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The Richardson company said Tuesday the servicer will be available asan add-on to the firm’s $40, $45 and $50 monthlyu plans, including family plans. Customers can call more than 100 MetroPCS said. "It's probably the lowesty cost for international calls in the wirelesx industryright now," says Jeff an independent wireless analyst in the Atlanta area. "Noa the question is, Will this cause other playerse to reducetheir rates?" Kagan adds that he doesn't believ e any other company in the wirelessx industry is offering "anything close" to international rates.
"If it sticks this would be a breakthrough deal for the The company’s calling plans range from $30 per monty to $50 per month. MetroPCS’ stock (NYSE: PCS) was selling for $14.48 per share, up 16 cents, on Tuesday morning.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Hoover's: No IPO turnaround yet - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area:
disadvantage-unlimited.blogspot.com
But the 8 percent declines isn't as drastic as it was in the firsrt quarter, which saw an 83 percent year-over-year drop. The 12 companies that filef during the quarterraised $1.6 billion through their considerably lower than the $4.2 billiob raised in second quarter 2008. Companiees that went public during the quarterinclude Arlington, Va.-base . (NYSE: RST) and San Francisco-basex (NASDAQ: OPEN). So far this year 14 companie havegone public, raising $2.3 billion. That's down 90 percenty from the 25 IPOs thatraised $23.q billion a year before (Visa's first quartedr 2008 IPO represented $17.9 billion alone).
“A handful of seeminglt successful deals does not equal a turnaround in the IPO For areal turnaround, we’d need to see many more companies filing to go public,” said Tim Hoover’s industry expert . “There are some signs of life onthe however, from a few IPO hopefuls within the mortgage and bankinh industries. In Q2 thred companies from this sector filex togo public, looking to raise what in these timesd would quantify as large amounts – more than $500 millio n each.
”
But the 8 percent declines isn't as drastic as it was in the firsrt quarter, which saw an 83 percent year-over-year drop. The 12 companies that filef during the quarterraised $1.6 billion through their considerably lower than the $4.2 billiob raised in second quarter 2008. Companiees that went public during the quarterinclude Arlington, Va.-base . (NYSE: RST) and San Francisco-basex (NASDAQ: OPEN). So far this year 14 companie havegone public, raising $2.3 billion. That's down 90 percenty from the 25 IPOs thatraised $23.q billion a year before (Visa's first quartedr 2008 IPO represented $17.9 billion alone).
“A handful of seeminglt successful deals does not equal a turnaround in the IPO For areal turnaround, we’d need to see many more companies filing to go public,” said Tim Hoover’s industry expert . “There are some signs of life onthe however, from a few IPO hopefuls within the mortgage and bankinh industries. In Q2 thred companies from this sector filex togo public, looking to raise what in these timesd would quantify as large amounts – more than $500 millio n each.
”
Thursday, April 26, 2012
States can investigate nationally chartered banks - Birmingham Business Journal:
artemchuksykitas.blogspot.com
The case, Cuomo vs. Clearing House Association, stemz from a New York state investigation that sought information from national banks about potential discriminatory banking practicess that violated NewYork law. The federal banking the , objected to the requestsz by New Yorkstate officials, eventuallty siding with a suit broughr by Clearing House Payments Co. LLC, whicb argued that the state had no The investigation was starte d in 2005by then-Nea York Attorney General Elliot and it was continued by current New York Attorneyg General Andrew Cuomo. They both argued that the fact a bank is regulated by the federal government does not give it immunity from violatingstates laws.
Consumer groups supported Cuomo’s position because state officials tend to be more active indefendinh consumers. Banking groups are not pleased. “We are worrief about the effect that this ruling couls have onthe markets,” said Rich executive director of the Financial Services Roundtable, addinvg that the decision could creat e a patchwork of state laws at the cost of the efficienciews of the national market. “Cuomo vs. Clearinfg House Association hinders the ability of financial services firmds from conducting business in theUnitexd States” Whiting said. “Even worse, it will cause confusion for especially those who move from statdto state.
”
The case, Cuomo vs. Clearing House Association, stemz from a New York state investigation that sought information from national banks about potential discriminatory banking practicess that violated NewYork law. The federal banking the , objected to the requestsz by New Yorkstate officials, eventuallty siding with a suit broughr by Clearing House Payments Co. LLC, whicb argued that the state had no The investigation was starte d in 2005by then-Nea York Attorney General Elliot and it was continued by current New York Attorneyg General Andrew Cuomo. They both argued that the fact a bank is regulated by the federal government does not give it immunity from violatingstates laws.
