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This is the VW UP! Lite concept, debuting moments ago at the LA Auto Show. It's a four-seat, front-wheel-drive, diesel-electric hybrid with 70MPG fuel economy. While it's not production-intent, Ze Germans have announced plans for an ultra-efficient compact by 2011.
Though we saw leaked images of the 2011 Ford Fiesta yesterday, today we've got complete details on Ford's second Europe-to-US entry. The Fiesta hits our shores as either hatchback or sedan with a new dry-clutch automatic transmission and 40MPG highway.
TricPlate is a $550 electrochromic license frame designed to obfuscate license plates for "car show use" and "off-road applications." Definitely not designed for on-road applications like avoiding ticketing by speed camera. No way. Available for show motorcycles and show cars.
MotionLites are servo-actuated, multi-colored LED lights which extend from the wheel wells to light your giant chrome wheels. It's $400 for a set and it'll probably be the next customization making you hate everyone. Video and gallery below.
Ford's bringing a lot of cars to SEMA and one of the coolest will be this all-steel reproduction '34 Ford sporting a 400HP Ecoboost V6. The car's being built by Detroit Street Rods and represents the first RWD Ecoboost application.
At the Tokyo Motor Show the latest Honda CR-Z Hybrid concept has debuted along with news of a production debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Yes, the compact pocket-rocket will return, complete with a manual transmission.
We've seen the Toyota FT-86 for a couple of weeks, carefully dissected the delicious, metallic red sports car in any way we can, but now we've actually seen it in the flesh and Toyota's got some serious hotness here.
The Toyota FT-86 Concept is an exciting step forward for the vanilla automaker, blending cues from the past (the Toyota AE86) with hints of ToMoCo future. We dissect the design below to see how they've accomplished this delicate feat.
A joint Toyota/Subaru sports car project has been in the works for what feels like forever. Now, finally, here's the first look, a heavily production-based concept called the Toyota FT-86 set to debut this month at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Troy Trepanier took a Chevy Nova, added a 572 cubic inch V8, a Procharger supercharger, blacked out everything and called it Notorious. This car will happily beat you up and take your lunch money.
We were under the impression the belligerently awesome Pagani Zonda R's would be the last Zonda. Nope. Apparently, one last Zonda F-based edition will debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the Pagani Zonda F Cinque.
The new Nissan NV200 we first saw in concept back in 2007 will debut at the Geneva Motor Show boasting either commercial cargo-carrying or passenger-carrying applications. Maybe the Ford Transit Connect should watch its back.
We've seen the Hyundai Genesis Coupe through the eyes of Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, but how would Yo-Yo Ma see it? The answer is revealed in this commercial from last night's gay Oscars
Ford announced its new Active Park Assist system before the Detroit Auto Show, but here, in one of McCormick Place's many labyrinthine parking garages, is the first time we've tested it.
The Voltec-equipped, extended range electric Cadillac Converj Concept has been unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show to a round of crushing applause by a mad-house crowd of GM employees.
You can have the most forbidden of Ford's fruits, the 2009 Ford Focus RS, for £24,995 in Brit money or $38,359 if you're in the US and into torturing yourself.
Following yesterday's hind end reveal of the Fisker Karma Tesla-killer, today we get a low-resolution peek at its nose ahead of an official reveal at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Again we see the production-intent car mimics the concept car almost identically, though the grille is revised nicely for a much sleeker…


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The slide games continue and next up for Jordan Brand will be another collaboration with Billie Eilish. The HEX MULE slides will hit select retailers this Spring and are launching in an all-Black color way with a blacked-out box!! Stay locked in for more release information as it becomes available hit the like and subscribe button.
CC:SD X JORDAN BRAND x BILLIE EILISH
TAGS: #STACKSANDKICKSLIFESTYLE #BLOGGER #BLOG #BILLIEEILISH #JORDANBRAND

domain: news


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|By PR Newswire||
|November 26, 2012 04:00 PM EST||
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
- New Ford Fiesta bursts onto the scene with an impressive lineup of powertrain options anchored by the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine that delivers a thrill-packed ride with unrivaled 40 mpg-plus
- Fiesta is loaded with a dazzling array of features and technologies that proves small is smart
- Personalization features and hot new color combinations make the 2014 Ford Fiesta – on sale next year – a car that not only revels in the spotlight, but demands it
- Fiesta ST smokes the competition with the best performance in its class
Ford's new Fiesta, which breaks cover at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will redefine the small car with a projected best 40 mpg-plus fuel economy rating, an exciting new look, and special features and technology that make it the most fun-to-drive car of its size.
"Customers want cars that are expressive and fun while offering class-leading fuel economy," says Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "Fiesta delivers all the excitement drivers are looking for in a car we believe will raise the bar even higher for small cars in North America.
"Our goal with this Fiesta was to take a car that was already a leader in fuel efficiency, performance, connectivity and personality, and make it even better," Fields adds.
Fuel efficiency and fun
The most dramatic and distinctive Fiesta to date will deliver the best miles per gallon among its rivals, led by Ford's patented new 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine. This landmark engine, already selected for both the Popular Mechanics 2012 Breakthrough Award and Engine Technology International's International Engine of the Year Award in Europe, is expected to deliver more than 40 mpg.
With that, Fiesta is projected to be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid subcompact in America, and stands as a shining example of Ford's commitment to provide consumers with the most fuel-efficient cars, SUVs and trucks.
While the diminutive size of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost saves cash at the pump, it doesn't hold anything back on the road. At 123 horsepower for each liter of engine displacement (the engine's size), the 1.0-liter EcoBoost delivers more power for its size than a Lamborghini Aventador (at 108 horsepower per liter).
EcoBoost is fundamental to Ford's strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompromised performance and fuel economy. EcoBoost engines deliver fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger, less-efficient engines. Ford's leadership with EcoBoost has resulted in more than 125 patents on the technology. Currently, more than 500,000 vehicles have this engine and by 2013 more than 1.3 million will have EcoBoost.
A triple threat of fuel-saving features – variable-displacement oil pumps, polished tappets and coded pistons – appears together for the first time in the 1.6-liter Fiesta, giving drivers maximum miles per gallon without sacrificing driving fun.
Small is smart
In addition to its new EcoBoost engine, Fiesta boasts a best-in-class suite of technologies and features that give drivers the perfect blend of a connected world and an untethered driving experience.
A new MyFord Touch® system with 6.5-inch touch screen that features enhanced voice control is now available, providing drivers more options than ever for navigation, communication and entertainment functions. Fiesta still features SYNC® AppLink™ capabilities pioneered on the first Fiesta, which allows drivers to access and control Ford-approved smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls while on the go, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Turn-by-turn navigation remains part of SYNC Services.
Ford's MyKey® is a new feature on Fiesta, which enables parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenagers' exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.
"This car was built for the digital generation," says John Schneider, Ford chief engineer, Upperbody Electronics. "With Bluetooth® connectivity and MP3 capabilities, tech-savvy people who use social media to be constantly connected with the world around them won't be slowed down when they get in this car.
"It has always been the belief at Ford that entry-level drivers deserve the best technology," Schneider adds. "We launched SYNC AppLink on Fiesta, and now transitioning to MyFord Touch with this new touch screen enables us to go further in our quest to give drivers the best in in-car electronics."
Built to excite the right-brain driver
Proving to be every bit as creative as its owner, the new Fiesta will offer custom exterior design graphics and sexy new color options. The redesigned exterior boasts a sporty new grille that reflects the new face of Ford.
Inside, things are just as expressive. The cell phone-inspired dashboard and available leather steering wheel and seats amplify the modern interior and entice drivers to get in the car and get on the move. A selection of ambient lighting options allows Fiesta drivers to set just the mood they want. Also available is a new Sony HD audio/satellite radio with eight premium speakers for drivers to more fully appreciate their music.
Big on safety
This continues to be a small car that is big on safety. Fiesta offers the following standard safety features:
- AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control
- Dual-stage first-row airbags
- Driver knee airbag
- Side-impact airbags
- Side-curtain airbags
- Four-wheel anti-lock braking system
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Child-safety rear locks
- Anti-theft engine immobilizer
- Improved side-impact safety capabilities
Fiesta ST pushes performance
Fiesta ST is Ford's newest contribution to the world of hot hatches.
A new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine propels Fiesta ST with an anticipated 197 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparison, Mini Cooper S makes do with 181 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft., while Chevrolet Sonic RS produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft.
Unlike the competition, Fiesta ST doesn't simply look like a performance car; it's got the guts to back it up.
Fiesta ST may be born with racing DNA, but there's no price for that performance at the pump. Available exclusively as a five-door hatchback in North America and with a six-speed manual transmission, Fiesta ST is projected to achieve up to 34 mpg.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 172,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
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PRESS RELEASE: Innovation for Poverty Action’s New $7.4 million Grant Will Support Research for Financial Inclusion
Monday, June 22, 2015
June 22, 2015 NEW HAVEN, CT: Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) announced today a new $7.4 million grant to support research on product design innovations that enable the poor to access, use, and benefit from financial services. This Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant will help researchers design effective financial services and products to serve the billions of unbanked and underbanked adults around the developing world and accelerate their transition out of poverty.
Access to safe and appropriate tools to mitigate risk, save, transact, and borrow money is an important avenue to help the poor transition out of poverty. Technology, particularly the growth of digital finance, is rapidly transforming and growing the suite of financial services accessible by the poor. While access is expanding, 46 percent of adults in developing economies remain unbanked, and important gaps in financial inclusion continue to persist for women and poorer households. An important challenge is to ensure (and measure) that the financial services and products accessed by the poor benefit them by helping them manage shocks and invest in their future.
“We’re seeing unprecedented gains in the ability to bring financial services to the poor,” remarked Dartmouth College’s Jonathan Zinman, academic co-lead of the initiative, “but do these financial services actually help the poor? We need more rigorous evaluations to understand whether they do, and how to do it better.”
Through a new 4-year initiative, the Financial Inclusion Program at IPA will build evidence on what works in financial services by supporting rigorous research on product design to help the poor manage and grow their money. The program uses an annual competitive fund to support randomized evaluations of financial services and product design, with a particular focus on services offered through digital channels. This initiative builds on a foundation of evidence which IPA developed in partnership with Yale University by testing solutions to foster the use of savings and payment products among the poor.
The research this grant supports will test innovations addressing the key barriers to financial inclusion faced by low-income households through product design. According to Dean Karlan of Yale University and academic co-lead of the initiative, “There is a need for more collaboration between researchers and financial service providers to design and test financial products for the poor. We are especially looking at ways to embed insights on human behavior into product design, and developing tools that are effective in helping women, farmers, and entrepreneurs fully benefit from access to financial services.”
The growing ecosystem of digital channels and payment technology is opening the way to new opportunities to deepen inclusion and the impact of these services on the lives of the poor by designing financial and non-financial products and services linked to digital payment platforms. “We’re excited to receive funding from the Gates Foundation to support cutting-edge research on effective financial solutions for the poor, and most importantly we look forward to the impact the work can have on helping the poor save and grow their money,” said Annie Duflo, IPA’s Executive Director.
The competitive fund will provide support to several randomized evaluations across at least three annual competitive funding rounds. The first Call for Expressions of Interest is now open and will accept applications through August 2, 2015. For more information and to apply to the competitive fund, please visit www.poverty-action.org/financialinclusion/ competitivefund.
Source: Innovations for Poverty Action (link opens in a new window)


