My Test Blog!

Merchant Accounts!

2007-01-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

I always write/post news about current financial news currently occurring around the world. Most of these articles are related to companies and their shares. The thing is that, sure, it is great having a source of income by investing in companies, but the bottom goal of any individual should be to actually start their own online business and make a lot more money. Of course, in that case you would require a Merchant Account.

Merchant Accounts are basically used to provide a buy/sell service to the general users. AdvantageProcessors provide these services, and they provide services from credit card processing for online orders to customised shopping carts for your users to place their items in. If you are looking to set up an online retail business, AdvantageProcessors is the place to look first!

Loans.

2007-01-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

Many people email me asking me that how are they supposed to invest in stocks and make money if they don't have the money in the first place. Well, my answer would be to start off small, and then multiply. For those who are certain that they will make quick money (assuming you tips from an 'insider'), loans are possibly the best bet. There is nothing as satisfactory as taking a loan, investing it some stocks, making a crazy profit in one week, selling the stocks off, and then repaying the loan. But just make sure that you do not make a mistake and end up having bad credit loans as that can seriously damage your ratings and investment brokers will be hesitant to work for you in the future. But hey! If you do make a killing by taking the loan and investing, I guess you can finally pay off the mortgages you have on your house!

BA closer on pension resolution.

2007-01-06T17:32:00.000-08:00

BA said it would make a one-off payment of some £800m to the pensions fund, for its 33,500 company pension holders. The Transport and General Workers Union said more details would be given on Monday, giving members time for advice. The proposed payments require staff to accept changes, including increasing the age of retirement to 65.

BA said the plan would make its ongoing contributions affordable. "[It] effectively tackles one of the most fundamental issues we face," said BA's chief executive Willie Walsh. The TGWU, which is BA's largest union with 20,000 members, said the proposal included different contribution levels. The union said it would it would back changes that would ensure the carrier would contribute hundreds of millions of pounds for pensions. Unions have been concerned about the erosion of their members' benefits. The firm's scheme has more than 33,000 active members, 20,000 deferred members and 15,000 pensioners. BA paid £235m into the fund in 2005 and has previously said that unless employee benefits were changed, payments would have to rise to £497m yearly.

The fact is that BA is really struggling to keep up with all these extra costs. Sure, pensions are good, but if it results in the company going under, it really doesn't make sense to not only implement it, but to also give out the highest returns. All being said, I personally would wait a little longer to see how this turns out. I mean, sure they are going to go back into the green zone, but until then, the share prices are just going to wobble back and forth, and quite possible have a fall as well...

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Give $100k. Get big returns. Don't bet on it!

2007-01-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

An advisory firm has told me they can help me earn a minimum return of 1 percent per month on a $100,000 investment. As I understand it, they borrow four times the amount you invest to buy blocks of bonds and then somehow simultaneously sell smaller blocks of those bonds.

I've heard that in some months, they have paid out an 8% return. I've been told this company is backed by a very reputable major investment firm and that your money is escrowed so that you can't lose it. Do you think this is a legitimate investment opportunity or a scam? -Vicki, Buffalo, Minn.

Well, generally I woult think of it being a scam, but then again this might work. Personally, I think that it a scam, or rather a scheme to separate you from your money. The reason I cannot say it is a scam is because firstly I do not have the name of the advisory company, nor do I exactly know what is going on. I would stay away from it, but hey, if you have the money just lying there and are filthy rich already, invest it and see what happens (send some my way too!).

Read the full answer here.

Tech rally leads the way

2007-01-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

Another steep decline in oil prices helped most of the market but sent oil stocks tumbling.

A variety of technology sectors gained, with computer hardware and software and networking all participating. The influential semiconductor sector bounced, too, thanks to a rally in Intel shares.

After the big run in the second half of 2006, investors are looking for relative bargains in early 2007, and, to some people, the tech sector seems to represent that, said Ron Kiddoo, chief investment officer at Cozad Asset Management.

Last year, the NYSE tech stocks gained just 9.8% compared to 16% at Dow. Thus I think this year with Vista releasing and Apple releasing Leopard, tech stocks will be where it is at.

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'Dip' in Christmas shoppers total

2007-01-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

It found that the number of shoppers visiting the High Street in the week before Christmas was down 8%, while the dip for the week after was 6.8%.
Footfall's figures are the latest to suggest a mixed Christmas for shops.
But, online stores are expected to have seen boom in trading prompting industry group IMRG to raise its sales forecast.
IMRG, which represents online retailers, has revised its estimate for the 10 weeks to Christmas from £7bn to £7.5bn.

As I said before, online retailers are going to make a lot of money. Therefore one place to throw your money at is surely going to be Amazon. Buy Amazon stocks before its too late!

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Air Asia 'to form UK alliances'

2007-01-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

A spokeswoman for the budget airline said Malaysia's transport minister would attend the press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Her comments came after press reports said the three wanted to start low-cost flights between the UK and Asia.
Virgin would not say whether it had held talks with Air Asia.
Owned by UK entrepreneur Richard Branson, it has two main airlines, London-based Virgin Atlantic and Australian low cost carrier Virgin Blue.
But budget airline Easyjet says it has not discussed any alliance with Air Asia.
Air Asia's founder and chief executive Tony Fernandes has already spoken about his ambition to start long-distance, low cost services.

Another good airlines to invest in is BA and Emirates. They are pretty much the market leaders right now.

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Best ideas for 2007

2007-01-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

Money Magazine's forecasts for 6 key areas and the profitable moves you can make to benefit.

Blue-chip growth companies have returned only three-quarters as much as the S&P 500 this year and even less of the Dow's gains. And they're still at least 20% below their normal valuations, as measured by their price-to-earnings ratios.

Read the rest of them here. Its stuff like this that investors need to give them confidence after a not-so-good 2006.

Gazprom signs agreement with Belarus on 2007 gas supplies!

2006-12-31T17:54:00.000-08:00

Russian gas giant Gazprom and Belarus signed an agreement on gas supplies to the country in 2007 in last-minute talks, averting a threatened gas cutoff to Belarus.

Gazprom chairman Alexei Miller was quoted as saying Belarus would buy gas at 100 U.S. dollars per 1,000 cubic meters next year, more than doubling what Belarus paid in 2006 -- 46.7 dollars per 1,000 cubic meters -- for Russian gas.

All this means that the prices of gas might go down, or as some fear, even go up. Whatever the result, one things for sure, people have got to start investing in Oil shares and in the Oil Market asap, as this boom isn't going to last for long.

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Walmart Sales increased in December!

2006-12-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

Wal-Mart said yesterday that sales at its United States stores rose about 1.6 percent in December. Wal-Mart had forecast that sales at stores open at least a year would show no gain or rise by as much as 1 percent for the five-week period starting Nov. 25. The retailer, which is based in Bentonville, Ark., provided the December preliminary figure in a recorded call.

