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TW
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
GE's Next-Gen 500GB Data Disc is a Huge Tech Breakthrough
Every year we are witnessing multiple technological breakthroughs that make information so much more accessible. GE’s innovation in storing data has world-changing potential and in many ways guarantees a massive new wave of improvement to human lives.
Scientists at GE created storing data of 500GB onto a single DVD-sized disc! To make it more visual, that’s 500 CDs on one disc, or 4000 x more information than a human brain retains in life time! This innovation is in the laboratory phase.
“This is significant. Just imagine being able to put all this Information on a disc,” said Brian Lawrence, the manager of GE’s holographic project.
In the video above he explains how his team designed the system. Check it out.
patthe
Source Interlink Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Several major news sources reported today that Source Interlink has filed for a pre-packaged, lender-approved Chapter 11 bankruptcy. According to a story on the New York Post:
“The pre-packaged Chapter 11 is expected to write off about $900 million in debt owed to a consortium of banks led by Citi.
Most of the debt was tied to Source’s $1.2 billion acquisition of Primedia’s enthusiast media division in May 2007, when Source shares were at $5.89″
According to Source Interlink’s Website, the company decided to use a “pre-pack reorganization” because it is the “quickest and easiest form of restructuring through the bankruptcy courts. Using this method, we expect to complete our restructuring in about 30 days.”
While the site says that Source Interlink will continue business as usual, it also states that: “Regretfully, all of the Company’s common stock will be canceled.”
patthe
tws
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Brand strategy: Don't go changing
You’d be hard pressed to find many shopaholics these days. According to a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group, 62% of Canadians plan to reduce their spending over the next year, nearly three-quarters of us will buy more products on promotion and 69% will put off major purchases that can wait. Retailers have already seen signs of thriftier consumers. Seasonally adjusted sales fell 5.4% in December, the largest monthly drop in more than 15 years.
Those depressing figures have some companies reassessing their marketing strategies. Successful brands, though, should resist the temptation to stray from their core values. Take the experiences of Harry Rosen Inc. During the recession in the early ’90s, the men’s clothing retailer introduced a $495 suit, hoping it would boost sales by attracting less-affluent customers. The feel of the garment was a bit like cardboard, admits Larry Rosen, chairman and CEO of the Toronto-based company. And instead of bringing in new shoppers, it disappointed existing customers who bought it. “We’ve learned in these times you have to stick to exactly who you are and make sure you don’t look desperate or out of character,” Rosen says.
But acting out of character may be precisely what struggling brands need to do in tough economic times, since they might be able to capitalize on the fact that cash-strapped consumers are re-evaluating all their purchases. For example, Japanese automaker Nissan Canada during the early ’90s was plagued by an unclear image, lagging quality perceptions and declining market share. But by repositioning itself as a company that understood the frustration of car owners and a marketing campaign built on The Satisfaction Commitment, Nissan was able to grow its market share to 3.8% from 3.4% and increased sales by $80 million in just under a year.
Brand changes during downturns are usually much smaller, such as lower prices. Yet, even seemingly minor adjustments can have a significant impact. Savvy marketers, says John Quelch, a professor at Harvard Business School and author of numerous marketing books, will downsize products to achieve a lower price point (such as Pepsi offering an eight-pack instead of just a 12-pack) or unbundle products from their service plans to give customers more control.
Slashing prices just to maintain market share is a big mistake, warns Quelch. “You undercut profit and cash flow, and cash flow is king in a recession because credit is not readily available,” he explains. An even bigger mistake is lowering the quality. “The consumer will notice, and that will detract from your brand over the long term.”
Before making any changes, marketers should clearly understand the impact on their consumers, says Ken Wong, a marketing professor at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. People in dire straits might appreciate stripped-downed products, but cheaper variations of luxury goods will likely alienate the rich. Consumer segmentation studies can help identify whether changes are necessary, he adds.
London-based ad agency M&C Saatchi PLC has identified eight different types of U.K. consumers based on their attitudes toward the economic slowdown. Crash Dieters, which make up more than 20% of adults, plan to cut all non-essential spending until conditions improve, while the 15% known as Justifiers will still pay extra for quality as long as they can rationalize it.
Segmentation studies may even reveal whether a company should re-prioritize its customer segments. In a recent article in The McKinsey Quarterly, David Court, a director in the Dallas office of the consulting company, pointed out that baby boomers have long been a favourite consumer target, but their relatively high spending rates were fuelled by the “wealth effect” of real-estate appreciation, actual and expected gains from stocks and borrowing against those assets. “Today, the one-two punch of depressed housing values and big losses in equities means that many boomers face uncertain retirement prospects and can’t continue to spend as they once did,” Court writes.
