Culture and Activities

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has partnered with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar to advise on the creation of a brand new, state-of-the-art childrens hospital in the Middle East.

On February 7th, senior leaders from SickKids marked the official announcement of the five-year partnership. SickKids has been enlisted to provide advisory services for the development and operation of the new 217-bed, 45,000 square foot childrens hospital located in Hamad Medical City, a large, not-for-profit health-care complex in the heart of Doha, Qatars capital city.

“This partnership is yet another example of SickKids international reputation for excellence in childrens health, and moves us one step closer to realizing our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World,” said Mary Jo Haddad, President and CEO of SickKids.

While in Doha, SickKids staff will provide expert counsel in such areas as paediatric medicine, surgical services, interprofessional practice and education, family-centred care and research. The partnership will also see staff from HMC travel to Toronto to take advantage of fellowship and learning opportunities at SickKids.

“A key component of our international strategy is to share our knowledge and to help other organizations build capacity within their own countries,” added Cathy Seguin, Vice President of International Affairs at SickKids.

Tenon Consulting is a management consulting firm providing professional
services to Fortune 500, government, and emerging growth entities. The
firm assists its clients in leading the development of new business
operations and the definition and implementation of strategic business
initiatives. The firm maintains broad experience in the healthcare,
bio-security, technology, pharmaceutical, and defense industries.

LOS ANGELES — On February 1, 2010, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled in
favor of Good Samaritan Hospital Los Angeles, represented by Jeffer
Mangels Butler Marmaro LLP, and against the Service Employees
International, United Healthcare Workers-West (SEIU or the Union),
overturning a union decertification election narrowly won by SEIU in
April 2008. The ruling was based on findings that SEIU attempted to
bribe voting members before an election that would have allowed Hospital
employees to choose or reject union representation.

Ten days before voting began, 126 SEIU members received checks from SEIU
which, in an announcement made more than a week later, the Union claimed
were the reimbursement of union dues that the Hospital had allegedly
over-deducted from the paychecks of employees. The announcement also
suggested that the over-deductions may have been intentional and warned
that employees would have no recourse against their employer without a
union.

In most cases, the employees were reimbursed for much more than they
were owed, sometimes as much as three times the correct amount. Some
voting employees received reimbursements that were not owed; others
should have received checks but did not. Overall, the Union sent checks
for $12,000 over what employees were actually owed.

The NLRB concluded that the Union’s distribution of reimbursement checks
improperly interfered with the election results and, therefore,
overturned the election and ordered that a new election take place. SEIU
had won the election by a slim margin, with 209 employees voting in
favor of the Union and 180 supporting decertification.

This is Good Samaritan’s second round against SEIU. The decertification
election in 2008 was a re-run of a 2007 election arising out of the same
decertification petition. SEIU won that election by an extremely narrow
margin, but the election was overturned after the NLRB found that the
Union had interfered with results by engaging in bribery and verbal and
physical coercion.

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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Kennedy Wilson, (NYSE Amex: KWIC) Mary Ricks, Vice Chair and
Co-CEO of the Company’s Commercial Investment Group, today announced the
appointment of Joan Kramer as Managing Director to head the
company’s newly formed debt origination platform. Kramer will
be located in Kennedy Wilson’s Beverly Hills office.

“We are excited to have Joan join our team,” said Mary Ricks. “Her
responsibilities will include sourcing loan origination business and
evaluating secondary loan purchases for the company. Joan will be a
tremendous asset to our company,” continued Ricks. Ms. Kramer has 20
years experience in commercial real estate, including originating,
underwriting, workouts and portfolio management. Prior to joining
Kennedy Wilson, Ms. Kramer headed Marathon Asset Management’s office in
Los Angeles as managing director in charge of originations and asset
management.

Ms. Kramer said she was excited to be joining the Kennedy Wilson team.
“The company known for its entrepreneurial culture and its real estate
investing prowess, is expanding both its reach and its capabilities and
I look forward to the opportunity to be part of that dynamic growth,”
said Ms. Kramer.

WASHINGTON — As sought after for years by the moderate “Blue Dog” Democrats led by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, the House gave final approval Thursday to “pay-as-you-go” rules requiring Congress to fund any new programs by first finding savings elsewhere or increasing revenue. But the provision was attached to a bill that increased the national debt limit to more than $14 trillion — which had Republicans howling that the Blue Dogs efforts were not a step to fiscal prudence but one that deepened the national debt. In recognition of their long fight, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi congratulated the Blue Dogs — and Matheson by name — as she spoke in favor of that provision, which passed 233-187. Reps Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz, both R-Utah, voted against the measure. The Senate added the “pay-as-you-go” rules last month to the bill to raise the national debt limit. House leaders then devised an unusual plan for the bill to pass without actually holding a direct vote on the issue of raising the debt limit.

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ALL cancer patients will get one-to-one care and support from specialist nurses under a new pledge from Gordon Brown. Around 1.6 million people who suffer from the disease or are in remission will benefit from the new guarantee over the next five years. The move is part of a raft of pledges to ease the financial worries of older people about the cost of their care. Mr Brown will reveal full details of the promise in a speech to medical experts tomorrow. In his weekly podcast last night he said: “To be truly free of worry, to be able to get on with your lives, you need firm assurances.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Medication Panic Attacks

NOTTM FOREST 2 BILLY DAVIES must be rubbing his hands with glee over the battle for supremacy between his hitmen Dexter Blackstock and Rob Earnshaw.
The stimulus bill included $4.35 billion to encourage the states to reform their schools, and President Obama has just suggested another $1.35 billion. The program is called “Race to the Top.” As Stephen Spruiell explains on page 24 of this issue, Rick Perry, the Republican governor of Texas, has turned down his states share of the money.
The standard argument for the superiority of the American to the more statist European economic model holds that the former does more to promote economic growth. NATIONAL REVIEW contributor Jim Manzi, writing in National Affairs, argues that the American model, to be sustained, must incorporate reforms to enable the least fortunate to improve their lot.

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PUBS are charging up to 60p MORE for a soft drink than a pint of beer, a Sunday Mirror survey reveals. A pint of standard bitter is cheaper than an equivalent amount of non-alcoholic drink such as cola and lemonade in almost HALF of Britains pubs. One city centre bar was charging pounds 2.60 for a pint of orange juice – when its bitter was just pounds 2. The massive mark-ups on non-alcoholic drinks were last night condemned by health campaigners. At the Crown in Birmingham city centre, we were charged pounds 2.30 for a pint of lemonade – 31p more than a pint of Pedigree bitter and 15p more than a pint of Carlsberg lager. At the Newt pub in the citys Stephensons Street, we paid pounds 2.13 for a pint of orange juice – 23p more than its Marstons bitter.
Reporters largely ignored it, but the Department of Health and Human Services released a study showing that Head Starts positive effects peter out by the end of first grade. The study included 44 tests, of which 42 found no statistically significant and lasting improvement. Some positive results are to be expected when you run that many tests, and a footnote points out that the two apparently lasting results disappear after correcting for that tendency.
February 7, 2010

WASHINGTON — On Sunday, February 7, the country will commemorate the tenth annual
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. It’s a day that reminds us that
HIV/AIDS is still a public health crisis in the US. And it’s a day when
communities and organizations across the country come together to
recognize the impact this disease has had on the African American
community.

African Americans make up almost half of Americans living with HIV/AIDS
today. Blacks represent 12 percent of the population, but account for
nearly fifty percent of new HIV infections. In their lifetimes, 1 in 16
African-American men and 1 in 30 African-American women will get an HIV
diagnosis.

These are not just startling statistics—these numbers represent people
we know and love: neighbors, friends, members of our families and our
faith communities. And it’s time that we as a nation take action: to
improve care and treatment for those who are HIV positive and to
strengthen our prevention efforts to stop the spread of HIV.

President Obama has made domestic HIV/AIDS a priority. He has set goals
of reducing HIV incidence, increasing access to care and improving
health outcomes, and reducing HIV-related health disparities. His 2011
budget includes more than $3 billion, an increase of $70 million, for
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health
Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to enhance HIV/AIDS
prevention, care, and treatment. The budget also focuses on HIV testing
among high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men, African
Americans, and Hispanics.

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OKLAHOMA CITY — University of Oklahoma President David Boren today announced he will
work to launch a national campaign in partnership with the Oklahoma
Foundation for Excellence (OFE), the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation,
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens and other national
history organizations to strengthen the teaching of early American
history to students across the U.S.

“A nation that does not know how it became great will not remain great,”
said Boren, who is founder and chairman of OFE. “It is my hope that
through a nationwide campaign, educators across America will understand
the importance of teaching American history to their students.”

The announcement took place during OFE’s Colonial Day at the Capitol,
where 500 Oklahoma students gathered to learn about Colonial America. A
group of students dressed in Colonial attire performed their own version
of a “Bill of Rights Rap” during the event.

In addition, Boren said that a goal of OFE is to have every Oklahoma
school district participate in the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s
Emmy award-winning Electronic Field Trips, which bring early American
history to life through live television broadcasts and online activities
for students.

Expert Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: EXPU), an FHA
certified financial lending institution specializing in home and commercial
real estate loans, is pleased to present 2010 projections as well as the
Companys business vision.

Expert Group conservatively projects that in 2010 the company will achieve
$4.3 million in revenues and over $1.1 million in net income. This will be
accomplished by further expanding the Companys business through a series
of acquisitions that result in new loan originators and new locations; as
well as by entering into other closely related sectors within the real
estate market.

Robert Rico stated: “Expert Group is on track to become a major player in
the real estate world. Companies in our space that have followed a similar
business model are Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell (EWM Realtors, Inc.) founded in
South Florida, and is one of the largest real estate services firms in
America. Their success has been notable because they have taken advantage
of the business synergies that come through combining several inter-related
real-estate services and offering them under one business umbrella.

“There are four major business synergies at work in EWM that we endeavor to
achieve at Expert:

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One Saudi Arabian braved flash floods in Jeddah to rescue two family members and dozens of strangers from drowning. This act of heroism was made more remarkable by the fact that the driver, who threw a rope to stranded cars and then dragged them out, was a woman–which makes it a violation of Saudi Arabias ban on woman drivers.
A DRIVER who caused the death of a motorcyclist walked free after a court accepted the widows plea for him to be spared jail. Sue Capes said enough lives had been ruined by husband Davids death David Everson, 41, pulled out of a side road at Hockering, Norfolk – and Mr Capes, 60, hit his car.
AN upcoming Ferrari sale could become the worlds most valuable car deal ever, when RM Auctions offer a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO by private treaty. One of only 36 made – with a properly documented racing history – bids for it could go ballistic, given the current strong market for antique autos.

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The Himalayan glaciers will disappear by 2035! That factoid, which appeared in the IPCCs 2007 climate-change report, turns out to have zero evidence behind it. The claim, from a 1999 news story in the British magazine New Scientist, was based on a brief telephone interview with an Indian researcher who now says it was mere speculation, and in any case applied to only a portion of the glaciers.
THE Obama administrations signature education initiative, Race to the Top, has produced genuine headline news: The Democrats, usually seen kowtowing to organized labors demands, for once are standing up to a powerful union constituency. The Race to the Top grant competition would remunerate states for using students test scores in teacher evaluations, a practice the teachers unions have fought for years. A number of conservative reformers are backing the measure, but Texas governor Rick Perry, a Republican, recently announced that his state would not participate in Race to the Top. Whats the catch? The situation is reminiscent of another time Democrats stood up to organized labor: in the early 1990s, when Bill Clinton backed passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) over the objections of the unions. In both cases, the fight between the Democratic party and its union backers dominated the medias coverage. But then as now, a different and more interesting question preoccupied conservatives: Does the policy in question cede too much local power to a national or transnational authority? At the heart of the question is a debate over means and ends. Not many conservatives in the 1990s argued, as the unions did, that NAFTA would result in the loss of tens of thousands of American jobs. Nor do many conservatives today side with the teachers unions in support of rules that make it nearly impossible to fire incompetent educators. In each case, mountains of empirical evidence slowly persuaded liberal elites and Democratic reformers to agree at least partially with conservatives that a certain end–free trade and teacher accountability, respectively–was worth pursuing. By 1993, it was no longer plausible to argue that free trade was on balance deleterious to a nations prosperity. Economists across the political spectrum agreed then, and still do, that removing trade barriers between two countries allows each to increase its total output and thereby grow richer. The only intellectually defensible way to argue against free trade is to make the debate about something other than wealth, such as equality, labor rules, or environmental standards. In the NAFTA debate, accordingly, opponents argued that U.S. companies would move jobs requiring fewer skills to Mexico, weakening the power of unions to bid up the price of unskilled labor and causing the gap between rich and poor to widen. But liberal opinion-makers were not persuaded that the country should sacrifice its overall prosperity to preserve union clout. NAFTA supporter Michael Kinsley, then of The New Republic, zeroed in on the oppositions advantage in the debate when he wrote that “the person who will get a job because of NAFTA isnt even aware of it yet; the person who may lose a job because of NAFTA is all too aware.” Newsweek admonished Americans to “beware the new protectionist preachings. Trade is good for you.” And the most influential liberal in the country, Bill Clinton, supported NAFTA.

