среда, 7 марта 2012 г.

Bidders set for historic airwaves auction that could raise $15 billion for the US Treasury

More than 200 companies have qualified to bid during the auction of public airwaves that could raise as much as $15 billion (euro10.07 billion) for the U.S. Treasury.

The Federal Communications Commission on Monday released a final list of 214 bidders for the much-anticipated auction set for Jan. 24. Winners will use the valuable spectrum to deliver wireless voice and data services to millions of customers.

To qualify, companies were required to submit minimum upfront payments by Jan. 4.

The airwaves to be auctioned are in use by television broadcasters and will become available once they switch to digital signals in February 2009.

Among the bidders that qualified was Google Inc., which lobbied successfully for a requirement that a third of the airwaves to be auctioned be open to any device or software applications.

Google or some other company will have to pony up a minimum bid of $4.6 billion (euro3.09 billion) to ensure the "open access" rules remain in place.

America's two dominant cell phone providers both qualified to bid: Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc. MetroPCS Wireless Inc. also qualified, as did Alltel Corp., which was recently sold to a private investor group.

A number of cable television companies qualified, though the two largest in the nation _ Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Inc. _ opted to sit out.

Advance/Newhouse Partnership, which operates Bright Networks, qualified _ as did bidders owned by Cox Communications Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp.

Vulcan Spectrum LLC, a company owned by Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul G. Allen, also qualified. Among Allen's many investments is Charter Communications Inc., a cable company with 5.7 million subscribers.

EchoStar Communications Corp., which operates satellite television company Dish Network, qualified to bid under the name Frontier Wireless LLC.

Among those that had initially applied to bid but did not qualify was Frontline Wireless LLC, a Greensboro, North Carolina-based startup that had hoped to build a national emergency communications network that would be shared with commercial users.

Last week, a company spokeswoman announced that the company was "closed for business." The spectrum block that was designated for the shared network required an upfront payment of $128 million (euro85.93 million). The company's withdrawal, confirmed by Monday night's FCC release, cast some doubt about the prospects for the network.

One of the more interesting entrants that applied to bid but failed to qualify was Backline LLC. It's controlled by Fortress Investment Group, a private equity and hedge fund company with $40 billion (euro26.85 billion) in assets.

The spectrum for auction is considered especially desirable.

Signals in the 700 megahertz band being auctioned travel long distances and require fewer cell towers than other frequencies. It also easily passes through walls, the same characteristics that make it desirable for television broadcasters.

The spectrum should allow companies to plug holes in their networks, provide better voice service, faster Internet connections and other advanced services.

Once the auction begins, information on how it's progressing will be limited. Bids will be submitted anonymously. The winning bids will be publicized at the end of each round, but not the names of the bidders. The winners won't be announced until sometime after the auction ends.

EXPO PACK MEXICO PRESENTS SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS.

MEXICO CITY, Mexico -- The following information was released by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute:

From exhibitors' booths to Centro Banamex, sustainable practices and manufacturing will be prominent throughout EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 (June 21-24, Centro Banamex, Mexico City), reports show owner and producer PMMI.

"Sustainability isn't as much a 'trend' in processing and packaging anymore as it is a standard approach to doing business," says Jose Martinez, director of PMMI's Latin America office. "EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 will provide the solutions consumer goods companies in Latin America need to implement sustainable approaches."

Sustainability Matters: EXPO PACK Verde

Now in its second year, the EXPO PACK Verde program points visitors to exhibitors showing packaging and processing solutions that support a variety of green solutions -- including efficient energy use and alternative materials to allow for a more efficient post-consumer recovery.

"In 2010, the program's first year, 110 exhibitors participated, and we expect to see even more take part this year," Martinez says.

Visitors can find exhibitors participating in EXPO PACK Verde in the online exhibitor search at www.expopack.com.mx.

AMEE Uses EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 for Support of Sustainability

The Mexican Packaging Association, AMEE, will present Mexican Packaging Week - which includes a series of educational sessions and awards presentations - during EXPO PACK Mexico.

