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A MOVING SPONTANEOUS DONATION CAMPAIGN IN SCHOOLS FROM A TEACHER IN CHINAClick for detail (Chinese) 60 NEW SMILES READY TO GREET THE NEW YEAR!It is our pleasure to report to you that the mission in October 2006 was very successful. We were invited to the Number One People's Hospital of Yancheng, Jiangsu and there our team performed 75 procedures on sixty children to correct cleft lip and palate deformities. Most of these cases were complex problems on older patients, and several were cases that were rejected from local and regional programs. The Smile China team not only helped these children with severe facial deformities with a second chance in life; they also provided an educational platform for the local surgeons to be able to provide surgical expertise and guidance on advanced cases. October 2008 Smile China MissionIn the period between October 27 to November 5, 2008, Smile China formed a team which is comprised of both North American and Chinese surgeons to participate in the Three-One Project. 7 surgeons from both North America and China will work tirelessly to help approximately 100 patients who had sustained facial deformities during the May12 Sichuan earthquake. These patients are either children or women. This is the first session of a long term project destined to help an estimated 360,000 people injured during the earthquake. Many of the victims may have sustained facial injuries. Smile China anticipates a bigger involvement in the future with more surgeons on board. Teammates:
NEWS UPDATE JUNE, 2007Smile China Mission 2007:In April of 2007, the Smile China team conducted a mission in the city of Hangzhou, Jejiang. The mission took place at the Jeijang Number One People�s Hospital under the gracious hosting of Dr. Wu Sufan. Patients were prescreened from underprivileged areas (family income less than 2000RBM per annum) in the outskirts of Jeijang and other parts of China. The registration process had to be cut short after 3 days when 335 patients and their family flocked in. 100 patients were finally chosen according to their needs, suitable age and health conditions. The remaining registrants will be archived for future missions. All operations were completed after 6 days of work without any complications. This is the first time a Smile China team was comprised of both North American surgeons as well as Chinese surgeons who had adopted the same spirit as us in helping the underprivileged. In the future, Smile China will be more proactive in recruiting more Chinese doctors to help their own. SMILE CHINA TEAM IS HOME!I would like to report to you that the Smile China team has successfully completed our 2007 mission in the city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang. The team has landed home safely on April 27. In this mission, we have successfully completed the repairs for 100 children with cleft lips and palate deformities. These children were chosen with strict criteria based on their family income, place of residence and age. To our surprise, in a 3 day period of registration ( thanks to the PR from People's Daily, China Daily, and TVs, patients came from all over China ), over 400 underprivileged kids who registered fit the criteria. We could only pick the first 100. We are hoping that we would be able to help the remaining 300 in the future. The Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital we worked at is a first rate hospital. We were extremely pleased with their preparation and organization ( they have mobilized a team of 150 people to help the mission ). The follow-up of these patients will be done at the same hospital with their doctors and the presence of our representative in China, May Siu, in August 8, 07 ( a date easy for the Chinese to remember ). All the teammates, including the self-funded volunteers ( Sherman Xu, Jeffrey Wu, Benny Wu, Dr. Gaye Quan and Dr. Camila Vaz ) and self-funded resident doctors (Dr. Amir Rafii, Dr. Abraham Sorom and Dr. Lucy Barr ) all had a great time. They have all contributed immensely to the success of the mission. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone of you for your continual support of Smile China. Without your support, mission like this one would not have been a reality. With warmest regards, Joseph K. Wong, M.D.,F.R.C.S.(C). SMILE CHINA MISSION 2007 TEAM LISTNorth American teammates:
Chinese Teammates:There were 6 surgeons from the Department of Plastic Surgery of the Number Nine Hospital in Shanghai under the directorship of Professor T.S. Chang and Professor Q.F. Li. The team leaders were Dr. Mu and Dr. Min Wei NEWS UPDATE JANUARY 16, 2007A moving spontaneous donation campaign in schools from a teacher in China. (Chinese)NEWS UPDATE NOVEMBER 29, 2006We are very thankful to Johnny Yip, and the organizers of the Johnny Yip concert: Hue's Innovation and Ms. Bo Bo Tam, on November 29th for their donation of $3000 to Smile China. Johnny Yip's well known and much loved songs brought back fond memories for many of the concert goers. NEWS UPDATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2006The Spread-A-Smile Gala of September 29th was an evening to remember. Thanks to the excellent planning and organization of our two Chairs, Carole Anthony and Suelyn Jackman, we all enjoyed a wonderful evening of great food and entertainment. We also fundraised aprox. $150,000. The "buy a bear, give a bear to a child in China" idea, sponsored by Boris Jackman , was also a success. During our October mission in Yancheng, the children were very happy to receive the Build-a-Bear pandas as they woke up in recovery after their operations. NEWS UPDATE SEPTEMBER 01, 2006Smile China is preparing for its biggest mission ever. Our team of 16 will depart on October 14, 2006 for Yencheng, Jiangsu , China. This is in following a commitment made by Premier Dalton McGinty during the Ontario Trade Mission to Jiangsu last November for a humanitarian mission to that region. Our team is planning to share updated surgical techniques and treat over one hundred children with cleft lip and palate during this mission.
In launching the mission, Smile China is having its 1st annual Spread A Smile Fuindraising Gala at the Mandarin Garden Banquet & Convention Centre in Brampton on Friday September 29th. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling the Smile China phone line at (905) 828-1800. It will be an enjoyable evening of good food, laughter and fun with special performances by Gerry Dee, one of Canada's top comics, John Frasier, and music to dance to by the Jay Douglas Band. We hope to see you on the 29th! We value all contributions to Smile China's efforts and thank the following organizations and individuals who generously directed donations to us through their own fundraising efforts: Title Sponsor - Mandarin RestaurantPlatinum Sponsor - Tour East Holidays Gold Sponsor - Astra Zeneca Gold Sponsor - Dundee Wealth Management Gold Sponsor - Dr. Joseph K. Wong Medicine Practice Incorporated Silver Sponsor - Lee Li Holdings Special Friend of Smile China Sponsor - Mr. Michael Lo , with a $30,000 donation. The Mark Chi Hing Tong celebrated their 98th anniversary and gave special support to Smile China through the CPB Foundation during the summer. A generous donation from Mark Chi Hing Tong's president, Mr. Jimmy Mai Mr. Michael Lo of Legend Restaurant organized a fabulous evening of Cantonese Opera at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga during the Chinese Arts Festival in July with proceeds going to Smile China through the CPB Foundation. Mr, Andre Mak, Mississauga's Citizen of the Year 2004, celebrated his 60th birthday with a birthday wish of no presents . Instead he wanted more smiles and contributions to Smile China. The Mississauga Convention Centre Foundation will present "The Rainbow Ball" on Friday September 22, 2006. Smile China is happy to be one of the recipient charities this year. Mr. Jason Liu wrote a very meaningful song for Smile China. It is titled "Keep on Smiling" and it will be featured in a special slide show presentation at the gala on September 29th. NEWS UPDATE JANUARY 01, 2006Smile China thanks you very kindly for your donation in 2005. The money you so generously offered helped Dr. Joseph Wong and his medical team give the gift of a smile back to 62 children in the poor, remote city of Shangrao, China. The change in the self-esteem and self-confidence of a child who has had a facial deformity repaired is immeasurable. We hope this update will offer a glimpse into the success of this mission, and how your donation has helped to change a life. Please click here for more news about our 2005 Mission. NEWS UPDATE NOVEMBER 12, 2005We have been so busy planning our upcoming mission to China on November 26, that we haven't kept the news update page fully up to date. Our apologies go out to our readers. Currently, Smile China founder and Chair, Dr. Joseph K. Wong and Smile China Vice Chair, Dr Sydney Reimer are accompanying Ontario Premier, the Honourable Dalton McGuinty on a trade mission to China. We are honoured that Premier McGuinty is now our honourary Chair. On November 10th in Nanjing, China, a public announcement was made jointly between the two governments that Smile China was chosen to conduct a medical humanitarian mission to help the underprivileged children in the province of Jiangsu ( Nanjing is the capital city of the province ) in 2006. The friendships and liaisons built between Smile China and Ontario and Jiangsu will only strengthen our capabilities in helping impoverished children with facial deformities in China. Drs. Wong and Reimer are travelling at their own expense. This year's mission is to Shangrao, which is in the mountainous region of Jiangxi province. This is the first time that Smile China has been to this province. The Chinese consulate in Toronto and authorities in Jiangxi have identified a need in this province. Already, fifty-six children have been prescreened for cleft lip and palate surgeries by the local Chinese medical team. Smile China hopes to be able to do a minimum of fifty cases during this mission. Look to the Team CVs section of our website to learn more about our 2005 team members. Smile China's premission dinner sponsored by BMO Harris Private Banking will be held on November 24, 2005 at the Prince Japanese Steakhouse. At this dinner we will be thanking our generous donors of 2005 ( donations greater than $1000.) We also wish to thank the following organizations for organizing fund raisers that have directed proceeds to Smile China: In chronological order :
We also wish to acknowledge the following groups for their generosity in 2005: In alphabetical order:
News Release from Premier's Office
Letter from the Premier of Ontario, Premier McGuinty
Letter from Dr. Lu NEWS UPDATE APRIL 12, 2005We are happy to welcome Chan Hon Goh, the Principal Dancer of the National Ballet of Canada and International Guest Artist as our Smile Ambassador and Honorary Spokesperson for Smile China. Chan will be assisting us in spreading the word about Smile China. Planning has commenced for our 2005 mission that will be in October or November. The destination and exact dates are pending approval from the Chinese government. We also plan to jointly host a meeting with the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies (IFFPSS) and Chinese facial plastic surgeons at the end of the trip. This meeting will be held in Shanghai. We are grateful to Globe and Mail writer, Jan Wong for her support of Smile China. As a result of her suggestion, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Network has donated $550.00 to Smile China from the proceeds of Jan's lunchtime talk for hospital staff given in celebration of International Women's Day. Thank you Jan and Sunnybrook & Women's College! This year's team leaders of our Smile China volunteers are as follows:
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend these events in support of Smile China.