Sales at Wal-Mart have slackened in recent months, hurt by store renovations and a push to add fashionable clothing at the expense of basics. Starting in October, Wal-Mart cut prices on toys, electronics, home goods and groceries, and it promoted itself as the low-cost destination for holiday gifts.

Wal-Mart's shares have increased over the past couple of hours, not by much, but they have risen nonetheless. The fact remains that a slight increase in share prices doesn't indicate a boom, but it might be a trend. Therefore if people are interested in investing in a 'chain' store, Walmart might just be the one right now.

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FCC approves AT&T-BellSouth merger.

2006-12-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

The commission, which had been split between Democrats and Republicans for months on what, if any, conditions should be imposed on the merger, accepted conditions that AT&T had proposed in a formal letter sent to the commission on Thursday. The merger was approved by 4-0 vote.

First announced in March, the merger will create a super-size AT&T that will become the nation's dominant phone company, controlling more than half the telephone and Internet access lines in the U.S.

The merger follows two other major telecommunications mergers. In 2005, Verizon Communications announced the acquisition of MCI, and SBC Communications said it would acquire AT&T. Even though regulators approved these mergers only on the basis of certain conditions, the deal between AT&T and BellSouth easily won unconditional approval earlier this year from the antitrust division of the Department of Justice. This infuriated the two FCC Democratic commissioners, Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps, who had expected some conditions to be placed on the merger.

Now, is it just me, or does it seem that AT&T is back in the market? A few years back it seemed that they were doomed, but not I'm not too sure. While speaking to some of my Business friends and the University of Alberta, they told me that telecommunication stocks are the place to invest as no matter what happens, people will have to communicate with each other. Smart thinking my friend. Smart thinking.

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US stocks enjoy best perfomance since 2003

2006-12-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

Investors in US stocks enjoyed the best equity market performance since 2003 this year, but the road was not easy. Fortune favoured the brave when stocks plumbed their lows during the summer and equity volatility jumped to its highest level in three years. As oil nudged $80 a barrel and the Fed was seemingly set for further rate hikes, the S&P 500 index was down 2 per cent from the start of the year, while the Nasdaq Composite was 8 per cent lower.

“The year really came down to how you reacted once the market made its lows in July,” said William Strazzullo, chief market strategist at BellCurve Trading. “If you thought the Federal Reserve still had room to tighten policy you lost. Investors who bet the Fed was done, were winners.”

I guess this does mean that no matter what happens, stocks will always close higher than they have the year before. I mean this is crazy. For the longest time it seemed that there was no chance of the US Stock Market coming back, but all of a sudden it boomed up, just in time for the end of the year. Well I guess it will be a happy new year after all!

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Statement by Mrs. Ronald Reagan on the Death of President Gerald R. Ford

2006-12-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

"I was deeply saddened this evening when I heard of Jerry Ford's death. Ronnie and I always considered him a dear friend and close political ally.

His accomplishments and devotion to our country are vast, and even long after he left the Presidency he made it a point to speak out on issues important to us all. I know that his early support of stem cell research has been important in getting the U.S. Congress to debate the potential lifesaving cures and treatments that may result.

I know the days ahead will be very difficult for Betty and my love and deepest sympathy go out to her and the entire Ford family."

A great man, he will be missed.

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MIB Life Index Reports US Life Insurance Activity Declines 6.6% in November

2006-12-26T12:25:00.000-08:00

Application activity for individually underwritten life insurance sold by U.S. insurance companies declined -6.6% in November year-over-year, the ninth consecutive month of decreases in 2006, according to the MIB Life Index(SM). Year-to-date (YTD), U.S. application activity is off -3.6%, compared to the same eleven months in 2005.

U.S. application volume was off across all three age groups - ages 0-44 down -8.4% (the lowest value for November seen since the Index's inception), ages 45-59 off -4.7% and ages 60+ off slightly -0.6% versus November 2005. November's -2.1% decline compared to this past October was chiefly driven by changes in the 0-44 age group down -3.2%, and the 60+ age group off -1.5%, with 45-59 remaining flat.

Yeah, knew that was going to happen. Its the general feeling of the market at this time of year. Everyone is scared about the next!

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SnoCountry Reports Latest Skiing Conditions Information

2006-12-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

Following are the latest skiing conditions information as supplied by SnoCountry Mountain Reports as of Monday, Dec 25 2006, 6:01:31 AM EST

SNOW CONDITION DEFINITIONS & TERMS

This glossary of terms is used by all ski areas when they report to SCR. The code allows for communication with skiers in a universal language.
NOTE: The standard abbreviations next to each definition reflect the way ski reports are communicated in print (newspapers).
New Snow: Natural snowfall which has fallen in the past 24 hours or continuously for more than one day. An average accumulation from summit to base is reported.
Average Base Depth: An average of the high and low amounts of snow over the entire ski area. Machine made and natural snow amounts are combined.
Primary Surface Condition: The type of snow condition which covers at least 70 percent of the terrain open to skiers.
Secondary Surface Condition: The next most prevalent snow conditions, covering at least 20% of the skiing terrain open to skiers.
Powder-PDR: Cold, new, loose, fluffy, flaky and dry snow which has not been compacted.
Packed Powder-PP: Powder snow, either natural or machine made, that has been packed down by skier traffic or grooming machines. The snow is no longer fluffy, but is not so extremely compacted that it is hard.
Hard Pack-HP: When natural or machine made snow becomes very firmly packed. The snow has never melted and re-crystallized, but it's been tightly compressed through grooming and continuous wind exposure. You can plant a pole in hard packed snow, but it takes more effort than packed powder.
Machine Groomed Snow-MGS: Loose granular snow that has been repeatedly groomed by power tillers so that the texture is halfway between LSGR & PP. Some of the snow is granular & has been so pulverized that the crystals are like powder sugar. It's neither LSGR or PP.

It goes on and on, if you really care!

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Santa Hits the Hot Spots as He Starts His Night in the Eastern Hemisphere

2006-12-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI - News), is happy to present its first of three Satellite-based Aviation Navigation Tracking Apparatus (S.A.N.T.A) reports. The following information regarding Santa Claus' international one-night flight is based on data invented at AirTran Airways' System Operations Control (SOC) center in Orlando:

* It's a bird, it's a plane ... it's a jolly old elf and eight tiny
reindeer, initially pinpointed as they cruised through the arid
Australian Outback to thaw out after spending the past 364 days in the
frigid North Pole.

* Santa next stopped in New Zealand to meet with fitness experts, who gave
the red-suited gift-giver a few diet and exercise tips. Santa is
reportedly experimenting with a new health regime to eliminate the nasty
rumors about his stomach shaking like a "bowl full of jelly."

* With the sleigh's XM Satellite Radio tuned to "Dance Hits," Santa and
his team circled around to club-hop their way through Asia en route to
the original Club China. Eyewitnesses claim that reindeer Dancer and
Prancer caused the biggest splash on dance floors across the continent.

