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Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports July Sales Results - NBCNews.com

Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports July Sales Results - NBCNews.com

Costco Wholesale Corporation ("Costco" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: COST) today reported net sales of $7.25 billion for the month of July, the four weeks ended July 29, 2012, an increase of eight percent from $6.74 billion during the similar period last year.

For the forty-eight weeks ended July 29, 2012, the Company reported net sales of $87.71 billion, an increase of nine percent from $80.18 billion during the similar period last year.

Comparable sales for these periods were as follows:

                                          4 Weeks    48 Weeks                                        ---------  ---------                 U.S.                        7%         7%                International               0%         6%                 Total Company               5%         7%                                        =========  =========  

Deflation in gasoline prices had a negative impact on comparable sales for the four-week period, while inflation in gasoline prices had a positive impact for the forty-eight week period; foreign currencies had a negative impact for both periods. Excluding these effects, comparable sales for these periods were as follows:

                                          4 Weeks    48 Weeks                                        ---------  ---------                 U.S.                        8%         6%                International               7%         9%                 Total Company               7%         6%                                        =========  =========  

Additional discussion of these sales results is available in a pre-recorded telephone message. You can access the recording by dialing 1-855-859-2056 (conference ID 28779893). This message will be available today through 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Friday, August 3, 2012.

Costco currently operates 605 warehouses, including 438 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 82 in Canada, 32 in Mexico, 22 in the United Kingdom, 13 in Japan, eight in Taiwan, seven in Korea and three in Australia. The Company also operates Costco Online, an electronic commerce web site, at www.costco.com and at www.costco.ca in Canada. The Company plans to open up to an additional three new warehouses prior to the end of its fiscal year on September 2, 2012.

Certain statements contained in this document and the pre-recorded telephone message constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For these purposes, forward-looking statements are statements that address activities, events, conditions or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, domestic and international economic conditions, including exchange rates, the effects of competition and regulation, uncertainties in the financial markets, consumer and small business spending patterns and debt levels, conditions affecting the acquisition, development, ownership or use of real estate, actions of vendors, rising costs associated with employees (including health care costs), energy, and certain commodities, geopolitical conditions and other risks identified from time to time in the Company's public statements and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

© Marketwire 2012



Wholesale Flights: Business Class Flights More Comfortable Than Ever Before - 24-7PressRelease.com

    NEW YORK, NY, August 01, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Although the act of plane travel was once a luxurious and anticipated experience, today's airline practices have evolved into a commute that many consumers find uncomfortable. Even those who have opted for the more expensive business class upgrade have found that there was typically not adequate room, comfort or convenience in the "high-grade" seating offered by many major airlines. According to a recent article from eTN, Lufthansa has conducted extensive market research and has responded with improved business class features. Wholesale Flights, a travel-booking resource, explains that such advantages are necessary to create consumer consistency and commends the company for listening to its customers.

Since the launch of its hands-on concierge approach, Wholesale Flights has shown just how important assessing customer needs is. The company offers a unique "Business Class Flight Search" that allows online users to find such seating for up to 70 percent off the original price. In a recent press statement the company explained, "Business class is an essential part of traveling, and unfortunately, many airlines have failed to live up to consumer expectations. For professionals who travel on a frequent basis, comfortable seating not only allows for a more enjoyable flight, but helps individuals stay well-rested and relaxed throughout their busy schedules."

Lufthansa has responded to consumer feedback by creating a whole new flight experience for travelers. Using a V-formation, the new seats can lay flat and turn away from each other to allow the passenger to lie down and still maintain distance from their neighbor. The article also explains that the seats are designed for optimal space in every direction. It states, "For window seat passengers, these seats are a dream come true. The space between your row and the one in front is so generous [that] you will have no problems getting in or out - even if your neighbor's seat is fully extended!" One Wholesale Flights representative states, "Privacy is extremely important to our customers, and Lufthansa's Business Class provides not only that, but also an advanced opportunity to relax."

The company explains that Lufthansa has set a strong example of how airlines should carry out business - by listening to the consumer. "Wholesale Flights users continue to take advantage of our services, because we understand the value of finding the lowest rates and being able to organize travel through the convenience of modern technology. Travelers, who book through our website, will get in-depth price comparisons and have the opportunity to address important travel details, including hotel reservations and car rentals." The company expects that several major airlines will eventually respond with similar accommodations in response to Lufthansa's efforts.

ABOUT:

Wholesale Flights is an Internet-based travel company that provides clients with discounted first and business class rates. With exclusive deals on tickets, the organization assists travelers in securing a comfortable, convenient, and affordable flight. The company also offers one-stop travel services regarding cruises, car rentals, and hotels.

To view current specials, visit www.wholesale-flights.com.


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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

DoubleHorn Communications Deploys Acme Packet for Wholesale and Retail IP Communications Services - NBCNews.com

DoubleHorn Communications Deploys Acme Packet for Wholesale and Retail IP Communications Services - NBCNews.com

Acme Packet® (NASDAQ: APKT), the leader in session delivery networks, today announced that DoubleHorn Communications, a provider of wholesale communications services, turn-key cloud business applications and managed services, has deployed Acme Packet solutions to secure and control its IP communications service offerings. DoubleHorn is using Acme Packet's Net-Net® Enterprise Session Director-Server Edition and SIP Trunk Xpress solutions to reduce network infrastructure cost and complexity, streamline operations, and accelerate time-to-market.

News Highlights:

  • DoubleHorn chose Acme Packet's Net-Net Session Director-Server Edition session border controller (SBC) as a key part of both its wholesale and retail communications services infrastructure. With Acme Packet, DoubleHorn is able to leverage a unified, highly-scalable, SBC product offering for both business lines.
  • The Net-Net Enterprise Session Director-Server Edition SBC enables DoubleHorn to reduce equipment expenses and simplify sparing and operations, by using industry-standard servers for border control functions.
  • The SIP Trunk Xpress application helps DoubleHorn accelerate time-to-market for cloud-based services by automating manually-intensive and error-prone SIP trunking configuration tasks. The solution saves time and effort for the DoubleHorn operations team and reduces delays caused by human error.
  • Going forward, DoubleHorn plans to leverage the Net-Net Enterprise Session Director-Virtual Machine Edition to drive additional cost savings and enable on-demand services. By integrating the Acme Packet platforms with its end-to-end provisioning systems, DoubleHorn plans to offer end-user, web-based self-selection tools to accelerate service enablement and reduce operational expenditures even further.

Benefits to DoubleHorn:

  • Rapid time-to-market for new services and new customers
  • Substantial administrative savings with SIP Trunk Xpress automated provisioning functions
  • Unified, scalable SBC portfolio addresses wholesale and retail requirements

Quotes:

"Thanks to Acme Packet, we can turn-up customers much more quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively," said Tab Schadt, CEO of DoubleHorn Communications. "Acme Packet solutions help us simplify operations and contain costs by solving interoperability issues, exploiting industry-standard servers, and automating common configuration tasks."

"DoubleHorn Communications provides critical retail business services and cloud-based wholesale technologies to enterprises, and wanted an SBC partner that could support both its services," said Tim Ziemer, vice president of North America and Asia Pacific Japan sales, Acme Packet. "By integrating their leading technologies with Acme Packet's multipurpose solution, we helped DoubleHorn increase margins while maximizing their customers' satisfaction with their services."

