2008年5月20日星期二
The Simple Way To PoP The Oil Bubble Speculation
When essential commodities are no longer traded in a free market that relies on supply and demand new legislation is needed to correct the insanity. When the stock market creates a bubble the only people who hurt are the speculators and investors who have a choice to invest or not to invest. In the essential food and energy commodities markets it is the world populations that suffer when things get out of Extract Oil . The answer to the current oil and food commodity market´s wild speculations is a simple one and yet overlooked at this moment in time. Before we explore the answer that can solve the problem, let's investigate the causes of the nonsensical prices. Most speculators will tell you they only trade oil futures for one reason and that is to make money. It is their money and they will trade the easiest way to make a fast buck with the minimal risk. It seems they have a one way bet at the moment. The commodity markets were devised to trade and hedge oil companies production and find a market for the oil they extracted from the ground. It was a place where buyers and sellers met and a fair price was struck by the laws of supply and demand. Today, accurate supply and demand has little influence on the price of a barrel of oil and speculation rules the day. Consequently, the oil futures market is no longer a free market. Rather, it is a speculators market that can control prices by intellectual rhetoric consisting of opinionated experts and propaganda from the president of Iran. The price of oil has risen from $12.00 a barrel in 1999 to a high of $127.00. The two main factors that aid and abet the speculators are; Firstly, the Iranian government is hell bent on constructing a nuclear reactor and repeatedly states it craves to destroy the state of Israel. This propaganda accounts for 50% of the price rise in oil and puts a floor under any falls. Whenever prices weaken a little, the president of Iran communicates his repulsive propaganda to a media hungry for sensationalistic news. Secondly, expert opinion states China and India are booming and although there is no shortage at the moment, in five years time there will be. Even though most Indians and Chinaness ride bikes or walk. To be fair there has been an increase in oil demand in these counties, but nothing to spike prices to ridiculously high levels. What the so called oil experts do not take into account is economies do not boom forever and recession or inflation will come along and dampen the growth substantially. Also, many new discoveries of oil will emerge in the next five years that will add to the already enormous amounts of oil still in the ground. By the experts logic and reasoning we could declare that apples may be in short supply in five years due to prophesies of a famine in the orchards, so increase the price of an apple to $50.00. Accordingly, there is no true reason why oil is trading at $127.00 other than the fact speculation is controlling a market that is no longer free to trade solely on genuine supply and demand. What is the simple answer to end the craziness? The USA government should pass a law that declares every oil contact bought on the mercantile exchanges must be delivered to the buyer and held in storage no longer that 6 months. It cannot be traded back onto the exchanges and its end use must be in an oil related business. Likewise, all sell contacts have to originate straight from companies that extract oil from the ground and they cannot trade contacts that have been purchased on the exchanges. This act will restore the exchanges back to the standing they were intended to be and a fair market price will be established for all essential commodities. The other commodities such as gold and silver can still be the plaything of the speculators in the same way as the stock market. The fear of enacting the law will be enough to drive the speculators away from the oil market in double quick time. As oil prices crash to around $40.00 a barrel, improving most corporations profits, the stock market prices will go through the roof, helping pension funds and public sentiments. Once again the open road will become the delight of the people that is an intrinsical part of the American way of life. The family can enjoy a car ride out in the countryside or beach without watching in dread as the fuel gauge drops.
Pest management remedies from the kitchen
When considering a product to aid in pest management, it is important to treat with the mildest product that will do the job while being the least disruptive to beneficial insects and the least-toxic to people. It often makes sense to wait a little while before treating to see if beneficial insects will do the job for you. The Texas Bug Book by Howard Garrett and Malcolm Beck and the Insect Color Handbook by Anna Carr are two helpful books for Epoxidized Soybean Oil . Over the long term, gardeners will reap great dividends from planting a variety of native and well-adapted naturalizing plants. Many of these plants such as wild ageratum, butterfly weed and native asters will attract them in droves while others like black-eyed Susan, scarlet sage, Indian blanket, Gulf Coast penstemon, bee balm, gayfeather, Mexican hat, and verbena will provide the nectar to feed the adult form of many beneficials. Before you know it, the beneficials will visit other plants in your landscape and help keep populations of pests like tomato hornworms, spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, webworms, tent caterpillars and others in check. In order to keep the beneficials in play, it is necessary to hold off on using harsh, toxic chemical and organic pesticides in and around the landscape and garden. These days, we have so many least-toxic organic options available, that the need for the old toxic treatments is simply moot. The following are a few homemade pest management products that are easy to use effectively and safely when transitioning to a more ecological approach to pest management. Over time as you stop using harsh pesticides, as you start planting natives, and as you stop using pest prone plants, you will find that it becomes rare that even least-toxic treatments are needed.
Animal oil producers hope lower biodiesel cost
If the world is grumpy about using food products such as corn and soybean products to make fuel then try this: how about using animal fat as a biodiesel of Animal Oil ? Animal fats, primarily those triglycerides your doctor warns you about, are looking better and better to biodiesel producers who have seen their soy oil feedstock almost double in price in the last year. Renewable Energy Group (REG) of Ames now runs animal fats in at least four of its seven biodiesel plants in the state, according to Gary Haer, vice president of sales and marketing. He says the animal fat fuel works well in the diesel market, whether it's blended at 5 percent, 10 percent or 20 percent with regular diesel. "Biodiesel made from animal fats is a very good product, and we are using it as one of our alternatives to soybean oil," Haer said. Another biodiesel group, Benefuel, which uses an India-developed technology to process the animal fat, is scouting the state for investors and plant sites. Bill Summers, Benefuel's engineer and business consultant, says Iowa is the logical place to concentrate an animal fat-based biodiesel industry because of the large supply of animal fats from rendering plants. Besides, he says, a fuel doesn't need a pure product such as soy oil. "Iowa didn't start growing soybeans to make soy oil for a fuel," says the 63-year-old Summers, an Indiana native who has worked as an engineer for a Texas seed company and, for the last two decades, as a consultant for Iowa venture capital firms. Animal fats aren't immune from rising prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says animal fats, mostly sold by animal rendering firms, are expected to increase in price 8 percent to 9 percent this year. That's still better than soybean oil prices, which have nearly doubled in the last 12 months to about 60 cents a pound. Producers need 7.5 pounds of soybean oil to make one gallon of biodiesel, according to one industry estimate. Benefuel's process uses dry catalysts, which are mixed with animal fats to turn methanol - the basic heat source for biodiesel - into a pure biodiesel product. As with soy processes, Benefuel's catalysts break down triglycerides and leave behind a fuel. Like soy oil-based biodiesel, the animal fat process separates out a pure glycerin, which can be sold to the pharmaceutical, food and cleaning industries. The idea of substituting animal fats or tallow for soy oil isn't new. REG began testing animal fat biodiesel in February 2007. "You have to be careful with animal fat biodiesel because it tends to gel quicker in colder weather, and that's why we ran the test in February," Haer said. "But that can be managed." Haer said the early 2007 tests were encouraging enough for REG to begin adding animal fats to its feedstock mix. He said REG plants can switch back and forth between soy oil and animal fats. Summers describes the Benefuel process as "second generation" biodiesel. The problem, of course, is that the first generation of biodiesel is having more than its share of problems. Biodiesel has enjoyed nothing like the boom that its fuel cousin, ethanol, experienced in the last two years. While ethanol production is expected to top 7 billion gallons in the United States this year, biodiesel will likely be fortunate to achieve the 450 million gallons made last year. The Iowa biodiesel industry has been shaken by two events this year. REG withdrew its planned initial public stock in late March. At the same time, the East Fork Biodiesel plant in Algona, which opened to much fanfare last year, closed. Operators say they would lose money at today's prices if the plant began production. "We're an industry coming out of our infancy into adolescence," REG's Haer said. "We're learning that the quality of the product is important. We can use different feedstocks for biodiesel and the market will accept it, but the product must be of good quality."
Dilmah Offers Real Ethical Teas to US Consumers
Although new in the US, Dilmah Tea is the number one brand of authentic, garden fresh single origin Ceylon tea in over 90 countries. teadog.com, an Internet retailer, now offers Dilmah Tea in 20 varieties. Dilmah is the world's first Ethical Tea. Earnings are shared with workers and the community in Sri Lanka as well as reinvested to help make tea a sustainable Concentrated Tea
. Dilmah is single origin 100% pure Ceylon tea. Single origin means it comes exclusively from Sri Lanka, home of the world's finest teas. Some tea brands are blends from up to 30 different countries. Quality often suffers with blended teas. Dilmah Tea is made the old-fashioned way. The company still picks the two tender tea leaves and bud, where the full flavor is concentrated. The company grows the tea in Sri Lanka, harvests the tea by hand, packages the tea in-house and markets it under their brand, dispensing with middlemen. To ensure maximum freshness, Dilmah Tea is packed at the source within days of harvesting. The unconditional freshness guarantee means more antioxidants in every cup. In 1988, Merrill J Fernando launched Dilmah, the world' first fully-integrated family tea company.