For information contact the CPB office (905) 828-6800. Please read about our Mission. |
Smile China is a registered Canadian charitable organization Registered charity No. 88924 5809 RR0001 Smile China 54 Redlea Avenue Toronto, Ontario M1V-4S3 Tel: 416-754-0722 Fax:416-754-4433 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com "It may only be a cleft repair, but it restores a child's life." "It may only be a smile, but its one filled with hope and dignity." |


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ARCHIVE: Meet the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece
The Marshall County Pubic Library's Young Adult Advisory Panel will be performing Mount Olympus Live! on Saturday, March 16, at all three branches of the Marshall County Public Library. Students of all ages are invited to come out and meet the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus in this interactive program. Performances times will be 10:00 @Calvert City, 1:00 @Benton, and 3:00 @Hardin.

subset: commoncrawl


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Obamacare to Lower Costs
German Lopez
0 Comments · Wednesday, September 4, 2013
The Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") will lead to an increase in Ohio's raw health care premiums, but the increase will be more than offset by the law's tax credits.
by German Lopez
08.30.2013 104 days ago
Posted In:
Health care
Barack Obama
at 10:35 AM |
Obamacare to Lower Ohioans' Health Care Costs
Individuals' premiums will rise, but tax credits will more than make up for the increase
The Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") will lead to an increase in Ohio's raw health care premiums, but the increase will be more than offset by the law's tax credits, according to an Aug. 29 study from the RAND Corporation, a reputable think tank. Specifically, health care premiums will rise to an average of $5,312 under Obamacare in 2016. Without the law, premiums would reach an average of $3,973 that year. But when Obamacare's tax credits are plugged in, the average Ohio individual will only pay a premium of $3,131 — $842 less than an individual Ohioan would pay without the law. The tax credits will be available to individuals between 100 percent ($11,490 in annual income) and 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($45,960 in annual income). The subsidies will be smaller for higher income levels, and the raw premium will vary depending on the insurance plan, so the premium and subsidy numbers don't apply perfectly across the board. The numbers also only apply to Ohioans in the individual health insurance market. Under Obamacare, individuals will be able to enroll for health insurance through an online marketplace. The majority of Americans who get health insurance through their employers or public programs fall under different rules and regulations. Obamacare will help more non-elderly Ohioans get health insurance. Without the law, 14.9 percent of non-elderly individuals would lack insurance. With the law, only 6.2 percent will go without insurance. RAND attributes the difference in insurance rates to tax credits, which make health insurance more affordable, and the individual mandate, which requires certain Americans buy health insurance or pay a fine. The numbers are good news for Obamacare, which needs a certain amount of young adults to enroll to avoid causing health care costs to skyrocket. Federal officials say they expect to enroll 7 million people through individual marketplaces, but 2.7 million must be young adults. That's because young adults tend to be healthier, which will help balance out sicker, older people flowing into health care plans. The online marketplaces are supposed to open enrollment on Oct. 1. The actual plans will go into effect on Jan. 1.
by German Lopez
08.02.2013 132 days ago
Posted In:
at 03:50 PM |
Incoming Federal Cuts to Hit Low-Income Ohio Families
Food stamp program losing temporary funding boost
With a temporary boost to the federal food stamp program coming to an end this November, more than 1.8 million Ohioans — 16 percent of the state's population — will receive significantly less food aid, according to an Aug. 2 report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). The report calculates that the cut is the equivalent to taking away 21 meals per month for a family of four. After the cut, the food stamp program will provide each person with less than $1.40 per meal, according to CBPP's calculations. Citing research from the USDA that shows many low-income families still fail to meet basic standards for food security, CBPP says the cuts will hit families that arguably need more, not less, help: "Given this research and the growing awareness of the inadequacy of the current SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit allotments, we can reasonably assume that a reduction in SNAP benefit levels of this size will significantly increase the number of poor households that have difficulty affording adequate food this fall." Although the federal food stamp program has been cut before, it's never been cut to this extent, according to CBPP. "There have been some cuts in specific states, but these cuts have not typically been as large or affected as many people as what will occur this November," the report reads. The reductions could also have a broader economic impact: Every $1 increase in food aid generates about $1.70 in economic activity, according to progressive think tank Policy Matters Ohio. "Ohio's foodbanks and hunger charities cannot respond to increasing hunger on their own," said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, in a statement released by Policy Matters. "SNAP takes Ohioans out of our food pantry lines and puts them into grocery store checkout lines. It provides supplemental food to the most vulnerable among us. Now is not the time to further reduce this already modest assistance to struggling families." About 48 percent of Cincinnati children are in poverty, according to a 2011 study from the National Center for Children in Poverty. Despite that, city funding to human services that benefits low-income families has been cut throughout the past decade. CityBeat covered that issue in greater detail here. The cut to the federal food stamp program kicks in automatically in November instead of the original April 2014 sunset date as a result of laws passed in 2010 by President Barack Obama and Congress. Obama and congressional Democrats are now urging legislation that would remedy the situation, but it's unlikely anything will pass the gridlocked Congress. Republicans are preparing a bill that would further cut the food stamp program, which they see as too generous and expensive. From Fox News: "Reps. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana and Kristi Noem of South Dakota, two Republicans who helped design the bill, said the legislation would find the savings by tightening eligibility standards and imposing new work requirements. It would also likely try to reduce the rolls by requiring drug testing and barring convicted murderers, rapists and pedophiles from receiving food stamps."
Minimum Gauge
Jumblin' Osbornes, Thrifty Thievery and Hova's Phone Fail
Mike Breen
0 Comments · Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The President confuses British chancellor with his favorite R&B singer, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis unaware of Goodwill's latest "Thrift Shop"-jacking marketing campaign and Jay-Z will have to wait until real people buy his new album before it can become a million-seller.
Minimum Gauge
Droning Your Sorrows
Drones to deliver beer at music fest, Jay-Z gets a presidential diss and Ghost B.C. release cheeky box-set
Mike Breen
0 Comments · Wednesday, May 1, 2013
A South African music festival announced new "beer drone technology," whereby fans order by phone and have their order dropped from a drone above, will debut at August event. Plus, Jay-Z gets a mini-roast from the President at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and Swedish Doom Metal band Ghost B.C. treats fans to a sacrilicious new box set, complete with band-branded sex toys.
by German Lopez
Posted In:
at 04:00 PM |
Federal Sequestration Cuts Hurt Ohio
Cuts affecting education, housing, environment
Policy Matters Ohio released a report Monday that gives a hint of how federal sequestration, a series of across-the-board federal budget cuts that kicked in March 1, will affect Ohio. The impact of sequestration is already being felt in various areas, including education, housing and the environment. In Cincinnati, the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency plans to carry out $1 million in cuts by dropping 200 kids from the Head Start program, which helps low-income families get their children into preschool and other early education programs. Cuts will be spread out all around the state, leading to cuts in tax incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency, reduced research programs at major universities and the elimination of military jet flyovers at certain events. Wendy Patton, a senior project director at Policy Matters, says the cuts are only the beginning. "We're just seeing the tip of the iceberg now," Patton says, citing cuts in Chillicothe that will force the Chillicothe Metropolitan Housing Authority to serve 47 less families through the housing voucher program. "We will see this kind of information come out across Ohio's 88 counties as the months roll by." In February, the White House outlined how sequestration cuts will affect Ohio in its efforts to convince Congress to stop the cuts. The White House estimated about 26,000 civilian defense department employees would have to be furloughed, nearly $6.9 million in funding to clean air and water would have to be cut and 350 teacher and aide jobs would be put at risk, among other cuts. Even the unemployed will be hurt through cuts to unemployment insurance benefits — bad news in an already weak economy. In Ohio, about $5.3 million in federal grant money going toward unemployment insurance will be cut in a way that particularly affects the long-term unemployed, according to Pew Charitable Trusts. "We already have a problem with the long-term unemployed," says Zach Schiller, research director at Policy Matters. "This just makes it worse for these folks."An analysis from The Washington Post found employers often discriminate against anyone who has been unemployed for a considerable time during the hiring process.