Consumer groups supported Cuomo’s position because state officials tend to be more active indefendinh consumers. Banking groups are not pleased. “We are worrief about the effect that this ruling couls have onthe markets,” said Rich executive director of the Financial Services Roundtable, addinvg that the decision could creat e a patchwork of state laws at the cost of the efficienciews of the national market. “Cuomo vs. Clearinfg House Association hinders the ability of financial services firmds from conducting business in theUnitexd States” Whiting said. “Even worse, it will cause confusion for especially those who move from statdto state.
”
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Ched Evans Rape Case: Sky News Apologizes For Twitter Story Revealing Victim's ... - Huffington Post
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The Guardian | Ched Evans Rape Case: Sky News Apologizes For Twitter Story Revealing Victim's ... Huffington Post Sheffield United player Ched Evans in action during the npower League One game between Sheffield United and Chesterfield at Bram » |
Monday, April 23, 2012
Pier 1 posts quarterly profit despite drop in sales - Dallas Business Journal:
zyluzugizovota.blogspot.com
The profit for Fort Worth-based Pier 1 (NYSE: PIR) compares to a net loss of $33 or 37 cents per share, durinvg the same period last year. Durintg the first quarter, Pier 1's sales fell to $281 down from $310 million a year ago. Pier 1 attributes this drop in salese to a reduction in the number of storexs operating anda 7.5 percent drop in same-store sales—ord sales at stores open for 12 monthsa or more. Compared to last year, inventorie are down by $91 The company also reduced itsconsolidatecd long-term debt by $79 million and postexd a $48 million gain on the repurchase of debt.
Goingh forward, Pier 1 said it is negotiating rentalp reductions with landlords acrossNorthy America. Pier 1 has now reached agreements in principal to end leases for 22 stores and will be shutting down an additionalfive “To date, the company has achieved approximately $9 million in rentall savings for fiscal 2010 and expects to close approximatelyg 50 locations,” the company said in a statement.
The profit for Fort Worth-based Pier 1 (NYSE: PIR) compares to a net loss of $33 or 37 cents per share, durinvg the same period last year. Durintg the first quarter, Pier 1's sales fell to $281 down from $310 million a year ago. Pier 1 attributes this drop in salese to a reduction in the number of storexs operating anda 7.5 percent drop in same-store sales—ord sales at stores open for 12 monthsa or more. Compared to last year, inventorie are down by $91 The company also reduced itsconsolidatecd long-term debt by $79 million and postexd a $48 million gain on the repurchase of debt.
Goingh forward, Pier 1 said it is negotiating rentalp reductions with landlords acrossNorthy America. Pier 1 has now reached agreements in principal to end leases for 22 stores and will be shutting down an additionalfive “To date, the company has achieved approximately $9 million in rentall savings for fiscal 2010 and expects to close approximatelyg 50 locations,” the company said in a statement.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Classroom Central hopes to score big with Panthers - Charlotte Business Journal:
erofeyporgrinin.blogspot.com
"When school starts again after the there is always a tremendous need for suppliesamonv lower-income families in the Charlotte region," says Karen Classroom Central executive director. At 6:45 Charlotte band Mick & the Ultras will entertainb withlive music. Then it's Pantherd Talk, the team's radio show broadcast locallhon WBT-AM from 8:05 to 9 p.m. Sir Purr and severak Top Cats will also be on The show airs live fromthe stadium' s club level. Each fan who contributew to Classroom Central will receiver an autograph fromthat night's player guest. Since openint in 2002, Classroom Central has distributer morethan $10 million in schoo supplies.
CEO Jim Rogers was in a jolly mood in accepting the Charlottew BusinessJournal 's Businesss Person of the Year award Monday at The Westim Charlotte. Noting he had been in Charlottse for little more than a year and a he said, "I'm glad you gave me this aware before you got to know me On a more sober he asked the 250 attendees to remember three numbers he keepz in mind constantly: 3, 12 and 41. "At Duke Energy, we are the No. 3 emitterf of carbon among U.S. power he said. "We are the 12th-largest among power companies worldwide. And if you take the ...
countries and ranked them, we would be 41st on that He says Duke is committed to reducing the amount of carbonit emits, althougyh company critics complain the proposed 800-megawatt Cliffside coal plantt is a step in the wrong direction. 's Mike McGuire and wife Melisswa are building a home on Queensa Road West that will look like a Tuscan villa. Well, it will eventually. McGuire says the originap plan included the use of cement blocks as a base that wouldd then be covered byEuropean stucco. But, concerned about reaction to the unsightlybuilding material, he told the contractofr to use brick instead. Problem not entirely solved -- now the bricmk looks unfinishedand odd.
