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401 Congress Avenue, Suite 1540

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larry(at)choosewhat(dot)com

512-448-9031

Website Url: http://www.faxcompare.com/

###

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While studying at a Southern Baptist theological seminary in
Louisville, Ky., Shaw distinctly remembered the day her professor
invited a female chaplain to present to her Formation for Christian
Ministry class. One of her male classmates angrily stomped out of
the room because he did not think it was appropriate for a woman to
be an ordained minister. Although Shaw had previously been a quiet,
unassuming student, that day, she said, she found her voice.

Something in me turned, Shaw said. I pounded my fist on the
desk and said, ‘What are you doing? Do you think in ministry you
can just walk out anytime you disagree with someone?

The next day, another one of her male classmates stopped her in
the hall and said, Susan, Ill be praying for you that you dont
get messed up with this women in ministry stuff. Shaw said she
became a feminist on the spot.

Now the director of the women studies at Oregon State
University, Shaw was recently invited to give her fourth lecture at
Utah State University, dealing with ways in which theology and
feminism, as academic disciplines, intersect.

During her lecture last month at the Merrill-Cazier library,
Shaw examined the descriptions of God as Father, Lord, King and
other words that describe masculinity or maleness. She said those
descriptions often subordinate other aspects of the divine, such as
nurturing or compassionate, that might imply femininity or
femaleness. She asked the students to consider why God is
traditionally thought of as a man.

Last year, Shaw discussed the ways in which women are portrayed
in the Bible – how the patriarchy of the societies in the Bible, in
addition to contemporary societal structures, influence the way in
which readers interpret biblical passages. She used the examples of
Eve, Ruth, Esther, Jezebel and other women in the Old and New
Testaments to describe the ways in which ancient attitudes toward
women in their societies can affect attitudes toward women in our
society, and how, for each reader, passages of scripture may mean
different things depending on that persons gender, race, social
status, geography and life experiences.

Shaw was invited by Utah State Universitys Center for Women and
Gender as part of their annual lecture series, said Ann Austin,
director of the center. Austin said the purpose of the lectures are
to get people to think, and discuss.

(Were) trying to bring different points of view forward so
that, as our students graduate, as citizens, theyll realize there
are different points of view, Austin said. Even if they stay here
in Cache Valley or in Utah all of their lives, its important to
realize that … the people who hold those points of view arent
monsters – theyre very credible, reasonable, delightful
people.

Austin, who is LDS, said she didnt necessarily agree with
everything Shaw presented in her lecture this year at Utah State.
For Austin, the gender of God is not in question, for example, but
as a feminist, she does wonder why there isnt more discussion in
her theology about Mrs. God, she said.

Our whole purpose is to encourage scholarly discussion, Austin
said. I think its very important, in situations like this, for
students to see that you can discuss hard topics without getting
mad at each other.

For Shaw, much of that scholarly discussion centers around those
who wrote, and those who traditionally have interpreted, the Bible,
as she outlined in her 2011 lecture.

Feminist interpretation means that we ask different questions
than traditional historical criticism – our questions seek to
uncover issues of difference, power and privilege, both in the text
itself, and in contemporary interpretations, Shaw said. Analyzing
gender relations allows us to raise questions about the
relationships between men and women in the text: gender norms for
women and men, the valuing of women and men.

Rather than seeking to interpret the Bible in the way that its
original audience might have understood it, which is what
traditional historical criticism seeks to do, Shaw said feminist
scholars consider the ways in which gender functions within those
stories. The second-class status of women may have been simply a
given in biblical societies and then taken for granted by
traditional Bible interpreters, she said, but feminists seek to
find and identify those patriarchal biases, then discover the ways
in which different people, including men, women, people of
different nationalities, cultures and social structures, interpret
those same passages in different ways.

The problem of historical criticism is, it looks for one
meaning of the text thats to be found in what the original text
meant to its original audience, and so the assumption is that
theres this universal human experience thats captured in that
text, and then once we understand that, we can just apply it to
contemporary situations, Shaw said. But the reality is that
different people in different communities will have different
interpretations of the text based on their own experiences.

This (feminist) method of interpretations allows the Bible to
speak in multiple ways to multiple audiences, Shaw continued.
Rather than looking for the one right meaning, we really seek, as
readers, to engage with the Bible, and to expand its meanings. And
so we dont ask, ‘what does the text mean? we ask, ‘what does the
text do? What effect does the text have on us as readers? Does it
harm us? Does it advocate hatred or the marginalization of others?
Or does it contribute to our well-being, and the well-being of
society?

Although she eventually left Southern Baptistry, Shaw said her
passion for women and gender studies and her love for the Bible
arent mutually exclusive. Her lectures, both on women in the Bible
and the maleness of God, were aimed at encouraging attendees to
think twice about concepts raised, and often taken for granted, in
religious contexts. She did not encourage people to reject their
religious traditions, but rather to look at them in a new way.

Feminism and the Bible are not necessarily at odds with one
another, Shaw said. Feminism provides lenses by which to read the
Bible in ways that further both feminisms and the Bibles goals of
liberation, peace, and fulfillment. … In the intersection of
feminism and the Bible, I find a wealth of wonder, inspiration,
challenge and struggle.

More information about the women and gender studies program at
Utah Sate, including upcoming lectures and recordings of previous
lectures, can be found at www.usu.edu/womenandgender.

—

kduhadway@hjnews.com

copy; 2012 The Herald Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.

