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Masayoshi Son is still determined to go ahead with Vision Fund 2 even though some lieutenants have urged a delay.
In the span of a few months, WeWork has gone from one of America’s most valuable unicorn startups to a punchline in investment circles.
The move comes following the success of an earlier US$100 billion fund to invest in tech startups.
The country is vying with nearby Singapore and Thailand to become the dominant force in Southeast Asia for electric cars, part of an effort to fortify the local economy and reduce reliance on imported oil.
Strong American economic data, including Thursday's report showing an increase in durable goods sales in June, has investors fearing a less dovish Federal Reserve announcement.
Oyo, which helps users book hotel rooms from India and China to the UK and US, grew revenue more than four times in June compared with a year earlier.
With few appealing options in Japan, no wonder the likes of Masayoshi Son choose to take their venture-capital dollars elsewhere.
Japanese carries will delay in releasing Huawei' P30 lite Premium smartphone.
Son has been remaking SoftBank Group from primarily a telecommunications operator into a technology investment firm.
One analyst crunched the numbers to find plenty of promise: He figures Masayoshi Son has already made close to US$9 billion on paper.
SoftBank is in talks with Oman for an investment in the fund, which has raised nearly all of its funding so far from Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
This new venture aims to provide high-speed internet to remote areas by fly networking equipment at high altitudes.
The funding allows Uber to transfer some of the substantial cost of developing self-driving cars onto outside investors.
SoftBank invested in Ola rival Uber and tried to merge the two companies.
Uber has been exploring a deal to bring on outside investors for the self-driving business since last year.
The sum represents a massive 10% of issued shares aimed at improving finances and shareholder returns.
SoftBank is expected to finalise its investment in Grab this month.
SoftBank shares finished the session at 1,282 yen, down 14.5% from the IPO price.
SoftBank will also order equipment for its next-generation 5G network from the two European suppliers instead of Huawei.
SoftBank and its bankers also embarked on a marketing campaign to attract retail investors.
The Japanese technology conglomerate plans to sell 1.6 billion shares at 1,500 yen apiece.
Net profit rose to 840 billion yen (US$7.4 billion) from 103 billion yen during the same period last year, the Japanese mobile giant and IT investor said.
As horrible as this event was, we cannot turn our backs on the Saudi people as we work to help them in their continued efforts to reform and modernise their society.
Son's absence from the stage is in marked contrast to last year's inaugural event, where the 61-year-old Japanese entrepreneur was a notable presence lending credence to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to attract foreign investment.


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Entries in 'randy pitchford' (8)
Developer Gearbox Software has revealed that it was in talks with Nintendo to bring the next instalment in the Borderlands franchise to Switch, but the platform’s holder didn’t carry on ...
The head of Battleborn developer Gearbox has interpreted Blizzard’s decision to pitch Overwatch against it as proof that both studios are on to something.
What makes a good game? Is it possible to quantify what ‘good’ means? No it’s not, Randy Pitchford argues. You may not like Aliens: Colonial Marines, but he certainly does.
Borderlands developer Gearbox Software is still working on a new ‘authentic’ Brothers in Arms game.
Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has suggested he would be open to working with another studio on the Duke Nukem franchise.
Randy Pitchford, president and CEO of Gearbox Software, believes that even hatred from gamers is a sign that you have accomplished something as a developer.
2K Games title Borderlands 2 has now sold over 12m units since its release in September 2012.
Borderlands developer Gearbox Software has embarked on a major recruitment drive as it begins work on a new entry in the franchise.

domain: news


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France Telecom-Orange and Publicis Groupe are launching a new venture capital fund, committing €150 million (about $270 million) to finance and develop digital technology, content and services. The two sponsors intend other investors to join them to double the available amount.
Investments will be divided into three categories. Seed-capital and early-stage investment will target fledgling companies in France and Europe, with investments of up to €1 million ($1.4 million). Later-stage financing for more established companies in France and Europe will provide up to €15 million ($20.6 million) per project. Thirdly, the fund may opt to invest in startups outside Europe alongside American or Asian partner funds.
The fund will be operated by a third-party management company, with investment decisions made by a committee independent of the funds’ sponsors. It’s probable that the funds will go to startups in online marketing, e-commerce, mobile content and services, online gaming and social networks, as well as their associated technologies and infrastructures such as middleware, cloud computing, security, and online payments.
France Telecom-Orange is present in 35 countries, with a customer base of 221 million that includes 162 million mobile customers and 14 million broadband internet (ADSL, fibre) customers worldwide.
Publicis Groupe is the third largest communications group in the world and includes Leo Burnett, MSLGroup, PHCG (Publicis Healthcare Communications Group), Publicis Worldwide, Rosetta and Saatchi & Saatchi. VivaKi, the Groupe’s media and digital accelerator, includes Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia.


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It's hard to search the web these days and not find Google Maps data. But privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo did something relatively unusual on Tuesday — it brought in Apple Maps as its default mapping partner.
Using Apple's MapKit JS framework that was announced at WWDC last year, mobile and desktop searches through DuckDuckGo for maps and addresses will pull Apple Maps data, satellite imagery, and visuals such as storefronts. The maps are interactive, so on mobile you can zoom in with your fingers, and on all platforms the maps include clickable listings with addresses and hours.
The separate "Maps" tab on DuckDuckGo will only bring up Apple Maps.
Previously, DuckDuckGo pulled in mapping data from all over: Google Maps, Bing Maps, even Russia's Yandex Maps through "bang" shortcuts to bring in search results from other sites. But because it was using other sites, data collection policies varied and weren't controlled by DuckDuckGo's privacy rules.
So now you can look up pizza and not have that pizzeria down the street follow you across the internet.
UPDATE: Jan. 15, 2019, 3:08 p.m. PST Digital privacy expert David O'Brien, a senior researcher at Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, weighed in on the partnership, noting that "anonymity doesn't really exist on the internet for individuals." But for what DDG and Apple Maps are offering he said both companies won't be collecting as much information as other internet services.
Even if both companies live up to their data collection standards, said he's wary of how the privacy policies are implemented. "The devil can be in the implementation details and in how people are actually using these services," O'Brien said.


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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) vibrant indications, a number of them blinking neon, appeal passers by along historic Route 66 with claims of quick money if theyвЂ™re in a bind. Window dressings in strip malls, converted filling stations along with other storefronts in brand New MexicoвЂ™s city tell that is largest will be clients they wonвЂ™t need to вЂњpay the max.вЂќ The payday and name loan industry states that despite a bad reputation, little loan providers provide mostly of the choices for low earnings residents in brand New Mexico, where high poverty and jobless prices are chronic.
вЂњPeople require the amount of money,вЂќ stated Charles Horton, an innovative new Mexico indigenous and creator of FastBucks. вЂњWeвЂ™re licensed, weвЂ™re regulated, weвЂ™re perhaps not out breaking kneecaps and anything that is doing doing the collections. The thing I constantly say is find something better that works and place it into spot.вЂќ The industry is once more the goal of the latest Mexico lawmakers, as a couple of bills pending within the homely house and Senate demand capping rates of interest at 36 % on little loans granted by loan providers perhaps not federally insured.
Customer advocates argue that brand brand brand New Mexico wouldnвЂ™t be going for a giant jump with the legislation. Some 30 states have previously banned automobile name loans, and a dozen of those have actually capped prices at 36 per cent or less.
The essential present information from brand New Mexico legislation and certification officials show rates of interest on name loans can are priced between an average of 238 % to a lot more than 450 %. Installment loans can get a lot higher. Short-term, high interest financing techniques have already been a target of customer advocates for many years in brand brand New Mexico, but efforts to rein in the commercial autumn flat year in year out. Some fault lobbyists; other people blame having less governmental might.
Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero, an Albuquerque Democrat sponsoring one of many measures this present year, stated lending that is predatory took in more urgency as state officials seek out comprehensive methods to leap begin the slow economy while assisting working families. She sees the proposed limit as one prong into the stateвЂ™s combat poverty.
вЂњThey simply target their state of New Mexico because we have a susceptible populace and thatвЂ™s exactly what we should stop,вЂќ she said. вЂњThe main point here is itвЂ™s exploitation.вЂќ
Associated with the significantly more than 23,000 name loans reported in New Mexico in 2015, state numbers reveal about two thirds had been renewed, refinanced or extended. Customer advocates argue that the interest that is current ensure it is problematic for the loans become paid back combined with other charges, creating borrowers for the period of financial obligation.
Ona Porter, mind of this nonprofit Prosperity Functions, stated the borrowing is caused by restricted earnings individuals wanting to fill a space between month-to-month costs and earnings. They usually have all sorts of extremely creative ways of creating that work, but one bump when you look at the road a medical center bill, a co pay they canвЂ™t appear with, a blow out and also the entire home of cards boils down. ThatвЂ™s the true point from which they attempt to fill that gap with your loans,вЂќ she said. Porter argued you will find numerous rules geared towards customer security regarding meals, toys and drugs. вЂњThis is really a heinous exception,вЂќ she stated.
The industry states the cap that is proposed force lending shops over the state to shut their doorways.
вЂњBanks donвЂ™t make loans to people for $300 to $400 for a explanation,вЂќ Horton said. вЂњA bi weekly or 30 days loan for $300 at 36 % interest, it is a couple of bucks, and also you canвЂ™t manage lease and workers and particularly bad financial obligation for a few of bucks.вЂќ
One proposition which has the interest of Horton and lawmakers alike is really a brand new financing choice that allows employees to draw against their paychecks for interest levels that might be according to a portion of month-to-month earnings. It will be billed as a worker benefit but is administered by way of a alternative party. Monetary training would attend such loans.
Porter said Dona Ana titlemax loans payment plan County, Las Cruces, Albuquerque, Santa Fe Public Schools along with other federal government employers will be looking at the scheduled system, and advocates are hopeful hawaii will too. Studies suggest that at the very least 20 % of general public workers use payday, title as well as other forms of installment loans, Porter stated.


