събота, 30 юни 2012 г.
Italy boss says Spain favourites
World's oceans are 'plasticized'
VIDEO: What's wrong with Murray's shorts?
Endurance swimmer halfway to Florida Keys
ND0626124
WASHINGTON ? According to a new Associated Press-GfK poll, one-quarter of U.S. voters are undecided and ?persuadable? in the November presidential election and will ?have a big say in determining who wins the White House.?
Until then, Obama and Romney are expected to spend a great deal of time and money trying to win their votes, especially in swing states. The key will be courting wavering voters without alienating core supporters.
"It presents an interesting challenge to the campaigns," said Steve McMahon, a partner in Purple Strategies, a bipartisan crisis management firm. "Moving to the middle means winning these voters, but it also means creating problems with your base."
The poll found that among registered voters, 47% said they would vote for Obama and 44% for Romney, a margin that is considered statistically insignificant.
However, those totals include ?soft support,? or those who could change their minds before the election. The poll showed that these persuadable voters are equally likely to vote for Obama or Romney (or neither).
Demographically, the group includes those more likely to be members of Generation X (30 to 49 years old), with 71% not college graduates. They are also likely to have lower incomes than all registered voters.
Mutinous police, Bolivia reach deal
Serena rallies to win epic match
VIDEO: Wimbledon: Venus - and cameraman - fall
ND0628126
PORTLAND ? The Oregon Brewers Guild (OBG) announced earlier this week that the state?s craft brewers produced 1,168,000 barrels of beer in 2011, a 7.5% lift from 2010, The Oregonian reports.
Additionally, despite a weak economy in Oregon, the state?s brewers added 600 jobs last year and employed 5,500 people directly.
"Increasing production by 7.5% simply means more jobs," said Brian Butenschoen, Executive Director of the Oregon Brewers Guild. "When an increased number of Oregonians choose Oregon beer over other options, we need more farmers to grow hops and barley, brewers buy more equipment, open breweries, and hire new employees."
Oregon is home to more than 100 brewing companies that generated in-state sales of roughly $270 million. In total, the state?s craft brewing industry contributes $2.44 billion to the state?s economy and employs 25,000 people directly and indirectly.
Oregonians demonstrate a strong loyalty to state-produced beer, with nearly 16% of all of the beer consumed in the stated made in Oregon. The figure jumps to 42.8% for all draft beer consumed in the state.
"In Oregon, craft beer has been the largest beer category for the last 20 months - a first in U.S. history ? and Oregon continues to lead the country in the percentage of dollars spent on craft beer,? Butenschoen said. ?[F]or the week ending 12/25/11, 40% of dollars spent on beer in local supermarkets was on craft beer, and that's also a first in U.S. history."
Reaction to Rosol?s shock win over Nadal
VIDEO: Pirlo's audacious penalty kick
NASA Awards Five Universities Funding For Learning Opportunities
VIDEO: Hoddle's England exit World Cup 1998
Cilic wins second longest match
Archer Williamson notches six in a row
ND0626124
WASHINGTON ? According to a new Associated Press-GfK poll, one-quarter of U.S. voters are undecided and ?persuadable? in the November presidential election and will ?have a big say in determining who wins the White House.?
Until then, Obama and Romney are expected to spend a great deal of time and money trying to win their votes, especially in swing states. The key will be courting wavering voters without alienating core supporters.
"It presents an interesting challenge to the campaigns," said Steve McMahon, a partner in Purple Strategies, a bipartisan crisis management firm. "Moving to the middle means winning these voters, but it also means creating problems with your base."
The poll found that among registered voters, 47% said they would vote for Obama and 44% for Romney, a margin that is considered statistically insignificant.
However, those totals include ?soft support,? or those who could change their minds before the election. The poll showed that these persuadable voters are equally likely to vote for Obama or Romney (or neither).
Demographically, the group includes those more likely to be members of Generation X (30 to 49 years old), with 71% not college graduates. They are also likely to have lower incomes than all registered voters.
Secrets of basketball diplomacy
Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa
Burned baby girl gets new skin
Fidel Castro likes ... yoga?
China's giant, quiet step in space
Baseball star Clemens cleared of perjury
VIDEO: What Wimbledon means to Murray?