. Dilmah is single origin 100% pure Ceylon tea. Single origin means it comes exclusively from Sri Lanka, home of the world's finest teas. Some tea brands are blends from up to 30 different countries. Quality often suffers with blended teas. Dilmah Tea is made the old-fashioned way. The company still picks the two tender tea leaves and bud, where the full flavor is concentrated. The company grows the tea in Sri Lanka, harvests the tea by hand, packages the tea in-house and markets it under their brand, dispensing with middlemen. To ensure maximum freshness, Dilmah Tea is packed at the source within days of harvesting. The unconditional freshness guarantee means more antioxidants in every cup. In 1988, Merrill J Fernando launched Dilmah, the world' first fully-integrated family tea company.
Onion marketers adjust to changing exports
Tag: onion product
Onion marketers are taking varying approaches to the export market. Some note that the market is shrinking. Others are working to expand the export market for their own companies. “We’re exporting to the Netherlands right now,” said Michael Hively, general manager of Glennville, Ga.-based Vidalia onion grower-shipper Bland Farms LLC. “They want a medium sweet onion. This is our first year, so we’ll see how it goes.” Shipments were scheduled to run between April 21 and May 21, he said. “If it works, we’ll look into similar things elsewhere,” Hively said. “We have a comfort level with this gentleman. If it works, then we’ll start focusing on maybe France or the United Kingdom and other countries in Europe.” The weakness of the dollar compared to the euro made it a good time to try this experiment, Hively said. “It’s a good time, but the quality of the onion has evolved the last four or five years that now we have a good shipping onion that can travel 21 days on the water with no problem at all,” he said. Other shippers say they hesitate to ship a sweet onion — known for a shorter shelf life than other varieties — to overseas markets. “That’s a problem with having a product that’s as perishable as these,” said Don Ed Holmes, owner of the Weslaco, Texas-based Onion House LLC. “When 1015s came out, we shipped some to Oslo, Norway. We put them on a boat, and about three weeks later they arrived. The guy on the other end called, and you could hear him scream after putting the phone down. That’s generally been the deal here.” Hardier onions like those grown in the Pacific Northwest are better suited to overseas travel, Holmes said. “People in Washington and Idaho and Oregon are real good at it,” he said. “They do it every year. They’re familiar with the way to ship them. One, they’re starting with a product that’s ideal for that — they’re hard as a rock. It’s a good solid hard product that’s suited for that. They know how do to the freight, and they’re familiar with the people in Japan, Taiwan and Korea.” Wayne Mininger, executive vice president of the Greeley, Colo.-based National Onion Association, said the international onion market is competitive. “Eight percent of the world’s onion production moves from the country of origin to the country it’s consumed,” he said. “That’s significant when you think about it. Whether it’s moving onions from India to Pakistan, or from Holland to Russia, or from Peru to the U.S. or from New Zealand to Germany, onions are moving around the world all the time in raw form.” The single largest foreign consumer of U.S.-grown onions is Canada, Mininger said. “With the increasing currency exchange value of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar, it has made the U.S.’s onions actually more of a value in Canadian markets,” he said. “That’s the positive. At the same time, we’ve lost a lot of the Japanese opportunities to the cheap onions that run up into Japan now out of China. So there’s excitement on one hand and distress on the other because there just isn’t near the opportunity in Japan as there was five years ago.” Mininger noted Mexico has increased its intake of U.S. onions. “It’s important to note that Mexico is now a major market,” Mininger said. “We’re seeing a lot of Mexican onions shipped to the U.S., which has been the case for a long time, but now we’re also seeing a lot of U.S.-grown onions go to Mexico.” For some shippers in the Pacific Northwest, sending a shipment to Canada is no tougher than sending one to a neighboring state. “Canada is one of our better customers,” said Michael Locati, president of Locati Farms Inc., Walla Walla, Wash. “We’re close to the border and, transportation being what it is, we can get things north pretty easily.” The parity of the U.S. and Canadian dollars is a benefit in that respect, Locati said. “It’s basically equal, so dollar-for-dollar that’s good on both sides, really,” he said. “There aren’t any tariffs or anything like that. When the government starts messing around with it, that’s when problems begin.” Chris Eddy, sales manager of the McAllen, Texas, office of Oviedo, Fla.-based Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., said his company also has a good business in Canada.
Onion marketers are taking varying approaches to the export market. Some note that the market is shrinking. Others are working to expand the export market for their own companies. “We’re exporting to the Netherlands right now,” said Michael Hively, general manager of Glennville, Ga.-based Vidalia onion grower-shipper Bland Farms LLC. “They want a medium sweet onion. This is our first year, so we’ll see how it goes.” Shipments were scheduled to run between April 21 and May 21, he said. “If it works, we’ll look into similar things elsewhere,” Hively said. “We have a comfort level with this gentleman. If it works, then we’ll start focusing on maybe France or the United Kingdom and other countries in Europe.” The weakness of the dollar compared to the euro made it a good time to try this experiment, Hively said. “It’s a good time, but the quality of the onion has evolved the last four or five years that now we have a good shipping onion that can travel 21 days on the water with no problem at all,” he said. Other shippers say they hesitate to ship a sweet onion — known for a shorter shelf life than other varieties — to overseas markets. “That’s a problem with having a product that’s as perishable as these,” said Don Ed Holmes, owner of the Weslaco, Texas-based Onion House LLC. “When 1015s came out, we shipped some to Oslo, Norway. We put them on a boat, and about three weeks later they arrived. The guy on the other end called, and you could hear him scream after putting the phone down. That’s generally been the deal here.” Hardier onions like those grown in the Pacific Northwest are better suited to overseas travel, Holmes said. “People in Washington and Idaho and Oregon are real good at it,” he said. “They do it every year. They’re familiar with the way to ship them. One, they’re starting with a product that’s ideal for that — they’re hard as a rock. It’s a good solid hard product that’s suited for that. They know how do to the freight, and they’re familiar with the people in Japan, Taiwan and Korea.” Wayne Mininger, executive vice president of the Greeley, Colo.-based National Onion Association, said the international onion market is competitive. “Eight percent of the world’s onion production moves from the country of origin to the country it’s consumed,” he said. “That’s significant when you think about it. Whether it’s moving onions from India to Pakistan, or from Holland to Russia, or from Peru to the U.S. or from New Zealand to Germany, onions are moving around the world all the time in raw form.” The single largest foreign consumer of U.S.-grown onions is Canada, Mininger said. “With the increasing currency exchange value of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar, it has made the U.S.’s onions actually more of a value in Canadian markets,” he said. “That’s the positive. At the same time, we’ve lost a lot of the Japanese opportunities to the cheap onions that run up into Japan now out of China. So there’s excitement on one hand and distress on the other because there just isn’t near the opportunity in Japan as there was five years ago.” Mininger noted Mexico has increased its intake of U.S. onions. “It’s important to note that Mexico is now a major market,” Mininger said. “We’re seeing a lot of Mexican onions shipped to the U.S., which has been the case for a long time, but now we’re also seeing a lot of U.S.-grown onions go to Mexico.” For some shippers in the Pacific Northwest, sending a shipment to Canada is no tougher than sending one to a neighboring state. “Canada is one of our better customers,” said Michael Locati, president of Locati Farms Inc., Walla Walla, Wash. “We’re close to the border and, transportation being what it is, we can get things north pretty easily.” The parity of the U.S. and Canadian dollars is a benefit in that respect, Locati said. “It’s basically equal, so dollar-for-dollar that’s good on both sides, really,” he said. “There aren’t any tariffs or anything like that. When the government starts messing around with it, that’s when problems begin.” Chris Eddy, sales manager of the McAllen, Texas, office of Oviedo, Fla.-based Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., said his company also has a good business in Canada.
