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Mercedes cuts the top off it's iconic 571 horsepower gullwing sports coupe. Â We're not sure what makes this car special now that the gullwing doors are gone, just another high horsepower AMG roadster to choose from. Â Take a look at the video showing how it can open and close the top at up to 50 kph.
Press release:
The performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is presenting a new dream-car: the SLS AMG Roadster. This super sports car thrills with a perfect synthesis of open-top driving pleasure, outstanding driving dynamics and systematic lightweight construction. The overall visual appearance of the new two-seater is marked by its purist design.
The technological highlights of the SLS AMG Roadster read like an A-B-C of modern sports car engineering: the combination of an aluminium spaceframe body, an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication developing a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 newton metres of torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones is guaranteed to make the hearts of sports car enthusiasts beat faster – while ensuring outstanding driving dynamics and roadster motoring pleasure.
The compact fabric soft top of the SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 50 km/h. The new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an attractive optional extra. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is therefore able to choose his own suspension setup. Three modes are available: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus".
"AMG Performance Media" is a unique new feature: this innovative multimedia system inspired by motorsport offers an unrivalled combination of numerous telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various engine data and lap times on a racetrack, and also features high-speed mobile internet access.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in one. It its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz."Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "Systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure – the new SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship. The gull-wing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the open-top version is bound to cause a sensation."
Purist roadster design with perfect proportions
The new Roadster adds a second exciting dream-car to the AMG model family. Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener: "As in the gull-wing model, the purist, athletic design immediately captures the attention. Whether with the roof open or closed, the SLS AMG Roadster is an impressive visual delight!" The perfect proportions are particularly memorable: a long bonnet, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and a short rear end. Plus the automatically extending rear aerofoil, long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs – in short, the open-top SLS AMG likewise exudes effortless dynamism and an authentic charisma. The pronounced shoulder sections are reminiscent of tensed muscles, and suggest sheer power in combination with the large wheels in size 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear). The attractive metallic paint finish AMG Sepang brown and weight-optimised forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange, are available as new optional extras.
Features reminiscent of the 300 SL Roadster, the classic dream-car from the 1950s, include not only the wide radiator grille with its large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross-fin, but also the fins on the bonnet and on the vehicle flanks. Like the SLS AMG Roadster, the 300 SL Roadster appeared slightly later than the original gull-wing 300 SL, but unlike in the former case both AMG dream cars are available at the same time.
Interior atmosphere as in an aircraft cockpit
The interior continues the breathtaking design idiom of the exterior, and awakens associations with an aircraft cockpit: prominent stylistic features include the dashboard in the shape of a wing section and the air vents with adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines. The extended centre console of matt, solid metal and the new E-SELECT lever in the shape of an aircraft's thrust control are also design features adopted from the world of aviation. Another discreet, fine detail is the embossed AMG emblem on the leather-lined selector lever.
The AMG DRIVE UNIT – which like numerous other interior features is available in real carbon-fibre – is the central control unit in the centre console: it allows the driver to choose a personal vehicle setup, including adjustment of the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension (optional). The AMG Performance steering wheel with its high-grade nappa leather lining and flattened lower rim section allows perfect vehicle control. The shift paddles and lower steering wheel bezel are of solid metal.Fully automatic, weight-optimised soft top
The sensual experience in the SLS AMG Roadster is enhanced further when the soft top is open, and the powerful, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 newton metres of torque asserts itself and makes the heart beat faster with its typical AMG eight-cylinder sound. The fabric soft top can be opened and closed while on the move at up to 50 km/h; the fully automatic opening/closing process takes only eleven seconds. The driver only needs to operate the roof control unit conveniently integrated at the front of the centre armrest. When open, the soft top is space-savingly deposited behind the seats in a folded Z-configuration. Three soft top colours – black, red and beige – are available to suit the nine exterior and eight interior colours.
The three-layered fabric soft top is a weight-optimised magnesium/steel/ aluminium construction, and contributes greatly to the car's low centre of gravity. The soft top has a seamlessly bonded rear window of heated single-layer safety glass. The flush, gap-free transition between the outer roof skin and the rear window keeps wind noise at a low level. A continuous, flexible water pocket running under the soft top catches rainwater and directs it to the underbody via two apertures on each side. The boot capacity is 173 litres with the roof either open or closed, and therefore roughly equal to that of the SLS AMG Coupé (176 litres).
Outstanding material quality and standard of finish
The finest leather, matt-finished solid metal or optional, real carbon-fibre trim create an exclusive ambience and correspond with the authentic feel of the cockpit. Precisely executed decorative and contrasting stitching enhances the visual impression, heightens the hand-crafted look and reflects the attention to detail which is the hallmark of Mercedes design.
The standard appointments of the SLS AMG Roadster include black designo leather, AMG sports seats with heating, a slot-in glass draught-stop, COMAND APS with DVD player, anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitoring, THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control and the KEYLESS-GO starting function. The optionally available AIRSCARF® system exclusive to Mercedes-Benz acts like an invisible scarf warming the head and neck areas of the occupants. It is integrated into the backrests of the AMG sports seats, and blows warm air from vents in the head restraints. The airflow can be adapted for different occupant sizes by means of adjustable louvres, and the level of warmth can be selected in three stages at the touch of a button.
Leather-lined roll-over bars with integrated mesh in a "Silver Shadow" look are available in conjunction with the optional designo Exclusive leather to reduce turbulence in the cockpit. Ambient lighting is integrated into the optionally available, electrically folding exterior mirrors.
Single-tone or two-tone designo leather in espresso brown is available as a new interior colour – this dark shade of brown perfectly matches the new metallic paint finish AMG Sepang brown.
AMG Performance Media and Bang & Olufsen as optional highlights
Another optional highlight is available in addition to the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, which provides exclusive musical enjoyment at the highest level: AMG Performance Media. In an unprecedented way, this system inspired by motor racing combines numerous telemetric displays such as engine data, lateral and linear acceleration and lap times on a racetrack, as well as providing high-speed mobile internet access. AMG Performance Media is activated by pressing the AMG key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT, and operated using the COMAND Controller. Key functions at a glance:
• Real-time display of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature• Real-time display of engine output, torque and accelerator position• Real-time display of individual tyre pressures• Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-100 km/h (alternatively: quarter-mile)• Real-time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined with braking performance and accelerator position, including memory function• Recording of individual lap times on a closed-off racetrack, with sector times and memory function• Integration of DRIVE UNIT functions to save setup data to memory and initiate RACE START
• Real-time display of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature• Real-time display of engine output, torque and accelerator position• Real-time display of individual tyre pressures• Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-100 km/h (alternatively: quarter-mile)• Real-time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined with braking performance and accelerator position, including memory function• Recording of individual lap times on a closed-off racetrack, with sector times and memory function• Integration of DRIVE UNIT functions to save setup data to memory and initiate RACE START
The different functions of AMG Performance Media are shown by the colour display integrated into the dashboard. Three displays are shown at any one time, with the most important information positioned in the centre. Digitally simulated dial instruments with red needles ensure outstanding legibility.
High-speed mobile internet access
AMG Performance Media also provides high-speed mobile internet access: when the car is stationary, the driver and passenger are able to surf the web, download and install apps, and send or receive emails – this unrivalled system has functions comparable to those of a PC, notebook or smartphone. AMG Performance Media uses the widespread, high-performance Android operating system. This exclusive new development will also be installed in other AMG high-performance cars in the future.Specifically reinforced aluminium spaceframe, low DIN kerb weight
In addition to a high level of occupant comfort, the key factor for driving pleasure in the new SLS AMG Roadster is of course the outstanding performance. The basis for this is the innovative body design: the chassis and body are of aluminium, a design combining intelligent lightweight construction with high strength. With a DIN kerb weight of 1660 kilograms, the Roadster is only 40 kilograms heavier than the Coupé. The result is a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 2.9 kilograms per hp.
To achieve the same level of driving dynamics despite the lack of a fixed roof, the SLS AMG Roadster has features specifically designed to rigidify the bodyshell, for example side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and more chambers. The dashboard cross-member is supported against the windscreen frame and centre tunnel by additional struts, and a curved strut between the soft top and the tank reinforces the rear axle. The omission of the Coupé roof and gull-wing doors means that the open-top SLS AMG has a reinforcing cross-member behind the seats to support the fixed roll-over protection system. This also accommodates the 250 watt subwoofer of the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end sound system.
All this prevents unwanted vibrations right from the start, and makes it unnecessary to use the additional, weight-increasing vibration dampers that are often found in open-top sports cars. The weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe weighs 243 kilograms, tipping the scales at just two kilograms more than the gull-wing model.
Intelligent material mix and low centre of gravity
50 percent of the intelligently designed, weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe is of aluminium sections, 26 percent of sheet aluminium, 18 percent of cast aluminium and 6 percent of steel. Maximum occupant safety requires the use of ultra-high-strength, heat-formed steel in the A-pillars.The entire vehicle concept has been designed to achieve the lowest possible centre of gravity. This applies both to the low connection of the powertrain and axles, as well as to the arrangement of the rigidity-conducive bodyshell structure, which has been kept as low as possible. Examples include the rigid flexural and torsional connections between the front and rear section and the safety passenger cell, which have been realised consistently using force paths that are as low as possible. This results not only in a low centre of gravity but also in a harmonious and therefore efficient force path in the vehicle structure.
Passive safety at a high level
The aluminium spaceframe provides the basis for outstanding passive safety. The extensive safety features include the fixed roll-over protection system, three-point seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and eight airbags: adaptive front airbags and kneebags, two seat-integrated sidebags and two windowbags deploying from the door beltlines.
The optionally available Blind Spot Assist helps the driver with a visual warning symbol and acoustic alert if the danger of a collision with another vehicle is detected when changing lanes.
Powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with 420 kW (571 hp)
The SLS AMG Roadster has the same, muscular engine as the gull-wing model. The 6.3-litre V8 with a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp) at 6800 rpm makes the open-top SLS one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. Its power-to-weight ratio is 2.9 kg/hp. This naturally aspirated engine generates its maximum torque of 650 newton metres at 4750 rpm. The open-top SLS AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and the top speed is 317 km/h (electronically limited) – which means that the Roadster has a performance comparable to the gull-wing variant.The high-revving V8 engine with a cubic capacity of 6208 cc has the typical characteristics of powerful racing engines. It responds immediately to accelerator movements and is extraordinarily willing. The use of a dry sump lubrication system makes for a considerably lower installed position in the vehicle. The resulting, lower centre of gravity allows high lateral acceleration and ensures thrilling driving dynamics.
Achievement of demanding fuel consumption targets
Despite its uncompromisingly sporty character, very ambitious fuel consumption targets have been met. The SLS AMG consumes 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 308 grams per kilometre. Efficiency-enhancing measures include the familiar AMG-exclusive, friction-optimised twin-wire arc-sprayed coating on the cylinder walls as well as the on-demand, map-optimised oil supply and intelligent generator management: during the engine's overrun phases, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery rather than being wasted by simply generating heat. Conversely, the generator is switched to no-load operation during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the engine. Sophisticated catalytic converter technology enables current and future emission standards such as Euro-5, LEV 2 and ULEV to be met.
Double-declutch transmission with transaxle configuration and torque tube
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers its abundant power to the rear axle via an ultra-light carbon-fibre driveshaft – similar to the setup used in the DTM C‑Class racing touring car. The double-declutch transmission is mounted at the rear (transaxle principle), and connected to the engine housing via a torque tube. A carbon-fibre shaft rotates at engine speed in the torque tube. The advantages of this sophisticated solution lie in the rigid link between the engine and transmission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and torque generated.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force – in as little as 100 milliseconds. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) or "M" (Manual). In the Sport, Sport plus and Manual modes the automatic double-declutching function is active; all the modes can be selected conveniently via the rotary control in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The RACE START function provides optimum traction -- as does the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated into the compact transmission housing.
Sophisticated suspension layout with double-wishbone axles
The chosen solution with a front-mid-engine plus transaxle configuration ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front axle has created the ideal conditions for consummate driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class agility, low inertia with spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction. All four wheels are located on double wishbones with a track rod, a technology that has proven itself in motor racing right through to Formula 1. With a double-wishbone axle, the wheel location and suspension functions remain separate; the spring/damper struts are supported on the lower wishbone. The double-wishbone concept with its high camber and track rigidity positively locates the wheel with minimal elastic movements, providing the driver with an optimum sense of road contact when driving at the limits.
Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers at the front and rear are made entirely from forged aluminium – substantially reducing the unsprung masses; this configuration also notably improves the suspension response. The long wheelbase of 2680 millimetres not only results in outstanding straight-line stability but also low wheel load shifts, significantly reducing the vehicle's tendency to dive and squat when braking and accelerating. The broad track width – front 1682, rear 1653 millimetres – ensures lower shifts in the wheel loads from the inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tyres to retain more grip.
New AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension on request
The new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an attractive optional alternative to the AMG sports suspension. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using a button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is therefore able to choose his own suspension setup. Three modes are available: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus". The current mode is shown in the instrument cluster.
"Comfort" delivers a sensitive response with soft damping characteristics, while in "Sport" mode the shock absorbers have a much stiffer response depending on the driving situation. This not leads to better road contact, but also effectively suppresses body roll and pitching. "Sport plus" is ideal for challenging laps on a racetrack: in addition to the higher damping force, this mode comes with specific control algorithms that have been tailor-made for a decidedly sporty driving style on level road surfaces. The new, variable suspension will also be optionally available for the SLS AMG Coupé in future.
Direct steering, differential lock and 3-stage ESP®
The rack-and-pinion steering gear provides a consistently direct steering feel with a constant mechanical ratio of 13.6:1, in tune with the high expectations placed on a super sports car. The power steering provides speed-sensitive assistance and improves feedback for the driver as the road speed increases: an indispensable factor for high-speed straight-line driving. Mounting the steering gear in front of the engine on the integral subframe enables the engine to be set down very low. The SLS AMG comes with 3-stage ESP® as standard, providing the driver with access to the three "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" modes at the touch of a button. In "ESP OFF" mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP® functions.
The acceleration skid control (ASR) system's traction logic is active in all three ESP® modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to improve traction significantly – especially in conjunction with the standard-fit mechanical multi-disc limited-slip differential. This means that the engine power is transferred to the road even more effectively when driving in a particularly dynamic style.
AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system available as an option
The AMG high-performance braking system with composite brake discs at the front ensures extremely short stopping distances even under enormous loads. From now on, red-painted brake callipers all-round are available on request. The newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with even larger brake discs guarantee even better braking performance. The ceramic brake discs perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Reducing the unsprung masses has further improved both comfort and grip, and the reduced rotating masses at the front axle ensure a more direct steering response.
Lightweight construction was also key when it came to the wheels: AMG light‑alloy wheels based on the innovative flow-forming principle reduce the unsprung masses while improving driving dynamics and suspension comfort. In addition to the standard-fit AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels, 5-twin-spoke wheels and weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels are available as an option. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres developed exclusively for the SLS AMG ensure optimum performance. A tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard to permanently monitor tyre pressure in all four wheels, with an individual display for each tyre.
Production in Sindelfingen, market launch in autumn 2011
The SLS AMG Roadster was designed and developed in parallel with the Coupé under the autonomous aegis of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The open-top super sports car will be produced at the largest Mercedes-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine comes directly from the AMG engine workshop in Affalterbach, where it is hand-assembled according to the traditional "One man, one engine" philosophy.
AMG Style Chrome Black Grille For Mercedes Benz C-Class W204 C300 C350 08-14
Mercedes Benz R129 SL320 SL500 Grille Grille BLACK AMG Front Grille 3 fins 2001
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For Mercedes Benz W205 C200 C300 C43 AMG Rear Trunk Spoiler Wing Gloss Black
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AMG Style All Black Grill Grille For Mercedes Benz W204 C250 C300 C350 2008-2013
Mercedes-Benz AMG 3D Carbon Fiber Textured License Plate Frame NEW/ Accessories
2005 Mercedes Benz SL500 SL55 SL65 AMG Owner User Manual Convertible Roadster
SET OF 4 Mercedes-Benz 75MM Classic Dark Blue Wheel Center Hub Caps AMG Wreath
3D AMG Mercedes Benz Emblem Stainless Steel Black License Plate Frame Rust Free