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Designers & Agents is on a global mission in more ways than one.
This story first appeared in the May 26, 2010 issue of WWD. Subscribe Today.
The contemporary trade show is launching a Paris edition this fall and its New York show, which ended a three-day run at the Starrett-Lehigh Building on May 5, had a decidedly international flavor. Vendors ranged from New York to Milan and Sunningdale, England, and their inspirations and resources were equally wide ranging.
Case in point, Jai, a first-time exhibitor at D&A, used organic wool from Vermont and fair trade silk from India. Kizzy Knight is the U.K. native who launched the line, which wholesales from $23 to $205, last year. Knight aims for Jai to be “playfully regal,” she said. “It’s easy to dress up and dress down.” Bestsellers included a Tencel and linen jumpsuit at $102 wholesale, a Sunningdale Tencel dress at $85 and a Lady Ascot organic wool dress for $153.
Like Jai, Milan-based Barbara Brignone exhibited her Me Barbara Brignone collection as part of the D&A’s Green Room. Her line of romantic separates was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of “The Little Match Girl,” mixing silks, sheens and lace to create knitwear items with an ethereal feel. “I use almost only 100 percent natural fabrics,” said Brignone, whose bestsellers include a wool, organic alpaca and silk cardigan for 125 euros, or about $160 at current exchange.
Injiri was another newcomer to D&A, and the Jaipur, India-based collection designed by Chinar Farooqui offered a collection of handwoven items dyed in natural indigo, with details such as madras checks. Wholesale prices range from $70 to $90 for scarves to $200 to $250 for dresses and $300 for jackets.
Vanessa Diserio, vice president at the Erica Wilson boutique in Nantucket, Mass., said business has been picking up. “People are coming out and shopping, but I would say they are much more aware of value and more conservative in their expenditures,” Diserio said. “We have brought in more merchandise at varying price points to accommodate our shoppers.”
At D&A, Diserio said she was looking for “new and interesting vendors” and to “touch base with existing ones.”
“The show has a social conscience, which is lacking at the other shows,” she said. “D&A is smaller, more sophisticated and keeps in touch many of the values I like to represent in our shop. Although we do have some vendors still manufacturing in China, we try to find merchandise that is produced and designed here, or items that somehow give back to the community that [they are] made in.”
D&A featured 50 collections across 43 booths, and registered a 10 percent increase in attendance from last year.


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LOUDON, N.H. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. wasn't providing any hints.
"No," he said. "I've done about as good as I can do about narrowing it down and what not."
And with that, he left reporters and fans to wait until Wednesday, when the final domino in the long line of them set in motion May 10 will finally fall. The sponsor and car number Earnhardt will use next season with Hendrick Motorsports will be introduced in Dallas, also the site of a national bottler convention for Pepsi-Cola. Multiple news outlets have reported that Earnhardt will drive the No. 88 next season, and that the new stylized 88 will be unveiled on his car this Wednesday in Dallas.
But Friday at New Hampshire International Speedway, Junior wasn't telling.
"It's going to be a lot of fun to see the reaction of the fans," Earnhardt said prior to qualifying 19th for the Sylvania 300 on the 1-mile track. "I hope that they really enjoy what we're going to do, and we've been having a lot of fun with the design and with the approach and sort of forming what our identity is going to be on the racetrack and off the racetrack."
Meanwhile, Earnhardt's old sponsor will find a home Tuesday, when Budweiser finally unveils its association with Kasey Kahne for 2008. Gillett Evernham Motorsports has called a press conference to announce a multi-year agreement, and Dodge director Mike Accavitti confirmed that Kahne's additional sponsorship will allow the manufacturer to spread more resources elsewhere. Evernham's No. 9 car, driven by Kahne the past four years, has been backed by Dodge dealers since its inception in 2001.
"This does not change our commitment to be the manufacturing leader in NASCAR's premier series, win races and consistently contend for the Nextel Cup," Accavitti said in a statement. "We now have the opportunity to apply additional resources to areas that can directly impact the on-track performance of all our teams and expand marketing opportunities for our dealers."
Kahne has a tough act to follow. Earnhardt has become synonymous with the beer brand through commercials and billboard campaigns, providing Bud with a level of visibility it never enjoyed in previous driver relationships. Pepsi-Cola now faces the challenge of meshing with Earnhardt, although the company does produce some brands like Amp and Mountain Dew that are marketed to a younger, edgier crowd.
Earnhardt wants from his new sponsor the same thing he received from his old one -- the freedom to be himself.
"The hardest part is not changing anything you do personally, about your personality or your mannerisms, or anything and trying to get them to understand that's who you are," he said. "That's how you stay comfortable and you stay grounded. Our new partners are very aware of that, that we want to continue with our personality and we don't really try to re invent the wheel or try to propose this new attitude or anything on the fan base. I just want to keep doing my job the same way I've been doing it and I want to keep being the same person I've been all this time and they're pretty comfortable with that."


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What’s the best phone to buy if you’re looking to protect your fragile body from a bullet? If a recent story out of Florida (of course) is any indication, perhaps you should be taking a look at HTC’s offerings. Allegedly, an HTC phone belonging to a convenience store clerk is credited with saving his life after it stopped a bullet shot at him during a robbery attempt.
Police said it wasn’t until they were interviewing the clerk that he started to complain of feeling chest pain
“The clerk said, ‘I feel like my chest hurts.’ That’s when medical personnel started looking at him, realized the guy had actually shot at him, hit him, and the cell phone had stopped his bullet,” said Winter Garden police Lt. Scott Allen.
The screen was shattered and embedded with a bullet.
See? Everyone keeps saying we need to make our smartphones thinner and lighter and less substantial, but clearly there are advantages to a tougher device.
Oh, and the best part about this story? HTC is sending the clerk a “Glad You’re OK” care package that includes a brand new HTC One. Nice!
— HTC (@htc) October 29, 2013
(via Business Insider)


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Patrick enjoys playing with a ball and being walked on a lead
A shop owner in Ramsbottom has been told he's no longer allowed to take his pig to work.
Lee White, who runs an outdoor clothing shop, bought the micro-pig, called Patrick, as a pet.
He says Patrick is a better pet than a dog, and enjoys playing with a ball, wearing a coat and being walked on a lead.
But health and safety bosses say Patrick is classed as livestock, so this little piggy has to stay home.
The fly in the oink-ment came when Lancashire County Council said Patrick has to be in one place for 20 days and 20 nights minimum in case there's an outbreak of a disease, such as foot and mouth.
This is so they can contain Patrick if there's an outbreak.
But now Lee has started a campaign to free the "Rammy One" saying a pet should be treated as one.
"I think the law needs changing," he says. "Micro-pigs are very en vogue now, so for people to have them as pets I think they need pet licences as opposed to livestock licences."
Lee says Patrick is a clever fellow: "He's fantastic, and very clean. He's more intelligent than a dog - we house trained him in a day and a half."
Micro-pigs can live for 18 years, so who knows, Patrick may be trottering around the shop in the future!


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Wow Skin Sciences Reports Income Decline and Increased Losses, Relies on Offline Sales Wow Skin Sciences, a prominent skincare brand, has faced challenging financial circumstances as it reported a decline in its income and an increase in losses. This shift in financial performance suggests that the company is navigating a period of economic turbulence and may be exploring strategies to regain stability and growth.
Key highlights of Wow Skin Sciences’ financial situation:
Income Decline: The company has witnessed a decline in its income, indicating that its ability to generate revenue from its products and services has been negatively impacted. This could be attributed to various factors, such as changes in market demand, competition, or operational challenges.
Increased Losses: The reported increase in losses suggests that the company’s expenses have outpaced its revenue, resulting in a deficit. The causes of increased losses may vary and could include higher production costs, marketing expenses, or operational inefficiencies.
Offline Sales Significance: Wow Skin Sciences revealed that a substantial portion of its total revenue, amounting to 25%, came from offline sales. These sales were facilitated through 40,000 retail touchpoints. This information highlights the importance of offline retail channels in the company’s revenue generation strategy.
The skincare industry is highly competitive, and factors like changing consumer preferences, market dynamics, and economic conditions can significantly impact the financial performance of companies operating in this space. As a response to the challenging financial situation, Wow Skin Sciences may consider various strategies, such as cost optimization, marketing initiatives, product diversification, or online sales expansion, to recover and stabilize its financial health.
While challenges are a part of the business landscape, companies often adapt and evolve to address them. Understanding the specific factors contributing to income decline and increased losses will be crucial for Wow Skin Sciences to formulate effective strategies for the future. Additionally, the reliance on offline sales underlines the significance of maintaining a strong presence in physical retail touchpoints, even in an increasingly digital age, to capture a significant portion of the market and cater to diverse customer preferences.


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Half a year ahead of hosting the Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan (hereinafter referred to as RWC 2019 Japan), the 2nd Tourism Strategy Meeting for the RWC 2019 Japan was held on March 1, 2019. At the meeting, the RWC 2019 Japan Organizing Committee, government officials from host cities, the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and corporate officials participated.
During the meeting, with the recognition that the RWC 2019 Japan is expected to promote visits to Japanese regions to visitors and residents from around the world, especially from Europe, the United States, and Australia, and in addition to attracting international visitors to the regions, a discussion on tourism consumption was made and the Japan Tourism Agency explained the government goals and current situations and introduced various initiatives. Continued cooperation among stakeholders to promote efforts in the future was also confirmed.
Greeting from Commissioner Tabata of the Japan Tourism Agency
2nd Tourism Strategy Meeting for the RWC 2019 Japan


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The Downtown Credo coffee shop in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood won’t reopen after the coronavirus pandemic.
Business at the 706 W. Smith St. store where customers named their price had been trending down before the virus, owner Ben Hoyer said in a phone interview. He said he was also anticipating a rent increase and the shop had been shuttered for about a month because of the pandemic, which worsened the situation.
“The time for that location has kind of come to an end,” Hoyer said.
Credo will continue serving at its two other Orlando spots at 885 N. Orange Ave. and 550 E. Rollins St. at the AdventHealth campus.
The College Park store was Credo’s first shop when it opened in 2010.
“The competition and the market is just different than it was then,” Hoyer said. “The time for what it was had just passed.”
Customers deciding how much they pay for coffee allows Credo to have conversations about its coffee growers and “how every dollar makes a difference locally and abroad,” a news release said.