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PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Workers moving out junk, getting this house ready for renovation. These workers never know what they will encounter, that's why they wear a construction mask.
Frank Buttaravoli is the owner of Going Going Gone Junk Removals.
"We need the construction masks to keep us safe from airborne dust," said Buttaravoli.
The company's owner says he's noticed hardware stores are running out of the masks his workers need. He thinks people are concerned about hearing about the coronavirus in China and are buying them up here.
"Once our supply runs out, we are just going to have to turn those jobs down. And that's not fair to our guys or to us or to our customers that need the jobs completed."
Other businesses are also feeling the impact.
Evelyn Metellus owns Exotic Hair Creations in Royal Palm Beach. She says she orders hairpieces for customers, including breast cancer survivors. She says her out recent orders from China are not getting filled.
"A lot of them are not responding right now. I've messaged, emailed since the beginning of January and still not getting any response."
She things the businesses in China that supply her the hairpieces are closed due to the virus outbreak.
"My concern is mainly for my clients. The hair helps their self-esteem now I find them coming and hanging around the salon waiting and hoping to see if I get the hair for them."


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MoveOn.org made quite a fuss about Facebook's Project Beacon, and Facebook seemed to listen. Could it be because of participating retailers pulling out of Beacon as a result of all that ruckus? Overstock.com and Travelocity both removed their companies from Project Beacon once they found out exactly how it works—you know, by not obtaining explicit permission from users prior to publishing their purchasing "stories."
Granted, Facebook has since caved, changing the manner in which it obtains permissions for participation, and has expressed its intention to improve Beacon overall. But has it changed enough to regain trust in Overstock and Travelocity? After learning that several companies felt misled by Facebook's Beacon project, a huge red flag is currently waving over Facebook as a network primed for integrated advertising and marketing purposes.
Now those companies that would like to take advantage of Facebook and its glorious newsfeed will be forced to take a second, third and fourth look at how it works on the user end. Will this affect Facebook's overall advertising power, as it still struggles to get its ad network off the ground? It certainly isn't a good look, and Facebook can't afford anymore slip ups, but Facebook's recent partnership with Federated Media may help its image after all.


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Xiaomi 13 Ultra to Arrive in Three Additional Colour Options: Report
Xiaomi 13 Ultra was unveiled in China last month, and the flagship phone is currently available in three colourways. However, a new report claims that the company will add three more colour options for the recently launched handset. Meanwhile, two of the company’s top executives have reportedly reached out to users asking about their preferred colour choices for the phone. The phone is currently available in Black, White, and Green colour variants in China.
According to a Mydrivers report, users have extracted three new wallpapers from the Xiaomi 13 Ultra firmware. The shades of these wallpapers appear to match the purported colourways of the newly launched phones — Starry Sky Blue, Chixia Orange, and Ginkgo Yellow. Additionally, Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun, along with company president Lu Weibing, recently asked Weibo users about their preferred colour choices for the phone.
## Xiaomi 13 Ultra specifications, features
Xiaomi 13 Ultra sports a 6.73-inch WQHD+ (1,440 x 3,200 pixels) AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and a touch sampling rate of 360Hz. The smartphone runs on Android 13-based MIUI 14 out-of-the-box. It is powered by Qualcomm’s flagship 4nm octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC paired with an Adreno 740 GPU, up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 inbuilt storage.
For photoss and videos, the flagship Xiaomi handset is equipped with a Leica-tuned rear quad camera setup led by a 50-megapixel 1-inch IMX989 sensor. Accompanying the main camera are three 50-megapixel IMX858 sensors. For selfies, there is a 32-megapixel front camera housed in a centre-aligned hole-punch cutout at the top of the display.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery along with 90W wired and 50W wireless fast charging support. The Chinese phone maker claims that the phone can be fully charged within 34 minutes. It also features a Hibernation mode to offer 60 minutes of usage when the phone has 1 percent of battery backup left, according to the company.


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The developer of a central Edinburgh shopping centre says it is holding talks with the Starwood hotel group about opening a luxury hotel in the facility. TH Real Estate is redeveloping the city’s St James Shopping Centre and senior-director Martin Perry has confirmed the company is in discussions with Starwood on the matter.
Mr Perry told reporters that Starwood wanted to inaugurate one of its prestigious W Hotels at the revamped centre. He added that if the W Hotel launched it would come with 200 guest rooms and all the signature amenities and facilities that the luxury brand is renowned for.
The W brand is currently represented in a little less than 50 global hotspots. If the Edinburgh one comes to fruition it will be the first in Scotland, although Starwood currently operates Edinburgh’s Sheraton Grand Hotel in addition to the Donald Trump owned Trump Turnberry Luxury Collection Hotel in South Ayrshire.
Starwood recently announced that Aspen in the US state of Colorado would be the location for the latest W Hotel. Starwood Hotels’ regional manager for the UK and Ireland, Colin Bennett, noted that while the group always had an eye out for new properties to add to its portfolio nothing definite had been agreed on an Edinburgh one so far.
Insiders close to the talks say representatives for the hotelier seem unphased by an Edinburgh Council proposal to tack on a tourism tax to hotel room rates. The tax could add £1 a night to the cost of an average hotel room in the city. The council says it could generate up to £15 million a year from the room surcharge.


