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Director of Biotechnology Would Compliment Tax Changes Implemented in
2009

BRISBANE, Calif. — Addressing the importance of job creation, BayBio and Assemblyman Jerry
Hill announced legislation to retain and attract Californias second
largest employing industry during a press conference at an RD lab in
Northern California.

“With a combined workforce of over 750,000, California’s biomedical
industry is a worldwide leader in life saving treatments and devices,”
said Assemblymember Jerry Hill. “As lawmakers we need to ensure that
California doesn’t become to biotechnology what Michigan has become to
the auto industry.”

Despite historic economic woes, California’s life sciences industry’s
output was greater than ever before. The number of treatments,
technologies and devices available to patients increased 35 percent in
2009 as compared to 2008.

Hill’s proposal would create a director of biotechnology in the
governor’s office. It would be another step to build on the momentum the
state has generated in the last several years. A key proposal passed in
2009 removed a penalty to build facilities in the state. The Single
Sales Factor tax apportionment formula removed state taxes on facilities
and payrolls of companies operating in California. I n 2008, the
legislature extended Net Operating Loss (NOL) carry forward from 10
years to 20 years.

Joint PSoC Lab Will Offer Hardware, Software, Training and Support
Services; Cypress to Donate Development Kits and Software

BANGLAORE, India — Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ:CY) and National Institute of
Technology (NIT) announced a partnership to set up a new lab at Calicut
based on the PSoC® programmable system-on-chip. The agreement was signed
at NIT Calicut, by NIT Department Head, Professor P.C Subramaniam and
Cypress Director of Engineering, Sunil Thamaran. The Lab was inaugurated
by Institute Director Dr. G.R.C. Reddy in December.

The new laboratory will expose the students to the PSoC platform, a
flexible family of devices with programmable analog and digital blocks
integrated with a microcontroller. With its unique architecture, PSoC
provides an unrivaled learning platform for embedded design students. As
part of the agreement, Cypress will provide hands-on training to the
faculty and students of NIT, along with free hardware kits and software
tools. NIT will provide the facilities for the laboratory.

NIT will use PSoC as a tool to teach students about embedded system
design through theory and lab experiments. It has already introduced the
PSoC in its Electronics and Communication Engineering curriculum and lab
sessions. PSoC will be taught as a part of an “Embedded System” course
offered at the undergraduate level in the December-June term.

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Press release from Ship Finance International Limited, February 5, 2010

Ship Finance International Limited (NYSE: SFL) (”Ship Finance” or the
“Company”),
today announced that it has sold the 1998-built VLCC Front Vista to a
subsidiary
of Frontline Ltd. (”Frontline”) for total sales proceeds of $58.5 million.

Frontline has concurrently agreed to sell the vessel to an undisclosed
third
party with settlement by way of installments. This transaction is linked to
a
10-year time charter to a state-owned oil company.

Ship Finance will receive net proceeds of approximately $22.1 million after
prepayment of associated debt. The sale is expected to result in a book
gain on
sale of assets of approximately $1.8 million.

Leading accident compensation specialists David Phillips and Partners are warning that many insurance companies are abusing their position in order to gain an unfair advantage in processing accident claims. The solicitors, who have offices across the country, are calling for greater regulation, in order to prevent insurers from being able to contact clients directly, before they have had chance to seek legal representation.

Unlike solicitors, who have to wait to be approached, insurance firms can contact clients directly after an accident. Many companies have been using this to their advantage by offering claim settlements before the victim has had chance to seek legal advice. In most cases, the figure they are offered is much less than they could expect to receive otherwise. In some instances, insurers have been guilty of bullying their clients into accepting offers against their will. This practice, known as Third Party Capture is currently not illegal, however, there are calls to tighten legislation in order to give consumers a fairer deal.

The Association of British Insurers has proposed a voluntary code, which would see companies who do not comply with legislation being reported to the FSA. The FSA, however, have stated that they have no plans to fully regulate third party capture but rather wait for an “industry led solution”. This has led to real concerns that insurers will continue to abuse the system. Stephen Higham, a spokesperson for David Phillips and Partners, explains:

“Solicitors have a duty to put their clients interests first, while insurers have a contractual obligation to their insurer, not to the innocent victim. For this reason, we are deeply concerned that insurers are able to abuse their positions of power to under compensate innocent victims.”

“We would advise anyone who is involved in an accident to under no circumstances accept an offer of compensation from their insurers without first consulting a solicitor.”

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Intelligent Computing-Based Software Solution is a Proven,
Time-Efficient Way for Homeowners, Businesses and Institutions to Stay
Secure and Monitor Activity With Minimal Investment

Built on a breakthrough new platform for intelligent computing, Vitamin
D Video offers sophisticated object recognition previously found only in
very expensive security applications not typically accessible to
consumers. It allows anyone to accomplish in minutes what previously
took trained technicians many hours.

The software automatically scans hours of footage and distinguishes
between humans and other moving objects such as cars and pets, so people
can quickly find specific events without the time-consuming task of
manually viewing the video. This gives people the ability to know when
something is happening through real-time alerts, and to quickly narrow
many days worth of video down to a specific incident and understand the
cause of any unwanted activity.

Intelligent Computing-Based Software Solution is a Proven,
Time-Efficient Way for Homeowners, Businesses and Institutions to Stay
Secure and Monitor Activity With Minimal Investment

Built on a breakthrough new platform for intelligent computing, Vitamin
D Video offers sophisticated object recognition previously found only in
very expensive security applications not typically accessible to
consumers. It allows anyone to accomplish in minutes what previously
took trained technicians many hours.

The software automatically scans hours of footage and distinguishes
between humans and other moving objects such as cars and pets, so people
can quickly find specific events without the time-consuming task of
manually viewing the video. This gives people the ability to know when
something is happening through real-time alerts, and to quickly narrow
many days worth of video down to a specific incident and understand the
cause of any unwanted activity.

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SALT LAKE CITY — Toyota owners looking for company-prompted repairs are flowing into Utah dealerships, but the real flood is expected to begin next week. “Were scheduling more and more appointments,” Mark Tetzlaff, spokesman for Menlove Toyota in Bountiful, said Friday, when the dealership performed repairs for about 30 customers. “Next week will probably be (an even) heavier week.” There are 2.3 million vehicles involved in the recall, which also was announced last month. That recall came just months after Toyota recalled 4.2 million vehicles because of gas pedals that could become trapped under floor mats, causing the vehicle to accelerate. Toyota has already begun installing a modified gas pedal in newly built vehicles at its U.S. plants that should alleviate the problem.
THOUSANDS of students have been forced to repair their own schoolbooks after a printing error went unnoticed. The Department of Education admitted there are three mistakes in the new Formulae and Tables booklet to be used for the Junior and Leaving Cert exams. The booklet replaced the old Log Tables booklet used by thousands of Irish students for 40 years.

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SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce will make a pounds 10million summer move for Celtic winger Aidan McGeady after missing out on Middlesbroughs Adam Johnson. Bruce is hoping to succeed where one of his former clubs Birmingham failed on transfer deadline day by persuading Hoops boss Tony Mowbray to part with the much-coveted Republic of Ireland winger (right). Bruce is determined to improve the Black Cats quality in the wide midfield positions and had tracked Sunderland-born Johnson all season. He had been optimistic about landing Johnson, personally running the rule over him eight days ago in Middlesbroughs 0-0 draw with Bristol City. But he couldnt compete with moneybags Manchester City. They paid pounds 6m for the England Under-21 international, whose Riverside contract was up in June.
NOTTM FOREST 2 BILLY DAVIES must be rubbing his hands with glee over the battle for supremacy between his hitmen Dexter Blackstock and Rob Earnshaw.
MACCLESFIELD 0 SHREWSBURY 1 STEVE LESLIES stunning second-half goal was enough to see Shrewsbury leave with the points. Macclesfield dominated the first period and could have gone ahead when Ricky Sappleton put his effort wide, while Craig Lindfield also put his shot off target.

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IT was gone midnight when we passed the “Sea Level” sign. So it was only the ear-popping which gave away the fact we were closing in on the lowest point on Earth. the Dead Sea, 422 metres below. The waters health properties have been revered since Old Testament days when Herod the Great used it as a resort. The mudbath that followed was an altogether different experience. After being plastered in mud, I was placed in a human sling, wrapped in something which felt (and looked) like clingfilm and lowered into a bath of hot water. Think Guantanamo Bay for tourists! Cleopatra and Queen Sheba are among those who swore by the Dead Sea mud – thats the thing about Jordan, wherever you go, you touch ancient history.
THE England WAGS are refusing to “here we go” to this summers World Cup – because manager Fabio Capello wont let them spend extra time with their men. Unimpressed with the “circus” at the last finals in Germany – where the girls shopped and partied while the team flopped – Capello said they could only see the players once a week. “Were going to South Africa to play, not for a holiday,” said Capello. “If they dont want to come for the day only, they should stay home.” Coleen, who gave birth to baby Kai in November, said: “Kai and me will be supporting Wayne and the team from home. We wouldnt see much of Wayne while were there because of the ban. Its what Id rather do.”

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LONDON CHICAGO — 29West, Inc., the market leader in high-performance, low-latency
messaging solutions, and Orc Software, the leading global provider of
technology for advanced trading and connectivity, have entered into a
strategic partnership to deliver integrated solutions to support Orc’s
trading tools for equities and derivatives. Orc Software’s offering
includes solutions for advanced derivatives trading with broad market
connectivity.

“High-performance, low-latency solutions is a key requirement of our
customers, which makes this an area where we constantly seek to
improve,” said Joakim Dahlstedt, CTO, Orc Software. “We selected 29West
LBM following a series of successful benchmark tests, which showed us
that it delivers on its performance promises. As more complex, varied
setups are increasingly in demand, many of our customers will surely
benefit from switching to the LBM messaging system, which we can add to
our trading platform transparently to the end-user. In parallel, we will
explore using 29West technology in more advanced offerings that are
still under development.”

“29West is enthusiastic about the powerful solutions that this
partnership will yield for Orc’s customers,” said 29West President and
Founder Mark Mahowald. Orc has a reputation for powerful trading
solutions and we’re pleased to be working together on best-of-breed,
integrated solutions for advanced traders across asset classes. This
demonstrates the benefit of our unique Ultra Messaging®
solution across the full spectrum of financial use cases.”

About 29West

Sonic Boom: Globalization at Mach Speed, by Gregg Easterbrook (Random House, 272 pp., $26) I N this intriguingly contrarian rework of the Thomas Friedman “hot and flat” motif, Gregg Easterbrook asserts that venture capitalists are no better than lottery players when it comes to choosing new technology companies. He reports that leading stock analysts outperform broad market-index funds only one-third of the time. He adds that the preeminent financial pundits break into two groups–pessimists like Robert Shiller and Nouriel Roubini, who are right during downturns, and optimists like Abby Joseph Cohen of Goldman Sachs, who are right during upturns. (There are no up-and-down visionaries like Steve Forbes or Ken Fisher visible anywhere on his horizon.) Easterbrook, a writer for The Atlantic and The New Republic, winningly acknowledges that “wonderful economists” such as leftist luminaries Lester Thurow of MIT and the late John Kenneth Galbraith (surely “wonderful writers” would be more accurate) were wrong about almost everything: Japanese industrial policy, the Soviet economy, the U.S. economy, the role of large corporations in innovation, the future of markets, pollution, socialism, you name it. Even Nobellaureate economists, says Easterbrook, get almost no predictions right at all, beyond microeconomic minutiae, such as Paul Krugmans prize-winning mathematical gobbledygook showing that countries geographically close to one another are more likely to trade. Collectively the experts utterly failed to predict any of the major turning points in the U.S. and global economies over the last five decades. In a stirring conclusion, Easterbrook asserts: “If it hadnt been shown a hundred times before, the financial-world events of the last two years proved that even the most powerful officials have little clue what the economy is about to do, and only a mild, limited ability to influence economic events once they commence.. Yet the international economy. was not brought down by the Cold War, or the two 1970s oil shocks, or the savings and loan debacle, or currency gyrations in Asia, or September 11. Most likely [today] it will rebound with a glittering Sonic Boom,” his metaphor for creative destruction that wreaks both splendid progress and widespread anxiety.
SEOUL, South Korea — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in digital consumer
electronics and information technology, today announced the Samsung S2
Portable, a fully transportable external hard drive, pre-loaded with the
movie ‘Michael Jacksons THIS IS IT’.

Timed with the DVD and Blu-ray Disc(TM) release of ‘Michael Jacksons
THIS IS IT’, the pre-loaded external HDD will be available at major
European retailers from February 22, 2010.

“We are excited to present this movie starring Michael Jackson, the
greatest entertainer of all time, pre-loaded on the Samsung S2
Portable,” said H.S. Lee, Vice President, Storage Marketing, Samsung
Electronics.

Samsung’s S2 Portable has an increased capacity of 500GB and its
improved data recording technology makes it the perfect solution for the
increasing number of consumers who are building their personal movie
collections on their PCs.

In addition to the pre-loaded ‘Michael Jacksons THIS IS IT’, the
Samsung S2 Portable boasts USB On Board Technology and supports various
user-friendly features such as Samsung Auto Backup that enables
real-time or scheduled backup and SecretZone™ that encrypts and stores
data on a virtual drive as well as SafetyKey™, a powerful data-security
function that offers dual data protection through a password.

