text:
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Hip hop rhythms through sound proof glass
The background rumble of trains on the London Underground passing beneath the hall can be heard on several of the great classical recordings made in the Kingsway Hall in the 1960s and 70s. I was reminded of this when recording the interview for my recent David Munrow on the record programme as I could hear the 21st century equivalent of Underground trains in the form of low frequency hip hop rhythms coming through the 'soundproof' window from the adjacent studio at Future Radio. I decided to ignore the breakthrough as it was not too obtrusive, and I was also mindful of the numerous potentially degrading links in the distribution chain that the programme would go through before reaching the final listener.
But I was still thinking analogue, and had seriously underestimated the resilience of programme content in the digital domain. When I listened to the broadcast of the interview live from the audio stream on KEF monitor quality speakers at home the breakthrough could be heard, although it certainly didn't detract from a very interesting programme. More surprisingly the hip hop rhythms can also be heard on the podcast of the interview, despite a multi-stage distribution chain and the file using the 'intermediate' iTunes encoding sampling rate of 44kHz and mp3 bit rate of 256kbps to contain download time.
That distant hip hop beat highlights the new challenges posed by digital distribution. I have already written here about the difficulties associated with webcasting classical recordings with wide dynamic ranges. This problem was brought home again while working on this Sunday's Elisabeth Lutyens programme with James Weeks. When Lutyens specifies ppp Exaudi directed by James Weeks sing ppp, and NMC's recording engineer Andrew Post digitised that ppp. Exactly as it should be, until listeners switch off when the broadcast/webcast programme content is submerged under background noise. The same problem was experienced when testing the audio stream for the complete Inner Cities webcast. I mentioned this to pianist Daan Vandewalle who replied that the reason why some passages were very quiet on his recording was because he played them very quietly!
In rock music compression is increasingly being applied to reduce the dynamic range of recordings, despite the wide signal to noise ratio made available by digital technologies. Compression gives recordings more impact by making them sound louder, and that sells product as the marketing men say. But a backlash against the excessive use of compression has begun with the creation of the website Turn Me Up who summarise their aims as follows:
Turn Me Up!™ is a non-profit music industry organization campaigning to give artists back the choice to release more dynamic records. To be clear, it's not our goal to discourage loud records; they are, of course, a valid choice for many artists. We simply want to make the choice for a more dynamic record an option for artists.
Today, artists generally feel they have to master their records to be as loud as everybody else's. This certainly works for many artists. However, there are many other artists who feel their music would be better served by a more dynamic record, but who don't feel like that option is available to them.
This all comes down to the moment a consumer hears a record, and the fear that if the record is more dynamic, the consumer won't know to just turn up the volume. This is an understandable concern, and one Turn Me Up! is working to resolve.
You can hear (or perhaps not hear) Lutyens' ppp writing on Future Radio this Sunday Jan 13. There is no hip hop background but listeners with high quality speakers may hear the door of the adjacent studio closing a couple of times. The following Sunday the opening of the 1995 recording of Luigi Dallapiccola's Canti di prigionia performed by Ensemble InterContemporain and the New London Chamber Choir will also test the signal to noise ratio of the whole digital distribution chain.
Hip hop accompaniment and doors slamming regardless, I am very grateful to Future Radio for allowing me to use programme time as a sonic sandbox. They have also been extraordinarily helpful in tweaking the audio stream quality to accomodate the extremes of dynamic range found in contemporary music, and the dreaded silence detector is currently off. Norfolk, UK is becoming something of a hotspot in the recording world, and a state of the art rock studio has just opened a few miles from where I live in rural Norfolk. Leeders Farm recording studios are close to where Sir Malcolm Arnold spent the last years of his life. Which allows me to back link to a relevant post which brings together the different worlds of rock and classical music.
Header photo is NOT the Future Radio studio! It is Castle Sound in Scotland, which, I am sure, doesn't suffer from sonic breakthrough, although those speakers may cause the engineer to go deaf instead. Any copyrighted material on these pages is included as "fair use", for the purpose of study, review or critical analysis only, and will be removed at the request of copyright owner(s). Report broken links, missing images and errors to - overgrownpath at hotmail dot co dot uk.
4 comments:
- Pliable said...
Email received from Dan Nyman, who is head of production at Future Radio.
I think part of the problem is not the soundproofing, it's more that some of the vinyl jockeys insist on monitoring at insane volumes! One of them confessed to me that one of the monitor speakers in Studio B had been bounced off its ledge on one occasion during a particularly 'heavy tune' – I keep backing off the power amp to reign the bvggers in, but I reckon I'm going to have to cage it so no one can twiddle with it. Hey ho…
I'm very interested in the Turn Me Up site. I've been following the Loudness Wars debate for a few years now, as it's been a topic that's surfaced regularly on a music technology forum I frequent. The real sea-change came with the arrival of powerful digital limiters in the mid 90s, which allowed mastering engineers to raise the average energy of tracks with fewer obvious distortions of the signal. Sadly industry execs got excited about how 'hot' they could get tracks with this technology, and now it seems mastering engineers are under pressure to limit the bejesus out of everything! My girlfriend bought a 'digital remaster' of a Blondie album recently and I had to get her to switch it off in the car after only a couple of tracks because the remastering job had smashed the dynamic range so much that it was just too fatiguing to listen to after a few minutes. Horrible.
Compression and limiting can be very useful and creative in music production, but they definitely are tools which to which the old adage of 'you can have too much of a good thing' applies!
- 1:47 pm
- dalgas said...
Another related and highly interesting article can be found at this link, "What Happens to My Recording When it's Played on the Radio?":
- 5:31 pm
- Pliable said...
Email from BT:
The background rumble?
Compare it with playing live Music.
Ever heard a better version of Janaceks "Intimate letters" than the one performed live ( 1993 in Mozartsaal / Vienna) by the Alban Berg Quartett?
Good point Bernard. But it doesn't need to be a live performance to have some good old-fashioned 'noises off'.
The opening of Britten's classic Decca recording of the St John Passion springs (or should that be thumps?) to mind - http://www.overgrownpath.com/2007/12/naughty-but-nice.html
- 6:54 pm
- The Omniscient Mussel said...
Sometimes these noises off can be quite lovely additions. I was at concert with Ensemble 10/10, Liverpool's contemporary music group, a few years back when near the end of an incredibly intense piece, an ambulance drove by sirens wailing. The timing was perfect and it made the piece seem even more poignant.
- 11:55 pm


