text:
UPDATED Wednesday, August 15 to reflect additional information the reporter received the day after the initial meeting.
MADAWASKA - Interim Fire Chief Peter Parent, who has led the Madawaska Fire Department since the former Chief Norman Cyr retired, has apparently resigned the position, effective the end of August, after a meeting with the Madawaska Board of Selectpeople Tuesday evening.
Parent and the board made the decision during an executive session, leaving the exact details a bit of a mystery initially. During an interview the following day, however, Parent told Fiddlehead Focus, "I had a proposition for them and they did not accept it."
Parent requested an executive session with the selectmen during the meeting to discuss a confidential personnel matter regarding a medical issue. Parent and the selectpeople met in a separate, private conference room for several minutes. Parent was absent upon their return.
Parent said his proposition involved his compensation as fire chief. Rather than receiving a salary, Parent requested he receive compensation for the position through benefits.
Parent said, "What I asked for was not illegal. It had been done in the past. But they told me 'No'."
Madawaska Town Manager Christine Therrien said Wednesday morning, "There is nothing we would like more than to hire Peter Parent. We have offered him a fair financial amount for the position. He has refused that."
Regarding compensation in benefits rather than salary, Therrien said, "It's not in line with our personnel policy. If he would just accept [our amount,] then we would have a fire chief today."
The request for voluntary withholding of salary was only the beginning. Parent said he also brought other suggestions for savings to the board's attention.
Parent said, "I think I could have saved the town $30,000-$35,000 a year. They could have generated money out of the [fire chief] job."
Several volunteer firefighters were present at the meeting and addressed the selectpeople regarding Parent's leadership and competency as a fire chief.
One volunteer firefighter said, "You just let the best fire chief you could have walk out that door."
Another fireman agreed, saying, "right now the town needs a chief, and we don't have one."
Yvette Deschaine, also a volunteer firefighter, said, "All of us here feel the same way."
Town Manager Christine Therrien spoke on behalf of the board and said, "There were some legal ramifications that needed to be considered when making this decision."
Therrien said that Parent was an "outstanding individual" and their decision was not a reflection of his ability to lead the fire department. On Wednesday, she clarified the board's actions saying, "We didn't make a decision not to hire him, he made a decision not to accept."
Former Chief Norman Cyr said he received the same response from the board during his years as the fire chief.
Cyr said, "In total, I've given them three proposals to save money and they never accepted them."
Therrien said there was more to the decision than what she could divulge, and that the board did what they felt was best.
"We all like Peter, and we like the job he's doing, but there are other considerations that we aren't at liberty to discuss," she said.
Parent was the chief in charge during the recent fire that destroyed an apartment building on 11th Avenue in Madawaska and left several tenants homeless. Townspeople heralded the department for their successful effort in saving the nearby structures during that event, some of which were as close as three to four feet away to the burning building.
Cyr understands the rigors and requirements for being a capable fire chief.
"Everything's going to remain the same [for the department,] depending on who is in charge," he said.
Parent and Cyr shared primary concern for the future of the fire department involves their Hazmat team.
While each individual volunteer firefighter must complete Hazmat training, the certification of the team relies on an extensive education and training program performed by their leader.
The Hazmat team was formed in 1986. The team joined up with the state in 2001. This relationship with the state has generated numerous benefits for the department and taxpayers. Currently the state has invested in the Hazmat team by covering annual physicals for the team members. This physical also doubles as the annual physical required for volunteer firefighters, thus saving taxpayers from paying for it through contributions to the department.
Also, the state has provided two vehicles for the Hazmat team's usage. The fire department is able to use these vehicles to serve their purposes as well.
Without proper internal certification, that relationship might suffer according to Cyr. Any loss of state investment in the Hazmat team could lead to increasing costs for taxpayers, as the fire department would have to resume the financial responsibility covered by the state.
Cyr and Parent are the only current holders of the proper certification.
Whoever fulfills the fire chief position will also need to have this level of certification for the department to maintain NIMS compliance.
Parent said he will continue through the end of the month. After that, the town will need to find a replacement.
Therrien said, "We'll have to advertise outside if there's nobody interested."
The board scheduled the next regular meeting for August 28 at 4:30 p.m.
It's gonna get worse before
Support Community Journalism
Total Subscribers
Fiddlehead Voices
- mistakes happen.
2 days 1 hour ago
- Chief
2 days 6 hours ago
- Winter project.
3 days 7 hours ago
- so sad...
4 days 10 hours ago
- Chief
4 days 16 hours ago
- the apple never falls too far
1 week 1 day ago
- Fire Dept.
1 week 6 days ago
- Right
2 weeks 12 hours ago
- But it's ok for Harleys?
2 weeks 12 hours ago
- Large Trucks
2 weeks 16 hours ago


text:
Liverpool slip from title challengers to Champions League also-rans
With the Premier League season over, here's a look back at Liverpool's campaign as thoughts turn toward the summer and next season.
Your season in a sentence and final grade: F
Chelsea | Man City | Arsenal | Man Utd | Tottenham | Liverpool | Southampton | Swansea | Stoke | Crystal Palace | Everton | West Ham | West Brom | Leicester | Newcastle | Sunderland | Aston Villa | Hull City | Burnley | QPR
Real Madrid | Barcelona | Atletico Madrid | Dortmund | Bayern Munich | PSG
The 2-1 win over Manchester City at Anfield was the high point, as it came during a good run that saw the Reds climb the table and get on the cusp of the top four. Steven Gerrard's late winner against QPR was a nice moment and it's just a pity that it didn't come in his final game at Anfield, while the 3-0 win...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Automated 2-dimensional ElectrophoresisNovember 17, 2003 10:58 am | Articles | Comments
Bench-top 2D gel electrophoresis system a2DE is fully automated, removing the labor-intensive phases of manual 2D electrophoresis.
Compound Handling Facility Increases CapabilitiesNovember 17, 2003 10:58 am | Articles | Comments
Specs has opened a new processing facility in Cumberland, MD. The 12,000 square foot site houses six weighing stations, barcode printers, robotics liquid handling and plating equipment and space for long-term compound storage.
Capillary Coatings Optimize SeparationsNovember 17, 2003 10:58 am | Articles | Comments
The EOTrol suite of dynamic coating reagents for electrophoretic separations enables life scientists and analytical chemists to optimize resolution and throughput, and to improve reproducibility in capillary and microchannel electrophoretic separations.
Hot Plates, Stirring Hot PlatesNovember 17, 2003 10:58 am | Articles | Comments
Barnstead/Thermolyne brand Cimarec® hot plates and stirring hot plates incorporate digital technology and enhanced safety features. High wattage allows liquids to be quickly brought to a boil. Digital control ensures repeatable, accurate temperatures.
Chemiluminescent SubstrateNovember 17, 2003 10:58 am | Articles | Comments
BioFX chemiluminescent substrates provide sensitive detection in immunoassay and immunoblotting applications. The reagents are intensified and their signal duration increased using proprietary enhancers.
Plasmid Purification SystemNovember 17, 2003 10:58 am | Articles | Comments
SprintPrep plasmid purification system, based on Agencourt's patented SPRI chemistry, enables plasmid purification in less than 15 minutes. Carboxylate-modified paramagnetic microparticles separate cellular debris and genomic DNA from plasmid DNA without centrifugation or filtration steps.
Giant Liposomes Make Tiny Test TubesNovember 17, 2003 8:56 am | Articles | Comments
by Elizabeth Tolchin Scientists have found a new technique for performing ultra-small-volume chemical reactions. The technique uses giant (cell-sized) liposomes as nanovials and an ultraviolet laser pulse to fuse them together. The approach may be useful for faster, cheaper identification of new pharmaceuticals and for studying cellular-level processes.
Bacteria Cranks Up Mutation Apparatus When Starved 11/14/03November 14, 2003 11:44 am | Articles | Comments
by Pam Holland-Moritz Starving Escherichia coli bacteria appears to increase their ability to mutate and adapt to the situation. Spontaneous mutations are quite normal in bacteria under environmental stress, but a report published in Molecular Microbiology [J. C. Layton, P. L. Foster, vol. 50, pp. 549-561 (2003)] showed that some bacteria increase genetic mutations in response to nutrient restriction.
Confocal Microscope Systems - A Comparison Of TechnologiesNovember 14, 2003 4:34 am | Articles | Comments
Confocal microscopy offers a number of advantages when compared with traditional widefield optical microscopy. Confocal systems occlude out-of-focus light, vastly improving imaging contrast.
Protein Disulfide-Isomerase Accelerates Protein RefoldingNovember 13, 2003 10:18 am | Articles | Comments
Protein disulfide-isomerase (PDI) is an enzyme that in mammalian cells catalyzes post-translational thiol-disulfide exchange reactions in expressed proteins. Such exchanges lead to refolding of the protein and greatest overall protein stability. Protein folding can particularly be a problem for E.
Human HO-1 ELISA KitNovember 13, 2003 10:18 am | Articles | Comments
The StressXpress Human HO-1 ELISA Kit provides a reproducible method for quantifying human Heme Oxygenase-1 in a variety of sample types. The kit detects as little as 0.78 ng/ml, and has a range of 0.78-25 ng/ml. Once samples are prepared, the assay takes less than 3 hours to perform.
Recombinant Human FurinNovember 13, 2003 10:18 am | Articles | Comments
Recombinant Human Furin is offered by R&D Systems. Furin is a member of the proprotein convertase (PC) family that belongs to the subtilisin superfamily of serine proteases.
Apoptosis Detection KitsNovember 13, 2003 10:18 am | Articles | Comments
Magic Red substrate-based assays detect protease activity within whole living cells, and are based on a cresyl violet leaving group that fluoresces once enzyme specific peptides are cleaved.
Apoptosis Assays (2095)November 13, 2003 10:18 am | Articles | Comments
Apoptosis Suite enables examination of three separate biological aspects of cell death in order to assess whether each cell is in the early- mid- or late-stages of apoptosis. The suite includes assays for membrane changes (Annexin V), activation of caspase enzymes, and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL).
Localization Vectors (2093)November 13, 2003 10:18 am | Articles | Comments
New BD Living Colors subcellular localization vectors pHcRed1-Nuc and pHcRed1-Mito express the far-red fluorescent protein HcRed1 fused to a localization tag. Far-red shifted fluorescence easily distinguishes HcRed1 from other fluorescent proteins.