We all want to get paid
Tag: Groundnut Kernels
Apart from visions of global domination, all exporters have at least one thing in common – they all want to get paid! The easiest way to ensure payment is by asking for it upfront before you start to manufacture, but obviously this does not always work. One payment option is by letter of credit or documentary credit. Documentary credit has two meanings – it refers to the actual document of undertaking issued by the bank at the request of an applicant (the buyer) to pay the seller a sum of money under specified conditions (for example, seller provides compliant documents for the purpose of transferring property in the goods or possession of the goods to the buyer). Second, it refers to an arrangement for effecting payment in a transaction under which the bank acts as an intermediary between the seller and the buyer as a provider of finance to the buyer or a guarantee to the seller. The obligation to pay arises as a result of a contract of sale stipulating payment by way of documentary credit as well as supplementary contracts between both buyer and his bank and seller and his bank. The tricky thing with documentary credits is that to enforce them is a matter of strict liability. If conditions of the documentary credit are not satisfied, the bank will not pay. This is where freight forwarders come in. Because shipping documents need to be provided for the bank to pay up on a documentary credit, your freight forwarder needs to make sure that bills of lading etc are correct, especially in relation to description and quantity of goods. There is a famous case where a bank was allowed to refuse a bill of lading which stated the goods as being “machine shelled groundnut kernels” not “coromandel groundnuts” as described in the letter of credit, even though it was later established both descriptions referred to the same nuts. In another case, the bank was rejected a bill of lading which revealed a shipment to be short by three bags of sugar. The lesson: Freight forwarders need to be very careful when drafting of bills of lading so that descriptions match with letters of credit, otherwise you, the exporter, may not get paid. It pays for you, the client, to check any documentation going out from your freight forwarder against any documentary even if it is in really small print and seems to be a generic document.
Apart from visions of global domination, all exporters have at least one thing in common – they all want to get paid! The easiest way to ensure payment is by asking for it upfront before you start to manufacture, but obviously this does not always work. One payment option is by letter of credit or documentary credit. Documentary credit has two meanings – it refers to the actual document of undertaking issued by the bank at the request of an applicant (the buyer) to pay the seller a sum of money under specified conditions (for example, seller provides compliant documents for the purpose of transferring property in the goods or possession of the goods to the buyer). Second, it refers to an arrangement for effecting payment in a transaction under which the bank acts as an intermediary between the seller and the buyer as a provider of finance to the buyer or a guarantee to the seller. The obligation to pay arises as a result of a contract of sale stipulating payment by way of documentary credit as well as supplementary contracts between both buyer and his bank and seller and his bank. The tricky thing with documentary credits is that to enforce them is a matter of strict liability. If conditions of the documentary credit are not satisfied, the bank will not pay. This is where freight forwarders come in. Because shipping documents need to be provided for the bank to pay up on a documentary credit, your freight forwarder needs to make sure that bills of lading etc are correct, especially in relation to description and quantity of goods. There is a famous case where a bank was allowed to refuse a bill of lading which stated the goods as being “machine shelled groundnut kernels” not “coromandel groundnuts” as described in the letter of credit, even though it was later established both descriptions referred to the same nuts. In another case, the bank was rejected a bill of lading which revealed a shipment to be short by three bags of sugar. The lesson: Freight forwarders need to be very careful when drafting of bills of lading so that descriptions match with letters of credit, otherwise you, the exporter, may not get paid. It pays for you, the client, to check any documentation going out from your freight forwarder against any documentary even if it is in really small print and seems to be a generic document.
2008年5月19日星期一
Former Amazing Race Star Shares His Kind Sole
Tag: Rubber Sole Shoes
A North Texas man is helping impoverished children half a world away, two shoes at a time. Perhaps you have seen TOMS Shoes in a store or on someone's feet, but wait until you hear the 'soleful' story behind the footwear.It all began with an appearance on "The Amazing Race" in 2002. Blake Mycoskie lost the competition, but the shoeless children he saw in Argentina won his heart.Mycoskie said, "When I saw these kids running around on glass, or trying to play soccer on a field that had a bunch of rocks, and had no shoes, I immediately wanted to find a way to give them shoes."The former reality television show star started up TOMS Shoes (TOMS for 'tomorrow'), but don't call him the CEO. Mycoskie prefers the title of Chief Shoe Giver."It's an Argentine, canvas slip-on shoe that farmers, polo players, their girlfriends have been wearing for a very long period of time," Mycoskie explained of his product. "For every pair of shoes that we sell, we give one pair away to a child that doesn't have shoes."The Arlington native started selling the shoes out of his Los Angeles loft just two years ago. Since then, he has sold more than 65,000 pairs all over the country, and plans to sell 200,000 more this year. The rubber-soled shoes, which retail for $40-$48, can be found in 300 boutiques and department stores including Nordstrom.Mycoskie's 'shoe drops' have even extended beyond Argentina, to South Africa and Ethiopia.The best part of his success, Mycoskie said, is giving it back to the children. "You can just tell in their face, as they're literally stepping down and feeling the cushion of the shoes, what a new experience that is for them. And it's amazing, every time we do it."
A North Texas man is helping impoverished children half a world away, two shoes at a time. Perhaps you have seen TOMS Shoes in a store or on someone's feet, but wait until you hear the 'soleful' story behind the footwear.It all began with an appearance on "The Amazing Race" in 2002. Blake Mycoskie lost the competition, but the shoeless children he saw in Argentina won his heart.Mycoskie said, "When I saw these kids running around on glass, or trying to play soccer on a field that had a bunch of rocks, and had no shoes, I immediately wanted to find a way to give them shoes."The former reality television show star started up TOMS Shoes (TOMS for 'tomorrow'), but don't call him the CEO. Mycoskie prefers the title of Chief Shoe Giver."It's an Argentine, canvas slip-on shoe that farmers, polo players, their girlfriends have been wearing for a very long period of time," Mycoskie explained of his product. "For every pair of shoes that we sell, we give one pair away to a child that doesn't have shoes."The Arlington native started selling the shoes out of his Los Angeles loft just two years ago. Since then, he has sold more than 65,000 pairs all over the country, and plans to sell 200,000 more this year. The rubber-soled shoes, which retail for $40-$48, can be found in 300 boutiques and department stores including Nordstrom.Mycoskie's 'shoe drops' have even extended beyond Argentina, to South Africa and Ethiopia.The best part of his success, Mycoskie said, is giving it back to the children. "You can just tell in their face, as they're literally stepping down and feeling the cushion of the shoes, what a new experience that is for them. And it's amazing, every time we do it."
Talent in the genes at Brandon home
Tag: Rayon Ribbon
Bethanie Brandon has been a fabric artist for three decades.Her son, Robin, is just beginning his artistic career.The mother and son, residents of Lucas Valley, will show their work during one of the two weekends of Marin Arts Council's Open Studios - appropriately enough, Mother's Day weekend. They are among 280 artists, from Sausalito to West Marin, who will open their studio doors to the public May 3 and 4, May 10 and 11.Bethanie, 50, will open her garage-studio to show scarves, throws, pillows and table runners, most of them handpainted or appliqu d on sueded rayon. She will also show dresses, dusters and flare-leg pants of her own design.Robin, 13, will show a series of hand-painted skateboards - art that evolved from his hobby as a skateboarder. Last week, he was nursing a broken arm, product of an accident at the McInnis Park skateboard arena.As they prepared to get their home studio ready for public viewing, Bethanie's pride was starting to show and Robin knows to give credit when it's due."She always influenced me to be artistic and supported that, so that's what got me into this," he says. "Her artwork doesn't really influence mine, but her being an artist does."Bethanie saw Robin's knack for art early on. "When was he young and started doing drawings, I could see that he was into color and texture," she says. "I was hopeful. He was surrounded by art at home. We're always doing stuff around art; we have friends who are artists and photographers. But I think it's really in him, not something he picked up on because it was in his environment. I think it's genetic."Robin, a Miller Creek School student, works on a table set up in the family patio. His tools are spray paints, bottled acrylics, a drill. His art is highly fanciful and colorful, evolving lately into studied design rather than the cartoonish motifs of his first boards.Bethanie's art is coolly artistic: the designs are simple, often with an Asian aesthetic, the colors muted. Several of her works hang on the walls of her home, an airy Eichler whose simplicity reflects her artistic eye.On one wall, suspended from a pole, are three ribbon-like hangings inspired by Tibetan prayer flags. On a bedroom wall is a series of bundled bamboo sticks wrapped in fabric and installed behind Plexiglas. On a wall in one hallway is a collage of colored chips made to resemble an American flag."I have always loved the American flag," she confides. "The flag is very fragile and we must take care of it."In the works: a Union Jack. In her plans: a Tibetan prayer flag.Bethanie studied textile design at what is now Philadelphia University in Pennsylvania, and got her first job with J.P. Stevens in New York, designing fabrics for women's coats and suits. When her husband, real estate developer Peter Brandon, got a job in San Francisco, she came, too, and worked for Levi Strauss as a clothing designer. After two years, she joined a startup clothing company, Schram and Company, where she earned her skills as a businesswoman.When daughter Caely was born, Bethanie decided to work from home - and Bethanie Brandon Design was born.First she designed hats, then matching scarves. She soon adapted the sueded rayon she used in the scarves to make pillow covers and throws. "The home-decorating market was expanding enormously just then," she says.The owner of Summer House Gallery in Mill Valley persuaded her to enter the San Francisco Gift
