The 7400 pairs of counterfeit sneakers recently seized by the RCMP in Montreal and Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, were exclusively for Club Shoes stores.
At least that has informed the Group Bianco Nero, with nearly a dozen stores under the banner Shoes Club in Quebec.
In the Quebec region, we find one of these shops at Place Fleur de Lys and another on the streets of the Marais. Two more are on the South Shore, one in Saint-Romuald and the other in Lévis. Other branches are located in Sept-Iles, Jonquière, Chicoutimi, Alma, Mascouche, Saint-Jérôme, Laval, Saint-Hyacinthe and Saint-Bruno.
On Tuesday, RCMP investigators knocked on the doors of the Group's head office Bianco Nero, on Edward Street, Assh, Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier. The Federal Police had then seized some 4,000 pairs of counterfeit sneakers from designer brands such as Adidas, Alive, DC Shoes, Circa and Nike. It's like a search, a few weeks earlier, who had led the federal police to this location.
Bianco Nero Group has denied reports that counterfeit sneakers could be found on the shelves of its 29 stores that operate under the banner Bianco Nero.
The head office of the Banner Club Shoes puts the blame on one of its 259 suppliers, this being located in China, with whom he carried on business since last September.
2011年7月28日星期四
2011年7月26日星期二
Michael Caine hates shoe laces
Sir Michael Caine avoids wearing shoes with laces as they 'screw him up'.
The 78-year-old British actor often looks dashing on the red carpet, although beady-eyed fans will have remarked that he is rarely seen in lace-up footwear.
Michael has explained the reason for his style choice, which dates back to his early career treading the boards.
“I never wear shoes with laces. When I was a young actor stage actor I was always very nervous. I used to throw up,” he told BBC Radio One.
“[One night] my shoe lace broke. It screwed me right up. I've never worn shoes with laces since.”
Michael is somewhat of a shoe fanatic, although confessed that despite owning numerous styles he “always wears the same pair”.
The veteran actor also took the time to reflect on some of his earlier movies. The star appeared in 1978 crime comedy Silver Bears, which also featured performances from the likes of Jay Leno and one of rocker David Bowie's security team. The picture tells the tale of a financial wizard who is sent to buy a bank in Switzerland for money laundering, and Michael has fond memories of it.
“There's a very famous talk show host Jay Leno, he was an actor then, he played my cohort,” smiled Michael. “My other cohort was a real sinister guy - David Bowie's bodyguard.”
The 78-year-old British actor often looks dashing on the red carpet, although beady-eyed fans will have remarked that he is rarely seen in lace-up footwear.
Michael has explained the reason for his style choice, which dates back to his early career treading the boards.
“I never wear shoes with laces. When I was a young actor stage actor I was always very nervous. I used to throw up,” he told BBC Radio One.
“[One night] my shoe lace broke. It screwed me right up. I've never worn shoes with laces since.”
Michael is somewhat of a shoe fanatic, although confessed that despite owning numerous styles he “always wears the same pair”.
The veteran actor also took the time to reflect on some of his earlier movies. The star appeared in 1978 crime comedy Silver Bears, which also featured performances from the likes of Jay Leno and one of rocker David Bowie's security team. The picture tells the tale of a financial wizard who is sent to buy a bank in Switzerland for money laundering, and Michael has fond memories of it.
“There's a very famous talk show host Jay Leno, he was an actor then, he played my cohort,” smiled Michael. “My other cohort was a real sinister guy - David Bowie's bodyguard.”
2011年7月24日星期日
Don't tell me what I 'should' be doing - I won't want to
Mark Twain said it one way:
"There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist."
Nike says it another:
"Just Do It."
Nike's advertising slogan grew out of a 1988 meeting between some Nike employees and an advertising agency during which one of the ad guys said, "You Nike guys, you just do it."
Poof, Nike is off and running with a new slogan and a new image.
The slogan, accompanied by the ever-present swoosh, pushed Nike sales beyond the industry leader, Reebok, and Nike has never stepped backward.
The early warning sign of impending pessimism or the first step toward procrastination, which leads to pessimism, are the word "should" and the phrase "should have."
I cringe when I hear the word directed at me. "You should ...," someone will say and I'll think to myself, "No, I shouldn't." It is an open rebellion, going back to a childhood growing up in a small town full of university professors who treated everyone as inferiors.
Who says it? Politicians say it. Preachers say it. Bosses say it. Coworkers say it. Even friends say it, although if they say it habitually they get dropped from the Friend List. They don't become enemies; they merely become someone I don't want to be around.
Worst of all: I say it about myself. Janet says it about herself. The two of us say it collectively.
Example: We bought a house with a swimming pool about four years ago. The pool had limited use because the heater didn't work and you couldn't separate the hot tub from the pool, meaning you couldn't heat the spa even if you had a working heater.
For four years we have been saying "We should fix the pool." We said that, and looked at our pretty, useless pool from our breakfast table window.
