text:
Sony made quite a big splash on their home turf this morning with a wide assortment of announcements. Here’s a quick round-down of everything they revealed and my thoughts on the news.
The first big reveal was the announcement of a remodeled PS Vita. It’s 20% thinner, and 15% lighter than the previous model. It replaces the OLED screen with a LCD screen, and increases the battery life by one hour. It also includes one gigabyte of on-board storage, although there’s not very much you can do with that, but one would assume this would allow the system to use this storage in lieu of memory cards, but this hasn’t been confirmed as of yet. If it does remove the need for memory cards that will certainly be a selling factor for a lot of people.
Speaking of memory cards, Sony announced price drops for the Vita memory cards in Japan, and also announced a 64GB model, which will retail for 9.980 yen or about $100 USD. Personally I still think the pricing is way too high. A 64GB SDXC card can be easily found for $60.
The new Vita will go on sale in Japan on October 10th, and will retail for 18,980 yen or around $190 USD. It will be available in six colors, and as of writing this there has been no confirmation on when this new Vita will be made available outside Japan.
The next big news was the announcement of several big Vita exclusives including a remastered or deluxe version of Soul Sacrifice called Soul Sacrifice Delta. Details are scarce at the moment, but we know it will include new content and a more fleshed out storyline. Sony also announced Soul Sacrifice 2, but didn’t say anything about it.
SEGA announced Phantasy Star Nova, which takes place in the popular Phantasy Star Online 2‘s universe. Shame PSO2 has yet to make its way outside Japan as of yet, but this new one just might as it’s more of a traditional RPG, which just so happens to be featured in this rich universe. Up to four players can team up online should they choose, but the emphasis is on single-player this time around. Much like Soul Sacrifice Delta, Phantasy Star Nova is set for release in 2014.
In a somewhat surprising move Sony announced the PlayStation 4 will be available in Japan on February 22nd. There will be several SKUs available, but the core model will retail for 39.980 yen or about $400 USD. Since the system is region free I’m fairly certain a lot of Japanese die-hard Sony fans will import it from North America or Europe. Never thought I’d say that before. Sony says the reason for pushing the platform into 2014 is to strengthen the Japanese software for launch.
SEGA announced Yakuza Ishin will debut not only on PS3, but on PS4 as well. It will retail on February 22nd, making it the biggest named franchise for the Japanese launch of the new PlayStation.
During a sizzle reel several other Japanese developers showcased short teasers of upcoming games, but not much was revealed. The list of titles highlighted include Natural Doctrine, Guilty Gear Xrd, Deep Down, Lily Bergamo, Wonder Flick, and more.
This device allows over one hundred Vita games to be played directly on your HDTV, while using a DualShock 3. The system reads Vita game cards, and memory cards, but no word yet on how digital downloads will work. We know it has access to Hulu and Netflix though. Why do I say “over 100 Vita games” you might be asking, well any games that require specific use of the Vita’s unique features like the touch screen or back track pad obviously wouldn’t be able to be used. The device will also allow remote play with the PS4, meaning you could have your PS4 in one room and play it on another TV in the house with a DualShock 4. This functionality will be added via a firmware update later next year. The PS Vita TV will be available in Japan on November 14th and will retail for 9.480 yen or around $95 USD. Once again, no word on if and when it will be released outside Japan.
All in all that’s a pretty decent amount of information from Sony’s pre-TGS conference. What do you guys think of this? I, for one, am really hoping Sony does away with the copy protection on their HDMI-enabled devices such as the PS Vita TV and PS4. The only way to record PS3 footage right now is to use component cables in order to bypass the HDCP. If they don’t include that on the Vita TV than I will most certainly pick that up for future video content. As for everything else, it’s nice to see them announce a remodeled Vita, although a savings of only $10 is hardly worthwhile in my opinion. Would have been nicer to see this one debut at say $150 or so. That way not only would there be an obvious savings right away, but if the device doesn’t require memory cards because of the internal storage there would have been great word of mouth post-launch as well. I’m also shocked the PS4 won’t be hitting Japan until early next year. It’s amazing how times have changed, no?


text:
The group is up nearly 50% in 2013, easily outpacing the S&P 500. Buffalo Wild Wings and Ruth's have both doubled.
Buffalo Wild serves chicken wings and beer to diners as they watch sports on big-screen TVs. Ruth's operates high-end restaurants under names such as Ruth's Chris Steak House and Mitchell's Fish Market.
Both are benefiting from a slow-but-steady recovery in the economy and the job market. The National Restaurant Association's latest Restaurant Performance Index hit a four-month high in October, while the expectations gauge pointed to a "cautiously optimistic" outlook for sales.
Buffalo Wild Wings has Composite and Earnings Per Share ratings of 98, just shy of the best-possible 99 and tops in the 54-member restaurant group. On Thursday, the group ranked 27th of the 197 industries tracked by IBD. Ruth's Composite and EPS ratings are at 95 and 90 respectively, in the group's upper echelon.
Profit at Buffalo Wild jumped 67% last quarter to 95 cents a share, up from the prior quarter's 42% gain. Sales climbed 28%, continuing a trend of robust growth. Earnings this year are seen rising 23%, followed by a 25% increase in 2014.
Ruth's profit rose 150% last quarter to 5 cents a share, up from an 18% gain in the previous quarter. But revenue rose just 5%, continuing a long period of weak increases. Profit is forecast to rise 24% this year and 7% in 2014.
Buffalo Wild is extended from multiple rebounds off its 10-week line, though it may now be shaping a new base. The stock tends to be vulnerable to rising chicken-wing prices.
Ruth's is extended from a 13.86 buy point, meaning it is out of buying range. It trades about 240,000 shares a day. Such thinly traded stocks tend to be volatile and risky to own.
Both stocks have an Accumulation/Distribution Rating of B, indicating growing demand.

domain: news


text:
Businesses from across the county are appearing in a promotional video as part of the Shop Local, Shop Northumberland campaign, led by Northumberland County Council.
Bakeries, butchers, baristas and book shops are all asking people to shop with pride and support their local high streets.
The promotional video is being used to showcase wide variety and choice of businesses in Northumberland, to be supported by further videos highlighting retailers in each corner of the county as well as an extensive social media campaign and website – www.discoverourland.co.uk/shop-local
It comes as hospitality businesses, visitor attractions and entertainment venues welcome customers back inside.
Among them was Caboose at Blyth Boathouse. The restaurant had been offering a takeaway service during lockdown before reopening its outdoor area from April 12.
Marc McPake, of Caboose, said: “The first few days have been very busy.
"It’s been good, numbers are fairly steady now people can come indoors.
"Bookings have been steady. Although some people are still apprehensive about coming inside, we are starting to see things pick up.
"We’ve got a number of measures in place. There is social distancing, which has reduced capacity by 40 per cent, staff are working in team bubbles, back-to-back working in the kitchen, and tables are cleaned then have to be left for ten minutes.
“We did a lot of work during lockdown to stay engaged with our community and customers, and now we are back open we are seeing some of our regulars returning.
"It’s still early days but overall a good return.”
A recent study from YouGov showed almost two thirds of Brits claim they will try to support local businesses and buy locally going forward.
As a result of coronavirus, 64 per cent of people want to support local businesses and buy local products.
Ellie Carcamo, of Caribe Coffee in Morpeth, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Shop Local, Shop Northumberland campaign.
“For us shopping local is all about developing a relationship with your customer and gaining their trust. If you can create this then customers will naturally start to spread the word about your business to friends and family.”
Daljit Lally, chief executive of the county council, said: “Northumberland’s businesses have so much to offer and we know that spending even a small amount locally can have a positive impact on the county’s economy.
“Our independent retailers all go the extra mile to provide a quality service for customers.
"Many of these businesses have been a real lifeline for communities throughout the pandemic, so now we need to do our bit to ensure our high streets and independent businesses can recover from this challenging time.
“I would encourage everyone to find out what is available on their doorstep and Shop Local, Shop Northumberland.”
Businesses who want to get involved in the campaign can now access a toolkit which will give them all the information they need including uploading the Shop Local logo to their website and sharing their stories via social media. Visit www.discoverourland.co.uk/businesstoolkit


text:
Ford on Thursday retracted its full-year earnings guidance after posting an underwhelming third-quarter report. The announcement came on the same day company executives reached a tentative deal with the United Auto Workers union.
Ford generated $44 billion in revenue over the third quarter, $41.18 billion of which was accrued through its automotive operations. The former number denotes an increase of 11% and resulted in a net income of $1.2 billion. This represents an impressive recovery over the prior year period, which resulted in an $827 million net loss. Since the start of 2023, the company has remained focused on improving profitability through better management of its operations, partially in the hopes of avoiding a repeat of last year’s disappointing results. It seems that these efforts are working.
However, until yesterday, Ford was faced with a problem it did not have last year: the United Auto Workers strike. The company claims to have lost $1.3 billion since employee walkouts began in September, clouding forecasts for both its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings. Although the UAW may not have been the cause, given the strike began two weeks before the end of Q3, the manufacturer’s automotive revenue of $41.18 billion fell just short of the $41.22 billion forecast by the London Stock Exchange Group. As a result of the added uncertainty, the brand has withdrawn its earnings forecast for 2023 despite raising its expectations to between $11 billion and $12 billion at the end of the second quarter.
The move reflects a similar decision by General Motors, which also withdrew its earnings guidance while simultaneously posting its third-quarter report. Unlike Ford, GM’s earnings beat analyst expectations for the period, a revelation that quickly resulted in another strike against its Texas SUV plant. However, the F-150 manufacturer may be better poised to face the remaining months of 2023 than its Detroit-Three counterpart, considering its new deal with the UAW. GM seems to have made little progress toward a resolution with union leadership and may be facing a prolonged battle.
Contributing to the company’s financial anxieties, electric vehicle sales at Ford have failed to progress as fast as the automaker had hoped. In Q3, its EV division, which sold only 20,962 units, lost $1.3 billion, even as segment revenue grew 26%. Citing the costs of accelerating battery-powered car production in the face of stubbornly low demand, John Lawler, the manufacturer’s chief finance officer, revealed the brand would postpone $12 billion in EV investments. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Lawler denied that Ford was canceling any projects. “We’re not moving away from our second-generation products,” he explained. “We are, though, looking at the pace of capacity that we’re putting in place.”


