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By PR Newswire | Article Rating: |
December 17, 2012 05:45 AM EST | Reads: |
230 |
- Valerus becomes largest compression solutions provider in Iraq
HOUSTON, Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Valerus, (www.valerus-co.com), one of the world's leading providers of oil and gas handling and processing services and equipment, has been awarded a contract to provide more than 45,000 bhp of compression and onsite supervisory services for processing facilities being developed in Iraq.
The award positions Valerus as Iraq's largest supplier of reciprocating compression equipment and services. Valerus has installed large compression facilities throughout the Middle East, including in Kuwait and Bahrain and is one of the world's largest providers of compression, production, and processing and treating equipment.
"This is a tremendous win for Valerus and a testament to our ability to rapidly and effectively meet our clients' global demands," said Shelton McMath, vice president of the Eastern Hemisphere for Valerus. "Our customers trust us to provide the comprehensive solutions they need regardless of scale and geography."
About Valerus
Valerus is a worldwide leader in integrated oil and gas handling and processing. Products and services include reciprocating compressor packages, production equipment, gas processing solutions, liquid separation systems and a variety of professional field services. Its mission is to develop tailored solutions for its customers by combining the most experienced people with innovation and quality equipment. Valerus is committed to achieving the highest standards in health, safety and environmental responsibility. More information is available at www.valerus-co.com.
Chris Wailes
Pierpont Communications
Houston, Texas
+1-713-585-5144 (mobile)
Published December 17, 2012 Reads 230
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Click here to view the item | |
Creator: | Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission |
Title: | Buford Posey |
Date: | 1957-1970 |
Description: | Records collected by the Mississippi Sovereignty Commission on Buford Posey between 1958 and 1970. Posey was alleged to be a member of the communist party. The file contains a recounting of Posey allegedly promoting the communist party in 1948, articles written by Posey and published in the New Southerner and the American Socialist publications, information about his arrest in 1958 for challenging a newspaper publisher to dual for reprinting comments from those articles, reports from investigations in 1961 and 1963, as well as a copy of the broadside published by the Georgia Commission on Education following the 1957 documenting the Highlander Folk School's twenty-fifth anniversary celebration and the alleged communist connection to the school as well as the social integration during the weekend. The Civil Rights Digital Library received support from a National Leadership Grant for Libraries awarded to the University of Georgia by the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the aggregation and enhancement of partner metadata. |
Types: | Letters (correspondence) | Articles | Broadsides | Reports | Text |
Subjects: | Posey, Buford W. | Civil rights movements--Mississippi | Civil rights workers--Mississippi | Social reformers--Mississippi | Mississippi--Race relations--History--20th century | Race relations | Communism | Jackson advocate | African American newspapers--Mississippi--Jackson | Presidents--United States--Election--1948 | Segregation--Mississippi | Highlander Folk School (Monteagle, Tenn.) | Georgia Commission on Education | Highlander Folk School (Monteagle, Tenn.)--Anniversaries, etc. | Social reformers--Mississippi | Men, White--Mississippi | Jackson (Miss.) | Hinds County (Miss.) | Mississippi | Philadelphia (Miss.) | Neshoba County (Miss.) |
Collection: | Series 2515 : Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission Records Online, 1994-2006, Folders |
Institution: | Mississippi Department of Archives and History |
Contributors: | Mississippi. Dept. of Archives and History |
Online Publisher: | [Jackson (Miss.)] : Mississippi Dept. of Archives and History | 2002 |
Original Material: | from Buford Posey, Sovereignty Commission records, Mississippi Department of Archives and History |
Rights and Usage: | The Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission Records are state government records made available to the public pursuant to American Civil Liberties Union v. Fordice, 969 F.Supp. 403 (S.D.Miss.1994). The web-enabled version of the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission Records is intended for public use in research, teaching, and private study in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Use clause of the United States Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). MDAH makes no warranty or assurances that materials contained in this collection are free from U.S. copyright claims or other restrictions on free use and display. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or distributing materials found in this collection. MDAH requests that prior to publication of Sov. Com. images the user submit an MDAH Broadcast/Publication Permission form for approval by the Department. This form must be accompanied by documentation which proves that copyright requirements have been satisfied. Contact MDAH Reference Staff for details on how to obtain and complete the B/PP form: (601) 576 6876 or firstname.lastname@example.com. There are no MDAH Use Fees associated with use of Sov. Com. images. MDAH asks that each image used in a presentation, display, or publication be accompanied by a credit line, which at a minimum includes the name of this collection, the unique resource identifier for each image, the name of this institution, and URL. ; Cite images according to the following structure: Original Creator, "Title", Original creation date (if known), Unique Resource Identifier, Series Number and Title, Archival Repository, date of last web page revision, image location/URL, (image viewed on date). |
Related Materials: | Forms part of Series 2515 : Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission Records Online, 1994-2006 |
Persistent Link to Item: | http://www.mdah.ms.gov/arrec/digital_archives/sovcom/imagelisting.php?foldercheckbox%5B%5D=10%7C1%7C8%7C%7C0 |

subset: commoncrawl


text: It was a day for kids, but more importantly kids battling life threatening diseases. Kylie and Aaron Ezzell are two smiling kids both battling Neuro-fibromatosis, a genetic illness, that attacks the nerves, causing tumors, and other problems. Friday at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, the kids were able to escape the needles and doctors and instead spent the day with pilots and planes. The kids got to enter an F-15 Fighter Jet, put on the pilots' clothes, even fly the simulator, bringing smiles to more than just the kids. The visit was part of the Make-A-Wish program.


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Location of Inn on Castro
Location, location, location. The Inn on Castro cannot be bettered. The Inn is located at the corner of Castro Street and Market at the gateway to the Castro.
Our Neighborhood
Inn on Castro is next door to some of the best restaurants San Francisco has to offer, and in a location with the best night life.
Experience The Castro first hand when you stay at the Inn on Castro by going out at night to the many bars and clubs. Experience fine dining during the day at unique and one of a kind restaurants. Don't forget the culture, the castro is filled with art, music, and people, a great way to really experience the best part of San Francisco.


text:
The Job : Season 1
- Network: CBS
- Series Premiere Date: Feb 8, 2013
Where To Watch
Critic Reviews
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
Sharp-tongued, ambitious, highly seductive--a TV series that has, it can be said, done the job.
The Job, with Lisa Ling as host, is taped in front of a live audience, which keeps it from being too downbeat. The interviewers are honest but encouraging, and even those who are eliminated are told precisely why and given advice about other opportunities.
As these things go, The Job is rather mild-mannered and amiable--everyone is on their best behavior, because there is no advantage in being nasty.
Mostly, The Job plays like a clever throwback to TV's youth.
There are so many twists and arbitrary rules to the competition that it can certainly be disconcerting for viewers.
You'll be able to spot the front-runner and eventual winner probably 10 minutes into the show.
It's just a big billboard spotted with interesting advice tidbits and, of course, tears.
While it's all meant to be aspirational, it's more desperation-al watching these professionals jump through hoops for our entertainment.
Five contestants face a potential employer in a ridiculously tarted-up competition format that results in a job offer for one of them.
The real problem with the show--besides its exploitative and sad premise--is how slow it is.


text:
Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom, who had planned to play in Belarus during the NHL lockout, will stay in Minnesota for now because of a minor ankle injury, he said via text message.
Backstrom had surgery on his ankle after the 2011-12 season but injured his other ankle while getting ready for the 2012-13 season. He had been working out with more than a dozen Wild players in St. Louis Park, but was not on the ice Thursday, Sept. 20.
He was going to play for Dynamo Minsk in the Kontinental Hockey League, and was expected to join the team after lining up a visa and an insurance policy. Instead, Backstrom said he's staying in Minnesota "to practice as of now."
NHL Headlines
Niklas Backstrom to stay in Minnesota for now
St. Paul Pioneer Press | Sep 21


