среда, 29 февраля 2012 г.
VIC:Tiger win third court adjournment
AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2011
VIC:Tiger win third court adjournment
Federal court proceedings involving grounded airline Tiger Airways have been adjourned
for a third time.
Tiger says the case has been moved from today to Friday, after a joint application
from the airline and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
However CASA could clear Tiger to fly again before then, and if that happens, the troubled
airline might not have to front the Federal Court.
The aviation regulator grounded all of Tiger's domestic flights on July 1, then extended
the initial week-long suspension until August 1 while it investigated safety concerns.
AAP RTV jcr/gfr/jmt
KEYWORD: TIGER (MELBOURNE)
� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
WA:WA introduces crossbow ban
AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2011
WA:WA introduces crossbow ban
PERTH, April 7 AAP - Laws to tightly restrict the sale of crossbows come into effect
in Western Australia this weekend in an attempt to stop the weapons falling into the wrong
hands.
Amendments to the Weapons Act 1999 to reclassify crossbows from a controlled weapon
to a prohibited weapon are in force from Saturday across the state.
WA Police Minister Rob Johnson said the decision followed an agreement by the Australasian
Police Ministers' Council that crossbows should be banned across Australia.
"The changes will limit the circumstances under which crossbows can be lawfully purchased,"
he said.
"We want to reduce the likelihood that a crossbow falls into the wrong hands and is
used to injure or kill a person or animal."
People have been able to legally buy crossbows, as controlled weapons, through specialised
outlets.
Mr Johnson said he had been in regular contact with the family of Christopher Halstead,
who was killed with a crossbow in WA in 2009.
He said the family strongly supported changes to the law.
Limited exceptions will apply for genuine crossbow collectors and people engaged in
crossbow events who belong to an Archery Australia club.
Producers of films and other dramatic productions can apply to WA's police commissioner
for an exemption notice in respect to prohibited weapons, including crossbows, under the
Weapons Regulations Act 1999.
Anyone with a crossbow who does not qualify for one of the three exceptions must destroy
or lawfully dispose of their crossbows or surrender it to a police station.
Under the new law, retailers will still be able to sell and supply crossbows but only
to customers in the exempt category.
The penalty for buying, possessing, selling, supplying or manufacturing crossbows outside
the exemptions is a $36,000 fine and three years' jail.
AAP ldj/jhp/nb
KEYWORD: CROSSBOW
� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
VIC:New technology targets unlicensed drivers
AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2010
VIC:New technology targets unlicensed drivers
MELBOURNE, Dec 17 AAP - Unlicensed and unauthorised drivers will be targeted by a new
hi-tech weapon on Victorian roads this Christmas.
The new Automatic Number Plate Recognition Technology (ANPRT) will be fully rolled
out as part of its major statewide Christmas road blitz, Operation AEGIS.
Ten will be deployed across the state, scanning number plates at a rapid rate and identifying
unauthorised drivers.
Since Victoria Police began trialling ANPRT in December 2007, more than one million
number plates have been read, detecting more than 13,000 unauthorised drivers.
The ANPRT systems will be placed in strategic areas identified through road trauma data.
Deputy Commissioner (Road Policing) Ken Lay said while the rest of the state was winding
down over Christmas, police were gearing up for one of their busiest periods.
"Over the next 24 days, police will be across roads in every corner of the state. We
will be breath-testing one million drivers for the Christmas period," he said.
"Twenty four hours a day, every single day for the next 24 days, police will be working."
AAP mok/mn/psm/
KEYWORD: AEGIS
� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
Fed:Abbott to start Tuesday in Sydney's CBD
08-10-2010
Fed:Abbott to start Tuesday in Sydney's CBD
Opposition Leader TONY ABBOTT will kick-off today's campaigning in his home state of
New South Wales .. with an event in Sydney's CBD.
Mr ABBOTT will likely face further questioning on the coalition's spending during the
campaign .. having been seemingly at odds with his treasury spokesman JOE HOCKEY on the
amount.
Mr HOCKEY told the National Press Club yesterday .. during his debate with Treasurer
WAYNE SWAN .. that the figure was 25.7 billion dollars .. when only hours earlier Mr ABBOTT
said it would be under 18 billion.
AAP RTV cb/gd/af/psm/
KEYWORD: POLL10 ABBOTT (SYDNEY)
� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
Vic: National holiday road toll rises to 59
AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2009
Vic: National holiday road toll rises to 59
The national holiday road toll has climbed to 59 with the death of a male motorcyclist
who hit a speed sign in Sydney's southwest last night.
New South Wales has recorded 19 deaths .. Victoria's had 16 fatalities and Queensland nine.
Eight people have died on Western Australian roads .. four in Tasmania .. two in South
Australia and one in the Northern Territory.
There have been no deaths in the ACT.
(EDS: National road toll figures are for the period 0001 December 18 to 2359 January
3. Some states and territories have different periods.)
AAP RTV rt
KEYWORD: TOLL NATIONAL (MELBOURNE)
2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
The main stories on today's 1900 ABC TV news
AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2009
The main stories on today's 1900 ABC TV news
The main stories on ABC television's 1900 news:
1. The next few months are set to test the nerves of the Reserve Bank and homeowners
.. with the RBA saying it's ready to pull the rates trigger again.
2. Victoria's beleaguered fire chief has promised to give his all this summer .. with
forecasts this fire season will be worse than ever .. and the government announcing 52
fire hotspots.
3. New South Wales will also reassess its bushfire policy in the wake of the report
into the Black Saturday fires in Victoria.
4. A Sydney woman has pleaded guilty to murdering her two year old son .. two years
after his body was found in a suitcase in a Sydney lake.
5. Railcorp is being accused of putting passenger safety at risk by slashing the number
of transit officers.
AAP RTV crh
KEYWORD: MONITOR 1900 ABC NEWS
2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
Fed: Aussie nature documentary wins international award
AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2009
Fed: Aussie nature documentary wins international award
An Australian documentary about Tasmania's feral fox invasion has picked up three awards
at an international film festival.
Screen Australia says Feral Peril scored the gongs at the International Wildlife Film
Festival in the US for best narration .. and two other awards for editing and script.
The one hour documentary .. due to screen on the ABC later this year .. looks at Tasmania's
struggling native species .. the threat from a feral fox invasion and examines the Tasmanian
government's fox eradication program.
AAP RTV kaf/yr/ka
KEYWORD: PERIL (SYDNEY)
2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
Main stories in today's 1200 ABC news
AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2008
Main stories in today's 1200 ABC news
SYDNEY, Dec 4 AAP - Main stories in today's 1200 ABC news:
- Supporters of convicted murderer Gordon Wood have packed a Sydney court, where he
was sentenced to a maximum 17 years in jail.
- Gordon Wood's sister says the family is outraged by the sentence.
- Police say they have smashed a drug trafficking ring.
- New car sales have had their biggest decline in 20 years.
- Billions of dollars will flow through to non-government schools after the opposition
dropped its complaints against the bills.
- Australia has finished its tour of Europe with an 18-11 win over the Barbarians.
AAP pbc/hn/
KEYWORD: MONITOR 1200 ABC
2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
GETTING AHEAD
The Record (Bergen County, NJ)
06-04-2008
GETTING AHEAD
Date: 06-04-2008, Wednesday
Section: BUSINESS
Edtion: All Editions
Column: GETTING AHEAD
WHAT'S NEW
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has introduced an online classified advertising site, a move that opens a broader range of shopping to Wal-Mart's Internet customers.
The site is run through Oodle.com, a three-year-old San Mateo, Calif., firm, and through links to Oodle's online offerings.
Craigslist has long been considered the leader in the sector, which has seen business improve in the down economy as more people are looking to sell items to help them make ends meet.
Consumers have less cash because of higher fuel prices, a troubled real estate market and tighter credit, Oodle said. Selling items via the online classifieds has given people an easier option for raising cash.
Oodle said it makes money through advertisers who pay for prominent placement on the company's network of classified ad sites, which include newspapers and TV stations.
