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Minnesota Monthly's Top Doctors
The Twin Cities is full of medical experts specializing in many forms of care and prevention. These doctors dedicate their time, work, and research to the health and longevity of the people that live here.
This page features the 2017 Top Doctors list, professionals nominated by their peers and recognized for their expertise.
Professional Research Services contacted more than 10,000 licensed doctors in the 11-county metro area, as well as Olmsted County, based on a list provided by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Respondents were asked to log on to a secure website and name up to three doctors (other than themselves) in each specialty category. Physicians who received the highest number of votes are reflected by specialty in the Top Doctors list.


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The USDA recently released a report, "The Conservation Reserve Program: Economic Implications for Rural America," in which it "estimates the impact that high levels of enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) have had on economic trends in rural counties since the program's inception in 1985 until today."
It would seem relatively obvious that the local suppliers of seed, fertilizer, other farm chemicals, farm equipment and repair, and grain storage, handling, and processing services would feel some impact when acres are taken out of production and put into the CRP for 10-15 years.
It is this concern that four major grain organizations highlighted as part of their argument to the USDA calling for a major reduction in the number of acres enrolled in the CRP. The National Grain and Feed Association, the National Oilseed Processors Association, the North American Export Grain Association and the North American Millers Association argued that "heavy CRP enrollment, particularly in the plains states, has had a devastating impact on some local economies."
First, looking at the U.S. as a whole the USDA report found that "high CRP enrollment was associated with a net loss of jobs in some rural counties between 1986 and 1992, but this relationship did not persist throughout the 1990s. Farm-related businesses, such as input suppliers and grain elevators, continued contracting throughout the 1990s, but other business expansions moderated the CRP's impact on total employment."
The report notes that the CRP may be responsible for some of this gain which comes in "increased outdoor recreational expenditures in rural areas." We write this not to minimize the impact the CRP may have had on individual communities -because we know it was very real in some areas - but to acknowledge that the picture is not one that only shows losses.
The second issue that we would like to raise is whether or not the member firms of the four organizations want to establish community impact as a criterion for determining whether or not they close down a soybean processing plant, a grain operation or a flour mill in a given rural community. Our suspicion is that they don't. For them the closing of a mill or plant is one of internal economics for the firm and community impact is of minimal concern.
We have yet to see a press release announcing that a company's management has decided to keep a chronically unprofitable processing plant in operation because closing it would negatively affect the local rural community.
Community impact is by all means important and CRP implementation rules and regulations do explicitly take that into account. One could argue that more consideration should be given to CRP impacts on local rural communities. But, unless they are willing to abide by a correspondingly-high decision standard, we are not sure the processing firms are the credible critics in that regard.
Daryll E. Ray holds the Blasingame Chair of Excellence in Agricultural Policy, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, and is the Director of UT's Agricultural Policy Analysis Center (APAC). (865) 974-7407; Fax: (865) 974-7298; [email protected]; http://www.agpolicy.org. Daryll Ray's column is written with the research and assistance of Harwood D. Schaffer, Research Associate with APAC.

subset: commoncrawl


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Thursday, April 03, 2014
Qualcomm to Optimize Spectrum Usage with MU-MIMO for Wi-Fi
The second generation of 802.11ac enables a few optional (WiFi Alliance certified) features:
Enhanced with a new algorithm-based technology, Qualcomm's solutions are promising to offer two to three times more network capacity and are designed to optimize the way Wi-Fi devices are served to make the most of that additional capacity.
MU-MIMO is a new way for Wi-Fi networks to operate. With standard Wi-Fi, clients are served sequentially; during this time, only one device is sending and receiving information, thus only a small portion of network capacity is being used. The accumulation of these sequential events creates a drop in throughput and capacity as more devices join the network. This situation can be further exacerbated when combined with on-demand high resolution video content. MU-MIMO enables simultaneous transmission to groups of clients, making more efficient use of available Wi-Fi network capacity and speeding up transmissions.
Qualcomm Atheros created algorithms that manage the complexities of simultaneous connections in a VIVE 11ac network. The algorithm-based technology is designed to dynamically adapt to changes in channel conditions, device movement and application requirements to maximize throughput and device performance.
In order to extract the maximum benefits of MU-MIMO, it must be used on both sides of the connection. To accelerate the benefits of MU-MIMO for more Wi-Fi users, Qualcomm Atheros is providing an ecosystem of solutions for networking products, as well as smartphones, tablets, computers, consumer electronics and automobiles.
Qualcomm Atheros introduced the QCA9980 and QCA9982 solutions for routers and gateways, and the QCA9990 and QCA9992 solutions for enterprise access points. These 3- and 4-stream, single-chip solutions feature MU-MIMO, 256-QAM modulation, and explicit and implicit beamforming to meet carrier and enterprise requirements. The QCA998x and QCA999x are expected to sample in the second quarter of 2014.
The latest smartphones are using 1-stream 11ac, while many mobile, CE and vehicles are moving to 2-stream 11ac to accommodate more bandwidth-intensive media applications. The necessary receiver hardware is built into Qualcomm VIVE 11ac solutions for smartphones, tablets, connected TVs and other media devices.
MU-MIMO is also built into all of Qualcomm Atheros' latest 11ac client solutions, and is supported on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 and 801 mobile processors.
The company expects the first home networking equipment with one of its chipsets to arrive at the end of the year or during the first quarter of next year. Enterprise equipment will arrive in the middle of 2015, at the earliest.
But until the Wi-Fi Alliance starts conducting interoperability tests there is no guarantee that routers and clients from different vendors will be compatible. That process is expected to start late this year or in the beginning of 2015.
4-stream VIVE with MU-MIMO
QCA6174 (tablets, smartphones), QCA9378 (CE) and QCA6574 (automotive)
Can be combined with WiGig and network processors


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immune response
Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted)
Tag archives for immune response
tags: evolutionary biology, immunology, immune response, antibodies, parasite, avian pox virus, Poxvirus avium, nest fly, Philornis downsi, birds, ornithology, Darwin's Finches, Medium Ground Finch, Geospiza fortis, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, researchblogging.org,peer-reviewed research, peer-reviewed paper A male Medium Ground Finch, Geospiza fortis, sits on a tree branch in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. Image: Jen Koop. People often view…


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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett could be in for a difficult re-election fight, with more than half of the state's voters saying he should not be elected to a second term in November, according to a Quinnipiac poll released on Wednesday.
The poll found the Republican governor's approval rating had fallen to 36 percent - his lowest since being elected in 2010 - with 53 of registered voters disapproving of his job performance.
Corbett, who previously served as the state's attorney general and came into office promising to slash government spending, launched his re-election campaign last month. He has struggled to get key policy initiatives through the Republican-controlled state legislature, and new numbers out from his administration on Wednesday show a possible $1.2 billion state budget shortfall next fiscal year.
Pennsylvania budget secretary Charles Zogby said in a mid-year update that personnel costs are set to rise in fiscal 2015, which begins on July 1, in part because of a 15 percent increase in the cost of pension, healthcare and other benefits over the current year.
State agencies were told to maintain level funding next year, which equates to an 8 percent cut because of personnel cost increases, Zogby said. Pennsylvania brought in nearly $9.9 billion of revenue during the first five months of this fiscal year, about $43 million more than anticipated, on a roughly $28 billion general fund budget.
Democrats in the Pennsylvania state Senate have proposed measures they say would generate about $1 billion in revenue and savings. The biggest item: expanding Medicaid under President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act, which could generate $400 million for the state, Democrats said.
"This governor, this Republican-controlled House, this Republican-controlled Senate, (have) taken Pennsylvania down a very dangerous path," said state Sen. Vincent Hughes, Democratic appropriations chairman, in a call with reporters.
He noted that the state's credit rating has fallen, and it's facing a budget, jobs and educational deficit, especially compared to neighboring states.
"Folks are looking to go in a different direction," he said.
More than 60 percent of Pennsylvania voters gave Corbett negative ratings on his handling of taxes, education and government spending. They were almost evenly divided on whether he is honest and trustworthy, and a strong leader.
While six in 10 Republicans approve of his performance, most Democrats and Independents do not, the poll found.
"Pennsylvania voters deliver a big bag of coal to Gov. Tom Corbett and directions to the State House exit as he heads into the holidays with the worst net approval rating he has ever had," said Quinnipiac's Tim Malloy. "The governor has 11 months to turn things around."
The telephone survey of 1,061 registered voters was conducted from December 11-16 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
(Reporting by Edith Honan; Editing by Ellen Wulfhorst and Gunna Dickson)