/quotes/zigman/255912/quotes/nls/pnk PNK
+5.47%

today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2011, as summarized in the table below. In the 2011 fourth quarter, revenues increased 3.8% or $10.1 million year over year to $275.8 million. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased 22.9% or $11.6 million year over year to $62.2 million. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA included $0.8 million of severance and relocation costs in the current year period and $2.8 million in the prior year period. Fourth quarter performance was driven by Adjusted EBITDA(1) growth at the Company’s St. Louis, L’Auberge Lake Charles, Boomtown Bossier City and Belterra properties, as well as significant corporate overhead expense reductions. Operating income increased $18.4 million or 98.6% year over year to $37.1 million in the 2011 fourth quarter. Income from continuing operations was $17.7 million in the 2011 fourth quarter, a significant improvement from a loss of $(3.5) million in the prior year period.

For the full year 2011, revenues increased $82.6 million or 7.8% year over year to $1,141.2 million. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased $38.5 million or 18.0% year over year to $252.1 million in 2011, including $11.0 million of severance charges and non-recurring mychoice program re-launch costs. The prior year included $6.1 million of severance and relocation expenses. For the full year 2011, operating income increased $76.4 million or 146.5% year over year to $128.6 million. Income from continuing operations increased $71.0 million year over year to $30.2 million from a loss of $(40.8) million in the prior year period.

Summary of 4Q 2011 and Full Year Results
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
($ in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
—————————————————————————————————————————————— ——————————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
2011 2010 2011 2010
—————— ————- —————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Net revenues $ 275,785 $ 265,732 $ 1,141,198 $ 1,058,568
—————————————————————————————————————————————— —————— ————- —————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 62,237 $ 50,658 $ 252,129 $ 213,633
—————————————————————————————————————————————— —————— ————- —————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin (1) 22.6% 19.1% 22.1% 20.2%
—————————————————————————————————————————————— —————— ————- —————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 17,689 $ (3,465) $ 30,196 $ (40,841)
—————————————————————————————————————————————— —————— ————- —————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Income (loss) from continuing operations margin 6.4% (1.3)% 2.6% (3.9)%
—————————————————————————————————————————————— —————— ————- —————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Operating income (2) $ 37,071 $ 18,663 $ 128,610 $ 52,185
—————————————————————————————————————————————— —————— ————- —————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
GAAP net income (loss) (3) $ 24,968 $ (10,083) $ (2,539) $ (23,419)
—————————————————————————————————————————————— —————— ————- —————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Diluted net income (loss) per share (3) $ 0.40 $ (0.16) $ (0.04) $ (0.38)
—————————————————————————————————————————————— —————— ————- —————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Adjusted income (loss) per share (4) $ 0.26 $ (0.03) $ 0.61 $ (0.21)
—————————————————————————————————————————————— —————— ————- —————- ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
(1) For a further description of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin, please see the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the reconciliations below.
(2) Operating income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011 includes total impairments, write-downs and reserves, net of any recoveries, resulting in income of $3.8 million and a loss of $1.2 million, respectively. Operating income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 includes similar items totaling $4.2 million and $31.8 million, respectively.
(3) GAAP net income and diluted net income per share in the 2011 fourth quarter and full-year periods include income of $7.3 million, or $0.12 per share, net of taxes, and loss of $(32.7) million, or $(0.52) per share, net of taxes, respectively, from discontinued operations, as described below. For the 2010 fourth quarter, the loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, was $(6.6) million, or $(0.11) per share, while for the full year 2010 income from discontinued operations, net of taxes, was $17.4 million, or $0.29 per share, respectively. For a further description of Adjusted net income (loss) per share, please see the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
(4) For a further description of Adjusted net income (loss) per share, please see the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the reconciliations below.

Anthony Sanfilippo, president and chief executive officer of Pinnacle Entertainment, commented, "In 2011, our team at Pinnacle established a solid foundation of operating excellence. We made significant strides in implementing revenue growth and operational improvement initiatives across the portfolio, with the re-launched mychoice guest loyalty program gaining significant traction and non-value added expenses reduced across the enterprise. As we expected, 2011 was a breakout year for Pinnacle, with the Company achieving records in total revenue and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA. In addition, our two largest operating segments, L'Auberge Lake Charles and St. Louis, produced record Adjusted EBITDA.

"Pinnacle finished 2011 on a strong note, and we entered 2012 with significant momentum. During the fourth quarter we increased Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA 22.9% year over year through a combination of profitable revenue growth and reductions in our cost structure. As a result, our Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 350 basis points year over year in the fourth quarter.

"As we move further into 2012, we look to build on our record 2011 performance and remain focused on driving shareholder value. Through the evolution of our mychoice program, additional capabilities within our technology infrastructure, incremental cost efficiencies throughout the enterprise, and execution of projects in our growth pipeline, we believe 2012 will be another year of significant growth for our Company."

Fourth Quarter and 2011 Operating Results Demonstrate Significant Improvement

Fourth quarter revenue and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA growth was primarily driven by the continued solid performance of the Company's St. Louis segment, which consists of River City Casino, Lumiere Place and Four Seasons Hotel & Spa. Operational improvements at L'Auberge Lake Charles, Belterra and Boomtown Bossier City properties, as well as a significant reduction in corporate overhead, also contributed to the results.