* Milliseconds later, tourists in fog-covered Shanghai reported seeing a
faint red light streaking through the gloom. Satellite analysis
confirmed that lead reindeer Rudolph's shiny nose helped the team avoid
a collision with Shanghai's tallest building, the Jin Mao Tower.

Please keep an eye out for the next S.A.N.T.A. update, scheduled to cross the national wire at 3:00 p.m. EST.

Like the one before, this one amuses me.

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Radiation Therapy Services Responds to Forbes Article

2006-12-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

Radiation Therapy Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: RTSX - News), a leading operator of radiation therapy centers, announced today that the Company has issued a response to issues raised in the January 8, 2007 issue of Forbes Magazine. The information being provided was given to Forbes prior to publication but the Company feels it did not receive appropriate consideration.

For the Company's full and comprehensive response to the Forbes article, please visit the Radiation Therapy Services Investor Relations Web site at http://www.rtsx.com.

Radiation Therapy Services Inc. is a leader in its field -- working with physicians to bring the most up-to-date radiation services to their patients. The Company has always placed patient welfare at the top of its list of priorities, while seeking to conduct its business in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. We are proud of our record.

Yeah, the usual 'no, you're wrong' game has started.

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Better Than a Tanning Bed - And Just as Cost-Effective

2006-12-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI - News), announced that it has added to its popular vacation roster of Florida flights and resumed seasonal service across the Midwest and Northeast. Exchanging the slushy post-holiday doldrums for a hammock on the beach has never been so appealing - or so easy and inexpensive.

New nonstop flights between Boston and Orlando, Chicago and Ft. Myers, Detroit and Ft. Myers, White Plains and Ft. Lauderdale, and White Plains and Tampa are now available. AirTran Airways has also resumed nonstop, seasonal routes between Akron-Canton and Ft. Myers, Detroit and Sarasota/Bradenton, Flint and Ft. Myers, and Rochester and Ft. Lauderdale.

"By stepping up our flight options to various destinations in Florida, we are offering a more flexible travel schedule to passengers from Michigan to Massachusetts without compromising our everyday low fares," said John Kirby, AirTran Airways' director of strategic planning and scheduling. "With our convenient online booking system, snowbirds and others who are tired of bundling up to go outside can pack their sunscreen and plan their vacations to one of our 10 destinations in Florida from the comfort of their own homes."

Haha! Just wrote about this as I found the title so witty and in a way, misleading!

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MGIC Investment Corporation to Release 4th Quarter Results

2006-12-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE: MTG - News) will hold a conference call, on Thursday, January 11, 2007, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time to allow securities analysts and shareholders the opportunity to hear Management discuss the Company's results for the quarter ended December 31, 2006. Financial results for the quarter will be released before the market opens on January 11, 2006.

To attend the webcast, go to http://www.mgic.com , click on the "Investor" button, then click the "News Releases" button, proceed to "Presentations/Webcasts," and select "Audio Archives." The call will be broadcast live over the internet, and replays will be available on the web following the call.

Now I do not know about you, but this company is one of the many that excites me at times like these. Saying the least, expect a reaction from the market.

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FCC Grants 154 AWS Licenses to NextWave

2006-12-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

AWS Wireless, a wholly owned subsidiary of NextWave Wireless Inc., announced today that on December 18, 2006 the FCC granted the Company all 154 AWS licenses it won in the AWS auction conducted by the Federal Communications

The licenses, located in the 1.7 GHz and 2.1 GHz frequency bands, cover 63 million people and include markets such as Pittsburgh, Puerto Rico, Indianapolis, Sacramento, New Orleans, Tulsa, Little Rock, El Paso, Albany, Louisville, Sarasota, Anchorage, and Fort Myers. During the auction NextWave bid a total of $115.5 million for the 154 AWS licenses at an average price of $0.12 per MHz-POP.

As always, telecommunication and wireless companies are always going to profit as the world cannot exist without communication. Thus head over the brokers right now and make yourself some money!

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New Year's Resolutions for Vehicle Shoppers: Be Diligent in Your Vehicle Financing Decisions

2006-12-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

Consumers are resolving to conduct more research surrounding their auto financing decisions than they have in the past, according to a public opinion survey conducted earlier this year by AWARE (Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics), a nonprofit organization specializing in auto financing education.
According to the survey, 64 percent of Americans plan to compare auto financing rates from multiple sources -- compared to only 20 percent of consumers who, during their last vehicle purchase, compared financing rates from more than one source. Notably, African American and Hispanic adults are most likely to resolve to shop around for their next auto financing package (73 and 71 percent, respectively).

Is it just me, or does this article seem a tad bit racial in a way? Anyways, this is a good read nonetheless, and the whole 'warning' if you will, can be read at the link below.

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New CEO for Oberthur Card Systems

2006-12-18T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Board of Directors of Oberthur Card Systems, has named today Philippe Geyres as Chief Executive Officer of the company, as of January 2 2007.

Jean-Pierre Savare, Chairman, is delighted to announce the strengthening of Oberthur Card Systems' senior management team: "The transition between the executives has been smooth. Oberthur Card Systems will continue to optimize its operations with a view to improving its efficiency and profitability. Philippe Geyres is recognized by the industry for his expertise in telecoms and semiconductors. He brings to the Group a strong track record in management acquired internationally with large companies. I am delighted that he has agreed to put his energy and competence at the service of our Group. I have every confidence that by pursuing the efforts of industrial rationalisation and geographical expansion already initiated by Oberthur Card Systems, he will boost our operations in emerging regions, consolidate our strengths in our chosen markets and enhance our position in the highly competitive area of innovation, over the long term."

Always knew that this was going to happen. Lets see how this changed the day to day running of the company. Hopefully it will be for the good.

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Britney Is World's Worst Dog Owner, Oprah is Best - Poll

2006-12-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

Her parenting skills have been scrutinized for months. Now Britney Spears has been voted the World's Worst Celebrity Dog Owner for 2006.

The singer beat Paris Hilton, last year's pick, and Serena Williams in a three-month online poll by readers of The New York Dog and The Hollywood Dog magazines.

"Britney was the overwhelming choice," said editor Hilary O'Hagan. "She once had three Chihuahuas (Lacy, Lucky and Bit-Bit) and never left home without at least one of them on her arm. As soon as she met K-Fed and had kids they disappeared." One of the dogs, Lucky, reportedly took an instant dislike to K-Fed. "It was either Mr. Federline or Lucky," added Ms. O'Hagan. "Unfortunately Britney chose the wrong dog and the rest is history."

Spears had once expressed a wish to be buried with one of her pets "Like the Pharaohs used to get buried with things they loved," she told reporters.

Yeah, I know. Its completely random, but hilarious!

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Radio Address by President Bush to the Nation

2006-12-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Christmas is fast approaching, and I know many of you are busy trying to finish up your holiday shopping. This week, we received good news about the economy that should brighten the season and keep us optimistic about the year ahead.
First, the Commerce Department released figures showing that sales for America's retailers were up in November and that the increase is much larger than expected. These figures are important because for many American businesses November and December are their highest sales months for the year. So the healthy increase in retail sales is a good sign for American employers and workers.

