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About Us
What is BirdSleuth?
BirdSleuth is an inquiry-based science curriculum that engages kids in scientific study and real data collection through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's exciting citizen science projects. BirdSleuth provides educators with kits that:
- Encourage kids to answer their own questions about nature using the scientific process
- Spend time outdoors, connecting with nature by focusing on the fascinating sights, sounds, and behaviors of birds
- Motivate kids by the real-world importance of the data they enter online, which scientists use to understand and conserve birds
Birdsleuth offers a variety of resources for all types of educators no matter the setting. For a full list of our offerings, visit our shop.
The development of BirdSleuth, originally called "Classroom BirdWatch," was funded with a three year grant from the Instructional Materials Development Program at the National Science Foundation in 2004. With feedback from classroom testing, draft curriculum was restructured as a series of modules that educators select depending on the specific content areas they wish to cover.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0242666. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Through kits, free resources, and educator training, we want to…
• Engage students in their own investigations and the science process.
• Spark curiosity and provide tools to make discoveries.
• Support educators in teaching science through birds.
• Get students outside to connect to the local environment.
The BirdSleuth team is happy to assist educators in fully using the curriculum and our citizen science projects. In addition to workshops, we offer an online summer course and free webinars periodically throughout the year (see Workshops & Webinars or our event calendar). BirdSleuth also recruits experienced educators to be program ambassadors.
Meet the Staff
Manager of K-12 Programs
- I was hired by the Cornell Lab in 2004 to develop and field test the BirdSleuth curriculum, so I've been with BirdSleuth since its beginning. I love sharing citizen science with teachers, particularly through online and in person professional development workshops. Prior to joining the Lab, I worked in the Missouri Botanical Garden's Education Program. I'm a graduate from the Biology programs at Truman State University and Illinois State University (Behavior, Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics program). I enjoy the outdoors– especially camping, biking, and hiking– and I love traveling and discovering new places!
Lisa DeRado
K-12 Resources Coordinator
I graduated from the State University College of NY at Oneonta with a dual major in Psychology and Child Development and Family Studies. Soon after graduation I began working in an integrated preschool for children with developmental disabilities and discovered my love for all children. I found myself immersed in learning and intrigued by each unique child. I began taking on projects outside the classroom by coordinating family support services for Franziska Racker Centers and managing a large afterschool program for Tompkins Community Action in Ithaca, NY. In 2008 I joined the Lab and have enjoyed meeting and working with educators across the country and around the world.
K-12 Project Assistant
I graduated from Cornell University in Spring 2014 studying Natural Resources and Marine Biology with a focus in Environmental Education, however I've been working with BirdSleuth since Fall 2012 managing the Ambassador program. Though my background is in the marine sciences, I've caught the birding bug while working here and have grown to love and appreciate birds as an educational tool!
K-12 Project Assistant
I graduated from the University of Delaware with degrees in Wildlife Conservation and Entomology. While at the University, I discovered the world of avian research and fell in love with chasing birds around the woods. I spent a few years traveling and working as a research technician which inspired me to pursue a career in Environmental Education. I went back to school and obtained my MS from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in Environmental Education. I am thrilled to begin work with the Cornell Lab on the BirdSleuth curriculum to help students connect to birds and nature through scientific exploration.
International Outreach Coordinator
Lilly is the International Outreach Coordinator for BirdSleuth K-12. This role emerged from the work she conducted for her Masters of Environmental Studies degree, which involved adapting and field-testing the first Latin American version of BirdSleuth. From this initial field-test, a program called "BirdSleuth-International: Connecting Kids Through Birds" has evolved, through which she has co-written a curriculum bearing the same name as the program. She has facilitated educator workshops (focused on the implementation of this curriculum) in Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. Lilly is also a PhD Candidate in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University, and conducts her research in Guatemala on environmental education and sense of place among Q'eqchi' Maya communities. The interconnected academic and professional streams of her life allow her to enjoy two of her personal passions – travel and birding in Latin America!
Resident Teacher Advisor
I have a MA in Education from Northern Arizona University and have taught for 38 years. I am a third grade teacher at Breck School, an independent, PreK–12 school in Minneapolis. Last year, Breck awarded me a sabbatical leave allowing me to follow my dream of volunteering at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to learn about and support the phenomenal work being done at the Lab and to grow personally as a birder. That dream began to come true in the rainforests of Peru this past summer when I was able to support the implementation of the Latin American version of BirdSleuth, Connecting Kids Through Birds. Now I am writing and editing curriculum and doing whatever I can to assist this remarkable BirdSleuth team. As a classroom teacher, I am able to bring a different perspective to the work that is being done. I have used the Most Wanted Birds curriculum, FeederWatch and eBird, in my classroom and have lead a passionate, multi-aged group of birders during the summer as they engage in authentic science inquiry.When I am not hard at work on my computer at the Lab, I enjoy video chatting with my family in Minneapolis, playing with my puppy, and exploring the wonders of birding in Ithaca, NY.


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Notagainj. You are very petty to judge what a woman wears to a funera. You must be old and outdated yourself. Our system works by a structure of county committee to fill a vacancy. The county committee member are elected by the people. Betty LOU IS HIGHLY QUALIFIED.
Who can believe anything that jerk says. He is paid to blab and spin garbage.
There are no bigger weasel in Congress than Garrett! I hope he has a primary as well that reduces his war chest!
now all the McGreevey/Corzine plants at this project will be laid off. Boohoo!

subset: commoncrawl


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Jude Law and Rooney Mara talk about working with Steven Soderbergh on his last film, "Side Effects."
Please note that all comments must be approved before being displayed. There is no need to resubmit your comment if it isn't shown immediately, once it has been checked and approved it will appear. Please keep comments appropriate and on topic.


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Auckland City have been crowned Oceania champions for the fourth time after edging a 1-0 win in Tahiti against AS Tefana for a 3-1 aggregate victory.
The New Zealand side held a 2-1 victory from the opening leg of the OFC O-League final on home turf a fortnight ago, and settled their nerves with an early goal from Spanish forward Manel Exposito just prior to the interval.
However, the visitors to the Stade Louis Ganivet in Papeete had to endure a tense second period after the dismissal of Alex Feneridis midway through the half, with the Tahitians piling on the pressure in the latter stages.
"I feel sorry for Tefana because I thought they played very well in both matches," said Auckland coach Ramon Tribulietx. "They were very strong defensively and difficult to play against."
The result means Auckland City will fly the Oceania flag at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2012 having featured at the tournament on three previous occasions, including last year.


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Vick's Famous Hamburgers
Ultimate burger, other treats bring customers back
CORPUS CHRISTI - With all of the fancy, rich holiday food, it is refreshing to know there is a place to get an old fashioned juicy hamburger: Vick's Famous Hamburgers. Whether you want your burger small or supersized with four meat patties, four slices of cheese and eight slices of bacon, Vick's is sure to satisfy.
Vick's Famous Hamburgers is dining simplified. Call in and pick up your order or sit outside on one of the picnic benches and enjoy your grilled to order hamburger.
The winter season is the perfect opportunity to enjoy dining alfresco. Vick's Famous Hamburgers has two locations including a covered dining garage area at the Ayers Street location. The dining garage may be reserved for parties of up to 40 people and all four sides may be opened or closed depending on the weather.
Hamburgers are the stars of the show at Vick's. Relish the double meat, double cheese burger topped with chili and jalapenos, the mushroom burger or the ultimate burger which is two quarter-pound patties topped with grilled tomatoes, fried pickles, grilled mushrooms, bacon, grilled onions, slices of Swiss and American cheese, lettuce with mustard, mayonnaise and ketchup.
No hamburger is complete without sides. Try the gooey chili cheese fries, the zesty onion rings or the fried pickles with ranch dressing for dipping.
In addition to hamburgers, Vick's offers fried chicken, fresh Tex-Mex entrees and seafood selections. Savor the crunchy goodness of six pieces of large, hand-breaded fried shrimp with homemade tartar sauce or three chalupas filled with beans and beef and topped with lettuce, cheese and tomatoes. Fried chicken orders come in various sizes including two pieces with French fries and a roll to the 16-piece mix pack with fries and rolls.
Vick's Famous Hamburgers has party packages which are great for feeding everyone watching the big football or basketball game at your house. The family burger pack includes four hamburgers, four orders of French fries and four drinks while the 20-piece mixed chicken comes with fries and rolls.
Children will love the mini corn dogs, steak fingers or the junior hamburger. The kid's meals come with fries, small drink and a cookie.
Subscribe to the Caller-Times
Need Help? Call us at 1-800-566-8098.
Monday-Friday: 6am-3pm / Saturday: 7am-11am / Sunday: 7am-11am


text: http://askubuntu.com – Today I've installed a new Asus RT-N10E router, as I switched from DSL to a cable ISP. Honestly, I can't recall which security settings I used on the previous one. Thing is, that's I want it to be WPA2 Personal (with AES, that an only option in my router); WPA-TKIP works at about 50 Mb/s but I want the better 60 Mb/s throughput and security of WPA2-AES. Windows XP and both phones connect to the WLAN correctly. My Ubuntu 13.10 with Broadcom STA driver (BCM4313) also connects to the network, at least the indicator says so, but I can't access the internet w/ WPA2-AES. (HowTos)


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Ridgewood attractions are listed below. Find things to do in or near Ridgewood, NY for your upcoming individual or group travel for Ridgewood visitors. We also offer the great discounts on Ridgewood New York hotel and motel rooms.
