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United Parcel Service Inc. expects shipment increases in the “low single digits” during the peak season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, helped by purchases made online, Chief Executive Officer Scott Davis said.

Volume will be “slightly higher” than a year earlier with online retailers among the most optimistic, Davis said today in an interview in the Toronto suburb of Vaughan. He was visiting the city to discuss an expansion of UPS’s hub that included doubling capacity to 40,000 pieces an hour and adding 300 jobs.

“We at UPS expect a slightly higher shipping volume than last year in the peak season,” Davis said. “The real success of the holiday season will probably be determined in those eight or nine days before Christmas. I think expectations are, in the U.S. anyways, that they’re expecting a somewhat flat retail season.”

UPS, the world’s largest package-delivery company, is considered a bellwether for the U.S. economy because it handles goods ranging from auto parts to electronics, medicine and clothing. Davis reaffirmed the Atlanta-based company’s forecast of handling 400 million packages during the peak season.

The Flemish Prime Minister Kris Peeters (Christian Democrat) is to hold talks with the bosses of the courier DHL.
On Thursday, the company announced that it is to move its European Headquarters from Diegem in Flemish Brabant to the German city of Bonn.

The move will mean the loss of 788 Flemish jobs.
Peeters says that he finds it regrettable that DHL didn’t contact the Flemish Government before deciding to carry out such a large-scale restructuring.

Speaking on the VRT’s current affairs programme Terzake, Peeters said: “It’s is naturally highly regrettable that, given the scale of the redundancies and that so many people are affected, the Flemish Government and myself were not informed about the situation”
The Flemish Government has come under fire from several quarters, as its so-called Start-plan to stimulate the economic development of the area around Zaventem Airport (Flemish Brabant) has failed to get off the ground.
A number of projects have been delayed by judicial proceedings.
However, Peeters insists that the Flemish Government intends to cut red tape and make it easier for new businesses to set up shop.
"We’re working on it."
"A special committee was set up last week and I hope that we will be able to pass a bill to cut the time certain procedures take.”

Initial Agreements Include Cove Point, Maryland Capacity Deal and Gas & LNG Sales

HOUSTON & STAVANGER, Norway-Gazprom Marketing & Trading USA (“GM&T USA”) and Statoil ASA (“Statoil”) today announced the signature of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) for the finalization of a series of separate, mutually beneficial agreements between the two companies including regasification capacity at the Cove Point, Maryland receiving terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG), gas sales in the USA and LNG imports to the USA.

Statoil and GM&T USA are now negotiating all terms and conditions of the final binding detailed agreements based on the MoU. The parties aim to finalize negotiations by first quarter 2010. Under the terms of the MoU:

• GM&T USA will, under a separate LNG throughput agreement, receive access to 50 million cubic feet per day (“MMCFD”) (approximately 0.5 billion cubic meters per year (“bcma”)) of regasification capacity at the Cove Point terminal starting in 2010. In addition, GM&T USA will in a separate throughput agreement receive long-term access to 200 MMCFD (2 bcma) of regas capacity at the Cove Point terminal for 18 to 20 years. GM&T USA will utilize the capacity to import LNG purchased from Gazprom Group’s world-wide portfolio of supplies. Both agreements also include the release to GM&T USA of take-away Cove Point Expansion pipeline capacity.
• GM&T USA will purchase natural gas from Statoil at various trading hubs in the US market. This agreement, which commenced on November 1, 2009, includes a gas volume of 100 MMCFD (1 bcma) and will last more than five years.
• Statoil will purchase, under a separate 20-year agreement, 200 MMCFD (2 bcma) of LNG from Gazprom Group’s global portfolio of LNG supplies for delivery in international waters to Statoil for regasification at the Cove Point terminal.

“The regasification agreements with Statoil will enable GM&T USA to import significant volumes of LNG purchased from Russia and other sources, both short and long term, and will provide a firm foundation for our long term LNG supply strategy. Our gas purchase agreement enables us to strengthen our North American marketing and trading operation, which we launched on October 1^st, and provides us with gas supplies in areas of strategic importance,” said John Hattenberger, President of Gazprom Marketing & Trading USA. “We are very pleased to add these North American deals to the long list of business transactions between our companies, and we look forward to additional business opportunities in the future.”

“The agreement is an important step in Statoil’s efforts to ensure supply for our LNG-import and regas capacity at Cove Point. It further underlines our ability to develop our gas business in the US where we over a relatively short time have built a position in upstream conventional production, shale gas and the LNG-import terminal Cove Point,” said Irene Rummelhoff, Senior Vice President for International Gas Development in Natural Gas in Statoil. “It is also an important broadening of the successful commercial relationship between the companies in the Gazprom Group and Statoil.”