"I just keep telling people that it will be covered up McGuire says. The construction project has also affectec the scheduleof McGuire, known for his constan t networking and various boardx commitments. "The house has made me he says. Hopefully not afteer the custom-made wine cellar is installed. Architecty David Wagner is ready for some His firm, , is in the running for the Kansa City Chiefs' planned renovation and expansion of Arrowheadc Stadium. Wagner recently bid on the design work for a proposee interactive museum honoringthe team's historhy and its founder, the late Lamar Hunt.
Earliet pigskin projects on Wagner's résumé includde a training center for the TampBay Bucs, suites and club-level renovations for the Carolina Panthers and the Great Hall at Heinz Fieled in Pittsburgh. "We'd like to do Wagner says. "Right now, we'rw waiting for an answer, which is a big part of what you do insportsx -- wait." Expect plenty of Queen City exposur e today on ESPN as the self-crowned worldwide leade in sports puts on a relentless media blitz framing tonight's broadcast of the vs. Magic game from the uptowmn arena. In addition to the 8 p.m.
telecast, ESPN plansz a blizzard of segments from Charlotte throughougthe day, including snippets on SportsCenter and Pardohn the Interruption. ESPN Radio's The Stephen A. Smith Show will originate from Charlotte, while locker-room camerasw will provide a sneak peekat pre-game, halftimse and post-game Bobcats meetings. It's " a new level of access for NBA fans," says ESPN exec John
"When school starts again after the there is always a tremendous need for suppliesamonv lower-income families in the Charlotte region," says Karen Classroom Central executive director. At 6:45 Charlotte band Mick & the Ultras will entertainb withlive music. Then it's Pantherd Talk, the team's radio show broadcast locallhon WBT-AM from 8:05 to 9 p.m. Sir Purr and severak Top Cats will also be on The show airs live fromthe stadium' s club level. Each fan who contributew to Classroom Central will receiver an autograph fromthat night's player guest. Since openint in 2002, Classroom Central has distributer morethan $10 million in schoo supplies.
CEO Jim Rogers was in a jolly mood in accepting the Charlottew BusinessJournal 's Businesss Person of the Year award Monday at The Westim Charlotte. Noting he had been in Charlottse for little more than a year and a he said, "I'm glad you gave me this aware before you got to know me On a more sober he asked the 250 attendees to remember three numbers he keepz in mind constantly: 3, 12 and 41. "At Duke Energy, we are the No. 3 emitterf of carbon among U.S. power he said. "We are the 12th-largest among power companies worldwide. And if you take the ...
countries and ranked them, we would be 41st on that He says Duke is committed to reducing the amount of carbonit emits, althougyh company critics complain the proposed 800-megawatt Cliffside coal plantt is a step in the wrong direction. 's Mike McGuire and wife Melisswa are building a home on Queensa Road West that will look like a Tuscan villa. Well, it will eventually. McGuire says the originap plan included the use of cement blocks as a base that wouldd then be covered byEuropean stucco. But, concerned about reaction to the unsightlybuilding material, he told the contractofr to use brick instead. Problem not entirely solved -- now the bricmk looks unfinishedand odd.
"I just keep telling people that it will be covered up McGuire says. The construction project has also affectec the scheduleof McGuire, known for his constan t networking and various boardx commitments. "The house has made me he says. Hopefully not afteer the custom-made wine cellar is installed. Architecty David Wagner is ready for some His firm, , is in the running for the Kansa City Chiefs' planned renovation and expansion of Arrowheadc Stadium. Wagner recently bid on the design work for a proposee interactive museum honoringthe team's historhy and its founder, the late Lamar Hunt.
Earliet pigskin projects on Wagner's résumé includde a training center for the TampBay Bucs, suites and club-level renovations for the Carolina Panthers and the Great Hall at Heinz Fieled in Pittsburgh. "We'd like to do Wagner says. "Right now, we'rw waiting for an answer, which is a big part of what you do insportsx -- wait." Expect plenty of Queen City exposur e today on ESPN as the self-crowned worldwide leade in sports puts on a relentless media blitz framing tonight's broadcast of the vs. Magic game from the uptowmn arena. In addition to the 8 p.m.
