вторник, 9 октомври 2012 г.
Frankfurt thrives despite curfew
Despite a night ban on flights, new taxiways as well as construction work on the brand new third terminal takes place.
ND1005127
Title: Coffee and a Movie?
Description: Coinstar is testing Rubi, a self-serve kiosk that dispenses lattes and fresh-ground coffee.
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BELLVUE, Wash. ? Want hot coffee to go with your movie? Soon, you might be able to order a cup while you grab a DVD from Redbox, Bloomberg Business Week reports. Coinstar has started a pilot program with Rubi, a box that grinds Seattle?s Best coffee beans and brews a fresh cup of Joe in a minute.
The company has its eye on the $28.5 billion out-of-the-home coffee market, with an agenda to make inroads into the premium market with coffee offered at drugstores and big-box retailers. ?The coffee market is enormous,? said Ken Redding, general manager for Rubi. ?The market is very much about convenience and desire. We?ve built a platform that can be in arms length of desire.?
The machines will serve around 28 cups daily, with a cup of coffee running $1 to $1.50, and specialty beverages topping out at $2. Those prices will likely appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
Safeway has agreed to host some of the first 50 installations of Rubi. However, none of the stores with Starbucks cafes will have a Rubi. Harris Teeter Supermarkets also is part of the Rubi pilot program.
Coinstar has been working on technology that is similar to a French press for several years. ?American consumers have moved from buying the worst quality in the world to buying among the best coffee in the world,? said Redding, adding that the company might operate up to 15,000 Rubi kiosks one day.
Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: October 5, 2012
Electric 'Formula E' series to launch
Motorsport's ruling body the FIA signs an agreement to launch an electric car series in 2014.
Police arrest 13 in taped killings
Investigators in Nigeria say they have taken 13 people into custody after a mob attacked four students and burned them alive -- killings that were videotaped and posted online.
Road cars with F1 tech
Amanda Davies finds out how Ferrari transfers F1 technology and know-how into road cars.
понеделник, 8 октомври 2012 г.
Lennon salutes tired Celtic team
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is delighted to see his side overcome fatigue to defeat Hearts 1-0 in Glasgow.
ND1001126
Title: Omaha Reconsiders Cigarette Tax
Description: Plans are still underway, but one state senator believes city residents should make the decision whether to raise the cigarette excise tax.
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OMAHA, Neb. ? State Sen. Bob Krist said last week that he is planning to introduce legislation in January that would require a public vote on whether to raise the state?s cigarette tax, calling the current approach by City Council ?a misuse? of the city's authority to levy occupation taxes.
Omaha.com reports that the city should be required to seek voter approval before imposing its proposed cigarette tax to help fund a university cancer center.
?A vote of the people is an important part of our obligation to insure transparency at all levels of our government,? Krist said in a letter to City Council.
State Sen. Abbie Cornett called on the Omaha City Council to make sure its projected revenues from the cigarette tax proposal are accurate. If the projections amount to $6 million a year or more, a new state law requires voter approval before the tax could be enacted. She also noted that the city?s occupation tax on restaurants and bars collected about $8 million more than initially projected, reports the news source.
Instead of initially imposing a 7% local tax on gross sales of cigarettes (based on an average per-pack price of $5.10), the City Council is now considering a 4.5% rate to help pay for a proposed $370 million cancer research and treatment center.
?If they're going to do this (cigarette tax), they better make sure the numbers are right,? Cornett told the news source, adding, ?There's been way too much of a spotlight on the city and its occupation taxes.?
Like Cornett, Krist supports the cancer center project, but he believes that the city should find another way to finance its share. His told the news source that his constituents, including convenience store operators, oppose the cigarette tax increase.
Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: October 1, 2012
NASA Astronaut Kevin Ford Interview Availability Before Space Station Mission
NASA astronaut Kevin Ford of Indiana, making final preparations for an October launch to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Star City, Russia, will be available for live satellite interviews from 5 to 6 a.m. CDT Friday, Oct. 5.
Libya's PM-elect out after no-confidence vote
Libya's General National Congress rejected Prime Minister-elect Mustafa Abushagur's crisis government proposal Sunday.
Djokovic and Azarenka victorious
World number two Novak Djokovic wins his third China Open title, as Victoria Azarenka wins the women's event.
Flame Towers light up Baku
Baku has been a citadel amidst potentially destabilizing forces for centuries, routinely blasted by gale-force winds, seismic activity and positioned near one of the world's largest and most coveted oil reserves.
Tutu wins $1 million prize
A billionaire's foundation announced Thursday a one-off $1 million award to South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu for "his lifelong commitment to speaking truth to power."
Shelvey & Bertrand get call-ups
Jonjo Shelvey and Ryan Bertrand get England call-ups for World Cup qualifiers as Kieran Gibbs withdraws.
ND1004125
Title: Kum & Go to Benefit Toys for Tots
Description: The convenience retailer commits to a minimum $100,000 donation for Toys for Toys, with its ?Drink good. Do good.? campaign continuing through December 7.
