The Ticker

Job openings climb in Nov.

Job openings climbed in November to the highest level in almost 14 years as the strengthening U.S. economy fueled demand for labor.

The number of positions waiting to be filled rose by 142,000 to 4.97 million in November, the most since January 2001, a report from the Labor Department showed yesterday. The pace of hiring cooled and fewer Americans quit their jobs.

Gains in hiring, waning dismissals and rising confidence underscore a vibrant labor market that in 2014 marked its strongest performance since 1999.

Seesaw Dow ends down again

Stocks swung from gains to losses and almost back again yesterday.

The U.S. market opened the day higher, getting a boost from encouraging news on hiring and small business confidence. The market then swooned in the afternoon as oil closed lower. The pendulum then swung back late in the day as oil gained in after-hours trading and stocks ended with small losses.

From peak to trough, the Dow Jones industrial average swung 425 points. The Dow fell 27.16 points, to 17,613.68. The Nasdaq composite slipped 3.21 points, to 4,661.50. The Standard & Poor's 500 index eased 5.23 points to 2,023.03.

Oil prices continue to tumble

Oil tumbled 5 percent to near six-year lows before recovering ground yesterday, and Brent briefly traded at par to U.S. crude for the first time in three months as some traders moved to take advantage of ample storage space in the United States.

Traders were searching to store the glut of oil, which has knocked prices down 60 percent in the last six months. So far this week, Brent has lost 7 percent and U.S. crude 5 percent.

Brent crude settled down 84 cents at $46.59 a barrel, after falling to $45.19, its lowest since March 2009. U.S. crude oil closed down 18 cents at $45.89, after hitting an April 2009 low of $44.20.

Today

 Commerce Department releases retail sales data for December.

 Commerce Department releases business inventories for November.

 Federal Reserve releases Beige Book.

TOMORROW

 Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims.

 Labor Department releases the Producer Price Index for December.

 Freddie Mac releases weekly mortgage rates.

THE SHUFFLE

Re/Max Leading Edge, with offices throughout Greater Boston, has announced the appointment of Christine George to executive vice president of marketing and business development. George will be responsible for setting the overall direction of the company's marketing and business development strategy.

16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

UMass Lowell receives $4M tech collaborative grant

Gov. Charlie Baker yesterday announced a $4 million Massachusetts Technology Collaborative grant to UMass Lowell to develop a printed and flexible electronics industry cluster, an emerging field with the potential to become a $76 billion global market over the next decade.

The new Printed Electronics Research Collaborative will position both large and small employers in Massachusetts to capitalize on the printed and flexible electronics field, which entails printing circuits on a base, or substrate, to create semiconductors and other electronics that are extremely thin, lightweight and flexible.

"Technical advances will enable us to generate 3-D drawings on the computer and directly print conductive and nonconductive components as easily as we now print with red, green and blue ink," said Julie Chen, vice provost for research. "We envision applications ranging from printed portable power and communications to novel drug delivery and diagnostic devices."

The four-year grant, which will be matched by $12 million in industry funding, will allow the Printed Electronics Research Collaborative initially to focus on supporting the state's defense cluster in printed electronics and branch out from there. Companies that have signed on include Raytheon of Waltham, MicroChem of Westboro and Rogers Corp. of Burlington, Chen said, and more are expected.

"The success of collaboration between the public and private sectors has been bearing fruit here for a number of years," Baker said. "This is exactly the sort of thing that should not only make us proud, but that we should do more of."

16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Device makers pin hopes on pols

Massachusetts' medical device industry is banking on a now-Republican-controlled U.S. Senate to repeal a federal tax that costs Bay State companies hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

A bipartisan group of senators led by Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) filed long-expected legislation yesterday to rescind the 
2.3 percent medical device tax enacted in 2013 to help fund the Affordable Care Act.

"This is very important legislation to the medical device industry in Massachusetts," said Tom Sommer, president of the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council. "We've seen workforce expansion plans stalled ... moves by companies offshore to less costly manufacturing venues and ... reductions in research and development spending."

