text:
Apple is very proud of its iPad line-up, which is believed to be state-of-the-art and innovative, but Microsoft does not think it is unique. Microsoft’s general manager for the Surface, Ryan Gavin, told Business Insider that the Apple iPad Pro is a “clear example” that Apple is copying his company.
Microsoft: we are not following Apple
Microsoft has been steadily expanding its Surface portfolio and recently announced the Surface Laptop and the upgraded fifth-generation Surface hybrid called the Surface Pro. The Surface Pro is lighter than the previous model with minor tweaks, such as small vents on the top and a new kickstand which helps the tab lay flat when used with a keyboard accessory.
Addressing rumors that Microsoft was following Apple, Gavin said if such was the case, there would not have been a product like the Surface Pro or Surface Book. Further, the executive stated they have been focusing on the two-in-one product category for years now, but “when Surface initially launched everyone was skeptical, including them. And then they followed, and the iPad Pro is a clear example of that.”
A decade ago, no one talked about tail risk hedge funds, which were a minuscule niche of the market. However, today many large investors, including pension funds and other institutions, have mandates that require the inclusion of tail risk protection. In a recent interview with ValueWalk, Kris Sidial of tail risk fund Ambrus Group, a Read More
This does not mean that the company does not keep track of its rivals, but when it comes to making the Surface hardware, “we don’t really look at Apple,” the executive said. Gavin said the only reason they came up with the Surface Pro is because “our customers wanted it.”
Apple iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro
Apple also released a new upgraded iPad Pro version equipped with the next version of iOS, giving it additional laptop-like features. Microsoft, on the other hand, added some brilliant features in the new Surface Pro. More importantly, the company dropped the famous tagline “the tablet that can replace your laptop” and instead adopted the ad slogan “the most versatile laptop.”
The newly-adopted tagline reflects changing trends in the market, in which tablet sales are declining and more Surface Pro owners are using their devices as laptops. Although the Windows maker has deviated from its conventional marketing strategy, the core features in the gadget remain unaltered, notes Business Insider in a separate report.
Battery life has long been an issue in the Surface range, but the new Pro seems to be better in this regard. The company has also made sure to lower the sound of the fan. The sound in the Surface Pro 4’s fan was very annoying, especially when watching a video or reading books, notes The Verge. The Surface Pro has the full version of Windows 10, allowing it to run a host of software, including the desktop version of Office and popular gaming titles.
If you are selecting between the Apple iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro, it will come down to how comfortable you are with the software and operating system.
“But I’m betting that most of the time, Surface Pro will be able to handle a broader array of tasks for a wider range of people than the iPad Pro,” says Matt Weinberger of Business Insider.


text:
Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a new public health proclamation that permits bars and night clubs to reopen in four counties.
The hospitality businesses in Black Hawk, Dallas, Linn, and Polk counties may reopen as of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
The proclamation also removes the restrictions on hours that alcohol may be sold in restaurants in those counties and adds a new social distancing requirement to restaurants and bars in all counties.
The new proclamation states that “all patrons must have a seat at a table, booth, or bar, and must consume their food or beverage while seated at the table, booth, or bar.”
In short, patrons consuming food or drinking beverages must be seated in all Iowa eating and drinking establishments in all counties.
The closures and service restrictions on restaurants and bars from the Governor’s earlier proclamation remain in place for bars and restaurants in Story and Johnson County through September 20th.
All other public health mitigation measures currently in place for all counties also continue through September 20th.

domain: news


text:
The Infiniti M35 and the more powerful M45 challenge the luxury cars from Europe. The Infiniti M models successfully blend...
The sporty Nissan Juke crossover, the Infiniti M luxury sedan, and the massive Infiniti QX SUV are all part of a global recall issued by Nissan.
Read This Article
Infiniti welcomed its latest crossover into its lineup yesterday morning as a 2013 JX doused in emerald green paint was the first to roll off the assembly line.
While it’s still a ways out, the next-generation Infiniti G series lineup is already set to debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March of next year.
Online auction house eBay has introduced a new version of its eBay Motors app for the iPhone.


