Some more updates of the c63 widebody D2 wide version.
Sport Exhaust

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If recent history has taught us anything (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia etc.), it is that events like the recent technical default of Dubai World (owned by Nakheel) are not things that go away quickly and without widespread pain. Aside from the high-level macroeconomic effects involving the foreign exchange markets and capital outflows, there is a huge technical implication here (not to mention the damage this could do to other middle eastern and emerging markets economies and the associated moral hazard implications).

An extremely disproportionate amount of the market is short the dollar and an event like this could be exactly the kind of thing that would break down the trade and have huge implications on the equity markets, especially in the US. The S&P 500 has been extremely correlated to the movement of the US Dollar of late and a rise in the Dollar would very likely cause a drop in the market. There is also a possibility that the increased strain on budgets in the United Arab Emirates could put pressure on the price of oil as they consider increasing output for additional revenue.

A very big thing to watch will be the market’s reaction and perception to this news over the next couple of weeks as volume comes back in following the Thanksgiving holiday. It will also be very interesting to see how money managers will be reallocating to reposition themselves for 2010. Will the chase for performance continue or turn into a race for the exits?

- Michael J. Burns

Disclosure: Long EEM, ILF, IVV, GXC, COP, CVX, several foreign stocks and foreign oriented mutual funds

Senado aprova meta de redução na emissão de gases de efeito estufa

O Plenário do Senado aprovou nesta quarta-feira (25) o projeto de lei (PLC 283/09) que cria a Política Nacional sobre Mudança do Clima. O projeto fixa em lei o compromisso voluntário do Brasil de reduzir, até 2020, as emissões projetadas de gases de efeito estufa, dentro do limite que vai de 36,1% a 38,9%, com base nas taxas do relatório de emissão até 2005.

A maneira como essa meta será alcançada, será definida em decreto presidencial. Como o projeto sofreu mudanças no Senado, voltou à Câmara dos Deputados para novo exame.

A senadora Marina Silva (PV-AC), relatora da matéria na Comissão de Meio Ambiente, Defesa do Consumidor e Fiscalização e Controle (CMA), apresentou emendas com destaque. A principal alteração que proposta por ela estabelecia o ano 2005 como referência para a redução das emissões até 2020, que não poderia ser inferior a 20%. Segundo ela, não é possível fazer uma lei com base numa projeção, mas nas taxas conhecidas e reais de emissão de gases.

Mas o Plenário preferiu manter o texto do senador Renato Casagrande (PSB-ES), que era o relator da matéria na Comissão de Assuntos Econômicos (CAE), na qual o projeto foi aprovado pela manhã. O relatório de Casagrande teve apoio do líder do governo, senador Romero Jucá (PMDB-RR), e do líder do DEM, senador José Agripino (RN).

Também foi rejeitada a emenda que retira a palavra “voluntário” da proposta de Política Nacional sobre Mudança do Clima. Marina explicou que o Brasil é país voluntário no estatuto da Conferência Climática, mas a meta tem efeito vinculante e o país não poderia voltar atrás. Ela disse que aprovar a lei assim, seria uma imprecisão técnica.

Do mesmo modo foi rejeitada a emenda que determina a criação de um portal na internet para acompanhamento dos esforços brasileiros na redução da emissão de gases. Para Marina, essa é uma maneira de garantir transparência para os resultados da política nacional e fiscalização na aplicação dos recursos. Além disso, acrescentou a senadora, todos os países farão o mesmo. Outra emenda rejeitada é a que estabelece a proteção das áreas marinhas, que são sumidouros de carbono e estão sendo destruídas.

A única emenda de Marina Silva que foi aprovada é a que especifica que os planos de combate ao desmatamento se estendem a todos os biomas.

A senadora Ideli Salvatti (PT-SC) disse que os presidentes dos Estados Unidos e da China não têm o direito de se reunir e impor ao planeta o que desejam fazer em relação ao meio ambiente. Segundo ela, o esforço brasileiro para estabelecer metas levou o presidente americano, Barack Obama, a apresentar “tímidos 17%” como meta de redução na emissão de gases de efeito estufa. Ideli observou que chegar na Conferência de Copenhague com essas duas leis aprovadas, vai fazer toda diferença.

- O presidente Obama diz: ‘Sim, nós podemos’ e o Brasil pode dizer: ‘Sim, nós fazemos’ – afirmou.

O senador Renato Casagrande disse que foi uma decisão política do governo federal assumir o compromisso voluntário de anunciar como meta a redução de 36,1% a 31,9% até 2020. Ele informou que, em conversa com os demais senadores, chegou à conclusão que, se a decisão estava tomada, não havia motivo para que não fosse institucionalizada. Assim, o limite máximo foi alterado para 38,9% através de emenda. Ele disse ainda que Marina Silva estabeleceu como submeta o percentual mínimo de 20% até 2020 para a redução na emissão de gases.

Ricardo Icassatti / Agência Senado

Fonte: http://www.senado.gov.br/Agencia/verNoticia.aspx?codNoticia=97779&codAplicativo=2

AutoProject started working on their wide body kit for the AMG C63. Quite frankly I am liking the direction they are taking. Matter of fact I like the finished product in which I will post in a few days.

