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Tag: max factor
She's their first local ambassador!
Filipina beauty has done its magic yet again! Another global makeup brand adds one of our very own to their roster of endorsers. Max Factor Philippines has hailed Jennylyn Mercado as their first local ambassador, making her the banner star for their newest campaign.You
Ready for a haul?
Seasons may change, but the importance of lipstick never will. The summer heat doesn't cause lipstick to melt off, making it our last line of defense to looking alive in the blistering heat. And to level up your look further, choose the
Because we fashion folk like to party...hard.
After a night of boozing and schmoozing, one needs adequate time and supplies for a day's convalescence. Since there ain't no party like a Preview party, we decided to help our guests by gifting them with a recovery kit at the end
For the breast cancer awareness month, our celebrities took the battle to the beauty department.
October is already nearing its end, but the campaign against breast cancer is a lot more than just a month-long advocacy. We're happy to see the celebs looking busy as they do their part to help raise awareness on important matters. And
Because back then, it was all yellow.
In honor of celebrating the People Power Revolution, we’re starting today with a sunny bouquet of yellow. Though a challenging color to sport, we’ve rounded up five easy-to-use yellow makeup products to help make today brighter. So put down your purples and
We celebrate 10 stalker-friendly years by sporting the signature blue hue.
Happy 10th Birthday, Facebook! In honor of the creation of Mark Zuckerberg’s social media machine, we’ve decided to sport the ever popular Facebook blue on our lids and hair. And, don’t worry, we’ve left the ‘80s references back in that era, our
Bobby inks a deal to be the brand's new Chief Makeup Artist.
Dubbed the makeup for makeup artists, it was only fitting that Max Factor recently named top craftsman in the field, Bobby Carlos as their resident Chief Makeup Artist. Of the new title, Bobby says, “I’m very honored and thrilled to be part


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Apple has unveiled its new line up on iPhones, watches and a brand-new streaming service. The new top model 'iPhone 11 Pro' will have three camera lenses, a redesigned glass b...
Apple has unveiled its new line up on iPhones, watches and a brand-new streaming service. The new top model 'iPhone 11 Pro' will have three camera lenses, a redesigned glass back and a 'slow motion' selfie feature. Apple announced the battery in the new flagship phone will last four hours longer than last year's model. The new phones and watch will be released next Friday. Image: AP
Apple has been forced to rush out an update to the latest version of its iOS operating system after bugs left users with a number of problems, including one that could allow hackers to access contacts on locked phones.
The new operating system launched alongside the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro phones last week, bringing a new dark mode, redesigned Photos app, and security features reflecting the company’s recent focus on privacy.
New iPhones have iOS 13 installed out of the box, while users with an iPhone 6S or newer can download it, but if you haven’t updated yet you might want to wait a few days anyway.
Already a second update is on the way to add new features and address a number of flaws that made their way into the final version of the new operating system.
RELATED: Upgrade if you have this iPhone
Many bugs had already been discovered in publicly released beta versions of iOS 13, including one that left users vulnerable to a hack that could see their contacts exposed, which Apple has known about since July.
The flaw was discovered by security researcher Jose Rodriguez, who reported it to Apple in July before posting a video of the hack on his YouTube channel earlier this month.
The video shows how hackers can access contacts by initiating a FaceTime call, rejecting it on the target device with a message response, then using Siri’s voiceover function to bypass a passcode or biometric verification.
The security flaw exposes contact details, including addresses and phone numbers, but it does require hackers to have uninterrupted access to the device and can’t be triggered remotely.
Apple had originally planned to release iOS 13.1 on September 30, but it has been moved up to tomorrow.
Time zone differences mean features might not start rolling out to Australian users until Wednesday.
Users who have updated to iOS 13 have already been reporting problems, including apps randomly crashing and the keyboard disappearing.
Running into several bugs already on iPhone 11 and 11 pro Max, I think it’s related to iOS 13. General unresponsive apps and couple crashes here and there. 13.1 official is needed 👌🏻#iPhone11ProMax #apple— Nick Ackerman (@_Nick_Ackerman) September 21, 2019
my whole keyboard transparent 😂😂 this iOS 13 bug needs to be fixed soon pic.twitter.com/u5m7hQNAEA— a m t (@mariexalexis) September 22, 2019
@MacRumors did you guys notice any bugs after updating to iOS 13. When you go to photos and you trying to scroll all the up, the app just crashes. Have you noticed anything like that? pic.twitter.com/zLtGYf6ZzB— 🧸Jeremy (@itsmejeremy__) September 22, 2019
According to The Verge, iOS 13 is also littered with bugs causing dropped cell signals, a slowed down camera that gives photos the wrong date, and problems sharing files via AirDrop.
System updates have a spotted history for causing devices to slow down, leading to accusations of planned obsolescence targeted at getting users to upgrade to a newer device.
Last year, Italian authorities fined Apple and rival smartphone maker Samsung €5 million ($A8.1 million) each after finding the pair “implemented dishonest commercial practices” by failing to warn users about the performance impacts before they upgraded.
Apple was also fined a further €5 million for not giving consumers enough information about how to maintain and replace their phone’s battery.
The company confessed in 2017 that it does slow down older phones by throttling their processor power to preserve battery, but argued the feature was designed to extend the life of older devices rather than prompt users to upgrade.
RELATED: Bizarre phobia linked to new iPhone
A similar throttling feature is coming to last year’s iPhone XR and XS models with iOS 13.1, but the throttling is now optional and Apple is more upfront about when it is active.
Apple has included more advanced power monitoring hardware beginning with the iPhone 8 to help limit the need for performance throttling and maintain battery health.
The iPhone 11 models have a number of new features designed to make batteries last longer, including an option that uses machine learning to adapt to your routine and prevents fully charging your phone until shortly before you normally wake up and unplug it.
Will you be waiting before updating to iOS 13? Let us know in the comments

domain: news


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News by Micah Bartos on Wednesday October 28, 2015.
|Sponsored links, if any, appear in green.|
Huawei is continue to enhance its position in the smartphone market. The Chinese company is currently locked in a fight for third place in the market against the likes of Xiaomi, Lenovo/Motorola, and LG. Huawei's third quarter shipments suggest that company may be the front runner to take that third position at the end of this year.Far more pleasing than market position will be the actual sales figures, which are impressive. Huawei moved some 27.4 million smartphone units for the third quarter running June 1 to September 30, which equates to a not too shabby 68 per cent rise on the same time in 2014. That number has been achieved through strong sales of the Mate 7, P7 and P8, while in the fourth quarter sales may be enhanced further by the arrival of the Nexus 6P, which Huawei built. Huawei it going to destroy last year's overall sales numbers as the company has already topped 75 million smartphone sales in 2015 and is likely to crack 100 million by the close of the year.


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I got got it weeeeeeeeeeeeee:
HP returns to WebOS tablets
Mar 28, 2013 (Menafn - Bangkok Post - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --Hewlett-Packard (HP), the world's biggest computer maker, has resumed development of WebOS-based tablets in Thailand to capitalise on the high-growth segment and boost revenue.
WebOS is a Linux-based operating system developed by Palm and later acquired by HP and then LG Electronics.
HP terminated its WebOS TouchPad tablet in 2011 due to slow sales. The US giant plans to launch its Android-based consumer tablet, the Slate 7, in Thailand by September at US169.
Taiwanese computer makers Acer and Asus recently launched low-cost tablets priced at 3,900 and 4,900 baht.
Thitaphon Boonprasit, director of printing and personal systems at HP Thailand, said the company is focusing on tablets as a strategic business to drive revenue growth.
Tablet sales in Thailand are expected to reach 3.5 million units this year, he said, while the local notebook market will probably see a slump or 5% growth in the best case.
HP is introducing its ElitePad 900, running the Windows 8 operating system and priced at 25,990 baht.
"We aim to be the market leader in the enterprise tablet market in Thailand," said Mr Thitaphon.
He noted the trend of businesses choosing tablets instead of notebooks as employees increasingly carry their own personal devices to work _ as many as 21% of workers at multinational firms, surveys show.
HP is targeting hospitality, health care, airlines, manufacturing and warehouses, said Mr Thitaphon.
One market research firm has said Thailand's commercial notebook market will see zero growth this year for the first time.
Commercial notebooks account for 25-30% of overall sales of 2.2 million notebooks in the country.
Mr Thitaphon said HP expects commercial tablet sales to contribute 70% of total revenue this year, with the remainder to come from consumer tablets.


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As Apple celebrates Earth Day
Today, the Russian Communists celebrate the birth of the leader of the world proletariat and the whole planet celebrates the day reminding us about how important it is to take care of our home planet. Apple takes an active part in this action, because, as once said Tim cook, “our goal is to leave this planet better than we found it”.
On this occasion, the leaves of “apples” on the Apple Store was colored in green, while the company also distributed a special Wallpaper dedicated to the promotion. If you haven’t done so already, suggest that you follow this link. Of course, on the company’s official website also has a special section in which Apple shows off contribution to the preservation of the environment of the planet.
In addition, the company has released on its official YouTube channel a special video in which in the form of correspondence iMessage told that its data centre in North Carolina runs completely on renewable energy. This means sending messages and emoticons to your friends, you, according to Apple, demonstrate the planet your love.
Finally, the App Store has opened a special section called “For the good of the Earth.” This section presents a special version of the apps and games that have received holiday content. Let’s hope that this day will not be in vain, and care about the environment will get the attention that she hears. As Apple said in one of his materials, “Among our ideas, copying other companies, we would only be welcomed”. Perhaps better not say.