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U.S. deal activity was the bright spot in an otherwise relatively muted global M&A market in 2013. Several large U.S. transactions were announced in the first two months of the year, and although deal volume for transactions (involving U.S. targets) grew at a slower rate over the remainder of the year, large transactions continued to drive improved U.S. deal volume for 2013 generally. In addition, a modest uptick of deals in the fourth quarter may be a harbinger of increased confidence and heightened M&A activity in 2014.
Improving U.S. economic conditions could boost boardroom confidence levels and advance M&A activity that boards previously may have put on hold. In addition, shareholders are playing a more active role as drivers of M&A activity, prompting boards to consider divestitures, spin-offs and company sales. Corporate cash balances remain at historically high levels, and acquisition financing continues to be available on attractive terms. Equity markets have been stable, and stock prices are at near-record highs, creating attractive acquisition capital for potential corporate acquirers; however, this may often be offset by increased acquisition costs and a decreased number of targets perceived to be undervalued. Financial sponsors continue to sit on large reserves of capital to be deployed for acquisition-related investment (approximately $395 billion worldwide and $207 billion in North American-focused buyout funds as of January 2014, according to Preqin estimates), and private equity portfolio company exits should continue apace in 2014. All that said, favorable indicators have existed in recent years, including in 2013, without igniting robust levels of deal activity. As such, the outlook for 2014 remains encouraging.
U.S. Activity Drives Global M&A Market. In light of continuing economic uncertainty and volatility in other markets, U.S. targets were attractive to buyers seeking to deploy cash and take advantage of low interest rates as well as the perceived safety of investing in the United States. The dollar value of announced M&A transactions for U.S. targets was $1.04 trillion in 2013, representing approximately 43 percent of total global deal activity, according to Thomson Reuters data. Ten of the 15 largest transactions announced worldwide in 2013 involved a U.S. target.
Similar to last year, we expect the telecommunications and media and technology industries to remain among the most active in 2014. The telecommunications and media sector was the greatest contributor to deal volume (in dollar value) in 2013, largely because of the $130.1 billion Verizon Wireless transaction. Meanwhile, the technology sector, despite a slight decline from the previous year, had the largest number of transactions last year. While several observers expect U.S. M&A activity in the health care sector to heat up due to consolidation fueled in part by the implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act, issues surrounding the act's initial implementation and other factors may contain deal activity in the near term (see Regulatory/"Health Care and Life Sciences: Affordable Care Act Rollout to Impact M&A and Enforcement Activity").
Megadeals Return. After a notable lack of high-value deals in 2012, the "megadeal" returned in 2013, with 11 announced transactions in excess of $5 billion involving U.S. public company targets. Several large deals were announced early in the year, including the acquisitions of H.J. Heinz Co. by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and 3G Capital ($27.4 billion) and Dell Inc. by Michael Dell and Silver Lake Partners ($24.9 billion), fueling short-lived speculation of a rebound in 2013 M&A activity to prefinancial crisis levels. In September, Verizon Communications Inc. announced the acquisition of Vodafone Group's 45 percent interest in Verizon Wireless for $130.1 billion, the largest transaction of the year and the third-largest in history.
One-Step Mergers Remain Preferred Deal Structure … for Now. The majority of acquisitions involving U.S. public company targets have been one-step mergers, which enable a buyer to gain 100 percent control of a target through a simple statutory process, requiring target shareholder approval. Buyers seeking speed often utilize a two-step structure — a first-step tender offer followed by a second-step short-form merger — because it does not require shareholder approval and can be completed more quickly than a one-step merger, often in as little as one month. However, if the number of shares tendered into the offer is not sufficient to permit a short-form merger, the parties are required to follow the long-form merger process.
Amendments to the Delaware General Corporation Law became effective in August 2013, which permit the use of a short-form second-step merger if, following the completion of a first-step tender offer, the buyer owns a sufficient number of shares to approve the second-step merger (typically a majority of the outstanding shares, compared to 90 percent of the outstanding shares prior to the amendments). After the amendments went into effect, the number of transactions structured as first-step tender offers followed by second-step short-form mergers increased (see "Delaware Continues to Influence US M&A"). Transactions implementing this structure in 2013 included Paulson & Co.'s acquisition of Steinway, Valeant Pharmaceuticals' pending acquisition of Solta Medical and Endo Health Solutions' pending acquisition of NuPathe. The amendments are particularly noteworthy in leveraged acquisitions, where the increased certainty of closing on the tender offer and second-step merger in the same day gives buyers and their debt financing sources greater comfort in their ability to use the target's assets as collateral for financing the tender offer.
While we expect to see an increase in the number of deals structured as first-step tender offers, it is too early to tell whether the two-step merger will become the M&A acquisition structure of choice. Transaction parties will need to evaluate the various considerations of their particular deal — will the regulatory review process be lengthy, is the committed support of the target's large shareholders desirable for deal certainty — as well as the fiduciary duties of the target board in determining the appropriate structure.
Strategic buyers and sellers exhibited discipline in their dealmaking activities in 2013, adopting a risk-averse approach. With stock prices nearing historic highs, boards and management carefully evaluated buy-side opportunities to avoid overpaying, including deciding whether to participate in competitive auctions. Strategic buyers continued to look for "add-on" acquisitions to expand their existing product and service offerings, customer base and/or geographic footprint in an environment of low organic growth. Although prevailing economic and market conditions were favorable, few big-ticket transformational transactions were announced during the year. It remains to be seen whether the completion of those transactions and the continuation of stable market conditions will give boards the confidence to undertake industry-changing transactions in 2014.
Strategic sellers continued to focus on their core businesses, divesting noncore businesses to an eager audience of buyers hungry for attractive acquisition candidates. Buyers took advantage of available credit, low interest rates and historically high levels of cash to pursue these candidates, while strategic sellers continued to use spin-offs to focus on their core competencies, unlock the value of high-growth business segments and boost stock prices.
Private equity sellers were ideally situated to realize sizeable returns on the sale of portfolio companies in 2013, as buyers actively sought attractive targets and stock market valuations were at historically high levels. In one of the largest private equity exit transactions of the year, Warburg Pincus sold its portfolio company, Bausch & Lomb Inc., to Valeant Pharmaceuticals for $8.7 billion. IPOs also continued to be a popular exit strategy, as private equity firms looked to monetize the value of their investments while the IPO market remained open (see Capital Markets/"The JOBS Act: The Resurgent IPO Market and What We Learned in Year Two").
However, despite record levels of callable capital reserves (or "dry powder") and the availability of acquisition financing at historically low interest rates, private equity buyers have been struggling to find quality assets at attractive prices. In the absence of platform acquisition opportunities, private equity buyers are engaging in more add-on acquisitions, with a focus on enhancing the revenue and value of their existing portfolio companies. The low interest rate environment and accessible debt markets in 2013 also facilitated portfolio recapitalizations, a trend that carried over from 2012. Information technology, particularly software, was a popular industry for private equity buyers in 2013, with more traditional industries for private equity investment such as retail, media, and business products and services attracting lower levels of interest.
Contractual terms around deal certainty remain an important element in private equity acquisition activity. While variants on the theme exist, some form of specific performance, together with a reverse break-up fee typically in excess of levels of seller terminations fees (and concomitant caps on damages against the buyer/sponsor), continue to be the prevailing contractual mechanics to address certainty and redress for nonperformance by a private equity buyer. While transaction parties and deal practitioners will continue to find creative variations on existing contractual technology surrounding deal certainty (and related remedies), we do not expect to see any major structural changes to the private equity contractual terms in this area in the immediate future.
Increasingly, activist shareholders have been seeking to influence the strategic direction of companies; and in many instances, they have garnered support for their ideas from mainstream institutional investors. While activists historically have focused their efforts on smaller, underperforming companies, in 2013 they turned their attention to large-cap and diversified businesses with multiple operating segments, including companies performing consistently with their peers. Boards and management are reassessing the strategic fit of noncore businesses, and activists are reinforcing this boardroom trend, often resulting in divestitures or spin-offs. Activists played prominent roles in several large M&A transactions last year — most notably Carl Icahn in his rival bid for Dell Inc. All indications, including the activist community's fundraising efforts and commentary, point to a continuation of activism in 2014 and beyond (see Governance/"US Corporate Governance: Boards of Directors Face Increased Scrutiny").
Another trend capturing attention in boardrooms and the deal community in 2013 was shareholder activism in the context of opposing announced transactions, such as Soft Bank/Sprint/Clearwire, Plains Exploration/Freeport-McMoRan and Dell. Activist funds and arbitrageurs made their presence known in the public company M&A arena and, in several instances, led campaigns to improve deal economics. Transaction parties should be prepared in advance to address shareholder concerns and should not assume that an arm's length, heavily negotiated, carefully analyzed, good-faith determination to enter into a transaction will lead to shareholder approval without controversy.
Hostile and unsolicited activity was subdued for much of 2013, with only four hostile transactions announced during the first three quarters; however, activity picked up somewhat in the fourth quarter, with the announcement of seven unsolicited transactions.1 Hostile activity often is perceived to correlate with higher levels of board and management confidence, and the fourth quarter may be an indicator for increased dealmaking activity in 2014.
Of particular note is the unsolicited $2.3 billion acquisition proposal by Jos. A. Bank for Men's Wearhouse, a rival men's clothing company, announced in October 2013. After its proposal was rejected by Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank withdrew its offer. In a maneuver referred to as a "Pac-Man" defense transaction, Men's Wearhouse turned the tables and announced an offer to acquire Jos. A. Bank, the smaller of the two companies, for $1.5 billion. This offer was rejected in late December by Jos. A. Bank. Men's Wearhouse formally launched an unsolicited tender offer for Jos. A. Bank on January 6.
Political, fiscal and monetary uncertainties persist in the U.S., and levels of M&A activity remain muted when compared to the historic highs of the pre-2008 market. However, some of the factors that contributed to an encouraging finish in 2013 could play a role in a brighter U.S. M&A market in 2014. While the pace of activity in the new year may be modest, the factors are in place to stimulate increased dealmaking. ____________________________
1 For this discussion, we count Jos. A. Bank/Men's Wearhouse twice. * This article appeared in the firm's sixth annual edition of Insights on January 16, 2014.
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text:
From intros matching that of a prizefighter walking into the ring to packed stands throughout the night, Monday was all about individual swimmers at the Augusta Aquatics Center.
After a long weekend of team divisional competition, the CSRA Swim League wrapped up its summer season with the 2014 CSRA All-Star Swim Meet. They swam with their pool colors on, but it was about individual achievement as records fell and double winners were crowned.
Columbia County's established baseball players and up-and-comers got a chance to display their skills at Georgia Gwinnett College from June 23 to June 26.
Four Greenbrier High School players: Adam Sasser, Nick Sandlin, Connor Hogan and Garrett Marchman, along with Evans' Colin Dominy and Lakeside's Jake Gilbert, participated in the 11th iteration of the Georgia Dugout Club's Georgia Underclassmen Top 100 Showcase.
So the World Cup is over – well the USA's involvement in it anyway – back to the dog days of summer.
Sure, there's plenty of Major League Baseball to watch, but the pros will be taking their midseason break at the end of this week to get ready for the All-Star game in Minneapolis, Minn. on July 15.
What to do?
Well, there will be plenty of local opportunities to catch live sporting events right around the corner.
After taking her time and weighing her options, all Greenbrier High School senior volleyball player DeJhana Cotton has to do now is sign on the dotted line.
After a trip to the school Tuesday, Cotton made her decision to commit to Clemson University.
"I drove up here and visited and they offered me a full-ride scholarship and I had to pick it up," said Cotton happily. "I verbally committed today and I'm thrilled and very excited to be going there."
Cotton will have to wait until November before she can officially sign her National Letter of Intent.
• Sports Academy South, Inc. Sports & Education Summer Day Camp has sessions for ages 5 to 15. Cost is $110 per week; $100 for second sibling and $90 for a third sibling. Registration is $45 per sibling if not a member. July dates are Monday to Friday, July 14 to July 18, July 21 to July 25, July 28 to Aug. 1 and then finishes on Aug. 4 to Aug. 5. Call (706) 860-7691.
Greenbrier's States Fort was the top local finisher at last week's Press Thornton Future Masters in Dothan, Ala. The event is one of the most prestigious junior golf tournaments in the country and has been around for 65 years.
Lightning couldn't strike twice for the Martinez Evans Little League 9-10 All-Star team Thursday night.
After coming back from an early eight-run deficit to beat Washington-Wilkes 17-11 Wednesday night and stay alive in the Little League District 6 baseball tournament, the MELL Americans faced an early seven-run deficit against Elbert County in Thursday's championship game at Crawford Creek Park.
Elbert County added to its lead with a seven-run fifth inning and beat the Americans 16-4, taking home the title and advancing to the state competition.
The Columbia County Parks and Recreation 11/12 Girls All-Stars continued their recent dominance in the state of Georgia over the weekend.
While there were just three teams participating in the state tournament in Perry, Ga., the All-Stars exhibited their prowess.
They beat Taylor County 15-0 on Friday then swept Schley County on Saturday and Sunday by 12-4 scores.
"We played really well. I wished we had a little more competition," said All-Stars coach Scott McChesney, adding that the Dixie organization in Georgia used to have more teams in the mix.
The CSRA Swim League began winding down its summer schedule Friday night.
At the Augusta Aquatic Center, it was Division 4 taking center stage in the first of five divisional meets taking place over the weekend.
Before Friday's competition, the team from National Hills looked to be the favorite, having gone 3-0 in head-to-head matchups in the regular season.
• Sports Academy South, Inc. Sports & Education Summer Day Camp has sessions for ages 5 to 15. Cost is $110 per week; $100 for second sibling and $90 for a third sibling. Registration is $45 per sibling if not a member. July dates are Monday to July 11, July 14 to July 18, July 21 to July 25, July 28 to August 1 and then finishes on August 4 to August 5. Call (706) 860-7691.
Columbia County News-Times ©2017. All Rights Reserved.


