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Will disposable COVID face masks ever break down?
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SAN DIEGO — The blue face masks were what probably 95% of people wore during the peak of the pandemic and are still wearing today. However, they do not break down, so last year, I buried one in my garden to see what would happen to it a year later.
That was last winter, and since then, I've found several studies that show these masks take 450 years to break down and last as long as diapers and plastic bottles. And if you look at mask pollution going back to 2020, it would equal 7% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch of plastic that floats in the Pacific Ocean.
Mitch Silverstein is with the Surfrider Foundation and said many masks didn't get disposed of properly. "At the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020, we were going through about 4.3 billion of these every day. It's not like these people are bad actors and just throw these things into the ocean. You can see, look at this, you open your car door, and you have one sitting on the bottom; it just flies out, and it's gone. That's why we see them everywhere."
Being made of plastic, these masks don't decompose in the traditional sense, so that is why it's so important to keep them out of the environment
When I dug up the mask, it was as expected; these things don't break down.
They're like cigarette butts or baby diapers; they last for hundreds of years; it's unbelievable. Silverstein said no one knows.
"The truth is we don't know how long it takes to completely biodegrade. Estimates go from 400 years or more," Silverstein said.
They don't biodegrade; they just break apart into smaller pieces.
"Until they become microplastics, these microplastics, in addition to completely trashing our oceans, have been found on every corner of the Earth, including in our bodies. they've been found in mother's milk, even in the placenta," Silverstein added.
In 2020, factories produced over 52 billion masks. But here's the scary part; it's estimated that 1.6 billion ended up in the ocean.
"Before 2020, I don't think we ever saw these, we never saw masks show up as an actual item on our beach clean-up data sheets, and now we pick up thousands and thousands over the last couple of years," Silverstein said.
"So, you're probably asking yourself if you're still using a mask, what should I do? Well, Surfrider has a couple of suggestions. One is to dispose of it properly, but they'd like you to invest in a reusable mask that you can sanitize yourself.
WATCH: Prices surge for KN95 and N95 masks; how to safely wash and reuse them to save money (January 2022):


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Microsoft is now preparing to storm into the wireless earbuds market. Ever since Apple made AirPods and got success, every other company is trying to design one for them. Even Amazon is preparing earbuds with Alexa on board. And it will be called Morrison internally.
As per Thurrott, Microsoft is planning to make their own earbuds. Also, Microsoft might give this a codename: Morrison. Not much is known about the product but will have Cortana integrated as well.
Well, Microsoft is not new in this business. Last year, they launched Surface Headphones. And, if we move a few years back, Microsoft had Zune Headphones as well.
Let’s see if Microsoft will able to compete the already popular AirPods in the coming days.
Source: Android Police
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Anytime a manufacturing plant opens or expands in the United States, it spurs development, creates jobs and has a positive spill-over effect on area businesses and communities. At the same time, it bolsters our nation’s competitive position in the global marketplace.
In post-recession America, the manufacturing sector is growing again, which bodes well for everyone involved, starting with workforce development and encompassing product design, industrial operations and facilities management. It goes an important step further, benefiting advanced manufacturing and the entire supply chain – conceiving, developing, producing, testing, fielding and shipping finished products.
Growth and Innovation
The manufacturing sector comprises 11 percent of the nation’s private-sector workforce and 12 percent of its overall economy. While manufacturing lost nearly a third of its workforce during the recession, it has increased steadily since 2010. In July alone, 16,000 direct manufacturing jobs were added in the U.S., for a total of more than 668,000 in the past four years. This marks the first period of sustained job growth since the 1990s.
- The U.S. share of exports has increased faster than that of other nations. This is also noteworthy, as trade deficits or an overreliance on imports renders the country vulnerable to factors ranging from exchange rate fluctuations to trade embargoes and natural disasters that can devastate supply chains.
- The nation’s ability to manufacture its own goods enhances the provision of related services. For instance, real estate sales tend to strengthen in areas where manufacturing business is strong. The same is true for healthcare, social services and other industries that serve members of the industrial workforce.
The U.S. as a Competitive Force
The United States today is a more competitive location for manufacturing than it has been in decades.
- According to recent market research, 54 percent of global executives are actively considering bringing manufacturing back from China to the U.S. Another study shows that our nation is the top destination in the world for job-creating foreign direct investments, for the second straight year. The U.S. scored the highest confidence level of any country since the survey was launched two decades ago.
- Low-cost energy is one driving factor. This positive development is enticing many businesses to bring work back to America. It also has significant supply chain implications.
The Importance of Workforce Development
To support this growth, the U.S. and its employers need a critical mass of both direct manufacturing and associated service jobs. This will come from collaboration between experts in industry, academia and government. Factory jobs offer economic opportunity to hard-working, middle-skilled employees, which leads to healthy upward mobility. Higher-skilled jobs such as accounting, research, technical development, engineering and testing and lab work are another critical component to American leadership.
- Foster relationships with secondary and trade schools, community colleges and universities. Emphasize STEM education. Today’s manufacturing employee needs training in fundamental math, statistics, algebra, engineering and software development. Manufacturing leaders need to create learning opportunities and future pathways for their workforce.
As you grow your manufacturing team and build your future talent pipeline, it makes strategic sense to partner with a recruitment and workforce management firm that specializes in your unique needs. To learn more, read our related posts or contact the experienced recruiters at Premium Staffing today.


text: Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies is aiming to tap the rapid pace of digitalisation in the global financial services industry after its network gear and smartphone businesses were dragged down by US sanctions . It recently formed an alliance with 25 partners including software developers, fintech companies and risk managers to create an ecosystem that offers digital financial solutions ranging from technical architecture and operational support to brand promotion. It joins Ping An Insurance and Ant Group as the third major Chinese players to compete in the booming global market. “Intelligent finance itself has a market valued at several hundreds of billions of dollars, but the potential is bigger because there will be cross-sector opportunities,” Jason Cao, president of Huawei’s global financial services business unit, told the South China Morning Post . “Digitalised financial services have already penetrated into various commercial fields, and a cross-industry, full-scenario eco-system can be built by us to serve the clients.” Huawei’s enterprise business climbed 23 per cent on the previous year to 100.3 billion yuan (US$15.67) in 2020, spurred by demand for information structure upgrades such as cloud and artificial intelligence. The pace of growth largely beat the group’s overall business performance, which saw revenue rise 3.8 per cent to 891.4 billion yuan last year. Huawei’s consumer business segment posted a 3.3 per cent year-on-year gain in 2020, a far cry from a 34 per cent jump a year earlier as US sanctions hit its smartphone shipments . Cao said the financial services unit, part of the enterprise business at Huawei, grew faster than 23 per cent in 2020. He hopes to capitalise on that through the new alliance. “You do not just offer what financial firms demand in the new era,” Cao said. “The key to staying ahead is developing innovative scenario-based solutions.” Examples include facial recognition and big data technology, that are increasingly being used by automatic teller machines (ATMs) and credit assessment departments in retail banking. Huawei is collaborating with customers and partners to seize opportunities in 5G and focus on five major tech domains - connectivity, cloud, computing, AI, and industrial applications. The company already serves more than 2,000 financial institutions in over 60 countries and regions, including 47 of the world’s top 100 banks. Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa, where financial inclusiveness is underdeveloped, offer the biggest growth opportunities for Huawei, Cao said. OneConnect Financial Technology, a cloud-based fintech platform controlled by Ping An Insurance (Group), is also aggressively expanding in Southeast Asia as the Covid-19 pandemic spurs demand for digital banking services among regulators and institutions for its products and services. Ant Group – an affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding, which also owns this newspaper – is expanding outside the mainland by serving individual consumers with its own financial technologies. According to a research report by IDC in May, Huawei clinched the top spot in the mainland’s financial cloud infrastructure market, enjoying a 21.3 per cent share worth US$3.27 billion.


