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Smartphone Sales Up 60% From Last Year

By RD Bentley on September 6, 2011 in

Smartphones are more popular than ever and the shipments have accelerated accordingly. A new report from Digitimes Research shows that in 2011 smartphones sales increased 60%, compared to the year 2010. Those are some pretty impressive statistics.

The reports says that Apple could surpass Nokia with shipments of smartphones in 2011. Here are the projected top ten brands in 2011:

TOP TEN SMARTPHONE BRANDS 2011

1. Apple Inc. — Cupertino, California, USA
2. Nokia — Espoo, Finland
3. Samsung — Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea
4. RIM — Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
5. HTC — Taoyuan, Taoyuan County, Taiwan, ROC
6. LGE— Seoul, South Korea
7. Motorola — Libertyville, Illinois, U.S.
8. Sony Ericsson — Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
9. Huawei — Longgang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
10. ZTE — ZTE Plaza, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China

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Office Depot Opens Caribbean Store

By RD Bentley on September 6, 2011 in ,

Office Depot Opens First Caribbean Store under Franchise Agreement with Benmore International

BOCA RATON, Fla., Sep 01, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) –

OfficeDepot (NYSE:ODP), a leading global provider of office supplies and services, announced today that it is now expanding its retail store presence in the Caribbean territory as part of its franchise agreement with Benmore International.

Through its relationship with Benmore International, Office Depot initially launched a delivery business for customers at the end of last year. In August 2011, the first Office Depot retail store location opened in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic at the Galeria 360 on John F. Kennedy Ave., one of the city’s busiest avenues. Office Depot is planning three additional Dominican Republic stores scheduled to open in 2012. In addition to its operations in various Central American countries and Puerto Rico, Office Depot plans to further expand its business throughout the Caribbean.

Office Depot has executed a successful franchise business model in other parts of the world, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and in Kuwait.

“Office Depot is excited to open our first store in the Dominican Republic and we are looking forward to expanding our footprint in the Caribbean territory,” said Ernst Wessel, Office Depot’s Vice President and Managing Director for Latin America. “We’ve had considerable success with our franchise model in the Middle East. We believe that the Office Depot business is particularly suitable and attractive as a franchising concept for certain territories and we are actively looking to grow this part of our business in a number of overseas markets.”

“Office Depot has one of the most recognizable brand names in the world; and because of the proximity of Office Depot’s global headquarters in Florida, it makes great business sense for us to partner with this established multi-channel retailer to serve customers in the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries,” said Rosalina Trueba de Prida, VP and Executive Director for Benmore International.

To learn more about the small business products and services available at Office Depot, please visit your local Office Depot retail store location or www.officedepot.com. To become a fan of Office Depot on Facebook and receive exclusive content, offers and more, please visit www.facebook.com/officedepot. To follow Office Depot on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/officedepot.

About Office Depot

Celebrating 25 years as a leading global provider of office supplies and services, OfficeDepot is Taking Care of Business for millions of customers around the globe. For the local corner store as well as Fortune 500 companies, Office Depot provides supplies and services to its customers through 1,627 worldwide retail stores, a dedicated sales force, top-rated catalogs and global e-commerce operations. Office Depot has annual sales of approximately $11.6 billion, and employs about 40,000 associates around the world. The Company provides more office supplies and services to more customers in more countries than any other company, and currently sells to customers directly or through affiliates in 56 countries.

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Psychic Reveals: Numbers Good For Obama

By RD Bentley on September 6, 2011 in

The Striking Numbers:-

  • The birth number of Barack Obama is 4.
  • He was born on August 4, 1961.
  • He was elected US President in the November 4, 2008 Presidential election.
  • His marriage was at the age of 31 (3+1=4).
  • He is the 4th youngest US President.
  • Numbers 1 and 4:- Numbers 1 and 4 are numerological twins.
  • So, a person with birth number 1 is influenced by numbers 1 and 4.
  • Similarly, a number 4 person is influenced by number 1 also.
  • His Zodiacal Sign:- Obama was born in the Zodiacal Sign of Leo.
  • The Sign is represented by the planet Sun. Sun represents number 1.
  • Hence, influence of numbers 1 and 4 are much stronger in the case of Obama-by virtue of his birth number and Zodiacal Sign.
  • He was elected US President in 2008 which represents 1.
  • Similarly, the year 2011 is strongly significant for Obama in various ways.

