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Electronic Arts has revealed the severity of its current financial situation by announcing 1,000 jobs will be cut by March 31, 2009.
The reduction accounts for 10 percent of the company's global workforce, and will save EA around $120 million annually. Restructuring charges amount to $55-$65 million for the next "several" quarters, the publisher said.
Originally, EA had announced that only 6 percent of jobs would be cut in the near future.
Along with the job cuts, EA also said it would be closing or consolidating "at least" nine studios and publishing locations. One location, Vancouver-based Need for Speed developer EA Black Box, will be consolidated, along with its franchises, into a nearby EA studio in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Earlier this month, EA announced that it lowered fiscal 2009 guidance due to lower-than-expected sales of holiday releases.
The publisher said in a statement Friday that it will stay the course. "EA is implementing a plan to narrow its product portfolio to focus on hit games with higher margin opportunities.
"The company remains committed to taking creative risks, investing in new games, leading the industry in the growing mobile and online businesses, and delivering high-quality games to consumers."
Article supplied by Edge-Online


text: Rumors have been swirling that Twitter will soon be charging companies for their accounts. But charge for what exactly? According to reports, Dell made over $1 million in sales by using Twitter during this past holiday season. While charging might not affect the average person on Twitter, big companies who tweet might be getting an advertising bill. Twitter is essentially a Facebook status message and Facebook allows more characters. Won’t companies just drop Twitter like a bad habit? We think so. And then will that force Twitter to charge the average Joe? We hope not, but if they do, will you pay to tweet?

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Automaker are steering shoppers towards long-term financing over shorter-term leases, a technique that’s boosting new-car gross sales in Canada whereas creating some dangers.
“All the strengths that we see within the market are being pushed by a singular tactic or go-to-market technique: zero per cent [financing], 84 months, with more money on the hood,” stated Robert Karwel, J.D. Energy’s senior supervisor of automotive apply in Canada. “That’s laborious to beat on cost.”
Leasing transactions in late July comprised 25 per cent of the new-vehicle market, down from about 30 per cent earlier than the pandemic, stated Karwel. In April, they’d dropped to 22 per cent.
New-vehicle gross sales have additionally gained energy, falling simply an estimated 5 per cent in July. That compares with a 75-per-cent free-fall three months earlier, in response to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants.
“It’s engaging money buy and finance offers that customers are looking for, and we’ve got responded to that pattern,” Steve Milette, CEO of the historically lease-heavy Nissan Canada, stated in an announcement to Automotive Information Canada.
There was no indication that automakers would let up on such provides any time quickly. Together with fewer leases, the common transaction worth rose 5.5 per cent within the second quarter, to $37,500, over the identical interval final yr, stated Karwel.
Whereas 84-month provides have lured customers again into showrooms, additionally they maintain them out of the market longer than shorter-term financing or leasing phrases, stated Karwel.
It could then be incumbent on automakers and sellers to entice consumers again to the market sooner or danger miserable the new-vehicle gross sales market in the long run.
“It’s just a little bit problematic from that aspect, however we’re not going to argue that proper now in Canada, that’s the successful technique,” Karwel stated.
Automakers started pushing zero-per-cent, long-term financing, partially, as a result of they lacked confidence in predicting residual values throughout the early months of the pandemic, when showrooms and public sale lanes had been pressured to close down.
In addition they provided to increase leases on about 40,000 autos that had been on account of expire in each April and Might, stated Karwel. At Hyundai Canada, for example, about 11 per cent of consumers with leases set to run out between March 1 and July 28 took benefit of the corporate’s lease-extension program, a spokeswoman stated.
The extensions are “making a bubble of leased vehicles which have but to return again, on high of the autos scheduled to return again in July, August and September,” stated Karwel.
Whether or not these autos will be capable of retain their residual worth is unsure, stated Karwell. However, used-vehicle pricing is up virtually two per cent – a sign that the market may be capable of soak up the hundreds of autos that will probably be coming off leases this quarter, he stated.
INCENTIVE SPENDING UP
Many shoppers, particularly these inclined to decide on leasing to decrease their month-to-month funds, may go for low annual proportion price (APR), long-term financing. And others, particularly prospects who now make money working from home, may resolve to go away the market solely, particularly if their returning lease is a second automobile.
“Conceivably a bunch of persons are not going to re-lease a automobile proper now,” Karwel stated. “They could go to the used market to save lots of just a little cash. However they won’t purchase a brand new automobile.”
In accordance with J.D. Energy, 43 per cent of 84-month loans in June had an APR from zero to 0.9 per cent, up from 17 per cent of these loans a yr earlier. And incentive spending within the second quarter rose 10 per cent, pushed largely by these long-term loans.
However some auto executives predict leasing charges will stabilize within the the rest of the yr.
In a June interview, Hyundai Canada CEO Don Romano stated the corporate “didn’t have any thought” in April and Might about residuals going ahead.
“We didn’t know if the market was going to be flooded with used vehicles,” he stated. “And I can inform you proper now, sellers can’t get sufficient of them. Simply the other occurred.”
The state of affairs improved as extra quantity headed by auctions in June and July, stated Brian Murphy of Canadian Black E book.
“There’s lots of bidding happening for autos,” stated Murphy, the corporate’s vice-president of analysis and analytics.
John Hairabedian, CEO of the Quebecbased HGregoire, stated his dealership group continued to purchase used autos throughout the darkest months of the pandemic, on the expectation that costs would rise as COVID-19 instances in Canada declined.
“That’s precisely what we noticed,” Hairabedian stated. “I believe residual values are going to be simply wonderful. There’s robust demand for used vehicles within the market proper now.”


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More Single Player Games Are Heading to Xbox, Promises Phil Spencer
"Yes, I can confirm."
Xbox chief Phil Spencer has promised on Twitter that "strong" single player games are a key focus for the platform, and will be for the foreseeable future.
After a Twitter user asked whether more single player games will land on Xbox in years to come, Spencer replied, "Yes, I can confirm. With the additions to XGS [Xbox Game Studios] we have a lot of teams that have built strong SP focused games and we want that to continue."
By name checking Xbox Game Studios - the 15 third-party studios that Microsoft's acquired over the years - it would seem that Spencer is promising platform exclusive single player experiences, as opposed to games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Control, which will both launch across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation this year.
Yes, I can confirm. With the additions to XGS we have a lot of teams that have built strong SP focused games and we want that to continue.— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) August 7, 2019
Historically, Xbox has championed multiplayer titles while its competitor, PlayStation, has been a home for story-driven experiences. However, controversial mechanics like lootboxes and microtransactions in multiplayer games are leading to a renewed consumer interest in single-player narrative experiences, and Xbox seems to be listening.
This is seen in the choices of studios it's bought, most of which are best known for strong single player releases: Ninja Theory (Hellblade), Obsidian (Fallout: New Vegas), InXile (Wasteland 3) and Double Fine (Psychonauts 2).
It's going to be a big year for Xbox, and IGN's Ryan McCaffery believes E3 2020 will either make or break Microsoft. In the more immediate future, Halo head honcho Frank O'Connor has promised that Halo Infinite on Xbox One won't be "second class" to the Project Scarlett release.
Alysia Judge is a writer and presenter. Follow her on Twitter @alysiajudge.


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On China Dialogue, botanist Jiang Gaoming writes about the challenges facing the organic food industry in China:
A quality of life survey conducted last year by the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) – now the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) – found that food safety was one of the most important environmental concerns for the Chinese public. There is an increasing demand for healthy and environmentally friendly foods that are free of pesticides, fertilisers, herbicides, hormones and genetic modification: organic food, in short.
Unfortunately, China’s organic food industry has a long way to go. China produces 3 billion yuan (US$438 million) worth of organic food every year, with US$200 million going to export: around 1% of the global organic food market. Organic food accounts for only 0.02% of the total domestic food market; the global average is 2%. Many artificial factors are holding back the sector, and here are some.


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Fáilte Farewell to top travel bloggers as conference and trips close off
More than 3 billion Twitter impressions were generated globally in relation to Ireland and the TBEX conference over the last two weeks as more than 600 of the world’s top travel social influencers gathered in Killarney to attend TBEX Europe, the largest gathering of travel bloggers, writers, content creators and social media influencers in Europe.
This highly influential group – with a combined reach of 380 million travel fans – also explored Ireland over the last fortnight on bespoke Fáilte Ireland fact-finding trips to experience first-hand what Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way, and Dublin have to offer. They have been sharing their experiences and photos as they traveled and we have captured some of their reactions to their trip on video – watch it HERE.
Before they left, 90 of the most influential travel bloggers gathered in Fáilte Ireland’s HQ in Dublin for a farewell meeting and to say goodbye after a very active two weeks. Kristen Gill of Kristen Gill Media was proud to be in attendance.
Bidding the bloggers farewell, Fáilte Ireland CEO, Paul Kelly said:
“TBEX Europe gave us a great opportunity to bring so many travel bloggers, traditional travel media, digital content creators, and social media influencers to Ireland all at once. Observing the activity online, Ireland is already reaping the benefits of their time spent here.
“With 3 billion Twitter impressions, we have certainly ensured an increased digital footprint for Ireland over the last fortnight but, crucially, all these delegates will be creating Irish related output and content for weeks to come ensuring a strong after-effect to the event. We hope that in all their sharing and showing, their content will reinforce the many reasons why Ireland should be a destination of choice for their many followers.”
Since its inception in 2009 TBEX has grown into the world’s largest travel community, with conferences held annually in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. In 2016, TBEX events across the globe reached over 358 million travel consumers worldwide.
Follow the conversation #tbexireland
Follow us on twitter @Failte_Ireland