The magic of Monaco
Karlovic 'cheated' by officials
Mutinous police, Bolivia reach deal
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
GB women given 2012 tennis places
England v Italy photo gallery
Tottenham's Bale to miss Olympics
ND0622123
SEATTLE ? Come fall, Starbucks is hoping to do for tea what its coffee shops did for coffee: elevate tea drinking to a new level when it opens its first Tazo tea shop, Huffington Post reports.
The Tazo tea shop will be located near its Seattle headquarters. Customers will be able to mix their own teas from more than 80 loose-leaf varieties at a tea bar with the assistance of a ?tea partner.? The shop will also sell tea lattes, iced tea, packaged chocolates, honeys and infused sugars. Food and pastries, similar to Starbucks stores, will be available as well, although sans the ?green dot? Starbucks logo.
Recently, the coffee chain has expressed interest in expanding beyond coffee. In March, the company opened its first Evolution Fresh juice store in Belleview, Washington. In April, the company also launched its own line of energy drinks called Starbucks Refreshers. Plus, Starbucks will begin offering a branded single-cup coffee machine this fall for brewing coffee drinks, like lattes, at home.
While Starbucks hasn?t mentioned any plans for more Tazo tea shops, but the company has said Tazo is a $1.4 billion brand and it has plans for growing it. Starbucks currently has 17,000 cafes around the globe.
NASA Hurricane Updates on Twitter
Check NASA's Hurricane Twitter feed for a daily behind the scenes look at storms in the tropics.
A historic handshake
S. Korea, Japan put pact on hold
Antrim crash out of Leinster SHC
ND0628124
DALLAS ? 7-Eleven announced earlier this week the relaunch of its Operation Chill community relations program, whereby the convenience store chain distributes ?Free Slurpee? coupons to local police who then reward children they observe behaving well.
This year, 7-Eleven will distribute coupons to more than 600 agencies across the country as part of its award-winning program that was first introduced 17 years ago.
"Uniformed police officers can be intimidating to many kids," said Mark Stinde, 7-Eleven's vice president of asset protection. "Recognizing good behavior helps build positive relationships between local law enforcement agencies and young people and encourages good behavior with a favorite summertime treat."
As part of the program, police officers from participating precincts ?ticket? youngsters with free Slurpee coupons whom they catch performing acts of kindness or good deeds . ?Offenses? might include wearing a bicycle helmet while riding or skateboarding or participating in a police athletic league. Each coupon is redeemable for a small Slurpee drink at participating stores.
"Every year, we use Operation Chill coupons at school bus stops because they are great at bridging the gap in communications with kids," said Sgt. Jerry A. MacDonald of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept.'s Convention Center Area Command. "The coupons go a long way in turning around negative perceptions of policing and police officers and build relationships that help stop crime and improve the quality of life in the community."
Since the program began in 1995, more than 11 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed.
"Operation Chill continues to be a summer program that both kids and officers eagerly anticipate each year," Stinde said. "What kid doesn't love a free Slurpee drink? And having a reason to approach youngsters in a non-authoritative role gives police officers an opportunity to build long-term positive connections in the community."
A historic handshake
ND0627123
?OLYMPIA, WA ? Days after a bill to increase the tax collected on roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes failed to gain ground in New York, a Washington state judge blocked the collection of taxes on RYO cigarettes, The Seattle Times reports.
Citing an initiative that makes it difficult for lawmakers to raise taxes, a Franklin County Superior Judge granted a preliminary injunction, ruling the upcoming tax (July 1) violated a voter-approved initiative that requires two-thirds of lawmakers to support a tax increase.
Earlier this year, the Washington Legislature voted for RYO cigarette stores to collect a 15-cents-per-cigarette tax, the same tax levied on packaged cigarettes. Explaining their vote, lawmakers said they were enforcing an existing tax (that the stores were trying to avoid taxes) and not creating a new one.
While two-thirds of state House members approved the increase, only 27 of 49 senators approved the change ?�far short of the two-thirds requirement.
?It is gratifying to see that the Washington courts have stepped in to protect the constitutional rights of small business owners and customers," said Chris Weiss, lead attorney for RYO Machine.
State officials said they are considering appealing the decision.