Oodle, which was founded by a group of former executives from eBay and Excite, said it posts more than 500,000 new listings daily, generated through more than 80,000 sites.
MOVERS
Paramus-based NIA Group LLC has named Kevin Conboy as chief executive officer of the privately held insurance brokerage, the company said in a statement. Conboy is the former president and chief executive officer of Acordia (Wells Fargo Insurance Services). His appointment at NIA was effective as of Sunday.
In a statement, NIA Chairman Paul L. Gross said Conboy will "play a significant role in the execution of our business plan of expanding our footprint through acquisitions and the addition of new brokerage professionals."
During his 16-year career with Acordia, Conboy completed 54 acquisitions and led the successful integration of Acordia into Wells Fargo, NIA said.
STATS
Orders to U.S. manufacturers unexpectedly jumped in April, led by demand for petroleum and chemicals.
The 1.1 percent increase in demand followed a 1.5 percent gain in March that was higher than previously estimated, the Commerce Department said Tuesday in Washington. Bookings excluding cars and airplanes climbed 2.6 percent for a second month.
Increases in orders for machinery and electrical equipment signal demand from overseas is helping to keep some factories running as a weaker dollar has made American-made goods more attractive. Still, soaring costs for raw materials and a cooling in consumer and business spending will prevent manufacturing from strengthening in coming months.
From news service reports
TODAY
Bergen County Volunteer Center, "Establishing a Web Presence," 1 to 4 p.m., 64 Passaic St., Hackensack. Cost: $35. Call Tess Tomasi, 201-489-9454, ext. 114; or e-mail training@bergenvolunteers.org.
*
NJ Creatives network, "The Pricing Game," 7:30 p.m., Museum of Art and Science at Bergen Town Center, Route 4, Paramus. Cost: $10 to $20 for non-members. Call 973-697-8262, or visit njcreatives.org.
***
Gas gauge
Bergen/Passaic average, regular gasoline:
Tuesday
$3.879
Monday Month ago Year ago
$3.871 $3.490 $2.977
Source: AAA Fuel Gauge
Illustrations/Photos: ***
Copyright 2008 Bergen Record Corp. All rights reserved.
NT: The Territory celebrates NYE
AAP General News (Australia)
12-28-2007
NT: The Territory celebrates NYE
Togas .. bikinis and masks will be donned while others claim a spot of sand or the
corner of an outback bar .. as Territorians toast the new year.
Thousands of people are expected to converge on Darwin's wharf precinct for live entertainment
and fireworks displays.
Other revellers will welcome in 2007 at one of many costume parties throughout the
Northern Territory.
The Cav will hold a masquerade ball in the inner city and nearby Monsoons is encouraging
partygoers to come dressed for A NIGHT AT THE COLOSSEUM.
The Tennant Creek Memorial Club is hosting a beach party while Alice Springs locals
can head to the Convention Centre for fireworks at 9pm and 12pm (CST).
The Thong Band will set the groove at Litchfield while The Three Little Pigs entertains
the crowds at The Arnhem Club at Gove.
AAP RTV tr/wz
KEYWORD: EVE NT (DARWIN)
2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
SA: Garrett says Rudd has handled strip club issue well
AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2007
SA: Garrett says Rudd has handled strip club issue well
ADELAIDE, Aug 20 AAP - Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd's visit to a New York strip club
is a "storm in a fractured teacup", Labor's environment spokesman Peter Garrett says.
Mr Garrett said Mr Rudd had handled the issue well after admitting to a drunken night
in a New York gentlemen's club four years ago.
"This is one of those things that happen every now and then," Mr Garrett told reporters
while visiting a sustainable housing project in Adelaide with local Labor MP Kate Ellis.
"It's a bit of a storm in a fractured teacup, frankly.
"I don't think it's any big deal."
Asked if either of them had ever visited a strip club, Ms Ellis said she did not have
time for such things, even though Adelaide's Hindley Street nightclub district was in
her electorate.
"I'm in much the same situation," Mr Garrett said.
AAP tjd/cp/de
KEYWORD: RUDD GARRETT
2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
Fed: Mathematicians call on Howard to address crisis
AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2007
Fed: Mathematicians call on Howard to address crisis
The world's leading mathematicians have written an open letter to JOHN HOWARD .. urging
him to act immediately to prevent Australia losing its mathematics capability.
Experts are concerned about a shortage of maths teachers .. a decline in the number
of high school students studying maths to senior .. and shrinking maths departments at
universities.
A recent national review of mathematical sciences found Australia's starting to lose
its edge in industries such as mining and biotechnology .. as the shortage of statisticians
and mathematicians becomes critical.
The letter .. signed by 110 of the world's leading mathematicians and almost 400 Australian
academics .. urges the government to act in response to the report.
AAP RTV dcr/imc/bart
KEYWORD: MATHS (CANBERRA)
2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
Fed: Rudd/Gillard team will benefit Victoria, Bracks
AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2006
Fed: Rudd/Gillard team will benefit Victoria, Bracks
Victorian Premier STEVE BRACKS says he believes the new federal Labor leadership team
of KEVIN RUDD and JULIA GILLARD will be good for Australia.
Mr BRACKS says Mr RUDD's the right person to take the ALP forward .. and JULIA GILLARD
will serve as a good deputy.
The premier's also wished outgoing leader KIM BEAZLEY well .. saying he's been a great
asset to the ALP.
Mr BRACKS says Mr RUDD and Ms GILLARD are a new team for a new period.
He says they'll take the fight up nationally .. and concentrate on important issues
like industrial relations .. climate change .. and nation-building programs.
AAP RTV sam/szp/gfr/tm/rt/jmt
KEYWORD: LABOR BRACKS (MELBOURNE)
2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
Fed:PM says shooting crimes reduced because of gun control laws
AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2006
Fed:PM says shooting crimes reduced because of gun control laws
The prime minister says shooting crimes have reduced because of tighter gun control
laws introduced after the Port Arthur massacre .. but more can be done to improve public
safety.
A memorial service will be held at Port Arthur in Tasmania today to commemorate the
10th anniversary of the massacre.
After the 1996 tragedy .. Mr HOWARD called on the states to tighten gun control laws
and he's today told the Nine Network those laws have helped reduce gun-related crime in
Australia.
But he says there are still problems and more could be done at a state level .. because
states control gun licences.
MARTIN BRYANT went on a shooting spree in the small community of Port Arthur on On
April 28 .. 1996 .. killing 35 people.
AAP RTV klw/jv/
KEYWORD: ARTHUR HOWARD (CANBERRA)
2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
понедельник, 27 февраля 2012 г.
NSW: $29 million public buy back of hospital service
AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2004
NSW: $29 million public buy back of hospital service
The New South Wales government will spend $29 million on taking control of public hospital
services at Port Macquarie on the state's mid-north coast.
In 1994, the former New South Wales coalition government entered into a $143 million,
20-year agreement with the private sector for a new private hospital at Port Macquarie.
New South Wales Health Minister MORRIS IEMMA says the government will buy back the
contract to run Port Macquarie Base Hospital from the Mayne Group for $29 million.
The government will also accept employee liabilities estimated at $6 million for superannuation
and long service leave.
Mr IEMMA says the deal will result in better services to patients through networking
with other public hospitals.
Meanwhile, Mr IEMMA has defended the closure over Christmas of maternity, surgical
and some intensive care services at Mona Vale Hospital on Sydney's northern beaches.
He says the shutdown is caused by the decision of an intensive care specialist at the
hospital to work at Blacktown Hospital over Christmas.
AAP RTV pj/jb/wz
KEYWORD: HOSPITALS (SYDNEY)
2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
dreams
LIPS. To dream of thick, unsightly lips, signifies disagreeable encounters, hasty decisions, and ill temper in the marriage relation. Full, sweet, cherry lips, indicates harmony and affluence. To a lover, it augurs reciprocation in love, and fidelity. ( Gustavus Hindman Miller , What's in a Dream? (1901), reprinted as The Dictionary of Dreams (1983), 357)
Some alternate between this method and the rule that ‘dreams go by contraries’:
GRENADIER. For a girl to dream of a grenadier denotes a civilian husband in the near future.