I had mentioned quite a few posts ago about working on the ASI INVADER Ferrari F430 for the 2009 SEMA YEAR. Well, unfortunately a plethora of things happened, schedulings and what not and was unable to complete it. BUT, not showing up to SEMA without the Ferrari was not an option. So To no avail the quality work and team that brought this together was GT Pro in conjunction with Mastermind (TR Trading). The Amazing thing is the whole project took about 2 weeks to build, and was actually put together in three days. Such quality work in a short amount of time is highly impressive and I am glad to see that the car was able to show up.

My obsession grows with every passing day for the the new entry level AMG Car. In which next year I will most likely pull the trigger on one if all the business plans go as planned then it will be a very feasible purchase. check out some pics and info below.

(from Mercedes-Benz Press Release) In the German Touring Car Championships (DTM) the new AMG C-Class ensures exciting motor racing at the highest level, and now its roadgoing sister model is celebrating its debut: the new C 63 AMG. Its AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine develops a peak output of 336 kW/457 hp and a maximum torque of 600 newton metres – unrivalled figures in this segment. Accordingly the C 63 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. In conjunction with an all-new front axle, speed-sensitive AMG sports steering and the new, 3-stage ESP Ò, the AMG sports suspension ensures both outstanding driving enjoyment and exemplary handling dynamics. A combination of expressive design, a decidedly sporty interior and a high level of everyday practicality makes the C 63 AMG a unique high-performance car. The market launch will commence in early 2008.

With the new C 63 AMG, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is making a confident statement to mark the 40th birthday of the company. The new V8 flagship model is now the fifth generation of the AMG C-Class, whose family tree goes back to the C 36 AMG of 1993 – the very first vehicle developed as a cooperative venture between Daimler-Benz and AMG.

Merely the appearance of the C 63 AMG is impressive enough, with its wide, road-hugging stance. The new bonnet with its prominent power domes conceals the independently developed AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which develops a fulminating 336 kW/457 hp at 6800 rpm from a displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres. In this respect the C 63 AMG comes very close to the 470 or so horsepower delivered by the AMG C-Class racing touring car in the DTM series. This high output also benefits the power-to-weight ratio, which is a very favourable 3.6 kg/hp.

The torque developed by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine need fear no comparison either. The maximum of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpm is unrivalled in this class, and the torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 500 newton metres on tap – ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.

V8 with thoroughbred racing technology and a designer exhaust note

Introduced in 2005, the V8 engine is installed in numerous AMG high-performance cars and excels with its thoroughbred motor sports technology.

Perfect cylinder charging is guaranteed by the vertical arrangement of the intake and exhaust ducts, as well as the magnesium variable intake manifold with two integral throttle flaps. Other high-tech features include variable camshaft adjustment, four-valve technology with bucket-type tappets, a particularly rigid aluminium crankcase of closed-deck design and the low-friction TWAS coating on the cylinder contact surfaces.
Among the particular strengths of the AMG V8 engine are outstanding responsiveness and enormous pulling power – by virtue of its large displacement, it develops over 30 percent more torque than comparable engines in this performance class. Electronically controlled fuel delivery is another reason for the outstanding agility and responsiveness to movements of the accelerator. With its sporty AMG sound, which was designed-in during a series of sophisticated trials, this eight-cylinder powerpack from Affalterbach offers the unique excitement of a fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine – an audible and immediate experience whether at low, medium or high engine speeds.

In the interests of optimal reliability, the C 63 AMG has a particularly efficient water cooling system and large engine and transmission oil coolers. Located behind the large apertures in the AMG front apron, these coolers ensure non-critical operating temperatures at all times – even under the extreme stress of the racetrack.

Like all AMG high-performance engines, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 is built in the AMG engine shop on the traditional “one man, one engine” principle. This means that one technician is responsible for hand-assembling a complete V8 engine to the highest quality standards – which is attested to by his signature on the AMG engine plate.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC with blipping function

This high-performance eight-cylinder engine has the perfect partner in the form of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. Equipped with AMG steering wheel shift paddles and three driving modes, the seven-speed automatic transmission allows a decidedly sporty or more comfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver’s preference. The different modes – “S” (Sport), ” C” (Comfort) and “M” (Manual) differ in their shift characteristics and speed: gearshifts in “S” mode are around 30 percent faster than in “C”, and no less than around 50 percent faster in “M” mode.

Pressing a button is sufficient to activate the desired driving programme.

The new C 63 AMG is the very first AMG car to feature an automatic throttle-blipping function during downshifts. This not only enhances the driver’s emotional experience – the almost completely jolt-free downshifting process also reduces the load-change responses and has a particularly positive effect when braking before bends on the racetrack.