Among the awards will be the AMEE Sustainable Packaging Award, which is given to companies working on energy conservation and environmental protection. The Mexican Environment Ministry (SEMARNAT) supports AMEE's Sustainable Packaging Award, which last year was delivered to five container and packaging companies during Mexican Packaging Week.

AMEE has also dedicated a day of its conference program at EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 to sustainability-related topics.

"The program includes a speaker from Procter and Gamble discussing the challenges consumer goods companies face in complying with green requirements from customers. The speaker will talk about how PandG has to change processes and products to meet customer requirements," says Martinez.

Domino Printing will speak about the new packaging solutions available to companies looking for energy-saving and resource-saving solutions, he adds.

Sustainability Starts at the Convention Center

Centro Banamex, home to EXPO PACK Mexico since 2005, has received accolades for its sustainability efforts, too. The convention center is the only facility in Latin America that has received the 2011 EarthCheck Silver Certification.

EarthCheck, an international certification for sustainable tourism, evaluates and consults companies that follow environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices.

To maintain this rating, Centro Banamex sets annual goals including controlling leakage and excessive water use for efficient water consumption; efficient electrical power usage; reduce-reuse-recycle programs for consumables and waste; and regular training for staff.

"Like the exhibitors and attendees of EXPO PACK Mexico, the Centro Banamex management team understands the importance of reducing your footprint. I believe our attendees and exhibitors can learn from their actions," says Martinez.

About PMMI

PMMI is a trade association of 560-plus member companies that manufacture packaging, processing and related converting machinery in the United States or Canada; machinery components and packaging containers and materials. PMMI's vision is to be the leading global resource for packaging, and its mission is to improve and promote members' abilities to meet the needs of their customers.

PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and EXPO PACK Mexico, connecting participants in the packaging and processing supply chain with their customers around the world. Coming Up: EXPO PACK Mexico at Mexico City's Centro Banamex, June 21-24, 2011, and PACK EXPO Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 26-28, 2011.

Learn more about PMMI and the PACK EXPO trade shows at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com.

About EXPO PACK Mexico

EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 (June 21-24; Centro Banamex, Mexico City) will connect over 22,000 buyers with more than 900 packaging and processing solutions providers.

Information, registration and booth reservations for EXPO PACK Mexico are available online at www.expopack.com.mx or, call 703.243.8555 to speak to Laura Thompson, director, international trade shows, PMMI, for more on EXPO PACK Mexico 2011: lthompson@pmmi.org.

# # #

EXPO PACK MEXICO PRESENTS SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS.

MEXICO CITY, Mexico -- The following information was released by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute:

From exhibitors' booths to Centro Banamex, sustainable practices and manufacturing will be prominent throughout EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 (June 21-24, Centro Banamex, Mexico City), reports show owner and producer PMMI.

"Sustainability isn't as much a 'trend' in processing and packaging anymore as it is a standard approach to doing business," says Jose Martinez, director of PMMI's Latin America office. "EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 will provide the solutions consumer goods companies in Latin America need to implement sustainable approaches."

Sustainability Matters: EXPO PACK Verde

Now in its second year, the EXPO PACK Verde program points visitors to exhibitors showing packaging and processing solutions that support a variety of green solutions -- including efficient energy use and alternative materials to allow for a more efficient post-consumer recovery.

"In 2010, the program's first year, 110 exhibitors participated, and we expect to see even more take part this year," Martinez says.

Visitors can find exhibitors participating in EXPO PACK Verde in the online exhibitor search at www.expopack.com.mx.

AMEE Uses EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 for Support of Sustainability

The Mexican Packaging Association, AMEE, will present Mexican Packaging Week - which includes a series of educational sessions and awards presentations - during EXPO PACK Mexico.

Among the awards will be the AMEE Sustainable Packaging Award, which is given to companies working on energy conservation and environmental protection. The Mexican Environment Ministry (SEMARNAT) supports AMEE's Sustainable Packaging Award, which last year was delivered to five container and packaging companies during Mexican Packaging Week.

AMEE has also dedicated a day of its conference program at EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 to sustainability-related topics.