text:
Junkstock gives junk new life
Junkstock, a celebration of all things vintage, recycled and repurposed, is rocking this weekend on an old dairy farm in west Omaha.
“Three days of love, peace and junk,” said Mary Kolar.
“This is the Midwest premier outdoor vintage and junk extravaganza that's just absolutely out of this world,” said Dale Luetgen, a vendor.
You can find old junk, repurposed junk, and at the “women who weld” booth, junk made into art near 192nd Street and West Dodge Road.
“We all love junk, so it's a great way to get rid of some stuff just laying around,” said Kolar.
Junk lovers can find anything from a cow made out of scrap medal to an alien statue for the lawn.
“I think a lot of it is nostalgia. People just really like to come and dig through things that people collected. They all have stories. They are like little treasures you remember from your childhood,” said Danelle Schlegelmilch, Junkstock founder.
Junkstock is giving the treasures and memories new life.
“The idea of repurposing and taking things that shouldn't go into a landfill, and let's rethink it and give it new life and give it new meaning,” said Luetgen.
It costs $5 to get into Junkstock. Kids 12 and under are free. Pets are welcome. It is open 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.


text:
Required cannabis testing is among the changes coming to Arizona’s medical marijuana program under a new law that aligns the state with the dozens of others that have implemented health and safety requirements in their cannabis markets.
Gov. Doug Ducey signed several bills into law in early June, including Senate Bill 1494, which, among other things, requires registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries to test their cannabis products for harmful levels of potential toxins, such as pesticides. (In Arizona “registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries” are vertically integrated business licensees.)
Lawmakers have unsuccessfully attempted to implement cannabis testing requirements in past legislative sessions, but this year, the legislation passed unanimously in both chambers. The bill establishes a 12-member committee of industry representatives, appointed by the Department of Health Services (DHS) director, to assist with drafting rules that will outline testing standards and protocols. The committee will be made up of dispensary owners, a cannabis testing association, a cannabis trade group, cultivators, edible manufacturers, a patient, a designated caregiver, a healthcare provider specializing in drug treatment disorders and a member of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
“My prediction is that it will be one of the most intelligent, well-thought-through testing models that has been created yet because of the people in the room,” Marijuana Industry Trade Association of Arizona (MITA AZ) Executive Director Demitri Downing told Cannabis Business Times. “There’s room for scientists, and then the state can add people as they choose.”
According to the law, testing will be required on all medical marijuana products sold after Nov. 1, 2020. Regulations include testing protocol for potency, pesticides, residual solvents, heavy metals and microbes.
“This was our third year of trying to get a testing bill to pass, so it’s a real relief,” Mikel Weisser, the executive director for Arizona NORML, told Cannabis Business Times. “They ended up having up to 15 different stakeholders in some of the meetings that we held to get everybody on board.”
NORML backed a testing bill in last year’s legislative session, Weisser said, which failed in its final vote, and that measure became the foundation for this year’s efforts.
“Patients need and deserve to know what is in the products they are consuming,” said Jared Moffat, a political director for the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). “The goal of the program is to help people with debilitating health conditions—the last thing we want to see is products on the shelf that are making them sick.”
The state has not yet established a licensing regime for cannabis testing facilities, but that program is also being created under the new law, Weisser said.
Preparing for Testing
Arizona’s cannabis businesses should perform internal testing to get ahead of any problems, Weisser said. “It’s true that mold spores are really ubiquitous in America, but if you have healthy, sanitary conditions, that mold won’t develop. So, if [businesses are] keeping track of their facilities and doing internal testing throughout the process of the growing and the processing, then they’ll do better.”
AJ Montgomery, head of marketing for Huxton, a national cannabis brand in Washington, Nevada and California that will soon expand into the Arizona market, told Cannabis Business Times that Arizona’s cannabis businesses will likely be taking a reactive rather than proactive approach to the state’s new testing rules.
“I think in Arizona, there are going to be a lot of license holders that need to be reactive because of their current practices,” he said. “Because of those mistakes that are inherent to any industry looking to polish itself up and make sure that it's growing and evolving in the right direction, existing license holders need to be reactive. They're about to learn what will pass the test. They're about to learn what standards they will be held to.”
Huxton chooses which licensed partners to work with, and Montgomery said the company vets potential partners to ensure they have organic methods to keep plants healthy. “We have our proactive checklist so we're able to identify the best partners possible, in Arizona and outside of Arizona.”
And working with companies in Arizona that now must adhere to testing standards will make this vetting process easier, Montgomery added. “As soon as it is mandatory to have your product pass the test [and] you are required to tell the truth on your packaging—when you're required to be as transparent as possible and give every bit of information that you'd want [as] an end buyer—I think it's fantastic.”
Also included in Senate Bill 1494 is a provision that allows medical marijuana patients to renew their state-issued cards every two years, instead of annually. Lowering card costs was a legislative goal set by MITA AZ two years ago, and with the passage of Senate Bill 1494, the $150 annual fee for card renewal becomes a biannual fee.
Another provision in the bill mandates that the next set of medical dispensary licenses issued by the state will go to rural populations with the greatest need.
“The way that Arizona’s medical program was originally written, to entice dispensaries to open up in rural locations, they allowed them to relocate to bigger cities after three years,” Weisser said. “This has led to about 2,000 rural dispensaries closing down, moving into the city [and] abandoning those rural areas.”
The legislation also allows the DHS to conduct inspections of the state’s licensed cannabis businesses and take disciplinary action against noncompliant operations. “Up until now, DHS didn’t have any authority to do anything less than revoking a company’s license for misbehavior,” Weisser said. “No fines, no hearings, no warnings—none of those things were a tool in their tool chest.”
Next year, MITA AZ will launch efforts to remove the cap on the amount of cannabis a patient can buy from a dispensary, Downing said. “You’ve got to keep pushing, no matter how tall that windmill is. MITA will be introducing removing the quantity amount from 2.5 ounces every two weeks to … unlimited because that makes more sense. People with chronic conditions, they have to make their own determination as to what they need.”
MITA AZ will also push for legislation next year that allows doctors to determine which conditions are appropriate to treat with medical cannabis, Downing added, as well as reciprocity provisions to honor out-of-state medical cards.
All of these measures would increase access in what is already a substantial medical cannabis market, he said. “We have a huge market—somewhere between $500 million and $1 billion. There are 131 licenses in Arizona. It’s a limited licensing state. It’s vertically integrated, but of course the cultivation licenses can support the dispensaries, so it’s really well-structured for entrepreneurs business-wise.”
Arizona is, however, a slower moving state when it comes to embracing changes in its cannabis policy, Montgomery added. “Arizona is a conservative market. There's a lot that will move slower in Arizona just because of the more conservative mindset of adopting something and adapting with it. I think that if Arizona, as a more conservative state … when it comes to marijuana, can lay out a guideline of here’s how we regulate, here’s how we define certain things and here’s what we allow to be sold and why, I think it'll really be helpful for … opening up eyes and other states that are also conservative [can] see some sort of a look into the future."
Editor's Note: Digital Editor Eric Sandy contributed reporting to this story.