Redesigned front axle with 35-millimetre wider track

The C 63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMG sports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. The stiff configuration of the springs and gas-pressure shock absorbers ensures optimal road contact and low body movements when negotiating serpentine bends at speed. The new front axle has a 35-millimetre wider track – visible by the more widely flared wheel arches – and therefore ensures lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering. A number of features make for substantially more stability and precision in all driving situations: the redesigned wheel location at the front axle is 100 percent more rigid, leading to a considerable improvement in steering precision. Another benefit makes itself felt when braking, as the new wheel location ensures an immediate response even under high dynamic stresses.

In combination with completely newly configured elasto-kinematics, the new wheel location provides greatly improved lateral dynamics and allows the driver of the C 63 AMG to benefit from significantly higher cornering speeds. A larger torsion bar stabiliser, new head bearings and dampers with rebound buffer springs further enhance this stability and precision. Steering feedback is also improved by the new kinematics. The speed-sensitive AMG sports steering has a ratio of 13.5:1, but feels more direct as a result of moving what is termed the instant centre of motion at the front axle. A more rigid Hardy disc in the steering column, as well as modified steering characteristics, make a further contribution to increased precision.

The multi-link independent rear suspension has also been thoroughly re-engineered, with a twelve-millimetre wider track and more camber leading to improved cornering performance. Reinforced drive shafts and drive joints increase fatigue strength and round off the improvements to the rear suspension of the C 63 AMG.

The completely newly developed AMG sports suspension combines outstanding handling dynamics with the long-distance comfort to be expected of a Mercedes – which also means that the C 63 AMG has the characteristic virtues of a genuine AMG.

18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, 19-inch wheel/tyre combination on request

The C 63 AMG is appropriately fitted with new, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. Painted in titanium grey, these high-sheen wheels in size 8.0 x 18 and 8.5 x 18 are shod with wide-base tyres in size 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear). Even more dynamic handling is made possible by the optionally available 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. The front wheels are in size 8.0 x 19 with 235/35 tyres, with 9.0 x 19 wheels and 255/30 R 19 tyres at the rear.
Generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system

Internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all-round reside behind the spokes of the AMG wheels. The front brakes have size 360 x 36-millimetre discs with six-piston fixed callipers, while deceleration at the rear is by 330 x 26-millimetre discs with four-piston fixed callipers. The AMG high-performance braking system is characterised by great sensitivity and high fade-resistance.

3-stage ESPÒ with Sport function as a new feature in the C 63 AMG

The Electronic Stability Program ESPÒ is specifically configured for the dynamic performance of the C 63 AMG, which is the first AMG model to feature the 3-stage ESPÒ with a Sport function. This system offers three different control settings, and is a logical further development of the AMG ESPÒ philosophy. The ESP key in the centre console enables the driver to choose between three modes – “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – the currently active mode is shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster.

In “ESP ON” mode, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque. Briefly pressing the ESP key activates “ESP SPORT”. In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold and, for instance, corresponding drift angles – which means that the driver of the C 63 AMG benefits from considerably more active driving pleasure. ESP Ò is restored to its normal function as soon as the brake pedal is operated.

Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates “ESP OFF”. There is no intervention to control the handling dynamics, and no reduction in engine torque – thus increasing driving enjoyment even further. “ESP OFF” should only be used by experienced drivers on dedicated racetracks. In this mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal functions of ESPÒ. The system’s traction logic is active in all three ESP Ò modes. If one of the drive wheels threatens to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to create the effect of a mechanical differential lock. This means that the engine power is optimally transferred to the road.

More distinctive exterior design than ever before

It is not only in technological but also in visual terms that the new C 63 AMG is more distinctively different from the standard C-Class than ever before. The front end is dominated by the new bonnet with its two pronounced power domes, as well as the trademark AMG radiator grille with a central star and two louvres with chrome inserts. The honeycomb pattern of the grille is also reflected in the large air dams of the new, athletically contoured front apron which forms part of the AMG-specific bodystyling. The fog lamps with chrome surrounds are spaced well apart, acting together with the flared front wheel arches to accentuate the width of the car – with the striking transition from the front apron to the wings leaving a particularly strong impression. The side air vents in the front apron serve to expel the hot air from the oil coolers. If the C 63 AMG is specified with the optional bi-xenon headlamps or the Intelligent Light System, the headlamps are also dark-tinted.

Eye-catching features when viewed from the side include the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, the harmoniously integrated “6.3 AMG” lettering on the front wing and the AMG side skirts. At the rear the standard LED rear lights, the AMG rear apron with its black diffuser insert and three pronounced diffuser fins, as well as the AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome twin tailpipes, provide further visual highlights that are hallmarks of the brand. The AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces lift and ensures greater handling stability at high speeds.

AMG interior with new sports seats and performance steering wheel

This decidedly sporty theme is continued in the interior of the C 63 AMG, which now has special AMG sports seats with integral head restraints for the first time. The seats not only feature a new design with cross-piping and AMG lettering, but also an adaptive backrest with adjustments for the side bolsters and lumbar support. The standard upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/AMG fabric is available in a choice of black or reef grey – or as an option the interior can be further enhanced with particularly high-grade leather in black, reef grey or black/sahara beige. Perfect handling control is assured with the new AMG performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design, which has a rim diameter of 365 millimetres and a flattened lower section. The upper section is covered in perforated leather, and two silver AMG shift paddles enable the gears to be shifted manually.

