text:
Shortages undermine new car sales
DETROIT — U.S. auto sales cooled off in May as buyers dealt with shortages on dealer lots, higher gas prices and sharply lower incentives. And the deals aren't likely to come back until the end of this summer.
Some experts are advising people to delay their purchases if they can.
"If you don't have to buy, wait until fall. If you lease a car, extend it," said Edmunds.com chief Jeremy Anwyl. Whatever deals buyers see will be "fleeting," he said.
Consumers heard that message in May. U.S. auto sales were expected to be around 1 million cars and trucks, down 8 percent from April and 4 percent from last May.
General Motors Corp. said its sales fell 1.2 percent, as falling pickup truck sales offset strong sales of more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers. It was the same story at Ford Motor Co., which saw sales fall 2.4 percent for the month. Pickup sales fall more than 10 percent at both companies.
Don Johnson, GM's vice president of sales, said consumers are taking a wait-and-see approach as gas prices fluctuate around $4 per gallon. Construction remains weak, hurting truck sales.
Even so, Johnson feels consumer confidence over the long term remains strong and sees pent-up demand among drivers who kept their vehicles longer than usual during the recession. He said GM is keeping its full-year sales forecast in place, and expects sales and incentive spending to rise toward the end of the summer.
"All things considered, we continue to believe the recovery remains on track," he said.
Automakers usually use the warmer months to cut deals and clear out old inventory to make way for new models in the fall. But this year, they don't have many of last year's models sitting around. Japanese automakers had to cut production after the March 11 earthquake and domestic automakers can't produce cars any faster. Automakers are also raising prices to make up for the higher price of steel and other commodities.
The car companies offered their lowest incentives in six years last month, according to Edmunds, spending an average of $2,094 per vehicle on sweeteners such as rebates and low-interest loans. That's flat from April and nearly 20 percent lower than in May of 2010. Prices on Japanese cars have risen an average of $610 per vehicle since the quake, Edmunds said.
Shortages are the biggest reason. IHS Automotive estimates that the U.S. has around 400,000 fewer cars in inventory than it should have at the current sales pace. Toyota began May with only enough Prius hybrids for 10 days of sales. A 60-day supply is considered healthy.
As a result, the Prius, which is made in Japan, is now selling for 2 percent above the manufacturer's suggested retail price of $23,250, a $5,000 premium, according to Kelley Blue Book. Prior to the quake, it was selling for 1 to 2 percent below that price.
Even sales of some fuel-efficient small cars not affected by the earthquake are in tight supply. GM said it only has a 37-day supply of the Chevrolet Cruze small car.
Other automakers reporting Wednesday:
- Volkswagen of America said its sales were up nearly 28 percent for the month, mainly due to a 59 percent increase in sales of its redesigned Jetta sedan and wagon.
- Nissan Motor Co. reported a 9.1 percent sales drop, due in part to production cuts caused by parts shortages from the Japanese earthquake.
- Chrysler Group LLC bucked the downward trend with sales up 10 percent over last May. The company said sales of the 200 midsize car were more than double the car it replaced, the slow-selling Chrysler Sebring.


text:
Back in January, we reported that Japanese developer Colopl was being taken to court by Nintendo over five patents which the latter claims were violated in the game Shiro Neko Project (aka White Cate Project).
This legal battle has been rolling on all year, with Nintendo adding a sixth infringement - regarding a system of connecting and recognizing friends across devices - in the second round of hearings, while the third round was mainly taken up by Colopl refuting this new claim.
Because of this - and due to Colopl’s alleged attempts to slow down the process by attending hearings late and refusing to cooperate entirely with the process - the lack of discussion around the original five patent infringements have made a fourth hearing necessary.
Colopl has apparently now argued that Nintendo’s patents are invalid due to games existing prior to their patent applications. As an example, the ‘Punicon’ touch panel joystick was already used in Nobunaga’s Ambition Online and Phantasy Star Online, both on PC, Colopl has claimed. The company also says that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 Professional’s 'Standby Mode' uses the same process that would later be patented for Super Mario Advance’s Sleep Mode.
Colopl's line of debate may sound convincing, but changing its stance at this late stage is risky - and it could be that the company is simply trying to buy itself time rather than win the case against Nintendo. The next hearing is scheduled for December 5th, and Nintendo is expected to argue its case again Colopl's latest line of argument.
While all of this is going on, Colopl still has plans to bring White Cat Project to Nintendo's console in 2020.

domain: news


text:
GM: Better Products Take Priority Over Dividends
For shareholders wondering whether General Motors (NYSE:GM) will soon offer dividend payouts, CEO Dan Akerson laid out his company’s priorities.
“Our primary goal is to continue to develop great products,” Akerson told Bloomberg Radio’s Arthur Levitt in an interview airing next month. Unlike Ford (NYSE:F), which reinstated its dividend payments to investors last year, Akerson told Levitt he didn’t see that happening for GM.
It’s been five years since GM last paid out dividends to investors, and the company has been cautious about liquidity. Not helping the matter is the remaining ownership stake of the U.S. government, one the Treasury is expected to end early next year. This week, Chief Financial Officer Dan Ammann also said the automaker wasn’t currently concerned about dividends while offering a glance at mid-size trucks from Chevy and GMC set to appear next year.
At the Center for Automotive Research’s Management Briefing Seminar, Ammann showed off glimpses of the redesigned Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, Reuters reports. GM is not lacking for liquidity, but the notion of dividends or buying back shares — as Akerson suggested was another possibility earlier this year — does not seem essential to leadership. Investing in GM plants and automobiles does.
This week, Reuters reported GM would invest another $167 million in a Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant where it is already pouring in more than $180 million in new investment capital. While the specific cars to be built in Spring Hill weren’t disclosed, the company’s direction appears to be clear: before celebrating success, make sure the products provoke the excitement worthy of an industry leader and the top U.S. automaker. Aside from its Cadillac brand, GM had lost that swagger for years.
The company can now be described as riding high, with its two new pickup trucks selling at a feverish pace. Looking at the numbers, most analysts expect the 2014 Chevy Silverado and 2014 GMC Sierra to take the lead in pickup sales from Ford soon — maybe even by the end of August.
The 2014 Chevy Impala has been causing a stir, as well, following its 95 score in Consumer Reports ratings, which gave an American vehicle top sedan honors for the first time in 20 years. Now that the 2014 Corvette Stingray is about to debut, one could argue GM is putting its money exactly where it belongs: in the cars. Dividends can wait.


text:
The British High Commission has said that it was working to reopen visa application centre services in Nigeria.
The commission closed shop over the emergence of the pandemic. However, the commission, in a statement issued on Thursday, said that it was working closely with TLS Contact, its commercial partner, to ensure that it resumes its services.
It also stated that its reopening of its service centres will be done in "a phased manner" across the world, taking proper measures and ensuring that it is safe to reopen them.
An update on UK visa operations in Nigeria ?? pic.twitter.com/m6lI49UpZQ— UK in Nigeria?? (@UKinNigeria) July 9, 2020


text:
- Subscribe NowLimited Time Offer
Bay Area banks, credit unions replace debit cards as Target confirms encrypted PINs stolen
Send this to a friend
Many Bay Area banks and credit unions aren't waiting for fraud to occur before replacing debit and credit cards for customers who used their cards at Target during a holiday shopping season security breach that put nearly 40 million cards at risk.
Also on Friday, Target confirmed that encrypted personal identification numbers for debit cards were among the information stolen.
Target's (NYSE: TGT) disclosure was no surprise to those following the dramatic moves JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) made following the incident in which debit card caps were sharply lowered and a third of branches opened last Sunday to help customers get replacement debit cards on the spot. Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon would not have angered customers and pulled in branch employees the Sunday before Christmas if the bank didn't believe it faced a serious risk.
Smaller banks and credit unions are also concerned, sending replacement cards to their customers who shopped at Target between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15.
"We have identified the Golden 1 credit and debit cards that appear to be at risk," Golden 1 Credit Union tells members on its website. "To ensure the overall safety of our members' accounts, we are contacting all impacted members and replacing their debit cards."
Golden 1 says about 67,000 of its 651,000 members have been affected by Target's security breach, the Credit Union Times reported Friday. The publication estimates that credit unions pay between $5 and $10 per card replaced.
Bay Federal Credit Union in Capitola is sending about 5,000 replacement debit and credit cards to almost 10 percent of its members, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Mark Calvey covers banking and finance for the San Francisco Business Times.
- Most popular
- Massive Parkmerced to break ground next year
- Oakland planners call for hotel or condo highrise for key Uptown site
- Massive Forest City 5M project takes step toward approvals
- Apple Pay poised to upset mobile payments applecart
- InterMune wins OK for drug at center of Roche deal
- Will.i.am unveils super smart wristband at Dreamforce
- Got tickets? Your guide to the Giants' World Series ride
- Westlake pushes 460-unit project near UCSF's Parnassus campus
- World Series ticket prices drop in Kansas City, rise in S.F.
- Preview: Bay Area's fastest-growing companies
Sign up to receive San Francisco Business Times's Morning Edition and Afternoon Edition newsletters and breaking news alerts.
National Sales Manager The Business Journals | San Francisco, CA
Chief Operating Officer Skoll Global Threats Fund | San Francisco, CA
Sr. Manager of Utility Market Development 3Degrees | Portland, OR
Principal, Skoll Awards and Community Skoll Foundation | Palo Alto, CA
Executive Director Bridge the Gap College Prep | Sausalito, CA


text:
For most of us, subtitles are what we use to understand what's going on in Kung Fu movies and Aaron Sorkin shows -- but a new invention from developer Will Powell is bringing them to new venues.
Powell's device, which he says was inspired by Google Glass, links a Raspberry Pi microcomputer to a set of augmented reality glasses with a microphone and built-in display to provide (almost) real-time subtitles for conversations being held in foreign languages.
MORE ADVANCED HEADWARE: 9 high-tech glasses you might be seeing soon
Powell gained recognition back in April, when he developed his own, home-brewed version of Google Glass, using webcams, Adobe AIR, and other tools to replicate the advertised functionality of Google's product.
MORE GOOGLE GLASS ALTERNATIVES: Can't wait for Google's Project Glass? Try these video glasses on for size
A smartphone or tablet is also required, to provide a steady audio stream to the Microsoft translation API used to create the captions. Captured audio passes through a Bluetooth microphone, to the mobile device, and is translated via a Microsoft translation API.
"Passing through this API service is the biggest delay in the subtitles," Powell wrote in a blog post.
Once the translation is made, the text is fed to the Raspberry Pi running the display in the glasses, and projected for the user to read.
And no, we're not sure why they're playing chess, either.
While there's obviously a significant translation delay in the system, it's an impressive demonstration nevertheless. However, the need for all that associated hardware -- a nearby TV appears to be translating the text input from the site into closed-caption data for the glasses -- likely makes Powell's invention no more than a proof-of-concept device at the moment.
Email Jon Gold at firstname.lastname@example.org and follow him on Twitter at @NWWJonGold.
Read more about data center in Network World's Data Center section.


