Being Rebooted For No Discernable Reason
Following in the footsteps of the upcoming 'Point Break' remake, 'Cliffhanger' is now getting the reboot treatment from 'Fast and Furious' producer Neal Moritz. Hollywood seems to have moved on from remaking horror classics, so perhaps now they're turning to action movies.
'A Walk Among the Tombstones' Trailer: Liam Neeson is an Unorthodox Private Detective
Liam Neeson stars in 'A Walk Among the Tombstones,' which is finally coming to the big screen and now there's a trailer to prove it. After a decade in development (at one point Harrison Ford and Joe Carnahan were attached), screenwriter/director Scott Frank is bringing the Lawrence Block novel to the big screen, and fortunately he has the perfect star for the material.
'Star Wars' Spinoff Movie to be Directed by 'Godzilla' Helmer Gareth Edwards
Fresh off of 'Godzilla''s huge opening weekend, director Gareth Edwards has been hired to helm one of the 'Star Wars' spinoff films, which will be released December 16, 2016. That's an impressive leap for Edwards, who made his feature film debut in 2010.
'22 Jump Street' Clips Highlight Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum's Chemistry
We're looking forward to '22 Jump Street,' because -- though comedy sequels are a tricky business (see for instance 'Anchorman 2') -- the chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum in the latest clips from the movie looks stronger than ever.
Steven Spielberg Hires Coen Brothers to Write Cold War Thriller
Steven Spielberg has been lining up projects left and right, but one might become the front-runner for his next movie with this latest announcement: Joel and Ethan Coen have been hired to write Spielberg's currently untitled Cold War thriller, which is tentatively set to star Tom Hanks.


For several small- and medium-sized MEP (M&E) firms Adam Duvall Reds Jersey , incorporating a 3D BIM-based workflow that works parallel to their conventional CAD-based processes is an extremely painstaking procedure that requires meticulous planning. As facility developers, MEP (M&E) contractors, and consultants demand 3D parametric modelling-based deliverables, transitioning to BIM processes is no longer an alternative for several building services firms who employ only 2D approaches. For instance, engineering services design firms who have been traditionally employing AutoCAD are largely starting to adopt BIM processes based on Revit MEP to deliver coordinated models and drawings. As a result Michael Lorenzen Reds Jersey , this necessitates such organisations to undergo comprehensive BIM orientation and project-oriented Revit MEP training courses.
This is a preliminary stage wherein the BIM experts or training providers should meet with firm's key senior personnel, including project managers, project team leads, senior HVAC engineers Cliff Pennington Reds Jersey , building services designers, piping designers, and electrical engineers, to understand how their roles fit into the company's workflow and project delivery methodologies.
Once the firm's senior executives are interviewed, it is important to evaluate important areas which may hamper the BIM implementation process. These include staff resistance Ken Griffey Reds Jersey , integrating new workflows and tools with traditional processes, solving interdisciplinary communication issues, upgrading hardware infrastructure, and initiating process software application training for employees.
As opposed to the traditional 2D CAD workflow, the 3D model-based design Tony Perez Reds Jersey , documentation, and analysis workflow is more collaborative and necessitates frequent interdisciplinary meetings and discussions. Whilst the conventional process requires each trade to develop its own set of drawings, BIM entails each of the building services trades to work simultaneously on a central file through a process called 'worksharing'. As a result, such drastic changes brought about by Revit MEP implementation requires key senior personnel to be trained on BIM methodologies.
Once the senior personnel are trained on BIM processes and methodologies, the stage is set for CAD production staff to undergo detailed Revit MEP training course. This training may be conducted in office by Autodesk Certified trainers Reggie Sanders Reds Jersey , may be entirely web-based, or a mix of both. Besides, Autodesk Authorised Training Centers provide short-term orientation courses as well as professional BIM mentoring modules to firms. Such training modules help the production staff as well as the firm's senior personnel plan how to deploy Revit MEP across multidisciplinary building services teams with a view to reduce rework, increase accuracy, and deliver clash-free MEP (M&E) design projects on time.
