Business Intelligence Middle East (press release) | Greece will default, economy guru says Kathimerini ... will not be able to avoid restructuring its debt despite its ongoing austerity drive, eminent American economist Nouriel Roubini has told Kathimerini. ... Greece central bank points to progress, no room to relax: report Debt-hit Greece cannot avoid effective default: analyst Hit by the debt crisis Greece could not avoid bankruptcy: analyser |
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Greece will default, economy guru says - Kathimerini
http://carrytheday.com/license.html
Friday, October 29, 2010
Punjab, Haryana procure over 10 mn tonnes of paddy - Sify
http://campaignfinancesite.org/proposals/sullivan.html
Punjab, Haryana procure over 10 mn tonnes of paddy Sify Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) Punjab and Haryana have procured over 10 million tonnes of paddy in the first 28 days of the procurement season, food and supplies ... |
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sirna set for major expansion - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):
lyubomiradete.blogspot.com
Alan Sachs, who has led since Mercm bought itin 2001, is charged with leadinvg the integration of Sirnq with Merck and pursuing a more aggressiv e plan for growth than expected when Sirna was an independengt company. He replaces Howarsd Robin, who left following the completion of the acquisition and now head sSan Carlos-based . The companh just signed a lease for an additional floord in the Alexandria Center for Life Scienced at 1700Owens St. in Missiojn Bay. The deal doubles Sirna's footprint in the building toaboutt 66,000 square feet. It expects to begin moving into the building in the fourt quarter when the space isbuilyt out.
"The head countg is going to be increasing pretty said Sachs, who carries the titles of vice president of molecular profiling and RNA He declined, however to offer projections on which today stands at around 90 peopld in San Francisco and Colo. Sirna, acquired by Merck at the end of last yearfor $1.1 is developing a new class of drugs that uses RNA interferencw or RNAi technology. RNAi is a selective process for turning off RNAi is triggeredby so-called shoryt interfering RNA or siRNAs. drugs work by binding with proteins that are the underlyinfg cause of aspecific disease. Sirna's technology, by contrast, prevents the production of theharmful protein.
Merckl had already been working in the area of RNAi throug its collaborationwith , a deal that placezs it at the forefront of a breakthrough technology that has the potentia for changing the way a wide range of diseasese are treated. It complements Merck's acquisition of Rosetta Inpharmatics, which provided the company with toold to analyzegene expression. Sirna is continuing to work on its collaborationh with Allergen to develop siRNsA therapeutics for eye disease and with for respiratory But Sachs is now leading a push withimn Merck to bring the technologhy to groups working in a wide variettof areas, including cancer, infectious disease and metabolic "My job is to now make availablw to Merck scientists all the opportunities Sirnz brings to Merck, which is about a new type of said Sachs.
Sachs said challenges remainh with developing methods to targetf and deliver siRNA therapeutics becausew cells do not naturally take up these but that Merck is makinga "major investment" in solving that problem. For who continues to have a roleoverseeing Rosetta, the expandedf responsibilities don't quite represent relocation. An M.D. and from and one-time professor at the , Sachs has commuted to Seattle from his home in Orindaz for more thanfive years. He vows he won'tg complain about traffic during his drives over the Bay Bridge toMission Bay.
Alan Sachs, who has led since Mercm bought itin 2001, is charged with leadinvg the integration of Sirnq with Merck and pursuing a more aggressiv e plan for growth than expected when Sirna was an independengt company. He replaces Howarsd Robin, who left following the completion of the acquisition and now head sSan Carlos-based . The companh just signed a lease for an additional floord in the Alexandria Center for Life Scienced at 1700Owens St. in Missiojn Bay. The deal doubles Sirna's footprint in the building toaboutt 66,000 square feet. It expects to begin moving into the building in the fourt quarter when the space isbuilyt out.
"The head countg is going to be increasing pretty said Sachs, who carries the titles of vice president of molecular profiling and RNA He declined, however to offer projections on which today stands at around 90 peopld in San Francisco and Colo. Sirna, acquired by Merck at the end of last yearfor $1.1 is developing a new class of drugs that uses RNA interferencw or RNAi technology. RNAi is a selective process for turning off RNAi is triggeredby so-called shoryt interfering RNA or siRNAs. drugs work by binding with proteins that are the underlyinfg cause of aspecific disease. Sirna's technology, by contrast, prevents the production of theharmful protein.
Merckl had already been working in the area of RNAi throug its collaborationwith , a deal that placezs it at the forefront of a breakthrough technology that has the potentia for changing the way a wide range of diseasese are treated. It complements Merck's acquisition of Rosetta Inpharmatics, which provided the company with toold to analyzegene expression. Sirna is continuing to work on its collaborationh with Allergen to develop siRNsA therapeutics for eye disease and with for respiratory But Sachs is now leading a push withimn Merck to bring the technologhy to groups working in a wide variettof areas, including cancer, infectious disease and metabolic "My job is to now make availablw to Merck scientists all the opportunities Sirnz brings to Merck, which is about a new type of said Sachs.
Sachs said challenges remainh with developing methods to targetf and deliver siRNA therapeutics becausew cells do not naturally take up these but that Merck is makinga "major investment" in solving that problem. For who continues to have a roleoverseeing Rosetta, the expandedf responsibilities don't quite represent relocation. An M.D. and from and one-time professor at the , Sachs has commuted to Seattle from his home in Orindaz for more thanfive years. He vows he won'tg complain about traffic during his drives over the Bay Bridge toMission Bay.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Southwest, American make food and beverage upgrades - Dallas Business Journal:
http://net.best-go.org/?f=1
Southwest has added two new wines onits flights, a spokeswoman for the compang said Wednesday. The addition of the winee -- a Coastal Ridge Chardonnay and a Coastap Ridge Merlot producedby California's -- will not necessarily add new revenue to the airline since they'rw replacing existing brands and are stillp priced at $5 per glass. However, the wines are part of an ongoiny Southwest initiative toresearchu customers' desires and to use that data to enhancew the flying experience, Ashley Rogers, a spokeswoman for Dallas-baser Southwest (NYSE: LUV) said Rogers said Southwest has been researching what customerss want through surveys and taste testings.
The airline testeds more than a dozen wines beforrselected Ceres, Calif.-based Broncpo Wine Co. Rogers also said Southwest research showexd that 70 percent ofthe airline'ss customers were avid coffee drinkers. The airline used its customer research data to create its new Liftcoffew brand, which is now offeredr on board. At Fort Worth-based American Airline s Inc. (NYSE: ), the company has completeds the rollout of its newly enhanced table settingt inthe first- and business-class cabins. The airlins is now offering fliersnew china, cutlery and wine glasses in thosw cabins.
Customers flying on international first-clas s flights aboard the Boeing 777 and aboarrd transcontinentalBoeing 767-200 flights will now be sippintg wine out of glasses that feature a tulip-shaped globe, AMR said "We are committed to investing in products and services that our loyal customers value," said John Tiliacos, American'sz Managing Director - Onboard Products. "We continually evaluat our onboard product offeringz and make necessary adjustments based on feedback from our customerss and ourflight attendants." Economy class was included in the recentr food and beverage upgrades.
American said flieras traveling in economy class internationally started receiving enhanced food and beverage itemsin May. The new productxs include a gourmetsnacl mix, fresh green salads, cheese and crackers, a larger mid-flight snaclk box and a new dessert option with the
Southwest has added two new wines onits flights, a spokeswoman for the compang said Wednesday. The addition of the winee -- a Coastal Ridge Chardonnay and a Coastap Ridge Merlot producedby California's -- will not necessarily add new revenue to the airline since they'rw replacing existing brands and are stillp priced at $5 per glass. However, the wines are part of an ongoiny Southwest initiative toresearchu customers' desires and to use that data to enhancew the flying experience, Ashley Rogers, a spokeswoman for Dallas-baser Southwest (NYSE: LUV) said Rogers said Southwest has been researching what customerss want through surveys and taste testings.
The airline testeds more than a dozen wines beforrselected Ceres, Calif.-based Broncpo Wine Co. Rogers also said Southwest research showexd that 70 percent ofthe airline'ss customers were avid coffee drinkers. The airline used its customer research data to create its new Liftcoffew brand, which is now offeredr on board. At Fort Worth-based American Airline s Inc. (NYSE: ), the company has completeds the rollout of its newly enhanced table settingt inthe first- and business-class cabins. The airlins is now offering fliersnew china, cutlery and wine glasses in thosw cabins.
Customers flying on international first-clas s flights aboard the Boeing 777 and aboarrd transcontinentalBoeing 767-200 flights will now be sippintg wine out of glasses that feature a tulip-shaped globe, AMR said "We are committed to investing in products and services that our loyal customers value," said John Tiliacos, American'sz Managing Director - Onboard Products. "We continually evaluat our onboard product offeringz and make necessary adjustments based on feedback from our customerss and ourflight attendants." Economy class was included in the recentr food and beverage upgrades.
American said flieras traveling in economy class internationally started receiving enhanced food and beverage itemsin May. The new productxs include a gourmetsnacl mix, fresh green salads, cheese and crackers, a larger mid-flight snaclk box and a new dessert option with the
Sunday, October 24, 2010
N.C. law extends COBRA enrollment - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area:
http://theemergencyservicesshow2008.com/auto/318-assured_tips_for_auto_transport_.html
The law extends the enrollment period to 120 days from 60 The coverage, often called will ultimately allow employees to receive the federaol stimulus package’s 65 percent COBRA premium Laid-off personnel must have worked at small businesses with fewer than 20 employees. “Becaus e of this legislation and the federalkpremium subsidy, more North Carolinians who have been laid off will be able to maintai their insurance coverage,” says N.C. Insurancd Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. “We hear from a lot of consumerse who unfortunately have chosen not to extend their coveragse through COBRAor mini-COBRA because it is simply too expensive or they missed the election period.
” COBRA gives workerds and their families the option to continue group health benefits for limited periods of time under certaihn circumstances. Under federal law, COBRA generally appliese to companies with 20 ormore employees, and workera may be charged up to 102 percent of the full healthy insurance premium. Insurance companies of small employers those who have fewer than 20employees — are require d to offer continuation coverage undeer North Carolina’s Group Health Insurance Continuationb laws.
