Oil is climbing on positive economic news for the U.S. and Europe.
Benchmark crude rose $2.71, or 3 percent, at $92.90 per barrel in New York on Thursday. Brent crude rose $2.67, or 2.5 percent, to $111.58 in London.
Prices soared after European leaders announced an agreement to reduce Greece's debt and head off a default. In the U.S., the government said the economy grew at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in the July-September quarter. That's the strongest growth this year and quieted concerns that the country is headed for another recession.
At the pump, retail gasoline prices rose to a national average of $3.444 per gallon.
Fuel bill dents United Continental 3Q profit
A higher fuel bill brought down United Continental's quarterly profit by 23 percent.
The company's fuel cost was $831 million bigger than last year. As a result, the airline's third-quarter net income fell to $653 million, or $1.69 per share. That was down from $852 million, or $2.16 per share, a year earlier.
Revenue, however, rose almost 9 percent to $10.17 billion because United Continental raised fares and cut back on flying.
The company would have earned $2 per share if not for one-time costs related to combining the two airlines, which took place Oct. 1, 2010. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had been expecting net income of $2.08 per share on revenue of $10.11 billion.
The year-earlier results include both United and Continental, even though they hadn't merged yet.
With fares higher and the economy weak, fewer people flew. Traffic was down 1.5 percent for the quarter compared with a year ago.
The company's fuel cost was $831 million bigger than last year. As a result, the airline's third-quarter net income fell to $653 million, or $1.69 per share. That was down from $852 million, or $2.16 per share, a year earlier.
Revenue, however, rose almost 9 percent to $10.17 billion because United Continental raised fares and cut back on flying.
The company would have earned $2 per share if not for one-time costs related to combining the two airlines, which took place Oct. 1, 2010. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had been expecting net income of $2.08 per share on revenue of $10.11 billion.
The year-earlier results include both United and Continental, even though they hadn't merged yet.
With fares higher and the economy weak, fewer people flew. Traffic was down 1.5 percent for the quarter compared with a year ago.
Procter & Gamble's net income falls 2 pct
Procter & Gamble Co.'s net income fell 2 percent in the fiscal first quarter as revenue growth was offset by the consumer-goods giant's higher costs.
P&G, maker of Tide detergent and Pampers diapers, said net income fell to $3.02 billion from $3.08 billion. Per-share earnings were $1.03 per share, in line with analysts' estimates, and up from $1.02 per share in the same period a year ago.
The decline came despite a revenue increase of 9 percent to $21.9 billion from $20.12 billion. That beat analysts' estimates for revenue of $21.5 billion. P&G said it expects revenue to increase 3 to 6 percent for the current fiscal year, which runs through June, due in part to higher prices.
P&G serves as a bellwether for the consumer-products industry and the economy as a whole because its products, ranging from Gillette razors to Olay skin cream, can be found in homes across the world. Like many companies, it's been raising prices and trimming some of its own expenses to battle higher costs for raw materials. But it has to be careful not to raise prices too high and risk driving away customers who already are saddled down by stubbornly high unemployment, stock market turmoil and an overall weak economy.
The company's operating margin fell to 19.8 percent from 22.4 percent, which the company blamed on a climb in commodity costs of 3.4 percentage points.
Market share fell in North America and Western Europe. P&G said that was because it had already raised prices on some products, and rival companies were only in the process of raising their own prices. However, executives did mention a few instances where rival companies hadn't followed suit: For example, they said, Unilever continues to run discounts on its hair products and laundry products in the U.K.
The Cincinnati-based company has raised prices on some products, including Pampers diapers, Charmin toilet paper and Cascade dish detergent. But as the recession and its aftermath shrink the middle class, P&G has developed a strategy of going after customers at both the high end and the low end. For example, higher-end customers might buy the more-expensive Tide Total Care, and lower-end customers might buy Era brand laundry detergent. The company has also introduced "Basic" versions of some products to go after customers who were trading down to store brands.
"An unemployed consumer continues to look for good value and continues on occasion to trade down. But on the other hand you've got people on the other end of the economic portfolio who continue to trade up," CEO Bob McDonald said on a call with reporters.
P&G also has been expanding in emerging market countries in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere, as a way to make up for recession-weary U.S. customers reining in spending. Like most companies, P&G usually sells lower-priced items with lower profit margins in those regions, although they hope to move consumers into buying higher-priced products.
P&G and other U.S. companies that sell goods overseas have benefited this year from favorable foreign exchange rates. That means that when the dollar is weak, revenue made overseas translates into more dollars at headquarters.
P&G said that favorable currency translations increased revenue by 5 percent this quarter. But it also said it expects that benefit to slow down as the dollar shows signs of strengthening, and the currency translation is expected to be neutral to revenue growth this fiscal year.
"This happens pretty much every fiscal year. It's just more of the same in the volatile environment that we live in," said chief financial officer Jon Moeller.
P&G, maker of Tide detergent and Pampers diapers, said net income fell to $3.02 billion from $3.08 billion. Per-share earnings were $1.03 per share, in line with analysts' estimates, and up from $1.02 per share in the same period a year ago.
The decline came despite a revenue increase of 9 percent to $21.9 billion from $20.12 billion. That beat analysts' estimates for revenue of $21.5 billion. P&G said it expects revenue to increase 3 to 6 percent for the current fiscal year, which runs through June, due in part to higher prices.
P&G serves as a bellwether for the consumer-products industry and the economy as a whole because its products, ranging from Gillette razors to Olay skin cream, can be found in homes across the world. Like many companies, it's been raising prices and trimming some of its own expenses to battle higher costs for raw materials. But it has to be careful not to raise prices too high and risk driving away customers who already are saddled down by stubbornly high unemployment, stock market turmoil and an overall weak economy.
The company's operating margin fell to 19.8 percent from 22.4 percent, which the company blamed on a climb in commodity costs of 3.4 percentage points.
Market share fell in North America and Western Europe. P&G said that was because it had already raised prices on some products, and rival companies were only in the process of raising their own prices. However, executives did mention a few instances where rival companies hadn't followed suit: For example, they said, Unilever continues to run discounts on its hair products and laundry products in the U.K.
The Cincinnati-based company has raised prices on some products, including Pampers diapers, Charmin toilet paper and Cascade dish detergent. But as the recession and its aftermath shrink the middle class, P&G has developed a strategy of going after customers at both the high end and the low end. For example, higher-end customers might buy the more-expensive Tide Total Care, and lower-end customers might buy Era brand laundry detergent. The company has also introduced "Basic" versions of some products to go after customers who were trading down to store brands.
"An unemployed consumer continues to look for good value and continues on occasion to trade down. But on the other hand you've got people on the other end of the economic portfolio who continue to trade up," CEO Bob McDonald said on a call with reporters.
P&G also has been expanding in emerging market countries in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere, as a way to make up for recession-weary U.S. customers reining in spending. Like most companies, P&G usually sells lower-priced items with lower profit margins in those regions, although they hope to move consumers into buying higher-priced products.
P&G and other U.S. companies that sell goods overseas have benefited this year from favorable foreign exchange rates. That means that when the dollar is weak, revenue made overseas translates into more dollars at headquarters.
P&G said that favorable currency translations increased revenue by 5 percent this quarter. But it also said it expects that benefit to slow down as the dollar shows signs of strengthening, and the currency translation is expected to be neutral to revenue growth this fiscal year.
"This happens pretty much every fiscal year. It's just more of the same in the volatile environment that we live in," said chief financial officer Jon Moeller.
Chrysler posts $212M 3Q profit
Rising sales and higher prices helped push Chrysler Group LLC back into the black in the latest quarter, another sign that the once-troubled company is turning around under is new Italian management.
The Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler reported Thursday that its net income was $212 million for the July-September period, its second quarterly profit this year and only the second since 2006. Vehicle sales worldwide rose 24 percent, and revenue rose 19 percent to $13.1 billion.
In last year's third quarter, the privately held company lost $84 million, but Chrysler, now run by Italy's Fiat SpA, said its fortunes have improved because of increased demand for its new or revamped Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram cars and trucks.
"This house continues to be fully focused on financial performance and making outstanding cars and trucks by fully leveraging its alliance with Fiat," Sergio Marchionne, CEO of both companies, said in a statement.
For the first three quarters of the year, Chrysler has lost $42 million. But that's mainly due to a $551 million accounting charge for refinancing its government debt in the second quarter. Excluding the debt charge, the company expects to earn $200 million to $500 million for the full year.
Chrysler hasn't made an annual profit since 2005, but it's getting closer to profitability with a mix of strong new products. Under Marchionne, the company has changed factory procedures and is doing more rigorous quality testing, raising the reliability of its vehicles.
Chrysler's Jeep brand was the top brand from a U.S. automaker in Consumer Reports' latest reliability rankings, which were released Tuesday. Chrysler was also the most improved brand, moving up to 15th place from 27th. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 200 and Dodge Durango have been among the company's recent successes.
Chrysler also got good news on the labor front this week. On Wednesday, the United Auto Workers announced that 55 percent of the Chrysler workers voting on their new contract approved the agreement. The contract, which covers 23,000 U.S. factory workers, will hold down the company's costs by giving workers profit-sharing and other bonuses instead of annual raises.
The Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler reported Thursday that its net income was $212 million for the July-September period, its second quarterly profit this year and only the second since 2006. Vehicle sales worldwide rose 24 percent, and revenue rose 19 percent to $13.1 billion.
In last year's third quarter, the privately held company lost $84 million, but Chrysler, now run by Italy's Fiat SpA, said its fortunes have improved because of increased demand for its new or revamped Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram cars and trucks.
"This house continues to be fully focused on financial performance and making outstanding cars and trucks by fully leveraging its alliance with Fiat," Sergio Marchionne, CEO of both companies, said in a statement.
