понеделник, 30 април 2012 г.
Overdoses killed American soldiers
Eight American soldiers died of overdoses involving heroin, morphine or other opiates during deployments in Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011, according to U.S. Army investigative reports.
Save the whales? Use the app
A new iPhone app is making waves in the commercial shipping world by providing an early warning system that aims to reduce maritime collisions with endangered whales.
ND0425123
Title: Indiana Association and State Work to Lower Late-Night Retail Workplace Violence
Description: The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association will participate in the Department of Labor?s INSafe program.
Page Content:
INDIANAPOLIS ? The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (IPCA) has agreed to be a part of the Indiana Department of Labor?s INSafe program, the Chesterton Tribune reports. The initiative attempts to lower late-night retail workplace violence.
The agreement spelled out several goals for the two groups, including the department?s willingness to give information on preventing and recognizing workplace hazards to IPCA via workshops, meetings and trade shows. The DOL will also provide data and statistics that would assist in lowering workplace illnesses, injuries and fatalities.
INSafe will help IPCA and select member companies with developing and delivering group-wide occupational safety and health outreach and training programs. The association in turn will communicate info about best practices and effective ways to stem workplace violence. IPCA also will promote and encourage members to participate in INSafe programs.
?Convenience store operators place the highest priority on the safety of their customers and employees. This partnership with state officials will further enhance our existing efforts,? Scot Imus, executive director of IPCA, told NACS Daily.
The agreement came about at the efforts of Lori Torres, DOL commissioner, after a spat of violence at convenience stores in Indiana. Torres created the Late Night Retail Working Group, which in addition to the DOL and IPCA, counted the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, the Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association and the Indiana State Police as members. The other two retail groups are in agreement discussions as well.
Content Subject: Risk Management & Security
Formatted Article Date: April 25, 2012
Money for Cuba's young artists
While artists abound in Cuba, they, like everyone else, face constant shortages in materials and a United States economic embargo that complicates the sale of their work. But a new website called Yagruma is helping them finance their work.
'Batmobile' ready to race
Nissan showcases the radical DeltaWing, which will take to the track for the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
NASA Hurricane Updates on Facebook
Check NASA's Hurricane on Facebook provides daily looks at storms in the tropics and it's updated on Weekends during storms
Arsenal 'reliant' on Van Persie
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits his side are relying on goals from striker Robin van Persie in the season's final stages.
Serbia reach first Fed Cup final
Serbia reach the Fed Cup final for the first time as Jelena Jankovic beats Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Murray eases to win over Giraldo
Second seed Andy Murray breezes past Santiago Giraldo with a comfortable 6-1 6-2 victory at the Barcelona Open.
VIDEO: Murray's Olympic Games memories
British number one Andy Murray says appearing in the Beijing opening ceremony was "surreal" and remembers collecting pin badges from other competitors at the Games.
Watson wins gruelling qualifier
Britain's Heather Watson comes through a hard-fought encounter with American Sloane Stephens to reach the main draw in Estoril.
VIDEO: Murray's Olympic Games memories
British number one Andy Murray says appearing in the Beijing opening ceremony was "surreal" and remembers collecting pin badges from other competitors at the Games.
Fresh clashes reported in Bahrain
A scheduled hearing Monday where a Bahraini dissident, on hunger strike, could have appealed his life sentence was adjourned until Aprll 30.
Pit-lane pioneers: Women in F1
"I'd never been near a race track in my life," explains Divina Galica, a former Olympic skier who belongs to an exclusive band of Formula One drivers. There are only five members -- and they are all female.
Ride with F1 champ
Sebastian Vettel has some fun shooting a commercial, and CNN's Eunice Yoon goes along for the ride.
I wish Hodgson well says Redknapp
Harry Redknapp wishes Roy Hodgson well after the FA approaches the West Brom manager to coach England.
French election: 5 things to know
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Socialist Francois Hollande are heading for a runoff after Sunday's election. What issues are at play and how will the outcome affect U.S.-France relations?
ND0424124
Title: Ontario Targets Flavored Tobacco
Description: A proposal seeks to close loopholes in a 2010 law that sought to ban flavored tobacco products.
Page Content:
OTTAWA, ONTARIO ? An Ontario lawmaker has introduced a bill that he hopes will rid the province of flavored tobacco products, the Vancouver Sun reports.