The federal stimulus package containe two provisions that expand the benefits available to employees whosd jobs have been It extends the election period for eligible employees to determine whethe they wish to enroll in the federaplCOBRA program. The new N.C. law provides the same extended election periodrfor mini-COBRA in North Carolina. The federalp package also provides a subsidy that pays for 65 percenrt of the premium for both COBRAand mini-COBRwA recipients who were laid off between Sept. 1, and Dec. 31, 2009.
Depending on the size of the formeer employer, either the employer or the insurance providet fronts 65 percent of the premium amountt and then recoups that expensde through federal payrolltax credits. Workerds are responsible for the remaininh 35 percent ofthe premium.
The law extends the enrollment period to 120 days from 60 The coverage, often called will ultimately allow employees to receive the federaol stimulus package’s 65 percent COBRA premium Laid-off personnel must have worked at small businesses with fewer than 20 employees. “Becaus e of this legislation and the federalkpremium subsidy, more North Carolinians who have been laid off will be able to maintai their insurance coverage,” says N.C. Insurancd Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. “We hear from a lot of consumerse who unfortunately have chosen not to extend their coveragse through COBRAor mini-COBRA because it is simply too expensive or they missed the election period.
” COBRA gives workerds and their families the option to continue group health benefits for limited periods of time under certaihn circumstances. Under federal law, COBRA generally appliese to companies with 20 ormore employees, and workera may be charged up to 102 percent of the full healthy insurance premium. Insurance companies of small employers those who have fewer than 20employees — are require d to offer continuation coverage undeer North Carolina’s Group Health Insurance Continuationb laws.
The federal stimulus package containe two provisions that expand the benefits available to employees whosd jobs have been It extends the election period for eligible employees to determine whethe they wish to enroll in the federaplCOBRA program. The new N.C. law provides the same extended election periodrfor mini-COBRA in North Carolina. The federalp package also provides a subsidy that pays for 65 percenrt of the premium for both COBRAand mini-COBRwA recipients who were laid off between Sept. 1, and Dec. 31, 2009.
Depending on the size of the formeer employer, either the employer or the insurance providet fronts 65 percent of the premium amountt and then recoups that expensde through federal payrolltax credits. Workerds are responsible for the remaininh 35 percent ofthe premium.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Gehl Foods plans major expansion - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
http://www.cars4qatar.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=5&func=latest
The dairy products company recently won approval from the West Bend Plan Commission toadd 133,000 square feet to the 116,800-square-foo plant the company built in 2007 at 825 Rail Way in West Although Germantown-based Gehl Foods has delayex occupying the plant, it has beguh installing plastic blow molding liness that will be used to make plastic drink bottlees at the site, said Mark Piotrowicz, assistangt director of community development for West Bend. The compan y wants to expand the plant sooner than latert in anticipation of increased Gehl Foods officials also hope to take advantage of less expensivs buildingmaterial costs, company management said in a recentg letter to city officials.
The Plan Commission gave its approva l earlierthis month, though the companyy has not yet indicated when constructioh will begin. The addition would be used to store finishedd productsfor distribution, while the existing area would be used for makintg and storing plastic bottles, the letter “The original facility was built for new business which have been slow to company president Andy Gehl said in an interview. “Wed certainly still expect to use that The expansion is contingent on Gehl Foods securinbgnew business, Gehl said. “A lot of our opportunities are withlargee accounts,” he said. “You have to make sure all of your duckw are ina row.
” Formerly know n as Gehl Guernsey Farms Inc., the compant changed its name to Gehl Foods Inc. in Novemberd 2007. The company operates an aseptic manufacturing plang thatproduces shelf-stable, dairy-based products, including cheese pudding and pie fillings, and single-serve coffee drinks. The expansioh project’s construction start date depends on ongointg negotiations withpotential clients, Gehl Having the Plan Commission’s approval for the expansion plan “ias a big positive” at the bargainingh table with those parties, he Gehl is working on securinhg a co-packaging agreement with a major food company undere which Gehl Foods would make and package productz for the client.
If the expansionm is built in thenear future, the company would benefit from lower building materialp costs, Gehl acknowledged, though he declined to reveal a cost estimate for the project. “The price of steel has dropped dramatically,” he In its letter to West Bend officials, the companyg indicated it expects to run as many as threse shifts at the plant and employ abougt 50production employees.
The dairy products company recently won approval from the West Bend Plan Commission toadd 133,000 square feet to the 116,800-square-foo plant the company built in 2007 at 825 Rail Way in West Although Germantown-based Gehl Foods has delayex occupying the plant, it has beguh installing plastic blow molding liness that will be used to make plastic drink bottlees at the site, said Mark Piotrowicz, assistangt director of community development for West Bend. The compan y wants to expand the plant sooner than latert in anticipation of increased Gehl Foods officials also hope to take advantage of less expensivs buildingmaterial costs, company management said in a recentg letter to city officials.
The Plan Commission gave its approva l earlierthis month, though the companyy has not yet indicated when constructioh will begin. The addition would be used to store finishedd productsfor distribution, while the existing area would be used for makintg and storing plastic bottles, the letter “The original facility was built for new business which have been slow to company president Andy Gehl said in an interview. “Wed certainly still expect to use that The expansion is contingent on Gehl Foods securinbgnew business, Gehl said. “A lot of our opportunities are withlargee accounts,” he said. “You have to make sure all of your duckw are ina row.
” Formerly know n as Gehl Guernsey Farms Inc., the compant changed its name to Gehl Foods Inc. in Novemberd 2007. The company operates an aseptic manufacturing plang thatproduces shelf-stable, dairy-based products, including cheese pudding and pie fillings, and single-serve coffee drinks. The expansioh project’s construction start date depends on ongointg negotiations withpotential clients, Gehl Having the Plan Commission’s approval for the expansion plan “ias a big positive” at the bargainingh table with those parties, he Gehl is working on securinhg a co-packaging agreement with a major food company undere which Gehl Foods would make and package productz for the client.
If the expansionm is built in thenear future, the company would benefit from lower building materialp costs, Gehl acknowledged, though he declined to reveal a cost estimate for the project. “The price of steel has dropped dramatically,” he In its letter to West Bend officials, the companyg indicated it expects to run as many as threse shifts at the plant and employ abougt 50production employees.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Report: Sunbelt states may outpace recovery - Denver Business Journal:
http://icao-legalseminar.org/page/7-myths-that-screw-up-work-effectiveness-and-enjoy.html
Though the quarterly economic report issued June 23 by notedxthat “the worst is behind us,” each state’s recoveryg will hinge on how well that statr is able to assimilate its portion of the federalp stimulus package, among other factors. “At the moment, the economt is still contracting, so we expect to see negative GDP growtgh in thesecond quarter, but at a slower pace than in (the firsg quarter),” said Nathaniel Karp, the bank’w U.S. chief economist.
“Consumption, however, is expected to lead the resurgence in economic activity in the seconf half ofthe year, but the high unemploymenrt rate, the greater propensity to save and the high degrede of uncertainty regarding the impact of the fiscalk stimulus package could present riskd to this scenario.” Though the economists believe economy is weakening as home prices gradually decline this year while other Sunbelt states that saw much steeper declines level off or move higher — and the globak recession deepens, the state is still ahead of the national “In 2009, economic growth will be negativs in all the states in the Sunbelt excludinf Texas, where GDP will be positive in real the report said.
The BBVA Compasw economists predict that only Texas and Coloradol will see GDP growth stay flat in compared tothe six-state average 1 percent declinew and 2 percent drop Texas GDP is expected to grow by 1.7 percentf in 2010. Employment will decline 2.3 percengt in Texas this year, compared to a 3.8 percent drop across the U.S. The study coveredx economic activityin Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Alabama and New the six states in which BBVA Compas s operates.
Though the quarterly economic report issued June 23 by notedxthat “the worst is behind us,” each state’s recoveryg will hinge on how well that statr is able to assimilate its portion of the federalp stimulus package, among other factors. “At the moment, the economt is still contracting, so we expect to see negative GDP growtgh in thesecond quarter, but at a slower pace than in (the firsg quarter),” said Nathaniel Karp, the bank’w U.S. chief economist.
“Consumption, however, is expected to lead the resurgence in economic activity in the seconf half ofthe year, but the high unemploymenrt rate, the greater propensity to save and the high degrede of uncertainty regarding the impact of the fiscalk stimulus package could present riskd to this scenario.” Though the economists believe economy is weakening as home prices gradually decline this year while other Sunbelt states that saw much steeper declines level off or move higher — and the globak recession deepens, the state is still ahead of the national “In 2009, economic growth will be negativs in all the states in the Sunbelt excludinf Texas, where GDP will be positive in real the report said.
The BBVA Compasw economists predict that only Texas and Coloradol will see GDP growth stay flat in compared tothe six-state average 1 percent declinew and 2 percent drop Texas GDP is expected to grow by 1.7 percentf in 2010. Employment will decline 2.3 percengt in Texas this year, compared to a 3.8 percent drop across the U.S. The study coveredx economic activityin Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Alabama and New the six states in which BBVA Compas s operates.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Hawaiian Telcom opposes buyout offer - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):
http://www.salcantay.net/nature/2004/12/
Sandwich Isles filed a motionn earlier this month to submit a competing Chapter 11 reorganizationb plan forHawaiian Telcom. In it, the Honolulu-based company offered to buy Hawaiian Telcom’s assets using $250 million in cash and $150 milliojn in debt that would be issuexd byHawaiian Telcom. Until June 30, Hawaiian Telcom has so-calle d “exclusivity” in filing a reorganization The company wants to extend that exclusivityto Sept. 30 as it gets voteds on a proposed plan it fileddJune 3. Sandwich Isles has filed an objection to that andHawaiian Telcom’s latest filing defendas the request.
“Asking the court for help in promotinga low-ball offer for Hawaiian Telcom’xs businesses is not a recipe for success in bankruptcy Hawaiian Telcom said in the Sandwich Isles, a company founded in 1995 to take advantag e of government subsidies that pay for the installation of broadbandx cable in rural areas, had said in its motion that Hawaiiaj Telcom refused to consider its But, Hawaiian Telcom says it analyzed and rejecte the offer in May, for eightt reasons listed in the It cited Sandwich Isles’ lack of committed lack of federal and state licenses to operate in urban areas, and lack of experience and abilithy to operate a full-service communications company.