ND0626122
ALBANY, NY ? A New York bill that sought to tax loose tobacco rolled in stores the same as cigarettes died in a state Senate committee last week, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The bill had already passed the state?s Assembly and received the support of Governor Cuomo, cigarette manufacturers, and the American Cancer Society ? a potent alliance that some speculate was defeated by the work of a skillful lobbyist.
"It's impossible for us to know everything that happened, but apparently one company with a $10,000-a-month lobbyist was able to block a bill that would stop tax evasion, prevent residential fires and encourage smokers to quit," said Russ Sciandra, state director of advocacy for the American Cancer Society.
According to the WSJ, that lobbyist was former U.S. Senator Alfonse D?Amato (R-NY), whose firm, D?Amato?s Park Strategies was hired by RYO Filling Station, aka Roll Your Own Machine ? at a fee of $10,000 a month.
While the Senate defeat is a win for RYO, the company is not at ease as the bill might resurface in a November session. "We're breathing a little easier but by no means is the fight over," said Bea Gonzalez, spokeswoman for the RYO company.
This year, more than two dozen states have introduced legislation to reclassify stores that offer RYO facilities as manufacturers, thus leveling the products? taxes with cigarettes.
The disparity is significant in New York: RYO cigarettes in some cases cost less than $38 per carton, versus $125 in New York City. As such, it has fueled a stiff fight from the tobacco industry.
"This is a very significant growing subset of the industry," said David Sutton, senior manager of media affairs at Altria Client Services, parent company for Philip Morris USA.
"This is clearly a loophole that's being exploited," he said.
Foster completes West Brom move
England v Italy photo gallery
Tributes after deadly rally crash
Wasted food becomes beautiful
VIDEO: Wimbledon: Venus - and cameraman - fall
Baseball star Clemens cleared of perjury
петък, 29 юни 2012 г.
Forest close in on takeover deal
Corluka set for Lokomotiv Moscow
VIDEO: Rosol on 'miracle' win over Nadal
ND0626125
NEW YORK ? Consumers have been pocketing the savings as gas prices fall rather than spending it, the Associated Press reports.
Typically, lower gasoline prices have been a bright spot for consumers during a sluggish economy, but retail sales stalled in April and May while gas prices have dipped.
The average price of regular gas fell to $3.53 a gallon for the week ending June 18, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, off 10% from the year?s peak of $3.94, recorded in early April. It was the 11th consecutive week of declines.
Despite the downward trend, spending on restaurants, building materials, recorded music, and even gasoline has fallen.
Some economists said consumers are anxious about a weak job market as well as debt troubles in Europe, which has limited hiring and income growth.
"Lower gas prices will certainly help, but it's a pretty bleak situation to begin with," said Mark Vitner, senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities. "The more uncertain people are, the less likely they are to spend, and the more likely they are to put additional purchasing power into savings."
According to the Energy Information Administration, a 10-cent drop in gas prices can lead to a 0.1% rise in disposable income. However, to date, lower prices have fueled an increase in consumer confidence.
A report measuring consumer sentiment released earlier this month from the University of Michigan and Thomson-Reuters revealed a decrease for the first time in 10 month.
According to Vitner, gas prices may have less influence than job creation on consumer spending. Earlier this year, despite rising gas prices, consumer spending increased when the job market appeared to swing upward. However, the job market is again weakening, he said.
"I am not sure [lower energy prices] will drive the economic recovery," said Kay Smith, a senior economist at the EIA. "There is enough economic uncertainty concerning the employment situation."
Dean Maki, an economist at Barclays Capital, said lower fuel prices should eventually boost spending as consumers adjust. Prices for food, drugs, and gas fell in May from the prior month for the first time in two years. "The bulk of the response by consumers to that drop is ahead of us," Mr. Maki said.
Selected quotes from day five
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Green submits Gers plans to SFA
Mutinous police, Bolivia reach deal
ND0626125
NEW YORK ? Consumers have been pocketing the savings as gas prices fall rather than spending it, the Associated Press reports.
Typically, lower gasoline prices have been a bright spot for consumers during a sluggish economy, but retail sales stalled in April and May while gas prices have dipped.
The average price of regular gas fell to $3.53 a gallon for the week ending June 18, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, off 10% from the year?s peak of $3.94, recorded in early April. It was the 11th consecutive week of declines.
Despite the downward trend, spending on restaurants, building materials, recorded music, and even gasoline has fallen.
