Push back the following six weeks on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I will do my workouts at work, and that is why I have brought to the workplace sweat shirt and sleeveless Topi. No need to sweat ordinary working clothes and whip out kanssael?jien hajunystyr?it?, if a few drops of your workout progresses from the forehead is pressed. Shared joy is a multiple, so I have half forcibly recruited to the challenge of my colleagues. I wonder how many will remain alongside until the end?Aion
I got the first test, only a shame for two and a half pushups. How embarrassing, but the best starting point to determine whether a training program for the promise of really true. However, I reserve myself the right to change the style of men, women, push-ups, because the mind is a creeping suspicion of too big a piece of haukkaamisesta. The initial test because it felt surprisingly heavy. Muscles do not hurt, but they simply do not have the strength to push the carcass up! After a few painful puserruksen nothing happened. Once and for all.
I am a hundred push-ups site, the lowest caste. As I promised. Hauisten farm is probably satisfied in fat and a couple of paper-thin thread memory of life, then practiced sports. So I am one of less than five punnertaviin and club now has six weeks under the title of progressive training. I will not even take a look at what the advance is made in the next lesson, I do not needlessly harass me. It has been a kerralle then the surprise!
2012年1月11日星期三
2011年12月15日星期四
Pottery Painting Pops Up in Wilton
Budding Calders and Chilhulys now have a local Wilton studio where they can start their pursuit of artistic expression. Art on Fire, a paint-your-own-pottery studio, has relocated from Ridgefield to a bigger space at 991 Danbury Road, next to Toozy Patza.
Owner Joe Criscuolo is eager to welcome artists of all ages who want to paint, create and be elated with art.
“After five years in Ridgefield, we decided to expand to offer more things. We don’t want to be just a pottery place—we want it to be an art place. We wanted the opportunity for someone to come here and do something and just take it with them in that moment, like mosaics. Mosaics are a lot of fun—you spend 20 minutes to half-an-hour doing a craft and you have something to show for it immediately, and it’s quick turnaround gift giving.”
Perfect for the rapidly approaching holidays, Criscuolo is also offering a stocking-decorating craft as well.
Of course traditional pottery painting will still be a core project at the studio—glancing at the well-stocked shelves customers can choose from platters, mugs, animal figures and a seeming unending array of ceramics on which to unleash creative energy. Art on Fire supplies the paints, tools, kiln firing, expertise and music in the studio.
“Everything is individually priced, per item, and then we apply a one-time, $8 studio fee per painter. It’s not time based or item based. We don’t charge you any more than the $8, you can paint as many items during the time you stay there,” explained Criscuolo.
He noted that Tuesdays will always be “free studio time” and the $8 fee will be waived. “It’s something we do for customers who want to come in and paint regularly.” They’ll also have a Wednesday Holiday incentive, offering 50-percent off a customer’s entire check (ceramics and studio fee combined).
In addition to traditional kids’ birthday parties, Art on Fire hosts other kinds of gatherings.
“Senior citizen residential centers can have an outing here or we can bring things on-site. We do fundraisers in the studio for non-profit groups like the PTA or scout trips—we can put together auction items or donate 50 percent of the net proceeds of an event here. Invite all your friends, we do all the work, they get a check, it’s a no-brainer,” said Criscuolo. “We also do corporate team-building and ladies’ nights, from 7-9p.m: We cater the food, or we can do a wine tasting night, and you come in with everyone; we play some cool music, you chilax for a little bit and paint and have fun.”
The other major focus of the art studio will be after school and toddler enrichment programs, as well as summer camps. Criscuolo said the full schedule of programs for different age groups offers some extras.
“We provide free food and a safe environment and they can paint and socialize and have a great time. We also have a playroom that we’ve expanded so it allows kids to burn off energy if the painting isn’t doing it for them.”
Owner Joe Criscuolo is eager to welcome artists of all ages who want to paint, create and be elated with art.
“After five years in Ridgefield, we decided to expand to offer more things. We don’t want to be just a pottery place—we want it to be an art place. We wanted the opportunity for someone to come here and do something and just take it with them in that moment, like mosaics. Mosaics are a lot of fun—you spend 20 minutes to half-an-hour doing a craft and you have something to show for it immediately, and it’s quick turnaround gift giving.”
Perfect for the rapidly approaching holidays, Criscuolo is also offering a stocking-decorating craft as well.
Of course traditional pottery painting will still be a core project at the studio—glancing at the well-stocked shelves customers can choose from platters, mugs, animal figures and a seeming unending array of ceramics on which to unleash creative energy. Art on Fire supplies the paints, tools, kiln firing, expertise and music in the studio.
“Everything is individually priced, per item, and then we apply a one-time, $8 studio fee per painter. It’s not time based or item based. We don’t charge you any more than the $8, you can paint as many items during the time you stay there,” explained Criscuolo.
