text:
And that's a wrap folks, be sure to check-in tomorrow for all the action of earnings season on Markets Live.
Here's what you need to know this afternoon:
- ASX finished up 0.4% to 5081.90
- AUD buying $US1.0324
- Nikkei is down 0.3%, Hang Seng down 0.2%, Kospi up 0.1%
- Gold at $US1613.95, while WTI Oil is at $US95.49
- Wall Street and FTSE100 futures are both flat
- BrisConnections crashes after bankers pull the pin
- APN names Peter Cosgrove as chairman
- BoQ launches buyback of guaranteed bonds
- CCA is hit after spending fizzles
- Arrium flags more job cuts
- BHP: est FH profit $5.74 billion
- Fortescue Metals: est FH profit $490 million
- Super Retail Group: est FH profit $63 million
- Suncorp: est FH profit $588.3 million
- Toll Holdings: est FH profit $195.25 million
- Woodside Petroleum: est FH2 $1.95 billion
Here's a good late read by Michael Pascoe on subsidies for struggling industries that's getting some traction on the website - Quietly dumping Holdens:
Governments of both colours ramp up the anti-dumping rhetoric from time to time, but the rhetoric is much easier than the action. And all sorts of companies from all sorts of nations indulge in a little dumping from time to time. According to Bill Shorten's definition, Holden is one such company.
Shorten defined dumping as dastard foreigners selling stuff here for less than they do at home. So in his opinion, Holden selling re-badged Commodores in the United States for $10,000 less than they can be bought for in Australia must be, er, dumping – that bad thing the government wants to stamp out when other countries do.
And Holden, along with Ford and Toyota, is the happy recipient of substantial government subsidies of one sort or another. In the spirit of international trade law, that would make dumping worse.
Here's how the main companies that reported today performed:
- Arrium: -2%
- Asciano: +1.9%
- Coca-Cola: +2%
- Monadelphous: -6%
- Southern Cross: +9.8%
- Transfield: -4.8%
- Sonic: -8.5%
Scroll down to 10.12am for an overview of these companies' earnings (key points).
The Australian dollar inched higher today as markets lengthened the odds for a near-term cut in domestic interest rates.
The Aussie edged up to $US1.0325, from $US1.0293 early, having tripped stops after the RBA comments. It stood well above a four-month trough of $US1.0227 touched last week.
Minutes of the Reserve Bank's February policy meeting reiterated that there was scope to ease again if needed, but gave no indication it was in a rush to move.
"The tone of the minutes suggests that the hurdle to cut further is reasonably high, especially if the global backdrop and market confidence continue to improve," said Su-Lin Ong, a senior economist at RBC Capital Markets. "The onus lies upon the rate sensitive sectors to disappoint."
As a result, financial markets slightly widened the odds of a further easing to a one-in-four chance of a quarter point move to a record low of 2.75 per cent in March. Interbank futures are still fully priced for a cut by June.
Among the sectors, financials rose 0.4 per cent, materials gained 0.3 per cent and industrials were 0.2 per cent higher. Energy stocks rallied 1.1 per cent, while consumer stapled slipped 0.4 per cent.
The sharemarket has closed higher, posting a small bounce at the end of trade. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 gained 18.5 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5081.9, its highest since September 2008. The broader All Ords added 18.1 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5101.0.
Most regional markets are trading flat today, with the President's Day holiday in the US overnight and a lack of catalysts keeping many investors on the sidelines.
"Markets have become top-heavy after rallying through early February on signs of economic recovery in the United States and Europe, and investors now await fresh factors to push prices higher from here," says Tomomichi Akuta, senior economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting in Tokyo.
"The broad sentiment is underpinned by a lack of tail risks, but investors are turning to some potentially worrying elements such as Italian elections and US budget talks."
The risk of an inconclusive outcome in Italy's election this weekend is adding to concerns while investors keep eyes on Washington where policymakers are discussing a package of budget cuts set to kick in March 1, which analysts warn could hurt the economy.
"We didn't have a lead from Wall St overnight, we also had weakness coming through from European markets overnight, so we were never expecting a strong day," says CommSec market analyst Juliette Saly.
Some more on APN: Former Defence Force chief Peter Cosgrove has just been appointed chairman.
Cosgrove, who has been on the board for more than nine years, has strong ties to APN's largest shareholder Independent News & Media (INM) which triggered a boardroom exodus earlier today after it rejected plans for a capital raising later this week.
The share market has fought back over the course of the day despite initial pressure from weaker commodities markets which had our miners on the back foot from the open, CMC Markets trader Ric Spooner says:
- The RBA's monetary policy meeting minutes and a continuation of strong earnings results has helped to push the ASX 200 over the line to a positive result.
- The slight dip in morning trade has been snapped up by eager investors looking to take advantage of any falls in the equity markets.
- Despite the initial falls we rallied back to touch a five-year high of 5075 today. The fact that we are seeing highs following falls on international base metals markets is testament to the strength of the current trend.
Fitch has affirmed the ratings of Australia's four big banks - ANZ, CBA, NAB and Westpac.
The outlook on each bank's long-term issuer default ratings is stable, Fitsch said today.
''The rating affirmations reflect the banks' dominant franchises in Australia and New Zealand, strong and stable profitability, generally robust risk management, solid liquidity management and adequate capitalisation,'' it said.
''The agency also takes comfort from the banks' straightforward and transparent business models, and the conservative and hands-on approach of the Australian prudential regulator.
''Offsetting these factors are a structural reliance on wholesale funding, particularly from offshore markets, and high household indebtedness in Australia.
Some more on APN: asset disposals, or a miracle recovery for the media sector, are now the only options for APN which has debts estimated at $470 million with $400 million of this maturing in the 2015 financial year, according to UBS.
Analysts at Citi say that, in the absence of senior management, they expect little in terms of business transformation to happen at the group level for at least 12 months.
And Credit Suisse says: "Outdoor and radio are feasible assets to sell and APN may have to accept a less than desirable multiple for these businesses."
Speculation is mounting that APN director Vincent Crowley - currently chief executive of its largest shareholder Independent News and& Media (INM) - will return to APN as CEO after more than a decade's absence.
The debt laden media group is in disarray after major shareholders, INM and Allan Gray, effectively ejected most of APN's board, along with chief executive Neil Chenoweth, over a proposed capital raising scheduled for this week.
APN shares have been pummelled today with the stock down as much as 15 per cent after a trading halt was lifted and APN announced the capital raising was being abandoned and most of its board was jumping ship.
Analysts at Citi said they expect that, in the absence of senior management, ''we expect little affirmative action on business transformation at the group level for at least 12 months.''
Bank of Queensland has become the latest lender to exploit the better conditions on funding markets, with new plans to spend up to $650 million buying back taxpayer-guaranteed debt.
Under the guarantee of wholesale borrowing, which provided a lifeline to the financial sector at the height of the global financial crisis, banks could pay the government a monthly fee in return for using its AAA credit rating.
Banks jumped at the offer, with almost $170 billion in debt guaranteed by the scheme in early 2010.
But with better market conditions lowering the cost of new borrowing by banks, it now makes economic sense for banks to buy back their guaranteed debt as it approaches maturity.
BoQ, which was charged a larger fee than the big four for using the guarantee, said it was offering to buy back government-guaranteed bonds that will mature in October this year.
Nathaniel Rothschild's bid to gain control of Bumi, the coal venture at the centre of a dispute between Rothschild and the Bakrie Group, may struggle to win support after a major holder sold a 13 per cent stake.
Rosan Roeslani, an associate of the Bakries, sold about 24.2 million shares of the London-listed company to three separate investors, according to a statement yesterday. The sale increases the amount of votes Rothschild will need to win at the Febraury 21 shareholder vote on his plan to oust most of the board.
The voting rights associated with those shares had previously been excluded by a UK Takeover Panel ruling.
Rothschild is pushing for former Leighton boss Wall King to take over as Bumi's chairman should he succeed at the shareholder vote.
European Union lawmakers may determine the fate of the world's biggest carbon market when they vote later today on a proposal to cut a record surplus of emission permits that has pushed prices to an all-time low.
The European Parliament's environment committee is considering an amendment to EU emissions trading law that will enable sales of some carbon allowances to be delayed until the end of the decade, a process known as backloading. The panel's non-binding opinion, due after 7pm AEDT in Brussels, will serve as a recommendation for the whole parliament in a later vote.
At stake is the EU's 54 billion-euro ($70 billion) cap-and-trade system, which imposes carbon emission limits on about 12,000 companies.
The aim of backloading is to help support the price of the permits, which slumped to 2.81 euros a metric tonne last month from more than 10 euros a year ago as Europe's sputtering economy damped demand
Here's how the rest of the region is doing today:
- Japan (Nikkei): -0.1%
- Hong Kong: -0.1%
- Shanghai: -1.3%
- Taiwan: +0.15%
- Korea: +0.3%
- Singapore: +0.4%
- New Zealand: +0.7%
It was hardly a surprise that there wasn't anything significantly new in the minutes of the last Reserve Bank board meeting, CommSec economist Savanth Sebastian says:
- Especially considering that with the decision to keep interest rates on hold in early February we had the accompanying statement, and since then we have had the release of the Statement on Monetary Policy and also a speech by Reserve Bank Assistant Governor Kent in the last two weeks.
- If anything the minutes tend to confirm the view portrayed just over a week ago, when the Reserve Bank released its latest growth and inflation forecasts.
- Overall, it is clear that the RBA is sitting comfortably on the interest rate sidelines. Policymakers seem more comfortable with global economic conditions, and the modest improvements taking place in the domestic economy.
Or, as the WSJ's James Glynn puts it:
Is the #RBA's easing bias now solely a function of the low CPI? Probably not. They need to see more traction But uber-doves are out of step
— James Glynn (@JamesGlynnWSJ) February 19, 2013
The NSW state government rules banning coal seam gas activity close to suburbs, country towns and some rural industries is expected to rule out projects that gas companies have valued at billions of dollars.
While a precise figure is unknown, and coal seam gas drilling bodies scramble to understand the ruling, hundreds of proposed gas wells, producing gas roughly estimated to be worth about $4 billion, fall within the banned zones.
The main coal seam gas industry body said the new ruling "ignores science", and said it had requested an emergency meeting with the premier, Barry O'Farrell.
The state's cabinet agreed on Monday afternoon to ban all coal seam gas activity within two kilometres of residential areas.
It's finally happened, writes Matt O'Sullivan. Brisconnections has gone into voluntary administration.
BrisConnections, the operator of Brisbane's $4.8 billion Airport Link toll road, has finally called in the corporate paramedics after the majority of its bankers pulled the pin on restructuring proposals.
The toll-road operator's board today elected to place BrisConnections in the hands of voluntary administrators from McGrath Nicol, including Jamie Harris and John Cronin.
BrisConnections board decided in November to enter into "formal negotiations" with its lenders about "potential reconstruction options" after conceding that its debts may exceed the value of its assets.
Review: BrisConnections. Photo: Glenn Hunt
Here's a view on the RBA minutes. Commsec economist Savanth Sebastian said the minutes suggested the RBA expected the domestic economy to improve over the next few months.
It essentially confirmed their view that they are happy to wait on the sidelines and are relatively upbeat about the domestic economy.
They highlighted that interest rate-sensitive parts if the economy are starting to gain a bit of traction given the low interest rate environment so that certainly seems to suggest that, over the next couple of months, they are expecting an improvement to take place.