GREYHOUND. You will win more than a race despite keen rivalry.
GRIEF. This indicates joy and merry times. ( Anon , The Mystic Dream Book (Foulsham: n. d.), 86)
The older manuals are notable for their many gloomy interpretations, and if taken seriously could have caused considerable anxiety; the compilers also favoured moral admonition:
SEA FOAM. For a woman to dream of sea foam, foretells that indiscriminate and demoralizing pleasures will distract her from the paths of rectitude. If she wears a bridal veil of sea foam, she will engulf herself in material pleasures to the exclusion of true refinement and innate modesty. She will be likely to cause sorrow to some of those dear to her, through their inability to gratify her ambition. ( Miller , 1901/1983: 500)
At a far more serious level, many people recall that they themselves, or others known to them, have had warning dreams whose meaning only became clear later on, when death or misfortune struck. For some, it is a rare experience; others are thought to have a psychic ability, akin to second sight, which brings such dreams regularly. A Cheshire woman in 1981 said:
I've never experienced it myself, but I have a friend, a colleague, and she does, and I know she does! She has dreams, and she'll come in and say very vividly, and she knows what's happened and it does come to happen! It may not be soon. And it's happened a lot of times with her. I've known it happen with her. She might dream of, say a fire, or a national disaster—something like that—and it does come to happen. She comes in some mornings quite bothered when she's had one of those dreams very vividly …. ( Bennett , 1987: 134)
These personal accounts of ominous dreams are underpinned by strong beliefs and emotions; one reason they rarely appear in folklore collections may well be a concern for privacy in both informant and collector.
воскресенье, 26 февраля 2012 г.
Acme Packet delivers access and peering controls for B.net triple-play services.(NEW PRODUCTS)
Acme Packet, a provider of session delivery networks, announced that Croatia's B.net Hrvatska d.o.o. (B.net) has deployed Acme Packet's Net-Net 4500 Session Director (SD) session border controller (SBC) to deliver its B.net 2D and 3D services. The high-availability (HA) pair of Net-Net 4500s, which replace an existing standalone SBC, are being used by B.net for access, as well as peering scenarios, as they continue expanding their subscriber base and service footprint. The system was deployed by regional Acme Packet partner, Mrezne tehnologije VERSO d.o.o.
B.net is Croatia's largest national cable service provider, formed from the 2007 merger of two Croatian cable service providers. B.net's services, based on its own modern HFC (hybrid fiber coaxial) network, include its 2D (voice and Internet) and 3D (voice, Internet, and cable TV) services, as well as network and co-location services. B.net is also expanding its access services with a new business trunking service. The 2D and 3D services are offered to residential customers and business entities. Network and co-location services are offered through peering arrangements between B.net and its service provider partners.
"Acme Packet's proven reliability and flexible configuration provides a solid foundation for the expansion of our IP service portfolio," said zeljko Batistic, COO at B.net. "The Net-Net 4500 offers the blend of performance and capacity that will allow us to scale our services and compete effectively as more of our residential and business subscribers transition to IP communications."
B.net is taking advantage of the high capacity and performance of the Net-Net 4500 SBCs to expand into business trunking services. The Net-Net SD configuration provides B.net with the ability to establish secure service and network demarcation points based on localized policies. This capability allows B.net to use the SBC for its residential and business access services, as well as peering services, which require controls applied at interconnect borders. To assure high service reliability, the Net-Net 4500 HA configuration deployed by B.net performs signaling, and media and configuration state checkpointing to prevent session loss during a primary system outage.
"B.net's decision to deploy the Net-Net 4500 SBCs was a logical next step as they continue to grow and expand their services," stated Dino Di Palma, Acme Packet's senior vice president of worldwide sales and business development. "Because they are leveraging Acme Packet for access side and peering services, B.net is also making efficient use of their SBC deployment, which will help them to manage through this period of expansion more effectively."
Preventing 'Arousal Frenzy' - High-Profile Indiscretion Case Prompts New Naked Therapy Approach from Sarah White.
NEW YORK, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the Anthony Weiner case, Sarah White, the Naked Therapist, has announced a new Naked Therapy approach that recognizes the "arousal brain" and is designed to help men avoid what she calls "uncontrollable acts of arousal frenzy." As Ms. White says, "The methods of Naked Therapy are particularly suited to help men overcome such acts by practicing thinking rationally while aroused."
According to Ms. White, who practices at http://sarahwhitetherapy.com, "Once such acts are committed, everyone wonders how so many men could make such bad choices. But we need to stop saying 'men need to accept therapy' and start saying 'therapy needs to accept men.' That means we need to employ methods that are relevant to the challenges they're facing."
What will help men in these cases, says Ms. White, is to enter Naked Therapy and begin exploring their arousal brain in a safe, experiential context so they can gain control over it. By engaging their minds "in a state of arousal" in the non-judgmental context of Naked Therapy, "they become far less likely to let it lead them down the road of self-destruction."
While some frown on her techniques, Ms. White claims, "Naked Therapy is therapy. It helps men navigate, not just discuss, this new world of overwhelming arousal so they can lead wiser lives." Unfortunately, as Ms. White points out, men like Mr. Weiner typically enter traditional therapy whose methods often prove irrelevant: "Thanks to the Internet, men have gained access to unforeseen amounts and types of arousing experiences. And like it or not, they are going to engage in them. Therefore, they need to learn to handle themselves in this new world, but having them sit in a therapy room talking about it is like teaching someone to swim by drawing a diagram. He needs to be thrown in the water, and that's what Naked Therapy does."
When a man enters Naked Therapy with Ms. White, the two share in many of the same techniques as traditional therapy, but the sessions also involve Ms. White helping her client discuss his thoughts and feelings while engaging his arousal brain. How does she do that? "For some clients it's removing my clothes, for others it's talking sexually or about sexual issues, and for others it's simply listening to and being supportive of their desires and concerns."
As Ms. White says, "With the pseudo-anonymity that the Internet allows, many men with beautiful families and promising careers are committing self-destructive acts of arousal frenzy. Why are they doing it? Simple: they are acting under the uncontrollable influences of the arousal brain, which, because they have never engaged or discussed it in a safe setting, overtake them and ruin their lives. Naked Therapy and its unique approach can help men learn to act responsibly when aroused."
Naked Therapy and the Naked Therapist are Trademarks of Sarah White LLC.
Contact:
Sarah White 917-725-5223 sarah@sarahwhitetherapy.com http://sarahwhitetherapy.com/preventing-arousal-frenzy
This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.
SOURCE Sarah White LLC
Gladstone Investment Corporation Earnings Call & Webcast Information.
MCLEAN, Va., May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gladstone Investment Corporation (Nasdaq: GAIN) announces the following event:
| What: | Gladstone Investment Corporation's Fourth Quarter and Year End Earnings Call & Webcast |
| When: | Tuesday, May 24 @ 8:30am EDT |
| Where: | http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=77623 |
| How: | Live over the Internet -- Simply log on to the web at the address above |
| By phone -- Please call (800) 860-2442 | |
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101005/GLADSTONEINVESTMENT )
If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived on the Web site www.gladstoneinvestment.com.
Gladstone Investment Corporation is a publicly traded business development company that seeks to make debt and equity investments in small and mid-sized businesses in the United States in connection with acquisitions, changes in control and recapitalizations
SOURCE Gladstone Investment Corporation
PUB TA TALK THE ANCHOR, Digbeth.(Features)
WHERE IS IT? The Anchor, 308 Bradford Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6ET WHEN IS IT OPEN? 11am to 11pm (Monday to Satur-r day) and midday to 11pm (Sunday) WHAT IS IT? The Anchor is the current Bir-r mingham CAMRA pub of the year, and is a four-times of the title.
As such, it's a must-v for any ale enthusiast.
In the heart of Birmingham's Irish Quarter, it has been in the care of the Keane family for 37 years and brings a real local pub feel to a city centre location.