Last week, I was cleaning up some pool maintenance paperwork, showed the papers to Janet and we decided on the spot to "just do it."
Four days later, we are in our like-new pool and Janet is saying, "I should deadhead those flowers, I should replenish the flower shelves, I should get the long pole and clean up the cobwebs at the top of the lanai ..."
I am saying, "We should make it a vow to get in the pool every day, we should live up to our vow of keeping a day and week just for us, I should put a new gas cylinder in the grill ..."
It had started all over again. We began walking along the path to doing nothing.
So we made a vow to avoid the "shoulds" because they create an atmosphere of negativism and inactivity. They are a downer, causing tension in us and between us. Besides, they allow us to put off to tomorrow...
Ok, column is done.
What should I do now? Oh, yeah, need to buy some workout shoes. Sorry, Nike, I am addicted to New Balance.
"There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist."
Nike says it another:
"Just Do It."
Nike's advertising slogan grew out of a 1988 meeting between some Nike employees and an advertising agency during which one of the ad guys said, "You Nike guys, you just do it."
Poof, Nike is off and running with a new slogan and a new image.
The slogan, accompanied by the ever-present swoosh, pushed Nike sales beyond the industry leader, Reebok, and Nike has never stepped backward.
The early warning sign of impending pessimism or the first step toward procrastination, which leads to pessimism, are the word "should" and the phrase "should have."
I cringe when I hear the word directed at me. "You should ...," someone will say and I'll think to myself, "No, I shouldn't." It is an open rebellion, going back to a childhood growing up in a small town full of university professors who treated everyone as inferiors.
Who says it? Politicians say it. Preachers say it. Bosses say it. Coworkers say it. Even friends say it, although if they say it habitually they get dropped from the Friend List. They don't become enemies; they merely become someone I don't want to be around.
Worst of all: I say it about myself. Janet says it about herself. The two of us say it collectively.
Example: We bought a house with a swimming pool about four years ago. The pool had limited use because the heater didn't work and you couldn't separate the hot tub from the pool, meaning you couldn't heat the spa even if you had a working heater.
For four years we have been saying "We should fix the pool." We said that, and looked at our pretty, useless pool from our breakfast table window.
Last week, I was cleaning up some pool maintenance paperwork, showed the papers to Janet and we decided on the spot to "just do it."
Four days later, we are in our like-new pool and Janet is saying, "I should deadhead those flowers, I should replenish the flower shelves, I should get the long pole and clean up the cobwebs at the top of the lanai ..."
I am saying, "We should make it a vow to get in the pool every day, we should live up to our vow of keeping a day and week just for us, I should put a new gas cylinder in the grill ..."
It had started all over again. We began walking along the path to doing nothing.
So we made a vow to avoid the "shoulds" because they create an atmosphere of negativism and inactivity. They are a downer, causing tension in us and between us. Besides, they allow us to put off to tomorrow...
Ok, column is done.
What should I do now? Oh, yeah, need to buy some workout shoes. Sorry, Nike, I am addicted to New Balance.
2011年7月20日星期三
NIKE Celtic Glasgow away kit 2011-12
Nike today unveiled the new Celtic away kit for season 2011-12 – a kit that gives a modern take on the iconic green and white hoops from the club's famous home shirt.
The body of the shirt consists of grey and white hoops, each bordered by a thin Celtic green stripe – with a green crew neck collar and sleeves, each with a white silicone strip near the hem containing the year of Celtic's foundation 1888.
On the back of the shirt below the neck reads ‘Celtic'.
The away shorts are green with a white stripe on the back near the bottom of each leg, while the socks are white with a green band at the top, and two grey hoops with ‘CFC' featured at the centre on the back of each calf.
The light weight kits (13% lighter than previous versions) actively regulate the players' body temperatures on the pitch to keep them dry and cool at all times through use of Nike Dri-FIT technology. This technology draws sweat away from the player's body through the material where it can evaporate.
Temperature regulation is helped by ventilation zones, consisting of hundreds of tiny laser cut holes from the under arms to the waistband, allowing air to circulate to keep players dry, cool and comfortable.
The club crest on the front of the shirt is heat transferred, making it even lighter and crucially allowing this area to now be ventilated as well. The playing shirt has a new aerodynamic fit this season, now slimmer and more athletic, providing 17% more stretch than the Celtic shirt of two years ago. While a bonded hem offers a streamlined look that reduces irritation caused by chafing.
To complement the new match day kit Nike has launched a unique Celtic line of training and lifestyle clothing for both players and fans to wear on and off the pitch.
The team will wear the new away kit for the first time on August 7.
The body of the shirt consists of grey and white hoops, each bordered by a thin Celtic green stripe – with a green crew neck collar and sleeves, each with a white silicone strip near the hem containing the year of Celtic's foundation 1888.
On the back of the shirt below the neck reads ‘Celtic'.
The away shorts are green with a white stripe on the back near the bottom of each leg, while the socks are white with a green band at the top, and two grey hoops with ‘CFC' featured at the centre on the back of each calf.