IG Markets market strategist Evan Lucas said the local bourse had seen its fair share of ups and downs in early trade, following weaker European markets overnight and the closure of Wall Street for the President's Day public holiday.
''It's a bit of a yo-yo at the moment,'' he said.
''Earnings season this morning has again dominated a bit of the moves in what's going on. We've seen some fairly big ups and big downs on earnings guidance that have either missed or really blown the lights out.
''The market is looking for a reason to maybe take a bit of profit, but every time it happens the dips are snapped up.''
Among the biggest movers was engineering firm Monadelphous, whose shares fell $1.70 cents, or 6.1 per cent, to $26.15, despite posting a record half year result of $79.1 million.
Mr Lucas said the negative reaction to Monadelphous' results was surprising but reflected the impact of reduced discretionary spending by big miners on mining services.
So, what's the APN News and Media strategy? Citigroup analyst Justin Diddams asks.
"It's time to wait and watch. In the absence of senior management, keeping in mind the long serving CFO Peter Myers recently departed, we expect little affirmative action on business transformation at the group level for at least 12 months," he says.
"The major shareholders could pursue a 'fire sale' of the assets, although we'd argue they might struggle to get fair value."
He nominates APN's radio and outdoor advertising assets as candidates for sale. Citigroup has a "neutral" rating on the stock.
If you'd like to read the RBA minutes for yourself, you'll find them here.
Nothing new in RBA mins:better global news, but mixed Aust news seeing growth < trend in 2013 & with low inf outlook providing scope to ease — Shane Oliver (@ShaneOliverAMP) February 19, 2013
If you're looking at the Reserve Bank's minutes for the February meeting, it's worth noting that ANZ, which was tipping the central bank to cut rate by 100 basis points to 2 per cent this year, has revised its cash rate forecast.
ANZ said on Friday that it was revising its forecast down to only two 25 basis points of cuts for 2013 - and expects them to occur after May or June.
"Recent developments in the economy and markets have caused us to reassess the likelihood of the bottom end of that forecast range occurring," ANZ said in a statement.
"We now forecast two rate cuts over 2013. In addition we expect the RBA to continue to monitor developments in the economy for a number of months yet before acting further and so do not expect a further official interest rate cut before May/June."
Financial market expectations of a rate cut in March currently stand at 27 per cent, according to Credit Suisse data. The market has priced in expectations of at least one 25 basis points cut for the year.
The Aussie dollar has found some support after the release of the RBA minutes. It jumped from $US1.0309 in the moments before the release to $US1.033 at 11.43am. It's up more than a quarter of a US cents in local trade today.
Clearly, investors think the likelihood that the RBA will cut again in March or the months immediately ahead is diminishing.
More on the RBA, which said that, with inflation expected to remain near the middle of its target range of two to three per cent, it had room to cut the cash rate further if needed.
''The inflation outlook, as assessed at this meeting, would afford scope to ease policy further, shout that be necessary to support demand,'' it said.
The RBA noted that global economic conditions had improved since the start of 2013, with the US avoiding a so-called fiscal cliff of tax hikes and spending cuts, improved economic data from China and the Japanese government announcing policies to grow the world's third-largest economy.
The RBA said iron ore prices had improved significantly during December due to increased demand from China but said the current high levels were unlikely to be sustained.
Cash rate futures continue to price out a rate cut from the #RBA next month, now down to 27% following the minutes #ausbiz — David Scutt (@David_Scutt) February 19, 2013
More on the RBA minutes. In the central bank's own words:
Interest rate sensitive parts of the economy had shown some signs of responding to these lower interest rates, which were well below their longer-run averages, and further effects could be expected over time ...
Noting that monetary policy was already accommodative as a result of the substantial easing of policy over the past 15 months, and that this stimulus was continuing to work its way through the economy, the board judged that it was prudent to leave the cash rate unchanged at this meeting.
The Rba minutes are out, and the central bank is waiting to see waiting to see how recent interest rate cuts flow through the economy before deciding if it needs to cut the cash rate further in 2013.
In the minutes from its February 5 board meeting, released on Tuesday, the RBA said there were signs the 1.75 percentage points in interest rate cuts delivered between November 2011 and December 2012 were starting to provide a boost to underperforming sectors like housing.
The RBA kept the cash rate on hold at three per cent in February, its equal-lowest level since the global financial crisis.
Tokyo stocks opened 0.63 per cent lower after the yen strengthened slightly following its recent slide.
The Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 71.42 points at 11,336.45 at the start.
The drop came after the benchmark index jumped 2.09 per cent the previous day on a weaker yen after Japan avoided an accusation of unfairly devaluing its currency at a weekend meeting of the Group of 20 leading economies.
Macmahon Holdings has rejected the latest takeover offer from Indian-owned firm Sembawang Australia.
Macmahon has already struck a deal with Leighton Holdings over the sale of its troubled construction business, and had rebuffed previous offers by Sembawang. But the wholly-owned subsidiary of engineering and construction group Punj Lloyd last week lodged a new offer, valuing MacMahon's construction business at $35 million.
After meeting with Sembawang in recent days, MacMahon said today the new offer could not be practically implemented, and was not superior to its deal with Leighton. While Sembawang's offer price was higher than Leighton's, it was not enough to make up for the added risks associated with the proposal, MacMahon said.
Macmahon shares are down 2.8 per cent.
Businesses are struggling with cash flow problems, with more companies refusing to settle their accounts promptly, worsening the already subdued sales activity and conservative consumer sentiment.
Companies took on average 52 days to pay their bills – 12 days more than their counterparts in New Zealand – and 62 per cent of accounts settled late in the last quarter of 2012, according to trade payments analysis by Dun & Bradstreet.
The stalled cash flow explains why 68 per cent of business executives expressed their concerns about cash flow in D&B's National Business Expectations Survey. About a third of executives nominated outstanding accounts-receivable as their biggest hurdle to growth.
''Trade credit is an essential form of non-bank finance, and when bills are paid late it withholds essential operating money that businesses need day-to-day, but also to invest and grow,'' Don and Bradstreet's chief executive Gareth Jones said.
Not even two competing bids for Billabong are enough to convince traders the surfwear maker will be able to seal a deal.
The retailer has opened its books to two groups of suitors with preliminary offers of $527 million. Two other buyers abandoned higher proposals last year, and traders are doubtful either $1.10-a-share bid will be consummated.
Billabong was trading slightly higher at 97 cents this morning, more than 11 per cent below the latest offers, the third-widest gap among similar-sized deals in developed Asia-Pacific nations, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
"After all the failed attempts and the lack of confidence in management, there's no confidence in the due diligence process," Stan Shamu, market strategist at IG Markets, says. "The discount is pricing in the potential for the due diligence process to reveal some cobwebs. A lot of investors aren't willing to take that risk."
While the bids rank as the cheapest versus sales among apparel deals since 2007, Commonwealth Bank says the two groups - one featuring Altamont Capital Partners and VF Corp, and the other including director Paul Naude and Sycamore Partners - may pull their offers after evaluating Billabong.
Doubts grow that Billabong will be able to seal a deal. Photo: RICARDO MORAES
Bond giant Pimco says debt markets are misguided to bet the Reserve Bank is almost finished cutting interest rates, arguing that the economy will struggle to cope as a resource investment boom fades.
"The big economic uncertainty arrives when the economy transitions from an investment destination to a production and export engine," said Robert Mead, Sydney-based head of portfolio management at Pimco, which runs the world's biggest bond fund. "This transition will not be smooth."
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to lower the overnight cash rate target to 2.75 per cent from 3 per cent by December 31, according to the median forecast of 29 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News.
Traders expect 32 basis points of cuts over 12 months, down from 56 basis points seen on January 28, according to Credit Suisse.
Investors are hoping for a clearer picture of the RBA's intentions when it releases the minutes of its February 5 board meeting at 11.30am.
Bell Potter Securities analyst John O'Shea said the slide in Monadelphous' shares was primarily related to the company's outlook for the financial year 2014.
With the outlook for the rest of the 2013 financial year expected to be stronger, ''they are going to have a very high base'' to beat for the 2014 financial year, Mr O'Shea said.
''The results for the first half was very much in line with expectations. .... For the rest of 2013 they are saying that revenue growth's going to be at least 35 per cent, so that's stronger than what they said at the AGM.
''But obviously, you've got a higher base to beat then, and they are saying when they come out to 2014, revenue growth there will be challenging.''
The ASX looks to be settling at a loss, for the time being, of about 0.2 per cent. The All Ords has lost 9.2 points while the ASX 200 has given back 10.1 points.
As well as keeping an eye on earnings today, CMC Markets chief analyst Ric Spooner said local investors were cautious ahead of Italy's general election on February 24 and 25.
''I think the market is a little bit cautious firstly because of the Italian elections,'' he said.
''Europe remains a long term risk in the minds of most investors and Italy is a key economy for Europe, not just because of its size but because of the size of its debt.''
He said the materials sector had a weak opening due to lower copper and aluminium prices on Monday in China and London.
At 11.30am, we've got the minutes of the RBA's February rates meeting, which could see the Aussie dollar jiggle around a bit.
In a note this morning, Steven Dooley at ForexCT says the RBA "was dovish on interest rate cuts two weeks ago and any confirmation today could mean a big move lower."
"If indeed the RBA does leave the door open for more cuts then all eyes will turn to the $1.0170 level," he said.
"This has been a key support level for seven months and a drop through this level will be a bearish sign for the dollar."
It could also see the interest rate futures market take a further dive south. Credit Suisse data says there's a 32 per cent chance of a 25bp rate cut on March 6. That's down from a high this month of 57 per cent on February 11.
With the materials sub index easing in early trade, here's a look at how the big miners are faring:
- BHP is 0.1% higher to $38.71
- Rio is 0.82% lower to $70.31
- Fortescue is 0.97% lower to $5.08
The banks and miners are weighing on the market in early trade, while utilities are higher thanks to gains from AGL:
- Utilities: +0.59%
- Energy: +0.05%
- Telecoms: -0.03%
- Materials: -0.24%
- Financials: -0.26%
- Consumer staples: -0.26%
- Industrials: -0.55%
After its stellar performance yesterday, when it traded ex-dividend, yet declined by only 6 cents, Telstra has come in for more broker support this morning, reports Brian Robins. Bell Potter's market commentator Charlie Aitken has tipped the stock to reach $5.12 over the next 18 months.
He reckons the high dividend will see ongoing buying support from retail investors, pushing the shares back to technical resistance above $5.
While the annual dividend will be steady at 28 cents a share this financial year, he argues the half-year dividend which has been pegged at 14 cents a share for some time now, will rise to 15 cents a share in the second half of next financial year, giving a 29 cent a share payout for fiscal 2014, with that higher payout maintained for fiscal 2015.
Growing that dividend will underpin the ongoing support for Telstra shares, in his view.
Cashing in ... Telstra. Photo: Peter Braig
BusinessDay's Georgia Wilkins is listening to the Sonic Healthcare briefing. She reports that the company says it was hit by ''almost unprecedented'' stagnant growth in the US market.