It's a Grade II listed inn built at the end of Queen Victoria's reign and has reputation for a convivia mosphere and the war welcome offered to all.
Live sporting events are shown on large screens, and regular themed beer festival weekends are held. There's even a treasure hunt map available on the pub website!
WHAT'S ON TAP? Hobsons Mild, Tetley Bitter and regularly changing guest beers, with house favourites from Nuneaton's Church End Brewery often available.
DOES IT DO FOOD? There are plenty of reasonably priced pun grub favourites, such as fish and chips, steak and kidney pie and Chicken Balti. Vegetarian dishes are also available.
DID YOU KNOW? The Anchor has a policy of seeking out new beers and brewer-r ies. Owners scour the internet for new brews and then contact the producers directly to order casks of ale.
Over the years many beers have been especially brewed for The Anchor, usually to celebrate some special event or milestone for the pub. They've even made their own ale! To celebrate 25 years of the Keane family at The Anchor, a special brew called Silver Anchor was commissioned and produced at the Shugborough Brewery.
GET IN TOUCH Call 0121 622 4516 or click www.anchorinndigbeth.co.uk ALENAMAMEESESSLEEPING POLICEMAN ? Not while I m on duty, sir!" How many times have you heard that in TV cop shows? Well, this copper has copped a pint of the traditional copper-coloured bitter produced by the Sandstone brewery in Wrexham. And that really is a fair cop, guv.
PUBNAMOLD FOURPENNY SHOP HIS was originally the Warwick Tavern in Warwick, but the name now reflects the days when nav-vies working on the local canal and rail-way cuttings could buy refreshing items on the site, all at the price of fourpence.
суббота, 25 февраля 2012 г.
Interwork Technologies Partners with Panda Security to Deliver Cloud-based Security Solutions.
Toronto, ON (PRWEB) April 15, 2011
Interwork Technologies, a premier Value Added Distributor for new and emerging Technologies, announced today its partnership with Panda Security, The Cloud Security Company, to distribute their world leading cloud-based security solutions.
Panda Security is a global leading provider of IT security solutions, with millions of clients in more than 200 countries and products available in 23 languages. Their mission is to develop and supply global security solutions to keep their clients' IT resources safe from the damage inflicted by viruses, intruders and other Internet threats at the lowest possible Total Cost of Ownership. Panda Security proposes a new security model, specially designed to firmly combat new types of cyber-crime. This results in technologies and products with much greater detection and efficiency rates than the market average, providing a higher level of security to their users.
"We are very excited about our relationship with Interwork, Interwork as a Value Added Distributor has a strong presence in the security space. The relationship between Panda Security Canada and Interwork provides an opportunity for growing our business," says Joao Xavier, CEO Panda Canada.
"Panda Security's Cloud Solutions is just the right product to complement Interworks' far -- reaching customer database. It helps resellers take advantage of the benefits of our newest security-as-a-service offering. Panda Cloud Office protection represents the ideal security solution for SMBs who can manage their endpoint protection from anywhere using just a web browser," says Patti Smith, National Channel Manager Panda Canada.
Panda Security has various product lines, for companies and home users: security software, security appliances and managed security services. All of their solutions are backed by tech support, made up of an expert team of professionals available at all times.
"Interwork will work closely with Panda to deliver the level of knowledgeable and responsive customer service that we are known for. Together, we anticipate continuing the growth momentum that Panda has achieved with their rapidly expanding reseller network," says Richard Earle, CEO Interwork Technologies.
About Panda Security
Founded in 1990, Panda Security is the world's leading provider of cloud-based security solutions, with products available in more than 23 languages and millions of users located in 195 countries around the World. Panda Security was the first IT security company to harness the power of cloud computing with its Collective Intelligence technology. This innovative security model can automatically analyze and classify thousands of new malware samples every day, guaranteeing corporate customers and home users the most effective protection against Internet threats with minimum impact on system performance. Panda Security has 61 offices throughout the globe with US headquarters in Florida and European headquarters in Spain. Panda Security collaborates with Special Olympics, WWF and Invest for Children as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility policy.
For more information, visit http://www.pandasecurity.com/.
About Interwork Technologies Inc.
Interwork Technologies Inc is a North American value-added distributor which specializes in data security, IP communications (VoIP) and storage solutions. Established in 1991, Interwork works closely with resellers to develop new business opportunities that will help them to grow into new markets. With offices in the USA and Canada, Interwork serves an extensive partner network of resellers and solution providers as an advisor in emerging technologies.
For more information, visit http://www.interwork.com.
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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/interwork-partners/panda-security-canada/prweb5249504.htm
World Renowned Rhinoplasty and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon in Tucson, Arizona Launches State-of-the-Art New Website.(Website overview)
One of the world's leading rhinoplasty and reconstructive surgeons is launching a comprehensive new website that provides visitors with state-of-the-art, educational tools to let them know of the many options available to help them restore and renew their appearance. Dr. Frederick J. Menick's Arizona plastic and reconstructive surgery practice is opening new virtual doors on the worldwide web.
(Vocus) June 30, 2009 -- Dr. Frederick J. Menick has achieved a global reputation for being one of the leading experts in facial reconstruction and nose reshaping surgery. Now, he is giving patients virtual access into his Tucson, Arizona rhinoplasty practice with a comprehensive new website designed to provide a wide range of information about his services and how he can help people renew their appearance or restore facial features that have been subject to injury or deformity.
The new site embraces the ever-evolving technology of the internet to give patients a tour of Dr. Menick's practice before even setting foot inside its doors. Using web video documentaries, on-line patient forms, before and after galleries, and detailed descriptions of procedures offered, Dr. Menick is able to provide a useful, interactive guide for patients to start making informed decisions on options that can meet their ultimate goals. Working in collaboration with Rosemont Media(R) a plastic surgery website design firm, Dr. Menick has crafted a new site that encompasses virtually all aspects of the surgical process, with pages devoted to what patients can expect pre- and post-operatively, as well as the details of the procedures themselves and the recovery process. He also provides patients with a meticulous biography and full listing of his credentials, and an updated blog with the latest news in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and testimonials from some of his patients.
In addition to maxillofacial and nasal reconstruction surgery, Dr. Menick's new website also details other procedures available, including facial cosmetic enhancement and breast augmentation for Tucson, Arizona patients and those visiting from around the world who are looking to improve body contours. Dr. Menick hopes that his new website gives patients a view into his overall philosophy and studied approach to plastic surgery, as well as his commitment to helping individuals who would simply like to enhance their appearance, or those who have had a mastectomy or suffered severe facial abnormalities and need to rebuild and restore what they have lost. "The goal is to restore things to normal, not just get them healed. Making it look normal and making it look good is my goal."
With the new website, Dr. Menick hopes to offer those in the Tucson, Arizona area and patients traveling from across the globe a comprehensive range of information that's conveyed in the most educational and user-friendly way possible, as well as giving them a window into numerous academic contributions and a 25-year history of practice in plastic surgery.
About Dr. Frederick J. Menick Dr. Frederick J. Menick is a reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgeon in Tucson, Arizona. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of many of the most prestigious medical organizations in the world, including American Association of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society Of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Menick is a graduate of Yale Medical School and received general surgical training at Stanford and the University of Arizona, followed by plastic surgery training at UC-Irvine and plastic surgery fellowships in England, California, and the University of Miami. He has served as the President of the Rhinoplasty Society, and is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Arizona. Dr. Menick has authored two textbooks on facial and nasal reconstruction, including the recent Nasal Reconstruction: Art and Practice, and has edited three books on facial reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. He performs charitable reconstructive surgery all over the world, including missions to Africa, Brazil, the Philippines, Korea, and Vietnam. Dr. Menick is regarded as one of the world's leading experts in rhinoplasty surgery.
For more information on Frederick J. Menick, MD, his practice can be reached at 1102 N El Dorado Place, Tucson, AZ 85715 - (520) 881-4525, or via his website at www.drmenick.com
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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/arizona/prweb2589154.htm.