For the first three quarters of the year, Chrysler has lost $42 million. But that's mainly due to a $551 million accounting charge for refinancing its government debt in the second quarter. Excluding the debt charge, the company expects to earn $200 million to $500 million for the full year.
Chrysler hasn't made an annual profit since 2005, but it's getting closer to profitability with a mix of strong new products. Under Marchionne, the company has changed factory procedures and is doing more rigorous quality testing, raising the reliability of its vehicles.
Chrysler's Jeep brand was the top brand from a U.S. automaker in Consumer Reports' latest reliability rankings, which were released Tuesday. Chrysler was also the most improved brand, moving up to 15th place from 27th. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 200 and Dodge Durango have been among the company's recent successes.
Chrysler also got good news on the labor front this week. On Wednesday, the United Auto Workers announced that 55 percent of the Chrysler workers voting on their new contract approved the agreement. The contract, which covers 23,000 U.S. factory workers, will hold down the company's costs by giving workers profit-sharing and other bonuses instead of annual raises.
Stocks surge on European debt deal, GDP growth
Stocks soared around the world Thursday after European leaders agreed on a deal to slash Greece's debt and protect other weak countries in the region. Stronger U.S. economic growth and corporate earnings also drove commodities prices and Treasury yields higher.
Europe's sweeping agreement, reached after an all-night summit meeting, is aimed at preventing a two-year debt crisis there from escalating into another financial crisis. Banks agreed to take 50 percent losses on the Greek bonds that they hold. Europe will also strengthen a rescue fund to protect Italy and other large European economies.
The Dow Jones industrial average surged 234 points, or 2 percent, to 12,105 in the first hour of trading. The Dow hasn't closed above the 12,000 level since Aug. 1.
The S&P 500 rose 30, or 2.4 percent, to 1,272. The gain turned the S&P positive for the year for the first time since Aug. 3, just before the U.S. government's debt was downgraded.
The Nasdaq composite rose 53, or 2 percent, to 2,704.
Raw materials producers, banks and stocks in other industries that depend on a strong economy for profit growth led the way. Copper jumped 5 percent to $3.66 a pound and crude oil jumped 3 percent to $93 a barrel.
Materials producers in the S&P 500 rose 3.5 percent, the most among the 10 industries that make up the index. Aluminum producer Alcoa Inc. rose 5.9 percent, the biggest gain among the 30 stocks in the Dow.
The euro rose sharply, to $1.41, as confidence in Europe's financial system grew. The euro was worth $1.39 late Wednesday and had been as low as $1.32 on Oct. 3. European stock indexes also soared. France's CAC-40 rose 5.3 percent and Germany's DAX jumped 4.8 percent.
Investors sold U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, an indication they feel less need for safer investments. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which moves in the opposite direction of its price, rose to 2.28 percent from 2.21 percent late Wednesday.
European leaders still have to finalize the details of their latest plan. French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke with Chinese President Hu Jintao amid hopes that countries with lots of cash like China can contribute to the European rescue.
Past attempts to contain Europe's two-year debt crisis have proved insufficient. Greece has been surviving on rescue loans since May 2010. In July, creditors agreed to take some losses on their Greek bonds, but that wasn't enough to fix the problem.
Worries about Europe's debt crisis and a weak U.S. economy dragged the S&P 500 down 19.4 percent between April 29 and Oct. 3. That put it on the cusp of what's called a bear market, which is a 20 percent decline.
Since then, there have been a number of more encouraging signs on the U.S. economy. The government reported Thursday that the economy grew at a 2.5 percent annual rate from July through September on stronger consumer spending and business investment. That was nearly double the 1.3 percent growth in the previous quarter.
Despite the jitters over Europe, many large U.S. companies have been reporting strong profit growth in the third quarter.
Dow Chemical rose 5.5 percent after its profit last quarter rose 59 percent on strong sales growth from Latin America.
Citrix Systems Inc. rose 17 percent, the most in the S&P 500 index. The technology company's revenue rose 20 percent last quarter, and it forecast growth of up to 13 percent for 2012. Akamai Technologies Inc., whose products help speed the delivery of online content, jumped 16.8 percent after the company reported earnings that beat analysts' expectations.
Avon Products Inc. fell 18 percent, the most in the S&P 500, after the company said the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating its contacts with financial analysts and Avon's own probe into bribery in China and other countries.
Europe's sweeping agreement, reached after an all-night summit meeting, is aimed at preventing a two-year debt crisis there from escalating into another financial crisis. Banks agreed to take 50 percent losses on the Greek bonds that they hold. Europe will also strengthen a rescue fund to protect Italy and other large European economies.
The Dow Jones industrial average surged 234 points, or 2 percent, to 12,105 in the first hour of trading. The Dow hasn't closed above the 12,000 level since Aug. 1.
The S&P 500 rose 30, or 2.4 percent, to 1,272. The gain turned the S&P positive for the year for the first time since Aug. 3, just before the U.S. government's debt was downgraded.
The Nasdaq composite rose 53, or 2 percent, to 2,704.
Raw materials producers, banks and stocks in other industries that depend on a strong economy for profit growth led the way. Copper jumped 5 percent to $3.66 a pound and crude oil jumped 3 percent to $93 a barrel.
Materials producers in the S&P 500 rose 3.5 percent, the most among the 10 industries that make up the index. Aluminum producer Alcoa Inc. rose 5.9 percent, the biggest gain among the 30 stocks in the Dow.
The euro rose sharply, to $1.41, as confidence in Europe's financial system grew. The euro was worth $1.39 late Wednesday and had been as low as $1.32 on Oct. 3. European stock indexes also soared. France's CAC-40 rose 5.3 percent and Germany's DAX jumped 4.8 percent.
Investors sold U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, an indication they feel less need for safer investments. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which moves in the opposite direction of its price, rose to 2.28 percent from 2.21 percent late Wednesday.
European leaders still have to finalize the details of their latest plan. French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke with Chinese President Hu Jintao amid hopes that countries with lots of cash like China can contribute to the European rescue.
Past attempts to contain Europe's two-year debt crisis have proved insufficient. Greece has been surviving on rescue loans since May 2010. In July, creditors agreed to take some losses on their Greek bonds, but that wasn't enough to fix the problem.
Worries about Europe's debt crisis and a weak U.S. economy dragged the S&P 500 down 19.4 percent between April 29 and Oct. 3. That put it on the cusp of what's called a bear market, which is a 20 percent decline.
Since then, there have been a number of more encouraging signs on the U.S. economy. The government reported Thursday that the economy grew at a 2.5 percent annual rate from July through September on stronger consumer spending and business investment. That was nearly double the 1.3 percent growth in the previous quarter.
Despite the jitters over Europe, many large U.S. companies have been reporting strong profit growth in the third quarter.
Dow Chemical rose 5.5 percent after its profit last quarter rose 59 percent on strong sales growth from Latin America.
Citrix Systems Inc. rose 17 percent, the most in the S&P 500 index. The technology company's revenue rose 20 percent last quarter, and it forecast growth of up to 13 percent for 2012. Akamai Technologies Inc., whose products help speed the delivery of online content, jumped 16.8 percent after the company reported earnings that beat analysts' expectations.
Avon Products Inc. fell 18 percent, the most in the S&P 500, after the company said the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating its contacts with financial analysts and Avon's own probe into bribery in China and other countries.
Marlboro Man meets moisturizer
Everyone wants flawless skin, flat abs and a fab rear. But men don't always admit it.
So, companies that sell products promising to help guys lose weight, conceal bloat and enhance skin have to walk a fine line between men's vanity and masculinity. But how do you market moisturizer to the Marlboro Man?
Dove plays the theme song to the 1930s TV western "The Lone Ranger" and compares guys' skin with cowhide in commercials for its men's shower gel. Weight Watchers uses TV spots with trimmed-down singer Jennifer Hudson to market to women, but opts for average Joes talking about drinking beer and grilling meat in ads for its weight loss program for men. Dr Pepper is more overt in ads for its diet soda targeted toward men with the tagline: "It's not for women."
The ads come as guys are succumbing to growing pressure to suck in their guts and hide their blemishes. In one of the biggest signs that men are more image-conscious, the number of chemical peels, laser hair removal and other cosmetic procedures on men is up 45 percent since 2000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
"Back in the day, guys cared more about working hard and providing than having a hairy chest or a beer belly," said Brian McCarthy, 32, a Philadelphian who works out regularly and uses hair pomade. "Guys worry more about their appearance than they used to."
Fashion and pop culture have a lot to do with the change. The ultra-slim silhouette and skinny jeans that hit the high-fashion world several years ago have infiltrated men's departments in mainstream stores like Banana Republic and Old Navy. And because of social media websites like Facebook and Twitter, men constantly are confronted with photos of fit male celebs like singer Justin Timberlake and actor Will Smith.
The U.S. economic downturn even plays a role. With unemployment around 9 percent, men looking for a job have to make sure their look is as polished as their resume. "The better you look, the more you're going to earn," said Deborah Mitchell, executive director for the Center for Brand and Product Management at the University of Wisconsin School of Business. "Men are increasingly thinking `Wow, I need to look good or look young.'"
That doesn't mean men want the whole world to know.
Dove officials had that in mind when they launched a line of shower gels for men. The brand, a unit of Unilever, had been synonymous with women since the 1950s. But when Dove rolled out the Men+Care line of lighter-scented shower gels, it used a more "manly" approach to marketing.
The "Manthem," which was launched during the Super Bowl in 2010, showed a man's journey through life from conception to age 30. In another ad, the theme music for "The Lone Ranger" plays as a deep male voice urges men to use Dove shower gel to moisturize their "man hide," which it says dries out like cowhide. Then, the voiceover implores men to not be bashful: "Be comfortable in your own skin."
Rob Candelino, Unilever's marketing director for personal wash in the U.S., declined to give sales for the Men+Care line, but said the campaign has exceeded expectations.
