Category: News

  • Spankin’ new shot of the Motorola Shadow emerges, along with contradictory specs

    Motorola Shadow sideview
    It seems like only hours ago that a leaked shot of the yet-to-be-announced Motorola Shadow emerged, yet here we are with another shot of the possible successor to the Droid.

    This time around there is no wacky story accompanying the leak, but this is the first shot of the device that hasn’t been directly front-facing (you can clearly see the HDMI connector on the side there), so at least that’s interesting.

    Sadly, this Shadow looks nothing like the totally rad render that appeared back in April (I can’t see any slide out keyboard, let alone a sweet-lookin’ grey/white one), so that’s a bit disappointing. Maybe April’s render will appear as something other than the Shadow, but for now: sad face.

    Here’s something a little fishy, though: the leak yesterday claimed that the device had a 4.3″ screen, 16 gigs of internal storage, Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and an 8MP camera.

    Today’s leak, however, claims a 4.1″ screen, 8 gigs internal storage, a Texas Instruments OMAP 3630 (720MHz ARM Cortex A8) processor, along with the same 8MP camera.

    So… pick which leak best suits you, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, even combine the two leaks to create some kind of wünderphone. The choice is yours.

    [via Unwired View]


  • Ryca Motors reimagines Suzuki S40 with a sportier flair

    Filed under: ,

    Ryca Motors CS-1 – Click above for high-res image gallery

    In case you hadn’t noticed, cafe racers are in. In fact, retro in general has been seeing a resurgence of sorts for the last decade or so, and there’s a certain intrinsic charm to motorcycles designed to be sportbikes before the term sportbike actually existed. Established motorcycle brands, such as Ducati with its Sport Classic series and Triumph with its Thruxton, have taken note with production models that ape the design of low-slung classics with dropped handlebars, raised exhausts and sloping seats.

    As much as we appreciate those bikes, it’s important to note that cafe racers were highly customized by their owners and were therefore much more unique than the bikes they were based on. As such, we’re finding ourselves rather intrigued by the CS-1 from Ryca Motors. Starting with the well-known Suzuki S40 (or the Savage, as it was previously known) means that parts and service will never present a problem, and that bike’s easygoing 650cc single cylinder powerplant lends itself to the cafe racer look with relatively little effort.

    Casey Stevenson, formerly an engineer at NASA, designed the CS-1 to be a fun and fuel efficient machine that could be built on a small budget and sold as a small run of production models and kits. Want one? A check for $9,500 will get you a CS-1 brand new off the showroom floor, and $8,000 will get you a bike built atop a gently used donor. If you already have an S40 or Savage, you can get it converted for $5,500 or you can buy the complete kit for $3,200.

    Gallery: Ryca Motors CS-1

    [Source: Ryca Motors via The Kneeslider]

    Ryca Motors reimagines Suzuki S40 with a sportier flair originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Digital input modules for the control system PNOZmulti

    The IP67 digital, decentralised input module PDP67 F 8DI ION is now available, enabling a higher number of sensors to be connected safely, even outside the control cabinet. As a result, decentralised monitoring of all sensors in the field can be connected to the configurable control system PNOZmulti.

    The digital input modules enable contact-based as well as electronic sensors to be connected outside the control cabinet with as much as ease as inside, in accordance with PL e of EN ISO 13849-1 and SIL 3 of EN/IEC 62061; the unit carries out the required feasibility check. As a result, the PNOZmulti is available as an evaluation device for centralised as well as decentralised sensor technology, with proven configuration and diagnostic functions via the PNOZmulti Configurator.

    Communication is via a safe data link, so up to 64 safe sensors can be monitored decentrally. Hardware costs are reduced because this solution manages without a local control cabinet and uses only a single cable for communication and supply. All the benefits of the PNOZmulti product range can be enjoyed – free and easy configuration, rapid diagnostics plus the option to monitor a wide range of safety functions with just one unit.

    It’s important to note that safety level PL e of EN ISO 13849-1 is only maintained when electronic sensors are used, as these enable a feasibility check. The time needed for this feasibility check must be taken into account in the machine configuration, to ensure that an e-stop is triggered in time in the event of danger.
    If contact-based sensors are used, the performance level for a corresponding interface will be assessed as PL c in accordance with the standard EN ISO 13849-1.

