Mars rover's crazy-looking landing plan is technically sound, says NASA

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NASA scientists say that the Mars Curiosity rover's audacious August 5landing plan, which involves a hypersonic parachute, retrorockets, and a hovering 'sky crane' system is exactly what is needed for the $2.5 billion rover.

Many have been fretting about the seemingly implausible, risky landing strategy of the new Mars rover Curiosity set to arrive on the Red Planet next month, but engineers say the worry is overblown.

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Curiosity, the Mini Cooper-size centerpiece of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, is due to be lowered onto the Martian surface by a hovering Sky Crane holding it up via tethers. Despite the audacity of the concept, many aerospace engineers say the plan is solid.

"I agree it looks scary, it looks risky, but it's technically sound," said Georgia Institute of Technology professor Bobby Braun, who served as NASA chief technologist from 2010-2011. Braun was not part of the engineering team, based at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., that designed the Curiosity landing system. "In my view, it's not risky, it's actually the right way to land the system they're trying to land."

The new $2.5 billion rover is designed to analyze samples of Mars rock for signs that our planetary neighbor is, or ever was, habitable to life. Weighing in at 1 ton, Curiosity is too heavy to land with the assistance of cushioning airbags, like NASA's previous two Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity.

Instead, parachutes will slow the MSL descent stage toward Mars at first. Then, the descent stage will use rocket engines to dampen its speed further. Finally, at about 115 feet (35 meters) above the surface, the Sky Crane system will lower Curiosity, wheels-down, toward the ground, attached to nylon tethers. The rover is designed to be gently settled on the surface, after which the Sky Crane will detach and fly off to land a distance away. [How Curiosity's Nail-Biting Landing Works (Pictures)]

The plan requires a large number of sophisticated parts to work impeccably, and is utterly different than any previous mechanism used to land a machine on another planet, prompting some to charge that it's a scheme Rube Goldberg would have approved.

"A lot of people seem skeptical of it. I'm not," said Stephen Gorevan, chairman of New York City robotics firm Honeybee Robotics, which built Curiosity's internal Sample Manipulation System, but wasn't involved with the landing strategy. "I just think, the thing has been so tested. I see the electromechanical elements, I'm an engineer, I see at least each individual element of the scheme seems very reliable to me. It's new, it's daring, but I see it working."

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Mars rover's crazy-looking landing plan is technically sound, says NASA

Tracing the nano-landscape

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Mumbai, July 25:

How big is small? Nano technologies are igniting innovations across the world. And tracing this nanoscape the complex pathways from nanoventing to the commercialisation of nanovations is the book Nanotechnology Intellectual Property Rights: Research, Design, and Commercialization.

The inclusive nature of nanotechnology gives it a very special status as it mothers innovations to deliver inventions in nanobiotechnology, nanostructures, nanocomposites, nanomedicine, nanotaggants for security systems, nanoelectronics, nanodevices etc, according to excerpts from the book written by intellectual property experts Dr Prabuddha Ganguli and Dr Siddharth Jabade. The book is slated for launch in Hyderabad this week.

Nanotechnology allows scientists to dabble at the small, building-block atomic or molecular level. And while the technology is not without its sceptics, a section of the scientific community believes that nanotechnology would help develop break-through newer applications in several fields.

Illustrating this nano-inclusiveness, the authors say, the protection of intellectual property is important to the nanotechnology industry because of its complex knowledge matrix.

Driving the nano to success will require cross-disciplinary expertise to contemplate, foresee and address as many social, legal including intellectual property rights, cultural, ethical, religious, philosophical and political implications of the nanoworld, tomorrow and the days after, the book says.

The book caters to a diverse readership that may not have an insight into the legal nuances of IP rights, and it seeks to articulate techno-legal aspects of nano-related innovations, illustrated with case-studies, to aid integration into businesses, says Dr Ganguli.