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ACTOR Andy Serkis, who played the creepy Gollum in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy and crippled Cockney rebel Ian Dury in the movie Sex Drugs Rock Roll, has a new target for a future role – to portray Bono on the big screen. Serkis was the weird, raspy-voiced creature in the blockbuster fantasy films, and he now thinks someone should make a movie of rock star Bonos life – with him in the lead role. But he has already been beaten to the punch, as a new film called Killing Bono – about U2s early days is already being filmed in Belfast.
SEOUL, South Korea — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in digital consumer
electronics and information technology, today announced the Samsung S2
Portable, a fully transportable external hard drive, pre-loaded with the
movie ‘Michael Jacksons THIS IS IT’.

Timed with the DVD and Blu-ray Disc(TM) release of ‘Michael Jacksons
THIS IS IT’, the pre-loaded external HDD will be available at major
European retailers from February 22, 2010.

“We are excited to present this movie starring Michael Jackson, the
greatest entertainer of all time, pre-loaded on the Samsung S2
Portable,” said H.S. Lee, Vice President, Storage Marketing, Samsung
Electronics.

Samsung’s S2 Portable has an increased capacity of 500GB and its
improved data recording technology makes it the perfect solution for the
increasing number of consumers who are building their personal movie
collections on their PCs.

In addition to the pre-loaded ‘Michael Jacksons THIS IS IT’, the
Samsung S2 Portable boasts USB On Board Technology and supports various
user-friendly features such as Samsung Auto Backup that enables
real-time or scheduled backup and SecretZone™ that encrypts and stores
data on a virtual drive as well as SafetyKey™, a powerful data-security
function that offers dual data protection through a password.

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NEW YORK — Stocks buckled Thursday under the growing belief that the global economy is weaker than many investors expected and likely to stop companies from hiring. The Dow Jones industrials briefly traded below 10,000 for the first time in three months. Demand for safer investments sent the dollar and Treasurys higher and the euro falling. Major indexes skidded as much as 3.1 percent to their lowest levels in three months. The Dow fell 268 points and briefly traded below 10,000 for the first time since Nov. 6. The Dows 2.6 percent drop was its biggest in seven months. And it was the ninth time in 14 days that the Dow has moved by more than 100 points. Just 273 stocks rose on the New York Stock Exchange, while more than 2,800 fell. One of the weak performers was metals producer Freeport-McMoRan Copper Gold Inc., which tumbled 5.3 percent. The few winners included Cisco Systems Inc. following a big increase in its earnings. Consolidated trading volume at the NYSE rose to 5.9 billion shares from 4.3 billion Wednesday. The days news reminded investors that the global economic recovery remains tenuous. It also raised questions about whether the market can resume its rebound from 12-year lows it hit last March.
For every friend you refer who purchases a RedEye universal remote control
system before March 31, you will be automatically entered for a chance to
win an Apple iPad. All friends referred will receive a 15 percent discount
on the purchase of a RedEye system.

“Apples new tablet inspired us to develop a version of the RedEye app that
takes advantage the iPads enormous touchscreen,” said ThinkFlood president
and co-founder Matt Eagar. “Were looking forward to showing our
sweepstakes winners all the new RedEye features and content made possible
by internet connectivity and the iPads extra screen real estate.”

Like the iPad, the RedEye system is designed to blend into any homes
design with both functionality and style.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — United Insurance Holdings Corp. (OTCBB: UIHC; UIHCW; UIHCU) (“United”
or the “Company”), a property and casualty insurance holding company,
announced today that United Property Casualty Insurance Company, a
wholly-owned subsidiary with over 96,000 homeowner policies-in-force in
the state of Florida, will be submitting applications to write property
and casualty insurance in the following states: Massachusetts,
Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
New Jersey.

The Company currently offers Homeowners, Dwelling Fire, and Flood
policies throughout Florida, and may offer similar products in the
states in which it becomes authorized to write policies. United believes
that these particular markets have a need for a well-capitalized,
quality independent insurance provider. United’s cash and investment
holdings totaled $194.7 million at September 30, 2009, and the Company
intends to leverage its financial resources, reinsurance network, and
underwriting expertise to provide property and casualty insurance in
these states.

“We decided that the time was right to explore other markets and
potentially expand our geographic footprint,” noted Don Cronin, United’s
CEO, “and we think United’s products particularly fit the needs of
homeowners in these regions of the United States. Our experience in
Florida at managing our exposure and adapting to changing market
conditions will assist us greatly in our attempts to expand into new
markets.”

Founded in 1999, United Property Casualty Insurance Company, a
subsidiary of United Insurance Holdings Corp., primarily underwrites
homeowners insurance in Florida. From its headquarters in St.
Petersburg, Uniteds team of dedicated employees manages a completely
integrated insurance company, including sales, underwriting, customer
service and claims. The Company distributes its homeowners, dwelling
fire and flood products through many agency groups and conducts business
through four wholly-owned subsidiaries. Homeowners insurance constitutes
the majority of Uniteds premiums and policies.

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Blame for 9/11 In a recent letter John Fredrickson of Clayton pointed the finger of blame at George Bush for, among other things, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when he stated, “Reality tells us the junior Bush administration missed all the early warning signs on the 9/11 disaster.” Lets take a closer look at the reality of that comment. George Tenet was Clintons CIA Director, and Bush carried him over. Norman Mineta was secretary of commerce and was then assigned to transportation.
“Scuttle Captain Morgans $2.7B raid on U.S. tax dollars and distillery jobs” SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Puerto Rican Coalition praised President Obamas remarks in the State of the Union message last night in which he urged Congress to “slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas.” The President repeated those words again this morning at his Florida Town Hall meeting. “Congress need only look in their liquor cabinets to see Captain Morgan Rum and its British owners staging the biggest pillage of U.S. tax dollars since the days of piracy on the high seas,” said NPRC Chair Miguel Lausell. “Its the grand-daddy of all corporate giveaways, providing a British distiller an insurmountable competitive advantage thatll decimate good-paying domestic distillery jobs in Puerto Rico, the USVI and the mainland alike, including Florida, where the President spoke today,” added NPRC President Rafael Fantauzzi. “Congress must scuttle Captain Morgans raid on American tax dollars and its plunder of domestic distillery jobs,” agreed Lausell.

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Contestants Use New Smart Designer® to Compete for $2500 Grand Prize
and Five Herman Miller Chairs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — SmartFurniture.com
is proud to announce the Smart Space Design Contest, a competition to
see who can design the best interior space using its new Smart Designer®.

The Smart Space Design Contest, sponsored by Herman
Miller® (MLHR),
gives you the chance to try out the new Smart Designer and win the Grand
Prize, a $2,500 SmartFurniture.com gift card to use towards creating
your dream space.

The $2,500 Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from the five Finalists.
Each week during the month of February, SmartFurniture.com will choose a
Finalist, and one finalist will be chosen via popular voting on SmartFurniture.com
and Facebook.
Finalists will win their choice of a Herman Miller Aeron®,
Embody®,
Mirra®
or Setu™
chair.

The Grand Prize winner will be chosen from the Finalists by a panel of
guest judges, including a representative from Herman Miller for the Home
and Eames Demetrios, principal of the Eames Office and grandson of
iconic designers Charles and Ray Eames.

ROCHESTER, N.H. — BrandPartners Group, Inc. (OTC BB: BPTR), a provider of integrated
retail environmental services to the financial services and franchise
industries, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary
BrandPartners Retail Inc (BrandPartners) has signed new contracts
totaling $4.6 million and $900,000 of letters of intent in the month of
January.  Under the new contracts BrandPartners will provide a broad
range of design and construction, merchandising, furniture,
environmental graphics, retail communications, and merchandising product
for its financial services customers.

“We believe that our strong January contracts and letters of
intent as well as other recent activity demonstrate that our core client
base is getting back to business and focusing on driving revenues in
their branches.  Furthermore, we have moved to diversify our revenues
with the launch of our Store in a Box subsidiary, which targets
franchise companies as well as with our newest service offerings, energy
audits and implementations.  We believe that these new initiatives
position the company to prosper in two areas that are growth industries
for the foreseeable future,” commented James Brooks, CEO of
BrandPartners.

About BrandPartnersBrandPartners Group, Inc. (OTC
Bulletin Board: BPTR), through its wholly owned subsidiaries
BrandPartners Retail, Inc., Build Partners, Inc. and Store in a Box,
Inc. provide an integrated approach to customer environments through
brand translation, business strategy, design/build services, retail
displays and in-branch communications products and services, from
concept and design through implementation and training. BrandPartners
installations are in more than 2,000 companies at more than 35,000
retail locations. The company serves its clients from its Rochester, New
Hampshire home office and regional U.S. offices.

Cautionary LanguageStatements in this news release
that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
unknown factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be
materially different from the historical results or from any future
results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The
forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally
to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in
the Company’s reports and registrations statements filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contestants Use New Smart Designer® to Compete for $2500 Grand Prize
and Five Herman Miller Chairs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — SmartFurniture.com
is proud to announce the Smart Space Design Contest, a competition to
see who can design the best interior space using its new Smart Designer®.

The Smart Space Design Contest, sponsored by Herman
Miller® (MLHR),
gives you the chance to try out the new Smart Designer and win the Grand
Prize, a $2,500 SmartFurniture.com gift card to use towards creating
your dream space.

The $2,500 Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from the five Finalists.
Each week during the month of February, SmartFurniture.com will choose a
Finalist, and one finalist will be chosen via popular voting on SmartFurniture.com
and Facebook.
Finalists will win their choice of a Herman Miller Aeron®,
Embody®,
Mirra®
or Setu™
chair.

The Grand Prize winner will be chosen from the Finalists by a panel of
guest judges, including a representative from Herman Miller for the Home
and Eames Demetrios, principal of the Eames Office and grandson of
iconic designers Charles and Ray Eames.

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PALOS VERDES ESTATES, Calif. — Malaga Financial Corporation (OTCBB:MLGF), the parent company of
Malaga Bank FSB, today reported that net income for the year ended
December 31, 2009 was $9,494,000 ($1.65 per share basic and $1.64 per
share fully diluted), an increase of $2,418,000 or 34% from net income
of $7,076,000 ($1.24 per share basic and fully diluted) for the year
ended December 31, 2008. This record annual net income resulted in an
ROAE of 16.71% for the year and was achieved in spite of a $1,044,000
increase in FDIC insurance premiums in 2009. Malaga continues to have no
non-performing assets or delinquent loans.

Net income for the fourth quarter was $2,364,000 ($0.41 per share basic
and fully diluted) compared to $1,930,000 ($0.34 per share basic and
fully diluted) for the fourth quarter of 2008, an increase of 22%.

Net income increased in 2009 primarily as a result of a $5,297,000
increase in net interest income due to a $57 million growth in average
interest earning assets and an increase in interest rate spread from
2.74% in 2008 to 3.29% in 2009. The interest rate spread increased
primarily due to our average cost of funds declining faster than our
average yield on interest earning assets.

Malaga recorded a provision for loan losses of $120,000 in 2009 as
compared to $329,000 in 2008. The lower provision in 2009 was
attributable to lower net loan growth of $35 million in 2009 versus $59
million in 2008. Malaga’s allowance for loan losses was $2.8 million, or
0.37% of loans, at December 31, 2009.

Operating expenses increased $1,535,000 or 17% from $8,924,000 in 2008
to $10,459,000 in 2009. This increase was due primarily to a $1,044,000
increase in FDIC insurance premiums. In addition, salaries and related
benefits increased $504,000 due primarily to lower cost offset of
deferred loan origination costs as a result of lower loan origination
volume.

President Obama wants to slap a cumbrous new tax on American banks. “We want our money back,” he says. The government is expected to lose money on the bailouts–but not the money used to backstop the banks, which are paying it back, with interest. The real losses are expected to come from insurer AIG and from such untouchable Democratic holies as Fannie Mae, the heavily unionized automakers, and the foreclosure-prevention program.

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If someone tries to rob you, do you care whether the policeman who stops him is black or white? The Department of Justice does. Using the standard of “disparate impact”–under which almost any test, no matter how carefully vetted, can be ruled illegally discriminatory if some group does not score high enough on it–DOJ has filed suit against New Jersey because of its exam for police sergeants.
Time for reform The League of Women Voters of California strongly favors Senate Bill 810. Contrary to your editorial on Jan. 26, we believe this is exactly the right time to remedy our badly broken health care financing system. Californias budget crisis is directly linked to rising health insurance costs. Health insurance costs for teachers, police officers, firefighters and transit workers increase annually at rates much higher than wages.

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CimQuest INGEAR, a supplier of runtime free software development
solutions for industrial applications, has announced the availability of a
USB license key (dongle) that makes it very easy for users to move
developmental licenses between computers. The new key is available as an
option for developer editions of CimQuests NET.LOGIX , NET.ABLINK , NET.MBLINK and NET.GELINK class
libraries.

“Developers love the fact that once they build PLC communications or HMI s with our tools, they can run
them on as many other machines as they want, without paying additional
license fees; but they still have had to enter their license key whenever
they visited each machine for maintenance or debugging. This USB key now
eliminates the entry screens that might stand between them and their
applications, which means they can get their work done more quickly and
move on,” said Chuck Karwoski, president of CimQuest INGEAR.