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Hypnotically enhanced treatment for addictions; alcohol abuse, drug abuse, gambling, weight control, and smoking cessation.
The new Web site reflects the company’s broad range of computer-assisted
coding products and services while highlighting its proprietary and
patented Natural Language Processing (NLP) LifeCode® technology, which
serves as the platform for all its coding solutions. A-Life is the only
computer-assisted coding company that owns its technology and possesses
a patented NLP coding engine.

The new, user-friendly site also includes various case studies and
scientific papers emphasizing the benefits of CAC and NLP.

San Diego-based A-Life Medical, Inc. is the pioneer and leading provider
of computer-assisted coding products and services for the healthcare
industry. Using its proprietary and patented Natural Language Processing
(NLP) technology, LifeCode, A-Life deciphers electronic transcribed
patient encounters via the Internet through its data center, which are
then appropriately coded for reimbursement purposes.

Inspire 360 Managing Director, Ewan Mochrie is preparing business and government leaders for the challenges of the new decade through NLP training . The world enters the New Year in the grip of a war on terror, facing the consequences of the recent economic downturn and engaged in an ongoing battle with climate change. As the UK prepares to choose a leader in this general election year, Ewan believes that the skills associated with strong leadership are more important than ever. He notes that, “Over the next decade the World is only going to get more complex, more interconnected and more unpredictable. The skills that you need to deal with this fast paced world begin and end with leadership.”

NLP, or neuro-linguistic programming is a deep and practical understanding of how people can achieve excellent results in whatever they are doing. Through NLP training, Inspire 360 enables business leaders and delegates from all walks of life to acquire such skills, teaching individuals to take control of their own lives through achievable goals that will motivate them to succeed. It also teaches vision, progress through action and the ability to lead others with confidence, skills that are becoming ever more valuable in a challenging society and in an increasingly competitive workplace.

As the new decade begins, control and leadership in business and government will be crucial to overcome global obstacles and Ewan Mochries firm belief is that the key to unlocking such skills lies in the mind.

Inspire 360 is a specialist provider of NLP training, bespoke business and executive leadership coaching, offering one day NLP seminars and NLP Practitioner training to Masters level.

NLP Training Courses

No matter how you cut it, Austin Collie is going to have an impact on todays Super Bowl in Miami. The former BYU receiver has been handed a fairly decent chunk of the offense for Indianapolis, a script that fits alongside veteran stars Reggie Wayne, tight end Dallas Clark and Pierre Garcon. Collie could get key passes thrown his way and make some big plays. Or he could be another part of the Colts table dressing in a loss, and not be a factor. His impact could then be that he didnt have any. Wayne came up hurting in practice on Friday and the three-time All Pro left practice 20 minutes early with an aggravated soft tissue issue below his kneecap. The Colts say Wayne will play today against the Saints. But if he doesnt, or he is limited, Collie could find a bigger piece in Peyton Mannings game plan.
LAS VEGAS — In BYUs two previous losses, the Cougars were never out of the games until late. But in Saturdays blowout in Las Vegas, the Cougars were in deep trouble early and didnt respond well to the unfamiliar territory. Even two quick timeouts called by coach Dave Rose and a media timeout couldnt stop UNLVs barrage and right BYUs ship. “We missed too many shots early,” Rose said. “And I felt because we didnt score for awhile that we got discouraged and then we didnt compete.” But Rose gave a lot of the credit for BYUs tough early struggles to the way UNLV played.

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A TRAILER for the new movie Daybreakers invites us to “imagine a world where almost everyone is a vampire.” That shouldnt be too hard. It seems like were already living in one. Vampires are everywhere. At the start of 2010, the four novels in Stephenie Meyers Twilight series ranked Nos. 2, 4, 5, and 9 on USA Todays list of bestsellers. Theyve held spots in this range for a couple of years–it might be said that theyve refused to die–and recently theyve spawned a pair of films that have grossed more than half a billion dollars combined. More are on the way. Plenty of other recent books (Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead) and movies (Cirque du Freak, Jennifers Body) also have featured the bloodsucking undead. On TV, The Vampire Diaries is the most-watched show on the CW network. True Blood has aired on HBO for two seasons and has commitments for two more. It recently launched a jewelry line. A clasp necklace with rubies shaped like drops of blood retails for $1,295. One of the hottest rock bands of the moment is Vampire Weekend. Its latest release, put out on January 11, quickly became the most downloaded album on iTunes. I dig vampires as much as the next guy who has read Bram Stokers Dracula three or four times, goes out of his way to watch monster movies, and thinks “Bela Lugosis Dead” by Bauhaus is one of the coolest songs ever recorded. Yet the present ubiquity of vampires is too much, even for me. Once upon a time, vampires were creepy and haunting. Now theyre yawn-inducing bores. Perhaps theyve finally reached their cultural expiration date. At the very least, they should crawl back into their coffins and give the rest of us a break. H. P. Lovecraft, the great 20th-century horror writer, explained the aesthetics of terror: “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” The problem with vampires is that theres nothing left to fear because theres nothing left to know. At one point in their progression through pop culture, it took a purveyor of arcane wisdom like Abraham Van Helsing to defeat them. Nowadays, every fifth grader has memorized the fundamentals of vampire slaying: crucifixes, garlic, sunlight, and so on. Theyve become Halloween cliches.
HOLLYWOOD star John Travolta wants to make a film in Ireland to get closer to his Celtic roots. The Pulp Fiction star, 55, revealed he is now just waiting for the right script. He said: “Im half Irish. My mothers people came from Kenmare in Co Kerry and Ive been down there to research where they lived. “Were related to Burkes and Murphys on her side, and I researched all the connections that there were. “Its a beautiful country, just gorgeous and I would love to make a movie there.

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By Jan Biles Because of tightening budgets, most city officials in Kansas are looking for ways to spend their money more wisely. So, when Atchison officials realized they needed to adopt a new city logo to enhance the citys branding, they decided to use a cost- saving Internet-based service called crowdSPRING.com rather than hire high-dollar designers to come up with a campaign. Trey Cocking, city manager, said the idea has saved the city thousands of dollars.
By Jan Biles Because of tightening budgets, most city officials in Kansas are looking for ways to spend their money more wisely. So, when Atchison officials realized they needed to adopt a new city logo to enhance the citys branding, they decided to use a cost- saving Internet-based service called crowdSPRING.com rather than hire high-dollar designers to come up with a campaign. Trey Cocking, city manager, said the idea has saved the city thousands of dollars.

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The Eye Center Publishes Top Five List of LASIK Considerations

WASHINGTON — According to Market
Scope, a refractive industry research organization, the number of
LASIK vision correction surgeries performed during the first quarter of
the year is 124 percent of the average quarterly volume. With
health-related New Year’s resolutions, the resetting of annual flexible
health care spending accounts and summer just around the corner, it
certainly stands to reason, according to Dr. Ayman Boutros of The Eye
Center.

Dr. Boutros is the founder and medical director of The Eye Center, a
Northern Virginia comprehensive eye care practice. With over 20,000
procedures performed throughout his 20-year career as an
ophthalmologist, Dr. Boutros is often consulted about what to look for
in a laser vision correction provider and has developed a Top 5 list of
things to consider.

TOP FIVE LIST FOR PATIENTS CONSIDERING LASER VISION CORRECTION

What is iFS Intralase? iFS creates a precise, unique, reverse cut flap in
the eye with less energy, providing patients with quicker procedures,
faster recovery times and less risk of complications.

“Our clinical team at TLC La Jolla selected the iFS technology in order to
provide our patients a faster, stronger and safer LASIK experience,” said
Dr. David J. Schanzlin, TLC La Jolla Medical Director and Professor of
Ophthalmology, Director, Keratorefractive Surgery at the UCSD Shiley Eye
Center. “Our initial 250 cases performed late last year confirm the
findings of a Navy study which shows improved vision as compared to
previous models of Intralase Technology. iFS is now the preferred treatment
of Naval aviators.”

“My experience at TLC La Jolla was nothing short of amazing,” says San
Diego resident Randi Stieglitz and one of the first 250 to receive the new
iFS treatment. “Dr. Schanzlin is truly a master at his craft. I have him,
my optometrist Dr. Goldsmid, and the rest of the TLC staff to thank for my
perfect vision.”

Dishler Laser Institute announced today that Dr. Jon Dishler has been selected by Goldline Research as one of the leading Laser Eye Surgeons of the United States for 2009 The list of leading Laser Eye Surgeons of the United States has been published in the November 30th issue of Forbes Magazine Internationally recognized, leader of numerous FDA laser vision trials, and originator of LASIK in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Jon Dishler has personally performed over 50,000 vision correction procedures spanning 25 years GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ — Dishler Laser Institute announced today that Dr. Jon Dishler has been selected by Goldline Research as one of the leading Laser Eye Surgeons of the United States for 2009. The list of leading Laser Eye Surgeons of the United States is scheduled to be published in the November 30th issue of Forbes Magazine. “It is a great honor to be selected by Goldline Research and to receive this distinction as one of only ten LASIK surgeons to be listed in the 2009 Forbes magazine,” said Dr. Dishler.. “As one of the first ten doctors in the United States to introduce LASIK, I believe that we have come full circle and now deliver to our patients the most outstanding care and technology available in the world.” “There are more than ten thousand laser eye surgeons in the United States. The practices that we selected provide outstanding patient service that exceeds the industry standard,” said Victoria Coryelle, Analyst, Goldline Research. “We believe that these practices are setting the benchmarks for patient service for the industry.” About Dr. Jon G. Dishler, Dishler Laser Institute

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BURNLEY 2 IT WAS just what Burnley needed – and doubtless had the Royal seal of approval.
OUR federal government, once limited to certain core functions, now dominates virtually every area of American life. Its authority is all but unquestioned, seemingly restricted only by expediency and the occasional budget constraint. Congress passes massive pieces of legislation with little serious deliberation, bills that are written in secret and generally unread before the vote. The national legislature is increasingly a supervisory body overseeing a vast array of administrative policymakers and rulemaking agencies. Although the Constitution vests legislative powers in Congress, the majority of “laws” are promulgated in the guise of “regulations” by bureaucrats who are mostly unaccountable and invisible to the public. Americans are wrapped in an intricate web of government policies and procedures. States, localities, and private institutions are submerged by national programs. The states, which increasingly administer policies emanating from Washington, act like supplicants seeking relief from the federal government. Growing streams of money flow from Washington to every congressional district and municipality, as well as to businesses, organizations, and individuals that are subject to escalating federal regulations. This bureaucracy has become so overwhelming that its not clear how modern presidents can fulfill their constitutional obligation to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” President Obama, like his recent predecessors, has appointed a swarm of policy “czars”–uber-bureaucrats operating outside the cabinet structure and perhaps the Constitution–to promote political objectives in an administration supposedly under executive control. Is this the outcome of the greatest experiment in self-government mankind ever has attempted?
Harold Ford Jr. for Senate? The former congressman (D., Tenn.) narrowly lost a tough race in 2006, and he is only 39 years old, so it makes sense to try again. Thing is, he wants to try in New York, where he now works for Bank of America. Ford is a stranger (he still has a Tennessee drivers license) with a number of right-of-center positions (he opposes partial-birth abortion and supports parental-consent laws), some of which he has expeditiously dumped (he now supports gay marriage). The only solid thing he has going for him is unease with the bland incumbent, Kirsten Gillibrand, appointed to Hillary Clintons old seat–and with Gillibrands dragonish patron, senior senator Charles Schumer, who bullied two local congressmen out of challenging his protege. Voters are restless these days–and maybe even someone as transparent as Harold Ford Jr. can turn that bucking and stamping to his advantage.

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Ilse Cordoni, Sales Manager at Zephyr
Real Estates SOMA/South Beach office and a Partner in the Zephyr ownership
group, has announced her retirement from real estate sales management.

Cordoni began managing for the companys Noe Valley office in 1990 and was
instrumental in building both the Noe Valley and SOMA offices. She has also
been influential in her work with the San Francisco Association of
REALTORS®, serving as Chair of several key committees and ultimately
leading the organization as its President in 2009. She was honored in 1993
as San Franciscos REALTOR® of the Year and has enjoyed the respect of
her peers throughout the City and the state for more than 30 years.

“Although we will miss Ilse as a manager, we expect to continue seeing her
around,” said Randall Kostick, Zephyrs Chief Operating Officer. “She has
been a tremendous asset to our management group as well as a great friend.”

“It has been a real pleasure to be a part of the Zephyr team,” said Cordoni.
“Working with this wildly creative and fun-loving group has been an
incredible experience.”

Cordonis retirement was officially announced at the companywide weekly
sales meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2010. She was lauded with praise in
a speech by Zephyrs President and Founder, Bill Drypolcher. The
announcement was met with a tear-filled standing ovation from the agents and
staff, honoring her service and commitment as well as sad to hear the news
of her departure.