The company reported a 9 per cent profit growth in constant currency, but says its full-year earnings will be at the lower end of guidance.
''We don't know when this is going to turn around but it's almost unprecedented time,'' CEO Dr Colin Goldschmidt said.
''Whether this is related to unemployment or other reasons, we're not sure, but nevertheless there's now been more than one year of flat to slightly positive market growth in the US.''
Investors don't like today's result. Its shares are 7.6 per cent lower in early trade to $12.98. More here.
Here are the worst performed companies on the ASX200 in opening trade:
- Mount Gibson Iron: -11.73%
- Monadelphous Group: -7.72%
- Sonic Healthcare: -6.90%
- Transfield: -6.43%
- Ausdrill: -5.97%
- Boart Longyear: -5.09%
The Australian share market has opened flat to lower.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index is down 4.9 points, or 0.1 per cent, at 5078, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 5.1 points, or also 0.1 per cent, at 5058.3.
On the ASX 24, the March share price index futures contract was steady at 5,042, with 3,346 contracts traded.
Some very strong early share price moves among companies which have reported today:
- Arrium: +2.4%
- Asciano: +4.6%
- Coke: +1.5%
- Monadelphous: -8.4%
- Southern Cross: +8.9%
- Transfield: -4.5%
- InvoCare: +3.3%
- Sonic: -8%
In early trade, the ASX has eked out a gain of 0.1 per cent. Meantime, here's a quick wrap of the day's major earnings results:
- Monadelphous Group: net profit of $79.1 million, +37.5%; fully franked interim dividend of 62c
- Asciano: net profit of $199 million, +74.5%; interim fully franked dividend of 5.35c
- Arrium: net loss of $447 million; +504 per cent increase in loss; interim unfranked dividend of 2c
- Southern Cross Media: net profit of $45 million, -52% decrease; interim dividend of 4.5c
- InvoCare: net profit of $44.5 million, +64.7% increase; final fully franked dividend of 19c
- Coca-Cola Amatil: net profit of $459.9 million, -22.3% decrease; final ordinary dividend of 32c, 75% franked and special unfranked dividend of 3.5c
- Sonic: net profit of $150.6 million, +5.45 increase; interim dividend of 25c, 45% franked
Environmental Service firm, Cardno $CDD. HY13 Profit up 11% to $40.1Mill Record profit for the Half. Completed 5 acquisitions in the Half^JR — CommSec (@CommSec) February 18, 2013
A bit more detail on the Coca-Cola result.
Earnings in Australia rose 3.3 per cent from the corresponding period to $627.4 million, while earnings in New Zealand and Fiji dropped 12 per cent to $70.1 million.
The company's operations in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea posted earnings growth of 17 per cent on the previous corresponding period, to $103 million.
Mr Davis said Australian revenue and earnings were expected to grow in 2013.
''We do, however, remain concerned by the generally weak consumer spending environment which has persisted for the last two years,'' he said in a statement.
Momentum in PNG and Indonesia would continue in 2013, with revenue there expected to exceed $1 billion for the first time.
Coca-Cola Amatil.
Sonic Healthcare's first half profits are up, but the pathology giant has warned its full-year result will be at the lower end of guidance range.
The company sited unexpected pathology fee cuts in the US and lower-than-expected growth as a result of Superstorm Sandy for predicted low growth.
On a constant currency basis, its profit was $155 million, up 9 per cent from $151 million in the corresponding period. Its interim dividend is up 4 per cent to 25 cents per share.
Sonic's CEO, Dr Colin Goldschmidt, said the business continued to grow revenue and profits despite weak global economic conditions and ongoing headwinds from the strong Australian dollar.
''Our focus on synergy extraction and tight cost control has enabled us to increase operating margins by 10 basis points, and this would have been even stronger if not for the one off impact of Superstorm Sandy on our US operations,'' he said.
Some more detail on Coca-Cola Amatil, which has reported a net profit of $459.9 million for the 2012 financial year, a 22.3 per cent drop from the year before.
The beverages supplier declared a final ordinary dividend of 32 cents per share, which will be 75 per cent franked. It also declared a special unfranked dividend of 3.5 cents per share.
"Given the difficult trading conditions experienced throughout the year, [Coca-Cola Amatil] has delivered another excellent result with 5.0 per cent growth in net profit before significant items to $558.4 million," Coca-Cola Amatil's managing director Terry Davis said.
"The stand-out performer was once again Indonesia & PNG with double-digit volume and earnings growth while Australia delivered solid volume and earnings growth and increased market share despite a difficult trading environment."
Coca-Cola Amatil recorded total trading revenue of $5.1 billion for 2012, an increase of 6.2 per cent from the year before.
Evan Lucas at IG Markets reckons Aussie stocks will open flat today. Although that's an unexciting prediction, he says it is ''hard to call the direction of this market at the moment''.
''This call includes the 4.25 points coming out for the dividends of Wesfarmers, Computershare and Boral.
''We do expect it to continue to move up and today should be no different with most screens fixed on BHP heading into their first half profit results.
''However, overnight iron ore moved up to $US157.20 per tonne and after RIO jumped 2.5% ahead of its result, we would be surprised to see the same thing occurring in BHP today.''
More on this one in a moment, but here are the raw numbers on the Coca-Cola Amatil result:
Coca Cola's earnings $558.4m vs market $560m, dividend sweetened by a special which sees final a touch higher. 5% EPS growth vs. Woolies at?
— Peter Esho (@PeterEsho) February 18, 2013
Transfield Services has reported a write-down of up to $285 million relating to its Easternwell Minerals exploration and marine geo-technical businesses, as well as its US downstream maintenance business, just one week before it releases its first-half results.
The construction and maintenance firm said in a statement to the ASX this morning that the write-downs were non-cash, did not affect its gearing covenant under banking agreements, and did not impact operations.
"The impairments are expected to result in an increase of approximately 6.7 – 7.1 percentage points in the company's balance sheet gearing ratio," Transfield Services said.
"However the Group has plans in place to reduce this revised gearing to within its target range of 25-35 per cent."
Transfield Services is due to release its first-half results on February 26.
Homewares supplier McPherson's has reported a 7.6 per cent increase in net profit to $10.91 million and an interm dividend to shareholders of 10 cents.
InvoCare has reported a net profit of $44.5 million for the six months to December, a 64.7 per cent increase from the previous corresponding period.
The funeral and cemetery operator declared a final fully franked dividend of 19 cents per share, payable in April. InvoCare recorded group sales of $368.7 million, a 14.9 per rise from the same period the year before.
It attributed the growth to Bledisloe, its rival before being InvoCare's acquisition, which obtained $69.3 million in sales in 2012.
"Bledisloe continues to perform well and complements our comparative business which has seen a solid 5.6 per cent increase in sales revenue," InvoCare's chief executive Andrew Smith said.
"We continue to focus on service innovation, including investing into technology to help deliver on our service promise."
A quick reminder that you can catch up with all the earnings results from today and throughout this earnings period at BusinessDay's special earnings page. Click here for all the news.
Steelmaker and mining products group Arrium posted a heavy $445.4 million loss for the December half, significantly worse than the $70.7 million loss posted a year earlier in the wake of the heavy write-down of assets. Revenue fell to $3.32 billion from $3.55 billion.
Last week the group wrote-down the value of assets by $474 million which weighed heavily on today's results.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose to $230 million from $196 million a year earlier, benefiting from the group's exposure to mining products in particular.
The result at this level was significantly ahead of some analyst expectations of an EBITDA profit of the order of $170 million.
While pointing to the strong performance of its iron ore mining and the mining products divisions, Arrium noted the "significant improvement" in its steel business despite the ongoing weakness in the global steel market.
The solid figures from Arrium followed the pretax loss of $12 million reported yesterday by Bluescope Steel, which also pointed to the prospects for a significant rebound in earnings from now.
Southern Cross Media Group has reported a net profit of $45 million, a 52 per cent drop from the previous corresponding period, as the company said it experienced "one of the most difficult 12 months" in its history.
The regional television and radio owner, also known as Southern Cross Austereo, declared an interim dividend of 4.5 cents per share.
Southern Cross Media Group recorded revenue of $327.7 million, a fall of 10 per cent from the same period the year before.
"We have had one of the most difficult 12 months in our history," chief executive Rhys Holleran said. Southern Cross Austereo had owned the radio station responsible for a royal telephone prank to a British hospital that went wrong and which culminated in the death of a nurse.
"Despite this, we have produced a result that has met market expectations through rigorous operational management."
Asciano has reported a net profit of $199 million for the six months to December, a 74.5 per cent increase from the previous corresponding period.
The ports and rail operator declared an interim dividend of 5.35 cents per share, fully franked.
The company reported an operating revenue net of coal access of $1.74 billion, a 12 per cent increase from the same period the year before.
"We are particularly pleased with this result in light of the very soft first quarter market conditions across most of our businesses, which made forecasting customer demand and responding with the appropriate level of resources extremely challenging," Asciano's chief executive and managing director John Mullen said.
Asciano is beefing up its container-ports operation in preparation for stiffer competition. Photo: Glenn Hunt
Monadelphous Group has reported a net profit of $79.1 million for the six months to December, a 37.5 per cent increase from the previous corresponding period.
The engineering group declared a fully franked interim dividend of 62 cents per share.
The firm recorded sales revenue of $1.29 billion, an increase of 46.6 per cent that it attributed to a "major surge" in construction work.
"The Company's performance in the first half of 2013 reflects the record level of resources and energy developments underway, the unprecedented volume of new contracts secured in the previous financial year and the current intensity of engineering construction activity," Monadelphous managing director Rob Velletri said.
Boris Schlossberg at BK Asset Management has made a few observations about the recent performance of the Aussie dollar. He suggests that as China's demand for our Australia's raw materials abates, so the dollar, commonly thought of as a 'commodity currency', is acting more independantly of commodities prices. As the local until hovers at or just below the $US1.03 mark, he says there is selling pressure that could see it slip back toward or below parity:
During the heyday of Chinese demand, high Australian exchange rates were not a barrier as demand for raw goods remained unabated. However, now that Australia must seek different avenues for growth, the exchange becomes a serious competitive disadvantage and there is no doubt that authorities would like to see it slide below parity.
For now the Aussie has held above the 1.0250 support level, but continues to make progressively lower highs as selling pressure remains on the unit. Therefore a break below 1.0250 could open the path towards 1.0150 and possibly parity especially if RBA cuts rates further diminishing the Aussie interest rate advantage.
A quick look now at the companies reporting today:
- The following companies report first half results: Arrium, Southern Cross Austereo, Sonic Healthcare, Monadelphous Group, Macmahon Holdings, Asciano, Australian Infrastructure Fund, Mcmillan Shakespeare
- Coca-Cola Amatil full year results
- InvoCare full year results
For a comprehensive look at this morning's business news, check today's need2know. Here are this morning's key markets numbers:
- SPI futures are 4 points lower at 5038
- The $A is higher at $US1.0297
- Wall St was closed for a holiday. On Friday the S&P500 closed at 1519.79
- In London, the FTSE100 fell 0.159% to 6318.19
- China iron ore was higher at $US157.20 a metric tonne
- Gold rose 16 cents to $US1610.05 an ounce
- WTI crude is at $US95.86 a barrel
- Reuters/Jefferies CRB index was flat at 298.45
Good morning everyone. Welcome to the Markets Live blog and another busy day of company earnings.
Contributors: Thomas Hunter, Jens Meyer, Max Mason
This blog is not intended as investment advice
BusinessDay with agencies