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Joined: 16 Aug 2007
Posts: 3200
Posted: Fri 20 Nov 2009, 20:23
Post subject:
How to add a new MIME-type (file extension type) in Puppy
How to add a new MIME-type (file extension type) in Puppy
The Theory:
In Puppy, clicking on a Rox file icon usually results in an appropriate default application automatically opening the file. The MIME-type of the file determines which default application should open. The mechanism is described at the ROX website
as follows:
File types and icons
* MIME types
* Theming
How does the filer decide what icon to show for a file, and which program to use to open it?
For each file, the filer starts by working out its MIME-Type, as follows:
* If the file's user.mime_type extended attribute it set, then that is its MIME type.
* If the file's name matches a pattern in one of the globs file (usually, /usr/share/mime/globs) then the line in that file gives the type.
* If the contents of the file match a pattern in one of the magic files (usually, /usr/share/mime/magic) then that gives the type.
Disclaimer: If you do any of the following you must accept to do so at your own risk!
The Method:
1. If you have a file with a MIME-type unknown or unhandled by Puppy Linux you can add the new type to the end of the file /usr/share/mime/globs
[NOTE: What I am suggesting requires that you ignore the warning given at the top of that file not to modify it manually. BarryK seems to have done likewise...].
2. /usr/share/mime/globs is a text file which can be opened and edited with any standard text editor (such as Geany or NicoEdit).
However, before modifying globs you should always check (using your editors search/find function) to make sure that it doesn't already contain an entry for the extension/mime-type you are interested in. If it does, you can jump to step 4.
3. For example, if you have a file whose extension is .tmd
you could add the following entry to the end of /usr/share/mime/globs for it:
The x- in the MIME-type name above is used to indicate that this type hasn't already been
registered with the MIME-type authorities (
). i.e. It is a private/local type, not an IANA officially registered one.
Files of type .tmd are actually used by the SoftMaker Office wordprocessor program called TextMaker. For this example, I assume the Linux version of that program (for MS windows versions of programs that require "wine" to run under Linux, see the wine-related link at the end of this howto for some additional information required to execute the appropriate wine applications for the file type concerned).
!!! NOTE WELL that if you do add any new entry to the globs file, you should take care to make sure that your end the file with a single carriage return, or it won't work properly.
4. You now need to create an executable shell script in /usr/local/bin, which for this example I will call defaultRunTextMaker (though you can call it anything you like), for starting up the TextMaker program.
It should contain the following lines:
exec /path_to_where_the_program_is/TextMaker.exe "$@"
You don't need the /path_to_where_the_program_is/ part if that directory is already in your Linux PATH environment variable.
5. Finally, you need to tell ROX to open that default Run script should you click on a file of that mime type. To do that you create a short executable shell script in ~/Choices/MIME-types named, for this example, application_x-tmd, which should contain the lines:
exec defaultRunTextMaker "$1"
!!! NOTE WELL that you DO NOT (and should not) need to set a default Run Action after doing the above; fixing the mime type information was enough. i.e DO NOT right click on the file icon in order to forcibly enter a shell command for the file type; instead leave everything up to the above mime type mechanism.
5b. EDIT: Having said the above, once you have modified the /usr/share/mime/globs file, you COULD alternatively not bother about the above step 5 code at all and just set a Run Action for the file type by right-clicking on the file icon and entering the appropriate shell command (e.g. path_to_TextMaker "$@"). That will automatically create an appropriate application_x-tmd shell script, but ROX stores that in ~/.config/rox.sourceforge.net/MIME-types rather than in ~/Choices/MIME-types. Either way should work I think. However, if you have, for example, an application_x-tmd shell script in both ~/.config/rox.sourceforge.net/MIME-types and in ~/Choices/MIME-types, then the one in ~/.config/rox.sourceforge.net/MIME-types takes precedence (i.e. ROX seems to look there first). The right-click Set Run Action mechanism thus provides a convenient means of quickly (permanently or temporarily) over-riding a previously set up default mime handler (in ~/Choices/MIME-types) for a given file type.
6. That is it!
Now any file with the extension .tmd should be recognised as having MIME type application/x-tmd. [Right clicking on the file icon and selecting Properties shows you the mime type the file is being recognised as].
The appropriate Linux TextMaker application should thus be automatically opened on clicking the .tmd file icon.
[Note, however, that you may need to close the ROX window and reopen it before clicking on the app icon after first doing all the above; I can't remember. I certainly did not need to reboot though].
For a more complicated example, involving two MS applications running over wine, see this post/thread here:
As forum member davids45 comments in the above "wine-user" related thread:
davids45 wrote:
Creating the specific application_x now means I can use an icon for all files of the particular application without other file types also getting iconified incorrectly. The upper button option of the "Set Icon" right-click menu shows the new application type.
github mcewanw
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Joined: 03 Sep 2006
Posts: 88
Posted: Wed 30 Nov 2011, 21:46
Post subject:
Great tutorial. I expanded (or perhaps contracted?) on this in an "explain like I'm five" tutorial for setting up your own MIME file type for the sole purpose of assigning an icon. It can be found here:
and has lots and lots of pictures for those who aren't as technologically savvy as the rest of us.
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Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 2549
Location: near here
Posted: Mon 06 Feb 2012, 15:36
Post subject:
I've added alot of the info here to
along with right-click association
; -)
helping Wiki for help
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Joined: 16 Apr 2013
Posts: 155
Posted: Wed 04 Dec 2019, 13:17
Post subject:
darkcity wrote:
I've added alot of the info here to
along with right-click association
; -)
Link fixed: http://wikka.puppylinux.com/AssociateFiles
and see "method two" at
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It's still uncertain whether former dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier will appear in a Haitian court tomorrow as ordered.
A judge issued the order Feb. 21 after the 61-year-old ex-dictator failed to show up in court again. Tomorrow's hearing will determine if he should face charges for human rights abuses during his 15-year regime.
The order has fueled hope among human rights advocates and victims of brutality during Duvalier's tenure, 1971-1986. They say it's time that Duvalier faces justice.
The Inter Press Service news agency offers a summary of the case here.
Among average Haitians, the case has garnered scant attention. The country's lagging recovery from the 2010 earthquake, a cholera epidemic and tropical storms that destroyed much of last year's harvest are bigger concerns.
Duvalier became Haiti's leader after his father, Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier, died in 1971, 14 years after seizing power and instituting restrictions on people's movements while strengthening the country's military force to enforce his edicts.
The U.S. supported the Duvaliers throughout their reign except for a short period. Last year, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Duvalier's fate is in the hands of "the government and people" of Haiti.
UPDATED: Reuters and other news agencies reported that Duvalier appeared in court. He told Appeal Court Judge Jean-Joseph Lebrun that individual government officials "had their own authority" to act. Several people who claimed to be victims of brutality under Duvalier's rule were satisfied that he had finally appeared in court. As the hearing continued hundreds of Duvalier supporters wearing black and red, symbolizing the old regime, shouted "Long live Duvalier."


text:
Adobe MAX Has Begun!
Its Monday November 17th and Adobe MAX starts at Moscone West in San Francisco.
Actually, like most conferences these days it started a day before the official day. Yes, Adobe MAX did have a pre-conference on Sunday and many attendees took advantage of the training opportunities.
However, the big start (a.k.a. the keynote) is only this morning and is actually going on as I write this post. Details on the keynote will come a little later today but you can see what the hall looked like just before it started.


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Adam Parks, Robert Gray and Dalton Britt were selected to All-Star teams, this summer.
Liberty infielder Dalton Britt and pitchers Adam Parks and Robert Gray have been selected to play in their selective summer league all-star games.
Britt has been named to the East Division roster for the 2013 Coastal Plains (CPL) All-Star Game, scheduled for next Monday at War Memorial Stadium in Hampton, Va. Meanwhile, Parks has been selected to the North roster for the 2013 Valley League All-Star Game, slated for Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park in Harrisonburg, Va. Gray has been chosen as a member of the 2013 Beach League All-Stars and will play in the Beach League All-Star Game, next Monday at Pelican Stadium in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Playing this summer for the Morehead City Marlins, Britt has been selected as one of two shortstops on the CPL East Division roster. The rising sophomore has started 18 games for the Marlins and has hit .283 with 11 RBIs, eight runs scored and three doubles. This past spring at Liberty, Britt started all 65 games during Liberty's run to its first appearance in an NCAA Regional final. The shortstop, a rising sophomore, was named to the 2013 Big South All-Tournament, as the Flames won the 2013 Big South Championship. The Flames then defeated Clemson twice in the NCAA Columbia, S.C. Regional to reach a regional final for the first time in program history. Britt finished the year with a .229 batting average with 22 RBIs and 24 run scored. He had nine doubles, three triples and two home runs. His two home runs came in back-to-back games during the Big South Championship. The shortstop hit his first home run of the year against Coastal Carolina in an 8-0 victory to advance to the title game on May 24. The following day, he connected for another round tripper in Liberty's 2-1 win over Campbell to capture the Big South crown. Parks has had an eventful summer pitching for the Charles Town Cannons. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 1.38 ERA and 40 strikeouts over 26 innings during the Valley League's first half for the Cannons. This past Saturday, the rising Liberty sophomore pitched a perfect game in a seven-inning, 3-0 shutout of Woodstock. Parks not only retired all 21 batters he faced, but struck out 13 in the shutout. The performance, along with a win in a 6-4 victory over Aldie on June 24, earned the pitcher Valley Baseball League Player of the Week. Parks was 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA over 17 1/3 innings for the Big South champion Flames in 2013. In 12 appearances, including three starts, he struck out 11 and walked 11. Gray, a rising sophomore, has posted a 2-0 record with a 1.35 ERA over 20 innings for the Sting Rays this summer. The Sting Rays lead the Beach League standings with a 16-4 mark. The left-hander has struck out 15 and walked 11. This past spring, Gray made 16 appearances during his freshman campaign with the Flames. The left-hander posted a 0-2 record with a 4.08 ERA over 17 2/3 innings.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lent, 2010
So considering they are two of my three real vices, I guess I will be confessing a horrible secret AND then giving it up for Lent. I am wickedly addicted to People magazine. Tony calls it "smut." If I need a fix and I've already read People that week, I'll stoop to US Weekly. But no more, my friends. For Lent this year, I will be giving up smut. And french fries. Just because.
And because it went so well last year, I'm adding a commitment to write one handmade card a week to an unsuspecting friend or family member. I even made a set of cards last night so I'm all ready to go.
What have you decided to Lent this year??
13 comments:
- Cherie said...
I would die if I had to give up my soda right now! So if you give up the magazine does that mean you can't read about the people on-line?? :)
- February 17, 2010 at 11:37 AM
- April said...
Good luck Ambs! You can do it! I REALLY need to focus today and decide what I'll be lenting. I'll get back to you! :)
- February 17, 2010 at 11:54 AM
- AngelaW said...
I have known you now for 7 years, and finding out what you are "lenting" is always one of the high points of my year. I will always remember the first lent that you shared with me - Patterned Paper purchases. I remember every time I buy patterned paper. It always makes me giggle. I am sure people in the store think I am crazy.
- February 17, 2010 at 12:41 PM
You are just so cute! Missing you and the kiddos. Good luck with your lenting. :)
the mom
- February 17, 2010 at 1:28 PM
- Jeni said...
I can't imagine giving up my favorite drink or chocolate with or without my husband. Good luck!!!...yeah...can you sneak a peek online?
I LOVE those cards. Maybe tonight I will try my hand at some cards...it's been awhile...I have been sewing. Some days it's so hard to fit all I love in...sewing, papercrafts, decorating, family fun, running and cooking...life is just full of fun isn't it.
- February 17, 2010 at 5:27 PM
- Marisa said...
I was waiting to see what you were giving up this year. Some of the girls at work were talking about what they're giving up. Me-nothing. Maybe one year I'll suck it up and try it :-).
- February 17, 2010 at 7:11 PM
So this year, we're revisiting where we left off last Lent. Last year Joel and I started our much needed weight loss program which meant reducing our sweets and then I got pregnant! We kept up with our "diet," and I actually lost weight during the pregnancy while staying healthy and still growing an almost 9 pounder. But since having Nadya, we've slipped. So back to reducing the "bad" food so we don't waste all the hard work we did during pregnancy. I am also going to give up ice cream and more importantly, I am going to make a little time each day to pray. I've never been good at prayer, and as a mom it hardly ever happens for me. So as I work on my prayer life, I am also going to teach Kateri some of the basic prayers - it's time!
Happy Ash Wednesday!
- February 17, 2010 at 7:25 PM
- becky said...
Your cards are absolutely fabulous! So cute.
- February 18, 2010 at 2:17 PM
- Kathleen said...
love the cards! (and the fact that you're addicted to "people"--don't worry, they're still ahead of the nat'l enquirer!) good luck w/giving it up!
i've got baby weight to lose and so i'm trying to cut down on cookies (that's about the only junk i really fall prey to) and getting back to the gym...i'm sooo weak!
- February 19, 2010 at 2:02 PM
- Nicole said...
Great idea... I'll have to think of something.
- February 19, 2010 at 10:42 PM
- Rosanne said...
You are funny. And thanks for the idea. I really need to lent french fries too. So that's it! That's what i'll be lenting with you - FRIES!! Good luck!
- February 22, 2010 at 1:15 PM
- Jenni said...
Oh girl, giving up chocolate and soda would almost be a fate worse than death, and I can't imagine doing it on top of being without my husband! I think you have made a good choice by lenting other things this year! :)
I am always intendng to give something up for Lent, and I know I was supposed to decide this by last Wednesday...oh dear! I am so bad at giving up anything! :)
- February 23, 2010 at 10:43 PM
- MooreInterest said...
Oh Amber....I was SO unsuspecting! You are so darling! You have NO idea how this made my day! I have had a house full of sick-o's, while getting ready for another hand surgery. Really just feeling down today! And you made it! You made my day! Thank you, friend!
- March 3, 2010 at 5:48 PM