The light weight kits (13% lighter than previous versions) actively regulate the players' body temperatures on the pitch to keep them dry and cool at all times through use of Nike Dri-FIT technology. This technology draws sweat away from the player's body through the material where it can evaporate.
Temperature regulation is helped by ventilation zones, consisting of hundreds of tiny laser cut holes from the under arms to the waistband, allowing air to circulate to keep players dry, cool and comfortable.
The club crest on the front of the shirt is heat transferred, making it even lighter and crucially allowing this area to now be ventilated as well. The playing shirt has a new aerodynamic fit this season, now slimmer and more athletic, providing 17% more stretch than the Celtic shirt of two years ago. While a bonded hem offers a streamlined look that reduces irritation caused by chafing.
To complement the new match day kit Nike has launched a unique Celtic line of training and lifestyle clothing for both players and fans to wear on and off the pitch.
The team will wear the new away kit for the first time on August 7.
2011年7月18日星期一
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS FROM THE TIMES OF ZAMBIA BY AMBASSADOR ZHOU YUXIAO
H.E. Mr. Zhou Yuxiao, the new Chinese Ambassador to Zambia was interviewed by two journalists Mr. Richard Mulonga and Mr. Obert Simwanza from the Times of Zambia.The following is the transcript of his answers to the questions posed by the journalists.
Q. As the new Ambassador to Zambia, what is your plan to strengthen the bilateral relations between the Republic of Zambia and the Peoples of Republic of China?
A. As the new Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, I do have a plan to enhance China-Zambia relations.The first is to make sure that the Chinese government’s set policy of developing friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with the Republic of Zambia will not change with the change of ambassador.If there will be changes, then they should be changes for the better.The second is to continue and complete all that my predecessor Ambassador Li Qiangmin has started and build on what he has left, so as to make sure that the close partnership between China and Zambia is not be disrupted.Third is to explore new ways and areas for expanding and deepening our bilateral relations.In one word, I shall work closely together with the Zambian government and people to push our bilateral relations to a new height for the benefit of both countries.
Q. What is the value of Chinese investment in Zambia currently?
A. Chinese investors have become major players in Zambia’s key economic sectors.By the end of 2010, China’s total investment in Zambia reached about US$ 2 billion, making China the third largest investor for Zambia.Currently there are around 300 Chinese companies operating in Zambia, the majority of which are private companies.The main sectors that Chinese investment flowed into are mining, manufacturing, agriculture, trade, infrastructure, tourism, technology, energy supply, telecommunication, etc.According to the data from the Zambian Investment Center, Chinese investment has created more than 25,000 jobs for the local people.
Q. What is your comment on the value of Chinese investment in Zambia?
A. The all-weather friendship between China and Zambia has stood the test of time.During the world financial crisis when other investors withdrew from Zambia, Chinese companies did not cut down production, did not reduce investment, and did not lay off local workers.On the contrary, China Non-ferrous and Jinchuan even took over Luanshya Copper Mine and Munali Nickel Mine respectively, bringing these two mines back to life and creating over 3,400 jobs.If an employed person supports 4 family members, those job opportunities brought direct benefits to over 13,600 people.All those fully demonstrated that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Another good example is that the Chinese-invested poultry and agricultural farms, about 20 at this moment, have contributed to the ending of Zambia's history of importing eggs from abroad. Obviously, they have been playing an important role in flourishing the local markets in addition to the sizable employments for local people brought by those farms.
During the Chinese Spring Festival in 2010, my Embassy rewarded some Chinese companies and entrepreneurs with the titles of “Excellent Chinese Companies in Zambia”, Excellent entrepreneurs”, “Outstanding Envoys” and “Good Examples of Young Businessmen”, so as to encourage the Chinese companies to strengthen cooperation with their Zambian counterparts in a win-win manner and expand their corporate or social responsibilities for the local community.
Q. Should the people of Zambia expect an increase in investment realizing that this is an election year when investors and other financiers withhold their resources?
A. Zambia has held several elections in a decade or more, and it has been able to maintain a very good record of peace and stability in election years.Zambia has always enjoyed the good reputation as “the cradle of peace” in Southern Africa.We tend to believe that Zambia is a matured nation.Chinese investors have confidence in Zambian government, political parties and voters in handling the coming election.So far, they still regard the investment environment in Zambia as favorable.Therefore, Chinese investment is coming steadily and normally.As far as I know, the Chinese Embassy has not advised any Chinese companies to withhold their financial resources.
Q. China has faced stiff accusations on labor matters. What is your response to views that Chinese employers underpay Zambian workers and that they violate labor laws?
A. China stands for equality and mutual benefit in carrying out foreign economic activities. The Chinese government encourages Chinese companies with competence and ability to invest in Zambia and other African countries and demands them to abide by local laws and regulations, protect local employees' legal rights and the local environment, and bear their due social and corporate responsibilities.