This is the most important stage wherein the firm uses the knowledge gained during process and software training to implement projects they have already completed. As a result Chris Sabo Reds Jersey , this gives a valuable input as to how BIM methodologies enable building services coordination and interoperability between diverse teams.
It is important to note that there is far more to adopting a 3D BIM workflow than just providing Revit training classes to your staff. Deciding to get your firm on the BIM bandwagon shall involve considering how the new approach will affect current organisational processes, project management criteria, staff delegation, interdepartmental communication, and the breadth of your service deliverables.
Credit minute card debts become canceled through missold credit loans with unnecessary PPI. In one particular UK court ruling Pete Rose Reds Jersey , a certain company was incapable of sure a client for one premium default because the judge presided that lender sold the PPI to the client without her practical knowledge. No supportive documents can be produced so the client's loan was penned off.
To avoid getting unnecessary PPI claims, check the buying price of cover and determine once you still need some further quotes. If you just weren't comfortable with the insurance policies cost or if it were added onto the loan without any consent, you should be allowed to cancel the agreement. Notably, verify if the policy is appropriate to your circumstances.
Some factors that will determine a pointless PPI comments: it is unclear to you that it must be elective; you were unknown of any exclusions; you took the loan agreement but just weren't alerted of an transparent single payment; you are not told to continue paying interest with the insurance has expired.
Should any of these cover your own situation, you have reasons to help you reclaim a PPI and possess your loan or unsecured credit card debt canceled. Do not be deferred through poor bank responses because you'll find companies who will assist you on this PPI matters then present the fact to the ombudsman or court if need be.


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U.S.A. · September, 2014
Stories about U.S.A. from September, 2014
Telling Puerto Rican Stories on the Web
Caribbean 29 September 2014
Esta Vida Boricua [This Boricua Life] is a digital storytelling project which explores the past and present of Puerto Rico through the collection of experiences of people from all walks of life and all ages. At its most basic level, it is "a place to share stories," as explained in...
What it Means to be Puerto Rican for Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera
Oscar López Rivera has been imprisoned in the United States for over thirty years because of his political beliefs.
Anton Nossik on the Coming End of Facebook, Twitter, and Google in Russia
Eastern & Central Europe 26 September 2014
Media expert and founding member of the Russian blogosphere Anton Nossik explains why he thinks the end is nigh in Russia for websites used by billions around the globe.
How Not to Understand the Kremlin's Internet 'Kill Switch'
The justifications for preparing a "self-sufficient RuNet" are weak. The tools necessary for such a feat, moreover, would empower the Kremlin to restrict Russia's vital communications in an instant.
U.S. Authorities Seek Data on Indymedia Athens
Citizen Media 22 September 2014
On September 5, the U.S. Department of Justice issued to the organization and Web hosting provider May First an inquiry about one of its members, Greece-based Center for Independent Media Athens, also known as Indymedia Athens. Founded in 2005, May First is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide cooperative Internet services, such as...
CPJ Calls on Obama to Defend the Right to Report in the Digital Age
Freedom of Speech 22 September 2014
With more and more world governments targeting journalists with communications surveillance, the Committee to Protect Journalists is asking the Obama administration to clean up its act.
After US Ambassador to Ukraine's Twitter Gaffe, RT Says 'World Won't Be Duped Again'
America's social media outreach on the Ukraine crisis has always been flawed, if only because Uncle Sam is up against an adversary that frequently camouflages online propaganda as "grassroots" activism.
Covert Surveillance 'Project Speargun' Fires Up New Zealand Election
Oceania 16 September 2014
ANNA MAJAVU of Pacific Media Watch reports for The Daily Blog on an extraordinary event in Auckland on 15 September 2014: NEW ZEALAND Prime Minister John Key has been accused of allowing the secret installation of equipment that would enable spooks to tap into New Zealand's undersea fibre optic cable...
Migrant Children from Central America Are Not Mere Statistics
Latin America 16 September 2014
In an opinion piece for the American newspaper Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Global Voices contributor Jamie Stark wonders, "What kind of parent would pay $10,000 for a stranger to bring a child 1,400 miles through gangland and hostile border crossings? A good parent, perhaps." As a concerned citizen about the crisis of...