text:
Have a Fabulous Fourth of July!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
From My Family to Yours....
Posted by Toni at 5:46 PM
Labels: 4th of july
7 comments:
- ZEPETIT said...
You have a perfect family!
- July 3, 2010 at 7:34 PM
- Erin said...
wow you really are stunning. Your family is beautiful. Be safe!
- July 3, 2010 at 7:48 PM
- Rach said...
- July 3, 2010 at 7:48 PM
- Cat said...
Have a wonderful 4th! love the pic! just had to comment because your little boy looks like he's wearing a "Little House Tee"...one my my blog sponsors! :)
~cat moore (iblogmoore.blogspot.com)
- July 3, 2010 at 7:50 PM
- Valerie said...
Beautiful family!
- July 5, 2010 at 6:48 AM
- Save the Date for Cupcakes said...
You and your family are just really too adorable! Hope you had an awesome 4th!
- July 5, 2010 at 7:31 AM
- hair accessories said...
I just came across on your blog and have seen this post. Your family looks really adorable and happy. Anyway, I hope you also had an awesome 4th of July!
- July 6, 2010 at 6:53 AM
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Since the dawn of judging, judging itself has always been under scrutiny, scrutiny from external critics, scrutiny from other judges and scrutiny from the competitors themselves. In the name of fairness and perfection the PWA actively strives to improve its judging not just event by event but even heat by heat. Trialling concepts in the background, during official PWA heats to see how they fair up in 'real life' and introducing new ideas to push the sport further and ensure the competitors themselves never feel hard done by.
With the PWA on hold in Denmark due to the light conditions we decided to head back to some of the competitors who were in Brouwersdam to give us some interesting insights into new concepts that are being trialled elsewhere. Read their interviews on the next page.
Many will remember the times of overall impression, a judging format that allowed competitors to do as many moves as they wanted during the seven minute heat period. There were two reasons why this progressed to the power move format that we are so used to today. The first of these reasons was the very young Kiri Thode, he would perform anything up to 35 moves in one seven minute heat, causing so much stress for the judges and spotters that once in a while tricks were missed. The second was to progress freestyle into a new age of more acrobatic aerial type manoeuvres, with just a few moves being allowed each side out of so many attempts this gave the competitors more time to perform bigger moves in more suitable places within the heat area. As a result the moves began to push more into combination moves and the freestylers themselves now focus hard on training these more visually exciting tricks.
So what's next? Well given that live scoring is now available for many sports it seems this is the natural progression, but it is still experimental in windsurfing and there is a lot of uncertainty as to how it could change things. Will the better guys only become better because they can afford to have a coach on the beach watching their scores then signalling to them what they need to do or could it disrupt certain aspects of the scoring that are often vital during those close call heats, for example the diversity points. There is still quite a big question mark over this, however in the wave discipline some events have already received the live scoring treatment and there seems to be little to no question that it is an improvement. In this case any negatives that may be apparent are very much out weighed by the positives.
What about in freestyle? With live scoring having had such a positive impact on the wave discipline the PWA have, for the first time, begun to introduce the concept into freestyle during last weeks PWA event in Holland. The scoring is not yet used to officially make a result but some judges were practising with it in the background to see how similar the results are to the more traditional form of judging that still takes place.
Further to this development is the method of how the live scoring should work. A points system for each move landed seems to be the most common belief right now. However, are the points awarded based on each judges personal opinion of the move, does that mean execution is the most important thing, should it override the difficulty of the move and how do you give the move a diversity score?
One such method that is proving itself already during events is the German Freestyle Battle scoring system. Here the best German freestylers, in their highly efficient manner, came together and discussed what moves are the hardest. Each of these moves is then awarded points on a scale system that compares to the difficulty of the move. The heats are then judged in the same power move format as the PWA, however after each heat a tabulator sits down with the scoring sheets, having not seen the heats, and puts the score to each circled move. The scores are then added up and a winner is instantly announced. It is a simple but interesting system that has gone down extremely well with all the competitors, not just because they can easily see how many points they got compared to their competitor but also because they know what to go away and practice before the next event.


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More on the Gentle Fiscal InclineComments
To supplement Erik's links and analysis below, see Scheiber on the one hand and Sargent on the other. I still lean towards the former, for similar reasons — given how little he was able to extract out of the Republicans when he had an unusual amount of leverage to work with, it's hard to imagine that the debt ceiling isn't going to be used to come up with something worse. But we'll see. Of course, this is not all on Obama — the administration apparently thinks that conservative Senate Democrats can be persuaded to sell out and preserve more of the Bush cuts if the House takes the lead, and history suggests that this fear is far from unfounded.
The only encouraging thing about this deal is that is reinforces my skepticism about assertions that Obama is inherently committed to making big entitlement cuts. The best you can say for this deal is that the cost-of-living chains on Social Security were taken out of the deal. This is only a win if they don't reappear during the debt ceiling negotiations, but much better to compromise on tax rates than on Social Security.


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Now, a student at Booker T. Washington high school in Memphis--the lucky school that won the competition to have President Obama speak at its graduation--schools us all in introducing a famous speaker, with an intro that was short, wryly funny and wise beyond his years.
In this New York Times account, we get the details:
There were several student speakers, one of whom rivaled Mr. Obama for timing and smooth delivery. Christopher Dean, a senior who introduced the president, said his job was difficult because everyone already knew the speaker's occupation and the name of his wife. "Or," Mr. Dean said, after pausing for a beat, "where he was born." Mr. Obama bent over in laughter.
Next time you have to introduce a well-known speaker whose credentials could be recited by the audience from memory, follow young Mr. Dean's example and make it knowing, but not boring.
Use the Evernote clip button, above, to save this post in an Evernote notebook. Go here to subscribe to Step Up Your Speaking, my free email newsletter that looks at a different speaking topic in depth each month...then become a fan of The Eloquent Woman on Facebook and join the conversation with thousands of other women (and men) about public speaking skills and confidence.


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Cooking and serving with style.
With Fissler fiamma® you demonstrate Mediterranean style. The graceful, convex pot bodies fascinate with satin-finished stainless steel. They keep food hot for a long time.
The basis for good cuisine: the Super Thermic base.
The encapsulated Super Thermic base heats the pot quickly and evenly and saves energy. It is suitable for all types of stove, including induction stoves.


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Industry analysts see many possible outcomes to Bally's financial woes: the company files for bankruptcy protection, it goes completely under, it's granted the 90-day extension and is able to stay afloat, it changes management, or it sells Crunch and other non-core assets.
According to an online poll on Club Industry's Fitness Business Pro's Web site which asked the question "What do you think should happen to Bally next?," 34 percent of the 35 respondents thought Bally would file for bankruptcy; 26 percent said Bally needed to get a new CEO and management; 17 percent believed the company would incur charges from the SEC and attorney general; 20 percent expected Bally to sell Crunch; and 3 percent thought the company would continue as is.
Consultant Michael Scott Scudder, who has 30 years of industry experience, doesn't expect Bally will go under anytime soon, but if that happens, he said it could cause a ripple effect throughout the fitness industry.
"If they had to declare bankruptcy and shut down their operations entirely, then you would have 4 million dues-paying members that wouldn't have a place to exercise," he said. "If Bally declares bankruptcy and says, 'Thank you. Good night. Manager, please be the last one out and turn out the lights,' then you would have 21,000 employees without jobs."
However, turning loose those members and employees may not be bad for the industry, he said. The 4 million members, which represent about 10 percent of the entire U.S. club membership, would be released to other clubs and the 21,000 employees would become available to understaffed clubs. Because Bally tends to price its monthly memberships at a low rate, clubs that charge $9-$19 a month for memberships would benefit the most from the closing of Bally, Scudder said.
However, if Bally management plays its cards smartly, Bally could avoid bankruptcy, said Rick Caro, president of Management Vision, and actually reemerge as a more powerful company with fewer but better units and a stronger financial structure.