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Dawn Of the Jedi #0 & #1 To Be Reprinted!
MARCH 5, MILWAUKIE, OR—Retailers around the country are sold out of the first two issues of Dark Horse's recently launched Star Wars series, the highly anticipated Dawn of the Jedi!
It was announced today, following an outcry from retailers and fans alike, that the company will reprint both of these landmark issues in limited quantities, to be shipped from Diamond on March 7, with an on-sale date of March 21.
Reuniting the powerhouse creative team of John Ostrander and Jan Duursema, Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi offers fans their first look at the Star Wars of 25,000 years ago—before there were lightsabers, when the ties to the Force were new, and before the Jedi spread out into the galaxy. It began with the mysterious pyramid ships—the Tho Yor—scattered to the eight corners of the galaxy, and ended with the establishment of an Order that would change the universe forever.
Praise for Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #0:
"This issue is jam-packed for an issue 0. A great deal of back-story is presented in this starting point for the very early days of the Jedi."—Technorati
"If you're planning on picking up the Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi series, I highly recommend you pick up Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #0. The amount of information that you get, coupled by the amazing artwork is worth it alone, but add on the fact that it was very enjoyable to read, makes it a must buy."—Comic Book Critic
Praise for Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #1:
"This is just the start of a new chapter of the Star Wars saga, and the journey of the Jedi (or in this case the JE'DAII). John Ostrander's story is both engaging and interesting and by the time you reach the final panel of the book, you will be ready for issue #2. If you are new to the 'Star Wars Expanded Universe' or have a budding Star Wars fan you want to read more, put this Dark Horse book in their hands."—ScienceFiction.com
"Expanded Universe fans are going to LOVE this series, and will find this introduction issue to be their highlight of comic book reading for the month—no doubts. General Star Wars fans will also find it enjoyable; and other comic fans may find it worth a glance. This may be clearly aimed at Star Wars nerds, but it may just be one of the best comic book series set in the galaxy far, far away ever to have been published."—Geeks of Doom
Retailers: Order codes can be found below and are also featured in today's edition of Diamond Daily!
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #0
7 61568 20342 4 00012
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #1
7 61568 20342 4 00112
About Dark Horse Comics
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way, Will Eisner, and best-selling prose author Janet Evanovich, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as the Mask, Timecop, and the Occultist. Additionally, its highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan the Barbarian, Mass Effect, Serenity, and Domo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the United States and is recognized as both an innovator in the cause of creator rights and the comics industry's leading publisher of licensed material.
Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.


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London, UK based The Projection Studio, headed by visual artist Ross Ashton, designed and created the record-breaking video artwork featuring 32 animated mosaic portraits of HM The Queen that is being projected onto Buckingham Palace this week.
The 'Face Britain' project was instigated by The Prince's Foundation for Children & the Arts and brought to life by PhotoBox. It has enabled over 200,000 children to make their faces famous on the front of one of London's most iconic landmarks.
It is also the first time that video projections have ever been used on the front of the Palace.
Ashton has previously projected onto the building three times – famously for the first time during the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002 – for which he used PIGI projectors. This time, leading UK video rental specialists Creative Technology (CT) have supplied the 24 Barco and Panasonic 18K and 20K video projectors.
The video montage of the 32 portraits is attempting to break the Guinness World Records Title for the Largest Collaborative Artwork, that is the most artists working on the same art installation. The previous record stands at 28,267 artists.
Ashton says, "I am hugely proud and absolutely delighted to be involved in this collaboration, and naturally it's a great honour to work directly for the Prince's Charities. There have been plenty of creative and technical challenges and it's very satisfying to get the opportunity of pushing the boundaries and breaking new ground".
Children aged 4 – 16 were invited to produce their own self-portraits by Face Britain encompassing all levels of skill and in any medium, including drawing, photography, textiles, painting and graphics. These were uploaded to PhotoBox .
Ashton came up with the idea of animated mosaics. He worked with Moscow-based Boris Glazer to create a bespoke version of his Mazaika software to encode all the photos and then compose the 32 images of The Queen from the 200,000 or so self-portraits that were submitted.
Ashton specifically wanted to see the individual photos making up each portrait montage flying together as they formed onto the fascia of the building.
When compositing the 32 portraits into the 32 minute long video file which runs as a loop, Ashton treated each individual portrait of the Queen as a separate colour way, containing 6,400 children's portraits. This enabled him to get the desired movement effect.
The template portrait of The Queen was supplied by the Sun newspaper's legendary royal photographer, Arthur Edwards. The Queen herself had to approve all stages of the creative process!
Ashton worked closely with CT's Scott Burgess to design the projection system and CT supplied all the hardware including weatherised hides and crew for the installation. The projectors are ensconced as unobtrusively as possible behind the pillars of the Palace's front wall.
The video is run via a Watchout control system programmed by Dave Boeck.
The overall image covering the Palace is 110 metres wide and 25 metres tall. Filling the spaces around the actual Queen's head portraits are a series of animated backgrounds and other picture frames.
In addition to the Buckingham Palace projections, the 32 portraits are being simultaneously shown for 24 hours on BBC Big Screens in 18 public locations nationwide.
Face Britain celebrates the UK's children and young people in the run up to HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For more press info on The Projection Studio, please contact Louise Stickland on +44 (0)1865 202679/+44 (0)7831 329888 or Email [email protected] To contact The Projection Studio direct, please call +44 20 8293 4270.


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Posted 7 years ago
(292 items)
Like putting a puzzle together... I find a car that needs something and use a part from another. Knowing what is in the pile and finding a car that makes another car is a lot of fun. Not unlike restoring real cars... just cheaper!


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Benjamin Edelman, HBS Working Paper Number: 14-112. May 2014. Via SSRN – http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2436940
"This paper presents a series of incidents in which Google used tying and bundling to expand its dominance in a number of online markets and into additional markets. The author assesses whether these incidents raise concerns under antitrust law, and concludes that they do. Based on case law of technology companies that have engaged in tying and/or bundling and subsequently been subject to antitrust scrutiny, most notably Microsoft, it appears that Google's tying and bundling practices could face strong criticism for foreclosing competition. Such scrutiny is particularly important in light of Google's dominance in a number of online markets. The author also examines both current ties as well as ties Google used historically. The author concludes that Google's use of tying portends a future of reduced choice, slower innovation, lower quality, and higher prices. Key concepts include:
- Google's strategic use of tying and bundling has allowed it to expand its dominance to numerous sectors adjacent to its current strongholds.
- By tying its new products to its dominant products, Google can effectively compel use of its new products-even if consumers or advertisers prefer alternatives.
- Google appears to impose rules that are significantly more intrusive than prior Microsoft requirements."


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AN: So this is a bit of an introduction to the second part of my series. We shall see how this unfolds, and that will tell me whether or not there will be a third part. Sounds good? So, to new readers, it would be wise to go back and read "What We Become." Believe me, you won't be dissapointed.
Enjoy this chapter... It pretty well only picks up a few months from where the last ended...
Don't forget about those sneak peeks over at www(dot)lupsandtnks(dot)blogspot(dot)com
(Bella's POV)
I slowly slid my hands down the front of my dress. I was nervous and excited, a mixture of emotions that were starting to put me on edge as I looked in the tall mirror on the wall. I brought my hand to my chin and lifted my face slightly. The last few months had taken a chunk out of me, but I was healing. See here, I got a bit of colour back into my face. There was a light tap on the door. I turned around.
"Come in." I said. The door opened, and then Rosalie walked in, Emmett following close behind. I smiled. "You look lovely, Rose."
"Doesn't she?" Emmett grinned, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Look at yourself too, Bella."
"Bella, you look amazing!" Rosalie agreed, coming forward and pulling me into a tight hug. I felt like she was holding me together. "How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Alright." I murmured.
"Don't have any nervous jitters? Not thinking about backing out?" Emmett inclined, an impish smile on his face.
"Should I?" I asked playfully. "Do you have any reason for me to change my mind." I poked his side. "Because please, tell me now." Emmett pat my head.
"'Course not. Just making sure."
I grinned, and turned around again, swallowing the lump of terror that rose in my throat. Not fear of marrying Edward. Of course not. I love him with all my being. He is and is the reason I have everything wonderful to me. I could never say no to him. I wanted to marry him. The fear was only that this was all happening. Now. And quickly. And that's what frightened me the most. Rosalie stepped up behind me and pushed my hair to one side. I smiled at her through the mirror.
"Ready?" She whispered. I bit my upper lip and nodded.
I shivered as Edward placed a hand on my waist, the other of the side of my neck. I smiled in anticipation at the words I had been dying to hear for so long now. He closed his eyes for a fraction of a second, and it was as if I could read his thoughts. He had been waiting for this moment much longer than I had. He licked his lips, letting the moment last just a second longer.
"I do."
And I saw as he opened his eyes, the emarld green happier than I had ever seen. I could see years and years of our future. Together. I was unaware of everything else the minister was saying. The only thing I was thinking was 'This is too good to be true'. He loves me, he loves me, he loves me. And in that second when the diamonds danced in his eyes, I knew he would never hurt me, never leave me.
And then he kissed me. When he pulled away he whispered, "My wife. My life. My love."
After the ceremony, there was a recepetion. I went and found my dad. He kissed the top of my head gently.
"So let me get this straight. I have to watch the kids while you two go off on a luxurious honeymoon together?"
"Sounds about right. I'll think about you as I'm picking grapes in Venice." I smiled up at him. I felt Edward's arms wrap around my waist. He whispered in my ear.
"And how are you Mrs. Cullen? How do you feel?"
"Like a bride, a mother, a daughter all at the same time." My stomach muscles tightened, but I ignored them. "And I couldn't be more happier."
"I like hearing that." My father said, a smile on his face. If I didn't know better, I would have sworn he almost choked back a sob. I smiled lightly. My dad leaned forward, placing his hand on Edward's shoulder. "You'll do good. Take care of my baby girl." Edward smiled back.
"Will do, Sir."
"Good. Now go on your honeymoon!" He pushed me into Edward's arms and then walked away. I laughed as Edward held me close.
"I love you, my Darling." He whispered. I didn't answer, just breathing in everything Edward. "And I love this dress on you. Though I'd like to see it off..." I smiled so only I could see.
"Would you?" I whispered.
"It has been a long... long time since you and I..." He let on.
"Edward!" I looked up at him. He just shrugged his shoulders.
"It is the honeymoon." He grinned my favorite half smile, dazzling me to momentary insanity. I shook my head and pulled his face towards mine, so I could answer him with a kiss.
"So it is."
"When Edward starts his classes in September, I'm fairly sure Bella will not be able to raise those children on her own."
"No, I'm sure she won't." I answered my wife while staring out the back window of our home. It was way past midnight, and I was beginning to become worried about those children alone with Charlie. I suppose it was a good thing when I sent Alice over there. I sighed. I felt Esme as she came up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist.
"And what do you propose we do?" She whispered.
"I'm not sure." We stood there in silence for a moment.
"You know, all the kids are going off the college this year. Really, there's no reason for us to stay here." Her voice was sweet, sincere. I turned around to look down at her.
"What about your charities?"
"We can always come back up the city. It's not that far."
"No." I looked away. "I guess it's not." I looked back down at her amd smiled. "We'll call around tomorrow." It was almost worth dying this moment everytime I saw my Esme's eyes light up like that.
"Thank You." She said, leaning into me.
AN: It's short, but that's because its the preface. So the next one starts off with them at the honey moon... you can find out more by going to my site. Tata for now!