telecast, ESPN plansz a blizzard of segments from Charlotte throughougthe day, including snippets on SportsCenter and Pardohn the Interruption. ESPN Radio's The Stephen A. Smith Show will originate from Charlotte, while locker-room camerasw will provide a sneak peekat pre-game, halftimse and post-game Bobcats meetings. It's " a new level of access for NBA fans," says ESPN exec John
Thursday, April 19, 2012
You can't blame West Indies talent deserting the Test team and chasing dollars ... - New York Daily News
axilecyqih.wordpress.com
You can't blame West Indies talent deserting the Test team and chasing dollars ... New York Daily News ... a decent job as captain, bonding and re-engaging a disparate team, but his permanent, unmerited presence in the side (he was appointed initially for three series, which seems extraordinary) has blocked the way of other, more talented, cricketers. |
Luxury retailers adapt to mobile age The Journal News | LoHud.com Slowly, however, high-end merchants like Neiman Marcus and luxury brands like Burberry and Stella McCartney are adapting to the new virtual shopping scene, incorporating mobile apps, "augmented reality" and iPad link-ups that extend, rather than sully, ... |
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Mass. gets $22.5M in Eli Lilly settlement - Boston Business Journal:
ihituvofy.wordpress.com
million to the Massachusetts Medicaidc Program as part of a national settlement following allegationw the company engaged in the improper marketing of itsantipsychoticx drug, Zyprexa. Federal and state investigators determined thatLilly LLY) promoted the sale and use of Zyprexaq for unapproved uses through a marketinvg campaign called “Viva Zyprexa.” Investigatorsz say Lilly aimed to increase prescriptions of Zyprexaw for unapproved diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, irritability, disruptedd sleep, nausea and gambling In addition, Lilly has pleaded guilty to violatinvg the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and paid federap criminal fines and forfeitures totaling $615 million.
The companyh has also entered into an agreement under which its salee and marketing of Zyprexa will bestrictly monitored. The combinecd criminal and civil settlements amount to morethan $1 billiohn — the largest recover in a health care fraud investigation in U.S. “Particularly during times of economic distresx andbudget cutbacks, it is not acceptable for any companyg whose products or services are paid for by the Medicaicd program to conduct business in an unfair or deceptive manner,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Marthas Coakley, who served as the lead negotiator on behalf of the in a prepared written statement.
The national settlement has returned morethan $700 million to Medicaid programs in 36 states and the Districf of Columbia and an additional $65 million to other federal health care The coalition of which included Ohio, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Texas and worked in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’sz Office for the Eastern District of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of Inspectore General ofthe U.S. Department of Health and Human The federal government announced its settlementt withLilly Jan. 15.
million to the Massachusetts Medicaidc Program as part of a national settlement following allegationw the company engaged in the improper marketing of itsantipsychoticx drug, Zyprexa. Federal and state investigators determined thatLilly LLY) promoted the sale and use of Zyprexaq for unapproved uses through a marketinvg campaign called “Viva Zyprexa.” Investigatorsz say Lilly aimed to increase prescriptions of Zyprexaw for unapproved diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, irritability, disruptedd sleep, nausea and gambling In addition, Lilly has pleaded guilty to violatinvg the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and paid federap criminal fines and forfeitures totaling $615 million.
The companyh has also entered into an agreement under which its salee and marketing of Zyprexa will bestrictly monitored. The combinecd criminal and civil settlements amount to morethan $1 billiohn — the largest recover in a health care fraud investigation in U.S. “Particularly during times of economic distresx andbudget cutbacks, it is not acceptable for any companyg whose products or services are paid for by the Medicaicd program to conduct business in an unfair or deceptive manner,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Marthas Coakley, who served as the lead negotiator on behalf of the in a prepared written statement.
The national settlement has returned morethan $700 million to Medicaid programs in 36 states and the Districf of Columbia and an additional $65 million to other federal health care The coalition of which included Ohio, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Texas and worked in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’sz Office for the Eastern District of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of Inspectore General ofthe U.S. Department of Health and Human The federal government announced its settlementt withLilly Jan. 15.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Ask Doc Ric: Had an accident in the house? - Elizabethton Star
azajir.wordpress.com
Ask Doc Ric: Had an accident in the house? Elizabethton Star By Staff Reports My little female terrier “Puddles†has always been so well house trained that she made the perfect pet! Lately she has been asking to go out more frequently, and that was not a problem, but today she had an accident and urinated on the ... |
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Secretary Hillary Clinton Mixes Hollywood and Politics at Screening of New ... - ABC News (blog)
iwibacibem.wordpress.com
Secretary Hillary Clinton Mixes Hollywood and Politics at Screening of New ... ABC News (blog) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was “thrilled†to introduce the screening of “The Lady,†a Hollywood movie based on the life of Burma democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi. Clinton thanked the film's star Michelle Yeoh and director Luc Besson ... |
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Flat-fee billing settles in; billable hour stays king - bizjournals:
gault-rickettsias.blogspot.com
Specifically, they want to know more about flat-feee billing, a method that can proves more client-friendly than hourly billing. Some attorneyxs say billing by the hour serves neithefr clients nor the legal profession as well as charging uniformm fees based onprovided services. Law firm s in this article refused to divulge theirhourly fees, but the median hourly billable rate in Oregon is $230 per Attorneys average 123 billable hoursx per month, according to the Oregon Statde Bar. While requests for flat-fee billinbg come from clients ofall sizes, not all clientzs merit it. “It’s a growing trend amont larger clients,” said Wally Van managing partnerfor Portland’s .