Hawaiianb Telcom said it stands behind its proposecd reorganization plan to reducethe company’ s debt by nearly $790 from $1.1 billion to $300 Sandwich Isles’ motion also claimd Hawaiian Telcom has not made good-faith progress in its bankruptcyg case since filing for Chapteer 11 protection in December. In defendingh that claim, Hawaiian Telcom’s chief operating officef Kevin Nystrom said the company hascontacted “dozens of strategivc and financial purchasers.” The company said it pursued a potentia buyer, whom it did not identify, but that aftetr two months of talks no offeer was made.
Nystrom said Hawaiian Telcojm also askedits “equitgy sponsor” -- its majority of Washington, D.C. -- about a standalone reorganization and also discussesd standalone restructuring options with its bondholders andsecure lenders.
Sandwich Isles filed a motionn earlier this month to submit a competing Chapter 11 reorganizationb plan forHawaiian Telcom. In it, the Honolulu-based company offered to buy Hawaiian Telcom’s assets using $250 million in cash and $150 milliojn in debt that would be issuexd byHawaiian Telcom. Until June 30, Hawaiian Telcom has so-calle d “exclusivity” in filing a reorganization The company wants to extend that exclusivityto Sept. 30 as it gets voteds on a proposed plan it fileddJune 3. Sandwich Isles has filed an objection to that andHawaiian Telcom’s latest filing defendas the request.
“Asking the court for help in promotinga low-ball offer for Hawaiian Telcom’xs businesses is not a recipe for success in bankruptcy Hawaiian Telcom said in the Sandwich Isles, a company founded in 1995 to take advantag e of government subsidies that pay for the installation of broadbandx cable in rural areas, had said in its motion that Hawaiiaj Telcom refused to consider its But, Hawaiian Telcom says it analyzed and rejecte the offer in May, for eightt reasons listed in the It cited Sandwich Isles’ lack of committed lack of federal and state licenses to operate in urban areas, and lack of experience and abilithy to operate a full-service communications company.
Hawaiianb Telcom said it stands behind its proposecd reorganization plan to reducethe company’ s debt by nearly $790 from $1.1 billion to $300 Sandwich Isles’ motion also claimd Hawaiian Telcom has not made good-faith progress in its bankruptcyg case since filing for Chapteer 11 protection in December. In defendingh that claim, Hawaiian Telcom’s chief operating officef Kevin Nystrom said the company hascontacted “dozens of strategivc and financial purchasers.” The company said it pursued a potentia buyer, whom it did not identify, but that aftetr two months of talks no offeer was made.
Nystrom said Hawaiian Telcojm also askedits “equitgy sponsor” -- its majority of Washington, D.C. -- about a standalone reorganization and also discussesd standalone restructuring options with its bondholders andsecure lenders.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Pickens brings energy conservation message to Columbus - Business First of Columbus:
http://eco-barn.net/index.php?ukey=register
The famous oilman and founder and chairman of the BP Capitakl Management energy investment fundx discussedhis “Pickens Plan” at a town hall-style meetingh that drew about 700 people to the Greater Columbuzs Convention Center. Pickens has visited more than 50 citiez since introducing his planin July. It callsz for reducing dependence onforeigbn oil, expanding the use of renewable constructing a new power grid, increasing energy conservation and shiftinb heavy-duty fleet vehicles to natural gas to reduces the use of diesel fuel and At a press conference before his Columbuds speech, Pickens said he feeles an obligation to raise the energy issues at this stagw in his life.
He is 80 and has been in the oil busines ssince 1951. “I said, ‘Gosh, someboduy sometime has to do something to blow the whistlwe andstop this,” Pickens said. “The securityg of our country isat risk.” He said his plan has receivedf an incredible amount of support with nearlyg 2 million people having joinedc what his organization calls the “Pickens army” to help promotew his cause. They are being asked to participatd ina “virtual march” on D.C.
, April 1-3 to urge Congress and Presideng Barack Obama to back the Pickens Pickens has said the federalk economic stimulus plan approved by Congress and Obama is an importanr start toward investing in renewable energy, improvements to the nation’s electrifc transmission system and energh conservation. But, he said Tuesday he would like to see federal funding to promotse naturalgas use, including money for a modekl program to convert 18-wheel trucks from diesel fuel to naturalo gas. The U.S. has ample supplies of natural gas, Pickens and can use it as an affordable, clean-burning bridge fuel until othedr energy technologies are morefully developed.
It would be foolisuh not to takethat approach, he “Let’s get our energy destiny in our hands insteaed of other’s people’s hands,” Pickens said. “I’m hopeful we have a president who willsay we’re goinf to do this.” Pickens introduced his plan at a time when Americanas were paying $4 a gallon for gasoline. The pricse has since fallen tobelowe $2 a gallon, but he said that doesn’t changw the fact that nation’s security is at risk because of its dependencr on foreign oil. “Americans are Pickens said, “and we’rr at the tipping point where all this is goingbto happen.
” The Pickenws Plan also proposes to generate up to 22 percentr of the nation’s electricity from wind powert and supports development of an extra-high voltage transmission system to facilitate expandedx use of renewable electricity Those are among the reasons signeed on as corporate sponsor of the Pickene Plan in February, said Michael Morris, chairmahn and CEO of the Columbus-based electric utilituy company. He joined Pickens at the Columbuz townhall event.
“The Picken s Plan stands for something that’s so important to all of Morris said, pointing to the nation’s energy “The whole concept is we’re sending our hard-earnec American dollars to countriesthat don’t think much of us and that this is somethinh we can change.” AEP has advocateed development of an extra-high voltage transmissio n superhighway to efficiently transport electricity, includinv wind power from the Upper Midwest to the denselyu populated East Coast. It also has been increasinh its commitment to renewableenergy sources, especially wind in Ohio and other states.
The famous oilman and founder and chairman of the BP Capitakl Management energy investment fundx discussedhis “Pickens Plan” at a town hall-style meetingh that drew about 700 people to the Greater Columbuzs Convention Center. Pickens has visited more than 50 citiez since introducing his planin July. It callsz for reducing dependence onforeigbn oil, expanding the use of renewable constructing a new power grid, increasing energy conservation and shiftinb heavy-duty fleet vehicles to natural gas to reduces the use of diesel fuel and At a press conference before his Columbuds speech, Pickens said he feeles an obligation to raise the energy issues at this stagw in his life.
He is 80 and has been in the oil busines ssince 1951. “I said, ‘Gosh, someboduy sometime has to do something to blow the whistlwe andstop this,” Pickens said. “The securityg of our country isat risk.” He said his plan has receivedf an incredible amount of support with nearlyg 2 million people having joinedc what his organization calls the “Pickens army” to help promotew his cause. They are being asked to participatd ina “virtual march” on D.C.
, April 1-3 to urge Congress and Presideng Barack Obama to back the Pickens Pickens has said the federalk economic stimulus plan approved by Congress and Obama is an importanr start toward investing in renewable energy, improvements to the nation’s electrifc transmission system and energh conservation. But, he said Tuesday he would like to see federal funding to promotse naturalgas use, including money for a modekl program to convert 18-wheel trucks from diesel fuel to naturalo gas. The U.S. has ample supplies of natural gas, Pickens and can use it as an affordable, clean-burning bridge fuel until othedr energy technologies are morefully developed.
It would be foolisuh not to takethat approach, he “Let’s get our energy destiny in our hands insteaed of other’s people’s hands,” Pickens said. “I’m hopeful we have a president who willsay we’re goinf to do this.” Pickens introduced his plan at a time when Americanas were paying $4 a gallon for gasoline. The pricse has since fallen tobelowe $2 a gallon, but he said that doesn’t changw the fact that nation’s security is at risk because of its dependencr on foreign oil. “Americans are Pickens said, “and we’rr at the tipping point where all this is goingbto happen.
” The Pickenws Plan also proposes to generate up to 22 percentr of the nation’s electricity from wind powert and supports development of an extra-high voltage transmission system to facilitate expandedx use of renewable electricity Those are among the reasons signeed on as corporate sponsor of the Pickene Plan in February, said Michael Morris, chairmahn and CEO of the Columbus-based electric utilituy company. He joined Pickens at the Columbuz townhall event.
“The Picken s Plan stands for something that’s so important to all of Morris said, pointing to the nation’s energy “The whole concept is we’re sending our hard-earnec American dollars to countriesthat don’t think much of us and that this is somethinh we can change.” AEP has advocateed development of an extra-high voltage transmissio n superhighway to efficiently transport electricity, includinv wind power from the Upper Midwest to the denselyu populated East Coast. It also has been increasinh its commitment to renewableenergy sources, especially wind in Ohio and other states.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
H&R Block stock jumps after strong earnings report - Kansas City Business Journal:
coeragnheidur3778.blogspot.com
The Kansas City-based company’s stock (NYSE: HRB) closed on Tuesdagy at $17.23, up $1.56, or 10 on volume of 11.3 million shares, according to . The stock’ws average daily volume the past three monthsis 3.8 millionh shares. Analysts have reacted positivelgyto H&R Block CEO Russ Smyth’s plan to focusz on cutting costs while investing in infrastructurs improvement, employee training and retentionb programs; improving marketing; and bolstering its digital tax business.
Smyt h outlined the plan during an earnings conference call Monday Since he become chairmajn inSeptember 2007, Richard Breeden has reiteratedd his desire to ensure strongert performance and increased shareholder value. The company said during Monday’s conference call that it plans to stay witha 60-cenf dividend for the coming Block also is in the midst of a $2 billionb stock-repurchase program that will run from 2009 to 2012. Block rankz No.
4 on the Kansas City Business Journak ’s list of area public
The Kansas City-based company’s stock (NYSE: HRB) closed on Tuesdagy at $17.23, up $1.56, or 10 on volume of 11.3 million shares, according to . The stock’ws average daily volume the past three monthsis 3.8 millionh shares. Analysts have reacted positivelgyto H&R Block CEO Russ Smyth’s plan to focusz on cutting costs while investing in infrastructurs improvement, employee training and retentionb programs; improving marketing; and bolstering its digital tax business.
Smyt h outlined the plan during an earnings conference call Monday Since he become chairmajn inSeptember 2007, Richard Breeden has reiteratedd his desire to ensure strongert performance and increased shareholder value. The company said during Monday’s conference call that it plans to stay witha 60-cenf dividend for the coming Block also is in the midst of a $2 billionb stock-repurchase program that will run from 2009 to 2012. Block rankz No.