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With no ties to a national economy and lofty goals, Bitcoin's price is famously volatile. Prices have soared and plummeted in the wake of various national policies, financial deals, competing cryptocurrencies, and fluctuating public opinion. On the other hand, as many sovereign nations find themselves with currencies that are also vulnerable, the citizens of countries such as China and Venezuela are turning increasingly to virtual currencies.
In October 2013, the FBI seized roughly 26,000 BTC from website Silk Road during the arrest of alleged owner Ross William Ulbricht. Two companies, Robocoin and Bitcoiniacs launched the world's first bitcoin ATM on 29 October 2013 in Vancouver, BC, Canada, allowing clients to sell or purchase bitcoin currency at a downtown coffee shop. Chinese internet giant Baidu had allowed clients of website security services to pay with bitcoins.
Regulatory Risk: Bitcoins are a rival to government currency and may be used for black market transactions, money laundering, illegal activities or tax evasion. As a result, governments may seek to regulate, restrict or ban the use and sale of bitcoins, and some already have. Others are coming up with various rules. For example, in 2015, the New York State Department of Financial Services finalized regulations that would require companies dealing with the buy, sell, transfer or storage of bitcoins to record the identity of customers, have a compliance officer and maintain capital reserves. The transactions worth $10,000 or more will have to be recorded and reported.
Bitcoin’s first mover advantage, popularity, and network effect has cemented it as the most popular cryptocurrency with the largest market cap. Rivals like Litecoin may have numerous technical advantages over Bitcoin’s algorithm (see more about that here), but they only hold a fraction of Bitcoin’s market cap and their dwindling communities largely consist of loyalists, speculators, and antagonistic anti-Bitcoin buyers.
In September 2012, Bitfloor, a bitcoin exchange, also reported being hacked, with 24,000 bitcoins (worth about US$250,000) stolen. As a result, Bitfloor suspended operations. The same month, Bitfloor resumed operations; its founder said that he reported the theft to FBI, and that he plans to repay the victims, though the time frame for repayment is unclear.
Bitcoin is pseudonymous, meaning that funds are not tied to real-world entities but rather bitcoin addresses. Owners of bitcoin addresses are not explicitly identified, but all transactions on the blockchain are public. In addition, transactions can be linked to individuals and companies through "idioms of use" (e.g., transactions that spend coins from multiple inputs indicate that the inputs may have a common owner) and corroborating public transaction data with known information on owners of certain addresses. Additionally, bitcoin exchanges, where bitcoins are traded for traditional currencies, may be required by law to collect personal information.


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KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 25): Genting Bhd returned to the black in the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2020 (4QFY20) to RM24.98 million from a net loss of RM130.75 million in 3QFY20 as the group’s resort operations resumed.
It posted 0.65 sen earnings per share for the quarter under review from loss per share of 3.4 sen.
Revenue, however, fell 7.6% to RM3.05 billion from RM3.3 billion, according to the group’s filing with Bursa Malaysia.
“Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) however improved to RM1,175.7 million in 4QFY20 compared with RM1,095.3 million in 3QFY20 mainly due to the leisure and hospitality division and plantation division.
“The improvement in EBITDA of the leisure and hospitality division was mainly due to Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) as it rolled out a series of attractive packages and specially curated staycation experiences whilst the increased EBITDA from the leisure and hospitality businesses in the US and Bahamas was mainly due to higher volume of business recorded following the resumption of Resorts World Casino New York City operations in early September 2020. The plantation division’s EBITDA increased in 4QFY20 on the back of higher fresh fruit bunches production and better palm products selling prices,” it added.
On a year-on-year basis, the group’s net profit plunged 95.27% from RM528.82 million while revenue dropped 45.52% from RM5.3 billion on lower revenue from its leisure and hospitality segment caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.
For the full year ended Dec 31, 2020 (FY20), the group posted a net loss of RM1.02 billion from a net profit of RM2 billion a year earlier, while revenue slumped 47% to RM11.56 billion from RM21.62 billion.
Genting Malaysia sees lower 4Q net loss of RM241m
Meanwhile, in a separate filing, Genting Malaysia Bhd (GENM) said its net loss narrowed to RM240.89 million in 4QFY20 from RM740.64 million in 3QFY20 as the group’s resort operations resumed.
The group’s loss per share stood at 4.26 sen versus 12.46 sen previously.
Revenue in 4QFY20, however, slid 26.53% to RM1.04 billion from RM1.42 billion.
On a year-on-year basis, the RM240.85 million net loss compares to a net profit of RM299.74 million in 4QFY19 on lower revenue from its leisure and hospitality segments.
Yearly revenue dropped 57% to RM1.04 billion from RM2.44 billion.
For the full year ended Dec 31, 2020, the group registered a net loss of RM2.26 billion from a net profit of RM1.4 billion a year earlier.
Full year revenue dropped to RM4.53 billion from RM10.41 billion.
Genting and GENM both separately declared a special single-tier dividend of 8.5 sen to be paid on April 6.
This brings total dividend payout for the year to 15.5% for Genting and 14% for GENM, compared with 22% and 20% respectively in FY19.
On prospects, Genting said global economic conditions are expected to continue recovering, aided by the progressive roll out of mass vaccination programmes.
However, the groups said ongoing concerns and uncertainties amid the fluidity of the Covid-19 situation worldwide remain a significant downside risk.
“Nevertheless, the local economy is projected to gradually improve in the longer-term, supported by the recovery in global demand as well as domestic monetary and fiscal measures. The outlook for the global tourism, leisure and hospitality industries remains highly uncertain. While the regional gaming market has continued to register some level of recovery, significant challenges will persist in the coming year given the negative impact of the pandemic on the sector,” said Genting.
GENM Group also maintains its cautious stance on the near-term prospects of the leisure and hospitality industry.
“In Malaysia, the introduction of a second Movement Control Order in various States since Jan 22 will impact the group’s business following the temporary closure of Resorts World Genting (RWG), Resorts World Langkawi and Resorts World Kijal during this period. RWG has resumed operations since Feb 16 while RW Langkawi and RW Kijal recommenced business on Feb 19
Shares of Genting Bhd closed three sen or 0.64% lower at RM4.63 valuing the group at RM17.95 billion. GENM shares were four sen or 1.4% higher at RM2.90, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM17.22 billion.


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2NE1 launches global Twitter page
On June 22, YG FAMILY FANCLUB announced that 2NE1 has officially launched a 2NE1 Global BlackJack Twitter page for the convenience of global fans.
Netizens will be able to receive the latest news updates regarding 2NE1. Access to resources and information on future albums, international concert schedules, fashion and lifestyle will also be available to whoever follows the page.
Meanwhile, 2NE1 recently attended the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival in France, on June 18, to talk about the Hallyu Wave.


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Home Tags Eating
We're all guilty of eating not because we're hungry but because we're stressed or bored. Here's how you can break that habit in a healthy way.
A handful of activities can be truly detrimental to your health. In some cases, new studies have found a link between those habits and an early death.
Emerging science suggests that when eaten on its own, fat doesn't contribute to weight gain, while sugar does. Scientists recommend cutting back on sugar and instead bringing back foods like avocados and salmon.
Expiration or "sell by" dates on food products aren't a reliable means of telling whether a food is safe to eat. Use these hacks to see if food is bad.
5 ways to look and feel healthier in one week, according to a nutritionist — and 5 things you should never do
Registered dietitian and nutritionist Andy Bellatti gave us tips for how to start feeling healthier quickly. There's no reason you shouldn't feel like the best version of yourself this summer.
INSIDER spoke to several German nutritionists about the differences between diet habits in Germany and in the US.
INSIDER spoke to experts about what happens when you end up eating more than your body can handle at one time.
I trekked to the Panera Bread in Union Square, New York City, to try six different soups and rank them. And the winner might not be what you expect.
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Former Don Julio Master Distiller Enrique de Colsa has partnered with luxury agave brand The Lost Explorer to launch a blanco tequila.
A few years back, David de Rothschild and Thor Björgólfsson launched The Lost Explorer Mezcal with three expressions, an Espadin, a Tobala, and a Salmiana. The bottlings have been impressively successful across the globe, finding their way into high-end shops and bars from Los Angeles to London. Now, the Lost Explorer is making its way into a new agave space, tequila.
To create the handcrafted, small batch blanco tequila, The Lost Explorer partnered with Maestro Tequilero Enrique de Colsa. With over three decades of experience at Don Julio–where he took over as Master Distiller in 2004–Enrique’s choice to take over was one based on values and opportunities, “In The Lost Explorer, I found people with my values and principles, with my way of doing things, and today it’s become a reality…being together to launch a new tequila with new flavors, new aromas, and a completely new level of excellence.”
The Lost Explorer will launch De Colsa’s inaugural line of tequilas as a new expression from The Lost Explorer brand, complementing the company’s reverence for nature and commitment to sustainability in creating additive-free luxury agave spirits.
The Lost Explorer works with local farmers to produce its tequila, ensuring a high caliber of plantings and regenerative harvesting practices are implemented. It is produced in small batches at its distillery in the lowland valleys of Amatitán, Jalisco; the distillery will have the unique distinction of having its own NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana).
“We are thrilled to unveil our tequila, a natural evolution of our agave spirits brand which seeks to inspire people to celebrate the earth and live curiously,” said Tanya Clarke, CEO at The Lost Explorer. “With Enrique at the helm, and the Valley of Tequila as our canvas, each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship, terroir and a dedication to producing a superb tequila made within the rhythm of nature.”
The Lost Explorer Tequila launch will lead with the unveiling of de Colsa’s first signature Blanco tequila, which will be available in the US, Mexico, UK, Europe, and beyond from April onwards.
The Lost Explorer Mezcal is launching into three new global markets: Spain, South Africa, and Indonesia. With this expansion, the luxury artisanal mezcal will now be available in over 21 countries. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Last year, East London agaveria Hacha partnered with The Lost Explorer mezcal for a bar takeover at Iceland’s Kokteil Barinn.