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Watch A Tale of Two Sisters drama online English subbed.
Se-Young (Park Se-Young) was adopted when she was a young child. After she reunites with her birth mother, she becomes torn between her adopted family and birth family.
Se-Young works part-time for a broadcasting company. She dreams of becoming an announcer. Jae-Sung (Yu Geon) is a producer at the broadcasting company. He is from a wealthy family and has a warm heart. They fall in love.


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Comfort Hotel Gardenia Sorrento Coast
The Gardenia Hotel is a smart 3-star hotel located in the heart of the beautiful town of Sorrento.
The hotel in Sorrento is situated in Corso Italia, Sorrento's main street, only 500 meters from the beginning of the centre and 900 meters from the old town.
Our hotel has 27 rooms and was completely renovated* in 2007 using soundproofing and eco-friendly materials in line with our commitment to safeguarding the local landscape and environment.
With its new functional layout, elegant interior and exterior finishes, the hotel in Sorrento is a typical example of modern Mediterranean architecture.
Our wonderful panoramic terrace complete with deckchairs and pergola is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Naples.
We offer our guests a friendly yet refined atmosphere with a tastefully furnished interior and decorated in soft colour schemes.
The hotel has a swimming pool, private car park (on charge) , fitness center, garden with snack bar during the summer season, indoor bar, and TV lounge, nearby tennis court. (See the page SERVICES),free internet wi-fi..The Gardenia Hotel is an ideal base for exploring Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, the Sorrento Coast, Naples, Capri and the other islands in the bay.
Gardenia Hotel for yours holidays in Sorrento all year around
Special Offers
We like to see our customers happy . For this we offer last minute and offers trips that we publish on this page. The promotions are not cumulative . Here are the current specials …


text: Brazilian race car driver and Dancing With The Stars winner Helio Castroneves is staring down charges he evaded taxes on more than $5 million in income over a four-year period. The 33-year-old two-time Indy 500 winner is expected to turn himself in to authorities today, along with his sister Kati and his lawyer, Alan Miller, both accused of helping Castroneves. Good call on the part of authorities, because although he's got fancy footwork, we kind of doubt the Team Penske driver was the tax code mastermind behind the scheme. Regardless, because of the Alan Miller connection, Castroneves' indictment could have repercussions well beyond those currently accused. Apparently Michigan attorney Alan Miller has also represented or currently represents such racing stars as Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Casey Mears, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Ward Burton and Clint Bowyer. There's no evidence that Miller conspired with any other drivers for tax-evasion purposes, but his indictment in connection with Helio Castroneves likely has a number of famous names checking the books with their lawyers and accountants. [Miami Herald, USA Today] Thanks to everyone who tipped us!


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Same Talking, Different Heads: How Not To Localize News
from the handed-the-same-envelope dept
If you haven't seen this short clip of a bunch of local TV newscasters all saying the exact same line about Conan O'Brien's officiating a same-sex marriage on stage in New York City during a show this week, it's really worth watching just for the mind-numbingly bizarre reaction you have to seeing so many newscasters all repeat the exact line: "Conan O'Brien may be about to push the envelope on late night television." Or, as O'Brien notes, watch as they each put "their own spin" on the news:
Honestly, it's hard not to watch that and think that all of the newscasters didn't receive the identical script. While the phrase is a common one, it's not that common that it would lead so many newscasters to all use the identical phrasing. It's possible these are all news affiliates from a single company, who were sent a basic script -- but, once again, this seems to highlight the growing irrelevance/ridiculousness of TV news these days. If you're just going to have 50 different newscasters all read the identical script, why not just have a single newscaster do it, and air it directly on all those other stations.


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BOSTON (AP) — A man with ties to former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez visited a Boston courthouse on Thursday after being ordered by a judge to testify before a Massachusetts grand jury.
John Alcorn, of Bristol, Conn., arrived at Suffolk Superior Court shortly after 9 a.m., accompanied by his attorney, Matthew Dyer. Dyer declined to comment as he entered the building with his client.
Alcorn, 21, is related to Thaddeus Singleton III, the deceased husband of Tanya Singleton, a cousin of Aaron Hernandez, said Bristol Police Lt. Kevin Morrell.
Alcorn was also the man nicknamed "Chicago" in a Massachusetts state police report that was listed as the possible source of a .38-caliber gun seized from a car after a June 21 accident in Springfield, Mass., according to Morrell.
Hernandez, a Bristol native, has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail on a first-degree murder charge in the death of Odin Lloyd, an acquaintance and semipro football player who police said was shot five times in an industrial park near Hernandez's North Attleborough home in June.
Hernandez's lawyers have called the case circumstantial and said their client looks forward to clearing his name.
Hernandez also has been linked to the investigation of a 2012 case in which two men were shot near a Boston nightclub. While probing the Lloyd shooting, police found an SUV, sought in the double homicide, at the home where Tanya Singleton lived with her uncle in Bristol. The vehicle had been rented in Hernandez's name.
Massachusetts authorities have not commented on the nature of the grand jury. A grand jury in another Massachusetts county has already returned indictments related to Lloyd's death.
"I can say my client has no connection to any weapons," Dyer told WFXT-TV after leaving the courthouse Thursday. He would not say whether Alcorn testified before the grand jury, but said he was cooperating with investigators.
"He's cooperating in the spirit of the law, everything he needs to do he's doing, so I can't tell you anymore about what he's doing or what's he's seeing, what he's done, or what he's going to do but we're cooperating."
On Tuesday, a Superior Court judge in Connecticut ordered Alcorn to appear before the grand jury. Judge Joan Alexander also issued a warrant allowing police to arrest a second man, Alexander Bradley of East Hartford, and compel him to appear before the same grand jury. Bradley did not appear at the Tuesday hearing to show why he should not be required to testify.
Thaddeus Singleton III was killed in June when the car he was driving slammed into a country club building in Farmington, Conn. Police have ruled the death an accident.