Before seeing ads for the Men+Care line, James Harris, 32, wouldn't dare use his girlfriend's Dove soap. But since seeing one of the ads during a Yankees baseball game in April, he has become a loyal user of the brand. "If it's for men, I'll use it," says the student who lives in Birmingham, Ala. "If it's for women, I won't."
Weight Watchers found that men respond better to real men -- rather than women or celebs -- in ads for its weight loss program. In April, it launched its first national campaign targeting men, using ordinary fellas talking about its online "cheat sheets" that give tips on the healthiest ways to enjoy beer and grilled meats.
"Losing weight clicked for me when I realized that Weight Watchers online was for guys too. It's not all rainbows and lollipops," one man says in the ads. Another recalls his friends teasing him about being on the program: "I go, `Really? I look a lot better than you right now.'"
During the first five weeks of the campaign, the percentage of men using Weight Watchers online rose from about 8 percent to 15 percent of all users. The company plans a new campaign early next year.
Cheryl Callan, chief marketing officer at Weight Watchers, said you have to market to men and women differently. For example, she says "men will not use the word `diet.'"
Many men also won't use the word `girdle.' So, Spanx, which sells girdle-like products to slim physiques, made some changes when it launched its men's line last year. To market its "compression" shirt, which is designed to make a man's chest look firmer, the company tweaked its packaging and website. Both feature a macho, superhero-like character named Blake to convey the idea that men can "do anything" and feel "powerful" while wearing Spanx.
"Men's psyches are different than women's," says Laurie Ann Goldman, Spanx CEO. "Men want to feel powerful and strong. Women want to feel smart and choice-ful."
As for whether the name is a deterrent for men? Sales of Spanx for Men are about 40 percent better than the company expected, Goldman said, although she declined to give figures. "We found if you could take a couple of inches off a man's waist and tighten his torso, he would be fine calling it Spanx," she says.
But sometimes marketing to men winds up irking the opposite sex.
After research showed that men think drinking diet soda is "girly," Dr Pepper Snapple Group went out of its way to exclude women in marketing for its Dr Pepper Ten 10-calorie soda aimed at men. Ads for the "It's not for women" campaign, which was rolled out earlier this month, show men in a fake action movie drinking Dr Pepper Ten. There's also a "men only" Facebook page that features a game that allows guys to take target practice at lipstick and high heels. If you're listed as female on Facebook, you can't play.
Officials say the campaign has been well received, but an online petition to stop what critics say is "sexist" marketing lists more than 1,600 signatures.
Despite the controversy, Leslie Vesper, Dr Pepper's brand manager, says: "The vast majority of our consumers get the joke."
So, companies that sell products promising to help guys lose weight, conceal bloat and enhance skin have to walk a fine line between men's vanity and masculinity. But how do you market moisturizer to the Marlboro Man?
Dove plays the theme song to the 1930s TV western "The Lone Ranger" and compares guys' skin with cowhide in commercials for its men's shower gel. Weight Watchers uses TV spots with trimmed-down singer Jennifer Hudson to market to women, but opts for average Joes talking about drinking beer and grilling meat in ads for its weight loss program for men. Dr Pepper is more overt in ads for its diet soda targeted toward men with the tagline: "It's not for women."
The ads come as guys are succumbing to growing pressure to suck in their guts and hide their blemishes. In one of the biggest signs that men are more image-conscious, the number of chemical peels, laser hair removal and other cosmetic procedures on men is up 45 percent since 2000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
"Back in the day, guys cared more about working hard and providing than having a hairy chest or a beer belly," said Brian McCarthy, 32, a Philadelphian who works out regularly and uses hair pomade. "Guys worry more about their appearance than they used to."
Fashion and pop culture have a lot to do with the change. The ultra-slim silhouette and skinny jeans that hit the high-fashion world several years ago have infiltrated men's departments in mainstream stores like Banana Republic and Old Navy. And because of social media websites like Facebook and Twitter, men constantly are confronted with photos of fit male celebs like singer Justin Timberlake and actor Will Smith.
The U.S. economic downturn even plays a role. With unemployment around 9 percent, men looking for a job have to make sure their look is as polished as their resume. "The better you look, the more you're going to earn," said Deborah Mitchell, executive director for the Center for Brand and Product Management at the University of Wisconsin School of Business. "Men are increasingly thinking `Wow, I need to look good or look young.'"
That doesn't mean men want the whole world to know.
Dove officials had that in mind when they launched a line of shower gels for men. The brand, a unit of Unilever, had been synonymous with women since the 1950s. But when Dove rolled out the Men+Care line of lighter-scented shower gels, it used a more "manly" approach to marketing.
The "Manthem," which was launched during the Super Bowl in 2010, showed a man's journey through life from conception to age 30. In another ad, the theme music for "The Lone Ranger" plays as a deep male voice urges men to use Dove shower gel to moisturize their "man hide," which it says dries out like cowhide. Then, the voiceover implores men to not be bashful: "Be comfortable in your own skin."
Rob Candelino, Unilever's marketing director for personal wash in the U.S., declined to give sales for the Men+Care line, but said the campaign has exceeded expectations.
Before seeing ads for the Men+Care line, James Harris, 32, wouldn't dare use his girlfriend's Dove soap. But since seeing one of the ads during a Yankees baseball game in April, he has become a loyal user of the brand. "If it's for men, I'll use it," says the student who lives in Birmingham, Ala. "If it's for women, I won't."
Weight Watchers found that men respond better to real men -- rather than women or celebs -- in ads for its weight loss program. In April, it launched its first national campaign targeting men, using ordinary fellas talking about its online "cheat sheets" that give tips on the healthiest ways to enjoy beer and grilled meats.
"Losing weight clicked for me when I realized that Weight Watchers online was for guys too. It's not all rainbows and lollipops," one man says in the ads. Another recalls his friends teasing him about being on the program: "I go, `Really? I look a lot better than you right now.'"
During the first five weeks of the campaign, the percentage of men using Weight Watchers online rose from about 8 percent to 15 percent of all users. The company plans a new campaign early next year.
Cheryl Callan, chief marketing officer at Weight Watchers, said you have to market to men and women differently. For example, she says "men will not use the word `diet.'"
Many men also won't use the word `girdle.' So, Spanx, which sells girdle-like products to slim physiques, made some changes when it launched its men's line last year. To market its "compression" shirt, which is designed to make a man's chest look firmer, the company tweaked its packaging and website. Both feature a macho, superhero-like character named Blake to convey the idea that men can "do anything" and feel "powerful" while wearing Spanx.
"Men's psyches are different than women's," says Laurie Ann Goldman, Spanx CEO. "Men want to feel powerful and strong. Women want to feel smart and choice-ful."
As for whether the name is a deterrent for men? Sales of Spanx for Men are about 40 percent better than the company expected, Goldman said, although she declined to give figures. "We found if you could take a couple of inches off a man's waist and tighten his torso, he would be fine calling it Spanx," she says.
But sometimes marketing to men winds up irking the opposite sex.
After research showed that men think drinking diet soda is "girly," Dr Pepper Snapple Group went out of its way to exclude women in marketing for its Dr Pepper Ten 10-calorie soda aimed at men. Ads for the "It's not for women" campaign, which was rolled out earlier this month, show men in a fake action movie drinking Dr Pepper Ten. There's also a "men only" Facebook page that features a game that allows guys to take target practice at lipstick and high heels. If you're listed as female on Facebook, you can't play.
Officials say the campaign has been well received, but an online petition to stop what critics say is "sexist" marketing lists more than 1,600 signatures.
Despite the controversy, Leslie Vesper, Dr Pepper's brand manager, says: "The vast majority of our consumers get the joke."
Exxon Mobil profit rises 41 pct on higher prices
Exxon Mobil's quarterly profit rose 41 percent because the company sold oil and natural gas at higher prices, making up for lower production.
The world's largest publicly traded oil company, which owns and operates oil and gas fields from Texas to Qatar, said prices rose sharply in the third quarter. Its refineries also charged more for gasoline and other fuels that they make from oil.
Exxon sold oil in the U.S. for an average of $95.58 a barrel, up 35.2 percent from a year earlier. Internationally, it charged $107.32 a barrel, up 45.4 percent. It also charged more for natural gas.
The higher prices boosted earnings at Exxon's exploration and production business, which finds and pumps oil and natural gas. Earnings rose nearly 19 percent in the U.S. and 61 percent internationally.
Exxon's U.S. refineries also benefited. Their profits quadrupled as demand for gasoline and other fuels soared around the world, enabling them to charge more.
Yet the production decline was a disappointment for the Irving, Texas-based company. Exxon has outspent other oil giants over the past few years in the search for new fields. So far this year, it shelled out $24 billion on projects. Exxon's oil production fell 7 percent while natural gas production slipped 3 percent
Some of the declines resulted from deals that limit the amount of oil Exxon can sell as prices rise on international markets. Excluding those limits, however, production was still flat.
BP and Royal Dutch Shell also reported production declines in the July-September quarter. .
Still, Exxon Mobil Corp.'s total net income rose to $10.33 billion, or $2.13 per share, in the third quarter. That compared with $7.35 billion, or $1.44 per share, a year earlier.
Revenue rose 32 percent to $125.3 billion.
Shares of the Irving, Texas-based company rose Thursday after it announced the quarterly results. Investors were encouraged by oil prices in the futures market. The price of crude rose more than 3 percent to $93.10 in New York.
Exxon's stock price climbed 9 cents to $81.16.
Exxon's production declines this quarter raise larger concerns. It takes years to find new sources of oil, and demand is rising as China and other countries need more fuel to run and expand their economies. Analysts say they're concerned that major producers are so far unable to supply enough crude.
"I think there is a danger that we can't keep up with demand," Argus Research analyst Phil Weiss said.
But if companies find and successfully pump oil, that should raise production levels and eventually provide producers with a return for the billions they're spending on exploration.
