234 win withdrawal
Algert Global LLC Acquires 76,590 Shares of Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ:GOGO)A total of 365 Guyanese are preparing to apply their newly acquired diverse technological skills in the country’s labour force, after completing the One Guyana Digital Programme. This is the first cohort under this initiative, which was launched in February of this year. The training program equipped Guyanese participants with in-demand technology skills, including software development, front-end design, and mobile app development. Nine students showcased their innovative digital projects to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali at State House on Tuesday. These projects, including patient management apps, waste management systems, and tutoring platforms, demonstrated insightful solutions to critical challenges in education, health, and agriculture. Having completed the training, these students are now being engaged in essential career development skills, including resume building, to prepare them for successful entry into the technology sector. “They will soon commence their job interview training after the Christmas break. They will also be trained on how to secure employment contracts using popular job placement portals such as Upwork and Indeed,” the president said. He added, “So far, we have hundreds of job opportunities lined up, and this is what the programme was about.” President Ali said these investments in upskilling the country’s youth form part of the government’s drive to have a highly skilled human resources asset. President Ali urged more persons to get involved. “This is aimed at encouraging more Guyanese, younger Guyanese to join the programme because we are investing heavily in the programme,” he said. The programme, supported by the government of Canada, condensed a three-year course into six to eight months, emphasising problem-solving and entrepreneurial mindsets. The initiative falls under the Guyana Online Academy for Learning (GOAL) programme, and enables graduates to work remotely in Guyana for renowned tech companies across the globe. They will be able to earn between US $30,000 to US$ 40,000 annually. The programme will also be extended and presented as a One Caribbean Digital Initiative, according to President Ali. President Ali pledged the government’s ongoing support and mentorship to the trainees as they transition from the programme into entrepreneurship or employment. Meanwhile, the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, said that these presentations demonstrate the significant progress made in the programme. He said it indicates that with these enabling platforms the students will forge a new path for the Caribbean region. “You have also learned the ability to identify problems or identify issues that could be developed, that could be addressed by a technological solution, because successful apps that will have a national or a global footprint require not only the technical skills how to write a good program, but the ability to spot an opportunity,” the minister said. Additionally, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag echoed these sentiments, adding that the President’s vision of positioning Guyana’s youth at the forefront of the country’s technological transformation is taking shape. At the programme’s launch in February, the government announced a $9.5 million contribution to the initiative.As tensions continue to mount and the conflict between Dembélé and Barcelona reaches a critical juncture, the repercussions of this standoff are likely to reverberate throughout the football world. Whether Dembélé ultimately decides to stay and fight for his place at Barcelona or seek a fresh start elsewhere remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: his unwavering determination and resolute attitude have only served to escalate the conflict and further deepen the divide between player and club.
NoneNearly half a dozen institutions of higher education separately announced plans this week to make tuition free for undergraduates who meet certain income requirements, reflecting a growing nationwide effort to make college more affordable. The schools span states from Massachusetts to New Mexico, and include some of the country's leading universities. They all announced their initiatives within days of each other. And while the specific financial requirements for current students applicants vary between schools, all are slated to take effect in fall 2025. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, for example, says undergraduates with family income below $200,000 can attend tuition free starting next year, up from its current threshold of $140,000. It said in its announcement that 80% of American households meet the updated threshold. "The cost of college is a real concern for families across the board, and we're determined to make this transformative educational experience available to the most talented students, whatever their financial circumstances," said President Sally Kornbluth. "So, to every student out there who dreams of coming to MIT: Don't let concerns about cost stand in your way." Nearly 2,000 miles away, the University of Texas System announced that undergraduates at any of its nine academic institutions whose families make $100,000 or less will receive free tuition and fees. "To be in a position to make sure our students can attend a UT institution without accruing more debt is very important to all of us, and as long as we are here, we will continue our work to provide an affordable, accessible education to all who choose to attend a UT institution," Kevin Eltife, chairman of the Board of Regents, said in a statement . The average college sticker price — which covers tuition and fees before scholarships and other aid are factored in — increased by about 5.5% for private schools and roughly 2.3% for public schools in the 2024-2025 academic year, according to U.S. News and World Report . The average in-state cost of tuition and fees to attend a public college this year is $11,011, compared to $24,513 for out-of-state students. The average cost for private colleges is $43,505. The flurry of announcements comes as a growing number of Americans seem to be questioning whether college is worth the cost. This year saw a drop in freshman enrollment and a rise in acceptance rates , at least at some schools — a sign that young people may have less interest in going to college these days. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that only one in four U.S. adults say it's extremely or important to have a four-year college degree in order to get a well-paying job these days, while only 22% say the cost of getting a four-year college degree is worth it even if someone has to take out loans. Americans owe some $1.6 trillion in student loans as of June of this year, a 42% increase from a decade ago, according to Pew Research Center . Thirty-six percent of adults under 40 who have at least a four-year college degree have outstanding student loan debt. President Biden's efforts at student loan relief remain largely tied up in the courts , and the future of federal forgiveness is even more uncertain under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Free tuition is one way that some colleges may be trying to win over wary would-be applicants. All of the institutions that announced free tuition this week acknowledged the high cost of college, and the role they can play in making it more accessible. Here's a look at the initiatives: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) MIT says tuition will be free for students whose families make less than $200,000 a year. And for those whose families make less than $100,000, "parents can expect to pay nothing at all toward the full cost of their students' MIT education" — meaning the school will cover not only tuition but housing, dining, fees and an allowance for books and personal expenses. That threshold will rise from $75,000 this year. MIT says the average cost of attending without financial aid is about $86,000, though most students pay a median annual cost of $12,938. The school is one of only a handful in the U.S. that does not consider applicants' ability to pay as part of its admissions process — one of a number of steps it says it is taking to make an MIT education more accessible. "With the need-based financial aid we provide today, our education is much more affordable now than at any point in the past, even though the 'sticker price' of MIT is higher now than it was when I was an undergraduate," said Stu Schmill, dean of admissions and student financial services who was a member of the class of 1986. The University of Texas system The UT system will cover tuition and fees for undergraduates whose families make $100,000 or less, after its board voted to send $35 million — from endowment distributions and other resources — directly to all nine of its universities. In their announcement , officials said this move makes the UT system "the first in Texas, and one of the few in the U.S., to offer such a sweeping financial aid benefit." It's one of the largest state university systems in the country, with more than 256,000 students enrolled at its academic and health institutions . Eligible students must be Texas residents, enroll full-time in undergraduate programs and apply for applicable federal and state financial aid. Officials describe this week's announcement as just the latest step in their effort to ensure that "every qualified Texan who aims to earn a bachelor's degree from a UT institution can do so, regardless of financial circumstances." In 2019, the Regents set up an endowment to cover tuition and fees at UT Austin for in-state students from families making up to $65,000. In 2022, they expanded that program to all UT academic institutions. Carnegie Mellon University Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh says students from families earning less than $75,000 annually will be able to attend tuition free starting in 2025 thanks to its new CMU Pathway Program . Additionally, students from families earning less than $100,000 annually will "have the opportunity to pursue their studies without the burden of federal student loans." Eligible students are new and returning undergraduates who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents and whose families have typical assets for their income, officials say. "We want every student who has earned a spot at CMU to be able to join us and thrive regardless of their family's financial resources or socioeconomic status," said President Farnam Jahanian. "The CMU Pathway Program represents our greatest investment so far in realizing this powerful vision." The university said it has increased its investment in undergraduate financial aid from $76 million in 2015 to $141 million in 2024, and that the percentage of CMU students with federal loans has dropped from 52% in 2019 to 28% in 2024. St. John's College St. John's College — the third-oldest college in the country, with campuses in Annapolis, Md., and Santa Fe, N.M. — says it will soon cover tuition for students from families who make $75,000 or less. "U.S. citizens and permanent residents who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), show total income of $75,000 or less, and have typical assets are guaranteed to receive institutional and federal grants equal to or greater than the cost of freshman year tuition," officials announced this week . Those grants will remain the same after freshman year unless income or assets change, they added. Students may also receive grants, loans and work study opportunities to reduce the cost of housing and food, depending on individual financial need. The college previously raised more than $326 million to lower tuition by a third in 2018 — undergraduate tuition for this academic year costs $39,356. "St. John's has benefited from the unwavering commitment of our alumni and friends," said St. John's College Santa Fe President J. Walter Sterling. "Their generous philanthropic support has been decisive in sustaining the excellence and integrity of our academic programs and extending the scholarships needed to open the door wide to students from all walks of life." Brandeis University Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., announced a new financial aid initiative called The Brandeis Commitment . Starting next fall, incoming students from families with total incomes of less than $75,000 annually will receive total grants and scholarships covering their full tuition, while those from families earning less than $200,000 annually will receive grants and scholarships totaling 50% of their tuition. Tuition for the current academic year is about $67,000, according to the university. In its announcement , Brandeis said students don't need to fill out an extra application for the program — they will be considered for it when they submit their financial aid applications. The program is not available to returning, international and graduate students, though Brandeis stresses it will continue to meet 100% of demonstrated need for all current and future students. "The Brandeis Commitment will provide more clarity for prospective students and families who want to have a better sense of the aid they will receive before they apply," said Jennifer Walker, dean of admissions.Smile, were you and your phone caught out on Macquarie Pass?In a shocking turn of events, Captain Kim of the esteemed 707 Special Forces unit in South Korea was seen breaking down during a recent press conference. The once highly respected captain struggled to maintain his composure as he addressed the public, his words punctuated by tears and a palpable sense of shame.
Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday seasonThe 30-year-old midfielder understands the importance of playing regularly and competing at the highest level, and he is not willing to risk being left in limbo without the assurance of being able to represent his new club on the pitch. Barcelona's ongoing financial woes and the impending departure of key players have added a layer of complexity to N'Golo Kante's potential move, raising questions about the feasibility of the transfer.In the midst of this turmoil, observers have noted a parallel between Dembélé's resolute stance and Messi's own confrontational approach to his relationship with Barcelona. The Argentine superstar's highly publicized attempt to leave the club last year, followed by a bitter legal battle and eventual reconciliation, has set a precedent for players standing up to the powerful institution that is Barcelona. Dembélé's firm stance against the club's wishes can be seen as a continuation of Messi's defiance, a way of seeking retribution for the perceived injustices and mistreatment suffered by the club's most iconic player.
Penrose, Colorado, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Origin, a leader in aerospace innovation, and Estes Rockets, the trusted name in model rocketry for over 65 years, are proud to announce an exciting partnership to bring the marvel of space exploration to enthusiasts of all ages. The collaboration will launch a groundbreaking product line inspired by Blue Origin’s New Glenn orbital rocket, bridging the worlds of hobby, educational and toy industries with the future of spaceflight. The product line, branded Estes and New Glenn , will include highly detailed scale models, functional model rockets for hobbyists, and educational kits for schools. Designed for a wide range of audiences—from young dreamers building their first rockets to seasoned hobbyists aiming for advanced launches—the line offers an unparalleled combination of authenticity, innovation, and fun. Blue Origin is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. By partnering with Estes Rockets, Blue Origin is creating an accessible way for everyone to engage with the excitement of space exploration, right in their own backyards. The New Glenn Product line will include: • Scale Models: Meticulously crafted replicas of Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket, perfect for collectors and display enthusiasts. • Launchable Models: Fully functional rocket kits designed with the New Glenn’s features, delivering a thrilling hands-on experience for hobbyists. • STEM Education Kits: STEM Curriculum-Estes Education is partnering with Club for the Future, Blue Origin’s nonprofit, to develop educational content linking the New Glenn Rocket to STEM principles and career pathways. Through this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to launch the New Glenn model rocket while exploring real-world connections to rocketry and space exploration “We are thrilled to collaborate with Blue Origin to bring their groundbreaking technologies to a wider audience,” said Mallory Langford, President of Estes Rockets. “This partnership exemplifies our shared mission of sparking curiosity and passion for space exploration, and we can’t wait to see the next generation of rocketeers take flight.” The New Glenn Rocket product line will be available in hobby stores, educational catalogs, and online starting Spring 2026) . Pre-orders will open in early end of year 2025. For more information about this partnership and the New Glenn Rocket line, visit BlueOrigin.com or EstesRockets.com . About Blue Origin Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company dedicated to building a future where millions of people live and work in space. Founded by Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin’s vision is to enable human space exploration while advancing science and technology on Earth. About Estes Rockets Estes Rockets is the world’s leading manufacturer of model rockets and accessories, inspiring generations of rocketry enthusiasts since 1958. Estes is committed to providing safe, high-quality products that fuel imagination and innovation in young minds and lifelong hobbyists alike.Feminist barrister, 36, who hit out at judge for being part of a 'boys' club' denies charges of professional misconduct
In conclusion, the partnership between Lingxi Interactive Entertainment and Alibaba presents both opportunities and challenges for the gaming business. While aligning with Alibaba can unlock valuable resources and capabilities, the culture of the platform may not always align seamlessly with the demands of the content innovation industry. As Fan Luyuan continues to emphasize Alibaba's cultural values, it becomes crucial for Lingxi to strike a delicate balance between leveraging the partnership's benefits and preserving its creative autonomy. By embracing a culture of innovation, adaptability, and collaboration, Lingxi Interactive Entertainment can chart a course towards sustainable growth and success in the ever-changing world of gaming.In a shocking turn of events during a recent CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) game, star player Sun Minghui of the Guangzhou Long-Lions suffered a serious brain injury after receiving an elbow strike to the temple from an opponent. The incident has raised concerns about player safety and sportsmanship in professional basketball.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as natural gas, propane, and wood. When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen and leading to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness and death.Are you looking for a comfortable and affordable place to live in Beijing? Look no further than the public rental housing in Fengtai District! With its convenient location, modern facilities, and budget-friendly rental prices, Fengtai District public rental housing offers an ideal living environment for individuals and families alike.
Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP ) Chief Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah after being attacked by a bus marshal during his 'padyatra'. Kejriwal accused Shah of failing to address crime in Delhi , instead allegedly targeting him. In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, "Amit Shah Ji, what will happen by stopping me? Stop crime in Delhi. Will crime in Delhi decrease by stopping me? Will open shootouts in Delhi stop? Will the women of Delhi become safe? Will the traders of Delhi be secure?" According to police, the AAP Chief was shaking hands with the public when a bus marshal, identified as Ashok Jha, attempted to throw "water" at him. The police immediately apprehended the individual at the scene. The Delhi Police have detained the accused and are questioning him to determine the motive behind the act. AAP leader Satyendra Jain alleged that the incident was orchestrated by the BJP . Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Advanced Excel Course - Financial Calculations & Excel Made Easy By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Leadership Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Leadership From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Leadership Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program You Might Also Like: AAP, BJP lock horns after Arvind Kejriwal "attacked" by bus marshal during Padyatra in Delhi "This incident is very unfortunate and was carried out by the BJP. Whenever the BJP faces defeat, it resorts to such tactics... They are going to lose for the fourth time. Everyone knows the attacker is a BJP worker. He has already appeared in photographs. If they want to contest elections, they should do so fairly," he stated. AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar accused the BJP of stooping to unprecedented lows in politics. "Arvind Kejriwal was consistently questioning the law and order situation in Delhi. Union HM Amit Shah could not address these issues but attacked Kejriwal for raising them. Would a normal person throw a substance at a former Chief Minister during a padyatra? This individual is clearly receiving support and protection from the BJP," Kakkar claimed. AAP Punjab Chief Aman Arora condemned the incident, calling it a cowardly act. You Might Also Like: Arvind Kejriwal allegedly attacked during padyatra in Delhi; man detained "This cowardly attack on Arvind Kejriwal ji is yet another attempt by the BJP to silence his voice, which has always stood for the people. Highly condemnable. Such dirty acts will only strengthen the resolve of Delhi's people to support the Aam Aadmi Party," he said. AAP Punjab spokesperson Neel Garg described the incident as "shocking" and "shameful". "Another attack on Arvind Kejriwal Ji in Greater Kailash today underscores the complete failure of Home Minister Amit Shah. If a former Chief Minister is not safe in Delhi, how can the BJP guarantee the safety of ordinary citizens? It's time for real leadership that prioritises public safety over politics!" Garg posted on X. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the attack was an attempt to burn Kejriwal alive. He stated, "During Arvind Kejriwal's padyatra in Savitri Nagar, Greater Kailash, a man threw spirit at him. I was standing next to him, and my jacket still bears the moisture. Another individual was holding a matchstick. Spirit splashed on Arvind and me, but workers' swift action averted a disaster. This was an attempt to burn him alive." He further alleged, "The first suspicion falls on the BJP. The accused is Ashok Jha. We have reviewed his Facebook profile." Delhi Chief Minister Atishi claimed the attacker was a BJP worker. "In broad daylight, a BJP worker attacked Arvind Kejriwal ji. The BJP is nervous about losing the Delhi elections for the third consecutive time. Delhi's people will not tolerate such tactics. Last time, the BJP won eight seats; this time, they'll get none," Atishi declared. In contrast, Congress leader Mumtaz Patel suggested that the incident might have been orchestrated by AAP themselves to stay in the spotlight. "This incident is being presented as a significant attack involving spirit being thrown. It's possible that this was a staged act by the Aam Aadmi Party to stay in the news. With elections approaching, staying in the public eye is crucial, and we have seen such strategies before," Mumtaz speculated. (ANI) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Honey, they shrunk the catalogs. While retailers hope to go big this , customers may notice that the printed gift guides arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were indeed scaled down to save and paper, resulting in pint-sized editions. Lands’ End, Duluth Trading Company and Hammacher Schlemmer are among gift purveyors using smaller editions. Some retailers are saving even more money with postcards. Lisa Ayoob, a tech-savvy, online shopper in Portland, Maine, was surprised by the size of a recent catalog she received from outdoor apparel company Carbon2Cobalt. “It