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Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation
Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation
The Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center (Packard Campus) is located on 45-acres near Culpeper, Virginia, 75 miles southwest of Washington, DC near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campus is built into the side of Mount Pony, the highest slope in Culpeper County, and features an adaptive reuse and expansion of a previously existing underground Federal Reserve Bank facility. It was created through a unique partnership between the Packard Humanities Institute, the United States Congress, the Library of Congress and the Architect of the Capitol.
Culpeper, Virginia
Events & Screenings:
The design of the Packard Campus resulted in a facility that is primarily underground with sod roofs to blend into the existing landscape; great care was taken to minimize its visual impact. Only the Conservation Laboratory building appears from the hill in a semi-circular terraced arcade to allow natural light into the administrative and work areas.
The construction project also included the largest private sector re-forestation effort on the eastern seaboard (over 9,000 trees were planted as well as nearly 200,000 individual plantings).
The facility houses 6.3 million collection items (1.2 million moving image, 3 million recorded sound, 2.1 million supporting scripts, posters, photos, etc.) in a state-of-the-art storage environment, including below-freezing for film masters. There are nearly 90 miles of shelving for sound and moving image collections and 124 nitrate film vaults, the largest in the western hemisphere.
It is fully equipped to play back and preserve all antique film, video and sound formats. It is the first archive to preserve digital content at the petabyte (1 million gigabyte) level.
Of special interest is the 200-seat theater capable of projecting both nitrate film and modern digital cinema, which features an organ rising from under the stage to accompany silent film screenings.
There is a public listening auditorium for playback of all sound formats. High-speed fiber-optics connect the Packard Campus with the Moving Image and Recorded Sound reading rooms on Capitol Hill. Digital access copies made during the preservation process provide researchers with playback on demand in the reading rooms.
The entire campus includes 415,000 square feet of useable space in four buildings:
- Collections Storage Building for all recorded sound, safety film and video tape collections (135,000 SF)
- Conservation Building for all staff and the sound, video and film reformatting laboratories (175,000 SF)
- Nitrate Vaults built to exacting fire codes for the storage of pre-1951 films surviving on nitrate stock (55,000 SF)
- Central Plant for mechanical, electrical and HVAC systems (50,000 SF)
The Packard Campus' green roof in bloom.
Above the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center at the Packard Campus is a 173,000 square feet green roof. It is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast spanning an area equal to three football fields. In addition to its aesthetic benefits, the green roof serves several purposes including absorbing rainwater, providing insulation and filtering pollutants. Native grasses and perennials that are tolerant to the local climate, soil and water conditions have been planted on the roof. Great care was taken to minimize the visual impact on the landscape.
Two jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol – the Library Buildings and Grounds jurisdiction and the Capitol Grounds jurisdiction – worked together to construct the green roof that filters runoff pollution and conserves water. They also maintain the green roof by weeding, replenishing mulch and cleaning-up the roof.
The building originally opened on December 10, 1969. It came about as a result of fear during the cold war that a nuclear war would destroy the economy of the United States. The facility was constructed as a bunker to house enough U.S. currency to replenish the cash supply east of the Mississippi River following a catastrophic event.


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Scope of the Report:
The worldwide market for Laser Assisted Liposuction Devices is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly over the next five years, will reach million US$ in 2024, from million US$ in 2019, according to a new Research study.
This report focuses on the Laser Assisted Liposuction Devices in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.
Get a FREE sample Copy of this report : https://www.1marketresearch.com/market-reports/laser-assisted-liposuction-devices-market-industry-report-126995#requestSample
Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers
Solta Medical
Cynosure Inc
Sciton Inc
Wells Johnson Co
Invasix Ltd
Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc
Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers
North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)
Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)
Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)
Market Segment by Type, covers
Stand-alone Liposuction Surgery Devices
Portable Liposuction Surgery Devices
Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into
Ambulatory Surgical Centers
Cosmetic Surgical Centers
Browse Report :https://www.1marketresearch.com/market-reports/laser-assisted-liposuction-devices-market-industry-report-126995
The content of the study subjects, includes a total of 15 chapters:
Chapter 1, to describe Laser Assisted Liposuction Devices product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market driving force and market risks.
Chapter 2, to profile the top manufacturers of Laser Assisted Liposuction Devices, with price, sales, revenue and global market share of Laser Assisted Liposuction Devices in 2017 and 2018.
Chapter 3, the Laser Assisted Liposuction Devices competitive situation, sales, revenue and global market share of top manufacturers are analyzed emphatically by landscape contrast.
Chapter 4, the Laser Assisted Liposuction Devices breakdown data are shown at the regional level, to show the sales, revenue and growth by regions, from 2014 to 2019.
Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to break the sales data at the country level, with sales, revenue and market share for key countries in the world, from 2014 to 2019.
Chapter 10 and 11, to segment the sales by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2014 to 2019.
Chapter 12, Laser Assisted Liposuction Devices market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2019 to 2024.
Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Laser Assisted Liposuction Devices sales channel, distributors, customers, research findings and conclusion, appendix and data source.
Jennifer Cantelli was born and raised in the busy city of Lancaster. As a journalist, Jennifer has contributed to many online publications including the The Crimson White and USA Today. In regards to academics, Jennifer earned a degree in business from Carnegie Mellon University and an master's degree from Temple University. Jennifer follows the money and covers all aspects of state and federal economy.here at Times Records.


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White Sox have three year deal with Jesse Crain.
First mentioned in a tweet by Cowley:
Market on Q is not to KW's liking …. but what's that I smell in the kitchen? Smells like Crain cooking.
Crain is a Type-B free agent. He was offered arbitration.
UPDATE: A mini scouting report from Brett Ballantini:
Crain fits well in a Chicago bullpen filled with power arms, and features a wicked slider that has made a fool of many a White Sox hitter in the past. However, Crain has a tendency to give up flyballs, which could have a much more dangerous effect in homer-happy U.S. Cellular Field than at the Metrodome or Target Field in Minnesota.
UPDATE #2: Levine @ ESPN:
The deal is expected to be worth $13 million over three years, another major league source said.


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Afghan Street Hawker, 14, Heading to Oscars
He stars in "Buzkashi Boys," which has been nominated for an Oscar.
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 12, 2013 -- While most Oscar-nominated stars will spend the weeks leading up to the Oscar ceremony living a lavish, uber-luxurious lifestyle being chauffeur-driven from one red carpet to another, 14-year-old Fawad Mohammedi will be celebrating by doing something he never thought possible.
He'll be flying on a plane for the first time.
"When I go there, I will meet lots of people," Fawad Mohammedi, one of the two young stars of the critically acclaimed "Buzkashi Boys," says from his home in a quiet, snow-lined part of Kabul.
"Some people might even take me to some films."
"Buzkashi Boys" is the surprise hit of this year's Oscars, nominated in the Best Live Action Short category. The film chronicles the lives of two impoverished young boys as they grow up in Kabul, dreaming of playing buzkashi, Afghanistan's national sport. It's similar to polo, but played with a goat or sheep carcass.
The film is the first produced by the Afghan Film Project, a Kabul-based charity founded by acclaimed filmmaker Sam French in 2008. Its goal is to train and equip Afghan filmmakers that "nurture the voice of ordinary Afghans."
Mohammedi made headlines when "Buzkashi Boys" was nominated for the Oscar, but it later became clear the young star, who spends his days selling magazines along Kabul's famous Chicken Street bazaar, couldn't afford the airfare.
Chicken Street is in an upscale part of town -- as much as any part of Kabul can be considered upscale -- with shops on either side hawking jewelry, carpets, and various antiques. The area is popular with foreigners and locals, and is often flooded with street kids selling maps, magazines, newspapers, and burqa-clad women holding their babies and begging for change.
Mohammedi refers to it as his "job." On a good day, he'll make 13 cents for each magazine he sells, enough to help support his family, but nowhere near enough for the $1,500 in round trip airfare costs, let alone a hotel in Hollywood during one of the busiest weekends of the year.
For a time, Mohammedi wasn't sure he'd get to live out his dream and walk down the red carpet. But thanks to a crowd-sourcing campaign that's raised more than $10,000 and generated offers of help from around the world, including the U.S. embassy in Kabul, it looks like Mohammedi's dream will be coming true after all.
And if "Buzkashi Boys" wins in its category, Mohammedi already knows what he'll do.
"First of all I'd like to take the Afghan flag, raise it up, and tell the world this is Afghanistan's Oscar. Afghan people don't want fighting, they want peace.
"I want everyone to see Afghanistan's flag on TV. It will be a day for the entire country to share," he said.