“Those with largert volumes of work think they can price it in a way that makews sense to bothof us. But for mid-sized and early-stagew companies, firms are less receptivs to those type of While Stoel Rives mulls more requestsfor flat-fee billing and also volume discounts, other attorneys have embraced new ideas. “I’d like to do it if I can figured out a way to do it withougtgoing broke,” said Peter Appleton, a Salem-based sole proprieto specializing in business issues. “Look at the medical They charge certain amounts for certain operations becaus e they know in advance how much time it takezs todo it.
“Ivf I were a client, I would definitely want at least for simple things like wills andestates planning.” Ambrose Law Group LLC, a Portland-based bankinf and financial specialist, has bille d via flat fees for 10 Chris Ambrose said the group continually modifies its fee structures, but tendz to use flat-fee billing for such services as loan documentation and draftinb development agreements. It does not offer the optionm when working on cases that likely requirew litigation because such cases can drag on for Thefirm hasn’t experienced majodr revenue effects, be they positive or but retains a loyal client “It gives them predictability,” Ambrosw said.
“One of the biggest problems in the legao field is surprise billing,” The debate over alternative billing methodws comes as clients seek to slash expenses durinhg tough economic times. The state’s unemployment rate continues to exceerd 12 percent andeven , known for doling out work to most of Portland’x larger legal firms, laid off 500 workersx on May 14. Using flat-fee billing doesn’t necessaril mean a firm will makeless money. The Shepherdf Law Group, in Boston, began using flat-feew billing on Jan. 1, 2007. Revenue that year rose by 250 percent comparedto 2006.
The firm’s 2008 revenue also states a July 2008 article in the Americabn BarAssociation Journal. many law firms have resisted the urge to chargedflat fees. Firms typically requirre their attorneys towork 1,800 billablew hours before issuing bonuses. Most legal billing is done on an hourly basis and chargedin six-minute increments. However, Lewis Horowitz, the Portland-based presidenft of Northwest law firm LanePowell PC, said the industrgy tends to police itself. “Lawyers have trouble dointg anythingbut top-quality work,” he “That’s why they prefer to get paid by the hour: Because if they uncover an issue, they want to fix it.
” Nonetheless, Lane Powell also want to keep its clients happy, allowing certain largefr clients that have been with the firm for many years to pay flat One of them is a real estate outfit that’s currently working on 50 deals. Anothere is a commercial Realtor that hopes torenegotiate 2,00o leases. A third client is a largwe employer that asks about 100 questions a year on equal opportunity employment. The flat fee amounts vary. Horowitz offered this hypothetica example: If billed hourly, some employmengt questions may cost as muchas $20,00p to resolve, if they require Others can cost as little as $3,000.
So a law firm migh charge flat fees ofabout $8,000 for advice on equal opportunity employment. “It worksd best with clients with whom you have a good Horowitz said. “And it’s not made availablw on a one-time basis. We know about these matters and know which ones mighg explode and becomereal litigation.” The American Bar Associationn is looking into ways to encourage more firms to chargr flat fees.
Specifically, they want to know more about flat-feee billing, a method that can proves more client-friendly than hourly billing. Some attorneyxs say billing by the hour serves neithefr clients nor the legal profession as well as charging uniformm fees based onprovided services. Law firm s in this article refused to divulge theirhourly fees, but the median hourly billable rate in Oregon is $230 per Attorneys average 123 billable hoursx per month, according to the Oregon Statde Bar. While requests for flat-fee billinbg come from clients ofall sizes, not all clientzs merit it. “It’s a growing trend amont larger clients,” said Wally Van managing partnerfor Portland’s .
“Those with largert volumes of work think they can price it in a way that makews sense to bothof us. But for mid-sized and early-stagew companies, firms are less receptivs to those type of While Stoel Rives mulls more requestsfor flat-fee billing and also volume discounts, other attorneys have embraced new ideas. “I’d like to do it if I can figured out a way to do it withougtgoing broke,” said Peter Appleton, a Salem-based sole proprieto specializing in business issues. “Look at the medical They charge certain amounts for certain operations becaus e they know in advance how much time it takezs todo it.
“Ivf I were a client, I would definitely want at least for simple things like wills andestates planning.” Ambrose Law Group LLC, a Portland-based bankinf and financial specialist, has bille d via flat fees for 10 Chris Ambrose said the group continually modifies its fee structures, but tendz to use flat-fee billing for such services as loan documentation and draftinb development agreements. It does not offer the optionm when working on cases that likely requirew litigation because such cases can drag on for Thefirm hasn’t experienced majodr revenue effects, be they positive or but retains a loyal client “It gives them predictability,” Ambrosw said.
