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Your Credit Card Company Says, ‘For Shame!’
Now this is rich: Credit card companies apparently monitor your spending and cut credit lines when they think you’ve gone morally astray. So if you’ve been to a marriage counselor, run up a bar tab, gone to a billiard hall, or visited a massage parlor, your credit issuer might limit your credit in return.
The allegations that credit firms go far beyond FICO scores for credit decisions came in lawsuit filed in federal court in Atlanta by the Federal Trade Commission against subprime card issuer CompuCredit. The FTC contended the firm didn’t properly disclose these practices, BusinessWeek says, in a story entitled “Your lifestyle may hurt your credit.” The FTC suit “offers a rare look inside the opaque business of credit scoring,” the story explains. From BusinessWeek:
It reveals a mechanism that consumer advocates and politicians have long suspected exists—one in which purchasing behavior, not just payment history, matters.
So. Credit card firms spent much of the last decade heavily marketing their products to anyone who could breathe, mass-mailing pre-approved applications to children, dogs, and people who had never paid a bill on time in their lives. They hid fees in the fine print, hiked interest rates on people for reasons they never understood, and piled on charges to consumers who fell behind, keeping them in a permanent state of debt. And now they’re claiming higher moral standards in determining who gets credit and how much they get. Credit card firms as moral arbiters? Has it really come to this?
Apparently it has. BusinessWeek says more financial firms are looking closely at consumer behavior in deciding creditworthiness. Since companies don’t have to reveal the ways they come up with credit decisions, people can’t tell what formula was used to either deny or limit their credit, and they won’t know whether the decision was made in a fair and proper way. We talked about another problem with credit decisions earlier this week, noting that credit bureaus and credit card companies are accused of offering better treatment to powerful and important customers, such as judges and politicians. I wonder if card issuers will monitor those VIPs in the same way.
To see the flip-side of decisions made by credit card companies, listen to stories from people in Granger, Ind., who have turned to a support group for help as they grapple with credit card debts.


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Ad spending in Spanish-language and African-American media fared better than the overall ad market in 2009.
Spending declined 4.7 percent in Spanish-language media and 7.3 percent in African-American media, according to a Nielsen report released today. This compares to a 9 percent drop in overall domestic ad spending last year.
Spanish-language ad spending was down by nearly $270 million last year for a total of $5.4 billion spent in Spanish-language media. Declines in magazines, newspapers, TV and radio were offset by a 32 percent increase in spending on cable TV to nearly $427 million overall.

domain: news


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“The City of Sydney Street Furniture contract is universally recognised as the jewel in the crown of Australia’s OOH industry.
• VMO has designed a limited number of tailored launch packages
• The JCDecaux Out-of-Home Shop Local campaign launched on 2 June nationally.
• The campaign encourages participants to send love to those in places they cannot travel to
• If you’d like to participate in ‘Active Nation at Home’, contact your VMO Active account manager.
• 'Light up the dawn' takes place on the 25th of April at 6am
"We wanted to recognise those people showing empathy and compassion during this challenging time
• Chinese media, Horse Racing and the TV industry
"We’ve been incredibly lucky to work with GSP Print for many years"
• HT&E is no stranger to outdoor, formerly being the owner of Adshel.
• February indicated spend was stabilising, before COVID-19 hit
JCDecaux has launched a series of Out of-Home campaigns across its network to thank essential workers and support local businesses and charities...


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The Commonwealth Bank today released its Kaching app for iPhone, which enables the phone to make mobile, Facebook, email and contactless payments.
Users don't have to be Commonwealth Bank customers to receive payments, with non-bank customers directed to an external collection site.
Those who want to purchase an iCarte case for the iPhone can also make payments with their phone using MasterCard's contactless PayPass terminals. The case has a near-field communications (NFC) chip, which facilitates the transmission of data over a range of approximately 10cm. The Commonwealth Bank said it had processed over 1 million MasterCard PayPass transactions in October. The case costs $49.95, with an additional cost of $5 for postage and handling. Users can order the case through the app.
The app also allows access to a customer's account balance, BPAY and transfers.
Over 18,500 people preregistered to download the app on release, according to the bank. It will be compatible with iOS 4.3 and above, with cases designed for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The bank is developing an Android app.


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Dreaming of travelling the world on a cruise ship? Dreams don’t get bigger than Royal Caribbean’s latest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas.
The mammoth ship is a whopping 365m long, that’s longer than the Shard on its side, and 20 decks high.
Icon of the Seas can carry over 5,000 guests with more than 2,300 crew onboard. So what can guests expect from the massive ship?
There are seven swimming pools and nine whirlpools onboard while the ship will also have Royal Caribbean’s classic Central Park neighbourhood. Icon of the Seas will be breaking another record with the largest pool at sea.
The ship will also have a brand new neighbourhood, Surfside. This fun spot is designed for families with a kid-friendly waterpark and a pool for grownups.
Royal Caribbean is known for its ambitious shows and Icon of the Seas will have the line’s iconic Aquadome. The ship’s Aquadome show will be the first to feature robots, skateboarders and more.
Meanwhile, the ship’s Royal Theatre will feature the largest orchestra at sea while guests will also be able to watch a new Wizard of Oz production onboard.
There are at least 20 dining experiences onboard, including the Aquadome Market, a new food stand concept featuring a range of global cuisines.
Royal Caribbean fans will be pleased to see classic eateries such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and Sorrento’s Pizzeria onboard.
Icon of the Seas entered her homeport of Miami for the first time on January 10 and will officially launch on January 27. Lionel Messi will christen the ship on January 23.


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House of Fraser
Over the past five years Egypt has cemented its position as a fashion hub for European and American high street brands, with average annual...
Buoyant first-half sales posted last week by department store retailer Debenhams were helped by the return of the re-launched Principles lab...
Sri Lankan clothing producer Timex is expanding its own brands in Asia and Europe as part of plans to move into higher margin areas to offset rising costs in its domestic manufacturing operations.
Department store operator House of Fraser recorded increases to earnings and sales in the first half of its fiscal year, with evidence of growing momentum in the first two months of the third quarter.
Textile and consumer product testing laboratory High Street Textile Testing Services (HSTTS) has been acquired by Modern Testing Services (MTS) in a move that helps expand its global reach.
The sale of UK department store retailer House of Fraser to the Shanghai-listed retail arm of Chinese conglomerate Sanpower Group for GBP480m (US$791.9m) has been completed.
Higher online sales and increased demand for its own brands helped UK department store retailer House of Fraser to book a 2% rise in first-quarter like-for-like sales.
Online retailer Shop Direct, operator of the Very and Littlewoods brands, has tapped Gap's European buying director Zoe Matthews as its first fashion director.
2014 has got off to a troubled start in Cambodia, where protests over a new minimum wage for garment workers have been turning increasingly violent.
- Wearable technology a key trend for 2015
- Retailers react to India forced labour allegations
- Moisture management fabrics enter a new era
- Mexico urges fast-fashion brands to source locally
- COMMENT: Innovation is the name of the game
- Hazardous chemicals found in children's products
- VF rolls out plan to eliminate harmful chemicals
- October "a scary month" for US apparel retailers
- UK Primark supplier goes into administration
- Raising the minimum wage may reduce employment


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22 May 2015
Following the latest fire caused by a faulty Samsung washing machine, consumer advocacy group CHOICE is reminding Australians to check the product recalls website and return any dodgy products for a full refund.
"With the number of product recalls increasing 14% last year consumers need to remain vigilant about what products they put in their homes or park in their garages," says CHOICE Head of Media Tom Godfrey.
"We are seeing a steady stream of shonky big brand products being pulled from the market – from Nanna's berries and BMWs to Samsung washing
"The rising rate of recalls underscores the need for shoppers to look past the branding, advertising and marketing and make an assessment of quality when buying products," says Mr Godfrey.
"We know through our product testing that there are often significant differences in the performance of products and price is not always a great guide."
"The latest recalls read like a script from a Hollywood horror film – exploding airbags, washing machines that burst into flames and garlic bread containing pieces of metal. The fact is product recalls can be a matter of life and death and the recent trend should be alarming for all consumers."
"It's also concerning that the rates of returns for potentially deadly products are not higher, with both the Samsung washing machine and Infinity electrical cable recalls not resulting in sufficiently high return rates."
"As we have seen with the latest Samsung washing machine fire, it often takes a serious incident before the recall message receives enough attention."
"It's very concerning that something like poor quality electrical cables are lurking in our homes with the long term risk of electrical shock or fire ever present. With only five percent of the recalled Infinity cables being remedied, unless a house fire occurs most home owners will be unaware of the potential danger until it's too late."
"It's often the case that a product recall will go by unnoticed by most consumers unless there is a well publicised injury or health issue as we saw with the recent frozen berries fiasco."
This latest incident is a timely reminder for consumers to check the recalls website recalls.gov.au and register for the ACCC's free product recall alerts. CHOICE members who are struggle to obtain a refund can also access the CHOICE Help service.


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US-China trade talks end without agreement11/05/2019|3min
Trade talks between the United States and China have proven fruitless, ending on Friday without a deal. Two days of discussions concluded on the same day the US increased tariffs on $270 billion dollars of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 per cent. China is expected to retaliate, prompting fears the 10-month trade war between the world's two largest economies could worsen and create further global economic instability. President Trump has taken to Twitter, describing the talks as 'candid and constructive' and adding that they would continue in the future. His social media posts prompted a slight recovery in the US markets after shares on New York's S&P index were on track for their biggest weekly fall of the year because of the talks.


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This was a big day for participating youth and generous buyers.
The new fall menu crafted by Chefs Stuart Race, Mikeal Frey, and Stephan Pyles is available now.
Co-Founders Ryan and Natasha DeHart will raise a glass to celebrate the launch of new BENDT No. 5 – a smooth, perfectly balanced blended whiskey that...
Dallas-based FITISH Beauty products are now available online at Urban Outfitters.
This entertainment district is sure to be the new gathering spot for residents and those just visiting the area.