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The indelible image will always be the hat.
In the summer of 2001, a time when we all basked in the illusion of pre-911 peace, a Welshman hit the finest final-round opening tee shot in recent major championship history.
Of course, opening tee shots aren't normally that exciting. Splitting the middle of the first fairway is like firing the engine of a finely tuned car: it's a nice start, but until you put the thing in gear, it doesn't mean much.
But the opening hole at Royal Lytham & St. Annes is a par-three, 206 yards with all the bumps and rolls expected from an Open Championship venue. And that sunny Sunday afternoon, Ian Woosnam came within an inch of making a one. The ball seemed destined for the hole. Two more rotations and his perfectly struck 5-iron shot would have certainly found the cup.
The stout former boxer showed little emotion – "I knew it was close, but didn't realize how close" – he said afterward. Instead, he marched off the first tee with his jaw clinched in determination. A tap-in birdie tied Woosnam for the lead at 7-under. David Duval, the third round leader, had yet to go off.
Then, on the second hole, a small but memorable fit ensued. Woosnam's caddy, a weathered Irishman named Myles Byrne who moved a cigarette around in his lips with a long-practiced ease, seemed to stumble. I happened to be standing to the right of the second tee in a sea of long grass, inside the gallery ropes but outside the field of play: a perfect spot to witness the last couple of groups going through the opening holes. When Byrne's knees wobbled, I felt myself reflexively lean forward as if reaching for a falling cup from across a room.
From my vantage point, I couldn't hear what Byrne said to Woosnam (and given the thickness of his Irish accent, I likely wouldn't have understood him if I had), but I did see Woosnam stomp around the tee box, take off his hat and throw it to the ground. I had seen Steve Spurrier throw similar tantrums on college football sidelines many times, taking his coaching frustrations out on an innocent visor. But I'd never seen a tour player in a major championship lose it so completely, especially after tapping in a birdie to share the lead.
Then I heard Woosnam say, "Take it out."
A driver came out of the bag and Woosnam tossed it the weeds beneath a tree just a few feet from me. That is when I realized what had happened. The caddy (and his player) hadn't counted clubs before teeing off. They had played the first hole with 15.
Extra golf clubs don't magically appear in most amateurs' bags, so the penalty wasn't one most people couldn't relate to at the time. If the average player at a local club goes off with 15 or 16 clubs, nobody cares.
Even greats fudge on the maximum club rule during casual rounds. When Arnold Palmer invited me to join him for a Tuesday game at Latrobe Country Club, I wanted to sneak a peek into Arnie's bag before heading to the first tee. When I sauntered over to his cart, I realized that he had two bags. And they were both full.
"He's playing with 44 clubs," I said to the third member of our group, a local dentist and former club champion at Latrobe.
"Oh, he's taken some out," the dentist said. "He normally plays with 60."
But golf and major championship golf are distant and dissimilar relatives. Arnie never teed off in a tournament with more than 14 clubs. Woosnam teed off with 15. The penalty was two shots. Rather than pulling into the lead, he had fallen two behind.
He said something else to the caddy as he put his hat back on his head at an impossibly crooked angle. The hat sat perched like a birds nest on a broken limb, askew and teetering.
From my hide in the rough, I covered my face to conceal my laughter, not at Woosnam's misfortune or the misery he was suffering, but at the absurdity of the scene. More than anything, I laughed at the hat. And I felt instantly ashamed.
Almost every avid golfer knows that part of the story: the extra driver Woosnam had been testing on the range that didn't get noticed on the first tee because the opening hole was a par-three; the two fingers that R&A rules official John Paramor held up to indicate Woosnam's penalty, and, of course, the driver pitched into the brush.
Unfortunately, the next shot – the one that marked the true measure of Ian Woosnam the man – is largely forgotten.
After receiving the most devastating penalty of his career -- the one that would ultimately rob him of the championship he wanted most and deprive him of a spot of the 2002 Ryder Cup team -- the tough little Welshman striped a long iron into the middle of the second fairway.
He went on to shoot even-par 71 and finish tied for third, a more than respectable showing given everything that had transpired.
And he didn't fire Byrne, at least not right away.
The caddy attempted to hide after the round, but a swarm of reporters enveloped him, the first question being shouted in a Geordie accent: "Are you sacked Myles?" At the time Byrne didn't know. His boney hands shook as he held another cigarette, mumbling between puffs in a voice as saggy and brittle as the windows in the ancient clubhouse.
Woosnam gave Byrne another chance, one the caddy blew by showing up late and hung over at the Scandinavian Masters.
But Byrne was never the story. Nor should the error be how Woosnam is remembered this week as the Open returns to Royal Lytham & St. Annes. How he handled it is what counts.
"It was my responsibility," Woosnam said immediately afterward. "The player is responsible for the number of clubs in his bag. At the end of the day, it's my job."
Visibly disappointed but without waver or hesitation, Woosnam stood much taller than he measured that afternoon in Lytham.
And in so doing, he set a worthy example for us all.
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For job opportunities at the station, please follow this link and search jobs listed under WDCW-TV.
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For Public File questions contact the station's Public File Manager: 202-298-7618 or E-mail
For accessibility issues pertaining to the Online Public File, visit the FCC Website Help Page


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"Though dry most of the year, Antelope Canyon runs, and sometimes floods, with water after rains. It is the water, slowly wearing away the sandstone grain by grain, that has formed the beautiful and graceful curves in the rock. Wind has also played a role in sculpting this fantastic canyon." (Extracted from Navajo Nation).
Located beside Page (Arizona).


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During its May meeting, the Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors appointed three new members.
The board's new members are: Brian Gibbs, a 1984 graduate from Bad Homburg, Germany, as International Representative; Dr. Janice Suhajda, a 1987 graduate from Rochester Hills, as a Southeast Michigan Representative; and Colton Wright, a Hope junior from Tecumseh, as Junior Class Representative.
Gibbs's appointment represents a new dimension in the composition of the board, placing deliberate focus on engaging the college's alumni abroad, according to Mary Remenschneider, director of alumni and parent relations. "The college is excited about the Alumni Board's recent decision to strengthen its international reach and provide for greater representation of international alumni," said Remenschneider, adding that Gibbs's ongoing engagement with Hope and commitment to international education made him an ideal first appointment.
Brett Kingma of Grand Rapids, formerly Senior Class Representative, was appointed representative of the most recent graduating class. Colleen Leikert of Ludington, formerly Junior Class Representative, was appointed Senior Class Representative.
The board members who have concluded their service to the board are: Betsy Jasperse of Traverse City; Karen Navis of Grandville; and Sarah Oosterink of Jenison.
Continuing to serve as the board's officers are Mark Van Genderen of Cedarburg, Wis., president; Bob Bieri of Holland, vice president; and Kat Campbell of Greensboro, N.C., secretary.
° Brian Gibbs graduated from Hope with majors in business administration, German and international studies. While at Hope, he studied in Germany for a year, served as a German teaching assistant and resident assistant, and was active in the German Club, the International Relations Club and Student Congress. Gibbs was selected as a George F. Baker Scholar and elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
After Hope, Gibbs taught in Schaerding, Austria, for two years through a Fulbright Teaching Scholarship and then for a further year in Linz, Austria. He returned to the United States to complete a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) at The Fletcher School of Tufts University, and interned in the Economics Section at the U.S. Consulate in Hamburg before joining his current employer, PRTM Management Consultants, where he is managing director / Geschaeftsfuehrer based in the firm's Frankfurt, Germany, office. Gibbs has been with PRTM in Germany since 1990, and was promoted to director (partner) in 1996.
Gibbs has long played an active part in HopeCollege's Vienna Summer School Program, having served in various capacities since 1985, including program assistant, lecturer in economics, and annual guest speaker to the Senior Seminar and economics students. He has also been a regular speaker at Hope's London May Term program.
His professional and community activities include serving as an executive member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany, a member of The Fletcher School's European Advisory Group and member of the Vestry and Senior Warden (senior lay leader) of The Anglican/Episcopal Church of Christ the King in Frankfurt.
He and his wife, Barbara, a native of Austria, have three school-aged children, Anna, Emily and Liam.
° Janice Suhajda has been a staff physician with Doc Now Urgent Care Centers since 2005. She was previously a staff physician with McLaren Medical Center-Metamora; Prince William Family Healthcare in Manassas, Va.; and Providence Medical Center-Northville. She completed her M.D. at Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1991, and her internship and family-practice residency at Providence Hospital in Southfield.
She graduated from Hope with a major in biology. Her activities at the college included participating in faculty-student research, the Tri-Beta biology honor society, the Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) pre-medical society, Mortar Board, the Nykerk Cup competition, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Fellowship of Christian Students, and working with New Student Orientation.
Suhajda was a member of her 20-year reunion committee in 2007, hosted Chapel Choir students while living in Virginia, has attended Hope regional events and Hope/Calvin satellite parties, and returned to campus for reunions and to address the college's chapter of AED. Her community involvement has included serving with the PTA/PTSA at the elementary, middle school and high school levels; volunteering with the Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library; being a puppy raiser for Leader Dogs for the Blind; serving as a deacon at University Presbyterian Church; and serving as a mission trip chaperone.
She and her husband, Gregory, have two children at home, Ben and Gia.
° Colton Wright is a communication and business management major. He is interested in a career in professional sports marketing, management or journalism, preferably with a Major League Baseball organization.
His activities at Hope include the Emersonian fraternity; the Milestone yearbook, of which he is sports editor; the Anchor student newspaper, as a senior staff writer; the student-organized Dance Marathon fund-raiser for Helen DeVos Children's Hospital; the Center for Faithful Leadership mentoring program; and working with Dr. Teresa Housel of the communication faculty on the campus magazine The Box. He is also a member of the college's chapter of the national Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Honor Society.
He has also coached Little League baseball, and has held an internship as an accounting, logistics and procurement clerk with Wacker Chemical Corp.
He is a 2007 graduate of Tecumseh High School. He is the son of George and Peggy Wright of Tecumseh.