More about DoubleHorn Communications and Acme Packet:

More about Acme Packet:

Tags:

Acme Packet, APKT, DoubleHorn, VoIP, voice over IP, Session Initiation Protocol, SIP, SIP trunking, IP communications services, voice, session border controller, SBC

About DoubleHorn Communications

DoubleHorn Communications is a Managed Cloud-based Services Provider, founded in January 2005, specializing in delivering Unified Communications, XaaS, Broadband, Hosted VoIP/PBX and IT services to the SMB and Enterprise markets and select Platform Wholesale customers.

DoubleHorn owns and operates a proven IP/SIP communications platform and we are well known for our attention to customer service. Our team is led by industry veterans who drive execution by business communications sales professionals, VoIP technicians, service delivery managers, systems engineers, and senior operational team members to name a few.

Among DoubleHorn's specialties are Hosted VOIP/PBX, Managed Broadband and Network, SIP Trunking, Cloud Services Brokerage, Cloud-based B2B Apps, SIP Peering, XaaS, and XoIP.

About Acme Packet

Acme Packet (NASDAQ: APKT), the leader in session delivery network solutions, enables the trusted, first-class delivery of next-generation voice, video, data and unified communications services and applications across IP networks. Our Net-Net product family fulfills demanding security, service assurance and regulatory requirements in service provider, enterprise and contact center networks. Based in Bedford, Massachusetts, Acme Packet designs and manufactures its products in the USA, selling them through over 250 reseller partners worldwide. More than 1,775 customers in 109 countries have deployed over 19,000 Acme Packet systems, including 89 of the top 100 service providers and 45 of the Fortune 100. For more information visit www.acmepacket.com.

Acme Packet, Inc. Safe Harbor Statement

Statements contained herein that are not historical fact may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, DoubleHorn's plans to leverage the Net-Net Session Director-Virtual Machine Edition in any manner for any purpose, Doublehorn's plans to offer additional tools and services by integrating the Acme Packet platform, expected financial and operating results, expected growth rates, future stock-based compensation and amortization expenses, future business prospects and market conditions. Such forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These include, but are not limited to: the amount of stock-based compensation awarded; the applicable Company stock price used to determine stock-based compensation; the exercise pattern of employee stock options; difficulties expanding the Company's customer base; difficulties leveraging market opportunities; difficulties providing solutions that meet the needs of customers; poor product sales; long sales cycles; difficulties developing new products; difficulties in relationships with vendors and partners; higher risks in international operations; difficulties managing rapid growth; difficulties managing the Company's financial performance; the ability to hire and retain employees and appropriately staff operations; the Company's cash needs; the impact of new accounting pronouncements and increased competition. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements are contained in the Company's recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in such filings.

© Marketwire 2012


British Land pays £40m for 50pc stake in Eden Walk Shopping Centre - Daily Telegraph

British Land pays £40m for 50pc stake in Eden Walk Shopping Centre - Daily Telegraph

British Land has paid £41.5m for its share of Eden Walk, which covers 276,000 sq ft in Kingston, south-west London. The complex, built in 1968, features 22 shop units, three offices and a 697-space multi-storey car park. It is anchored by Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, Boots and BHS.



Scrapbooking Tape and Glue at Wholesale Prices Available Now at Scrapbuck - YAHOO!

Scrapbooking tape and glue at wholesale prices is available now at Scrapbuck, making it easy to get the adhesives you need at an exceptional price.

(PRWEB) July 31, 2012

Scrapbooking tape and glue at wholesale prices is available now at Scrapbuck, the online discount scrapbook and craft supply retailer recently announced. Scrapbuck now offers scrapbooking tape and glue at wholesale prices from Forever in Time, one of the most widely used scrapbook supply brands in the world. Offering wholesale prices on scrapbooking tape, adhesives, pop-dots, glue sticks and more, Scrapbuck makes it easy for serious scrapbookers and weekend craft enthusiasts to get all the tools needed to complete a scrapbook or crafting project.

In addition to offering the best deals on scrapbooking tape and glue, Scrapbuck sells a large selection of popular scrapbooking and craft supplies at wholesale prices, including paper, albums, stickers, die cuts and scrapbooking tools. The wholesale prices on scrapbook materials found at Scrapbuck can save scrapbookers hundreds of dollars each year in supplies. While retail stores typically offer the “latest and greatest” designs, Scrapbook specializes in great deals on off-season scrapbooking materials and craft supplies all year long and now offers international shipping. This makes it easy for those who can’t enough of scrapbooking to save money on all of the materials they need, no matter where they live.

Scrapbuck specializes in discount scrapbooking supplies from top-selling brands that scrapbookers and crafters know well, including Fancy Pants, Making Memories, My Big Ideas, K &C Company and Jolee’s. The large assortment of paper, albums, stickers, adhesives and other popular items is rotated every month, as more new clearance and sale items are added in order to make room for the latest finds. Scrapbuck currently offers over 4,000 unique scrapbook design products at the lowest prices around.

Headquartered in Troy, MI, Scrapbuck.com specializes in popular brands of scrapbooking supplies, including adhesives, albums, die templates, paper, stickers, ribbons and specialty scrapbooking tools. In addition to offering a large selection of affordable and unique scrapbooking supplies, the site also features a gift registry for easy gift-giving, a helpful blog and a scrapbooking newsletter. For more information, please visit Scrapbuck.com.

Leonard Zucker
Scrapbuck
248-770-1132
Email Information




Fish wholesaler hooks new loan - The Star



Traders urge early start on Broadmarsh - Nottingham Evening Post

Retailers are to seek an early meeting with Capital Shopping Centres (CSC) to find out more about its development plans for the Broadmarsh Centre.

CSC said last week that it planned to spend "hundreds of millions" of pounds in Nottingham refurbishing the Broadmarsh and Victoria shopping centres, both of which it owns.

  1. Meeting: Jeff Allen, chairman of Nottingham Retail Business Improvement District has welcomed CSC's Broadmarsh plans.

  2. Tale of two city centres: CNC, owner of the Broadmarsh Centre, left, and Victoria Centre, right, wants them to offer distinct shopping experiences.

CSC is working on plans which it said will essentially rebuild the 40-year-old Broadmarsh centre.

It has torn up designs to create a 1.3 million sq ft centre proposed by Westfield which sold the mall to CSC last November.

Newark-based specialist retail architects Benoy have been appointed to come up with plans which could include a strong leisure element and a cinema.

The 450,000 sq ft centre could be enlarged by up to a third , said CSC chief operating officer Mike Butterworth who added that ideas were still at an early stage.

"A large chunk will have to go," he said. Construction might not happen until 2014 or 2015.

Ideas for its future direction include speciality shopping; convenience shops; strong independent shops; high end food retailers; cinema, leisure and catering outlets.

Mr Butterworth said he wanted the mix of occupants to feed off each other in terms of trade.

Jeff Allen, chairman of the Nottingham Retail BID (Business Improvement District) said the announcement was a move in the right direction and was welcomed.

But he urged CSC to consider bringing forward the timetable so that Nottingham's retail offer was not further harmed.

Delays in resolving Broadmarsh have sent Nottingham's position in the retail rankings tumbling.

Mr Allen said that CSC's proposals were realistic and not over ambitious, unlike the previous scheme which he feared would have sucked vitality from the city centre.