text:
Music Lyrics Bass and Guitar Tabs and More... |
Blues Traveler Star Spangled Banner (Performed as instrumental) Click here to return to my Blues Traveler lyrics page The lyrics are Copyright their respective owners.
Website © 2000-2014 mattsmusicpage.com. All rights reserved. Legal & DMCA: Matt's Music Page has been providing lyrics and tabs in a legal way, paying royalties each year to a few organizations. Then, all lyrics and tabs were removed from the site. Now, there's a new owner to the site, which purchased it August 26, 2014, and he is in negotiation to obtain licensing from BMI at the moment. If you have a specific DMCA request -- please do not hesitate to contact me via the contact button on top. I will do my very best to keep this site fully legal. |
Mint:: Vintage 1975 Star Trek vinyl record, never opened 1961 USSR SOVIET VINYL RECORD FIRST SPACE FLIGHT YURI GAGARIN RUSSIAN RARE Vintage 60's Record Rack vinyl stand holder 70's retro (records not included) WALT DISNEY - The Little Train That Could Children's -1969 Vinyl 12'' & Book Set Vintage NOS Metal Wire Vinyl LP Record Holder Rack Stand 45 Storage holds 60 |

subset: commoncrawl


text:
CDT's working groups bring together companies, trade associations, public interest groups, technologists, academics, and other stakeholders to exchange views and seek consensus solutions to Internet policy challenges. Participation in CDT's working groups ensures you are engaged and informed on the policy issues that will shape the future of the Internet and new technologies.
Digital Privacy and Security Working Group (DPSWG)
Incredibly active in light of the revelations of NSA surveillance practices, DPSWG focuses on cybersecurity and privacy issues associated with government access to communications. This group's work on the Electronic Communications Privacy Act led to the spin-off of the Digital Due Process coalition (www.digitaldueprocess.org) and the introduction of landmark legislation, and has been the foundation for numerous collaborative efforts to end mass government surveillance.
Internet Privacy Working Group (IPWG)
As technology becomes more ubiquitous, consumer privacy becomes an increasingly important issue. This group focuses on consumer privacy issues and discusses how to reconcile privacy with free expression rights, while formulating positions on privacy regulations being proposed globally.
Free Speech and Intermediaries Working Group (FSWG)
FSWG provides a forum for content producers, providers and intermediaries to share information about pending litigation, legislative proposals and other policy initiatives that impact the free exchange of information via the Internet. Members exchange ideas regarding free expression, censorship, filtering and the role of intermediaries with the goal of supporting the open, user-controlled Internet.
Health Information Technology Working Group (HITWG)
HITWG examines the difficult privacy issues that arise with the increased collection and movement of digital health information. It develops workable technical and policy solutions that protect privacy while supporting innovation and the flow of information that is improving healthcare.


text:
Roll Over Image to Zoom
Jumbo Horse Rocker
No longer available
- Overview
This classic childhood toy is built with our meticulous attention to quality. The wooden runners are long and smooth, the horse's coat is plush to the touch, and the wooden handles give kids a sure grip.
- 32.5" long x 13" wide x 27.5" high
- Expertly crafted of wood and polyester velboa.
- Runners are crafted of solid wood for a smooth, secure and gentle rocking motion.
- Ages 3 and up.
- Imported.
- Dimensions & Care
- Overall: 32.5" long x 13" wide x 27.5" high
- Plush: 27.5" long x 13.5" wide x 24" high
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 40 pounds
- Surface is washable with warm water and mild detergent.
- Shipping Info
- Please allow 5-7 business days for delivery. Delivery estimate includes monogrammed and gift-wrapped items. To confirm delivery time frames in your area, please call 800.993.4923.
International Customers: Items on this page are not eligible for Free Shipping. Please view our general guidelines for more information.


text:
Classic Eurotop Mattress
- Overview
Serta's premier innersprings provide 35% more support than similarly priced mattresses.
For your convenience, we will pick up your old mattress upon delivery of this item.
- VertiCoil Premier™ innersprings contour to the body for balanced support; coils are made from 95% recycled steel.
- Advanced Comfort Quilt® offers premium spine support.
- Topped with over two inches of Comfort Foam for an extra-plush feel.
- Patented StabL-Base™ design is more than twice as strong as traditional wood frames.
- Patented Fire-Shield Insulator® system is among the safest fire retardants available, and contains no harmful chemicals.
- Nano-Pel™ offers superior moisture and stain resistance; water and oil roll off of cover fabric.
- Dimensions & Care
- Most of our beds are designed for use with or without a box spring. However, if you have chosen a headboard-only option or would like to use a bed skirt, a box spring is required.
- Constructed with 13.75-gauge coils for superior comfort.
- A two-inch layer of high-density foam at the base of the mattress provides solid support.
- Perimeter is reinforced with a 9-gauge clipped rod to retain its shape for years of use.
- Antimicrobial treatment ensures freshness.
- Developed exclusively for Pottery Barn Kids by Serta®.
- 38" wide x 74.5" long x 10.5" high
- VertiCoil Count: 286
- Box Spring: 6" high
- 53" wide x 74.5" long x 10.5" high
- VertiCoil Count: 396
- Box Spring: 6" high
- 60" wide x 79.5" long x 10.5" high
- VertiCoil Count: 504
- Box Spring: 6" high
Bunk Twin
- 38" wide x 74.5" long x 7" high
- VertCoil count: 252
Bunk Full
- 53" wide x 74.5" long x 7" high
- VertCoil count: 357
Trundle- 39 x 73 x 6" h
- 34 lbs
- We recommend the use of a mattress pad.
- Spot clean with mild soap and water.
- Rotate mattress regularly to redistribute the comfort layers and maximize wear.
- Do not flip this mattress.
- Shipping Info
In-stock items will usually ship within 7-10 business days for the cities listed below.
- San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, New York City, Baltimore, Boston, Cromwell, Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte, Tampa, Fort Meyers, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale
For other areas, your items will be delivered within 2-3 weeks.
White Glove Delivery
- Items showing this symbol are delivered by our White Glove Delivery service. With White Glove Delivery, items are brought into your home, most are unpacked and assembled*, and the packaging is removed. White Glove delivery is only available in the contiguous 48 states
- Delivery is by appointment Tuesday – Saturday in most major metropolitan areas, with Monday delivery available in some areas. Service to outlying areas may be restricted based on geographic location. Our delivery service will contact you to arrange a delivery date and confirm the appointment timeframe.
*: Exceptions include outdoor patio structures, marble or stone sink consoles, lighting, mirrors, rugs, headboards attached to a metal frame and any items requiring home installation. Please call Customer Service at 1.888.779.5176 for further delivery details.
Standard Delivery and Processing Charges
Pre-Tax Order Total Total Charges Up to $15.00 $4.95 $15.01 - $25.00 $6.00 $25.01 - $45.00 $8.00 $45.01 - $65.00 $11.00 $65.01 - $90.00 $14.00 $90.01 - $125.00 $17.00 $125.01 - $200.00 $21.00 $200.01 & over 10% $3,000.01 & over Now 5% Add $6.00 for each gift wrap. For rush delivery, add $15.00 per address. Items shipped directly from the manufacturer and oversized items are not eligible for rush delivery.
Select oversized items have an additional delivery and processing surcharge; this charge is listed in parentheses after the item price.
Certain shipping restrictions apply. Items 150 lbs. or less that does not exceed 165 inches in length and girth can be shipped via UPS. At this time, we cannot ship oversized items with an in-home delivery icon to Hawaii. This includes large furniture items that exceed UPS shipping restrictions mentioned. Please call 1.888.779.5176 for more information.
- Guides and Tools
- View and compare all available finishes at Furniture Finish Guide.
- View and compare our mattresses with our Mattress Comparison Guide.
- Get tips on how to measure for furniture.
Classic Eurotop Mattress
Please Select: Mattress & Box Spring Set
Select Size:
- In-Home Delivery