Bethanie Brandon has been a fabric artist for three decades.Her son, Robin, is just beginning his artistic career.The mother and son, residents of Lucas Valley, will show their work during one of the two weekends of Marin Arts Council's Open Studios - appropriately enough, Mother's Day weekend. They are among 280 artists, from Sausalito to West Marin, who will open their studio doors to the public May 3 and 4, May 10 and 11.Bethanie, 50, will open her garage-studio to show scarves, throws, pillows and table runners, most of them handpainted or appliqu d on sueded rayon. She will also show dresses, dusters and flare-leg pants of her own design.Robin, 13, will show a series of hand-painted skateboards - art that evolved from his hobby as a skateboarder. Last week, he was nursing a broken arm, product of an accident at the McInnis Park skateboard arena.As they prepared to get their home studio ready for public viewing, Bethanie's pride was starting to show and Robin knows to give credit when it's due."She always influenced me to be artistic and supported that, so that's what got me into this," he says. "Her artwork doesn't really influence mine, but her being an artist does."Bethanie saw Robin's knack for art early on. "When was he young and started doing drawings, I could see that he was into color and texture," she says. "I was hopeful. He was surrounded by art at home. We're always doing stuff around art; we have friends who are artists and photographers. But I think it's really in him, not something he picked up on because it was in his environment. I think it's genetic."Robin, a Miller Creek School student, works on a table set up in the family patio. His tools are spray paints, bottled acrylics, a drill. His art is highly fanciful and colorful, evolving lately into studied design rather than the cartoonish motifs of his first boards.Bethanie's art is coolly artistic: the designs are simple, often with an Asian aesthetic, the colors muted. Several of her works hang on the walls of her home, an airy Eichler whose simplicity reflects her artistic eye.On one wall, suspended from a pole, are three ribbon-like hangings inspired by Tibetan prayer flags. On a bedroom wall is a series of bundled bamboo sticks wrapped in fabric and installed behind Plexiglas. On a wall in one hallway is a collage of colored chips made to resemble an American flag."I have always loved the American flag," she confides. "The flag is very fragile and we must take care of it."In the works: a Union Jack. In her plans: a Tibetan prayer flag.Bethanie studied textile design at what is now Philadelphia University in Pennsylvania, and got her first job with J.P. Stevens in New York, designing fabrics for women's coats and suits. When her husband, real estate developer Peter Brandon, got a job in San Francisco, she came, too, and worked for Levi Strauss as a clothing designer. After two years, she joined a startup clothing company, Schram and Company, where she earned her skills as a businesswoman.When daughter Caely was born, Bethanie decided to work from home - and Bethanie Brandon Design was born.First she designed hats, then matching scarves. She soon adapted the sueded rayon she used in the scarves to make pillow covers and throws. "The home-decorating market was expanding enormously just then," she says.The owner of Summer House Gallery in Mill Valley persuaded her to enter the San Francisco Gift
Organic cotton starting to turn heads in fashion
Tag: Polyester Skirts
You've given up your gas-guzzling SUV, bought a high-efficiency furnace and have switched to organic produce, all in the name of the environment. But have you given any thought to what you're wearing?Cotton may come from the Earth, but the large amount of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals used to grow and process it can make conventional cotton fabrics an unfriendly environmental choice.As a result, many companies have sought out alternatives, creating a growing number of clothes made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo and soy yarns.No, that doesn't mean shirts cut from coarse sack-cloth or skirts woven from stiff bamboo poles. These new fabrics can be as soft, washable, colourful and stylish as cotton or polyester jersey.Organic cotton looks and feels no different than non-organic cotton, and both bamboo and soy jersey fabrics are super-soft, says Jessica Kennedy, owner of Nokomis, an Edmonton store that carries a number of sustainable fabric lines, including its own, in-house pieces.Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or fertilizers and processed without chemicals like formaldehyde, which is used to prevent wrinkles, explains Michael Kalmanovitch of Earth's General Store in Edmonton.Bamboo grows quickly, doesn't need added chemicals, is durable and has long fibres that work well for making fabric.Clothes made from organic fabrics are slightly more expensive, but as those fabrics become more popular and widely used, the prices are coming down, says Kennedy.Her store carries a range of clothes made from sustainable fabrics.
You've given up your gas-guzzling SUV, bought a high-efficiency furnace and have switched to organic produce, all in the name of the environment. But have you given any thought to what you're wearing?Cotton may come from the Earth, but the large amount of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals used to grow and process it can make conventional cotton fabrics an unfriendly environmental choice.As a result, many companies have sought out alternatives, creating a growing number of clothes made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo and soy yarns.No, that doesn't mean shirts cut from coarse sack-cloth or skirts woven from stiff bamboo poles. These new fabrics can be as soft, washable, colourful and stylish as cotton or polyester jersey.Organic cotton looks and feels no different than non-organic cotton, and both bamboo and soy jersey fabrics are super-soft, says Jessica Kennedy, owner of Nokomis, an Edmonton store that carries a number of sustainable fabric lines, including its own, in-house pieces.Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or fertilizers and processed without chemicals like formaldehyde, which is used to prevent wrinkles, explains Michael Kalmanovitch of Earth's General Store in Edmonton.Bamboo grows quickly, doesn't need added chemicals, is durable and has long fibres that work well for making fabric.Clothes made from organic fabrics are slightly more expensive, but as those fabrics become more popular and widely used, the prices are coming down, says Kennedy.Her store carries a range of clothes made from sustainable fabrics.
Trying Another New Mexican Restaurant
Tag: Pario
Wayne and I tried another new Mexican restaurant over the weekend. This one, Los Dorados Mexican Restaurant, is located at 3512 Dayton Boulevard. The location was previously occupied by Parios and prior to that, Shoneys.Los Dorados has an extensive menu with lots to choose from. Menu headings are Chimichangas, Especialidades De La Casa, Mariscos, Combinaciones, Fajitas, Quesadillas, Burritos, Vegetariano, Favoritos, Enchiladas, Pollo, Ensaladas, Emparedados, Botanas, along with a few other sides, chips, etc. Each category has numerous items listed.Not speaking Spanish, I had to read the menu listings to learn that Mariscos was the seafood category and Emparedados are sandwiches. I learn something new everyday!After looking over the menu, Wayne decided on the Enchiladas Supremas (four filled corn tortillas, one each beef, bean, chicken, cheese, topped with enchilada sauce, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream - $7.99). Other enchilada items were the Mexican Flag topped with green tomatillo sauce ($9.29) and Enchilada Oaxaca (four corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken and covered with mole sauce, cheese and onions ($9.49).I ordered the Taquitos Mexicanos (four rolled corn tortillas filled with shredded beef or chicken and served with lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo - $7.99) with chicken. I also ordered the cheese dip with our chips ($3.29). Chips were just regular, run-of-the-mill chips.Of course, Wayne ordered the hotter salsa. It was red, rather than the green tomatillo sauce we ordered, but he said he was very hot and he had no problem with it. He didnt care for the regular salsa that is served with the chips as he thought it was too much tomato. There didnt seem to be much in the way of onion or cilantro, just mostly tomatoes.Waynes enchiladas were a plateful. They are prepared fresh-to-order so we did have to wait a bit on them, but we had rather have them fresh and hot, than pre-prepared, tough and cool. The enchiladas are covered with the red sauce, which he usually gets on Enchiladas Rancheras and he said it had a nice flavor.The Taquitos Mexicanos were extremely hot when served (which is a plus), and I thought they were quite good. They werent the best I have eaten, but I would order them again. The pico de gallo had a bit of a kick to it at one point (I must have gotten hold of a pepper), and the guacamole was slightly chunky, the way I like it, and was tasty (there just wasnt enough of it). Neither of our plates was served with rice and/or beans.Other interesting items on the menu are Pollo Michoacano (marinated chicken served on a bed of vegetables, spinach, and green tomatillo sauce - $9.49); Lupita Plate (Ceviche, grilled shrimp, chicken taquitos, chicken nachos, cheese quesadilla - $11.50), and the El Paisano (one fish taco, shrimp cocktail and ceviche tostada - $12.25).Our server didnt seem to speak a lot of English, but we were able to get our orders taken and food delivered with absolutely no problems. The person at the cash registered seemed to speak terrific English.We were offered dessert, but decided we had already eaten enough. Im not certain what the desserts are since they are not listed on the menu.They do have fruit flavored Margaritas for those who are so inclined.Hours for Los Dorados are Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM, Friday, 11:00 AM until 11:00 PM, Saturday 12:00 PM until 11:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM until 10:00 PM.READER PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK:My pet peeve is brown-tinged lettuce used in salads. I see this most often at salad bars. My latest experience was not only brown but slimy. When I inquired about fresh lettuce, I was informed that it had only been on the bar a short time. When I informed them that it was brown, I was told all their lettuce was like that. I would never serve lettuce like that at home and certainly not to guests. Unfortunately, I am beginning to see this more often, even at restaurants known for their salad bars.We look forward to receiving your comments and pet peeves cdojanet@chattanoogadineout.com