Reserving group travel? Save with Ridgewood Group Rates
Attractions + Things To See in Ridgewood
... Next 6 Things to see > [1 - 6 of 30]


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Grey's Anatomy
What Is Patrick Dempsey Doing After Grey's Anatomy Ends? (VIDEO)
Last season of Grey's Anatomy was an emotional roller coaster for Derek Shepherd, who went nearly losing his hand in the aftermath of the Season 8 finale plane crash to welcoming the birth of his son, Bailey, in the Season 9 finale.
And while we'll need to wait and see what happens to our favorite Grey Sloan Memorial couple in Season 10, we're hoping that MerDer, Zola, and baby Bailey will be relatively drama-free. With MerDer hopefully on the road to their happy ending, what does that mean for series veterans Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey? After all, their contracts expire after the tenth season, so we wouldn't be surprised if they wanted to pursue other projects.
Ellen has her hands full with "sassy" daughter Stella Luna, while Patrick, an avid racer, recently bought Seattle coffee chain Tully's. But is there yet another profession in Patrick's future?
Back in 2012, the actor told Extra, "After Grey's, I'm going to get into hosting." Okay, so he was totally joking, but we wouldn't mind if McDreamy hosted our next party!
Check out their playful interaction in the video below!
Catch the new season of Grey's Anatomy on Thursday nights this fall at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Satisfy your Grey's Anatomy addiction: Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more McDreamy scoop!


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|Tolkien Gateway is 10 years old. Sign up today to edit TG and help us grow for years to come.
17 June
Events which occurred on 17 June.
On Earth
- 1968 – J.R.R. Tolkien falls down a set of stairs and breaks a leg.
- 2009 - The Hobbitonian Anthology is published.


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BPL Community Profile
Y Cris (TRAUMAhead) - BPL Guest
You cannot send this user a personal message (PM) because they have not specified a PM email address yet.
All Forum Posts by Y Cris
Re: Winter Pack recomendations
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter? Or their 4400 series Ice Pack and ask to have it modified for snow shoes.
Re: How many sleeping bags do you own?
Just one, Western Mountaineering Versalite, hooded sleeping bag, down, 10*F, 2 lbs. I like to sleep in just boxers and a tee and I'm a cold sleeper so it works well. Full zip so I can use it ...
I was looking at Hoka Stinson Evos, but they were too narrow for my feet so I ended up with Altra Olympus. Love the wide toe box and cushion, shoes never feel unstable. Only knock is the tread pa...
Re: Neoair EXT for $99 - Is this still a deal?
Here's a thread regarding the EXT/EXP: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=87548. It's a regular NeoAir with XTherm exterior....
Re: Re: roclite 295s
How long have you used your Trailrocs? 290s look interesting.
Re: roclite 295s
Heard the same that they were going to go back to their original last that they had in their first gen 295s, but that was a while (years?) ago. Been looking for replacements for my first gen 295...
Re: What do you wear on your legs during the day? (winter or summer)
Patagonia Baggies 5" shorts when it's 50* or hotter, Montane Featherlite wind pants if it's colder or I need bug protection. Recently been hiking in TNF Better Than Naked split shorts...
Re: Feet issues
"I am using the Inov-8 295's at the moment, they are working. The Altra Lone Peaks almost fit me, except my heel is narrow and forefoot is very wide." First or second gen? Got t...
Re: Trail runners for human feet? Bonus: Crudely drawn MS-paint foot illustration.
Been looking for a similar shoe, Altra is the only brand I've been able to find, the Inov-8 Trailrocs are close. Went through pretty much all of RunningWarehouse's trail running shoes usi...
Re: Pokey
Like Philip mentioned, it does get pokey. I'll fold up my air pad deflated and tuck it into the bladder holder to take the edge off items. Not a fan of the back panel. Even in cool weather...
All Reader Reviews by Y Cris
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An auction server node is described for a computer network having user nodes for conducting an auction run by an auction adviser for awarding securities from an issuer to bidders of the auction. There is real-time monitoring of the auction as it occurs, a bid mechanism for receiving competitive bids from the bidders at the user nodes, including a quantity of securities to be purchased, an initial price revealed to the other bidders, and a firm price not revealed to the other bidders and within a predetermined range of the initial price. A single market clearing price is determined that allocates to the bidders all of the securities in the auction. An incremental adjustment of the market clearing price may be made by at least one of the auction advisor and the issuer, and an allocation made of the securities to the bidders at the adjusted clearing price.
1. An auction server node in a computer network having one or more user nodes for conducting an auction run by an auction adviser for awarding securities from an issuer to bidders of the auction, such that the auction server node provides for:
a. real-time monitoring of the auction as it occurs;
b. a bid mechanism for receiving competitive bids from the bidders at the user nodes, wherein the competitive bids include:
i. a quantity of securities to be purchased,
ii. an initial price revealed to the other bidders, and
iii. a firm price not revealed to the other bidders and within a predetermined range of the initial price, wherein the predetermined range is set for the bidders;
c. determination of a single market clearing price that allocates to the bidders all of the securities in the auction;
d. an incremental adjustment of the market clearing price by at least one of the auction advisor and the issuer; and
e. an allocation of the securities to the bidders at the adjusted clearing price.
2. An auction server node according to
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i. an initial quantity revealed to the other bidders, and
ii. a firm quantity not revealed to the other bidders and within a pre-determined range of the initial quantity.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/668,255 now U.S. Pat No. 7,415,436, filed Sep. 21, 2000, which in turn claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/187,800 filed Mar. 8, 2000, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
This invention relates to the field of Internet computer systems and processes. More specifically, the invention is a method and apparatus for pricing and allocation of commodity or security issues through use of an Internet based control system.
It is desirable that the process of buying and selling initial offerings and large regulated blocks of commodities or securities (hereinafter "securities") be made more accessible to more investors, be made more price transparent by providing more visibility into the bid and offer process, reduce the costs to issuers and investors and increase the amount of trading in these securities.
The present system of offering new issues of securities is non-transparent, inefficient and biased toward certain buyers and broker-dealers. As used herein, "securities" include equity securities, commodities (as traded on a licensed commodity exchange), fixed income or debt securities including, for example and without limitation, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, mortgage backed bonds, emerging market bonds, junk bonds, treasury bonds, convertible bonds, gold, and the like. These will be generally referred to as "securities."
While the following describes the technical problem in terms of debt securities, the general issues relate to the sale of regulated securities, commodities and other similar assets. Those skilled in these arts will recognize that the technical problem described specifically is a general one which may be solved within the letter and spirit of the invention disclosed herein.
It is typical for a municipality, corporation, or other non-US treasury issuer to sell its securities by having an investment bank, or other broker, underwrite an offering. Typically, corporate bond syndications use an investment bank's salesmen to convey the terms of a pending offering to potential investors along with some preliminary, unofficial "price talk." In this way, a dialogue is initiated with investors that is intended to garner feedback concerning pricing and investor interest. This feedback is shared with the issuer and other investors.
This process is generally referred to as "book building." Book building is iterative and filtered: a sort of oral history of the "book," listing interested investors and the quantity of securities in which they are ostensibly interested, is told, retold and modified until the offering or "deal" is as big and as cheap as the issuer will tolerate. The deal is then priced by the syndicate and the issuer enters into a written agreement with the underwriter to make the offering. Thus, generally, no written commitment to actually make the offering is made by the issuer until after the offering is priced and subscribed. After the initial issue has been through this initial sale process, the securities are freed to trade in the "secondary" market, that is, the market in which securities other than new issues are traded. The issuer of the securities will typically pay fees to the underwriter for its marketing, pricing and allocation services.
In this initial sale system, market size and market price are controlled by the syndicate. And, as discussed below, the syndicate may wish to massage market size and price in order to accomplish a set of objectives which may belong to the underwriter or some subset of participants rather than the issuer and the market at large. Certain investors may be favored by an underwriter, such that other investors who express an interest in purchasing such bonds in an initial offering will have no certainty that they will be allocated any bonds by the syndicate desk. Additionally, a deal will typically become several times oversubscribed, that is, more securities will be desired by investors than are being offered by the issuer.
Potential investors are typically aware of this and, so, will indicate a quantity of securities to the syndicate which may be many times the actual amount of securities desired by the investor. Because investors understand that, in this traditional book building process, information can be filtered and massaged by the underwriter to achieve objectives that may differ from their own, investors tend to view this process with suspicion and caution. Thus, investors may attempt to manipulate the system in their favor in a number of ways. For example, as noted above, potential investors may pad their orders, indicating interest in a greater volume of securities than they truly desire. Potential investors may also stipulate that an order will fall away if the price is increased when, in fact, this simply represents posturing. The deal is then managed to the "proper" price and size by the syndicate, often to maximize fees and to please one constituent or another, but rarely to please the market as a whole or to achieve the most efficient price and distribution profile.