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The latest trends in sofas
In the market for a new sofa and in need of some style inspiration?
Richard Hofer, of Easyliving in Nedlands, said the biggest trend was that more people were downsizing, shying away from large, deep sofas as room sizes decreased.
Claudia Monk, from The General Store in Osborne Park, agreed that she had noticed a shift away from large, particularly modular, lounge furniture. "There is a return to the two, three, four-seater sofas," she said.
When it comes to coverings, more people are confident in choosing colour and/or pattern, according to Ms Monk. "For the less brave, neutral toned linens with a French feel are very popular too," she said.
Madeline Ehlers, design consultant at Arthur G in Claremont, said on-trend materials included raw timber, wool, tan and black leather, while navy and mustard yellow were both popular colours.
"We're also seeing a more eclectic (and) adventurous mix and match of leather and fabric," she said.
Ms Monk said 1920s Deco-style lounges were also a key trend - think rich velvet jewel tones and a modern take on the classic Chesterfield.
And as for the ubiquitous suede sofa? Yogesh Shah, of Torrance & McKenna and Leather Interiors in Osborne Park, said suede had fallen out of favour because it was simply too generic.
Instead, he said more sofa buyers were coming back to a more classic look but incorporating more colour and patterns.
Ms Monk said low-maintenance fabrics were also very popular.
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Gala Coral set for ‘inevitable’ shop closures despite Q2 growth
Betting operator Gala Coral has said that despite having recorded year-on-year growth during the 12 weeks to April 12, 2014, recently announced changes in UK gambling regulations mean that the closure of some of its shops is ‘inevitable’.
The company was able to post total group group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of £69.2 million (€85.1 million/$116.5 million) during the second quarter, which was slightly up on the £69.1 million achieved in the corresponding period last year.
Gross profit at the firm also increased to £215 million, up 3% on the £208.8 million recorded in the same period last year, while continuing EBITDA remained level at £62.7 million.
Continuing turnover also grew 8% from £279.9 million last year to £302.2 million in the most recent quarter.
Gala Coral cited its online business as the main reason behind its success in the quarter.
The operator’s online business generated continuing profit of £11.4 million in the quarter, 44% ahead of last year while continuing EBITDA grew 138% to £21.7 million.
“The group delivered strong underlying growth for the second quarter in a row, with underlying year to date EBITDA (pre-exceptionals) ahead in all divisions and 16% overall,” Gala Coral group chief executive officer Carl Leaver said.
“Online growth momentum is very encouraging with Coral.co.uk now coming through strongly.
“The combination of a single online wallet, improved content and simplified customer journeys is driving both actives and spend per head significantly ahead of expectations.”
Despite the successes in online, Coral’s retail business did not fare as well in Q2 and was only able to post continuing gross profit of £133.2 million, which is down on the £135.7 million posted in Q2 of 2013.
With the retail business having taken a financial hit during the quarter, Gala Coral said more bad news is likely to follow due to the introduction of new gambling regulations by the UK government.
Earlier this month, UK Minister for Sport, Tourism and Equalities Helen Grant outlined the government’s gambling regulation plans, which include a tougher stance on fixed-odds betting terminals.
Gala Coral said that despite the introduction of a new code of conduct by the Association as British Bookmakers, the government has continued to react to ‘scaremongering and misleading’ information about the impact of FOBTs on problem gambling and the new measures introduced to combat these issues will negatively impact its retail business.
Gala Coral said in a statement: “As a result of the announced changes, and consistent with statements made by our competitors, the Group regards shop closures, and therefore jobs losses, as inevitable.
“Tax revenues will also suffer and payments to racing will reduce, which will threaten the fragile economic position of the UK’s second most popular sport.”
Related article: UK Minister outlines gambling regulation plans


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Bannon_ Seneca_ IMG_9502.JPG
Danielle Azzarella operating the 100's packer at the Buffalo cigarette factory. The factory is owned by J.C. Seneca and has been manufacturing cigarettes on the Seneca reservation since 2009. If NY state plan to tax the cigarettes sold by natives goes through Seneca said that he would stop selling major brands and sell only native made brands. "We now have our own manufactures. There are plenty of Seneca produced cigarettes, We've made plans to increase our product lines," Seneca said.


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(Yicai Global) Sept. 10 -- Shares in Miracle Automation Engineering surged as much as 7.7 percent today after the Chinese logistics automation equipment maker said it will construct a car battery recycling plant together with a unit of vehicle manufacturer FAW Group.
Miracle’s share price [SHE:002009] closed up 3.96 percent at CNY16.53 (USD2.57). Earlier in the day it hit CNY17.13.
Miracle and FAW Assets Management will build a battery recycling base in Changchun, northeastern Jilin province, where FAW is headquartered, that will carry out recycling, disassembling and cascade utilization work, Wuxi, eastern Jiangsu province-based Miracle said yesterday.
The recycling plant will not only help FAW offer better aftersales services, but also make it more environmentally friendly as well as control battery costs, Miracle said. The idea is that more reprocessing plants will be set up in areas where many FAW customers are based. The pair also plan to cooperate on auto parts remanufacturing to become an industry leader in China, it added.
A joint venture, Changchun FAW Process Equipment Engineering, will be established to manage the project. Miracle will hold a majority stake with 63 percent equity, FAW Assets will have 33 percent and a company executive the rest, it said.
Miracle, which already runs a battery recycling plant in Ganzhou, eastern Jiangxi province, said in June that it plans to expand further into the battery recycling sector. It is already preparing to invest CNY5 billion (USD776.1 million) to hike capacity at its Ganzhou factory to add 30,000 tons of ternary precursor output and 12,000 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate a year.
Editor: Kim Taylor


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Huawei Technologies will immediately lose access to updates to the Android operating system, a source close the matter told Reuters.Technologyread more
Huawei claims it has developed its own operating system for smartphones and laptops for "extenuating circumstances."Technologyread more
Trump's threat, posted on Twitter, comes amid rising international tensions in the Middle East as the U.S. has dispatched a carrier strike group and bomber task force to the...Politicsread more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party are set to form the new government again, exit polls from India's month-long parliamentary elections show. But past...Electionsread more
The latest crisis in the uneasy French-German relationship was accelerated by Trump's decision to stop Germany's comfortable and decades-old free-riding on trade and security...Europe Politicsread more
While some fans of the long-running "Game of Thrones" felt satisfied by the show's final bow, others were quick to express their displeasure with how events unfolded.Entertainmentread more
Stocks in Asia were mostly higher on Monday amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China.Asia Marketsread more
Current geopolitical tensions are making it harder and harder for oil-producing nations to make decisions that will help stabilize crude prices, Russian Energy Minister...Oilread more
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said there were different options available for OPEC and its oil-producing allies in the second half of 2019, including a possible...Oilread more
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) on Monday said Morrison's coalition has won 76 seats in Australia's parliament, which is comprised of 151 elected lawmakers.Electionsread more
U.S. President Donald Trump said his tariffs on Chinese goods are causing companies to move production out of China to Vietnam and other countries in Asia, and added that any...World Politicsread more
(For a live blog on the U.S. stock market, click or type LIVE/ in a news window.)
* Pinterest plummets as 2019 forecast disappoints
* U.S. agrees to lift metal tariffs on Canada, Mexico
* Energy shares fall on weak oil prices
* Luckin Coffee surges in market debut
* Dow up 0.26%, S&P flat, Nasdaq down 0.19% (Updates to early afternoon)
May 17 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks struggled for direction after three days of gains on Friday, as investors weighed mixed headlines on trade, with China's aggressive stance in its trade war with the United States remaining an overhang.
After opening down 0.75%, the S&P 500 erased some losses after media reports that the United States was close to a deal to remove tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico.
"That is a piece of positive news. The original tariffs were on steel and aluminum and that is what started this whole trade war," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at National Securities in New York.
Upbeat economic data, which showed U.S. consumer sentiment jumped to a 15-year high in early May, kept the market sentiment buoyant.
However, the focus remained on the growing U.S-China rift, which has taken a toll on global financial markets.
The ruling Communist Party's People's Daily wrote on Friday the trade war would only make China stronger and never bring the country to its knees.
Beijing's higher tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. products will take effect on June 1, which could prompt Washington to go ahead with tariffs on a further $300 billion worth of Chinese goods.
Uncertainty around trade led farm equipment maker Deere & Co to cut its full-year forecast, sending its shares down 6.3%.
The drop in shares of Deere as well as Caterpillar Inc and 3M Co pressured the tariff-sensitive industrial sector.
Energy stocks declined 0.6%, the most among the major S&P sectors, as oil prices fell.
Applied Materials Inc gained 4.8% after the chip gear maker's upbeat third-quarter profit eased concerns about waning chip demand.
At 13:17 ET the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 66.06 points, or 0.26%, at 25,928.74, the S&P 500 was up 1.99 points, or 0.07%, at 2,878.31 and the Nasdaq Composite was down 15.06 points, or 0.19%, at 7,882.99.
Under Armour Inc rose 7.8% after JP Morgan upgraded the sports wear maker to "overweight" from "neutral".
Online scrapbook company Pinterest Inc slumped 10.8% after the recent Wall Street debutant forecast 2019 revenue broadly in line with Wall Street targets.
Luckin Coffee Inc's shares, the Chinese challenger to Starbucks Corp, surged 23.6% in their market debut.
Declining issues outnumbered advancers for a 1.84-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and a 1.73-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.
The S&P index recorded 25 new 52-week highs and five new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 49 new highs and 85 new lows. (Reporting by Amy Caren Daniel, Sruthi Shankar and Shreyashi Sanyal in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Arun Koyyur)