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If you thought social was a fast-moving space before 2018, the turbocharged changes we’ve been experiencing this year may have left you at the very least confused and, at worst, lying in a dark corner in the fetal position. I know I’ve had my moments.
Cambridge Analytica, GDPR, executives in front of Senate committees, fake news, irrelevant content: all these have shaken social media to its core and created something I’ve come to refer to as “social skepticism.”
The public is skeptical about whether their privacy is being respected. Marketers are skeptical about how to measure their return on social investment and, as a result, how much of their marketing mix social should command. And now brands, agencies, marketers and consumers alike are pressing the pause button while they assess this new social landscape.
The challenge we face in this post-Cambridge Analytica world is how to rebuild the trust that has been eroded over the past 12 months. Reestablishing that trust is especially challenging because the current wave of social skepticism is driving people away from public social spaces and pushing them to private channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp. Don’t get me wrong, social media engagement is not going to decline. Almost 3.2 billion people on the planet engage in social media every month with a million more users coming online every day. That’s 11 new users every second. The key is understanding that how people are using social media is changing.
This year Messaging has quickly emerged as the dominant communication channel. Think about this: In the past year, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger both grew twice as fast as the core Facebook platform. Messenger now has 1.3 billion MAU (monthly active users) and has become an exceptional tool for business communication. More than 8 billion messages are sent between people and businesses every month. The combined total MAU of the top four messaging apps has grown to 4.1 billion. That is up 30 percent year over year. To put it in perspective, this means messaging app users now eclipse traditional social network users worldwide.
The reality is that social is still critical for every marketer on these more private channels and is integral to the customer journey. Looking into 2019, I see social’s importance shifting beyond the traditional marketing silo into sales (social selling), customer care (social support), product development (social listening and innovation crowdsourcing), HR (employer brand amplification and candidate engagement) and more.
Nine out of 10 consumers globally already want to speak with a business directly through messaging apps. In a recent survey by Facebook, 69 percent of people say that direct messaging a company helps them feel more confident about a brand. To me, that represents a staggering opportunity for meaningful one-on-one customer connections. The circles of influence on social may be getting smaller, but they are growing more powerful at the same time.
This year, the most progressive brands have led the charge in how to do messaging right across customer support, marketing and sales. Brands like Estee Lauder are adding personalized value in private channels with their Lip Artist chatbot, which combines AR and AI to help you try on lipsticks before you buy. Starbucks messages branded stickers on Viber, and Domino’s Facebook messenger bot allows customers to find coupons and place delivery orders. They are providing clear value to customers in the channels where customers want to engage.
Remember the shift by people to more private spaces reflects a clear desire for more privacy. In terms of marketing and sales, that means you have to tread carefully with outreach. There must be a clear context for communicating with customers on these channels, and it is imperative that the interaction adds value.
As we head into 2019, being a successful social brand means delivering content that is relevant, interesting and timely to your customers and authentic and genuine to your brand. This will help restore the trust of your customers and followers as you deliver more value to them, which will in turn open up more opportunities and doors into these private channels. Yes, the rules are changing. But now more than ever we have an incredible opportunity to have meaningful conversations with our customers at scale, one person at a time on social.


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When it comes to identifying the best stocks on the junior market, Fevertree (LSE: FEVR) would surely make many investors’ lists. After all, it’s hard to ignore a company whose share price 14-bagged between November 2014 and September of this year (thus making early holders significantly wealthier in the process). Factor-in the huge leaps in profit, excellent returns on sales and capital invested and you have a business worth holding on to.
Or do you? I remain cautious on the stock.
Where to now?
Sure, this month’s trading update from the premium carbonated mixer supplier was anything but downbeat.
To recap, Fevertree announced that the superb growth seen in H1 had continued into H2. Highlighting the “exceptional performance” witnessed in the UK, the company stated that the rate of sales growth had been “strong across both the on and off trade“. Having assumed responsibility for “97% of the value growth in retail over the last 12 months“, it’s understandable that management is now predicting full-year figures will be “materially ahead of current market expectations“.
Ordinarily, most stocks would fly on such a bullish update. Not Feveretree. Indeed, over the past few weeks, the shares appear to have lost much of the momentum they displayed earlier in 2017. Therein lies the rub.
At some point (if it hasn’t happened already), beating market expectations will become the norm for the £2.3bn cap, at least in investors’ minds. As such, I think there’s a growing possibility we might see a situation unravel not dissimilar to that seen at online fashion giant and fellow galloping growth stock Boohoo.Com before much longer — a situation in which even a high-performing company is paradoxically punished by a seemingly insatiable market.
With its sky-high valuation of 54 times earnings, negligible dividend yield and — I suspect — growing susceptibility to competition from rankled rivals, I’m not a buyer of this high-quality company at the current time.
A far better purchase, in my opinion, would be Robinsons owner Britvic (LSE: BVIC), particularly after today’s expectations-beating full-year results from the Hemel Hempstead-based business.
Revenue increased 7.7% to £1.54bn in the 52 weeks to the start of October, with 41% of sales generated from outside of the UK. Encouragingly, 5.4% of total revenue also came from innovation, comparing favourably to the 4% achieved in 2016. Although pre-tax profit fell 2.5% to £111.6m, Britvic was quick to reassure investors that this was a consequence of planned investment for future growth.
While cautioning holders that the forthcoming soft drinks levy would create some short-term uncertainty, CEO Simon Litherland added that Britvic — thanks to its extensive brand portfolio, innovation plans and focus on cost management — was “well placed” to deal with any negative consequences.
As a result of adjusted earnings per share increasing by 7.3%, the £2bn cap also saw fit to hike its full-year dividend by 8.2%. With a fully-covered yield of 3.5% now predicted for the next financial year, I’m convinced that the company remains a solid pick for those wanting income from their investments.
Despite rising almost 8% in early trading, Britvic’s shares still look to be reasonably priced, if not the bargain they once were. Moreover, at 15 times forecast earnings, its stock is still a whole lot cheaper than Fevertree’s. For this and the reasons listed above, Britvic gets my vote.
Markets around the world are reeling from the coronavirus pandemic…
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Paul Summers has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended Britvic. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.


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The announcement of the global strategic partnership between IBM and Salesforce came shortly before IBMs InterConnect conference, where many of the experts charged with bringing this partnership to life will be presenting. The idea of AI has existed in the imaginations of data scientists since the 1950s, before the rise of the smarter data models, virtually unlimited supply of data, and progression of cloud computing needed to create the caliber of AI we have today. While AI for CRM is designed to provide answers, it remains relatively new as an enhancement to customer and employee-facing applications, and subsequently, the alliance between IBM Watson and Salesforce Einstein raises an obvious question–how do they work together?
Einstein is focused on structured customer data to predict likely outcomes, inform smarter decision-making and recommendations, automatically score and prioritize sales leads, and send notifications and alerts. While Einstein provides insights from CRM data, Watson excels at making sense of unstructured data that isn’t necessarily within a business’ database–drawing insights from text, video, images, emails, customer surveys, and social media, to name a few. As an example, in practice, the union between Einstein and Watson allows for an insurance company to pull local forecast data from IBM Weather into Salesforce, and automatically send safety and policy information to customers who are at risk of being impacted by severe weather events.
In a recent interview with IBM CEO Ginni Rometty and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, the two described how the integration of their respective AI capabilities delivers a holistic solution.
“[Salesforce is] coming at it from a declarative standpoint, expressed through our platform, for our customer relationship management system. IBM's approach, which is pioneering, especially when it comes to key verticals like retail or finance or healthcare—these are complements.” –Marc Benioff
“What Marc's done with Einstein—think of it as CRM as a process. What we've done with Watson—think of it as an industry in depth.” –Ginni Rometty
Among the over 5,000 clients that IBM and Salesforce share, customers can combine on-premise enterprise and cloud data with specialized integration products for Salesforce, to surface data directly within the Salesforce Intelligent Customer Success Platform. In practice, a wealth advisor can consolidate client data, such as individual investments and risk profiles, with financial trends and public financial market information right within Salesforce.
Together, Watson and Einstein offer an unparalleled insights engine for every industry. And now that you know what Watson and Einstein know, how will you make AI a reality for your business?
Highlights delivered to your inbox:
Bluewolf, an IBM Company, is a global consulting agency and proven Salesforce strategic partner that builds digital solutions designed to create results. Now.


