In mir schreit’s: "JAAAAAAAAA."
Aus mir raus stottert’s: "Ich muss leider zur Arbeit."
In mir singt Seeed: "Ja, ja, yeah, yeah, wenn ich doch nur wieder etwas souveräner wär."

Selon une porte-parole de GM citée par l’AFP, le constructeur automobile américain mène une «étude stratégique» en vue «d’une possible vente» de l’usine strasbourgeoise, qui a produit 337 000 transmissions en 2007 pour BMW, Cadillac et Chevrolet. «Le souhait de GM, au travers d’acheteurs, serait de continuer l’activité du site avec les fournisseurs, les clients et les employés actuels», a-t-elle poursuivi, ajoutant que d’autres sites dans le monde «vont faire l’objet d’études similaires».

«Ils disent que le groupe n’a pas de liquidités, qu’il faut du cash et que la division européenne doit s’autofinancer», relate Mohamed Brahimi, de la CFDT. GM est aux abois, après avoir enregistré des pertes de 15,5 milliards de dollars (10 milliards d’euros) au deuxième trimestre 2008. Pour Roland Robert, de la CGT, «l’usine de Strasbourg est rentable. Comme GM a besoin de liquidités, ils vendent les usines les plus rentables». «Ce qui est bizarre, reprend Mohamed Brahimi, c’est qu’ils disent d’un côté qu’il n’y a pas de cash, alors que de l’autre ils investissent pour construire une usine en Russie et favorisent les sites dans d’autres pays à bas coûts, là où on peut exploiter les gens plus facilement.»

Un rachat pourrait peut-être donner un nouveau souffle au site dont le plan de charge au sein de GM est assuré jusqu’en 2010, mais pas au-delà. Mais les syndicats redoutent que cette «possible vente» engendre de nouvelles réductions d’effectifs. Vendredi, ils attendaient que les salariés «avalent la nouvelle» avant de décider de l’attitude à adopter. «On va essayer de mobiliser les gens», assure le cégétiste Roland Robert. Jean-Marc Ruhland, secrétaire CFDT du CE, entend de son côté «voir avec les collègues des autres sites européens comment on peut faire notre petite sauce pour sauver cette usine».

T.C.

On a recent trip to the Amazon I stayed at a wonderful lodge that really exemplifies sustainable tourism. It was much more than an “eco-lodge” and was sustainable on many fronts. Sure, they boasted solar power, rainwater collection, local guides, and local produce at their delicious restaurant, but that is just the tip of the iceberg in their sustainability efforts.

My stay was at the Uakari Lodge located in the heart of the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve deep in the Amazon. Mamirauá is part of the largest protected tropical forest complex on the planet. The complex also includes the Amanã Sustainable Development Reserve the Jaú National Park.

The lodge and the reserve are managed by the people whose families have lived in Mamirauá’s small villages for centuries. They make decisions on zoning, fishing quotas, logging quotas and more. There are also researchers in the area who are determining alternate sources of income for the locals. Their efforts include the study of local ornamental fishes (for aquariums). They are trying to determine which species of fish they can “farm” sustainably for export. There are strict rules in place for fishing, logging, poaching, and more. This project is partially funded by the Zoological Society of London.

The communities are in charge of policing themselves and patrolling against outsiders coming in to exploit their resources. The reserves profits are divided up among the inhabitants, but it is not always equal. Each village can earn more or less than the others depending on their adherence to the strict rules.

Currently, the locals are being trained by volunteers to handle all aspects of the reserve so that soon they will completely run the operation. Interestingly, the volunteers told us that two of the most difficult things to teach the locals are negotiation skill and English. When you are there you can really tell that each person has a stake in the reserve and in the lodge. You are treated with warm smiles and an always helpful staff.

The last thing I wanted to talk about was one of the highlights of the stay. We were taken to one of the local communities and were shown around the village by an elder. She was so nice and welcoming and answered all of the questions that we had (through our translator, George). I have traveled   to a lot of “local villages” (most notably the hill tribes in Thailand) and this was one of the most authentic experiences. One of the reasons I say this is because they didn’t make their kids come out and sing us songs and expect candy in return. For the most part people just went about their normal routines as if we weren’t even there.

These people truly care about the state of their reserve and it felt great to support such a project.

*Since I couldn’t remember all of the facts from the great presentation by our host and translator, George, I refreshed my memory at www.wcs.org and www.mamiraua.org.br. Please visit these sites to learn more, I only touched on a few of the initiatives.

