MCLEAN, Va. — Gannett (NYSE:GCI) is offering promotional support to ClearChoice Dental
Implant Centers, the No. 1 dental implant provider in the U.S., to help
current members of the military and military veterans who have developed
dental problems.
Seven Gannett TV stations — WXIA-TV at Atlanta, WKYC-TV at Cleveland,
KUSA-TV at Denver, KPNX-TV at Phoenix, KSDK-TV at St. Louis, KXTV at
Sacramento, and WUSA-TV at Washington, DC — are participating, as are
two Gannett newspapers, USA TODAY and The Arizona Republic.
“We are proud to offer this promotional support to ClearChoice as it
gives back to our service men and women in this very unique and
important way,” said Dave Lougee, president of Gannett Broadcasting.
“Through these broadcast and print properties, we hope to reach as many
people as possible so they can nominate our military members and
veterans for this program.”
In April, the participating Gannett TV stations and newspapers will
encourage people to nominate service members and veterans for the
program through a series of ads. During May and June, the winners will
undergo the dental procedures and in July those same Gannett TV stations
and newspapers will promote them with “reveal ads” and promotions
showing how the procedures have changed the participants’ lives.
NATICK, Mass. — National Dentex Corporation (NASDAQ: NADX), one of the largest
owner/operators of dental laboratories in the United States, today
announced its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31,
2009. For the full year ended December 31, 2009, National Dentex
reported sales of $161,195,000, a 6.1% decline from reported sales of
$171,674,000 for the same period in 2008. Net income for 2009 increased
to $5,877,000, or $1.02 per diluted share, from a net loss of $877,000,
or a $.16 loss per diluted share, for fiscal 2008. Non-GAAP net income
was $6,141,000 for fiscal 2009, or $1.07 per diluted share, compared to
$5,240,000 for fiscal 2008, or $.93 per diluted share. Non-GAAP net
income excludes non-cash goodwill impairment charges, including the tax
effect. National Dentex recorded non-cash goodwill impairment charges of
$6,950,000 in the fourth quarter of 2008 and $264,000 in the third
quarter of 2009. These charges were taken with respect to certain
laboratories in connection with management’s assessment of goodwill on
its balance sheet and did not affect the Company’s cash flow. A
reconciliation of Non-GAAP net income to net income is included at the
end of this press release.
For the fourth quarter of 2009, National Dentex reported sales of
$38,174,000, which was 7.5% lower than the fourth quarter sales in 2008
of $41,264,000. Net income for the quarter was $429,000, or $.07 per
diluted share, compared to a net loss of $5,286,000, or a loss of $.93
per diluted share in 2008. Non-GAAP net income was $429,000, or $.07 per
diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to $831,000, or
$.15 per diluted share, for the same period in 2008. The difference is
primarily attributable to a tax credit related to research activities
from tax year 2002, recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 as a result
of the expiration of the final statute of limitations for IRS
modification. The after tax effect on net income in the fourth quarter
of 2008 for this item was $468,000, or $.08 per diluted share.
Commenting on today’s announcement, David Brown, Chairman and CEO,
stated: “As a result of a very difficult consumer market, 2009 has been
a challenging year for the dental laboratory industry. While we are
beginning to see improving trends, we continue to feel the effects of
the industry-wide slowdown in revenues brought on by a decline in
discretionary consumer spending. In response, we have made great strides
in controlling our production and operating costs, in particular our
labor and related payroll expenses. As a result, we have improved
profitability in 2009. In addition, we have continued to make advances
with newer technologies that we believe will enhance our competitive
advantages in the future.”
This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures, specifically
Non-GAAP net income and Non-GAAP net income per share. Non-GAAP net
income equals net income plus non-cash goodwill impairment charges,
including the tax effect, which comprise of the goodwill impairment
charges described above taken in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the
third quarter of 2009. We believe that the use of these non-GAAP
financial measures in this press release helps investors gain an
understanding of our underlying operating results without the effect of
these non-cash charges, particularly when comparing to prior periods.
These non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered
superior to or a substitute for the results of operations prepared in
accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial
measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are
included at the end of this press release.
KENNEBUNK, Maine — As Medicare Supplement insurers are positioning to gain market share,
Mark Farrah Associates (MFA) is closely monitoring competitive shifts in
the senior market. New Plans M and N will be introduced on June 1, 2010
and these plans, with lower premiums, are expected to gain traction and
become popular choices among seniors. MFA recently released an analysis
brief about Medigap. Here are some interesting highlights from New
Medicare Opportunities with Medigap.
The age 65 senior segment with more than 45 million people is one of
the most coveted target markets in the healthcare industry today. Health
plans, ancillary benefit plans, providers and vendor stakeholders remain
intently focused on senior market business opportunities. Medigap plans
have held their own in recent years as they compete with a multitude of
Medicare Advantage plans. More than 9.6 million have Medicare Supplement
policies compared with 11.3 million covered by Medicare Advantage.
Traditional health plans and multiline carriers compete in the Medicare
Supplement space. Though UnitedHealth, with a longstanding AARP
contract, has dominated, there are hundreds of Medigap plans throughout
the United States. Five companies cover 52% of the market while the
remaining 48% is covered by all other carriers.
Many vacant commercial properties in the UK may have inadequate Commercial Property Insurance despite facing a significantly increased risk of arson and malicious damage. Following similar warnings from the UKs largest insurance group, Aviva, the independent commercial insurance broker, Flint Insurance, is urging owners of empty properties to remember the importance of Commercial Insurance during these financially challenging times.
Latest research from the Local Data Company shows that the worst affected areas of the UK are experiencing a level of empty commercial properties that is hitting a 24 per cent high. The UK average for empty commercial properties is currently 12 per cent. The Local Data Companys research is representative of 92 per cent of the UK, covering more than 390,000 retail and leisure premises.
Inadequate commercial insurance can lead to financial loss for the owners of empty properties if they fall prey to acts of vandalism; furthermore, failure to inform an insurance provider that a commercial property is empty could invalidate a property owners insurance. Owners of vacant properties must also ensure that their buildings are adequately insured in response to wider legal concerns, as identified by a property risk manager for Aviva, who said:
“Empty units must be adequately protected – every year, over three million properties are vandalised and 25 per cent of this malicious damage occurs in empty properties with arson costing Pounds Sterling 2 billion”.
OLDWICK, N.J. — A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to positive from stable and
affirmed the issuer credit rating of “bbb” and affirmed the financial
strength rating (FSR) of B (Good) of Starmount Life Insurance
Company (Starmount Life) (Baton Rouge, LA). The outlook for
the FSR is stable.
The revised outlook reflects Starmount Life’s positive premium and
underwriting income growth despite the weak economy and its ongoing
diversification efforts. The company continues to produce favorable
growth in annualized premium for its core vision and dental insurance
products. Through more active marketing, expanded sales force and
additional distribution outlets, Starmount Life continues to expand its
geographic reach.
While A.M. Best notes that Starmount Life’s new business writings have
good geographical diversity, a large portion of its inforce dental and
vision business is still located in Louisiana and Mississippi. In
addition, Starmount Life’s direct premium growth has slowed due to its
reinsurance partnerships; although, those arrangements have enabled the
company to capture larger opportunities.
Pethealth Inc. (”Pethealth” or the “Company”) (TSX: PTZ) announced today that the Company will be releasing its year-end and fourth quarter results after market hours on Wednesday, 10th March, 2010. The Company also announced that it will be holding an investors conference call on Thursday, 11th March at 11.30 a.m. (EST). To participate in the conference call, please dial 1-866-225-0198. For those unable to participate, a digital replay will be available for seven days, which can be accessed by dialling 1-800-408-3053, passcode 1303162.
Pethealth is North Americas second largest provider of medical insurance for dogs and cats to pet owners, operating in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition, the Company is the leading provider of management software to North American animal welfare organisations through its SaaS-based application and is the leading provider of pet related database management services to the North American companion animal industry. Pethealth offers a unique range of products and services for veterinarians, shelters and pet owners through a number of wholly owned subsidiaries using a range of brand names including PetCare, 24PetWatch, Pet Protect, Petpals Direct, ShelterCare, PetPoint, PawsConnect.com, Petango.com and ThePetangoStore.com.
Pethealth Inc. (”Pethealth” or the “Company”) (TSX: PTZ) announced today that the Company will be releasing its year-end and fourth quarter results after market hours on Wednesday, 10th March, 2010. The Company also announced that it will be holding an investors conference call on Thursday, 11th March at 11.30 a.m. (EST). To participate in the conference call, please dial 1-866-225-0198. For those unable to participate, a digital replay will be available for seven days, which can be accessed by dialling 1-800-408-3053, passcode 1303162.
Pethealth is North Americas second largest provider of medical insurance for dogs and cats to pet owners, operating in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition, the Company is the leading provider of management software to North American animal welfare organisations through its SaaS-based application and is the leading provider of pet related database management services to the North American companion animal industry. Pethealth offers a unique range of products and services for veterinarians, shelters and pet owners through a number of wholly owned subsidiaries using a range of brand names including PetCare, 24PetWatch, Pet Protect, Petpals Direct, ShelterCare, PetPoint, PawsConnect.com, Petango.com and ThePetangoStore.com.
WASHINGTON — According to new survey data released yesterday by the American
Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), enrollment in doctoral
nursing programs increased by more than 20% this year, signaling strong
interest among students in careers as nursing scientists, faculty,
primary care providers, and specialists. Final results from AACN’s 2009
annual survey confirm that enrollments in all types of baccalaureate and
higher degree programs continue to trend upward. Though nursing schools
have been able to expand student capacity, the latest data show that
more than 54,000 qualified applications to professional nursing programs
were turned away in 2009, including more than 9,500 applications to
master’s and doctoral degree programs.
“Expanding capacity in baccalaureate and graduate programs is critical
to sustaining a healthy nursing workforce and providing patients with
the best care possible,” said AACN President Fay Raines. “Even though
these across-the-board increases in enrollments are encouraging, we
simply must find ways to advance policy and programs that will enable
schools to accommodate all qualified applicants in professional nursing
programs. Bringing more nurses into graduate programs is urgent given
the calls for more expert nurses to deliver high quality, cost-effective
care in a healthcare system undergoing reform.”
This increase in baccalaureate student population is welcome news given
the calls by AACN, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the
American Nurses Association, and other authorities to concentrate the
education of new nurses in baccalaureate programs. In a recent report by
the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Dr. Patricia
Benner and colleagues state that “profound changes in nursing practice
call for equally profound changes in the education of nurses.” The
authors found that many of today’s new nurses are “undereducated” to
meet practice demands across settings and strongly support baccalaureate
programs as the appropriate pathway for RNs entering the profession.
FALLS CHURCH, Va. ATLANTA — Helping to streamline electronic documentation processes for
perioperative care, CSC (NYSE: CSC) and the Association of
periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) announced today that Surgical
Information Systems (SIS), the perioperative IT specialist, will offer
the AORN SYNTEGRITYTM Standardized Perioperative Framework
(SPF) within its nationally recognized suite of perioperative management
solutions. Developed by CSC and AORN, SYNTEGRITYTM, in
conjunction with SIS solutions, provides the content and functionality
necessary to maintain regulatory and AORN best practice compliance.
Through the use of a standardized framework with PNDS (Perioperative
Nursing Data Set), hospitals will be able to participate in nationalized
benchmarking offered through AORN.
AORN SYNTEGRITYTM guidelines ensure that documentation is
aligned with AORN recommendations. Incorporating these guidelines
into the SIS clinical solution reduces or eliminates the need for
hospitals to create custom processes. “SIS extends the opportunity to
use the gold standard of benchmarking by offering the AORN SYNTEGRITYTM
framework as part of its market leading solution,” said Deward
Watts, president of CSC’s Healthcare Group. “Combining AORN SYNTEGRITYTM
framework with SIS solutions arms hospitals with an added means to
create efficiencies and find enhancements in the perioperative setting.”
SYNTEGRITYTM helps solution providers like SIS streamline the
capture of critical patient data for perioperative care in hospitals,
outpatient facilities and ambulatory surgery centers. The framework
enables health practitioners to quickly identify and document patient
care elements across the continuum of perioperative care, including
preadmission, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases.
AORN SYNTEGRITYTM also includes data fields necessary for
reporting relevant operational, quality and regulatory information.
“SIS and the AORN SYNTEGRITYTM framework enable a higher
level of quality care that can go beyond meeting federal requirements
and provide a path to improved outcomes and accurate reporting, no
matter what future regulations may mandate. We are delighted to see that
SIS, already recognized by AHA and HFMA, has decided to offer AORN
SYNTEGRITYTM to its clients and prospects as part if its
solution,” said AORN executive director Linda Groah, RN, MSN, CNOR, FAAN.
AORN SYNTEGRITYTM incorporates AORN’s standardized nursing
vocabulary, the Perioperative Nursing Data Set (PNDS), and aligns with
clinical standards, accreditation specifications and regulatory
requirements to promote ongoing compliance and consistent patient care.
Data derived from AORN SYNTEGRITYTM documentation can be used
to support benchmarking activities and will enable perioperative care
practitioners to measure outcomes and evaluate the quality and
effectiveness of care.
PONTE VEDRA, Fla. — MDI Healthcare Solutions, Inc., announced today that two of the
company’s senior executives will present a roundtable discussion at the
prestigious CFO Rising Conference, Navigating The New Normal on
Tuesday, March 9th in Orlando FL. The discussion, entitled,
Rx for Health Care: Why an Integrated Approach to Health Care Spend Can
Lower Costs will be presented by Andy Dengos, SVP
of Sales Business Development and Rick Farris, VP of Sales.
As health care costs continue to rise—a predicted 7 percent this year
alone-–companies are looking for effective ways to manage their
exposure. Part of the problem is that many organizations do not know
what they are paying for: they are rich in claims data, but information
poor. MDI’s Andy Dengos and Rick Farris have been scheduled by the
conference organizers to present an introduction to the multiple uses of
analytics and predictive modeling in health care cost containment. The
presentation will show corporate CFOs a multitude of tools to ensure
cost savings as well as outline the benefits of unit cost management and
an integrated approach to managing health care spending.
“In this age of ever evolving applications of data, an understanding of
the role analytics and enhanced predictability can play in containing
costs is really critical to corporations,” said Andy Dengos, MDI’s Sr.
Vice President of Sales and Business Development.
CFO Rising is the signature conference hosted by CFO magazine, an award
winning business of the Economist Group, reaching over 600,000 corporate
executives around America. The CFO Rising Conference attracts between
300-400 senior financial executives. It examines issues that are
pertinent to finance executives with clear corporate agendas.
On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation,,Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, today announced the Government of Canada will continue support for Burmese refugees and displaced persons living in Burmas border areas.
“Canadas renewed support builds on the significant results being achieved in Burmas border areas. Over the past five years, CIDA-funded health care initiatives have treated nearly one million cases of malaria, acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and severe malnutrition, provided food aid to approximately 145,000 refugees, and health care services to approximately 500,000 refugees,” said Minister Oda. “These results, along with support for community-based organizations working on human rights and environmental issues, demonstrate how Canadas assistance is helping those in need.”
“Canada, through this support, is focusing on meeting the needs of people in the border areas,” said Ms. Block. “This funding will contribute to building capacity within the Burmese population, while ensuring that basic services, such as health care and food are provided to both refugees and surrounding communities.”
The renewed funding amounts to $15.9 million over five years, and builds on CIDAs $12.4 million contribution for assistance in the region provided over the previous five years. CIDA is continuing to provide assistance in the region through Inter Pares Canada, a Canadian humanitarian organization, which supports numerous organizations, including the Thailand-Burma Border Consortium and the Mae Tao Clinic.
News reports coming out of the UK and Australia show evidence of prescription ingredients in many “natural” herb remedies sold on the Internet to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) . These popular online supplements, which claim to consist only of homeopathic ingredients, are often improperly labeled and may actually contain dangerous ingredients. Dr. J. Francois Eid, director and founder of Advanced Urological Care in New York City, is concerned about this practice, especially since, in his experience, men with erectile dysfunction choose to suffer in silence rather than seek medical help for their condition.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) , the governing body for medication sales in the United Kingdom, tested 138 unlicensed ED treatments and found random, uncontrolled quantities of prescription ingredients in almost two-thirds of them. “Erectile dysfunction is a condition that is easily treatable in a variety of safe ways under the careful watch of a physician,” said Dr. Eid, who has successfully treated ED patients over the last 22 years of practice. “However, since many men are embarrassed by ED, they look for help elsewhere and expose themselves to serious problems such as heart attack, stroke and severe hypertension.”
Even more troubling is the fact that many of these “natural” products falsely claimed to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. In actuality, more than one-third of the supplements that claim to treat ED or enhance sexual performance contain sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, or vardenafil, the active ingredient in Levitra. Advertisements for Viagra, Levitra and other drugs for ED warn of the dangers of taking these drugs if you are also on prescription medications that contain nitrates. Nitrates are prescribed for conditions such as angina or coronary artery disease in patients that also may suffer from ED.
The combination of nitrates with the active ingredients in ED medications could potentially lower blood pressure to an unsafe level. Under a physicians care, blood pressure levels are carefully monitored. However, an online consumer of these supplements, not approved by a doctor, will be unaware of the Viagra- or Levitra-type of ingredients in these supplements, which could either present a serious problem or exacerbate a pre-existing condition.