The new CimQuest USB license keys are programmed with developmental license
information for any INGEAR.NET software title a user may own. They are
small, non-intrusive dongles that plug into any available USB port to
activate software for immediate use. They enable modification and debugging
of runtime deployed applications without the need to register or activate a
software-based license. The keys support Windows 32-bit and 64-bit
operating systems, without need of system-level drivers required for either
maintenance or operation.

To manage the process, CimQuest has added an “either/or” license dimension
to installed INGEAR.NET software. On launch, the INGEAR.NET library first
attempts to locate a key, and if it finds one, ignores the software-based
license, regardless of whether the software-based license is developer or
runtime deployment. If it does not detect a key, it defaults to the
software-base license.

The INGEAR USB License Keys are priced at $100 plus shipping and available
immediately, exclusively from CimQuest INGEAR. Buyers of NET.LOGIX , NET.ABLINK , NET.MBLINK and NET.GELINK
runtime versions, can order a key at the time of purchase. Current
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INGEAR.NET licenses can be obtained or upgraded via email.

VALLEJO — A trust fund has been set up for a Vallejo city worker who was beaten and robbed by teenagers Monday, city employee union officials said Thursday. Street maintenance worker Harold Cabral, 46, was recovering at home Thursday, union officials said. In Mondays attack, Cabral suffered a fractured skull, fractured jaw, broken teeth and a fractured collarbone, police said. He was treated at Kaiser Permanente, Vallejo Medical Center. Checks can be mailed to: The Harold Cabral Trust Fund, in care of IBEW Local 2376, 111 Amador St., Vallejo, CA 94590.
NORWALK, Conn. — The Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF) today announced its new
responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of the U.S. GAAP Financial
Reporting Taxonomy applicable to public issuers registered with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The FAF and Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) will assemble a small team of
technical staff dedicated to maintaining the taxonomy and will work
towards the release of the next taxonomy update in early 2011. Today’s
announcement is the culmination of several months of discussions between
the FAF and the staff of the SEC.

The U.S. GAAP Financial Reporting Taxonomy is a list of
computer-readable tags in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL)
that allows companies to label precisely the thousands of pieces of
financial data that are included in typical long-form financial
statements and related footnote disclosures. The tags allow computers to
automatically search for and assemble data so it can be readily accessed
and analyzed by investors, analysts, journalists, and the SEC staff.

FAF Chairman Jack Brennan stated, “The FASB team assigned to taxonomy
maintenance will work closely with the SEC, investors, issuers,
accounting firms, and other stakeholders to develop updates that are of
the highest quality.”

The FAF’s maintenance activities will be focused on updating the
taxonomy for changes in U.S. GAAP, best practices in taxonomy
extensions, and technical enhancements.

The 2009 taxonomy currently in use by SEC issuers was developed by XBRL
US, Inc., an independent non-profit organization with research,
development, and education programs facilitating the widespread adoption
of XBRL for tagging business reports across all business domains to aid
investors and other users. The FASB provided technical accounting
standards support to XBRL US during the development of the 2009
taxonomy, and expects to continue cooperative interactions with XBRL US
going forward.

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Reporters largely ignored it, but the Department of Health and Human Services released a study showing that Head Starts positive effects peter out by the end of first grade. The study included 44 tests, of which 42 found no statistically significant and lasting improvement. Some positive results are to be expected when you run that many tests, and a footnote points out that the two apparently lasting results disappear after correcting for that tendency.
The standard argument for the superiority of the American to the more statist European economic model holds that the former does more to promote economic growth. NATIONAL REVIEW contributor Jim Manzi, writing in National Affairs, argues that the American model, to be sustained, must incorporate reforms to enable the least fortunate to improve their lot.
Through Canadas Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is strengthening the sheep and goat industry by helping to eradicate disease, enhance traceability and improve on-farm food safety practices. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, with Member of Parliament David Tilson (Dufferin-Caledon), today announced an investment of up to $6 million to help sheep and goat farmers come through this economic recovery stronger than ever.

“As Canada begins to show signs of economic recovery, the Government of Canada knows that the sheep and goat industry can deliver tremendous returns as it already brings in over $100 million to the farm gate,” said Minister Ritz. “A strong animal health and traceability system will position Canadas sheep and goat producers for the premium prices their top-quality products deserve around the world.”

The AgriFlexibility fund, a commitment made under Canadas Economic Action Plan, will deliver up to $4.5 million to determine the prevalence of scrapie, a fatal neurological disease, in Canadian sheep. This information will help establish a time frame in which scrapie can be eradicated from Canada and international markets can be reopened.

The remainder of the investment of more than $1.5 million will go towards the following three projects:

- $733,000 will support the Canadian Sheep Federations pilot project to have a select number of producers implement full-scale Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to demonstrate the benefits RFID can provide to the industry.

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OKLAHOMA CITY — University of Oklahoma President David Boren today announced he will
work to launch a national campaign in partnership with the Oklahoma
Foundation for Excellence (OFE), the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation,
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens and other national
history organizations to strengthen the teaching of early American
history to students across the U.S.

“A nation that does not know how it became great will not remain great,”
said Boren, who is founder and chairman of OFE. “It is my hope that
through a nationwide campaign, educators across America will understand
the importance of teaching American history to their students.”

The announcement took place during OFE’s Colonial Day at the Capitol,
where 500 Oklahoma students gathered to learn about Colonial America. A
group of students dressed in Colonial attire performed their own version
of a “Bill of Rights Rap” during the event.

In addition, Boren said that a goal of OFE is to have every Oklahoma
school district participate in the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s
Emmy award-winning Electronic Field Trips, which bring early American
history to life through live television broadcasts and online activities
for students.

Forget the economic crisis. Never mind the rash of foreclosures. Ignore the glut of unsold properties. Concords leaders must still show the state government that the city has the capacity for more than 3,000 new homes to be built between 2007 and 2014. The homes do not actually have to get built; that is up to private developers and the real estate market.
DENVER — Apartment Investment and Management Company (NYSE:AIV):

Fourth Quarter 2009

In connection with its recourse obligations, Aimco is subject to Debt
Service and Fixed Charge Coverage covenants. On February 3, 2010, Aimco
and its lenders agreed to reduce these Debt Service and Fixed Charge
Coverage covenants from 1.50:1 and 1.30:1 to 1.40:1 and 1.20:1,
respectively.

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Forget the economic crisis. Never mind the rash of foreclosures. Ignore the glut of unsold properties. Concords leaders must still show the state government that the city has the capacity for more than 3,000 new homes to be built between 2007 and 2014. The homes do not actually have to get built; that is up to private developers and the real estate market.
Forget the economic crisis. Never mind the rash of foreclosures. Ignore the glut of unsold properties. Concords leaders must still show the state government that the city has the capacity for more than 3,000 new homes to be built between 2007 and 2014. The homes do not actually have to get built; that is up to private developers and the real estate market.
Expert Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: EXPU), an FHA
certified financial lending institution specializing in home and commercial
real estate loans, is pleased to present 2010 projections as well as the
Companys business vision.

Expert Group conservatively projects that in 2010 the company will achieve
$4.3 million in revenues and over $1.1 million in net income. This will be
accomplished by further expanding the Companys business through a series
of acquisitions that result in new loan originators and new locations; as
well as by entering into other closely related sectors within the real
estate market.

Robert Rico stated: “Expert Group is on track to become a major player in
the real estate world. Companies in our space that have followed a similar
business model are Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell (EWM Realtors, Inc.) founded in
South Florida, and is one of the largest real estate services firms in
America. Their success has been notable because they have taken advantage
of the business synergies that come through combining several inter-related
real-estate services and offering them under one business umbrella.

“There are four major business synergies at work in EWM that we endeavor to
achieve at Expert:

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STAMFORD, Conn. — World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) today declared the
Company’s regular quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share on its Class A
shares of common stock. As previously announced, members of the McMahon
family have waived $0.12 per share of the dividends. As a result, all
Class A and Class B shares owned by the McMahon family will instead
receive dividends in the amount of $0.24 per share. The record date for
the dividend will be March 15, 2010, and the payment date will be March
25, 2010.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE:
WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in
global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses
that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global
audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of
its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital
media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145
countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes
worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices
in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Tokyo, Toronto and
Sydney.

Trademarks: All WWE programming,
talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks,
copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling
Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos
and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This
news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which
are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and
uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events,
broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet,
entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance
of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets;
uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing
live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties
associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and
renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements;
and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results
could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In
addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a
number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected
cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition,
contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such
other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

OREM — Substance abuse, electronic entertainment and pornography are three counterfeits that can rob teens of real relationships, a BYU professor and author told high school and junior high school students Wednesday night at Mountain View High School. Wilcox likened himself to Timothy Mouse, who in the Disney cartoon “Dumbo” convinced the young elephant with exaggerated ears he could fly by holding onto a “magic” feather and then revealed that the feather wasnt magic at all. “There are three feathers that people try to give us so we can fly,” he said. “Tonight Im telling you that you dont need the feather to fly.” Wilcox said smoking and drinking were one feather their friends would tell them they need.

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The following is a statement from The
American Consumer Institute (ACI):

We applaud yesterdays statement by the U.S. Department of Justice
expressing its problems with the proposed Google Book Search Settlement,
stating that the settlement is “an attempt to use the class action
mechanism to implement forward-looking business arrangements that go far
beyond the dispute before the court in this litigation.” We wholeheartedly
agree.

Because the deal would give Google the first and only online search book
deal and allow Google to use some authored works without compensation, and
because Google already has a formidable share in the search and search
advertising markets, the settlement would hand Google a market advantage
that other competitors cannot overcome. We believe that these
anticompetitive risks outweigh any public benefits.

“Considering that this process began with Google allegedly violating author
copyrights by scanning and putting books online, it would seem that the
current deal is a reward for illegal behavior when punishment is in order,”
noted Steve Pociask, president of the American Consumer Institute. “For
other firms to compete against Google, they would need to violate copyright
laws, be sued and settle on their own, losing valuable first mover
advantage. The public benefit of an online book database should not be a
justification for permitting illegal activities and using the courts class
action process to cement a profitable business venture.”

The American Consumer Institute believes that Google should be required
either to: 1) destroy the copyrighted materials that it illegally copied;
or 2) provide all would-be competitors the same materials that were
illegally scanned and give all competitors the same settlement terms as
Google. Then all competitors would be free to add works, differentiate
their product and customize their service offerings to the public. “Our
approach would put these authors works online for the benefit of the
public, without sacrificing the benefits of market competition,” added
Pociask.

Leading Provider of One-Click Access to Apartment Information
Revamps Web Site in Response to Consumers’ Wants and Needs, Gives
Advertisers Enhanced Traffic and Lead Volume

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — As the leading source of critical information for apartment seekers in
the multi-family industry, ApartmentFinder.com
has launched its new 5.0 web site to provide apartment shoppers with a
simplified, better search experience, and drive higher lead volume for
advertisers.

With one of the largest collections of apartments for rent anywhere
online, ApartmentFinder.com provides one-click access to apartment
information, and has re-engineered its site in direct response to what
consumers said they want and respond to.

“In the first two weeks after launching ApartmentFinder.com 5.0,
our e-mail lead conversion rate more than doubled, and we experienced
235% improvement in advertiser URL click-through conversion and a 49%
increase in lead generation, creating more high-quality leads for our
customers during an especially challenging time in the business cycle.
Combined with its 65% increase in unique visitors over the past year as
a result of proprietary SEO optimization techniques, ApartmentFinder.com
has established itself as the pre-eminent fixed-cost, high-volume lead
generator in the multi-family category,” said Marcia Bollinger,
president of Apartment Finder.

The smarter, simpler, more powerful ApartmentFinder.com 5.0 provides
more options for shoppers to connect with advertisers. Features include:

STAMFORD, Conn. — InsightExpress, a leading digital marketing research firm,
released today Mobile InsightNorms through Q4 2009, including a
comparison of mobile media types and verticals. Benchmarked to the
impact of online advertising, these findings continue to show the power
of mobile as an advertising channel.

The study used norms developed in online ad testing as a benchmark to
draw conclusions around the performance of advertising on mobile
devices. InsightExpress compared the two using InsightNorms, the
company’s normative database containing over one thousand online ad
effectiveness campaigns and over one hundred mobile ad effectiveness
campaigns. Mobile InsightNorms are based on InsightExpress’ flagship
mobile brand effectiveness solution, Mobile AdInsights, which employs a
test/control design to measure the brand impact of mobile advertising
campaigns.

InsightExpress found mobile campaign norms were 4.5 to 5 times higher
than online norms against measures of unaided awareness, aided
awareness, ad awareness, message association, brand favorability and
purchase intent. “Online campaigns continue to offer exceptional reach,
flexibility and variety,” said Joy Liuzzo, Senior Director of Marketing
Mobile Research at InsightExpress. “However, the high levels of
engagement, the explosion in technical capabilities, low levels of
clutter and the novelty of mobile advertising all likely contribute to
increased brand impact.”

A comparison of three different mobile media types (Mobile Internet, SMS
and Mobile video) revealed that Mobile Internet is the current
powerhouse. Mobile Internet campaigns resulted in increases of 9
percentage points for unaided awareness, 9 percentage points for aided
awareness and 24 percentage points for ad awareness. SMS is also
effective at increasing upper level purchase funnel metrics such as
awareness measures. SMS campaigns generated increases of 5 percentage
points for unaided awareness, 10 percentage points for aided awareness
and 18 percentage points for ad awareness.