THE trouble with former Lib Dem golden boy Mark Oaten is he behaves as if everyones forgotten the sordid sex scandal that wrecked his career. But they havent on Essexs grotesque Goresbrook estate, where a gang of local lads spotted the fallen political idol and yelled: “Are you the one that got done for the rent boys?” As the disgraced member for Winchester confirmed he had indeed betrayed his family in murky liaisons with male prostitutes, one cruel yob snarled: “Youve got Aids!” The foolish Mr Oaten should never have taken part in C4s deeply unoriginal Tower Block Of Commons. Ill at ease with the working classes, Labour veteran Austin Mitchell refused to live with them and insisted his wife came along for the ride. Man of the people. In their silly hoodies, at least Tories Ian Duncan Smith and Tim Loughton tried to fit in. But didnt.
SEATTLE — DRS, Inc. (OTCBB: DRSX) was incorporated in November of 2006 as a Nevada
Corporation by Daniel Mendes, the current President, and Daniel Guimont.
On August 1, 2007, George Guimont stepped in as Secretary/Treasurer with
his over 30 years of experience in the drywall industry to help lend
guidance to the growing company. With both executives possessing decades
of experience in both the construction and drywall industries joining
forces to develop DRS, Inc., they recognized what is no less than a
massive market opportunity created by both huge real estate construction
growth AND the current political/environmental trend toward being
“green,” clean and carbon footprint neutral.

Roughly 40 billion square feet of drywall board is manufactured annually
in North America, constituting up to 13% to 20% of new home construction
waste. This breaks down to roughly 40,000 tons of drywall (gypsum) waste
per day, all of which is being dumped in our landfills 365 days a year.
DRSX is committed to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and
to the process of scrapping and recycling gypsum wallboard.

These vast amounts of drywall present two major issues/opportunities.
First – contractors, construction companies, and developers do not have
a convenient, cost-effective manner in which to dispose of all of this
waste, and second – the waste creates a huge stress on our environment.

DRSX addresses both of these issues by providing removal/cleaning
services combined with its high-margin recycling business. The company’s
already-established infrastructure is efficient, effective, streamlined
– and poised to go national; already being one of the largest drywall
recycling businesses in the Pacific Northwest region. It is anticipated
that in the coming years, legislature will legally require the disposal
of drywall waste, although there is already a huge push in today’s
heightened “green” environment to address this growing problem.

DRSX’s rapid growth and expansion since inception has led it to build a
Drywall Finishing department. The company is proud to announce that in
only its third year of existence gross revenues (during a year which has
seen no less than a 70% DECLINE in housing starts) were over $3.5
Million. The new Drywall Finishing division has done a quick, three
quarters of a million dollars in revenues in less than its first year of
existence; recent large orders poise the company for much higher
near-term growth. DRSX attributes this quick expansion during a time of
economic pullback in the world markets, not to mention real estate in
general, to the current “green” and “carbon footprint neutral”
sociopolitical environment being experienced worldwide.

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BURNLEY 2 IT WAS just what Burnley needed – and doubtless had the Royal seal of approval.
Democrats caterwauled about President Bushs “signing statements.” Traditionally issued by presidents to explain their views about bills being signed into law, they are a vestige of a time when all three branches of government felt obliged to consider the constitutionality of their actions–instead of feeling entitled to see what they could get away with and let the courts sort it out later.
SAN DIEGO — Robbins
Umeda LLP has commenced an investigation into possible breaches of
fiduciary duty and other violations of state law by the Board of
Directors (”the Board”) of Airgas, Inc. (”Airgas”) (NYSE:ARG) in
connection with the proposed acquisition of Airgas by Air Products
Chemicals, Inc. (”Air Products”) (NYSE:APD). Under the terms of the
offer, Air Products would acquire Airgas for $60.00 per share in cash.

Previously, in October 2009, Air Products proposed to purchase Airgas
for an implied value of $60 per share, and in December 2009, Air
Products proposed to purchase Airgas for cash and stock with an implied
value of $62 per share. The Board of Airgas rejected both offers.

Robbins Umeda LLPs investigation concerns possible breaches of
fiduciary duty and other violations of law related to the rejection of
the offers by the Airgas Board.

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LONDON CHICAGO — 29West, Inc., the market leader in high-performance, low-latency
messaging solutions, and Orc Software, the leading global provider of
technology for advanced trading and connectivity, have entered into a
strategic partnership to deliver integrated solutions to support Orc’s
trading tools for equities and derivatives. Orc Software’s offering
includes solutions for advanced derivatives trading with broad market
connectivity.

“High-performance, low-latency solutions is a key requirement of our
customers, which makes this an area where we constantly seek to
improve,” said Joakim Dahlstedt, CTO, Orc Software. “We selected 29West
LBM following a series of successful benchmark tests, which showed us
that it delivers on its performance promises. As more complex, varied
setups are increasingly in demand, many of our customers will surely
benefit from switching to the LBM messaging system, which we can add to
our trading platform transparently to the end-user. In parallel, we will
explore using 29West technology in more advanced offerings that are
still under development.”

“29West is enthusiastic about the powerful solutions that this
partnership will yield for Orc’s customers,” said 29West President and
Founder Mark Mahowald. Orc has a reputation for powerful trading
solutions and we’re pleased to be working together on best-of-breed,
integrated solutions for advanced traders across asset classes. This
demonstrates the benefit of our unique Ultra Messaging®
solution across the full spectrum of financial use cases.”

About 29West

ZUG, Switzerland — Foster Wheeler AG (Nasdaq: FWLT) announced today that a subsidiary of
its Global Engineering and Construction Group has been awarded a
contract to provide project management consultancy (PMC) services to
Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd ( SLNG ), a fully owned subsidiary of
the Energy Market Authority of Singapore, in support of the development
of the LNG terminal to be located on the southwestern part of Jurong
Island, Singapore.

SLNG owns and oversees the LNG terminal’s development. The terminal,
which will have an initial capacity of 3.5 million tonnes per annum
(Mtpa), with provisions for expansion to 6 Mtpa, is targeted to be ready
for start-up in 2013.

The terms of the contract were not disclosed, and the contract value
will be included in Foster Wheeler’s first-quarter 2010 bookings.

SLNG and Foster Wheeler will jointly manage the engineering, procurement
and construction (EPC) contractor through an “Integrated Project
Management Team” approach, which will allow SLNG to be fully involved in
the management of the design and construction activities.

“Foster Wheeler is a worldwide engineering company and has an excellent
reputation in the energy sector. We are combining the strengths of SLNG
and Foster Wheeler to take on the complex task of managing the EPC
contract through to completion. Through this seamless and integrated
approach, we will work towards the timely start-up of the LNG terminal,”
said Neil McGregor, SLNG’s executive director.

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YOUR back page headline last week JT scores away from home..again says it all. England skipper John Terry is a brilliant footballer, scoring the winner for Chelsea at Burnley, but as a family man he is a flop.
UNLESS youve been on another planet youll know everyone from Mariah, Leona, Kylie, Take That and Robbie have got together for Simon Cowells Helping Haiti single – a cover of REMs Everybody Hurts. Its a corker of a charity record. I dont care if you hate it; this is life-or-death for the people of Haiti. Please download it or buy a copy in the shop. ACTRESS Lisa B and model Yasmin Le Bon have been busy setting up charity Mothers 4Children. Theyve even teamed with Elemis to give a percentage to UK childrens charities. Good for them! In the past few weeks Chicago Rib Shack in Londons posh Knightsbridge has played host to Jimmy Page, James Corden, Jamie and Louise Redknapp and Alexandra Burke.
YOUR back page headline last week JT scores away from home..again says it all. England skipper John Terry is a brilliant footballer, scoring the winner for Chelsea at Burnley, but as a family man he is a flop.

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NEW YORK — As the plastics industry emerges from the recent financial crisis,
presenters at the 13th Annual Dubai Plast Pro conference will
focus on developments from the point of view of Middle East suppliers,
convertors and end users with innovation in products and applications as
the key driver. Dubai Plast Pro will be held March 21-24 at the Crowne
Plaza Hotel, Dubai, UAE.

The innovation theme is highlighted by several presentations at the
event including LyondellBasell’s innovations in packaging; Reliance
Industries emerging polymer markets in India, post the financial crisis;
Molecor Wavin on developments in orientated PVC pipes; Total
Petrochemicals new high value PE 100 products; SRIC reports on
supply/demand dynamics in the polyester and polyolefin product chains;
and Al Azzaz Establishment will present post crisis market developments.

“Dubai Plast Pro is a highly-focused conference that provides an
unmatched forum for executives in the plastics industry to talk with
their peers about the latest strategies, developments, and best
practices,” said John Pearson, President, Chemical Division, Access
Intelligence. “We are confident participants will walk away with
valuable insights and information they can use immediately.”

Thirty-five speakers in all will present at the event this March in
Dubai. Additional speakers confirmed to present at this years event
include:

CHERYL COLE has had a few shaky fashion moments of late but she looked back to her slick best as she left the posh Baglioni Hotel in Kensington this week.
AN Israeli hit squad who murdered a Hamas commander in the Gulf were travelling on Irish passports, Dubai police have claimed. Now Dept of Foreign Affairs officials have launched an inquiry into the claims.

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Smart Furniture Studio Will Feature Eames Demetrios in Opening
Reception of Traveling Exhibit Honoring Photography of Herman Miller
Modern Furniture Design Icon Charles Eames

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — SmartFurniture.com®
is proud to announce that its Chattanooga based Smart
Furniture Studio will host The
Gifted Eye of Charles Eames, a traveling exhibition of Charles
Eames’ personal photography, published by the Eames Office and
commissioned by Herman
Miller® (MLHR) to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth.

The Gifted Eye of Charles Eames Exhibit will open at the Smart Furniture
Studio in Chattanooga, Tennessee on February 4th. Smart Furniture will
host a reception for the exhibit which will feature a presentation by
Eames Demetrios, principal of the Eames Office and grandson of Charles
and Ray Eames.

The Smart Furniture Studio will host the Gifted Eye of Charles Eames
Exhibit from February 4th through March 4th.

Charles Eames, together with his wife and design partner, Ray Eames, are
among the most influential American designers of the 20th Century. They
are best known for their groundbreaking contributions to furniture
design, including the Eames
Lounge Chair,
Eames Aluminum Office Chairs, Molded
Plastic Chair Collection, as well as architecture, industrial design
and manufacturing, textiles, and the photographic arts. For the Eameses,
and particularly Charles, photography was not merely a way to record
things; it was a part of the process of design. Charles had an
incredible eye for detail and this is evident in his photography.

Established at 7245
Boulevard 26 in North Richland Hills in April 2008, Furniture Nation
caters to the value shopper who is hunting for a great deal on quality
furniture. The new emphasis on attracting furniture buyers who are
searching online puts Furniture Nation on the leading edge of an industry
in transition.

“Customers are using brick and mortar furniture stores to choose what they
want, but instead of buying immediately, they go online to search for the
best price,” Zed Pirbhai, founder and president of Furniture Nation.
“Together with our brick and mortar location, our new online furniture
store taps into these changing furniture buyer behaviors by doing a better
job of helping them find what they want at the best possible price and
delivering it directly to them.”

For customers outside the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Furniture Nation will
increase delivery speed and efficiency, and reduce costs by shipping
directly from the manufacturer or wholesaler to any location in North
America.

Furniture Nations new online furniture store features an easy-to-use
searchable database of hundreds of living rooms , bedrooms , dining rooms , media rooms, youth furniture and
accessories. As an independent furniture retailer, Furniture Nation offers
a wide variety of styles from many different manufacturers.

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WASHINGTON — The job market is lurching toward improvement. It just has a long way to go. The outlook for jobs became a bit less bleak Friday when the government released Januarys unemployment rate showing an unexpected decline from 10 percent to 9.7 percent. It was the first drop in seven months. The economy is growing, and normally job creation would be strengthening. But the job market is weighed down by employers who remain slow to hire because consumers are not spending enough. Companies worry about their prospects once government stimulus aid fades. They also fret about possibly higher costs related to taxes or health care measures from Congress and statehouses. The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since August because a Labor Department survey of households found a sharp rise in the number of Americans with jobs. The survey found that 541,000 more Americans had jobs last month.
PROVO — For the second year in a row, BYU students won first place in the annual Residential Construction Management Competition in Las Vegas. Sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders, this years contest challenged construction management students to come up with a way to continue development in a sinking housing market. That market was in Corsicana, a small town south of Dallas, Texas, where an actual development had fizzled. Their idea was to alter the original design by constructing homes for first-time homebuyers that were green-code compliant and aesthetically appealing — all for a low financing request of $300,000.

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The crisis that almost collapsed the financial system, the markets and the economy was a once-in-a-lifetime event for most of us. The effect was not only monetary, but psychological. Shifts in attitudes about money, financial independence, retirement, leverage and consumption may leave their marks for years to come. Many people have seen the values of their financial assets, including real estate, drop close to 18 percent; however, few have changed their approaches to investment management. Some affluent investors suffered losses of 40 percent to 50 percent – enough to shatter their faith. January is Financial Wellness month, so lets take a quick look back and then think about whats to come and how to work toward restoring some semblance of stability. There is a lot of evidence out there to support all the scary thoughts. The 100-year flood happens about every five to seven years. Markets are never average or normal and are usually above or below the bell curve. The tools available to make investment decisions are not forward-looking. They are always historical. Can you imagine using only the rear-view mirror? Financial advisors need to help people rebuild plans that address new economic realities and long-term goals. With my long-time clients, I still check and double check to make sure I understand their thinking and feelings. In many cases, my clients families have become even more important, and we include them in meetings. Mindsets continue to shift, and approaches need adjustments. Simply keeping in touch is more critical than ever.
“We are thrilled to have supported the APA in the challenging, yet highly
rewarding initiative to re-engineer its web operations,” said Tim
McLaughlin, president of Siteworx. “By deploying enterprise-class
solutions such as SDL Tridion for Web Content Management, large
organizations with complex web publishing needs can significantly
streamline their processes, ultimately reducing the cost and complexity of
web management.”