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OMAHA, NE ? Kum & Go announced earlier this week the launch of its ?Drink good. Do good.? campaign to help support Toys for Tots.
Now through December 7, Kum & Go will donate 5 cents for every hot beverage purchased at its stores, adding a $1 donation (up to $10,000) each time a customer ?checks in? to a Kum & Go store through foursquare. As part of the campaign, the convenience retailer has pledged a minimum contribution of $100,000 to the foundation that provides toys to underprivileged children during the holidays.
"Whether you need a large black coffee on your way to work or a Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino for an afternoon pick-me-up, every hot beverage purchase you make at Kum & Go this fall will help buy toys and books for underprivileged children during the holidays," said David Miller, Kum & Go senior vice president of marketing.
Last year, Kum & Go raised $164,000 for Toys for Tots. And for the past three years, it raised additional money to help the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
"Finding a present under the tree on Christmas morning is an experience every child deserves," said Bill Grein, vice president, marketing and development of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Kum & Go has done so much to help us bring that joy to children in need. With their pledge of at least $100,000 for our 2012 campaign, we will be able to fulfill the Christmas dreams of over 10,000 children."
Customers can make additional monetary donations to Toys for Tots at Kum & Go stores, which will also serve as toy collection sites during the holiday season.
Last year, Toys for Tots distributed 15.6 million toys, books and gifts to 7.2 million children.
Content Subject: Corporate
Formatted Article Date: October 4, 2012
Helmet cam captures firefight
Ret. Gen. James 'Spider' Marks talks to CNN about helmet cam video of an American soldier's firefight in Afghanistan.
Video shows missing U.S. journalist
A video uploaded to YouTube shows a blindfolded American freelance journalist, in obvious distress, weeks after he was last heard from in Syria.
What CNN saw at Libya consulate
CNN's Arwa Damon describes the scene inside the consulate in Benghazi, Libya after the deadly Sept. 11 attack.
ND1005121
Title: LA Gasoline Stations Experience Fuel Shortages
Description: Squeezed supply has lead to shuttered stations and record-high prices.
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LOS ANGELES ? LA drivers seeking to fill up are in for a shock: sky-high prices and, in some cases, no fuel. A supply shortage has triggered record-high wholesale fuel prices and shuttered pumps, Bloomberg News reports.
One of Chevron Corp.?s oil pipelines had to be shut down in September, while Monday?s power failure at Exxon Mobile Corp.?s Southern California refinery have slashed supplies. Wholesale gasoline in Los Angeles climbed 70 cents this week to reach $1.15 per gallon, the highest level since November 2007. Pump prices soared an average of 8.3 cents to reach $4.315 in California on Wednesday, 53.1 cents above the national average of $3.784.
Retailers all over the area are running out of gas or shutting down because they can?t afford to refill their underground tanks at the current market rate. At the Low-P gasoline station in Calabasas, Calif., the tanks are empty. ?I can get gas, but it?s going to cost me $4.90 a gallon, and I can?t sell it here for $5,? said John Ravi, owner. ?My market is open, but no gas.?
?We?re going to start shutting pumps Friday,? said Quality Auto Repair owner Sam Krikorian. ?Gas is costing me almost $4.75 a gallon with taxes. There?s no sense in staying open. The profit margins are so low it?s not worth it.?
Even Costco has run out of fuel at some locations because of low supplies. The lack of gasoline ?feels like a hurricane to me, but it?s the West Coast,? said Jeff Cole, vice president of gasoline for Coscto. ?We?re obviously extremely disheartened that we are unable to do this, and we?re pulling fuel from all corners of California to fix this.?
The California Independent Oil Marketers Association has requested that the state immediately issue a waiver letting refiners to produce and sell winter-grade fuel, which usually can be sold starting Oct. 31. ?Everybody is concerned about what might happen. ?The real question is: How long is this going to last and what can the state do?? said Jay McKeeman, association spokesman.
?This state?s complex fuel regulations and unique fuel recipe leave us very vulnerable to these situations, especially when inventories are drawn down during summer-to-winter and winter-to-summer fuel blend periods,? McKeeman told NACS Daily. ?Of great concern to us, beyond this situation, is the implementation of CARB?s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Situations like this may become the norm, not the exception, if the LCFS is allowed to move forward.?
Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: October 5, 2012
American Resupply Missions to the Space Station Progressing
Orbital Sciences Corporation Monday rolled the first stage of its Antares rocket to the launch pad of the nation's newest spaceport - the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops Island, Va. - while in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) moves ahead with preparations for an Oct. 7 launch to the International Space Station for NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission.
AC Milan 0-1 Inter Milan
The pressure on AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri increases as his side lose 1-0 at home to 10-man Inter.
Robson rockets into contention
British number one Laura Robson is showing top-10 potential, say Jo Durie and Annabel Croft
Former director banned by Rovers
Bristol Rovers ban former director Kevin Spencer from future matches because of "persistent criticism" of the club and board.