The need for connection and contact between human beings is very important to acknowledge. Not only do we need intimate relationships with our partners, nuclear families, and close friends, but also we need a sense of connectedness to an extended family, tribe, or community. We need to have a feeling of belonging to a larger group.

Ultimately, we need to feel that we are part of the whole human family and connected to all beings on earth.

"Rubbish is actually a very valuable commodity which, with a bit of imagination, could be used very constructively. To tax landfill is grossly unfair, because not only do we need landfill to reclaim valuable land which is unusable until it is made level by landfill, there is also good deal of erosion of land by sea encroachment which could be prevented, and much coastal land reclaimed. Hardcore, building rubble and topsoil is especially valuable in this regard, but all rubbish could be compacted and used as an infill between a dyke made of rock/concrete and the shoreline. Also many low lying areas currently at risk of flooding can have their elevation increased with processed and compacted rubbish. So rather than taxing us on rubbish the Government should recognise it for the valuable commodity it really is, and use the income derived from its constructive use to reduce other taxes."

An interesting point of view to add to the debate but arguably in need of tempering. This Google Earth image of island Pulau Semakau in Singapore which has been reclaimed with landfill and is now a wildlife reserve, gives you some idea of what can be achieved...

1. Reserves
Not necessarily the large reserves that we sometimes refer to in coaching (though those would be wonderful, too), but awareness that you are not going to run out of the minor things that can easily cause disruption in our lives, e.g. gas/petrol, postage stamps, toilet paper, essential food items.

2. Forgiveness
Know that you need not be full of anger, or nagging hostility, toward anyone, including yourself. Remember that we all do the best we can with what we believe we have. There are few people who harm others on purpose.

3. Acceptance... of self and of others
In the same vein, know that the only person about whom you have the right to make decisions is yourself. Others will be what they will be, depending on their own combination of circumstances, genetic inheritance and choices. For yourself, know that your choices are and always will be your own. Don't berate yourself for your past, it is past. If you don't care for it, make the decisions necessary to create a different future.

4. Clear conscience
Act always as though someone else who you respect will know what you do. If you would not want others to know that you did something, then don't do it, for you (and quite likely someone or Someone else) WILL know.

5. Support
Know where you can turn for support, for a shoulder to cry on, and for other forms of help when you need it. Know your friends, keep your fences mended, and keep a list of agencies and institutions to which you can turn if you must. Never let pride stop you from requesting help when you need it.

6. Surroundings that you can enjoy
Your surroundings may not look like a magazine cover, but they can be kept sufficiently tidy, organized, and attractive that you feel pleasure as you look around you. We often think of surroundings as what we are aware of visually, but the other senses may be involved too. We may need music, or silence. We may choose to enjoy the scent of burning candles, or of baking, or of well polished furniture.

7. No undone have-tos, deadlines, overdue debts
These will undermine peace of mind every time. Decide on a schedule to get rid of them. If you have to call on someone to keep you on schedule with this, enlist a friend, a family member, or even a coach. Just knowing that you are making progress will enhance your peace of mind. Catching up on these things will do so even more.

8. Know that you are connected to Something
If you are religiously or spiritually inclined, then you already know this. Even if you believe there is nothing beyond us except nature and the earth, then at least you know there is that. Know that you ARE connected. Trust that connection, and know that you DO belong.

9. Know that you are at choice, not a victim
Recognize that you DO have choices. If you feel you do not, look again, and see that what you have previously dismissed as lack of choice is actually a choice that certain alternatives are unacceptable, or that you had not seen them in the first place. Reconsider your options. Brainstorm with someone you trust.

10. Knowledge that you can affect your world
You need not be a pawn Sometimes it is difficult to imagine that any one person can change the world. We certainly need to change ourselves before we can change anything else, and even then we do not have the right to change other people. Yet the changes that we make in our own behavior, our willingness to reach out and help, volunteer, to try to make the world a better place, CAN be far-reaching. If every person reading this list were to reach out... Imagine!

Moral:
Each man has a choice in life; he may approach it as a creator or critic, a lover or a hater, a giver or a taker, a liar or an earnest man. It is a matter of choice.