Some economists said consumers are anxious about a weak job market as well as debt troubles in Europe, which has limited hiring and income growth.
"Lower gas prices will certainly help, but it's a pretty bleak situation to begin with," said Mark Vitner, senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities. "The more uncertain people are, the less likely they are to spend, and the more likely they are to put additional purchasing power into savings."
According to the Energy Information Administration, a 10-cent drop in gas prices can lead to a 0.1% rise in disposable income. However, to date, lower prices have fueled an increase in consumer confidence.
A report measuring consumer sentiment released earlier this month from the University of Michigan and Thomson-Reuters revealed a decrease for the first time in 10 month.
According to Vitner, gas prices may have less influence than job creation on consumer spending. Earlier this year, despite rising gas prices, consumer spending increased when the job market appeared to swing upward. However, the job market is again weakening, he said.
"I am not sure [lower energy prices] will drive the economic recovery," said Kay Smith, a senior economist at the EIA. "There is enough economic uncertainty concerning the employment situation."
Dean Maki, an economist at Barclays Capital, said lower fuel prices should eventually boost spending as consumers adjust. Prices for food, drugs, and gas fell in May from the prior month for the first time in two years. "The bulk of the response by consumers to that drop is ahead of us," Mr. Maki said.
ND0626125
NEW YORK ? Consumers have been pocketing the savings as gas prices fall rather than spending it, the Associated Press reports.
Typically, lower gasoline prices have been a bright spot for consumers during a sluggish economy, but retail sales stalled in April and May while gas prices have dipped.
The average price of regular gas fell to $3.53 a gallon for the week ending June 18, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, off 10% from the year?s peak of $3.94, recorded in early April. It was the 11th consecutive week of declines.
Despite the downward trend, spending on restaurants, building materials, recorded music, and even gasoline has fallen.
Some economists said consumers are anxious about a weak job market as well as debt troubles in Europe, which has limited hiring and income growth.
"Lower gas prices will certainly help, but it's a pretty bleak situation to begin with," said Mark Vitner, senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities. "The more uncertain people are, the less likely they are to spend, and the more likely they are to put additional purchasing power into savings."
According to the Energy Information Administration, a 10-cent drop in gas prices can lead to a 0.1% rise in disposable income. However, to date, lower prices have fueled an increase in consumer confidence.
A report measuring consumer sentiment released earlier this month from the University of Michigan and Thomson-Reuters revealed a decrease for the first time in 10 month.
According to Vitner, gas prices may have less influence than job creation on consumer spending. Earlier this year, despite rising gas prices, consumer spending increased when the job market appeared to swing upward. However, the job market is again weakening, he said.
"I am not sure [lower energy prices] will drive the economic recovery," said Kay Smith, a senior economist at the EIA. "There is enough economic uncertainty concerning the employment situation."
Dean Maki, an economist at Barclays Capital, said lower fuel prices should eventually boost spending as consumers adjust. Prices for food, drugs, and gas fell in May from the prior month for the first time in two years. "The bulk of the response by consumers to that drop is ahead of us," Mr. Maki said.
Derry City 0-3 Drogheda Utd
Archer Williamson notches six in a row
Wasted food becomes beautiful
ND0622124
ATLANTA ? Coca-Cola is adding dairy to its line of beverages with the distribution agreement with Core Power, a high-protein milkshake, the Wall Street Journal reports. Core Power is marketed as a workout recovery beverage for athletes and those who like to exercise.
Coke will begin delivering the milkshake next month to stores in a few states. The distribution pact comes after PepsiCo started a bigger campaign for its Gatorade sports drink line. PepsiCo will also debut a yogurt brand in this country sometime over the summer.
Coke will stock Core Power in 10,000 convenience, grocery and other stores by the fall, up from the drink?s 600 locations right now, said Stephen Jones, CEO of Fair Oaks Farms Brands Inc., which owns Core Power. Core Power has a milk-and-honey shake, similar to CytoSport?s Muscle Milk and Abbott Laboratories? EAS Myoplex. These high-protein shakes are made to restore muscles and strength after exercise.
?This new brand is part of an exciting category for consumers and retailers that is still in the early stage of its growth potential,? said Deryck van Rensburg, president of Coke's North America Venturing and Emerging Brands unit.