When Chinese companies register themselves with the relevant Zambian government, they should abide by the relevant Zambian laws as Zambian companies do.The Chinese companies and the Zambian companies should enjoy the same rights and bear the same responsibilities unless there are otherwise legal stipulations they need to follow as specified in contracts.The Chinese companies should not be asked to bear more or less responsibilities just because they are foreigners.
I have been working in 4 African countries for the last 10 years and I have visited numerous Chinese companies.Almost all the companies that I visited give better pay and more benefits to their local employees than the local companies do.They all do corporate responsibility projects and programs.They are largely and warmly welcomed by local government and communities.Even as a visitor, I am always warmly welcomed by the local communities in which there are Chinese projects.I have visited about 10 Chinese companies since my arrival in Zambia 50 days ago and I got more or less the same stories and conclusions.Therefore, the generalization that Chinese companies underpay Zambian employees is not true, at least not accurate.I do not completely rule out some possibility where some small Chinese businessmen underpay their employees and they should be addressed by local labor aurthorities.If they refuse to correct, they should be handled according to relevant Zambian laws.
On the other hand, I wish to point out that demonization of China or Chinese companies has become a common tool for China’s competitors to contain China’s increasing presence in Africa.I sincerely advise the African media to guard against this unhealthy tendency.I hope that African media will have its independent views and analysis.I also hope that African media will recognize the undeniable fact that it is China’s presence that has greatly increased and enhanced the bargaining chips for African countries to conduct its international business both politically and economically and that it is China that has been building roads, railways, bridges, hydropower stations, sports stadiums, hospitals, schools, agricultural centers, farms and etc.They are real and essential infrastructures and industries that promote social and economic development in Africa.I am a doer. In my personal opinion, any action, no matter how imperfect it is, is thousand times better than lip services.
Q. What is your comment on the accusation that the quality of Chinese products is low?
A. Since the question of product quality relates to trade, let me say a few words about China-Zambia trade.In recent years, Zambia-China trade has been growing very fast.Total import and export volume jumped from US$ 100 million at the beginning of the century to US$ 1.45 billion in 2009 and to US$ 2.85 billion in 2010.China was the second largest destination of Zambian exports and the fourth largest source of Zambia’s imports in 2010.Zambia has long enjoyed a surplus in its bilateral trade with China.
To further expand imports from Zambia, China has granted Zero-tariff treatment to 60% of the products originating from Zambia to China in 2010, covering farm produce, stone material, minerals, leather and hide, textiles, clothing, electric appliances, machinery and equipment.This treatment will soon be extended to 95% of the export products from Zambia to China.
China also tries to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with Zambia through exhibitions and fairs.Zambian entrepreneurs are invited to attend annual China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou and China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen.
These measures have greatly promoted our bilateral trade, enriched the Zambian local market, lower the prices of commodities and improved the terms of trade which Zambians have never enjoyed in history.
Coming back to your question, Chinese companies produce goods of various qualities to meet the needs of different categories of consumers. The very best quality goods are very expensive while the low quality goods are extremely cheap.For instance, a pair of high quality Nike sporting shoes made in China may cost several hundred US dollars.But a pair of low quality sporting shoes costs only a few dollars.As some African scholars points out, thanks to the cheap products from China, many African families, especially those in the lowest hierarchy of society, can enjoy the basic supply of products for daily use.If one wants to spend only few dollars for a pair of shoes, one should not expect the shoes to be as durable and comfortable as Nike shoes.
However, I do not deny there might be a small number of petty traders who sell fake or sub-standard goods.It is not only Zambians who hate them, we Chinese hate them too, because they hurt Chinese more than Zambians as they do enormous harms to the image of China and the Chinese manufacturing industry.The Chinese government has formulated very stern measures to fight against those malpractices.They are punished severely once they are caught.But as long as there is a market out there, there bound to be someone who will try their luck.We are willing to work together with Zambian relevant authorities to crack down on them.The Chinese Embassy will be more than happy to get Zambian substantiated reports exposing the organized traders of shoddy goods, so that we can jointly facilitate our law enforcement agencies to handle them according to laws of our respective countries.
Q. The Lusaka economic zone, when will the region start operating? How many Chinese firms are expected to come to the Lusaka economic zone?
A. During his visit to Zambia in 2007, H.E. Chinese President Hu Jintao and H.E. Zambian President Mwanawasa together laid the foundation for the China-Zambia Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone which is located in Chambishi and managed by the China Nonferrous Metal Mining Corporation. By the end of 2010, it realized FDI of US$ 800 million with 13 companies operating in the zone, such as the Chambishi Copper Smelter Limited. Their operation covers the areas of exploration, mining, nonferrous metal processing, chemical engineering and so on, creating more than 4,000 job opportunities. According to the plan of the Zone, by 2012, more than 50 large investors shall enter the Zone and offer 6,000 jobs.