text:
Forget turkey - this Christmas I want venison: Sainsbury's says pre-order service has sold out of more unusual meats including veal, duck and guinea fowl
- Sainsbury's said venison sales are up 115 per cent on this time last year
- Tesco said the demand for guinea fowl, duck and goose has also grown
- Turkey remains popular but shoppers often prefer easy to carve crowns
- Stores believe interest in the meats is due to popularity of cooking shows
British families are shunning turkey in favour of more exotic roasting meats this Christmas.
Sainsbury’s has reported that it has sold out of venison and veal from its pre-order range.
Supermarkets have reported a boost in sales of duck, guinea fowl and goose as consumers look to branch out from more traditional fare this year.
Festive meats: Sainsbury's said that venison sales are up 115 per cent on December last year (file photo)
Sainsbury’s has revealed that its venison sales are up 115 per cent on this time last year - although the retailer still expects to sell more than 100,000 fresh turkeys on Tuesday alone.
While turkey is still popular, supermarkets say that customers are choosing smaller birds and easy to carve cuts, such as turkey crowns.
Susi Richards, head of food at Sainsbury’s, told the Guardian: ‘Over the last year we’ve been working with our trusted suppliers to bring more top quality game and veal to our customers in response to their huge popularity.
‘It used to be that these sorts of meats were only ordered in restaurants. Now, for a special occasion like Christmas, people want to recreate the experience at home.’
Tesco also reported that demand for duck, goose and guinea fowl has grown by around 20 per cent in the past three years.
The store’s poultry buyer, Kieran Gilmore, said: ‘With the growing popularity of TV cooking shows we are finding that more people than ever before are looking to jazz up their festive feasts.
‘While turkey remains as popular ever, it’s guinea fowl, goose and duck that have been growing the most in popularity with Christmas shoppers.’
Most watched News videos
- Drunk man wakes up to confused couple after going into wrong house
- Speeding cyclist flips over garden wall after painful crash
- Treasures of Notre Dame to be moved to the Louvre after fire
- Emmanuel Macron vows to rebuild Notre Dame in five years after blaze
- Passengers rush of plane after flames gush from engine before takeoff
- Armed militia catch asylum seekers after they cross US border
- Qatari sociologist's guide on how Muslim men should beat wives
- Clip shows Paris firefighters battling to contain Notre Dame fire
- Car exhaust stolen by shameless thieves in broad daylight
- Lisa Marie Presley avoids questions on Leaving Neverland
- Moment carjackers drag tourist from car by her hair in Johannesburg
- Sickening moment an elderly woman is thrown to the ground


text:
SALT LAKE CITY (July 2, 2013) – Walmart and Sam's Club associates, customers and members recently wrapped up a six-week campaign to raise funds for local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). Accepting donations at cash registers and through other in-store fundraising activities, store associates have collected more than $40 million, one dollar at a time. CMN Hospitals is the national nonprofit that raises funds and awareness for 170 local children's hospitals.
"The spirit of support our local hospitals receive from Walmart and Sam's Club associates is incredible," said John Lauck, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals CEO. "The generosity of the stores' customers is inspiring and is making a real difference to the families of the more than 10 million kids treated by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals each year."
Walmart and Sam's Club funds impact each of the 170 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, which treat 1 in 10 children across North America. Hospitals use the funds however they need them the most—typically for purchasing lifesaving equipment, supporting top therapy programs and providing charitable care. In 2012 alone, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals members reported providing $6,500 every minute in charitable, uncompensated care to patients.
This year's campaign is the most recent in annual fundraising by the retailers, as Walmart and Sam's Club have raised more than $690 million since partnering with the charity in 1987. The stores' campaign was recently ranked number one in in-store, U.S. fundraising by the Cause Marketing Forum.
Lauck noted Walmart associates are the heart of the campaign because they are passionate about helping their local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. "The dedication of store associates never ceases to amaze me," said Lauck. "Our team is constantly hearing stories of incredible associates who go above and beyond to help kids in their community. They set a great example that each of us can do something to help save and improve kids' lives."
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals often have the Walmart and Sam's Club campaign funds targeted for specific needs. For example, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is using donations for Pediatric Cardiology Services to help fund research for better outcomes of pediatric heart issues, cardiac technology advancements including improved pacemakers, heart stimulators and new medicines for children suffering from life-threatening heart conditions.
At Arkansas Children's Hospital, Walmart and Sam's Club funds are being used to purchase new high-tech Sikorsky Helicopters as part of the hospital's award-winning Angel One Transport program that quickly delivers children to the hospital after a critical accident or health issue.
The retailers' six-week official campaign was from May 7 – June 21. Walmart and Sam's Club 2013 fundraising will continue throughout the year at participating locations through other in-store activities.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women's Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals¨ raises funds and awareness for 170 children's hospitals across the United States and Canada, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4.7 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at www.CMNHospitals.org .
# # #


text:
Aakash Educational Services Limited has partnered with DTH service provider, Bharti Airtel’s Airtel digital TV, for providing coaching services through its interactive service, iExam, . Currently, the service provides one year test series courses for medical entrance exams - for the aspirants of Class XI, XII; medical entrance exams viz. NEET (AIPMT), AIIMS, and other medical entrance exams for 2013. The course commenced in July and will run till April/May 2013. The company also plans to include entrance courses for engineering enthusiasts. To subscribe to this course existing Airtel Digital TV subscribers need to SMS ADD MED 54325 from the registered mobile number. Airtel subscribers can access Aakash's medical cources on iExam on channel #106. The course features includes quick recap of the topic for brush-up, 40 questions per day (10 questions in each subject viz. Botany, Zoology, Chemistry and Physics) in each exam/test on weekdays, a test paper containing 60 questions on the topic(s) covered in a month on Sundays, performance analysis on the spot on TV, complete analysis about timings and accuracy, all India rank for students who take the tests, answer and solution for each question, and a free sample trial is provided. Airtel had launched iExam, earlier this year, offering coaching modules, mock and practice tests to students preparing for competitive exams. The company had partnered with several coaching centres across the country for this initiative and the service offered engineering test content for AIEEE, IIT and various state level entrance exams through various packages starting at Rs 49/week. Airtel had stated that it plans to add exam content for CAT,…
- RBI to introduce a new lightweight payment system, calls it “a bunker equivalent in payment systems” June 2, 2023
- Aadhaar Enabled Payments (AePS) to Have a Fixed Interchange Fee of ₹0.25: NPCI June 2, 2023
- Tamil Nadu politician Seeman’s Twitter account withheld in India, but not clear why June 2, 2023
- Parliament member John Brittas writes to PM Modi, flags concerns about rising Aadhaar-enabled payment frauds June 1, 2023
- Viacom18’s JioCinema ramps up its premium catalogue with titles from Comcast’s NBCUniversal June 1, 2023
MediaNama’s mission is to help build a digital ecosystem which is open, fair, global and competitive.
Is it safe to consider all "publicly available data" as public?
PhonePe launched an e-commerce buyer app for ONDC called Pincode. We, however, believe that it should also launch a seller app.
Amazon announced that it will integrate its logistics network and SmartCommerce services with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
India's smartphone operating system BharOS has received much buzz in the media lately, but does it really merit this attention?
After using the Mapples app as his default navigation app for a week, Sarvesh draws a comparison between Google Maps and Mapples
Please subscribe to MediaNama. Don't share prints and PDFs.
You May Also Like
Google has released a Google Travel Trends Report which states that branded budget hotel search queries grew 179% year over year (YOY) in India, in...
135 job openings in over 60 companies are listed at our free Digital and Mobile Job Board: If you’re looking for a job, or...
Twitter takes down tweets from MP, MLA, editor criticising handling of pandemic upon government request
By Aroon Deep and Aditya Chunduru You’re reading it here first: Twitter has complied with government requests to censor 52 tweets that mostly criticised...
Rajesh Kumar* doesn’t have many enemies in life. But, Uber, for which he drives a cab everyday, is starting to look like one, he...


text:
Embracing the peer-production economy
(The attached paper, co-authored by R Street Executive Director Andrew Moylan, appear in the Fall 2014 edition of National Affairs.)
Enthusiasts of the growing “peer-production” or “sharing” economy are convinced that the new decentralized, technology-based approach to connecting consumers and providers of services is going to revolutionize commerce and transform modern life. The true promise of this emerging sector — which has taken the form of ride-sharing apps like Uber, space-sharing platforms like Airbnb, work-sharing businesses like TaskRabbit, and a host of other emerging digital services — remains to be seen. But it is already becoming apparent that the sharing economy could have some significant political implications.
The key political questions are to what extent peer-production services should be regulated and how. These are particularly challenging questions for the left. Taking an accommodating, hands-off approach to such regulation would appeal to the educated, young, urban consumers of such services who tend to be liberals, but it would run the risk of alienating core liberal constituencies like unions, trade guilds, and trial lawyers — not to mention undercutting the default progressive faith in the wisdom of the regulatory state. For the right, there is more opportunity than risk, but making the most of it would require finding a way to shape a free-market message that would appeal to the largely young, wealthy city-dwellers who use sharing services and for whom the broader conservative agenda is largely anathema.
Managing the peer-production economy in a prudent fashion and standing up for its interests has the potential to pay huge political dividends for the party that does it best, but it will not be easy. To see why will require a grasp of how the peer-production economy evolved, why it is important (and how it has been oversold), and the challenges that our legal and regulatory systems present to its future growth.


