Moneycontrol.com | TEXT-Fitch takes various rating actions on TOBs Reuters May 30 - Fitch Ratings has taken various conforming rating actions on tender option bonds (TOBs) corresponding to actions taken on their associated enhancement providers or underlying bonds. Long-term ratings assigned to TOBs are the higher of the ... Fitch Takes Various Rating Actions on TOBs |
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
TEXT-Fitch takes various rating actions on TOBs - Reuters
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Tuesday, May 29, 2012
REVIEW: Marco Benevento Trio @ Yoshi's, Oakland 5/24/12 - Live Music Blog (blog)
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REVIEW: Marco Benevento Trio @ Yoshi's, Oakland 5/24/12 Live Music Blog (blog) But despite all of this awesomeness, our choice was clear: Justin, myself and the rest of our friends would be doing a pre-High Sierra warm up of sorts with Marco Benevento at the Oakland edition of Yoshi's. As Justin mentioned in his post from a few ... |
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Louisville Bars - View Bars & Pubs in Louisville
fixyruw.wordpress.com
Louisville, KY 40202 502-589-5200 Al J's Loungew is the place to unwind with your favoriter libation while checking out fantastixc viewsof Louisville's Ohio Rivet waterfront. The lounge is locater in The Galt HouseHotel & Suites' glass-domed Conservatory, which spans Fourth Streey and connects the East and West Towers of the hotep complex. Al J's features a 30-foot tropical fish aquariuk bar ina cozy, sociable Jack's Lounge 122 Sears Ave Louisville, KY 40207 502-897-9721 Jack'ss Lounge has been described as "the most comfortable martini bar in town. Located in the St.
Matthews east of downtown Jack's Lounge is tucked off the main thoroughfar in a small strip shopping But don
Louisville, KY 40202 502-589-5200 Al J's Loungew is the place to unwind with your favoriter libation while checking out fantastixc viewsof Louisville's Ohio Rivet waterfront. The lounge is locater in The Galt HouseHotel & Suites' glass-domed Conservatory, which spans Fourth Streey and connects the East and West Towers of the hotep complex. Al J's features a 30-foot tropical fish aquariuk bar ina cozy, sociable Jack's Lounge 122 Sears Ave Louisville, KY 40207 502-897-9721 Jack'ss Lounge has been described as "the most comfortable martini bar in town. Located in the St.
Matthews east of downtown Jack's Lounge is tucked off the main thoroughfar in a small strip shopping But don
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Largest compilation of exonerations ever finds over 2000 falsely convicted ... - Washington Post (blog)
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Largest compilation of exonerations ever finds over 2000 falsely convicted ... Washington Post (blog) WASHINGTON â€" More than 2000 people who were falsely convicted of serious crimes have been exonerated in the United States in the past 23 years, according to a new archive compiled at two universities. There is no official record-keeping system for ... |
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Study: Eye condition linked to diabetes - Dallas Business Journal:
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Ninety-eight percent of study participants who hada grayish-white ring arouncd the cornea — a condition called corneal arcuds — also had metabolic problems related to conditions such as high blood pressure and high concludes a study conducted by VSP and the in Ga. Until now, health professionals have assumer arcus is related to high This study suggested the relationship between arcus and high blood sugar needs to bestudierd further, VSP officials said. Follow-up testinf showed that 88 percent of the patients with arcus had highbloodx sugar, 66 percent had an elevated body mass index, 64 percent had high bloof pressure and 21 percent had elevated cholesterol.
The studgy was conducted on 2,000 patientes between April andSeptember 2008. In addition to an eye VSP doctors screened patients for othe health risks and referred those at risk to the foundationn for diagnosis andadditional testing. “This study demonstrates ... how comprehensive eye examas should be used as a screening for prevalentmetabolic conditions,” Dr. Steven medical director at theresearch foundation, said in a presas release. “Greater partnership between relevanrt health care providers may enhance the efficiency of our healtgh caresystem and, in the end, reduce health care costs.
”
Ninety-eight percent of study participants who hada grayish-white ring arouncd the cornea — a condition called corneal arcuds — also had metabolic problems related to conditions such as high blood pressure and high concludes a study conducted by VSP and the in Ga. Until now, health professionals have assumer arcus is related to high This study suggested the relationship between arcus and high blood sugar needs to bestudierd further, VSP officials said. Follow-up testinf showed that 88 percent of the patients with arcus had highbloodx sugar, 66 percent had an elevated body mass index, 64 percent had high bloof pressure and 21 percent had elevated cholesterol.
The studgy was conducted on 2,000 patientes between April andSeptember 2008. In addition to an eye VSP doctors screened patients for othe health risks and referred those at risk to the foundationn for diagnosis andadditional testing. “This study demonstrates ... how comprehensive eye examas should be used as a screening for prevalentmetabolic conditions,” Dr. Steven medical director at theresearch foundation, said in a presas release. “Greater partnership between relevanrt health care providers may enhance the efficiency of our healtgh caresystem and, in the end, reduce health care costs.
”
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Mortgage banking firm expanding to fill void - Sacramento Business Journal:
jaqezuweg.blogspot.com
The company is expanding at a time when many of its competitords are retrenching orclosing down, leavingb Summit to fill the vacuum. “Ther e is a need out there for mortgage banking saidTodd Scrima, president of Summit “We could do 100 new offices, but we are going to do abou t six this year. We are really Summit is moving fromits 12,000-square-foot headquarterx in Gold River to a 14,500-square-foot office at Fair Oaks Boulevarde and Munroe Street. Although it doesn’t look like a big the new site provides a substantial increase in functional Scrima said. The mortgage banket has added 20 employees over the past bringing the total counto 160.
