2008年4月25日星期五

Episode 14- Spring CleaningOk real story, lulu overgrooms ella as well as takes

Tag: Rabbit Fur Scarf

Ok real story, lulu overgrooms ella as well as takes out her neurotic anxious mind by nipping at her. Fast forward- its a sunday a week and a half ago and I'm pulling fur from ella's coat because its getting warmer and if I don't get some of the fur out it will mat up. I notice some of the pieces of fur have pink wet ends. But I keep going. Finally I find where its all coming from. And there is now a 2" round hole in the skin of the bunny. Did I mention its a sunday? Yeah, so I try to calm down because the bunny specialist wouldn't be in until monday anyway. So monday brings the trip to the vet, the shaving of the bun and the suturing of the wound with skin glue. And the vet said it is because the other one (lulu) must have bitten her and it abcessed and that is why her skin was coming off. Delightful, right?

So I'm asking around about what to do with this nut job rabbit. Someone suggested a stuffed animal that she can overgroom and abuse instead of ella. Which worked, but sometimes she gets seriously angry at the hedgehog. Its kind of funny actually so I taped it. :-)

2008年4月24日星期四

DSM announces investment plan for powder coating resins

Royal DSM N.V. announced its long term manufacturing plan to expand its polyester powder coating resin facilities and prepare its manufacturing network for the future. The capacity at three of its locations will be expanded, while preparations have started for further expansions.

ncluding investments currently under consideration, the long term manufacturing plan would result in a total capacity expansion of 40 kiloton. The investments are scheduled for the period 2007-2010. As a first step, the facilities in Schoonebeek (The Netherlands), Ping Tung (Taiwan) and Santa Margarida (Spain) will be expanded. At the site in Augusta (GA, United States) engineering has already been started to prepare for a significant expansion of capacity for the American market.
 
The announced investments are in addition to the capacity expansions as announced in 2006 in Kunshan (China), Ping Tung and Sta. Margarida. The investments at both Asian sites are fully aligned with and supported by Eternal Chemical, DSM's joint venture partner for these operations.
 
Gerben Algra, Global Business Director for DSM Powder Coating Resins, comments: "The investment will greatly strengthen DSM's global leadership position in polyester powder coating resins and underlines our commitment to this market. The expansions are essential to support DSM's continuous growth and most importantly, to enable a continued impeccable service to our customers. Also, the investment plan clearly signals the opportunities DSM sees for innovative and more sustainable products like powder coating resins."

ArcelorMittal,Nippon Steel boost galvanized output

ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel Corp., the world's two biggest makers of the alloy, will spend $240 million to more than double output capacity of galvanized steel at their I/N Kote plant in New Carlisle, Indiana.


The companies will build a production line with annual capacity of 480,000 metric tons, adding to the current output of 450,000 tons of hot-dipgalvanized steel wire, Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal said in a statement distributed by Business Wire.


Construction of the new line is expected to be completed by 2010, ArcelorMittal said today in the statement.


I/N Kote, founded in 1991, is a joint venture between the two companies, said ArcelorMittal, the world's biggest steelmaker. Galvanized steel, a corrosion resistant form of the metal coated with zinc, is used in cars and construction.


Novelis commence production at new state-of-the-art aluminium casthouse

This achievement means that the approximately CHF50 million project is on-track for its final stage in August when the company will start producing multi-alloy sheet ingots in the plant using its breakthrough Novelis Fusion™ solidification technology. The new casthouse will be the first Novelis site in Europe, and one of three globally, with the capability to cast aluminium sheet ingots with multiple alloy layers. These alloy ingots are rolled into sheet products with previously unattainable product features. The other two Novelis Fusion facilities are in Oswego, NY (USA) and Ulsan (South Korea).


"The new casthouse is state-of-the-art technology for our industry," said Roland Harings, general manager for Novelis in Sierre. "As planned, we have started off by testing our new equipment on traditional single-alloy sheet ingots and we are delighted that the first production has gone so well. We are looking forward to the next and final stage, which will be the start of Novelis Fusion casting in August. I would like to congratulate the whole team working on this project for the way in which they have managed this process to the planned timescale and in co-operation with our local stakeholders."