Regardless of the target, Wong says advertising needs to communicate a bang-for-your-buck principle. Quelch agrees, and adds that businesses also need to show an appreciation for people’s troubles. As he puts it, “A brand has to hold the hand of its customers through a recession, and that means feeling their pain.”
patthe
cb
Five Simple Suggestions For Your Not-So-Simple Life
1.) Routine:routine behaviors breed success.
2.) Research: “You always have to be willing to learn,”
3.) Repeat: Repition will eventually get you the skill set needed to succeed.
4.) Reward:Setting goals is only beneficial if you reward yourself when you reach them.
5.) Return: “GIve back, it’s so much better than taking,”
patthe
2.) Research: “You always have to be willing to learn,”
3.) Repeat: Repition will eventually get you the skill set needed to succeed.
4.) Reward:Setting goals is only beneficial if you reward yourself when you reach them.
5.) Return: “GIve back, it’s so much better than taking,”
patthe
Monday, April 27, 2009
Standard x DC Shoes Admiral
Atlanta based retailer joins already featured BLENDS as apart of the DC Summer 2009 Life Collection. This will be Standard’s first sneaker collaboration and is one of their biggest projects for the retailer second to their new Lennox Square location. The Admiral commemorates Standard’s expansion by incorporating designs found in the themes of the stores which include a true red leather upper with green laces and insole. The red represents the accents found in the two locations, while green signifies the artificial turf covering the floor of their Lennox Square spot. No word of an official release date, but stay posted for more details.
patthe
Friday, April 24, 2009
Mike Tyson Documentary
Ever since he broke onto the scene in ‘85, Mike Tyson’s life has been scrutinized. No matter what he did, dude always seemed to be two steps behind trouble. So much so that his success in the ring was always overshadowed by the events of his personal life. Whether it was allegedly beating his wife, beating up other boxers on the street or lashing out at press conferences, Mike seemed to have no problem fitting the bill of “crazy, scary black man.” Well, we’ll finally get to hear his side of the story tomorrow when the documentary Tyson hits theaters.
But, let’s not get it twisted. Tyson wasn’t always the victim. He’s done more than his fair share of dumb shit to body his own career. Some of them were funny, some of them were kinda scary and some of of them were just down right odd. Before you go peep the documentary, check out our list of Mike’s most memorable crazy moments and decide for yourself if he’s a victim of circumstance, or just completely out of his god damn mind…
patthe
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Enrolez-Vous ! Yeah right
The body of the second female Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan has returned to Canada.
A military aircraft carrying the remains of 21-year-old Trooper Karine Blais landed at CFB Trenton in eastern Ontario this afternoon.
Blais was killed and four other soldiers were wounded Monday when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in the Shah Wali Khot district, north of Kandahar city.
The native of Les Mechins, Que., was just two weeks into her first tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Blais was based at CFB Valcartier, Que., and served with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22e Regiment, also known as the Van Doos, but was a member of the 12e Regiment blinde du Canada.
A total of 117 Canadian soldiers have died as part of the Afghan mission since it began in 2002.
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Le corps de Karine Blais, deuxième soldate canadienne décédée en Afghanistan, est de retour au Canada.
Un avion militaire transportant la jeune femme de 21 ans s'est posé à la Base des forces canadiennes de Trenton, on Ontario, cet après-midi.
Karine Blais est décédée et quatre soldats ont été blessés lorsqu'une bombe artisanale a soufflé le véhicule dans lequel ils se trouvaient, lundi, au nord de Kandahar.
La Québécoise originaire de Les Méchins, au Bas-Saint-Laurent, n'était en Afghanistan que depuis deux semaines lorsqu'elle a perdu la vie. Elle est la deuxième soldate canadienne à mourir dans le cadre de la mission dans ce pays depuis 2002.
Au total, 117 soldats canadiens sont morts dans le cadre de cette mission.
Les militaires du Royal 22e Régiment lui ont fait leurs adieux lors d'une cérémonie à Kandahar, mardi. Un millier de soldats de divers pays de l'OTAN étaient réunis sur le tarmac lorsque son cercueil a été placé à bord d'un véhicule militaire.
patthe
R.I.P Karine Blais
Monday, April 20, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Pairing the best aspects of conventional bike messenger bags with our signature device-driven functional features and industrial design aesthetic, the Courier Collection provides durability, waterproofing and ease-of-use every professional courier can come to rely on. The Skate Messenger Bag is a signature product within the collection, robust in its design and functionality.
From the heavy denier Cordura Nylon construction, waterproof lining and padded inset notebook compartment to the custom skateboard attachment with injection-molded skate bumpers and integrated, removable hip pack, the Skate Messenger Bag is a travel-ready protective solution for essential gear.
The Skate Messenger Bag served as the template for the limited edition HUF and DQM Skate Messenger Bags. All three bags share the same silhouette and functional features.