Keep on top of the news. (Desktop News) (Company Business and Marketing)
Desktop News 1.0
Desktop News Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave., 77th Fl. New York, NY 10118 212-290-5000 Fax: 212-290-5081 www.desktopnews.com
Requires: 4MB hard drive space; Windows 3.x, Windows 95, or Windows NT
Price: Free
Desktop News scrolls headlines from personalized news "channels" across the top of your screen.
Push technology may be the darling of popular Web-based news services, but clogging your company's network bandwidth with late-breaking stories from the surface of Mars or the halls of Wall Street won't endear you to your network administrator. If Internet connection bandwidth and data storage are at a premium at your worksite, Desktop News affords you the opportunity to keep current without angering your workgroup.
To use Desktop News, you must download a 1MB install program. The installation wizard walks you quickly and easily through the install process. Installation and setup, including picking our desired news channels, took less than 10 minutes.
When activated, Desktop News commandeers the top tenth of your display with a scrolling marquee that serves up headlines from customized "channels" of information. When we took Desktop News for a test spin, the channel content providers included CNN, Fox News Network, C/Net, and MS/NBC. As more providers become available, they can be added to the client software's channel listings by clicking on an "add channel" button on the content provider's or Desktop News' site.
If you see an item of interest scrolling by, a quick click on the marquee invokes your favorite Web browser and sends you to the Web page that houses the story selected. Getting to the meat of the news items takes a bit more time than "push" news programs like PointCast, since nothing has been prefetched to your hard drive, but that is a small price to pay for minimizing unnecessary network traffic.
The Desktop News marquee can be modified slightly to suit individual tastes. Three display styles (Standard, Modern, and Stealth) offer minor changes to the marquee's appearance. You can control and vary both the scrolling speed of headlines and the amount of processor resources Desktop News is allowed to use when other applications are active. The AutoHide function slides the marquee up and out of sight until it is brought down. Unfortunately, unlike MyYahoo's NewsTicker (a similar onscreen news ticker), there is no support for custom fonts, and the marquee cannot be resized.
Desktop News, like other interactive news services, is funded by advertisers, whose presence is made known by small ads nestled between the headlines. There are also hot-button links to advertiser sites that are installed by default in the Desktop News display area. The latter can be removed from sight with a few mouse clicks.
The Desktop News Web site reports that future enhancements will include streaming audio, a news-driven screen saver, and support for extracting content from news providers that require logon IDs and passwords. As it is, Desktop News is a good way to keep tabs on what's happening in the world with a minimum investment of computer and network resources.
NETCOM REDUCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS; GARRISON ASSUMES CHAIRMAN POSITION
SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: NETC), a leading provider of full Internet services to individuals and businesses, today announced changes to its board of directors that have led to a reduction of the board from nine members to seven members. The reduction in size was accomplished by reducing the number of insiders on the board from three to one.
"The smaller number of board seats should allow us to be more responsive to the changing environment in the Internet marketplace, while increasing our focus on creating shareholder value," said David W. Garrison, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Garrison, 40, was elected Chairman of the Board, in addition to his duties as President and Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Robert J. Rieger who recently resigned his positions of Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, as previously announced.
Resigning from the board is Stephen J. Clearman, 45, a general partner of Geocapital Partners in Fort Lee, New Jersey, a venture capital firm and early investor in NETCOM two years ago. Lawrence W. Lepard, also from Geocapital Partners, remains on the board. The board is working to fill the vacant seat.
NETCOM
NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc. is a leading international Internet service provider. The Company's core business includes providing dial-up accounts at 28.8 kbps for individuals and high-speed dedicated connections up to T1 for businesses. A public company since December 1994, NETCOM has experienced substantial growth by aggressively building a nationwide network, providing an easy-to-use software platform with NetCruiser, and expanding its distribution channels. Since NETCOM operates its own network employing TCP/IP, the backbone technology of the Internet, subscribers benefit from a stable, reliable network at low prices. Internet users can learn more about the Company on-line at http://www.netcom.com/.
NOTE: NETCOM On-Line Communication Services is a registered trademark. NetCruiser is a trademark of NETCOM On-Line Communication Services.
-0- 2/28/96
/CONTACT: Jeannie Slone of NETCOM, 408-556-3211, or jslone@ix.netcom.com; or Betsy Truax, 415-986-1591, or btruax@ix.netcom.com, or Jill Braddock, 617-577-1030, both of Financial Relations Board, for NETCOM/
(NETC)
CO: NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc. ST: California IN: CPR SU: PER
LW -- SFW025 -- 8610 02/28/96 22:47 EST
пятница, 24 февраля 2012 г.
Wiley-VCH acquires Lipid Technology; Expanding the publisher's food and nutrition journal portfolio.
M2 PRESSWIRE-15 December 2006-JOHN WILEY AND SONS: Wiley-VCH acquires Lipid Technology; Expanding the publisher's food and nutrition journal portfolio(C)1994-2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
RDATE:15122006
Weinheim - Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA announced today that it has acquired publishing assets from PJ Barnes & Associates and will assume publishing for the international news and review journal Lipid Technology as of January 2007. The acquisition enhances Wiley-VCH's already impressive list of food and nutrition journals.
"We have had a very good relationship with PJ Barnes & Associates for many years and we are delighted to continue the publication of Lipid Technology and to further strengthen our food and nutrition journal portfolio", says Dr. Carol Bacchus, Editorial Director for Life and Medical Science Journals, Wiley-VCH GmbH & Co. KGaA. "This acquisition enables us to expand our presence in this dynamic subject area and provide practical, must-have information to managers, technologists, engineers and scientists in academia and the industry."
Lipid Technology offers the latest worldwide developments in the science, technology, markets and commerce of oilseeds, fats, oils, and other lipids. Lipid Technology also focuses on critical new technologies and products such as genetically-modified crops and foods, novel seed crops, functional foods, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, biotechnology, enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants, phytochemicals, bioactive lipids, medicine cosmeceuticals, renewable resources, biodiesel and many more topics. Lipid Technology also features news reviews presenting the latest news on lipids from around the world, as well as feature articles and research highlights.
Lipid Technology is published monthly and will be available in print and online via Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com), Wiley's online publishing platform. The Editor of Lipid Technology is Professor Frank D. Gunstone of the Scottish Crop Research Institute, Dundee, Scotland. Every issue features a Nutrition Review by Julie Miller Jones (College of St. Catherine, USA), and every second issue also features a Nutrition article by John C. Stanley (Oxford University and Lincoln Edge Nutrition, UK); both contributions addressing specific developments and assessments surrounding lipids and nutrition.
"As Lipid Technology moves from the print to the electronic age, the resources of a leading major publisher have become essential to the journal's continuing success", says Dr. Peter J. Barnes, Publisher and Partner at PJ Barnes & Associates. "I am delighted to know that the future of Lipid Technology is now secure in the capable hands of Wiley-VCH, publisher of European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology".
About PJ Barnes & Associates
PJ Barnes & Associates is a small, family-based, publishing company established in 1989 with the launch of Lipid Technology and specializing in fats & oils (lipids). PJ Barnes & Associates is located in Bridgwater, UK and is run by two partners: Dr Peter J. Barnes who worked previously in the food industry, and Janet C. Barnes who was previously a science teacher.
About Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA
Wiley-VCH, founded in 1921, is one of the leading technical publishers in Germany with an emphasis on science. For several years, technical and specialist information in print and electronic form, for professionals and experts, has been a major focus. Wiley-VCH is part of the international publishing house, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, USA. http://www.wiley-vch.deAbout John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., provides must- have content and services to customers worldwide. Our core businesses include scientific, technical, and medical journals, encyclopedias, books, and online products and services; professional and consumer books and subscription services; and educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Wiley has publishing, marketing, and distribution centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JWa and JWb. Wiley's Internet site can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com.
CONTACT: Dr. Ines Chyla, Editorial Office, Wiley-VCH GmbH & Co.e-mail: Ichyla@wiley-vch.de
((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data prepared by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).