"The program includes a speaker from Procter and Gamble discussing the challenges consumer goods companies face in complying with green requirements from customers. The speaker will talk about how PandG has to change processes and products to meet customer requirements," says Martinez.

Domino Printing will speak about the new packaging solutions available to companies looking for energy-saving and resource-saving solutions, he adds.

Sustainability Starts at the Convention Center

Centro Banamex, home to EXPO PACK Mexico since 2005, has received accolades for its sustainability efforts, too. The convention center is the only facility in Latin America that has received the 2011 EarthCheck Silver Certification.

EarthCheck, an international certification for sustainable tourism, evaluates and consults companies that follow environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices.

To maintain this rating, Centro Banamex sets annual goals including controlling leakage and excessive water use for efficient water consumption; efficient electrical power usage; reduce-reuse-recycle programs for consumables and waste; and regular training for staff.

"Like the exhibitors and attendees of EXPO PACK Mexico, the Centro Banamex management team understands the importance of reducing your footprint. I believe our attendees and exhibitors can learn from their actions," says Martinez.

About PMMI

PMMI is a trade association of 560-plus member companies that manufacture packaging, processing and related converting machinery in the United States or Canada; machinery components and packaging containers and materials. PMMI's vision is to be the leading global resource for packaging, and its mission is to improve and promote members' abilities to meet the needs of their customers.

PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and EXPO PACK Mexico, connecting participants in the packaging and processing supply chain with their customers around the world. Coming Up: EXPO PACK Mexico at Mexico City's Centro Banamex, June 21-24, 2011, and PACK EXPO Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 26-28, 2011.

Learn more about PMMI and the PACK EXPO trade shows at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com.

About EXPO PACK Mexico

EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 (June 21-24; Centro Banamex, Mexico City) will connect over 22,000 buyers with more than 900 packaging and processing solutions providers.

Information, registration and booth reservations for EXPO PACK Mexico are available online at www.expopack.com.mx or, call 703.243.8555 to speak to Laura Thompson, director, international trade shows, PMMI, for more on EXPO PACK Mexico 2011: lthompson@pmmi.org.

# # #

EXPO PACK MEXICO PRESENTS SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS.

MEXICO CITY, Mexico -- The following information was released by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute:

From exhibitors' booths to Centro Banamex, sustainable practices and manufacturing will be prominent throughout EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 (June 21-24, Centro Banamex, Mexico City), reports show owner and producer PMMI.

"Sustainability isn't as much a 'trend' in processing and packaging anymore as it is a standard approach to doing business," says Jose Martinez, director of PMMI's Latin America office. "EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 will provide the solutions consumer goods companies in Latin America need to implement sustainable approaches."

Sustainability Matters: EXPO PACK Verde

Now in its second year, the EXPO PACK Verde program points visitors to exhibitors showing packaging and processing solutions that support a variety of green solutions -- including efficient energy use and alternative materials to allow for a more efficient post-consumer recovery.

"In 2010, the program's first year, 110 exhibitors participated, and we expect to see even more take part this year," Martinez says.

Visitors can find exhibitors participating in EXPO PACK Verde in the online exhibitor search at www.expopack.com.mx.

AMEE Uses EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 for Support of Sustainability

The Mexican Packaging Association, AMEE, will present Mexican Packaging Week - which includes a series of educational sessions and awards presentations - during EXPO PACK Mexico.

Among the awards will be the AMEE Sustainable Packaging Award, which is given to companies working on energy conservation and environmental protection. The Mexican Environment Ministry (SEMARNAT) supports AMEE's Sustainable Packaging Award, which last year was delivered to five container and packaging companies during Mexican Packaging Week.

AMEE has also dedicated a day of its conference program at EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 to sustainability-related topics.

"The program includes a speaker from Procter and Gamble discussing the challenges consumer goods companies face in complying with green requirements from customers. The speaker will talk about how PandG has to change processes and products to meet customer requirements," says Martinez.

Domino Printing will speak about the new packaging solutions available to companies looking for energy-saving and resource-saving solutions, he adds.

