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(My apologies for yesterday. World Cup fever has finally caught up with me. Included is the news events of last 2 days.)
Mongolia to Let Investors Tap Resources Through Overseas IPOs
June 16 (Bloomberg) -- Mongolia's plan to privatize its state-owned assets will allow international investors access to some of the world's largest untapped mineral resources through initial public share sales, most likely in Hong Kong.
Dulam Sugar, chairman of the Government of Mongolia's State Property Committee, said even though the procedure of equity listings hasn't been confirmed, the Mongolian government has decided to sell shares in both local and international stock markets.
Sugar named Erdenet Mining Corp., a Mongolian-Russian copper producer joint venture, the Tavan Tolgoi coking coal deposit and the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine as the nation's biggest state-owned assets to be privatized. Uranium companies may also be privatized.
The Mongolian government is in the process of identifying state-owned enterprises to be privatized, the chairman said. McKinsey & Co. is advising the government, which expects final results in one month, he said.
The average daily turnover of the Mongolian stock exchange is about $100,000 this year, according to Khangai Altai, chief operating officer of the Mongolian Stock Exchange. That compares with HK$64 billion in Hong Kong, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Hong Kong Bourse Met With Mongolian Mining Companies on Listing
June 16 (Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. has met Mongolian mining companies seeking to list in the city, said Chief Marketing Officer Lawrence Fok, who is in the North Asian country for a forum on corporate capital raising.
Hong Kong Exchanges, which operates Asia's third-largest stock market, is processing more than 70 initial public offering applications from both overseas and local companies, Fok said in an interview in Ulaanbaatar yesterday. He declined to name the Mongolian companies or give a time frame for possible listings.
Energy, mining and resources companies account for about 16 percent of both Hong Kong's market capitalization and daily trading volume, Fok said. ...
Asia exchanges battle for resource-rich Mongolia IPOs
June 16 (Reuters) - Asia's major stock exchanges have launched an all-out battle for IPOs from the land of Genghis Khan, with Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong jostling for a slice of the action from resource-rich and landlocked Mongolia.
Now, Mongolia's domestic companies are seeking foreign capital to help them expand, and the government is trying to connect local firms and its stock market with the rest of Asia, hoping to turn domestic franchises into regional ones.
But some analysts say Hong Kong's Mongolian IPO ambitions may be hampered by the city's listing ban on pure exploration companies.
"In terms of interest from the Mongolian side, probably the Hong Kong exchange is the most popular among Mongolia's government and companies because of the valuation, and because Chinese investors may want to show interest in Mongolian assets," said Masa Igata, founder and CEO of Mongolia-based Frontier Securities.
"There are some who can't list their stock in Hong Kong, and may consider listing on another stock exchange."
Executives from KRX in Korea are eying listings of emerging Mongolian enterprises in all sectors, as long as candidates meet a threshold of 2 billion won ($1.6 million) in net income at the time of listing.
"We are targeting the small-medium size firms in Mongolia," Jung-Suk Jo, head of listing promotions, said at Frontier Securities' Mongolia Capital Raising Conference in Ulan Bator.
Japan is seeking Mongolian companies for its Tokyo AIM market, but warned that Japanese investors may be wary of the risks involved in Mongolia, and recommended Mongolian companies with Japanese corporate partners bundle their assets into funds and list those on AIM.
"They know you have uranium, you have coal, you have lots of potential to grow," Yutaka Ito, Chief Operating Officer, Tokyo AIM, said regarding Japanese investors' view of Mongolia.
"But they also feel risks. If you make funds with Japanese companies, you make Japanese investors feel safe. These big guys - Nomura, Daiwa - feel safe with funds."
Mongolian telecom firm Mobicom is a joint venture between Sumitomo (8053.T), KDDI (9433.T) and Mongolia's Newcom. Cosmetics giant Shiseido Co Ltd (4911.T) is currently establishing a presence in Mongolia, and Itochu Corp (8001.T) is invested in Hopu-backed Winsway Coking Coal.
Japanese firms Marubeni (8002.T) and Mitsubishi (8058.T) are exploring uranium projects in the country, Ito added.
London, too, is seeking Mongolian candidates for its AIM board, where companies from China and elsewhere are listed, while Australia's ASX (ASX.AX) is promoting its experience in natural resources, touting the listing of Mongolia-focussed Hunnu Coal (HUN.AX) as a springboard for more Mongolia IPOs.
Cabinet releases export data for miners operating in TT
June 16 (www.open-government.mn) Government Press Office website releases the following info regarding coal mining in TT and Nariin Suhait.
1.Export datas for 5 companies: Tavan Tolgoi JSC and Energy Resources, operating on TT of Tsogttsetsii Soum, and Mongolyn Alt (MAK), Chinhua-MAK-Nariin Suhait, and Southgobi Sands (of Southgobi Resources), operating in Nariin Suhait Coal Deposit of Gurvantes Soum (both soums are located in Umnugovi Aimag).
In 2009 exports:
Tavan Tolgoi JSC ("Little TT") - 2,6 mln tones
Energy Resources LLC (ER) - 1.4 mln
Mongolyn Alt LLC (MAK) - 1.6 mln
Chinhua-MAK Nariin Suhait 0.73 mln
SouthGobi Sands LLC (SGS) - 1.327 mln
In total 7657 thousand tonnes.
In 2010, they plan to export:
2.6, 3.8, 3, 1.1, 2.5 mln tonnes respectively.
In total 13 mln tonnes.
As of May 2010, they have exported:
0.6, 0.8, 1.4, 0.33, 0.7 mln tonnes of coal respectively
The article further says that Erdenes MGL SOE and QGX is working to export a million tonnes each this year.
2. Currently coal from UHG and TT JSC is transported by 9 contractors, 225 kms to "Tsagaan Had" coal offloading point, 20 kms from the Gashuun Suhait border point. 1000 trucks with 80 ton capacity is transporting 300 tru%ckloads a day, the article says.
Coal from MAK, Chinhua-MAK-Nariin Suhait and SGS is transported 56 kms to Shivee Huren Border Point by 500 trucks
3. 56 km paved road from Nariin Suhait to Shivee Huren to be completed in August this year. Construction began in 2007 and 50% complete.
4. Border point capacity
Gashuun Suhait Border Point operates from 08:00-22:00, and closed on Sunday. 300 transport vehicles cross the point daily.
Traffic in connection with OT is estimated to increase by 50-150 trucks. Further, border traffic is suspended from 12:00-14:30 in connection with China's customs schedule. Traffic is increasing significantly to a point where trucks often stay overnight at the border.
Government is currently working to open the border 24/7 and has decided to allocate the necessary funds in this year's budget.
5. Coal is offloaded and loaded 3 times before crossing the border. Government is working to decrease this number.
6. Local authorities
Tsogtsetsii soum's decision to auction off 11 points in Erdenes MGL's TT land to transporters was deemed illegal and the auction was postponed the Government Representative.
SGS has requested the government to review whether Gurvantes soum's decision to auction off land in SGS's licensed area to SGS itself is illegal. Land permits are required from soum or aimag authorities even on mining licensed areas. SGS wants to use its own licensed land to build coal stockpile, facilities to improve working conditions, and coal processing plant.
7. Government represantive's work
8. Short-term tasks to be carried out
Groundbreaking ceremony for UHG to Gashuun Suhait Road
June 16 (summarized by Mogi from www.open-government.mn) On the same article above Government Press Office announces the start of a 245 km paved road from Energy Resources UHG mine in TT to the Gashuun Suhait Border Point. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 27.
Present were the Government Representative in Umnugovi Aimag, Umnugovi Governor, governors of Tsogttsetsii (where TT is located), Bayan-Ovoo, Deputy Governor of Khanbogd Soum (county in Umnugovi where OT is located) (the governor of Khanbogd Soum was detained a few weeks ago on charges of granting illegal gold export licenses to Chinese individuals and is still detained as far as I know), contracters and transporters.
7 companies, National Development, ESTO, Erdene Zam, World Eruna, Jiliin Mandal, MonRoad, Nasny Zam (*actual names in English may differ) are contracted to build the paved road within this year.
The article further says the road will be able to carry 100 tonne trucks and is unique in that only Mongolian companies were chosen to construct it.
MERITUS RECEIVES RESULTS OF UP TO 231.2g Au/t FROM FLOAT SAMPLES AT MONGOLIAN GOLD PROJECT
June 16, Vancouver, B.C.: Meritus Minerals Ltd. (MML) (C-MER) is pleased to announce that it has now received results from recent sampling at the Gutain Davaa Project in Mongolia. An independent consultant, who is preparing a NI 43-101 report to satisfy the requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange, and Meritus staff collected samples from the Toordogiin Shil and Toordogiin Hayr Prospects at Gutain Davaa during a recent visit.
At Toordogiin Hayr Prospect, Meritus collected eight samples and the consultant two. All were float collected from a ridge top where exposure was poor. Three of these samples gave very high gold grades of 115.97g Au/t; 125.69g Au/t; 231.28g Au/t respectively. With these 10 samples and the 9 float samples previously collected by Troy, 8 of them have given gold assays between 115.97g Au/t and 542.4g Au/t, and three have returned values between 0.10g Au/t and 1.0g Au/t.
There has thus been an unusually high percentage (42%) of very high-grade gold bearing samples (+100g Au/t) collected from this area.
The samples were assayed by Actlabs Asia LLC in their laboratory in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia, by Fire Assay using a 50gram charge and AAS finish.
Inflation reaches 16.1 percent in Ulaanbaatar
June 14 (news.mn) Inflation at the end of May was 13.1 percent nationwide and 16.1 percent in Ulaanbaatar, where meat prices rose 50 percent and that of vegetables 20 percent. There are concerns that the inflation rate would rise to the level of two years ago, when it stood at 34 percent, with the price of wheat and flour rising the most.
The consumer price index last month was up by 3.2 percent nationwide, and 4.2 percent in Ulaanbaatar. The CPI usually rises by no more than 2 percent a month, and the present higher rate is also traced to the meat price. Price of beverages also rose by 6.4 percent in May, while fuel and diesel prices rose by 2.7-4.2 percent. Inter-city transportation expenses rose by 25 percent last year.
Men constitute 76.3 percent of the unemployed. The poverty rate stands at over 35 percent for the third year in a row. People between 16-34 are 54.7 percent of the registered unemployed.
Entrée Files NI 43-101 Technical Report on Hugo North Extension and Heruga Development Options
VANCOUVER, June 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Entrée Gold Inc. has filed a comprehensive NI 43-101 Technical Report ("ETR10") on SEDAR, which can be viewed in its entirety on www.sedar.com or Entrée's website at www.entreegold.com.
Table 1 After Tax NPV8% * After Tax NPV8%**
($ millions) ($ millions)
Reserve Case 79 129
LOM Sensitivity Case 176 327
- * Based on long term metal prices of: copper US$2.00/lb, gold US
$850/oz, silver US$13.50/oz, molybdenum US$13.50/lb
- ** Based on recent metal prices of: copper US$3.00/lb, gold US
$1200/oz, silver US$13.50/oz, molybdenum US$13.50/lb
- The LOM Sensitivity Case includes Inferred Resources. Under NI 43-101
guidelines inferred resources are too speculative to have economic
considerations applied to them that would allow categorization as
mineral reserves, and as such there is no certainty that the
Preliminary Assessment will be realized. The Reserve Case includes
Mineral Reserves identified at Entrée's Hugo North Extension and
Ivanhoe Mines' Hugo North underground operations. There is no