The book is published by the CRC Press (Taylor and Francis Group), USA, and priced in India at Rs 2,943.

jyothi@thehindu.co.in

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Tracing the nano-landscape

Government resists calls for nano-materials register

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The ABC's revelations that some sunscreen brands are inaccurately promoting themselves as nanotechnology-free have prompted calls for better regulation of nano-materials.

But the push for a mandatory register has suffered a blow, with a Federal Government report labelling it questionable.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is among those calling for a register, saying the potential risks posed by nano-particles are still unknown.

Nanotechnology is the science of reducing the size of particles to just billionths of a metre.

Nano-particles can be found in many products and materials such as sunscreen, cosmetics, food and clothing.

The Federal Government recently released a study it commissioned to look at the feasibility of a mandatory nanotechnology product register.

The study concluded: "It is clear that some nano-materials behave differently to bulk-form materials and there are associated health, safety and environmental risks."

"However the challenge presented by nanotechnology can be met through existing regulatory frameworks.

"It is therefore difficult to see a nano-products register delivering a net benefit to the community. The feasibility of a nano-product registry is questionable."

But groups pushing for a register disagree.

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Government resists calls for nano-materials register

Acclaimed Dentist from Suwanee, Georgia Addresses Barbados Dental Association on Latest Trends in Dental Sleep Medicine

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SUWANEE, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Suwanee, Georgia dentist, Robert A. Finkel, DDS, MAGD presented a seminar on Dental Sleep Medicine to Bajan dentists and staff in Bridgetown, Barbados on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. Dr. Finkel spoke to a group of approximately 25 general dentists, orthodontists, and staff on the topic of Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Dr. Vidya Armogan, President of the Barbados Dental Association, arranged this opportunity for Dr. Finkel to present this innovative concept in dentistry that will enable healthcare providers to help patients who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), snoring and other manifestations of Sleep Disordered Breathing. It was truly an honor to introduce the concepts of Dental Sleep Medicine to this group of dental professionals, said Dr. Bob Finkel. My hope is that these principles are utilized and will provide improved sleep and better rest for the people of Barbados in the coming years.

Dental Sleep Medicine incorporates the use of oral appliances to help open the airway, allowing normal sleep breathing in those patients suffering from OSA who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy. This less intrusive therapy for OSA has proven to be more accepted than CPAP treatment and is the latest in dental technology designed to maximize patient convenience and comfort during sleep.

Dr. Robert Finkel has been practicing dentistry in the Atlanta area for more than 33 years. He was a charter member of The Sleep Disorders Dental Society 30 years ago and is known for treatment in the fields of Comprehensive Restorative Dentistry, Dental Sleep Medicine, and TMJ/Facial Pain. Dr. Finkel is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and the recipient of the Academys Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition Award. He is also the author of Mini-Bites for a Mega Smile, (A Patients Guide to Dental Treatment) and several white papers on the relationship between oral health and systemic health. Dr. Robert A. Finkels office is located in Suwanee, Georgia. For more information, please visit http://www.bobfinkelsmiles.com.

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Acclaimed Dentist from Suwanee, Georgia Addresses Barbados Dental Association on Latest Trends in Dental Sleep Medicine

New facility to boost medicine research

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Clinical trials of diabetes, arthritis and migraine treatments will be fasttracked and hit the market sooner with the opening of a new national research facility in Brisbane.

The nine million dollar Queensland Node of Therapeutic Innovation Australia will streamline the development of new medical products.

The facility is a collaboration between the University of Queensland and Griffith University and spread over five locations in the state.

It's the first time Australian researchers will have a single point to test medical inventions and have them approved for commercial sale.

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New facility to boost medicine research

Plastic surgery: 'Wild West' of medicine

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Hospitals typically vet their surgeons and allow them to practice only within their field of training and expertise.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Editor's note: Dr. Anthony Youn is a plastic surgeon in metro Detroit. He is the author of "In Stitches," a humorous memoir about growing up Asian-American and becoming a doctor.

(CNN) -- Martha* had decided to undergo a breast augmentation. She researched doctors and found one she thought was well-qualified; ads in magazines touted him as board-certified and a top plastic surgeon in the area.