almost felt like it was a pamphlet compared to a catalog,” she said. Catalogs have undergone over the years in response to technological changes and consumer behavior. The thick, heavy Sears and catalogs that brought store displays to American living rooms slimmed down and gave way to targeted mailings once websites could do the same thing. Recent postal rate increases accelerated the latest shift to compact formats. The number of catalogs mailed each year dropped about 40% between 2006 to 2018, when an estimated 11.5 billion were mailed to homes, according to the trade group formerly known as the American Catalog Mailers Association. In a sign of the times, the group based in Washington rebranded itself in May as the American Commerce Marketing Association, reflecting a broadened focus. But don’t expect catalogs to go the way of dinosaurs yet. Defying predictions of doom, they have managed to in the e-commerce era. Retail companies found that could treat catalogs with fewer pages as a marketing tool and include QR and promo codes to entice customers to browse online and complete a purchase. Despite no longer carrying an extended inventory of goods, catalogs are costly to produce and ship. But they hold their own in value because of growing digital advertising costs, helping retailers cut through the noise for consumers barraged by multi-format advertisements, industry officials say. In an unlikely twist, notable e-commerce companies like Amazon and started distributing catalogs in recent years. Amazon began mailing a toy catalog in 2018. That was the same year Sears, which produced an annual Christmas Wish Book Wish starting in 1933, y. Fans of printed information may rejoice to hear that apparel retailer relaunched its glossy catalog this year. Research shows that the hands-on experience of thumbing through a catalog leaves a greater impression on consumers, said Jonathan Zhang, a professor of marketing at Colorado State University. “The reason why these paper formats are so effective is that our human brains haven’t evolved as fast as technology and computers over the past 10 to 20 years. We retain more information when we read something on paper. That’s why paper books remain relevant,” Zhang said. “The psychology shows that three-dimensional, tactile experiences are more memorable.” Pint-sized presentations still can work, though, because the purpose of catalogs these days is simply to get customers’ attention, Zhang said. Conserving paper also works better with younger consumers who are worried about the holiday shopping season’s impact on the planet, he said. Postal increases are hastening changes. The latest round of postage hikes in July included the category with the 8.5-by-11-inch size that used to be ubiquitous for the catalog industry. Many retailers responded by reducing the size of catalogs, putting them in a lower-cost letter category, said Paul Miller, executive vice president and managing director of the American Commerce Marketing Association. One size, called a “slim jim,” measures 10.5 by 5.5 inches. But there other sizes. Some retailers have further reduced costs by mailing large postcards to consumers. Lands’ End, for one, is testing new compact formats to supplement its traditional catalogs. This year, that included folded glossy brochures and postcards, along with other formats, Chief Transformation Officer Angie Rieger said. Maine resident Ayoob said she understands why retailers still use catalogs even though she no longer is a fan of the format. These days, she prefers to browse for products on the internet, not by flipping through paper pages. “Everybody wants eyeballs. There’s so much out there — so many websites, so many brands,” said Ayoob, who spent 35 years working in department stores and in the wholesale industry. Targeting customers at home is not a new concept. was a pioneer of the mail-order catalog after its founder promoted his famous “Maine Hunting Shoe” to hunting license holders from out-of-state in 1912. The outdoor clothing and equipment company based in Freeport, Maine, is sticking to mailing out regular-sized catalogs for now. “By showcasing our icons, the catalog became an icon itself,” L.L. Bean spokesperson Amanda Hannah said. “Even as we invest more in our digital and brand marketing channels, the catalog retains a strong association with our brand, and is therefore an important part of our omni-channel strategy, especially for our loyal customers.”PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Honey, they shrunk the catalogs. While retailers hope to go big this holiday season , customers may notice that the printed gift guides arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were indeed scaled down to save on postage and paper, resulting in pint-sized editions. Lands’ End, Duluth Trading Company and Hammacher Schlemmer are among gift purveyors using smaller editions. Some retailers are saving even more money with postcards. Lisa Ayoob, a tech-savvy, online shopper in Portland, Maine, was surprised by the size of a recent catalog