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Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism
This full-text searchable database is a historical survey of literary theory and criticism. It includes articles on individual critics and theorists, critical and theoretical schools and movements, and the critical and theoretical innovations of specific countries and historical periods.Expand
The scope is international with an emphasis is on Western critical theory. Each entry includes a selective primary and secondary bibliography.
Subjects: Classics, Comparative Literature, English and American Literature, French Literature and Language
JSTOR, the Journal Storage Project, provides access to digitized versions to complete runs of key scholarly journals in the arts, the humanities, literature, the sciences, the social sciences, and selected scholarly journals in related disciplines such as business, ecology, botany, music, and statistics.Expand
JSTOR represents the building blocks of a truly interdisciplinary scholarly journal archive.
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We have been advised of the following judicial candidates for election in your county. Candidates whose names are underlined have opted to participate in this voter guide.
Click on underlined names to see biographical information provided by participating candidates.
Supreme Court
11th Judicial District
Vote for 3:
Denis J. Butler
Kenneth C. Holder
Joseph F. Kasper
Kerry John Katsorhis
Steven W. Paynter
Theodore Stamas
New York City
Civil Court
(Queens County)
Vote for 1:
Rudolph E. Greco, Jr.
New York City
Civil Court
(4th District)
Vote for 1:
Robert Beltrani
Cheree A. Buggs
New York City
Civil Court
(6th District)
Vote for 1:
William A. Viscovich
Please note:
Candidates are solely responsible for the content and accuracy of their information.
Applicable voting rules will determine which registered voters in your county may be eligible to vote for candidates to courts
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hey whoever reads this. I'm not really sure what this site is REALLY all about. But damn i want to learn. So can someone help me out???
i'm sure someone can help you out.
but help you out with what? that is really the question after all, is it not?
you could also try the site FAQ, or the stickys in the General Chit Chat forum.
/me sets AcidReflex on fire
Hmm...theres something a little peculiar here. Oh i see what it is! the sentence is talking about itself! do you see that? what do you mean? sentences can\'t talk! No, but they REFER to things, and this one refers directly-unambigeously-unmistakably-to the very sentence which it is!
LOL I agree noone here will burn you they might collectively ban you for asking to hack your friend or hotmail account that your girlfriend has. If you ask a valid question that explains what it is you want to learn then someone if not almost everyone will add their 2 cents to try to help you. You need to ask a question though. It's like me sitting in front of my tv asking my wife to help me. I can want a beer the remote or a bj who knows...LOL but she can't begin to help my needs until I ask.
Sure we can, I suppose that is why we all subscribed?
You should CAREFULLY read the login page, that tells you about AO
Also...browse around the various areas.............you might feel a bit of a "suboptimal addition to the human gene pool" if you posted a motherboard query in the antivirus section?...We are all aware that things are related and so on, so do not feel that you are restricted; if there is any kind of logical link...even in your own mind only.
I am new around here, and apologise for even saying this...but I am kind of proud belonging.........It should be said by someone more senior and knowlegeable...........
Stick by us, and what is right, and we will stick by you.......
OK, at least I see there are some friendlies in here.
Ok, I'm not a total moron to this. its like when you took advanced math or whatever in school.....and you were good at it, but now your older and dont remember a lick of it now. but if you seen someone doing it, and you were paying attention you can relearn it faster.
hey, how did u guys ever get into this site anyways. did you read it in a book or somethiing? curious.
but a technical question. I'm on windows XP and i'm trying to self teach myself some "hack" stuff. but damnit, XP doesnt act the same as win 98. OR dose it? I cant even get into dos mode. when I start the computer and hit the del key....i cant get into BIOS and htiting f5 or f8 at the windoes xp screen wont work either. any ideas guys. (other than "buy another computer and put 98 on it) haha.
If I were you I wouldn't ask anything that even sounds like "how can I hack". I've seen plenty of people get banned for it, and I've even helped sometomes . Do a search on what you want to know either here or on google if you're just searching for general info....don't expect anything to be *given* to you. If you have a specific question (not "how can I hack hotmail...) then post it and it will most likely be answered. And nihil, I think what you said has a great affect coming from you....if you were a noob with 5 posts it would be meaningless, but obviously you're not, lol.
when I said hack, I used it out of context. I have a book "the unofficial guide to ETHICAL hackig" and it was just explaining how you can "hack" your windows 95/98 but its a new book. i was wondering why it didnt explain XP..... sorrry for the misunderstanding.
XP does not run under dos. just has a command prompt
To get to the bios depending on what machine you have ex. dell, gateway or what ever usually is f10 if it was built then it usually is Delete.
Hope this helps.
One difference about XP ,and 98 is XP does not run with dos. With Windwos 98 a computer had to have dos in order to run. Windows XP eleminated this need, and therefore you cannot get a option to shut down into MS-DOS mode. However, XP has a command prompt.
TO access this go to start-->all programs-->accessories-->then command prompt.
Pressing f8 on your computer when it is booting up, (after the post, and just before the starting windows xp screen) will get you options to start XP in safe mode, network boot, last configuration boot, normal boot, and a number of other options.
Try some of these keys to get into the bios. Remember keep hitting them after you turn on the power.
F1, F10, DEL, F12, or just hit a bunch of keys .
I am new around here, and apologise for even saying this...but I am kind of proud belonging.........It should be said by someone more senior and knowlegeable...........
I am proud of being here. lol.
Forum Rules


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Ugandan livestock minister discusses investment needs in African agriculture during FAO visit
14 October 2013, Rome, Italy - Uganda's Minister of State for Animal Industry Bright Kanyontore Rwamirama met with FAO Director-General José Graziano Silva today for talks on strengthening rural economies in Africa.
The meet took place following an event at FAO which showcased the successes of FAO's Food Security through Commercialization of Agriculture in Eastern Programme (FSCA), established in 2006 and currently operating in 34 countries in East and West Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean
With financial backing from Italy to the tune of nearly $50 million, FAO is partnering with participating governments under the FCSA programme to provide policy guidance, capacity building and promote the transfer of modern farming technologies and agricultural best practices, with the goal of transforming smallholder and family farms into micro-businesses.
The Minister expressed his thanks to FAO and the government of Italy for their work in East Africa under FSCA, noting that both the program as well as FAO's new strategic objective 4 on improving the sustainability and inclusiveness of food systems are in close sync with agricultural development policies in the region.
According to Bright, in Uganda the FCSA programme is framed bya set of national medium-term development priorities articulated in the country's National Development Plan (NDP) and Agriculture Sector Development Strategy and Investment Plan (DSIP). These instruments aim at achieving growth, employment and prosperity and within which adding value to agricultural products, improving farmers'access to markets, and promoting trade are priority intervention areas, he said.
Additionally, the two men discussed investments needs in African agriculture, noting the importance not only of increasing public sector support for the sector but also the need to partner with the private sector to promote responsible investments in sustainable food production.
Graziano da Silva also thanked the Minister for his participation in the ministerial meeting on price volatility, held last week at FAO..
Watch a video interview with H.E. Bright Kanyontore Rwamirama