Southwest Bancorp, Inc. Reports Earnings.
STILLWATER, Okla., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Bancorp, Inc. , ("Southwest"), today reported net income for the third quarter of 2005 of $5.8 million, a 20% increase from the $4.9 million reported for the third quarter of 2004. Diluted earnings per share were $0.41 compared to $0.38 per share for the 2004 period, an increase of 8%. Net Income for the first nine months of 2005 was $16.4 million, a 20% increase from the $13.7 million reported for the first nine months of 2004. Diluted earnings per share were $1.24 compared to $1.09 per share for the 2004 period, an increase of 14%. Earnings per share growth reflect the effects of the Company's second quarter 2005 public offering.
Southwest Bancorp is the financial holding company for Stillwater National Bank and Trust Company ("Stillwater National"), SNB Bank of Wichita ("SNB Wichita"), Healthcare Strategic Support, Inc., and Business Consulting Group, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, Southwest offers commercial and consumer lending, deposit, and investment services, and specialized cash management, consulting, and other financial services from offices in Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Tulsa, and Chickasha, Oklahoma; Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, Texas; and Kansas City and Wichita, Kansas and on the Internet, through SNB DirectBanker(R).
First Nine Months 2005 Earnings and Returns -- Net income, year-to-date $16.4 million; a 20% increase from the first nine months of 2004 -- Net income, for third quarter: $5.8 million; a 20% increase from third quarter 2004 -- Diluted earnings per share, year-to-date: $1.24; a 14% increase from the first nine months of 2004 -- Diluted earnings per share, for third quarter: $0.41; an 8% increase from third quarter 2004 -- Dividends per share, for third quarter: $0.075; a 7% increase from third quarter 2004 -- Return on average equity: 15.03% for the first nine months of 2005 13.81% for the third quarter 2005 -- Net interest margin*: 4.32% for the first nine months of 2005 4.25% for the third quarter 2005 -- GAAP-based efficiency ratio: 50.95% for the first nine months of 2005 48.97% for the third quarter 2005 * Tax equivalent basis. Please see accompanying table of average balances, rates, and yields.
Rick Green, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Southwest's earnings growth for the first nine months of 2005 is primarily the result of improved yields on portfolio loans, loan growth, our focus on careful management of interest margins and funding, and increased other noninterest income. Our revenue growth was more than sufficient to overcome increases in operating expenses, a softening in the rate of portfolio loan growth, and a significant increase in the provision for loan losses." (See the additional discussion of the provision for loan losses and problem assets below.)
Strategic Perspective
"At Southwest, we focus on converting our strategic vision into long-term shareholder value. This vision includes long term goals for increasing our earnings and banking assets from our operations in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas that specialize in serving medical, professional, business and commercial real estate customers and from our more traditional, banking operations, including community banking and student lending," Rick Green continued. Southwest now serves over 2,000 practicing physicians and dentists in seven states, with concentrations in the Southwest and Midwest.
"In the third quarter, Stillwater National rolled out its new website at http://www.banksnb.com/ . This site showcases our strategic focus through its home page, which opens with the choice of three portals: healthcare financial services, business financial services, and personal financial services. It also provides direct, easy and secure customer access to commercial and personal online banking, cash management and document imaging services.
"Our strategic growth goals include growth from existing and additional offices in carefully selected markets in Texas and other states with concentrations of healthcare and health professionals, businesses, and their managers and owners, and commercial and commercial real estate borrowers."
At September 30, 2005, Southwest's five Texas and two Kansas offices accounted for $463.8 million in loans, or 35% of our total portfolio loans. We plan to open two to four additional offices in Texas, including one or more in the greater Houston area, in the months ahead. The timing of new office openings in these targeted markets depends primarily on executive staffing, and to a lesser extent on premises selection.
During fiscal year 2004, Southwest was one of the top 40 student lenders in the nation by dollar volume. Although September 30, 2005 student lending volumes were up 8% from year-end 2004, they declined slightly from June 30, 2005 as a result of loan sales. As we previously reported, yields on private student loans have decreased during 2005. However, student lending remains an important and profitable part of our business. In the first nine months, Southwest originated $627.9 million in student loans for sale, an increase of $141.8 million over the same period in 2004, and received sales proceeds on student loans of $603.8 million, up $246.3 million.
Mr. Green stated, "We also are dedicated to our consumer banking operations, and may establish or acquire additional community banking offices in selected markets. We do not have any agreements to make any acquisitions of other banking offices at this time."
Additional Financial Information for the First Nine Months of 2005
Net income for the first nine months of 2005 was $16.4 million, up $2.8 million, or 20%, from the same period in 2004. Basic earnings per share for 2005 were $1.27, up 12% from $1.13 in 2004. Diluted earnings per share of $1.24 increased 14% over 2004.
Net interest income increased $11.7 million, or 23% from the first nine months of 2004, mainly as a result of increased portfolio loan yields and loan volume, offset in part by increased cost of funds on all categories of interest bearing liabilities other than interest bearing demand deposits, and increased levels of interest bearing deposits. Noninterest income for the first nine months of 2005 increased $2.2 million from the $10.3 million reported for the same period in 2004 due primarily to an $843,000 increase in service charges and fees on deposit accounts, a $716,000 increase in gain on sales of student loans and other loans held for sale and a $499,000 increase in other noninterest income.
The provision for loan losses of $11.4 million increased $3.3 million, or 41%, from 2004. Noninterest expense of $38.7 million increased $6.3 million, or 19%, from the $32.4 million reported for the first nine months of 2004, primarily as a result of a $2.8 million increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $2.4 million increase in general and administrative expense (which included the $970,000 write-off associated with the redemption of trust preferred securities and a $438,000 provision for unfunded loan commitments), a $663,000 increase in other real estate expense, and a $392,000 increase in occupancy expense. The increase in other real estate expense occurred due to efforts to continue operations of certain acquired properties until such time as they can be sold and to prepare other properties for sale.
Additional Financial Information for the Third Quarter of 2005
Net income for the third quarter of 2005 was $5.8 million, up $952,000, or 20%, from the same period in 2004. Basic earnings per share for 2005 were $0.41, up 3% from $0.40 in 2004. Diluted earnings per share of $0.41 increased 8% over 2004. Earnings per share calculations reflect the currently dilutive effect of additional shares issued in Southwest's second quarter 2005 offering, net of shares repurchased.
Net interest income increased $2.4 million, or 13% from the third quarter of 2004. Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2005 increased $671,000 from the $3.9 million reported for the same period in 2004 due primarily to a $265,000 increase in service charges and fees on deposit accounts. Noninterest income also benefited from a $260,000 increase in gain on sales of loans receivable.
The provision for loan losses of $4.1 million increased $242,000, or 6%, from 2004. Noninterest expense of $12.7 million increased $1.5 million, or 13%, from the $11.2 million reported for the third quarter of 2004, primarily as a result of a $610,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $496,000 increase in general and administrative expense (which included a $31,000 provision for unfunded loan commitments), a $204,000 increase in occupancy expense, and a $164,000 increase in other real estate expense.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments
At the beginning of 2005, Southwest established a reserve for unfunded loan commitments as a liability on Southwest's statement of financial condition. The reserve formerly was presented within the allowance for loan losses. At September 30, 2005, this reserve for unfunded loan commitments was $1.4 million, an increase of 46% from the amount previously included in the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2004. The amounts of the allowance for loan losses and other financial information for December 31, 2004 and September 30, 2004 presented in this release also reflect the reclassification of the reserve for unfunded loan commitments from the allowance for loan losses to a separate liability account and the provision for unfunded loan commitments from the provision for loan losses to general and administrative expense.