Massachusetts has the nation's second largest concentration of medical device manufacturing after California. Medical devices are the state's No. 1 exported commodity, accounting for 14.5 percent of goods shipped from the state, according to the council. Some 24,000 employees work at 400 medical device companies, with another 75,000 employed in industry-related jobs.

Identical legislation filed in the last session of Congress passed the House but wasn't considered by the Senate. The legislation proposed yesterday also mirrors a bill introduced in the House last week by Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minnesota).

Hub think tank the Pioneer Institute estimated in a 2013 report that the tax costs the state's 19 largest medical device companies $425 million in annual levies. "If it were to be repealed, it would have pretty significant impact in Massachusetts," senior fellow Joshua Archambault said.

16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

The Ticker

Peabody man charged in $1M Apple tech theft

The director of technical and development operations at a South Boston-based media technology company was charged yesterday in connection with his alleged theft of nearly $1 million worth of iPads and other Apple products from his employer.

Michael S. Denning, 33, of Peabody was charged by U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz's office with mail fraud and filing false tax returns.

The U.S. attorney alleges that in late 2010, Denning began working at a South Boston-based media technology company where his job responsibilities included purchasing computer equipment, software and other technology-based products for use by employees.

Shortly after he was hired, Denning allegedly began ordering extra Apple computer equipment, primarily iPads, from a wholesale computer vendor. Denning then allegedly intercepted these packages and sold them for cash, initially on eBay and Craigslist, and later to eBay resellers.

116 Huntington Ave. bought for $152M

Atlanta-based real estate investment trust Columbia Property Trust Inc. has acquired the 274,218-square-foot, Class-A office 15-story building at 116 Huntington Ave. in Boston's Back Bay from Broadway Partners for a purchase price of $152 million, inclusive of capital credits. The 15-story building was built in 1991.

Philadelphia real estate co., Nordblom acquire office building in South End

Affiliates of Philadelphia-based Rubenstein Partners, in partnership with Burlington's Nordblom Co., have acquired 1000 Washington St., a 242,000-square-foot office building located in the South End, for $75 million.

The 11-story, 242,000-square-foot building — the former headquarters of Teradyne — sits across the street from the new Ink Block residential development. The 2-acre site includes a 300-car garage, penthouse cafeteria and lower-level fitness center.

Today

 Labor Department releases job openings and labor turnover survey for November.

 Treasury releases federal budget for December.

TOMORROW

 Commerce Department releases retail sales data for December.

 Commerce Department releases business inventories for November.

 Federal Reserve releases Beige Book.

THE SHUFFLE

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce, the region's largest chamber, has announced that Alan Macdonald director of public policy and community benefits officer with South Shore Hospital, has been named an officer of the chamber's board of directors.

16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Business Protocol: People skills becoming a lost art

At a time when casual attire and casual dining are all the buzz, there is no such thing as casual manners.

Manners speak to who we are and where we came from. Moreover, those who have manners notice those who do not. Being well presented and demonstrating respect and courtesy sets you apart.

Next generation leaders lack interpersonal and communications skills, which eventually plagues them at hiring and promotion time and interferes in developing business and even social relationships.

Etiquette is more than just knowing which fork to use. Etiquette, knowledge of business protocol and displaying gestures of respect buoys social skills and helps build more successful relationships.

Showing you know "the difference" can lead to advancement in business and in life, and begs the question: What else do you take the time and make the effort to learn about and master?

Many years ago, David Chag, general manager of The Country Club in Brookline (the oldest country club in the United States), turned to my company for protocol expertise. I had visited TCC and remember saying I assumed the staff was "over the top" in terms of professionalism and personalized service.

"Precisely why I am calling, Judy … because other people expect us to be; it is my job to make sure we are," David told me.

It should be all of our "jobs" to make sure America's future leaders know — and are taught — technical skills, business expertise, leadership skills, social acumen, interpersonal communication skills and cross-cultural diversity.

People skills are required to succeed in our high-tech global business climate today, yet they are quickly becoming a lost art.