Religious Birth Control Exemptions Are a Double Standard
German Lopez
1 Comment · Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Attorney General Mike DeWine says Obamacare infringes on religious liberty, but Republicans just want special economic rules for religious institutions.
by German Lopez
Posted In:
at 02:36 PM |
AG Supports Driver's Licenses for Children of Illegal Immigrants
DeWine says DACA recipients should be eligible to obtain driver's licenses
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has been reviewing its driver's license policy for the children of illegal immigrants for nearly two months now, but if it was up to Attorney General Mike DeWine, those people would already be eligible for driver's licenses. In a letter to the Latino Affairs Commission dated to March 19, DeWine wrote, "It appears that the BMV would have to accept driver's license applications from individuals that fall under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative because they can provide all of the information necessary." DACA is an executive order signed by President Barack Obama that allows the children of illegal immigrants to qualify for a social security number and work permit. According to DeWine, that should be enough to qualify for an Ohio driver's license: "With these documents and any other documents normally required by the BMV, an individual can provide the BMV with the information necessary to receive a driver's license." The BMV has been reviewing its driver's license policy for DACA recipients for nearly two months. A previous CityBeat report found the BMV is granting driver's licenses to some of the children of illegal immigrants, but what qualifies a few and disqualifies others is unclear. DeWine's letter is not legally binding, but since it's coming from the state's top legal adviser, it could put pressure on the BMV's legal team as it continues reviewing the Ohio's driver's license policy. "I encourage any citizen who is concerned about a law or policy to contact their legislators and voice that concern," DeWine wrote. "As Attorney General, I do not have the authority to introduce or vote on legislation." CityBeat originally broke the story regarding the BMV policy through the story of Ever Portillo, who was not able to receive a driver's license despite being a DACA recipient ("Not Legal Enough," issue of Feb. 6). CityBeat later heard stories and received documents showing what seemed to be internal confusion and conflict about the policy at the BMV. Between January and February, there was a noticeable shift in the BMV's messaging from flat-out barring DACA recipients from obtaining driver's licenses to reviewing the entire process — a change that might be attributable to the barrage of statewide media coverage on the issue after CityBeat's coverage.
Sequester Looms as Republicans Refuse Negotiations
German Lopez
2 Comments · Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Washington, D.C., is once again on the verge of another manufactured crisis. On March 1, the sequester, a series of mandated spending cuts, is set to kick in, threatening the country with another round of austerity measures that will cut jobs and bring down an already-fragile economy.
by German Lopez
Posted In:
Barack Obama
at 10:03 AM |
Morning News and Stuff
Federal cuts will hurt Ohio, casino revitalizes neighborhood, danger at private prison
The White House released a list of what cuts will be made in Ohio as part of mandatory spending cuts set to kick in March 1, which are widely known as the sequester. Among other changes, 26,000 civilian defense employees would be furloughed, 350 teacher and aide jobs would be put at risk due to $25.1 million in education cuts and $6.9 million for clean air and water enforcement would be taken away. President Barack Obama and Democrats have pushed to replace the sequester with a plan that contains tax changes and budget cuts, but they've failed to reach a compromise with Republicans, who insist on a plan that only includes spending cuts. Community Council President David White told WVXU that the streets and sidewalks of the long-neglected neighborhood of Pendleton were previously crumbling, but the Horseshoe Casino's development has helped transform the area. With Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, the city has budgeted $6 million in neighborhood development that has led to new trees, expanded sidewalks and the potential for further developments that will appeal to new businesses. A surprise inspection of the private prison owned by Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) on Feb. 22 revealed higher levels of violence, inadequate staff, high presence of gang activity, illegal substance use, frequent extortion and theft, according to the report from the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee (CIIC), Ohio's nonpartisan prison watchdog. The CIIC report found enormous increases in violence, with a 187.5-percent increase in inmate-on-inmate violence and 305.9-percent in inmate-on-staff violence between 2010 and 2012. Many of the problems are being brought on by inadequate staff, according to the report. The findings echo much of what privatization critics have been warning about ever since Gov. John Kasich announced his plans to privatize the state prison in 2011, which CityBeat covered in-depth here. Kasich has highlighted funding increases in the education plan in his 2014-2015 budget proposal, but the plan also includes looser requirements for Ohio's schools. The plan will remove the teacher salary schedule from law, which sets a minimum for automatic teacher pay increases for years of service and educational accomplishments, such as obtaining a master's degree. It would also change the minimum school year from 182 days to 920 hours for elementary students and 1,050 for high school students, giving more flexibility to schools. CityBeat took an in-depth look at the governor's budget and some of its education changes here. Ohio Democrats want to change how the state picks its watchdog. The governor currently appoints someone to the inspector general position, but Democrats argue a bipartisan panel should be in charge of making the pick. Mayor Mark Mallory is in Spain to meet with CAF, the company constructing the cars for Cincinnati's streetcar project. Streetcar opponents, including mayoral candidate John Cranley, say the cars are being built too early, but the city says it needs the time to build the cars, test them, burn the tracks and train staff in the cars' use. CityBeat covered the streetcar and how it relates to the 2013 mayoral race here. The amount of Ohio prisoners returning to prison after being released hit a new low of 28.7 percent in 2009. The numbers, which are calculated over a three-year period, indicate an optimistic trend for the state's recidivism statistics even before Gov. John Kasich's sentencing reform laws were signed into law. Cincinnati's real estate brokers say the city manager's parking plan will revitalize Downtown's retail scene by using funds from semi-privatizing Cincinnati's parking assets to renovate Tower Place Mall and build a 30-story apartment tower with a parking garage and grocery store. The University of Cincinnati was the second-best fundraiser in the state in the past year. On Feb. 20, UC announced it had met its $1 billion goal for its Proudly Cincinnati campaign. On Saturday, Bradley Manning, the American citizen accused of leaking a massive stash of diplomatic cables and military reports to WikiLeaks, went through his 1,000th day in U.S. custody without a trial.Popular Science has seven ways sitting is going to kill us all.
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Gasol Finds D'Antoni's System 'Tough'
(Pau) Gasol – who will spend the next weeks and possibly months in an informal tryout of sorts while the Lakers decide whether or not he needs to be traded – admitted to USA TODAY Sports that the uncertainty remains about whether or not both he and center Dwight Howard can flourish in D'Antoni's spread offense.
"I don't find (playing with Howard) tough," Gasol said as he stood at the loading dock. "It's more the system right now that makes it tough at times, because (D'Antoni) wants four guys to be spread and one interior guy and it's a guard-oriented system, so that makes it tough."


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egregiousfoul Watched Tyler Perry's Temptation for the first time yesterday. #GoodMovie #Sad
1 days ago.
PrimetimeJFB Finally saw dat tyler Perry movie temptation. ...cold world smh
sexylexi1991 Just watched tyler perry movie temptation again..laawwwd that movie too good
CamryQueen11 #NW Tyler Perry's Temptation.. This dude was crazy for real!!
jdillahh Tyler Perry's Temptation really got me thinking. That movie was so intense.
Exclusive Interview: Tyler Perry Tyler Perry chats about retiring Madea, traditional romance movies, working with Kim Kardashian and if his new film makes a good date movie.


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Hooked - (Stacia Naquin)
Updated: 10/11/2013 - I'm SO CLOSE to being able to do a pull-up. So my trainer introduced something new into my training.
Here's a sweet idea for a family outing. Patsy's Candies offers free self-guided tours of it's candy factory. You can see how the deliciousness is made 7 days a week, at the location on South 21st Street on the West side of Colorado Springs.
The Money Museum in Colorado Springs is offering free admission on Saturday, March 16th. It's located on Cascade Avenue, just north of downtown Colorado Springs. It also has a special deal for schools.