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CryptoLogic, a leading software development company for the online gaming
December 13, 2007, 10:51 am (11 years ago)
CryptoLogic, a leading software development company for the online gaming industry has recently provided a new casino on the gaming site of the World Poker tour. The software is said to be customized to match the atmosphere that gamers dedicated to the WPT have come to expect. CryptoLogic is anticipated to be the only provider for the new casino site. This comes after an agreement between CryptoLogic’s solely owned subsidiary, WagerLogic Ltd, and the WPT site itself. The deal has led to WPT becoming the most recent major brand to join the CryptoLogic customer base. Other clients of CryptoLogic include InterCasino, William Hill, Littlewoods, and Playboy.
The site is set to feature ten of CryptoLogic’s more popular games, which include Millionaire’s Club, the progressive jackpot slot game that has most recently paid out more than $8 Million and $4 Million, to make it the provider of the two heftiest jackpots in the online gaming industry’s history. Also included in the game line-up will be Hulk and Thor in Marvel jackpot slots, and the very popular Cubis and Bejeweled slots.
Steven Lipscomb, President, Founder, and Chief Executive Office for World Trade Poker Enterprises recently stated that “CryptoLogic’s poker software has been extremely popular with our customers and by adding some of the Internet’s most popular casino games, the player’s experience at WPT will be second to none.”
The collaboration of two such widely known companies will no doubt lend excitement and mass profit to the online gaming industry worldwide.


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(NAPSI)--If you've paid attention to the recent release of "Star Wars," you've
probably heard something about the backlash that toymaker Hasbro received from the omission of Rey in the first wave of action figures on shelf in time for the holidays. So disappointed were consumers, in fact, that #WheresRey was born. Even director J.J. Abrams piped in, calling it "preposterous."
But the absence of strong female characters on the action figure aisle isn't something new, unfortunately. In toys, the action figure category is 95 percent male dominated. So traditionally, girls have also been underserved in this area. But is that because, until now, no one has ever really given girls a fair shot?
Girls have always been big business in the $5 billion fashion doll category. But the truth is, girls are interested in more than just shoes.
But now manufacturers of toys and other consumer products are hoping that the HER-oes in recent years like Katniss of "The Hunger Games," Marvel's Agent Carter and recent powerhouse Jessica Jones can help to break down that man-of-steel retail door for girls.
A new female superhero is now on the scene: Ladybug of "Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir," the newly minted series currently airing on Nickelodeon in the United States. Young girls can get into the action--in a way that traditionally leans to boys.
Filled with action, comedy and adventure, "Miraculous: Ladybug" is authentic and aspirational--a story of today's modern everygirl superhero who comes to life. The series, about a young girl who taps into her superhero powers and innocent optimism to save Paris from the evil Hawk Moth, will no doubt inspire today's youth to try to save the day, each and every day in their own way.
Bandai, one of the world's largest toy manufacturers (makers of Power Rangers action figures), is introducing an assortment of toys centered on aspirational action play, transformation and, of course, friendship. Arriving on shelves this fall, the Miraculous line includes the first-ever action figures designed specifically for girls with other products to support, like transformational role-play and plush pets.
"Mysticons," headed for Nickelodeon and powered by toy heavy-hitter Playmates, follows the story of four girls who are transformed into legendary warriors and undertake a quest to find a magic tome called the Codex. Slated for a global debut in 2017, these ladies are looking to kick serious retail butt.
Other dames on the horizon include classics from DC, now DC Super Hero Girls. The team includes the likes of Wonder Woman, Supergirl (also the star of a live-action prime-time show currently on CBS), Batgirl and Harley Quinn, with Mattel on board for toys.
And well loved by millennials, Cartoon Network's Powerpuff Girls are back and badder than ever. Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles will again be saving the world from monsters and a few other gross things.
Even the iconic "Ghostbusters" franchise from Sony is jumping on the girl power bandwagon with an all-female Ghostbusters team led by XX-chromosome all-stars Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy. With the largest toy company in the world, Mattel, taking the helm on toys, the public's fervor for the reboot seems to be near-supernatural.
With all these new properties, in pure female form, these characters work collaboratively and creatively to solve problems and save the day. You go, girl!


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Note from BW of Brazil: In my ongoing analysis of the situation of Afro-Brazilians, I can confirm that there are and have always been a number of excuses that people and businesses use to excuse their treatment of this parcel of the population. When the topic is media and advertising, for example, black activists have long challenged these industries in relation to the low numbers of blacks presented TV and film productions, magazine covers, commercials, and ad campaigns. When these industries are challenged, that’s when the excuses start. “White women won’t buy a product if the girl in the ad is black”, they say. If there aren’t enough whites in a movie, a film production is at risk of becoming a ghetto, they say. For these and other reasons, it’s a must that black Brazilians, both as entrepreneurs and consumers, must begin to support their own and understanding the power of their purchases. If both sides begin to respect each other there won’t be a necessity of always needing acceptance from certain sectors of society that don’t and will never accept the black presence on equal footing. We have been seeing this slow awakening in movements such as Black Money and the rising awareness of the black consumer. It’s not a solution that’s going to happen overnight, but it’s necessary to take this dialogue and information to everyday people and with the existence of video platforms such as YouTube and the spreading of information through social networks, seminars of experiences of black entrepreneurs such as the one below can continue this process of economic education and empowerment.
Black entrepreneurs share their experiences in a round table
Courtesy of Correio 24 Horas
“Afroinovação” (Afro-innovation) event was held at Salvador, Bahia airport, last Monday (26)
When she was in the process of learning her craft, the makeup artist Maili Santos, creator of Studio Móvel, a makeup business for black women, found it difficult to find tutorials for dark-skinned women. When she came across a room full of models with white skin and light-colored eyes during a course, she heard from the teacher that “mulher preta não vende” (the black woman doesn’t sell). Outraged, she left the room determined to make up not the models, but her sisters. This was the first step for her business.
Just as the search for representation motivated Maili, there are other similar cases of success in Salvador. Entrepreneurs Najara Black of the N Black brand, Jacqueline Bastos of Abebê Cosmeticos Artesanais, and Cecília Cadile, one of the members of the Instituto Matamba, also saw entrepreneurship targeted at the African-descent public as an outlet for survival. They shared their experiences at the roundtable “Empreendedorismo Afro e Economia Criativa” (Afro-Entrepreneurship and Creative Economy) on Monday, November 26th during the “Afroinovação” (Afro-innovation) event, an initiative to stimulate new business and celebrate the month of mês da Consciência Negra (Month of Black Consciousness) at the airport in Salvador, Bahia.
It was precisely to give visibility to the creative production made by afrodescendentes (African descendants) that Correio (website/newspaper) has been putting on the black fashion event Afro Fashion Day for four years. The event had its 4th edition held on Saturday (24), at the Museu Du Ritmo. The initiative was presented by the chief editor of the vehicle, Linda Bezerra, who revealed that the event is based on pillars such as Legado Social, Representatividade e Expressão Regional.
“The economy of the future is one that is good for everyone: for those who are promoting, for those who are consuming and for those who are supporting”, said Bezerra, commenting on the contemporaneity of the event.
The roundtable also had the participation of the intellectual and university professor Hélio Santos, director of institutional relations of the Vale do Dendê, partner of the Salvador Airport during the event. He stressed the importance of supporting initiatives in the area. “I think the creative economy, which is what this city breathes, needs to be better engineered, in the sense if taking advantage of talents. Salvador is a talent exporter,” he said, noting that the majority of the population is black.
Afroinovação is part of a series of events promoted by the Salvador Airport in partnership with Vale do Dendê in commemoration of Mês da Consciência Negra. In addition to the roundtable, a talk-show on ethnic tourism also took place.
Still part of the celebrations, the exhibition “Adereços e Luxos do Axé” by the photographer Genilson Coutinho is on display at the airport. The show, which is in the check-in area and in front of domestic boarding, reveals the beauty, charm and syncretism that fascinate Bahians and tourists. Visitation is free.
Salvador Airport CEO Julio Ribas spoke about the importance of promoting debates on the ethnic-racial issue: “Like Martin Luther King, they are people who spread ideas and change the world.”
Source: Correio 24 Horas


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NervGen Pharma Appoints Bill Radvak as Interim CEO
NervGen Pharma (OTCQX:NGENF) notifies that the board and Paul Brennan have mutually agreed that Mr. Brennan will step down as President & CEO and a member of the board, effective immediately. The
NervGen Pharma GAAP EPS of -$0.13
NervGen Pharma press release (OTCQX:NGENF): Q2 GAAP EPS of -$0.13. Cash position enhanced by over $22M.
NervGen Pharma GAAP EPS of -$0.11
NervGen Pharma press release (OTCQX:NGENF): Q1 GAAP EPS of -$0.11.NervGen had cash and investments of $12.8 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to $5.0 million as of March 31, 2021. The net cash
NervGen Pharma gets safety panel nod to advance in phase 1 trial of NVG-291
NervGen Pharma (OTCQX:NGENF) received approval from A safety review committee to advance to the second cohort in the multiple ascending dose (MAD) portion of its phase 1 trial of NVG-291. The company
NervGen Pharma Closes $9.2 Million Bought Deal Financing
10:46 AM EST, 11/12/2021 (MT Newswires) -- NervGen Pharma Corp. (NGEN.V), a clinical-stage biotech company, said Friday that it has completed a $9.2 million bought deal financing. This included the f
NervGen Pharma Upsizes Bought Deal Financing; Falls 11.1%
01:51 PM EDT, 11/05/2021 (MT Newswires) -- NervGen Pharma Corp., (NGEN.V), a clinical-stage biotech company, said Friday that it has increased the size of its $5 million bought deal offering. Under t
Industrial Alliance Initiates Coverage On NervGen Pharma with Speculative Buy Rating, Announces Price Target of $6
Industrial Alliance initiates coverage on NervGen Pharma (OTC:NGENF) with a Speculative Buy rating and announces Price Target of $6.
NervGen Pharma analyst ratings
DateResearch FirmActionCurrentPT 7/13/21Industrial AllianceInitiates Coverage OnSpeculative Buy6.0