Learn more about the product as one of our designers dissects the unique functions and features of the Skate Messenger Bag, as well as how to set it up for a custom fit.
patthe
A burton Life
Burton got down with New York based streetwear label Alife to create a special edition Custom board. The board is light blue with double-label branding throughout. Produced in limited numbers, the board retails at Burton Flagship stores for MSRP $619 USD, if you can find one.
patthe
patthe
iDiom 2010 Preview
iDiom’s 2010 collection does not cease to amaze. For this upcoming season they decided to go with a more covert and stealthy military-esque theme, executed through flat, matte and monochromatic color-ways which feature contrasting bright colored linings. The cuts and fits are new as well, adopting a more natural fit compared to previous season’s collections.
patthe
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
DC DRESS SNEAKER X AGNÈS B.
DC DRESS SNEAKER x AGNÈS B.
DC kick flips into the fashion world with their newest collaboration with French designer agnès b. As part of the successful Double Label™ Project, the two brands merge to create a collection of finely understated sneakers. From agnès b.’s signature rustic colourways, to DC’s premium skate materials, the project takes two polar opposite design teams and unites them in a cohesive collection. The DC x agnès b. Double Label™ project is set to launch in Paris next month with less than 1500 pairs dropping exclusively at agnès b. retail stores and select sneaker boutiques worldwide.
To celebrate the launch, the two brands will collaborate on DC’s graphic design exhibit, FORWARD 3, showcasing artworks from a host of hand-picked French artists. Launching in Paris at the agnès b. shop on March 5 2009, the exhibit will then travel to New York for its U.S. premiere at the agnès b. Soho shop, March 31st 2009. With her thirst for nurturing talent (from Futura, Interpol and Harmony Korine), agnès b has continued to stay relevant in the street scene, even at the age of 68 - now that’s one ‘Super Gran!’
patthe
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Le Groupe Forzani s'essouffle
Le Groupe Forzani, un détaillant canadien d'articles de sport qui détient entre autres les bannières Sports Experts, Le Monde des athlètes et Atmosphere, a vu ses profits reculer au cours du quatrième trimestre et de l'exercice terminés le 1er février dernier.Le bénéfice net au cours du quatrième trimestre a été de 24,2 millions $, ou 79 cents par action, comparativement à un bénéfice net de 28,7 millions $, ou 85 cents par action au quatrième trimestre l'année précédente, un recul de l'ordre de 15,7 pour cent et une baisse de 7,1 pour cent du bénéfice par action.
Les produits d'exploitation, comprenant les ventes des magasins corporatifs, les ventes en gros, les revenus des services, la location d'équipement et les droits et redevances de franchisage se sont élevés à 380,8 millions $, en baisse de 29,8 millions $, ou 7,3 pour cent par rapport au quatrième trimestre l'an dernier.
Pour l'année, le bénéfice net a été de 29,3 millions $, ou 93 cents par action, comparativement à 47,5 millions $ et 1,39 $ par action l'année précédente, un recul des profits de l'ordre de 38,2 pour cent et une baisse de 33,1 pour cent du bénéfice par action.
Les revenus consolidés, pour l'ensemble de l'exercice, se sont élevés à 1,3 milliard $, une hausse de 15,7 millions $ ou 1,2 pour cent par rapport à la période correspondante de l'année précédente.
Forzani a souligné en dévoilant ses résultats mercredi que son exercice terminé le 1er février dernier comptait 52 semaines, alors que celui qui a pris fin un an plus tôt, soit le 3 février 2008, en comprenait 53.
La direction a indiqué qu'elle était satisfaite de son rendement au quatrième trimestre, "étant donné la détérioration à large échelle de la confiance des consommateurs".
Pour l'ensemble de son exercice 2008-2009, Forzani constate le retard au chapitre de sa performance financière par rapport aux résultats records enregistrés l'année précédente, mais le groupe souligne qu'il a réalisé un grand nombre d'initiatives importantes en matière d'exploitation, notamment la sortie du Monde des athlètes de la protection de la Loi sur les arrangements des compagnies avec les créanciers (LACC).
Forzani avait acheté Le Monde des athlètes en novembre 2007 alors que cette entreprise était en difficulté financière. La bannière Le Monde des athlètes s'était placée sous la protection de la LACC en octobre 2007 pour compléter sa restructuration _ et se libérer de la LACC _ en juin dernier, sous l'égide de Forzani.
patthe
Outlook on Economy Is Brightening
Americans have grown more optimistic about the economy and the direction of the country in the 11 weeks since President Obama was inaugurated, suggesting that he is enjoying some success in his critical task of rebuilding the nation’s confidence, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.
the new york times
patthe
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
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