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MOERDENG 03black Mens Womens Water Shoes Shoes Swim Shoes Shoes Quick-Dry Barefoot Beach Surf Boat Yoga Sneakers 03black e4b94fe
Various Patterns and Size: Multiple versions to fit different feet.Men and women size are available.Enjoy the cute and cool water shoes!
Non-slip Rubber Outsoles:The water shoe's anti-slip rubber sole, with an ergonomically molded, shock absorption performance cushioning separated protective toe. You can fold it easily after using the water shoes.
Convenience: Quick-dry water shoes,ultra light weight smooth stretchy fabrics and easy slip-on design make it convenient to wear and take off.Lightweight and compressible£?easy to fold and carry when you go out.
High-quality anti-slip rubber sole: Ultra-Light and Wearable rubber sole protects your feet from being hurt by stone and other sharp objects.
Occasions: Suitable for a wide range of occasions, such as: Beach, swimming, pool,boating, kayaking, windsurfing, beach volleyball, aqua sport, jogging, walking, fishing, gardening,Yoga training.
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Skip to comments.Mike Rogers Considering Michigan Senate Race
Posted on 03/09/2013 5:58:34 PM PST by Darren McCarty
Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., is adding his name to the list of possible Republican contenders for the Wolverine State's open-seat Senate race in 2014. "I am giving the Senate race serious consideration," he said in a statement.
The House Intelligence Committee Chair is considered a top-tier GOP candidate, but some have doubted his interest in the race due to his high-ranking position in the lower chamber. A number of big names on the Republican side have already taken their names out of the running following Sen. Carl Levin's Thursday announcement that he would not seek re-election. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., Attorney General Bill Schuette and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley all announced they wouldn't be seeking the seat.
(Excerpt) Read more at nationaljournal.com ...
He's not Tim Walberg, but he's much better than the latest Romney.
Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., Attorney General Bill Schuette and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley all announced they wouldn't be seeking the seat.
I love having Walberg as my rep but I just don't think he's got it in him for a senate run where he would be a target of both parties.
Rogers has the small town background but also had to handle the suburbs outside Ann Arbor and Flint, parts of Oakland County, and Lansing itself. He district got easier and threw me and the A2 burbs with Nick Smith right after I moved here. Flint's burbs went to Kildee. I just hope Rogers hasn't forgotten how to campaign because his district got easier twice with redistricting.
He's got my vote, especially over Mitt Romney's brother Scott.
i've heard nothing good about him. if he is nothing more than a boehner crony, i want nothing to do with him.
i seem to recall that tea party guy, dan benishek, lives in michigan. i'd support him again and again.
* Someone that may have never been in politics before.
* Rand Paul / Palin / Steve Forbes Liberitarian Leanings.
* Someone that isn't part of the MI-GOP machine.
* Someone who will have Paul, Cruz and Lee's back.
I like Steele who was the late entry that made Dingell spend a ton of money that he shouldn't have had to spend.
Gun Owners of America gives Rogers an "A" rating. Right to Life 100%. NARAL - 0%. Gay lobby 0% He's not great on economics, but voted against TARP.
Cripplecreek mentioned Rob Steele. I'll vote for him easily.
Steel ran awfully strong against Dingell showing that he can put up a real fight in the most liberal district without being liberal.
Actually Michigan is changing. After all, Bentivolio won a race they said he couldn't win in McCotter's old district and he's been rock solid so far.
Dave Janda.
ok. will give him a second, but very thorough, look. like i said. haven't heard anything good about him. certainly has not stood against the CR's.
Its time to get government out of Our face
Our religion and and Our pocketbook
(The above is designed to be printed up and passed around your precinct and your friends and neighbors as a (index sized) palmcard. On the face (REVERSE SIDE)or below the slogan you can put the name of the candidate you favor and the election dates...EXCELLENT FOR SLIPPING UNDER WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON CARS PARKED IN KEY PARKING LOTS CHURCHES, RALLY SITES....
He's as good as we're going to get, if he goes for it we'll support him all the way if he enters the race.
Mike Rodgers came under fire from Mark Levin for not backing Rep Michelle Bachmann, Re Tom Rooney, and Rep Louie Gohmert over the letter about Huma.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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Suzlon Energy Limited (BSE: Suzlon) is a wind energy company based in India that manufactures wind turbine power generators and services wind park systems. Suzlon's aggressive expansion strategy focuses on low-cost production and regional price discrimination. As the world's third largest wind-turbine manufacturer with a market share of 9.8% globally and 50% in India,[1] Suzlon expanded rapidly before the financial downturn of 2008, acquiring suppliers to vertically integrate along its supply chain. However, Suzlon has since divested some of these investments.
Suzlon customers in both the United States and India have reported that Suzlon's wind turbines cracked in high winds and failed to deliver the power outputs stated in sales contracts. Other quality control issues led some customers to cancel orders from Suzlon and to purchase wind turbines from other suppliers. The company repaired 1,251 turbine blades for a total of $100 million in warranty costs.[2] Not only are faulty turbine blades expensive to repair, but they damage the company's image.
Wind power is a fully renewable source, and it produces little pollution, making it one of the cleanest sources of power. Though advances in technology are making wind energy more economically feasible, oil prices have made renewable energy sources less financially attractive. However, since fossil fuels are a non-renewable source of energy, alternative energy sources (wind, geothermal, solar) have the potential to become significant sources of energy, and Suzlon is poised to benefit as the third largest wind turbine manufacturer in the world.
Suzlon signed its first South African deal for supplying turbines and is in talks with four more South African Clients. Suzlon is also eying at South Africa as a possible manufacturing base to join the ones it already has in India, China, Germany and Brazil. The deal is with African Clean Energy Developments (ACED) for a proposed wind farm in the rural town of Cookhouse in Eastern Cape Province.[3]
Suzlon, based in India, specializes in the low-cost manufacture of wind energy solutions that convert the kinetic energy in wind to electricity. Its customers include governments and corporations such as utility companies. The company produces turbines and generators at its production facilities in India, China, Belgium, and the United States and offers comprehensive wind power packages, including servicing for all its products.[4]
Suzlon produces two major lines of turbines: the Megawatt series and the Multi-Megawatt series, which can generate energy in capacities from 350 kilowatts to 2.1 megawatts.[5] Watts are a measure of power, and the main differences between the two series is the power-generating capacity.[6] Suzlon's wind parks are multi-turbine parks that allow the company to increase profit margins through economies of scale. In addition, once turbines are produced and installed, Suzlon maintains a low level of revenue by servicing wind turbines.
Before the financial downturn in 2008, Suzlon aggressively pursued an acquisition strategy to absorb smaller competitors and to vertically integrate along its supply chain. For example, in 2007 Suzlon acquired the German wind turbine manufacturer REpower for $1.7 billion (USD) in order to reduce competition and to acquire new product lines. REpower controls 10% of German market share and gives Suzlon a strong foothold in the Western European market.[7]
However, a weakened U.S. wind turbine market has made Suzlon managers reconsider its expansion strategy. Suzlon sold a 35% stake in a subsidiary, Hansen Transmissions, for $370 million, as part of its efforts to reduce debt.[8] After selling Hansen, Suzlon's stake in the gearbox maker declined to 26% from 61%.[8] This is the second divestment of Suzlon's stake in Hansen in 2009, with the firm selling 10% in January to the London-based investment firm Ecofin.[8] Suzlon bought the Belgium-based Hansen in 2006 for $565 million.[8]
Suzlon remains saddled with debt from its rapid expansion strategy. Suzlon took on major debt in 2007 to acquire REpower for $1.7 billion and to build new factories in the U.S., China, and India.[9] Credit Rating Information Services of India estimated that the $2.2 billion of net debt Suzlon reported for the end of 2008 was 1.5 times its equity at that time.[9]
Suzlon is focusing on globalizing through a number of methods. First, it benefits from India's depreciating currency, the rupee, as its products are seen as cheaper by the rest of the world. Second, Suzlon offers varying packages in different places depending on price levels; in China, where prices are low, Suzlon offers full power plants, but in the U.S., Suzlon installs cheaper turbine generators. This price discrimination allows Suzlon to cut costs while maximizing its profit margin. Finally, Suzlon is increasing its global reach with its R&D branch in Europe, production in India and China, and a sales focus in the top global wind markets. In 2005, 90% of Suzlon's sales were in India; by 2008, international sales accounted for 60% of the total.[2]
Suzlon continues to expand its operations to new countries as well as strengthen its position in existing markets. For example, in 2010, Suzlon received its first order in Sweden from Triventus AB, a Swedish wind power developer. The company ordered two 2.1 MW wind turbines.[10] Additionally, as of November 2010, Suzlon plans to set up offices in several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.[11]
Though most of Suzlon's business comes from the United States, Europe is a larger and faster growing wind market. This is an important consideration for Suzlon, which is expanding its coverage of European markets.
Though Suzlon is expanding internationally, it is still focusing on growing in India. For example, in 2011, Suzlon announced an order for 1,000 MW of wind turbines worth $1.28 billion (Rs 5,800 crore) from Caparo Energy India. This contract and other large orders such as one from Vedanta will give significant visibility to Suzlon in the Indian market.[13]
Suzlon is investing in low speed wind turbines and is hoping to gain an early mover advantage in this segment of the wind turbine market. The company is planning to release its prototype of the class-III turbine. The turbine, which no company manufactures yet, is expected to reach the market by August 2011.[14]
Wind turbine manufacturers, including Suzlon, currently produce class-I and class-II turbines. Class-I turbines are designed for wind speeds of more than 8.5 meters per second (m/s). Class-II turbines are designed for wind speeds of 7.5-8.5 m/s, class-III for 4.5-7.5 m/s, and class-IV for less than 4.5 m/s.
Class-IV turbines are not economically viable now, given that 99% of the wind farms globally come up in class-II areas. Suzlon currently manufactures wind turbines having a blade diameter of 88 meters. The new class-III wind turbine has a blade diameter of 97 meters.
Suzlon spends Rs400-500 crore, or about 2% of its revenues, annually on research and development of new turbines. Suzlon's competitors, GE Energy and Vestas (VWSYF), are also working on class III turbines.
Suzlon's turbines have gained a reputation for being faulty. U.S. customers complained of cracking turbine blades, and the company came under fire from Indian customers for supplying turbines having control issues, shaking in the wind, and producing less energy than guaranteed by sales contracts, causing utility companies to incur large costs.[15] In April 2009, Suzlon signed a contract to supply blades for 75 turbines in a project being managed by REpower in China's Shandong province. REpower rejected the turbine prototype provided by Suzlon and ordered the equipment from another supplier.[16] And though Suzlon promises its customers that turbines will be available to produce power at least 95% of the time the wind is blowing with limited downtime for maintenance, often its products have had significantly lower availability rates.[2]
More recently, the blades of a Suzlon S88 generator in Rugby, North Dakota, fell from their mount. This caused the wind generation plant to suspend its operations while the operator investigates the cause. This is the same model that suffered cracked blades, prompting Suzlon to strengthen the components at a cost of $25 million.[17]
Faulty turbine blades and quality control issues lead to lost revenue, and contracts that Suzlon loses due to faulty equipment are awarded to its competitors. Additionally, Suzlon incurs significant costs in repairing faulty turbine blades. Suzlon has only two wind turbines in the United States left to retrofit with new blades after replacing the blades on all of its nearly 400 turbines in the country.[18] The company undertook the retrofit program after cracking caused one blade to break off a turbine in Illinois in 2008.[18] Suzlon reported in 2008 that it has spent $30 million (Rs129 crore) to fix faulty wind turbines.[2] Not only are faulty turbine blades expensive to repair, but they also damage Suzlon's company image.
The global market for wind turbine installations in 2008 was worth about $47.5 billion, an increase of approximately 42 percent over 2007.[20] Growth in global wind capacity in 2008 exceeded the average growth rate for the past 10 years. Global wind capacity increased 27,051 megawatts in 2008, ending the year at 120,798 megawatts.[20] This represented a growth of 29% in 2008 with the U.S. overtaking Germany as the world's leading wind power generator.[20]
U.S. wind capacity increased by 50 percent in 2008 to 25,170 megawatts.[20] As of 2008, Suzlon had 1,910 MW of wind capacity installed in the U.S., accounting for 55% of its global installations.[4] For the first time, wind power represented Europe's leading source of new electric capacity with 8,877 megawatts added, compared to 6,939 megawatts of natural gas capacity added and 763 megawatts of coal capacity added.[20] By the end of 2008, wind power accounted for 8 percent of the European Union's power capacity, enough to generate 4.2 percent of the region's annual power needs.[20] At the end of 2008, the European Union accounted for 267 MW of Suzlon's total installed capacity, or 8%.[4] Asia accounted for almost one-third of global wind capacity additions in 2008.[20] China ranked second after the United States, with approximately 6,300 megawatts installed during the year.[20] This doubled its cumulative wind capacity for the fourth year in a row.[20] Suzlon had 586 MW (17% of total global capacity) installed in China and 160 MW (5%) in India. Suzlon has benefited from the increase in demand for wind energy in 2008, especially given its strong presence throughout the world. Suzlon has recently become more globally diversified; in 2005, 90% of Suzlon's sales were in India; by 2008, international sales accounted for 60% of the total.[2] Suzlon's presentations to investors predict exports will jump to 75% of total sales in 2009, with the U.S., China and Europe accounting for an equal share.[2]
Since demand for wind turbines has fallen sharply in the U.S. and European markets, Suzlon has focused on increasing sales in India, Brazil and China. At the end of the quarter ending June 2010, Suzlon's order backlog improved to 1,459 Mw, compared to 1,126 MW in the March quarter.[21] This was led by India's order backlog touching an all-time high of 580 MW. The company is also increasing its capacity in Brazil, where it commands over half of the market share and expects more projects in the near term.[21]
Although the demand from the Indian and other emerging markets is growing, the outlook for large markets like the U.S. and Europe will continue to weigh on Suzlon's results [21]
Despite the rapid growth in the wind energy sector in 2008, the turbulent economic environment and global credit crunch have led some of the fast growing markets like the U.S. and Europe to slow in terms of new capacity additions. For example, Emerging Energy Research estimates that new wind plant activations in Europe in 2009 could drop by as much as 18% compared to 2008.[22] Europe is expected to add 7,836 megawatts of wind power capacity in 2009, down from 9,556 in megawatt additions in 2008.[22] The credit crunch has also reduced the number of wind projects that are able to close financing, leading to installation postponements in the United Kingdom, Italy, and France.[22]
According to the Danish consulting firm MAKE, wind turbine manufacturers reported a 50% drop in orders in the first half of 2009.[23] In response to falling demand, Suzlon cut 90 of the 300 workers it had employed at its Minnesota plant in 2009, which has the capacity to build 300 turbines per year.[18] However, analysts expect demand to increase in the fourth quarter. Suzlon expects to sell equipment capable of generating 2,600 MW of electricity in the year ending March 31, 2010, down from 2,790 MW installed a year earlier.[23] The projected drop in Suzlon's sales volume will be its first in at least six years; the company's sales volume has increased every year since the period ended March 2004.[23]
Oil and coal combustion release carbon dioxide and monoxide, as well as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, ozone, and other pollutants that contribute to acid rain, smog pollution, as well as asthma and respiratory problems in the general populace. Increasing awareness of these issues has led to movements to push for government regulation of pollution, and higher energy prices have driven development of clean coal technologies. However, coal and oil can only be burned cleanly up to a certain point and, as a result, there is growing support for government investment in clean energy sources such as wind power. Suzlon is poised to benefit from this trend as it is already an established producer of wind power technology.
Fossil fuels and coal are not renewable because there is a limited quantity of both resources on the earth, and the replenishment of these resources takes hundreds of thousands of years. As oil becomes more rare, prices increase and new energy sources become increasingly feasible from a financial perspective.
Oil and gas prices have fluctuated heavily over the past few years, but the most recent trend has been a significant decline in prices. The price of crude oil fell from a record high of nearly $150 a barrel in July 2008 to around $50 a barrel in the first quarter of 2009.[24] As falling oil and gas prices lead to more affordable commercial electricity, consumers limit their demand for new, often expensive sources of renewable power.
|Cost (cents/kWh)
|Natural gas
Note: Wind energy cost included the U.S. Production Tax Credit
Suzlon would benefit from decreases in the production cost of wind turbines as technology improves and production processes become more efficient.
The main objections to wind power stem from environmental costs. Many wind parks are shut down for part of the year because of bird migration patterns and turbine-related bird deaths. Furthermore, turbines occupy land; though larger turbines produce more power, they also occupy more land to operate safely. Since man-made installations can have adverse effects on terrestrial ecosystems, environmentalists have lobbied the government to prevent the installation of wind parks.[29]
State-owned utilities in China have shown a preference for buying wind turbines from low-cost, local manufacturers. There are three leaders in turbine production in China, and 60 smaller companies.[30] Foreign companies like Suzlon have been losing market share in China, which is now the world's largest for wind turbines after several years of nearly 80% annual growth.[30] Chinese manufacturers, which are generally less technologically sophisticated than those of foreign companies, sell turbines for about 5% less than those made by Suzlon, but as much as 20% below those of other foreign companies.[30]
Some Chinese localization rules like those at the largest wind farm in the world in Rudong, China, prevent non-Chinese manufacturers from selling turbines. These rules require 70% of turbine equipment to be sourced and built domestically.[31] The Chinese government has also sought to eliminate turbines with capacities of less than one megawatt, a policy which is favorable to domestic Chinese turbine manufacturers.[31] China's National Energy Administration predicted that China's wind power capacity is likely to rise from 12,000 megawatts at the end of 2008 to 30,000 megawatts by the end of 2011, a goal that will require about 100 billion yuan ($14.6 billion) in investment.[31] However, unfavorable policies for foreign turbine manufacturers in China put companies like Suzlon at a disadvantage and weaken their foothold in one of the most promising wind markets in the world.[31]
Despite China's stringent policies regarding sourcing of wind turbines, it still represents a market with the most growth potential in the world. China relies on coal to generate about 70 percent of electric power.[32] The country is expected to have 120 million to 150 million kilowatts of installed wind power capacity, totaling 7 to 9 percent of the national total installed electricity capacity, in 2020, according to the China Energy and Environment Technology Association.[32] This represents an enormous investment opportunity for wind turbine manufacturers such as Suzlon.
Clean energy companies are highly dependent on government subsidies and support to bring in revenue, given that oil, coal, and nuclear energy are cheaper, well-established energy sources and hold oligopolistic control over the world-wide energy market. Given this dependence on the government, many environmental and social movements are focusing on pressuring the government to pave the way for a transition to renewables. Furthermore, many government endorse local renewables as an alternative to foreign fossil fuels, in an attempt to create energy independence. Government support of renewables is taking place at local, national, and global scales. One significant example is that in September 2009, the U.S. government announced it had awarded more than $500 million in grants to help finance wind projects under a $787 billion stimulus package designed to help revive the economy.[18]
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a global effort to stop climate change. The Kyoto Protocol mandates emissions caps through cap-and-trade systems of trading carbon credits. This system has the potential to benefit Suzlon as many countries make the transition to renewable energy such as wind power.
The U.S. has not ratified the treaty and has no plans to do so. China, while part of the treaty, is classified as a developing country and therefore has no obligation to lower its emissions.
Given the fear of global warming and pollution, which has led to increasing social support for clean energy sources, governments around the world have implemented legislation that indirectly leads to increased revenues for Suzlon. Examples include:
Legislative mandates like these benefit renewable energy companies because they force utilities companies to turn to other power sources, allowing companies like Suzlon to enter a crowded energy market. Also, such legislation usually leads to government support for renewable energy companies in the form of fiscal incentives.
Suzlon, which owns a 9.8% global market share,[1] has several major competitors in the wind energy sector.
While most of these companies are well-established in the global market, Suzlon's ability to produce in low cost countries (China and India) and its focus on high-potential energy markets gives it a powerful competitive advantage. Its growth over the past two years suggests that the business is taking full advantage of expanding markets while improving its efficiency to increase profitability. Suzlon also offers the most turbine models, one for each general wattage category (except for the highest capacities). The chart below illustrates the wide range of generating capacity that Suzlon has in comparison to its major competitors.
|Suzlon Energy Limited/REpower[5]
|General Electric Wind[45]
It should be noted that the two largest manufacturers, GE and Vestas, produce high capacity turbines. Suzlon produces most capacities, except turbines over 2.5MW, while GE and Vestas produce over 3MW. Low-energy turbines take less area to operate while high-energy turbines produce more power but take up more physical space.
Suzlon is the third largest wind turbine manufacturer in the word with 9.8% market share globally.[1] Suzlon has been the market leader in India with more than 4400 MW of installed wind energy projects in 8 states. In FY 2008-09, Suzlon had a market share of more than 50% in the Indian market.[1]


