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Sometimes we are slow to see the obvious, especially when it's something that we have been walking past all our lives. This happy oblivion is contagious since everyone else tends to follow along blindly.
A similar situation has existed in soil fertility for a long time, but it hit me like a brick one day when I was thinking about why some growers seem to have an advantage.
A difference exists among growers in this area, especially when it comes to corn yield. It's uncanny how a few people consistently produce high yields while others are so discouraged by corn that they have given up on it. I am talking about differences in yield that are commonly in the 20 to 30 bushel per acre range, but that can reach 50 bushels or more.
For years I have been looking for a common denominator that would offer a clue as to why some of the corn does not produce more than about 120 bushels per acre even in a good year while only a few miles away growers on similar soils produce 150 or more. On occasion these higher yields reach 180 or more during the exceptional year with good rainfall.
The only idea I have been able to pull from this situation is that producers with higher yields stay ahead of the curve on their liming and fertilization, allowing their corn to have easier access to nutrients. Instead of trying to keep soil pH above 5.5 they maintain it consistently above 6.2.
Instead of trying to keep MSU soil test phosphate and potash levels at 50 and 120 pounds per acre, they keep these levels near 110 and 300 or higher. They also make sure that secondary and minor elements like Zinc, Magnesium, and Sulfur are not in short supply.
Those who have access to poultry litter go beyond these levels, their challenge being how to keep potash up to ratio with phosphate. And another "secret" to this is that higher yields usually come from fields where growers have been staying ahead of their soil fertility needs for several years. The change does not seem to occur in one year, but is the result of long term soil building. In these well-fed soils nutrients move deep into the profile to feed roots wherever they go.
I became convinced this might be the answer to my question when I noticed that one of the most productive cotton producers in the area made 160 bushels on corn that was planted for rotation. These fields were in the middle of an area where corn yields usually top out around 100. His aggressive fertility program looked like the key to the lock, and it agreed with what I had seen in other areas.
If this idea is correct, then it means that the issue is not that our land is poor, but that our practices are not supplying the crop at the time when nutrients are in greatest demand.
Other crops are also suppressed by this fertility management style, but cotton and soybeans don't seem as sensitive. Ironically, growers with low corn yields probably spend almost as much on fertilizers and lime, but they are often working with a deficit rather than a surplus. You might say they are playing defense. Nobody ever won anything on defense alone, you have to play offense.
I expect skepticism about this "theory," but for now it's the only one I've got. For as long as I have been in this area I have heard farmers comment that our local soil "just won't make corn." But I am just stubborn enough to believe this may be a myth. Other factors including rainfall, drainage, tillage system, sunlight, planting date, variety, wildlife damage, etc., also play roles in the story.
We need to see our dryland corn consistently break the 150 bushel barrier unless rainfall holds us back. We should be able to do this in an era when the national corn yield record has been pushed to more than three times that amount.


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Former cabinet minister turned TV presenter Michael Portillo travelled on the Cotswold Line yesterday, filming scenes for a new series of his programme Great British Railway Journeys.
Mr Portillo and a camera crew travelled from Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire to Hanborough on the morning all-stations stopping train into Oxford, en route to Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock.
He recorded a sequence on the train, reading a passage about Blenheim from the 1863 edition of Bradshaw's Handbook, which inspired the programme.
- Our top stories

subset: commoncrawl


text: Elegant Touch Express Polished Pearl White is the perfect set to create a sophisticated look to your nails. The elegant pearl white nails come pre-glued, making application easy for outstanding results for up to 1 week. UV technology gives the nails the added benefit of a salon gel meaning the nail won't chip or scratch, whilst staying brighter for longer. Created with a flexible material, the nails give a more natural look, allowing for a comfortable and long-lasting fit. -SA


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Tim Edwards, BIA Chairman, said:
"I would like to welcome our new Board members and congratulate our re-elected Board member. As a result of these appointments, I believe our Board continues to broaden its outlook and experience, and I look forward to working with them and the BIA team to ensure the UK remains a world-leading location for the life sciences.
"I would also like to thank Andrew Heath and Dominique Klein who are standing down at the end of the year for their service to the BIA and its members."
The new Board appointments follow the arrival of new BIA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Bates, who joined the BIA in July and presented at the AGM.
Commenting on his first few weeks at the BIA, Steve Bates, BIA Chief Executive Officer, said:
"I am delighted to see there has been a pipeline of new companies joining the BIA during the last 12 months. Companies such as Bicycle Therapeutics Ltd, F Star, Horizon Discovery Ltd, PolyTherics Ltd and Prosonix Ltd represent the next generation of UK bioscience. I am sure that the opportunity provided by the BIA for these companies to interact with our service provider members will help them become successful more quickly.
"Additionally, it is great that global life science players show their support for the UK bioscience sector through their membership of the BIA. To this end I am particularly pleased to welcome AstraZeneca and MSD to the membership in the last twelve months."
"It is essential for companies wherever they fit in the life sciences ecosystem to join our vibrant association."
For further information, please contact Robert Winder, Head of Communications, firstname.lastname@example.com, 020 7630 2191; mobile 07825 942 934.
New BIA Board members:
Harren Jhoti, PhD is President, Astex Pharmaceuticals
Dr Will West is CEO, Cellcentric Ltd
Dr Allan Marchington is Partner, Apposite Capital
BIA UK Bioscience Forum
The UK Bioscience Forum was held on 4 October 2012 at the Royal College of Surgeons in London. More than 300 members of the UK bioscience community attended the event. The event programme, information about the partnering programme, exhibition and Autumn Reception are available from http://www.ukbioscienceforum.org/.
BioIndustry Association
Founded over 20 years ago at the infancy of biotechnology, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the trade association for innovative enterprises involved in UK bioscience. Members include emerging and more established bioscience companies; pharmaceutical companies; academic, research and philanthropic organisations; and service providers to the bioscience sector. The BIA represents the interests of its members to a broad section of stakeholders, from government and regulators to patient groups and the media. Our goal is to secure the UK's position as a global hub and as the best location for innovative research and commercialisation, enabling our world-leading research base to deliver healthcare solutions that can truly make a difference to people's lives. For further information, please go to www.bioindustry.org


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NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Starting a business is tough enough these days, so why not choose one that doesn't clear out your savings? It's no secret that franchise investing provides, in many cases, a proven model of business that first-time owners can rely upon. Besides a franchisee playbook, parent companies also offer ongoing support and assistance in the form of marketing, technical help and sourcing, for instance. Yet today's franchised concepts are much different than that of even, say, five years ago. The recession put a damper -- in some cases a permanent damper -- on traditional capital access to finance business ventures. Many of today's franchisees are looking for more economical investments. Service-based franchises require much lower investment than the large franchised names we know of today. Also see: Franchises Take On Manhattan Independent franchise advisor Joel Libava cautioned though that interested parties do need to do their homework. While there are plenty of decent franchise opportunities in the $100,000 range, many of them are either home-based or small-office based, meaning that the franchisee better be up on his sales skill sets to get business. "Make sure that you are an outgoing, engaging person before you even start to look at franchises that are in the $100,000 range," Libava said. "This is not the time to see if you can become a great salesperson. It's too expensive of an experiment and if it was a failed one, it could take years to recover from, depending on your financial situation." "But if you are a strong salesperson, and love being out of the office selling, as long as you're comfortable with rules, I recommend spending a good deal of time investigating low-investment franchises," he wrote in an email. (Libava disclosed that he recently did content marketing for Wholesome Tummies, a franchise listed in this article.) Full Disclosure: Some of the companies listed below offer investment ranges that can go above $100,000, in some cases hundreds of thousands above that limit. We've chosen to include certain concepts because of the growth prospects for their niche industry or because the concepts have lower-end options for someone with a $100,000 investment budget. That said, here are nine concepts to consider:
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We've settled into a comfortable summer routine, everyone sleeping in beyond my dog Poppy's internal alarm clock, which seems to be stubbornly set at around 6:30 a.m.
Poppy spends most nights on a tattered upholstered chair in our bedroom, blissfully asleep for the most part. Every once in a while she'll emit a muffled little dream-bark, no doubt enacting a heart stopping, squirrel-chase scene.
She likes to start the awakening process with a good long head shake – tags rattling – which gets my eyes to open – unwillingly – a tiny sliver. Then she hops down out of the chair and transfers herself to my bed, whereupon she begins licking any exposed body parts she can find peeking out from under the sheet. That usually leads to her submitting to a five minute head scratch; my snooze button. Finally, impatience for her morning bowl of kibble wins over, and she treats me to a low, throaty growl. Okay, then! We're up!
I have to admit I've been enjoying my peaceful mornings with the dog, before every one else gets up. It's so unlike days during the school year, when the kitchen seems crowded and people are demanding and cranky.
I can make a pot of tea at my leisure rather than scurrying around filling lunch sacks, pouring cups of orange juice and bowls of cereal. Instead, I can pull out a few ingredients to make a quick batch of homemade muffins. By the time feet start pattering down the stairs, the blueberry muffins are done; warm and ready to eat.
My favorite aunt gave me this recipe for blueberry muffins, and it's become a benchmark. I even tweaked it a bit a few years ago for a Quaker Oats recipe contest, resulting in my Italian Orange-Almond Muffins (and two thousand prize dollars – how nice is that?). Over the years, I've made the recipe even more wholesome and healthy by using whole-wheat pastry flour in place of regular all-purpose flour.
This recipe is simple, full of blueberry flavor and everything gets mixed in one bowl – all good. But the best part of these muffins might be the crunchy, sparkling shards of turbinado sugar sprinkled on top.
Blueberry Oat Muffins
1/ 2 cup whole rolled oats (quick-cooking works too)
1/2 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup cane sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup canola oil (I like to use organic canola oil since most non-organic canola is genetically modified)
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup fresh blueberries, or 8 ounces frozen, thawed and drained
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine oats and juice. Let sit 10 minutes. Add flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, oil and egg and mix well. Gently stir in berries.
Spoon into 12 paper baking cups or oiled muffin tin. Sprinkle the sugar over the tops. Bake 18-22 minutes until lightly golden.
Let muffins cool in the pan 10 minutes before turning them out.
Yield: 12 muffins