Martha met with him for a consultation and underwent the procedure in his office several weeks later. But at home that night, she discovered a shocking sight:

Her breast implants were lodged in her armpits.

The next morning, she rushed back to her doctor's office. He inspected her chest and, with a quizzical look on his face, declared, "I have never seen this before."

Martha decided to seek another opinion. A new surgeon explained that the previous physician had botched the procedure. She would need extensive surgery to correct it.

As if this weren't bad enough, he also informed her that her doctor wasn't what he claimed to be. Sure, he was board-certified -- just not in plastic surgery.

Her "plastic surgeon" was actually an eye doctor.

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Plastic surgery: 'Wild West' of medicine

Research and Markets: Sports Medicine Market Report: 2012 Edition

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ks463w/sports_medicine_ma) has announced the addition of the "Sports Medicine Market Report: 2012 Edition" report to their offering.

A major breakthrough achieved in the field of orthopedics with special application and usage in the sports medicine segment is the recent advancements in arthroscopy techniques i.e. the development of minimally invasive surgery techniques. Over the past couple of decades, the research and development in the arthroscopic procedures has proved to be the transforming milestone as it has critically reduced the healing time for the injuries.

Due to changing demographic trends and lifestyle mainly in younger population, a surge in the cases of sports injuries was seen. Arthroscopic repair is the fastest growing segment in treatment of sports related injuries. Since the technology has a major application in the cases related to sports injuries, the majority of procedures are performed to repair knee damage, most notably to the meniscus, treating sport related injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage, as well as age related damage from rheumatoid arthritis. Devices like cartilage repair, rotator cuff repair, and shoulder labrum repair tend to sports related injuries.

Furthermore, the global ageing population is another segment which has benefitted from the advent of minimally invasive techniques in the field of arthroscopic surgery because it doesn't require long period of hospitalization. The maximum revenues come from knee and shoulder treatments.

Leading Players:

As of 2011, the global market leader in the field of sports medicine is Arthrex with Smith & Nephew standing at second place. Other leading players are DePuy Mitek, Stryker, Conmed, Tornier and ArthroCare. With a continuous threat posed by new entrants trying to develop novel procedures and advanced tools and machinery having crucial usage in the respective field has led to a higher degree of rivalry amongst the competitors, overhauling their R&D activities.

Publication Overview:

The report analyzes the global sports medicine market. It covers market size, factors influencing market growth, major trends like robot assisted arthroscopic procedures and advent of minimally invasive surgery procedures and growth drivers like increasing healthcare expenditure, and global ageing population. Furthermore, this study also analyzes the global orthopedics and arthroscopy market. The report provides the company profiles of the key players in the global sports medicine market along with a discussion of their business strategies.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ks463w/sports_medicine_ma

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Research and Markets: Sports Medicine Market Report: 2012 Edition

South Jersey celebrates grand opening of Cooper Medical School

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CAMDEN After nearly four decades of efforts, South Jersey politicians and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of a new medical school in Camden today.

"This is part of a beginning," a beaming George Norcross, chairman of the Cooper University Hospital board, told a standing-room-only crowd today.

Norcross was instrumental in convincing then-Gov. Jon Corzine to authorize a medical school in Camden, but he wasnt the first in his family to have a role. His father, who was director of the local AFL-CIO, began banging the drum for the Camden school about four decades ago.

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, along with the recent realignment of higher education in the state, will bring more than $1 billion of much needed development to Camden over the next decade, boost public safety, enhance education and transform the neglected city, Norcross said.

The new medical school will eventually enroll 400 students. But the first class, which begins next month, is limited to 50 students who were chosen from among 2,900 applicants willing to take a chance on a new school.

Gov. Chris Christie said politicians often overemphasize the importance of events, but that the opening of the medical school was not one of those occasions. He called it a "big deal" and said jokingly that his praise has "the added bonus of being true."