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I wonder what the Saga Darth Maul will be that's coming out?
I wonder what the Saga Darth Maul will be that's coming out?
Is there definitely going to be one? Who said?
Rebelscum mentioned it, but not as part of a particular assortment.
I'm guessing it's going to be action posed, with the new-style blades, probably with one arm frozen in an elbow jab, and the other hand frozen behind him, holding his lightstaff.
Edit: But since he'd be Collection 1, there will be an "elbow-jab" action feature. Rah.
"It's bombs away for Iraq and on our civil liberties if Bush and his cronies get their way. Dissent is patriotic!"
- Helen Thomas, veteran journalist
Journalists are mostly centrist in their political orientation. The minority of journalists who do not identify with the "center" are more likely to identify with the "right" when it comes to economic issues and to identify with the "left" when it comes to social issues.
Hopefully it's a Holographic Maul. That's the only version of Maul that we haven't gotten a good version of. The Wal-Mart one was a complete statue, and was to short compared to the Holo Sidious that they released in the E1. He didn't even look that like Maul in the face.
MTFBWY and HH!!
Jar Jar Binks
AGENTS OF ATLAS - Returns in Early 2009.
We've gotten a good version of Maul? We've gotten ok versions with good limited features, but a good Maul?
Hopefully it's a more articulated Jedi Duel Maul with a cloth skirt and a lightsaber that detches in the middle, has removeable blades and can hang from his waist. That's the best Maul I can think of. Oh yeah, and the blades need to be interactive so I can try to scrounge up a couple of blades from the Soft Goods Maul figures to replace those energy blast ones which will most likely come with it.
"Hokey packaging and ancient gimmicks are no match for good detail on your figure, kid."
"I am a Klingot from Oklahoma in human boy form."
"We came, we saw, we conquered... We, woke up!"
Well to this day, the only version of him I mess with is the original Sith Speeder Maul. Granted he's missing anytype of skirt but he has plenty of articulation, a decent likeness, he can fit on his bike, and he has an awesome cloth cloak.Originally posted by LTBasker
We've gotten a good version of Maul? We've gotten ok versions with good limited features, but a good Maul?
I also replaced the stupid arms of the otherwise good soft goods maul, with the arms from the first release Maul and its a pretty decent figure.
Wha'choo talkin 'bout Hasselhoff?


text:
- 4 years ago by Garnet Henderson
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I know what you're thinking: do we really need another song with people yelling "hey" in the background? But the latest band to get on the "hey" bandwagon seems to be going places, so it's about time you got to know them. More


