Apple to host Oct 23 event, iPad mini expected

Apple Inc will host an event on October 23, said a source familiar with the plan, in what is expected to be the unveiling of a smaller iPad to venture into a market staked out well in advance by rivals Amazon.com Inc and Google Inc .

Speculation has swirled for months that Apple was planning a smaller, less expensive version of its popular iPad to take on cheaper competing devices, a move that analysts say may hurt its margins but prevent its arch-rivals from dominating an increasingly important computing segment.

The consumer device giant is gearing up to unveil a new product at a major October 23 event, said the source who declined to be named, days before Microsoft Corp unveils Windows 8 and its new Surface tablet on October 26.

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The source did not specify what the product would be. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.

News of the event was earlier reported by tech blog AllThingsD.

The device, which many expect will sport a screen between 7 and 8 inches (18-20 cm), is deemed by analysts to be the iPhone makers' attempt to finally get into the fast-growing market.

A smaller iPad will directly compete with e-commerce giant Amazon's Kindle Fire HD tablet and Google's Nexus 7, both of which have 7-inch screens and are priced at $199. The first Kindle Fire, launched last year, went on to grab about a fifth of the U.S. tablet market.

The Nexus 7, manufactured by Asus <2357 .tw=".tw">, has also seen a successful start with the tablet selling out soon after launch.

One Wall Street analyst said he saw the smaller tablet -- dubbed iPad mini by the media -- while visiting component suppliers in Asia.

"We actually had the opportunity to play with a pilot iPad Mini used by one of the vendors," Topeka Capital analyst Brian White said. "This 7.85-inch iPad Mini fit our hands like a glove and we were easily able to tuck the device in our sport coat, offering consumers a more mobile iPad experience for certain use cases."

Apple events are typically among the most-watched items on the industry calendar, monitored by consumers and tech investors alike. The event in two weeks however comes at a time of volatility for the most-held tech counter.

Apple shares were up 0.75 percent at $632.84 in the afternoon, barely recouping significant losses over the past three weeks as investor cashed out after it touched an all-time high of $705.07 on September 21.

While the stock is up 55 percent this year, it is currently down 10 percent from its record high following concerns about disruptions to iPhone supply after a September riot at one of the plants operated by its main contract manufacturer Foxconn Technology, and harsh criticism from consumers and reviewers about a wealth of errors in its crucial Maps service.

New segment for Apple

Apple's s fiscal fourth quarter financial results are scheduled for October 25, two days after the event, offering analysts a rare opportunity to grill executives about their thinking around a new product just after details are unveiled.

A mini version of the iPad marks a departure for the company that now has just one 9.7-inch iPad, though it does come with various storage options and starts at $499.

Late Apple founder Steve Jobs famously derided the 7-inch screen as unwieldy for tablet applications, saying the devices should come with sandpaper so that users can file down their fingers to use them.

But an internal email -- revealed during a recent patent trial against Samsung <005930 .ks=".ks"> -- showed Internet chief Eddy Cue arguing that there was a market for a 7-inch tablet and that Apple should have one. The email, sent in early 2011 to top Apple executives, said Jobs had warmed up to the idea of a smaller tablet.

Struggling Silicon Valley technology icon Hewlett Packard was among the first to show, albeit unwittingly, that there was indeed a healthy market for cheap tablets. Sales of the TouchPad took off after the company slashed the price to $99 from $399 and $499, after deciding to kill the product.

Armstrong foundation fighting for future

 Lance Armstrong can never ride again in the world’s top cycling races. His attempt to win elite triathlons in middle age is over. He even got booted from the Chicago Marathon.

To the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a $500-million charity built on the “Livestrong” brand, it’s not about the bike. Chief executive and president Doug Ulman said the goal is to “keep fighting for the mission” of helping cancer victims.

“His leadership role doesn’t change. He’s the founder. He’s our biggest advocate and always will be,” Ulman said. “People with cancer feel ownership of the brand. It was created for them.”

Although Armstrong cancelled a public appearance in Chicago on Friday, Ulman said he will be a big part of several days’ worth of events in Austin next week to celebrate the foundation’s 15th anniversary, including a fundraising gala expected to raise $2 million.

Crisis management experts, however, think that might be the wrong approach.

Gene Grabowski, executive vice president of Levick, a Washington-based crisis and issues management firm, suggested Armstrong step away from his public role for a while. The charity must be allowed to keep the focus on the work and should not engage in the public debate over whether Armstrong doped, he said.