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A dangerous bill – which rolls back internet privacy protections on personal customer data, allowing Internet providers to sell user information for a profit – has been signed into law after being passed in the U.S. House and Senate. Senator Steve Daines supported selling this bill that sold Montanans Internet browsing history to corporations. This is very disturbing news.
Last week, a group of senators, including Jon Tester, sent Trump a letter asking him to veto this bill, arguing the legislation will “seriously undermine the privacy protections” of people who use the Internet. Today, Tester spoke on the Senate floor about the bill’s dangerous impact on Montanans’ privacy.
But even as Republicans in the Montana State Legislature fight back against the law by introducing an amendment, two people eyeing Tester’s seat – Matt Rosendale and Tim Fox – have stayed silent as their party attempts to put Montanans’ privacy up for sale. The silence from Fox, as Attorney General overseeing the Office of Consumer Protection, is particularly deafening.
While Steve Daines show a blatant disregard for consumer privacy protections in favor of a select few big corporations, Matt Rosendale and Tim Fox have stayed silent.
Rosendale and Fox have shown they have no issue being mentioned as potential candidates for Senate, but when it comes to this dangerous bill endangering Montanans’ privacy, they haven’t said a word.
Tweet to Rosendale and Fox with #SilentButDeadlySelloff to tell them you want to hear if they stand with Montanans or Big Corporations that Daines sold us out to.
And don’t forget to say thanks to Senator Tester for standing up for Montanans’ privacy.


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The company, which has long disappointed with sales of its cholesterol-lowering plant sterols and the resulting debt, has sold off its most profitable unit, chemicals, giving it a fresh injection of funds to add new products to its food business and even look at 'moderate' acquisitions.
"Raisio is now well poised for a new start as a financially sound, listed company," said CEO Rabbe Klemets.
An approximate €220 million operating profit from the divestment of Raisio Chemicals will go towards new technology to upgrade and develop existing products in the Nutrition unit as well as the creation of combination or entirely new functional food ingredients, particularly those designed to help manage cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, revealed the firm today.
Raisio Life Sciences is expected to grow organically by 15-20 per cent, said the company. The unit has seen an upturn in fortunes anyway recently, with the ingredients segment reporting growth of 60 per cent in the first quarter, based on a number of new product launches in past months.
The recently acquired food diagnostics business, which makes up around a fifth of the unit, is also set for substantial growth.
Raisio Nutrition is expected to reach an organic growth of 2 per cent in Finland and approximately 5 per cent in Russia and Poland in the next few years. More than €20 million will be invested annually on new technology and production in all three of these markets.
The food, feed and malt businesses are strongly focused on Finland, Poland, Russia and the Baltic States. Eastern Europe is seen as a strong opportunity for Raisio, based on its existing margarine production in Russia and geographical position, although its ingredients business needs to boost its Europe-wide presence.
Raisio is also hoping to improve efficiency, with return on capital employed targeted to increase to 12 per cent in the next couple of years.
This will be done by looking closer at synergies generated by its different businesses, "eliminating organisational overlaps, trimming loss-making business operations and products, and further developing logistics", said the firm.
A stronger balance sheet could also allow for acquisitions to support the new 'well-being' strategy.


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NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Thanksgiving is like the Super Bowl for Boston Market. "It's a huge day for us," CEO George Michel told TheStreet TV's Gregg Greenberg. The company will serve over 1 million customers this Thursday.
Some of them will be dining in and some will be ordering pick-up, Michel explained. Menu prices will increase about 4% year-over-year due to higher input costs.
Boston Market is now "busier than we've ever been," he added, with same-store sales up 25% over the past three years.
Consumers have been migrating to Boston Market from burger chains, fast-food establishments and even fast-casual dining restaurants, he said. They are also opting for chicken, fish and turkey more than they have in the past.
It's good for consumers to know what they're eating, he added. The Food & Drug Administration will now require restaurants to post calorie counts on their menus.
That's fine for Boston Market, since Michel said that this information is not meant to be kept secret from customers. It's important for them to know what they're putting in their bodies, he said.
Currently Boston Market has 460 locations in the U.S., with another 12 to 15 planned for 2015. However, Michel also has his sights focused on international expansion, particularly in the Middle East.
But one plan the company doesn't have is for an IPO. Private equity firm Sun Capital Partners owns Boston Market, but the only focus is on expanding locations and growing the business, he said.
An IPO is not part of the discussion at the moment, Michel concluded.
TheStreet Ratings team rates MCDONALD'S CORP as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
"We rate MCDONALD'S CORP (MCD) a BUY. This is driven by several positive factors, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its notable return on equity, expanding profit margins and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income."
You can view the full analysis from the report here: MCD Ratings Report


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WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) - Producer prices were flat in December while the core rate of inflation at the producer level jumped a surprising 0.3 percent, the Labor Department said Friday.
The PPI rose 3.6 percent in 2000, the biggest rise in 10 years. Most of the gains for the year were for energy goods and services, which rose 17.1 percent. The core rate, which excludes food and energy prices, increased 1.2 percent for the year.
Wall Street economists surveyed by CBS.MarketWatch.com expected both the PPI and the core PPI to rise 0.1 percent.
The report gives the Federal Reserve no reason to pause in its unwinding of higher interest rates. Natural gas prices exploded, as expected, and other red flags looked to be one-time events or related to seasonal adjustments.
In 1999 and 2000, the Fed had raised the Fed funds rate sharply to rein in inflation. But nine days ago the Fed lowered rates by a half percentage point to give the economy a little gas. It is widely expected that the Federal Open Market Committee will lower rates again at the Jan. 30-31 meeting.
In a separate report, the Commerce Department said retail sales rose 0.1 percent in December, stronger than the 0.4 percent decline expected by the MarketWatch.com consensus.
In December, energy prices fell 0.7 percent, despite a record 6.9 percent rise in natural gas for residential heating. Gasoline prices dropped 8.4 percent and heating oil prices fell 1.2 percent. Electricity costs jumped 1.2 percent.
Food prices dropped 0.4 percent.
The 0.3 percent rise in the core rate can be traced to several sectors. Light truck prices soared 1.4 percent, car prices rose 0.5 percent, prescription drug prices climbed 0.6 percent and alcoholic beverage prices rose 1.2 percent.
Finished capital goods prices rose 0.2 percent, bringing the annual increase to 1.2 percent.
Further back in the production pipeline, the story was much the same: tame inflation other than the historic gains in natural gas prices. Natural gas rose a record 33.9 percent at the intermediate level and 35.3 percent at the crude level.
At the intermediate level, prices rose 0.2 percent in December and 4.1 percent for the year. The core rate, however, was flat in December and rose 1.6 percent for the year.
Crude goods prices rose 8.7 percent in December due to the natural gas price spike. The core rate for crude goods was flat.
For the year, crude goods prices gained 31.6 percent, largely due to the record 76 percent rise in energy goods prices.


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GUINNESS are donating hundreds of thousands of kegs to be used to fertilise Christmas trees after much of their stock went unused during lockdown.
Like most businesses, Guinness were forced to scale back their massive worldwide production of the black stuff once the globe was plunged into a pub-less nightmare earlier in the year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Most beers have a use-by date, and once pubs and restaurants around the country closed, much of that will have quickly gone to waste.
But no one should ever waste a Guinness, right?
It seems the folks in Dublin agree.
Guinness's flagship brewery at St. James's Gate, which usually produces around 720 million litres a year (that's 39 pints a second by the way), decided not to throw their stock away, but put it to another use instead.
They've donated their booze to be used as fertiliser for Christmas and willow trees, while some of it is being used to create bio-gas.
Aidan Crowe, Director of Operations at St. James's Gate, said: "You'd probably make me cry if I started to add it all up [the wasted beer], but it's hundreds of thousands of kegs, and we've still got some products to decant and we've still got some markets that haven't finished returning their beer to us.
"So a lot of beer and a lot of kegs."
Guinness stocks were reduced to their lowest levels since the 1916 Easter Rising back in March, but with lockdown slowly easing and pubs due to reopen next month, operations are beginning to ramp up again.
"We've got to be prepared for different eventualities. If it's slower than we expect we've got to be ready for that," Crowe added.
"If it's significantly busier than we expect, we've got to be ready for that too. And we are ready. We will be ready."


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Huawei Nabs Wireless Patent Win Over Samsung
In 2016 Huawei sued Samsung, and now a Chinese judged has ruled that the Korean-based tech giant infringed one of its wireless communications patents.
As part of the ruling, Samsung has reportedly been ordered to cease selling products which utilise the technology in China.
According to Caixin Samsung states it will review the decision and respond “in accordance with” local laws. The company has reportedly been ordered to pay a “small” fee to the court, however, no further monetary charges were made.
Chinese-based Huawei sued Samsung in 2016 for several patent violations in both California and China.
The is not Huawei’s first court case win in China. Last year, the company was awarded about $12 million in damages by the Quanzhou Intermediate People’s Court for IP violations.
Huawei’s Californian case still continues, which asserts that Samsung has infringed on its IP.


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In a non-binding resolution passed last week, 75 senators from both sides of the aisle agreed that states should be able to force any internet retailer who makes more than $1 million in sales annually to collect sales taxes for them, regardless of whether the retailer physically does business in the state.
The amendment to a budget bill merely takes the temperature of the Senate on the issue of a so-called internet sales tax. Another vote would still have to happen to send the idea on its way to becoming actual law. But any tax sponsored by a Wyoming Republican, in this case Mike Enzi, that Al Franken also supports seems destined for safe passage through the Senate.
“Today’s vote proves that an overwhelming majority of Senators support this bipartisan legislation to level the playing field for brick-and-mortar retailers,” said Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin, another big backer.