she received from outdoor apparel company Carbon2Cobalt. “It almost felt like it was a pamphlet compared to a catalog,” she said. Catalogs have undergone a steady recalibration over the years in response to technological changes and consumer behavior. The thick, heavy Sears and J.C. Penney catalogs that brought store displays to American living rooms slimmed down and gave way to targeted mailings once websites could do the same thing. Recent postal rate increases accelerated the latest shift to compact formats. The number of catalogs mailed each year dropped about 40% between 2006 to 2018, when an estimated 11.5 billion were mailed to homes, according to the trade group formerly known as the American Catalog Mailers Association. In a sign of the times, the group based in Washington rebranded itself in May as the American Commerce Marketing Association, reflecting a broadened focus. But don't expect catalogs to go the way of dinosaurs yet. Defying predictions of doom, they have managed to remain relevant in the e-commerce era. Retail companies found that could treat catalogs with fewer pages as a marketing tool and include QR and promo codes to entice customers to browse online and complete a purchase. Despite no longer carrying an extended inventory of goods, catalogs are costly to produce and ship. But they hold their own in value because of growing digital advertising costs, helping retailers cut through the noise for consumers barraged by multi-format advertisements, industry officials say. In an unlikely twist, notable e-commerce companies like Amazon and home goods supplier Wayfair started distributing catalogs in recent years. Amazon began mailing a toy catalog in 2018. That was the same year Sears, which produced an annual Christmas Wish Book Wish starting in 1933, filed for bankruptc y. Fans of printed information may rejoice to hear that apparel retailer J.Crew relaunched its glossy catalog this year. Research shows that the hands-on experience of thumbing through a catalog leaves a greater impression on consumers, said Jonathan Zhang, a professor of marketing at Colorado State University. “The reason why these paper formats are so effective is that our human brains haven’t evolved as fast as technology and computers over the past 10 to 20 years. We retain more information when we read something on paper. That's why paper books remain relevant," Zhang said. “The psychology shows that three-dimensional, tactile experiences are more memorable.” Pint-sized presentations still can work, though, because the purpose of catalogs these days is simply to get customers’ attention, Zhang said. Conserving paper also works better with younger consumers who are worried about the holiday shopping season's impact on the planet, he said. Postal increases are hastening changes. The latest round of postage hikes in July included the category with the 8.5-by-11-inch size that used to be ubiquitous for the catalog industry. Many retailers responded by reducing the size of catalogs, putting them in a lower-cost letter category, said Paul Miller, executive vice president and managing director of the American Commerce Marketing Association. One size, called a “slim jim,” measures 10.5 by 5.5 inches. But there other sizes. Some retailers have further reduced costs by mailing large postcards to consumers. Lands' End, for one, is testing new compact formats to supplement its traditional catalogs. This year, that included folded glossy brochures and postcards, along with other formats, Chief Transformation Officer Angie Rieger said. Maine resident Ayoob said she understands why retailers still use catalogs even though she no longer is a fan of the format. These days, she prefers to browse for products on the internet, not by flipping through paper pages. “Everybody wants eyeballs. There’s so much out there -- so many websites, so many brands,” said Ayoob, who spent 35 years working in department stores and in the wholesale industry. Targeting customers at home is not a new concept. L.L. Bean was a pioneer of the mail-order catalog after its founder promoted his famous “Maine Hunting Shoe” to hunting license holders from out-of-state in 1912. The outdoor clothing and equipment company based in Freeport, Maine, is sticking to mailing out regular-sized catalogs for now. “By showcasing our icons, the catalog became an icon itself,” L.L. Bean spokesperson Amanda Hannah said. "Even as we invest more in our digital and brand marketing channels, the catalog retains a strong association with our brand, and is therefore an important part of our omni-channel strategy, especially for our loyal customers.”As Captain Kim struggles to come to terms with the downfall of his once proud unit, the larger implications of this incident remain to be seen. Will the 707 Special Forces unit be able to regain its former glory and reputation, or has this event irreparably damaged their standing in the eyes of the world? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the image of the elite 707 Special Forces unit will never be the same again.