contribution from Heruga. Reserves from the Hugo North Extension are
included in the first lift of the underground block cave mine and
production could begin as early as Year 4.
Download ETR10 at: Link
Entree Receives Green Light for Merger with PacMag Metals
VANCOUVER, June 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Entree Gold Inc. is pleased to announce that the Federal Court of Australia has approved the schemes of arrangement ("Schemes") between PacMag Metals Limited ("PacMag") and its shareholders and optionholders to effect a merger between PacMag and Entree ("Transaction").
Mongolia Scales Back Bond Sale Plan to $500 Million
June 16 (Bloomberg) -- Mongolia's government scaled back its plans for global bond sales this year, after Europe's debt crisis drove up borrowing costs.
The government plans to raise $500 million selling bonds this year and the remainder of its $1.2 billion program according to market conditions, Batbayar Balgan, director general of the financial and economic policy department of Mongolia, said at a forum in Ulan Bator today. Finance Minister Sangajav Bayartsogt said in February that Mongolia planned to sell as much as $1.2 billion of bonds overseas this year, its first benchmark offering of dollar-denominated debt.
"The Greek and European countries' sovereign debt crisis has some impact on us," Chuluunbat Ochirbat, parliament member, Government of Mongolia, said at the Frontier Securities Mongolia Capital Raising Conference. "We will have to go for higher rates if we go global."
Mongolia is rated B1 by Moody's Investors Service, four levels below investment grade and on par with Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Standard & Poor's rates the nation BB-, the third- highest non-investment ranking.
Prophecy Resource Corp. and Northern Platinum Ltd. Sign Business Combination Agreement
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - June 15, 2010) - Prophecy Resource Corp and Northern Platinum Ltd. are pleased to announce that they have entered into a binding letter of agreement for a Business Combination through a proposed all share transaction.
Financial Terms of the Transaction
Pursuant to the Agreement, Prophecy will issue 0.5 common shares and 0.1 warrants for each common share of Northern Platinum held. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share of Prophecy at an exercise price of $0.80 that will expire 18 months following the Transaction closing date. All outstanding Northern options and warrants will be exchanged for options and warrants of Prophecy as discussed below.
The offer represents approximately $0.31 per each common Share of Northern Platinum based on Prophecy's closing share price of $0.62 as at June 14, 2010, representing a premium of 24.5% to Northern's 90 day volume-weighted average price as of June 14, 2010.
Aberdeen Reports Shareholders' Equity of $1.19 Per Share and Quarter End Financial Results
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 15, 2010) - ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL INC. (TSX:AAB) is pleased to announce that it has released its financial results for the first fiscal quarter of 2011, ending April 30, 2010.
During Q1 we added to positions in Dacha Capital, Forbes & Manhattan Coal ("Forbes Coal") and Temujin Mining. Temujin Mining is a private exploration and development company focused on the Oyu Tolgoi district of Mongolia with copper and gold projects. During the quarter we were successful in completing a financing to cover the cash portion of the acquisition costs for three very large copper-gold exploration projects. Temujin is currently planning preliminary exploration work, while planning for a drill program on its first target in the coming months.
Share rally runs out of steam
June 17 (Business Day) Close Australian stocks fell today, their first clear loss in seven days, with both banks and miners dragging on the main indexes.
At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 31.7 points, or 0.7 per cent, at 4527.3, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 25.1 points, or 0.5 per cent, to 4547.
Among major sub-indexes, financials were down 1 per cent, materials lost 0.8 per cent and energy shares fell 0.6 per cent.
The dollar declined for a second day on lower volumes as investors wait for further clarity to emerge about the sovereign debt situation in Europe. At the local close, the dollar was trading at $US0.8604, down 0.5 per cent from Wednesday's close of $US0.8648. It was also buying 78.57 yen and 70.13 euro cents.
Global mining giant BHP Billiton lost 41 cents to $38.82 and rival Rio Tinto fell $1.27 to $70.07.
Commodity prices were steady in overnight trade, Mr Spiteri said. ''Some of the gold stocks are better.''
Lihir Gold added 5 cents, or 1.2 per cent to $4.26 while Newcrest Mining gained 48 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to $34.64.
In news, Leighton Holdings jumped 70 cents, or 2.2 per cent, to $33.01 after the mining services company said it had won $1.5 billion worth of contracts in Australia and Indonesia.
Housing demand still strong in China, says Roach
June 17 (China Daily) NEW YORK - The property boom in China isn't a bubble because it is supported by "solid" demand for residential housing, according to Stephen Roach, chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia Ltd.
While portions of the real estate market such as high-end apartments are overheating, demand for residential homes will remain robust as rural Chinese migrate to bigger cities, Roach said.
"This is just a sliver of the property boom," Roach said, citing that each year since 2000, between 15 and 20 million people migrate to Beijing, Shanghai, and second- and third-tier cities in the mainland. That's two and a half New York Cities created annually, he said.
China's lawmakers have raised down payment requirements and mortgage rates and restricted loans for multiple-home buyers as they seek to dampen record property price gains.
Chinese stocks close lower Thursday
June 17 (Xinhua) BEIJING: Chinese equities reversed early gains and closed lower Thursday as China's last state-owned commercial bank began roadshow for its dual listings in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.74 percent to open at 2,588.97 but gave up its gains and fell 9.7 points, or 0.38 percent, to close at 2,560.25.
The Shenzhen Component Index went up 0.6 percent to open at 10,300.5 but also dropped 76.97 points, or 0.75 percent to end at 10,162.37.
The Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), began its roadshow for initial public offering and market expected a great amount of money will be locked during its subscription period till July 6.
According to the ABC prospectus, the rural lender plans to sell up to about 22.24 billion A-shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and up to 25.41 billion shares in Hong Kong, excluding an over-allotment option.
The bank would announce its IPO price range on June 29 and the final IPO price for its Shanghai listing on July 7.
Canadian Stocks Rise as U.S. Factory Production Beats Forecasts
June 16 (Bloomberg) -- Canadian stocks rose for a fifth day, the longest rally since April 26, as gold producers gained on demand for a haven from Europe's debt crisis and U.S. industrial production surpassed most economists' forecasts.
Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., which is developing the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia with Rio Tinto Group, rose 2.5 percent after an upgrade from TD. ...
The Standard & Poor's/TSX Composite Index climbed 13.51 points, or 0.1 percent, to 11,921.05. The S&P/TSX had advanced 4.1 percent from June 9 to yesterday as China exports, Japanese gross domestic product and U.S. consumer confidence increased more than most economists forecast.
Ivanhoe Mines, which owns stakes in coal, gold and base- metal producers, rose for a sixth day, rallying 2.5 percent to C$15.34 on the upgrade to "speculative buy" from "hold" by TD analyst Craig Miller. The analyst said he "would not be surprised" if a Chinese state-owned company buys a stake in the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia. The company declined to comment.
Asia Stocks, Metals Drop on Housing Starts; Yen Gains on Spain
June 17 (Bloomberg) -- Asian stocks dropped for the first time in six days and metals fell after U.S. housing starts plunged the most in more than a year. The yen gained as Spain's plan to publish bank stress tests renewed European debt concern.
The MSCI Asia Pacific Index declined 0.3 percent to 115.40 at 4 p.m. in Tokyo after five consecutive gains that pushed the gauge to a four-week high. ...
The MSCI Asia Pacific Index has lost 4.2 percent this year on concern that Greece and other European countries will struggle to curb their budget deficits. The Hong Kong and Taiwan markets reopened after a holiday and Chinese stocks resumed trading after a three-day break.
The yen climbed to 112.11 per euro in Tokyo from 112.56 in New York yesterday, when it fell to 113.32, the weakest level since June 4. The currency rose to 91.32 versus the greenback from 91.44, and gained 0.5 percent to 78.60 per Australian dollar. The euro declined to $1.2272 from $1.2311.
U.S. Stocks Retreat as Treasuries, Dollar Gain on Housing Data
June 16 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. stocks fell, Treasuries gained and the dollar strengthened against the euro after reports showed American housing starts declined the most in 14 months and FedEx Corp.'s profit forecast trailed estimates. Oil rose to a six-week high.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index slipped 0.1 percent to 1,114.61 at 4 p.m. in New York as about three stocks slumped for every two that rallied on U.S. exchanges. The measure had fallen as much as 0.7 percent earlier. Yields on 10-year Treasuries lost 4 basis points to 3.26 percent. The U.S. currency climbed 0.2 percent to $1.2312. Crude oil futures rose 0.9 percent to $77.67 a barrel.
"The recovery is not accelerating, it's decelerating, and there's reasons for investors to take a step back and evaluate," said David Kovacs, head of quantitative strategies at Turner Investment Partners in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, which manages $19 billion. FedEx "is a barometer of economic activity, and the fact that they missed relative to estimates indicates there are some clouds on the horizon."
The Securities and Exchange Commission trading curbs started going into effect on June 11. The program, which is being tested through December, pauses Standard & Poor's 500 Index stocks for five minutes when they rise or fall 10 percent in five minutes or less. Washington Post jumped 103 percent to $929.18 before the halt, then traded at $458.19 as of 4 p.m. in New York after the trading ban stopped.
FTSE higher for seventh day
June 17 (Reuters) - Strong gains from oil company BP (BP.L) hauled the top share index into positive ground for a seventh day on Thursday, outweighing falls from miners and defensive stocks hit by anxiety on Spanish debt
By 8:52 a.m. British time, the FTSE 100 .FTSE was 18.00 points, or 0.3 percent, higher at 5,255.92 after adding 0.4 percent on Tuesday, and is now on its longest winning streak since July.
Under intense pressure from U.S. President Barack Obama, BP said on Wednesday it was to set up a $20 billion fund for damage claims from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and sell assets and suspend dividend payments.
The EU and IMF on Wednesday denied a report they and the U.S. Treasury were drawing up a safety net for Spain. But worries about Spanish banks put pressure on yields and the market will be looking for the result of bank stress tests which Spain's central bank said would be published soon.
Retail sales, released at 9:30 a.m., were seen rising 0.1 percent month-on-month in May and 2.0 percent year-on-year. The Confederation of British Industry industrial trends data was expected to show a reading of -16 for June, from -18 in May.
"Mogi" Munkhdul Badral
CPS Mongolia
Email: email@example.com
Mobile: +976-99996779
CPS Mongolia is a marketing arm of CPS Securities in Mongolia. CPS Securities is a Perth, Western Australia based ASX Licensed Financial Services Company. To trade ASX stocks, feel free to contact me at email@example.com or +976-9999-6779.