Given expectations of management and staff at all levels, companies have a responsibility to help shape leaders of the next generation.

And while a casual environment is acceptable here at home, if you want to compete globally, showing you know "the difference" will set you apart anywhere in the world.

Finely tuned people skills and specific nuances — both acquired and learned — will make a lasting impression. It's never too early (or too late!) to start, and regular reinforcement is key.

Judith Bowman is president and founder of Protocol Consultants International and author of "Don't Take the Last Donut: New rules of Business Etiquette" and "How to Stand Apart @ Work … Transforming "Fine" to Fabulous!" Email her at Judith@protocolconsultants.com.

16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sculptor sues Macy’s over frog display

A shiny bronze frog is now the subject of a federal suit.

David Phillips, the Medford artist who in 2003 created six frog sculptures in the Boston Common near Frog Pond, is suing Macy's for exhibiting a replica of his "Fishing Frog" at its Downtown Crossing store during the Christmas season.

"Macy's ... copied Phillips' Fishing Frog sculpture without permission or authority from Phillips, and it used a copy of said statue in a Christmas window display facing Summer Street in its downtown Boston store," Phillips' attorney wrote. "Such copying, use and public display of the 'Fishing Frog' sculpture without Phillips' permission or authority ... constitutes an infringement of Phillips' copyright for which he is entitled to damages."

Phillips is asking Macy's to refrain from using the fishing frog. He also wants "all gains, profits and advantages derived by" Macy's from its use of the frog. If Macy's willfully violated Phillips' copyright, he wants up to $150,000.

16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Use an automatic battery charger when storing a car

I am the proud owner of a restored 1969 Pontiac GTO. This past summer I purchased a new battery from Sears. The salesman said for winter storage to remove one lead and leave it in the car. I have always believed in removing the battery and recharging it every so often. This year I left the battery in the car with one lead off and purchased an automatic battery charger that monitors the battery and keeps it at full charge with a display showing its condition. What do you think about these chargers and storage method?

For a minute there, I thought I was reading a question I wrote! Like you, I've followed the "old school" method of battery preservation by disconnecting, removing and periodically charging the batteries from my summer cars and recreational vehicles.

But the older I get the lazier, eh, make that more efficient, I am. So, I now have several Battery Tender automatic battery chargers connected to the disconnected batteries in my seasonal-use stuff. I've had no issues doing this over the past four years.

Well, make that one issue. My C6 Corvette has electric door locks, so when I carefully prepared it for storage, my final step was to disconnect the battery, hook up the charger and close the hood. Sounds perfect, eh? Except for the fact that with the doors, hood and rear hatch closed and the battery disconnected, there was no way to unlock the doors!

Here's the funny part. I never even thought about the issue until I tried to unlock the doors the next spring! Thankfully, the owner's manual with the little black plastic emergency key was in the house. It unlocked the rear hatch, where I could lean in and pull the emergency driver's door release so I could open the door and unlatch the hood to reconnect the battery. Live and learn.

I have a 2003 manual-transmission Honda CRV with about 100,000 miles. Ever since I bought it used with 90k it has high idle RPM when it starts up. The engine idle RPM hunts between 2,000 and 3,000 until the engine warms up. Then the idle drops to below 1,000 RPM. Any thoughts?

Whenever trying to diagnose a driveability issue, apply the KISS principle first — keep it simple. Start with the basics, which in this case is to check carefully for any type of vacuum leak in the induction system. Any air entering downstream of the MAF sensor (mass air flow) is not metered and can create a lean air/fuel ratio. Until the engine warms up to the point of switching to "closed loop" operation where the air/fuel ratio is monitored and trimmed by feedback from the oxygen sensor, the idle speed can be high and fluttery/unstable.

The IAC (idle air control) regulates air entering the induction system. If it is sticking or binding it may be contributing to this issue. And a scan tool check for DTC fault codes might help pinpoint the problem.