text:
Posted by Charlotte Salter, on November 10, 2022.
Families are being urged by UKCPI and RoSPA to use and store household cleaning products safely
The latest phase of the Take Action Today, Put Them Away home safety campaign, which helps families to take action to use and store household cleaning products safely, is being launched in Luton, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes on 10th November 2022.
As part of the campaign, a handy magnetic notepad featuring key safety advice will be handed out to thousands of families by health visitors and children’s centre staff.
Take Action Today, Put Them Away advice to parents includes:
• Store household cleaning products out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard
• Always store chemicals in their original containers
• Never pierce or break laundry capsules or tablets
• Always close the lid of any product
• In the event of an incident, follow advice on the product pack and seek medical attention.
Funded by the UK Cleaning Products Industry Association (UKCPI) and run in partnership with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the scheme has seen success in 30 areas of the UK including Birmingham, Liverpool, King’s Lynn, Nottingham, Newcastle, Bradford, Lincolnshire, Warwickshire, and Northern Ireland where 500,000 families have been helped to prevent poisoning and eye injuries.
In Luton and Milton Keynes, accidental poisonings accounted for 45 emergency admissions for 0 – 4-year-olds in each area between 2018/19- 2020/21. Whilst in Bedfordshire there were 40 emergency admissions for 0 – 4-year-olds between 2018/19- 2020/21.
Philip Malpass, Director General of UKCPI, said: “Cleaning products are designed to be safe to use and to provide the clean and hygienic home we often take for granted today. The accidents we see involving young children and cleaning products are avoidable and whilst the severity of the injuries are generally low, we hope that this campaign will remind parents to follow the usage instructions on the packaging, and in so doing, avoid unnecessary accidents.”
Ashley Martin, RoSPA’s Public Health Adviser, said: “The notepad acts as a constant reminder in family kitchens to store cleaning products out of reach, out of sight and in a locked cupboard.
“Due to their inquisitive nature, children under the age of five are most at risk of accidentally swallowing or getting household cleaning products, like liquid laundry capsules, into their eyes. Even products with a child-resistant closure cannot guarantee safety – they only reduce the risk by delaying access to the product.”
Christine Rogers, the Flying Start Implementation Manager for Luton, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting the roll out of the Take Action Today campaign across Luton, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes. Raising parents’ awareness of the dangers in the home is something we all feel passionately about to avoid any child requiring a medical intervention which could have been avoided.”
Practitioners from children’s centres, early years and health attended the launch webinar and now have access to a range of resources which will help them to promote safety messages to parents and carers.”
Sophie Adams, Strategic Manager for Central Bedfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership added: “We are pleased to support this important campaign to help reduce harm to children across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK). Practitioners from children’s centres, early years and health attended the launch webinar and now have access to a range of resources which will help them to promote safety messages to parents and carers.”
UKCPI is the leading trade association representing UK producers of cleaning and hygiene products from household soaps, washing powders, liquids, disinfectants, air care and polishes to the professional cleaning and hygiene products used in industrial and institutional applications.
It provides advice and guidance to manufacturers, distributors and users of cleaning and hygiene products. UKCPI also works in partnership with policymakers, the public and the media, to inform public discussions about cleanliness, hygiene and sustainable cleaning.
For more details about the UKCPI, visit www.ukcpi.org
Further information on the Take Action Today campaign can be found at: https://www.ukcpi.org/take-action-today/
For further information on the Luton Safe at Home Scheme (Child Injury Prevention) please see www.safeathomecip.org.uk


text:
Blending retro tooling with design cues from the popular Y-3 Qasa, the adidas Tubular Runner quickly became one of the brand's biggest hits of the last year. Now, adidas is giving the silhouette new life by experimenting with the materials and construction.
Featured today is the adidas Tubular Runner Weave in "Navy/White." From the jump, the first thing you'll notice about these Tubulars is that they're cut lower than other models. A closer look reveals that the upper is built from a one-piece weave which adds extra breathability and makes for a welcome change from the fused makeup of the O.G.
If you're looking to switch it up this summer, you can cop the "Navy/White" adidas Tubular Runner Weave from Undefeated now for $120.


text:
This might sound like a silly gripe, but one thing which often annoys me about technology at the moment is that despite the massive advancements, we still can’t do the simple things like adjusting volume correctly. Yes, pretty much all devices and operating systems will adjust the volume for headphones, but these settings often completely ignore the differences in headphones. The end result is that if you are syncing a number of Bluetooth audio devices headphones to a phone or tablet, they can all sound significantly different.
Now, if you’re an iPhone user, you might be wondering what I am talking about. However, for Android phones, while you may not have noticed it if you only ever use one set of headphones, this has been an issue with the operating system where it just keeps track of the last volume setting used by any device and not is cognisant of actually which audio device is synced or not.
XDA Dev reports though that this will finally be changing with a recent update merging into the latest version of Android P that will allow for volumes to be tracked on a device-by-device basis. It is a simple change indeed, and one which makes you wonder why it’s taken the Android community so long to initiate and fix. I guess the number of people using multiple headphones on a device is not as big as I would think or we have just gotten so used to moving forward with the next big and bold idea that we forget to clean up the mess along the way.
Android P is expected to release in the coming months, so for those waiting for this weird error to finally get fixed, the wait is almost over.
Last Updated: April 19, 2018