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Irving, TX (PRWEB) March 23, 2010
Liberty International Launches its New “Wow Mobile” Program Featuring the Samsung 17500 Google Android Smart Phone.
Randy Jeffers, CEO of Liberty International (http://www.libertyinternational.net) announced the unveiling of the company’s new “Wow Mobile” program and smart phone technology, which enables users to earn “truly” free cellular services.
Being one of the largest Internet marketing companies in the world has provided Liberty International, the opportunity to introduce some innovative products to people who wish to reach their goal of debt freedom sooner. The new “Wow Mobile” (http://www.wowmobile.com) program offers fantastic incentives, as it enables members of the “Wow Mobile” program to earn “truly” free cellular services by referring other members and growing the Liberty International network. The new refer three and it’s free program is simple... sign up three other people and you receive yours free! What could be easier? This incredible compensation program has paid more people, more money in the shortest amount of time.
Randy Jeffers, CEO of Liberty International had this to say, “The communications industry and cellular services are unbelievably exciting and a life changing experience. We have built incredible relationships with the four major telecom services and therefore we are looking at introducing innovative products that compete at retail levels. Today, everyone has a cell phone and with this concept, everyone has the opportunity to receive their cell services free. With this program, we are experiencing a tremendous growth period with many new and innovative products and services to introduce in the future.”
“Today’s VOIP technologies (http://www.wowmobile.com) enable users to have their conversations digitized and transmitted by data lines, which means a clearer service for all. The new media phone, being utilized in their offices, enables those living away from each other to see their loved ones faces, while talking to them, and this is a truly incredible thing”, says Randy.
“As a distributor for Liberty International,” Daniel Pacheco said. “I cannot tell you how excited I am to be introducing the new “Wow Mobile” program to my customers and their friends. This new revolutionary program offers me a way to invite people to join Liberty International and enjoy the free products and services that I have experienced since becoming a member. I can hardly wait to show these people how they too can earn their way to free cellular services, simply by referring others.”
Liberty International is built on a visionary approach that combines significant industry experience with the power of unique and innovative leading-edge products. Liberty international is a new kind of Network Marketing Company. Previous Network Marketing experience is not required. The company leaders are committed to helping individuals build, support, and train for successful results. Proven leadership in new product development and manufacturing technology provides new distributors with a growing product line designed to build their business quickly and with maximum impact.
For more information on the company, their compensation programs, and its product line, go to http://www.libertyinternational.net
Randy Jeffers is available for media interviews and special speaking engagements.
For more information, contact:


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Illinois Attorney General sues 3M, other makers of ‘forever chemicals’
February 2, 2023 – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is suing the makers of so-called forever chemicals that have contaminated multiple sources of drinking water, saying the companies hid threats to public health and the environment.
Raoul is suing 3M and several other large chemical companies that have in their past had some role in making a class of chemicals used in non-stick pans, clothing, furniture, water and stain repellents, food packaging and thousands of other products.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, are tied to some types of cancer, liver damage and other health conditions. Minnesota-based 3M has promised to stop making PFAS products by the end of 2025.
In his lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Circuit Court of Cook County, Raoul seeks to recover environmental damage as well as money from the companies “necessary for Illinois to continue identifying, monitoring” PFAS contamination.
The state’s environmental officials identified more than 100 drinking water systems around Illinois, including Chicago’s suburbs, that have measurable levels of PFAS. Separately, a recent study found that fish from the Great Lakes and other fresh water sources tested for high levels of the chemicals.
“By manufacturing and sending into Illinois these chemicals while misleading the public about their toxic properties, defendants have caused widespread contamination and injuries to Illinois’ natural resources and have caused releases of PFAS into the environment at concentrations that exceed applicable Illinois health advisories,” Raoul’s lawsuit said.
Last year, Raoul filed another lawsuit against 3M, specifically related to contamination around a company plant north of the Quad Cities.
A 3M spokesman said in a statement the company “acted responsibly in connection with its manufacturing operations and products containing PFAS and will vigorously defend its record of environmental stewardship.”
Others named in the suit include DuPont plus several related companies, BASF, Bayer, Daikin and Solvay.
“It’s extremely helpful to have state attorneys general to hold these polluters accountable for costs,” said Erik Olson, a senior strategic director for health with the environmental organization Natural Resources Defense Council.
Drinking water systems will spend millions, “if not billions,” of dollars to remove PFAS, Olson said.
The chemicals get their forever nickname because they are very difficult to destroy, won’t break down in the environment and are unlikely to pass through the human body. U.S. health officials estimate 97% of Americans have PFAS in their blood.
The ubiquitous chemicals are present in so many products, from microwave popcorn to dental floss to grease resistant fast-foot packaging, that some health and environmental advocates are pressing for states to ban PFAS.
“These legal suits are kind of helpful for historic damages,” said Sonya Lunder, senior toxics policy adviser with the Sierra Club. “But the reality is these chemicals are being pumped out for dental floss and burger wrappers.”
Lunder said Colorado, where she’s based, passed a PFAS ban much like one that has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly.
By Brett Chase, FOX 32
Read More Here