Sustainability Starts at the Convention Center

Centro Banamex, home to EXPO PACK Mexico since 2005, has received accolades for its sustainability efforts, too. The convention center is the only facility in Latin America that has received the 2011 EarthCheck Silver Certification.

EarthCheck, an international certification for sustainable tourism, evaluates and consults companies that follow environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices.

To maintain this rating, Centro Banamex sets annual goals including controlling leakage and excessive water use for efficient water consumption; efficient electrical power usage; reduce-reuse-recycle programs for consumables and waste; and regular training for staff.

"Like the exhibitors and attendees of EXPO PACK Mexico, the Centro Banamex management team understands the importance of reducing your footprint. I believe our attendees and exhibitors can learn from their actions," says Martinez.

About PMMI

PMMI is a trade association of 560-plus member companies that manufacture packaging, processing and related converting machinery in the United States or Canada; machinery components and packaging containers and materials. PMMI's vision is to be the leading global resource for packaging, and its mission is to improve and promote members' abilities to meet the needs of their customers.

PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and EXPO PACK Mexico, connecting participants in the packaging and processing supply chain with their customers around the world. Coming Up: EXPO PACK Mexico at Mexico City's Centro Banamex, June 21-24, 2011, and PACK EXPO Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 26-28, 2011.

Learn more about PMMI and the PACK EXPO trade shows at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com.

About EXPO PACK Mexico

EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 (June 21-24; Centro Banamex, Mexico City) will connect over 22,000 buyers with more than 900 packaging and processing solutions providers.

Information, registration and booth reservations for EXPO PACK Mexico are available online at www.expopack.com.mx or, call 703.243.8555 to speak to Laura Thompson, director, international trade shows, PMMI, for more on EXPO PACK Mexico 2011: lthompson@pmmi.org.

# # #

EXPO PACK MEXICO PRESENTS SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS.

MEXICO CITY, Mexico -- The following information was released by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute:

From exhibitors' booths to Centro Banamex, sustainable practices and manufacturing will be prominent throughout EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 (June 21-24, Centro Banamex, Mexico City), reports show owner and producer PMMI.

"Sustainability isn't as much a 'trend' in processing and packaging anymore as it is a standard approach to doing business," says Jose Martinez, director of PMMI's Latin America office. "EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 will provide the solutions consumer goods companies in Latin America need to implement sustainable approaches."

Sustainability Matters: EXPO PACK Verde

Now in its second year, the EXPO PACK Verde program points visitors to exhibitors showing packaging and processing solutions that support a variety of green solutions -- including efficient energy use and alternative materials to allow for a more efficient post-consumer recovery.

"In 2010, the program's first year, 110 exhibitors participated, and we expect to see even more take part this year," Martinez says.

Visitors can find exhibitors participating in EXPO PACK Verde in the online exhibitor search at www.expopack.com.mx.

AMEE Uses EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 for Support of Sustainability

The Mexican Packaging Association, AMEE, will present Mexican Packaging Week - which includes a series of educational sessions and awards presentations - during EXPO PACK Mexico.

Among the awards will be the AMEE Sustainable Packaging Award, which is given to companies working on energy conservation and environmental protection. The Mexican Environment Ministry (SEMARNAT) supports AMEE's Sustainable Packaging Award, which last year was delivered to five container and packaging companies during Mexican Packaging Week.

AMEE has also dedicated a day of its conference program at EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 to sustainability-related topics.

"The program includes a speaker from Procter and Gamble discussing the challenges consumer goods companies face in complying with green requirements from customers. The speaker will talk about how PandG has to change processes and products to meet customer requirements," says Martinez.

Domino Printing will speak about the new packaging solutions available to companies looking for energy-saving and resource-saving solutions, he adds.

Sustainability Starts at the Convention Center

Centro Banamex, home to EXPO PACK Mexico since 2005, has received accolades for its sustainability efforts, too. The convention center is the only facility in Latin America that has received the 2011 EarthCheck Silver Certification.

EarthCheck, an international certification for sustainable tourism, evaluates and consults companies that follow environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices.