The NDP?s France Gelinas is targeting cigarillos, tobacco-infused candy, and other flavored tobacco products, an effort that both the federal (Canada) government and province had previously failed to achieve.
A 2010 law banned the products in 2010, but defined cigarillos as having a maximum weight. Companies skirted the rule by increasing the product size. Additionally, it defined such products as having filters, so manufacturers simply removed the filters.
Gelinas? broad bill looks to close those loopholes and eventually keep the products from reaching the hands of young smokers.
Ontario Minister of health Deb Matthews has remained noncommittal about the bill, though Rowena Pinto, senior director of public affairs at the Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division), said the move would help prevent flavored tobacco products from entering the province.
?Some of the packaging for the current cigarillos actually looks like fruit rollups, lip gloss and highlighters with labels like ?apple-tini? and cherry,? Pinto said. ?This is attractive packaging for youth and the scariest thing is, as a parent, you would look into your kid?s backpack and not be able to identify these products from the real highlighters and lip gloss.?
Phillip Jansson, a youth facilitator with Ottawa Public Health, said federal budget cuts necessitate that the provinces work to address tobacco legislation.
?There is little hope for federal action in the near future,? he said. ?This Ontario bill will set a precedent for other provinces and help the other provinces who are taking action.
Content Subject: International
Formatted Article Date: April 24, 2012
ND0424124
Title: Ontario Targets Flavored Tobacco
Description: A proposal seeks to close loopholes in a 2010 law that sought to ban flavored tobacco products.
Page Content:
OTTAWA, ONTARIO ? An Ontario lawmaker has introduced a bill that he hopes will rid the province of flavored tobacco products, the Vancouver Sun reports.
The NDP?s France Gelinas is targeting cigarillos, tobacco-infused candy, and other flavored tobacco products, an effort that both the federal (Canada) government and province had previously failed to achieve.
A 2010 law banned the products in 2010, but defined cigarillos as having a maximum weight. Companies skirted the rule by increasing the product size. Additionally, it defined such products as having filters, so manufacturers simply removed the filters.
Gelinas? broad bill looks to close those loopholes and eventually keep the products from reaching the hands of young smokers.
Ontario Minister of health Deb Matthews has remained noncommittal about the bill, though Rowena Pinto, senior director of public affairs at the Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division), said the move would help prevent flavored tobacco products from entering the province.
?Some of the packaging for the current cigarillos actually looks like fruit rollups, lip gloss and highlighters with labels like ?apple-tini? and cherry,? Pinto said. ?This is attractive packaging for youth and the scariest thing is, as a parent, you would look into your kid?s backpack and not be able to identify these products from the real highlighters and lip gloss.?
Phillip Jansson, a youth facilitator with Ottawa Public Health, said federal budget cuts necessitate that the provinces work to address tobacco legislation.
?There is little hope for federal action in the near future,? he said. ?This Ontario bill will set a precedent for other provinces and help the other provinces who are taking action.
Content Subject: International
Formatted Article Date: April 24, 2012
Stolen babies scandal haunts Spain
Sister Maria Gomez is an 87-year-old Catholic nun. This month, she appeared in a Spanish court escorted by police. She is accused of snatching an infant from her birth mother and putting the child up for an illegal adoption in 1982.
Former TV host flies in free doctors
Several decades ago, Stan Brock nearly died when a horse kicked him in the head.
Justice for Haiti's rape victims
Three days after a massive earthquake threw Haiti into chaos, Alvana was homeless, along with her two children.
неделя, 29 април 2012 г.
NASA Television to Air Movements of Space Station Cargo Ships
NASA Television will broadcast the departure of one Russian Progress cargo ship from the International Space Station (ISS) and the arrival of another beginning on Thursday, April 19.
Alaska soccer ball traced to Japan
A soccer ball recently found washed up on a remote Alaskan beach apparently belongs to a teenager from a city devastated by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan more than a year ago.
Robson unable to deny Sweden win
Laura Robson breaks down in tears as a fine performance proves not enough to prevent Sweden from beating Britain.
GB are 'very capable' warns Clark
Great Britain forward Dan Clark says the men's basketball team are "very capable" and aiming for a quarter-final place.
AUDIO: Murray more 'mature' under Lendl
British number one Andy Murray admits he is better equipped to deal with a "bad loss" under new coach Ivan Lendl, as he prepares to face Canada's Milos Raonic on Sunday in Miami.