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RACINE COUNTY — When Wayne’s Daughters Greenhouses opens for the season this April 24, it will be with one big difference from past years: Only the Raymond location — not the Caledonia store — will sell plants.
Owners Wayne and Sandra Loppnow decided that the Highway 32 road project, with its one-two punch last year and this year, has forced them to close their location at 6207 Douglas Ave. Starting this year, they will only sell at their ninth-generation farm at 2429 43rd St., about 1 mile west of Interstate 94 between highways K and G.
Douglas Avenue was closed between Five and Six Mile roads from last April 25 to about June 1, Sandra Loppnow said Monday. The “No thru traffic” signs turned away most potential customers, and some of those who did venture through got traffic citations for their trouble, she said.
“Our busiest month, (the road) was closed,” Loppnow said. “You only have a short window to sell those plants.”
The Loppnows ended up hauling the plants they had grown at their 6-acre Douglas Avenue property out to their 1838 Raymond farm, Sandra said.
“We lost a lot of plants. They got too big,” she added.
The Loppnow family had sold from their Caledonia store for 14 years, Sandra said, adding: “It was so busy.” Wayne said the Douglas Avenue store produced about 40 percent of their total revenue.
“It was a very busy place,” Sandra said. “It was sad, because we’ve been there for many years.”
This year the same stretch of Douglas Avenue as last year will be closed from April to November, she said. So, the couple have decided to not reopen that store and have put the property on the market, asking $425,000.
They don’t plan to find another second location, either.
The Loppnows are, however, currently growing plants at their Caledonia property with its approximately 25 greenhouses.
“If we’d sell it, we’d just put more greenhouses up here,” at their 100-acre Raymond farm, Sandra said. “This is the trial to see how many people come here from in town. And a lot of people (came) to both places.”
This year, because the Loppnow family will concentrate on selling from their farm, they’re making some improvements. They’ve added concrete floors in some of their approximately 25 greenhouses, will add a third checkout station that will be outdoors, put new plant benches in greenhouses so there’s more room to walk, added three picnic tables and have taken down a fence to open a shady side yard to the public.
One thing that’s remained largely the same is the involvement of Wayne’s and Sandra’s daughters. Three of them have stayed with the business: Jennifer Loppnow-Becker; Katie Loppnow-Klotz; and Casey Lawrence, who does all of the business’ social media work including a Facebook video each week. Their other daughter, Kari Loppnow-Morgan, helped start the business but works for the City of New Berlin. Kari is a former Raymond town clerk.
When the business opens for this growing season, it will be open seven days a week until all plants are sold, usually about June 15, Sandra said.
Then the family will immediately begin planning and preparing for next year.
“Our busiest month, (the road) was closed. You only have a short window to sell those plants.” Sandra Loppnow, co-owner of Wayne’s Daughters Greenhouses


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State Of The Union
Good Morning Europe
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Discover Bansko Bulgaria, a top winter sports destination for 2022
With breathtaking landscapes, magnificent slopes and plenty of activities on offer, in this week's Adventures we go to Bansko, one of Bulgaria's top snow-capped destinations.
Here are the travel restrictions for Europe’s top ski destinations
These are the latest updates as travel rules ease across Switzerland and Austria.
Swiss ski resort celebrates 100th anniversary of the slalom
The first-ever timed slalom ski race was organised in Mürren in January 1922.
Anna Gasser: the athlete pushing the boundaries of female snowboarding
Sports that were once considered a fad, like Snowboarding and Skateboarding have in recent years seen entire cultures develop around them. Meet the woman helping that happen.
Ski resort expansion is destroying some of the last living glaciers
Patagonia's latest documentary tells the story of a mega ski resort development that is about to destroy glaciers in the Alps.
The top 7 ski resorts in Europe, revealed
Ski season is upon us, so we’ve rounded up the best resorts to practice your technique.
What happened when I went skiing in record snowfall at Crans Montana
This is what it's like skiing off-piste in the powdery pine forests of Switzerland.
French skier Noël opens slalom season with dominating win
French skier Clément Noël dominated the first slalom of the World Cup season for his ninth career win as many other pre-race favourites faltered.
Steep hills and daring jumps: Watch this ultimate freeskier in action
Markus Eder spent two years planning and filming the ultimate ski run in his homeland of northern Italy.
Three skiers killed and two injured in Austria avalanche
The skiers were hit by a 200-metre wide slab of snow as they ascended a slope in the Salzburg region.
Snowfall blankets the Alps just in time for the ski season
Enjoy these photos from the fresh snow that turned Italy’s South Tyrol mountains into a winter wonderland this past weekend.
Skiing apps: Stay safe with alerts on routes, maps and rescue advice
From snow safety and powder alerts to tracking your day and meeting up with friends, these apps will make your ski holiday a little bit easier.
Why 'fat biking' is the best winter holiday activity
There are many ways to enjoy the winter months in Europe without strapping on your skis. Here's our guide.
The 14 most Instagrammable ski resorts in Europe revealed
With ski season just around around the corner, we round up Europe's most beautiful, camera-friendly resorts.
These are the 7 best ski resorts for non-skiers in Europe
Heading to the slopes for the first time? These destinations are suitable for all experience levels, even beginners.
These are the 4 most unusual ski destinations in Europe
From Greece to Scotland, these unique ski resorts deserve your attention.
Skiing in Scotland? These are the most popular slopes for winter 2021
Winter sports tourists are sticking closer to home this holiday season, a new Club Med report says, as first-time skiers soar.
What do you do with a ski resort when there's no snow?
When climate change cut the ski season short and visitor numbers dwindled, this tiny Austrian town turned its attention to making the most of the summer.
France skiing death toll doubled due to weather and COVID rules
Thirty-nine people were killed in avalanches in France this winter, compared to an average of 20 annually over the past five decades.
Norwegian 'caught trying to dodge quarantine' by skiing over border
The 50-year old was hoping to evade quarantine rules in his country by crossing over mountains from Sweden but bad weather thwarted his plan, emergency services said.
A day in the life of a ski resort during COVID-19
French ski resorts make the best of it as lifts remain shut and visitor numbers remain low.
This amazing artwork was created by the ancient sport of snowshoeing
Amateur snowshoers in Finland got together to create a design dreamed up by an IT consultant.
Snow lovers turn to new wintry pursuits as French lifts remain closed
Many resorts are seeing ticket sales for cross-country skiing jump by more than 30 per cent.
Kosovo's biggest ski resort is under strain from a lack of skiers
Brezovica Ski Resort is only seeing half its usual crowd.


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Sirius XM [SIRI] is preparing to file for bankruptcy as early as Tuesday, due to a $175 million debt maturing this weekend that the company can’t pay. If satellite radio as we knew it disappeared, would it really matter?
Granted, “preparing” to file for bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily mean that the company will have to do it, according to the Washington Post; it’s just a procedural necessity in case talks for more funding fall through. And even if Sirius XM does file, it probably wouldn’t mean an interruption of service for radio subscribers according to Chris Murray, senior counsel for the Consumers Union.
But getting through next week as a solvent company will mean that SIRI’s CEO Mel Karmazin will have to find a heaven-sent investor who may not exist. The company is experiencing a virtual standstill in subscriber growth, and it is operating at a loss, making it unattractive to banks; it’s also already highly leveraged with $3.3 billion in debt maturing before 2014, meaning any financing terms Karmazin could get would be highway robbery.
A glimmer of hope lies in a potential deal with Charlie Ergen, CEO of Dish Network [DISH]. His company already owns $300 million in Sirius XM bonds, and a satellite radio business could be complementary to the Dish Network’s TV offerings. The AP also reported that Liberty Media Inc., that is affiliated with DirecTV [DTV], may also be involved in talks with Sirius XM.
But serious regulatory issues over buying the nation’s only satellite radio company would abound because of antitrust laws. The Sirius XM merger itself took nearly 18 months and involved a host of strict stipulations that could hamstring a potential buyer. It’s rumored that Ergen and Dish Network might want to dismantle Sirius XM radio and use its valuable frequency for a new high-speed Internet service the company is building, but that would involve disenfranchising 19 million satellite radio subscribers–another move that the FCC would stonewall.
Which options are left? There’s structured bankruptcy, like the kind that Mitt Romney suggested for American automakers in his November op-ed in The New York Times. A managed bankruptcy deal with federal regulators would give Sirius XM the flexibility to re-make its business model in a sustainable way; a new round of bonds or leniency from investors will simply keep the radio provider on its same failed track. As Anya Kamenetz noted in her Tuesday post, radio listeners just aren’t responding to the Sirius XM model. And why should they, with Internet radio and iPods at their disposal?
The company could also use bankruptcy to find a way to divorce itself from the health of the auto industry; right now it gets the lion’s share of its new subscribers from new cars sold with built-in satellite radios, when it really should have a viable sales model of its own. It also needs to find a way to bring down its astronomical operating costs by re-negotiating with its star players, or by finding new, cheap talent that won’t come at a premium. Is Howard Stern really worth a $100 million contract when the company is on the verge of failure over just $175 million in maturing bonds?
All that would require new management and new vision, that may be better provided by a deal with Dish Network. Dish has the resources to execute a rebirth. What if Dish dismantled Sirius XM as it currently exists, and re-introduced it as a high-speed broadband service that could carry music as well as Internet access? Would anyone miss having plain old commercial-free radio when XM could be so much more?
Backward-compatible, the hybrid service could still allow all of Sirius XM’s subscribers to get commercial-free radio on their existing radios. But buyers of new Sirius XM receivers could have access to in-car Web, giving aftermarket sales of satellite head units real appeal they currently lack. Sirius XM portable radios, which currently aren’t selling next to iPods and Zunes, would become Web-enabled multimedia devices that could have Apple [AAPL] and Microsoft [MSFT] seriously worried. Dish Network could also give AT&T [ATT] and Verizon [VZ] a run for their money by selling USB dongle modems for PCs, and building out a TV-based Internet service that could enable consumers to buy digital media over their TVs.
Would it take work? Yes. Would it be disruptive? You bet. Let’s hope something drastic happens at Sirius XM–consumers deserve more than the company can presently offer.