text:
[En Espaňol]
On Oct. 20, 2011, the CPUC approved an all-services overlay that will add a new 669 area code to the same geographic region as the existing 408 area code in order to provide additional telephone numbers to meet increasing consumer demand. Beginning on April 21, 2012, customers having 408 telephone numbers may dial all 11 digits to place a call. After October 20, 2012, all calls will require dialing 1 plus the area code and the seven digit telephone number. Calls placed without the area code will result in a recording advising the caller to dial one plus the area code and the telephone number to complete a call.
An area code overlay adds a second area code to the same geographic region as an existing area code. Therefore, multiple area codes can co-exist within the same geographic region. New telephone numbers with the 669 area code will be issued to customers requesting new telecommunication services beginning in November 2012.
Customers will not be required to change their existing telephone numbers. But, consumers calling any number in the 408 area code will have to dial the area code plus phone number beginning six months from today. If they do not, their calls will still go through for a six-month grace period. The new dialing procedure must be used beginning one year from today.
The 408 area code is predominantly in Santa Clara County, as well as neighboring cities and small unincorporated portions of Alameda and Santa Cruz Counties. Cities in the 408 area code include San Jose (the state's third largest city), as well as the cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, and a portion of Palo Alto.
New Dialing Procedure for Consumers with 408 Area Code
The 408 area code, covering primarily Santa Clara County, is forecasted to require a new area code by the fourth quarter 2012. The new area code, 669, is necessary because all of the available three digit numbers combined with 408 are expected to be assigned by that date.
The 669 will be introduced in the form of an all services overlay. In anticipation of needing a new area code in October 2012, the CPUC, in conjunction with the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), began the area code introduction process in December 2010. On December 2, 2010 the NANPA held meeting with affected service providers to get their input regarding the most appropriate method of introducing the 669. The industry consensus resulting from that meeting was to recommend an overlay. The CPUC held five meetings in March to inform the public and to receive public comment about the new area code alternatives and opened a web link to facilitate collecting maximum public comment. After the public meetings in March, the NANPA submitted an application to the CPUC for the new area code recommending the industry-desired solution.
In response to the NANPA's application the CPUC opened a proceeding, considered the information presented by the NANPA and comments from the public and issued a proposed decision. The CPUC considered comments made by the public up until the decision is voted on.
The CPUC approved the overlay on October 20, 2011.
Service providers are required to implement the new area code with a specified period.
The CPUC has employed number conservation methods diligently since 2000. The conservation measures have postponed the need for a new area code significantly.
In evaluating whether a new area code is necessary, the public must be mindful that numbers are assigned to service providers in minimum blocks of 1000. A service provider may use the full 1000 numbers or only one number in that thousand block. In either case, the service provider may continue to hold the block for future use. Each block of 1000 numbers is a portion of a prefix assigned to a specific rate center. Once a prefix has been assigned to a rate center, blocks within that prefix may only be used to provide service to customers located within the geographic area served by that rate center.
A new area code may be necessary even though a large percentage of numbers within the area code are unassigned. This is because the need for a new code is determined by the availability of additional prefixes – three digit number combinations – for assignment within the area code. When the availability of additional three digit number combinations is diminishing, it is necessary to assign a new area code so that the supply of prefixes is replenished.
October 17, 2012: CPUC Reminds Consumers in 408 Area Code of Mandatory New Dialing Prodedure for Calls
408 Public Meeting Materials including April 7, 2011 Meeting Report
408 Area Code History
408 Prefix Assignments as of November 15, 2010
Service Providers Holding Blocks in the 408 area code
408 Number Assignments by Technology (graph)
Overlay Alternative #1
Geographic Split Alternative #2
Frequently Asked Questions
Read our Media Advisory