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Digital agency Bozboz has built fastjet’s site, www.fastjet.com, which is mobile-ready and features the company’s distinctive yellow branding and an African Grey parrot.
The low-cost airline launched this week as Sir Stelios sought to replicate the success he achieved with easyJet.
Bozboz has created a 12-month content strategy for the brand, targeting middle-class consumers in Africa who are looking for low-cost air travel and focusing on social media activity across Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Fastjet began selling tickets in Tanzania earlier this month and will roll out across Kenya and Uganda later.
Haji-Ioannou revealed plans for fastjet in September last year, when he unveiled a holding site for the brand, which stated, "coming soon". In December the businessman signed a deal with investment company Rubicon Diversified Investments to develop an aircraft business model for Africa.
Haji-Ioannou's easyGroup Holdings owns 5% of fastjet and has the option to acquire another 10%. He is also a director of the airline.Follow @loullamae_es


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The “last mile” or the “final mile” refers to the final stage of delivery, often called “e-commerce”. For companies whose business depends on moving goods from point A to point B, not delivering a package on time can dramatically increase logistic costs and consumer displeasure.
According to a recent Wall Street Journal titled New Gridlock in America: The Fight for Curb Space, 8.6 billion packages are projected to be delivered to US consumers this year, up 150% since 2010. In major US cities, this uptick in reliance on delivery services increases the value of warehouses near city centers, and creates competition for space at the curb. The article attributes increased traffic congestion in cities in part to delivery trucks parking and blocking streets while packages are delivered.
As a result, cities are calling upon city planners to help cope with the problem and look for solutions. These solutions include dedicated delivery/drop off zones, apps that use sensors to help truck drivers to find open spaces, and bicycle delivery services. Boston has even increased parking ticket fines – sometimes up to $90 per ticket – for parking in an illegal zone. Since 2015, UPS and FedEx have paid the city a combined $4.1 million in fines as drivers seek to deliver their packages.
The commercial real estate industry is adapting to the rise of e-commerce as well. Many older, multi-function buildings that are considered functionally obsolete, but are located near major city centers are being repurposed as e-commerce warehouses. In Chicago, a 3.8 million-square-foot parking garage beneath Millennium Park is being converted into a logistics facility for retailers. Multi-story e-commerce warehouses are being built in New York City and other major urban areas to make the most of the high cost of urban land. Companies such as Flexe, Inc., Flowspace, Inc., and Warehouse Exchange now allow warehouse tenants and owners to easily sublet unused warehouse space to short-term tenants.
The rise of e-commerce is currently changing the face of our cities and of the commercial real estate industry. Understanding and continuing to improve upon the “last mile” is crucial for the future of logistics, for customer satisfaction, and for successful businesses.
New Gridlock in America: The Fight for Curb Space – The Wall Street Journal; 12/13/2019
E-Commerce Companies Get Creative in Quest for ‘Last Mile’ Space – The Wall Street Journal; 12/9/2018