text:
7 Ways You're Ruining Your Hearing
Your hearing is precious. Be careful.
By Karen Springen
Special Offers
Scientists say hearing loss can cause social isolation and depression. Luckily, there are simple things you can do every day to prevent long-term ear damage. First off, pay attention to this guideline from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration: Don't expose yourself to noises that are 100 decibels or higher for more than 15 minutes a day. To get an idea of what 100 decibels means in the real world, here are some noisy activities you should limit.
1. Listening to loud music
This one's obvious but worth a reminder. You can only listen to your iPod at its max of 100 to 115 decibels for about eight minutes before causing harm, warns Sharon Sandridge, PhD, director of clinical services in audiology at the Cleveland Clinic. "There's nothing wrong with listening to music, all day every day — as long as it's below about 85 decibels," says Robert K. Jackler, M.D., chairman of the department of otolaryngology at Stanford University. That's especially true when you're using ear buds for extended periods of time, like during long runs. So, please, turn it down a little.
2. Exercising in a noisy gym
A health club can bombard your ears with over-100-decibel noise from the combination of machines, amplified voices, and music. Try Mack's Earplugs, which let the good tunes in but keep the overall volume low (and have the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval). If you're at a health club that's blaring the hits to a damaging degree, it's okay to ask the manager to turn it down. "Most gyms don't have a noise company coming in and measuring the intensity of sound," says Michael Ruckenstein, M.D., an otolaryngologist at the University of Pennsylvania. "They're not required to by law."
RELATED: 10 Ways You're Ruining Your Eyes
3. Going to loud concerts, bars, and even church services
Church music may seem innocuous, but be wary, says Sandridge, who wears ear plugs to her Sunday service. She notes that worship leaders often like a too-loud 90 decibels because it lets people sing without hearing their neighbors. And modern churches often use rock instead of organ music to appeal to a younger crowd. If you feel pain or experience ringing in your ears (tinnitus), you are definitely overdoing it. To be safe, invest in those ear plugs.
4. Home improvement
Hand drills hit 100 decibels, while chainsaws can go up to 120. And hammering nails can be noisy, too, says Jackler. "If it's loud enough to make your ears ring, it's loud enough to give you hearing loss."
5. Using a snow blower or lawn mower
Mowing the lawn? Yep, another culprit. A gas lawn mower creates a whopping 106 decibels of noise. So cut your grass quickly, and, again, wear earplugs. A snow blower also hits 106 decibels. Grab the earplugs or try switching to an old-fashioned shovel (you can burn almost 400 calories an hour). And forget using cotton balls to cancel out noise. "They don't do anything," says Jackler.
RELATED: 33 Surprising Things That Ruin Your Skin
6. Watching homemade fireworks shows
The average decibel level for fireworks, when you're three feet away from them, is a painful 150 decibels. Dale Amanda Tylor, M.D., M.P.H., an otolaryngologist in the Bay Area, just saw a patient who experienced permanent hearing loss after a Chinese New Year firecracker went off a few feet from her.
7. Hunting
If you love hunting, use those special shooting ear muffs: Firearms go up to 140 decibels. Tylor says one patient now lives with ringing in the ear because of not covering his ears fast enough before a friend started shooting.
Tip: Download a free app on your phone to measure the decibel levels of your surroundings, like Decibel 10th, which registers an "average quiet street" or "average quiet home" at around 55 decibels.
Latest Stories
Special Offers


text:
An enduring classic in the Craftmaster line, this chair continues to find it's way into homes every day! It's easy to see why -with its elegant scrolling arms and graceful wing design it works well in any traditional setting. The gracious back is the perfect way to show off a gorgeous tapestry or keep it simple in a solid color. Either way, you will enjoy this comfy chair for years to come.
For any pricing related questions, please click on the "Where to Buy?" link at the top of the page to find your nearest dealer.
Distance between Arms: 23 in.
Prices subject to home office audit & correction.


text:
Reviewer Rating:
Review Summary:
For users with the right needs (affordability, endurance), the Kodak PlaySport Zx5 is quite possibly the best camcorder around.
This time around we've gotten our hands on the EasyShare Sport's camcorder counterpart, the Kodak PlaySport Zx5.
Upon first receiving the device, our sights were set low by how similar it seemed to the EasyShare Sport. The names are similar, the displays are similar, and Kodak's entire marketing campaign for the PlaySport seemed directly copied from the EasyShare Sport (right down to the dirt-covered, partially submerged PlaySport featured on the camcorder's official product page).
Price Comparison
TechTarget publishes
more than 100 focused websites providing quick access to a deep store of
news, advice and analysis about the technologies, products and processes crucial
to the jobs of IT pros.
All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2015, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Statement


text:
Employing a unique design concept that offers flex, fit and support along with a multi-fit footbed system and GORE-TEX weather protection, the Salewa Women's Alp Trainer Mid GTX hiking boot offers technical performance, lightweight comfort and support.
Employing Salewa's patented flex, fit and support design, a multi-fit footbed system and GORE-TEX weather protection, the Salewa Women's Hike Trainer GTX hiking boot is ready made for long day hikes or lightweight backpacking trips.
Salewa footwear is 1) at home in mountains; 2) as flexible as nature's masterprice—the human foot; 3) like a second skin; and 4) as strong as its athletes. And, because of this, Salewa guarantees its boots and shoes to be 100% blister free.
Backcountry Edge is proud to be an authorized Salewa dealer.
Click here to visit the official Salewa website. (Note: you will be leaving Backcountry Edge.)
Backpacking boots are the sturdiest and most supportive boots for carrying heavy loads over a long distance
View more videos in our Video Library.


text:
Cocoa is a typical product of the tropics: it only grows in a narrow band around the equator. About two-thirds of the more than 3.5 million metric tons of cocoa harvested every year comes from West Africa, mainly Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.
In West Africa, 90% of cocoa is grown on about two million small family farms. Most of these farms are about 2 hectares or less in size. It is estimated that at least 16 million people in West Africa depend on cocoa as a source of income.
With a share of about 35% to the world cocoa harvest, cocoa is a significant economic factor in Côte d'Ivoire. Between 700,000 and one million farmers grow cocoa, most of whom are smallholder farmers working their own land.


text:
What will it take to safeguard the future of the endangered cheetah?
How would you prefer us to contact you?
By EmailBy Phone
We've helped the world's fastest mammal in a race against extinction in Namibia's ranching heartland.
Research teams were based at Eland's Joy, a 7,000-hectare (17,000-acre) working farm, the headquarters of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).
Earthwatch volunteers assisted CCF staff in the day-to-day work associated with ongoing research, conservation, and education programs both in the field and on the farm.
They surveyed wildlife from vehicles and from a hide at a water hole; helped care for cheetahs, dogs, sheep, and goats; and entered research data in the CCF database. They also had a chance to aid CCF staff with radio tracking and monitoring of free-living cheetahs.
Some participants visited Etosha National Park, the largest national park in Namibia, where they had a chance to view elephants, zebras, lions, rhinos, giraffes, many species of antelope, and even cheetah in the wild.
CCF's direct involvement with farmers as stakeholders has influenced their tolerance, attitudes, and perception of cheetahs.
Work with the Cheetah Conservation Fund to improve the odds for Namibia's threatened cheetah population.
Cheetahs can run 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour, yet they can't run away from habitat loss, a reduced gene pool, and conflicts with humans and their livestock. Namibia is home to the world's largest remaining cheetah population, with 90% of its cheetahs living on livestock farmlands where conflict with humans is the greatest threat.
The survival of the Namibian cheetah lies in the hands of about 1,000 commercial farmers, who generally view this predator as a threat to their livelihoods. In the 1980s, the Namibian cheetah population declined by half as farmers killed more than 6,000 animals; another 3,000 were killed in the 1990s.
90% of Namibia's cheetahs live on livestock farmlands where conflict with humans is the greatest threat.
Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of CCF, has been collecting essential data on cheetah behavior and ecology and working with Namibia's farmers to change their attitudes toward cheetahs. CCF's direct involvement with farmers as stakeholders has influenced their tolerance, attitudes, and perception of cheetahs. In addition, the CCF education and training programs create general awareness of cheetah and environmental conservation. Finally, the partnerships and networks created among various stakeholders involved in conservation have facilitated information-sharing, decision-making, and a collective conservation effort.
The Republic of Namibia is a large, sparsely populated country on Africa's southwest coast. Since achieving independence in 1990, the country has enjoyed nearly two decades of stability. Namibia's national language is English, though Afrikaans, German, and indigenous African languages are also widely spoken.
Eland's Joy is located in the north-central part of Namibia, 45 kilometers (30 miles) east of the town of Otjiwarongo. Namibia's capital city, Windhoek, is about three and a half hours' drive south.
In addition to cheetahs, the research area is home to oryx, kudu, red hartebeest, eland, steenbok, duiker, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, jackals, and baboons, as well as many birds. Less frequently seen species are the aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, caracal, serval, leopard, brown hyena, and black rhino.
This is a summary:
On the first day, volunteers received an in-depth orientation, toured CCF's Research and Education Centre, met the staff, and became familiar with programs under way at the center.
On subsequent days, they helped with CCF's research, conservation, and education program. They got a good look at many of the local animals on game counts conducted from vehicles and during a 12-hour stay in a hide at a water hole. They assisted CCF keepers in feeding cheetahs and cleaning their pens.
Participants helped care for dogs, sheep, and goats. CCF's livestock-guarding dogs are raised among domestic livestock and consider the herd their family. CCF provides these dogs to Namibian farmers who use them to guard their livestock from cheetahs, thus making it easier for cheetahs and livestock to coexist. Volunteers went on "scat walks" with dogs that were been trained to find cheetah feces by smell. CCF's clinic staff took body measurements and biological samples from anesthetized cheetahs.
Some volunteers assisted in CCF's education program, which is designed to familiarize people of all ages with the cheetah, the long-term survival challenges it faces, and some solutions to these problems. Participants also assisted with entering research data and scanning documents.
On recreational days, participants took an optional overnight trip to Etosha National Park where they had a chance to see a wide range of the spectacular African fauna at water holes and on game drives.
Assisting CCF staff in the day-to-day work associated with ongoing research, conservation, and education programs both in the field and on the farm.
Earthwatch scientist Dr. Laurie Marker and CCF clinic staff take body measurements and biological samples from anesthetized cheetahs, so that we can learn more about cheetah behavior and ecology.
Dr. Laurie Marker is a pioneer in cheetah research who strives to help restore the dwindling cheetah population.
At Eland's Joy, you'll stay in two-person rondavels, traditional circular African dwellings with conical thatched roofs. Each rondavel is furnished with two single beds, a wardrobe, a sink with cold running water, and a lamp. Modern plumbing is supplied in a separate bathhouse.
The camp is solar-powered and has potable water. A staff cook will prepare most meals. You'll eat together with fellow volunteers and CCF staff and visitors from around the world in a shady, thatched-roof pavilion with a view of the Namibian bush.
You'll be based at Eland's Joy, a 7,000-hectare (17,000-acre) working farm and headquarters of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).
Please review this expedition. You may only review expeditions you have been on. You must be logged in to write a review.
Have you been on this expedition?
Carole Hite Welch | Saturday, February 07, 2015
Volunteered here twice. Both times were excellent experiences; however activities vary with the time of year and current cheetah population. In addition to the feeding of cheetahs and care of the krall herd of goats and the Anatolian shepherd dogs which are being raised to give to farmers to protect against predators, there is also kraal cleaning (physically demanding) and data entry for hidden camera documentation and maintenance of the international studbook.
Please login to post a comment or question.
Help monitor Madagascar's most mysterious predator, the fosa, and protect its fragile island habitat.
Join Earthwatch paleontologist Dr. Larry Agenbroad in the hunt for mammoths in South Dakota.
Even in a world-class protected area, wildlife needs our support. How are giraffes, elephants, and others faring?
Can inventive livestock management bring balance between lions, other predators, and prey back to the Kenyan savanna?