The world's largest publicly traded oil company, which owns and operates oil and gas fields from Texas to Qatar, said prices rose sharply in the third quarter. Its refineries also charged more for gasoline and other fuels that they make from oil.
Exxon sold oil in the U.S. for an average of $95.58 a barrel, up 35.2 percent from a year earlier. Internationally, it charged $107.32 a barrel, up 45.4 percent. It also charged more for natural gas.
The higher prices boosted earnings at Exxon's exploration and production business, which finds and pumps oil and natural gas. Earnings rose nearly 19 percent in the U.S. and 61 percent internationally.
Exxon's U.S. refineries also benefited. Their profits quadrupled as demand for gasoline and other fuels soared around the world, enabling them to charge more.
Yet the production decline was a disappointment for the Irving, Texas-based company. Exxon has outspent other oil giants over the past few years in the search for new fields. So far this year, it shelled out $24 billion on projects. Exxon's oil production fell 7 percent while natural gas production slipped 3 percent
Some of the declines resulted from deals that limit the amount of oil Exxon can sell as prices rise on international markets. Excluding those limits, however, production was still flat.
BP and Royal Dutch Shell also reported production declines in the July-September quarter. .
Still, Exxon Mobil Corp.'s total net income rose to $10.33 billion, or $2.13 per share, in the third quarter. That compared with $7.35 billion, or $1.44 per share, a year earlier.
Revenue rose 32 percent to $125.3 billion.
Shares of the Irving, Texas-based company rose Thursday after it announced the quarterly results. Investors were encouraged by oil prices in the futures market. The price of crude rose more than 3 percent to $93.10 in New York.
Exxon's stock price climbed 9 cents to $81.16.
Exxon's production declines this quarter raise larger concerns. It takes years to find new sources of oil, and demand is rising as China and other countries need more fuel to run and expand their economies. Analysts say they're concerned that major producers are so far unable to supply enough crude.
"I think there is a danger that we can't keep up with demand," Argus Research analyst Phil Weiss said.
But if companies find and successfully pump oil, that should raise production levels and eventually provide producers with a return for the billions they're spending on exploration.
Claims for unemployment aid dip but remain high
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits dipped slightly last week, though not by enough to suggest that hiring is picking up.
Weekly applications for unemployment benefits declined 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 402,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. That's the fourth drop in six weeks.
Still, the four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose to 405,500. The average had fallen to a six-month low two weeks ago.
Despite the recent declines, applications are stuck above 400,000, where they have been for all but two weeks since March. Applications need to fall consistently below 375,000 to signal sustainable job growth. They haven't been below that level since February.
The report shows that layoffs have stabilized at the lowest levels since the spring.
That's "a very welcome development in the context of the steep decline in business confidence," said Ian Shepherdson, an economist at High Frequency Economics, in a note to clients.
"Businesses are not happy about the economy, but neither are they in panic mode," he said.
Also Thursday, the government said the economy grew modestly over the summer after nearly stalling in the first six months of the year. Growth in the July-September quarter was lifted by stronger consumer spending and business investment.
The economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.5 percent. That's nearly double the 1.3 percent growth in the April-June quarter. And it's a vast improvement over the 0.9 percent growth for the entire first half of the year.
Still, while 2.5 percent growth is enough to ease recession fears, it's far below what's needed to lower painfully high unemployment. The rate has been stuck at 9.1 percent for three straight months. Analysts project similar growth for the October-December quarter.
The economy would need to expand by about 4.5 percent for a year to reduce the unemployment rate by a full percentage point. The rate has been near 9 percent for more than 2 1/2 years, the longest such stretch since the Great Depression.
The number of people collecting benefits fell sharply to the lowest level in more than three years. That's a positive sign that hiring could be improving. The unemployment benefit rolls dropped 96,000 to 3.65 million.
That doesn't include several million additional people who are receiving benefits under an extended benefit program put in place during the recession and paid for by the federal government.
All told, 6.7 million people received benefits in the week ending Oct. 8, the latest data available. That's down about 15,000 from the previous week.
Employers have added an average of only 72,000 jobs a month in the past five months. That's below the 100,000 per month needed just to keep up with population growth. And it's down from an average of 180,000 in the first four months of this year.
In September, the economy generated 103,000 net jobs.
There was some positive economic news Wednesday. Companies ordered more heavy machinery, computers and other long-lasting factory goods last month, the Commerce Department said.
Orders for those types of capital goods rose 2.4 percent, the biggest gain in six months. That suggests companies are willing to spend and invest, even with growth slow and consumer confidence at dismal levels.
Sales of new homes also rose in September, the department said in a separate report, though mostly because builders cut prices. Sales are still at about half the level that would be consistent with a healthy economy. Most analysts say the battered housing sector is years away from a turnaround.
The U.S. economy could also benefit from the deal European leaders clinched Thursday to have banks take 50 percent losses on Greek debt and raise new capital to protect against defaults on sovereign debt.
Weekly applications for unemployment benefits declined 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 402,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. That's the fourth drop in six weeks.
Still, the four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose to 405,500. The average had fallen to a six-month low two weeks ago.
Despite the recent declines, applications are stuck above 400,000, where they have been for all but two weeks since March. Applications need to fall consistently below 375,000 to signal sustainable job growth. They haven't been below that level since February.
The report shows that layoffs have stabilized at the lowest levels since the spring.
That's "a very welcome development in the context of the steep decline in business confidence," said Ian Shepherdson, an economist at High Frequency Economics, in a note to clients.
"Businesses are not happy about the economy, but neither are they in panic mode," he said.
Also Thursday, the government said the economy grew modestly over the summer after nearly stalling in the first six months of the year. Growth in the July-September quarter was lifted by stronger consumer spending and business investment.
The economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.5 percent. That's nearly double the 1.3 percent growth in the April-June quarter. And it's a vast improvement over the 0.9 percent growth for the entire first half of the year.
Still, while 2.5 percent growth is enough to ease recession fears, it's far below what's needed to lower painfully high unemployment. The rate has been stuck at 9.1 percent for three straight months. Analysts project similar growth for the October-December quarter.
The economy would need to expand by about 4.5 percent for a year to reduce the unemployment rate by a full percentage point. The rate has been near 9 percent for more than 2 1/2 years, the longest such stretch since the Great Depression.
The number of people collecting benefits fell sharply to the lowest level in more than three years. That's a positive sign that hiring could be improving. The unemployment benefit rolls dropped 96,000 to 3.65 million.
That doesn't include several million additional people who are receiving benefits under an extended benefit program put in place during the recession and paid for by the federal government.
All told, 6.7 million people received benefits in the week ending Oct. 8, the latest data available. That's down about 15,000 from the previous week.
Employers have added an average of only 72,000 jobs a month in the past five months. That's below the 100,000 per month needed just to keep up with population growth. And it's down from an average of 180,000 in the first four months of this year.
In September, the economy generated 103,000 net jobs.
There was some positive economic news Wednesday. Companies ordered more heavy machinery, computers and other long-lasting factory goods last month, the Commerce Department said.
Orders for those types of capital goods rose 2.4 percent, the biggest gain in six months. That suggests companies are willing to spend and invest, even with growth slow and consumer confidence at dismal levels.
Sales of new homes also rose in September, the department said in a separate report, though mostly because builders cut prices. Sales are still at about half the level that would be consistent with a healthy economy. Most analysts say the battered housing sector is years away from a turnaround.
The U.S. economy could also benefit from the deal European leaders clinched Thursday to have banks take 50 percent losses on Greek debt and raise new capital to protect against defaults on sovereign debt.
Economy grew 2.5 pct. in Q3 as consumers rebound
The U.S. economy grew modestly over the summer after nearly stalling in the first six months of the year, lifted by stronger consumer spending and greater business investment.
The Commerce Department said Thursday that the economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in the July-September quarter. That's the stronger growth in a year and nearly double the 1.3 percent growth in the April-June quarter. It's also a vast improvement over the anemic 0.9 percent growth for the entire first half of the year.
While 2.5 percent growth is enough to ease recession fears, it's far below what's needed to lower painfully high unemployment, which has been near 9 percent for the past two years. Analysts project similar growth for the October-December quarter.
Nonetheless, the report on U.S. gross domestic product, or GDP, sketched a more optimistic picture for an economy that only two months ago seemed destined for another recession. And it was delivered on the same day that European leaders announced a deal that marked a turning point in their two-year debt crisis.
Stocks surged on the European deal and maintained their gains after the report on U.S. growth was released.
"This has been a morning of encouraging news," said Jennifer Lee, a senior economist for BMO Capital Markets. "The fourth quarter may see some pullback in U.S. economic growth ... but the positive details underlying the GDP report should help ease fears of a U.S. recession..somewhat."
Consumers helped drive much of the growth. They spent at an annual rate of 2.4 percent -- more than triple the rate in the spring. They bought more cars, furniture and clothing.
Households also increased their spending on services by the most in more than five years. Spending on services rose a solid 3 percent. Much of the gain was because they spent more on health care and to cool their homes during an unseasonably hot summer.
Still, Americans spent more even though they made less money. Their after-tax incomes adjusted for inflation fell at a rate of 1.7 percent in the summer, the biggest decline since the third quarter of 2009 -- just as the recession was ending.
Economists believe that growth in consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of economic activity, will be restrained until incomes start growing at healthier levels, which is unlikely until hiring picks up.
"Households funded their extra consumption by running down their saving rate," said Paul Ashworth, chief U.S. economist for Capital Economics, who predicts growth will cool off in the fourth quarter and next year.
Businesses also helped boost third-quarter growth by stepping up their investment in equipment and software. That category surged 17.4 percent -- nearly three times the rate from spring. They also invested more in new buildings, a sign that some could be expanding despite the sluggish economy.
The GDP report measures the country's total output of goods and services. It covers everything from bicycles to battleships, as well as services such as haircuts and doctor's visits.
