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November 30, 2006
LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW: HCD10 HYUNDAI HELLION
Photo: Hyundai, Chief designer Joel Piaskowski debuted the HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept at the Los Angeles International Auto Show yesterday. Hellion is a tough compact three-door crossover concept inspired by a hard shell backpack that uses ribs to provide structural and visual strength.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:10 PM | View the original post
LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW: HONDA FCX CONCEPT
Photo: Honda FCX Concept makes first public debut in U.S. at the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 29, 2006).
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:07 PM | View the original post
LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW: HONDA REMIX
Photo: The Honda REMIX small sport concept vehicle made its world debut yesterday at the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 29, 2006).
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:03 PM | View the original post
November 29, 2006
Design & Technology Company Isaac Daniel Introduces Quantum Satellite Technology
Featuring GPS Modules Embedded in Sneakers, Boots and Shoes.
Advanced Technology & Style.
MIAMI, Nov. 28 -- A shoe that has the potential to save lives through its patented Quantum Satellite Technology(TM) with GPS tracking abilities, Isaac Daniel's Compass Global 1000(TM)-Inventor's Limited Edition pushes the limits of how technology can function in footwear. Providing peace- of-mind technology through its advanced people-finding capabilities, the Compass Global 1000(TM) will make its debut in the U.S. in early 2007. Initially only 1,000 people around the world will own these unique and distinctive brand of sneakers that provide Advanced Technology & Style.
The GPS technology, embedded into seven different men's and women's sneaker models with 19 color combinations, are outfitted with a microcomputer with satellite tracking communication that, in the event of a perceived crisis by the wearer, can activate a Covert Alarm Locator. The alarm generates an emergency signal to the company's ID Conex monitoring station, pinpointing the shoes' location anywhere on the earth's surface. The whereabouts of the wearer are then communicated to law enforcement authorities.
The need for Daniel's line of Quantum Satellite Technology across a broad range of demographic groups has been proven. The company is currently in negotiations to market the Compass Global sneaker -- and in the future, boots and shoes -- to various military outfits, caretakers of those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and parents who want the ability to keep track of their young children. The need for this type of sneaker has already been recognized by the public and the press with feature stories in The New York Post, Women's Wear Daily, and Fitness and Footwear Plus magazines.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:28 PM | View the original post
Singapore Airlines Unveils Innovative New In-Flight Products
From the largest seats in the sky to the smallest amenities.
Passengers in First, Business and Economy get upgraded comfort.
Photo: Today Singapore Airlines marked the arrival of its $360 million new First, Business and Economy Class cabin products, when the carrier took delivery of its first B777-300ER aircraft. At 35-inches wide, the First Class seat is the most spacious ever to be introduced by a commercial airline. Singapore's new B777-300ER debuts in the United States in January, serving San Francisco three times per week.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28 -- Today in Seattle, Singapore Airlines (SIA) marked the North American debut of its $360 million new cabin products designed to provide passengers in all three classes with more space, comfort and control of their in-flight experience. The enhanced suite of products and services features new First, Business and Economy Class seats, including the largest First and Business Class seats in the sky, and increased functionality in the on-demand in-flight entertainment system, which boasts more than 1,000 entertainment offerings.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:22 PM | View the original post
"ART OF THE OLYMPIANS" EXHIBIT VISITS NEW YORK
Photo: Al Oerter, four-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist and abstract artist, poses in front of the "Art of the Olympians" logo projected on the News Astrovision by Panasonic in New York's Times Square, Tuesday, November 28, 2006. Oerter, along with eight other athlete artists are in New York to help spotlight the "Art of the Olympians" traveling exhibit of sculpture, paintings, drawings, and photography by 14 Olympians representing 7 countries, and is showing at a variety of venues including the United Nations. Oerter won gold medals in the discus throw in '56, '60, '64, and '68. (Feature Photo Service)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:37 PM | View the original post
XEROX TECHNOLOGY: Experimental Xerox Paper Erases Itself
Temporary Documents On Reusable Paper.