The St. Louis segment continued to ramp up during the fourth quarter, with further maturation of River City and expense discipline across both properties. Revenues for the 2011 fourth quarter improved 6.9% to $93.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA rose 50.0% or $7.8 million year over year to $23.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin in the St. Louis segment increased 715 basis points year over year to 24.9% in the fourth quarter. For the full year 2011, St. Louis revenues increased 13.3% to $382.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA was a record $86.5 million, up 38.9% year over year.

Belterra's fourth quarter 2011 revenues increased 3.3% to $37.4 million, and Adjusted EBITDA increased 5.2% year over year to $6.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 33 basis points year over year to 17.8%. Revenues for the full year 2011 improved 1.8% to $154.8 million, while Adjusted EBITDA declined 4.7% to $28.6 million.

L'Auberge Lake Charles fourth quarter 2011 revenues increased 8.7% year over year to $92.3 million, and Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.4% year over year to $24.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin at the property declined 58 basis points year over year in the 2011 fourth quarter to 26.4%. For the full year 2011, L'Auberge Lake Charles revenues increased 9.8% to $375.4 million and Adjusted EBITDA was a record $103.9 million, up $11.0 million or 11.8% year over year.

On L'Auberge Lake Charles' results, Mr. Sanfilippo commented, "The fourth quarter capped a record year for L'Auberge Lake Charles. We intend to continue investing in this valuable asset to optimize the property and to drive further profitable revenue growth. L'Auberge Lake Charles' fourth quarter 2011 performance is impressive considering the disruption from the casino floor improvements made during the quarter. We completed the replacement of all casino carpeting and slot bases and renovated the property's high limit slot and table game areas to better accommodate L'Auberge Lake Charles' higher end guests. As a result of these projects, the property's average slot count was reduced by 203 units or 12.7% during the fourth quarter, including a closure of the high limit slot room for 70 days. Additional operating expenses were incurred in an effort to minimize the impact of the casino floor refresh program on guest experience."

Boomtown New Orleans revenues declined 13.3% year over year to $31.1 million in the 2011 fourth quarter, and Adjusted EBITDA declined 12.5% to $10.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin at the property was up 30 basis points year over year to 34.4% in the 2011 fourth quarter. Revenues for the full year 2011 declined 3.9% year over year, while Adjusted EBITDA rose 2.3% to $44.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 206 basis points year over year to 33.6% in 2011.

On Boomtown New Orleans performance, Mr. Sanfilippo added, "In the fourth quarter of 2011, Boomtown New Orleans began to face difficult comparisons due to elevated local economic activity created by the Deep Horizon oil spill cleanup and recovery efforts late last year. We have made significant strides containing costs to mitigate the effects of changing market dynamics in New Orleans, but we recognize additional efforts are needed to drive profitable revenue increases at Boomtown."

Corporate overhead expenses declined $3.8 million or 37.4% year over year to $6.4 million in the 2011 fourth quarter. For the full year 2011, corporate overhead expenses declined $7.2 million or 20.3% year over year to $28.5 million. In the fourth quarter and full year 2011, corporate overhead expense reductions were driven by efforts to eliminate non-value added expenses at the Company's Las Vegas headquarters, as well as a ramp up of cost savings related to the Company's shared service center supporting our properties in the Midwest and Louisiana.

Development Pipeline Update

Carlos Ruisanchez, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Pinnacle Entertainment, commented, "2011 was a noteworthy year for Pinnacle, as we had across the board improvements in our operating results, cash flow generation, development pipeline and capital structure. We expect that 2012 could be another milestone year for the Company given the opportunities that remain to drive growth in our existing asset portfolio and with several pipeline projects reaching or nearing completion.

"In the first quarter of 2012 we will begin the first phase of an $82 million expansion at River City by commencing construction on a 1,700 space covered parking garage. A comprehensive plan will be implemented to minimize disruption to the property during construction of this first phase. Construction of the second phase, comprising of a 200-room hotel tower and a multi-purpose event center, will commence at the end of 2012 and is scheduled for completion in late-2013.

"Later this year, we will realize a major growth milestone with the opening of L'Auberge Baton Rouge by Labor Day 2012. Construction at the site is progressing rapidly and the project remains on budget. The project will be another best-in-class property within our portfolio and the Baton Rouge market when it opens.

"In Ohio, we continue to view River Downs as a significant growth opportunity for the company. We are preparing to develop River Downs, pending final completion of the regulatory structure to operate video lottery terminals at our facility and resolution of a legal challenge in the state.

"Finally, construction on the Ho Tram Strip project in Vietnam by Asian Coast Development (Canada) Ltd., in which the Company acquired a 26% ownership stake in August 2011, also continues to make significant progress. The first phase of the development, the MGM Grand Ho Tram, is scheduled to open by the end of the first quarter of 2013."

Additional Recent Developments

In December 2011, Pinnacle reached an agreement with the Madison House Group to terminate its lease obligations in Atlantic City.

In December 2011, Pinnacle reached a settlement on property tax appeals with the City of Atlantic City. As part of the settlement, the assessed value of the Company's land in Atlantic City has been reduced on a go forward basis. In addition, the Company expects to receive a cash refund of $8.2 million by the end of the first quarter of 2012.

The Company remains on track to close the previously announced sale of its Boomtown Reno casino-resort operations by mid-2012. The casino-resort buyers also have a one year option to purchase 100% of the Company's membership interest in the current gaming licensee, PNK (Reno), LLC, and additional land adjacent to Boomtown Reno. The Company no longer expects to close on a separate transaction to sell other excess land adjacent to the casino-resort facility. The Company will continue to market the remaining excess land.