More than 300 people crammed into a 250-seat auditorium in the state-of-the-art facility for the opening, which marked the states first new medical school in more than 35 years.

The 200,000 square-foot-building took 17 months to complete at a cost of $139 million.

Many of the speakers at the hour-long dedication also praised the Legislatures recent approval of a higher education restructuring plan that dismantled the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, sending its School of Osteopathic Medicine to Rowan and giving the rest to Rutgers University.

"We will teach the rest of the world" how to embrace and impose change in higher education, Ali Houshmand, the president of Rowan, said in an impassioned speech that echoed the excitement of the day.

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South Jersey celebrates grand opening of Cooper Medical School

W&M, Eastern Virginia Medical School may join forces

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10:10 a.m. EDT, July 25, 2012

The College of William and Mary and Eastern Virginia Medical School announced on Wednesday they are looking into joining forces to become the William and Mary School of Medicine.

The institutions noted any such action would require the approval of the William and Mary board of visitors, the General Assembly and the governor.

In a letter to the William and Mary community, President Taylor Reveley said he will ask a group led by the provost to begin the exploration effort.

"In my view, the EVMS possibility is worth careful consideration," Reveley said in the letter. "EVMS is an institution we know and respect. Many W&M graduates have gone to medical school there. And there has been productive research collaboration between the two schools."

The two schools said they must "carefully investigate the implications of such a combination."

If EVMS becomes part of William and Mary, the public university will join three others in Virginia with medical schools. The others are Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

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W&M, Eastern Virginia Medical School may join forces

EVMS may become W&M School of Medicine

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WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) - The Eastern Virginia Medical School is exploring the option of becoming the William & Mary School of Medicine, according to the college.

In a statement issued by both the College of William & Mary and the Easter Virginia Medical School, the possible change must be carefully investigated before a decision is made. The length of the process is unknown.

William & Mary President Taylor Reveley sent the following message Tuesday:

Later today we will issue a joint statement with Eastern Virginia Medical School saying that both institutions will take a long, hard look at whether EVMS should become the William & Mary School of Medicine.

There are miles to go and much information to be developed and studied before either W&M or EVMS will be ready to make a decision, one way or the other. Any such combination would require approval by the College's Board of Visitors as well as the Governor and General Assembly.

It will be important to engage the W&M community in consideration of this possibility. To that end,I will ask a group, led by the Provost, to pull the laboring oar on our due diligence.

In my view, the EVMS possibility is worth careful consideration. EVMS is an institution we know and respect. Many W&M graduates have gone to medical school there. And there has been productive research collaboration between the two schools.

Whether asking for state approval of this combination will ultimately prove to be in our best interests, all factors considered, is what we must now carefully determine. The same, obviously, is true of EVMS from its perspective.

If the choice is made to proceed, the General Assembly and Governor will have to approve.

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EVMS may become W&M School of Medicine

Cooper Medical School opening brings hopes of education opportunities, economic boost

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CAMDEN The Cooper Medical School of Rowan University has been touted as a state-wide win for New Jersey students.

But with the schools opening Tuesday, the Camden-based $139 million project is expected to have the most impact on Gloucester County the home of Rowan University and the city, which is anticipated to get a much-needed economic boost.

Gloucester County is one of the biggest winners in this mix, said Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-3, of West Deptford).

His home county claims Glassboros Rowan University, which is now the second college in the country to offer doctors of medicine (MD) and osteopathic medicine (DO) programs, according to Sweeney.

The Cooper Health System partnership adds an MD program to the universitys already existing affiliation with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and DO program.

This is Rowans medical school ... we are going to be known as the center of excellence for education, Sweeney said. This is an amazing day. Im extremely proud of what we accomplished this last year ... and what weve done in Camden.

The six-story high medical school building has replaced the abandoned houses and buildings that lined Broadway between Benson and Washington Streets just two years ago. The East side view to abandoned houses, windows broken out or boarded, is a reminder of what the 200,000-square-foot building replaced.