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#enterprise Samsung talks put future of British chip-maker Arm future in doubt
Future of British chip maker Arm in recent doubt as Japanese proprietor jets off to Korea for talks with Samsung
The future of British chip maker Arm has been thrown additional into doubt as its Japanese proprietor jets off to South Korea for talks with Samsung.
Masayoshi Son, the chief government of Arm dad or mum SoftBank, will talk about a ‘strategic alliance’ with Samsung for the UK tech big.
The transfer has raised fears Arm’s blockbuster inventory market float may very well be ‘put on ice’.
Alliance: Masayoshi Son, the chief government of Arm dad or mum Softbank, will fly to Seoul subsequent week to debate a ‘strategic alliance’ with Samsung for the UK tech big Arm
According to sources, Son needs to see if Samsung would take a stake in Arm as he has cooled on itemizing it in New York or London earlier than March.
Son stated: ‘I’m trying ahead to visiting Korea for the primary time in three years. I’d like to speak with Samsung a couple of strategic alliance with Arm.’
A Samsung government replied: ‘A strategic alliance is a vague and broad term. If he offers to sell Arm to us, we will have to consider it.’
Son has been exploring itemizing Arm in New York – and probably London – however is worried in regards to the international downturn. A droop in tech shares on the Nasdaq in New York has solid doubt over Arm’s mooted £40billion valuation.
A stake sale to Samsung would give Arm a much-needed valuation forward of a second try to float in 18 months to 2 years’ time.
Arm was offered to SoftBank for £24billion in 2016. A proposed £31billion sale to Nvidia fell by final yr as a result of of regulatory hurdles.
Following the Nvidia setback, Son switched his focus to an preliminary public providing for Arm in the US, a transfer that triggered intense lobbying from the UK authorities to make sure that some portion of the itemizing takes place in London.
Russ Shaw, at Tech London Advocates, stated: ‘It is questionable whether a float at present would bring in the value Son is looking for.
‘His other option is to bring in an investor like Samsung, obtain a pre-float valuation and come back to the markets when conditions have improved. Timing is everything.’
A supply near Arm stated: ‘The float looks like it’s on ice.’ The Samsung assembly comes as Prime Minister Liz Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng are reportedly set for talks with SoftBank bosses.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson lobbied SoftBank to checklist Arm in London however SoftBank halted talks as a result of modifications in authorities. Andrew Griffith, monetary secretary to the Treasury, is claimed to be aiding renewed efforts.


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THIS year, the Fermanagh Feis will celebrate a remarkable milestone. In 1962, the first ever Feis competition was held in Fermanagh, providing young people with the chance to perform against their fellow county folk in music, dance, poetry and song to win the coveted medals and trophies. Now, over six decades later, a special Feis […]
Foodie Fermanagh … Let’s make it ‘a thing’
SINCE WE’RE spoilt for choice in the Lakeland County for quality dining and food experiences, we at the Herald thought: let’s make it ‘a thing’. Fermanagh’s favourite restaurants have overcome many obstacles to trade through the pandemic and reopen for business. But, during the months of lockdowns, the Herald has also been delighted to report […]
Local woman promoting the Proms
THE Proms may be coming to Fermanagh for the first time this autumn, but there’s been a local link to the internationally acclaimed live music event for years now. Una-Frances Clarke from Enniskillen works as part of the publications team for the Proms, which involves working on the BBC Proms Guide, all of the printed […]
Rolling away the muscle pain
ANY form of exercise can leave us sore and tense the following day which can have an impact on our motivation to workout, particularly if you are in too much pain.
LISA MCHUGH: ‘Stones throw’ Enniskillen gig a highlight on Lisa’s theatre tour
In the midst of her theatre tour, Ryan Smith, caught up with Lisa McHugh who plays at the Ardhowen Theatre at the end of the month…
The castor cure to all ailments
CASTOR oil is considered to be the miracle cure for a whole range of ailments – from hair growth, skin care and muscle pains, it’s the Rolls Royce of medicine.
Swapping flip-flops for the trainers
THE IDEA of a holiday involves plenty of lounging around in the sun with drink in hand and plenty of exotic and foreign foods to sample.
Beauty Blog: Alcoholic drinks and their shocking calorie contents
It’s officially festive season now that December is here and as we edge closer to Christmas Day it means plenty of food and drinking – for those of legal age, of course.
Country Focus: Kelly launches new DVD
Pettigo country musician Paul Kelly and band are releasing a new DVD this week.
Fashion Focus: Give a unique gift for Christmas
Sharon Irvine explains why you don’t have to leave Fermanagh to find unique Christmas gifts


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Royal Bank of Scotland has postponed plans to introduce a cut-price credit card amid concerns about the £200bn of lending amassed by UK households.
The bank, which is 70% owned by the taxpayer, has decided against launching a more competitive credit card at a time when the consumer credit market – personal loans, credit cards and car finance – is facing scrutiny from the Bank of England.
Ross McEwan, the RBS chief executive, said: “We just don’t think now is the right time, with consumer debt having grown so much.”
McEwan has been reviewing whether to return to the cut-price credit card market, despite announcing in 2014 that he was shunning deals on credit cards offering 0% interest rates. The option had returned to the table because of shrinking growth in its credit card business. McEwan has concluded that the timing is not right but will review the market again next year.
McEwan said he had concerns about zero-balance transfers – where people can take out a new card to pay off an old one, at an interest rate of 0% – as they included up-front fees and customers did not always know what rate they moved on to when the special offer ended, which could saddle them with a surprise increase in borrowing costs.
Instead, customers should be taking advantage of the low-interest environment to pay back their debts, he said. “I think financial institutions should be encouraging people to get their debts paid down and when you’re on zero balance that is the best time as it’s costing you nothing.”
Nonetheless, concerns over the car finance market – which loaned more than £40bn to vehicle buyers last year – have not deterred RBS from moving into this market. Last week, it launched a personal contract purchase (PCP) product, which is the most common deal for buying cars, for its NatWest current account customers.
On Monday, the Bank of England will provide an update on its views about lenders’ activities in the fast-growing consumer debt market, having warned this year that it might have to use the announcement to unveil measures for tackling rising household borrowing. Alex Brazier, the Bank’s executive director of financial stability, warned in July of a “spiral of complacency” about a market that was growing at 10% a year when household income had grown only 1.5%.
“By September, we will have assessed whether the rapid growth has created any gap in the line. If it has, we’ll plug it,” said Brazier.
The Bank has already told lenders to start amassing £11.4bn of extra capital in the next 18 months and written to lenders that provide car finance to ask them to analyse the effect of a fall in car values. It has also asked for details on the basis on which they were issuing personal loans and ordered banks to look at the terms under which they are granting 0% balance transfers on credit cards.
About 45% of the £65bn of credit card debt is on zero-balance transfers but figures show that their users still struggle to clear historical debts. At the end of the interest-free period, half the balances are at the same level as when the offer began.
The car financing product is for secondhand cars and when NatWest customers look at a PCP offer they will also be provided with the terms they would have received for a more straightforward loan. PCP deals offer cars for small monthly payments. At the end of the PCP contract, customers have the option to make an agreed “balloon payment” or hand the keys back to the dealer and walk away.


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Hitwise, a marketing intelligence company, recently looked at changes in searches in four major Home & Garden categories and found that in three–Furniture, Appliances, and Garden–clicks from paid searches have overtaken clicks from organic searches in the last year and even with DIY, which maintains a slight organic lead, paid clicks are closing in.
“As the housing market continues to thrive in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, competition amongst home goods retailers has become more intense. Young people are taking longer to purchase homes, but a Home Depot study actually found that 57% of millennial renters see home ownership as an important goal,” says Rochelle Bailis, Global Director of Content at Hitwise (pictured top left). “These up-and-coming home owners are reshaping the Home & Garden industry by taking an active part in home decoration and repair, and by demanding seamless retail experiences, online and off.”
When Hitwise looked at the websites pulling the largest percentage of clicks from furniture searches, Wayfair and Amazon emerge in the lead. All five top sites have increased their share of search clicks from 2016 to 2017, with Amazon showing the most growth since last year.
All top five furniture players pulled over half their traffic from paid search this year, up dramatically from 2016. It appears that paid search has become the most pivotal channel for staying competitive in furniture sales. Hitwise also found that women 25-34 are 33% more likely to search for furniture online and that searches for furniture increased 19% YOY since May 2016.
Hitwise sees ceiling fans rise in search popularity. Searches around bedroom products also shot up in May, including smaller products (like bed covers) and big-ticket items (mattresses, beds):
“The furniture industry has been transformed in recent years by e-commerce brands like Wayfair and Overstock. The FBIC Centre on Global Retailing predicts the furniture market will grow to $111 Billion in 2019, and e-commerce will continue to play a large role in that growth,” says Ms. Bailis.
It’s worth noting that paid clicks in DIY will likely overtake organic within the next year, as paid clicks were up 85% this May compared to the same period last year.
Unlike other Home & Garden categories, the third downstream website for DIY searches is YouTube, which hosts popular home repair vlogs and channels. This could also be the result of tab switching; as consumers research tools and DIY products, they simultaneously look up how to use and install them.
Fast-rising DIY searches during the month of May included saws and router bits, power washers, and most predominantly wallpaper. In fact, the DIY audience is 3,773% more likely than the average American to search for wallpaper. Home Depot pulls the most overall clicks according to Hitwise, but it also spends relatively less on paid search than other websites, such as Build and Build Direct (which rely solely on e-commerce). YouTube’s traffic remains almost wholly organic.
“Because home ownership in the US remains costly due to inflation and gentrification, many Millennials are opting to purchase and revive ‘fixer-uppers.’ Interestingly, however, DIY and home repair searches have remained fairly stagnant over the last two years,” says Ms. Bailis. “This is the only Home & Garden category where organic search still drives most of the traffic, thanks in part to how-to content and YouTube. It’s worth noting, however, that paid clicks will likely overtake organic within the next year, as paid clicks were up 85% this May compared to the same period last year.”
Paid clicks surpassed organic for all five major appliance players in 2017, suggesting search has become an integral part of appliance purchasing — even in cases when it remains part of a multi-touch journey.
Although it’s not perceived as the go-to site for home appliances, Amazon pulls the majority of clicks from appliance searches. Best Buy and Wal-Mart saw an even larger jump in clicks this year compared to last.
“According to PwC, most consumers (59%) still purchase their appliances at brick-and-mortar locations rather than online (29%) — however, this gap creeps closer every year,” says Ms. Bailis. “As with furniture, paid clicks surpassed organic traffic for all five major online appliance sellers in 2017, suggesting search has become an integral part of appliance purchasing — even in cases when it remains part of a multi-touch journey.”
Amazon also more than doubled their paid clicks since May of last year. Their organic rate (along with Walmart’s) remains higher than niche brands like Wayfair and Hayneedle. This suggests broader retailers may have an organic leg-up against more specific brands.
There is always growth in garden searches leading up to summer; this May, terms around outdoor furniture and garden care have jumped. Another popular term which doesn’t quite fall under garden products is “tiny houses.” Garden searchers are 5,374% more likely to search for tiny houses than average, although it’s unclear whether it’s for living in or sheer curiosity.
“As we move into summer, we see a lot of the more classic summer purchases for backyard home projects, like outdoor furniture, lawn mowers and pergolas. On a wider scale, we see signs of a growing cultural interest in gardening amongst young people; as the National Gardening Survey reported, five of the six million consumers who started gardening in 2015 were Millennials,” adds Ms. Bailis. “Many of these young gardeners turn to social media to help fuel their inspiration, and are looking at flexible ways to garden, grow and thrive in urban and limited spaces.”
Fast-rising searches measured over 4 weeks ending 5/20/2017. YOY search clicks and paid click rate measures over 52 weeks in Hitwise Intelligence.