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company committed to invest $2.0 million in Farmworks, a land re-utilization project in Downtown St. Louis. Pinnacle will receive credit for approximately $10 million towards its obligation to invest $50 million in St. Louis as a result of this transaction.

In October 2011, the Company entered into a settlement with the Port of Lake Charles whereby the Company swapped land parcels and will receive $2.5 million of credits on its L'Auberge Lake Charles property rent payments. The Company recorded a gain of $3.2 million in its 2011 fourth quarter operating results related to this settlement. This gain is reflected in write-downs, reserves, and recoveries.

Liquidity and Capital Expenditures

At December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately $78.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, an estimated $65 million of which is used in day-to-day operations. As of December 31, 2011, $56 million of the Company's $410.0 million credit facility was drawn and approximately $11.1 million of letters of credit were outstanding.

Capital expenditures totaled $42.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2011, including $27.3 million related to construction of L'Auberge Baton Rouge. Capital expenditures totaled $153.0 million during the full year 2011, including $96.9 million related to construction of L'Auberge Baton Rouge. Through December 31, 2011, the Company has incurred $155.5 million of the $368 million budget for L'Auberge Baton Rouge, excluding land cost and capitalized interest.

During 2012, the Company expects to spend between $50.0 million to $70.0 million on capital expenditures associated with its existing operating properties and corporate initiatives. The upper bound of this range is dependent upon the evaluation and pursuit of staged hotel room refresh programs and the renovation of certain food and beverage outlets across the portfolio. The Company expects to incur between $230.0 million to $240.0 million on expansion capital expenditures during 2012, comprised of L'Auberge Baton Rouge and River City expansion.

Interest Expense

Gross interest expense before capitalized interest was $24.8 million in the 2011 fourth quarter versus $27.2 million in the prior-year period. Capitalized interest in the 2011 fourth quarter, related to the Company's L'Auberge Baton Rouge growth project and ACDL investment, was $5.1 million. There was minimal capitalized interest in the prior year period.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations consist of the Company's Atlantic City, New Jersey and Boomtown Reno operations, which are being marketed for sale or under contract; its former President Riverboat Casino in St. Louis, Missouri; its former Casino Magic Argentina operations; its former Casino Magic Biloxi, Mississippi operations; and its former Bahamian operations. For the three months ended December 31, 2011, Pinnacle recorded income of $7.3 million, net of income taxes, related to its discontinued operations.

Investor Conference Call

Pinnacle will hold a conference call for investors today, Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT) to discuss its 2011 fourth quarter and twelve-month financial and operating results. Investors may listen to the call by dialing (888) 792-8395 or, for international callers, (706) 679-7241. The code to access the conference call is 41898897. Investors may also listen to the conference call live over the Internet at
www.pnkinc.com .

A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call through February 29, 2012 by dialing (855) 859-2056 or, for international callers, (404) 537-3406. The code to access the replay is 41898897. The conference call will also be available for replay at
www.pnkinc.com .

(1) Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted net income (loss), and Adjusted net income (loss) per share are non-GAAP measurements. The Company defines Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening and development expenses, non-cash share-based compensation, asset impairment costs, write-downs, reserves, recoveries, corporate-level litigation settlement costs, gain (loss) on sale of certain assets, loss on early extinguishment of debt, gain (loss) on sale of equity security investments, minority interest and discontinued operations. The Company defines Adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss) before pre-opening and development expenses, asset impairment costs, write-downs, reserves, recoveries, corporate-level litigation settlement costs, gain (loss) on sale of certain assets, gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, minority interest and discontinued operations. The Company defines Adjusted net income (loss) per share as net income (loss) before pre-opening and development expenses, asset impairment costs, write-downs, reserves, recoveries, corporate-level litigation settlement costs, gain (loss) on sale of certain assets, gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, minority interest and discontinued operations divided by the number of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding. The Company defines Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin as Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues on a consolidated basis. Not all of the aforementioned benefits and costs occur in each reporting period, but have been included in the definition based on historical activity.

The Company uses Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin as relevant and useful measures to compare operating results between accounting periods. The presentation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA has economic substance because it is used by management as a performance measure to analyze the performance of its business and is especially relevant in evaluating large, long-lived casino-hotel projects because it provides a perspective on the current effects of operating decisions separated from the substantial, non-operational depreciation charges and financing costs of such projects. Management eliminates the results from discontinued operations as they are discontinued. Management also reviews pre-opening and development expenses separately, as such expenses are also included in total project costs when assessing budgets and project returns, and because such costs relate to anticipated future revenues and income. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA does not include depreciation or interest expense and therefore does not reflect current or future capital expenditures or the cost of capital. The Company compensates for these limitations by using other comparative measures to assist in the evaluation of operating performance. Management believes that Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure for investors because it is an indicator of the strength and performance of ongoing business operations, including our ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and operations. These calculations are commonly used as a basis for investors, analysts and credit rating agencies to evaluate and compare operating performance and value of companies within our industry. In addition, the Company's credit facility and bond indentures require compliance with financial measures similar to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted net income (loss) is presented solely as supplemental disclosure, as this is one method that management reviews and uses to analyze the performance of its core operating business. For many of the same reasons mentioned above relating to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, management believes Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted net income (loss) per share are useful analytic tools as they enable management to track the performance of its core casino operating business separate and apart from factors that do not impact decisions affecting its operating casino properties, such as impairments of intangible assets or costs associated with the Company's development activities. Management believes Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted net income (loss) per share are useful to investors since these adjustments provide a measure of performance that more closely resembles widely used measures of performance and valuation in the gaming industry. Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted net income (loss) per share do not include the costs of the Company's development activities, certain asset sale gains, or the costs of its refinancing activities, but the Company compensates for these limitations by using other comparative measures to assist in evaluating the performance of its business.