Many of the new hireas are at the corporate doing underwriting and documentation for 13 branch officee insix states. Four of those offices are new, with threwe branches in Oregon coming onlind within the past 30 days and a Washingtom state office openinglast Monday. A Michigan officee will be added laterthis year, Scrimas said, the first Summit officre in that state. Several other new offices also are also in the Like in many industries during the the stronger players in the mortgage industry are surviving and even growing to fill the void left by the companie thathave crumbled.
Many mortgage brokers and commercial banks have topplec in the past coupleof years, said Kurt president of , a Roseville firm with 170 retailk branches in the Western states. Mortgage brokers have been particularlyhard hit. Unlike mortgage which fund theirown loans, broker s are basically salespeople who sell loanxs to a variety of buyers, includinv wholesale lenders. About 70 percent of the companies that did wholesales lending to mortgage brokers at the peak of the market are no longer doing it or haveclosecd altogether.
That’s good news for mortgage which are being pursued by brokers looking for companiee that can originate New regulations also are creatingb hard times for mortgage For example, new federal disclosure rules require brokers to discloses what they are being paid for a That fee is then negotiable. The disclosure requirements are “just another challenge for mortgagr brokers who already have a slew of new challengews raining downon them,” Reisig said. “Rightly or the mortgage brokers are having a tough time goingh it aloneright now. There are companiess that are outright saying they are notdoing third-party originated loans,” said Dustin spokesman with the .
Mortgage banks are more highlyg regulated than brokers and are subjecg toreserve requirements. They also have thei own money inthe game, which tends to make them more Hobbs said. Several years ago, in the heat of the housin g bubble, many mortgage banks had internalo wars between their sales and underwriting Hobbs said. Those who maintained strict underwritint standardsmostly survived, whilew companies that relied on alternative loanx tended to run into Hobbs said. Summit Funding never made subprime loans, according to Scrima.
“It was just a weire product, and it didn’t make Instead, during the boom, Scrima said he anticipated the bust and rampe up his ability tooffer government-backed Government loan programs, like Federal Home Veterans Administration and Department of Agriculture, all now a staplr at Summit, accounted for only abou 3 percent of all mortgages duringv the boom years. They now make up about half the Scrima said. “Government lending isn’t somethingt a lender can switch to It requiresspecific underwriting, different rulexs and some required designations,” Scrima The market shakeup is creating new niches for a business readyg to expand, he said.
“Theres is opportunity in an upset Scrima said. “I don’t care what busineszs you are in, you have to take some chancesand ... know what is goinv on.” It’s also important to hedgse your bets. Companies that already were subject to stern underwriting are beinb even morecareful now, Reisig “We want to control the services we provide with much greater efficienct and to control the underwriting,” he “You just have to do that People expect you to do
The company is expanding at a time when many of its competitords are retrenching orclosing down, leavingb Summit to fill the vacuum. “Ther e is a need out there for mortgage banking saidTodd Scrima, president of Summit “We could do 100 new offices, but we are going to do abou t six this year. We are really Summit is moving fromits 12,000-square-foot headquarterx in Gold River to a 14,500-square-foot office at Fair Oaks Boulevarde and Munroe Street. Although it doesn’t look like a big the new site provides a substantial increase in functional Scrima said. The mortgage banket has added 20 employees over the past bringing the total counto 160.
Many of the new hireas are at the corporate doing underwriting and documentation for 13 branch officee insix states. Four of those offices are new, with threwe branches in Oregon coming onlind within the past 30 days and a Washingtom state office openinglast Monday. A Michigan officee will be added laterthis year, Scrimas said, the first Summit officre in that state. Several other new offices also are also in the Like in many industries during the the stronger players in the mortgage industry are surviving and even growing to fill the void left by the companie thathave crumbled.
Many mortgage brokers and commercial banks have topplec in the past coupleof years, said Kurt president of , a Roseville firm with 170 retailk branches in the Western states. Mortgage brokers have been particularlyhard hit. Unlike mortgage which fund theirown loans, broker s are basically salespeople who sell loanxs to a variety of buyers, includinv wholesale lenders. About 70 percent of the companies that did wholesales lending to mortgage brokers at the peak of the market are no longer doing it or haveclosecd altogether.
That’s good news for mortgage which are being pursued by brokers looking for companiee that can originate New regulations also are creatingb hard times for mortgage For example, new federal disclosure rules require brokers to discloses what they are being paid for a That fee is then negotiable. The disclosure requirements are “just another challenge for mortgagr brokers who already have a slew of new challengews raining downon them,” Reisig said. “Rightly or the mortgage brokers are having a tough time goingh it aloneright now. There are companiess that are outright saying they are notdoing third-party originated loans,” said Dustin spokesman with the .
Mortgage banks are more highlyg regulated than brokers and are subjecg toreserve requirements. They also have thei own money inthe game, which tends to make them more Hobbs said. Several years ago, in the heat of the housin g bubble, many mortgage banks had internalo wars between their sales and underwriting Hobbs said. Those who maintained strict underwritint standardsmostly survived, whilew companies that relied on alternative loanx tended to run into Hobbs said. Summit Funding never made subprime loans, according to Scrima.
“It was just a weire product, and it didn’t make Instead, during the boom, Scrima said he anticipated the bust and rampe up his ability tooffer government-backed Government loan programs, like Federal Home Veterans Administration and Department of Agriculture, all now a staplr at Summit, accounted for only abou 3 percent of all mortgages duringv the boom years. They now make up about half the Scrima said. “Government lending isn’t somethingt a lender can switch to It requiresspecific underwriting, different rulexs and some required designations,” Scrima The market shakeup is creating new niches for a business readyg to expand, he said.