    • President Obama and First Lady Michelle:-

  • Astrologically and numerologically, there are harmonious vibrations between Obama and wife Michelle.
  • Michelle was born on January 17, 1964.
  • Hence her birth number is 8.
  • Her occult number is 44.
  • Surprisingly, the fate number of Obama and Michelle is same.
  • Their fate number is 29.
  • It is obtained by adding together the numbers of the date,month and year of birth.
  • Briefly, Obama and Michelle carry the same fate number and occult number.

    • By MK DAMODARAN, Certified Numerologist —

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    An Analysis Of The Innovator's Dilemma

    By RD Bentley on September 4, 2011 in ,

    The Innovator’s Dilemma — Even top notch leaders of the most successful companies will eventually be forced to make decisions which will seal their fate. Should the company continue to comfortably market a popular product obsessively, or should it focus on disruptive technology that will change the future?

    There’s an adage which will always carry a lot of weight. The customer is always right. However, while your customer may always be right, your customer will never always stay satisfied. Consumers are always on the lookout for a new product which is better than the last one. The next bestselling product will be better suited to match their taxing demands.

    Bestselling author Clayton M. Christensen addresses “The Innovator’s Dilemma” and how markets get changed in the process. In today’s rapidly changing evolution of technology, there’s only one thing to be certain of — and that is change. 

    Christensen made the term disruptive technologies famous in 1995. What is disruptive technology? Disruptive technology is nothing short of pure innovation. It’s when a prodigy realizes that innovation will spark a new market and in the process will disrupt the dominant, existing market.

    Sometimes change can happen within a generation. Change can happen almost overnight in some instances. There’s one variable that will remain — the inevitability of change. It’s part of the fluctuating economic cycle.

    In his bestselling book, Christensen gives us the nuts and bolts of the business cycle itself. He gives us prime examples of where the biggest of companies have succeeded, while others have failed adequately. You’ll be surprised upon reading the book and discovering how certain household brands have established themselves, while others have completely vanished away.

    The innovative developments of our day will astonish you if you stop and get a glimpse of the procedure. Executives are often forced into complying with closed, rigid systems. They also have to deal with profit margins.

    What is obscure to the average consumer is that firms do frequently stumble when confronting technology. Executives do struggle with innovative technology, because they have to continually satisfy the hunger of their stockholders. But if that market eventually dries up, and it does happen, your company will cease to exist.

    There’s a famous quote that describes one version of the leader’s struggle:

    You can always tell who the pioneers are because they have arrows in their back and are lying face down in the dirt.

    Christensen argues that while this thinking is conventionally popular, leadership roles are far more complex and timing is one of the most critical elements of any maneuver. While it is true that executives are only human and they do make mistakes, it is the brilliant ones that do the research and understand the profound impact of innovation.

    Christensen evaluates the advancement of computer technology, retail, construction, and more.

    The data he provides in the book relates to companies that have become synonymous with success. These are brands that are very recognizable; and they have left an enormous impact on societal function, as well as sociological behavior.

    Human behavior is very difficult to predict; it’s even more difficult to market. Due to our hectic schedules, we seldom think about how companies evolve. In addition, we often fail to realize how their decisions affect our daily lives.

    Christensen concludes that companies can thrive if they plan ahead, look for patterns in the market, and invest their time into doing adequate research.

    For those companies that are capable of facing the vigorous challenge, they will be granted with the highest levels of achievement. The profits are much greater for those that are first in line. The risk is equally as great.

    There’s a challenge that many successful companies will have to confront sooner or later. That decision is to remain with sustaining technology, or embrace disruptive technology. It’s “The Innovator’s Dilemma”.

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    Warning: Employees Using Company Laptops

    By RD Bentley on September 4, 2011 in

    Warning to all employees. Before you use the company’s laptop on the job or off the property, you should be aware of your actions. We’re living in a complex, digital world that includes plenty of risks.

    A woman was about to forego an experience that she’d never forget for the rest of her life. For sure.

    The lady was in a relationship with a man and the two were sending each other explicit photos. These pictures would not pass for rated g in the movie theater if they had been movies. Well, you can just use your imagination on this one.

    The woman was a schoolteacher, and she bought the computer from one of her students beforehand. The laptop was originally purchased by the school system, presumably in or near the area in which she lived.

    Without giving the spoiler away, you should go finish the story first.

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    Macworld $25,000 Sweepstakes (Ends 1/31/12)

    By RD Bentley on September 3, 2011 in

    Macworld: Dream Come True Sweepstakes

    Macworld $25,000 Sweepstakes begins 10/15/10 and ends 1/31/12. NO PURCHASE, PAYMENT, SALES PRESENTATION, OR CONTRIBUTION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THE SWEEPSTAKES. Go to the sweepstakes entry form at Macworld and find out more about the the official rules.