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It's been over a decade, 12 years to be exact, since Isaac C. Hunt, Jr. then Commissioner of the SEC, delivered his seminal "Accountants as Gatekeepers" speech. Those of you with gray hair (or no hair) will recall this speech for Hunt's attack on managed earnings and "pro forma" financials." In venting his frustration with non-GAAP metrics (today's descriptor for bad financial metrics), he reminded securities issuers of their responsibilities to "make full and fair disclosure of all material information." Hunt's speech is particularly noteworthy as it points out that "federal securities laws, to a significant extent, make accountants the 'gatekeepers' to the public securities markets.
Recently, several articles have appeared in the popular press highlighting "new" ways that companies are reporting performance. In one, "New Benchmarks Crop Up in Companies Financial Reports," Emily Chasan discusses how some firms are complementing financial reports with nontraditional performance benchmarks. What's my beef you ask? Well, my objections this time are consistent with my recent rants about Black Box's new metrics, and Citigroup's new performance measurement system. Simply put, these supposedly innovative and insightful performance measures are neither! In fact, in most cases, they are quite the opposite, and actually mask real operating performance.
My grumpiness on this "new" disclosure business has reached the boiling point. I am so hot about this that I'm calling out today's CFOs, as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to stop this nonsense once and for all. I propose scrapping the SEC's current Regulation G, which governs the use of non-GAAP measures. Let's replace it with a requirement that companies disclose real operating data and metrics, not just financial measures. But there is one hitch: none of the operating metrics I have in mind can use, or be based in any way on any financial statement data, or any combination of numbers that come from the general ledger system! Let me explain further.
As Ms. Chasan reports, some companies are beginning to disclose relevant operating data, particularly as it relates to customers (e.g., paid membership rates, active users, cumulative customers, etc.). Unfortunately, many more CFOs continue to try to sell us the same old "snake oil," namely, "innovative" metrics that are nothing more than repackaged financial statement-based illusions. You know them well, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and the like. And this deception has continued unabated for years…some of us even remember a wonderful piece by Jonathan Weil titled "Companies Pollute Earnings Reports, Leaving P/E Ratios Hard to Calculate." Nevertheless, the result is the same: financially-based, non-GAAP performance measures that have less to do with the nuts and bolts of daily operating processes, and more to do with today's troubled accounting "standards."
Why do so many CFOs promote the use of these non-GAAP metrics? They maintain that these metrics are needed because financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), particularly the income statement, don't provide a complete and accurate picture of a company's performance. But are CFOs really being driven to more non-GAAP metrics so as to present a clearer picture of the future direction of a business as recently suggested by Professors Paul Bahnson of Boise State and Paul Miller of UC – Colorado Springs?
What troubles me is that many of these same CFOs are the ones that have lobbied and pushed accounting standard-setters into today's GAAP. These CFOs are talking out of both sides of their mouths. On the one hand, they lobby for less restrictive financial accounting standards, then flip on us, to shun the very rules they lobby for as not adequately reflecting their operating performance. Is this complete hypocrisy, or absolute genius?
Over a decade ago, SEC Commissioner Hunt also criticized CFOs for using pro-forma earnings to describe companies operations as "we'd like it to be", which always seemed to "paint a rosier picture than GAAP might otherwise allow." Isn't it just amazing that companies which report consistently strong profits and operating cash flows, don't use non-GAAP measures? Why is that? Their strategies are sound and their business models actually work! So, when CFOs argue for better performance metrics, do they really mean it? Probably not…if they did, they would stop wasting our time revising, adjusting, and yes, manipulating GAAP financial results in vain attempts to transform these historically-focused performance measures into predictors of the future. As the saying goes, "that dog don't hunt, son."
While their approach might seem reasonable to some, this grumpy old accountant finds it flawed for one very important reason. Financial statements by their very nature are retrospective, not future-oriented. In short, they tell us what happened yesterday, regardless of whether they are US or IFRS GAAP, historical cost or fair value.
So what's the answer to this dilemma? How can we meet analyst and investor demands for information with predictive value? The answer to this disclosure need has been right under the noses of CFOs (and regulators) for a quarter of a century: the Balanced Scorecard. This time-tested performance measurement framework encourages managers to supplement their financial metrics with forward looking non-financial metrics. One defining characteristic of these forward looking metrics is that they cannot rely on, or be derived from financial statement data. Rather, they are based on non-financial operating data generated by a company's business model and related processes.
If the Balanced Scorecard is so wonderful, why haven't CFOs widely embraced it? After all, it is widely claimed that the CFO's role has shifted to a more strategic focus (from accounting and reporting) over the past decade, especially in large firms. Why are these strategy-driven CFOs still so consumed with financial metrics, rather than the Scorecard? There are a variety of reasons, and they won't surprise you.
Could it be ignorance? Surely not, after all today's top CFOs come from top MBA programs where the Scorecard is a staple of the required performance measurement course. So why is there this disconnect? While CFOs may be aware of the Scorecard, they just might not understand their business models very well, particularly given the shift in their backgrounds from accounting to strategy. Without a detailed knowledge of a company's operations, meaningful non-financial metrics are not possible.
Could it be laziness? Absolutely, particularly since constructing effective non-financial measures is challenging, especially in a dynamic business environment characterized by transaction speed and complexity. Then let's add to this the short-term performance horizon of today's CFO. Do we really think they are willing to invest the time and energy to create "real" performance metrics if they plan on moving on to another "opportunity" in a couple of years?
Or could it be something more sinister? Maybe the zeal to transform weak GAAP results into something more positive is simply the need to increase investor expectations and stock price. That's where I would put my money: greed and the intent to deceive. But then again I did love the X-files...
So what's my solution? Well, as I indicated earlier, let's start by having the SEC scrap Regulation G. Next, ban ALL non-GAAP metrics in all securities filings. Let's eliminate non-GAAP, "everything but the bad stuff," disclosures once and for all. This would mean that ALL financially related disclosures (including ratios) would be based on GAAP. If analysts feel that GAAP numbers need to be adjusted for some reason, let them do it themselves. Yes, I recognize the sell side analysts might need some help given their generally weak accounting skills.
But what about analyst and investor needs for predictive information? After revoking Reg G and banning non-GAAP measures, I would urge the SEC to permit and encourage companies to report non-financial metrics consistent with the Balanced Scorecard's learning and growth, business process, and customer dimensions. For example, CFOs could address such questions as:
• How well are company investments in technology, people and other resources performing?
• How well is a company's business model performing (market analysis; R&D; sales and marketing; procurement, production, and distribution; and after-sale customer service)?
• How much do a company's customers appreciate its product and/or service?
Now remember, none of the above metrics can rely on or be computed using any financial accounting data from a company's general ledger that ultimately makes its way to the financial statements. These new metrics must come from data generated from a business model's operations. This should not be a problem in today's "big data" world. And even small companies have access to inexpensive tools to collect such data.
My proposal offers a win-win situation for everyone:
• First, analysts and investors get the predictive information they need given the required non-financial nature of the metrics.
• Regulators no longer must police filings for adjusted EBITDA and other "flaky" non-GAAP metrics.
• Large accounting and consulting firms get new revenue opportunities (i.e., the next wave) as they install new non-financial reporting systems using "big data."
• Strategy-focused CFO's no longer have to feign interest (or knowledge) about accounting numbers.
However, there is one party disadvantaged by this grumpy suggestion: the popular press. Journalists will lose non-GAAP metrics as fuel for future articles, thank goodness. No longer will we have to listen to or read about how these perverse financial distortions are new, innovative, and meaningful. I vote for that!
This essay reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of The American College, or Villanova University.


text: Dentist On Kanye's Diamond Teeth: "Good Luck With Oral Hygiene"Margaret Hartmann10/21/10 12:15pm109EditPromoteGo to permalinkDentists say Kanye West's recently-revealed diamond chompers may create chewing problems and damage other teeth. One expert warns: "No peanut butter brittle, no opening a can of beer with your teeth." But those are two of Kanye's favorite things!