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SME IPO: Crayons Advertising subscribed 147 times, listing on June 2
Crayons Advertising's IPO received an overwhelming response, with subscriptions totaling INR 4,104.67 crore, or 147.61 times the offer size. The retail portion of the offering was subscribed 169.94 times, while the non-institutional category secured 231.94 times the shares on offer. The qualified institutional buyer (QIB) portion was also oversubscribed. Based on the demand, the shares of the firm are set to be listed on June 2. The company plans to use the public issue proceeds to invest in its infrastructure and deploy cutting-edge technology.
SME IPO: Crayons Advertising public offer fully subscribed within hours of opening on Day 1
Indian advertising agency, Crayons Advertising's initial public offering (IPO) was fully subscribed on the first day, driven by retail investors. Retail investors subscribed 3.13 times of the shares on offer, and the issue received bids that were 1.59 times the number of shares on offer. The company aims to raise around INR417.9m ($5.6m) from the IPO. The company has set the price band of INR62-65 per share, with the shares expected to debut on the NSE Emerge. The funds collected will be used to invest in the company's infrastructure and advanced technology.
Crayons Advertising SME IPO: 10 things you must know before investing
Crayons Advertising plans to use the proceeds from its upcoming public offering to invest in setting up its own film and animation studios and to enhance its existing foundation of Web3 capabilities to offer more dynamic Metaverse solutions, including AR, VR and other emerging immersive tech. The public issue proceeds will be utilised for capital expenditure on infrastructure and cutting-edge technology.
SME IPO: Crayons Advertising IPO to open on May 22, price band fixed at Rs 62-65
Crayons Advertising, a homegrown integrated advertising agency, is set to go public on Monday, May 22, with a price band of Rs 62-65 per share. The company plans to use the proceeds from the public issue to invest in setting up its own film and animation studios and enhancing its existing foundation of Web3 capabilities to offer more dynamic Metaverse solutions, including AR, VR, and other emerging immersive tech.
No print advertisement without prior clearance during silence period in Karnataka: EC to parties
The advisory to political parties stated that advertisements during the silence period -- on the election day and one day prior to the poll day -- will have to be pre-certified by the media certification and monitoring committee (MCMC).
Karnataka Assembly polls: ECI issues advisory to political parties to get clearance for print advertisements
ECI on Sunday also held all major local newspapers in the state responsible for all matters including advertisements published in their newspapers. Citing the Press Council of India's norms for journalistic conduct, the ECI, in a letter said, "An editor shall be responsible for all matters, including advertisements, published in the newspaper. If responsibility is disclaimed, this shall be explicitly stated beforehand."
Indian M&E sector crossed Rs 2 trillion revenue mark in 2022: FICCI EY reportThe Indian Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector grew 20% in 2022 to reach INR2.1 trillion (US$26.2 billion), 10% above its pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to a FICCI-EY report. Digital media has grown significantly, reaching INR571 billion and increasing its contribution to the M&E sector from 16% in 2019 to an astonishing 27% in 2022. It is important to note that the digital segment's share of the entire M&E sector would rise to 50% if data costs were also to be factored in.
Centre asks states to crack down on outdoor advertisements of betting, gambling platformsThe Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had issued advisories to private television channels, digital news publishers and OTT platforms to refrain from publishing and broadcasting advertisements of such platforms. Advertisements of gambling and betting platforms had appeared in a section of the media -- print, digital and television -- which prompted the government to issue advisories.
Over 9,000 startup jobs slashed between Jan-March; betting, gambling apps advertise despite banLayoffs in the startup and tech ecosystem have continued into 2023, according to data from recruitment platform Careernet. The situation might not get better any time soon. This and more in today’s Morning Dispatch.
Midcap stocks with ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos can rally over 25%, according to analystsET screener powered by Refinitiv’s Stock Report Plus lists down quality stocks with high upside potential over the next 12 months, having an average recommendation rating of “buy” or "strong buy". This predefined screener is only available to ET Prime users.
Sebi asks mutual funds to stop using misleading illustrations in advertisementsThe market regulator said illustrations provided in the advertisements/ presentations/ brochures/ pamphlets would lead investors to believe that they will receive fixed returns on their investments.
Print ad volumes grow 16% in 2022, exceed 2019 figures: TAMAd volumes per publication have exceeded the 2019 figure in indexed growth, while the year 2020 saw the greatest decline in ad space, said the report.
Print media advertising spends likely to rise 9% in 2023, says new reportOverall, advertising spends in the country is expected to grow 16% this calendar year against while globally, the advertising industry is expected to grow 3%, the report said.
Ad spending in India set to grow 15 per cent this year: ReportIt added that sports, search, ecommerce platforms, online video, all languages, and markets across print and radio are estimated to drive growth. In terms of advertising categories, telecom, retail, media, gaming, fintech, travel, and tourism are estimated to push ad growth in 2023.
US sues Google over digital advertising dominanceThe government alleged in the complaint that Google is looking to "neutralize or eliminate" rivals in the online ad marketplace through acquisitions and to force advertisers to use its products by making it difficult to use competitors' offerings.
US stock market: S&P 500 ends slightly down after mixed earnings, opening glitchEconomic data showed shallower-than-expected contraction in the manufacturing and services sector in the first weeks of the year, suggesting that the Federal Reserve's restrictive interest rates are dampening demand.
ASCI report on edtech ads flags tall promises, gender stereotypingSeven in 10 parents felt that edtech advertisements make promises that are difficult to deliver in student performance, according to a study conducted by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
How harmful messaging can be disincentivised by levying a ‘sin tax’ on advertising in social mediaSocial media have found that the most addictive way of grabbing the attention of viewers is to shower them with hate and sensational falsehoods, not carefully filtered truths. Human nature being what it is, hate and falsehoods attract far more viewers than mundane truths. Crazy, polarising conspiracy theories capture millions, while factcheckers are given short shrift.
'Digital, data, content saw 70% of hiring since 2020'According to Lakhani, media professionals who are managing traditional media buying need to upskill themselves to be relevant as clients ask for different solutions. At the same time, he added that professionals from digital backgrounds need to understand what is happening on the traditional side of the business-TV, Print and Radio.
Government spend on print, TV ads sees sharp fallThe ministry revealed that in 2014-15 it spent ₹424.84 crore and ₹473.67 crore on print and TV advertising, respectively, while it spent ₹508.22 crore and ₹531.60 crore on the same the very next year. The expenditure was around ₹468.53 crore on print ads and ₹609.15 crore in TV in 2016-17, which rose to ₹636.09 crore and ₹468.92 crore the next year. It dipped to ₹429.54 crore and ₹514.28 crore in 2018-19. The expenditure was ₹295.05 crore and ₹317.11 crore in 2019-20.
Media and entertainment sector may clock ₹1.6 L cr in revenues in FY24: CrisilThe TV industry is expected to hit ₹73,500 crore in revenue in FY24, followed by print media at ₹29,300 crore and digital at ₹28,700 crore, the credit rating agency said in a report.
MIB asks Google to comply with advisory against online betting adsThe MIB sends letters to individual players as and when a violation is brought to its notice. Offshore online betting platforms Fairplay, PariMatch, Betway, Wolf 777, and 1xBet have been advertising on TV and digital platforms through surrogate news websites. The ministry had issued an elaborate advisory asking TV channels, OTT platforms, digital news publishers and social media intermediaries to stop airing/displaying online betting ads and surrogate ads of such platforms.
Kim Kardashian 're-evaluating' Balenciaga ties after controversial ads featuring childrenBalenciaga apologised for ads featuring children holding teddy bears wearing what critics called bondage gear.
HT Media turns red with Rs 167.75 crore loss in Q2; revenue rises 10.6% YoY to Rs 409 croreHowever, its revenue from operations rose 10.66 per cent to Rs 409.25 crore during the quarter under review against Rs 369.82 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.
'Bacon roll and coffee' meal deal: Costa Coffee faces flak for poor advertising. See what happenedCosta Coffee apologised to its customers for the confusion its ads may have caused for 'Bacon roll and coffee' meal deal. The meal actually costs more than £5, but people believed the ad meant £2. Many people took to social media to criticise the coffee chain for misleading its customers.
Congress takes a dig at AAP over ads in Gujarat, calls it 'Arvind Advertisement Party'"In 2015, the AAP spent Rs 81 crore on advertisement through TV and print. In 2017-18, Rs 117 crore; in 2019, Rs 200 crore; in 21-22, about Rs 490 crore. Under Sheila Dikshit's Delhi government, the advertisement budget was Rs 11 crore," PTI quoted Kumar as saying.
Advertising push to help print media revenue grow 25 pc in FY23 but profits to be hit by higher newsprint prices: ReportThe operating profit margins for print media players can narrow by up to 3 percentage points in FY23, the report by India Ratings and Research said. The agency said about 60 per cent of the newsprint used in FY21 was imported and added that since the invasion began in late February, imported newsprint prices have jumped by up to 80 per cent, and could soar further in the next six months due to the absence of imports.
Ad spends on print media in India rose to 39% last yearIn terms of ad space, English publications grew the most, by as much as 40%, driven primarily by the FMCG, education and automotive sectors, the report published by communications group Madison World said. English publications accounted for 45% of the total print adex. Along with Hindi, the share was 63%. While ad space in Hindi publications rose 30%, Telugu publications grew faster at 37%, Assamese and Marathi expanded by 33% each and Bengali publications by 27%.
Large crypto players say no to new ads till rules are setThe decision was taken this week at a meeting held by the Blockchain and Crypto Asset Committee, an arm of the industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India, two persons aware of the development told ET.Load More
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Sea of Pink
By Tony Isaacs
Every year October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we find the country awash in a sea of pink from shore to shore – from pink ribbons and donation boxes to pink products, charity promotions, celebrities by the score and even pink cleats on NFL players. Tragically, few people are aware of the dark history of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) and the players past and present who have misused it to direct people and funds away from finding a true cure while covering up their own roles in causing and profiting from cancer.
The Founding of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Most people are unaware that the BCAM idea was conceived and paid for by the British chemical company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), a company that both profited from the ever-growing cancer epidemic and contributed to its causes. The American subsidiary of Imperial Chemical Industries, ICI/Astra-Zeneca manufactures tamoxifen, the world's top-selling cancer drug used for breast cancer. ICI itself is in the business of manufacturing and selling synthetic chemicals and is one of the world’s largest producers and users of chlorine.
Although BCAM was co-founded along with two non-profit organizations and some big name companies were quick to associate with BCAM, for the first several years, BCAM's bills were paid by ICI’s Zeneca Pharmaceuticals.
As the controlling sponsor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), Zeneca was able to approve—or veto—any promotional or informational materials, posters, advertisements, etc. that BCAM uses. The focus is strictly limited to information regarding early detection and treatment, avoiding the topic of prevention and the role toxins may play. A further look at the major players in breast cancer awareness may give plenty of insight as to why a growing number of critics are asking why such is the case.
Take Zeneca for example, which later merged into Astra-Zeneca and in 2008, ICI/Astra-Zeneca changed its name to AzkoNobel and reported annual sales of over 22 Billion Dollars. ICI has long been among the world’s largest manufacturers of pesticides, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Its Perry, Ohio, chemical plant was once identified as the third-largest source of potential cancer-causing pollution in the United States, releasing 53,000 pounds of recognized carcinogens into the air in 1996.
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Today, a group of individuals have announced that a new version of the Bluetooth technology is arrive. They have also announced that the new version i.e, Bluetooth 4.0, will be coming in the last quarter of this year. Latest devices such as headsets, mobile phones and computers and other kinds of technology will be having this latest technology.
Bluetooth 3.0 devices used to require at least a triple A-batteries or larger capacity battery to function. But in this latest technology i.e, Bluetooth 4.0, it will allow devices with smaller batteries to work efficiently.
Bluetooth 4.0 will be consuming lesser power when compared to their preceding versions, and will have a higher data transfer rate. It will carries the high-speed Wi-Fi feature which was introduced with Bluetooth 3.0. That allows the devices to jump onto Wi-Fi 802.11 networks, where data transfer rate is up to 25MPS.


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While canned mojitos have recently soared in popularity, when it comes to cocktails, do things get any better than a passionfruit martini?
Usually associated with sunshine holidays and girly night out, the exotic drink of dreams is now available in a can from your local Sainsbury's.
A fruity take on the nation’s favourite, the Pornstar Martini, Funkin’s Nitro Passion Fruit Martini blends tropical fruit purées and juices with vodka to create a light and silky-smooth drink that can transform even Bognor Regis into a beach-side paradise.
Intriguingly, each of the cans is also infused with nitrogen, which not only smokes on opening, but if you're putting it into a plastic cup it will also creates a foam head when poured, mirroring the look and smooth texture of a freshly shaken cocktail straight from the bar.
Each can will set you back £2.29 a pop, and will hit Sainsbury's shelves from Bank Holiday Monday (6th May).
The new passionfruit drink will be joined by three other fancy flavours, which are also infused with nitrogen, including Espresso Martini, Amaretto Sour and Pink Gin Fizz.