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The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid Makes a Compelling Case for Itself
The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid isn’t here so that you can make a big fuss over it. While it might be the first electrically assisted version of the Kia Sorento, this three-row hybrid SUV has more to offer than a fuel-sipping powertrain. Don’t just take our word for it, though. According to Car and Driver, while the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid doesn’t really make a big deal of itself, it is rather compelling.
The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid
At the heart and soul of the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that comes teamed with a 44-kilowatt electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s able to churn out an impressive 227-hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. This year’s model also comes standard with front-wheel drive. Unfortunately, all-wheel drive isn’t an option at this point.
As for its interior? This hybrid doesn’t make any compromises. This year’s Sorento Hybrid boasts second-row captain’s chairs and an easily accessible third-row of seating. It also comes standard with tech-savvy features, including an eight-inch touch screen display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It can also be had with up to eight USB charging ports, which is pretty convenient if you ask me.
You can compare this hybrid to a Volkswagen GTI
But what do the critics have to say about the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid? Well, when it comes to Car and Driver, they couldn’t help but compare it to the Volkswagen GTI. Surprising, right? But the comparison isn’t all that far fetched. Car and Driver reports that the Sorento Hybrid’s combined output comes pretty close to matching that of the 2020 Volkswagen GTI’s. Much like the GTI, Car and Driver says that the 2021 Sorento Hybrid “torments its front tires with torque.”
The main difference between these two vehicles? The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a hybrid SUV that boasts three rows of seating. But all in all? According to Car and Driver, this year’s new Kia Sorento Hybrid is “actually kind of fun.”
Driving the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Fortunately for the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid, driving it is pretty enjoyable too. According to Car and Driver, this hybrid SUV produces plenty of torque off the line and cruises along at highway speeds. Based on its specs, the Sorento Hybrid’s 1.6-liter engine makes 177.2-hp and 195.4 pound-feet of torque from 1500 to 4500 rpm. Meanwhile, its electric motor delivers 60.1-hp and 194.7 pound-feet from zero up to 1600 revs. Overall, Car and Driver reports that such numbers give the 2021 Sorento Hybrid a “low-end grunt” that feels “diesel-like in strength.”
Of course, Car and Driver isn’t the only one to have gotten its hands on the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid. CNET also had the opportunity to take this hybrid SUV out for a spin. According to CNET, this year’s model offers “plenty of get-up-and-go.” CNET found that it was pretty fuel-efficient, too, delivering a combined 34.3 mpg, which isn’t too far off EPA estimates for this year’s model.
Car and Driver pointed out these drawbacks
While the Sorento Hybrid does make a pretty compelling case for itself, there are some drawbacks to be had with this hybrid SUV. It’s only available with front-wheel drive, which can be a deal-breaker for some car shoppers. It also can’t tow very much. But, if you don’t plan on actually using it for towing, then its max tow capacity of 2,000-pounds may not matter all that much to you.
CNET pointed out there’s a slight learning curve to the Sorento Hybrid’s brakes too. CNET reported, “Sometimes they’re smooth and linear. Sometimes they’re super grabby as they capture regenerative energy and send it back into the 1.5-kWh battery. Not a total deal-breaker, but not great, either.”
Should you buy the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid?
All in all, the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid has a lot going for it. It’s fuel-efficient, enjoyable to drive, and comes stocked with tech features. If you find yourself wondering whether or not the new Sorento Hybrid would be a good fit for you, we recommend taking this compelling hybrid out for a spin.


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Nicolas Loufrani is participating in a panel at Europe’s Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit in London on 21 June
Alongside The Point.1888’s founder and CEO Will Stewart and Products of Change founder and CEO Helena Mansell-Stopher, Nicolas will talk about how purpose breeds success, why it’s important to business and customers, what role the licensing industry has to play and what opportunities it can create.
Tell us, who are you and how does your business fit into the licensing eco-system?
I am CEO of the Smiley Company.
We’re a licensing company, which means we exist by co-creating with our brand partners and retail partners. We have products across 14 different categories including fashion and accessories, beauty, home decor but also publishing, food and beverages. We work with the biggest and best global and local partners to spread happiness through unique and engaging co-creations with a positive marketing message. Our vision is to focus on innovation, creativity and a unique approach to every partner in order to create truly interesting and inspirational products.
What is the biggest challenge for the licensing industry right now?
Well, if I speak about challenges linked to my panel at B&LIS, you have to understand that the purpose of the licensing industry is to constantly create new pop culture trends. What people in our industry want is to ensure new generations of kids and teens will like new cartoons, new movies, new pop stars, new global events so you can sell new products that will be outdated as soon as possible and you can sell something else. It is an industry based on novelty, which is the opposite of sustainability. And you also have evergreens like us obviously who could be seen as sustainable as long as people only buy them second hand. You don’t need to buy a new Barbie doll when there are hundreds of millions of used ones, you don’t need a new Lego set when billions of bricks are already in existence and you don’t need a new Smiley t-shirt when millions are available on vintage platforms. Yet our industry is part of a supply chain that makes billions of people on earth have a job in various industries and sustain their families. The only way we can reconcile those opposite issues is by creating the standards to maintain those jobs we need to survive while respecting the environment we need to survive.
And this ties neatly into your B&LIS session which discusses how purpose breeds success? Tell us more about that and about the role that the licensing industry has to play.
Purpose means a lot of things. Right now, there is hype around sustainability, but purposeful IPs have always existed. Sesame Street to me is the best example of a brand that has a real purpose to educate kids and support communities. And, of course, Smiley, whose mission has always been to spread happiness and positive thinking. Many brands are clearly educational, and STEM is also something important with children. We could discuss examples of purposeful IPs in many fields.
How do those tastes differ throughout Europe?
Well, as we know, Europe still has very different cultures and iconic local IPs in every country. And you also have global ones. Same with brands and big retail chains. So, with everything, there is a mix of both a global and a local culture in each country.
Happy Birthday, by the way, please tell us how you are celebrating your 50th anniversary?
Our 50th anniversary is a milestone for us, and we have planned a year-long series of activations and very special brand collaborations. We have spent the past two years working on an amazing anniversary campaign on a scale no other IP has ever reached and that is the result of our creativity and network.
We have opened more than 80 pop up shops with world-leading department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Nordstrom. Within the stores, we feature brand collaborations from 65 major designs and brands, with unique collector products based on the works of art created by André Saraiva. We launched a global street art manifesto for positivity with him in the heart of 10 global cities, which featured a guerrilla fly postering to spread our message of ‘Take The Time To Smile’. This was supported by working with David Guetta to feature the campaign’s posters in his music video.


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Today Square Enix released a ton of gameplay footage of Star Ocean 5: Integrity and Faithlessness, showing off quite a few elements of the game, that is coming out in Japan on March 1st for PS4 and PS3, and some time this year in the west.
This game has shot to one of my most anticipated rpg's this year.
The lack of release date for North America is hurting me so bad. I need this game
Bring the western release date...now!!!
Star Ocean 2 was my very first JRPG back in the day. Though I missed SO4, I'm all excited for SO5!
I hope it gets localized soon
N4G is a community of gamers posting and discussing the latest game news. It’s part of NewsBoiler, a network of social news sites covering today’s pop culture.


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Surprise DRAM maker moves up rankings
June 18, 2010 // Mark LaPedus
In the first quarter of 2010, South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Hynix Semiconductor Inc. together owned more than 50 percent of the fast-expanding DRAM market, according to the rankings from iSuppli Corp.
The big surprise in the rankings: Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Corp. At one time, Powerchip was on the ropes. But amid the upturn, the company's revenue has increased nearly 60 percent during each of the last three quarters. This caused the company’s ranking to rise from sixth place in the fourth quarter of 2009 and from ninth in the first quarter of 2009, according to iSuppli.
Powerchip in the first quarter sold $432 million worth of DRAM, up 80.8 percent from $239 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, and an increase of 1,068 percent from $37 million a year earlier in the first quarter of 2009, according to the firm.
In total, DRAM revenue rose by 8.8 percent in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter, and by 178.1 percent from a year earlier.
With 33 percent share, Samsung remained No. 1 position in the market. The company’s DRAM revenue in the first quarter of 2010 amounted to $3.07 billion, up 10.0 percent from $2.79 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009, and up 169.3 percent from year-ago revenue of $1.14 billion, according to iSuppli.
In second place was Hynix, with revenue for the same period reaching $2.05 billion, up 8.5 percent from $1.89 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009. The company’s revenue for the first quarter of 2010 also reflects a 188.7 percent leap from a mere $716 million during the same time a year ago in 2009, according to the firm.
The rest of the Top 5 included Japanese-based Elpida Memory Inc., with a 17 percent market share; Micron Technology of the United States, with a 15 percent share; and Powerchip Semiconductor, with a 5 percent market share, according to the firm.
Taiwan's Nanya fell to No. 6 in the first quarter of 2010 and had roughly 4 percent market share.
Toshiba considers listing or partial sale of chip business
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Coaticook business on Cuban Trade Mission
Abusiness from the Estrie region, JM Champeau, is part of the Quebec delegation on a trade mission in Havana until September 16th. Also taking part in the mission is Premier Philippe Couillard, Minister of International relations and La Francophonie, Christine St-Pierre, and the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of the Economy, Science and Innovation, Saul Polo. Stanstead resident Harvey Stevens is also attending as a representative of JM Champeau.
“The JM Champeau enterprise has the will and the talent to create partnerships in the domain of consumer goods which will contribute to the economic development of the Estrie. They will also profit from this unique opportunity to target new business possibilities and establish collaborations with Cuban enterprises,” commented the Minister of the Estrie region, Luc Fortin.
“I salute the work accomplished by the team at JM Champeau. This family enterprise situated in the SaintFrancois riding distinguishes itself with avant-garde technologies,” said Saint Francois MNA Guy Hardy.
The Quebec delegation is composed of 43 businesses specializing notably in the construction, tourism, life sciences, communication and information technology and food sectors.
The Quebec delegation on the Cuban trade mission, with Premier Philippe Couillard and Minister Christine Saint-Pierre in the centre.