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Seen on Broadway : The musical Big River caused a undeserved hoedown among desperate Tony voters looking for a show to honor in the notably poor 1984-85 season (it won for Best Musical). Truth to tell, William Hauptman's book takes a crude, Classics Illustrated approach to Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, with a score made of jaunty of often irrelevant banjo pickings by King-of-the-Road Roger Miller. My heart sank at the prospect of a Big River revival, featuring a mix of ...
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Posted on 04/20/2012 8:54:43 AM PDT by C19fan
Frances Muslim community is mobilizing voters to reject President Nicolas Sarkozy in Sundays election to punish the conservative leader for his anti-immigrant and anti-Islam rhetoric.
[French] Muslims cant stand it anymore. They are fed up with these debates about national identity, halal meat, the veil or fundamentalism all over the place, said Francoise Lorcerie, a sociologist with the Institute of Studies on the Arab and Muslim World near Marseille.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
If they are in France illegally, deport them now. He who hesitates is lost.
France is lost. Past time to withdraw.
Gallic ping.
Sarkozy called Obama insane, and has been reasonably intelligent and responsible. His opposition is organized by an Obama-style group of young recent graduates of the Harvard. They are following the Obama playbook to a T,, even having 'hope' as one of their slogans. If they combine with the koranimals, they will likely win.
Wondering what effect the socialist win in France would have on the markets? Obviously wouldn't be good,,,
I remember the old days, before globalization of our national bank, when it was almost impossible for a euopean election to have an impact on the US economy.
Scary times.
Time for that French chauvinism about their superior culture to manifest in a rejection of non-French,i.e. Muslim culture.
Marseille, in the mid 50s, had a large muslim population living in the "French Morrocan" section. It was clean and pretty - imagine Casablanca - and out of bounds for those on my ship. I was in there, on shore patrol, to chase sailors out.
Dream on. Time to pay for support for muzzies in international politics. Chechen, Somalian, Afghani and Iraqi 'refugies' are there to give credit for anti-American, anti-Russian politics of French government.
Burn France, a home of all-white flag and dumb hippies!
If that's the case today, we need to move our people out. We don't need an embassy in unfriendly territory. The hell with them.
And Believe me, nothing would make them happier than to see Sarkozy and his "Italian strumpet" defeated in the election.
So Sad, but we are still in this!
Go Sarko!
If the muzzies succeed, then the sky is the limit and all of Europe will fall under their rule.
Sarkozy has to become the Charles Martel of the 21st Century.
[French] Muslims cant stand it anymore..."
The problem with Muslims is that the are Muslims and not French Muslims.
Sooner or later comes the war...why not choose the time?
Let's not pretend Sarkozy is some kind of conservative ally. Just a couple of bits for reminder:
Sarkozy, Obama bemoan Netanyahu over open mic
Sarkozy snubs Cameron after Britain opposes European Union treaty
Thanks to Army Air Corps for the Ping!
KC_LION came in second.
I suggest you all read the comments on this WT article and realize what this election in France is really about. Islam uniting with the Left to try and bring a Western country to its knees.
Hollande can promise the "yoots" in the banlieues (suburban ghettos) but France is broke, the coffers empty.
Read what Churchill said about Socialism and Islam, and weep for France:
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of ignorance, its inherent virtue, the equal sharing of misery"
Winston Churchill
Mohammedanism Winston Churchill
"How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property either as a child, a wife, or a concubine must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Thousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the Queen: all know how to die but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilisation of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilisation of ancient Rome.
Still, if you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed, if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not so costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance for survival. There may be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no chance of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves."
Winston Churchill
The River War, first edition, Vol. II by Winston Churchill
Yep. Immigration has consequences as we are also finding out.
As Yogi Berra said, "it ain't over 'til it's over", and the final round is on May 6.
That being said, we can look to 1981, and the election of Socialist François Mitterrand, the only Socialist President under the Vth Republic. Banks and large businesses closed up shop and moved out of France, many, including the Rothschilds, moved to the US and London. People who had the means left France, and took their money, investments, businesses, and jobs with them.
It is true that many Clintonistas and Obama campaign people have been not so secretly working to elect the Socialist, Hollande, running his campaign and using the same slogans that they used to push Obama.
Recently, Sarkozy used a videoconfrence call he had with Obama to show that Obama supported him.
Days before the first-round vote in the French presidential election, on 22 April, the rare glimpse of banter between world leaders shows Obama saying of the campaign: "It must be a busy time." He adds: "I admire the tough battle you are waging." Sarkozy replies, grinning, with arms folded: "We will win, Mr Obama. You and me, together." The cameras leave before the pair talk about Syria, Iran and oil.
The Socialist party accused Sarkozy of breaking diplomatic protocol and embarrassing France on the world scene to boost his struggling campaign for re-election, saying the images "weakened France's credibility in Washington and across the world".
This is pure BS. Propaganda manipulated by the left to disparage Sarkizy.
Sarko is a brilliant politician and used Obama, (with his full knowledge, BTW) who is very popular in France to show him being Presidential, in command of France's foreign policy, compared to Hollande, who has no government experience and never held a real job except President of the Socialist Party for 10 years.
Stop parroting the Socialist talking points on Sarko. He is no left winger, and no socialist.
Many parts of the Middle East had such places as well... then the Wahabbists came, and instead of fighting them, they slowly have taken over and radicalized and opressed most of that part of the world.
Cincinna, I know how much you love France, so I send you lots of prayers that the situation will turn around. I only know Paris - one of the greatest cities - and I fell in total love with it. I can't believe this is happening.
Surely, you are not disputing what Sarkozy said, i.e., "I admire the tough battle you are waging." Sarkozy replies, grinning, with arms folded: "We will win, Mr Obama. You and me, together." Click on the video in the link. Facts are facts, not propaganda.
Sarkozy also praises Obama, which Obama can use here during his campaign to show that he is admired and respected by world leaders. Cameron also made a slobbering show of praise for Obama during his latest visit.
Sarkozy is desperate. I would rather have Le Pen than another Obama butt boy running France.
You obviously know very little about Sarkozy, and even less about French politics. You definitely know very little about Le Pen, père et fille except they hate all foreigners.
The Le Pens also hate America, Americans, Israel, free markets, and capitalism. They do not believe in liberty, they believe in the tyranny of the State over the individual. They are not Conservatives as we Americans are. They are neo-fascist, anti-Semitic, isolationists. They are closer to Nazis and neo-Nazi National Socialism and communism than they are to conservatism.
Thank you, Miss M. France needs our prayers.
The latest and last IFOP poll has Sarko and Hollande tied at 27%. Other polls are worse ;{
It seems Obama and his minions have been the puppeteers running Hollande's campaign behind the scenes.
This from Slate.com:
Obama tentacles reach out to French election
What a disgrace! Rancid Democrats have their fingers in every pie all over the damned planet.
Thanks Cincinna.
Marine Le Pen, like her father, is authentic. She speaks the truth, especially about such things as immigration, the European Union, and Islam. Calling Le Pen, "neo-fascist, anti-Semitic, isolationists...closer to Nazis and neo-Nazi National Socialism and communism than they are to conservatism" is the usual crap elite Europeans do to demonize anyone on the right. The Left does the same thing here to conservatives and the Tea Party. The Soviets used to declare anyone who disagreed with the state view as insane and would put them in mental institutes and the Vietnamese communuists set up reeducation comments.
"Much as Friedrich Hayek caustically referred to socialists of all parties in the age of British muddy centrism shared between Labour and the Conservatives before the rise of Margaret Thatcher, one might see the choice of leading candidates in France as that between Eurofederalists of various parties. Neither Nicholas Sarkozy nor the likely victor Socialist François Hollande differ in their deference to ever-closer union. Much of their respective programmes must accordingly be discounted entirely as the outlines of an agenda they would never give themselves the liberty to execute."
Le Pen wants to exit the Euro. She wants to retain France's national identity, culture, and sovereignity. I have lived a total of 13 years in five European countries (not France however,) and I have witnessed firsthand the enervating effects of European socialism, which is now collapsing. And due to aging societies and reduced birthrates, the population of many countries will be declining significantly. Europe has benefitted from the US providing the security umbrella for 65 years allowing them to allocate more resources to welfare and social benefits. Most European countries devote 1% or less of their GDP to defense as the pressure grows to chose butter over guns. They are using up all of their seed corn to keep the welfare state treading water for a little longer.
And as Europe becomes more reliant on immigrants from the third world to keep their economies going, there is more and more friction between immigrants and the natives. Europe is not assimilating immigrants nor has it ever done a good job of doing so. Cameron, Sarkozy, and Merkel all say multiculturalism is dead.
Most of Europe is anti-Semitic, or at least anti Israel. The European perspective on Israel and the Palestinians is far different than in the US.
The right is rising all over Europe primarily due to immigration and the growing resentment that people are losing their culture and national identity. The EU has also sparked a reaction from countries that do not want to be governed from Brussels. The French pushed for the EU and were deluded enough to think that they would be controlling it. Instead, the Germans are calling the tune and everyone else has to dance to it. The upcoming Greek elections will probably shake the EU to its core if PASOK and Nea Dimokratia cannot even garner 50% of the vote between them.