text:
Pusong Pinoy Sa Amerika on GMA Pinoy TV
Pusong Pinoy Sa Amerika, a 30-minute program on immigration matters hosted by lawyer Lou Tancinco, begins a new season on GMA Pinoy TV.
The aim of the show is to make the law accessible to the ordinary viewer by explaining it in layman's terms," says Attorney Lou.
Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika was first launched in 2006. After hundreds of cases tackled in the last six seasons, the program begins Season 7 brings back hope to those who are facing family separation, to innocent victims of fraud, and to those who wish to return after deportation.
Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika will also feature the unsung heroes and hardworking immigrants who succeeded in effectively balancing their work and family through the segment titled Sipag at Tagumpay.
Another segment titled Iba Ang Pinoy will feature California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil Sakauye, renowned journalist Ben Pimentel, chef and entrepreneur Gil Payumo, and Evan Kidera of Señor Sisig, among others.
"Six seasons have passed and yet we are still very passionate about our goal to help out our Filipino immigrants. It is our hope that they will continue to journey with us as we give answers to their issues and concerns," shares Attorney Lou.
Joseph T. Francia, vice president and head of operations for GMA International, hopes more Filipinos will be inspired by the fresh stories that will be featured in this new season."
Pusong Pinoy Sa Amerika is directed by the multitalented artist Bernardo Bernardo, with the special participation of Louella Albornoz Angeles. It airs every Sunday on GMA Pinoy TV.
Get Inquirer updates while on the go, add us on these apps:
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of INQUIRER.net. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
To subscribe to the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper in the Philippines, call +63 2 896-6000 for Metro Manila and Metro Cebu or email your subscription request here.
Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer's day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Inquirer's Reader's Advocate. Or write The Readers' Advocate:
c/o Philippine Daily Inquirer Chino Roces Avenue corner Yague and Mascardo Streets, Makati City,Metro Manila, Philippines Or fax nos. +63 2 8974793 to 94


text:
Spicy Gazpacho
29 Jan 2010
|2 , peeled, seeded, if desired, and diced
|Beefsteak tomatoes
|3 , diced
|4 Clove (20 gm), finely chopped or pressed
|Red onion
|1 , coarsely chopped
|Red bell pepper
|1 , diced
|Yellow bell pepper
|To Taste, diced
|Olive oil
|2 Tablespoon
|Red wine vinegar
|1⁄4 Cup (4 tbs)
|Balsamic vinegar
|1⁄4 Cup (4 tbs)
|Tomato juice
|3 Cup (48 tbs)
|Black pepper
|1 Teaspoon
|1 Teaspoon
|Chopped fresh parsley/Basil / dill / cilantro
|1⁄4 Cup (4 tbs)
|Cayenne pepper
|1⁄2 Teaspoon
1. Mix the cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and peppers in a large glass or ceramic bowl.
2. Add remaining ingredients, except for the fresh herbs and cayenne pepper. Toss to combine.
3. Place half the mixture in the bowl of a blender or food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until it is the desired consistency.
4. Return the mixture to the original bowl with the chunky remaining ingredients and stir by hand.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
6. Add fresh herbs and cayenne pepper just before serving.
Rate It
0 Comments
Spicy Gazpacho Recipe