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June 1, 2016 veterans, volunteers, and city leaders collect donations in front of the 2 Works for You studios. This Food 2 Families event is a partnership between the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and 2 Works for You benefiting the Coffee Bunker and BRRX4Vets.
PHOTOS: Food drive benefiting veterans
Posted: 1:09 PM, Jun 01, 2016
Updated: 2016-06-01 19:34:48-04

subset: commoncrawl


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Judge Rules Against Company that Allegedly Sold "Hacked" Code to CIA
CIA Acquired the Pirated Software for Use in Drone Program, Lawsuit Claims
A small Massachusetts tech company scored a significant victory in court this week in a lawsuit in which the CIA has been accused of purchasing pirated software code for its Predator Drone program.
A judge in Suffolk County Superior Court in Boston ruled that a breach-of-contract claim filed against the company, Intelligent Integration Systems Inc., or IISI, by Marlborough, Mass-.based computer maker Netezza Corp. should be dismissed. In fact, the judge's ruling states, it was Netezza that improperly terminated its contract with IISI.
In addition, the judge ruled that IISI was not required to develop software for a new data-warehouse computer that Netezza had allegedly sold to the CIA for use in the agency's drone program.
The lawsuit, filed in November 2009, revolves around a series of claims and counterclaims related to a sophisticated, analytical software program, known as Geospatial, that was developed by Boston-based IISI and is capable of integrating at high speeds spatial data, such as maps and visual images, with non-visual data, such as names and phone numbers.
The essential argument in the lawsuit between Netezza and IISI boils down to whether IISI was required to create another version of its Geospatial software for a new high-speed data-warehouse computer product that was launched by Netezza last year and ultimately sold to a major government client, which IISI pleadings allege is the CIA. Both parties in the case agree that IISI did sell a version of Geospatial to Netezza that was designed to operate on that company's prior data warehouse platform, called the Netezza Performance Server.
However, IISI argues that, per a contract agreement between the two companies, it was not required to develop a new version of its software to operate on Netezza's latest hardware product, dubbed the TwinFin — unveiled publicly in 2009.
Netezza claimed otherwise and allegedly, according to IISI's pleadings for summary judgment in the case, unilaterally cancelled its contract with ISSI and also "hacked" ISSI's Geospatial source code "and created a version of Geospatial that ran on the TwinFin, though very imperfectly, which it delivered to the CIA in October 2009, and which the CIA accepted."
[See this link for a previous Narco News story detailing the entire case.]
Following are excerpts from the judge's ruling, issued yesterday, Aug. 20:
The Court concludes that IISI was not contractually obligated to make its Geospatial software product work on Netezza's TwinFin appliance [computer]. Because Netezza thus has no reasonable expectation of proving its claim that IISI breached an obligation under the Agreement by refusing to make its Geospatial software operate without error on the TwinFin appliance, summary judgment shall enter for ISSI on Netezza's breach of contract count.
… A judgment shall also enter … declaring that Netezza Corp. did not have good cause to terminate its 2008 Purchase and Distribution agreement with Intelligent Integration System Inc.
Several additional claims made against Netezza by ISSI are still pending before the court, including a request for an injunction "prohibiting Netezza from continuing to manufacture, distribute or market" any products that are "derived from, in whole or in part, any one or more of (or any portion of)" ISSI's products.
The judge is expected as early as next week to address those claims as well as the question of whether there will be additional discovery in the case, sources tell Narco News.
The stakes for the publicly traded Netezza (NYSE-NZ) with respect to those unresolved legal claims appear to be significant, based on information revealed in its fiscal year 2010 report to security holders, which is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission:
We have history of losses and we may not maintain profitability in the future. We have been profitable for the last three fiscal years generating net income of $4.2 million in fiscal 2010, $31.5 million in fiscal 2009 and $2.0 million in fiscal 2008, but we had not been profitable in any prior fiscal period As of January 31, 2010, our accumulated deficit was $43.4 million.
…. Nearly all of our revenue is derived from sales and service of our data warehouse appliance product family [such as the TwinFin] and we expect that this product family will account for substantially all of our revenue for the foreseeable future. If the data warehouse market declines or our data warehouse appliance products fail to maintain or achieve greater market acceptance, we will not be able to grow our revenues sufficiently to maintain profitability.
…. In November 2009 we filed a lawsuit against Intelligent Integration Systems Inc., former solutions provider to Netezza that we refer to as IlSi, alleging that IlSi breached an agreement with us…. In January 2010, IlSi filed an answer and counterclaim in response to our complaint in which IlSi alleges that we breached our contract with IlSi…. In its counterclaim lISi seeks unspecified monetary damages, an injunction requiring us to return its trade secrets and proprietary information, costs and attorneys fees. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against IlSis counterclaims However the prosecution of our lawsuit against IlSi and the defense against IlSi's counterclaims may require significant investment of time and financial resources.
So it seems clear the outcome of the litigation with ISSI has important implications for Netezza's future business prospects.
What isn't so clear at this point is how ISSI will address any possible misappropriation of its intellectual property (specifically, the alleged acceptance of the "hacked," and faulty Geospatial software) by the U.S. government via the CIA for supposed use in the Predator Drone program, which involves the use of unmanned aircraft to target and kill people in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
A judge in the state of Massachusetts court system would appear to have little power to address that broader federal question, though it seems to be a matter which raises implications that should be of real concern for a far larger constituency than ISSI.
The judge's ruling in the ISSI/Netezza lawsuit can be found at this link.
Stay tuned ….
- Bill Conroy's blog
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My dysthymia has gotten better. My average mood is not as low as it used to be. And my dives into deep depression are not as deep, nor as frequent.
All of which is fantabulous.
But the downside I'm being reminded of now?
It means I've lost many of my coping mechanisms.
So this deeper bout I'm going through today I am totally stuck by. I'm not as practiced (and thus as good) at shaking it off.
Stupid depression stupid.
Can't better just mean better?


text: I am a research assistant with Nemours Biomedical Research at the A.I. duPont Hospital for Children. Our lab studies the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease, which is a disorder of the myelin sheath. My project focuses on genomic duplications in the PLP1 region of the X-chromosome, characterizing inflammatory neurodegeneration in a mouse model, and developing treatment regimens. I am interested in neurodegenerative disease in general, and hope to stay in this field in a postdoctoral position. Outside of the lab, my passion is science communication. I have written guest blog posts for PLoS Neuro, HeadStuff.org, and Bitesize Bio and I maintain a blog of my own (http://neurocultureblog.wordpress.com). I focus on issues such as mental health and thriving in grad school.


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I am an unabashed capitalist! I believe that government should have limited powers. Most importantly, I believe that individuals should help their fellow man. You can email me at myreputo-at-yahoo-dot-com if you have any suggestions on things you want me to write about.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Quick, Who is the New Miss USA?
OK, I'll give you a hint, the state has a direction in the name, and it isn't North Dakota or South Carolina?
Still can't figure it out? Here's another hint. This state is the home of NCAA Basketball Champions North Carolina? (Psst. It's not California.)
Give up. That's OK, no one else in America knows, including Miss USA and Donald Trump. Thanks to the agenda of one blogger (how is it possible that someone becomes famous from blogging?), Perez Hilton, the Miss USA pageant has become more irrelevant than it was before.
I'll admit, I didn't watch the pageant. Not only that I didn't even know it was on until I read the news the next day. In fact, my wife (who used to be in pageants) said to me when I told her about it, "They had a Miss USA pageant recently?"
Whoever the Miss USA really is has not been in the news at all. Every day though there are a half dozen new stories about runner-up Miss California. To say that she is the most famous runner up in history is an understatement. For example, the runner up to Vanessa Williams, who became Miss America when Vanessa resigned, is a complete unknown. But 2009 will go down in history as the year that Miss USA wasn't, but Miss California took it all.
Why this controversy? Because Mr. Hilton asked her a question about gay marriage and didn't like her answer. For your reading pleasure here is the question and the answer.