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LexJet Moves to New Sarasota Offices
“A unique opportunity to design the space to our customers’ needs.”
LexJet has moved its Florida headquarters to new offices in Sarasota. The company’s new office space, located just a block or two from its former headquarters is: 1605 Main Street, Suite 400, Sarasota, FL 34236.
“We had the unique opportunity to design the space to our customers’ needs, which was our number-one priority,” says Art Lambert, LexJet founder and CEO. “Our next and equally important priority was making it as employee-friendly as possible. After all, happy employees mean happy customers.”
“We spent a lot of time and effort searching for this space,” Lambert continues, “and we took advantage of the fact that Florida’s commercial market is down as well as incentives from local, county and state governments. We’ll end up spending less than if we had stayed in our current space.”
The new LexJet offices boast the latest WiFi technologies, including Mediascape digital signage centers that provide real-time delivery tracking and various alert boards to keep the company’s account specialists updated on potential problems, like severe weather, that may affect product delivery.
LexJet CIO Pete Petersen says the new facility t provides the company with other technology advantages as well: “We’re able to wirelessly project any screen from any system in our network so that we can make real-time, informed decisions for our customers. We’ll also upgrade our Cisco phone system platform for smart phone integration. Customer specialists can tie in their smart phones to their extensions so that they’re available anytime, anywhere. It’s really about making technology work for personal, customized support.”


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Volkswagen AG’s (VLKPY) first reaction to its scandal over its over its cheating on diesel emissions is bad news for the company, for Germany and, in turn, for Europe.
VW is the biggest company in the most important sector of Europe’s biggest and healthiest economy. Mechanical engineering is the lifeblood of that economy: Germany’s reputation across the world is upheld by the phenomenal successful of its auto sector. The omnipresent Mercedes, BMWs and Audis on streets from Delaware to Delhi have an incalculable value to thousands of other companies that trade on the “Made in Germany” label.
So it’s vital that VW gets its reaction right. Too much of what has happened in the last week doesn’t look right. At least, not right enough. Assuming that Thursday’s leaks of hirings and firings are correct, the company seems to be hoping that it can appease public opinion by sacrificing a select few scapegoats, while closing ranks around those with ultimate responsibility in the group management and supervisory board.
Consider the resignation of CEO Martin Winterkorn and the (widely-leaked) dismissals of the heads of R&D at the group’s three biggest brands (VW, Audi and Porsche).
A couple of things don’t add up. By firing the tech-heads and (so far) only the tech-heads, the board is making it look like they cooked up a plot amongst themselves, duping everyone involved in finance or marketing. But Winterkorn was responsible for technical issues at group level, and board member Berthold Huber said that the board believed him when he said he knew nothing of it. That doesn’t add up.
Secondly, technicians–especially Germans who are insufferable snobs about product quality–don’t generally sell the public a shoddy product when they know they can make a better one. As the International Council on Clean Technology’s now-famous white paper shows, it’s quite possible to cut diesel emissions down to the levels insisted on by the EPA and its European counterparts. It just costs more.
VW, you’ll remember, was trying to triple its sales in a mature market, the U.S., where it had a massive cost disadvantage due to its lack of local production. Its operating profit margin last year has habitually lagged its peers BMW (8%), Daimler and Toyota (both 10%). There was little financial room for maneuver.
So, it doesn’t seem outrageous to think that commercial pressures, rather than technological constraints, were behind the cheating. But then, that could implicate a much broader circle of management, including all the brand heads and maybe even Hans-Dieter Pötsch, who is now designated to take over as supervisory board chairman after serving 12 years as CFO.
The other not-right thing about VW’s actions to date is the choice of Winterkorn’s successor. Porsche head Matthias Mueller, who’s widely tipped to take over, has worked at the group for the best part of 40 years. It’s impossible to build a career like that without building a network of allegiances and obligations that will hinder any attempt to clean up thoroughly. He owed his place as Audi’s head of product strategy to Winterkorn, and his place as Porsche CEO to Ferdinand Piëch, the ex-board chairman who tried to depose Winterkorn earlier this year. How can he be trusted to expose the full truth?
In mitigation, it should be said that Müller is unlikely to stay around for long–at 63, he’s already said he’s too old to effect the generational change that he says the group needs. Also, with so much at risk, financially and politically (see above), it’s natural for VW to look first to a known quantity who himself knows the sprawling concern inside out.
But there are too many signs that the first instinct of VW, like the banks before it, is to obfuscate and divert attention in order to limit the damage, rather than to face it head on and embrace a painful and humiliating, but quicker and ultimately more complete, cure.
Having watched what happened to Deutsche Bank AG and Siemens AG, it should know better. For Germany’s and for Europe’s sake, let’s hope it does.


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Matson Inc. reported a third-quarter profit of $19.1 million, or 45 cents per diluted share, compared to $8.7 million, or 21 cents per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2011.
Honolulu-based Matson (NYSE: MATX), which spun off from former parent Alexander & Baldwin Inc. (NYSE: ALEX) on June 29, reported revenue of $401.4 million for the quarter, compared to revenue of $380.6 million during the third quarter of 2011.
“We saw continued rate and volume strength in our expedited service from China, continued strong Guam volume and modest volume improvement in our Hawaii trade,” Matson President and CEO Matt Cox said in a statement. “These gains, while encouraging, were largely offset by increased expenses primarily associated with vessel and barge dry-docking during the quarter.”
The company said that ocean transportation revenue increased by 9.1 percent during the quarter due to volume growth created by the exit of Horizon Lines from Guam in late 2011. Guam container volume has increased by 91.2 percent since Horizon Lines left Guam, the company said.
Hawaii container volume increased by 0.8 percent, while the automobile container volume jumped 12.7 percent during the quarter due to rental-car fleet replacements, the company said.


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The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, in many countries while here in the UK those brave enough to venture abroad face a sort of ‘quarantine lottery’ – leave for a holiday in a country deemed ok and, midway through the break away, the UK government, with about 48 hours’ notice, adds said country to its 14-days-quarantine-on-return list, leading to mad scrambles for suddenly expensive air travel home ahead of schedule or completing the scheduled break and negotiating with employers an unscheduled 14-day absence from place of work if you’re unable to telework. On the other hand, the pandemic related news is slowly getting less gloomy and we have recently added a Global pandemic sector recovery briefing, updated regularly throughout the day. Our earlier Daily automotive coronavirus briefing, covering the period 11 March to 19 August, remains available in our extensive archive.
Automakers are rolling out more new subscription services. One of the latest is in India, a product called Maruti Suzuki Subscribe for individuals. The automaker has tied up with Myles Automotive Technologies to launch the product as a pilot project in Hyderabad and Pune. The Subscribe programme offers a new Swift, Dzire, Vitara Brezza and Ertiga from Maruti Suzuki ARENA or a Baleno, Ciaz and XL6 from NEXA for periods of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 months.
Not to be outdone, Geely’s Volvo Cars UK unit launched its own product this week. The Care by Volvo subscription offers a car, service and maintenance, roadside assistance and data services for a single monthly payment. The service expanded nationwide after a regional trial and was pitched as an alternative to leasing or buying. The automaker claimed this product “covers more aspects of car ownership with greater flexibility than any other comparable service currently on the market in the UK”. All Volvo models are available, with a wide range of versions of each car offered. Scheduled servicing, maintenance and repairs, replacement tyres and roadside assistance cover are included. Dedicated customer service teams have been set up to deal with all subscription customer needs.
While giving instructions in our cars is nothing new, putting questions to the likes of Alexa and Cortana while on the road is. Carmakers are fast adopting virtual assistants, confirming that speech is becoming the preferred interface for tomorrow’s cockpit. Forget lucky car charms, Chinese manufacturer Nio has developed a digital assistant in the shape of a dashboard robot that moves to face you when you speak. Continuing just-auto/AIC’s series of interviews, we spoke with Ted Li, developer of the NOMI Mate, to understand more.
Data showed July 2020 was a record-breaking month for electrified vehicle registrations in Europe with volume up 131% year on year to 230,700 – the first time these vehicles were bought by more than 200,00 European consumers in a single month. As a consequence, electrified vehicles accounted for 18% of total registrations in July, far greater than their market share of 7.5% in July 2019, and 5.7% in July 2018. Data for 27 markets showed good news after several months of decline in registrations. July saw the highest monthly volume figures so far this year – this also being the highest since September last year – with the industry registering 1,278,521 new passenger cars, down by only 4% month on month from 2019.
Leading on from that, we just published SMMT data for the August UK new car market and it wasn’t a train wreck, by any means. Sales continued the underlying recovery last month though volume was down 5.8% on last year (which compares with a gain during July). SMMT said just over 87,000 vehicles were registered during what is traditionally the quietest month of the year for new car sales (the registration half-year identifier changed on 1 September so many buyers would have waited for the new ’70’ plates). Zero emission-capable vehicles enjoyed a bumper August as a result of new models going on sale with registrations of plug in hybrids (PHEVs) increasing by 221.1%, although they still only accounted for one in 30 deliveries. Registrations of battery electric cars increased by 77.6%, accounting for 6.4%. However, they made up just 4.9% of registrations year to date, up from 1.1% a year ago, illustrating clearly the scale of the challenge ahead to reach the government target for EVs to take a 70% slice of new car sales by 2030. Overall, though, new car registrations remained down 39.7% YTD, 600,000 units behind August 2019, following the lengthy coronavirus lockdowns (UK is four countries and each has its own rules for COVID-19).
Our resident futurist has been at it again this week and took a look at future Cadillacs – the ELR lasted a little more than two years, too high pricing being the main reason why the brand’s first electrified car was axed in 2016. Now though as battery chemistry advances, General Motors is pushing Cadillac into the era of more affordable models, only this time with full electrification. And apart from the Escalade, change is coming for the marque’s model names too. I guess I can forget any hope of a return to the halcyon 1960s/70s days of oil tanker sized Caddy limos with giant, gas guzzling V8s, marshmallow suspension and every contemporary luxury item, then (oil was cheap back then, environment concern was in its infancy and CO2 was usually mentioned only in chemistry class).
Johnson Matthey, a supplier whose name always brings catalysts to my mind, this week said its new battery materials facility in Konin, Poland had received a combined EUR135m (US$162m) investment from two development banks. The joint financing comprised a EUR90m loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and a EUR45m loan from KfW IPEX-Bank. The Konin site will produce cathode materials for electric car batteries and will become the world’s first production site for eLNO, its line of ultra high energy density next generation cathode battery materials. These are expected to improve the performance of lithium ion batteries and help promote electric vehicle usage on a larger scale. The production capacity will be 10,000 tonnes of eLNO per year, enough for around 100,000 fully electric vehicles. In addition, the site, which will start production in 2022, has the potential to expand tenfold through further investment. Construction of the plant started this year.
More good COVID-19 recovery news: Toyota said this week global sales and production recovered to 90% of previous year’s level in July and that sales were recovering at a ‘faster than expected pace’. Global sales in July were down 12% year on year. The automaker said the recovery was being driven primarily by China (up 19.1%), the US (down 19.0%), Europe (up 14.5%), and Japan (down 17%), and the trend continued toward recovery.
Amazon. Where would we be without ‘One Click Ordering’ eh? The global giant Amazon announced it was adding at least 1,800 electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Vans to its delivery fleet in Europe this year. So you won’t hear ’em coming. The order is Daimler’s largest order of electric vehicles to date, and makes Amazon its “largest sustainable transportation partner worldwide”. Around 1,200 EVs will be the eSprinter. The remaining 600 will be the smaller eVito, “to give delivery service partners operating in geographies that require a smaller-format vehicle access to a zero-emissions delivery option”.
Ford confirmed earlier reports it would cut about 1,000 salaried (white collar) jobs in the US but will actually eliminate 1,400 posts by the end of 2020, a news agency said. The layoffs would be voluntary buyouts, the automaker said in an email to employees. The buyouts would be offered to workers eligible for retirement.
Have a nice weekend.
Graeme Roberts, Deputy Editor, just-auto.com