    1 GRAND PRIZE  —  AVG. RETAIL VALUE $25,000

    • $25,000 Cash
    • Chevrolet® Silverado
    • Chevrolet® Equinox
    • Chevrolet® Cobalt
    • Chevrolet® Malibu Hybrid
    • Saturn® Vue® Hybrid
    • Saturn Aura Hybrid
    • Saturn Sky® Roadster
    • Pontiac® Solstice® Roadster
    • Pontiac® Grand Prix
    • Buick® LaCrosse CX
    • Ford® Explorer XLT
    • Ford® Mustang GT Convertible
    • Ford® Taurus
    • Ford® Escape Hybrid
    • Volvo® C30
    • Honda® Gold Wing Motorcycle
    • Pair of Honda® VTX1300T Motorcycles
    • Pair of Honda® F15X Personal Water Crafts
    • Sea Ray 185 Sport Boat
    • Golf Trip for 4 to Pinehurst
    • Golf Trip for 4 to Pebble Beach or Scotland
    • Trip for 4 to Ireland
    • Cruise on the Queen Mary 2
    • Mediterranean/Greek Isles Cruise for 2
    • Fabulous Getaway to the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort
    • Spring Break Vacation for the Family
    • Australian Trip for 4
    • Trip for 4 to South Beach, Miami
    • European Trip for 4
    • Caribbean Cruise for 4
    • Rent a Chateau in South of France
    • Trip for 4 to Belize
    • Trip for 4 to Costa Rica
    • Rent a Villa in Tuscany
    • Hawaiian Cruise/Land Tour for 2
    • Ski Trip/Switzerland for 2
    • Family trip to Orlando, Florida
    • Trip to Spain and Venice
    • Family Trip or Spa Trip to California
    • Family Reunion Party
    • Trip for 4 to favorite Sports Event
    • Trip for 2 to California’s Wine Country
    • Sailing Adventure on the S/V Tondeleyo
    • Dimension One Spa plus $10,000 for installation
    • New Dining Room Furniture
    • Great Room/Recreation Room
    • Brand New Bathroom w/ whirlpool tub
    • Master Bedroom Suite of Furniture
    • Children’s Bedroom Furniture for 2 Rooms
    • $30,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds + $10,000 Cash
    • $25,000 in Scholarships/Childcare
    • Redecorate/Renovate Any Room in the House
    • $25,000 Dream Kitchen/Decorating/Electronics
    • $25,000 Automobile/Vehicle/Boat
    • $25,000 Vacation
    • $25,000 Jewelry or Merchandise
    • $25,000 Wardrobe Makeover
    • One year membership fees to country club of winner’s choice
    • Chef Caesar’s Italian Cooking Cruise IV for 4
    • 10-day Galapagos Family Odyssey for 4
    • South America Trip (e.g., Machu Picchu, or Amazon)

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    EchoLink Troubleshooting Guide

    By RD Bentley on September 2, 2011 in

    Troubleshooting EchoLink can be a very frustrating game. Here are a few tips that apply to Windows XP, while being connected to a broadband connection, and using an interface to drive a radio.

    Port/Firewall Problems
    Go to EchoLink — Tools — Firewall/Router Test

    If it says Pass, you are okay with ports. This is not the problem. Most of the time this is the problem. Remember — even after you have configured the port settings, the ports can come undone and they’ll have to be set again.

    Timeout
    This is usually a port problem. If you cannot connect to the EchoLink Test Server or any other operator, it is highly likely that you do not have the port settings right, or the firewall setting on your computer isn’t set right.

    Get on EchoLink and then go to Tools. At the bottom of the Tools bar, you will see the Firewall/Router Test. This will tell if you have configured something wrong. Try this first before you do anything else.

    Another great idea
    Download the EchoLink Troubleshooter. Download this to your computer in the My Documents Folder, for example. Then run it after it is downloaded. This is a great tool.

    If a port setting isn’t right you must go to the service page of your Internet Service Provider. If you’re not familiar with this, call your ISP and hopefully you’ll get an operator to walk you through the process.

    Setup — Portforwarding — Portforwarding Configuration —
    This port is supposed to be the magic one that works.
    Enable Port: 57972
    Protocol: UDP and TCP

    You’ll need to enable these ports also.
    Enable Ports: 5198 and 5199
    Protocol: UDP on both ports. Enable TCP on both ports.

    Firewall Settings
    The firewall must be set on low regarding your Internet Service Provider settings. If your ports are working and you still have trouble, this could be the culprit.

    Try this. Go to Control Panel. Then click on Windows Firewall. Then click on Exception. Make sure you do checkmark it where it says EchoLink; this will allow it to work.