How the United States H4 Visa Traps Foreign Workers' Family Members in a 'Golden Cage'
South Asia 12 September 2014
H4 visa holders cannot get a job in the US, work remotely for a company back home or even freelance.
A Fleet of Life-Size Paper Boats Is Sailing Down the Hudson River to Protest Climate Change
Arts & Culture 11 September 2014
SeaChange: We All Live Downstream, a collaboration between 350.org and Brooklyn-based maritime arts collective Mare Liberum, is headed to the People's Climate March.
News of the Latest McDonald's Closure in Russia "Devastates" Obama
Eastern & Central Europe 9 September 2014
When current events inspire Russia's satirists, the RuNet produces some amazingly funny short stories. Russia's ongoing assault on the McDonald's food chain is having such an effect.
Trafficked Ecuadorian Children Pass Through Hell on the Way to the US
Latin America 6 September 2014
Ecuadorian minors start dangerous journeys to the United States in search of the American dream. For 12-year-old Nohemí Álvarez Quillay, the voyage ended up costing her her life.
Activists and Bloggers Worldwide Ponder Lessons Learned From the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
There is no denying that more people are now more aware of ALS than ever before, but critics have accused the campaign of focusing on self-congratulating deeds.
These 8 Ice Bucket Spinoffs Challenge Hunger, War and Politics
From the "Lather Against Ebola" campaign against Ebola in Côte d'Ivoire to the Rubble Bucket Challenge for children in Gaza, people are repurposing the viral phenomenon.
An Election Film Week in Lebanon to Say #NoToExtension of Parliament Term
Canada 1 September 2014
What better than the seventh art to mobilize? In another effort to push for Elections in Lebanon and prevent an extension of the Parliamentary term #NoToExtension, Lebanese NGO Nahwa Al Muwatiniya (meaning Towards Citizenship) held an "Election Film Week". Six works from Chile, Iran, China, Ghana and the US, varying between documentaries...
From Liberia to South Korea, West Africa's Ebola Outbreak Is Met With Ignorance and Paranoia
East Asia 1 September 2014
A pub in South Korea posted a notice turning away Africans "due to Ebola virus," and a Nigerian millionaire preacher is offering to cure Ebola patients with his special water.


Information sourcing is a vital part of man's behaviour.It is a fundamental human process closely related to learning and problem solving. These problems can only be solved when human beings have access to adequate, timely and accurate information. Most users are used to the manual based information sourcing system and find it difficult to adopt the modern ICTs sourcing patterns. Some postgraduate students failed to realise that ICTs use enable various independent activities to combine and add value to product and service that stimulate innovation thereby leading to efficiency. All over the world,hundreds of billions of Dollars per year are spend on ICTs reflecting a strong global belief in the transformation potential of these technologies, for the Universities,certainly,ICTs have become essential.Therefore,this book provides strategies that could enhance effective information sourcing and carrying out a research work vis-a-vis information and communication technologies.The analysis should shed some lights on this research and should be useful especially to Library and Information Professionals,IT specialist,Researchers and to students in higher Institutions.


Common stock: This account reflects the value of the outstanding shares of common stock. Each share of common stock represents a portion of ownership, and this portion is calculated by multiplying the number of outstanding shares by the value of each share.
Even companies that haven't sold stock in the public marketplace, but have incorporated, list shareholders on the incorporation documents and list the value of their shares on the balance sheet. Each common stock shareholder has a vote in the company's operations.
Preferred stock: This account reflects the value of outstanding shares of preferred stock, which falls somewhere between bonds and shares of stock. Although a company has no obligation to repay the preferred shareholders for their investment, it does promise these shareholders dividends. If the company can't pay the dividends for some reason, they're accrued for payment in later years.
Any unpaid preferred stock dividends must be paid before a company pays dividends to common stock shareholders. Preferred shareholders don't vote in the firm's operations. If the business is liquidated, preferred shareholders receive their share of the assets before common shareholders.
Retained Earnings: This account tracks the profits or losses for a company each year. These numbers reflect earnings retained instead of being paid out as dividends to shareholders. They show a company's long-term success or failure.