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MASON, Ohio — December 14, 2021 — Downlite Outdoor has been selected as a trusted partner for recycled down jacket collections for leading brands such as Patagonia, Ralph Lauren, and Banana Republic. Collections are being released for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
As momentum builds globally for more sustainable options, Downlite has worked to expand its supply network of reclaimed down beyond Europe, thereby increasing the availability of this high-quality traceable fill. Recycled down is reclaimed primarily from pillows and comforters and then reprocessed and cleaned to a high-quality form, with fill powers ranging from 550 to 750. Downlite has expanded Its presence in Asia for recycling down, to not only increase volume potential, but to also reduce the carbon footprint — how far it needs to be shipped — to reach garment factories.
Patagonia has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of sustainability, increasing consumer awareness and acceptance, and working toward a more sustainable future. Downlite Outdoor has been a Patagonia preferred supplier for a decade and continues to work closely with the brand to expand recycled down styles, doubling the offering from 2017 to now. Downlite’s 600 Fill Power recycled down is featured in styles such as the Womens-down-with-it-parka.
Ralph Lauren, a long-term partner with Downlite Outdoor, has also made an enormous commitment to recycled down for Fall 22. Moving out of polyester fill and into recycled down speaks volumes to Ralph Lauren’s commitment to the environment, and to naturally biodegradable, compostable fills for their jackets. Ralph Lauren is also using all USA-Sourced Recycled down in the 2022 Olympic Closing Ceremonies Jackets – a first in the Outdoor industry.
“Because of the limited recycled down networks in the USA, there really has never been an opportunity to supply 100-percent USA recycled down on a scalable level, until Ralph Lauren. It’s an incredibly scarce resource — kudos to Ralph Lauren for putting a stake in the ground and seeing it through, 100 percent from the USA,” says Lindsay Parrish, vice president of sales, Downlite Outdoor.
In a brief time, Banana Republic has shown true dedication to its Recycled Down program. Committing to Downlite in 2020, their program has grown by more than 1,500 percent for Fall ’21. Their styles are not only luxurious in design, but sustainable in nature … and the numbers speak for themselves: many Mens’ and Womens’ styles are already sold out, before the holiday season is even fully underway.
These companies select Downlite Outdoor for its transparent and responsible leadership in sustainability and quality materials and service.
Posted December 14, 2021
Source: Downlite Outdoor


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It will be showcasing concepts including milk drinks and coffee in convenient portion packages at the Anuga trade show, which takes place in Cologne, Germany, from October 5-9.
As a producer of specialized dairy products such as evaporated and sweetened condensed milk, Hochwald Foods said it has been analyzing and adapting to changing consumer behavior within the dairy sector.
The company said it has been increasingly investing in and working on ready-to-drink (RTD) concepts such as RTD coffee, drinking yogurt and drinking milk formats serving the healthy and convenient dairy categories.
One of the main dairy categories driving future growth within the on-the-go trend is drinking yogurt. The category has gained the attention of many busy consumers as it offers a healthy and still filling on-the-go alternative.
Worldwide, drinking yogurt has been in the top three dairy product categories with an expected annual growth rate of more than 8%, driving significant growth in the dairy industry. In China, drinkable yogurt is expected to grow by nearly 3.5m metric tonnes in the next five years, according to Euromonitor.
Recent new Hochwald products
To answer the demand of nutritious, small and affordable alternatives, Hochwald has introduced its own drinking yogurt in 200ml Tetra Prisma Aseptic packaging with straw in different flavors.
Another category accelerating consumer demand for on-the-go products is led by RTD coffee. Euromonitor notes that RTD Coffee is expected to become one of the fastest growing food and beverage categories in Western Europe.
Hochwald said it has added to its presence in the RTD coffee segment by introducing a nitro infused coffee in a 250ml metal can. By adapting new flavors, recipes and formats, Hochwald said it aims to keep pace with changing consumer behavior and new consumption occasions.
As one of the main exporters for UHT milk products to China, Hochwald has been producing 200ml milk packages. Besides plain UHT milk in convenient packages, fortified milk has been driver for functional food in Asia, especially addressing parents with young children in the transition phase from infant formula to regular milk. Recently, Hochwald started with a new concept of 200ml UHT milk enriched with vitamin A and D.


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The news hasn't been good for Chipotle in recent months, with foodborne illness outbreaks and lawsuits against the company dominating headlines. In fact, things are so bad for the burrito giant, at least one of its suppliers is starting to feel the pain. A Maine paper manufacturer that supplies bowls to Chipotle is laying off 25 to 30 employees, reports the Bangor Daily News.
"Obviously, Chipotle has lost some of its patronage and we think it's a temporary thing," United Steelworkers union representative Duane Lugdon told the Daily News. "We don't see this lasting longer than perhaps four to six weeks — eight weeks at the most — and the folks will be recalled to begin making the Chipotle products again."
Chipotle has been hit with norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli outbreaks in recent months, and lawsuits in multiple states have been filed. The most recent class action suit alleges a restaurant in Simi Valley, Calif., attempted to cover up its norovirus contamination before it alerted consumers and closed. The company faces a criminal investigation by the U.S. Justice Department over that allegation. As a results of the constant stream of bad press, sales at established restaurants plunged 30 percent in December.
What once was America's favorite fast food chain is now attempting to win back customers after a steep decline in sales. In addition to stricter food safety guidelines and paid sick days for employees, Chipotle is offering a catering discount in conjunction with Super Bowl Sunday. The first 1,500 orders for February 7 will get $50 off their box of burritos or catering spread for 20 people or more.
Featured Video: Eater's sister site explains the Chipotle mess
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tralac Daily News
South Africa's factory activity slows in February - PMI (Creamer Media’s Engineering News)
South African private sector activity expanded again in February but at a slightly slower pace than the previous month, with new orders remaining flat while optimism was lifted by Covid-19 vaccine rollouts, a survey showed on Wednesday.
Tourism sector exploring new ways to work smarter (South African News)
In the pursuit for excellence, organisations in the tourism sector are constantly exploring new ways to work better and smarter. Sharing of best practice is a benchmarking mechanism which is at the forefront of many organisational strategies. Aligned to this, the Department of Tourism on Tuesday hosted its 8th Sharing of Best Practices Workshop virtually with countries it has MOUs and Bilateral Agreements with. The workshop was held under the theme: “Tourism Recovery post COVID-19 – a country perspective”.
Mantashe sees new industries emerging from South Africa’s renewables-led drive to boost ... (Creamer Media’s Engineering News)
South Africa’s move to increase electricity generation capacity provided a “unique opportunity” for the development of new industries, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said this week. Addressing delegates virtually during Canada’s annual Prospectors and Developers Association Convention, Mantashe highlighted that South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, developed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasised the importance of addressing the country’s long-standing electricity supply deficit so as to use energy as a “catalyst for economic growth”.
Zimbabwe’s second-largest mobile network provider Net One has partnered with Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei to improve mobile broadband services to the tune of 400,000 U.S. dollars, state media reported on Tuesday.
DRC, as a keystone in AfCFTA, can link regional value chains (Creamer Media’s Engineering News)
Trade and development experts have detailed the key role the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) can play in providing mineral resources for industrial and manufacturing value chains, supporting agricultural and agroprocessing value chains and serving as an epicentre for intra-African trade to drive development on the continent.
DRC’s Tshisekedi unveils ambitious agenda for 2021 as AU chair (The Africa Report)
DRC's President Félix Tshisekedi, who will be serving as chairman of the African Union for one year, has outlined an ambitious agenda for this year. His top priorities include Covid-19, security and the economy. President Félix Tshisekedi took over the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) in an unusual context, to say the least. Due to the ongoing pandemic, he was the only head of state to travel to Addis Ababa on 6 February for the virtual summit.
Kenya keen on boosting agricultural exports to Africa under AfCFTA (Kenya Broadcasting Corporation)
The government will prioritize export of agricultural products under the African Continental Free Trade Area strategy to create additional markets for small-scale farmers. Addressing the press in Naivasha during the ongoing validation workshop for the AfCFTA strategy, Industrialization and Trade Chief Administrative Secretary David Osiany said the government is planning a national wide sensitization meeting for small scale farmers on the opportunities in the African market.
AfCFTA: Experts Task Nigerian Manufacturers on Value Addition (THISDAY Newspapers)
Nigeria has been advised to transit from resource-based economy to one driven by value-addition and processing in other to benefit from the recently signed African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This was emphasised by stakeholders at an interactive session of the Nigeria Association of Agricultural Journalists (NAAJ).
Ghana: Etradehubs Portal Launched (All Africa)
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in partnership with West Blue Consulting, United Parcel Services (UPS), Trade Law Center (TRALAC) have officially launched the eTradeHubs portal. The eTradeHubs portal www.etradehubs.com is a one-stop for Trade Tools, information & collaboration aimed at reducing the time and cost of doing business by supporting businesses at all levels of maturity. The portal which was virtually launched last week Thursday has features such as a multi country Tariff and Trade Information Tool and a Duty Calculator.
African shippers' councils seek partnership with AfCFTA Secretariat (Graphic Online)
The Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC) is seeking a stronger partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to help boost intra-African trade. As part of the move to deepen the collaboration, an eight-member UASC delegation is in Accra on a five-day working visit to engage officials of the secretariat to help maximise gains from the initiative. The delegation is made up of representatives from Angola, Senegal, Cameroon, Togo, Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Congo.
The Executive Director of the Africa Centre for International Trade and Development, Isaac Hubert Arthur is concerned that the continental Free Trade Agreement may lose its impact if countries sign a unilateral deal with other countries outside the continent.
Exports among East African countries drop (The Star, Kenya)
The Ministry of Trade and Industrialization now says that exports among East African countries has dropped significantly as member countries embark on addressing the needs of their consumers. This emerged on Monday during a validation workshop for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which is a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
ECA report unpacks green recovery strategy for Africa (Creamer Media’s Engineering News)
The Economic Commission for Africa has launched the 'Building Forward for an African Green Recovery' report, which highlights the continent’s bold post-Covid-19 pandemic recovery strategy. The report seeks to bolster the continent’s quest for the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the attainment of the Paris Agreement’s climate change targets and the achievement of the prosperity objectives articulated in Africa’s Agenda 2063.
These 3 Cs can increase food insecurity in Africa, warn experts (Down to Earth Magazine)
There will be chronic hunger in the next 10 years if timely action is not taken, an expert said Climate Change, conflicts and the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) — the ‘Triple C’ — will impact Africa's food security, increase malnutrition and restrict development in the long run, alerted panelists at a virtual discussion on extreme weather and natural disasters.
The African Export-Import Bank (AfreximBank) has reaffirmed its readiness to support factoring as a viable alternative source of trade financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa.It said, “given that access to finance remains a key constraint to operations of SMEs in Africa, availability of sustainable trade finance is essential to propel the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
Empowering Africa's energy entrepreneurs through investment (World Economic Forum)
Despite the global economic slowdown caused by COVID-19, the case for investing in Africa is stronger than ever. Africa will remain a competitive investment destination for decades to come because of its improving relative risk profiles, regional integration and strong economic fundamentals. However, many challenges remain for local founders despite the record-breaking fundraising year African startups had in 2019. This is especially the case when it comes to women-led companies.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank has awarded a grant of $320, 535 to the West African Monetary Agency to mainstream gender in ECOWAS' core digital financial services (DFS) regulatory frameworks. The funds will support a gender gap analysis of several WAMA strategies including those for financial inclusion; gender disaggregation data analytics; digital payment services and infrastructure; and digital identity.
UNCTAD Paper Examines Linkages Between Non-Tariff Measures and SDGs (IISD Reporting Services)
The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released a research paper that examines the linkages between non-tariff measures (NTMs) and the SDGs. The paper aims to encourage policymakers to consider the implications of NTMs for their economies and for others.
Recently published data by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD revealed that global foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows plummeted by 42%, reaching $859 billion in 2020. In addition, the trend showed different outcomes across economic and regional areas.
US Commerce sets anti-dumping duties on aluminum sheet from 18 countries (Creamer Media’s Engineering News)
The US Commerce Department on Tuesday issued final anti-dumping duties on common alloy aluminum sheet from 18 countries investigated, including up to 242.8% on imports from Germany and 4.83% on imports from Bahrain. The duties were announced just hours after Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo won confirmation as the new US Commerce Secretary in an 84-15 US Senate vote.