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As life in New York metropolitan area slowly returns to normal after the Frankenstorm, some of the city dwellers start thinking beyond the most vital issues. I've heard from several people already their concern about whether we'll have a proper beach season next summer, because of some rumours that beaches got destroyed. So, yours truly got on a plane and went to check it out. Well, luckily I have a friend who is a pilot on a small plane and we planned a flight on the clear morning last Sunday…
When we reached the coastal area of Rockaway, it was obvious that for many people by the waterfront, the most essential question was still… where to live.
A large part of Breezy Point was wiped out by fire that fire department wasn't able to reach because of the flooding.
These are aerial photographs of one of my favorite beaches, Fort Tilden, before Sandy.
And these are from this Sunday.
The beach itself looks as beautiful, but you can see that the dunes receded… and their sand covers the road now! I have mixed feeling about it being less accessible now. In a way, it is also nice to have some wilderness areas within NYC boundaries.
Jersey Shore suffered from Frankenstorm even more, but we flew only above its northernmost tip, Sandy Hook. Gunnison beach of Sandy Hook, probably my favorite one in the area, appeared totally flooded at first sight.
But it definitely remains to be a wide sandy beach as we know it!
It's got this interesting sand barrier structure that goes along the shore, but I doubt it will last till next summer.
Parts of the road were still flooded, and I am sure there is a lot of mud and sand.
Another thing that I noticed looking at the beach, was that the parts of sand dunes covered with plants, even just grass or small bushes, seemed to have resisted the surge pretty well.
This made me think that the fence that limits access to the dunes for protection of shorebirds, such as plovers, was actually also necessary to preserve the plant cover. This, in turn, reminded me of a couple of case when I saw rangers patrolling the beach hitting the fence while passing through it and not bothering to put it back! One friend of mine took care of it, and he made it artfully!
In any case, I have no doubt that there will be a beach season next summer. Sandy Hook proved to be stranger than Sandy!