He noted that Tuesdays will always be “free studio time” and the $8 fee will be waived. “It’s something we do for customers who want to come in and paint regularly.” They’ll also have a Wednesday Holiday incentive, offering 50-percent off a customer’s entire check (ceramics and studio fee combined).
In addition to traditional kids’ birthday parties, Art on Fire hosts other kinds of gatherings.
“Senior citizen residential centers can have an outing here or we can bring things on-site. We do fundraisers in the studio for non-profit groups like the PTA or scout trips—we can put together auction items or donate 50 percent of the net proceeds of an event here. Invite all your friends, we do all the work, they get a check, it’s a no-brainer,” said Criscuolo. “We also do corporate team-building and ladies’ nights, from 7-9p.m: We cater the food, or we can do a wine tasting night, and you come in with everyone; we play some cool music, you chilax for a little bit and paint and have fun.”
The other major focus of the art studio will be after school and toddler enrichment programs, as well as summer camps. Criscuolo said the full schedule of programs for different age groups offers some extras.
“We provide free food and a safe environment and they can paint and socialize and have a great time. We also have a playroom that we’ve expanded so it allows kids to burn off energy if the painting isn’t doing it for them.”
2011年11月24日星期四
Commission may reduce 16-unit project
Approve an affordable housing project at a density less than the 16 units proposed for an acre off North Salem Road? Or just deny the Eppoliti Realty application?
“What we’re all struggling with is density on that site,” Joe Fossi told his colleagues on the Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday night. “That’s what it gets down to, for me: I’m not comfortable with that many units.”
He added, “I don’t want to get dragged down the rabbit hole of denying the project, and not having it stand up in court, and spending a lot of the taxpayers’ money.”
After approving a wetlands permit needed by the project, the commission talked itself out on the zoning issues Tuesday night and opted to schedule another meeting next week to discuss it further.
The Eppoliti project will be the subject of a special meeting next Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 in the town annex.
“It’ll be the only item on the agenda,” Chairwoman Rebecca Mucchetti said.
Members were acting as the Inland Wetland Board, separate from their duties at the Planning and Zoning Commission, when they granted a wetlands permit required by the project.
The wetlands approval was for the “alternative” plan proposed by the developer to accommodate concerns raised about harming a wetland on the nearby Christiansen property off New Street. The alternative plan that won approval involves relocating a planned building at the back of the Epploiti site, placing it about 19 feet from the rear property line.
Significantly, the approval included provision for revising the wetlands permit, should the affordable housing project be substantially changed during the Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval process.
The zoning aspect of the Eppoliti project was discussed for more than an hour Tuesday.
The legal constraints the commission has under the state’s affordable housing statute, 8-30g, loomed over the discussion, with commission attorney Tom Beecher in attendance, offering guidance.
Major “health and safety” issues the commission was troubled by included:
Sight lines at the driveway onto North Salem Road, near the “Joe’s corner” intersection of Routes 116 and 35, do not meet state requirements. The state Department of Transportation revoked a permit granted in the mistaken belief the driveway was to serve one house, not a 16-unit complex.
The plan is short of parking space requirements and the commission worries that, with the lot overfilled, access by fire trucks would be difficult — especially if there were piles of plowed snow in the ‘dead end’ lot with only one driveway in and out.
Excessive storm runoff has been documented in the area, and the hours of testimony by competing engineers for the applicant and neighbors left a concern that test holes weren’t dug deep enough to assure that the highly engineered drainage system would work as its supposed to.
There is also concern that the state’s Storm Water Quality Manual recommends that the water infiltration system be located farther from the foundation of one of the proposed buildings than the plan proposes.
Some commissioners seemed interested in an outright denial, but state law tells commissions to modify and approve projects, when possible, rather than simply rejecting them.
Mr. Fossi suggested the commission consider reducing the plan’s density from 16 to perhaps 12 units on the one-acre site, which would make it easier to address many of the other concerns.
“With 12, we solve the parking issue, we solve some of the impervious surface issues, runoff issues,” he said.
Commissioner Phil Mische said the density reduction wouldn’t solve what appears to be the application’s most serious problem: the sight line with the driveway.
“Knowing the potential for danger around this intersection, right there it’s not a down-size, it’s a denial,” he said.
Though still torn as to what they should do with a project they’re clearly not comfortable with, by the end of Tuesday’s meeting commissioners felt they were making progress.
“We’re circling,” Chairwoman Rebecca Mucchetti said. “We’re getting closer.”
“What we’re all struggling with is density on that site,” Joe Fossi told his colleagues on the Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday night. “That’s what it gets down to, for me: I’m not comfortable with that many units.”
He added, “I don’t want to get dragged down the rabbit hole of denying the project, and not having it stand up in court, and spending a lot of the taxpayers’ money.”