About Gazprom Marketing & Trading:

Gazprom Marketing & Trading Limited (GM&T) is a UK-registered wholly-owned subsidiary of Gazprom, the world’s largest gas company by asset base, accounting for 17% of the world’s total natural gas reserves and for over 70% of natural gas reserves in Russia. GM&T is headquartered in London and was established in 1999 to manage Gazprom's marketing and trading activities in the liberalized markets of Europe. GM&T is responsible for the optimization of Gazprom’s energy commodity assets and downstream expansion through its marketing and trading network. With subsidiaries in Houston, Paris, Berlin and Manchester, GM&T trades energy commodities including gas, power, oil, carbon and LNG.

GM&T USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM&T, was formed in July, 2006 to serve as the platform for entry into the North American market. GM&T USA commenced full scale gas marketing and trading operations in North America on 1 October 2009. It is also engaged in obtaining and operating LNG regasification capacity, and is actively developing a business to provide solutions for reduction of carbon emissions.

 

About Statoil:

Statoil is an international energy company with operations in 40 countries. Building on more than 35 years of experience from oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf, the group is committed to accommodating the world's energy needs in a responsible manner, applying technology and creating innovative business solutions. Statoil is headquartered in Norway with 30,000 employees worldwide, and are listed on the New York and Oslo stock exchanges.

Statoil is the second largest supplier of gas to Europe, based on the production on the Norwegian continental shelf, and is also engaged in developing gas value chains worldwide.

About the Cove Point terminal:

Statoil ASA’s US affiliate, Statoil Natural Gas, has a long-term throughput arrangement with Dominion, the owner of the Cove Point-terminal which is an import terminal for gas to the US east coast. Here, liquefied natural gas is delivered, stored and regasified to become pipeline gas. Since 2003, Statoil has delivered LNG to Cove Point. The group has access to a total capacity of some 10 billion cubic metres of gas annually.

Pointy Heads Software Introduces Live, Streaming Mobile-to-Mobile Video-Sharing for iPhone Users

DANBURY, Conn-Pointy Heads Software, leading innovators in mobile-to-mobile sharing, today launched Knocking Live Video – the world’s first broadcast app – to the Apple iPhone. Knocking apps eliminate the ‘upload, send, download’ process, establishing live, device-to-device connectivity regardless of proximity or other barriers. Knocking Live Video creates an instant, device-to-device connection allowing one iPhone user to broadcast live streaming video to another iPhone handset.

Knocking is an entirely new form of mobile communication redefining the way users share moments. Knocking is direct, visual communication. Where mobile users once got a call, an e-mail, text or multimedia message, they now get a knock.

“We cannot be more elated to bring live video broadcasting to the iPhone,” explains Jim Montalto co-founder of Knocking and Pointy Heads Software. “Knocking Live Video is truly a breakthrough in technology and social media. At the most fundamental level, Knocking Live Video lets users be in the moment with friends and family, regardless of distance.”

Existing video apps make the Internet both a boundary and enabler of “sharing.” Most require users to shoot video, render it small enough to be sent, then upload and transmit content using the Internet as another person waits for a lengthy download. Knocking Live Video eliminates that process, letting users broadcast moments directly from iPhone to iPhone, live. The app maximizes the potential of the iPhone camera, connecting any generation of iPhone, regardless of 3GS ‘video’ capabilities. Knocking treats the iPhone camera as a keyhole into another moment, letting users look through to another device, place and event.

All Knocking apps include a ‘Facebook Connect’ feature which automatically publishes stories on users’ ‘Knocks’ in real-time. Knocking Live Video is available for download in the social networking category of the Apple app store today, free for the first 50,000 users.

How it Works:

It’s simple. ‘Knock’, then share:

• Open Knocking Live Video Sharing
• Set up account
• Request and ‘Knock’ your friends
• Aim your camera

About Pointy Heads Software:

Pointy Heads Software are innovators helping people share their mobile lives. Having introduced Knocking, AhhFone, Chicken Kazoo, BlowUP, and MyTopTen, Pointy Heads Software is changing the perception of what it means to be pointy. That's why Pointy Heads Software's three pointy heads are hard at work developing applications for every type of mobile device - from the Apple iPhone to Blackberry and Android smartphones.

With Pointy Heads Software, you are ready to share your mobile life.

Who wants to be a flat head anyway?

R&B Good Girl on Music, Scandal and her Empire State of Mind

NEW YORK--Uptown Magazine celebrates the Holiday Season and December/January 2010 issue with cover girl Alicia Keys, on newsstands December 8^th. "Free Spirit” gives Alicia Keys a forum to discuss her latest album “The Element of Freedom,” singing her new single “Empire State of Mind” with Jay-Z at Yankee Stadium during the World Series, her new company AK Worldwide and dealing with rumors and haters.

Featured stories include “The Uptown Best Dressed List of 2009” by Editor-in-Chief Keija Minor, a look at the those individuals who elevate fashion to an art form including First Lady Michelle Obama, Father-Daughter team Lenny & Zoe Kravitz, mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Obama Administration Social Secretary Desiree Rogers.