As with all large, complex web projects, the APAs new site required
advanced design and software integration to deliver on the Associations
primary business objectives. In addition to implementing and integrating
the SDL Tridion WCM solution, Siteworx created a highly flexible search
utility for the website, using the Microsoft FAST enterprise search
solution. The sites new search capability is designed to handle APAs
complex taxonomy and provides for a level of “learned response” based on
user activity. Content migration presented yet another technical challenge.
Siteworx utilized a content migration solution from Kapow Technologies to
transfer almost 20,000 content assets from the legacy site.

“Siteworx proved to be a strong asset in the long process of
re-architecting our web infrastructure. Their in-depth knowledge of the SDL
Tridion WCM solution and enterprise search expertise with Microsofts FAST
solution proved integral to our successful launch and we continue to rely
on their expert knowledge and development capabilities,” said Dr. Tony
Habash, Executive Director and Chief Information Officer, American
Psychological Association.

The crisis that almost collapsed the financial system, the markets and the economy was a once-in-a-lifetime event for most of us. The effect was not only monetary, but psychological. Shifts in attitudes about money, financial independence, retirement, leverage and consumption may leave their marks for years to come. Many people have seen the values of their financial assets, including real estate, drop close to 18 percent; however, few have changed their approaches to investment management. Some affluent investors suffered losses of 40 percent to 50 percent – enough to shatter their faith. January is Financial Wellness month, so lets take a quick look back and then think about whats to come and how to work toward restoring some semblance of stability. There is a lot of evidence out there to support all the scary thoughts. The 100-year flood happens about every five to seven years. Markets are never average or normal and are usually above or below the bell curve. The tools available to make investment decisions are not forward-looking. They are always historical. Can you imagine using only the rear-view mirror? Financial advisors need to help people rebuild plans that address new economic realities and long-term goals. With my long-time clients, I still check and double check to make sure I understand their thinking and feelings. In many cases, my clients families have become even more important, and we include them in meetings. Mindsets continue to shift, and approaches need adjustments. Simply keeping in touch is more critical than ever.

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Nevada officials said the state may drop out of Medicaid if the health-care bill passes. Instead it would help its low-income legal residents participate in the federally subsidized exchanges that the bill would establish. The resulting insurance policies would doubtless be more attractive to beneficiaries than Medicaid is.
Time for reform The League of Women Voters of California strongly favors Senate Bill 810. Contrary to your editorial on Jan. 26, we believe this is exactly the right time to remedy our badly broken health care financing system. Californias budget crisis is directly linked to rising health insurance costs. Health insurance costs for teachers, police officers, firefighters and transit workers increase annually at rates much higher than wages.

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I USED TO sing in the shower. It was utterly enjoyable for me to belt out anything I could think of, mostly mere fragments of popular songs I remembered from listening to the radio. The shower walls greatly reverberated the sounds of my voice, encouraging me to ascend to greater and greater heights, usually culminating in a crescendo that combined the musical intensity of opera, rock and pop alike. Then the show came to a screeching halt. It was years ago when I lived in an apartment complex. Someone next door banged against the wall, yelling, “Stop beating that dog!” Well, you guessed it — I didnt have a dog. Apartment regulations prohibited possession of any pets. And even if I had owned one, Im not a person driven to violent acts against a defenseless animal, especially the kind that would elicit singsong sounds from a dog.
Suddenly there are 41. In Douglas Adams bizarrely funny “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy,” the answer to the search of the meaning of everything was 42. In the universe of U.S. politics, at least in the Senate, it is 41. Forty plus one is the magical number needed to sustain debate in the chamber of 100. And when they continue to debate they continue to talk, and as long as there is talk there is no action, and with no action America has no health care reform. Now the fun begins. The irony that a Republican was chosen over a Democrat to fill the seat of the late Ted Kennedy, “Mr. Democrat,” a champion of health care reform for the length of his congressional career, has not been lost on anyone. The fact the seat of the Senate has once more become the chair of the people and not Kennedys personal recliner or footstool of the Democrats speaks volumes to the power of democracy and the fear of the voters. It is especially poignant to have this shocking outcome in a state with a law of universal health coverage much like the anticipated health bill now so conveniently stalled before the Senate. But it goes back to the first question. What are the Republicans going to do with this new found tool? Is it going to be a delicate instrument that they can use to craft a better reform or is it going to be a cruel hammer to simply bash and pound. It is never power alone that matters. It is what one does with the power that counts. So what will come of this 41? Will they sit down and work toward a better solution to a real problem or will they just block all change? In the Republican response to the State of the Union, Gov. Robert F. McDonnell of Virginia repeated the disappointing line, “America has the best health care system in the world.” What follows that is to use the power of the 41 to stop all change. Why reform something that is the “best”? Yet it cant be the best without addressing the problem of non-insurability, eligibility waiting periods, exemption for pre-existing conditions, accelerated costs of everything, overuse of services, medical errors and liability, drug advertising and enormous expenses to promote expensive new colored pills, executive bonuses and employers dumping coverage for their workers.
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has partnered with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar to advise on the creation of a brand new, state-of-the-art childrens hospital in the Middle East.

On February 7th, senior leaders from SickKids marked the official announcement of the five-year partnership. SickKids has been enlisted to provide advisory services for the development and operation of the new 217-bed, 45,000 square foot childrens hospital located in Hamad Medical City, a large, not-for-profit health-care complex in the heart of Doha, Qatars capital city.

“This partnership is yet another example of SickKids international reputation for excellence in childrens health, and moves us one step closer to realizing our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World,” said Mary Jo Haddad, President and CEO of SickKids.

While in Doha, SickKids staff will provide expert counsel in such areas as paediatric medicine, surgical services, interprofessional practice and education, family-centred care and research. The partnership will also see staff from HMC travel to Toronto to take advantage of fellowship and learning opportunities at SickKids.

“A key component of our international strategy is to share our knowledge and to help other organizations build capacity within their own countries,” added Cathy Seguin, Vice President of International Affairs at SickKids.

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Though the BYU gymnasts might not be putting up the scores they think theyre capable of yet this season, they are starting to put the injury-plagued 2009 season behind them and are just concentrating on competing this year without fear of injury. The Cougars are looking forward to coming home after two meets on the road and will face No. 20 Denver and Utah State in a tri-meet at the Smith Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. tonight.
LOS ANGELES — Chauncey Billups tied his career-high with 37 points, including nine 3-pointers, and the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 126-113 Friday night, ending the Lakers eight-game home winning streak. Billups was 12 of 20 from the floor, 9 of 13 from 3-point range and made 6 of 8 free throws to go with eight assists for the Nuggets, who played without Carmelo Anthony for the seventh straight game. CELTICS 96, NETS 87: At Boston, Eddie House scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter, helping the Celtics overcome a slow start and pull away. PACERS 107, PISTONS 83: At Indianapolis, Danny Granger scored 25 points and Brandon Rush added 16 to help Indiana to a lopsided win over Detroit.
NEW YORK — Fitch Ratings has upgraded the Individual Rating of the Venezuela-based
Banesco Banco Universal (BBU) to D from D/E and revised the Outlook
of its Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) to Stable from Negative.
Fitch has affirmed the other ratings as follows:

–Long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at
B;

–Short-term foreign and local currency rating at B;

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CALGARY, Alberta — The investment opinions offered below and in this press release are
provided by Nick Hunter, RIA, of Picksthatmove.com.

At PicksThatMove, our team scours the technical and financials of
hundreds of companies to identify those stocks showing the greatest
potential for growth.

Ross River Minerals Inc. (TSXV: RRM), $0.055, 0.015, 37.50%, traded
the day away on strong gains of over 37.50%, trading in the range of
0.065 and 0.045, on significantly higher volume. The last announcement
from Ross River was on the arrangement of a private placement by the
sale of up to 10,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per Unit for total
maximum gross proceeds of $500,000. Ross
River is a junior resource company focusing on the acquisition,
exploration and development of gold and copper-gold properties in the
territory of Yukon and Mexico.

Fission Energy Corp. (TSXV: FIS), $0.63, 0.05, 8.62%, announced
yesterday that it had granted incentive stock options for Directors,
Officers, employees and consultants allowing them to purchase 1,200,000
shares in the company @ $0.55. The options are exercisable until
February 13, 2015. FIS traded today between 0.59 and 0.67 surpassing its
52 week-high from yesterday of 0.62. Fission
Energy is a Canadian based resource company focusing on the
acquisition, exploration and development of uranium properties.

ITS DISTURBING that Business Editor Drew Voros is so biased in favor of the petroleum industry. In two recent columns, Voros bemoans Chevrons veiled threats to close the Richmond oil refinery. He repeatedly blames the city of Richmond and environmentalists, but he ignores numerous facts that put the responsibility squarely on Chevron and the oil industry in general. Indeed, Voros admits that Chevrons actual plans were quite different, saying that the retrofit “. would have enabled it to process a larger variety of crude oil. “.” — Those living near the Chevron refinery have some of the highest rates of breast cancer and hospitalization due to asthma attacks in the state, among other health issues linked to the refinery. Yet Voros utterly fails to factor in (or even acknowledge) those costs.

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Hamiltons McMaster University of the mid-1960s had a thriving campus art scene. The annual arts festival attracted prestigious and daring North American guests, such as Amiri Baraka, Cannonball Adderly, Andy Warhol and the Velvet Underground, and Leslie Fiedler among others. In 1966, mature student John Hofsess, a frequent contributor to the campus newspaper, began to produce 8mm and then 16mm films. Hofsess founded an organization of student filmmakers called the McMaster Film Board (MFB), a group funded by the student union. Hofsesss interests in sexual revolution and American underground art made for a tense relationship between the McMaster Film Board and the student union. Through the McMaster Film Board, John Hofsess began Palace of Pleasure (1966/67), a series of experimental films. Intended as a trilogy, only two parts were completed. The films were designed as showcases for Hofsesss concept of cinematherapy, (1) an experiment that combined ideas from contemporary media–from Warhol and McLuhan–with ideas gleaned from writings on psychoanalytic liberation. His project was similar, if more in spirit than practice, to Wilhelm Reichs orgasm theory, wherein the organism was freed from its neurosis through the total release of dammed-up orgastic energies. Reich envisioned a healthy and functional mankind that could build a sex-positive society away from the tyranny of repressive institutions. Hofsess saw his films operating in opposition to a filmmaker such as Jack Smith (Flaming Creatures), whose shocking work, in Hofsesss estimation, could only reinforce the alienation of the neurotic and their bond to the repressive institution. The ideas underlying the productions were Hofsesss own, but the first part (Redpath 25) was a collaboration between Hofsess, McMaster art community organizer Patricia Murphy, who starred in it, and Robin Hilborn, a science student who applied bleach effects during the films processing. The second and more substantial part of the trilogy (Black Zero) was announced in the student press as being co-directed by McMaster Film Board president Peter Rowe, who was primarily responsible for the cinematography. Hofsess had also cast members of the McMaster Dramatic Society, specifically its director David Martin, who would go on to make a film with the McMaster Film Board titled To Paint the Park (1968), a single-screen experimental narrative that was heavily influenced by Hofsesss work. Martins performance in Black Zero, according to Hofsesss model of therapeutic film form, was “flattened out” in editing. The film was presented in dual projection: tension would dissipate between the two screens. The film acts as a sensual experience by emancipating the viewer from the expectations placed on them by the narrative tradition, their view of the film disrupted by the intentional compromise of performance elements as well as frequent obstructions of kaleidoscopic psychedelic images and appropriated magazine advertisements. Palace of Pleasure is an auteur work, supported through a manifesto that Hofsess contributed to Take One Magazine that expressed his unique aesthetic perspective (”Toward a New Voluptuary: From the Black Zero Notebook”), but it was made with conscious attention to the participation of others, in the spirit of collaborative practice. Hofsess showed a dedication to filmmaking as a social experience, here as well as in his community work as founder of the McMaster Film Board,
SANDY — If you want to increase your companys productivity in this economic climate, you might want to apply the principles that build a strong love life. What happens in the company or in the family, both hinge on “relating better to others.” Townsend, whos nationally renowned as a motivational speaker, offered nine irritating, relationship-sapping bits of “smoke” that hurt employers. He also countered them with seven basic needs that, when met, turn things around and help businesses and relationships to flourish. Those solutions dissipate the smoke, he said. The top problems in corporate America that Townsend sees are turf wars, layoffs, promotions — “Ever seen one discourage an entire department?” he asked — differing personalities, the idea that “its not my job,” diverging goals, budget cuts, communication issues and an uncertain future. Every company has some of those. So does every couple. A lot of the advice, he noted, applies to both family and work dynamics. Trapped in such smoke, people tend to fight over “silly stuff.”