In August, many thought the economy was destined for another recession after the government said growth fell to less than 1 percent for the first six months of the year. High gas prices, the growing debt crisis in Europe and wild fluctuations in the stock market also contributed to those fears, which have receded in recent weeks after reports showed improvements in hiring and consumer spending.
Economists project growth in the range of 2.5 percent to 3 percent for the October-December quarter and for all of next year -- just enough to keep the unemployment rate from rising.
For the 14 million people who are out of work and want jobs, that's discouraging news. And it's an ominous sign for President Barack Obama, who will be facing voters next fall.
There have been some encouraging signs.
A measure of business investment plans rose in September for the second straight month and by the most in six months, according to a government report Wednesday on orders for longer-lasting manufactured goods.
And consumers stepped up their spending on retail goods in both July and September. The main reason for the September gain was more people bought new cars, a purchase people typically make when they are confident in their finances.
Economists warned that even their modest assessment of growth of around 2.7 percent for next year will fall short if the European debt situation does not get resolved. And the outlook could dim further if U.S. lawmakers allow a Social Security tax cut and extended unemployment benefits to expire at the end of this year.
The Commerce Department said Thursday that the economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in the July-September quarter. That's the stronger growth in a year and nearly double the 1.3 percent growth in the April-June quarter. It's also a vast improvement over the anemic 0.9 percent growth for the entire first half of the year.
While 2.5 percent growth is enough to ease recession fears, it's far below what's needed to lower painfully high unemployment, which has been near 9 percent for the past two years. Analysts project similar growth for the October-December quarter.
Nonetheless, the report on U.S. gross domestic product, or GDP, sketched a more optimistic picture for an economy that only two months ago seemed destined for another recession. And it was delivered on the same day that European leaders announced a deal that marked a turning point in their two-year debt crisis.
Stocks surged on the European deal and maintained their gains after the report on U.S. growth was released.
"This has been a morning of encouraging news," said Jennifer Lee, a senior economist for BMO Capital Markets. "The fourth quarter may see some pullback in U.S. economic growth ... but the positive details underlying the GDP report should help ease fears of a U.S. recession..somewhat."
Consumers helped drive much of the growth. They spent at an annual rate of 2.4 percent -- more than triple the rate in the spring. They bought more cars, furniture and clothing.
Households also increased their spending on services by the most in more than five years. Spending on services rose a solid 3 percent. Much of the gain was because they spent more on health care and to cool their homes during an unseasonably hot summer.
Still, Americans spent more even though they made less money. Their after-tax incomes adjusted for inflation fell at a rate of 1.7 percent in the summer, the biggest decline since the third quarter of 2009 -- just as the recession was ending.
Economists believe that growth in consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of economic activity, will be restrained until incomes start growing at healthier levels, which is unlikely until hiring picks up.
"Households funded their extra consumption by running down their saving rate," said Paul Ashworth, chief U.S. economist for Capital Economics, who predicts growth will cool off in the fourth quarter and next year.
Businesses also helped boost third-quarter growth by stepping up their investment in equipment and software. That category surged 17.4 percent -- nearly three times the rate from spring. They also invested more in new buildings, a sign that some could be expanding despite the sluggish economy.
The GDP report measures the country's total output of goods and services. It covers everything from bicycles to battleships, as well as services such as haircuts and doctor's visits.
In August, many thought the economy was destined for another recession after the government said growth fell to less than 1 percent for the first six months of the year. High gas prices, the growing debt crisis in Europe and wild fluctuations in the stock market also contributed to those fears, which have receded in recent weeks after reports showed improvements in hiring and consumer spending.
Economists project growth in the range of 2.5 percent to 3 percent for the October-December quarter and for all of next year -- just enough to keep the unemployment rate from rising.
For the 14 million people who are out of work and want jobs, that's discouraging news. And it's an ominous sign for President Barack Obama, who will be facing voters next fall.
There have been some encouraging signs.
A measure of business investment plans rose in September for the second straight month and by the most in six months, according to a government report Wednesday on orders for longer-lasting manufactured goods.
And consumers stepped up their spending on retail goods in both July and September. The main reason for the September gain was more people bought new cars, a purchase people typically make when they are confident in their finances.
Economists warned that even their modest assessment of growth of around 2.7 percent for next year will fall short if the European debt situation does not get resolved. And the outlook could dim further if U.S. lawmakers allow a Social Security tax cut and extended unemployment benefits to expire at the end of this year.
Contracts to buy homes fell 4.6 percent in Sept
The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes fell for the third straight month in September after the spring-and-summer peak buying season failed to entice new buyers.
The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday that its index of sales agreements fell 4.6 percent last month to a reading of 84.5.
A reading of 100 is considered healthy. The last time the index reached that high was in April 2010, the final month that buyers could qualify for a federal tax credit that has since expired.
Contract signings are usually a reliable indicator of where the housing market is headed. There's typically a one- to two-month lag between a contract and a completed deal.
But the Realtors group said a growing number of buyers have canceled contracts after appraisals showed that the homes were worth less than the buyers had bid. A sale isn't final until a mortgage is closed. That means more "pending" sales aren't turning into final sales.
"It is especially troubling given the big August decline in long-term interest rates," said Pierre Ellis, an analyst at Decision Economics.
Homes are the most affordable they've been in decades. Long-term mortgage rates are hovering at record lows near 4 percent. Prices in some metro areas have been cut in half. Still, sales in most areas remain weak.
In part, that's because loans are harder to get. Many lenders are requiring 20 percent down payments and strong credit scores to qualify.
Sales for previously occupied homes are on pace to match last year's 4.91 million sold, the fewest since 1997. In a healthy economy, Americans would buy roughly 6 million homes each year.
In September, sales of new homes rose after four straight monthly declines. But that was largely because builders had cut their prices in the face of depressed demand. This year is shaping up as the worst for new-home sales on records dating to 1963.
The number of people who signed home contracts had risen in both May and June before falling 7 percent over the past three months.
Contract signings fell across the country. September's index fell 2.1 percent in the West, 4.7 percent in the Northeast, 5.5 percent in the South and 6.2 percent in the Midwest.
The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday that its index of sales agreements fell 4.6 percent last month to a reading of 84.5.
A reading of 100 is considered healthy. The last time the index reached that high was in April 2010, the final month that buyers could qualify for a federal tax credit that has since expired.
Contract signings are usually a reliable indicator of where the housing market is headed. There's typically a one- to two-month lag between a contract and a completed deal.
But the Realtors group said a growing number of buyers have canceled contracts after appraisals showed that the homes were worth less than the buyers had bid. A sale isn't final until a mortgage is closed. That means more "pending" sales aren't turning into final sales.
"It is especially troubling given the big August decline in long-term interest rates," said Pierre Ellis, an analyst at Decision Economics.
Homes are the most affordable they've been in decades. Long-term mortgage rates are hovering at record lows near 4 percent. Prices in some metro areas have been cut in half. Still, sales in most areas remain weak.
In part, that's because loans are harder to get. Many lenders are requiring 20 percent down payments and strong credit scores to qualify.
Sales for previously occupied homes are on pace to match last year's 4.91 million sold, the fewest since 1997. In a healthy economy, Americans would buy roughly 6 million homes each year.
In September, sales of new homes rose after four straight monthly declines. But that was largely because builders had cut their prices in the face of depressed demand. This year is shaping up as the worst for new-home sales on records dating to 1963.
The number of people who signed home contracts had risen in both May and June before falling 7 percent over the past three months.
Contract signings fell across the country. September's index fell 2.1 percent in the West, 4.7 percent in the Northeast, 5.5 percent in the South and 6.2 percent in the Midwest.
Sportscasters At TSB Battle Over Tim Tebow On Their Sports Podcast
TSB (The Sports Bar), a company producing sports podcasts from the fan's perspective located at http://tsbsports.net, has had a lot to say about Tim Tebow over the last two weeks. His comeback win over the Miami Dolphins sparked yet another hot debate on TSB's “Happy Hour” sports podcast this Wednesday. The guys at TSB never hold back and that stays true with their analysis of Tebow and the Denver Broncos. They also take notice of John Fox's lack of enthusiasm, walking off the field, after an exciting comeback victory on Sunday.
Starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos, Tim Tebow, surmounted a near impossible comeback on Sunday in front of the sell-out crowd of Dolphins, Gators, and Broncos fans at Sun Life Stadium in Miami. Down 15-0 with 5:23 left in the game, Tebow ran the no huddle to near-perfection, getting the ball out of his hand quickly and running when he deemed necessary. With the aid of an onside kick, he marched his team down the field twice in that time, throwing 2 touchdowns and running in a 2-point conversion to tie the game at 15. Matt Prater overcame his previous two misses to kick the game-winning field goal in overtime.
Rollin Yeatts, the producer and one of the sportscasters at TSB, is the lone wolf in supporting Tim Tebow. Fellow TSB sportscasters, Adam Cavallini and Allen Miller, pointed out that Tebow was only effective in the last 5 minutes and played horribly for the other 55. Rollin came to Tebow's defense, saying, “They went to the no-huddle. That is where Tim Tebow has always been more effective. Put him in the no-huddle. Put him in the shotgun. Let him audible out to run the ball, like he did in the 2-point conversion.” Allen and Rollin continue to debate his performance until Adam moves the topic to why John fox didn't look happy after the win. Allen and Rollin finally reach an agreement on what Denver should do to give them the best chance to win. Allen states, “They said they weren't gonna change the system, and that's just dumb when you're switching from Kyle Orton to Tim Tebow.” He continues, “Just let him go out there and call the plays. That's what I would do. He's not the best reader of defenses, but you know, he's gonna make some big plays for you.”