Wayne and I tried another new Mexican restaurant over the weekend. This one, Los Dorados Mexican Restaurant, is located at 3512 Dayton Boulevard. The location was previously occupied by Parios and prior to that, Shoneys.Los Dorados has an extensive menu with lots to choose from. Menu headings are Chimichangas, Especialidades De La Casa, Mariscos, Combinaciones, Fajitas, Quesadillas, Burritos, Vegetariano, Favoritos, Enchiladas, Pollo, Ensaladas, Emparedados, Botanas, along with a few other sides, chips, etc. Each category has numerous items listed.Not speaking Spanish, I had to read the menu listings to learn that Mariscos was the seafood category and Emparedados are sandwiches. I learn something new everyday!After looking over the menu, Wayne decided on the Enchiladas Supremas (four filled corn tortillas, one each beef, bean, chicken, cheese, topped with enchilada sauce, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream - $7.99). Other enchilada items were the Mexican Flag topped with green tomatillo sauce ($9.29) and Enchilada Oaxaca (four corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken and covered with mole sauce, cheese and onions ($9.49).I ordered the Taquitos Mexicanos (four rolled corn tortillas filled with shredded beef or chicken and served with lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo - $7.99) with chicken. I also ordered the cheese dip with our chips ($3.29). Chips were just regular, run-of-the-mill chips.Of course, Wayne ordered the hotter salsa. It was red, rather than the green tomatillo sauce we ordered, but he said he was very hot and he had no problem with it. He didnt care for the regular salsa that is served with the chips as he thought it was too much tomato. There didnt seem to be much in the way of onion or cilantro, just mostly tomatoes.Waynes enchiladas were a plateful. They are prepared fresh-to-order so we did have to wait a bit on them, but we had rather have them fresh and hot, than pre-prepared, tough and cool. The enchiladas are covered with the red sauce, which he usually gets on Enchiladas Rancheras and he said it had a nice flavor.The Taquitos Mexicanos were extremely hot when served (which is a plus), and I thought they were quite good. They werent the best I have eaten, but I would order them again. The pico de gallo had a bit of a kick to it at one point (I must have gotten hold of a pepper), and the guacamole was slightly chunky, the way I like it, and was tasty (there just wasnt enough of it). Neither of our plates was served with rice and/or beans.Other interesting items on the menu are Pollo Michoacano (marinated chicken served on a bed of vegetables, spinach, and green tomatillo sauce - $9.49); Lupita Plate (Ceviche, grilled shrimp, chicken taquitos, chicken nachos, cheese quesadilla - $11.50), and the El Paisano (one fish taco, shrimp cocktail and ceviche tostada - $12.25).Our server didnt seem to speak a lot of English, but we were able to get our orders taken and food delivered with absolutely no problems. The person at the cash registered seemed to speak terrific English.We were offered dessert, but decided we had already eaten enough. Im not certain what the desserts are since they are not listed on the menu.They do have fruit flavored Margaritas for those who are so inclined.Hours for Los Dorados are Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM, Friday, 11:00 AM until 11:00 PM, Saturday 12:00 PM until 11:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM until 10:00 PM.READER PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK:My pet peeve is brown-tinged lettuce used in salads. I see this most often at salad bars. My latest experience was not only brown but slimy. When I inquired about fresh lettuce, I was informed that it had only been on the bar a short time. When I informed them that it was brown, I was told all their lettuce was like that. I would never serve lettuce like that at home and certainly not to guests. Unfortunately, I am beginning to see this more often, even at restaurants known for their salad bars.We look forward to receiving your comments and pet peeves cdojanet@chattanoogadineout.com
Examine the World Medical Nonwoven Disposables Markets
Tag: Non Woven Interlining
This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Medical Nonwoven Disposables in Millions of US$. The specific product segments analyzed are Incontinence Products, Surgical Non-Woven Products, and Medical Non-Woven Supplies. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World. Annual forecasts are provided for each region for the period of 2000 through 2015. The report profiles 158 companies including many key and niche players worldwide such as Ahlstrom Corporation, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Buckeye Technologies, Inc., EI. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND CO., Fiberweb Plc, Freudenberg Nonwovens, Polymer Group, Inc., Precision Fabrics Group, Attends Healthcare Products, Inc., Covidien, Kendall Healthcare Products Company, Hogy Medical Co., Ltd., Kao Corporation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Medline Industries, Inc., Molnlycke Health Care AB, Nissan Medical Industries, Ltd., SCA Hygiene Products AG, THE HARTMANN GROUP, and UniCharm Corporation. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Company profiles are mostly extracted from URL research and reported select online sources.
This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Medical Nonwoven Disposables in Millions of US$. The specific product segments analyzed are Incontinence Products, Surgical Non-Woven Products, and Medical Non-Woven Supplies. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World. Annual forecasts are provided for each region for the period of 2000 through 2015. The report profiles 158 companies including many key and niche players worldwide such as Ahlstrom Corporation, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Buckeye Technologies, Inc., EI. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND CO., Fiberweb Plc, Freudenberg Nonwovens, Polymer Group, Inc., Precision Fabrics Group, Attends Healthcare Products, Inc., Covidien, Kendall Healthcare Products Company, Hogy Medical Co., Ltd., Kao Corporation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Medline Industries, Inc., Molnlycke Health Care AB, Nissan Medical Industries, Ltd., SCA Hygiene Products AG, THE HARTMANN GROUP, and UniCharm Corporation. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Company profiles are mostly extracted from URL research and reported select online sources.
Hugh Bradner, UC's inventor of wetsuit
Tag: neoprene diving suit
Hugh Bradner, a UC physicist whose love of the ocean and curiosity about everything in it led him to revolutionize diving by inventing the neoprene wetsuit, has died at his home in San Diego at the age of 92.Dr. Bradner died May 5 of the effects of pneumonia, according to his daughter, Bari Cornet. Dr. Bradner's wife, Marjorie, died April 10. They had met during World War II, when both were working at the top-secret Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, N.M. Dr. Bradner was one of the first employees of the nascent atomic bomb experiment, and his wife was the secretary of Robert Oppenheimer, the project's mastermind.Born in Tonopah, Nev., Dr. Bradner was raised in Findley, Ohio, and graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1936. He received his doctorate from California Institute of Technology in Pasadena in 1941 and, along with several other bright young scientists, was recruited by Oppenheimer to come to New Mexico and work on the plan to develop the bomb. He did everything from laying out the design of the new town to working on the bomb's intricate triggering mechanism.After the war, Dr. Bradner joined the faculty of UC Berkeley and taught physics. He also worked at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on high-energy physics, and in his spare time he started noodling around with ideas on how to improve the lot of divers, who spent much of their time in a cold and clammy clime."All his life, he had been interested in diving," Cornet, who is a faculty member of UC Berkeley's school of social welfare, said the other day. In the early part of World War II, Dr. Bradner had talked to Navy frogmen about the problems of being immersed in cold water for long periods of time. "He was looking at the notion that you didn't have to stay dry to stay warm," Cornet said.In 1951, experimenting with neoprene, a synthetic rubber-like substance, he found that it "would trap the water between the body and the neoprene, and the water would heat up to body temperature and keep you warm. He developed this in the basement of our house on Scenic Avenue in Berkeley," Cornet said.The wetsuit was officially invented in 1952. Dr. Bradner and a few of his colleagues created a small company to market what was called the "EDCO Sub-Mariner" suit, $45 for the short version and $75 for the "full suit," as an ad in a 1954 edition of Skin Diver magazine put it, according to the archives of Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla (San Diego County).Cornet said, however, that her father never patented the invention and the wetsuit business venture foundered. The wetsuit was eventually adopted by divers and surfers all over the world. In 2005, the Los Angeles Times examined a half-century dispute about who was the real inventor of the wetsuit - the other two contenders for the title were two California-based firms that have made a fair amount of money from wetsuits."In our little world, these were the guys who had produced the first surfing wetsuits," Matt Warshaw, author of "The Encyclopedia of Surfing" and former editor of Surfer magazine, said of Body Glove International and O'Neill Inc. Nonetheless, Warshaw added, "Bradner was the father of the wetsuit." This was corroborated in a lengthy paper by Carolyn Rainey published in 1998 by Scripps.By 1960, with his interest in oceanography well known in the scientific community, Dr. Bradner was recruited to UC San Diego, where he was on the faculty of Scripps and worked on several ocean-related projects, including experiments with scuba underwater breathing devices.In 1961, he persuaded Scripps to let him make a seismic expedition across the Pacific aboard a 106-foot schooner, dropping seismographs to study seismic shaking of the ocean bottom, and also "as a way of detecting bomb tests in other parts of the world," Cornet said. In the Bradner family, it was called "Seismic Summer."Dr. Bradner, who was known to his colleagues as Brad, retired in 1980 but continued his diverse interests, which included scuba diving, hiking, skiing and collecting shells.In addition to his daughter, he is survived by three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. A memorial celebration of the lives of Dr. Bradner and his wife, Marjorie, will be held at 3 p.m. May 25 at the UC San Diego Faculty Club.
