Krispy Kreme will give you a free doughnut every day this year — if you've been vaccinated

BY SOPHIE LEWIS

MARCH 22, 2021 / 9:56 AM / CBS NEWS

In case you needed another reason to get your COVID-19 vaccination, Krispy Kreme is sweetening the deal — it's giving free doughnuts to anyone with proof of vaccination, all year long. 

Starting Monday, any customer with a valid COVID-19 vaccination card will receive a free Original Glazed doughnut at participating locations nationwide. The iconic doughnut shop specifies that any guests who have received at least one of the two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine qualify for the promotion. 

All you need to show is your vaccination card to redeem your doughnut — a vaccine sticker is not valid. 

Canon U.S.A. Offers High-Quality Speed and Performance Inkjet Printing with the Launch of the imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 Series

New expanded line of large format printers include imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 Series and the next generation of imagePROGRAF TX printers

Further showcasing its commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of print, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the latest additions to its imagePROGRAF line of large format printers with new hybrid solutions, the imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 and imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 multifunction printer (MFP) Z36. Offering high-speed printing, security features and advanced media handling, these new solutions are designed to benefit a variety of Production CAD markets including architecture, engineering, government, manufacturing – just to name a few – at a low acquisition cost. In addition to the new imagePROGRAF TZ Series, the company is also announcing the upgraded line of imagePROGRAF TX Series printers.

Built with productivity in mind, the imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 series delivers high-speed printing, as seen through its ability to produce a D-sized print in as fast as 14 seconds, and up to 236 D-sized prints per hour.1 The integrated Top Output Stacker can stack up to 100 A0-size sheets face-down, providing an added measure of confidentiality. The product’s advanced air flow system can also help reduce paper jams while keeping prints neatly in place, and its integrated, compact design can help save office space, allowing printed materials to be easily retrieved from the front of the printer.

As seen through Canon’s innovative intelligent media handling in its dual roll paper system, this product is designed with productivity and usability in mind. After the user loads the paper, the advanced sensor technology can detect the width, length and media type while also feeding the media, allowing the user to also perform other necessary tasks while the printer completes the feeding process. The product’s Roll Paper Indicator displays four different media levels with LED lights to notify users if paper is running low. As an added convenience, users can load a second roll while the first roll is still printing through its Hot Swap feature – a Canon first. The imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 is also available as a powerful Scan-to-Copy/File system that allows the user to scan and print at the same time. Providing further efficiency and productivity, the imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 MFP version also includes the new Z36 scanner, developed by Global Scanning for Canon, as well as an updated system controller with a new intuitive interface.

Capitalizing on the breadth of its product offering, Canon has also made available a wide variety of workflow and creative software programs. Designed for high-volume uses, users can take advantage of the compatibility of the imagePROGRAF TZ and imagePROGRAF TX printers with Canon’s Production Printing (CPP) Driver Select and CPP Publisher Select software, a desktop job submission software solution that boosts workflow and productivity to help users manage and submit complex sets of documents, to one or two printers at a time. Additionally, Canon introduces Direct Print Plus (DPP) job submission software which, through a combination of DPP’s processing speeds, as well as an updated user interface layout and settings menu, can help improve the rendering process for users.

“Our extensive market research pointed to an increasing demand for high speed, yet versatile, large format printers for users who are looking to expand business opportunities within the low-end LED / high end inkjet market, and the Canon imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 Series has been created specifically to meet that industry need,” said Shinichi Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “As an industry-leading innovator, Canon is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of print by developing new cutting-edge solutions designed to help our customers stay productive and efficient.”

The next generation of imagePROGRAF TX Series2 devices incorporates many of the advanced technology created for the imagePROGRAF TZ Series, including increased print speeds, intelligent media handling and enhanced security features. The MFP models are also equipped with the newly developed Z36 scanner, which is designed to help save space and reduce weight while delivering advanced image quality at fast speeds. The imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 MFP Z36 also has a more integrated feel and an improved All-in-One (AIO) computer.

Availability:

Delivering on its commitment to productivity, the imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 and TZ-30000 MFP Z36 ship standard as a two roll system. Orders can be processed through Canon’s authorized dealers starting on Thursday April 15, 2021. Products are expected to be available for shipment in mid-May 2021.

The TX Series of large format printers will be available to order in April, shipping information will be announced shortly. The TX Series can be ordered with either a stacking basket or regular catch basket.

For more information, please visit www.usa.canon.com. 