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OCI cancels polysilicon supply contracts with Suntech
Apr 30, 10:39
South Korea-based solar material provider OCI has terminated two supply contracts with China-based Wuxi Suntech Power and one supply contract with Suntech International. OCI noted that the contract termination was based on Wuxi Suntech's insolvency and restructuring plan disclosed on March 20, 2013...
MEMS-enabled energy harvesting: Q&A with MIG executive director Karen Lightman
Apr 23, 14:12
Digitimes recently spoke with Karen Lightman, the executive director of MEMS Industry Group (MIG), about the use of MEMS for energy-saving applications. Lightman pointed out opportunities for energy harvesters – devices used to capture, accumulate and store energy absorbed from one or more natural...
Commentary: Foxconn can focus on solar end market applications
Apr 22, 16:19
Terry Guo, chairman of Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry), has mentioned that the firm wants to produce different kinds of solar products. Market observers believe Foxconn has strength in manufacturing, hence should focus on solar applications for the end market.
Digitimes Research: China 2013 rare earth mining targeted at 46,900 tons
Mar 29, 10:54
To prevent an oversupply of rare earth materials, China's 2013 rare earth mining target is only half that of 2012, at 46,900 tons. China's export quota has been around 30,000 tons since 2010 and the actual export volume has been lower due to falling demand from major customers in countries such as...
Commentary: Nuclear dispute creates opportunity for LED lighting firms
Mar 12, 14:02
Whether Taiwan needs another nuclear power plant has been under heated debate. As more people question the safety of a new nuclear power plant that is being constructed, LED firms should seize the opportunity to promote the energy-saving feature of LED lighting and raise awareness among consumers to...
Gigastorage hopes Taiwan government to increase annual solar installation limit
Mar 8, 10:59
The necessity of having nuclear power plants has been under debate recently in Taiwan. Taiwan-based solar wafer maker Gigastorage has suggested four ways that the government can take to address the country's energy issues: increase solar installation capacity, amend laws regarding the electricity industry,...
LED lighting can save 12.78% energy used in Taiwan
Feb 27, 15:54
If LED lighting is fully adopted in Taiwan, the country can reduce its electricity consumption by 12.78%, an equivalent to the combined capacity of two of its existing nuclear power plants, according to industry observers.
Philips green product revenues reach 45% of total 2012 sales
Feb 26, 14:49
Royal Philips Electronics has reported Green Product sales of EUR11.3 billion (US$14.76 billion) in 2012, marking 45% of total sales as the firm moves closer to its EcoVision sustainability performance targets of 2015. Healthcare drove the highest Green Product nominal sales growth with 36%.
Commentary: Does Taiwan need another nuclear power plant?
Feb 26, 11:52
Taiwan is building its fourth nuclear power plant. The main island of Taiwan is only 36,193 square kilometers and already houses three nuclear power plants - two of them in New Taipei City in northern Taiwan and one located in Pintung County in the south. Now, the government is eager to begin operating...
E-Ton Power Tech shuts down operations, says report
Newswatch - Feb 8, 10:30
Taiwan-based electrical motorcycle producer E-Ton Power Tech shut down its factory without warning on February 7, 2013 due to failed negotiations between the employer and employees on year-end bonuses, according to a Chinese-language Commercial Times report.
Digitimes Research: New bio-technology helps to expand natural gas resources
Dec 7, 14:47
Due to the discovery of new reserves, the amount of natural gas in the US has increased rapidly, pushing the price to a historical low. Nevertheless, at the same time, the price of natural gas in Asia continues to be high. Bio-technological breakthroughs which can turn coal into natural gas is allowing...
UL provides Japan S Mark certification testing in Taiwan
Oct 22, 14:46
The government in Japan has been encouraging domestic home appliance firms to produce products that can save energy. Products that fit the requirements of Japan's safety measure, S Mark, can be subsidized by the government. This has been stimulating the growth of the battery industry. International...
Onshore wind converter market to encounter turbulence, says IMS Research
Sep 10, 10:27
In the global market for wind converters, nearly 80% of revenues in 2011 were attributed to utility-scale onshore projects, but are forecast to account for less than 70% of the total market by 2016 due to an expected decline in the US wind market and the growth of the offshore wind industry, according...
Solar technology needs upgrades, says China State Counsellor
Aug 20, 14:59
To face the growing challenges, the China government should aggressively increase domestic demand and upgrade the technology of the solar supply chain, according to Dinghuan Shi, Counsellor of China's State Council, who arrived in Taiwan on August 20 to join a cross strait industrial conference.
Taiwan to explore undersea natural gas
Aug 16, 14:13
The National Science Council in Taiwan has indicated that the government should develop low-carbon emission energy sources and reduce reliance on imported energy. The Council has announced a decision to begin an exploration to locate undersea natural gas.
China market: Poor-quality solar PV systems to cause future problems
Aug 16, 14:01
China has been actively expanding domestic demand of solar products due to trade barriers in US and possibly in EU. Nevertheless, industry sources indicated concerns that China's solar market has been filled with B-grade solar products or products with low efficiency. China's government may need to...
Commentary: India marks 1GW solar milestone with power outage
Aug 3, 15:50
For a country to begin and maintain industrialization, infrastructures such as railroad systems, highways, bridges, ports, buildings, roads, and most important of all, electricity, are necessary. India, one of the world's largest emerging countries has been growing at an average rate of 7.37% (from...
Germany likely to support anti-dumping investigation against China firms
Jul 23, 11:18
China's Ministry of Commerce announced on July 20 to begin anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations on imported polysilicon. At the same time, during an interview, Germany's environment minister Peter Altmaier indicated that to create fair competition, having an anti-dumping investigation is one...
ITRI, Taiwan battery firms jointly showcase STOBA lithium batteries in Japan
Jul 13, 14:11
To support Taiwan-based battery firms entering international markets, the Taiwan-based Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has set up a Self Terminated Olygomers with hyper-branched Architecture (STOBA) exhibition area at the 2012 Techno-Frontier Show with firms such as E-One Moli Energy,...
Delta chairman announces retirement
Jun 20, 15:14
Delta Electronics chairman Bruce CH Cheng announced his official retirement in the company's shareholders meeting on June 19. Delta plans to hold the board of directors meeting on June 28 to elect a new chairman.
Commentary: Poland has potential to build a strong renewable energy sector
Jun 14, 15:45
Compared to countries in the same region, Poland seems promising. From the printed version of The Economist on June 9, Poland's latest GDP was 3.5%. This relatively high GDP only falls behind countries such as Russia, Turkey and Norway and it does not fall far behind. Nevertheless, the country...
Commentary: US, China renewable energy trade war continues
Jun 1, 11:29
Following the announcement of anti-dumping duties on China-made solar cells that range from 31-250% by the US Department of Commerce, more anti-subsidy duties have been levied on China-made wind towers. The anti-subsidy duties for China-based wind tower makers range from 13.7-26%, according to a May...
Computex 2012: Delta to showcase green-energy consumer products
May 31, 16:06
Delta Electronics will highlight its green-energy consumer products and integrated services under the theme of "Smart Green Life" at Computex Taipei 2012, with product lineups covering mobile power supply, LED lighting, video imaging systems and network applications.
China market: Energy-saving subsidies expected to boost sales of LCD TVs
May 23, 12:00
Although sales performance of LCD TVs in the traditional peak sales period in China in early May fell short of expectations, China-based vendors expect the government energy-saving subsidization program to be offered in the second half of 2012 to promote sales of LED-backlit LCD TVs through a 8-10%...
Delta April revenues reach over NT$14 billion
May 11, 15:56
Taiwan-based power supply firm Delta Electronics has reported consolidated April revenues of NT$14.707 (US$500 million), a 3% increase on year compared to NT$14.257 billion in April 2011. Nevertheless, the figure showed a 3% decrease compared to March 2012 revenues of NT$15.22 billion.
DelSolar debuts on TSE
May 10, 12:14
DelSolar, the solar subsidiary of Delta Electronics, debuted on Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) with IPO of NT$14.7 (US$0.50) on May 9, 2012.
Topper Sun debuts iPV tracker
May 10, 12:12
Topper Sun Energy Technology, a Taiwan-based maker of solar modules/systems and provider of integration services for solar PV installations, unveiled an in-house-developed smart sun tracker on May 9, 2012. The firm claimed that the "iPV" tracker can increase solar PV system power-generating...
Solar market imbalance to last through 2013, says Motech CEO
May 10, 10:34
The solar industry has been suffering the current downturn for over a year and has not yet seen the end of the tunnel and market imbalance is likely to last through 2013, said PH Chang, president and CEO of Taiwan-based solar cell firm Motech.
Industrial automation market shows signs of revival, says Delta
May 4, 10:23
The industrial automation market has been in a slump since second-half 2011 due to limited capital from China-based banks. However, the market has been showing signs of revival in March. Delta believes the overall revenues of the firm will continue to increase with the second and third quarters showing...


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- Ugly Dog Digitalpresent
Remember when newspaper and magazine publishers said they can’t keep giving their content away for free so they started putting it behind pa
French MPs pass bill to curb Amazon's discounting on books
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Joe Wikert's Digital Content Strategies: The most surprising aspect of K...
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Tesla Motors continues to buck the odds, celebrating a major victory in the North Carolina Senate this week. The North Carolina Automobile D
Fair Play? French Want to End Amazon’s Free Book Delivery : Publishing P...
The French government announced a plan to introduce a law to stop Amazon from offering discounts and free delivery for books, citing it as
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A Road Built Out Of Solar Panels, To Charge Our Cars (And Everything Else)
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WTF? The University of California sides with publishers against the public
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Kill Shot: Available February 7, 2012 #1 New York Times bestselling author Vince Flynn is back with another nail-biting political thril


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Has been acquired by
NEW YORK – Digital Capital Advisors, LLC (“DCA”) is pleased to announce that it has served as exclusive financial advisor to Vidcaster, a San Francisco-based enterprise software video platform for Fortune 1000 companies on its sale to Vidlet, a mobile platform for business. The transaction was led by Elgin Thompson, Brandon Quartararo, Sarah Shaikh and Paul Faglione.
“Kieran Farr, Vidcaster’s CEO and Founder, was prescient in moving video beyond a player-centric, media-first vehicle to the much larger addressable enterprise market using a modular, SaaS-based delivery solution to help clients manage business challenges and ROI accountability,” said Elgin Thompson, Managing Director at DCA.
Founded in 2010, Vidcaster has developed a next-generation, highly-configurable enterprise software solution to help companies grow audience and generate revenue through key business objectives including viewer engagement and transactional conversion rates. Unlike legacy platforms solely focused on delivering media content, Vidcaster’s open architecture integrates marketing automation, email, social and analytics across channels and tools. For example, a client can upload user-generated or professional content to Vidcaster’s Video Experience Cloud to monitor and analyze how users engage with the videos. In addition, the platform maps user behavior against contact-level user datasets from email, marketing automation or CRM platforms and delivers analytics and insights to marketing, sales and HR teams to improve conversions.
“Vidcaster is thrilled to join Vidlet’s team of experienced industry veterans,” said Kieran Farr, who joins Vidlet as CTO. “Vidcaster has achieved tremendous momentum as a sophisticated platform for video asset management. With Vidlet we are building on Vidcaster’s core technology to offer a new mobile platform that transforms how brands communicate and capture insights from customers, employees, and anyone else important to their business.”
Based in Palo Alto, Vidlet was founded by a team of design and technology veterans from frog design, Apple and HP. Vidlet’s enterprise mobile video platform makes it easy for brands to use mobile video for a wide range of business use cases including communication, market research, new product testing and employee training. Fortune 100 companies in the high-tech, hospitality, consumer packaged goods and healthcare industries deploy the Vidlet app and companion portal to bring the worlds of market research and employee training closer together. In a video-enabled, connected-device world, researchers can use Vidlet to uncover new insights about customer behavior, while human capital management teams can quickly deploy a video-based training curriculum and engage employees through mobile interaction in the field.
“Vidlet originally tapped Vidcaster to help us secure and manage our growing library of video assets,” said Patricia Roller, CEO of Vidlet. “We were very impressed with the Vidcaster team and immediately understood how their technology could help us build and scale a new mobile insights platform to transform not only market research but learning and development and other business communication functions.”
Elgin Thompson noted, “While select areas of the market are softening, marketing technology M&A will further accelerate in 2016 as technology buyers enhance and link their sales, marketing, data and commerce stacks. As part of this acceleration, we continue to see heightened demand for differentiated enterprise software platforms.”