text:
The Rise and Fall of the Ford Mondeo in Europe
- Written by : Ashton G. Curran
- Date Published : 2023-04-07
- Date Updated : 2023-04-07
- Category / Tag : ford
The Mondeo was last sold in Europe in 2022, but only as a hybrid with a two-liter gasoline engine.
The diesel and petrol engines that were once available have been phased out due to new emissions regulations.
The powerful 2.0 EcoBoost petrol engines disappeared in 2018, while the weaker 1.5-liter petrol engine passed emissions tests but was also discontinued.
The Mondeo was once a popular choice for families and business users, but now, with its limited availability and lack of engine options, its popularity has decreased.
The latest Mondeo, codenamed BA7, is considered by some to be the fourth generation of the car.
It was introduced in Europe in 2015, three years after it was launched in the United States as the Fusion.
The Mondeo was part of Ford's One Ford strategy, which aimed to create a single global design for each model rather than separate designs for different regions.
As a result, the Mondeo that was sold in Europe was largely based on the American Fusion, although it did receive some updates for the European market.
One of the biggest changes to the Mondeo was the introduction of a hybrid engine.
While diesel and petrol engines were once available, the hybrid engine was the only option for the 2022 model.
This was due in part to new emissions regulations, but also to changing consumer preferences.
The hybrid engine is more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional petrol or diesel engines, which is an important consideration for many drivers.
Despite the discontinuation of the Mondeo in Europe, there are still plenty of used models available on the market.
In fact, prices for used Mondeos have dropped in recent years, making it a good time to buy.
While the limited engine options may be a drawback for some, the Mondeo remains a reliable and practical car that is well-suited to families and business users.
The Ford Mondeo has had a long and storied history in Europe, but its time has come to an end.
Whether it's considered the fourth or fifth generation, the Mondeo has left a lasting impression on European drivers.
While the latest model was only available as a hybrid, there are still plenty of used Mondeos available for those who want a reliable and practical mid-size car.
As we bid farewell to the Mondeo, we can look back on its legacy and appreciate the role it played in the automotive industry.


text:
The dynamics of the joint reconstruction devices industry has strengthened with consistent technological improvements, including the adoption of 3-D printing.
A U.S. launch of the product is expected in just a few weeks.
The agency granted its first approval order under the humanitarian device exemption in spinal pediatrics in the last 15 years.
Most recently with Medtronic, Bryan C. Hanson has more than 20 years of experience in the medical device industry.
After the abrupt announcement, the search is on for a permanent successor.
FDA has categorized the recall as Class I due to the seriousness of the device issue.
The shoulder replacement is used on patients with rotator cuff tears.
The deal will further cement the company’s competitive advantage in providing ‘comprehensive musculoskeletal healthcare’.


text:
By Lisa Berwin2009-02-17T11:17:08
Sir Philip Green has unveiled details of his long-awaited Topshop flagship store in New York and said he plans to open up to 15 US flagships.
Please sign in now if you have a subscription
Retail Week is the most trusted source of business intelligence for the retail industry. Subscribe now to enjoy:
Discover Retail Week subscribe now
Please note, if you have recently purchased a subscription, it may take a few minutes before your account is updated.


text:
Goldman Sachs' global head of consumer, Harit Talwar, recently said the banks' consumer finance business, Marcus, is inspired by how Amazon and iTunes disrupted their respective industries.
David Haber, Goldman Sachs' vice president of strategy and corporate development, spoke last month about how Marcus has a unique opportunity to serve as a distribution platform or back end for companies outside of financial services.
In a video posted this week on Goldman's website, Harit Talwar, Goldman Sachs' global head of consumer, said the firm is looking directly to Seattle and Cupertino, California, the homes of the two tech behemoths, for inspiration in growing its consumer banking footprint.
He spoke with Goldman CEO David Solomon on a recent episode of Catch-Up With David about what lessons could be learned from how other companies have disrupted their own industries.
"Not only are we building our direct to consumer business, but we also want to distribute our products where consumers work and places where they shop," Talwar said.
Goldman hired Scott Young from Citigroup in 2017, and he now oversees their partnerships business.


