| Newell Fourth-Quarter Profit Rises on Lower Costs (Update2)
Jan. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Newell Rubbermaid Inc., the maker of Rolodex organizers and Graco strollers, said fourth-quarter profit rose 33 percent on lower production costs. The company announced a profit forecast that won't meet analysts' estimates. Net income was $102.2 million, or 37 cents, up from $77 million, or 28 cents, a year earlier, the Atlanta-based company said in a statement. Sales rose 3.5 percent to $1.64 billion from $1.58 billion. Chief Executive Officer Mark Ketchum is shutting a third of the company's factories and shifting work to less-expensive overseas contractors. He's investing the savings, expected to be more than $120 million a year by 2008, to market more profitable brands, such as Calphalon frying pans. ``Newell chose to spend their gross margin'' gains on marketing, Jim Dorment, an analyst at New York-based U.S.
City adamant on pesky squirrels' fate
Five or six squirrels that might be responsible for the recent string of attacks on visitors to Mountain View's Cuesta Park will be trapped and euthanized, city officials said. At least seven people, including a 4-year-old boy unwrapping a muffin, have been attacked since May. An online petition started by people opposed to killing the squirrels has not caused the city to rethink its position, said David Muela, director of the city's Community Services Department. The petition has been signed by more than 600 people across the country and overseas, with several signers expressing shock and dismay. ``The top priority is the safety of visitors to the park,'' Muela said. In response to last year's squirrel attacks, the city increased patrols and posted signs warning people not to feed squirrels.
On The Market
FOR BABY JOGGER
The Baby Jogger Co., inventor of the original three-wheeled jogging stroller, has developed two new bike trailers for toting around your toddler or your gear: The Switchback Bike Trailer/Jogger and the Tailwind Bike Trailer.
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Ray, Stewart offer Valentine's meal tips
NEW YORK- Are you a "Casablanca" couple or more inclined to an "Out of Africa" affair?
Your answer might suggest which path is the most direct line to your lover's heart, a fast and fun Valentine's Day meal as envisioned by culinary speed queen Rachael Ray or a more elegant (and involved) endeavor crafted by domestic authority Martha Stewart.
Hoping to ease some of the Hallmark moment anxiety couples new aold face on this day defined by hearts and cards, Stewart and Ray recently sat down with The Associated Press to chart out their ideas for the perfect at-home dinner.
Both agreed that the perfect ending to the perfect meal is a snuggle on the couch accompanied by a good movie. And both suggested classics to help carry the romance from the table to, well, wherever it takes you.
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