Coke has been looking to expand its beverage line, especially in the sports-drink market because Powerade has not as many line extensions as competitor Gatorade. Coke has sold dairy products overseas but not in the United States. The company also is experimenting with lower-calorie versions, such as Sprite Select.
Swimmer faces sharks, 103 miles
Remembering football's Death Match
NASA Administrator Bolden Views Historic SpaceX Dragon Capsule
NASA Astronaut Available for Interviews Before Station Flight
VIDEO: Beckham's England highs and lows
Rodwell wanted Beckham in squad
ND0623122
WASHINGTON ? On June 12, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization, classified diesel engine exhaust as a carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). This designation could affect businesses within the transportation, mining, manufacturing and construction industries.
According to a statement, the IARC claims that large populations are exposed to diesel exhaust through their occupation or through ambient air. People are exposed not only to motor vehicle exhausts but also to exhausts from other diesel engines, including from other modes of transport (e.g. diesel trains and ships) and from power generators.
With some 225,000 new diagnoses of cancer of the lung and bronchus in the United States annually, this designation could spur new litigation. To learn more, join Steptoe & Johnson LLP, NACS legal counsel, for a complimentary webinar to put this development into perspective.
Date: Tuesday, July 10
Time: 9:30-10:30 am PDT/12:30-1:30 pm EDT
Register: http://www.steptoe.com/news-events-2064.html
Topics of discussion include:
- The scientific evidence supporting and opposing this designation
- The IARC?s decision-making process
- Likely reactions to the new designation by EPA and OSHA
- The effect of this designation on the defense of diesel exhaust cancer claims
Featured speakers:
- Brent Kerger, Ph.D., DABT, Senior Principal Health Scientist, Chemrisk LLC
- Lawrence P. Riff, Practice Group Leader, Mass, Toxic and Environmental Torts Practice, Steptoe & Johnson LLP
- Moderator Jennifer Quinn-Barabanov, Partner, Mass, Toxic and Environmental Torts Practice, Steptoe & Johnson LLP
For more information, or if you are unable to participate in the live webinar but would like to receive a link to the recording, email events@steptoe.com.
A tech festival with no internet
ND0623122
WASHINGTON ? On June 12, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization, classified diesel engine exhaust as a carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). This designation could affect businesses within the transportation, mining, manufacturing and construction industries.
According to a statement, the IARC claims that large populations are exposed to diesel exhaust through their occupation or through ambient air. People are exposed not only to motor vehicle exhausts but also to exhausts from other diesel engines, including from other modes of transport (e.g. diesel trains and ships) and from power generators.
With some 225,000 new diagnoses of cancer of the lung and bronchus in the United States annually, this designation could spur new litigation. To learn more, join Steptoe & Johnson LLP, NACS legal counsel, for a complimentary webinar to put this development into perspective.
Date: Tuesday, July 10
Time: 9:30-10:30 am PDT/12:30-1:30 pm EDT
Register: http://www.steptoe.com/news-events-2064.html
Topics of discussion include:
- The scientific evidence supporting and opposing this designation
- The IARC?s decision-making process
- Likely reactions to the new designation by EPA and OSHA
- The effect of this designation on the defense of diesel exhaust cancer claims
Featured speakers:
- Brent Kerger, Ph.D., DABT, Senior Principal Health Scientist, Chemrisk LLC
- Lawrence P. Riff, Practice Group Leader, Mass, Toxic and Environmental Torts Practice, Steptoe & Johnson LLP
- Moderator Jennifer Quinn-Barabanov, Partner, Mass, Toxic and Environmental Torts Practice, Steptoe & Johnson LLP
For more information, or if you are unable to participate in the live webinar but would like to receive a link to the recording, email events@steptoe.com.
Fidel Castro likes ... yoga?
A father of 20
Opinion: Egypt's Islamists have much to prove on women's rights
13 years old and taking care of mom
ND0623123
DALLAS ? Cox Petrol launched coxpetrol.com last week to showcase its new brand of independent gasoline and gasoline stations in Texas.
Featuring the tag line "Evolving the Fueling Experience," the new website depicts Cox Petrol?s mission to make the gasoline-buying experience better for both customers and independent gas station owners, according to Michael Cox, vice president of sales for the brand.