Mobile video is still emerging, but shows campaign impact on par with
SMS across most key brand metrics. This channel drove especially strong
results against brand favorability. With an increase of 13 percentage
points, compared to 12 percentage points for Mobile Internet and 7
percentage points for SMS, mobile video is demonstrating promise as a
way to move the important brand favorability measure.

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CEDAR CITY — Martin Chris Nelson sat quietly in the courtroom Friday, appearing unaffected — tall with glasses, mostly blank- faced and calm. But to the family and friends of the two men he murdered, his is “the face of evil.” A judge was prepared to consider adding Nelson, 45, to the list of inmates on Utahs death row for shooting Chad Grijalva and Derek Davis multiple times in 2007 and burying them in a shallow grave under a shed on his property in Beryl, Iron County. “I dont want to do this anymore,” Grijalvas mother, Pennie Grijalva, told the Deseret News. “I dont want to spend the rest of my life going to court for appeal hearings. I had so much anxiety,. my mind cant think clearly. The only way we can move forward is to have him put away.”
WomenHeart Champions Shed Over Combined 240 Pounds for Red Dress
“Reveal” on National Wear Red Day®, February 5, 2010 in NYC

WASHINGTON — More than 42 million American women live with or are at risk for heart
disease, and obesity is a leading risk factor threatening women’s heart
health. WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease,
and Nutrisystem®, a leading provider of weight management programs and
services, have partnered to set a dramatic example by challenging eight
inspiring WomenHeart Champions to successfully become Red
Dress Ready by February 5 – National Wear Red Day. Through the
partnership, Nutrisystem provided the eight women with complimentary
Nutrisystem weight loss programs, including: portion controlled meals,
nutritional counseling, weight loss support and education. Additionally,
Nutrisystem is taking the lead to provide $100,000 in support consisting
of a corporate gift, awareness campaigns and in-kind donations for
WomenHeart, the nation’s only patient-centered advocacy organization
solely dedicated to promoting women’s heart health, and providing
education, advocacy and support to women living with heart disease.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women, a
disease so pervasive that it touches millions of families and yet even a
small weight loss can help reduce a women’s risk for heart disease. By
partnering with WomenHeart, we have identified these eight special women
who serve as an inspiration by overcoming their challenges to lose
weight and to live a heart healthier lifestyle. There is no one more
deserving to celebrate and wear a beautiful red dress this February than
these eight women,” said Joe Redling, Chairman and CEO of Nutrisystem,
Inc.

“Obesity is a leading risk factor for heart disease and 61% of American
women are overweight or obese. These eight WomenHeart Champions
demonstrate that women can take charge of their heart health by managing
their weight and reducing their risk for heart disease,” said Lisa M.
Tate, CEO of WomenHeart.

Miep Gies used to say she was just an ordinary housewife. Austrian by birth, and Catholic, she married a Dutchman named Jan Gies and lived in Amsterdam. In the war, Miep and Jan helped hide Otto Frank and his family in a secret room, daily risking their own lives to do so. For Miep, Otto Franks young daughter Anne was a girl “full of the joy of just being alive,” and she remembered seeing Anne writing her diary with a look of utter intensity in her face.

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1. Nothing goods on TV. Conditions are perfect. What night of the week is “Business Time,” according to “Flight of the Conchords”?
This year, the Academy Awards will feature 10 nominees for the best picture award. And, as with all things Hollywood, the first question is, “How will this make them more money?” It will, of course. A bigger list means more exposure and more interest. It also means more films can use the tag line “Oscar nominated” for publicity. But looking at the movies that have been added to the list is refreshing.
This year, the Academy Awards will feature 10 nominees for the best picture award. And, as with all things Hollywood, the first question is, “How will this make them more money?” It will, of course. A bigger list means more exposure and more interest. It also means more films can use the tag line “Oscar nominated” for publicity. But looking at the movies that have been added to the list is refreshing.

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I USED TO sing in the shower. It was utterly enjoyable for me to belt out anything I could think of, mostly mere fragments of popular songs I remembered from listening to the radio. The shower walls greatly reverberated the sounds of my voice, encouraging me to ascend to greater and greater heights, usually culminating in a crescendo that combined the musical intensity of opera, rock and pop alike. Then the show came to a screeching halt. It was years ago when I lived in an apartment complex. Someone next door banged against the wall, yelling, “Stop beating that dog!” Well, you guessed it — I didnt have a dog. Apartment regulations prohibited possession of any pets. And even if I had owned one, Im not a person driven to violent acts against a defenseless animal, especially the kind that would elicit singsong sounds from a dog.
I USED TO sing in the shower. It was utterly enjoyable for me to belt out anything I could think of, mostly mere fragments of popular songs I remembered from listening to the radio. The shower walls greatly reverberated the sounds of my voice, encouraging me to ascend to greater and greater heights, usually culminating in a crescendo that combined the musical intensity of opera, rock and pop alike. Then the show came to a screeching halt. It was years ago when I lived in an apartment complex. Someone next door banged against the wall, yelling, “Stop beating that dog!” Well, you guessed it — I didnt have a dog. Apartment regulations prohibited possession of any pets. And even if I had owned one, Im not a person driven to violent acts against a defenseless animal, especially the kind that would elicit singsong sounds from a dog.
CHRISTMAS has come and gone, even for the Eastern Orthodox, and the stores are looking ahead to Valentines Day. But many upstate lawns still have their Christmas decorations: Santa, Frosty, inflated penguins (penguins were big this year, even though they dont live at the North Pole). They stand like unbudgeable guests who have stayed at a party after the host has unplugged the coffee urn and gone to bed. They are better-humored, for they are still waving merrily, but the feelings they induce are unsettling. They have lingered past their time, like ghosts. They represent the black backside of upstate: depression. Depression manifests itself in lack of will. That is what the belated Santas show. People, in a burst of holiday cheer or a bout of family obligation, put them out. But those same people are unable or unwilling to take them down. Routine is supposed to be the great deadener of souls; how much worse is the half-completed task, the broken round, the unfulfilled routine? As usual there is a diagnosis for it–seasonal affective disorder–and as usual it tells only part of the story. The cold keeps people inside and makes them stircrazy, while the short days put them spiritually to sleep. Cold is no friend: It slips in, through door cracks and floorboards, and slaps your face as soon as you step outside. Bundling up to keep it off makes you heavy and stiff. Dusk at five oclock is no pick-me-up either. Maybe bears have the right idea: grow a girdle of fat and go to sleep. But, although the cold stays until February, the light starts growing longer after the solstice, and becomes noticeably so by New Years. Besides, winter cant explain why so many people upstate seem depressed all year long. What are the signs of depression? How about piles of stuff in the yard? This is a tricky point. One of the benefits of owning an acre of land is that you have room to put stuff. Rural residential zoning allows you to put down anything, short of a junkyard, and rural gun ownership guarantees that it will stay put, though who would want a pile of field stone anyway? But sometimes the stack of two-by-fours, or the rusted-out burn barrel, or the boat under a tarp, or the truck with a mismatched hood and fender and a notional price chalked on its windshield (the price and the truck havent changed in years), or all of these things together cross the line from husbandry to clutter. “If a man have not order within him, he cannot spread order about him,” said Ezra Pound, who should have known about inner disorder. Some lawns have all the cheer of old cemeteries. Another sign of depression is the unpainted outbuilding. Here again it is a matter of degree. The weathered barn slat can look like a wise face in an old photograph: Lincoln, Whitman. But when the slats begin to show gaps, trouble has begun. Once the horizontals and the verticals start to slip and sag, the end is near: Only an effort on the order of Robert Moses can save the outbuilding now. I remember a two-storey house on the grounds of a small, broken-down summer resort (but not dead–cars and laundry always decorate a handful of the cottages come July). Its collapse took about two weeks; my friend Doug, who has put up many buildings in his time, said, with grim relish, “Its moving!” A good wet snow brings the untended outbuilding down, like a bomb. The degrees of serious depression are measured by how long the pieces stay, uncleared.

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NEW YORK — Stocks buckled Thursday under the growing belief that the global economy is weaker than many investors expected and likely to stop companies from hiring. The Dow Jones industrials briefly traded below 10,000 for the first time in three months. Demand for safer investments sent the dollar and Treasurys higher and the euro falling. Major indexes skidded as much as 3.1 percent to their lowest levels in three months. The Dow fell 268 points and briefly traded below 10,000 for the first time since Nov. 6. The Dows 2.6 percent drop was its biggest in seven months. And it was the ninth time in 14 days that the Dow has moved by more than 100 points. Just 273 stocks rose on the New York Stock Exchange, while more than 2,800 fell. One of the weak performers was metals producer Freeport-McMoRan Copper Gold Inc., which tumbled 5.3 percent. The few winners included Cisco Systems Inc. following a big increase in its earnings. Consolidated trading volume at the NYSE rose to 5.9 billion shares from 4.3 billion Wednesday. The days news reminded investors that the global economic recovery remains tenuous. It also raised questions about whether the market can resume its rebound from 12-year lows it hit last March.
Strait Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE: SRD) is pleased to report that a Phase 1 exploration program is continuing at its Alicia project in Peru despite recent heavy rainfall that has caused severe flooding in parts of the country and neighbouring Bolivia.

A state of emergency was declared in Cusco Department where the Companys Alicia project is located, but the site of the project itself has not been unduly affected.

“The rainfall has slowed us down, but our program is progressing and we expect to be in a position to begin drilling in the second quarter of the year,” said Strait Gold President Jim Borland. “We have continued with community engagement efforts, and this week our exploration team is resuming check sampling of historical trenching as well as mapping and sampling of previously untested areas.”

The Company is conducting a two-phase exploration program at Alicia. Phase 1 consists of community engagement, surface mapping, sampling and an induced-polarization (IP) geophysical survey to identify drill targets. The second phase will consist of drilling to test for mineralization at depth. Baseline studies and preparation of an inventory of old mine workings in the area will also be conducted as required for issuance of a drilling permit.

Previous work at Alicia by Minera Anaconda Peru S.A. in 2000, identified nine skarn zones situated at the contact between a porphyry intrusive and surrounding limestone. The initial focus of the Companys exploration efforts are directed primarily on these skarn zones where trenching returned high copper values and moderate gold and silver values over significant widths including:

ATLANTA — The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds eligible Private
Non-Profit Organizations (PNPs) of the March 1, 2010 deadline to
submit disaster loan applications for Economic Injury caused by severe
storms, tornadoes, flooding and mudslides that occurred from May 3 – 20,
2009.

Private Non-Profit Organizations (PNPs) located in Ballard, Breathitt,
Carlisle, Clay, Crittenden, Estill, Floyd, Fulton, Grayson, Hickman,
Jackson, Knott, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Madison, Magoffin,
Marshall, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Russell and Trigg in Kentucky are
eligible to apply to SBA. Eligible PNPs are those that provide non
critical services such as: food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums,
libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital
needs, such as ongoing operating expenses for PNP organizations of all
sizes. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless
of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan
amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s
financial condition.

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STAMFORD, Conn. — InsightExpress, a leading digital marketing research firm,
released today Mobile InsightNorms through Q4 2009, including a
comparison of mobile media types and verticals. Benchmarked to the
impact of online advertising, these findings continue to show the power
of mobile as an advertising channel.

The study used norms developed in online ad testing as a benchmark to
draw conclusions around the performance of advertising on mobile
devices. InsightExpress compared the two using InsightNorms, the
company’s normative database containing over one thousand online ad
effectiveness campaigns and over one hundred mobile ad effectiveness
campaigns. Mobile InsightNorms are based on InsightExpress’ flagship
mobile brand effectiveness solution, Mobile AdInsights, which employs a
test/control design to measure the brand impact of mobile advertising
campaigns.

InsightExpress found mobile campaign norms were 4.5 to 5 times higher
than online norms against measures of unaided awareness, aided
awareness, ad awareness, message association, brand favorability and
purchase intent. “Online campaigns continue to offer exceptional reach,
flexibility and variety,” said Joy Liuzzo, Senior Director of Marketing
Mobile Research at InsightExpress. “However, the high levels of
engagement, the explosion in technical capabilities, low levels of
clutter and the novelty of mobile advertising all likely contribute to
increased brand impact.”

A comparison of three different mobile media types (Mobile Internet, SMS
and Mobile video) revealed that Mobile Internet is the current
powerhouse. Mobile Internet campaigns resulted in increases of 9
percentage points for unaided awareness, 9 percentage points for aided
awareness and 24 percentage points for ad awareness. SMS is also
effective at increasing upper level purchase funnel metrics such as
awareness measures. SMS campaigns generated increases of 5 percentage
points for unaided awareness, 10 percentage points for aided awareness
and 18 percentage points for ad awareness.

Mobile video is still emerging, but shows campaign impact on par with
SMS across most key brand metrics. This channel drove especially strong
results against brand favorability. With an increase of 13 percentage
points, compared to 12 percentage points for Mobile Internet and 7
percentage points for SMS, mobile video is demonstrating promise as a
way to move the important brand favorability measure.