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In an effort to save the imperiled health-care bill, Democrats cut a tentative deal with organized labor that would exempt unionized employees from an excise tax on high-cost healthcare plans. Of the many unsavory bargains and rotten deals that have characterized the rush to get this thing passed (the “Louisiana Purchase,” the “Cornhusker Kickback,” etc.), the “Labor Loophole” surely takes the prize.
Lots of zeros Wow, it is amazing how arrogant the California Democratic Party leadership treats the residents of this great state. Just two days after a nationalized health care system was thwarted by the Massachusetts senatorial vote, our Democratic leadership has introduced Senate Bill 810. This bill will cost the state $170,000,000,000. That is a lot of zeros. Come to think of it, we have a lot of zeros representing us in the state legislature. We need to throw all the bums out and go to a part-time Legislature. At least that way, they cannot do too much damage to this state. Throw the rats out. After all, you cannot spell arrogant and Democrat without rat.
Nevada officials said the state may drop out of Medicaid if the health-care bill passes. Instead it would help its low-income legal residents participate in the federally subsidized exchanges that the bill would establish. The resulting insurance policies would doubtless be more attractive to beneficiaries than Medicaid is.

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MARTINEZ — Thirty years ago, nutritionists fretted about children starting the day with a bowl of sugary cereal. Today, some kids slurp vats of soda or creamy, syrupy coffee drinks and nosh on chips for breakfast. And their expanding waistlines show the damage. An increasingly sedentary lifestyle combined with eating more processed foods has led to an alarming rise in childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes among young people, according to public health experts. By teaming with the Martinez schools on the Contra Costa/ Martinez Sustainable Health Project, Gershen plans to teach students how to make nutritious food choices, decode food labels and cook healthful meals.
Time for reform The League of Women Voters of California strongly favors Senate Bill 810. Contrary to your editorial on Jan. 26, we believe this is exactly the right time to remedy our badly broken health care financing system. Californias budget crisis is directly linked to rising health insurance costs. Health insurance costs for teachers, police officers, firefighters and transit workers increase annually at rates much higher than wages.
Lots of zeros Wow, it is amazing how arrogant the California Democratic Party leadership treats the residents of this great state. Just two days after a nationalized health care system was thwarted by the Massachusetts senatorial vote, our Democratic leadership has introduced Senate Bill 810. This bill will cost the state $170,000,000,000. That is a lot of zeros. Come to think of it, we have a lot of zeros representing us in the state legislature. We need to throw all the bums out and go to a part-time Legislature. At least that way, they cannot do too much damage to this state. Throw the rats out. After all, you cannot spell arrogant and Democrat without rat.

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Once again Holiday Systems International
(HSI) has been recognized and honored for its exceptional travel services.
Royal Caribbean International, a major cruise line with more than 280
destinations worldwide, recently announced HSI as the 2009 West Region
Travel Partner of the year!

The West Region, from which HSI was selected, is composed of the following
14 states: California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, New
Mexico, Texas, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Utah, Wyoming and Hawaii.

The competition is intense, as only one recipient is chosen through very
specific and measurable criteria. Royal Caribbean determined that Holiday
Systems International surpassed all other travel service providers located
in each of the above states in every criterion.

Holiday Systems International continues to increase its cruise bookings by
significant percentages year after year. This would be noteworthy in a
thriving economy, but to have such an achievement in our currently
challenged economy is an amazing business accomplishment. Additionally,
HSI employees utilize the latest technology when booking their customers
travel. In fact, approximately 85% of cruise travel booked through HSI is
fulfilled using automated systems. The use of this technology reduces the
“bottom-line” cost for customers, spurring even more business for HSI and
all of the cruise companies they offer services through, including Royal
Caribbean.

HSIs President and CEO, Craig Morganson, and his dedicated staff have once
again demonstrated that HSI provides excellent and cost-efficient travel
services in the midst of a challenging economy. With the selection of HSI
as its 2009 West Region Travel Partner, Royal Caribbean International has
acknowledged the same.

CHRISTMAS has come and gone, even for the Eastern Orthodox, and the stores are looking ahead to Valentines Day. But many upstate lawns still have their Christmas decorations: Santa, Frosty, inflated penguins (penguins were big this year, even though they dont live at the North Pole). They stand like unbudgeable guests who have stayed at a party after the host has unplugged the coffee urn and gone to bed. They are better-humored, for they are still waving merrily, but the feelings they induce are unsettling. They have lingered past their time, like ghosts. They represent the black backside of upstate: depression. Depression manifests itself in lack of will. That is what the belated Santas show. People, in a burst of holiday cheer or a bout of family obligation, put them out. But those same people are unable or unwilling to take them down. Routine is supposed to be the great deadener of souls; how much worse is the half-completed task, the broken round, the unfulfilled routine? As usual there is a diagnosis for it–seasonal affective disorder–and as usual it tells only part of the story. The cold keeps people inside and makes them stircrazy, while the short days put them spiritually to sleep. Cold is no friend: It slips in, through door cracks and floorboards, and slaps your face as soon as you step outside. Bundling up to keep it off makes you heavy and stiff. Dusk at five oclock is no pick-me-up either. Maybe bears have the right idea: grow a girdle of fat and go to sleep. But, although the cold stays until February, the light starts growing longer after the solstice, and becomes noticeably so by New Years. Besides, winter cant explain why so many people upstate seem depressed all year long. What are the signs of depression? How about piles of stuff in the yard? This is a tricky point. One of the benefits of owning an acre of land is that you have room to put stuff. Rural residential zoning allows you to put down anything, short of a junkyard, and rural gun ownership guarantees that it will stay put, though who would want a pile of field stone anyway? But sometimes the stack of two-by-fours, or the rusted-out burn barrel, or the boat under a tarp, or the truck with a mismatched hood and fender and a notional price chalked on its windshield (the price and the truck havent changed in years), or all of these things together cross the line from husbandry to clutter. “If a man have not order within him, he cannot spread order about him,” said Ezra Pound, who should have known about inner disorder. Some lawns have all the cheer of old cemeteries. Another sign of depression is the unpainted outbuilding. Here again it is a matter of degree. The weathered barn slat can look like a wise face in an old photograph: Lincoln, Whitman. But when the slats begin to show gaps, trouble has begun. Once the horizontals and the verticals start to slip and sag, the end is near: Only an effort on the order of Robert Moses can save the outbuilding now. I remember a two-storey house on the grounds of a small, broken-down summer resort (but not dead–cars and laundry always decorate a handful of the cottages come July). Its collapse took about two weeks; my friend Doug, who has put up many buildings in his time, said, with grim relish, “Its moving!” A good wet snow brings the untended outbuilding down, like a bomb. The degrees of serious depression are measured by how long the pieces stay, uncleared.

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Reporters largely ignored it, but the Department of Health and Human Services released a study showing that Head Starts positive effects peter out by the end of first grade. The study included 44 tests, of which 42 found no statistically significant and lasting improvement. Some positive results are to be expected when you run that many tests, and a footnote points out that the two apparently lasting results disappear after correcting for that tendency.
In an effort to save the imperiled health-care bill, Democrats cut a tentative deal with organized labor that would exempt unionized employees from an excise tax on high-cost healthcare plans. Of the many unsavory bargains and rotten deals that have characterized the rush to get this thing passed (the “Louisiana Purchase,” the “Cornhusker Kickback,” etc.), the “Labor Loophole” surely takes the prize.
MARTINEZ — Thirty years ago, nutritionists fretted about children starting the day with a bowl of sugary cereal. Today, some kids slurp vats of soda or creamy, syrupy coffee drinks and nosh on chips for breakfast. And their expanding waistlines show the damage. An increasingly sedentary lifestyle combined with eating more processed foods has led to an alarming rise in childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes among young people, according to public health experts. By teaming with the Martinez schools on the Contra Costa/ Martinez Sustainable Health Project, Gershen plans to teach students how to make nutritious food choices, decode food labels and cook healthful meals.

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Apollo Group, Cabela’s , Intel and Yahoo Honored for Excellence and
Contributions to the Future of Digital Advertising

SAN DIEGO — Covario, the leader in search and display advertising software and
services for Fortune 500 companies, announced today the winners of this
year’s SIGMA awards. The winners were announced at INFLECTIONPoint 2010,
Covario’s annual customer conference that takes place each year in San
Diego, California.

The SIGMA awards recognize advertisers, agencies and partners that have
achieved unique business advantage through their use of digital
marketing and the Covario interactive marketing analytics solutions.

Apollo Group – Best Use of SEO Technology Award

NEW YORK — Attorney Advertising. Notice is hereby given that Stull, Stull Brody
has commenced an investigation on behalf of shareholders of the common
stock of Airgas, Inc. (“Airgas” or the “Company”) (NYSE: ARG) for
possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of state law in
connection with a series of proposals by which Air Products Chemicals,
Inc. (“Air Products”) seeks to acquire all Airgas common shares
currently outstanding.

The current investigation concerns Air Products’ price proposals and the
process undertaken by Airgas’ Board of Directors to address those
proposals. Whereas Airgas’ Board of Directors previously rejected Air
Products’ December 2009 proposal to acquire Airgas for approximately $62
per share in cash and stock, Air Products’ current proposal provides per
share consideration of $60 per share in cash. Airgas’ Board of Directors
has announced that it will review the current proposal.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Heres a happy story: Two thugs broke into the garden of a British television personality and new mother, but she scared them off by brandishing a kitchen knife and shouting from her window. Unfortunately, the Hertfordshire coppers who responded to Myleene Klasss call were not impressed by her self-described display of “mummy powers”–they advised her to let the police handle all intrusions in the future.
Heres a happy story: Two thugs broke into the garden of a British television personality and new mother, but she scared them off by brandishing a kitchen knife and shouting from her window. Unfortunately, the Hertfordshire coppers who responded to Myleene Klasss call were not impressed by her self-described display of “mummy powers”–they advised her to let the police handle all intrusions in the future.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trailer Bridge, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Market: TRBR) today announced
that it will release its unaudited financial results for the fourth
quarter and year ended December 31, 2009, after the close of the stock
market on Monday, February 8, 2010. The Company will then discuss those
results in a conference call on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 10:00 AM ET.

Tribute Entertainment Media Group is proud to announce their new Tribute Movies iPhone application, Version 1.0.2., for free download. The new app pinpoints your location to find the nearest theaters to you. Search movies by title, read summaries, get release dates and running times and view the coolest new trailers!

Other features allow you to search movies by popularity and user rating, search theaters by name, postal code or GPS location, browse show times, view movie posters and photos, read movie summaries and see which actors are starring in them, and gives you the opportunity to be a movie critic by rating movies and posting your comments and reviews.

“Were very excited about this app. Many of our website and wap users have been asking us to implement something like this,” said Alexandra Stewart, Tribute Entertainment Media Group COO. “Planning a trip to the movies is now a one-stop experience with Tribute Movies. You can watch trailers, read reviews, pick the theater closest to you and share that information with friends.”

The Tribute Movies app is compatible with iPhone and iPod touch and requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

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LOGAN — Every coach likes to have fertile ground to find recruits. And for Utah State mens basketball coach Stew Morrill, Salt Lake Community College is not just a place where star players are found – - its where they are developed. “Theres a nice connection there,” Morrill said. “I kidded (SLCC coach Norm Parrish) for a number of years that were not getting a lot of their guys. Then it started happening.”
SATURDAY, Feb. 6 (DIY) Sweat Equity — A couple attempts to finish the basement on a $16,000 budget. 4349902
CALGARY, Alberta — The investment opinions offered below and in this press release are
provided by Nick Hunter, RIA, of Picksthatmove.com.

At PicksThatMove, our team scours the technical and financials of
hundreds of companies to identify those stocks showing the greatest
potential for growth.

Ross River Minerals Inc. (TSXV: RRM), $0.055, 0.015, 37.50%, traded
the day away on strong gains of over 37.50%, trading in the range of
0.065 and 0.045, on significantly higher volume. The last announcement
from Ross River was on the arrangement of a private placement by the
sale of up to 10,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per Unit for total
maximum gross proceeds of $500,000. Ross
River is a junior resource company focusing on the acquisition,
exploration and development of gold and copper-gold properties in the
territory of Yukon and Mexico.

Fission Energy Corp. (TSXV: FIS), $0.63, 0.05, 8.62%, announced
yesterday that it had granted incentive stock options for Directors,
Officers, employees and consultants allowing them to purchase 1,200,000
shares in the company @ $0.55. The options are exercisable until
February 13, 2015. FIS traded today between 0.59 and 0.67 surpassing its
52 week-high from yesterday of 0.62. Fission
Energy is a Canadian based resource company focusing on the
acquisition, exploration and development of uranium properties.

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Q: Exiting the San Jose airport just past Terminal C, theres no sign indicating the left fork leads to Skyport Drive and Highway 87. Its a three-way fork, with another exit taking you to Interstate 880. For the umpteenth time Ive watched as cars slow, stop or swerve to change lanes trying to figure out which fork leads where. There doesnt seem to be any downside to posting a sign there. Can you use your powers? The new way out of the airport will be via a new loop that will take you to Coleman Avenue, Highway 87 and Airport Parkway. The new loop will be longer, straighter, wider and better lit, with improved signs. Then it should be clear what lanes to be in. Q: Any chance of getting barrier posts filled in between the FasTrak and carpool lanes on the approach to the tollbooths on the Dumbarton Bridge? I almost smacked into someone in the FasTrak lane the other day as he stopped to get through the holes in the barrier.
The Consumers Waterheater Income Fund (”Fund”) (TSX: CWI.UN) and The Consumers Waterheater Operating Trust (”Trust”) are providing this business update in order to outline developments in their operations.