?We've designed the website to be as customer-friendly as our gasoline service stations,? Cox said. ?For consumers, buying gasoline is at best a chore that is often aggravated by fuel pumps and premises that are dirty and littered,? he explained. ?At Cox, we're making the gas buying experience pleasurable with an approach that reveals the pride we have in our product and the focus we have on our customers.?
The website explains some of the aggressive operational and marketing plans that the company says will change the pump experience and help station owners increase sales and profits.
Two of the new programs that are being implemented under the new Cox Petrol fueling concept are Fender Vendor and Cox Fuel Friends. Fender Vendor allows customers to purchase sodas at the fuel pump while they are filling up their cars and pay for all of their purchases with one swipe of their credit card. "You never even need to take young children out of their car seat," Cox explained. Cox Fuel Friends is a frequent buyer program that allows customers to earn cents-per-gallon off on future purchases. Both Cox Fuel Friends and Fender Vendor will be available during the next 60 days.
The site also is home to the "Tank Talk Blog," which will regularly update readers on store promotions and offer unique insights on topics such as gasoline prices, driving vacation ideas and how-to-do-it-better tips to keep in mind, from road trips and tailgate parties to nutrition on the road and fuel efficiency.
Cox Petrol can be found at the four Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q locations in the Metroplex in Frisco, Allen, Denton and Arlington and are the first of some 30 stations, which the company plans to convert to its brand during the next 16 months. (NACS featured Rudy?s in the 2010 ?Ideas 2 Go? DVD.)
ND0628122
WASHINGTON ? The House Financial Services Committee approved yesterday legislation that eliminates a redundant fee disclosure requirement on ATMs.
The current law requires transaction fees to be referenced on an on-screen notice as well as on a sticker or sign attached to the ATM. Controversy arose as vandals have removed stickers and signs and later sued the ATM operator for violating the law.
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), who introduced the bill along with David Scott, said that in his home state, one man visited five ATMs and threatened to sue over missing fee-disclosure stickers, and settled the cases for more than $100,000.
"And apparently it's been going on throughout the country," said Luetkemeyer, who sponsored the House legislation. "Everybody realizes this is a situation that's got to be fixed."
Committee Chairman Spencer Bachus agreed. ?Repealing this outdated and unnecessary duplicative requirement would cause no harm to consumers. They would still be notified on the ATM screen of any fees and still have the ability to decline those fees and terminate the transaction. However, failing to stem the tide of these baseless lawsuits could threaten consumers? access to ATMs, especially in rural areas and locations that are prone to this vandalism,? he said.
NACS is part of a coalition supporting revision of the ATM signage requirement. Last week, it sent a letter to the committee urging immediate passage of the bipartisan bill, H.R. 4367 in the House of Representatives and S. 3204 in the Senate.
The House committee passed the bill eight days later.
ND0623128
CHICAGO ? As the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, BP Products North America Inc., the exclusive energy partner of Team USA through 2016, is giving Washington, D.C., consumers an opportunity to step into the shoes of Team USA hopefuls at an upcoming BP Team USA Experience event.
BP?s Team USA Experience is a free event, open to the public, and will take place at Union Station on Tuesday, June 26 from 7 am to 2 pm. The event will provide an opportunity for area residents to participate in simulated Olympic and Paralympic sports including a 10-meter sprint, wheelchair race, shot put and discus. Consumers will also learn about the benefits of BP gasoline with Invigorate. Team USA athlete Chris Waddell, 13-time Paralympic medalist and the most decorated male mono-skier in Paralympic history, will be at the event to share his story and sign autographs.
To fuel the spirit of BP?s sponsorship of Team USA, Baltimore BP marketer, Carroll Independent Fuels and Washington, D.C., BP marketer Petroleum Marketing Group, have teamed up with two local Paralympic Sport Clubs to help build awareness of the benefits of recreational and competitive sports for youth and adults with physical disabilities. BP and local BP marketers will present a $15,000 grant donation at the event to Paralympic Sport Washington, D.C., a program of MedStar National Rehabilitation Network and Paralympic Sport Club Mid-Atlantic, a program of Baltimore Adapted Recreation and Sports. The donation, made possible through the BP Fueling Communities grant program, will help fund the sport activities available at the clubs, such as wheelchair basketball and cycling.