Forecasting construction activity in 2021 is going to be challenging

 

Engineering News Record

November 18, 2020

“2021 Construction Forecast: A Slow Road to Recovery

As the country continues to deal with the economic and health crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, forecasters are cautiously optimistic for the future but warn that meaningful growth is still several months away.”

https://www.enr.com/articles/50766-construction-forecast-a-slow-road-to-recovery

 

 

Associated General Contractors

 

November 15, 2020

U.S. Construction Starts to Increase 4 Percent in 2021, Dodge Data & Analytics Predicts

“Total U.S. construction starts will increase 4 percent in 2021, following an estimated 14 percent decrease in 2020, Dodge Data & Analytics predicted in its 2021 construction outlook, released last week.”

https://www.rermag.com/news-analysis/contractor-news/article/21147829/us-construction-starts-to-increase-4-percent-in-2021-dodge-data-analytics-predicts

 

 

Construction Dive

 

Jan. 4, 2021

 

2021 outlook: 6 trends that will influence construction this year

“Several factors – some positive, some less so – are poised to shape the industry this year.”

https://www.constructiondive.com/news/2021-outlook-6-trends-that-will-influence-construction-this-year/592684/

 

 

forconstructionpros.com

January 26, 2021

 

2021 State of Construction Industry: A Forecast for Uncertain Times

“2021 will be an unpredictable year for the construction industry with some segments outperforming others.”

https://www.forconstructionpros.com/latest-news/article/21220814/2021-state-of-construction-industry-a-forecast-for-uncertain-times

The AIA ABI INDEX for January 2021 was 44.9

“While some projects have been delayed due to the pandemic, few have been cancelled outright”

“After experiencing more disappointing business conditions in December, fewer architecture firms reported declining firm billings in January. Despite an ABI score of 44.9, indicating that the majority of firms reported a decline in billings for the eleventh consecutive month,there are increasing signs of optimism. Inquiries into new work at firms reached its highest level since the pandemic began, while the value of new design contracts also approached growth once again, following two months of weaker conditions. With vaccinations picking up speed, and plans for additional relief measures making their way through Congress, there may be more reasons for hope ahead.

However, business conditions remain largely soft at firms throughout the country. Firms located in the South are closest to returning to billings growth, while firms located in the Midwest and West have seen conditions weaken further every month for the last several months. Business conditions have also noticeably softened at firms with a multifamily residential specialization recently, which were the first to return to growth in late last summer. Billings at firms with a residential specialization have now declined for three consecutive months as demand for multifamily housing has waned, even as demand for single-family residential, not measured by the ABI, has strengthened. Meanwhile, business conditions have remained at an essentially steady pace of decline at firms with commercial/industrial and institutional specializations for the last several months.”

TO READ THE COMPLETE REPORT, USE THIS LINK:

https://www.aia.org/pages/6376290-abi-january-2021-architecture-firms-report

Significant Mall Owner reportedly preparing to file Chapter 11

U.S. shopping mall owner Washington Prime Group is preparing to potentially file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with time running thin before the company defaults after it skipped an interest payment on its debt, Bloomberg reported Thursday.

Last month, Washington Prime missed a $23 million interest payment and said it would be entering a 30-day grace period to continue negotiations with lenders.

But those talks have since been faltering, Bloomberg reported, citing conversations with people familiar with the matter. Still, the plan to pursue bankruptcy could change, Bloomberg said, if Washington Prime is able to make progress with its lenders or if its grace period is extended.

A spokesperson for the company declined to comment on the report.

The real estate investment trust, based in Columbus, Ohio, was formed in May 2014 following a spinoff from the biggest U.S. mall owner, Simon Property Group. It went on to grow its portfolio of shopping malls when it acquired Glimcher Realty Trust, in January 2015.

Washington Prime currently operates about 100 malls across the country, a number of which are considered B- and C-rated, meaning they bring in fewer sales per square foot than an A-rated asset. Those properties have been under even more pressure during the Covid pandemic, with fewer people venturing out of the house to shop. When they do, they’re likely opting for open-air shopping centers over enclosed malls.

And with a number of retail, restaurant and entertainment tenants requesting rent relief or shuttering more locations, mall owners have struggled to meet their own obligations. That stress has already pushed some over the edge and into bankruptcy.

Last November, two other mall owners, CBL and Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The latter has since emerged.

Washington Prime shares tumbled more than 45% midday Thursday. The stock is down more than 80% from a year ago. Washington Prime has a market cap of about $71 million.

Consider Image Access Wide-Tek Scanners for your HP PageWide XL printers

HI Ed,

 

Although I was unable to “attend” the virtual trade show (which, by the way. I thought was a wonderful idea), I am watching the rerun now.

 

I have a question for David Gerbholz of Image Access, and I’m hoping that you can pass this question along to David, as I would like to know the answer to this question.  

 

Here’s the issue….

 

If I’m considering the purchase of an HP PageWide XL system……

 

a) the lower volume models, such as the PageWide XL 4600, come with a built-in wide-format scanner.

 

b) but the higher volume models, such as the PageWide XL 8000, do not come with a wide-format scanner.

 

So, if I’m going to get an HP PageWide XL 8000, the question is, if I need to also acquire a wide-format scanner so that I can do scan-to-print work, should I acquire an HP wide-format scanner or should I acquire an Image Access Wide-Tek?