Par contre, n'allez pas vous imaginer que les travaux vont commencer cet automne.  On parle d'un horizon de 10 à 15 ans.  Dans les faits, le gouvernement du Canada vient à peine de commander les études et scénarios nécessaires afin d'aller de l'avant,  Donc, cela veut dire que j'aurai ma pension de vieillesse quand je roulerai dessus.  Si la pension de vieillesse existe encore à ce moment-là, évidemment.  Comme dans tous les projets du genre, il faudra des études (celles commandées par le fédéral), des contre-études, les environnementalistes vont s'y opposer, et il y aura probablement même des procès, comme dans le cas du nouveau pont de l'A-25.

Puisque je réclamais son doublement depuis un bon bout de temps, je propose six voies par direction, dont une réservée en tout temps au transport en commun.  Attendons de voir ce que le gouvernement fédéral va nous présenter, de son côté.  On dit qu'il n'est pas exclu qu'une place soit accordée à un système léger sur rails (SLR), ce qui, à mes yeux, représente la plus grande connerie imaginable.  Je m'explique.

Quand un train est rempli à capacité, et que la clientèle augmente, il faut commander des rames supplémentaires, ce qui exige des déboursés incroyables, et des délais interminables.  Regardez toute l'affaire des nouvelles rames de métro; cela vous donnera une idée des délais.  Si le service est assuré par des autobus, dans le pire des cas, on peut louer des véhicules supplémentaires en quelques heures, tout au plus, en attendant de recevoir de nouveaux autobus.  Les tramways furent retirés des rues du grand Montréal pour une question de flexibilité, alors on ne viendra pas me faire croire que cette flexibilité n'est plus nécessaire aujourd'hui.  Un système sur rails, léger ou non, signifie des infrastructures dispendieuses, qui ne peuvent pas être partagées par d'autres équipements, contrairement aux voies réservées pour les bus, qui peuvent aussi servir aux taxis, par exemple, ou aux adeptes du covoiturage.  Et de toute façon, on va le faire arriver où, le SLR?  Au terminus centre-ville, déjà en surcharge, au point que l'AMT va établir bientôt, si ce n'est déjà fait, des arrêts sur le boulevard René-Lévesque?

Pour l'instant, très peu de détails sont sortis, sur ce nouveau pont Champlain.  Le JdeM a le scoop, sur ce projet, qui deviendra certainement une promesse électorale, afin de faire élire quelques candidats conservateurs dans le grand Montréal.  En bout de ligne, voilà de quoi alimenter une bonne demi-douzaine de campagnes électorales fédérales, à part celles des autres paliers de gouvernement.

AJOUT (29 août 2008)

Ceci n'est qu'un petit croquis fait rapidement, et n'est pas à l'échelle.

La configuration que je propose pourrait se décrire comme un 5-2-5, c'est à dire cinq voies de circulation dans chaque direction, et deux voes centrales, réservées en tout temps aux autobus et aux taxis.

L’objectif de cette mission est d’empêcher le passage des chalutiers de fond qui fragilise cette zone pourtant protégée par l’Union européenne. En effet, pour reconnu qu’il soit, ce statut ne la préserve pas pour autant des pêches intensives associées au chalutage de fond. Celui-ci consiste à tirer d’énormes filets lestés sur le fonds marin. Reliés à des roues en caoutchouc et des plaques en métal, ils ratissent le sol en détruisant presque tout sur leur passage.
A ce balayage dévastateur, s’ajoutent les activités d’extraction de sable et de gravier, lesquelles constituent une menace supplémentaire pesant sur les écosystèmes réfugiés au sein des récifs de Sylt.

Intervenant dans un espace officiellement déclaré comme protégé par l’UE, Greenpeace a enjoint l’Allemagne, les Pays-Bas, le Danemark et la Grande-Bretagne à lui apporter leur soutien dans ses actions pour faire interdire dans cette zone toute pêcherie.
A l'échelle mondiale, l'association réclame parallèlement la création de réserves marines sur 40 % de la surface océanique pour permettre aux milieux perturbés de se régénérer.

Cecile Cassier

http://www.univers-nature.com

Cécile Cassier

We were also started that when the U.S. Army announced it had a new hot line and website with information on suicide prevention, the hot line and the site were swamped with some 22,000 former soldiers seeking help before the Army could take a deep breath....

Below is a report on soldiers returning from war, PTSD and alcohol....

After returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan, younger service members and Reserve and National Guard combat personnel are more likely to begin heavy drinking, binge drinking, or other alcohol related problems. These findings are reported in a study published in the August 13 issue of JAMA.