ND1002125
Title: Arby?s Looks to Sheds Fast Food Image
Description: The QSR is revamping its image, hoping to convince diners that it is a destination for fresh food.
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NEW YORK ? Arby?s Restaurant Group Inc. launched a new ad campaign earlier this week that seeks to portray itself as a destination for fresh food, in the hope that it can lure consumers who might otherwise eat at a Subway restaurant, Bloomberg Businessweek reports.
?We see ourselves as a sandwich shop, but we don?t always get credit for that from the consumer,? said Andrew Keller, chief executive officer at Crispin Porter & Bogusky, the agency that developed the campaign.
The campaign targets Arby?s most loyal customers ? the 20% who account for two-thirds of its total transactions, chief marketing officer Russ Klein said. Those customers dine out roughly 50 times a month, with Arby?s comprising six of those visits.
Commensurate with the launch is a plan for Arby?s to add up to one dozen new products, including a hot turkey sandwich (to be released later this month), peppermint milk shake, molten lava cake, and miniature sandwiches.
?Ninety percent of their out-of-home food decisions represent an opportunity for us to garner an extra visit from them because of the expanded variety,? Klein said.
The campaign will also kick off a new logo and packaging and menu boards that will deploy by February, and corporate-owned restaurants will undergo renovations at the end of the year.
Content Subject: Foodservice, Marketing/Merchandising
Formatted Article Date: October 2, 2012
QPR boss Hughes backed by owner
QPR owner Tony Fernandes gives his full support to Mark Hughes, despite the club's poor start to the season.
Lotus
Having competed under the Renault name in 2011, the rebranded Lotus team enter the new season hoping to avoid the off-track issues which blighted their preparations for the last campaign.
Activists: New law gags 'netizens'
A quick tweet or Facebook post could put you behind bars in the Philippines under a new cyber law, according to activists.
Clashes in Bahrain after funeral
Police in Bahrain clashed with mourners at a funeral for a 23-year-old man with sickle cell anemia who died in custody, officials said Tuesday.
Federer shrugs off death threat
Roger Federer feels "very safe" as his security is increased at the Shanghai Masters after a death threat is made.
неделя, 7 октомври 2012 г.
Lawro's Premier League predictions
How did Mark Lawrenson fare after going head-to-head with British cycling supremo Dave Brailsford?
VIDEO: Bathroom break regained focus - Murray
Andy Murray says a bathroom break after the fourth set helped him refocus to beat defending champion Novak Djokovic and win the US Open.
Electric 'Formula E' series to launch
Motorsport's ruling body the FIA signs an agreement to launch an electric car series in 2014.
ND0928125
Title: ?Pizza Theater? Coming to Domino?s
Description: Domino?s Pizza opened its 9,999th store in Carlsbad, California, which features a new restaurant concept.
Page Content:
ANN ARBOR, MI ? Domino's Pizza announced earlier this week the opening of its 9,999th store, a new-image ?Pizza Theater? in Carlsbad, California.
The announcement came just days after the pizza chain launched its new Handmade Pan Pizza, which will be featured at the new store.
The ?Pizza Theater? design features a comfortable lobby, open area for viewing the pizza-making process, in-store seating, optional in-store kiosk ordering and the ability to track carryout orders electronically.
"This is an exciting milestone for all of us here at Domino's Pizza," said�Scott Hinshaw, Domino's executive vice president of franchise operations. "We could not be more proud of the dedication and hard work put in over the past 52 years to get to this point. I believe this new store marks the start of the next chapter in the storied growth of our brand here in the United States."
Content Subject: Corporate
Formatted Article Date: September 28, 2012
Nuclear hypocrisy in Middle East?
Does Israel enjoy a double standard when it comes to nuclear ambitions in the Middle East? CNN's Sara Sidner reports.
ND1004122
Title: Walmart Nixes Prospect of Google Wallet, Isis Participation
Description: Walmart will focus its mobile payment efforts on the Merchant Customer Exchange.
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BENTONVILLE, AR ? Speaking at a mobile payments panel discussion earlier this week, Mike Cook, vice president and assistant treasurer for Walmart, said the retailer would not join Google Wallet, Isis, NFC or Square, Mobile Payments Today reports.
Rather, Cook said Walmart would focus its mobile payments efforts behind the Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX), a merchant-driven mobile payment network.
Cook explained that Walmart is interested in a ?holistic solution? for mobile payments that provides interaction while solving for multiple use cases, something that MCX will provide.
"MCX is more effective," Cook said. "One of the principles of MCX is that we wouldn't just replicate the fraud prone system that's out there today."
Cook also directly rejected the prospect of working with a third-party mobile provider like Google Wallet, saying he didn?t see the value for Walmart.
"Obviously Walmart is interested in partnering," Cook said. "But as of now I'm not sure there's a value-add or synergy there to make it work."
Cook said one of the problems with third-party providers is the relinquishment of consumer data, something Walmart wasn?t willing to do.