text:
Mercury Computer Systems Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2010 Results
CHELMSFORD, Mass., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY) reported operating results for its second quarter of fiscal 2010 ended December 31, 2009. All results are presented and compared on a continuing operations basis, with prior year results reclassified for fiscal 2009 divestitures.
Second Quarter Fiscal 2010 Results
Second quarter revenues were $45.2 million, an increase of $0.1 million over the second quarter of the prior fiscal year. Revenues from defense customers increased by $1.0 million over the prior year's second quarter; however, this increase was mostly offset by a decline in revenues from commercial customers.
Second quarter GAAP income from continuing operations was $2.4 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, as compared with a GAAP loss from continuing operations of $(1.2) million, or $(0.05) per diluted share, for the prior year's second quarter.
Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2010, Mercury changed its non-GAAP measure for reporting financial performance to adjusted EBITDA (earnings from continuing operations before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring, impairment of long-lived assets and stock-based compensation costs). Second quarter GAAP income from continuing operations includes approximately $1.5 million in stock-based compensation costs, $1.2 million in depreciation expense, $0.4 million in tax expense, $0.4 million in amortization of acquired intangible assets, $0.2 million in impairment charges and $0.1 million of net interest income. Excluding the impact of these charges, second quarter adjusted EBITDA was $6.1 million.
Cash flows from operating activities were a net inflow of $5.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared with $2.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Free cash flow in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was a net inflow of $3.2 million after deducting cash outflows for capital expenditures of $2.0 million. Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of December 31, 2009, were $96.6 million, an increase of $2.6 million from September 30, 2009.
"This was another quarter of solid progress for Mercury," said Mark Aslett, President and CEO, Mercury Computer Systems. "Revenue and GAAP income from operations both exceeded the high end of our guidance range. On our Q1 earnings call I noted that we expected a large missile defense radar order to push from Q2 to Q3. I am pleased to report that the receipt of this major order during the quarter led to a very strong bookings performance. Defense bookings grew year-over-year by 43 percent to $47.8 million, and our defense backlog increased 55 percent."
"Mercury's growing defense bookings and backlog demonstrate our continued success in strengthening and expanding our core business in line with the fundamental changes taking place in military procurement," Aslett said. "The Department of Defense is shifting its priorities from major new weapons systems development to upgrades of existing platforms and programs, while at the same time implementing procurement reform designed to deliver new capabilities to the warfighter faster and more cost-effectively. We have refocused our business to grow and prosper in this new environment, creating a strong presence for Mercury in several key defense electronics markets such as airborne ISR, missile defense, electronic warfare and counter-IED."
"Looking forward, we believe that Mercury is well-positioned to benefit from the Defense Department's strategic commitment to ISR programs and its budgetary focus on best-of-breed, commercial items and open systems architectures procurement in the image, signal and sensor processing domain," said Aslett. "We are improving our product velocity and winning new designs in our target markets, each of which should continue to be well-funded in the years ahead. In addition, Mercury's commercial business appears to have stabilized, with the potential for renewed growth if demand in the semiconductor industry rebounds. We have made solid strides toward achieving our growth and profitability goals in the first half of fiscal 2010, and we are committed to extending this progress in the second half and beyond."
Mercury's total backlog at the end of the second quarter was $110.4 million, a $10.9 million sequential increase from the first quarter of fiscal 2010, and a $35.3 million increase from the second quarter last year. Of the second quarter total backlog, $88.2 million represents orders scheduled to be shipped over the next 12 months. The book-to-bill ratio was 1.24 to 1 for the second quarter.
Revenues by Operating Unit
Advanced Computing Solutions (ACS) — Revenues for the second quarter from ACS were $43.8 million, representing a decrease of $0.2 million from the second quarter of fiscal 2009 primarily due to a decrease in revenues from commercial customers. Approximately 76 percent of ACS revenues for the quarter related to defense business, as compared to approximately 75 percent in the second quarter last year.
Mercury Federal Systems (MFS) – Revenues for the second quarter from MFS were $3.3 million, representing an increase of $2.2 million from the second quarter of fiscal 2009.
The revenues by operating unit do not include adjustments to eliminate any inter-segment revenues.
Business Outlook
This section presents our current expectations and estimates, given current visibility, on our business outlook for the upcoming fiscal quarter. It is possible that actual performance will differ materially from the estimates given, either on the upside or on the downside. Investors should consider all of the risks, including those listed in the Safe Harbor Statement below, with respect to these estimates, and make themselves aware of the risk factors that may impact our actual performance.
For the third quarter of fiscal 2010, revenues are expected to be in the range of approximately $41.0 million to $43.0 million. At this range, GAAP losses from continuing operations per share are expected to be in the range of $(0.15) to $(0.11). These estimates do not include revenue associated with the large missile defense radar order received by Mercury in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. Should a portion of this order ship for revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, Mercury expects to promptly update these estimates.
Because of the circumstances related to the timing of shipments for this order and since Mercury does expect to ship and recognize revenue on a portion of this order in fiscal year 2010, Mercury is providing a revenue estimate for the full-year. Revenues for the full-year fiscal 2010 are expected to be approximately $195 million. Mercury does not expect to provide full-year revenue guidance on a regular basis going forward.
Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2010, Mercury changed its non-GAAP measure for reporting financial performance to adjusted EBITDA (earnings from continuing operations before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring, impairment of long-lived assets and stock-based compensation costs). Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 is expected to be in the range of $(1.1) million to $0.1 million.
Recent Highlights
January 26–Mercury Computer Systems announced it has named David R. Martinez president of its subsidiary, Mercury Federal Systems, Inc. (MFS). Mr. Martinez joins MFS from MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he was head of the ISR Systems and Technology Division. Mr. Martinez will have responsibility for the Mercury subsidiary and will report to the MFS Board of Directors working with Mark Aslett, President and CEO of Mercury Computer Systems. MFS provides system architecture consultation, design, analysis, integration, and software engineering services that enable clients to deploy ISR smart processing solutions on an accelerated time cycle.
October–Mercury Computer Systems highlighted the progress of its Services and Systems Integration (SSI) team's capabilities. The Company added these capabilities and developed this internal team in 2008 to provide professional design, integration, and consulting services to accelerate customers' time-to-market. The SSI team of seasoned experts leverages more than 25 years of Mercury expertise in delivering scaleable, robust, high-performance embedded computing solutions to help prime contractors meet changing requirements.
October–Mercury Computer Systems announced the industry's first Intel-based, RapidIO-enabled advanced mezzanine card. The Ensemble 2000 Series LDS 2100 Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) can be combined with the wide range of Ensemble 2000 family AMCs to create powerful MicroTCA and AdvancedTCA (ATCA) form factor solutions. The LDS 2100 contains an Intel((TM)) Penryn processor and an innovative FPGA-based bridge, providing access to both RapidIO(®) and 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces.
October–Mercury Computer Systems announced the completion of V1.0 OpenVPX specification, a new architecture that drives system interoperability and lowers costs. Mercury founded the OpenVPX(TM) Industry Working Group (www.openvpx.org), an alliance of 28 leading defense prime contractors and embedded computing systems suppliers, which developed the V1.0 OpenVPX System Specification. Mercury launched the OpenVPX Industry Working Group to take a proactive approach to addressing the VPX system-level interoperability concerns associated with the VPX (VITA 46) family of specifications.
October–Mercury Computer Systems announced a broad range of products compliant with new V1.0 OpenVPX system specification. The new specification mandates interoperability at both system and board levels to reduce customization, cost, and risk. It is a clear response to recent demands from government officials and agencies to promote performance migration towards open solutions, and away from proprietary, closed architectures. In support of these new specifications, the Company introduced the Ensemble(TM) 3000 Series 3UOpenVPX and Ensemble(TM) 6000 Series 6UOpenVPX product lines, which deliver rugged solutions for high-density, high-performance computing, suitable for use in radar, EO/IR, and electronic warfare applications on ship-borne, ground-based, and both manned and unmanned airborne platforms.
October–Mercury Computer Systems announced it received a multimillion-dollar system order from a leading defense supplier for its global radar upgrade program. Mercury will deliver a complete signal processing solution employing its OpenVPX-compliant Ensemble 6000 Series products. In addition, Mercury's SSI team is providing comprehensive professional services aimed at the development, validation, and qualification of the complete subsystem for this ground-based defense system.
October–Mercury Computer Systems announced initial shipments of its Ensemble 8000 Series AdvancedTCA (ATCA) system to Artiza Networks, supporting Artiza's market-leading, next-generation test equipment for wireless applications. The Ensemble 8000 Series platform meets the rigorous performance requirements of this application due to the combination of DSP, FPGA, and control plane processing coupled to the RapidIO(®) deterministic switch fabric. Application developers can use the platforms to combine extreme processing density, with low-latency, deterministic communications.
November–Mercury Computer Systems announced availability of OpenVPX reference design kits to provide customers who are currently engaged with Mercury's Services and Systems Integration (SSI) team with an engineering blueprint that significantly reduces customization, cost, and risk in the development of OpenVPX-compliant 3U and 6U payload and switch modules. The VITA-owned OpenVPX V1.0 System Specification, led by Mercury Computer Systems and co-authored with embedded computing suppliers and defense primes, is a direct response to the edict issued by a broad range of government officials and agencies for performance migration through the use of open source software and the development of open architecture systems.
December–Mercury Computer Systems released upgrades to the RACE++ series product line. Mercury continues to enhance the award-winning RACE++ Series product line with the latest processor and memory technologies, extending the product life cycle well into the future. The RACE++ Series PowerPC Multicomputer upgrades offer faster clock speeds and larger memory options, resulting in accelerated application performance of up to 30 to 50 percent over previous RACE++ Series products. Mercury also now offers the RACE++ Series PowerPC 7448 Multicomputer for use in rugged air-cooled and conduction-cooled environments such as those found in manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). By maintaining commonality with previous RACE++ Series PowerPC products, Mercury provides customers with an easy, low-cost migration path without the need for software application changes.
Conference Call Information
Mercury will host a conference call on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. EST to discuss the second quarter fiscal 2010 results and review the financial and business outlook going forward.
To listen to the conference call, dial (888) 791-4316 in the USA and Canada, and (913) 312-0709 in all other countries. The conference code number is 4651091. Please call five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. This call will also be broadcast live over the web at www.mc.com/investor under "Financial Events".
A replay of the call by telephone will be available from approximately 8:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, January 26, through 8:00 p.m. EST on Friday, February 5, 2010. To access the replay, dial (888) 203-1112 in the USA and Canada, and (719) 457-0820 in all other countries. Enter access code 4651091. A replay of the webcast of the call will be available for an extended period of time on the Financial Events page of the Company's website at www.mc.com/investor.
Use of Non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) Financial Measures
In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, the Company provides adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure adjusted to exclude certain non-cash and other specified charges, which the Company believes is useful to help investors better understand its past financial performance and prospects for the future. However, the presentation of adjusted EBITDA is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information provided in accordance with GAAP. Management believes the adjusted EBITDA financial measure assists in providing a more complete understanding of the Company's underlying operational results and trends, and management uses this measure along with the corresponding GAAP financial measure to manage the Company's business, to evaluate its performance compared to prior periods and the marketplace, and to establish operational goals. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial results discussed in this press release is contained in the attached exhibits.
Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. – Where Challenges Drive Innovation((TM))
Mercury Computer Systems (www.mc.com, NASDAQ: MRCY) provides embedded computing systems and software that combine image, signal, and sensor processing with information management for data-intensive applications. With deep expertise in optimizing algorithms and software and in leveraging industry-standard technologies, we work closely with customers to architect comprehensive, purpose-built solutions that capture, process, and present data for defense electronics, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, commercial computing, homeland security, and other computationally challenging markets. Our dedication to performance excellence and collaborative innovation continues a 25-year history in enabling customers to gain the competitive advantage they need to stay at the forefront of the markets they serve.
Mercury is based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and serves customers worldwide through a broad network of direct sales offices, subsidiaries, and distributors.
Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to fiscal 2010 business performance and beyond and the Company's plans for growth and improvement in profitability and cash flow. You can identify these statements by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, including unforeseen weakness in the Company's markets, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, continued funding of defense programs, the timing of such funding, changes in the U.S. Government's interpretation of federal procurement rules and regulations, market acceptance of the Company's products, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, inability to fully realize the expected benefits from acquisitions and divestitures or delays in realizing such benefits, challenges in integrating acquired businesses and achieving anticipated synergies, timing and costs associated with disposing of businesses, and difficulties in retaining key customers. These risks and uncertainties also include such additional risk factors as are discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.
Contact: Robert Hult, CFO, Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. 978-967-1990
Challenges Drive Innovation, Converged Sensor Network, CSN, and Ensemble are trademarks; and Echotek, MultiCore Plus, PowerBlock, PowerStream, and RACE++ are registered trademarks of Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) December 31, June 30, ------------ -------- 2009 2009 ---- ---- (unaudited) ----------- Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $52,197 $46,950 Marketable securities 44,444 44,977 Accounts receivable, net 31,239 28,595 Inventory 17,416 16,805 Option to sell auction rate securities at par 4,741 5,030 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,184 3,748 ----- ----- Total current assets 153,221 146,105 Property and equipment, net 8,283 7,960 Goodwill 57,653 57,653 Acquired intangible assets, net 2,043 2,911 Other non-current assets 6,058 4,743 ----- ----- Total assets $227,258 $219,372 ======== ======== Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $5,290 $3,770 Accrued expenses 6,498 7,449 Accrued compensation 9,065 9,372 Borrowings under line of credit and current capital lease 32,716 33,408 obligations Income taxes payable 3,042 2,316 Deferred revenues and customer advances 7,314 7,840 Current liabilities of discontinued operations 121 1,234 --- ----- Total current liabilities 64,046 65,389 Deferred gain on sale-leaseback 7,292 7,870 Other non-current liabilities 1,595 1,076 ----- ----- Total liabilities 72,933 74,335 Shareholders' equity: Common stock 226 224 Additional paid-in capital 107,321 104,843 Retained earnings 46,191 39,313 Accumulated other comprehensive income 587 657 --- --- Total shareholders' equity 154,325 145,037 ------- ------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $227,258 $219,372 ======== ========
MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share data)
Three months ended December 31, ------------ 2009 2008 ---- ---- Net revenues $45,158 $45,094 Cost of revenues (1) 18,762 19,690 ------ ------ Gross profit 26,396 25,404 Operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative (1) 13,485 13,929 Research and development (1) 9,901 11,632 Impairment of long-lived assets 150 - Amortization of acquired intangible assets 434 447 Restructuring (19) 235 --- --- Total operating expenses 23,951 26,243 Income (loss) from operations 2,445 (839) Interest income 163 686 Interest expense (113) (945) Other income (expense), net 281 (119) --- ---- Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 2,776 (1,217) Income tax expense 412 - --- --- Income (loss) from continuing operations 2,364 (1,217) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax (15) (15,863) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax 171 16 --- --- Net income (loss) $2,520 $(17,064) ====== ======== Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $0.10 $(0.05) (Loss) income from discontinued operations - (0.72) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations 0.01 - ---- --- Net income (loss) per share $0.11 $(0.77) ===== ====== Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $0.10 $(0.05) (Loss) income from discontinued operations - (0.72) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations 0.01 - ---- --- Net income (loss) per share $0.11 $(0.77) ===== ====== Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 22,500 22,121 ====== ====== Diluted 22,870 22,121 ====== ====== (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense, which was allocated as follows: Cost of revenues $73 $141 Selling, general and administrative $1,318 $1,785 Research and development $145 $413
Six months ended December 31, ------------ 2009 2008 ---- ---- Net revenues $92,589 $89,934 Cost of revenues (1) 38,891 39,603 ------ ------ Gross profit 53,698 50,331 Operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative (1) 24,829 26,014 Research and development (1) 20,097 21,883 Impairment of long-lived assets 150 - Amortization of acquired intangible assets 868 1,457 Restructuring 254 474 --- --- Total operating expenses 46,198 49,828 Income (loss) from operations 7,500 503 Interest income 242 1,681 Interest expense (170) (1,783) Other income (expense), net 535 (265) --- ---- Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 8,107 136 Income tax expense 1,318 - ----- --- Income (loss) from continuing operations 6,789 136 (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax 15 (18,992) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax 74 488 --- --- Net income (loss) $6,878 $(18,368) ====== ======== Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $0.30 $0.01 (Loss) income from discontinued operations - (0.86) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations 0.01 0.02 ---- ---- Net income (loss) per share $0.31 $(0.83) ===== ====== Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $0.30 $0.01 (Loss) income from discontinued operations - (0.85) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations - 0.02 --- ---- Net income (loss) per share $0.30 $(0.82) ===== ====== Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 22,450 22,065 ====== ====== Diluted 22,806 22,318 ====== ====== (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense, which was allocated as follows: Cost of revenues $110 $209 Selling, general and administrative $1,718 $2,515 Research and development $197 $725
MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Three months ended Six months ended December 31, December 31, ------------ ------------ 2009 2008 2009 2008 ---- ---- ---- ---- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $2,520 $(17,064) $6,878 $(18,368) Depreciation and amortization 1,658 2,393 3,346 5,419 Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets 150 14,555 150 14,555 Other non-cash items, net 462 2,573 (1,164) 3,061 Changes in operating assets and liabilities 377 277 (1,436) 703 --- --- ------ --- Net cash provided by operating activities 5,167 2,734 7,774 5,370 ----- ----- ----- ----- Cash flows from investing activities: Sales (purchases) of marketable securities, net 448 (57,737) 850 (57,628) Purchases of property and equipment, net (1,983) (1,108) (2,800) (2,219) Proceeds from liquidation of insurance policies - 831 - 831 Payments on sale of discontinued operations, net (923) - (707) - Payments for acquired intangible assets (67) - (125) - --- --- ---- --- Net cash used in investing activities (2,525) (58,014) (2,782) (59,016) ------ ------- ------ ------- Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from employee stock option and purchase plans 750 247 823 413 Repurchases of common stock (142) (58) (367) (297) (Payments) borrowings under line of credit (514) 31,410 (773) 31,410 Payments under capital leases (8) (93) (45) (135) Gross tax windfall from stock-based compensation 278 92 614 450 --- --- --- --- Net cash provided by financing activities 364 31,598 252 31,841 --- ------ --- ------ Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (59) 714 3 718 --- --- --- --- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,947 (22,968) 5,247 (21,087) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 49,250 60,926 46,950 59,045 ------ ------ ------ ------ Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $52,197 $37,958 $52,197 $37,958 ======= ======= ======= =======
Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2010, Mercury changed its non-GAAP measure for reporting financial performance to adjusted EBITDA. This financial measure excludes the impact of certain items and, therefore, has not been calculated in accordance with GAAP. The adjustments to this non-GAAP financial measure, and the basis for such adjustments, are outlined below:
Stock-based compensation expense. The Company incurs expense related to stock-based compensation included in its GAAP presentation of cost of revenues, selling, general and administrative expense and research and development expense. Although stock-based compensation is an expense of the Company and viewed as a form of compensation, these expenses vary in amount from period to period, and are affected by market forces that are difficult to predict and are not within the control of management, such as the market price and volatility of the Company's shares, risk-free interest rates and the expected term and forfeiture rates of the awards. In accordance with FASB ASC 718, previously SFAS No. 123R, stock-based compensation expense is calculated as of the grant date of each stock-based award, and generally cannot be changed or influenced by management after the grant date. Management believes that exclusion of these expenses allows comparisons of operating results that are consistent with periods prior to the Company's adoption of FASB ASC 718, and allows comparisons of the Company's operating results to those of other companies, both public, private or foreign, that disclose non-GAAP financial measures that exclude stock-based compensation.
Amortization of acquired intangible assets. The Company incurs amortization of intangibles related to various acquisitions it has made in recent years. These intangible assets are valued at the time of acquisition, are then amortized over a period of several years after the acquisition and generally cannot be changed or influenced by management after the acquisition. Management believes that exclusion of these expenses allows comparisons of operating results that are consistent over time for both our newly-acquired and long-held businesses.
Depreciation. The Company incurs depreciation expense related to capital assets purchased to support the ongoing operations of the business. These assets are recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful life of the asset. Purchases of such assets may vary significantly from period to period and without any correlation to underlying operating performance. Management believes that exclusion of depreciation expense allows comparisons of operating results that are consistent across past, present and future periods.
Restructuring. The Company incurs restructuring charges in connection with management's decisions to undertake certain actions to realign operating expenses through workforce reductions and the closure of certain Company facilities, businesses and product lines. Management believes this item is outside the normal operations of the Company's business and is not indicative of ongoing operating results, and that exclusion of this expense allows comparisons of operating results that are consistent across past, present and future periods.
Impairment of long-lived assets. The Company incurs impairment charges of long-lived assets based on events that may or may not be within the control of management. Management believes these items are outside the normal operations of the Company's business and are not indicative of ongoing operating results, and that exclusion of these expenses allows comparisons of operating results that are consistent across past, present and future periods.
Income Taxes. The Company's GAAP tax expense can fluctuate materially from period to period due to tax adjustments that have no relation to underlying operating performance. Management feels that exclusion of tax expense allows comparisons of operating results that are consistent across past, present and future periods.
Interest Income and Expense. The Company receives interest income on investments and incurs interest expense on loans, capital leases and other financed arrangements. These charges may vary from period to period due to changes in interest rates driven by general market conditions or other circumstances outside of the normal course of Mercury's operations. Management believes that exclusion of these items allows comparisons of operating results that are consistent across past, present and future periods.
Mercury uses adjusted EBITDA as a principal indicator of the operating performance of its business. Management excludes the above-described items from its internal forecasts and models when establishing internal operating budgets, supplementing the financial results and forecasts reported to the Company's board of directors, determining the portion of bonus compensation for executive officers and other key employees based on operating performance, evaluating short-term and long-term operating trends in the Company's operations, and allocating resources to various initiatives and operational requirements. The Company believes that adjusted EBITDA permits a comparative assessment of its operating performance, relative to its performance based on its GAAP results, while isolating the effects of charges that may vary from period to period without any correlation to underlying operating performance. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial adjustments are useful to investors because they allow investors to evaluate the effectiveness of the methodology and information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. The Company believes that trends in its adjusted EBITDA are valuable indicators of its operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information provided in accordance with GAAP. This non-GAAP financial measure may not be computed in the same manner as similarly titled measures used by other companies. The Company expects to continue to incur expenses similar to the adjusted EBITDA financial adjustments described above, and investors should not infer from the Company's presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure that these costs are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring.
The following tables reconcile the non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
(in thousands) Three months Six months ended ended December 31, December 31, ------------ ------------ 2009 2008 2009 2008 ---- ---- ---- ---- Income (loss) from continuing operations $2,364 $(1,217) $6,789 $136 Income tax expense 412 - 1,318 - Interest (income) expense, net (50) 259 (72) 102 Depreciation 1,224 1,440 2,478 2,940 Amortization of acquired intangible assets 434 447 868 1,457 Impairment of long-lived assets 150 - 150 - Restructuring (19) 235 254 474 Stock-based compensation expense 1,536 2,339 2,025 3,449 ----- ----- ----- ----- Adjusted EBITDA $6,051 $3,503 $13,810 $8,558 ===== ====== ====== =====
Quarter Ending March 31, 2010
Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company changed its reported non-GAAP measure of financial performance to adjusted EBITDA. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as income from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, restructuring, impairment of long-lived assets and stock-based compensation costs.
The following table reconciles the adjusted EBITDA financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure:
(in thousands, except per share data) RANGE ----- LOW HIGH --- ---- GAAP expectation --Loss from continuing operations per share $(0.15) $(0.11) ====== ====== GAAP expectation --Loss from continuing operations $(3,499) $(2,503) Adjust for: Income tax benefit (632) (453) Interest income, net (33) (33) Depreciation 1,421 1,421 Amortization of acquired intangible assets 434 434 Impairment of long-lived assets Restructuring - - Stock-based compensation expense 1,239 1,239 Adjusted EBITDA expectation $(1,070) $105 ======= ====
SOURCE Mercury Computer Systems, Inc.