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H. R. 1599 is a labeling bill. Opponents say it's not the right one.
H.R. 1599, the "Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015", will most likely come up for a vote in the House of Representatives this week. Exclusive regulation of genetically modified organism" (GMO) foods by the federal government is at stake. American agriculture has become particularly reliant on genetically modified seeds. Producers like Monsanto create seeds that are disease and pest resistant. GMO row crops - soybeans and corn have had dramatic yield increases since the first GMOs came on line. Several states require that GMO foods be labeled so the consumer can distinguish between GMO and non-GMO foods.
The Act is cosponsored by well over 100 Representatives, including fifteen Democratic lawmakers and three Republican Kentucky Congressmen - Reps. Whitfield, Barr and Guthrie.
The bill summary of H.R. 1599 on the www.congress.gov website states:
This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the developer of a bioengineered organism intended as food to submit a premarket biotechnology notification to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A "bioengineered organism" (commonly called a "genetically modified organism" or "GMO") is a plant or part of a plant that has been modified through recombinant DNA techniques in a way that could not be obtained using conventional breeding techniques.
The premarket notification must include the developer's determination that food from, containing, or consisting of the GMO (GMO food) is as safe as a comparable non-GMO food. For the GMO to be sold as food, the FDA must not object to the developer's determination. If the FDA determines that there is a material difference between a GMO food and a comparable non-GMO food, the FDA can specify labeling that informs consumers of the difference.
A food label can only claim that a food is non-GMO if the ingredients are subject to certain supply chain process controls. No food label can suggest that non-GMO foods are safer than GMO foods. A food can be labeled as non-GMO even if it is produced with a GMO processing aid or enzyme or derived from animals fed GMO feed or given GMO drugs.
The FDA must allow, but not require, GMO food to be labeled as GMO.The FDA must regulate the use of "natural" on food labels.
This bill amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require the Agricultural Marketing Service to establish a program to certify non-GMO food.
This bill preempts state and local restrictions on GMOs or GMO food and labeling requirements for GMOs, GMO food, non-GMO food, or "natural" food.
Opponents to the bill have an entirely different view of HR 1599.
According to an email from a group with the logo of "Just Label It", HR 1599 is not good for consumers:
"THIS IS THE WEEK!
The House of Representatives is set to vote on the anti- GMO labeling bill H.R. 1599, which opponents have dubbed the Deny Americans the Right to Know - or DARK - Act,
If passed, the DARK Act will:
• Preempt all state GMO labeling efforts;
• Make it virtually impossible for the Food and Drug Administration to ever require mandatory labeling nationwide;
• Codify our broken voluntary labeling system;
• Block states, counties and municipalities from regulating GMO crop production to protect human health and the environment;
• Allow GMOs in so-called "natural" foods."
Other developed countries are taking a more stringent approach. The European Union has banned cultivation of GMO foods. Worldwide, 61 countries have labeling laws.
Some medical practitioners see GMOs as contributing to health issues.
"The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) urges doctors to prescribe non-GMO diets for all patients. They cite animal studies showing organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, accelerated aging, and infertility. Human studies show how genetically modified (GM) food can leave material behind inside us, possibly causing long-term problems. Genes inserted into GM soy, for example, can transfer into the DNA of bacteria living inside us, and that the toxic insecticide produced by GM corn was found in the blood of pregnant women and their unborn fetuses.
Numerous health problems increased after GMOs were introduced in 1996. The percentage of Americans with three or more chronic illnesses jumped from 7% to 13% in just 9 years; food allergies skyrocketed, and disorders such as autism, reproductive disorders, digestive problems, and others are on the rise. Although there is not sufficient research to confirm that GMOs are a contributing factor, doctors groups such as the AAEM tell us not to wait before we start protecting ourselves, and especially our children who are most at risk.
The American Public Health Association and American Nurses Association are among many medical groups that condemn the use of GM bovine growth hormone, because the milk from treated cows has more of the hormone IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1)―which is linked to cancer."
Bill Nye, the Science Guy, was reported by Business Insider to have changed his attitude toward GMO's. He wants labeling, but not to warn shoppers, but to attract them. Business Insider reported "In other words, Nye thinks people would buy GMOs regardless of the label. In fact, he thinks GMOs have a shot at selling better than organic foods, because they tend to be cheaper and more nutritious. A lot of the food we eat is already genetically modified: According to the USDA, 94% of soybeans and 92% of corn were genetically engineered this year. So if companies simply put all the cards on the table and let consumers figure it out for themselves, GMO foods would do just fine, Nye suspects."
Nye said on StarTalk Radio recently that "I told those people at Monsanto... I told them, why don't you just put on there 'proudly GMO? Go for it...Let the market sort it out."
For supporters, H.R. 1599 is a move toward standardization of food testing, replacing a patchwork of state laws. For opponents, H.R. 1599 is step backward toward the bad old days of little or no regulation of what goes on America's dinner table.
With the legislation on a fast track for passage through the House of Representatives, opponents can set their sights on stopping it in Senator Mitch McConnell's Republican led Senate. If that doesn't work, a override proof presidential veto may be the last hope for those who see the Safe and Accurate Labeling Act of 2015 as a step backwards.