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Switzerland commits $4.4 million for UNCTAD’s e-commerce and digital economy work
14 Sep 2021
The funds will support activities that can enable more countries to engage in and benefit from the evolving digital economy.
Global e-commerce jumps to $26.7 trillion, COVID-19 boosts online sales
3 May 2021
The pandemic has, however, resulted in mixed fortunes for some e-commerce companies, reversing the profits of firms offering services such as ride-hailing and travel.
Switzerland climbs to top of global e-commerce index
17 Feb 2021
Switzerland replaced the Netherlands at the top of UNCTAD's Business-to-Consumer E-commerce Index 2020, which ranks 152 countries on their readiness to engage in online commerce.
Donors renew support for UNCTAD's work on debt management
21 Jan 2021
New funding will boost efforts to help developing countries better manage soaring debt levels and the resulting economic vulnerability, particularly in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.


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Internet usage reaches saturation in some population segments
Friday October 10, 2003
The age of ubiquitous internet usage would appear to be almost upon us, just a decade after the internet was introduced to the Australian population at large. The recently-released Red Sheriff 2003 Australian Internet Report shows that the incidence of Internet trial (that is, use of the Internet at least once) has risen significantly from 65% to 73% over the two years from 2001 to 2003 and based on intended use, the level of Internet trial will rise to 79% next year.
The report underlines the progressive change in the role of the Internet from a recreational activity to more of a functional role. Given that the vast majority of people online were experienced Internet users, the Internet is now more a tool of everyday life.
The report's most significant findings showed that the key early adopter markets of 16-29 year olds and those earning over $95,000 has almost reached full saturation at 95% and 93% respectively.
Just six years ago, the incidence of internet trial for these demographic sub-groups was 30%. Indeed, the even younger sub-group of 16-20 year-olds was completely saturated - every respondent had tried the internet and access, experience and skills were greater issues within this segment than opportunity to trial. This group represent the first generation for whom the Internet has become an integral part of their lives across study, work and leisure activities.
Similarly, for those on higher incomes, a home Internet connection has become a household 'necessity', on par with mobile phones and pay TV.
Future growth in Internet trial will be largely driven by those age 50+ and earning less than $50,000.
The 2003 Australian Internet Report draws upon six years of historical data on the Internet and technology markets in Australia. The report provides an ongoing monitor of the profile of Internet users as well as their needs, behaviours and attitudes. This year, the report was
expanded to provide analysis of consumer trends in online brands, mobile telephony, new technologies such as 3G, search engines and online financial services.


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Audi is getting ready to fight against the industry rulers including Mercedes Benz and BMW. The company’s next gen luxury sedan is ready.
The Q5 is designed to take down the GLC and the X3, all at once.
The company has confirmed that they will be building the SUV on the MLB platform, which is the proprietary model for all latest Volkswagen family cars. It allows the designers to introduce a wide range of safety features in the vehicle as well as luxury add-ons. The additional space not only allows cargo area and headroom for all passengers, but the team has managed to keep the weight of the car low. Carbon fiber materials contribute a lot to this accomplishment and the next gen model is at least 100 kilograms lighter.
Audi has decided to keep the Q5 to support all four-wheel drive, even in the basic trim line variant. The powertrains available including the petrol and diesel models will be left largely untouched. The V6 engine is considered to be a unique sales point for their cars and the tradition will continue with this one.
With the help of a five link system, the automobile manufacturer has considerably reduced the pressure on the air suspension of the car. The links connect the front and rear axle to offer an even bounce when running on top of cranky roads. It provides the smoothest experience for riders and more control over the car even at top speeds, confirmed Audi engineers.
Being an SUV, it is supposed to look rugged and a bit chunkier. After all, lighter cars may never appeal to the general crowd because the sole purpose of buying one is to have a robust vehicle. Audi has made the newest version of the Q5 to look beefier than the Q7, which met with negative criticism from the public and car enthusiasts.
Above all, they have worked a lot on the interiors of the vehicle with an amazing dashboard powered by the Nvidia processor. While you are definitely not going to play a game on this one, it provides an aeroplane cockpit inspired instrument panel, Google maps, mobile integration and many more convenient services.
With a 500 horsepower engine, the SUV is expected to hit 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4 seconds. For such a large car, this is a pretty good number and obviously Audi is all set to take down its serious competitors.


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In 2013, most people didn’t know that much of the world’s angora wool came from factories like this, where rabbits were kept in awful conditions and workers regularly ripped the fur right out of their skin. But when PETA revealed undercover footage of the abuse, it changed everything.
Millions of people around the world saw the video, were outraged, and sprang into action. They contacted companies selling angora wool and demanded that they stop. And most of the world’s biggest brands listened and took action. Companies that wouldn’t listen saw protests, news coverage, and online campaigns spread by celebrities and the media.
The millions who watched, spoke out, and demanded that retailers take cruelty off their shelves started a movement, and one by one, most of the world’s largest retailers banned angora wool. The huge industry that once caused so much harm has been crippled beyond repair. For angora rabbits, the world has truly changed, and this is just the beginning.
Subscribe to PETA’s YouTube Channel and never miss another video.
“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE
— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind


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Tesla is reportedly planning to update its Model 3 electric sedan.
According to media reports, Tesla is planning several changes to the Model 3. The new features will include a brand new center console and a powered trunk lift, among other things. The changes will reportedly be made to all Model 3 cars, at Tesla’s manufacturing plants in Shanghai, China and Freemont, California.
Here is a list of all the reported upgrades coming to the Model 3.
- A new steering wheel.
- Center Console 2.0.
- New headlights and taillights.
- Powered trunk gate.
- A heat pump.
- New windows with double panes.
Tesla recently updated the Model 3’s frunk. (That’s the front trunk, for anyone not up on EV terminology.) That change was made to apparently make room to install the new heat pump. Tesla has already introduced that particular feature into their Model Y electric SUV. Tesla also recently updated the Model Y’s taillights.
Earlier this year, Tesla vehicles were ranked last in terms of quality in a survey conducted by J.D. Power. Tesla vehicles were found to have an average of 250 problems per 100 vehicles. That was much higher than most traditional automakers scored.
The Model 3 updates might be officially announced at Tesla’s upcoming Battery Day event. It’s currently scheduled to take place on September 22. The company is expected to announce new breakthroughs in their battery technology.


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From a Native American Heritage Month reading list to a revealing Twin Peaks book installment, we’ve collected the latest literary news:
Book World Inc., the Appleton, Wisconsin based chain, announced that it is closing its doors. The company said that liquidation sales will begin on November 2 at all 45 of its stores and will continue until everything has been sold–which is estimated to occur before January 15. Senior Vice President Mark Dupont attributed the company’s closing to declining sales “that will no longer sustain […] business.”
In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, which occurs each November, First Nations Development Institute (FNDI) compiled a list of what it considers to be essential reading for “anyone interested in the Native experience.” FNDI’s mission is to improve “economic conditions for Native Americans through technical assistance and training, advocacy and policy, and direct financial grants.” The institute has a number of resources and events lined up for the month to supplement the publication of the reading list. First Nations President, Michael Roberts, says, “Many of us here—as Native Americans, avid readers, activists for improving Native American economies and communities, and as direct participants in the Native American experience—believe that we are uniquely positioned to suggest this reading list.”
Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier a book written by Twin Peaks co-creator Mark Frost, and aimed at die-hard fans, was released on October 31. This new supplement to the viral television series, which recently concluded its third season, provides details about the lives of characters before and after the narrative presented in the show. The book, however, doesn’t answer the show’s biggest lingering questions, which leaves fans hoping for a season four and another revealing volume.


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European online gambling software provider GAN recently announced that it will be partnering with the Sault Tribe Chippewa Indians. This new partnership is as a key part of GAN’s goal of expanding its reach into the newly regulated gambling markets in the United States.
The newly signed deal cementing their partnership was made in no small part due to the tribe’s federal recognition as well as their longstanding presence in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Sault Tribe’s gambling division is called Kewadin Casinos and they currently operate five casinos in Michigan.
With the Sault Tribe in a key position to offer online bets in the state, GAN will be contributing its expertise and operate their online gambling software.
Michigan recently legalized online gambling and sports betting. In late 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bills that legalized sports betting outside traditional casinos, including mobile bets and online casinos. The authorized operators include Michigan’s three commercial casinos and all their tribal casinos.
The first retail sportsbooks opened in all three commercial casinos just this month. However, they did not operate for long, due to the COVID-19 pandemic forcing them to close as authorities try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
It was generally expected that online sports bets and casino-style games would only be allowed in 2021, to accommodate the state’s Gaming Control Board to draft their rules specific to online wagering. It remains to be seen whether the delays associated with the COVID-19 crisis helps or hinders Michigan’s timeline to offer online gambling.
GAN, Sault Tribe Confident About Michigan’s Prospects
For their part, GAN remains convinced that Michigan will have a robust iGaming industry in a timely manner. Not only will GAN provide the Sault Tribe with their online platform, they will also offer their expertise for operational services—GAN will be providing this with their yet-unnamed partner, a major casino operator in the U.S. that wishes to preserve anonymity until they gain full approval from the relevant regulatory bodies.
The Chief Commercial Officer for GAN, Jeff Berman, lauded Michigan as a state that shows considerable promise for iGaming. Berman also states that GAN’s technical know-how and first-hand experience in various U.S. iGaming markets will assist the Sault Tribe immensely.
Allen Kerridge, the CEO for the Kewadin Gaming Authority, was likewise excited at the new partnership. According to Kerridge, retail sports will be the first order of business for all five of their casinos; they also plan on offering iGaming as soon as it becomes legal in Michigan with GAN’s expertise.