Dissident's flight could strain U.S.-China ties
Christopher Johnson says Washington and Beijing may be facing the most delicate moment in their bilateral relationship since the Tiananmen crackdown
NASA Hurricane Updates on Facebook
Check NASA's Hurricane on Facebook provides daily looks at storms in the tropics and it's updated on Weekends during storms
Stoner claims first win at Spanish MotoGP
Defending world champion Casey Stoner has won a thrilling Spanish MotoGP, holding off Spain's Jorge Lorenzo to claim his first victory in the race.
Dissident's flight could strain U.S.-China ties
Christopher Johnson says Washington and Beijing may be facing the most delicate moment in their bilateral relationship since the Tiananmen crackdown
ND0427124
Title: California Legislators Try Hooking State Minimum Wage to CPI
Description: Lawmakers want the state?s hourly rate to rise above its current $8.
Page Content:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. ? California lawmakers want to raise the state?s minimum wage by tying it to the consumer price index, the Sacramento Bee reports. The California starting wage hasn?t budged from $8 since early 2008.
Assembly Bill 1439, sponsored by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, would install a floor on the minimum wage to keep it from dropping as consumer prices decreased, while it set mandated advances as prices increase. Such an index would bump the starting wage to around $8.14 in January 2013, but would also mean the start of yearly increases.
Alejo sees his bill as a way to help the economy by giving more funds to lower-income workers. ?When minimum-wage workers have more money to spend, they spend it,? he said. ?They can't afford to save it. That is good for all businesses.?
Not everyone agrees with him. The California Chamber of Commerce calls AB 1439 a ?job-killer,? while the California Restaurant Association and the California Farm Bureau Federation, among other groups, oppose it. ?Now is not the time to increase the cost of doing business in California, when businesses are just now showing signs of recovery,? said Jennifer Barrera, a lobbyist with the chamber.
Opponents contend that raising the starting wage would trigger requests for raises from other workers, as well as up the temporary and permanent disability payments. ?(AB 1439) puts it on a one-way escalator: In good times it goes up, and in bad times it goes up,? said Daniel Conway, spokesman for the California Restaurant Association.
Only 4.4% of California?s workforce get minimum wage. Currently, 10 states have minimum-wage hikes tied to consumer price indexes.
Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: April 27, 2012
British Red Cross worker killed in Pakistan
A long-time Red Cross staffer has been killed by his kidnappers in Pakistan, the International Committee of the Red Cross and British government said Sunday.
Wind whips jetliner across runway
Planes landing in Bilbao, Spain, fight to land straight while flying in 50 mph to 60 mph winds.
Hill, 13, closing on Accies debut
Midfielder Mark Hill is close to a first-team breakthrough aged 13 after travelling with Hamilton Accies' squad.
NASA Hurricane Updates on Twitter
Check NASA's Hurricane Twitter feed for a daily behind the scenes look at storms in the tropics.
Fresh clashes reported in Bahrain
A scheduled hearing Monday where a Bahraini dissident, on hunger strike, could have appealed his life sentence was adjourned until Aprll 30.
NASA's Hurricane Twitter Exceeds 200,000 Followers
NASA's Hurricane Twitter, which posts the web site's updates, exceeded 200,000 followers recently - a landmark that just a few NASA Twitter accounts have reached.
Flyover: Australian Grand Prix
Get an aerial view of the Melbourne Formula One circuit ahead of the race on Sunday.
ND0427121
Title: Online Lottery Push Faces Strong Opposition
Description: Retailers and casinos find themselves on the same side when it comes to fighting online lottery ticket sales.
Page Content:
ALBANY, N.Y. ? States pressing to launch online lottery ticket sales have hit brick walls as retailers and casinos ramp up opposition, the Wall Street Journal reports. In New York, the director of the state lottery had initially expressed optimism that the online lottery ticket sales would happen soon, but pushback from the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) has stalled that plan.
 |
� Read ?You Can?t Win? in the April issue of NACS� |
?We're very uncomfortable with the idea of our customers being able to access lottery games online,? said Jim Calvin, NYACS president. The association received indication that the governor?s office would study the issue further before going forward.
When Illinois launched the nation?s first online lottery in late March, state lotteries around the country have closely followed the results. Delaware lawmakers will soon debate a bill that would let the lottery also run Internet slot-machine games and blackjack as well as sell lottery tickets.