text:
Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?Paperback Farrar, Strauß and Giroux
List price $15.00
You save $3.95 26% off
Free delivery worldwide
Dispatched in 3 business days
When will my order arrive?
Additional formats available
- Format
- CD-Audio $23.37
- Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc
- Format: Paperback | 308 pages
- Dimensions: 137mm x 208mm x 25mm | 295g
- Publication date: 17 August 2010
- Publication City/Country: New York
- Edition statement: Reprint
- Sales rank: 4,411
Product description
"For Michael Sandel, justice is not a spectator sport," "The Nation"'s reviewer of "Justice "remarked. In his acclaimed book--based on his legendary Harvard course--Sandel offers a rare education in thinking through the complicated issues and controversies we face in public life today. It has emerged as a most lucid and engaging guide for those who yearn for a more robust and thoughtful public discourse. "In terms we can all understand," wrote Jonathan Rauch in "The New York Times," "Justice ""confronts us with the concepts that lurk . . . beneath our conflicts." Affirmative action, same-sex marriage, physician-assisted suicide, abortion, national service, the moral limits of markets--Sandel relates the big questions of political philosophy to the most vexing issues of the day, and shows how a surer grasp of philosophy can help us make sense of politics, morality, and our own convictions as well. "Justice "is lively, thought-provoking, and wise--an essential new addition to the small shelf of books that speak convincingly to the hard questions of our civic life.
Add item to wishlist
Other people who viewed this bought:
What Money Can't Buy
USD$10.90 - Save $4.10 27% off - RRP $15.00
The Case Against Perfection
USD$16.00 - Save $2.42 13% off - RRP $18.42
Public Philosophy
USD$20.79 - Save $6.88 24% off - RRP $27.67
A Theory of Justice
USD$33.59 - Save $6.41 16% off - RRP $40.00
The Life You Can Save
USD$11.87 - Save $3.13 20% off - RRP $15.00
Lo Que el Dinero No Puede Compra...
USD$17.83 - Save $2.17 10% off - RRP $20.00
Other books in this category
The Prince
USD$4.75 - Save $0.64 11% off - RRP $5.39
The Prince
USD$8.00 - Save $2.77 25% off - RRP $10.77
Free Will
USD$7.51 - Save $3.26 30% off - RRP $10.77
The Republic
USD$9.53 - Save $4.33 31% off - RRP $13.86
The Road to Serfdom
USD$12.92 - Save $4.81 27% off - RRP $17.73
Letters to a Young Contrarian
USD$13.26 - Save $2.14 13% off - RRP $15.40
Author information
Michael J. Sandel is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government at Harvard University, where he has taught since 1980. He has taught his undergraduate course "Justice" to more than 15,000 Harvard students over the years, and video footage of the course was adapted into a PBS television series. Sandel graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University and received his doctorate from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He served on the George W. Bush administration's President's Council on Bioethics. He lives in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Review quote
"This book is absolutely indispensable for anyone who wants to be a good citizen. It shows how to balance competing values, a talent our nation desperately needs nowadays." —Walter Isaacson, author of "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life ""Michael J. Sandel is one of this generation's most important philosophers because he combines a relentlessly inquiring spirit with a profound commitment to the idea of a common good. "Justice "is Sandel at his finest: no matter what your views are, his delightful style will draw you in, and he'll then force you to rethink your assumptions and challenge you to question accepted ways of thinking. But Sandel does not leave you marooned on an island of skepticism. He calls us to a better way of doing politics, and a more enriching way of living our lives." —E. J. Dionne, Jr. "Michael J. Sandel, political philosopher and public intellectual, is a liberal, but not the annoying sort. His aim is