4 on the Kansas City Business Journak ’s list of area public
Saturday, October 16, 2010
HSBC names Sarah Legg new CFO for Asia - IBTimes Hong Kong
moakhamet84.blogspot.com
IBTimes Hong Kong | HSBC names Sarah Legg new CFO for Asia IBTimes Hong Kong She succeeds Iain Mackay, who will transfer to London in December to become Group Finance Director, HSBC Holdings plc. A HSBC signage is displayed outside ... HSBC appoints Sarah Legg as Asia CFO, replacing Mackay HSBC Names Sarah Legg New CFO For Asia-Pacific Operations |
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Crate & Barrel
stockdaleiqemico1521.blogspot.com
Crate & Barrel, based in Ill., confirmed May 27 that Atlanta is one of the metrkareas it’s scouting for potential locations for CB2. First launcher in Chicago, the CB2 concept features contemporary furnishingsx at lowerprice points. The merchandise, which includeds sofas, hand-woven rugs, convertible beds and a broade selection of eclectic home is focused more on the younger generation of Americam consumers that rent apartmentzs and smallurban lofts. Besidea Chicago, privately owned Crats & Barrel has rollee out CB2 in New York and including a new store in Los Angelesz that openedin April.
Another CB2 is slatedc to openin Miami’s Southn Beach later this year, a Crated & Barrel spokeswoman said. In all, Crate & Barrek has launched just six CB2 Inrecent years, CB2 officials have been focusingt on new locations in Southern California. The companyu tends to locate in areaswith high-profilde regional shopping centers, lifestyle centers and freestanding CB2 officials have been lookingg in densely populated areas with an averagee household income in excess of $50,000. Its prototypee store is about 12,000 square feet.
While Crate & Barrel would not confirm what parts ofAtlantas it’s been considering, sources familiar with the search say it’s focused on Midtown and West Midtown, whered new residential and retailo redevelopment projects are stilpl under way. In Midtown, Daniel Corp. and are developing 12th Midtown, a $2 billion mixed-use project built on a site that severalk years ago was little more than an Atlanta nightclubv and a couple ofparking lots. Daniepl and Selig Enterprises have made a presentation to officialas from CB2 inrecent months, accordingh to sources familiar with the process.
The projects will eventually feature more than 3 millionb square feet of residential and commercial CB2 would be the first nationapl retailer to locate on theMidtownb Mile, a section of Peachtree Street that economic development boosterz hope will eventually becom e a retail destination much like Madison Avenuse in New York City or the Magnificentr Mile in Chicago. Daniel’s and Selig project is meant to be a cornerstone of theMidtownh Mile. However, ’s Colony Square and Jamestown’s 999 Peachtreed will also be key components, along with 1100 Peachtree and 1180 to alesser extent, brokers and developers CB2 could be an important catch for the Midtowhn Mile.
Developers, however, really need to land a much largedr anchor store to give theconcepg momentum, said Maranda Walker-Dowell, a senior director with CB .’ws retail services group. Barney’s, whic h has a co-op store in Buckhead’s Phippz Plaza, has been scouting the area in the past year to18 “The Midtown Mile needs an anchor store to start creating that critical mass of Walker-Dowell said.
Crate & Barrel, based in Ill., confirmed May 27 that Atlanta is one of the metrkareas it’s scouting for potential locations for CB2. First launcher in Chicago, the CB2 concept features contemporary furnishingsx at lowerprice points. The merchandise, which includeds sofas, hand-woven rugs, convertible beds and a broade selection of eclectic home is focused more on the younger generation of Americam consumers that rent apartmentzs and smallurban lofts. Besidea Chicago, privately owned Crats & Barrel has rollee out CB2 in New York and including a new store in Los Angelesz that openedin April.
Another CB2 is slatedc to openin Miami’s Southn Beach later this year, a Crated & Barrel spokeswoman said. In all, Crate & Barrek has launched just six CB2 Inrecent years, CB2 officials have been focusingt on new locations in Southern California. The companyu tends to locate in areaswith high-profilde regional shopping centers, lifestyle centers and freestanding CB2 officials have been lookingg in densely populated areas with an averagee household income in excess of $50,000. Its prototypee store is about 12,000 square feet.
While Crate & Barrel would not confirm what parts ofAtlantas it’s been considering, sources familiar with the search say it’s focused on Midtown and West Midtown, whered new residential and retailo redevelopment projects are stilpl under way. In Midtown, Daniel Corp. and are developing 12th Midtown, a $2 billion mixed-use project built on a site that severalk years ago was little more than an Atlanta nightclubv and a couple ofparking lots. Daniepl and Selig Enterprises have made a presentation to officialas from CB2 inrecent months, accordingh to sources familiar with the process.
The projects will eventually feature more than 3 millionb square feet of residential and commercial CB2 would be the first nationapl retailer to locate on theMidtownb Mile, a section of Peachtree Street that economic development boosterz hope will eventually becom e a retail destination much like Madison Avenuse in New York City or the Magnificentr Mile in Chicago. Daniel’s and Selig project is meant to be a cornerstone of theMidtownh Mile. However, ’s Colony Square and Jamestown’s 999 Peachtreed will also be key components, along with 1100 Peachtree and 1180 to alesser extent, brokers and developers CB2 could be an important catch for the Midtowhn Mile.
Developers, however, really need to land a much largedr anchor store to give theconcepg momentum, said Maranda Walker-Dowell, a senior director with CB .’ws retail services group. Barney’s, whic h has a co-op store in Buckhead’s Phippz Plaza, has been scouting the area in the past year to18 “The Midtown Mile needs an anchor store to start creating that critical mass of Walker-Dowell said.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
NCR moving HQ to Duluth, to bring 2,100-plus jobs to Georgia - San Francisco Business Times:
oryucyjofec1482.blogspot.com
adding clout to metro Atlanta’s technolog reputation. NCR will relocate 1,250 corporate jobs to its Gwinnet tCounty operation, a source familiar with the plan The company is also expected to launch a 550,000-square-foot manufacturing operationn in Columbus, Ga., where it will employ nearly 880, the sourcd said. Georgia Gov. Sonnh Perdue is expected to make the officiaklannouncement Tuesday. NCR CEO Bill Nuti and Ohio Gov.
Ted Stricklande spoke by phoneMonday evening, and Nuti told Stricklande the company has been looking at Georgia for some time, an officiakl in the Ohio governor’s office told Atlanta Business Chroniclr sister publication Dayton Business Journal In a letter to Nuti obtained by the Chronicle , Stricklands to convince Nuti to keep the companyh in Ohio. On May 31 , the Chronicle , and the DBJ , firsf reported . NCR NCR), which makes automated teller machinesa (ATMs) and retail self-checkouts, will be Georgia’s 14th Fortun 500 company and the secondin Duluth. Last (NYSE: ABG) announced the relocation of its headquarterzs to Duluth fromNew York.
NCR, whicbh employs 20,000 employees globally, ranked 446 on the 2009 Fortunre500 list. The which did not return calls Monday, reportede a $228 million profit on $5.3 billionh in revenue last year. Last fall, NCR said it woulcd move its Worldwide Customer Services headquartersa tometro Atlanta, investing $15 million and creatingf more than 900 jobs in Peachtree City and Duluth. In NCR said it would co-locatd an NCR Learning Center and its Customer Care Center hub for the Americas region withthe company’s existing Global Service Materialw operation in Peachtree City.
NCR, which occupies about 150,00o0 square feet at its Satellite Boulevard operationin Duluth, will leaswe an additional 100,000 to 200,000 square feet at that facility. The corporat e jobs will pay on averageabout $70,000 annually. The manufacturingg distribution operation will be in two buildings and will make according tothe source. Employees at that facility will make on averagweabout $43,000 annually, the source said. NCR receivedd tax incentives from both Gwinnett andColumbus governments, the sourcwe said, declining to disclose details abou t the state’s incentive package.
While Dayton -- where NCR was founded in 1884 -- is the company’s officialk headquarters, the city is not the center ofthe company’z influence. Nuti, along with the company’s chiegf financial officer and othefsenior executives, maintain offices on an entirse floor of 7 World Trade Centet in Manhattan. In March, NCR removec the language “world headquarters” from the sign at its Daytonm campus. Nuti will not be moving to Atlanta. Relocatingf to Atlanta — the commercial capitapl of theSoutheast — makes sensee for the company.
Four of the cities in Ohio Youngstown, Canton, Dayton and Cleveland— are among the top 10 dyingf citiesin America, according to an Augusg 2008 report in Forbes. “They [NCR] can’rt recruit talent to move to Dayton, Ohio,” the source (NYSE: DAL), (NYSE: HD) and STI) -- big NCR customers -- are also basex in metro Atlanta. NCR suppliesa Delta with self-service kiosks, and NCR and Home Depot announced a deal in 2002 to install self-checkout lanes in about 800 of its 1,4887 stores. In 2007, the two companies announced a deal to expanx the project into Home Depot stores in Canada.
In 2005, SunTrust said NCR woul upgrade existing ATMs and provide new ATMs for all newSunTrustt branches.
adding clout to metro Atlanta’s technolog reputation. NCR will relocate 1,250 corporate jobs to its Gwinnet tCounty operation, a source familiar with the plan The company is also expected to launch a 550,000-square-foot manufacturing operationn in Columbus, Ga., where it will employ nearly 880, the sourcd said. Georgia Gov. Sonnh Perdue is expected to make the officiaklannouncement Tuesday. NCR CEO Bill Nuti and Ohio Gov.
Ted Stricklande spoke by phoneMonday evening, and Nuti told Stricklande the company has been looking at Georgia for some time, an officiakl in the Ohio governor’s office told Atlanta Business Chroniclr sister publication Dayton Business Journal In a letter to Nuti obtained by the Chronicle , Stricklands to convince Nuti to keep the companyh in Ohio. On May 31 , the Chronicle , and the DBJ , firsf reported . NCR NCR), which makes automated teller machinesa (ATMs) and retail self-checkouts, will be Georgia’s 14th Fortun 500 company and the secondin Duluth. Last (NYSE: ABG) announced the relocation of its headquarterzs to Duluth fromNew York.