text:
What a difference a year makes. Electric vehicles enjoyed bumper sales in 2019, overtaking plug-in hybrids for the first time in the UK.
In all, 37,850 EVs were registered (up 144% year-on-year) and it was predicted 2020 would see 100,000 new electric cars taking to the road. Then came the Coronavirus pandemic.
The car industry was effectively mothballed from March to June and total UK vehicle sales plummeted to their lowest level since 1971.
In June, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that registrations had fallen by 48.5% since the start of January. Much of the damage was done in April and May when sales fell 97% and 90% respectively.
The good news is that total EV sales are set to overtake the 2019 total, despite the lockdown. So far in 2020, 30,957 pure electric cars have been registered, even if that still only represents a tiny market share (4.7%).
During the ghostly early weeks of lockdown many roads were near-deserted. By early May the AA's Edmund King said traffic volumes were "akin to those in the early 1970s".
For a while, cyclists, walkers and wildlife reclaimed the streets.
Using MOT data, it's estimated that on average, drivers travelled nearly 500 miles fewer per month during lockdown.
The knock-on effect for the environment was seismic with UK nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution levels (released from vehicle exhausts) hitting a 10-year low. Some cities experienced a fall in NO2 levels of up to 60% compared to the same period last year.
The effect on pollution was global too as some typically smog-filled skies suddenly cleared.
For instance, people in Punjab, India, were reportedly able to see the snow peaks of the Himalayas – a view that for decades had been blocked by air pollution.
Sadly, thousands of UK drivers also took advantage of the quieter roads to speed excessively, putting the lives of others at risk at the worst possible time.
The UK's largest police force, the Metropolitan Police, saw a 71% increase in the number of speeding drivers they caught during April alone, issuing 3,282 Traffic Offence Reports (TROs) to drivers – up from 1,922 in April 2019.
As the lockdown measures eased by early June, road traffic levels crept up, car production resumed, and showrooms started re-opening.
One side-effect of COVID-19 is that dealerships may become experience centres.
Buyers will do more research online, then once they know what they want, they could book a visit for a test drive.
As if to underline this potential shift, searches for ‘electric cars 2020’, ‘best electric cars’ and ‘electric cars’ all rocketed on Google during lockdown.
We can still look forward to a greener future on our roads. Officially the UK government has pledged to ban the sale of all new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035.
Mike Potter of DriveElectric is confident that sales of EVs will still recover to hit the 100,000-target forecast in January, despite taking a hit during lockdown.
"Actually, I’m still hopeful that 100k is possible – June BEV (battery electric vehicle) registrations were 8,900 and a lot of new product is due," said Mike. "However, a downturn in the economy is a risk during the Autumn.
"One of our recent surveys asked public transport commuters if they were planning to change their journey to work post-lockdown.
"The results showed that 43% were considering an EV rather than using public transport. We are currently experiencing our highest ever levels of enquiries in the last two to three weeks.
"People are definitely thinking differently and more prepared to change, especially businesses."
David Leggett, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, agrees: "Some modal shift away from public transport towards private cars could emerge in the current environment, but prospective buyers could also be holding off from purchase in the expectation that the government may introduce purchase incentives.
“We’ll know much more about where UK new car demand is really settling from the sales trend over the next three months and especially in September, traditionally a big month for retailers in Britain when the registration number plate year identifier changes.”
One of the big beneficiaries of 2020 has been US electric car manufacturer, Tesla, which overtook Toyota to become the world's most valuable car maker in early July, despite never having made an annual profit.
In the past 12 months, Tesla shares have surged by more than 400% to reach a market value of $302 billion. Recently it's also been boosted by healthy sales in China, where the new Model 3 is now also made.
Tesla may be grabbing the headlines, but by the end of 2020 significant new EVs will have been launched including the Honda e, Peugeot e-208, Porsche Taycan, Polestar 2, Vauxhall Corsa-e, Fiat 500 electric, Volkswagen ID.3 and MINI Electric.
All these cool new cars will broaden the appeal of EVs, while the introduction of green number plates for zero emissions cars in the autumn will help accelerate registrations and normalise electric cars.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) were once thought of as the best long-term zero emissions mobility solution because they have roughly the same range as petrol and diesel cars and can be refuelled might like a conventional car.
Some manufacturers, including Toyota and Hyundai, are hanging in there with FCEVs (the Mirai and Nexo respectively), but sales are low, largely as a result of the lack of refuelling infrastructure and the high purchase price of FCEVs.
So, what's the single biggest factor holding up a massive switch to electric vehicles in the UK? "Still a bit of understanding and most of it is perception," said Mike Potter of DriveElectric.
"Range anxiety is something experienced only by people that don’t drive EVs as it goes within two weeks generally. I think green number plates will help as many people don’t understand how many EVs they see every day; this helps make it more “normal” to go EV.
"The BIK tax incentive is a great policy to drive uptake, but it may be blunted by the economic downturn, so needs to be extended."
So, for now the future is pure electric, but for the switch to EVs to happen by 2035, more work must be done to bring down the purchase cost of cars, extend their range and to incentivise drivers.
Also, there needs to be a massive increase in the number of charge points and a solution to be found for drivers living in terraced houses and flats without access to chargers – on or off-street.
Finally, the other great unknown is whether we will own cars in the future, lease them like phones or simply share them like city bike schemes.
Whatever happens, the next 20 years will revolutionise our roads and how we get from A to B.
I'm an experienced journalist, digital editor and copywriter, now specialising in motoring. I’m editor of Automotive Blog and have worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online for household names including the BBC, GMTV, ITV and MSN. I’ve produced digital content in the financial sector for Lloyds Bank, Nationwide and the Money Advice Service. I'm married with two children and live near Bath in Somerset.


text: Chile’s VSPT Wine Group has sold a minority share to a distilled drinks company in China. The wine company said today that Yanghe Distillery Co has purchased a 12.5% stake in a deal worth US$65m. The shares had belonged to minority shareholders, the company said. Control of VSPT continues to be held by Chilean brewer Compania Cervecerias Unidas, which owns 67.22% of the firm. “Without doubt, this new partner is a very good signal for the company and so we are very optimistic,” said VSPT CEO Pedro Herane. According to VSPT, Yanghe Distillery Co is a “large-scale and experienced partner in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu, recording annual sales of over US$3bn”.Yanghe entered the wine industry in 2012 with the launch of Sidus, a Chilean wine produced by different wineries in the country for the Chinese market. The company’s main product is baijiu. VSPT operates nine wineries – seven in Chile and two in Argentina.


text:
This year was the 30th anniversary of the World of WearableArt Awards and the 2018 Supreme WOW Award Winner was WAR sTOrY by Natasha English and Tatyanna Meharry of Christchurch, New Zealand.
The sisters are the first ever two-time Supreme WOW Award Winners, having taken the top award in 2013 for The Exchange.
The Exchange, a complex meditation on the Treaty of Waitangi made with car boot fabric, pottery, and feathers, won the 2013 Supreme WOW Award. With their prize money they travelled to Europe, where they found inspiration for this year’s garment in the religious iconography of St Petersburg.
“That was staggering and it’s something we don’t see in New Zealand; that opulence to do with religion,” Meharry says. “You associate that type of stuff with Italy but that Russian experience was amazing.”
[Video link here]
This year’s Supreme WOW Award-winning garment is inspired by the 100th anniversary of WWI and commemorates the more than 128,000 New Zealand men and women who served, of which more than 18,000 never returned home. Meharry said the sisters had been working on the garment for five years and created their entry using recycled objects such as old army and household blankets, salvaged rimu from demolished houses, old collected plastic toy soldiers, broken crushed red bricks and traded pieces of pounamu.
"We wanted to include as many tangible memories as well, using recycled materials that have been either collected over the years, traded or salvaged to help imbue this art piece with memories for past, current and future generations. The heavy weight of the memories and stories of the past pave the way for future generations of mokopuna to carry. The badges and symbols of honour are now worn by our generation, a deserving remembrance in this centenary year."
WOW’s 2018 judging panel consisted of WOW Founder and Resident Judge Dame Suzie Moncrieff; Margarita Robertson, Creative Director of iconic fashion label NOM*d; Sam Gao, Weta Workshop Art Director and Business Development Manager; Weta Workshop Co-founder and CEO Sir Richard Taylor; Cirque du Soleil’s Nathalie Bouchard and International Guest judge Mary Wing To.
As part of the competition journey, garments go through a three-stage judging process to end up onstage, beginning in July. All garments are assessed for detail as well as their performance on stage.
WOW Founder and Head Judge Dame Suzie Moncrieff says:
"WAR sTOrY is a garment that the judges described as an exceptional example of powerful storytelling realised through a work of art. An entry that is an exceptionally compelling realisation of a thought-provoking narrative that is flawless in its execution."
WAR sTOrY was also awarded the 2018 Aotearoa Section Award; second in the section was Ancient Dreamscape, Kayla Christensen, New Zealand; and third place was awarded to Tar’White, Ali Middleton, New Zealand.
The Runner-up to the Supreme WOW Award was first-time entrant Nika Danielska (Poland) with her entry Ernst Haeckel’s Bride.