?On behalf of Carroll Independent Fuels and Petroleum Marketing Group, this donation is part of our shared commitment to make a positive impact in the communities where we do business and help raise awareness about the opportunities made available through the U.S. Paralympic Team and these important community-based clubs,? said John Phelps, president of Carroll Independent Fuels.
Baltimore and Washington area residents can also participate in a fundraising effort for the local Paralympic Sport Clubs by purchasing a window cling for $1 at the BP Team USA Experience event on Tuesday. Additionally, U.S. Paralympic bracelets will be available for purchase at participating BP sites throughout the month of August. All proceeds will go to Paralympic Sport Washington, D.C. and Paralympic Sport Club Mid-Atlantic.
?BP?s sponsorship of the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams inspired us to show our support and commitment to our local Paralympic Sport Clubs and help fuel the future of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. athletes with physical disabilities,? said Hossein Ejtemai, president of Petroleum Marketing Group.
The BP Fueling Communities program provides grants to local organizations that are nominated by BP?s Branded Marketers to support the communities in which they do business. Fueling Communities helps spread charity and goodwill by giving back to local organizations that support health, education, youth, food and housing. For more information about BP?s sponsorship of Team USA, visit bpusathletes.com.
A tech festival with no internet
четвъртък, 28 юни 2012 г.
Two men arrested in London terror probe
Euro 2012 analysis: Fabregas denies Ronaldo the last kick
'I can't believe I'm playing at the Olympics'
A father of 20
Defeats for Wozniacki and Stosur
Euro 2012 analysis: Fabregas denies Ronaldo the last kick
ND0626122
ALBANY, NY ? A New York bill that sought to tax loose tobacco rolled in stores the same as cigarettes died in a state Senate committee last week, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The bill had already passed the state?s Assembly and received the support of Governor Cuomo, cigarette manufacturers, and the American Cancer Society ? a potent alliance that some speculate was defeated by the work of a skillful lobbyist.
"It's impossible for us to know everything that happened, but apparently one company with a $10,000-a-month lobbyist was able to block a bill that would stop tax evasion, prevent residential fires and encourage smokers to quit," said Russ Sciandra, state director of advocacy for the American Cancer Society.
According to the WSJ, that lobbyist was former U.S. Senator Alfonse D?Amato (R-NY), whose firm, D?Amato?s Park Strategies was hired by RYO Filling Station, aka Roll Your Own Machine ? at a fee of $10,000 a month.
While the Senate defeat is a win for RYO, the company is not at ease as the bill might resurface in a November session. "We're breathing a little easier but by no means is the fight over," said Bea Gonzalez, spokeswoman for the RYO company.
This year, more than two dozen states have introduced legislation to reclassify stores that offer RYO facilities as manufacturers, thus leveling the products? taxes with cigarettes.
The disparity is significant in New York: RYO cigarettes in some cases cost less than $38 per carton, versus $125 in New York City. As such, it has fueled a stiff fight from the tobacco industry.
"This is a very significant growing subset of the industry," said David Sutton, senior manager of media affairs at Altria Client Services, parent company for Philip Morris USA.
"This is clearly a loophole that's being exploited," he said.
Portugal's penalty plan backfires
Bale signs new Tottenham contract
Bieber-hating mom takes over @Sweden
Archer Williamson notches six in a row
Ecclestone: Deal agreed
ND0627126
HOUSTON ? On average, Hispanics visit convenience stores more frequently on a monthly basis compared to non-Hispanics, according to a new report by The NPD Group.
The report, The Hispanic Convenience Store Shopper, reveals that Hispanics overall made almost two more visits a month than non-Hispanics to major oil chain c-stores, and nearly one more visit over a 30-day period to traditional c-stores than non-Hispanics.
Among Hispanic shoppers, the higher visits frequency was largely attributed to Spanish-dominant shoppers (Including bi-lingual and Spanish-only speakers), according to the report, which examines the typical c-store shopping behavior of Hispanics by level of acculturation and how it compares to non-Hispanics. English-dominant Hispanic shoppers were more comparable to non-Hispanics. Hispanics on average also spent more at c-stores than non-Hispanics with spending levels among Hispanics increasing as acculturation level decreases.