The guys at TSB covered many other topics in this podcast, including T.O.'s comeback, Terrelle Pryor, CFB and NFL game predictions and more. In the final segment of their show, Rollin decided to bring the topic back one more time by naming Tim Tebow Baller of the Week, “...just to [make everyone mad].” “We're always saying it's the win that counts and guess what – he got Denver the win,” Rollin says. With that, Adam interjects his humor, poking at Tebow's well-publicized Christianity saying, “And after the 3rd quarter, Tim Tebow rose from the dead and saved all the sinners in the Denver area.” “The Tim Tebow Thing” will always be a topic of debate and the guys at TSB will surely continue to go at war with each other in the future, as they did in this week's edition of “Happy Hour”.
TSB produces sports podcasts from the fan's perspective, as their slogan is “For Fans. By Fans”. They love making jokes and don't hesitate to bash athletes, or each other, if they feel that person deserve it. They also provide music in the background to give their podcast “The Sports Bar” atmosphere. They have two weekly shows. “Happy Hour” is their sports news debates and game predictions, available every Wednesday and they also have an NFL Fantasy Football show, called “Fantasy Forecast”, that is made available on Fridays. On “Fantasy Forecast”, they get the audience involved, answering fantasy questions that have been e-mailed in. Their shows can be downloaded or streamed at http://tsbsports.net or on iTunes. They also stream their show live on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:15 AM EST on USTREAM.
Starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos, Tim Tebow, surmounted a near impossible comeback on Sunday in front of the sell-out crowd of Dolphins, Gators, and Broncos fans at Sun Life Stadium in Miami. Down 15-0 with 5:23 left in the game, Tebow ran the no huddle to near-perfection, getting the ball out of his hand quickly and running when he deemed necessary. With the aid of an onside kick, he marched his team down the field twice in that time, throwing 2 touchdowns and running in a 2-point conversion to tie the game at 15. Matt Prater overcame his previous two misses to kick the game-winning field goal in overtime.
Rollin Yeatts, the producer and one of the sportscasters at TSB, is the lone wolf in supporting Tim Tebow. Fellow TSB sportscasters, Adam Cavallini and Allen Miller, pointed out that Tebow was only effective in the last 5 minutes and played horribly for the other 55. Rollin came to Tebow's defense, saying, “They went to the no-huddle. That is where Tim Tebow has always been more effective. Put him in the no-huddle. Put him in the shotgun. Let him audible out to run the ball, like he did in the 2-point conversion.” Allen and Rollin continue to debate his performance until Adam moves the topic to why John fox didn't look happy after the win. Allen and Rollin finally reach an agreement on what Denver should do to give them the best chance to win. Allen states, “They said they weren't gonna change the system, and that's just dumb when you're switching from Kyle Orton to Tim Tebow.” He continues, “Just let him go out there and call the plays. That's what I would do. He's not the best reader of defenses, but you know, he's gonna make some big plays for you.”
The guys at TSB covered many other topics in this podcast, including T.O.'s comeback, Terrelle Pryor, CFB and NFL game predictions and more. In the final segment of their show, Rollin decided to bring the topic back one more time by naming Tim Tebow Baller of the Week, “...just to [make everyone mad].” “We're always saying it's the win that counts and guess what – he got Denver the win,” Rollin says. With that, Adam interjects his humor, poking at Tebow's well-publicized Christianity saying, “And after the 3rd quarter, Tim Tebow rose from the dead and saved all the sinners in the Denver area.” “The Tim Tebow Thing” will always be a topic of debate and the guys at TSB will surely continue to go at war with each other in the future, as they did in this week's edition of “Happy Hour”.
TSB produces sports podcasts from the fan's perspective, as their slogan is “For Fans. By Fans”. They love making jokes and don't hesitate to bash athletes, or each other, if they feel that person deserve it. They also provide music in the background to give their podcast “The Sports Bar” atmosphere. They have two weekly shows. “Happy Hour” is their sports news debates and game predictions, available every Wednesday and they also have an NFL Fantasy Football show, called “Fantasy Forecast”, that is made available on Fridays. On “Fantasy Forecast”, they get the audience involved, answering fantasy questions that have been e-mailed in. Their shows can be downloaded or streamed at http://tsbsports.net or on iTunes. They also stream their show live on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:15 AM EST on USTREAM.
The worldwide impact achieved by SciNet Foundation
72% of the world population is considered ‘poor’, but a recent study prepared by The World Resources Institute reveals that 4.7 billion people have the purchasing power of 3.7 billion euro per day! The title of the report reads ‘The Next 4 Billion’ (the next four billion: business strategy and market at the base of the pyramid).
The report is concerning the population of millions of men and women of Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, whose income is below poverty level of the western societies, but which in the aggregate represent an extraordinary economic potential.
The report says: "The incorporation of the BOP population into the formal economy should constitute an objective and critical element for any strategy tending to generate both wealth and growth. In the XXI century those companies and business people who have sufficient vision to adapt their offers to the needs of low income consumers will prosper. Companies that can offer profitable solutions in areas such as food, drinking water, medical services, housing and basic necessity supplementation".
SciNet Corporation is installing new assembly workshops in different regions worldwide, which are included within the 'Pyramid base', for the mass production of its innovative production mini-plants inside mobile containers. The mobile production mini-plants that are mounted in these assembly workshops are intended for developing countries, offering therein all kinds of products and basic services: from food preparation or household goods, footwear or clothing articles to water purification and primary health care.
The production mini-plants in mobile containers comprise the only system in the world that can supply up to 6 basic necessity articles at a price as low as one dollar per day.
Furthermore, all the assembly plants will operate connected to the World Trade System, a database that provides access to 60 million referrals to merchandise, raw materials, products and services worldwide, through digital certificates for trading.
The report is concerning the population of millions of men and women of Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, whose income is below poverty level of the western societies, but which in the aggregate represent an extraordinary economic potential.
The report says: "The incorporation of the BOP population into the formal economy should constitute an objective and critical element for any strategy tending to generate both wealth and growth. In the XXI century those companies and business people who have sufficient vision to adapt their offers to the needs of low income consumers will prosper. Companies that can offer profitable solutions in areas such as food, drinking water, medical services, housing and basic necessity supplementation".
SciNet Corporation is installing new assembly workshops in different regions worldwide, which are included within the 'Pyramid base', for the mass production of its innovative production mini-plants inside mobile containers. The mobile production mini-plants that are mounted in these assembly workshops are intended for developing countries, offering therein all kinds of products and basic services: from food preparation or household goods, footwear or clothing articles to water purification and primary health care.
The production mini-plants in mobile containers comprise the only system in the world that can supply up to 6 basic necessity articles at a price as low as one dollar per day.
Furthermore, all the assembly plants will operate connected to the World Trade System, a database that provides access to 60 million referrals to merchandise, raw materials, products and services worldwide, through digital certificates for trading.
Porsche Bluetooth Tooki from NAV-TV
The NAV-TV Tooki Series Bluetooth Interface is a Bluetooth phone integration system designed specifically for your 2008 and earlier phone-ready Porsche vehicle. When used properly, Tooki establishes a wireless Bluetooth link between the PCM radio and your mobile phone, resulting in a hands-free operation of your phone.
Loaded with key features such as phone book synchronization (phone dependent), privacy mode, radio keypad dial / call / hang, and noise-cancelling technology, Tooki allows for a safer driving experience while keeping the driver connected to their mobile phone.
As with all NAV-TV products, we proudly stand behind our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Additionally, we are always available to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your purchase.
Loaded with key features such as phone book synchronization (phone dependent), privacy mode, radio keypad dial / call / hang, and noise-cancelling technology, Tooki allows for a safer driving experience while keeping the driver connected to their mobile phone.
As with all NAV-TV products, we proudly stand behind our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Additionally, we are always available to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your purchase.
SilverLeaf Financial Acquires A $57 Million Non Performing Loan Secured By Luxury Condominium Units in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Salt Lake City, UT --Oct 26, 2010. Silverleaf Financial recently acquired a $57 Million non performing loan secured by 58 unsold luxury condominium units within the 86 unit Trailhead Lodge Development in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
The loan originated in 2007 for the amount of $57.4 Million and was later extended in 2009. Currently the loan is in maturity default with an unpaid principle balance of approximately $48 Million.
Trailhead Lodge is a luxury hotel/condominium project built in 2009 on a 2.73 acre site. The property is the focal point of a 47 acre development known as the Wildhorse Meadows. The property is located minutes from the base of Steamboat Ski Resort, which can easily be reached via the Trailhead gondola that conveniently transports condo owners and guests to the base of the resort.
The Steamboat Ski Resort boasts a massive 2,965 acres, encompassing over 3,300 vertical feet of ski area. With a genuine old western town feel and 249 inches of average snowfall, the mountain services more than a million skiers per year. See your website
The lodge is managed by Wyndham Vacation Rentals. Wyndham offers one of the largest and most diverse collections of serviced vacation rental accommodations in the world. They manage more than 90,000 vacation properties in over 500 destinations. They also provide over 51,000 independent vacation property owners the opportunity to rent their properties through there well known vacation rental brands.
The loan originated in 2007 for the amount of $57.4 Million and was later extended in 2009. Currently the loan is in maturity default with an unpaid principle balance of approximately $48 Million.
Trailhead Lodge is a luxury hotel/condominium project built in 2009 on a 2.73 acre site. The property is the focal point of a 47 acre development known as the Wildhorse Meadows. The property is located minutes from the base of Steamboat Ski Resort, which can easily be reached via the Trailhead gondola that conveniently transports condo owners and guests to the base of the resort.
The Steamboat Ski Resort boasts a massive 2,965 acres, encompassing over 3,300 vertical feet of ski area. With a genuine old western town feel and 249 inches of average snowfall, the mountain services more than a million skiers per year. See your website
The lodge is managed by Wyndham Vacation Rentals. Wyndham offers one of the largest and most diverse collections of serviced vacation rental accommodations in the world. They manage more than 90,000 vacation properties in over 500 destinations. They also provide over 51,000 independent vacation property owners the opportunity to rent their properties through there well known vacation rental brands.
Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson, & American Society of Anesthesiologists: Inconvenient Truths
Propofol is only lethal when failure to watch & monitor the patient’s breathing leads to failure intervene when oxygen levels drop.
Trial testimony: for $40/month, Nonin leases a pulse oximeter with alarms to alert Conrad Murray into action long before Michael Jackson’s propofol dosed body ran out of oxygen.
1996 FDA approved BIS brain monitors are found in 75% of US hospitals yet only used 25% of the time.
With failure to advocate universal use of a $20 BIS sensor, the American Society of Anesthesiologists appears willing to accept nearly one American surgery patient’s death every day.
Michael Jackson is only the most famous American to die of avoidable anesthesia over-medication, a routine, sometimes lethal, practice without a brain monitor.
Read ‘Getting Over Going Under.’ All proceeds support this vital, nonprofit, public education message.
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS OR QUOTES: Dr. Barry Friedberg, Anesthesiologist, Founder, Goldilocks Anesthesia Foundation
Trial testimony: for $40/month, Nonin leases a pulse oximeter with alarms to alert Conrad Murray into action long before Michael Jackson’s propofol dosed body ran out of oxygen.
1996 FDA approved BIS brain monitors are found in 75% of US hospitals yet only used 25% of the time.
With failure to advocate universal use of a $20 BIS sensor, the American Society of Anesthesiologists appears willing to accept nearly one American surgery patient’s death every day.
Michael Jackson is only the most famous American to die of avoidable anesthesia over-medication, a routine, sometimes lethal, practice without a brain monitor.
Read ‘Getting Over Going Under.’ All proceeds support this vital, nonprofit, public education message.
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS OR QUOTES: Dr. Barry Friedberg, Anesthesiologist, Founder, Goldilocks Anesthesia Foundation
Florida Small Business Opportunities For Sale Resource Launched
Franchise and business opportunity lead generator Redstone Advertising announces the launch of a new site called businessesforsaleinflorida.net that is intended to provide info and latest news about small businesses and business opportunities available for sale in Florida. The site will feature listings of popular small business opportunities and franchises that visitors can research and request additional info about.
"As the owner of a franchise lead generation business I get frequent requests from Franchisers and business opportunity owners who are seeking targeted state leads. Florida is consistently always high on the list of states that franchisers want to develop because of its large and growing population”, according to Redstone Advertising owner Ray Haiber. "I believe that a frequently updated Florida small business site would provide an effective way to help promote and create exposure for franchises and other new business opportunities available in that state."
"As the owner of a franchise lead generation business I get frequent requests from Franchisers and business opportunity owners who are seeking targeted state leads. Florida is consistently always high on the list of states that franchisers want to develop because of its large and growing population”, according to Redstone Advertising owner Ray Haiber. "I believe that a frequently updated Florida small business site would provide an effective way to help promote and create exposure for franchises and other new business opportunities available in that state."
Anesthesia: You Don’t Have to Just Lay there and Take it
Dr. Barry Friedberg wrote ‘Getting Over Going Under, 5 things you MUST know before anesthesia’ to help surgery patients deal with the same anesthesia fears he faced when having hip surgery.
Without a brain monitor, anesthesia over-medication is a routine, sometimes lethal practice.
Like Michael Jackson, one American dies daily from anesthesia over-medication.
Death is not the worst anesthesia over-medication outcome.
40% of patients leave the hospital in a brain fog or delirium that can last as long as a year after surgery.
Worst still is the living death of dementia after anesthesia and becoming a costly burden to your family and society.
75% of US hospital operating rooms have a brain monitor. Shockingly it is only used 25% of the time.
A recent publication in current ‘Opinion in Anesthesiology’ says the BIS brain monitor is cost effective and should be used for every general anesthetic.
Without a brain monitor, anesthesia over-medication is a routine, sometimes lethal practice.
Like Michael Jackson, one American dies daily from anesthesia over-medication.
Death is not the worst anesthesia over-medication outcome.
40% of patients leave the hospital in a brain fog or delirium that can last as long as a year after surgery.
Worst still is the living death of dementia after anesthesia and becoming a costly burden to your family and society.
75% of US hospital operating rooms have a brain monitor. Shockingly it is only used 25% of the time.
A recent publication in current ‘Opinion in Anesthesiology’ says the BIS brain monitor is cost effective and should be used for every general anesthetic.
UltraCool Oil Cooling System Benefits Harley Davidson Motorcycle Engines
The ultimate in cool riding is now available for Big V Twin Harley Davidson motorcycle engines with the new UltraCool Oil Cooling System. This innovative product combines a cool designer look with effective heat reduction from the inside out. The new UltraCool Oil Cooling System meets all EPA restrictions and is easy to install.
Experienced motorcyclists will appreciate the benefits of this new system that looks good on the bike and brings additional comfort to their ride. This unique system works internally to keep oil temperatures within an ideal comfort range. Whether the bike is used in the city or for long distance rides, when heat is reduced, rider comfort is increased.
HIGH PERFORMANCE PRODUCT
The UltraCool Oil Cooling System was created for excellence in design and high performance. Oil is cooled inside the oil system; using the unique UltraCool thermal switch, oil remains within an ideal comfort range between 190 and 220 degrees. Additional benefits important to Harley Davidson riders include extended engine life and a more comfortable ride. This system also achieves high marks for its ability to meet all new EPA emission restrictions.
REDUCE HEAT STRESS
Heat is generated from the motorcycle engine, hot oil and road heat reflection. Slow driving speeds, engine idling or stop and go city driving are major forces that create engine heat. High heat is generated by the transmission and plate clutch friction. Heat reduction can be accomplished internally by maintaining cooler temperatures of the hot engine oil. This reduction in heat also benefits the longevity potential for the engine because it reduces wear and stress.
General summer weather can cause asphalt roads to radiate heat reaching temperatures up to 155 degrees. In addition, the bike design featuring heads under the gas tank also prevents heat from dissipating. This combination always creates a hot ride. Whenever oil temperatures are above 220 degrees, riders will feel the heat more than ever.
Riders that are using the new UltraCool Oil Cooling System on their Harley Davidson motorcycles can enjoy a cooler ride because the heat is reduced by cooling the hot engine oil. Keeping the oil cool is the perfect way to create a more comfortable ride, even in stop and go city driving over hot asphalt roadways.
ULTRACOOL AGAINST THE COMPETITION
Compared to other products on the market that attempt to reduce heat, the UltraCool Oil Cooling System is easy to use and is durable. Riders can use leg shields, synthetic oils, oil filter coolers or larger oil pans in an attempt to reduce engine oil heat, but UltraCool is a much more efficient method to reach the same goal. Plus, UltraCool only works when you need it. When oil temperatures reach the optimum degree range, the system ceases operation until the oil again reaches the high end of the temperature comfort range.
Some call this system a perfect method of oil cooling. The UltraCool fan assisted oil cooling system works equally well when the bike is stuck in traffic as it does at highway speeds. The parts are made from high quality materials and installation is fast and easy to do within about two hours or less for the average owner.
The UltraCool Oil Cooling System is custom made for Harley Davidson motorcycles. The stylish unit fits snugly and blends right into the bike design. The unit is made from top quality materials, with stainless steel bolts and nylock nuts. Rocks and road debris are prevented from damaging this system because it is protected by ABAS plastic and the fan is water resistant and dustproof.
Experienced motorcyclists will appreciate the benefits of this new system that looks good on the bike and brings additional comfort to their ride. This unique system works internally to keep oil temperatures within an ideal comfort range. Whether the bike is used in the city or for long distance rides, when heat is reduced, rider comfort is increased.
HIGH PERFORMANCE PRODUCT
The UltraCool Oil Cooling System was created for excellence in design and high performance. Oil is cooled inside the oil system; using the unique UltraCool thermal switch, oil remains within an ideal comfort range between 190 and 220 degrees. Additional benefits important to Harley Davidson riders include extended engine life and a more comfortable ride. This system also achieves high marks for its ability to meet all new EPA emission restrictions.
REDUCE HEAT STRESS
Heat is generated from the motorcycle engine, hot oil and road heat reflection. Slow driving speeds, engine idling or stop and go city driving are major forces that create engine heat. High heat is generated by the transmission and plate clutch friction. Heat reduction can be accomplished internally by maintaining cooler temperatures of the hot engine oil. This reduction in heat also benefits the longevity potential for the engine because it reduces wear and stress.
General summer weather can cause asphalt roads to radiate heat reaching temperatures up to 155 degrees. In addition, the bike design featuring heads under the gas tank also prevents heat from dissipating. This combination always creates a hot ride. Whenever oil temperatures are above 220 degrees, riders will feel the heat more than ever.
Riders that are using the new UltraCool Oil Cooling System on their Harley Davidson motorcycles can enjoy a cooler ride because the heat is reduced by cooling the hot engine oil. Keeping the oil cool is the perfect way to create a more comfortable ride, even in stop and go city driving over hot asphalt roadways.
ULTRACOOL AGAINST THE COMPETITION
Compared to other products on the market that attempt to reduce heat, the UltraCool Oil Cooling System is easy to use and is durable. Riders can use leg shields, synthetic oils, oil filter coolers or larger oil pans in an attempt to reduce engine oil heat, but UltraCool is a much more efficient method to reach the same goal. Plus, UltraCool only works when you need it. When oil temperatures reach the optimum degree range, the system ceases operation until the oil again reaches the high end of the temperature comfort range.
Some call this system a perfect method of oil cooling. The UltraCool fan assisted oil cooling system works equally well when the bike is stuck in traffic as it does at highway speeds. The parts are made from high quality materials and installation is fast and easy to do within about two hours or less for the average owner.
The UltraCool Oil Cooling System is custom made for Harley Davidson motorcycles. The stylish unit fits snugly and blends right into the bike design. The unit is made from top quality materials, with stainless steel bolts and nylock nuts. Rocks and road debris are prevented from damaging this system because it is protected by ABAS plastic and the fan is water resistant and dustproof.