text:
More information about Jake Hunter Detective Story: Memories of the Past |
Total War: ATTILA
Longbeards trailer. (1:50) Swords & Soldiers II
Third Faction reveal trailer. (1:55) Dead Effect 2
Dead Effect 2 teaser trailer. (0:26) Executive Assault
Executive Assault on Steam as Early Access trailer. (1:34) Earthcore: Shattered Elements
Gameplay Mechanics - The Making of Earthcore - Episode 1. (3:39)
More On GameRevolution |


text:
Here I am by my quilts! |
The Moda Display I took many pictures and have much to share, but need some time to process all the bits and pieces. Truly, it is overwhelming. I can't promise the most inspiring pictures and posts, but I'll at least try to capture the experience. Stay tuned. I think the craziest part (and my favorite part) was seeing all the people and meeting so many of them. It felt nutty to walk around a corner and go, "Oh look. There's Amy Butler." or Heather Bailey, or Sandy Klop. And they acted like just real, regular people. I was struck by how most people were just nice and real and normal and gracious. The other thing I loved was the fact that I was among people who share my interests - or in other words, they 'get' my weirdness. :) I've been to a couple blogger-meet-up type deals and felt kind of like a dweeb when I explained that my blog is about quilting and sewing. This time I felt like I was sitting smack-dab in the middle of my kind of folks. Finally - MANY thanks to those to sponsored, supported and attended the Quilt Market Meetup. Wow! I have never even attempted something like this before and I'll admit it was stressful. (read: SCARY. Many's the time I thought about how I'd rather be in my little basement, behind my sewing machine hanging out with Jane Austen.) I lost plenty of sleep over this shindig. (And I nearly had a panic attack when I started pouring buckets of rain and hour and a half before the party.) But the skies cleared just in time and the greatest people showed up and made it so much fun. THANKS to ALL of you. Especially to Calli and Nanette for taking on this endeavor with me and to the SUPER awesome folks who sponsored the event. More pictures and inspiration to come. And I need to get my Bloggers Quilt Festival post up too. And I need to get my house put back together. Yikes. It's pretty scary around here. My poor kids need some warm weather clothes in their drawers and my kitchen floor is in serious need of a date with a mop. I'm working on that today. Yesterday was about church with the fam, puzzles and play-doh and snuggles on the couch. It was time to just be Mom again. |


text:
Event Information:
Sat09Aug20149:00 am
Rental Pro-Am and Pro League Race
The popular Rental Kart League Racing is the perfect progression from drop-in open session racing to organized, competitive, gridded up racing. This is your opportunity to get in on the fun and excitement of affordable, thrilling go karting competition at an affordable cost! All Rental Kart League Racing events are open to the public and no previous racing experience is required, nor is a track competitive license required to race in these events. We provide the karts, fuel, tires, helmets, driving suits (rain gear, if needed) and fabulous racing venue. You just show up on the morning of the event ready to race! Come to all races or pick and choose those you can make it to. With PGP's league racing there is no commitment required to race the entire series, but once you've tried it you may be hooked!
Due to the high demand of the league races, pre-registration is strongly encouraged to reserve your kart. You may also register the morning of the race before 8:30am, but day-of event entries cannot be guaranteed. Each event will start with a Driver's Meeting at 8:45am and racing begins promptly at 9:00am. Entry fees are $85.00 per event with membership ($95.00 per event for non-members). Note: Minimum age is 15yrs. for all league racing.


text:
You are using Internet Explorer 8 to view this site. IE8 is a 6-year-old browser that does not display modern web sites properly. Please upgrade to a newer browser to make best use of this site. Contact your local library branch if you require assistance. For more information, see this FAQ page.
Download Chrome, Firefox or a newer version of Internet Explorer
26 items
Member of The Seattle Public Library
What's a list?
Who can create lists?
Why do I sometimes see people from other libraries?
Why are some of these titles not available at my library?
Do you like this list?
Follow this user or send them a message
Powered by BiblioCommons. app10 Version nodvandig Last updated 2015/03/05 16:13


text:
ClassPlus™ UltraNet™ Tennis Packs
Complete solution to teaching tennis, with our top of the line net system and equipment!
Set up 6 tennis courts in an instant with durable UltraNet™ Systems. Choose from the original UltraNet™ or the top-quality UltraNet™ Max. Elementary/Middle School Packs include Gopher Oversize Aluminum Racquets (25"L). Junior High/High School Packs include Gopher Oversize Aluminum Racquets (27"L). Choose from 4-Court Basic Packs with custom storage bag or 6-Court Premium Packs with storage cart custom-designed to protect, transport, and store all of your tennis equipment. Additional information listed below. UltraNet™ Portable Net Systems UltraNet™ Max Portable Net Systems Gopher Oversize Junior Aluminum Tennis Racquet (Elementary/Middle School Packs) Gopher Oversize Aluminum Tennis Racquets (Jr. High/High School Packs) Oversize head creates a larger hitting area for increased success. Dunlop® Practice Tennis Balls Pressureless Tennis Balls RacquetPrince™ Tennis Storage Bag (1 ea in Basic Packs) RacquetKing™ Tennis Cart (1 ea in Premium Packs)
Set up a 20'W tennis court in just minutes! Powder-coated steel frame is stable and tough; sets up and takes down quickly and easily. Edges of the 30" net are fully banded, with a nylon-webbing adjustment strap on the top to ensure excellent tension. Adjust height to 61" for badminton and other over-the-net activities. Fits in a durable nylon storage bag.
The best portable net system Max-imizes durability and convenience! Upgraded 20'W system has 1.5" sq steel tubing for unrivaled strength, with secure connection points for easy one-person assembly. Heavy-duty 1.5 mm nets are fully-banded at the edges, with a nylon-web adjustment strap on the top edge for superior tension. The 30" net can be adjusted to 61" for badminton and other activities. System fits in a durable nylon storage bag.
Bigger head in a longer length, designed for ages 8-12.
An economical choice for tennis instruction and noncompetitive play. Value pack of misprinted championship-grade Dunlop® balls. Ideal for practice or Phy Ed class. Optic yellow.
Low-bounce, de-pressurized balls for practice and training. A great value for beginners and machine use! Optic yellow. Quantities of 72 and 144 balls come with a handy mesh ball bag.
Store and transport your tennis equipment like royalty! Convenient storage solution features three compartments to easily organize 12 racquets and 12 balls. Compact size makes bringing enough racquets to the court for your entire class a breeze, while high-quality Condura® nylon construction provides durability that will last for years. 30"L x 12"W x 14"H; 3 lb.
You'll "love" how easy it is to store and transport your tennis equipment! Space-saving cart features protective foam that cradles up to 24 racquets, removable side baskets that hold dozens of balls, and room at the bottom for up to 6 UltraNet™ tennis systems. Big 6" dia wheels and locking 4" dia casters roll easily indoors and out. Powder-coated steel frame. Assembly required. 52"L x 25"W x 45"H; 40 lb.
Sport Tips
Which tennis racquet is right for me?
Head Size | |
Smaller head sizes offer more stability and maneuverability, but larger head sizes offer more power and spin. |
Length | |
21"-23" for Elementary/Middle School 23"-27" for Middle School/Junior High 27" and longer for Junior High and up |
Frame and Shaft Materials | |
Steel: The most durable, but slightly heavier. For all play, especially rugged use. Aluminum: Lighter than steel; a little easier to control. For all play. Titanium Alloy: Very light and extremely rigid; provides the best control. For advanced play. |
Strings | |
Nylon: Multiple strands of braided nylon; strong and very responsive. For all levels of play. Coated-Steel: Braided-steel wire with a thin coating to prevent rust and fraying; stronger than nylon but less responsive. Ideal for institutional use. |


text:
Lunch and Learn at Strawbery Banke Museum This Winter
Monday, January 14, 2013
PORTSMOUTH -- Strawbery Banke Museum invites the local community to attend the museum's winter Lunch and Learn Series. Each month, on the third Thursday (January 17, February 21 and March 21) the Museum will host a free, illustrated presentation on aspects of local history. The programs are open to the public, noon to 1 pm in the Museum Visitor Center at 14 Hancock Street. Museum parking is available. Guests are invited to bring a lunch. Coffee, tea and soft drinks will be provided. |