text:
Archive For The “News” Category
It’s no surprise Hispanics are avocado buyers, but a recent Hass Avocado Board study shows that even as consumption of the fruit has risen in many demographic groups, Hispanic consumers continue to outpace others in many areas.
The study, Hispanic Avocado Shopper Trends, and a companion document giving retailers ideas on how to capitalize on the findings, Hispanic Avocado Shoppers Trends Action Guide, is based on retail data from the IRI Consumer Network, according to a news release.
Hispanic household purchase trends of avocados outpace non-Hispanic households in these areas:
- The percentage of total U.S. households that buy avocados
- The average avocado spend per household; and
- The percentage of households that buy avocados at the “super” level ($25.36 and more a year)
“Hass avocados are continuing to gain widespread popularity,” Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board, said in the release. “And this study shows that Hispanic households are particularly involved in the avocado category and play an important role in its growth.”
In 2017, Hispanic household avocado purchases averaged $33, 45 percent more than the $22.69 spent by non-Hispanic households, according to the release, and average per-trip purchases were $4.46, compared to $3.83 for non-Hispanic households.
The Hispanic “super households” (the HAB breaks down purchase levels into super, heavy, medium and light) are the main reason for the gap between their purchases and non-Hispanic households, with 36 percent of them in the super category, versus 24 percent of non-Hispanic households meeting that level.
Hass Avocado Board
HassAvocadoBoard.com is the essential online resource for the Hass Avocado industry providing timely relevant data and research for the domestic producers and importers it represents.
By Index Fresh
Riverside, C.A. — Since its opening on January 9, 2018, the Index Fresh facility in Pharr, TX, has seen steady progress and is rounding out support for the company’s operations across the United States. The leading avocado marketer broke ground on this 60,000 sq. ft. ripening, packing and distribution center just over a year ago in June.
“The bagging and repacking in the facility has increased in the last few months,” said Manrique Palacios, Distribution Center Manager of Index Fresh in Pharr.
With its proximity to the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, the facility has been a great point of contact for Index Fresh expanding its Mexican program this year, said Santiago Pacheco, VP of Operations at Index Fresh.
“Mexico is a year-round source and we bring all of our Mexican products through Pharr. It’s an integral part of our operation. We use it for staging, for shipping loads into the Midwest, Northeast, and the West.,” said Dana Thomas, President and CEO of Index Fresh.
Index Fresh is the first occupant in the Pharr Produce Park, a big step for Pharr’s economic development as construction of other facilities continue at the Produce Park.
The Index Fresh facility is equipped with 2600 pallet positions, 10 ripening rooms, and three bagging machines. “We are expecting our second Mexican season and complete our first year of operations. We are performing an analysis to enhance our bagging capacity for the next season and working on business development to expand our ripening volume in Texas and the Midwest,” said Palacios. “We are also open to offering 3PL services that include storage, ripening, bagging, and distribution to potential customers.”
ABOUT INDEX FRESH
Index Fresh is a worldwide marketer of avocados, sourcing from all major growing regions around the globe, including California, Mexico, Peru, and Chile. Headquartered in California, the company has facilities spread across Texas, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Ohio, Colorado, and Illinois. Early this year, Index Fresh also started operations at its new packing, bagging, and ripening facility in Pharr, TX.
Here’s a preview of Red River Valley potato plantings for product that will start shipping in late summer….Also, Mastrondardi Produce has opened another greenhouse operation….In Wisconsin, shipper is now distributing Badger State grown celery in the mid-west.
The USDA recently reports slightly fewer potatoes planted in North Dakota this as acres declined from 75,000 in 2017 to 74,000 acres this year. The report shows more russets and fewer red potatoes were planted in North Dakota. In 2017 reds accounted for 27 percent of the potato acres, in 2018 that fell to 18 percent. Meanwhile russet acres jumped from 37 to 44 percent. White and yellow potato acres remained relatively steady at 36 and 2 percent respectively.
In Minnesota, the USDA reported 46,000 acres of potatoes planted, 2,000 fewer than last year. Unlike North Dakota, there was little change in the potato type percentages. Russets made up 69percent of the Minnesota potato crop, the same as last year. Next were reds at 19 percent (down 1 percent), whites steady at 10 percent and yellows moving from 1 to 2 percent.
Mastronardi Produce is opening a sixth greenhouse in the U.S., with a 20-acre facility in Wapakoneta, Ohio.
The farm, known as The Ohio Greenhouse Company, will operate year-round, growing Sunset-brand products for shipment to retailers in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Mastronardi Produce grows on more than 4,000 acres. The new Ohio farm gives the company the ability to triple the acreage there.
Wisconsin Shipping Celery
By Alsum Produce
Markesan, Wisconsin — Alsum Farms & Produce grower partner, Trembling Prairie Farms Inc. started harvesting Wisconsin celery July 16th with the season expected to go through the first week of October. Fields are located in the muck soils of Green Lake County.
In 2012, Trembling Prairie Farms started with 3 acres of celery and today has expanded to over 45 acres. The farm starts with a Midwestern selected celery variety that grows extremely well in the Wisconsin climate.
The process of growing celery starts in local greenhouses in late February to early April and is then transplanted in 12 different plantings. Celery planting in the muck soil begins on May 1 with the goal of the last planting to be in the ground by July 1.
By Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
Nogales, AZ — The Arizona State Transportation Board announced they will fund the full build-out and expansion of State Route 189 (Mariposa Road) to the tune of $134 million. SR 189, is the main thoroughfare for trucks crossing the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales and heading northbound on I-19 to area warehouses.
The full-funding announcement is a revision from earlier budget commitments to complete the work in two phases over the course of several years. The funding package also leverages state, federal, and local funding that make up the entire $134 million price tag.
“The road improvement should speed roundtrip delivery from the port of entry to some warehouses by 20 minutes or more per truck, giving companies a valuable incentive to locate their operations in Nogales,” said Lance Jungmeyer, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas president (FPAA).
“This is the culmination of many years of hard work in unifying support from groups across Arizona about this important roadway,” Jungmeyer said. “From Flagstaff to Phoenix to Tucson, communities were all talking about the importance of funding this much-needed expansion. We are always looking for ways to speed up the produce superhighway that is Nogales, and this funding is an important step in our continued success.”
Nogales and Santa Cruz County are committing approximately $45 million over the course of several years from their share of a fee paid by produce trucks crossing the border. The State Legislature committed $25 million of general fund money to this project. The road is also recognized as vital on a Federal level as well as evidenced by the investment of $25 million for the project through the award of a Federal Tiger Grant.
The project will fund important enhancements to the entire length of SR 189 and will also construct a flyover ramp connecting SR 189 to I-19, which eliminates stoplights and left-hand turns that currently hamper movement of heavy trucks onto the interstate. The project is also designed as a crucial safety measure by separating the ingress and egress of local high school traffic from the intersection where it meets with the commercial traffic on SR 189. The project has been fast-tracked to begin in 2019.
Added Jungmeyer, “SR 189 is the artery that drives our economy by facilitating the movement of trucks and passengers into and out of Arizona, and we are excited about the positive benefits this will bring to our members in the form of faster, safer, more reliable deliveries to their warehouses. Ultimately this will be a major win for our customers and the end consumers because we will have faster deliveries of the fresh, high-quality produce that is synonymous with Nogales.”
About the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas:
The FPAA is a nonprofit trade association headquartered in Nogales, Arizona, that represents over 120 U.S. member companies involved in growing, packing, sales and transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Mexico. Produce from Mexico accounts for approximately 37 percent of fruit and vegetable consumption in the U.S. during the winter months. The Mariposa Port of Entry located in Nogales is the largest port of entry for fresh produce imported into the U.S. from Mexico.
Fresh categories are driving nearly 49 percent of all dollar growth across fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), according to Nielsen’s latest Total Consumer Report, with fresh and perishable foods accounting more than $177 billion in sales.
Although fresh categories are performing well in Retail stores, the sector still has some room for improvement, according to the June 2018 report.
Some findings include:
- Ecommerce is still maturing within food and beverage, but fresh perishables are an opportunity in stores today. Amazon and Whole Foods merged a year ago, and ecommerce within grocery continues to grow, but is still maturing. During the past year, online food and beverage sales represented 13 percent of the overall dollar volume seen online. Fresh and perishable foods generated sales nearly 14 times as high as all online food and beverage sales this year.
- On-the-go fresh produce fails to keep pace with clean snacking. Americans are not rushing to on-the-go fresh produce opportunities although they rank eating more fruits and vegetables as the top factor for healthy eating. They often prefer other snack options. On-the-go fresh produce — pre-cut produce that has been portioned intentionally for snacking purposes — declined by nearly 2 percent in dollars and 6 percent in unit volume over the past year. On the flip side, salty snacks are proof that consumers are seeking indulgence in their snacking purchases, too, as sales grew nearly $1 billion year over year. Still, clean-label products represented more than 35 percent of salty snack dollars in the past year.
In the battle of the burgers, frozen is still winning, but fresh is catching up; meanwhile, alternative protein growth remains strong. Frozen patties are still the staple in the burger category, as frozen meat-based burgers have seen 2 percent dollar growth from last year. However, fresh meat burger patties (up 8 percent) and prepared burgers from the deli section (up 15 percent) are both growing and asserting their importance to the future of the category. Within the past year, sales of alternative-protein burgers have experienced dollar sales growth of nearly 21 percent. However, alternative-protein burgers represent just 6 percent of the overall burger category. Despite this, frozen alternative-protein burgers grew 17 percent year over year, which highlights an area for potential expansion.
By Idaho Potato Commission
EAGLE, ID – With much anticipation the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) unveiled Big Idaho® Potato 2.0. Weighing in at 4 tons, the fiberglass potato is just as impressive as the original, but with a few subtle differences. While the Truck is still 28 feet long and 11.5 feet high, it’s a little trimmer in the middle (10 feet wide), and two tons lighter so it can travel to more places.
When folks saw the original potato, the most commonly asked question was, “Is it real?” There’s no doubt the Tater Team (the Truck’s traveling trio), will continue to be asked that same question. If the potato was real, it would…
- Be the equivalent of 21,562 medium-size potatoes
- Make 20,217 servings of mashed potatoes
- Make close to 1 million French fries
- Take nearly 7,000 years to grow
- Take about 2 years to bake
The Big Idaho® Potato Truck originally launched in 2012 in celebration of the IPC’s 75th anniversary and was supposed to be on the road for just one year. Instead, it became an instant success from coast-to-coast and a part of pop culture. After traveling 155,000 miles, visiting more than 7,200 cities and being included in more selfies than we’ll ever be able to count, the original potato became too road worn to travel and is now retired in its home state of Idaho. During its seven years on the road, the Truck did some pretty cool things!
- Traveled on a barge around New York Harbor passing by the Statue of Liberty and going under the Brooklyn Bridge
- Took a lap on a NASCAR track in the Poconos
- Appeared in many iconic parades including the Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Parade, the SeaFair Festival Parade in Seattle and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade in Canton, OH
- Visited NASA in Houston where an astronaut did the “moon walk” on the big potato and declared America now has its own “Spud-nick”!
- Helped fulfill a Make-A-Wish dream for a Virginia boy born with a rare form of dwarfism
- And starred in the IPC’s popular nationally-televised commercials!
The original potato was donated to Kristie Wolfe, a former Tater Team member, who is in the process of turning it into a tiny house in Idaho. And, if it’s anything like her other tiny houses – a Hobbit Inn in Washington state, a treehouse in Hawaii and a reclaimed Forest Service Lookout in Idaho – it will be a sight to see! Follow the transformation on Instagram @bigidahopotatohotel. The Big Idaho® Potato Truck’s charity component, A Big Helping – Idaho Potatoes Supporting Local Causes Nationwide, will continue. In many of the markets the Truck visits, it works with local charities to help raise funds and awareness about the organization or the important cause it supports. In 2017 the Truck donated $500 each to 32 charities across the country.
To see when the Big Idaho® Potato Truck will be in your neck of the woods visit www.bigidahopotatotruck.com.
About The Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the IPC is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation, and rich volcanic soil give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, which differentiates them from potatoes grown in other states.
Among specialty produce items gaining in popularity with U.S. consumers are Asian vegetables and tropical items.
“What is interesting about the specialty category is the crossover between the products and which category they fall into,” said Alex Jackson Berkley, assistant sales manager for Frieda’s, based in Los Alamitos, CA, who recently appeared in a feature in the trade publication The Packer.
“Many fruit items that are popular in the Asian culture are also common in the Latin culture, like dragon fruit (photograph), lychee, rambutan, jackfruit and mangosteen.
“The Asian vegetable category has taken off as many people are becoming more familiar with the items through Asian restaurants,” Jackson Berkley said in The Packer.
“Retailers are looking to compete with the big Asian retailers by bringing in a variety of Asian items at a low retail price. This is going beyond bok choy and napa cabbage. Items like bittermelon, Chinese okra, gai lan and Chinese long beans are more common in the retail (setting).”
World Variety Produce of Los Angeles, which markets under the Melissa’s brand, has seen increasing interest in turmeric, petite baby bok choy and petite Shanghai bok choy, among other Asian items, while jackfruit continues on an upward trajectory despite its massive size.
“The trendiest fruit of them all in the category of tropicals is definitely the jackfruit,” Robert Schueller of Melissa’s added in The Packer article. “It has so much potential.”
“The only problem with the jackfruit and why not every retailer is carrying it is because it’s the largest of all fruit,” Schueller said. “These fruits are typically at least 12 pounds, but on average they are around 20 pounds.”
When the retail price is $2-3 per pound, jackfruit quickly becomes quite pricey.
“It’s a value when it’s per pound, but the thing is that retailers don’t want to deal with cutting it up because there’s a whole art to doing that … It would be considered kind of a tricky fruit to handle,” Schueller said.
Jackson Berkley also noted turmeric and jackfruit as growth items, particularly due to the plant-based eating trend.
Schueller attributed much of the buzz around jackfruit to its use among vegans as a meat substitute.
Both Jackson Berkley and Schueller mentioned dragon fruit has been a hot item as well.
HLB Specialities of Fort Lauderdale, FL report papayas and rambutan are best-sellers for the company, with rambutan experiencing the most growth since HLB began offering it three years ago.
Ecoripe Tropicals of Medley, FL points out rambutan, dragon fruit, durian, longan, lychee, mangosteen and soursop are among the items drawing the most interest for the company.
As New Jersey vegetable shipments get underway, here is a look at last season’s volume to add some perspective as to what to expect this summer.
Bell peppers and tomatoes saw significant shipping increases in 2017, while sweet corn acreage was stable.
New Jersey’s top vegetables in 2017 were tomatoes, bell peppers and sweet corn, and total acreage for vegetable crops topped 35,000 acres.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reports shipments for 18 vegetables tracked in New Jersey totaled 507.8 million pounds, with area harvested estimated at 35,100 acres.
2017 harvested vegetable acreage of 35,100 was up 1.4 percent from 2016, when 34,600 acres of vegetables were harvested.
According to the USDA, tomatoes, bell peppers and sweet corn together accounted for 51 percent of total vegetable production in the state.
The total value of utilized production in the state was $193.8 million, and tomatoes, bell peppers and sweet corn together accounted for 48 percent of the total.
Sweet Corn Shipments
- Sweet corn topped all vegetable crops in terms of acreage, with 6,200 acres harvested in 2017, down slightly from 6,400 acres harvested in 2016.
- Sweet corn production of 601,400 cwt. in 2017 compares to 595,000 cwt. in 2016, according to USDA statistics.
- Value of sweet corn production in 2017 totaled $18.04 million, up from $17.29 million in 2016.
- Tomato harvested acreage in 2017 totaled 4,000 acres, up 38 percent from 2,900 acres harvested in 2016.
- Production of tomatoes in 2017 totaled 1.12 million cwt., up 42 percent from 791,000 cwt. in 2016.
- Value of tomatoes in New Jersey was $39.2 million in 2017, down from $46.3 million in 2016.
Bell Pepper Shipments
- Bell pepper harvested acreage in 2017 totaled 3,100 acres, up 34 percent from 2,300 acres in 2016.
- Production of bell peppers in 2017 was 868,000 cwt., up from 633,000 cwt. in 2016.
- Value of bell pepper production in 2017 was $35.9 million, up a whopping 80 pecent from $19.9 million in 2016.
The Nunes Co. and reignited a partnership with well know actress, model and celebrity, Brooke Shields, which originally began in 1989. Nunes is one of the nation’s largest grower-shippers of conventional and organic fresh produce marketed under the Foxy brand name.
The marketing campaign brings Shields back to the Nunes Co. as a role model and icon of wellness, fitness and healthy lifestyles. These value attributes are at the core of everything the company stands for in their efforts to encourage people of all ages to eat right and take care of their health.
The Nunes Co.’s rollout of this new marketing campaign is expected to commence this month and continue through June 2019. A series of outdoor billboards will appear in specific geographic areas in the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Great Lakes regions. The campaign will also include a matching trade advertising component to support the company’s efforts.
Long known for its creative approach to marketing, as evidenced by the countless clever billboards placed in specific geographic markets, The Nunes Co. plans to launch an outdoor billboard series to compliment the campaign. The billboards will be geared towards Millennial moms, Generation X, and Baby Boomers — audiences with which Shields has tremendous followings. According to Forbes, mothers account for nearly 80 percent of U.S. household purchases.
“Ms. Shields, being an active, working mom, is an ideal role model and brand ambassador for the Foxy brand,” said Mark Crossgrove, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Nunes Co.
Shields’ recent work surrounding health, fitness and beauty can be seen across various media outlets, including television shows like The Today Show, and print magazines like Vogue and Social Life magazine.
Having such a positive experience while working with Shields in 1989, the Nunes Co. felt this year was the right time to reengage such a public role model. The successful 1989 campaign featuring Shields is widely considered a legacy campaign in the fresh produce industry — one which people remember and still talk about 30 years later.
Remember our veterans who protect our Homeland as we celebrate our independence. Very thankful for their sacrifices and bravery.
On this 242nd birthday of our beloved country, here are some quotes from one of our greatest presidents. Have a great 4th of July!
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 at the family home in Shadwell in the Colony of Virginia, the third of 10 children. He was of English, and possibly Welsh, descent and was born a British subject. His father Peter Jefferson was a planter and surveyor who died when Jefferson was 14; his mother was Jane Randolph.
He was our 3rd president serving from 1801 – 1809. Here are some of his best quotes.
“When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe,
we shall become as corrupt as Europe.”
“The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who
are willing to work and give to those who would not.”
“It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes.
A principle which if acted on, would save
one-half the wars of the world.”
“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of taking care of them.”
“My reading of history convinces me that
most bad government results from
too much government.”
“No free man shall ever be
debarred the use of arms.”
“The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.”
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from
time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”
“To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes,
the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors,
is sinful and tyrannical.”


