How do you protect your brand if hundreds of Chinese websites are selling knockoffs of your premium-denim jeans?
If you're True Religion, you take them to court and win a nearly $900 million judgment.
Last year, True Religion sued 106 defendants representing 282 Chinese websites that carried names such as TrueReglionJeans4Outlet.com, TrueReligion2Cheap.com and CheaperTrueReligionJeans.net. After making buys on the websites and verifying that the jeans were fakes, True Religion sued in U.S. District Court in New York to shut down the websites.
In a March 12 default judgment, Judge Harold Baer ruled that the websites were willfully counterfeiting the True Religion trademark and needed to shut down and pay up.
Deborah Greaves, in-house counsel for True Religion, said the Los Angeles company doesn't really expect to collect all that money. But it was able to disable the websites and collect money from their PayPal accounts, which might be enough to cover attorneys' fees.
However, as soon as True Religion shutters one website, another 20 pop up. “It's like whack a mole,” said Greaves, who has been very aggressive in protecting the True Religion brand ever since she was hired by the company in 2007. “You just have to hope that after a while, when we chase them and disable them and make it difficult to do business, they will decide there is another brand they can focus on that won't give them as much grief. Honestly, we can't give up. What are we going to do? Roll over and let them destroy the brand, or fight?”
Greaves was speaking at a panel on protecting brand names and dealing with counterfeiting. It was held April 19 in Vernon, Calif., and organized by the California Fashion Association, a Los Angeles trade group representing the apparel and textile industry in California.
Joining Greaves on the panel were attorneys Mark Brutzkus of Ezra Brutzkus Gubner; Michelle Cooke of Steptoe & Johnson; Jeffrey Kapor of Buchalter Nemer; and Gregory Weisman of Ritholz, Levy, Sanders, Chidekel & Fields. Also joining the panel was Kevin Sullivan, executive vice president at Wells Fargo Capital Finance, and Ilse Metchek, president of the California Fashion Association.
Going to the Web
Metchek noted that the top three counterfeit purchases these days are music, movies and brand-name clothing. Fake products now represent 5 percent to 7 percent of all global trade.
About 25 percent of people who purchase fake goods know they are counterfeit. Another 73 percent bought the knockoffs just because they were there. “There are a lot of people buying fake Louis Vuitton bags who don't know who he is,” Metchek said.
2012年4月27日星期五
2012年4月26日星期四
Avril's fashion is fit for royalty
A THRIFT shop in Witham that sells bespoke items has gained national interest after featuring in an article about Kate Middleton's wardrobe.
Avril Beattie, 64, owns The Dressing Room in Maldon Road.
Having worked there for eight years, she bought the shop in 2009 and set it up as a dress agency.
Recently the fashionable grandmother-of-four received a call from The Sun, who wanted to feature her in a story to do with Kate Middleton's trendy outfits bought from similar shops.
Since appearing in the paper, Mrs Beattie has received calls from Look magazine, as well as various other publications.
She has also been approached by buyers from London who are looking to take a trip to Witham just to take a look at her designer goods.
Mrs Beattie said: "They phoned me recently and said they were going to do this article on Kate and had chosen a number of shops to feature. Mine was one of them. I expected a one-liner but they used a picture and put in all the details."
The concept behind a dress agency is that all the products are new or nearly new but can be found at a percentage of the original price due to them being out of season or secondhand.
But Mrs Beattie, who has always worked in the fashion industry, is keen to emphasise the quality of her products.
She said: "I don't do anything less than high street or designer.
"Everything has to come in on the hanger, pressed, and nothing is over three years old."
Some of her favourite pieces include Anoushka G dresses and a range of designer handbags.
"Our biggest seller is bags – we do Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Mulberry and quite a bit of LK Bennett," she said.
Avril Beattie, 64, owns The Dressing Room in Maldon Road.
Having worked there for eight years, she bought the shop in 2009 and set it up as a dress agency.
Recently the fashionable grandmother-of-four received a call from The Sun, who wanted to feature her in a story to do with Kate Middleton's trendy outfits bought from similar shops.
Since appearing in the paper, Mrs Beattie has received calls from Look magazine, as well as various other publications.
She has also been approached by buyers from London who are looking to take a trip to Witham just to take a look at her designer goods.
Mrs Beattie said: "They phoned me recently and said they were going to do this article on Kate and had chosen a number of shops to feature. Mine was one of them. I expected a one-liner but they used a picture and put in all the details."
The concept behind a dress agency is that all the products are new or nearly new but can be found at a percentage of the original price due to them being out of season or secondhand.
But Mrs Beattie, who has always worked in the fashion industry, is keen to emphasise the quality of her products.
She said: "I don't do anything less than high street or designer.
"Everything has to come in on the hanger, pressed, and nothing is over three years old."
Some of her favourite pieces include Anoushka G dresses and a range of designer handbags.
"Our biggest seller is bags – we do Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Mulberry and quite a bit of LK Bennett," she said.
2012年4月25日星期三
Coach pinning hopes on rosy China growth
U.S. luxury handbag maker Coach Inc. continues to pin its hopes on booming luxury goods consumption in China, where its sales grew almost 60 percent year-on-year in its fiscal third-quarter earnings.
China has been a big strategic initiative for Coach, and sales have been rising healthily, according to Lew Frankfort, chief executive officer of the company.
Frankfort said he expects the Chinese market to gradually turn in annual revenue of at least $300 million, and that Coach would aim to tap into the men's luxury goods market in the coming years.
"We expect to broadly expand the presence of our men's products in the North American market, starting from the current 42 stores by end of Q3 to around 100," the Beijing Business News quoted Frankfort as saying.
For the quarter ended March 31, Coach reported a profit of $225 million, or 77 cents a share, up from $186 million, or 62 cents, a year earlier. Sales jumped 17 percent to $1.11 billion.
Sales were up 10 percent in Japan, on a constant-currency basis.
China, which the company calls its largest geographic growth opportunity, saw sales bolstered by distribution growth and double-digit same-store sales. Indirect sales rose 10 percent to $125 million.
Chinese consumer spending on luxury items remains relatively unscathed by a projected slowdown in economic growth and overlapping uncertainties in the global market, drawing in luxury brands including Coach, Prada and LV to cash in on the growing number of college-educated, well-dressed Chinese individuals with large enough disposable incomes.
French luxury goods giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA is looking for new ways to reach luxury consumers in Asia, having launched a Chinese-language version of its editorial-only platform nowness.com.
China has been a big strategic initiative for Coach, and sales have been rising healthily, according to Lew Frankfort, chief executive officer of the company.
Frankfort said he expects the Chinese market to gradually turn in annual revenue of at least $300 million, and that Coach would aim to tap into the men's luxury goods market in the coming years.
"We expect to broadly expand the presence of our men's products in the North American market, starting from the current 42 stores by end of Q3 to around 100," the Beijing Business News quoted Frankfort as saying.
For the quarter ended March 31, Coach reported a profit of $225 million, or 77 cents a share, up from $186 million, or 62 cents, a year earlier. Sales jumped 17 percent to $1.11 billion.
Sales were up 10 percent in Japan, on a constant-currency basis.
China, which the company calls its largest geographic growth opportunity, saw sales bolstered by distribution growth and double-digit same-store sales. Indirect sales rose 10 percent to $125 million.
Chinese consumer spending on luxury items remains relatively unscathed by a projected slowdown in economic growth and overlapping uncertainties in the global market, drawing in luxury brands including Coach, Prada and LV to cash in on the growing number of college-educated, well-dressed Chinese individuals with large enough disposable incomes.
French luxury goods giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA is looking for new ways to reach luxury consumers in Asia, having launched a Chinese-language version of its editorial-only platform nowness.com.
2012年4月19日星期四
5 Reasons Why Men's Designer Bags Are More Reliable Than Bags From Walmart
We all know that times are financially difficult right now, so the last thing that you may be worried about it is a new designer handbag. However, there's no denying that men's handbags are in, and you may be thinking that you want or need one. Fortunately, Walmart is there to solve this conundrum.
Then again, there's that old saying, “You get what you pay for,” which pretty much applies to anything that you purchase. While it may not seem obvious at first, it also applies to men's bags. While shopping at Walmart for necessary items could be an option for you, picking up a bag there isn't. I mean, would you seriously buy a suit from Walmart? I didn't think so.
Without further ado, here are five reasons that designer men's bags are more reliable than ones found at Walmart.
5. Uniqueness
For starters, many designer handbags are manufactured in limited quantities and have a trademark style that can even be personalized. Most people can spot that trademark and immediately know which designer created it (think Louis Vuitton). Also, designer bags come in a variety of styles and sizes that can fit your personal fashion and needs.
Men's bags found at Walmart are obviously not unique, since they are massed produced and have been bought by many consumers. Instead of owning a unique bag that suits you, you're left with a run-of-the-mill-bag that hasn't been made to fit your needs.
4. Available Warranty
Since designer bags are made of superior products, many designer bag companies offer a warranty on their products, or at least free repairs for a given time. You may even be fortunate enough to find one that has a limited lifetime warranty.
Many of the men's bags found at Walmart offer no warranties. You may be lucky enough to find one there that offers a one-year warranty, if that. Generally, if the bag you purchased there has any problems, you're probably stuck with it. Or forced to purchase a new one from, I don't know, maybe Walmart.
3. Longevity
Since designer men's bags are made from quality materials and craftsmanship, they're bound to last for a long time, even if they're exposed to the elements. If taken care of properly, it could be an item that you could have for the rest of your life or even pass down.
Since bags from Walmart aren't made from superior materials, it's a given that they won't last as long as designer bags. Even if you take care of a Walmart bag, it just won't hold up.
2. Craftsmanship
Designer men's bags are not mass-produced. Because of this, they are created precisely with special attention to each and every detail. This includes everything from the design to the lining in the interior pockets. But, more importantly, you most likely won't find a single flaw in the stitching or the cutting of the material used. Since the labor is meticulous for each bag, it will definitely have an effect on the retail price.
Bags at Walmart, however, are mass-produced in countries with low-wage workers, like China. Because of this, the amount of craftsmanship that goes into them is little to none. Most likely, that men's bag from Walmart was made in a sweatshop by someone with no experience in the craftsmanship of bags.
1. Quality, Not Quantity
Designers strive for their products to have the best quality. It doesn't matter if the bag is made out of leather, suede, or cotton; you can be certain that the materials are nothing less than 100% genuine and top quality. This includes everything, even the zippers, chains, strap rings, and buckles.
The idea behind Walmart's stores is mass-production for the masses. This is why their products are cheaper. However, to mass-produce a product, they have to skimp on the materials being used. Which means an all-around cheap product.
Sure, it may be tempting to buy a much cheaper bag at Walmart than to splurge on a designer men's bag, but it will cost you more in the long run. Ultimately, you'll be left with a cheaper looking bag that won't last.
Then again, there's that old saying, “You get what you pay for,” which pretty much applies to anything that you purchase. While it may not seem obvious at first, it also applies to men's bags. While shopping at Walmart for necessary items could be an option for you, picking up a bag there isn't. I mean, would you seriously buy a suit from Walmart? I didn't think so.
Without further ado, here are five reasons that designer men's bags are more reliable than ones found at Walmart.
5. Uniqueness
For starters, many designer handbags are manufactured in limited quantities and have a trademark style that can even be personalized. Most people can spot that trademark and immediately know which designer created it (think Louis Vuitton). Also, designer bags come in a variety of styles and sizes that can fit your personal fashion and needs.
Men's bags found at Walmart are obviously not unique, since they are massed produced and have been bought by many consumers. Instead of owning a unique bag that suits you, you're left with a run-of-the-mill-bag that hasn't been made to fit your needs.
4. Available Warranty
Since designer bags are made of superior products, many designer bag companies offer a warranty on their products, or at least free repairs for a given time. You may even be fortunate enough to find one that has a limited lifetime warranty.
Many of the men's bags found at Walmart offer no warranties. You may be lucky enough to find one there that offers a one-year warranty, if that. Generally, if the bag you purchased there has any problems, you're probably stuck with it. Or forced to purchase a new one from, I don't know, maybe Walmart.
3. Longevity
Since designer men's bags are made from quality materials and craftsmanship, they're bound to last for a long time, even if they're exposed to the elements. If taken care of properly, it could be an item that you could have for the rest of your life or even pass down.
Since bags from Walmart aren't made from superior materials, it's a given that they won't last as long as designer bags. Even if you take care of a Walmart bag, it just won't hold up.
2. Craftsmanship
Designer men's bags are not mass-produced. Because of this, they are created precisely with special attention to each and every detail. This includes everything from the design to the lining in the interior pockets. But, more importantly, you most likely won't find a single flaw in the stitching or the cutting of the material used. Since the labor is meticulous for each bag, it will definitely have an effect on the retail price.
Bags at Walmart, however, are mass-produced in countries with low-wage workers, like China. Because of this, the amount of craftsmanship that goes into them is little to none. Most likely, that men's bag from Walmart was made in a sweatshop by someone with no experience in the craftsmanship of bags.
1. Quality, Not Quantity
Designers strive for their products to have the best quality. It doesn't matter if the bag is made out of leather, suede, or cotton; you can be certain that the materials are nothing less than 100% genuine and top quality. This includes everything, even the zippers, chains, strap rings, and buckles.
The idea behind Walmart's stores is mass-production for the masses. This is why their products are cheaper. However, to mass-produce a product, they have to skimp on the materials being used. Which means an all-around cheap product.
Sure, it may be tempting to buy a much cheaper bag at Walmart than to splurge on a designer men's bag, but it will cost you more in the long run. Ultimately, you'll be left with a cheaper looking bag that won't last.
2012年4月18日星期三
Louis Vuitton Wins Lawsuit Against Chinese Counterfeit Empire
The U.S. International Trade Commission has ruled in favor of Louis Vuitton in a counterfeiting lawsuit after 15 months of investigation. The French house filed a suit against several companies for allegedly importing and selling designs with the iconic Toile Monogram marks.
According to WWD, the case is centered around an elaborate enterprise allegedly run by Jianyong Zheng and Alice Bei Wang. The pair owned and managed several companies, including T&T Handbag Industrial Co. Ltd. and Sanjiu Leather Co. Ltd. in Guangzhou, China, Meada Corp. and Pacpro Inc. in El Monte, California, and Trendy Creations in Chatsworth, California. Two other companies, The Inspired Bagger in Dallas, Texas and House of Bags in Los Angeles, allegedly bought fake Louis Vuitton bags from Zheng and Wang and are also involved in the suit.
Louis Vuitton's global intellectual property director Valerie Sonnier said that the ruling is significant in protecting the brand: "As the first luxury goods company to seek redress at the ITC, we are pleased with the significant remedy that has been recommended. The chief administrative law judge recognizes the importance of protecting intellectual property and took the welcome step of ensuring that its orders include all merchandise that infringes on our Toile Monogram Marks, and not just products of the respondents in this case."
Although the ITC has ruled in their favor, Vuitton is "seeking a permanent exclusion order against the importation of the infringing products, as well as a cease-and-desist order against the companies." That decision is yet to be made.
According to WWD, the case is centered around an elaborate enterprise allegedly run by Jianyong Zheng and Alice Bei Wang. The pair owned and managed several companies, including T&T Handbag Industrial Co. Ltd. and Sanjiu Leather Co. Ltd. in Guangzhou, China, Meada Corp. and Pacpro Inc. in El Monte, California, and Trendy Creations in Chatsworth, California. Two other companies, The Inspired Bagger in Dallas, Texas and House of Bags in Los Angeles, allegedly bought fake Louis Vuitton bags from Zheng and Wang and are also involved in the suit.
Louis Vuitton's global intellectual property director Valerie Sonnier said that the ruling is significant in protecting the brand: "As the first luxury goods company to seek redress at the ITC, we are pleased with the significant remedy that has been recommended. The chief administrative law judge recognizes the importance of protecting intellectual property and took the welcome step of ensuring that its orders include all merchandise that infringes on our Toile Monogram Marks, and not just products of the respondents in this case."
Although the ITC has ruled in their favor, Vuitton is "seeking a permanent exclusion order against the importation of the infringing products, as well as a cease-and-desist order against the companies." That decision is yet to be made.
2012年4月17日星期二
Sania Mirza hits ace with fashion makeover
She may not be the brightest star on the tennis circuit currently, but Sania Mirza is surely making waves on what is an altogether new front for her.
Trashed ruthlessly for her garish fashion sense over the years, Sania now seems to have developed a more elegant and flattering dressing style.
On Sunday night, the tennis player was seen in a refreshing casual chic avatar at a movie theatre in Mumbai. Looking cosy on the arm of cricketer-husband Shoaib Malik, Sania wore a pair of dark denims, which she teamed with a pop art T-shirt, a trendy white cape and thong sandals.
To add a touch of glamour to her otherwise informal look, the 25-year-old flashed her large diamond solitaires with a bright red patent leather Louis Vuitton bag and a matching belt reaffirming her status as a rising fashionista.
Sania also seems to have lost more than a few kilos and all her baby fat, looking svelte and toned, maybe even a little underweight and gaunt - as compared to what she used to be.
While in the past, she has often impressed the fashion police with her sporty chic look and trendy little tennis skirts on the court, her disastrous off- court appearances almost always served to negate her efforts and had her ending up all too often on the fashion faux pas list.
Her choice of traditional Indian wear, especially during her wedding in April 2010, didn't work in her favour either. Fashion designers criticised just about everything about her get- up, from her choice of jewellery, colour palette to the silhouettes.
Whether it's thanks to hubby Shoaib or all the free time on her hands, Sania's slow and steady makeover in the style department is for all to see. A blessing for us as gone are her ill- fitted jeans, unsightly tight T-shirts, dreadful accessories and over- the- top make- up.
If she continues in her glamorous endeavour, Sania may soon help swell India's WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of sports personalities, for the uninitiated) club, which currently boasts of just one member, Mahesh Bhupathi's better half Lara Dutta.
Trashed ruthlessly for her garish fashion sense over the years, Sania now seems to have developed a more elegant and flattering dressing style.
On Sunday night, the tennis player was seen in a refreshing casual chic avatar at a movie theatre in Mumbai. Looking cosy on the arm of cricketer-husband Shoaib Malik, Sania wore a pair of dark denims, which she teamed with a pop art T-shirt, a trendy white cape and thong sandals.
To add a touch of glamour to her otherwise informal look, the 25-year-old flashed her large diamond solitaires with a bright red patent leather Louis Vuitton bag and a matching belt reaffirming her status as a rising fashionista.