"We were promised massive projects by Westfield year after year and they never materialised," said Mr Allen who owns Castle Sound and Vision in Maid Marian Way.

"A more modest project is probably more in keeping with the current economic climate.

"I like the idea of turning Broadmarsh into to something a little bit more 'boutiquey,'. tidying it up, hopefully re-vitalising the link between Broadmarsh and Victoria Centre."

But Mr Allen urged CSC not to waste any time. "The earlier they can do it, the better," he said. "If there is no good reason for delay, it should proceed with all haste."

Mr Allen said Nottingham faced the challenge of making its city centre as attractive as possible in order to pull in shoppers and those looking for somewhere to spend their leisure time.

He said that any redevelopment needed to address improvements to the southern gateway from the railway station to Broadmarsh and on to the Old Market Square.

And Mr Allen believes it should also include the demolition of the concrete Arndale car park which straddles Maid Marian Way.

"It would be good if the proposals incorporated a tidy up of the whole area," he added.

"It would be nice to see that incorporated in to any planning discussion."

CSC revealed last week that Marks & Spencer has abandoned plans for a new 180,000 sq ft state-of-the-art store in Broadmarsh, opting to sign a new lease on its existing Albert Street store.

Mr Butterworth said CSC wanted to distinguish the offer of the Broadmarsh Centre from the Victoria Centre with a different shopping experience.

CSC met senior councillors last week and said the scheme must be part of a package which included refurbishing the Victoria Centre and stronger management of the public areas in the city centre.

Mr Butterworth said CSC wanted a more attractive link between the two shopping centres, extending the high end value shops on Bridlesmith Gate through Clumber Street.

No price has been placed on the Broadmarsh scheme which will largely depend on the kind of shops and other operators attracted to it.

A planning application will be submitted towards the end of this year or early next year with a view to construction beginning in late 2014 or 2015.

The plans will include re-directing the link from Lister Gate through the centre to Carrington Street so that it follows a natural desire line.

Lister Square, the open space inside the centre which includes Boots and Bhs, will be reduced in size so that stores front on to the new diagonal route.

Mr Butterworth said Broadmarsh, which straddles the main route from the railway station to the Old Market Square, had strong communication links and the question was how to take advantage of them.

The centre is close to the railway station and bus station as well as the tram network, which by the end of 2014 will have three lines converging on the area.

CSC is working on plans to refurbish the dated Victoria Centre and refurbishment could start towards the end of next year.

No details or costings are available at this stage, said Mr Butterworth but he confirmed that it was in need of a major refurbishment.

He added: "There is a lot of detail yet to be worked up but if we put it together, it is a formula for Nottingham that will hang well together.

"We believe the retail interest is still there for Nottingham and that we can get the city back towards number six in the country's retail rankings."


Monday, July 30, 2012

Wholesale Prescription Drugs - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Wholesale Prescription Drugs - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

314-628-8377

Fax: 314-628-9698

Serving the Nation , Chesterfield, MO 63017

http://www.wholesaleprescriptiondrugs.net

Business Overview:

Serious Advice, Serious Medicine, Serious Safety.

Special Offers & Events

Serious Advice. Serious Medicine. Serious Safety.

Call today or go online! 314-628-8377

About Us

At Wholesale Prescription Drugs our customers needs are of utmost importance to us. We give away free information to help you make the right decision on your medical prescriptions. We offer prescription medications at the best possible price. Giving you an option which you can't pass by. Call us today for the best service, best prices, and best advice you can get. Our consultations are free of charge to save you, the customer, money. We guarantee 100% satisfaction or your money will be cheerfully refunded, no questions asked.

Use Our Free Checklist Before Buying Drugs!


Wholesale Prescription Drugs to the Public. We ask the right questions to save you money. Better Medicine. Better Prices. Better Advice.

#1. Did you ask for samples from your doctor? Every doctor you visit?
#2. Do you qualify for drug company assistance? You might get it free.
#3. Does WalMart or Sam's Club have $4 generics program?
#4. Did you check Costco's price? Could be 30% less.
#5. Will your Dr. double dose your pill size to save you 50% by
breaking them in half?

After you know your options, we'll quote our 66%-83% off sources. We serve you, not a pharmacy or pharmaceutical company. You do not have to buy from us. We just want you to get the best price wherever that may be. Use us for ideas & price shopping. We are Medicare Part D "doughnut hole" Specialists!

Testimonials


“Vince and his company, Wholesale Prescription Drugs has been a Godsend to our patient population, and their families. They now have a much more affordable way to obtain prescription medications that are not otherwise covered by insurance, or in instances where their co-pays or co-insurance coverage are cost prohibitive. Our patients have been happy with the consistency, quality and reliability of the medications they have received through Wholesale Prescription Drugs. The process for obtaining both new prescriptions and refills is streamlined, making it very easy for patients and physician offices to use this service on a regular basis.”

Lisa Nesler Registered Nurse BSN MSCN

"Vince, you've saved me over $3000 the past year or two!"

John H

"Vince Nania has saved my parents and brother untold multi-thousands of dollars on their medications every single year since 2003. It has been substantially cheaper just to buy medication through Vince than to buy them from other pharmacies using the medicare drug coverage. He really cares about everybody. He does his best not only to save you money but get you the best your money can buy."

Richard L.



Wholesale Halloween Costumes Promo Code 2012 Free Shipping on all Orders - PRLog (free press release)
PRLog (Press Release) - Jul 30, 2012 -
Halloween is a very popular festival which is celebrated on 31st of October. The Halloween marks the annual holiday among the Christians in United States. The wholesale Halloween costumes coupons are getting popular for the Halloween festival. Now there is lots of websites offering coupons for the Halloween festival. People can enjoy the fun and excitement of the festival by collection these wholesale Halloween costume coupon. With the help of these coupons people can buy their Halloween costumes for the festival. The wholesale Halloween costumes coupon code helps in controlling the shopping expense. There are various coupons offering various discount offers.

Click here for Halloween Coupons and Deals: http://www.halloweencostumesbay.com/

The wholesale Halloween costume promo codes are very popular among youngsters and teenagers. Before the festival the shops and the markets gets ready for the festival, different offers are available for Halloween costumes and accessories. There is variety of coupons with different offers. Customers find the promotional codes for wholesale Halloween costumes are very helpful for shopping because they gets rebate while buying online. The online stores are very helpful for the customers as it saves the time of shopping and customers can easily browse variety of costumes at the same time. The costumes for Halloween eve is not only restricted to a particular theme, now people can find number of designs. Like one can dress up in funny character, superhero character or ghostly character etc. The coupons are available for every kind of dresses giving different promotion codes for wholesale Halloween costumes. Coupons help customers to find the cheapest costumes online. The wholesale Halloween costumes are for everyone, like it can be worn by toddlers, children, infants, teenagers, adults and also for pets.

The wholesale Halloween costumes promo code are for different types of offers on different items like scary costumes, shoes, masks, apparels, wigs, and other accessories. The wholesale Halloween costumes coupons offers for different kinds of discounts on different items. This is offered from the particular websites to the customers on the occasion of the Halloween eve. The promotion code wholesale Halloween costumes can only be used in the particular websites from where it is being offered other than the particular website it will not work. To get this the customers have to register on the specific website selling Halloween costumes. The customers have to get in touch regularly with the websites for daily offers on online stores to get wholesale Halloween costume coupon code.The online stores are very popular in United States. Several online stores are there in U.S.A for selling Halloween costumes and accessories and offering the wholesale Halloween costume promo code.