text:
Mondelez International’s Oreo is more than a cookie, more than a snackable brand. It’s an American icon – and its custodians fully expect to promote the delectable snack using a vast mix of consumer touchpoints.
Reports Justin Parnell, senior director/Oreo at Mondelez International, “We are creating culture to become a sustainable, long-term, growing brand that consumers adore and love.”
And the matrix of brand extensions over time has created a web that cuts deep into a variety of lifestyles and interests – as shown by an almost endless slate of Oreo flavors, from Strawberry Milkshake and Mississippi Mud Pie to Wasabi, Carrot Cake and Waffles & Syrup.
“The brand is over a hundred years old,” Parnell told delegates at the Association of National Advertisers’ (ANA) 2019 Brand Masters Conference. “For generations, we’ve been creating special moments of joy among kids and families through playing with Oreos.


text:
Kobo Turns One
The e-book service that’s going head to head with Amazon, Apple and–as of last week–Google, has not just survived its first year in business, it’s around to celebrate it.
We caught up with Kobo’s CEO Michael Serbinis yesterday to hear the Toronto company’s tales from the past 365 days.
“It’s been a whirlwind. When we started the company last year, the e-book space was 1 percent of market, and by March it was 9 percent of the physical market.
“The market has been growing faster than anyone anticipated. When you look specifically at the consumer part of the market, separate from academic, it could hit 50 percent by 2014.”
Here’s his short list of growth figures to support the page-turner of a story:
Serbinis said Kobo’s growth will continue in the new year as it expands internationally and adds new features that connect the reading experience to social networks or keep track of reading stats, such as hours read and pages turned. In January, it will be moving into a new space that could support two to three times as many employees in 2011.
Overall, Kobo’s goal is to allow its users to read its books on any device, PC, etc., by using open standards. That sets itself apart from Amazon, which encodes the books with its own proprietary standards. Still, both companies are taking the approach of making apps for all the multitude of smartphone platforms, tablets, etc. In the strictest sense, Google is a more comparable model because it is also using open standards.
Kobo’s focus is not on the hardware, although it found it necessary early on to launch an e-reader in order to promote the space, much like razors being necessary to sell razorblades. The device is sold at Wal-Mart and seven book chains around the world. A tethered version is as cheap as $99, and a Wi-Fi version costs around $129.
The company is backed by Indigo Books & Music–a Canadian bookseller–Borders Group, REDgroup Retail and Cheung Kong Holdings. It disclosed that it raised $16 million in venture capital, but has since raised an undisclosed round from existing investors. It has hired Morgan Stanley as an advisor to raise “a lot more than that” in the new year, Serbinis said.


text:
Health experts have warned against all-meat diets, highlighting the risk of nutrient deficiencies and links to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. While some proponents say all-meat diets can enhance weight loss, digestion, and energy levels, health professionals argue that a balanced, varied diet is crucial for optimal health. They advise plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats to maintain healthy bodily functions and improve overall health. The warning comes as some trends in the health and wellness industry, including Keto and Paleo diets, have led to an increase in meat consumption.
Experts Warn Against Trend Towards All-Meat Diets for Health Reasons
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards all-meat diets, with some proponents claiming that it can improve weight loss, digestion, and energy levels. However, health experts warn that such diets may be harmful to both physical and mental health, and that a balanced, varied diet is essential for optimal health.
The Risks of an All-Meat Diet
One of the most significant risks of an all-meat diet is nutrient deficiencies. While meat is a rich source of protein, it lacks many other essential nutrients that are prevalent in plant-based foods such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. By eliminating these vital nutrients, an all-meat diet can lead to deficiencies in various micronutrients, which can cause a range of health problems.
Furthermore, eating a diet rich in meat may increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Studies have linked high meat consumption with an increased risk of colon cancer, for instance. Red and processed meats are also associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
A lack of dietary fiber is another significant concern with all-meat diets. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods, which has been linked to several health benefits, including lower cholesterol levels, better digestive health, and a lower risk of chronic diseases. Without adequate dietary fiber, an all-meat diet may cause constipation, bloating, and other digestive problems, making it challenging to maintain in the long term.
Why a Balanced Diet Is Essential
Eating a balanced, varied diet that includes a range of foods from all food groups is vital for optimal health. Each food group provides different essential nutrients, all of which work together to maintain healthy bodily functions.
A balanced diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins such as fish, tofu, and legumes. It’s also important to limit the intake of processed and sugary foods, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
A balanced diet is crucial for losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, as it provides the nutrients and energy needed for physical activity and daily living. Not only can such a diet help improve overall health, but it’s also necessary for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Q: Is an all-meat diet good for weight loss?
A: While an all-meat diet may lead to weight loss initially, it may not be sustainable or healthy in the long term. High-fat, high-protein diets can lead to increased cholesterol levels, constipation, and other health problems.
Q: What should I eat if I want to improve my health?
A: A balanced, varied diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is essential for optimal health.
Q: What are the risks of an all-meat diet?
A: An all-meat diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, constipation, and may increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Q: What can I do to ensure I’m getting enough nutrients on a meat-based diet?
A: It’s important to include a variety of meats in your diet, along with other nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Consider adding supplements to your diet if necessary. It’s also essential to monitor your health and seek medical advice if you notice any concerning symptoms.