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The Ten Things You Need For The Perfect Girls' Night In
Ladies, when it comes to a night with just the girls, here are a few things you may need or want to have on stand-by. TheFrisky has complied a list of necessities for the night when you ladies decide to just kick it, and not have any men around. The list consists of everything from cotton balls, movies, and even toilet paper. This is what it takes, according to TheFrisky website, to have a successful ladies night only.


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Led by Ada Giusti, MSU French professor, the students spent a week conducting computer training, primarily in French, to the people of the remote village of Zawiya Ahansal. The area is so remote that it only received electricity a year ago and the people of the community, many who make their living serving adventure tourists to the Atlas Mountains, wanted to learn how to use donated computers.
Tessa Mosdal of Roundup, Bronwyn Rolph of Seattle, Christie Blaskovich of Butte and Samantha Hinckley of Bozeman taught basic computer use and maintenance. Helena LaFave, also of Butte, didn't travel with the group but helped develop handbooks, written in French and English, to teach Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as basic computer skills. French is commonly spoken in Morocco, although Arabic and Berber are the official languages.
"Originally the students expected to train staff and board members of two local nongovernmental organizations --Atlas Cultural Foundation and Association Amezray," Giusti said. "However, the training was so popular that participants also included employees of the local town council, the sheikh of Zawiya Ahansal, the imam from the village of Aguddim, and university students from Beni Mellal."
The trip and the work was a partnership between MSU and Cloe Medina Erickson, an MSU graduate and founder of the Atlas Cultural Foundation. Erickson, who lives part of the year in Livingston, started the organization to help rural Moroccans, especially women and children who live in small Berber communities in the Atlas Mountains, improve their quality of life through locally determined development projects.
Giusti, who has incorporated service learning into her advanced French grammar curriculum since 1996, said her connection with Erickson began in fall 2011, when her students translated the Atlas Cultural Foundation's website. Last November, Giusti's planned service learning project in Mali was canceled for political and safety reasons. She looked for another experience involving French and contacted Erickson. For the last several years, Erickson has helped sponsor a summer study abroad program through the MSU School of Architecture and the MSU Office of International Programs to bring students to the area to help the community as it renovates ancient Berber granaries into sustainable community buildings.
"Cloe told us that the community had computers that were donated, but that the people could use training in how to use them," said Giusti, who found funding for the trip from the MSU Undergraduate Scholars Program.
The students who participated said the experience, including living in a local Berber home, was transformative.
"When you can speak the same language as someone else, I feel like your time spent with them becomes much more personal," said Rolph, a senior majoring in civil engineering and French. "Since French was not the primary language of us or the people we worked with, but we could both speak it fairly well, it was almost like we could identify with each other better. We both had chosen to abandon our comfort zones to communicate with each other, and in doing so it was almost like a silent understanding despite all the ways that we were different, we could see our more meaningful commonalities."
Some of those commonalities include that while Morocco is on the other side of the world, in many ways the landscape in the Atlas Mountains and the people's friendliness reminded the students of Montana.
"The Berbers of the High Atlas Mountains have a very similar relationship to their environment as we, Montanans, do," said Blaskovich, a senior graduating with degrees in French and Chemistry. "They are all in love with the mountains and their mountain climate. Yet, there is a very large difference socially. Zaouia-Ahansal is the second poorest region in Morocco and the inhabitants rely heavily on mountain tourism and subsistence farming."
Mosdal, who was not in Giusti's French class but is a part of MSU's award-winning Engineers Without Borders project and came to Morocco from the EWB project in Kenya, said the friendliness of the Berber people transcended language. The students were also aided by translators in the village.
"It was astonishing how much could be communicated without words," said Mosdal, who is a senior majoring in civil engineering. "I was surprised by the extreme hospitality of the Moroccan people. They accepted us with open arms and made us feel more than welcome. Those in the village gave us more of their time and resources than we expected or imagined."
Mosdal said a highlight of the trip was when the group stopped in Casablanca, visiting the family of two Moroccan students who attend MSU.
"The Zaazaa family treated us like we were also family, instead of just classmates of their children," she said. "I have traveled to quite a few places across the world and Morocco is one of the most breathtaking countries I have visited, but Morocco is more than just beauty. The people were arguably the most caring and generous I have encountered in the world."
The MSU contingent, all female, decided to adopt modest dress and head coverings in respect for the village's devout Islam faith. The students said they believe the decision helped them earn quick respect of the people in the village. Hinckley, who is majoring in both French and fine art (painting and printmaking), said she came to view the headscarf as a "beautiful symbol of camaraderie between women."
"Perhaps the biggest thing I took home from Morocco was a sense of empowerment as a woman," she said.
"Being part of an all-female team traveling to such a different part of the world makes me feel proud to represent what women can accomplish. Truly experiencing a new society is at times confusing, but with an open mind it is exciting and humbling to better understand the differences as well as the underlying similarities in the human way of life."
Giusti said the experience was so positive that she is talking to Erickson about opportunities to return. She also plans to offer a seminar on Moroccan culture and literature next spring. In that course students will have the opportunity to design and implement service-learning projects identified by Moroccan villagers.
"I think that service-learning projects are extremely valuable to the communities that have identified a specific need because they receive services that they could not otherwise afford," she said, emphasizing that the projects must be chosen by the community or organization.
In addition to providing an opportunity to help students learn about intercultural teamwork and to live and work with people from different cultures and different economic backgrounds, service learning classes help students take knowledge they have learned in the classroom and apply it to real life projects, she said.
"Students have said over and over again that service-learning projects have changed their lives and made them feel privileged to study at MSU where such opportunities are offered to them," Giusti said.
Ada Giusti (406) 994-6442, email@example.com


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Nobody has reviewed this product yet! Want to be the first one?


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I'm just getting back into disc golf this year after about a 10 year hiatus from the game. Back when I played in high school, my buddy and I never learned how to throw correctly and were (what I now realize) as terrible. We're talking "drives" of maybe 175' to 200' average on a flat hole.
After I started playing again I discovered the forums and really started reading. I used to do really funky things with my feet, and at least I now know what an X-Step is. However, that doesn't mean I can execute a proper throw. I've been getting out to max of 280', but it was really hurting my arm. My timing is tremendously bad and I often end up shanking drives to the extreme right. Just two weeks ago, I met a gentlemen out on the practice field of the local school and he noticed me struggling with my drives(sky-high, nose ups mostly). Logan is a local player that is involved in leagues and what-not and was very nice and helpful. He got my grip fixed (not aligned in hand correctly, and gripping mostly with middle and ring fingers). He's had me throwing from either a stand still or with a single forward step (similar to the pec drills shown on youtube etc). I'm actually throwing much flatter this way and getting 1-step throws almost out to the distance I was getting before.
One thing I'm noticing is that I still have issues throwing a Leopard. I have a brand new 170gm DX Leo that does nothing but turn and burn. I'm sure I'm not overpowering the disc, so I must still have some form issues. Can anyone point out any possible foibles that would be causing this with a leo? I read that it the leo is a great beginner disc and to me that reads as should be forgiving of less than perfect form. Perhaps I'm mistaken...
To give you a further idea of my skill level, I'm throwing a River (by far the most consistent driver for me right now) about 260' max with a single step and no real reach-back. Any ideas? Thanks.