The wholesale Halloween discount codes are there on there on the online stores for the customers. The discounts coupons are to be grabbed from the websites. The discount codes are for every single item. This type of wholesale Halloween costumes promotion code helps the customers to save up to 75% on the shopping expense. Thus the customers have to be aware while shopping for the Halloween eve.



Vodafone makes wholesale changes at top of CWW - Life Style Extra
Vodafone has announced big changes at the top of Cable & Wireless Worldwide (CWW) following its recent takeover of the firm.

The Chief Executive of Vodafone Global Enterprise, Nick Jeffery, has been appointed as CEO of CWW, with immediate effect.

Jeffery leaves his job as CEO of Vodafone Global Enterprise, which serves the needs of Vodafone's top 1,500 corporate customers.

He originally came from Cable & Wireless, a firm he joined in 1991.

The current CEO of CWW, Gavin Darby, will work with Jeffery to ensure a smooth transition before leaving the business at the end of October.

"Nick [Jeffery] is an excellent leader with a deep understanding of enterprise customers' needs, a track record in value creation and familiarity with CWW's business," said Vodafone Group Chief Executive Vittorio Colao.

It is a similar story for CWW Chief Financial Officer Ian Gibson, acting Chief Technology Officer Dave Broady and acting HR Director Jane Little, who are all replaced by Vodafone managers, but stay on for the immediate period.



Wholesale Flights Improves Savings, Experience of Airfare Booking - NBCNews.com

Booking airfare is a task that many consumers would rather not carry out themselves. The professionals at Wholesale Flights provide the service consumers want -- and the major discounts they appreciate.

Airlines have become an integral part of the lifestyle lead by members of today's society. With families spread across the globe and work taking professionals around the world, today's generation depends upon air travel to get where they need to go. Unfortunately, booking airline tickets has become more of a chore than an excitement, as finding affordable yet comfortable seats can prove a challenge. Wholesale Flights, based in Burlingame, California, is an Internet-based travel company that now provides the solution to this all too common problem.

Wholesale Flights employs highly knowledgeable agents who have access to special fares and booking tools. Through these resources, agents are able to secure business and first class tickets for clients at a rate of up to 70 percent off.

In addition to saving money, clients who work with Wholesale Flights save time and energy. Through the excellent service provided by the agents, travelers can obtain these special rates with minimal effort. Simply picking up the phone or sending an email will connect customers with agents who are able to provide assistance before, during, and after travel.

But Wholesale Flights can also assist travelers who have already secured their airfare. For individuals who have already purchased a ticket but would like an upgrade, the professionals at Wholesale Flights can secure the desired seats for as little as $400, depending upon the flight. For many clients, this easy upgrade service is essential to comfortable travel.

The tickets, and rates, offered by this company are not available through other online travel organizations. Additionally, fares so heavily discounted cannot be secured through the airlines themselves. The ability of the company to provide these rates lies in the resources it offers -- namely, its special fares and booking tools. These resources allow travelers to purchase discounted tickets without compromising comfort during their trip, as many clients would not be able to afford first or business class tickets without this high degree of savings.

Although providing cheap airfare is an important part of what Wholesale Flights does, the company provides more than a discount. Efficient, friendly service provided by knowledgeable agents creates a positive experience that clients appreciate. With minimal effort, travelers are able to secure their tickets because of the prompt and thorough attention of the company's representatives.

In addition to airfare, Wholesale Flights offers assistance securing hotel rooms, rental cars, and cruise tickets. Through these services, the organization provides invaluable assistance to clients who are looking to travel around the world.

ABOUT:

Wholesale Flights is an Internet-based travel company that provides clients with discounted first and business class rates. With exclusive deals on tickets, the organization assists travelers in securing a comfortable, convenient, and affordable flight. The company also offers one-stop travel services regarding cruises, car rentals, and hotels.

To peruse the special deals currently available, visit www.wholesale-flights.com.

© Marketwire 2012



Brazil's IGP-M price index up 1.34 percent in July - Reuters UK

Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:15pm BST

* Wholesale-heavy price index rises faster than expected

* IGP-M index rose 0.66 percent in June

SAO PAULO, July 30 (Reuters) - Brazil's broadest inflation index, the IGP-M, rose 1.34 percent in July, up from a 0.66 percent increase in June, the Getulio Vargas Foundation research group said on Monday.

The index was expected to increase 1.23 percent, according to the median forecast of 13 economists polled by Reuters. Estimates ranged from increases of 0.95 percent to 1.31 percent.

Analysts and investors closely monitor the IGP-M because it provides a broad look at wholesale and consumer prices in Latin America's largest economy. It also allows investors to watch price trends in the construction industry.

The IGP-M typically appears ahead of Brazil's benchmark IPCA consumer price inflation data for the same month. The government's statistics agency is due to release the IPCA for July on Aug 8.

The wholesale component of the IGP-M, which accounts for about 60 percent of the overall index, rose 1.81 percent in July, compared with an increase of 0.74 percent in the previous month.

The consumer price component, which has a 30 percent weighting in the index, rose 0.25 percent, compared with a 0.17 percent increase in June.

The construction costs index, which accounts for the rest of the IGP-M, climbed 0.85 percent in July after a rise of 1.31 percent in the previous month.



Westfield banks on London in £3bn expansion - Daily Telegraph

On top of its London developments, Westfield controls centres in the UK at Derby, Merry Hill and Sprucefield, Northern Ireland. However, Mr Lowy said Westfield could sell assets in the UK, US and Australia to finance the UK projects.

The new developments include extending its west London site, which opened in 2008, with housing and a John Lewis department store. Its Bradford project was mothballed during the peak of the financial crisis and Westfield has been heavily criticised for damaging the economy of the Yorkshire city by delaying the scheme.

In Croydon, Westfield is planning a 1.5m sq ft redevelopment of the Whitgift shopping centre. However, it faces a battle with FTSE 100 property company Hammerson to win control of the site.



Poor-health annuity? Don't take first offer - Daily Telegraph

Poor-health annuity? Don't take first offer - Daily Telegraph

That message is: make sure every annuity provider you approach has full details of your medical condition and get a quote from every single provider that sells enhanced annuities (there are fewer than 10).

Ros Altmann, the director general of Saga, said: "These buyers are already ill, and they think they have done the right thing if they ask their pension company for an enhanced rate. But it turns out that they could be thousands of pounds a year worse off than they need have been."

The experience of Tony Ellis shows the importance of this advice. Mr Ellis, a 64-year-old retired businessman from Lancashire, has had a series of problems with his circulatory system, so with the help of his financial adviser he sought quotes for enhanced annuities from several companies.

He received six prices and the highest, on his £200,000 pension pot, was more than £3,000 a year more than the lowest. The best, from LV=, offered an annual income of £14,927, which is £3,175 or 27pc more than the £11,752 quoted by Canada Life. "I was astounded at the massive difference in rates," he said. "They were all based on exactly the same medical conditions."

But Stuart Bayliss, an annuity expert at Better Retirement Group, was not surprised. "Sadly, this is not unusual," he said. "I've seen differences of 15pc or 20pc between the top quote and the next best. With conventional annuities, on the other hand, you tend to get the top three quotes within 5pc of each other."