Not only will this wonderful facility be a boost to our economy, Redd said the scholars and physicians that emerge from the school and the services provided here will impact the delivery of health care in the city.

We are very grateful that Cooper Medical School of Rowan University has chosen Camden as its home, as its classroom, the mayor added. It exemplifies Camdens long-awaited, long-talked about resurgence.

The opening of the medical school marks Camdens time to come back, she said.

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Cooper Medical School opening brings hopes of education opportunities, economic boost

New Cooper-Rowan medical school ready to open

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CAMDEN Revitalization of a depressed city was on many minds Tuesday morning at a formal celebration for the new Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

Scheduled to open to its first 50 students Aug. 13, an open house brought together more than 300 medical, academic, political and community leaders, including present and past governors.

The establishment of a four-year medical school in Camden is long overdue, said Gov. Chris Christie. Children throughout New Jersey who dream of one day becoming a doctor now have another medical school option, right in their own state.

Former Gov. Jim Florio also was in attendance to see the projects completion.

Camden Mayor Dana Redd said the new institution is expected to boost the local economy and its level of health care, while creating a population of medical scholars and physicians.

I believe it is an indicator and a catalyst for future development to come, she said. Im really overjoyed. Im really overwhelmed at what has transpired in this city. Its Camdens time.

State Sen. Donald Norcross, D-5 of Camden, whose father George, a Cooper Hospital trustee, was instrumental in moving the project toward fruition, said the new six-story structure replaced abandoned buildings and a methadone clinic that previously sat on the Broadway site.

Construction on the school began in October 2010. On Tuesday, a time-lapse video showed the audience the evolution of the building as the U2 song Beautiful Day played. The project, Norcross said, relied on a variety of building trades that created apprentice opportunities for young people to learn skills.

Changing communities and changing lives. Thats what this great facility will do, he said.

According to medical school officials, about half of the institutions inaugural class has chosen to reside in the city while pursuing their educations. Since the school does not offer dormitory housing, those students are finding accommodations in nearby neighborhoods.

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New Cooper-Rowan medical school ready to open

Liberty Ross, Rupert Sanders' Wife: Pictures and Information

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Spotted by Mario Testino as a teenager, Liberty quickly became one of the most influential British fashion icons of her generation.

Her work has appeared on publications such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, I:D, Dazed & Confused, POP, Vs, Zoo, Visionnaire, Numero, Dansk and Citizen K, amongst others. Shes been featured in numerous campaigns for Sonia Rykiel, Burberry, Dior, Etro, Jimmy Choo, Ungaro, Jil Sander, H&M, Levis and Solange Azagurys jewelry to name a few.

Throughout the years, Liberty has worked alongside some of the most influential names in the fashion industry such as Kate Moss, Katie Grand, Solve Sundsbo, Terry Richardson, Mario Sorenti, Steven Meisel and Mert & Marcus. Her famous collaborations with photographer Nick Knight have seen the duo editing an issue of British Vogue, creating unique videos for Showstudio.com and shooting for Pirellis notorious calendar.

Most recently, Liberty has starred in Sam Taylor Woods "Daydream", Warren Du Preez and Nick Jones performance piece for Unkle "Follow Me Down" and Madonnas directorial debut "W.E." She is also performing in Universal Studios upcoming epic feature "Snow White And The Huntsman" directed by Rupert Sanders.

Liberty currently resides in Malibu, CA where shes developing a series of projects while contributing with a personal blog on Vogue.com

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Liberty Ross, Rupert Sanders' Wife: Pictures and Information

Liberty Property Reports In Line – Analyst Blog

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Referenced Stocks: DRE, LRY

Liberty Property Trust ( LRY ), a real estate investment trust (REIT), reported second quarter 2012 FFO (funds from operations) of 63 cents per share compared with 69 cents in the year-earlier quarter. Reported FFO in the quarter was in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Funds from operations, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, are obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses to net income.