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BOONTON, N.J., Aug. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Unigene Laboratories, Inc. (OTCBB: UGNE) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 and provided a corporate review on key development programs and strategic initiatives.
Unigene announced that its net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2012 decreased to $5.5 million or $(0.06) per share from $8.4 million or $(0.09) per share for the corresponding period in 2011.
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2012 increased to $2.7 million from $2.5 million in the comparable period in 2011.
Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2012 totaled $1.7 million, a decrease of $2 million from March 31, 2012. Based on Management's current cash flow projections, the Company will need to obtain significant additional financing to fund operations, address its debt and restructure its balance sheet. Without additional financing, Management believes the Company's current cash flow will fund operations into the fourth quarter of 2012.
The Company is currently exploring various alternatives, including financing, debt restructuring and partnering options. If the Company is unable to obtain financing, it may not be able to continue as a going concern in the near future.
Ashleigh Palmer, Unigene's President and CEO, commented, "The EMA's unexpected recommendation regarding calcitonin-containing products is proving to be an untimely and crucial setback for the Company and our 2012 goal of addressing our substantial inherited debt. Prior to the EMA announcement, Management had been working exhaustively to restructure the balance sheet and recapitalize the Company. Indeed, we were making excellent progress in that regard, having reached a second quarter settlement agreement with the Founders and had entered into negotiations with Victory Park Capital with the intent to restructure their debt. Regrettably, the EMA recommendation has impacted our calcitonin-related business opportunities, and as a result, our discussions with Victory Park Capital. Under these circumstances, the prospect of our being able to complete the settlement of the Founders' debt in September has become extremely unlikely."
Palmer concluded, "While the coming months will be extraordinarily challenging for all of us; shareholders, creditors, management and employees alike, we remain deeply committed to weathering this storm and working with Victory Park Capital to identify the best pathway forward to capitalize on the multiple opportunities we believe exist for Unigene and its pipeline of novel therapeutic peptides and steadily growing portfolio of oral peptide drug delivery partnerships."
EMA Recommendation Expected to Financially Impact Future Business Operations Significantly
On July 26, 2012, Unigene provided an update following the report issued on July 19, 2012 by the European Medicine's Agency (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), concluding that there was evidence of a small increased risk of cancer with long-term use of current calcitonin medications approved and commercially available in Europe since 1973 and calling for curtailment of calcitonin usage.
Unigene has licensed to Upsher-Smith Laboratories its patented nasal formulation of calcitonin for commercialization in the United States and has licensed the development and worldwide commercialization rights (except China) for its Phase 3 oral calcitonin to Tarsa Therapeutics. However, since neither the Company nor its licensees are Market Authorization Holders in Europe, they do not have the right to appeal the EMA's recommendation. Management is currently evaluating the potential regulatory and commercial impact of this announcement on calcitonin related products marketed or under development by our licensees and partners in Europe and other markets, as well as the expected resulting financial impact on the Company's future business operations.
There is a possibility that additional regulatory authorities, including the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), could take actions as a result of the recommendation, including withdrawing calcitonin-containing products from the market or limiting their use. This could materially adversely affect the Company by reducing or eliminating Fortical® sales and royalties, limiting the value of current calcitonin development projects and the potential value of our investment in Tarsa.
Unigene understands that Tarsa Therapeutics has requested that the CHMP opinion be reexamined, is evaluating possible opportunities to appeal the CHMP recommendation and also plans to discuss the situation with the FDA.
Victory Park Capital Debt Negotiation Discussions Ongoing
As previously disclosed, the Company is in discussions with Victory Park Management, LLC regarding the restructuring of its debt. As a result of the recent EMA recommendation and the potential impact on Unigene's business operations, the discussions have changed significantly. At this time, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to reach an agreement with Victory Park regarding its debt obligations or on any other matter.
Debt Settlement with the Founding Levy Family is Unlikely
On June 4, 2012, the Company entered into a settlement and release agreement with the founding Levy family (the "Founders") that allows the Company to eliminate, on or before September 30, 2012, its entire outstanding indebtedness to the Founders $23.2 million as of June 30, 2012 upon paying $8 million in cash and issuing 5,000,000 shares of Unigene's common stock. The 5,000,000 shares of common stock will be subject to a lock-up period through December 31, 2013. The Company made two interim payments of $150,000 each to the Founders, the first of which was paid in May 2012, and the second of which was paid in June 2012. Both interim payments will be applied against the $8 million cash payment. The remaining $7.7 million cash payment and the issuance of 5,000,000 shares of Unigene's common stock to the Founders must occur by September 30, 2012 to avoid termination of the settlement and release agreement.
In addition, on May 29, 2012, the Company and Victory Park Management, LLC agreed that if on or before September 21, 2012, the Company has not secured sufficient funds to pay the remaining balance of $7.7 million to the Founders, then Victory Park shall have the right, but not the obligation, to finance the remaining $7.7 million payment to the Founders.
In light of the recent EMA recommendation and the expected financial impact on business operations, Management believes it is unlikely the Company will be in a position to fund the $7.7 million debt settlement to the Founders, nor does Unigene believe is it likely that Victory Park Capital will exercise its right to finance the remaining payment to the Founders.
Annual Shareholder Meeting Date Change
The Company previously announced that the Annual Shareholder Meeting will be held on September 5, 2012. Management announced today that the Company will be rescheduling that meeting to a future date given its ongoing discussions with Victory Park Capital and expects to announce the new date prior to year end.
Oral Calcitonin Program - Tarsa Therapeutics Reviewing CHMP's Recommendation and Next Steps
In 2009, Unigene licensed its late-stage oral calcitonin formulation to Tarsa Therapeutics, a venture financed company founded exclusively to conduct Phase 3 clinical testing and prepare Unigene's proprietary oral salmon calcitonin formulation for commercialization.
On September 19, 2011, Unigene announced that Tarsa presented positive Phase 3 data from its ORACAL trial of its oral recombinant salmon calcitonin product during the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) 2011 Annual Meeting. The data demonstrated that Tarsa's oral recombinant salmon calcitonin achieved all of the efficacy endpoints in the trial and was also superior to nasal calcitonin spray in increasing bone mass at the lumbar spine, indicated that the safety profile of oral recombinant salmon calcitonin did not substantially differ from nasal calcitonin or placebo, and that oral recombinant salmon calcitonin appeared to be significantly less immunogenic than nasal calcitonin spray. Tarsa's oral recombinant salmon calcitonin is in development for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Following the recommended restrictions on calcitonin use issued on July 19, 2012 by the CHMP of the EMA, Unigene understands that Tarsa is seeking additional data to better understand the rationale behind the CHMP's recommendation and to determine the impact on its plans to file for marketing approval of its oral recombinant salmon calcitonin product in the U.S. and Europe. In the interim, Unigene believes that Tarsa is continuing the development of its oral calcitonin.
Unigene expects Tarsa to comment further regarding the situation and its potential impact on the Company as their analysis proceeds. Importantly, Tarsa has not noted any serious safety issues in two separate year-long studies of its oral calcitonin. While the combination of Tarsa's two clinical studies provides limited power to detect differences in unusual adverse events, no signal of increased malignancy was observed. Tarsa also noted that in its recommendation, the CHMP cited a very small increased cancer risk for an unlicensed oral calcitonin product. This product differs in formulation, excipients and dosing from Tarsa's oral calcitonin tablet, and Tarsa researchers accordingly question whether it is appropriate to extrapolate the safety experience with that product to Tarsa's oral calcitonin.
Tarsa believes its oral calcitonin product may have the potential to be effective for the treatment and possibly the prevention of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Furthermore, Tarsa believes that the benefit versus risk profile of its unique oral formulation of calcitonin is favorable for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Unigene owns a 16% equity position in Tarsa on a fully diluted basis, subject to liquidating preferences. The Company is also eligible to receive sales-related milestone payments and royalties on worldwide sales excluding China of which Unigene owns the full rights.
Phase 2 Oral Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Data Accepted in Prestigious Peer-reviewed Journal
On November 9, 2011, Unigene announced positive top-line results of its Phase 2 clinical study evaluating an experimental oral PTH analog for the treatment of osteoporosis in 93 postmenopausal women. The study achieved its primary endpoint with statistical significance and demonstrated an acceptable safety profile. The Phase 2 study was conducted by Unigene as part of a now terminated exclusive worldwide option and licensing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
The Company announced today that the full data set from the Phase 2 study has been accepted in the peer-reviewed journal, BONE, the Official Journal of the International Bone and Mineral Society, for publication expected in the coming weeks.
Unigene is actively seeking a licensing partner for the advanced development and commercialization of the oral PTH program.
UGP281 Development Program on Hold Further Funding Required to Advance into Clinic
In light of the recent FDA approvals of obesity therapeutics, UGP281 remains a priority development program, but given the Company's current cash position, the IND filing and commencement of the Phase 1 study, previously scheduled for the first half of 2013, has been placed on hold. Management expects to have discussions with Victory Park as to funding the continuation of the development program to file an IND and the commencement of a Phase 1 study for this high-value potential product candidate. However, the Company cannot guarantee a successful outcome from those discussions.
On May 22, 2012, Unigene reported positive data from recently completed preclinical studies in rats and dogs for UGP281, a potent proprietary anorexigenic peptide selectively targeting the amylin receptor. UGP281 is under development by Unigene for the treatment of morbid obesity. In multiple-dose pharmacology studies in rats and beagle dogs, UGP281, administered subcutaneously, produced a dose-related decrease in body weight of 10-15% over a 7-day treatment period. The reduction in food intake was acute and dramatic, falling close to zero at relatively low doses, and was consistent with the targeted pharmacology. Changes in body weight throughout the studies were tightly aligned with decreases in food consumption. UGP281 was well tolerated with no overt adverse findings in the studies conducted to date, and its therapeutic window appeared to be substantial.