Like non-Hispanics, convenience is the primary reason three out of four Hispanics select a c-store, and ten percent of Hispanics select a c-store because a Spanish-speaking employee is available to them. The availability of motor fuel is of more importance to Spanish-dominant Hispanics than English-dominant Hispanics when it comes to store choice. In addition to higher frequency and spending levels, The Hispanic Convenience Store Shopper report findings also illustrate that Spanish speakers tend to buy a larger variety of items than more acculturated Hispanics.
?Hispanics are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, and an important segment for the c-store channel,? said David Portalatin, NPD?s c-store industry analyst and frequent NACS State of the Industry Summit and NACS Show speaker. ?As this report reveals, Hispanics share a common language but they are not homogenous. The key to attracting Hispanics is to understand their shopping behaviors, product purchase, brand preference, and reasons for selecting retailers as a population segment and by level of acculturation
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ND0620125
NEW YORK ? The growth of the quick-service restaurant (QSR) or fast-food sector in the United States has been rising steadily, reports a new study by Rabobank?s global Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group. In particular, the category has found success in weathering economic downturns, managing input costs and responding to changing consumer tastes.
In the report, Rabobank analyst Nicholas Fereday predicts that restaurants will continue to take an increasing slice of the U.S. consumer food dollar, with leading QSRs being the particular beneficiaries of consumers' growing preference for eating out versus at home.
Overall, the U.S. restaurant industry has an excellent track record of riding out the highs and lows of the business cycle and taking a growing slice of the consumer food dollar. Rabobank predicts the growth of spending on food away from home will continue to outpace spending on food at home and, by 2018, will exceed spending on food at home for the first time.
Although there was a temporary emphasis on eating more at home during the 2007-2009 recession, that proved to be a blip. Contrary to some views, Rabobank believes that the United States has not reached a turning point in consumer habits or a move back to thrifty habits and home cooking. In fact, it would take a cultural sea change to completely reverse consumer behavior and preference for dining out.
Adept at maintaining brand relevance, the QSR sector will capture most of the gain in spending on food away from home. QSRs have adopted a number of winning strategies to either sustain their growth over the long term or to successfully navigate through the current recession and macroeconomic uncertainty.
Many QSRs have introduced new summer menu items to invigorate sales.
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ND0623127
WHEELING, WV ? Tri-State Petroleum Corporation, a family-owned convenience store operator and wholesale distributor of motor fuels in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, announced a new brand relationship with Marathon Petroleum Company (MPC). MPC will be supplying branded fuel to all of Tri-State Petroleum?s convenience store locations. Tri-State Petroleum customers can expect to see MPC?s name and logo on the canopies and street signs at these locations in the coming weeks and months.
?At Tri-State Petroleum we have always valued the strong relationships we?ve forged with vendors, suppliers and other business partners,? said Colleen C. McGlinn, CEO of Tri-State Petroleum. ?That?s why we?re so pleased to announce a new brand relationship with Marathon Petroleum Company. Partnering with MPC will enable us to offer many benefits to our customers, including quality fuel, competitive fuel prices and new customer loyalty programs.?
?This new partnership with Marathon Petroleum Company is just one of many positive changes on the horizon for Tri-State Petroleum this year that will enhance our brand and our customers? experience,? added McGlinn.
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TORONTO ? ?Would you like oral cancer with those cigarettes?? is just one of 16 new graphic messages that began appearing on tobacco products throughout Canada earlier this week, the Toronto Star reports.
Approved last September, the law requires that the labels cover 75% of each cigarette pack and cigar box, an effort to curb smoking
?Today we?ve fulfilled our promise to put new, larger health warnings on cigarette and little cigar packages across Canada,? said Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq earlier this week. ?This initiative continues our efforts to inform Canadians ? especially young people ? about the health hazards of smoking.?
The graphic labels depict a number of scenarios, including cancerous mouths, tongues covered in white splotches, and a frail and emaciated Barb Tarbox, a prominent Canadian anti-smoking advocate who died of lung cancer. Her package reads: ?This is what dying of lung cancer looks like.?
Imperial Tobacco Canada challenged the law earlier this year on constitutional grounds, maintaining the labels violate the company?s Charter rights to freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression.
?Does anyone seriously believe that Canadians don?t already know the risk of smoking?? asked Vice President of Corporate Affairs John Clayton in a statement released at the time. ?Increasing the size of the warning from 50% to 75% will not lead to any measurable change to public awareness.?