Conversely, according to Bloomberg News, Pfizers Viagra patent was partially rejected after it was discovered that the active ingredient [sildenafil citrate] was too similar to a Chinese herb known as Horny Goat Weed. An appeals board upheld the decision that “an element, or claim, of the patent for a method of treating male erectile dysfunction didnt cover a new invention.” The patent claim was part of an infringement suit Pfizer filed in 2002 against Eli Lilly over its rival Cialis drug. The decision on that part of the patent will now go into appeals.
An Important Step Toward Changing How Healthcare is Delivered
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A recently established a strategic partnership between the American
College of Cardiology and Health Outcomes Sciences (HOS), signals a
paradigm shift in the way healthcare is practiced.
The Kansas City-based HOS offers software solutions that make it
possible to deliver individualized, evidence-based medicine at the point
of care. Its capabilities will be showcased at the Hybrid Cath Lab/OR
Suite exhibit at the ACC.10 and i2 Summit, March 14-16, in Atlanta, Ga.
“The HOS software is an exciting inclusion in our conference’s hybrid
cath lab suite display,” says Henry A. Solomon, M.D., chief medical
officer for business development at the American College of Cardiology.
“HOS enables physicians and patients to better collaborate on treatment
options and engage in shared decision-making that will improve outcomes,
increase patient satisfaction and reduce healthcare costs overall.”
Mr. Cashman will provide an overview of SANUWAVE’s global plans for the
Company’s innovative Pulsed Acoustic Cellular Expression (PACE™)
technology including an update on the dermaPACE™ Pivotal Phase III
Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical trial to evaluate the
healing of chronic, diabetic foot ulcers. He will also discuss the
Company’s other strategic initiatives in the wound care, orthopedic and
aesthetic market segments.
About SANUWAVE Health, Inc.
Lihir Gold Ltd (LGL) (TSX: LGG)(NASDAQ: LIHR)(ASX: LGL) has entered into an agreement with Castlemaine Goldfields Limited for the sale of the Ballarat project in Victoria.
LGL will receive A$4.5 million in cash plus an additional 2.5% royalty interest(i) in future production, capped at A$50 million. The sale is subject to certain conditions including Castlemaine shareholders approving the issue of new equity to raise a minimum of A$20 million.
Castlemaine has indicated it intends to take the Ballarat operation forward as an exploration project, and will therefore cease mining and processing for the immediate future.
In preparation for the transition to new ownership, the operation will be wound down and placed on care and maintenance from today. Redundancies will be offered to affected employees. LGL will provide full entitlements and support services to employees and their families, including outplacement assistance.
Ipsen (Paris:IPN) (Euronext: FR0010259150; IPN), a global biotechnology
specialty care group and Menarini, the first Italian pharmaceutical
Group in the world with a significant pan-European presence, today
announced the launch of ADENURIC® (febuxostat) in France
where they will co-promote the drug. Other launches by Menarini are
planned shortly, notably in United Kingdom, Germany and Ireland.
Thierry Poiraud, MD, General Manager, Menarini France said: “We
are proud to be the first country in Europe to launch this very
promising drug with Ipsen. In collaboration with rheumatologists and
general practitioners I hope we can significantly improve the chronic
management of this painful and frequent disease,which may lead to
serious complications with a major impact on quality of life. ”
Etienne de Blois, Deputy General Manager, Ipsen France Operations,
Ipsen said: “The launch of ADENURIC® will
provide patients and physicians with a new treatment alternative in a
condition with high unmet medical needs. It also strengthens Ipsen’s
primary care franchise in France, the first country to launch the drug
in Europe. Ipsen is proud to work with Menarini to make that achievement
possible.”
About ADENURIC®(febuxostat)
Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. (OTCBB: CEMI), which develops, manufactures, markets and licenses point-of-care diagnostic tests, reported its first yearly profit since its merger in May 2004. Total revenues were $13.83 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, which compares to total revenues of $11.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, a 25% increase. The Company recorded net income of approximately $309,000, or less than $0.01 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to a net loss of approximately $(1,949,000), or $(0.03) per share, for the year ended December 31, 2008. Total revenues were $3.55 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, which compares to total revenues of $2.45 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, a 45% increase. The Company recorded net income of approximately $217,000, or under $0.01 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to a net loss of approximately $550,000, or $0.01 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2008.
The operating results in 2009 include $5.24 million of revenues from the sale of rapid HIV tests to Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc., the Companys exclusive U.S. marketing partner for its two FDA approved rapid HIV tests. This represents an increase of $3.13 million, or 148%, compared to $2.11 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Sales to Inverness in the fourth quarter of 2009 were $1.83 million, an increase of $1.29 million, or 238%, as compared to the fourth quarter in 2008. The Company also realized a record amount of revenues related to research development contracts and grants, which increased 93% to $1.34 million in the year ended December 31, 2009 from $694,000 in the year ended December 31 2008. Also included in our 2009 product sales was $619,500 of DPP® product sales, an increase of 392%, or $493,500, as compared to $126,000 in 2008. The 2009 results also reflect significant overhead reductions as compared with the year of 2008 when the Company initiated a series of cost reductions. The Company has nevertheless over the same period increased its research development expenses, as more products based on the Companys patented DPP® technology were validated for manufacture and entered the clinical evaluation and regulatory approval process.
Commenting on the results, Chembios President, Lawrence A. Siebert, stated, “We are very pleased with our 2009 results, which included strong growth in our base business of lateral flow HIV tests, and record revenue from research and development contracts and grants, which enabled us to increase our investment in our new DPP product pipeline. I believe we are very well positioned to deliver continued growth in 2010 and beyond, as the growth from our base business is accelerated from the commercialization of our new DPP® rapid, point of care products.”
Cardiac Network, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: CNWI), a developer of advanced mobile medical monitoring systems, announced today that it has entered into a Business Development Agreement with Gecco Consulting, LLC. Under the agreement, Gecco Consulting will provide Cardiac Network with creative branding, corporate development, along with other business development services. Cardiac Network selected Gecco Consulting based on its proven track record of successfully developing innovative companies.
Gecco Consulting will help Cardiac Network continue to build a strong national network of physicians, healthcare providers, hospitals and patients that will rely on its state-of-the-art heart monitor products. Gecco Consulting, headed by Mr. Wayne Irving, brings to the table Waynes own depth in identifying start-up opportunities, often dealing with the unique approaches associated with new technology applications. Gecco Consulting recent successes include its assistance of publicly traded companies such as Origin Oil, Inc., Carbon Sciences, Inc (CABN) and the upcoming blockbuster “Cowboys and Aliens” movie licensee Platinum Studios, Inc (PDOS).
After reviewing Cardiac Networks exclusive licensing of new technologies and its new-age approach to the field of “Tele-medicine,” Gecco Consulting concluded that Cardiac Network is poised to become the breakthrough leader in addressing the huge health care issue of heart disease in the United States — estimated by The American Heart Association estimates to be more than 700,000 in annual deaths occurring in the United States, alone.
Cardiac Networks new line of heart monitor products will demonstrate new approaches in combating heart disease, the once silent killer, through daily monitoring and just-in-time emergency response. As voiced through The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, more attention has been brought to the need for intelligent, preventative action, before a cardiac event occurs, in each and every American home.
For the Cardiac Network, this means bringing attention to the existence of the next generation of electrocardiogram ( EKG or ECG) heart monitoring devices that are:
The Canadian Healthcare Association (CHA) acknowledges the difficult decisions faced by Government in crafting todays budget.
“Canada is still facing tough economic times,” said Pamela Fralick, President and CEO, Canadian Healthcare Association, “and it is tempting to make cuts.”
The governments announcement that the transfer payments to provinces and territories will be maintained is reassuring. Furthermore, this confirmation of its earlier commitment has been strengthened with a one-time payment to six provinces of $525 million, to ensure they do not face a decline in entitlements under health and social transfers, as well as equalization, a move that is welcomed by all. Our expectations are raised that this commitment to the conditions and spirit of the 2004 Accord will be maintained throughout the coming years.
Releasing the funds allocated to Canada Health Infoway in Budget 2009 is the right thing to do. This investment is pivotal to a sustainable, efficient, effective and safe health system.
Some initiatives fell short of our expectations.
As part of an on-going effort to benefit millions of Americans who are losing their sight to retinal degenerative diseases, the annual Retinal Innovation Symposium and Dining in the Dark event will be held March 25, 2010 at the Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel in Newport Beach, California.
The Symposium will be immediately followed by the fourth annual Orange County Dining in the Dark, a unique, sensory awareness experience in which dinner guests participate in a dining adventure in complete darkness. They will rely solely on their senses of smell, sound and touch and will be served by blind waiters and waitresses. Recognizing efforts to fight blindness, the dinner will honor Gavin S. Herbert, founder and chairman emeritus of Allergan Inc., and Roger F. Steinert, MD, U-C Irvines Ophthalmology Department chairman and director of the universitys Gavin Herbert Eye Institute.
Both events are organized and sponsored by The Foundation Fighting Blindness, the worlds largest private funding source for retinal degenerative disease, as well as private donors.
The mission of both events will be to continue to drive the research and introduction of medical products that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Usher syndrome and similar diseases. The most common of these afflictions is AMD, which affects more than 10 million adults in the United States alone and is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 55.
BOLLINGBROOK, Ill. — Ulta Salon, Cosmetics Fragrance, Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA), a beauty retailer
with 346 retail stores, today announced that the Company will conduct a
conference call to discuss fourth quarter and fiscal 2009 results on
Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time / 4:00 p.m. Central
Time. A press release detailing the Company’s fourth quarter and fiscal
2009 results will be issued after the market closes and prior to the
call. The conference call will be hosted by Lyn Kirby, President and
Chief Executive Officer and Gregg Bodnar, Chief Financial Officer.
Moms spend much of their time looking after everyone else — be it their husbands, parents, kids, grandkids or even pets — and leave very little time to take care of themselves. Give the Mom in your life the rare chance to focus on herself with a relaxing, seven-day Caribbean getaway to The Inn at English Harbour on Antigua.
The Inn, ideally situated on 19 acres of wooded headland next to the entrance of the historic town of English Harbour, recently finished a dramatic $1.5 million renovation that brought a fresh face to nearly every corner of the colonial-style resort. Spacious, updated, air-conditioned suites merge with a private beach, quiet walkways, an infinity edge pool and beautifully landscaped gardens to create an ideal setting for mom to pamper herself while marveling at tropical wonders.
Book a five-day stay at The Inn anytime between May 3 and May 14 — and nights six and seven will be complimentary. Room rates start at $600 a night and include taxes and service charges as well as an English breakfast and three-course dinner.
When you arrive at The Inn, youll be shown to one of 28 guestrooms. The Inns two Beach Cabanas sit right on the beach, only steps from the Caribbean, while the 16 junior suites and 8 deluxe junior suites dwell in colonial-style buildings just the right distance from the infinity-edge pool. The elegant suites evoke the grandeur of colonial days, with polished mahogany floors, handsome antiques, tall ceilings and inviting queen-sized beds. Upscale amenities includes a separate toilet and bidet, twin washbasins, a shower of earthy green slate and Penhaligons fine English toiletries as well as cable TV, direct dial telephones, flat-screen televisions and complimentary WiFi access.
For a truly indulgent experience, moms can add a visit to The Inns Spa, newly built in 2008. Enjoy a Swedish Massage, which uses long-flowing strokes to soothe muscles, relieve tensions and improve circulation. Or, sign up for The Muscle Melter, a deep-tissue massage thats designed to decrease pain and loosen tight muscles. An adjacent beauty room offers facials, along with mani-pedis, waxing and every kind of hair treatment.
CTEK, a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries, has today highlighted the importance of proper Battery Maintenance and care as one in four classic cars will develop battery problems during the winter.
As Spring arrives and motorists look forward to driving their classic cars which have been locked up through the winter months, many of them will face disappointment as battery problems mean the car cannot be started.
To avoid this, CTEK has offered some tips to drivers to protect their batteries through the winter months;
- The top of the battery, the terminal posts and connections should be carefully cleaned with water and baking soda to remove any dirt or moisture. Dirty or moist surfaces increase the level of self discharge.
- Contact terminals should be clean, dry and lightly greased to protect against corrosion.
KIEV, Ukraine — Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenkos pro-Western Orange coalition dissolved Tuesday as her former allies turned against her, setting her up to be ousted in a no-confidence vote. The development spells the final repudiation of the Orange Revolution Tymoshenko helped lead in 2004 and paves the way for Ukraines new Kremlin-friendly president to consolidate his power. President Viktor Yanukovych defeated Tymoshenko in last months election, but she has been a thorn in his side, refusing to resign and challenging the vote results. “This coalition did not come up with enough votes.. I therefore announce the termination of this coalitions activity,” Lytvyn said.
Winter is here, and that means the windows stay closed and there is less fresh air to dilute and replace odors and indoor air pollution.
Getting rid of animal odors, carpet smells and various indoor pollutants can be a major challenge, but adding sprays and fragrances to the environment can aggravate allergies and typically does nothing more than put additional pollutants in the air.
Earth Care Products has come up with a solution to eliminate these unhealthy indoor pollutants.
Clear the Air Carpet Furniture Odor Eliminator from Earth Care Products of San Diego is a natural non-toxic odor removal product specially designed to eliminate odors rather than cover up odors.
Clear the Air inventor Bill Vaughan has created a special All-Natural formula that is non-toxic, biodegradable and hypoallergenic. It also contains no volatile organic chemicals, it is safe around children and pets even if swallowed, and it has no effect on fabrics and leather.
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) announced today that its
subsidiary, Teledyne Scientific Imaging, LLC (TSI), has a key role in
NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), with two of
Teledyne’s megapixel imaging sensors at the heart of the WISE infrared
camera. The mission will be the most sensitive infrared survey ever made
of the universe.
Operating in a sun-synchronous low Earth orbit, WISE is designed to scan
the entire sky in infrared light, picking up the glow of hundreds of
millions of objects and producing millions of images. It is anticipated
that objects never seen before will be discovered, including the coolest
stars, the universe’s most luminous galaxies and some of the darkest
near-Earth asteroids and comets. Its vast catalogs will help answer
fundamental questions about the origins of planets, stars and galaxies,
and provide a mountain of data for astronomers to mine for decades to
come. The WISE catalog will guide the observations of the Hubble Space
Telescope (HST), ground-based observatories, and the James Webb Space
Telescope (JWST).
The WISE observatory is hundreds of times more sensitive than previous
space missions due in part to its advanced detector technology. There
are four megapixel infrared sensors in WISE and Teledyne provided two of
them (each is 1024×1024 pixels). The Teledyne sensors detect light at
bands centered at 3.4 and 4.6 microns; 5 to 7 times longer than the
longest wavelengths that can be detected by the human eye. At these
wavelengths, WISE will detect the thermal emission of cooler objects,
such as brown dwarf stars, and will see the visible light from distant
galaxies that has been stretched into infrared wavelengths by the
expansion of the universe (known as “redshift”).
The Teledyne infrared detectors are made from an advanced detector
technology pioneered by Teledyne called “substrate-removed HgCdTe.” The
detector material is a crystal lattice that is specially grown from the
elements mercury, cadmium and tellurium. This type of detector provides
improved infrared sensitivity with the lowest noise, vital for detecting
the faint signals from distant objects. Teledyne’s sensors with this
advanced technology have already been critical to the success of several
NASA missions. A megapixel sensor was installed in May 2009 in the HST
Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) instrument, a combined visible-infrared
sensor operated in the Moon Mineralogy Mapper that discovered water on
the moon, and fifteen 4-megapixel sensors from Teledyne will be used in
the JWST. Teledyne’s substrate-removed HgCdTe focal plane array is the
baseline technology for several future space astronomy and Earth
observation missions, and is now the standard for ground-based astronomy.
The most sensitive infrared surveys of the universe must be made from
space to avoid the high level of infrared light produced by the Earth’s
atmosphere and to avoid the absorption of infrared light by the
atmosphere. In spite of the limitations of ground-based observations,
the most thorough all-sky infrared survey to date has been the Two
Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) that was conducted by the University of
Massachusetts and the California Institute of Technology during
1997-2001. The 2MASS used telescopes located in Arizona and Chile with
the largest infrared arrays that were available at the time; each
infrared camera had three Teledyne sensors of 256×256 pixels,
one-sixteenth the size of the WISE sensors. 2MASS produced a catalog of
over 500 million objects that has guided infrared astronomy for the past
decade.
Solutions Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SOLU) announced today that its subsidiary idrive Monitoring Systems, srl, will begin offering Managed Services for its VEDR camera.
Beginning April 1, customers of idrive monitoring systems can opt for the new idrive service to process, review and determine the severity of an event that comes from the customers in-vehicle recordings. Utilizing two offshore locations, and beginning with 25 direct employees, idrive is well positioned to offer this initial service. Pricing has not been set but is expected to be in the $20-$30 per camera per month range. “With nearly a third of our customers asking for this service, it was only natural that we add it to our product offering. In addition, this fits very well with our business model as it creates a recurring revenue stream, at the same time as it simplifies our clients use of idrive,” stated Stefan Dragomir, President of idrive Monitoring Systems, srl. Based on visibility, idrive expects this service to add up to 3 million dollars in Revenue to 2010.
About Solutions Group, Inc. :
Solutions Group, Inc. is an international provider of Managed Engineering Services. The Company seamlessly integrates its regional design centers in North America with its lower cost off-shore engineering locations in Romania and Mexico to provide exceptional blended pricing solutions and reduced product design cycle times. Solutions Group creates greater value for its shareholders by leveraging its core engineering competencies into other opportunities including royalty partnerships, intellectual property creation and selective acquisitions. SGIs customers currently include major Fortune 500 companies, small and mid-range OEMs and early stage product companies.