text:
Ivan Kondilenko to speak at CEEGC 2017
Kondilenko is going to make a presentationon topic “The Cryptocurrency Effect” during the full session of Innovation Talks. The said speaker will share more information regarding effective implementation of cryptocurrencies in online gambling and benefits that digital currencies bring gamblers and operators, including approaches to Bitcoin usage as one of the means of payment in online casinos.
In terms of the said summit anyone interested in the said topic can talk to the expert. You can arrange a meeting with Ivan in advance right away. To do so, please, press “make an appointment” at our official webpage, having previously filled in all the necessary contact data and managers from CASEXE will reach you shortly for more details.
Do not miss on the main iGaming event of Central and Eastern Europe - CEEGC 2017!


text:
Tableau Taking More Steps Toward Possible IPO
Updated 12pm Pacific 2/23
Tableau Software is taking more steps toward a possible initial public offering of its stock, a move the data visualization company has publicly entertained for some time.
The nearly 10-year-old company doesn’t seem to be in a rush, however, with its venture capital backer saying next year is the timeframe being discussed and a newly appointed board member saying the company will be IPO-ready “when the timing and climate are appropriate.”
The latest news about Seattle-based Tableau’s IPO ambitions bubbled up Wednesday afternoon, when Fortune reporter Dan Primack talked with New Enterprise Associates partner Scott Sandell about Tableau’s plans. (Primack’s digging was prompted by what looks like a fantastically fumbled public relations pitch.)
New Enterprise Associates is Tableau’s largest outside shareholder—in fact, Tableau has never spent a dime of the $15 million in VC it’s raised from NEA over the years. Sandell was quoted as saying there are “‘board-level discussions’ about taking the company public next year, even though it has the numbers to go out now.”
The Stanford University-bred company, which makes easy-to-use software that turns data into interactive graphs and charts, has long been a quiet success in the tech world. That’s partly because its particular innovation is in the traditionally dry world of “business intelligence” data analytics for big companies.
Tableau has long been profitable, and has recently reported a few years of large revenue growth—the latest was a near-doubling of sales bookings to $72 million in 2011. Tableau started this year with about 350 people worldwide, and plans to add another 300 to its roster in 2012 as it expands into new international territories.
On Wednesday night, Tableau also announced that it is appointing to its board software executive Brooke Seawell, who already is on the boards of publicly traded Informatica and NVIDIA. He also is being named chairman of Tableau’s audit committee, a group that would be called upon to help get Tableau’s books in order for the public markets.
I also spoke with co-founder and CEO Christian Chabot on Thursday morning. He confirms that we shouldn’t be looking for SEC registration papers anytime soon. “We havnet made any decision with regard to timing,” Chabot says. “This step is one of the steps we’re making to take the company the the next level—strengthening the team to lay the foundation for being a successful, publicly held concern at some point.”
The Seawell release is one of those masterpieces of read-between-the-lines corporate communication, which has some necessity behind it since executives are always wary of getting slapped by securities regulators for soliciting buyers too early.
In it, Tableau notes Seawell’s “extensive experience in public company finance, accounting, governance and technology company operations.” And, of course, he’s quoted saying of Tableau: “It has the right team in place and will be well-positioned to go public when the timing and climate are appropriate.”
In a subsequent rundown of the company’s leadership team, several other executives are called out for their public-company experience.
Tableau has never really made its general IPO ambitions any secret. As Chabot told me recently, “Tableau’s intention as part of its business plan is to be a big, independent, global, publicly traded company. I mean, there’s no doubt about that. This company is not for sale. … Our intention is to take the company public, and be a great public stock.”
Trending on Xconomy
By posting a comment, you agree to our terms and conditions.