subset: commoncrawl


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26 June 2020
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for cotton plummeted.
Historically, a large decrease in global cotton demand occurs during downturns in economic activity. If individual income decreases, new clothes purchases are one of the easiest consumer outlays to reassess. For example, during the global financial crisis, global cotton demand decreased 11 per cent. During COVID-19 however, the extreme lockdown measures imposed by governments around the world resulted in the closure of cotton ginning facilities. This meant that cotton sold ahead of the pandemic could no longer be shipped. As a result of both these economic and logistical factors impacting demand, cotton futures decreased 30 per cent in price between February and early April. Prices of near-dated cotton also sold off more than prices of longer dated cotton, giving warehouses economic incentive to store cotton and carry it forward to a period in which demand might be higher.
Among other policy agreements, China made efforts to uphold its end of the Phase One Agreement with the US to dramatically increase their purchases of US agricultural products, including US originated cotton. As a result, prices rallied, incentivizing US producers to take their product out of the US government reserve, freeing up more stocks for export.
Cotton and polyester are the two main materials from which clothing is made. While there are consumer preferences towards one or the other, there is some switching depending on price sensitivity. For example, if polyester becomes very cheap versus cotton, it is likely that polyester as a percentage of total clothing material will increase, further pressuring the industry. Across the globe India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam have very large cotton spinning and weaving operations, i.e., turning cotton into fabric and yarn. Less demand for finished cotton products means these spinning operations will have to slowdown or temporarily stop, resulting in lost revenue and potential unemployment. This may lead to a delay when the fashion industry wants to or can start buying again.
Chase Bender, Macquarie agricultural commodities analyst


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Kathleen Turner - Finding My Voice
- The Other Palace
'A triumphant roar from Hollywood royalty' (The Guardian) Kathleen Turner's 'exquisite' and 'defiant' (The Times) one-woman show, Finding My Voice, has opened to great acclaim from critics and audiences alike. A'deeply personal account of a career spanning 41 years on Hollywood, Broadway and the West End' (The Stage), 'Hollywood legend' Turner 'mixes the poignant with the political' (Telegraph) in this 'undeniably fabulous' (Time Out) new show from Fane Productions. Lending her trademark husky alto to classic tunes from the American songbook, two-time Golden Globe winner and star of Body Heat, Romancing the Stone & War of the Roses, Kathleen also voiced cartoon heart-throb Jessica Rabbit and guest-starred as Chandler's Dad in TV Sitcom, Friends. With just two weeks left, don't miss this inspirational and charismatic storytelling from a bona fide stage and screen legend. What are you waiting for?
Prenota biglietti
The Other Palace
12 Palace Street
Prenota da
Fine dispon.