Total revenue for second quarter 2012 stood at $169.2 million compared with $164.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Total revenue for the reported quarter exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $168 million.

At the end of the reported quarter, the in-service portfolio of Liberty Property, spanning 77.0 million square feet, had occupancy of 90.7% compared with 90.5% in the previous quarter. Liberty Property witnessed strong leasing activities in the quarter with about 5.5 million square feet of leased space. Operating income from same-store properties slipped 0.6% on a cash basis and 1.0% on a straight line basis year over year.

Liberty Property continues to reposition its portfolio by selling suburban office and high-finish flex properties.The company also intends to enhance its cash reserves through significant divestiture of commodity office space. During the reported quarter, Liberty Property sold 54 properties (82.3% leased), spanning 2.7 million square feet in Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey, for approximately $208.6 million.Additionally, Liberty Property acquired four properties (58% leased) spanning 603,000 square feet of leasable space for $29.3 million.

During second quarter 2012, Liberty Property began development of three properties, spanning 246,000 square feet, for an estimated investment of $23.5 million. Also, the company brought into service one development property spanning 128,000 square feet for $6.6 million.

During the reported quarter, Liberty property redeemed $100 million worth of its outstanding 7.40% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units at par. Also the company issued $400 million of 4.125% senior unsecured notes to increase its liquidity. At the end of second quarter 2012, the company had $154.1 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Liberty Property currently retains a Zacks #2 Rank, which translates into a short-term Buy rating. We are also maintaining our long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock. One of its competitors, Duke Realty Corp. ( DRE ) carries a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold rating.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

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Liberty Property Reports In Line - Analyst Blog

Liberty Mutual Insurance Reports Second Quarter 2012 Results

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BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Liberty Mutual Holding Company Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively LMHC or the Company) today reported net income of $139 million and $598 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, increases of $318 million and $413 million over the same periods in 2011.

Second quarter premium growth of 8% was driven by continued momentum in U.S. personal lines, rate increases in U.S. commercial lines, and robust international results despite significant strengthening of the dollar, said David H. Long, President and CEO of Liberty Mutual Insurance. Additionally our profitability improved significantly in the quarter despite catastrophe losses continuing to run at an elevated level. The quarter was a busy one, including a significant debt restructuring, the sale of our Argentina workers compensation company, assimilation of KIT in Russia, and gaining approval to begin writing business in India.

Second Quarter Highlights

Year-to-Date Highlights

Financial Condition as of June 30, 2012

Consolidated Results of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

PTOI before catastrophes, net incurred losses attributable to prior years, current accident year re-estimation and LP and LLC income

Net incurred losses attributable to prior years:

Pre-tax operating income (loss) before LP and LLC income

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Liberty Mutual Insurance Reports Second Quarter 2012 Results

Liberty Property Reports In Line

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Liberty Property Trust (LRY), a real estate investment trust (:REIT), reported second quarter 2012 FFO (funds from operations) of 63 cents per share compared with 69 cents in the year-earlier quarter. Reported FFO in the quarter was in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Funds from operations, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, are obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses to net income.

Total revenue for second quarter 2012 stood at $169.2 million compared with $164.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Total revenue for the reported quarter exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $168 million.

At the end of the reported quarter, the in-service portfolio of Liberty Property, spanning 77.0 million square feet, had occupancy of 90.7% compared with 90.5% in the previous quarter. Liberty Property witnessed strong leasing activities in the quarter with about 5.5 million square feet of leased space. Operating income from same-store properties slipped 0.6% on a cash basis and 1.0% on a straight line basis year over year.

Liberty Property continues to reposition its portfolio by selling suburban office and high-finish flex properties.The company also intends to enhance its cash reserves through significant divestiture of commodity office space. During the reported quarter, Liberty Property sold 54 properties (82.3% leased), spanning 2.7 million square feet in Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey, for approximately $208.6 million.Additionally, Liberty Property acquired four properties (58% leased) spanning 603,000 square feet of leasable space for $29.3 million.