“We have an iconic leader of an organization shown to allegedly have feet of clay,” Grabowski said. “If the organization is that important to Lance, he might consider handing the reins to another high-profile person.”

Armstrong denies doping and has said he’ll no longer comment on the accusations.

Armstrong has given every indication he plans to stay visible.

About 24 hours after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s report, Armstrong tweeted that he was visiting headquarters and stayed about 30 minutes. He chatted with staff and picked a place to hang a new painting he recently bought for his personal art collection.

The foundation reported a spike in contributions in late August in the days immediately after Armstrong announced he would no longer fight doping charges and officials moved to erase his Tour victories. Ulman said the foundation felt a bigger pushback from donors in 2009 when it endorsed President Obama’s federal health care plan.

Daniel Borochoff, founder and president of Chicago-based CharityWatch, which monitors the financial records of nonprofit groups, said it may take some time for donors to digest the allegations against Armstrong.

“Individuals that admire and support an individual who is later found out to be severely tarnished, don’t want to admit it, don’t want to admit that they’ve been duped,” Borochoff said. “People, though, do need to trust a charity to be able to support it.”

For now, the foundation can count on major donors like Jeff Mulder, a Michigan businessman who had previously purchased two tables at next Friday’s anniversary gala for $150,000.

Mulder said he “doesn’t care” about the doping charges and likely won’t read the details in the USADA report.

“I don’t know Lance. I’ve shaken his hand a few times. I feel bad for him,” Mulder said. “But I don’t do stuff for Livestrong because of Lance. He got it started, but I raise money because people have cancer.”

Corporate sponsor Nike Inc. said Wednesday it is sticking by Armstrong and the foundation.

“Lance has stated his innocence and has been unwavering on this position. Nike plans to continue to support Lance and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a foundation that Lance created to serve cancer survivors,” the company said.

Corporate sponsors rarely pull out when the spotlight on controversy is white hot, Borochoff said. When the issue calms down, companies start to re-evaluate their commitment.

“Usually in a big crisis, companies hold back. They know from a marketing, (public relations) point, it would not look good,” Borochoff said.

George Merlis, founder of Experience Media Consulting Group in Los Angeles, said Armstrong’s defiance is risky for his charity.

“Every stone wall eventually crumbles,” Merlis said. “There are second acts in American life. He needs to do a mea culpa and ask that the charity not be hurt.”

Your Brain And How You Use It

Is daydreaming good for you?


Yes, it is a critical brain process that allows us to manage ourselves in the social world, reveals an article in the July issue of Perspectives on Psychological Science. Daydreaming activates the 'default mode' network of the brain. While some may view it as a wasted opportunity for productivity, constructive internal reflection is critical for learning from past experiences and appreciating their value for future choices. It allows us to navigate the world we live in better.


Think and tell





Japanese scientists have uncovered how we predict other people's thoughts. Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and mathematical models, they show how we simulate the thoughts of others by using two signals encoded in the frontal lobes of the brain. The 'reward signal' estimates the value of an interaction to the other person, while the 'action signal' simulates what the other person can do about it. The research came out in a paper published in the June 21 issue of Neuron.
Workouts make your brain smarter

Here's some good news for gym rats. Workouts don't just lift your mood, vitality, alertness and well-being, they also make your brain more agile

Increases production of neurochemicals that promote brain cell repair.
Helps in boosting decision-making skills.
Lengthens the attention span of an individual.
Prompts growth of new nerve cells as well as blood vessels.
Improves multi-tasking abilities and helps you plan out things better.
Improves memory.


20:80 RULE


We use 100% of our brain, but not all at the same time. Check out the rule of thumb for the brain
20% of grey matter works on conscious thoughts.
20% of the energy produced by the body is used by the brain.
80% of the brain is devoted to processing visual information.
80% of the brain is made of fats, especially rich in Omega-3.

Top six performance bikes you can afford

 

    The KTM Duke 200 came and created a buzz. With its distinctive bold looks and exposed body parts, the Duke is a very aggressive looking motorcycle. The machine continues its aggression with its power delivery with the 200cc single cylinder motor producing 25 BHP and 19.2 Nm.






The instrument cluster displays insane amount of data and with a price Rs. 1.32 lakhs (Mumbai), the Duke is very much value for money.




The bike that really caused storms was the Honda CBR250R. A Honda motorcycle, 250cc 4-valve, liquid-cooled motor (25 BHP, 23 Nm) and an awesome Rs. 1.64 lakh (Mumbai) pricing was enough to create a huge queue outside Honda showrooms.