Photo: Xerox researchers have developed an experimental printing technology that could someday replace printed pages that are used for just a brief time before being discarded. The project is a collaborative development between the Xerox Research Centre of Canada and PARC (Palo Alto Research Center Inc.). Paul Smith, manager of XRCC’s new materials design and synthesis lab, shows the 16-hour disappearing capabilities of the temporary documents. (Photo credit: Greig Reekie)
TORONTO and PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 27, 2006 -- Xerox Corporation (NYSE:XRX) scientists have invented a way to make prints whose images last only a day, so that the paper can be used again and again. The technology, which is still in a preliminary state, blurs the line between paper documents and digital displays and could ultimately lead to a significant reduction in paper use.
The experimental printing technology, a collaboration between the Xerox Research Centre of Canada and PARC (Palo Alto Research Center Inc.), could someday replace printed pages that are used for just a brief time before being discarded. Xerox estimates that as many as two out of every five pages printed in the office are for what it calls "daily" use, like e-mails, Web pages and reference materials that have been printed for a single viewing.
While potential users have shown interest in transient documents, there is still much to be done if the technology is to be commercialized. "This will remain a research project for some time," said Eric Shrader, PARC area manager, industrial inkjet systems. "Our experiments prove that it can be done, and that is the first step, but not the only one, to developing a system that is commercially viable."
PARC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xerox. It consistently creates value through its inventions and innovations by embedding them in the products, solutions and services of its strategic sponsors, using them as the foundation for creating new businesses, or licensing them to technology customers.
Xerox has filed for patents on the technology, which it calls "erasable paper." It is currently part of a laboratory project that focuses on the concept of future dynamic documents.
Xerox Corporation is the world’s largest document management company. A nearly $16 billion technology and services enterprise, Xerox develops and markets innovative technologies, products and solutions that customers can depend upon to improve business results.
"Despite our reliance on computers to share and process information, there is still a strong dependence on the printed page for reading and absorbing content. Of course, we'd all like to use less paper, but we know from talking with customers that many people still prefer to work with information on paper. Self-erasing documents for short-term use offers the best of both worlds," said Paul Smith, manager of XRCC's new materials design and synthesis lab.
To develop erasable paper, researchers needed to identify ways to create temporary images. The "a-ha" moment came from developing compounds that change color when they absorb a certain wavelength of light but then will gradually disappear. In its present version, the paper self-erases in about 16-24 hours and can be used multiple times.
While scientists at XRCC work on the chemistry of the technology, their counterparts at PARC - the birthplace of the laser printer - are investigating ways to build a device that could write the image onto the special paper. PARC researchers developed a prototype "printer" that creates the image on the paper using a light bar that provides a specific wavelength of light as a writing source. The written image fades naturally over time or can be immediately erased by exposing it to heat.
Temporary documents are part of Xerox's ongoing investments in sustainable innovation - or "green products" - that deliver measurable benefits to the environment, such as solid ink printing technology, which generates 90 percent less waste than comparable laser printers; more energy-efficient printers, copiers and multifunction devices; and other paper-saving innovations.
The Xerox Innovation Group conducts work in color science, computing, digital imaging, work practices, electromechanical systems, novel materials, linguistics, work practice analysis, and nanotechnology connected to Xerox's expertise in printing and document management.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:05 PM | View the original post
November 28, 2006
Eurail Adds New Countries to its Rail Pass Range
More Options for Customers to Explore Europe in Depth.
UTRECHT, Netherlands, November 28 -- The Eurail group G.I.E. is offering its customers even more choice in European rail travel by increasing its product range to include new passes and country combinations from 2007.
PHOTO: Regional train Lisboa - Cascais. PHOTO LOCATION - UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS. (Source: EURAIL GROUP G.I.E.)
Eurail's popular National Pass range, offering travellers the possibility to discover a single country in depth, will have more countries in its portfolio with Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg), Croatia, Ireland, Italy and Portugal available from January 1, thereby increasing the total number of passes to 15.