Read the full Radio broadcast here.

Executive Moves at Sigma Group: Shannon Morris Named President and Vladimir Chronis Becomes Chief Executive Officer

2006-12-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

Sigma Group, a full-service advertising agency, has named Shannon Morris as its president. She was formerly vice president and managing director. Vladimir Chronis, founder and former president of Sigma Group, is now chief executive officer.
According to Chronis, Morris now has total responsibility for all aspects of the agency, from client services and strategic planning, to creative execution to day-to-day operations. Chronis, who founded Sigma Group in 1986 (formerly known as Sigma Advertising), will assume a new role as chief executive officer, with emphasis on the financial and administrative end of the business.
Shannon Morris has been one of my idols as well. The way he handles companies has never failed to amaze me. Congrats! You deserve it!

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MacHeist Raises $50,000 for Charity; $100,000 in Sight

2006-12-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

Touting this week as "The Week of the Independent Mac Developer," MacHeist (www.macheist.com) began selling a software bundle of some of the hottest apps for OS X on Monday in the hopes of increasing the profile of the Mac shareware development community as well as raising $100,000 for charity before the holiday season.

Now, only halfway through the week, MacHeist is on pace to meet its fundraising goal.

"We're absolutely thrilled we've helped raise this much for charity. An opportunity like this is extremely rare, and we're glad MacHeist gave us an opportunity to take part in such a great cause," said Mac developer Dan Counsell, whose website creation application RapidWeaver is packaged in the bundle.

The bundle retails for $49 USD and includes such award-winning applications as Delicious Library and FotoMagico.

It always nice when companies do something extra to give to charities. Sure, its a publicity stunt, but as long as something good is being done, who cares!

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Royal Dutch Shell Plc: Buyback of Own Shares

2006-12-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS.A - News; NYSE:RDS.B - News) plc announces that on 13 December, 2006 it purchased for cancellation 700,000 "A" Shares at a price of 26.68 euros per share. It further announces that on the same date it purchased for cancellation 150,000 "A" Shares at a price of 1792.30 pence per share.

Following the cancellation of these shares, the remaining number of "A" Shares of Royal Dutch Shell plc will be 3,697,430,000.

As of 13 December, 2006 2,759,360,000 "B" Shares of Royal Dutch Shell plc were in issue. Holders of A Shares and B Shares are entitled to one vote per share.

Nothing much to say I guess. I've always said that oil and gas stocks are always a safe bet, thus for those who listened to me, congrats!

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XM Radio Adds 12 More College Football Bowl Games

2006-12-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

College football fans can tune into the biggest bowl games of the season on XM Satellite Radio, including the exclusive satellite radio broadcasts of the 2007 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship Game, the Sugar Bowl, the Orange Bowl, and the Fiesta Bowl.

XM today announced the addition of 12 more bowl games to its line-up, including the Rose Bowl, the Gator Bowl, and the Capital One Bowl, for a total of 16 bowl games on XM.

"For college football fans, the biggest bowl games are on XM Radio," said Eric Logan, executive vice president, programming, XM Satellite Radio. "The only place to get all of the BCS games on satellite radio is XM. You can tune into the XM Sports Nation channel and hear the games, whether you're on the road, at home, or at the stadium."

I know, this really related much to the financial market, but in a way it is as share prices may rise following thin announcement as sport has always had a big impact on this continent. Thus we will just have to wait and see.

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Continental Airlines Chosen as Best Airline for North American Travel By Business Traveler Magazine Readers

2006-12-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL - News) outranked all other U.S. carriers to be chosen as the Best Airline for North American Travel in Business Traveler magazine's 2006 Readers' Choice Best in Business Travel Survey.

Continental also placed highest among U.S. airlines for Best Flight Attendants in the U.S. and Best In-flight Services in the U.S. The awards will be presented to the airline in New York on Jan. 11, 2007.

"Unlike our competitors, Continental Airlines has maintained cabin comforts and continues to provide meals at mealtimes," said Jim Compton, Continental's executive vice president of marketing. "Our BusinessFirst service is recognized to be among the best in the business and we continue to upgrade our international fleet with in-seat power and video on demand."

Yup. As I reported a few days back, it seems that airlines are back again on the green side and will shortly be making as much as they were pre 9/11. Thus that might be the way for investors to go.

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Professor Warns of High Lead Content in Jewelry

2006-12-10T02:07:00.000-08:00

A professor of chemistry at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, is warning retailers and consumers that many inexpensive jewelry items such as charm bracelets, key chains and necklaces have the potential for high lead content.

Recent research completed by Dr. Jeffrey Weidenhamer, professor of chemistry, and Mike Clement, laboratory manager, and their chemistry students at Ashland University has shown that many jewelry items pose a potential danger because of high lead content.

Jewelry stocks: A big no-no right now then!

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AGL Resources CEO Applauds Passage of OCS Legislation

2006-12-09T02:06:00.000-08:00

The United States Congress today approved final passage of legislation that will open new areas of the outer continental shelf within the Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas drilling and exploration. Following the vote, AGL Resources, an Atlanta-based energy services holding company with utility subsidiaries in six states, expressed its appreciation for the effort.
"We commend the United States Congress for passing the outer continental shelf legislation," said John Somerhalder, president and chief executive officer of AGL Resources. "While we are disappointed that more comprehensive legislation -- which would have given states more discretion over resources off their respective coasts -- did not pass this term, we are pleased with the results of this measure. Any action which allows Americans greater access to domestic natural gas supply basins is a move in the right direction."

Glad to see he finally did!

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Birnbach Communications Marks 5th Anniversary

2006-12-08T02:03:00.000-08:00

Birnbach Communications, Inc., an independent PR agency providing clients with a portfolio of strategic business communication services, announced it is celebrating the firm's fifth anniversary. The firm will close the year with record revenue, up 35 percent over the prior year. Founded with the commitment to combine the best aspects of large-agency experience with small-agency culture and dedication, the agency's goal is to become its clients' strategic communications partner by generating results to achieve their business objectives. Birnbach's tried- and-tested team of business, journalism and PR professionals work with clients based in Boston, New York, Denver, Atlanta, Russia, Israel, and Canada across a range of industries, including financial software and services, security, technology, healthcare and life sciences, consumer, nonprofit and education.

Its companies like these that always inspire me to set up my own company. Sure it might take some time and a lot of effor, but if these companies can make the news, so can mine!

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7-Eleven to Purchase 10 McKee Oil Company Convenience Stores

2006-12-07T02:01:00.000-08:00

7-Eleven, Inc. today announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase 10 McKee Oil Company convenience stores in the greater Salt Lake City area. This brings to 112 the number of convenience stores that 7-Eleven will operate in northern Utah.