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PS5 Jailbreaking is the process of downloading and installing software on a PS5 that lets you access the debug menu and install games and software that are not available through the PlayStation Store. In addition, a jailbroken PS5 can enable debug menu access and can disable notifications in the settings menu. Now you can follow the link for jailbreak PS5.
PS5 Jailbreaking | Fail0verflow
A security engineer at Google has discovered an exploit in the debug settings menu of the PS5 that will enable users to jailbreak the console. He has posted a screenshot of the exploit on his Twitter account but has not revealed the exact method used to exploit the PS5’s software. Sony is likely interested in preventing the exploit from being used by other users and will likely attempt to patch the PS5’s vulnerabilities.
The PS5’s exploit can lead to many advantages, not the least of which is piracy. A hacked console will allow users to run Linux or emulators and download pirated games. There are even rumors of unofficial backward compatibility with PS2 and PS3 games.
Hacking group Fail0verflow has claimed to have acquired all of the PS5 root keys. In a tweet, the group shared a screenshot of the root key. The root key allows users to hack the console and install custom firmware. Sony doesn’t want its devices to be jailbroken, but some hackers claim to be doing it for good causes.
More about Failoverflow
Fail0verflow has made significant progress in jailbreaking the PS5. After successfully unlocking the debug mode, accessing the PS5’s decryption tools is possible. This is considered a top-level jailbreak. However, the group does not plan to make it public.
The PS5 is protected by a complex security system, which is why the exploit has been kept secret. The exploit is based on a vulnerability discovered by theFlow0, a veteran of the PS4 hacking community. He was the brains behind the original PS4 jailbreak, which was based on Firmware 1.76. The exploit may allow users to modify the PS5 firmware and execute unsigned software.
About the Bug bounty program
The bug bounty program is a very exciting incentive for hackers. The hacker who discloses a security vulnerability could potentially earn $50,000. The payout depends on the severity of the exploit. This program also provides a good incentive to developers who find a bug. It also provides a safe and anonymous means for hackers to share exploits with others.
While it is possible to jailbreak the PS5, it is still important to note that there are still some limitations to the tool. The first version of Fail0verflow can only jailbreak the PlayStation 5 running firmware version 4.03. Older versions of the device may require some tweaking. Additionally, it does not allow users to install homebrew code.
The PS5 is expected to be released before the next generation of PS4s, and it will most likely be available to the public before then. If this turns out to be the case, it is likely that the PS5 jailbreak will be available before then. In addition to this, planeloads of PS5s have been spotted arriving in the UK. This means the console may be released just in time for the holiday season.
About TheFloW for PS5 Jailbreaking
TheFloW for PS5 jailbreaking is currently in the early stages of development. The developer plans to speak at a hardware security conference soon. It also has a bounty program for people who find security flaws in their products. However, the exploit is not yet publicly available yet, and there is no ETA.
PlayStation 5 jailbreaking could become easier if TheFloW releases an exploit chain for the PS5 Blu-Ray driver. This exploit chain is incomplete because it lacks a kernel exploit. However, it can be used to do a Jailbreak on PS4 and PS5 devices. Hopefully, this exploit can be used to make PS5 jailbreak a reality.
TheFloW is a popular hacker who has previously made multiple hacks for the PS4 and PS Vita. He also has experience cracking other systems. His screenshot of PS5’s debug controls shows that the exploit allows access to a variety of settings and features. Usually, developers can access these settings only using development kits.
This PS5 jailbreak isn’t illegal, but it may cause some users to lose their accounts. Additionally, it can void the warranty, making the console unusable. This means that Sony is likely keeping an eye on this exploit. The process of downgrading the firmware is difficult for most users.


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CEDAR RAPIDS. Attorney General Tom Miller is warning Iowans to be wary of official-looking mail solicitations and hard-sell telemarketing tactics being used by a company called Warranty USA.
"We are investigating whether the company is violating Iowa's Consumer Fraud Act, and we are encouraging Iowans to contact us if they have complaints," Miller said. Warranty USA, of Las Vegas and Seattle, already is making refunds to some Iowans, he said. The Securities Bureau of the Iowa Insurance Division is working with Miller's office in the matter.
Miller said Warranty USA is sending post cards that some Iowans take to be official notices about their manufacturer's auto warranty or even a safety recall. The cards include the year and make of car and vehicle identification number. Card recipients are advised to "call at your earliest convenience concerning your vehicle."
"The card itself is misleading to some, but it is just the start of several practices by Warranty USA that we consider to be questionable and possibly illegal," Miller said. "When people make the phone call, they are subjected to a classic, hard-sell telemarketing pitch urging them to buy the company's extended warranty auto service contract. Then the problems begin," he said.
Miller listed several concerns his office is investigating:
- Questionable representations by the telemarketers, such as misrepresenting the coverage offered by the service plan and terms for cancellation and refunds.
- Unauthorized charges to consumers. Some were signed up even though they declined or did not believe they were accepting the offer. Others were charged for completely unrelated products, such as health insurance billed automatically to consumers' accounts. "We are concerned that the company may be deceiving some older Iowans, because this kind of charge sometimes was only noticed by adult children helping aging parents," Miller said.
- Problems with the service plan. "Consumers tell us the plan is portrayed as 'bumper-to-bumper,' but in reality it is full of exclusions and may be virtually useless," Miller said. Consumers have had difficulty reaching the company, obtaining refunds if they tried to cancel, and receiving payment for repairs.
- Questionable credit card practices. "We believe Warranty USA telemarketers may be obtaining people's credit card, debit card, or checking account numbers by making misrepresentations early in the phone call," Miller said -- for example, by telling people they needed the account information for "verification" purposes. Iowans also have complained that deductions were made from their checking accounts without authorization after they gave checking account information to Warranty USA telemarketers.
Miller said Warranty USA has made 37 refunds so far to Iowans ranging from about $95 to $1300 and totaling $17,135.62. If Iowans paid the entire warranty cost "up front," the cost could range up to about $1500. Other consumers made initial payments ranging from $250-300, and then made monthly payments of about $50-60 per month. The charge for the health insurance usually was about $95 per year.
Miller said his office has received about 150 consumer contacts about Warranty USA, including complaints and many tips from Iowans who provided the post cards which they considered misleading after they made the call to Warranty USA.
Miller said his office's Consumer Protection Division is seeking an Iowa customer list from Warranty USA. He also encouraged Iowans to contact his office if they have complaints. The phone number is 515-281-5926. Iowans also can find complaint forms and information online at www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.org.
"This is under investigation," Miller said. "Meanwhile, consumers should feel free to discard the Warranty USA post cards and should be careful about the company's sales tactics."


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Cyber Attacks Pose Major Threat - Malicious Activity and Bandwidth
(Page 2 of 4 )
Before we get into how our love of bandwidth increases the chances of cyber attacks, it's important to understand the scope of the problem. Silva's company Verisign currently handles four trillion queries each and every day and by 2020, the company hopes to be able to handle four quadrillion, despite the fact that Silva only expects DNS requests to grown by around 100-fold during that period of time.
What's very troubling is that Silva predicts that malicious Internet traffic, such as the DOS attacks previously discussed, is expected to grow ten times the rate of non-malicious DNS requests. According to Silva, it won't be long before the "malicious activity will outnumber the legitimate activity."
During busy days that involve heavy Internet use, Verisign handles about three million DNS requests a second, though "slower" times are still quite high, with the company handling about a million requests per second during lulls. "Large distributed denial of service attacks today can already throw around four million queries at Verisign's DNS servers," Silva said.
This means that the attacks are causing the company to keep a massive reserve capacity just because of these unlawful attacks. Silva refers to these large quantities of service attacks as "data bombs," and according to him they will continue to grow exponentially as long as Internet users keep seeking out the highest bandwidth.
Recent statistics concerning bandwidth speed found that the average American accesses the Internet at around 4 megabytes per second, though companies like Comcast plan on upping the ante by offering the Internet at ten times that speed. Even Google has recently announced that they will soon be offering the fastest Internet around, at one gigabyte per second.
How many Americans will pay to have these services remains unknown, but if recent statistics are any indicator, chances are a great majority of the country won't partake in these high speeds. It should be pointed out that though Silva contends Americans are crazy about bandwidth, the Information Technology Industry Council recently found that America's average download speed is ranked at a lowly fifteenth in the world. Also, just five percent of Americans don't even have access to high-speed Internet, while 35 percent of Americans don't subscribe to a broadband provider due to high costs or lack of interest.
This is not to say that Silva's fears aren't unfounded. What he and those like him may find so troubling is the FCC's recent interest in rectifying this problem by getting high speed Internet all over America, in even the most rural areas.
That's when the real problem comes into play. When thousands of new high speed Internet users are coupled with the millions already in existence, the chances of them using their computers to connect to what Silva refers to as these "data firehoses" that have been infected with malicious software ... well, this basically means that there will be more malicious traffic online than ever before.
More Web Hosting Security Articles
More By Joe Eitel