Sania also seems to have lost more than a few kilos and all her baby fat, looking svelte and toned, maybe even a little underweight and gaunt - as compared to what she used to be.
While in the past, she has often impressed the fashion police with her sporty chic look and trendy little tennis skirts on the court, her disastrous off- court appearances almost always served to negate her efforts and had her ending up all too often on the fashion faux pas list.
Her choice of traditional Indian wear, especially during her wedding in April 2010, didn't work in her favour either. Fashion designers criticised just about everything about her get- up, from her choice of jewellery, colour palette to the silhouettes.
Whether it's thanks to hubby Shoaib or all the free time on her hands, Sania's slow and steady makeover in the style department is for all to see. A blessing for us as gone are her ill- fitted jeans, unsightly tight T-shirts, dreadful accessories and over- the- top make- up.
If she continues in her glamorous endeavour, Sania may soon help swell India's WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of sports personalities, for the uninitiated) club, which currently boasts of just one member, Mahesh Bhupathi's better half Lara Dutta.
2012年4月16日星期一
Sania Mirza finally makes it in the fashion stakes after a makeover
She may not be the brightest star on the tennis circuit currently, but Sania Mirza is surely making waves on what is an altogether new front for her.
Trashed ruthlessly for her garish fashion sense over the years, Sania now seems to have developed a more elegant and flattering dressing style.
On Sunday night, the tennis player was seen in a refreshing casual chic avatar at a movie theatre in Mumbai.
Looking cosy on the arm of cricketer-husband Shoaib Malik, Sania wore a pair of dark denims, which she teamed with a pop art T-shirt, a trendy white cape and thong sandals.
To add a touch of glamour to her otherwise informal look, the 25- year-old flashed her large diamond solitaires with a bright red patent leather Louis Vuitton bag and a matching belt reaffirming her status as a rising fashionista.
Sania also seems to have lost more than a few kilos and all her baby fat, looking svelte and toned, maybe even a little underweight and gaunt - as compared to what she used to be.
While in the past, she has often impressed the fashion police with her sporty chic look and trendy little tennis skirts on the court, her disastrous off-court appearances almost always served to negate her efforts and had her ending up all too often on the fashion faux pas list.
Her choice of traditional Indian wear, especially during her wedding in April 2010, didn't work in her favour either.
Fashion designers criticised just about everything about her get-up, from her choice of jewellery, colour palette to the silhouettes.
2012: Sporting a trendy cape, diamond solitaires and an LV bag on Sunday
Whether it's thanks to hubby Shoaib or all the free time on her hands, Sania's slow and steady makeover in the style department is for all to see. A blessing for us as gone are her ill-fitted jeans, unsightly tight T-shirts, dreadful accessories and over-the-top make-up.
If she continues in her glamorous endeavour, Sania may soon help swell India's WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of sports personalities, for the uninitiated) club, which currently boasts of just one member, Mahesh Bhupathi's better half Lara Dutta.
Trashed ruthlessly for her garish fashion sense over the years, Sania now seems to have developed a more elegant and flattering dressing style.
On Sunday night, the tennis player was seen in a refreshing casual chic avatar at a movie theatre in Mumbai.
Looking cosy on the arm of cricketer-husband Shoaib Malik, Sania wore a pair of dark denims, which she teamed with a pop art T-shirt, a trendy white cape and thong sandals.
To add a touch of glamour to her otherwise informal look, the 25- year-old flashed her large diamond solitaires with a bright red patent leather Louis Vuitton bag and a matching belt reaffirming her status as a rising fashionista.
Sania also seems to have lost more than a few kilos and all her baby fat, looking svelte and toned, maybe even a little underweight and gaunt - as compared to what she used to be.
While in the past, she has often impressed the fashion police with her sporty chic look and trendy little tennis skirts on the court, her disastrous off-court appearances almost always served to negate her efforts and had her ending up all too often on the fashion faux pas list.
Her choice of traditional Indian wear, especially during her wedding in April 2010, didn't work in her favour either.
Fashion designers criticised just about everything about her get-up, from her choice of jewellery, colour palette to the silhouettes.
2012: Sporting a trendy cape, diamond solitaires and an LV bag on Sunday
Whether it's thanks to hubby Shoaib or all the free time on her hands, Sania's slow and steady makeover in the style department is for all to see. A blessing for us as gone are her ill-fitted jeans, unsightly tight T-shirts, dreadful accessories and over-the-top make-up.
If she continues in her glamorous endeavour, Sania may soon help swell India's WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of sports personalities, for the uninitiated) club, which currently boasts of just one member, Mahesh Bhupathi's better half Lara Dutta.
2012年4月15日星期日
Bucket becomes boutique at resort
THE once sleepy Edwardian holiday town of Greystones, Co Wicklow, has seen a burgeoning of new businesses from fashion to food and wine, flowers and gifts, cafes and restaurants and a hip pub. On a recent visit I met some really enthusiastic people working hard to keep their businesses on course in these times.
As you drive up Church Road you see people dining outside A Caviston's and The Happy Pear, which are side by side. Nearby is Azur shoe and accessory boutique, only six weeks old. It is the venture of Brigid Whitehead, and she clearly has a flair as she has bought like an expert. Her taste is impeccable, with a sparkling array of lovely shoes, handbags and classy costume jewellery and belts.
"I have been in publishing, but this is something I always had an interest in. We have a small publishing company in Bray where we were publishing interior and architectural magazines for almost 15 years, but we decided to take a year out. Business is tough.
"I worked for a year on my own... I just decided life is too short and I needed to start looking at something else."
Last October Brigid started researching her new business and found her premises.
"I just love it. I am delighted, I am a people person. I did the bulk of my research on the internet."
Brigid's aim was to stock quality products at the right price, which she has done. "I have been very busy. I couldn't anticipate how it was going to go -- it was a roll of the dice! I have tried to source things you can't get elsewhere."
Azur has a lovely range of costume jewellery by Martine Wester from London and a beautiful Danish range, Tokyo Jane, with bangles from €18. There is a fantastic range of bags by Martine Wester, shoes by Marco Moreo, and espadrilles by Vidoreta of Spain. Look out too for classy recyclable Canadian bags Matt & Nat.
Next door is the Greystones Eye Centre, where I met Ken Murray. Ken says, "Although it is a very tough trading climate out there, we are going from strength to strength due a very loyal customer base -- but also to an increasing number of visitors from south Co Dublin."
The Eye Centre has an extensive range of ophthalmic frames and sunglasses, including Gucci, Ray-Ban, Marc Jacobs, Bvlgari and Chanel.
Nearby too is Sophie Rieu's Garden of Unicorn sustainable designer label, where you can have her lovely designs made to measure.
Across the road is the authentic Italian Caffe Delle Stelle -- owned by Tomasso and Nadia, who used to have Papa's Restaurant in Blackrock, Co Dublin. They have a great value daytime menu.
Next door is the edgy Toil & Glitter boutique, with many Scandinavian clothing ranges. It stocks all sizes and has some funky labels, including Odd Molly.
The very popular Georgio's Shoe Boutique, owned by Cheri Feely and Yvonne Boland, has been on Hillside Road for 10 years. "We do a lot of mid-market comfort ranges from Germany --the Rieker, the Ara -- as well as dressy shoes for weddings."
Moving down the street I passed the new, hip Mrs Robinson Bar with its funky retro decor and sofas. It is proving a big hit in the area.
At Browzround gift shop I met Lana Kelly and Sandra O'Connell, a mother and daughter team in business for three years.
As you drive up Church Road you see people dining outside A Caviston's and The Happy Pear, which are side by side. Nearby is Azur shoe and accessory boutique, only six weeks old. It is the venture of Brigid Whitehead, and she clearly has a flair as she has bought like an expert. Her taste is impeccable, with a sparkling array of lovely shoes, handbags and classy costume jewellery and belts.
"I have been in publishing, but this is something I always had an interest in. We have a small publishing company in Bray where we were publishing interior and architectural magazines for almost 15 years, but we decided to take a year out. Business is tough.
"I worked for a year on my own... I just decided life is too short and I needed to start looking at something else."
Last October Brigid started researching her new business and found her premises.
"I just love it. I am delighted, I am a people person. I did the bulk of my research on the internet."
Brigid's aim was to stock quality products at the right price, which she has done. "I have been very busy. I couldn't anticipate how it was going to go -- it was a roll of the dice! I have tried to source things you can't get elsewhere."
Azur has a lovely range of costume jewellery by Martine Wester from London and a beautiful Danish range, Tokyo Jane, with bangles from €18. There is a fantastic range of bags by Martine Wester, shoes by Marco Moreo, and espadrilles by Vidoreta of Spain. Look out too for classy recyclable Canadian bags Matt & Nat.
Next door is the Greystones Eye Centre, where I met Ken Murray. Ken says, "Although it is a very tough trading climate out there, we are going from strength to strength due a very loyal customer base -- but also to an increasing number of visitors from south Co Dublin."
The Eye Centre has an extensive range of ophthalmic frames and sunglasses, including Gucci, Ray-Ban, Marc Jacobs, Bvlgari and Chanel.
Nearby too is Sophie Rieu's Garden of Unicorn sustainable designer label, where you can have her lovely designs made to measure.
Across the road is the authentic Italian Caffe Delle Stelle -- owned by Tomasso and Nadia, who used to have Papa's Restaurant in Blackrock, Co Dublin. They have a great value daytime menu.
Next door is the edgy Toil & Glitter boutique, with many Scandinavian clothing ranges. It stocks all sizes and has some funky labels, including Odd Molly.
The very popular Georgio's Shoe Boutique, owned by Cheri Feely and Yvonne Boland, has been on Hillside Road for 10 years. "We do a lot of mid-market comfort ranges from Germany --the Rieker, the Ara -- as well as dressy shoes for weddings."
Moving down the street I passed the new, hip Mrs Robinson Bar with its funky retro decor and sofas. It is proving a big hit in the area.
At Browzround gift shop I met Lana Kelly and Sandra O'Connell, a mother and daughter team in business for three years.
2012年4月12日星期四
Drug suspect gets city salary
A lineman at the Peabody Municipal Light Plant has pocketed about $40,000 in salary since being arrested in August on suspicion of trafficking cocaine.
Ronald D'Andrea, 50, who has worked at the light plant since 2003, has also collected health, life and retirement benefits since he was arrested and placed on paid leave months ago, according to city records.
On Aug. 23, Revere police narcotics detectives caught D'Andrea with a half-kilogram of cocaine stuffed into a Target shopping bag, according to a police report filed with Chelsea District Court. Local and state drug units had been monitoring D'Andrea and eavesdropping on his conversations while investigating "the narcotics distribution enterprise" he is alleged to have operated, the police report said.
Two days before his arrest, D'Andrea paid $20,000 for the cocaine and agreed to pick up the drugs the following Tuesday at a Ninety Nine Restaurant in Revere, according to police.
About 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 23, D'Andrea drove into the restaurant's back parking lot and got into the passenger seat of gray sedan, police said. A short time later, D'Andrea got out of the car carrying a white shopping bag, then placed the bag in the trunk of his car as police approached. When police confiscated the bag, it contained "a block of white rock/powder ... in excess of 500 grams of the Class B controlled substance, cocaine," according to the police report.
After obtaining a warrant to search D'Andrea's Saugus house, police found more than $1,500 cash, a digital scale and a handheld grinder, the police report said.
D'Andrea pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Chelsea District Court and was released on $5,000 bail. His attorney, Robert Sheketoff, declined to comment on the case specifically. He said that drug cases typically take more than a year to settle. The next scheduled court date is a probable-cause hearing slated for April 30 in Chelsea.
Shortly after D'Andrea's arrest, the Peabody Municipal Light Plant suspended the lineman without pay but then placed him on paid administrative leave in October.
When asked why D'Andrea was placed on paid leave instead of unpaid leave, Glenn Trueira, the manager of the plant, said there is no "specific policy about this," so the determination was made based on the circumstances and after consultation with the plant's attorney, Phillip Durkin. Trueira was assistant manager of the plant at the time of D'Andrea's arrest.
"What we do is look at each case separately on its own merits, what's involved and what the given details are in each case," Trueira said in an interview. "When this situation arose, I consulted with our attorney, and he looked into it."
The Municipal Light Commission was told of the D'Andrea situation but did not weigh in, said Robert Wheatley, the commission chairman.
Ronald D'Andrea, 50, who has worked at the light plant since 2003, has also collected health, life and retirement benefits since he was arrested and placed on paid leave months ago, according to city records.
On Aug. 23, Revere police narcotics detectives caught D'Andrea with a half-kilogram of cocaine stuffed into a Target shopping bag, according to a police report filed with Chelsea District Court. Local and state drug units had been monitoring D'Andrea and eavesdropping on his conversations while investigating "the narcotics distribution enterprise" he is alleged to have operated, the police report said.
Two days before his arrest, D'Andrea paid $20,000 for the cocaine and agreed to pick up the drugs the following Tuesday at a Ninety Nine Restaurant in Revere, according to police.
About 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 23, D'Andrea drove into the restaurant's back parking lot and got into the passenger seat of gray sedan, police said. A short time later, D'Andrea got out of the car carrying a white shopping bag, then placed the bag in the trunk of his car as police approached. When police confiscated the bag, it contained "a block of white rock/powder ... in excess of 500 grams of the Class B controlled substance, cocaine," according to the police report.
After obtaining a warrant to search D'Andrea's Saugus house, police found more than $1,500 cash, a digital scale and a handheld grinder, the police report said.
D'Andrea pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Chelsea District Court and was released on $5,000 bail. His attorney, Robert Sheketoff, declined to comment on the case specifically. He said that drug cases typically take more than a year to settle. The next scheduled court date is a probable-cause hearing slated for April 30 in Chelsea.
Shortly after D'Andrea's arrest, the Peabody Municipal Light Plant suspended the lineman without pay but then placed him on paid administrative leave in October.
When asked why D'Andrea was placed on paid leave instead of unpaid leave, Glenn Trueira, the manager of the plant, said there is no "specific policy about this," so the determination was made based on the circumstances and after consultation with the plant's attorney, Phillip Durkin. Trueira was assistant manager of the plant at the time of D'Andrea's arrest.
"What we do is look at each case separately on its own merits, what's involved and what the given details are in each case," Trueira said in an interview. "When this situation arose, I consulted with our attorney, and he looked into it."
The Municipal Light Commission was told of the D'Andrea situation but did not weigh in, said Robert Wheatley, the commission chairman.
2012年4月11日星期三
British man charged after boarding plane in Pakistan with rifle
Mohammed Rafiq was travelling back to the UK via Dubai when he was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning at Benazir Bhutto International Airport, which serves the capital Islamabad.
Police found a .222 calibre rifle and ammunition in his luggage, and initially feared he was planning a terrorist attack.
However, Deputy Inspector General Azhar Hameed Khokhar, who heads security in Rawalpindi, where the airport is located, said police had found no evidence of a terrorist plot.
"We are confident it has nothing to with terrorism. He was arrested at the airport by security officers when he was found to have a rifle in his bag," he said.
"He claims it was packed by mistake by his relatives.
"We have investigated his background and can find no connection to terrorist groups."
It is understood that Mr Rafiq had been in Pakistan visiting relatives in Kashmir and was due to fly home with Emirates to Manchester.
He has been charged with holding a weapon without a licence and released on bail, said Mr Khokhar.
A security consultant in Islamabad said Mr Rafiq had a lucky escape.
"Of all the places to get caught like that, Pakistan is one of the worst," he said. "It looks pretty bad."
Pakistan's terrorist training camps along the border with Afghanistan attract young Jihadis from Europe and have been connected repeatedly with several plots against Western targets.
Last year one of Britain's most wanted terrorists, Ibrahim Adam was killed in a drone strike soon after warnings that he was trying to secure a passport and might to return to Britain to launch attacks.
But at the same time, arms and ammunition are widely available at gunships in towns and cities and many people carry guns for their own personal protection.
And earlier this year an American diplomat was arrested with 13 bullets in his luggage at Peshawar airport as he prepared to fly to Islamabad.
Diplomatic sources said the close protection officer, who was routinely armed, had simply blundered as he packed for an early morning flight. He was released within hours.
A spokeswoman for the British High Commission said Mr Rafiq had not requested consular assistance.
Police found a .222 calibre rifle and ammunition in his luggage, and initially feared he was planning a terrorist attack.
However, Deputy Inspector General Azhar Hameed Khokhar, who heads security in Rawalpindi, where the airport is located, said police had found no evidence of a terrorist plot.
"We are confident it has nothing to with terrorism. He was arrested at the airport by security officers when he was found to have a rifle in his bag," he said.
"He claims it was packed by mistake by his relatives.
"We have investigated his background and can find no connection to terrorist groups."
It is understood that Mr Rafiq had been in Pakistan visiting relatives in Kashmir and was due to fly home with Emirates to Manchester.
He has been charged with holding a weapon without a licence and released on bail, said Mr Khokhar.
A security consultant in Islamabad said Mr Rafiq had a lucky escape.
"Of all the places to get caught like that, Pakistan is one of the worst," he said. "It looks pretty bad."
Pakistan's terrorist training camps along the border with Afghanistan attract young Jihadis from Europe and have been connected repeatedly with several plots against Western targets.
Last year one of Britain's most wanted terrorists, Ibrahim Adam was killed in a drone strike soon after warnings that he was trying to secure a passport and might to return to Britain to launch attacks.
But at the same time, arms and ammunition are widely available at gunships in towns and cities and many people carry guns for their own personal protection.
And earlier this year an American diplomat was arrested with 13 bullets in his luggage at Peshawar airport as he prepared to fly to Islamabad.
Diplomatic sources said the close protection officer, who was routinely armed, had simply blundered as he packed for an early morning flight. He was released within hours.
A spokeswoman for the British High Commission said Mr Rafiq had not requested consular assistance.
2012年4月10日星期二
CM D V Sadananda Gowda rolls out goodies bag for his village
A school boy from this backward village in Dakshina Kannada in his avatar as chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday loosened purse strings of the state treasury to put it on the accelerated path to development. The chief minister's largesse for the day is Rs 9.25 crore aimed at addressing the most basic needs of the village - identified once by a media survey as the most backward village in DK.
The goodies bag did not stop there. The CM addressing his village elders and Gen Next from the very school premises in the village that he grew up said, "Sullia taluk as a whole will get Rs 79 crore during the current fiscal for its various development needs. I have allocated special grants of Rs 5 crore for each of the eight assembly taluks in Dakshina Kannada district in the budget," the CM said.