EBITDA measures, such as Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted income (loss) per share are not calculated in the same manner by all companies and, accordingly, may not be an appropriate measure of comparing performance among different companies. See the attached "supplemental information" tables for a reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to Income (loss) from continuing operations, a reconciliation of GAAP net income to Adjusted net income (loss), a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) per share to Adjusted net income (loss) per share and a reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin to Income (loss) from continuing operations margin.

(2) Definition of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin for Operating Segments

The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA for each operating segment as earnings before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening and development expenses, non-cash share-based compensation, asset impairment costs, write-downs, reserves, recoveries, gain (loss) on sale of certain assets, gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, and discontinued operations. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA margin for each operating segment as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin to compare operating results among its properties and between accounting periods and for the same reasons stated above for Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, but on an operating segment level.

About Pinnacle Entertainment

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates seven casinos, located in Louisiana, Missouri, Indiana and Nevada, and a racetrack in Ohio. Pinnacle is also developing L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge. Pinnacle also owns 26% equity stake in Asian Coast Development (Canada) Ltd., an international development and real estate company currently developing Vietnam's first large-scale integrated casino-resort.

All statements included in this press release, other than historical information or statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's future operating performance; future growth; ability to implement strategies to improve revenues and operating margins at the Company's properties; ability to successfully implement marketing and branding programs to increase revenue at the Company's properties; continued operating improvement at the Company's properties and anticipated milestones; completion and opening schedule of the Company's various projects; the facilities, features and amenities of the Company's projects; the facilities, features and amenities of the River City expansion project; the possibility for video lottery terminals becoming operational at Ohio racetracks; the ability of the Company to develop a new gaming and entertainment facility at River Downs; and the ability to sell or otherwise dispose of discontinued operations, the projected opening date for MGM Grand Ho Tram, are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that could significantly affect future results. Accordingly, Pinnacle cautions that the forward-looking statements contained herein are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by such statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (a) the Company's business may be sensitive to reductions in consumers' discretionary spending as a result of downtowns in the economy; (b) the global financial crisis may have an impact on the Company's business and financial condition in ways that the Company currently cannot accurately predict; (c) significant competition in the gaming industry in all of the Company's markets could adversely affect the Company's profitability; (d) the Company will have to meet the conditions for receipt or maintenance of gaming licensing approvals for the Baton Rouge project, some of which are beyond its control; (e) many factors, including the escalation of construction costs beyond increments anticipated in its construction budget and unexpected construction delays, could prevent the Company from completing its Baton Rouge project within budget and on time and as required by the conditions of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board; (f) video lottery terminals may not become operational at Ohio's racetracks; (g) the terms of the Company's credit facility and the indentures governing its senior and subordinated indebtedness impose operating and financial restrictions on the Company; (h) many factors, including the escalation of construction costs beyond increments anticipated in construction budgets, could prevent ACDL from completing its Ho Tram development project within budget and on time and as required by the conditions of its certificate in Vietnam; (i) ACDL will have to obtain all necessary approvals for completing the Ho Tram development project, including gaming and regulatory approvals, some of which are beyond its control; and (j) other risks, including those as may be detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). For more information on the potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results and business, review the Company's filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K.

Belterra, Boomtown, Casino Magic, L'Auberge Lake Charles, L'Auberge Baton Rouge, Lumiere Place, River City, and River Downs are registered trademarks of Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data, unaudited)
For the three months ended For the twelve months ended
December 31, December 31,
-------------------------- --------------------------
2011 2010 2011 2010
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Revenues:
Gaming $242,033 $236,271 $997,613 $932,894
Food and beverage 16,356 15,259 69,383 64,414
Lodging 8,828 7,948 37,993 36,322
Retail, entertainment and other 8,568 6,254 36,209 24,938
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
275,785 265,732 1,141,198 1,058,568
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Expenses and other costs:
Gaming 135,390 136,760 563,889 530,841
Food and beverage 16,604 15,891 69,646 65,286
Lodging 5,118 5,029 20,982 21,668
Retail, entertainment and other 4,498 2,459 21,099 10,762
General and administrative 53,251 56,432 220,129 222,605
Depreciation and amortization 25,977 27,809 103,863 109,745
Pre-opening and development costs 1,643 1,478 8,817 13,649
Write-downs, reserves and recoveries, net (3,767) 1,211 4,163 31,827
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
238,714 247,069 1,012,588 1,006,383
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Operating income 37,071 18,663 128,610 52,185
Other non-operating income 107 2 397 226
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest (19,704) (26,801) (95,705) (103,093)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt - - (183) (1,852)
Loss from equity method investment (44) - (588) -
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before 17,430 (8,136) 32,531 (52,534)
income taxes
Income tax (expense) benefit 259 4,671 (2,335) 11,693
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations 17,689 (3,465) 30,196 (40,841)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, 7,279 (6,618) (32,735) 17,422
net of income taxes
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss) $24,968 $(10,083) $(2,539) $(23,419)
Net income (loss) per common share--basic
Income (loss) from continuing operations $0.28 $(0.05) $0.49 $(0.67)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, $0.12 $(0.11) $(0.53) $0.29
net of income taxes
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss) per common share--basic $0.40 $(0.16) $(0.04) $(0.38)
Net income (loss) per common share--diluted
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.28 $(0.05) $0.48 $(0.67)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, $0.12 $(0.11) $(0.52) $0.29
net of income taxes
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net loss per common share--diluted $0.40 $(0.16) $(0.04) $(0.38)
Number of shares--basic 62,134 61,516 61,989 60,872
Number of shares--diluted 62,491 61,516 62,467 60,872