"Many of the models out there today are just adding another mouth to feed," he said.
Content Subject: Technology
Formatted Article Date: October 4, 2012
Confession in St. Maarten slayings?
A 28-year-old Jamaican-born man has confessed to his involvement in the stabbing deaths of an American couple on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten, a prosecutor said Wednesday.
What CNN saw at Libya consulate
CNN's Arwa Damon describes the scene inside the consulate in Benghazi, Libya after the deadly Sept. 11 attack.
Villas-Boas explains Friedel call
Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas says the decision to end Brad Friedel's record sequence and play Hugo Lloris was merely "rotation".
AUDIO: Hearts deserved more - McGlynn
Heart of Midlothian manager John McGlynn speaks to BBC Scotland's Chick Young after the 1-0 defeat in the SPL match at Celtic Park and says his team did enough to deserve something out of the game.
ND1002123
Title: Food Profiling: Georgia Food Inspections to Focus on Risk
Description: Stretched resources prompt Georgia food inspectors to focus on risk, not uniform inspection timelines.
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ATLANTA ? A new food inspection system for Georgia would prioritize the scrutiny of food products based on their contamination risk, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reports.
Consumer safety advocates have praised the move, though it highlights a fundamental problem of food inspections: keeping pace with the old goal of one routine inspection every six months.
?We feel like it?s really important because...what you do is put your resources toward where your greatest exposure is, and I think it helps you do a better job,? said Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black.
An audit released this summer found that as of May 2011, the Georgia Department of Agriculture had conducted one inspection every six months for only 51% of the state?s 740 licensed food processing facilities, with the rest having been inspected within the past year or even longer. The results prompted Black?s department to devise a model that focused inspections based on risk.
?The idea is you want to focus your resources on the person preparing the sushi, not the one who has the processed food in a package,? said Doug Farquhar, the program director for environmental health at the National Conference of State Legislatures. ?Georgia is kind of bringing itself up to speed.?
Georgia, like many states, faces a resource issue, despite increasing the number of its inspectors from three to seven since a 2009 salmonella outbreak traced to a Georgia peanut processing plant.
As Georgia food inspectors review facilities, they are assessing a manufacturer?s risk, a review that should be concluded within a year, said Oscar Garrison, director of the food safety division with the state Department of Agriculture.
Garrison said the number of inspections under a risk priority system could vary widely, with a high-risk producer getting a quarterly inspection, and small establishments with unblemished records going two years without seeing an inspector.
Products going to vulnerable populations, including babies and the elderly, would generally receive greater scrutiny than products destined for the general populations, Garrison said, adding that no matter the initial risk determination, a manufacturer could find itself under greater scrutiny if the facility is cited for violations or if testing reveals contamination.
Content Subject: Foodservice
Formatted Article Date: October 2, 2012
Man City left facing uphill struggle
Manchester City have a daunting task if they are to avoid Champions League disappointment for a second successive season
Colombia president has cancer
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced Monday that he has prostate cancer, but described the tumor as "small" and "not aggressive."
Oil: Ties that bind U.S., Venezuela
Recent refinery explosions in Venezuela raise questions about its oil industry. CNN's Rafael Romo reports.
South Korea says U.S. agrees to extend Seoul's ballistic missile range
South Korea announced Sunday that it reached a deal with the United States that allows Seoul to extend the range of its ballistic missiles, a move widely seen as an effort to counter possible threats from North Korea.
Milan boss dismisses crisis talk
AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri dismisses claims his side are in 'crisis' ahead of their derby against Inter on Sunday.
U.S. football heads to India
Delhi Defenders? Mumbai Gladiators? CNN's Ram Ramgopal looks at whether American-style football can catch on in India.
VIDEO: I expected better - O'Neill
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill admits his team were outplayed in their 3-0 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
ND1001125
Title: Tesla Motors Unveils Sun-Charged EV Station
Description: The free Supercharger stations are designed to fully charge Tesla's new Model S sedan in about an hour.
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SAN MATEO, Calif. ? Tesla Motors unveiled the first of six Supercharger stations, which will allow its new Model S sedan to travel long distances with fast charging throughout California, parts of Nevada and Arizona.
The charging technology is already used by the Model S, which enabled Tesla to create the Supercharger device at minimal cost. The electricity used by the Supercharger comes from a solar carport system provided by SolarCity, resulting in almost zero marginal energy costs after installation.
According to Tesla, each solar power system is designed to generate more energy from the sun over the course of a year than is consumed by Tesla vehicles using the Supercharger. This results in a slight net positive transfer of sunlight generated power back to the electricity grid. In addition to lowering the cost of electricity, this addresses a commonly held misunderstanding that charging an electric car simply pushes carbon emissions to the power plant. The Supercharger system generates more power from sunlight than Model S customers use for driving. By adding even a small solar system at their home, electric car owners can extend this same principle to local city driving too.