PHOENIX — Apex EDI, one of the nation’s leading e-claims reimbursement companies
for dental and medical professionals, announced today it has been
selected as the preferred e-claims provider of the Arizona Dental
Association. The prestigious organization includes 2,600 dental
professionals of all specialties dedicated to establishing the highest
standard of care for the public and inspiring its members in the pursuit
of professional excellence.
Apex EDI has served the professional dental community for more than 15
years with leading-edge technology solutions focused on streamlined and
efficient claims processing. Its Apex OneTouch solution is a complete
electronic claims reimbursement system that enables dental teams to get
paid fast by preparing and submitting insurance claims in less than two
minutes a day. Arizona Dental Association members will now be offered
exclusive pricing by Apex that could save practices as much as 40% in
electronic claims processing fees alone.
“The Arizona Dental Association is continually researching quality
resources that provide exceptional savings and value to our members,”
said Dr. John Biddulph, President, Arizona Dental Association Services,
Inc. “We are pleased to announce AzDA Services has recently added Apex
EDI as an endorsed company for electronic insurance claims. Apex EDI was
selected based on the company’s strong customer service record and
commitment to offering our members the best possible claims service at a
competitive price, and we encourage our members to take advantage of the
AzDA member discount for this valuable service.”
“We are delighted that Apex OneTouch has been named the exclusive
e-claims provider of the Arizona Dental Association,” said Sheldon
Miner, CEO of Apex EDI. “Our speedy claims processing, online claims
tracking and corrections capabilities, and easy-to-use reporting and
analysis features provide dentists with great tools to improve their
office efficiency and profitability. It is an honor to be recognized by
this prestigious organization and offer their members the best solution
to process claims at a considerable cost savings.”
PHILADELPHIA — DentalVibe™ a new dental device now on the market takes the fear and
pain out of dental injections. The product design firm, Bresslergroup,
teamed with Dr. Steven G. Goldberg, DDS, to design the easy to use tool.
Research shows that fear of a painful anesthetic injection keeps 50% of
the patient population away from the dentist. DentalVibe™ officially
launched at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, February 27, 2010.
Dental Vibe™ employs the “Gate Control Theory“ of pain management. This
means creating a diversion for the brain. The DentalVibe™ hand held tool
rapidly vibrates the oral mucosa (gum tissue) surrounding the injection
site. These rapid vibrations are processed in the patient’s brain, while
the injection is simultaneously administered. The patient’s brain
registers the vibrations, not the pain. The DentalVibe™ instrument also
retracts the lips and illuminates the injection area. These additional
features help avoid accidental needle sticks and greatly enhance
operator visibility.
Bresslergroup is in the business of helping companies define and design
innovative new products. Through research they determined that steady
vibration would quickly be decoded and ignored by the brain. The
breakthrough discovery was to engineer an intermittent pulse – applying
vibration for a brief period, followed by a quick stillness period. “We
designed the DentalVibe™ tool with a stop and start vibration pattern
that continually tricks the brain and masks the pain of the injection,”
notes David Schiff, Bresslergroup Director of Engineering.
The microprocessor controlled VibraPulse™ technology sends a pulsed,
percussive form of vibration. This vibratory stimulation travels along
the A-beta nerve fibers and is transmitted quickly to the brain. Pain
sensations travel along the slower C fibers. So in the race to the
finish, the brain feels the vibration, not the pain of injection.
eQuest today announced that it has added
support to its posting user interface to comply with Section 508 — making
job posting available and accessible to people with disabilities. Under the
Rehabilitation Act in 1998, Congress required federal agencies to make
their websites accessible to people with disabilities. Section 508 was
enacted not only to remove online barriers and encourage opportunities for
people with disabilities but to also encourage innovation of technologies
to achieve these goals.
eQuest acknowledges that proper compliance with Section 508 recommendations
is important to its users with visual, auditory and mobility impairments.
eQuest is committed to providing everyone within these affected groups
accessibility to its job delivery gateway in the areas of user interface
design. eQuest is currently used by many federal organizations and already
conforms to many of the Section 508 accessibility guidelines and
regulations.
According to John Malone, President and CEO at eQuest, “Our continued
technology advancements underscore our commitment to provide our customers
with every avenue possible to source talent through our easy-to-use,
on-demand job posting application.”
CTEK, a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries, has today highlighted the importance of proper Battery Maintenance and care as one in four classic cars will develop battery problems during the winter.
As Spring arrives and motorists look forward to driving their classic cars which have been locked up through the winter months, many of them will face disappointment as battery problems mean the car cannot be started.
To avoid this, CTEK has offered some tips to drivers to protect their batteries through the winter months;
- The top of the battery, the terminal posts and connections should be carefully cleaned with water and baking soda to remove any dirt or moisture. Dirty or moist surfaces increase the level of self discharge.
- Contact terminals should be clean, dry and lightly greased to protect against corrosion.
Winter is here, and that means the windows stay closed and there is less fresh air to dilute and replace odors and indoor air pollution.
Getting rid of animal odors, carpet smells and various indoor pollutants can be a major challenge, but adding sprays and fragrances to the environment can aggravate allergies and typically does nothing more than put additional pollutants in the air.
Earth Care Products has come up with a solution to eliminate these unhealthy indoor pollutants.
Clear the Air Carpet Furniture Odor Eliminator from Earth Care Products of San Diego is a natural non-toxic odor removal product specially designed to eliminate odors rather than cover up odors.
Clear the Air inventor Bill Vaughan has created a special All-Natural formula that is non-toxic, biodegradable and hypoallergenic. It also contains no volatile organic chemicals, it is safe around children and pets even if swallowed, and it has no effect on fabrics and leather.
Tampa-based HomeBancorp, Inc. has named Teresa
Stachurski as Mortgage Loan Officer for HomeBanc. She is based in
HomeBancs Bonita Springs office, located at 24830 South Tamiami Trail,
Suite 3500.
HomeBanc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tampa-based HomeBancorp, Inc.,
with six retail offices in Lake Mary, Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota), Belleair
Bluffs and in Tampa at Rocky Point, on Dale Mabry at I-275 and Westchase.
HomeBanc also operates six loan-production offices in Tampa, Lake Mary,
Brandon, Lakeland, Gainesville and Bonita Springs.
Report highlights include:
“Although many markets have seen a slow down in price gains, Im encouraged that prices have remained positive through the first two months of the year despite all the negative economic news and threat of more REOs hitting the markets,” said Dr. Alex Villacorta, Senior Statistician, Clear Capital. “If the increase in demand that preceded the end of the last tax credit is any indication, home prices may dip only slightly into negative territory before getting an added boost before the April tax credit deadline.”
“We observed an expected increase in REO saturation this month as the flow of foreclosures continued to come into the market, while traditional non-distressed sales wait to be listed in the spring and summer months,” added Villacorta.
According to recent statistics, as many as eight million households may be in danger of foreclosure across the United States. This is a sure sign that mortgage industry woes have not ended their downturn. However, the Fair Home Loan Bureau (FHLB) has announced new information concerning loan modification for homeowners in danger of losing their homes.
According to FHLB, home loan modification is one of the best ways for a homeowner to retain ownership of their current home, whether they are in danger of foreclosure, or if the process has already started. While the qualifications are relatively straightforward, it should be noted that mortgage loan modification differs with individual situations.
Loan modification offers homeowners the ability to reduce the amount of their home loan. Often, this allows them to realize a home mortgage payment of only 30% of the gross monthly income.
This ensures that homeowners are able to remain within their homes for years, or opt to remain until housing values return to normal and they are no longer underwater with their loan. It should be noted, however, that home loan modification does not reduce the actual amount of the loan. Rather, it changes the monthly loan payment amount.
FHLB understands the confusion and concern caused by these new options. Determining eligibility alone can be a significant headache for a homeowner, much less contacting their lender about the availability of loan modification. For this reason, FHLB urges consumers to contact them for vital information and expert assistance prior to embarking on loan modification. Protecting the interests of the American homeowner is the Bureaus driving goal.
Tampa-based HomeBancorp, Inc. has named Teresa
Stachurski as Mortgage Loan Officer for HomeBanc. She is based in
HomeBancs Bonita Springs office, located at 24830 South Tamiami Trail,
Suite 3500.
HomeBanc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tampa-based HomeBancorp, Inc.,
with six retail offices in Lake Mary, Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota), Belleair
Bluffs and in Tampa at Rocky Point, on Dale Mabry at I-275 and Westchase.
HomeBanc also operates six loan-production offices in Tampa, Lake Mary,
Brandon, Lakeland, Gainesville and Bonita Springs.
Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) today announced banner earnings for 2009. The announcement ends the year on a high note for the credit union in an otherwise challenging economic environment for many financial institutions worldwide.
“For the past decade, our strategy has been to be the low-cost provider offering exceptional value at best market rates. By keeping our expenses and loan losses low, PenFed has delivered maximum return to our members,” said Frank Pollack, President, PenFed.
For 2009, PenFeds dividend payout was the highest of any of the major defense credit unions in the United States. PenFeds operating expenses were the lowest among the major defense credit unions and were the second lowest among the ten largest credit unions in America. PenFeds operating expenses were one third that of the average credit union and half that of the average bank. “We are committed to strong, consistent growth, more importantly; we are committed to balanced growth and earnings to maintain a consistently strong capital position,” Pollack said.
Within its peer group of credit unions with assets of $1 billion or greater, Callahan Associates, a consulting firm, ranked PenFed in the top three each of the past five years and twice awarded PenFed a number one ranking in the past five years.
Fast approaching a membership of 1 million strong, PenFed has consistently rated at the highest level of safety and soundness by their regulator, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). “It is our job as stewards of our members money, to always be prepared, to have thought through the risks, the alternatives, and the best course of action before such action is ever necessary,” Pollack said.
Winning Massage Schools to Receive $2500 Grants for Community
Volunteer Service
SAN DIEGO — BIOTONE
today launched its 2010 Edu-Partner
Community Outreach Award Program. Now in its fourth year, the
BIOTONE program awards two massage schools $2500 grants for their
community volunteer massage therapy programs conducted during the year.
BIOTONE will announce the 2010 recipients in early 2011.
BIOTONE established the Community Outreach Award Program in 2007 to
reward massage therapy schools for helping their communities, providing
students with unique, hands-on training and advancing public awareness
of the healing value of massage. In making its selection, BIOTONE
evaluates a program’s impact on the community, benefits to recipients
and ability to meet stated goals.
The BIOTONE Community Outreach Award is part of the company’s
Edu-Partner initiative. BIOTONE helps schools raise their visibility
among prospective students, and schools participate with the company in
joint marketing activities. Over 800 schools participate in the BIOTONE
Edu-Partner program.
LOOKING good has never been so affordable with our fantastic health and beauty promotion, giving you 50 per cent off! The Sunday Mirror has teamed up with Embody to offer you half- price pampering on a complete range of therapies and treatments including reflexology, aromatherapy, a relaxing facial or body massage and many more.
CINCINNATI, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ — PG introduced the first-ever Beauty Grooming Salon Spa at the PG Family Home at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. The PG Family Home will provide Team USA athletes and their families a place to come together in an inviting and comfortable environment for the duration of the Olympic Winter Games. The PG Beauty Grooming Salon Spa is the ultimate destination for pampering services including makeovers and massages. The PG Beauty Grooming Salon Spa will offer Pantene hair styling, cosmetic mini-makeovers with COVERGIRL products, and Olay and Venus leg treatments. Athletes and their families are welcome to relax and enjoy these services at the PG Family Home daily from 11 am-7 pm from February 11-28. “As a proud partner of the U.S. Olympic Team, we hope to enhance the experience of Team USA athletes and their families by offering the PG Beauty Grooming Salon Spa,” said Joe Arcuri, Vice President, PG Beauty Grooming. “U.S. Olympic Winter Games athletes need beauty products that perform as well as they do. Offering these services with PGs beauty brands is our way of helping the athletes and their families relax in the midst of their busy schedules.” As part of the sponsorship, PG has partnered with top-performing Team USA athletes Lindsey Vonn, Tanith Belbin and Allison Baver, and Olympic gold medalist Vonetta Flowers. These athletes have physically demanding lifestyles and recognize the importance of an easily accessible beauty routine. The athletes rely on beauty products they can trust to help them showcase their feminine side and look and feel their best.
NEW YORK — Sun Knowledge, Ltd., a leading Healthcare Insurance provider of
Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) services is pleased to announce a
successful showing at the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute’s Annual
Drug Benefit Conference in Phoenix, Az. February 17-19.
“We are very pleased at the response we received at PBMI’s Drug Benefit
Conference, and believe that we have forged the basis for strong future
partnerships,” said Craig Spargimino, Vice President of Sales and
Marketing at Sun Knowledge, Ltd. “In addition to having the opportunity
to meet with and demonstrate our capabilities to the top pharmacy
benefit management companies, consultants, and employer-sponsored
healthcare groups, we were also able to gain important additional
insights regarding their needs. This will surely translate to even
better business practices and enhancements to our already top-notch
bespoke and productized offerings.”
Sun Knowledge employs top experts in the fields of pharmacy, medicine,
IT and security. They have developed multiple in-house solutions that
provide customized end-to-end services while concentrating on data
security, automation, scalability and interconnectivity. With a proven
track record, Sun Knowledge provides these quality services at 50-60
percent less than current SGA rates for Medicare, Medicaid, PBM, and
Commercial Insurance operations. All of their programs meet and exceed
all federal, state, and regulatory requirements.
Within the PBM industry, Sun Knowledge enables their clients to expand
their product offerings to their Medicare and Commercial clients, lower
their operational cost, maintain better controls on rebates, and
significantly enhance their reporting and data management capabilities.
Among Sun Knowledge’s services for PBMs include:
Pro Pointer, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: PPII), through its wholly owned subsidiary Coenzyme-A Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce they are beginning distribution negotiations with ERC Saglik Urunleri, a Mediterranean Company and also Global Pharmaceuticals, a North African Company. Both of these companies are leading international wholesale pharmaceutical distributors for the medical-optical devices and pharmaceutical equipment and nutraceutical and have a large customer base in the Mediterranean region, North Africa and the Middle East territories. Erc Saglik Urunleri is currently serving many of the over 1100 hospitals, 18,000 independent pharmacies and approximately 22,000 independent medical practices in their respective territories.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information contained in this news release, other than historical information, consists of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These statements may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including all business uncertainties relating to product development, marketing, market acceptance, future capital requirements, competition in general and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The Company is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Byline: HELEN RAE PHARMACISTS in the region are offering free NHS health checks which could add years to patients lives. Gateshead residents are being urged to take time out of their busy schedules to get a 20-minute health check. NHS South of Tyne and Wear is now offering free NHS Health Checks to 40 to 74-year-olds at five Gateshead pharmacies. The check assesses peoples risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or diabetes.
Panasonic Corporation, the Official Worldwide
Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category for the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, is pleased to announce that the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have selected two models of Panasonic IP
surveillance cameras for indoor and outdoor competition venues and other
Olympic facilities for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games.
Panasonics state-of-the-art technology is intended to be used in
conjunction with other security technology to secure official Olympic sites
and sporting venues. The high picture quality and high-sensitivity
surveillance camera systems will be an integral part of the RCMPs plan to
offer all visitors and athletes a safe and enjoyable experience at the
Games.
“Panasonic security products have been used by the RCMP in many
high-profile rapid and temporary deployments,” said Jim Brown, Director,
Professional Imaging and Display Solutions, Panasonic Canada Inc. “Our
surveillance cameras provide them with the reliability and high-quality IP
imaging which will assist in providing the RCMP a birds eye view of the
Olympic sites.”
About Panasonic System Networks Company of America
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
JOHN TERRY was publicly humiliated yesterday when Wayne Bridge carried out his promise to snub the disgraced former England captain. Bridge, enraged by Terrys affair with his ex-girlfriend, refused to shake his hand as Chelsea lined up against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. The dramatic moment was caught live on TV cameras and broadcast to millions of viewers around the globe. The Terry/Bridge confrontation certainly lived up to all the pre- match hype. It had been billed “Battle of the Bridge” because it was the first time the pair had met since it was revealed that Terry had bedded Vanessa Perroncel, the mother of Bridges three-year-old son. Inevitably, prior to kick-off, all eyes were on Terry and former Chelsea player Bridge, 29, to see whether the pair would observe the sporting ritual of shaking hands before the game.
Editors Note: There is a photo and a video associated with this Press Release.
An international research group coordinated by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) shows that a novel use of a common medical device, found in every ambulance, doctors office and even in many homes, can reduce the size of adult heart attacks by as much as 50 per cent. The medical device is a standard blood pressure cuff and the method, called remote ischemic preconditioning, has been shown to protect the heart during a heart attack. The study is published in the February 26 edition of The Lancet.
Dr. Andrew Redington , Division Head of Cardiology and Senior Associate Scientist at SickKids, and Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto , led a transatlantic team of scientists from Aarhus, Denmark and Oxford, UK.
The randomized study looked at 333 Danish adult patients who were having heart attacks. Half the patients received remote ischemic preconditioning in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. The SickKids-developed preconditioning method consists of using a regular blood pressure cuff to transiently cut off blood flow to the arm; the cuff was inflated for five minutes, then deflated for five minutes, four times. At the hospital, the patients received routine heart attack treatment including angioplasty (a procedure to mechanically open narrowed or blocked blood vessels to the heart). Compared to the control group, the size of the heart attack was reduced by about 30 per cent overall in patients who were preconditioned. In patients having the largest heart attacks, the size was reduced by about 50 per cent.
“This is a good example of how research leads to clinical benefits,” says Redington. “Remote ischemic preconditioning could be one of the most effective treatments for evolving heart attacks that we have. While its too early to say whether this will be applicable in all cases, these results are extremely promising.”