Originally planned as a 70,000 tonnes per year facility, the capacity has been increased through additional furnace investments in response to a high degree of market interest in the benefits offered by Novelis Fusion. This Novelis innovation opens up new market segments for aluminium sheet and further expands the company's proprietary offering.

A Business Traveler's Guide to What and How to Pack

There's no guarantee the airline industry can get you to your destination on time, but by following these expert packing tips, you can rest assured that you've packed everything you need and that your clothes will arrive wrinkle-free -- especially if you're traveling for business.

According the National Business Travelers Association, companies spend $153.2 billion a year on corporate travel, and the average cost of a domestic three-day business trip is around $1,000.

Travel is On Topic at FOXBusiness.com in April. From tips on booking cheap vacations to flying with your pets, we explore your top travel ideas. Check back throughout the month to find out what you need to know.
So if your employer is shelling out the money to send you to an event, you want to make sure your clothes are working as hard as you.

How much you pack is not proportional to the length of your itinerary, said Susan Foster, author of Smart Packing for Today’s Traveler.

Want to make sure your clothes arrive wrinkle-free? Watch the video for an expert how -to guide of packing

"If you are going on a three-day trip you don't need three completely different outfits," said Foster. "You take two pairs of pants--one you wear on the plane the other you pack--three tops and one matched suit that can be interchanged with different tops."

Knowing the corporate culture of your destination and what is on the itinerary will help make sure you're properly dressed. "If you are going from New York to Kansas City, it's like going from the Big Apple to the mini apple -- the business cultures are going to be different and you want your clothes to blend in with your environment," Foster said.

Packing more versatile pieces will also limit how much you end up cramming into your suitcase. "You want to get a lot of mileage out of your clothes," she said.

Try to stick to a color palette when you are deciding what pieces make the cut, added Doug Dyment, packing expert who runs onebag.com. "I always advocate packing things that all work together and can be worn with anything you pack. I like to stick to blue and gray, that way I know everything I pack matches."

When choosing your travel clothes be mindful of the fabric. "Fabrics that don't wrinkle easily tend not to be 100% natural--they're usually a polyester blend. The idea of wearing polyester might scare some people from the reputation it had back in the day, but that notion hasn't been true in well over a decade," said Dyment.

Foster said you should wear a business-appropriate outfit on the plane just in case the unthinkable happens. "You always want to travel in something you can work in. You don't want to get off the plane in your pink sweats because you don't know who is picking you up at the airport or if your luggage is lost and you have to show up to meetings in pink sweats," she said.

And don't forget the power of accessories. "The challenge is not looking the same everyday," said Dyment. To change up your look pack scarves, colorful ties, belts and jewelry .
Shoes tend to be the bulkiest item on the packing list and Foster suggest women limit themselves to three pairs: one on their feet, and two in the luggage. "I usually wear a slip on pair for when I go through security and then bring a pair of dressy and casual shoes," she said. For men with bigger feet, Foster suggests bringing one pair and building the wardrobe around the shoes.

Both experts agreed packing lists are the No.1 way to ensure nothing gets left behind. "Don't make it up as you go along, or make it the night before you are leaving that is the worst time to be doing it," said Dyment. "You need to be efficient and methodological, create a list that will work for you every time you travel."

2008年4月23日星期三

Performance Fabrics and Fibers expands in Williamsburg

The Williamsburg County Development Board and the South Carolina Department of Commerce joined Performance Fabrics and Fibers, LLC (Performance) in announcing that the company has expanded in Williamsburg County adding a manufacturing facility and 42 full-time employees. Performance currently operates in Williamsburg County and has expanded as a result of market demands.

Performance is a specialty nonwoven manufacturer, making engineered fabrics as part of a growing, global market that exceeds $12 billion. Of the numerous technologies used to manufacture nonwovens, the South Carolina-based privately held company is primarily focused on manufacturing needle punch nonwovens.

Performance President and CEO Loren Collins remarks, “The expansion was a strategic move to add much needed capacity that will further our emphasis on innovative products.”