New Hires in San Francisco and Los Angeles Offices to Complement
Company’s Rapidly Expanding Integrated Advertising Sales

Chris Sanders joins BUZZMEDIA from About.com, where he served as
Vice President, Western U.S., leading a team driving sales and client
solutions across the region. With nearly two decades of digital and
technology sales and marketing experience at companies including AOL,
Philips and SONY, Chris will lead the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest
sales teams and serve as a senior sales management leader, reporting to Doug
Rohrer, BUZZMEDIA‘s Chief Revenue Officer.

Judah Wiedre was previously Senior Director of Sales, West at Heavy.com,
where he was responsible for designing and executing integrated
marketing programs combining online, offline and mobile components for
global brands such as Toyota, Microsoft, PG, and LOreal. His numerous
years of digital experience creating and working on integrated sales
campaigns include positions at Veoh Networks and Flavorpill. In this
newly created role, Wiedre will report to Chris Sanders and will be
based in Los Angeles.

“Chris and Judah both possess extensive experience in developing and
executing large-scale, deeply integrated and creative campaigns which BUZZMEDIA
is increasingly becoming known for,” said Rohrer. “This
experience, combined with their successes that span a wide-range of
advertising categories and with some of the world’s leading brands, will
prove mutually valuable as we continue to grow our business and meet the
growing demand from advertisers.”

Integrated Labels and Cards

Reporters largely ignored it, but the Department of Health and Human Services released a study showing that Head Starts positive effects peter out by the end of first grade. The study included 44 tests, of which 42 found no statistically significant and lasting improvement. Some positive results are to be expected when you run that many tests, and a footnote points out that the two apparently lasting results disappear after correcting for that tendency.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Nevada officials said the state may drop out of Medicaid if the health-care bill passes. Instead it would help its low-income legal residents participate in the federally subsidized exchanges that the bill would establish. The resulting insurance policies would doubtless be more attractive to beneficiaries than Medicaid is.

Chemical Peels Las Vegas

MINNEAPOLIS — Bolin
Marketing was recently awarded the Silver Award at the Advertising
Federation of Minnesota’s “The Show” for their work on the Carmex®
Kiss microsite. This was Bolin’s first-ever social media entry for
AdFed’s awards show and is just one of many campaigns Bolin has launched
for Carma Labs, makers of Carmex®
lip balm.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for excellence in creativity and
impact for our client Carmex with the virtual Carmex Kiss,” said Dane
Hartzell, growth catalyst and general manager for Bolin
Digital. “We have a team that is second to none in bringing a
creative concept to life online and engaging the consumer in a
meaningful and fun way.”

The Carmex Kiss microsite was designed to enable Carmex enthusiasts to
send unique and fun communications to one another. The initial goal of
the site was to boost the brand’s online share of voice and brand
sentiment, and has been recently updated in time for Valentine’s Day.

AdFed’s annual awards program is designed to honor the year’s best work
in interactive, advertising, design and student work. The entries are
judged by a panel of respected industry professionals from around the
nation. This year’s judges were Bart Heird-digital creative director of
JWT Chicago, Luke Sullivan-group creative director for GSDM, Pum
Lefebure-co-founder/creative director for Design Army, and Reed
Collins-svp, and executive creative director for Leo Burnett USA.

NEW YORK — Attorney Advertising. The law firm of Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman
Herz LLP is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty by the
Board of Directors of Airgas, Inc. (“Airgas” or the “Company”) (NYSE:
ARG) arising out of the proposed acquisition of Airgas by Air Products
Chemicals, Inc. (“Air Products”).

On Friday, February 5, 2010, Airgas announced that it received an
unsolicited offer from Air Products to acquire it in an all-cash offer
pursuant to which Airgas stockholders would receive cash of $60 in
exchange for each share of Airgas common stock.

The offer represents a 38% premium to the $43.53 closing price of Airgas
on the day prior to the offer announcement. In December 2009, Air
Products proposed to buy the Company for cash and stock having an
implied value of $62 per share and, in October 2009, Air Products made
an all-stock proposal having an implied value of $60 per share. Both
previous offers were rejected by the Company. The investigation concerns
whether the Airgas Board breached their fiduciary duties to Airgas
shareholders by declining the offers from Air Products.

If you own Airgas common stock and you wish to discuss this matter with
us, or have any questions concerning your rights and interests with
regard to this matter, please contact:

New Hires in San Francisco and Los Angeles Offices to Complement
Company’s Rapidly Expanding Integrated Advertising Sales

Chris Sanders joins BUZZMEDIA from About.com, where he served as
Vice President, Western U.S., leading a team driving sales and client
solutions across the region. With nearly two decades of digital and
technology sales and marketing experience at companies including AOL,
Philips and SONY, Chris will lead the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest
sales teams and serve as a senior sales management leader, reporting to Doug
Rohrer, BUZZMEDIA‘s Chief Revenue Officer.

Judah Wiedre was previously Senior Director of Sales, West at Heavy.com,
where he was responsible for designing and executing integrated
marketing programs combining online, offline and mobile components for
global brands such as Toyota, Microsoft, PG, and LOreal. His numerous
years of digital experience creating and working on integrated sales
campaigns include positions at Veoh Networks and Flavorpill. In this
newly created role, Wiedre will report to Chris Sanders and will be
based in Los Angeles.

“Chris and Judah both possess extensive experience in developing and
executing large-scale, deeply integrated and creative campaigns which BUZZMEDIA
is increasingly becoming known for,” said Rohrer. “This
experience, combined with their successes that span a wide-range of
advertising categories and with some of the world’s leading brands, will
prove mutually valuable as we continue to grow our business and meet the
growing demand from advertisers.”

Custom Screen Printing

SATURDAY ADOPTIONS — 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — TVAR; Pleasanton Farmers Market, First and West Angela streets, Pleasanton; dogs/cats. — 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Safe-Cat Foundation; Petsmart, 6960 Amador Plaza Road, Dublin; cats. — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — ARF: Pet Food Express, 3610 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, Walnut Creek; cats. — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Safe-Cat Foundation; Petco, 1170 Arnold Drive, Martinez; cats.
PROVO — For the second year in a row, BYU students won first place in the annual Residential Construction Management Competition in Las Vegas. Sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders, this years contest challenged construction management students to come up with a way to continue development in a sinking housing market. That market was in Corsicana, a small town south of Dallas, Texas, where an actual development had fizzled. Their idea was to alter the original design by constructing homes for first-time homebuyers that were green-code compliant and aesthetically appealing — all for a low financing request of $300,000.
WASHINGTON — The job market is lurching toward improvement. It just has a long way to go. The outlook for jobs became a bit less bleak Friday when the government released Januarys unemployment rate showing an unexpected decline from 10 percent to 9.7 percent. It was the first drop in seven months. The economy is growing, and normally job creation would be strengthening. But the job market is weighed down by employers who remain slow to hire because consumers are not spending enough. Companies worry about their prospects once government stimulus aid fades. They also fret about possibly higher costs related to taxes or health care measures from Congress and statehouses. The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since August because a Labor Department survey of households found a sharp rise in the number of Americans with jobs. The survey found that 541,000 more Americans had jobs last month.

search engine marketing

MIAMI — A woman claims in a lawsuit filed only days before the Super Bowl that former Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin sexually assaulted her at a South Florida hotel, an allegation labeled a false attempt at “civil extortion” Friday by Irvins attorney. The woman filed the lawsuit Thursday in Broward County Circuit Court seeking unspecified damages for the assault that allegedly occurred July 4 or 5, 2007, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Casino in Hollywood. “I think she just wanted to put this behind her,” Bitner said. The case was referred to state prosecutors. Ron Ishoy, a spokesman for the Broward State Attorneys office, said the matter remains under investigation but no charges have been filed. Because the woman waited more than two weeks to report the incident, there was no physical evidence or hotel surveillance video, Bitner said.
PLAINVIEW, N.Y. — Veeco Instruments Inc. (Nasdaq: VECO) today announced the following
upcoming Investor Relations events:

Veeco management is scheduled to present on:

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 9:45 AM PT at the Thomas Weisel
Partners Technology Telecom Conference 2010 at The Fairmont Hotel in
San Francisco, CA.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 10:30 AM ET at the Piper
Jaffray Fifth Annual Clean Technology Renewables Conference at The
Westin New York in New York, NY.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 1:00 PM ET at the 2nd
Annual Kaufman Bros. Green Technology Conference at the Boston Harbor
Hotel in Boston, MA.

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When she was a teenager, author Therese Poletti and her mom used to make Saturday shopping trips to San Francisco from their home in Santa Cruz. Theyd go into the iconic I. Magnin store in Union Square, a clean, unadorned modern building with a white marble facing, large windows without sills, and elegant interiors that was designed by San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger. “My mom really introduced me — without knowing it — to Pflueger when she brought me to I. Magnins when I was 12 or 13,” said Poletti. Fast forward several decades to 1997. Poletti had just moved back to San Francisco after living in New York City for a decade, where she attended journalism school at Columbia University and worked for Reuters News Service. “I was looking for ways to learn more about San Francisco and to appreciate the city again, which included learning more about its history,” she said.
GerrityStone, New Englands premier interior
stonework specialist, is pleased to be recognized for “Best Kitchen Bath
Countertops” by the 2010 Best of Boston Home Awards.

Boston Home, the sister publication of the venerable Boston Magazine,
sought the opinion of over 100 industry building and design experts for
their input in selecting what is one of the most highly anticipated honors
in the region. Boston Home noted about GerrityStone, “Gerrity has good
relationships with their clients. Thats why theyre the best,” declares
one professional. “Unlike other suppliers, which merely show you a sample
of the stone you can purchase, Gerrity has a huge warehouse filled with
actual slabs (a critical factor, since no two pieces of granite or marble
are alike). After choosing the stone you want — and working with Gerrity
to lay out the pieces — youre all but guaranteed precisely the look
youre after. For a truly one-of-a-kind countertop, Gerrity carries a
collection of rare stones from around the world.”

“We are pleased to be honored by Boston Home with their best of award,”
states Tracy Streckenbach, CEO of GerrityStone. “We credit this recognition
to our exceptional team of hard working employees who strive to give to
each and every customer the best customer experience possible. This desire
to delight our customers, coupled with our teams depth of knowledge, and
GerrityStones extensive inventory and competitive pricing positions us
well to serve builders, designers, architects, dealers, and homeowners with
equal care and a consistently amazing outcome. Wed like to graciously
thank our peers for recognizing the hard work done each day by the
GerrityStone team.”

GerrityStone specializes in custom stone fabrication and installation for
kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, and outdoor living spaces. Achieving the
industrys highest customer satisfaction ratings and offering the widest
selection of directly sourced materials are the cornerstones of the
companys philosophy. GerrityStone is an industry leader in green
practices, providing education on LEED certification, as well as
continually reducing its own ecological footprint and promoting green
initiatives in the Boston area through its “Green Team,” an employee
volunteer program.

February is Black History Month, and among all the events and other activities available to American youths are recently released books that celebrate the power of hard work and the ability to overcome adversity. “BACK OF THE BUS,” by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Floyd Cooper, Philomel, $16.99 (ages 6-8) As the bus makes its way through town, it becomes full with passengers and black people are told to give up their seats. All but Mrs. Parks move out of the way and the police are called. Not long after, shes taken away in handcuffs and the young boy realizes that something in his world has changed. With lilting phrases and colorful illustrations, Parks memorable actions are seen through the innocent, but observant, eyes of a child.

marble countertops

CMS Products is the developer of the BounceBack family of data backup,
disaster recovery, data security and “Instant PC Recovery” products,
including BounceBack Ultimate, BounceBack Essential, BounceBack Server
and CE-Secure data security software. Should a computer user’s system
drive fail or become inoperable, BounceBack Ultimate provides CMS’
patent-pending “Instant PC Recovery” feature to get users up and running
in a matter of minutes by supporting Windows startup from the USB drive.

“We are proud to join as a member of CompTIA, which allows collaborative
efforts between communities, special interest groups and like-minded
executives in developing product innovation and advancing the IT
industry’s growth through educational programs, research and much more,”
said Ken Burke, president, CMS Products.

“CompTIA’s greatest strength is its membership, which comes from every
corner of the IT industry,” said Dan Liutikas, senior vice president,
industry relations, CompTIA. “By joining CompTIA, CMS Products has a
unique opportunity to share its expertise and shape the future of our
industry. On behalf of our membership, I’m pleased to welcome CMS
Products to our growing community.”

SAN ANTONIO — During Sunday’s big game, H-E-B will give its customers one more reason
to cheer as it debuts new TV spots that reinforce its commitment to
helping Texas families save money.

The series of 60-second ads will air regionally during the game in
Texas, and prominently highlights H-E-B’s cost saving campaign message
of “No Store Does More for Less.”

One particular ad spot features Scott McClelland, President of H-E-B
Houston, who stresses that unlike other retailers, H-E-B customers don’t
need a special discount card to save, but rather everyone enjoys low
everyday prices at H-E-B. The ad then highlights photos of real H-E-B
customers that have chosen H-E-B as their number one shop and save
destination.

A second ad features children secretly planning their day of activities,
which will see them using up paper towels, shampoo, laundry detergent,
diapers and more, all in the spirit of adventure. The ad underscores the
value associated with families stocking up on key items at H-E-B, and
calls to mind the company’s recent lowering of prices on more than 5,000
products that customers use the most.