text:
According to a report in The Register, the next generation of Sony eReaders may be bundled with the entire Harry Potter book series in October. Sony has not confirmed this partnership.
The report speculates that fans can also buy an eReader bundle that will include a letter from author J.K. Rowling, a subscription to the online community Pottermore and a special carrying case.
Here’s more from the article: “According to the sources, Sony is paying Rowling millions for early electronic rights to Potter, but rather than adding to her fortune, last estimated at £560m, she is handing the proceeds to a charity for children with learning disabilities. The package is being hailed as the ‘hero’ product – the biggest seller – for Christmas by some in the retail channel.” (via Publishers Lunch)


text:
Employees spend a lot of time using email, and rely on it to share documents with colleagues.To improve the email experience on mobile devices, Good Technology has unveiled a secure mobile email app that enables employees to view, edit, print, save and share Microsoft Office document attachments.
Microsoft is making its Office preview apps available for Android phones users, according to Jared Spataro, general manager for the Office 365 marketing team, in a blog post Tuesday.
To make things even easier, SkyKick now offers a "Hands-Free" migration feature that completely automates the process.
Startup hopTo has unveiled version 2.0 of its hopto Work mobile workspace that enables Windows apps to be used across a range of mobile devices.
Migrating data to the cloud is no picnic, so anything that makes the process a little easier is always welcome relief.
File sharing and storage company Dropbox has made badge, it's new Microsoft Office collaboration tool, available to all Dropbox for Business users today, according to its blog.
Earlier this month, Microsoft unveiled its Office for Android tablet app. But if your Android tablet has an Intel processor inside, you're out of luck for now, explained mobile tech guru James Kendrick in a ZDNet article.
Apple has released the Web-based iWork for free on its iCloud beta site.
In a move to expand its influence among the professional set, Apple has opened its iWork suite up free of charge for any device without the need to own one of the company's tablets, phones or computers.
For enterprise users of iPad who need to work with business documents, don't fret. There are alternatives to the Microsoft Office for iPad app, notes James Kendrick with ZDNet.


text:
Washington state’s biggest private company is heading to mediation today with workers in Seattle, Issaquah and Tukwila. The negotiations between Darigold and its workers have gotten tense, and some staged an informational picket last week.
Darigold’s butter and other dairy products are familiar to many shoppers in this area. It is a cooperative of more than 500 dairy farmers in the Pacific Northwest. In fiscal 2012, Darigold took in almost $2.5 billion in revenue.


text:
Vice president, Halfacre Construction
“Public sector work has been keeping us alive the past few years. We recently completed the special operations detachment center at MacDill Air Force Base, one of a half-dozen projects we’ve done there, and we just got awarded a one-story office and meeting center at MacDill.
“Right now, we’re building a surface parking extension for rental car storage at the Punta Gorda Airport. We’re in pre-construction on the $22 million Gasparilla Road widening, also in Charlotte County, and we’ll start construction in early 2014. We’re doing a complete gut and remodel of The Living Room at the Senior Friendship Center. And we’re replacing the generator at the Sarasota County Terrace Building. It doesn’t sound sexy, but it’s a big, complex project.
“We are starting to see opportunities in the private sector, which is encouraging. We’re finishing up the Sun Hydraulics manufacturing facility expansion, and we’ve been involved in [planning for] three or four large-scale multifamily projects in the last several months. I’m not sure when they will be built.”
General manager, Storage Now
“We opened seven years ago on S.R. 70 just east of I-75 with 450 units, and with the three-story addition we built last spring, we grew to 700 units. The demand is there.
“We generally cater to Lakewood Ranch snowbirds, although about 30 percent of our customers are businesses, a wide range of them, from pharmaceutical reps to lawn and pool companies and doctors and lawyers who need record storage.
“We’re not as seasonal as restaurants, but September is our slow month, and we start pumping up in October and run strong until July. August is a big move-out month.”
President, Lux-Art Silks
“Business is definitely better. We’re seeing double-digit increases in our wholesale business where we sell to the furniture industry and interior designers all over the country. In terms of holiday décor, we sell commercial-grade Christmas merchandise from our High Point, N.C. showroom to high-end interior design studios, furniture stores and gift stores. Locally, we also come in and install holiday decorations, mainly to hotels and country clubs.
“I really think our Christmas season will be very good; consumer indexes have been pointing toward people feeling better about the economy, the local housing industry is certainly booming again, and there’s pent-up demand from people who were a little more conservative the last few years.”