Perez:"Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage, do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?"
Not a bad question I might add. It deals with a current issue and clearly forces the respondent to take a definite stand. No world peace answers possible for this. Personally, I think if pageants are trying to show that they are more than pretty girls who can strut in a bikini and heels then they need more hard hitting questions like this.
California:"Well I think it is great that Americans can choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same sex marriage or opposite marriage and you know what, in my country and in my family I think that I think that marriage should be between a man and a woman, no offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be between a man and a woman."
This constitutes an "anti-gay" statement? We are now to assume that Miss California is a bigot because of this? Go back and read the answer (and the question). Some in the gay community are up in arms because they don't agree with her answer. She's not enlightened enough to realize that everyone supports gay marriage. There is no way she could represent America. Guess what? She doesn't. And Miss America doesn't either. More on that in a minute.
I think her answer stinks because it is very much like a politician. She never answered the question. OK, so she didn't botch it up like the girl from South Carolina a few years ago that couldn't find the US or Iraq on a map, but she never answered the question. The question can be answered in two parts. First, yes or no (to the question of should all states make gay marriage legal). I assume she means no, but never says it. Second, the reason why. "Because that is the way I was raised" is a lousy reason to be in favor or against gay marriage. It would have been better if she had have shown she understood what the country actually was, 50 individual states with laws of their own, governed by their own people, who happen to have different ideas and want to be goverened in different ways. In other words. No, each state should decide for themselves and while 4 states have decided (or their judges decided) that gay marriage is a right, more than 30 states have decided by constitutional amendment or statute that marriage is only between one man and one woman. Now that would have answered the question.
But this isn't the objections. Miss California is painted as anti-gay. Mr. Hilton goes on a name calling rant about her, which leads me to believe that no one would have scored points with him unless they came out in full support of gay marriage anytime, anywhere. Miss California's answer (while I still say it was a non-answer), does not contain any negative statements about gays or their lifestyle. She simply says she believes marriage is between a man and a woman.
Now for the real kicker. Having not watched anything else in the pageant, take the next bit with a grain of salt. In spite of Mr. Hilton admitting that he gave her 0 points for her answer. She still got first runner up. Which means, all of the other judges thought her answer was very appropriate (and some may have given her more points than the unknown winner). Plus, watching the video on Youtube, there is quite distinct cheering in the audience (positive supportive cheering) for her answer. I couldn't make out any boos. So a portion of the audience liked her answer too. (And that pesky fact about 30+ states not wanting gay marriage, so at least half of the populations of those states like her answer). Of course it is always possible that every other girl except the winner botched their question.
I read one article about how Miss California could sue for emotional trauma. I don't think she will. She showed that she was the classy one. Even her director's are being petty and saying that she shouldn't have answered that question that way. What? So, instead of promoting a girl who stands for what she believes, you want her to capitulate to whatever will "win her the crown?" So who has the higher standards? Frankly, if I was Miss USA (the one that won remember) I would consider suing Perez Hilton and the Miss California directors for making my title meaningless.
Let's go back to the point I made of why Miss USA and Miss America don't represent the US. From my wife I have learned a lot about the whole pageant genre. Miss America started out as a gimmick (yes, a gimmick) to try and get people to stay at the Atlantic City beach longer. What better way to do this then parade beautiful young girls in swimsuits (the bikini had not yet been invented).
After a few decades, the Miss USA pageant was started by a disgruntled sponsor (a swimwear company) because the Miss America winner wasn't going to wear their skimpy bathing suits. So while Miss America was trying to be the all american girl and added talent competition (to get away from the beauty pageant image and get towards a scholarship program, they didn't fool us). Miss USA on the other hand was all about being a model - which made their interview competition ridiculous, because who cares whether they have a brain if your goal is to get them on the runway). When this "representing America" idea came about I don't know, but it was so bad that at one event, an American flag wasn't present so they said the pledge of allegiance to Miss America (who was present). That seems a little creepy to me. I wonder what else the organizers forgot besides the flag. Common sense maybe?
In any event, Miss USA was about tasteful bikinis and Miss America was about one piece suits. They were still trying to project this good girl image. Then the ratings started falling off. Why? I have a theory. Before the middle of the 80's, the only time you were going to see a glimpse of beautiful girls in swimsuits was on the televised pageants. So husbands, boyfriends, and teenagers would gladly watch the first part with their wifes, girlfriends, and moms because it was all about showing a well rounded young lady. "Oh yeah, I agree, show me some more skin please." Sure every now and then Charlie's Angels or Magnum PI would have a beauty at the beach, but by and large, displays of swimwear were not shown on regular TV.
Then Baywatch came. All of the sudden our acting standards and our viewing standards plummetted. Now, we could watch girls in bikinis every week. And it only got worse. In the 90's partial nudity on TV became OK. Cable TV exploded, and the internet was beginning to come of age. Now we have Girls Gone Wild and reality TV to satiate our appetites.
During all of this, the pageant world was always a step behind. Miss America finally allowed two piece suits (although no belly button showing) and Miss USA's began using less and less material. As ratings sank further, they tried to play around with the format. Showing less bikini's ended up with even lower ratings. Eventually, Miss America lost their network contract and had to bounce around on third tier cable networks. They attempted a reality show, however lacked all of the conniving, backbiting, and general salaciousness of the other reality shows so it flopped. Both have resorted to string bikini's and within five years will be mandating Brazilian microkinis. Alas, both are so far behind the debauchery that can be seen on prime time TV that even that won't work.
In the midst of all of this is the scandals that have plagued them. While it should be expected, an organization involving hundreds or thousands of contestants is bound to have a few bad apples, it does make keeping the "good girl" image difficult. Vanessa mentioned before got kicked out for posing nude (before she was Miss America). Now, former playboy playmate Shanna Moakler is one of the California directors who criticized Miss California. So which is it? Do your organizations promote pornography or not?
You look at the recent items of pageant winners: drug use, underage drinking, pregnancy, raunchy photos, etc. and you begin to wonder, are there any "good girls" left in America? The answer of course is yes, and they don't even need to parade around in a bikini on national television to feel validated.
By the way, the winner was Miss North Carolina. Unfortunately, few people besides her friends and family know or care.
1 comment:
I agree that controversy of her comment is pretty lame. She didn't really take a stance or answer a question. She was too concerned with offending the judge, that she hem-hawed her response. If the winner had any amount of conviction behind her answer, she should have won the pageant.ReplyDelete
The problem is her answer, and it's delivery, really had no conviction and resulted in a non-answer. It's typical of the 'training' top pageant girls receive and it is shameful. To make a woman sound diplomatic, pageant trainers teach clients to not 'offend' anyone. So, it makes sense that on a question that should have a Yes or a No answer, the contestant opted to not say Yes or No, so they didn't 'offend' anyone. I'm offended! Answer the question already.
Pageant judges are not supposed to score you down because of what you believe, but whether you answer the question and back it up with a reason. And most judges do that.
But here's the big thing. The controversy started because some non-entity (a blogger) was allowed to judge the 'big show.' Then to gather more publicity, the non-entity asked a controversial question dear to his heart. The contestant answered weakly, but opposite of an answer he supported, and he went off on it. So, this non-entity with an insignificant website, is now receiving huge traffic. Not because he is a valuable member of society, but because he ranted about the answer, the news media said, "He viciously attacked this person", and he can laugh all the way to the bank for the good fortune he has. Luckily his 15 minutes of fame, the 1st runner-up, and even the new Miss USA, is about to run out. That is unless Miss USA trips in her evening gown this year, making it three years in a row that Miss USA can not walk and wear expensive clothes at the same time.