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CLAXTON, Ga. (WSAV) – Claxton Fruit Cake is one of the leading producers of fruitcakes in the U.S. It started as a family-owned bakery in 1910 and has grown to one of the biggest seasonal employers in Evans County.
Dale Parker, a Vice President with the bakery says family is still at the root of the enterprise.
“It’s still very much a family business. I have two brothers and a sister involved in the business,” Parker said. “Both of my sons work in the business. So it is a family affair.”
Parker says autumn is like Christmas because it’s the height of fruitcake season.
“We begin our baking season in early September and then we will run through the middle of December, during which time we will make between 86 to 90,000 pounds every day,” Parker said, adding the internet now makes fruitcake a four seasons dessert.
“They can buy from us online 24/7,” he said. “We ship cakes out all over the country every day. It’s very important.”
The secret of the success of Claxton Fruit Cake is sticking with the old fashioned formula of putting more fruits and nuts into each cake than cake batter.
“Our cakes are 75 percent choice fruits and nuts by weight. Raisins, pineapple, cherries, lemon and orange peel, pecans, almonds, walnuts, with just enough golden pound cake batter added to hold those fruits and nuts together,” Parker said.
“This is not your run-of-the-mill fruitcake. It is a true gourmet-quality product,” he added.


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A recent report from Gumtree highlights massive growth in circular economy trading, and estimates it could be worth over 48 billion dollars.
It’s time to congratulate the millions of people already dabbling in the circular economy, without even realising it.
What is the circular economy? Our current system inevitably produces waste, following a linear take-make-dispose method of consumption, the global economy generates over 70 billion tonnes of waste annually. The Circular economy aims to eliminate or drastically reduce waste generation through a disruption of our current behaviours, methods and products. The Gumtree report chiefly identifies that by creating sustainable products that can easily be repaired, re-used and then recycled, the circular economy becomes more possible as highlighted in the following infographic.
For more info you can read our article about it here: What is the circular economy?
Trying to implement a new economic system seems scary. But this report highlights how we’re already starting to work in a circular system. We’re getting pretty darn good at it too. Not only do we have platforms like Gumtree, Ebay and facebook marketplace. But there’s a growing number of Buy Nothing local pages too and a growing number of people using them. More companies are adopting a circular mentality as well. Patagonia or Who Gives a Crap being well known examples with younger generations today. But you can also check out these other companies proving their mettle by taking out the prizes at the inaugural Circle Awards.
Gumtree’s report found that in the past year Australians have diverted 110 million items from landfill by giving items a second life. People are turning to the sharing economy both out of a desire for sustainability but also to gain some financial freedom. The report estimates the average Australian stands to make $5300 from unwanted or unused items in their home.
The way Australia consumes is changing. The report highlights that financial responsibility is no longer the main driver behind how we consume, but sustainability and the environmental footprint of items has become an important part of their decision making process. This is heartening, given the need for us to rethink and transform our behaviours for the future of our planet.
Australia is still one of the worst polluters when it comes to ewaste, with the average Australian creating 21.7kg of electronic waste a year, but with a rise in the sharing economy, we can limit this excessive waste and give our items a second or third life.
You can read the report here: Gumtree trading in the circular economy 2021
And tell us what you think about the future of our economy, or share a business who’s taking on the circular model well.


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MORGAN, Britain’s most traditional car maker is set to adopt a practise which has been common amongst mainstream manufacturers for decades – by promising what it calls a “cyclical product enhancement programme”.
Basically that means regular, and possibly annual, updates to its portfolio of traditional sports cars and it starts right now with a suite of upgrades for its Plus Four and Plus Six models.
The updates come following feedback from customers and the motoring press and, says the company, reflect Morgan’s desire to evolve its products and “provide tangible customer benefits”.
Not that the changes are radical. There’s no change to the instantly recognisable Moggie styling other than a redesigned Morgan ‘wings badge’ which has received its first update in more than a decade,
Main improvements include an all-new hood which is designed to improve usability, weather protection and refinement thanks to a revised frame structure that eliminates the requirement for hood rail fasteners and an enhanced seal package around door and sidescreen closures.
Other new features include an optional active sports exhaust system with a choice of polished silver or black tailpipes while inside the car there are reprofiled seats, a new lockable storage compartment – also optional – additional LED interior lighting on the rear bulkhead and a dual USB outlet.
Although the year isn’t even half over, the upgraded models are designated as Model Year 22 and the changes are effective immediately on all new orders.
Says Morgan CEO Steve Morris: “For 112 years Morgan has listened to its customers, offering a bespoke service that has made it famous the world over. Today, that’s as much the case as it ever was, and feedback on the Plus Four and Plus Six has been carefully collated and acted on by our engineering team”.


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Churchill Downs Incorporated has secured a new, definitive agreement with Full House Resorts which will give the green light for them to operate a retail BetAmerica Sportsbook at the Rising Star Casino Resort (“Rising Star”) in Southern Indiana.
As part of the agreement, and pending the approval of its gaming license, Churchill Downs will also be authorized to deploy its BetAmerica online sports wagering platform across the state of Indiana.
“We believe our innovative, state-of-the-art products and deep experience as the leader in online horseracing wagering enable us to introduce a premier sports betting platform in Indiana,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated.
“We look forward to the opportunity to provide our BetAmerica Sportsbook to the residents of Colorado in the future as well.”
Punters will be given the chance to wager nets on major professional sports including the NFL, NHL, MLB and collegiate sports, as well as sporting events happening all over the world via the BetAmerica sportsbook.
The agreement will also allow Churchill Downs to offer retail and online sports wagering under the BetAmerica brand in Colorado utilizing Full House Resorts’ operating license for Bronco Billy’s Casino and Hotel.
This, however, is pending the approval of legislation by Colorado residents as well as the issuance of final regulations, and gaming license approvals.
Colorado is expected to vote on the legislation in November, which will decide whether or not the state will ratify Colorado’s sports betting bill, HB 19-1327.