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Samsung Electronics said Tuesday that its fourth-quarter operating profits plunged nearly 70 percent, the biggest drop in more than eight years, as the global economic slowdown dealt a blow to electronics and chips sales.
The South Korean tech giant said operating profits for the October to December period slumped to 4.3 trillion won ($3.4 billion), a 69 percent drop from a year earlier.
The drop is in line with the estimate Samsung released earlier this month and marks the company's worst decline in quarterly profits since the third quarter of 2014.
"The business environment deteriorated significantly in the fourth quarter due to weak demand amid a global economic slowdown," Samsung said in a statement.
Sales fell eight percent to 70.46 trillion won from the same period the previous year.
Samsung singled out weak demand for memory chips, saying the sector had been hit hard "as prices fell and customers continued to adjust inventory amid deepening uncertainties in the external environment".
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out the list of featured Business Leaders of the Year 2022
The firm is the flagship subsidiary of the giant Samsung Group, by far the biggest of the family-controlled conglomerates that dominate business in Asia's fourth-largest economy.
The fourth-quarter drop is the second consecutive margin squeeze for Samsung, which saw a 31 percent fall in operating profits in the third quarter year-on-year.
For the full year, Samsung reported 43.38 trillion won in operating profit and a record-high annual revenue of 302.23 trillion won.
Until the second quarter of 2022, Samsung, along with other tech companies, significantly benefited from strong demand for electronic devices -- as well as chips that power them -- during the pandemic.
But the global economy is now facing multiple challenges, including soaring inflation, rising interest rates and higher energy costs.
Global memory chip revenue dropped 10 percent last year, as electronic equipment manufacturers "started to deplete memory inventory they had been holding in anticipation of stronger demand," according to tech research firm Gartner.
"Consumers also began to reduce spending, with PC and smartphone demand suffering, and then enterprises starting to reduce spending in anticipation of a global recession, all of which impacted overall semiconductor growth," said Andrew Norwood, VP Analyst at Gartner.
The macroeconomic uncertainties are expected to persist in 2023, Samsung said, adding: "the Company anticipates demand to begin recovering in the second half."
"Samsung was dealt a heavy blow with deteriorating external factors, like weaker demand and rising costs," Samsung Electronics vice chairman Han Jong-hee said during CES 2023 in Las Vegas earlier this month, according to the Yonhap News Agency.
"I think this difficult business environment will continue this year as a prolonged economic slowdown and risks in supply chains increase uncertainties."
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EBN Online. Januari 2013 Jim Gerard, UPS
The term “reverse logistics” applies to the process of moving goods for the purpose of extending the product’s lifecycle, recapturing value, or ensuring proper disposal. A key part of a company’s inbound shipping, reverse logistics encompasses everything from returns policies and procedures to product repairs, refurbishment, recalls, recycling, and product disposition.
Recapturing profits is a big piece of the reverse logistics puzzle. How big? The electronics industry spends more than $14 billion on returns every year, yet those companies that do not have a well-managed reverse logistics program could be losing more than 50 percent of the returned inventory value. By not paying attention to the reverse logistics side of the supply chain, companies could be overlooking billions of dollars in missed opportunities.
Another key piece of the reverse logistics puzzle — proper product disposal — is a growing issue in the electronics industry. Not only can companies lose money by not having a properly functioning reverse logistics program in place, but they can also lose thousands or even millions of dollars through regulatory fines and penalties if they don’t follow proper product disposal procedures. State and federal legislation has played a growing role in impacting the returns process. In fact, there are more than 35 states that have passed legislation around returns management and proper disposal.
According to a whitepaper, “Recovering Lost Profits by Improving Reverse Logistics,” written by Curtis Greve and Jerry Davis of Greve-Davis and commissioned by UPS, knowing what products are returned and where they end up makes it easier for companies to deal with regulatory issues and evaluate those returned items for possible secondary sales channels, which can in turn lead to an increase in profit. The whitepaper includes a quote from a former Best Buy executive, who states: “Secondary market electronics sales represent an estimated $15B market in the United States.”
Not only can electronics companies benefit from focusing on reverse logistics in terms of new opportunities, but they can also avoid carrying costs for excess inventory, minimize insurance and taxes, and better manage company staffing.
High-tech and electronics companies should never underestimate the power of a customer’s positive returns experience. Not only are returns not an afterthought for consumers, but they are also increasingly becoming a crucial factor in the overall online shopping experience. According to comScore’s 2012 Online Shopping Customer Experience study, commissioned by UPS, 63 percent of online shoppers look at a retailer’s returns policy before making a purchase, and 48 percent would shop more often with that retailer if it were to offer a lenient, easy-to-understand returns policy. That is powerful data on the significance of returns.
Overall, today’s online shoppers know what they want and when they want it. They are much savvier than they were just a few years ago, and with the continued growth in e-commerce, they are expecting both ease and control when it comes to their online shopping experience. Considering the fact that the electronics industry is one where demand quickly ebbs and flows, making the returns process easier for customers is critical, as it creates an opportunity to improve customer satisfaction and drive greater brand loyalty.
Here are some additional returns data points from the comScore study that may surprise electronics manufacturers and retailers:
- Forty-two percent of consumers want to see ease of returns and exchanges improved by retailers.
- More than 60 percent of online shoppers want a return label in the box or an easy-to-print return label.
- Forty-eight percent would recommend a retailer to a friend if that retailer offered a lenient, easy-to-understand returns policy.
- Thirty-two percent would focus less on prices and more on quality of service if that retailer offered a lenient, easy-to-understand returns policy.
One thing is clear: Consumers do not consider returns an afterthought, and therefore, neither should companies. The beginning of a new year is a good time to re-evaluate your reverse logistics processes and returns policies. Rather than waiting for an issue to arise, be proactive in identifying and addressing potential challenges. A strategically managed returns process not only can uncover hidden profits and increase customer satisfaction, but it can also give your company a competitive edge in the marketplace.


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There is nothing greater, both socially and environmentally, than an entire nation going 100% organic!
Denmark is set to be the world’s first country to become 100% organic, following the announcement by the Danish government to transform the whole country’s agriculture into organic and sustainable farming.
Denmark is a front-runner when it comes to organic products, as well as how they trade with the world. Nonetheless, its government has set a bigger challenge, and has successfully raised 53 million euros in the past year, in a bid to convert the country into a 100% organic powerhouse.
This may seem like the most ambitious plan in the 21st Century, but it can be achieved considering the fact that the country has already proved its love for organic food.
Denmark is miles ahead of other countries in terms of organic food production. In fact, the national organic brand of Denmark is set to celebrate 25 years in business. This makes it one of the world’s oldest organic brands. The result of this is that organic exports have gone up by a whooping 200% since 2007.
The Danish government has two primary angles of implementation:
- To turn traditional farmland into organic
- To stimulate increased demand for organic products
The goal is to double the land cultivated with organic methods by 2020, as explained in the 67-point document drafted by Økologiplan Danmark.
In addition to cultivating the government-owned land using organic and biodynamic methods, the government will also support and fund those working and investing in this sector.
The ministries, cities, and regions have joined hands, and all institutions have been mandated to lead by example, with the first organic target being 60% of food served to the public. This must be respected by schools, hospitals, as well non-privatized cafeterias.


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The move is expected to attract buyers as China, the world's largest electric vehicle market, slows.
Tesla would reduce costs by using more local parts, which would allow it to import fewer parts and avoid tariffs, people familiar with the matter said.
The report also said that these cars will be produced at Tesla's new Shanghai plant, starting at 355,800 yuan, and will be reduced from the second half of 2020.
As electric car manufacturers struggle in an unprecedented downturn, competition is heating up. Sales of electric cars in China have fallen for months after the Chinese government reduced subsidies.
The report said that the scale and timing of the price cuts may change according to market conditions.
Tesla's representative in China declined to comment. However, soon after the report was published, Tesla China responded to the Beijing News that "they have not heard of this matter, please pay attention to the official website information."
Much of the cost reduction will depend on the battery, which is usually the most expensive part of an electric car. People familiar with the matter said in August that Tesla currently relies entirely on Japanese Panasonic batteries, but that is changing as it agrees to buy batteries from LG Chem Ltd., a plant about 320 kilometers northwest of Shanghai.
The Bloomberg report said last month that Tesla had also reached an agreement to use batteries from China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. by early next year.
On December 6, the Tesla Model 3 produced in China was included in a recommended list by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to have government subsidy.
The list shows that the Tesla Model 3 produced in China will be equipped with two battery versions. Their operating range is 445km and 455km, and the energy consumption is 12.4KWh/100km and 12.5kWh/100km.
Based on current new energy vehicle subsidy rules, the battery energy density of Model 3 is in the range of 140-160Wh/kg, so its battery system energy density adjustment factor is 0.9.
As Tesla reports a higher level of energy consumption value, which is higher than the threshold value by more than 35%, so the vehicle energy consumption adjustment factor is 1.1.
Based on this information, the Tesla Model 3 produced in China will receive a subsidy of about 2.5 Ã 0.9 Ã 1.1 = 24750 yuan ($3,500).
At present, the starting price of the domestic version of the model announced by Tesla is 355,800 yuan. If the subsidy is subtracted, the real price will be 331,500 yuan.
Earlier reports said Tesla plans to raise imported Model 3 prices in China starting in January.
On February 22 this year, the imported Tesla Model 3 was officially launched in the Chinese market. Compared with Model S and Model X, Model 3 is more compact, simpler in design, and more cost-effective.


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Bajaj Auto on Thursday reported a 6.46% year-on-year drop in its PAT to Rs 923.51 crore for the three months to June. The company’s operating profit margins came in at 18.3% in Q1FY18, down nearly 300 basis points from 21.2% in Q1FY17.
Bajaj had been operating at 20% EBITDA levels consistently for many years and this is among the rare occasions when it had dropped below those levels.
Theo operating profit was down 6% Y-O-Y to Rs 1,288.13 crore during Q1FY18.
Revenue from operations was down 3.84% Y-O-Y to Rs 5,854.19 crore compared to Rs 6,088 crore same quarter in FY17.
The company’s market share fell sharply to 15% from 20% in the preceding quarters. Bajaj Auto MD, Rajiv Bajaj, blamed the fall in Bajaj Auto’s market share to deep discounting by competition when the two wheeler industry changed from BS III to BS IV compliant vehicles and also due to transition to GST.
Competition had lakhs of BS III vehicles which they off loaded into the market at discounts ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 and they bought market share in Q1 with these discounts, Bajaj said.
The discounts amounting to Rs 700 core were offered in those few days, Bajaj said.
Bajaj had shifted to BS IV and it neither had any BS III vehicles nor did it offer any discounts on the contrary it hiked prices by around Rs 2,500.
This affected Bajaj Auto’s top-line and bottom line, Bajaj said.
According to Bajaj around eight lakh vehicles were offered at an average discount of Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000. Consumers preponed their sales and Bajaj lost some of their customers because of the discounts to competition, he said. As competition liquidated their stocks, they were able to feed fresh stock into their network in Q1 which affected Bajaj’s Q1 market share, he said.
The company also offered post-GST prices mid-June and managed to reduce stock at dealers and for the remaining stock dealers were compensated to the tune of `32 crore during Q1. All this put pressure on Bajaj Auto’s motorcycle business in the domestic market and there was a sharp drop in billing in June 2017.
Bajaj said their market share would come back and they will be back to their 20% market share levels by August ‘17. Further with new products in all their seven brands expected in the later part of the year they will gain further market share of around 6%, he said. Margins in the export markets and in the CV business remained intact, Bajaj said.
Bajaj Auto’s export grew 21% Y-o-Y to $347 million with sales volume going up 10% to 4.09 lakh units. In the commercial vehicles market operating EDBTDA remained intact with 50% market share.
Exports in Q1FY18 was at around 400,O000 units and going by this trend the company may end the year with close to 1.7 million vehicle exports, Bajaj said.


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Microsoft has unveiled a new Surface Laptop at an event in New York on Tuesday. The gizmo is a premium item with the starting price of $999. And who does the company want to purchase this high-end device? Apparently, it is for college students or soon-to-be ones who want a laptop that would last them through their higher education years.
Panos Panay, Microsoft's VP for Surface Computing, told CNet in an interview that the company wanted to offer a product that students would have a lot of confidence in. He further said that the Surface Laptop team put much of their efforts into an incoming college student's four years when creating the product.
But $999 is a steep price, especially for an undergraduate. However, Panay cited that there are already students that are using premium priced gadgets like MacBook variations. In that regard, the Microsoft exec said they did not want to compromise on the quality of the Surface Laptop and get the price to go down. Had Redmond done that, they would not have come up with a sleek gizmo whose design is well worth its asking price.
The glossy Surface Laptop sports a 13.5-inch touchscreen display. With the stripped down version of the latest Microsoft operating system, Windows 10 S, running in it, the laptop should last as long as 14.5 hours. It weighs only 2.76 pounds with its fabric-covered keyboard tray. Interested students can choose from four colors, CNN writes. These choices are burgundy, platinum, cobalt blue and graphite gold.
Microsoft's Surface Laptop is the company's answer for the lucrative education sector that Google has been reigning for years with their Chromebooks. But with the $999 price tag, other laptop manufacturers that will run Windows 10 S would be better posed to take a stand against their Mountain View rival.