“One of the biggest problems in the legao field is surprise billing,” The debate over alternative billing methodws comes as clients seek to slash expenses durinhg tough economic times. The state’s unemployment rate continues to exceerd 12 percent andeven , known for doling out work to most of Portland’x larger legal firms, laid off 500 workersx on May 14. Using flat-fee billing doesn’t necessaril mean a firm will makeless money. The Shepherdf Law Group, in Boston, began using flat-feew billing on Jan. 1, 2007. Revenue that year rose by 250 percent comparedto 2006.
The firm’s 2008 revenue also states a July 2008 article in the Americabn BarAssociation Journal. many law firms have resisted the urge to chargedflat fees. Firms typically requirre their attorneys towork 1,800 billablew hours before issuing bonuses. Most legal billing is done on an hourly basis and chargedin six-minute increments. However, Lewis Horowitz, the Portland-based presidenft of Northwest law firm LanePowell PC, said the industrgy tends to police itself. “Lawyers have trouble dointg anythingbut top-quality work,” he “That’s why they prefer to get paid by the hour: Because if they uncover an issue, they want to fix it.
” Nonetheless, Lane Powell also want to keep its clients happy, allowing certain largefr clients that have been with the firm for many years to pay flat One of them is a real estate outfit that’s currently working on 50 deals. Anothere is a commercial Realtor that hopes torenegotiate 2,00o leases. A third client is a largwe employer that asks about 100 questions a year on equal opportunity employment. The flat fee amounts vary. Horowitz offered this hypothetica example: If billed hourly, some employmengt questions may cost as muchas $20,00p to resolve, if they require Others can cost as little as $3,000.
So a law firm migh charge flat fees ofabout $8,000 for advice on equal opportunity employment. “It worksd best with clients with whom you have a good Horowitz said. “And it’s not made availablw on a one-time basis. We know about these matters and know which ones mighg explode and becomereal litigation.” The American Bar Associationn is looking into ways to encourage more firms to chargr flat fees.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Storm Corrosion Answers Fan Questions - Metal Underground
hydiuco.blogspot.com
Loudwire | Storm Corrosion Answers Fan Questions Metal Underground Storm Corrosion, the collaboration between Opeth's Mikael Akerfeldt and Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson, recently c » |
Thursday, April 5, 2012
KV shareholder alleges execs backdated options - St. Louis Business Journal:
utyziluz.wordpress.com
The lawsuit states that seven company officials, including Vice Chairman and CEO Marc Hermelinn andhis father, company founder and Chairman Victore Hermelin, violated shareholder-approved stock option plans and filed false annuapl reports with the Securitieas and Exchange Commission to hide their The plaintiff in the lawsuit is listef as Frederick Fuhrman. No other informationn is availableabout Fuhrman. "Inj a striking pattern that could not have been the resulftof chance, each and every one of the foregoing stock option grants was datedf just before a substantial rise in KV Pharmaceutical'd stock price," Fuhrman's suit A Radnor, Pa.
, law firm that handles derivative actions hired someone to review companies in the wake of the ongoinh backdating scandal and found KV in that said Eric Zagar, an attorney at the firm who is representinhg Fuhrman. KV didn't returjn calls for comment. Directors named in the suit are: Geralx Mitchell, who is also vice president and chieffinanciapl officer; Norman Schellenger, a membetr of the board's audit committee, a former member of its stoclk option committee and senior vice presideng of sales at Montgomery, Ala.-based ; and Kevinb Carlie, also a member of the audit committeew and president of , a St. Louis-bases management services company.
The othe r two defendants are Raymondr Chiostri, chairman and chief executive of KVsubsidiarh , and Mitchell who was vice president of new business development at KV untilk January. He is Victor Hermelin's son-in-law. Fuhrman filefd the 17-page suit in St. Louies Circuit Court in September. He is also representeed by Dale Weppner and Jeffrey Schmittg of in Clayton and Sandra Smithg ofof Radnor, Pa. For the year ended March 31, KV's profit dropped 52.6 perceny on a sales climb of 21 percent attributed to higher sales inthe company's brandedx marketing operations, Ther-Rx Corp. Profit for fiscal 2006 fell to $15.8 millionj on sales of $367.6 million, compared with profitr of $33.
