The deal is all but done. Now it's time to sell it.

Days after they announced a multibillion-dollar settlement, BP PLC and a committee of plaintiffs' attorneys are working out details of an agreement to resolve more than 100,000 claims spawned by the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

They must persuade a federal judge that the settlement is fair and equitable, but the sales job doesn't end there because the deal already has its critics.

Some attorneys who didn't participate in the settlement talks but represent thousands of plaintiffs question whether the court-supervised claims process offers a better bargain for their clients than the $20 billion compensation fund BP established in 2010. They can urge their clients not to participate in the settlement, though pursuing a claim separately in court could involve years of costly litigation.

Anthony Buzbee, a Houston-based attorney who represents about 12,000 clients with claims against BP, said he received a phone call Monday night from a Plaintiffs' Steering Committee member who briefed him on some of the terms of the deal. Buzbee had initially expressed doubt that the settlement could benefit his clients, saying it was "hard to keep an open mind when you're not getting any information" from the PSC.

His tone had softened by Tuesday, however. Buzbee said the PSC member assured him the court settlement's terms are "much more generous" than the Gulf Coast Claims Facility's claims processing formula.

"I'm going to withhold judgment on it and wait and see what the final protocols are going to be," Buzbee said.

Daniel Becnel Jr., a Reserve, La.-based attorney who represents about 1,500 clients with claims against BP, said he doesn't need to read the fine print of the deal to know he will advise his clients to opt out of the settlement. One of Becnel's concerns is that he says the settlement doesn't account for tens of thousands of people and businesses that haven't filed claims yet.

"They're starting to catch a lot of flak from a lot of people," Becnel said. "How do you settle a case without knowing what the universe is of the entire client population?"

Rig owner Transocean and cement contractor Halliburton also may challenge the deal in part because it seeks to assign certain claims BP has made against those companies to the PSC. Halliburton lead trial lawyer Donald E. Godwin said Tuesday that Halliburton is not currently in settlement discussions with BP or the PSC and that the company is preparing for trial.

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BP Settlement Architects Hope to Win Over Skeptics

Company Release - 3/6/12

SAN DIEGO - American Assets Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AAT - News) (the "Company") today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and year-end December31,2011 and provided full year guidance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.

Financial Results and Recent Developments

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company generated funds from operations ("FFO") for common stockholders and unitholders of $16.3 million, or $0.28 per diluted share/unit. For the year ended December31,2011, the Company generated FFO for common stockholders and unitholders of $57.3 million, or $1.05 per diluted share/unit, and FFO As Adjusted for common stockholders and unitholders of $60.3 million, or $1.11per diluted share/unit. FFO As Adjusted reflects adjustments to FFO for nonoperational items directly related to the Company`s initial public offering ("IPO") on January 19, 2011. Unitholders refers to holders of units of our operating partnership.

Net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.3 million, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended December31,2011. For the year ended December31,2011, net income attributable to common stockholders was $2.9 million, or $0.08 per basic and diluted share.

FFO and FFO As Adjusted are non-GAAP supplemental earnings measures which the Company considers meaningful in measuring its operating performance.Reconciliations of FFO and FFO As Adjusted to net income are attached to this press release.

Portfolio Results

The portfolio leased status as of the end of the indicated quarter was as follows:

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company signed 44 leases for approximately 186,900 square feet of retail and office space, as well as 112 multifamily apartment leases. Renewals accounted for 79.2%of the comparable retail leases, 100% of the comparable office leases and 53.6% of the residential leases.

Retail

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American Assets Trust, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2011 Financial Results

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Michael Baker Jr., Inc., a unit of Michael Baker Corporation (NYSE Amex:BKR), has announced that Matthew C. Lamont, RA, NCARB, has joined the firm as architecture operations director for Bakers Phoenix, Ariz., office. In this position, Lamont will provide leadership in all aspects of operations and business development for Bakers architectural practice in the region.

A LEED-Accredited Professional, Lamont was previously a principal-in-charge of a major design group and has been involved in a number of high-profile projects for clients such as Charles Schwab, TGEN, Qwest, and Phelps Dodge. His specialized technical and leadership experience includes major commercial mixed-use, high-tech/mission-critical, military/government, healthcare, multi-family and educational facilities.

Bakers Ronald W. Kretz, AIA, vice president and deputy service area manager for Bakers Architecture Group, said, The addition of Matt to our leadership team will be crucial to our success, particularly in the Southwest where we see solid opportunities. His experience specific to the markets we serve will prove to be valuable while his deep understanding of design/build and sustainable architectural design will help to build Bakers portfolio of such high-profile projects.