    Router Problems
    Resolved soon…

    Still Not Working
    EchoLink — Tools — Link Setup Wizard
    If you are using an interface in Sysop Mode, make sure Digital Mode Interface is checked (RIGblaster or similar), if this is the type of interface you are using. If this is not checked, EchoLink will not work.

    Audio Trouble – Cannot Hear
    EchoLink — Tools — Adjust Sound Device — Playback
    Make sure nothing is muted (and the volume is turned up). If it is checked, uncheck it. Also, make sure the microphone is not muted. The microphone mysteriously mutes itself sometimes.

    RealTek Settings
    These settings will pertain to you if Realtek is your audio manager. First click on the Mixer tab. Under Realtek HD audio input, mute the stereo mix. In the 3D Audio Demo tab, select Manual – Vertical under Moving Path. Under the microphone settings, mute the Noise Supression and Acoustic Echo Cancellation.

    Realtek Analog (Automatically detects line in and line out.)

    Realtek Connector Settings Be sure to checkmark Mute Rear Panel Output.

    Reminder: Go to Tools> Setup> Audio. Be sure to check or tick these 2 items: Check Auto Sample Rate Compensation, 300 Hz TX High-Pass Filter. This really does help.

    Another reminder. Go to Tools> Link Setup Wizard. Go through this from time to time. Especially after you have not used EchoLink in a long time. This function seems to reactivate the system.

    If you are using an interface, make sure the volume is turned up on your ham radio. Many times the volume is turned down and forgotten about.

    Make sure the speakers are connected right. Make sure the interface connections are hooked up right. It is a common problem to cross the line in/line out wires into the jacks, on the back of the computer, concerning interface users.

    Still No Audio
    Make sure you have the right Sound Card. This is usually not a problem. Try the EchoLink Troubleshooter. A link is posted above to download this.

    Free VOIP Technology that connects amateur radio operators around the world, and maximizes the utilization of ham radio equipment. All for free. Doesn’t get any better than that! Introducing EchoLink.

    Image Credit:

    Image: anankkml / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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    Horsemanning: The Latest Meme

    By RD Bentley on September 2, 2011 in

     

    Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 EF-S Hands-on by DigitalRev.com

    Have a look at a crop-sensor lens — the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 EF-S lens. Playing around with the latest meme — horsemanning. The ultimate headless horseman look-a-like contest.

    The Headless Horseman from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow rides again!

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    IFA 2011 Shows Latest Gadgets

    By RD Bentley on September 2, 2011 in ,

    The IFA is a consumer electronic tradeshow that is held in Berlin, Germany, and it is considered to be the world’s largest in this category. The Internationale Funkausstellung or Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (International radio exhibition Berlin) is one of the oldest industrial exhibitions in Germany.

    Between 1924 and 1939 the IFA was held annually, but from 1950 to 2005 it was a biennial event. Since then it has been held in September of ever year. The Los Angeles Times has reporters covering the show in Berlin.

    Journalists come from around the world to catch the latest wares that are presented from international companies. The IFA will be held September 2 — 7 , 2011.

    On the same grounds nearby is the Funkturm Berlin (Radio Tower Berlin), the tower where the world’s first television program broadcasted on March 22, 1935.

    IFA in Berlin, the global trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, presents the latest products and innovations in the heart of Europe‘s most important regional market.

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    Big Prize Giveaways (Ends Sep 2011)

    By RD Bentley on August 31, 2011 in

     Big Prize Giveaways

    1.   MacBook Pro — Drawing Date: September 20, 2011
    5 PM EDT
    Enter Once Per Day

    2.   iPad 2 — Drawing Date: September 7, 2011
    12 PM EDT
    Enter Once Per Day

    3.   iPod Touch — Drawing Date: September 10, 2011
    5 AM EDT
    Enter Once Per Day

    4.   Vizio 32″ HDTV — Drawing Date: September 18, 2011
    3 PM EDT
    Enter Once Per Day

    5.   $100 Gas Gift Card — Drawing Date: September 13, 2011
    3 PM EDT
    Enter Once Per Day

    6.   $100 Grocery Gift Card — Drawing Date: September 14, 2011
    3 PM EDT
    Enter Once Per Day

    7.   $500 Visa Gift Card — Drawing Date: September 7, 2011
    12 PM EDT
    Enter Once Per Day

    8.   4,000 XBOX Live Points — Drawing Date: September 16, 2011
    3 PM EDT
    Enter Once Per Day

    9.   Golf Club RLL Driver — Drawing Date: September 20, 2011
    5 PM EDT
    Enter Once Per Day

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