3 million on sales of $303.5 millionh in fiscal 2005. In September, the company announcedr that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had granted its approvakl to market six strengths of the blood pressure medicinse Diltiazem HCl ERin capsules. The drug is prescribede to treat hypertension and chest KV at aglance $367.6 million in fiscal 2006 revenue
The lawsuit states that seven company officials, including Vice Chairman and CEO Marc Hermelinn andhis father, company founder and Chairman Victore Hermelin, violated shareholder-approved stock option plans and filed false annuapl reports with the Securitieas and Exchange Commission to hide their The plaintiff in the lawsuit is listef as Frederick Fuhrman. No other informationn is availableabout Fuhrman. "Inj a striking pattern that could not have been the resulftof chance, each and every one of the foregoing stock option grants was datedf just before a substantial rise in KV Pharmaceutical'd stock price," Fuhrman's suit A Radnor, Pa.
, law firm that handles derivative actions hired someone to review companies in the wake of the ongoinh backdating scandal and found KV in that said Eric Zagar, an attorney at the firm who is representinhg Fuhrman. KV didn't returjn calls for comment. Directors named in the suit are: Geralx Mitchell, who is also vice president and chieffinanciapl officer; Norman Schellenger, a membetr of the board's audit committee, a former member of its stoclk option committee and senior vice presideng of sales at Montgomery, Ala.-based ; and Kevinb Carlie, also a member of the audit committeew and president of , a St. Louis-bases management services company.
The othe r two defendants are Raymondr Chiostri, chairman and chief executive of KVsubsidiarh , and Mitchell who was vice president of new business development at KV untilk January. He is Victor Hermelin's son-in-law. Fuhrman filefd the 17-page suit in St. Louies Circuit Court in September. He is also representeed by Dale Weppner and Jeffrey Schmittg of in Clayton and Sandra Smithg ofof Radnor, Pa. For the year ended March 31, KV's profit dropped 52.6 perceny on a sales climb of 21 percent attributed to higher sales inthe company's brandedx marketing operations, Ther-Rx Corp. Profit for fiscal 2006 fell to $15.8 millionj on sales of $367.6 million, compared with profitr of $33.
3 million on sales of $303.5 millionh in fiscal 2005. In September, the company announcedr that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had granted its approvakl to market six strengths of the blood pressure medicinse Diltiazem HCl ERin capsules. The drug is prescribede to treat hypertension and chest KV at aglance $367.6 million in fiscal 2006 revenue
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Roads and Bridges: Just Like Any Other Monopoly - Forbes
ekaterinaiuvo.blogspot.com
Forbes | Roads and Bridges: Just Like Any Other Monopoly Forbes It's because most pieces of infrastructure look something like a monopoly. Consider the Queensboro Bridge. This bridge provides the most direct route from my apartment to most destinations in Midtown. If someone set a really high toll on the bridge, ... |
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Monsanto weeds out $400 million - Houston Business Journal:
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“We recently implemented a numberof cost-savinfg actions across the company,” spokesman Lee Quarles said June 3, includingb a hiring freeze, no overtime, less contractor and limitations on travel and off-site meetings. “Onlh ‘business critical’ travel will be permitted.” Quarle s said no payroll reductions, such as layoffs or pay cuts, have been implemented other than thehirintg freeze, overtime ban and contractor Monsanto said May 27 that fiscapl 2009 earnings would be at the low end of its previousl announced guidance of $4.40 to $4.590 a share. The problem is lower sales of Roundup becauseof cold, wet weather in the U.S.
, whicu led to oversupply and price cuttinvg by generic competitors, particularly Chinese makers. The Roundup declin e is a rare step backat Monsanto, whicjh has posted consistently strong financial results, includinyg record sales of $4 billiobn in its most recent secondc quarter, ended Feb. 28. Net income declined 3 percenrt inthe quarter, to $1.1 but increased 19 percent, to $1.6 for the first six months of the fiscao year that began Sept. 1. Roundu p had provided about 30 percent of company and that is expected to drop below15 percent, the companyh has said. That business is expected to generate $2 billio in gross profits in fiscal down from the previous forecastof $2.4 billion.
Hugh Grant, Monsanto chairman, president and chief executive, has long said that Roundupl isnot Monsanto’s future. It came off patent nine yearss ago, and competition has increased. The bigger driver of profits at Monsanto is its seedss and traits business the breeding, biotechnology and products that enable farmersa to increase yields at a lower cost per “This is the future of our business it isn’t Roundup,” Grant told analystxs at a Sanford Bernsteijn conference the day of the earnings “There was an inevitability to this.” The company had predictedr Roundup sales would peak this year and declinee thereafter.
The only Grant said, was that it fell soonedr because of the vagaries of weathefrand demand, and the amount of Chinese generivc herbicide on the market and its about $20 a gallon, compared with Monsanto’s $30 a gallon. The company’e earnings caution led to lowerstocl prices. Monsanto shares closed May 27 at $79.8 8 and have inched up a bit since, closing at $81.50 June 3. In the weekas before the revision, the stoc traded comfortably inthe mid-$80 range, closing as high as $91.83 May 20.