  • Vodafone McLaren Mercedes choose FARO as ‘Official Supplier’

    FARO, the world’s leading provider of portable measurement and imaging systems, is proud to announce that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and FARO have signed an agreement for FARO to be the measurement system provider for the F1 racing team. Thanks to the new agreement FARO is now an ‘Official Supplier’ for measuring systems and became a member of McLaren’s World Class Partner Group.

    According to the agreement FARO will supply state-of-the-art products and services to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, including measuring systems like several FaroArm Quantum units, the personal CMM FARO Gage and the FARO Laser Line Probe for non-contact measurement and software like FARO CAM2 Q. Using this equipment Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will further enhance their current race car as well as develop their vehicle for the next racing season.

    McLaren – a brand at the very pinnacle of Formula One – have used FARO technology for nearly ten years and there are multiple applications for them in the Formula One sector. “The partnership with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will allow us to further develop our measurement technology so they will best suit the demands of Formula One applications. FARO measurement systems will ensure quality is of the highest possible level,” stated David Homewood, Area VP of Sales, Faro Technologies UK Ltd.

    McLaren Racing Managing Director Jonathan Neale said: “In a high-precision, time-critical environment such as ours, it’s vital that we can rely on highly accurate measuring and inspection systems in order to guarantee 100 per cent precision within very rapid production and assembly processes.

    “Here at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, we’re justifiably proud of the speed and efficiency of our existing manufacturing and assembly procedures, but FARO’s contribution will not only allow us to increase the speed of those processes, but also improve fidelity and accuracy.”

    A 2010 liveried Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 racing show-car will be shown at the FARO booth (3404 – hall 3) during CONTROL 2010, the world’s leading trade fair for quality assurance that will take place at Stuttgart (Germany) from 4th to 7th May 2010.

  • Tsubaki Low Noise Chains for Quieter Operations

    Leave it to Tsubaki to develop an innovative roller chain that combines the lower noise levels normally associated with belts with the strength of a roller chain: Tsubaki’s SN Roller Chain. The chain employs a spring roller, which absorbs the force of the impact from engaging the sprocket. The result is 6-8dB lower operation than our standard pre-lubed RS Roller Chain, countering noise pollution and improving the overall work environment.

    And again, along with lower noise you get all the strength of a roller chain and the reliability you’ve come to expect from Tsubaki. What’s more, our SN Chains are directly interchangeable with our Standard Roller Chain, with some limits to its drive power.

    One such example is in industrial washing machines. A UK industrial laundry concern was given the task of completely overhauling a customer’s existing machines to be quieter. Realizing that the existing drive chain was the problem, they were on the verge of re-engineering the entire design when a local power transmission distributor recommended Tsubaki’s SN Chain.

    The results were immediate, and the customer was particularly pleased that the original drive chain strength could be preserved. Low noise in the workplace helped them reduce operator fatigue and indirectly contributed to improved productivity.

    Tsubaki SN Low Noise Drive Chains bare an ideal alternative for maintaining strength while reducing noise. You’ll find these chains being used in theatrical stage equipment, warehouses, canning machines, vertical parking systems, printing machines, and any number of applications where strength and low noise are desired.

    Our Low Noise Chain may be a whisper below the competition, but it speaks volumes. Trust Tsubaki for all your chain needs!

  • FAAC DOOR OPERATORS TAKE OFF AT GLASGOW AIRPORT

    FAAC sliding door operators have now been installed at three major entry points at Scotland’s busiest airport. As part of Glasgow airport’s security upgrade, following the terrorist attack in 2007, FAAC’s 930 electromechanical operator was chosen to replace the existing system at departures, domestic arrivals and international arrivals.

    With over eight million passengers passing through its doors each year, reliability and safety were both paramount when specifying a door automation system. Designed to operate on each occasion and in every environment, the 930 operator is highly reliable without limits on the frequency of use and requires minimal maintenance. Compliant with current international safety standards, the 930 automatically programs opening and closing force and speed according to the friction and the door weight. Its anti-crush technology ensures that the door reopens immediately if an obstacle is detected.