text:
Hype Williams’ latest release is a white label 12″ in a limited edition of 50 copies.
‘Rise Up’ is coming out via Second Layer, the label operated by the London record store of the same name, which also released the duo’s instant classic Do Roids And Kill E’rything 7″ last year. Two versions of the track feature: the ‘Copeland PMT Club Mix’ and an instrumental. From what we can gather, the 50 copies pressed have already sold out on pre-order. Shit.
Still, don’t cry: it’s not too late to download Hype Williams’ recent FACT mix, and there’s not long to go now until the release of their new full-length album on Hippos In Tanks (March 15).
A1. Rise Up (Copeland PMT Club Mix)
B1. Rise Up (Instrumental)


text:
Adspend dips slightly in second quarter
By Katherine Levy, campaignlive.co.uk, Thursday, 12 July 2012 08:00AM
Marketing budgets were revised down for the first time in a year in the second quarter and business confidence waned, according to the latest IPA Bellwether Report.
The downward revision was marginal, however, with 23 per cent of companies reporting a reduction compared with 22 per cent that reported a rise. As a result, spend was down by 1.1 per cent.
Media spend trends continued, with overall media budgets cut by 1.7 per cent, while internet adspend grew by 5.1 per cent. Client confidence in the prospects for the industry in which they operate dropped sharply on balance from 1 per cent to -17 per cent.
Nicola Mendelsohn, the president of the IPA, said: "With renewed concerns surrounding the economy both at home and abroad, in particular the problems surrounding the eurozone, it's not surprising the signs are less encouraging. However, given this situation, things do seem to be holding up. Spend is down, but only very marginally."
This article was first published on campaignlive.co.uk
- Deputy Creative Director - Integrated/shopper agency The Industry Club London Ltd £75,000, London (Greater)
- Product Manager Ball & Hoolahan £30,000 per annum, South East England / London (Central), London (Greater)
- Partner Marketing Manager Stopgap £40000 - £50000 per annum + bonus, Brentford, London (Greater)
- Senior Marketing Analyst JV Recruitment £40000 - £45000 per annum, Benefits: Excellent Benefits, East Midlands Region / Leicestershire
- Account Manager - Shopper / Promotional Marketing Agency Stonor £30K + as a benchmark but depends on level of experience, London (Central), London (Greater) / London (East), London (Greater) / London (North), London (Gr...
- 8 things I learnt as an IPA ad student
- Want a tactical ad? Should have gone to Specsavers
- Campaign Viral Chart: Always ad reaches no 1 for second time
- Agencies need to be more creative about creativity
- Greenpeace dresses up cats to help save tigers from extinction
- Maxus confirmed as world's fastest growing media agency


text:
Here’s a Peek at David Yurman’s Holiday Windows
It’s a wintry wonderland in New York City.
The company’s Manhattan flagship continues the theme via its holiday window display.
Last year’s windows at 5 East 57th St., right along New York City’s iconic Fifth Avenue holiday light corridor, found their inspiration in Paris, but this year is much closer to home.
The windows depict neighboring Central Park on a magical wintry day, with the park’s animal statues brought to life.
Dubbed “Magical Menagerie,” the windows depict Balto the sled dog, the Bethesda Terrace owls, and the Group of Bears in a hand-painted diorama. At the center are vitrines of David Yurman jewelry.
An accompanying animated video called “Dream With Us” shows the Central Park statues transform into living creatures on a snowy winter’s night. The video travels to the park’s most celebrated landmarks, including the Bethesda Terrace and “Angels of the Water” sculpture.
Along the way, classic David Yurman jewels make bright, contrasting cameos against the video’s snowy backdrop, including signature cable bracelets, colored gemstone rings, and signet rings.
WATCH: David Yurman’s Central Park Menagerie
Just like jewelry, Central Park represents a perfect collaboration between human and nature, the brand said.
The holiday video was produced in partnership with creative studio The-Artery, which was also responsible for David Yurman’s 2020 holiday video that earned a Telly Award for excellence in video production.
In addition to the uptown festive décor, the downtown David Yurman store is also decorated to resemble a winter wonderland.
The store’s 100-year-old iron columns, exterior façade, and interior are covered in a mix of bark, fresh juniper, and evergreen for an enchanted forest feel.
To give back to its native New York City, Yurman is donating 20 percent of the purchase price of certain designs from the “North Star” collection sold at its stores and on DavidYurman.com through the end of the year to the David Yurman Unity Fund.
The fund currently benefits the Robin Hood Foundation, combatting New York City poverty.
Additionally, 20 percent of the purchase price of limited-edition “Tree of Life” amulets sold in select New York City-area David Yurman stores and DavidYurman.com benefit the Central Park Conservancy, which maintains and cares for Central Park.
More than 250 gem, jewelry, and mineral companies are expected to exhibit, including the American Gem Trade Association.
This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.
They’re a testament to the power of excellent design.
The most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.
This year’s honorees include one of Florida’s largest independent jewelers and two multi-store independents in the Chicago and New York areas.
The industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.
Created by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.
Navigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.
The jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.
Luxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.
One of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.
With the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.
It is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
From consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.
Signature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.
They will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.
Gemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI
Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.
The company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.
Set with a 118-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, it just sold for $3.4 million at Phillips jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
Sponsored by Noam Carver
As cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.
The Pittsburgh jeweler is redoing the lighting and showcases, and adding a full hospitality bar as well as new shop-in-shops.
The Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is inside the museum’s brand-new Richard Gilder Center.
Zale has more than 40 years’ experience in the diamond industry, including 17 years as Stuller’s VP of diamonds and gemstones procurement.
The Strip is full of new restaurant and entertainment offerings.


text:
Follow us on
Barnes & Mullins has announced reduced shipping costs for its Direct Delivery service.
TC Electronic has updated its line of PolyTune pedals with the new PolyTune 2 Mini and PolyTune 2 Noir models.
Speaker specialist, FBT, will debut a host of new MI and pro audio products at BPM 2014, which takes place from September 13th-15th at the Birmingham NEC.
Source Distribution is set to debut a raft of new products from Moog, PreSonus and RØDE at this month’s BPM show.
Carlsbro/Studiomaster has issued a statement confirming the departure of international sales and business development director, Paul Brewis.
The Music Show has been cancelled this year, but aims to re-emerge as the Musical Instrument and Technology show next year.
Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love has been voted the greatest guitar riff of all time by BBC Radio 2 listeners.
Early bird registration for this year’s Music Production Expo is now open, with every ticket sold before September 30th qualifying for a software bundle worth £168.
MusicNomad is expanding its care product line, adding Band & Orchestra and piano/keyboard care products.


text:
Ideology Doesn't Fill Supermarket Trolleys
Government Ideology Doesn't Fill Supermarket Trolleys
Monday 15 Oct 2001 Penny Webster Press Releases -- Commerce
New Zealand families are experiencing the effects of the largest jump in food prices in almost twenty years, ACT Consumer Affairs Spokesman Penny Webster said today.
"Food prices hiked by almost eight percent between September 2000 and September 2001. This is the highest climb since 1990.
"Is this the New Zealand that Jim Anderton yearns for, where it is becoming harder and harder for families to fill their supermarket trolleys?
"Meat, fish and poultry prices rose by almost 3 percent on top of the 12 percent hike the previous month. For many New Zealand families, it puts a healthy diet completely out of reach.
"This Government is only interested in capturing the vote of beneficiaries. Hardworking families are being hit time and time again. Four per cent inflation wasn't compensated by wage rises. The Government refused to adjust the Community Services Card. And now food prices are spiralling.
"Building a People's Bank and buying into Air New Zealand might be good for Ministers' egos, but it is time for this Government to realise that ideology doesn't fill supermarket trolleys," Penny Webster said.
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at email@example.com.


text:
Dukaan, a platform that allows merchants to start, grow and run their business online, has come forward to extend a helping hand amid the coronavirus crisis owing to which Pune, Mumbai cities are likely to be impacted by the restrictions and curfews to curtail the spread of the COVID 19 pandemic in the state of Maharashtra. Dukaan, which makes creating an online store on a smart phone under 30secs easy for merchants with non-technical backgrounds and to deliver a better shopping experience for consumers, wants to assure the merchants that in this hour of crisis this home-grown platform will not let the pandemic impact their businesses.
Since its inception, Dukaan has helped merchants keep their businesses up, alive and running by offering sustainability through the app and empowering them during the hour of crisis like curfews. These merchants range from those who sell groceries, fruits and vegetables, electronics, food delivery etc. and through the Dukaan app, they have been able to reach over 4lakh customers in Maharashtra since late 2020.
Dukaan empowers merchants to go digital, register their online presence and utilizing social media channels to sell their products and services at their own convenience just by using their smartphones. When a merchant registers on the Dukaan app, they get a customised store link to showcase their products and services to the target audience, which can be shared through various social media platforms for direct orders.
Merchants registered on the Dukaan app can receive instant payments for their sales in a hassle-free manner with the newly added feature that eliminates any processing charge or fee for transactions. The feature now enables over 2.7 million merchants to collect contactless payments from their customers. With the help of Dukaan’s new online payment feature, merchants will be able to integrate their bank account and UPI ID and collect payment for their goods and services in a seamless manner.