text:
Staff Reporter
ELURU: The Delta Fish Farmers Welfare Association has urged Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar to give official sanction for culturing of Pangassius, a fish variety which is widely cultured in the State and got a great demand in Bangladesh. As the species does not figure in the list of fish varieties approved by the Union government for farming in the country, the government has not established hatcheries for development of the seed of the particular variety anywhere in the country. As a result, six crore seedlings of the variety are being smuggled into the country from Bangladesh every year.
A delegation from the association led by V. Ramachandra Raju, convener of the association, submitted a memorandum to the minister in New Delhi on the issue recently. According to Mr. Raju and M.V.S. Nagi Reddy, convener of the Krishna District Fish Farmers Welfare Association, who addressed the mediapersons here on Friday, around 1 lakh tonnes of Pangassius fish has been produced in the country every year. "It is neither banned nor approved by the government for farming, putting the farmers in a dilemma.
The peculiar situation has resulted in scarcity of the seed", they said. Apart from Pangassius, 'Rahu' and 'Katla' are the two other fish species which are widely cultured in the State since they are a preferred food item in the Central India and in the North East.
The association leaders said they also requested Mr. Pawar to focus on provision of market facilities for the fish produce, introduction of the latest feeding and de-boning techniques. They said it would become highly impossible for the government to meet the targets pertaining to fish production during the financial year without encouraging fish farming and fish consumption across the country on a large scale. They recalled that the government aimed at increase the production to 1 crore tonnes by 2012 from the present 70 lakh tonnes.
They wanted the minister to use his offices with the UPA government in conceding the association's request to extend tax relief to aquaculture by treating it on a par with agriculture.


text:
Top Stories
[31.0°C] [20.2°C] Change Location
WeatherKathmandu, Nepal
KATHMANDU: The 13-member monitoring committee formed by the Higher Secondary Education Board today began monitoring Plus Two colleges in Kathmandu.
The committee today visited Tinkune-based Kathmandu Barsha College to find out whether the college has been abiding by the code of conduct. The college has been running under Kathmandu Barcelona Education Network along the Araniko Highway. Earlier, it was running as Merryland School at some 200 metres south of the highway. The shareholders recently split into two groups and have been running both the institutions separately.
The monitoring committee also gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the school administration to give a written clarification regarding the relocation of the college without informing the concerned authorities.
According to the Higher Secondary Education Board, it had asked KBC to furnish clarification regarding relocation of the college from one place to another but the college did not abide by its directives.
Suprabhat Bhandari, president of Guardians Association Nepal and a member of monitoring committee, said since the college had failed to abide by the directives issued by the Higher Secondary Education Board and had been operating without following the rules and regulations, it has been asked to furnish clarification within 24-hours.
"The classrooms were found to be very congested and poorly ventilated," he said, adding, "There was not enough light in the classrooms." He further said that the infrastructure of the classrooms also had not changed much since last year.
According to Bhandari, during last year's monitoring, KBC was found to be one of the two colleges which were spending around Rs 10 million in a year in advertisements only. No changes in the classroom structure means that the college was spending the students' fees and other charges collected in the name of infrastructure development only in advertisements, he said. The committee is going to monitor other Plus Two colleges as well in the coming days. Likewise, they will also visit Plus Two colleges in other districts and check out the status of implementation of code of conduct.
The code of conduct specifies rules regarding students' dress code, advertisement ceiling, prohibition of photos of celebrities and students in the hoarding boards and brochures and other publicity materials and others.
Posted on: 2013-06-28 08:30:25
All the recent activities of higher secondary board like are making the 2 level better. dhrub raj giri, aloknagar, tinkune


text:
HOUSTON - The tax rate on cigarettes is so high in Texas that it is sparking a huge draw for illegal cigarettes creating a new kind of organized crime, according to experts.
I remember when my mom paid 59 cents. I remember those days, but I never thought I d pay $3 a gallon for gas either, Ora Patterson, a smoker, said referring to increased cost of pack of cigarettes.
It s one of the reasons Pamela Pope rolls her own.
Yeah, I figure I can buy a bag of tobacco for $25. (It) lasts me all month versus $140 on filtered cigarettes, Pope said. I know a lot of people who try to steal their cigarettes.
Recently, the two burglars stole $6,000 worth of cigarettes from a north Houston store.
I m from Illinois, and we all go across the river to Missouri to get cigarettes because taxes are a lot cheaper, Linda Burch said.
Crossing state lines in search of cheaper smokes is catching on in Texas as well, but with far more negative results.
A new bi-partisan study out of Washington revealed more than a third of the cigarettes sold in Texas are smuggled illegally from other states with lower tax rates, and then turned around for a profit.
The tax rate on cigarettes in Texas has increased by 244 percent since 2006, and Texas has the eighth highest rate of cigarette smuggling in the country.
Nathan Jones is an expert on drug smuggling with the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.
It s clear the level of prosecution on tobacco is going down precisely at a time when taxes are going up here in Texas, resulting in prime real estate for organized crime, Jones said.
It is a prime example, he said, of public policy having unintended consequences.


text:
January 16, 2013
As you might have heard, Gov. Jay Nixon recently endorsed a plan to greatly expand Medicaid eligibility in our state. Medicaid is the health care benefit designed to help our poorest citizens.
The Obama administration is currently encouraging states to add large numbers of people to this welfare program as part of the Affordable Care Act. Under NixonÆs proposal, 300,000 additional Missourians would become eligible. The additional individuals added to this program include only healthy adults under 65 years of age who earn up to 138 percent of the ōpoverty level,ö which is currently $31,809 annually for a family of four. NixonÆs proposal does not affect eligibility for children, pregnant women, the elderly or disabled individuals.
Under this proposal, by 2020 Missouri would accept up to $17.8 billion in federal funds at the cost of $1.6 billion to our state budget. Nationwide, the total cost of the Medicaid expansion will be $1 trillion over 10 years, with the federal government picking up 93 percent of that tab. The federal government is promising to pay most of the cost in the earlier years and by 2020, Missouri will have to pay for 10 percent of the new Medicaid costs. Before Missouri goes down this path, we need to carefully consider the proposal.
First of all, I disagree that there is ōfree moneyö from the federal government. With the current federal debt at $16 trillion and projected to rise to $23 trillion in four years, we as citizens must consider the implications to future generations of spending additional federal money to expand welfare. The money that comes from the federal government is either tax money or additional debt to all of us Ś not ōfree money.ö
MissouriÆs current annual budget is $23 billion with little room for reductions. With the projected average yearly cost to our state of $160 million, we must first decide where MissouriÆs share is coming from. Nixon has suggested certain unspecified savings as the source. With most of the cost back-loaded, we are in effect spending money and hoping that future governors and General Assemblies can find these savings. This appears to be a plan that will necessitate tax increases in the future. This is akin to the federal governmentÆs behavior in always kicking the can down the road when it comes to fiscal policy. We cannot consider any plan that cannot be paid from existing revenue.
The analysis relied on by the governor has serious problems. These include:
Ģ Their analysis understates the estimated number of new participants, according to the federal governmentÆs own Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which skews the costs.
Ģ They assume no employers will drop coverage for their employees who then might be eligible for Medicaid.
Ģ They conclude that the nursing home industry will see the largest job growth despite the expansion being applicable to 19- to 64 year olds, not many of whom require nursing home utilization.
Ģ Administrative costs are projected to add almost $500 million in new government costs over the seven-year study timeframe.
Ģ They assume not one of the 23 percent of individuals who would become eligible for Medicaid but currently have private insurance would drop their coverage and opt to have ōfreeö coverage.
My concerns about this proposal include the fact that growth in the economy is not projected to outpace the demand on existing entitlements, let alone new ones. Education funding is second only to entitlement program expenditures, making it the likely target of liberal lawmakers and interest groups. Nixon has yet to suggest where to find savings. I canÆt resist pointing out that most of the stateÆs share of costs doesnÆt set in until after heÆs looking for a new job.
Another concern I have is whether we can trust the federal government to live up to the promise that our current president is making to pay an additional $1 trillion to expand Medicaid over the next 10 years. I am not sure that we as a nation will have this money to spend. It appears to me that our federal government is making promises that it cannot fulfill.