My 2010 Chevrolet Colorado will not start all the time. When I put the key in the ignition all accessories light up and the radio plays but the starter will not engage. Turn key off, take key out of ignition, wait 10 minutes, try again, and it will start. This has happened in all weather, approximately 10 times since May. The dealership could not find anything wrong. Can you help with this problem?

Your vehicle is equipped with a vehicle immobilizer system which will not allow the engine to start until and unless the BCM (body control module) sees the correct voltage through the ignition key resistor circuit. If the voltage generated through the resistor in the key doesn't match, the engine won't start.

Try your spare key first. Have the dealership scan the BCM for fault codes. And again, remember the KISS principle. Check the battery and starter/solenoid cables and connections.

Paul Brand, author of "How to Repair Your Car," is an automotive troubleshooter, driving instructor and former race-car driver. Readers may write to him at: Star Tribune, 425 Portland Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn., 55488 or via email at paulbrand@startribune.com. Please explain the problem in detail and include a daytime phone number. Because of the volume of mail, we cannot provide personal replies.

16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wind energy shifts direction

With the Cape Wind project on the ropes, the industry's future in Massachusetts may rest on a federal wind power auction later this month for a sprawling area off Martha's Vineyard.

Twelve companies have qualified to bid Jan. 29 as the federal government auctions four commercial leases for 742,000 acres of sea roughly 14 miles south of Martha's Vineyard. The power generated, if leased and used by the industry, could provide electricity for about 1.4 million homes, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said.

The Massachusetts Wind Energy Area that is up for auction is farther offshore than Cape Wind's estimated $2.5 billion project to install 130 turbines in Nantucket Sound, but that's not enough to silence some critics.

"Offshore wind is a nonstarter. I can't imagine circumstances under which it would be justifiable from an environmental or economic standpoint," said David Tuerck of the Beacon Hill Institute, who's been a vocal opponent of Cape Wind. "There never was any economic justification for the Cape Wind project, and now with the falling fossil fuel prices, there's even less justification for those projects."

The auction comes as Cape Wind's $150 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy is in jeopardy after National Grid and Nstar backed out of their contracts with the company, saying it had missed a Dec. 31 deadline for the necessary financing and had not provided collateral to extend the deadline.

From the beginning, the Cape Wind project was fraught with criticism from environmental advocates and economists alike, who said that it would disrupt fisheries in the area and create higher energy costs for Massachusetts residents.

"Anyone who bids on these tracts and puts up money to obtain them must be assuming that they're going to be allowed to charge even higher rates than Cape Wind got National Grid and Nstar to charge," Tuerck said. "Because however expensive it was, these projects will be more because they're farther out to sea."

But Audra Parker, president of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound and a Cape Wind opponent, said both the lease area in question and the steps taken by the government to look out for the public's best interest already make this endeavor superior to Cape Wind.

"There's a right way and a wrong way of identifying areas. Cape Wind's fight was driven to maximize profit," Parker said. "This process has involved science and stakeholder input."

Although she said that it "does not address the high cost of offshore wind," it is still better "in terms of site and the process it's taken."

That process has involved tools like Coastal Marine Spacial Planning, used to avoid environmental and financial costs in ocean management, she said.

Christopher Boelke, field office supervisor for the national Marine Fisheries Services, said the lease area was reduced by a third in part to protect the fisheries. He added that people may view this project as "less intrusive" than Cape Wind, given that it's farther offshore in a lower-traffic area.

16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

City eyes rules for Airbnb

Boston is turning its attention to Airbnb, scheduling a public hearing later this month to help determine what, if any, regulations are needed for the booming short-term rental service.

"This is a fast-growing industry here in the city of Boston; we just want to make sure it's operated safely and appropriately," said Jerome Smith, the city's chief of civic engagement, who will host the hearing. "The goal is information gathering. There are a lot of residents in the city of Boston who may use Airbnb."

Smith said it is unclear if the city will push for regulations after the Jan. 26 hearing.

"We're not saying that we're definitely regulating the industry; we're just saying that because it's a growing industry here in the city of Boston we should take a look at it," he said.