These data compare favorably to what has been described preclinically with other weight loss compounds currently, or previously, under development. Additionally, since UGP281 does not bind to serotonin receptors, the risk of unwanted cardiovascular effects is expected to be significantly less as compared to other obesity product candidates.
Furthermore, as successfully demonstrated in previous preclinical studies, UGP281 has the potential to be dosed orally and manufactured recombinantly by way of Unigene's Peptelligence technology platform.
Preliminary Lead Compound for T2D Indication under JDV to be Announced before Month-End
Under the established Joint Development Vehicle (JDV) formed in the fourth quarter of 2011, Unigene and Nordic Bioscience have been extensively evaluating the three (3) proprietary analogs developed by Unigene and licensed to the JDV. Unigene expects to announce the preliminary selection of the lead molecule for the Type 2 diabetes indication before the end of August 2012 and announce relevant preclinical study results before year end.
Robust Portfolio of Feasibility Studies Continues to Expand
Unigene continues to aggressively target and exploit its industry-leading Peptelligence platform of peptide oral drug delivery and manufacturing assets, expertise and capabilities and is building a robust portfolio of strategically partnered opportunities. The Company's business-to-business marketing initiatives and validated business development capabilities continue to generate near-term revenue feasibility studies evaluating Unigene's ability to orally deliver both synthetic and natural peptides.
Unigene announced that it now has 13 feasibility studies ongoing or completed in exciting, high-potential therapeutic areas such as metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, oncology, genitourinary disorders, central nervous system, genetic disorders and pain management. The 13 feasibility partnerships consist of development stage companies, as well as large, reputable pharmaceutical manufacturers. Importantly, the Company noted that one large pharmaceutical manufacturer has added a second peptide to the feasibility pipeline after testing delivery of the first one using Unigene's Peptelligence platform.
The Company previously announced the completion of Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s successful, first-in-man Phase 1 clinical trial using Unigene's oral formulation of Cara's peptide-based, peripherally-restricted kappa opioid receptor agonist, CR845, achieving 16% bioavailability. The trial was a single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety and pharmacodynamics of CR845 in healthy volunteers. CR845 oral capsules were formulated using Unigene's validated, proprietary oral peptide delivery technology under a Manufacturing and Clinical Supply Agreement established in May 2011.
Additionally, in March 2012, Unigene announced it will use its validated, proprietary Peptelligence platform as part of the agreement to support Phase 1 clinical plans for one of Stealth Peptides' investigational drug candidates. Unigene expects Stealth's Phase 1 clinical study to begin before year end.
Stealth commenced an oral feasibility study for its pipeline candidate in August 2011. After analyzing the data produced using Unigene's oral delivery technology relative to competitive technologies, Stealth chose to move forward into a clinical evaluation with the Peptelligence platform.
Unigene anticipates that at least one feasibility study from its expanded portfolio of 13 will have the potential to convert into a significant milestone and royalty licensing agreement before year end.
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2012 increased $268,000, or 11%, to $2.7 million from $2.5 million in the comparable period in 2011. This was primarily due to the timing of Fortical® shipments, partially offset by the continuing decline in royalties from Fortical® due to increased competition in the nasal calcitonin market and negative gross to net sales adjustments recorded by Upsher-Smith Laboratories, as well as to a decrease in licensing revenue.
Unigene had an operating loss of $1.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $1.1 million when compared to the operating loss of $3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011.
Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2012 decreased approximately $3 million, or 35%, to $5.5 million from $8.4 million for the corresponding period in 2011. This was primarily due to a decrease in operating expenses of $865,000 and an increase in revenue of $268,000. In addition, in the three months ended June 30, 2011, Unigene recognized a loss of $1.1 million on the sale of its former joint venture in China and wrote off the Company's investment in Tarsa of $1.5 million. In the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recognized a loss of $600,000 on the sale of its former joint venture in China.
Unigene's senior management team will host a conference call and webcast today, August 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. ET.
Interested participants and investors may access the conference call at 11 a.m. ET by dialing (877) 261-8992 (U.S./Canada) or (847) 619-6548 (international); participant code 33025219. An audio webcast can be accessed by logging on to the Investors & Media section under the Events tab of the Unigene web site, http://www.unigene.com.
A telephonic replay of the call will be available for two weeks beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET on August 9. Access numbers for this replay are (888) 843-7419 (U.S./Canada) and (630) 652-3042 (international); participant code 33025219. The webcast replay will remain available in the Investors & Media section of the Unigene Laboratories web site for 30 days.
Unigene Laboratories, Inc. is a leader in the design, delivery, manufacture and development of peptide-based therapeutics. The Company is building a robust portfolio of proprietary partnerships in this expanding drug class based on its Peptelligence platform. Peptelligence encompasses extensive intellectual property covering drug delivery and manufacturing technologies, unsurpassed research and development expertise, and proprietary know-how representing a genuine distinctive competence. Core Peptelligence assets include proprietary oral and nasal peptide drug delivery technologies, and proprietary, high-yield, scalable and reproducible E. coli-based manufacturing technologies.
Safe Harbor statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to whether the Company will be able to: obtain significant additional financing to fund operations, address its debt and restructure its balance sheet; fund operations into the fourth quarter of 2012 based on its current cash; continue as a going concern in the near future; restructure its debt with Victory Park; complete the settlement of the Founders' debt in September; capitalize on the multiple opportunities it believes exist for the company and its pipeline of peptides; grow a portfolio of oral peptide drug delivery partnerships; successfully evaluate the potential regulatory and commercial impact of the EMA announcement on calcitonin related products marketed or under development by our licensees and partners in Europe and other markets, as well as the expected resulting financial impact on its future business operations; fund the $7.7 million debt settlement to the Founders or the likelihood that Victory Park Capital will fund such settlement; reach an agreement with Victory Park regarding its debt obligations or on any other matter; to receive sales-related milestone payments and royalties on worldwide sales excluding China on sales of a product by Tarsa; find a licensing partner for the advanced development and commercialization of the oral PTH program; fund the continuation of the PTH development program, file an IND and commence a Phase 1 study and achieve successful outcome from its discussions with Victory Park; orally dose UGP28 and manufacture it recombinantly by way of its Peptelligence technology platform; announce the preliminary selection of the lead molecule for the Type 2 diabetes indication before the end of August 2012 and announce relevant preclinical study results before year end; aggressively target and exploit its industry-leading Peptelligence platform of peptide oral drug delivery and manufacturing assets, expertise and capabilities and is building a robust portfolio of strategically partnered opportunities; generate near-term revenue generating feasibility studies and orally deliver both synthetic and natural peptides; convert at least one feasibility study from its portfolio of 13 into a significant milestone and royalty licensing agreement before year end; and use its proprietary Peptelligence platform to support Phase 1 clinical plans for one of Stealth Peptides' investigational drug candidates. This press release also contains forward-looking statements relating to whether the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), could take actions as a result of the EMA recommendation, including withdrawing calcitonin-containing products from the market or limiting their use; the reduction or elimination of Fortical® sales and royalties, the value of current calcitonin development projects and the value of the company's investment in Tarsa; potential discussions between Tarsa and FDA relating to the EMA situation; the rescheduling of the company's annual stockholder meeting; Tarsa's search for additional data to better understand the rationale behind the CHMP's recommendation; Tarsa's plans to file for marketing approval of its oral recombinant salmon calcitonin product in the U.S. and Europe; Tarsa's continuing development of its oral calcitonin; any further comment by Tarsa regarding the EMA situation and its potential impact on the company; the risk of unwanted PTH cardiovascular effects is significantly less as compared to other obesity product candidates; Stealth's Phase 1 clinical study begins before year end. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors. These known and unknown risk factors include, but are not limited to: the delay in obtaining or the failure to obtain regulatory approvals for our products and the products of our licensees that may generate royalty and milestone payments to us, our ability to achieve product sales and royalties, competition, our dependence on other companies to commercialize, manufacture and sell products using our technologies and our ability to enter into favorable new agreements with such companies, our ability to cut expenses and maintain efficiencies, our ability to enter into new financing arrangements, the ability of our products to gain market acceptance and increase market share, the uncertainty of results of animal and human testing, the risk of product liability and liability for human clinical trials, our dependence on patents and other proprietary rights and the risks associated with patent litigation, dependence on key management officials, the availability and cost of capital, the availability of qualified personnel, changes in, or the failure to comply with, governmental regulations, general economic and business conditions, our history of losses and ability to achieve profitability, litigation and other risk factors discussed in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings, including our annual report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "potential," "continue," and variations of these words (or negatives of these words) or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, contingencies, goals, targets or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements and are not statements of historical fact. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we are under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this release.
Investor Contact:Unigene Laboratories, Inc. Jenene ThomasVP, Investor Relations and Business Administration firstname.lastname@example.com Contact:Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.Jason Rando / Andrew email@example.com / email@example.com