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From our hotel in San Candido you can start on pleasurable excursions. The entire Val Pusteria offers extraordinary villages that you should visit during your excursions. Be it less demanding hikes or mountaineering adventures in high altitudes, more and more guests are choosing the Dolomites for their active holidays.
Wonderful routes, paths, alpine huts and refuges await hikers of all skills. Between one excursion and the other you can stop in a hut to taste typical South Tyrolean products. Far away from crowded centres you can enjoy the most unique flora and fauna, the scent of nature, and healthy air.


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At Weiss Memorial Hospital
You may have access to two separate patient portals based on where you receive care. If you've been admitted to Weiss Memorial Hospital, the Weiss Memorial Hospital Inpatient Portal is your access to health information. If you have seen a doctor at the Weiss Arvey Internal Medicine and Podiatry Clinic, you have access to a separate tool to gain secure and convenient access to health records.
The newest way to view, download and transmit your up-to-date health information, all from the convenience and privacy of your own home, or anywhere Internet access is available – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can:
Please note – you can only access this portal if you have:
Click here to sign in to the Weiss Memorial Hospital Inpatient Portal.
For 24/7 login support to the Weiss Memorial Hospital Inpatient Portal, please contact 866-735-2963, Option 1
If you have seen a doctor at the Arvey Internal Medicine and Podiatry Residency Clinic you are able to enroll in our Online Patient Portal. Through the online Patient Portal, you have secure, convenient online access to a number of services, including:
Please note: to be able to access the Patient Portal, you must have been seen by a participating doctor and have received a secure PIN from your doctor.
Click here to sign in to the Weiss Arvey Internal Medicine and Podiatry Clinic Patient Portal.
Chicago Health Medical Group (CHMG), a proud partner of Weiss Memorial Hospital, also has portal for patients to access medical records, messages, forms, online billpay and appointment requests, for patients of CHMG doctors.
Click here to access the Chicago Health Medical Group portal


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In this collection, the authors begin by discussing the characteristics of current mechanical circulatory support devices, their documented problems, management strategies for their use, and new devices currently in development. To manage cardiogenic shock, we need to keep in mind three objectives: adequate organ perfusion, unloading of heart chambers, and adjusting body fluid levels. Short-term mechanical circulatory support plays an important role in managing cardiogenic shock when medical management has failed and the patient's condition is deteriorating.
In the following chapter, an overview is provided focusing on the developing state of the art of continuous-flow mechanical circulatory support technology available today for clinical use, devices that are being introduced into clinical practice, and some technologies that are in development. With longer duration of pump use and increasing number of devices implanted, medical professionals worldwide are obtaining more knowledge on the unique physiological interactions of mechanical circulatory devices with the patient's body. The goal of the concluding review are to provide the infectious diseases practitioner with a brief introduction to the general anatomy and physiology of an LVAD, pre-implantation infectious disease management guidance, and an understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of LVAD infections. Methods for the diagnosis and characterization of these infections and suggest medical and surgical approaches for management are also addressed.


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I just finished uploading this House for sale, 4586 UNDERWOOD AVENUE, North Vancouver, BC
Have school age kids? Imagine living in this 3 bedroom updated-for-your-family gem that's situated in a child-friendly, park-like neighbourhood within 4 blocks of Upper Lynn Elem. In recent years, several beautiful updates to thoroughly modernize the kitchen, dining & living rooms and all 3 bathrooms, replaced the roof, windows & furnace, and painted exterior of house. More subtle features include heated floors in kitchen & bathrooms, central vacuum, in-ceiling speakrs, kitchen wine fridge, Murphy bed d/stairs, sundeck outlets for gas bbq/heater (patio too) & hot/cold water (think dog wash). Gorgeous gardens in sunny fully fenced flat backyard. Minutes to hiking/biking trails. Come see for yourself!