Business Controls, Inc. Assists in Development of New Workplace Violence Standard
For more than three years, members of ASIS International and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) worked to develop a joint ASIS/SHRM Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention Standard. Developed according to American National Standard Institute’s (ANSI) rigorous procedures, the new ANSI Standard is aimed at helping organizations implement policies and practices to more quickly identify threatening behavior and violence affecting the workplace, and to engage in effective incident management and resolution. Co-chairing the Standard’s development committee were Business Controls, Inc. (BCI) CEO, Eugene F. Ferraro, CPP, CFE, PCI, SPHR and Michael Crane, Esq. of IPC International.
The new Standard reflects a consensus from professionals in the fields of security, human resources, mental health, law enforcement, and employment law. It serves as an important tool to help organizations evaluate current practices; develop or enhance workplace violence prevention and intervention programs; and effectively manage post-incident issues.
“The new Standard was developed to allow practitioners the ability to determine whether their organization is taking sufficient steps to protect employees from violence and threatening behavior,” said Ferraro. “It also provides employers benchmarks by which they can measure their preparedness and response plans.”
The Standard defines the recommended scope of an organization’s efforts to prevent and manage workplace violence; describes the key stakeholders within an organization who will be responsible for this issue; delineates the components of a workplace violence prevention and intervention program; outlines intervention techniques; and addresses post-incident issues.
The work of preparing ASIS standards and guidelines is carried out through the ASIS International Standards and Guidelines Commission and its committees. As an ANSI accredited Standards Development Organization, ASIS actively participates in the International Organization for Standardization, developing standards and guidelines within a voluntary, nonproprietary and consensus-based process, utilizing the knowledge, experience and expertise of ASIS membership, security professionals and the global security industry. However according to Ferraro, “The Standard’s recommendations are general enough to provide the necessary flexibility organizations will need to implement specific prevention and intervention strategies appropriate for their specific needs an culture.”
The new Standard reflects a consensus from professionals in the fields of security, human resources, mental health, law enforcement, and employment law. It serves as an important tool to help organizations evaluate current practices; develop or enhance workplace violence prevention and intervention programs; and effectively manage post-incident issues.
“The new Standard was developed to allow practitioners the ability to determine whether their organization is taking sufficient steps to protect employees from violence and threatening behavior,” said Ferraro. “It also provides employers benchmarks by which they can measure their preparedness and response plans.”
The Standard defines the recommended scope of an organization’s efforts to prevent and manage workplace violence; describes the key stakeholders within an organization who will be responsible for this issue; delineates the components of a workplace violence prevention and intervention program; outlines intervention techniques; and addresses post-incident issues.
The work of preparing ASIS standards and guidelines is carried out through the ASIS International Standards and Guidelines Commission and its committees. As an ANSI accredited Standards Development Organization, ASIS actively participates in the International Organization for Standardization, developing standards and guidelines within a voluntary, nonproprietary and consensus-based process, utilizing the knowledge, experience and expertise of ASIS membership, security professionals and the global security industry. However according to Ferraro, “The Standard’s recommendations are general enough to provide the necessary flexibility organizations will need to implement specific prevention and intervention strategies appropriate for their specific needs an culture.”
Art is her Ammunition...Mystery Girl a.k.a. Bubblehead
A new 13,000 square foot Super Mural with a vital message is again from a beautiful girl nicknamed "Bubblehead." She has a long history of creating massive street art, graffiti and wild postings with messages calling for the public to do the right thing on important issues that impact our lives. Bubblehead's new SuperMural text message, "PLS DNT TXT + DRIVE", is viewed by millions on the 405 Freeway and plane passengers flying into Los Angeles International Airport. Many celebrities have helped get out this important message, like Oprah Winfrey's "No Phone Zone" and Justin Bieber, have been extremely proactive in advising us all not to text and drive.
This Mystery Girl a.k.a Bubblehead, created by artist Mike McNeilly, has been painted on the largest Manhattan wallscape on Park Avenue calling for safe sex with "No Glove, No Love" and "Do or Die,” which raised awareness for organizations like AMFAR, Project Angel Food and APLA. Her messages have been displayed on the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid in conjunction with the NYPD to give runaway kids a chance to call for help.
In Hollywood, on the Sunset Strip her massive street art reached out to "Stop the Violence…Save the Children"…from guns, bullies, child abuse, drugs, prostitution and pimps. She has also asked for support by the public for local organizations such as Hollygrove Orphanage, L.A.'s first orphanage and where Norma Jean Baker a.k.a Marilyn Monroe lived as a child, as well as Children of the Night, a private non profit organization dedicated to assisting children between the ages of 11 and 17 who are forced to prostitute on the streets for food to eat and a place to sleep. Since 1979, they have rescued girls and boys from prostitution and the domination of vicious pimps.
This Mystery Girl a.k.a Bubblehead, created by artist Mike McNeilly, has been painted on the largest Manhattan wallscape on Park Avenue calling for safe sex with "No Glove, No Love" and "Do or Die,” which raised awareness for organizations like AMFAR, Project Angel Food and APLA. Her messages have been displayed on the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid in conjunction with the NYPD to give runaway kids a chance to call for help.
In Hollywood, on the Sunset Strip her massive street art reached out to "Stop the Violence…Save the Children"…from guns, bullies, child abuse, drugs, prostitution and pimps. She has also asked for support by the public for local organizations such as Hollygrove Orphanage, L.A.'s first orphanage and where Norma Jean Baker a.k.a Marilyn Monroe lived as a child, as well as Children of the Night, a private non profit organization dedicated to assisting children between the ages of 11 and 17 who are forced to prostitute on the streets for food to eat and a place to sleep. Since 1979, they have rescued girls and boys from prostitution and the domination of vicious pimps.
Steve Jobs Biography book sell out in China
As reported by Yahoo News, a book with the title "Steve Jobs: Biography", went on sale more than 20 cities in China on Monday, the same day when the book was released in bookstores United States (U.S.) and less than three weeks after Jobs dies.
"It's a good sale, we sell books in 21 cities with 30 stores books, and mostly sold out yesterday," said marketing director of Beijing CITIC Press, Kong Yan.
Apple's brand is very popular in China, many fans who queued for days to get the latest products.
Readers in China reveals a sincere admiration for Jobs. "I felt like he was talking directly to me," said Da Peng Peng told China microblog service, Sina Weibo.
"I was touched by the admirable honesty and his ideas," he said
This book was written by Walter Isaacson, Isaacson therein contained 4o interview with Jobs since 2009 and with over 100 family members, friends, business associates and rivals.
Jobs's official biography was originally scheduled for release in early 2012 but then moved forward on 24 October, several weeks after the death of Jobs.
Earthquake shakes Fiji
Earthquakes as strong as 6.0 on the Richter Scale (SR) hit the region located in the eastern part of the capital city of Fiji. There has been no word on casualties or damage resulting from the earthquake.
United States Geological Survey (U.S.) said the 6.0 magnitude quake that struck the island nation, today. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also did not announce the existence of tsunami hazards. Similarly, as reported by the Associated Press, Thursday.
Fiji is located in the "Ring of Fire" which is in the Pacific Islands region prone to earthquakes and volcano. Approximately 90 percent of natural disasters in the world is happening in the region.
In March, Canada, the United States, as well as the Hawaiian Islands has been warned against citizens in every country who live in coastal areas that directly deal with the dangers of the Pacific Ocean tsunami.
Fiji itself is also rumored to have never felt the impact of the tsunami, along with Russia, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Panama, Honduras, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru.
In August, the same earthquake also shook the Vanuatu Islands adjacent to Fiji.
United States Geological Survey (U.S.) said the 6.0 magnitude quake that struck the island nation, today. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also did not announce the existence of tsunami hazards. Similarly, as reported by the Associated Press, Thursday.
Fiji is located in the "Ring of Fire" which is in the Pacific Islands region prone to earthquakes and volcano. Approximately 90 percent of natural disasters in the world is happening in the region.
In March, Canada, the United States, as well as the Hawaiian Islands has been warned against citizens in every country who live in coastal areas that directly deal with the dangers of the Pacific Ocean tsunami.
Fiji itself is also rumored to have never felt the impact of the tsunami, along with Russia, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Panama, Honduras, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru.
In August, the same earthquake also shook the Vanuatu Islands adjacent to Fiji.
Chevrolet Spark EV Bertenaga 114 Hp
This electric car called Chevrolet Spark EV, and the plan will be produced in limited quantities. Initial production will be released in some parts of the United States and several other markets starting from 2013.
At that time, Chevrolet has not revealed the power generated from the electric motor Spark EV. Now the Michigan-based manufacturer is revealing. The electric motor Chevrolet Spark EV has a power of 114 hp.
"The development and manufacturing of electric motors are part outside our field, but this time we will do is expand the electric powered vehicle that aims to satisfy the needs of our customers around the world," said Larry Nitz, Executive Director GM Vehicle Engineering Electrication. Similarly, as reported by Worldcarfans, on Thursday.
Chevrolet Spark EV entered in plan in providing options to consumers with different electrification solutions, to suit the lifestyle needs as well as transportation around the world.
Honda Launches Two Cars at the LA Auto Show
Japanese car maker Honda Fit will be launching EV (Electric Vehicle) and Honda CR-V 2012. Both variants will be making his debut at the LA Auto Show 2011.
Actually, the Honda Fit EV concept variants have appeared in the same event last year. And this year slid production model. The initial plan is to include lithium-ion battery and fuel cell vehicle FCX Clarity Fuel. Honda Fit EV can be driven up to 90mph.
Target drive with a full battery condition can reach a distance of 100 miles. Driving range can be maximized using a system of three driving modes can be adjusted.
Meanwhile, the CR-V has established itself as one of the best-selling SUV in the United States. The fourth-generation CR-V inu new exterior and interior displays. New CR-V also has good fuel efficiency and new technology in cars.
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