text:
One of the key features of OnePlus smartphones has been its Dash Charging technology. The Chinese company is, however, moving away from the name reportedly due to trademark issues. The term wasn’t used during the recent OnePlus 6 launch event in London. The Chinese phone maker did not mention its proprietary fast charging technology by its name, and instead, the company simply referred it 'Fast Charging.' Also, OnePlus’ online stores are no longer using “Dash Charge” name for its charging cables and charger. Instead, Dash Charge cables are now called “Fast Charge” cables on the European and North American websites.
There is a reason behind why the company is dropping the “Dash Charge” branding for its fast charging technology. The company apparently had filed a trademark for the name Dash Charge in the US and the European Union back in 2016, when it first unveiled the feature with OnePlus 3. The EU’s Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) rejected the application in April this year, it has emerged.
However, on the Indian website, OnePlus still calls the technology as Dash Charge. The company also called it Dash Charge during the Indian launch of OnePlus 6. It is possible the that the trademark issue is limited to the US and European market.
Two companies, Amazon and a wireless audio company, Bragi contested the trademark in the EU region. Amazon has a Dash Replenishment service that allows connected devices to order goods from Amazon when supplies are running low. Bragi sells the Dash line of Bluetooth powered earbuds. The EUIPO concluded the Dash Charge is similar to Amazon and Bragi’s trademarks and cited a “likelihood of confusion” for rejecting OnePlus’ trademark.
OnePlus can still legally use the Dash Charge name, but it can't be the sole user as the patent has been rejected. The company though seems to have decided to just altogether switch to the generic “Fast Charging” name until it finds a unique brand that can be protected.
Then again “Dash Charge” is actually licensed by its parent company, Oppo. The larger brand calls the fast charging as VOOC charging, so it is possible OnePlus may adopt this name in the future.


text:
En español | The emotional toll of a funeral is tough enough.
With an average cost of more than $7,000, funerals are also expensive — and planning one is a prime time to get buried in fraud.
Here are three ways to avoid the most common ploys.
1. Insist on the 'lists'
At initial contact, federal law requires that funeral homes provide you with three pricing lists: one for all goods and services offered, another for caskets and a third for grave liners or "outer burial containers."
This so-called Funeral Rule also forbids funeral homes from requiring services that must be optional by law (such as embalming), or insisting that caskets and other items be directly purchased from them as a condition of providing memorial services. Nor can you be charged extra for services if you choose to buy the casket elsewhere, a common way to save money. Each year, the Federal Trade Commission (which oversees the Funeral Rule) conducts undercover visits to test compliance. In 2013, as in past years, roughly 1 in 4 funeral homes surveyed by this method was in violation in some way, most often for failing to provide pricing lists.
"My hunch is that it's more sloppiness than anything else, but there may be a few [funeral directors] who are trying to get rich," says FTC official Craig Tregillus, who directs the operation that checks out more than 100 facilities a year. Whatever the motivation, it's up to you to insist on the lists.
2. Prepaying? Use caution
Long-range planning for a funeral is always wise. Before there's an immediate need, your family — or even you — can comparison shop with pricing lists in hand and ensure that arrangements are made exactly as desired. But you can face serious risk in prepaying for a funeral, which you may do to reduce the financial burden on your survivors or, as allowed in many states, to reduce your assets so you can qualify for Medicaid.
Consider a recent FBI bust of a prepaid funeral scheme in which some 97,000 people in 16 states lost more than $450 million in funeral goods and services that were paid for in advance but never provided. "And there are certainly other cases where new owners buy a funeral home and then run off with the money," says Tregillus.
Even with well-established, legitimate funeral homes, he says, you need to consider: "If you retire out of state, will your prepaid funds be honored? State laws vary on whether prepaid funds are transferable — or by how much. Will that home still be in business when you die?"
3. Beware of fake invitations
In many schemes, funeral homes overcharge you. But there's another type that involves crooks stealing your identity.
In recent months, foreign-based cybercrooks have been emailing fake funeral notifications. Bearing the stolen name and logo of a legitimate funeral home, it appears to be an invitation to a funeral or remembrance service for an unnamed friend or acquaintance.
By clicking on a link or opening an attachment, you can supposedly get details. But when you do, malware is unleashed on your computer to steal files, passwords and other sensitive information. Subject lines are typically "funeral notification" or "passing of your friend." Don't take the bait! Legitimate funeral notifications include the name of the deceased.
Sid Kirchheimer author of Scam-Proof Your Life, writes about consumer and health issues for AARP Media.
Also of Interest
- How to lower your risk of identity theft right now
- The best places to retire
- Find great volunteer opportunities in your community
Join AARP Today — Receive access to exclusive information, benefits and discounts


text:
P.F. Chang's frozen meals recalled due to potential metal fragments
ConAgra Foods is recalling about 195,597 pounds of frozen chicken and beef from P.F. Chang's Home Menu Brand frozen meals that might contain metal fragments in the sauce within the products, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The metal fragments range between 2 and 9 millimeters (mm) in diameter. No injuries have been reported due to these curled, malleable and shiny pieces, according to a press release from ConAgra Foods.
Products in question were produced between May 31 to June 22, 2016.
An initial recall was announced on July 7 after a ConAgra employee noticed metal fragments while dispensing sugar from a supplier for a P.F. Chang’s sauce ingredient. On July 14, 2016, the sugar supplier told ConAgra Foods of additional affected sugar, which caused an expanded recall.
The recall does not affect P.F. Chang's restaurant locations, according to a press release from the Scottsdale-based restaurant.
Consumers who bought these meals should not consume them. Throw away the products or return them to the place they were purchased.
Find out more information
Consumers with questions should call ConAgra Foods Consumer Affairs hotline at 1-800-252-0634, open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. CDT, Monday-Friday. See press releases from ConAgra Foods and U.S. Department of Agriculture for specific recall item information.


text:
Today it has been announced that a “Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame” organization, and in the future, a physical home for the hall, will operate out of Emporia, Kansas
ealant is a lot like tires are when it comes to opinions. What is legend and what is fact gets lost in the passionate takes some folks have concerning which one is ‘best’. So, as far as this opening introduction goes for this new sealant from WTB, many of you may, no doubt, dismiss it out of hand because of your choices. That’s fine. This review is not being done to evangelize anyone. But those who have a more open mind to new ideas should read on.
The most recent news for the gravel and back road rider is here. Sea Otter has come and gone, the first to be held since the pandemic struck in 2020, and a few things came out of that show/festival. We also have a couple of news items from recent press releases. Let’s check it out!
Today Fezzari Bikes, the direct to rider company, announces their take on a gravel bike, the Shafer. It is a carbon fiber frame and fork gravel bike with a lot of nice details and a forward-thinking geometry which pushes the boundaries of what gravel bike geometry can be going forward.
In today’s Gravel Grinder News we have a new Ride With GPS feature debuting and news about review items from Craft cadence. Plus we have information regarding a new gravel grinder to be held in Southwestern Texas in November. Let’s jump in!
Our look at the new Dura-Ace and Ultegra 12 speed and what- if any- implications it may have for a future GRX offering, and gravel tech in general.
Today in Gravel Grinder News we have views on the new SRAM XPLR group, news of a carbon drop bar from Easton, and a new sealant from Finish Line. Let’s go!
In today’s Gravel Grinder News we have a new handle bar tape offering from Wolf Tooth and some new on-bike storage solutions from KOM Cycling. Let’s dig in…..


text:
United states Express is offering a brand new choice pitched to tiny and medium-sized companies (SMBs): the chance to Pay Over Time for holders of Green, Gold and Platinum company Cards in the beginning of the November payment cycle. The move ended up being targeted at assisting its clients вЂњmeet their cashflow administration needsвЂќ during uncertain times, the ongoing business stated in a news launch.
The brand new repayment choice will connect with both brand brand new and current cardholders.
вЂњWhile United states Express is renowned for the no spending that is pre-set, pay-in-full credit card model with your iconic Green, Gold and Platinum Cards, weвЂ™ve long heard from our card people who will be small businesses that increased re payment flexibility is essential for them, said Brett Sussman, vice president of worldwide commercial card financing at United states Express. (more…)


text:
Whether people are packing up and moving for those calm streets or more affordable housing prices, one Alberta city welcomed newcomers in 2022, according to the latest U-Haul Growth Index.
The U-Haul Growth Index is compiled according to the net gain (or loss) of one-way U-Haul trucks arriving in a province or city, versus departing from that province or city, in a calendar year.
Migration trends data is compiled from well over two million one-way U-Haul truck transactions that occur annually across Canada and the US.
The sole Alberta spot to make the top 25 was Camrose, which landed at #16.
Chatham, Ontario, took the top spot, followed by Trois Rivieres, Quebec, and Sarnia, Ontario.
“During the pandemic, people got into the habit of working remotely. Because of that, they were able to find cheaper housing outside of the major metropolitan areas,” said Devin Mitchell, U-Haul Company of Atlantic Canada president.
“I would bet most U-Haul relocations have one thing in common: cost. People are trying to find the most affordable places with the lowest cost of living while still being able to access the great outdoor amenities for which Canada is known.”
Chestermere, Alberta, also got a special shoutout due to just missing the top 25 but saw more arrivals than departures.
- A New Time-Travel App, Reviewed
- Travel insurers must address ‘misunderstanding’ over coverage – Consumer Intelligence
- Two Weeks Until Free Travel & Tourism Webinar Hosted By AMNY Travel & Tourism
- Luxury Travel Takes Off Again | Family Living
- Tourism leaders cite need for more business travel


text:
With the imminent launch of the OLED Nintendo Switch model many have assumed price cuts are on the way to essentially get rid of old stock to make way for the new. Well, it’s started happening in Europe.
The base Nintendo Switch price has been cut from £279.99/€329.99 to £259.99/€299.99. The Switch Lite and upcoming OLED models have not been affected.
As Eurogamer confirms, the cut was indeed due to the launch of the upcoming OLED model (priced £309.99) as well as changes to currency exchange rates.
There’s no word yet on whether other regions will see similar price cuts or if the original Switch model will cease production.