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The American cranberry industry is one of the biggest losers so far in the escalating trade dispute between the European Union and the United States.
Imports of the red fruit from the U.S. were on the list of goods targeted last week by the EU for a 25 percent levy in retaliation against American tariffs on steel and aluminum. The U.S. exports about 95 million pounds of cranberries to the bloc each year, according to Tom Lochner, executive director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers. That’s more than any other destination and accounts for about 12 percent of domestic production.
“This tariff would significantly hinder our ability to compete in these markets,” Lochner told Bloomberg news service in an interview monitored by businessamlive.
Cranberries are among a basket of all-American goods – from peanut butter to bourbon whiskey and Harley Davidson motorbikes – singled out by the EU. The fruit is synonymous with the popular US Thanksgiving Dinner, but it’s also a U.S. agricultural success story. The country is the world’s largest producer, with output up 20 percent since 2010. The industry has promoted dry fruit in beverages, and exports have jumped 48 percent in the last six years, in part because of increased sales to China.
Yet cranberries remain a niche market, with only about 1,200 growers. In 2016, the harvest by farmers was valued at $292.3 million while the country’s exports of fresh cranberries, juice, sauces and dried and frozen products were estimated at $340 million. For comparison, total U.S. agricultural exports were $135 billion that year.
U.S. corn and soybean farmers are concerned about what could happen if President Donald Trump withdraws from the North American Free Trade Agreement, or if China targets agricultural commodities in retaliation for the tariffs on metals. But so far, those two major crops have escaped largely unscathed.
“Cranberries are a small segment of U.S. agriculture,” said Terry Humfeld, executive director at the Cranberry Institute, a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 to promote cranberry growers and the industry. “But for our little industry to be impacted does not make any sense. We are concerned.”
The timing of the trade tariffs comes as the cranberry industry grapples with a surplus. Last year it voted to dispose of some supply in order to balance it with demand. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the marketing order last month. The industry is recommending growers reduce output 25 percent this year, a plan not used since 2001.
“We hope that all parties involved will reach an agreement to continue to allow U.S. cranberry products into the EU,” Humfeld said. “This is probably an uphill battle we will have to wage.”


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J Walter Thompson has resigned the 5m (Register-MEAL) Nintendo UK advertising account, leaving its new UK owners Total Home Entertainment (THE) urgently seeking an agency.
JWT resigned the business last Friday, although THE thought the agency would remain with Nintendo until at least December.
Speculation about a possible split surfaced two weeks ago (MW September 1), soon after THE took over the marketing, sales and distribution of Nintendo UK last month (MW August 4).
JWT says the split is because of a change of marketing strategy at Nintendo.
“As an agency, we feel that it is vital to take a long-term view of both the market and, therefore, the marketing of a brand,” says JWT chief executive Dominic Proctor. “Unfortunately, having discussed the future with them, we do not feel that Nintendo’s new owners share that philosophy.”
JWT won the account in July 1993, at which time it was valued at about 12m. But THE diverted this year’s marketing budget away from advertising and into retailer support. The pre-Christmas ad blitz is now valued at about 1.5m.
There will be a 20m pan-European campaign for the Nintendo Ultra-64 games machine next year, but JWT would have had to repitch for the account.
THE managing director Alan Taylor says the company is meeting other agencies. He claims JWT’s withdrawal will not be harmful, even though it comes in the run up to the crucial Christmas buying season. “We have a major commitment to support the brand and we have got everything covered. We may just be appointing earlier than we intended.”
THE has signed a two-year, 1m ad and publicity deal with the Premier League that involves the development of a Premier League-backed 3D football game for the Ultra-64.


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The Austin MacWorks Official Blog
Check out Austin MacWorks’ first video advertisement! It played during a film festival in Austin.
Austin MacWorks’ recent sponsorship of the Austin School of Film, a local non-profit independent film, art and technology center, has enabled the prestigious school to “change our entire non-profit organization,” according to a school representative.
Austin MacWorks is pleased to announce its stores are now carrying speaker stands for Sonos by GT Studio, an addition that perfectly complements the stores’ full line of Sonos home sound system speakers.
Learn about the new Fall 2016 MacBook Pro — price, specs and availability
Apple announced today that its newest mobile-device operating system software, iOS 10, will be released on September 13.
They keynote address from yesterday’s Apple Worldwide Developer Conference offered some big surprises, as well as some not-so-big surprises. It was certainly exciting, and a good show, as always.


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Thrill-seekers are eagerly awaiting the reopening of two major theme parks situated in Staffordshire.
Alton Towers, in Alton, and Drayton Manor, near Tamworth, are currently closed for their winter seasons, so would be shut even if there were no lockdown.
However, all UK theme parks have shut their spas, hotels and golf courses they would normally keep open due to the covid crisis.
With uncertainty still surrounding when their third UK lockdown will end, there are still plans in place as to when parks will reopen.
They may well be subject to change, but The Mirror is reporting when our theme parks, as well as other major attractions in the UK, are set to fire up their rides once more.
Alton Towers is currently set to reopen in March - when we looked on its website, the first day with opening times was March 20, although the resort hasn't confirmed this as an official reopening date.
The resort's hotels, spa, waterpark and golf are all currently closed due to lockdown restrictions. If you had a trip or short break booked, these are cancelled up to and including February 28. The resort is contacting those affected.
Drayton Manor's theme park, hotel and zoo are currently closed in line with government restrictions during England's latest lockdown.
The resort's website states that "tickets and opening dates for 2021 are currently being reviewed" and has advised to keep an eye on its social media channels for further updates.
Reservations made between January 11 to March 25 have been automatically cancelled, where no payment was made. For those who have paid either fully or in part, the resort said it will be contacting affected customers directly.
Thorpe Park in Surrey is closed for the winter season, as per usual. The resort is currently planning to reopen on March 27, subject to government guidance at the time.
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Legoland in Windsor is temporarily closed due to lockdown restrictions, and there is no confirmed re-opening date.
The theme park usually closes for the winter season, however it does host a Brick Week event for half term and keeps its hotels open.
However, due to the latest England lockdown, Brick Week has been cancelled (Feb 13-21), while the Resort Hotels are temporarily closed until at least February 28. Guests are being contacted and will be offered options including re-booking and refunds.
Chessington World of Adventures
A statement on the Greater London theme park's website says that the "resort temporarily closed until it’s appropriate to reopen", with no set date currently given.
The resort's hotels and zoo are currently closed due to the latest England lockdown restrictions. Resort hotel stays are cancelled up to and including February 28.
The home of Peppa Pig World in Hampshire is currently set to reopen on March 19, dependent on government guidance at the time.
The park was originally due to reopen from February 13 so anyone who holds tickets for the new closed period is being contacted with instructions on how to rebook.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach was originally set to reopen on February 6 but this has been delayed due to the ongoing lockdown in England. There is currently no set confirmed date but a statement on the park's website says that it plans to reopen "COVID secure and 'Good To Go' as soon as we are able to".
Travel restrictions apply during the pandemic. Always check the latest government guidance before planning, booking or going on a trip.