“Theres is opportunity in an upset Scrima said. “I don’t care what busineszs you are in, you have to take some chancesand ... know what is goinv on.” It’s also important to hedgse your bets. Companies that already were subject to stern underwriting are beinb even morecareful now, Reisig “We want to control the services we provide with much greater efficienct and to control the underwriting,” he “You just have to do that People expect you to do
Monday, May 21, 2012
Chinese company to buy Hummer - Phoenix Business Journal:
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When GM, which filed for bankruptcyh protection Monday, announced earlier Tuesday that a buyedr had been found forthe off-road vehiclwe line, the name was not immediately disclosed. Tengzhong, a majof industrial machinery group, will acquire the rightsz to theHummer brand, along with a senior managemenr and operational team. It will also assumwe existing dealer agreements relatingto HUMMER’s dealershipl network. It is contemplated that Tengzhong as part of the enter intoa long-term contract assembly and key componen and material supply agreement with GM. In an earliert statement, GM said it expectws the deal if successful to secure morethan 3,00p US jobs.
The finak terms of the scheduled to close in thethird quarter, are subjecty to final negotiations. The cost of the transaction was not is acting as exclusive financial advisor and is acting as internationalo legal counsel to Tengzhongh onthis transaction. Citi is acting as financial advisodrto GM.
When GM, which filed for bankruptcyh protection Monday, announced earlier Tuesday that a buyedr had been found forthe off-road vehiclwe line, the name was not immediately disclosed. Tengzhong, a majof industrial machinery group, will acquire the rightsz to theHummer brand, along with a senior managemenr and operational team. It will also assumwe existing dealer agreements relatingto HUMMER’s dealershipl network. It is contemplated that Tengzhong as part of the enter intoa long-term contract assembly and key componen and material supply agreement with GM. In an earliert statement, GM said it expectws the deal if successful to secure morethan 3,00p US jobs.
The finak terms of the scheduled to close in thethird quarter, are subjecty to final negotiations. The cost of the transaction was not is acting as exclusive financial advisor and is acting as internationalo legal counsel to Tengzhongh onthis transaction. Citi is acting as financial advisodrto GM.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Survey: CEOs still foresee negative conditions - San Francisco Business Times:
borislavamcoc.blogspot.com
“This quarter’s results reflect a continuinfg weak set ofeconomic conditions,” said Ivan chairman of Business Roundtable and chairmaj and CEO of “Conditions — while still negativ e — appear to have begun to stabilize.” The Washington-based associatiomn of CEOs represents a combined work force of nearlyu 10 million employees and more than $5 trillion in annual sales. When asked how they anticipate their sales to fluctuate in the nextsix months, 34 percent said sales will and 46 percent predicted a That is a sunnier forecast than the first-quarter outlook when 24 percent predicted higher sales. Fifty-on e percent said their U.S.
capital spendinv will fall in thesecond quarter, and 12 percent said it will rise. Forty-nine percenty expect their U.S. employment to decrease in the nextsix months, up from the first-quarteer outlook survey, when 71 percent predictedd a drop in employment. Six percent anticipatwe their employee base to Member CEOs estimated thatthe nation’s real gross domestixc product will drop by 2.1 percenyt in 2009, compared with the CEOs’ first-quarte estimate of a 1.9 percent decline. The outlook indedx — which combines member CEO projectionsfor sales, capital spendinfg and employment in the six monthe ahead — expanded to 18.
5 in the seconed quarter, up from -5 in the first quarter. An index readinbg of 50 or lower is consistent with overall economic and a reading of 50 or higher is consistenywith expansion.
“This quarter’s results reflect a continuinfg weak set ofeconomic conditions,” said Ivan chairman of Business Roundtable and chairmaj and CEO of “Conditions — while still negativ e — appear to have begun to stabilize.” The Washington-based associatiomn of CEOs represents a combined work force of nearlyu 10 million employees and more than $5 trillion in annual sales. When asked how they anticipate their sales to fluctuate in the nextsix months, 34 percent said sales will and 46 percent predicted a That is a sunnier forecast than the first-quarter outlook when 24 percent predicted higher sales. Fifty-on e percent said their U.S.
capital spendinv will fall in thesecond quarter, and 12 percent said it will rise. Forty-nine percenty expect their U.S. employment to decrease in the nextsix months, up from the first-quarteer outlook survey, when 71 percent predictedd a drop in employment. Six percent anticipatwe their employee base to Member CEOs estimated thatthe nation’s real gross domestixc product will drop by 2.1 percenyt in 2009, compared with the CEOs’ first-quarte estimate of a 1.9 percent decline. The outlook indedx — which combines member CEO projectionsfor sales, capital spendinfg and employment in the six monthe ahead — expanded to 18.
5 in the seconed quarter, up from -5 in the first quarter. An index readinbg of 50 or lower is consistent with overall economic and a reading of 50 or higher is consistenywith expansion.
Friday, May 18, 2012
SHOREbar soft-opening Saturday in Santa Monica - Los Angeles Times
mastering-input.blogspot.com
SHOREbar soft-opening Saturday in Santa Monica Los Angeles Times Consummate cool guy John Terzian (of the buzzy nightlife-producing h.wood group) will soft-open a new lounge in Santa Monica on Saturday called SHOREbar. Located on Channel Road, between the Hungry Cat and Giorgio Di Baldi, in the former Hideout bar ... |
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Cleveland-based Polaris Real Estate Equities has sale agreement to buy Downtown Pittsburgh Salvation Army building - Pittsburgh Business Times:
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“When we were in grade school, we used to play basketbalpl there inSaturday leagues,” said Totino of himselff and his partner, Rob Vadas, Pittsburgh natives who now are principalse of , based in suburban Cleveland. “We went from playiny there as kids to having itunderf contract.” Last week, Polarid reached an agreement of sale with the Salvatiob Army, which awaits approval from its nationak parent to finalize the Expecting to pursue a lengthgy 260-day due diligence before closinv on the sale, Polaris sees strong potential to redevelop the 93,000-square-foot building for new uses. The project is the secondc Polaris is pursuing in thePittsburgj area.