Because of all this attempted manipulation, the underwriter may not be able to get a good understanding of the true intentions of the potential buyers of the securities at the various potential price points. Behavior of all parties is governed by an objective to manipulate the system by using the filtering process to get the upper hand. Thus, it can be the case that, once the real market price is established in secondary trading, one constituency gains at the expense of another, leading to further mistrust of the system.
Recent conditions in the marketplace for debt securities amplify the need for a change in how these securities are bought and sold. For example, technology has become easily available to conduct electronic sales (by auctions, etc.) that promotes unfiltered price discovery on a low-cost, real-time basis. Secondly, debt investors and issuers have become financially more sophisticated in their knowledge of markets, their ability to analyze credit quality and their ability to recognize value in the market. This means that they are less dependent on financial intermediaries for research and advice than they were in the past. Third, the amount of investable funds in the market has grown dramatically over the past decade, creating intense competition for new debt issues within the investor community and creating a need for a better market clearing process. Fourth, the services provided by traditional investment banks related to the new debt issue they originate have declined significantly, while the fees charged for services rendered have remained constant. The most significant example of reduced service is the sharp decline in secondary market liquidity provided by the traditional investment banks, largely the result of a decreased appetite for the risk amidst decreased profitability in secondary corporate bond trading. Finally, the current system encourages misrepresentations about the size and quality of the book, encourages special interest deals and often creates major disputes regarding allocations which create a mistrust of the system, thereby causing investors and issuers to inflate values and amounts in a way which exacerbates the hidden nature and inaccuracies of prices in the system.
With the advent of the Internet and reasonably secure telecommunications systems, various attempts are being made to use these systems for the management of investment portfolios for mutual funds and others and for systems covering the sale and purchase of treasury bonds, corporate bonds and other securities in a way which avoids many of the described problems. Specifically in the area of bonds and other equities, for example, we have seen various patented systems. One such attempt at portfolio management is described in the well publicized U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,056 issued to Signature Financial Group on Mar. 9, 1993 titled "Data processing System for Hub and Spoke Financial Services Configuration." More specifically an attempt at automating the trading of debt securities in the secondary market is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,483 issued Sep. 15, 1998 to S. William Broka et al, titled "Online Transaction processing System for Bond Trading." Another system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,667 issued Aug. 31, 1999 to Morgan Stanley Group titled "Data Processing System and Method for Financial Debt Instruments." This system is a system for investors to track the performance of certain issued debt instruments within a limited period of time and especially for implementing investor participation in domestic and foreign capital markets through positions in indexed vehicles which are packaged as debt instruments. Still another more recent example of the use of the Internet to enhance general trading is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,686 issued Feb. 8, 2000 to Health Hero Network, titled "Method for Conducting an on-line Bidding Session with Bid Pooling." This system, while not aimed specifically at any specific security market, is a system for allowing individuals to pool their bids as a group in order to qualify to bid on a property in an on-line auction. That is, it allows individuals with limited funds to pool their resources with other individuals of limited resources to be able to qualify (i.e. have enough capital) to buy a piece of property that has been auctioned.
Other known internet related systems for buying and selling securities and commodities include a system set up in 1992 by Intervest, aimed at facilitating the secondary market sales of bonds between investors and broker-dealers. More recently, Brokertec, a consortium set up by Goldman Sachs and six other large institutions in the summer of 1999 is said to be trying to create an electronic inter-dealer broker for cash and futures. Tradeweb, an electronic brokerage system for US Treasuries, was set up by four investment banks (CSFB, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers and Soloman Brothers) in 1997 and has apparently been successful in trading these securities. These Government bonds however do not have the problems mentioned above in that they are heavily traded, their price is well known in advance and are deemed the ultimate safe investment. Still another on-line system for handling bond trading, primarily in the secondary market, is BondDesk.com owned by BondDesk.Com LLP, an internet-based provider of retail fixed income trading software, and owned by BondExchange LLC, Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Paine Webber Inc., and Spear, Leeds & Kellog. Almost all of these systems which strive to offer new issues follow the same logic; that is, they distribute research, prospectuses, filings and other new issue information over the web, which cuts down on paper, faxes and some phone calls. However the ultimate pricing and allocation of securities is still conducted via traditional methods.
There is still a need for an Internet-based centralized system which provides a low-cost, open and decentralized price discovery environment. That is, a system using current technology to improve the transparency of the price discovery process, eliminate mistrust, reduce the special interest money involved, and bring the cost of distribution more directly in line with the value added by the medium. The present invention provides a system to accomplish these goals and is applicable to the general securities and commodities transactions.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the above described systems by providing an economical, high performance, adaptable system and method (designated "The OpenBook system") for conducting an auction of securities to institutional and individual investors on the Web. In the OpenBook system auction:
The OpenBook system thus creates a transparent and low-cost new issue market; offers all bidders equal access to securities; and gives both investors and issuers a "seat on the syndicate desk."
A computer implemented method for conducting an auction of securities on the web is claimed whereby
Bidders are rewarded for anonymously revealing their bids early.
All winners pay a single market-clearing price that sells out the securities.
All participants can monitor the auction in real time.
An apparatus for conducting an auction of securities on the web is claimed whereby
Bidders are rewarded for anonymously revealing their bids early.
All winners pay a single market-clearing price that sells out the securities.
All participants can monitor the auction in real time.
Also claimed is a network node in the Openbook system which is an auction server node in a network having a user node including a browser program coupled to the network, the user node providing requests for information and providing bidding input commands on said network, the network node comprising:
Also claimed is a computer program product stored on a computed useable medium, comprising;
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the above described systems by providing an economical, high performance, adaptable system and method (designated "the OpenBook system") for conducting an auction of securities to institutional and individual investors on the Web. In the OpenBook system auction:
The OpenBook system thus creates a transparent and low-cost new issue market; offers all bidders equal access to securities; and gives both investors and issuers a "seat on the syndicate desk."
Similarities to Traditional Investment Grade Offerings
The Openbook system auction process is similar to a traditional investment grade debt security offering in the following respects:
The Underwriting Agreement, Terms Agreement and Prospectus Supplement
The participants in the OpenBook system agree prior to an auction that their bids are conditional offers that the managing underwriters can accept once the auction is completed. In order to be able to immediately accept such offers, the underwriters will need to enter into a terms agreement with the issuer prior to pricing with the following provisions:
A system in accordance with the present invention is a system of price determination and allocation of securities that can result in substantial benefits for both companies seeking to raise capital through the sale of such securities and investors wishing to purchase such securities. As noted in the Background section, as used herein, securities includes equity securities, debt vehicles such as, without limitation, corporate or municipal bonds, mortgage backed bonds, emerging market bonds, junk bonds, commodities, gold, and money market instruments such as, without limitation, US treasury bills, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements and the like. An investment vehicle offering using a pricing and distribution system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention differs substantially from either traditional underwritten or Dutch auction security offerings. In offerings conducted in accordance with the present invention, investment vehicles will generally be sold by an offering company at a price determined by investors bidding for the vehicles using a Dutch auction type scheme. A Dutch auction is described in Exxon Corp., 1977-78 Fed. Sec. L. Rep. (CCH) para. 81, 198 at 88, 159 (avail. May 9, 1977) which explains:
In addition, the offering price is based upon the yields specified in the bids. After closing the invitation period, the bids are listed in ascending order of yields. The bid with the lowest yield is accepted first, and then other bids at successively higher yields are accepted up to those bids with the highest yield required to reach the total amount of the offering. The highest accepted yield is the yield at which all the bonds are awarded. Upon determination of the yield, the interest rate and price are fixed by the issuer. The securities will be awarded to the successful bidders at a uniform price based upon the accepted yield.
However, not all difficulties are alleviated using the Dutch auction method. Using either a traditional book building or a Dutch auction technique, the issuer generally does not enter into any type of binding agreement to issue the bonds until after investors have demonstrated interest or the auction has run and pricing takes place. Thus, even after expressing interest or, in a Dutch auction, placing a bid, the issuer could still decide not to issue any bonds, leaving investors uncertain that they would receive any bonds until after final pricing.
Moreover, the value of a security is an almost exclusive function of the market for the security. And, both the traditional book building method and the Dutch auction method described above provide an imperfect indication of what the actual market value of a particular fixed income security might be because of the closed nature of the process. For example, there is no quote system for the bond market to allow potential investors to gain an idea of what a new issue might be worth. Additionally, there is no mechanism for a potential purchaser to gain information about what the issuer or other potential purchasers believe the particular security is worth or the amount of securities that an issuer will offer until after a price has been set and the security has been purchased. Finally, similar deal sizes for similar grade securities may have different demand at different points in time depending on any number of outside factors. Thus, past demand for a particular type of security is not necessarily a good indicator of future demand for a similar offering. Accordingly, there is an inherent lack of certainty for investors when purchasing these types of securities using traditional methods. While a type of Dutch auction is used in the present invention, this auction is an "open" auction as opposed to a "closed" (sealed bid) type auction used by others.
In the preferred embodiment, Information concerning the offering such as a range in which the final yield will be set and a range of total offering size is preferably provided prior to the auction. Additionally, potential investors will be able to receive feedback concerning what other potential investors are bidding for the offering during the course of an auction.