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, unaudited)
December 31, December 31,
2011 2010
------------ ------------
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $78,597 $194,925
Other assets, including restricted cash 283,122 152,277
Land, buildings, riverboats and equipment, net 1,515,029 1,439,521
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale 73,871 97,071
------------ ------------
Total assets $1,950,619 $1,883,794
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities, other than long-term debt $204,319 $192,779
Long-term debt, including current portion 1,223,985 1,176,717
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale 2,923 6,928
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 1,431,227 1,376,424
Stockholders' equity 519,392 507,370
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $1,950,619 $1,883,794

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.
Supplemental Information
Property Revenues and Adjusted EBITDA,
Reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations,
and Reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin
to Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Margin
(In thousands, unaudited)
For the three For the twelve
months months
ended December 31, ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
2011 2010 2011 2010
------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Revenues
L'Auberge Lake Charles $92,284 $84,891 $375,387 $341,983
St. Louis (a) 93,558 87,564 382,019 337,043
Boomtown New Orleans 31,125 35,888 133,643 139,124
Belterra Casino Resort 37,425 36,239 154,763 152,068
Boomtown Bossier City 19,565 20,733 84,999 87,925
River Downs (b) 1,798 - 10,258 -
Other 30 417 129 425
------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Total Revenues $275,785 $265,732 $1,141,198 $1,058,568
Adjusted EBITDA (Loss) (c)
L'Auberge Lake Charles $24,396 $22,934 $103,916 $92,929
St. Louis (a) 23,253 15,499 86,549 62,310
Boomtown New Orleans 10,711 12,243 44,938 43,919
Belterra Casino Resort 6,631 6,303 28,569 29,972
Boomtown Bossier City 4,205 3,926 18,843 20,196
River Downs (b) (540) - (2,236) -
------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
68,656 60,905 280,579 249,326
Corporate expenses (6,419) (10,247) (28,450) (35,693)
------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (c) $62,237 $50,658 $252,129 $213,633
Reconciliation to Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA $62,237 $50,658 $252,129 $213,633
Pre-opening and development costs (1,643) (1,478) (8,817) (13,649)
Non-cash share-based compensation (1,313) (1,497) (6,676) (6,227)
Write-downs, reserves and recoveries, net 3,767 (1,211) (4,163) (31,827)
Depreciation and amortization (25,977) (27,809) (103,863) (109,745)
Other non-operating income 107 2 397 226
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest (19,704) (26,801) (95,705) (103,093)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt - - (183) (1,852)
Loss from equity method investment (44) - (588) -
Income tax (expense) benefit 259 4,671 (2,335) 11,693
------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations $17,689 $(3,465) $30,196 $(40,841)
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin (c) 22.6% 19.1% 22.1% 20.2%
Income (loss) from continuing operations margin 6.4% (1.3)% 2.6% (3.9)%
(a) St. Louis includes operating results at Lumiere Place, River City Casino and Four Seasons Hotel & Spa.
(b) River Downs was acquired on January 28, 2011.
(c) See discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures above for a detailed description of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin.

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.
Supplemental Information
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes
(In thousands, unaudited)
For the three months For the twelve months
ended December 31, ended December 31,
-------------------- ----------------------
2011 2010 2011 2010
------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Atlantic City $7,073 $ (2,729) $(19,745) $ (11,385)
Boomtown Reno 421 1,243 (12,794) 44
President Riverboat Casino (44) 16 (504) (6,130)
Casino Magic Argentina (150) - 137 3,363
The Casino at Emerald Bay in The Bahamas 27 (8) 100 (753)
Casino Magic Biloxi (33) (59) (120) 41,927
Income taxes (15) (5,081) 191 (9,644)
------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from discontinued $ 7,279 $ (6,618) $ (32,735) $ 17,422
operations, net of income taxes

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.
Supplemental Information
Reconciliations of GAAP Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
and GAAP Net Income (Loss) Per Share to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
(In thousands, except per share amounts, unaudited)
For the three months For the twelve months
ended December 31, ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------
2011 2010 2011 2010
------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------
GAAP net income (loss) $24,968 $(10,083) $(2,539) $(23,419)
Pre-opening and development costs 1,643 1,478 8,817 13,649
Write-downs, reserves and recoveries, net (3,767) 1,211 4,163 31,827
Loss on early extinguishment of debt - - 183 1,852
Adjustment for taxes on above 855 (1,082) (5,298) (19,050)
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of income (7,279) 6,618 32,735 (17,422)
taxes
------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------
Adjusted net income (loss) (a) $16,420 $(1,858) $38,061 $(12,563)
GAAP net income (loss) per share $0.40 $(0.16) $(0.04) $(0.38)
Pre-opening and development costs 0.03 0.02 0.14 0.22
Write-downs, reserves and recoveries, net (0.06) 0.02 0.07 0.52
Loss on early extinguishment of debt - - 0.00 0.03
Adjustment for taxes on above 0.01 (0.02) (0.08) (0.31)
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of income (0.12) 0.11 0.52 (0.29)
taxes
------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------
Adjusted net income (loss) per share (a) $0.26 $(0.03) $0.61 $(0.21)
Number of shares - diluted 62,491 61,516 62,467 60,872
(a) See discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures above for detailed descriptions of Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted net income (loss) per share.