AMG main menu with a wide variety of displays

The trademark AMG instrument cluster in a tubular design features newly styled dials, AMG-specific lettering and a new night-time design. Eye-catching details include the 320 km/h speedometer scale, AMG lettering, red needles and the “6.3 V8″ logo in the rev counter. The AMG main menu in the central display allows numerous settings, with “Warm Up”, “Set Up” and “RACE” modes activated via buttons on the AMG performance steering wheel. “Warm Up” displays the engine oil and coolant temperature, “Set Up” the current ESP Ò mode and the transmission mode “S”, “C” or “M”. “RACE” mode makes the RACETIMER available, with which the driver is able to measure lap times on a racetrack.

Development and design of the C 63 AMG

Creating a new car is a complex undertaking, and this certainly applies to the new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG whose conceptual phase commenced in 2004. This began with the fundamental feasibility study known as packaging. The new C 63 AMG was first constructed as a digital model, the engine, cooling system, fuel system, drive train and axles being “married” with the bodyshell to examine buildability. In spring 2005 the first 1:4-scale design models were produced on the basis of drawings and computer images, and in addition the first testing & development vehicles were already built on the basis of the preceding C 55 AMG. This made it possible to test major assemblies such as the drive train, brakes and axles. The latest onboard measuring technology provided valuable data such as engine oil, coolant and brake disc temperatures – but other aspects of interest were lap times e.g. on the north loop of the Nürburgring, as well as measurable, precisely defined handling manoeuvres to provide comparisons between different axle configurations. These tests were accompanied by extensive aerodynamic tests on the bodyshell of the C 63 AMG, and it was only then that the final design was approved.

Following approval of the concept in the autumn of 2005, the first fully-fledged prototypes of the C 63 AMG were built. At the same time the high-performance saloon was also produced as a digital prototype. Computer simulations made it possible for the “real” development prototypes to exhibit a very high level of maturity during the first rollout. These simulations included the most important vehicle functions, such as handling dynamics, the engine and drive train, bodyshell durability, suspension performance, passive safety, the engine’s thermal characteristics and performance/fuel consumption.

From Affalterbach to every climatic zone on earth

The standardised and highly sophisticated AMG development and test programme for the C 63 AMG began in summer 2005. Over the next couple of years around 20 vehicles were dispatched all over the world from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach, to be subjected to strenuous tests in every climatic zone.

Test, analyse and optimise – that is the creed of the specialists at AMG to achieve the objectives laid down in the book of specifications. Another decisive aspect was an ongoing dialogue between Design and Development, so that any necessary technical modifications were also implemented in design terms.

lately I have obtained quite the obsession with the 3 pointed star, most notably the new C63. The New E-class and and Ecoupe is no exception and this time Lorinser has not disappointed and has taken a slightly different approach with their run of the mill styling. And, now the love is running deeper in my veins to obtain more than one benz of my own.

The W212 premium limousine: The new E-Class as a top-class Lorinser

The popular luxury car from Mercedes Benz already has six decades of model history behind it. It was only natural for Sportservice Lorinser, a company with long tradition, to take on the type W212 limousine with special devotion. The result is an optical and technical masterpiece, which is available from now.

The world-renowned four-eyed face of the completely re-designed classic is captivating in its tuned version thanks to the extremely bold expression. The strikingly angular front headlights are joined by a black coated grill, which is thrillingly pushed into centre of attention by the front spoiler that has been stretched further forwards.

Its new aura is not just mysterious, but also oozes power. The designers knew that by having a middle section in the bumper marked with a different colour, they would be able to skilfully emphasise the typical Lorinser gills in the fenders as well as the voluminous side sills. In addition they gave the clear-puritan design of the basic bodywork interesting new highlights: a pert rear, formed by the Lorinser rear apron with the diffuser set and a dynamic roof spoiler. Sports suspension with adequate lowering guarantees that the limousine takes the corners every time. Attractive light-alloy wheels suit them well, which Lorinser offers in timelessly classic and modern designs.

With regards to the sound, the Lorinser E-Class already showed its highly-addictive potential at its first public appearances. This is no wonder as four sonorous exhaust pipes set off acoustic fireworks as soon as you put your foot down. And last but not least this should ensure that the Lorinser E-Class limousine’s appearance is one to remember. www.lorinser.com