After approving a wetlands permit needed by the project, the commission talked itself out on the zoning issues Tuesday night and opted to schedule another meeting next week to discuss it further.
The Eppoliti project will be the subject of a special meeting next Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 in the town annex.
“It’ll be the only item on the agenda,” Chairwoman Rebecca Mucchetti said.
Members were acting as the Inland Wetland Board, separate from their duties at the Planning and Zoning Commission, when they granted a wetlands permit required by the project.
The wetlands approval was for the “alternative” plan proposed by the developer to accommodate concerns raised about harming a wetland on the nearby Christiansen property off New Street. The alternative plan that won approval involves relocating a planned building at the back of the Epploiti site, placing it about 19 feet from the rear property line.
Significantly, the approval included provision for revising the wetlands permit, should the affordable housing project be substantially changed during the Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval process.
The zoning aspect of the Eppoliti project was discussed for more than an hour Tuesday.
The legal constraints the commission has under the state’s affordable housing statute, 8-30g, loomed over the discussion, with commission attorney Tom Beecher in attendance, offering guidance.
Major “health and safety” issues the commission was troubled by included:
Sight lines at the driveway onto North Salem Road, near the “Joe’s corner” intersection of Routes 116 and 35, do not meet state requirements. The state Department of Transportation revoked a permit granted in the mistaken belief the driveway was to serve one house, not a 16-unit complex.
The plan is short of parking space requirements and the commission worries that, with the lot overfilled, access by fire trucks would be difficult — especially if there were piles of plowed snow in the ‘dead end’ lot with only one driveway in and out.
Excessive storm runoff has been documented in the area, and the hours of testimony by competing engineers for the applicant and neighbors left a concern that test holes weren’t dug deep enough to assure that the highly engineered drainage system would work as its supposed to.
There is also concern that the state’s Storm Water Quality Manual recommends that the water infiltration system be located farther from the foundation of one of the proposed buildings than the plan proposes.
Some commissioners seemed interested in an outright denial, but state law tells commissions to modify and approve projects, when possible, rather than simply rejecting them.
Mr. Fossi suggested the commission consider reducing the plan’s density from 16 to perhaps 12 units on the one-acre site, which would make it easier to address many of the other concerns.
“With 12, we solve the parking issue, we solve some of the impervious surface issues, runoff issues,” he said.
Commissioner Phil Mische said the density reduction wouldn’t solve what appears to be the application’s most serious problem: the sight line with the driveway.
“Knowing the potential for danger around this intersection, right there it’s not a down-size, it’s a denial,” he said.
Though still torn as to what they should do with a project they’re clearly not comfortable with, by the end of Tuesday’s meeting commissioners felt they were making progress.
“We’re circling,” Chairwoman Rebecca Mucchetti said. “We’re getting closer.”
2011年11月13日星期日
Stalking victims claim crime not taken seriously enough
Most victims of stalking who turn to the criminal justice system for protection say it is failing them, a survey reveals.
Two-thirds of victims said the police and Crown Prosecution Service did not take their complaints seriously enough, with offenders not being charged in nearly nine out of 10 alleged cases.
The survey of 140 victims was conducted by the charity Protection Against Stalking (PAS), which found "low level" stalking offences were dealt with too leniently and could escalate into more serious offences, including murder.
The majority of victims are women. One told how the criminal justice system had failed her: "The police told me to switch my phone off and ignore him. They said nothing could be done. I showed them dozens of texts and they were not really interested. They said nothing could be done unless he actually tried to hurt me."
Another victim said: "Being abandoned by the police while being stalked only adds to the fear and distress of what is already a terrifying situation."
Victims said their tormentors were escaping jail despite numerous offences. One victim said: "There have been over 50 breaches of non-molestation orders. The outcome was an £80 fine for the perpetrator."
Laura Richards, the author of the report, said: "Stalking is not fully understood by criminal justice professionals and too often the stalking pattern is missed. This results in a low priority being afforded to cases by all professionals in the criminal justice system. Victims pay with their lives."
The findings come as the government is expected to announce a review to see if tougher measures are needed. It will consult on whether stalking should become a specific criminal offence, as it already is in Scotland. There is no legal definition of stalking in English law.
Police and courts can issue restraining orders under the 1997 Protection from Harassment Act, but it is so widely drawn that it covers all kinds of harassment, including bullying at work.
The review, to be undertaken by the Home Office, CPS and Ministry of Justice, will look at police training and attitudes to stalking, the impact of guidance for prosecutors, and how effective restraining orders are in preventing harassment and stalking.
Home Office ministers hope techniques developed by a specialist unit, the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre, can be used more widely. It has considerable expertise in assessing the risk in stalking cases to high-profile individuals, including members of the royal family and politicians. It makes psychiatric assessments available to police officers working on such cases.