?If you stand still, you'll lose ground in this fast-paced industry,? said Vernon Kirk, who directs the lottery in Delaware, of the need for fresh revenue sources. ?The world is going to be in cyberspace. You need to get out there.?
But convenience stores and other retailers count on lottery sales to bring in traffic, with lottery customers spending $10.35 in purchases on average, compared with $6.29 for a non-lottery shopper, according to NACS.
?The retailers are very important to us,? said Gordon Medenica, New York?s lottery director. ?We need to make sure that if we move forward it will not hurt their business.?
Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: April 27, 2012
Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber
If the last two years are anything to go by, 2012 will once again see every other team and driver in Formula One desperately trying to keep pace with Red Bull.
Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg
Having taken over the world champion Brawn GP team ahead of the 2010 season, Mercedes have struggled to be serious title contenders in the past two years.
Serbia reach first Fed Cup final
Serbia reach the Fed Cup final for the first time as Jelena Jankovic beats Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova.
F1's dilemma over Bahrain
CNN's Dan Rivers explains how the controversy over a hunger striker is hanging over an F1 motor race in Bahrain.
Toro Rosso
Last year Toro Rosso continued to emerge from Red Bull Racing's shadow in only their second season as an independent constructor.
събота, 28 април 2012 г.
The day bin Laden died
Nearly a year later, take a look back at the death of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was killed by U.S. commandos in a pre-dawn firefight on May 2, 2011, in Pakistan.
Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg
Having taken over the world champion Brawn GP team ahead of the 2010 season, Mercedes have struggled to be serious title contenders in the past two years.
Ferrari
Ferrari are the most successful team in Formula One history, with the legendary Italian marque boasting a record 16 constructors' titles and 15 drivers' championships.
ND0425123
Title: Indiana Association and State Work to Lower Late-Night Retail Workplace Violence
Description: The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association will participate in the Department of Labor?s INSafe program.
Page Content:
INDIANAPOLIS ? The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (IPCA) has agreed to be a part of the Indiana Department of Labor?s INSafe program, the Chesterton Tribune reports. The initiative attempts to lower late-night retail workplace violence.
The agreement spelled out several goals for the two groups, including the department?s willingness to give information on preventing and recognizing workplace hazards to IPCA via workshops, meetings and trade shows. The DOL will also provide data and statistics that would assist in lowering workplace illnesses, injuries and fatalities.
INSafe will help IPCA and select member companies with developing and delivering group-wide occupational safety and health outreach and training programs. The association in turn will communicate info about best practices and effective ways to stem workplace violence. IPCA also will promote and encourage members to participate in INSafe programs.
?Convenience store operators place the highest priority on the safety of their customers and employees. This partnership with state officials will further enhance our existing efforts,? Scot Imus, executive director of IPCA, told NACS Daily.
The agreement came about at the efforts of Lori Torres, DOL commissioner, after a spat of violence at convenience stores in Indiana. Torres created the Late Night Retail Working Group, which in addition to the DOL and IPCA, counted the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, the Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association and the Indiana State Police as members. The other two retail groups are in agreement discussions as well.
Content Subject: Risk Management & Security
Formatted Article Date: April 25, 2012
F1 veteran on IndyCar move
Rubens Barrichello makes IndyCar debut this weekend driving for the KV Racing Technology team.
VIDEO: 2008-09 - Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal
Liverpool stumble in the chase for the 2008-09 Premier League title as Andrey Arshavin scores all four of Arsenal's goals in a thrilling draw at Anfield. (UK users only)
ND0420125
Title: Couche-Tard Plans European Expansion
Description: The North American convenience store chain has made an offer to purchase a Norwegian-based convenience store and gasoline station chain.
Page Content:
QUEBEC, Canada ? Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. has long discussed expanding its family of convenience stores beyond North America, but the announcement this week that the company has made an offer for Statoil Fuel & Retail ASA of Norway has caught everyone by surprise, the Montreal Gazette reports. Earlier this week, Couche-Tard unveiled its private-label cigarettes.
Alain Bouchard, CEO of Couche-Tard, had long touted Asia as the beginning of an international push, but his company tendered a $2.8 billion offer to Statoil, a chain of 2,300 convenience stores and gasoline stations with locations in the Baltic states, Poland, Russia and Scandinavia.
By purchasing Statoil, Couche-Tard would nearly double its number of stores, plus give the company entry into three, healthy European economies, including Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Couche-Tard will keep the brand name and run the operation as a stand-alone business.