Performance manufactures and markets a wide range of specialty, technical fabrics for diverse markets. The company is significantly involved in making safety fabrics, particularly flame retardant fabrics that protect bedding and furniture from burning. The company is also a leader in nonwovens that go into floor covering, geotextile, and industrial markets.

Performance Chief Operating Officer Ken Knudsen added, “The move is in response to the market needs for high-quality products. We expect that the addition will be good both for Performance’s customers and for its shareholders.” Performance’s latest expansion adds nonwoven capacity, broadens its technology, adds a new manufacturing plant, and backward integrates into the production of making fiber for its own use and for sale.

“Performance producesnonwoven cloth with the capability to engineer cloth to meet its customers’ specific needs. The company’s decision to expand its presence in South Carolina speaks favorably to the state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce. Thanks to the team efforts of state and local officials, Williamsburg County will benefit from this expansion,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.


“We applaud the expansion of our wonderful economic development partner, Performance Fabrics and Fibers. We value them not just as an employer, but as a member of our neighborhood. Their willingness to expand their operations here and create new jobs for our citizens is certainly appreciated. We continue to support their industry and stand willing to help in any way,” said Senator Yancey McGill.

“Performance Fabrics and Fibers has been a tremendous corporate partner and this expansion will only enhance their contribution to the citizens of Williamsburg County. We congratulate them on their decision to expand their operation and create additional jobs,” said Stanley S. Pasley, Williamsburg County Supervisor and Chairman of Williamsburg County Council.

Rodney Giles, Mayor of Andrews added, “We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Performance Fabrics and Fibers on their expansion in Andrews, South Carolina, and the jobs that will be created will be a great benefit to our citizens. Again, we congratulate them and are willing to assist them in any way possible.”

The company will be investing additional funds into its operation in the coming year and seeks to add jobs later in 2008 and 2009. Funds will go towards adding more equipment, upgrading existing machinery, and further funding its research & development efforts in 2008 to better serve its customers and markets.

Cinderella Project:Dreams do come true!

New Port Richey, Florida - Almost every girl dreams of being Cinderella. The fairy tale of a young woman transformed into a princess by a fairy godmother and a beautiful dress. That dream and dress are now reality for local teens in need.

The Cinderella Project is a boutique of sorts where deserving girls can shop for the prom dress of their choice, free of charge.

High School Senior Samantha Stead is shopping for her prom dress. "It makes me feel pretty and excited and I really, really like it!" Stead says of a black, floor-length, lace gown, "This is it! This is mine. I'm taking it home with me!"

The donated dresses are nearly new or brand new, many with tags still attached. Jessica Tagerson, a high school junior, says, "It's the main thing. You gotta have your hair done and you've gotta have a dress." Tagerson's mom is shopping with both her daughters. "Beautiful dresses! Whoever donated them, that was a wonderful cause. It's helping us out, especially with 2 girls, I could never afford to buy 2 dresses for my daughters"

A pair of fairy godmothers oversee the staff of volunteers who work with each girl to pick not just a dynamite dress, but the matching shoes, jewelry and purse for prom.

Alison Crumbley is one of the "fairy godmothers". She says, "We try to put together the right outfit for them, that suits them so they'll feel good about themselves the night of their prom."

Does the right dress really make a difference? The smile on Senior Jessica Bentivegna's face, straight out of the fitting room, is all the answer you need. "This is the dress! (How do you know?) Cause it looks awesome (laughter)! I like it! I like it a lot!"

Jessica's mom, Susie, is smiling, too. "She's gorgeous. There's a lot of beautiful dresses, but it's a great thing. A lot of the girls can't get a dress and I think it's awesome!" For Jessica, a mermaid style, sequined gown in a gorgeous shade of purple is her dream come true. "I feel like Cinderella!"

The Cinderella Project will be open Saturday, April 26 from 10 AM - 1 PM. The New Port Richey location is at 3401 Town Avenue. The Dade City location is at the Calvary Assembly of God Church on the Highway 98 Bypass. For more information, call 727-858-1281. If you'd like to make a donation, dresses can be dropped off during school hours at any Pasco County High School.