Previous studies have suggested a strong link between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. Additionally, several other psychological disorders are known to occur after stressful and traumatic events such as war. As alcohol is commonly used to help those cope with traumatic events, there is a high probability that military deployment is associated with increased rates of alcohol consumption or problem drinking. There have been reports from earlier conflicts that personnel have misused alcohol at high rates after deployment, but there is little information on patterns of alcohol use regarding the most current crop of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

To determine if deployment to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is linked to new-onset or changes in alcohol consumption, binge drinking behavior, or other alcohol related problems, Isabel G. Jacobson, M.P.H. (Naval Health Research Center, San Diego) and colleagues analyzed data from the Millennium Cohort Study. Baseline data were collected via questionnaires from 77,047 participants from July 2001 to July 2003, and 55,021 participants completed follow-up surveys from June 2004 to February 2006. A series of inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded a sample of 48,481 participants - 26,613 active duty and 21,868 Reserve or National Guard personnel. Of the total sample, 5,510 were deployed with combat exposures, 5,661 were deployed without combat exposures, and 37,310 did not deploy.

Jacobson and colleagues report that among Reserve or National Guard personnel who deployed with combat exposure, 8.8% developed new-onset heavy weekly drinking, 25.6% developed new-onset binge drinking, and 7.1% developed new-onset alcohol-related problems. Active-duty personnel had new-onset rates of 6.0%, 26.6%, and 4.8%, respectively. Members of the Reserve or National Guard who were deployed with combat exposure were more likely to develop all three drinking outcomes compared to their nondeployed counterparts. Specifically, these personnel with combat experience were found to be 63% more likely to experience onset of heavy weekly drinking and 63% more likely to experience alcohol-related problems than nondeployed personnel.

Deployed active-duty personnel were found to be 31% more likely than their nondeployed counterparts to develop new-onset binge drinking at follow-up. Though significantly less likely to report new-onset or changes in binge drinking or alcohol-related problems, women were found to be 1.2 times more likely to report new-onset heavy weekly drinking. In addition, the researchers found that personnel born after 1980 - younger soldiers - were at 6.7 times increased odds of new-onset binge drinking and 4.7 times increased odds of new-onset alcohol-related problems.

The authors conclude: "These results are the first to prospectively quantify changes in alcohol use in relation to recent combat deployments. Interventions should focus on at-risk groups, including Reserve/Guard personnel, younger individuals, and those with previous or existing mental health disorders. Further prospective analyses using … data [from this study group] will evaluate timing, duration, and [co-existing illnesses] of alcohol misuse and other-alcohol related problems, better defining the long-term effect of military combat deployments on these important health outcomes."

Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Related Problems Before and After Military Combat Deployment
Isabel G. Jacobson, MPH; Margaret A. K. Ryan, MD, MPH; Tomoko I. Hooper, MD, MPH; Tyler C. Smith, PhD, MS; Paul J. Amoroso, MD, MPH; Edward J. Boyko, MD, MPH; Gary D. Gackstetter, DVM, PhD, MPH; Timothy S. Wells, DVM, PhD, MPH; Nicole S. Bell, ScD, MPH
******

This from the Army Times:

A new study verifies what physicians, company commanders and mental health workers already knew: Service members who see combat are at higher risk for heavy and binge drinking.

The study, reported in the August edition of the Journal of the American Medicine Association, found that National Guard and Reserve members, troops with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, and younger service members “are at increased risk of new-onset heavy weekly drinking, binge-drinking and alcohol-related problems.”

But while the statistics sound startling, the study’s definition of “heavy drinking” includes anyone who drinks one glass more per week than the American Heart Association’s definition of “moderation” — one or two drinks a day for men, according to their Web site.

Here are the definitions used in the study:

• Heavy drinking constituted more than 14 drinks a week for men and more than seven drinks a week for women.

• Binge drinking constituted five or more drinks for men and four or more for women per day at least one day a week or at least once in the past year.

• “Alcohol-related problems” included drinking even after a doctor said it was bad for a person’s health; drinking or being hung over while at work, school or other activities; having problems getting along with others while drinking; or driving after drinking. One incident of any of the above meant classification as having an “alcohol-related problem.”

Still, the new research showed an increase in pre- and post-deployment drinking patterns, especially in those who deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan and witnessed combat-related trauma, such as a dying service member or decomposing bodies.