text:
The company revealed plans to build nine new vehicles in France, of which most of them will be fully electric
French automobile manufacturer Renault plans to make up to 2,000 engineering and support jobs in France redundant as it shifts focus on manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs).
The group said that 1,600 of the job cuts will be made for ensuring industry-leading engineering capabilities.
The remaining 400 job cuts are driven by its recent cost control measures. The company said that it intends to modernise and digitalise its support functions.
The carmaker had previously announced nearly 4,600 job cuts in France as part of a restructuring programme.
Renault also revealed plans to build nine new vehicle models in the country by 2025. A majority of these will be fully electric.
The automobile manufacturer will create 500 net new jobs after recruiting 2,500 people in other functions.
The plans are part of Renault’s Renaulution strategy, which aims at making France a central hub for electric vehicles. The company said that it will increase the industrial activity in the electric field and establish the production of core electric engines within France.
Renault’s ElectriCity plant will manufacture Mégane E-TECH Electric, the future electric Renault 5, the electric variant of New Kangoo, an electric SUV project, and another future vehicle.
The company’s Sandouville plant will manufacture the new electric Trafic.
On the other hand, its Cléon plant will produce the future 100kW electric engine along with the associated value chain.
Renault claimed that the Renaulution plan puts France at the heart of future-oriented technologies that will help address the challenges of electrification, hydrogen, and digitalisation.
Furthermore, the automaker said that connectivity and artificial intelligence along with electric battery and hydrogen-based solutions will be imagined and designed in the country.
Earlier this month, the company had unveiled the new Mégane E-TECH Electric during the IAA Mobility 2021 event held in Munich, Germany.
The electric car is expected to deliver a rich and immersive in-vehicle experience by leveraging Qualcomm and Google technologies.


text:
We will release result of a similar survey on Shek Wu Market soon…
8th May, 2014
Development of Tourism Shall Not Make Locals Feel Repulsive
(Translated by Hong Kong Columns – Translated)
(Source: Passion Times and LegCo Brief)
LegCo Secretariat disclosed the Research Brief on Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) of Chinese Tourists yesterday (7th May). It pointed out that the number of (PRC) Chinese tourists sky-rocketed since the announcement of the scheme in July, 2003, with total number of visitors surpassing the UK, South Korea and Japan.
Hong Kong received 54.3 million visitors in 2013 which exceeded the amount received by the United Kingdom (31.1 million), South Korea (12.2 million), Japan (10.4 million) and Australia (6.5 million).
54.3 million visitors were received in 2013, with three quarters being PRC Chinese tourists – more than double than the figure back in 2002, where only 16.6 million were received and 41.2% being (PRC) Chinese tourists.
The brief also said IVS…
View original post 217 more words


text:
The bankrupt Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. will close 14 of its chain’s grocery stores in four states, including six of its Waldbaum’s stores on Long Island.
The closings will include Waldbaum’s in Commack, East Islip, Huntington Station, Lake Ronkonkoma, Rockville Centre, and West Babylon.
The store closures are expected to be completed by the end of March, subject to bankruptcy court approval, according to a company statement.
- Shaking up the supermarket market
- Stop & Shop converting five more stores
- Stop & Shop begins A&P store conversions
“We are continuing to take the steps necessary to position A&P to emerge from Chapter 11 with a strong future and ensure that we remain focused on our top priority – providing great value and service to our customers every day,” A&P president and CEO Sam Martin said in the statement. “As part of our preparations to emerge from Chapter 11, we have decided to close these 14 underperforming locations. While this was a very difficult decision that will unfortunately impact some of our customers, partners, associates and the surrounding communities, these actions are absolutely necessary as we continue to strengthen A&P’s operating foundation and improve our performance.”
The six Long Island store closings are expected to put more than 300 full- and part-time employees out of work.
More breaking news
- Retlif opens new composites testing lab
- Priciest home sales in Merrick
- $1.5M available for apprenticeships in NY
- On Our Island: Nonprofit highlights of the week
- PSEG to host energy efficiency conference for businesses
- Brookhaven IDA backs Blue Point Brewery project
- Moody’s 3Q results top, Justice Dept. preps civil complaint
- All in the family
- Mangano: I absolutely won’t resign
- Amedisys acquires Visiting Nurse Association of LI


text:
The team behind Microsoft’s Surface tablets are working on a prototype wristwatch, according to new reports.
Microsoft’s Surface team, which is also apparently working on two new tablets, will build the device, and it has been claimed that the watch will run a modified version of Windows 8.
If that doesn’t sound cutting-edge enough, there is even the suggestion that current prototypes are offering 6GB of storage and LTE support.
If this news is to be true, it would certainly reiterate CEO Steve Ballmer’s stance that Microsoft intends to leave ‘no space uncovered’ to Apple. The Cupertino giant is rumoured to be working on its own smartwatch, while Google is also said to be evaluating this space.Source article


text:
@NathanHeadPhoto tweeted that the amazon.eth Ethereum Name Service (ENS) domain name has fetched an anonymous bid of 1,000,000 USDC, which equates to 637 ETH at the current price.
amazon.eth has a 1 million dollar bid pic.twitter.com/PKrhWtnsl8
— 🏝nathanhead.eth🏝 (@NathanHeadPhoto) July 18, 2022
According to OpenSea, the domain name was purchased for 100 ETH in October 2019. After several transfers, user “4761BF” bought it for 33 ETH on February 7.
Should the bid be accepted, 4761BF would walk away with an incredible 1,930% profit, in ETH terms.
What is the Ethereum Name Service (ENS)?
The service enables users to convert their alphanumeric wallet address into a human-readable format. In turn, this links human-readable names to blockchain and non-blockchain resources, such as Ethereum addresses, IPFS hashes, or website URLs.
ENS allows the storage of multiple addresses and for the owner to receive a range of cryptocurrency tokens and NFTs. That being so, the service is pitched as a way to garner a Web3 presence that is censorship resistant and fully decentralized.
“No more sandboxed usernames. Own your username, store an avatar and other profile data, and use it across services.”
Although an anonymous bidder made the amazon.eth bid, speculation is running rampant that the internet retail giant is behind the offer, especially considering the size of the bid.
Further speculation centers on the bid being made in USDC. Generally, ENS domains trade in Ethereum, suggesting that the bidder may be averse to volatility and prefers to hold/buy in stablecoins.
The price of ENS domains can vary greatly
Some say .eth domain names will take over from Bored Apes as the latest crypto status symbol to flex with. However, unlike Bored Apes, .eth domain names are affordable.
According to the website nft-stats.com, ENS domain names had no price floor over the last seven days, and the average sale price was a reasonable $405.
Nonetheless, prices increase significantly for more desirable names. The second most expensive ENS sale was 000.eth, which sold for 300 ETH, or $320,000, on July 3.
The most expensive was paradigm.eth, which sold for 420 ETH in October 2021. As this period was approaching the market peak, the price of Ethereum was approximately $3,5000 at the time, valuing this sale at $1.5 million.
If the amazon.eth bid is accepted, it would usurp paradigm.eth to become the most expensive ENS name in Eth terms.


text:
Residents of Delaware’s New Castle County will have more grocery choices in the near future. Target, Trader Joe’s and Wegmans are all on track for openings this year or next.
According to a recent statement by Target Spokesperson Jill Lewis, “Our Wilmington Prices Corner Target store is planned to open this spring.” Since then, an April 18 opening date has been announced. At 113,000 square feet, the department store is taking nearly two-thirds of the former Sears building, which closed in 2018.
The shopping center recently updated its façade and announced that several businesses, including AutoZone, Chick-Fil-A, Urban Kitchen, Tropical Smoothie and Chase Bank, have opened or are coming soon.
With the opening of the Prices Corner store, Target will have four locations in Delaware.
The Trader Joe’s website says the store at 2500 Fashion Center Blvd. in Newark is coming soon, and according to reports, the exterior renovations of the former Saks Off 5th location are mostly complete. Trader Joe’s is slated for about 16,000 of the approximately 30,000 square foot space.
Developer Greg Pettinaro is planning for a mixed-use property on a site that was formerly occupied by a DuPont Co. office complex. The state’s first Wegmans will serve as the retail anchor, along with residences and office space. A Wegmans spokesperson said the store, at Route 141 and Lancaster Pike, is on track for a 2022 opening.


text:
Friday, January 14th, 2022 12:09 pm
Go to the publication text
Masks Cut Distance Coronavirus Travels in Half More evidence for wearing masks -- researchers find face masks cut the distance that airborne pathogens can travel by more than half.
Open the original post
Repport this link


text:
Under Armour announced massive data breach, which affects 150 million consumers. Have you been a victim of identity theft? Contact us for a free case review.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) took action against Equifax, Trans Union and their subsidiaries for deceiving consumers about the usefulness and actual cost of credit scores sold to consumers. According to the CFPB papers, Equifax and Trans Union also lured consumers into costly recurring payments for credit related products with false promises. The CFPB ordered … Continue reading CFPB TAKES ACTION AGAINST EQUIFAX AND TRANS UNION CREDIT BUREAUS
It's official! The Adkins Firm has opened its Houston, Texas office. The office is located in Houston's uptown district in the Williams Tower. The office is easily recognized across the skyline as it is the 4th tallest building in Texas. The Adkins Firm is located at 2800 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 4100, Houston, Texas 77056, … Continue reading ADKINS FIRM OPENS SHOP IN HOUSTON, TEXAS


text:
Punch has warned licensees to be wary of rogue traders who guarantee large reductions in rateable values and offer to carry out business rates appeals.
The warning comes as a record number of licensees face huge rates increases from April.
Jerry Schurder head of rating at property consultancy Gerald Eve told the Morning Advertiser in November that the average rateable value increase across pubs in England and Wales would be 27.6%, and 3,900 would see their assessments more than double.
Punch's group property and development director Neil Griffiths said: "We are aware of incidents where licensees have been charged excessive fees of £500 to £700 for these rogue services.
"These firms tend to be cold callers with a hard sales technique who require the signature of a binding contract and payment up front. The small print in these contracts then ties licensees for all future revaluations with associated cost implications and in some cases, rent reviews as well.
"A number of licensees have been pursued aggressively through the courts for payment by these firms."
Punch lessees are already offered help from qualified rating surveyors, who review and lodge an appeal on their behalf where appropriate. Most other tenanted pubcos offer a similar service.
Carlsberg helps 200 customers with rates appeals
Last week Carlsberg boss Isaac Sheps said more than 200 of its customers were pursuing rates appeals through the We Deliver More website. The site offers advice on business rates, how to save on utility bills and improve staff training.
Have you been approached by a firm offering to help cut your business rate bill?
Send email@example.com an email.