Da haben Schalker Ger und Ratte1977 Olaf ganz schön im Regen stehen lassen.
Wie in der Vergangenheit so auch in der Gegenwart , wenn man sich beim Verbund auf etwas verlassen kann dann auf ihre absolute Arroganz. In guter alter “Wir sind die größten” Manier stellte Olaf eine rund 200G Flotte direkt vor der Haustür der N-L ab.
Nach einigen kleinen Scharmützeln in denen Olaf erstmal mehrere Millionen Noulonpiloten in den Tot schickte standen sich dann N-L und Cop`s gegenüber um auf einen Fehler des anderen zu warten.
Nach mehreren stunden war klar das nichts weiter passieren würde und so wurde bei der N-L klar Schiff gemacht – Flotten gesavte und Ress weggepackt.
Erstaunt stellte man dann fest das die Flotte am nächsten Morgen unverändert auf der KK von Olaf stand. Während Ratte sofort Berechnungen um stärke einer Angriffsflotte anstellte begann Schalker Flotten zusammen zu ziehen. Bereits zu beginn der Berechnungen wurde klar das es eng werden würde.
Viele Flotten befanden sich noch im Saveflug oder waren für andere Aktionen weit verbreitet und somit zu weit weg um am Kampf teilnehmen zu können.
Knapp aber nicht unmöglich. Nach den Berechnungen von Ratte sollte genug Feuerkraft zur Verfügung stehen und so wurden die Vorbereitungen weiter vorangetrieben. Schalker belieferte nochmals seinen Planeten mit Rosstoffen und Sammelte die Flotten in der näheren Umgebung.
Dann geschahen zwei dinge die das Unternehmen beinahe zum scheitern verurteilten. Um ca 6:00 Uhr war der EL Server für ca 1 min nicht mehr erreichbar. Die Gefahr einer Angriffsperre lag also im bereich des möglichen. Zum glück erledigte sich das Problem aber nach einer Min. von selbst und es konnte alles wie geplant weiter gehen. Zwei Stunden später jedoch schien alles gelaufen zu sein. Scanns von Olaf machten deutlich das dieser Online ist und somit ein Angriff wenig Aussicht auf erfolg versprach. Da man aber alles schon vorbereitet hatte wurde der Angriff auch durchgezogen.
Schalker stationierte die Flotte auf seinen Planeten um und flog dann den erfolgreichen 7 min Angriff.
Warum Olaf geschlafen hat ist unklar, dachte er vielleicht nach den N-L Verlusten in der 14 sei die N-L nicht mehr in der Lage genug Flotte aufzubringen? Oder ist es einfach das überhebliche “wir sind der Verbund – Uns greift keiner an” Gefühl was bei Olaf zugeschlagen hat?
Wir wissen es nicht, klar ist auf alle Fälle : die N-L mag ein paar Verluste gemacht haben doch Kampf- oder gar Wehrlos sind wir noch lange nicht.

Quick update: Home Health Conditions of Participation (CoP) will not be published until late spring or early summer of 2010. We had originally been told that they would be published in December. Moving on…

The Minnesota Home Care Association recently hosted a consumer event, designed to educate consumers on the different options for long term care. The MHCA Private Duty team had this message to pass along:

The Minnesota HomeCare Association’s Private Duty Team is thrilled to report a very successful, first-time-ever conference geared towards educating consumers on Home Care services. The content was created to assist the consumer in learning about, planning for and accessing Private Duty Home Care, Medicare Home Care and a wide variety of adjunct services for their loved ones.

It is our hope that by offering educational opportunities such as this to families, they will consider accessing HomeCare and other support services which may enhance the quality of life for a loved one and prevent future crisis.

I am so excited that this event went so well, and am looking forward to more events like these in the future.

We recently discussed the changes that have taken place inside Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK-A) as Warren Buffett has gone higher up the food chain.  In his more focused and more opaque approach, it also seems that after a $44 billion deal including debt to buy Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. (NYSE: BNI) that Berkshire Hathaway needs to further make some changes.  Buffett has been talking on and off about a whale of a deal, and that is what we got with the BNSF buyout.  Berkshire Hathaway Inc. lists 51 different subsidiary links inside the Berkshire Hathaway umbrella that are wholly owned or dominantly owned subsidiaries.  There are also more than 40 public US-listed stock holdings in there, and that is before you get into his preferred shares, convertible debt instruments, and debt for deal financing in big public companies.

We have taken a review of the Full Buffett Holdings and come up with a geared down version of his holdings here.  Some of these ‘encouraged’ sales are because of fundamental changes, and some are merely because they are too small to be a benefit even if they tripled in price.  Some are also a follow-on for action he has already taken or already hinted at.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is an obvious exit in the oil patch.  Buffett wants continued exposure to oil, and there are better ways to get exposure for Mr. Buffett.  He has investigated the Canadian oil sands projects, and he eventually buckled to pressure to sell Chinese oil stocks.  But Buffett targeted ConocoPhillips already all on his own for sale and said he would selectively sell as a tax offset even if it rises. It was also lowered in scope over the last quarter and the recent addition of Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) was the right call he should have made in the first place.  Conoco is now at a $78 billion market cap, yet Buffett cam much more easily hide Exxon with almost an unlimited amount of funds as it has a market cap north of $359 billion and is the #1 position in the 24/7 Wall St. Real-Time 500.  Buffett could get his hands on almost $3 billion for the share sale at current levels.