To maintain this rating, Centro Banamex sets annual goals including controlling leakage and excessive water use for efficient water consumption; efficient electrical power usage; reduce-reuse-recycle programs for consumables and waste; and regular training for staff.

"Like the exhibitors and attendees of EXPO PACK Mexico, the Centro Banamex management team understands the importance of reducing your footprint. I believe our attendees and exhibitors can learn from their actions," says Martinez.

About PMMI

PMMI is a trade association of 560-plus member companies that manufacture packaging, processing and related converting machinery in the United States or Canada; machinery components and packaging containers and materials. PMMI's vision is to be the leading global resource for packaging, and its mission is to improve and promote members' abilities to meet the needs of their customers.

PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and EXPO PACK Mexico, connecting participants in the packaging and processing supply chain with their customers around the world. Coming Up: EXPO PACK Mexico at Mexico City's Centro Banamex, June 21-24, 2011, and PACK EXPO Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 26-28, 2011.

Learn more about PMMI and the PACK EXPO trade shows at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com.

About EXPO PACK Mexico

EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 (June 21-24; Centro Banamex, Mexico City) will connect over 22,000 buyers with more than 900 packaging and processing solutions providers.

Information, registration and booth reservations for EXPO PACK Mexico are available online at www.expopack.com.mx or, call 703.243.8555 to speak to Laura Thompson, director, international trade shows, PMMI, for more on EXPO PACK Mexico 2011: lthompson@pmmi.org.

# # #

EXPO PACK MEXICO PRESENTS SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS.

MEXICO CITY, Mexico -- The following information was released by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute:

From exhibitors' booths to Centro Banamex, sustainable practices and manufacturing will be prominent throughout EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 (June 21-24, Centro Banamex, Mexico City), reports show owner and producer PMMI.

"Sustainability isn't as much a 'trend' in processing and packaging anymore as it is a standard approach to doing business," says Jose Martinez, director of PMMI's Latin America office. "EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 will provide the solutions consumer goods companies in Latin America need to implement sustainable approaches."

Sustainability Matters: EXPO PACK Verde

Now in its second year, the EXPO PACK Verde program points visitors to exhibitors showing packaging and processing solutions that support a variety of green solutions -- including efficient energy use and alternative materials to allow for a more efficient post-consumer recovery.

"In 2010, the program's first year, 110 exhibitors participated, and we expect to see even more take part this year," Martinez says.

Visitors can find exhibitors participating in EXPO PACK Verde in the online exhibitor search at www.expopack.com.mx.

AMEE Uses EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 for Support of Sustainability

The Mexican Packaging Association, AMEE, will present Mexican Packaging Week - which includes a series of educational sessions and awards presentations - during EXPO PACK Mexico.

Among the awards will be the AMEE Sustainable Packaging Award, which is given to companies working on energy conservation and environmental protection. The Mexican Environment Ministry (SEMARNAT) supports AMEE's Sustainable Packaging Award, which last year was delivered to five container and packaging companies during Mexican Packaging Week.

AMEE has also dedicated a day of its conference program at EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 to sustainability-related topics.

"The program includes a speaker from Procter and Gamble discussing the challenges consumer goods companies face in complying with green requirements from customers. The speaker will talk about how PandG has to change processes and products to meet customer requirements," says Martinez.

Domino Printing will speak about the new packaging solutions available to companies looking for energy-saving and resource-saving solutions, he adds.

Sustainability Starts at the Convention Center

Centro Banamex, home to EXPO PACK Mexico since 2005, has received accolades for its sustainability efforts, too. The convention center is the only facility in Latin America that has received the 2011 EarthCheck Silver Certification.

EarthCheck, an international certification for sustainable tourism, evaluates and consults companies that follow environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices.

To maintain this rating, Centro Banamex sets annual goals including controlling leakage and excessive water use for efficient water consumption; efficient electrical power usage; reduce-reuse-recycle programs for consumables and waste; and regular training for staff.

"Like the exhibitors and attendees of EXPO PACK Mexico, the Centro Banamex management team understands the importance of reducing your footprint. I believe our attendees and exhibitors can learn from their actions," says Martinez.