At September 30, 2005, the allowance for loan losses was $21.9 million, an increase of $2.9 million, or 15%, from the allowance for loan losses at year- end 2004. At September 30, 2005, the allowance for loan losses was 1.29% of total loans, compared to 1.17% at year-end 2004. Management believes the amount of the allowance is appropriate, given its systematic methodology for calculating the allowance. Changes in the allowance resulted from the application of that methodology, which is designed to estimate inherent losses on total loans in the portfolio, including those on nonperforming loans. During the third quarter of 2005, the allowance increased by $1.1 million, or 5%. The quarterly increase in the allowance was due mainly to an increase in the allowance on impaired loans, net of a decrease in the allowance applicable to other problem and potential problem loans, and allowances allocable to performing loans due to growth and changes in historical loss ratios. At September 30, 2005, the unallocated portion of the allowance was approximately $3.7 million.
Nonperforming Assets
Nonaccrual loans totaled $23.1 million at September 30, 2005 compared to $22.2 million at December 31, 2004 and $28.5 million at September 30, 2004. Total nonperforming loans of $28.0 million increased $4.8 million, or 21%, from year-end 2004, and represented 1.64% of total loans, compared to 1.43% of total loans at year-end 2004. At September 30, 2005, $1.6 million, or 6%, of loans classified as nonperforming were guaranteed by United States agencies or U.S. government sponsored entities.
Mr. Green said, "Much of our business is commercial lending. As a result, weakness in one or a few large credits can have a significant impact on our nonperforming loan totals. Through the years, however, we have demonstrated the ability to resolve problem commercial loans. Total nonperforming loans were $30.8 million at September 30, 2004. They were reduced to $23.2 million at December 31, 2004, $13.9 million at March 31, 2005, and $11.4 million at June 30, 2005."
Other real estate at September 30, 2005, was $9.6 million, an increase of $4.7 million from year-end 2004, but a reduction of $2.3 million from March 31, 2005, and a reduction of $151,000 from June 30, 2005. Total nonperforming assets at September 30, 2005, were $37.6 million, an increase of $9.5 million, or 34%, from year-end 2004, and an increase of $4.3 million, or 13%, from September 30, 2004.
Financial Condition
At September 30, 2005, total assets were $2.1 billion, a $193.5 million increase from the end of 2004. Cash and cash equivalents increased from $24.1 million at year-end 2004 to $87.4 million at the end of third quarter 2005, due primarily to proceeds of student loan sales received just prior to quarter-end, but also as a result of a softening in portfolio loan growth due in part to price competition and payoffs of several large loans. Total portfolio loans (loans other than those held for sale) at September 30, 2005 were $1.3 billion, up $49.9 million, or 4%, from year-end 2004. During the first nine months of 2004, total portfolio loans increased $167.8 million, or 15%. Loans held for sale, which are primarily guaranteed student loans, grew by $27.0 million during the first nine months of 2005 after increasing $130.5 million, or 60%, during the first nine months of 2004. Shareholders' equity at September 30, 2005 totaled $166.5 million, a $40.5 million, or 32%, increase from December 31, 2004. The increase was the result of net proceeds of the common stock offering and earnings offset in part by cash dividends and a $12.1 million purchase of shares of common stock from a former director, announced in May 2005.
Securities
Southwest's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol OKSB. In June, Southwest completed an offering of 2.4 million shares of common stock resulting in net proceeds after underwriting discounts and offering expenses of approximately $39.5 million. Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Edward Jones & Co., Friedman Billings Ramsey, Keefe Bruyette & Woods, Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey served as the underwriters in the offering. Market makers for Southwest's common stock include Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Goldman Sachs & Co., Keefe Bruyette & Woods Inc., RBC Capital Markets Corp., UBS Securities L.L.C., Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., FTN Midwest Securities Corp., Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Lehman Brothers, Inc., SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc., and Friedman Billings Ramsey & Co.
Southwest Bancorp and Subsidiaries
Through its subsidiaries, Southwest offers commercial and consumer lending, deposit, and investment services, and specialized cash management, consulting, and other financial services from twelve full-service offices in Stillwater, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Chickasha, Oklahoma; Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, Texas; and Wichita, Kansas; loan production offices in Kansas City, Kansas, and on the campuses of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and Oklahoma State University-Tulsa; and on the Internet, through SNB DirectBanker(R).
Southwest was organized in 1981 as the holding company for Stillwater National, which was chartered in 1894. At September 30, 2005, Southwest had total assets of $2.1 billion, deposits of $1.7 billion, and shareholders' equity of $166.5 million. Southwest became a public company in late 1993 with assets of approximately $434.0 million. Southwest's growth to date has been accomplished without banking acquisitions, however acquisitions of other financial institutions and other companies have been considered from time to time, and will be considered in the future, although there are no specific agreements or understandings for any such acquisitions at the present time.
Southwest's banking philosophy is to provide a high level of customer service, a wide range of financial services, and products responsive to customer needs with a focus on serving healthcare and health professionals, businesses and their managers and owners, and commercial and commercial real estate borrowers.
Southwest's banking philosophy has led to the development of a line of deposit, lending, and other financial products that respond to professional and commercial customer needs for speed, efficiency, and information, and complement more traditional banking products. Such specialized financial services include integrated document imaging and cash management services designed to help our customers in the healthcare industry and other record- intensive enterprises operate more efficiently.
Southwest seeks to build close relationships with businesses, professionals and their principals and to service their banking needs throughout their business development and professional lives.
Southwest's two management consulting subsidiaries complement its banking services and help differentiate Southwest from competitors. Healthcare Strategic Support, Inc. provides management consulting services for physicians, hospitals, and healthcare groups. Business Consulting Group, Inc. provides marketing, strategic, logistics, and operations consulting for both small and large commercial enterprises.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Press Release includes forward-looking statements, such as: statements of Southwest's goals, intentions, and expectations; estimates of risks and of future costs and benefits; assessments of the amount and timing of problem loan payoffs and loan losses; off-balance sheet risk and market risk; and statements of Southwest's ability to achieve financial and other goals. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant uncertainties because they are based upon: future interest rates, market behavior, and other economic conditions; future laws and regulations; and a variety of other matters. Because of these uncertainties, the actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, Southwest's past growth and performance do not necessarily indicate its future results.