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Tesla Plans to Raise More Financing for New Leasing UnitAlan Ohnsman
Tesla Motors Inc., which raised $2.3 billion in a convertible note sale last month, plans to find more funds for the new finance unit it’s created to lease electric Model S sedans to business customers.
Leases issued by the Tesla Finance unit “will be funded with a combination of equity and a warehouse financing facility that will be announced shortly,” the carmaker said on its website yesterday. Jeff Evanson, the Palo Alto, California-based company’s vice president of investor relations, declined to provide details on the capitalization of the new subsidiary.
“A captive finance company is a natural extension of our strategy to offer great customer experience, including financing products important to customers,” the company said. “Tesla Finance will offer a financing product that customers have been requesting” and has not been available “from our bank financing partners: a true leasing product intended for businesses.”
The carmaker led by Elon Musk wants to boost production by 56 percent this year as exports to China begin and the brand expands in Europe. Tesla’s plan to push into business leasing, also announced yesterday, makes sense for the Model S, priced from $71,000, said Craig Irwin, an analyst with Wedbush Securities.
“A large portion of luxury vehicles in the U.S. are leased, and it’s not surprising to see Tesla start with business leasing,” Irwin said in an e-mail. He rates the shares the equivalent of a buy.
Tesla rose 0.7 percent to $216.93 at the close in New York. The stock has gained 44 percent this year.
Warehouse financing typically refers to loans made to manufacturers and processors that rely on goods or commodities as collateral.
Tesla said it will use some of the cash it generates from Model S sales to fund the unit. Given a “solid cash position, strong cash flow from operations and the poor returns available on cash equivalents,” using some for Tesla Finance “makes sense,” the company said.
Should the business lease program grow, “additional layers of warehouse facilities would be added and eventually replaced with private and/or public asset-backed securitization transactions commonly utilized in the industry,” Tesla said.
The carmaker named for inventor Nikola Tesla said it will include a supplemental quarterly and year-to-date table summarizing the aggregate price of vehicles leased.
“This should allow investors to evaluate the velocity of our vehicle business,” the company said.
The business leasing program will have “no material impact to our gross margin in either GAAP or non-GAAP financials,” Tesla said.
Tesla began offering lease-style financing for individuals in April 2013 through a partnership with U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo & Co.
Tesla’s business lease program is targeting small and medium-sized businesses. Corporate customers can calculate the cost of leasing as they configure the car on Tesla’s website. Tesla Finance will offer loans from partner banks in addition to a resale-value guarantee available under the current program.
“These kinds of business leases are offered as a perk to vice presidents, company directors, C-level managers,” said Alec Gutierrez, an industry analyst for Kelley Blue Book in Irvine, California. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG’s BMW and Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz actively promote them, “and it’s a good market for Tesla to go after,” he said.
The company announced in February a sale of convertible notes intended to raise $1.6 billion. The total grew to $2.3 billion, Evanson said in an April 3 e-mail.
The proceeds will be used for its planned battery factory, model development and “to accelerate the growth of its business in the U.S. and internationally,” the company said in a statement.


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Welcome to Thomas Insights — every day, we publish the latest news and analysis to keep our readers up to date on what’s happening in industry. Sign up here to get the day’s top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
A new report from Interact Analytics offers some perspective on the growth of mobile industrial robots. While Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have had a place on plant floors and in warehouses and distribution centers for a while, the recent growth of these products in the industrial sector has been enormous.
Growth projections for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and AGVs shows this sector expanding in size from $1 to $7 billion over the next five years. Software connected to the use of these products could add another $3 billion to this total.
The research and consulting firm offers its perspective on a couple of factors driving the growth:
- Dubbed “the Amazon effect,” e-commerce growth within both the consumer and business-to-business sectors is driving the need for automated systems that can pick and fill orders quickly in warehouses that by necessity are growing in size in order to handle a wider breadth of inventory.
- The inability to find quality manufacturing and supply chain workers has led many companies to expand their level of automation.
- Mobile robots can be more cost-effective in handling the growing number of low-volume, high-value orders.
Image Credit: Chesky/Shutterstock.com


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Apple has unwrapped its own new Apple TV set-top box with a lot of renovations by time. The previous versions were to be reconstructed for the newer to launch. The requirement placed in the market is now being fulfilled by the company. With a few attempts, the giant is able to realm the market with a lot of difference in the present hardware.
For the new world, Apple has created its own App Store with the launch of the fourth generation Apple TV. It is all to make a new UI for the user friendliness and for the smoother and faster accessibility. It is hinched with tvOS that appears to be a lot speedier than previous iterations. Tim Cook noticed the need of apps and said, “Our vision for TV is simple and perhaps a little provocative. We believe the future of television is apps”.
For the existing apps like Apple TV, iTunes TV, iTunes Movies, and Apple Music apps, there will be an upgradation available. TvOS will help developers to bring in new apps for Apple TV. Disney Infinity and Guitar Hera like games will be available with the consecutive support of Netflix, HBO and Hulu apps. Further application platform will heed on the rental and real estate world.
Apple is betting on its new TV being a great way to watch live sports. The app like Baseball app (MLB) allows you to watch two games within the fraction of time, allowing you to switch to one another by new remote. Besides this, the app allows you to receive notifications, game information and key stats. The company has also made an App store for iOS devices apart from the Apple TV. The expected launch of the hardware is scheduled for October, with the developers getting the privilege to create apps for the new Apple TV today.


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Media: China Resumed the Purchase of Liquefied Gas from the United States
According to them, the PRC authorities satisfied the request of about 10 Chinese companies to abolish 25% duties on imports of American gas. Among these companies are China Gas Holdings and Oriental Energy. Reuters notes that China began purchasing LNG after almost a 20-month hiatus.
Earlier, Rystad Energy, an analytical agency, reported that it does not expect significant growth in LNG exports from the US to China, despite the conclusion of a preliminary trade agreement providing for China to increase its purchases of US energy products in excess of $ 50 billion in 2020-2021. Agency Vice President Xi Nan expressed the view that shipments from the United States are not competitive with shipments from Qatar, Mozambique and Australia.
The signing ceremony for the first phase of the US-China trade deal took place on January 15 in Washington. The President of the United States Donald Trump and Vice Premier of the State Council of the PRC Liu He put their signatures on the document. China, in particular, agreed to increase purchases of US products by $ 76.7 billion during the first year and by $ 123.3 billion during the second year of the agreement.


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The French meat processor at the heart of last year’s horsemeat scandal has been sold.
La Lauragaise – previously known as Spanghero – has been acquired by Paris-based CA Holding, according to French media reports. The sale was approved by a French court this week.
Spanghero became embroiled in the horsemeat affair last February, when it was accused of having passed off horsemeat as beef. French consumer affairs minister Benoit Hamon said at the time there were “strong suspicions” the company had profited to the tune of €550,000 from selling horsemeat as beef.
Spanghero always denied knowingly selling horsemeat as beef.
The company lost much of its customer base in the wake of the scandal, and was relaunched by its erstwhile founder, Laurent Spanghero, under the name La Lauragaise in July 2013. However, the new business continued to struggle, and was forced to seek court protection in June 2014 in order to avoid bankruptcy.
According to French reports, the company’s purchase by CA Holding – which owns Brittany-based food processor Loste-Tradi – will take effect on 1 August and safeguard 95 jobs; nine roles will be lost.
Spanghero was quoted in French media as being “totally satisfied” with the sale.
CA Holding declined to comment.


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News:Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship announced the launch of Mochi Swabhimaan Initiative.
About the initiative:
- Mochi Swabhimaan Initiative is a nationwide effort in which Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) will support the cobbler community who provide leather-based services, with CSR funds.
- This will ensure that they work in a dignified manner by bringing respect to their skills by giving them better working environment in the form of kiosks/umbrellas.
About Leather Sector Skill Council(LSSC):
- The Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to meet the demand for skilled workforce in the leather industry in India.
- LSSC was set up in 2012 as one of the key sector skill councils approved by National Skill Development Corporation(NSDC).
- It aims to facilitate a skilled ecosystem in the leather industry through capacity building for high productivity and compliance with global standards.
Statistics on Leather industry:
- India accounts for about 13% of the world’s leather production.
- The leather industry contribute less than 1% to India’s GDP and Footwear industry contributes about 2% to India’s GDP.
- Indian leather industry has huge potential for exports.It can reach USD 9.0 billion by 2020, from the present level of USD 5.85 billion.