Observing that he never dreamt of standing before his villagers as chief minister he said, "This is mainly due to the blessings of all, village deity and the opportunity given to me by my party that I have come to this exalted position."
The BJP deserved the credit for giving even a person, who hailed from a remote backward village, to occupy the top post in the state, CM said adding he would ensure that none of his acts brought disgrace to the village ever.
Defending the largesse that includes Rs 4 crore for development of Sullia-Ajjavara-Mandekolu-Addoor inter-state road, bridge across Payaswini on Jalsoor-Muroor-Mandekolu Road at Muroor at the cost of Rs 4 crore, development of Baithadka-Mandekolu Road at a cost of Rs 80 lakh and bridge at Mavinapalla on the Baithadka-Mandekolu at a cost of Rs 45 lakh, the chief minister said, "It is my vision to see no village in the state remains backward."
Asserting that he has maintained a clean slate in the last eight months at the helm of affairs, the CM said it was his firm belief that corruption in the administration could be rooted out with timely delivery of vital services to people. "Sakala is the instrument chosen by me for this purpose. Lack of hands in providing transparent administration is a issue. But, I will manage the situation and am determined to stop corruption," the chief minister added.
The goodies bag did not stop there. The CM addressing his village elders and Gen Next from the very school premises in the village that he grew up said, "Sullia taluk as a whole will get Rs 79 crore during the current fiscal for its various development needs. I have allocated special grants of Rs 5 crore for each of the eight assembly taluks in Dakshina Kannada district in the budget," the CM said.
Observing that he never dreamt of standing before his villagers as chief minister he said, "This is mainly due to the blessings of all, village deity and the opportunity given to me by my party that I have come to this exalted position."
The BJP deserved the credit for giving even a person, who hailed from a remote backward village, to occupy the top post in the state, CM said adding he would ensure that none of his acts brought disgrace to the village ever.
Defending the largesse that includes Rs 4 crore for development of Sullia-Ajjavara-Mandekolu-Addoor inter-state road, bridge across Payaswini on Jalsoor-Muroor-Mandekolu Road at Muroor at the cost of Rs 4 crore, development of Baithadka-Mandekolu Road at a cost of Rs 80 lakh and bridge at Mavinapalla on the Baithadka-Mandekolu at a cost of Rs 45 lakh, the chief minister said, "It is my vision to see no village in the state remains backward."
Asserting that he has maintained a clean slate in the last eight months at the helm of affairs, the CM said it was his firm belief that corruption in the administration could be rooted out with timely delivery of vital services to people. "Sakala is the instrument chosen by me for this purpose. Lack of hands in providing transparent administration is a issue. But, I will manage the situation and am determined to stop corruption," the chief minister added.
2012年4月9日星期一
For women, boxing workouts pull no punches
Jennifer Vaughn needed to get in shape after law school. Emily McCart wanted a break from running.
Punching, jabbing and kicking a heavy boxing bag turned out to be just the workout they were looking for.
For women who crave an intense fitness routine, boxing-based workouts can be efficient and empowering, even if their feet never touch the inside of a ring.
"I became addicted to it," said Vaughn, a Chicago-based attorney. "It has given me an amazing sense of confidence and poise; a feeling that there is nothing that can't be accomplished."
Such was her devotion that Vaughn eventually opened a franchise location of LA Boxing, a national chain that specializes in boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts, in her town.
"It developed from a love of the sport," she said. "I wanted to train like a fighter, but in a place where you didn't' have to get in the ring if you didn't want to. "
Her club boasts a regulation-sized ring and some 35 150-pound (68-kilogram) punching bags. Women, who make up 60 percent of her clientele, gravitate to the group fitness classes.
"We get working class people, professional women, students, some senior citizens too," she said. "We have a few pros, but most people are there to work out."
McCart, a Chicago-based public defender, said the strength she gained from her boxing fitness classes complements her running.
"I've learned something about the sport, the technique," she said. "I never knew I'd like it, but it's become a part of my life."
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Philip Jacobs, LA Boxing's Director of Franchise, said his company targets soccer moms and their kids.
"I would say 90 percent of our clients have nothing to do with real fighting," he said from Santa Ana, California.
He said members divide equally along gender lines, but can foresee a spike in female members this summer when the 2012 Olympics includes women's boxing for the first time.
"It's fun. It's empowering. It's as much psychological as physical," he said of the workout, which he said can burn up to 1000 calories. "If you can't do a six-punch combination, you do a two-punch. Everyone gets their own bag and goes at their own pace."
He calls the hour-long classes hardcore and quick.
"It's a testosterone-filled environment for people who seek out an intense workout. Women don't walk in there with makeup on."
Pam Opdyke, regional sports manager, Reebok Sports Club/NY and The Sports Club/LA, said women members crave the intensity of the boxing and kickboxing classes those fitness centers offer, just as much as the men do.
"I think our boxing classes have always been predominantly women," said Opdyke, who is based in New York.
She said boxing workouts are great for toning the upper arms, back and abdominals, areas that women often like to target, while providing a high-intensity cardio session at the same time.
"It's all intermixed with boxing," she explained. "Just hitting the bag is cardiovascular, and you're working on your abdominals and your arms. You're also twisting, and then there are plyometric (jumping) moves, followed by pushups and sit ups."
She said boxing is a particular draw for professional women.
"The people who take our classes are Type A," she said. "They learn to do it well."
Her clients mainly attack heavy bags, not people. "I don't think anyone imagines they would hit anybody," she said. "But just imagining they could is a confidence booster."
Punching, jabbing and kicking a heavy boxing bag turned out to be just the workout they were looking for.
For women who crave an intense fitness routine, boxing-based workouts can be efficient and empowering, even if their feet never touch the inside of a ring.
"I became addicted to it," said Vaughn, a Chicago-based attorney. "It has given me an amazing sense of confidence and poise; a feeling that there is nothing that can't be accomplished."
Such was her devotion that Vaughn eventually opened a franchise location of LA Boxing, a national chain that specializes in boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts, in her town.
"It developed from a love of the sport," she said. "I wanted to train like a fighter, but in a place where you didn't' have to get in the ring if you didn't want to. "
Her club boasts a regulation-sized ring and some 35 150-pound (68-kilogram) punching bags. Women, who make up 60 percent of her clientele, gravitate to the group fitness classes.
"We get working class people, professional women, students, some senior citizens too," she said. "We have a few pros, but most people are there to work out."
McCart, a Chicago-based public defender, said the strength she gained from her boxing fitness classes complements her running.
"I've learned something about the sport, the technique," she said. "I never knew I'd like it, but it's become a part of my life."
Advertise | AdChoices
Philip Jacobs, LA Boxing's Director of Franchise, said his company targets soccer moms and their kids.
"I would say 90 percent of our clients have nothing to do with real fighting," he said from Santa Ana, California.
He said members divide equally along gender lines, but can foresee a spike in female members this summer when the 2012 Olympics includes women's boxing for the first time.
"It's fun. It's empowering. It's as much psychological as physical," he said of the workout, which he said can burn up to 1000 calories. "If you can't do a six-punch combination, you do a two-punch. Everyone gets their own bag and goes at their own pace."
He calls the hour-long classes hardcore and quick.
"It's a testosterone-filled environment for people who seek out an intense workout. Women don't walk in there with makeup on."
Pam Opdyke, regional sports manager, Reebok Sports Club/NY and The Sports Club/LA, said women members crave the intensity of the boxing and kickboxing classes those fitness centers offer, just as much as the men do.
"I think our boxing classes have always been predominantly women," said Opdyke, who is based in New York.
She said boxing workouts are great for toning the upper arms, back and abdominals, areas that women often like to target, while providing a high-intensity cardio session at the same time.
"It's all intermixed with boxing," she explained. "Just hitting the bag is cardiovascular, and you're working on your abdominals and your arms. You're also twisting, and then there are plyometric (jumping) moves, followed by pushups and sit ups."
She said boxing is a particular draw for professional women.
"The people who take our classes are Type A," she said. "They learn to do it well."
Her clients mainly attack heavy bags, not people. "I don't think anyone imagines they would hit anybody," she said. "But just imagining they could is a confidence booster."
2012年4月8日星期日
Southeast Louisiana Turns to Greener, Grocery Bag Options
New Orleans is emerging from the throwaway era as residents sign up for curbside recycling -- implemented last year -- and direct their Carnival beads to new uses. Cities in other states have gone a step further, banning plastic grocery bags and even paper ones because of resources used in their production, along with the litter they generate, the cost of their disposal and threats to fish and wildlife. Plastic bags are banned in parts of the U.S., Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. In March, Austin, Texas voted to outlaw single-use plastic and paper bags at stores.
The New Orleans City Council hasn't considered restrictions on grocery bags yet. And Louisiana's parishes could be slow to regulate plastic and paper bags since the state produces oil, natural gas and petrochemicals -- feedstocks for plastic -- and engages in pulp and paper making.
After grocers nationwide adopted plastic bags 40 years ago, shoppers have reused them for garbage and their pets, stashed them in cupboards or immediately tossed them in the trash. Here in Sportsman's Paradise, they've been left behind at picnics and at beach and boat outings. They can clog storm drains. Unless they're recycled or sent to landfill, plastic bags slowly degrade outdoors, often reaching the ocean and interfering with life there.
So how are local stores and shoppers dealing with grocery bags today? "Paper versus plastic used to be the big question, but in recent years plastic has become the new normal," said Allison Rouse, managing partner and third generation grocer at Rouses Enterprises LLC. "We still have some people who prefer paper and request it, but plastic is by far the bag most commonly used."
Some customers, however, have adopted reusable bags, Rouse said, adding "they're environmentally friendly, they reduce waste and mean fewer bags to carry." Rouses, with 38 stores in south Louisiana and Mississippi, introduced reusable bags on Earth Day in April 2008. The company's big collapsible, canvas bags sells for 99 cents.
In 2008, the Whole Foods Market chain phased plastic bags out of its stores.
At Robert Fresh Market -- with four stores in Greater New Orleans -- operations director Drew Le Blanc said "we primarily use plastic bags because of the low cost to us -- about 1.5 cents" apiece. That may be more than some other grocers pay because of custom print on the chain's bags. "We have some customers who ask for paper bags -- costing us 9 cents," he said. "They provide better balance in the trunk of a car."
Le Blanc said, "In the last two years, we've seen a tremendous increase in the use of cloth or recycled-material bags. Most stores, including ours, sell them. The markup on the bags isn't much. They save us on the cost of buying grocery bags, and we brand them in a form of advertising."
At Breaux Mart, Jay Breaux said reusable bags have caught on in several of the company's five stores in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. "We sell recycling bags below cost and give them away on occasions. We have bins in the front of our stores for people who want to return plastic bags for recycling."
Breaux said plastic bags are cheaper than paper but cashiers double them for heavy items. And shoppers want items separated in different plastic bags so they don't cross-contaminate. He said customers who prefer recyclable bags can use nylon ones for produce. "You just ball them up and put them in your pocket before heading to the store," he said.
Liz Davey, environmental affairs director at Tulane University, said she's been pleasantly surprised at how many customers use recycling bags when she shops for groceries in Mid City in New Orleans.
But that's still only a fraction of local consumers. And in the meantime, plastic bags remain a problem for the state's air, streams, lakes and Gulf waters.
"Fish mistake plastic for jellyfish or other organisms and consume it," said Chris Macaluso, coastal outreach coordinator with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. "Plastic has no nutritive value and it harms a fish's digestive system." He said plastic doesn't break down quickly and people need to be mindful of bags going into storm drains, canals and downstream.
Plastic tends to degrade more slowly in water than on land. In the cold, dark ocean, it gradually breaks into tiny pieces called micro-plastics. "Fish and birds think those plastic pieces with the sun reflecting off them are plankton and other food," said Andres Harris, solid waste and recycling manager at Louisiana State University's Baton Rouge campus. He said "we eat that fish."
Andres said plastic bags blow around and end up in our waterways. "In the Pacific Ocean, there's a a huge zone where currents meet, plastics collect and fish eat plastic particles." That area, 1,000 miles west of California, is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch or Northern Pacific Gyre.
In Louisiana's Gulf, the hypoxia or low-dissolved oxygen zone is mainly blamed on nitrogen from fertilizers flowing down the Mississippi River.
What happens to plastic bags in landfills? At River Birch Inc. in Gretna, technical director Victor Culpepper said "plastic bags are problematic for landfills because they become airborne quickly. We use litter fences and have crews pick them up after they blow around." At day's end, the bags, along with everything else, are covered with clay.
Culpepper said bags decompose at varying speeds, depending on what they're made of and where they are. They start to photo-degrade outdoors when exposed to the sun.. He said "we don't open the landfill to look inside so I'm not sure how long they take to degrade there."
But even biodegradable and compostable plastic bags and paper bags take a long time to break down in landfill, where there's little oxygen, compared with someone's backyard, LSU's Harris said.
One reason that low-income countries with growing populations ban plastic bags is that they can't afford to keep building landfills and recycling facilities. And governments in low-lying Asian nations want to keep plastic bags from clogging storm drains during rainy seasons.
Plastic and paper bags are both villains but in different ways. Paper bag manufacturing consumes three times as much energy and nearly twenty times as much fresh water, according to a 2007 study by Boustead Consulting & Associates in Pennsylvania. Since most paper comes from tree pulp, paper bag production requires huge resources from forests -- which absorb greenhouse gases. Paper bags are heavier to transport and store than plastic.
The New Orleans City Council hasn't considered restrictions on grocery bags yet. And Louisiana's parishes could be slow to regulate plastic and paper bags since the state produces oil, natural gas and petrochemicals -- feedstocks for plastic -- and engages in pulp and paper making.
After grocers nationwide adopted plastic bags 40 years ago, shoppers have reused them for garbage and their pets, stashed them in cupboards or immediately tossed them in the trash. Here in Sportsman's Paradise, they've been left behind at picnics and at beach and boat outings. They can clog storm drains. Unless they're recycled or sent to landfill, plastic bags slowly degrade outdoors, often reaching the ocean and interfering with life there.
So how are local stores and shoppers dealing with grocery bags today? "Paper versus plastic used to be the big question, but in recent years plastic has become the new normal," said Allison Rouse, managing partner and third generation grocer at Rouses Enterprises LLC. "We still have some people who prefer paper and request it, but plastic is by far the bag most commonly used."
Some customers, however, have adopted reusable bags, Rouse said, adding "they're environmentally friendly, they reduce waste and mean fewer bags to carry." Rouses, with 38 stores in south Louisiana and Mississippi, introduced reusable bags on Earth Day in April 2008. The company's big collapsible, canvas bags sells for 99 cents.
In 2008, the Whole Foods Market chain phased plastic bags out of its stores.
At Robert Fresh Market -- with four stores in Greater New Orleans -- operations director Drew Le Blanc said "we primarily use plastic bags because of the low cost to us -- about 1.5 cents" apiece. That may be more than some other grocers pay because of custom print on the chain's bags. "We have some customers who ask for paper bags -- costing us 9 cents," he said. "They provide better balance in the trunk of a car."
Le Blanc said, "In the last two years, we've seen a tremendous increase in the use of cloth or recycled-material bags. Most stores, including ours, sell them. The markup on the bags isn't much. They save us on the cost of buying grocery bags, and we brand them in a form of advertising."
At Breaux Mart, Jay Breaux said reusable bags have caught on in several of the company's five stores in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. "We sell recycling bags below cost and give them away on occasions. We have bins in the front of our stores for people who want to return plastic bags for recycling."
Breaux said plastic bags are cheaper than paper but cashiers double them for heavy items. And shoppers want items separated in different plastic bags so they don't cross-contaminate. He said customers who prefer recyclable bags can use nylon ones for produce. "You just ball them up and put them in your pocket before heading to the store," he said.
Liz Davey, environmental affairs director at Tulane University, said she's been pleasantly surprised at how many customers use recycling bags when she shops for groceries in Mid City in New Orleans.
But that's still only a fraction of local consumers. And in the meantime, plastic bags remain a problem for the state's air, streams, lakes and Gulf waters.
"Fish mistake plastic for jellyfish or other organisms and consume it," said Chris Macaluso, coastal outreach coordinator with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. "Plastic has no nutritive value and it harms a fish's digestive system." He said plastic doesn't break down quickly and people need to be mindful of bags going into storm drains, canals and downstream.
Plastic tends to degrade more slowly in water than on land. In the cold, dark ocean, it gradually breaks into tiny pieces called micro-plastics. "Fish and birds think those plastic pieces with the sun reflecting off them are plankton and other food," said Andres Harris, solid waste and recycling manager at Louisiana State University's Baton Rouge campus. He said "we eat that fish."
Andres said plastic bags blow around and end up in our waterways. "In the Pacific Ocean, there's a a huge zone where currents meet, plastics collect and fish eat plastic particles." That area, 1,000 miles west of California, is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch or Northern Pacific Gyre.
In Louisiana's Gulf, the hypoxia or low-dissolved oxygen zone is mainly blamed on nitrogen from fertilizers flowing down the Mississippi River.
What happens to plastic bags in landfills? At River Birch Inc. in Gretna, technical director Victor Culpepper said "plastic bags are problematic for landfills because they become airborne quickly. We use litter fences and have crews pick them up after they blow around." At day's end, the bags, along with everything else, are covered with clay.
Culpepper said bags decompose at varying speeds, depending on what they're made of and where they are. They start to photo-degrade outdoors when exposed to the sun.. He said "we don't open the landfill to look inside so I'm not sure how long they take to degrade there."
But even biodegradable and compostable plastic bags and paper bags take a long time to break down in landfill, where there's little oxygen, compared with someone's backyard, LSU's Harris said.
One reason that low-income countries with growing populations ban plastic bags is that they can't afford to keep building landfills and recycling facilities. And governments in low-lying Asian nations want to keep plastic bags from clogging storm drains during rainy seasons.
Plastic and paper bags are both villains but in different ways. Paper bag manufacturing consumes three times as much energy and nearly twenty times as much fresh water, according to a 2007 study by Boustead Consulting & Associates in Pennsylvania. Since most paper comes from tree pulp, paper bag production requires huge resources from forests -- which absorb greenhouse gases. Paper bags are heavier to transport and store than plastic.
2012年4月5日星期四
How to avoid a backpack burden
Book, notice folder and spelling homework, 227 grams. Pencil case, 85 grams. Pocket notebook with fairy cover, 28 grams. Lunch, 570 grams. Placemat, 42 grams. Hat and mittens, 227 grams. Extra hat, 28 grams. Inhaler, 28 grams.