text:
Hi! My new horse Ace (rising 5 warmblood) moved over to Ireland from England about a week and a half ago, I've lightly ridden him (walk and about ten seconds of trot) 3 times so far and each time he's been an absolute brat! I know it will take time for him to settle, but im a bit worried about him!!
When I got him in september when I lived in england, he was really green and hated being ridden, by christmas we were jumping little jumps, hacking out and schooling. But I feel like he has forgotten everything. So far he's been leaning on the bit, pulling down, bucking and spooking at everything (il let him away with spooking tho-new home and all!!). He wont trot without bucking.
He's only a youngster but would anyone have any tips for the bucking and leaning on the bit?? Any time he does it I give him a half halt but it doesnt really work....hes wearing a fulmer bit which is quite mild and helps with his turning.
Will this resolve in time?? How long will it take for him to settle?? He's my first youngster so its going to be a fun few months!!!!
Thanks!! :)


text:
Scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed technology to cheaply produce stable liquid solar cells that can be painted or printed onto clear surfaces. The technology relies on solar nanocrystals that are around four nanometers in size - meaning you could fit more than 250 billion on the head of a pin. Their size allows them to be suspended in a liquid solution so they could be printed like a newspaper. The downside, commercialization of this technology is still years away. Read More
Researchers at Purdue University in the U.S. have developed a new method of harvesting vast amounts of energy from waste heat. Using glass fibers dipped in a solution containing nanocrystals of lead telluride, the team led by Dr. Yue Wu is engineering a highly flexible thermoelectric system that generates electricity by gathering heat from water pipes and engine components. Read More
Nanocoating designed to keep hip implants where they belong
April 24, 2012
Probably the simplest way to describe an artificial hip would be to say that it's a ball attached to a stem. The stem is often fastened to the open end of the femur using a glass-like polymer known as bone cement, while the ball takes the place of the original hip bone's ball joint, rotating within a corresponding implant in the socket of the pelvis. Although problems can occur at that ball-and-socket interface, they can also result when the bone cement cracks, causing the stem to detach from the femur. Scientists at MIT, however, have developed a new type of nanoscale film coating, designed to keep that from happening. Read More
French researchers have produced highly conducive plastic fibers with a thickness of only a few nanometers that self-assemble when exposed to a flash of light. The tiny fibers (one nanometer equals one billionth of a meter) could become a cheaper and easier-to-handle alternative to carbon nanotubes and play a role in the development of electronic components on the nanoscale. Read More
Scientists at Stanford University's School of Medicine have created nanoparticles that are able to precisely highlight brain tumors. Because the nanoparticles can be imaged in three different ways, they can be used to delineate the boundaries of tumors before and during brain surgery to ease the complete removal of tumors. The scientists have already used the nanoparticles to remove brain tumors from mice with unprecedented accuracy and hope the technique could be used on humans in the future. Read More
U.S. researchers are developing a promising new approach to the targeting of individual cancer cells. The technique uses light-harvesting nanoparticles to convert laser energy into "plasmonic nanobubbles," enabling drugs to be injected directly into the cancer cells through small holes created in the surface. Researchers claim that the delivery of chemotherapy drugs in this way is up to 30 times more effective on cancer cells than traditional drug treatments and requires less than one-tenth the clinical dose. Read More
It's a sad reality of our time that breast cancer affects more women around the world than any other form of cancer. Even more disturbing is the fact that up to ten years after surgery, the cancer returns in nearly 20 percent of those deemed to have had successful tumor-removal operations. Now, researchers at Brown University (BU) in Providence, Rhode Island, led by engineering professor Thomas Webster, have developed an implant which they believe can appreciably lower that relapse rate by simultaneously inhibiting cancer cell growth and attracting healthy breast cells. Read More
Scientists have succeeded in endowing graphene with yet another useful property. Already, it is the thinnest, strongest and stiffest material ever measured, while also proving to be an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. These qualities have allowed it to find use in everything from transistors to supercapacitors to anti-corrosion coatings. Now, two materials engineers from Stanford University have used computer models to show how it could also be turned into a piezoelectric material – this means that it could generate electricity when mechanically stressed, or change shape when subjected to an electric current. Read More
Are 3D printers not amazing enough already? Apparently some scientists at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna) didn't think so, as they have now built one that can create intricate objects as small as a grain of sand. While the ability to 3D-print such tiny items is actually not unique to the TU Vienna device, the speed at which it can do so is. According to the researchers, this makes the commercial production of things such as medical implants much more viable. Read More
Nanocoating leads to better-attached dental implants
March 5, 2012
The thought of having titanium screws implanted into one's jawbone is probably pretty unsettling for most of us, but for people who are getting individual teeth replaced, such implants are often required as attachment points for the artificial teeth. Once those screws are in place, patients often have to wait from about four to six months before they can chew solid food, as the bone surrounding the implant heals. Now, however, Swedish scientists have developed a new bioactive nanocoating for the screws, that promises to significantly decrease the required healing time. Read More


text:
Why Do Coffee Shops Ask "For Here or to Go"?
What's Up With Coffee Shops Asking "For Here or to Go"?
by Smart Living
Like us on Facebook
When you're stopping in to your neighborhood coffee shop for a little pick-me-up, the cashier might ask whether you'll be enjoying your beverage "for here or to go." She's not asking out of curiosity, and she's not just trying to find out if your coffee should be presented in a paper or ceramic cup — she's asking to find out whether or not your purchase should be taxed.
This policy is going to vary depending on your state's tax laws, but here in California we are taxed when the answer is "for here." To have a nontaxing experience, tell the cashier you want your goodies to go.
Read More Savvy TipsConsumerismTaxes
nancita 6 years
I have always wondered this, especially at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, since they only have disposable cups.
Advah 6 years
In the UK Starbucks drinks are more expensive when they're 'sit in', but I always thought it was their way to squeeze more money out of their customers..
rickimc 6 years
Our taxes don't change, but the McDonald's by my work charges a 15 cent fee for "here" because then they have to pay staff to clean.
RockAndRepublic 6 years
I'd totally take it to go and drink it at the park.
aka-Daria 6 years
i noticed the tax when i went to carls jr and ate there.
death-by-chocolat 6 years
Ah yeah, I've known about this since I was a kid. In Ohio, we used to get that question concerning anything- fast food in particular. However, they recently changed that piece of it so that you're automatically taxed going through the drive-thru (obvs "to go") but I do believe if you're in something like a coffee shop you still have the option of tax-free "to go". I think there was some argument that they're taxing the "service" and the containers for the food, rather than the actual food. That's how the fast food companies were able to tax drive-thrus.
verily 6 years
In TX, it's taxed no matter what. It's considered "ready-to-eat" food whether you sit down in the restaurant or take it away.
bigestivediscuit 6 years
This is always the case in the UK.
Berlin 6 years
it isn't just coffee shops, most restaurants are like this too. At my bar, if people come up to the actual bar and order food and they intend for it togo, then we don't pay taxes on it if it's entered as such. Tricky business:) But in FL, it's definitely taxed otherwise!
itsallabouttheg 6 years
learned this tidbit the hard way when i discovered coffee bean during undergrad! cokerad: i've never seen an employee do anything about it, but i'd at least throw some change in the tip jar.
cokerad 6 years
What do they do if you say "to go" but then sit your butt down in a seat and enjoy it "here"?
JaeB 6 years
As long as the weather stays nice here in CA, I don't mind "to go", but in a month or so I will.
ilanac13 6 years
well i don't think that i've ever been asked that in a coffee shop here in NYC but when i was in london at school over there, i was asked that a lot - and sometimes it's not such a bad idea to sit and enjoy the cup rather than take it and run.
ehadams 6 years
The sales tax thing is so tricky. You definitely need to say TO GO in CA for any coffee, fast food, etc. to avoid the sales tax. It is small but it adds up for sure.
ditorres 6 years
same with pinkberry. i wish they just automatically made it "to go". The last time I went to pinkberry, a snooty lady was ordering in front of me. Apparently she struck the cashier person the wrong way because not only did the cashier person ring her up "for here" but also individually charged her for three toppings when her order was supposed to get three toppings for the price of one!
dbeauty87 6 years
I have chosen "for here" but i dont fancy it. Most coffee shops fill the mug to the brim, making it impossible to make it to the table with a steaming hot drink, without bumping into someone. And its even more difficult to drink it that way. Maybe im just clumsy, but with anything hot, i prefer a lid.
Brendelwoman 6 years
Really? I have to check my state! Tricky.
sweetstanzy 6 years
Yeah, I found this out a couple of years ago so I always say "to go" when I go to Coffee Bean. But even when I forgot to say "to go" or said "for here" they still gave me my coffee in a paper cup.


text:
FineTouch Dermatology Now Offering Belotero for Wrinkle Treatment
Dermatologist and surgeon Dr. Sanusi Umar is now offering Belotero injections at his FineTouch Dermatology clinic. Belotero is the newest FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler, used for the treatment of wrinkles.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 10, 2013
FineTouch Dermatology now has the newest dermal filler, Belotero, on its menu of services. Dr. Sanusi Umar, dermatologist and founder of the Redondo Beach practice, has been implementing cosmetic injections and dermal fillers for over 10 years. Treatments he use to reverse the effects of aging include Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Juvederm, and now, Belotero injections. Belotero is a hyaluronic acid filler, similar to Restylane and Juvederm. Since receiving its FDA sanction in 2011, demand for the product has continued to rise.
"There is an increasing demand for Belotero because it is the only hyaluronic acid that can be injected very superficially to treat fine wrinkles," says Dr. Umar. Belotero is synthesized to be the most lightweight of the fillers while retaining a high level of elasticity. This prevents it from clumping under the skin. Furthermore, it typically does not produce the Tyndall effect, which results in a bruise-like bluish tint at the site of injection. The Tyndall effect happens when Juvederm or Restylane are injected too close to the surface of the skin. Read about these hyaluronic acid fillers at http://www.finetouchdermatology.com/different-forms-of-hyaluronic-acid/
A patient of FineTouch Dermatology recently switched from regular Botox treatments to Belotero injections for the first time. Dr. Umar had been injecting Botox to alleviate the crow´s feet around this patient´s eyes for over two years. The patient reported that with each session, his fine lines in this area grew less responsive to the popular neurotoxin. It was time to try something new, but he did not want treatment with Dysport–another neurotoxin injection–or laser therapy.
Belotero was the ideal choice of hyaluronic acid fillers because of its ability to be injected at a shallow depth, which would better eliminate his crow´s feet. By binding naturally to elastin, collagen, and water molecules, the injections provide added tissue volume, skin hydration, and firmness. At two weeks after his injections, the patient´s crow´s feet were greatly diminished and there was no remaining swelling or bruising.
In the past, FineTouch Dermatology patients desiring anti-wrinkle treatment had neurotxins, laser resurfacing, or facelift as their major options. FineTouch Dermatology now offers Belotero as a non-invasive solution for smoothing out the skin in desired areas. In addition to reversing crow´s feet, Dr. Umar uses this filler to treat forehead lines, tear troughs, and nasolabial folds. The results of Belotero last anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2013/4/prweb10617816.htm