Preferably, an Auction Advisor provides a system upon which the auction portion of the offering is run and assist the issuer of the securities in marketing the offering and running the auction. As shown in step 110 of
Because a binding agreement has been entered into, as shown in step 113, the issuer and/or auction advisor are able to determine a number of auction parameters, discussed in detail below, preferably including parameters which limit the price and total size of the offering. These auction parameters are preferably publicized to potential auction participants.
In a securities distribution system in accordance with the present invention, bidder's can preferably place two types of bids, a competitive bid and a non-competitive bid. As explained below in detail, bids include both a price component and a quantity component. Non-competitive bids are given in terms of the dollar amount of securities desired by the bidder and are automatically assigned a price component equal to a minimum yield for the offering as set by the auction parameters Competitive bids preferably have both a quantity component and a price component chosen by the bidder which may be above a minimum yield as set by the auction parameters. Additionally, competitive bids preferably have a private component, used for pricing and allocation, and a public component, which is preferably made available to other bidders while an auction is in progress and which is preferably related to the private component. By having a public and private component, competitive bids can be used to provide bidders and issuers with information about the market value of an offering without requiring the bidder to reveal exactly what his or her bid is. Finally, as shown in step 116, the auction is closed and, as explained below, preferably 30 minutes after the close of the auction final pricing is completed.
Next, as shown in step 118, a pricing and allocation auction is conducted by the auction advisor. Basically, a clearing price is determined by arranging bids received during the auction in order from best to worst and pricing the offering at the bid price at which all the bonds offered can be allocated. Bonds are then allocated to all bidders bidding inclusively between the best bid price and the clearing price. Preferably, pricing achieved at this stage is set relative to the yield of a benchmark Treasury bond at a time after the auction has ended.
A securities distribution system in accordance with the present invention provides a number of significant advantages over a traditional fixed income securities offering. First, because issuers preferably enter into an agreement to sell bonds before pricing or allocation of bonds occurs, investors are provided with a relatively higher degree of certainty that bonds will be issued.
Also, far more information can, and preferably is, made available to investors prior to a showing of interest by investors than in past securities distribution systems. Pricing and deal size information is made available via the auction parameters publicized prior to the auction. Additionally, further "real-time" pricing information is made available to potential investors during an auction by publicizing the public component of all bids as they become available. Both of these features of a preferred embodiment of the present invention advantageously disseminate important information to investors allowing investment decisions based on a higher degree of certainty.
The auction system also can provide greater exposure to the retail market as individual investors preferably have the ability to bid on offerings on substantially equal footing with institutional investors. Thus, individual retail investors can gain access to new fixed income offerings, including high-grade corporate bond offerings, whereas they may not have had such access under previous security distribution schemes. The ability for retail investors to bid along side institutional investors may have the additional effect of increasing demand over that of a typical underwritten offering where the retail market is largely ignored relative to institutional buyers.
Additionally, the issuer of the securities does not have to pay as much of a premium to an investment bank or other broker for selling the securities because if the inherent efficiencies of the electronic system. This can advantageously result in substantial savings to the issuer in making a security offering.
The auction system provides greater certainty that the allocation of securities are awarded to those that desire them the most. Allocation is based on the aggressiveness of an investor's bid and their time stamp. The higher the price an investor is willing to pay for a security and the earlier they place their bid, the more likely they are to be awarded securities.
In a preferred embodiment, offerings utilizing an auction in accordance with the present invention will be conducted through the use of a software system developed by the assignee, W. R. Hambrecht, Inc., which is described in more detail below. This system will handle multiple aspects of the offering process, including subscription, pricing and allocation. It is to be understood, however, that a securities pricing and allocation system in accordance with the present invention my be achieved by any number of similar web-based software and hardware modules.
Although, as noted above, the pricing and distribution system of the present invention can be applied to any type of security, a preferred embodiment, discussed below, will be described with respect to bonds or, more specifically, corporate bonds. Additionally, pricing for bonds herein will be referred to in terms of interest rate paid on the bond or yield. Specifically, pricing will be referred to with respect to the interest rate paid on the auctioned bonds relative to the interest rate paid on a selected benchmark treasury bond. This quantity will be referred to herein as the "spread." It is to be noted that the lower the spread, the lower the interest rate the issuer must pay on the bond. Consequentially, the lower the spread of a given bid, the more attractive it is to the issuer.
In a system in accordance with the present invention, investment vehicle offerings are preferably accessible to both institutional and retail investors. In order to participate in any given offering investors must be registered with a designated Underwriter. It is expected that institutional investors will be able to register directly with such Underwriter, but that retail investors will typically participate via on-line brokerage firms. On the day the bonds become available for sale by the issuing company registered investors can submit bids on the offering. Preferably, bids are submitted electronically through a web-based interface maintained by the Assignee, W. R. Hambrecht Inc., as the Auction Advisor. As discussed in detail below, any investor making a bid will indicate the number of bonds such investor would be willing to purchase ("Bid Quantity") and the spread the investor would be willing to accept ("Spread").
Preferably, to arrange an offering, an issuer of securities contacts the auction advisor at least a week prior to the date the issuer would like to sell the bonds and arranges to have the auction advisor offer and sell the bond issue through the auction process of the present invention.
Prior to conducting an auction, an issuer and/or the auction advisor determine a number of auction parameters, listed below. Then, preferably, these parameters are announced to potential bidders prior to the start of the auction. This feature advantageously provides a potential investor with far more information about a bond offering than was traditionally available through the previously used bond sales techniques discussed in the Background section.
The parameters listed below are those which are determined in a preferred embodiment. It is to be understood that it is within the ambit of the present invention to include either greater or fewer auction parameters to be decided prior to the auction and announced to potential bidders.
By publicizing the auction parameters listed above prior to the start of an auction, potential investors can receive far more information about a fixed income offering than was typically made available in past offering techniques. In particular, through publication of the Minimum and Maximum Deal Size, the Benchmark Treasury and the Minimum and Maximum Spread, potential investors will receive information about both the size and pricing of a bond offering prior to the sale of the bonds. This information can advantageously be used by investors to make relatively more certain investment decisions.
Auction Process
Additionally, as shown in step 154, and as explained in detail below, bids are taken by the auction advisor and the public component of the bids are publicized. It is to be understood that preferably, bids taken during an auction are not necessarily accepted. That is, simply because the auction advisor takes a bid from a bidder, it does not necessarily mean that the bidder will receive bonds. As discussed below, only successful bidders will receive bonds.
As shown in step 156, the deal size is set, preferably midway through the auction. At a predetermined ending time, as shown in step 158, the auction is ended and no more bids are taken.
Preferably, a pricing and allocation system in accordance with the present invention determines the yield which the bonds being offered will generate based on bids received by potential investors. An potential investor's auction bid preferably indicates two things: the number of bonds the potential investor wishes to purchase and the yield the potential investor wishes to receive for the bonds. The number of bonds is preferably expressed as the total value of the bonds the potential investor wishes to buy, for example, an investor might indicate a desire to purchase $200,000 worth of bonds. The yield the potential investor would like to receive on the purchased bonds is preferably indicated in terms of spread between the yield of the Benchmark Treasury at the time of final pricing and the desired yield of bonds being bid for in one basis point increments. For example, if the Benchmark Treasury has a yield of 7%, the auction participant would bid 1.5% to indicate a willingness to accept an 8.5% yield on the purchased bonds.
As discussed in detail below, in an bond pricing and distribution method in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, whether a bid is successful depends generally on two factors: the size of the bid spread and the relative time at which the bid was placed. Generally, the lower the bid spread and the relatively earlier the bid is placed, the more likely the auction participant will receive the full amount of bonds desired. Preferably, in order to determine when a bid was placed, a "time stamp" is associated with the bid which indicates when a bid was received relative to other bids received during an auction.
As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are two general categories of bids which an auction participant can place: competitive bids and non-competitive bids. Competitive bids preferably indicate both a quantity and a spread which can be above the Minimum Spread set by the issuer prior to the auction. Non-competitive bids, on the other hand, simply express a total amount of bonds which the bidder desires at the whatever the clearing price will be.
Additionally, there are two categories of competitive bids: public competitive bids and private competitive bids. When first entering a competitive a bid, a bidder preferably enters both a public competitive bid, or "initial bid," and a private competitive bid, or "final bid." The initial bid will not be part of a firm offer from the potential investor at the time of the auction close, however, the final bid will be part of such a firm offer. Additionally, the spread and quantity of the initial bid is made available to other potential investors while the auction is taking place (though the identity of the bidder is preferably not revealed). Preferably, if the bidder does not enter a final bid at the time of entering the initial bid, the initial bid becomes the final bid by default.
Because the final bids affect the clearing spread of the offering, and become the potential investor's firm offer at the time of the close of the auction, in order to provide an indication to auction participants of the market value of the offering, it might be desirable to publicize the final bids. However, it may also be desirable to auction participants to keep precise information about their firm offers private until the end of the auction. Accordingly, to provide all bidders with some indication of the market value of the offering, the private, final bids are preferably related to the public, initial bids.