text:
Card loyalty doesn't pay
SAINSBURY'S Bank and Virgin have joined the long line of credit card providers to change or remove incentives designed to attract new customers.
Sainsbury's was offering cashback at 0.25% unlimited on purchases, or Nectar points. The cards that offered these incentives are no longer available to new customers. Instead, they will be sent money-off vouchers. Balance transfers will be subject to interest at 5.9% while interest on purchases will be 0% for 10 months.
And Virgin Money has just announced that anyone hoping to take advantage of its 0% balance transfer deal will now have to pay a fee of 2% up to a maximum of £50 (£3 minimum).
Virgin said: 'Having held out longer than most, the move is now necessary if we are to continue to offer a 0% balance transfer option.' The Virgin Card will continue to offer 0% balance transfer rate for nine months with a typical rate of 15.9% for card purchases.
Over the past year there has been a growing trend for institutions to withdraw incentives they once used as a means to entice customers from their competitors.
Samantha Owens, head of research at financial data company Moneyfacts.co.uk says: 'It is now becoming increasingly difficult for customers to find a card that offers the kind of benefits that were commonplace a year ago.
'Not only have cashback deals been severely cut or, in a number of cases totally withdrawn, but incentives such as Nectar points and AirMiles are also less widely available. With 0% interest deals reportedly costing the card industry in excess of £1bn a year and many High Street banks reporting a steep increase in bad debts, it's not surprising to see providers taking measures to reduce their costs.' Last month Halifax and Bank of Scotland (both parts of the same company) scrapped the 0.25% cashback on their One Visa cards and in June, Mint scrapped the 0.5% cashback deal on its card.
Other companies to have cut back or scrapped their reward schemes include Egg, Accucard, Blue Amex and Easymoney.
Card companies are also acting to prevent canny customers from making the most of 0% deals by building up credit card debt and transferring it into savings accounts.
From 1 September, MBNA bank will no longer treat the transfer of credit card balances into a current account as a balance transfer, but as a money transfer instead. Unlike a balance transfer, this will mean borrowers will have to pay a 2% charge and interest will accrue on the debt as soon as it is transferred.
The move leaves Egg as one of the few remaining card companies that will allow customers to transfer the cash as a balance transfer. Alliance & Leicester also allow the practice, as do other branded MBNA cards, such as those provided by Virgin Money and Abbey, although it is unsure as to whether they will follow suit.
Most watched Money videos
- BMW's new 8-Series Coupe flies round track in test drive
- Philip Hammond announces new relief for first time buyers
- Analyst explains why Fiat Panda received zero stars on NCAP test
- Age UK explains what is Pension Credit and how it can help you
- Aston Martin releases first clip of its £160k SUV being tested
- Fiat Panda spectacularly fails Euro NCAP test with zero stars
- A quick tour of the VW California Ocean campervan
- Aston Martin reveals the Valkyrie’s extraordinary V12 powerplant
- McLaren introduce its new £2.1million 3-seat Speedtail in
- Peugeot UK introduces new Rifter in TV advert
- Is the Santa rally a genuine stock market trend?
- 'It's time to be picky': Where to invest in tricky times


text:
WOWIO ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR COMIC-CON 2010
DEBUTS WOWIO TV AND EXCLUSIVE COMIC CRUISE YACHT PARTY
WOWIO, Inc., an established market leader with an online destination (www.wowio.com) that provides access to rich digital media content and eBooks, has brought together its family of sites to create a series of announcements and events at Comic-Con 2010 on Thursday, July 22 in San Diego. The company has created a dynamic partner-ready portfolio, providing strong cross-platform marketing opportunities aimed at capturing the excitement and buzz from industry and consumer attendees.
WOWIO will kick off its Comic-Con activities with the unveiling of WOWIO TV, an ongoing digital channel that provides insight into the world of eBooks, eComics, gossip, celebrities and interviews with industry insiders hosted at www.WOWIOTV.com. The channel will stream live from the show floor offering those who couldn't attend an inside view of the conference.
"WOWIO TV adds another exciting element to our long term vision of creating one of the largest digital media content destinations available," said Brian Altounian, CEO and President of WOWIO. "Viewers will get an exclusive look at Comic-Con and can expect a consistent flow of event coverage, celebrity interviews, and exclusive access to WOWIO's Comic Cruise after party."
To celebrate the launch of WOWIO TV, the company will host a private yacht party for fans, publishers, partners and media. The red carpet event will be at the 5th Avenue landing dock on Friday, July 23, from 7 p.m. to midnight, featuring a live musical performance by the Knights of Monte Carlo, private rooftop cabanas, and the WOWIO Lounge with free Internet, allowing guests to check out WOWIO.com as well as recently WOWIO acquired sites WEvolt and DrunkDuck.
"Comic-Con is a great opportunity for us to show WOWIO as a leader in the digital content and publishing industry," added Altounian. "Our goal is to connect directly with fans, publishers and partners and thank them for their continued support."
WOWIO's agenda of high-profile Comic-Con activities offers unique sponsorship opportunities for brands that want to reach a dynamic and engaged audience. Presenting sponsors will receive category exclusivity, mentions across multiple media platforms and integration into a compelling series of media and marketing actions around the youth culture event of the year - San Diego Comic-Con International.
About WOWIO - WOWIO is an online destination that provides users with the opportunity to share and consume digital media content, such as eComics and eBooks, while providing revenue generating opportunities for creators and publishers through advertising and merchandising programs. WOWIO, Inc. is an Alliance Acquisitions, Inc. portfolio company headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
blog comments powered by Disqus


text:
The Thurston County economy received another example of slow growth as taxable retail sales in the fourth quarter of 2012 eked a tiny gain, rising 0.79 percent from the same period in 2011, according to new state Department of Revenue data.
Although retail sales grew less than one percent in the period, it improved from the fourth quarter of 2011 when retail sales fell 2.5 percent, though it wasn’t as good as the fourth quarter of 2010 when retail sales rose 5.3 percent.
Here are the overall retail results for the county and its largest cities in the year-over-year fourth-quarter period:
• Thurston County: Rose 0.79 percent to $1 billion from $995.3 million.
• Olympia: Fell 0.82 percent to $450 million from $453.7 million.
• Lacey: Rose 1.19 percent to $248.6 million from $245.6 million.
• Tumwater: Rose 5.59 percent to $118.7 million from $112.4 million.
• Yelm: Rose 10.4 percent to $42.9 million from $38.8 million.
Olympia continues to generate the lion’s share of retail sales in the county. But in percentage growth terms, Tumwater continues to be a bright spot, although its retail sales growth cooled from the third quarter when it rose 20 percent.
Yelm, too, had a good fourth quarter with retail sales rising by double digits.
The state Department of Revenue also releases a separate category of retail sales known as “retail trade,” considered a better measure of consumer spending.
Here are the retail trade numbers for the county and its largest cities in the same year-over-year fourth-quarter period:
• Thurston County: Rose 4.12 percent to $547.4 million from $525.8 million.
• Olympia: Rose 3.1 percent to $245.8 million from $238.4 million.
• Lacey: Rose 4.7 percent to $158.9 million from $151.7 million.
• Tumwater: Rose 7.3 percent to $65.9 million from $61.4 million.
• Yelm: Rose 3.38 percent to $26.1 million from $25.2 million.
A closer look at the city-specific data show that retail sales generated by sales of new and used autos rose 11.7 percent in Olympia in the year-over-year period, while construction in the city fell 17 percent. Construction in Lacey was weaker by 16.4 percent, while retail sales generated by general merchandise stores rose 3.8 percent, the year-over-year data show.
Tumwater benefited from a 5 percent increase in retail sales generated by construction and a 7.7 percent rise in retail sales generated by general merchandise stores.
Once again retail sales generated by sales of electronics and appliances, likely because of the concentration of retailers in the Trosper Road/Littlerock Road area of Tumwater, jumped considerably, rising 57.4 percent, the year-over-year data show.
Note: Percentage figures might be slightly different from state Department of Revenue calculations due to rounding.
Thurston County fourth-quarter retail sales results since 2007
2012: Rose 0.79 percent
2011: Fell 2.5 percent
2010: Rose 5.3 percent
2009: Fell 1.6 percent
2008: Fell 10.6 percent
2007: Rose 6.55 percentSource: Department of Revenue Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403 firstname.lastname@example.org theolympian.com/bizblog