The company said the purchase is part of its strategic growth plan to expand in areas where the company currently operates 7-Eleven® stores.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but 7-Eleven expects to close the deal before the end of 2006.

This is finally a new move by 7-Eleven. I always thought that a bigger chain would buy them out, but I guess I was wrong and they decided to buy other chains out instead. Unfortunately I dont have any stocks of 7-Eleven, but if you do, better take out the champagne bottle as I'm pretty sure you are going to make some money.

News Link

International Speedway To Host 2007 Financial Guidance Conference Call

2006-12-06T02:00:00.000-08:00

International Speedway Corporation (Nasdaq: ISCA - News; OTC Bulletin Board: ISCB - News; "ISC") will host a conference call to discuss the Company's financial guidance for the fiscal year 2007 on Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Susan Schandel, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer and Wes Harris, Senior Director, Corporate and Investor Communications, will host the call.
To participate, dial (888) 693-3477 five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time and request to be connected to the ISC guidance call. A live Webcast will also be available at that time on the Company's Web site, www.iscmotorsports.com, under the "Investor Relations" section. A replay will be available one hour after the end of the call through midnight Thursday, December 28, 2005. To access, dial (877) 519-4471 and enter the code 8196333, or visit the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's Web site.
I'm not going to be calling, but am instead going to be watching the webcast. In this way my online phone line can be free for incoming calls. Yay!

News Link

Kia Motors America Announces Organizational Change

2006-12-05T01:58:00.000-08:00

Kia Motors America (KMA) announced today that BongGou (B.G.) Lee has been appointed President and CEO, replacing Jong Hoon (James) Lee. Previously B.G. Lee was Chief Operating Officer for the Management & Administration Division of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC).
A veteran of international business for Hyundai, Mr. B.G. Lee has lived and worked in nine countries on four continents since 1978. Mr. Lee has been with Hyundai for the past 25 years, joining the organization in 1981. Prior to his most recent position, he served as Executive Vice President for HMC's International Business Division, and from 2003 to 2006 he headed HMC's subsidiary in Australia.
Not sure, but this might start some activity in KIA stocks and maybe even in general automobile stocks. If I were you, I wouldn't be reading this post, but would rather be checking the stock market for any reactions of any sort. Of course, I doubt there will be any related to this, maybe just a few spurts.

News Link

Veteran Marketers Hoover and Waldeck Form My Creative Team

2006-12-04T01:56:00.000-08:00

Veteran marketers Harry Hoover and Brant Waldeck have launched a new marketing communications agency -- My Creative Team -- that brings together a network of talented and experienced creatives from all marketing disciplines to deliver top quality work.
Prior to forming My Creative Team, Waldeck had been president of Waldeck Communications for nine years and Hoover served for five years as managing principal of Hoover ink PR.

Brant has always been someone I look upto and followed, thus according to me, this is a big move for him and thus it inspired me even more!

News Link

'Gorgeous' Australian Skincare Line Launches in U.S.

2006-12-03T01:53:00.000-08:00

Americans can be as "gorgeous" as their Aussie counterparts now that an elite Australian skincare line, which uses only the rarest 100% Pure and Natural essential oils, has hit American soil.
Gorgeous, a high-end, hand-made skincare product company in Australia, launched its products, which include Over One Hundred Bunches of Real Roses in a Bottle Double Blended Serum, in the U.S. on Nov. 15. Since all Gorgeous products are hand-made and the ingredient oils are limited in supply, the line is available through only one U.S. retailer. Alchemist's Apprentice, www.alchemistsapprentice.com , an online apothecary selling 100% synthetic and chemical-free personal care products, carries the products, which range in price from $59-$350 and include a variety of creams, oils and cleansers.

I would usually suggest against something like this, but invest in Alchemist's Apprentice right away. Believe me, with the hight price of that, only the rich are going to buy it to brag about, and they will buy a lot!

News Link

One Mega Millions Ticket Wins Estimated $40 Million Jackpot

2006-12-02T01:50:00.000-08:00

One ticket matched all six Mega Millions numbers in the Friday, December 1, 2006 drawing, and now players are checking their tickets to see who won the estimated $40 million jackpot. The jackpot-winning ticket, which was purchased in Whitehall, Ohio, matched the numbers 16-22-23-37-53 and the Mega Ball number 35.

Here I am blogging my way to glory, while someone somewhere in the world just won 40 million dollars doing nothing. Now how does that make me feel? Take a wild guess...

News Link

ExpressJet Reports November 2006 Performance

2006-12-01T01:47:00.000-08:00

During the month, ExpressJet revenue passenger miles (RPMs) totaled 819 million, up 7.9 percent over November 2005, and available seat miles (ASMs) increased by 6.5 percent compared with November 2005. ExpressJet's November load factor was 77.4 percent, a 1.0 point increase over November 2005. The company flew 74,103 block hours, compared with 68,705 block hours in November 2005, and operated 40,025 departures, versus 37,262 departures in November 2005.

I guess that means that the slump in airtravel has finally gone away and that airline shares should be the ones to invest in for the time being, assuming there isnt a terrorist scare in the future!

News Link

NBC's Today Show Features Signalife's ECG Technology

2006-11-30T12:39:00.000-08:00

Budimir Drakulic, Chief Technology Officer and inventor of Signalife's revolutionary ECG technology has been working with the world famous Cleveland Clinic physicians and Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski for more than a year. The study utilizes Signalife's ECG technology in a Hi-Tech Heart Monitor. The device, which is a vest, is worn under the driver's suit while racing of speeds greater than 200 miles per hour.

This scares the crap out of me!

News Link

The Grabby Factory Revs Up to Take the Sting out of Holiday Shopping

2006-11-29T12:39:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the Holiday shopping season, the Grabby Factory, LLC is gearing up its production of their unique product. The Grabby(TM) is an ingenious handle with a trademarked design made of a super strong micro-polymer material that simply will not fail. It is the answer to a problem that we all face daily as we juggle the mountain of packages and other items we carry to our car, into the house, onto the bus and into high-rise buildings. The Grabby(TM) allows a mother to carry 10 grocery bags in one hand and a baby carrier, or toddler's hand, in the other. Because of the design, the Grabby(TM) and bags can be placed in the trunk or on the floorboard then retrieved with a single handed motion without losing a bag.

News Link

Horizon Bancorporation, Inc. Declares Dividend

2006-11-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

Horizon Bancorporation, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: HZNB - News) -- Horizon Bancorporation, Inc. (the "Company") the holding company of Horizon Bank, announced that the Board of Directors has declared a $.10 (ten cent) per share dividend to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2006, to be payable on January 15, 2007.

News Link

Universal Uranium Announces Flow-Through Financing

2006-11-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

Universal Uranium Ltd. TSX-UUL (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has negotiated a private placement of up to 2,700,000 flow-through shares at a price of 75 cents per share to raise gross proceeds of up to $2,025,000.

The placement will be brokered through Haywood Securities Inc.