To achieve this, in a preferred embodiment, the issuer sets a Protected Spread Range which indicates the maximum amount a bidder's final bid can be below his or her initial bid from the final bid spread without altering the time stamp of the bid. For example, if an issuer set a protected spread range of 0.35 basis points, a bidder's final bid spread could not be more that 0.35 below the bidders initial bid without losing the time stamp of the bid. Preferably, if the bidder goes out of the protected spread range, the original time stamp for the bid is lost and a new time stamp corresponding to the time the final bid outside the protected spread range was made is assigned to the new bid. Additionally, a new initial bid is preferably created by default to match the final bid which is outside the protected spread range of the original initial bid. Preferably, the final bid is not allowed to be above the initial indication. This provides bidders viewing publicly provided bid information with the knowledge that the information provided reflects the largest spreads that other bidders are bidding. This can provide greater certainty for bidders viewing publicly provided bid information.
As noted above and explained in detail below, bonds are preferably allocated partially based on the time stamp corresponding to the bid. Thus, in a competitive auction, it is to a bidder's benefit to both bid early and retain the time stamp of his or her bid by not placing a final bid outside the protected spread range. This provides a motivation for bidders to make final bids which are inside the protected spread range with respect to the bidder's initial bid. This, in turn, provides a motivation for bidders to make their initial bids reflect the bidder's genuine beliefs about the market value of the offering. Thus, advantageously, there is impetus to make publicly provided bid information available relatively early in the auction process and bear some relationship to the true market value of the bond offering.
As mentioned above, bidders can also place non-competitive bids instead of or in addition to competitive bids. In a Non-competitive bids the bidder enters a bid for the amount of bonds desired, such as $200,000. For pricing purposes, the spread component is set at the Minimum Spread as determined by the issuer prior to the auction. As will be explained in detail below, this means that non-competitive bids are the first bids "filled" or allocated the requested quantity of bonds. In this way, a bidder who wants a certain amount of the offered bonds, but is not highly concerned about the yield, can simply indicate how many bonds he or she desires and the bid will likely be filled at clearing spread. Also, preferably, retail investors are limited to submitting only non-competitive bids while institutional investors can submit either competitive or non-competitive bids. This advantageously allows savvy, institutional investors to retain substantial control over the final price of the bonds thereby reducing the possible irrationality which may be introduced into the market if retail investors were substantially impacting the price of bonds. Like competitive bids, non-competitive bids also receive a time stamp when placed which may be used to determine allocation priority.
As shown in step 216 a spread is also associated with the initial bid. In step 218, the system first determines whether the bid is competitive or not. If the bid is not competitive then, in step 222 the spread for the bid is set equal to the minimum bid spread. If the initial bid is part of a competitive bid then a shown in step 220, it is determined whether the spread is below the maximum spread and above the minimum spread. If the spread is outside this minimal/maximum spread range, the bidder is returned to step 216 and asked to enter another spread. If the spread is within the minimum/maximum spread range, then the spread component of the bid is approved. Finally in step 224, if both the quantity component and the spread component of the initial bid are approved, the bid is displayed to the public and given a time stamp.
As discussed above, it is possible to modify the spread component of a competitive bid. Additionally, it is possible to modify the quantity component of either a competitive bid or a non-competitive bid.
If the bidder does not wish to lose the time stamp of the original bid, he or she is returned to step 300 to make an appropriate bid modification. If the bidder does wish to enter a new bid he may do so but only up to the pegged amount.
Changing a bid quantity by a relatively large amount, e.g. more than 50%, can have a relatively large effect on the bid information that is provided to bidders during the auction. Thus, allowing such large changes is bid quantity could introduce greater uncertainty into the auction process. Accordingly, bidders are preferably discouraged from changing their bid quantities by such a large amount. Preferably, if a bidder changes his or her original bid quantity by 50% or more, the original bid is cancelled and the bidder must enter a new bid with a new time stamp. Therefore, if the new quantity component of the modified bid is greater than or equal to the current bid quantity component then, at step 314, the system checks whether the new quantity is less than 50% more than the original quantity component. If so, then, at step 316, the bidder is asked whether he or she would like to enter a new bid. However, if the new quantity component is less than 50% more than the original quantity component, the change is accepted, the time stamp is preserved and, as shown in step 318, the new quantity component is displayed to other bidders.
As discussed above, a competitive bid also has a final bid component which is not made public during the auction. Referring again to
If the bidder does not wish to enter a new bid, the bidder is returned to step 400. If the bidder does wish to enter a new bid, as shown in step 414, a new time stamp is assigned to the modified bid and the initial bid component of the modified bid is by default set equal to the new final bid component. If the bidder desires, however, an initial bid different from the new final bid can be entered as long as it is greater than the new final bid and within the protected spread range of the final bid. Returning to step 410, if the new final bid entered at 400 is less than the original initial bid by no more than the Protected Spread Range, then at step 416, the new final bid is accepted with no change in the time stamp of the bid.
After accepting bids for a predetermined amount of time, as set in the auction parameters, the auction is closed and no additional bids are accepted and submitted bids cannot be changed.
Pricing and Allocation
The final yield which investors will receive for bonds sold through the auction process is preferably determined following the auction close. Most preferably, the final yield is determined 30 minutes after the auction close. Immediately after auction close, however, a spread at which the offered bonds will be sold relative to the Benchmark Treasury Rate, or clearing spread, is determined.
As shown at step 500, non-competitive bids and final bid components of competitive bids are arranged in an array from lowest spread to highest spread. As noted above, non-competitive bids are automatically assigned the Minimum Spread as determined in the auction parameters. Accordingly, non-competitive bids will be collected at the lowest level of the array of arranged bids. Bids having the same spread are arranged in the array in ascending order from the earliest time stamp to the latest time stamp. Bids having the same time stamp and spread are placed at the same level in the array.
As shown in steps 501 and 510, the lowest bid or bids (if multiple bids share the same time stamp) are "accepted." Subject to there being sufficient quantity demand to fill the deal size, bidders of accepted bids will receive bonds at the clearing spread. Then, in step 512, the system checks whether the aggregate quantity of accepted bids equals or exceeds the deal size. If not 511, then the next highest bid or bids in the array are accepted. The system loops through steps 510 and 512 until the aggregate quantity of accepted bids is equal to or greater than the deal size 513. Then, as shown in step 514, the system checks whether all of the accepted bids are non-competitive bids. If not 515, that is, if there is at least one competitive bid accepted, then as shown in step 516, the clearing spread is set equal to the spread of the last accepted bid or bids (having the same spread and time stamp).
If all of the accepted bids are non-competitive 517 then, as shown in step 518, the clearing spread is set at either one of two values. If the aggregate dollar quantity of bonds requested by the accepted bids exactly equals the deal size, bonds will be awarded at the mid-point between the Minimum Spread and the Maximum Spread. If, however, the aggregate quantity of bonds requested by the accepted bids is greater than the deal size, bonds will be awarded at the Minimum Spread.
As shown in step 520, if there are multiple bids with the same time stamp and which spread component equals the clearing spread, then bonds are allocated among these bids on a pro-rate basis. Then, in step 522, the system determines whether the aggregate quantity component of the accepted bids is greater than the deal size. If it is not 523, that is, if the aggregate quantity component of the accepted bids is equal to the deal size, then, as shown in steps 524 and 526, investors are awarded bonds at the clearing spread according to the quantity component bid.
As shown in step 528, if the aggregate quantity component of the accepted bids is greater than the deal size, the accepted bids with the highest spread and the latest time stamp will be awarded only a portion of desired quantity indicated by the bid. The portion awarded is preferably equal to the difference between the deal size and the aggregate quantity of bonds requested by all accepted bids minus the quantity of bonds requested by the accepted bid with the highest bid and the latest time stamp. Additionally, as shown in step 526, bonds will be awarded at the clearing spread.
Bond pricing occurs approximately 30 minutes after an auction terminates. The auction yield is preferably determined by adding the clearing spread to the Benchmark Treasury Rate. The coupon rate on the bond will be set at the auction yield rounded down to an increment determined by the issuer and auction advisor. The bond price that corresponds to the auction yield and coupon rate is preferably rounded to three decimal places.
While the following description of the preferred embodiment articulates the current operating rules in terms of an auction and system focused on bond or debt securities it will be clear to those skilled in these arts that these and similar rules can be used in and for similar electronic auctions of securities of any kinds as well as for similar auctions of most commodities. Similarly, while the description of the systems hardware and software and their current architecture are used at present for auctions of bonds and other debt securities, it will be clear to those skilled in these arts that these and similar hardware and software means can be used in and for similar electronic auctions of securities of any kinds as well as for similar auctions of most commodities.
Technology Employed
The OpenBook auction system builds on the design and architecture developed for W. R. Hambrecht's proprietary OpenIPO™ equity underwriting platform. This is described in the related pending application Ser. No. 09/347,949 filed Jul. 6, 1999 which is incorporated fully herein by reference. The auction engine employs a modular, client-server architecture that can be partitioned across several processors using standard network protocols. The core of the system is the Order Management Server (OMS) which utilizes a commercial, off-the-shelf relational database to provide transaction-oriented persistent storage. Other components of the system interact with the OMS via a distributed messaging system to handle administration, bid management, and securities allocation. The novelty of the present invention including its differences from this prior invention will be described in more detail below.