text:
The chicken sandwich wars continue!
McDonald's is entering the race with a new crispy chicken sandwich.
They're even offering $5 swag packages on the McDonald's website to drum up some buzz.
It includes a hoodie, a custom song and, of course, a first taste of its crispy chicken sandwich.
The new chicken sandwiches go on sale next Wednesday.


text:
XRS Corporation, a provider of trucking intelligence, announced during its annual XRS User Event (XUE) in Minneapolis that it is working with Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) to develop an integrated mobile device and software package designed specifically for the trucking industry.
The new package will bring together XRS compliance and performance tools with Samsung Mobile’s mobile devices. The collaboration will allow drivers to receive select Samsung Mobile devices that will come with XRS trucking intelligence available for download. The integrated product is expected to be available later this year.
“We have a responsibility to ensure all drivers and fleets are compliant, and it’s our goal to make compliance accessible, convenient and easy to use for everyone on the road,” said Jay Coughlan, chairman and chief executive officer of XRS Corporation. “Samsung Mobile and its devices are on the leading edge of this revolutionary movement, and we are proud to be working together to bring these best-in-class mobile solutions to market.”
The Samsung Mobile devices will be equipped with Samsung for Enterprise (SAFE) enhanced security features, specifically configured to ensure every user’s mobile workforce has enterprise-focused IT policy controls, mobile device management protocols, virtual private network connectivity and on-device encryption. The Samsung Mobile SAFE program ensures enterprise mobile security for businesses, regulated and non-regulated industries.
“Enterprise customers have increasingly unique requirements by line of business for both company owned and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) users,” said Tim Wagner, vice president and general manager, enterprise business unit – Samsung Mobile USA. “The onboard trucking solution to be provided by XRS and Samsung is a fantastic example of how we are working closely with our rapidly growing ecosystem of mobile solution providers to meet specific customer needs.”
The new XRS mobile platform, which entered general release in March 2013, runs on more than 50 types of devices and automatically transmits vehicle and operator data directly to a management dashboard, preparing for compliance with the pending MAP-21 compliance mandate for recording hours-of-service. Nearly 90 percent of drivers already use mobile devices, meaning no additional hardware costs associated with the XRS platform. XRS Corp. has partnership agreements with several leading brands in mobile communications.
“Our industry is just now starting to realize the incredible potential of mobile computing to improve the bottom line for fleets and drivers alike,” said Christian Schenk, senior vice president, product and market strategy for XRS. “With this new, integrated fleet solution, the entire trucking industry can rest assured that their drivers and operations staff will always be in communication, in compliance and in the process of delivering value to customers.”


text:
Captain America Comes to Heroclix Online
Wizkids/NECA has announced that to celebrate the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, they’ve announced the addition of Marvel’s Captain America to HeroClix Online and a holiday celebration, offering players a chance to score a special in-game object starting Tuesday, July 3.
The new Captain America figures include over 25 new Single-Figure Boosters as well as five additional Limited-Edition figures which will be awarded as tournament prizes beginning July 3. Additionally, all new figures will become part of the Crossover Booster Sealed Tournament format.
To celebrate the upcoming holiday, a special box of fireworks in-game object, which can be used as an obstacle for or to attack opponents, will be awarded to all tournament participants Tuesday, July 3 through Wednesday, July 11.


text:
Delivery by Drone: Sci-Fiction Robotics for the Day-to-Day?
Evgeny Kaganer comments on Amazon innovation
When Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s CEO, recently announced on 60 Minutes that the company is exploring the possibility of delivering small packages by drone, he drew mostly incredulous reactions. Yet, as IESE’s Evgeny Kaganer, Associate Professor of Information Systems explains, perhaps Amazon’s idea is not so far-fetched.
While you should not expect to see small unmanned planes peppering the suburban skies any time soon (the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA in the U.S., has yet to work out regulations for such drones), Kaganer explains that this and other possibilities represent the evolution of robotics from the industrial sphere to the consumer.
"Are we actually on the cusp of a similar consumerization wave in robots technology?" asks Prof. Kaganer. Based on how technology has been evolving, maybe we will start to see the really cool and powerful things robots do today for manufacturing find their way into our day-to-day, he continued. Home delivery by drone may just be the tip of the iceberg.