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Media Contact: TPWD News, firstname.lastname@example.com, 512-389-8030
Dec. 18, 2008
Co-Op Grants Fund "Back To Nature" Efforts, Ike Recovery
AUSTIN, Texas — "Back to nature" seems to be the common theme among 17 recipients of Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) grants offered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. TPWD this month awarded grants totaling more than $500,000 to school districts, cities, museums, youth groups, foundations and other groups in cities across Texas.
"So many organizations are realizing that reconnecting kids with nature and the outdoors could mean better test scores, healthier students and a better understanding of our environment," says Darlene Lewis, CO-OP program director in the department's State Parks Division.
Lewis said some organizations are also using the grants as a chance to give back. Outdoor service projects planned include assisting communities and state parks which were damaged by Hurricane Ike by restoring trails and replanting trees.
Since 1996, the CO-OP program has helped more than 400 organizations with grant money to help pay for equipment, transportation and materials to give children hands-on outdoor learning experiences.
CO-OP grants are available to tax exempt organizations that want to focus on environmental education, conservation and outdoor recreation. Applicants can apply for up to $50,000 per grant. The next deadline to apply for a grant is Feb. 1, 2009.
Below is a list of grants awarded in the current round.
(Abilene) Abilene Independent School District — Abilene High School PALS Outdoor Adventure program will allow participants to experience fishing, camping, outdoor cooking, hiking and orienteering. ($49,250)
(Arlington) City of Arlington — Students and their families will get to participate in outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, camping and will take a trip to Big Bend National Park. ($29,620)
(Austin) Easter Seals Central Texas — Camping trips at Texas State Parks are planned for participants with disabilities. ($13,792)
(Austin) Gus Garcia Middle School PTA — Students and their families will participate in a series of one day planned events and activities, attend Texas Wildlife EXPO and participate in the Texas Outdoor Family camping programs. ($37,813)
(Austin) YMCA of Austin — 250 youth between the ages of 8 and 12 will learn about river habitats and the Edward's Aquifer, attend Texas Wildlife EXPO and take river trips as part of their summer camping activities. ($39,330)
(Brenham) Brenham Independent School District — Students in grades 3-8 will visit Nails Creek State Park and work with Master Naturalists and TPWD staff to study plant and wildlife identification, orienteering and nature photography. ($8,204)
(Crockett) Katoya's Playhouse, Inc. — 200 kids will get to learn about forestry, fishing, wildlife and outdoor skills while attending this day camp program. ($15,950)
(College Station) — Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation — 600 kids from urban and rural communities will learn more about Texas' natural resources and conservation while having fun outdoors. Activities include archery, kayaking and outdoor journaling. ($38,615)
(Denton) Elm Fork Chapter Texas Master Naturalists — More than 400 Intermediate school children will learn about animal tracks, mammal skins, insects and wildflowers. ($10,990)
(Houston) Broadening Shoulders — "Our Own Backyard Recreation Program" will allow kids in the Houston area to experience nature in their normal urban environments. They will hike, fish, camp, cook outdoors and explore local landmarks. ($40,394)
(Houston) Redemption Community Development Corporation — More than 300 students will go birdwatching, fishing, camping, take trips to Texas State Parks and participate in an outdoor service project to help restore trails and replace trees damaged by Hurricane Ike. ($47,840)
(McKinney) Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary — More than 340 participants will learn about water safety, wetlands education and canoeing. ($49,683)
(Refugio) Refugio Independent School District — Students and their families will participate in a series of one day planned events and activities, attend Texas Wildlife EXPO and participate in the Texas Outdoor Family camping programs. ($39,988)
(Rockwall) Rockwall County Juvenile Services — 32 youth from this program will participate in CPR and First Aid training, camping trips to state parks and a service project to help clean up and restore the lake at Tawakoni State Park. ($16,798)
(San Antonio) Boys & Girls Club of San Antonio — This 10 week program will include archery programs, trips to the Botanical Gardens as well as Big Bend National Park and Texas Wildlife EXPO. ($28,000)
(Stephenville) Stephenville Independent School District — This Outdoor Adventure Education Program targets students in grades 9-12 and is designed to provide outdoor educational experiences while promoting ecological awareness. Activities include archery, boating, angler education and orienteering. ($21,158)
(Tyler) Camp Tyler Foundation — Children who participate in this camp will enjoy hiking, outdoor cooking, canoeing and fishing. ($20,698)
For more information about CO-OP grants, contact the department's Recreation Grants Branch at (512) 389-8224 or visit the grants web page on the TPWD Web site.
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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has proposed the creation of a free, nationwide WiFi network in order to facilitate web and cellular traffic. Though plans are only in the initial stages (and we are not jumping to any conclusions), the government could provide the U.S. with a high-speed network at no cost, helping to put the nation on par with the Internet service achieved in several other countries. The news does not alter our fair-value estimates for companies we cover, although we await details on the probability and timing of implementation.
Understandably, the companies that currently own spectrum and experience fantastic returns on networks are a bit upset about the possibility. The high margins that wireless operators Verizon (VZ), AT&T (T) and to a lesser extent Sprint (S) are achieving could face pressure. Though in the event the FCC does roll out free nationwide WiFi, these firms could still win subscribers who fear network congestion (or who desire even faster data speed).
On one hand, subsidization of the Internet could provide consumers and businesses with considerably lower data expenses, boosting hiring and consumer spending in other areas. However, this plan could alter the entire mobile landscape. In the event that free, nationwide WiFi is implemented, we wouldn't be surprised to see carriers completely phase out subsidies, and that could hurt higher-end phones such as the Apple's (AAPL) iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy.
However, if consumers do not need to sign up for relatively expensive data plans that can cost $1,000 or more per year, perhaps stomaching a $700 iPhone won't seem like such a terrible trade-off. If Apple rolled out 12- or 24-month payment plans, the amount becomes even more manageable ($58 a month or $29 a month). Still, tablet sales could surge as connectivity becomes less of an issue, boosting the fortunes of the iPad and the Galaxy tablet.
Telecom-equipment providers also seem to be negative on the plan, saying the FCC should instead sell spectrum to private enterprise. Telecom-equipment providers benefit from continued network-efficiency investment, so changing the industry structure would certainly affect constituents (though exactly how remains unclear). The government might work with private enterprises to complete the network, boosting the fortunes of some firms at the expense of others, or it might not. Intel (INTC), Qualcomm (QCOM), Aruba Networks (ARUN) and Cisco (CSCO) have joined the telecom providers in opposing the idea.
The auto industry also seems in opposition, believing the plan could interfere with the development of car-to-car communication that's paving the way for self-driving vehicles. However, we don't see the proposal affecting any automotive OEM at this time.
Several large technology firms, including Google (GOOG) and Microsoft (MSFT), support the initiative and view it as a way to drive innovation. Google has already begun experimenting with providing free WiFi as its Google Fiber network launched in Kansas City last year, and a free, nationwide WiFi network would certainly boost the value and use of software and search.
Plenty of other companies could also benefit. Both Twitter and Facebook (FB) could see higher usage rates, and online ordering from companies such as Amazon (AMZN) and eBay (EBAY) could become even easier. Consumers who have some extra money in their pockets each month could feel better about making discretionary purchases, boosting overall retail spending. Increased connectivity could also increase price transparency, further decreasing the gap between retail and online price discrepancies.
Of course, all this could be a bluff on the government's part to lower industry-wide economic profits (without enacting direct legislation). The threat of a large, subsidized, public competitor could spur the nation's telecom giants to invest in network improvements or possibly provide lower rates (Verizon and AT&T would be much happier selling lower-priced $60 data plans than selling no data plans at all). However, the telecom companies and telecom-equipment providers seem to be taking this idea very seriously, so industry insiders must believe this network is a real possibility that could take years (not decades) to come to fruition.
The plan is still in its very early stages, and we'd need more details before accurately assessing its impact on the cash-flow streams of carriers and telecom-equipment companies. Still, the proposition adds tail risk, and we'll be closely monitoring the situation, as it could have a transformative impact on the industry, from smartphones to chipmakers to the automakers.