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Popular children’s animated series Thunderbirds Are Go is preparing to launch onto DVD later this month.
The first 13 episodes of the hit ITV series will be launching to home entertainment across the UK from June 22nd and will be supported by a comprehensive PR campaign.
Distributed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment, DVD and digital promotion from launch will aim to actively drive to the Thunderbirds Are Go website, where fans will be able to play episode-related games.
Partnerships with a cross section of kids’ print media, fan sites, social media and blogger outreach will follow.
June will also see the launch of the Thunderbirds Are Go toy line from Vivid.


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In a world where data has become our most valuable commodity, ensuring its accuracy must become our top priority.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (PRWEB) November 05, 2020
In order to increase awareness of ad-fraud, premier data exchange platform BDEX is naming and shaming the ten worst-offending fraudulent IP addresses for the month of August 2020. These IP addresses are linked to thousands of identifiers, clear signs of fraud scams such as click-farms, bots, and other forms of false identifiers.
In its white paper study, BDEX found that, on average, 25% of device identifier data sold in U.S. markets are invalid. Using industry rates of usable consumer data and average ROAS, BDEX found that eliminating this bad data can improve return on advertisement spend (ROAS) by as much as 43%.
This unusable data stems from not only invalid identifiers and invalid identity linkages, but also unactionable identifiers, such as bot-farm generated IDs and other types of fraudulent activity. This issue correlates to real economic damages for companies: according to the Association of National Advertisers, losses due to fraudulent ad impressions were estimated to total $5.8 billion globally in 2019.
As the U.S.’ largest data exchange, BDEX has the ability to monitor the entire data ecosystem while constantly vetting data quality. It has named the following as the biggest sources of fraudulent click-farm data for August:
The Ten Most Offending Click-Farm IP Addresses:
22.214.171.124 - 2578 links
126.96.36.199 - 1734 links
188.8.131.52 - 1512 links
184.108.40.206 - 1511 links
220.127.116.11 - 1257 links
18.104.22.168 - 1203 links
22.214.171.124 - 1134 links
126.96.36.199 - 1120 links
188.8.131.52 - 917 links
These links encompass all identifiers to that address, such as MAIDs, MD5s, email addresses and other identifiers.
Ad fraud is difficult to eliminate and it requires a commitment by all those in the data space to do their part.
“In a world where data has become our most valuable commodity, ensuring its accuracy must become our top priority,” said David Finkelstein, CEO and co-founder of BDEX.
To help other companies in the data marketplace address this issue, BDEX is also offering some practical tips to detect potentially fraudulent identifiers:
- Be mindful of IP addresses linked to more than 6 email addresses, and emails that are linked to more than 4 IP addresses.
- Be cautious of emails using proxy servers to obscure their source and identity. While not a direct indicator of fraud, this could be a sign of geo-masking for fraudulent purposes.
- Avoid MAIDs associated with excessive traffic or unrealistic consumer characteristics.
BDEX hopes that by sharing these insights, it can help bring this critical issue into the limelight and start a discussion on how marketers and advertisers can leverage big data tools to manage bad consumer data and save time and money.
Read the full white paper on BDEX’s site here.
Established in 2014, BDEX is the first ever Data Exchange Platform (DXP) and is one of the Inc 5000 fastest-growing privately-owned companies in the U.S. Combining the functionality, data, and reach of a traditional data management platform in a true marketplace environment with the most powerful, more accurate identity graph in the US, BDEX empowers B2C companies to use the power of data to understand consumer behaviors and intents helping them reach the right people at the right time. Find out more at https://www.bdex.com.


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The push of VR toward mainstream adoption is at an interesting moment.
On the one hand, we have more VR headsets on the market than ever before powered by technology from Microsoft, Facebook, Sony and Google, with manufacturers including Samsung, Acer, Lenovo, Dell and HP all trying to cut off a piece of what is still a small market.
On the other hand, it was a tough year for many of the VR developers out there who found themselves struggling with low adoption numbers. One of the early social VR apps, AltspaceVR, ran out of money and its remaining team got swiped up by Microsoft. Meanwhile, one of VR’s earliest and biggest proponents, CCP Games, halted all its VR work. Those are just two of the highest-profile situations. There are many more examples of developers struggling in 2017.
The combination is almost enough for naysayers to trot out their overused comparisons to 3D TV and try to claim a premature “VR is dead on arrival.”
The truth is that the biggest issue facing VR adoption continues to be cost. The all-in price for any quality VR headset and the computer which draws the virtual world you visit is still significantly more than $500. Plus, almost all VR headsets on the market in the United States today require multiple pieces to work. It is expensive, and a pain, to get into a VR experience with a friend. Still, major manufacturers did their best this year to lower the barriers and widen the appeal of VR hardware. Here’s a quick summary of what happened in 2017:
- Facebook’s Oculus Rift drops from $600 to $400, with Black Friday deals bringing it down to $350.
- Microsoft licenses HoloLens tracking technology to PC manufacturers allowing them to build compelling VR headsets that are easier to use starting at $400, with Black Friday deals bringing the entry level down to $300. Microsoft also embraces Steam.
- HTC releases Vive Trackers that can increase a sense of presence.
- Sony bundles the camera with PlayStation VR headsets for $400 and streamlines its hardware a bit.
- Google significantly upgrades its Daydream View for greater comfort and longer-term use and rolls out a huge feature allowing wireless streaming to Chromecast.
While these efforts are all steps forward in driving greater adoption of VR, I would point to the efforts of Facebook and Microsoft as having the biggest impact in widening the pipeline so developers have more people to which they can sell VR software. I would also point to these two companies as being best positioned to drive adoption even wider in 2018.
Next year, we know Facebook is planning Oculus Go to offer an entry level all-in VR price of just $200, combined with instant-on functionality that will make it easy to jump into VR and find a friend at any moment. And we also know Microsoft is at least considering adding VR features to its Xbox One consoles.
But what of the Oculus Rift?
The device which arguably kickstarted VR’s renaissance has been on the market as a complete package with hand controllers for less than a year at this point, so it might be premature to discuss potential hardware upgrades. But the reality is that Facebook isn’t just competing against the likes of Microsoft and Google, it is also competing against the clock. Each passing month without a robust install base of VR headset owners makes it hard for inspired VR developers to make rent and feed their families, turning away talent that could help jumpstart a new medium. Meanwhile, each passing month costs Facebook a lot of money.
An update to Rift’s hardware — while still being aggressive with pricing — could multiply the VR install base.
Is Oculus Rift Ready For A Tracking Update?
We know Facebook is planning to release standalone kits to developers in less than a year featuring more convenient tracking technology. The updated “Santa Cruz” prototype headset, which I tried with redesigned hand controllers at Oculus Connect 4, dials up the freedom you can experience in a VR headset while bringing the same ease of use people will enjoy early next year with Oculus Go. It is unlikely, however, we’ll see consumer standalones from Oculus with the same kind of freedom you can experience in an Oculus Rift until 2019 at the earliest. That’s because Facebook’s public timeline only points to the release of developer kits in 2018 for a standalone full freedom of movement VR headset.
This leaves at least a year-long gap where headsets powered by Microsoft’s tracking technology could try undercutting Rift on price while also offering easier set up. That is, unless Oculus releases a new Rift with updated hand controllers and the tracking tech I saw on Santa Cruz.
At OC4 I talked to Nate Mitchell, Oculus co-founder and head of Rift. I expressed to him how frustrating it is to set aside three USB ports on your PC and run cords around your house to three cameras in order to enjoy a fair amount of freedom in an Oculus Rift. I asked him if those things would improve eventually.
“We have more in store for Rift in hardware and software,” Mitchell said. “We know Rift pain points better than anyone. I live Rift’s pain points every single day. I love Rift, I do think it is hands-down the best VR product that’s available at the absolute best price. Can we do better? Absolutely. Are we going to do better? Absolutely.”
My personal experience with Santa Cruz was joyous. Its tracking system did a remarkable job — using four cameras on the headset — to track my hand movement even in weird positions somewhat behind my body. In comparison, headsets powered by Microsoft’s technology only feature two wide angle forward-facing cameras that can miss some of these areas. The Microsoft system does a good job of capturing some movements when your hands aren’t in view, but the four sensor design employed by Oculus seems to offer a much larger tracked volume.
For those unfamiliar, both Santa Cruz and VR headsets based on the tracking technology Microsoft pioneered with its expensive HoloLens AR system use something called “inside-out” tracking. This means the headsets essentially track themselves as they move through space, without any external hardware needed. Current headsets like Rift and Vive require the installation of cameras or spinning lasers around the outside of your room to track a headset and controllers.
“With three external sensors with Rift when you have a full almost room-scale experience, the level of tracking that you’ll get in some of those edge cases is gonna be better [than inside-out tracking],” Mitchell said. “The beauty of Santa Cruz and the beauty of the inside-out tracking solution is that it’s actually pretty rare that you fall into those spots.”
The below photo from an Oculus presentation shows the range of controller tracking possible with the four sensor inside-out approach seen on Santa Cruz.
VR headsets are of course also held back by the limited resolution of their displays, but as PSVR’s adoption has shown, a lower resolution is still acceptable to many buyers. Enthusiasts get a little hung up on a resolution upgrade being a prerequisite to a “Rift 2.0”. I’d argue that cost and the superior ease of use that would come with a headset-based tracking solution is what’s holding back Rift adoption more than the number of pixels on the display. VR headsets need to come in at lower prices and offer easier setup in order to unlock a greater install base, and that’s what Facebook could do with an updated Rift that employs the tracking technology I saw in Santa Cruz.
Such a Rift update would still have a wire and it would still use a PC to power it, but it would be as easy to set up as any of the Microsoft headsets while offering tracking quality in the same ballpark as what you have with a Rift today. If Facebook stayed aggressive with pricing, it might even be able to lower cost a little bit more in this process by eliminating the external cameras.
This is all, of course, mostly conjecture. I don’t have any confirmation of Facebook’s plans beyond indications from Mitchell that he’s aware of what a pain it is to set up cameras around a room and that they have hardware updates planned for Rift in the future.
“Tracking is a fundamental part of a great VR experience especially when you go six degrees of freedom headset, six degrees of freedom controller,” Mitchell said. “You never want your mouse to freeze or disappear or float away…We’re not by any means saying we’ve perfected tracking across the industry or anything like that but we believe it’s a fundamental ingredient and an area where you can’t shortchange the experience.”