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Entertainment corporation, Lionsgate has unveiled plans to relocate its international sales headquarters to London.
The London office in Charlotte Street is already home to the entertainment corporation’s UK office.
It has been suggested that the move could be part of Lionsgate’s plans to become a global company.
Lionsgate CEO, Jon Feltheimer, said: “The relocation of our international sales headquarters accelerates our evolution into a truly global organization and brings us closer to our overseas markets.
“The UK government has been an extremely supportive partner in facilitating a move that positions us to capitalize even more fully on tremendous growth opportunities in the global marketplace.”
Lionsgate has already relocated several members of staff from its current Santa Monica office in California. It is currently in the process of hiring more executives to increase headcount in its London office.
The move comes after Lionsgate reported record international revenues in 2013, with the UK arm also achieving revenue and profitability for two years straight.
Praising the move, British Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne said he was delighted that Lionsgate had picked the UK for its headquarters of international sales.
He added: “This is testament that Britain is open for business. As Chancellor I have been determined that we back UK’s brilliant creative industries which is why we have invested in skills and training as well as providing tax relief for films, high-end TV, animation, video games and regional theatre.”
By: Kirsty MacGregor
News bought to you from DeVono Cresa, the award-winning commercial property advisers, specialising in Central London office, retail and leisure space.Share:


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Strike-resistant business, why prevention is better than cure
With the South African ‘strike season’ at its end for some industries, turning the focus on what can be done in terms of risk mitigation during labour strikes is a matter of focusing on prevention rather than cure, according to Grant Marshbank, chief operations officer of supply chain consultants VSc Solutions.
“Few events are as damaging to a business as a labour strike. However, it is possible that with proper planning - by employing disciplines such as forecasting, business process automation and other innovations - the damage that could otherwise have been caused can be very effectively negated,” said Marshbank.
Also, the exercise of planning in order to mitigate this risk could help one’s business run more efficiently all year round – and not just in ‘strike season’.
Marshbank added: “Every year, labour strikes cost the economy millions of Rands in lost business and hampered productivity, not to mention reputational risk as investors lose appetite for doing business in South Africa. Yet, as damaging as a strike can be, there’s no reason that it should be, especially when strikes have become so prevalent as to warrant a moniker. Businesses should prepare themselves.”
With ‘strike season’ having carved out a place in the annual business calendar, no company can say it hasn’t been warned.
“By using Inventory Management and Forecasting Tools, businesses are able to plan their inventory needs based on actual constraints,” said Marshbank.
These tools enable busineses to improve forecast accuracy using advanced algorithms and processes. Also, early warnings of potential stock outs or surplus orders – via SMS and email – allow for interventions that improve customer service.
“Such tools allow one to continuously monitor all the risks inherent in your inventory, and set optimal safety stocks to mitigate risks while still delivering on targets,” he adds.
2. Business continuity
Striking delivery drivers, for example, can severely impact a business. However, by using Planning and Distribution Tools that produce routes for stand-in drivers to follow, it’s possible to get deliveries done, based on an optimised schedule, thanks to technology that offers turn-by-turn navigation.
Marshbank said: “These tools effectively put the power back in the hands of the business owner as people can be engaged to do tasks without on the job knowledge being a critical factor.”
Another benefit of such tools and technology is the ability of owners to tell exactly where a particular delivery is at any time, and even when drivers are making unscheduled stops.
3. Business process automation
Marshbank said: “Business process automation is often painted with a negative brush because it’s seen as reducing headcount and taking the people element out of business processes.”
However, he says the truth is that automation supports administrators and enables them to become more efficient as they have more time to follow up in person on key tasks and queries.
Marshbank added: “Another great advantage of automation is that during strike season, staff can be redeployed to provide support in an area of the business that is severely affected by the strike, without neglecting their own responsibilities.”
“The various tools that are available today effectively enable business continuity despite labour action,” Marshbank concludes. “It’s the responsibility of businesses to make sure that they use them.”


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Congress Bans Ticket-Scalper Tool
Congress just made a major ruling. We have all been in this struggle before, your favorite artist has announced a concert tour and you are so excited to buy tickets. You get online right at 10 a.m. when the concert goes on sale. You open the website, and it's not even 10:01 a.m. and the concert is already SOLD OUT!.
This has happened to me SO many times when trying to see my favorite artists, and I have to turn to 3rd party websites like "StubHub" and spend a lot more money then the original price of the ticket!!
One of the ways scalpers scoop all these tickets so fast are by using something called "BOTS" they are computer robots used to scam the system and quickly get all the available tickets with the purpose of reselling them for a lot more money.
Well according to NPR congress has banned those bots!
""The BOTS Act of 2016 is now on its way to President Obama's desk, after both houses of Congress approved the legislation that seeks to widen access to online ticket sales and foil scalpers who try to corner the market.
The ban applies to ticket sales for any public event that can be attended by 200 or more people; it targets software that routinely defeats attempts by venues to try to limit the number of tickets one buyer can purchase.
The full name of the legislation is the Better Online Ticket Sales Act of 2016. It makes it illegal to circumvent limits on ticket sales — and also makes it illegal for anyone to sell tickets obtained by defeating online ticket sellers' access controls. The law extends to anyone who "knew or should have known that the event tickets were acquired in violation of the federal rule."
What do you think of this decision from Congress? Comment below!


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A woman gets her 20 little friends 20 iPhone, which she sells to buy a house.
A clever woman in China has made a daring turn to raise funds for the purchase of a
His ingenious plan was to ask his 20 little friends to buy him 20 new iPhone 7.
Everyone not aware of the existence of the other and wanting to undoubtedly make the happiness of his sweetheart, bought well the smartphone.
To read also: A woman found alive in a morgue
In the end, she is left with 20 new iPhone that she then resold to have enough money for a installment on a house.
Using the pseudonym Proud Qiaoba, a blogger gave a detailed description of how this plan was carried out by one of his colleagues, nicknamed Xiaoli.
Although the credibility of the story remains to be fully proved, the BBC has reported that it has was able to authenticate the facts.
Proud Qiaoba said she was quite surprised when Xiaoli revealed that she had sold 20 iPhones to a mobile phone recycling plant for $ 17,815 and she then used this money for the deposit of his house.
To read also: First woman mayor of Tunis
"Everyone in the office speaks now," wrote Qiaoba in his blog, reports the BBC
"Who knows what his little friends think now that this news has become public?"
Proud Qiaoba said that Xiaoli did not come from a rich family, so she had to go out the beaten track to raise money for a house
"Her parents are growing old and she could be under great pressure to buy a house for them," she wrote.
See also: The first woman to head the NYSE Stock Exchange
"But it's still amazing that she can use this method."
Following this story, users of the Chinese microblogging site Sina Weibo expressed their admiration for this smart plan.
"I can not even find a boyfriend, she can actually find 20 boyfriends at the same time and even get them to buy him an iPhone 7. I just want to ask him to teach me such skills, "wrote a user. 19659007] Related: A Black Elected Mayor of San Francisco
Not everyone agrees that this is a "shameless" practice.
It is more than likely that Xiaoli is not too upset by the negative comments as she is busy moving into her new nest and juggling her list of 20 boyfriends.


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I offer my congratulation to us all on redefining what success looks like and showing that women entrepreneurs are a force to be reckoned with!
Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) November 24, 2015
PTPA Media is proud to announce that its Founder and CEO Sharon Vinderine has been named the recipient of the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards in the Micro-Business category. Presented by Women of Influence, Sharon was chosen based on her outstanding accomplishments in the entrepreneurial world with her digital marketing and awards company PTPA Media. The prestigious awards recognize the leading female entrepreneurs who have made substantial contributions to the local, Canadian, or the global economy.
Alicia Skalin, Co-CEO and Head of Events and Programming, Women of Influence Inc., praised the winners for their dedication and drive, and for paving the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs.
“We are honoured to recognize the contributions of women entrepreneurs in Canada, helping to inspire new generations of innovators and leaders,” explained Ms. Skalin.
Sharon Vinderine was one of six different award winners celebrated at this year’s awards gala on November 26, following a record-breaking 5,000 nominees from across the country. The Micro-Business Award honours a female entrepreneur & company that proves small businesses can still have great impact, innovation, momentum and more.
“I am truly honored to be amongst these amazing and accomplished winning entrepreneurs. They are an inspiring collection of some of the best and brightest that Canada has to offer and I’m even more proud of the fact that we are all women. I offer my congratulation to us all on redefining what success looks like and showing that women entrepreneurs are a force to be reckoned with,” said Sharon Vinderine.
Today, PTPA Media continues to develop engaging and unique digital marketing services for both entrepreneurs and large scale businesses. During her previous entrepreneurial venture, The Kangaroo Towel, Sharon found that there was a lack of marketing solutions for start-up companies with small budgets. Specifically, there were no affordable award programs that also had a built-in testing, feedback, and marketing component to push her product to households around the world. And so, PTPA Media was born as the solution to Sharon’s entrepreneurial dilemma.
Sharon and PTPA Media have managed hundreds of marketing campaigns for top brand names such as Gerber, Sears, Verizon, The Harlem Globetrotters and Kobo. They offer varying services across social media, television, and other digital platforms to market award-winning products to families.
“We’re constantly innovating and trying new things here at PTPA Headquarters, you have to stay one step ahead of the marketing trends,” says Sharon.
The ultimate goal for Sharon Vinderine and PTPA Media? To continue to create engaging, exciting, and results-driven campaigns for small and large businesses alike.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a year at PTPA and the Micro-Business Award is the perfect way to end it,” says Sharon.
ABOUT PTPA MEDIA
PTPA Media is the marketing and communications arm of Parent Tested Parent Approved™. We are a digital agency focused on Parental Advocacy, Community Building and Digital Communications.
We are a collective of strategic minds, project managers, digital marketers, storytellers, parenting experts, community managers and above all – we are parents, who are passionate about engaging with other parents and putting your products in their hands. For more information, visit http://www.ptpamedia.com
ABOUT THE RBC CANADIAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS
The 2015 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are presented by RBC and sponsors Deloitte, TELUS, The Printing House and PROFIT Magazine and are the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the country’s leading female entrepreneurs. Now in its 23rd year, award recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to, level of innovation, profitability and community impact. For more information, please visit: http://www.womenofinfluence.ca/rbc-cwea
For a complete list of this year’s award winners, visit womenofinfluence.ca/rbc-cwea
ABOUT WOMEN OF INFLUENCE
Women of Influence Inc. is North America’s leading organization dedicated to the advancement of women. It produces and hosts the renowned Deloitte Women of Influence Luncheon Series and the Top 25 Women of Influence, in addition to the publishing the Women of Influence magazine. Women of Influence has a community and reach of 120,000 across North America including Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Waterloo, Ottawa, Montreal, New York City, Washington, DC, London, and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit: http://www.womenofinfluence.ca.