In addition, the Eurail Regional Pass, created three years ago to allow unlimited travel in two bordering countries, will also have new countries combinations on offer. In 2007, customers will be able to choose Austria and Hungary or Italy and Spain in addition to the 16 other passes already available.
In addition to the Eurail National and Regional Passes, Eurail continues to offer the Eurail Select Pass, valid for 3, 4 or 5 bordering countries chosen by the traveller, as well as the original Eurailpass (renamed to Eurail Global Pass), covering a total of 18 countries, for people wishing to discover as much of Europe as possible.
The Eurail Group comprises 27 railways and shipping lines, as well as several bonus partners.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:08 PM | View the original post
VERIZON WIRELESS ENV
PHOTO: A successor to The V by LG, the enV is the ultimate wireless phone offering an abundance of multimedia features: including V CAST and V CAST Music, VZ NavigatorSM, an integrated QWERTY keyboard, Bluetooth(R) capabilities, dual speakers and a 2.0 megapixel camera that provides crisp, clear photos and videos.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:51 PM | View the original post
New York Stock Exchange: Argentine Corporate Day
NEW YORK, Nov. 27 -- Leading Argentine companies traded in the United States took part in the first "Argentine Corporate Day" held at the New York Stock Exchange headquarters.
PHOTO: Argentine companies ringing the opening bell at the Argentine Corporate Day at the New York Stock Exchange.
The event was attended by the main executives -- CEOs, CFOs, and directors -- of major companies from Argentina, representing a broad spectrum of economic activity, notably, Banco Hipotecario, Banco Macro, Cresud, IRSA, Metro Gas, Telecom Argentina, Tenaris and TGS.
The purpose of the gathering was to reinforce the presence of Argentine companies in the international market, in view of the growing interest that this country has been awakening among investors.
During the day, executives presented the main development projects of their companies at a press conference and in meetings with investors.
The day began at the New York Stock Exchange with the traditional opening bell, the signal for the start of trading, initiated by Argentine executives, followed by a large press conference with the international and Argentine media.
During a luncheon prior to the schedule of meetings with investors, the Argentine executives, together with representatives from banks, investment funds and government authorities, attended a panel titled "Argentina: Business Prospects for 2007".
The event included participation from three panelists: Sergio Berensztein (Director of Di Tella University), Gustavo Canonero (Deutsche Bank New York) and Walter Molano (BCP Securities). The panelists emphasized Argentina's considerable growth and good prospects as reflected in social and economic indicators.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:37 PM | View the original post
November 27, 2006
Johnson Controls Encourages Student Creativity About Energy Conservation
Igniting Creative Energy Challenge
Winners of national competition win educational trip to Hawaii with chance to meet national leaders.
MILWAUKEE, Nov. 27 -- United States and Canadian students in kindergarten through 12th grade are being called on by the Igniting Creative Energy Challenge to put on their thinking caps and come up with creative ways to make a difference in energy conservation and the environment.
Photo: Solar Panel
The Challenge, a partnership program developed by Johnson Controls and the National Energy Foundation, is an educational competition that encourages students to learn more about energy and the environment. This is the sixth year for the competition, which provides the national winners with valuable educational experiences that include a trip to Hawaii and a chance to meet national leaders and energy policymakers in Washington, D.C.
Students are asked to submit entries that demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family or group can do in their home, school or community to conserve energy and help the environment. Students may express their ideas in the form of science projects, essays, stories, artwork, photographs, music, video or Web site projects. They may also submit recent service projects.
Photo: Wind Turbines in Field
New for 2007, the highest scoring student in each state and most provinces will receive additional recognition and a $1,000 (U.S.) donation from Johnson Controls for his or her school.
The Challenge is funded through an educational grant by Johnson Controls with additional support from the United States Energy Association (USEA) and the National Energy Foundation.
Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries.
"Like all citizens, students play an important role in using energy resources wisely, which reinforces our business of providing smart energy solutions," said Dave Myers, president, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls. "As we introduce this year's Challenge, we continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm and creativity students and teachers exhibit in demonstrating ways to preserve the environment and conserve energy."