“We know our customers are looking at every opportunity to stretch their
dollars and save. We are committed to helping them do just that, while
offering the freshness and quality that we have built our reputation on
for more than 100 years,” said Cory Basso, H-E-B Group Vice President of
Marketing and Advertising.

crib bedding for a baby boy

The following are shortened versions of recent full-length restaurant reviews. The date the original review ran and its overall rating is in parentheses. If there are more stars than dollar signs, consider it a good value.
Starbucks has brushed aside a request from a gun control advocacy group to ban the display of guns in its retail locations, saying it will abide by laws that allow patrons to openly carry unloaded weapons. “Starbucks does not have a corporate policy regarding customers and weapons; we defer to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding this issue,” Starbucks customer relations department said in response to the Brady Campaigns request. The head of a local chapter of the Brady Campaign was disappointed by the response. “I dont want someone who carries a gun into a store to be making life-and-death decisions. I dont think its safe for them to be there,” said Griffin Dix, who leads the Oakland-Alameda County chapter, which has more than 500 members and other chapters in San Mateo and Contra Costa counties.
Allied Properties REIT (TSX: AP.UN) will hold a conference call and live audio webcast at 10:00 a.m. (ET) on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, to discuss financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009. The financial results will be released on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, after the markets close.

Allied Properties REIT is the leading provider of Class I office space in Canada, with portfolio assets in the urban areas of Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Quebec City and Kitchener. Its objectives are to provide stable and growing cash distributions to unitholders and to maximize unitholder value through effective management and accretive portfolio growth.

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Our solutions have been implemented for U.S. Department of State,
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Ministry of Sport and
Tourism of the Republic of Poland, United States Marine Corps (USMC),
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Australian Defence Force (ADF).

MINNEAPOLIS — GK Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: GKSR), a market leader in branded
identity apparel programs and facility services, announced today that
the company has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share
payable in cash on March 18, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close
of business on March 4, 2010.

Asset Protection

KAWASAKI, Japan DUESSELDORF, Germany SANTA CLARA, Calif. — NEC Electronics (TOKYO: 6723) today introduced its new Camera Engine 151
(CE151) system-on-chip (SoC) , an image-processing device for camera
phones to provide clear and high-quality images comparable to
digital-still cameras (DSCs).

In 2007, NEC Electronics launched the CE131 SoC, which provided the
eight-megapixel mobile-phone market segment with accumulated shipments
exceeding 30 million units. NEC Electronics also introduced the CE143
SoC in 2009, which enabled processing of 12-megapixel images and full
high-definition (HD) video. To continue this success, the new CE151 SoC
provides advanced picture quality, performance, and functions for still
images and video data, using even lower power consumption.

The new SoC also enables mobile phones to output full-HD (1080-pixel)
video stream and still-image data up to 13 megapixels received by the
CMOS sensor. The Camera Engine Software Platform is designed for
re-usability with a rich and easy-to-use command-layer
application-programming interface (API). Backward compatibility with
previous NEC Electronics’ CE series supports a smooth transition for
existing customers to reach new heights in camera performance and
functionality in mobile phones.

1) Further improved noise-reduction
function

“China environmentally friendly tricycle market analysis” is an
invaluable asset for anyone who wants to invest in the environmentally
friendly tricycle industry, to import into/from China, to build
factories in China, to partner with one of the key Chinese corporations,
or to compete in the segment. The report provides in-depth analysis and
detailed insight into the environmentally friendly tricycle industry,
market drivers, key enterprises and their strategies, as well as
technologies and investment status, risks and trends.

Data sources: National statistics organizations, market research
(monitoring) center, industry associations (institutes), import/export
statistics organizations.

Data periods: Recent 3 to 5 years.

Chapters:

Web Design Mandurah

“Black Cinema On Demand” To Celebrate The Most Influential Black
Artists

NEW YORK — Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) is helping its Digital Cable customers
celebrate Black History Month by giving them access to a brand new
category of Movies on Demand (MOD). During the month of February,
viewers can access “Black Cinema On Demand,” a new category
featuring some of the most acclaimed, award-winning and influential
films featuring the most distinguished black directors, actors and
themes.

Many of the films in the new category have been groundbreaking in their
subject matter. They have enabled discourse on controversial topics, and
proven heartbreaking with their dramatic stories. Included in the new
category are current and classic films ranging from historical dramas to
documentaries, comedies, biographies and romance. Featured films come
from some of the most celebrated directors: Spike Lee’s brutally honest
“Do the Right Thing,” (1989) and the powerful Malcolm X (1992); Steven
Spielberg’s heart wrenching “The Color Purple” (1985) and historical
“Amistad” (1997), Ed Zwick’s harrowing “Blood Diamond” (2006), Denzel
Washington’s multi-award-winning “Antwone Fisher” (2002), Taylor
Hackford’s musical homage to Ray Charles, “Ray” (2004) and Tyler Perry’s
comical “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” (2007).

The movies feature great actors and actresses such as Angela Bassett,
Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington, Whoopi
Goldberg, Danny Glover, Chris Rock, Leonardo DiCaprio, Anthony Hopkins,
Danny Aiello and many other stars in memorable performances. Included
are two documentary tributes to two of the greatest sports figures of
our time, Muhammad Ali and LeBron James.

“We are pleased to celebrate Black History Month with the programs,
music and movies that have inspired us, moved us and entertained us,”
said William Ortiz, Senior Director of Target Marketing at Time Warner
Cable, “And we’re happy to make it easy for our customers to find this
rich programming, so they can enjoy it as often as they want, whenever
they want.”

Barnes Noble.com Customers Can Now Make Smart Choices for Kids
Online by Using Common Sense Media Ratings and Reviews

NEW YORK SAN FRANCISCO — Barnes Noble, Inc. (BKS), the world’s largest bookseller, and Common
Sense Media (commonsense.org), the nations leading nonpartisan,
nonprofit organization dedicated to improving families’ experiences with
media and entertainment, have formed a partnership that will help
millions of Barnes Noble customers find age-appropriate books, movies,
games, and music for their kids.

Barnes Noble.com has added a “For Parents” section at the top of the
page in their online children’s section, which will provide Common Sense
Media’s Decider Slider™ and age-appropriateness rating for each item
selected, whether it’s a book, movie, game, or music offering, as well
as Common Sense Media’s “Parents Need to Know” information, which helps
parents make a decision quickly based on the most relevant details from
the review. The bottom of the page will feature a more complete
breakdown of Common Sense Media’s review — including violent/sexual
content, positive/negative messages, and more.

Common Sense Media features nearly 10,000 comprehensive reviews of
movies, TV, books, music, games, and websites, all based on
developmental criteria from some of the nations leading authorities.
Every review features an easy ON, OFF, or PAUSE rating for
age-appropriateness, as well as a rating for quality. In addition, every
Common Sense Media review features a content grid that highlights
specific content concerns, including violence, sexual content, language,
and key messages.

“We know how challenging it can be for parents to make smart choices for
their kids,” said William Lynch, president of Barnes Noble.com.
“Adding Common Sense Media ratings and reviews for books, movies, games,
and music is our way of making life easier for parents and taking the
worry out of making age-appropriate selections for their kids.”

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DEAR JOHN — ** — Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Richard Jenkins; rated PG-13 (violence, sex, profanity, brief gore, vulgarity, slurs); in general release Someday, someone just might make a truly good movie out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. That day is not today, however, and that movie is most definitely not “Dear John.” While this romantic drama is one of the better cinematic Sparks adaptations, thats really not saying much. Its competition includes “Message in a Bottle” (1999), “A Walk to Remember” (2002) and “Nights in Rodanthe” (2008).
Barnes Noble.com Customers Can Now Make Smart Choices for Kids
Online by Using Common Sense Media Ratings and Reviews

NEW YORK SAN FRANCISCO — Barnes Noble, Inc. (BKS), the world’s largest bookseller, and Common
Sense Media (commonsense.org), the nations leading nonpartisan,
nonprofit organization dedicated to improving families’ experiences with
media and entertainment, have formed a partnership that will help
millions of Barnes Noble customers find age-appropriate books, movies,
games, and music for their kids.

Barnes Noble.com has added a “For Parents” section at the top of the
page in their online children’s section, which will provide Common Sense
Media’s Decider Slider™ and age-appropriateness rating for each item
selected, whether it’s a book, movie, game, or music offering, as well
as Common Sense Media’s “Parents Need to Know” information, which helps
parents make a decision quickly based on the most relevant details from
the review. The bottom of the page will feature a more complete
breakdown of Common Sense Media’s review — including violent/sexual
content, positive/negative messages, and more.

Common Sense Media features nearly 10,000 comprehensive reviews of
movies, TV, books, music, games, and websites, all based on
developmental criteria from some of the nations leading authorities.
Every review features an easy ON, OFF, or PAUSE rating for
age-appropriateness, as well as a rating for quality. In addition, every
Common Sense Media review features a content grid that highlights
specific content concerns, including violence, sexual content, language,
and key messages.

“We know how challenging it can be for parents to make smart choices for
their kids,” said William Lynch, president of Barnes Noble.com.
“Adding Common Sense Media ratings and reviews for books, movies, games,
and music is our way of making life easier for parents and taking the
worry out of making age-appropriate selections for their kids.”

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CHICAGO — Zacks
Equity Research highlights Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD)
as the Bull of the Day and GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME)
the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides
analysis on Bank of America (NYSE: BAC),
Kroger (NYSE: KR)
and Royal Dutch Shell PLC (NYSE: RDS.A).

Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD)
reported another strong quarter with earnings per share coming in at
$0.90, well above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.82 and the year-ago
quarters earnings of $0.59. For the full year, the company reported a
31% growth in revenues.

ATLANTA — Blabla Kids, the award-winning, handmade kids apparel and toy company,
is pleased to announce that our charmingly enigmatic Boogaloo doll, Mr.
X, has been chosen to appear in Kia Motors America’s (KMA) commercial,
“Joyride Dream” during the Big Game’s third quarter.

Produced by David Goliath, for KMA, “Joyride Dream” features the
all-new 2011 Kia Sorento and a cast of five characters including
Blabla’s Mr. X and his co-stars: Monkey, Muno, Robot, Sock, and Teddy
Bear. The 60-second commercial, set to the tune of The Heavy’s “How You
Like Me Now”, follows Mr. X and his famous new friends as they
experience an action-packed cross-country road trip.

“Inspiration can come from anywhere,” said David Goliath Executive
Director Colin Jeffery. “This project was inspired by real life. Many of
the people who worked on it are young parents including myself. This was
an opportunity for us to share some of our favorite things with the
world, Blabla Kids being one of them. We found the idea and our cast of
characters sitting in the back of our cars. The idea was quite literally
staring us in the face. We had a tough time deciding which Blabla to use
in the commercial since everyone involved had their favorite. Mr. X came
out tops. He fuses old world and new world perfectly. And he has an
awesome top hat.”

“Mr. X is born from a dreamlike image, a foggy morning,” said Blabla
co-founder and designer Florence Wetterwald. “He is a mysterious
character who comes from nowhere and hides his big heart behind his long
shaggy fur. He is a gentle genius who pretends to prefer science to
silliness.”

“Out of all the toys in the world that could have been chosen, it is so
much fun to have Mr. X picked for what will be one of the most highly
viewed ads in the world,” said Blabla co-founder Susan Pritchett. “Mr. X
has the right personality – he can hold his own in a group of toys!”

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OAKLAND — The strains of Earth Wind and Fires “Shining Star” filter down 13th Street as shoeshine man Rahman Mujahid sings along while polishing a customers shoes at his stand downtown. It clashes with a rap tune blasting from a nearby car amid the melting pot of passers-by on a warm winters day. “Youre a shining star, no matter who you are, shining bright to see what you can truly be. ” Mujahid belts. “Its not a job, this is my favorite pastime,” Mujahid said. He is both pragmatic and philosophical in his approach. “I got my own time, my own hours and people love me. That causes me to love them.” Mujahid meets people of all races from all walks of life on his corner and befriends everyone from the homeless to lawyers. He says the best tippers in the world are right here in Oakland, and once received a $100 tip, his record to date.
LOS ANGELES — Brittany Murphy, the star of “Clueless” and “8 Mile,” died from pneumonia, with prescription drugs and anemia also playing a role, a coroners official said Thursday. The Dec. 20 death of the actress was accidental and likely could have been prevented if Murphy had seen a doctor sooner, Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said. He noted, however, that she did have an appointment scheduled with a physician a few days after she died. Winter said Murphys community-acquired pneumonia was serious and proved lethal when combined with the medications and iron deficiency anemia. Murphy died at age 32 after collapsing in her Hollywood Hills home. Her mother and husband have said the actress didnt abuse prescription medications or have an eating disorder.
“The Leadership Test,” Timothy R. Clark, Oxonian Press, 2009, 104 pages, $12.95 Its easy to dismiss books like Timothy R. Clarks second offering, “The Leadership Test: Will You Pass?” Plug the word “leadership” into Amazon and enjoy sifting through an intense 58,000 titles. Clark, to his credit, has a meta-awareness of this and acknowledges early on that if every book on leadership was stacked on top of one another, the result would exceed Mt. Everest.