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According to Fars news agency, the Barcelona football team will host Real Madrid next Saturday in the most sensitive club game in the world to hold another El Clasico game.
The most sensitive club fight in the world has started today. The Barcelona club unveiled a special shirt for El Clasico and put it up for sale in online stores.
But the interesting thing is the astronomical price of the Barcelona shirt in El Clasico. Barcelona fans have to pay 3000 euros (approximately 160 million Tomans) to buy El Clasico shirts.
Normally, the Barcelona shirt is about 100 to 200 euros for fans to buy, but for El Clasico, the price of this shirt has increased more than 30 times.
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FTC UMC Authority: Enforcement Issues
Background: In 2015, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a policy statement on its “unfair methods of competition” (UMC) authority—the antitrust part of Section 5 of the FTC Act. According to the statement, while Section 5 wouldn’t be strictly limited to conduct illegal under the letter of the Sherman Antitrust Act, it would stick to the “spirit” of the Sherman Act, use roughly the same economic tools and general approach, and maintain the same focus on consumer welfare.
But… Some argue for a more expansive interpretation of the FTC’s UMC authority, seeing Section 5 as allowing government enforcers to evade the judicial limits the Sherman Act places on private plaintiffs. This view, of course, still leaves open the question of what Section 5 should cover: If antitrust is supposed to protect competition without impeding markets and innovation, enforcement without any of the procedural and substantive guardrails developed over the course of 130 years of Sherman Act litigation is surely inappropriate.
A NEW POLICY STATEMENT
Although a few saw the 2015 statement as too expansive, many condemned it as too constraining on enforcement. Those views found support in the new FTC majority appointed by President Joe Biden, which in 2021 moved by a strictly partisan vote to withdraw the 2015 statement. The FTC issued a completely new Section 5 UMC policy statement in November 2022.
OLD STANDARDS & METHODS ARE OUT
The 2022 UMC policy statement omits both the consumer welfare standard and the rule of reason, which have been used to weigh how alleged violations harm and benefit competition and consumers. Under the new statement, conduct deemed problematic by the FTC can no longer be justified by efficiency or by a numerical cost-benefit analysis. It’s not clear that it can be justified at all. The actual and likely effects of conduct are no longer critical either.
The Commission says it will look at the “tendency” of a type of action to have an effect on not just consumers but also workers or “other market participants.” The new statement expresses concern with market conduct that is “exploitative” or “coercive.” Those terms sound bad, to be sure, but they don’t have any established meaning in antitrust law. The new statement reflects the Commission’s belief that it’s simply up to them to decide what constitutes a UMC violation.
REGULATIONS RATHER THAN CASE BY CASE
The 2022 UMC policy statement also signaled that the FTC would issue rules in accordance with its new interpretation of Section 5, potentially removing certain conduct from traditional rule-of-reason judicial review. Indeed, in January 2023, the FTC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on noncompete clauses. The proposed rule claims the FTC’s UMC authority as its basis, and eschews a case-by-case approach to assessing the competitive effects of noncompete clauses for, instead, a blanket, per se ban on all such clauses in workplace contracts.
SEVERAL PROBLEMS REMAIN
When the FTC was established in 1914, some in Congress wanted the prohibition on “unfair” competition to reach further than the Sherman Act did at the time. But Congress didn’t specify the details, and today’s Sherman Act reflects a century of antitrust developments since then.
Whatever “unfair competition” was intended to mean, it’s unlikely it was intended to operate in a realm entirely divorced from the economic understandings and law developed under the Sherman Act.
In its selective reading of the legislative history, the Commission ignores the checks imposed by Congress and the courts when the FTC last tried a highly expansive “reading” of Section 5. In the 1970s, Congress thought the FTC was running amok, and it imposed new legal restrictions on the agency’s ability to issue regulations. For a brief time, Congress shut the FTC down. In a number of decisions, courts said that the FTC had failed to make a standalone case.
CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS ON AGENCIES
Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress makes the laws. Executive agencies interpret them and carry them out. The “major questions doctrine,” which has gained renewed import with the Court’s 2022 West Virginia v. EPA decision, says there are limits on an agency’s ability to make law under the guise of interpretation. An agency can issue sweeping regulations with major economic import only if Congress has been specific in telling it what to regulate and how to do it.
But “unfair” is not at all specific. And, in fact, the current FTC majority has made clear that it is interested in regulating all sorts of significant things for which it has no specific remit under Section 5, including employment agreements and data privacy.
What’s more, the “nondelegation doctrine” says that Congress cannot be too sweeping in telling an agency what to do, because it cannot delegate its constitutional lawmaking duty to unelected agencies. The wording of the FTC’s new policy statement suggests that it remains very interested in promulgating such “legislative” rules, as the noncompete rule bears out.
We don’t know for certain how the courts will view the FTC’s innovations, but there’s ample reason to expect considerable judicial skepticism.
For more on the limits of the FTC’s UMC authority, see the ICLE explainer FTC UMC Authority: Uncertain Scope.


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Supermarket presence defines pharmacy viability
A pharmacist has lost his appeal to overturn a decision to refuse granting a PBS authority number to his pharmacy.
Dib Elhelwe had lodged an approval number application in May 2014 for a pharmacy in a shopping centre in the Sydney suburb of Casula due to the centre lacking a supermarket.
When this was rejected by the Australian Community Pharmacy Authority, Mr Elhelwe appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Australia to have the decision overturned. However the Tribunal upheld the original recommendation by the Authority.
The judgement came down


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Maghull Labour Action Team leader Patrick McKinley was the first past the post to use Ladbrokes' new bins.
Back in December Maghull Labour Action Team wrote to the chief executive of Ladbrokes calling for the company to install a bin outside its West Way shop.
Residents had contacted Labour Action Team leader Patrick McKinley, who is also Labour's candidate for Sudell Ward at May's local elections, concerned about the amount of rubbish gathering outside the shop. They were also concerned that residents would slip on pens which had been dropped on the floor.
But after being contacted by the Maghull Labour campaigner, the company has installed not one bin, but two for its customers to use.
Patrick said: "People who complained highlighted the fact that customers at the betting shop leave cigarette butts on the ground while standing outside, as well as dropping the red pens provided by the shop. This is unsightly and the older shoppers in particular are concerned about slipping if they accidentally step on one of the pens.
"Ladbrokes took the complaint very seriously and have taken immediate action, which I applaud them for.
"They have installed two bins, one on either side of the shop, for their customers to use to safely dispose of unwanted pens and rubbish.
"Ladbrokes were very responsible in how they dealt with this issue and I thank them for their rapid response."
Patrick said the litter had a negative effect on the impression of the town centre.
Patrick said: "Central Square and the West Way shops are the main retail area of the town and our town centre. Lots of people either visit the square or drive past. The litter there can be an eyesore and will result in a loss of trade for our store owners at a time when they can least afford it.
"Ladbrokes clearly recognised that point and took action.
"We just now need people to use them."


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Chennai: Indian Institute of Technology Madras Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBC DSAI), one of the premier AI Research Groups in the country, is looking to help Manufacturing and Automotive Sectors to increase AI adoption in the industry.
Towards this, the Second RBCDSAI AI/ML Conclave on Manufacturing and Automotive Applications was organized at IIT Madras today (29th Aug 2019) jointly by RBCDSAI and LatentView Analytics.
AI and Data Science have been a key driver in enabling growth across industries with the automotive industry being no exception. When it comes to this sector, the proliferation of AI and data science spans across the entire automotive business spectrum ranging from manufacturing to the aftermarket.
Setting the context for the Conclave, Prof Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Institute Chair Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, and Core member RBC DSAI, IIT Madras, said, “This Conclave will revolve around themes such as AI in Manufacturing, AI in Automotive Product Design and AI-driven Automotive services in manufacturing and operations. The event has been designed to help industry know what AI can bring to the table.”
This conclave explored how AI can be a key enabler across business practices in the automotive and manufacturing industry – such as product development, automotive services and manufacturing, to name a few. The event included deep-dive sessions on the challenges in ensuring a strong skill pipeline is built in collaboration with academia and industry.
Delivering the Welcome address, Prof. B. Ravindran, Head of RBC DSAI, IIT Madras, and Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “Reliability is one of the issues in Manufacturing that AI can look into. The kind of demands on AI in manufacturing are very different compared to other fields. We need people in the AI field to understand the requirements of the industry and the industry needs to know what the AI people can bring to the table. This is what this Conclave sets out to achieve.”
Further, Prof Ravindran added, “One of the key mandates of RBC DSAI is to encourage wider adoption of AI and AI enabled services. In this conclave we are reaching out the manufacturing and automotive sectors to enable a better understanding of application of AI in these sectors. The RBC DSAI organizes an event every month to reach out to people and enrich the AI ecosystem. We urge researchers, faculty and industry in the event to connect with each other and explore potential collaborations.”
Highlighting the importance and outcomes of this Conclave, Prof. Ravindran said, “Events like this conclave that bring together people from a cross-section of stakeholders are crucial to the evolution of AI in a direction that benefits the society at large. Institutions like IIT Madras have to take a lead role in organizing such conclave.”
Around 20 speakers delivered lectures during the conclave, which attracted more than 250 participants, with 80 per cent from industry and the rest from the academic and student community.
Addressing the inauguration session, Mr. Venkat Viswanathan, Founder and Chairman, LatentView Analytics, said, “Manufacturing has been the bedrock around which a lot of new technologies have been invented since 1950. Multiple inventions have come from manufacturing sector. It is only now that the opportunity has arisen to store a lot of data generated by manufacturing sector. We can store the data even if we do not have immediate use for it and this could be a key differentiator in the future.”
The RBC DSAI was founded in August 2017 in IIT Madras with a vision to expand and further the research, education and outreach activities in the areas of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. It comprises faculty from several departments across the Institute, who carry out research in various areas of data science and artificial intelligence.
The long-term vision of RBC-DSAI is to become a world leader in data science research, where long-standing fundamental research problems, cutting across disciplines, are targeted and solved.
The following sessions were conducted during the Second RBCDSAI AI/ML Conclave on Manufacturing and Automotive Applications:
Session 1: AI in Manufacturing by Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras
Mr. Karthik – Head – MBP, Ashok Leyland
Mr. Shankar Subramanian – Co-Founder and CTO, PhotoGAUGE
Followed by the panel discussion on AI in manufacturing by the speakers, Moderated by Mr. Ganesh Sankaralingam – Director, LatentView Analytics
Session 2: Panel Discussion on Skilling and Re-Skilling
Prof. R. Nadarajan, Head – Department of Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore,
Prof. Andrew Thangaraj – Dept. of Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras
Dr. Sandhya Chintala – Executive Director, IT-ITeS Sectors Skill Council NASSCOM
Dr. Shankar Venugopal – Vice President, Mahindra & Mahindra
Mr. Kunal Jain – Founder & CEO, Analytics Vidhya
Panel discussion moderated by Prof. Ravindran, Head, RBCDSAI, IIT Madras
Session 3: AI in Automotive Product Development
Speakers at the Event:
Dr. Vijendran Venkoparao – Senior General Manager, Robert Bosch Engineering India
Mr. Santhoji Katare – Technical Leader, Global Data Insight and Analytics, Ford Motor Company
Mr. Murali Balasubramanian, APAC Innovation Head, Fiat Chrysler Automotives
Followed by the panel discussion on AI in Product Development by the speakers and moderated by Mr. Rajan Sethuraman, CEO, LatentView Analytics
Session 4: AI driven Automotive Services
Mr. Srinivas Aravapalli – CEO, Blue Binaries
Mr. Shivalik Prasad – Director, Spinclabs
Mr. Senthil Murugan – Senior Manager, LatentView Analytics
Followed by the panel discussion on AI in Automotive Services by the speakers and moderated by Prof. Nandan Sudarsanam, IIT Madras