 

Also, the related question is, why should I acquire an Image Access Wide-Tek scanner to drive my HP PageWide XL printer instead of acquiring an HP wide-format scanner to drive my HP PageWide XL printer? (Advantages, benefits, etc?)

 

Thanks and regards,

 

Joel

 

David Gerbholz of Image Accessresponds….

 

“Hello Joel,

 

Thank you for the inquiry and hopefully the demo had some good information for you! 

 

We do have a lot of our production shops utilizing our WideTEK CCD scanners with the HP Pagewide lines for high volume production. The HP scanners are actually Contex OEM scanners. Our CCD scanners are designed for longevity and high quality reproduction. The scanning glass in the CCD scanners is actually recessed and therefore prolongs the life of the scanning glass. Also, we utilize an HP print driver that creates a direct Scan2Copy function with the PageWide. All of our scanners have the software on the scanner itself, so there is no need for a PC to operate, unlike the HP scanner.

 

Overall, we can provide a personal demo for you to go over this in more details, if you would like. Just let me know and I will be happy to schedule that for you.

 

Stay safe and healthy!

 

Best regards,

 

David Gerbholz”

Sales Manager North America
Image Access LP
2511 Technology Dr. Suite 109
Elgin, IL 60124 USA
Mobile: +1 (303) 886-0319

 

www.imageaccess.us

Epson Announces Availability of New SureColor T-Series Wide-Format Multifunction Printers for CAD, Technical and Graphics Applications

BLOG PUBLISHER'S COMMENT:  TAKE A LOOK AT THE PRICE FOR THE 36" MULTIFUNCTION SYSTEM - - - THE MSRP IS LESS THAN $5,000, AND THAT PRICE INCLUDES A SCANNER!

Tuesday, March 02, 2021

Press release from the issuing company

Compact, Affordable Epson SureColor T3170M is Now Available and SureColor T5170M to be Available in May for Scanning Blueprints, Drawings, Making Large Copies and Sharing Technical Documents

Los Alamitos, Calif. – Epson today announced availability for its new 24-inch SureColor® T3170Mand 36-inch SureColor T5170Mmultifunctionprinters. Featuring a sleek design and compact footprint, the new printers are designed to enhance workflow and support seamless collaboration ideal for today’s remote working environment. The models tout an integrated high-detail scanner with simple top-loading functionality for easy copy and scanning of blueprints, technical documents, renderings, and graphics. Built for professionals in the construction, architecture, engineering, and CAD printer markets, the new SureColor T3170M is available now and the SureColor T5170M will be available in May online, through channel affiliates, and authorized Epson Professional Imaging resellers.

Noreas Inc., a scientific, technical, engineering, and construction management support company has been using the SureColor T3170M to print and digitize their wide-format drawings. “We have been using the SureColor T3170M to help print technical plans for projects and scan large documents. We have really been putting the SureColor T3170M to the test – it fits right on our desks and it’s a reliable, robust printer that has greatly helped our business workflow,” said Michael Price, project environmental engineer, Noreas, Inc. “The integrated scanner and copier have simplified our process for sharing documents with clients and colleagues. The printing and scanning quality are excellent.”

The SureColor T3170M and SureColor T5170M come equipped with an industrial-grade Epson PrecisionCore® MicroTFP® printhead for ultra-fast print speeds, producing accurate A1/D-size prints in as fast as 34 seconds and 31 seconds, respectfully. The integrated 600 dpi scanner and copier support enlargements and reductions, as well as enhances tracing and offers highlight detection for scanning annotated blueprints.

The SureColor T3170M and T5170M support easy document sharing through scanning directly to USB drives, network folders, or scan to e-mail, ideal for sending documents to team members, including remote and on-site departments, vendors and clients.Both printers include integrated wireless and Wi-Fi Direct® connectivity to seamlessly print from virtually anywhere in the home or office with a smart device or from a USB thumb drive. Touting enterprise security features and protocol support, employers and employees can feel secure creating and sending CAD, GIS, architectural, and engineering drawings.

“A lot has changed in our work environments in the last year, and these models are ideal for businesses looking for a multifunction device that will conveniently fit into modern work from home and small office environments,” said Jacob Hardin, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc. “From the small footprint to the advanced features and multifunction capabilities, the new SureColor T3170M and T5170M were designed to help industry professionals increase productivity and create stunning CAD, GIS, architectural, or engineering technical drawings.”

Support and Availability
The Epson SureColor T3170M ($2,545 MSRP) is now available and the SureColor T5170M ($4,995 MSRP)will be available in May through authorized Epson Professional Imaging resellers and channel affiliates. There are several Epson PreferredSM Plus service coverage plans available that includes toll-free advanced telephone access Monday through Friday and usually next business-day on-site service. For additional information, visit www.epson.com/tseries.