Programmes may be run for convicted stalkers to challenge their criminal behaviour and deal with any mental health issues.
A Home Office spokesman said: "The effect of stalking on victims' lives can be devastating and we are actively looking at what more can be done to protect victims and ensure there are robust prosecutions."
According to the PAS survey, 42% of victims had been stalked for 24 months or more. One victim told of having to move 10 times; others said the constant fear was "soul destroying".
Some 62% of victims said phone calls were used by their tormentors; 51% reported being followed; 50% received unwelcome text messages; 50% suffered harassment through the use of a third party; 30% received email they considered harassment; 25% received distressing letters; and 25% of victims suffered break-ins.
Social media, such as Facebook and Twitter were also used, as was child contact and the court process.
The survey found that stalkers were former partners in 57% of cases, while 13% were strangers, 13% neighbours, 12% ex-colleagues, 11% an acquaintance, 6% a family member, 3% a patient and 3% a friend.
Harry Fletcher, assistant general secretary of the National Association of Probation Officers, which is supporting a new anti-stalking law, said victims must be better protected. "The consequences of their not being taken seriously can be devastating and result in physical and mental injury and in far too many cases even homicide," he said.
"The time is right for the introduction of specific stalking laws so that perpetrators' behaviour can be fully taken into account befor
Two-thirds of victims said the police and Crown Prosecution Service did not take their complaints seriously enough, with offenders not being charged in nearly nine out of 10 alleged cases.
The survey of 140 victims was conducted by the charity Protection Against Stalking (PAS), which found "low level" stalking offences were dealt with too leniently and could escalate into more serious offences, including murder.
The majority of victims are women. One told how the criminal justice system had failed her: "The police told me to switch my phone off and ignore him. They said nothing could be done. I showed them dozens of texts and they were not really interested. They said nothing could be done unless he actually tried to hurt me."
Another victim said: "Being abandoned by the police while being stalked only adds to the fear and distress of what is already a terrifying situation."
Victims said their tormentors were escaping jail despite numerous offences. One victim said: "There have been over 50 breaches of non-molestation orders. The outcome was an £80 fine for the perpetrator."
Laura Richards, the author of the report, said: "Stalking is not fully understood by criminal justice professionals and too often the stalking pattern is missed. This results in a low priority being afforded to cases by all professionals in the criminal justice system. Victims pay with their lives."
The findings come as the government is expected to announce a review to see if tougher measures are needed. It will consult on whether stalking should become a specific criminal offence, as it already is in Scotland. There is no legal definition of stalking in English law.
Police and courts can issue restraining orders under the 1997 Protection from Harassment Act, but it is so widely drawn that it covers all kinds of harassment, including bullying at work.
The review, to be undertaken by the Home Office, CPS and Ministry of Justice, will look at police training and attitudes to stalking, the impact of guidance for prosecutors, and how effective restraining orders are in preventing harassment and stalking.
Home Office ministers hope techniques developed by a specialist unit, the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre, can be used more widely. It has considerable expertise in assessing the risk in stalking cases to high-profile individuals, including members of the royal family and politicians. It makes psychiatric assessments available to police officers working on such cases.
Programmes may be run for convicted stalkers to challenge their criminal behaviour and deal with any mental health issues.
A Home Office spokesman said: "The effect of stalking on victims' lives can be devastating and we are actively looking at what more can be done to protect victims and ensure there are robust prosecutions."
According to the PAS survey, 42% of victims had been stalked for 24 months or more. One victim told of having to move 10 times; others said the constant fear was "soul destroying".
Some 62% of victims said phone calls were used by their tormentors; 51% reported being followed; 50% received unwelcome text messages; 50% suffered harassment through the use of a third party; 30% received email they considered harassment; 25% received distressing letters; and 25% of victims suffered break-ins.
Social media, such as Facebook and Twitter were also used, as was child contact and the court process.
The survey found that stalkers were former partners in 57% of cases, while 13% were strangers, 13% neighbours, 12% ex-colleagues, 11% an acquaintance, 6% a family member, 3% a patient and 3% a friend.
Harry Fletcher, assistant general secretary of the National Association of Probation Officers, which is supporting a new anti-stalking law, said victims must be better protected. "The consequences of their not being taken seriously can be devastating and result in physical and mental injury and in far too many cases even homicide," he said.
"The time is right for the introduction of specific stalking laws so that perpetrators' behaviour can be fully taken into account befor
2011年11月9日星期三
Four Causes Of Winter Blues – And What You Can Do About Them
Winter is almost here. Not only is this a time for celebrations with loved ones, annoying Christmas music, and too many good things to eat – it’s also a time that, for many of us, is marked by the onset of the winter blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects millions of people all over the world every single year. Are you one of them?