According to Dari Scott, vice president of marketing for the National Energy Foundation, "It's vital to instill in students the idea that they can creatively contribute to conserving natural resources. It results in improved leadership, character development and service to others, not to mention a better environment."
Contest Rules and Prizes
The Challenge is open to all students in grades K-12 in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Quebec. All entries are due by February 17, 2007, and winners will be announced on or about March 17, 2007.
Official rules about the contest and a downloadable entry form can be found at the official Challenge Web site, http://www.ignitingcreativeenergy.org/ .
A total of four grand prizes will be awarded to three students and one teacher. Three students, one in each grade cluster, whose work best addresses the Challenge criteria, will receive a hosted trip to Hawaii April 10-14, 2007 for themselves and a parent or legal guardian. In addition, one teacher with the highest average score of student work from 15 or more qualifying entries will be chosen for a trip for two to Hawaii for the same fun and educational experience.
While in Hawaii, winners will experience the educational trip of a lifetime. This journey will include visits to a volcano, tropical forests, and Hawaii's famous beaches.
Winners will also participate in the national Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C., June 12-13, 2007, where they will share their Challenge entries and ideas with government and energy leaders.
Award certificates will be available for every participating student and teacher. The most creative and deserving student work will be published.
Last Year's Entries
The winning projects for the 2006 Igniting Creative Energy Challenge were a reflection of students' creativity and involvement: an elementary school student's "I Spy"(C)-themed book highlighting 101 ways to save energy at home, illustrated with photographs of the student's dollhouse; a middle school student's recommended four-week children's meal program for fast food restaurants that included age-appropriate energy savings items in place of toys; and a high school student's researched recommendation to create billboards that raise awareness of the energy crisis and promote the fight to save energy and the environment.
Teacher Zan Lombardo of Tredyffrin-Easttown School District in Pennsylvania had each of her students establish one energy-efficient habit for a month, quantify their savings and then represent each unit of savings as a dot in a giant mural that showed overall how they had helped the environment.
Students were asked to write a one-page summary that described their motivation for submitting an entry and what they hoped their project would accomplish. Middle school winner Rebecca Richter from Wisconsin shared, "I wanted to find a creative way to help children and their families understand how to conserve energy. It seems perfect to work with a fast-food chain because many families eat at fast-food restaurants. It would be a great way to reach a lot of people! I hope to convey that energy is an important resource in our lives, and that there are many ways to save energy."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:19 PM | View the original post
Arthur Frommer to speak at Boston Globe Travel Show, March 23-25, 2007
BOSTON -- Nov. 27, 2006 -- Arthur Frommer, the foremost authority on budget travel, will join a host of esteemed speakers at the 2007 Boston Globe Travel Show, scheduled to be held March 23-25, 2007 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston.
Photo: Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, November 2006 Issue.
Frommer will be joined by his daughter, travel expert Pauline Frommer. Pauline is carrying on the family legacy, creating her own new series of travel books designed to bring budget travel to a new generation. The Frommers will address the show's 9,000+ expected attendees on Saturday, March 24.
Photo: Frommer's Italy 2000
The 2nd Annual Boston Globe Travel Show will showcase travel destinations from around the world while highlighting both cultural exhibits and vacation activities. A diverse set of travel exhibitors and suppliers, representing every segment of the travel industry, will offer detailed information on trips to every region of the world.
In addition to the host of prominent speakers, The Boston Globe Travel Show will feature Destination Pavilions showcasing both overseas and domestic destinations and tourism boards. Vacation Experience Areas will offer samples of experiences a traveler could expect from destinations around the world, such as culinary tasting and cooking demonstrations, luxury spa treatments, activities such as golf swings and diving and kayaking pools, as well as original and indigenous music and dance from cultures around the world.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:12 PM | View the original post
Jon Peter Lewis, American Idol Favorite, Releases Debut Album
LOS ANGELES, Calif., Nov. 27 -- Jon Peter Lewis, also known as "JPL" to his enthusiastic fans, has released his debut album, Stories From Hollywood. The rock and soulful pop record has been in the works for more than a year and includes all original music.