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The global medical devices industry is fairly large, intensely competitive and highly innovative. A regulated industry, medtech is spread across different segments including cardiology, cardiovascular, neuro, orthopedic and aesthetic devices. The U.S. medical devices industry relies largely on an aging baby boomer population, high unmet medical needs and increased incidence of lifestyle diseases (including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension and obesity). Neuro, orthopedic and aesthetic represent the fastest growing categories.
However, the medtech industry is currently plagued by several issues, including pricing concerns, hospital admission and procedural volume pressures, Medicare reimbursement issues and regulatory overhang. Percutaneous intervention volumes continue to be relatively flat in the U.S., Japan and Europe with improvement not expected anytime soon. Nevertheless, several catalysts for growth exist such as new product cycles, an aging population, geographic expansion, ongoing transition toward minimally invasive techniques and emerging markets.
Given the maturing legacy markets, medical device companies are looking to expand into lucrative, incipient markets. Expansion in emerging markets, especially those with double-digit annual growth rates, represents one of the best potential avenues for growth in 2012 and beyond. Also, the companies have been resorting to cost-cutting and share buybacks to drive bottom-line growth. Mergers & acquisitions (M&As), licensing deals, restructuring and share buybacks have become common in the medical device sector in recent quarters.
Another trend that we have been observing of late is the divestment of non-core business segments. For example, Smith & Nephew, through an agreement with Essex Woodlands, completed the disposal of its clinical therapies business in May 2012, to the newly formed Bioventus LLC, in which it will retain a 49% investment. Healthcare products maker Covidien is on track to spin off its pharmaceuticals business into a standalone public company by mid-2013.
Becton, Dickinson and Company is also in the process of divesting its Discovery Labware subsegment (excluding Advanced Bioprocessing capability) to Corning. The deal is expected to be completed by year end. Some other significant divestments include that of the neurovascular business by Boston Scientific (January 2011) to Stryker Corporation and the physio-control business to Bain Capital by Medtronic (January 2012).
M&A Activity
Wary of an uncertain economy, medtech companies have resorted to the acquisition route to harness their strengths and diversify their offerings.
Major concluded deals include Johnson & Johnson's acquisition of Synthes, which should help strengthen its medical device portfolio. This is one of the biggest deals (approximately $21 billion) inked in recent times in the medtech space.
Boston Scientific has been looking to expand through acquisitions to counter the challenges of its core segments. After strengthening its cardiac rhythm management (CRM) portfolio with a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), the S-ICD system, with the acquisition of Cameron Health, the company is in the process of acquiring Minnesota-based BridgePoint Medical. This deal would bring in a catheter-based system to treat coronary chronic total occlusion, which has received both U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CE Mark approvals.
Low global penetration and demand outstripping supply provide a positive long-term thesis for investing in the blood processing and supply chain management industry. With the acquisition of the transfusion medicine business of Pall Corporation, Haemonetics will be able enter the $1.2-billion whole blood collection market. Haemonetics is also in the process of acquiring Hemerus Medical, a Minnesota-based company that develops technologies for the collection of whole blood, and processing and storage of blood components.
Moreover, Mediware Information Systems has strengthened its position in the blood management solutions industry with the acquisition of Indianapolis-based Strategic Healthcare Group, a leading provider of blood management consulting, education and informatics solutions.
Masimo Corporation, spearheading noninvasive monitoring technologies, acquired Sweden-based PHASEIN AB, a developer and manufacturer of ultracompact mainstream and sidestream capnography, multigas analyzers and handheld capnometry solutions. Other acquisitions announced include that of Viking Systems by Conmed Corporation and GenturaDx, a molecular diagnostics company, by Luminex Corporation.
Cooper Companies, a global medical products player specializing in a wide range of contact lenses and also targeting the women's health market, acquired Denmark-based Origio to beef up its women's health franchise. Origio develops, manufactures and distributes highly specialized products targeting in-vitro fertilization treatment.
Covidien is also on the acquisition bandwagon. The company recently announced its decision to acquire privately held CNS Therapeutics, a specialty pharmaceutical company dealing with products for site-specific administration to the central nervous system to treat neurological disorders and intractable chronic pain. Other recent acquisitions by Covidien include Oridion Systems, expanding its portfolio in respiratory monitoring equipment; superDimension, which develops minimally invasive interventional pulmonology devices; and ventilator maker Newport Medical Instruments.
Meanwhile, trends over the recent past reflect focus on the diagnostics space. A prime example is women's health giant Hologic's acquisition of Gen-Probe for approximately $3.7 billion in August. In September, Danaher Corporation announced its decision to acquire IRIS International, a leading manufacturer of automated in-vitro diagnostics systems and consumables, and a provider of high-value personalized medicine solutions.
While Thermo Fisher Scientific strengthened its specialty diagnostics business with the acquisition of One Lambda, a leading player in the field of transplant diagnostics, Life Technologies, with two tuck-in acquisitionsNavigenics and Pinpoint Genomicsis building its diagnostics franchise. Moreover, Life Technologies has several agreements with pharmaceutical players such as Bristol-Myers Squibb and GlaxoSmithKline to shore up its companion diagnostics franchise.
Going forward, we do not expect this M&A trend to slacken. We also expect a significant pickup in in-licensing activities and collaborations for the development of pipeline candidates. Several medtech majors, struggling with their core businesses, are looking to explore potential emerging therapies.
Emerging Markets
Another avenue of growth for the medtechs is the huge untapped potential of emerging markets. An aging population, rise in wealth, government focus on healthcare infrastructure and expansion of medical insurance coverage make these markets a happy hunting ground for the global medical device players.
The Indian government plans to spend 2.5% of its GDP (from the previous level of 1.2%) on healthcare during the 12th Plan (2012-2017) and raise it to at least 3% by 2022. China is also increasing its expenditure to build hospitals and setting up proper health insurance coverage that should boost the healthcare sector. It is expected that within the next decade, China will be the biggest healthcare market in the world, outpacing the U.S.
The focus on emerging markets is all the more significant amid saturation in the developed markets of U.S., Europe and Japan in addition to economic uncertainties restricting growth. Companies like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Life Technologies are all vying to expand their presence in India, China, Brazil and other emerging markets. These companies are also looking at establishing their manufacturing facility to serve the local market.
While Johnson & Johnson has been doing business in China for more than 25 years, it established a new innovation center in the country in 2011 to design and develop medical devices and diagnostic products specifically for Asia's emerging markets. Other recent developments include the setting up of Medtronic's Innovation Center in Shanghai in August 2012, the company's first outside the U.S. and Europe; Boston Scientific's plan to invest $150 million in China over the next five years to build a local manufacturing operation; and ongoing expansion of Life Technologies' distribution centers in both Singapore and China.
In the light of the investments made in the emerging space, the medtech companies are setting their targets for these markets. While Medtronic is targeting 20% of its revenues from emerging markets by fiscal 2015−16, Boston Scientific is aiming to increase its below-average market share in the $700 million combined drug-eluting stent market in China and India, which is growing sharply at 20%. Recently, Medtronic announced its decision to acquire China Kanghui Holdings for $816 million in cash, which would strengthen its orthopedic franchise in the country.
Life Technologies expects this region to contribute $1.6 billion to revenues in 2015, up from just $188 million in 2007, representing a CAGR of 30%. Similarly, Thermo Fisher is leaving no stone unturned to garner 25% of total revenues from the high-growth Asia-Pacific region and emerging markets by 2016 from 19% in 2011 (10% in 2006).
Healthcare Reform: Tax Fear Grips Medtech
The government-mandated healthcare reform in the U.S.the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka "Obamacare")will impact the financial results of medical device companies. The reform has led to a less flexible pricing environment for these companies and may increase pricing pressure across the board.
Moreover, the highly controversial tax, representing a part of the act, will be a drag on device companies. When implemented, device makers will have to pay 2.3% excise tax on sales of certain products beginning 2013.
The outlay is expected to throttle innovation as it will impact investment in research and development (R&D). Moreover, it will lead to job cuts and higher prices for customers. The federal government expects to raise $20 billion in taxes over a ten-year period. In response, device makers are employing several initiatives, including headcount reduction and other restructuring activities, to counter costs associated with the implementation of the new tax.
We continue to have a neutral outlook on large-cap medical device stocks. While the companies will keep facing challenges like pricing pressures, declines in procedural volume from economic uncertainties and sluggish growth in the CRM business, increased focus on emerging markets and product approvals in latent areas could help reduce the impact. Better pipeline visibility and appropriate utilization of cash should increase confidence in the medical device sector.
With a slew of new products, the Big Three players (Medtronic, Boston Scientific and St. Jude Medical) in the ICD market are striving to gain market share, despite the challenging business environment and several other barriers to growth. These players are also exploring new avenues of growth beyond the mature pacemaker and ICD markets. With gradual stability in the ICD market, these players should be able to revive their top line.
In our universe, we see growth potential in companies dealing with promising technologies. In this respect, Edwards Lifesciences represents a value proposition. Following the U.S. approval of Sapien (for the treatment of certain inoperable patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis) in November 2011, sales of the device have been quite encouraging so far.
The company is also progressing well with respect to imparting training centers. Given a strong second-quarter performance, Edwards raised its 2012 outlook for Sapien sales in the U.S. Moreover, with a favorable recommendation from the FDA's advisory panel for Sapien in high-risk patients, the probability of final approval is high.
Robotic surgery is another fledgling area and Intuitive Surgical clearly leads the pack with its state-of-the-art technology. Intuitive enjoys a virtual monopoly in robotic surgery and continues to deliver forecast-topping earnings. Its sales are growing at a torrid pace, buoyed by the da Vinci surgical system. With higher average selling price per system, which stood at $1.53 million in Q2/12 (up from $1.44 million in the year-ago period and $1.47 million in the first quarter) and upgraded revenue outlook for 2012 (growth now expected at 20−23% versus earlier projection of 19−21%), this company is well placed to traverse a higher trajectory.
We also believe that cardiac assist devices maker Abiomed represents another attractive opportunity for investors. The company reported the best quarter in its history, with 42% growth in revenues and 56% growth in its Impella device, which is increasingly penetrating the percutaneous circulatory support segment in the U.S.. This is amply proved by the more than 30% growth recorded by Impella for the eleventh straight quarter. Given the strong growth potential for both Intuitive Surgical and Abiomed, estimates for these companies have been on the rise since the last reported quarter.
We are positive on Cooper Companies, which reported a strong third quarter of fiscal 2012, leading it to raise guidance for the fiscal year. Additional factors such as margin expansion, acquisitions expanding the product line and geographical reach as well as share buybacks and an attractive valuation are driving the stock. Moreover, this contact lens and women's health focused company has delivered positive earnings surprises in six of the last seven quarters with an average beat of 10.9%.
On the back of rising earnings estimates owing to strong fourth quarter and fiscal 2012 results, and several strategic initiatives to re-align its portfolio, we are bullish on CareFusion. Moreover, this global medical technology company has delivered positive earnings surprises in six of the last seven quarters with an average beat of 5.1%. While the company is dogged by product recalls, it is continuously working on investing in quality systems.
Banking on its core product, Invisalign Clear Aligner, Align Technology has established itself as a strong player in the malocclusion market. Based on the strength of this product, the company was able to exceed consensus estimates for both revenues and earnings over the past six quarters in a row.
Contribution from the acquisition of Cadent has helped Align to entrench its presence in the malocclusion market. We are positive on the company, which has immense growth potential in the malocclusion market. Moreover, estimates of the company for both 2012 and 2013 have been on the rise over the last 90 days.
Cooper, CareFusion and Align Technology all carry Zacks #1 Ranks (short-term Strong Buy rating).
Beyond the medtech majors, we are optimistic about scientific instrument maker Thermo Fisher Scientific. This leading, diversified scientific instrument maker has been successfully expanding operating margins over the past few quarters on the back of operational efficiency. Its focus on keeping the cost structure lean has helped the company to achieve this end. It has strong international exposure and is focusing on acquisitions and emerging markets for growth though the academic/government market is still fettered by constraints.
Coming to the weakest link in the medtech sector, we recommend avoiding names that offer little growth/opportunity over the near term. These include companies that reported disappointing earnings in the last reported quarter.
Conmed Corporation carries a Zacks #5 Rank (short-term Strong Sell rating). The company reported a disappointing second quarter, with both revenues and earnings missing the Zacks Consensus Estimates.
Moreover, revenue guidance for 2012 was lowered by $10 million to $765−775 million due to lower-than-expected capital product sales on the back of economic headwinds in the first half, though earnings guidance was maintained. With earnings estimates for 2013 declining significantly and limited visibility for the near future, it is better to avoid this stock.
Quality Systems began fiscal 2013 on a disappointing note, with both sales and earnings lagging the respective Zacks Consensus Estimates. Despite 18% year-over-year growth in sales, the company was adversely affected by lower-than-expected revenue from large, higher-margin software system sales. In addition, declining margins remain another challenge for the company.
Accuray Incorporated also exited fiscal 2012 on a disappointing note, with revenues and loss per share lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimates. The worst part was the double-digit decline in Cyberknife revenues in fiscal 2012, primarily due to shipment delays in Europe and lower demand in America.
The company is also facing challenges in combining the direct sales teams following the TomoTherapy acquisition in the U.S. A challenging outlook and slashed estimates for the upcoming two fiscals make this stock unappealing for investors.
Another company we remain concerned about is Thoratec Corporation, a world leader in mechanical circulatory support with a product portfolio to treat heart failure patients. However, its dominance in the bridge-to-transplant (BTT) indication will be challenged, following the prospective approval of HeartWare International's Ventricular Assist System later this year. Apprehending increased competition in the BTT indication for Thoratec, 2013 estimates have been on a downtrend over the last 90 days.
Several pressing issues currently at play in the medtech sector are discussed below.
Depressed Volumes
One of the biggest challenges of the medtech industry is the current economic uncertainty. While the debt crisis in Europe remains unabated, economies throughout the world are trying to come to terms with myriad challenges. Consequently, procedural volumes in the U.S. have been hit by a high unemployment rate, which has resulted in the expiry of health insurance as well as a decline in enrollment in private health plans. Governments across several European countries have taken up measures to curb spending on devices, which is taking a toll on utilization. Volume headwind is likely to linger as unemployment continues to influence procedure deferrals.
Pricing Pressure
Players in the medical device space are experiencing pricing pressure of varying degrees. Companies are witnessing global pricing pressure in the CRM business and, in some cases, in stents. Although data from the recently reported quarter signal some relief in the rate of pricing erosion, we believe pricing will continue to bother given global budget constraints amidst deteriorating economic conditions.
Currency Headwinds
Adding to the risk is the foreign exchange headwind (stemming from the strengthening of the U.S. dollar) as medical device companies derive a chunk of revenues from overseas markets. Factoring in the negative currency impact and economic uncertainty, several companies have already lowered their forecasts for 2012. Medical device makers are also expected to contend with margin pressure given the sustained pricing headwind.
Still Clouded Orthopedic Space
Orthopedics is one of the largest medical device market segments worldwide. However, this market, valued at approximately $30 billion in 2011, is still struggling as patients defer elective procedures given the lingering economic softness. Lukewarm demand is exacerbated by sustained pricing pressure. In particular, the reconstructive market fundamentals (pricing and volume) have languished over the recent past with little signs of stability. The joint replacement market has been hit by patient deferral of elective procedures, leading to weak demand for hip and knee implants.
Pricing compressions on hips, knees and spine products, which impaired the performances of several orthopedic companies, remain a key concern, at the macro level. We remain skeptical about companies including Stryker, Wright Medical Group and Smith & Nephew, given the sustained price/volume pressure. Moreover, these players have been subject to downward estimate revisions for 2013 over the last 90 days.