By 2013, Tesla is planning to install Superchargers in high traffic corridors across the continental United States, enabling electric travel from Vancouver to San Diego, Miami to Montreal and Los Angeles to New York. Tesla will also begin installing Superchargers in Europe and Asia in the second half of 2013.
Tesla says its Supercharger is substantially more powerful than any charging technology to date, providing almost 100 kilowatts of power to the Model S, with the potential to go as high as 120 kilowatts in the future. This can replenish three hours of driving at 60 mph in about half an hour.
?Tesla?s Supercharger network is a game changer for electric vehicles, providing long distance travel that has a level of convenience equivalent to gasoline cars for all practical purposes. However, by making electric long distance travel at no cost, an impossibility for gasoline cars, Tesla is demonstrating just how fundamentally better electric transport can be,? said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO. ?We are giving Model S the ability to drive almost anywhere for free on pure sunlight.?
Tesla unveiled the Model S in June with a base model price tag of $49,900 after a federal tax credit. The Supercharger stations are currently only open to company employees but should open to the public this month.
Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: October 1, 2012
Electric 'Formula E' series to launch
Motorsport's ruling body the FIA signs an agreement to launch an electric car series in 2014.
Dissident Cuban blogger arrested, colleagues say
Dissident Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez was arrested as she traveled to cover the vehicular homicide trial of a Spanish politician for a Spanish newspaper, a human rights activist told CNN.
Milan boss dismisses crisis talk
AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri dismisses claims his side are in 'crisis' ahead of their derby against Inter on Sunday.
събота, 6 октомври 2012 г.
ND1002122
Title: Brookline Considers Plastic Bag, Styrofoam Bans
Description: Two town meetings are scheduled next month to consider the proposals, which would affect take-out packaging and coffee cups.
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BROOKLINE, MA ? Brookline will hold two special town meetings next month to consider bans on the use of disposable polystyrene (or Styrofoam) for take-out food packages and disposable plastic shopping bags, the Boston Globe reports.
Businesses oppose the bans, maintaining the alternatives for Styrofoam cups are unsuitable and banning plastic bags could cost both businesses and consumers more money.
The Styrofoam proposal, initiated by Brookline Town Meeting member Nancy Heller, would affect the packaging for take-out meals at local restaurants as well as coffee cups. ?No more morning joe in Styrofoam cups,? she said.
The ban would affect food and beverages from being packaged on the premises of any Brookline store but would not affect products packaged outside of town. It would take effect December 1, 2013.
The plastic bag ban would require any store that provides check-out bags to customers to use compostable, marine-degradable bags as well as reusable check-out bags and recyclable bags. Violations would incur a $50 fine for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, and a mandatory court appearance for a third offense.
The Brookline Chamber of Commerce is studying the likely impact of the proposals, executive director Harry Robinson said. He expressed initial concern that the compostable bags that would be allowed under the plastic bag ban would add costs to businesses.
Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: October 2, 2012
Video: Syrian rebels vow to kill hostages
Syrian rebels said they will start executing a group of about 48 Shiite pilgrims from Iran if Tehran does not comply with their demands, according to a video posted on YouTube this week.
AUDIO: Judy Murray's delight at Andy's win
Andy Murray's mother Judy says she is 'absolutely delighted' at her son's win and believes he can achieve more in the future.
ND1004124
Title: QSRs Drive U.S. Employment Gain
Description: The foodservice industry expanded payrolls by 2.9% through August, more than double the 1.4% increase in total U.S. employment.
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NEW YORK ? According to data released by the National Restaurant Association, foodservice hiring accounted for nearly 30% of the 96,000 jobs created in August, the 19th consecutive month of growth for the industry, Bloomberg BusinessWeek reports.
The foodservice industry expanded payrolls this year by 2.9% through August, more than double the 1.4% increase in total U.S. employment, according to Labor Department data.
Chains such as Wendy?s and Starbucks are thriving even as total restaurant traffic remains at pre-recession levels. According to NPD Group, Americans ate at restaurants 61 billion times in the 12 months ending July 31, down from 62 billion visits four years ago.
NPD said QSRs are receiving an uptick in business, a result of weak job gains and stagnant wages, which send consumers searching for value.
?Overall, the market?s relatively flat,? NPD analyst Bonnie Riggs said. ?There are segments that are doing well. A lot of that growth is coming within the fast-casual segment and QSR.?
Some analysts see the hiring increase as a move by operators to restore customer service, which was sacrificed during recent cutbacks.
?They?ve all been through the period where they cut too much labor,? said Malcolm Knapp, a New York-based foodservice industry consultant. ?The quality suffered, the experience suffered.? Now, he said, in addition to opening new locations, ?they?re also trying to make sure they serve their guests.?
Wendy?s plans to build 20 restaurants this year and is also revamping its workforce, part of a concerted effort to improve customer service, the company announced earlier this year.
?We understand the importance of our customers receiving a reliable and a predictable experience every time they visit,? said CEO Emil Brolick in August.
Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: October 4, 2012
ND1003122
Title: Kraft Foods Group Spin Off Complete
Description: Yesterday marked company's first day as an independently traded business.
Page Content:
NORTHFIELD, Ill. ? On Oct. 2, Tony Vernon, CEO of Kraft Foods Group, Inc., rang the Opening Bell of the NASDAQ Stock Market and kicked off the new food and beverage company?s first day of trading as an independent company.
?Today is the beginning of a great new company, a totally new Kraft, one with the spirit of a startup and the soul of a powerhouse,? said Vernon. ?We are proud of our rich history and deeply passionate about Kraft?s future. We see this as an opportunity to build something extraordinary, to create a renaissance in the North American food and beverage industry.?
Today?s Kraft is a $19 billion food & beverage company with a portfolio of beloved, iconic brands and an entrepreneurial spirit. Kraft?s success story has been an enduring one thanks to the entrepreneurs and innovators who have made the company what it is today. ?Our strength is in our people,? said Vernon. ?We are 25,000 strong and together we will make the new Kraft.?
Kraft has an array of brands that is unprecedented and its products occupy the shelves of virtually every refrigerator and pantry across this continent. The company continues to make innovation the key driver of customer and consumer delight. Ten of the company?s brands achieved sales of $500 million or more in 2011, while an additional 17 brands posted sales of $100 million or more last year. Approximately 80% of Kraft Foods Group?s revenue comes from categories in which the company holds the number-one or number-two market position.
Content Subject: Marketing/Merchandising
Formatted Article Date: October 3, 2012
Venezuela's vote: What's at stake?
Singing folk songs and strumming the guitar at his campaign rallies, Hugo Chavez shows no sign that he's facing the strongest challenge to his 13-year rule in Venezuela.
Classrooms bear burden in India after violence
On July 21, Abdul Kuddus was resting after a day of teaching his 82 primary school students. He reclined in the shade of his family's home in the Kokrajhar district of Assam, a state in northeast India bordering Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Video shows missing U.S. journalist
A video uploaded to YouTube shows a blindfolded American freelance journalist, in obvious distress, weeks after he was last heard from in Syria.
ND0928122
Title: Banks Fees Rising
Description: A survey from Bankrate.com reveals ATM fees and checking fees have risen to record highs this year.
Page Content:
WASHINGTON ? According to data released earlier this week by Bankrate.com, banks are raising their fees to record highs, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Banks raised the average minimum balance for free checking accounts this year to $723, while checking fees as a whole reached record highs.
The average monthly fee for a checking account that does not pay interest reached a record high $5.48, up 25% from a year ago. Meanwhile, the average monthly fee for an interest-bearing checking account reached $14.75, a 4% increase from 2011 and another record high.
Thirty-nine percent of non-interest bearing checking accounts were free from fees or minimum balance requirements, down from 45% last year and the peak of 76% in 2009.
?Checking accounts that are free on a standalone basis continue to diminish," said Greg McBride, Bankrate.com?s senior financial analyst. "But a free checking account is still within reach of the majority of Americans, whether by getting the fee waived through direct deposit or moving to a bank or credit union that still offers free checking."
The Bankrate.com survey also revealed rising ATM fees, with the average fee charged by a bank to a non-customer reaching $2.50, up 4% this year. It was the eighth consecutive year that average ATM surcharges increased.
At least one bank tried last year to add new monthly fees for debit cards, but stiff consumer resistance prompted it to change course. According to Bankrate?s survey, less than 1% of banks charged a debit card fee this past year.
Content Subject: Finance & Metrics
Formatted Article Date: September 28, 2012
Man City left facing uphill struggle
Manchester City have a daunting task if they are to avoid Champions League disappointment for a second successive season
VIDEO: Wenger cautious over Wilshere return
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he must be "cautious, not crazy" about Jack Wilshere's return to the pitch.
Murray enjoys Japan win on return
Britain's Andy Murray beats Ivo Karlovic at the Japan Open as he returns to action after his US Open win.
VIDEO: Mancini upset by early kick-off
Roberto Mancini is frustrated that his side will kick off against Sunderland at lunch time on Saturday.
Mancini happy with return to form
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini praises his side for their victory over Sunderland following a mixed run of results.
Cole apologises for FA outburst
England and Chelsea's Ashley Cole apologises "unreservedly" for criticising the FA over his evidence in the John Terry case.
ND1005122
Title: Gasoline Stations Still Wary About E15
Description: Retailers remain reluctant to sell the higher-ethanol blend, despite clearance from the EPA and some states to stock it.
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ROCKFORD, Ill. ? The availability of E15 is off to a slow start, and some retailers say it will stay that way, even though ethanol groups are pushing for wider usage, the Wall Street Journal reports. The blend is available at eight stations in Kansas and Iowa, while Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota have said it could be sold there as well.
However, many gasoline stations are adopting a wait-and-see attitude, expressing concerns over the effect E15 would have on older cars. ?"Right now I don't think it opens up that large of a market share,? said R.J. Rymas, director of fuels for the Road Ranger chain. ?I have not seen anybody in any market that I operate in that is planning on doing it.?