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Oscar is going to Instagram before he's going to Anna.
Consumers who follow OscarPRGirl on Instagram, and are plugged into the company's Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr pages, will get their first look at Oscar de la Renta's fall ad campaign today on Instagram — weeks before the September issues of Anna Wintour's Vogue or Elle, Town & Country, WSJ. Magazine, Departures, British Vogue and Tatler hit.
It's an early test on the part of de la Renta — and another sign of how the digital world, and Instagram's photo and video sharing platform in particular, are impacting the way fashion brands reach consumers.
"One can measure clicks and see how much the cash register rings," said Alex Bolen, Oscar de la Renta chief executive officer. "Are we making decisions based on that today? Yes. Is it at this point a radical departure from past practices? No. But could experiences like this, if they are successful, lead to big changes? Absolutely."
The fashion house will release its fall ad campaign via the OscarPRGirl's Instagram account, where the brand's social media personality — also known as senior vice president of global communications Erika Bearman — has more than 175,000 followers. Following the initial Instagram post, the full-size ad campaign images will be promoted on the brand's social media channels — where it collectively has about two million followers. There's also an e-commerce tie-in: A presale functionality on digital flagship oscardelarenta.com will launch simultaneously so users can shop the ad campaign.
RELATED STORY: Oscar de la Renta RTW Fall 2013 >>
While the full implications of the digital revolution on marketing remain to be seen, social platforms can have the potential to amplify a brand message in a more cost-effective way than traditional advertising for fashion brands. A print ad can cost tens of thousands of dollars, while the cost of sharing a photo on Instagram is essentially the salary of the person managing digital.
According to Ketty Pucci-Sisti Maisonrouge, adjunct professor at the Columbia Business School who teaches the master class "Marketing of Luxury Products," the fact that a luxury brand is introducing its ad campaign on Instagram proves that the industry now looks at marketing in a "360-degree" way. It's less about a "print versus social media" mentality and more about tying everything together to create a cohesive brand message that hits all touch points.
"Oscar de la Renta is trying to position the brand among younger audiences, so that's an interesting move, but I'm pretty sure all of the luxury brands will continue to advertise in Glamour and Vogue," Pucci-Sisti Maisonrouge said. She added that a few years ago she thought digital was going to replace hard copy, but she has since changed her mind. "I don't think it's going to happen, at least not in the near future."
Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, has quickly become a favorite of fashion brands accustomed to connecting with consumers visually.
Marketing firm Stylophane released its June reading of top fashion brands on Instagram Tuesday, which showed Lauren Conrad on top with 2.1 million followers. Nike logged 1.7 million followers, while Forever 21 and Christian Louboutin had 1.4 million each and Topshop rounded out the top five with 1.1 million followers.
RELATED CONTENT: WWD Research Roundup >>
For Bolen, the initiative has the promise of being "extremely measurable," and the upside is that the ability to measure return on investment is immediate. From the get-go, the brand will be able to see — from the amount of clicks to oscardelarenta.com, to preorder sales and impressions across platforms — exactly how successful the program is in real time.
"Fundamentally what you're asking is, how do we get our creative to work harder for us? Forgetting that it's via a fairly new distribution mode, this is about creative working harder for us," Bolen said. "That's forever been a challenge for people in our business. We're always reviewing our print buys. We're constantly trying to figure out ways to better measure the return that were getting on our investment."
The campaign, shot by Norman Jean Roy, was styled by Alex White with makeup and hair done by Gucci Westman and Orlando Pita, respectively. It features models Kate Bogucharskaia, Patricija Motiejunaite and Iris Van Berne, and the first image to be released will feature all three models wearing the brand's costume jewelry collection — also one of the entry points into the brand from a price-point perspective, at $110.
"We will book more resources [to digital programs] if it works well, and less behind those that work less well," Bolen said. "Whether this will lend it self to making those adjustments right away, we don't know."


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Monkey Illuminati
|This page is or discusses a loony and/or nutty conspiracy theory of which Uncyclopedia vehemently denies knowledge and existence. The black helicopters are not ^on their way.
From the dawn of time, the affairs of mankind have been scrutinised and controlled by a sinister organisation. Some have dimly glimpsed this mysterious force and suggested that the Illuminati, the Freemasons, the Trilateral Comission or the Delaware Comission on Sport Fishing. But all of these organisations are but pale reflections of the true power that has, over the centuries, controlled human thought and progress. That organisation is the Monkey Illuminati.
The Earth was created by God, Xenu and Oprah. About a month later, life was begun by an exploding Jageroth spaceship that Doctor Who prevented Scarroth from saving.
Soon, higher life had developed by means of Natural Intelligent Design-volution. At first, the dinosaurs ruled the Earth, but they were soon stung to death by the bees. Then came the rise of the Earth's new masters: the Monkeys! These cute little poop-chuckers formed vast empires and founded a great civilization, spanning the world. Humans, like all the higher apes were their slaves and playthings. Humans were forced to toil for their adoribly cruel masters by toiling in the banana foundries, working their fingers to the bone stitching wee little fezzes and vests, and satisfying the insatiable lust of the monkey noblity. Still, we had it better than the gorillas, who were on diaper patrol.
The humans plotted in secret to free themselves from their monkey overlords, making a secret alliance with the gorillas, orangutans and chimps. By carefully manipulating the monkeys, they were able to escalate simmering tensions between monkey groups. After many patient decades, the plan paid off. Lord Popo, the leader of the Duchy of Spider Monkeys had been nominated for the position of Minister of Soft Fruits, but was passed over in favour of Baron Eek of the Howler Monkey Federation. The Spider Monkeys seceded, precipitating the secession of the proboscis monkeys and their close allies the macaques.
Soon the monkey empire was spiraling downwards into civil war, and the higher apes were able to seize the moment and made a bid for freedom. The chimps and gorillas were hopeful of forming a tri-partitite state with the humans, but the humans betrayed their former allies, imprisoning them in the great rainforrests of Africa and Asia.
The Founding of the Monkey Illuminati[edit]
The descendents of the Monkey Lords descended into barbarism, whilst the Humans gradually forgot their servetude and went on to found new empires of their own - Rome, Persia, China, Wales and so on.
Meanwhile, the monkeys patched up their differences and made peace with the apes, and plotted their revenge. Realising that they were in no position to challenge the military might of the humans, they formed an organisiation dedicated to operating behind the scenes in order to manouever humanity towards its doom. Thus, in a small coffee-house in Munich, the Monkey Illuminati was born. Every major calamity in human affairs for the last two-thousand years has been a part of the MI's program to destroy the human race.
Monkey Created Disasters[edit]
A complete appraisal of all of the horrors unleashed upon an unsuspecting world by Monkeys is impossible here due to length constraints with my attention span.
The monkeys destruction of Atlantis was carefully planned over many years. By encouraging hubris amongst the Atlanteans, they hoped to lead the Atlanteans to attack Athens, in direct defiance of the will of the gods. The gods, they reasoned, would surely punish them by sinking fair Atlantis beneath the waves in a single day and night. About fifty years into this plan, they discovered that Atlantis had a plug, and so saved time by just pulling it out.
The Fall of Rome[edit]
The Monkeys' next target was the Roman Empire, a loose conglomerate of friendly nations that existed in the Mediterranean. They traded together peacefully, and settled all of their differences with friendly sporting events and mime. Or so it was, until a lowly Roman mime named Julius Caesar made a Faustian deal with the monkeys. The monkey's political network raised Caesar to supremacy. Caesar repaid his simian overlords by transforming Rome into a brutal Roman Empire based on fierce militarism and greed. The monkeys shrieked and capered with victory!
The Hundred Years War[edit]
The Kings of France and England were the bestest friends ever. Every week, they'd go on a picnic and fly kites together. However, each king "owned" a monkey! The monkey belonging to the King of England convinced his master that the King of France thought that England was a military lightweight, able to conduct a war for only four years, five tops. Determined to prove himself in the eyes of his friend, he invaded France. Meanwhile, the French King's monkey told his human that the English were only invading to prove that the French couldn't keep making war for ten years straight. As each king and his successors sought to prove that they could war for longest, France and England were laid waste for a century. But mostly France.
The French Revolution[edit]
However, by the late 18th Century, the French kings had gradually stopped listening to their monkeys, and the Monkey Illuminati's power in France began to decline. So the monkeys swore ultimate revenge - the deposing of the Royal family.
This was no easy task. The people of Paris were happy and prosperous and loved their king, admiring his intelligence and his queen's humanitarian nature. But the filthy monkeys poisoned the good relation between ruler and ruled with catchy songs about how great it would be to chop of the king's head. They also used their allies in the international finance sector to destroy the French currency.
(As an aside, Jews don't control the banks; that's just what the monkeys want you to believe. The banks are actually run by the Zulus and Romanians. The monkeys may well eliminate me for revealing this.)
The people were now poor and had nothing to do but sing catchy songs. And you know what happens when people sing catchy songs about killing people - it's only a small step to actually killing people. The French revolted against the king, who was replace by monkey agent Napoleon, who plunged all of Europe into war.
World War II[edit]
The monkeys totally caused this too. Yes, way! You want to know why Hitler shot himself? If 12 monkeys were knocking at your door wouldn't you?
The 1960s[edit]
Having failed to destroy the humans with war, the monkeys tried to destroy us with peace! Four humans were captured by the monkeys and subjected to months of gruelling brainwashing treatment, and taught to sing. They were unleashed upon the world as "The Monkees", and their message of singing, having fun and wearing breathtakingly stupid clothes destroyed a generation.
Various Other Disasters[edit]
The Monkey Illuminati also did a lot of horrible things in Asia, Africa, The Middle East and so on. However, due to monkey manipulation of the education systems of the English speaking countries, we are so deeply entrenched in the Euro-American view of world history that we are incapable of understanding what they may have been. Like there was something in Nanking in the 1930s... maybe it was a flower show or something... I don't know. And then there was the collapse of the civilization of... funny word... ends with a vowel... something... it was in Africa, I guess... No, I've lost it.
The monkeys are, the monkeys were, the monkeys will be. After summer is winter and after winter summer. They wait, patient and potent, for here they shall reign again.
- Mick Jagger is a leading conspiracy theorist, whose feelings on the Monkey Illuminati are summed up in the songs Fingerprint File and Sympathy With the Monkey. The monkey-controlled media demanded that this later song be renamed Sympathy With the Devil.
- At around the turn of the 20th Century, Louis Pasteur became aware of the monkey threat, and attempted to destroy the monkeys. He did so by creating a type of fungus that attacks banana plants, hoping to destroy the monkeys' principal foodsource. While the disease did indeed wipe out the "Gros Michel" cultivar of bananas (then amounting to more than 80% of world banana supply), the monkey-dominated banana industry was able to recover by introducing widespread cultivation of the "Cavendish" cultivar. However, recently a mutant strain of Pasteur's fungus has emerged which has proven lethal to the Cavendish banana, so let's just cross our fingers.
- In the 1990s, monkey agents Ren and Stimpy attempted to brainwash the world with their song I'm Gonna Be a Monkey.
- In 1933, Merian C. Cooper tried to warn the world of the monkey menace with his film King Kong. In recent years, the insidious monkeys and their human agent Peter Jackson have turned this film into pure pro-monkey propaganda. For shame!