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While we wait for training camp to get going, thought today I would take a step back and look at history of this franchise. Well more my own personal history with the Raptors. This will be the 15 season that the Raptors have been in the NBA. It may surprise some people but at first I was not sure if I was going to be a Raptor fan. I was excited that the NBA was returning to Canada. Well at least historically, for me it was a first as it was for majority of folks. I am pretty sure most of us were not alive when the Toronto Huskies played in the first season of the NBA. I had always been a basketball fan but driving all the way to Detroit was never something I had done. So just to have the ability to go watch an NBA game was exciting. That is something 15 years later I think we all take for granted. Slowly I started to grow attached to this new team. The clincher for me was the drafting of Damon Stoudamire. I had watched him play at Arizona and was a big fan of how he played the game. Prior to that I cheered for the Hornets. Damon would show all of those people that booed him on draft night just how wrong they were. He would win the Rookie of the Year Award in that first season. Mighty Mouse was the first star this team had and it was fun to watch him play. He would get a triple double early in that first season which since has been a rare event for the Raptors.
It was sad that Damon's time with the Raptors was not as long as you might have hoped for and should have been. Damon would never have the success or fame that he did as a Toronto Raptor. In that first season the Raptors also had one of the Michigan's "Fab 5" in Jimmy King. He would not do as well as his college team members in the NBA. Webber, Rose and Howard all had longer and more successful careers. But at least my Michigan Wolverines will always be an answer to a trivia question. Jimmy King would be the first of many second round picks that would not work out so well for the Raptors. That first Raptor team also had John Salley who these days is known for The Best Damn Sports Show but was of course part of championship teams with Pistons. There was the Big O aka Oliver Miller who I think is easily the largest Raptor is history. Zan Tabak, Alvin Robertson, Carlos Rodgers and many others are names that we all may remember from those early days.
Like any expansion team it was a group of misfits.The uniforms with the big red Dino and purple all over fit that nicely. Still they were our misfits and there was something to that. So many names have rolled through on this squad over the years. Jerome Williams is one that will always stick out for me. He was not part of those early days. However the story of him jumping in his truck and driving from Detroit to Toronto is a blizzard is a story I will never forget. I have had to meet him a couple times back in early 2000's and he was just a great person and fun loving guy. Still is for that matter. Morris Peterson is another guy I have met in person. The fact I am a Michigan fan and he went to Michigan State would make it hard to love him normally. But he was also a pretty great person and I actually was able to connect with him based on where we both lived. He was from Flint, Michigan and I am from Hamilton. The connection is an event that happens between the 2 cities called the CANUS Games. It is an event where the two cities complete in various sporting events, basketball among them. Moe P is a fan favourite for lots of people and is I believe the longest serving Raptor in terms of games played.
Like I have said I was a Hornets fan prior to the Raptors. So to see Dell Curry and Muggys Bogues play for the Raptors was a personal treat for me. Bogues was just flat out fun to watch play the game. If you ever have met him you could never believe that a guy that small could play in the NBA. He looks like he could be one of the players kids. When it comes to Dell he was just one of the best shooters to ever play the game. Who knew that his son shooting baskets on the Raptors floor would years later be doing it during games starting this season.
Any look back at the Raptors has to give a mention to Charles Oakley. He in a lot of ways made this franchise grow up. His no nonsense approach and his bombastic comments and style was great. Oakley even long after he was gone would be a symbol of toughness that was lacking in future teams. He was not afraid to stand up to anyone from Vince Carter to the league itself. Charles Oakley was his own man and I think that is one of the reasons people respect and love him.
Raptors have had the good fortune to have some quality people covering them over the years as well. John Saunders of ESPN use to call Raptor games and of course Chuck Swirsky. Not to mention the may folks that we have had as guests here. Jack Armstrong, Paul Jones and Eric Smith. Leo Rautins also has been there from the start. I may not be a fan personally but he has been here from the start. You also have Doug Smith who has been on the Raptors beat from day one as well on the print side.
But when they right the story of this franchise be it 10 years from now or 50. Two names will be in that history for sure. Vince Carter and Chris Bosh. They are the 2 multi-time all stars that this franchise has produced. Many people still hate Vince Carter to this day. However there is no way not to mention him when you talk about the history of this team. He was truly amazing in those early days. He did things that people looked at with true amazement. Shaq gave him a nickname of half man and half amazing and he truly was. There was a time when Vinsanity was just that. If he made that 3 pointer in Philly who knows how the story might have changed. He more than anyone before him or after made the Raptors truly relevant to the U.S media.
Bosh on the other hand has grown into the role. He slowly has developed from a rookie will lots of potential to a top player in the league. He was the star player on the first and only Raptors Division Title winning team. It is, as I have said many times, been a pleasure to watch him grow. Looking forward to hopefully the best season ever this year.
That just scratches the surface of my memories of this team. What are your memories of this Raptors Franchise? Share some in the comments, be it a player a game or whatever.
Looking Back On 15 Years
Posted by Unknown at 9:48 AM
Labels: Bogues, Chris Bosh, JYD, Morris Peterson, Raptors, Vince Carter
1 comment:
- AnonymousSeptember 22, 2009 at 10:04 PM
15 yearsReplyDelete
My best memory of Toronto is, no doubt in my mind, Vince. He made this franchise what it is today and as much as everyone can hate and critisize, he was the first all-star to bring Toronto into the spotlight. Whether it be the 2000 dunk competition, the annoying complaining from him, or when he dunked over the 7 footer in the Olympics.
He was the face of this franchise for some time and the Raptor nation can never forget that.
One things forsure lets all never EVER talk about Jermaine O'neil again. PLEASE.
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A pub, a place of pilgrimage and a greengrocers, M O'Shea wears its multitasking hat with pride
Tucked away in the midland town of Borris, County Carlow, M O'Shea has held fast to its roots as a multitasking pub. And that's no mean feat. The building it occupies has operated as a grocer and a bar since the 19th century.
The O'Shea family bought the pub in 1934 with its purchaser, Michael O'Shea, earning the no-fuss moniker of "Bossman". We're guessing patrons knew where they stood.
When O'Shea and his wife passed away in the 1980s, their son Jim and his wife Carmel took over the grocer-pub. Today, they keep it in the tradition that has earned it so many loyal local patrons. There are no gimmicks here: this is a true rural, family-run pub and chances are you'll be the only tourist.
Come for the atmosphere, stay for a pint and leave with your shopping.
Not bad for a bar.
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Marion County, FLHome Sitemap Contact
Calendar of events
Library - Belleview - Technology Help Center
Now on Wednesdays, 2 - 4 p.m. Belleview Computer Lab
- Date: 01/29/2020 2:00 PM - 4:01 PM
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Technology Help Center is now on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 pm!
Have a technology question about your newest gadget? Bring that device and/or your question and drop in for one-on-one assistance from staff members.