Sunscreen, 114 grams. Hand sanitizer, 28 grams. Moisturizer, 28 grams. Cellphone (not working), 42 grams.
Add these and other small treasures squirrelled away in the pockets of the plaid backpack — 935 grams — together and it all adds up to more than three kilograms. In itself, perhaps not that much. But for Grade 2 student Hazel Taylor, it clocks in at more than 10% of her body weight. Alberta Health Services recommends that children's growing bodies should carry backpacks that weigh no more than 10% of their body weight to avoid developing chronic health problems in their adult life.
"It's sometimes heavy because I have my lunch kit and water bottle and heavy stuff," Hazel, 7, says of her backpack.
Her father, Kirk Taylor, has hefted the bag.
"For her, I think it's definitely heavy," says Taylor, also noting that Hazel has never complained about a sore back or shoulders from carrying her backpack. Some items, he acknowledges, could be left at the school rather than brought back and forth, such as an extra change of clothes, "I'm sure if we went through it, there is stuff we could take out."
Keeping within the recommended weight is likely a challenge for many Calgary students. Lunch, a water bottle and snow pants, not to mention a few school books or an agenda, and the bag itself, and the weight easily adds up to more than 10 per cent of a child's body weight, especially in the youngest grades. Hauling heavy textbooks back and forth from home to school becomes a concern for the older grades.
At Hazel's school, Captain John Palliser School in the northwest, a casual weighing of a small sample of backpacks and grades 1 and 2 students showed most are just under that 10 per cent mark at eight or nine per cent of body weight. One Grade 2 student hit a high of 17 per cent, while one Grade 1 was at a low of five per cent.
Neither the Calgary Board of Education nor the Calgary Catholic School District have written policies directing a maximum weight children should be carrying in their bags.
"We don't specify an administrative regulation regarding that," said Jeannie Everett, director of Area 1 for the Calgary Board of Education. "We certainly tell parents, through our school news letters, that we support the Alberta Health Services' recommendations and that parents ultimately get to determine the type of backpack that their kid carries and what goes into them."
Grade 1 student Sam Symanczyk's mom bought her a roller bag this year.
"I remember as a kid having pain and neck problems because of a heavy backpack and from carrying it on one shoulder," said Angela Symanczyk, a certified personal trainer. Last year, her daughter complained about the weight of her backpack, but the roller bag seems to have solved most of the problem.
"When I roll it, it gets kind of heavy and my arms get tired. Then I switch arms," Sam says of her bag. She does still need to lift it at times and it can get stuck on snowy ground, but it mostly alleviates carrying the weight.
Julia Brooks, physical therapist with Alberta Children's Hospital, works with children experiencing neck and back pain.
"I wouldn't say that there are more new neck and back injuries, but I would say that the current load we're asking students to carry in their backpacks certainly increases the amount of pain and disability that we see related to that," she said.
"If we look at a teenager at 130 pounds, that (10 per cent of body weight) is only 13 pounds. They're lugging along five textbooks and a trombone and pair of gym shoes and their lunch, and that quickly adds up to 30 pounds. I've had some kids weigh their backpacks, and they're in excess of 30 pounds. It's more like going on a backpack trip than going to school every day."
While she hasn't seen any research literature specifically on how backpacks relate to back problems in children, she does say school bags tend to be a prime suspect when trying to sort out why a child is experiencing back and neck pain.
"Often backpacks are a huge contributor (to such pain)," Brooks said.
She suggests lightening the load by leaving textbooks at school if there is access to another set at home, and wearing a proper backpack so weight is well-distributed. Good posture is the other piece to solving the pain puzzle.
"If you look at desk workers and students, they tend to be the ones who have significant levels of neck and back pain purely because of the position they are constantly in," Brooks said.
Taking "posture breaks" — standing up or sitting up straight every 20 minutes and tightening core muscles helps give your back a break.
And those cool courier-style bags? Leave them at home, Brooks said.
"Ideally when you're wearing a bag with weight, you want the weight distributed over both shoulders," Brooks said. "If you only have a strap on one side (backpacks included), it means that all the muscles on one side are trying to hold you up and the other side is getting overstretched. Courier bags are definitely more stressful on the spine and the musculature around the spine."
Hazel's teacher, Nancy Baines, noted that school bags are a weighty subject and reflect changes in our society. With longer bus rides, some kids are passing the time with electronic devices from iPads to Nintendo DS. Older kids have computers to tote with them.
"Over the years, bags seem to have gone up in weight because of the extra things students need," said the teacher of nine years, who has also seen changes that make them lighter, including using a notice folder instead of a heavy agenda to communicate with parents.
Sunscreen, 114 grams. Hand sanitizer, 28 grams. Moisturizer, 28 grams. Cellphone (not working), 42 grams.
Add these and other small treasures squirrelled away in the pockets of the plaid backpack — 935 grams — together and it all adds up to more than three kilograms. In itself, perhaps not that much. But for Grade 2 student Hazel Taylor, it clocks in at more than 10% of her body weight. Alberta Health Services recommends that children's growing bodies should carry backpacks that weigh no more than 10% of their body weight to avoid developing chronic health problems in their adult life.
"It's sometimes heavy because I have my lunch kit and water bottle and heavy stuff," Hazel, 7, says of her backpack.
Her father, Kirk Taylor, has hefted the bag.
"For her, I think it's definitely heavy," says Taylor, also noting that Hazel has never complained about a sore back or shoulders from carrying her backpack. Some items, he acknowledges, could be left at the school rather than brought back and forth, such as an extra change of clothes, "I'm sure if we went through it, there is stuff we could take out."
Keeping within the recommended weight is likely a challenge for many Calgary students. Lunch, a water bottle and snow pants, not to mention a few school books or an agenda, and the bag itself, and the weight easily adds up to more than 10 per cent of a child's body weight, especially in the youngest grades. Hauling heavy textbooks back and forth from home to school becomes a concern for the older grades.
At Hazel's school, Captain John Palliser School in the northwest, a casual weighing of a small sample of backpacks and grades 1 and 2 students showed most are just under that 10 per cent mark at eight or nine per cent of body weight. One Grade 2 student hit a high of 17 per cent, while one Grade 1 was at a low of five per cent.
Neither the Calgary Board of Education nor the Calgary Catholic School District have written policies directing a maximum weight children should be carrying in their bags.
"We don't specify an administrative regulation regarding that," said Jeannie Everett, director of Area 1 for the Calgary Board of Education. "We certainly tell parents, through our school news letters, that we support the Alberta Health Services' recommendations and that parents ultimately get to determine the type of backpack that their kid carries and what goes into them."
Grade 1 student Sam Symanczyk's mom bought her a roller bag this year.
"I remember as a kid having pain and neck problems because of a heavy backpack and from carrying it on one shoulder," said Angela Symanczyk, a certified personal trainer. Last year, her daughter complained about the weight of her backpack, but the roller bag seems to have solved most of the problem.
"When I roll it, it gets kind of heavy and my arms get tired. Then I switch arms," Sam says of her bag. She does still need to lift it at times and it can get stuck on snowy ground, but it mostly alleviates carrying the weight.
Julia Brooks, physical therapist with Alberta Children's Hospital, works with children experiencing neck and back pain.
"I wouldn't say that there are more new neck and back injuries, but I would say that the current load we're asking students to carry in their backpacks certainly increases the amount of pain and disability that we see related to that," she said.
"If we look at a teenager at 130 pounds, that (10 per cent of body weight) is only 13 pounds. They're lugging along five textbooks and a trombone and pair of gym shoes and their lunch, and that quickly adds up to 30 pounds. I've had some kids weigh their backpacks, and they're in excess of 30 pounds. It's more like going on a backpack trip than going to school every day."
While she hasn't seen any research literature specifically on how backpacks relate to back problems in children, she does say school bags tend to be a prime suspect when trying to sort out why a child is experiencing back and neck pain.
"Often backpacks are a huge contributor (to such pain)," Brooks said.
She suggests lightening the load by leaving textbooks at school if there is access to another set at home, and wearing a proper backpack so weight is well-distributed. Good posture is the other piece to solving the pain puzzle.
"If you look at desk workers and students, they tend to be the ones who have significant levels of neck and back pain purely because of the position they are constantly in," Brooks said.
Taking "posture breaks" — standing up or sitting up straight every 20 minutes and tightening core muscles helps give your back a break.
And those cool courier-style bags? Leave them at home, Brooks said.
"Ideally when you're wearing a bag with weight, you want the weight distributed over both shoulders," Brooks said. "If you only have a strap on one side (backpacks included), it means that all the muscles on one side are trying to hold you up and the other side is getting overstretched. Courier bags are definitely more stressful on the spine and the musculature around the spine."
Hazel's teacher, Nancy Baines, noted that school bags are a weighty subject and reflect changes in our society. With longer bus rides, some kids are passing the time with electronic devices from iPads to Nintendo DS. Older kids have computers to tote with them.
"Over the years, bags seem to have gone up in weight because of the extra things students need," said the teacher of nine years, who has also seen changes that make them lighter, including using a notice folder instead of a heavy agenda to communicate with parents.
2012年4月4日星期三
Debranding: The great name-dropping gamble
Some say Nike was the first, but now the practice of eliminating the brand name from products or marketing activity is becoming a popular way for companies to differentiate themselves or extend their business.
Dropping a well-known company name from a product or marketing activity might seem counterintuitive, but some businesses are doing just that - employing a debranding strategy to make their companies appear less corporate and more forward-thinking.
Starbucks is experimenting with this strategy in an attempt to position itself as a friendly local coffee shop. Its 'Starbucks' moniker was removed from coffee cups in the UK last year, leaving only the siren symbol. And last month, its staff started asking customers their names, so they could write them on its takeaway cups, to make its service seem more personal and less corporate. 'We're Starbucks. Nice to meet you' is the line used in the TV advertising that explains this decision.
The US store JCPenney is another brand that has developed separate ranges that do not use its name, including The Original Jean Company and Xersion. After posting an operating loss of $171m (107m) in the third quarter of 2011, the business is restructuring and is using a debranding strategy to help push forward its private label brands.
JCPenney declined to comment, but a statement from the company says that newly appointed senior vice-president of strategic brands Bill Gentner will be "responsible for reinvigorating JCPenney's portfolio of high-performing private brands, including ensuring brand integrity in how they are merchandised, marketed and presented in the company's private brand in-store shops."
The revamp comes in the wake of the end of a deal with Ralph Lauren, which produced garments exclusively for retailer JCPenney which were marketed under the American Living label - no use was made of the Ralph Lauren branding.
Senior vice-president of advertising, marketing and corporate communications David Lauren has previously explained the strategy to Marketing Week. He said:
"We have started brands from scratch like American Living which do not say Ralph Lauren and they reach a totally different customer.
"No, they do not know [that Ralph Lauren makes American Living clothes] and it does not matter, it is just us reaching a customer who is looking for less expensive products and in a store where we would not sell Ralph Lauren products."
Other luxury brands are experimenting with whether their logos should feature on products or not. Gucci is working on finding a balance here, to make sure that it reaches 'the more sophisticated end of the market', presumably in response to its logo being flashed on handbags by those in the public eye deemed 'unsophisticated'. Parent company PPR says: "This new strategy is not simply based on finding a new balance between logo.
Other brands are using debranding in their advertising to appeal to specific audiences. Unilever's VO5 Extreme Style hair products were advertised last year in an unbranded 'teaser' TV spot, later followed by a branded commercial in the same style. It featured the 'Pliktisijiteur Pageant,' a show in a fictional village and set early in the 20th century.
Dropping a well-known company name from a product or marketing activity might seem counterintuitive, but some businesses are doing just that - employing a debranding strategy to make their companies appear less corporate and more forward-thinking.
Starbucks is experimenting with this strategy in an attempt to position itself as a friendly local coffee shop. Its 'Starbucks' moniker was removed from coffee cups in the UK last year, leaving only the siren symbol. And last month, its staff started asking customers their names, so they could write them on its takeaway cups, to make its service seem more personal and less corporate. 'We're Starbucks. Nice to meet you' is the line used in the TV advertising that explains this decision.
The US store JCPenney is another brand that has developed separate ranges that do not use its name, including The Original Jean Company and Xersion. After posting an operating loss of $171m (107m) in the third quarter of 2011, the business is restructuring and is using a debranding strategy to help push forward its private label brands.
JCPenney declined to comment, but a statement from the company says that newly appointed senior vice-president of strategic brands Bill Gentner will be "responsible for reinvigorating JCPenney's portfolio of high-performing private brands, including ensuring brand integrity in how they are merchandised, marketed and presented in the company's private brand in-store shops."
The revamp comes in the wake of the end of a deal with Ralph Lauren, which produced garments exclusively for retailer JCPenney which were marketed under the American Living label - no use was made of the Ralph Lauren branding.
Senior vice-president of advertising, marketing and corporate communications David Lauren has previously explained the strategy to Marketing Week. He said:
"We have started brands from scratch like American Living which do not say Ralph Lauren and they reach a totally different customer.
"No, they do not know [that Ralph Lauren makes American Living clothes] and it does not matter, it is just us reaching a customer who is looking for less expensive products and in a store where we would not sell Ralph Lauren products."
Other luxury brands are experimenting with whether their logos should feature on products or not. Gucci is working on finding a balance here, to make sure that it reaches 'the more sophisticated end of the market', presumably in response to its logo being flashed on handbags by those in the public eye deemed 'unsophisticated'. Parent company PPR says: "This new strategy is not simply based on finding a new balance between logo.
Other brands are using debranding in their advertising to appeal to specific audiences. Unilever's VO5 Extreme Style hair products were advertised last year in an unbranded 'teaser' TV spot, later followed by a branded commercial in the same style. It featured the 'Pliktisijiteur Pageant,' a show in a fictional village and set early in the 20th century.
2012年3月31日星期六
Use 'bayong,' cloth bag
Plastic bags are made from polyethylene, which comes from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource.
They are ubiquitous. Between 500 billion and a trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
However, less than 1 percent of the bags are recycled because it costs more to recycle a bag than to produce a new one. It costs $4,000 to process and recycle a ton of plastic bags, which can then be sold for $32.
If the economics don't work, recycling efforts don't work.
Cloth bag
We can save six plastic bags a week if we use a cloth bag. That's 24 plastic bags a month, 288 plastic bags a year and 22,176 plastic bags in an average lifetime. If just one out of every five people in our country did this we would save 1,330,560,000,000 plastic bags over our life time.
There's another reason why plastic bags should be banned. Plastic bags take between 20 and 1,000 years to break down in the environment. Even when they do break down they are not really gone. Plastic bags do not biodegrade rather, they photodegrade.
Top discards
So it doesn't come as a surprise that plastic bags are the top discards collected in Philippine waters.
A discards survey in Manila Bay found that plastic bags comprised 51.4 percent of the flotsam in 2006 and 27.7 percent in 2010, according to the EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and Greenpeace. Plastics in general, including plastic bags, made up 77 percent of the discards in 2006 and 76 percent in 2010.
In Laguna de Bay, plastic bags accounted for the biggest group of discards at 23 percent, according to a survey in September 2011.
LGUs support ban
Recognizing the threats posed by plastic bags to the environment, a growing number of municipalities and cities are now implementing ordinances aimed at reducing the use of the bags.
he league of 27 municipalities of Nueva Ecija also signed a resolution declaring a ban on the use of plastic bags.
Subic Bay Freeport is the latest addition to the list.
Muntinlupa City reaped the benefit of banning not only plastic bags but also polysterene, commonly known as Styrofoam (a brand name) when a tropical storm struck last year. With its waterways free from plastic bags and Styrofoam debris, the city was flood-free despite the heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm "Falcon."
The Metro Manila Development Authority, thus, strongly encourages local government units to adopt similar strong measures like what Muntinlupa has done.
For its part, the Laguna Lake Development Authority has issued Resolution No. 406 requiring local government units in the Laguna de Bay region to pass and implement an ordinance banning the use and distribution of thin-film, single-use, carry-out and nonbiodegradable plastic bags.
More countries are also banning the use of plastic bags:
Bangladesh was the first country to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags that led to jute exports increasing by up to 70 percent.
Ireland introduced a "plastax" of 15 cents (now 22 cents) on single-use carrier bags. Plastic-bag use dropped by 95 percent.
Other countries include China, India (Himachal Pradesh), Britain (Modbury), South Africa, Rwanda and the United States .
They are ubiquitous. Between 500 billion and a trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
However, less than 1 percent of the bags are recycled because it costs more to recycle a bag than to produce a new one. It costs $4,000 to process and recycle a ton of plastic bags, which can then be sold for $32.
If the economics don't work, recycling efforts don't work.
Cloth bag
We can save six plastic bags a week if we use a cloth bag. That's 24 plastic bags a month, 288 plastic bags a year and 22,176 plastic bags in an average lifetime. If just one out of every five people in our country did this we would save 1,330,560,000,000 plastic bags over our life time.
There's another reason why plastic bags should be banned. Plastic bags take between 20 and 1,000 years to break down in the environment. Even when they do break down they are not really gone. Plastic bags do not biodegrade rather, they photodegrade.
Top discards
So it doesn't come as a surprise that plastic bags are the top discards collected in Philippine waters.
A discards survey in Manila Bay found that plastic bags comprised 51.4 percent of the flotsam in 2006 and 27.7 percent in 2010, according to the EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and Greenpeace. Plastics in general, including plastic bags, made up 77 percent of the discards in 2006 and 76 percent in 2010.
In Laguna de Bay, plastic bags accounted for the biggest group of discards at 23 percent, according to a survey in September 2011.
LGUs support ban
Recognizing the threats posed by plastic bags to the environment, a growing number of municipalities and cities are now implementing ordinances aimed at reducing the use of the bags.
he league of 27 municipalities of Nueva Ecija also signed a resolution declaring a ban on the use of plastic bags.
Subic Bay Freeport is the latest addition to the list.
Muntinlupa City reaped the benefit of banning not only plastic bags but also polysterene, commonly known as Styrofoam (a brand name) when a tropical storm struck last year. With its waterways free from plastic bags and Styrofoam debris, the city was flood-free despite the heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm "Falcon."
The Metro Manila Development Authority, thus, strongly encourages local government units to adopt similar strong measures like what Muntinlupa has done.
For its part, the Laguna Lake Development Authority has issued Resolution No. 406 requiring local government units in the Laguna de Bay region to pass and implement an ordinance banning the use and distribution of thin-film, single-use, carry-out and nonbiodegradable plastic bags.