Although researchers have discovered many linkages between environmental and physical factors, winter and depression, SAD is still a complex phenomenon that has more than one single cause. Here are the top four causes of depression in the winter — and what you can do about them.
1) Decreased sunlight. Sunlight stimulates the superchiasmatic nucleus in the brain, which in turn regulates our Circadian rhythms of sleeping and waking, including production of the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin. Make sure you get enough sunlight during the short winter days. If you can, spend at least 15 minutes outside everyday to make sure you’re soaking up enough of this valuable natural health aid.
2) Breathing stale and impure air. More and more studies are beginning to show that there’s a link between the air we breathe and the number of physical, mental and emotional ailments. Toxins, molds, pollens, and chemicals in our everyday home and office environments can create depressed emotional states. A solution for this is to purchase a large room air purifier for your living room or for your open plan corporate office. You can also purchase a smaller unit for your bedroom, as you’re bound to spend nearly 1/3 of your life sleeping in there. You can find personal air purifier reviews online to help you figure out which device suits you best.
3) Sedentary life. Who wants to go jogging in the dark? Not me! Most of us would rather spend our long winter evenings curled up with a good novel, watching movies with our sweethearts, or relaxing in the bathtub. Unfortunately, what this means is that we tend to slack off on our exercise regiments during the season. Exercise has been clinically shown to have the mitigating effect on winter depression, so don’t forget to get out there and get your daily dose of motion. Even a few minutes of walking is better than nothing. Take the stairs and walk whenever you can, and hit the gym after work if the thought of exercising outside in the dark is too much to handle.
4) Decreased vitamin D. Research has shown that decreased levels of vitamin D are linked to SAD. If you’re not getting enough sunlight each day (in the winter, most of us are not) you can purchase an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement at any health store or most major chain grocery stores. Follow the directions on the label to make sure you’re getting the right dose.
No one single solution can wipe away this complex problem all at once. Ideally, you should follow a regimen that combines light therapy, time outside, regular exercise and good nutrition, and proper nutritional supplementation. If you do, you’ll find that those feelings of unhappiness, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, and other emotional malaise will cease to trouble you. In time, you can look forward to winter as what its meant to be: a time of joy and delight for everyone.
Although researchers have discovered many linkages between environmental and physical factors, winter and depression, SAD is still a complex phenomenon that has more than one single cause. Here are the top four causes of depression in the winter — and what you can do about them.
1) Decreased sunlight. Sunlight stimulates the superchiasmatic nucleus in the brain, which in turn regulates our Circadian rhythms of sleeping and waking, including production of the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin. Make sure you get enough sunlight during the short winter days. If you can, spend at least 15 minutes outside everyday to make sure you’re soaking up enough of this valuable natural health aid.
2) Breathing stale and impure air. More and more studies are beginning to show that there’s a link between the air we breathe and the number of physical, mental and emotional ailments. Toxins, molds, pollens, and chemicals in our everyday home and office environments can create depressed emotional states. A solution for this is to purchase a large room air purifier for your living room or for your open plan corporate office. You can also purchase a smaller unit for your bedroom, as you’re bound to spend nearly 1/3 of your life sleeping in there. You can find personal air purifier reviews online to help you figure out which device suits you best.
3) Sedentary life. Who wants to go jogging in the dark? Not me! Most of us would rather spend our long winter evenings curled up with a good novel, watching movies with our sweethearts, or relaxing in the bathtub. Unfortunately, what this means is that we tend to slack off on our exercise regiments during the season. Exercise has been clinically shown to have the mitigating effect on winter depression, so don’t forget to get out there and get your daily dose of motion. Even a few minutes of walking is better than nothing. Take the stairs and walk whenever you can, and hit the gym after work if the thought of exercising outside in the dark is too much to handle.
4) Decreased vitamin D. Research has shown that decreased levels of vitamin D are linked to SAD. If you’re not getting enough sunlight each day (in the winter, most of us are not) you can purchase an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement at any health store or most major chain grocery stores. Follow the directions on the label to make sure you’re getting the right dose.
No one single solution can wipe away this complex problem all at once. Ideally, you should follow a regimen that combines light therapy, time outside, regular exercise and good nutrition, and proper nutritional supplementation. If you do, you’ll find that those feelings of unhappiness, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, and other emotional malaise will cease to trouble you. In time, you can look forward to winter as what its meant to be: a time of joy and delight for everyone.
2011年9月21日星期三
2012 Ford Focus Energy in motion and frugal too
One of many pleasant little villages you pass through along this road, "it could be missed with the blink of an eye", as they say in Ireland, unless you spot an unusual monument. It's a full-sized stainless-steel replica of a Model-T Ford. Yes, you are on the ancestral home turf of Henry Ford, of Ford Motor Company fame. Erected as a new millennium project, the site has been visited by a number of Ford family members, the most recent being William Clay "Bill" Ford Jr. and family.