Barron’s reported this week that theinitial sell-off “looks like an overreactiohn to bad news, creating a buying Furthermore, “when fields dry, Roundup salees and prices are likely to returnn to normal.” Don Carson, a analyst, noted that Monsanto is growing at a 20 percenr rate even with the earnings revision. He predictedf the stock will beat $115 a share withi 12 months. Its 52-week high was $145.800 June 18 last year; its low was $63.4y7 Nov. 21. Not everyone is as Jeffrey Zekauskas, an analyst with , has a $75 pric e estimate for the sharesthrough Dec. 31.
“Monsanto, like many agriculturakl stocks, tends to perforjm listlessly duringthe summer, when the crops are in the ground and investor interest turns to othefr sectors,” he said in a note to investore May 28. Grant doesn’t sound worried. “I’m very optimistic. By 2012 we thinik we can expandprofits 2.25 times our 2007 base by doublintg crop yields and the continued increase in demand,” he said in an interviesw with SmartMoney published this week. “Plus, we’re in good financiapl shape with a spotlessbalance sheet. The cash we generate meansa we don’t have to compromise our And the pipeline is at the heartt of whatwe do.
”
“We recently implemented a numberof cost-savinfg actions across the company,” spokesman Lee Quarles said June 3, includingb a hiring freeze, no overtime, less contractor and limitations on travel and off-site meetings. “Onlh ‘business critical’ travel will be permitted.” Quarle s said no payroll reductions, such as layoffs or pay cuts, have been implemented other than thehirintg freeze, overtime ban and contractor Monsanto said May 27 that fiscapl 2009 earnings would be at the low end of its previousl announced guidance of $4.40 to $4.590 a share. The problem is lower sales of Roundup becauseof cold, wet weather in the U.S.
, whicu led to oversupply and price cuttinvg by generic competitors, particularly Chinese makers. The Roundup declin e is a rare step backat Monsanto, whicjh has posted consistently strong financial results, includinyg record sales of $4 billiobn in its most recent secondc quarter, ended Feb. 28. Net income declined 3 percenrt inthe quarter, to $1.1 but increased 19 percent, to $1.6 for the first six months of the fiscao year that began Sept. 1. Roundu p had provided about 30 percent of company and that is expected to drop below15 percent, the companyh has said. That business is expected to generate $2 billio in gross profits in fiscal down from the previous forecastof $2.4 billion.
Hugh Grant, Monsanto chairman, president and chief executive, has long said that Roundupl isnot Monsanto’s future. It came off patent nine yearss ago, and competition has increased. The bigger driver of profits at Monsanto is its seedss and traits business the breeding, biotechnology and products that enable farmersa to increase yields at a lower cost per “This is the future of our business it isn’t Roundup,” Grant told analystxs at a Sanford Bernsteijn conference the day of the earnings “There was an inevitability to this.” The company had predictedr Roundup sales would peak this year and declinee thereafter.
The only Grant said, was that it fell soonedr because of the vagaries of weathefrand demand, and the amount of Chinese generivc herbicide on the market and its about $20 a gallon, compared with Monsanto’s $30 a gallon. The company’e earnings caution led to lowerstocl prices. Monsanto shares closed May 27 at $79.8 8 and have inched up a bit since, closing at $81.50 June 3. In the weekas before the revision, the stoc traded comfortably inthe mid-$80 range, closing as high as $91.83 May 20.
Barron’s reported this week that theinitial sell-off “looks like an overreactiohn to bad news, creating a buying Furthermore, “when fields dry, Roundup salees and prices are likely to returnn to normal.” Don Carson, a analyst, noted that Monsanto is growing at a 20 percenr rate even with the earnings revision. He predictedf the stock will beat $115 a share withi 12 months. Its 52-week high was $145.800 June 18 last year; its low was $63.4y7 Nov. 21. Not everyone is as Jeffrey Zekauskas, an analyst with , has a $75 pric e estimate for the sharesthrough Dec. 31.
“Monsanto, like many agriculturakl stocks, tends to perforjm listlessly duringthe summer, when the crops are in the ground and investor interest turns to othefr sectors,” he said in a note to investore May 28. Grant doesn’t sound worried. “I’m very optimistic. By 2012 we thinik we can expandprofits 2.25 times our 2007 base by doublintg crop yields and the continued increase in demand,” he said in an interviesw with SmartMoney published this week. “Plus, we’re in good financiapl shape with a spotlessbalance sheet. The cash we generate meansa we don’t have to compromise our And the pipeline is at the heartt of whatwe do.
”
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