More countries are also banning the use of plastic bags:
Bangladesh was the first country to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags that led to jute exports increasing by up to 70 percent.
Ireland introduced a "plastax" of 15 cents (now 22 cents) on single-use carrier bags. Plastic-bag use dropped by 95 percent.
Other countries include China, India (Himachal Pradesh), Britain (Modbury), South Africa, Rwanda and the United States .
2012年3月30日星期五
Shops queen Mary Portas bags 10million to help our high street
Britain's poorest high streets are to get a 10 million cash injection after Mary Queen of Shops won government backing for her regeneration plan.
Flame haired shopping guru Mary Portas was "thrilled" today to see most of her 28 point blueprint get the thumbs up.
Her bid to breathe life into struggling town centres includes grants for areas with the most boarded up shops so they can be re-opened,
free or cheaper parking and a 1 million jackpot for the town that turns itself around the best.
Portas - who has her own range of women's clothes and lingerie - has also won her campaign to bring market days back to the high street.
June 23 will see the launch of Love Your Local Market with entrepreneurs from craftsman and artists to bakers and jewellery makers able to set up stall for a tenner in town centres.
Portas was hired by the Prime Minister last year to come up with an action plan to revive the flagging high street.
Today her Portas Plus plan was given the green light by Housing Minister Grant Shapps following warnings that Britain's high streets were in danger of being wiped out.
He said: "Mary Portas's review made crystal clear the stark challenge our high streets face.
"With internet shopping and out-of-town centres here to stay, they must offer something new if they are to entice visitors back."
But the government kicked out her hardest hitting measure - a clampdown on out of town shopping malls.
Although Mary was said to be miffed over the decision she said: "When I published my review I was clear that this was an action plan for our high streets, not a document to gather dust on Whitehall shelves.
"But I do believe that today marks the first day of a fresh new approach, putting our high streets firmly back on the public and national agenda."
Portas Plus got a mixed reception from the industry with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) calling for "greater ambition" from the government.
But the Association of Town Centre Management said it handed "local communities the opportunity to shape the future High Street they want to see in their town."
Flame haired shopping guru Mary Portas was "thrilled" today to see most of her 28 point blueprint get the thumbs up.
Her bid to breathe life into struggling town centres includes grants for areas with the most boarded up shops so they can be re-opened,
free or cheaper parking and a 1 million jackpot for the town that turns itself around the best.
Portas - who has her own range of women's clothes and lingerie - has also won her campaign to bring market days back to the high street.
June 23 will see the launch of Love Your Local Market with entrepreneurs from craftsman and artists to bakers and jewellery makers able to set up stall for a tenner in town centres.
Portas was hired by the Prime Minister last year to come up with an action plan to revive the flagging high street.
Today her Portas Plus plan was given the green light by Housing Minister Grant Shapps following warnings that Britain's high streets were in danger of being wiped out.
He said: "Mary Portas's review made crystal clear the stark challenge our high streets face.
"With internet shopping and out-of-town centres here to stay, they must offer something new if they are to entice visitors back."
But the government kicked out her hardest hitting measure - a clampdown on out of town shopping malls.
Although Mary was said to be miffed over the decision she said: "When I published my review I was clear that this was an action plan for our high streets, not a document to gather dust on Whitehall shelves.
"But I do believe that today marks the first day of a fresh new approach, putting our high streets firmly back on the public and national agenda."
Portas Plus got a mixed reception from the industry with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) calling for "greater ambition" from the government.
But the Association of Town Centre Management said it handed "local communities the opportunity to shape the future High Street they want to see in their town."
2012年3月29日星期四
Product review- OGIO RIG 9800 LE Gear Bag
Ogio have always had a reputation of making some of the best gear bags on the market, so when it was time to start looking for a new gear bag earlier this year my first call was to Lusty Industries, to see if they had anything available that would carry a full set of riding gear including boots and helmet all in one bag to meet my travelling requirements.
A few days later an OGIO RIG 9800 rolled up on my front door step and it could not have come at a better time, with a trip to Coffs harbour only a few days away. After ripping it out of its packaging the first thing that I wanted to test out was the most important requirement I had, would it fit all my riding gear in comfortably ?
The answer was a very comfortable yes, I was able to load the RIG 9800 up with Boots, Helmet, Two full sets of riding gear , my leatt neck brace, three sets of goggles, tearoffs, and still had room to spare! At that point I decided I may not need to take a secondary bag for toiletries and some clothes and I was right.
The top outer pocket on the outside the bag provided the perfect place for the toiletries, while there was enough room in the main compartment in the bag for a change of clothes. I then managed to slide some more necessities into the two upper pockets in the top inner section of the bag.
All in all, I managed to squeeze quite a lot in there. With the bag loaded the next big test was about to be undertaken. I had a 23kg bag limit for the flights each way, most airlines allow between 20kg to 23kg depending on who you fly with, before you have to start paying excess baggage fees. I pulled the bathroom scales out placed the bag on top and fully loaded it came in at 20.5kg well under what I was looking for.
The weight of a gear bag is something that can be overlooked when purchasing a new bag. Considering the overall size of the OGIO RIG 9800, along with the great construction, the under carriage which comes with hardened protection and a decent set of wheels for the bag to roll on , the 9800 does come in at very reasonable 6.4kg which leaves plenty of spare weight available when packing for travel.
The only additions that could come in handy on this bag would be some additional outer pockets for quick access storage, though the one pocket on the top of the bag is quite big.
Also there is not much in the way of ventilation, this does help with ensuring the protection of your riding gear inside the bag with more padded protection around the whole bag, but can leave you holding your nose if the bag is full of wet used riding gear that has been travelling home for more than a day.
Overall the OGIO 9800 RIG is a great gear bag and is doing exactly what I need of it, it holds more than a full set of riding gear top to bottom, is light enough when completely loaded to make it under the weight limits when flying and, is easy to travel with, the large set of wheels make the bag a breeze to pull along and the 9800 RIG slides perfectly into the boot of the car for local races. After a few short months with the OGIO bag I could not be happier.
A few days later an OGIO RIG 9800 rolled up on my front door step and it could not have come at a better time, with a trip to Coffs harbour only a few days away. After ripping it out of its packaging the first thing that I wanted to test out was the most important requirement I had, would it fit all my riding gear in comfortably ?
The answer was a very comfortable yes, I was able to load the RIG 9800 up with Boots, Helmet, Two full sets of riding gear , my leatt neck brace, three sets of goggles, tearoffs, and still had room to spare! At that point I decided I may not need to take a secondary bag for toiletries and some clothes and I was right.
The top outer pocket on the outside the bag provided the perfect place for the toiletries, while there was enough room in the main compartment in the bag for a change of clothes. I then managed to slide some more necessities into the two upper pockets in the top inner section of the bag.
All in all, I managed to squeeze quite a lot in there. With the bag loaded the next big test was about to be undertaken. I had a 23kg bag limit for the flights each way, most airlines allow between 20kg to 23kg depending on who you fly with, before you have to start paying excess baggage fees. I pulled the bathroom scales out placed the bag on top and fully loaded it came in at 20.5kg well under what I was looking for.
The weight of a gear bag is something that can be overlooked when purchasing a new bag. Considering the overall size of the OGIO RIG 9800, along with the great construction, the under carriage which comes with hardened protection and a decent set of wheels for the bag to roll on , the 9800 does come in at very reasonable 6.4kg which leaves plenty of spare weight available when packing for travel.
The only additions that could come in handy on this bag would be some additional outer pockets for quick access storage, though the one pocket on the top of the bag is quite big.
Also there is not much in the way of ventilation, this does help with ensuring the protection of your riding gear inside the bag with more padded protection around the whole bag, but can leave you holding your nose if the bag is full of wet used riding gear that has been travelling home for more than a day.
Overall the OGIO 9800 RIG is a great gear bag and is doing exactly what I need of it, it holds more than a full set of riding gear top to bottom, is light enough when completely loaded to make it under the weight limits when flying and, is easy to travel with, the large set of wheels make the bag a breeze to pull along and the 9800 RIG slides perfectly into the boot of the car for local races. After a few short months with the OGIO bag I could not be happier.
2012年3月28日星期三
Double life of Revenge for Sarah
IT'S a warm evening and from this multi-million-dollar Manhattan apartment, the sun setting over Central Park and the New York skyline is magnificent.
The interior has exquisite furnishings and the walk-in wardrobe is filled with Chanel, Gucci and other designer clothes, shoes and handbags.
Thing is, it's not an apartment, but a set on TV drama Ringer, the twist-and-turn-laden drama starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as two characters - Siobhan and recovering addict twin Bridget Kelly.
The apartment is not in Manhattan. It's a set in Stage 3 on Los Angeles' landmark Culver Studios.
To make the balcony view realistic, a 24m x 6m canvas print of the sunset over the city skyline and Central Park was erected.
"I think we've done a pretty amazing job," Gellar says. "I mean, I'm a born and raised New Yorker and it's important to me that we keep not just the look of New York City but the feel of it."
Ringer marked Gellar's return to starring in a TV series.
After her seven-year run on Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended in 2003, she concentrated on films, but that changed in September 2009, with the birth of daughter Charlotte.
When the 34-year-old, married to actor Freddie Prinze Jr, was offered the roles of Siobhan and Bridget, and the opportunity to executive produce Ringer, she signed up.
With the series shot in LA, she could work and always be close to Charlotte.
"I realised, 'I can be somewhere the entire year. I can take my child for the first day of school'," she says.
"Two weeks ago my daughter was very sick and I got to go home and be with her."
Gellar created a creche on the Culver Studio lot so the actors and crew could bring their children to work.
The interior has exquisite furnishings and the walk-in wardrobe is filled with Chanel, Gucci and other designer clothes, shoes and handbags.
Thing is, it's not an apartment, but a set on TV drama Ringer, the twist-and-turn-laden drama starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as two characters - Siobhan and recovering addict twin Bridget Kelly.
The apartment is not in Manhattan. It's a set in Stage 3 on Los Angeles' landmark Culver Studios.
To make the balcony view realistic, a 24m x 6m canvas print of the sunset over the city skyline and Central Park was erected.
"I think we've done a pretty amazing job," Gellar says. "I mean, I'm a born and raised New Yorker and it's important to me that we keep not just the look of New York City but the feel of it."
Ringer marked Gellar's return to starring in a TV series.
After her seven-year run on Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended in 2003, she concentrated on films, but that changed in September 2009, with the birth of daughter Charlotte.
When the 34-year-old, married to actor Freddie Prinze Jr, was offered the roles of Siobhan and Bridget, and the opportunity to executive produce Ringer, she signed up.
With the series shot in LA, she could work and always be close to Charlotte.
"I realised, 'I can be somewhere the entire year. I can take my child for the first day of school'," she says.
"Two weeks ago my daughter was very sick and I got to go home and be with her."
Gellar created a creche on the Culver Studio lot so the actors and crew could bring their children to work.
2012年3月27日星期二
How to keep household papers in check
Guests are coming! No time to think. Just sweep all that kitchen counter papers into a shopping bag, and stuff it under the couch. Much better. The counter looks all nice and clear now. You can just set up the drinks and ice bucket, and voila!
You know what happens after the party, right? The paper stays under the couch. Or tucked in the guest bedroom. Out of sight, out of mind. It all seemed pretty easy. Maybe too easy.
You have a nagging feeling: Maybe that's where the insurance policy ended up. Dad's lottery tickets. Uncle Louie's Florida address. Vacation photos. Loan documents. Gift cards. Investment papers. Tax receipts. Grandma's last letter to you. Weeks and months pass by, and pretty soon, you need a backhoe to excavate The Great Kitchen Paper Dump. You can't let it go. But you can't face it either. It's all one big mess.
Household paper presents unique challenges to all of us. It demands attention, careful thought and decisions. This is difficult to achieve when everyday activities distract us with endlessly pressing demands.
According to Barbara Hemphill, author of "Taming the Paper Tiger," "Filing something is never easier than it is today, and with every day you wait, it only becomes more and more difficult."
Paper piles start with postponed decisions. Repeat the process daily, and the clutter cycle takes root. Just like weeds in the garden, it becomes more painful and time consuming to eradicate the longer you ignore it.
Why is it so hard to make these decisions? One big reason: We don't have a system for processing incoming paper. Organizing expert Kathy Waddill says that organizing needs to be "simple, flexible and tailored to your life in the present moment."
How many of us have such a system set up for household paper? Think about it: How many steps does it take to place documents in the file cabinet? Do you have a file cabinet? Are tools and containers conveniently located where you work? Where are the recycle bin and shredder located? We all have recipes for making dinner. What is the recipe for handling paper?
Here is an organizing recipe for your kitchen paper. With five minutes every day, your in-box will be empty and your paper will be organized for action.
You know what happens after the party, right? The paper stays under the couch. Or tucked in the guest bedroom. Out of sight, out of mind. It all seemed pretty easy. Maybe too easy.
You have a nagging feeling: Maybe that's where the insurance policy ended up. Dad's lottery tickets. Uncle Louie's Florida address. Vacation photos. Loan documents. Gift cards. Investment papers. Tax receipts. Grandma's last letter to you. Weeks and months pass by, and pretty soon, you need a backhoe to excavate The Great Kitchen Paper Dump. You can't let it go. But you can't face it either. It's all one big mess.
Household paper presents unique challenges to all of us. It demands attention, careful thought and decisions. This is difficult to achieve when everyday activities distract us with endlessly pressing demands.
According to Barbara Hemphill, author of "Taming the Paper Tiger," "Filing something is never easier than it is today, and with every day you wait, it only becomes more and more difficult."
Paper piles start with postponed decisions. Repeat the process daily, and the clutter cycle takes root. Just like weeds in the garden, it becomes more painful and time consuming to eradicate the longer you ignore it.
Why is it so hard to make these decisions? One big reason: We don't have a system for processing incoming paper. Organizing expert Kathy Waddill says that organizing needs to be "simple, flexible and tailored to your life in the present moment."
How many of us have such a system set up for household paper? Think about it: How many steps does it take to place documents in the file cabinet? Do you have a file cabinet? Are tools and containers conveniently located where you work? Where are the recycle bin and shredder located? We all have recipes for making dinner. What is the recipe for handling paper?
Here is an organizing recipe for your kitchen paper. With five minutes every day, your in-box will be empty and your paper will be organized for action.
2012年3月26日星期一
Reading 'round the globe
St. Joseph Elementary School second grade students, Macey Mead, left, and Henry Saint make "schuletute", German school gift bags, during a world's fair of literacy, near the end of March is Reading Month, at the school on Monday morning. / John Grap/The Enquirer
Over the weekend, Battle Creek's Arild Rorhus worked up a batch of caramel cake from his native Norway — his mother's recipe — to share with the students at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary today.
Rorhus' Norwegian delights, along with pickles from Poland, dried mango and limeade from the Philippines, Burmese salad from Myanmar, and a host of other treats, were part of St. Joe's World Fair celebration in honor of March is Reading Month. There also were various crafts from the different countries displayed and a sampling of books.
Jeanine Winkler, the school's administrative assistant, said students have collected stamps in their "passports" throughout the month as they learned about different countries and completed reading goals. The school also invited volunteers in to teach kids about different cultures and read to them.
"This is the culmination of all that," Winkler said this morning. "We just wanted to show them all the good that God's created in the world."
"It's nice," said Rorhus, 44, who said he's lived in the U.S. 20 years, half of that in the Cereal City. He has two fourth-graders and a sixth-grader at the school.
"It's a chance to show off some of the stuff," he said. "And kids get a feel of what else is out there, different flavors of the world."
Among the other stops: Australia, Bolivia, Mexico, Egypt, Denmark, China, Ireland, Columbia, Germany and Guatemala.
Among the samplers was 8-year-old second-grader Nathan Pawlowicz, who said he'd learned lots of new stuff throughout the year and was enjoying the fair.
Over the weekend, Battle Creek's Arild Rorhus worked up a batch of caramel cake from his native Norway — his mother's recipe — to share with the students at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary today.
Rorhus' Norwegian delights, along with pickles from Poland, dried mango and limeade from the Philippines, Burmese salad from Myanmar, and a host of other treats, were part of St. Joe's World Fair celebration in honor of March is Reading Month. There also were various crafts from the different countries displayed and a sampling of books.
Jeanine Winkler, the school's administrative assistant, said students have collected stamps in their "passports" throughout the month as they learned about different countries and completed reading goals. The school also invited volunteers in to teach kids about different cultures and read to them.
"This is the culmination of all that," Winkler said this morning. "We just wanted to show them all the good that God's created in the world."
"It's nice," said Rorhus, 44, who said he's lived in the U.S. 20 years, half of that in the Cereal City. He has two fourth-graders and a sixth-grader at the school.
"It's a chance to show off some of the stuff," he said. "And kids get a feel of what else is out there, different flavors of the world."
Among the other stops: Australia, Bolivia, Mexico, Egypt, Denmark, China, Ireland, Columbia, Germany and Guatemala.
Among the samplers was 8-year-old second-grader Nathan Pawlowicz, who said he'd learned lots of new stuff throughout the year and was enjoying the fair.
2012年3月25日星期日
Fox411 Country: Josh Turner releases new music, ACM performers announced
Country singer Josh Turner stopped by the Fox 411 studios this week to give a sneak peek at what’s in store on his summer album “Punching Bag” by releasing his lead single “Time is Love” which takes center stage as our featured song of the week!
And as we gear up for our Fox 411 Country coverage of the Academy of Country Music Awards, there’s more news about “Country Music’s Party of the Year” as additional performers have been announced -- Carrie Underwood, Sara Evans, and Keith Urban. They’ll join previously announced performers on the star-studded list including Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum and more.
Plus fan-voting is now open for New Artist of the Year Nominees Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, and Scotty McCreery. So for that and the coveted Entertainer of the Year category for which Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Swift are competing – fans can start choosing their favorites! The winners will be announced live on the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards April 1st.
Meanwhile in other news Lady Antebellum is heading back to school to give the students of one tornado ravaged high school the ultimate prom night. Henryville High School in Henryville, IN won the trio’s “Own Prom Night” contest after video submissions from schools across the country rooting for them. The Grammy winning trio isn't able to attend the school’s scheduled prom but instead will throw a bigger event May 16th in nearby Louisville, KY. They’ll perform a private concert followed by a benefit for the community.
As for new music, Season 9 "American Idol" finalist Casey James sends out his self-titled debut album. The singer has already toured with country music duo Sugarland, and gave fans a sneak peek at the new tunes while he was on the road. He tells Fox 411 Country, “I’ve been out on the road testing the material and playing what I knew was going to be on the album that no one else knew was going to be on the album for quite awhile and the intention is to just go out and play as many places as I can.”