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Here is the first audio demo from Studio Electronics Boomstar series I have heard. There will be four different Boomstar models each with a different filter. The demo here of the 4075 is an ARP2600 filter. They have MIDI and CV. You can download a full resolution AIFF audio demo here: link. I'm sure these unit will sound great (other Studio Electronics synths are excellent) but I find this specific demo a little annoying. Hey SE anytime you want a really good demo please send me review unit ok? The Boomstars will be in stores in about one month for around $800.
"Put some decent headphones on and listen to huge low booms end and searingly crisp filter sweeps. I tried to take it though a full compliment of waveforms, xmod, rmod, oscillator sync, feedback looping, resonance squeals and overdrive. There is quite a bit more to come when the LFO gets in on the action. The chassis are getting screened this week. We'll post more demos in the days to come with video included. And no, this is not an SE1X or ATCX! They sound quite good, but there is nothing like the clarity and impact of pure discrete analog with hardware envelopes." – Greg St. Regis
For more info: studioelectronics.com/products/synths/boomstar
via Matrixsynth


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Police continue search for home break-in suspect
Police are still looking for a suspect who may have broken into a home in the 1200 block of Milford Road Thursday morning. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office called a tracking dog team to the scene. The dog picked up a scent for a about 20 minutes and led deputies to the area of Lake View Lane, but no suspect was found. The investigation remains open, officials report.
Woman jailed for firing shots
A 47-year-old Taylor woman who allegedly fired shots Thursday in the area of the 100 block of Thornapple Circle was arrested and jailed, report Oakland County Sheriff's deputies. A 46-year-old woman -- a resident of Thornapple -- told authorities the suspect came to her home and tried to shoot her. The weapon was found in the suspect's car, say deputies. The woman was lodged at the Oakland County Jail pending arraignment.
-- Staff writer John Turk


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The End Of The World Never Looked So Awesome...
To insure your collectibles, contact Collectibles Insurance, the official insurance company of the Figures.com network. Say "Figures.com" to get 5% off your first term premiums.
For a great selection of action figures and collectibles, check out BigBadToyStore.com, Toynk.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonkeyDepot.com.
The end of the world has been the subject of many a films, TV shows, books and comics. In fact, there's an entire chapter in the Bible dedicated to it. And yet, for all intents and purposes, some of these stories don't just enlighten or entertain, they change they way you look at every other end of the world story out there.
Heavy Metal's The Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse took literally a decade to see the light of day. Originally envisioned as a video game to be released in 2003, produced by 3DO and Stan Winston with writing by Michael Mendheim and art direction and character design by Simon Bisley. In fact, Stan Winston Creatures had a series of The Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse action figures all slated to hit retail along with the game. And yet, when 3DO went out of business in fall 2003, the video game and action figure series never saw the light of day. Now, thanks to Heavy Metal, fans can finally get a taste of the original concept and idea in a three volume comic that's sure to impress fans of the end of the world.
Written by Michael Mendheim, who's worked in the video game industry for over twenty years and featuring artwork by the fan-favorite fantasy and sci-fi artist and storyteller Simon Bisley, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse reads like one would expect it to; Volume I: Helldiver introduces readers to Adam Cahill, a college professor unlike any other; he moonlights as a monster hunter. Of course, he's a devout Catholic and part of a brotherhood which protects the great seals which, when broken, bring about the end of the world and the unleashing of hell on earth. Yeah, you can see where this is going...
Of course the seals get stolen and broken by a demon using humanity's greed and wickedness to allow him to work here on Earth, driving humanity to near extinction. So of course in Volume II: The Chosen, it's up to Cahill to find the three human protectors who'll help him fight to ensure the end of the world doesn't happen. These three saviors come in the most unlikely of people; Jessica Grace, a drug-addicted prostitute whose personal tragedies haunt her; Lucas Hand, a former preacher turned murderer and death row inmate who has the gift of prophesy; and Jordan Osbourne, the corruptest of politicians with the golden tongue. Of course, writer Mendheim's irony is both cruel and unusual as these three "heroes" are really anything but...and that is where the story shines; readers honestly want to see how these tragic, terrible people grow from the filth and despicable types to heroic and virtuous. Not that they all do all the time, but readers will find they truly want to see these characters live to accomplish what no other mortals can do: battle and defeat the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Thus enter Volume III: The End of Days. When the battle for humanity's fate and the existence of the world begins, our heroes must face not only their darkest and worst nightmares and fears, but the Four Horsemen as well. Ah, yes, the Horsemen themselves. With artwork and character designs by Bisley, these are no doubt some of the coolest looking versions of the age-old characters you'll find.
Sure there are character traits every version of these characters possess - be it weaponry or articles of clothing; yet thankfully Bisley's kinetic artwork ensures these versions not only look unique, but include some very neat details. Each character looks the part - Death, Famine, Pestilence, and War each taking on characteristics you've no doubt seen before yet, when done by Bisley in his beautifully drawn action-oriented style, these characters come to life - and ending life - on every page possible.
The artwork throughout the three volumes is visceral and brutal, bloody and violent; everything you'd expect from Bisley in a Heavy Metal comic. Each dynamic page is expertly laid out allowing the story to naturally progress and reveal the ongoing character development and sorrowful, frightening and eventually revealing story.
Overall, Heavy Metal's The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is an entertaining and exciting three volume comic series which features a age-old classic story retold in a new and engaging way. The impressive artwork and detailed character designs help the books appeal to a more mature audience. While I'm still disappointed we didn't get the action figures of these characters, it's great to see the story and comic finally see the light of day.
Heavy Metal's Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is available now in paperback, digital download and a Limited Edition Hardcover. Check out a FREE PREVIEW HERE and be sure to get your own copy HERE.
- Jess C. Horsley


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Ok so as of now I can throw max 330'. I have a question though. I mostly have been using a nuke. What's the best way to get max distance? Obviously saying my feet are correct my snap is correct and my form is good (not that it always is but just to keep it constant) but should I release it out to my left anhyzer for max distance? Or should I let it go straight or flat and let it drift right but hook hard left?
I hope this makes sense?
So in a perfect world how should I be releasing for max distance? Flat? Anhyzer for a s curve?


text: Simply Awesome If you are interested in attending Big Night DC New Year's Eve Extravaganza 2017-18 please join our email list. You will be informed of all the exciting plans we have for this year's upcoming gala. Click here to sign up. This Spectacular Event Features: FIFTEEN Themed Party Areas FIVE Dance Floors Awesome Band Lineup! Huge DJ Lineup Midnight Celebration Party Favors Exquisite Gaylord Cuisine VIP & Velvet Rope tickets available Much More! Questions? Ticket Issues? Try our FAQs Page Date: December 31, 2017 Time: 9:00 pm - 3:00 am


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Jacqueline P. Hand
Professor of Law
- J.D. Wayne State University '78
- M.S.J. Northwestern University '69
- B.A. St. Mary's College (Notre Dame) '68
Professor Hand's current scholarship has focused on connecting her teaching and research interests in environmental, international and American Indian law. Some of her recent publications and presentations include "Protecting the World's Largest Body of Fresh Water: The Often Overlooked Role of the Indian Tribes' Co-Management of the Great Lakes" (forthcoming) and "Climate Change and the Indian Tribes", presented at the 5th Annual Academy of the IUCN in Paraty, Brazil. She also co-authored a book on property law entitled Neighboring Property Owners and contributed the Michigan chapter to the recently published treatise on Water Law and Water Rights.
Throughout her career, Prof. Hand has served as a visiting professor at various institutions, including the University of New Mexico, Santa Clara University and Lewis and Clark School of Law, and was the recipient of an Indo-American Fellowship for study in India through the Fulbright Association. In 1996, she founded the American Indian Law Center at Detroit Mercy Law and continues to serve as the Center's director. She is also active in numerous organizations in her field, including the Academy of the IUCN (World Conservation Union) and the Environmental and Indian Law sections of the State Bar of Michigan. She previously served as chair of the Environmental, Property and Agricultural Law sections of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS). In addition, she serves as the Secretary and Member of the Board of Directors of the Ecology Center Ann Arbor and as Co-Chair of the Southeast Michigan Fulbright Association.
Recent Publication:
"Co-operating to Protect the Shining Big Sea Water and its Siblings: Consultation with Native Peoples in Protecting the Great Lakes," book chapter in Tribes, Land and Environment (July 2012).
Recent Presentations:
"The Duty to Consult on Natural Resources: Giving Substance to Procedural Rights," Academy of the IUCN (World Conservancy Union) Annual Meeting, June 2012.
Invited Commentator, Scholar's Workshop on Environmental Constitutional Rights, Widener University School of Law, May 2012.
Invited Commentator, Urban Agriculture in Detroit, City University of New York Center for Urban Environmental Reform, Workshop on Regulating the Urban Environment, May 2012.
Co-organized UDM Law's Second Annual Urban Agriculture Symposium, May 2012.
Property (1120)
Environmental Law (3160)
Selected Topics in Environmental Law Seminar (4150)