San Francisco-based Airbnb, which lets people rent out their homes nightly to strangers through its website, has steadily gained popularity nationwide and internationally. Between July 2014 and June 2014, Airbnb customers stayed in Boston homes 1,080 times, the company said.

"We want to work with leaders in Boston to make sure residents can continue to share their homes and the city they love with the world, while also creating sensible regulations that work for Boston," said Marie Aberger, an Airbnb spokeswoman.

San Francisco and Portland, Ore., have set up regulations to charge hotel taxes to private home rentals and Amsterdam last month penned an agreement with the home-rental service to collect a tourist tax. And New York's attorney general formed a city-state task force last year to investigate illegal hotels after he issued a report alleging that nearly three-quarters of Airbnb's listings in that state were illegal, a charge the company denied.

Boston has taken a more cautious approach to Airbnb, with Mayor Martin J. Walsh telling the Inspectional Services Department last summer not to fine people who rent out their homes through the service.

But City Councilor Salvatore LaMattina wants to take a closer look at Airbnb's practices after hearing complaints about apartments where people cycle through like through revolving doors. LaMattina said he refiled a bill for a hearing on Airbnb before the City Council.

"I really do think they need to be regulated, and we'll look at other cities across the United States and what they're doing to address the issues," said LaMattina. "They're not paying any hotel tax to the cities and towns, and I think there's something we really need to look at."

He said his biggest concern is potential investors buying homes or condos specifically to rent out on Airbnb.

Airbnb has also spurred the creation of Neighbors for Overnight Oversight, a national group pushing for regulation of the rental service.

"At this point we're just glad the city is having this hearing; it's an important first step," said Conor Yunits, a spokesman for the group. "The end goal will hopefully be some sort of oversight of this, so if people are abusing the laws with illegal hotels, that there's some kind of check on that."

16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jaguar sedan’s power doesn’t pounce

The 2015 Jaguar XF Sport delivers a highly refined driving experience worthy of its price.

Built to compete with the Audi A6, BMW 5 series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles, the Jaguar XF is an excellent choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd. With an MSRP of $59,875, it could even be considered a good value as it comes packed with standard features.

This British-made sedan possesses plenty of power — enough to maintain interest, but not so much that it overwhelms. It has a responsive and peppy 340-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine with acceleration that doesn't lurch or intimidate. The XF Sport's engine is in the middle of the XF lineup, which ranges from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder to a 5.0-liter V8 engine.

The XF Sport has an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that keeps the power on the rear wheels until needed, providing sure footing even in slick road conditions. For further control in adverse weather conditions, it also has winter and dynamic modes.

Our tester had an aerodynamic exterior coated in Italian racing red metallic paint, a charcoal interior and 20-inch dark grey wheels. It comes equipped with heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel, which were both tested on a raw, cold day and proved strong enough to use instead of the climate control system. It also had a heated windshield.

Retractable air vents automatically open on ignition for a James Bond effect when using the car's push-button start. Access to the car is gained by a keyless entry system, so you only need to have the key in your pocket to open the locked doors.

Xenon headlights present clear definition even on back streets at night. Signature LED lights outline the headlights, giving this Jaguar an even more distinctive look.

The steering is impressive. Tight spots are easily navigated and parking is incredibly easy. The XF also has a blind spot monitor to alert you to oncoming vehicles in other lanes.

Like its recent Jaguar and Range Rover predecessors, the XF has "intelligent stop-start," which is annoying in that it can only be overridden on a trip-by-trip basis.

Jaguar (and Range Rover for that matter) could use a revamp of the electronics/entertainment cluster. It is a very capable 380-watt touch screen GPS/entertainment system with great sound, but it is not customizable and cannot be configured to match your preferred mode as a default.

A four-year, 50,000 mile warranty with roadside assistance matches the other vehicles in its class. The only drawback when considering a Jaguar is its reliability reputation and lower than average resale value.

In the end, the Jaguar XF Sport is a thoroughly enjoyable vehicle that boasts both style and performance.

16.30 | 0 komentar | Read More