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is one we cannot figure out why he still has in the portfolio other than being ‘long and wrong.’  He has panned newspapers, and the rest of media is challenged still.  At 3.447 million shares, this is also worth a whopping $35 million today.  The notion that this used to be worth 5-times and 8-times more is largely irrelevant now.  The Washington Post Co. (NYSE: WPO) might actually be hard for Buffett to exit because volume is so light.  He might just be stuck with it, and its education business may offset the newspaper business.  But his 1.72 million share stake could raise $700 million today if it could be unlocked.

Moody’s Corp. (NYSE: MCO) is one that was undergoing a game-changing trend for two years before Buffett decided to start lightening up.  The business is no longer in the same right nor with the same future as it once had.  Buffett wants companies with a “forever timeline” and that is just not in the cards any longer.  Ask this… How does the future of Moody’s compare now to how it was running 5 years ago?  No matter how you cut it, Moody’s has a much less dominant role and one under much more regulation and under more public scrutiny.  We interpreted his recent comments that he’s probably exiting this one anyway…. $900 million is here.

Then there is the train and rail competition.  Buffett has already indicated the sale of competing interests in the rail arena.  That takes the 1.933 million shares of Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE: NSC) and the 9.55 million shares of Union Pacific Corp. (NYSE: UNP) off the table.  That was roughly $640 million at the last look.  But there is an interesting take here that has not been discussed.  If Buffett really wants to communicate the value of the rail transportation business, he could also dump his 1.429 million shares of United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE: UPS).  That stake is only worth $80 million today, and he could kill two birds with one stone: clean up a small sub-$100 million position and make the effort to further show that rail is the best transport sector to own.

On the healthcare front, Buffett has already decided to lighten up on his health insurance operators. UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (NYSE: UNH) was listed as 3.4 million shares, down from 4.5 million in the prior quarter.  Wellpoint Inc. (NYSE: WLP) was listed as 3.394 million, down slightly from 3.5 million last quarter.  But that Wellpoint stake is also down from 4.7773 million shares in Q1.  Buffett might have been an Obama-backer, but he is lightening up in these health insurance stocks.  The only reason he might not be out entirely is either because of ‘hope’ or for goodwill in D.C.  He would raise about $280 million now by unloading these, and he’d surprisingly be able to do it at close to 52-week highs in these two.

GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE: GSK) and Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE: SNY) are technically not Buffett’s picks on his own.  It is unlikely that Buffett needs these as a source of funds.  And we do not anticipate a sale from Buffett here.  These could generate more than $200 million if they are exited.  Again, we do not expect these to be sold even though they do not fit in on the Buffett scale today.

Ingersoll-Rand Plc (NYSE: IR) is one that we think is one already on the way out and is probably already gone. He cut the stake way down, and this is worth about $23 million at today’s price.  This isn’t worth Buffett’s time, so we won’t make worth wasting our time nor your time with anything more.

SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) is just over 3 million shares, so almost $70 million today.  This may be sentimental or for posterity’s sake, and in all fairness is not one we are picking on.  But with a similarly small Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) stake, the stake size could be more easily grown in BofA if he chooses.  Buffett’s recently increased stake in Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC) being worth close to $8 billion and the other banks and lenders already held make this seem to be an easy stock to relinquish.

There are two positions in public insurance holdings that either need to be added to or need to be elminated.  Frankly, Buffett has more than enough insurance exposure all the way through the private portfolio.  The Torchmark Corp. (NYSE: TMK) is in individual life and supplemental health insurance products and the 2.8 million share stake is worth just under $120 million today.  The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) was such a small stake that Buffett may have changed his mind or just got caught having his broker start buying in the last 15 minutes of the last day of the quarter.  This is literally a $1.3 million stake.  But it is now a DJIA component and I think Warren wants to show he wants to hold the better quality public stocks.  Our guess is that this will be a larger stake ahead.  If not, he just needs to sell it so that people covering Buffett can ignore it.

Will Buffett sell all these positions? No, of course not. He holds on to positions in many cases until long after they have stayed their welcome in the Buffett house.  But some he has started selling and many seem unlikely compared to the rest of his portfolio.  Many of these either do no longer fit in size nor in practice for his ‘forever’ model.  After tallying all these stakes up mentioned here, Buffett could also use $6 billion to use for funding that BNSF buyout or that he could use to buy what he has always wanted…. A utility.

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JON C. OGG
NOVEMBER 24, 2009

By Cara Sulieman

THE CHIEF Constable of the British Transport Police said that public transport in Scotland should always be policed by his force – even if the debate on a single Scottish constabulary results in change.

He spoke of being able to “police across boundaries” when he met Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill in Edinburgh today (Tues) to talk about the ongoing partnership between the BTP and the Scottish Government.

Andy Trotter’s comments come just a week after Met Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson backed calls for radical reform of forces across the country.

And in Scotland there has been a long-running debate on the future of the country’s policing, with ex-Chief Inspector of Constabulary Paddy Tomkins calling for one massive force to be created.

“Strong partnership”

Mr Trotter took over as the Chief Constable in September this year after five years as Deputy of the organisation.

And he hopes to continue what he calls a “strong partnership” between the BTP and local forces in Scotland – saying a combination of local knowledge and sizable resources were needed to effectively tackle crime.