Bill is a great-grandson of Henry Ford and currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company. A commemorative plaque at the site was dated August 3, 2011. That was only a couple of weeks prior to my visit with the latest product from the Dearborn, Michiganbased company, a 2012 model year Ford Focus.
The new Focus was redesigned mainly in Germany and is built on a new C-car platform that will underpin a number of other Ford products. It's a global car in every other sense and is produced in Ford plants in Spain, Russia, China and, as well as Germany and North America (Michigan).
In Canada, Ford sells Focus in both 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan body styles. And in Ireland it's also offered in a wagon version, called an "Estate". Although different descriptive names are used, both countries also offer Focus models in four prepackaged equipment and trim levels.
Sticker shock, however, is a highvoltage jolt when you do a euro-todollar conversion on the asking prices on an Irish Focus - it's almost double the Canadian price. Our proximity to the largest and most lucrative car market in the world certainly helps keep Canadian auto prices low when compared with most other countries in the world.
Besides having the steering wheel on the right side of the passenger cabin, my test Focus also came with a diesel engine, which is not available in Canada. In fact, two sizes of diesel engine (1.6-and 2.0-litre) are offered, and only one gasoline (or petrol) engine (1.6-litre) is available.
Even though diesel models are priced higher (about $700 more) they tend to be more popular with Irish buyers. It's mainly because diesel fuel is cheaper and these engines provide considerable better fuel economy. You pay a bit more, but get more for the car when you trade it in, I was told.
My test Focus came with Active Park Assist, which automatically pilots the Focus into a parallel roadside parking space. A salesperson at the dealership sheepishly described it as a "lady park system" and could only recall ever selling one vehicle with it.
Apparently I'm more in touch with my feminine side than I ever realized - okay, call me a sissy - but I do like Active Park Assist. It first measures a parking space as you drive by and tells you if the car will fit in it. You can then choose to let it do the steering or just use it as a guidance system - so parking is a much easier task.
On a side note, Ford is planning to build (in Detroit) a full electric version of the Focus and it's expected to be released next year. A full recharge, with a 240-volt charging station is reported to take less than four hours, which would be best in the industry.
Ford describes the "Kinetic Design" styling theme used to create the Focus as "a visual representation of energy in motion." Sounds great and it is a good looking car, especially the 5-door hatchback. Soft, flowing curves allow Focus to slip through air with a very low 0.295 coefficient of drag, which is an eight per cent improvement over the previous generation car. Underneath it has 25 per cent more torsional rigidity, with 55 per cent more highstrength steel, plus more than 26 per cent of that is ultra-highstrength or Boron steel (in the B-pillars). That's a higher ratio than any other Ford product.
The upfront space provided is excellent and there's an impressive range of seat adjustments to accommodate an above-average height driver, like myself. Legroom in the rear, however, is a bit limited and taller occupants may need to seek a compromise with frontseat users.
In addition to the strong body structure, a new generation driver's airbag uses a tether system that when deployed pulls in the lower section and creates a "pocket" that lessens its impact on the driver's chest and ribs. Smaller occupants also benefit from unique side airbags with shoulder vents that stay open, to reduce pressure quicker.
The Healy Pass spans Ireland's spectacular Beara Peninsula. It connects the counties of Cork and Kerry and it's a very special driving experience. The road is long, winding and narrow, but the valley views on either side of the mountain ridge can be absolutely stunning when the weather cooperates - and it did.
The Focus also proved to be a highly enjoyable driving experience as it danced back and forth along the winding mountain road with Michael Flatley-like agility. Some credit must go to the new, and standard Dynamic Cornering Control system that uses "torque vectoring" techniques. It enhances cornering ability by lightly applying the brakes to an inside front wheel.
The diesel engine was another revelation. It had gobs of great pulling power and ran so quietly that passengers questioned, "is it really a diesel?" Our total average fuel economy was a very frugal 5.3 L-100km (about 53 mpg), with roughly a 60/40 mix of highway and city driving.
A feature associated with hybrid drivetrains that I've never come across in a diesel-powered car, called Active City Stop, was also interesting. It saves fuel normally wasted while idling by automatically turning the engine off and restarting. It worked like a charm, even with the manual transmission in my test Focus.
Hopefully, at some point, Ford will offer this engine to Canada. Some competitors have already announced their intention to add diesel engine models, so it's a real possibility.
Bill is a great-grandson of Henry Ford and currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company. A commemorative plaque at the site was dated August 3, 2011. That was only a couple of weeks prior to my visit with the latest product from the Dearborn, Michiganbased company, a 2012 model year Ford Focus.
The new Focus was redesigned mainly in Germany and is built on a new C-car platform that will underpin a number of other Ford products. It's a global car in every other sense and is produced in Ford plants in Spain, Russia, China and, as well as Germany and North America (Michigan).