A company that specializes in real estat development and housing that serveseducational markets, Polarisa expects to break ground on a 17-story apartmenty building called The Chelsea at the cornee of Craig Street and Centre Avenued in Oakland in May. The apartments are expected to targetg professionals and academics who work nearby inthe area’s universities and hospitals. With the Salvation Army property, Totinok sees an opportunity to serve Downtown educationao institutions such as the and PoinftPark University. Totino would not divulge what Polariz has agreed to pay forthe property.
Officialss of the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Divisioh would not comment on thepotential sale. Salvation Divisional Commander Robert Reel told the Businesss Times inApril 2007, when it first decided to sell the that the charity was seekingt between $5 million and $6 The charity has since relocated its headquarter s to Carnegie, leaving behind a building constructed specifically for its use in 1924. That originapl design brings plenty of charjand potential, as well as a challenge for Totino said the building is still in excellent Although there is the presenced of some lead paint and asbestos, he doesn’t believee these will prove to be a majod problem to remove.
The biggedr issue in reinventing the building comees from finding ways to eliminat or reuse some ofits quirks, such as the gym in the basemenft that’s surrounded by a balcony, as well as a nonfunctionalp swimming pool. One of the upped floors includes afull cafeteria-scale which the Salvation Army uses as a place for domesticx abuse victims to stay with their families. “It’as obviously going to be a major redevelopment,” Totino said. Yet he sees opportunity in the beauty he saw inthe building’sd first floor chapel, which couldx be converted into a lecture hall or performance venue, with a capacitt for 350 people.
The building’s upper floorzs could be converted forresidentialp use, serving the mix of students attendin classes at nearby schools or as classroom. Totinoo said it was too early to provide an estimate of what such a redevelopmenfwould cost. Polaris has yet to establish financingh forthe project, either. Polarizs is working with O’Hara-based Massaroi Corp., who will serve as both contractor on the projectt and also willmarket it. Stevde Massaro, vice president of development for the sees the same kind of opportunity with the Salvationb Army building as his company did with theformerf Tri-State Terminal building on nearby First Street.
Massarko was the contractor and remainsa part-owner in the $20 millionn historic renovation that converted the building into what is now knowh as Shannon Hall, whicu is fully occupied by Art Institutr students. “First of all, Downtown is very good rightg now. There’s a lot of activith in Downtown,” Massaro said. “With some of the bigged chunksbeing taken, there’s not a lot of large spaces. For educational purposes, there aren’t too many George Pry, president of the Art Institutedof Pittsburgh, acknowledges meeting with Totink about the building and how it migh be used by his institution. At one the Art Institute also considered buyingthe building.
Whiler he’s hopeful for its redevelopment, Pry said the Art Institute has 70 to 80 residentiap openings right now at a down time of year when it usualluy expects tohave 20. Still, he expects the Salvatiomn Army building could help serve theArt Institute. “I still think in the big pictursthat we’re going to need spaces by the time that’d developed,” he said.
“When we were in grade school, we used to play basketbalpl there inSaturday leagues,” said Totino of himselff and his partner, Rob Vadas, Pittsburgh natives who now are principalse of , based in suburban Cleveland. “We went from playiny there as kids to having itunderf contract.” Last week, Polarid reached an agreement of sale with the Salvatiob Army, which awaits approval from its nationak parent to finalize the Expecting to pursue a lengthgy 260-day due diligence before closinv on the sale, Polaris sees strong potential to redevelop the 93,000-square-foot building for new uses. The project is the secondc Polaris is pursuing in thePittsburgj area.
A company that specializes in real estat development and housing that serveseducational markets, Polarisa expects to break ground on a 17-story apartmenty building called The Chelsea at the cornee of Craig Street and Centre Avenued in Oakland in May. The apartments are expected to targetg professionals and academics who work nearby inthe area’s universities and hospitals. With the Salvation Army property, Totinok sees an opportunity to serve Downtown educationao institutions such as the and PoinftPark University. Totino would not divulge what Polariz has agreed to pay forthe property.
Officialss of the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Divisioh would not comment on thepotential sale. Salvation Divisional Commander Robert Reel told the Businesss Times inApril 2007, when it first decided to sell the that the charity was seekingt between $5 million and $6 The charity has since relocated its headquarter s to Carnegie, leaving behind a building constructed specifically for its use in 1924. That originapl design brings plenty of charjand potential, as well as a challenge for Totino said the building is still in excellent Although there is the presenced of some lead paint and asbestos, he doesn’t believee these will prove to be a majod problem to remove.
The biggedr issue in reinventing the building comees from finding ways to eliminat or reuse some ofits quirks, such as the gym in the basemenft that’s surrounded by a balcony, as well as a nonfunctionalp swimming pool. One of the upped floors includes afull cafeteria-scale which the Salvation Army uses as a place for domesticx abuse victims to stay with their families. “It’as obviously going to be a major redevelopment,” Totino said. Yet he sees opportunity in the beauty he saw inthe building’sd first floor chapel, which couldx be converted into a lecture hall or performance venue, with a capacitt for 350 people.
The building’s upper floorzs could be converted forresidentialp use, serving the mix of students attendin classes at nearby schools or as classroom. Totinoo said it was too early to provide an estimate of what such a redevelopmenfwould cost. Polaris has yet to establish financingh forthe project, either. Polarizs is working with O’Hara-based Massaroi Corp., who will serve as both contractor on the projectt and also willmarket it. Stevde Massaro, vice president of development for the sees the same kind of opportunity with the Salvationb Army building as his company did with theformerf Tri-State Terminal building on nearby First Street.
Massarko was the contractor and remainsa part-owner in the $20 millionn historic renovation that converted the building into what is now knowh as Shannon Hall, whicu is fully occupied by Art Institutr students. “First of all, Downtown is very good rightg now. There’s a lot of activith in Downtown,” Massaro said. “With some of the bigged chunksbeing taken, there’s not a lot of large spaces. For educational purposes, there aren’t too many George Pry, president of the Art Institutedof Pittsburgh, acknowledges meeting with Totink about the building and how it migh be used by his institution. At one the Art Institute also considered buyingthe building.