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Somewhere behind a Bloomberg terminal, there’s a dude clutching the lapels of his Patagonia fleece vest. It may be the last one he ever owns, at least with the logo of his bank or private equity firm embroidered on the front. In recent years, the Patagonia vest has become a wardrobe staple and status symbol for aspiring young titans of industry, inspiring countless memes and tribute Instagram accounts like @midtownuniform. But today, the status of the fleece vest in the fintech world is under threat: Patagonia announced that it has changed its policy on corporate sales clients; moving forward it will only sell its fleece vests and other outerwear to companies that have fully embraced charitable and environmentalist causes.
Smartly, the company is aiming to align itself with smaller, more sustainably minded businesses, those more focused on the outdoors than market updates. This was inevitable, says the anonymous founder of Midtown Uniform: “It was only a matter of time before Patagonia laid the hammer down on working with financial firms. They don’t want to be associated with firms that aren’t aligned with their mission, I get it.”
How did the Patagonia vest enter the minds and hearts of CEOs and their minions anyway? As Midtown Uniform explains, “Patagonia offers a premium option in the vest world, so finance broskis love it. Plus, there’s a progressive and hip element [different] from how their dads used to dress on Wall Street.”
While it’s debatable whether or not the “progressive” element really does attract the analysts and MDs, there’s little doubt that they’ll continue to flock to the Patagonia fleece vests, even without the J.P. Morgan or Monroe Capital cobranding. In the words of Midtown Uniform, “the news isn’t going to stop them from buying Patagonia directly. I think it will have the reverse effect, as the brand will seem more unattainable and thus, more desirable.”


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Organizers for the 8th Beijing International RV & Camping Exhibition reported attendance of 50,000 and sales of nearly 1,000 units during the bi-annual event. According to a press release, the exhibition ran March 20-23 at the Beijing RV Expo Center.
This year’s edition featured several new activities, including test drives, seminars and special offers by manufacturers on RVs. In addition nearly 500 RVs were displayed along with various RV accessories, outdoor products, camping equipment, off-road vehicles and helicopters. Several high-profile RV brands participated, including Great Wall Motor, CenTech Specialty Vehicles, Henan Futureshow, Jayco, Knaus Tabbert, Hymer, Country Coach and Buerstner.
The show also provides a unique venue for international RV manufacturers and members of the campground community to share information and gain knowledge about the evolving Chinese RV industry. The RV & Camping Industry Development Forum included representatives from government, RV industry associations, OEMs, dealers and media discussing current market trends and exploring new areas of development.
The event was hosted by Beijing Tourism Development Commission, the People’s Government of Fangshan, Beijing and China RV & Camping Association.


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Fintech challenger bank Revolut talks about their latest plan in transforming the corporate banking landscape. Ever since Revolut was founded back in July 2015, the company’s goal was always a simple one – to make banking 10x better, 10x faster and 10x cheaper. One of Europe’s fastest growing tech companies took
Innovations in domestic retail payments have advanced at a gravity-defying pace in recent years, driving previously unimaginable improvements for consumers. The idea that cross-border payments can be as seamless and convenient as domestic ones is becoming a reality. As payments systems continue to modernise, the customer experience will continue
We have an exclusive interview with Haresh Hemrajani, Regional General Manager at FSS Technologies to talk about the latest developments of his company. 1. Could you share with our readers a brief intro related to FSS and its payments processing service in India? What is the company’s background and
Banks have long been on the cutting edge of technological advancements. From computers to the internet to mobile apps, few industries have benefited as much from new technology as the banking industry. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no different. With the rise of AI, banks have a new tool to
We talked with Abdeslam Alaoui Smaili, CEO of HPS about his insights on the payments industry. 1. HPS present itself at an enabler for innovative payments. How do you see the future of payments and how does HPS work towards this? In the next years, we will see the expansion of
We interviewed FIS, a global leader in financial services technology, who are also attending the P20 conference in Atlanta held on October 9-10th. Find out more about FIS and their place in the financial services sector. Who is FIS? FIS is a global leader in financial services technology, with
We have the pleasure to interview Yoav Dror, CEO of PumaPay in this special edition dedicated to Money 20/20 Asia. PumaPay is a next generation blockchain-based payment system aiming to bring cryptopayments into the realm of everyday life, facilitating cryptocurrency transactions for both individuals and businesses. PumaPay is an innovative cryptopayment processing system
Curve returns to the crowd for fresh funding round
Curve, the London-based fintech that combines multiple cards and accounts into one smart card and app, is to return to the crowd for fresh funding five months after sealing a $95 million equity round. Set to go live later in May, the Crowdcube campaign comes as the company steps up its plans for expansion in the US and further into Europe and prepares for the launch of its much-heralded Curve Credit product. Since its record-breaking crowdfund in 2019, which raised £4 million within 42 minutes, Curve’s valuation has tripled. In the last year alone, Curve hired over 100 new
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There’s so much choice available that customers can pick and choose who they buy from and where, when, and how it happens. They want to discover, research, evaluate, and purchase on their preferred channel. Give them that option, and they’re more likely to choose you. That’s the whole point behind the multi-channel approach.
IBM and Twitter have announced a partnership that will merge Twitter's massive flows of social media data with Big Blue's analytics software, including Watson.


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Forbes.com: “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – signed into law on December 22, 2017 — gave birth to a brand new provision: Section 199A, which permits owners of sole proprietorships, S corporations, or partnerships to deduct up to 20% of the income earned by the business.”
I know it’s only August, but most of us have to think about taxes all year long (especially if you are self-employed). If you live in the United States, the Pass-Through Deduction is worth looking into.
I’m not a tax expert, so I’ll include the words of taxpolicycenter.org:
"The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) creates a new tax deduction of up to 20 percent of income from partnerships, sole proprietorships, and other pass-through businesses. But the size of the deduction varies, depending on the nature of the business activity and the total income of its owner. "
“Singles making less than $157,500 or joint filers making less than $315,000 in total taxable income may take the full 20 percent deduction on their pass-through income. For them, it does not matter if their business is a personal service firm or something else.”
Other reading material:
Nolo: “Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, pass-through business entity owners can potentially deduct 20% of their business income.”
*MileIQ: “If you qualify, you can deduct from your income taxes up to 20 percent of your business income. This effectively reduces your income taxes by 20 percent.”
It’s confusing, but some people here probably qualify for it and it could save you a lot of money on your next tax return, so I figured I’d share.


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The idea of Qwikster, announced in July, was grounded in sound long-term thinking: It would be for the DVD business, while Netflix would be all about streaming, and that's where the future is. But for customers, it meant potentially dealing with two accounts, two credit card charges, and two Web sites.
The backlash was swift. More than 1 million users canceled their memberships, and Netflix shares have dropped by nearly 75% in recent months. Just one month after announcing Qwikster, Netflix abandoned the idea.
"We berate ourselves tremendously for that lack of insight because it didn't need to be that way," CEO Reed Hastings admitted recently at a conference. "But you know, in three or five years, we aren't going to remember it. It's going to be, `Did we succeed at streaming?'"
Until then, the company will have its work cut out for it. -- JP Mangalindan
It's been a hot and cold year for the stock market, but these Fortune 500 companies managed to float to the top.
|Apple unveils MacBook Pro with touch bar on top of keyboard|
|Twitter cuts 9% of staff and kills off Vine app|
|Rupert Murdoch speaks out about contract talks with Megyn Kelly|
|Election scare? Biggest exodus from stock funds since 2011|
|Mercedes-Benz unveils first pickup truck|


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Music Industry Drafts Digital Revenue Sharing Agreement
Under the proposed distribution model, artists would generally receive 10.5% of revenue for limited download and interactive streaming services.
Several music industry groups agreed Tuesday to change the way they distribute compensation to artists.
The Digital Media Association, the National Music Publishers' Association, the Recording Industry Association of America, the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and the Songwriters Guild of America submitted the plan in draft regulations to the Copyright Royalty judges.
"This historic agreement is the foundation for a new generation of music distribution," David Israelite, NMPA president and CEO, said in a news announcement. "This agreement will ensure that songwriters and music publishers continue to thrive in the digital age."
The new distribution model would create mechanical royalty rates for interactive streaming and limited downloads, including for subscription and ad-supported music. It contains a flexible schedule for revenue payments, with minimums in some circumstances.
"This agreement provides a flexible structure to support innovative business models in the digital music marketplace that will benefit music fans, creators, and online services," Mitch Bainwol, chairman and CEO of the RIAA, said. "The agreement demonstrates that our industries can work collaboratively to solve complex issues."
Artists would generally receive 10.5% of revenue for limited download and interactive streaming services, not counting any revenue due for performance royalties. The groups would allow some royalty-free promotional streaming.
The groups said they agree that noninteractive, audio-only streaming services do not require reproduction or distribution licenses from copyright owners outside the scope of the draft regulations.
The agreement does not cover merchandise or permanent downloads.
The Copyright Royalty judges will likely rule on the proposal by Oct. 2.
Jonathan Potter, executive director of the Digital Media Association, said the agreement ends litigation and threats of litigation involving several of its members, allowing them to focus on fighting piracy instead.
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IT Strategies to Conquer the CloudChances are your organization is adopting cloud computing in one way or another -- or in multiple ways. Understanding the skills you need and how cloud affects IT operations and networking will help you adapt.