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2015 Land Rover LR4 - Driven
The Land Rover Discovery has been around since 1989 as the British automaker fought for more sales beyond its Defender and the upmarket Range Rover. Three generations of Discos have past and the fourth is currently in production; and recently could be spotted in my driveway. This newest member of the Discovery family still carries the same iconic themes as the original, but now shoots for a market that's decidedly more posh, yet it still undercuts the Range Rover on both price and luxuries.
Speaking on those themes, the LR4 is unmistakably the great grandson of 1989 model. Check out that stepped roof and the tall greenhouse. Take a look at uniquely shaped rear window. The cues are hard to miss. The same goes for the inside as well. Though completely modernized, the LR4 still carries five passengers in the first two rows and offers additional seating for two smaller folks in the twin jump seats located out back.
So what's the Land Rover like to live with? Keep on reading to find out.
Continue reading for the full review
Transmission:eight-speed auto
Horsepower @ RPM:340
Torque @ RPM:332
Displacement:3.0 L
0-60 time:7.7 sec.
Top Speed:121 mph
Layout:Front Engine, AWD w/ Low Range
car segment:
body style:
As I mentioned above, the Land Rover LR4 carries those unmistakable looks that made the original Discovery so popular and recognizable. But what's new about the LR4 that the LR3 – or third-generation Discovery as it's called nearly everywhere else besides the U.S. – didn't have? Well for one, the LR4 has a more high-end look to it. Clear lenses and LED lighting elements front and back lend a more flashy appearance, while a redesigned front grille and headlight assembly make for a less plastic-y appearance.
My tester came with the Black Design Package. For an extra $3,500, the 20-inch wheels, grille, side vents, hood lettering, badges, and roof rails all come in a glossy black finish. That's an expensive appearance package, but it does look good offset by the Fuji White paint job. Land Rover went beyond the grille when de-plastifying the Discovery. The LR3's black plastic fender moldings are now body color on the LR4, as are more surface area on the front and rear bumpers.
Beyond appearances, the LR4 offers plenty of functionality. Loosen a few plastic screws front and rear, and you've got access to frame-mounted recovery points. The one in back is a substantial hunk of steel ready to pull lesser vehicles to safety. Below that is Land Rover's unique, vertical-mounted trailer hitch receiver. It takes a special adapter in order to use a standard two-inch receiver hitch, but with all the right parts, the LR4 will lug 7,716 pounds worth of trailer.
Inside the LR4, Land Rover's recent attention to detail is noticeable. The dashboard's overall design is well laid out and purposeful in its function, while also recalling cues from the LR3's instrument panel. Thankfully the sea of black plastics have been replaced by upscale materials like leather. What isn't leather is a soft rubber material that seems easy to clean and resistant to fade.
Fit and finish are spot on as well. There are no squeaks, rattles, or miss-fitting panels. Everything seems well placed. Buttons have a soft feel when depressing them and knobs provide a smooth resistance in their turning. Up top is Jaguar Land Rover's typical infotainment system. Like in my other JLR test vehicles, the system works well and is comprehensive on what it controls, but is sometimes slow to respond to touch. Included in the system is Land Rover's 4x4i system, which displays all the happenings with the LR4's wheels and locking differentials when in off-road mode.
Speaking of off-road, the LR4 also carries Land Rover's fantastic Terrain Response 2 system. The control center features a rocker switch that toggles between the five off-road settings and a bank of switches that control high- and low-range gears, hill decent control, and the four-corner air suspension. But more on that later.
While the interior is a great place to spend time, the rear seats did provide a challenge when folding them. Gaining access to the third row seats requires pulling two separate levers in order to tumble the second row outboard seats. Even still, the mechanism was hard to operate. I couldn't imagine a kid having to do it. Folding the third row is no simpler. A lever resides just outboard of the bottom seat cushion and is hard to reach from outside the vehicle. Climbing and stretching are needed for folks my size (five foot, six inches) to get the seats up or down.
The same goes for the second row seats. Folding them flat requires a pull of one lever to release the seatbacks, then the pull of a second lever to get the seat to kneel. Sure, the system works, but it's showing its age. That's especially true when considering push-button folding seats are the norm in $60,000 SUVs.
Powertrain & Underpinnings
Under the hood of the LR4 lies a familiar engine to JLR fans. It's the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 that's also found in a myriad of Jaguar products such as the F-Type. In this application, the V-6 offers up 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. That's enough grunt to move this 5,600-pound SUV to 60 mph in just under eight seconds.
Backing the V-6 is ZF's electronically controlled, eight-speed automatic transmission. Like every other application the transmission is used in, it is controlled by an electronic shifter. Jaguar Land Rover is fond of its rising rotary dial and the LR4 shows no exception. The transmission shifts very smoothly under normal acceleration and offers snappy shifts under hard throttle. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters give the driver manual control of shifting.
Of course, the Land Rover is nothing without its class-leading AWD system. The full-time system offers great all-weather confidence by sending power to whatever wheel needs the torque. When the going gets tough, the LR4 will automatically lock its center differential, providing a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear axles. Like the Range Rover and LR3 before it, the LR4 boasts a four-corner air suspension that both offers a smooth ride and adapts to changing terrains. By pushing the dash-mounted button, the LR4 grows in height to provide excellent ground clearance. The only major trade-off with the air suspension is the higher the system rides, the less comfortable the ride becomes.
Jaguar Land Rover has been making strides to go all aluminum in many of its vehicles' construction. Unfortunately for the LR4, its transformational diet has yet to happen. Though it pays the price in weight and fuel consumption, the LR4's body-on-frame design is tougher than nails – exactly what you'd want when exploring African jungles or South American mountains.
Driving Impressions
Unless you've driven a cab-over truck, you'll never experience a more visually impressive view of the road. The seating position inside the LR4's tall cabin is high – very high. The low, sloping hood and upright windshield provide an unparalleled view forward while the large side windows and tall roof give excellent views rearward. Fold the third row seats flat and the view directly behind is impressive as well.
On the road, the LR4 handles well for such a tall vehicle. Make no mistake though: this is not a sports car. Where the Range Rover will give vibes of "Yes boss, I'd be happy to pass that car," the LR4 says "Why are you in such a hurry? Look at the view!" Nevertheless, on-center feel from the leather-wrapped wheel is good, while off-center turns are rather heavy. Slow maneuvers are unusually heavy, in fact – much heavier than the Range Rover's steering system. While this might pose challenging in technical off-roading, I got acclimated to it within a day or so of normal driving.
Acceleration is modest and smooth, unless you bury the throttle. At that point, the V-6 wakes up, the transmission downshifts several gears, and the LR4 lurches forward with much effort. Braking feel is good and stopping distances are average.
The LR4 also shows its age when it comes to fuel consumption. The EPA rates it at 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. During my week-long stint with the Land Rover, I averaged right at 16 mpg. Oh, and the supercharged V-6 requires premium fuel. Needless to say, this SUV is not for hypermilers.
Land Rover has kept its luxury appeal with the LR4 without making it exorbitantly expensive. The base price starts at $50,400. My tester came far more equipped than the base model, however. It was loaded with the HSE Luxury package. The $10,200 upgrade includes the premium leather seats, ambient lighting, center console cooler box, power-adjustable steering column, 825-watt Meridian sound system, and SiriusXM radio.
Beyond that, the tester came equipped with the $1,350 Heavy Duty package, which includes the two-speed transfer case (rather than the standard, single-speed unit), rock crawl mode, a full-size spare, and the locking rear differential. Additionally, there is the $650 towing package, the $350 black interior trim upgrade, and the $3,500 Black Design Package mentioned earlier.
Tack on the $800 destination fee and this LR4 totals out to $68,000.
2015 Audi Q7
While the Audi Q7 is getting a welcomed refresh for 2016, the 2015 model is still one the LR4's direct competitors. However, the Audi certainly favors competing on paved roads, even with its Quatro AWD system. The Q7 offers a more upscale, car-like interior than the Land Rover, along with three engine options consisting of two supercharged 3.0-liter V-6s and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel. The Q7 offers more sport than it does utility, though three rows of seats offer room for seven.
Pricing wise, the Audi undercuts the LR4 by a smidge. The Q7's starting price begins at $47,700.
Read our review of the Audi Q7 here
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Ok, so the Jeep Grand Cherokee might not be on the same level luxury-wise as the LR4 or Audi Q7, but the Jeep does give the Land Rover a run for its money off-road. Like the LR4's Terrain Response system, the Jeep offers its Selec-Terrain traction control system. Selec-Terrain has settings for snow, sand, mud, and rock, along with an auto mode. An available air suspension gives the Grand Cherokee a variable ride height like the LR4 as well.
The Jeep also offers three engine choices. Customers can choose from the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, or the fuel-sipping 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6.
Prices for the Grand Cherokee start at $38,965 for a 4WD version equipped with the Selec-Terrain system. Check all the boxes on the order form, and you'll get the price to max out just under $60,000.
Read our review of the Jeep Grand Cherokee here
All told, the Land Rover LR4 is an amazing machine that holds true to its go-anywhere heritage while wearing a tuxedo. Its supercharged V-6 powerplant offers enough grunt to muster the SUV around town while giving more than ample torque when heading off road. Its comfortable interior affords one of the best outward view of any modern automobile and its folding rear seats offer as much utility as a small cargo van.
With the price of luxury vehicles growing ever higher these days, it's nice to know Land Rover offers one that still has plenty of capability wrapped behind its pretty LED lights and leather-wrapped interior. The LR4 might not be the most posh or flashy luxury ride on the market today, but it sure fights for first place in the utility category.