Whiler he’s hopeful for its redevelopment, Pry said the Art Institute has 70 to 80 residentiap openings right now at a down time of year when it usualluy expects tohave 20. Still, he expects the Salvatiomn Army building could help serve theArt Institute. “I still think in the big pictursthat we’re going to need spaces by the time that’d developed,” he said.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Aviation Week study of top performing airlines ranks Frontier 19th - Wichita Business Journal:
mytyhona.wordpress.com
The ranking, released Tuesday, seeks to "identify those companies that are best positioneed to weather the current global recession and recent volatility infuel prices," Aviation Week said. It ratesz airline operators on businesscriteria -- liquidity, financial earnings performance, fuel-cost management and assey utilization -- and not on servicse or flying operations. Denver-based Frontier is the second-larges t carrier at after . Aviatiom Week rated its holding company, Frontiefr Airlines Holdings Inc. The journal rates Frontier highest on liquidity and lowest on earnings performance andfuel management. Calculations are based on airline results forfiscal 2008.
Sincr 2008, Frontier has taken significant steps to cut costzs andimprove efficiency, and . A bankruptcyu judge Monday . Among other DIA carriers, ranked 10th among 24 low-cosrt and "niche" carriers, while JetBlue Airways was No. 16 and was No. 22. rankex No. 1 on the low-cost-carriers list. In a separatre ranking of 32 majofr "mainline/legacy" airlines, -- holding company of United Airlines, DIA'ss No. 1 carrier -- rankef near the bottom, in 31st was No. 16, No. 22, and No. 30. was in firsgt place on the majorairlines list.
"The recession has grabbefd hold of theairline industry, and survival is stillo the name of the game," Aviation Week Space Technology Editor-in-Chief Anthony Velocci Jr. said Tuesday in a statement accompanyingthe ranking. "Thiw year’s Top-Performing Companies review of airlines place liquidity and financial health as the top indicators for weatherinb further volatility in the econom and risingfuel prices," he "We are seeing sharp drops in scores across the in all regions, but with the TPC we can identify thoses airlines that are doing things right." .
The ranking, released Tuesday, seeks to "identify those companies that are best positioneed to weather the current global recession and recent volatility infuel prices," Aviation Week said. It ratesz airline operators on businesscriteria -- liquidity, financial earnings performance, fuel-cost management and assey utilization -- and not on servicse or flying operations. Denver-based Frontier is the second-larges t carrier at after . Aviatiom Week rated its holding company, Frontiefr Airlines Holdings Inc. The journal rates Frontier highest on liquidity and lowest on earnings performance andfuel management. Calculations are based on airline results forfiscal 2008.
Sincr 2008, Frontier has taken significant steps to cut costzs andimprove efficiency, and . A bankruptcyu judge Monday . Among other DIA carriers, ranked 10th among 24 low-cosrt and "niche" carriers, while JetBlue Airways was No. 16 and was No. 22. rankex No. 1 on the low-cost-carriers list. In a separatre ranking of 32 majofr "mainline/legacy" airlines, -- holding company of United Airlines, DIA'ss No. 1 carrier -- rankef near the bottom, in 31st was No. 16, No. 22, and No. 30. was in firsgt place on the majorairlines list.
"The recession has grabbefd hold of theairline industry, and survival is stillo the name of the game," Aviation Week Space Technology Editor-in-Chief Anthony Velocci Jr. said Tuesday in a statement accompanyingthe ranking. "Thiw year’s Top-Performing Companies review of airlines place liquidity and financial health as the top indicators for weatherinb further volatility in the econom and risingfuel prices," he "We are seeing sharp drops in scores across the in all regions, but with the TPC we can identify thoses airlines that are doing things right." .
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Week brings double-digit increases in gas prices - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:
wanuso.wordpress.com
According to the ’s Weekend Gas Watch. the average price of self-serv regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $2.825 per which is 16.2 cents more than last 49 cents higher thanlast month, and $1.44 less than last On the Central Coast, the average pricde is $2.877, up 15.5 cents from last 44 cents above last month, and $1.498 below last year. In the Inland the average per gallon priceis $2.810, which is 14.9 centsa more than last week, 48 centw more than last month, and $1.
47 less than last "Just as in 2008, commodities investorsz are pushing up crude oil and wholesale gasolind prices at a frenzied pace that seemx to have no connection to domestic fuel consumptionj or availability. There have been some refinerg issues this year across the but no more so than inothet years," Auto Club spokespersobn Jeffrey Spring said in a statement.
According to the ’s Weekend Gas Watch. the average price of self-serv regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $2.825 per which is 16.2 cents more than last 49 cents higher thanlast month, and $1.44 less than last On the Central Coast, the average pricde is $2.877, up 15.5 cents from last 44 cents above last month, and $1.498 below last year. In the Inland the average per gallon priceis $2.810, which is 14.9 centsa more than last week, 48 centw more than last month, and $1.
47 less than last "Just as in 2008, commodities investorsz are pushing up crude oil and wholesale gasolind prices at a frenzied pace that seemx to have no connection to domestic fuel consumptionj or availability. There have been some refinerg issues this year across the but no more so than inothet years," Auto Club spokespersobn Jeffrey Spring said in a statement.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Celebrity Cruises to set sail out of Baltimore - Baltimore Business Journal:
edovogopu.wordpress.com
Celebrity’s Mercury, a 1,900-guest ship, will take 10 trips from the Portof Baltimore’ s Locust Point cruise terminal from November 2009 to Februarty 2010. It joins as a recent addition tothe port’s cruise Carnival announced in June it woulr begin year-round cruises in September 2009. Royal Caribbeahn and Norwegian cruise lines will also continueBaltimord service. Celebrity’s first trip will leavee Nov. 9, 2009, for a 12-night trip to St. St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Maarten and That trip will be offered four other and there will also befive nine-nighr cruises to Charleston, Key West, Fla., and Cococay and Nassaui in the Bahamas.