WASHINGTON — Democrats pushed hard to revive President Barack Obamas stalled health care overhaul on Friday — and pointed to glimmers of hope — but the long odds facing them seemed little changed after Obamas extraordinary summit with both parties leaders. At the White House, press secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama would unveil a “way forward” next week on legislation that has been his foremost domestic priority. Obama, who will first discuss the strategy with Democratic congressional leaders, said at Thursdays bipartisan marathon that hes open to several Republican ideas, including medical malpractice changes. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and top adviser David Axelrod discussed health care in an early evening meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. And a spokesman for Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., said White House officials have asked the senator to submit details of suggestions he made at Thursdays meeting on rooting out fraud from the medical system. In addition, a pair of retiring Democrats who opposed the legislation when the House approved it in November appeared willing to reconsider. And some supporters of a House provision strictly banning federal financing for abortion — a complicated sticking point — indicated an openness to different language.
New, Flexible Scanning Options Meet the Needs of More Labs
WOBURN, Mass. — SensAble
Technologies, Inc®, a leading provider of 3D touch-enabled modeling
systems, dental CAD/CAM solutions and haptic devices, has announced that
it will be offering a second, fully integrated scanner option for the SensAble
Dental Lab System, as well as SensAble’s new OpenScan™ software
interface. The new scanner supports the scanning of both models and
impressions, providing a high degree of flexibility for labs and
allowing further time-savings. SensAble is also incorporating its
OpenScan interface into the latest release of its software, which will
allow technicians using the SensAble Dental Lab System to import STL
files from other open scanners that their labs may already have.
The new high-performance impression scanner, manufactured by Solutionix,
is an ideal solution for labs that want to use the scanner for both
fixed and removable restorations. Its scanning capabilities are tightly
integrated with SensAble’s Dental Lab software to provide optimized
speed and accuracy. Labs can start a digital design using the impression
scan, then pour or print a stone concurrently – instead of waiting for
the stone to be completed. Integration with the SensAble Dental Lab
System’s case management system and unified user interface further
streamlines production for labs. This scanner complements the SensAble
Dental Lab System, the only CAD/CAM solution that includes built-in
support for both fixed and removable restorations in an integrated,
touch-enabled platform.
“We are excited to have SensAble as our first OEM partner in North
America,” said
Mr. Minho Chang, founder of Solutionix. “SensAble brings the same level
of quality and commitment to integrating their system as we bring to
developing our scanner. We are confident that our complementary products
and expertise will result in a highly productive solution for dental
labs.”
HILLSBORO, Ore. — Willamette
Dental has named Randy Cline, CHC as its Chief Marketing Officer. As
a member of the Executive Team, Randy will be responsible for strategic
growth, health plan partnerships and overall business development and
expansion efforts. Prior to joining Willamette Dental he was Chief
Operating Officer of Clear One Health Plans. Randy has also held
executive positions with Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Montana. He has served on many Boards including the
Consortium Health Plans, Healthcare Management Administrators, Regence
Life Health, Health E-Web, Western States Insurance and the Oregon
Medical Insurance Pool Governing Board, among others.
“Randy is a well respected insurance executive who has extensive
experience throughout the Northwest. The addition of Randy to our
Executive Team is important in our efforts to strategically grow and
expand regionally,” stated Eugene Skourtes, DMD, President CEO of
Willamette Dental. Randy Cline affirmed, “I’m pleased to be a part of
the Willamette Dental team. The unique clinical model of providing
evidence based dentistry will continue to be at the forefront of our
growth throughout the region.”
Willamette Dental, headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, has been
providing high quality dentistry for 40 years. Willamette Dental’s
unique delivery model delivers superior patient care through a
partnership with patients to stop the disease/repair cycle by means of
evidence based methods of prevention and treatment. The Company operates
more than 55 offices throughout the Northwest in Washington, Oregon and
Idaho, serving high quality dental care to more than 330,000 patients.
BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLTI), the
worlds leading dental laser company, today announced the global launch of
the iLase diode laser, the worlds first personal laser for dentists
and hygienists designed to perform a full-range of minimally invasive
soft-tissue and hygiene procedures. The iLase is being introduced today at
the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Show at McCormick Place West in
Chicago.
In its entirety, the iLase is about the size of a large pen, and has five
full watts of power. The iLase, along with two batteries, can be
transported in a carrying case the size of an eye glasses case and is the
first completely self-contained, hand-held dental laser that includes the
laser, user interface, battery power, and controls in a single, integrated
handpiece with no foot pedals or cords attached.
The iLase is also the only dental laser controlled by a patent-pending
finger switch on the laser handpiece, which uniquely eliminates the need
for a foot control pedal. It also uses BIOLASEs proprietary
ComfortPulse control that lets clinicians adjust the laser for maximum
patient comfort and cutting speed.
“The iLase is like no other instrument I have ever used,” said David Eshom,
D.D.S., a general cosmetic dentist based in San Diego. “It looks great and
works wonderfully. You dont have to look for a foot pedal as you are
trying to reach different parts of the mouth. You just point and shoot.”
BIOLASE Chief Executive Officer David M. Mulder said, “BIOLASE is the
market leader in dental lasers. Now with the iLase, we have the best
entry-level laser, and the only truly personal laser in the world for both
hygienists and dentists. You can literally put everything you need in your
pocket for hours of use. This new laser is a revolutionary breakthrough. It
changes everything. We have found many dentists and hygienists, who have
not used lasers before, are all suddenly clamoring for a chance to try and
own an iLase in offices where they were being tested. We have also found
that after learning about the iLase, there is a renewed interest in finding
out more about the total diode solution in the ezlase and the best soft
tissue (and hard tissue) lasers in the world, the Waterlase® line.
Lapolla Industries, Inc. (OTCBB: LPAD) (”Lapolla”) is a Houston based manufacturer and supplier of spray foam insulation, coatings, and equipment designed to reduce energy consumption in the residential and commercial markets, for both new construction and retrofit applications.
Mr. Lewis, an 18 year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department spent time visiting classrooms throughout the D.C. public school system to counsel students and to teach good citizenship, drug abstinence, and safety. After retiring from the police department in 1986, he converted a rental property that he had purchased in a drug infested northeast Washington, D.C. neighborhood into a family support center and called it “The Fishing School.” He spent the nearly the next two decades proving that if one man stands up, he can truly make a difference. The Fishing School programs have reached over 2,500 students and parents in under-served communities throughout the District of Columbia.
On Sunday, August 23, 2009 the design team from ABCs “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” demolished The Fishing School in order to build a bigger and better school for the youth of Washington, D.C. The design team and Burch Builders called on Lapolla to offer an energy-efficient insulation system for the new school. Lapolla donated the spray foam insulation material and local AirTight contractors; Select Builders, Virginia Foam Insulators, and AirTight of Western PA donated the labor.
Douglas J. Kramer, CEO and President of Lapolla, commented, “This was one of the largest Extreme Makeover: Home Edition projects. The building was approximately 6,200 sq. ft. When the AirTight Licensed Applicators arrived to insulate the project they found the project was still in the framing stage and behind schedule. Instead of returning to the hotel, the AirTight Licensed Applicators grabbed their tools, began framing, and worked all night long to bring the project back on schedule. Even though they were exhausted from working all night, they remained focused on the task at hand and completely insulated The Fishing School from top to bottom with AirTight closed-cell spray foam insulation and on time. “We couldnt be more proud of how this group of contractors represented the spray foam insulation industry by demonstrating their level of professionalism and doing what they had to do to get the job done.”
Spray foam insulation was selected by the design team to add sustainability, durability, energy efficiency, and improved occupant comfort to The Fishing School.
ON NOVEMBER 30, 2009, North Koreans awoke to find that their savings had lost 99 percent of their official value. Kim Jong Ils dictatorship dropped two zeros from the North Korean won, making a 100-won note worth only one. Exchange of old currency for new is capped at 300,000 of the old won per family in bank savings and half that amount in cash. The limit is a de facto ceiling on savings, rendering worthless any currency held above the cutoff. The sudden revaluation may be an attempt to crack down on the black markets that have long existed in the comers of North Koreas centralized economic system. Defending the monetary change, which was imposed against a background of rampant inflation and widespread poverty, an official at the countrys central bank told a pro-Pyongyang paper in Japan that “in the future, a large share of economic activities will be subject not to the market, but the planned supply and distribution system.”
What you said * So many friends have raved about the neti pot that I finally had to try it for myself. Once I got used to it, I loved it! Im so happy to have found a solution to allergies that doesnt involve drugs. Deb Bandini, via e-mail * During allergy season, Ive found that pounding vitamin C helps. I also take freeze-dried nettle supplements and make sure I dont let myself get dehydrated; I seem to be more susceptible to symptoms when I dont drink enough water. Joan Maccaffrie, Buffalo, N.Y. * My acupuncturist suggested I avoid wheat and dairy products during allergy season. Many people have underlying allergies to these foods, and symptoms never manifest because the immune system “fights” them. When I cut out wheat and dairy, I didnt have a single allergy symptom. Its an easy, amazing fix. Kate Cassidy, via e-mail
Quality Check measures added by Joint Commission Quality Check displays data on National Quality Improvement Goals for hospitals on selected performance measures in six treatment areas: childrens asthma care, heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, pregnancy, surgical care, and pregnancy. The EDs performance in all of these areas becomes part of the hospitals data submission to Quality Check. That information then can be accessed by consumers as part of their search for hospital care. Bruce S. Auerbach, MD, FACEP, vice president and chief, emergency and ambulatory services at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, MA, says, “Once a person has been admitted to the hospital, the ED really has no further involvement in what goes on while in theyre in the hospital or upon discharge.” However, he notes, “Some EDs have instituted programs that process or provide more care in the ED or through which patients are overseen in adjacent areas — like observation or clinical decision units — as a means to manage those individuals they think they can take care of within a 24-hour-period and not admit them.” These patients, he continues, will be discharged from the ED or the other units, in which case the ED staff that oversee that unit will provide discharge instructions, he says. In addition, he notes, some institutions will put case managers in the ED. “Because they have so much to do with discharge planning, they will use them in the ED even for patients who are being admitted since they can start work early on discharge planning so that when theyre discharged there are no obstacles in the way of going home,” Auerbach explains.
Inside Obamas Brain, by Sasha Abramsky, Portfblio, 278 pages, $24.95 DECEMBER 2009 may go down as the single most consequential month in Barack Obamas presidency. Starting with his announcement of a troop escalation in Afghanistan, through a Nobel Peace Prize speech in which he touted the benefits of war, then an international climate change conference that broke down in disarray, topped by a convulsive national health care debate that nevertheless staggered toward the legislative finish line by Christmas, the president at every impactful step encountered something new in his meteoric young political career: sustained and even vicious criticism from his core fan base on the left. After the Afghan announcement, 60s New Left relic Tom Hayden declared in The Nation that “its time to strip the Obama sticker off my car” At Open Left, Paul Rosenberg characterized the presidents Oslo performance as a “War-is-Peace Prize speech “When the Copenhagen climate talks broke down (for more on which see “Climate Crackup/ page 28), anti-globalization author Naomi Klein concluded in The Guardian that the “failure belongs to Obama” And by the time the 2,457-page health care overhaul made it through the Senate, a whos who list of progressives–including former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and netroots impresario Markos Moulitsas–were actively campaigning against it. Yet even with the noisy dissent on his left flank and record-setting disapproval ratings from the public at large, the president kept getting stuff done, not least of which appears to be the single largest entitlement expansion since the 1960s. The busy month of December also saw passage of an omnibus spending bill and subsequent Pentagon package that together helped jack up federal outlays by more than 10 percent over the previous year amid only scattered national discussion. The House of Representatives passed a massive financial regulation overhaul that would create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency, the national debt ceiling was raised once again, and the Obama has governed like the most stereotypical of old-school economic progressives. As ever, nonideology turns out to be ideological after all. Environmental Protection Agency took the potentially monumental step of regulating carbon (see “The EPAs Carbon Footprint,” page 36). For a guy who seems perpetually on the verge of losing his political mojo, Obama manages to accomplish quite a bit.
IHI program building foundation for more quality-conscious providers Open School med students are initiating their own QI programs The goal of the school, she says, is “to advance health care improvement and safety competencies in the next generation. Its an attempt to address the fact that many academic organizations were teaching improvement and safety in a very limited capacity — some not at all — so we wanted to bring it directly to students.” The schools offerings, she explains, “vary from what feel like formal courses to case studies, video clips on YouTube, discussion boards, and journal articles.” Probably the development the IHI found most interesting, she continues, “is that while the program was initially targeted at students, weve also found a large number of faculty members showing interest. They view the content and integrate it with their course curriculum and share it with other faculty so the knowledge can be spread.”
The law firm of Izard Nobel LLP, which has significant experience representing investors in prosecuting claims of securities fraud, announces that a lawsuit seeking class action status has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of the common stock of Smithtown Bancorp, Inc. (”SBI” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SMTB) between March 13, 2008 and February 1, 2010, inclusive (the “Class Period”).
The Complaint charges that SBI and certain of its officers and executives violated federal securities laws. Specifically, the Complaint alleges that defendants failed to disclose the following: (i) that the Companys financial results were artificially inflated due to SBIs material understatement of its loan loss reserves and SBIs failure to state certain of its assets at their true fair value; (ii) that the Company improperly delayed the recognition of its impaired assets in order to inflate its reported income and asset quality; (iii) that the Companys internal and disclosure controls were materially deficient; and (iv) that the Company, through its subsidiary, was engaged in unsafe banking practices.
On February 1, 2010, SBI announced its fourth quarter and full year 2009 results, which included a loss of $19.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2009, or ($1.34) per fully diluted share. On the next trading day, SBI stock fell approximately 15%, to close at $4.60 per share.
If you are a member of the class, you may, no later than April 26, 2010, request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff of the class. A lead plaintiff is a class member that acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Although your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision whether or not to seek appointment as a lead plaintiff, lead plaintiffs make important decisions which could affect the overall recovery for class members.
Kermode Exploration Ltd. (”Kermode” or the “Company”) announced today that it has re-filed its Management Discussion and Analysis (the “MDA”) and the certificates (the “Certificates”) of the CEO and CFO for the interim filing for the period end September 30, 2009. This action has been taken at the request of the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and in accordance with National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings. The MDA has been refiled with additional disclosure relating to liquidity and capital resources, related party transactions and international financial reporting standards. Specifically, the Company provided disclosure regarding the funding of the Companys working capital deficiency through short term loans and further disclosure of the related parties that provided some of the funding. In addition, the Company has identified that it does not currently have a changeover plan to implement the conversion to international financial reporting standards pending reactivation of the Company.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to such risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including those factors discussed in filings made by us with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties, such actual results of current exploration programs, the general risks associated with the mining industry, the price of gold and other metals, currency and interest rate fluctuations, increased competition and general economic and market factors, occur or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
IHI program building foundation for more quality-conscious providers Open School med students are initiating their own QI programs The goal of the school, she says, is “to advance health care improvement and safety competencies in the next generation. Its an attempt to address the fact that many academic organizations were teaching improvement and safety in a very limited capacity — some not at all — so we wanted to bring it directly to students.” The schools offerings, she explains, “vary from what feel like formal courses to case studies, video clips on YouTube, discussion boards, and journal articles.” Probably the development the IHI found most interesting, she continues, “is that while the program was initially targeted at students, weve also found a large number of faculty members showing interest. They view the content and integrate it with their course curriculum and share it with other faculty so the knowledge can be spread.”
Data hold the key to low readmit rates As a first step toward decreasing readmission rates, examine your data, says Margaret VanAmringe, MPH, vice president of public policy and government relations in the Washington, DC, office of The Joint Commission. “Look at readmissions and discern whether there are opportunities to reduce the number,” she advises. “That will, of course, depend on disease category, population, age, and many different factors.” It will behoove you “to really analyze readmissions, assess these data, use a random sample of charts, and look to see if there is a certain group of patients in these three areas where you feel there could be the potential to prevent readmissions,” VanAmringe says. Michael C. Choo, MD, MBA, FACEP, FAAEM, ACHE, president and CEO of Clinton Memorial Hospital in Wilmington, OH, says, “Its always been very important to evaluate the data on a monthly basis and find solutions.” Choo, who served for 10 years as the ED medical director at Dayton Heart Hospital, is bringing what he learned there to his new position. “Congestive heart failure is the most difficult of the three because its especially problematic in [the Medicare] population,” he says. “Initiatives weve used include trying to identify at the time of discharge those patients who need extra support at home or additional education.” For those patients who are identified as high-risk, arrangements are made for intense home health care followed by outpatient therapy sessions, he says. His current health system has congestive heart failure clinics, where patients status is monitored to make sure they stay stable and dont return to the ED or the hospital, he says.
