Tech
COVID-19 hastens sale of Theodore Tugboat after years touring Halifax harbour – CityNews Edmonton
HALIFAX — The Theodore Tugboat replica that has long been a children’s favourite in the Halifax harbour is being put up for sale as COVID-19 causes a crash in tourism revenues in Nova Scotia.
The owners, Ambassatours Gray Line, are selling the vessel, which is a life-sized version of the TV character.
The asking price is $495,000.
Company CEO Dennis Campbell says the firm was thinking of selling before the pandemic, as they had to subsidize the boat’s daily tours due to reduced demand.
Now, with COVID-19 causing huge reductions in travel to the province, Campbell says the company can’t afford to keep operating the tug at a loss.
He says he’s open to an out-of-province buyer, but is hoping a local group can find a way to continue operations in some form.
“With a severe reduction in visitation to the waterfront, due to COVID-19, we’re encouraging Theodore, now age 20, to start a new life chapter,” Campbell said.
Theodore Too, the vessel’s official name, was built in Dayspring, N.S., in 2000 as a replica of the title character of the children’s TV show, which aired on CBC TV between 1993 and 2001.
In the early years, the replica spent summers on the Great Lakes in Ontario and on the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada, promoting tourism in Nova Scotia.
From the mid-2000s onward, the tugboat hosted child-themed tours of the Halifax harbour, with passengers including former fans of the television show.
However, Campbell notes that most children who watched the program in the 1990s are now in their 30s, and demand for tours has significantly decreased in recent years.
In an interview, Campbell said potential uses for the vessel range from a waterside cafe to a summer ferry, as the boat can carry up to 49 passengers.
At present, with social distancing rules in effect, the vessel could only take about 12 people per trip, he estimated.
He said the vessel has received full marine maintenance annually.
Campbell estimated a new owner would face monthly expenses of more than $2,000 to maintain it while dockside as a new use is developed.
Theodore Too is listed with Scruton Marine, marine brokers and consultants who specialize in the sale of commercial marine vessels.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2020.
Michael Tutton, The Canadian Press
Tech
Record low prices hit Apple's M3 MacBook Pro 14-inch, now on sale from $1,399 – AppleInsider
B&H has dropped MacBook Pro prices further as March comes to a close. Pick up an M3 MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM for just $1,549 — or opt for the M3 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch for $1,699. Both are record-breaking deals.
14-inch models
- M3 14-inch, 8GB RAM, 512GB, Space Gray: $1,399 ($200 off)
- M3 14-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB, Space Gray: $1,549 ($250 off)
- M3 Pro 14-inch 11C CPU, 14C GPU, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Space Black: $1,699 ($300 off)
- M3 Pro 14-inch 12C CPU, 18C GPU, 18GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black: $2,099 ($300 off)
- M3 Max 14-inch 14C CPU, 30C GPU, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black: $2,899 ($300 off)
16-inch models
- M3 Pro 16-inch 12C CPU, 18C GPU, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Space Black: $2,299 ($200 off)
- M3 Max 16-inch 14C CPU, 30C GPU, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black: $3,199 ($300 off)
- M3 Max 16-inch 16C CPU, 40C GPU, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black: $3,699 ($200 off)
There are numerous MacBook Pro deals on upgraded configurations, so if you’re looking for an M3 Max configuration or extra storage, it’s worth checking out our Mac Price Guide to shop the latest sales.
Even more month-end deals on Apple
Aggressive savings are in effect now on nearly every current Mac. You can also find discounted prices on streaming services, closeout models and software. Here are a few of the top deals going on now:
Tech
Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) New iPad Pro and iPad Air to Hit Markets Soon – TipRanks.com – TipRanks
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is likely to introduce its new iPad Pro and iPad Air as soon as May. The much-anticipated product launch will come just ahead of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
End to a Long Wait
As the much-awaited moment draws near, Bloomberg reports that the tech giant’s suppliers have already ramped up production of the devices. For Apple’s devout customers, the introduction of the revamped iPads marks the end of a nearly 18-month drought of major new releases from the company. The iPads are expected to boast features such as new OLED displays for the Pro model and an option for a 12.9-inch screen for the Air model.
Revamped iPads Unleashed
The long wait for new iPad models has resulted in sluggish tablet sales for Apple in recent times. Consequently, the company will likely look to the revamped versions to boost demand. Additionally, Apple is introducing more processing power to the new versions. The Pro models will feature a new M3 chip. Similarly, the iPad Air is also receiving an upgrade with a new processor, moving from its last version’s M1 chip to the latest technology.
What to Expect in June
Importantly, the product launches are scheduled just before Apple’s highly anticipated annual Worldwide Developers Conference. This event is slated for June 10. The iPhone maker is widely expected to unveil its AI strategy as well as software updates for its range of products at the event.
Is Apple a Buy, Sell, or a Hold?
Apple’s share price has corrected by nearly 11% year-to-date. The Street has a cautiously optimistic stance on the stock with a Moderate Buy consensus rating. Furthermore, the average AAPL price target of $203.40 points to an 18.6% potential upside in the company’s share price.
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Tech
Take-Two Interactive to Acquire 'Borderlands' Developer Gearbox From Embracer Group for $460 Million – Yahoo Canada Sports
Take-Two Interactive has acquired video game developer Gearbox, the maker of the “Borderlands” franchise, from Embracer Group for $460 million.
Per Take Two, the company “expects the transaction to deepen its successful relationship with Gearbox Entertainment and to provide increased financial benefits through a fully integrated operational structure.”
More from Variety
As part of the deal, Take-Two will acquire Gearbox IP, including “Borderlands” and “Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands” franchises, games published by Take-Two’s 2K Games, as well as “Homeworld,” “Risk of Rain,” “Brothers in Arms” and “Duke Nukem.”
Currently, Gearbox has six “key interactive entertainment projects in various stages of development,” per Take-Two, which includes five sequels, two from “Borderlands” and “Homeworld” universes, and at least one “exciting new intellectual property,” all of which have been acquired in the sale.
Take-Two’s purchase of Gearbox is expected to close in June, pending regulatory approval. Upon completion, Gearbox will operate as a studio within 2K, continuing to be led by Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford and his management team.
Former Gearbox owner Embracer, a Swedish gaming conglomerate who snapped up the rights to “Lord of the Rings” two years ago, has undergone a severe restructuring program over the past year, which has seen the company shut down or dispose of dozens of games studios and titles and lay off hundreds of staff, resulting in aftershocks that have reverberated throughout the games industry.
The sale of Gearbox marks the latest insistence of Embracer unloading assets, following the company divesting Saber Interactive.
“Our acquisition of Gearbox is an exciting moment for Take-Two and will strengthen our industry-leading creative talent and portfolio of owned intellectual property, including the iconic Borderlands franchise,” Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said. “This combination enhances the financial profile of our existing projects with Gearbox and unlocks the opportunity for us to drive increased long-term growth by leveraging the full resources of Take-Two across all of Gearbox’s exciting initiatives.”
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