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Gas prices may be hitting record highs but it’s not stopping Fortune Magazine from gaslighting America. These people are out of touch with reality.
“Peter Atwater, an adjunct professor of economics at William & Mary, told Fortune that if consumer sentiment continues to fall, it could cause Americans to pull back on their spending, leading to a sort of self-fulfilling recessionary prophecy.”
guess what? people are watching prices break records and shortages emptying shelves. THAT is what is causing “consumer confidence” to falter. no magic attitude adjustment is going to fix the failed policies which began in early 2020 (lockdowns, paying people to not work, printing countless trillions without goods or services to back that up, etc.)


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Montreal – It’s Time for Action
For over a year, you, like tens of thousands of Montrealers, count on Uber for a reliable, safe and economical ride in your city. You’ve made a habit of using this transportation alternative that responds to your everyday needs. Now, imagine if this was taken away from you. That you lost your ability to benefit from this quick and friendly services where you know your driver’s identity and can get an efficient and timely response to your customer feedback. Imagine also, that the driver partners whose service you appreciate, suddenly lost the economic earning opportunity that the Uber platform provides them.
Despite the benefits the Uber platform brings to the residents of Montreal, Mayor Coderre’s administration has made every effort to put the brakes on innovation and pressure Uber to cease operating in this great city. We believe it would be far more beneficial for the City to supportively regulate ridesharing rather than try to reject it. If cities like Chicago, San Francisco and Washington have done this, why can’t Montreal?
Tell your elected officials and Mayor Coderre’s administration that you support modernizing regulations to allow for safe and reliable transportation alternatives like Uber. Let them know you are in favour of creating regulations that work for today’s needs and serve the interests of citizens rather than protect the status quo for the taxi monopoly.
Team Uber Montreal
Whether you’re a freshman or a senior headed back to campus this fall, one thing is certain—you’ll need to eat. And there is nothing worse than being limited to questionable cafeteria food or taking a chance on expired leftovers in the back of the fridge. The best news? UberEATS is expanding to 30+ major college campuses by the end of the year, from Penn State to LSU to Boise State. Since we want you to focus on what you love about college and not worry about your next meal, we’re predicting the 5 times you’ll need to order UberEATS this semester.
We are excited to surpass the 100th city mark by welcoming two Brazilian cities, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, to the UberEATS family. From Atlanta to Warsaw, people have truly embraced this easy and reliable way to discover the food they love at the push of a button. Whether that’s an Indian inspired samosa, a good old-fashioned American burger or Vietnamese pho, people in 27 countries are using UberEATS to get a taste of the world’s flavors at the push of a button.
We’re excited to expand the Uber for Business platform beyond business travel, to include a world-class customer transportation solution, Uber Central. With Uber Central, organizations of all shapes and sizes can now easily provide on-demand, door-to-door transportation for their customers, clients, and guests.


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The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency will begin a pilot program with Research In Motion Ltd.’s new BlackBerry 10, making ICE among the first government agencies to pilot the new BlackBerry.
Research in Motion recently won federal government security clearance for the new operating system, an unusual move for a product that has not yet been released. The certification ahead of launch makes it possible for government agencies to immediately start using the BlackBerry 10.
The ICE pilot tests are scheduled to begin in early 2013.
Several government agencies have begun switching from Blackberry to Apple Inc.’s iPhone.
Many investors and industry watchers consider the BlackBerry 10 to be a make or break upgrade for Research in Motion, whose share of the smartphone market has dropped to less than 10 percent.


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New Delhi, March 27, 2022: In a major boost to the self-employment spree in Rajasthan, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) on Saturday distributed 200 electric potter wheels to potters, 240 waste wood toolkits to Carpenters and 10 dona paper plate making machines to 450 local artisans in Jodhpur.
KVIC Chairman VInai Kumar Saxena distributed the machines to these khadi artisans from Jaisalmer, Barmer and Nagaur districts that have been trained by KVIC. The distribution of machines will create direct employment for nearly 1100 people. These beneficiaries also include 170 BPL families.
The electric potter wheels have been distributed to 200 potter families from Jaisalmer that is known for its exquisite clay pottery. These potters have been empowered under KVIC’s flagship scheme “Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana” which aims at reviving the dying art of pottery and empowering the marginalized potter community. Similarly, artisans have been trained in making paper dona plate and wood craft by KVIC so as to make them self-reliant by providing self-employment.
KVIC Chairman Saxena said these initiatives have been launched under KVIC’s “Gramodyog Vikas Yojana” which aims at empowering the rural masses through self-employment and also strengthening the rural economy of the country. “These initiatives of KVIC is a major step towards fulfilling Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”. Through these schemes, KVIC has created lakhs of employment not only in Rajasthan but in other parts of the country” too, Saxena said.
He said that KVIC is for the first time providing online marketing platform for the potters of Rajasthan so that they can sell their clay products across the country.
It may be noted that Rajasthan is a focus area of KVIC which has an immense potential of employment creation through Khadi activities. Also, a number of traditional art forms in Rajasthan including clay pottery are being revived by KVIC.
So far KVIC has distributed over 5000 electric potter wheels in the state that has created nearly 14000 employment. Distribution of waste wood toolkits will create employment for 240 carpenter families while 10 paper plate making machines will employ 50 persons.


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There’s a good reason why there is so much excitement around Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S7 series. It seems that the company was either expecting the backlash from the S6 phones or did a mad dash back to the drawing board.
According to its specs, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have corrected a number annoyances voiced by critics and consumers alike. Not having a replaceable battery and being unable to pop in a micro SD card were some of the stronger complaints. Well, Samsung has added the ability to expand storage space by adding a micro SD slot–as high as the 125 GB ones out there. There isn’t a replaceable battery but there’s been upgrades to the camera which is supposed to blow the iPhone 6S out the water.
Click a thumbnail below for larger images.
(Photos courtesy of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
The best feature of all is the smartphone’s resistance to dust and water. Just remember that water resistant isn’t the same as waterproof, a splash from a glass of juice or drop in the toilet won’t be a problem. Pretending its a surfboard for Optimus Prime will send you back to the store for a new phone.
The Galaxy S7 Edge hits stores March 11 and comes in the colors Black Onyx and Gold Platinum for the Galaxy S7. The Galaxy S7 Edge gives the option of Black Onyx, Gold Platinum and Silver Titanium. Samsung’s also got a special going on until March 18 where they’ll will throw in a bundle of the Gear VR headset and six virtual reality video games.