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Leading Provider of One-Click Access to Apartment Information
Revamps Web Site in Response to Consumers’ Wants and Needs, Gives
Advertisers Enhanced Traffic and Lead Volume

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — As the leading source of critical information for apartment seekers in
the multi-family industry, ApartmentFinder.com
has launched its new 5.0 web site to provide apartment shoppers with a
simplified, better search experience, and drive higher lead volume for
advertisers.

With one of the largest collections of apartments for rent anywhere
online, ApartmentFinder.com provides one-click access to apartment
information, and has re-engineered its site in direct response to what
consumers said they want and respond to.

“In the first two weeks after launching ApartmentFinder.com 5.0,
our e-mail lead conversion rate more than doubled, and we experienced
235% improvement in advertiser URL click-through conversion and a 49%
increase in lead generation, creating more high-quality leads for our
customers during an especially challenging time in the business cycle.
Combined with its 65% increase in unique visitors over the past year as
a result of proprietary SEO optimization techniques, ApartmentFinder.com
has established itself as the pre-eminent fixed-cost, high-volume lead
generator in the multi-family category,” said Marcia Bollinger,
president of Apartment Finder.

The smarter, simpler, more powerful ApartmentFinder.com 5.0 provides
more options for shoppers to connect with advertisers. Features include:

New Hires in San Francisco and Los Angeles Offices to Complement
Company’s Rapidly Expanding Integrated Advertising Sales

Chris Sanders joins BUZZMEDIA from About.com, where he served as
Vice President, Western U.S., leading a team driving sales and client
solutions across the region. With nearly two decades of digital and
technology sales and marketing experience at companies including AOL,
Philips and SONY, Chris will lead the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest
sales teams and serve as a senior sales management leader, reporting to Doug
Rohrer, BUZZMEDIA‘s Chief Revenue Officer.

Judah Wiedre was previously Senior Director of Sales, West at Heavy.com,
where he was responsible for designing and executing integrated
marketing programs combining online, offline and mobile components for
global brands such as Toyota, Microsoft, PG, and LOreal. His numerous
years of digital experience creating and working on integrated sales
campaigns include positions at Veoh Networks and Flavorpill. In this
newly created role, Wiedre will report to Chris Sanders and will be
based in Los Angeles.

“Chris and Judah both possess extensive experience in developing and
executing large-scale, deeply integrated and creative campaigns which BUZZMEDIA
is increasingly becoming known for,” said Rohrer. “This
experience, combined with their successes that span a wide-range of
advertising categories and with some of the world’s leading brands, will
prove mutually valuable as we continue to grow our business and meet the
growing demand from advertisers.”

CD Holder

The VMX-250 System consists of two RIEGL VQ-250 „Full
Circle”-Laser Scanners, which combined can achieve 600,000
measurements per second, enabling an extremely fast, efficient and
highly accurate 3D mapping of highways, streets, railroads, and the
like. The system configuration further comprises the latest, modular
IMU/GPS unit.

The revolutionary RIEGL technologies „Echo Signal
Digitization” and „Online Waveform Analysis” result
in excellent multi-target detection, even of 3D data of objects which
are obscured by physical entities in the foreground (fences, vegetation,
etc.). This opens new capabilities for the processing and transformation
of the measured data into a 3-dimensional computer model.

„Effort for installation and starting up the VMX-250 is limited to a
minimum. The compact and light design of the measuring unit allows it to
be mounted onto any commercial car roof carrier, it is connected to the
control unit (located inside the car) with a single cable, and can
easily be operated via touchscreen” said Nikolaus Studnicka, RIEGL’s
International Sales Manager.

Bio-Matrix Scientific Group Inc. (OTCBB: BMSN) announced that its majority owned subsidiary, Entest BioMedical Inc.
(OTCBB: ENTB) has initiated studies to support the Companys stem cell /
laser regenerative therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD).

According to a Company spokesperson, Entest has begun to research the
effects of Low Energy Near Infrared Radiation on cultured cells as a step
toward animal pre-clinical studies for the treatment of COPD. Studies will
be an extension of current Entest intellectual property covering
enhancement of stem cell growth and activity. Specific focus will be placed
on type II alveolar epithelial cells and related stem cells known to reside
in the lung.

Dr. Steve Josephs, Co-Principal Investigator for Entest, states, “We are
pleased with the progress of our
ENT-576 program which uses Low Level Laser (LLL) therapy for COPD as a
means of inhibiting inflammation and stimulating lung regeneration. We view
these studies as critical in determining the direction of our
pre-clinical and clinical research.”

Entests Chairman CEO David Koos, stated, “According to the COPD
Foundation, every 4 minutes an American dies of COPD. It is estimated there
are over 24 million cases of COPD in the US, of which 12 million people
dont even know they have it. Our research represents hope for the future
in curing COPD.”

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — 3SAE
Technologies, Inc. today announced it has signed a consulting and
distribution agreement with DPM
Photonics to make 3SAE Technologies’ new large diameter fiber fusion
splicing and preparation technologies available to high power fiber
laser manufacturers and to military, aerospace, and industrial medical
markets throughout the United States.

The association between DPM Photonics and 3SAE Technologies personnel
dates back to 2003, during the advent of large mode area fiber fusion
splicing and cleaving. The partnership between the two companies is
truly synergistic, combining years of optical component and fiber-based
device experience with a strong engineering background in fusion
splicing and fiber preparation techniques for their assembly and
manufacture.

“DPM Photonics is major addition to our nationwide distribution
channel,” says Don Grasso, Chief Executive Officer of SAE Technologies,
Inc. “The synergy between our products and their services make DPM
Photonics a unique partner that can discuss detailed customer
applications on a technical level as well as support custom product
development.”

DPM Photonics was founded in February 2009, offering consulting services
in the areas of fiber optics, fiber-based components, fiber
lasers/amplifiers, precision optics and optical design. Its clients
include start-up ventures, major corporations and government agencies.
It has since expanded its business to include product representation and
development services. Its product lines enable users and fabricators of
mid- to high-power active devices and include a wide variety of high
power precision optics and fiber-based components (PM and non-PM).

laser treatments

FT. MYERS, Fla. — On February 10th 2009, Florida Governor Charlie Crist joined President
Obama at a now infamous town hall meeting in Ft. Myers to support the
$800 billion stimulus bill. This colossal waste of money increased the
national debt, did not help the economy and failed to prevent tremendous
job losses in Florida and across the country. But Gov. Crist stood
hand-in-hand with President Obama nonetheless and applauded his big
government scheme that would cost taxpayers dearly.

That is why FreedomWorks PAC has endorsed Marco Rubio as a “Champion
of Freedom” and why Chairman Armey will be celebrating
(sarcastically, of course) the “Hug’s” one-year anniversary with Rubio
at a special event next Wednesday, February, 10th, at the
Harborside Event Center in Ft. Myers – the exact same location of the
Crist-Obama Hug!

This event is open to Florida FreedomWorks members and the media and
will serve as a reminder to the people of Florida that they have a clear
choice between the two candidates in the Republican primary battle for
this U.S. Senate seat. Please see event details below:

What:FreedomWorks
PAC “Hug” Anniversary Event with Dick Armey and Marco Rubio

When:Wednesday,
February 10th7 p.m. – 9 p.m.Doors open at 6
p.m.

Researched by Industrial Info Resources
(Sugar Land, Texas) — Leading snack food maker Frito-Lay Incorporated (Plano, Texas), a
division of PepsiCo Incorporated (NYSE:PEP) (Chicago, Illinois),
is leading the charge in implementing the use of biomass-fired boilers at
food processing plants in the North America. In doing so, the company is
investing $15 million in the installation of a 60,000-pound-per-hour
biomass boiler at a food processing plant in Kansas City, Missouri, that
will utilize a combination of wood-waste and tire-derived fuel to generate
steam to heat oil used in the manufacturing process. The boiler is on
schedule to begin startup operations in August 2010.

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Project’s Compliance to be Verified by Independent Third Party

MENLO PARK, Calif. — In the wake of passage of the California Building Standards Commission’s
Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN), the Bohannon Development
Company today announced that its Menlo Gateway project will meet and
exceed California’s highest level of performance, CALGREEN Tier II.
Currently under review by the City of Menlo Park, Menlo Gateway is
expected to exceed California’s new standards for energy performance,
water usage, construction waste management, and other sustainability
measures.

From inception of the project, the Menlo Gateway team has planned to
maximize the project’s sustainability. This work has focused on
targeting the Gold and Silver certification levels of the Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System,
which encompass everything from ensuring a sustainable building site to
certifying the design and construction process itself. LEED Gold and
Silver certification not only exceeds these new California standards,
but also provides the assurance of third-party validation.

Because the office buildings are designed to achieve the more rigorous
and comprehensive requirements of LEED Gold certification, Menlo Gateway
will exceed CALGREEN’s Tier 2 aggressive energy efficiency benchmark. As
currently designed, the project already exceeds California’s 2008 energy
code standard by 27 percent and, when the building systems are fully
designed, the project is certain to deliver additional efficiencies. The
project already exceeds potable water reduction targets for indoor water
use by at least 40 percent and outdoor landscaping water use targets by
at least 50 percent.

The CALGREEN Tier 2 target for diverting construction waste from
landfills is 80 percent, and Menlo Gateway will meet and likely exceed
that target. The project is expected to divert 85 to 90 percent of waste
once construction is underway. The project will also meet or exceed
voluntary and elective measures for fuel-efficient vehicle on-site
parking, bike parking and changing rooms, cool roofs, recycled content
materials, resilient flooring, thermal insulation, and indoor
environmental quality.

Waste Bins

KAWASAKI, Japan DUESSELDORF, Germany SANTA CLARA, Calif. — NEC Electronics (TOKYO: 6723) today introduced its new Camera Engine 151
(CE151) system-on-chip (SoC) , an image-processing device for camera
phones to provide clear and high-quality images comparable to
digital-still cameras (DSCs).

In 2007, NEC Electronics launched the CE131 SoC, which provided the
eight-megapixel mobile-phone market segment with accumulated shipments
exceeding 30 million units. NEC Electronics also introduced the CE143
SoC in 2009, which enabled processing of 12-megapixel images and full
high-definition (HD) video. To continue this success, the new CE151 SoC
provides advanced picture quality, performance, and functions for still
images and video data, using even lower power consumption.

The new SoC also enables mobile phones to output full-HD (1080-pixel)
video stream and still-image data up to 13 megapixels received by the
CMOS sensor. The Camera Engine Software Platform is designed for
re-usability with a rich and easy-to-use command-layer
application-programming interface (API). Backward compatibility with
previous NEC Electronics’ CE series supports a smooth transition for
existing customers to reach new heights in camera performance and
functionality in mobile phones.

1) Further improved noise-reduction
function

China metal pressure vessel manufacturing Industry, 2009 is valuable for
anyone who wants to invest in the metal pressure vessel manufacturing
industry, to get Chinese investments; to import into China or export
from China, to build factories and take advantage of lower costs in
China, to partner with one of the key Chinese corporations, to get
market shares as China is boosting its domestic needs; to forecast the
future of the world economy as China is leading the way; or to compete
in the segment. The report provides in-depth analysis and detailed
insight into the metal pressure vessel manufacturing industry, market
drivers, key enterprises and their strategies, as well as technologies
and investment status, risks and trends.

Data sources: Governmental statistics organizations, market research
(monitoring) centers, industry associations and institutions, import and
export statistics organizations, and others.

This report is divided into 9 parts 19 chapters as follow:

search engine marketing

STOCKHOLM — Regulatory News:

January−December 2009 compared to January−December 2008

– Revenue amounted to SEK 136.8 (143.7) billion.- Operating income
for the Group amounted to SEK 5,222 M (4,086).- Revenue in
Construction decreased by 6 percent in Swedish kronor, and by 11 percent
adjusted for currency rate effects.- Operating margin in
Construction increased to 3.9 (2.7) percent.- Operating income in
Construction increased by 34 percent and amounted to SEK 5,047 M (3,761).-
During the year, Skanska sold commercial properties worth SEK 3,279 M
(3,537), with capital gains totaling SEK 887 M (1,238).- Income
after financial items amounted to SEK 5,021 M (4,410).- Profit for
the year totaled SEK 3,628 M (3,157) and earnings per share amounted to
SEK 8.73 (7.44).- Operating cash flow before taxes, financing
activities and dividends amounted to SEK 7,033 M (1,422).- At
year-end 2009, interest-bearing net receivables amounted to SEK 12.5
(9.2) billion.- Order bookings increased by 2 percent and amounted
to SEK 128.8 (126.5) billion. Adjusted for currency rate effects, order
bookings decreased by 3 percent.- Order backlog totaled SEK 136.5
(142.4) billion, equivalent to 13 (11) months of construction.-
The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 6.25 (5.25) per share
of which SEK 5.25 (5.25) per share as regular dividend and SEK 1.00
(0.00) per share as extra dividend.

HAMILTON, Bermuda — Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NasdaqGS: AGII), an
international underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance
products, announced today it is participating in the 14th
Annual Insurance Conference sponsored by the New York Society of
Security Analysts (NYSSA) being held Feb. 8-9, 2010, at NYSSA’s
headquarters located at 1540 Broadway in New York.

Mark E. Watson III, CEO of Argo Group, will join Stephen L. Way,
managing director of Southwest Insurance Partners, and Moderator C.
Gregory Peters, insurance analyst for Raymond James Associates, for a
panel discussion on the current state of the property and casualty
insurance marketplace.