Hugh Bradner, a UC physicist whose love of the ocean and curiosity about everything in it led him to revolutionize diving by inventing the neoprene wetsuit, has died at his home in San Diego at the age of 92.Dr. Bradner died May 5 of the effects of pneumonia, according to his daughter, Bari Cornet. Dr. Bradner's wife, Marjorie, died April 10. They had met during World War II, when both were working at the top-secret Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, N.M. Dr. Bradner was one of the first employees of the nascent atomic bomb experiment, and his wife was the secretary of Robert Oppenheimer, the project's mastermind.Born in Tonopah, Nev., Dr. Bradner was raised in Findley, Ohio, and graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1936. He received his doctorate from California Institute of Technology in Pasadena in 1941 and, along with several other bright young scientists, was recruited by Oppenheimer to come to New Mexico and work on the plan to develop the bomb. He did everything from laying out the design of the new town to working on the bomb's intricate triggering mechanism.After the war, Dr. Bradner joined the faculty of UC Berkeley and taught physics. He also worked at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on high-energy physics, and in his spare time he started noodling around with ideas on how to improve the lot of divers, who spent much of their time in a cold and clammy clime."All his life, he had been interested in diving," Cornet, who is a faculty member of UC Berkeley's school of social welfare, said the other day. In the early part of World War II, Dr. Bradner had talked to Navy frogmen about the problems of being immersed in cold water for long periods of time. "He was looking at the notion that you didn't have to stay dry to stay warm," Cornet said.In 1951, experimenting with neoprene, a synthetic rubber-like substance, he found that it "would trap the water between the body and the neoprene, and the water would heat up to body temperature and keep you warm. He developed this in the basement of our house on Scenic Avenue in Berkeley," Cornet said.The wetsuit was officially invented in 1952. Dr. Bradner and a few of his colleagues created a small company to market what was called the "EDCO Sub-Mariner" suit, $45 for the short version and $75 for the "full suit," as an ad in a 1954 edition of Skin Diver magazine put it, according to the archives of Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla (San Diego County).Cornet said, however, that her father never patented the invention and the wetsuit business venture foundered. The wetsuit was eventually adopted by divers and surfers all over the world. In 2005, the Los Angeles Times examined a half-century dispute about who was the real inventor of the wetsuit - the other two contenders for the title were two California-based firms that have made a fair amount of money from wetsuits."In our little world, these were the guys who had produced the first surfing wetsuits," Matt Warshaw, author of "The Encyclopedia of Surfing" and former editor of Surfer magazine, said of Body Glove International and O'Neill Inc. Nonetheless, Warshaw added, "Bradner was the father of the wetsuit." This was corroborated in a lengthy paper by Carolyn Rainey published in 1998 by Scripps.By 1960, with his interest in oceanography well known in the scientific community, Dr. Bradner was recruited to UC San Diego, where he was on the faculty of Scripps and worked on several ocean-related projects, including experiments with scuba underwater breathing devices.In 1961, he persuaded Scripps to let him make a seismic expedition across the Pacific aboard a 106-foot schooner, dropping seismographs to study seismic shaking of the ocean bottom, and also "as a way of detecting bomb tests in other parts of the world," Cornet said. In the Bradner family, it was called "Seismic Summer."Dr. Bradner, who was known to his colleagues as Brad, retired in 1980 but continued his diverse interests, which included scuba diving, hiking, skiing and collecting shells.In addition to his daughter, he is survived by three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. A memorial celebration of the lives of Dr. Bradner and his wife, Marjorie, will be held at 3 p.m. May 25 at the UC San Diego Faculty Club.
2008年5月18日星期日
Big Bag Machinery Joins EFIBCA
Tag: circular loom
Starlinger, a leading supplier of production technology for FIBCs of various sizes and types and of machinery for load testing of the finished container bags, recently became the newest member of EFIBCA, the European FIBC Association.With two-digit annual growth rates worldwide, the market for flexible single-use and multi-use woven containers (FIBCs= Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers, Big Bags) reflects the revolutionary effect these bags have had on bulk goods logistics in many sectors. A big bag can hold up to 2000 kg of building materials, metal parts, chemical products, minerals, foodstuffs, or other bulk goods for safe and easy transportation. It requires no special equipment for loading and unloading and doubles as a space-saving storage container.Starlinger has many years of experience in FIBC technology. The Austrian company’s current line-up of reliable and versatile equipment includes new developments in starEX tape extrusion technology, latest versions of the circular loom series SL 61/SL 62/SL 8 and SL 82, the coating and laminating line stacoTEC, and the FIBC testing unit stacoTEST. The fabric from this type of line is used mainly for production of FIBC’s, but also for applications such as geotextiles, agrotextiles, and tarpaulins.EFIBCA, which was founded in 1983, is the European trade organisation for producers and suppliers of FIBCs and for suppliers to the FIBC industry. The association’s main objectives are to develop and define standards of quality, safety, product development, and service. EFIBCA is the world’s only active FIBC industrial association. Membership is limited to companies that demonstrate compliance with EFIBCA’s high standards in a stringent audit process.In April two events will offer opportunity for a close look at Starlinger’s big bag know-how. During the 5th World FIBC Conference in Amsterdam (April 21-22, 2008) there will be a presentation by Starlinger on the topic of “FIBCs from the machinery producer’s viewpoint”.
Starlinger, a leading supplier of production technology for FIBCs of various sizes and types and of machinery for load testing of the finished container bags, recently became the newest member of EFIBCA, the European FIBC Association.With two-digit annual growth rates worldwide, the market for flexible single-use and multi-use woven containers (FIBCs= Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers, Big Bags) reflects the revolutionary effect these bags have had on bulk goods logistics in many sectors. A big bag can hold up to 2000 kg of building materials, metal parts, chemical products, minerals, foodstuffs, or other bulk goods for safe and easy transportation. It requires no special equipment for loading and unloading and doubles as a space-saving storage container.Starlinger has many years of experience in FIBC technology. The Austrian company’s current line-up of reliable and versatile equipment includes new developments in starEX tape extrusion technology, latest versions of the circular loom series SL 61/SL 62/SL 8 and SL 82, the coating and laminating line stacoTEC, and the FIBC testing unit stacoTEST. The fabric from this type of line is used mainly for production of FIBC’s, but also for applications such as geotextiles, agrotextiles, and tarpaulins.EFIBCA, which was founded in 1983, is the European trade organisation for producers and suppliers of FIBCs and for suppliers to the FIBC industry. The association’s main objectives are to develop and define standards of quality, safety, product development, and service. EFIBCA is the world’s only active FIBC industrial association. Membership is limited to companies that demonstrate compliance with EFIBCA’s high standards in a stringent audit process.In April two events will offer opportunity for a close look at Starlinger’s big bag know-how. During the 5th World FIBC Conference in Amsterdam (April 21-22, 2008) there will be a presentation by Starlinger on the topic of “FIBCs from the machinery producer’s viewpoint”.