Spain and Italy are shaky with immense problems. The ECB doesn't have enough money to bail them out. Most of Europe will be in a recession this year. If I were French, I would vote for Le Pen who is doing better than the rest among 18 to 24 year old voters. Sarkozy is trying like he did in 2007 to move right to get these votes. Le Pen will probably come in third. But the FN will grow in strength in the future.
Give the pro- Le Pen propaganda a rest.
So, Europe (and France) are anti-Semitic, THAT MEANS THEY HATE JEWS!
MLP and her odious father are notorious as Holocoast demises and Jew haters. They also hate Ameruca and Amerucans, and the American way of life and culture.
I lived in France for 14 years. I understand French culture and French politics, and try to share that knowledge and experience with FReepers. I know the players.
If you would vote for Marine Le Pen who despises America and everything we stand for, shame on you! Shame on you for posting such anti-American crap on FR.
Give the pro- Le Pen propaganda a rest.
So, Europe (and France) are anti-Semitic, THAT MEANS THEY HATE JEWS!
MLP and her odious father are notorious as Holocoast demises and Jew haters. They also hate Ameruca and Amerucans, and the American way of life and culture.
I lived in France for 14 years. I understand French culture and French politics, and try to share that knowledge and experience with FReepers. I know the players.
If you would vote for Marine Le Pen who despises America and everything we stand for, shame on you! Shame on you for posting such anti-American crap on FR.
I am quite aware of what the word means. We have a Jewish friend in France (a retired French school teacher) who is considering leaving the country because anti-semitisim is becoming rampant and more overt.
They also hate Ameruca and Amerucans, and the American way of life and culture. I lived in France for 14 years. I understand French culture and French politics, and try to share that knowledge and experience with FReepers. I know the players.
You are entitled to your own opinion, not your own facts. First of all, the French have always had a love/hate relationship with America. They look down upon almost everyone when it comes to others' way of life or culture. They even have government control over what foreign words will be allowed to be an official part of the language. My wife attended the Sorbonne, but she is not French. I have visited France a number of times. I don't need you or anyone else to educate me on France or the French.
They wouldn't even allow overflight of France when Reagan authorized the strike against Ghadaffi. They dropped out of the military part of NATO for many years. de Gaulle's Force de Frappe was just one example of the French wanting to be independent whether it was politically, militarily, or diplomatically. And I won't go into the French behavior at the beginning of WWII or during the German occupation despite the revisionist history of most being in the resistance.
If you would vote for Marine Le Pen who despises America and everything we stand for, shame on you!
LOL. What a bunch of hyperbolic BS. First, Marine Le Pen is not her father. She has her own views on the world and America. At her very core is nationalism. To say she despises America and everything we stand for is simply a lie. Prove it.
Catching up again, wanted everyone ( & TM ) to check out quotes at # 18.
Read what Churchill said about Socialism and Islam
Thanks, Cincinna.
I agree with Churchills statements concerning Muslims...
......"if you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed, if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not so costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you..... and only a precarious chance for survival. .......There may be a worse case. .....You may have to fight when there is no chance of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.
Winston Churchill
BTW...at the rate Muslims are infilitrating Europe and the West I figure it won't be long before they will "put out the call" to take whatever nation they can.....and they will have Russia and China to assist in doing so IMO. If all nations are weakened and "held hostage" by the Muslim push for Sharia ...then these nations are in an internal war and will not have what's needed when China and or Russia make their moves.
I have no doubts Russia and China are using the Muslims, as they are easily influenced and led by their leaders, polticial and religious. Stir up the nations via the Muslims and these two birds can pretty much make any move they want...and will.
Well that explains the return of the bust.
He was against two very precious things to Obama. Socialism and Islam.
In order: approximate numbers
1. Hollande 29
2. Sarkozy 26
3. M le Pen 19
4. Mélanchon 10
Well I doubt many Le Pen voters will be voting for Hollande in the runoff.
That is not what all polling tells us. Many of MLP's supporters are disgruntled former Communists and other assorted leftists
1. Hollande 28.4
2. Sarkozy 25.5
3. M le Pen 20
4. Mélanchon 11
French voters defied expectations and handed a surprisingly strong third-place showing to far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who has run on an anti-immigrant platform aimed largely at Muslims. That could boost her influence on the French political scene, hand her party seats in parliament and affect relations with minorities.
Hollande so far has refused to answer questions about campaign promises he made to various groups. Will he fess up to:
giving immigrants (non citizens the right to vote)
allowing municipal facilities like swimming pools and tennis courts to conform to sharia law, separating females from males, having separate hours, etc.
Will Hollande uphold his promise to the Eco-freaks to eliminate all nuclear power in France, in the next ten years, starting immediately. France gets 82% of its energy, and is now an exporter of energy.
Stay informed about the French elections in detail.
If you'd like to be on or off, please FR mail me.
The muslim minority in France is part of Hollande's base. Muslims are a bigger percentage of the French electorate than African-Americans are in the US. Like here, they vote predominately for the Leftist/Socialist political party.
Clearly there is a big reaction against the terrorist attacks in France, and the flood of muslim refugees into Europe. It is a big political phenomena now, but will will have to see if things heat up or cool down before the 2017 elections in France. The terrorists are unlikely to restrain themselves, it just remains to be seen if the left can manipulate conditions enough to mollify public outrage.
I am with you that Sarkozy is likely to benefit politically from having the right enemies going into the election.
This article is from 2012.
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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Dopefish will eat anything alive and moving near them, though they prefer heroes. It's become, I think, the most widely used computer-game character, with many fan pages (Most prominently www.dopefish.com).
See also: The Dopefish Song
The Dopefish itself, in-game, simply swam around in an attempt to get to Commander Keen in the Well of Wishes. Getting near him is downright stupid, as the Dopefish is more than willing to eat Keen. The trick is to get some schoolfish to swim around you and distract the Dopefish by making him eat one of them instead of you, giving you enough time to swim by.
Duke Nukem 3D - In the original plans for this game, the Dopefish was to make a cameo appearance before it was nixed by George Broussard. One of the game's characters was to be a shark, and if the game was started with the DOPEFISH command line parameter, the shark would appear as a Dopefish. The sharks were cut from the game, and the Dopefish went too - when the sharks were reinstated before the game's release, the Dopefish was not. The final released version of the game does contain one reference to the Dopefish, as a hidden message reading "DOPEFISH LIVES" in level five of the shareware episode.
Quake - By following a certain sequence, it is possible to find the Dopefish in the 1996 release of this game. A hint reading "the Well of Wishes is in the Crypt of Decay" is given in the shareware episode, and in episode 2, level 3 a small sign reading "in here" can be found, and leads to the Dopefish. There is also a Dopefish card] in a set of Quake-based trading cards released sometime in 1998.
Quake II - The Dopefish can be found in the "Cooling Facility" level of this game. Despite rumors to the contrary, the fish is not dead.
Quake III - A large green fish appears in the game, and while it bears little resemblance to the Dopefish id Software reports that is what it is supposed to be.
Jazz Jackrabbit 2 - This 1998 Epic Megagames release features the line "Spaz ate the Dopefish" but requires an elaborate sequence of jumping on things and shooting various marks. The green monstrosity himself does not appear.
Descent 3 - Before this game was released, the makers held a contest giving individuals the opportunity to send in a picture and character name to have appear as a default character in the game. Someone with the name mscooper sent in a picture of himself dressed as the Dopefish for Halloween, and his submission was chosen. If you make a pilot called Dopefish, the default pilot picture is of mscooper as the Dopefish.
Battlezone - Typing "dopefish" at any success screen in this game's Red Odyssey add-on pops up the Dopefish's picture and biography.
Daikatana - The Dopefish appears at four points in this game: the sewer system, Acropolis, Plague Village, and Tower of Crime. He is actually part of this game, and each of his lairs contains an invulnerability artifact that allows you to either look at him or attempt to defeat him.
Anachronox - It is probably unsurprising that the Dopefish appears in this game by Tom Hall. There are, in fact, three appearances - of baby Dopefish.
Wacky Wheels - Apparently starting any single-player race in this game and following instructions can make the Dopefish appear. When the race starts, the player should not accelerate, but should instead hold down the brake and turn to the left while keeping the lion on screen. After spinning around in a circle for a bit, the Dopefish should appear.
Rise of the Triad - Beginning the game with the -dopefish parameter displays the head of the Skipper from the Gilligan's Island TV series - but no actual Dopefish.
Max Payne - There is a poster in the game that reads "Dopefish Lives!" It can be found by following the instructions at Max Payne Easter Eggs.
Sources http://www.dopefish.com/fishinfo.html http://www.eeggs.com/items/306.html http://www.eeggs.com/items/1010.html Electrode for writing about the Dopefish in Max Payne, and jobby for pointing me to Electrode's writeup.
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Tubular Design, Instant Assembly.
The unique bowed design of the DuraHold Curved Tension Shower Rod adds up to 25% more space to a shower area and is simple to install. A streamlined, two piece tubular design allows instant assembly without tools; simply twist the two rods together and turn tension adjusters to secure padded ends. Our patented curved and bumpless design eliminates snags for smooth curtain drawing and provides consistent tension for long life. Strong enough to hold up to 40 pounds. Fits standard 5' tubs and expands from 58" to 60.5" long. In rust-resistant stainless steel with a Chrome or Brushed Nickel finish.
Use and care:
Do not climb, swing or hang on the curtain attached to the rod or from the rod itself. This rod is not designed for a person to pull or lean against it, either directly or indirectly. Failure to correctly install may cause product to shift while in use. Designed for use with a shower curtain only.
To clean, wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleanser or scouring pads.