SOUTHWEST BANCORP, INC. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2005 2004 Assets Cash and due from banks $38,881 $24,097 Federal funds sold 48,500 --- Cash and cash equivalents 87,381 24,097 Investment securities: Held to maturity, fair value $1,214 (2005) and $2,509 (2004) 1,223 2,495 Available for sale, amortized cost $257,646 (2005) and $205,393 (2004) 253,069 204,092 Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at cost 13,920 13,464 Loans held for sale 381,597 354,557 Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses of $21,920 (2005) and $18,991 (2004) 1,297,302 1,250,327 Accrued interest receivable 14,476 15,091 Premises and equipment, net 20,492 19,860 Other real estate 9,610 4,937 Other assets 28,184 24,867 Total assets $2,107,254 $1,913,787 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Deposits: Noninterest-bearing demand $229,462 $183,738 Interest-bearing demand 49,927 57,359 Money market accounts 410,789 379,818 Savings accounts 8,789 8,108 Time deposits of $100,000 or more 640,503 609,670 Other time deposits 345,435 261,365 Total deposits 1,684,905 1,500,058 Accrued interest payable 8,086 4,911 Income tax payable 1,595 2,266 Other borrowings 190,571 200,065 Other liabilities 7,846 7,370 Reserve for unfunded loan commitments 1,391 953 Subordinated debentures 46,393 72,180 Total liabilities 1,940,787 1,787,803 Shareholders' equity: Common stock - $1 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 14,658,042 (2005) and 12,243,042 (2004) shares issued and outstanding 14,658 12,243 Paid in capital 45,724 7,993 Retained earnings 121,342 107,905 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,803) (797) Treasury stock, at cost; 693,364 (2005) and 138,189 (2004) shares (12,454) (1,360) Total shareholders' equity 166,467 125,984 Total liabilities & shareholders' equity $2,107,254 $1,913,787 SOUTHWEST BANCORP, INC. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the three months For the nine months ended September 30, ended September 30, (Dollars in thousands) 2005 2004 2005 2004 Interest income: Interest and fees on loans $32,429 $25,245 $93,457 $68,468 Investment securities 2,488 1,960 6,613 5,915 Other interest-bearing assets 31 4 69 7 Total interest income 34,948 27,209 100,139 74,390 Interest expense: Interest-bearing deposits 10,850 5,460 28,455 15,258 Other borrowings 1,904 1,643 5,026 4,183 Subordinated debentures 801 1,136 3,281 3,296 Total interest expense 13,555 8,239 36,762 22,737 Net interest income 21,393 18,970 63,377 51,653 Provision for loan losses 4,142 3,900 11,437 8,100 Other income: Service charges and fees 2,894 2,629 8,157 7,314 Gain on sales of loans receivable 1,333 1,073 3,102 2,386 Gain (loss) on sales of investment securities --- (110) --- (109) Other noninterest income 364 328 1,230 731 Total other income 4,591 3,920 12,489 10,322 Other expense: Salaries and employee benefits 6,173 5,563 18,724 15,893 Occupancy 2,704 2,500 7,388 6,996 FDIC and other insurance 124 110 360 301 Other real estate 230 66 770 107 General and administrative 3,494 2,998 11,411 9,054 Total other expenses 12,725 11,237 38,653 32,351 Income before taxes 9,117 7,753 25,776 21,524 Taxes on income 3,310 2,898 9,354 7,863 Net income $5,807 $4,855 $16,422 $13,661 SOUTHWEST BANCORP, INC. UNAUDITED AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS AND RATES For the three months ended (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2005 Interest Average Income/ Average Balance Expense Yield/Rate Assets Total loans and leases $1,732,734 $32,429 7.43% Investment securities 263,868 2,488 3.74 Other interest-earning assets 3,535 31 3.48 Total interest-earning assets 2,000,137 34,948 6.93 Other assets 93,258 Total assets $2,093,395 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Interest-bearing demand deposits $53,187 $57 0.43% Money market accounts 395,668 2,914 2.92 Savings accounts 8,513 6 0.28 Time deposits 977,272 7,873 3.20 Total interest-bearing deposits 1,434,640 10,850 3.00 Other borrowings 209,475 1,904 3.61 Subordinated debentures 46,393 801 6.76 Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,690,508 13,555 3.18 Noninterest-bearing demand deposits 217,812 Other liabilities 18,239 Shareholders' equity 166,836 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $2,093,395 Net interest income $21,393 Interest rate spread 3.75% Net interest margin (A) 4.24% Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 118.32% Net interest income and margin (tax-equivalent basis) (B) $21,424 4.25% (A) Net interest margin = annualized net interest income / average interest-earning assets (B) In order to make pretax income and resultant yields on tax-exempt investments and loans comparable to those on taxable investments and loans, a tax equivalent adjustment is made equally to interest income and income tax expense with no effect on after tax income. The tax equivalent adjustment has been computed using a federal income tax rate of 35%. SOUTHWEST BANCORP, INC. UNAUDITED AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS AND RATES For the nine months ended (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2005 Interest Average Income/ Average Balance Expense Yield/Rate Assets Total loans and leases $1,724,208 $93,457 7.25% Investment securities 237,543 6,613 3.72 Other interest-earning assets 3,165 69 2.91 Total interest-earning assets 1,964,916 100,139 6.81 Other assets 90,535 Total assets $2,055,451 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Interest-bearing demand deposits $61,334 $222 0.48% Money market accounts 384,637 7,201 2.50 Savings accounts 8,525 16 0.25 Time deposits 973,103 21,016 2.89 Total interest-bearing deposits 1,427,599 28,455 2.66 Other borrowings 201,512 5,026 3.33 Subordinated debentures 62,828 3,281 6.89 Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,691,939 36,762 2.90 Noninterest-bearing demand deposits 200,875 Other liabilities 16,516 Shareholders' equity 146,121 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $2,055,451 Net interest income $63,377 Interest rate spread 3.91% Net interest margin (A) 4.31% Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 116.13% Net interest income and margin (tax-equivalent basis) (B) $63,497 4.32% (A) Net interest margin = annualized net interest income / average interest-earning assets (B) In order to make pretax income and resultant yields on tax-exempt investments and loans comparable to those on taxable investments and loans, a tax equivalent adjustment is made equally to interest income and income tax expense with no effect on after tax income. The tax equivalent adjustment has been computed using a federal income tax rate of 35%. SOUTHWEST BANCORP, INC. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For the three months For the nine months ended September 30, ended September 30, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2005 2004 2005 2004 PER COMMON SHARE DATA: Basic Earnings $0.41 $0.40 $1.27 $1.13 Diluted Earnings 0.41 0.38 1.24 1.09 Book value (at period end) 11.92 10.11 11.92 10.11 Dividends declared 0.075 0.07 0.225 0.21 WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Basic 13,944,877 12,081,379 12,884,058 12,050,485 Diluted 14,359,808 12,547,962 13,285,971 12,505,493 KEY RATIOS: Return on average assets 1.10% 1.04% 1.07% 1.04% Return on average total shareholders' equity 13.81% 16.19% 15.03% 15.73% Efficiency ratio 48.97% 49.09% 50.95% 52.20% LOAN COMPOSITION AT PERIOD END: Real estate mortgage: Commercial $543,937 $522,812 One-to-four family residential 93,860 87,296 Real estate construction 277,722 244,023 Commercial 381,584 386,325 Installment and consumer: Guaranteed student loans 375,178 341,335 Other 28,538 25,312 Total loans, including loans held for sale $1,700,819 $1,607,103 Less: Allowance for loan losses (21,920) (19,209) Total loans, net $1,678,899 $1,587,894 SOUTHWEST BANCORP, INC. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Dollars in thousands, except September 30, December 31, September 30, per share data) 2005 2004 2004 ASSET QUALITY AT PERIOD END: Nonaccrual loans (A) $23,141 $22,230 $28,476 Restructured loans --- --- --- 90 day past due and accruing (B) 4,812 929 2,276 Total nonperforming loans (C) $27,953 $23,159 $30,752 Other real estate owned $9,610 $4,937 $2,467 Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans 1.29% 1.17% 1.20% Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans 78.42% 82.00% 62.46% Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans 1.64% 1.43% 1.91% Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans and other real estate 2.20% 1.72% 2.06% Total charge-offs $9,355 $10,034 $4,441 Total recoveries 847 1,148 414 Net charge-offs $8,508 $8,886 $4,027 Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans 0.66% 0.58% 0.36% CAPITAL RATIOS AT PERIOD END: Leverage ratio 10.23% 8.61% 8.75% Tier I capital ratio 12.80% 10.88% 10.68% Total capital ratio 14.05% 13.92% 13.85% Tier I capital $214,089 $168,847 $163,041 Total capital 235,037 216,038 211,358 Total risk adjusted assets 1,672,180 1,552,326 1,526,214 OTHER MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION AT PERIOD END: Goodwill $194 $194 $194 Mortgage Servicing Rights 1,311 1,213 1,188 Non-mortgage Servicing Rights 63 76 83 Total Intangible Assets $1,568 $1,483 $1,465 1-4 family mortgage loans serviced for others $133,035 $125,353 $124,183 Intangible amortization expense 284 327 239 FTE employees 371 355 360 Number of ATMs 292 289 286 Number of branches (D) 13 11 9 Number of loan production offices 3 5 3 (A) The government-guaranteed portion of loans included in these totals were $1.5 million, $1.4 million, and $1.4 million, respectively. (B) The government-guaranteed portion of loans included in these totals were $89,000, $38,000, and zero, respectively. (C) The government-guaranteed portion of loans included in these totals were $1.6 million, $1.5 million, and $1.4 million, respectively. (D) Includes branches for which regulatory approval has been received, but which were not accepting deposits at September 30, 2005.
CONTACT: Rick Green, President & C.E.O., or Kerby E. Crowell, Executive Vice President & C.F.O., both of Southwest Bancorp, Inc., +1-405-372-2230
Web site: http://www.oksb.com/ http://www.banksnb.com/

