text:
10 October 2011
Brewers, hop farmers and barley growers gave thanks for another successful harvest at Shepherd Neame's annual Hop Blessing service.Held at St Mary the Virgin Church in Selling, the service was led by Reverend Martin Webb and Shepherd Neame president Robert Neame's granddaughter, Flora Bishop, presented a basket of hops for blessing.
Read more
07 October 2011
Today was the annual Hop Blessing, a now traditional end to the hop picking season in Faversham. Guests included local hop growers, hop merchants, the mayor, head teachers and previous company employees as well as a cross section of the current brewery, estates, accounting and distribution personnel.
Here is a selection of some of our paranormal pubs. Pay a visit and let us know if you have any eerie experiences: Cock Inn, Boughton Monchelsea http://www.cockinnmaidstone.co.uk/
05 October 2011
Christmas will be upon us before you know it so book early to avoid disappointment, and missing out on our delicious Christmas menus. Whether you're planning a Christmas meal with work colleagues, friends or family we can cater for all parties at the pubs listed below. Simply pop into your chosen pub, email them or give them a call to discuss your requirements.
Shepherd Neame, the Kent-based brewer and pub operator, today announces results for the 52 weeks ended 25 June 2011. Financial performance: Turnover up 5.2% to £121.3m (2010: £115.4m) Operating profit before exceptionals up 3.3% to £12.3m (2010: £11.9m) Profit Before Tax and exceptionals up 9.7% to £8.0m (2010: £7.3m) Earnings per share before exceptionals up 17.0% to 46.2p (2010: 39.5p)


text:
Andrew McMahon Honors Wife And Baby In Sweet New Music Video
This music video might be one of the only mainstream rock projects to feature a diaper change and baby carrier.Singer-songwriter Andrew McMahon rose to fame in the early 2000s as the lead vocalist and instrumentalist for popular rock bands Jack's Mannequin and Something Corporate. This year, after…
Huffington Post- AdChoicesInstaflex AdvancedSponsored
Better Knees in 1 Week
Fed up with escalating joint problems, Dr decides to take matters into his own hands. Read about this incredible new formula for joint sufferers 40+
Conductor Rattle coming home to lead Britain's LSO
One of classical music's biggest names, British conductor Simon Rattle, is going home to lead the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), he said Tuesday, following news of his departure from the Berlin Philharmonic. The shaggy-haired 60-year-old will become music director at the LSO in September 2017,…
AFPOff topic: Spock on the money, underwear by the numbers, music evolution, Will Smith's career
In Canada, "spocking fives" in honor of Leonard Nimoy. In case you wanted to know, boxer briefs now make up 40 percent of U.S. men's underwear sales. Did the Beatles start
San Jose Mercury NewsPhoto Release -- Devon Allman Presents Friday Night Blues in Ameristar's Bottleneck Blues Bar
ST. LOUIS -- Join us 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, as Ruf Recording artist, Devon Allman officially comes home to "his house," the Bottleneck Blues Bar (BBB) at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles, ...
GlobeNewswireBritney Spears' Hair Extenstions Fall Out During Vegas Show
Britney Spears lost some hair extension last week. During her Britney Spears: Piece of Me show in Las Vegas on February 27th, Spears lost some hair extensions. Spears was in the middle of her song "Do Something" when her hair extensions hit the floor. It looks like Spears was doing a lot of dancing…
Wochit- AdChoicesKelley Blue BookSponsored
Class of 2015: Cars Ready to Roll
There are over 50 new and redesigned cars coming soon to a dealership near you! Get ready for the 2015 class with specs and reviews you can trust!
Wanna Hear New Wu-Tang? You'll Have to Wait 88 Years
Last spring it was reported that the Staten Island group had been working on a secret album for years. There is apparently only one copy, and it's being kept in a Moroccan vault until it's auctioned off to the highest bidder. But now it's officially at auction on a site called Paddle 8, and it…
Live NationThe big streaming showdown – Beats vs. Spotify
How does Apple's effort stack up against the most popular music service around?
FortuneJoshua Radin: A Modern-Day Cupid
Some might say that Joshua Radin has one of the biggest hearts of anyone in the music business, and they wouldn't be far off. Not only has the singer-songwriter's romantic and emotionally raw music soundtracked countless interludes in films and TV shows including Dear John, Scrubs and Grey's…
Live Nation'The Sound of Music' Turns 50!
The hills are still alive with The Sound of Music, 50 years later. Monday marks the official day The Sound of Music was released in 1965, and the heartwarming tale about the Von Trapp family singers still never gets old. It's one of the most beloved classics with Julie Andrews playing the role of…
ETonline- AdChoiceseSalonSponsored
Best Hair Color 2015 Announced and It's a Home Dye
If you color your hair at home, do yourself a favor - ditch the drugstore box and try this new gray hair solution:
The Sandy Hut Closes, Changes Owners
Don't worry, potential new owners have plenty of dive bar experience.
Eater PortlandBeck's Grammy-winning Morning Phase is on sale for only a buck on Google Play
If you haven't heard it yet (and I highly recommend you do), Google Play is by far the best place to go get it: right now, Google's music store is holding a sale, and the album will only cost you a scant 99 cents. Google's also offering Drake's 2010 release Thank Me Later and Daft Punk's 2001 album…
The VergeKanye West releases his next single, All Day
After performing his next single, "All Day," at the BRIT Awards last week, Kanye West has premiered the single on Hot 97. This is Kanye's third single off his upcoming album, So Help Me God, following "Only One" and "Wolves," featuring Sia and Vic Mensa. An early cut of "All Day" leaked last…
The VergeDr. John Captures the Spirit of Satch at Louis Armstrong Tribute Show
Near the end of his February 27th show at New York's Town Hall, singer-pianist Mac Rebennack – the New Orleans R&B medicine man also known as Dr. John – opened what was obviously a slow, dark ballad with an extended run on his piano: robust flourishes of anguish in the middle...
Rolling Stone- AdChoicesWomen's HealthSponsored
8 Foundation Hacks You Need To Know
Your most flawless face, one trick at a time! Learn how to keep your skin looking best (very surprising!)
Music Monday (3/2): This Week's New Albums + Videos
Our guide to this week's album releases also features the week's top new music videos from artists like Best Coast, Bob Dylan, and Action Bronson, plus brand new streaming music from the likes of Built to Spill, M83, Faith No More, Matthew E. White, and more. Read and Post Comments | Get the full…
MetacriticBig Sean
Big Sean hopes Dark Sky Paradise, his latest, will be his first No. 1 album. The numbers come out on Wednesday (March 4), but all indications say he'll get there–on his own terms. "Before I was always caught up in the label being in my ear, saying, 'You need a radio song, you need this, you need…
CBS LocalRadio Disney Music Awards 2015: Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, One Direction Among Nominees
The awards show will take place at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 25.
The Hollywood ReporterMetallica to Reissue Early Cassette on Record Store Day
Metallica will begin re-releasing its catalog in summer 2015, with expanded CD and LP editions in the queue. It all begin Record Store Day -- April 18 -- when the band re-releases its early cassette demo "No Life 'Til Leather."
Billboard- AdChoicesInstant CheckmateSponsored
Forget 'Googling' Your Name, This Site Has It All!
A new site has made it easy to find out the truth about the people you already know and people you meet! Simply type in a name and select a state!
YouTube Music Awards Honor Your Favorite Artists -- Internet Stars Included
The platform that launched the careers of singers like Justin Bieber and Austin Mahone is now contributing to the music world with its own awards event.On March 23, the 2015 YouTube Music Awards will highlight 50 artists who use their videos to engage with fans and share their music. The artists…
Huffington PostMadonna plans global tour for new album
Madonna on Monday announced concerts across North America and Europe to support her new album, her first extensive shows since a high-grossing and controversy-filled global tour in 2012. The pop superstar will start a 35-date tour to accompany her "Rebel Heart" album on August 29 in Miami, with…
AFPFind Out Who Blake Shelton's Epic New Celebrity Advisor Is on The Voice!
Blake Shelton is all about that bass. The country crooner has tapped his epic new celebrity advisor for The Voice : Meghan Trainor ! News revealsthat the "All About That Bass" singer will mentor Team Blake in the NBC reality hit's hugely popular battle rounds, which kick off on Monday, March 9. E!…


text:
Penguin Stacker
Seven wooden pieces slide onto a central dowel to make this personable penguin. Rock the rounded base to see him "waddle" - then tip the puzzle over or lift off the pieces and start again!
Extension Activities: More Ways to Play and Learn:
Dimensions: 7.5" x 3.8" x 3.4" Assembled
Ages: 18+ months
For larger quantities not available on our site click here
P.O. Box 501 Stephenville TX 76401 | Email: email@example.com | Fax: 254-693-7741
$Affiliate Program Printable Order Form Privacy Policies Shipping Policies Directory
Blog Facebook Twitter Awards Limited Time Offers
Copyright © 2001-2014 Store for Knowledge, S4K Inc. All rights reserved.
Store for Knowledge is UpFront