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Phillips-Medisize today unveiled the Aria smart autoinjector platform designed to elevate patient care and reduce environmental impact.
Hudson, Wis.–based Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company, said in a news release that the Aria platform introduces a small, simple smart injection device with a reusable electronic drive unit and single-use, disposable cassettes.
The company designed the Aria autoinjector to mirror the compact size and look and feel of existing disposable autoinjectors with straightforward operation powered by sound and light signals indicating dose progress and completion — and simple sleeve-triggered activation needle safety features.
A recent user study demonstrated that 100% of experienced and novice users completed self-injection without training, while no users lifted the device too early during the injection, the company said.
Phillips-Medisize designed the reusable drive and disposable cassette to help meet sustainability mandates with a greener drug delivery device, reducing the storage required and the waste generated by disposable autoinjectors.
The Aria platform can accommodate both 1 ml and 2.25 ml syringes in a common cassette. It can deliver a wide range of drug viscosities, Phillips-Medisize said, while its drive unit has a three-year lifespan. The device can support drug portfolios of innovator companies and for biosimilars and generics, the company said.
Additionally, Aria includes built-in Bluetooth and optional RFID connectivity to ensure seamless data sharing of time-stamped dosing logs with smartphones, tablets and mobile healthcare apps to promote patient engagement and improve medication adherence.
“With the Aria smart autoinjector, we are disrupting this sector with a game-changing platform that brings the right functionality to market in the right form factor at the right time,” Phillips-Medisize VP of innovation Kevin Deane said in the release. “Our goal from the outset has been to develop an injector that patients love, combining the simplicity of current disposable devices with the superior performance, sustainability and connectivity possible through an electronic, reusable device.”


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In December, Google announced a huge new campus in Hyderabad and now, during Apple CEO Tim Cook's visit to India, the company has announced the formation of a development centre in the city, to focus on digital maps.
In an interview with NDTV's Rajiv Makhni, Telangana Minister for IT, Electronics and Communication KT Rama Rao spoke about the development, and shared his views on other tech issues as well.
"Last May, it was Google who came to Hyderabad, and this summer we have Apple coming in. We inaugurated the Amazon facility. So now, out of the top five most valued technology companies in the world we have four of them setting [up] shop in Hyderabad," the Minister said.
"Google and Apple believe that there are a lot analytical abilities in India, there are a lot of problem solving abilities, great deal of attention to detail," he added, "obviously which will all help in building wonderful maps."
The minister also highlighted the potential for manufacturing and talked about the possibility of a "Make in India" announcement. "I don't think the day is far that'll we'll have an Apple manufacturing facility India," he said. "But with respect to what's going to happen Apple manufacturing in India, I think we'll keep our fingers crossed and let's hope it'll happen sooner than later."
However, at the same time, the Minister was also quite critical of the Union government about the Geospatial Information Regulation Bill. When asked about the bill, he said that the government can do better, and added that policies need to be more pragmatic.
"We could do a lot of things better," he said. "If the Union government takes the states into confidence and especially talks to those states which are proactive in terms of promoting investments, in terms of promoting IT."
"Before we make policies, before we make pronouncements, it's imperative that the Union government talks to the stake holders and specially the states because ultimately we have to be," he added, "when the Prime Minister talks about Making in India and the PM talks about Skilling in India and Digital India - none of these things will happen if we don't have the policies which actually are tailor made to promote them."
On Friday, NDTV will carry out an exclusive interview with Tim Cook where we'll get some more insight into Apple's plans for India, and for Hyderabad. If you have any questions that you would like to ask Apple's CEO, let us know and we'll ask him for you.


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Brighton consultancy MED has been appointed to develop new interiors for the London offices of public relations group Burson Marsteller. A bar and relaxed meeting points will be introduced as part of the project.
The Tiger Tech Covid Plus monitor aims to provide an indication about the presence of the virus within three to five minutes.
The collection features scenes from favourites like Frankenstein and Brave New World, showcasing as a whole the key evolutionary moments of the genre.
The Dutch fashion brand has unveiled a new look and ‘Free Spirit’ concept which will roll out across its new retail spaces.
The collection uses Dick’s sci-fi worlds as inspiration and features illustrations by 24 different creatives from around the world.


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Internet Could 'Exile' Rapper Pitbull to Remote Alaskan Walmart
Miami rapper Pitbull is associated with all things caliente, but an online campaign could soon have him chilling on Kodiak, an Alaskan island.
The chart-topping rapper, who performs in English and Spanish, will visit the Walmart store in the city of Kodiak, if that store's Facebook page has the most "likes."
The idea came about after a writer for The Boston Phoenix newspaper thought it would be funny to send Pitbull - whose real name is Armando Perez - to the most remote Walmart possible.
The Kodiak Walmart has a significant lead in the contest. As of Monday evening, the store had more than 38,000 "likes" on its Facebook page.
But it's not over yet. Walmart spokeswoman Sarah Spencer said other Walmart shoppers have until July 16 to "like" their local stores and pull ahead of Kodiak.
"I know Pitbull is hoping his Miami Walmart shoppers start 'liking' their Facebook page," she said.
That would require some heavy lifting, with one Miami location - in Miami Gardens - registering just 569 "likes" on Monday evening.
"He's definitely coming to Kodiak if Kodiak wins," she said.
Pitbull, who is touring Europe, seems to be amenable.
"Wherever the fans want to have a party, I will be there," he said in an emailed statement sent Monday from Austria.
"Nothing made me happier today than finding out people are trying to send Pitbull to Alaska. God that guy sucks. Count me in!" one Twitter user wrote, while another added: "Hate Pitbull? Want to exile him to Alaska? Read here to find out how!"
Others aren't as open in their dislike of the rapper, but seem to approve of the promotion.
"I don't jump on board with just any idea, but sending Pitbull to the most remote Walmart in America? Yeah, I back that," one wrote, while another tweeted: "This is too hilarious everyone like the fb page."
A girl from Kodiak posted this tweet: "Kodiak, Alaskas zipcode is 99615. please send pitbull here."
Kodiak Island is about 225 miles southwest of Anchorage. It's home to the nation's largest Coast Guard base, and the island is known for its Kodiak brown bear population.
According to the 2010 census, an estimated 6,300 people live in the city of Kodiak.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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The new Podcasts app offers the option of receiving paid audio offers. The group charges up to 30 percent commission for this.
Apple will also offer paid content in the audio sector in the future. The company announced this on its “Spring Loaded” keynote on Tuesday, April 20. In addition, the new Podcasts app, which is to be delivered with iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 and macOS 11.3, will receive new functions – however, it is also conceivable that earlier versions of the application will receive the new subscription feature called “Apple Podcasts Subscriptions”.
Podcasters Have to Pay
According to Apple, the service will enable “Creators” to offer paid podcasts in over 170 countries and regions from May onwards. To do this, they have to participate in the new “Apple Podcasters Program”, which costs US$ 20 a year. Then they can determine prices for their offers, which are then collected monthly or annually – via Apple’s usual Apple ID payment system. A subscription can be distributed to up to six family members using family sharing. There are several methods available to podcasters to measure the success of their content.
Prices can start at 49 US cents per month. According to American media reports, Apple will secure a commission as usual. This starts at 30 percent in the first year of a user’s subscription, from the second year onwards the group approves 15 percent. This model has already been offered to developers for in-app subscriptions. However, it is not planned that podcast producers will have to store these exclusively with Apple. Apple emphasizes, however, that Creators should “differentiate” between the offer at the company and external podcasts sales – for example, in which Apple offers programs with additional content, without advertising or with an earlier publication date.
New Business Models
Apple’s entry into the podcast subscription business is a big step for the group. He himself emphasized on Tuesday that this is the biggest innovation in the podcast area for the company to date. Apple has been in the industry since 2005, initially with a function in iTunes and later with its own app on all of the group’s major platforms. In the industry it is said that Apple still dominates the podcast player market, but competitor Spotify has caught up powerfully.
Apple wants to continue expanding the podcasts app with so-called channels. These are curated offers from suitable podcasts. There should also be “freemium” variants that provide additional content for a fee. There is also an improved search function, new top charts, a “Smart Play” function that should automatically find the next episode and a download feature for saving episodes in the app.