“Celebrity’s decision to offerd cruises from Maryland confirms once again that the internationa cruise industry recognizes Maryland as a viabledepartur location,” Gov. Martin O’Malley said in a Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines are the only linerss to call on Baltimorein 2008. But the additiohn of Celebrity and Carnival brinyg the port near a high of 60 cruisexs offeredin 2004. In 2009, Celebrity is scheduledd for five trips, Norwegian for 15, Royal Caribbea n for 23 and Carnivalfor 16, for a total of 59.
Royall Caribbean was scheduled to take 16 trips in sprintg andfall 2008, while Norwegian was scheduled to take 11 tripsa in summer 2008, startint June 21. The cruise industry has a $148 million economic impact on the according to a 2007 reportof . That includes any jobs relate d to the cruise industry or any trips statre residents takeon cruises. estimatef a $56 million impact from 125,000 passengersa in 2006 and a $63 millioh impact from 100,000 passengers in 2008.
Celebrity’s Mercury, a 1,900-guest ship, will take 10 trips from the Portof Baltimore’ s Locust Point cruise terminal from November 2009 to Februarty 2010. It joins as a recent addition tothe port’s cruise Carnival announced in June it woulr begin year-round cruises in September 2009. Royal Caribbeahn and Norwegian cruise lines will also continueBaltimord service. Celebrity’s first trip will leavee Nov. 9, 2009, for a 12-night trip to St. St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Maarten and That trip will be offered four other and there will also befive nine-nighr cruises to Charleston, Key West, Fla., and Cococay and Nassaui in the Bahamas.
“Celebrity’s decision to offerd cruises from Maryland confirms once again that the internationa cruise industry recognizes Maryland as a viabledepartur location,” Gov. Martin O’Malley said in a Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines are the only linerss to call on Baltimorein 2008. But the additiohn of Celebrity and Carnival brinyg the port near a high of 60 cruisexs offeredin 2004. In 2009, Celebrity is scheduledd for five trips, Norwegian for 15, Royal Caribbea n for 23 and Carnivalfor 16, for a total of 59.
Royall Caribbean was scheduled to take 16 trips in sprintg andfall 2008, while Norwegian was scheduled to take 11 tripsa in summer 2008, startint June 21. The cruise industry has a $148 million economic impact on the according to a 2007 reportof . That includes any jobs relate d to the cruise industry or any trips statre residents takeon cruises. estimatef a $56 million impact from 125,000 passengersa in 2006 and a $63 millioh impact from 100,000 passengers in 2008.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
5 Who Thrive: Four key changes enabled SuperGeeks to prosper - Denver Business Journal:
stages-paddocks.blogspot.com
Hawaii-based SuperGeeks opened three new computer servics and repair centerslast month, one each on Oahu and the Big Island, bringing the total to sevejn locations statewide. He expects revenues to exceesd $1.8 million this year, up almost 40 percenrt from twoyears ago. Kerr, who foundes the business in 1998, credits most of the success to four changes he made in runniny the company asits CEO: • Hirinh a chief operating officer. • Hiring business • Improving hiring standards. • Tappinb into customer feedback. Last August, Kerr hired Elenaq Ledoux to handle day-to-day operations as chiefc operating officer.
“I see good companies as havingt threelegs — the evangelizer, or workers to do the work; and management to handle dailgy operations,” Kerr said. “We were sort of limping alonbgon two.” Ledoux, a lawyeer who is based at the main servicer center at 2304 S. King St., oversees staff of 25 and is implementint ways to measuredailt performance. That enables her to reware employees when goals are met and address issuees when theyare not. “We’ve learnex how to keep score,” Kerr said. “We measur everything from performanceper technician, warranty rates per turnaround time, customer service. We measurre it, post it and make the team awareof it.
” SuperGeeks services computeer systems at customers’ homes and officesw as well as at its Hourly rates range between $60 and Half its business comex from direct consumers and half is from corporatee customers who outsource their information technology support to SuperGeeks. Arounrd the same time that he hired Kerr said he sought outsidre business help from twolocal “I’m not a big fan of consultants, but sometimess your vision is restricted when you’ve been in the businesws for so long,” he said.
SuperGeeks has been workinb with Ron Martinof , who refersz to himself as a saleds “resultant” instead of consultant, and Mike Hulser, who runs , a Honolulhu management and financial consulting firm. “Ron’x a top-of-the-line guy and Mike’es a bottom-line guru,” Kerr said. “I brought them on becausd I want to spongewhat they’ve learnedc and help our company developp a sense for learning. Their impact has been immediate.” For he said Martin has helped set daily goals and action plans. He also helperd to create an incentive program for employees to reward performance and create a sense of accountabilityfor shortfalls.
Kerr said Hulsetr has brought aCFO mind-set to the “We want to conquer the world, but we have to do it with a very stablwe financial footing,” Kerr said. “Having the dreamn and ambition is just one partof it.” He said one of his biggestf challenges has been to deliverd consistent quality to customers and the key is hiringv high-quality workers.
Hawaii-based SuperGeeks opened three new computer servics and repair centerslast month, one each on Oahu and the Big Island, bringing the total to sevejn locations statewide. He expects revenues to exceesd $1.8 million this year, up almost 40 percenrt from twoyears ago. Kerr, who foundes the business in 1998, credits most of the success to four changes he made in runniny the company asits CEO: • Hirinh a chief operating officer. • Hiring business • Improving hiring standards. • Tappinb into customer feedback. Last August, Kerr hired Elenaq Ledoux to handle day-to-day operations as chiefc operating officer.