Shopping around the whole market can clearly make a huge difference to your income. But how you do it is also important, so it is worth describing the process in some detail. It involves quite a lot of effort, although your financial adviser will help.

If you have just minor ailments or "lifestyle" conditions such as smoking, you should qualify for what is called "enhanced annuity" and seek quotes from LV=, Just Retirement, MGM and Partnership, Mr Bayliss said. But people with more serious health problems, or more than one condition, need an "impaired life" policy and for these you need to go to eight companies.

"We can't predict which of these companies will offer the best rate in a given set of circumstances, so you have to try them all," he said.

But you don't have to do this alone – indeed you would find it very hard to do so. Instead, ask a financial adviser for a standard medical form (available at commonquotation.co.uk), which is accepted by all insurers. Fill it in as accurately and completely as possible; remember the more severe the conditions you disclose, the better the deal you get.

Mr Bayliss suggested getting a medical check-up before buying your annuity, as it could reveal something you didn't know about, which could mean a higher income. "Take the form home so you can check details such as hospital appointments at your leisure," Mr Bayliss said. "Fill it in with your spouse, who will often remember things you don't, and include his or her medical history – in equal detail – if the annuity will cover them too."

He explained why it was so important to take your time: "I've had customers come back with completed forms that make clear they are far more ill than they told me. This, of course, means that they will get a much higher income from their annuity than if I had filled in the form on their behalf on the spot."

So why do annuity quotes vary so widely for those in poor health? Mr Bayliss pointed out that, where serious conditions were concerned, quotations tended to be individually assessed, with complex cases going to the insurer's chief medical underwriter. It is very different from the conventional annuity sector, where insurers publish tables showing what you will get in advance.

Stephen Lowe of Just Retirement, a specialist annuity provider, said: "Most financial advisers have access to the whole of the market. But be sure to check – you could lose out on better deals if they are tied to a single or small number of providers."

The Association of British Insurers will next year bring in a code of conduct that requires its members to draw annuity buyers' attention to the benefits of shopping around.



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Sunday, July 29, 2012

REITs go up against new muscle - Sydney Morning Herald

REITs go up against new muscle - Sydney Morning Herald

THE move by Colonial First State Global Asset Management to launch a $520 million wholesale property fund highlights two important dynamics in the country's $279 billion property sector. Wholesale funds are muscling in on listed property trusts and foreign investors are buying Australian property with their ears pinned back.

In Colonial's case, the wholesale fund was its first in 10 years and like just about every other deal going on in Australian property, foreign investor appetite was strong.

These two important trends came out loud and strong in the 2012 annual report by research house PIR, which found that in the $279 billion listed and unlisted property trust sector, listed property trusts, or REITs, continued to represent half of sector assets under management, equating to $139 billion. But unlisted wholesale funds rose to their highest ever proportion of the sector, roughly 29 per cent, or $82 billion.

At the smaller end of the sector, the various property securities funds and mortgage/debt funds continued to decline as a percentage of the sector.

The overwhelming conclusion is that while most REITs continue to trade at a discount to their net tangible assets (NTA), the shift in interest by big investors to unlisted wholesale funds will continue on the basis that the funds have greater flexibility in sourcing capital than their listed counterparts.

To put it into perspective, REITs and unlisted wholesale funds offer a high-single-digit yield, have acceptable gearing and their cap rates have not materially fallen since the GFC.

The big difference between them is that most listed funds trade at a discount to NTA and that makes it more difficult to fund a deal through new equity compared with recycling assets or borrowing money.

In contrast, the unlisted wholesale market doesn't have such constraints and has therefore been able to raise equity. The most notable examples include the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, which recently committed to invest $1 billion in two office-tower developments at Barangaroo in Sydney, with other wholesale investors committing a further $500 million.

Other examples include GPT Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund announcing a $100 million capital raising for July. The implication is that unlisted wholesale funds enjoy a lower cost of equity capital and greater flexibility in sourcing capital than their listed cousins, despite the latter spending the past 18 months buying back their shares.

It raises some interesting questions about REITs and whether they should be parking assets in wholesale funds rather than taking them on their balance sheet. It is a trend Westfield and GPT have started to embrace.

For the past 18 months Australian REITs have been focusing their attention on share buybacks to try to close the gap between their share price and NTA. The sector has spent close to $2 billion on buybacks and is expected to spend a further $2.5 billion in the current round of buybacks.

REITs have spent an estimated $2 billion on acquisitions, compared with $16 billion for foreign investors in joint ventures, unlisted local funds, direct property or taking up strategic positions.

Recent figures from CBRE highlight the sheer magnitude of this trend. In 2010, foreign investors accounted for 19.9 per cent of all deals larger than $5 million. At the time, CBRE noted this was ''almost twice'' their usual share of acquisitions. For the same year, REITs clocked in at 23.5 per cent.

In 2011, foreign investors accounted for 30 per cent of all deals larger than $5 million, and 37 per cent of all deals larger than $20 million - the highest level in almost 20 years. By comparison, local superannuation funds, wholesale funds, and unlisted trusts accounted for a combined 21 per cent.

For the March 2012 quarter, foreign investors accounted for 27 per cent of deals above $5 million and 43 per cent of all deals above $20 million, which was far ahead of the 26 per cent of deals attributed to local wholesale funds and 20 per cent from local private investors.

It is a trend that is starting to worry some institutional investors, concerned that REITs are missing out on some of the best properties in capital cities.

Interestingly, REITs have outperformed the overall stockmarket over the the past 12 months, with the ASX 300 REITs index up 4.86 per cent for the financial year, compared with an 11.07 per cent slump in the S&P/ASX 300 index over the same period.

It seems that the sector has well and truly bounced back since the GFC, which dragged Australian investors in the listed and unlisted property sector to hell and back, with property values plummeting, debt levels ballooning, returns crashing and, in the case of listed property trusts, share prices falling up to 80 per cent.

PIR supports the view, with leverage now down to 26 per cent, and most categories of property well on the way to sorting out a massive mess of over-engineering of their balance sheets, which got them into serious trouble with their banks.

''Deleveraged balance sheets, better capital management and a focus on operational efficiencies (reducing vacancy rates and management expenses, while incrementally boosting income) all increase our confidence in the sector as a reasonably secure long-term investment,'' the report concludes.

JPMorgan property analyst Richard Jones recently described the growth of the unlisted wholesale sector as explosive, partly benefiting from an inflow of foreign capital.

The trend is on, but if the gap between NTA and the share price of REITs continues to close, then it could further open up the sector. As PIR says: ''We live not only in a post-GFC world, but a world weighed down by a forthcoming demographic tide. Meeting these obligations will demand long-term returns in excess of the paltry yields on government debt.''

aferguson@fairfaxmedia.com.au



India's shopping malls lose bustle as economy slows down - Times of India
MUMBAI: The biggest shopping mall in Mumbai, one of the world's most crowded cities, can feel like a pretty lonely place. Eight months ago, multi-storied Phoenix Market City opened for business in the eastern suburb of Kurla with a total floor area of 1.13 million square feet, the size of about 15 soccer fields. To date, just two-thirds of its 320 stores have been taken up and foot traffic can be thin.

Asia's third-largest economy is growing at its slowest pace in nine years and sluggish consumer spending is forcing mall developers to scale back plans. It will take years for the glut of retail space conceived during headier times to be absorbed by tenants, even as India fine-tunes rules to make it easier for foreign shops to enter the country on their own, analysts say.