The Fund and Direct Energy Marketing Limited (”DE”) launched a series of customer communications and marketing programs in 2009 aimed at providing customers with information regarding the services they receive under the water heater rentals program (”Rentals business”), including that service calls and repairs are provided without additional charge, our customers have 24/7 service support, and there are no punitive exit fees. The objective is to ensure customers make the best possible decision on their preferred supplier. The Fund provided approximately $500,000 of financial support towards DEs programs in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Although preliminary, initial indications suggest that the level of attrition experienced by the Fund in the fourth quarter of 2009 is modestly lower than that experienced in the third quarter of 2009. DE and the Fund intend to increase significantly their investment in customer marketing, communications and retention programs through 2010, and will assess their effectiveness on an ongoing basis. In January of each year, the Fund advises customers of the rates charged on the monthly rental of water heaters. The 2010 price increase was set at a competitive level, with the relevant factors considered including impact on customer relationships, the cost of the equipment and servicing, and competitors pricing levels. Management estimates that revenues for the Funds Rentals business for the first quarter of 2010 will be slightly higher than the first quarter of 2009, reflecting mainly the rental rate increase and estimated attrition on the portfolio. The number of water heater additions and exchanges in the fourth quarter of 2009 was essentially in line with the third quarter of 2009.

In December 2009 the Ontario Energy Board approved the billing arrangements under a new open bill access agreement (”OBA”) and proceeds transfer and trust agreement (”PTTA”) negotiated by the Fund, DE and other billers and interested parties with Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (”EGD”). The OBA and PTTA substantially preserve the major financial terms and protections of the current billing arrangements with EGD, and have an initial term ending in March 2012. It is currently anticipated that the OBA and PTTA will be entered into by early February 2010.

PHILADELPHIA — ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, a leading concessioner of the National
Park Service, today announced it has been awarded a 10-year contract by
the National Park Service to operate Lake Crescent Lodge, located in
Olympic National Park.

Under the agreement, ARAMARK will be responsible for all management and
operational functions of the property, including overnight
accommodations, food and beverage services, retail, rentals and fuel
sales at Lake Crescent Lodge and nearby Fairholme and Hurricane Ridge
stores in Olympic National Park. This win further expands ARAMARK’s
lodging presence on Washington state’s scenic Olympic Peninsula, where
it also manages Kalaloch Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and Lake
Quinault Lodge.

“The addition of Lake Crescent Lodge to our portfolio is a reflection of
the outstanding job our team has done managing the other three Olympic
Peninsula properties,” said Bruce Fears, president of ARAMARK Parks and
Destinations. “We look forward to continuing our work with the National
Park Service and the surrounding community to further enhance the
experience for guests visiting Olympic National Park.”

For over 25 years, ARAMARK has built a close-knit relationship with the
Olympic Peninsula community, including hosting annual Earth Day events
and holiday parties, establishing a recycling center for use by local
residents, providing educational opportunities for local school
children, and supporting local charities and organizations.

Historic Lake Crescent Lodge, built in 1916 as “Singers Tavern” in
Olympic National Park serves as an ideal base camp for the variety of
recreational activities in the park while allowing guests to experience
the charm of a turn-of-the-century resort. The comfortable, spacious
guest rooms are nestled among the giant fir and hemlock trees on the
shore of beautiful Lake Crescent and offer wonderful views of the lake.

http://mysticcabinrentals.com

I MUST address this new version of “unintended acceleration.” Do you remember when Audi had this problem? While I sympathize with those involved, I must present some facts. I began to drive in 1966. My car was a stick, my parents car an automatic. I learned from car-enthusiast magazines that the proper way to drive an automatic was with both feet; two feet, two pedals. I also taught my wife. Its absolutely the best way, as long as you dont ride the brake or gas inappropriately. The instructor had a manual brake pedal on his side, not power. I was in the back seat when a girl driver panicked and held the gas pedal down. She mowed down about 10 feet of cyclone fence before the instructor shut off the key. In the 80s, on the way to work, I had to make a left in heavy traffic. I saw an opening and stomped on it, breaking a motor mount and sticking my gas wide open. I controlled the car with the brakes, found a shoulder, turned off the key, no problem. Shutting off the engine put it back on its mounts, and I drove to work. That weekend, I installed heavy duty motor mounts, as these cars were known for that.
SATURDAY ADOPTIONS — 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — TVAR; Pleasanton Farmers Market, First and West Angela streets, Pleasanton; dogs/cats. — 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Safe-Cat Foundation; Petsmart, 6960 Amador Plaza Road, Dublin; cats. — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — ARF: Pet Food Express, 3610 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, Walnut Creek; cats. — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Safe-Cat Foundation; Petco, 1170 Arnold Drive, Martinez; cats.
THIS IS a story with two themes: 1. The classy courage of an incredible young woman. 2. What schools can learn from the Girl Scouts. A month ago, Adriana Aboumrad asked me to donate blood. She was working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award, the equivalent of a Boy Scout becoming an Eagle Scout. Only 5 percent of Girl Scouts earn a Gold Award.

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The top-lot of the sale was an Arnaldo Pomodoro artist proof of Rotante
primo sezionale n. 1 [Rotating First Section No. 1], 1966, estimated at the
high end at $150,000, but bringing $468,000, a very strong price for the
only artist proof of this title offered thus far. Rounding out the top
three were a newly rediscovered Georgia OKeeffe, Alligator Pear in White
Dish, which sold for $225,150, well above its estimate high of $150,000;
and Jesus Rafael Sotos Struttura, estimated between $30,000 and $40,000,
selling for $100,725.

Record-setting bids included Saul Steinbergs Art Lovers, which sold for
$22,515, several times the estimate high of $5,000 and the highest price
reported for a work on paper from 1963; Daniel Chester Frenchs Portrait
Bust of a Woman, estimated between $500 and $700, sold for $16,590, the
highest price paid for this work; and Cecilia Beauxs Portrait of Joseph B.
Thomas III, estimated at $2,000 to $2,500, brought $8,295, the highest
price reported for a work on paper by Beaux.

According to Robin
Starr , Director of American European Paintings Prints at Skinner,
“Weve spent the past year redefining the mission of Skinners paintings
department. This sale, in particular, featured works of greater quality,
and we presented them more effectively in our redesigned catalogue format.
Clearly these changes are beginning to bear fruit.” Continued Starr,
“Were very pleased with the strength of Skinners first sale of 2010.
Were finding renewed interest in contemporary works and thats good news
for the art market overall.”

Skinners next auction of American European Paintings Prints will be
held Friday, May 21st in Boston.

Ive seldom been inspired to write to the paper, but after seeing the editorial page on Feb. 2, Im finally assured that all who write are not mentally challenged. On global warming, I hope Jasmin Ansar has quoted correct facts and the readers believe them. Its the best synopsis of whats happening Ive read. On the editorial about Berkeley schools, right on. Most of our schools suffer from egregious disparity. I know of a family who moved out of what I thought was a good school district into a more upscale neighborhood and found that their children, who had been A and B-plus students, were behind the norm for the new schools. Dont cut funding to working programs to prop up failing ones. Find funds to help those that need it. Make all better, not all average. Finally, we all are suffering this recession. The best way out is for those who can to spend on what they need, so that those who cant can have the job security they need to spend what they need to create the jobs we all need to have what we all need. A better, more secure life.
Ive seldom been inspired to write to the paper, but after seeing the editorial page on Feb. 2, Im finally assured that all who write are not mentally challenged. On global warming, I hope Jasmin Ansar has quoted correct facts and the readers believe them. Its the best synopsis of whats happening Ive read. On the editorial about Berkeley schools, right on. Most of our schools suffer from egregious disparity. I know of a family who moved out of what I thought was a good school district into a more upscale neighborhood and found that their children, who had been A and B-plus students, were behind the norm for the new schools. Dont cut funding to working programs to prop up failing ones. Find funds to help those that need it. Make all better, not all average. Finally, we all are suffering this recession. The best way out is for those who can to spend on what they need, so that those who cant can have the job security they need to spend what they need to create the jobs we all need to have what we all need. A better, more secure life.

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The newest luxury resort in the British Virgin Islands opens to
guests Feb. 11

SCRUB ISLAND, British Virgin Islands — Begin the new year – still fresh with promises of bright beginnings and
big dreams – by scheduling a glorious, warm-weather vacation that
releases the stresses from the old year. Schedule your rejuvenating,
Caribbean getaway to Scrub Island, a luxury resort that’s meticulously
designed to fulfill your every desire and the first such development to
open in the British Virgin Islands in 15 years.

Nestled on 230 acres of unspoiled tropical paradise, Scrub Island was
discovered nearly 500 years ago by Christopher Columbus and remained
relatively untouched for centuries. Today, this private sanctuary is
home to Scrub Island, the island’s first-ever development and a true
haven from the cares of the outside world. Here are ten reasons to visit
Scrub Island when planning a 2010 getaway:

The Garrido property near Antioch was no prison for Jaycee Dugard and her two girls in recent years, but rather a family home with pets, a garden and activities they joined in together, Phillip Garridos lawyer said in a court declaration. Garrido stopped sexual activity with Dugard “sometime around the birth” of their second child, in November 1997, public defender Susan Gellman wrote, citing evidence turned over by prosecutors. Gellman wants Judge Douglas Phimister to allow Phillip and Nancy Garrido to visit each other in jail, to discuss the case and the impact of their decisions on Jaycee and the girls. They have remained in a Placerville jail since their arrests in late August, seeing each other only during brief court appearances. Prosecutors charged the couple in August with 29 felony counts in Jaycees 1991 abduction at age 11 and what authorities call years of sexual bondage in a hidden backyard warren of tents and sheds. The last rape charge in the criminal complaint dates to 1997. Deputy District Attorney James Clinchard did not return a call Friday for comment on the motion.

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The Popular Vehicle Brand Partners With JR Motorsports to Sponsor
Danica Patrick

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Hot Wheels® today announced a match made in motorsports heaven — a
partnership with JR Motorsports racing team and its newest driver,
Danica Patrick, as she enters the NASCAR racing circuit in 2010. Hot
Wheels® will sponsor Patrick’s car during the Nationwide Series season,
including primary sponsor placement in the August 14th race
at Michigan International Speedway. Additionally, Hot Wheels® and
Patrick are working together on other key promotional initiatives,
including a special Hot Wheels® vehicle designed by Patrick herself.

“Speed, power and performance and the ultimate race car — that is what
connects Hot Wheels, JR Motorsports and Danica,” said Simon Waldron,
vice president, Wheels Marketing at Mattel. “Our partnership provides a
real world association between our brand and the biggest names in
racing, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them in 2010.”

The announcement was made today at the Daytona International Speedway,
where Patrick unveiled graphic renderings of the custom die-cast vehicle
she co-designed with the Hot Wheels® team at the Mattel Design Center in
El Segundo, Calif. Patrick’s “Danicar” is the first celebrity-designed
Hot Wheels® vehicle and will be made in the traditional 1:64 scale.

“My life is all about high velocity cars, and the only car company I
could imagine being able to create my vision of the ultimate fantasy car
is Hot Wheels,” said Danica Patrick. “On the track, I am looking forward
to speeding towards the finish line in true Hot Wheels style.”

The site will be the first of its kind, and provide online consumers
with the best possible fares advertised by the discounted airline
carriers in the growing online travel industry. TWG’s experience and
expertise in the sector, having served as the IT consulting firm for
Allegiant Airlines, World Airways, and North American Airlines, among
others, has been invaluable to the Company.

Magazine Style Album

Walnut Creeks Ruth Bancroft is a national authority on drought- resistant gardening. Twice a month she and her staff share their knowledge with readers. THERE ARE MANY wonderful contributions to horticulture from the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae), and one commercially important fruit, the pineapple. All members of the family are from the New World, and they are especially abundant in South America. Among those that grow on the ground is a small but fascinating genus named Abromeitiella. Most reference works list two or three species, all forming domelike clusters of many small heads of succulent leaves, and coming from northwestern Argentina and adjacent parts of Southern Bolivia.
CLASSES/WORKSHOPS — Building Education Center — Earthquake Retrofitting, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Feb. 6. $95. Estimating the Cost of Labor and Materials, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 6. $95. Portable Power Tools for Beginners, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Feb. 6-7. $195. Keep Green with Untapped Water, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $45. Garden Hardscapes/Masonry Work, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $95. Attic Conversions, 7-10 p.m. Feb. 9. $45. Title 24, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $45. Kitchen Cabinet and Counter Installation, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $95. Framing Carpentry, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Feb. 13-14. $195. Feng Shui, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Classes held at 812 Page St., West Berkeley. 510-525-7610.
THE CONTINUING California drought has many people thinking about planting California natives and other drought-tolerant plants. My own journey toward California natives began about 10 years ago when my husband and I purchased a home on a weedy, 1-acre plot in Alamo. The land had no watering system to speak of, and it became my challenge to reclaim the land and determine what to plant and where. So planting natives and drought tolerant plants was a no-brainer. While my main method is to “mulch, mulch, mulch,” both for weed control and water savings, last summer I had a little surprise.