It offers free admission for students, teachers and chaperones, plus the Money Museum will reimburse the school district for school bus rental fees following your field trip to their facility.
This is your last chance to get free paint from Ace stores this weekend. It's giving away quarts of Clark + Kensington paint on Saturday, March 16th. The March issue of Consumer Reports rated this paint "Number One." No purchase is necessary, you'll just need the coupon at the link we've provided.
KKTV firmly believes in freedom of speech for all and we are happy to provide this forum for the community to share opinions and facts. We ask that commenters keep it clean, keep it truthful, stay on topic and be responsible. Comments left here do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of KKTV 11 News.
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powered by DisqusUpdated: 10/11/2013 - I'm SO CLOSE to being able to do a pull-up. So my trainer introduced something new into my training.
Posted: 08/06/2013 - Even if you don't plan to workout on your vacation, you may be surprised at the calories you're burning without even trying!
Updated: 06/18/2013 - We did a quick helicopter tour of the Black Forest burn area. Someone asked why the video looks shaky.
Updated: 05/20/2013 - Two weekends left to catch one great show!
Updated: 05/14/2013 - I'm still focused on meeting my goal of doing a pull-up. And I'm almost there! But I'm always getting this question:


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- Musician's Friend Best Selection, Price & Service. Guaranteed.
Need Help? Ask our Experts or call 800-449-9128
Asistencia en Español 866-226-2919
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With tap tempo and an outboard expression pedal input, this could be the most versatile analog delay ever made.
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Somerset —
Local Sports
Southwestern 83, Somerset 56
- Local Sports
Pulaski to play for state title on Sunday
The stakes have never been higher.
The challenge has never been greater.
The lights have never been brighter.
The stage has never been more grand. -
Pulaski holds off Pinville, 61-55
The Pulaski County High School girls basketball teaqm picked up their second win in two days after downing Pineville 61-55 in the Lady Maroons' home opener.
Samantha Randolph - Player of the Year
This season, Pulaski County High School senior Samantha Randolph amassed 458 kills, 266 assists, 78 aces, 20 blocks, 185 digs. Randolph was named to both district and region All-Tournament team honors. For her career, Randolph tallied over 1,000 kills.
Lady Warriors, Butcher get 1st win of season
Stephen Butcher couldn't have asked for a better start to his coaching career at Southwestern High School than the one he had Tuesday evening.
Pulaski outguns East Jessamine, 91-81
For Al Gover and the Pulaski County Maroons, life without Taylor Gover and Kody Johnson — the two most prolific scorers in school history — officially kicked off on Tuesday night in the Maroons season opener against visiting East Jessamine.
Alyssa Hyden named Runner of the Year
Just as it has been the case for the past few years, Pulaski County was the top local team on both the girls and boys sides this past cross country season.
14-0 State Bound
My how things can change in 35 short years.
It's a game that Johnny Hines still remembers vividly to this day.
On November 29, 1978, Hines played the final game of his high school career as a member of the Somerset Briar Jumper football team, losing to Mayfield at Eastern Kentucky University in the state championship game by a 22-7 margin. -
Semi-State Heartbreaker
The Somerset Briar Jumpers fell one point short of a trip to the Class 2A State Championship Friday night as they lost to the defending State Champion Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds 49-48.
It was a game where the lead changed 6 times. -
Pulaski Co. makes first state finals with 20-17 win over Anderson County
For the first time in the program's history, the Pulaski County High School football team will be playing for a KHSAA state championship title.
Jose Delgado named Player of the Year
The 2013 boy's soccer season locally was another banner year for all teams involved.
2013 saw Somerset Christian Academy claim a state championship in the Kentucky Christian Athletic Association, while having a member from that squad being honored by being named Mr. Soccer for the state of Kentucky. - More Local Sports Headlines
Pulaski to play for state title on Sunday


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Assault on 16XX BLOCK OF 3RD AVE, SEATTLE, WA |
Assault - 16XX BLOCK OF 3RD AVE, SEATTLE, WA
Email to a friend Submit a Crime Tip |
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Local news for Seattle provided by
Panic on buses as gunman shoots driver, then killed by Seattle cops (by Seattle Times)
WHERE GUNMAN WAS SHOT: Bullet holes in the front windows of a King County Metro Transit bus on Seneca Street in downtown Seattle tell the story of Monday morning's police shooting of an armed man who had just shot a driver in another bus a couple of blocks away.
Woman robbed at gunpoint at 12th and John (by Capitol Hill Blog)
According to police radio dispatches, the woman was held up at 12th and John around 12:45 AM by a suspect brandishing a silver handgun.
Woman arrested after spraying baby with soy sauce (by Seattle Times)
A 52-year-old woman walked into a restaurant in the International District this afternoon and sprayed a baby and a few other patrons with soy sauce and chocolate milk.
The WSBeat: Suspicious staring; business burglaries; $5 apology (by West Seattle Blog)
The barista greeted the investigating officer, saying that the man had been sitting in the shop for an hour, staring at her, but had not ordered anything.
The WSBeat: Scam alert; gun-pointing incident; mower-theft hunch (by West Seattle Blog)
This edition of the WSBeat contains summaries written from reports on cases handled in the past several weeks by Southwest Precinct officers - generally cases that have not already appeared here in breaking-news coverage or West Seattle Crime Watch reports, but that might at least answer the question "what WERE all those police doing on my block?" ... (more)


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It is with sincere regret that I must write this article regarding what was at one point in my life, my favorite place to dive in the world- Moho Caye in Belize.
An article I wrote several years ago describes what is what like to visit Moho in the late 1990′s and early into the 21st century;
"One of my other favorite spots in Belize was Moho Caye. It is a simple dive but there is a large coral pinnacle that starts in about 85 – 100 feet and makes it way up to within 20 feet of the surface and there are a large variety of critters to watch for while you circle this pinnacle.
The nice thing about this site is that you can end your dive in fifteen feet of water and still be seeing lots of marine life, like anemones and feathered sea cucumbers.
There are numerous ways to dive Moho Caye. I considered the starting point just off to the left of the small spot of sandy beach you can see in center of the right photo. From there, you could head south towards the pinnacle or north, towards a more sandy bottom and round the tip at the northern-most point. where the reef forms a sort of mini wall… quite steep with an eighty foot maximum bottom depth.
You can see from the photo at right how much shallow area there is surrounding the island. Its hard to pinpoint it from here, but if you were to begin your dive approximately halfway on the top middle side of this photo and swim left, you would find the pinnacle I am referring to. If you really want to find it, I recommend finding a woman named Lloydia in Placencia Village (its not hard. Ask anyone in the center of town) and go with her. She loves this spot.
In March, if you are around visit the east side of the island where the Pelicans roost and build their nest. Its fun to wander the island at that time… you can literally walk up to the nest with albino white baby pelicans squawking away.
I can honestly say that this is one of the nicest dive spots I have ever spent time at. No matter how often I visited, I always enjoyed myself. Yim and I used to take one of the boats out on our off days"
Imagine what they are doing with their sewage now… this Island is small. I could walk across it in fifteen minutes even hacking my way through the very middle of the Island. And of course, the next hurricane that passes through the area will wipe the place out but the Island will never be the same.