The collection of high-energy songs and intimate acoustic tracks showcases Jon's exceptional vocal range. Elton John has praised JPL for his superb singing voice, admiring his "great pitch and phrasing." The eagerly anticipated album features Jon's band that includes "some of the most talented musicians in the business," according to producer David Rolfe.
Jon was a top ten finalist on American Idol's third season. Simon Cowell hailed JPL as the "dark horse to win the competition," while Rolling Stone Magazine pegged him as a "pick to win." Following Jon's successful run on Idol and subsequent tour, he chose take the time to develop his own sound and unique style before releasing an album.
Jon and his band have been playing shows throughout the country, including performances at the world renowned Viper Room in Hollywood, California. Jon was invited to the 2006 CMJ Music Marathon in New York City, performing at Crash Mansion and joining the event as a panelist. He is a frequent guest of radio and television, most recently performing live on the worldwide morning show, Fox & Friends. Jon was also a presenter at the recent 2006 New Music Weekly Awards Show and is making final plans for a nationwide tour.
The aptly titled CD, Stories from Hollywood, reflects Jon's Hollywood experiences while revealing an impressive rock and roll side to him. "We expected JPL to rock us, but not with music this crisp and a backing band this hot," writes Jessica Venditto of AI Magazine. "The long wait was worth it."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:19 PM | View the original post
Airbus' A330 long-range family reaches 600 sales
Photo: Airbus A330-200
The A330 has reached the milestone of over 600 firm orders. This shows a strong market endorsement of Airbus’ environmentally friendly, long-range twin-engine in production aircraft which is leader in the medium to extended range category. The milestone was reached with the firm order, previously announced, for six A330-200s by TAM, Airbus’ largest customer in Latin America.
Photo: KLM Airbus A330 Advertisement (Copyright KLM)
The A330-300 is the world’s lowest operating cost per seat aircraft in its segment, typically accommodating 335 passengers in two classes for regional operations or 295 travellers in three classes on long-haul routes of up to10,500km/5,650nm. Today, the A330-300 is the reference for airlines serving intra-Asia routes.
The smaller capacity A330-200 has a range of 12,500km/6,750nm with 253 passengers in a comfort three-class seating arrangement. The A330-200 can easily serve non-stop destinations from Latin America to North America and Europe, from Asia to major US West Coast as well as operating economically on medium ranges.
Airbus is headquartered in Toulouse, France.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:38 PM | View the original post
TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 360 chronograph wins the Sports Watch Grand Prix
Photo: TAG Heuer’s Carrera Calibre
On November 9th 2006, an independent international jury of watch experts, journalists, retailers and historians named TAG Heuer’s Carrera Calibre 360 the “2006 Sports Watch of the Year” at the sixth annual Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix.
The Carrera Calibre 360 chronograph — the world’s most accurate mechanical chronograph beating at 360,000 vibrations/hour — was selected over 10 other nominees drawn from the world’s most prestigious watch making workshops and manufactures.
Launched to great acclaim in a limited edition of 360 at BaselWorld 2006, the Carrera Calibre 360 Steel Limited Edition is a high-prestige incarnation of 2005’s Calibre 360 Concept Chronograph, the first mechanical wrist chronograph to measure and display time to 1/100th of a second — ten times faster than any other mechanical wristwatch movement on the market today.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:48 PM | View the original post
BBDO COMMERCIAL
Photo: "Noitulove" or "Evolution" spelled backwards. The most awarded TV commercial of the past year was created by AMV BBDO for Guinness.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:41 PM | View the original post
November 26, 2006
Siemens Building Technologies
Torre Agbar in Barcelona.