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PROVO — Although shes young, Kelsey Leeson knew exactly what she had to do to be successful at the 3A state swim meet. It helped that the Juan Diego sophomore had a preview of her biggest competition earlier in the season. “I beat a senior, who Ive been trying to beat since we went up against each other at Park City,” Leeson said of Mia Greenwald, the favorite going into the 50-yard freestyle. “Since then, Ive worked harder in practices, worked harder in dry-land practices, and we tapered, which helps me.” In the team race, Judge Memorial is in line to pick up its seventh girls title in eight years with a Friday night score of 144 points.
PROVO — Amidst the immense pressure and palpable anxiety that characterizes this or any state swimming meet, Wasatchs boys team kept its composure. Wasatch, in search of its first state swimming championship, could have wilted during the opening portion of the 3A meet Friday evening inside the Richards Building at BYU when things didnt go its way early on. Through the first four boys events, Juan Diego (109 points) narrowly leads Park City (105) and Wasatch (103), but — more importantly — the Wasps swam 19 points ahead of their projected total for the entire meet to take a virtual lead of 35 points ahead of Park City and 47 ahead of Juan Diego into todays second and final day.
The Fairmont Pacific Rim, fronting one of Vancouvers best addresses, is a newcomer to an area rich in history and intrigue. With unobstructed views of the north Shore Mountains, Stanley Park and Coal Harbour, guests are treated to the vistas that have transfixed travelers since Captain Vancouver arrived in 1792. Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, but casual and contemporary, the hotel combines the best of Asia and the west coast, in its plan, decor, and culinary offerings. A downtown oasis, it was designed to five star standards with resort features such as a rooftop swimming pool, meditation pods, outdoor fireplaces, and spa.

Guests enter the marble-clad lobby, via a bridge flanked by waterfalls, where a one-of-a-kind $225,000 Fazioli piano takes centre stage. Soaring across the ceiling is a 180-foot long sculpture handcrafted by master origami artist Joseph Wu, while floor-to- ceiling windows allow light and views to enter and a sleek fireplace warms the room. The Lobby Lounge serves afternoon artisan teas and tableside cocktails via an Art Deco trolley and has a raw bar that features seasonal seafood, sushi and comfort foods with a twist. Live entertainment is played throughout the week and on Sunday afternoons.

The Pan-Asian bistro, ORU – a derivation of the Japanese word that means “to unfold” – serves authentic dishes from the scratch kitchen. A tandoori oven bakes naan, bannock and lavish and is accompanied by house-made sambal. Homemade noodles, Ocean-Wise seafood, locally sourced and organic ingredients are presented in a menu that represents the diversity of the Pacific Rim and the culinary skills of executive chef David Wong. ORU boasts the largest in the city, a wine list that emphasizes Pacific Northwest labels, a private dining room, communal table and front-row chefs table.

Giovane is an Italian-inspired cafe with deli, charcuterie, ooh-la-la specialty cakes and house-roasted ethical coffee. A 50-foot long emporium wall features an eclectic assortment of local crafts and culinary items, including fresh breads made in the pastry shop, to purchase.

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Eric Nelson, Microsoft’s Developer Evangelist will be giving an
introduction to one of the leading cloud platforms that is at the
cutting edge of the Cloud Computing Age. Attendees will learn what
Windows Azure is capable of doing and why, how and when you should adopt
the Azure platform that went into production on the 4th
January 2010.

The free to attend workshop session is a must attend for resellers,
developers, the IT community and independent software vendors (ISV) who
can explore the potential to increase revenues and decrease its costs.

The session will demonstrate Windows Azure PaaS offering that enables
applications built in .NET, Java, Ruby, PhP, SQL Server, MySQL and more
to be run on Microsoft Data Centers.

“For the past decade we have relied on Microsoft for underpinning
technologies in our foundational SaaS, infrastructure services and
innovations in the Media Entertainment and Enterprise markets’’,
said Darcy Lorincz, CEO of Origin Digital. “Integration with the
Windows Azure platform is another market leading, evolutionary step for
our company and we expect that Origin Digital and our customers will
benefit from performance and cost benefits for years to come.’’

Open NFC for Android, Windows and Linux Platforms Available Under
Apache License

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France — Reflecting a clear and growing trend in the mobile industry, INSIDE
Contactless, a leading provider of advanced, open-standard contactless
chip technologies, today announced it is making its Open NFC™
commercial-grade NFC protocol stack (formerly MicroRead Software
Foundation) available in a free and open source edition under the
Apache™ License, Version 2.0. Offering a consistent API across all NFC
hardware, faster time to market and greater flexibility for OEMs and
ODMs, INSIDE’s Open NFC 3.4 is available now for WinCE 6.0 (compatible
with Windows™ Mobile 7) and Linux 2.6 platforms, and an Android™
implementation will premier with the planned release of Open NFC 3.5 at
the end of March.

“Our decision to release Open NFC under the Apache license demonstrates
our willingness to lead the way in bringing high quality, well
documented NFC software into the open source arena,” said Philippe
Martineau, executive vice president of the NFC business line for INSIDE
Contactless. “Open NFC fits right in with the trend toward open
platforms in the mobile industry, and will benefit device makers as well
as software developers and others in the mobile ecosystem in several
ways, providing greater impetus to implementing NFC solutions across a
broad range of consumer products.”

Martineau anticipates that the availability of an open source NFC
protocol stack should also improve the interoperability of NFC devices,
and thus accelerate market adoption.

The Open NFC protocol stack provides a complete NFC middleware solution
for mobile phones, embedded products and other devices. Open NFC
supports several levels of functionality, from low-level RF control to
high-level NFC Forum tag handling, peer-to-peer communications as well
as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairing, interactions with single-wire protocol
SIMs and other secure elements and compatibility with smart cards and
RFID tags based on Felica, Mifare and ISO 14443 standards.

Aluminium Windows

Top Dog/Atlantic recording artist Uncle
Kracker has announced details of his upcoming US headline tour. The
Detroit-based singer-songwriter will kick off the “Happy Hour Tour” on
March 11th with a home state show at The Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan.
Dates will then continue through April (see itinerary below).

The tour comes as Uncle Krackers current hit single, “Smile,” continues to
explode across a variety of radio formats. The track — included on “HAPPY
HOUR,” Uncle Krackers latest album — has already reached #2 at Hot AC,
where it remains a Top 10 favorite. Whats more, “Smile” is now ascending
the airplay charts at both Country and CHR/Pop, where it is now climbing
the Top 40.

In addition, the tracks companion video clip is in rotation at VH1, where
it has been a fixture on the channels “VH1 Top 20 Countdown” since its
initial release last August. And as if all that werent enough, the “Smile”
ringtone is a Top 20 seller on this weeks Nielsen RingScans
top-downloaded master ringtones chart.

Produced by multiple Grammy Award-winner Rob Cavallo (Kid Rock, Green Day,
Paramore), “HAPPY HOUR” sees Uncle Kracker continuing to craft his
idiosyncratic blend of country-flavored pop and rock n roll. Initially
known for his role as DJ in Kid Rocks legendary Twisted Brown Trucker
band, Uncle Kracker made a stunning solo debut with 2001s “DOUBLE WIDE.”
Fueled by the #1 smash, “Follow Me,” the album exploded onto the Billboard
200s top 10 on its way to 2x-platinum certification from the RIAA.

Newegg Inc., the second-largest
online-only retailer in the United States, has launched “Newegg Mobile,” a
handy new Apple® iPhone™ application geared toward todays on-the-go
lifestyle. Using the new free iPhone app, Newegg customers can browse and
shop the sites extensive selection of products directly from their iPhone.
The Newegg Mobile application is available for download on iTunes.

The new free “Newegg Mobile” app offers iPhone users the full range and
benefits of Neweggs innovative shopping experience, including
comprehensive product specifications and images, plus a quick and easy way
to discover and purchase products from the sites entire inventory.
Shoppers will also be able to make use of all the staple Newegg discounts
and bargains such as “Shell Shocker® specials,” “Daily Deals” and free
shipping. Last but not least, Newegg Mobile gives shoppers instant access
to 1.5 million customer product reviews wherever and whenever they need
help making an educated buying decision. Newegg Mobile is safe and secure,
giving customers peace of mind at every point of the purchasing process.
All purchases made via the app are routed through Neweggs secure servers
and backed by the same commitment to customer service.

Bernard Luthi, vice president of marketing, merchandising and web
management at Newegg, noted: “With Newegg Mobile, busy shoppers can now
browse and make purchases anywhere and anytime. Best of all, the app
provides our customers with access to all of Newegg.coms key features and
the quality online shopping experience they have come to expect. Now
wherever you are, you can always Newegg!”

Freezer Baskets

Nevada officials said the state may drop out of Medicaid if the health-care bill passes. Instead it would help its low-income legal residents participate in the federally subsidized exchanges that the bill would establish. The resulting insurance policies would doubtless be more attractive to beneficiaries than Medicaid is.
In an effort to save the imperiled health-care bill, Democrats cut a tentative deal with organized labor that would exempt unionized employees from an excise tax on high-cost healthcare plans. Of the many unsavory bargains and rotten deals that have characterized the rush to get this thing passed (the “Louisiana Purchase,” the “Cornhusker Kickback,” etc.), the “Labor Loophole” surely takes the prize.

jazzy wheelchair

Bark Group Inc. (OTCBB: BKPG), an
award-winning U.S. company with a multinational client base, announced
today, that Anaconda, the Companys Munich TV and multimedia subsidiary, has
established funding for their new short-movie called “ALMOST” (a love-
story). This production will be produced by the award-winning director Uwe
Greiner with Phillip Kirsamer on camera, both who were behind the successful
short-movie “GOOD KILL.” Cameraman Philip Kirsamer has previously worked
with the Wachowski-brothers, the producers of The MATRIX. CEO Mathias Lange
expects the production to start in May this year. The movie will be partly
government funded.

About ANACONDA, MUNICH
A new subsidiary of Bark Group Inc. in US — and a TV production company who
specializes in commercial production of own developed TV-formats — as well
as documentaries, childrens programming, light entertainment for the German
TV and internet market, ANACONDA have developed the formats, “My worst day,”
“From 5 – 2,” “We are the boss” and a number of other TV formats for the
German TV market. Anaconda has recently produced a number of “funny clip”
shows for TV stations in the European market. The companys production of
the short movie “Good Kill” in 2006 was among the runners up for
representing Germany at the Academy Awards that same year.

About Bark Group Inc.
Bark Group Inc. is an award-winning U.S. company that delivers cutting-edge
advertising and marketing campaigns to leading European businesses. Bark
develops and delivers highly effective marketing campaigns on structural,
strategic, and emotional and creative levels. Its integrated approach is
revolutionizing the communications field while offering clients a higher
return on their advertising investments. Barks objectives are to achieve
aggressive growth through acquisition and development of satellite companies
around the globe, starting with Europe. The company is adamantly pursuing
its ambitious goal to be ranked among the 10 best and most profitable
communication companies in Europe within 4 years.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such forward-looking
statements are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements”
describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are
generally preceded by words such as “may,” “future,” “plan” or “planned,”
“will” or “should,” “expected,” “anticipates,” “draft,” “eventually” or
“projected.” You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a
multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances,
events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-
looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements; projected
events in this press release may not occur due to unforeseen circumstances,
various factors, and other risks identified in a companys annual report on
Form 10-K and other filings made by such company.

Institutional Venture Partners Leads Growth Investment in Company
That Replaces Moving Parts of Camera Phones with Solid-State Optics

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — LensVector™,
Inc., the leader in solid-state optical components for camera phones,
laptops and other consumer electronics, today announced it has closed
$30 million in a Series C financing round, bringing the total financial
backing of the company to more than $50 million. Institutional Venture
Partners (IVP) led the new funding and joins existing investors Menlo
Ventures, Samsung, Silicon Valley Bank, Mitsui and Kodak. LensVector
will use proceeds from the financing to expand operations.

As part of the funding, Norm Fogelsong, General Partner of IVP, has
joined the LensVector Board of Directors. “We were attracted to
LensVector because of its proprietary autofocus technology and the large
camera phone market opportunity,” said Fogelsong. “The LensVector
management team is also top-notch, with decades of experience in this
industry.”

LensVector has developed breakthrough optical technology that can shape,
steer and focus light without mechanical movement. The company’s
technology addresses the need for autofocus and other advanced optical
features in the large and rapidly growing market for miniature cameras
embedded in mobile phones, laptops, pocket video camcorders and other
consumer electronics. Sampling today with key customers, LensVector
technology replaces the complex, bulky and often fragile mechanical
autofocus mechanisms currently found in camera phones with a simple and
easy-to-integrate solid-state component.

“LensVector is receiving tremendous response from handset customers that
want small, energy-efficient, rugged autofocus solutions that can easily
be integrated into their devices and mass manufactured at a competitive
cost. Consumer demand for better picture quality, plus high-value
applications like bar-code scanning and video, are key demand drivers,”
said LensVector CEO Derek Proudian. “This financing will allow us to
scale our manufacturing capacity and better serve this growing demand
from our customers.”

Maroon Targus

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Steven Twork, a new Market Manager for Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.,
will signal the official opening of his company’s exhibit at next week’s
Medical Design Manufacturing West event by recording a video report
from the show floor.

According to Twork, Bal Seal is producing video reports like this
one more frequently, because the company sees the medium as an efficient
means of engaging potential customers.

“We find that video works really well for us,” says Twork,
“because it cuts through the clutter. It’s the most efficient way for us
to demonstrate how our products work, and it moves at the right speed
for our audience of design engineers and OEMs. It also allows us to
illustrate the kind of engineering resources we can bring to bear on a
project.”