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Every year, I have a few students that I refer to as my "Paulsen Posse". They read every book Gary Paulsen has written, use him as a mentor in their writing, and talk about all of the Paulsen-like adventures they plan to live. Now, I like Gary Paulsen as much as the next guy- maybe even a little more because he inspires so many dormant readers. But I've never connected to him like the posse does.
That just changed. Notes from the Dog is Gary Paulsen's latest novel (available tomorrow!). A thin little book, I didn't give it much thought when I sat down to read. Little did I know…
Finn is a fifteen-year-old loner. His goal for summer vacation is to talk to as few people as possible. He figures he can get by just talking to his father, his true friend, Matthew, his grandfather, and his dog, Dylan. It's not that he doesn't like people. He just can't figure them out so he prefers to avoid them. Settling in for a summer full of books, his world is turned upside down when Johanna moves in next door. Housesitting for the summer, Johanna is cool, pretty, and chatty. Before he even realizes it, Finn has been swept up into her world. And you know what? It's not that bad….a pretty, older girl likes Finn!
Johanna treats Finn like an equal. He finds it easy to talk to her which never happens with girls. Plus, Dylan loves her. And she's pretty, which doesn't hurt. Slowly but surely, she manages to draw Finn out of his shell. But most importantly, she's a good friend to Finn. She's obviously not your typical twenty-five-year old.
Something else not typical? Johanna is battling breast cancer.
Spending the summer with Johanna, Finn learns what it means to really care for someone on all levels- physically and emotionally. Johanna is young, only in her mid-twenties, but she is fighting an all-too-often fatal disease. Yet she always has a smile on her face. She and Finn set out to plant a garden in his yard, something Johanna has always wanted. Also something Finn is awful at; he's got the blackest thumb in the world! But working with Johanna opens his small world to new ideas and made him braver. Johanna constantly encourages him and tries to make him see how awesome he really is. She even manages to set him up on a date or two!
At the same time, Finn and Matthew vow to raise enough money to sponsor Johanna in the breast cancer triathlon she hopes to compete in before the summer is over. Even though the two friends can't imagine Johanna competing (she can barely get out of bed some days), they move outside their comfort zone to raise enough funds. For Finn, this means making presentations to groups of people. Before he knows it, he's talked to 100x more people than he planned to during the summer.
I don't know how to put into words what I think about this book. It is a must-read and a much-needed book. Breast cancer is so prevalent these days, yet there is very little of it in middle grade literature. When it is mentioned, it's all-too-often in a "girl" book. Paulsen takes a decidedly female topic, which affects the entire family, and presents in it a book that will appeal to both genders. Too many of my students lives are touched by cancer and I know they will connect with this book.
But don't think this is a depressing book because it is about cancer. It's also a funny book that will have you laughing at loud. Like when Finn and Matt are camping at the arboretum and get lost! Or when Grandpa announces he is moving in with his new girlfriend! There's a certain feeling of joy that jumps between the pages of the book. Johanna lives every day to the fullest and you can't help but be inspired by her. Her joy is contagious and even Finn is affected. It spreads to his father, his classmates, and eventually the whole town. Paulsen has crafted a testament to the importance of community and friendship in today's world.
This is a must-have for any middle school or high school library. As always, Paulsen packs a powerful punch. And I am now an official member of my classroom's "Paulsen Posse"!
Be sure to check back tomorrow for an interview with Gary Paulsen!
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Filed under: reluctant readers, reviews, struggling readers | Tagged: breast cancer, gary paulsen, middle school reads, notes from the dog |