SOURCE Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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Feb. 17, 2012 4:00p

A SENIOR politician in charge of making 20m of budget savings at South Tyneside Council believes the authority can emerge leaner but stronger.

Coun Ed Malcolm also gave assurances that no borough community facility would be axed – and that frontline services would be protected over the next year.

Savings are to be achieved through a series of service reviews across all departments and by developing “new and more efficient” working.

No area is too small or too large for the savings review – from the closure of mobile toilets to sending less waste to expensive landfill sites.

Coun Malcolm, who was putting a series of recommendations before the council’s decision-making cabinet today, admitted that more council workers would need to go.

It comes as the axe is set to fall on a number of senior management posts.

But Coun Malcolm, the council’s lead member for resources and innovation, says the authority is committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies while pushing ahead with a series of regeneration projects.

Meanwhile, the cabinet was being asked to endorse a freeze in council tax for the next year, and an average £5.80 increase in rents.

Coun Malcolm also dismissed the notion that the council is “cash-strapped”, saying: “I want to put that to bed once and for all.

“We are still a multi-million-pound organisation.

“Yes, there is a shortage of cash and these are challenging times, but we will still be spending £150m over the next two years.”

He highlighted investment in several projects, including a major new solar-efficient housing development in Reed Street, South Shields, and the Green Incubator office development in Laygate, a new community school and swimming pool in Jarrow and the “imminent” redevelopment of Hebburn Town Centre.

Coun Malcolm said: “This is a budget for challenging times, but we have no plans to close children’s centres, no plans to close leisure centres, community centres, youth clubs or schools.”

Although closures may not be on the agenda, the public will see some changes, including reduced opening hours at libraries and increased charges for pest control.

The council is also pushing on with the creation of ‘community hubs’, where several council and health services are housed under one roof.

Coun Malcolm added: “This is a budget for changing times, but we will protect frontline services and ensure no facilities are taken away from the public.

“We will continue to work with our partners, with other councils and with the voluntary sector.”

Twitter: @shieldsGazPaul

Such inquiries could soon come from theGeorgetown Board of Selectmen.

Board Chairman Geoffrey Birdsall said Thursday that no resident in the small coastal town had complained that Poliquins12.3-acre waterfront property was included in a 2009 Legislature-commissioned study as an example of a potential misuse of the states tree growth tax relief program.

However, Birdsall said, that could change, given the media attention generated by the outspoken Republican treasurer.

I expect the microscope will soon be on our little town, Birdsall said.

The 2009 study of the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law program was neither reviewed by the Legislature, nor did Georgetown appear to initiate contact with the Maine Forest Service to determine whether Poliquin was following the terms of a 10-year timber management plan.

The 40-year-old program provides landowners with property-tax breaks in exchange for sustainable timber-harvesting practices on their land.

The program has yielded the state treasurer approximately $50,000 in tax breaks since 2004, according to county tax records.

The tree growth program is administered at the state level. Landowners adopt a plan that the Forest Service reviews every 10 years. In the interim, notifying the Forest Service of potential misuse often falls to local tax assessors.

Tax records show that Poliquin has continued to receive the tax breaks in the program, which has raised questions about whether hes following his timber management plan, or if the town has overlooked his potential misuse of the conservation program.

Poliquins deed from the Sagadahoc County Register of Deeds says, … trees may be thinned only for purposes of view, and the environment shall be completely protected at all times from the excessive cutting of trees.

The deed raises more questions about why Poliquins property was identified with seven problem parcels in the statewide study.

Birdsall said he couldnt recall any complaints about Poliquins property. However, the town played some role in identifying the parcel as a potential violation of the tree growth program.

Geoff Herman, director of state and federal relations for the Maine Municipal Association, was part of the eight-person task force that the Legislature in 2008 charged with reviewing the tree growth program. The MMA has frequently advocated for better enforcement of the law, the misuse of which, he said, has cost municipalities significant tax revenue.

Herman said the MMA in 2008 notified its member towns about the study and asked them to submit examples of potential tree growth misuse. Thats how Poliquins property was identified in the report.

Birdsall, who served as a Georgetown selectman in 2008, said he couldnt remember whether the board was notified that Poliquins property was cited in the report.

The Georgetown Board of Selectmen doubles as the towns tax assessor. Municipal assessors often notify the Forest Service if tree growth landowners arent harvesting timber or doing so in a sustainable manner. However, the Georgetown board also has a private contract with Van Tuinen Tax Assessing Services, which may have identified Poliquins property without the boards knowledge.

William Van Tuinen, who owns the assessing service, did not respond to a call for comment.

Birdsall said the Board of Selectmen likely would address the issue during its Feb. 16 meeting.