    FAAC approved installers, DSS Automatic Doors was originally briefed with the task of replacing the automated door system at the entrance to departures which was destroyed in the terrorist attack. The new system proved so successful that DSS was invited back in September 2008 to install an identical one for the domestic arrivals entry point. A third installation has just been completed for international arrivals.

    Group managing director of DSS, John Graham says, “We have been working in partnership with FAAC since 2006 because they continue to utilise the latest technology without compromising on reliability and, most importantly, safety. FAAC invests heavily in research and development and are truly on the cutting edge when it comes to automation systems.”

    Suitable for single or double leaves, the 930 operator is easy to install and is available in self-assembly kit form or in made-up complete head sections. Capable of complex programming, dedicated software can allow the management of a number of doors from a central PC. All door activities are monitored in real time by a microprocessor guaranteeing intelligent control at all times. An optional battery back-up is also available for complete peace of mind.

    With more than 40 year’s experience, FAAC is a world leader in gate and door automation.

  • FLADAFI Roller Shutter Container – Easy Accessible Store

    The FLADAFI Roller Shutter Container is used where space is limited as it does not have a swing door. It is also used for the placement near escape routes which must always be kept free off obstacles as it does not narrow the access area.

    The FLADAFI Roller Shutter Container is made from stable, sendzimir galvanised sheet steel profiles, delivered assembled ready to use.

    It can optimally be adjusted according to your individual needs by various equipment options.

  • Robot Technology in the Ascendant

    Multi Talent PARO® Juggles with Balls

    At the shared booth of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the PARO® palletising robot demonstrated its skills and flexibility when handling unusual package types: In addition to boxes, also balls were palletised in Hannover this year.

    The PARO® robot, originally designed for palletising processes at the end of production lines, placed balls onto an air stream at the trade fair, which then danced in the whirling air for some minutes. Afterwards, the robot caught the floating balls out of the air again and set them off on a ball pyramid. The compressed air for the whirling air stream was generated directly at the trade fair by trade-fair booth partners Boge and Beko by means of an innovative compressor system and was fed into the robot cell in conditioned form.

    The multi-functionality of the gripping tools developed by roTeg was exemplary demonstrated here by means of a combined clamp-/suction-gripper, which was able to safely handle balls as well as box packages.
    The transparent protective device and the robot accessible and viewable from all sides offered a precise insight in the technology of the PARO® palletising robot to the interested fair visitor.
    Also the easily operable control and the user friendly operation concept could be well and vividly demonstrated with the trade fair robot.

  • Reclaim Fluids and Produce Dry Chips to Improve Profitability

    Reduce labor and hazardous material handling costs associated with your machining operation with PRAB’s MiniSystem™. The MiniSystem reclaims up to 98 percent of cutting fluids, as well as reduce the volume of your metal scrap. The system is fully automatic, completely portable and is contained in a 4′ by 11′ area. No special wiring or plumbing is required – just move it in, drop power and start saving. Dry chips are produced at rates up to 1,000 lb/hr. PRAB offers a full line of fluid filtration units that can be paired with this system for further cost savings.

    PRAB
    800-968-7722
    [email protected]
    www.prab.com

  • Schottky diode

    Schottky diodes in packages of SMD (SMA, SMB, SMC), Axial Lead (DO-41,DO15,ITO/TO220…)
    -RoSH compliance
    -Excellent quality guarantee
    -Competitive prices

    If you need more information or have any inquiry, please feel free to contact with Cindy Lin ([email protected]). We will do our best to give you the greatest support!

    Best Regards,
    Eris Technology Corporation

  • Baker Center Event to Inform Doctors about Health Care Reform Legislation

    KNOXVILLE — Doctors and health care administrators are invited to a June 15 dinner program on the opportunities and challenges resulting from federal health care reform legislation. The program will be held at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

    The program, “What Health Care Reform Means to Doctors: A Program for Doctors and Administrators,” will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Toyota Auditorium at the Baker Center, 1640 Cumberland Ave.

    To plan this program, the Baker Center partnered with Summit Medical Group, Leadership Knoxville, Knox Chamber and the Knoxville Academy of Medicine. The program is sponsored by the Baker Center, Covenant Health, Mercy Health Partners and the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

    Dr. Stan Stead, president and CEO of Stead Health Group Inc. will be the keynote speaker. Stead is a national leader in health care economics and payment systems for physician and hospital services, information technology and quality health care. He also advises the federal government on various health care issues.