Lamont holds active architecture licenses in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah. He is a member of the Arizona Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, National Trust for U.S. Historic Preservation and the Urban Land Institute. Additionally, he is an Advisory Board MemberU.S. Veterans Initiative. Lamont earned his Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Southern California.

Michael Baker Corporation (www.mbakercorp.com) provides engineering, design, planning and construction services for its clients most complex challenges worldwide. The firm's primary business areas are architecture, aviation, defense, environmental, geospatial, homeland security, municipal & civil, oil & gas, rail & transit, telecommunications & utilities, transportation, urban development and water. With more than 3,200 employees in over 100 offices across the United States, Baker is focused on creating value by delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for infrastructure and the environment.

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Lamont Named Baker Phoenix Architecture Lead

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire -03/06/12)- Zephyr Agent Julie Reber has listed San Francisco's most eco-friendly 19th Century home, located at 1566 Sanchez Street in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood.

eco+historical homes is dedicated to the acquisition and restoration of historic San Francisco homes and leads the green residential revolution in its progressive series of rehabilitation and expansion projects. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom 1889 Victorian showcases mindful reconstruction while maintaining San Francisco's distinctive historical style.

Designed to achieve the pinnacle of green recognition, the LEED Platinum certification, this home reflects green building principles and materials. From the easily expandable solar photovoltaic system on the roof to the first residential use of Aquatherm Greenpipe, this home's green features minimize environmental impact while positively influencing occupant health. The renovation preserved many of the home's unique attributes and utilized a great deal of reclaimed materials from rafters to brick. A gray water system sends shower and tub water directly to the garden.

LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building, home or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

"The exceptional appearance of the monochromatic and original faade belies the magnitude of a contemporary, re-engineered and thoughtfully-designed home," commented Reber, a Top Producer for the past five years and Premiere Property agent in Zephyr's Pacific Heights office. "With a sense of personal privacy, the atmosphere also creates an enticing space for classic social events," she added.

In addition to the five bedrooms (including two master suites) and four baths on three well proportioned levels, the property features a two-car garage wired with 220V for electric car charger plus abundant storage; professionally-designed gardens; private decks with breathtaking views; nine-foot, tri-folding French doors throughout to bring nature indoors; a built-in home theater; a custom wine cellar; a gourmet kitchen and great room featuring a preparation island, fireplace and breakfast nook; and an exquisite dining room providing all the right elements for gracious entertaining. The lower level includes an additional private entrance and contains two bedrooms and a bath, ideal as au pair or in-law quarters.

The home is listed at $2,395,000. For further information on this remarkable property, please contact Julie Reber at 415-609-3677 or visit http://www.juliereber.com.

About Zephyr Real EstateFounded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with $1 billion in gross annual sales and a current roster of more than 200 full-time agents. In 2010, Zephyr launched its new website, which has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; and the local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six strategically located offices in San Francisco, a business center in Marin County, and serves a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit http://www.zephyrsf.com.

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Zephyr Lists San Francisco's Most Cutting-Edge, Eco-Restoration Victorian

A former vendor who pleaded guilty to taking part in a kickback scheme by performing home improvements for former staffers at the Memorial Healthcare System was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison on Tuesday.

Joseph Badalich, 67, of Hollywood admitted that he tacked on an extra $70,000 to a bill for remodeling the interior of the Cystic Fibrosis Center at the taxpayer-assisted Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood. The money was in exchange for insider help in getting awarded lucrative contracts, prosecutors said.

Badalich used the money to pay for marble floors installed at the Lake Worth home of hospital maintenance manager, Eliot Gordon. Badalich also converted a garage into a game room for another maintenance manager, Anthony Merola, who also lived in Lake Worth. Gordon and Merola are both serving federal prison terms for related crimes.

Badalich, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe an agent of an organization receiving federal funds, has to turn himself in to begin serving his prison sentence on April 9. He was also ordered to pay $457,274 in restitution during the sentencing in federal court in Miami. He had faced up to five years in prison but agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testified at trial against other members of the conspiracy, according to court records.

pmcmahon@tribune.com, 954-356-4533 or Twitter @SentinelPaula

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Former Memorial hospital vendor sentenced in home remodeling bribery scheme

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

From the company that brought you the first full line of smart grid-enabled appliances, GE is now launching additions and enhancements to its innovative suite of Brillion home energy solutions and laying the foundation for an energy-saving connected home.