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When I was younger, I often heard people debating whether the state should attempt to ensure equality of opportunity for people or equality of outcome. This has generally focused on areas associated with race or gender. Libertarians have consistently maintained that equality of opportunity is all that the government should properly enforce. The most progressive people push for equality of outcome in some situations, though many will say that historical biases are being overcome, so it is meaningful equality of opportunity that they seek. It strikes me however, that the recent public confrontation between Apple and the FBI provides us with similar arguments being made.
The state has long had the recognized authority to seize property and search it with a warrant. Many of the discussions surrounding the iPhone in question mention that the government can issue orders to look through private property and that the iPhone in question is no different. I've seen comparisons, for example to breaking into a home and taking papers for examination.
This is where I think the parallels to civil rights situations can come into play. If the police take your papers, do they have the right to the intelligibility of those papers and effects, or simply to the effects themselves. That is, if the papers are in some language or code that they do not know, do they have the right to force someone to translate it or to teach them the language? In the cases of both plain English papers and the iPhone, they have the same opportunity to examine, but the lack of knowledge (of the pass code, password, or encryption key) may make the outcomes very different.
Another analogy I have seen is that of a safe. Imagine a safe with a completely impregnable lock. What does the state do? Well, there are ways to get into safes without using the lock. You could cut your way in, or blow it up. However, it is at least possible that these other methods may destroy something of value within the safe. Does the government have the right to force the to come up with a method for opening the lock? Further, do they have the right to force to only make locks which can be opened without the owner's consent? In the case of the confiscated iPhone, there may well be ways to "open" the data without the owner's consent, but those methods may destroy the information which is sought.
It is entirely possible that this case may have effects which reach outside of the world of technology. The most fundamental of notions being examined are whether the state is entitled to a process or a product? The process is the issuing of warrants and the collection of property. The seizure of property is no guarantee of specific uses of that property. And it is the specific uses that the state demands. Is it appropriate for the state to insist on a specific outcome for a policy or is it appropriate that an agreed upon process be followed? In the justice system, I have heard many times over the years that the purpose is to follow the process. Justice is the ideal outcome, but a particular outcome is not what the state promises citizens. It promises them a process. Yet, it appears as though the state is not satisfied to have the same situation in cases involving itself: it demands an outcome. As we move forward and various technologies are developed, this guarantee of outcome will necessarily create greater and greater burdens on hardware and software developers. It may be effectively illegal for a small independent developer to create an encrypted product, for example, because the day may come where each instance of a product will require some sort of individualized method for accessing whatever data is held within it. That implies a substantial data handling infrastructure which companies, and individuals, may soon be required to maintain.


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Here's The Video Of Snoop Dogg Meeting John Kerry In The White House
You don't often get to see a famed rapper meeting with America's top diplomat, but today is your lucky day.
Calvin Broadus, better known as Snoop Dogg (or Snoop Lion), had a private moment with none other than Secretary of State John Kerry at the White House on Dec. 9, and now we've got video — complete with a fist bump at the end — to prove it.
It was pretty loud at the event so the audio is a bit hard to make out, but you can see John and his wife Teresa Heinz-Kerry, along with Snoop. Here's how he announced it on Twitter:
From Foreign Policy:
The video was taken at one of the formal receptions the Obama administration threw in early December to celebrate this year's Kennedy Center Honorees: opera singer Martina Arroyo, pianist and singer Billy Joel, keyboardist and composer Herbie Hancock, actress Shirley MacLaine and songwriter Carlos Santana.
During the awards ceremony, Santana, a Mexican-American, had the line of the night when he joked that the "last time I felt like this is when I crossed the border and they gave me a wad of tickets to Disneyland and I rode the rides over and over again."
Now watch, from Snoop Dogg's Instagram:
Soon after Snoop announced the video to his followers, the State Department sent out this tweet, which a spokeswoman told Foreign Policy was a joke showing they both had something in common:
See Also:


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accent stool, area rug, ceramic wood planter, chevron area rug, dinnerware, furniture, Lamps, lighting, lounge chair, mid century, mid century style, modern furniture, modern throw pillow, patterned throw pillow, project62, rugs, target, target brand, textiles, throw pillow
Target recently launched their newest line of items and boy are they winners. Project 62 are modern pieces for everyday living, which sounds good to me. With all categories covered there is something for everyone and they are very fairly prices as well. I checked this new brand out and looked over everything from lighting and home decor to rugs and furniture and wanted to share my top picks from the project. You can learn more and purchase each one by clicking on the image. Enjoy!!
46″ Amherst Mid Century Modern 3 Shelf Bookcase
Geller Mid-Century Dining Chair
Copan Mid Century Bench Dark Gray
Gray Abstract Stripe Duvet Cover Set
Modern Tapered Ceramic Table Lamp
Solene Round Stoneware 16pc Dinnerware Set White


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New hardware and software is being released all the time. If you are using newer versions of the hardware and / or software listed within this document, or can add to anything within this area, please send your information for inclusion to firstname.lastname@example.com and I'll include it in the next release.
While I'd like to reply to every question, please note that on occasions I will not be able to reply quickly due to work.
Happy Ogg and MP3'ing!!