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When Luxury was the American signature for automobiles.the big lincolns were the one to have .this 1979 lincoln towncar saw the introduction they focused... More
This museum quality 1988 Lincoln Continental - Special Edition will take your breath away. With less than 29,000 original documented miles. The mileage is... More
1984 Lincoln Town Car 4dr Sedan only 61k actual documented miles and looks it! Paint (pale yellow) Tan Velour interior all look new! Tilt,... More
This 1996 Lincoln Town Car 4dr Sedan features a 4.6L V8 SFI OHV 8 cyl Gasoline engine. It is equipped with a 4 Speed... More
1988 Lincoln Town Car, Signature Series, 1 owner, 80,000 original miles, fully loaded, always garaged, excellent original condition.... More
Sold new to Robert McCormick by Jim Dixon Lincoln Mercury of Hamilton, Ohio on June 22, 1978, this car remained with Robert until at least... More
Sold new in Michigan in 1978, this amazing car was immediately rust proofed although it likely never saw snow... Mint original estate car with only... More
2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR SIGNATURE LIMITED SERIES, 4.6V8, ONLY 76K. MILES, FULL OPTION PACKAGE EXCEPT POWER ROOF, BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL BLACK FINISH, EXCELLENT LT TAN... More
Lincoln Town Car Executive sedan powered by a 210 horsepower 4.6 liter V8 with a 4 speed automatic O/D transmission. Climate control, power windows... More
Call John at Dominion Carz, LLC 713-521-7838, 2 Owner, Great Miles. Interior is NEW!! Clean Carfax & Recent records to show, 16" Factory Wheels,... More
Sold new to Joanne Alden of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio in 1978 and was lovingly cared for by Joanne until her recent passing. Left to... More
LINCOLN: 1990 Town Car, Cartier Edition, good condition, auto trans, gray/silver exterior, lithium interior, 101,000 miles, $1,895 obo. 802-442-0749, VT.... More
LINCOLN: 1997 Town Car, white, no vinyl beige leather, 93,000 miles, new ball joints, brakes, rotors, tires, shocks, perfect, stored winters, $6,900. 414-762-0336, WI.... More
LINCOLNS: 1976 Town Car, brown, white top, brown interior, 62,000 miles, $3,500; another 1976 Town Car, red, white top, red leather interior, 90,000 miles,... More
LINCOLNS: 1978 & 1979 Town Cars, 1 owner, needs restoring, both run, $1,500 each. 706-332-6378, GA; details/photos: www.allenscars.com... More


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Thursday 8th [May 1862]
I finished Zona's dress just after dinner & cut out a pea green chambra* dress for her, one Sister Jane gave her when we were down there. Dr. Neilson was here this evening, think Atheline a good deal better. He staid some time. Mr. Henry went to Asheville this morning, came home to dinner, is at the dam this evening. Hanes out in the field. Lonzo attends to Willie today. Hanes stays till 9 o'clock or till after I get the house cleaned.
Friday 9th [May 1862]
Mail brought no news this morning & battle is expected at Corinth& another at Yorktown soon. I sewed on Zona's dress. It is very tough sewing & dreadful rotten. Warm & pleasant. Our garden is getting on slowly. The fly or something has destroyed all our cabbage plants.
*Chambray Fabric: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambric
Source: Diary of Cornelia Henry in Fear in North Carolina: The Civil War Journal and Letters of the Henry Family. Clinard, Karen L. and Russell, Richard, eds. (Asheville,NC: Reminiscing Books, 2008).


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Festivals: Size Really Does Matter
Summer means it is time for music festivals. Somehow the combined joys of music, fresh air and sunshine outweigh the pains of sunburns, mosquito bites, aching feet, claustrophobia inducing crowds and in my case, hay fever.
Festivals come in every flavor and every size. The largest festival in the US (though exact numbers are hard to find) is Lollapolooza, attracting over 250,000 attendees last year. On the flip side, exclusive or local festivals can be as small as a few hundred people. Anyone who has been to a few festivals probably has a strong opinion about what size festival is best. The following are some pros and cons of
Small festival pros:
- more intimate performances
- smaller crowds (if you're into that)
- less commercialized, cheaper food & drink etc.
- cheaper ticket price
- more specialized content
Big festival pros:
- big ticket acts
- big savings (compare a festival ticket price to the cost of tickets to see each of the headliners separately)
- big crowds (if you're into that)
Big festivals are at risk of falling victim to their own size. For example, Coachella, which started as a tiny electronic festival has grown over the past 10 years to become a mostly rock festival with over 100,000 attendees. The intense commercialization and overcrowding is causing some of the original Coachella fans, who made it the festival it is today, stop attending. But where else can you see The Kings of Leon, Kanye West, Arcade Fire and The Strokes all in one weekend?
So do you guys prefer large or small festivals? Are the headliners of the major festivals worth the extra hassle?
A time lapse video of the ebbing and flowing crowds of Coachella


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Rural Reflections Radio
Here is this week's Rural Reflections Radio program, Letter to Dave...
Posted on 12/6/13 at 6:53 AM
June Arietids - the invisible meteor shower you just might see
I've never seen an Arietid meteor and chances are you haven't either. Peaking on June 7-8, the Arietid (AIR-ee-uh-tid) meteor shower is one of the strongest of the year with a maximum rate of 50-80 ...
Posted on 6/6/13 at 10:24 AM
United Nations Foundation
Listen to internet radio with Barbara Talisman CFRE on Blog Talk Radio...
Posted on 12/14/12 at 9:38 AM
My Unwanted Follower
Sometimes, when were young and nubile and wearing tight pants, guys follow a little close. And while my pants may fit a little tighter than what I like now and then, Im no longer young and nubile, so...
Posted on 9/6/12 at 1:02 PM
faith fridays: patrick coffin and our price tag
Last night was the night of a lifetime for me. It was special enough to do something I may have done only one other time in my life. I scheduled an appointment to have my hair styled. I also bou...
Posted on 2/3/12 at 3:51 PM
For Grand Forks DJ, weaving river songs into playlists is a rite of spring
When rivers rise, they flow with emotions — anxiety, awe, hope, despair, relief — all stuff that can make for a good song. "If you lay down the right songs at the right time, that resonates with people," said radio host Mike Olson with KFJM in Grand Forks.By Christopher Bjorke , May 03, 2013
Schultz calls eighth-graders at Sandbag Central 'slave labor'
City and school leaders bristled at comments made Tuesday by syndicated liberal radio host Ed Schultz when he equated eighth-grade volunteers filling sandbags at Sandbag Central to "slave labor" helping only the rich.By Wendy Reuer , April 11, 2013
Grand Forks native reflects on life behind the camera, on the air
David Quam grew up in Grand Forks and came to Bemidji every weekend starting at 6 years old. His dad and uncles would bring him over to Lake Andrusia and their wilderness retreat. Uncle Art Quam was a railroad engineer here in Bemidji in the 1940s.By Patt Rall , March 13, 2013
FACES OF THE BOOM: Woman creates new career, finds new family
Isabella Dangelo traded in her business suits and high heels for Carhartt and steel-toed boots. And she's never been happier.By Amy Dalrymple , March 04, 2013
'Dakota Air' presents music, merrymaking and Marilyn
George Strait may have been the biggest act in town Saturday, but a staple of Prairie Public radio drew an enthusiastic matinee crowd at Grand Forks' Empire Arts Center. The cast of "Dakota Air" recorded a live show, which included music performances by the Radio Stars band, and skits by the Dakota Airheads comedy troupe.By Robb Jeffries , February 17, 2013
Next 'Prairie Home' sea cruise set for August 2013
Humorist and author Garrison Keillor will host "A Prairie Home Companion" sea cruise from Barcelona, Spain, to Venice, Italy, in August 2013.By Associated Press , December 13, 2012
Anger at Australian radio station over royal hoax
The sudden death of a nurse who unwittingly accepted a prank call to a London hospital about Prince William's pregnant wife Kate has shocked Britain and Australia, and sparked an angry backlash Saturday from some who argue the DJs who carried out the hoax should be held responsible.By Sylvia Hui , December 08, 2012
White Earth radio station back on airwaves
More people on the White Earth Indian Reservation and beyond are now waking up to a "Cup of Joe" – the morning show, that is, which is once again broadcasting from Niijii Radio.By Paula Quam , November 30, 2012
Ice, wind knocked out broadcast of 1140 AM The Fan
Tim and Swyg are back on the air this morning at 1440 AM The Fan in Grand Forks. The two sports talk show hosts were off the air Monday and Tuesday mornings because ice snapped the station's antenna.By Ryan Bakken , November 14, 2012
ESPN radio announcer Jim Durham dies at 65
ESPN radio announcer Jim Durham, who called NBA games for the network, has died. He was 65. ESPN said Monday that Durham died over the weekend at his home in Tomball, Texas. A cause of death was not announced.By Associated Press , November 05, 2012
KFGO, sister stations deal worth $25 million
Midwest Communications will pay $25 million for KFGO and the five other local stations that make up Radio Fargo-Moorhead, according to a purchase agreement filed with the Federal Communications Commission.By Mike Nowatzki , September 27, 2012
Radio Fargo-Moorhead, including KFGO, awaits approval for sale to Wisconsin company
Radio Fargo-Moorhead, the parent company of KFGO and five other radio stations, has been sold to a Wisconsin-based media company.By Marino Eccher , September 19, 2012
Keillor to kick off "Prairie Home' 39th season
Garrison Keillor kicks off his 39th season of "A Prairie Home Companion" in downtown St. Paul this weekend.By Associated Press , September 13, 2012
'Why?' Radio begins broadcast from China
"Why?' Radio, a program that features UND Professor Jack Russell Weinstein of the Institute for Philosophy in Public Life, on Sunday will begin a special six-episode broadcast called "Why? Goes to China?"By Herald Staff Report , August 11, 2012
KNOX's Jim Bollman retires after 55 years
A fly buzzed the control board, a hearing aid buzzed his ear, a mysterious cough persisted and the studio temperature grew uncomfortable because of a malfunctioning air conditioner. But, in short order, Jim Bollman had matters under control early this morning, just before the start of his last day as "the morning man" at KNOX-1310 AM.By Ryan Bakken , July 31, 2012
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Karen Peterson – IR Specialist
Robert Butchofsky – President and CEO
Cameron Nelson – VP, Finance and CFO
Scott Henry – Roth Capital Partners
Steve (Ewe) – Leerink Swann
Phillippa Flint – Bloomberton
QLT, Inc. (QLTI) Q1 2012 Earnings Call May 3, 2012 8:30 AM ET
Hello. This is the Chorus Call Conference operator. Welcome to the QLT, Inc. First Quarter 2012 conference call. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode and the conference is being recorded. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. (Operator Instructions).