Weve leveled the playing field by providing a product that communicates a homes continuous real-time energy consumption to consumers without a smart meter, said William Paul, product manager, home energy, GE Appliances. Our new Whole-Home Sensor connects to the consumers electrical panel and allows them to understand their energy consumption without waiting for their electricity provider to install a smart meter.

Whole-Home Sensor: The new Whole-Home Sensor, an integral part of home-energy solutions, is being used in several utility test pilots, including test homes in Warner Robins, Ga., as part of Flint Energies recently announced pilot project. It will be available broadly in the second quarter of this year.

The sensor sends consumption data from large 240-volt applications, such as a panel box or pool pump, to the homes Nucleus energy manager, which then communicates that data to a consumers existing smartphones or personal computers helping them make smarter energy choices.

Knowledge of whole-home energy consumption provides consumers with insights into their electricity costs before the bill arrives; offers them feedback on electricity-intensive activities, such as water heating; and allows them to quantify the benefits of their personal energy-efficiency efforts.

Smart-Plug Controls: On a more granular level, GE is also adding Brillion-enabled Smart Plugs, which act as sensors for electronics and non-smart devices that plug into standard 120-volt outlets. These sensor plugs communicate with the Nucleus energy manager, enabling consumers to track electrical usage by the outlet for most 120-volt appliances and devices.

These sensors turn any standard 120-volt consumer good into a smart home capable device. The sensors can be moved from device to device, enabling the consumer to perform an audit of their electrical appliances and electronics or to monitor them continuously for ongoing feedback providing critical insights to help consumers reduce energy consumption.

Energy data and energy monitoring are GEs first steps toward a fully connected home, Paul said. We fully expect to expand our products beyond energy, bringing more convenience and control elements to the consumer. The beauty of having built-in communications features in our products means that we can also add functionality that makes peoples lives easier.

More Connected Communications Features: GEs Brillion-enabled thermostats help consumers easily adjust heating and cooling schedules from their Nucleus software interface and alter household temperatures and operating modes remotely from their iPhone.

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GE Unveils More Brillion™ Ideas for Consumer Energy Savings

With three teenage kids and two dogs, Kris and Jeff Westall have a lot of activity in their Edina, Minn., home. But their kitchen wasn't keeping up.

"It was so ugly, and there was no place to sit," said Kris. The Westalls, who had lived in the 1964-built rambler since 1996, had outgrown a minor kitchen-remodeling they'd done years earlier. Kris was eager to make the space more appealing and up-to-date.

She wanted a complete overhaul someday, but for starters, she thought she'd just warm up the plain-vanilla kitchen with new paint colors and accessories. "I wanted it cozy and warm," Kris said. "I am not a winter person, so that was a big deal to me."

But she realized that warm-colored walls would still leave the kitchen with stark-white cupboards and countertops. "Then, I thought new cabinets would be nice," she said.

The kids urged their parents to renovate the entire kitchen now rather than later, so they could enjoy it while all were still living at home. "They said, 'You're not going to fix it after we go to college,' " Kris said.

So the couple agreed to a total makeover, with the goal of making their kitchen more functional and family-friendly. To help with the project, Kris enlisted designer Sue Hunter of Home for a Change. "She had worked with a friend of mine, and I had been hearing about Sue forever," Kris said.

Kris was leaning toward an Italian-style makeover. "Tuscany was my muse," she said, but Hunter nudged her toward a lighter French look. "I was trying to pull her away from wine colors," Hunter said.

And Kris ultimately agreed. "It's the dark side of the house, and we knew we needed light."

But that didn't mean Kris had to abandon her dream of warm, rustic colors. Copper is the dominant accent hue; the light-painted cabinets were antiqued with copper glaze and finished with copper-finish hardware, and a ceiling medallion was painted copper.

The long, narrow kitchen (about 11 by 23 feet) posed several challenges. To make the most of the space visually, Hunter decided to cover the appliances with wood panels to match the cabinets. "It gives it a consistent look, which helps it look bigger," she said.

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A French-inspired kitchen renovation cooks up some fun

TYRE, Lebanon: The reconstruction of the Fishermen Unions office building in the area surrounding Tyres old port has met with objections from an association dedicated to preserving the citys historical heritage.

The International Association to Save Tyre is protesting mutilating the Phoenician port and bridging parts of it, which contradicts the principle of preserving heritage sites, and has led to UNESCO threatening to take Tyre off the list of World Heritage Sites.

Meanwhile, Tyres municipality is stressing the need to reconstruct the unions building, which was built in the late 1980s.

According to the construction manager at Madnat Contracting Company, Adham Mahmoudy, the new building is being constructed on the ruins of the old building according to standards that take into consideration the character of the place and the maritime facade.