    The event also will feature a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Mike Caudle, senior fellow and director of the health policy program at the Baker Center. Panelists will include Dr. Jack Lacey, senior vice president and chief medical officer for University Health System; Dr. Doug Leahy, who practices with Internal Medicine Associates of Knoxville, a division of Summit Medical Group and is one of 35 physicians who founded Summit Medical Group; and Stead.

    There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. To save a spot, contact Betsy Harrell or 865-974-0931 by June 10.

    The program also will be available via live webcast.

    The Baker Center is a public policy center created to facilitate research on public policy issues, further the public’s knowledge of our system of governance and highlight the critical importance of public service. Its mission is to provide policy makers, citizens, scholars and students with information and skills to work effectively within our political system and to make our country and world a better place. Areas of focus include governance studies; energy and environment; governance studies; global security; health care; and civic education and engagement.

    For more about the Baker Center, see http://www.bakercenter.utk.edu.

    C O N T A C T :

    Amy Blakely (865-974-5034, [email protected])

  • NetCoalition/CCIA Reinforces Recent Comments To IP Czar Over Bogus Industry Studies On Copyright

    Earlier this year, the US’s IP Czar (technically, IP “Enforcement Coordinator”), Victoria Espinel, asked for public comment on how her enforcement plan should work. While I had some trouble with the basis for many of the questions (which all seemed to assume that greater enforcement was, without question, a good thing), I still submitted my own comments. Soon afterwards, I pointed to an absolute must read filing by NetCoalition/CCIA, which was 23 pages of brilliance, picking apart the claims of various pro-stronger-copyright groups one-by-one. Since then, a few key reports have been released, and, in response, Jonathan Band, who wrote much of the original report, alerts our attention to the fact that NetCoalition/CCIA have filed supplemental comments with Espinel (pdf) based on those reports:



    The filing talks about those three reports — all of which we’ve discussed here previously — to reiterate some of the key points made in the original filing. The first, of course, is the GAO report that debunked the claims from industry studies about all of the “losses” caused by infringement. Amusingly, that GAO report was required by the same law that created the IP Czar position in the first place, the ProIP Act. The filing notes, by the way, that the GAO’s mandate for the report didn’t even say it had to investigate copyright infringement — just counterfeiting. However, the GAO appears to have been so troubled by the bogus reports out there that it decided to publicly call those studies into question. As this new filing points out, many of the comments filed by groups in support of strong copyright enforcement, relied on those reports that the GAO has since debunked. This should call into question the legitimacy of those filings entirely.

    Second, this supplemental filing highlights that ridiculous Chamber of Commerce report that we highlighted recently as well. It was the one that couldn’t pass the laugh test, because it lumped in pretty much every company in what it decided were “IP-intensive industries” and compared them to companies in what it considered to be “non-IP-intensive industries” and then assumed, with no proof whatsoever, that all of the benefits to those IP-intensive industries came from intellectual property laws. The report was so ridiculous that no one who actually read the details could take it seriously. But, that’s the problem. Very few people actually do read the details. The whole point of the report is to just take the distorted headline and reuse it. Thankfully, Band and others in this filing are trying to make it clear to the White House that the Chamber of Commerce’s report is not an accurate description of what’s going on.

    Finally, it highlights CCIA’s own report — using the very same methodology as those who claim the “copyright industries” contribute $1.52 trillion to the economy — to show that exceptions to copyright (such as fair use) contribute much, much more to the economy. Who knows if Espinel, or others at the White House are paying attention to the details in these filings, but these two filings from NetCoalition/CCIA are incredibly detailed and well supported with evidence. Hopefully someone in the White House is paying attention.

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  • I’ll Take My PSP Cake Slice To Go [Cake]

    While I might question the game of choice, I don’t think anyone can argue with the delicious awesomeness of an 18-inch PSP cake. Or is that awesome deliciousness? Either way, me want. More »










    CakeHomeCookingBaking and ConfectionsChocolate

  • Commissioning: In Pursuit of the Truly Green Building

    WorldChanging has an article on green buildings, looking at the practice of “commissioning,” in which an engineer monitors the efficiency of a building from its design through its initial operation, in order to reduce long-term energy usage by buildings – Commissioning: In Pursuit of the Truly Green Building.