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GRAND RAPIDS -- In the flurry of documents swirling around the sudden Chapter 11 filing by Plastech Engineered Products Inc. last month, one local supplier was dismayed to find itself listed as the biggest unsecured creditor.
It's not just the $9 million-plus Plastech owes H.S. Die and Engineering Inc., lawyers for the Tallmadge Township-based diemaker said. The bigger worry is Chrysler LLC's push to get those parts-making tools out of Plastech.
The problem is H.S. Die hasn't been paid millions of dollars for tooling Plastech already uses to crank out Chrysler parts.
H.S. Die, along with many toolmakers in Michigan, holds special-tool liens on its products shipped to suppliers and installed before they are paid for.
By etching the company's name and address on every tool and registering it with the state under the Uniform Commercial Code, the product carries a special tool lien designed to protect a diemaker until payment is made.
Such a lien should trump other claims, lawyers for H.S. Die said Wednesday. And Plastech's debt to the company should not fall in the "unsecured" column.
"We believe the designation as the largest U.S. unsecured creditor is erroneous, because of the tooling liens," attorney Patrick Mears said.
"Chrysler is saying, 'Now we are entitled to possession' of the tools,' " Mears said, "We filed a notice to intervene.
• Diemakers create "tools" for plastic-injection and metal parts production.
"The tooling liens are senior to anyone else."
If the diemaker's argument wins, the company stands a better chance of recouping its costs.
If the federal bankruptcy court denies H.S. Die's arguments, "Chrysler could be deemed a 'buyer' (of the tooling)," said Robert Stead, attorney for H.S. Die.
"Then, the dollars don't make their way back to H.S. Die. The lien of H.S. Die on its tooling would be released. We just want to be paid for what we've done."
The die maker employs 355 people at at four plants in Tallmadge Township and Walker.
In the turbulent auto industry, troubled suppliers are more often resorting to Chapter 11 reorganization.
Two of H.S. Die's customers, Plastech and Blue Water Automotive Systems Inc. in Marysville, filed for bankruptcy last month. Although the bankruptcies hurt companies such as H.S. Die, the business is sound and will survive, Stead said.
Plastech has plants in Cascade Township, Grandville and Kentwood, and has TrimQuest, a joint venture with JCI, in Walker. In spring 2007, Plastech also agreed to run JCI's Southview plant in Holland.
Other area suppliers are swept up in the Plastech bankruptcy, according to court filings:
-- The Materials Group LLC, 575 Byrne Industrial Drive, Rockford, $307,500 for plastic resins.
-- Precision Metal Products Co., 353 Garden Ave., Holland, $133,00 for screw machine products.
-- Filter and Coating Technology Inc., 5706 West River Drive, Belmont, $25,800 for air filtration equipment.
Other unsecured creditors include:
• Allied Finishing Inc., 4100 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Kentwood.
• Dimoco Inc., 3535 Raleigh Ave. SE, Kentwood.
• Extol Inc., 651 Case Karsten Drive, Zeeland.
• Paragon Die & Engineering, 5225 33rd St. SE, Kentwood.
• Leon Plastics Inc., 4901 Clay Ave. SW, Wyoming.
• City of Grand Rapids Water and Sewer.
• City of Grandville.


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Get Us in Your Inbox
‘State Department’ Scam
Dallas-based Campbell Travel discovered a new scam directed at
travel agencies the hard way, by getting ripped off.
A woman describing herself as a U.S. embassy employee in Mexico
City phoned the agency saying she would be buying air tickets on
behalf of embassy staff. The caller ordered $75,000 worth of
airline tickets on nine non-U.S. carriers, and has since
Owner Bob Campbell said the agency, which so far has received
three debit memos from the airlines for about $5,000, determined
that most of the tickets were converted into vouchers. He said the
agency reported the incident and the voucher numbers to the
airlines, and as far as he and CEO Bill Campbell can determine, no
airline has used the information to intercept the perpetrators.
Agency officials stepped forward to tell their story for two
reasons: to alert other travel professionals and to remind agents
they won’t get much help from airlines in preventing big losses.
Though Campbell Travel may end up being liable for the tickets and
the agency acknowledged the fraudster managed to circumvent
controls meant to avoid such fraud they hold the carriers liable,
as well, for failing to put a stop to the ongoing theft.
“In talking to the carriers, they just say the rest [of the
debit memos] will be coming,” Bill Campbell said.
Meanwhile, the State Department said that every office location
has one travel management center and, “per department policy, U.S.
government personnel assigned at the post are to use [that center]
when making official travel arrangements.”
Agents who wish to report fraud or suspicions about phony
embassy staff can call the Office of the Inspector General at
800-409-9926 or e-mail [email protected].
HAL Clears Up Travelocity Flap
Holland America Line said it wanted to “clarify” its group policy
in relation to Travelocity this month “due to confusion.”
According to a release from HAL, the problem began when
Travelocity issued a news release that said it planned to have a
hospitality desk onboard Holland America cruise ships to help
Travelocity customers, leading to concern in the travel agent
community. However, HAL claims that the release was not given to
them for prior review and that the release was misleading. HAL also
stated it will not allow a hospitality desk as part of
Travelocity’s AARP program or for Travelocity’s group bookings.
In addition, HAL’s release said that all onboard leader/escorts,
including Travelocity’s, are required to sign HAL’s Onboard Code of
Ethical Conduct, which states that onboard group leaders cannot and
will not solicit sales from guests not booked through their
Initial reaction to the Travelocity release was negative among
some travel agents, with agencies considering boycotting sailings
that had Travelocity help desks onboard.
OneTravel Holdings completed its sale of SunTrips to Crystal
Hospitality Holdings under restructured terms that consist
primarily of a requirement for Crystal to spend at least $1.2
million annually for seven years to cover SunTrips’
The sale went through in spite of a class-action lawsuit filed
in February on behalf of travel agents who claimed to be owed more
than $1 million in commissions.
Crystal Holdings officials said the company was committed to
paying 100 percent of the commissions as soon as the sale was
SunTrips had suffered losses for an extended period of time and
needed an influx of cash to stop the hemorrhaging and put the
company back on track, according to OneTravel president Marc
Matthew Holliday, president of SunTours, which operates the
SunTrips brand, added, “The SunTrips brand is still very strong,
but capital constraints as well as inherited operational
inefficiencies have greatly limited our ability to make and
implement strategic decisions that may have enabled us to turn the
OneTravel said Crystal will call all SunTrips passengers who are
scheduled to travel after April 3 to confirm their travel plans or
Deals to South America
The inaugural flight of LAN Peru’s direct service between Los
Angeles and Sao Paulo, Brazil, is scheduled to begin on March 22,
with four flights per week.
To promote the new route, LAN Peru is offering passengers a
special fare via its Web site of $499 roundtrip from Los Angeles or
San Francisco to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. Tickets must be
issued before the inaugural flight and travel must be completed by
In addition, LAN Peru also offers connecting flights between Los
Angeles and Sao Paulo (via Lima) on two additional days (Tuesdays
and Saturdays southbound, and Mondays and Wednesdays northbound),
giving passengers the choice of six weekly flights between the U.S.
West Coast and Brazil.
As of March 7, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has become Regent
Seven Seas Cruises. The rebranding constitutes an upgrade of the
product rather than a change in management, according to Carlson
Companies, the parent company of both Radisson and Regent.
Mark Conroy, newly named president of Regent land and sea
(formerly president and CEO of Radisson Seven Seas Cruises), said
that the cruise line is in a position to help in the development
and growth of the hotel business (which has eight hotels and will
open another nine in the next two years), whereas in its early
phases the fledgling cruise line benefited from its association
with the Radisson hotel business.
ITB Berlin Sets Record
The 40th ITB Berlin offered a record number of participants this
year, with 10,856 exhibiting companies from 183 countries. To mark
the 40th anniversary a prize draw took place with a thousand
travel-related prizes from city breaks to cruises and a top prize
of a FIAT Panda Racing sponsored by the Italian National Tourist
The event also began offering entrance to the general public
this year, in an effort to promote the latest travel trends.
Thrifty Offers Triple Miles
Thrifty Car Rental will offer customers triple miles with Delta
Air Lines through May 31. Delta SkyMiles members who rent a
mid-size or larger vehicle for two to seven days will earn triple
miles 150 miles per rental day.
Qualifying rentals must be booked via www.thrifty.com using PC
The Happiest Spa on Earth
A new luxury spa facility, Mandara Spa, is scheduled to open at
Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel this month. The guestrooms of
the hotel will also receive renovations to be completed over the
next six months.
In addition, The Paradise Pier Hotel will be updated with the
remodeling of the hotel’s Pacific Ballroom and Yamabuki, Japanese
National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA)
members with a TravelSellers Identification Code are eligible to
register their agency for a trial program to receive commissions on
Marriott brands, provided they have passed the Marriott Hotel
Excellence Program. This program will pay commissions to qualified
NACTA members through Dec. 31.
NACTA members may register for the program by going to NACTA’s
Web site. All registrations must be made through NACTA not through
Ensemble to Ryder Cup
Clients of Ensemble Travel Group can enjoy exclusive perks
including free shore excursions when they book the 2006 Ryder Cup
golf package in Ireland aboard the Seabourn Pride through an
Ensemble Travel Group member agency.
Dates for the 14- and 10-night departures are Sept. 15-29 and
Sept. 15-25. Both include four nights port aboard the yacht-like
vessel in Dublin during the Ryder Cup.
The 10-night trip starts $9,904 per person, double occupancy,
while the 14-night trip starts at $10,700.
Signature Travel Network recently launched Value Finder, a new
technology release designed to keep Signature members and their
clients on the forefront of cruise specials and new offers.
Signature members and clients create profiles based on
preferences, and offers that match are automatically e-mailed to
the users. The service will soon expand to text and instant
messaging as well.