We are not going anywhere near the historical [heritage] site and we are not building on any heritage spot. We are only constructing a new building instead of the old one. We are not destroying ruins or digging any up, Mahmoudy added.

According to the head of the municipal union of Tyre, Abdel-Mohsen Husseini, they [the association] are against development. We are the protectors of the city and its heritage. Where were they living when we protected Tyre from all the mutilation it underwent during the Israeli occupation? I regret that those who issued the statement are against Tyre. They increased destruction in Tyre.

In light of the dispute, a meeting was held last week at Tyres municipality, which included Tyre Mayor Hasan Dbouq, and a number of figures involved in the project. In the meeting, it was decided that construction should continue, while making an amendment to reduce the size of construction and focus more on aesthetics.

The building will represent a professional and social front and show the citys character and heritage by preserving the profession of fishing and fishermens tools which will be displayed to tourists and visitors in the lower part of the building, Dbouq said.

According to Dbouq, there is no alternative location for the facility, with the municipality unable to acquire any building in the area.

The building will take into consideration the aesthetic and heritage side and will be in harmony with the surrounding, Dbouq said.

Originally posted here:
NGO says Tyre reconstruction ‘mutilating’ historic port

BOSTON, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Margulies Perruzzi Architects, one of Boston's most innovative architectural and interior design firms, and Cutler Associates, an East Coast integrated design and construction management firm, today announced that the firms have been selected to design and construct a new medical office building in Holden, Massachusetts for Oriol Health Care.

As owners of the former Holden District Hospital property, Oriol Health Care launched a long-term collaborative process with the Town of Holden to develop a healthcare campus on the hospital site. The addition of a patient care building to house cutting-edge medical care was deemed a perfect fit for the expansion. Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA) and Cutler were selected for design and construction management services for a new three-story 36,000 square foot medical office building at the entry to the Boyden Road campus. The building, which will house a family medical practice and other healthcare providers, will complement Oriol's other medical arts buildings and a skilled nursing facility on the site.

"As healthcare design becomes more patient-centered with an ever-increasing focus on healthy outcomes, we are thrilled to be working with an innovator like Oriol Health Care," said GarthJohnson, LEED AP, vice president of senior living and healthcare at Cutler Associates, Inc. "Cutler has enjoyed a long working relationship with the Oriol family, and we are thrilled to be a part of the design and construction team as this project continues to take shape."

"Patients have become savvy consumers regarding their healthcare, and Oriol's focus on patient concerns has been paramount in the design of this new building," said Marc Margulies, AIA, LEED AP, principal at Margulies Perruzzi Architects. "Drawing on our prior experience working with Cutler, MPA is excited to partner again with Cutler on the clinical design of Oriol's new patient care building."

About Margulies Perruzzi ArchitectsConsistently ranked as one of Boston's top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects creates buildings and corporate interiors for clients who value design. The firm services the corporate, professional services, healthcare, research/lab, and real estate communities with a focus on sustainable design. Clients include Manulife/John Hancock, Nuvera Fuel Cells, Fallon Clinic, Sapient, Hobbs Brook Management and Forrester Research. For more information, please visit http://www.mp-architects.com.

Media Contacts:Michele Spiewak Rhino PR for MPA 617-851-2618 MPArchitects@rhinopr.com

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Oriol Health Care Selects Margulies Perruzzi Architects and Cutler Associates for New Medical Office Building in ...

Rainier Medical Investments (RMI), a Dallas-based firm, has announced that the construction of the River Walk Medical Park I, an 82,000-square-foot medical office building that is fully connected on three levels to the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound is fully underway.

This medical office building is anchored by Texas Oncology and is the first of several medical office and retail buildings that will ultimately form the medical campus to be known as River Walk Medical Park in Flower Mound. The building will be completed late summer 2012.

We are very pleased to see the River Walk Medical Park vision begin to materialize, said Tim

steel beam structure growing everyday. A project that has been a vision for the town of Flower

Mound and its residents to have a premier medical campus is now becoming a reality.

Dallas-based Ridgemont Commercial Construction is the general contractor for the project.

Ridgemont is very excited to be the general contractor for the new River Walk Medical Park I

medical office building, added Jason Lillard, president of Ridgemont. This building will be

attached to the existing Hospital and will be an integral part of the new healthcare campus. This is a tremendous opportunity and we look forward to growing our relationship with Rainier and the Town of Flower Mound.

The River Walk Marquis, a second 27,000-square-foot building located at the highly visible

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River Walk medical park campus construction in full swing