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Say Hello in the Ukrainian Language
українська мова
Did You Know You Were Speaking Ukrainian?
Words in English from the Ukrainian language:
Ukrainian Alphabet
Learning Ukrainian
Ukrainian Culture
Who Can You Talk To?
There are around 36,028,490 people who speak Ukrainian in Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, Russia (Asia), Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the United States of America, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
Now you can say hello to 36,028,490 people!*
*Source: Ethnologue: Ukraine
Say Hello to the World was created by Lorri Mon.
Back to Say Hello homepage.


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Ethernet Patch Cable
Cat6 Patch Cable
7 Ft Cat6 Patch Cables
Our 7ft Cat6 UTP Ethernet Patch Cable comes in various colors, including blue, white, gray, grey, and black. Tektel offers high quality products at inexpensive prices and our new Cat6 550Mhz patch cable Wire offers excellent quality and performance. Our Cat6 550Mhz patch cable offers reliable Ethernet connection Made with a true 23AWG stranded conductor to meet all Category 5E specifications. The cable features a strain relief to prevent the RJ45 connector from bending at sharp angle, and a snag-less boot to protect the plug from snags during installation. The cable is 23AWG 4 pair Stranded, Unshielded Twisted Pair, for T-568B standard wiring. The cable contacts are 50 Micron Gold-plated and tested to 550mhz. As with all of our products, the cable is of the highest quality, earning it the label, "RoHS Compliant." Call our friendly representatives who are knowledgeable and can help you identify the best cables for your ethernet experience.


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CRESSKILL, N.J., Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Toyota Motor Corp. announced it is going to pay $1.4 billion to settle lawsuits over its car acceleration problem. This acceleration issue caused worldwide headlines, even leading to the CEO of Toyota, Akido Toyoda, testifying in front of a House of Representatives committee and apologizing for the safety lapse. The Japanese automaker still must face a wrongful death lawsuit, which is scheduled to begin in February.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110803/NY45278LOGO )
Plaintiff's attorneys involved in the litigation know that there is often a long delay between preliminary approval and payout of legal fees. Therefore, RD Legal Funding, LLC ("RD Legal") is providing immediate settlement funding to plaintiff's attorneys with Toyota Motor Corp. settlements.
Toyota is a well-known and established brand name in the automotive business. Its cars are generally considered to be among the best and most affordable. Recently, Consumer Reports called the Toyota Prius the best small hatchback. So it was a shock to many people when news reports started surfacing about problems with accelerator pedals and floor mats in Toyota cars.
After the death of an off-duty California police officer and his passengers made the news, Toyota began recalling vehicles with the help of the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To date, Toyota has recalled over 14 million cars worldwide. The news was so bad that it caused Toyota's stock price to plummet.
According to news reports about the settlement, Toyota will establish a $250 million fund, which includes cash payments to car owners and funds to retrofit vehicles. The cash payments are for people who bought their cars between September 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. The settlement also establishes additional driver education programs and funds new research into advanced safety technologies. A website, http://www.toyotaelsettlement.com, was established for current and former Toyota owners who qualify.
RD Legal can provide post-settlement funding to plaintiff's lawyers with Toyota settlements, which quickly monetizes legal fees associated with slow-paying settlements. Post-settlement financing does not require any kind of payments until the fee is paid; there are no monthly interest or principal payments, no upfront points or fees. Once the necessary documentation is received, RD Legal can wire funds within several days.
For more information about RD Legal's post-settlement funding solutions, call them toll-free at 1-800-565-5177. If you are ready to proceed, please visit http://www.legalfunding.com/solutions/fee_acceleration.cfm and fill out the brief online application.
http://youtu.be/oVQg5_gyOgM – CNN News Report about Toyota Settlement


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|Topic Review (Newest First)
|November 18th, 2010 03:14 PM
Contact me for private lessons
|March 31st, 2010 10:34 PM
|Invest in a good set of used clubs.....there is time to buy new later depending on whether you like the game or not. You will also need a bag, balls, and shoes. Otherwise, hold off on buying anything else until you try the game.....there are several golf gizmos and gimmicks on the market that you will never use! Enjoy the game as I have enjoyed it for over 40 years.
|September 18th, 2009 10:03 PM
|Golf schools are ideal for those looking for intensive training on either a specific area in their game or on the game of golf as a whole. d esigned for every level of player - from the beginner to the amateur looking to turn pro - golflessonco-op.com are incredibly varied in terms of skill level, location, type, and cost.
|November 28th, 2007 11:07 PM
check this!!
I have a golf lesson site which is mostly visited by many people online. purepointgolf.com/blog/ this is a website well known for its teachings for amateur.It has a unique way in teaching the golfers.The language used is also simple and easy to understand.No dont need a guide beside you to help in understanding the whole concept.Have a look into it.
|May 22nd, 2006 02:36 PM
Thanks for the golf lesson info!
Thanks for the golf lesson lead. I'm looking forward to getting started!
|May 22nd, 2006 12:05 PM
Jerry Martin Golf Pro
Jerry Martin is located in the Palm Springs area. He is a pro at lessons and greatly helped my game. http://www.golfclub.com/forms/lessons.html
|May 17th, 2006 09:48 AM
Looking for Golf Lessons
Can anyone steer me in the right direction for golf lessons? I'm a beginner and I'm looking to take lessons for fun. Thanks.
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Become a CMAS Contractor
A CMAS Contractor is a vendor that has been awarded a specific type of government contract called the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS).
A multiple award contract is one that is awarded to multiple vendors (2 or more) for the same and similar products and services at same and similar costs. Multiple award does not pertain to the number of buyers ordering from the contract, but instead, to the number of vendors receiving the award from a common bid or negotiation process.
For more information, visit The California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS).
How does a CMAS contract work?
The CMAS Unit is a part of State of California Department of General Services Procurement Division. The CMAS Unit does not conduct a bid. Instead, the vendor offers the CMAS Unit products, services and prices from an already existing competitively assessed, cost compared multiple award contract. To these products, services and prices, the CMAS Unit adds California contract terms and conditions and procurement codes, policies and guidelines.
- Your company won a bid award on audio-visual products from the University of Maryland.
- You can then submit that already competitively bid contract along with a CMAS application to the State of California.
- The CMAS Unit will remove the University of Maryland's terms and conditions and add their own terms and conditions as well as their own procurement codes, policies and guidelines.
- CSU Buyers access DGS eProcurement to search for appropriate CMAS contracts. If substantial savings are realized through the use of your CMAS contract, then buyers will use your contract and issue purchase orders to you.
What if I don't already have a competitively bid contract to submit to the CMAS Unit?
CMAS contracts are based primarily on products, services and prices from the federal General Services Administration (GSA) multiple award schedule program, but not exclusively.
Contractors who do not own a competitively assessed, cost compared multiple award contract may offer consulting services and prices from another contractor's federal GSA schedule or non-GSA multiple award contract. In this case, forms in the application packet are used to demonstrate that the contractor is qualified to provide the consulting services offered.
The following services are not available on the CMAS program:
- Architectural services
- Engineering services
- Environmental services
- Facility planning
- Financial audits
- Legal services
- Public works
- Registered nursing
- Security guard services
What are the advantages of being a CMAS Contractor?
You may increase your business as more CSUs and other government agencies use your CMAS contract to issue purchase orders to you.
CSU Buyers will use Find a CMAS Contract/Contractor to find applicable contracts. They are not required to obtain 3 quotations or bids for CMAS contracts that have already been competitively bid. Buyers will first consider offers from small businesses and/or DVBE's that have established CMAS contracts.
How do I become a CMAS contractor?
- Search the GSA eLibrary.
- You will need to find and obtain a copy of an active Federal General Services Administration (GSA) contract that encompasses the products and/or services your firm provides.
- Review the CMAS Supliers/Contractors section.
How do I renew my CMAS contract?
CMAS contracts may be renewed when the base GSA contract is renewed for a period of one year or more.
The process to renew a CMAS contract is the same as the process to apply for a new contract. Review the CMAS Supliers/Contractors section.
How do I extend my CMAS contract?
CMAS contracts may be extended when the base GSA contract is extended for a period of less than a year.
The CMAS contractor must prepare a letter requesting the CMAS Unit to extend their CMAS contract based on the GSA modification. The CMAS contractor is responsible for sending the letter to the CMAS unit to request the extension.
What is the purpose of the CMAS Product and Service Codes?
The CMAS Product and Service Codes provide a tool for referencing, advertising and marketing the products and/or services available via the CMAS contract.
However, since only 12 codes can be used, CSU buyers do not assume that these codes are the only products and/or services that can be provided. Buyers may request a copy of the complete CMAS contract from the contractor to review it to determine the full extent of the products and/or services available.
Can a CMAS contractor provide products or services after the CMAS contract expires?
The Purchase Order can direct that products and/or services will be provided after the CMAS contract expires, but only if the CMAS order is issued prior to the expiration of the CMAS contract.
No new orders can be placed against an expired CMAS contract.
What information needs to be provided on the CMAS Contractor Certification?
The Contractor needs to provide:
- GSA schedule number (that they are using as a basis for their CMAS contract).
- GSA contractor's name.
- GSA contract start and end dates.
This information is generally found on the 1st or 2nd pages of the GSA Schedule. This form also needs to be signed by someone within your company who is empowered to bind the firm contractually.
Why do vendors need to be registered with the Secretary of State?
In order to do business in California, all Corporations, LLCs, LLPs and LPs must be registered with the California Secretary of State.
Where can I get more information about CMAS?
Review the documents at CMAS Information for Suppliers.