text:
U.S., May 12, 2020 (CANNABIS % TECH TODAY)- Higher education is one of the industries hit hardest by COVID-19. Colleges and universities across the U.S. are bleeding revenue, as they’re forced to furlough employees and send students home. Now, online courses have become the norm for most institutions, but many colleges aren’t designed or prepared to handle online coursework at this scale.
While colleges struggle to get through this pandemic and its imminent lasting effects, higher education is tasked to discover succeeding industries that will support the success of students and institutions in an emerging downturn economy.
As you may know, cannabis is currently considered an essential business during COVID-19 in most legal states. The industry has been thriving since the onset of the pandemic, with cannabis sales in some U.S. regions pushing 117 percent higher than average.
Cannabis is one of the few booming industries right now whose success can jumpstart the careers of students and offer a new revenue stream for universities. Here is why and how universities across the country can affectively get involved in the cannabis industry during this pandemic.
Cannabis is Succeeding in COVID-19
Despite how incredibly fear-filled these times have been, cannabis is one industry that’s continued to surge during the pandemic. States from California to New Jersey ordered shelter-in-place, closing thousands of businesses, yet they deemed cannabis dispensaries as essential because the demand from customers was so high.
Whether for medical use or as a means to relax in these terrifying times, cannabis is helping Americans get through this crisis. Becoming a part of a burgeoning industry during this pandemic can only lead universities to strategic success, not loss.
Cannabis Touches All Industries
Believe it or not, the cannabis industry is much bigger than just cultivation, manufacturing, and retail sales of products. You’d be shocked to discover that cannabis touches so many different industries, such as medical, legal, beauty, finance, consulting, accounting, technology, entertainment and that list goes on.
Because of that, professionals in all sorts of different industries are interested in cannabis. People seeking further education, whether a lawyer, doctor or business professional, can see strategic career benefits to adding cannabis to their curriculums, especially as it becomes more mainstream in our society. An education on cannabis will go a long way and will set any aspiring professional ahead in their respective field.
Easy Way to Generate Much Needed Revenue
Universities are at a loss right now. With students moving off campus, millions spent on dormitories and other amenities are being completely refunded. Schools have employees to account for as well that go beyond just professors. Facilities management, residence life employees, cafeteria workers and so on are at risk of being furloughed and receiving exorbitant pay cuts, that is if they haven’t already.
The cannabis industry on the other hand is gaining momentum, and students see that. Implementing a cannabis curriculum has the opportunity to increase student interest, and, as you’ll read in a moment, is pretty easy to incorporate into existing coursework.
Online Curriculums for Cannabis Already Exist
Unlike all the courses professors now need to rework toward an online curriculum, there’s a multitude of online cannabis courses that already exist with pre-built curriculums. The best part? It’s not hard to partner and start working with online cannabis education platforms with so many resources out there.
While the future of our world is still so unclear and millions of Americans are struggling to make it, it’s our job as businesses and people, to come together in these dark days. Through integrating cannabis curriculums, colleges and universities can take one step toward improving the future of education which will carry past this pandemic.


text:
On the evening of April 2, the crypto exchange Binance officially announced the acquisition of the cryptocurrency market data website CoinMarketCap (CMC). Subsequently, BrandMarket Chez, founder of CoinMarketCap, also published a blog post on the CMC official website today, announcing that he will step down as CEO, and that the current chief strategy officer Carylyne Chan will serve as interim CEO.
What is the deep meaning behind Binance's move to spend huge sums of money to acquire market sites? As a quote website, CMC was acquired by the head exchange, how to maintain data neutrality? What changes will happen to CMC's business model in the future?
At 3 pm on April 16, CoinMarketCap interim CEO Carylyne Chan was the guest chain node AMA. Welcome to watch & ask https://www.chainnode.com/ama/421952


text:
A man from Russia has filed a lawsuit against the creator of “Fallout: 4” for making the game too addictive that he lost his job and wife after playing for two weeks straight.
We compiled five of the best games released this year.
"Fallout 4" gamers will surely want to step up their game in this recently released game from Bethesda Game Studios.
Consiga dos boletos por el precio de uno con el código OBWW2018.
The superhero movie "Deadpool" has crushed box-office records despite the restricted rating (Rated R) given to the film.
This was the first time in their 52 years in the industry to reveal three cover girls.


text:
Samsung’s advertising has been pretty aggressive, especially against rival Apple. They even mocked the infamous long lines of people queuing to grab their next iGadget. Samsung Australia actually pulled a stunt where they offered Galaxy S II phones for $2 right outside of Apple’s store. So, when a video of a flashmob waiving signs and chanting “Wake up!” showed up in front of an Australian Apple store, everyone (including us) jumped to the assumption that it was the South Korean company that organized it.
Except now Samsung Australia is denying that they had anything to do with it.
So, who was behind it? That’s not clear – there are plenty of companies and groups of people that have a bone to pick with Apple. There are various speculation about who did it (like RIM, for instance), but at this point there’s no solid evidence to point the finger at anyone.


text:
Shake-up for investment selling
THE financial regulator is to launch a major publicity drive to help consumers understand a proposed shake-up in the way pensions and investments are sold. The overhaul, which has been criticised by consumer groups and financial advisers for being too confusing, comes in the wake of a raft of mis-selling scandals surrounding pensions, endowments and specialist 'zero' investment trusts.
The Consumers' Association said the changes 'missed the point'. 'These proposals don't address the real problems in the financial services industry,' said Mick McAteer, senior policy adviser. 'Instead they will introduce more confusion in an already complex market under the guise of more choice.'
The Financial Services Authority, which has outlined detailed proposals in a consultation document, said they may not take effect until early next year. The City watchdog is waiting for results of a separate consultation on whether independent financial advisers' fees should be capped.
Under the present 'polarised' system, set up in 1988, would-be investors choose to take advice from a tied agent, who works for and sells the products of only one company, or from an independent financial adviser, who can recommend products from across the board. IFAs either receive a flat hourly fee or, more commonly, pick up commission from the provider of the products they sell - this has led to criticism that the advice cannot be entirely impartial as variable commissions may steer advisers to certain providers.
The FSA's original plan was to bar IFAs from calling themselves 'independent' if they accepted commission. However, the proposal was dropped in November. Under a revised proposal, a 'menu' system, which will display the cost of the advice and payment options, including a fee, a commission payment or a combination of the two, will be shown to clients. Also, banks and building societies will be able to let their salesmen sell investments and pensions products offered by their rivals.
The Association of Independent Financial Advisers said polarisation has given 'clarity' and that some elements of the new system would cause confusion. IFA Promotion, another trade body, warned documents declaring commission and fees may be overlooked. 'People need to know how to tell the difference between types of advice,' said chief executive David Elms, 'and this will be the true test of success for the FSA's proposals.'
A further rule, that has prevented a firm of IFAs selling products of companies that own more than a 10% stake in their company, will be scrapped. It has also led to a rush of large providers snapping up IFAs to ensure they are best placed to benefit when the new rule takes effect. Aegon, the Dutch insurer that owns Scottish Equitable, bought three IFA firms last year. Barclays, Bristol & West and Bradford & Bingley already own large IFA firms or networks. The consolidation has sparked fears that IFA owners could lean on staff to push their products, although the FSA says safeguards will be in place.
The FSA intends to publish the changes through campaigns with Citizens Advice Bureaux and Post Offices, backed up with leaflets and press coverage. The Consumers' Association, a Pressure group which has expressed concern at the proposals, is due to publish a response.
Most watched Money videos
- Nissan creates electric Newbird using battery from a Leaf EV
- Bitcoin and crypto demystified: Part one
- New Nissan concept car uses same powertrain as family-designed SUV
- Renault show off AIR4 retro drone version of Renault 4 without wheels
- Citroen unveil doorless beach buggy designed for adventure
- Stunning 1955 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta is sold for £5.2 million
- Renault unveils retro drone based on classic 4 for 60th anniversary
- A look into the extremely rare 1962 Ferrari 268 SP classic car
- Renault Zoe scores zero stars in crash tests after airbag removed
- Rare 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione sold for £5.6million
- Bitcoin and crypto demystified: Part two
- Incredible Lewis Hamilton's GP winning McLaren sold at auction


text:
De Negris Vs ABM Consortium PGI: clashes at the top. In the last articles, we have talked about of the European Union Court of Justice’s judgment and the new nomination of Armando De Nigris as Advisor of the European Commission for Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. Today we would like to inform you about what is going among the parts mentioned above.
Armando De Nigris is the President of De Nigris Group, the leader company of the Balsamic Vinegar production. He has got a different opinion from the Consortium for the Protection of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI. During the last few days, the European Union Court has sanctioned that the words “Vinegar” and “Balsamic” can be used by all the producers not only from Modena.
The accusations are directed at the Consortium. De Negris said that the redress action against the German Company Balema GmbH was a failure. The Consortium was not able to protect the Balsamic Vinegar PGI and the Modenese producers. Companies as the Acetum, have invested a lot of money during the last period. They were sure that the law protected the name of Balsamic Vinegar.
De Nigris believes also that this action will hurt the Balsamic Modena producers. The possibility to use the name Balsamic and Vinegar will be exploited by the big companies in the food sector. These companies will make products with similar names that will confuse the consumer on the identity of the original product.
De Negris Vs ABM Consortium PGI: is not ending now.
The president wants to deepen the reasons why the Consortium has made this choice. He truly believes that the Consortium is responsible. De Negris wants also to quantify the amount of damage in economics terms. Probably, a lot of local companies will be affected.
Make sure to follow our Blog for the news about this dispute.
See you soon.
Greetings from Modena.


text:
January 10, 2022
The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), Sayville, N.Y., has announced the election of Birdley James of Miller Zell to its Board of Directors.
James is the SGP/EHS Coordinator and Compliance Manager and leads Miller Zell’s sustainability efforts. His responsibilities include expanding recycling initiatives, overseeing sustainability program compliance, SGP certification requirements, environmental and safety compliance audits, environmental safety processes and procedures and safety training.
“I believe that education, responsibility and ownership should be a key component to every printer’s business approach,” says James. “SGP practices offer guidance and truly support those fundamentals allowing companies to realize their real potential. In return, we are all given a better and brighter tomorrow!”
Previously, James served on the SGP committee that created the SGP Sustainability Champion award program.
SGP certification recognizes top sustainability leaders in the printing industry who complete the rigorous certification requirements and comprehensive facility audit evaluating the three areas of sustainability – people, planet, and profit, according to the organization. Click here for information. — D.S.
June 2, 2023 | Industry
SIIWII, New York, has launched its global apparel B2B network and social collaborative marketplace platform, which vertically covers the apparel supply chain, connecting factories, sellers, and buyers from around the world.
May 30, 2023 | Industry
ROQ.US will be launching the new ROQ.US Florida-based warehouse with the first-ever, official #ROQFEST, featuring the debut of the School of ROQ at the ROQ.US Tech Center.
May 25, 2023 | Industry
Next Level Apparel (NLA), Los Angeles, has premiered a new product line that promises a perfect, sustainable fit for consumers and the environment.