Among reservists who had no alcohol problems prior to deployment and were exposed to combat during deployment, 9 percent were classified as “new onset” heavy drinkers after returning home, while almost 26 percent met the definition of binge drinkers and more than 7 percent had “drinking-related problems.”

Among active-duty troops who had no alcohol problems prior to deployment and who witnessed combat trauma, 6 percent qualified as heavy drinkers after returning home, while 27 percent qualified as binge drinkers and 5 percent developed drinking-related problems.

“New onset” alcohol problems also were an issue for active-duty and reserve component troops who deployed but did not witness combat trauma.

For active-duty members in that category, about 5 percent became heavy drinkers, about 22 percent became binge drinkers and 3 percent developed alcohol-related problems after deployment, according to the study.

Among reservists in that category, almost 6 percent for the study’s definition of “heavy drinker,” more than 19 percent qualified as “binge drinkers,” and more than 3 percent developed alcohol-related problems after deployment.

Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of the advocacy group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, said the study’s findings on the high risk of alcohol abuse among veterans with combat exposure and young veterans “reflects the tremendous strain these men and women are under.”

“In particular, reserve component troops experience an extremely abrupt transition from the battlefield to their civilian lives,” he said. “They are in Baghdad one week and Brooklyn the next — an incredibly difficult adjustment.”

Researchers from several organizations, including the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Madigan Army Medical Center, the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, wrote that substance abuse is known to be a problem with those who have PTSD and other war-related mental health issues, and that similar issues were reported after Vietnam and Desert Storm.

The researchers theorized that combat vets use alcohol as a coping device, and that because of the corresponding depression and anxiety issues many troops face, they find it harder to control the effects of alcohol.

“Individuals with previous mental health or alcohol problems were at significantly increased risk for changes in drinking behaviors,” researchers wrote.

So they looked at the Millennium Cohort Study, a group of 77,047 randomly selected people who were in the military on Oct. 1, 2000 and completed a baseline survey, to see how alcohol use changed for people after deployment. For this study, researchers did not use anyone who had deployed before the baseline survey.

A follow-up survey included questions about whether the service members had witnessed death because of war, disaster or a tragic event; had seen physical abuse; or had seen dead or decomposing bodies, maimed soldiers or civilians, or prisoners of war or refugees.

The survey also asked if they had been diagnosed with PTSD or depression, or if they had any symptoms.

Then they looked at drinking rates pre- and post-deployment.

Of 48,481 participants, 5,510 deployed and were exposed to combat, 5,661 deployed without seeing combat, and 37,310 did not deploy.

Researchers found that active-duty service members who were exposed to combat had the highest rates of heavy drinking, binge drinking and alcohol-related problems.

A higher rate of women than men reported heavy drinking before and after deploying — possibly due to the stress of preparing to deploy, while men were more likely to binge drink and have alcohol-related problems before and after deploying. The researchers said women tend to use alcohol as a coping mechanism, while men seem more attracted to risk-taking.

People who are young, white, non-Hispanic, Marines and current smokers had the highest rates of all three issues before and after deploying.

Researchers said this was the first study to look specifically at alcohol use before and after deployment.

“This study found a significantly increased risk for new-onset heavy weekly drinking, binge drinking, and other alcohol-related problems among Reserve/Guard personnel deployed with reported combat exposures compared with non-deployed Reserve/Guard personnel,” researchers wrote.

This is a concern because the Defense Department has relied heavily on reserve components during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, they said.

Another recent study showed that 12 percent of active-duty service members have alcohol problems after deploying, while 15 percent of Guard and Reserve members do.

The JAMA researchers suggested that reserve component service members may have higher rates because they may not be as well-trained or prepared for the added stresses of combat as active components are. They also may lack the unit cohesiveness of active-duty service members, or may not be able to access resources as readily.

The researchers proposed proven drinking intervention programs before, during and after deployment. And, because of the differences between the drinking habits of men and women, those programs should be gender-specific. They also suggested targeting Marines since they appear to be more prone to binge drinking after deployment, as well as developing alcohol problems.

However, they wrote that a stigma still remains in treating mental health, and that though the military has reduced smoking and other drug use, “progress remains slow on reduction in heavy drinking.”

In the future, the researchers plan to look at the long-term effects of combat on alcohol use.