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McDonald's a 'poor fit' for Olympics, claims survey
A quarter of consumers believe that Olympic sponsor McDonald's is a poor fit with the Games, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of sports sponsorship by high-calorie food and drink brands.
Exclusive research commissioned by Interbrand for Marketing has revealed that McDonald’s prompts the greatest division of opinion, followed by Coca-Cola.
A quarter of consumers either strongly or completely disagreed that McDonald’s is a ‘good fit’ as an Olympic sponsor. Meanwhile, 10% of respondents strongly or completely disagreed that Coca-Cola is suitable.
Meanwhile, 32% of consumers said that the fast-food brand’s involvement conflicts with what the Olympics stands for, and 39% believed that its products and services are not relevant to the Games.
A spokeswoman for McDonald’s defended its sponsorship: ‘Our long-term commitment to the Olympic Games has provided us with the opportunity to develop exciting programmes for our customers and for our people.’
She added: ‘Sponsorship is essential to the Olympics, and as a London 2012 sponsor, we are using our catering and customer-service expertise to provide high-quality British food, and help train the 70,000 volunteers that will be needed to make the Games a success.’
Adidas was ranked as the most appropriate Olympic partner; 59% of consumers said that its sponsorship is a good fit.
However, in better news for McDonald’s, it was the second-most spontaneously recalled sponsor, with 35% of respondents recognising its tie-up.
The brand came second only to Coca-Cola, which had a 42% unprompted recall rate. Consumer interest in what has been dubbed the ‘first social-media Olympics’ has been growing steadily since the beginning of the year.
According to Interbrand, 4m tweets mentioning the Olympics have been sent in the past year.
This article was first published on marketingmagazine.co.uk
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Analysing SA’s COVID-19 legal risks
by Zaakir Mohamed. Supermarkets are closing temporarily as they're hit by COVID-19 infections. What are the legal and administrative risks?
by Zaakir Mohamed. Supermarkets are closing temporarily at a fair frequency as they’re hit by COVID-19 infections, have to sanitise everything, and then reopen. But beyond the health risks, what are the legal and administrative risks for businesses? If, for instance, a customer is infected with the coronavirus because of inadequate health procedures in a shop, can the shop owner be found legally liable?
Worldwide concerns, local solutions
Companies across the globe want legal clarity about how their organisations could be criminally or administratively liable as a result of COVID-19. At CMS, we recently held webinars for our worldwide audience, including those serviced by our South African office. Some of the countries involved in the discussion, included South American countries Peru and Columbia, Eastern Europe’s Ukraine and Russia, and the Principality of Monaco in Western Europe.
While a number of similarities across countries arose, there were also a number of marked differences; with legislation in South Africa demonstrating the diligence of the country’s legal system. There are a number of key legal considerations retailers need to be aware of as the world reopens, but we’re heartened by the clarity around risk in South Africa.
For one, South Africa has a very robust Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). As a result of this Act alone, South African retailers and their employees can be held criminally liable for any failure to comply with its requirements, irrespective of COVID-19. Monaco has similar regulations to South Africa; but companies in the Ukraine, Russia, Peru and Colombia cannot be held liable for breaches in health and safety that lead to an infection with COVID-19. In those countries, only individual employees are liable for their individual actions.
Along with its stringent regulations, South Africa’s OHSA also clearly identifies repercussions for violating the Act, either administratively or criminally. An employer who breaches OHSA could be liable to a fine of up to R100,000 or two years in prison, or both. In turn, an individual who breaches OHSA could face a R50,000 fine or one year in prison, or both.
When South Africa declared a national state of disaster on 15 March and issued regulations in terms of the Disaster Management Act (DMA), it identified specific offences that individuals may be found guilty of. These include intentionally misrepresenting that they are infected with COVID-19; publishing a statement to deceive anyone else about COVID-19, about anyone’s infection status, or about any government measures; or intentionally exposing anyone to COVID-19. Breaking a DMA regulation could land you a fine or six months in prison.
Employees who get infected while at work have recourse under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, which means that the employee would claim from the Compensation Fund rather than sue their employer.
Murder charges possible
However, you could be prosecuted for either assault, attempted murder or murder if you intentionally expose anyone – including customers – to the COVID-19 virus. There is, of course, also scope for civil claims should an employee or customer contract COVID-19 while in the workplace. In other cases – such as between business partners or between two employees – civil claims may arise either through breach of contract, negligence or the like, but each case would be assessed on its merits.
Other countries also make clear distinctions between fines or imprisonment for criminal rather than administrative liability. The biggest deterrent to transgression in Russia is a 90-day suspension of business activities, or company officers being disqualified from holding certain positions for up to three years. In the event of a death, this ramps up to seven years.
For now, it seems no countries (with the exception of Colombia and the Ukraine) actually prosecuted businesses or senior management for breaching regulations. However, there is a case pending in South Africa where a CEO of a mine was arrested for allegedly instructing miners to return to work in contravention of our lockdown regulations. The CEO was released on bail, and the case is due in court in August 2020. As far as we can ascertain, no retailers or retail managers have faced similar charges.
Act now for long term peace of mind
In addition to continuing to comply with OHSA regulations, we strongly recommend that all retailers stick to the DMA regulations. Most of these are well-known to retailers: screens to protect cashiers, wearing masks, regularly sanitising surfaces and regular handwashing.
Finally, however difficult it is in the retail industry, the general rule globally remains that, if employees can work from home, they should. We recommend that retailers carefully consider whether their accounting staff, for instance, could work from home, or come in for only limited periods, to reduce their risks of exposure to COVID-19.
The reality is that the virus is likely to be around for a while, so any rational measures you take to reduce your legal risks now are likely to stand your company in good stead in the long run.
Zaakir Mohamed is director and head of Corporate Investigations and Forensics at the commercial law firm, CMS South Africa (previously CMS RM Partners). Before joining CMS, as a top five leading global law firm, RM Partners was founded by senior lawyers looking to transform and modernise the South African legal market, but who also understand Africa and international markets. CMS South Africa provides the full spectrum legal, tax and transaction advisory services.
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Today we have a new set of spy pictures of the next generation 2022 Genesis G90 (codenamed as RS4) showing for the first time a look inside. We are a little bit confused about what we found inside. While it uses the one-piece glass for cluster and IT system there are a weird separator between the screens with an unknown function.(more…)
Back in April, we have informed you that Hyundai Motor Group will premiere world’s first ‘LiDAR’ on the next generation Genesis G90, for the first time in a production vehicle. Above you will see the first spy picture of the next-gen G90 (codenamed as RS4).(more…)
The flagship G90 luxury sedan will go on sale July 2nd as both a 2021 G90 model year and as a special-edition “Stardust” model. Fifty Stardust editions will be sold in Korea only.(more…)
Hyundai Motor Group will premiere world’s first ‘LiDAR’ system on a production vehicle on the next generation Genesis G90. The two radar system will allow to implement level 3 autonomous driving based on a control algorithm developed by Hyundai Motor in addition to the existing camera radar sensor.(more…)
After we already see many renders of Genesis first SUV, the GV80, today we want to share with you a new pair of renders that we consider that are more closer to the production model.


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Endeavour Beverages was launched in exactly the place it should have been — the pub.
In 2010, before crowdfunding was deemed ‘cool’, co-founder Ben Kooyman gathered 35 of his closest mates armed with a business plan, a handful of orders, and the idea for a dedicated beer company that would promise to shake up the industry.
The investment: Endeavour meets Jobs for NSW
Up until late 2016, Endeavour operated more akin to a ‘virtual’ beer supplier, using contract brewing facilities to create their product. And while two full-time sales managers were on-board, they lacked a retail store presence, with ad hoc sales driven via their website.
‘In 2010, our first year, we produced 8,000 cases. In 2015, we produced equivalent to 65,000. We currently have five full-time staff members and going forth, we will grow to seven and continue to keep growing from there,’ says Ben.
To help the company reach the next stage, Endeavour successfully applied for a $300,000 loan under Jobs for NSW’s Accelerating Growth Loans (AGL) program.
The loan allowed Endeavour to establish a microbrewery in The Rocks and execute their export model, whilst creating future-focused jobs.
‘As soon as we saw the program in the media, we jumped right on the opportunity. The application process with Jobs for NSW has been robust, yet efficient,’ says Ben.
‘This loan will allow us to get people back into jobs within an Australian-owned industry.’
The Endeavour difference
‘I had the dream back in 2007 about a new and different way to make beer. After presenting my idea in the pub that day [in 2010], I got two good mates to come onboard as co-founders, and 35 to back me as shareholders,’ says Ben.
The idea was cemented, and shortly after, Sydney-based Endeavour was formed, with the company’s ethos to focus on brewing harvest-led craft beer that would exclusively incorporate Australian-farmed products.
Ben says Endeavour’s point of difference, as compared to other brewers, is their approach to ‘consistency’.
‘99.99% of the world’s beer companies aim for ultra-consistency across decades. We promise to be inconsistent.
‘We want to showcase the best of Australian crops in our beers with a product that is 100% Australian, as opposed to many others, with nearly 95% of Australia’s consumed beer volume being foreign-owned.’
By sourcing premium hops and barley each harvest, and much like a wine, carefully tweaking their own recipe to taste, Endeavour set out to become the world’s only dedicated vintage beer company.
After a three-year search to find a suitable Sydney venue, January 2017 saw the launch of the Endeavour Tap Rooms in The Rocks, featuring a microbrewery, bar and restaurant. The venue will showcase the best of Australian produce while creating new, sustainable jobs in NSW.
Alongside this venture, Endeavour is optimistic about the company’s wholesale export opportunities. While already exporting to Hong Kong, Ben says he is keen to test out more markets.
‘We will continue to sell more beer domestically while pushing for more exports. We have interest from Asia, Europe and the USA, and this assistance will help us to properly pursue those avenues.’
Between growth of their export model and the establishment of their new venue, Endeavour hopes to create over 40 jobs within five years, thanks to their ingenuity and Jobs for NSW’s support.
Download the Jobs for NSW – Endeavour Beverages success story PDF