As business shifts, China quick to adapt
Tag: plastic pipe machinery
Anyone can read today’s stocks charts, but only real pros can accurately predict tomorrow’s. They are the ones who make money, regardless of the market’s ups and downs. The same concept applies to doing business with and in China. Some point out that China’s economic growth is slowing down. That’s true if you are a generic toy maker. But take a moment to step back, get out of the particular niche, industry, sector and region you happen to be in, and get a feel of the whole picture. It’s a picture of breakneck changes, more intense than ever. With the yuan strengthening against the U.S. dollar, steep inflation, tighter credit, stricter labor laws and fewer tax incentives, export businesses are shuttering plants while foreign investment is crossing China’s southern borders for cheaper alternatives. But on the other side of the table, multinational suppliers such as Sabic Innovative Plastics LP, Dow Chemical Co. and Conair Group Inc. are choosing China to launch products globally. Their China strategies are far from the cut-costs-and-ship-back-to-America formula. They understand there will always be a cheaper location, but China has two trump cards: scale — of market and, more importantly, of production; and adaptability. Obviously China’s large population means a tremendous domestic market, which at present is primarily supplied by domestic producers. In past decades, Western companies have made China an export powerhouse, but they have also been waiting patiently for the Chinese market to grow and upgrade to eventually demand higher-end goods. Today, running on Shanghai’s busy roads are not just tiny, $5,000 Chery cars. There are sharp-looking business vans, SUVs, sedans and sports cars, mostly from major international carmakers’ China joint ventures. Demand for higher-end products is rising in the industrial sector, too. I don’t know how many in the plastic industry have heard of Yibin, China-based Push Group Ltd., but the state-owned conglomerate in western China supplies Coca-Cola Co.’s China operation with 2 billion preforms every year and makes car parts for BMW’s Chinese joint venture. It also makes almost 20,000 tons of pipe and fittings annually, plus 11,000 tons of film, 440 million gift bags, and 1.2 billion pieces of plastic cutlery. The company said one of its secret weapons is a first-class manufacturing model, with suppliers including Husky, Demag, DuPont Co. and Invista. “Chinese companies can be just as sophisticated and advanced as everybody else,” said Carl Lu at the company’s Shanghai office. This is China. Garment and toy shops are closing, but modern plants are opening to serve the auto, industrial, packaging and electronics sectors. Banks are holding their pockets, but private lenders are backing up businesses. The Pearl River Delta is slowing down, but the eastern, northern and western regions are flourish- ing. The dollar is working against exporters, but they now quote in euros and yuan. In short, people adapt fairly quickly. China’s big negatives — rapid change and endless uncertainly — are the best training for the finest businessmen, said a Taiwanese machinery firm owner. The way I see it, China is becoming a stronger link in the globalization chain. It adds value by producing and consuming. The World Trade Organization doesn’t just open China’s door to export to the global market. It also gives the world better-than-ever access to the Chinese domestic market. Do you see your piece of the pie there?
Anyone can read today’s stocks charts, but only real pros can accurately predict tomorrow’s. They are the ones who make money, regardless of the market’s ups and downs. The same concept applies to doing business with and in China. Some point out that China’s economic growth is slowing down. That’s true if you are a generic toy maker. But take a moment to step back, get out of the particular niche, industry, sector and region you happen to be in, and get a feel of the whole picture. It’s a picture of breakneck changes, more intense than ever. With the yuan strengthening against the U.S. dollar, steep inflation, tighter credit, stricter labor laws and fewer tax incentives, export businesses are shuttering plants while foreign investment is crossing China’s southern borders for cheaper alternatives. But on the other side of the table, multinational suppliers such as Sabic Innovative Plastics LP, Dow Chemical Co. and Conair Group Inc. are choosing China to launch products globally. Their China strategies are far from the cut-costs-and-ship-back-to-America formula. They understand there will always be a cheaper location, but China has two trump cards: scale — of market and, more importantly, of production; and adaptability. Obviously China’s large population means a tremendous domestic market, which at present is primarily supplied by domestic producers. In past decades, Western companies have made China an export powerhouse, but they have also been waiting patiently for the Chinese market to grow and upgrade to eventually demand higher-end goods. Today, running on Shanghai’s busy roads are not just tiny, $5,000 Chery cars. There are sharp-looking business vans, SUVs, sedans and sports cars, mostly from major international carmakers’ China joint ventures. Demand for higher-end products is rising in the industrial sector, too. I don’t know how many in the plastic industry have heard of Yibin, China-based Push Group Ltd., but the state-owned conglomerate in western China supplies Coca-Cola Co.’s China operation with 2 billion preforms every year and makes car parts for BMW’s Chinese joint venture. It also makes almost 20,000 tons of pipe and fittings annually, plus 11,000 tons of film, 440 million gift bags, and 1.2 billion pieces of plastic cutlery. The company said one of its secret weapons is a first-class manufacturing model, with suppliers including Husky, Demag, DuPont Co. and Invista. “Chinese companies can be just as sophisticated and advanced as everybody else,” said Carl Lu at the company’s Shanghai office. This is China. Garment and toy shops are closing, but modern plants are opening to serve the auto, industrial, packaging and electronics sectors. Banks are holding their pockets, but private lenders are backing up businesses. The Pearl River Delta is slowing down, but the eastern, northern and western regions are flourish- ing. The dollar is working against exporters, but they now quote in euros and yuan. In short, people adapt fairly quickly. China’s big negatives — rapid change and endless uncertainly — are the best training for the finest businessmen, said a Taiwanese machinery firm owner. The way I see it, China is becoming a stronger link in the globalization chain. It adds value by producing and consuming. The World Trade Organization doesn’t just open China’s door to export to the global market. It also gives the world better-than-ever access to the Chinese domestic market. Do you see your piece of the pie there?
FESPA World Expo gets Asia-Pacific boost
Tag: printing machinery
FESPA’s second Digital Printing Europe exhibition, which took place from 1 to 3 April 2008 at Geneva’s Palexpo exhibition centre, attracted an increasingly diverse international audience, including a significant number of screen and digital wide format printers from Asia-Pacific, looking to explore the latest innovations in the sector. Overall the show attracted similar visitor numbers to the inaugural event in 2006, with 12,817 visits recorded over the three days comprising guests from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. Excellent attendance levels were recorded for Asia-Pacific with nearly 150 printers from the region visiting the show, representing 15 individual countries. Marcus Timson, FESPA event director for Asia-Pacific commented, 'We are delighted with the number of individuals from Asia-Pacific that attended our digital show. This illustrates the strong interest among the region’s print community to explore the latest industry developments and innovations in the wide format sector, and their confidence in FESPA’s ability to deliver a worthwhile, content-rich event experience.' Greg Stone of GJS Machinery Pty Ltd commented, 'As an Australian distributor of dye sublimation equipment and consumables, it is important to attend international exhibitions to monitor future developments in the industry. FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2008 also gave me the opportunity to build stronger relationships with our current suppliers and meet prospective suppliers in person. This exhibition was my first FESPA event and it exceeded all my expectations in terms of size and diversity of products and services on show. I am looking forward to FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific in Bangkok later this year.' Several exhibitors in Geneva also confirmed their interest in the emerging Asia-Pacific markets, by booking their stands at FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific 2008. With more than six months to go before the event, key industry players including Epson, Konica Minolta, Nazdar, Bordeaux and GCC have also booked their places, impressed with the quality of FESPA’s digital events, FESPA’s professionalism, industry expertise and strong brand. Exhibitors at FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2008 expressed their collective satisfaction with the international spectrum of visitors, and their decision-making authority. Many vendors commented that the majority of discussions were with someone with a genuine ability to make or influence a major purchasing decision. This is borne out by the visitor data, which indicates that over 40 per cent of individual visitors to the show were owners or general managers of their businesses. Timson continued, 'Research that we conducted in the Asia-Pacific region, along with feedback from Asia-Pacific visitors at FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2008, further reaffirms the clear need for a high-calibre, pan-regional screen and wide-format printing event dedicated to the unique interests of the Asian-Pacific printing community. Our launch event in the region, FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific (28 – 30 November) in Bangkok, will aim to inspire printers and help them acquire the know-how to effectively grow their businesses and maximise profitability.'