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- Family & Consumer Sciences
- Dining Supplies
- Flatware Sets
- Le Prix Stainless 20-Piece Flatware Set - White
Le Prix Stainless 20-Piece Flatware Set - White
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Product Description
The classic utensil from the fully equipped picnic basket of the 1920s has been updated, refined, and improved. This durable flatware features full steel tang the length of the handle, which is riveted through to securely fasten the colored plastic handles, and is finished with a quality stainless steel bolster. Set includes four salad forks, four dinner forks, four dinner knives, four dinner spoons, and four teaspoons.


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Thread: Back mount escape?
1/23/2006 8:12am, #1--
Back mount escape?
Apologies if this is in any way retarded, but I couldn't find a description of this online and I didn't get a chance to ask my instructor.
Anyway, last night I was turtling frantically following a deeply flawed armbar attempt, and my, larger, opponent was trying to put his hooks in. I couldn't buck him off or find his arm for the sweep, so in desperation I got my elbows inside his thighs and pushed myself backwards, eventually popping out between his legs.
Anyone else got this to work? Is it guaranteed to fail on non white belts? Is it totally common and I just haven't noticed?
1/23/2006 8:32am, #2--
I've done this before when I really got in trouble, but I do it while posturing up so the person is lifted into the air. I then twist and dump them on their heads. This has worked against 200lbs men before.
Still, I wouldn't recommend it. You need to move out of turtle before they start putting hooks in or attack before they get behind you. Once the guy is on your back digging for hooks you're left with dangerous escapes like the one above.
1/23/2006 8:49am, #3--Originally Posted by Dreadnought
One of the guys at my club however makes quite heavy use of it. Many a time I've seen people swept and submitted as they rush in to take his back.
1/23/2006 10:09am, #4--Originally Posted by Osiris
1/23/2006 10:20am, #5--Originally Posted by Osiris
1/23/2006 10:23am, #6--
You probably should have gotten triangled or armbarred.
Number of bottles of beer downed by me and my girlfriend within a half hour while playing the Channel 7 "how many times will they say 'snow' game" during the "Blizzard of '06": 3.5 each.
1/23/2006 10:27am, #7--Originally Posted by Darkpaladin
1/23/2006 10:29am, #8--Originally Posted by PointyShinyBurn
I've been combination triangle-armbarred from something similar before.:google:
Number of bottles of beer downed by me and my girlfriend within a half hour while playing the Channel 7 "how many times will they say 'snow' game" during the "Blizzard of '06": 3.5 each.
1/23/2006 10:53am, #9--Originally Posted by Osiris
1/23/2006 7:26pm, #10--
Which would help him get his hooks in.


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Does Money Matter for Inflation in the Euro Area?
This paper analyses the role of M3 as an indicator for future inflation and correspondingly for current monetary policy in the euro area. We analyse the short and long run interrelationship between inflation and money growth in an error correction framework taking into account the output gap and short and long term interest rates. We find robust cointegration between money growth and inflation. In the long run, shocks in M3-growth account for 33 percent to 40 percent of the inflation forecast error variance. The effects of output gap and interest rate shocks on inflation are mainly transitory and there forecasting variance shares are negligible for medium term horizons. There is evidence for a second regime prevailing at the end of the seventies and beginning of the eighties which relates to periods of high interest rate and inflation rate levels and decreasing rates in real money growth. Overall, we present firm evidence for a stable dynamic relationship between money growth and inflation which implies that the deviation of the real money growth from its long run average is a good indicator of future inflation acceleration or deceleration. Of course, this finding provides evidence in favour of the recently de-emphasised first pillar of the ECB strategy. According to our results, however, an M3-growth rate of slightly above 5% is compatible with a non-accelerating average rate of inflation of 2%.
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Length: | 35 |
Date of creation: | 19 Sep 2005 |
Handle: | RePEc:onb:oenbwp:103 |
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Order Information: | Postal: Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Economic Studies Division, c/o Beate Hofbauer-Berlakovich, POB 61, A-1011 Vienna, Austria Email: |
References listed on IDEAS
Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
- Robert B. Litterman, 1985.
"Forecasting with Bayesian vector autoregressions five years of experience,"
Working Papers
274, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
- Litterman, Robert B, 1986. "Forecasting with Bayesian Vector Autoregressions-Five Years of Experience," Journal of Business & Economic Statistics, American Statistical Association, vol. 4(1), pages 25-38, January.
- Gerlach, Stefan & Svensson, Lars E O, 2002.
"Money and Inflation in the Euro-Area: A Case for Monetary Indicators?,"
CEPR Discussion Papers
3392, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
- Gerlach, Stefan & Svensson, Lars E. O., 2003. "Money and inflation in the euro area: A case for monetary indicators?," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 50(8), pages 1649-1672, November.
- Stefan Gerlach & Lars E.O. Svensson, 2000. "Money and Inflation in the Euro Area: A Case for Monetary Indicators?," NBER Working Papers 8025, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
- Lars E.O. Svensson & Stefan Gerlach, 2001. "Money and inflation in the Euro Area: A case for monetary indicators?," BIS Working Papers 98, Bank for International Settlements.
- Gunter Coenen & Juan Luis Vega, 2000.
"The Demand for M3 in the Euro Area,"
Econometric Society World Congress 2000 Contributed Papers
0976, Econometric Society.
- G. Coenen & J.-L. Vega, 2001. "The demand for M3 in the euro area," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 16(6), pages 727-748.
- Coenen, Guenter & Vega, Juan Luis, 1999. "The demand for M3 in the euro area," Working Paper Series 0006, European Central Bank.
- Haldrup, Niels, 1994. "The asymptotics of single-equation cointegration regressions with I(1) and I(2) variables," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 63(1), pages 153-181, July.
- Oliver Holtemöller, 2004. "A monetary vector error correction model of the Euro area and implications for monetary policy," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 29(3), pages 553-574, 09.
- Maria Teresa VALDERRAMA & Sylvia KAUFMANN, "undated".
"Modeling Credit Aggregates,"
330600146, EcoMod.
- Sylvia Kaufmann & Maria Teresa Valderrama, 2004. "Modeling Credit Aggregates," Working Papers 90, Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Austrian Central Bank).
- Stefan Gerlach, 2004. "The two pillars of the European Central Bank," Economic Policy, CEPR;CES;MSH, vol. 19(40), pages 389-439, October.
- Jürgen von Hagen, 2004. "Hat die Geldmenge ausgedient?," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 5(4), pages 423-453, November.
- Engsted, Tom & Gonzalo, Jesus & Haldrup, Niels, 1997. "Testing for multicointegration," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 56(3), pages 259-266, November.
- Neumann, Manfred J. M. & Greiber, Claus, 2004. "Inflation and core money growth in the euro area," Discussion Paper Series 1: Economic Studies 2004,36, Deutsche Bundesbank, Research Centre.
- Nicoletti-Altimari, Sergio, 2001. "Does money lead inflation in the euro area?," Working Paper Series 0063, European Central Bank.
- Carstensen, Kai, 2004. "Is European Money Demand Still Stable?," Kiel Working Papers 1179, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW).
- Warne, Anders & Bruggeman, Annick & Donati, Paola, 2003. "Is the demand for euro area M3 stable?," Working Paper Series 0255, European Central Bank.
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Geography Sweatshirts
Geography Sweatshirts are an Idakoos specialtiy! Idakoos has many things to offer. Whether you want to get a Geography Sweatshirt for a special occasion, give a Geography Jumper as a present or need to represent with a funny Geography Crewneck Sweatshirt during Holidays or Family and Friends get-togethers, Idakoos is sure to have the right Geography Sweatshirt for you! Even if it turns out you can't find the right Geography Pullover with the perfect design for your mother, father or children (or friends!); Idakoos offers all of its men's women's and children's Geography Sweatshirts as Custom Geography Sweatshirts. Personalize any Geography Crewneck Sweatshirt the way you want to ensure the perfect gift.


