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November 2012, Ang Lee introduced Suraj Sharma, the teenage Indian actor chosen to portray Pi Patel, in his film adaptation of the novel, Life of Pi.  Reviewers say his performance was sensational! So who is this new kid on the block?

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ACACIA Senegal Gum Arabic Tree

Acacia:

There are the acacias of Egypt and Arabia; and then there is the acacia tree, native of North America, which was introduced into Europe. Research indicates that there are 500 species of the acacia tree. In the United States, it is valued as a timber tree and used in shipbuilding. The Europeans found similar uses. Most students of the Bible know that acacia wood was used to build the Ark of the Covenant.

The acacia trees were large thorny trees. Their orange-brown hard-grained wood repelled insects. In some biblical translations, acacia trees are called shittim. Acacia wood was also used in the building of the first tabernacle (a portable “tent of meeting” where the Jews worshiped during the Exodus).

EXCERPT above is from my article published at Suite101.com:

• Is Tree Sitting Really Necessary?

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OK. So … what does this have to do with American novelist, David Anthony Durham (1969 -). Well, of a truth, when I did my research, I didn’t know there was connection. But as it turns out, Mr. Durham has authored a trilogy, which is an epic fantasy; and the name he chose for the empire in this mythical land built on conquest, slaves and drug trade is called Acacia.

It so happens that this writer, whom I had never heard of, has had his novels translated into eight foreign languages, is the recipient of ALA awards (American Library Association), and has had his books recognized as New York Times Notable Books. Check out his page on Facebook or his Official Website.

• In Acacia: The Acacia Trilogy, Book One - Leodan Akaran, ruler of the Known World, dies, but not before ensuring the safety of his beloved children, in order that they might pursue their own destinies. Against their will, the siblings become separated and must learn to survive on their own, forging their own paths.

• And of course, The Other Lands: The Acacia Trilogy, Book Two, is a tale of their travels to other lands, which are tantamount to eye-opening and amazing discoveries of new worlds, even though it was never their plan to set out on a mission of exploration. Yes, yes, yes! There is an evil wicked Queen.

• Finally, The Sacred Band: The Acacia Trilogy, Book Three is _________.  THE END.  ≧◠◡◠≦

Do you need or want to understand the world economy?  For a reliable source check the charts published via the McKinsey Global Institute’s photostream on flickr.com.

© Photographer: Dawn Hudson | Agency: Dreamstime.com

• McKinsey Global Institute, the business and economics research arm of McKinsey & Company.  Follow them on Facebook  OR visit their website: http://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/

MGI’s chart of the “The new wealthy urbanites” depicts that by 2025, certain cities in emerging markets or developing economies will account for 60 percent of new high-income households. The chart indicates that “new wealthy”, as MGI calls this group, will increase to 3 times its size, from 20 million to 60 million. “Some 19 percent of these will be in China; 6 percent in Russia, and 3 percent in Brazil.” 

Don’t worry.  The chart works in India’s economic stats.  It’s just that the India percent increase projection  wasn’t included in the summary statement above.  The quote is what the quote says.  [That’s what it said as of today, July 10, 2012, when I read it.  By the time somebody else looks, it may be revised.  Whatever!]

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Funny thing about these charts; they never include Africa. Gold, diamonds and prime real estate: Africa must be “old wealthy”.   :)

Istanbul, Turkey don’t count because Turkey sits where Africa, Asia and Europe meet (or collide!); which means they’re just a stitch that holding everybody together or rather a strategic “safety pin”.

WHAT???!!  Surely, I’m not the only person who has an opinion.

“On the meeting point of two worlds … the treasure of Turkish history … Istanbul, has its place in the hearts of all citizens.” — Ataturk

“Either I conquer Istanbul or Istanbul conquers me.” —Fatih Sultan Mehmet

These quotes link back to two articles I published as a Contributing Writer for Suite101.com.  You may or may not be able to relate them to MGI’s economic crystal ball.  Matters not.  Because I’m just putting in plugs for my articles to get folks to read them.

[Hey!  Did I not say:  I’m not a wolf.  I’m a Fox! ≧◠◡◠≦ ]

By Mrs. Treathyl FOX, aka CMoneyspinner