Current Operating Rules
In the preferred embodiment of the system, the following rules govern the participation of buyers and sellers of securities and are consistent with current Federal and State Regulations governing the sale of such securities.
1. General Terms
The Auction Process
In an embodiment of the invention, an overview of the system of the present invention is shown in
In an embodiment of the invention, OpenBookManager 2406 is responsible for bidder account management, multiplexing a bidder-role based interface to the Order Management System 2410, and position management for authorized accounts and to provide a single listener interface for state changes in active auctions. The OpenBookManager 2406 makes state and position information available to clients for use by any user interface system that does not use the Order Management System 2410 API/SPI directly.
In an embodiment of the invention, the OpenBook system Servlet Interface 2405 provides programmatic execution linkage between the Java Servlet Engine 2404 API Specification and the OpenBookManager 2406 module. Servlet invocations are mapped to OpenBookManager 2406 interfaces to allow user interfaces to be constructed for HTML. The OpenBook Servlet Interface 2405 is invoked and controlled by Java Servlet Engine 2404, which may be a 3rd party Java Servlet Engine such as JRun from Allaire. JRun is in turn utilized by the 3rd party HTTP web server 2402, which may be Zeus from Zeus Technology. HTTP web server 2402 is in turn connected to Web Browser User Interface 2401.
In an embodiment of the invention, HTML Templates 2403 are provided to allow for the separation of functionality between the OpenBook Servlet Interface 2405 module and the HTML designer. Server Side Include template mappings may be provided for the principal objects of the system and all their attributes, as well as system attributes such as time and date. Multiple browser products may be supported and accommodated.
Auction Server Database Schema
In an embodiment of the invention, an exemplary database schema for an auction server of the method and system of the present invention will now be described.
In an embodiment of the invention, an auctiondb database may represent the Relational Backing Store (RBS) 2407, as shown in
The following statements clean out any existing auction database to set up an auction:
The following creates an empty auction database:
A users table defines static information about entities that are allowed access to parts of the system. Referring to
A userLog table relates to security and error checking for users in the method and system of the present invention. Whenever an action is taken, the userlog is updated to catalog the action. An embodiment is as follows:
An accounts table is used to record information associated with end users, such as investors associated with the method and system of the present invention. Examples of end users are institutional buyers, individual investors, and retail users. An embodiment is as follows:
An accountLog table is used to record and catalog all actions taken by given account. An embodiment is as follows:
A roles table provides a convenient repository for security roles defined by the auction system. Each role is assigned a unique RoleID. This RoleID is referred to by a UserRoles table. Semantics of roles are defined by the application. The roles of users may be checked to determine if a user has access to certain resources or is allowed to perform various tasks. An embodiment is as follows:
The userRoles table enumerates all of the roles that are associated with a particular user. An embodiment is as follows:
In an embodiment of the invention, a userRoleLog table represents the complete transaction history of each role change for each user known to the system. Each transaction is assigned a unique userRoleTxID. An embodiment is as follows:
In an embodiment of the invention, view userRoleNames is associated with the same data as userRoles but provides user and role names instead of ids. An embodiment is as follows:
An auctions table defines actual auctions that are run. Each auction is associated with a set of parameters defining that auction. Click-through parameters may also be used. Table values for parameters may be stored. In an embodiment of the invention, parameters that are required and must be provided are the ones listed as "not null" in the following exemplary embodiment:
In an embodiment of the invention, 'view deals' allows users to see views for report generation and reporting purposes, such as for those who monitor an auction. Views may be created so that databases do not have to be queried each time a report needs to be run. In an embodiment of the invention, data is already assembled and fed into reporting structures associated with method and system of the present invention. An embodiment is as follows:
An auctionLog table is used to catalog and record all actions taken for a particular auction. In an embodiment of the invention, user changes are recorded in the auctionLog table. In an embodiment of the invention, parameters may be changed by a user. An embodiment is as follows:
In an embodiment of the invention, view dealLog shows views for a particular deal. View dealLog may be used for reporting or other purposes. An embodiment is as follows:
A positions table records the structures for bids, including such objects as sizes, timestamps, initial bid spreads, and final bid spreads. In an embodiment of the invention, for a non-competitive bid, a size and a timestamp is logged. In an embodiment of the invention, for a competitive bid, a size, a final bid spread, an initial bid spread, and a timestamp are logged. In an embodiment of the invention, user accounts may be referenced. The positions table may also index by account and/or by auction. An embodiment is as follows:
In an embodiment of the invention, table positionLog records changes that are made to a positions table. In an embodiment of the invention, examples of changes are changes in spread, changes in size, and changes in timestamp. All actions for accounts may be logged. Table positionLog may be indexed per auction, via unique auctionIDs for each auction, and/or cross-referenced with user IDs. An embodiment is as follows:
In an embodiment of the invention, a fills table may store information about bonds that are awarded. An end user may set up a position. The end user may or may not get a fill, based on the other positions in the auction and other factors. An embodiment is as follows:
In an embodiment of the invention, a fillLog table catalogs and records changes to fills. Examples of changes include changes made by an administrator due to mistakes, suspect bids, and/or decisions to sell a lesser quantity or otherwise modify bids. In an embodiment of the invention, an administrator or other party may change bids.
An embodiment of a database schema dump or exit is as follows:
In an embodiment of the invention, the method and system of the present invention is associated with a corporate bond origination via a single-price auction. In an embodiment of the invention, states of the auction may include NOT OPEN, OPEN, WITHDRAWN, PRICING, CLOSED, RUNNING, ALLOCATED, and FILLED.
In an embodiment of the invention, time is a required component of the auction, and each phase may be captured in the system as a state. In an embodiment of the invention, each state is strictly independent from the rest: the auction is in exactly one state at any given time, no two states overlap, and there is no period of time that is not covered by exactly one state. In an embodiment of the invention, the transition from one state to the next is atomic.
In the NOT_OPEN state, the auction is not yet open. In an embodiment of the invention, this state begins at the instant the auction is first created in the system and continues until the transition to the OPEN state. No positions may be created, modified, or cancelled. All auctions are created in this state, and this is a state into which a transition from another state may not be made. The method and system of the present invention may only transition to the OPEN state from the NOT_OPEN state.
In the OPEN state, the auction is open, and positions from qualified accounts and authorized users can be created, modified, or cancelled. In an embodiment of the invention, this state begins at the moment the auction is opened and continues until the transition to the PRICING state or the WITHDRAWN state. Due to vagaries of system timing, this state may not be used as the definitive control over when position operations are accepted by the method and system of the present invention. It may be expected that the duration of this state will be from the openTime auction attribute through the closeTime auction attribute. See discussion below about timing.
In the WITHDRAWN state, the auction is withdrawn. This state begins at the moment the auction is withdrawn and continues indefinitely, or until it is reset to the OPEN state. It is used to signal that an auction has been suspended or cancelled. In an embodiment of the invention, no position operations are accepted, though some positions may already exist in the method and system of the present invention.
In the PRICING state, the system is being prepared to accept final pricing items. This state begins at the moment as close as possible to immediately following a close time and ends at the transition to the CLOSED state or the WITHDRAWN state. During this state, position operations are only allowed by those users with a syndicate role authorized. In an embodiment of the invention, a new position for the syndicate may be entered in order to effect a syndicate long position; a total available auction attribute may be modified during this state. This amount may be different from the auction attribute announced size, and can be used to effect a syndicate short position.
In the CLOSED state, the auction is closed, and no further position operations are allowed. The state begins at the moment the syndicate manager closes the auction and ends when the auctioneer transitions the auction to the RUNNING state.
In the RUNNING state, the auctioneer, is in the process of calculating the clearing value and generating allocations. In an embodiment of the invention, queries to the book may produce intermediate results. If an error occurs in the RUNNING state, the auction is reverted to the CLOSED state and all allocations are cancelled. At the successful conclusion of allocation generation, the state is changed to ALLOCATED.
In the ALLOCATED state, the auction has been allocated, and executions have been created and are available. In an embodiment of the invention, the final auction attributes, such as coupon, price, and other attributes, may be computed and published by users who have the syndicate role authorized. For the first few minutes after entering this state, the treasuries position attribute may be modified for positions that received a fill; this time ends at a close time+final pricing time but does not start until this state is entered.
In the FILLED state, the auction is filled, and no position operations or auction operations are allowed. Fills may be transmitted to third parties, such as clearing brokers, winning bidders, and/or other parties. This state begins when the auctioneer has finished generating fills, and the FILLED state may continue indefinitely.
In an embodiment of the invention, time in an auction may be handled as follows. Normal position operations may be allowed at certain times. When a position operation is attempted, the position is given a timestamp by the order management system of the method and system of the present invention. In an embodiment of the invention, this timestamp is assigned the earliest possible time in the order management system to allow for the earliest value to be used. This timestamp improves fairness and consistency, in that different operations may take differing amounts of time, so obtaining a proposed timestamp reduces this variation. In an embodiment of the invention, this timestamp is then rounded down to the nearest hundredth of a second.
In an embodiment of the invention, before a position creation, modification, or cancellation is allowed, a proposed timestamp may be checked against an open time; if the timestamp is greater than or equal to the open time, the timestamp is checked against the close time; if the timestamp is less than the close time, then the state of the auction is checked; if the state of the auction is not WITHDRAWN then the operation is allowed to succeed. This procedure enables handling of the situation of accepting a bid received after the open time but strictly before the transition to the OPEN state, as well as not accepting a bid received after the close time but strictly before the transition out of the OPEN state.
