While we haven’t gotten the first report of “Eek – Christmas decorations already?!?” it’s bound to happen soon and so begins the 6 months talk of getting ready for the holidays. For many people, shopping is part of the fun and they relish the opportunity to start – the sooner the better. I’ve even heard a couple of people proudly proclaim that they were completely finished with their list well before Halloween.

If you ask these early birds, they’ll tell you that shopping early lets them get the best bargains and avoid the crowds. They keep their eyes open all year long for the perfect gift at a great price and spend the rush between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day safely out of the mall. The really organi

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On this day in 191, inventor Paul Edward Yost was born. He was the inventor of the modern hot air balloon and is called the Father of the Modern Day Hot-Air Balloon.

In the 1950s, Yosts own interests turned toward reviving the lost practice of manned hot-air ballooning. This technology had first been invented in France by in the late 18th century by pioneers led by the Montgolfier brothers, but under the Montgolfier system the balloons air was heated by a ground fire prior to the balloon being released.

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Summer jobs are scarce for teens this year. According to the US Labor Department, the unemployment rate for teens age 16-19 is currently around 24%. This is bad news for young people who would like to earn cash to save for college or to move out of the family home or to make major purchases like cars and computers. A lack of work experience can also be a Catch-22 as you need experience to get a job, but you can’t get the experience without one.

Here are some suggestions for young people who are looking for ways to earn money and gain experience this summer: Do take the job search seriously. Filling out one application and then waiting for a call back doesn’t cut it these days unless you are very lucky. You

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July 1 – Fonterra Cooperative Group has exercised a pre-emptive right to buy the 50% of rural supplies chain RD1 that it doesn’t already own after its Australian partner was acquired by Canada’s Agrium.

No price was disclosed for the transaction. RD1, with 57 stores in New Zealand, had total assets of $137 million and net assets of $14.9 million, as at May 31, 2010, its accounts show.

Landmark, the Australian rural supplies chain owned by AWB, acquired a half stake in RD1 from Fonterra in 2006 as part of a trans-Tasman alliance. Landmarks contribution was a net $35 million to $45 million, according to an AWB statement at the time.

It competes with PGG Wrightson Ltd., New Zealand’s biggest rural services company. Canada’

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July 4 –Charlie’s Group founders Stefan Lepionka, Mark Ellis and Simon Neal, along with other majority shareholders, have agreed to sell the juice-maker for $129.3 million to Japanese brewer, the Asahi group.

The local unit of the Japanese drinks giant, Asahi Beverages New Zealand Ltd., is offering 44 cents apiece to Charlie’s shareholders, a premium of 57% to the juice-maker’s closing price of 28 cents on Friday.

Asahi already has 52.17% approvals, and intends to take full control, requiring at least 90% to achieve a takeover.

Charlie’s board of directors has recommended shareholders accept the deal unless a better offer eventuates or the independent adviser’s report says the price falls short of the valuation range.

“Asahi’s intended offer represents a very strong premium over market for shareholders to consider,” chairman Ted van Arkel said in a statement. The independent d

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Having trouble finding a way to thank employees for their hard work when your business is having trouble getting by? USA Today has some advice from SBA head, Karen Mills, that may help.

Many employees understand the financial constraints that come with running a business during bumpy economic times and appreciate creative efforts to recognize their contributions. Here are some ways to provide rewards without breaking the bank:

Think 365. Many firms reward employees once a year — usually in conjunction with a performance review. A better approach is to sincerely reward workers throughout the year. T

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