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Scrimmage 101
How to Teach the Game of Roller Derby
by Punchy O'Guts
About the Book
Created for roller derby trainers and coaches, Scrimmage 101 is a nine-class program dedicated to teaching Fresh Meat how to play roller derby. Theme-based classes progressively build throughout the program with focus on pack awareness, teamwork, and basic and intermediate game strategy. Drills and scrimmage are intensity-controlled to foster a supportive environment in which Fresh Meat skaters feel successful while learning the skills and knowledge needed for the fast-paced game of roller derby.
Features & Details
- Category Sports & Adventure
Standard Portrait, 7.75×9.75 in, 20×25 cm
66 Pages
- Publish Date Dec 08, 2012
About the Creator
Punchy O'Guts, also known as Amy Martin, is a writer, a mother, and a rollergirl. She has more than five years experience as a competitive skater, more than seven as a writer, and more than thirteen as a mother. Punchy earned a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts at Penn State University and an MFA in Creative Writing at Stonecoast. She grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania and moved to Portland, Maine in 2004 to pursue a career in journalism. Punchy joined Maine Roller Derby in March of 2006. She organized and managed bout production for three years and worked as the marketing director for two. She serves as president of the league's board of directors, the webmistress, a representative for WFTDA, a member of the training committee, and a captain of The Port Authorities, the league's all-star team. Punchy has skated for the all-star team since its inception in 2008 and remains the only original member still competing. She proudly serves as a team captain and most often plays as pivot.
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A large-scale, lung cancer screening trial has shown that heavy smokers who got spiral CT scans reduced their risk of dying by 20 percent compared to smokers who had standard chest X-rays.
"This difference is statistically significant, meaning that it's unlikely that it's just random variation between the two groups," said Dr. Tim Church from the University of Minnesota.
Spiral CT scans produce more detailed images of the lung.
More than 53,000 smokers participated in the study. The University of Minnesota recruited 6,600 smokers.
Church is not advising smokers to get a CT scan just yet.
"We have to make sure that we're not doing more harm than we should in getting that benefit," Church said. "And then once that analysis is done, recommendations can be formulated about who to screen, how often to screen, at what ages to screen and how long to screen them."
More sensitive CT scans can reveal lung masses that do not end up being cancerous. Church said investigating those false readings can be expensive and lead to needless surgeries and tests. In addition, all X-ray scans transmit radiation which can cause cancer.


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Code Nuke
You are a Special Agent who has just found a nuclear bomb hidden on a waste barge in the USA and it is set to go off in 3 minutes. Luckily, it has a keypad to enter a six digit disarm code, and you happen to have found what looks to be the disarm code on a dead terrorist. Unfortunately it is written in some kind of crazy letter code and you have to decode it fast. The code you found is "PS PP LDPE V HDPE PETE". What number do you enter to save the day?
HintThere are a lot of empty plastic bottles kicking around on this waste barge.
AnswerThe answer was as close as the nearest plastic water or soda bottle! The letters (PS, PP, LDPE...) refer to types of plastic which all have recycle codes numbers (found inside of the triangle recycle symbol on plastic products). Using plastic bottles lying all around, you would find that the disarm code is 654321.
Here is the full list: 1 PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate), 2 HDPE (High-density polyethylene), 3 V (Vinyl), 4 LDPE (Low-density polyethylene), 5 PP (Polypropylene), 6 PS (Polystyrene) and 7 OTHER (All other resins and layered multi-material). Soft drink bottles, the plastic kind, are normally 1 PETE. Look around and you will likely find most of the others somewhere in your house.
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HEBRON ESTATES - North Bullitt rolled into Friday night's showdown with arch-rival Bullitt East sporting an undefeated record through three games, but even the most optimistic Eagle fan still had questions about this year's team.
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text: Kids' snaggletooth monster pencil case Item F5225 Color: ROYAL BLUE FACE Size: ONE SIZE All sizes are US sizes. ONE SIZE Size Charts Quantity: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Prices do not include taxes. Add to Bag Wishlist Add to Bag Add To Wishlist share: size & fit 2"H x 8"W x 2 1/8"D. Product Details The awesome-est way to carry his pencils and erasers? Inside this so-cute-it's-scary snaggletooth monster pencil case (duh!). Nylon with PU backing. Zip. Import. Select stores. Item F5225.


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Hello there. My name is Chase and I am 33 years old. I am only 6 months into my "awakening" and being introduced to Buddhism itself. I started seeing a Buddhist (unbeknown to me at the time) therapist a few years ago. I had just relocated to Denver and started going through an early mid-life crisis. (Who am I? What do I really want to do with my life? Why am I so miserable? There has to be more, etc.)
I have been in a corporate job setting for almost 9 years. Through working with my therapist I'm starting to discover, or trying to discover who I am, and just waking up to the fact that I have been/am suffering. I've read a few books by Eckhart Tolle and many by Cheri Huber which have been helpful in trying to navigate through this process. It seems the more I dive into this the more I realize I AM suffering and the more I actually suffer, or at least I find myself focusing more and beating up myself that I am in this state of depression than trying to find a way out of it. I'm now realizing that after 9 years trying to climb the corporate ladder, that I am an extremely depressed person and that I have emotionally cut myself off from friends and family and have immense self-hate towards myself (the voices). For some reason, which I'm still trying to figure out, I've cut myslef off from my emotions and am afraid to feel them, cry, etc. I think part of me is excited/scared to know that who I thought I was by 33 years old is not who I really am and there are other possibilities. I'm deathly afraid of quitting my job and self-hate tells me I'm stupid if I do, I'll never get another job, only an idiot would quit a corporate job, etc. Maybe attachment to that part of my life? My self confidence is shot in all aspects of my life, meeting new people, relationships, etc. I know that sitting in an office for the rest of my life will now not suffice and I want to be of help to other people in some form or fashion.
I guess why I'm posting here is just to ask some simple advice from other people that have gone through this same awakening/suffering process? What was your experience and how were you able to come out of it? What suggestions might you have for someone who is going through it? I really am appreciative of the people I've met so far and how big their hearts are, and only hope that one day I can do the same. Thank you for your time and any insight.


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NEW ORLEANS - Two big plays for first-quarter touchdowns started John Curtis on its way to the LHSAA Class 2A State Championship with a 35-13 victory over Evangel Christian Academy on Saturday.
The win gave the Patriots (14-0) their 25th state championship and extended their winning streak to 28 games as they enhanced their case for being considered perhaps the best high school team in the country.
"This is certainly a good football team," Patriots coach J.T. Curtis said. "I told my team in the locker room after the game I don't know if they are the number one team in the country; I don't know how you judge that. But I will take them. I will go to battle with them against anybody anywhere and anytime.
"We have had some good teams in the past, but this was a complete team. We have speed offensively and defensively, and plus we had great depth. You put those things together you certainly have the makings of a good football team."
Duke Riley's touchdown on an 80-yard return of a fumble recovery and George Moreira's 30-yard touchdown run gave the Patriots a 14-0 lead despite running just three offensive plays in the first quarter.
Evangel (12-3) made it 14-7 when Dakota Duron connected with Trent Taylor for a 17-yard touchdown, but the Patriots answered three plays later with a 72-yard touchdown run by Sherman Badie.
After Josh Davis' field goal cut the lead to 21-10, Patrick Morton scored from a yard out to give the Patriots a 28-10 halftime lead.
The matchup between two of the most successful programs in Louisiana was the fourth time John Curtis and Evangel have played for a state championship. They have combined for 36 state championships.


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Rovi Sees a Nice Breakout
Rovi (ROVI) is seeing a nice breakout move today with a good amount of volume and a relative strength index confirming the move. I would like to see a stronger move in the stochastics, but momentum is still on the upswing with plenty of room to move.
ROVI announced its intent to sell its entertainment store unit, which is not viewed as part of its core business. During the announcement ROVI provided guidance in line to slightly better than expectations, which puts the stock with a P/E around 8 based on 2012 anticipated results of $2.05 to $2.10 per share. ROVI has had its stumbles, but the valuation here is still appealing. Furthermore, there is very large call volume in the February 17.5 calls, which is where I am heading buying at $0.90 or better with a target at $0.85. I believe some of that call volume was a buy stock, sell-the-call, but is still a bullish look at the stock....269 more words left in this article. To read them, just click below and try Real Money FREE for 14 days.
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8 Things Women Need to Know When Men Run the Show
FOUNDER & CEO, NEWME ACCELERATOR @abenton
Age: 32 Bona fides: One of the only players providing strategy and content for African-Americans in new media. Bragging rights: Her NewMe Accelerator, an incubator for minority-run start-ups, is backed by Google and venture cap giant Andreessen Horowitz.
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Age: 41 Claim to fame: Stanford alum founded Ning, an early social network, with Netscape's Marc Andreessen. Current gig: Runs Mightybell, a platform for creating communities of social networks. Power pal: Sheryl Sandberg, whose Lean In Circles operate on Mightybell.
Ask the Experts: Office Max