In an embodiment of the invention, time issues are also addressed with regards to priority for competitive and non-competitive bids. When any change is made to any object, a timestamp is recorded by the order management system for auditing purposes. If the operation results in a priority timestamp being reset, the timestamp of the last change for the position is used.
In an embodiment of the invention, timing of evaluation for an auction may be associated with an auction attribute evalInterval, which is expressed in seconds. In an embodiment of the invention, specific times of evaluation may be calculated by working backwards from the close time, so that the final evaluation interval ends precisely at the close time. In an embodiment of the invention, those who define auctions may be cautioned against using an evalInterval that makes for confusing timestamps.
Referring again to
In an embodiment of the invention, in order to register with the method and system of the present invention, an investor may open an account by filling out a customer application form, signing a customer agreement and participation agreement, and receiving approval from a customer account staff associated with the method and system of the present invention. In certain instances, an investor may use an existing account with a third party broker-dealer designated by staff associated with the method and system of the present invention as bidder conduits.
Referring again to
If the end user selects initial terms 705, an initial terms screen exemplified by
Referring again to
During the pre-auction phase exemplified by
Protected spread range 906 shows a maximum spread range, under an initial bid, that an end user may modify a final bid, without canceling the end user's existing competitive bid. Improving an initial bid by more than the protected spread range results in cancellation of the original bid and entry of a new bid with a new timestamp. In the example, the protected spread range 906 is a 4 basis point spread. Benchmark Treasury 907 relates to a chosen reference U.S. Treasury security of comparable maturity to the bonds being auctioned. The benchmark Treasury yield may be used to price the bond after the auction. In an embodiment of the invention, if the benchmark Treasury yield is above the maximum rate at pricing, the issuer is allowed, but not required, to cancel the auction.
After an auction has begun, the end user is shown a screen such as the one in
If the user clicks or selects nominal chart 1001, a nominal bid chart 1102 communicated to the end user, as shown in
If the user clicks or selects bid data 1103, a bid data table 1202 is communicated to the end user, as shown in
Referring again to
In an embodiment of the invention, for a competitive bid 1203, the end user must also enter an initial bid 1206 and a final bid 1207. Initial bid 1206 is the spread in basis points of a competitive bid, which is revealed anonymously to other investors. In an embodiment of the invention, the final bid 1207 can only be set at or below the initial bid but may not differ from the initial bid by more than the protected spread range 906. The final bid 1207 may be changed at any time prior to the end of the auction. Setting the final bid 1207 below the initial bid 1206 by more than the protected spread range will result in cancellation of the original bid and entry of a new bid with a new timestamp 1204.
In an embodiment of the invention, max bid 1210 is the maximum amount a specific investor may bid in a given auction. When added together, the size of an investor's competitive bid 1203 and noncompetitive bid 1208 may not exceed the maximum bid size indicated by max bid 1210. In the example shown in
If the end user properly enters bid information in place bid window 1201 and clicks or selects submit bid 1211, the confirm bid screen shown in
Referring again to
If the end user selects confirm bid 1303, the current bid status screen, as shown in
If the end user wishes to modify 1403 a bid, the end user may elect to change the size 1205 of the bid. For a competitive bid 1203, the user may change the spread for the final bid 1207, subject to constraints such as the protected spread range 906. In an embodiment of the invention, another constraint on modifying the size 1205 of the bid is that the size a bid may be increased by up to 50% at any time during the auction without changing the timestamp. If the end user increases the quantity of a bid by more than 50%, that existing bid will be cancelled, and a new bid entered with the new size and a new timestamp.
In an embodiment of the invention, as a further constraint, the size of a bid cannot be decreased without canceling it. An investor may cancel bids at any time during an auction. The method and system of the present invention may exclude bidders for any reason, including activity that is disruptive to the auction process.
In an embodiment of the invention, investors are given a maximum bid size limit that varies with credit and/or other methods established by the method and system of the present invention. When added together, the size of an investor's competitive bid and noncompetitive bid may not exceed the maximum bid size.
If the end user does decide to make a modification and clicks or selects modify bid 1406, a screen such as the one shown in
In the example shown in
Referring again to
If in modifying a bid the end user selects a final bid outside of the protected spread range 906, the review bid window 1601 is communicated to the end user as shown in
In an embodiment of the invention, if at the end of the auction, the end user has made one or more successful bids, a successful purchase window 1701 is communicated to the end user, as exemplified by the screenshot in
In an embodiment of the invention, soft dollars available 1702 shows the portion of the selling concession designated by an investor to be paid to a non-underwriting broker-dealer. In an embodiment of the invention, a portion of the selling concession on each deal will be available to investors on a soft dollar basis. In an embodiment of the invention, winning bids with earlier timestamps are given a greater fraction of the selling concession in soft dollars. Investors may assign soft dollars to accounts of their choice. In an embodiment of the invention, investors have up to 24 hours after a deal prices to complete their soft dollar designations.
Size of benchmark for sale 1703 allows an investor to set an amount of the benchmark Treasury to sell, up to 15 minutes after the end of the auction. If the end user enters a dollar amount and clicks or selects sell treasuries 1705, that amount of treasuries will be sold. Within the first fifteen minutes after an auction, an end user may set and change the amount of the benchmark Treasury bonds the end user wishes to sell. The sale may be made at the prevailing market price at the time the deal prices, or approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of an auction.
Auction results 1705 shows a clearing spread 1706, a final deal size 1707, and a time of final pricing 1708. Clearing spread 1706 shows the lowest spread in basis points over the benchmark Treasury that results in the sale of all of the bonds up to the final deal size 1707.
Final deal size 1707 shows the aggregate number of bonds to be sold and may be set by the issuer of the bonds a prespecified time before the end of auction. Time of final pricing 1708 shows the final terms of a bond issue, with for example, the yield, price, and coupon set approximately one half-hour after the end of the auction.
If an end user fails to make one or more successful bids at the conclusion of the auction, a screen such as the one shown in
In an embodiment of the invention, the method and system of the present invention uses a modified Dutch Auction format. In a Dutch Auction, winning bidders pay a market-clearing price, that is, the highest price that sells out all securities offered in the auction.
In an embodiment of the invention, at the end of the auction, orders are filled working from the lowest-spread bids up to the spread that sells out the entire offering. All who bid below the clearing spread have their orders filled at the clearing spread. Bids at the clearing spread are awarded in timestamp order. In the event of ties in spread and timestamp, bonds are awarded pro-rata. If the last accepted bid at the clearing spread requests more bonds than are available, all remaining bonds may be awarded within the final deal size to the bidder.
In an embodiment of the invention, if the benchmark Treasury bond yield moves up by a pre-specified number of basis points during an auction, the auction will be cancelled. If there are not enough orders to fill the final deal size announced by the issuer, the auction will also be cancelled.
In an embodiment of the invention, successful bidders at the end of an auction are notified electronically. Basic information about the auctioned bond are publicly available at a website associated with the method and system of the present invention after the conclusion of an auction. Such information may include, for example, size, yield, coupon, and maturity. Further details about the outcome of an auction and the demographics of bidders may be made available to those who are awarded bonds.
In an embodiment of the invention, bond pricing occurs approximately 30 minutes after the auction terminates. The clearing spread is added to the benchmark treasury rate to obtain the auction yield. The coupon rate on the bond may become the auction yield rounded down to the nearest ⅛%. The bond price that corresponds to the auction yield and coupon rate may be calculated to three decimal places. Bonds may be made available to trade shortly after pricing, subject completion of necessary documentation.
It will be understood by those skilled in these arts that this exemplary bond auction process described above, may equally be used for equity securities, commodities, and other types of securities.
Having described the invention in terms of a preferred embodiment, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that various types of general purpose computer hardware may be substituted for the configuration described above to achieve an equivalent result. Similarly, it will be appreciated that arithmetic logic circuits are configured to perform each required means in the claims for processing internet communications between bidder, issuers and auction server nodes It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations of the preferred embodiment are possible, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention as measured by the following claims.
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By: Randy Cruz (@cruzr83)
There are five main images that is still in your brain 11 years later between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2002 Western Conference Finals: 1) Robert Horry's game winning three pointer in Game 4, 2) Mike Bibby's game winner in Game 5, 3) the horrific officiating all throughout Game 6 (Bibby gets popped in the mouth by Kobe Bryant and no foul was called), 4) Peja Stojakovic airballs a wide open three pointer that could've given the Kings the lead with 10 seconds left in Game 7 and 5) Doug Christie throwing up an off the backboard shot that could've tied the game in overtime in Game 7.
The Lakers would defeat the Kings 4-3 in the series – and it remains as one of the greatest Western Conference Finals series in NBA history.
These two teams had a major rivalry in the 2000s – even though the Lakers won every playoff series against the Kings throughout that era – but their rivalry culminated in the 2002 Western Conference Finals where the Lakers were going for their third straight championship, and they met an excellent Kings team that took them to the limit.
People ask me "What's your favorite, or most memorable Western Conference Final series?" My answer? 2002 between Lakers and Kings.