And as we gear up for our Fox 411 Country coverage of the Academy of Country Music Awards, there’s more news about “Country Music’s Party of the Year” as additional performers have been announced -- Carrie Underwood, Sara Evans, and Keith Urban. They’ll join previously announced performers on the star-studded list including Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum and more.
Plus fan-voting is now open for New Artist of the Year Nominees Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, and Scotty McCreery. So for that and the coveted Entertainer of the Year category for which Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Swift are competing – fans can start choosing their favorites! The winners will be announced live on the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards April 1st.
Meanwhile in other news Lady Antebellum is heading back to school to give the students of one tornado ravaged high school the ultimate prom night. Henryville High School in Henryville, IN won the trio’s “Own Prom Night” contest after video submissions from schools across the country rooting for them. The Grammy winning trio isn't able to attend the school’s scheduled prom but instead will throw a bigger event May 16th in nearby Louisville, KY. They’ll perform a private concert followed by a benefit for the community.
As for new music, Season 9 "American Idol" finalist Casey James sends out his self-titled debut album. The singer has already toured with country music duo Sugarland, and gave fans a sneak peek at the new tunes while he was on the road. He tells Fox 411 Country, “I’ve been out on the road testing the material and playing what I knew was going to be on the album that no one else knew was going to be on the album for quite awhile and the intention is to just go out and play as many places as I can.”
2012年3月20日星期二
Woman who embezzled from John's Appliance City not happy with sentence
A former bookkeeper at a local appliance store recently sent to prison for stealing nearly $1 million is not happy with her punishment.
Carrie Elizabeth Pifer, 28, of South Daytona has filed an appeal of her 10-year prison sentence, which was handed down in February by Circuit Judge R. Michael Hutcheson.
Pifer had worked for John's Appliance City for nearly a decade when an internal audit uncovered the missing funds. John's founder, John Hinton, said Pifer skimmed "what she decided to take" from the bank deposits at a rate of $250,000 per year.
"I treated her like family," Hinton said in court when Pifer was sentenced.
The notice of appeal was filed in the 5th District Court of Appeals earlier this month.
Although further filings will explain Pifer's arguments, the initial notice of appeal signed by her trial lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Larry Powers, said Pifer is appealing the sentence.
At John's Appliance City on Monday, managers seemed amused that Pifer was not happy with the time she will spend in prison. When she was sentenced for grand theft last month, Pifer faced up to 30 years.
When Pifer gets out of prison, she will be on probation for 10 years, Hutcheson ordered. She will have to make payments to Hinton as part of her release, although the exact terms of repayment were not determined.
Hinton, the business owner, confirmed he was notified of Pifer's appeal and will be awaiting further hearings.
John's Appliance City has four stores in the area -- in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Orange City and Palm Coast. Hinton testified that he started the business over 30 years ago "in the back of my truck."
Pifer's scheme involved altering amounts on bank deposits, and then pocketing what she chose, according to testimony.
While Pifer was spending the money, about 40 of her co-workers were being laid off. Some of that was because of the economy or poor job performance, according to testimony. But "several" people had to be let go because of the missing cash flow.
Co-workers noticed fancy Gucci handbags, $300 shirts and a trip to Hawaii that Pifer took with her boyfriend.
When asked about her spending habits, Pifer told them she had a trust fund and had inherited money from her dead grandfather.
Carrie Elizabeth Pifer, 28, of South Daytona has filed an appeal of her 10-year prison sentence, which was handed down in February by Circuit Judge R. Michael Hutcheson.
Pifer had worked for John's Appliance City for nearly a decade when an internal audit uncovered the missing funds. John's founder, John Hinton, said Pifer skimmed "what she decided to take" from the bank deposits at a rate of $250,000 per year.
"I treated her like family," Hinton said in court when Pifer was sentenced.
The notice of appeal was filed in the 5th District Court of Appeals earlier this month.
Although further filings will explain Pifer's arguments, the initial notice of appeal signed by her trial lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Larry Powers, said Pifer is appealing the sentence.
At John's Appliance City on Monday, managers seemed amused that Pifer was not happy with the time she will spend in prison. When she was sentenced for grand theft last month, Pifer faced up to 30 years.
When Pifer gets out of prison, she will be on probation for 10 years, Hutcheson ordered. She will have to make payments to Hinton as part of her release, although the exact terms of repayment were not determined.
Hinton, the business owner, confirmed he was notified of Pifer's appeal and will be awaiting further hearings.
John's Appliance City has four stores in the area -- in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Orange City and Palm Coast. Hinton testified that he started the business over 30 years ago "in the back of my truck."
Pifer's scheme involved altering amounts on bank deposits, and then pocketing what she chose, according to testimony.
While Pifer was spending the money, about 40 of her co-workers were being laid off. Some of that was because of the economy or poor job performance, according to testimony. But "several" people had to be let go because of the missing cash flow.
Co-workers noticed fancy Gucci handbags, $300 shirts and a trip to Hawaii that Pifer took with her boyfriend.
When asked about her spending habits, Pifer told them she had a trust fund and had inherited money from her dead grandfather.
2012年3月19日星期一
Apple Shopping Spree: What Could Tim Cook Buy
Apple says it is buying back $10 billion in stock and launching a dividend payment to spend just under half of its cash pile on shareholders in the next three years.
Samsung–See above, antitrust would be a serious headache and even Apple’s cash wouldn’t be enough, but given that Samsung makes a lot of Apple parts. A family of iPhones on different budgets would have plenty of new demographic targets.
T-Mobile–Maybe Apple is content to let RIM wallow in its attempt to catch up, and would rather take to giving iPhone users the service for the device. Just like it built iTunes up to feed iPods and the App Store to sell to iPhones, Apple wants to control a user’s entire experience. Acquiring a cell network would do that to a new degree. (Sorry, Phil Falcone, even these money bags are unlikely to take a bet and bail you out of Lightsquared.)
Twitter–Why not? A hot service that would launch Apple into a whole new interaction phase and there’s little doubt the minds at Apple would quickly monitize Twitter, and hopefully kill the Fail Whale for good.
Facebook–Tim will take the IPO. All of it.
Apple Bank–Don’t laugh this one off so easily. One of the biggest problems in the retail banking world is that hardly anyone likes their bank. Apple’s proven what it can do in retail space, and its allure and cult following would likely be willing to take a chance with it. A second major problem for banks, the need to find fees. Apple did this with iTunes and music downloading, what’s to say a customer wouldn’t toss a few dollar’s Apple’s way for a smart, easy-to-use and effective online banking platform. The interface could even be downloaded straight to your computer like iTunes. Apple Bank in New York only fits because of the name, but Apple could buy a much smaller bank with a few branches and become a hybrid of ING Online.
Samsung–See above, antitrust would be a serious headache and even Apple’s cash wouldn’t be enough, but given that Samsung makes a lot of Apple parts. A family of iPhones on different budgets would have plenty of new demographic targets.
T-Mobile–Maybe Apple is content to let RIM wallow in its attempt to catch up, and would rather take to giving iPhone users the service for the device. Just like it built iTunes up to feed iPods and the App Store to sell to iPhones, Apple wants to control a user’s entire experience. Acquiring a cell network would do that to a new degree. (Sorry, Phil Falcone, even these money bags are unlikely to take a bet and bail you out of Lightsquared.)
Twitter–Why not? A hot service that would launch Apple into a whole new interaction phase and there’s little doubt the minds at Apple would quickly monitize Twitter, and hopefully kill the Fail Whale for good.
Facebook–Tim will take the IPO. All of it.
Apple Bank–Don’t laugh this one off so easily. One of the biggest problems in the retail banking world is that hardly anyone likes their bank. Apple’s proven what it can do in retail space, and its allure and cult following would likely be willing to take a chance with it. A second major problem for banks, the need to find fees. Apple did this with iTunes and music downloading, what’s to say a customer wouldn’t toss a few dollar’s Apple’s way for a smart, easy-to-use and effective online banking platform. The interface could even be downloaded straight to your computer like iTunes. Apple Bank in New York only fits because of the name, but Apple could buy a much smaller bank with a few branches and become a hybrid of ING Online.
2012年3月18日星期日
Things learned, observed in Pacific high school spring sports season Week 4.0
It was noble in concept when then-district superintendent Mike Diekmann put a true DODDS Japan sports circuit on the map for school year 1999-2000.
Schools in far-flung locales, E.J. King, Matthew C. Perry and Robert D. Edgren no longer had to go longing for competition against their Kanto Plain brethren; they each now have full-fledged schedules in football, volleyball, tennis, cross country, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, track and soccer.
Problem is, the weather sometimes is uncooperative and the calendar always is, at least where tennis, baseball, softball, track and sometimes soccer are concerned.
Purely by chance, the last two weekends have proven to be rain magnets. Heavy rain, sideways rain, the sort of rain that settles in and keeps up all day or all weekend.
Two Kanto Plain track and field meets got called off 17 hours before they were to begin on Saturday, an international-schools meet at Tokyo's Kinuta Park and a DODDS all-comers meet at Camp Zama. This, a week after a combined Japan schools practice meet at Zama got almost completely washed out, except for a few running events. Guess the meet organizers didn't want to take a chance after that March 10 washout. Wise decision.
Baseball and softball were completely out of the conversation on March 9-10 at Zama. Perry, King and Edgren did get in some boys and girls games at Yokota, Zama and Nile C. Kinnick on Friday, but Saturday's action was a wash. Soccer matches did get played at Sasebo, where E.J. King's fields are turfed, and at Iwakuni, where Perry's match organizers got creative in clearing the field; more on that later.
It's an exercise in frustration, especially since most weekends are filled, wall to wall, with long-haul matches on the schedule. It's 360 miles from Tokyo to Misawa, some 560 miles to Iwakuni and 780 to Sasebo. It's much easier to reschedule Kanto Plain matches, when the schools are so much closer. It's nigh onto impossible to reschedule DODDS Japan sports events of most any type once postponed. Worse, there are fewer options for the outlying schools, where international schools are fewer or more distant than in the Kan-to and Japanese schools have their own leagues.
Squeegees are normally associated with tennis courts when rain turns hardcourts into skating rinks. Mark Lange, Matthew C. Perry's boys soccer coach, continues to make creative use of the court driers on a different sort of court – the soccer pitch.
From 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Lange and his star striker Tyelor Apple, among others, wielded Squeegees to clear off enough water from Lake Perry (Lange's nickname for the school field when it becomes waterlogged due to heavy rain) so that Robert D. Edgren and the host Matthew C. Perry Samurai could play, albeit on a shortened field. The two schools teed it up, then played a mix-and-match game as the two sides used each other's players in a friendly match.
"Masters in the bag, working on my doctorate," Lange posted on Facebook in response to me calling him, "Lord of the Squeegee."
Schools in far-flung locales, E.J. King, Matthew C. Perry and Robert D. Edgren no longer had to go longing for competition against their Kanto Plain brethren; they each now have full-fledged schedules in football, volleyball, tennis, cross country, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, track and soccer.
Problem is, the weather sometimes is uncooperative and the calendar always is, at least where tennis, baseball, softball, track and sometimes soccer are concerned.
Purely by chance, the last two weekends have proven to be rain magnets. Heavy rain, sideways rain, the sort of rain that settles in and keeps up all day or all weekend.
Two Kanto Plain track and field meets got called off 17 hours before they were to begin on Saturday, an international-schools meet at Tokyo's Kinuta Park and a DODDS all-comers meet at Camp Zama. This, a week after a combined Japan schools practice meet at Zama got almost completely washed out, except for a few running events. Guess the meet organizers didn't want to take a chance after that March 10 washout. Wise decision.
Baseball and softball were completely out of the conversation on March 9-10 at Zama. Perry, King and Edgren did get in some boys and girls games at Yokota, Zama and Nile C. Kinnick on Friday, but Saturday's action was a wash. Soccer matches did get played at Sasebo, where E.J. King's fields are turfed, and at Iwakuni, where Perry's match organizers got creative in clearing the field; more on that later.
It's an exercise in frustration, especially since most weekends are filled, wall to wall, with long-haul matches on the schedule. It's 360 miles from Tokyo to Misawa, some 560 miles to Iwakuni and 780 to Sasebo. It's much easier to reschedule Kanto Plain matches, when the schools are so much closer. It's nigh onto impossible to reschedule DODDS Japan sports events of most any type once postponed. Worse, there are fewer options for the outlying schools, where international schools are fewer or more distant than in the Kan-to and Japanese schools have their own leagues.
Squeegees are normally associated with tennis courts when rain turns hardcourts into skating rinks. Mark Lange, Matthew C. Perry's boys soccer coach, continues to make creative use of the court driers on a different sort of court – the soccer pitch.
From 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Lange and his star striker Tyelor Apple, among others, wielded Squeegees to clear off enough water from Lake Perry (Lange's nickname for the school field when it becomes waterlogged due to heavy rain) so that Robert D. Edgren and the host Matthew C. Perry Samurai could play, albeit on a shortened field. The two schools teed it up, then played a mix-and-match game as the two sides used each other's players in a friendly match.
"Masters in the bag, working on my doctorate," Lange posted on Facebook in response to me calling him, "Lord of the Squeegee."
2012年3月15日星期四
Following trail of Annabelle Rama
Annabelle Rama's been featured on television shows these days, a certified newsmaker and toprater. But of all the interviews I've watched, I dare say that GMA News TV's "Powerhouse," hosted by Mel Tiangco, was the best.
POLITICAL ROOTS – With Annabelle were husband Eddie and children Rocky and Richard, who delivered the response on behalf of the Rama clan.
Yes, Chard has political roots so don't be surprised if one of these days he considers entering public service. He already does via his environmental shows and advocacy.
At 28, Chard is seriously considering taking up filmmaking in the US in preparation for a career as producer and director. But it'll come later as he's still much sought-after as actor, host, and endorser.
FABULOUS BAG COLLECTION – But back to Annabelle Rama and "Powerhouse," whose format is really showcasing the residence of stars.
Mel Tiangco toured the Gutierrez house in Quezon City, newly renovated, actually completely rebuilt… but for the posts of the old house. Very beautiful house, really classy.
But what "floored" Mel was Annabelle's fabulous bag collection, worth a king's ransom. A room isn't big enough for her Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Hermes, and some such high-end brands.
In response to Mel's queries, Annabelle said the most expensice is Hermes (nearly a million pesos), but her favorite is Chanel.
Annabelle said many of the bags were gifts from friends, knowing her weakness for them. Every now and then, she sells some of her bags at "very friendly prices."
POLITICAL ROOTS – With Annabelle were husband Eddie and children Rocky and Richard, who delivered the response on behalf of the Rama clan.
Yes, Chard has political roots so don't be surprised if one of these days he considers entering public service. He already does via his environmental shows and advocacy.
At 28, Chard is seriously considering taking up filmmaking in the US in preparation for a career as producer and director. But it'll come later as he's still much sought-after as actor, host, and endorser.
FABULOUS BAG COLLECTION – But back to Annabelle Rama and "Powerhouse," whose format is really showcasing the residence of stars.
Mel Tiangco toured the Gutierrez house in Quezon City, newly renovated, actually completely rebuilt… but for the posts of the old house. Very beautiful house, really classy.
But what "floored" Mel was Annabelle's fabulous bag collection, worth a king's ransom. A room isn't big enough for her Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Hermes, and some such high-end brands.
In response to Mel's queries, Annabelle said the most expensice is Hermes (nearly a million pesos), but her favorite is Chanel.
Annabelle said many of the bags were gifts from friends, knowing her weakness for them. Every now and then, she sells some of her bags at "very friendly prices."
2012年3月14日星期三
Changing of the guard
At Paris Fashion Week, I've been serenaded by Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz, served champagne at Hermes and seduced by Chanel's giant crystal palace at the magnificent Grand Palais monument to la Belle Epoque.
Then there were the metal detectors at Haider Ackermann.
Decanting one's handbag is usually an activity reserved for the end of the day during Paris Fashion Week, yet at 11am we found ourselves doing so due to the heritage-listed grandeur of the city's Hotel de Ville, which was the venue for Ackermann's show.
As Tilda Swinton took her place in the front row, the lights dimmed before the first model emerged in an olive-green round-shouldered jacket over a black form-fitting knit dress cinched at the waist by a grey obi-like thick leather belt.
As the volume of the eerie electronic music swelled so, too, did that of the clothes; jackets were amplified into spherical, sculptural shapes balanced against skinny trousers or sheath skirts and classics such as the trench and the biker were reworked in leather with seaming, padding and zippers.
With its autumnal tones (Frank Sinatra's Autumn Leaves was part of the soundtrack, just in case you missed the inspiration), elaborate layering, heavy use of leather, belted waists and - most importantly - a new, soft shoulder, Ackermann's collection was not only that of a designer at the top of his game, it also offered in a single show a handy cheat sheet of the key trends we will be wearing next winter.
Then there were the metal detectors at Haider Ackermann.
Decanting one's handbag is usually an activity reserved for the end of the day during Paris Fashion Week, yet at 11am we found ourselves doing so due to the heritage-listed grandeur of the city's Hotel de Ville, which was the venue for Ackermann's show.
As Tilda Swinton took her place in the front row, the lights dimmed before the first model emerged in an olive-green round-shouldered jacket over a black form-fitting knit dress cinched at the waist by a grey obi-like thick leather belt.
As the volume of the eerie electronic music swelled so, too, did that of the clothes; jackets were amplified into spherical, sculptural shapes balanced against skinny trousers or sheath skirts and classics such as the trench and the biker were reworked in leather with seaming, padding and zippers.
With its autumnal tones (Frank Sinatra's Autumn Leaves was part of the soundtrack, just in case you missed the inspiration), elaborate layering, heavy use of leather, belted waists and - most importantly - a new, soft shoulder, Ackermann's collection was not only that of a designer at the top of his game, it also offered in a single show a handy cheat sheet of the key trends we will be wearing next winter.
2012年3月13日星期二
Leighton Meester on set of Gossip Girl with the Monogram Louis Vuitton Lockit Fascination
Still looks to shout from Leighton Meester on set of Gossip Girl and this time it is completed by a Louis Vuitton handbag! In fact in the latest episodes Meester is acting not only the girl's rich and spoiled New York's Upper East Side, but also the story of the princess, so you have fittings at the least! And I would say that the wonderful Monogram Lockit Louis Vuitton handbag is a very clear statement of status, would not you agree?