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SUNNYVALE, Calif. & SHANGHAI, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 2004--Artisan Components, Inc. (Nasdaq:ARTI), a leading provider of physical intellectual property (IP) and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (NYSE:SMI and HKSE:981), one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world, today announced an agreement regarding Artisan's IP support of SMIC's 0.15-micron CMOS process. In addition to the 0.18-micron agreement announced in January of 2003, this agreement extends the relationship of SMIC and Artisan. SMIC commits to providing designers with solutions for advanced process technologies.
The agreement will allow Artisan's large user community to access SMIC's 0.15-micron process technology through Artisan's proven IP platform. The platform includes a selection of advanced SRAM, ROM and register-file generators as well as Artisan's SAGE-X(TM) Standard Cell Library. The 0.15-micron platform conforms to the Artisan design standard and will be delivered with Artisan's extensive set of views and models in support of industry leading EDA tools. Artisan plans to distribute the products under its Access Library Program on a worldwide basis at no charge to licensed design teams.
"SMIC continues to be active in expanding our high-quality IP support for our customers," said Richard Chang, president and CEO of SMIC. "This agreement with Artisan will also provide Artisan's thousands of users with access to advanced IC manufacturing in China. In addition, it will help us to better meet our customers' requirements in China as well as in the rest of the world."
"Artisan is pleased to extend our alliance with SMIC, they are demonstrating a strong commitment to our users," said Mark Templeton, Artisan's president and chief executive officer. "We are pleased that SMIC is supporting Artisan's solutions and look forward to working with them to offer compelling technologies to the world's leading IC design teams."
Product Availability
Front-end views for Artisan's 0.15-micron SMIC platform are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2004. Customers interested in Artisan's SMIC-based library products should contact SMIC at firstname.lastname@example.com or Artisan via e-mail at email@example.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the delivery of products by Artisan, the characteristics of such products, the future of the Artisan/SMIC relationship and the benefits of this relationship for IC design teams. Actual results may differ materially, and Artisan disclaims any obligation to update or correct this information. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the demand for semiconductors and end user products that incorporate them, general economic conditions, competition, technical limitations, customer concentration, risks related to international operations and international intellectual property protection, the integration of SMIC's 0.15-micron process technology with Artisan products and whether there will be technical or other difficulties that delay or prevent the availability of 0.15-micron library products. We refer you also to the documents that Artisan files from time-to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in particular the section entitled "Factors Affecting Future Operating Results" in Artisan's annual report on form 10-K and its quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q. Artisan disclaims any obligation to update or correct the information contained in this press release as a result of financial, business or any other developments occurring after the date of the release.
About SMIC
SMIC is one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world. As a foundry, SMIC fabricates semiconductors for customers based on their own or third parties' integrated circuit designs. SMIC was founded in April 2000 and currently offers a wide range of leading edge integrated wafer manufacturing services, including copper interconnects capabilities, to its global customer base. SMIC operates 8-inch wafer fabrication facilities in the Zhangjiang High-Tech Park in Shanghai, China and, as a result of a recent acquisition, an 8-inch wafer fab in Tianjin, China. In addition, SMIC is currently constructing 12-inch wafer fabrication facilities in Beijing, China.
About Artisan Components
Artisan Components, Inc. is a leading provider of physical intellectual property (IP) components for the design and manufacture of complex system-on-a-chip integrated circuits. Artisan's products include embedded memory, standard cell, input/output, analog and mixed-signal components, which are designed to achieve the best combination of performance, density, power and yield for a given manufacturing process. Artisan has licensed its IP components to over 1,200 companies involved in integrated circuit design. Artisan is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. More information about Artisan Components, including free library access, can be found at access.arm.com.
Artisan Components and Artisan are registered trademarks of Artisan Components, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


text: / What Word Completes the Analogy? What Word Completes the Analogy? (What is an analogy?) SOFA : FURNITURE :: trout : ____ Hint The relationship between the first pair of words is that of item to category—one word names something that falls into the category, or group, named by the other word. salmon scaly fish Word QuizSpelling Bee Yesterday's Analogy Quiz | Tomorrow's Analogy Quiz Download Poptropica and play for free!Explore a limitless universe of uncharted islands


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Beaumont/Port Arthur
Should you have been doing any boating in our inland waterways, you will notice what appear to be new buoys along the shallows. That's more than likely not the case. Now is the time when trophy speckled trout chasers are out in full force. Most of the more experienced anglers who plan to be wading will wear easily visible warm gear on their upper bodies. This is to make them more visual to any other boaters that are also going fishing. This practice should be at the forefront for all anglers who are into the wading thing when they are after the big females specks.
For whatever reason over the years, most of the local outdoor writers including present company have spent little ink about East and Trinity bays. Both of those waterways have nearly direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Both Rollover Pass and the Galveston Ship Channel serve as access points for saltwater fish to move in and out of the bays with little effort. Add to that, there are numerous shell reefs in both bays as well as the north and south jetties as stopover points for the fish.
Fishing in February can be iffy at best. Since the wind, weather and water temperatures fluctuate greatly, it is difficult to learn a feeding pattern. There are some days that make trying to go fishing too dangerous. Lighting and high winds in the 25 mph plus zone along with torrential rain make for those types of days. Other than that, there is some really good fish catching available where the weather is less of a deterrent.
So when do folks quit going fishing? They don't! Although most of the anglers are also hunters, there is no reason to overlook some great cold weather fishing. Even back during deer season, many deer hunters, especially in the Hill Country and in West Texas, were privileged to have access to stock tanks. There are also rivers and streams that meander near to or on their hunting grounds. The majority of ranchers that I've talked to about fishing in their tanks are super agreeable.
From time to time, folks have asked what my favorite type of hunting is. Such a question does require some deep thinking. The only hunting that I did not enjoy was when I was first taken out snipe hunting at night.
Coming back to reality, I have always had wing shooting with ducks, geese and doves at the top of the list. Even quail and jacksnipe are great challenges, but at the very top is duck hunting.
The reports that I have been receiving from the Hill Country and East to the Texas Piney Woods are of an abundant supply of corns. Whenever that happens, the deer seem to not move much during the daylight hours. They will feed at night and remain near the feeding area, if possible. There are, however, some situations that will cause the deer to move around during the daylight hours even if ample food is nearby.
While we harbor no disrespect for the Wall Street Journal who called us "that scrappy little paper from Southeast Texas," we prefer to think of ourselves as simple seekers of the truth. We're of the opinion that headlines and sound bites never tell the whole story. Our readers demand all the facts, facets and flavors of every story or event. And, they expect to be informed, educated and stirred to action.
For this week's New York Times crossword puzzle, pick up a copy of this week's The Examiner on newsstands now.


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It's Gracious Of You
to Hold Your Arms
throw Your Charms Around Me
it's Gracious Of You
to Lead Me By The Hand
i Really Love You
it's Gracious Of You
to Be By My Side, Rolling Wild
reeling Thunder
it's Gracious Of You
come Again, Come Again To Me
and Save Me The Need To Say Goodbye
and Why Would I Ask Of You, Need To Say Goodbye
say It, Say It, Oh, I Don't Know How To Say This,
please, Here Leave Me Warm, Hollowed And Open.
(yodeling.... ) One More.... (more Yodeling)
and Then Leave, Yeah.
it's Gracious Of You To Hold Me While
i Don't Want To Say Goodbye, Yeah...
oh Goodbye...... It's Too Soon For Me To
say Goodbye, Say Goodbye Hey, It's Warm Here
say Goodbye Leave It Cold Again, Cold Again.
say, Say Goodbye.