In Canada, Ford sells Focus in both 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan body styles. And in Ireland it's also offered in a wagon version, called an "Estate". Although different descriptive names are used, both countries also offer Focus models in four prepackaged equipment and trim levels.
Sticker shock, however, is a highvoltage jolt when you do a euro-todollar conversion on the asking prices on an Irish Focus - it's almost double the Canadian price. Our proximity to the largest and most lucrative car market in the world certainly helps keep Canadian auto prices low when compared with most other countries in the world.
Besides having the steering wheel on the right side of the passenger cabin, my test Focus also came with a diesel engine, which is not available in Canada. In fact, two sizes of diesel engine (1.6-and 2.0-litre) are offered, and only one gasoline (or petrol) engine (1.6-litre) is available.
Even though diesel models are priced higher (about $700 more) they tend to be more popular with Irish buyers. It's mainly because diesel fuel is cheaper and these engines provide considerable better fuel economy. You pay a bit more, but get more for the car when you trade it in, I was told.
My test Focus came with Active Park Assist, which automatically pilots the Focus into a parallel roadside parking space. A salesperson at the dealership sheepishly described it as a "lady park system" and could only recall ever selling one vehicle with it.
Apparently I'm more in touch with my feminine side than I ever realized - okay, call me a sissy - but I do like Active Park Assist. It first measures a parking space as you drive by and tells you if the car will fit in it. You can then choose to let it do the steering or just use it as a guidance system - so parking is a much easier task.
On a side note, Ford is planning to build (in Detroit) a full electric version of the Focus and it's expected to be released next year. A full recharge, with a 240-volt charging station is reported to take less than four hours, which would be best in the industry.
Ford describes the "Kinetic Design" styling theme used to create the Focus as "a visual representation of energy in motion." Sounds great and it is a good looking car, especially the 5-door hatchback. Soft, flowing curves allow Focus to slip through air with a very low 0.295 coefficient of drag, which is an eight per cent improvement over the previous generation car. Underneath it has 25 per cent more torsional rigidity, with 55 per cent more highstrength steel, plus more than 26 per cent of that is ultra-highstrength or Boron steel (in the B-pillars). That's a higher ratio than any other Ford product.
The upfront space provided is excellent and there's an impressive range of seat adjustments to accommodate an above-average height driver, like myself. Legroom in the rear, however, is a bit limited and taller occupants may need to seek a compromise with frontseat users.
In addition to the strong body structure, a new generation driver's airbag uses a tether system that when deployed pulls in the lower section and creates a "pocket" that lessens its impact on the driver's chest and ribs. Smaller occupants also benefit from unique side airbags with shoulder vents that stay open, to reduce pressure quicker.
The Healy Pass spans Ireland's spectacular Beara Peninsula. It connects the counties of Cork and Kerry and it's a very special driving experience. The road is long, winding and narrow, but the valley views on either side of the mountain ridge can be absolutely stunning when the weather cooperates - and it did.
The Focus also proved to be a highly enjoyable driving experience as it danced back and forth along the winding mountain road with Michael Flatley-like agility. Some credit must go to the new, and standard Dynamic Cornering Control system that uses "torque vectoring" techniques. It enhances cornering ability by lightly applying the brakes to an inside front wheel.
The diesel engine was another revelation. It had gobs of great pulling power and ran so quietly that passengers questioned, "is it really a diesel?" Our total average fuel economy was a very frugal 5.3 L-100km (about 53 mpg), with roughly a 60/40 mix of highway and city driving.
A feature associated with hybrid drivetrains that I've never come across in a diesel-powered car, called Active City Stop, was also interesting. It saves fuel normally wasted while idling by automatically turning the engine off and restarting. It worked like a charm, even with the manual transmission in my test Focus.
Hopefully, at some point, Ford will offer this engine to Canada. Some competitors have already announced their intention to add diesel engine models, so it's a real possibility.
2011年3月7日星期一
ABM Industries Announces First Quarter 2011 Financial Results, Declares Quarterly Dividend and Reaffirms Guidance
ABM Industries Incorporated (NYSE:ABM) today announced revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 of $1.03 billion compared to first quarter of fiscal year 2010 revenues of $869.9 million. Net income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 was $8.4 million, a 34.3% decrease from $12.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010. Net income per diluted share for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 decreased 33.7% to $0.16 compared to net income per diluted share of $0.24 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010. Net income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 was impacted by $2.5 million after-tax of transaction costs associated with The Linc Group acquisition in 2010, $2.3 million after-tax of labor expense from one additional work day and $0.5 million after-tax in higher state unemployment insurance tax compared to the year-ago quarter.