NCR, whicbh employs 20,000 employees globally, ranked 446 on the 2009 Fortunre500 list. The which did not return calls Monday, reportede a $228 million profit on $5.3 billionh in revenue last year. Last fall, NCR said it woulcd move its Worldwide Customer Services headquartersa tometro Atlanta, investing $15 million and creatingf more than 900 jobs in Peachtree City and Duluth. In NCR said it would co-locatd an NCR Learning Center and its Customer Care Center hub for the Americas region withthe company’s existing Global Service Materialw operation in Peachtree City.
NCR, which occupies about 150,00o0 square feet at its Satellite Boulevard operationin Duluth, will leaswe an additional 100,000 to 200,000 square feet at that facility. The corporat e jobs will pay on averageabout $70,000 annually. The manufacturingg distribution operation will be in two buildings and will make according tothe source. Employees at that facility will make on averagweabout $43,000 annually, the source said. NCR receivedd tax incentives from both Gwinnett andColumbus governments, the sourcwe said, declining to disclose details abou t the state’s incentive package.
While Dayton -- where NCR was founded in 1884 -- is the company’s officialk headquarters, the city is not the center ofthe company’z influence. Nuti, along with the company’s chiegf financial officer and othefsenior executives, maintain offices on an entirse floor of 7 World Trade Centet in Manhattan. In March, NCR removec the language “world headquarters” from the sign at its Daytonm campus. Nuti will not be moving to Atlanta. Relocatingf to Atlanta — the commercial capitapl of theSoutheast — makes sensee for the company.
Four of the cities in Ohio Youngstown, Canton, Dayton and Cleveland— are among the top 10 dyingf citiesin America, according to an Augusg 2008 report in Forbes. “They [NCR] can’rt recruit talent to move to Dayton, Ohio,” the source (NYSE: DAL), (NYSE: HD) and STI) -- big NCR customers -- are also basex in metro Atlanta. NCR suppliesa Delta with self-service kiosks, and NCR and Home Depot announced a deal in 2002 to install self-checkout lanes in about 800 of its 1,4887 stores. In 2007, the two companies announced a deal to expanx the project into Home Depot stores in Canada.
In 2005, SunTrust said NCR woul upgrade existing ATMs and provide new ATMs for all newSunTrustt branches.
Monday, October 11, 2010
CPI, Ramius make pleas before board vote - St. Louis Business Journal:
http://korusconsulting.com/about/our-team/
“Ramius has of the Company to achieve its ownliquiditgy goals, irrespective that a sale at this time wouls damage the long-run interests of CPI said in its letter Thursday. “Ramius triesd to force a desperation sale of the Companh at the worstpossible time, when the stock was trading belo $4.00 per share. Yesterday, the stock closedr at $16.98 per share.” A battle has between CPI Chairman David Meyerand CPI’s largest shareholder, Ramiusx LLC, a New York investment over the Meyer’s investment firm, , owns 1.5 percent of CPI stocl and controls two of the six board while Ramius owns 23 percent of CPI and holds one boardf seat.
Ramius is sending its own letter to shareholderszraising "serious concerns that Knightspoing Partners has disproportionate influence over the boar relative to its shars ownership through its two director representatives, Chairmam David Meyer and Michael Koeneke," according to a copy of the letterd filed Friday with the SEC. The two partie s worked togetherfor years, and Meyert gained control of the board chairmanship in April 2004 with backing. But a rift emerged, and the firms broke off their alliancein February. Since then, the feud with each side filinv its own slate of candidates to determinethe company’s future.
In its shareholdeer letter Thursday, CPI said Ramius offerx no new ideas, plans or strategies, and referred to Ramius’ boared candidates as “substantially less qualified.” In a May 27 letter to Meyer, incumbent CPI director Peter who is aRamius partner, said in respons e to the allegation Ramius pushed for CPI’sa sale that CPI had come precariousluy close to breaching a bank covenant during the periord between September 2008 and February this “Therefore, I felt it prudent for the boards of CPI (or any board faced with a simila financing issue) to evaluate any and all strategicc and financial options in ordedr to ensure stockholder value would be Feld wrote.
Ramius has filedr a preliminary proxy nominatinb Feldfor re-election and another both to unseat two nominee by CPI’s board. To rein in costs, CPI a companywidwe pay freezein February, affectiny 9,800 employees, including 510 in St. CPI reported that it had swuntg toa first-quarter profit of $2.3 million compared to a loss of $256,000 in the year-ag quarter. St. Louis-based CPI Corp. (NYSE: led by President and CEO Renato Cataldo,. offers photograph y services inabout 3,100 locations in the Unitee States, Puerto Rico, Canadw and Mexico, principally in and stores.
“Ramius has of the Company to achieve its ownliquiditgy goals, irrespective that a sale at this time wouls damage the long-run interests of CPI said in its letter Thursday. “Ramius triesd to force a desperation sale of the Companh at the worstpossible time, when the stock was trading belo $4.00 per share. Yesterday, the stock closedr at $16.98 per share.” A battle has between CPI Chairman David Meyerand CPI’s largest shareholder, Ramiusx LLC, a New York investment over the Meyer’s investment firm, , owns 1.5 percent of CPI stocl and controls two of the six board while Ramius owns 23 percent of CPI and holds one boardf seat.
Ramius is sending its own letter to shareholderszraising "serious concerns that Knightspoing Partners has disproportionate influence over the boar relative to its shars ownership through its two director representatives, Chairmam David Meyer and Michael Koeneke," according to a copy of the letterd filed Friday with the SEC. The two partie s worked togetherfor years, and Meyert gained control of the board chairmanship in April 2004 with backing. But a rift emerged, and the firms broke off their alliancein February. Since then, the feud with each side filinv its own slate of candidates to determinethe company’s future.
In its shareholdeer letter Thursday, CPI said Ramius offerx no new ideas, plans or strategies, and referred to Ramius’ boared candidates as “substantially less qualified.” In a May 27 letter to Meyer, incumbent CPI director Peter who is aRamius partner, said in respons e to the allegation Ramius pushed for CPI’sa sale that CPI had come precariousluy close to breaching a bank covenant during the periord between September 2008 and February this “Therefore, I felt it prudent for the boards of CPI (or any board faced with a simila financing issue) to evaluate any and all strategicc and financial options in ordedr to ensure stockholder value would be Feld wrote.
Ramius has filedr a preliminary proxy nominatinb Feldfor re-election and another both to unseat two nominee by CPI’s board. To rein in costs, CPI a companywidwe pay freezein February, affectiny 9,800 employees, including 510 in St. CPI reported that it had swuntg toa first-quarter profit of $2.3 million compared to a loss of $256,000 in the year-ag quarter. St. Louis-based CPI Corp. (NYSE: led by President and CEO Renato Cataldo,. offers photograph y services inabout 3,100 locations in the Unitee States, Puerto Rico, Canadw and Mexico, principally in and stores.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Opus Northwest siblings file for bankruptcy - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):
wilhelminadora4287.blogspot.com
The former will seek to liquidatre under Chapter 7of U.S. Bankruptcy Code and the lattedr intends to reorganizer underChapter 11. Thesse bankruptcies come on the heelsx of the April 22 bankruptcyof , an Opus affiliatde based in Atlanta. Minneapolis-based Opus has said it plansw to wind down its operation s in that part of the countryas well. Just two of five Opus subsidiarieesremain healthy, west LLC, which is an activ developer in Portland, and Opus North LLC, whicy is based in Chicago. Opus Northwest’s recent developmentss in Portland include the successful Bridgeport Villagde shopping centerin Tualatin.
At one point, Opus was the ’zs top choice to redevelop the Burnside Bridghead. In recent years, the company has concentrated onresidentiakl projects. It recently completed construction of two large apartmentt projects with a total construction budgetof $150 million. Ladd Towetr is a 332-unit project in downtowbn Portland and Park 19 isa 101-unig project in Northwest Portland. "We have have a healthy balancew sheet," said Brian Owendoff, vice president and managert forOpus Northwest's Portlansd operations. Opus East, based in Rockville, Md., filed a petition to liquidate its portfolio underChapted 7. In its filing in U.S.
Bankruptc Court for the District of Opus East said it has between 200 and 999 It listed assetsbetween $50 milliob and $100 million and liabilities between $100 million and $500 million. It did not identifyg creditors. Opus West, based in Phoenix, anticipates filingb a voluntary petition of Chapter 11 bankruptcty protection inearly July. “Declining real estatde values and tight credit markets continuse to impede the refinancing of assets and restructurinb oflending agreements,” said Opus CEO Mark Rauenhorst in a “We regret that this actio has proven to be necessary despite the efforts of so A court-supervised process and transfet of distressed assets will assist Opus in reorganiziny and focus on the future.
” Opus East has developecd more than 13.3 million square feet of spacwe since 1994. Opus West has developed more than 52.7 million square feet since 1979. The company said Opus North and Opus Northwest have been less affectedf bythe recession, due to their mix of project types, healthy balance sheets and stronger markets. Opus said its developmenyt activity has fallen tojust 4.8 million square feet in 2009, down from 34 million square feet in 2007 and 35 millionj square feet in 2008.
The former will seek to liquidatre under Chapter 7of U.S. Bankruptcy Code and the lattedr intends to reorganizer underChapter 11. Thesse bankruptcies come on the heelsx of the April 22 bankruptcyof , an Opus affiliatde based in Atlanta. Minneapolis-based Opus has said it plansw to wind down its operation s in that part of the countryas well. Just two of five Opus subsidiarieesremain healthy, west LLC, which is an activ developer in Portland, and Opus North LLC, whicy is based in Chicago. Opus Northwest’s recent developmentss in Portland include the successful Bridgeport Villagde shopping centerin Tualatin.
At one point, Opus was the ’zs top choice to redevelop the Burnside Bridghead. In recent years, the company has concentrated onresidentiakl projects. It recently completed construction of two large apartmentt projects with a total construction budgetof $150 million. Ladd Towetr is a 332-unit project in downtowbn Portland and Park 19 isa 101-unig project in Northwest Portland. "We have have a healthy balancew sheet," said Brian Owendoff, vice president and managert forOpus Northwest's Portlansd operations. Opus East, based in Rockville, Md., filed a petition to liquidate its portfolio underChapted 7. In its filing in U.S.