    In a different world, it could be a reality television show — “Buildings On Trial,” with a street-savvy engineer going into skyscrapers, factories, offices and other commercial buildings to find the dumb mistakes that make them waste energy and produce a disproportionate share of the nation’s global warming emissions.

    And in almost every case, even new buildings proudly displaying a LEED “green building” plaque by the front door, the engineer would come back out with a list of energy hog culprits: Here’s the ventilation system fan installed backwards, so it blows full force into another fan blowing in the right direction. Here’s the control system set up so heating and cooling systems both work at once, like driving with your feet on the brakes and the accelerator at the same time. Here are the stuck dampers that prevent the building from drawing on outside air when the temperature is right.

    Such mistakes are commonplace even in the best buildings — and often costly. In one case, says Dave Moser of Portland Energy Conservation, Inc., an Oregon nonprofit, it cost a building owner $5,000 to fix stuck dampers — and cut $50,000 off the annual energy bill. In a case of simultaneous heating and cooling at an 85,000-square-foot academic building, a minor programming fix cost almost nothing and saved $100,000 a year in wasted energy, according to Mark Miller of Strategic Building Solutions, a Connecticut company.

    The business of finding and fixing these mistakes is called “building commissioning,” a term borrowed from the standard naval practice of commissioning a new ship with sea trials to determine whether it’s fit for service. People started doing roughly the same thing with non-residential real estate in the mid-1990s, as buildings with computer-controlled systems became almost as complex as ships at sea. Commissioning frequently involves no more than a few weeks of testing out systems. But in the most complete form, the commissioning agent works with architects in the design stage, to help save money by specifying properly sized energy systems, then follows the building through construction, trains the operating staff, and tracks energy performance in different seasons through the first year of operation. Older buildings now also go through retro-commissioning, in search of improved efficiency.

    But if you imagine that real estate developers must be lining up for this service — if only to save money, or determine whether they are getting the building they paid for — you would be mistaken. Even now, well under 5 percent — and probably closer to 1 percent — of new commercial buildings actually go through the process. Projects seeking certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) program, managed by the U.S. Green Building Council, can earn extra points by going through “enhanced” commissioning. But they’re only required to do “fundamental” commissioning — a sort of commissioning-lite, potentially performed not by a third party, but by an “independent” employee of the construction manager whose contractors made the mistakes in the first place.

    And yet building commissioning is “arguably the single-most cost-effective strategy for reducing energy, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings today,” according to a 2009 report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. If applied to the nation’s entire non-residential building stock, including retro-commissioning of older buildings, it would yield $30 billion in potential energy savings every year by 2030, the study projects, and avoid 340 million tons of global warming emissions annually. To put the latter number in perspective, other studies project that the United States is now on a path to increase global warming emissions by more than a third, up to 9.7 billion metric tons a year by 2030. Roughly 35 percent of emissions come from heating, cooling, and providing electric power for buildings and homes, split evenly between commercial and residential. So building commissioning is hardly the only remedy required. But the potential savings ought to make it one of the most attractive.

    Why isn’t it more popular? A lot of developers, and even some building efficiency experts, have simply never heard of commissioning. Others have gotten turned off, says Glenn Hansen of Portland Energy Conservation, Inc., by early experiences in which “a fairly junior engineer” would go through a building checking off boxes on a clipboard. In a 2008 study by the New Buildings Institute, the energy performance in many LEED-certified “green” buildings was actually worse than in the average conventional building, probably because inexperienced people doing “fundamental” conditioning had failed to detect problems.


  • Justin Timberlake Or Lindsay Lohan — The Next “American Idol” Judge?!

    Can you believe that it’s Simon Cowell’s last night as the acid-tongued voice of reason on American Idol? Well, here’s something you’ll believe even less: Justin Timberlake are Lindsay Lohan are reportedly being lined up as his potential replacements!