Already in the past on several occasions the beautiful Blair sported small masterpieces of the field of bags on the set, not a coincidence that the series "Gossip Girl" is now considered the heir of "Sex and the City," fashion is a protagonist of these television shows and we fashion victims we are really happy!
From Fendi, Loewe, Marc Jacobs, there is only one of the big names that was not the main character's outfits Leighton Meester and Blake Lively, so let's take a look at this look, which incidentally is also completed enchanting pumps from Sergio Rossi, just to stay on the subject of status symbol!
The price at the official store is 2990 euros well in the end we speak of luxury accessories and in this case even more of a purse of a princess!
Already in the past on several occasions the beautiful Blair sported small masterpieces of the field of bags on the set, not a coincidence that the series "Gossip Girl" is now considered the heir of "Sex and the City," fashion is a protagonist of these television shows and we fashion victims we are really happy!
From Fendi, Loewe, Marc Jacobs, there is only one of the big names that was not the main character's outfits Leighton Meester and Blake Lively, so let's take a look at this look, which incidentally is also completed enchanting pumps from Sergio Rossi, just to stay on the subject of status symbol!
The price at the official store is 2990 euros well in the end we speak of luxury accessories and in this case even more of a purse of a princess!
2012年3月12日星期一
Giveaway: Dana Buchman Prize Pack From Kohl's
There's nothing we love more than helping out a good cause, which is why we adore the new Kohl's Cares Dana Buchman line at Kohl's. Not only is the merchandise stylish, but 100 percent of the profits from the new collection benefit breast cancer charities.
We're giving one lucky Stir reader a Kohl's Cares Dana Buchman prize pack, including a $25 gift card and all sorts of cool swag. From the snakeskin cosmetic bag to the adorable rose gold tone simulated crystal heart ring, you'll be styling wherever you go in no time.
To enter to win, simply tell me:
Has cancer touched your life in any way? Tell us ...
Here are the rules for this giveaway here on The Stir:
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We're giving one lucky Stir reader a Kohl's Cares Dana Buchman prize pack, including a $25 gift card and all sorts of cool swag. From the snakeskin cosmetic bag to the adorable rose gold tone simulated crystal heart ring, you'll be styling wherever you go in no time.
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2012年3月11日星期日
Landing In Tokyo On The Heels Of The 2011 Earthquake
On March 11, 2011, I was booked on a direct flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Narita International Airport halfway across the world in Japan. I was working as a Researcher on the CNN National Desk at the time, but had taken the week off to visit my now-fiance's parents who were living in Tokyo. This was my first time out of the United States (besides a previous trip to Vancouver), and I was so excited for my first tip to Asia. I had read everything about Japan, and I knew it was going to be life-changing.
I awoke early that morning to a phone call from the morning news editor at KDKA Radio, my former station in my hometown of Pittsburgh. The details are a little hazy, as that I was half-asleep when I answered, but the message was clear: a terrible earthquake had hit Japan.
I jumped out of bed and immediately turned on the television. Even that early, before the sun was up, the networks were in live coverage of the earthquake. But there weren't many details, and they were unsure about the death toll. My fiance, Michael, called his mother and father, Andrea and Dan, and thankfully they were fine. The building shook and swayed during the earthquake, and things fell off shelves. But there was no damage, and they had power.
Over the next few hours, we continued to watch the news and I emailed my colleagues. It was reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was hundreds of miles from Tokyo. I heard about the tsunami, but the estimated death toll was something like 100. (It was still so early.) At this point, there was no mention of any problems with the nuclear reactors.
We called our airline, and our flight was still leaving for Japan; it had not be cancelled. After calling my mother and father, we made the decision to head to the airport to catch our flight. Loss of life is always terrible, no matter the number, but with all the information we had, it seemed safe to go. Earthquakes happen all the time, I thought.
When we arrived at our gate, things were pretty normal. I stood in line and asked our ticket agent if our flight was still leaving, and she gave me a puzzled look and said yes. They did not know much about the earthquake. Overhearing conversations, many people were discussing what happened, but no one seemed too worried. Since this was the next direct flight to Japan, many CNN reporters, producers and photographers boarded our plane.
As we took off, I had a conversation with Gary Tuchman, a CNN reporter who would spend weeks in Japan reporting on the devastation. He had just about as much information as I had. We didn't have any internet or Blackberry use during our 14-hour flight. I had no idea what had happened.
As we flew over the land hit by the tsunami, our captain informed us that if we looked on our right, we could see the area hit. I made my way to that side of the plane and was absolutely shocked at what I saw: there is no way to describe it than utter destruction. I couldn't tell if I were seeing houses or office buildings or trees, but whatever this area was it was completely flattened. I had never seen anything like it in my entire life. Even from this altitude, it was evident: 100 people did not die here, thousands did.
When we landed at Narita and cleared customs, our group began to dissipate. The airport was completely deserted except for a few reporters. There were sleeping bags and trash scattered about but no people around. No trains were running. Our cell phones didn't work. I couldn't get my email. No social media. Television crews approached us to talk, but we declined as that we had no idea what was happening. We were far from Meguro-ku, where Michael's family was, and we had no way to get there but on foot.
After walking around a bit and trying to devise a plan, we came across a taxi driver holding a sign in Japanese. As he flipped the sign over, I caught the words in English: Michael's last name. He didn't speak any English, and we didn't speak any Japanese, but he handed us a phone. Dan was on the other line. "Get in the car," so we did.
After a silent two-hour taxi ride -- only seeing a handful of other cars on the road -- we finally made it to our destination. Dan and Andrea spent six hours attempting to get to the airport to pick us up, but couldn't make it because the trains kept stopping. Luckily, they were able to find a taxi driver willing to pick us up.
It was late in the evening now in Tokyo, so we spent the next few hours talking about our trip (Michael's brother Ben flew in a few hours before us from Colorado) and what it was like when the earthquake first hit. The news showed the death toll climbing, and it was evident that this was a terrible earthquake and tsunami.
I awoke early that morning to a phone call from the morning news editor at KDKA Radio, my former station in my hometown of Pittsburgh. The details are a little hazy, as that I was half-asleep when I answered, but the message was clear: a terrible earthquake had hit Japan.
I jumped out of bed and immediately turned on the television. Even that early, before the sun was up, the networks were in live coverage of the earthquake. But there weren't many details, and they were unsure about the death toll. My fiance, Michael, called his mother and father, Andrea and Dan, and thankfully they were fine. The building shook and swayed during the earthquake, and things fell off shelves. But there was no damage, and they had power.
Over the next few hours, we continued to watch the news and I emailed my colleagues. It was reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was hundreds of miles from Tokyo. I heard about the tsunami, but the estimated death toll was something like 100. (It was still so early.) At this point, there was no mention of any problems with the nuclear reactors.
We called our airline, and our flight was still leaving for Japan; it had not be cancelled. After calling my mother and father, we made the decision to head to the airport to catch our flight. Loss of life is always terrible, no matter the number, but with all the information we had, it seemed safe to go. Earthquakes happen all the time, I thought.
When we arrived at our gate, things were pretty normal. I stood in line and asked our ticket agent if our flight was still leaving, and she gave me a puzzled look and said yes. They did not know much about the earthquake. Overhearing conversations, many people were discussing what happened, but no one seemed too worried. Since this was the next direct flight to Japan, many CNN reporters, producers and photographers boarded our plane.
As we took off, I had a conversation with Gary Tuchman, a CNN reporter who would spend weeks in Japan reporting on the devastation. He had just about as much information as I had. We didn't have any internet or Blackberry use during our 14-hour flight. I had no idea what had happened.
As we flew over the land hit by the tsunami, our captain informed us that if we looked on our right, we could see the area hit. I made my way to that side of the plane and was absolutely shocked at what I saw: there is no way to describe it than utter destruction. I couldn't tell if I were seeing houses or office buildings or trees, but whatever this area was it was completely flattened. I had never seen anything like it in my entire life. Even from this altitude, it was evident: 100 people did not die here, thousands did.
When we landed at Narita and cleared customs, our group began to dissipate. The airport was completely deserted except for a few reporters. There were sleeping bags and trash scattered about but no people around. No trains were running. Our cell phones didn't work. I couldn't get my email. No social media. Television crews approached us to talk, but we declined as that we had no idea what was happening. We were far from Meguro-ku, where Michael's family was, and we had no way to get there but on foot.
After walking around a bit and trying to devise a plan, we came across a taxi driver holding a sign in Japanese. As he flipped the sign over, I caught the words in English: Michael's last name. He didn't speak any English, and we didn't speak any Japanese, but he handed us a phone. Dan was on the other line. "Get in the car," so we did.
After a silent two-hour taxi ride -- only seeing a handful of other cars on the road -- we finally made it to our destination. Dan and Andrea spent six hours attempting to get to the airport to pick us up, but couldn't make it because the trains kept stopping. Luckily, they were able to find a taxi driver willing to pick us up.
It was late in the evening now in Tokyo, so we spent the next few hours talking about our trip (Michael's brother Ben flew in a few hours before us from Colorado) and what it was like when the earthquake first hit. The news showed the death toll climbing, and it was evident that this was a terrible earthquake and tsunami.
2012年3月8日星期四
bags of suspected heroin, pot found in school zones; teens accused of throwing bottles with urine at cars
Greenwich Township crimelog: bags of suspected heroin, pot found in school zones; teens accused of throwing bottles with urine at cars
An East Broad Street resident on March 1 told police someone stole three sets of hydraulic jacks, valued at $85, from property's garage.
The jacks may have been taken during a Feb. 28 incident, police said.
— Parents here should caution their kids not to touch bags of suspected illegal drugs they may find, and to report them right away to police, crossing guards or school officials.
That's the message township police are sending after crossing guards reportedly found such bags in local school zones March 1.
The crossing guards found two sealed bags of suspected heroin, one empty bag suspected to have had marijuana and two other empty bags suspected to have had more heroin that day.
All were found within school zones on Broad, North School and South School streets, as well as Memorial Avenue.
— Police on Feb. 27 arrested two 15-year-olds accused of throwing eggs and bottles, possibly containing urine, at passing cars in the area of East Broad Street and Swedesboro Road.
Police said three juveniles in all were throwing the objects from a building's second-floor window near 6 p.m. that day.
Officers charged each of the 15-year-olds with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. They were processed and released to their parents.
— Someone on Feb. 27 reportedly tried to break into two storage structures at the police firing range on North Market Street.
Graffiti was also sprayed on the storage structures, and someone shot at a stop sign on the property, police said.
— A Marshall Avenue resident on Feb. 26 told police two suspicious males wearing dark clothing were trying to break into a vehicle.
The suspects fled on foot when officers arrived, police said. Greenwich Township and Paulsboro police searched the area, the said, but didn't find the suspects.
— North Repaupo Avenue residents on Feb. 25 told police suspicious persons were looking into vehicles and trying to open the doors. No thefts were reported, police said.
An East Broad Street resident on March 1 told police someone stole three sets of hydraulic jacks, valued at $85, from property's garage.
The jacks may have been taken during a Feb. 28 incident, police said.
— Parents here should caution their kids not to touch bags of suspected illegal drugs they may find, and to report them right away to police, crossing guards or school officials.
That's the message township police are sending after crossing guards reportedly found such bags in local school zones March 1.
The crossing guards found two sealed bags of suspected heroin, one empty bag suspected to have had marijuana and two other empty bags suspected to have had more heroin that day.
All were found within school zones on Broad, North School and South School streets, as well as Memorial Avenue.
— Police on Feb. 27 arrested two 15-year-olds accused of throwing eggs and bottles, possibly containing urine, at passing cars in the area of East Broad Street and Swedesboro Road.
Police said three juveniles in all were throwing the objects from a building's second-floor window near 6 p.m. that day.
Officers charged each of the 15-year-olds with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. They were processed and released to their parents.
— Someone on Feb. 27 reportedly tried to break into two storage structures at the police firing range on North Market Street.
Graffiti was also sprayed on the storage structures, and someone shot at a stop sign on the property, police said.
— A Marshall Avenue resident on Feb. 26 told police two suspicious males wearing dark clothing were trying to break into a vehicle.
The suspects fled on foot when officers arrived, police said. Greenwich Township and Paulsboro police searched the area, the said, but didn't find the suspects.
— North Repaupo Avenue residents on Feb. 25 told police suspicious persons were looking into vehicles and trying to open the doors. No thefts were reported, police said.
2012年3月7日星期三
Man murdered on Carlton Avenue
The clutch
A marauder stole a purse from a woman on Downing Street after threatening to stab her on Feb. 29.
The 24-year-old Bronx victim told police that she was near Quincy Street at 3:10 am when the brute grabbed her from behind and ordered, “Don’t scream, or I will stab you!”
The suspect fled after swiping her purple bag containing $70.
BoroDeal
Out cold
A female bandit wielding an ice pick nabbed a gold chain and an iPhone from a woman on Putnam Avenue on Feb. 29.
The 49-year-old victim told police that she was near Irving Place at 8:15 pm when an acquaintance grabbed her from behind and demanded her stuff.
The perp brandished an ice pick, snatched the items and fled.
End game
Cops say they arrested a man at the Atlantic Terminal Mall on March 3 for stealing his girlfriend’s purse.
The 23-year-old victim told police that she was at the mall at 2:20 pm when her beau bit her thumb and swiped her bag containing birth certificates, credit card, and $80.
Police arrested a 27-year-old man shortly after.
Thrift score
Burglars looted $400 in handbags from a Vanderbilt Avenue thrift store on March 1.
An employee told cops that she left Project Hope Boutique Thrift near Gates Avenue at 7 pm. When she returned the next morning, the front window was smashed and five bags were gone.
Dethroned
Some jerk pinched a bag containing $1,300 from a Classon Avenue bodega on March 1.
An employee told police that he was at the King of Classon Avenue Deli and Grocery near Putnam Avenue at 2:43 pm when a customer walked behind the counter and launched a confab.
When the crook left, he took the bag of bills with him.
A marauder stole a purse from a woman on Downing Street after threatening to stab her on Feb. 29.
The 24-year-old Bronx victim told police that she was near Quincy Street at 3:10 am when the brute grabbed her from behind and ordered, “Don’t scream, or I will stab you!”
The suspect fled after swiping her purple bag containing $70.
BoroDeal
Out cold
A female bandit wielding an ice pick nabbed a gold chain and an iPhone from a woman on Putnam Avenue on Feb. 29.
The 49-year-old victim told police that she was near Irving Place at 8:15 pm when an acquaintance grabbed her from behind and demanded her stuff.
The perp brandished an ice pick, snatched the items and fled.
End game
Cops say they arrested a man at the Atlantic Terminal Mall on March 3 for stealing his girlfriend’s purse.
The 23-year-old victim told police that she was at the mall at 2:20 pm when her beau bit her thumb and swiped her bag containing birth certificates, credit card, and $80.
Police arrested a 27-year-old man shortly after.
Thrift score
Burglars looted $400 in handbags from a Vanderbilt Avenue thrift store on March 1.
An employee told cops that she left Project Hope Boutique Thrift near Gates Avenue at 7 pm. When she returned the next morning, the front window was smashed and five bags were gone.
Dethroned
Some jerk pinched a bag containing $1,300 from a Classon Avenue bodega on March 1.
An employee told police that he was at the King of Classon Avenue Deli and Grocery near Putnam Avenue at 2:43 pm when a customer walked behind the counter and launched a confab.
When the crook left, he took the bag of bills with him.
2012年3月6日星期二
Fill Your Energy Up with the IV Drip Bag USB LED Light
Being hospitalized is no fun but at least we have those warm memories of the life-giving IV drip bag hanging overhead, dispensing vital fluids to fuel your recovery.
Now the "Fill Your Energy Up!" IV Drip Bag USB LED Light from JTT Online Shop evokes those special times while shedding soft light upon your now-healthy self. Not only is it "sick", it's the next best thing to BEING sick!
Each 92-gram (3.245 oz) light houses a cool-running LED bulb sealed separately from the rest of the bag. This is important because like an actual IV drip bag, the fixture can be filled with water or presumably some other liquid (got that, Twilight fans?).
The light functions in wet or dry mode but when filled, imparts a softer, more diffused light that approximates the drugged haze in which you likely spent the bulk of your last hospital stay.
JTT Online Shop offers the IV Drip Bag USB LED Light in your choice of three colored LEDs: White, Blue and Orange. Each one comes with a metal S-hook for easy hanging and an integral USB connecting cable that runs from the light to your laptop or PC – not your arm, dude.
Now the "Fill Your Energy Up!" IV Drip Bag USB LED Light from JTT Online Shop evokes those special times while shedding soft light upon your now-healthy self. Not only is it "sick", it's the next best thing to BEING sick!
Each 92-gram (3.245 oz) light houses a cool-running LED bulb sealed separately from the rest of the bag. This is important because like an actual IV drip bag, the fixture can be filled with water or presumably some other liquid (got that, Twilight fans?).
The light functions in wet or dry mode but when filled, imparts a softer, more diffused light that approximates the drugged haze in which you likely spent the bulk of your last hospital stay.
JTT Online Shop offers the IV Drip Bag USB LED Light in your choice of three colored LEDs: White, Blue and Orange. Each one comes with a metal S-hook for easy hanging and an integral USB connecting cable that runs from the light to your laptop or PC – not your arm, dude.
2012年3月5日星期一
One Century Ago: Chicken Thief Arrested; Death of Temperance Proponent
John McElroy was arrested for stealing chickens from the estate of H. B. Walker on Fairview Avenue.
McElroy was walking down Wildey Street with a large sack slung over his shoulder when he was stopped by Officer Martin who asked him what the bag contained. Cautiously McElroy replied that the sack contained wood, at which point the police officer felt the bag with his hand and exclaimed “Pretty soft wood, John”.
He then escorted McElroy to the police station where the bag was turned out to reveal three dead chickens and one living one which made a great squawk and flutter and dashed for freedom. The bird was captured by the police clerk, and McElroy was transferred to New York Penitentiary where he served out a six month sentence.
Miss Edith Cole Turns Four
Miss Edith Cole would have turned 29 last Wednesday in 2012, but on the 29th of February 1912 she celebrated her 4th birthday with her friends, playing games and enjoying refreshments.
However, it was no ordinary 4th birthday party since Edith was in fact 16 years of age. Because she was born on February 29th, her birthday only came every 4 years which meant that unfortunately for Edith, she would have to wait until 1916 to turn 5.
McElroy was walking down Wildey Street with a large sack slung over his shoulder when he was stopped by Officer Martin who asked him what the bag contained. Cautiously McElroy replied that the sack contained wood, at which point the police officer felt the bag with his hand and exclaimed “Pretty soft wood, John”.