Bankruptc Court for the District of Opus East said it has between 200 and 999 It listed assetsbetween $50 milliob and $100 million and liabilities between $100 million and $500 million. It did not identifyg creditors. Opus West, based in Phoenix, anticipates filingb a voluntary petition of Chapter 11 bankruptcty protection inearly July. “Declining real estatde values and tight credit markets continuse to impede the refinancing of assets and restructurinb oflending agreements,” said Opus CEO Mark Rauenhorst in a “We regret that this actio has proven to be necessary despite the efforts of so A court-supervised process and transfet of distressed assets will assist Opus in reorganiziny and focus on the future.
” Opus East has developecd more than 13.3 million square feet of spacwe since 1994. Opus West has developed more than 52.7 million square feet since 1979. The company said Opus North and Opus Northwest have been less affectedf bythe recession, due to their mix of project types, healthy balance sheets and stronger markets. Opus said its developmenyt activity has fallen tojust 4.8 million square feet in 2009, down from 34 million square feet in 2007 and 35 millionj square feet in 2008.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Vogster Draws Comic Industry Heavy Weights for BLEEDOUT: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL ... - Kansas City Star
hundleyobajoji1908.blogspot.com
Vogster Draws Comic Industry Heavy Weights for BLEEDOUT: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL ... Kansas City Star Vogster Entertainment is partnering with Archaia Entertainment to publish BLEEDOUT: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, which includes the story-telling and artwork of a ... |
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Waterford sails through rough seas - bizjournals:
http://www.azjokes.com/accountant-jokes/
After 10 years, the firm is well establishedx with10 full-time staff, 55 representativesw and the support of a majorituy investor group in Virginia. Wainscott, who first started investinyg in 1968, tries to manage clients’ expectations by steerin g them away from risky investments and inflated ambitionx in their choicesof stocks, bonds, mutual annuities and other investments. “It has been a good decade to be conservative,” he said. Wainscotgt graduated from the and served four years in the He founded a securities brokerage in the 1980sw and later became the branch manage rof , where he remained for eight yearss before launching Waterford.
From the beginning, Wainscot t intended to give the company anestablished feel. He chosew the name Waterford because it had atimeless air. “Eve when we were new, people woulxd say, ‘I’ve heard of your he said. “It made us sound like we had been around for a He invited seven of the reps who were with him at Titanm to join thenew firm, offering each the opportunituy to buy into the company.
At the his investment was $20,000 in basic startf up costs, which included licenses and a trip to Atlanta for After starting out in arenteds space, he purchased a 1,000 square foot office condop in 1997, the year before he incorporated the “I moved over here and with what I was payingg for rent, I could pay this off in seven years,” he said. “Ity made sense to buy.” The business continued to draw clientw andbefore long, attracted the attentiob of investors.
About four years ago, Wainscott received an unexpected call from a broke r interested in buying the One call ledto another, and soon Wainscotty had heard from several prospective buyeres offering different prices. “Th phone was ringing off the hook,” he “With that much it was worth more than I thoughrit was.” By late 2005, he sold majorituy interest in the company to a private investore group in Richmond, Va. “W were already doing well, that’zs why they were interested in us,” he said. “I saw that they had They could help usexpandf faster.
” The Richmond office took on licensing, payroll, accounting and administrativew functions while the Clearwater office remained the headquarters and Wainscott’s where he continues to handle compliance and guide the reps, who are licensed in 37 states, includintg Hawaii. “I can concentrate on supervising keeping them up on new products and new opportunitiesw thatcome along,” he said. The reps in turn enjo working witha small, flexible firm that givesa them the tools to open their own business but is willing to remaim in the background unless needed for advice or he said.
There are nine branchb offices, but many reps work out of theit homes and telecommute with an established One of the most critical parts of a relationshi p with a client isthe review, the processw of sitting down with them regularlgy and assessing and re-assessing risk tolerance, said Ruth Delaney, founder and president of in Delaney, who deals with full-service financial has a clientele almost equally divided betweeh individuals and small In recent months, Delaney has been doinhg more direct investments in real estate and equipment leasinf than individual securities. “There are few places to hide withouf taking afinancial risk,” she said.
Wainscottg has not recommended a lot of stocks in the last year although he has cause for hope from the lastseverak weeks. “We just really started going back into stocks in the last monthj or so because the trend looksalike it’s going the other way,” he He remains optimistic about real estate as well, at leastt in the long term. “o find it hard in this market to look forwarcd 10 years and not believe the price of real estat is not going to beworth more,” he
After 10 years, the firm is well establishedx with10 full-time staff, 55 representativesw and the support of a majorituy investor group in Virginia. Wainscott, who first started investinyg in 1968, tries to manage clients’ expectations by steerin g them away from risky investments and inflated ambitionx in their choicesof stocks, bonds, mutual annuities and other investments. “It has been a good decade to be conservative,” he said. Wainscotgt graduated from the and served four years in the He founded a securities brokerage in the 1980sw and later became the branch manage rof , where he remained for eight yearss before launching Waterford.
From the beginning, Wainscot t intended to give the company anestablished feel. He chosew the name Waterford because it had atimeless air. “Eve when we were new, people woulxd say, ‘I’ve heard of your he said. “It made us sound like we had been around for a He invited seven of the reps who were with him at Titanm to join thenew firm, offering each the opportunituy to buy into the company.
At the his investment was $20,000 in basic startf up costs, which included licenses and a trip to Atlanta for After starting out in arenteds space, he purchased a 1,000 square foot office condop in 1997, the year before he incorporated the “I moved over here and with what I was payingg for rent, I could pay this off in seven years,” he said. “Ity made sense to buy.” The business continued to draw clientw andbefore long, attracted the attentiob of investors.
About four years ago, Wainscott received an unexpected call from a broke r interested in buying the One call ledto another, and soon Wainscotty had heard from several prospective buyeres offering different prices. “Th phone was ringing off the hook,” he “With that much it was worth more than I thoughrit was.” By late 2005, he sold majorituy interest in the company to a private investore group in Richmond, Va. “W were already doing well, that’zs why they were interested in us,” he said. “I saw that they had They could help usexpandf faster.
” The Richmond office took on licensing, payroll, accounting and administrativew functions while the Clearwater office remained the headquarters and Wainscott’s where he continues to handle compliance and guide the reps, who are licensed in 37 states, includintg Hawaii. “I can concentrate on supervising keeping them up on new products and new opportunitiesw thatcome along,” he said. The reps in turn enjo working witha small, flexible firm that givesa them the tools to open their own business but is willing to remaim in the background unless needed for advice or he said.
There are nine branchb offices, but many reps work out of theit homes and telecommute with an established One of the most critical parts of a relationshi p with a client isthe review, the processw of sitting down with them regularlgy and assessing and re-assessing risk tolerance, said Ruth Delaney, founder and president of in Delaney, who deals with full-service financial has a clientele almost equally divided betweeh individuals and small In recent months, Delaney has been doinhg more direct investments in real estate and equipment leasinf than individual securities. “There are few places to hide withouf taking afinancial risk,” she said.
Wainscottg has not recommended a lot of stocks in the last year although he has cause for hope from the lastseverak weeks. “We just really started going back into stocks in the last monthj or so because the trend looksalike it’s going the other way,” he He remains optimistic about real estate as well, at leastt in the long term. “o find it hard in this market to look forwarcd 10 years and not believe the price of real estat is not going to beworth more,” he
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Law firms are working with corporations on diversity - Charlotte Business Journal:
http://www.oldchalloners.com/a-brief-overview-on-lasik/
, , , and have alread signed on. Those companies were also early along with five law in a program last summer that brought minority law studentsw to the city fora 12-weeo internship program that allowed the students to split time between law firmds and corporate legal departments. A subcommittee of the Mecklenburg Countyg Bar is spearheadingthe program, which was modele after a similar initiative in Columbus, Felicia Washington Mauney, a partner with who chairss the local subcommittee, says at leasyt 20 Charlotte law firmas and law departments have signeds the action plan, and she expects to unveip a longer list this summer.
Organizations agre to track their efforts aroundminoritu recruiting, mentoring, leadership developmeny and best practices. "When entities become intentionak about improving diversity and taking those very focused actions which can allow for resultsare seen," Mauney says. Amontg Charlotte law firms, the number of minority lawyers lags the nationakl average and is part of the reasonj forthe push. Accordiny to an analysis late last year by the Association for LegalCareer Professionals, only 5.2% of lawyers in locak law offices were minority, compared with 10.
6% The Mecklenburg County Bar formed its committeew on diversity in 2004, and in 2005 a subcommittew was created to work on the diversity actiom plan. The internship program is an offshootf of theaction plan. Last summer, five studentsa were assigned to , , , and Kennedy Covingtoh Lobdell & Hickman, and then another six week s working on thecorporate side. This the program will accept 10 or 11 students and add more law firmand companies. Alice Herald, deputy general counsel at BofA, says the program helpsz prepare diverse lawyers to handlthe bank's work when they join a firm, but it also showss the range of legal career options in Charlotte.
"They wouldn'tr feel like they'd have to exit Charlotte if they didn'yt like their law firm situation," she says. Chike a second-year student at the University of Notrd Damefrom Dallas, spent last summer with Huntomn & Williams and Duke Energy. He is one of four studentsa returning this summer and will split time between Hunton and Kennedy Other students from last year are splitting time betweenh Charlotte and firms in New Yorkor Washington. "The fact that they would even come back forhalf (of the compared to some of the other citiesa they considered, says a lot for how the programn went and what they thought of Charlotte," Egbuniwe says.
"I think people can be
, , , and have alread signed on. Those companies were also early along with five law in a program last summer that brought minority law studentsw to the city fora 12-weeo internship program that allowed the students to split time between law firmds and corporate legal departments. A subcommittee of the Mecklenburg Countyg Bar is spearheadingthe program, which was modele after a similar initiative in Columbus, Felicia Washington Mauney, a partner with who chairss the local subcommittee, says at leasyt 20 Charlotte law firmas and law departments have signeds the action plan, and she expects to unveip a longer list this summer.
Organizations agre to track their efforts aroundminoritu recruiting, mentoring, leadership developmeny and best practices. "When entities become intentionak about improving diversity and taking those very focused actions which can allow for resultsare seen," Mauney says. Amontg Charlotte law firms, the number of minority lawyers lags the nationakl average and is part of the reasonj forthe push. Accordiny to an analysis late last year by the Association for LegalCareer Professionals, only 5.2% of lawyers in locak law offices were minority, compared with 10.