Plus, Common learns how to make cocktails, Chef Marcus Samuelsson maps out the perfect yuletide menu, tips on tackling today’s real estate market and the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

"This is the second time Alicia Keys has been on the cover of Uptown," said Brett Wright, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer. "Her growth as an artist continues to inspire readers."

About Uptown Media

Founded in 2004, Uptown Media Group is the only luxury lifestyle company targeting the Affluent African American (AAA) Market. UPTOWN Magazine affords luxury purveyors the broadest access to this highly sought-after demographic. Uptown Media Group, LLC offers traditional and innovative strategies, including UPTOWN Magazine (published bi-monthly with NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington DC, Charlotte and National editions), Uptown Social event updates and Uptown's signature events. UPTOWN Magazine, a toast to Luxury, Lifestyle and Living.

New York JFK to Hong Kong Roundtrip in Business Class for Just US$4,066

NEW YORK--Be honest. Is there a more beautiful urban view on Earth than looking across Victoria Harbour at night towards the vibrant skyline of Hong Kong?

Cathay Pacific offers an opportunity for you to share that view, and all Hong Kong has to offer - exquisite dining, eclectic shopping, exciting nightlife, with someone you love starting with a luxurious trip across the Pacific in Business Class for just US$4065.65 per person.

"Starting with our award-winning Service Straight from the Heart, your trip to Hong Kong will offer a lifetime of memories," said Dennis Owen, vice president, marketing, Americas, for Cathay Pacific. "Whether you were there last week or have never been there before, this special fare makes Hong Kong a compelling alternative to staying put for the holiday season."

The US$4,065.65 fare includes all associated taxes and fees and is only valid from New York JFK to Hong Kong roundtrip. Tickets require a 14-day advance purchase. There is a 3-day minimum and a 30-day maximum stay. Travel outbound from New York JFK must occur by Jan. 1, 2010. Seats may not be available on all flights. Other restrictions may apply.

About Cathay Pacific Airways

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways was named "Airline of the Year 2009" by the Skytrax World Airline Awards. From North America, Cathay Pacific offers daily nonstop service to Hong Kong from LAX, JFK, SFO, Toronto and Vancouver. The airline is a member of the oneworld™ alliance and a partner in Asia Miles, a leading travel rewards program.

What:

The Coca-Cola Company will announce a significant new commitment to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions. Greenpeace has urged Coca-Cola to expand its climate commitments and supports this announcement as a positive example of business investment in low-carbon growth.

Who:

Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company

Phil Radford, Executive Director, Greenpeace USA

Gerd Leipold, Former Executive Director, Greenpeace International

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.

About Greenpeace

Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. It comprises 29 independent national/regional offices in over 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, as well as a coordinating body, Greenpeace International.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.-Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) announced today that Matthew Glotzbach, Director, Product Management, will participate in a question-and-answer session at the Barclays Capital Global Technology Conference in San Francisco. The session is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, December 9, 2009.

About Google Inc.

Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Google is a trademark of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

Building Is Largest Single Canadian Investment

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--UPS Canada today formally opened a (US)$70 million expansion of its Toronto distribution centre, once again demonstrating its commitment to boosting Canadian trade by simplifying the import and export of goods.

Scott Davis, chairman and CEO of UPS, and Mike Tierney, president of UPS Canada, presided over the official opening of the newly expanded 463,024-square-foot facility, the equivalent to about eight football fields. The enlarged “door to the world” more than doubles UPS’s package processing capacity to facilitate international commerce between Canadian businesses and their overseas counterparts.

In opening the expanded facility, Davis noted it might seem strange that UPS would invest $70 million “in the middle of the worst recession in recent history.”

“But there’s a simple answer,” the CEO continued. “UPS sees the same kind of possibilities in Canada that we saw more than 30 years ago when it began operations here. What we see is amazing potential – a strong and resilient Canadian economy, the unstoppable force of global commerce and a nation of companies ready to emerge stronger from the recession into a new era of global growth.”

UPS broke ground on the expansion of the Toronto hub in 2007, recognizing a growing demand among businesses in Toronto — and Canada as a whole — to ship goods within the country and to destinations around the world.

“You can’t look at this building as a stand-alone facility,” Davis added. “It’s really part of a global web of air and ground facilities, freight and airline fleets, warehouses and retail stores connecting each business to more than 200 countries and territories around the world.”

The expanded Toronto hub is located on Toronto’s northern border within the rapidly growing city of Vaughan, where UPS is the second largest employer. It will process freight shipments in addition to small package volume.

“This newly expanded facility will serve as a local economic driver, creating several hundred jobs for local and regional residents,” said Tierney. “In addition, it will contribute to the tax base and offer the city a state-of-the-art building in line with environmental standards.”

The building includes numerous eco-features, including skylights for more natural light; an energy management system for climate control that automatically detects the amount of sunlight in the building and adjusts the internal temperature accordingly; the expansion of the propane fueling area to facilitate a broader use of propane fuel, and a comprehensive storm water management system.

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. With more than a century of experience in transportation and logistics, UPS is a leading global trade expert equipped with a broad portfolio of solutions. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.