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The Advantages of a "Date-Certain" Mergers and Acquisition Process Over a "Standard Mergers and Acquisitions Process" – Gerbsman Partners
Every venture capital investor hopes that all of his investments will succeed. The reality is that a large percentage of all venture investments must be shut down. In extreme cases, such a shut down will take the form of a formal bankruptcy or an assignment for the benefit of creditors. In most cases, however, the investment falls into the category of "living dead", i.e. companies that are not complete failures but that are not self-sustaining and whose prospects do not justify continued investment. Almost never do investors shut down such a "living dead" company quickly.
Most hope against hope that things will change. Once reality sets in, most investors hire an investment banker to sell such a company through a standard mergers and acquisition process – seldom with good results. Often, such a process requires some four to six months, burns up all the remaining cash in the company and leads to a formal bankruptcy or assignment for the benefit of creditors. In many instances, there are a complete lack of bidders, despite the existence of real value in the company being sold.
The first reason for this sad result is a fundamental misunderstanding of buyer psychology. In general, buyers act quickly and pay the highest price only when forced to by competitive pressure. The highest probability buyers are those who are already familiar with the company being sold, i.e. competitors, existing investors, customers and vendors. Such buyers either already know of the company's weakness or quickly understand it as soon as they see the seller's financials. Once the sales process starts, the seller is very much a wasting asset both financially and organizationally. Potential buyers quickly divide the company's burn rate into its existing cash balance to see how much time it has left. Employees, customers and vendors grow nervous and begin to disengage. Unless compelled to act, potential buyers simply draw out the process and either submit a low-ball offer when the company is out of cash or try to pick up key employees and customers at no cost when the company shuts down.
The second reason for this sad result is a misunderstanding of the psychology and methods of investment bankers. Most investment bankers do best at selling "hot" companies, i.e. where the company's value is perceived by buyers to be increasing quickly over time and where there are multiple bidders. They tend to be most motivated and work hardest in such situations because the transaction sizes (i.e. commissions) tend to be large, because the publicity brings in more assignments and because such situations are more simply more fun. They also tend to be most effective in maximizing value in such situations, as they are good at using time to their advantage, pitting multiple buyers against each other and setting very high expectations. In a situation where "time is not your friend", the actions of a standard investment banker frequently make a bad situation far worse. First, since transaction sizes tend to be much smaller, an investment banker will assign his "B" team to the deal and will only have such team spend enough time on the deal to see if it can be closed easily. Second, playing out the process works against the seller. Third, trying to pit multiple buyers against each other and setting unrealistically high valuation expectations tends to drive away potential buyers, who often know far more about the real situation of the seller than does the investment banker.
"Date Certain M&A Process" – The solution in a situation where "time is not your friend" is a "Date Certain Mergers and Acquisitions Process". With a "Date Certain M&A Process", the company's board of directors hires a crisis management/ private investment banking firm ("advisor") to wind down business operations in an orderly fashion and maximize value of the IP and tangible assets. The advisor works with the board and corporate management to:
- Focus on the control, preservation and forecasting of CASH.
- Develop a strategy/action plan and presentation to maximize value of the assets. Including drafting sales materials, preparing information due diligence "war-room", assembling a list of all possible interested buyers for the IP and assets of the company and identifying and retaining key employees on a go-forward basis.
- Stabilize and provide leadership, motivation and morale to all employees
- Communicate with the Board of Directors, senior management, senior lender, creditors, vendors and all stakeholders in interest.
The company's attorney prepares very simple "as is, where is" asset-sale documents. ("as is, where is- no reps or warranties" agreements is very important as the board of directors, officers and investors typically do not want any additional exposure on the deal). The advisor then contacts and follows-up systematically with all potentially interested parties (to include customers, competitors, strategic partners, vendors and a proprietary distribution list of equity investors) and coordinates their interactions with company personnel, including arranging on-site visits. Typical terms for a date certain M&A asset sale include no representations and warranties, a sales date typically four weeks from the point that sale materials are ready for distribution (based on available CASH), a significant cash deposit in the $200,000 range to bid and a strong preference for cash consideration and the ability to close the deal in 7 business days.
Date Certain M&A terms can be varied to suit needs unique to a given situation or corporation. For example, the board of directors may choose not to accept any bid or to allow parties to re-bid if there are multiple competitive bids and/or to accept an early bid. The typical workflow timeline, from hiring an advisor to transaction close and receipt of consideration is five to six weeks, although such timing may be extended if circumstances warrant. Once the consideration is received, the restructuring/insolvency attorney then distributes the consideration to creditors and shareholders (if there is sufficient consideration to satisfy creditors) and takes all necessary steps to wind down the remaining corporate shell, typically with the CFO, including issuing W-2 and 1099 forms, filing final tax returns, shutting down a 401K program and dissolving the corporation etc.
The advantages of this approach include the following:
Speed – The entire process for a "Date certain M&A Process" can be concluded in 5 to 6 weeks. Creditors and investors receive their money quickly. The negative public relations impact on investors and board members of a drawn-out process is eliminated. If circumstances require, this timeline can be reduced to as little as two weeks, although a highly abbreviated response time will often impact the final value received during the asset auction.
Reduced Cash Requirements – Given the "Date Certain M&A Process" compressed turnaround time, there is a significantly reduced requirement for investors to provide cash to support the company during such a process.
Value Maximized – A company in wind-down mode is a rapidly depreciating asset, with management, technical team, customer and creditor relations increasingly strained by fear, uncertainty and doubt. A quick process minimizes this strain and preserves enterprise value. In addition, the fact that an auction will occur on a specified date usually brings all truly interested and qualified parties to the table and quickly flushes out the tire-kickers. In our experience, this process tends to maximize the final value received.
Cost – Advisor fees consist of a retainer plus 10% or an agreed percentage of the sale proceeds. Legal fees are also minimized by the extremely simple deal terms. Fees, therefore, do not consume the entire value received for corporate assets.
Control – At all times, the board of directors retains complete control over the process. For example, the board of directors can modify the auction terms or even discontinue the auction at any point, thus preserving all options for as long as possible.
Public Relations – As the sale process is private, there is no public disclosure. Once closed, the transaction can be portrayed as a sale of the company with all sales terms kept confidential. Thus, for investors, the company can be listed in their portfolio as sold, not as having gone out of business.
Clean Exit – Once the auction is closed and the consideration is received and distributed, the advisor takes all remaining steps to effect an orderly shut-down of the remaining corporate entity. To this end the insolvency counsel then takes the lead on all orderly shutdown items.
About Gerbsman Partners
Gerbsman Partners focuses on maximizing enterprise value for stakeholders and shareholders in under-performing, under-capitalized and under-valued companies and their Intellectual Property. Since 2001, Gerbsman Partners has been involved in maximizing value for 96 Technology, Medical Device, Mobile, Life Science, Cyber Security, Fuel Cell, Digital Marketing and Solar companies and their Intellectual Property and has restructured/terminated over $810 million of real estate executory contracts and equipment lease/sub-debt obligations. Since inception, Gerbsman Partners has been involved in over $2.3 billion of financings, restructurings and M&A transactions.
Gerbsman Partners has offices and strategic alliances in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, McLean, VA, San Francisco, Orange County, Europe and Israel.
Phone: +1.415.456.0628, Cell: +1 415 505 4991
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Web: www.gerbsmanpartners.com
BLOG of Intellectual Capital: blog.gerbsmanpartners.com


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Today's program at the 7th Transgenic Animal Research Conference in Tahoe, Calif., hit the "hot science", as one researcher from Germany noted during lunch. The research on genetically engineered (GE) animals will reap huge dividends in societal benefits to solve the world's most pressing challenges.
I was particularly impressed by the Chinese researchers from State Key Lab of Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing. In 2001 they began studying six different genes in GE cattle which improve protein production in milk, including production of human lactoferrin, human lysozyme and a human antibody for cancer treatment. But they don't stop there. Their GE pig research includes the study of four genes which also impact milk protein production.
Even more remarkable, I know you all have heard about the GE goats that produce spider silk proteins, used for body armor, suture material, or anywhere we need an industrial fiber with high strength. These GE goats are alive and well at the University of Wyoming.
Did you know that dragline silk, which is a protein produced by spiders, is the strongest fiber known to man? It is identical to Kevlar, used in bullet-proof vests, except that it has 35 percent elasticity, to Kevlar's 5 percent. Researchers at the University of Wyoming are working in collaboration with AFMNet to study the attributes of spider silk proteins produced in the milk of GE goats. They discussed the capability to vary the ratio of two proteins that produce films and fibers with different mechanical properties.
Who's interested? Good Year Tire is interested in this technology for producing tire cords. Eye sutures are another potential application, and the military has continuing needs to protect the armed forces. This is an exciting application with many benefits – indeed the new 'tailor-to-task' efforts in research by the University of Wyoming will continue. And the GE goats are so cute – normal and happy.
The scientific presentations are nearly outdone here in Tahoe along with the informal conversations and debate at coffee breaks. We have discussed the fact that this "hot science" on GE animals will not advance without a relevant and workable regulatory process to bring products to consumers. Tomorrow BIO gets the chance to discuss industry's responsibility toward good stewardship in meeting (and in some cases exceeding) the regulatory requirements.
It all begins with "hot science" on GE animals, building the 21st century tool box. Stay tuned!
Filed under: agriculture, Animal biotechnology | Tagged: animals, chinese, genetically engineered, lysozyme, protein, researchers, spider silk, transgenic | Leave a comment »