He then escorted McElroy to the police station where the bag was turned out to reveal three dead chickens and one living one which made a great squawk and flutter and dashed for freedom. The bird was captured by the police clerk, and McElroy was transferred to New York Penitentiary where he served out a six month sentence.
Miss Edith Cole Turns Four
Miss Edith Cole would have turned 29 last Wednesday in 2012, but on the 29th of February 1912 she celebrated her 4th birthday with her friends, playing games and enjoying refreshments.
However, it was no ordinary 4th birthday party since Edith was in fact 16 years of age. Because she was born on February 29th, her birthday only came every 4 years which meant that unfortunately for Edith, she would have to wait until 1916 to turn 5.
2012年3月4日星期日
The Ritz Looks After its Child Guests
The Ritz in London has a Very Important Kids card for its guests who are under the age of 16. The card allows them to feel very special as they get their own mini sized bathrobes and slippers as well as access to a Teen Concierge. They get a goodie bag, milk and biscuits at bedtime and even free ice-cream!
The Ritz has realised that many people travel with children these days and so if they look after them well, then they will want to return, either again with their family or on their own when they are older. There are other hotels making sure that children are well looked after as well including Trump, Omni and Ritz Carlton.
A family bundle at The Ritz costs 600 a night where families can share a room or have interconnecting ones. They also offer a Princess for a day session at the salon for mothers and daughters where they both have haircuts, manicures and a complimentary drink at the bar. They will soon be offering a father and son package too where they can have a ride in the Rolls Royce Phantom belonging to the hotel. The packages are carefully designed to allow families to bond but to do things which the grownups will enjoy as well as the children. Hotels realise that they will be giving a memorable experience to a child who may decide to revisit that hotel in the future. With more families travelling together and them realising the importance of treating children well, it is likely that all hotels should soon start to offer better child facilities.
The Ritz has realised that many people travel with children these days and so if they look after them well, then they will want to return, either again with their family or on their own when they are older. There are other hotels making sure that children are well looked after as well including Trump, Omni and Ritz Carlton.
A family bundle at The Ritz costs 600 a night where families can share a room or have interconnecting ones. They also offer a Princess for a day session at the salon for mothers and daughters where they both have haircuts, manicures and a complimentary drink at the bar. They will soon be offering a father and son package too where they can have a ride in the Rolls Royce Phantom belonging to the hotel. The packages are carefully designed to allow families to bond but to do things which the grownups will enjoy as well as the children. Hotels realise that they will be giving a memorable experience to a child who may decide to revisit that hotel in the future. With more families travelling together and them realising the importance of treating children well, it is likely that all hotels should soon start to offer better child facilities.
2012年3月1日星期四
To plastic or not to plastic, that is the question...
In particular, the massive floods around the metropolis during those devastating storms belatedly brought to the fore the perils of drainage systems and waterways perennially clogged with plastic garbage.
Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) show that more than 80% of the trash retrieved from the country's shorelines is made up of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic and rubber. About half of these plastic items thrown in bodies of water were plastic bags, followed by food wrappers and plastic containers. These plastics take as much as 20 years before they decompose.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the bulk of the more than 8,000 metric tons of garbage collected in Metro Manila on a daily basis was comprised of plastics.
MMDA chairman Francis N. Tolentino has also raised the alarm on the haphazards posed by the dumping of plastic products that clog the metropolis' already overburdened drainage system, resulting in flooding during heavy rains.
Waste audits conducted in November 2010 by the EcoWaste Coalition, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Greenpeace, Mother Earth Foundation and other environment advocacy groups revealed that 75.55% of the total volume of trash in Manila Bay was plastic discards, mostly plastic bags, and polystyrene (styrofoam) products.
"It is unfortunate that plastic items -- led by plastic bags and styro products -- remain to be the prime visible pollutants of Manila Bay. Our findings reinforced what all of us already know: plastics is a problem and our penchant for patronizing disposable products magnifies this problem," GAIA representative Gigie Cruz said in a statement.
Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) show that more than 80% of the trash retrieved from the country's shorelines is made up of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic and rubber. About half of these plastic items thrown in bodies of water were plastic bags, followed by food wrappers and plastic containers. These plastics take as much as 20 years before they decompose.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the bulk of the more than 8,000 metric tons of garbage collected in Metro Manila on a daily basis was comprised of plastics.
MMDA chairman Francis N. Tolentino has also raised the alarm on the haphazards posed by the dumping of plastic products that clog the metropolis' already overburdened drainage system, resulting in flooding during heavy rains.
Waste audits conducted in November 2010 by the EcoWaste Coalition, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Greenpeace, Mother Earth Foundation and other environment advocacy groups revealed that 75.55% of the total volume of trash in Manila Bay was plastic discards, mostly plastic bags, and polystyrene (styrofoam) products.
"It is unfortunate that plastic items -- led by plastic bags and styro products -- remain to be the prime visible pollutants of Manila Bay. Our findings reinforced what all of us already know: plastics is a problem and our penchant for patronizing disposable products magnifies this problem," GAIA representative Gigie Cruz said in a statement.
2012年2月29日星期三
Hopkins Medical Products Introduces the Enhanced 2012 Rolling Med Bag
Hopkins Medical Products has finalized its 2012 enhancements of the Hopkins Rolling Med Bag. This enhanced bag now has scuff guards, larger wheels and a 2 3/8 inch ground clearance. It meets current healthcare guidelines for good bag technique and home healthcare best practice. It features a laptop section, "clean/dirty" sections, separate sharps container pocket and a compartment for the caregiver's personal items. The bag is made of a durable 600D waterproof poly fabric that is easy to clean. The Rolling Med Bag was created with the mobile healthcare professional in mind.
"We are all about continuous product improvement," said C. Louis Klug III, Vice President and General Manager at Hopkins Medical Products. "In today's dynamic customer environment, we are constantly getting feedback from the end user on how to modify our products to make their job easier."
For over 66 years, Hopkins Medical Products has taken pride in its tradition of providing quality products for quality care.
About Hopkins Medical Products
Established in 1945, Hopkins Medical Products specializes in designing and providing unique and hard to find healthcare products for nurses, physical therapists and healthcare aids for home healthcare, hospice and assisted living and hospital setting. The company produces the largest selection of professional home healthcare nurse bags in the world. Most nurse bags meet OSHA, JHACO and HIPAA guidelines. In addition, Hopkins Medical is involved in the manufacture and distribution of medical supplies including but not limited to sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes, single patient MRSA kits, spill kits, thermometers, pulse oximeters and diagnostic supplies.
"We are all about continuous product improvement," said C. Louis Klug III, Vice President and General Manager at Hopkins Medical Products. "In today's dynamic customer environment, we are constantly getting feedback from the end user on how to modify our products to make their job easier."
For over 66 years, Hopkins Medical Products has taken pride in its tradition of providing quality products for quality care.
About Hopkins Medical Products
Established in 1945, Hopkins Medical Products specializes in designing and providing unique and hard to find healthcare products for nurses, physical therapists and healthcare aids for home healthcare, hospice and assisted living and hospital setting. The company produces the largest selection of professional home healthcare nurse bags in the world. Most nurse bags meet OSHA, JHACO and HIPAA guidelines. In addition, Hopkins Medical is involved in the manufacture and distribution of medical supplies including but not limited to sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes, single patient MRSA kits, spill kits, thermometers, pulse oximeters and diagnostic supplies.
2012年2月28日星期二
Rockport residents weigh in on plastic bag ban
A proposed ban on plastic bags has Rockport residents divided, according to a city sponsored survey that the City Council discussed Tuesday during a workshop.
"Let the marketplace work! Is there not more important matters for city?" one resident asked.
Another resident stated, "For years and years, Europeans have had to provide their own bags. We need to stop the waste!"
The city distributed almost 9,000 surveys with water bills, asking residents how they felt about banning or requiring businesses to charge for plastic or paper bags. There were 688 responses. The survey and a public workshop Tuesday were the first steps the council has made toward the ban. The council took no action at the workshop.
Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Fisher said Brownsville successfully banned plastic bags last year, and he was surprised by the number of Rockport residents who supported a local ban. He blamed visitors for the bags blowing throughout town. The money made from selling reusable bags could be used in a cleanup effort, he said.
Councilwoman Adelaide Marlatt disagreed with Fisher on where the trash originates. She said the trash begins with haulers in town that don't cover their trailers. Marlatt pushed for litter law enforcement.
A plastic shopping bag ban also has been discussed by Corpus Christi city officials this month after residents called for the ban. Beeville considered a ban in 2009 but never voted on an ordinance.
In Rockport, one resident surveyed told the city to fine people who litter instead of making everyone responsible.
"We shouldn't be charged because you're not making people pay for trashing the place," the resident wrote. "I'll end up doing my shopping in another town if I have to pay for bags."
Another resident suggested the city implement a "bag awareness" initiative.
Still, others were concerned about the environment. "Birds should be in the trees," one wrote, "not plastic bags."
Resident Tony Hardee told the council Monday he collected 204 signatures from people who oppose banning plastic bags. He added that the survey was confusing, and it did not include an option for the status quo.
Some residents stated the survey was biased toward banning plastic bags because of the way it was worded.
"There should have been 'leave as-is' options added if you wanted to get a good representation of voter beliefs!" one resident stated.
"Let the marketplace work! Is there not more important matters for city?" one resident asked.
Another resident stated, "For years and years, Europeans have had to provide their own bags. We need to stop the waste!"
The city distributed almost 9,000 surveys with water bills, asking residents how they felt about banning or requiring businesses to charge for plastic or paper bags. There were 688 responses. The survey and a public workshop Tuesday were the first steps the council has made toward the ban. The council took no action at the workshop.
Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Fisher said Brownsville successfully banned plastic bags last year, and he was surprised by the number of Rockport residents who supported a local ban. He blamed visitors for the bags blowing throughout town. The money made from selling reusable bags could be used in a cleanup effort, he said.
Councilwoman Adelaide Marlatt disagreed with Fisher on where the trash originates. She said the trash begins with haulers in town that don't cover their trailers. Marlatt pushed for litter law enforcement.
A plastic shopping bag ban also has been discussed by Corpus Christi city officials this month after residents called for the ban. Beeville considered a ban in 2009 but never voted on an ordinance.
In Rockport, one resident surveyed told the city to fine people who litter instead of making everyone responsible.
"We shouldn't be charged because you're not making people pay for trashing the place," the resident wrote. "I'll end up doing my shopping in another town if I have to pay for bags."
Another resident suggested the city implement a "bag awareness" initiative.
Still, others were concerned about the environment. "Birds should be in the trees," one wrote, "not plastic bags."
Resident Tony Hardee told the council Monday he collected 204 signatures from people who oppose banning plastic bags. He added that the survey was confusing, and it did not include an option for the status quo.
Some residents stated the survey was biased toward banning plastic bags because of the way it was worded.
"There should have been 'leave as-is' options added if you wanted to get a good representation of voter beliefs!" one resident stated.
2012年2月27日星期一
Best messenger bags
Lots of us carry bags when we're cycling, whether we're riding to the office with our laptop, out for a long day's ride or just carrying emergency spares – phone, mobile, a bit of food and drink and a change of clothing.
Panniers, seatpost-mounted bags and rucksacks are an option, especially for longer rides and heavier loads, but the simple sling-type bag used by cycle couriers across the world is a good bet for shorter journeys and urban commutes.
They have plenty of space for laptops and files, look businesslike in the office, you can access their contents quickly without taking them off, and because they don't cover the whole of your back, there's less sweat build-up than with a rucksack. Here's our pick of the best messenger bags we've tested this year.
Panniers, seatpost-mounted bags and rucksacks are an option, especially for longer rides and heavier loads, but the simple sling-type bag used by cycle couriers across the world is a good bet for shorter journeys and urban commutes.
They have plenty of space for laptops and files, look businesslike in the office, you can access their contents quickly without taking them off, and because they don't cover the whole of your back, there's less sweat build-up than with a rucksack. Here's our pick of the best messenger bags we've tested this year.
2012年2月26日星期日
Dolce & Gabbana goes for baroque with opulent Milan show
There was mood of opulence in Milan on Sunday, as fashion powerhouse Dolce & Gabbana showcased its autumn/winter "baroque romanticism" collection. Candelabra chandeliers covered in roses and a gilt-framed mirror behind the runway set the scene for stunning golden embroideries, delicate lace dresses, capes of various proportions, rich velvets, and chintzy tapestry-style patterns.
This was Dolce & Gabbana's first womenswear collection since they closed their secondary line, D&G, last year, and was an appropriately grown-up affair. There was only one leopard cape-coat and one logo top, and even though some lengths were short, this was not a show about being obviously sexy.
The inspiration was "the tradition of Sicilian baroque". Translation: A Master Class in Sicilian Chic. The clothes were the absolute top-end of the luxury market with intricate workmanship and expensive detailing. The gold embroidery on capes, coats, skirts and boots was designed to "recall baroque mirrors and frames". Prints of angels and cherubs and patterns inspired by "dining room tapestries" also featured.
Helen Mirren attended the event in a butterfly and floral print dress with lace brocade jacket and a leopard print bag. She described the show as "very powerful, masterful and decadent".
For accessories, there were tapestry boots, jewel headbands, elaborately sculpted high-heels, and dramatic dangling earrings, some with the cherub motif. There were also miniature handbags, a trend for autumn also seen at Prada.
Off the catwalk, reports circulated over the weekend about the top design job at Yves Saint Laurent.
Hedi Slimane, who has a cult following, is poised to replace Stefano Pilati at the Parisian house, says insiders' bible Womenswear Daily. Should this be confirmed, it would be the second comeback in a week, following Jil Sander's return to head the house she founded.
Slimane left Dior Homme at the height of his success in 2007, having pushed a skinny, androgynous silhouette in men's fashion that was greatly influential. During the 1990s, he worked for YSL, though was never known for womenswear. Since his exit, he has established himself as a successful fashion photographer.
Pilati has been creative director of YSL since 2004The weekend saw Simons deliver his final collection for Jil Sander, greeted with a standing ovation. It added to speculation the Belgian could be a replacement for John Galliano at Christian Dior.
This was Dolce & Gabbana's first womenswear collection since they closed their secondary line, D&G, last year, and was an appropriately grown-up affair. There was only one leopard cape-coat and one logo top, and even though some lengths were short, this was not a show about being obviously sexy.
The inspiration was "the tradition of Sicilian baroque". Translation: A Master Class in Sicilian Chic. The clothes were the absolute top-end of the luxury market with intricate workmanship and expensive detailing. The gold embroidery on capes, coats, skirts and boots was designed to "recall baroque mirrors and frames". Prints of angels and cherubs and patterns inspired by "dining room tapestries" also featured.
Helen Mirren attended the event in a butterfly and floral print dress with lace brocade jacket and a leopard print bag. She described the show as "very powerful, masterful and decadent".
For accessories, there were tapestry boots, jewel headbands, elaborately sculpted high-heels, and dramatic dangling earrings, some with the cherub motif. There were also miniature handbags, a trend for autumn also seen at Prada.
Off the catwalk, reports circulated over the weekend about the top design job at Yves Saint Laurent.
Hedi Slimane, who has a cult following, is poised to replace Stefano Pilati at the Parisian house, says insiders' bible Womenswear Daily. Should this be confirmed, it would be the second comeback in a week, following Jil Sander's return to head the house she founded.
Slimane left Dior Homme at the height of his success in 2007, having pushed a skinny, androgynous silhouette in men's fashion that was greatly influential. During the 1990s, he worked for YSL, though was never known for womenswear. Since his exit, he has established himself as a successful fashion photographer.
Pilati has been creative director of YSL since 2004The weekend saw Simons deliver his final collection for Jil Sander, greeted with a standing ovation. It added to speculation the Belgian could be a replacement for John Galliano at Christian Dior.
2012年2月23日星期四
Chute gate closes on long career
It will also give Marjory a break from her years of unpaid secretarial duties as she was generally the person fielding all the phone calls, from 1970 to 2011, from those requiring Jon's brand inspection services, often at odd hours or inconvenient times, day and night.
Quite often during calving time on their own ranch, Marjory was literally left "holding the bag" when Jon was called out unexpectedly to brand inspect some cattle elsewhere.
Jon offered some thoughts at the conclusion of the presentation: "It was a long career with many varied and interesting days, as well as some long, tiring tedious days but it was the people that I dealt with that made the job what it was.
"They were probably the reason that I stayed so long; most ranchers (cattle producers) are 100 per cent genuine, down-to-earth, friendly folks who I enjoyed being in contact with.
"Many, with whom I became acquainted with over many years of annual brand inspection trips to their ranch, have now become personal friends. So it was a great run, mainly because of the people. That includes many fellow brand-inspectors and auction yard staff-members. I'd like to thank everyone here, on behalf of myself and my wife Marjory."
The ranching community will miss this knowledgeable cattleman. He was the right type of person in a position where an individual's temperament and cattle knowledge (the quirks of bovine behaviour) can make all the difference between a smoothly handled cattle count and inspection, or alternatively, a disruption where the cattle are seriously riled up by over-handling or unwelcome human intrusion at all the wrong junctures.
Jon's boots (gumboots — insulated Mucks or Bogs these days because cattle pens are not normally dry or poop-free) won't be easily filled.
Quite often during calving time on their own ranch, Marjory was literally left "holding the bag" when Jon was called out unexpectedly to brand inspect some cattle elsewhere.
Jon offered some thoughts at the conclusion of the presentation: "It was a long career with many varied and interesting days, as well as some long, tiring tedious days but it was the people that I dealt with that made the job what it was.
"They were probably the reason that I stayed so long; most ranchers (cattle producers) are 100 per cent genuine, down-to-earth, friendly folks who I enjoyed being in contact with.
"Many, with whom I became acquainted with over many years of annual brand inspection trips to their ranch, have now become personal friends. So it was a great run, mainly because of the people. That includes many fellow brand-inspectors and auction yard staff-members. I'd like to thank everyone here, on behalf of myself and my wife Marjory."
The ranching community will miss this knowledgeable cattleman. He was the right type of person in a position where an individual's temperament and cattle knowledge (the quirks of bovine behaviour) can make all the difference between a smoothly handled cattle count and inspection, or alternatively, a disruption where the cattle are seriously riled up by over-handling or unwelcome human intrusion at all the wrong junctures.
Jon's boots (gumboots — insulated Mucks or Bogs these days because cattle pens are not normally dry or poop-free) won't be easily filled.
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