"The Company's financial results met our expectations for the first quarter and were consistent with our guidance targets for the fiscal year," said Henrik Slipsager, president and chief executive officer, ABM Industries Incorporated. "Revenues increased 18% year-over-year, reaching a quarterly record of $1.03 billion, and improved sequentially by 14%. The businesses we acquired during 2010 – Diversco, L&R Parking companies and The Linc Group – drove sales growth in the quarter. Sales generated by the newly-acquired businesses and a return to organic growth will continue to produce year-over-year revenue gains for the 2011 fiscal year. Despite the top line growth, net income in the first quarter also was impacted by increased year-over-year amortization and interest costs related to the Linc acquisition. However, our focus on improving margins and profitability produced 9% growth in adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter, including the impact of one additional working day.
"All four Divisions produced revenue increases as the acquired companies generated more than $156 million in sales during the first quarter, ahead of plan, and we saw small overall improvement in organic growth as well. ABM Janitorial slightly increased organic revenues year-over-year for the first time in eight quarters. Janitorial's profitability was impacted by one additional working day, higher state unemployment insurance expense and unanticipated costs associated with snow removal which impacted certain clients. Engineering revenues nearly doubled compared to the year-ago quarter on the strength of sales generated by The Linc Group, which contributed more than $93 million in revenues. Engineering's operating profit increased year-over-year, driven by the Linc business, which was slightly accretive to earnings in the first quarter excluding transaction costs, ahead of our expectations. Parking increased revenues more than 35%, bolstered by new sales and contributions from the L&R companies, while profitability was essentially flat, partly resulting from snow and other weather-related costs. Security revenues were up modestly, including more than $3 million in sales from Diversco, while operating profit remained even with the year-ago quarter."
Slipsager concluded: "We are encouraged by the pace of integration and sales contributions of the companies we acquired last year. The additional revenues will generate year-over-year sales growth and help drive profitability. We will leverage our recent investments in an expanded footprint, increased sales and additional talent to deliver on our financial plans and projections for the year."
Income from continuing operations for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 was $8.4 million ($0.16 per diluted share) compared to $12.8 million ($0.24 per diluted share) in the year-ago quarter. Excluding items impacting comparability, adjusted income from continuing operations was $11.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011. This compares to adjusted income from continuing operations of $14.0 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010, with the year-over difference primarily a result of the additional work day in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.
The Company's adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and excluding discontinued operations and items impacting comparability) for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 was $35.7 million compared to $32.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010.
"The Company's financial results met our expectations for the first quarter and were consistent with our guidance targets for the fiscal year," said Henrik Slipsager, president and chief executive officer, ABM Industries Incorporated. "Revenues increased 18% year-over-year, reaching a quarterly record of $1.03 billion, and improved sequentially by 14%. The businesses we acquired during 2010 – Diversco, L&R Parking companies and The Linc Group – drove sales growth in the quarter. Sales generated by the newly-acquired businesses and a return to organic growth will continue to produce year-over-year revenue gains for the 2011 fiscal year. Despite the top line growth, net income in the first quarter also was impacted by increased year-over-year amortization and interest costs related to the Linc acquisition. However, our focus on improving margins and profitability produced 9% growth in adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter, including the impact of one additional working day.
"All four Divisions produced revenue increases as the acquired companies generated more than $156 million in sales during the first quarter, ahead of plan, and we saw small overall improvement in organic growth as well. ABM Janitorial slightly increased organic revenues year-over-year for the first time in eight quarters. Janitorial's profitability was impacted by one additional working day, higher state unemployment insurance expense and unanticipated costs associated with snow removal which impacted certain clients. Engineering revenues nearly doubled compared to the year-ago quarter on the strength of sales generated by The Linc Group, which contributed more than $93 million in revenues. Engineering's operating profit increased year-over-year, driven by the Linc business, which was slightly accretive to earnings in the first quarter excluding transaction costs, ahead of our expectations. Parking increased revenues more than 35%, bolstered by new sales and contributions from the L&R companies, while profitability was essentially flat, partly resulting from snow and other weather-related costs. Security revenues were up modestly, including more than $3 million in sales from Diversco, while operating profit remained even with the year-ago quarter."
Slipsager concluded: "We are encouraged by the pace of integration and sales contributions of the companies we acquired last year. The additional revenues will generate year-over-year sales growth and help drive profitability. We will leverage our recent investments in an expanded footprint, increased sales and additional talent to deliver on our financial plans and projections for the year."
Income from continuing operations for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 was $8.4 million ($0.16 per diluted share) compared to $12.8 million ($0.24 per diluted share) in the year-ago quarter. Excluding items impacting comparability, adjusted income from continuing operations was $11.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011. This compares to adjusted income from continuing operations of $14.0 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010, with the year-over difference primarily a result of the additional work day in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.
The Company's adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and excluding discontinued operations and items impacting comparability) for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 was $35.7 million compared to $32.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010.
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