Inside Obamas Brain, by Sasha Abramsky, Portfblio, 278 pages, $24.95 DECEMBER 2009 may go down as the single most consequential month in Barack Obamas presidency. Starting with his announcement of a troop escalation in Afghanistan, through a Nobel Peace Prize speech in which he touted the benefits of war, then an international climate change conference that broke down in disarray, topped by a convulsive national health care debate that nevertheless staggered toward the legislative finish line by Christmas, the president at every impactful step encountered something new in his meteoric young political career: sustained and even vicious criticism from his core fan base on the left. After the Afghan announcement, 60s New Left relic Tom Hayden declared in The Nation that “its time to strip the Obama sticker off my car” At Open Left, Paul Rosenberg characterized the presidents Oslo performance as a “War-is-Peace Prize speech “When the Copenhagen climate talks broke down (for more on which see “Climate Crackup/ page 28), anti-globalization author Naomi Klein concluded in The Guardian that the “failure belongs to Obama” And by the time the 2,457-page health care overhaul made it through the Senate, a whos who list of progressives–including former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and netroots impresario Markos Moulitsas–were actively campaigning against it. Yet even with the noisy dissent on his left flank and record-setting disapproval ratings from the public at large, the president kept getting stuff done, not least of which appears to be the single largest entitlement expansion since the 1960s. The busy month of December also saw passage of an omnibus spending bill and subsequent Pentagon package that together helped jack up federal outlays by more than 10 percent over the previous year amid only scattered national discussion. The House of Representatives passed a massive financial regulation overhaul that would create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency, the national debt ceiling was raised once again, and the Obama has governed like the most stereotypical of old-school economic progressives. As ever, nonideology turns out to be ideological after all. Environmental Protection Agency took the potentially monumental step of regulating carbon (see “The EPAs Carbon Footprint,” page 36). For a guy who seems perpetually on the verge of losing his political mojo, Obama manages to accomplish quite a bit.
ON NOVEMBER 30, 2009, North Koreans awoke to find that their savings had lost 99 percent of their official value. Kim Jong Ils dictatorship dropped two zeros from the North Korean won, making a 100-won note worth only one. Exchange of old currency for new is capped at 300,000 of the old won per family in bank savings and half that amount in cash. The limit is a de facto ceiling on savings, rendering worthless any currency held above the cutoff. The sudden revaluation may be an attempt to crack down on the black markets that have long existed in the comers of North Koreas centralized economic system. Defending the monetary change, which was imposed against a background of rampant inflation and widespread poverty, an official at the countrys central bank told a pro-Pyongyang paper in Japan that “in the future, a large share of economic activities will be subject not to the market, but the planned supply and distribution system.”
Capricorn Business Acquisitions Inc. (”Capricorn”) is pleased to announce that it has completed its initial public offering of 5,744,400 common shares at the price of $0.10 per common share for total gross proceeds of $574,440 and has filed for listing as a Capital Pool Company on the TSX Venture Exchange. Leede Financial Markets Inc. acted as lead agent on the offering. The common shares of Capricorn are expected to commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange at the opening of markets on or about March 2, 2010 under the trading symbol “CAK.P”.
As a result of the closing of this offering, Capricorn now has 8,644,400 common shares issued and outstanding (2,900,000 of which are subject to escrow restrictions), 574,440 reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options granted to Leede Financial Markets Inc. and its sub-agents, and 864,440 common shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options. Capricorns board of directors and management team is comprised of the following individuals: Yvan Routhier (President, Chief Executive Officer and Director), Gary Hokkanen (Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Director), Mendel Ekstein (Director), Gerald Goldberg (Director), Norman L. Goldman (Director), Statis Rizas (Director) and Julio DiGirolamo (Director).
THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Lapolla Industries, Inc. (OTCBB: LPAD) (”Lapolla”) is a Houston based manufacturer and supplier of spray foam insulation, coatings, and equipment designed to reduce energy consumption in the residential and commercial markets, for both new construction and retrofit applications.
Mr. Lewis, an 18 year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department spent time visiting classrooms throughout the D.C. public school system to counsel students and to teach good citizenship, drug abstinence, and safety. After retiring from the police department in 1986, he converted a rental property that he had purchased in a drug infested northeast Washington, D.C. neighborhood into a family support center and called it “The Fishing School.” He spent the nearly the next two decades proving that if one man stands up, he can truly make a difference. The Fishing School programs have reached over 2,500 students and parents in under-served communities throughout the District of Columbia.
On Sunday, August 23, 2009 the design team from ABCs “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” demolished The Fishing School in order to build a bigger and better school for the youth of Washington, D.C. The design team and Burch Builders called on Lapolla to offer an energy-efficient insulation system for the new school. Lapolla donated the spray foam insulation material and local AirTight contractors; Select Builders, Virginia Foam Insulators, and AirTight of Western PA donated the labor.
Douglas J. Kramer, CEO and President of Lapolla, commented, “This was one of the largest Extreme Makeover: Home Edition projects. The building was approximately 6,200 sq. ft. When the AirTight Licensed Applicators arrived to insulate the project they found the project was still in the framing stage and behind schedule. Instead of returning to the hotel, the AirTight Licensed Applicators grabbed their tools, began framing, and worked all night long to bring the project back on schedule. Even though they were exhausted from working all night, they remained focused on the task at hand and completely insulated The Fishing School from top to bottom with AirTight closed-cell spray foam insulation and on time. “We couldnt be more proud of how this group of contractors represented the spray foam insulation industry by demonstrating their level of professionalism and doing what they had to do to get the job done.”
Spray foam insulation was selected by the design team to add sustainability, durability, energy efficiency, and improved occupant comfort to The Fishing School.
Todays announcement that the Canadian government secured the necessary certification agreements to allow pork imports to China was possible due in part to the Canadian pork industrys Canadian Quality Assurance ®(CQA) program.
Earlier this year several countries including China imposed a ban on the importation of pork due to concerns over H1N1. The Chinese market is important to Canadas pork and live swine exporters, with sales to China estimated at upwards of $50 million annually.
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC)s CQA program was pivotal in resuming pork trade with China. “The CQA program provides a competitive edge in developing and maintaining markets at home, across the continent and around the world,” stated Jurgen Preugschas, chair of the CPC. “Opening up markets is critical for the Canadian Hog industrys recovery and the CPC supports the Canadian governments efforts to open and expand markets for Canadian producers.”
The Canadian Quality Assurance® (CQA) program is an on-farm food safety program launched by the Canadian Pork Council in 1998 to set a new standard for quality pork production. CQA helps pork producers to create flexible, effective and verifiable food safety procedures tailored to their farms needs and demonstrates to customers why Canadian pork is of the highest quality. The CQA program is based on the internationally recognized HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point). At its most basic, the program identifies potential hazards within an operation and then determines the critical points at which controls are necessary to ensure safety and compliance.
Canada is the worlds third-largest pork exporter and represents 20% of world pork trade, In 2009 Canada pork was exported to over 100 countries. Maintaining existing pork markets and opening up new markets to pork is critical to the Canadian hog industry. The CPC continues to be a strong supporter of Canada entering into comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union and finalizing bilateral free trade agreements with Colombia and Korea
COVERING UP THE inconvenient facts of his resume, donning new identifies the way other men change suits, the hidden persuader at the center of AMCs Mad Men has a talent for duplicity that would seem to place him squarely in pop cultures rich canon of ad industry villains. But even with his fake name, appropriated past, perfect show family, and less than ethical approach to client management, Don Draper stands apart from the cynics, hoodwinks, hacks, and evil mesmerists who populate the pages of such anti-advertising tomes as The Hucksters, The Hidden Persuaders, and No Logo. At home in his dining room or at a fancy restaurant wooing clients, Draper may be a lying, boozing con man. But when hes in his office, dreaming up catch phrases to sell products, the specters of candor and authenticity possess him. “You are the product,” Draper tells a neophyte copywriter. “You, feeling something. Thats what sells” He doesnt just want to sell us the sizzle of girdles and popsicles; he wants to sell us their souls. Art Copy, a 2009 documentary about the advertising business, is built around interviews with eight of the industrys most celebrated practitioners. One of them, the legendary ad man George Lois, echoes Drapers passion. “I can get excited about selling a new kind of pin; growls Lois, a pugnacious blusterer whose campaigns for MTV and Tommy Hilfiger helped turn them into cultural mainstays. Contemplating a pins very pinness–identifying the precise qualities that make it useful to us and enhances our lives–is the path toward great advertising. The contrarian theme that advertising is at heart a medium for profound truth telling runs throughout Art Copy, which will be out on DVD this summer. The more common nonindustry view is of advertising as a fundamentally crooked enterprise that aims to brainwash us into buying products we dont really need to solve problems we dont actually have and attain ideals we dont genuinely aspire to. Art Copy departs from this stereotype in large part because its not a nonindustry depiction. While aimed at general audiences and directed by Doug Pray, whose past work includes documentaries on suffers, graffiti artists, turntablists, and the Seattle music scene, the movie was funded by The One Club, which describes itself as “the worlds foremost non-profit organization for the recognition and promotion of excellence in advertising”
Sitecore, the
leading provider of .NET Web Content Management System (CMS) software,
today announced the establishment of a Japanese office, its first business
base in the Asia region.
To lead the Japanese effort, Sitecore has hired Masayuki Katayama as
President of Sitecore Japan. Mr. Katayama has worked in the IT industry for
more than 20 years in both Japan and the United States, and has led a
multi-cultural global business to success at his former position at
Microsoft Corporation.
Sitecore provides CMS software, online marketing automation and analytics,
intranet portal and other solutions in more than 40 countries. Sitecores
flagship product, Sitecore CMS, is the leading enterprise Microsoft .NET
based Web CMS, and it is currently used by more than 1,750 companies and
government organizations including Lloyds of London, Mazda, Siemens,
Toshiba, Manchester United F.C., and the United States Department of
Defense.
“It is a significant strategic move for Sitecore to have established its
first business base in the Asian region, and that it is located in Japan,”
said Michael Seifert, CEO, Sitecore. “We believe there is a growing and
unfulfilled market for Sitecore solutions here, and several impressive
Japanese companies have already adopted Sitecore in other countries and are
satisfied by the quality and return of investment Sitecore brings. With
Masayuki Katayamas leadership, we are confident Sitecore Japan will
provide valuable solutions for many new customers.”
Commenting on his appointment as president of the Japanese office, Masayuki
Katayama said, “I am very much looking forward to offering Japanese
companies and public sector organizations the kind of experiences that
Sitecore customers throughout the world are already benefiting from.
Starting today, we aim to provide the best products, services and programs
for the Japanese market.”
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Panasonic Corporation, the Official Worldwide
Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category for the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, is pleased to announce that the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have selected two models of Panasonic IP
surveillance cameras for indoor and outdoor competition venues and other
Olympic facilities for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games.
Panasonics state-of-the-art technology is intended to be used in
conjunction with other security technology to secure official Olympic sites
and sporting venues. The high picture quality and high-sensitivity
surveillance camera systems will be an integral part of the RCMPs plan to
offer all visitors and athletes a safe and enjoyable experience at the
Games.
“Panasonic security products have been used by the RCMP in many
high-profile rapid and temporary deployments,” said Jim Brown, Director,
Professional Imaging and Display Solutions, Panasonic Canada Inc. “Our
surveillance cameras provide them with the reliability and high-quality IP
imaging which will assist in providing the RCMP a birds eye view of the
Olympic sites.”
About Panasonic System Networks Company of America
GOLDEN, Colo. — PENTAX Imaging Company announced the eleventh generation PENTAX Optio
waterproof digital camera built for rugged adventure in every way. The
PENTAX Optio W90 offers enhanced waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and
coldproof performance and features an inventive Digital Microscope mode
with LED lighting to capture small but intriguing subjects. Designed
with the look of mountaineering equipment, the Optio W90 kit includes a
woven web fabric strap complete with a carabiner to attach the camera to
a backpack and other outdoor gear. The rugged 12.1 megapixel Optio W90
with a 5X optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent) offers photographic
performance, innovative features and style that surpass other outdoor
compact digital cameras now available on the market.
PENTAX also announced the latest model in the manufacturer’s megazoom
digital camera line: the PENTAX X90. With an extra-wide zoom, longer
battery life than its predecessor and an electronic viewfinder, the X90
delivers effortless picture-taking in a wide variety of situations to
photographers of all levels. The key feature of the PENTAX X90 is the
26X megazoom, super-telephoto lens (26-676mm equivalent) also designed
with a Macro mode that focuses to less than one inch away to capture
images of subjects that are near or far. Other important features of the
PENTAX X90 include:
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canadas Minister of Labour, will meet with the Halifax Employers Association and will recognize its ongoing efforts in promoting employment equity and building an inclusive workplace.
Minister Raitt will be available to answer questions from the media.
Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.
Meeting with the Halifax Employers Association
Pegasystems
Inc. , (NASDAQ: PEGA), the leader in Business Process Management (BPM)
software solutions, today announced that Company Founder and CEO Alan
Trefler will speak at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media Telecom
Conference next week.
Event: Morgan Stanley Technology, Media Telecom Conference 2010
Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Time: Presentation – 1 p.m. Pacific Time
Location: The Palace Hotel, San Francisco, Calif.
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Provides key data and concise analyses, presents a comparative analysis
on the development of knitted crocheted fabrics industry in 31
provincial regions and 20 major cities in visualized form of data map.
The report also includes a list of top 100 enterprises in the sector and
the comparison on investment environment in top 10 hot regions. In
addition, the report truly reflects the position of foreign enterprises
in this industry across China based on a comprehensive comparison of
operating conditions among different enterprise types. Furthermore, this
is the first report to adopt ISIC (International Standard Industrial
Classification of All Economic Activities) in classification of Chinese
enterprises, corresponding to the reading habit of international
readers, and it is also very helpful for readers to make a comparison on
the development condition and investment potential of knitted
crocheted fabrics industry in China with that in other countries.
Additionally, the report directly shows the difference in various
regions of Mainland China in terms of knitted crocheted fabrics
industry, providing an important reference for investors selection of
target regions to make investment.
What will you get from this report?
Rothbard vs. the Philosophers, by Murray Rothbard, edited by Roberta A. Modugno, Ludwig von Mises Institute, x68 pages, $14. IF MURRAY ROTHBARD–free-market economist, anarchist philosopher, American historian, and inveterate activist–had never lived, the modern libertarian movement would have nowhere near its current size and influence. He inspired and educated generations of influential intellectuals and activists, from Leonard Liggio to Roy Childs to Randy Barnett. He helped form and/or shape the mission of such institutions as the Institute for Humane Studies, the Cato Institute, the Libertarian Party, and the Ludwig yon Mises Institute (and wrote a regular column for reason for more than a decade). His initially unique combination of a Randian/ Aristotelian natural rights ethic, Austrian economics, anarcho-capitalism, fervent opposition to war, and a populist distrust of “power elites” both public and private have injected modern libertarianism with a distinct flavor distinguishing it from other brands of pro-market thought. It was a differentiation intensified by Rothbards bombthrowing polemical style. Put it this way: When the likes of F.A. Hayek and Milton Friedman died, the conservative flagship National Review could and did praise the Nobel Prize-winning economists unreservedly. But when Rothbard died in 1995, his old pal William Buckley pissed on his grave. Rothbard, Buckley wrote, spent his life “huffing and putting in the little cloister whose walls he labored so strenuously to contract, leaving him, in the end, not as the father of a swelling movement. but with about as many disciples as David Koresh had in his little redoubt in Waco. Yes, Murray Rothbard believed in freedom, and yes, David Koresh believed in God.” Things look a little different now when it comes to Rothbards influence, though its unlikely anyone at National Review will note it–except maybe in the context of yet another attack on Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas). The rise of Paul and his young and enthusiastic fan base, which Buckley could not have foreseen, contradicts the contention that Rothbards divisive radical intransigence doomed him to irrelevance. The Paul phenomena, the largest popular movement in the postwar period to be motivated by distinctly libertarian ideas about war, money, and the role of government, has been influenced far more heavily by Rothbard than by the beliefs or style of any other prominent libertarian intellectual. The Paul movement is the sort of mass anti-war, anti-state, anti-Fed agitation that Rothbard dreamed about his entire adult life.
Business Monitor Internationals Hong Kong Information Technology Report
provides industry professionals and strategists, corporate analysts,
information technology associations, government departments and
regulatory bodies with independent forecasts and competitive
intelligence on Hong Kongs information technology industry.
The Hong Kong IT market is forecast by BMI to grow from around US$4.5bn
in 2010 to US$5.6bn in 2014. Sales were forecast to pick up in Q409, due
to a revival in business and consumer confidence. The government sector
was expected to lead the way, bolstered by healthier consumer spending
and stronger demand from small and medium businesses.
In 2010, there could be a boost – particularly in the second half of the
year – from computer hardware tenders delayed from 2009. The launch of
Microsofts Windows 7 operating system in October 2009 has the potential
to help trigger a new cycle of hardware upgrades, although much will
depend on business confidence. By the end of 2009, surveys showed
significantly better business sentiment and signs of local computer
shipments trending up.
Full scholarship available to enroll in the Wedding Certificate
Program at Brooks Institute
CULVER CITY, Calif. — Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Wedding
Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) is proud to announce the
first-ever scholarship to the Wedding Photography Certificate Program at
Brooks Institute, in Santa Barbara, CA. During WPPI 2010 next month in
Las Vegas, NV, WPPI will nominate several prospective photography
students with ambitions to become professional wedding photographers.
Brooks Institute will make the final scholarship decision.
“We are so proud to offer this new WPPI Scholarship for the Wedding
Photography Certificate Program at the highly regarded Brooks Institute
to a worthy photography student this year, during our 30th
anniversary,” said George Varanakis, WPPI’s group publisher and
executive vice president. “Education is of the utmost importance in our
industry. Helping a worthy student become the best wedding photographer
they can be is what WPPI is all about.”
“We’re excited to embark in this scholarship program with WPPI,” said
David Litschel, vice president academic affairs, Brooks Institute. “WPPI
is a professional organization that reflects the best traditions of
creativity and business practices for today’s wedding and portrait
photographers.”
Application Process Opens March 1
FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Foundation today announced it will expand its support of education
and scholarships by awarding $50,000 in new college scholarships this
year in Wyoming.