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What is pretty much one of the most bizarre illusions you will ever watch, David Copperfield plays his role to the hilt here in a manner that can only be classified as "smarmy". With laser lights seemingly cutting through Copperfield, he begins walking around all over the stage as if he were truly split into two pieces. The very eye-catching illusion was certainly an impressive feat back in the day, especially since it was performed live in Las Vegas, with viewing audiences completely stumped as to how it was pulled off.
Throughout this performance, what you will observe about Copperfield is how underrated his aptitude for comedy actually is. The fact that he gets to elicit chuckles without even uttering a word at key moments in the illusion only cement how amazing Copperfield really is when it comes to being a total package.
This illusion is actually not one of his best ones, but the way he packaged it certainly makes for a very interesting and entertaining routine altogether, and something worthy of performing as a Vegas main eventer. The day I ever end up performing in Vegas would be the day I believe I have made it as a performer, and here's one of those amazing individuals doing it for years, and winning almost universal praise for his work.
Having said all that, I think it should be obvious what my final topic on stage magic will be on the last day of the month...
.:225/365: David Copperfield:.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the most influential name in the magic industry of the last generation, bar none.
Many new magicians might claim allegiance to David Blaine and scoff at David Copperfield's overly choreographed performances in favour of Blaine's "gritty" style, but has anyone bothered asking Blaine if Copperfield ever influenced him? Has anyone ever bothered asking every street magician out there if they ever wanted to perform anything as awe-inspiring as walking through the Great Wall of China, or making the Statue of Liberty Disappear, or flying over the Grand Canyon, as opposed to, well, holding your breath for a long time underwater?
David Copperfield, in my eyes, is a man who defines "legendary" in every sense of the word. As the most commercially successful magician in history, Copperfield is the man practically all David Blaine wannabes inwardly aspire for. The man is graceful, funny, brilliant, and let's face it, richer than pretty much any other magician has ever been.
I don't think I need to sing the man's praises so extensively for anyone to understand the kind of influence he has exerted on the magic industry, having raised the bar for performances to the point that anyone who is considered good at it will only hear one of two comparisons: you're the next David Blaine, or you're the next David Copperfield. Either statement is a huge compliment to any person, and I can tell you without any doubt that I would be deeply honoured to have people compare me to even a single percent of Copperfield's skill and prowess as a performer.
Born David Kotkin to Jewish parents, Copperfield took on the name as a teenager because of the book of the same name. He started performing professionally very early, at around 10 years or so, and even became a lecturer about magic as early as 16 years old. He made a name for himself throughout his performances, earning accolades not just because he was a good magician but simply because everything about his performing persona screamed "magic". In 1977, he had his first TV special called "The Magic of CBS", and this gave birth to Copperfield's "The Magic Of David Copperfield", various magic shows on television, comprising almost three decades of great and captivating television.
When asked about his influences, it's actually unsurprising to hear Copperfield say that it wasn't a particular magician. He looked at the likes of Fred Astaire and other similarly influential people, and thought, "Hey, I want to do that for magic!"
And he did.
With a unique style and a kind of elegance that only he can elicit, Copperfield was in a league of his own. He was the total package: he was mysterious, he was elegant, and he was deceptively hilarious. While undeniably elegant, it took decades for someone like Lance Burton to hit his stride in the humor department, whereas Copperfield was exhibiting it from day 1. Penn and Teller are hilarious, but they were certainly anything but elegant. David Blaine is mysterious, but certainly not funny or elegant. Criss Angel... Criss Angel sucks and doesn't hold a candle to Blaine, Penn and Teller, Burton, and certainly not to David Copperfield.
It's what Copperfield has achieved that makes me marvel at him altogether. He's done it all, to say the least, and nobody can deny how much impact he has had on the world of magic, bringing it to the mainstream consciousness long before David Blaine gave magic yet another resurgence, albeit by taking it back to its grittiest. Copperfield dressed everything up, polished it, and made everything he did larger than life. And really now, name me a single magician who doesn't want to be regarded as larger than life, no matter how "gritty" they may project themselves to be?
Mr. Copperfield, thank you for your unique brand of magic. You are truly a once-in-a-lifetime performer, and we may well never encounter another one quite like you again for at least another decade.