The agent for the brokered private placement will receive a cash commission of 7.5 per cent of the gross proceeds raised in this offering. In addition, the agent will receive compensation options equal in number to 10 per cent of the number of shares sold. Each such option will entitle the agent to purchase one common share at an exercise price of 75 cents for a period of one year. The Company also agrees to pay Haywood a corporate finance fee of 25,000 common shares plus GST, payable upon closing.

Finally. Canada comes up in something I am writing about!

News Link

Powerball Jackpot Climbs To $74 Million!

2006-11-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

he Powerball jackpot is on the move. No one hit the jackpot Saturday, but 414,114 players across the nation won a total of more than $4.1 million in prizes in America's favorite Game.

Meh.

News Link

Radio Address By President Bush to the Nation

2006-11-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

Good morning. This week, Americans across our Nation gather with loved ones to give thanks for the many blessings we share. We're grateful for our friends and families, who fill our lives with meaning and purpose. We're grateful to live in a land of plenty and during a time of great prosperity. And we're grateful to Almighty God for the freedom to enjoy all these gifts.
Every Thanksgiving, we remember the story of the Pilgrims who came to America in search of a better life and religious freedom. Much has changed in the four centuries since these humble settlers landed at Plymouth Rock. While they were only a shivering few, we are now a strong and growing Nation of more than 300 million. And the desire for freedom that led the Pilgrims to the New World still guides our Nation today.

Read the full radio address here.

NYSE Suspends Trading in Schering ADRs

2006-11-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has decided to suspend trading in Schering American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), ticker symbol SHR (NYSE: SHR - News), and transfer them to the open market. The NYSE is taking this action in light of the small number of outstanding Schering shares and ADRs following the acquisition of more than 95 percent of the company by Bayer AG. It also plans to apply to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for Schering to be delisted in the United States. Schering's reporting obligations toward the SEC remain unaffected.

The NYSE normally suspends trading in a stock if the number of outstanding securities falls below 600,000. On November 23, 2006, only about 518,000 outstanding ADRs remained in circulation.

Wow. This must have caught a lot of people off guard!

News Link

Argus Takes Initiative on Coal Market Transparency

2006-11-23T12:28:00.000-08:00

Argus Media, the leading provider of coal market information, and joint owner of the world's leading coal price benchmark API 2, is increasing transparency about how the index is put together.

Argus has always supported greater price transparency for physical coal, and will from December publish the price ranges submitted by buyers, sellers and traders each week, with names removed. These ranges will be available in spreadsheet format to subscribers of Argus Coal Daily International.

Even though they maybe in the news, as I've said before, coal is going down anyways. The best place to throw your money in is in oil stocks. Thats the best bet!

News Link

Newegg.com Named as One of the 'Ten Best Online Shopping Experiences'

2006-11-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

Newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com), the online computer and consumer electronic e-commerce company whose slogan is "Once you know, you Newegg," has been named this week as one of the "Ten Best Online Shopping Experiences" by Blast Radius.

I've personally bought stuff from Newegg and without a doubt this is absolutely true. With their competitive pricing and excellent customer service, nothing can beat them. Nothing!

News Link

Astralis Ltd. Reports Third Quarter 2006 Results

2006-11-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

Astralis Ltd. (OTC Bulletin Board: ASTR - News) today announced its results for the third quarter 2006. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, the Company recorded a net loss of $502,808 to common stockholders. The Company, which is a development stage entity, had no revenue during this period. Total shareholders' equity as of September 30, 2006, was ($431,199) and the Company had a cash balance totaling $13,324 as of September 30, 2006.

Research and development expenses for the third quarter 2006 amounted to $173,688.

News Link

First Muslim Congressman Addresses CAIR Banquet

2006-11-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

More than 1,000 people turned out on Saturday at the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) banquet in Arlington, Va., to hear addresses by several elected officials, including Keith Ellison, the first Muslim in Congress.

The event raised more than $620,000 to support CAIR's civil rights and advocacy work on behalf of the American Muslim community. (Another dinner held by CAIR's Southern California chapter (CAIR-LA) over the weekend raised more than $430,000. Some 1,800 people attended that event.)

Elected officials who spoke at the sold-out event included Representative- elect Ellison (D-MN), as well as Reps. Mike Honda (D-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Albert Wynn (D-MD). Ellison and Jackson Lee offered their addresses by video. Saqib Ali, who was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates (District 39) on November 7, was also in attendance.

Meh.

News Link

TipVision: Brine that Bird!

2006-11-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

To help prepare for the Thanksgiving feast, TipVision releases a timely video tip on how to properly brine a Thanksgiving turkey prior to cooking it.

"In a world filled with turmoil," reflected TipVision host Charlie Stone, "staring at a Turkey brine may bring us all closer together -- if only for a moment."

By surfing over to TipVision.com, viewers can watch a short, fun video tip on how to properly brine that bird. Following the tip, viewers can watch in awe as the turkey sits and soaks in the brining solution for up to four days.

"Watching a turkey brine is very relaxing and soothes the soul. Plus, it makes the turkey meat moist and delicious," said TipVision Chef coordinator Alissa Cardone.

Crazy!

News Link

Radio Address by President Bush to the Nation

2006-11-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

"Good morning. This week I'm visiting Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where I'm attending the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum. On this trip, I am carrying a message for the people of this region. America will remain engaged in Asia because our interests depend on the expansion of freedom and opportunity in this vital part of the world.

Asia is important to America because prosperity in our country depends on trade with Asia's growing economies. Today, America's trade across the Pacific is greater than our trade across the Atlantic, and we need to continue opening up markets in this part of the world to American goods and services.

Read the full radio broadcast here.

FedEx Home Delivery Drivers in Massachusetts Vote to Join Teamsters

2006-11-17T19:02:00.000-08:00

FedEx Home Delivery drivers at two locations in Wilmington, Massachusetts, voted 24-8 to overwhelmingly choose Teamsters Local 25 in Boston as their bargaining representative, as ballots they cast a month ago were counted today by the National Labor Relations Board.

The workers are the first units in the FedEx Home Delivery system, a subsidiary of FedEx Ground, to win Teamster representation. Since 1988, the NLRB has ruled seven times that FedEx Ground and Home Delivery drivers are not independent contractors as the company alleges, giving them the right as employees to form a union.

How about you just keep to delivering my parcels on time? Ok?

News Link

EPA 2006 Enforcement Highlights for Ohio

2006-11-16T19:01:00.000-08:00

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 today announced that its enforcement actions in Ohio in 2006 have caused regulated entities to pay more than $107 million to correct past environmental violations and help prevent future ones.

In the past fiscal year, EPA resolved 80 actions against regulated entities in Ohio and assessed a total of $2,717,709 in civil penalties for various air, water, hazardous waste, community right-to-know and pesticide violations. As part of settlement agreements, Ohio companies agreed to do nine supplemental environmental projects worth about $3.9 million. In addition, EPA initiated 51 new cases in the state.