text:
That was really useful info Tina - thanks for the post. I'm still trying to work out how I will make my first UQ. You've given me some great ideas.
That was really useful info Tina - thanks for the post. I'm still trying to work out how I will make my first UQ. You've given me some great ideas.
DIY Gear Supply - Your source for DIY outdoor gear.
I guess the HH Supershelter Sil-nyl undercover might be sort of like what you are asking about? Here is a quote from Tom Hennessy:
No info there about possible condensation.I've never tried it much, so I don't have much info. I have had only the most minimal condensation when using a space blenket against my back with the HH pad and undercover below it. But the space blanket is kept warm by being against my back, which is probably why there has has been minimal condensation. The Sil-Nyl UC, with one side exposed to cold air, might be different.This may sound complicated but it's actually quite simple to sort out. As an example, for myself, using a 50* down bag, I find that by putting only the silnylon undercover on the hammock, my back starts to feel a chill around 55-60*
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us....that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.
Romans 8:18,21-22


text:
Why Did Suzie Ketcham Have Jaw Surgery
Washington Post reports "Korea is plastic surgery capital of world"
The Washington Post has revealed the naked truth of "Korea as the plastic surgery capital of the world". The American newspaper posted an article and pictures that spotlight plastic surgery in Korea on its Internet blog "Wonkblog" on Saturday(local time). . ... Read more
SHINee"s Onew talks about his vocal cord surgery + looks like triplet Min Guk?
Onew recently talked on both MBC radio program "Blue Night" and during the press conference for "SHINee World IV in Seoul". On the radio show, DJ and fellow member Jonghyun asked him, "How was it when you had surgery because the condition of your vocal cords was not good? You were unable to talk for a couple months." . ... Read more
Lee Kuk Ju explains why there are rumors about her getting plastic surgery
Comedian Lee Kuk Ju had once mentioned that she looked the exact same as when she was a kid because she was completely natural. However with her fame lately, rumors about plastic surgery have been whispered, and the comedian explained why these rumors sprouted up. . ... Read more
F.T. Island"s Hongki reveals he"s received surgery on his buttocks twice
On this week"s episode of "Weekly Idol", F.T. Island"s Hongki revealed that he received a surgery on his butt twice to get a boil removed, drawing out sad laughter from the viewers. . ... Read more
Yoo Jae Suk admitted thinking that Jessi looked prettier before she turned to Plastic Surgery to improve her look
On the April 26 broadcast of SBS' "Running Man," Yoo Jae Suk shared his honest thoughts on rapper Jessi's decision to go under the knife.
This week's episode featured Jessi, actress Kim Yoo Ri, Seo Ye Ji, AOA's Choa, and Jang Do Yeon as guests for the 'Dangerous Brides' special. . ... Read more
Ga In has claimed that Brown Eyed Girls have been prevented from taking Plastic Surgery due to their name
Brown Eyed Girls' Ga In appeared on the April 24 broadcast of "Yoo Hee Yeol's Sketchbook" and entertained the audience with a number of hits, including solo song "Bloom" and Brown Eyed Girls' "Abracadabra." . ... Read more
Ga In touches upon Brown Eyed Girls" comeback, plastic surgery, and "Abracadabra" on "Yoo Hee Yeol"s Sketchbook"
Ga In appeared on KBS 2TV"s "Yoo Hee Yeol"s Sketchbook" on April 24 and talked about a Brown Eyed Girls comeback! She first performed solo track "Bloom" and group"s hit, "Abracadabra," wowing the crowd. . ... Read more
Shin Dong Yup jokes that Shin Bong Sun saves her money for plastic surgery on "Bachelor Party"
On the April 23 episode of MBC"s "Shin Dong Yup"s Bachelor Party", comedian Shin Bong Sun as well as Dal Shabet and Lovelyz were guests.
When Shin Bong Sun came into the room, Shin Dong Yup stated, "You subtly changed something again," for the female comedian has frequently talked about working on her appearance through cosmetic procedures.. ... Read more
Does It Really Matter If A K-Drama Actress Gained Weight Or Had Plastic Surgery? [Poll]
(Photo : )
On April 13, the Korean outlet Dispatch published a report which explored weight loss and its impact on the appearance of several top Korean entertainment. The article bore the title, "The best plastic surgery is dieting, beautiful stars [who are] at war with their weight." Top female stars such as Park Shin Hye, Kang So Ra, and A Pink's Eunji were examined through before and after shots. The article sparked an on-going debate with netizens, many of whom came to the defense of the actresses. . ... Read more
Jessi reveals where she"s undergone plastic surgery
Badass rapper Jessi, who garnered a ton of fame from "Unpretty Rapstar," next appeared on KBS 2TV"s "Happy Together 3" on April 2 and coolly admitted to plastic surgery. . ... Read more


text:
1. Marinate the steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oyster sauce and teriyaki sauce.
2. Using a fork make holes in the steak this will allow the marinade to seep in the steak completely.
3. Once done keep it aside for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Preheat the grill to high heat, 15 minutes before the 1 hour resting time is completed.
5. Place the steak on the preheated grill and grill for 2-4 minutes on each side for medium rare.
6. Apply the reserved marinade sauce from the bowl on both side of the steak, if you like.
7. Once done remove and let the steak rest for 10 minutes and then slice the meat.
8. Serve the teriyaki steak along with salad on the side.


text:
Overview of content related to 'digital preservation coalition'
This page provides an overview of 3 articles related to 'digital preservation coalition', listing most recently updated content first. Note that filters may be applied to display a sub-set of articles in this category (see FAQs on filtering for usage tips). Select this link to remove all filters.
The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) is a UK-based non-profit limited company which seeks to secure the preservation of digital resources in the UK and internationally to secure the global digital memory and knowledge base. Founded in 2001, the DPC acts a consortium of those organisations interested in the preservation of digital information. Participation in the coalition is open to all sectors including commercial, cultural heritage, educational, governmental, and research bodies. The organisation was established to stop digital historical information disappearing into an electronic black hole. (Excerpt from Wikipedia article: Digital Preservation Coalition)
Key statistics
Metadata related to 'digital preservation coalition' (as derived from all content tagged with this term):
See our 'digital preservation coalition' overview for more data and comparisons with other tags. For visualisations of metadata related to timelines, bands of recency, top authors, and and overall distribution of authors using this term, see our 'digital preservation coalition' usage charts.
Top authors
Ariadne contributors most frequently referring to 'digital preservation coalition':
Note: Links to all articles by authors listed above set filters to display articles by each author in the overview below. Select this link to remove all filters.
|Article summary
Preserving Local Archival Heritage for Ongoing Accessibility
Frances Boyle, Alexandra Eveleigh and Heather Needham describe the recent digital preservation initiatives in the local authority archives sector.
January 2009, issue58, feature article
Digital Preservation Planning: Principles, Examples and the Future With Planets
Frances Boyle and Jane Humphreys report on the one-day workshop on digital preservation planning jointly organised by the Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) and Planets held at the British Library, on Tuesday 29 July 2008.
October 2008, issue57, event report
iPRES 2008
Frances Boyle and Adam Farquhar report on the two-day international conference which was the fifth in the series on digital preservation of digital objects held at the British Library, on 29 - 30 September 2008.
October 2008, issue57, event report


text:
South Korea and Argentina won Olympic taekwondo gold medals in two dramatically different finals.
In the women's 67-kilogram division, Hwang Kyung-seon on Friday defended the title she first won at the Beijing Games by beating Nur Tatar of Turkey 12-5 in an action-packed final where both fighters were on the attack from the start.
On the men's side, Sebastian Crismanich of Argentina won the country's first gold of the London Games in the 80-kilogram.
In Hwang's bout, both fighters landed head kicks nearly simultaneously within the opening 12 seconds before Hwang took control, nailing Tatar with several more body and head shots.
The 26-year-old two-time world champion Hwang previously won a bronze in Athens and became the first woman to win three Olympic taekwondo medals.
Hwang used her speed and flexibility to dominate all of her matches on Friday.
She said there was pressure on the Korean team to bring home gold medals since the martial art was developed there.
Until Hwang's win, Lee Dae-hoon's silver in the men's 58-kilogram division on Wednesday was the country's only medal.
"It feels like flying," Hwang said afterwards. "I've done something special for the country and it makes me very proud."
The bronze medals were won by Paige McPherson of the U.S. and Germany's Helena Fromm.
Crismanich defeated Spain's Nicolas Garcia in a cautious final where both fighters seemed reluctant to attack.
Crismanich ultimately managed to land a body shot with eight seconds remaining to win 1-0.
Crismanich, 26, won the Pan-American championships last year, but the gold was his first Olympic medal.
In most of his matches on Friday, Crismanich was on the attack early, catching his opponents off guard with a rapid succession of body shots and head kicks.
Several of the division's top seeds made an early exit, including five-time world champion American Steven Lopez, Iran's world champion Yousef Karami and top seed Ramin Azizov of Azerbaijan.
Lopez's sister later said on Twitter that her brother had a broken fibula.
And the world No. 1, Britain's Aaron Cook was conspicuously absent after UK officials refused to choose him for the team. Cook said he felt cheated and was being punished for his decision to leave the national training program.
"I don't think I can ever move on from what they've done to me," Cook said.
Instead of Cook, British officials picked Lutalo Muhammad, ranked 109. Muhammad later won a bronze. Italy's Mauro Sarmiento won the other bronze, performing an impromptu victory dance afterwards where he swayed as if rocking a baby.
He dedicated the medal to his daughter and then helped the man he just defeated — an injured Nesar Bahawi of Afghanistan — off the mat.
Keywords: 2012 London Olympics, Taekwondo, Taekwondo Olympics 2012, Hwang Kyung-seon, Sebastian Crismanich