Statoil directors support the agreement. ?We believe Couche-Tard would represent a solid industrial owner and that the transaction could deliver interesting growth opportunities for the combined organization,? said Birger Magnus, board chairman of Statoil.
?This is a very, very nice transaction for Couche-Tard,? said Raymond Par�, vice president and CFO. After the deal was announced, Couche-Tard?s shares skyrocketed more than 15%. The transaction is expected to be completed in June.
Content Subject: International
Formatted Article Date: April 20, 2012
Flyover: Australian Grand Prix
Get an aerial view of the Melbourne Formula One circuit ahead of the race on Sunday.
Can anyone catch Red Bull?
As the Formula One season begins, some are asking if anyone can stop Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel?
Emotional Djokovic wins in Monaco
Novak Djokovic beats Alexandr Dolgopolov at the Monte Carlo Masters, hours after suffering the loss of his grandfather.
AUDIO: Murray more 'mature' under Lendl
British number one Andy Murray admits he is better equipped to deal with a "bad loss" under new coach Ivan Lendl, as he prepares to face Canada's Milos Raonic on Sunday in Miami.
VIDEO: Saints deserve promotion - McMenemy
Former Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy tells BBC South Today that the club deserve to be promoted back to the Premier League.
Classic 1950s Silver Arrow back on track
It's no wonder the illustrious Silver Arrow has a special place in the Mercedes team's hearts. The car with the distinctive silver livery has delivered some of its greatest victories -- from successive world championships in the 1950s to the China Grand Prix earlier this month.
ND0427123
Title: C-Store Owner Protests Grocery Store Wine Ballot
Description: The filing claims the language violates the state constitution?s equal protection clause because it outlines which stores can sell wine.
Page Content:
OKLAHOMA CITY ? A convenience store owner and two groups have filed separate protests over the ballot language allowing certain supermarkets to stock wine, The Oklahoman reports. The ballot would allow specific grocery stores in 15 of the state?s largest counties to sell unrefrigerated wine.
Both filings revolve around the fact that the ballot isn?t restricted to one topic, as required by law, and that its language violates the Oklahoma Constitution?s equal protection clause because it only addresses certain stores.
Yousef Javadzadeh, owner of several Oklahoma City convenience stores, filed his complaint with the secretary of state and the state Supreme Court, while the Oklahoma Prevention Policy Alliance and Fighting Addiction Through Education filed their protest with the court only.
?The Oklahoma Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (OPMCA) has not taken a position on the initiative petition as the issues are more complicated than they appear on the surface,? Bill Maxwell, executive director, told NACS Daily. ?The OPMCA was never approached in the preliminary discussion of this petition. As we understand it, Mr. Javadzadeh filed because he thought that big box retailers would have an unfair advantage against his small convenience store/liquor store operations.?
Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: April 27, 2012
VIDEO: 2008-09 - Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham
Aaron Lennon scores a 90th-minute equaliser for Tottenham to deny North London rivals Arsenal victory at the Emirates Stadium in the 2008-09 Premier League season.
F1 rule changes explained
For even the sport's most ardent fans, Formula One can be confusing -- it is governed by a set of ever-evolving rules dominated by talk of technical specifications.
Schumacher: Bahrain is safe
F1 legend Michael Schumacher insists that Bahrain can safely stage its grand prix. CNN's Eunice Yoon reports.
Netanyahu: Time is running out
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has suggested that time is running out for Western sanctions on Iran to have a meaningful effect on Tehran's nuclear program.
F1 rule changes explained
For even the sport's most ardent fans, Formula One can be confusing -- it is governed by a set of ever-evolving rules dominated by talk of technical specifications.
NASA's Orion Spacecraft to Appear Alongside Shuttle Discovery
A full-scale test version of the Orion spacecraft is one of several NASA-sponsored exhibits that will appear alongside space shuttle Discovery at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va.
ND0425121
Title: Competing Fuels and Vehicle Requirements May Doom CAFE and RFS
Description: The more than 120,000 convenience stores selling motor fuel will face the brunt of the competing objectives of the RFS and CAFE standards unless changes are addressed.
Page Content:
ALEXANDRIA, VA ? The requirements mandated by the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and the proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are likely to create a situation in which one or both of these programs will fail unless significant concerns are addressed, according to NACS.