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IRVINE, Calif., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Karma Automotive, a Southern California-based mostly luxury electric powered automaker, and Manhattan Motorcars, an award-successful retailer of luxurious and functionality vehicles, have partnered to showcase Karma’s most current car or truck at the New York Intercontinental Car Present, from April 15th to April 24th, 2022.
The 2022 Karma GS-6, a luxurious electrical auto will be highlighted in Manhattan Motorcars’ booth at the Jacob Javits Centre. Alongside the Karma GS-6, Manhattan Motorcars will also showcase other luxury makes, such as Bentley, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, and GTO Engineering.
“We have an excellent partnership with Karma, who provide a one of a kind luxurious electrical automobile working experience,” states Paul Dumont, The normal supervisor of Manhattan Motorcars. “There has hardly ever been a improved time to obtain an electric powered car or truck in the point out of New York.”
“It is excellent to be a portion of the New York Intercontinental Car Exhibit all over again, specifically with a partner like Manhattan Motorcars,” says William Monroe, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, Internet marketing, and Buyer Experience at Karma Automotive. “This car display has been a person of the greatest publicly attended purchaser gatherings, which is fantastic for showcasing our vehicle’s most current era.”
The 2022 Karma GS-6 can be expert at Manhattan Motorcars’s booth in the Jacob Javitz Centre, located on Degree 3, Booth #900.
ABOUT KARMA AUTOMOTIVE
Karma Automotive, started in 2014, is a southern California based mostly producer of luxurious electric automobiles. Headquartered in Irvine, California with a output facility found in Moreno Valley, Karma sells motor vehicles by way of its vendor community in North America, Europe, South America and the Middle East. Karma’s Innovation and Customization Centre, which opened in 2017 provides earth-course engineering, structure, customization, and manufacturing companies together with electrification platforms.
Karma Released its Revero® and Revero® GT in 2017 and 2019. The two cars ended up named Environmentally friendly Motor vehicle Journal‘s Luxurious Eco-friendly Auto of the Year™ award. In 2021 Karma declared the GS-6 Sequence which was honored with Environmentally friendly Motor vehicle Journal’s 2022 Green Auto Merchandise of Excellence™ award. Karma GS-6 is an electric motor vehicle driven by twin electric powered motors that embodies Karma’s goal of featuring major technology with a luxurious knowledge. Every single Karma automobile is made with unparalleled personal treatment and craftsmanship.
For additional information, check out www.karmaautomotive.com, or www.karmanewsroom.com.
Perspective primary content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/information-releases/karma-automotive-showcases-gs-6-collection-at-the-new-york-international-vehicle-demonstrate-301526145.html
Supply Karma Automotive


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Markets in Somalia are witnessing a commercial recession after the closing of the airspace, and the decline in import traffic from the port of Mogadishu (the largest port in Somalia), which was receiving daily large ships carrying hundreds of large and medium containers.
The Corona pandemic paralyzed the economies of the world, especially the Chinese market, which was the main market for Somali merchants to import consumer and office goods, clothing, parts, and electronics. In addition to the suspension of import from Arab ports after the inclusive closure witnessed by several Gulf countries.
According to official statistics, 80 percent of Somali merchants were dependent on Chinese goods, but the stopping of imports from China towards the country stoked the high prices of goods and commodities in the markets of Mogadishu, which tightens the screws on poor families affected by humanitarian disasters, including floods and droughts.
The greatest danger to the economy that Somalia faces is the decline in the services of Somali money companies and remittances, many of them disappeared from the market due to economic and financial conditions, and what remained of them are threatened to close due to the stoppage of the movement of capital that was taking place via planes to and from Mogadishu.
The money sent from abroad to Somalia is estimated at one billion and eight hundred million dollars, which was supporting the wheel of economic growth in the country, which lacks strong economic supports, given the decline in domestic production and the increasing demand for products imported from abroad.
Source (New Arab newspaper, Edited)


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Darden Restaurants (DRI) reported a 41% jump in profit for the fourth quarter helped by higher sales and an increase in same-restaurant sales from its legacy brands. Despite sales coming in line with consensus, the owner of Olive Garden and other chain restaurants’ earnings exceed market expectations and it guided fiscal 2019 EPS above Street’s view. Following this, the stock climbed 12% in the pre-market trading.
With sales increasing by 10.3% to $2.1 billion, the Orlando, Florida-based company’s earnings jumped by 41% to $174.5 million or $1.39 per share. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations grew 17.8% to $1.39. Blended same-restaurant sales from Darden’s legacy brands increased 2.2%.
Sales benefited from better pricing and different menu-mix. The increase was offset by a decline in same-restaurant traffic due to severe winter weather that negatively impacted same-restaurant sales by 30 basis points.
Looking ahead into fiscal 2019, the company expects sales growth of 4-5% and EPS from continuing operations of $5.40-$5.56. Same-restaurant sales are expected to rise by 1-2% and the company predicts to open 45 to 50 restaurants during the full year. Total capital spending is anticipated to be $425-475 million for the year.
During the fourth quarter, the company witnessed a rise in food and beverage expenses, restaurant labor costs, restaurant expenses, marketing expenses and depreciation and amortization. But it curbed general and administrative expenses that fell by 22.9%. Helped by an increase in sales, Darden was able to manage the 8% increase in operating costs and expenses to a large extent.
For over the past three years, the restaurant operator has returned more than $1.5 billion to its shareholders and during fiscal 2018 it repaid $550 million in the form of dividends and share buybacks. In addition, the board authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $500 million. Darden bought back about 0.3 million shares for about $27 million in the final quarter of 2018.
On June 20, the board lifted quarterly dividend by 19% to $0.75 per common share, payable on August 1, 2018, to shareholders of record on July 10, 2018.
Darden’s shares ended Wednesday’s regular trading session down 1.42% at $93.27 on the NYSE. The stock had been trading between $76.27 and $100.11 for the past 52 weeks.
Latest economic data evoked mixed sentiment this week -- the rebound in economic activity has raised inflation concerns while jobless claims declined for the sixth week in a row. The
Video game retailer GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), which has become the talk of the town after the unprecedented stock rally in recent weeks, reported a narrower loss for the first
The steel industry managed to shrug off the pandemic blues earlier than expected as the recovery in industrial activity pushed up demand. With the vaccination drive and the government’s aggressive


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The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has partnered with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to launch centres that connect local entrepreneurs to global markets and enhance regulatory conditions for SMEs to thrive.
The ECA – ICC Centres of Entrepreneurship in Africa will work with various stakeholders, including businesses, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, intergovernmental and governmental agencies.
The entrepreneurship centres will develop the skills of young people who face uncertain employment prospects to mentoring local start-ups and entrepreneurs. The centres are expected to develop the next generation of African business leaders.
Speaking during the virtual launch this week, Director of the Africa Centre for Statistics at the ECA Oliver Chinganya said the centres come at the right time when Africa is trying to build back better from the effects of Covid-19.
“We believe that these Centres, based in different regions of the continent, and with tailored-made solutions, can mobilise the next generation of entrepreneurship in Africa,” Chinganya said.
The centres will provide Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the tools and pathways to expand their business and play an effective role in the goods and services supply chain, he said.
Chinganya said the centres will also provide pathways to accelerate women and youth empowerment, the fuel to accelerate Africa’s growth and recovery from the pandemic.
ECA data shows that MSMEs, often women and youth-owned, account for approximately 98% of all firms and 60% of the private sector employment in African countries.
They are a fundamental part of the economic fabric of African economies. The youngest and smallest SMEs contribute to 22% of net job creation on the continent.
Africa has the highest rate of new business creation, and that youth on the continent are 1.6 times more likely to be entrepreneurs, addressing challenges of high youth under- and unemployment, Chinganya said.
John Denton AO, ICC Secretary-General, said the entrepreneurship centres are an important platform to scale globally the most successful local and regional entrepreneurial initiatives driven by chambers of commerce and innovative partners.
“SME plays a major role in the economy and are contributors of employment and 40% of national income. But they are the most challenged on the continent. Their contribution could be higher if informal SMEs are included and are supported to thrive in the market,” Denton said.
He cited the lack of proper training on digitalisation, excessive business regulations in most countries, and poor infrastructure as some of the challenges faced by MSMEs and entrepreneurs in Africa.
“These are issues that need to be resolved in order for the entrepreneurs in Africa to compete with the others at the global market,” he said, adding that “ICC is committed taking a leadership role through these centres of Entrepreneurship to help SME and entrepreneurs in the region by raising awareness for potential opportunities.”


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Just walk down any street in China and you are likely to come across at least one very large and surprisingly well decked out ‘net-bar’ or ‘internet cafe’. But unlike the net bars of old in the States and Europe these highly populated PC rooms are mostly dedicated to online gaming rather than casually internet browsing.
This popularity in online gaming as well as the country have some of the largest online game developers on the globe has really boosted China’s online gaming market.
Gizchina News of the week
A consulting firm named Pearl Research has been monitoring this sudden surge in growth which started as a sluggish start in early 2010 to sudden burst in activity and ultimately being worth $5 billion by the years end, and predict the growth could hit a peak of $8 billion by 2014!
It’s not just online gaming that has helped growth and profits sky-rocket over the past few months but also popular micro-blogging sites such as Sina’s Weibo, which is similar to the Twitter.
Follow us on Twitter for more Chinese online gaming news and reports.


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RYSE Aero Technologies announced today the launch of RYSE RECON, the company’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) platform which will make its debut at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach, CA, May 9-10.
The company’s press release reports “with the debut of the RECON, RYSE Aero Technologies looks to venture into untapped markets, such as agronomy, land surveying, agriculture, vineyards, and other rural sectors.
“Slated to be delivered to customers in January 2023, key features of the RYSE RECON include: up to 25-mile range; 63 MPH top speed; ability to operate on both land and water; six independent propulsion systems with independent; and removable batteries.”
The press release goes on to say “The patent-pending removable battery and vehicle operation systems were designed to be operated by an individual with minimal training, featuring advanced artificial intelligence and simple control systems” and that in addition, “due to RECON’s modular design, it can be configured in a variety of ways, and in its future configurations will offer fixed-wing options and design variations, all while retaining standardized flight controls”.
For more information
(Image: RHYSE Aero Tech)