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EMarketer’s U.S. Ecommerce 2020 report explores predictions that reflect the effect of the pandemic on ecommerce.
July 6, 2020
In the U.S. Ecommerce 2020 report, EMarketer have predicted a 10.5 percent decline in total U.S. retail sales this year due to the COVID-19 health crisis.
The report estimates a 14 percent drop in brick-and-mortar sales. However, ecommerce is poised to grow 18 percent following a 14.9 percent gain in 2019. EMarketer finds that ecommerce sales were driven by a surge in click-and-collect including curbside pickup. The company expects U.S. click-and-collect ecommerce sales to grow to $58.52 billion, up 60.4 percent from their initial forecast of 38.6 percent growth.
The report also finds U.S. ecommerce in 2020 included a rise in older buyers joining the online retail space with 12.2 percent growth for those ages 65 and older.
EMarketer reports that the top 10 ecommerce retail businesses are expected to grow 21.8 percent. Amazon will continue to gain U.S. ecommerce market share this year and Walmart's ecommerce growth will bring the store to the number two position for the first time.
The report comes following the news that ecommerce sales spiked in April. According to Adobe’s Digital Economy Index, buy-online, pickup-in-store orders grew 208 percent year-over-year in April.
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Through its print edition, website, daily e-newsletter and event publications, License Global reaches more than 150,000 executives and professionals in all major markets. The magazine also serves as the official publication for the sector’s trade events, which include Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, Licensing Expo Japan, Licensing Expo Shanghai and the Licensing Leadership Summit.
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March has been a great month for smartphones, from T-Mobile launching its ‘uncarrier’ plans to HTC, Samsung and Blackberry launching new phones, it seems everyone is getting some good news.
The latest information from AT&T touches on pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S4. In a consumer blog post published earlier today AT&T confirmed that customers can pre-ordering the Galaxy S4 beginning April 16 for $249.99. That price of course is for new customers, or customers who are available to sign a new two-year commitment.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was revealed earlier this month at a press-event in New York, where the new phone was first shown to the public. You can check out the official post below, or wait a few more days and pre-order the phone.
more info: at&t
Apple's Spring Loaded Event took off today
Meet the 2nd Generation Echo Buds
Anker updates its work-from-home line of products.
Roku introduced several new devices this week.
NASA is hoping to launch the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, a first attempt at powered, controlled flight of an…
The new 8BitDo Pro 2 controller is now available for preorder, offering players an impressive upgrade that works…
Razer Viper 8K Gaming Mouse: The new Razer Viper 8K gaming mouse launched this week, offering nan 8000Hz polling rate for users.
PopGrip MagSafe Options: New PopSockets are on the way with PopGrip MagSafe features, as well as wallets and accessories.
Linksys AXE8400 Wi-Fi 6E System: Linksys introduced the all-new Linksys AXE8400 Wi-Fi 6E System at CES 2021 this week.
Roku Accounts: In 2020, Roku surged to over 51M accounts, an increase of 14M accounts with billions of streaming hours served to customers.
LG QNED Mini LED TV: LG Electronics will introduce the company's new line of QNED Mini LED TVs during a virtual CES 2021 panel.
Arlo announced the launch of the all-new Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free, a new wireless option of the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell.
The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro Earbuds offer THX Certified audio for high-fidelity sound and advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
Razer introduced the Razer Book 13, an ultra-mobile and professional laptop with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 11th Gen Intel Core Processor
Vizio announced this week that its ProGaming Engine, available on M-Series Quantum, P-Series Quantum, and P-Series Quantum X adds FreeSync.
Corsair announced that the company has acquired the smartphone app EpocCam, which turns your phone into a webcam


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We’ve heard about this program for awhile… but it is now at a point that we can explain all the specifics.
Sprint will start beginning to train technicians in-store to repair all major components of phones. The actual training will be on a device-by-device specific level (limited to the most sold phones only), and will be carried out by representatives of Sanyo, Samsung, and Nokia.
Just about any part of the device will be able to be replaced, including antenna, display, and motherboard. This will become an initial step before replacing a unit through Sprint’s DHRP warranty process. Should the replaced part fail again, the device will be warranted out, unless it is past warranty. All replaced parts will carry a six month warranty on the replaced component.
In addition, Sprint will provide out-of-warranty services for phone repair. The device’s repair rates will be defined to the customer, and most single-part replacements will not exceed $50. The program is expected to launch fully within the next two weeks, most technicians have already been trained.


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Copyright administration and publishing company Wixen Music Publishing has filed a claim against content streaming service Spotify for copyright infringement.
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In the late 19th century, the rise of electric lighting disrupted the candle industry, forcing candlemakers to adapt or go out of business. Today, the rise of cryptocurrencies is challenging the dominant position of traditional fiat currencies, raising questions about the future of money and finance.
The analogy between the decline of candle manufacturers and the potential impact of cryptocurrencies on fiat currencies is a powerful one. Just as the adoption of electric lighting represented a disruptive technological innovation that threatened to make candles obsolete, cryptocurrencies represent a disruptive innovation that could potentially challenge the dominant position of traditional fiat currencies.
Like candle manufacturers, some proponents of fiat currency have criticized cryptocurrencies as being volatile, speculative, and lacking the backing of a central authority. Meanwhile, like some candle manufacturers who sought to adapt to the changing market by investing in new technologies or emphasizing the traditional appeal of candles, some central banks and financial institutions have begun to explore the potential of blockchain technology and digital currencies.
However, just as many candle manufacturers were ultimately unable to compete with the benefits of electric lighting, it remains to be seen whether cryptocurrencies will ultimately supplant fiat currencies or become a niche market. The future impact of cryptocurrencies on the fiat monetary system remains uncertain, but it is clear that the rise of cryptocurrencies has already disrupted the financial landscape and forced traditional institutions to adapt to a changing market.
Conclusion: The decline of the candle industry and the rise of electric lighting is a cautionary tale of the dangers of complacency and the need for innovation and adaptation in the face of disruptive technologies. The rise of cryptocurrencies presents similar challenges and opportunities for the financial industry, and cryptocurrencies seem on the right side of history.


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DigitalGlobe has announced its partnership with Bird’s Eye Images to market and sell high-quality art prints of satellite imagery collected by QuickBird satellite. Exhibiting astonishing detail with rich colors and textures, the prints allow consumers to see a unique perspective of favorite locations around the world. The prints are available for sale at www.birdseyeimages.com. DigitalGlobe has agreed to give Bird’s Eye Images access to its ImageLibrary containing hundreds of thousands of satellite images from around the world, from which Bird’s Eye Images produces art prints on demand.
Home News Business DigitalGlobe and Bir?s Eye Images Partner to offer consumers Satellite Image Prints


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For the first time ever, Ultra Music Festival is taking place in Taiwan. Previously Ultra held Road to Ultra Events in Taiwan, but this edition of Ultra will take place over 2 days, September 8 and 9. Also, this event will have multiple stages including one for Resistance. Previously, Ultra has taken place all over the world and now its looking to expand on the dynasty. Other locations have included Miami, Croatia, India and Peru, just to name a few.
Ultra is always brings stacked lineups and Ultra Taiwan is no exception to that known fact. The Phase 1 lineup has just been announced, with talent from multiple EDM genres. This year’s headliners are Alan Walker, DJ Snake, Galantis, Marshmello, NGHTMR + Slander, Nicky Romero, Steve Angello and Tchami x Malaa. Support from other artists includes Nicole Moudaber, Pan Pot, Andrew Rayel and Oliver Heldens. Stay tuned, the phase 2 lineup is being announced soon.
Presenting the Phase 1 Lineup for the FIRST EVER edition of Ultra Taiwan – NOW a 2-DAY festival! Featuring: HEADLINERS — @alanwalkermusic @djsnake @wearegalantis @marshmellomusic @nghtmre + @slanderofficial present: Gus Vibrations @nickyromero @steveangello @tchami x @malaamusic: No Redemption @Resistance HEADLINERS — @eatseverything @themartinezbros @nicolemoudaber @panpotofficial @sampaganini SUPPORT — @andrew_rayel @cashcash @oliverheldens + many more to be announced… Tickets are on sale now exclusively at UltraTaiwan.com/tickets
Tickets are available now on Ultra Taiwan’s website, don’t hesitate as this event will sell out sooner rather than later!


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Search launched for missing Hanley man Kevin Bradnick
POLICE are appealing for help from the public as they search for a 'vulnerable' missing man.
Kevin Bradnick, aged 52, from the Hanley area was reported missing on Monday. He was last seen by family on Wednesday February 6.
Mr Bradnick is described as white, 5ft 7ins, with a thin build, and dark brown hair. He has blue eyes and a beard, and usually wears a woolly hat, jeans and a black jacket.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "We consider Mr Bradnick to be vulnerable and we are concerned for his welfare.
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"Extensive searches are underway to locate him and we would ask that anyone who has seen him, or had any contact, to get in touch."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 213 of February 25.