About PMMI

PMMI is a trade association of 560-plus member companies that manufacture packaging, processing and related converting machinery in the United States or Canada; machinery components and packaging containers and materials. PMMI's vision is to be the leading global resource for packaging, and its mission is to improve and promote members' abilities to meet the needs of their customers.

PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and EXPO PACK Mexico, connecting participants in the packaging and processing supply chain with their customers around the world. Coming Up: EXPO PACK Mexico at Mexico City's Centro Banamex, June 21-24, 2011, and PACK EXPO Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 26-28, 2011.

Learn more about PMMI and the PACK EXPO trade shows at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com.

About EXPO PACK Mexico

EXPO PACK Mexico 2011 (June 21-24; Centro Banamex, Mexico City) will connect over 22,000 buyers with more than 900 packaging and processing solutions providers.

Information, registration and booth reservations for EXPO PACK Mexico are available online at www.expopack.com.mx or, call 703.243.8555 to speak to Laura Thompson, director, international trade shows, PMMI, for more on EXPO PACK Mexico 2011: lthompson@pmmi.org.

# # #

понедельник, 5 марта 2012 г.

Baxter to cut up to 4,000 more jobs Will reduce price of new drug as profit falls almost 18%

Baxter International said Thursday it will slash up to 4,000 morejobs to cut costs and reduce the price of its key new drug Advate toboost sales as it announced that first-quarter net earnings droppednearly 18 percent.

The world's No. 1 maker of blood treatment products also announcedplans to close additional plasma collection centers and reduce plasmaproduction by 13 percent.

The job cuts will represent 7 to 8 percent of Baxter's 50,000-employee global work force and will include cuts in northernIllinois. Baxter employs about 4,500 people in northern Illinois,including 1,000 people at its headquarters in Deerfield. Roughly halfof all the reductions will be made in …

Hilt, Kenneth A.(Obituaries)

POESTENKILL Kenneth A. Hilt, 67, of Poestenkill, entered into eternal rest, surrounded by his loving family at his home on Christmas morning, December 25, 2008. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Onyon Hilt; his loving children, Kenneth (Billy Jo) Hilt of Averill Park, Kelli (Guy) DeLeonardo of Glenville, Karri (John) Holmes of Averill Park and Karen (Tom) Potter of Vt.; his cherished grandchildren, Ken, Tori, Kevin, Zach, Carly, Mikayla, Madelyne, Matthew and Kristen; and his brothers, Richard Hilt of …

3 WOMEN AT UALBANY WIN SEX EQUITY AWARD.(CAPITAL REGION)(Correction notice)

ALBANY -- The 12th annual Bread and Roses Award at the University at Albany was given Thursday to three employees. It honors those who work for sex equity and enhance the quality of life for women at the university.

Winners are Lisa-Anne Donohue, a chemical safety officer who works on women's safety issues; Judith Saidel, executive director of the Center for Women in Government, who works on …

South Korea's prime minister offers to resign

South Korea's prime minister offered to resign Thursday after parliament shot down his efforts to scrap a plan that would relocate several government ministries out of the capital.

Chung Un-chan, an academic who was appointed in September, has led the charge to abandon the project, thought up by the previous liberal administration.

President Lee Myung-bak has said the plan to move more than half of the 15 government ministries from Seoul and a nearby city would waste taxpayer money and create inefficiencies.

The National Assembly, however, voted down Lee's push late last month, forcing him to start work on implementing the original plan that …

Pro Arte premiers trombone concerto

A rarely played Haydn symphony and a popular Schubert symphony framed a new trombone concerto commissioned and played by the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra at its recent Sanders Theatre concert.

Norman Bolter, a Boston Symphony trombonist, was both the composer and the soloist, under the baton of the orchestra's black Music Director, Isaiah Jackson. Bolter is a Minneapolis native who started playing the trombone at the age of nine, and was hired by the Boston Symphony in 1975 when he was only twenty, making him the orchestra's youngest member at the time.

The trombone as we know it has been in use since medieval times, though largely relegated to sacred music (Bach and Handel) …