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INCOME TAXES
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes are computed using the liability method in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 740 – Income Taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes represent the tax effect of differences between the financial and income tax basis of assets and liabilities.

As of December 31, 2010, the Company had estimated federal and California state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $889.1 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, which expire at various dates between 2016 and 2030.  The Company's federal NOLs have a 20-year life and begin to expire in 2027.   The Company's state NOLs have either a 10-year or 20-year life and begin to expire in 2016.  The Company maintained a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, as it believed, at such time, it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would not be realized.

Income tax benefit, within continuing operations was $14 thousand and zero for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Income tax benefit, within continuing operations was $0.1 million and zero for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The income tax benefit is attributable to deferred tax liabilities recognized in connection with the acquisition of assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Costru, which resulted in a decrease in the Company's valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

Income tax benefit, within discontinued operations, was $0.2 million and zero for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Income tax expense, within discontinued operations, was $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Income tax expense during the six months ended June 30, 2011 is attributable to increases in taxable income associated with previous deferred tax liabilities that have generated current taxable income, primarily in California. Based on California's temporary suspension of the use of net operating loss carryforwards, the current taxable income results in a current period obligation.  Additionally, for federal purposes, the Company is subject to alternative minimum taxes, which limit the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards to 90% of taxable income.