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Castrol India Limited, one of
the leading automotive and industrial lubricant manufacturing and marketing
companies in India, has announced the appointment of Kedar Apte as its new Vice
President Marketing, effective September 1, 2016.
Kedar joined Castrol India in
September 2011 as General Manager for the Motorcycle engine oils category.
During the last five years, he has managed multiple product categories and his
last position prior to his new role, was as Head – Brand and Communications.
According to Shyam
Balasubramanian, Regional Marketing Director, Asia & Pacific Region, “Kedar
has been responsible for successfully leading the launches of several
pioneering brands like Castrol Vecton, Castrol CRB Mini-Truck and Castrol GTX
ECO. His other significant contribution includes building a strong presence for
the brand in the digital space through innovative on line campaigns.”
In his new role as Vice
President Marketing, Kedar will lead the marketing function which includes
Brand Communication and Content, Sponsorships, digital marketing and consumer
and customer engagement programmes. He will spearhead the on-going marketing
strategy and continue to strengthen the Castrol brand through distinctive and
exciting brand campaigns.
Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) has announced its new campaign with the 6- and 7-Seater SUV – Alcazar, featuring Shah Rukh Khan and the four 4 Indian Women Cricketers -Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigu...
Leading two wheeler automobile manufacturer TVS Motor Company has announced the integration of the innovative location technology, what3words into its customer app – TVS Connect. TVS Connect users ca...
Technology-driven consumer finance NBFC Credit Wise Capital launched its AI backed and WhatsApp integrated bot Twin2.


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Soon electric vehicles could charge faster than your iPhone
By : Quick Insurance Guru
Sunday, 28 August 2022
For many Americans, electric vehicles are alluring up until the point they think about taking it on a long road trip.
A gas powered car will likely let them drive a median of 400 miles on a full tank — and a refill takes minutes.
A full charge on an electric vehicle is more likely get them somewhere between 200 to 300 miles, and could take upward of 15 to 3o minutes of charging before hitting the road again.
In a report released this week, government researchers said they have found a way to charge electric car batteries up to 90 percent in just 10 minutes.
The method is likely five years away from making its way into the market, scientists said, but would mark a fundamental shift.
The slowest, known as level 1 chargers, can recharge an electric vehicle battery in 40 to 5o hours, according to the U.S.
Their algorithm was trained to analyze 20,000 to 30,000 data points which indicated how well the battery was charging and whether it was aging or degrading.


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New Bugatti may be too fast to test
Bugatti's new performance car and heir to the Bugatti Veyron has been said to be too fast to successfully test in real life.
The still unnamed model will appear in 2016 and will likely have a top speed of 286 mph (460 km/h) with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of just 2.3 seconds if correct computer simulations are to be trusted. The car will be based on a hybrid powertrain and will have the same quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine that you can find in the Veyron. The engine is capable of generating about 1500 bhp (1521 horsepower).
This information comes in excess of what we currently have about the Bugatti Veyron, whose top speed of 268 mph (431 km/h) is already a challenge to prove due to limitations of its Michelin road tires. The problem with tires is that if technology has not advanced that far when the new car appears, the tires used may disintegrate well before reaching the vehicle top speed.
Autocar road test editor Matt Prior said: "Even though aerodynamic drag increases at the square of speed, if you up the power enough, it's entirely feasible that Bugatti could find another 18mph (29 km/h) for the taking in the Veyron's successor. But we're well into the realms of academia now. Making a road car that can do 286 mph (460 km/h) is one thing; making a road car do it on road tires is rather more difficult."
The new vehicle will have a carbon monocoque, like its predecessor and will have seats for two in a highly luxurious cabin that includes all latest connectivity technologies. The heavily revised powertrain receives electric assistance, while drive is channeled to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and multi-plate-clutch four-wheel drive system.
The upcoming vehicle by Bugatti will be limited; no more than 450 units will be produced.


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Home Tags Synchrony Financial
Tag: Synchrony Financial
Walmart took the top spot for the ninth consecutive year.
Barclays will pick up Gap's credit card portfolio in May 2022.
Fortune's 2021 ranking of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" includes three companies based in Westchester and one in Fairfield County. With a huge...
According to a survey by credit score firm FICO, more than 11 percent of the U.S. population had low credit and 4 percent had bad credit in 2018.
IBM led the way in Westchester, while Charter Communications was the top-ranked firm in Fairfield County.
“This collaboration plays to both companies’ strengths in providing seamless digital payments and innovating for partners, merchants and consumers,” said Synchrony President and CEO Margaret Keane.
The Stamford company experienced the second-most growth in revenue among Fortune 500 telecommunications companies.
Henkel, Diageo, Daymon, and People's United bank were also cited as among the nation's best employers. Forbes partnered with market research company Statista, who surveyed 30,000 people, asking respondents to rate how likely they'd be to recommend their employer to others.
Stamford-based Synchrony has been contracted by the Crate and Barrel to create a private label credit card and a dual-branded MasterCard for the home furnishing retail chain.
The financial services company, which was a subsidiary of GE Capital until it was spun off in 2014, reported fourth-quarter revenue of about $3.9 billion.
“I’ll get calls sometimes about what kinds of jobs can a person with a disability do,” said Kristine Foss. “It’s not necessarily a bad question."
Earnings were up slightly, while net interest income rose by 13 percent.
The highest ranked Connecticut company was Aetna, which took the No. 43 spot with $63 billion in revenue.
Sikorsky in Stratford was the highest-placing in the county, coming in at 58. The state of Connecticut placed 275th.
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Kamala Khan Revealed for Marvel's Avengers PS4
Updated: Oct 5, 2019
The New York Comic Con announcement took over social media as Ms Marvel makes her way to the Marvel's Avengers PS4 Universe.
Enjoy the trailer below!
The story begins on A-Day in San Francisco, a holiday to celebrate the Avengers which, in this iteration, is made up of Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Captain America and Black Widow.
The Avengers have recently harnessed a new technology that leads them to merge with S.H.I.E.L.D., the special law enforcement and counter-terrorism agency that tends to deal with superhuman threats. Tensions are high. However, the celebration is interrupted by the villain Taskmaster and his goons, who steal the new tech and are using it to wreak havoc on San Francisco and the Avengers themselves.
Kamala comes into contact with an element which makes her 'inhuman' and seeks out help from The Avengers. With a whole host of new costumes, and a shed load of powers!
Marvel's Avengers will be released on PS4 and Xbox One on May 15 2020! Not long to wait now!


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Wal-Mart goes solar
Bentonville, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has installed eight solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays in Massachusetts.
The arrays contain almost 10,000 solar panels that Wal-Mart estimates will generate 2.8 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy every year, eliminating almost 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The discount giant recently committed to increase the production of renewable energy to 7 billion kWh globally every year by Dec. 2020, up 600% from 2010 levels. By 2020, Wal-Mart also plans to reduce the amount of energy required to run its buildings worldwide by 20% compared to 2010 levels.
North American POS market reaches $2B
Franklin, Tenn. — Almost three in 10 (28%) of North American retailers plan to adopt mobile POS technology by the end of the year, according to a new study from IHL Group.
Results of “Mobile POS: Hype to Reality” also indicate that 45% of all tablet POS shipments go to specialty retailers, mobile POS solutions will cannibalize about 12% of traditional retail POS shipments by 2016 and more than 85% of larger retailers say that in the next three years mobile POS systems will complement, rather than replace, traditional POS systems.
The study also indicates that 33% of retailers are not planning to deploy mobile POS technology in the next three years.
“The vast majority of retailers are taking a slow and methodical approach to the use of mobile for POS,” said Greg Buzek, president, IHL Group. “There are key operational issues in device and merchandise security, cash handling, payments, bags, customer service levels and traffic flow that must be worked through or the use of the devices will be disruptive in a negative way for retailers."
American Sportswear employs LogFire warehouse management
Atlanta— American Sportswear, a Panama-based wholesaler and retailer that exclusively distributes the Tommy Hilfiger brand for most of Latin America and the Caribbean, is utilizing the LogFire extended warehouse management solution.
With the cloud-based warehouse and inventory management capabilities of LogFire technology, American Sportswear will manage its multichannel distribution network, retail store replenishments and in-store inventory management.
"After an exhaustive search of the market, we concluded that the LogFire cloud-based warehouse and inventory management solution was the very best solution for our business needs and continued growth plans," said Solly Azrak, CEO of American Sportswear.