At this time, I would like to turn the conference over to Karen Peterson, Investor Relations Specialist. Please go ahead.
Karen Peterson
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to QLT's first quarter 2012 earnings conference call. If you have not yet received a copy of our press release, you can find it by visiting our website at www.qltinc.com. The conference call is being webcasted live and will be available on our website for the next 30 days.
Presenting today is Bob Butchofsky, our president and CEO and Cameron Nelson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Before I turn the call over to Bob, let me review the Safe Harbor statement. On behalf of the speakers who follow, we caution investors that certain statements in this conference call are forward-looking statement within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian Securities Laws.
For the purposes of this caution, we refer to such statements as forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, only which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied to making forward-looking statements and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.
For additional information about the material factors or assumptions underlying such statements and about the material factors that may cause the actual results to vary from those expressed or implied in such statements, please consult our earnings press release, sent out early this morning and available on our corporate website as well as our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities, including the risk factors detailed in the most-recently filed annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. QLT undertakes no obligation to update such information to reflect later events or developments, except as required by law.
This call also includes a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures as defined by applicable securities laws. Additional information concerning our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures has been included in the earnings press release issued today and posted on our website.
And with that, I'll turn the call over to Bob.
Robert Butchofsky
All right, thanks a lot, Karen. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us on our first quarter 2012 conference call.
I'll start off with our financial results for the quarter, which were very much in line with our overall expectations. Broadly, Visudyne sales and increased R&D spending were consistent with the guidance we gave in February.
Overall, the main financial metric to highlight is the $3 million adjusted EBITDA loss. And in spite of that, our cash balance increased to $207 million because we received the final $6 million Canadian mortgage payment on our corporate headquarters that we sold just before the financial crisis in 2008.
Cam will walk you through the financials in more detail later on in the call, so I'm really going to spend most of my time this morning providing updates to our development pipeline, starting first with the review of the Synthetic Retinoid Program, followed by the Punctal Plug Delivery Program, and then a short discussion on Visudyne in the macular degeneration market.
So let's start off with QLT091001, our Synthetic Retinoid product for inherited retinal diseases. AS most of you know, we recently announced a topline data for the retinitis pigmentosa, or RP Phase 1B trial, looking at only a single course of therapy in seven days.
It's important to highlight that this data represents the first stage of examining the chronic dosing regimens and that we believe the expected treatment dosing regimen for 001 will be a one course of therapy administered more or less on a monthly basis.
Going back to the study, recall that the trial was a global, multi-center, open-label trial conducted among seven leading treatment centers for inherited retinal diseases; the original treatment center at Children's Hospital at McGill University at Montreal and additional three treatment centers in the U.S., and another three treatment centers in Europe.
The trial enrolled a total of 17 subjects, 14 of which were deemed eligible for the per-protocol analysis and that was based on criteria laid out by the independent equivalent of a rating center at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
The study results showed a statistically significant average improvement in visual field at Day 7 and Day 14 of 34% and 29% respectively. And again, this was following a once-daily exposure to 001 administered orally for a total of seven days.
We subsequently submitted the data to the ARVO meeting, which is starting this meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and the data has been accepted and will be presented next Thursday, May 10 as a late-breaker presentation.
The press release has generated considerable excitement about the data among thought leaders in the inherited retinal disease field, so very much looking forward to our 12-minute presentation next Thursday.
Following the actual ARVO presentation that morning, we've scheduled a conference call at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time to review the presentation and also have a Q&A session on the data with several of the investigators and participants in the trial. You can access the replay of the conference call on our website later that day.
Now, let me turn briefly to the overall status of the program. We've had a series of meetings with the FDA in the U.S. and the EMA in Europe and we continue to make progress on a design and implementation of a pivotal trial in LCA. Importantly, we've recently completed a six-month repeat dosing study. This study was initiated last year to provide critical information on chronic intermittent dosing regiments in healthy adult volunteers to support the pivotal programs for LCA and for RP.
This study was done in a total of 35 subjects and it involved dosing with QLT091001 administered once daily at doses of either 20, 40 or 60 milligrams per meters squared, given for seven consecutive days, once per month for six monthly cycles.
The results of this repeat dosing safety trial did not show any new or unexpected adverse events, suggesting that intermittent monthly dosing is a viable treatment regimen in both the LCA and RP patient populations.
This repeat dosing safety data in healthy adults, along with our pre-clinical package was recently shared with the FDA and based on the agency's feedback thus far, we believe our pre-clinical package should be sufficient for pivotal trial.
I know that many of you are interested in retreatment data in the LCA and RP patient populations. We are conducting a study with repeat courses of therapy as part of the Phase 1B trials for both LCA and RP patients. From this retreatment data, we hope to learn if repeat exposure to 001 in patients has a safety profile consistent with our other studies and also to assess the potential treatment benefit with chronic retreatment up to three months.
It's important to note that the second course of therapy for all patients in the LCA program has or will be occurring at least one year after their first exposure to the drug. Now, this is just due to the timing of the original dosing, which started in 2009 and where we are today with the repeat dosing, which just started this year. So this is an important point to highlight since the first retreatment data generated is really just a subsequent exposure to drug and does not reflect the intended treatment regimen for pivotal study or for registration. We will gather additional safety and efficacy information from this repeat treatment data, taking into account any change in patient status or any decline since the first treatment course.
So where are we? To date, we've retreated patients in both the LCA and RP trials and we are collecting and analysing the data as we speak. For the LCA patient population, I mentioned on the last call that all of the retreatments will be taking place at the McGill site in Montreal, the original treatment center for the LCA trial.
Since many of the children in that study came from great distances, as far away as Brazil, China and Eastern Europe, and many of the kids are still in school, we face the usual logistical challenges of having only one international treatment center and the difficulties for patients and their parents to travel to Montreal for the month of testing required in the protocol.
So that's the reality for the LCA trial. But for patients in the RP trial, we don't face the same logistical challenges since most patients live relatively close to one of the participating study centers. Therefore, we expect the retreatment data will be a closer approximation of what we expect the treatment regimen to ultimately be. These results should become available to us in the second half of the year and we expect to generate longer-term follow up on the RP patients in the next year as well.
In both trials, LCA and RP, patients are eligible for up to three additional courses of treatment with 001. And these weekly doses will not be administered more frequently than once per month.
We continue to advance the program with regulatory agencies and I believe we will have enough data in the coming weeks to enable us to finalize our recommendations for an appropriate retreatment schedule in the LCA pivotal trial. The completion of the six-month retreat dosing trial in normal adult volunteers is a big piece of this process. Finalizing issues with the FDA around design of the trial is one of the remaining steps and then we would need to schedule the equivalent of an end-of-Phase II meeting with the agency.
Given the usual preparation time, we expect that meeting would not take place until at least the third quarter, which would mean that assuming the meeting is positive, the earliest the LCA pivotal trial could start is the fourth quarter of this year.
For RP, we anticipate following a similar protocol as the LCA pivotal study and plan to initiate a potential pivotal trial in RP next year. In the meantime, we will continue to generate longer-term follow up and determine the effects of multiple courses of treatment on this patient population.
So let me summarize. We believe we've shown that repeat dosing, as frequently as one week on medication every month appears to be a viable treatment regimen to explore in the pivotal trial and that will likely form the basis for our recommendation to the regulatory agencies.
We expect to learn more about the safety profile of 001 and the LCA retreatment trial and although the retreatments are occurring more than a year after the patient's initial treatment, we expect to learn more about the effect of a regular dosing regimen. We should also learn more about the proposed treatment regimen in the RP patient population because they can potentially be retreated more frequently given that most of the patients enrolled in the study have a local treatment center. And finally, we expect to proceed towards implementing a pivotal trial in LCA before year end.