"We are holding back on new store openings and focusing on our existing stores," said Ramesh Tainwala, chairman of Planet Retail, which has leased shops in Phoenix Market City and is the Indian partner of global retail brands, including Body Shop, Next, Nautica and Debenhams.

"We are shutting down some of our stores in areas where rentals are too high, and with the slowdown in consumption complicating things further," he said, adding that the company is also asking landlords to renegotiate rents.

Consumer spending is on track to grow just 5.7 per cent this year, compared with 24 per cent in 2010, according to Euromonitor International, a feeble pace for a domestic demand-led economy.

Nationally, retail vacancy rates are 20 percent and will likely rise to 25 per cent by 2014, according to property consultants Jones Lang LaSalle, as floor space in malls grows to 100 million square feet from 66 million now. More than 90 per cent of shopping in India is still done at unorganised one-off shops.

By comparison, Thailand's capital of Bangkok alone has 62 million square feet of mall space, of which only about 7 per cent is empty, according to a report by CB Richard Ellis.

"There are just not enough people walking in," said Akshay Khatri, who manages the Van Heusen apparel store in Phoenix Market City, which is developed by Phoenix Mills, one of India's few developers specialising in malls.

Vacant malls, though, are also to be found in China where there has been a rush to build them. The 7 million-square-foot New South China Mall in the southern manufacturing city of Dongguan - the biggest mall in the world - is mostly vacant.

EMPTY SHOPS

Of the 12 million square feet of Indian shopping centre space planned for opening in 2012, only about 60 per cent is expected to do so, according to Jones Lang LaSalle, as delayed mall projects dot India's biggest cities.

DLF, India's largest property developer, has kept its proposed 4.5 million square foot Mall of India project in Gurgaon on hold since late 2008. That mall was to have been India's largest, with 2 million square feet of retail space.

"The crazy building boom in retail real estate is not going to come back," said Kishore Bhatija, chief executive officer of InOrbit Malls, owned by developer K Raheja, which altered its plan for a 500,000 square-foot-mall in Vadodara to 400,000 square feet, and added a hotel instead.

"There is stress on the business model. It is getting a bit expensive. Real estate prices and construction costs are rising but the retail business is not growing enough to absorb this," said Bhatija, adding that breakeven on projects is lengthening, in some cases to 10 or more years from seven in 2007-2008.

In fast-growing cities like Ahmedabad, Pune and the New Delhi region, vacancy rates at malls are more than 25 percent, according to property consultants Cushman & Wakefield, putting pressure on rents.

Retail rents are down 30-40 per cent from peaks in 2008, according to ratings agency Crisil. That's especially painful for developers, when servicing loans is expensive at 12-13 per cent interest. The building boom of 2007-2008 was funded in part by cheap private equity.

Shubhranshu Pani, managing director of retail at Jones Lang LaSalle, said when the downturn in 2008/09 spurred a correction in rents there was a shift from fixed rents to revenue-linked rents, putting more risk on the developer.

"Just increasing rents will not work because at the end of the day it has to be affordable for retailers to do business," said InOrbit's Bhatija.

SLOW START

India recently allowed full foreign ownership in single brand retail, but retailers have not rushed in to set up shop on their own as sourcing rules remain a challenge. Only Sweden's Ikea, the world's biggest furniture retailer, and UK shoe chain Pavers have applied to enter under the new rules.

India may also soon revive a plan to allow in foreign supermarkets such as Wal-Mart Stores and Carrefour, which could eventually create huge anchor tenants for shopping centres.

"Will that mean an immediate expansion of shopping centres? No," said Sanjay Dutt, managing director at Cushman & Wakefield. "It will take three, four years until there is a big revival," he said.

At Phoenix Market City in Mumbai only 205 of the 255 leased stores are open.

"We have quite a lot of stores there and the current traffic is rather disappointing," said Planet Retail's Tainwala.

Reflecting some of the concerns, shares of Phoenix Mills, which has four malls across India, are down about 15.3 per cent over the past year, underperforming the wider Mumbai market .BSESN which is down about 10.7 percent.

Shishir Srivastava, CEO of Phoenix Mills, believes that once a multiplex cinema and bowling alley open in coming months and more retailers like Lancome, Esprit, and Inditex's Zara open shop, traffic will increase and monthly sales will rise from the current 770 rupees a square foot.

Monthly spending at its original mall, the popular High Street Phoenix in central Mumbai, India's largest city, is 1,500-1,600 rupees a square foot.

"It takes a while for a new shopping centre, especially one as big as this, to fill out and establish itself," Srivastava said. "Things could have been better but we are optimistic."



Saturday, July 28, 2012

Liverpool 0 Tottenham 0: Bale injury scare as winger is forced off in Baltimore bore draw - Daily Mail

Liverpool 0 Tottenham 0: Bale injury scare as winger is forced off in Baltimore bore draw - Daily Mail

By Dominic King

|


Andre Villas-Boas was left sweating on the fitness of Gareth Bale after the Tottenham midfielder suffered another fitness scare.

Bale, who has found himself in the spotlight after withdrawing from Team GB’s Olympic bid with a back problem, was substituted at half-time during a 0-0 draw with Liverpool after he was caught on the ankle by a crude challenge from Charlie Adam.

The Wales international was left crumpled in pain after Adam ran his studs down Bale’s ankle as he tried to stop him surging forward. The tackle, which occurred in the 19th minute of their glamour friendly here in Baltimore, provoked a furious response from Villas-Boas and Tottenham’s staff.

Knock: Gareth Bale suffered a heavy tackle by Charlie Adam and was substituted at half-time

Knock: Gareth Bale suffered a heavy tackle by Charlie Adam and was substituted at half-time

MATCH FACTS

Liverpool (4-3-3): Jones (Gulacsi 46) Flanagan (Wisdom 46), Carragher (Wilson 61), Skrtel, Enrique (Robinson 61); Spearing (Lucas 61), Adam (Henderson 46), Shelvey (Gerrard 61), Cole (Borini 61), Downing (Sterling 46) Morgan (Ecclestone 46, A Carroll 70) 

Booked: Gerrard 

Tottenham (4-5-1): Friedel, Naughton (Bassong 61), Gallas (Vertonghen 75), Kaboul (Dawson 61), Assou-Ekotto (Walker 46); Lennon (T Carroll 67), Jenas (Smith 82), Livermore (Huddlestone 61), Sigurdsson (Bentley 61), Bale (Townsend 46); Kane 

Booked: Bassong 

Attendance: 42, 273

It was the only talking point of a mundane game and Villas-Boas, who already has injury worries over Rafael van der Vaart, Kyle Walker and Scott Parker ahead of his first campaign at White Hart Lane, will be hoping Bale has not suffered any lasting damage.

Liverpool made a bright start in sweltering conditions and they had the first two opportunities of a game that was played out in front of 42,723 crowd; both Joe Cole and Jonjo Shelvey tested Brad Friedel with shots from outside the area.

Yet it was Tottenham who came closest to opening the scoring, when Gylfi Sigurdsson – the man whom Brendan Rodgers wanted to bring to Anfield – slipped in Harry Kane but the young striker dragged his effort just across the face of goal.

The pattern of the contest was disrupted shortly after, though, when Adam tangled with Bale, his ugly tackle leaving the Welshman writhing in agony.