The Prince Charming Project offers free tuxedo rentals to Pasco County High School boys who qualify. Young men who are interested in the project should contact their high school guidance counselor.

China Architectural Engineering Raises $20 Million

China Architectural Engineering, Inc. (CAE) (AMEX:RCH), a leader in the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of high-end building envelope solution systems, today announced that it has closed a financing transaction under which it issued $20 million in convertible bonds as well as warrants to purchase 300,000 shares of its common stock. The use of proceeds will primarily be used as working capital for the Company's previously reported backlog of projects.

Investors in the financing included ABN AMRO N.V. and CITIC Allco Investments Ltd. (an investment fund managed by CITIC Capital Finance Ltd., a leading China focused investment management firm under the umbrella of the CITIC Group). The financing consists of $20,000,000 in convertible bonds due in 2011, bearing an annual interest of 12%, along with 300,000 five year warrants. The bonds and warrants are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at $6.35 per share.

Emil Cheung, Managing Director of CITIC Capital, added, "We consider CAE to be one of the most significant China-based construction engineering companies currently entering the world stage. We expect our investment today to strengthen not only CAE's business, but also its global reputation for excellence in design and engineering. In turn, CAE's success should enhance the reputation and growth prospects of China's growing presence in the global construction markets."

Ken Yi Luo, China Architectural Engineering's Chairman and CEO, commented, "The financing package announced today is a major step forward in our growth strategy. The proceeds will help us to accelerate our expansion beyond our home market of China and take advantage of additional opportunities. We are already engaged in major projects in Dubai and Qatar and this new capital infusion will provide us with the necessary working capital to finance our existing backlog and pursue additional contracts in the Middle East, as well as helping us pursue new business in the U.S., where we are now setting up an operating unit," concluded Mr. Luo.

To be added to China Architectural Engineering's investor lists, please contact Haris Tajyar at htajyar@irintl.com or at 818-382-9702.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities mentioned in this release. The securities described in this release have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent an effective registration statement covering such securities or an applicable exemption from such registration requirement.

About China Architectural Engineering, Inc.

China Architectural Engineering, Inc. (CAE) (AMEX:RCH), which began operations in 1992, has maintained a leading position in the global commercial construction industry by providing timely, high-quality, reliable, fully integrated & cost-effective service solutions to its clients utilizing specialized technical expertise in the design, engineering, fabrication and construction of building envelop solution systems. It specializes in high-end curtain wall systems (including glass, stone & metal curtain walls), roofing systems, steel construction systems, eco-energy saving building conservation systems and related products, for public works and commercial real estate projects.

CAE has worked with world-renowned architects and building engineers from China and other countries and has completed over 100 large, complex and unique projects throughout China, Hong Kong, Macau, Australia and Southeast Asia, including numerous award-winning landmark buildings in many of Asia's major cities. It is now capitalizing on its industry-leading expertise by expanding aggressively beyond China into some of the hottest construction markets in the world, including the Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It recently set up operations in New York to expand in the U.S. and Canadian markets. CAE now has operations in 13 cities in China, Hong Kong, Sydney (Australia), Dubai (UAE) and New York (USA).

Forward Looking Statements: In addition to historical information, the statements set forth above include forward-looking statements that may involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainty of contract negotiations and payments under existing contracts, the Company's dependence on government contracts, changes in the laws of the PRC that affect the Company's operations, fluctuation and unpredictability of costs related to the Company's products and services, the Company's dependence on the steel and Aluminum Curtain Wall markets, reduction or reversal of the Company's recorded revenue or profits due to "percentage of completion" method of accounting and expenses and costs associated with the issuance of convertible bonds. The forward-looking statements are also identified through use of the words "believe," "enable," "may," "will," "could," "intends," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "predict," "probable," "potential," "possible," "should," "continue," and other words of similar meaning. Actual results could differ materially from the expectations contained in forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, including regulatory approval requirements and competitive conditions. These and other factors that may result in differences are discussed in greater detail in the Company's reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.