One of the main reasons is that this series did go seven games, and every game was down to the wire must see television.
Second reason was that the Lakers were going for the three-peat and you were tuned in to see if they would be dethroned by a Kings team that was the number one seed in the playoffs – and had the roster that can compete with the Lakers.
Third reason was that aside from Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, Chris Webber and Mike Bibby was developing into one of the league's best duos.
Fourth reason would be that both teams hated each other – and it was well established. When that happens, it makes great television, especially in the NBA Playoffs.
Shaq being Shaq: "We're not worried about the Sacramento Queens. Not at all" Remember that? I do.
Back to the series…
The first three games were good – but things got interesting in Game 4 when the Kings, who had a 2-1 series lead, were in the driver seat with a 20 point lead in Los Angeles.
Of course, the NBA is a game of runs, and the Lakers came back with a memorable run. With the Kings up 99-97, we see Kobe Bryant take a shot, miss, then Vlade Divac tips the missed layup by Shaquille O'Neal back out to the three-point line – only to have Robert Horry standing by his lonesome for the open shot – and boom! – Staples Center goes bonkers as Horry nails the game winner (with Chris Webber's hand absurdly in his face), sending the series back to Sacramento tied at 2-2.
Game 5 is where we saw a star in the making in Mike Bibby. (Let's not act like I was the only one that bought a Bibby swingman jersey during that time)
Lakers were leading 91-90 with :11 seconds on the clock. Within the blink of an eye, Bibby in-bounded the ball to Webber, Webber set the pick, Fisher fell to the ground and Bibby curled off the pick for the shot and Arco Arena erupted.
Kings won Game 5, 92-91, behind Bibby's 23 points, 15 coming in the second half.
That clutch shot made Mike Bibby a household name, plus a richer man as he inked a 7-year, $80.5 million contract.
For the record, Sacramento's home court will always be Arco Arena to me, SleepTrain Arena? No thanks.
Unfortunately, we get to Game 6…
The Kings were up 3-2 in the series and were looking to close out the series in Los Angeles. The New Jersey Nets were awaiting the winner of this series to meet in the NBA Finals.
Game 6 proved to be the most infamous game of the entire series. The Lakers went on to win the game – but several disputable calls had eyebrows raising from everyone from only fans – but media members as well, clearly indicating that Game 6 suffered through horrific officiating.
When Mike Bibby gets elbowed in the face by Kobe Bryant and the referees don't call the foul – that's when you know something is up.
The Lakers shot 40 foul shots in the game – BUT it was their 27 foul shots ALONE in the 4th quarter that had fans in amazement. The Kings foul shots in the 4th quarter? Just 9.
(Lakers 21-27, Kings 7-9)
Both teams complained about the officiating throughout the series. The Lakers complained about the officiating in Games 2 & 5 – but Game 6 was obviously the epitome of the major officiating referee issues in the series.
Most fans and members of the media call Game 6 the most controversial and worst-officiated NBA playoff game of all time.
Game 7 would ultimately be the test for the Lakers – on the road trying to advance to their 3rd straight NBA Finals in a hostile environment at Arco Arena.
This game wound up going into overtime – as if the series couldn't have provided more drama. Shaquille O'Neal, arguably one of the best centers in NBA history, came up big for his team as his counterpart – Kobe Bryant – did not have a field goal in the fourth quarter and in the overtime session. O'Neal posted up 35 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks. 2 assists and didn't miss a single free throw in overtime.
As Shaq always said, "it's not about how many free throws you make – it's when you make them" – and that seemed true in this crucial game.
The Kings – on the other hand – couldn't make their foul shots in Game 7. They were 14-30 in the game and majority of the offense was in Mike Bibby's hands, who did all he could to make big play after big play.
The pressure of Game 7 can get to people. It's normal. It's natural to be nervous in a big game setting – unless you've been there more than once. Peja Stojakovic knows how the pressure felt all too well, as he would like to pretend Game 7 on June 2, 2002 never happened.
Stojakovic was supposed to be the floor spacer for Webber and Divac – but when you're not hitting shots – the defense clamps down on the bigs and the paints becomes crowded with Lakers players.
With his team down by one with less than 20 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Stojakovic shoots what has to be the best open looking shot all series – a wide open three in the corner off a pass by Hedo Turkoglu. Stojakovic now has the opportunity to give his team the lead with less than 10 seconds in the fourth…
Air ball…
More like air ball that sailed wide right was the best way to describe Peja's shot – and coming from one of the best shooters in the league – that surprised everyone, including those in Arco Arena that night.
Even after that missed opportunity, Bibby kept his team in the game by forcing overtime, knocking down crucial free throws.
Overtime was a game of can you top this? Bucket after bucket. It was great drama unfolding. Who wanted it more? Lakers or Kings? Both wanted it, but only one team could advance.
Mike Bibby was automatic in this game – overtime included. At one point, it seemed as if he was the only King who was willing to take the big shots. Webber did hit the first jumper of the overtime, but this was clearly Bibby's game to win. He put the team up 106-104 with 2:12 left in overtime – and the Kings would not score a single point after that.
The Kings had a chance to tie the game in overtime as they were down 108-106 on a Doug Christie long jumper. Bibby, who looked like he was guarded by the entire city of Los Angeles as he penetrated to the paint, found an open Christie on the wing.
Christie's foot was on the line so it would've been a tie game if he made it – but his shot was just as ugly as Stojakovic's, hitting nothing but glass.
Lakers rebounded the ball, Derek Fisher made two free throws and now were up 110-106 with 14.6 seconds left. Webber missed an attempted three-pointer. Kobe rebounded the ball, was fouled by Bibby, made two free throws.
Game over. Lakers 112, Kings 106. Lakers win series 4-3.
Kobe Bryant finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. Mike Bibby finished with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Once this game was extended into overtime, the two-time defending champs prevailed when it mattered most – in Game 7, on the road, in a hostile environment and unquestionably their toughest opponent in the playoffs during their three-peat era.
The Lakers were a team that had the confidence and championship experience to withstand every punch Sacramento threw at them.
The Kings (mostly Mike Bibby) threw haymakers all series, but it was the Lakers who threw that one knockout punch that sent the Kings home.


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KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Tyler Van Tubbergen threw six touchdown passes and ran for another score as Western Michigan routed Akron 68-19 on Friday.
The Broncos (7-5, 5-3 Mid-American) led 10-5 early in the second quarter. But Dervon Wallace's 56-yard run set up Van Tubbergen's 9-yard TD pass to Chleb Ravenell, and began a streak of eight Western Michigan touchdowns without any Akron points.
Van Tubbergen was 19 for 21 for 252 yards. He threw two TD passes apiece to Jordan White -- who had 138 yards receiving -- and one each to Ravenell, Eric Monette, Dallas Walker and Matt Cutler. He also scored on an 8-yard run and finished with 60 yards rushing. Receiver Robert Arnheim also threw a touchdown pass to Ravenell.
It was 66-5 before Akron finally scored again, on Mike Perish's 2-yard run midway through the third quarter. The Zips (1-11, 0-8) lost three fumbles during the Broncos' eight-TD spree.


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Lady GaGa is very famous. And I like to listen her songs and watch her MV. One of my favorite songs is "Bad romance". So I plan to transfer and upload the Bad romance music video from my iPod to my desktop in case losing my iPod one day. Thanks for your direction.
Upload videos from iPod to computer
1. I have an iPod Nano 5 and was wondering how to upload videos from iPod onto my Windows computer. Opening the folder to view files doesn't work unfortunately. So any advice? To avoid confusion, I don't want to put videos on my iPod Nano 5; I want to upload them onto my computer.
2. I need space on my iPod, so I want my videos on my iPod uploaded onto my computer. Then I plan on deleting them on my iPod. Can I upload videos from iPod to computer in order that I have more room when I want to have other files on my iPod?
To analyze the above two questions, we can make a conclusion: Many people have the demand of uploading videos from iPod to computer. But at the same time they have difficulty in the trouble – how to upload videos from iPod to computer.
To protect the copyright of the music, videos and movies, Apple has the iTunes restriction. It is that we can transfer and upload files from computer to iPod, iPhone, and iPad, but not from iPad, iPhone and iPod to computer.
Though Apple has the iTunes restriction, things are not as difficult as we imaged. To overcome the limitation and meet the demand of transferring and upload files from iPod to computer, many software companies design some transfer programs for iPod, iPhone and iPad.
To better upload video from iPod, I recommend you a third party program – iPod to computer Transfer, which is an amazing helper for you to upload videos from iPod to computer. The step-by-step guide as follows:
Guide: How to upload videos from iPod to computer with iPod to computer Transfer
Download and install iPod to computer Transfer before uploading videos from iPod to computer.
How to upload videos from iPod to computer with iPod to computer Transfer?
Step1: Connect your iPod to your computer and run the software – iPod to computer Transfer.
Step2: Choose and mark all the videos you want to upload from iPod to computer.
Step3: Click "Export" button and choose "Export to Disk Only", then click "OK" to start to upload video from iPod to computer.
Step4: Just wait a moment, the exporting process is end. After exporting finished, the following window will pop up. You can press the "OK" button to view the output videos.