text:
Oct. 13, 2013
Box Score
MILWAUKEE-- It was a day of celebration as the Marquette women's soccer team capped off the grand opening of the new stadium at Valley Fields with a 4-0 shutout over Georgetown on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
With the victory the Golden Eagles snap a 13-game unbeaten streak from the Hoyas and remain in sole possession of first place in the BIG EAST standings as they improve to12-3 overall and 5-0 in league play. Georgetown falls to 11-1-2 and
Senior Taylor Madigan put MU on the board first after she took a pass from classmates Vanessa Legault-Cordisco and Maegan Kelly from the right side and found the back of the net, putting the Golden Eagles in front, 1-0. It was Madigan's fifth goal this season.
Just seconds after entering the game, freshman Ashley Handwork ran up the middle of the field after a pass from sophomore Jacie Jermier and shot past the keeper from the 18-yard box, which extended Marquette's lead to 2-0 in the 37th minute.
The Golden Eagles' 2-0 lead held throughout halftime as MU held a slight 6-4 edge on shots, while sophomore goalkeeper Amanda Engel recorded two saves in the frame.
MU's offense continued its attack right out of the halftime break as Madigan sent a pass to Kelly from the right side and the shot sailed to the far post for a 3-0 lead in the 50th minute of play.
In the 56th minute senior Cara Jacobson split defenders and ran down the middle with a shot to the far post, which gave the Golden Eagles a 4-0 advantage. It was her third this season and came unassisted.


text:
Top Definition
A mystical creature that was created in the land of Brunet St, more specifically, the tree of wisdom. They are most known for the estranged sound it makes. 'Eeeee-yuh'
In the winter, the donker's used their pond as an ice rink.
بواسطة mugwump99 مارس 7, 2008
16 more definitions
A compound of Donkey+Fucker
that Bitch is a Donker
بواسطة Dusty Bottoms 69 يونيو 6, 2007
A huge pair of boobs, usually on a smaller girl.
Damn! That girl has some donkers!
بواسطة Whiteguy1227 اغسطس 30, 2009
This is large knobby turd that really thuds the porcelain when you are on the toilet.
Dude, my anus was twisted after dropping a donker this morning.
بواسطة jimmy jam slam اكتوبر 16, 2008
said to a person who has just hiccuped
Mary said donkers over 20 times while John battled a horrible case of hiccups.
بواسطة Les Ashill يوليو 27, 2008
noun. A person who combines stupidity with a general air of arrogance, lack of propriety and a general low level of talent in anything they think they are good at.
"Sam, If you are going to cut and paste other peoples work onto your blog then everyone will know you are a donker."
بواسطة Uncle Chipsy مارس 25, 2008
A Donker is a meat donut
this is a donut made entirely out of meat
they were popularized in the book April Morning
this is a donut made entirely out of meat
they were popularized in the book April Morning
Little Boy:Mom What did you make for breakfast?
Mom:I made donkers!
Dad:I made that last night(looks at mom)
Mom:I made donkers!
Dad:I made that last night(looks at mom)
بواسطة His Royal Dudeness فبراير 4, 2007


text:
"Flying Stones" inspired by the ornamental stones found in traditional Japanese gardens. Available in stucco, white Carrara + black Marquinia marble. Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby for B&B Italia.
- Loading...
More from studiomimiFollow
Other things you might Fancy
Added to these lists
Recently Fancy'd by
- Jin Mi Hyun quitapenass Follow
- Yigit Ozen ycozen Follow
- Dmitriy Senchuk Jormungandr Follow
- Yvonneoh12 yvonne1205 Follow
- Caitlin Mackin catinthehat99 Follow
- Jose Lopez Joohie_86 Follow
- Zaid Safadi Zaidadnan Follow
- adinakitty_ adinakitty_ Follow
- jaein.song.16 exolic Follow
- thom ortiz thomortiz Follow
- Yoshie.T susumom Follow
- Haseo Himura BakuraHaseoHimura Follow
- E Clark lizclark05 Follow


text:
Watch Bridgwater Mercury video news reports covering Bridgwater and Somerset. Send us your video.
Woolworths in Eastover closes
3.36pm Wednesday 31st December 2008
Watch our video on Woolworths' final day in Eastover.
Woolworths staff bid farewell to popular store
Latest Videos
- Boat event at Bridgwater Docks
- WW2 boat at Bridgwater Docks
- Judo event at Robert Blake
- Hamp Nursery PE lessons
- Wembdon 1st Scout Camp
- Bridgwater Christmas lights_14
- Bridgwater Christmas lights
- Bridgwater Christmas lights 14
- Bridgwater Carnival 2014
- Bridgwater Half Marathon 2014
- Nick Clegg visits Bridgwater
- Earl of Wessex visits Moorland
- Flood clean up, Moorland 2014
- Skate jam at Bridgwater
- Neon Bike Ride in Bridgwater
- The Wurzels' Flood Concert
- Moorland aftermath 2
Displaying 1 to 30 of 73


text:
The curse of the MMO
View Single Post
Archived Post
Lt. Commander
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 120
# 1
The curse of the MMO
I'll reserve final judgement on the release-worthiness of this game until Tuesday, the ACTUAL release of this game. However, some things do make me apprehensive
The login-queues.
Not worth discussing. It's a major no-no and the guys at Cryptic should be savvy enough to already have this at the top of their priority-list and they'll get it sorted out. For their sake, I hope sooner rather than later cause nothing gets you shouting for a refund at the game-store like an unplayable game.
A lot of stuff still feels confusing to me. I may be dim, but at Lieutenant 10, I still have a hazy idea at best about the various skills and how they work. Still trying to figure out if they can be reset or if I have to steel myself for the fact that I'll be forced to re-roll down the line just cause I spread my skills wrong.
I still have a very vague idea about what fleet actions are. Apart from that one Admiral whatshisface that you can talk to, there is no info to be had. Incidentally, that particular dialogue is one of the more annoying bugs as it keeps popping up for no apparent reason at the most inopportune times (like when I'm getting hammered by 6 klingons at once from every direction).
Memory alpha. So, do you increase my standing with them by buying a bunch of crap from Commander whatshername to get access to the other venders there? Or is it something else I need to do? Would be nice to know before I start squandering all my materials on stuff I don't want.
Tooltips that make no sense. Like a tactiacal console with "Phasors +5". Plus 5 what? Damage? Accuracy? Range? Color-hue? And what does "Accuracy +0.1" mean for that matter? How is it even calculated?
Maps crashing when zoning to a system, not even being able to enter a system, no timeout when server stops responding in ground-missions, I could go on.
The point is, all who've played any other MMO game from the start knows that this is "to be expected" and that all of these games have glitches that they are eventually hammered out, some more quickly than others. The reason I put this in quotes is that just because we've come to expect this doesn't mean it's OK. And any player new to the genre definitly won't accept it. They will compare this with a console adventure game that works out of the box and say, "this is a joke, I want my money back. This isn't even working".
I think game-makers should take heed and examine some of the poor showings of later-years. Warhammer, Pirates of the Burning Sea, Age of Conan, Champions Online (yes Cryptic...) etc - I dear say a lot of the recent MMOs failed to take off based to a large part on failure to meet expectations in terms of quality (too many bugs), clarity (confusing mechanics) and accesability (queues, downtime, crashes).
Now, since you should always end on a positive note I'll say this: All you guys at Cryptic, awsome game! After seing it in action in open beta and head-start I'm loving it. Graphics are smart and pretty, gameplay and space-combat are all really fun and the mechanics with officers and stations feels both fresh and natural. Gameplay also feels smooth and the interface is (mostly) responsive. The reason I say mostly is due to ground combat that i feel has received less polish than space-combat. Not to say it's not good, just that the space-part of the game is better. I'm also anxious to get deeper into the game and to figure out all those things I still dont understand and to explore the team-oriented mechanics and roles in more detail.
And because I'm one of those poor sods who knows to "expect" a rocky launch, I'll definitly stick around a while with the conviction that bugs will be fixed, glitches sorted and issues solved
With one caveat - if the queues still remain after launch, I'll be gone like a pay-check on the first friday after pay-day. That is totally unacceptable.


text:
Guest Picks: Richard Wolffe
Monday, September 16, 2013
MSNBC.com editor Richard Wolffe was on the Leonard Lopate Show recently to talk about what happened behind the scenes of Pres. Obama's 2012 re-election campaign. He also told us about his love of cooking. Find out what else Richard Wolffe's a fan of!
What have you read or seen over the past year (book, play, film, etc…) that moved or surprised you?
Play—Surprisingly, Matilda!
Film—Also surprisingly, Gatsby
Book—The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson
What are you listening to right now?
Apart from WNYC (as a New Yorker), Lianne La Havas, Amos Lee
What's the last great book you read?
I'm re-reading Conan Doyle with my kids. Holmes has such a tight structure. The plot development is so concise, it's still brilliant.
What's one thing you're a fan of that people might not expect?
Cooking—It's therapeutic, social and, I think, an act of love
What's your favorite comfort food?
Anything with rice—paella, risotto—the hardest and most satisfying dishes
Guests:Richard Wolffe
More in:
Comments [1]
If only we could hear economist Richard Wolff...
Leave a Comment
Email addresses are required but never displayed.


text:
Product Specs
Product Description
Tie the knot in nautical style with help from nautical rope card holders. Made of natural cotton and paired with on-theme place cards, your guests are sure to take notice of this "monkey's fist" knot place card holder. This style knot holds its shape and doesn't roll, so it will perfectly stay put on dishware.