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Paperboard packaging manufacturer Southern Champion Tray (SCT) has announced a new $84.9m investment to expand operations in Chattanooga, Tennessee, US.
The announcement was made by SCT officials along with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe.
The investment will see the company develop a new manufacturing facility in the Centre South Riverport Industrial Park.
The new manufacturing facility, which will convert paperboard into packaging products, is expected to generate more than 120 new jobs in Hamilton County in the next five years.
Property acquisition for the facility is subject to the completion of due diligence and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year.
SCT anticipates the construction to begin next year and complete by early 2022.
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Besides this facility, the company operates three more facilities in Chattanooga.
Southern Champion Tray chief operating officer Brian Hunt said: “We at Southern Champion Tray are extremely appreciative of Mayor Coppinger, the Chattanooga Chamber, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development along with TVA, for the support in our company’s growth.
“This is a vote of confidence for every current SCT employee, as well as the 120 new employees that we will be adding.
“After 93 years of continuous growth, we are excited to build another facility to support many more years of serving customers with Great Packaging and Distinctive Service.”
SCT produces and distributes paperboard packaging products including food sleeves, trays, window boxes, cupcake inserts and others.
The family-owned company employs more than 750 people.


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As you’re doubtlessly aware, the Senate passed controversial anti-piracy legislation, the Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015, this week. While rights holders are rejoicing, it’s not so clear whether the legislation will actually achieve its stated ends of reducing piracy, and it might be easily circumvented by the public. Ultimately, a re-thinking of media companies’ business models is needed.
Despite the bill being passed in both the House of Representatives and Senate, Labour MP Ed Husic and Greens Senator Scott Ludlam have spoken publicly about their concerns about the legislation.
Husic argued that the bill “favours the interests of rights holders over consumers” and “doesn’t actually deal with the way of getting that content to people in much more efficient means”. Ludlam echoed this, stating: “This is what happens when you get a government that only listens to one side of the argument – the public interest gets left in the dust.”
The legislation is an attempt by the government to curb piracy in Australia. It was backed by industry groups such as the Australian Film and Television industries. Brett Cottle, from the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA AMCOS), has argued that the industry had been “bled dry” by piracy.
This issue gained prominence after the Online Copyright Infringement Discussion Paper was leaked by Crikey last year. More recently, the ongoing legal case involving the Dallas Buyers Club and iiNet has again raised questions of piracy in Australia.
Does the new law solve more problems than it creates?
The intention is to curb online piracy, particularly of music, television and films. This is an area in which Australia has become a leader. But the legislation curbs piracy at what costs to consusmers?
The proposed annual estimated cost to carriage service provider (CSPs) of $130,825 for implementing the law’s requirements will arguably be passed onto consumers through the pricing of internet services.
There are also question around the abuse of such powers and the content that the legislation could block.
Matthew Rimmer, intellectual property academic, has raised concerns about how this could be “abused in a variety of different ways in terms of engaging in censorship or trying to engage in rent seeking”. He suggests that sites like Wikileaks could fall foul of these laws.
Even if a site is blocked, Australians might bypass the restriction by many means. One is already used by many Australians: Virtual Private Network (VPN) geo-blockers. These hide the user’s geographic location, thus bypassing any regional blocks.
More than 200,000 Australians have already used services such as these to access Netflix prior to the company’s launch in Australia. Mumbrella reported recently that more than 680,000 Australian households use this technology to access video content, not all for piracy.
But the media industry has a different perspective on the use of such technologies. In the Mumbrella article, Andrew Maiden, Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) chief executive, compared the use of VPNs to “getting around that a supermarket has a faulty checkout where you can take goods out without paying for them”. He added that just because it’s possible to circumvent a law, that doesn’t make it right to do so.
Does it actually work?
Australian media organisations argue they are doing their bit to combat piracy by making content legally available. In a Copyright Act inquiry earlier this year Foxtel’s Bruce Meagher argued that the company was doing its bit by releasing content at the same time it was released in the US and at a competitive price.
What is not considered here is that Foxtel has a relatively small penetration rate in the Australian market, at only 30%. This is far less than the pay-TV penetration in the US (84%) and UK (50%). So even if Foxtel releases content sooner, most Australians still don’t have access to it unless they sign up for a pay TV account, which might include many channels and programs they’re not interested in.
However, during the Copyright Act inquiry, Christopher Chard from Village Roadshow Films noted that traffic from the UK to a piracy site diminished significantly once the site was blocked in that country. This is despite some people in the UK using VPNs to still access that site.
In the UK more than 100 websites have been blocked since similar legislation was introduced in 2012. A report by Incorpro found a 73.2% decrease in traffic after the introduction of site blocking in the UK However, the report also found a boost in traffic to other sites that hosted pirated material. There are also some questions about the methodology of the report, and whether it accurately tracks traffic to blocked sites, particularly over VPN.
On the other hand, there is evidence of piracy decreasing when content is made available to the consumer legally. For example, there is evidence of a decline in piracy when Netflix enters a particular region.
Netflix arrived in Australia this year. Given that many of the programs acquired illegally by Australians include many of those available on Netflix, one might expect piracy rates here to decline as well.
Who should change to fight piracy?
This year Fremantle Media announced that it will no longer be removing any pirated clips of American Idol. Instead it has found a way to profit from those fan-uploaded YouTube clips of its program.
According to Variety, the company has partnered with BroadbandTV to identify and manage user-uploaded content on YouTube for more than 200 shows, including American Idol, The Price Is Right, America’s Got Talent, Baywatch and The X Factor.
Olivier Delfosse, COO of Fremantle Media, stated that:
When we see a fan of our show who has gone through the hassle of uploading (content from) it, it’s not an indication of them stealing from us – we see it as fan loyalty […] It doesn’t matter if we upload the official clip or a user does – the value to the advertiser is the same.
Is legislation that blocks so-called piracy sites really the solution to the problem associated with online piracy? It doesn’t solve the most common issue raised by Australians: legal and fairly priced access to the content they want to watch.
Ultimately, it’s more likely that solutions such as those offered by Fremantle Media and Netflix and a re-thinking of media companies’ business models, will eliminate piracy rather than heavy-handed top-down legislation, which is also relatively trivial to bypass.
This article was originally published on The Conversation.
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Duckie Brown to Join Forces with Perry Ellis
Perry Ellis has picked up two new friends to help reinvigorate the brand.
February 08 2012 5:08 PM EST
February 05 2015 9:27 PM EST
On the eve of their fall 2012 show, Duckie Brown designers Steven Cox and Daniel Silver have been hired by Perry Ellis to create a special collection, due in stores next spring. The pair, who currently design an ongoing capsule shoe collection with Florsheim, have been brought on by chief merchandising officer at Perry Ellis, Doug Jakubowski, who is out to attract a more fashion-forward customer. "Perry Ellis was, and should be, a first thought when thinking about designer men's wear and Duckie Brown can take us to that place," Jakubowski told WWD. Cox and Silver, who were nominated for the CFDA Award for menswear in 2007, are known for their quirky, unconventional offerings, are an savvy choice for the company, who seems hungry to attract a new customer base. The Duckie Brown duo will continue to work on their own line, while working with the Perry Ellis's New York office. Expect to see their first outing hit runways during New York Fashion Week later this year.


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More than 180 million registered domain names now make up the internet.
According to the first quarter 2009 Domain Name Industry Brief from VeriSign there are nearly 183 million domain name registrations across all of the top level domain names. This is a three per cent from the fourth quarter of 2008 and a 12 per cent increase over the same quarter from last year.
The .com suffix remains the most popular top level domain category, followed by .cn (China), .de (Germany) and .net. There was an average of 2.4 million new .com and .net registrations added each month in 2009, and during the quarter, the amount of domain names grew to 92.4 million.
Jill Corso McNabb, vice president of Naming Services at VeriSign, said: “As the authoritative registry for .com and .net domain names, VeriSign has a unique view into the pulse of the internet. DNS resolution truly comprises the backbone of what makes the Internet operate across the globe.
“DNS becomes even more critical to the overall infrastructure of the internet not only as Internet usage grows but also as innovative products and services related to the DNS proliferate.”


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In the last few years, the smartphone industry has witnessed an enormous amount of technological advancement in terms of both design and specifications. From going all screen with minimum bezels to pop up cameras.
The upcoming Infinix S5 will be equipped with punch hole technology packing a 32MP front camera, its predecessor, the Infinix S4, featured the same 32MP camera, but it is expected to see some improvements.
The Infinix S5, unlike Infinix S4, will come with HDR+, this will increases the contrast level to differentiate objects from the background, keeping the overall image well balanced and natural. Apart from HDR+, users will get different modes such as 3D beauty mode, AR stickers, portrait mode and much more.
The 6.6” display will have a screen-to-body ratio of 90.5%, previously in Infinix S4, the screen-to-body ratio was around 88%. Infinix claims better contrast, quality, and sun-light readability.
The phone comes equipped with quad rear cameras, a unique crystal feather pattern on the back, and a 4000mAh battery. It will come in three different colors, black, green and purple.
Other brands are offering quad-cameras and punch hole displays around Rs. 50,000, while the S5 will be offering both for Rs. 25000.