text:
LOS ANGELES, CA (April 25, 2017) Hero Initiative, the non-profit that aids comic book creators in medical and financial need, hits the East Coast Comic Con at The Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, N.J. April 29-30.
Our own Board Member and veteran comic writer and editor Dennis O’Neil will be at the Hero booth all weekend! Make sure you stop on by to chat with Denny and get your books signed. Dennis O’Neil will appear exclusively at the Hero booth, #233
And that’s not all! Freshmen artist Will Torres and Spider-Man Noir writer Fabrice Sapolsky will also be at the Hero booth all weekend!
And Hero Initiative Ambassadors across the con floor will be collecting for our cause when you get your books signed, so make sure to pay them a visit. Bob Budiansky, Gerhard, Mike Grell, Joe Jusko, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and Kevin Maguire are all on the job, so do the right thing!
Art attached: Dennis O’Neil photo
About The Hero Initiative
The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.
Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $950,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.


text:
WASHINGTON (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — More than 30,000 healthier product choices have been made available to consumers between 2002 and 2013 according to the 2014 Health & Wellness Survey released today by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA). The new choices represent an additional 10,000 in just the last four years.
"Consumers want to eat better and they want to do so in a way that fits their lifestyles. The 2014 GMA Health & Wellness Survey demonstrates that the industry has responded to this need in a significant way. America's food and beverage companies have made available to consumers thousands of new and reformulated product choices that are less in calories, fats, sugar and sodium to help them build healthy diets for themselves and their families," said GMA President and CEO Pamela G. Bailey.
The 2014 GMA Health & Wellness Survey data was collected and analyzed by Georgetown Economic Services. Sixty-nine companies, representing more than half of U.S. food and beverage sales, have shared data for the survey since 2002.
Food and beverage companies reported that they collectively have:
- Eliminated or reduced trans fat in more than 11,000 product choices
- Eliminated or reduced saturated fat in more than 8,000 product choices
- Reduced sugar/carbohydrates in more than 5,500 product choices
- Reduced the calorie content of more than 5,500 product choices
- Reduced sodium in more than 6,500 product choices
Additional survey highlights include:
- 94 percent of participant companies are promoting healthy eating and active living to consumers through a variety of channels, including websites and front-of-pack labeling such as Facts Up Front.
- 46 percent of companies have introduced single-serve packaging to help consumers manage their caloric intake.
- Since 2002, food and beverage companies have spent more than $300 million in nutrition and health-related activities and grants to communities.
- 72 percent of participant companies partner with public health organizations.
"GMA is proud of its member companies and the industry for its ongoing commitment to help Americans lead healthier lives. Together, we are providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to construct a healthy diet and lead a more active lifestyle," concluded Bailey.
For a copy of the survey findings, visit:
Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.
Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders.
In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.


text:
Home Tags Solar panel
Tag: Solar panel
California just became the first state to require solar panels on all new homes. Here’s how long it takes to make the $10,000 investment pay off...
A solar panel can add thousands of dollars to the cost of a home, but the California Energy Commission says it all pays off in the long run.
President Trump slapped a tariff on washing machines and solar panels on Monday, but the move could have serious negative consequences.
A solar company called Geostellar is enlisting Uber drivers to sell solar panels to passengers, something Uber has discouraged in the past.
San Francisco buildings have to start using solar power.


text:
Brunswick Corp., parent company of distributor Land ’N Sea, reported its revenue grew 9 percent during fiscal year 2017, and net sales grew 14 percent in the boat segment and 8 percent in the marine engine segment for the year.
The company announced fourth quarter and fiscal year results today. It was the first time Brunswick classified Sea Ray as “discontinued operations” after announcing the sale of the brand Dec. 5.
This story originally appeared in Trade Only Today.
Operating earnings dropped 13 percent on a generally accepted accounting principles basis, and adjusted operating earnings were up 5 percent versus fiscal year 2016.
During the fourth quarter, the marine engine segment reported net sales of $564.6 million, up 13 percent from $500.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
International sales, which represented 31 percent of total segment sales in the quarter, were up 6 percent, compared to the prior year period. Operating earnings were $57.5 million for the quarter, compared to $51 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Strong growth in the outboard and the parts and accessories businesses led to the sales increases in the quarter, the company said.
The improvement in operating earnings in the fourth quarter was primarily the result of higher net sales and favorable changes in product mix, partially offset by planned increases in growth investments in advance of new product introductions and unfavorable adjustments related primarily to product warranty and the resolution of litigation.
The boat segment reported net sales of $283.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, up 15 percent from $245.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
International sales, which represented 27 percent of total segment sales in the quarter, increased by 14 percent, compared to the previous year.


text:
Chef Jamie Oliver is fighting to improve the welfare of pigs destined for slaughter in his latest TV campaign.
Up to 9million pigs are bred for pork, ham and bacon in the UK but 35 per cent suffer horrific cruelty.
Pregnant sows should get their own bedding areas under our laws but many farmers still keep them in cramped pens. Welfare laws are even slacker in Europe as farmers desperately try to undercut their UK rivals.
The RSPCA now wants pork products labelled as free range, outdoor reared or outdoor bred so people can make a more informed choice when buying. And Jamie, 33, who has already highlighted the plight of chickens in his popular TV shows, will hammer home the message in Jamie Saves Our Bacon to be screened on Channel 4 later this month.
Dr Julia Wrathall, head of the RSPCA's farm animal science department, said: "Of the 160million pigs raised for meat across the EU, far too many are living in cramped and unnatural conditions.
"Standards are higher in the UK than some other countries but many pigs are still suffering."
The cruelty is made worse since pigs are said to be the fourth most intelligent animal behind primates, dolphins and elephants. The RSPCA said: "We will be urging people to buy British - and buy those products where pigs have received the best welfare."


text:
DODGEVILLE, Wis., Feb. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the seventh year, Lands' End has been awarded the Green Masters Award, the highest honor in the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council's Green Masters Program.
"Lands' End has consistently demonstrated a growing commitment to environmentally focused business practices," said Tom Eggert, executive director, Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. "Their sustainability program has grown to include innovative recycling programs including fiber recycling, reducing the use of natural resources, replenishing resources through their partnership with the National Forest Foundation and much more. Their work has been an example for and inspiration to other Wisconsin institutions."
Green Masters Recognition
The Green Masters Program is an objective, points-based recognition program that enables Wisconsin institutions of all sizes and from any sector to join a group of like-minded companies that are on the road to sustainability. Developed by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin, the Green Masters Program recognizes Wisconsin's sustainability leaders and encourages continuous improvement. The Green Masters Award criteria is based on actions in nine key sustainability areas: energy, carbon and other emissions, water, waste and materials management, transportation, supply chain, community and educational outreach, workforce and governance.
Lands' End has been participating in the Green Masters Program since 2009 and is one of only two companies in the state to earn Green Masters status seven straight years. The Green Masters Program is run by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, with the support of students at UW Madison.
Lands' Friendly, #IAmLandsFriendly
Sustainability partnerships, ENERGY STAR certified buildings, working toward becoming a zero landfill company, Earth-friendly vendor policies – Lands' End has been building upon the environmental stewardship of the company's founder Gary Comer for more than 50 years. The company supports both national and local causes, including the National Forest Foundation, the United States Lighthouse Society and the Clean Lakes Alliance.
Under the initiative of "Lands' Friendly," Lands' End has implemented a wide range of environmentally focused business practices including programs to reduce or eliminate paper consumption, comprehensive recycling and waste management initiatives. For example, in 2012, Lands' End began a partnership with the National Forest Foundation – the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. Since then, Lands' End has been part of large-scale plantings in U.S. forests resulting in the planting of 1.2 million trees and counting.
In 2016, Lands' End launched a new sustainability initiative called Breathe New Life, with some of the largest corporate clients in the Lands' End Business Outfitters division. Instead of disposing of unusable materials and apparel, Lands' End now works with Martex Fiber to recycle those textiles into post-consumer fiber, material for insulation, bedding, acoustics, home furnishings and more.
For more information about Lands' Friendly initiatives, visit www.landsend.com/sustainability.
About Lands' End, Inc.
Lands' End, Inc. (Nasdaq: LE) is a leading multi-channel retailer of clothing, accessories, footwear and home products. We offer products through catalogs, online at www.landsend.com and affiliated specialty and international websites, and through retail locations, primarily at Lands' End Shops at Sears® and standalone Lands' End Stores. We are a classic American lifestyle brand with a passion for quality, legendary service and real value, and seek to deliver timeless style for men, women, kids and the home.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lands-end-receives-green-masters-award-for-the-7th-consecutive-year-from-the-wisconsin-sustainable-business-council-300400360.html
SOURCE Lands' End, Inc.