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News Feed Item
DocuSign Awarded 2014 Microsoft Office and SharePoint App Development Partner of the Year
|By Business Wire
|June 4, 2014 01:03 AM EDT
Inc. (DocuSign®) announced it has been named the 2014 Microsoft
Office and SharePoint App Developer Partner of the Year. The
company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft Corp. partners
for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of
customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. Awards were presented
in multiple categories, with winners chosen from a set of more than
2,800 entrants from 117 different countries worldwide.
“We’re excited to be recognized by Microsoft for DocuSign’s
game-changing apps that enable all-new workflow scenarios that delight
users,” said Gordon Payne, COO, DocuSign. “Microsoft Office and
SharePoint customers will appreciate the seamless availability of
DocuSign integrated into the apps they use every day. Together Microsoft
and DocuSign are helping organizations go fully digital.”
“Leading partners like DocuSign are building award-winning apps on the
Office platform to help our customers get more value directly from their
most highly used applications,” said John Case, vice president of
Marketing, Microsoft Office. “The strategic partnership with DocuSign
helps our customers keep transactions digital and manage eSignatures
seamlessly from within Office 365 and SharePoint, where they already
communicate, collaborate and create. We look forward to seeing exciting
developments over the next year.”
The annual award celebrates DocuSign as a strategic partner that is
solving customer challenges with its Digital Transaction Management
(DTM) platform and eSignature apps. DocuSign helps individuals and
organizations of every size, industry and geography keep business
digital from start to finish to complete transactions faster. With
DocuSign, companies increase speed to results, reduce costs, and delight
their customers, partners, suppliers and employees with a better,
faster, more convenient and secure way to do business.
“Microsoft’s success as a company depends on great partners, and
DocuSign is a shining example of the kind of innovation our partner
ecosystem drives year after year,” said Phil Sorgen, corporate vice
president, Worldwide Partner Group, Microsoft Corp. “We are honored to
recognize DocuSign as this year’s winner of the 2014 Microsoft Office
and SharePoint App Developer Partner of the Year Award, and we applaud
DocuSign’s dedication to providing innovative solutions that drive
results for our mutual customers.”
Earlier this year, Microsoft and DocuSign announced
a long-term strategic partnership to make DocuSign’s
industry-leading Digital Transaction Management (DTM) platform and
eSignature apps widely available from within Microsoft Office 365.
DocuSign Apps for Microsoft provide customers with the ability to submit
and sign documents without leaving Microsoft applications – including
Outlook, Word and SharePoint – allowing them to quickly, seamlessly, and
confidently transact business. Microsoft is a longtime DocuSign
customer, using DocuSign in more than 100 use cases around the world.
DocuSign will be recognized at the 2014 Microsoft
Worldwide Partner Conference taking place July 13-17, 2014 in
Washington, DC. Companies interested in learning more about DocuSign’s
Digital Transaction Management apps for Microsoft Office 365 may visit http://www.docusign.com/microsoftapps
About DocuSign, Inc.
The Global Standard for Digital Transaction Management™. Global
enterprises, business departments, individual professionals, and
consumers have standardized on DocuSign, with more than 40,000 new users
joining the DocuSign Global Network every day. Today, that network
includes millions of users in 188 countries. DocuSign's DTM platform
supports legally compliant electronic and digital signature processes
tailored to meet requirements globally with localization in 43
languages. Companies and individuals DocuSign to accelerate transaction
times to increase speed to results, reduce costs, increase security and
compliance, and delight customers across nearly every industry – from
financial services, insurance, technology, healthcare, manufacturing,
communications, real estate, retail, and consumer goods to higher
education, non-profit and others – as well as every business department,
including sales, finance, operations, procurement, HR/staffing, legal,
and customer support. For more information, visit www.docusign.com.
Visit the DocuSign blog at www.docusign.com/blog
and follow DocuSign on Twitter,
About Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference
Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference provides Microsoft’s partner
community with access to key marketing and business strategies,
leadership, and information regarding specific customer solutions
designed to help partners succeed in the marketplace. Along with
informative learning opportunities covering sales, marketing, services
and technology, the Worldwide Partner Conference is an ideal setting for
partners to garner valuable knowledge from their peers and from
Microsoft. More information can be found at http://www.digitalwpc.com and
on the Partner Network home page at http://microsoftpartnernetwork.com.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in
software, services, devices and solutions that help people and
businesses realize their full potential.
DocuSign is a registered trademark of DocuSign, Inc. All other
trademarked names or terms used in this document are the properties of
their respective owners.
Internet of @ThingsExpo has announced today that Chris Matthieu has been named tech chair of Internet of @ThingsExpo 2017 New York
The 7th Internet of @ThingsExpo will take place on June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, New York.
Chris Matthieu is the co-founder and CTO of Octoblu, a revolutionary real-time IoT platform recently acquired by Citrix. Octoblu connects things, systems, people and clouds to a global mesh network allowing users to automate and control design flo...
Dec. 9, 2016 06:00 AM EST Reads: 821
You are moving to the Cloud. The question is not if, it’s when. Now that your competitors are in the cloud and lapping you, your “when” better hurry up and get here. But saying and doing are two different things.
In his session at @DevOpsSummit at 18th Cloud Expo, Robert Reeves, CTO of Datical, explained how DevOps can be your onramp to the cloud. By adopting simple, platform independent DevOps strategies, you can accelerate your move to the cloud.
Spoiler Alert: He also makes sure you don’t...
Dec. 9, 2016 05:00 AM EST Reads: 3,132
President Obama recently announced the launch of a new national awareness campaign to "encourage more Americans to move beyond passwords – adding an extra layer of security like a fingerprint or codes sent to your cellphone." The shift from single passwords to multi-factor authentication couldn’t be timelier or more strategic. This session will focus on why passwords alone are no longer effective, and why the time to act is now.
In his session at 19th Cloud Expo, Chris Webber, security strateg...
Dec. 9, 2016 04:45 AM EST Reads: 491
"We are an all-flash array storage provider but our focus has been on VM-aware storage specifically for virtualized applications," stated Dhiraj Sehgal of Tintri in this SYS-CON.tv interview at 19th Cloud Expo, held November 1-3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Dec. 9, 2016 04:30 AM EST Reads: 1,030
The WebRTC Summit New York, to be held June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, announces that its Call for Papers is now open. Topics include all aspects of improving IT delivery by eliminating waste through automated business models leveraging cloud technologies. WebRTC Summit is co-located with 20th International Cloud Expo and @ThingsExpo. WebRTC is the future of browser-to-browser communications, and continues to make inroads into the traditional, difficult, plug-in web co...
Dec. 9, 2016 04:15 AM EST Reads: 1,452
Redis is not only the fastest database, but it has become the most popular among the new wave of applications running in containers. Redis speeds up just about every data interaction between your users or operational systems.
In his session at 18th Cloud Expo, Dave Nielsen, Developer Relations at Redis Labs, shared the functions and data structures used to solve everyday use cases that are driving Redis' popularity.
Dec. 9, 2016 04:15 AM EST Reads: 3,545
Enterprise IT has been in the era of Hybrid Cloud for some time now. But it seems most conversations about Hybrid are focused on integrating AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google ECM into existing on-premises systems. Where is all the Private Cloud? What do technology providers need to do to make their offerings more compelling? How should enterprise IT executives and buyers define their focus, needs, and roadmap, and communicate that clearly to the providers?
Dec. 9, 2016 04:00 AM EST Reads: 581
Amazon has gradually rolled out parts of its IoT offerings, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to optimizing their backend AWS offerings, Amazon is laying the ground work to be a major force in IoT - especially in the connected home and office.
In his session at @ThingsExpo, Chris Kocher, founder and managing director of Grey Heron, explained how Amazon is extending its reach to become a major force in IoT by building on its dominant cloud IoT platform, its Dash Button strat...
Dec. 9, 2016 04:00 AM EST Reads: 6,342
"We are a custom software development, engineering firm. We specialize in cloud applications from helping customers that have on-premise applications migrating to the cloud, to helping customers design brand new apps in the cloud. And we specialize in mobile apps," explained Peter Di Stefano, Vice President of Marketing at Impiger Technologies, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at 19th Cloud Expo, held November 1-3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Dec. 9, 2016 03:30 AM EST Reads: 493
Complete Internet of Things (IoT) embedded device security is not just about the device but involves the entire product’s identity, data and control integrity, and services traversing the cloud. A device can no longer be looked at as an island; it is a part of a system. In fact, given the cross-domain interactions enabled by IoT it could be a part of many systems. Also, depending on where the device is deployed, for example, in the office building versus a factory floor or oil field, security ha...
Dec. 9, 2016 03:00 AM EST Reads: 407
In addition to all the benefits, IoT is also bringing new kind of customer experience challenges - cars that unlock themselves, thermostats turning houses into saunas and baby video monitors broadcasting over the internet. This list can only increase because while IoT services should be intuitive and simple to use, the delivery ecosystem is a myriad of potential problems as IoT explodes complexity. So finding a performance issue is like finding the proverbial needle in the haystack.
Dec. 9, 2016 02:15 AM EST Reads: 6,236
The idea of comparing data in motion (at the sensor level) to data at rest (in a Big Data server warehouse) with predictive analytics in the cloud is very appealing to the industrial IoT sector. The problem Big Data vendors have, however, is access to that data in motion at the sensor location.
In his session at @ThingsExpo, Scott Allen, CMO of FreeWave, discussed how as IoT is increasingly adopted by industrial markets, there is going to be an increased demand for sensor data from the outermos...
Dec. 9, 2016 02:00 AM EST Reads: 3,062
"Qosmos has launched L7Viewer, a network traffic analysis tool, so it analyzes all the traffic between the virtual machine and the data center and the virtual machine and the external world," stated Sebastien Synold, Product Line Manager at Qosmos, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at 19th Cloud Expo, held November 1-3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Dec. 9, 2016 01:45 AM EST Reads: 993
Between 2005 and 2020, data volumes will grow by a factor of 300 – enough data to stack CDs from the earth to the moon 162 times. This has come to be known as the ‘big data’ phenomenon. Unfortunately, traditional approaches to handling, storing and analyzing data aren’t adequate at this scale: they’re too costly, slow and physically cumbersome to keep up. Fortunately, in response a new breed of technology has emerged that is cheaper, faster and more scalable. Yet, in meeting these new needs they...
Dec. 9, 2016 01:45 AM EST Reads: 1,956
Data is the fuel that drives the machine learning algorithmic engines and ultimately provides the business value.
In his session at 20th Cloud Expo, Ed Featherston, director/senior enterprise architect at Collaborative Consulting, will discuss the key considerations around quality, volume, timeliness, and pedigree that must be dealt with in order to properly fuel that engine.
Dec. 9, 2016 01:15 AM EST Reads: 1,665