Twork says he’ll also incorporate one of the company’s newer
dynamic animations in his show report. The photorealistic sequence will
show an ultrasound transducer, an insulin pump and a joint fixation
device concept, all of which are examples of Bal Seal’s ability to
collaborate with OEMs during the early product development stage.

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

On February 11, 2010, more than 120 students from local high schools will get a taste of the fast-paced, high-stakes equities market during the 9th Annual Stock Market Challenge hosted by Junior Achievement of Central Ontario and TMX Group .

Using state-of-the-art wireless technology in a realistic trading environment, 30 student teams will buy and sell fictitious companies shares, aiming to build the highest value portfolio by the end of the trading period.

The event provides hands-on opportunity for students to learn how the equities market operates and how to invest in and trade on the stock market. Teams of 4 compete on a simulated stock trading floor for 60 trading days and a new trading day begins every 80 seconds! They will purchase and sell stocks as they rise and fall, and at the end of day 60, the team with the highest portfolio will be the big winner.

“This years Stock Market Challenge will bring JA students from across the region to the heart of Torontos financial district for this exciting event” said Jeff Good, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Central Ontario. “Our goal is to teach investment and money management principles from a young age in light of the economy we are currently experiencing”. Kimberley Muise, Director of Content and Web Properties at TMX Group and Co-chair for the Stock Market Challenge event committee, said: “we are very proud of our sponsors generous contributions and are equally proud to participate and host this event at our facilities”.

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CHRISTMAS has come and gone, even for the Eastern Orthodox, and the stores are looking ahead to Valentines Day. But many upstate lawns still have their Christmas decorations: Santa, Frosty, inflated penguins (penguins were big this year, even though they dont live at the North Pole). They stand like unbudgeable guests who have stayed at a party after the host has unplugged the coffee urn and gone to bed. They are better-humored, for they are still waving merrily, but the feelings they induce are unsettling. They have lingered past their time, like ghosts. They represent the black backside of upstate: depression. Depression manifests itself in lack of will. That is what the belated Santas show. People, in a burst of holiday cheer or a bout of family obligation, put them out. But those same people are unable or unwilling to take them down. Routine is supposed to be the great deadener of souls; how much worse is the half-completed task, the broken round, the unfulfilled routine? As usual there is a diagnosis for it–seasonal affective disorder–and as usual it tells only part of the story. The cold keeps people inside and makes them stircrazy, while the short days put them spiritually to sleep. Cold is no friend: It slips in, through door cracks and floorboards, and slaps your face as soon as you step outside. Bundling up to keep it off makes you heavy and stiff. Dusk at five oclock is no pick-me-up either. Maybe bears have the right idea: grow a girdle of fat and go to sleep. But, although the cold stays until February, the light starts growing longer after the solstice, and becomes noticeably so by New Years. Besides, winter cant explain why so many people upstate seem depressed all year long. What are the signs of depression? How about piles of stuff in the yard? This is a tricky point. One of the benefits of owning an acre of land is that you have room to put stuff. Rural residential zoning allows you to put down anything, short of a junkyard, and rural gun ownership guarantees that it will stay put, though who would want a pile of field stone anyway? But sometimes the stack of two-by-fours, or the rusted-out burn barrel, or the boat under a tarp, or the truck with a mismatched hood and fender and a notional price chalked on its windshield (the price and the truck havent changed in years), or all of these things together cross the line from husbandry to clutter. “If a man have not order within him, he cannot spread order about him,” said Ezra Pound, who should have known about inner disorder. Some lawns have all the cheer of old cemeteries. Another sign of depression is the unpainted outbuilding. Here again it is a matter of degree. The weathered barn slat can look like a wise face in an old photograph: Lincoln, Whitman. But when the slats begin to show gaps, trouble has begun. Once the horizontals and the verticals start to slip and sag, the end is near: Only an effort on the order of Robert Moses can save the outbuilding now. I remember a two-storey house on the grounds of a small, broken-down summer resort (but not dead–cars and laundry always decorate a handful of the cottages come July). Its collapse took about two weeks; my friend Doug, who has put up many buildings in his time, said, with grim relish, “Its moving!” A good wet snow brings the untended outbuilding down, like a bomb. The degrees of serious depression are measured by how long the pieces stay, uncleared.
All branches of the Contra Costa County Library will be closed Feb. 12 to 15 due to county budget cuts and the Presidents Day holiday. In addition, all library book drops will be closed, and no items will be due for return. Phone services, including renewals, will be unavailable Thursday evening through Feb. 15. During the upgrade, services on the library Web site such as placing holds, checking on accounts and using electronic resources will be unavailable. The Richmond Library, which is not part of the county system, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 13, closed as usual Feb. 14 (Sunday) and closed for the holiday Feb. 15.
“Jungle Update” Reveals Macy’s Gift Cards the #1 Purchased Cards
over the Holidays

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Plastic Jungle, the Web’s premier gift card exchange, announced the
“Jungle Update” with results from the 2009-2010 holiday season. In this
first update, Plastic Jungle reported that this past holiday season was
a record period for buying and selling gift cards online. The site has
seen a 250% increase in unique visitors selling their gift cards since
Christmas. Leading into the holiday, the increase in average daily
unique visitors interested in buying gift cards at discount was also up
180%.

Plastic Jungle makes it easy to get the most value out of gift cards,
allowing users to buy gift cards at up to a 30% discount and to get cash
for unwanted gift cards for up to 90% of the unused balance. In the
2009-2010 holiday season, Plastic Jungle users made an average of $85 on
each gift card sale, and gift card buyers saved an average of $10 per
card.

Prior to the holidays, Plastic Jungle saw a peak of gift card purchasing
on December 15 and 16, as shoppers loaded up on discounted cards to get
an extra savings on holiday gifts. The site also saw peaks of gift card
owners selling their cards just after Christmas—on January 4 and January
12—as users cashed in gift cards they received in order to get what they
really wanted or to pay off their holiday debt. In addition, there were
several strong days for selling cards in December, perhaps a sign of
shoppers looking to fund their Christmas shopping.

Macy’s gift cards proved to be the most popular, topping the list of
gift card brands purchased by Plastic Jungle customers. Ten percent of
all gift cards purchased in November, December, and January were Macy’s
gift cards. The top 10 brands (by number of cards sold to Plastic Jungle
buyers) were:

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Enhances customer service; provides additional online budgeting and
personal finance budgeting tools to customers

1st Mariner Bank’s customers now have access to Geezeo’s
fully customizable online PFM and social networking platform that
combines account aggregation, community forums, budgeting tools, cross
marketing capabilities and educational content.

“Geezeo’s modern account aggregation tools provide the exact offerings
we were looking for to enhance the online experience for our customers
and better serve their budgeting and goal-setting needs,” said Kevin
Lynch, senior vice president of eCommerce at 1st Mariner
Bank. “Its collaborative community aspect and PFM capabilities promote a
more engaging, consumer centric experience for our customers.”

“We are excited to work with the like-minded team at 1st
Mariner Bank because they also see the rapid evolution and importance of
online banking and its host of inherent benefits to customers,” said
Peter Glyman, co-founder of Geezeo. “Our combined capabilities takes the
mystery out of banking and establishes tighter bonds with their
customers.”

Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation
in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music,
home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in
1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SIX
Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation
in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music,
home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in
1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SIX
Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

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CHRISTMAS has come and gone, even for the Eastern Orthodox, and the stores are looking ahead to Valentines Day. But many upstate lawns still have their Christmas decorations: Santa, Frosty, inflated penguins (penguins were big this year, even though they dont live at the North Pole). They stand like unbudgeable guests who have stayed at a party after the host has unplugged the coffee urn and gone to bed. They are better-humored, for they are still waving merrily, but the feelings they induce are unsettling. They have lingered past their time, like ghosts. They represent the black backside of upstate: depression. Depression manifests itself in lack of will. That is what the belated Santas show. People, in a burst of holiday cheer or a bout of family obligation, put them out. But those same people are unable or unwilling to take them down. Routine is supposed to be the great deadener of souls; how much worse is the half-completed task, the broken round, the unfulfilled routine? As usual there is a diagnosis for it–seasonal affective disorder–and as usual it tells only part of the story. The cold keeps people inside and makes them stircrazy, while the short days put them spiritually to sleep. Cold is no friend: It slips in, through door cracks and floorboards, and slaps your face as soon as you step outside. Bundling up to keep it off makes you heavy and stiff. Dusk at five oclock is no pick-me-up either. Maybe bears have the right idea: grow a girdle of fat and go to sleep. But, although the cold stays until February, the light starts growing longer after the solstice, and becomes noticeably so by New Years. Besides, winter cant explain why so many people upstate seem depressed all year long. What are the signs of depression? How about piles of stuff in the yard? This is a tricky point. One of the benefits of owning an acre of land is that you have room to put stuff. Rural residential zoning allows you to put down anything, short of a junkyard, and rural gun ownership guarantees that it will stay put, though who would want a pile of field stone anyway? But sometimes the stack of two-by-fours, or the rusted-out burn barrel, or the boat under a tarp, or the truck with a mismatched hood and fender and a notional price chalked on its windshield (the price and the truck havent changed in years), or all of these things together cross the line from husbandry to clutter. “If a man have not order within him, he cannot spread order about him,” said Ezra Pound, who should have known about inner disorder. Some lawns have all the cheer of old cemeteries. Another sign of depression is the unpainted outbuilding. Here again it is a matter of degree. The weathered barn slat can look like a wise face in an old photograph: Lincoln, Whitman. But when the slats begin to show gaps, trouble has begun. Once the horizontals and the verticals start to slip and sag, the end is near: Only an effort on the order of Robert Moses can save the outbuilding now. I remember a two-storey house on the grounds of a small, broken-down summer resort (but not dead–cars and laundry always decorate a handful of the cottages come July). Its collapse took about two weeks; my friend Doug, who has put up many buildings in his time, said, with grim relish, “Its moving!” A good wet snow brings the untended outbuilding down, like a bomb. The degrees of serious depression are measured by how long the pieces stay, uncleared.
Healthy Coffee International, Inc.
(PINKSHEETS: HCEI) announced today that it intends to become a fully
reporting company later this year, and will also consider a move to a
higher exchange at that time. These moves are being planned in coordination
with international expansion and increased sales.

Rick Aguiluz, CEO of Healthy Coffee International, Inc., commented, “This
is a very exciting time in Healthy Coffee International, Inc.s corporate
development. Our upcoming international product launch along with our
recent restructuring has placed us in a strong position in the marketplace
and we are now taking steps to place ourselves in an equally strong
situation in terms of financial reporting and trading options.”

Safe Harbor Statement: This release contains forward-looking statements
with respect to the results of operations and business of Healthy Coffee
International, Inc., which involves risks and uncertainties. The Companys
actual future results could materially differ from those discussed. The
Company intends that such statements about the Companys future
expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other forward
looking statements be subject to the “Safe Harbors” provision of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Coffee Roaster

SAN FRANCISCO — Optimism among small business owners showed no significant change in
January, despite improved business owner outlook for revenue, capital
spending and cash flow, according to the latest results of the quarterly
Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index.

Concluded January 22, the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index
optimism score came in at negative 16 (-16), a one-point decrease from
the previous survey (conducted in October 2009), and 130 points lower
than the Index high of 114 (conducted December 2006). A score of zero
indicates that small business owners, as a group, are neutral — neither
optimistic nor pessimistic — about their companies’ situations.

The Index is the sum of “present situation” and “future expectations” of
small business owners for six key measures, including financial
situation, cash flow, revenues, capital allocation spending, job hiring
and credit availability. The “present situation” score decreased
slightly, down five points to negative 29 (-29), the lowest present
situation score in the history of the Index. “Future expectations”
increased four points, from nine to 13.

Of the six key measures, the following measures served as main drivers
of the Index score during this survey:

Harry Reid, according to Mark Halperin and John Heilemann, authors of a new book (Game Change) on the 2008 election, was an early supporter of Barack Obama. And one reason was that he spotted a racial winner: Obama was “light-skinned. with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.” Blacks have been saying such things about one another for ages (hence the mordant rhyme, If youre brown, come on down; if youre black, stay back).
Topics Include The Complete Package Reality TV Show, Kim Kardashian
Alignment with Muscle Flex VATA, Muscle Flex “In the Raw” vs WWE “Raw”
Trademark, Sugar Free Daytime Primetime Show and Additional Corporate
Updates

Topics to be discussed include The Complete Package Reality TV Show (In
Search of Miss Muscle Flex), Kim Kardashian Alignment with Muscle Flex
VATA, Muscle Flex “In the Raw” vs WWE “Raw” Trademark Dispute, Sugar
Free Daytime Primetime Show, the short and long term macro corporate
strategy, The BUDDY and Beagle Commercials as well as a number of other
relevant items related to growth and operational strategies for Muscle
Flex Inc.

“Muscle Flex is a company that is developing very quickly and with so
much going on in such a short span of time, it is important to provide
investors with information on how all of these moving components fit
together and specifically how it relates to the revenue growth model of
the company,” commented Danny Alex, Muscle Flex’s CEO. “It is important
that investors understand our growth strategy through credible and real
information and not presumptive speculation as our projects have ‘high
profile’ elements associated with them.”

Custom Trade Show Exhibits