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SPC Packaged Fruits and Vegetables: #MyFamilyCan: How a humble can started a nationwide debate
A 100 year old company was under threat
SPC is a proud, 100 year-old Australian business that has been a part of Australian life for a long time. Everybody grew up with SPC in their pantries. It's a much-loved Australian brand, up there with Vegemite.
As the category leader and largest fruit processer in the country, the company employs thousands of workers in regional Victoria. However, this iconic brand and the thousands of families that depend on it were under serious threat.


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This weekend, Tesla owners' long-awaited update to thelanded, referred to by the company as beta 9. In update speak, that's 2021.4.18.12 if you're keeping tabs, and it's supposed to iron out a lot of kinks from earlier versions of the . In the meantime, FSD 9 also opens the beta door to many more Tesla owners who paid a lot of cash for the functions. How's it perform? It's a mixed bag, judging by video of the system in action.
Chuck Cook, who posts FSD updates on his YouTube channel, headed out at nearly 4 a.m. ET after his Model 3 downloaded the latest update this weekend to see what changed and what felt better with the new iteration of the software. Right away, he noticed smoother graphics that are easier on the eye compared to the old version, though many of the alerts telling drivers what FSD plans to do remain the same.
While Cook lets FSD do its thing on local streets, the system performs well overall, with only a couple of hesitancies. An unprotected right-hand turn takes a hot minute and the car treats a flashing yellow signal like a stop sign. The latter could certainly cause a problem if there were vehicles behind the Tesla.
However, Cook's latest two updates (the video at the top of this story) include the car attempting unprotected left-hand turns across a six-way divided highway. This is a tough maneuver for a human driver, so it presents a real challenge for FSD 9. And it flunks hard. Only the first time the Tesla attempts the left turn does it get to the median, and then the human driver needs to finish the job. Every other time is, honestly, a fail. Attempting the same maneuver in rush-hour traffic led the car to make a right-hand turn instead before it became stuck in what appears to be a loop pattern as it motored around the block multiple times.
With each update, it's important to remind any user the software comes with a warning that "it may do the wrong thing at the worst time." Those are Twitter last week to tell those running FSD 9 this new beta "addresses most known issues, but there will be unknown issues.", not mine. Tesla CEO Elon Musk also took to
"Please be paranoid," Musk added, before affirming safety is the automaker's top priority with these releases. Tesla does not operate a public-relations department to field requests for comment.


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The Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Melainie Kettlewell, owner of the new Pretty Obsessed Brow Bar to the downtown East Tawas business community at her official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 3.
The Pretty Obsessed Brow Bar is a service boutique specializing in brows, lashes and full body waxing. “I feel so blessed to be a part of this community. My dream of opening my own business is now a reality and I am very excited to begin pampering my clients,” commented Melainie.
A large group of family, friends and supporters participated in the ribbon cutting on Saturday and had the chance to walk through the newly renovated space at 124 Newman Street and offer their congratulations and best wishes.
“Welcoming new businesses to our community is one of the most rewarding parts of working with the Chamber,” commented managing director, Shelley Buresh. “Melainie has such a beautiful and generous spirit; we know she will be a great addition to downtown East Tawas.”
To learn more about Pretty Obsessed Brow Bar, check them out on Facebook or visit the Chamber’s website at www.tawas.com.


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Beer may now be able to improve the immune system, thanks to a new way of brewing.
Beer is better than paracetamol in curing pain, according to a new study.
Minister of the State, PMO, revealed Team Indus' plans on brewing beer on the lunar surface.
The students do not focus on brewing beer alone; future experiments will be conducted on different products.
Why should beer and pizza go together?
This raised a significant question for debate: were ancient agrarian societies motivated by human appetite for food or for alcohol?
Researchers found that hop can minimize the damaging effect of alcohol in beer.
The study shows that beer drinkers can read emotions better than of those who does not.
University of Southern Maine teaches undergraduates Chemistry by brewing beer.
Beer drinkers can now directly say what they want directly to the master brewer without being phsyically present.
Beer may have existed in China as early as 3400 BC


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The head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Director James Comey, said on Wednesday (May 11) that more litigation looms over devices that are mobile and consumer-oriented and that encryption remains a form of “essential tradecraft” among terrorist groups, as reported by Reuters.
The newswire said that the ongoing debate over legality and privacy concerns centers on whether the federal government can force technology firms to unlock those devices in the service of national security and that the debate will continue. Comey made his remarks during a briefing with reporters.
As has been widely reported, the Justice Department unlocked an iPhone that had been used by one of the shooters from the San Bernardino attack a few months ago. The department resorted to retaining and using an independent contractor since Apple refused to bypass the security (and encryption methods) used in conjunction with the phone.
Comey stated that some encryption offerings are actually “affecting the criminal work [of the FBI] in huge ways.” Of the 4,000 devices that have been examined by the FBI in the past few months, about 500 have proven, thus far, immune to unlocking tactics — though none of those phones are of the same model or operating system seen in the Apple device.
In the meantime, the contractor’s identity remains so well-hidden that not even Comey knows who it is.


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This article was published in the December 2022 issue of Pet Food Processing. Read it and other articles from this issue in our December digital edition.
While no one can predict the future, taking a close look at today’s evolving industry trends can give us a potential glimpse into where we’re headed.
The pet food industry has changed substantially from the time, almost 100 years ago in 1926, when Purina launched its first dog food — Purina Dog Chow. Now pet food and treat manufacturers offer complete-and-balanced meal options found in kibble form, freeze-dried varieties and even fresh


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More consumers return to paying mortgages before credit card bills
Back in April 2011, IndexCreditCards.com reported an intriguing phenomenon — starting in the first quarter of 2008, consumers who had both mortgages and credit cards were for the first time prioritizing paying their plastic over their home loans.
Now that situation is reversing again, and homeowners who are forced to make a choice are once more beginning to prioritize their mortgage payments, according to the September 2013 edition of the same tracking study cited in the initial report. TransUnion, the credit bureau that conducts the study, forecasts that by the end of this year most people in that position will be paying their home loans first.
Credit cards less important than mortgages
That would see the end of a situation that has troubled credit counselors and debt experts. The received wisdom has traditionally been that secured debts, such as mortgages, should always take priority over unsecured ones, including credit cards. The long-term, strategic consequences for those who don’t follow this rule are likely to be financially damaging.
However, at the height of the Great Recession, many desperate consumers seemed to perceive their plastic as a critical lifeline, one that sometimes was their only way of putting food on their families’ tables. Understandably, they may have feared the immediate loss of that ability more than the distant and uncertain prospect of foreclosure.
Psychology and sociology students might recognize this instinct from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Everyone might recognize TransUnion’s prediction as one of the surest signs yet of a significant decline in the number of Americans who are in a state of desperation as they struggle to stay afloat financially.
Disclaimer:The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.
This content is not provided by any company mentioned in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any such company. CardRatings.com does not review every company or every offer available on the market.


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Vodafone India Managing Director and CEO Marten Pieters, on Wednesday, said that there was no scope for reducing tariffs.
Addressing reporters at the launch of a mobile money transfer service, he said that the tariff of 60 paise per minute charged by the top three operators was necessary. Although the industry average of 44-45 paise was being charged by the rest, it was they who needed to increase their tariffs.
The industry, he said, was in a financially bad position, with most operators reeling under heavy debts.
“To repair the industry, tariff hardening is needed.. Industry needs to set a tariff level which is sustainable”, he said.
On the auction issue, he said that the whole issue was not so much about licensing as about the high reserve prices.
“With very high raw material prices.. how do you make money?,” he asked.
He said that Vodafone’s 3G services had taken off very well, and data volumes had overtaken that of 2G.


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India's cotton production will recover more than had been expected, with relatively high prices of the fibre boosting its appeal to growers – but the impact will be felt in terms of reduced import ideas than a boost to exports.
The US Department of Agriculture's New Delhi bureau raised to a three-year high of 29.0m bales its forecast for 2017-18 cotton output in India, the top producer of the fibre.
The upgrade took the figure 1.0m bales above the USDA's official forecast, and a little ahead too of a 6.29m-tonne (28.9m-bale) estimate from Cotlook, which the group restated on Friday.
The bureau said its revised estimate followed farmer interviews which revealed a "strong preference" for growing cotton, given higher profitability prospects compared with alternative crops such as pulses.
Although India's government has raised the minimum support prices for oilseeds by 6% and pulses by 8%, ahead of the improvement of 4% for cotton, farmers are "still likely to receive higher returns" from the fibre, and expected to raise sowings, the bureau said.
Farmers' preference for cotton also follows a bad experience from 2016-17, when government efforts to boost pulse and oilseeds output through raised minimum support prices turned sour.
"The market was unable to absorb the production which led to a fall in prices below the minimum support price along with reports of limited government procurement.
"This year, farmers across various states have shifted area from pulses, soybeans, and groundnuts to cotton."
As an extra support to Indian cotton output prospects, the country has enjoyed an improved monsoon.
"With the timely onset of the monsoon and prospects for normal rainfall, yields are expected to be higher in most of the cotton growing states."
However, the raised output will not be reflected in increased export prospects for India, which vies with Australia for second rank in world shipments, behind the US.
A 5% rise in the rupee against the dollar since January has made India's cotton "more expensive and less competitive in the international market", the bureau said, noting that exports of cotton yarn had already "slowed down considerably".
Shipments may also suffer temporary hiccups from the introduction at the start of this month of a new goods and services tax regime.
"There may be some execution delays that create short-term disruptions for exports in 2017-18."
Instead, the bureau forecast the extra supplies being evident in reduced import needs, as the boost to output, from an estimated 27.0m bales in 2016-17, weighs on prices and prompts Indian mills to focus more on domestic supplies.
The bureau forecast Indian cotton imports next season at 1.50m bales, 250,000 bales below the USDA's official estimate.
"Still, there are a number of mills that will continue to import specific cotton grades for their export commitments."
This season, mills have been importing in particular "Australian and American cotton due to price parity while getting minimal contamination, higher yarn realisation, and better quality product compared to the domestic crop".
By Mike Verdin