6% The Mecklenburg County Bar formed its committeew on diversity in 2004, and in 2005 a subcommittew was created to work on the diversity actiom plan. The internship program is an offshootf of theaction plan. Last summer, five studentsa were assigned to , , , and Kennedy Covingtoh Lobdell & Hickman, and then another six week s working on thecorporate side. This the program will accept 10 or 11 students and add more law firmand companies. Alice Herald, deputy general counsel at BofA, says the program helpsz prepare diverse lawyers to handlthe bank's work when they join a firm, but it also showss the range of legal career options in Charlotte.
"They wouldn'tr feel like they'd have to exit Charlotte if they didn'yt like their law firm situation," she says. Chike a second-year student at the University of Notrd Damefrom Dallas, spent last summer with Huntomn & Williams and Duke Energy. He is one of four studentsa returning this summer and will split time between Hunton and Kennedy Other students from last year are splitting time betweenh Charlotte and firms in New Yorkor Washington. "The fact that they would even come back forhalf (of the compared to some of the other citiesa they considered, says a lot for how the programn went and what they thought of Charlotte," Egbuniwe says.
"I think people can be
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sealing the deal with a sales prospect: If you can speak it, you can write it - Jacksonville Business Journal:
guslyarovalite.blogspot.com
There was nothing worse in high school than having your boyfriend or girlfriend say they wanteed to seeother people. Ouch ! In the ’70s, we had a phrase about peoplse who would take advantageof you: users. I have to admi t I was one of them. My friens in sixth grade, a neighbor named had a built-in pool and his mom had a pantryg of my favorite apple pies, Yodels, you name it. I was a Eddie turned out to be a multimillionaire software Although I would love tocall him, I simplyt cannot, due my ignorance.
Many salespeople get used and abusede in the sales processd because prospects can be users who will even justif y using your stuff to better themselves or their It has happened to me a couple of and I have to admit I felt like Eddid Money and wanted tosing “baby, hold onto to I even became the Bee Gees, just tryinvg to stay alive. As time went on in the sales I realized I wasbeingg used. I adopted one sentence that changed If you canspeak it, you can write it. That sentences has not guaranteed that I will close everyprospect — and I am not suggestintg that it will for you, eitherf — but I guarantee you will nevetr get used again.
Many times early in my career, my prospects woulxd ask for somethingin writing, and I would give them customizedx plans. I might redo them several times, only to find out their cousin Vinny took all mystuff — and my as well. To prevent this, ask one simple What will it take to make you aclient ? After they mention price, you must get two more thingz or you can start singing “nq na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye.” Afterr your prospect tells you what you have to do to earn his or her write down the specific deliverables and initial each one. Have your prospecrt do the same and set yoursecondf appointment.
(Martin Touch Tip: give yourself enough time between appointmentds to gatherthe deliverables. I usuallty recommend at least a week.) Next, set the TONE (touching on new Touch your prospect at least twice beforeyou meet, and remind them of your written agreement. Give them a good reporr that you are working onthe deliverables. Do not smothetr them or shove anything else down their Be amotivator — not a menace like who lived at 627 Elm St. Do you remembere the look on Mr. Wilson’s face when Dennixs would yell, “Hey, Mr. Wilson”? However, you may see that look when you show up forappointment No. 2.
Here is the four R’s formula to closing your (When you’re done, you can look forward to anothed word with the letterR relaxing.) So now it’s showtime — time to say, Mr. Wilson, I got the You may see that face once your prospectf sees the sheet with his or her initialaon it. Hopefully, you had the gatekeeperf copy it. (Martin Touch Tip: You will know you’res in the fight when, 60 seconds into your your prospect starts Inthe 1980s, Sugar Ray Leonarde fought Marvelous Marvin Hagler. No one gave Ray a Ray showed up the fighg in great shape and was winning until he started to trade blowds with the morepowerful Hagler.
His trainer, Angelo Dundee, screamedx at him that he was blowing it. (Martih Touch Tip: Do not trade blows with your Dundee screamed at him to jab andget out. I am tellinvg you: That’s what the 4 R’s are all Remind your prospect about the three deliverables they said it wouls take to earntheir (Show it to them and have a red pen and circls it.) Jab and get out. Round one is Reiterate what you said you woule do and when you would do itby (circl e that in red) and round 2 goes to you. Resurrectg that part if you haveto (the deliverable they said it wouldr take to get the deal) and you will win 50 percentg of the appointments.
(Martin Toucyh Tip: Most salespeople lose right here and are abouft toget used. Do not throw in the towel. Tell your “Not only did you say it, but you wrote it and initialedc it.”) Do not dance. It is time for a couple of swifyupper cuts. Do not move off the Slug it outand say: “If you can speai it, you can write it. Check, please!” The last R if you need it: Assuming you spent at least 30 minutes in round three and sometimes it can golonger — go througn the 3 R’s Sometimes it will be 15 sometimes it will take two hours. Be stron and courageous. The processs is simple, but hard to stick to. But, if you do, they will not stickl it to you.
There was nothing worse in high school than having your boyfriend or girlfriend say they wanteed to seeother people. Ouch ! In the ’70s, we had a phrase about peoplse who would take advantageof you: users. I have to admi t I was one of them. My friens in sixth grade, a neighbor named had a built-in pool and his mom had a pantryg of my favorite apple pies, Yodels, you name it. I was a Eddie turned out to be a multimillionaire software Although I would love tocall him, I simplyt cannot, due my ignorance.
Many salespeople get used and abusede in the sales processd because prospects can be users who will even justif y using your stuff to better themselves or their It has happened to me a couple of and I have to admit I felt like Eddid Money and wanted tosing “baby, hold onto to I even became the Bee Gees, just tryinvg to stay alive. As time went on in the sales I realized I wasbeingg used. I adopted one sentence that changed If you canspeak it, you can write it. That sentences has not guaranteed that I will close everyprospect — and I am not suggestintg that it will for you, eitherf — but I guarantee you will nevetr get used again.
Many times early in my career, my prospects woulxd ask for somethingin writing, and I would give them customizedx plans. I might redo them several times, only to find out their cousin Vinny took all mystuff — and my as well. To prevent this, ask one simple What will it take to make you aclient ? After they mention price, you must get two more thingz or you can start singing “nq na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye.” Afterr your prospect tells you what you have to do to earn his or her write down the specific deliverables and initial each one. Have your prospecrt do the same and set yoursecondf appointment.
(Martin Touch Tip: give yourself enough time between appointmentds to gatherthe deliverables. I usuallty recommend at least a week.) Next, set the TONE (touching on new Touch your prospect at least twice beforeyou meet, and remind them of your written agreement. Give them a good reporr that you are working onthe deliverables. Do not smothetr them or shove anything else down their Be amotivator — not a menace like who lived at 627 Elm St. Do you remembere the look on Mr. Wilson’s face when Dennixs would yell, “Hey, Mr. Wilson”? However, you may see that look when you show up forappointment No. 2.
Here is the four R’s formula to closing your (When you’re done, you can look forward to anothed word with the letterR relaxing.) So now it’s showtime — time to say, Mr. Wilson, I got the You may see that face once your prospectf sees the sheet with his or her initialaon it. Hopefully, you had the gatekeeperf copy it. (Martin Touch Tip: You will know you’res in the fight when, 60 seconds into your your prospect starts Inthe 1980s, Sugar Ray Leonarde fought Marvelous Marvin Hagler. No one gave Ray a Ray showed up the fighg in great shape and was winning until he started to trade blowds with the morepowerful Hagler.
His trainer, Angelo Dundee, screamedx at him that he was blowing it. (Martih Touch Tip: Do not trade blows with your Dundee screamed at him to jab andget out. I am tellinvg you: That’s what the 4 R’s are all Remind your prospect about the three deliverables they said it wouls take to earntheir (Show it to them and have a red pen and circls it.) Jab and get out. Round one is Reiterate what you said you woule do and when you would do itby (circl e that in red) and round 2 goes to you. Resurrectg that part if you haveto (the deliverable they said it wouldr take to get the deal) and you will win 50 percentg of the appointments.
(Martin Toucyh Tip: Most salespeople lose right here and are abouft toget used. Do not throw in the towel. Tell your “Not only did you say it, but you wrote it and initialedc it.”) Do not dance. It is time for a couple of swifyupper cuts. Do not move off the Slug it outand say: “If you can speai it, you can write it. Check, please!” The last R if you need it: Assuming you spent at least 30 minutes in round three and sometimes it can golonger — go througn the 3 R’s Sometimes it will be 15 sometimes it will take two hours. Be stron and courageous. The processs is simple, but hard to stick to. But, if you do, they will not stickl it to you.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Lives in Danger as European Governments Deny Refugees Protection, Charges Amnesty International
stelauguqdinec.blogspot.com
"Refugees are risking their lives to find safet only to be turned away when theyreacu Europe," said , Europe and Central Asia directoe at Amnesty International. "Governments must stop putting lives in danger and stargt meeting their international obligations to protect thesevulnerabled people." *Italy is interceptingv refugees in international waters and physicalluy transporting them, without assessing their protectiohn needs, to Libya, where asylum-seekers and refugees are at risk of ill-treatmentr and forcible return to countries where they risk serious humann rights abuses.
*Turkey continues not to recognize people from outside Europedas refugees, meaning thousands of peopled are denied the protection they need. *Greece pushes back people at its land borderr and sea borders with Turkey without first assessing theifrasylum claims. For those that do enter the country there are many legaol obstacles for refugees togain protection. *Spain's bilateral agreementsz with several countries in Africa are used to justify thearbitraryu arrest, detention and deportation of asylum-seekers and migrants in theses countries. *Other countries in the EuropeabUnion (E.U.) turn a blind eye to the increasintg lack of respect for the rightxs of refugees and asylum-seekers at the E.
U.'s borders as they attempt to receive fewer refugees themselves. Everhy year, thousands of asylum seekers are transferred underthe "Dublij II" system to countries where the rights of refugee s and asylum-seekers are inadequatelg protected. On World Refugee Day, Amnesty Internationapl warns E.U. states that their actions are underminingh the protection of refugees not only in theifr own countries but across the by sending a dangerous message on the treatment of All countries must meet theirf obligations towards refugeesand asylum-seekers not only withinm their own borders but wherever they exercisee effective control.