With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) only approving E15 for vehicles with a model year of 2001 and later, retailers are worried about consumers accidentally using the wrong fuel. ?All of a sudden now you are putting a product in the ground that may or may not work in some of your consumers' vehicles,? said Bill Walljasper, CFO of Casey?s General Stores. Casey?s will not be offering the fuel anytime soon.
Even some automaker have not embraced E15 for post-2001 models, although Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. have said the fuel could be used for model year 2013 vehicles.
Not all retailers are against the fuel. Scott Zaremba?s Zarco 66 stations in Kansas were the first in the United States to sell E15. ?We have a little bit more control over our destiny? by having another blend not as tied to oil refiners, he said.
In August, the U.S. Appeals Court for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed the challenges brought forth by trade associations representing automakers, refiners and other industries on the EPA?s E15 waiver, saying that the groups did not have a legal right to challenge the EPA decision.
Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: October 5, 2012
Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button
British team McLaren are the third most successful team in Formula One history, with their total of eight constructors' championships only bettered by Williams and Ferrari.
VIDEO: Murray hopes win inspires Brits
Andy Murray hopes his maiden Grand Slam victory at the US Open inspires British youngsters to play tennis.
Bruce included in N Ireland squad
Hull's Alex Bruce is given his first NI call-up after his decision to switch allegiance from the Republic of Ireland.
ND1005124
Title: FJ Management Acquires Majority Interest in Maverik
Description: The deal will bring back together the descendants of the Call family, founders of Flying J Inc.
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ODGEN, Utah ? Yesterday, FJ Management Inc. (FJM), formerly known as Flying J, announced that it is acquiring a majority interest in Maverik, Inc. Nearly 60 years ago, brothers Reuel and Osborne Call formed a partnership to market fuel. The partnership lasted more than a decade until Reuel purchased Osborne?s ownership in the business. Jay Call, Osborne?s son, then founded Flying J Inc.
After 44 years of operating independently, the Osborne and Reuel Call families are once again joining forces in the oil refining, fuel distribution and convenience retailing businesses. Crystal Call Maggelet, daughter of Jay, and Mike and Brad Call, descendants of Val and Larry Call and grandsons of Reuel Call, will join together in a renewed family partnership.
Together, they expect this combination to deliver unique synergies in the marketplace, further the growth of Maverik stores and create many jobs throughout the intermountain west. ?Maverik will continue to aggressively market its high energy, Adventure?s First Stop brand that has created millions of raving fans,? said Mike Call, Maverik CEO.
FJM and Maverik will operate independently with their current respective management teams. ?We are very excited to be back in the convenience store business, especially partnering with an industry leader like Maverik,? said Crystal Maggelet, CEO of FJM.
FJM and Maverik remain committed to all their current customers, suppliers, and employees and look forward to this adventure together. The letter of intent signed by the parties anticipates finalizing documents and closing the transaction by early December this year.
Content Subject: Corporate
Formatted Article Date: October 5, 2012
Flame Towers light up Baku
Baku has been a citadel amidst potentially destabilizing forces for centuries, routinely blasted by gale-force winds, seismic activity and positioned near one of the world's largest and most coveted oil reserves.
Alonso reflects on horror crash
Race car driver Fernando Alonso talks about his title prospects following his Spa Grand Prix crash.
ND0928124
Title: Mobile Use Rising in Retail
Description: Fifty percent of U.S. shoppers surveyed said they used their mobile device to compare prices and read product reviews while shopping, up from 19% in 2011.
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NEW YORK ? An increasing number of shoppers are using mobile as part of their in-store experience, EConsultancy reports.
A new EConsultancy survey reveals the number of U.K. consumers who made a retail store purchase with a mobile device roughly doubled since 2011, from 13% to 25% of consumers. In the U.S., the figured jumped from 12% to 28% in the same period.
Other mobile-related figures include:
- Nearly one-third (32%) of U.K. consumers and 41% of U.S. shoppers used a mobile device to locate a store or a store?s opening times,
- Forty-three percent of U.K. respondents and 50% of U.S. shoppers said they used their mobile device to compare prices and read product reviews while shopping, up from 19% (U.K.) and 20% (U.S.) in 2011.
Content Subject: Research, Technology
Formatted Article Date: September 28, 2012
Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa
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.
петък, 5 октомври 2012 г.
Rossi's replacement named
The task of replacing seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi at Ducati has been handed to his fellow Italian Andrea Dovizioso.
Kvitova set to defend WTA title
Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber and Sara Errani have qualified for the WTA Championships in Istanbul in October.
Kamui Kobayashi: Japan's fastest man
CNN's Alex Zolbert catches up with Sauber's Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi ahead of his home grand prix at Suzuka.
Nazi hunting still a worthy pursuit?
For thirty-two years I have been actively involved in the ongoing efforts to help bring Nazi war criminals to justice -- and the most common question I am asked concerns the age of the perpetrators.