Aviation Calendar 2009

Aviation Calendar 2009: Find 13 thrilling images of military planes, from fighter jets to aerobatic teams, from attack helicopters to battlefield UAVs. Available Exclusively through the PatriArt Gallery.

Members of the 440th Airlift Wing Command Post at Pope Air Force Base (NC) recently merged with the 43rd Airlift Wing Command Post as part of the Air Force's continuing initiative to operate more efficiently. 

Since April 1, both Reserve and active-duty controllers have been operating from the same schedule and sharing the same mission. 

"We are saving time, money and resources when we train together and follow the same procedures," said Maj. Dan George, the 440th Command Post officer in charge. "And we have complete integration of our emergency operations center, incident command structure, and command and control. We're one of the first command posts in the Air Force to fully integrate." 

Unlike other combined command posts, those here use one training plan, one security program, one duty schedule and one pool of controllers.

"All of our controllers are 'dual-MAJCOM' certified," said Master Sgt. Jeff Bello. 

Reserve controllers are trained in Air Mobility Command requirements, and active duty controllers are trained in Air Force Reserve Command requirements. 

"This means we can quickly respond to incidents affecting the active duty and Reserve wings," he said. If one of the controllers needs some flexibility, another one steps in, regardless of duty status. 

"That's just how we work together -- fully integrated," he said.

The team tries to see beyond the MAJCOMS and is ahead of other units, said Maj. Glenn Rineheart, the chief of the command post.

"We are almost identical in structure, and this allows members to swap out with other shift controllers," he said. "We run 24/7 with a high ops tempo, so it's critical we have seamless integration."

The Airmen are supported by five civilians and a ground liaison officer from the Army. Staff Sgt. Anthony Sadowski, with the 82nd Airborne, works as one of the Army liaison control element members.

"It helps being right here in the command post," he said. "It's easier to coordinate joint operations with aircrews, brief them on any plan and ensure airborne operations run smoothly."

Pope AFB has progressive technology that has leveraged the command post's robust operations, said Earl Russ, the command post operations manager.

"We have one of the best flightline video systems in the Air Force," he said. "Our multiple cameras cover the entire airfield, which is more than four square miles." 

Command post members also recently added infrared technology for nighttime security. The system relies on a fiber optic "backbone" that even allows Soldiers to monitor deploying troops at Pope AFB from nearby Fort Bragg.

Inside the command post, controllers view high definition satellite televisions on five plasma displays. At any given time, they have two controllers monitoring activities around the base, making sure information flows to critical parties.

"We have more connectivity with our sister service," Mr. Russ said. "And we're a test base for the Guardian program, a security program designed specifically for the modern terrorist environment."

To keep all the technology working, the command post employs a full-time information technology manager. A total of five civilians work in the command post, and all are prior service -- two even served as command post superintendents.

"That's a lot of knowledge to leverage," Mr. Russ said. "We've got years of talent and corporate knowledge to glean from." 

And this talent helps because the command post here is one of the highest readiness and wartime reporting agencies in AMC, he said.

The Pope AFB Maintenance Operations Center is also located in the command post, allowing a real-time view of aircraft generation on both the active duty and Reserve sides. When combined with the command post assets, the MOC becomes a more powerful tool to leadership.

"The key to our total force integration success story is attitude," Major Rineheart said. "The Pope command post is one unified team, and we're in it to win it. Our active-duty Airmen have put in long hours and our reservists have stepped up in order to make our mission successful. By concentrating on our similarities and common guideposts, we've been able to focus on the meat of the mission and achieve success together, forging the road to the future."

Ann Peru Knabe (AFPN)

~hasta la vista, baby!

1. The Official LittleBigPlanet Creator MiniGuide - This is a digital tutorial on how to get started with the game. Imagination is your only barrier, and this guide will teach you how to make the most of your creativity.

2. LittleBigPlanet Sticker Book - It's not hard to get hooked to this game, the devs say, and your passion could spill over to your possessions in the real world. Thankfully, there's a sticker book coming out which will give you all the imagery you need to slap on your favorite items.

3. LittleBigPlanet Pouch - Your copy of LittleBigPlanet is your baby, and it must be protected from any harm out there. A pouch will be available for you to place your disc in, safe from elements.

4/5. Nariko / Kratos Sackpersons - Your favorite characters from Sony's top action games are lending a hand by appearing as SackPersons which can be downloaded as special costumes.

They look cute in their new looks, don't they?

Could this be the big announcement that Alex Evan's was hinting us about?