The Lusaka Economic Zone is a part of the China-Zambia Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone.Preparatory work, such as leveling the ground, building roads and factory buildings as well as linking the Zone with Zesco power grid，city water-supply line，etc. started in 2009.It is expected to start operation by the end of this year. 20 officials and managerial personnel are now in China attending a training course on how to handle matters related to operation of the Zone.Once in full operation, it is expected to become an economic center on the African North-South Economic Corridor.
Q. Could you tell us something about Chinese aid to Zambia?
A. While more and more Chinese investment flows into Zambia, aid from China in the form of grant, interest-free loans and concessional loans has also increased over the years, covering areas like infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, training, scholar exchange, and so on .
In 2006, at the Beijing FOCAC Summit, Chinese President, H.E.Hu Jintao announced eight measures to step up China-Africa cooperation and support the development of African countries.Zambia, as an all-weather friend of China, received the most benefits from the Eight Measures.
Debt in the form of interest-free loans that matured by the end of 2009 was canceled by the Chinese government.
Grant projects including two rural basic schools, Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center, Lusaka General Hospital and Ndola Stadium have been completed or are about to be completed.
Preferential loans have been provided to finance capital intensive projects of great importance to Zambian people, such as the supply of earth moving equipment, the construction of grain silos, renovation of government complex building, container scanning equipment, Lusaka Stadium, mobile hospitals, Mongu-Kalabo road, and so on.
Short training programs for capacity-building were offered to 210 persons from Zambia in 2010 alone.
From 1978 up to now, China has provided more than 500 scholarships to Zambia.Most have graduated from Chinese universities.There are still 179 Zambians now studying in China on Chinese government scholarships.This year alone, we have offered 43 scholarships to Zambians to pursue their university education in China.
In addition to a team of 7 army doctors in the Zambian army hospital, 28 Chinese civilian doctors have been working in five cities in Zambia, using their skills to alleviate pains of Zambian patients. 4 anti-malaria experts and 3 agricultural experts were dispatched to help train the local technicians.
In 2009 at the fourth ministerial conference of FOCAC held in Sharm el-Sheikh, China proposed eight new measures to advance the new strategic partnership with Africa, covering areas of agriculture, health, disease prevention and treatment, clean energy and water hygiene, training, credit access, trade promotion, debt relief and investment expansion.As always, China’s aid to Zambia, as to African countries, is sincere, neither interfering in Zambia’s international affairs, nor seeking any political privilege.
The world is undergoing unprecedented changes, but the friendship and cooperation between China and Zambia will never change.China will work more closely with Zambia, enhance our bilateral economic and trade cooperation, help with Zambia’s social and economic development, and bring more tangible benefits to Zambian people.
Q. What role will China play in the 2011 elections that Zambia will conduct? Is China providing any assistance?
A. The coming election is a big political event in which the Zambia people will elect their future leader according to their own will and choice.We are happy to see that this popular and democratic election will take place very soon.Since this is Zambia’s domestic affair, China will not play a direct role in the coming election and it is not giving any assistance.The indirect role China plays is that China has been helping to promote Zambia’s social and economic development which, in my humble personal opinion, is indispensible for a peaceful and smooth election, as election can not be held in a dilapidated social and economic environment.
Q. What is your message to political parties and Zambians in general regarding the forthcoming tripartite elections?
A. As a friend of Zambia, I wish to see a peaceful, free and fair election in Zambia. Zambia is a peace-loving nation with matured political parties and voters.I hope that all political parties will seriously followed the Code of Conduct promulgated by the Election Commission of Zambia in carrying out their election campaigns.Zambia has held peaceful and successful elections before.With the experience gained previously, I am confident that the next election will be conducted in an even better manner.I am delighted to see that Zambian people will choose a leader who can best serve their interests. China will respect the choice to be made by Zambian people.
Q. Do you have any other message or comment regarding your tour of duty in Zambia?
A. I am very pleased and honored to be the Ambassador to Zambia for the following reasons: Zambia is a beautiful country with pleasant climate and beautiful environment; The Zambian people are very polite and kind and they are very friendly towards the Chinese people; China-Zambia relations are one of the closest and the most important bilateral relations between China and African countries; The policies adopted by the Zambian government are business friendly and conducive for investment and development.The space and potentials for bilateral cooperation are extremely huge.That means there is lot to do in the next 3 or 4 years during my tenure of office.I like challenges and I am ready to meet with those challenges.I shall work as diligently as possible to further enhance the win-win cooperation between China and Zambia.I am very confident that with joint efforts to be made by both sides, our future relations will be better and more comprehensive than what is today.I wish Zambia and its people all the best.
2011年7月14日星期四
Styrofoam Made Huntsman Rich, but Candidate's Role in the Family Business Remains Unclear
You probably don't know it, but you likely encounter subtle reminders of Jon Huntsman's presidential campaign frequently in your day-to-day activities.
That's because Huntsman Corp., the company started by the former Utah governor's father in 1970, manufacturers chemicals that are used in everything from food packaging to fertilizer to car dashboards -- and even your Nike running shoes.