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Iran's supreme leader pushes Iranians to vote in defiance of US
Khamenei said that showing up at the polls to vote for a new president would defeat 'enemy' efforts to spread 'disappointment and pessimism.' Officials see turnout as key to government's legitimacy.
| Istanbul, Turkey; and Tehran
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the first to vote in crucial presidential elections today, as he implored fellow Iranians to affirm the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic by voting – and cursed arch-foe America's dismissal of the process.
Iran would defeat "enemy" efforts to spread "disappointment and pessimism," Khamenei said after casting his ballot. Iran had no time for US officials who did not accept the election. "The hell with you," he said,ah using fighting words. "If the Iranian nation waited to see what you Americans accept and what you don't, it would be a loser."
The vote is to choose a successor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose eight years in office have been marked by the crushing of the reformist Green Movement, deepening divisions among conservative factions, and unprecedented challenges to Khamenei's rule. The victor will shape the tone if not substance of Iran's foreign policy, its combative relations with the US and the West, and perhaps the trajectory of stalled nuclear negotiations.
At home, Iranians have also been buffeted by economic woes and the impact of tough, US-led sanctions over its nuclear program. And for many, the grim memory of the last fraud-tainted presidential vote in 2009, which reappointed Mr. Ahmadinejad but sparked weeks of protest and a violent regime crackdown, has bred reluctance to take part.
To boost turnout, state-run television broadcast scenes of crowds lining up to vote, adding patriotic and religious messages about every Iranian's "duty" to participate. Within hours, Fars News had declared that a "political epic" had been achieved.
State-run IRIB interviewed an older man saying, "Every vote is another failure for the United States." One young man told PressTV: "Power of Iran is not in its long-range missiles," then, looking at a long line of people waiting to vote, he added, "This is the power of Iran."
No tolerance for 'sedition'
Security forces have long vowed that they will not tolerate renewed "sedition." And for the first time, Khamenei explicitly recognized on Wednesday that not all Iranians back the Islamic system, but asked them to vote anyway.
"Khamenei is inviting the people who don't like the system back into the game, to be a player here," says a veteran analyst in Tehran who asked not to be named. "This recognition … indicates that people up there are worried, they are nervous, they really need their power base to grow – at least they need to show to themselves and the outside world that the majority of people are with them."
The voices from Iranian streets were a blend of duty among conservatives, joy among some at the possibility of reform-style change based on a last-minute surge by centrist candidate Hassan Rohani, and also deep skepticism from those who feel their vote has no value.
"I really, really don't believe in the power of my vote," says a law student from Iran's northern Caspian region. "If there was even a tiny chance of changing something with just one vote, I would, [but] practically it's just humiliation, it's really of no use."
"I'm sure Rohani, no matter how popular he has become in the last two days, he is not going to be selected," adds the law student. "If they think he's a danger, and he shouldn't be elected, they wouldn't put him among those [final two]."
Aisan, a 28-year-old attorney in west Tehran, chose not to vote. "Even if we go and vote for Rohani, we will be giving the Supreme Leader exactly what he wants because he knows that people want to boycott the election. Even if Rohani is elected, he will not have any power to change the economy, the effect of sanctions, and the nuclear issue."
On the other side of Iran's social and political divide, shopkeeper Esmail Ahmadi, 66, was enthusiastic about casting his ballot.
"Voting is a national religious duty, an important task we cannot forget," Mr. Ahmadi said. "The devils are against us, look at the sanctions, people are suffering….How many more examples do we need to believe their hostile attitude? We should stand against them and the polls are the right way to support the Islamic Republic."
IRIB interviewed a young woman, whose head scarf was askew in a manner that might normally have got her into trouble with Iran's social police. "Even if my hair is showing and my appearance may not be strictly Islamic," she said, "I want to tell foreign countries that we believe in our leader, Islam, and our country, and for their sake we will tolerate any difficulty caused by sanctions."
Iranian journalists had mixed experiences, with one reporting longer lines than he expected in wealthier areas of north Tehran, which would typically not vote for conservative candidates. Another in central Tehran told the Monitor that "all areas that were crowded four years ago were empty by comparison."
Yet another reported that in central Tehran there were "longer lines for meat and bread than anyone trying to cast ballots." By midday, Fars News Agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guard, reported that Iran's election had already achieved a "political epic."
Rethinking plans to boycott the vote
For the 50 million-plus Iranians eligible to vote at 66,000 polling stations, an unexpected surge for Mr. Rohani prompted some to change their boycott plans and vote. Many expect a second-round runoff in a week's time.
"I have come to destroy extremism, and when I see that these extremists are worried by my response and my vote, I am very happy," said Rohani, a cleric and Iran's former top nuclear negotiator, as he cast his ballot. "It means that with the help of the people we can instill the appropriate Islamic behavior in the country."
Using the color purple and appropriating the language of civil rights, press freedom, and a less confrontational foreign policy – language associated with reformists, who have episodically demonstrated strong popular support in Iran since 1997 – Rohani was boosted this week by endorsements from former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
Rohani faces a slate of five conservative candidates who are close to Khamenei, but divided among themselves. Strongest among them is the popular Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqr Qalibaf, a former police commander and veteran of the Iran-Iraq war, who is reported to have the backing of the Revolutionary Guard.
The recent history of reformist candidates is marked by danger in Iran's political space. Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, both former senior government officials and reformist presidential candidates in 2009, were accused of sedition for leading the protests and remain under house arrest.
The several million Iranians who protested in 2009 – when official turnout was declared to be 85 percent – believed Mousavi was the landslide winner after an unforeseen surge in the final 10 days of the Mousavi campaign. Instead, incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared the victor by a 2-to-1 margin.
"Because [Rohani] is not known as a reformer, and he has not introduced himself as a reformer, there is a relatively high degree of tolerance from the conservative establishment towards him," says the Tehran analyst.
"[But] there is no great movement, there is no national wave as we had four years ago, and as we had when Rafsanjani said he would run" a month ago, before he was disqualified, says the analyst.
"So [Rohani's surge] is on a much, much smaller scale," the analyst adds. "I haven't felt the wave, the election has not become the talk in all homes, among families and at offices. We've had that experience before, and when Rafsanjani came, it was a huge thing; everybody was talking, everybody was hopeful for the future."
The disqualification by the Guardian Council of Rafsanjani, a two-time president who ran the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s and oversaw the reconstruction of the country, shocked many Iranians after raising widespread expectations from a man long deemed a pillar of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution.
Among them was Keyvan, who chose not to join voters crowding mosques in west Tehran, but to instead play badminton with his girlfriend.
"Let me be honest, when a politician like Hashemi Rafsanjani is disqualified and was not given the right to compete in the race, could you call it an election?" asked the 29-year-old.
"I'm not a big fan of Hashemi and many of the old politicians of this system, but … is he coming from Los Angeles as the opposition? Can you imagine – the commander of eight years of war, the most trusted right-hand man of [revolution founder] Imam Khomeini, and the person who's held the highest positions in the most crucial times?" asks the man. "I'm not suggesting there will be cheating…no cheating will be necessary, the candidates are all the same … so I prefer a good holiday with my girlfriend."
Scott Peterson reported from Istanbul; Two correspondents contributed reporting from Tehran.


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