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The names of President Mokgweetsi Masisi have been dragged into a fierce dispute over a lease agreement that Gaborone City Council has with a locally owned company and a Non-Governmental Organisation.
The dispute is between the local company called Commodities Marketing and the non-profit organisation called Music for Life Society. It is for the control of a building in Bontleng ward that Gaborone Council had leased to Commodities Marketing.
The battle between the company and society reached a tipping point recently when the non-profit organisation wrote a letter to Masisi requesting him to terminate the Commodity Marketing contract with Gaborone City Council. In the letter submitted to Masisi dated 11th November 2021, Music for Life Society Chairperson Duduetsang Lekoma requested “the President to facilitate the termination of that contract immediately and allow us as a Nonprofit Organisation and community members of Bontleng and Gaborone to use the building to improve the livelihoods of our community and the city at large.”
In response, the President’s Office’s Permanent Secretary wrote a letter to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Molefi Keaja requesting him to mediate over a contract between Gaborone City Council and Commodities Marketing and Duduetsang Lekoma led society. The letter informed Keaja that the complainant (Lekoma) had been informed of the referral and expected feedback from his office.
“We will be grateful if you could share the conclusion of the case with us by close of business on 2nd December 2021 to close the file,” the letter from the Office of the President stated. In a letter dated 24th April 2021, addressed to Music for Life Society, Gaborone City Council states that “the Council’s Town Planning and Estate Division has not acceded to your request because the said plot has been leased to a private entity.”
In a letter addressed to Music for Life Society, Commodities Marketing Company through its director, Samuel Tebogo Sekgoma, wrote a “letter of intent to lease of building on plot 2114 by Music for Life Society from Commodities Marketing at a sum of P15 012 per month with a security deposit of an equivalent amount.”
“Commodities marketing will support the great initiative proposed by MUSIC FOR LIFE SOCIETY by leasing the proposed building to the society for a period of five years if they find sponsorship for the rent and security deposit,” said Sekgoma.
But the society was not happy with this resulting in it requesting “the President of the Republic of Botswana Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi to resolve the lease agreement issues between Gaborone City Council and Commodities Marketing Pty (LTD), by Music For Life Society, a Non-profit responsible for an afterschool program targeting at-risk youth in Botswana between the age of nine (9) and 19.”
The society added that “We request the Council of Gaborone to allow us to use an abandoned building in Bontleng Plot 2114, which has been left vandalised for over 10 years if not 15.” The society said during a brief discussion it had with one of the officials at Gaborone City Council, “we put all this concern before him and stated reasons why as the youth of Bontleng with a registered Non Profit organisation should be allowed to use the building even though all information was already on the proposal before him which he said it was not important to read as the request is impossible.”
The society quoted the official saying that “the reason they could not assist us is that the Council of Gaborone has a contract with a private company Commodities Marketing”.
“We then wrote to the mayor of Gaborone but got another response from town clerk saying they are on a long term agreement with a privately owned company Commodities Marketing which is owned by Mr Samuel Tebogo Sekgoma, who has been in possession of the land/building for more than 20 years before being given another extension that is due in 2045 and as long as they honour that contract by paying what they are supposed to pay at the end of the year they are satisfied.”
The society said, “This was a very shocking statement because the City Council and Bye-Law enforcement are responsible for that building which has been in a bad state and poses a hazard to our community for so many years but has continuously turned a blind eye because they are continuously get paid.”
It said, “We contacted the director of o Commodities Marketing and explained to Mr Sekgoma our intention to lease the building for a community project of which he showed interest. We explained steps we will be taking before we sign the lease, which included a tour of the building to determine if it is in a good state to be renovated or needs to be demolished.”
According to the society, “Presently there is no fence, no doors or windows, no electricity and water connection but the private company is demanding a sum of P15 000.00 month even before all these issues are addressed. The private company is making unreasonable demands on an inhabitable state-building that has been neglected for more than 15 years previously used as shebeen/depot.”
It said that “We would like to know on which grounds was the private entity awarded the building and has it implemented whatever is proposed to and since well it’s evident that the building that the building has been neglected for more than 10 years was the purpose to turn it into a criminal habitat if not why has By-Law enforcement failed to call the company to book…with the building they have left in a terrible state but continue to pay and now poses a danger to the community.”
Mowana Copper Mine in Dukwi will finally pay its former employees a total amount of P23, 789, 984.00 end of this month. For over three years Mowana Copper Mine has been under judicial management. Updating members, Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) Executive Secretary Kitso Phiri this week said the High Court issued an order for the implementation of the compromise scheme of December 9, 2021 and this was to be done within 30 days after court order.
“Therefore payment of benefits under the scheme including those owed to Messina Copper Botswana employees should be effected sometime in January latest end of January 2022,” Kitso said. Kitso also explained that cash settlement will be 30 percent of the total Messina Copper Botswana estate and negotiated estate is $3,233,000 (about P35, 563,000).
Messina Copper was placed under liquidation and was thereafter acquired by Leboam Holdings to operate Mowana Mine. Leboam Holdings struck a deal with the Messina Copper’s liquidator who became a shareholder of Leboam Holdings. Leboam Holdings could not service its debts and its creditors placed it under provisional judicial management on December 18, 2018 and in judicial management on February 28, 2019.
A new company Max Power expressed interest to acquire the mining operations. It offered to take over the Mowana Mine from Leboam Holdings, however, the company had to pay the debts of Leboam including monies owed to Messina Copper, being employees benefits and other debts owed to other creditors.
The monies, were agreed to be paid through a scheme of compromise proposed by Max Power, being a negotiated payment schedule, which was subject to the financial ability of the new owners. “On December 9, 2021, Messina Copper liquidator, called a meeting of creditors, which the BMWU on behalf of its members (former Messina Copper employees) attended, to seek mandate from creditors to proceed with a proposed settlement for Messina Copper on the scheme of compromise. It is important to note that employee benefits are regarded as preferential credit, meaning once a scheme is approved they are paid first.”
A savingram the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development sent to Town Clerks and Council Secretaries explaining why councilors across the country should not have access to their terminal benefits before end of their term has been revealed.
The contents of the savingram came out in the wake of a war of words between counselors and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. The councilors through the Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA) accuse the Ministry of refusing to allow them to have access to their terminal benefits before end of their term.
This has since been denied by the Ministry. In the savingram to town councils and council secretaries across the country, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Molefi Keaja states that, “Kindly be advised that the terminal benefits budget is made during the final year of term of office for Honorable Councilors.” Keaja reminded town clerks and council secretaries that, “The nominal budget Councils make each and every financial year is to cater for events where a Councilor’s term of office ends before the statutory time due to death, resignation or any other reason.”
The savingram also goes into detail about why the government had in the past allowed councilors to have access to their terminal benefits before the end of their term. “Regarding the special dispensation made in the 2014-2019, it should be noted that the advance was granted because at that time there was an approved budget for terminal benefits during the financial year,” explained Keaja. He added that, “Town Clerks/Council Secretaries made discretions depending on the liquidity position of Councils which attracted a lot of audit queries.”
Keaja also revealed that councils across the country were struggling financially and therefore if they were to grant councilors access to their terminal benefits, this could leave their in a dire financial situation. Given the fact that Local Authorities currently have cash flow problems and budgetary constraints, it is not advisable to grant terminal benefits advance as it would only serve to compound the liquidity problems of councils.
It is understood that the Ministry was inundated with calls from some Councils as they sought clarification regarding access to their terminal benefits. The Ministry fears that should councils pay out the terminal benefits this would affect their coffers as the government spends a lot on councilors salaries.
Reports show that apart from elected councilors, the government spends at least P6, 577, 746, 00 on nominated councilors across the country as their monthly salaries. Former Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Botlogile Tshireletso once told Parliament that in total there are 113 nominated councilors and their salaries per a year add up to P78, 933,16.00. She added that their projected gratuity is P9, 866,646.00.
A surge in consumer spending is expected to be a key driver of Botswana’s economic recovery, according to recent projections by Fitch Solutions. Fitch Solutions said it forecasts household spending in Botswana to grow by a real rate of 5.9% in 2022.
The bullish Fitch Solutions noted that “This is a considerable deceleration from 9.4% growth estimated in 2021, it comes mainly from the base effects of the contraction of 2.5% recorded in 2020,” adding that, “We project total household spending (in real terms) to reach BWP59.9bn (USD8.8bn) in 2022, increasing from BWP56.5bn (USD8.3bn) in 2021.” According to Fitch Solutions, this is higher than the pre-Covid-19 total household spending (in real terms) of P53.0 billion (USD7.8bn) in 2019 and it indicates a full recovery in consumer spending.
“We forecast real household spending to grow by 5.9% in 2022, decelerating from the estimated growth of 9.4% in 2021. We note that the Covid-19 pandemic and the related restrictions on economic activity resulted in real household spending contracting by 2.5% in 2020, creating a lower base for spending to grow from in 2021 and 2022,” Fitch Solutions says.
Total household spending (in real terms), the agency says, will increase in 2022 when compared to 2021. In 2021 and 2022, total household spending (in real terms) will be above the pre-Covid-19 levels in 2019, indicating a full recovery in consumer spending, says Fitch Solutions. It says as of December 6 2021 (latest data available), 38.4% of people in Botswana have received at least one vaccine dose, while this is relatively low it is higher than Africa average of 11.3%.
“The emergence of new Covid-19 variants such as Omicron, which was first detected in the country in November 2021, poses a downside risk to our outlook for consumer spending, particularly as a large proportion of the country’s population is unvaccinated and this could result in stricter measures being implemented once again,” says Fitch Solutions.
Growth will ease in 2022, Fitch Solution says. “Our forecast for an improvement in consumer spending in Botswana in 2022 is in line with our Country Risk team’s forecast that the economy will grow by a real rate of 5.3% over 2022, from an estimated 12.5% growth in 2021 as the low base effects from 2020 dissipate,” it says.
Fitch Solutions notes that “Our Country Risk team expects private consumption to be the main driver of Botswana’s economic growth in 2022, as disposable incomes and the labour market continue to recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.” It says Botswana’s tourism sector has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the related travel restrictions.
According to Fitch Solutions, “The emergence of the Omicron variant, which was first detected in November 2021, has resulted in travel bans being implemented on Southern African countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. This will further delay the recovery of Botswana’s tourism sector in 2021 and early 2022.” Fitch Solutions, therefore, forecasts Botswana’s tourist arrivals to grow by 81.2% in 2022, from an estimated contraction of 40.3% in 2021.
It notes that the 72.4% contraction in 2020 has created a low base for tourist arrivals to grow from. “The rollout of vaccines in South Africa and its key source markets will aid the recovery of the tourism sector over the coming months and this bodes well for the employment and incomes of people employed in the hospitality industry, particularly restaurants and hotels as well as recreation and culture businesses,” the report says.
Fitch Solutions further notes that with economies reopening, consumers are demanding products that they had little access to over the previous year. However, manufacturers are facing several problems. It says supply chain issues and bottlenecks are resulting in consumer goods shortages, feeding through into supply-side inflation. Fitch Solutions believes the global semiconductor shortage will continue into 2022, putting the pressure on the supply of several consumer goods.
It says the spread of the Delta variant is upending factory production in Asia, disrupting shipping and posing more shocks to the world economy. Similarly, manufacturers are facing shortages of key components and higher raw materials costs, the report says adding that while this is somewhat restricted to consumer goods, there is a high risk that this feeds through into more consumer services over the 2022 year.
“Our global view for a notable recovery in consumer spending relies on the ability of authorities to vaccinate a large enough proportion of their populations and thereby experience a notable drop in Covid-19 infections and a decline in hospitalisation rates,” says Fitch Solutions. Both these factors, it says, will lead to governments gradually lifting restrictions, which will boost consumer confidence and retail sales.
“As of December 6 2021, 38.4% of people in Botswana have received at least one vaccine dose. While this is low, it is higher than the Africa average of 11.3%. The vaccines being administered in Botswana include Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac and Johnson & Johnson. We believe that a successful vaccine rollout will aid the country’s consumer spending recovery,” says Fitch Solutions. Therefore, the agency says, “Our forecasts account for risks that are highly likely to play out in 2022, including the easing of government support. However, if other risks start to play out, this may lead to forecast revisions.”