ABOUT ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

DENVER — Apartment Investment and Management Company (NYSE:AIV):

Fourth Quarter 2009

In connection with its recourse obligations, Aimco is subject to Debt
Service and Fixed Charge Coverage covenants. On February 3, 2010, Aimco
and its lenders agreed to reduce these Debt Service and Fixed Charge
Coverage covenants from 1.50:1 and 1.30:1 to 1.40:1 and 1.20:1,
respectively.

Private property

SALT LAKE CITY — Idaho Technology, Inc. (ITI) announced today that clinical trials of the
FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) have commenced at three US Hospital
Laboratories.

“We believe that the FilmArray RP holds tremendous potential for
hospital clinical laboratories frustrated with the hassle, long
turnaround times, and inferior sensitivity and specificity of viral
culture, DFA, and rapid flu tests. The FilmArray RP is a powerful
molecular diagnostic assay designed for comprehensive detection of
common respiratory pathogens and yet is still incredibly simple and easy
to use,” said Kirk Ririe, CEO of Idaho Technology. “Beginning these
clinical trials represents a significant milestone in the development of
the FilmArray which we anticipate will soon become ITI’s flagship
technology,” Ririe added.

The much anticipated FilmArray RP is a user-friendly multiplex PCR
platform capable of detecting 21 common respiratory viruses and
bacteria. The FilmArray RP includes integrated sample preparation,
requires only 5 minutes of hands-on time, and reports results in less
than an hour.

“For this study, we will be testing nasopharyngeal swab specimens from
1,000 patients and comparing the results from the FilmArray Respiratory
Panel to the results from conventional as well as other molecular
diagnostic technologies,” commented Beth Lingenfelter, director of
regulatory affairs. “Following data collection and analysis, we intend
to submit a 510k application to the FDA for use of the FilmArray RP as
an In Vitro Diagnostic product for patients with symptoms of upper
respiratory tract infection.”

The clinical trials will be conducted at Children’s Medical Center, in
association with UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX; Detroit
Medical Center, Detroit, MI; and The Medical University of South
Carolina, Charleston, SC.

TOPIGEN Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Canadian-based
clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative respiratory
therapeutics, announced today that it has signed an agreement to be
acquired by Pharmaxis Ltd. (ASX: PXS), a publicly-traded Australian
specialty pharmaceutical company involved in the research, development and
commercialization of therapeutic products for chronic respiratory and
immune disorders.

The all-stock transaction includes the issuance of 3.2 million shares of
Pharmaxis stock on closing with an additional 5.0 million shares to be
issued subject to the achievement of milestones specified in the purchase
agreement. The transaction is expected to close within the next 60 days.

“Pharmaxis has the resources, expertise and track record of success in
bringing important new therapies through development to treat respiratory
disorders and is therefore a valuable fit for Topigens assets,” stated
Mark Parry-Billings, CEO of Topigen. “This transaction provides a
promising future for our novel programs to treat asthma and COPD, the
potential to realize a return for our shareholders, and in the long-term,
promise for patients.”

Gary Lessing, Chairman of Topigens Board, said: “The larger business
infrastructure and late stage pipeline of Pharmaxis, combined with the
innovation and attractive target product profiles of Topigens emerging
drug candidates makes a compelling combined entity. The transaction
represents a very logical strategic exit for our investor base and provides
a solid platform to leverage further value.”

respiratory therapy schools

WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — A recently released Drug Diagnosis Coding database from RJ Health
Systems provides accurate FDA-approved and Compendia-listed off-label
uses for therapeutic classes such as Oncology, Anti-Emetics,
Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents and Multiple Sclerosis Agents. The new
ICD-9-CM database helps ensure more accurate claims submissions and
faster claims processing, while eliminating payment for inappropriate
off-label uses.

The Compendia listing includes all indications where studies demonstrate
beneficial use of the drug in at least some cases. Subscribers to the
database also have access to the appropriate reimbursable ICD-9-CMs to
the fifth digit, if applicable, for each HCPCS drug code.

Search capabilities include:

Future releases in 2010 will include Rheumatoid Arthritis Agents,
Immunosuppressive Agents, Visco-Supplements, Antiviral Agents (HIV/HepC)
and Neuromuscular Agents.

Victoria Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: VIT) (”Victoria” or the “Company”) will host a conference call regarding the Preliminary Assessment and Initial Resource recently completed on the Helen Zone, Cove Project, Nevada. The call will be hosted by Chad Williams, President, CEO, and Director; John McConnell, Executive VP and Director; Raul Madrid, VP Exploration; and John Goyman, VP Nevada Projects.

An archived audio recording of the call will be available on the Companys website following the call.

Call-in Details:

Chad Williams, P. Eng, CEO, President Director

medical billing and coding schools

Researched by Industrial Info
(Sugar Land, Texas) — Chinas GDP growth in 2007 is expected to hit 11.2%,
up from an earlier estimate of 10% and will reach 10.8% in 2008, up from an
initial forecast of 9.8% made in March this year. The Asian Development
Bank (ADB) said the faster-than-expected growth momentum built up in 2007
is expected to carry into 2008. The growth rate of 11.5% in the first half
of 2007 was the highest rate since 1994.

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Researched by Industrial Info
(Sugar Land, Texas) — Chinas GDP growth in 2007 is expected to hit 11.2%,
up from an earlier estimate of 10% and will reach 10.8% in 2008, up from an
initial forecast of 9.8% made in March this year. The Asian Development
Bank (ADB) said the faster-than-expected growth momentum built up in 2007
is expected to carry into 2008. The growth rate of 11.5% in the first half
of 2007 was the highest rate since 1994.

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Precision Machining

CarePass Leverages Payers’ Employers’ Investment in Promoting
Wellness by Engaging Employees in Managing Their Healthcare

WASHINGTON — Dossia
Chairman Mike Critelli, a recognized innovator in health benefits and
workforce wellness, introduced Allviant
Corporation’s CarePass™
technology at the Center for Health Value Innovation (CHVI) event on
February 2 in Washington, D.C. Critelli touted CarePass’ ability to
deliver a new level of convenience that breaks down the barriers
consumers face in trying to manage their healthcare.

CarePass enables consumers to control their personal health service
communications and transactions by aggregating and delivering
context-relevant information securely — via phone, e-mail or text
messaging — depending on their preference. Additionally, CarePass
connects a network of service providers such as health savings vendors,
portals, personal health records (PHRs), content sites, nurse call
services, physicians and dentists. With the click of a button, CarePass
members can schedule and confirm appointments, receive alerts or
prescription reminders and verify deductibles or HSA balances.

“CarePass really helps organizations realize the full value of the
benefits they work so hard to deliver to their employees and their
families because it offers a practical, real-world method of
understanding and managing those benefits,” states Critelli.

According to Lilian Myers, CEO of Allviant, “Consumer health engagement
is the newest and biggest challenge. American companies spent an average
of $329 per employee on cash incentives to drive engagement in 2008 —
up from $192 the year prior. Human behavior dictates that lasting
engagement is a result of sense of control and relevance. CarePass was
specifically designed to answer those issues.”

Reporters largely ignored it, but the Department of Health and Human Services released a study showing that Head Starts positive effects peter out by the end of first grade. The study included 44 tests, of which 42 found no statistically significant and lasting improvement. Some positive results are to be expected when you run that many tests, and a footnote points out that the two apparently lasting results disappear after correcting for that tendency.
On Friday, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary
Kathleen Sebelius will join Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Director Thomas Frieden in announcing the release of new grants to
states and U.S. territories to support public health efforts to reduce
obesity, increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and decrease
smoking.

food-nutrition

In the news release,
“Sino Green Land to Supply Green Foods to East Timor Through Cooperative
Agreement,” issued Monday, January 11, by Sino Green Land Corporation
(OTCBB: SGLA), we are advised that the company wishes to clarify that the
Government of Timor-Leste has not endorsed the companys participation in
the development of the agricultural sector of East Timor and/or the
companys proposed business or investment activities. Complete corrected
text follows.

Sino Green Land Announces Plans to Supply Green Foods to East Timor Through
Cooperative Agreement With Members of the Private Sector

NEW YORK, NY and GUANGZHOU, CHINA — January 11, 2010 — Sino Green Land
Corporation (OTCBB: SGLA), a leading distributor of high-end fruits and
vegetables in China, today announced the signing of a cooperation agreement
with local business representatives in Timor-Leste (”East Timor”).

Mr. Anson Fong, Chairman, stated, “After extensive discussion and a
thorough examination of our operations and facilities, we are pleased to
announce this cooperation agreement with local business representatives in
East Timor. Sino Green Land hopes to introduce and promote green foods and
cooperate with the local business representatives to participate in and
contribute to the development of agricultural opportunities in East Timor.
This is an important geographic expansion for Sino Green Land and we are
excited about the potential prospects.

About Sino Green Land Corporation

Suncor Energy Inc.s Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share on its common shares, payable March 25, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2010.

Suncor Energy Inc. is Canadas premier integrated energy company. Suncors operations include oil sands development and upgrading, conventional and offshore oil and gas production, petroleum refining, and product marketing under the Petro-Canada brand – a proud National Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. While working to responsibly develop petroleum resources, Suncor is also developing a growing renewable energy portfolio. Suncors common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

NLP practitioner courses

Marlin Equity Partners (”Marlin”) is pleased
to announce that it has acquired the check and cash automation equipment
and related U.S. maintenance, printer and direct supply business of Unisys
Corporation (NYSE: UIS) and has subsequently formed a new company,
Burroughs Payment Systems, Inc. (”Burroughs” or the “Company”). Burroughs
is a leading provider of hardware and related services that address the
image capture and payment processing needs of financial institutions,
remittance processors, and retailers worldwide. The Companys products and
services allow customers to process check and cash payments quickly and
securely while reducing operating costs and improving efficiencies related
to payment processing.

“Burroughs is a market leader in the payment processing industry with a
brand that has been recognized for over 100 years,” said Andy Martinez,
Principal at Marlin. “Marlin will enable Burroughs to pursue an aggressive
growth strategy by leveraging the Companys brand, cutting edge technology
and experienced management team.”

“We are very excited to partner with Marlin and return to the Burroughs
name, once considered one of the most recognized and highly regarded names
in business,” said Alan Howard, President and CEO of Burroughs. “Marlins
financial and operational expertise combined with our industry-leading
products and focus on customer service will enable us to capitalize on
opportunities to further enhance customer satisfaction and increase market
share.”

Mike Zawalski, Operating Partner at Marlin, stated, “Marlin is committed to
providing the financial and strategic resources and oversight to accelerate
growth. We look forward to working with the Burroughs management team to
build long-term value by growing the Company organically and by making
near-term acquisitions.”

About Marlin Equity Partners

Xstrata Nickel is pleased to announce that it has successfully renewed a three-year Collective Agreement with the Canadian Auto Workers Sudbury Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers Union Local Union 598, representing production and maintenance employees at its operations in Sudbury.

The Agreement was ratified by the Union membership on Tuesday evening, after negotiations that began in mid December.

Highlights of the Agreement include an annual cost of living allowance with a 20-cent hourly wage increase in the third year, C$2,500 Continuity Allowance, a new nickel bonus formula that reflects current business realities, competitive pension and benefit improvements that adjust for inflation, and a new employee performance-based incentive program linked to the achievement of business targets. The Agreement also provides a framework for a new joint Company-Union initiative aimed at mitigating longer term challenges with the current Defined Benefit Pension Program.

In addition, Xstrata Nickel plans to reactivate copper mining at the Fraser Mine in February 2010 and the accord provides for a workforce transition agreement that enables the recall of 100 workers to fill vacant positions, while minimizing any impact on the existing Nickel Rim South workforce as this project ramps up to full production in the second quarter of this year.

“We are very pleased our employees have supported the Agreement and shown that they are committed to the success of Xstrata Nickels Sudbury Operations,” said Marc Boissonneault, Vice-President, Sudbury Operations. “Together, we can move forward to successfully transition Nickel Rim South to full operation, ramp up production at our Fraser Copper Mine and pursue performance enhancements at our Strathcona Mill and Sudbury Smelter, positioning our Sudbury Operations for success for the longer term.”

Bloomberg News SALT LAKE CITY — Tesoro Corp. plans to shut a crude unit, a reformer and a distillate desulfurization unit at its Salt Lake City refinery for maintenance March 5 through April 2, the company said in a letter to state regulators. Chevron Corp. plans to shut a sulfur recovery unit at its Salt Lake refinery for about three weeks of maintenance in early September.

Roof Restoration

LOS ANGELES — Response Genetics Inc. (Nasdaq:RGDX), a company focused on the
development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, today
announced that Kathleen Danenberg, CEO and president of Response
Genetics, is scheduled to present at the 20th Annual UBS
Global Healthcare Services Conference at the Grand Hyatt on February 8,
and at the 12th Annual BIO CEO Investor Conference at the
Waldorf-Astoria on February 9, in New York.

Forward-Looking Statement Notice

On Friday, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary
Kathleen Sebelius will join Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Director Thomas Frieden in announcing the release of new grants to
states and U.S. territories to support public health efforts to reduce
obesity, increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and decrease
smoking.

Asset Protection