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Designed and produced in the USA, the Ali Duffel is an elevated take on a classically athletic bag. The roomy main compartment is made from heavyweight water-repellent canvas, which is extremely durable, and gets better with use. The color blocked bottom and striped handles add a touch of color.
The nylon lining protects the bags exterior from any spills or stains on the inside, and the leather accents lend a premium feel and understated sophistication.
- 19.5" L x 10.5" H x 10.5" W
- Heavyweight water-repellent canvas body
- Water resistant nylon lining
- Printed interior Pursuit of Greatness graphic
- Embossed leather tag
- Two way exterior zipper closure, interior zipper pocket
- Adjustable / removable shoulder strap


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Sep 30, 2019
We do a deep dive review on Tapestry the Board Game.
We cover some Board Game News on : Board Game Geek – Changes to BGG Mechanisms (AGAIN), CMON Time Machine Kickstarter, WizKids Announced a Remastered Edition of Sidereal Confluence coming in May 2020, Rise of tribes, ! The "Standard" Edition is only available at...
Sep 23, 2019
In this episode we cover the
games Parks, Medium, Race for the Chinese Zodiac. We
go over the latest fBoard Gaming news including
American Tabletop Awards 2019, Root Role Playing game on, BGG Changes to Mechanisms, Pandasaurus Games Godspeed (has a Dino Island promo as an add-on) and FFG Arkham Horror Nights...
Sep 15, 2019
In this episode we talk about Imaginarium, Modern Art, Wind the Film. We cover the latest in Board Game News about Dice Tower, Kickstarter, and new games.
We then start our list of our Top 10 Strategy Board Games of all Time.
Sep 8, 2019
In this episode we talk about the games Saboteur lost mines, Hadara, Neom, Patchwork Doodle, Pasaraya: Supermarket Manager, and Root River Folk Expansion.
In the news we have: Azul Summer pavilion, Tapestry Pre Order, BGG redesign, Dice Tower East Director, Fox in the Forest duet, Tiny Towns expansion...
Sep 1, 2019
In this episode we cover some recent Board Game News from August 2019. We also talk about the Scythe Modular boards, Era Medieval Age, the Everdell Expansion PearlBrook and Disney Villainous.
In the news we have:
The Mind Extreme
Fidget factory
Evil Dead 2 Board game
Blue peg pink peg Patrick Leaving
Burgle Bros 2: The...


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Lazuli Retirement Village Ballito is perfectly located on KZN's North Coast, neighbouring Zimbali Coastal Resort. It offers an abundance of highly sought lifestyle and wellness facilities for the active over-50's.
In this pet-friendly estate, residents can enjoy dedicated walking trails, conservation and wetland areas, a private clubhouse, gym and heated pool, plus a fully-equipped Business Centre – all within the safety of a 24-7 secure perimeter. What's more, Lazuli has been designed around holistic well-being and offers residents a comprehensive range of facilities at the Lazuli Health & Wellness Centre.
Introducing three luxury developments in KZN's premier Retirement Village Ballito
Sentinel Hill Villas
This development was recently completed and is already almost fully occupied, with only 4 units remaining out of the 23. These hilltop, open-plan, garden villas, range from 174m2 to 314m2, and are ready for immediate occupation. They offer luxurious finishes throughout, direct garage access, and private gardens. Owners also have the option of a private pool.
Fig Tree Villas
This development is currently under construction and will be ready for occupation in the last quarter of 2019. This new phase overlooks the Lazuli parklands which were recently rehabilitated as well as the fig tree forest. The villas comprise of 11 contemporary 3-bed, 3-bath, single-level free-standing homes, which range 250m2 to 274m2, and have luxury finishes throughout. Each unit will have direct access to a double garage, private garden and option for a private pool.
Sentinel Hill Apartments
This boutique sectional title development launched in December 2018, with expected occupation in the last quarter of 2019. The 30 one to three bedroomed contemporary apartments will range in size from 90m2 to 175m2. They will offer north-facing views, direct lift access, storage facilities and undercover parking.
What you can expect:
• Purchase directly from the developer
• No transfer duty
• 24-hour security
• Pet-friendly
• On-site staff accommodation
• Storage facilities
• Private residents' gym and clubhouse
• Assisted Living Health and Wellness Centre
Contact the Lazuli Retirement Village Ballito team today to enquire…
Retirement VillagesOffering Apartments / Flats Offering Cottages Offering Rentals Sold on Sectional Title With Midcare / Frail Care With Visits by a Nursing Sister
Old Age HomesWith Frail Care With Midcare / Assisted Living
Step down/Post Operative CareFacility registered with medicall aids Specialist Rehabilitation Centre
Private Residents' Clubhouse & Business Centre
Pet Friendly Estate
Garages available for the Villas, and allocated parking spaces for the Apartments. Storage facilities will be available.
24 Hour Security
Open Plan & Single Level Living
Located at the Clubhouse


text:
Dear Billfish Shipmates
The Billfish Reunion is fast approaching. Larry Hunter (and I) are a little concerned that less than a dozen crew members have reserved rooms at the Holiday Inn (860-889-5201). I know that many of you live in the area and do not need a room but, I also thought many of us would be coming from a distance and didn't want to sleep at the YMCA. Since it's been so long since we've held a reunion, I naturally thought we'd all be anxious to see one another before we are too old to remember what we did in the Navy. I remain confident that the reunion will be a success but Larry and I would get a little more sleep at night if the phones were ringing off the hook at the Holiday Inn. The good news is that the rooms are still only $89.00/night up to 5 October 2015. After that you can still get the special $89.00 rate up to the 20th. provided the hotel has open rooms. Please email me at email@example.com if you have any questions or call me @301-697-2803. See you at the reunion! Your shipmate, John Martin (80-84, A-div.)The reunion is happening. When: 10/21-10/23 October 2015 (early arrivals 10/20).
Where: Holiday Inn Norwich, 10 Laura Boulevard, Norwich, CT (just off Rt. 395, exit 80 before DMV). Telephone: 860-889-5201
Located about 10 minutes from the Sub Base and 10 min from Mohegan Sun.
Cost of rooms: $89.00 per night double occupancy plus taxes. Comes to $102.00 a night, give or take a dollar.
Reservations must be made no later than 9/11/15 to get this rate. After that, the rate goes up drastically (double or better). Hotel has a sports bar and a restaurant.
Registration: The cost for the banquet dinner, hospitality room with refreshments, "welcome aboard" party, DJ for after dinner dancing, and other expenses will be $75.00 per person. Tours of the base and Submarine Museum are planned. To make the reunion a success we must guarantee a minimum of 75 participants on or before 5 October 2015. Please make your checks payable to Larry Hunter/Billfish Reunion. Mail to: Larry Hunter, 310 Bitgood Road, Griswold, CT 06351. Banquet will be on Thursday night.
Contact Larry Hunter on F/B or E-mail (email@example.com). If you want his phone number, please e-mail him and he will send it to you.
The following folks have committed to come:
Gary Morrison
Kris Miller
Al Morin
Mike Kurowski
Rodney Schuette
Carl M. Tietz
Larry & Billie Hunter
Jon Worrall
Bill Higgins
Tim & Danette Bonner
Larry Hunter
John Martin
Timothy & Kathey Jernigan
Maryann P. Kane
This the tee-shirt I have had made up for the reunion. Asking $15.00/each to cover production cost with all profits going into kitty for next reunion. JMM