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The complete 48-page report, The Future of Fuels: An Analysis of Future Energy Trends and Potential Retail Market Opportunities, which includes projections and analysis using the U.S. Energy Information?s 2011 Annual Energy Outlook, is available at nacsonline.com/futureoffuels. |
?RFS and CAFE policies cannot coexist without substantial changes in the retail and vehicle markets to accommodate significantly higher concentrations of renewable fuels, an unlikely scenario given that we may not even meet current requirements as they stand in 2012,? said John Eichberger, NACS vice president of government relations and the author of the new NACS whitepaper, The Future of Fuels: An Analysis of Future Energy Trends and Potential Retail Market Opportunities.
NACS is dedicated to ensuring that convenience stores remain the dominant choice for consumer refueling for decades to come. The more than 120,000 convenience stores selling motor fuel ? an estimated 80% of the fuels purchased in the United States ? will face the brunt of the competing objectives of the RFS and CAFE standards, said Eichberger, noting that the two regulations cannot coexist without dramatic revisions.
?NACS members strongly support efforts to enhance the nation?s energy security and don?t oppose improving the fuel efficiency of the nation?s vehicle fleet. However, we are very concerned that the policies being enacted and drafted are not effectively coordinated and could compromise each other. The result could force countless small businesses to examine whether they want to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to retrofit their existing fueling equipment or exit the business. Either way, the consumer ultimately loses,? said Eichberger.
The Renewable Fuels Standard, revised by Congress as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), requires that increasing amounts of qualified renewable fuels be integrated into the motor fuels supply, culminating at a minimum of 36 billion gallons in 2022. This mandate was expected to increase renewables to approximately 20% to 25% of the overall gasoline market in 2022, about double the rate of 10.4% last year.
Meanwhile, in 2011 the Obama administration proposed new CAFE standards, which are expected to be finalized this summer, that seek to increase the average fleet fuel efficiency to an equivalent of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. The cumulative effect of the two mandates is that renewable fuels will be required to represent a significantly greater share of the market than originally anticipated ? perhaps as much as 40%, or four times higher than today.
?This level of renewable fuels penetration in the market will impose significant economic burdens on the retail fuels market and consumers,? said Eichberger. ?To meet such a high renewable fuels concentration, it is likely that most retailers in the country will have to replace their underground storage tank systems and fuel dispensers. For the convenience industry alone, this will require a minimum infrastructure investment that will add nearly $22 billion to the cost of retailing fuels.?
Even after this enormous infrastructure investment, it still may be impossible to satisfy the RFS, considering that only one in six consumers will drive vehicles capable of running on the mandated fuels. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects only 16% of on-road vehicles in 2022 will be flexible fuel vehicles.
?Unless something dramatic happens, we will hit the ?blend wall? within the next two years and will not be able to meet RFS requirements. This will trigger massive fines throughout the petroleum distribution system that will increase the cost to sell motor fuels,? said Eichberger.
Eichberger called upon Congress to initiate a comprehensive review of regulations affecting the motor fuels and passenger vehicle industries to determine their compatibility with one another and to develop a comprehensive national motor fuels policy. ?Such a policy must coordinate legislative and regulatory requirements to ensure that the objectives of one policy support, rather than undermine, the objectives of another,? he said.
?We don?t believe that improved efficiency, enhanced sustainability, national energy security and economic growth are mutually exclusive objectives. But if they are not pursued in a strategic, coordinated effort they can lead to unintended consequences that can derail progress towards all of the objectives,? said Eichberger.
Looking into the future, it is likely that the government will play an even heavier hand in determining what consumers drive and what energy they purchase to fuel these vehicles, noted Eichberger.
Content Subject: NACS, Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: April 25, 2012
GB lose Fed Cup play-off openers
Great Britain's Fed Cup World Group II play-off against Sweden gets off to a poor start as they lose both opening rubbers.
петък, 27 април 2012 г.
ND0425123
Title: Indiana Association and State Work to Lower Late-Night Retail Workplace Violence
Description: The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association will participate in the Department of Labor?s INSafe program.
Page Content:
INDIANAPOLIS ? The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (IPCA) has agreed to be a part of the Indiana Department of Labor?s INSafe program, the Chesterton Tribune reports. The initiative attempts to lower late-night retail workplace violence.