Huntsman Corp. is pivotal to the Republican's presidential aspirations. His campaign website touts his involvement as an executive at the company and, in particular, his work to help save the company from collapse in 1985.
A closer look, however, reveals few specifics about Huntsman's role in a company that by most accounts has been run by his father and brother Peter, the company's CEO since 2000.
It also has green groups raising some long-term environmental and public health questions about the company's products -- including Huntsman Corp.'s original cash cow: Styrofoam and polystyrene food packaging like egg crates and the original McDonald's Big Mac "clamshell," which it no longer produces.
With 2010 revenues of $9.3 billion, Huntsman Corp. is one of the biggest companies in the world. It currently ranks 264 on the Fortune 500, ahead of other chemical behemoths like Sherwin-Williams Co. and Eastman Chemical Co.
Jon Huntsman Sr., the former governor's father who spent some time working in the Nixon administration, launched what was originally the Huntsman Container Co. in 1970. He was one of the country's first Styrofoam peddlers, immediately selling packaging to the nation's largest fast food chains.
The company did not expand rapidly, however. Problems in the Middle East limited the company from obtaining polystyrene, a chemical building block of Styrofoam and plastic polymer that has recently come under increased scrutiny as a possible carcinogen. The company went through years of tumult, including being on the brink of bankruptcy at least three times.
In each instance early on, Huntsman Sr. leveraged his company to acquire new companies, including polystyrene plants, saving the corporation. During the 1980s, the company bought at least five polystyrene plants from companies like Shell Oil Co., according to the Huntsman Corp. website.
From 1986 to 2000, Huntsman Corp. made millions but, after naming Peter Huntsman CEO, the company headed toward trouble again, leading Huntsman Sr. to intervene and briefly retake control of the company.
Interestingly, it was Peter who led the company to greatly diversity its products following the 2000 crisis, according to media accounts.
Huntsman Corp. started producing high-end specialty products like UV reflecting paints, insulation foams, computer parts, coatings for airplane wings and even substances used in athletic shoes. The shift added more stability to the company's revenue streams and turned out to be hugely profitable in part because it capitalized on environmental concerns surrounding Styrofoam food packaging in the 1980s and '90s. In 2005, the company went public and made the family millionaires.
But don't expect to hear too much about Peter's leadership of the company on the campaign trail from Jon Jr. According to a Fortune magazine profile, Peter is the "political black sheep" of the family, having voted for Barack Obama in 2008.
Junior's role
Jon Huntsman Jr.'s role at the company remains somewhat hazy.
The Republican worked as an executive at the company on three occasions, each time between stints in public office. He started at the company in 1983 when he was a project manager. By 1987, he was vice president and director of an arm of the company, according to his campaign website.
Jon Jr. left the company for the first time in 1989, when he was named deputy assistant secretary at the Trade Development Bureau of the Commerce Department. He went on to become ambassador to Singapore in 1992.
From 1993 to 2001, he served as vice chairman of Huntsman Corp.'s board and was an executive committee member. During that time he also served as president of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, spearheading a project and institute to which Jon Sr. -- a cancer survivor -- has given and raised at least $350 million.
That's because Huntsman Corp., the company started by the former Utah governor's father in 1970, manufacturers chemicals that are used in everything from food packaging to fertilizer to car dashboards -- and even your Nike running shoes.
Huntsman Corp. is pivotal to the Republican's presidential aspirations. His campaign website touts his involvement as an executive at the company and, in particular, his work to help save the company from collapse in 1985.
A closer look, however, reveals few specifics about Huntsman's role in a company that by most accounts has been run by his father and brother Peter, the company's CEO since 2000.
It also has green groups raising some long-term environmental and public health questions about the company's products -- including Huntsman Corp.'s original cash cow: Styrofoam and polystyrene food packaging like egg crates and the original McDonald's Big Mac "clamshell," which it no longer produces.
With 2010 revenues of $9.3 billion, Huntsman Corp. is one of the biggest companies in the world. It currently ranks 264 on the Fortune 500, ahead of other chemical behemoths like Sherwin-Williams Co. and Eastman Chemical Co.
Jon Huntsman Sr., the former governor's father who spent some time working in the Nixon administration, launched what was originally the Huntsman Container Co. in 1970. He was one of the country's first Styrofoam peddlers, immediately selling packaging to the nation's largest fast food chains.
The company did not expand rapidly, however. Problems in the Middle East limited the company from obtaining polystyrene, a chemical building block of Styrofoam and plastic polymer that has recently come under increased scrutiny as a possible carcinogen. The company went through years of tumult, including being on the brink of bankruptcy at least three times.
In each instance early on, Huntsman Sr. leveraged his company to acquire new companies, including polystyrene plants, saving the corporation. During the 1980s, the company bought at least five polystyrene plants from companies like Shell Oil Co., according to the Huntsman Corp. website.