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Monica Lewinsky is no stranger to the political spotlight, and now she's utilizing that name recognition to highlight a timely political cause: voter registration.
The writer, activist and former White House intern has paired up with Reformation and Vote.org for a new campaign titled "You've Got the Power."
The project, which launched Monday morning, is an effort to push voters to the polls ahead of this year's presidential election, but it's also a reminder that you can do it in style — particularly with the sustainable women's clothing brand's new workwear collection, released in tandem with the campaign.
"Monica's been empowering women to use their voices and feel powerful for a long time, so it just makes sense that she'd help us do the same," Reformation wrote on its website. "And while great clothes won't fix everything, putting them on and going to the polls is a pretty good place to start."
The collection features a limited edition sweatshirt — the proceeds of which will go to Vote.org along with a $25,000 donation from Reformation — plus a slew of elevated office looks (think impeccably tailored matching sets, skirts and even a leather trench coat). Fronted by Lewinsky, the silhouettes and their model serve to remind shoppers "that you've got the power."
"Voting is using your voice to be heard, and it's the most defining aspect of our democracy," Lewinsky said on the campaign's landing page. "If you wanna complain for the next four years, you gotta go out and vote."
Lewinsky was shot into the public eye as a 22-year-old, when her affair with then-President Clinton became a sweeping scandal. It forced Lewinsky into inescapable media attention, but after a decade of receding from the spotlight, she's since used her standing in the public eye to advocate for certain causes, like the #MeToo movement, anti-bullying, women's rights and even for herself, producing the FX series "Impeachment: American Crime Story" in 2021 that portrayed the affair from her point of view.
A fashion campaign, however, is a first for the 50-year-old, though she has dipped her toe into the industry before with a line of handbags. It's not a first-of-its-kind partnership for Reformation though, which has launched a voting advocacy project for the last two elections.
This time, the brand is aiming to set itself apart, particularly from the other brands who incentivize voting.
"Ref knows another faceless brand telling you to vote isn't going to cut through, so [we] teamed up with someone iconic who would," a press release announcing the launch read.
So if you're heading to shop for Lewinsky's powerhouse looks, stop by the campaign's one-stop voting hub. There, you can find details on how, when and where to register for the general election, coming Nov. 5.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com


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Rakusen’s provides £600k grant in digitalisation and sustainability quest
The University of Bradford’s Faculty of Engineering, and Sheffield Hallam’s National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering (NCEFE) have received £618k in funding from Rakusen’s.
The funding is intended to assist in innovations in digitalisation and sustainability for Rakusen’s, the British kosher food manufacturer. Rakusen’s is attempting to reduce energy consumption by 60% by developing digital solutions.
AI and other technologies will be harnessed to update and modernise Rakusen’s traditional techniques within a company that has been operating since 1900. Professor Martin Howarth, the director of NCEFE, commented:
"Working with Rakusen’s and their material suppliers, we will use AI techniques to deliver new, highly efficient and low energy processing techniques to improve the consistency and sustainability of its traditional baked products using ingredients from the local region."
Dr Savas Konur, a computer scientist at the University of Bradford, commented on the "interdisciplinary" nature of the project which draws upon a mixture of technological science, sustainability and food science:
"We are delighted to work on this highly interdisciplinary project that addresses very specific technological challenges resulting from transforming a traditional food manufacturer to an efficient enterprise.
We will fully utilise digital technologies, including Big Data, Industrial Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, as well as food science to minimise its carbon footprint and maximise its capacity without the need to change the existing legacy machinery and lose its ‘heritage’ identity."
Rakusen’s adoption of digitisation and automation come at a time when many food manufacturers are similarly turning to Industry 4.0 in order to foster sustainability and resilience.


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Introduced in June 2019, the Kia Seltos got its mid-life facelift in June 2022. In the U.S., the popularity of the small SUV is soaring. In 2023, it made a new annual sales record, with 60,053 units delivered. Development of the next-gen Kia Seltos is probably underway, with initial rumors indicating it’ll be available as a hybrid. The first-ever Kia Seltos Hybrid should be the brand’s most affordable hybrid SUV.
On November 6, 2023, Chosun Biz released a report claiming that the successor to the Seltos will have a hybrid powertrain. It’s safe to assume that the South Korean publication meant a second-generation Seltos, as the name has brought immense success to the small SUV in South Korea and emerging markets. In the U.S., the Seltos’ sales surpassed the whole Niro family in 2023.
Kia may have been on an EV onslaught for a while, but there are customers who cannot commit to EVs yet, be it because of expensiveness, a lack of charging infrastructure, or a higher driving range requirement. The company will cater to these customers while keeping in mind its carbon neutrality goals, and that’s where the hybrids and plug-in hybrids step in.
Kia may not use Niro’s hybrid system in the Seltos Hybrid due to fear of cannibalization. The company has developed a different hybrid system, one based on a 1.6-liter turbocharged gas engine, and it uses that in the Sportage Hybrid and Carnival Hybrid. However, that might prove too expensive for the Seltos Hybrid. We think it may use a new, 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine-based hybrid system, which would allow it to price the model competitively, even in emerging markets.
Production of the Kia Seltos Hybrid will start in 2025, as per the report. Thus, we think its U.S. launch should take place in early 2026, six years after the gas-powered first-gen model.
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.


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A new trend points to bridal parties increasingly choosing wellness retreats over boozy benders.
More and more brides are foregoing the rowdy Bachelorette parties of yore, and instead, they’re opting for healthy, calming wellness retreats. According to one bride, a physician’s assistant named Margaret Wilson who spoke to The New York Times, she and her bridal party were drawn to the idea of “a unique experience that wasn’t solely dependent on partying”.
“I had been through a lot of life changes the year leading up to my wedding, and I was looking for a low-stress, meaningful experience with my dearest friends,” Wilson explained of her bridal party’s 2023 trip to a wellness spa in Sedona, Arizona. “This trip was meant to enrich my relationship with my loved ones and myself, and it did exactly that.”
Intimate, low-stress weekends like these have seen an uptick in interest in recent years, with wellness travel in particular becoming especially trendy in 2024. Many brides are choosing experiences that soothe their mind, body, and soul before their big day as opposed to a trip guaranteed to end with a terrible hangover.
“This bachelorette trend may track a broader shift in how we celebrate milestones,” Sara Margulis, the chief executive of the honeymoon registry site Honeyfund, explained to the outlet. “There is a strong desire to go beyond the boozy party and get out and connect with nature and enjoy each other.”
For those who aren’t down for a wild night on the town, a wellness retreat is the perfect lowkey alternative.
“There’s definitely still that group of girls who want to go to Nashville and wild out,” wedding planner Jesse Reing told the New York Post. “But I think the stereotypical bachelor or bachelorette party is maybe like a myth, or a bit antiquated at this point.”
The wedding planner added to the outlet that the majority of her clients over 25 are opting for calmer, healthier retreats or a day at their local spa. Whether it’s budget-friendly or a bougie affair, Reing noted that what’s out is hard partying.
“My clients want to go somewhere remote, quiet, and beautiful that takes care of every single thing for you. Somewhere where you can focus on your wellness and connect with your friends. They want it to be special and meaningful,” Reing said. “That’s common. I’ll tell you what is less common: partying and binge drinking.”
Wellness retreats are considered the grown-up alternative to reveling in a nightclub crawl across the Las Vegas Strip. Angela Adto Tepper, the founder of luxury brand AZA Travel, noted that during the pandemic, many people shifted their priorities to more intimate gatherings.
“We have been slammed, in a good way, with girls’ getaways,” she told Brides. “People just really want to bring focus to friendships. While it’s still [fun] to do something lively, like in the Bridesmaids movie, in Vegas, New York City, or Miami, you can have that and also a balance to feel like you’re connected with each other and come back feeling rejuvenated and like you had bonding moments.”
This trend indicates that more brides are prioritising spending quality time with their pals rather than attempting to live up to an ideal popularised by Hollywood movies.