"Complying with the law is key to ensuring that public health and the environment are protected," said Regional Administrator Mary A. Gade. "We and our partners at the Ohio EPA are committed to ensuring cleaner air, water and land for the people of Ohio."

News Link

DOVICO Software Announces New Product Release

2006-11-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

DOVICO today announced the release of the newest version of DOVICO Timesheet, our 100% web-based time and project tracking software; Now with patent pending offline timesheet technology. DOVICO continues our commitment to our customers by providing the tools necessary to be more effective and profitable including an innovative technology solution to provide offline capability in a web-based product.

Extensively researched and validated, this latest version raises the bar and represents DOVICO's most advanced and user-focused product yet.

"Our product development efforts have been focused for many years on improvements that meet the needs of our global customers and continue our push to deliver the simplest-to-implement and most user-friendly time management software product available," said Yves Doucet, CEO and Partner at DOVICO. "New in this release is our proprietary (patent pending) Offline Timesheet solution that builds on our position as the most intuitive data-entry system."

News Link

ADS Media Group Reports Third Quarter Results

2006-11-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

ADS Media Group, Inc., (OTC: ADSM - News) today announced results for its third quarter and nine-month period ended September 30, 2006.

Third Quarter Results

ADS Media Group reported revenue of $1,157,000 in the third quarter as compared with revenue of $1,798,000 in the same quarter last year. The variance in revenue for the corresponding quarters was attributable to three factors: First, in the third quarter of 2005 the Company had a number of very large orders from a single customer. Second, the Company had several large delivery projects scheduled to launch in the third quarter of this year that have been delayed until the fourth quarter or early 2007. And third, during most of 2006 management has been focused on raising additional growth capital and enhancing business processes to position ADS Media Group for anticipated growth in 2007.

Its been a shaky year for all similar companies. But hopefully with the turn of the year, things should return to normal and thus the market shares of such companies should start rising once again.

News Link

Open Text to Host Analyst Briefing at Annual User Conference

2006-11-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

Open Text(TM) Corporation (NASDAQ:OTEX and TSX:OTC), a leading provider of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) software, today announced that it will host an analyst briefing on November 14, 2006 from 2:00pm-6:00pm MST. The briefing will be held at LiveLinkUp 2006, Open Text's annual user conference held in Phoenix, Arizona.

Open Text's executive team will present an overview of the new product roadmap, discuss sales and partnership strategies and provide an update on the Company's corporate positioning.

LiveLinkUp 2006 will showcase the latest in ECM technology, featuring customer case study presentations and keynote addresses from Open Text strategic partners.

Webcast is what I prefer over conference calls. So while you all might be calling, I will be webbing!

News Link

NEWSWEEK COVER: Father Knows Best

2006-11-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

While George H.W. Bush denies helping orchestrate the replacement of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld with Robert M. Gates -- an adviser from his own administration, a Bush friend tells Newsweek, "his fingerprints are all over this." The friend, a veteran of previous GOP administrations, explains further: "This would have been done by nuance and indirection. Forty-one would have said to 43, 'One of the people who I've been talking to who might be helpful is Bob Gates'." In Newsweek's November 20 cover package, "Father Knows Best," (on newsstands Monday, November 13), a team of editors and correspondents-including Editor Jon Meacham, Editor-at-Large Evan Thomas, Senior White House Correspondent Richard Wolffe, Investigative Correspondent Michael Isikoff, National Security Correspondent John Barry and Political Correspondent Jonathan Darman -- reports on the president's decision to bring in members of his father's administration to chart a new course in Iraq, analyzes the complex histories of those involved and looks at other figures that will take on new prominence in Washington in the wake of the Congressional elections.

Oh Bush! How I despise thee...

News Link

November 14th is World Diabetes Day

2006-11-11T18:56:00.000-08:00

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on 14 November. The date commemorates the birthday of Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of insulin in 1921.
In almost every country of the world, diabetes is on the rise. The current number of people with diabetes stands at over 230 million. The disease is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, amputation, heart attack and stroke. It is one of the most significant causes of death, responsible for a similar number of deaths each year as HIV/AIDS.

News Link

The Watermill Group Appoints a New Operating Partner

2006-11-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

Steven E. Karol, Founder and Managing Partner of the Watermill Group, a private equity firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Monte R. Haymon as an Operating Partner at Watermill. Previously, Mr. Haymon served as the President and CEO of Sappi Fine Paper North America. The addition of Mr. Haymon to an already strong team serves to support Watermill's deep "bench" of experienced operators, strategists, investors and change agents.

News Link

Quantum Foundation President to Retire

2006-11-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

After ten years of service with the Quantum Foundation, Jeannette Corbett has decided to step down as President. She will remain a board member of the foundation with the position of President Emeritus. "It has been such a privilege to serve the Foundation and this Board in its formative years and the decision has not been easy, but I look forward to spending more time with my family, especially my four grandchildren, and volunteering."

News Link

Americans for Limited Government Wins Major Victory in Florida

2006-11-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

Voters in Florida advanced the cause of liberty yesterday by overwhelmingly supporting an initiative to stop eminent domain abuse. Americans for Limited Government (ALG), a major force in galvanizing support and promoting the state initiative, is thrilled to see such a hard-fought battle won.

"The voters' will is clear: Government should keep its hands to itself," said ALG Executive Director Bill Wilson. "This is a tremendous blow to overreaching state, city and local governments that will now have to think twice before unjustly seizing private property."

Voters in Arizona, Oregon, Michigan, North Dakota, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Georgia and Nevada also supported proposals to prevent the government from unfairly imposing land-use measures on private property.

News Link

Kidfresh to Open in New York City

2006-11-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

The days of dwelling on our children's lunches are finally behind us. Kidfresh, a new lifestyle brand that provides healthy and freshly prepared kid's meals to-go will open its first retail outlet at 1628 Second Avenue this winter. The brainchild of CEO Mathias Cohen, a former management consultant, who came upon the idea while preparing his son's lunch, Kidfresh will offer freshly prepared Lunchboxes, Breakfast Packs, Snack Packs and Dinners made exclusively for children. "I had a classic aha! moment," says Cohen. "It dawned on me that with all the healthy take-out offerings, there was nothing specifically geared towards kids that is also an attractive and convenient option for parents." Cohen has partnered with co founder Gilles Deloux a former Dannon food marketing executive and Samira Samii Mahboubian, a former marketing executive for Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, to create a product that focuses on wellness for children, while keeping their parents in mind.

News Link

Google VP Marissa Mayer to Speak at Harvard Business School Conference

2006-11-06T15:58:00.000-08:00

This week, Google announced the acquisition of JotSpot, a web-based collaboration tool, for an undisclosed amount. Coming on the heels of the $1.65 billion purchase of YouTube, this transaction demonstrates Google's continuing business development efforts. However, what will Google's strategy look like going forward? Will they buy small teams or repeat large multi-billion dollar deals? These questions, and others, will be answered at Cyberposium on November 11, 2006, at the Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts.