Meanwhile, Poliquins political opponents pounced Thursday. Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, called on the state treasurer to release his forest management plan.

Landowners tree growth management plans are considered proprietary information.

This is the publics business, Jackson said. If the taxpayers of Maine are going to shoulder Mr. Poliquins fair share of taxes for his oceanfront mansion, then we have a right to know whether or not hes in compliance with the very law thats giving him this break.

Herman and the MMA have expressed frustration with the confidentiality of the timber management plans. He said sealing the plans makes it difficult for local assessors to determine whether a landowner is honoring the agreement that often yields significant tax breaks that would otherwise be municipal revenue.

Poliquin, who is under scrutiny for possible constitutional and ethics violations, did not respond to requests for comment.

Poliquin made several attempts to reduce his property tax prior to enrolling in the program.

Poliquin bought the Georgetown property in 2001 for $1.7 million. In 2003, the value of the property climbed to $2.9 million after Poliquin razed existing structures and built a 6,444-square-foot house and other buildings.

In January 2004, Poliquin asked the town to reduce his tax assessment by more than $1.1 million. The abatement was denied, as was Poliquins appeal to the Sagadahoc County commissioners.

Later in 2004, Poliquin enrolled in the tree growth program.

smistler@sunjournal.com

We knew if we built it, people would come, said Richard
Wahlstrom, a longtime church member and the chair of the churchs
project steering committee.

The center, which opened a year and a half ago, is part of an
ongoing bundle of projects the church plans to raise money for this
year, said the Rev. Eric Grinager.

A capital campaign to raise $1.4 million started this month and
will conclude in February.

The first priority on the list is paying off the debt for the
building, which includes three classrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms and
a large multi-purpose room that serves as a dining room and gym,
and can seat 220 people for weddings, award ceremonies and other
activities.

That includes the first floor, Grinager said. It has provided
the church with more classroom space and the luxury of having all
main activities on one floor. Before construction, the dining room
and the kitchen were in the basement.

But that was just phase one of the plan, he added.

The second floor of the building, which is not completed, is
also on the list of projects. The second floor, constructed above
the first-floor kitchen and classrooms, will offer another 2,500
square feet for classrooms.

The church also hopes to update the current church facility,
which was built in the 1950s, and construct a new driveway.

The driveway will come up from Canyon Lake Drive about 100 yards
east of the current driveway, Grinager said. It would be
constructed on the current hill and come directly to the
building.

Church officials hope to finish the projects during the next
three years, but none of the work will begin until the debt is paid
off, Grinager said.

Pay the debt – thats our first goal, he said. Then well
finish the other projects.

If the church is not able to raise the money in three years, it
would have to re-evaluate the projects, Wahlstrom said.

Theyre all important and thats why we hope we meet our goals,
because then we could do them all, he said.

In the meantime, the heart of the Christian Life Center is up
and running, attracting church members and community groups.

It wasnt that way at first, Grinager said.

Part of the challenge was that it was on a pay-as-you-go
basis, he said. The church opened the center, but the kitchen
supplies were not purchased for another nine months.

Thats when the building really started getting used, he
said.

Since then, the church has held its weekly Sunday school classes
and Wednesday night meals and activities there. It also has hosted
wedding receptions, blood drives, mission events and meetings.

Were using it in ways that were never imaginable before
construction, Wahlstrom said.

Its been a great community outreach, Grinager said.

The nearby Montessori school uses the multipurpose room for its
gym classes on Tuesdays, Stevens High School used the room for an
end-of-the-year banquet and several local organizations have used
the building for events and meetings.

He expects to see even more use during the next three years as
the church continues to move on its list of projects.

Its going to facilitate opportunities to serve our neighbors,
he said. We will have more flexibility to offer more things to our
congregation, but also beyond that.

Starting this month, the feed of breaking news and feature stories from Billboard and THR (both of Prometheus Global Media) can be purchased for online use under the content-distribution arrangement with the AP.

Were thrilled to be able to provide The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard material among our content offerings to customers, said Lou Ferrara, APs managing editor for entertainment. It makes for a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive package of entertainment stories every day.

The multi-platform Billboard, anchored by its iconic weekly publication and roster of exclusive charts, has long been considered one of the most authoritative voices in music. With 11.6 million unique monthly visitors, Billboard.com is one of the premier online music destinations worldwide, while its business-specific site Billboard.biz features all the latest breaking music business news.

Billboard is already synonymous with music all around the globe, but the reach of the brands content will now be increased exponentially thanks to the AP, said Billboard editorial director Bill Werde. AP is truly the top news agency in the world when it comes to distributing entertainment stories, and were pleased and excited to contribute to that effort.

Billboards co-partner in the AP content-distribution deal, The Hollywood Reporter, is a leading source for breaking news and in-depth reporting on the entertainment industry. Its website, which draws 10.4 million unique monthly visitors, now receives more web traffic than its three biggest competitors combined.

Being part of APs massive distribution network will open THR to huge new audiences from around the world, said The Hollywood Reporter editorial director Janice Min.

Said Michael Dutton, global director of AP entertainment products: In-depth coverage from two leading entertainment media brands offers APs distribution partners a whole new layer of vibrant and rich content for their readers.

The AP has covered the entertainment industry since the early days of Broadway, the London stage and Hollywood. Today, it covers entertainment worldwide in video, photos, text and audio for all platforms and devices and is one of the top outlets for breaking entertainment news.