Mr Trotter emphasised the BTP’s ability to chase criminals around the country without having to go through reams of paperwork.

He said: “The work that we do knows no boundaries, we chase criminals across boundaries. As well as working with local police forces in the UK, we work with authorities in France and Belgium as part of policing Eurostar.

“Criminals don’t respect boundaries, and victims of crime don’t understand these boundaries either. You can get a lot of debate between police forces about whose ground a crime happened on.

“The victims don’t want to know about this debate, they don’t care. People do things at the start of their journey, they do them at the end, and they do things in between. It is important that we are able to get them wherever their crime took place and wherever they go.”

Local knowledge

He went on to say that it isn’t just this ability to “cross boundaries” that makes up effective policing, but local knowledge plays a large part as well.

And he thinks that Scotland has a good balance of local knowledge and co-operation between forces.

Mr. Trotter added: “I have found that in Scotland there is a much more corporate approach to policing. The very small forces get help when they need it from the big forces.

“What the community wants is a local force they can talk to, and they get that too.”

And that “local knowledge” is so important to Mr Trotter that he has given his area commander Chief Superintendent Martyn Ripley free reign to run the force in Scotland.

Anti-social behaviour

He said: “I give my area commander in Scotland a lot of freedom. He has targets to meet but apart from that he runs the force up here as he sees fit.

“These are local solutions to local problems. This is a very Scottish approach.”

The pair discussed the newly introduced fixed penalty notices to tackle anti-social behaviour on the rail network.

Since they were introduced in April, 162 fixed penalties have been handed out for offences such as breach of the peace and drinking in public.

And the justice secretary said that he had recently experienced how safe the railway was after dropping off a friend at Waverley train station on Saturday night.

“Good atmosphere”

He said: “I was down in this (Waverley) station on Saturday night where I was showing a friend back to a town along the road from here where we both come from and it was a remarkably good atmosphere.

“The rugby fans were going home and station was safe, secure and well policed.”

See more of our pictures at our Flickr site and videos at our dedicated channel,  Deadline TV.

Officer Slams Dude Through Window – Watch more Funny Videos

The news team for Telemundo 52 recently reported on Alma Minerva Chacon, a women who was terrorized by Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Unfortunately, she is just the latest in a long line of Latinos who have suffered at the hands of the ruthless Sheriff whose personal goal is to rid Arizona of all “illegals” and just maybe, all Latinos. Arpaio has repeatedly stated that he is breaking no laws and just enforcing the constitution by arresting more than 600 Latinos a year. But the problem with his tactics is that less than half of those arrested are even in this country illegally.

The most recent atrocity committed by the self-proclaimed “America’s Toughest Sheriff” involves a woman who was detained while 9-months pregnant. Alma Minerva Chacon’s case has been receiving media attention due to the brutality with which she was treated. The very same night of her arrest, Chacon went into labor and found herself afraid and alone, being rushed to a local hospital with her hands and legs chained in shackles.

Once she reached the hospital, nurses repeatedly begged the Sheriff’s staff to allow them to unchain the mother, but they refused and Chacon was forced to give birth while still shackled to the bed. At one point, the nurse asked for them to release her so that she could be escorted to the bathroom for a urinalysis, but even that request was denied. But the worst came once Chacon gave birth to her baby girl.

Still chained to the bed, Arpaio’s police staff refused to allow Chacon to hold her newborn baby and then warned her that if no one came to pick up the child within 72 hours, she would be turned over into state custody. Telemundo 52 sat down with Chacon and let her tell her side of the story. Check out the interview below and if you don’t support Sheriff Arpaio’s barbaric practices sign the petition at www.SheriffJoeMustGo.com:

Source

Aprovechando que Francesca ha pasado por aquí a preguntar por el Estudio, he devuelto la visita y me he encontrado con ésto: http://francescabcn.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/iii-jornada-de-endocrinologia-y-atencion-primaria/ . Es decir, con su última presentación de actividades (e indicadores de actividad) en una de las iniciativas actuales de Comunidades de Práctica más interesantes.

EndoBlocLleida actúa en el sector sanitario, uno de los más complejos por las restricciones de todo tipo que frenan el intercambio de información y opiniones. Y no sólo van creciendo, sino que las tasas de participación (el único indicador que nos muestra, para poner los dientes largos) es muy sano para el tamaño y edad de la comunidad. A esas alturas (150 personas) suele empezar a notarse la concentración de la conversación en unos pocos. Quizá sea su mix de herramientas, pero ellos parecen estar involucrando a más gente de lo habitual.

En cualquier caso, un buen ejemplo que no hay que perder de vista.

BEAT STAFF REPORT

A video posted onto YouTube Saturday night shows a BART Police Officer, attempting to arrest a drunken man, shoving the individual into a heavy duty glass window, shattering it, and bloodying both the officer and man at the West Oakland BART station Saturday evening.