FESPA’s second Digital Printing Europe exhibition, which took place from 1 to 3 April 2008 at Geneva’s Palexpo exhibition centre, attracted an increasingly diverse international audience, including a significant number of screen and digital wide format printers from Asia-Pacific, looking to explore the latest innovations in the sector. Overall the show attracted similar visitor numbers to the inaugural event in 2006, with 12,817 visits recorded over the three days comprising guests from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. Excellent attendance levels were recorded for Asia-Pacific with nearly 150 printers from the region visiting the show, representing 15 individual countries. Marcus Timson, FESPA event director for Asia-Pacific commented, 'We are delighted with the number of individuals from Asia-Pacific that attended our digital show. This illustrates the strong interest among the region’s print community to explore the latest industry developments and innovations in the wide format sector, and their confidence in FESPA’s ability to deliver a worthwhile, content-rich event experience.' Greg Stone of GJS Machinery Pty Ltd commented, 'As an Australian distributor of dye sublimation equipment and consumables, it is important to attend international exhibitions to monitor future developments in the industry. FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2008 also gave me the opportunity to build stronger relationships with our current suppliers and meet prospective suppliers in person. This exhibition was my first FESPA event and it exceeded all my expectations in terms of size and diversity of products and services on show. I am looking forward to FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific in Bangkok later this year.' Several exhibitors in Geneva also confirmed their interest in the emerging Asia-Pacific markets, by booking their stands at FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific 2008. With more than six months to go before the event, key industry players including Epson, Konica Minolta, Nazdar, Bordeaux and GCC have also booked their places, impressed with the quality of FESPA’s digital events, FESPA’s professionalism, industry expertise and strong brand. Exhibitors at FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2008 expressed their collective satisfaction with the international spectrum of visitors, and their decision-making authority. Many vendors commented that the majority of discussions were with someone with a genuine ability to make or influence a major purchasing decision. This is borne out by the visitor data, which indicates that over 40 per cent of individual visitors to the show were owners or general managers of their businesses. Timson continued, 'Research that we conducted in the Asia-Pacific region, along with feedback from Asia-Pacific visitors at FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2008, further reaffirms the clear need for a high-calibre, pan-regional screen and wide-format printing event dedicated to the unique interests of the Asian-Pacific printing community. Our launch event in the region, FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific (28 – 30 November) in Bangkok, will aim to inspire printers and help them acquire the know-how to effectively grow their businesses and maximise profitability.'
Neela launches new line of reusable plastic bags
Tag: Polypropylene Material
Neela Products announced today that its line of reusable, recyclable bags is now available for sale on its website www.neelabags.com. Neela bags come in an array of stylish patterns and colors inspired by modern textile designs, and are made out of nonwoven polypropylene - a lightweight and durable material that is both reusable and recyclable. The bags are intended for everyday use and are designed to reduce excess consumption of paper and plastic bags. "When researching our products, we heard from so many people that they would be more inclined to carry reusable bags if they came in attractive patterns and colors and were easy to store," said Carla Manna, co-founder of Neela Products. "Neela bags answer this call - now consumers have an environmentally-friendly alternative that does not require them to sacrifice either style or convenience." The bags are offered in the following three styles, which come in several sizes and patterns, with options such as a self-pouch, zippers, and stabilizers: -- The Neela Market Tote - slightly larger than a paper grocery bag, the Neela Market Tote includes a fold-up version (offered as a single bag or in a pack of five) and a stabilizer version for extra heavy loads. -- The Neela Shopper - a shopping tote that comes in three sizes (small, standard and large) for errand running, everyday shopping and travel. -- The Neela Wine Tote - a beverage carrier that comes in two sizes - small has a single compartment for a wine bottle, large can hold four wine bottles (or bottles of similar size). "Grabbing a paper or plastic bag every time we make a purchase has become second nature to Americans - the average person consumes nearly 1000 bags per year!" said Renee Fischer, co-founder of Neela Products. "Unfortunately, 96% of these bags end up in landfills or polluting our lakes and rivers. We hope that by offering a fun, appealing alternative, we can encourage people to change these consumption patterns." In addition to the consumer line of bags available on its website, Neela also has a wholesale business for companies that want to offer branded reusable, recyclable bags to their customers. Companies can select from standard options and simply add their logo to the bag, or they can work with Neela's design team to create an entirely customized solution. "Consumers tend to reuse nonwoven bags far more often than traditional paper or plastic bags - which means Neela bags offer retailers a fantastic means of increased brand exposure while doing something good for the environment," added Fischer. For more information, see www.neelabags.com/wholesale.
Neela Products announced today that its line of reusable, recyclable bags is now available for sale on its website www.neelabags.com. Neela bags come in an array of stylish patterns and colors inspired by modern textile designs, and are made out of nonwoven polypropylene - a lightweight and durable material that is both reusable and recyclable. The bags are intended for everyday use and are designed to reduce excess consumption of paper and plastic bags. "When researching our products, we heard from so many people that they would be more inclined to carry reusable bags if they came in attractive patterns and colors and were easy to store," said Carla Manna, co-founder of Neela Products. "Neela bags answer this call - now consumers have an environmentally-friendly alternative that does not require them to sacrifice either style or convenience." The bags are offered in the following three styles, which come in several sizes and patterns, with options such as a self-pouch, zippers, and stabilizers: -- The Neela Market Tote - slightly larger than a paper grocery bag, the Neela Market Tote includes a fold-up version (offered as a single bag or in a pack of five) and a stabilizer version for extra heavy loads. -- The Neela Shopper - a shopping tote that comes in three sizes (small, standard and large) for errand running, everyday shopping and travel. -- The Neela Wine Tote - a beverage carrier that comes in two sizes - small has a single compartment for a wine bottle, large can hold four wine bottles (or bottles of similar size). "Grabbing a paper or plastic bag every time we make a purchase has become second nature to Americans - the average person consumes nearly 1000 bags per year!" said Renee Fischer, co-founder of Neela Products. "Unfortunately, 96% of these bags end up in landfills or polluting our lakes and rivers. We hope that by offering a fun, appealing alternative, we can encourage people to change these consumption patterns." In addition to the consumer line of bags available on its website, Neela also has a wholesale business for companies that want to offer branded reusable, recyclable bags to their customers. Companies can select from standard options and simply add their logo to the bag, or they can work with Neela's design team to create an entirely customized solution. "Consumers tend to reuse nonwoven bags far more often than traditional paper or plastic bags - which means Neela bags offer retailers a fantastic means of increased brand exposure while doing something good for the environment," added Fischer. For more information, see www.neelabags.com/wholesale.
Steel plant breaks ground in Vietnam
Tag: metallurgy machinery
The Viet Nam–China Minerals and Metallurgy Co (VTM) last week held a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of a steel plant capable of producing a million tonnes of steel a year at the Tang Loong Industrial Zone in northern Lao Cai province. The plant, capitalised with US$152 million, is a joint venture of the Viet Nam Steel Corporation, the Lao Cai Minerals Company and the Kunming Iron and Steel Group Co. Ltd. Construction work is expected to be completed by 2010.
The Viet Nam–China Minerals and Metallurgy Co (VTM) last week held a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of a steel plant capable of producing a million tonnes of steel a year at the Tang Loong Industrial Zone in northern Lao Cai province. The plant, capitalised with US$152 million, is a joint venture of the Viet Nam Steel Corporation, the Lao Cai Minerals Company and the Kunming Iron and Steel Group Co. Ltd. Construction work is expected to be completed by 2010.
Indian sugar futures fall on weak exports
Tag: Brazilian White Sugar
Indian sugar futures fell on Monday as export prospects faded with higher supplies from a bumper Brazilian crop pushing world prices lower.At 4:00 p.m. (1030 GMT), the May contract NSMK8 was down 0.72 percent at 1,382 rupees ($32.8) per 100 kg on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, while the June contract NSMM8 fell 1.03 percent to 1,440 rupees.Spot prices in the western state of Maharashtra, a leading producer, dropped 0.3 percent to 1,406.45 rupees.Ramesh Mistry, vice president at sugar exporter Sakuma Exports Ltd (SAKE.BO: Quote, Profile, Research), said a drop in world prices to 11.5 cents per pound from 13.6 cents about a month ago has hit exports."Indian exporters are not finding this lucrative since prices in the local markets are better," he said.About 42 ships were waiting at Brazil's main ports to load 187,350 tonnes of white sugar and 530,598 tonnes of raw sugar last week.Brazil's cane output in 2008/09 would rise to a record 550 million tonnes from 431.2 million tonnes in 2007/08, London-based International Sugar Organisation, said last week. ($1=42.1 rupees) (Reporting by Abhishek Shanker)
Indian sugar futures fell on Monday as export prospects faded with higher supplies from a bumper Brazilian crop pushing world prices lower.At 4:00 p.m. (1030 GMT), the May contract NSMK8 was down 0.72 percent at 1,382 rupees ($32.8) per 100 kg on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, while the June contract NSMM8 fell 1.03 percent to 1,440 rupees.Spot prices in the western state of Maharashtra, a leading producer, dropped 0.3 percent to 1,406.45 rupees.Ramesh Mistry, vice president at sugar exporter Sakuma Exports Ltd (SAKE.BO: Quote, Profile, Research), said a drop in world prices to 11.5 cents per pound from 13.6 cents about a month ago has hit exports."Indian exporters are not finding this lucrative since prices in the local markets are better," he said.About 42 ships were waiting at Brazil's main ports to load 187,350 tonnes of white sugar and 530,598 tonnes of raw sugar last week.Brazil's cane output in 2008/09 would rise to a record 550 million tonnes from 431.2 million tonnes in 2007/08, London-based International Sugar Organisation, said last week. ($1=42.1 rupees) (Reporting by Abhishek Shanker)
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