Factor in the fantastic C-ABS braking system and the sub 10 seconds 100 km/h timing and the CBR250R instantly looks like a machine you simply can't miss.




   
    Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 is one of the most popular bikes amongst the youth of our country. The R15 is a mini fusion of the R1 and R6 and looks absolutely stunning.



The Deltabox frame and R-series 150cc motor ensure that the R15 is a track tool which none can match. Producing 17 PS and 15 Nm, the R15 is most happy at high revvs. Price - Rs. 1.20 lakh (Mumbai).




Royal Enfield's Classic 500 is a glimpse of the past but with modern mechanicals. The Classic flexes its retro styling with a modern 500cc, UCE, FI engine which produces 27.2 BHP and 41.3 Nm.






    Power delivery is addictive and the Classic is stable all the way up to its top speed of 130 kmph. What is most interesting though is the colours on this cruiser, which includes chrome as well as desert storm shades.




   
    The Karizma has been one of the most popular motorcycles in India. The recent ZMR avatar features crucial updates like full fairing, rear disc brakes, fuel injection, digital speedometer, etc. The ZMR has not really caught up on sales much but is a fantastic machine for long distance touring.



Power comes in from a 223cc engine which produces 17.6 BHP and 18.35 Nm. Price - Rs. 1.07 lakhs (Mumbai).



    The once upon a time fastest Indian motorcycle, the Bajaj Pulsar 220 offers 20.8 BHP and 19.12 Nm. The Pulsar 220 is sheer value for money at Rs. 88,000/- (Mumbai), which makes it so popular among the youth.



    With the Pulsar 200 NS coming soon, the Pulsar could well go numero uno in the top 6 performance motorcycle list.

KesHa to release 'illustrated memoir' next month

The book which is due to be released next month will feature The TiK ToK hitmaker's "thoughts and reflections" as well as her childhood photographs which has never been seen before.

"In less than three years I've gone from being the worst waitress in L.A. to living out my childhood dreams of singing my songs to people all over the world. Sometimes, it feels as if the last few years have encompassed a few decades," Contactmusic quoted the songstress as telling in a statement.

"You might have heard my voice on the radio, seen me onstage and on the red carpet, or in a music video, but that's only a part of the story. In these pages, I'm revealing a more complete picture of what my life is really like. It's not all glamorous and it's not all pretty, but it's all real

What's a Walgreens mean?

A Walgreens opening at Newmark and Broadway in North Bend. A Big Lots discount store opening across the street next week.

Is something attracting national franchises to our area?

Might just be a coincidence, said Joyce Jansen, economic revitalization administrator for the city of Coos Bay.

'I know that Walgreens has looked at the Coos Bay and North Bend area for many years," she said. 'They looked at several locations on Highway 101 at the south end of town. It all came down to the bottom line, what would it cost to make it happen."

She said that although chains are always scouting new locations, property owners also woo them when a building becomes vacant, as when Albertsons closed in the Newmark Avenue location where Big Lots is set to open next Friday.

'Responsible property owners do not want their property to sit around empty," she said.

Walgreens corporate spokesman Robert Elfinger would only say, 'We look for the best corners in America to build our pharmacies."

'We look at traffic patterns, vehicle and pedestrian, and demographics."

On Friday, a few curious customers were there when the doors officially opened at 8 a.m.

One was an avid Hot Wheels collector who was eager to check out the newest toy aisle in town.

He gave his name only as 'Randy," but admitted, 'If you print 'Randy' and 'Hot Wheels,' they're going to know who I am."

'There's Hot Wheels that are called 'Treasure Hunts,'" he explained. 'They might put one in the case, and they might not."

Hot Wheels collectors may be disappointed -- none were displayed on the toy aisle Friday -- but other customers will find plenty to interest them.

Manager Teresa Schaefer pointed out an express pickup kiosk at the pharmacy counter, where customers can pay with a credit card and then pick up a prescription without standing in line.

Another kiosk at the back of the store lets customers browse Walgreens' online site and order things not stocked in the store, such as fragrances, wheelchairs, and medical equipment, to be delivered to the store.

Fifteen employees roam the extremely shiny aisles, Schaefer said.

Walgreens makes a point of featuring local merchandise, and the North Bend store already carries both North Bend Bulldog and Marshfield Pirate garments, as well as a selection of Northwest microbrews.