Hacked away: Benoit Assou-Ekotto clears the ball from Stewart Downing

Hacked away: Benoit Assou-Ekotto clears the ball from Stewart Downing

Referee Jose Carlos Rivero showed great lenience in refusing to brandish a card, when the Tottenham bench implored that he be booked.

Bale required treatment for a couple of minutes and there is little doubt that the incident shook him up, as he spent the remainder of the half on the fringes, occasionally telling his team-mates not to pass to him as he tried to run off the knock.

Fancy seeing you here: Brendan Rodgers and Andre Villas-Boas

Fancy seeing you here: Brendan Rodgers and Andre Villas-Boas

Despite his movement being limited, Bale actually provided the best opportunity of the first half; his right-footed cross found Aaron Lennon via a glancing header from Kane but, somehow, the England winger shot against the post from three yards in the 44th minute.

As the teams walked off, there were two interesting exchanges: Rodgers and Sigurdsson strolled away together, exchanging pleasantries. Further away from them, Villas-Boas marched towards Adam and headed down the tunnel with him, jabbering into his ear.

Gripping affair? Jake Livermore grabs Charlie Adam

Gripping affair? Jake Livermore grabs Charlie Adam

Not surprisingly, Bale failed to appear for the second half but he was not the only one. Witch pitchside temperatures reaching 100 degrees, both managers made wholesale substitutions and that, inevitably, led to a fracturing of play.

Clear chances were few and far between after the break and the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock was when Martin Skrtel thumped a 20-yard drive at Friedel in the 55th minute, having carried the ball impressively up the field.

If local supporters were disappointed that there were no goals, they did at least get a first glimpse of Liverpool’s new 11million striker Fabio Borini, along with England captain Steven Gerrard and the much talked about Andy Carroll. Despite their introduction, they failed to create a chance.

Thump: Martin Skrtl smashes the ball away

Thump: Martin Skrtl smashes the ball away


Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have not been moderated.

I know Adam everyone knows but it happens bcz bale wants to be injured isn't it ?

Adam is such a disgrace!

I see Adams haven't changed his tactics ...if you can't get the ball get the player..

the russian 'team gb' fan is obviously completely ignorant of the reasons for gareth bale not competing in the olympics.....he did not lie as this russian poster disgracefully alleges...when he had to report for training over 3 weeks ago he wasnt fit...and team gb accepted this...had they doubted it they could have asked bale to undergo a fitness test for team GB's doctors .but they chose not too...accepting gareth bale's reasons....as stuart pearce has recently reiterated...just what prompts anyone to make such a vile attack on a dedicated hard working professional footballer i do not know..........

What you talking about that was a good tackle...the heat in Bmore made it seem a bit harsh.

Charlie Adam has done this before to Spurs. Hopefully Bale has not suffered a serious injury. I saw the tackle. Awful from Adam. It's a pre-season match. Liverpool should sell him if he continues to act like that on the pitch.

What louts you are. If you can't understand, even after being told several times, that he was not fit to be selected for GB, you are dafter than your letters which would be difficult. As to his looks we can't all be as handsome as you mugs appear to think you are. Look in your mirror and weep Adam is a good player but who is allowed to commit GBH on the pitch. Perhaps he and Shawcross should meet up a dark alley, somewhere more suitable than a football pitch

People should not lose track of the fact that this was a pre-season game. Timing is out and fitness levels are marginal. What Adam did was not cynical, just badly timed. No true fan wants to see Bale seriously injured, just because he isn't playing for team GB. Lest we forget, Richards refused to be in the mix for Eurp 2012, is now playing for Team GB so all is forgiven?!? How fickle some fans are!!

What is it with Charlie Adam and Spurs? Two years ago he ends Bale's season with a horriffic tackle at WHL, last year he gets himself sent off at WHL for a high tackle, and now he nearly puts Bale out of action AGAIN! The man has some sort of problem with us...

Charlie Adam is just spiteful, hopefully someone will give him a bit of his own medicine next season. Bale seems to be targeted alot, a few jealous players out there.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.



Friday, July 27, 2012

CNN chief Walton to leave ratings-starved network - Reuters

CNN chief Walton to leave ratings-starved network - Reuters

Fri Jul 27, 2012 5:48pm EDT

(Reuters) - CNN Worldwide President Jim Walton said on Friday he is leaving the once-dominant cable news network, which has been plagued by low ratings in recent years.

Phil Kent, chief executive of Turner Broadcasting, will begin a search for a new president, the network said. Walton is departing on December 31.

"CNN needs new thinking. That starts with a new leader who brings a different perspective, different experiences and a new plan," said Walton, 54, CNN's president since 2003.

Walton will be staying on to oversee presidential election coverage, allowing CNN time to search for a new executive who can then start with a clean slate at the beginning of 2013.

"It makes sense to use the next six months that program themselves with the Olympics, the conventions, the election and the inauguration to plot wholesale changes for next year," said Davidson Goldin, former editorial director at MSNBC.

CNN, founded in 1980 and now owned by Time Warner Inc, has tried to hold the middle ground in its news coverage, a position that some blame for its ratings erosion, while ratings have risen for competitors Fox News and MSNBC, which blend news with opinion and political commentary.

News Corp owns Fox, while MSNBC is now owned by cable giant Comcast Corp after its purchase of NBC two years ago.

The opinion programs on No. 1 cable news network Fox News skew conservative, while commentaries on MSNBC leans liberal.

From last September until the week ended July 22, CNN has trailed both networks, pulling in an average of 584,000 total viewers in prime time, compared with Fox's 1.82 million viewers and MSNBC's 726,000 viewers, according to Nielsen.

For the second quarter, CNN posted its weakest prime time ratings in 21 years, and total viewers fell 35 percent from a year earlier. It also received criticism in June for initially misreporting a Supreme Court health-care ruling.

CNN is now tasked with finding a new leader that will need to both boost ratings to drive revenue growth and reinvent the network's brand, said Outsell Inc media analyst Ken Doctor.

"Instead of just moving the pieces around which is what they've done on TV, they've got to rethink what they stand for and what they want the audience to believe about CNN and what it delivers," Doctor said.

Industry sources said CNN should go outside the network for Walton's replacement to inject new energy into what they believe has become a stodgy brand. One name press reports have speculated upon for CNN in recent months is Jeff Zucker, who gained a reputation as a news producing whiz while at the "Today" show. Zucker's producing talent helped him rise all the way to the CEO post at NBC before being ousted in the Comcast takeover. He is now producing "Katie," the new talk show hosted by Katie Couric that is premiering on ABC this fall.

But if CNN decides to look in-house for Walton's successor industry observers said possible candidates could include the head of its U.S. operations, Ken Jautz, and Mark Whitaker, an executive vice president and managing editor.

One positive for CNN under Walton's stewardship has been its financial performance; the network is highly profitable. This year, CNN is on track to post record operating profit of $600 million.

"When Jim Walton assumed the presidency of CNN in 2003, it was underperforming and earnings were in serious decline," said Time Warner Chief Executive Jeff Bewkes in a statement. "Since then, he and CNN have tripled earnings, doubled margin and delivered annual growth of 15 percent."

CNN also reaps profit from its affiliate fees which are on the pricier side for cable networks, according to SNL Kagan. The research firm estimates that CNN currently charges carriers fees of 57 cents per subscriber per month, which tops MSNBC's 18 cents per subscriber but trails Fox's 90 cents per subscriber.