Seen above, it’s already raising questions about whether the appropriate amount of force was used to arrest the man, identified by BART as a 37 year-old San Leandro resident, especially in light of the high-profile videotaped slaying of Oscar Grant by ex-BART Police Officer Johannes Mehserle.

BART held a hastily called news conference Sunday afternoon to discuss the incident and to ask the public not to come to any preliminary conclusions about whether the officer seen in the YouTube video acted inappropriately.

• SEE THE VIDEO: BART Police officer sends man crashing through glass (via cbs5.com)
• MORE: Oscar Grant BART Shooting Coverage

The drunk man was arrested and booked on several felony charges Saturday night. His family tells the San Francisco Chronicle that he suffers from a history of substance abuse and mental illness. He sustained injuries as a result of the shattering glass.

BART Police say that the officer suffered injuries as well, including a cut to the face and a concussion from the falling glass.

An investigation into the matter has begun, BART Police said.

This incident follows the videotaped slaying of Grant, which touched off massive rioting in Oakland and created a media frenzy over the multiple videos that surfaces showing Mehserle, the former BART policeman, standing over Grant and shooting the unarmed father to death on New Year’s Day at the Fruitvale BART station.

Mehserle is now charged with murder. Last week, an Alameda Co. judge decided to move the murder trial for Mehserle to Los Angeles County, where it is expected to start next year.

No word from BART as to whether this officer will return to his patrol duties soon. He was treated and released from a local hospital, and remains on “industrial leave” because of his injuries, according to BART.

What do you think about this new video? Post your comments below.

E-mail the Beat at californiabeat@gmail.com. Join the California Beat on Facebook, and get breaking news headlines, story alerts and previews when you follow us on Twitter.

This is a classic youtube video that you’ve all probably seen. I think it’s funny, but most of all –check out the knockers on this chick!

Here is something completely different, but a funny one too…

By Cara Sulieman

A MAN was left seriously injured after being attacked by a group of youths in the capital.

The group of four or five males pounced on the victim as he was walking onto London Road in the Abbeyhill area of Edinburgh.

The thugs – all aged between fifteen and sixteen years old – knocked him to the ground and injured his eye.

He later required surgery on the injury after the brutal assault.

Unprovoked

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident at around 7pm on Friday November 20 to come forward and help catch the attackers.

A police spokesman said: “This was a serious, unprovoked attack that caused a serious injury and we are appealing for anyone who saw what happened to contact the police if they have not already done so.

“We are also keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of London Road at Abbeyhill at around 7pm on Friday, who saw the group of youths either before or after the incident happened.

“Similarly, anyone who can assist in identifying the youths involved should also contact the police.”

Anyone who thinks they can help should call Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

See more of our pictures at our Flickr site and videos at our dedicated channel,  Deadline TV.

COP: to get or obtain. Use it in place of “get,” “obtain,” “grab,” “bring,” “buy,” or “take.”

Use it in a sentence:

• I’m going to go cop lunch. Be back in 15.
• I have to go to the store to cop some bread and milk. Do you need anything?
• I’m going to go cop a nap.
• Want to cop dinner with me Friday night? (If she’s a hip duchess, she’ll be flattered.)
• Cop me a snack while you’re out.

Your assignment: Use the word “cop” FIVE times today.

Comment with extra sentence ideas!

Πρόγραμμα κινητοποιήσεων:

Δημοσιεύτηκε από Αναρχικό Πυρήνα ΞΑΝΑ ΣΤΟΥΣ ΔΡΟΜΟΥΣ

You know that the end of Zilart and the end of CoP… Isnt really the end??? There is an end beyond that end aswell… Finished Zilart awhile ago, but after getting the last cs’s for CoP and getting my raja’s, I happened to fall into another cs starring Esha’ntarl at the Ducal Palace… Seems the world wasnt safe anyway… Oh dear…

Bahamut returned to the heavens following the defeat of the Keeper of the Apocalypse, but recently he was witnessed descending upon Cape Riverne with an army of wyrms… ok, that cant be good… and Im told to go to Bahamut and find out his intentions… okidoki…

Now I just had to dig up 17 ppl to help me out…

Ok so umm… Got this cs like 3 months ago… Then Taube in my Sky shell wondered if anyone… anyooooone at all needed this quest done… once again my luck smiles at me… I even left Dyna early Saturday to join this… thats pretty extreme to be me… mhmm…

So we ganged up in Tavnazia and left in one singel line towards Riverne Site B…

I wanted to punch this thing, but I ended up as RDM, and was now doomed to watch from sideline… ah well, least ill get it done… Most of the ppl with us had already done this fight, so they knew what to do… We got to our destination without much trouble, and went inside…

Then we had about 5+ min buffing like nutters for this fight, and Evelon got to be the first man in on the scene pissing Bahamut off…

I stayed waay back… too far back actually… when my pty got hit by some AoE thingy, I was too far away to heal them, that sucked… and get this, by the time I got to them… fight was over… I couldnt believe how fast it went… couldn’t have been more then a minute… we broke cleartime too… Great stuff, big fat ty to Evelon and Taube and the rest that helped with the slashing… Im one step closer to Apocalypse night now !!!