The top four finalists in each quadrant of the state will receive $2,500
in scholarships per year over a four-year period for a total of $10,000.
The four runners-up in each quadrant will receive a one-time $2,500
scholarship.
“Wyoming’s schools are producing the leaders of tomorrow,” said John
Ambler, president, BNSF Foundation. “These young people are the hope and
future of Wyoming, of our country, and of the customers and communities
we serve. We, at BNSF, are committed to helping them access the
education they require to reach their full potential.”
Application Process Opens March 1
FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Foundation today announced it will expand its support of education
and scholarships by awarding $50,000 in new college scholarships this
year in New Mexico.
The state will be divided geographically into four quadrants, and the
top two finalists selected from each quadrant based on the online
application will be invited to an awards dinner in May. As part of the
competition, students will be asked to write a 500-word essay on
leadership. First-place winners and runners up will be determined by a
panel of New Mexico judges based on the essays.
The top four finalists in each quadrant of the state will receive $2,500
in scholarships per year over a four-year period for a total of $10,000.
The four runners-up in each quadrant will receive a one-time $2,500
scholarship.
Kennedy Wilson Completes Largest Acquisition in Company History
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — International real estate investment and services investment firm
Kennedy Wilson (NYSE Amex: KWIC) today announced that it has acquired a
$342 million loan portfolio from a large regional bank. The acquisition
is the first in a newly formed investment platform that Kennedy Wilson
has created with a leading international financial institution. The
venture will focus on acquiring sub-performing and non-performing
commercial real estate loans and originating commercial whole loans and
bridge/permanent multifamily loans.
“We are looking forward to executing on this acquisition and sourcing
more of these types of deals in the future,” said Mary Ricks, vice chair
of Kennedy Wilson. “This is a game changing transaction for our company
and is an example of our ability to source deals through a proprietary
network, including our existing banking relationships.”
Chairman and CEO of Kennedy Wilson, William J. McMorrow stated, “The
acquisition is a testament to the strength of our platform. We were able
to source and close it in 30 days, start to finish. It takes an enormous
team effort between Kennedy Wilson, our capital partner and a variety of
service providers to close a transaction of this magnitude.”
The loan portfolio is composed of residential, hotel, retail, office,
land, multifamily and other assets predominantly located in Southern
California, where Kennedy Wilson is headquartered.
NEW YORK — Following its monthly surveillance review of U.S. Student Loan
asset-backed securities (ABS) transactions, Fitch Ratings designated
four U.S. private student loan ABS deals as Under Analysis, indicating
that Fitch is in the process of reviewing the deal which will be
followed by a rating action. A rating action could include an
affirmation, upgrade, downgrade or placement on Rating Watch.
A total of 459 Student Loan ABS deals were designated with a SMARTView
date of Feb. 24, 2010, indicating that performance has been reviewed and
a rating action is not anticipated within the next 30 days.
The following transactions have been placed Under Analysis because
they will be subject to a periodic in-depth review:
–Access Group, Inc. 2002-A Indenture of Trust;
–Access Group, Inc. 2003-A Indenture of Trust;
DIDMO, an award-winning mobile business solutions provider joined forces with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the trade association of the international music products industry, to create a mobile experience for its 1st Annual SchoolJam USA competition. The US national teen battle of the bands reached out to every junior high and high school music program in the country in search of the “Best Teen Band in America” and DIDMOs integrated mobile solutions brought the finalists to the small screens of fans around the country.
“Teens increasingly channel music through their mobile devices and we wanted to deliver the SchoolJam experience to any phone throughout the competition,” said Jennifer Paisley, Marketing Development Project Manager, NAMM. “From band apps for each finalist to text voting, DIDMOs expert end-to-end handling of our mobile campaign delivered impressive results.”
Using its award-winning Magmito mobile content creation solution, DIDMO created custom apps for each of the 10 finalist bands featuring band bios, photos, voting instructions, SchoolJam info and more. Bands sent text messages with their apps URL to fans, who were then able to download and interact with the app, which was accessible on any mobile phone.
During the SchoolJam finals held at the 2010 NAMM Show on January 19 at the Anaheim Convention Center, fans were able to vote via text message for their favorite band. Within the one-hour time frame allotted, the 10 finalist bands received 6070 votes with an average of 4.77 votes/fan. The band Dance Over from Anaheim won “Fan Favorite” with over 1000 votes.
“Were positively thrilled by the rocking success of the SchoolJam mobile experience,” said Ted Iannuzzi, VP Marketing Sales, DIDMO. “NAMM understood the value of the mobile platform and the necessity for cross-platform compatibility, making its integration into online and offline promotional efforts truly seamless.”
As previously announced, over the next three weeks CitySide Tickets will
run multiple versions of a 30 second commercial more than 500 times on
national cable news channels including Bloomberg, CNBC, CNN, Fox News
and MSNBC. The commercials are designed to yield hundreds of telephone
calls per day from people interested in using CitySide Tickets to buy
and sell their tickets to concerts, sports contests, theatrical
productions and other events.
Company CEO Michael DeAmicis stated, “CitySide Tickets, Inc. is just
getting the ball rolling. We are very excited about the next couple of
months as we expand our presence into other markets across the nation.
I’m confident that we will make a big impact on the ticket selling
industry as we move forward with our strategic business plan.”
Cinema possesses a rich history of collaboration between artists of sound, narrative, and image. However, traditional tendencies to perceive music as a strictly supportive background or accompaniment have been subjected to in-depth critique only recently. Abigail Childs interactions with musicians in Is This What You Were Born For? (1981-89) and Bill Morrisons partnership with composer Michael Gordon in Decasia (2001) exemplify (but by no means exhaust the possibilities of) the broader range of collaborative textures that cinema has always suggested. Not coincidentally, these works represent the influence on cinema of two popular music practices: the ubiquitous re-mixing that has emerged from hip-hop culture and the group composition typical of many rock bands. Abigail Child (also a poet, critic, and scholar) has had an influential career as an experimental filmmaker since the mid-1970s when she turned from professional documentary work to the creation of independent films focusing on gender, sexuality, class, and the critical possibilities of montage. Recycling found footage from a wide variety of sources, such as porn, industrial films, and home movies, and progressing cinematic techniques often associated primarily with the historical avant-garde of the early twentieth century, Child has created an oeuvre of incredible beauty and continuing social relevance. Her films are shown at major art museums and in experimental cinema venues and can be obtained through a variety of distribution channels. Is This What You Were Born For?, the series of short films Child created in the 1980s, underscores her exploration of interdisciplinary collaboration and these endeavors have had on her work. Michael Gordons award-winning career as a composer has resulted in a variety of notable intermedia collaborations, including for example operas with diegetic film components progressing beyond the more familiar application of projection as scenery and non-narrative music performances incorporating video. Gordon is a founding member of the highly regarded new music organization Bang on a Can, a group dedicated to facilitating the composition and performance of new music, often with an interdisciplinary dimension and independently of conservative academic contexts. Decasia, Gordons internationally celebrated collaboration with filmmaker Bill Morrison, is a symphony for full orchestra paired with a montage of archival nitrate footage in various states of intriguing and evocative decomposition. The final version of the film, edited to fit the live recording of the symphony performance, was featured in the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. Decasia synaesthetically elucidates subtleties inherent to myriad generative tensions: progress/tradition, memory/time, darkness/illumination, and mini-malism/totalism.
SANDY — Robert Jensen figures that sales of recreational vehicles will tell you a lot about the state of the economy: “We lead in and out of recession.” And the Sportsmens Vacation and RV Show at the South Towne Expo Center is whispering to him that families are spending and credit is flowing once more. Its not a flood, mind you. But the credit wells no longer dry, either. While the crowd size is about the same as last year, he said, “more people are actually buying.”
SALT LAKE CITY — The fallout from a 2008 Utah Supreme Court decision that defined the right of recreational access to state waterways continued to feed a legislative imbroglio Monday as one of two bills trying to address the issue was dumped in a House floor vote. A year ago, the Legislature took a shot at addressing the issue but couldnt find common ground between opposing groups. Rep. Lorie Fowlke, R-Orem, said since that impasse shes been working toward a compromise with stakeholders on the issue, one she said was embodied in her proposal, HB80. “Weve worked on this bill a year and have had meetings with many different agencies,” she said. “This bill acknowledges the main concerns. protecting both private property rights and access to rivers and streams that are owned by the public.” Fowlkes bill looked to define the access corridor for those recreating on Utah waterways as the water itself, and the adjoining bank or shore up to the “ordinary high water mark,” a spot she said was not the flood level, or highest point the water has been, rather its seasonal, regular high flow mark.
The envision Group is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Western Construction and Combustion Service Inc. (Western), has been awarded a $2.4 Million contract with Tourism Alberta, Parks and Recreation.
This project involves modernization of the Sandy McNabb campground near Turner Valley, AB. The scope of work includes installation of a double vault washroom and electrical services for all campsites as well as the completion of gravel surfacing for the campground. The project will begin in March and is slated for completion in November, 2010.
“Westerns growth in 2010 will be exceptional, it continues to build great client relationships and provides a high level of service,” stated President and CEO, Frank DAddario.
The envision Group is one of Canadas premier suppliers of environmental, construction and contracting services; specializing in building construction and renovation, earthworks, utility installation and electrical contracting.
“Our new site will bring Sigma customer and dealer experiences to a whole
new level,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of
America. “Were particularly excited about the opportunity to interact with
users and provide a place for the Sigma community to share their images.
Customers will also find it much easier to navigate our product pages and
make purchases through Authorized Sigma Dealers .”
This new, online experience underscores Sigmas dedication to customer and
dealer service by making it even easier for browsers to locate, purchase
and register new products. The Lens Finder Tool will act as a concierge to
help visitors sort through more than 50 Sigma lenses by product,
camera system, camera type, skill level, price point, end use and
technology. Dealers will also benefit from new online sales solutions that
track sales and click-through rates.
With the new photo share feature in the Sigma Lounge, user-submitted photos
are cross-referenced on product detail pages, so customers can see user
photographs taken with Sigma lenses, with additional details regarding
shutter speed and aperture. Similarly, the site will include bios and
galleries for all Sigma Pros . This information will include technical data and
background information about how these professional photographers captured
photographs with Sigma gear.
Compact Design Provides Superior Brightness in a Low Profile Package for
Easy Implementation
SAN JOSE, Calif. SINGAPORE — Avago
Technologies (Nasdaq: AVGO), a leading supplier of analog interface
components for communications, industrial and consumer applications,
today announced a new miniature auto focus light emitting diode (LED)
for use in ultra-slim digital still camera designs. Avago’s ASMT-FJ60,
which is an enhancement to its ASMT-FJ30 auto focus LED series, is ideal
for use as an auxiliary auto focus flash in camera applications that
require long distance illumination and a narrow radiation pattern. With
a footprint that can fit on the head of a pencil eraser, the ASMT-FJ60
offers superior brightness and is one the thinnest auto focus LEDs in
the industry. Additionally, this new auto focus LED will enable
designers to further reduce the overall thickness and size of digital
still cameras.
Avago’s ASMT-FJ60 flash LED is an easy to install miniature surface
mount technology (SMT) dome LED lamp which incorporates an untinted,
non-diffused lens that provides light output within a narrow 10-degree
radiation pattern to assist the auto focus function in digital still
cameras operating in low-light or dark environments. Moreover, it also
provides greater functionality per square inch of printed circuit board
(PCB) space while achieving superior performance in terms of brightness
and power consumption. As a result, design engineers can pack more
functionality, features and performance in less space to make even
smaller digital cameras that will enhance the end user’s overall
experience.
The ASMT-FJ60 package also provides convenience in the assembly process
and is available in 1,000 unit tape and reels to facilitate pick and
place operations. As a result, design engineers will benefit from
shorter time to market and overall cost savings.
Features
Final Six Set to Do Battle in Front of WPT Television Cameras
March 3rd at Commerce Casino
Some familiar faces who pulled up a chip and a chair for charity
included Eric
Dane and Rebecca
Gayheart, Teri
Hatcher, Dave
Annable and Odette
Yustman, Jenny
McCarthy, Hank
Azaria, Jerry
Ferrara, Eddie
Cibrian and LeeAnn
Rimes, Jamie
Lynn Sigler, Kevin
McKidd, Oliver
Hudson, Camryn
Manheim, Donnie
Wahlberg, Jennifer
Tilly, Michael
Vartan, Laura
Prepon, Billy
Burke, Ian Gomez, Shannon
Elizabeth, Danny
Masterson, Chris
Masterson, Tia
Carrere, Jesse
Spencer, Matthew
Lillard, and Sara
Rue, as well as poker pros Chris
“Jesus” Ferguson, Erik
Seidel, Mike
“the Mouth” Matusow, Antonio
Esfandiari,
Phil
Laak, Mark
Seif, Prahlad
Freidman, JC
Tran and many others.
“We’re overwhelmed by the generosity of all the players and celebrities
in supporting Chrysalis,” said Mark Loranger, Chrysalis CEO. “With
$100,000 raised this evening, thousands of men and women in Los Angeles
will be able to transition out of poverty and homelessness into a more
hopeful future. We salute the WPT for hosting a world class event that
gives back so much to the community.”
After 15 hours of play spread over two days, Alfonso
Ribiero, Willie
Garson and Kirk
Acevedo proved they could hold their own, placing in the top 50,
while for the second year in a row Ricki
Lake proved her poker prowess, busting out in 18th place.
She was followed immediately by Marlon
Wayans in 17th while Grant
Heslov and David
Zayas just barely missed the final 6, busting out in ninth and
seventh place respectively.
ON NOVEMBER 30, 2009, North Koreans awoke to find that their savings had lost 99 percent of their official value. Kim Jong Ils dictatorship dropped two zeros from the North Korean won, making a 100-won note worth only one. Exchange of old currency for new is capped at 300,000 of the old won per family in bank savings and half that amount in cash. The limit is a de facto ceiling on savings, rendering worthless any currency held above the cutoff. The sudden revaluation may be an attempt to crack down on the black markets that have long existed in the comers of North Koreas centralized economic system. Defending the monetary change, which was imposed against a background of rampant inflation and widespread poverty, an official at the countrys central bank told a pro-Pyongyang paper in Japan that “in the future, a large share of economic activities will be subject not to the market, but the planned supply and distribution system.”
The Consumer
Foodservice in Vietnam report offers a comprehensive guide to the
size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides
foodservice sales, the number of outlets and the number of transactions
by sector, allowing you to identify the foodservice sectors driving
growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and
offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market – be
they eating habits, lifestyle changes, tourism spending or legislative
issues. Forecasts to 2012 illustrate how the market is set to change.
Sector coverage includes: cafes/bars, full-service restaurants, fast
food, 100% home delivery/takeaway, self-service cafeterias, street
stalls/kiosks
Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts)
Why buy this report?
FAST FOOD restaurants are reputed to be cut-rate, unhealthy outfits, while government-run schools are supposed to be public-spirited and socially responsible. But according to a USA Today investigation published in December, meat that would be rejected by McDonalds and Jack-in-the-Box is being served to American schoolchildren. School meat is tested less often than restaurant meat and for fewer contaminants. With ground beef, for example, fast food joints typically pull samples for testing from the line every 15 minutes and test composite samples every hour or two. The Agricultural Marketing Service, the wing of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that buys meat for schools, pulls samples just eight times a day, and it combines them into a single daily test.
SAN DIEGO — Quidel Corporation (NASDAQ: QDEL), a leading provider of rapid
diagnostic tests, has completed its previously announced acquisition of
Diagnostic Hybrids, Inc. for approximately $130 million in cash.
Diagnostic Hybrids, based in Athens, Ohio, is a market leader in
manufacturing and commercializing direct fluorescent in vitro
diagnostic assays used in hospital and reference laboratories for a
variety of diseases, including viral respiratory infections, herpes,
Chlamydia and other viral infections, and thyroid diseases. Diagnostic
Hybrids’ strategy is to leverage its antibody development and cell
culture expertise to develop new products that address significant
market opportunities.
Diagnostic Hybrids reported $51 million in revenues in 2009, an increase
of 34% over 2008. An estimated $5 to $7 million of 2009 revenue is
attributable to demand for the company’s market-leading direct
fluorescent antibody kits for the detection of Influenza A and B
viruses. In 2009, Diagnostic Hybrids’ operating income was $9.3 million
or 18% of revenues. Excluding the impact of the Influenza A (H1N1)
pandemic on the business in 2009, the company’s three-year organic
compounded annual growth rate has been 20%.
“We are pleased to complete the acquisition of Diagnostic Hybrids and
extend a warm welcome to its employees,” said Douglas Bryant, president
and CEO of Quidel. “Our combined company offers the marketplace a
continuum of diagnostic tests for triaging patients, confirming
diagnoses and providing actionable results to improve patient care. We
have begun an integration that is focused on maximizing Diagnostic
Hybrids’ growth opportunities and expect a smooth transition,” Bryant
continued.
MedaSorb Technologies Corporation
(OTCBB: MSBT) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, CytoSorbents, Inc.,
announced that it was approved to participate, for its second year, in the
New Jersey Emerging Technology and Biotechnology Financial Assistance
Program. CytoSorbents was approved by the State to sell additional net
operating losses, which has resulted in net proceeds of approximately
$299,000 to the Company.
“This additional improvement in our cash resources will be used to continue
the funding of our European Sepsis Trial — evaluating the treatment of
patients with severe sepsis and respiratory failure,” commented Dr. Phillip
Chan, CEO. “The proceeds from the sale of our net operating losses have
additional benefit as a non-dilutive event for our shareholders. We are
also pleased to announce the receipt of $80,000 from the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center, for our fourth year of sub-contracting work in
support of their NIH grant studying sepsis. Additionally, we are excited
to have enrolled our 50th patient, reaching the midway point in our 100
patient trial, and are continuing to work with all sites to maximize
enrollment.”