Under Walton, CNN debuted shows such as "Anderson Cooper 360" and "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," according to CNN's website.

CNN's domestic network has been undergoing a programming makeover in recent years that has produced mixed results. Its highest-rated host, Larry King, ended his 25-year run on "Larry King Live" in December 2010. "Piers Morgan Tonight," the show that now fills King's old timeslot, has grown into a solid ratings performer for CNN.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, however, is "Parker Spitzer," a talk show that featured fallen New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and Pulitzer-prize winning conservative columnist Kathleen Parker. The hiring of Spitzer brought CNN massive criticism, but it was Parker who was booted off the show after just four months. Spitzer did a short stint as a solo host but is no longer on CNN either; he now hosts a show for Al Gore's Current TV.

Time Warner shares closed up 1.6 percent at $38.98 on Friday. The company reports second-quarter earnings August 1.

(Reporting By Liana B. Baker; editing by Peter Lauria, M.D. Golan and Tim Dobbyn)



Cable Wholesale Now Offers USB 3.0 Cable - YAHOO!

Newest USB Cables Provide Exceptional Performance

Livermore, CA (PRWEB) July 27, 2012

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Green veggies burn hole in pocket - Times of India

LUCKNOW: Till last month, Rs 500 were enough for Rita Mishra, a housewife, to buy a week's quota of vegetables for her family of four. But now she does not get enough to last for three days. The skyrocketing prices of vegetables have come as yet another blow for the people already reeling under high inflation rate, mainly due to hike in the prices of the foodgrains and fuel. However, what has left people puzzled is the difference between the wholesale and retailer prices.

Two weeks back, tomato was available in the local mandis at around Rs 20 per kg but now the price has hit Rs 50. However, the wholesale price of tomato at present is Rs 30-32 per kg. In super markets, the same tomato is available for Rs 45 per kg. Similarly, potato prices have also doubled in the past 15 days. At present, the potato rate in mandis is Rs 20 per kg, wholesale Rs 12-14 per kg and in super market Rs 16-17 per kg.

The price of lady finger in local mandis is Rs 25 per kg and super market Rs 27-30 per kg, whereas in wholesale it is available for Rs 12 per kg. Coriander is selling at Rs 200 per kg in retail -- double the the wholesale price of Rs 100 per kg. In super markets, however, the price is Rs 120 per kg. Same is the case with onion.

"Earlier, Rs 50-60 was enough to spend at a sabzi mandi. But today even with Rs 150- 200 in hand you will not be able to buy same quantity of vegetables," said Beena Verma, a housewife, shopping at Nishatganj mandi. Ruchika, a college student, who had come to buy vegetables at Narhi, said that the surprising part is that even the seasonal vegetables were costly. Anupma Khattri said "Earlier, rates of vegetables at super market were reasonable earlier, but have shot up in the past few days.

However, I still prefer super market because it saves time." On the other hand, Rita Singh, said that she has started going to wholesale market once a week. But, she added, in wholesale one doesn't get a choice to select. "One has to buy the whole lot piled in front of you," she said.

Many people who supply tiffin to hostels are also facing tough time due to hike in the price of vegetables. Maya, who runs a tiffin service for working girls and students at Gomtinagar, said, "My customers complain that I am not providing them variety of vegetables. I charge Rs 20 per meal and it is not possible to meet the cost. I try to balance the demand through rajma, curries, kachhauri and other things instead of regular meals. "Many families have cut down on their outings to keep expenses under control. "The prices of all the items are going up and it is increasingly becoming difficult for the salaried class to stick to the family budget," said Ramesh Srivastava, an executive in a telecom company.

President of vegetable and fruits grower association Satish Sonker, when contacted, said, "prices have shot up recently in the retail because of increase in the transportation cost. Also, the shelf life of some vegetables in rainy season is less. However, vegetable vendors complained that lot of money is pocketed by the middlemen who buy from the wholesale and supply to the retailers.

"The network of middlemen in wholesale market is so strong that without their consent, farmers cannot unload their produce in the mandis and vendors cannot buy directly from the wholesalers. These middlemen fix the purchase and sales price," said Raju Sonkar, a vegetable vendor in Nishatganj. "Many vendors buy from the suppliers, who are also middlemen," he added.



UK sea energy cost could halve by 2025 - Carbon Trust - Reuters UK

LONDON | Fri Jul 27, 2012 10:31pm BST

LONDON (Reuters) - The cost of wave and tidal energy in Britain could fall by over half to current offshore wind levels by 2020-2025 and by 80 percent by 2050 if much more research and development is done, a marine energy expert at the Carbon Trust said on Friday.

The cost of developing wave and tidal energy is much higher than other renewables at the moment because it is a nascent industry with a wide range of technologies and commercial viability has not yet been proven at large-scale.

The levelised cost of tidal energy is 0.30-0.35 pounds per kilowatt hour (KWh), while wave is seen at 0.35-0.40 pounds/KWh, Stephen Wyatt, head of technology acceleration at the Carbon Trust, told reporters at a briefing in London.

This compares to a wholesale electricity price of 0.06-0.07 pounds/KWh, a levelised cost of 0.10 pounds/KWh for onshore wind and 0.15 pounds/KWh for offshore wind, he added.

The levelised cost is the break-even price at which electricity is generated from a specific source.

"The building blocks are there for bringing down the cost curve. By 2020 to 2025 we can get (marine energy) costs to where offshore wind is today," said Wyatt, whose organisation advises business, governments and organisations on low-carbon opportunities and helps develop clean energy technologies.

Costs can be reduced by developing more efficient methods of operation, maintenance, installation, which currently represent more than a quarter of total costs.

Although levelised costs for wave and tidal could fall to 0.18 pounds/KWh by 2050, much more research and development would further cut those sums to under 0.10 pounds/KWh for wave and around 0.08 pounds/KWh for tidal by mid-century, Wyatt said.

"There is the potential to cut costs five-fold to reach 60 pounds/megawatt hour (or 0.06 pounds/KWh) by 2050," he added.

However, costs for clean energy technologies such as wind and nuclear could also fall dramatically by then and it is difficult to predict what the wholesale electricity price will be.

BRITANNIA RULES THE WAVES?

Around 40 wave and tidal concepts are being developed in Britain, more than any other country in the world.

Not every device will be commercially viable and no five-to-10 MW array has been constructed yet. The installation of hundreds of megawatts is not seen until at least 2020.

To move beyond single device demonstration and towards the first 5 MW arrays, bringing down the cost will be the "key challenge", as well as demonstrating the technology can deliver a significant amount of renewable energy, Wyatt said.

"From around 40 devices today you will probably see eight or nine full-scale prototypes succeed. To move to the first, 'farm' stage you will need public sector support and probably now four or five (devices) have support," he added.

The UK government is aiming to become the world leader in wave and tidal technology and is targeting 200-300 MW of capacity by 2020.

This week, the government confirmed a subsidy level proposal for next year that is more than double the current rate for tidal stream and wave power projects to help support the fledgling industry.

Some experts estimate that UK marine could supply 20 percent of the country's electricity by 2050.

However, Wyatt said it is "more realistic" to expect marine energy to generate 11 percent of UK electricity supply, or 13 GW, by 2050.

(Editing by Keiron Henderson)