    While Justin — a former Mouseketeer and boy bander — managed to carve his tenure with Nsync into a wildly-successful solo career, it is scandal-bitten actress/sometimes singer Lohan who is the favorite to join the talent contest once Cowell’s reign ends with tonight’s Season 9 finale, a anonymous FOX executive squealed to London’s The Mirror on Wednesday.

    “‘American Idol’ was our top show and a lot of that had to do with the love-hate relationship between Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. Then Paula left and now Simon’s going, too. We want a regular explosive dynamic between the judges. Lindsay has music experience and unpredictability.”

    Either Crystal Bowersox or Lee DeWyze will be crowned this season’s Idol on tonight’s show.


  • Dell Streak gets official announcement & specs

    After what felt like years of speculation, the Dell Streak is officially official. As in Dell has announced it and it’s coming to O2 in the U.K. in early June and the US later this summer (likely AT&T). The announcement is completely in line with what Dell CEO Michael Dell told us a couple weeks back and the specs are similar to all the leaked info we’ve seen in the past months. But there’s nothing like a good ‘ol press release to put the final stamp on it.

    The official specs of the Dell Streak:

    • 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor
    • 5-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen
    • 5-megapixel camera with LED Flash
    • 16GB internal memory with microSD support
    •  Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1
    • 7.2 Mbps HSDPA
    • launching with Android 1.6, update to Android 2.2 by end of the year

    The only thing we don’t have is pricing, and we hope Dell doesn’t mess it up. All you folks across the pond will find the Streak available online and in stores from O2, Carphone Warehouse, and Dell.co.uk. Us Americans have to wait just a little bit longer. Thanks Dell. [businesswire]

    This is a post by Android Central. It is sponsored by the Android Central Accessories Store

  • Rico Butler’s Dead Body Found

    A football player from the Hilliard Davidson High School named Rico Butler was found dead in a quarry near Dublin and Trabue roads.

    According to reports, the 17-year-old star player’s body was recovered 11 p.m. Tuesday. Rico Butler went to the quarry with his friends for swimming and when he drowned, his friends spent whole one hour searching him but they failed to find him. They informed police for help at around 8 p.m. The rescue divers started searching for the kid and found his dead body three hours later in the quarry near the Trabue roads.

    The news spread like wild fire through text messages and calls and dozens of Hilliard Davidson student started gathering near the quarry. They carried flashlights with an intention to help the divers find Rico Butler. His parents also arrived at the quarry after hearing the news.

    It was the second Hilliard Davidson student to lose his life within the past six months. Earlier in December, 16-year-old, Arthur Lane, lost his life after hitting with a train.

    Related posts:

    1. Jennifer Aniston: Looking For The Perfect Guy, Want To Start A Family Soon
    2. George Huguely Accused of Murder of Schoolmate and Ex-girlfriend
    3. Puerto Rico earthquake damaged homes and roads

  • Dancing With the Stars Winner – Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough

    Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough are now hailed as the winners of “Dancing With the Stars” as they dominated the 10th season . After an ardous 12 weeks of the competion, we saw the pair – Hough and Scherzinger – perform a high-energy jive for their final dance that earned a perfect score of 30 which made head judge Len Goodman say, “There can only be one winner of ‘Dancing With the Stars’. It should be you.” Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger said after the show, “I feel like I just won a Grammy. A dancing Grammy!”

    The pair kissed the mirror ball trophy as they were raised by other dancers.  “Win or lose tonight, I was just very, very happy with the entire season,” said Hough. “To get the trophy at the end of it, that was just amazing.” Hough was a two-time “Dancing” champ. Scherzinger said that the personal lessons which she learned during the season were more valuable than the trophy. She exclaimed, “This has been probably the greatest reward personally, this whole personal journey. I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve learned so much about Derek Hough. He’s made me a better person through this.” She added that she plans to work on winning a real Grammy after this season’s Dancing With the Stars.

    Related posts:

    1. Who Won Dancing With the Stars 2010?
    2. Who Won Dancing With the Stars 2010? Congratulations Nicole Scherzinger!
    3. Dancing with the Stars 2010 Winner!! Lets Find Out

  • Seattle Genetics, Growing Up in a Hurry With Millennium, Aims to Make Most of Cancer Drug

    sgen1
    Luke Timmerman wrote:

    Seattle Genetics has spent more than a decade thinking about cutting-edge biology, chemistry, and clinical trials to prove its drug candidates work. Then last week, for the first time in nine years I’ve been reporting on CEO Clay Siegall, he talked with passion about things like manufacturing, inventory, quality assurance, quality control, and insurance reimbursement.