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April is Grilled Cheese month, and since we're already more than halfway through the month, there's really no time to waste. Grab that loaf and block of cheese, and start melting! Not that you can't celebrate every other day of the year.
Here are ten of our favorite takes on the cheese-plus-bread glory. Some of them bend the rules a bit. Are you allowed to add ham? Mackerel? What if we stuck a hamburger patty between two grilled cheese "buns"?
Grilled Cheese with Serrano and Membrillo »
Grilled Cheddar and Fennel with Curry Mayo »
Grilled Bacon, Pear, and Cheese »
Croque Madame »
The Hamburger Fatty Melt (with Grilled Cheese Buns!) »
Toasted Mackerel Sandwich »
Autostrada Sandwich »
Sage Grilled Cheese »
Grilled Cheese and Kraut on Rye »
Grilled Kimcheeze Sandwich »


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Welcome to Student Financial Services!
We know applying for Financial Aid can be an overwhelming task! Whether this is your first time to apply or your last, you can count on your Admissions Counselor and/or Student Support Coordinator to walk you through the financial aid and payment process!
We are dedicated to serving our students by effectively administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs while modeling Christian leadership.
We are excited that you have chosen Concordia University Texas and look forward to working with you!
- The Financial Services Team -


text: The Jazziest JRPG Battle Music. It's So Jazzy.Kirk Hamilton4/12/12 8:40pmFiled to: Listen hereTrails in the skyKotaku melodic101EditPromoteShare to KinjaToggle Conversation toolsGo to permalinkThanks to our resident JRPG columnist Jason Schreier, I have been playing The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky on my Vita. (When I'm not playing Persona 3 Portable that is.) Advertisement Have you played this game? I'm thinking the answer to that may well be "no," but if you're a Vita owner looking to bulk up your PSP JRPG collection (and if you're a Vita owner, you should be doing this), allow me to recommend it. It's a bright, fun game and it has a really funny script thanks to some fantastic localization by XSEED.It's also got a monster of a soundtrack. Composed by Hayato Sonoda, Wataru Ishibashi, and Takahide Murayama, the music is at once very jazzy and oddly straightlaced. The chord progressions are often more vanilla than the comparatively lush harmonies you'd hear in a game a Final Fantasy game. Advertisement But the TitS soundtrack (sorry, had to call it that at least once in this article) has its own vibe, and it's ac ool one. In particular, I love the battle music, which plays above. Titled "Sophisticated Fight," it's a quasi-latin jazz boogaloo broken up by open, building sections that remind me of nothing so much as Pat Metheny Group.I was amazed by this version of the song created entirely in Mario Paint, because come on! Who does these things! It's remarkably close to the original version:Incredible. Advertisement Sponsored Speaking of songs from this game that leave me with a big stupid grin on my face, this one, awesomely titled "Target Vanquished," is another favorite. It's the victory music that plays after each battle, and it is so damned triumphant, I just… the snare drum! The brass! I want this to play every time I walk into my apartment.And hey, while we're here, here's a fun track by Pat Metheny Group called "First Circle." They're so smooth, but it's some of the most burning smooth jazz ever made. Love this tune.Reply101 repliesLeave a reply


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Premier Pontoon Fold Down Boat Seat, Platinum-Platinum Punch-Navy-Cobalt - Wise Boat Seats
This item is found in the following Product Families
Premier Pontoon Folding Boat Seat Features:
Sharp mid-back full size fishing seat features injection molded frame and aluminum OEM grade no-pinch hinges. Mounts on any 4 bolt pedestal system.
Premier Pontoon Folding Boat Seat Dimensions
- Height: 19.5"
- Width: 17"
- Depth: 16"
- Seating Depth: 14.5"
What is the weight of this seat? Shipping window to central Florida ?
Weight is approximately 12 lbs. Add item to cart and type in zip code to get time frame and shipping.
This product ships in 3 business days.
Add to Cart and enter your Postal Code to determine the shipping charges.
Most products and orders leave our warehouse in 1 business day. However, select items may take more processing time. Alaska and Hawaii orders please add 1 additional warehouse processing day.
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Please be careful when ordering this product, it has limitations that differ from our General 30-day Return Policy. After all, we want you to be satisfied with your order so you'll return again and again as an iboats.com customer, and to also recommend us to your boating friends
- Seats
- All seat returns are subject to a 15-25% restocking charge. The item(s) must be in clean and resalable condition otherwise the return will be denied.


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Okay, it's been a while since my rosy cheeks have been on video so here we go again. I hope you enjoy the primer for the tutorials we are offering up for you.
Thank you for being a part of the Pure Salvage Living Renaissance.
Please join me in my vision for a simpler world that gives back more than it takes for a few centuries or generations. We have taken enough from our Mother Earth gifted to Mankind to care for by the Great Spirit, under what ever name you choose to call your God… Please let us respect it and do what we can with our personal acts to help leave something for the children still to come.


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The major tenant of a Pharmaceutical Operations Portal or Pharmaceutical Production Dashboard is that it meets the needs of users who want to have a broad visualization of manufacturing operations but then have the ability to carry out intensive data analysis by combining data from the many sources, without having to be 'data extraction experts' for each source system. The ability of the solution to provide the data to the user from disparate sources in a single integrated presentation is expected.
To enable this functionality, an operations intelligence architecture will become a core infrastructure component of a Pharmaceutical site's Manufacturing Systems and is required to:
• Centralize data presentation from disparate applications in the context of executed production
• Provide a holistic view of all manufacturing systems to help to better understand the manufacturing process. Plant process data will be linked to other operations data such as LIMS sample results, maintenance work orders, calibration history, quality events and supply chain.
• Track recipe execution and events and provide batch client tools to see from the start to end of process.
• Allow user tools such as production status, lot trace reporting, spreadsheets and SPC analysis applications to 'see' across all buildings and plant sites.
• Perform calculations across the disparate data sources and across batches so that operations KPIs can included in reports and analysis tools.
- o For example calculate process step yields such as weight yield, cumulative yield, and weight of product protein at each downstream purification step. Yields are calculated from batch volume (process data) and titer (lab data).
- o Then compare actual yields against target yields and with selected process parameters and lab results from previous batches to look for corollary effects.
• Allow for linking raw material (and consumables) lot numbers to production lot numbers to track process fluctuations to raw material fluctuations. Organize the data in such a way to simplify the analysis required to answer operations questions such as root causes of process deviations.
- o A typical deviation investigation would be analyzing the reason for an out of process specification condition such as an atypical flow reading on a filtration skid which was identified through an alarm condition. As an example, an investigation scenario may require the following combination of data:
- • the batch id and operation step from a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) such as Emerson Syncade
- • the flow trend profile from the plant historian such as OSIsoft's PI System
- • the flow meter asset id and work order and calibration history from the maintenance system such as Maximo
- • the filter lot number and vendor name from the ERP system such as SAP
- o Then run the same query with previous batches and allow the re-aggregation of results by any key parameter batch id, operation, vendor name etc.
• Allow for linking time based environmental lab results to production lot numbers so that excursions which may affect batch disposition can be investigated:
• Review recent work orders in the room from the maintenance system
• Review room cleaning results from the Laboratory Information System (LIMS).
• Review HVAC operation, pressures from the plant historian
• Link to operations conducted in the room from the MES genealogy
• Review historical environmental excursions for the same area from the LIMS system
Implementing a Pharmaceutical Operational Intelligence Portal will provide ongoing improvement of process understanding and feed into an organization's PAT initiative. The deployed architecture should be able to handle a variety of drug manufacturing plants including API sites, Biologics and Drug product sites including sterile, solid dosage and packaging facilities.
Coming soon in the next blog post – how MIST and Associates has built a Pharmaceutical Production Portal using a middleware component SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) architecture including interfaces/adapters to manufacturing applications, HTML5 visualization web portal solutions, and a set of manufacturing data analysis and reporting tools.