text:
We look at why weight training is important; give some tips on getting going, and advise how to recognise when you need to increase your weights.
If you regularly train with weights, the chances are you're male and – if your exercise regime has been working out (no pun intended) the way you planned – strong. Weights shouldn't be the preserve of the muscle-builder, though; everyone should be getting involved and toning those muscles. And if your muscles are already toned and rippling, do you know when you should be upping your game?
Why weight train?
Weight training is one of the most important things you can do for your body, whether you're male, female, young or old. The health benefits of weight training cannot be understated. In fact, the American Heart Association now recommends that adults train all their muscle groups at least twice a week. That means women as well, not just the men. Not convinced yet? Here are a few key reasons why you should be giving your muscles a little TLC:
1. Strong muscles are important for a healthy heart. If your muscles are strong, they need less oxygen to work. This means your heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump oxygen round your body, which in turn helps to lower your blood pressure.
2. Strengthen your muscles to strengthen your back. There are muscles all the way up your spine. The firmer they are, the less strain you put on your spine. As you get older, back pains and pulled muscles will become more frequent. The better your muscles, the less you will suffer. Your posture will improve, too, and as an added bonus, your stomach will flatten as your muscles stay taut around your middle.
3. Strong muscles will protect your joints. The muscles around your joints are there for a purpose – to help you to move those joints. Weak muscles will put a huge strain on your ligaments and tendons when you use those joints.
4. Arthritis? The strain put on your joints by weak muscles can lead to arthritis. Strengthening your muscles around your joints will help to prevent and ease arthritis.
5. Toned muscles burn fat. In fact, toned muscles burn up to 15 times more calories per day than fat tissue. Even when you're asleep. Strong muscles will boost your metabolism more than anything else. So if you wanted to know how to eat what you want and still stay slim, the answer lies in weight training. Women are often worried about bulking up; in fact, so long as you keep weights low and reps high, you will slim down rather than transform into the hulk.
Advice for the Beginner
If you're a novice to the weight area of the gym or feel a bit daunted by the free weights, start with the weight machines, or resistance machines, which will help you to use your muscles properly and avoid injury. Keep the weights low – don't over exert yourself by trying to push or press as much weight as you physically can – and instead try to do as many repetitions as you can.
Get a trainer to take you through the machines if you've never used them before. In the meantime, here is a brief introduction to some of the more popular weight machines:
Advice for the experienced weight trainer
When you work your muscles, you should keep going until you feel like you can't do any more; until you have reached the point of fatigue. That's how you know you've given yourself a good workout. Don't just keep upping your reps, though. You need to up your weights instead. The number of repetitions you are doing is how you can tell that your weights are too low.
If you're male, you should be doing between 10 and 14 repetitions. So if you find you're doing over 14 reps, that's a sign you should be increasing your weight. Start by increasing your weight by ten to twenty per cent.
If you're female, you should be doing between 12 and 18 repetitions. If you're doing more than 18 reps, increase your weight by ten to twenty percent.
Remember you should be working out each muscle group once or twice a week, with at least a two day rest period in between.


text:
- Web Content Blocking
- Block Porn Websites
- Best Porn Blocking Apps 2018
- Block Porn on iPhone
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- Porn Blocking Software for Parents
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- Porn Sites not Blocked by Opendns - Parents Should Know
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- Block Adult Content on Youtube
- 3 Methods to Block Adult Websites
- Block Adult Sites on Kid's Cell Phone Phone
- Block Websites on Chrome
- Best Parental Control to Block Social Media and Distracting Websites
- Keep Your Family Safe Online
- Block Certain Websites on iPhone
- Block Websites on Mac
- Block a Website on Safari
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- How Do You Block a Website on Kid's iPhone
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- The Best Website Blocker and Internet Restriction Apps
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- Best Internet Filters and Website Blocking Software 2018
- Permanently Block A Website
- Best Website Blockers For Studying
- Block Websites on Windows 7
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- Internet Filter
- Something You Must Know about Content Filtering
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- How to Block Websites on Internet Explorer
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"How to block porn websites? I want to make sure that my kids won't access any adult website on their computers and smartphones. Is there any smart solution to block porn sites?"
If you are a concerned parent, then you must be having a query like this. When we have a growing teenager in the house, we need to take some drastic measures to ensure they have a nurturing space around them. Being exposed to adult content at an early age can tamper with their psychology in more ways than you can imagine. Don't worry – we are here to help you. Read on and learn smart solutions for blocking porn sites on computers and smartphones.
How to block porn websites on Windows PC?
If you have a Windows PC in the house, then you won't face the slightest of trouble while blocking porn sites. You can either create a different account for your kids or apply some restrictions on the same account. To learn how to block porn websites and adult content on a Windows computer, follow these steps:
- Firstly, open the File Explorer and go to the Windows Directory. In most of the cases, it is "C:" drive.
- Go to Windows > System32 > Drivers > etc and look for the "Hosts" file.
- Select the Hosts file, right-click it, and open it with Notepad. Scroll all the way to the end of the file and press Enter.
- Now, type "127.0.0.1", add a space and the URL of the website you wish to block. For instance, to block pornhub, type "127.0.0.1 www.pornhub.com". In the same way, you can block other porn websites as well.
How to block porn websites on a Mac?
Mac has an inbuilt parental control feature that can help you block porn sites on Safari pretty easily. Though, you can make adjustments in the Hosts file or even use OpenDNS to do the same. To learn how to block porn websites on Mac, follow these steps:
- Go to System Preferences > Parental Control and select the user account on which you wish to implement the restrictions.
- Enable the Parental Control option for the account and go to its "Web" tab. In some versions, it is listed as "Content" as well.
- From here, you can enable the website restrictions so that your Mac can block porn sites automatically.
- Furthermore, you can click on the "Customize" option and manually add the URL of the adult websites you wish to block.
How to block porn websites on Android and iPhone?
Besides computers, your kids can access adult websites on their smartphones as well. You can use FamiSafe to block porn sites on their Android device or iPhone pretty easily. It is a trusted parental control and monitoring tool that will give you a complete access to your kid's phone. You can view how they use their smartphone, track their real-time location, and even block any app remotely. It also has a content and web filter tool for blocking porn sites with a single tap.
To learn how to block porn websites on an Android or iOS device using FamiSafe, you can follow these steps:
- Start by creating your free FamiSafe account. Use the same account details to log-in on the apps on your kid's devices.
- Location Tracking & Geo-fencing
- App Blocker & Web Filtering
- Web Filtering
- Screen Time Control
- Smart Parental Control Setting
- Download the FamiSafe app on the target device via App/Play Store.
- Mark which smartphone would be used by the parent and which is your kid's device.
- Furthermore, you need to select the type of phone used by your kids.
- Complete the installation and setup process on your kid's smartphone as well and make sure that both the devices are connected.
- Great! Now you can simply access all features of FamiSafe from its home.
- Go to the App Block feature to block/unblock any app with just a single tap (Block apps by age categories on iOS). In this way, you can block a web browser on the phone altogether.
- To block porn sites selectively, you can go to its "Web Filter" tool. FamiSafe has an intelligent blocker and can automatically distinguish websites in different categories. You can just enable or disable any pre-set category from here.
- Go to the "Exceptions" tab in order to add certain websites you wish to block.
- Tap on "Add Exception" and manually enter the URL of the website you wish to block. Select the "Block" option from the list of the provided actions.
- In the same way, you can add multiple websites to the block list. Later, you can add more websites and edit the list from here as well.
More tips to block pornography on the web
Apart from following the above-mentioned drill, consider following these thoughtful suggestions as well.
- There are readily available browser extensions that you can use to block porn sites on a computer.
- Have an open conversation with your kids and let them know the harmful effects of accessing adult content at an early age.
- Also, you can use a third-party solution like OpenDNS to further add another security layer.
- Monitor the way your kids use their smartphones. Check their photo gallery and social media activity to make sure they won't access any inappropriate content.
- If you are a concerned parent, then keep looking at their browsing history on a regular basis to check how they access the web.
- Besides applying these restrictions, you can also take the help of your web browser to block porn sites. For instance, Google Chrome has a "Safe Search" feature. You can go to its settings and enable the feature to ensure Google won't display any adult website on the searched results.
Now when you know how to block porn websites on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS – you can certainly create a nurturing space for your kids. Not only for blocking porn sites, FamiSafe can further help you monitor and restrict the way your kids use their smartphones. It is a complete parental control tool that will come handy to you on numerous occasions.