About MedaSorb, CytoSorbents and CytoSorb
MedaSorb Technologies Corporation, and its operating subsidiary,
CytoSorbents, is a therapeutic device company in clinical trials to treat
severe sepsis, often called “overwhelming infection,” with a novel blood
purification device called CytoSorb. Severe sepsis is typically caused
by bacterial infections like pneumonia, or viral infections like influenza.
It afflicts more than 1 million people in the United States and an
estimated 18 million people worldwide each year, killing one in every three
patients despite the best treatment. In the United States, more die from
severe sepsis than from either heart attacks, strokes or any single form of
cancer. Much of the organ failure and mortality in severe sepsis is caused
by the abnormal massive production of cytokines by the immune system, often
called “cytokine storm.” CytoSorb is a cartridge containing highly
porous polymer beads that are designed to filter cytokines and treat
potentially fatal cytokine storm. As blood is pumped through the
CytoSorb cartridge using standard dialysis equipment, the beads bind
and remove cytokines and other toxins from blood. The treated blood is
then returned to the patient. The Company is currently conducting its
European Sepsis Trial — a multi-center, randomized, controlled clinical
trial using its flagship CytoSorb device to treat up to 100 patients
with severe sepsis in the setting of respiratory failure. CytoSorb is
one of a number of different resins designed for different medical
applications, including improved dialysis, the potential treatment of
inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, treatment of rhabdomyolysis in
trauma, drug detoxification and others.
MedaSorb Technologies Corporation
(OTCBB: MSBT) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, CytoSorbents, Inc.,
announced that it was approved to participate, for its second year, in the
New Jersey Emerging Technology and Biotechnology Financial Assistance
Program. CytoSorbents was approved by the State to sell additional net
operating losses, which has resulted in net proceeds of approximately
$299,000 to the Company.
“This additional improvement in our cash resources will be used to continue
the funding of our European Sepsis Trial — evaluating the treatment of
patients with severe sepsis and respiratory failure,” commented Dr. Phillip
Chan, CEO. “The proceeds from the sale of our net operating losses have
additional benefit as a non-dilutive event for our shareholders. We are
also pleased to announce the receipt of $80,000 from the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center, for our fourth year of sub-contracting work in
support of their NIH grant studying sepsis. Additionally, we are excited
to have enrolled our 50th patient, reaching the midway point in our 100
patient trial, and are continuing to work with all sites to maximize
enrollment.”
About MedaSorb, CytoSorbents and CytoSorb
MedaSorb Technologies Corporation, and its operating subsidiary,
CytoSorbents, is a therapeutic device company in clinical trials to treat
severe sepsis, often called “overwhelming infection,” with a novel blood
purification device called CytoSorb. Severe sepsis is typically caused
by bacterial infections like pneumonia, or viral infections like influenza.
It afflicts more than 1 million people in the United States and an
estimated 18 million people worldwide each year, killing one in every three
patients despite the best treatment. In the United States, more die from
severe sepsis than from either heart attacks, strokes or any single form of
cancer. Much of the organ failure and mortality in severe sepsis is caused
by the abnormal massive production of cytokines by the immune system, often
called “cytokine storm.” CytoSorb is a cartridge containing highly
porous polymer beads that are designed to filter cytokines and treat
potentially fatal cytokine storm. As blood is pumped through the
CytoSorb cartridge using standard dialysis equipment, the beads bind
and remove cytokines and other toxins from blood. The treated blood is
then returned to the patient. The Company is currently conducting its
European Sepsis Trial — a multi-center, randomized, controlled clinical
trial using its flagship CytoSorb device to treat up to 100 patients
with severe sepsis in the setting of respiratory failure. CytoSorb is
one of a number of different resins designed for different medical
applications, including improved dialysis, the potential treatment of
inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, treatment of rhabdomyolysis in
trauma, drug detoxification and others.
WASHINGTON — The FBI sought to close the book on its long, frustrating hunt for the killer behind the 2001 anthrax letters Friday, formally ending its investigation and concluding a mentally unhinged scientist was responsible for killing five people and unnerving Americans nationwide. After years of false leads, no arrests and public criticism, the FBI and Justice Department said Dr. Bruce Ivins, a government researcher, acted alone. Investigators had tried earlier to build a case against biowarfare expert Steven Hatfill, who had worked for a time in the same military lab as Ivins, but ultimately turned away from that theory and had to pay him a multimillion-dollar settlement. Many details of the case have already been disclosed, but newly released FBI documents paint a fuller portrait of Ivins as a troubled doctor whose lifes work was teetering toward failure at the time the letters laced with anthrax were sent. As the U.S. responded to the mailings, that work was given new importance by the government, and he was even honored for his efforts on anthrax.
LifePics
announced today the BETA launch of its Facebook integration, which allows
consumers to share images from their LifePics online account to their
Facebook page, as well as add their Facebook images to their LifePics
account. The integration is the latest application launched through LifePics OPEN
program , which gives app developers and affiliate sites the ability to
drive users, images, and orders into the LifePics Retail Network.
“We are thrilled with what LifePics has been doing this year to drive us
orders,” said Mandy Earnshaw, Lab Manager at Precision Camera. “LifePics
OPEN program gives our customers more places to access their digital images
and send the images to our store to print, and the new Facebook integration
is the latest milestone to emerge. We love that our customers can add
Facebook photos to their online photo account, and share photos from their
online account to their Facebook page. It gives our customers a better
overall web experience, and gives us more exposure and value as a photo
service provider, which will ultimately lead to more orders to our store.”
“Clearly, Facebook has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in
the photo sharing world,” said Ken McDonald, Vice President of Marketing at
LifePics. “Our Facebook integration is a primary example of what potential
third party partners can do through our OPEN program; the ability to share
and add images between Facebook and LifePics accounts has opened the door
for other developers and partners to take our integration to the next
level.”
Pocket-sized, easy-to-use device enables physicians to provide more
rapid diagnoses by enhancing the physical exam
VANCOUVER — GE Healthcare announced today that the company’s latest ultrasound
innovation, Vscan, will be utilized at the Mobile Medical Unit, the
medical emergency unit extension of the Whistler Polyclinic in support
of athletes, trainers and visitors attending the Vancouver 2010 Olympic
Winter Games competitions.
Roughly the size of a smartphone, Vscan houses powerful, ultra-smart
ultrasound technology that provides clinicians with an immediate,
non-invasive method to help secure visual information about what is
happening inside the body. Vscan is portable and can easily be taken
from room to room to be used in many clinical, hospital or primary care
settings.
“GE’s goal is to improve the quality of care by increasing access to
important healthcare technologies, and this pocket-sized visualization
tool will help do that with its portability and high image quality,”
said Peter Robertson, General Manager of GE Healthcare Canada. “Vscan is
a non-invasive tool that can help physician’s perform more focused
physical exams and provide additional information with immediate visual
validation, which may help speed diagnoses, reduce patient wait-times
and improve physician workflow.”
The ability to take a quick look inside the body using Vscan may help
clinicians detect disease earlier. This may prove invaluable in today’s
busy practice environment including primary care physicians and those
specializing in cardiology, critical and emergency care and women’s
health, as well as hospitalists.
SALT LAKE CITY — Medical clinics performing abortions would be required to display any ultrasound images of a pregnant womans fetus taken prior to the procedure if she chooses to see them, under a bill approved 53-15 in the House on Friday. HB200, which addresses the informed consent portion of state abortion statutes, also would require clinics to give a detailed description of the ultrasound images if the woman asks for the information. According to fiscal analysts, the law would require an additional $7,000 from the state in the first year, and $4,000 each year thereafter, to pay for the free ultrasounds and educational materials the state Department of Health would be required to provide under the measure. Fiscal analysts also note that physicians might have extra costs because they would have additional procedure- reporting requirements. The measure would require the health department to produce printed and video information on abortion procedures, and that facilities performing them would have to make the materials available to any woman seeking an abortion 24 hours before it is performed.
South African EDs experience one of the highest trauma loads in the world. In 1999 the South African Medical Research Council estimated that 1.5 million trauma cases presented to secondary and tertiary hospitals alone. (1) Treatment of trauma patients presents the emergency doctor and surgeon with significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Developing mechanisms to reduce time to definitive care is therefore a priority in trauma management. (2) Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) and CT scanning assist in correctly identifying patients who require early surgical intervention. More recently, emergency ultrasound has emerged in South African EDs as a novel diagnostic tool. Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is a rapid bedside ultrasound examination that was first developed in Europe and subsequently employed in other trauma units. (3) FAST scanning is a portable sonographic technique performed by surgeons and ED doctors to screen for significant haemoperitoneum or pericardial tamponade after trauma. Free fluid may be detected in the pericardium and dependent areas in the abdominal cavity in a supine patient. Bleeding is usually the cause in the trauma context. Several studies have investigated the reliability and accuracy of FAST scanning in trauma. A Cochrane systematic review found that the sensitivity for detecting haemoperitoneum in trauma patients was 85-95% and the specificity higher. (4) FAST scanning expedites disposition of trauma patients, decreasing time to definitive care and reducing demands for CT scanning. (5) We are not aware of studies investigating the use of FAST in a developing world setting. While emergency doctors working in tertiary centres in developed countries may have the luxury of choice between various diagnostic modalities, in most rural settings in South Africa CT scanning and radiology are not available after hours. However, decisions to transfer patients for definitive care must be made in an equally timely manner. We aimed to assess the use and accuracy of an existing ultrasound machine by recently trained ED doctors for the purposes of FAST scanning in our department. Our intention was to propose its wider use in peripheral hospitals.
MANCHESTER UNITED will demand pounds 1million in compensation from Burnley for Richard Eckersley at a transfer tribunal tomorrow.
DART (3.20) can hit the bullseye in the 1m6f handicap at Southwell today. The Sue Lamyman-trained mare has struck a rich vein of form this winter with two wins and a second, all over course and distance.
BRITAIN must adopt an “Al Capone” policy to deport foreign gangsters, a senior Government minister has warned. Under the plan, police would work with immigration officials to drive out crime barons for minor offences even if they are not convicted of gang-related crime. US mobster Al Capone was jailed in 1931 for tax evasion after being hunted by The Untouchables led by Elliot Ness.
IN OCTOBER, Adam Bauer, a student at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, pied no contest to charges of underage drinking. Thatll teach him not to accept Facebook friend requests from pretty girls he doesnt know. According to the La Crosse Tribune, Bauer and seven other under-21 students were busted after a police officer posing as an attractive student befriended them on Facebook, then documented photos they had posted on their profiles that depicted them consuming alcohol. According to the paper, two other students, Brianna Niesen and Cassie Stenholt, were charged and fined because someone else had posted photos of them holding beers. La Crosse police officer Al Iverson told the paper that police must adapt to social networking trends to catch lawbreakers, adding that the photos helped “glamorize alcohol consumption and binge drinking.”
A PAEDO dad who tried to stop his daughter fleeing to Ireland was arrested by Polish police after his wife exposed his crimes. The evil farmer kept the girl locked up for six years from the age of 14, used her as a sex slave and fathered two children by her. Christopher Bartoszuk – Dubbed the Polish Fritzl – was found guilty of rape, sex with an underage girl and psychological abuse and jailed for 10 years. Alicja said: “He kept telling me I was a prostitute, and that was why I deserved what he was doing.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Medical teams from Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) will soon be headed to Haiti. Through an agreement with the Department of the Navy, CHS is organizing volunteer groups who will spend two weeks at a time providing care to victims of the January earthquake. The first contingent of 10 licensed providers is expected to deploy in mid-February and will remain in Haiti for two weeks. Navy medical officials will determine the make-up of each contingent, but each will include one or more physicians plus other medical personnel including mid-level providers, nurses, respiratory therapists, and physical and occupational therapists. They will work in a field hospital attached to the American hospital ship Comfort. “Since the devastating earthquake in January I have heard from many of our colleagues and teammates,” said CHS Chief Executive Officer Michael Tarwater. “They desperately want to help with Haiti relief efforts. They see that the need continues to be overwhelming and they are deeply concerned that opportunities to provide healing have been impeded by the many challenging conditions on the ground. Now, in conjunction with the Navy, we have a means for them to directly apply their skills in ways that will make a difference.” Dr. Michael Bosse, an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Carolinas Medical Center and retired Navy Captain, was instrumental in making contact with Navy officials. Dr. Bosse traveled to Haiti separately as part of a contingent from the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, a national organization. Additionally several other Carolinas HealthCare caregivers have gone or will soon travel to Haiti to work with relief agencies there.
CHRIS GELLERT A physical therapist and personal trainer for 19 years, Gellert is the founder of Pinnacle Training Consulting Systems in Germantown, Md. pinnacle-tcs.com Grasso has consulted for everyone from housewives to pro athletes. He is the founder of the International Youth Conditioning Association. iyca.org
“From Target to TJMaxx, liberal women can find products and clothing with President Obamas image or the latest take on global warming. But theres no retail source for women who want to show their support for the conservative cause,” says Betsy Gall, co-owner of CoolConservativeGear.com . After attending the 9-12-09 March on Washington, Betsy and her friend Sheila Kihne used their design and retail backgrounds to create stylish message tees for conservative women. Encouraged by the response at home parties and local events in their home state of Minnesota, they launched their website on January 20th. “We sold one hundred t-shirts within a day. and this is the land of Al Franken,” says Kihne.
The company sells designer-style tee shirts and tank tops as well as gift items like coffee mugs and reusable tote bags with the simple message “Its Cool to be Conservative.” Their signature logo — a traditional monogram with a preppy flair — appeals to their clientele of sophisticated, suburban shoppers. “Our customers want to show their point-of-view in a stylish way. Fashion-forward women want cap sleeves and longer fits — not boxy mens tee shirts or oversized hoodies,” says Gall.
Boys and Mens tees sport the message “Proud to be a Fiscal Conservative,” inspired by a cute remark from Galls 4-year-old son. Pink and blue onesies have been top sellers as a unique gift item for new moms.
“The media and liberal politicians have crafted an image of Tea Party Patriots which is inconsistent with the people who we know that support the cause. They cant decide if were toting guns and wearing shirts emblazoned with the Gadsden Flag, or if were what Barbara Boxer calls The Brooks Brothers Brigade. We are both. We are Americans fed up with the corruption and arrogance of Washington and were ready to show our friends and neighbors what we think,” says Kihne.
A recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll shows that 41% percent of Americans have a favorable view of the Tea Party movement and a recent ABC/Washington Post poll found that nearly half of Americans (45 percent) say they agree with Tea Party positions on issues.
PROVO — A second man has admitted his part in trapping and assaulting two teenage girls in a car last October. Jared Holland, 19, of Pleasant Grove, pleaded no contest to unlawful detention, a class B misdemeanor, Wednesday in 4th District Court. He had been charged along with three friends with two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a first-degree felony. Police say the four Utah County men held two girls in a vehicle and tried to rip their clothes off. Preliminary hearings are set for March 19 for Shawn Havili and Kyle Anderson, both 19. Holland is set to be sentenced March 31.
Leading minibus insurance broker, Staveley Head have offered advice for minibus drivers on check to ensure their vehicle is legal for the road.
If you drive a minibus, whether as a job or a volunteer, whether part-time or full-time, you as well as the owner of the vehicle are responsible for ensuring the vehicle is in a legal and roadworthy condition. The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) roadside examiners were extended powers under the 2006 Road Safety Act to issue fixed penalties to offending drivers following random roadside inspections.
The minibus DRIVER is legally required to carry out a “walkaround check” prior to each and every journey. If stopped by a VOSA roadside inspector and a fault is found to be evident, the driver will incur a fixed penalty fine or even a court appearance for more serious offences. The inspection should include the following checks.
Make sure that windscreen wipers and washers, horn and all exterior lights are working correctly. Ensure that all mirrors and glass are clean and to not impair vision.
Test that the brakes and steering mechanism are not defective in any way, and determine that there are no fuel or oil leaks.
UK van drivers are turning to traditional fish and chips as their favourite British takeaway, according to figures released today.
An online survey of 1,200 customers by van insurance retailer, Swinton Commercial, found that a staggering 75% of van drivers voted for the traditional British takeaway.
The poll found that another British favourite, the infamous bacon or sausage sarnie, came in second place with 11% of the votes. The more exotic offerings of chicken tikka masala, lamb doner kebab and sweet and sour chicken scored less well with Swinton van insurance customers.
According to the survey the top takeaways were:
This new type of modern eldercare will postpone, if not eliminate, many elderly persons from having to endure the loneliness and loss of independence due to leaving their own homes and living in nursing homes and other assisted living facilities. Their families can now better manage the difficult decisions regarding independence they allow their now dependent aged parent while minimizing the concern and risk the adult care giving child is willing to assume to enable an acceptable level of independence and consequent risk (to the care giver) for their now dependent parent.
“For the last several years, the US eldercare crisis is commonly portrayed as not happening until the baby boomers reach the age of great reliance on their children and younger family members. The truth of the matter, since the US is the only country in the top ten of the worlds industrialized nations without national healthcare, is that we really dont have solid statistics for our true bottom line annual US eldercare costs. Many middle class baby boomers are presently suffering significant financial, time and emotional pressures attempting to care for their surviving WWII and Korean War era parents,” observed Martin Spencer, President/CEO, GeckoSystems.