The agreement spelled out several goals for the two groups, including the department?s willingness to give information on preventing and recognizing workplace hazards to IPCA via workshops, meetings and trade shows. The DOL will also provide data and statistics that would assist in lowering workplace illnesses, injuries and fatalities.
INSafe will help IPCA and select member companies with developing and delivering group-wide occupational safety and health outreach and training programs. The association in turn will communicate info about best practices and effective ways to stem workplace violence. IPCA also will promote and encourage members to participate in INSafe programs.
?Convenience store operators place the highest priority on the safety of their customers and employees. This partnership with state officials will further enhance our existing efforts,? Scot Imus, executive director of IPCA, told NACS Daily.
The agreement came about at the efforts of Lori Torres, DOL commissioner, after a spat of violence at convenience stores in Indiana. Torres created the Late Night Retail Working Group, which in addition to the DOL and IPCA, counted the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, the Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association and the Indiana State Police as members. The other two retail groups are in agreement discussions as well.
Content Subject: Risk Management & Security
Formatted Article Date: April 25, 2012
Pirelli hits back at Schumacher criticism
Pirelli has reacted with surprise at seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher's criticism of its tires.
Bayern to face Chelsea in final
Bayern Munich will enjoy home advantage when they play Chelsea in the European Champions League final after defeating Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu following a dramatic penalty shoot out.
F1 rule changes explained
For even the sport's most ardent fans, Formula One can be confusing -- it is governed by a set of ever-evolving rules dominated by talk of technical specifications.
Redknapp dismisses Corluka claims
Harry Redknapp labels as 'nonsense' defender Vedran Corluka's reasons for Tottenham's slide.
VIDEO: Friday Focus with Schmeichel and Bale
Former Manchester United and Manchester City goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel talks about the Manchester derby.
Shuttle Enterprise to Fly Over New York City Metro Area April 23
NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) with space shuttle Enterprise mounted atop will fly at a relatively low altitude over various parts of the New York City metropolitan area on Monday, April 23.
Goal-line technology first in UK
Goal-line technology to be used in a football match for the first time when Eastleigh FC face AFC Totton on 16 May.
Tough times for Spain's unemployed
Jobless Spaniards hit by austerity cuts and tax hikes consider moving abroad. CNN's Al Goodman reports.
F1 rule changes explained
For even the sport's most ardent fans, Formula One can be confusing -- it is governed by a set of ever-evolving rules dominated by talk of technical specifications.
Five top-flight title clinchers
With the Manchester derby likely to decide the race for the Premier League, BBC Sport looks at five games that settled previous campaigns
ND0427121
Title: Online Lottery Push Faces Strong Opposition
Description: Retailers and casinos find themselves on the same side when it comes to fighting online lottery ticket sales.
Page Content:
ALBANY, N.Y. ? States pressing to launch online lottery ticket sales have hit brick walls as retailers and casinos ramp up opposition, the Wall Street Journal reports. In New York, the director of the state lottery had initially expressed optimism that the online lottery ticket sales would happen soon, but pushback from the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) has stalled that plan.
|
� Read ?You Can?t Win? in the April issue of NACS� |
?We're very uncomfortable with the idea of our customers being able to access lottery games online,? said Jim Calvin, NYACS president. The association received indication that the governor?s office would study the issue further before going forward.
When Illinois launched the nation?s first online lottery in late March, state lotteries around the country have closely followed the results. Delaware lawmakers will soon debate a bill that would let the lottery also run Internet slot-machine games and blackjack as well as sell lottery tickets.
?If you stand still, you'll lose ground in this fast-paced industry,? said Vernon Kirk, who directs the lottery in Delaware, of the need for fresh revenue sources. ?The world is going to be in cyberspace. You need to get out there.?
But convenience stores and other retailers count on lottery sales to bring in traffic, with lottery customers spending $10.35 in purchases on average, compared with $6.29 for a non-lottery shopper, according to NACS.
?The retailers are very important to us,? said Gordon Medenica, New York?s lottery director. ?We need to make sure that if we move forward it will not hurt their business.?
Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: April 27, 2012
Mom: System failed raped daughter
The mother of a South African girl seen gang-raped in a cellphone video slammed authorities for neglecting to protect her mentally disabled daughter when she was raped before.
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Mom: System failed raped daughter
The mother of a South African girl seen gang-raped in a cellphone video slammed authorities for neglecting to protect her mentally disabled daughter when she was raped before.
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