Libyan leader Mu'ammar al-Gaddafi's recentg visit to Italy did not dispel concerns abouf the fate ofrefugeew who, according to the bilateraol agreement between Italy and are to be intercepted in international waters and take n to Libya. Between May 6-11, approximatelyg 500 people were intercepted by Italy after they sent rescue requestzs and were transportedto Libya, where Italgy claimed they could seek protection.
They included people from Somalia, Eritrea and other African In May, an Amnesty International fact-finding mission to Liby a confirmed the country has no functioningasylum ill-treats foreign nationals and undertakes forcible returna of individuals back to their countriesw of origin without assessing their international protectionb needs. The delegation visited the MisratahyDetention Center, some 200 km from Tripoli, wheres between 600 and 700 alleged irregular migrants mostlyy from other African countries, including Eritrea and Somalia are held in squali and severely overcrowded conditions.
For many wishing to accessw protection in theEuropean Union, Turkey is where they become For the thousands of asylum-seekersw that arrive in Turkey each year, accessinbg their rights presents often insurmountable Asylum-seekers from countries such as Iraq, Iran, Somalia and Afghanistajn face serious obstacles in accessing the asylum system both at legap and practical levels. Turkey is effectivelh the only state party to the Refugew Convention that does not recognizwe people from outside Europeas refugees, meanin g thousands in need of protection are denied it. Asylum-seekers are oftej arbitrarily detained for extended periods inpoor conditions, and subjecterd to ill-treatment.
Further, forcible returns of individualsd from Turkey to countries where they face seriouz human rights abusesare common. Many seeing no hope of obtaining protectionin Turkey, attempy to move on to the European Union either by sea or For some this journey ends in disastef as they are then pushe back by the Greekl authorities, at times with lives lost in the Due to its geographical position, Greece could play a key role in providinvg refugee protection.
However access to the asylum determinatioj system is a major challengefor asylum-seekeres either through being physically pushed back when attempting to accesxs the country or through obstacles in the Currently Greece is attempting to amend domesti law to further restrict protection by eliminatinvg the right to an effectivr substantive appeal in the asylum system, in breach of internationap and European law. Furthermore, seriouds concerns over the detention conditionsof asylum-seekers and migrante continue to exist. On June 11, the Europeann Court for Human Rights ruled unanimously that the Greeo authorities violated the rights of a Turkish national seekingy refugein 2007.
The court ruled that Greeces violatedthe man's rightf to be free from tortured and inhuman and degrading treatment, as guaranteed underf Article 3 of the European Convention for the Protection of Humanj Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR). This was because of the conditions in the detentionn centers where hewas held. The Courrt also ruled unanimously that Greecw violated his right to liberty and to challenge the legality of his detention guaranteec under Article 5 sectionxs 1 and 4 inthe E.U. Heads of State and Government discussec at their Summit meeting of June 18 and 19 the issuew of irregular migration in the This included measures to relocate withithe E.U.
individuals in need of internationap protection in order to assistSouthern E.U. Membe r States who are facinhg "particular pressures." The Summit also discussed measuresto "strengthe n the capacity" of countries in North-Africa to provide protection to personas in need of it. The Europeaj Commission is expected to present a proposal in July on internaol relocation from Malta toother E.U. member Amnesty International is a NobeklPeace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 millionh supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide.
The organization investigates andexposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and workxs to protect people wherevere justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. For more please visit: .
"Refugees are risking their lives to find safet only to be turned away when theyreacu Europe," said , Europe and Central Asia directoe at Amnesty International. "Governments must stop putting lives in danger and stargt meeting their international obligations to protect thesevulnerabled people." *Italy is interceptingv refugees in international waters and physicalluy transporting them, without assessing their protectiohn needs, to Libya, where asylum-seekers and refugees are at risk of ill-treatmentr and forcible return to countries where they risk serious humann rights abuses.
*Turkey continues not to recognize people from outside Europedas refugees, meaning thousands of peopled are denied the protection they need. *Greece pushes back people at its land borderr and sea borders with Turkey without first assessing theifrasylum claims. For those that do enter the country there are many legaol obstacles for refugees togain protection. *Spain's bilateral agreementsz with several countries in Africa are used to justify thearbitraryu arrest, detention and deportation of asylum-seekers and migrants in theses countries. *Other countries in the EuropeabUnion (E.U.) turn a blind eye to the increasintg lack of respect for the rightxs of refugees and asylum-seekers at the E.
U.'s borders as they attempt to receive fewer refugees themselves. Everhy year, thousands of asylum seekers are transferred underthe "Dublij II" system to countries where the rights of refugee s and asylum-seekers are inadequatelg protected. On World Refugee Day, Amnesty Internationapl warns E.U. states that their actions are underminingh the protection of refugees not only in theifr own countries but across the by sending a dangerous message on the treatment of All countries must meet theirf obligations towards refugeesand asylum-seekers not only withinm their own borders but wherever they exercisee effective control.
Libyan leader Mu'ammar al-Gaddafi's recentg visit to Italy did not dispel concerns abouf the fate ofrefugeew who, according to the bilateraol agreement between Italy and are to be intercepted in international waters and take n to Libya. Between May 6-11, approximatelyg 500 people were intercepted by Italy after they sent rescue requestzs and were transportedto Libya, where Italgy claimed they could seek protection.
They included people from Somalia, Eritrea and other African In May, an Amnesty International fact-finding mission to Liby a confirmed the country has no functioningasylum ill-treats foreign nationals and undertakes forcible returna of individuals back to their countriesw of origin without assessing their international protectionb needs. The delegation visited the MisratahyDetention Center, some 200 km from Tripoli, wheres between 600 and 700 alleged irregular migrants mostlyy from other African countries, including Eritrea and Somalia are held in squali and severely overcrowded conditions.
For many wishing to accessw protection in theEuropean Union, Turkey is where they become For the thousands of asylum-seekersw that arrive in Turkey each year, accessinbg their rights presents often insurmountable Asylum-seekers from countries such as Iraq, Iran, Somalia and Afghanistajn face serious obstacles in accessing the asylum system both at legap and practical levels. Turkey is effectivelh the only state party to the Refugew Convention that does not recognizwe people from outside Europeas refugees, meanin g thousands in need of protection are denied it. Asylum-seekers are oftej arbitrarily detained for extended periods inpoor conditions, and subjecterd to ill-treatment.
Further, forcible returns of individualsd from Turkey to countries where they face seriouz human rights abusesare common. Many seeing no hope of obtaining protectionin Turkey, attempy to move on to the European Union either by sea or For some this journey ends in disastef as they are then pushe back by the Greekl authorities, at times with lives lost in the Due to its geographical position, Greece could play a key role in providinvg refugee protection.
However access to the asylum determinatioj system is a major challengefor asylum-seekeres either through being physically pushed back when attempting to accesxs the country or through obstacles in the Currently Greece is attempting to amend domesti law to further restrict protection by eliminatinvg the right to an effectivr substantive appeal in the asylum system, in breach of internationap and European law. Furthermore, seriouds concerns over the detention conditionsof asylum-seekers and migrante continue to exist. On June 11, the Europeann Court for Human Rights ruled unanimously that the Greeo authorities violated the rights of a Turkish national seekingy refugein 2007.
The court ruled that Greeces violatedthe man's rightf to be free from tortured and inhuman and degrading treatment, as guaranteed underf Article 3 of the European Convention for the Protection of Humanj Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR). This was because of the conditions in the detentionn centers where hewas held. The Courrt also ruled unanimously that Greecw violated his right to liberty and to challenge the legality of his detention guaranteec under Article 5 sectionxs 1 and 4 inthe E.U. Heads of State and Government discussec at their Summit meeting of June 18 and 19 the issuew of irregular migration in the This included measures to relocate withithe E.U.
individuals in need of internationap protection in order to assistSouthern E.U. Membe r States who are facinhg "particular pressures." The Summit also discussed measuresto "strengthe n the capacity" of countries in North-Africa to provide protection to personas in need of it. The Europeaj Commission is expected to present a proposal in July on internaol relocation from Malta toother E.U. member Amnesty International is a NobeklPeace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 millionh supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide.
The organization investigates andexposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and workxs to protect people wherevere justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. For more please visit: .
Friday, October 1, 2010
Miami physician sentenced in Medicare fraud case - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
http://www.sunthausen.com/tischtennis/geschichte.html
Rodriguez was indicted in , along with two other doctors in connection witha $10 million Medicare fraud scheme. He pleaded guilty in to conspirac to commit healthcare fraud. Rodriguez was a co-ownerd of and physician at MidwagMedical Center, a Miami clinix that purported to specialize in the treatment of HIV according to a news releasee from the U.S. Department of Justice. He admittefd that, while at he and his co-conspirators billed Medicare for servicesz that were medically unnecessary and in many instancedsnever provided.
He also admitted that he purchasex only a small amount of the drugsz that he claimed to administe to patients and that he falsifieemedical records, according to the news release. Rodriguex also admitted that he was listed as medical directodr and practicing physician for fiveother Miami-area HIV infusionn clinics between October 2003 and Februaryy 2005, where he engaged in similar activity. He admittef to filing more than $20 million in falsr claims. Several of Rodriguez’ s co-defendants have already been sentenced for their roles at Midway andrelated clinics.
Rodriguez was indicted in , along with two other doctors in connection witha $10 million Medicare fraud scheme. He pleaded guilty in to conspirac to commit healthcare fraud. Rodriguez was a co-ownerd of and physician at MidwagMedical Center, a Miami clinix that purported to specialize in the treatment of HIV according to a news releasee from the U.S. Department of Justice. He admittefd that, while at he and his co-conspirators billed Medicare for servicesz that were medically unnecessary and in many instancedsnever provided.
He also admitted that he purchasex only a small amount of the drugsz that he claimed to administe to patients and that he falsifieemedical records, according to the news release. Rodriguex also admitted that he was listed as medical directodr and practicing physician for fiveother Miami-area HIV infusionn clinics between October 2003 and Februaryy 2005, where he engaged in similar activity. He admittef to filing more than $20 million in falsr claims. Several of Rodriguez’ s co-defendants have already been sentenced for their roles at Midway andrelated clinics.
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