Now, that's it for the retinoid program. I want to turn now to the Punctal Plug Drug Delivery System Program in glaucoma. So there's not much new to report since our last quarterly call on February 23. We are still actively enrolling patients in the Phase II Glau-12 and 13 glaucoma trials using latanoprost in our Punctal Plug Drug Delivery System. Our goal is to get a total of 110 subjects enrolled into the two trials. Recall that the Glau-12 trial is designed to see if there's a dose response in a double-plugging regimen where we place Punctal Plugs with latanoprost in both the upper and the lower punctum.
In this study, we're using the same drug dosing as the Glau-11 trial; that being 141 micrograms with 95 micrograms in the lower plug and 46 micrograms in the upper plug. This arm of the study compares with the new and higher dose of 190 micrograms and that consists of 95 micrograms in each the lower and the upper punctum.
Additionally, the Glau-13 trial is underway and this study is designed to assess whether the positioning of plugs is a greater significance than the dose. That will help us determine if the additional efficacy we demonstrated in Glau-11 last year was due to the positioning of the plug in the upper lid.
Now, both of these trials will inform us of the duration of the efficacy since the trials will enable follow up of patients for up to 90 days. Recall that our Glau-11 study only followed patients for 30 days.
As I mentioned, both the Glau-12 and 13 trials are actively enrolling patients and we expect to announce data from the trials in the second half of this year.
Additionally, we have an ongoing device-only trial in which we are making design modifications to our proprietary upper plugs with the goal of improving the overall retention rate. Our goal is to complete our design changes in the upper plug so we can finalize our plug design. If this, and our other Phase II development activities are successful, our goal is to initiate pivotal trial for this molecule in the second half of 2013.
One new piece of news for the Punctal Plug platform is we recently received approval from the FDA for our investigational new drug application, enabling us to initiate the first proof of concept trial in a second molecule for glaucoma and that molecule is travoprost, the generic name for Travatan and Travatan Z from Alcon Novartis.
Travoprost has consistently been the second most prescribed prostaglandin analog behind latanoprost, and according to IMS data, U.S. sales last year were approximately $450 million. We feel the molecule has required potency based on our in vitro models to be a viable product in our Punctal Plug Delivery System.
We plan to initiate a Phase I dosing trial with travoprost looking at several dosing parameters. We'll look at two drug loads, essentially high and low, and we'll remove plugs at specified time intervals to compare the in vitro allusion profiles to the in vivo results. We'll also try to correlate efficacy findings, essentially reduction and intraocular pressure to the drug loads we are delivering with the goal being to establish early effective dosing regimen and this is a key learning we take forward from our experience with latanoprost.
Finally, we will also explore the impact of single versus double plugging and the impact of upper versus lower plug placement. The result using this development plan should guide us to a more robust Phase II trial.
Now, glaucoma continues to be a significant growth opportunity largely because of the patient demographic trends. The aging population of patients generally are living longer and we feel that this $6 billion overall market provides a very viable market for two molecules utilizing our drug delivery platform.
The poor compliance and adherence with current standard of care therapy, ocular eye drops leaves the door open for a minimally-invasive sustained delivery platform such as ours and we remain very excited about the opportunities to compete in the glaucoma market.
Going back to the overall pipeline picture, we have a corporate objective of advancing our current pipeline so we can potentially have three Phase III pivotal studies occurring next year and that would include the LCA trial was 001, the RP trial was 001 and the latanoprost punctal plug program in glaucoma. In addition, we expect that if the Phase I travoprost program is successful, it could move to Phase II next year. We'll still have our eyes on initiating a clinical trial with an NSAID formulated in our punctal plug platform to treat post-surgical inflammation.
To sum up our development milestones for the remainder of this year, the RP data will be presented at ARVO next week. We're having ongoing discussions with the FDA and the EMA about implementing a pivotal program for LCA before year end. We'll have ongoing generation of retreatment data in both LCA and RP patient populations. We'll be sharing that with regulatory agencies in short order. And we expect to complete enrollment in the latanoprost punctal plug trials and report data in the second half of this year.
We also plan to initiate the proof of concept trial in travoprost in our proprietary punctal plug system over the summer.
Now, I want to turn briefly to Visudyne. We may have another development milestone to add for next year. We recently announced that the FDA granted this orphan drug designation for Visudyne for the treatment of central serous retinopathy, which is CSR, and also known as central serous chorioretinopathy, or CSC.
Now, this disorder is characterized as leaking fluid under the retina and most typically affects one eye, usually in male patients between the ages of 20 and 50 years of age.
Published research already suggests that Visudyne may have promising results in this patient population. We are interested in ongoing studies of CSR, including one being conducted by the Macular Society, which is a leading international society of retina specialists and key opinion leaders. We plan to exam this emerging data as well as work with external advisors to help us better understand the potential for pursuing an additional indication in this area for Visudyne.
If wanted, based on that data in the feedback, we will begin discussions with the FDA regarding a potential pivotal design to attempt to seek approval to market Visudyne for this indication. We'd expect to have a discussion about the feasibility of pursuing this indication with the FDA prior to year end and then look at how we might proceed with the development plan. And we'll provide more updates as we evaluate this potential opportunity.
On the commercial side, we had another solid quarter with Visudyne sales in the first quarter, our average daily U.S. vial sales were 61 vials per day, essentially stable with 63 vials per day we generated in the fourth quarter last year.
I mentioned on our last conference call that we had not seen any impact of Regeneron's VEGF trap no Visudyne sales and that was true throughout the first quarter. However, in April, we did experience some softness in Visudyne sales and attribute that to the Ilaya launch. We'll continue to emphasize Visudyne's unique mechanism of action through our direct promotional efforts and we remain confident in the long-term viability of Visudyne for appropriate patients with macular generation, especially when persistent activity's present after anti-VEGF therapy.
We are also on track to file an application for approval for a new photodynamic treatment, or PTD laser in the first half of this year. Historically, most PMA submissions are reviewed in six months so if our PMA is approved, we're currently planning on launching the new laser in early 2013.
Before I turn the call over to Cam, I just want to highlight the newest member of the QLT senior management team. We recently announced that Chris Muller joined the company as Chief Commercial Officer. Chris has over 20 years of direct ocular sales and marketing experience and I'm very pleased that he's joined the team and shares our growing enthusiasm for the commercial potential of our maturing pipeline.
His primary responsibility for the remainder of this year will be preparing for a potential global launch of QLT001 and subsequent launch of LPPDS in North America. Chris's plan will help us decide whether we keep our commercial rights to QLT001 globally as many other orphan-focused companies have done, or whether we seek a partnership outside North America.
Chris will be responsible for preparing and ultimately implementing launch plans for all of our ocular-focused product candidates in North America.
So that's it for my prepared comments. Cam will now take a couple minutes to walk you thought the first quarter financial results.
Cameron Nelson
Thanks, Bob. From a financial perspective, the first quarter was relatively straightforward. So I'm going to very briefly outline our Q1 results, and then we'll open the call up for Q&A.
Starting with Visudyne sales, worldwide sales in Q1, 2012, were $22.5 million, which was up 3.1% from the first quarter of 2011, and basically flat sequentially from Q4 2011. The regional split for sales in Q1, 2012, was U.S., 5.2 million; Europe, 6.0 million; and rest of world, 11.3 million.
U.S. end-user demand averaged 61 vials per day in the quarter, compared to 65 vials per day in Q1, 2011, and 63 vials per day in the fourth quarter of 2011.
There were no significant changes in U.S. distributor inventory balances within the quarter, and our distributors ended Q1 holding about eight days of supply, which is in line with typical inventory levels.
Now turning to the financial statements. In the first quarter, we reported total revenue of $9 million. Of this, net product revenue is $5.5 million, which included the $5.2 million of U.S. Visudyne sales plus reimbursements from Novartis for rest-of-the-world royalties, and other expenses. Also, there were no product shipments to Novartis in the first quarter this year, or in the prior year quarter.
Royalty revenue, which is the 20% royalty that we earn on Novartis' sales of Visudyne outside the U.S., was $3.5 million in Q1, up 4.6% from the prior year period, and in line with the increase in Visudyne sales outside the U.S..
R & D expense was $12.6 million in the first quarter of 2012, up 30% from the same period in 2011 due to increases in both the retinoid and punctual plug programs.
In Q1, 2012, approximately 52% of R&D expense related to the retinoid program, and 44% was on the (inaudible) program. While in last year's first quarter, the retinoid and plug each accounted for about 48% of total R&D spent.
SG&A expense was $6.4 million in the quarter, down $0.7 million from Q1, 2011. However, SG&A expense in Q1, 2011, included $0.8 million of separation costs related to the departure of the former CMO. So without this item, SG&A would have been up just slightly year over year.