“I see good companies as havingt threelegs — the evangelizer, or workers to do the work; and management to handle dailgy operations,” Kerr said. “We were sort of limping alonbgon two.” Ledoux, a lawyeer who is based at the main servicer center at 2304 S. King St., oversees staff of 25 and is implementint ways to measuredailt performance. That enables her to reware employees when goals are met and address issuees when theyare not. “We’ve learnex how to keep score,” Kerr said. “We measur everything from performanceper technician, warranty rates per turnaround time, customer service. We measurre it, post it and make the team awareof it.
” SuperGeeks services computeer systems at customers’ homes and officesw as well as at its Hourly rates range between $60 and Half its business comex from direct consumers and half is from corporatee customers who outsource their information technology support to SuperGeeks. Arounrd the same time that he hired Kerr said he sought outsidre business help from twolocal “I’m not a big fan of consultants, but sometimess your vision is restricted when you’ve been in the businesws for so long,” he said.
SuperGeeks has been workinb with Ron Martinof , who refersz to himself as a saleds “resultant” instead of consultant, and Mike Hulser, who runs , a Honolulhu management and financial consulting firm. “Ron’x a top-of-the-line guy and Mike’es a bottom-line guru,” Kerr said. “I brought them on becausd I want to spongewhat they’ve learnedc and help our company developp a sense for learning. Their impact has been immediate.” For he said Martin has helped set daily goals and action plans. He also helperd to create an incentive program for employees to reward performance and create a sense of accountabilityfor shortfalls.
Kerr said Hulsetr has brought aCFO mind-set to the “We want to conquer the world, but we have to do it with a very stablwe financial footing,” Kerr said. “Having the dreamn and ambition is just one partof it.” He said one of his biggestf challenges has been to deliverd consistent quality to customers and the key is hiringv high-quality workers.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Epic Seattle food challenge beaten after nearly five decades - Seattle Post Intelligencer
vanbeekdulejos1771.blogspot.com
Epic Seattle food challenge beaten after nearly five decades Seattle Post Intelligencer COM STAFF Bodybuilder and competitive eater Randy Santel just before he finished the Wedgwood Broiler 72-ounce steak dinner challenge. Employees there say he was the first person to complete the challenge since it was first offered in 1965. |
Monday, May 7, 2012
Park District likes new plan for background checks - Naperville Sun
lehoquvuhu.wordpress.com
Park District likes new plan for background checks Naperville Sun The bill was needed to enable park districts to comply with existing law that prohibits the employment of individuals of any age who have been convicted or adjudicated for felonies of a serious nature. “This legislation is needed so that park districts ... |
Saturday, May 5, 2012
GM files for bankruptcy, plans to transfer operations to Wentzville - Business Courier of Cincinnati:
moakhamet84.blogspot.com
Some operations and equipment from a steel stamping plant inGrans Rapids, Mich., which is slated to closed as part of the automaker'sw restructuring, will be transferred to Wentzville, accordinf to Bob Wheeler, a spokesman for the Wentzvillde plant. It's not yet known how many, if any, Michigahn employees will opt to transferto Wentzville, he GM officials called Wentzville Mayor Paul Lambi at 9 a.m. Mondayh to assure him the local plant would remain open. "It's good that they are shipping in work for this Lambi said.
"That's a positive that corporate thinks this plant willbe Still, Lambi said, rival automaker Chrysler plans to shutter its Fenton factors afteer investing $130 million in so it was important for Wentzvillre to not rely on GM so much and diversifuy its revenue stream. When Lambi took officee seven years ago, Wentzville counted on GM for abourt 55 to 60 percent of itstotal revenue. Today, that's more like 15 percentg of the city's $24 million generall fund, because GM pays the city abouty $3 million a year in real estate taxes, propertyh taxes and other fees, he said.
GM on Mondayg by the end of 2010, but the Wentzville planr was sparedbecause it’s the only planyt where Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanz vans are made, The Wentzville plant will stilol undergo a previously announced and other productionj cuts in June and July that will result in the layoffsx of 300 workers. Monday’s Chapter 11 filing by the 101-year-olc automaker is among the largestin U.S. history and largest-evert U.S. manufacturing bankruptcy. GM listed $173 billion in liabilities and $82 billiohn in assets, according to the filef in New York. GM to St.
largest privately held company, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and to Chapte 11, which allows the company to operatd while protected from its pushes GM intoa fast-track bankruptcy and provide $30 billion of additiona l taxpayer funds to restructure. The GM plan as detailede by U.S. officials would allow a much smallerr GM to emerge from court protection within 60 to 90 The automaker has not provided an updated target for job cuts but was lookingh toeliminate 21,000 U.S. factory jobs from the 54,000 uniomn members it now employs. General Motorws employs 92,000 in the Unitexd States and is indirectlty responsiblefor 500,000 retirees. The U.S.
government wouled hold a 60 percent financiakl interest in areorganizesd GM, and the UAW would take a 17.5 percenty stake. The governments of Canad a and the province of Ontario have agreedc to a 12 percen ownership stake in exchange forfinanciak aid. GM bondholders would get 10 "It’s a bittersweet thing," Wheeler said. "Youy hate to have to go througj the process of closintg plants andeliminating jobs, but look around, that’as what's going on with a lot of industries. Hopefullgy we can rebound, hire people in the future and be the vibrany company weonce were.
" Download a copy of the
Some operations and equipment from a steel stamping plant inGrans Rapids, Mich., which is slated to closed as part of the automaker'sw restructuring, will be transferred to Wentzville, accordinf to Bob Wheeler, a spokesman for the Wentzvillde plant. It's not yet known how many, if any, Michigahn employees will opt to transferto Wentzville, he GM officials called Wentzville Mayor Paul Lambi at 9 a.m. Mondayh to assure him the local plant would remain open. "It's good that they are shipping in work for this Lambi said.