From 1986 to 2000, Huntsman Corp. made millions but, after naming Peter Huntsman CEO, the company headed toward trouble again, leading Huntsman Sr. to intervene and briefly retake control of the company.
Interestingly, it was Peter who led the company to greatly diversity its products following the 2000 crisis, according to media accounts.
Huntsman Corp. started producing high-end specialty products like UV reflecting paints, insulation foams, computer parts, coatings for airplane wings and even substances used in athletic shoes. The shift added more stability to the company's revenue streams and turned out to be hugely profitable in part because it capitalized on environmental concerns surrounding Styrofoam food packaging in the 1980s and '90s. In 2005, the company went public and made the family millionaires.
But don't expect to hear too much about Peter's leadership of the company on the campaign trail from Jon Jr. According to a Fortune magazine profile, Peter is the "political black sheep" of the family, having voted for Barack Obama in 2008.
Junior's role
Jon Huntsman Jr.'s role at the company remains somewhat hazy.
The Republican worked as an executive at the company on three occasions, each time between stints in public office. He started at the company in 1983 when he was a project manager. By 1987, he was vice president and director of an arm of the company, according to his campaign website.
Jon Jr. left the company for the first time in 1989, when he was named deputy assistant secretary at the Trade Development Bureau of the Commerce Department. He went on to become ambassador to Singapore in 1992.
From 1993 to 2001, he served as vice chairman of Huntsman Corp.'s board and was an executive committee member. During that time he also served as president of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, spearheading a project and institute to which Jon Sr. -- a cancer survivor -- has given and raised at least $350 million.
2011年7月12日星期二
Runner Loses 15 Pounds With Nike+ System
For some, motivation isn't something that comes easily. If you have set goals toward obtaining a healthier lifestyle, there are many technological applications and websites to help you get the support you may need.
For Encino resident Luz Franco, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit is helping her realize her dream of someday running a marathon.
Franco runs through Balboa Park with her headphones in and an iPod attached to her arm. The Nike+ application on her iPod helps to track her every move to as she trains toward a half-marathon. Participants can purchase the necessary equipment, including shoes and shoe transmitter, to help account for mileage, pace, calories and distance.
After 330 runs and a total of 1,104.6 miles, Franco lost 15 pounds by following the Nike+ application and a moderate nutrition plan.
She competes with other members enrolled in the program and the race she is training for is the virtual Nike+ half-marathon on Oct. 16. Each participant is responsible for selecting her own 13.1 mile course route. As long as each participant successfully runs and syncs 13.1 miles with their Nike+ system, she will be considered an official Nike+ Women's Half Marathon finisher.
The Nike+ system includes an iPod, Nike + iPod Sport Kit ($29) and pair of Nike+ shoes ($90-$195).
Outside of her Nike+ competition, her real goals are to complete the Lake Balboa Watermelon 5K on Aug. 21 and the Los Angeles Rock n' Roll Half Marathon on Oct. 30.
For Encino resident Luz Franco, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit is helping her realize her dream of someday running a marathon.
Franco runs through Balboa Park with her headphones in and an iPod attached to her arm. The Nike+ application on her iPod helps to track her every move to as she trains toward a half-marathon. Participants can purchase the necessary equipment, including shoes and shoe transmitter, to help account for mileage, pace, calories and distance.
After 330 runs and a total of 1,104.6 miles, Franco lost 15 pounds by following the Nike+ application and a moderate nutrition plan.
She competes with other members enrolled in the program and the race she is training for is the virtual Nike+ half-marathon on Oct. 16. Each participant is responsible for selecting her own 13.1 mile course route. As long as each participant successfully runs and syncs 13.1 miles with their Nike+ system, she will be considered an official Nike+ Women's Half Marathon finisher.
The Nike+ system includes an iPod, Nike + iPod Sport Kit ($29) and pair of Nike+ shoes ($90-$195).
Outside of her Nike+ competition, her real goals are to complete the Lake Balboa Watermelon 5K on Aug. 21 and the Los Angeles Rock n' Roll Half Marathon on Oct. 30.
2011年7月10日星期日
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2011年7月4日星期一
Apollo Theater Gets New Amateur Night Musical Director
As a kid visiting the Apollo Theater Onreé Gill didn't want to be a performer singing on stage. Instead, he fantasized about being the person who provided the music, the musical director.
"It was the responsibility of being in charge and delivering the music and taking care of the artists and making sure everything goes right. This is the person who makes it happen on stage and is the captain," Gill told DNAinfo. "To command the stage of the world famous Apollo Theater is amazing."
Now, years later, Gill, 40, will have a chance to do so as he steps into the role of musical director of the Apollo's famed Amateur Night competition. Gill will replace highly regarded Ray Chew, who is now the musical director for "American Idol."
"It was a dream and I thought it was near impossible because so many musicians would be honored to receive this position. But I felt I had the determination and the confidence that I could get that job. I believed in myself," Gill said.