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Power protection glossary
Ralph Graves is one of Crutchfield's blog editors, and part of the company's social media team. He writes about home audio/video gear, specializing in Apple-related and wireless technologies. Ralph holds a master's degree in music composition, and his works have been released on various labels. He's served as product manager for an independent classical and world music label, produced several recordings, and worked extensively in public broadcasting. Since 1984 he's hosted a weekly classical music program on WTJU, and is also active as a blogger and podcaster.
More from Ralph Graves
Heads up!Welcome to this article from the Crutchfield archives. Have fun reading it, but be aware that the information may be outdated and links may be broken.
Coaxial protection
Power protection components feature two types of coaxial connection jacks — one specifically designed to handle satellite TV (or DBS) signals, and another for a standard cable/broadcast antenna connection. That's because the amount of voltage that normally occurs between a satellite dish and satellite receiver is much greater than the voltage found in a typical cable TV signal.
Delayed/sequential turn-on
Power protection components with a delayed turn-on feature typically provide one or more outlets that receive current several seconds after the other components have been turned on. For example, you could set your amplifier or receiver to turn on after your other gear to prevent the unwanted "thump" that can damage your speakers.
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
This type of interference is caused by an electromagnetic field generated close to your system, often by common household appliances. A washing machine or a vacuum cleaner can add a loud buzzing or a low hum to your audio system or distort your TV picture. You can protect against EMI with a line conditioner.
Ground fault
The shorting of a circuit or an electrical device causing current to flow to any location other than the structure's common grounding electrode. This can be caused by damaged or faulty wiring, or by the installation of a second grounding electrode.
US and Canadian electrical codes require a common grounding electrode for all wires that enter a structure.
Many power protection devices feature built-in ground fault indicators. If a ground fault is detected, we strongly recommend that you consult a licensed electrician as soon as possible to protect your system and your home.
A unit of energy. One Joule is equal to the work done when a current of one ampere is passed through a resistance of one ohm for one second. A 100-watt light bulb uses 100 Joules every second. In power protection, the higher the Joule rating, the better the surge protection.
Line conditioning
A power protector component with line, or power, conditioning filters power before passing it on to your system. It minimizes or removes EMI and RFI using special conditioning circuitry.
MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor)
MOVs are the core of many power protection components. A varistor is a variable resistor, designed to react to the voltage level of the incoming current and change its resistance accordingly. When incoming power is slightly above the safe level of the component, for example, the MOV drains energy from the current as it passes through, bringing the level back down. During a sudden voltage spike, the influx of power severely damages or destroys the MOV, breaking the connection and helping protect your devices.
Over-voltage can happen when high-current electrical motors, such as air conditioners, switch off. The extra voltage that results from the sudden decrease in demand is dissipated through the rest of the power line, and can exceed the recommended peak current levels of many electronic components. Over-voltage is sometimes confused with a lightning strike, which is actually a voltage spike.
Power conditioning
See line conditioning
Power regeneration
Rather than just filtering incoming house current like a line conditioner, a power regenerator takes the incoming current and uses it to create its own power to send on to your system. Incoming alternating current (AC) is converted to direct current (DC), stripping off any electronic noise in the process. The DC is then regenerated back into AC through circuitry that tightly controls the voltage level. This outgoing power has none of the electronic noise or voltage irregularities of the source.
RFI (Radio Frequency Interference)
This type of interference results from radio waves created by radio stations, microwaves, cell phones, lawn mowers, generators, and many other sources. These patterns of interference, these patterns of interference often originate a great distance from your home. They're usually heard as clicks and pops, though sometimes cellphone conversations or nearby radio transmissions can "bleed through" your system's audio. RFI can also appear as "snow" on your TV's picture.
Switched outlet
An AC outlet built into your power protection component or A/V receiver that delivers power only when the component is turned on. Commonly these outlets are used for DVD players, amplifiers and other ancillary components that might not have stored settings.
UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories Inc., an independent, non-profit, product safety testing and certification organization. Since 1894, UL has been one of the leaders in testing products for public safety. If a product is UL-listed, it has been tested and approved by this organization.
Under-voltage is a temporary decrease in available power throughout your home's electrical system. This decrease can be caused by devices that draw a lot of power when they start up, such as air-conditioning units, compressors, and power tools. It can also occur during times of peak power demand, when electric utility companies lower voltage levels in certain areas for hours or days at a time, particularly during hot weather. Under-voltage can reduce the efficiency and life span of electronic equipment, especially those that use motors like computers, DVD players, and game consoles.
Unswitched outlet
An AC outlet built into your power protection component or A/V receiver that delivers power at all times, as long as the powering component receives power. That means it will deliver power when the connected device is on or in standby mode, and won't when its own fuse or breaker on a power protection component is blown or in the off position. Unswitched outlets are used by equipment with memory or components that use remotes, such as DVRs or televisions.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
A power protection component that uses an internal battery to deliver backup power to connected equipment during temporary electrical outages. UPS components are especially useful for home computer networks, because the backup power lets you save necessary data and safely shut down your PC. They're also helpful for saving the personalized settings stored in your home A/V system components. And if you have a rear-projection TV, this backup power can keep the fan running so the bulb cools down properly, preventing damage.
Voltage spike
Voltage spikes are usually caused by a nearby lightning strike. They can also occur when the power is restored after having gone out during a storm. A spike is an instantaneous enormous voltage increase, and can result in catastrophic damage to unprotected electronic components.


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"I felt like a champion of Europe long before the game was finished," José Mourinho told UEFA.com as he looked back on FC Porto's 2003/04 final win against AS Monaco FC.
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Don't Panic -- Douglas Adams
Judging from all the action in the world's most valuable company by market capitalization in the last few days, quite a few investors have not embraced the main maxim from the cult classic, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Apple (AAPL) has its worst one-day selloff in four years Wednesday. The stock was down another 20 points in early trading Thursday before sanity crept back into the market and AAPL finished some 30 points above its early day lows.
Myriad reasons were given to explain the more than 35-point decline in the stock.
iPad Market Share: A research report came out stating the iPad's share of the tablet market would slip to half its current share by 2016. Okay, how is that different from what happened with the iPhone after it was introduced to define the smartphone market in 2007? Apple is not the market-share leader in this category any more. However, it still commands high prices, produces more phones than ever and maintains huge margins relative to its competitors.
Fourth-quarter iPhone sales: Some analysts mentioned AT&T's (T) smartphone numbers as a reason to be cautious about iPhone sales for the fourth quarter. Given what I have seen in other reports, I would be surprised if Apple does not come in at least in line with fourth-quarter estimates. In addition, the iPhone will be rolling out to an additional 50 countries soon, including China, and the company appears to have put its previous supply problems behind it. This bodes well for quarterly sales going forward.
New Nokia phones in China: Nokia (NOK) announced that it would roll out its new Lumia phones with China Mobile (CHL) in the Middle Kingdom. This rollout will probably give it a month or two of launch advantage over the iPhone 5, but does anyone think Nokia is going to cut into Apple's demand in China given it is charging over $700 to the carrier? Me neither, even though own I long Nokia long-term call options.
No Special Dividend – Some pundits opined that there was some disappointment that Apple has not announced a special dividend given its cash hoard and how many other companies have decided to provide their shareholders an extra dividend before taxes go up in 2013. Hey, I would love to receive extra cash via my Apple stake, but are investors investing in Apple because of its dividend?
Margin Requirements – One small broker raised its margin requirement on Apple from 30% to 60%. No major brokers followed suit, so don't look for these new margin rules to show up in your Ameritrade or E*TRADE (ETFC) account. Besides, most of the demand for the stock comes from institutions so this is one of the biggest non-reasons cited Wednesday for Apple's fall.
Death Cross – Some analysts even speculate that the possibility that Apple stock could trigger the "Death Cross" could have something to do with the stock's big fall. The "Death Cross" is when a stock's 50-day moving average drops below the stock's 200-moving day average. Although this might have relevance to some technicians, longer term this is about as relevant as Dec. 21 approaching this year for non-Mayans.
Capital Gains: Another explanation given for Apple's fall is investors decided to sell to book capital gains prior to capital gains tax rates rising in 2013. Given how much AAPL has risen over the last few years and the large capital gains investors who have had the stock for one, two or three years (see chart) have on the stock, this is only explanation that I give credence to at this point. Luckily, this is just a temporary headwind that will die a natural death at the end of the year.
The Bottom Line: Apple is a solid long-term buy and pullbacks like this should be viewed by investors as early Christmas gifts. The time to worry about Apple will be when its Apple Stores are not packed with some of the highest spending per square foot in retail or when you go to Starbucks (SBUX) and every other person is not playing on an Apple product (iPhone, iMac or iPad), not for reasons given for Wednesday's selloff. So if you gave in to the panic selling on Apple, learn from it. If you ignored all the daily movements recently and held on to your Apple shares, you will be rewarded in 2013. If you bought more shares or call options like I did when the stock gapped down Thursday, I'll raise an early glass of holiday cheer to you as you sit on nice gains by taking advantage of others panicking.


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POLICE in Northern Ireland have arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter and facilitating illegal entry into the United Kingdom after 35 immigrants were found in a container that arrived at the Port of Tilbury.
One man, Meet Singh Kapoor, 40, died. 15 children were among the stowaways, who were fleeing religious persecution in Afghanistan.
The container was discovered at the port on Saturday, August 16,
A man aged 34 from Limavady, was arrested just after midday at Banbridge on the A1. He is currently in the custody of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) pending his transportation to the mainland for questioning by Essex Police.
PSNI officers are also carrying out a search of his home address to assist the Essex Police investigation.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore, of Essex Police, said: "This is a fast-moving investigation which has already involved a number of police forces and law enforcement agencies from across the United Kingdom and Europe.
"I am very grateful to officers from the PSNI for their assistance this morning. We will continue to work closely with all of our policing colleagues as we pursue our investigation to bring those responsible for this crime to justice."