At the time of the companys founding, extensive primary market research was performed to determine the demographic profiles and the market segments appropriate to identify the probable early adopters of eldercare capable personal robots. Not surprisingly the scientific statistical analyses revealed that elderly over 65 living alone in metropolitan areas with broadband Internet available and sufficient household incomes to support were identified as those most likely to adopt initially. Using U.S. Census Bureau data from the 2000 census the pent-up demand, to the degree possible for metro areas only, is — to those not privy to this type of statistical analysis — nearly unbelievable. Due to the high cost of assisted living, nursing homes, etc. the payback for a CareBot is expected to be only six to eight months while keeping elderly care receivers independent, in their own homes, and living longer due to the comfort of more frequent attention from their loved ones.
“We project the available market size in dollars for cost effective, utilitarian, multitasking eldercare personal robots in 2011 to be $74.0B, in 2012 to be $77B, in 2013 to be $80B, in 2014 to be $83.3B, and in 2015 to be $86.6B. With market penetrations of 0.03% in 2011, 0.06% in 2012, 0.22% in 2013, 0.53% in 2014, and 0.81% in 2015, we will anticipate CareBot sales, from this consumer market segment, only, of $22.0M, $44.0M, $176M, $440.2M, and $704.3M, respectively. We expect these sales despite — and perhaps because of — the present recession due to pent up demand for significant cost reduction in eldercare expenses,” opined Spencer.
Leading caravan parks operator Haven are delighted to announce a series of major improvements to their sites in time for the 2010 season. The company has invested over GBP 40 million across their sites, in order to offer the very best holiday experience for all of the family.
All 35 of the groups holiday parks offer heated indoor and outdoor pools, daytime and evening entertainment, activities, childrens clubs and a variety of attractions, ranging from fishing lakes to climbing walls. Every park benefits from a superb location and is close to some of the UKs most beautiful beaches, resorts and countryside.
Improvements are being added across the board, including new model accommodation and a range of leisure and entertainment facilities, including 14 new Mash Barrel Lounge-Bar-Cafes. Haven is also committed to improving its childrens entertainment options, with the addition of improved pool facilities, including the spectacular Space Bowl Flumes at several parks.
In addition, improved and upgraded adventure golf courses, tennis and sports courts and kids play areas are to be added to a number of Parks, including the popular Hopton, Littlesea and Marton Mere sites.
2009 was a record year for the British holiday industry, with more and more people than ever opting to stay at home rather than travel abroad. In 2010, Haven is expecting this to continue, with one of its busiest years ever at its caravan parks across England, Scotland and Wales.
Vibram Customer Danner Matches Contribution; Contribution Complements
Company’s Chewy Shoe Donations Supporting Inmate-Trained Service Dogs
for Veterans
NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. — Vibram Pet Products recently made a substantial increase to its
financial support of Dog Tags: Service Dogs for Those Who’ve Served
Us, a program that provides inmate-trained service dogs to injured
U.S. veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. At an evening
reception during SHOT Show, Vibram presented Puppies Behind Bars (PBB)
with a check for $11,500. Danner, manufacturer of work, military and
recreational boots matched the donation made by Vibram. Vibram has been
supporting the program since last March by donating two dollars from the
sale of every red, white and blue Chewy Shoe product to PBB.
The specially trained golden and Labrador retrievers can perform tasks
such as opening and closing doors, assisting with grocery shopping and
retrieving food from the refrigerator. For veterans with post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), the dogs are trained to remind their companions
to take medications and to help them cope with anxiety as they proceed
through their daily routines.
Veteran Jacob Hyde, accompanied by his beloved service dog Mya, shared
his PBB experience at the event. Hyde served five years as a medic for
the United States Marine Corps and spent close to a year in Iraq. He
will begin his doctoral work in psychology next year, focusing on PTSD
and counseling for veterans and their families.
“This generous donation is helping us continue the important work of
supporting our veterans,” said Gloria Gilbert Stoga, founder and
president of Puppies Behind Bars. “I have learned a lot about dogs and
even more about the human spirit through our program. The joy that comes
from working with these dogs – both for the inmate trainers and the
eventual companions – has been incredible to witness.”
More Than 725 Million Visits Provide a Collective $20 Billion
Economic Impact to Communities Surrounding 6,000 State Park Units
Nationwide
Americans demonstrated a strong demand for budget-friendly outdoor
recreation and cultural tourism within easy access to home, with more
than 725 million visits to state parks in 2009. Whether hiking in the
Rocky Mountains, kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay, visiting an historic
battlefield or surfing a Southern California beach, state parks ranked
among the most important leisure time choices for Americans. Despite
this remarkable demand from the public during the recession, these green
spaces are in peril.
“Building state parks creates jobs and operating state parks stimulates
outdoor recreation and tourism spending. That translates to a huge boon
to our local economies,” said NASPD President Joe Elton, Director of
Virginia State Parks. Elton further stated that, “In 2009 visitors to
state parks across America helped create a $20 billion economic impact,
which is an incredible return on investment given that the overall
budget expenditure nationwide is less than $2.3 billion.”
State parks also play a pivotal role in helping combat obesity, one of
the nation’s most pressing health issues. First Lady Michelle Obama,
along with doctors and public health officials, are citing the need for
more activity among children.
Hybrid Energy Holdings, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: HYBE) expects additional demand for Natural Gas based on the recent announcement by Navistar, Inc. that it is developing a Natural Gas model for is popular MaxxForce 13 Engines. Navistars announcement was reported to be necessary to meet increased customer demand for flexible few options.
Navistar, Inc. is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus brand school and commercial buses, Monaco RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets.
Natural gas burns more cleanly than other fossil fuels. It has fewer emissions of sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen when it is burned; it leaves almost no ash particles. Being a cleaner fuel and available domestically, without the need for importing foreign oil, are considered the main reasons that the use of Natural Gas has grown so much.
This customer demand in the trucking industry comes on the heels of recent Ford and Hondas natural gas passenger and taxi cab announcements; and validates the Companys aggressive Natural Gas portfolio.
To meet these growing demands, Hybrid Energy recently announced its latest acquisition of 9 properties that consistently deliver profitably with strong recurring current and historical cash-flows. This important expansion of the companys portfolio results in 35,000,000 BCF of known reserves and delivers an estimated $30,000,000 of shareholder value in active reserves and an additional estimated $145,000,000 in yet untapped reserves of current properties.
GENERATIONS of children have been abused, raped, hammered and beaten by the very people who were there to look after them.
Beneficial Holdings, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: BFHJ), a casino and hospitality investment and management holding company, previously announced its intention to issue a share dividend of 6 shares of free trading common stock for every 1 share of unrestricted common stock that a shareholder owns (holders of restricted shares will receive restricted certificates). This means that the shareholder will have 7 shares of common stock after the dividend for every 1 share currently held.
The Company issued a resolution directing that the ex-date for the dividend will be March 5, 2010. The Company requested that the shares be prospectively distributed on March 10, 2010. However, the Company notes that these dates are tentative in nature and subject to approval by FINRA. In the event that FINRA cannot perform their review in time for the March 10 date, the distribution may be delayed; however, the ex-date probably will not be delayed. The ex-date is the date you must have settled your positions to receive the dividend. This will not be treated as an ordinary forward split, so shareholders must factor in the settlement times for the
ex-date when deciding when to purchase or sell their shares. In the event that the Company is notified of any changes, it will advise shareholders promptly.
In addition, the Company received information that a large portion of the daily sales of its common stock is due to short sellers and not retail investors trying to sell their shares. This short selling action is precisely why the Company needed to issue a dividend to make our common stock more liquid. Our shareholders cannot benefit from liquidity when short sellers are manipulating the price of the securities by creating a wall.
The following information was received from FINRAs published reports.
February 19, 2010: 220600 short shares of 306612 volume (72%).
February 18, 2010: 157000 short shares of 619360 volume (25%).
February 17, 2010: 660383 short shares of 1419469 volume (47%).
February 16, 2010: 255864 short shares of 324864 volume (79%).
February 12, 2010: 6000 short shares of 34500 volume (17%).
February 11, 2010: 75000 short shares of 213000 volume (35%).
February 10, 2010: 135000 short shares of 170700 volume (79%).
February 09, 2010: 729786 short shares of 853186 volume (86%).
February 08, 2010: 105000 short shares of 132895 volume (79%).
February 04, 2010: 125000 short shares of 155400 volume (80%).
INDIANAPOLIS — Positron Corporation (OTCBB:POSC) a molecular imaging solutions company
focused on Nuclear Cardiology, announced today that the U.S. Patent and
Trademark office has allowed for issuance a Patent on Positron’s
Tech-Assist™. The Tech-Assist™, invented under the direction of John A.
Zehner, a nuclear pharmacist, dramatically reduces exposure to the
worker while injecting radiopharmaceuticals into patients when
performing Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging studies. Currently
utilized at several institutions to reduce or eliminate radiation
exposure, the Tech-Assist™ can accept single syringes from a nuclear
pharmacy or can be combined with other Positron equipment such as the
Nuclear Pharm-Assist® to dispense unit doses from a vial. The
Tech-Assist™ fully compliments the Attrius™, Positron’s cardiac and
whole body PET scanner.
“The Tech-Assist™ is an affordable solution to reduce or eliminate
exposure caused by the process of injecting PET isotopes,” stated John
A. Zehner, COO and Radiation Safety Officer of Positron. “Many new F-18
agents have the potential to increase exposure to the worker, reducing
the exposure from a new agent will allow that agent to become widely
utilized. F-18 agents are expected to significantly increase in use for
multiple applications, including Cardiac and whole body bone imaging.
This patent provides Positron the protection to grow this market segment
and demonstrates Positron’s dedication to improving Nuclear Medicine
through innovation.”
Forward Looking Statements: Statements in this document contain
certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. These statements are based on many assumptions and estimates
and are not guarantees of future performance and may involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of Positron Corporation to
be materially different from future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Our actual
results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these
forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including,
without limitation those set forth as “Risk Factors” in our filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For further information please contact Positron Corporation at
(317)576-0183.
INDIANAPOLIS — Positron Corporation (OTCBB:POSC) a molecular imaging solutions company
focused on Nuclear Cardiology, announced today that the U.S. Patent and
Trademark office has allowed for issuance a Patent on Positron’s
Tech-Assist™. The Tech-Assist™, invented under the direction of John A.
Zehner, a nuclear pharmacist, dramatically reduces exposure to the
worker while injecting radiopharmaceuticals into patients when
performing Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging studies. Currently
utilized at several institutions to reduce or eliminate radiation
exposure, the Tech-Assist™ can accept single syringes from a nuclear
pharmacy or can be combined with other Positron equipment such as the
Nuclear Pharm-Assist® to dispense unit doses from a vial. The
Tech-Assist™ fully compliments the Attrius™, Positron’s cardiac and
whole body PET scanner.
“The Tech-Assist™ is an affordable solution to reduce or eliminate
exposure caused by the process of injecting PET isotopes,” stated John
A. Zehner, COO and Radiation Safety Officer of Positron. “Many new F-18
agents have the potential to increase exposure to the worker, reducing
the exposure from a new agent will allow that agent to become widely
utilized. F-18 agents are expected to significantly increase in use for
multiple applications, including Cardiac and whole body bone imaging.
This patent provides Positron the protection to grow this market segment
and demonstrates Positron’s dedication to improving Nuclear Medicine
through innovation.”
Forward Looking Statements: Statements in this document contain
certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. These statements are based on many assumptions and estimates
and are not guarantees of future performance and may involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of Positron Corporation to
be materially different from future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Our actual
results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these
forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including,
without limitation those set forth as “Risk Factors” in our filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For further information please contact Positron Corporation at
(317)576-0183.
The Complete Package is one of those rare Hollywood open casting calls
for what has been described as “a major big box reality show”. It is an
opportunity of a lifetime to be one of the 10 female contestants to
prove that they are the one who has it all and be named The Complete
Package. What will the winning contestant receive? The whole Hollywood
experience! An employment contract with Muscle Flex Inc. and represent
the company in advertising, red carpets and other public appearances,
photo shoots, special promotions, corporate events as well as giving
their smarts in the boardroom.
“We have seen an amazing response to the casting call so far,” commented
Danny Alex, CEO of Muscle Flex Inc. “Hollywood has taken notice of this
reality show and for good reason. The Complete Package is about finding
a real girl who has it all and perhaps more importantly, its redefining
what has become, society’s narrow stereotype of beauty. It’s about
intellect, confidence, passion, health, fitness and so many more things
that go into being The Complete Package.
Muscle Flex Inc. expects to make its final casting announcements next
week.
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Tropos Networks announced today that Vancouver’s Concord Place Community
Celebration Zone is using a Tropos wireless broadband network to provide
free Wi-Fi Internet access for attendees of the 2010 Winter Olympics
celebrations, making it easy for them to stay connected. The Concord
Place venue covers several pavilions – Molson Hockey House, Ontario
House, Quebec House, Saskatchewan House, and Global TV. Tens of
thousands of people are expected to visit the Concord Place area during
the games.
Novax Industries and Novus Entertainment together installed the Tropos
outdoor mesh network at Concord Place and Novus is providing Internet
access services for the duration of the games. Novus also developed a
special portal that presents users with easy access to a broad selection
of information about the games, local events, services, and maps. In
addition, users have full Internet access, enabling them to remain
connected to friends and family from iPhones and any other Wi-Fi device.
“We’re excited to work with Concord Place and Novus Entertainment to
provide Wi-Fi services to the many visitors in Vancouver during the
games,” said Novax Industries CEO, David Atnikov. “We selected Tropos’
wireless broadband network due to its high reliability and ease in
deploying quickly.”
“We are pleased to have been selected as a key part of the solution that
delivers wireless Internet access to thousands of visitors at this
significant venue during the Olympic games,” said Mike Bailey, Tropos
vice president of engineering and operations.
About Novax
VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ — A new, free Internet service is bringing a new solution to a growing problem long faced by physicians throughout the U.S. Despite the large number of prescriptions filled at pharmacies — approximately 70 million each day nationwide — there are many which are never filled, often because the patients family either has no health insurance or, for whatever reason, simply cannot afford the cost. The potential danger that this creates is clear. In order to properly treat an individuals illness, the physician must become certain of two things: that the patient is following the doctors instructions by filling the prescription and taking the medication as directed, and that the medication itself is working and having the desired effect with no unwanted side effects. In todays national economy, with increased joblessness and many families having to decide between prescribed medicines and other critical items, the opportunity to have a prescription filled at little or no cost can mean the difference between the patient getting healthy — by being able to follow the physicians instructions — or suffering needlessly. There is no cost for any of these coupons, and there is no need for website visitors to register with FirstRxSavings.com in order to be able to print out the coupons needed. FirstRxSavings.com serves as a search engine to link each individual with the respective pharmaceutical companys website where the coupon can be found and printed out. Many of the programs offer free trial supplies of the medication — for example, free 30-day supplies of Uroxatral (for enlarged prostate), free 15-day trial supplies of Crestor for lowering cholesterol, or even six-month free co-pays for the rheumatoid arthritis medication, Orencia. Hundreds of such offers are available as computer-printable coupons, at no cost, on FirstRxSavings.com.
VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ — A new, free Internet service is bringing a new solution to a growing problem long faced by physicians throughout the U.S. Despite the large number of prescriptions filled at pharmacies — approximately 70 million each day nationwide — there are many which are never filled, often because the patients family either has no health insurance or, for whatever reason, simply cannot afford the cost. The potential danger that this creates is clear. In order to properly treat an individuals illness, the physician must become certain of two things: that the patient is following the doctors instructions by filling the prescription and taking the medication as directed, and that the medication itself is working and having the desired effect with no unwanted side effects. In todays national economy, with increased joblessness and many families having to decide between prescribed medicines and other critical items, the opportunity to have a prescription filled at little or no cost can mean the difference between the patient getting healthy — by being able to follow the physicians instructions — or suffering needlessly. There is no cost for any of these coupons, and there is no need for website visitors to register with FirstRxSavings.com in order to be able to print out the coupons needed. FirstRxSavings.com serves as a search engine to link each individual with the respective pharmaceutical companys website where the coupon can be found and printed out. Many of the programs offer free trial supplies of the medication — for example, free 30-day supplies of Uroxatral (for enlarged prostate), free 15-day trial supplies of Crestor for lowering cholesterol, or even six-month free co-pays for the rheumatoid arthritis medication, Orencia. Hundreds of such offers are available as computer-printable coupons, at no cost, on FirstRxSavings.com.
Focus on the Family, the evangelical Christian group, bought air time to run an ad during the Super Bowl. In the ad, Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow will reportedly praise his mother for ignoring the advice of her doctors to abort him. NOW and NARAL urged CBS not to run the ad. But why? The advance publicity does not suggest that the ad says anything about how governments should treat abortion.
The Institute for Womens Policy Research conducts rigorous research and
disseminates its findings to address the needs of women, promote public
dialogue, and strengthen families, communities, and societies.
IWPR focuses on issues of poverty and welfare, employment and earnings,
work and family issues, health and safety, and womens civic and
political participation.
The Institute works with policymakers, scholars, and public interest
groups around the country to design, execute, and disseminate research
that illuminates economics and social policy issues affecting women and
families, and to build a network of individuals and organizations that
conduct and use women-oriented policy research. IWPR, an independent,
non-profit, research organization, also works in affiliation with the
graduate programs in public policy and womens studies at The George
Washington University.
IWPRs work is supported by foundation grants, government grants and
contracts, donations from individuals, and contributions from
organizations. Members and affiliates of IWPRs Information Network
receive reports and information on a regular basis. IWPR is a 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt organization.
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