During second quarter 2012, Liberty Property began development of three properties, spanning 246,000 square feet, for an estimated investment of $23.5 million. Also, the company brought into service one development property spanning 128,000 square feet for $6.6 million.

During the reported quarter, Liberty property redeemed $100 million worth of its outstanding 7.40% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units at par. Also the company issued $400 million of 4.125% senior unsecured notes to increase its liquidity. At the end of second quarter 2012, the company had $154.1 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Liberty Property currently retains a Zacks #2 Rank, which translates into a short-term Buy rating. We are also maintaining our long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock. One of its competitors, Duke Realty Corp. (DRE) carries a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold rating.

Read the Full Research Report on LRY

Zacks Investment Research

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Liberty Property Reports In Line

Libertarian plans entry to 6th District congressional race

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After more than a year of gathering signatures, a Beverly Libertarian feels confident he will have more than enough to put his name on the November ballot next to the Democratic incumbent, Rep. John F. Tierney, and fellow contender, Republican Richard Tisei.

A newcomer to the campaign trail, Daniel Fishman, 44, said the current state of

the country has propelled him to run for Congress.

There is a real disconnect between what is happening in Congress and common sense, said Fishman.

Taxes arent being collected for enormous defense spending, he continued, and since he doesnt think takes should be increased unless thats the consensus of the country, the government needs to find a way to spend within the confines of what it has.

You cant spend more than you can bring in, said Fishman. We have to work toward a balanced budget.

The Beverly software architect left the Republican party 20 years ago. He will run as a Libertarian, saying government power is increasing with every battle between the Democrats and the Republicans, whether it is a disagreement over increasing the debt ceiling or health care.

Furthermore, said Fishman, the governments winner take all philosophy just isnt working.

We were not meant to be 50 unified states, said Fishman, but 50 united states.

For instance, the health care plan that Mitt Romney passed made a lot of sense for Massachusetts, said Fishman, but it might not be the best course of action for Texas.

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Libertarian plans entry to 6th District congressional race

Plainfield Libertarian expects to be on congressional ballot

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Plainfield resident Dan Reale said he expects to be on the ballot this November as the Libertarian Party candidate for Congress in Eastern Connecticuts 2nd District.

Reale, who is also chairman of the Libertarian Party of Connecticut, has collected 2,606 signatures, more than the 2,440 required, he wrote in an email recently. He has submitted 1,660 of those signatures to the office of Secretary of the State Denise Merrill.

Reale also said he expects former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party nominee for U.S. president, to be on the Connecticut ballot in November. Johnson is expected to have 12,000 signatures by Aug. 8, more than 7,500 valid he needs to get on the ballot. The party has submitted 2,300 signatures to Merrill on behalf of Johnson, Reale said.

Reale ran as a write-in candidate for Congress in 2008 and 2010 because of difficulty in getting signatures validated. The Libertarian Partys 2008 presidential nominee, former Georgia congressman Bob Barr, was not on the Connecticut ballot that year.

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Plainfield Libertarian expects to be on congressional ballot

Libertarian Candidate petitions ruled invalid

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July 24, 2012 Updated Jul 24, 2012 at 6:27 PM CDT

PEORIA,Ill -- A libertarian candidate with his eye on the 92nd district seat will not be on the ballot in the November general election.

The Peoria County Officers Electoral Board has ruled that more than 1,100 signatures gathered by three volunteers for Libertarian Candidate Chad Grimm are not valid. That's because the volunteers did similar work for candidates in the Democratic party during this election season which violates state law.

"The law is the law and I take full responsibility for that as the candidate. But what is then the process of verifying the validity of what you are told by a citizen?" Grimm said.

"I think it's difficult obviously for an independent party candidate not have a circulator who has previously voted or participated in either of the main political parties. But the law imposes that obligation on the candidate," said Attorney Tim Howard.

Chad Grimm says he does not plan to appeal the decision, but will see what his options are for continuing his campaign.

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Libertarian Candidate petitions ruled invalid