Photo: In the 465-ft. Torre Agbar tower in Barcelona, Spain, offices, conference rooms, parking levels and technical facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art fire alarm and extinguisher systems from Siemens Building Technologies.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:11 PM | View the original post
FORD INDIA MAKING GAINS IN MARKET WITH HUGE GROWTH POTENTIAL
Photo: Ford Motor Company Chairman and CEO Bill Ford (left) joins Arvind Mathew, managing director and president of Ford India, for the debut of the all-new Ford Fiesta in New Delhi.
DEARBORN, Nov. 2006 -- India is on the cusp of enormous economic growth and Ford India is well positioned to capitalize on it, said Arvind Mathew, Ford India president and managing director, in a presentation to employees in Dearborn earlier this year.
Increasing affluence and mobility and a developing infrastructure are driving India's auto industry growth.
India is a "small car" market and Ford India's hottest selling cars are the entry-level Ikon and the upscale Fiesta. The Ikon is marketed to tech-savvy young professionals who are seeking to buy their first car.
"It is an exciting time to do business in India," Mathew said. "The country has one of the largest populations in the world and a massive rising middle class of young professionals for whom owning a car is within reach. The possibilities for growth are astounding."
Photo: Ford Motor Company Chairman and CEO Bill Ford tours the company's manufacturing facility in Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai, India.
Industry experts recognize India is one of the key "BRIC" economies driving growth in the automotive sector along with Brazil, Russia and China. According to CSM Worldwide, an auto-industry research firm, vehicle production in India is expected to exceed 1.8 million in 2007, nearly double the output in 2003 and quadruple the output of 10 years ago.
"Demand will remain strong in mature markets like the U.S. and Japan, but nowhere near as strong as the double-digit growth in countries like India," said Maseki Taketani, a director of CSM Worldwide. "Automakers must succeed in India to remain viable in the global market place."
Ford India's focus on customer service and fuel-efficient mid-size cars like the entry-level Ikon and the upscale Fiesta has the company poised for success in the burgeoning market.
"We saw 154 percent growth in sales in September 2006 and 142 percent growth in October," said Scott McCormack, Ford India vice president of Marketing, Sales & Service. "Almost 95 percent of vehicles are financed in India, in part because the country has very high per capita income growth. The perception that you own your car forever is diminishing and the period of ownership is shortening."
With rapid urbanization underway and an increasing number of consumers eager to buy a car, India promises to take center stage alongside economic juggernaut China over the next 10 years.
"India's time has arrived," McCormack said. "Indians believe in themselves and they're confident they'll be a world leader."
This year's India Customer Satisfaction Index Study by J.D. Power Asia Pacific ranked Ford second only to dominant domestic automaker Maruti Suzuki thanks in large part to the success of Ford's Quality Care service program at dealerships.
"The program helps dealers deliver consistent service," said Uma Umashankar, Ford India general manager, Customer Service Organization (CSO). "The program is a source of pride for participating dealers and we're working to implement the program throughout our dealer body.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:11 PM | View the original post
NEWSWEEK COVER: DECEMBER 4, 2006 ISSUE
Photo: In the December 4 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, November 27): "The Most Dangerous Man in Iraq." Newsweek profiles Moqtada al-Sadr and reports on how he became the most powerful man in Iraq today. Plus: the last Neocon in the administration; the GOP and the Latino vote; Ellis Cose on racist rants and public apologies; 'lifestyle' malls; what's different in Microsoft's Office 2007; the rise in unmarried moms; a profile of entrepreneur and rapper Jay-Z, and HD-disks. (Newsweek)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:44 PM | View the original post
November 25, 2006
Osram Dulux EL Sensor
A lamp that thinks for itself.
Photo: Time switches or other systems are no longer necessary with this lamp because it switches on and off on its own and is optically adjusted to the current brightness of the surroundings. With the Dulux EL Sensor, Osram offers operating and lighting comfort in addition to maximized cost-efficiency for your exterior lighting setup. On top of that, because of its different operating times it also give the impression that people are at home, an advantageous contribution to home security. (Photo: Osram)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:41 PM | View the original post