text:
Lakeland Fun in North-Central Minnesota
Fun in the Lakelands area [1]
North-central Minnesota's resort country is a land of tall tales: leviathan lumberjacks, wily shoppers and golfers who lament the hole-in-one that got away. The area from Brainerd (125 miles northwest of the Twin Cities) to Detroit Lakes (200 miles northwest) to Bemidji (225 miles northwest) is a magnet for families looking to create their own vacation legends.
Year-round outdoor recreation in this land of lakes and forest is a natural, but the area also offers great shopping, festivals and other diversions. Lodgings run the gamut from rustic cabins to all-inclusive luxury resorts.
Click ahead to read about our favorite Lakeland experiences. Want to share yours? Leave a comment below or on Midwest Living®'s page on Facebook!
Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce [2]
Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism [3]
Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce [4]
Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce [5]
Visit Bemidji [6]
Brainerd Golf Trail [10]
A partnership among 10 area courses, the Brainerd Golf Trail's 180 holes run through a unique blend of forests and lakes. Look for special packages through resorts and hotels (brainerdgolftrail.com).
Considered a premier area for golfers, central Minnesota offers many other courses as well; click on the Minnesota Golf link below for a listing by region.
Brainerd Golf Trail [11]
Minnesota Golf [12]
Paul Bunyan Land and This Old Farm Pioneer Village [15]
Old-fashioned carnival rides might not impress the thrill-seeking set, but they will keep the little ones (and kitsch-hunters) happy. A lumberjack greets kids at the entrance. In Brainerd (218/764-2524; thisoldfarm.net).
Paul Bunyan Trail [19]
A 110-mile converted rail bed goes from Brainerd north to Bemidji. Bikers and strollers fill the level, surfaced route of the Paul Bunyan Trail in summer. Snowmobilers zip past in winter, braking for hot drinks in the area's small towns. Plenty of rental places dot the 110-mile trail (paulbunyantrail.com).
Paul Bunyan Trail [20]
Nisswa's charm [23]
Just 15 miles northwest of Brainerd, Nisswa hosts the weird and wonderful Wednesday afternoon turtle races, a tradition that draws crowds (pictured at left). Youngsters can rent turtles or bring their own and feverishly urge them on, while onlookers cheer (800/950-9610; Nisswa.com).
Nisswa also offers several good choices for shopping and restaurants. Cool off with an ice cream cone at The Chocolate Ox (218/963-4443) or try a peach scone at Rachel's Bakery (218/963-0900). Lundrigans Clothing (218/963-2647) sells cabin-style home decorating items as well as clothing; Rainy Days (218/963-4891) is a bright, cheery bookstore with a good selection of children's books.
Nisswa [24]
Retro chic at Detroit Lakes [27]
Tucked among north-central Minnesota's trees and lakes, you'll find generations-old resorts built around screen-door cabins and a refusal to gentrify. Downtown Detroit Lakes (population: 8,100) features a mile-long beach near streets of everyday shops, not just gift stores. Throw in simple pleasures such as waterskiing lessons, a huge flea market and a county fair, and you don't get much more Parent Trap (Hayley Mills version) than this -- and that's why people love it.
Pictured: Guests practice paddling at Detroit Lakes' Fair Hills Resort.
Shady Hollow Flea Market [31]
Open summer Sundays, some 100 vendors sell art, pottery and collectibles, 5 miles south of Detroit Lakes (218/847-9488; shadyhollowmarket.com).
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge [35]
This 43,000-acre sanctuary, about 18 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes, is home to more than 250 bird species and 50 mammal species. Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge lies in one of the most diverse transition zones of vegetation in North America, between hardwood forests to the north and prairie grasses to the south. Hike, fish or bird-watch. The visitors center also has a printed guide to an auto tour (218/847-2641; fws.gov/midwest/tamarac).
Itasca State Park [39]
Twenty miles north of Park Rapids, old-growth forest holds the burbling, clear source of the Mississippi river. Most people come to Itasca State Park to walk the Mississippi headwaters, but the forest's massive pines, sparkling Lake Itasca and miles of hiking trails and paved bike paths might steal the show. Visit both the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center and the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center, which offer exhibits, maps and gift shops (218/699-7251; www.mnstateparks.info).
Itasca State Park [40]
Chippewa National Forest [43]
Popular Leech Lake is part of the Chippewa National Forest (east of Bemidji), a 1.6-million-acre swath of lakes, wetlands and forests. Activities in this vast area include hiking, biking, fishing, berry picking, boating and eagle-spotting (218/335-8600; www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/chippewa).
Minnesota Grown Directory [47]
Summertime festivals celebrate blueberries, raspberries and other Minnesota bounty. And there are many places for visitors to pick berries and buy locally grown, fresh produce. The free Minnesota Grown Directory lists nearly 800 farms and markets that sell berries, wild rice, fresh milk and eggs. You can also browse the website for farms to visit, searching by city or ZIP code, product or service, or seasonal favorites.
Bemidji [51]
About 100 miles north of Brainerd, this town of 13,000 is the northern gateway to the Paul Bunyan Trail. Visitors to Bemidji come for the abundant outdoor recreation -- as well as to see the iconic statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox next to the visitors center along Lake Bemidji (877-250-5959; visitbemidji.com). Another popular stop is Bemidji Woolen Mills, an 88-year-old company that sells lumberjack gear and other woolens (888/751-5166; bemidjiwoolenmills.com).
Visit Bemidji [6]
Winter adventures [54]
When winter's chill settles into the Brainerd Lakes area, only the water comes to a standstill. With 50 inches of annual snowfall and hundreds of lakes, Brainerd Lakes is one of the Midwest's liveliest playgrounds. Popular winter sports include skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, snowmobiling and even dog sledding. Hotels book up early for the annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza (usually in January).
Winter Activities in Brainerd [55]


text:
Sphinx Generations Area Rug by Oriental Weavers®, 6'7"x9.1'
Item # WX2-159011
- Google+
This item is shipped directly from the factory. To see the expected shipping date, please add to your Shopping Cart. Sorry, no express shipping available. We are unable to ship factory direct items to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or APO or FPO addresses.
This item cannot ship to Canada.
This item cannot ship internationally.
- Details & Specs
SphinxTM Generations Area Rug by Oriental Weavers®. Natural, down - to - earth style with artistic flair!
Adding beauty and artistic inspiration to any room is as simple as unrolling this Area Rug.
A patchwork of organically-hued blocks and floral patterns give this Rug the look of something that should be hanging on a wall, not covering your floor. Machine-made of 100% polypropylene, it's naturally stain reresistance for easy care and maintenance.
Order ONLINE Today!
- Reviews
<!--BVSEO|dz:Main_Site-en_US|sdk:v184.108.40.206-n|msg:Error: Request errored out - The remote server returned an error: (403) Forbidden. -->
- Articles & Tips
Don't Forget
Rug Pad
Buyer's Club $8.99 Non-Members $9.99
You May Also Like
Elk Metal Wall Art
Buyer's Club $35.99 Non-Members $39.99 -
Warning Doormat
Buyer's Club $11.69 Non-Members $12.99 -
Pawprints Area Rug
Buyer's Club $35.99 Non-Members $39.99


text:
Ladies and Gentlemen, newcomers and veterans of Snafu, inspired by the Art Contest, we welcome you to the Lit Sect's Literature Contest. Writers, be it from professional authors to those laying in bed with your diary, it's time to share your talents. Here we are to compete for bragging rights, and the winner receives a $25 Vanilla Visa Gift Card!
In celebration of that the day of frightful fun, the theme of the contest is going to be:
Funny events, or dreadful ghost stories, the choice of the contents is up to you.
This is a whatever weapon of choice you want to use. You can tell your readers an adventure, create poem of dreams, or bring out a dark nightmare You can have your own characters and worlds, or make your own fanfic. Do what makes you comfortable, the only limit is your imagination.
1: There is a 1,000 limit. Anything over 1,000 words will need to be shortened.
2: Everyone is allowed one entry per person.
3: Collaborations are allowed. It is up to the winners on how to split the prize. Be sure to plan the split before to avoid conflict.
4: Keep your works PG-13.
5: Place your works in the Literature Section, under your own thread, and provide the link here. You're free to show your progress in your Literature thread, and link the results.
If any rules are broken, one of the three anonymous judges will notify you and discuss what needs to be changed.
The Voting Thread will open in the Literature Section. Names and links will be posted there.
Opened: September 17 - October 20th
Voting: October 20th - November 3rd
Prize money may be raised depending on the number of entrees, but not lowered.


text:
I was thinking that, but then I thought... Mortal Kombat, Virtua Fighter, Street Fighter, Dead or Alive, Tekken... Fighting games, they can just keep on making 'em. And I'm fine with SF. <3Unlimited wrote:Oh, you have got to be joking.
Another Soul Calibur?!
Any guests for this?
shadownerd221 wrote:Did everyone hear about Ezio being in this game?
Mathias wrote:I think someone from Assassin's Creed was announced as the guest.
Asmodai wrote:
Rosso Rose wrote:EDIT: It takes place 17 years after the fourth game.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


text:
quote: One-dish meals like beef stew or chicken and dumplings that you can ladle out into a single serving and microwave.
quote:What is a good thing to bring?
quote:Taking someone who is grieving a meal
quote:One-dish meals like beef stew or chicken and dumplings that you can ladle out into a single serving and microwave
quote:Did their meal die?
quote:although, i just read what you're taking,,, i'd much rather have that, as long as it could be served new or "fresh"... That doesn't sound good, but u know what i mean
quote:I signed up for pulled pork sandwiches and jalapeno cole slaw, checked the list and saw there was a bunch of pasta and one pot dishes and figured this was a good change.
quote:A simple chicken spaghetti (even add velvetta cheese to it)
quote: May I suggest that you make sure that the containers you use don't need to be returned? (One less thing for them to worry about.)
quote:How well the dish keeps/reheats is important because appetites in these situations can be unpredictable.


text:
back to Microcosm Publishing homepage
Sign Up
"Homesweet Homegrown: How to Grow, Make, And Store Food, No Matter Where You Live" added to cart.
← Go Back
Move to Wishlist
You must order 2 or more of each item. Set each single item to 2 »
Your order total must $40 or greater.


text:
Covenant Center for the Heart represents the finest level of comprehensive heart care available in the region. Encompassing the full spectrum of cardiology from the Chest Pain Center, where patients are observed and evaluated for heart disease, through diagnostic and treatment procedures, to our regional Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness program, Covenant Center for the Heart provides a seamless continuum of services.
Covenant Center for the Heart outpatient services are centrally located on the second floor of the 900 Cooper building, providing patients convenient access to all of the fine outpatient heart care services that have made Covenant a nationally recognized leader in the field. Essentially an entire "heart hospital" within the larger Covenant HealthCare campus, this facility is home to world-class technology and breakthrough research.
Covenant Center for the Heart: One team. One hospital. One goal.
Our friends, neighbors and family members from throughout Central and Northeastern Michigan can count on us to provide them the highest levels of quality medical care, latest technology, outstanding customer service, and personalized care. We treat more Saginaw County residents each year than any other area hospital.


text:
Traditional, contemporary and live Zydeco sounds. Cultural conversation and information on community events.
MC calls it "Promoting the creole cultural music AND the culture." JB calls it "Promoting and supporting the Zydeco Music" They both meant to say all you listeners out there can expect to hear Zydeco music, live musicians, tidbits, community event updates, humor and short serious thoughts. Listeners can also hear conversation about the old times and various cultural activities.


text:
quote:i can live with the bama shite cause its earned and warranted
quote:You have to keep a strong bowl record in your conference to get media bias when voting comes around the next season...
quote:If everyone in the SEC lost, the media would just say it was an incredibly overrated conference and they would give favor to teams like Oregon in PAC-12.
quote:"What year did you graduate?"
quote:When the end season comes, they're going to look back on the SEC who lost every bowl game the season before and say this supposedly vigorous SEC schedule they played this year isn't so special. Since they have a weak OOC record. Media controls a piece of the pie.
quote:the only way I root for Atlanta, is if they are in a car on fire headed for a propane tank.
quote: frick Bama...
quote:Shouldn't Chad stop trolling Saints Talk?