Wenger caution at Wilshere return
After watching Jack Wilshere make his first appearance in 14 months, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will not rush him back.
Schumacher to retire from F1
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.
Flame Towers light up Baku
Baku has been a citadel amidst potentially destabilizing forces for centuries, routinely blasted by gale-force winds, seismic activity and positioned near one of the world's largest and most coveted oil reserves.
Kimi Raikkonen, Roman Grosjean
Having competed under the Renault name in 2011, the rebranded Lotus team enter the new season hoping to avoid the off-track issues which blighted their preparations for the last campaign.
Ipswich agree Campbell loan deal
Ipswich Town sign striker DJ Campbell on a three-month loan deal from Premier League Queens Park Rangers
Azarenka makes last four in China
The top two women seeds reach the last four of the China Open as Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova both win.
Merrien wins the Bowls World Cup
Guernsey's Alison Merrien wins the Bowls World Cup in Australia after beating New Zealand's Jo Edwards in the final.
VIDEO: Murray pushes for Scottish academy
Andy Murray speaks to former British Lions rugby player John Beattie in a BBC Scotland interview following his homecoming to Dunblane. The British number one and US Open champion says Scotland should have its own tennis academy.
Clubs told to boost Europa League
Uefa hopes to boost the Europa League's profile by asking managers and players to talk up the competition.
Electric 'Formula E' series to launch
Motorsport's ruling body the FIA signs an agreement to launch an electric car series in 2014.
ND1004122
Title: Walmart Nixes Prospect of Google Wallet, Isis Participation
Description: Walmart will focus its mobile payment efforts on the Merchant Customer Exchange.
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BENTONVILLE, AR ? Speaking at a mobile payments panel discussion earlier this week, Mike Cook, vice president and assistant treasurer for Walmart, said the retailer would not join Google Wallet, Isis, NFC or Square, Mobile Payments Today reports.
Rather, Cook said Walmart would focus its mobile payments efforts behind the Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX), a merchant-driven mobile payment network.
Cook explained that Walmart is interested in a ?holistic solution? for mobile payments that provides interaction while solving for multiple use cases, something that MCX will provide.
"MCX is more effective," Cook said. "One of the principles of MCX is that we wouldn't just replicate the fraud prone system that's out there today."
Cook also directly rejected the prospect of working with a third-party mobile provider like Google Wallet, saying he didn?t see the value for Walmart.
"Obviously Walmart is interested in partnering," Cook said. "But as of now I'm not sure there's a value-add or synergy there to make it work."
Cook said one of the problems with third-party providers is the relinquishment of consumer data, something Walmart wasn?t willing to do.
"Many of the models out there today are just adding another mouth to feed," he said.
Content Subject: Technology
Formatted Article Date: October 4, 2012
Button's triathlon test
Formula 1 driver Jenson Button talks about how he is using triathlons to stay healthy.
Confession in St. Maarten slayings?
A 28-year-old Jamaican-born man has confessed to his involvement in the stabbing deaths of an American couple on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten, a prosecutor said Wednesday.
Venezuela's vote: What's at stake?
Singing folk songs and strumming the guitar at his campaign rallies, Hugo Chavez shows no sign that he's facing the strongest challenge to his 13-year rule in Venezuela.
Britton wants to finish at Swans
Leon Britton, who has made 400 appearances for Swansea, wants to stay on at the club in some capacity once his playing career is over.
American activists in Pakistan to protest U.S. drone strikes
About 35 American activists dressed in pink are expected to take part in a demonstration Friday in Islamabad against U.S. drone strikes that target militants in Pakistan.
Tutu wins $1 million prize
A billionaire's foundation announced Thursday a one-off $1 million award to South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu for "his lifelong commitment to speaking truth to power."
AUDIO: Murray mixes with the stars
The great and good of the film and sporting world pay tribute to Andy Murray's epic win against world number two Novak Djokovic at the US Open.
VIDEO: Bould delighted by 'great' result
Arsenal assistant manager Steve Bould describes the 3-1 Champions League victory over Olympiakos as a "great" result.
Alonso: 'Ferrari must improve'
Formula One world championship leader Fernando Alonso has warned his Ferrari team they must improve if he is to win the marque's first drivers' crown since 2007.
четвъртък, 4 октомври 2012 г.
Gutsy Watson falls to Sharapova
Britain's Heather Watson is knocked out of the Pan Pacific Open in Japan with a narrow defeat by Maria Sharapova.
AUDIO: Man Utd had to dig deep - Ferguson
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says his side had to "dig deep" as they came from behind to beat CFR Cluj 2-1 in the Champions League group game on Tuesday.
Helmet cam captures firefight
Ret. Gen. James 'Spider' Marks talks to CNN about helmet cam video of an American soldier's firefight in Afghanistan.
Designing F1 tires
Pirelli test driver Lucas di Grassi talks to CNN about F1's sole tire supplier's plans for next season.
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