text:
BMO Mobile Banking for iPhone can now support Touch ID.
Koodo has dropped the price of their 2GB and 3GB Heavyweight plans as part of a limited time promo.
Rdio says it will introduce a lower-cost music subscription tier, at $3.99 per month.
SaskTel and MTS have officially announced the support of mobile payments via partners TD Bank and EnStream.
Fido has added a new “limited time only” Smart plan for $33/month.
Hearing aids can be controlled by Apple Watch, in particularly those from ReSound.
Consumer Reports has released their preliminary conclusions on the Galaxy S6 and its similarities to the iPhone.
Uber has announced UberSelect is now available in Toronto.
Duet Display can now act as an external monitor for your Windows 7 or 8 PC.
Shoppers Drug Mart has added the ability to digitize your Optimum Card for scanning in store.
Tim Cook believes Apple Pay will kick off in China and take off faster than it has in the USA.
Fido has updated its website to note the promo $45/1GB plan is now available, for an extended period of time.


text:
HTC Corp., Asia’s second-biggest maker of smartphones, filed a patent-related complaint at the U.S. International Trade Commission that seeks to block imports of Apple Inc.’s iPhone, iPad and Mac computers.
The complaint filed yesterday in Washington claims Apple is infringing three patents related to wireless technology and follows a case lodged last year at the ITC that made similar claims. Taoyuan, Taiwan-based HTC also sued Apple this week in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, over the three patents.
“Apple needs to stop its infringement of our patented inventions in its products,” HTC General Counsel Grace Lei said in a statement. “We are taking this action against Apple to protect our intellectual property, our industry partners, and most importantly our customers that use HTC phones.”
The two companies are part of a larger battle among smartphone makers looking to fight copycats and thwart competition in a market that’s projected to reach $206.6 billion this year by researcher IHS Inc. Apple, the world’s biggest smartphone maker, has filed patent cases against handset makers using Google Inc.’s Android operating system, including Samsung Electronics Co., Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. and HTC.
“Competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours,” Kristin Huguet, a spokeswoman for Cupertino, California-based Apple, said in response to the HTC lawsuit.
Earlier this week, Google moved to protect itself from lawsuits related to Android with a $12.5 billion agreement to buy Motorola Mobility. The acquisition would give Mountain View, California-based Google at least 17,000 more patents.
HTC also has used acquisitions to bolster its position, agreeing in July to buy S3 Graphics Co. after an ITC judge found that Apple’s Mac OS X computer system violated two S3 patents.
HTC, which said in its latest complaint that it generated about $5 billion in U.S. sales last year, claims Apple infringes a patent for portable devices that integrate features of a personal digital assistant and two patents related to networking to better combine telephones and video services.
The company targets the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac computers, Apple TV and the AirPort and Time Capsule wireless-network equipment.
The ITC is a quasi-judicial agency that arbitrates trade disputes and has the power to block imports of products found to violate U.S. patents. The agency typically takes 15 to 18 months to complete reviews, and HTC’s lawsuit in Delaware would likely be put on hold if the commission investigates the complaint.
Open to Discussion
A judge with the ITC is scheduled to release his findings in the earlier HTC case against Apple in September.
Last month, a different trade judge found that HTC infringed two Apple patents. If that decision is upheld, it could lead to an import ban on certain HTC phones. Apple filed a separate complaint this month targeting HTC’s phones and new Flyer tablet computers.
HTC and Apple “have to sit down and figure it out,” HTC Chief Financial Officer Winston Yung said in a July 26 telephone interview. “We’re open to having discussions,” he said.
Apple fell $2.93 to $380.48 at 4 p.m. New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. HTC gained 1 percent to NT$834 as of 9:03 a.m. in Taipei.
The ITC case is In the Matter of Certain Electronic Devices with Communication Capabilities, Complaint No. 2841, U.S. International Trade Commission (Washington). The civil case is HTC Corp. v. Apple Inc., 11-cv-715, U.S. District Court, District of Delaware (Wilmington).
To see the patents, click: 7,765,414; 7,672,219; 7,417,944.


text:
General Motors boss says affordable rear-wheel drive coupe is “on the list” – and it could become a Holden
Published : Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Holden could add a Toyota 86 fighter to its armoury if General Motors North America boss Mark Reuss succeeds in his ambition to bring a budget-buy rear-wheel drive Chevrolet coupe to market.
While not confirmed for production, the idea was previewed by the 2012’s Code 130R concept car (pictured) and is on the wishlist of the former Holden boss.
The 86 – which is sold as the Scion FR-S in the US - and its almost identical twin, the Subaru BRZ, swept all before them in 2012, with demand exceeding supply and car of the year awards piling up in response to their affordable rear-drive oversteer antics.
More at link


text:
Sales of Pudgy Penguin non-fungible tokens (NFT) heated up on Thursday after the project announced it would be licensing select NFTs to be made into physical toy collectibles.
The collection has had 252 ETH (around $466,000) in sales in the last 24 hours, a 370% increase from the previous day, according to data from OpenSea.
The collection’s floor price, which is the price of the cheapest available edition, is now 2.63 ETH (around $4,900), an 18% increase from the previous day’s floor and a 60% increase from 30 days ago, according to data from NFT Floor Price.
The Pudgy Penguins’ brand has seen its share of ups and downs since its release in June 2021; it ousted its original founders in January. In April, the brand was sold to a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and Pudgy Penguin holder for 750 ETH, revitalizing the community’s efforts to take control over the collection’s future.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing debate in the NFT world about licensing rights for holders, highlighted by Moonbirds’ recent switch to a CC0 license, causing its floor price to tank.
A CC0 license, unlike the licenses of Pudgy Penguin NFTs and collections like the Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks, allow anyone to use the creative rights behind the project’s artwork to create commercial products, not just the holder of the NFT.
The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG.


text:
Jamba Inc. celebrates 25th anniversary with giveaway
Made-to-order juice, smoothie retailer plans 500-store expansion
Jamba Inc., Emeryville, Calif.,is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special giveaway in appreciation of its fans’ support. Guests who visit Jamba locations across the nation on April 23, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. local time will receive a free small made-to-order juice or and smoothie.
“From the beginning Jamba Juice has been synonymous with healthy living, both by the foods and beverages we offer and by our strong engagement in the communities we serve”, said James D. White, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Jamba Inc. “Jamba is continuing to build on its legacy of innovative healthy food and beverage options as we enter the next 25 years.” Jamba Senior Vice President and Chief Brand Officer Julie S. Washington added in a statement:
“Jamba consumers embrace Jamba as an integral part of their healthy lifestyles. “The Free Juice and Smoothie Giveaway is intended to invite new guests to try one of our delicious and nutritious smoothies or freshly squeezed juices while rewarding our regular guests to thank them for their loyalty.”
Jamba continues to expand its retail presence and recently announced its plan to add 500 new domestic and global locations within the next five years.


text:
The Telegraph reports, judging by new statistics performed by Arieso, a mobile network optimizing service, iPhone 4S users are consuming nearly double the amount of data than they were when operating an iPhone 4 and on their iPads, and one of the main causes is Siri.
It seems like customers are to run the risk of seeing big increases in their monthly bills, while mobile networks could buckle under the strain of rapidly increasing data usage.
“Voice is the ultimate human interface,” said Arieso Chief Technology Officer Michael Flanagan. “As you lower the barriers,” more and more people will make use of the increased functionality, he says.
Michael Flanagan, Arieso’s chief technology officer said: “Voice is the ultimate human interface. As you lower the barriers consumers will use their smartphones’ functions even more often.”
Arieso also advised users of Vodafone Group Plc (VOD), Telefonica SA (TEF) and Nokia Siemens Networks Oy on how to manage wireless networks.
Siri is a new feature of the latest iPhone model. It is also called as the iPhone’s ‘humble assistant’, the voice-controlled application, using an internet connection, allows users to ask it for weather updates, write text messages and search the web.
After the launch of iPhone 4S in October, this small improvements disappointed many experts and reviewers, but it hadn’t affected the demand. Buyers have extensively used their devices.
Siri has become the champion among smartphones when data usage is concerned. Owners of the iPhone 4S download almost three times as much data as users of the iPhone 3G, which Arieso uses as the benchmark, and twice as much as the iPhone 4, whose users were the most demanding in last year’s survey, says Huff Post.
“I use the iPhone 4 myself and when I first heard of the iPhone 4S features I was not compelled to rush out and get one. However, the data usage numbers I am seeing make me wonder what I am missing,” said Michael Flanagan.
Operators try to find the way to limit their data tariffs to prevent heavy use as subscribers record high-definition video and images and browse the Internet and play music on their phones, Bloomberg reports.
As a matter of fact, Vodafone, which is considered to be the world’s largest mobile-phone operator, has already shifted toward consumption-based billing to protect its network capacity.
He added as tablets include smartphone like interfaces and software platforms, their data usage was similar to top-end smartphones.
“A tablet still looks like a big smartphone,” he said.
Besides, the research has also showed that a minority of users account for half of downloaded data. About one percent of the high-use subscribers downloaded half of the data volumes. “The hungry are getting hungrier,” Flanagan said.
The studies revealed that an average user of latest BlackBerry smartphone, the Curve and the Bold Touch, downloads about 20 percent of the data of an iPhone 4S subscriber.
“While RIM compresses data, the company’s traditional business users also use fewer applications beyond e- mail”, Flanagan said.
The development and further proliferation of voice command software may speed up as more manufacturers adopt the technology, Flanagan said. “What makes Apple unique is that they have done it first successfully.”