Investment and other income in the quarter was driven by gains on the fair value change and our contingent consideration asset, which totaled $1.9 million.
On the balance sheet, the contingent consideration asset was reported at $93 million, which was split into a current and long-term portion. This amount represents the estimated present value of the approximately $105 million in payments that, as of March 31, 2012, we expect to be paid from Eligard Royalties over the next three to four years.
Our adjusted EBITDA, plus contingent consideration, was a loss of $3.1 million in the first quarter, and this included contingent consideration earnings from Eligard of $7.6 million in the quarter. Despite the negative adjusted EBITDA, our cash balance increased by $1.6 million in Q1, and we ended the quarter with just over $207 million of cash.
In January, we collected the $6 million Canadian mortgage that was outstanding at the end of 2011. So this was the final installment owed to us, and beginning this period, we no longer have a mortgage receivable on our books.
And finally, on the quarter's results, CapEx, capital expenditures in Q1 were approximately $0.5 million. And with that, I'll turn it back to Bob.
Robert Butchofsky
All right, thanks a lot, Cam. I think, Operator, at this point we can open up the call for questions.
Question-and-Answer Session
We will now begin the question and answer session. (Operator instructions). The first question comes from Scott Henry of Roth Capital, please go ahead.
Scott Henry – Roth Capital Partners
Thank you and good morning. A couple of questions, first, with regards to your outstanding guidance, are you reaffirming those estimates?
Robert Butchofsky
Yes, Scott, no change to any of the financial guidance for the years.
Scott Henry – Roth Capital Partners
Okay, and just kind of moving on, any thoughts on ex-US partnership timing, whether it would be the plugs, or any of the retinoid programs – just any thoughts of how we should think about that, at what point would you be pursuing that?
Robert Butchofsky
So, on the retinoid, Scott, out bias is to keep it, but as I mentioned briefly, Chris will be doing the plan for the retinoid, and we will be making the determination once the plan is fully baked. On the plugs, I think if the current study is positive, and we are moving forward towards a phase three next year, that that would be the optimal time to try to find a partnership. So, I would expect something ideally prior to initiating the phase three study.
Scott Henry – Roth Capital Partners
Okay, and then shifting down to the retinoid program we will have the ARVO presentation – should we expect anything new in that presentation, or should it just be greater clarity and specify in the data in that presentation ?
Robert Butchofsky
You know, we've got a 12 minute presentation slot on Thursday, Scott. So, we have limited time to give a whole lot more new, I do think that on our call, we will be able to at least be able to give you more color around the data, and while the presentation won't last very long, I do think you will have an opportunity to have some Q&A with the investigators and participants and get a better feel for really what their impressions are with the overall trial results.
Scott Henry – Roth Capital Partners
Okay, and with regards to LCA, you've already had initial retreatment data, should we expect follow up retreatment data later in the year?
Robert Butchofsky
Yes, and the difficulties there, Scott, are really the logistical issues, the patients having to travel and be there for an extended period of time. So I think there's going to continue to be gaps in the LCA data. It will be very difficult for the trial to really mimic what we expect to be the real ultimate treatment regimen. We do expect that we can get a closer approximation of that data from the RP study, just because patients are located closer to their treatment centers. So, that data will start to become available in the second half of this year, and then we should have longer term, meaning multiple courses of therapy going into next year as well.
Scott Henry – Roth Capital Partners
Okay, and final couple of questions here – with regards to the second glaucoma drug candidate, travoprost – I mean, any thoughts to waiting to see if you can do the Latanoprost effectively before putting another molecule in there? Just kind of curious on that thought process.
Robert Butchofsky
Well, we feel like we got over that hurtle last September essentially, and that was the go, no go point for us. We've been saying over the last six months or so, that we were going to implement the second molecule, and so, that is where we are. We also plan on implementing a third molecule and I highlighted that that will likely be a non-steroidal for post-surgical inflammation. Now, I'm not sure whether that study will get started before the end of this year, it's probably more likely to get started next year, but we do view the plug delivery is a broad platform, and we expect there will be multiple products that we can deliver through that delivery system.
Scott Henry – Roth Capital Partners
Okay, and just a final question, on this Visudyne CSC indication, could you give any comments onto the expected market size of that, and what would be the timing – I think you may have commented on it in your prepared remarks – what would be the timing in terms of getting that through the FDA?
Robert Butchofsky
Yes, I think we are not going to comment on the eligible patient population yet, Scott, because we don't know if we would be able to treat a – the full CFC patient population or not. There's a subset of patients that have more of a chronic disease without commission, and I think those are the more likely patients that we would be treating. But essentially we'll be evaluating the existing data and looking at that through the remainder of this year with the goal of making a decision around year end on whether or not we are going to peruse that as a potential indication.
Scott Henry – Roth Capital Partners
Okay, great, thank you for taking the questions.
Robert Butchofsky
You bet. Thanks, Scott.
The next question comes from Steve (Ewe) of Leerink Swann, please go ahead.
Steve (Ewe) – Leerink Swann
Thanks for taking my questions. My first question was on the healthy volunteer repeat dosing study, what did you see in terms of the triclonide levels and HDL levels?
Robert Butchofsky
Steve, we really didn't see anything that was out of the ordinary, we see some mild elevations in triglycerides, some decreases in HDL levels, those typically return to base line fairly frequently after treatment, usually after a week or two, and the elevations that we see are not typically substantial. I think they are just typically mildly elevated. So again, very consistent with the data that we're seeing in both the LCA and RP patient population, so we really haven't seen anything unexpected.
Steve (Ewe) – Leerink Swann
Okay, and you mentioned that in April you saw weakness in Visudyne sales, can you kind of characterize that for us – I mean are we talking traumatic step down, is it just a little bit – if you could give a little more color that would be helpful.
Robert Butchofsky
Sure, Steve. Actually, we were surprised that we didn't see that in the first quarter. Obviously, Illaha has taken their guidance up, I think, twice already this year and their product really seems to be – being rapidly adopted. We saw a little bit of weakness early in April, we actually saw higher sales in the second half of April than in the first half of April. I don't think it's anything to be overly concerned with. We believe that Visudyne is well positioned whether physicians are using as initial therapy Avastin, or Lucentis, or the Illaha, and we believe those patients will continue to have persistent activity after Veg F therapy, and those are the patients that ultimately getting up, getting treated with Visudyne. So, I don't think it's anything more than probably a near term, a relatively short term, slight disruption in sales. I don't think it dampers or impacts a long term viability of the brand at all.
Steve (Ewe) – Leerink Swann
Is there something about – I guess the question is how long do doctors usually keep Visudyne on hand, and would it be that the reason you didn't see a drop in Visudyne sales was that there's something about the channel activity that strengthen Illah, didn't show up until now, and should we continue to see pressure going forward?
Robert Butchofsky
I don't think so, Steve. They basically order on a weekly basis, more or less, so there really is not much stocking that is going on at the physician's office.
Steve (Ewe) – Leerink Swann
All right.
Robert Butchofsky
We ship overnight, so typically they'll plan and see how many patients they have over the following week and we plug orders weekly from customers.
Steve (Ewe) – Leerink Swann
Okay, thank you for taking my questions.
Robert Butchofsky
You bet, Steve, you take care.
(Operator instructions). The next question comes from Philippe Flint of Bloomberton, please go ahead.
Phillippa Flint – Bloomberton
Thanks, good morning. Most of my questions have been answered, just one remains. Can you – with the feasibility study with the devise only in health volunteers, do you expect to announce the results of once they become available?
Robert Butchofsky
What we've been talking about is trying to get that study completed by year end. So, that if the efficacy study is completed kind of in the second half of the year, that we would have the whole program ready to go and pivotal in the second half of next year. So, that will enable us to do a couple treatment cycles in the devise only study, and we've implemented that, we've started it earlier this year, and it's ongoing and underway.
Phillippa Flint – Bloomberton
And will we see the data when it's complete?
Robert Butchofsky
Phillippa Flint – Bloomberton
Okay, and the margins seemed – on Visudyne, seemed really good in the quarter, was there anything unusual?
Robert Butchofsky
No, it really, as you probably know, Phillippa, it can carry a lot if there's a shipment, a batch shipment to Novartis. So, in periods where we don't have a batch shipment to Novartis, like we had in Q1, you'll tend to see a higher margin.
Phillippa Flint – Bloomberton
Okay, great, that's it for me. Thank you.
Robert Butchofsky
Thank you.
There are no further questions at this time.
Robert Butchofsky
All right, thank you everyone for participating on the call today, we look forward to having a chance to talk to you again next week at ARVO, and thanks again. Bye.
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