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Swimwear has exhibited resilience in a turbulent economy that’s thwarted even some of fashion’s hardiest players. Although the relatively small swimwear industry isn’t blowing its sportswear counterpart out of the water any time soon, its steadiness speaks to swim vendors’ ability to offer viable product for a variety of consumers. According to research firm The NPD Group, sales of women’s swimwear in the U.S. rose 1.2 percent to $2.67 billion in the May 2007-April 2008 period from the same period a year earlier.
This year’s top 10 shows the range of swimwear’s portfolio — from sporty to stylish — that has made swimsuit assortments alluring despite retail buyers’ cautious approach to building inventory, given fi nancial reservations. And these leading brands have kept chugging along in the face of license shuffling, store consolidation and, of course, the unpredictability of the weather.
The Warnaco Group Inc., which at one time boasted a full basket of swimwear labels, this year whittled its lines down to Speedo and Calvin Klein. Still, Warnaco remains a formidable force in the swim category, as evidenced by Speedo’s top ranking on the list and its $1.3 billion in annual sales for men’s, women’s and kids’ wear, swim accessories and footwear.
This year is shaping up to be another stellar one for Speedo. The brand is celebrating is 80th anniversary and will be showcasing its latest technology at next month’s Summer Olympics in China. The linchpin of that technology is the Fastskin LZR Racer, which has been involved in breaking 38 world records since it was unveiled in February. The Olympics inspired Speedo to promote a patriotic Team Speedo limited edition collection available at SpeedoUSA.com and select retailers. It features jerseys and T-shirts with the names of Speedo-sponsored Olympic athletes, including swimmers Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Natalie Coughlin, and beach volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh.
Nautica has ascended two places on the list to second, even with behind-the-scenes changes. VF Sportswear, a subsidiary of VF Corp., signed a licensing agreement last year with New York-based Mainstream Swimsuits Inc. to manufacture and distribute Nautica swimwear and cover-ups starting with the cruise 2009 season in the U.S., U.K., France, Spain, Mexico and Canada. Previously, Warnaco had produced Nautica.
Nautica’s fortitude is the result of a consistent design aesthetic and a loyal swimwear customer base that has continued to propel the brand for 25 years. Going forward, Mainstream has stayed true to the navy and logo trims that have been the brand’s pedigree, but it is adding gray-silver tones and solid brights to spice up the selection.
Op maintained its position in the third slot. The 36-year-old surf lifestyle junior brand is a healthy performer for Iconix Brand Group Inc., the New York-based company that purchased it in 2006 for $53 million from Warnaco. Industry estimates peg Op’s worldwide wholesale sales at roughly $250 million.
Last August, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. inked a deal with Iconix to exclusively carry Ocean Pacific and Op merchandise that began hitting shelves in May. To support the launch, a marketing campaign with seven young celebrities — fi lm and TV stars Wilmer Valderrama, Rumer Willis, Kristin Cavallari, Josie Maran and Corbin Bleu; rocker Pete Wentz, and singer Christina Milian — broke this summer on the radio and in publications such as Teen Vogue, Seventeen and Lucky.
Jantzen’s “diving girl” dipped to fourth place from second. Still, the nearly-100-year-old brand, bought in 2002 by Perry Ellis International from VF Corp., is a constant on the swimwear scene. Its extensive advertising, centered on model Carolyn Murphy, has helped the brand keep a high profile.
Mossimo climbed to fifth from eighth. The brand has flourished in Target stores, generating what industry sources approximate at $2 billion-plus in sales across all categories, including swimwear. Like its surf brethren Op, Mossimo is owned by Iconix, which acquired the brand in 2006 for about $119 million.
Under an agreement with Iconix, New York-based In Mocean Group LLC produces Op and Mossimo swimwear. In Mocean also bought classic brand Catalina, ranked sixth on the swim list, along with Anne Cole and Cole of California, from Warnaco in a transaction valued at $26 million this year. In Mocean is in the process of putting its stamp on the 2009 collection aimed at Wal-Mart customers.
Anne Klein swimwear has held on to the seventh spot though it hasn’t been produced for more than a year. Anne Klein’s parent Jones Apparel Group Inc. has not arranged for manufacturing of the brand’s swimwear — either in-house or via a licensing agreement — after its relationship with swimsuit maker Apparel Ventures Inc. ended. However, Anne Klein’s persistent grip on the swim list demonstrates that its classic look has lasting appeal.
Billabong, absent from last year’s list, comes in at number eight this year. A prominent swimwear option on beaches worldwide, the brand has been supplementing its sporty core offerings with fashionable pieces. This year, it partnered with hip Los Angeles retailer Lisa Kline and Los Angeles designer Jenny Han on suits to push Billabong’s boundaries outside of its usual surf distribution channels.
Billabong has ingratiated specialty retailers as well this year by moving into separates that allow shoppers to mix tops and bottoms of different sizes and prints. The brand had been one of the separates holdouts in the surf-swimwear field.
Roxy, already a separates stalwart, is one of Billabong’s chief rivals for junior surf dominance. It is hard to walk on the sand or sit poolside without seeing a girl wearing a bikini with the word Roxy emblazoned across it. In fiscal year 2007, Roxy accounted for 31 percent of Huntington Beach, Calif.-based Quiksilver Inc.’s almost $2.43 billion in revenues.
But Roxy isn’t taking its foot off the accelerator. The brand is working to increase its advertising and marketing presence, and recently finished its first stand-alone swim shoot in Tahiti.
Rounding out the swim list is Body Glove, another staple of swim’s surf sector. SGS Sports, based in Montreal, has held the license for the brand’s swimsuits since the mid-Nineties, according to SGS marketing and sales director Noah Gellis. With SGS’ input, the brand has increased its ad buy recently in surf-specific magazine titles, notably Foam and Surfer.
In the past year, Gellis reported that Body Glove swimwear, often called the sku king for its ample supply of stockkeeping units, has experienced double-digit sales growth. “People are beginning to realize that Body Glove isn’t just a thing that happened in the Eighties and Nineties,” he said.
As one of the most recognizable models in the world, Christy Turlington Burns has an insider’s view of the fashion industry and the allegations of sexual harassment swirling around it. “I can say that harassment and mistreatment have always been widely known and tolerated in the industry. The industry is surrounded by predators who thrive on the constant rejection and loneliness so many of us have experiences at some point in our careers,” Turlington told WWD, along with her suggestions for how the modeling world should protect younger women and men. Read more on WWD.com. Link in bio. (📷: Tony Palmieri) #wwdnews
@asics America has tapped a new brand ambassador: famed DJ/record producer @steveaoki. This initiative is intended to set the tone for the new brand identity and philosophy and will include partnerships with influencers and in-store and off-line activations that will continue into next year. This is Asics’ most significant marketing effort in two decades, and is expected to attract younger consumers to the brand. #wwdfashion
24-year-old Jean Prounis is redefining the rules of jewelry. Formerly a studio assistant to Jemima Kirke and a design apprentice at Ghuran, she focuses on handcrafted subtleties and ancient goldsmithing techniques. “There was a really sterile feel in the environment and I wanted to have jewelry with character that shapes how you wear it everyday,” Prounis said. Each piece is hand made in New York, either by Prounis or three other jewelers in the district. #wwdfashion
“These collections continue to build on that vision, empowering differently abled adults to express themselves through fashion,” said @tommyhilfiger of his line of adaptive apparel, which launches today. The line consists of 37 men’s and 34 women’s styles based upon the pieces from the spring Tommy Hilfiger sportswear collection. #wwdnews
“Stranger Things” is getting a new cast member for season 2. Meet @sadiesink_, the 15-year-old who will be joining the Netflix series for its new season. You may recognize her from “The Glass Castle” with Brie Larson and Woody Harrelson, but the Texas native’s next role goes in an entirely different direction. She describes her character, Max, as “a rough and tumble skater girl [who] becomes friends with the boys at school.” The second season debuts on October 27. (📷: @jgreenery) #wwdeye
Amid the Harvey Weinstein controversy, there’s another sector that’s being put under the spotlight for sexual abuse: the modeling industry. While rumors about abuse and sexual harassment of female and male models — and the photographers, agents and others who perpetrated it — have circulated within the fashion world for years, model @cameronrussell started posting stories from models on Instagram last week about abusive situations they’ve encountered — from sexual harassment and molestation to attempted rape. Over 75 have weighed in so far. Read more on WWD.com. Link in bio. #wwdnews
To celebrate its 16th anniversary, @dylanscandybar tapped designers and celebrities to create mosaics out of candy. The mosaics will be auctioned off to support the philanthropic cause of each participant’s choice. Pictured here is the mural created by @aliceandolivia's Stacey Bendet. For a first look at some of the other artwork being unveiled tonight, go to WWD.com. #wwdeye
The annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Pacific Palisades this weekend drew Kate Hudson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Laura Dern and more. See pictures of the star-studded event on WWD.com. (📷: @chelsealaurenla) #wwdeye
In his new book “Hollywood Royale,” Andy Warhol’s Protégé Matthew Rolston celebrates the Eighties revival of Hollywood glamour. Featuring more than 100 portraits taken by Rolston from 1977 to 1993, the book contains photos of icons like Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and @drewbarrymore, pictured here in 1991. “Hollywood Royale,” out today, will be accompanied by an exhibition opening at Los Angeles’ Fahey/Klein Gallery on March 1. #wwdeye


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Game Developer Tencent on Tuesday proposed new rules restricting users below 12 to an hour of game time each day. Those aged among 12 and 18 will be forced to log out after two hours per day.
“Honor of Kings” has remained a huge hit in China for Tencent (), with higher than 160 million people playing it every month. It stood as the highest grossing mobile game in the world in May, according to analysis firm App Annie.
Tencent’s shares fell 4% on Tuesday in Hong Kong.
Tencent promoted its new rules, which further ban users under 12 from logging in after 9 p.m., as the “effective anti-addiction measures ever” in the Chinese video gaming industry.
“I don’t think the limitations are really going to work,” said He Ping, a Shanghai primary school teacher who is also a fan of the game. “There are always ideas for children to bypass them.”
State-run news agency Xinhua announced Monday that a 10-year-old boy used his mother’s ID and bank statement to register as a player. In just over a month, he spent 58,000 yuan ($8,500) buying practical equipment in the game.
Besides addiction, there exist also concerns about the game’s mature content. Some Teens on the multiplayer game use vulgar language that is unsuitable for children, according to He.
Li Min, a producer of “Honor of Kings,” supported the game in an open letter posted online. He said he thinks it’s wrong to blame the game for creating addiction problems, suggesting parents need to shoulder more responsibility.
He, the Shanghai teacher, accepted. “Tencent can’t replace the role of parents,” she said.
Tencent declined to answer further questions about the rules.
Earlier this year, the group introduced a parental control tracker on its WeChat messaging platform, allowing fathers to monitor the time and money their children spend on mobile games, and even prevent the game with a single swipe. But “Honor of Kings” wasn’t included.
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