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New York -- A report released Monday by A.T. Kearney showed that Brazil once again first among developing countries for global retail expansion.
A.T. Kearney’s Global Consumer Institute’s 2012 Global Retail Development Index ranks the top 30 developing countries for global retail expansion.
Brazil, which topped the list for the second year in a row, was followed by Chile, China, Uraguay and India. Botswana (#20) entered the GRDI ranking for the first time, signaling regional growth and the future of Africa as a significant consumer market. And, as major developing countries become more competitive, smaller countries that deliver new growth opportunities are rising in the rankings – Georgia (#6), Oman (#8), Mongolia (#9), and Azerbaijan (#17).
Although the Arab Spring uprisings had a negative impact on the rankings of several MENA countries including Lebanon (-10 versus 2011), Morocco (-7 versus 2011) and Tunisia (-12 versus 2011), several countries from the region are still high on the ranking – U.A.E. (#7), Oman (#8), Kuwait (#12) and Saudi Arabia (#14).
“Given the accelerated growth rates of developing countries compared to the anemic growth in European and North American markets, global retailers must have a strategy for expansion into developing markets,” said Michael Moriarty, A.T. Kearney partner and study co-leader. “In the past five years, U.S.-based Wal-Mart, France-based Carrefour, U.K.-based Tesco and Germany-based Metro Group saw their revenues in developing countries grow 2.5 times faster than in their home markets.”
Latin America’s expanding, dynamic retail sector and strong economic growth has driven strong results with seven countries included in the GRDI this year. Many retailers have entered Latin America in the last few years.
Retail sales per capita in Brazil (#1 in the Index) have grown 12% per year for the past four years to reach $5,514, the third largest of the countries ranked in the GRDI. The retail market size increased 15% last year, and consumer spending has increased by 9% per year since 2007. In 2011, retail sales accounted for 70% of Brazil’s consumer spending.
India (5th) remains a high-potential market with accelerated retail market growth of 15% to 20% expected over the next five years, supported by GDP growth of 6 to 7%, rising disposable income and rapid urbanization.


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GM to build big, new Cadillac flagship next year
DETROIT -- General Motors plans to build a big, new rear-wheel-drive Cadillac flagship sedan at its Detroit-Hamtramck plant by the end of 2015.
The as-yet-unnamed new Cadillac is expected to draw inspiration from the Elmiraj and Ciel concept cars shown in recent years.
The new Cadillac sedan will be bigger than the current fullsize XTS front-drive car and more expensive.
"It's top of the line," GM CEO Mary Barra said this morning at a conference here. "It will be something that's aspirational."
The new flagship sedan will take on such luxury standards as the Mercedes S-class, BMW 7-series, Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ.
"What we have to make sure is we are relevant in the key luxury segments," Barra told reporters today. "To be a true luxury brand, it has to be credible (in the flagship segment)."
GM, in its announcement, called it a "top-end, high-technology car." Among the new tech is likely to GM's new "super cruise" system, which can let the car steer, brake and accelerate by itself on the highway. The company had announced earlier this month that the super cruise system would be installed into a new Cadillac for the 2017 model year.
The news of the new prestige model comes amid reports that Cadillac chief Johan de Nysschen plans to scale back production to reduce a glut of cars on dealer lots. The Audi and Infiniti veteran is charged with injecting fresh life into Cadillac, whose momentum has stalled this year. Despite a successful launch of a redesigned Escalade SUV, overall Cadillac sales so far this year are down 4.7% from the period a year ago, according to Autodata.
Barra acknowledged that Cadillac, which has benefited from the new ATS and CTS sedans in the last two years, has room to grow.
"When you look at what Cadillac was at one point and what we're intent and investing to do, it doesn't happen overnight," she told reporters. "I'm very excited about Cadillac and I understand it's going to take some time. We have to earn our way."
The decision to build the vehicle at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant is part of $384-million expansion at the facility, which already makes the Chevrolet Volt, Malibu and Impala and the Cadillac ELR.
When GM showed the Elmiraj concept last year at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California, the vehicle quickly drew a fan following. The two-door concept vehicle had four seats and was 205 inches long -- three inches longer than the four-door XTS sedan. With a 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged 8-cylinder engine and about 500 horsepower, the vehicle would be one of GM's most powerful.
The Elmiraj drew design inspiration from the 1967 Cadillac Eldorado.
"The objective for this upcoming model is to lift the Cadillac range by entering the elite class of top-level luxury cars," de Nysschen said in a statement. "Currently in development, this new rear wheel drive-oriented sedan uses completely new, custom-designed materials on a unique vehicle architecture."