text:
BRITISH discount giant Poundland has expanded its presence in southern Spain with a new store in Andalucia.
Operating under the name Dealz, the new store opens at 9am this morning in Cadiz province.
The first of its kind in the province, the store is situated in the Jerez Luz shopping centre.
The first 50 customers to arrive will receive gift vouchers worth up to €100.
The overwhelming majority of products are €1.50 or less, with everything imaginable on offer, including food and drink, health and beauty, baby care, books, toys, cleaning products, DIY tools, stationery, pet products and much more.
It also has more than 800 items in its brand new clothing section.
In total there are more than 4,800 products available.
The Dealz brand, owned by Poundland, hopes to open 200 stores across Spain over the next five years.
It already has stores in Malaga, Granada and Torremolinos.


text:
ROC platform provides a turnkey solution for insurers looking to enter the IoT and smart home market
Palo Alto, Calif. – February 1, 2016 – ROC-Connect, an Internet of Things (IoT) platform technology company, has announced the launch of its new Cloud services, designed to support the needs of home insurance providers looking to enter the smart home market. The platform is designed to support the deployment of turnkey solutions for the IoT and smart home that will drive consumer engagement, increase loyalty, and reduce insured risk.
The IoT has the potential to seriously disrupt the insurance industry, yet 50 percent of more than 300 companies say they lack a clear strategy for IoT implementation according to a new FC Business Intelligence survey. ROC-Connect’s new ecosystem gives insurance providers the framework and tools they need to reinvent their business models and move from simply insuring against risk, to providing practical help for preventing losses.
“While the IoT can help insurance companies and their customers prevent major losses, many insurers have yet to recognize the opportunity and develop effective strategies,” said Marcus Scheiber, CEO and co-founder of ROC-Connect. “Our new platform allows us to deliver a turn-key solution that secures access to data and gives insurance companies the ability to deploy smart home products and services that are customizable, simple and affordable.”
The core element of the ecosystem, ROC-Master, provides insurance companies with a simple framework that allows them to deploy user apps for the smart home. It offers the flexibility to create full end-to-end branded smart home solutions with unique user experiences that can scale to support all IoT devices and the smart home. With the integration of embedded third party applications, ROC-Master also allows insurance providers to collaborate and sell additional apps, content, and services through ROC-Cloud, the company’s cloud platform and in-home hub.
ROC-Master leverages ROMP, an open API architecture that allows developers the freedom to design and deliver their own unique apps and services using ROC-Cloud. This framework also enables ROC-Connect to offer and support ‘apps for things.’ Insurance providers can use these features as part of the ROC-Connect Smart Home as a Service (SHaaS) offering to monetize features in the different connected products they offer to their customers.
The platform also allows insurers to blend their products with IoT and smart home devices into a single app. The master app can then be used to bundle still more value added content and services, like alerts and advice for weather, hazards, and things like seasonal maintenance or on demand managed services.
ROC-Master is built out natively in iOS, Android, and Web to support the end-customer app-stores as mechanisms to deploy and update. ROC-Master will soon be available on Microsoft and support their mobile strategy on the Windows 10 platform.
The platform and services are now ready for deployment in North and South America, as well as Europe and will roll out to support customers in Asia and Australia later in 2016.
For more information on ROC-Connect, visit http://www.roc-connect.com/.
ROC-Connect is a leading IoT platform that provides simple, affordable and scalable smart home solutions as well as implementation support for insurance providers, retailers, service providers, and manufacturers. Founded by serial entrepreneurs who have been at the forefront of the emerging connected home market, ROC-Connect is helping to shape the business models and strategies for the new connected world. For more information, please visit http://www.roc-connect.com/.


text:
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has joined forces with the French shipping giant CMA CGM in backing French start-up container fleet monitoring company TRAXENS.
The agreement sees CMA CGM and MSC invest capital in TRAXENS, with each group also represented on the Board of Directors.
The deployment of the TRAXENS devices across the fleets of both carriers will be announced in fourth quarter of this year.
With a combined fleet of 4.5 million units these two world leaders transport approximately 25% of the world’s shipping containers.
“We see container monitoring as an important innovation in providing our customers with a high quality of service, while also being able to monitor our outputs accurately. We believe that shipping lines should naturally compete on service, but should co-operate in the area of technology and innovation,” Diego Aponte, President and CEO of MSC, said.


text:
Dead Trigger gets Halloween update, Gameloft's Zombiewood lands in Google Play
Dead Trigger, the highly popular and intense zombie shooter game from Mad Finger, has received an update just in time for this year’s Halloween season. The update brings along new weapons, arenas and a chance for you to slaughter zombie crowds with jack o’ lanterns for heads.
The new weapon comes in the form of a Crossbow. There’s a new creepy Haunted Graveyard stage and now you can purchase the Minigun at a slashed price. The game also brings better gameplay physics that that lets you blast pumpkin heads and watch them roll around. Another added feature is the AlienGun effect, which is expected to work on slower weapons.
In more Zombie news, Gameloft’s Zombiewood has made its debut in the Google Play store. Players get to choose from over 20 crazy weapons to massacre waves of flesh eating zombies featured in 11 different movies and 10 different game modes.
Set in the environs of LA, you also get to play in true cartoon style inspired by a Hollywood setting. Gameloft promises future content updates to arrive soon with more movies, weapons, outfits and all the zombie action you could ever hope for.


text:
Aliso Viejo's "City Walk," a live/work community a short walk from Grand Park, was built with lofty ambitions,but a tough real estate market has led many – including the developer – to question whether the idea is viable. Now, business is booming for some—but others are struggling to keep their doors open.
Realtors say the idea of living where you work isn't new, especially back east— but Orange County hasn't taken to the trend until recently. Here, the idea of upscale live/work units like at City Walk didn't catch on until the turn of the century, right around the time the real estate bubble burst.
Developers envisioned City Walk as a place where "homebuyers with an entrepreneurial spirit" could live somewhere that "perfectly blends professional ambitions with personal needs," according to an article on the website of J.F. Shea Company, Inc.', the parent company which owns Shea Properties, the City Walk developer. The development won awards—greater than the top prize Shea boasts on its website, but still a noteworthy Award of Merit from the 2007 Gold Nugget Competition.
Design of the buildings are straightforward, but with an upscale kick: three floors each, with one work level and two upstairs live levels. The "live" portions are upscale: professional gas kitchen range, luxury oversized bathtubs, high ceilings and ample countertops.
Now, however, Shea says there isn't a market to build out the development as planned. They've asked city council to let them build six less live/work units, to finish out City Walk's rows of shops with 35 total units along Vantis Drive. That's led many at Vantis, the development that includes City Walk, to question whether the original, award-winning plans realistically fit with what homeowners and business owners want.
"It's not a great environment right now for live work units," said Mike O'Melveny, vice president of Land Acquisition at Shea Homes. "We don't know if there's a market looking at the history today...the last sales have been distressed. And talking to other City Walk homeowners, some have conveyed the more units would depress their values."
So where does that leave City Walk today? And looking across the county, what's the viability of upscale live/work projects like these?
FEAST OR FAMINE
Currently, there are 24 businesses with storefronts of the total 31 units built out. Of those, only three have actual business hours posted beyond "by appointment." Some business owners like Georges Avila, co-owner of City Perk, say that hurts surrounding businesses. Six units sit empty. They've fought to make sure businesses have a sign for their storefronts in the past, Avila said.
Avila expressed frustration that it was hard to know whether some people living in the City Walk townhomes had a business.
"Do you have a business or not? Because we signed a business agreement with Shea Homes saying you have to be in business in four months (of moving in)," Avila said.
Some businesses like OC Pilates, which was a by-appointment business, just recently shut down late March. But other businesses like City Perk, D for Design, and Yoly's Haircuts, have been around since the project began in 2007.
Logan Bros. Shaving Co., 45 Vantis Drive, has experienced a business boom—so much so it plans to open a second location and roll out its own product line, said owner Colin Logan. The business sports hot-towel shaves and a relaxed environment for men's haircuts, and the place often has a wait.
"We're trying to stay open seven days a week," Logan said. "We are rockin' and rollin'."
As to the turnover of businesses in the area? Logan said he's not concerned.
"I think having the economy do what it's done recently, and ... certainly whenever you have retail there's a certain size that's small, there's a low boundary of entry and a high turnover for people growing or failing," Logan said. "I think it's been done in major cities and major metropolises for hundreds of years and that it's all up to neighbors and individuals and businesses to be a community."
City Walk isn't the only development in Orange County of its kind. Two other major live/work communities that Realtors in Orange County pointed to that were similar to City Walk were the South Brea Lofts in Brea and Prospect Village in Tustin.
South Brea is a larger development that began in 2005. The developer had to auction off its last 23 units during the real estate crisis, but now all the units are occupied and are generally a good thing for the city, said Eric Nicoll, community development director for the city of Brea.
"We're really happy with it, both projects have turned out good," Nicoll said. "You know, we pretty much allow the private sector to determine whether to go in there or not unless it's a use that's prohibited in the code. We don't over regulate that."