    It all might sound awfully boring. But it’s a sure sign that Bothell, WA-based Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ: SGEN), with help from its partner Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, is learning fast what it takes to be a mature, commercial biotech company. And while it may be a slow news period for Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ: SGEN), it has to grow up in a hurry, because it is only a few months away from finding out if it has really struck gold with a new therapy for Hodgkin’s disease and related lymphomas.

    The big story at Seattle Genetics and Millennium centers on brentuximab vedotin, an “empowered antibody” that specifically seeks out cancer cells and unleashes a potent toxin on them for extra tumor-killing punch. This concept has not lived up to its hype over the past 30 years, but by the second half of 2010, Seattle Genetics and Millennium will learn from a pivotal clinical trial of 100 patients how well this therapy really helps sick patients. If successful, the companies will be able to seek FDA approval in early 2011, and potentially get a faster-than-usual six-month review that the agency sometimes gives to drugs with lifesaving potential. Patients, employees, investors, and an entire field of research is counting on Seattle Genetics and Millennium to deliver the goods. So Siegall & Co. are quietly trying to lay the groundwork now to make sure they are truly ready to make sure this drug is a hit.

    Clay Siegall

    Clay Siegall

    “Our drug has a chance to be a very important drug for patients,” Siegall says.

    For those just getting up to speed on this story, here’s a quick refresher. Seattle Genetics, founded in 1998, had its breakout moment in June 2008 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting. That’s when the company released preliminary results showing its experimental treatment was able to completely wipe out or partially shrink tumors for 12 of 38 patients, with mild to moderate fatigue, cough, and nausea as side effects. Results only got better when researchers enrolled a few more patients, and longer-term follow-up data arrived.

    A lot of things have fallen into place for Seattle Genetics as a business ever since that appearance at ASCO. It raced to the FDA in early 2009 with a proposal for a pivotal clinical trial, and won the agency’s blessing for the study design. The company got this trial up and running at 27 locations in North America and Europe, and completed enrollment six months ahead of schedule—a lightning pace in oncology, where it’s extremely difficult to enroll patients on time. The company raised more than $200 million from investors in 2009, during a dark period in the overall biotech financial market. In December, Millennium wrote a $60 million upfront check to Seattle Genetics to form a partnership, which left the smaller company with 100 percent of the commercial rights to the experimental drug in the North American market.

    Much of what has happened since then has been the sort of behind-the-scenes blocking and tackling that biotech companies need to do, and often fail to do, as they prepare to commercialize a new drug. Part of that effort is in hiring new types of people, with skills in things like …Next Page »







  • Projeção: Novo Opel Astra cupê

    Proje�§�£o do Opel Astra cup�ª

    Depois de conhecido e lançado a versão hatch do novo Opel Astra, todas as atenções recaem agora para a possível, especulada e tão aguardada versão esportiva cupê do modelo de maior sucesso da companhia.

    Tanto é que essa já é a segunda projeção feita para o possível Astra cupê, que poderá receber os nomes Astra GTC, Astra Coupé ou ainda Calibra. De qualquer forma, se realmente for lançado, o modelo não deverá ficar com um visual tao distante dessa projeção.

    Aproveitando-se do visual já esportivo de sua versão hatch, o Astra cupê da projeção apenas salientou alguns pontos a fim de lhe conferir mais esportividade e agressividade, como seu teto mais baixo e para-choque e saias laterais redesenhadas. Além disso, o Astra cupê recebeu, ou melhor, excluiu as duas portas traseiras.

    Seu desempenho em relação ao hatch provavelmente deverá ser melhorado, e a especulações são de que o Astra cupê deverá receber um motor de 2.0 litros turbo com um potencia de 190 a 200 cavalos, possibilitando-o realizar a aceleração de 0 a 100 km/h em torno de 8 segundos e ter uma velocidade máxima em torno de 240 km/h.

    Fonte: TopSpeed