News Link

Pierre Foods, Inc. Announces Agreement To Acquire Zartic, Inc.

2006-11-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

Pierre Foods, Inc. ("Pierre") announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase substantially all of the assets of Zartic, Inc. and its affiliated distribution company, Zar Tran, Inc. (collectively, "Zartic"). Zartic, headquartered in Rome, Georgia, manufactures, sells, delivers and distributes a variety of food items including packaged beef, poultry, pork, and veal products. The aggregate preliminary purchase price is $94 million plus the assumption of certain liabilities, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. Pierre expects to finance the purchase through an amendment to its existing Credit Agreement.

News Link

Mega Millions Jackpot Leaps to Estimated $52 Million

2006-11-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

The Friday, November 3, 2006 Mega Millions drawing featured the largest jackpot in the nation. And the drawing brought out the winners! A total of 469,370 tickets from coast to coast won Mega Millions prizes, including seven tickets that each won $250,000. However, no ticket matched all six numbers to win the estimated $42 million jackpot. That means the jackpot for the Tuesday, November 7, 2006 Mega Millions drawing grows to an estimated $52 million. - Now thats a lot of money!

News Link

European Capital Invests euro 25 Million in Empruntis.com

2006-11-03T15:55:00.000-08:00

European Capital S.A. SICAR announced today it has invested euro 25 million ($32 million) in Empruntis.com, the leading French online distributor of financial services. European Capital's investment takes the form of warranted mezzanine bonds and supports 3i's buyout of Empruntis.com. Banque Palatine is investing in senior debt. Empruntis.com's management maintains majority ownership of the Company.

Online investments are back!

News Link

Envysion Joins Retail Broadband Alliance

2006-11-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

Envysion Inc., a broadband video surveillance company, has joined the Retail Broadband Alliance, a forum that makes it easy for businesses migrating to broadband networks to increase revenue, cut expenses, and improve customer experience.
Envysion's broadband video surveillance solution provides customers with the ability to view and manage their stores from any Internet-connected PC. Customers can view their operations live, or quickly and easily review footage associated with events or data from any integrated business system (including POS and alarm systems). Envysion's solution helps customers reduce costs, improve operational quality, and protect their investments.

News Link

Biotech Back With a Bang in October

2006-11-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

"Momentum for biotech companies and stocks continues to build ... in this final quarter of the year on a high note with one of its best monthly performances of 2006," said G. Steven Burrill, CEO of Burrill & Company a San Francisco based global leader in life sciences whose principal activities are in Venture Capital, Merchant Banking and Media. "Biotech is riding a wave of heightened investor enthusiasm driven by an increase in M&A activity, significant clinical data reported broadly and excellent third quarter financial reports," added Burrill. "Historically, the fourth quarter has always been a good one for biotech and so there is every reason to believe that it is on target to make up for the beating suffered during the first two quarters of 2006. The biotech industry's aggregate market cap at the end of October was just over $488 billion and by the end of the year it could reach a new record high." Yup.

News Link

Change of Topics! (Blog_Configuration_Dept.)

2006-10-31T12:42:00.000-08:00

So I was speaking to my dad the other day, and he aroused my curiosity for business once again. Thus from now on I am going to be writing mainly about financial news. Lets see how this goes :D

Yahoo! to Support NOODP Tag

2006-10-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! announced that it will Support the NOODP Tag. For those of you who do not know, NOODP is a meta tag initially implemented by MSN and later Google that enables webmasters to opt out from having the search engines display the Open Directory Project (ODP) information in the organic SERPs. Search engines are designed in such a way that they typically display a site’s title tag and a snippet of body content or the 'meta' description to form the listing that is displayed within the SERPs. So far, webmasters have not been able to leverage their title takes and content to create attractive calls in instances when Yahoo! has opted to use the ODP listing. But according to Yahoo! this will change and webmasters will have the ability to tell Yahoo! not to use the description from the ODP directory.

tiny Sofa - Classic Server

2006-10-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

'tinysofa' classic server is a server targeted, enterprise grade Linux distribution that combines the the vision and expertise of multiple open source developers with the best components and ideas of multiple enterprise focused operating systems.

tinysofa classic server is based on Fedora, tinysofa enterprise server 1.0 and Trustix 2.1. It features a very similar package set to Trustix.

tinysofa is currently used in a vast array of real time business systems that require the utmost in security and stability. From VPN end points, firewalls, bridges and network IDS to application servers and database workhorses, tinysofa has proven itself up to the task.

Link(s):
tinysofa

Remember the Milk

2006-10-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

Remember the Milk is a new way of remembering to do things. Its basically a web application in the form of a calender to remind you of tasks that are coming up. It also has a nifty little gadget, and a Google API so that you can add it to your Google Calender. It can also be added to Google Maps such that you can point to locations on a map. For example if you have to pick up something from a certain store, the store's location will be pin-pointed to you on Google Maps. Besides all the functionality, it is also very very cute :D

Link(s):
Remember the Milk

More Google Code vulnerabilities

2006-10-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Well, you can't really call them vulnerabilities, although Google should have taken all of these factors into account before released Google Code Search to the public. What am I talking about? Well, a simple search in Google Code Search returns the email addresses of hundreds and hundreds of programmers out there...

MS-DOS 6.0 appears to be on Google Code Search

2006-09-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well, the title says it all!! MS-DOS 6.0 seems to be on Google Code Search. Sure this isn't very appalling as many people in the past have always claimed to have copies of the MS-DOS source code, and have distributed it privately. But this is the first time that ever that it has been posted about on Google!! Google will obviously claim that it is just indexing the code and isn't responsible for it being picked up by the searchbots, but it will be a drift away from Google's 'No-Evil' policy, as I'm sure Google will refuse to take the code down - the main reason and possibly only reason, being, to infuriate Microsoft.

Google Code

2006-09-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Google lauched their Google Code Search a few days ago. The only reason this seems to have taken place is to beat the code search engine Microsoft is reported to be working on. It has a few flaws as it can also search for vulnerabilities (example: vb forukms) and thus these can be used against the coder. Overall it sure makes whole coding process a whole lot easier!!

Second Experiment

2006-09-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Will wonders never cease? Within 24 hours of this test blog set up, I've tested out what I would like to regard one of the most significant upgrades to my blog. To see what I'm taking about, click the 'Launch Microsoft.com' text below.

Launch Microsoft.com

First Experiment

2006-06-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

So I started of my test blog with the first experiment to add the MakePovertyHistory white band to my blog. As you can see it worked out perfectly and will now be implemented to my main blog.

My First Post

2006-06-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

I'm always trying out stuff with my main blog (www.uofablog.blogspot.com), and sometimes things go awfully wrong and thus my main blog goes down temporarily. Thus I introduced this blog to test out new features before incorporating them to my main blog. So be prepared for a lot of new features!
Occasionally I will also post about the state of the financial market and post about my experiences with advertising and stocks.