In addition to determination, the job requires talent and Gill has some of the top names in the music industry to vouch for him. Gill is currently the musical director for Alicia Keys but he has worked with Bono, Jay-Z, Jennifer Hudson, Prince, Missy Elliott, John Mayer, Beyonce, Paul Simon, Justin Timberlake and Stevie Wonder just to name a few.
He has also worked in musical genres ranging from Gospel, to hip-hop and jazz and is also a producer, composer and arranger.
"Gill's vast experience and creativity as a musical director will ensure that Amateur Night continues to be one of New York City’s most popular entertainment experiences, and that it remains an important launching pad for up-and-coming artists," said Apollo Theater President and CEO Jonelle Procope.
Amateur Night, where the audience is able to jeer those who they deem lack talent, has been a feature at the Harlem venue since 1934 and has launched the careers of artists like Lauryn Hill and the Jackson Five.
The son of a musician, Gill taught himself how to play drums, bass and keyboard. Working in the production company of R&B singer Christopher Williams, Gill found that he could make more money if he played piano. His career took off and he worked with Diddy, Missy Elliott and others.
Then Chew, a good friend, called him up and told him about a young performer named Alicia Keys who was in need of a musical director.
Working with artists of different generations and musical styles has given him a true appreciation of all genres that he hopes to pass on to the Apollo audience.
"It's all artistry. You have to respect new school and old school. We need to respect new school hip-hop and old school hip-hop," Gill said.
"The younger generation needs to respect and realize that if it wasn't for Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle and Smokey Robinson we wouldn't have the music of today because it's built on the music of yesterday. Young people need to know Usher is cool and Jay-Z is cool but listening to Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder is also cool."
That's why Gill said he will be focusing on giving the Apollo audience "the flavor of today" while still respecting the "flavors of yesterday."
Joining Gill as part of the new house band will be bassist Alex Evans, drummer Ralph Rolle, and Matt Oestreicher on keyboard and guitar.
Gill said the thought of being on the Apollo stage on a regular basis is exciting.
"Every time I sit on the stage I get chills because I realize all these legends performed here and some of them were groomed here," he said.
"There are going to be some stars that come out of this stage and I'm going to give them the courage and encouragement to go out and perform. It's more than a dream come true."
"It was the responsibility of being in charge and delivering the music and taking care of the artists and making sure everything goes right. This is the person who makes it happen on stage and is the captain," Gill told DNAinfo. "To command the stage of the world famous Apollo Theater is amazing."
Now, years later, Gill, 40, will have a chance to do so as he steps into the role of musical director of the Apollo's famed Amateur Night competition. Gill will replace highly regarded Ray Chew, who is now the musical director for "American Idol."
"It was a dream and I thought it was near impossible because so many musicians would be honored to receive this position. But I felt I had the determination and the confidence that I could get that job. I believed in myself," Gill said.
In addition to determination, the job requires talent and Gill has some of the top names in the music industry to vouch for him. Gill is currently the musical director for Alicia Keys but he has worked with Bono, Jay-Z, Jennifer Hudson, Prince, Missy Elliott, John Mayer, Beyonce, Paul Simon, Justin Timberlake and Stevie Wonder just to name a few.
He has also worked in musical genres ranging from Gospel, to hip-hop and jazz and is also a producer, composer and arranger.
"Gill's vast experience and creativity as a musical director will ensure that Amateur Night continues to be one of New York City’s most popular entertainment experiences, and that it remains an important launching pad for up-and-coming artists," said Apollo Theater President and CEO Jonelle Procope.
Amateur Night, where the audience is able to jeer those who they deem lack talent, has been a feature at the Harlem venue since 1934 and has launched the careers of artists like Lauryn Hill and the Jackson Five.
The son of a musician, Gill taught himself how to play drums, bass and keyboard. Working in the production company of R&B singer Christopher Williams, Gill found that he could make more money if he played piano. His career took off and he worked with Diddy, Missy Elliott and others.
Then Chew, a good friend, called him up and told him about a young performer named Alicia Keys who was in need of a musical director.
Working with artists of different generations and musical styles has given him a true appreciation of all genres that he hopes to pass on to the Apollo audience.
"It's all artistry. You have to respect new school and old school. We need to respect new school hip-hop and old school hip-hop," Gill said.
"The younger generation needs to respect and realize that if it wasn't for Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle and Smokey Robinson we wouldn't have the music of today because it's built on the music of yesterday. Young people need to know Usher is cool and Jay-Z is cool but listening to Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder is also cool."
That's why Gill said he will be focusing on giving the Apollo audience "the flavor of today" while still respecting the "flavors of yesterday."
Joining Gill as part of the new house band will be bassist Alex Evans, drummer Ralph Rolle, and Matt Oestreicher on keyboard and guitar.
Gill said the thought of being on the Apollo stage on a regular basis is exciting.
"Every time I sit on the stage I get chills because I realize all these legends performed here and some of them were groomed here," he said.
"There are going to be some stars that come out of this stage and I'm going to give them the courage and encouragement to go out and perform. It's more than a dream come true."
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