Elfinger said, and Schaefer confirmed, that the store will entertain proposals from local manufacturers to carry locally made goods. If you've got a soap, a food, or a gift item to sell, give Schaefer a call at 541-756-0118.

The store is open for business, but a grand opening is set for Friday. There'll be promotional items -- apparently the word 'giveaway" is a no-no, but expect good things -- and the store will raffle off a bike. K-Dock, the North Bend High School jazz band, and the Marshfield dance team will entertain.

Shoppers can also look forward to the opening of Big Lots' doors Thursday, with that store's grand opening set for Oct. 19.

Pirates roll to volleyball victory

Marshfield’s volleyball team only allowed North Eugene to serve five times in the opening game of their match on Thursday, blasting the visiting Highlanders.

The Pirates won 25-5, 25-18, 25-13 to improve to 5-1 in Midwestern League play behind 5-0 Churchill.

“That’s the team we’re used to,” said Marshfield senior Brea Mosieur. “That’s the team we need to be. We really came together tonight.

“We have a great coach,” she added about coach Tammie Montiel. “And she really helps us push through.”

Marshfield set the tone early.

North Eugene’s only lead in the first game was 1-0 after a Marshfield net violation — from then on it was all Pirates. Marshfield took the lead 3-2 on a kill from Peyton Babb, then Babb had a marathon serving session.

She served 20 straight points, with Hannah Olson, Mosieur and setter Lauren McGowne dominating at the net with kills and blocks.

The Highlanders had a pair of blocks to make it 23-4, but Mosieur answered with a kill to force game point. Olson missed her jump serve, newly unveiled for the game, but North Eugene’s Janet Zornek also missed, giving the Pirates the first game by a wide margin.

“It was nice to start off as strong as we did,” Montiel said. “We didn’t get all six rotations in.”

The Pirates started off pretty strong in the second game, but started making little mistakes that kept the Highlanders in the game. Mosieur said they didn’t get down on themselves, though.

“We have a great crowd tonight ... and our seniors did a great job of keeping us pumped,” she said.

After an ace from North Eugene’s Ally Ganchegui narrowed the deficit to 21-17, Olson slammed a kill and Abby Clough followed with her own kill before North Eugene called timeout.

After the break, Mosieur had a kill to reach game point. Though Olson missed another jump serve, Mosieur blasted another kill to take a 2-0 match lead.

North Eugene jumped ahead in the third game, if only briefly. Babb served three straight points to give the Pirates a 5-2 lead, and after the Highlanders missed a serve, Olson had a pair of aces as she pushed the scored to 11-3.

North Eugene got within six points after a kill from Annaliesse Denn, but McGowne scored on a tip to put Marshfield back in possession. Babb again took over behind the service line, and Mosieur and Olson combined for a block as the Pirates pushed their lead to 21-10.

Marshfield forced match point after a North Eugene lift. A kill from Ganchegui and a miscommunication on Marshfield’s side of the net delayed the victory briefly, but Clough ended the match on a kill.

Mosieur led the Pirates with eight kills and a solo and assist block, and Olson had six kills, three aces and two blocks. Babb had five kills and eight digs, Moe had four kills and six digs and McGowne added 27 assists. Clough, a sophomore, had five kills.

“I thought Abby Clough played really well tonight,” Montiel said.

“The underclassmen really played well,” Mosieur said. “Abby had a great game tonight,”

For the Highlanders, Evelyn Mailander had 11 assists, and Zornek had nine digs.

Montiel and Mosieur said they were pleased with the Pirates’ serving — something they’ve been working on all season. They served much more aggressively Thursday night, with McGowne also debuting a jump serve.

“Lauren and Hannah have been kind of working on them in practice,” Montiel said.

McGowne, Babb and Katie Duell all served 100 percent.

“Our serves were good,” Mosieur said. “That’s something we’ve been working on.”

Even more important, Marshfield has won two straight matches after a heart-breaking loss at still-unbeaten Churchill last Saturday morning. The Pirates topped Springfield that same afternoon.

“The Springfield game, I think it was good to have that so close to the Churchill game because we could put it behind us,” Montiel said.

“We took a hit after Churchill,” Mosieur said. “To come back from it makes us even stronger.”

The Pirates don’t host the Lancers until Oct. 18, but it’s still highlighted on their schedule.

“I can’t wait for that game,” Mosieur said.

The Pirates have to worry about Willamette first, as they visit the Wolverines next Wednesday. The Wolverines sit in third place behind the Pirates in the league standings at 3-2.

The end of finesh a team very happy and enjoy.