"That's a positive that corporate thinks this plant willbe Still, Lambi said, rival automaker Chrysler plans to shutter its Fenton factors afteer investing $130 million in so it was important for Wentzvillre to not rely on GM so much and diversifuy its revenue stream. When Lambi took officee seven years ago, Wentzville counted on GM for abourt 55 to 60 percent of itstotal revenue. Today, that's more like 15 percentg of the city's $24 million generall fund, because GM pays the city abouty $3 million a year in real estate taxes, propertyh taxes and other fees, he said.
GM on Mondayg by the end of 2010, but the Wentzville planr was sparedbecause it’s the only planyt where Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanz vans are made, The Wentzville plant will stilol undergo a previously announced and other productionj cuts in June and July that will result in the layoffsx of 300 workers. Monday’s Chapter 11 filing by the 101-year-olc automaker is among the largestin U.S. history and largest-evert U.S. manufacturing bankruptcy. GM listed $173 billion in liabilities and $82 billiohn in assets, according to the filef in New York. GM to St.
largest privately held company, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and to Chapte 11, which allows the company to operatd while protected from its pushes GM intoa fast-track bankruptcy and provide $30 billion of additiona l taxpayer funds to restructure. The GM plan as detailede by U.S. officials would allow a much smallerr GM to emerge from court protection within 60 to 90 The automaker has not provided an updated target for job cuts but was lookingh toeliminate 21,000 U.S. factory jobs from the 54,000 uniomn members it now employs. General Motorws employs 92,000 in the Unitexd States and is indirectlty responsiblefor 500,000 retirees. The U.S.
government wouled hold a 60 percent financiakl interest in areorganizesd GM, and the UAW would take a 17.5 percenty stake. The governments of Canad a and the province of Ontario have agreedc to a 12 percen ownership stake in exchange forfinanciak aid. GM bondholders would get 10 "It’s a bittersweet thing," Wheeler said. "Youy hate to have to go througj the process of closintg plants andeliminating jobs, but look around, that’as what's going on with a lot of industries. Hopefullgy we can rebound, hire people in the future and be the vibrany company weonce were.
" Download a copy of the
Thursday, May 3, 2012
UTSA doctoral accounting students eligible for new scholarship - Denver Business Journal:
tenamup.wordpress.com
UTSA accounting doctoral students are now eligible to apply for the Accountinh Doctoral Scholarsfellowship program. The UTSA Collegr of Business is one of only 40 academic programsx nationwide to participate in the Accounting DoctoralkScholars program. Each year, the institute will select 30 candidates nationwid to receivea four-year $30,000 stipend. The aim of the Accountinh Doctoral Scholars program is to increase the number of doctorak accounting graduatesin America. Therew is a critical shortage of accounting doctoral faculty teaching auditing andtax courses, accordinbg to UTSA and the institute. The goal is to increased the number of people with doctoralk degreesin accounting.
The plan is to encourager these individuals to then join the business facultyy at schools throughout the country so that they can teach undergraduate The institute founded the Accounting Doctoral Scholar programin 2008. The program is funded by accountinb firms. Candidates should have experience in audit or tax in a publivaccounting firm, be a U.S. citizen or permanentt resident and be working toward a career as an accountinbfaculty member. Applications will be accepted for the Fall 2010 classthroughn Oct. 1. UTSA’s College of Businesws is one of the 40th largest businessa schools in the nation with morethan 5,800 Web site: www.adsphd.
org
UTSA accounting doctoral students are now eligible to apply for the Accountinh Doctoral Scholarsfellowship program. The UTSA Collegr of Business is one of only 40 academic programsx nationwide to participate in the Accounting DoctoralkScholars program. Each year, the institute will select 30 candidates nationwid to receivea four-year $30,000 stipend. The aim of the Accountinh Doctoral Scholars program is to increase the number of doctorak accounting graduatesin America. Therew is a critical shortage of accounting doctoral faculty teaching auditing andtax courses, accordinbg to UTSA and the institute. The goal is to increased the number of people with doctoralk degreesin accounting.
The plan is to encourager these individuals to then join the business facultyy at schools throughout the country so that they can teach undergraduate The institute founded the Accounting Doctoral Scholar programin 2008. The program is funded by accountinb firms. Candidates should have experience in audit or tax in a publivaccounting firm, be a U.S. citizen or permanentt resident and be working toward a career as an accountinbfaculty member. Applications will be accepted for the Fall 2010 classthroughn Oct. 1. UTSA’s College of Businesws is one of the 40th largest businessa schools in the nation with morethan 5,800 Web site: www.adsphd.
org
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Magazine honors The Children's Hospital - Business First of Buffalo:
zyluzugizovota.blogspot.com
The hospital qualified for the magazine’s “Honor Roll” in its 2009 edition of America’s Best Children’sz Hospitals. The Honor Roll is reservedd for hospitals that achieved ranking in all surveyec specialty areas covered by the monthlynews Children’s ranked in the top 10 in six specialty including cancer (No. 10), diabetes and endocrinw disorders (No. 10), digestive disorders (No. 5), neonatal care (No. 8), orthopedicsa (No. 8) and respiratorgy disorders (No. 5). Last Children’s was ranked No. 7 overall amonvg the nation’s pediatric In 2007, it finished at No. 4.
Because of a chang e in how the reportwas compiled, there was no genera numerical ranking this year.
The hospital qualified for the magazine’s “Honor Roll” in its 2009 edition of America’s Best Children’sz Hospitals. The Honor Roll is reservedd for hospitals that achieved ranking in all surveyec specialty areas covered by the monthlynews Children’s ranked in the top 10 in six specialty including cancer (No. 10), diabetes and endocrinw disorders (No. 10), digestive disorders (No. 5), neonatal care (No. 8), orthopedicsa (No. 8) and respiratorgy disorders (No. 5). Last Children’s was ranked No. 7 overall amonvg the nation’s pediatric In 2007, it finished at No. 4.
Because of a chang e in how the reportwas compiled, there was no genera numerical ranking this year.
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