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Did you hear about U-Haul Data Breach Lawsuit? It’s not a scam.
U-Haul reached out to customers because they had a data breach in 2023. Around 67,000 people in the US and Canada were affected. However, someone who wasn’t supposed to got hold of legit login info and snooped around in the system that keeps track of customer bookings and records.
Who Is Behind The U-Haul Data Breach Lawsuit
U-Haul had a data breach back in 2023. About 67,000 people in the US and Canada got caught up in it. Apparently, someone with the right login details but no permission got into the system that tracks bookings and customer records. Birthdates, names, and driver’s license numbers were exposed, which isn’t great. U-Haul’s on it though – they kicked off their response plan and brought in a cybersecurity team to check things out.
How Much Is The Settlement
There is no settlement amount for now. U-Haul got on the ball and started sending out letters to people who got hit by the breach on Feb. 22. However, They’re trying to make things right by offering a year of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection with Experian, just to be safe. Plus, they’re not sitting back – they’ve beefed up security by changing passwords for the affected accounts and putting in extra safeguards to keep this from happening again.
U-Haul Data Breach Lawsuit is not a scam, just like Verizon Data Breach Class Action Lawsuit, there is no settlement amount available right now however They’re trying to make things right by offering a year of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection with Experian, just to be safe.


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HUNDREDS of Take That fans in Birmingham may have fallen victim to an online ticket scam for two sell-out concerts in the city.
It is thought that hundreds of people due to see the group’s hotly anticipated Progress Live Tour at Villa Park have bought tickets from a company called Ticket Index.
Police are investigating after fans reported not receiving their tickets.
It is not known how many people may have been affected but the Take That tour which comes to Villa Park on June 27 and 28 as part of a 36-date tour has sold out.
And experts fear that more people will realise they have fallen foul as the Birmingham dates draw closer.
Dad-of-two Barry Morris, from Solihull, spent £275 on two tickets for wife Linsey’s 30th birthday in February but has not received them.
He said: “I am gutted. I wanted to do something special for my wife for her 30th birthday and also because she looks after our autistic daughter round the clock and I wanted her to have a well earned break.
“I looked at getting the tickets but I am aware there are a lot of dodgy sites out there so I did a lot of research into it.
"I got some advice online which said as long there is a padlock on the corner of the site it should be safe, which it did. I also called the company up to sound them out and it all seemed fine.
“I received an email confirmation which I put in my wife’s birthday card. She was so excited and has been checking the post every day for the tickets. Then when I started to look into it and see all the problems with Ticket Index I was devastated.”
Some 1.75 million tickets have been sold for the tour, which sees the original five members of Take That together on tour for the first time since 1995. Before the tickets went on sale band member Robbie Williams begged fans not to buy from unofficial websites or eBay.
City of London Police are now investigating all complaints because the company is based in London. They are using information from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau which is run by the National Fraud Authority – the government agency that helps to co-ordinate the fight against fraud.
Consumer watchdog Safeconcerts.com said hundreds of fans had complained to it about tickets bought on the ticketindex.net website.
Derren Nugent from Safeconcerts.com, whose website has scores of comments complaining about Ticket Index, said: “We have had hundreds of complaints and it is not slowing down.
"With Villa Park coming up we anticipate there will be more. It usually comes to light in the week running up to the concert. The problem is when people have been ripped off they don’t want to believe it and they are hopeful that the tickets will still come.
“We don’t know of anybody who bought off Ticket Index who has had tickets or their money back.
“We have an online directly where people can check the company they bought from and back in March Ticket Index was marked red.”
No-one from the site at the centre of the claims – ticketindex.net – was available for comment.
A message on the website says “We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our phone lines. We are hoping for this to be fixed within the next 2-3 hours.” But this was last updated on May 26, 2011.
A company of that name is not listed under the address given on the website, according to Royal Mail.
The Birmingham Mail tried to contact Ticket Index but the telephone number advertised on their website went straight through to an automated message that said “the mailbox is full”.
The City of London Police said anyone who thinks they may have been affected by a ticketing or other scam should contact Action Fraud, a national fraud reporting centre.


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Blog: Crisis crunches food companies
Dean Best | 13 October 2008
In ordinary times, flicking through the Sunday papers on a balmy autumn afternoon in London would be one of life's little pleasures.
However, these are not ordinary times.
The news right now makes for grim reading. Last week, the Dow in New York suffered its worst week ever as panic over the global economy gripped the stock market. In the UK, the FTSE endured its worst week since the crash in 1987. And in Europe, the major stock markets dropped in value by at least a fifth. All this despite the unprecedented move from central banks around the world to cut interest rates in a bid to free up the world's frozen banking system and inject some confidence into the wider financial system.
Over the weekend, the G7 met in Washington for frantic talks on the crisis. European leaders then met in Paris on Sunday (12 October) to hammer out a rescue package for banks on the continent – seen as vital to stem any further convulsions on the financial markets.
According to Dominique Strauss-Khan, the head of the IMF, the global financial system is on “the brink of systemic meltdown”.
A perilous time, then, in which to do business. The impact of the credit crunch is already being felt in the so-called “real” economy. In the wake of Sainsbury's results last week, just-food took an in-depth look at the impact the credit crunch is having on UK retailers. With cash-strapped UK consumers trading down, the country's grocers are focusing more on value, a strategy that has paid dividends for Sainsbury's, although possibly one that could have hurt the company's margins.
Elsewhere, a profit warning came from UK-based convenience food group Uniq, which blamed a “significant deterioration” in economic conditions for its financial problems. Fellow convenience food firm Bakkavör relinquished its shares in Ireland's Greencore, pointing to the “turmoil” in the financial markets. And, perhaps in a sign that the global economic chaos is affecting the hitherto buoyant emerging markets, Russia's largest grocer, X5 Retail Group, said that, despite rising sales, it would scale back its plans for expansion due to the financial crisis.
The concern is, if some of the the food industry's largest firms are suffering amid the economic chaos, what hope for the smaller players? The collapse of the banking system, the freezing of the financial markets and the clogging up of credit could prove the death knell for scores of businesses across the sector.
Today (23 December) is just-food's last day before closing for Christmas. We'll return, raring to go on Tuesday 3 January - but of course there's been plenty of top-notch content that has gone live in...
The plethora of food manufacturing associations in the UK has been argued by some to be an impediment to the industry coming to a coherent position on the aftermath of Brexit and on what the sector sh...
An update on Amazon's plans for the grocery sector. The usually reticent retailer has this week poured cold water on claims it has plans for 2,000 physical grocery stores....
- just-food 2017 Survey - your thoughts on growth
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- Ferrero insists Nutella not pulled from shelves
- Dairy giant Muller appoints new CFO, COO
- Kellogg announces new "nutritious" line-up
- UK's Bakkavor plays down IPO "speculation"
- PepsiCo launches Walkers Mediterranean in UK


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83 jobs to go at haulage company
A Dublin-based haulage firm is to cut its workforce by almost a third.
Management at Johnson Brothers, Ballymount, announced that 83 workers will lose their jobs by the end of the month. A spokesman confirmed the redundancies were a result of the company's decision to outsource its warehouse and transport operations.
"Management at Johnson Brothers, Ballymount, Dublin, have met with employees this afternoon to announce details of a significant development within the company," said the spokesman. "The new arrangements will regrettably necessitate 83 redundancies at the company's warehouse and transport operations with the outsourcing of this function to an external provider."
He added that discussions with employee representatives are to begin immediately. The job losses will see the firm's workforce reduced from 283 to 200.
The spokesman insisted that remaining staff working across the company's other operations will not be affected by the changes, which will take effect over the coming weeks.
Johnson Brothers specialises in haulage, but also provides sales and marketing for major consumer brands in the grocery and pharmaceutical sectors. The company, which was founded in 1893 by four brothers, lists its central services as administration, IT, human resources, warehousing and transport.
The job losses coincide with the release of new figures from the Central Statistics Office that showed a drop in the number of people claiming unemployment benefits. Some 1,400 fewer people signed on the Live Register in December than the previous month, while the country's standardised unemployment rate remained unchanged at 14.6%.
Trade union Siptu has confirmed it will meet workers affected by the job losses on Monday and Johnson Brothers management the next day.
Union organiser Graham Macken said the redundancy announcement came as a complete shock to workers. He added that the company had agreed to respect its statutory obligation to enter into a 30 day negotiation period during which no notice of redundancy can be served on employees.
"During this period, Siptu will seek to explore all options for staff," Mr Macken said. "These include redeployment within the company, possible employment by DHL, the company to which distribution work at Johnson Brothers is being outsourced, and, where necessary, acceptable redundancy terms for staff."


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Chinese auto-executives hope for rebound in electric vehicle market
Beijing’s cut to subsidy hits manufacturers hard
Senior automobile executives in China have argued that there will likely be a rebound in new energy vehicles (NEVs) next year but that the scale of this rebound will depend on supportive government policies.
As one of the world’s worst polluters and fastest growing economies China has come under pressure internationally to promote the use of electric vehicles. Internally Beijing has accepted some of this criticism and sought to reduce automobile emissions and pollution.
Earlier this year it implemented production quota requiring automakers to reduce emissions in new cars by 30 per cent. While only last month it gave its approval to a mega-factory for the American electric car brand Tesla.
However, other manufacturers of NEVs, which includes hybrids, battery-only electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars, have struggled as a result of recent government policies. Beijing has cut subsidies for the production of such vehicles in China by a substantial amount. This mounting cost of production has been passed onto the consumer and as a result elective car sales fell 45.6 per cent in October on the same period in 2018.
At the Guangzhou Autoshow, automakers such as Volkswagen, Toyota’s Lexus, Daimler’s Mercedes Benz and Tesla showcased their upcoming new energy vehicles in the hope of returning to the heady days of 2018, when sales jumped 62 per cent on the year previous.
Fu Bingfeng, executive vice-chairman of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), the country’s leading auto industry body, recently outlined the progress of ongoing talks with Beijing as well as the industry’s strategy going forward: “Our works now will focus on boosting real consumption-side demands, including improving infrastructure and supply chain.”
FURTHER READING: Volkswagen unveils new all-electric car concept
FURTHER READING: Trump administration eyeing alternatives to EU auto tariffs