text:
By Chuck Ross
This summer, why not study abroad – in your garden? A growing interest in eating healthily, and cooking globally, has gardeners pushing the boundaries of the old-fashioned vegetable garden.
Screaming yellow tomatoes: Unlike its predecessors, Golden Mama produces brilliant yellow paste and sauces. Squash that look like smiling human faces. Eighty-pound pumpkins. Square tomatoes. They’ve been around forever in seed-company ads that run in the back of Sunday newspaper supplements and in Gee Whiz photos on the front pages of supermarket tabloids. Oddly formed and colored vegetables have long fascinated us as the freak shows of the garden.
Now, though, it seems, home gardeners are turning to odd, offbeat, and exotic vegetables by the bushel. Instead of gawking at the impossibility of a 4-pound tomato or a cauliflower the color of a block of processed cheese food, we’re growing them ourselves. In fact, the wealth of new varieties is helping to boost vegetable seed sales and turning even city dwellers into modern-day farmers.
Several factors seem to be contributing to an increase in the number of people opting to grow at least some of their own produce, even as interest in flower gardening has wilted a bit in the last year or two. Recent bacteria scares involving packaged vegetables have raised fears among even strictly organic shoppers, and sophisticated home cooks, limited by supermarkets that can’t always keep pace with the latest culinary trends, are growing their own exotic vegetables to meet the needs of demanding recipes. There’s newfound status to be found in growing your own, and not just the same Big Boy or “burpless” as the guy down the block.
“The pendulum seems to be swinging back,” says Nona Koivula, executive director of the National Garden Bureau, an association of companies that market flower and plant seeds. “These companies are seeing an increasing popularity in seed vegetables. The fact is, they’re easy to grow. Many vegetables tie into the container trend.”
Say ‘cauliflower’: A high amount of beta carotene gives the cheddar hybrid cauliflower its orange hue. Seed companies are seeing the cheesy head sell better than standard white variety. Image courtesy Park Seeds.
Those whose growing areas are restricted to pots and window boxes will be glad to learn that new-variety developers aren’t just focusing on Paul Bunyan-sized vegetables, such as the new 2- to 4-pound Porterhouse beefsteak tomato. Some of the new miniature varieties are perfect for urban decks and rooftops. The Black Pearl ornamental pepper plant, a 2006 winner in the All-America Selections competition sponsored by the National Garden Bureau, tops out at 18 to 20 inches tall. Its eye-catching black foliage and clusters of black, extra-hot peppers would make a great focal point on even the smallest deck or patio.
Smaller produce also is a goal with some of the advanced breeding. As our households get smaller, bumper harvests can overwhelm even the heartiest appetite. “Our customers have always appreciated the huge veggie,” notes Stephanie Turner, seed director for Greenwood, S.C.-based Park Seeds. “Now, though, the company is seeing increased interest in plants like the Twinkle eggplant, with fruit that reaches perfection at 2-1/2 inches long, and Mirai corn, with cobs a plate-friendly 5 inches long.”
Technicolor veggies also are attracting gardening fans. In some cases, these orange, purple, and even chartreuse specialties are pushing standard varieties from the top of the sales charts. “We’re seeing that, in several different categories of vegetables, some of them our actually outselling traditional varieties,” says Turner.
For example, Turner notes that seeds for the cheddar hybrid cauliflower, which looks like a surprisingly lumpy head of cheddar cheese, now sell better than those for the standard white variety. (You also can grow a chartreuse-colored variety called Romanesco, which features fractal-shaped florets that look like something out of a child’s crystal-growing science project.)
Purple reign: ‘Purple haze’ carrots are a sure bet to make any salad zing; just be sure to serve them raw – the color fades with cooking. Image courtesy Park Seeds
The odd coloration in many of today’s unusual offerings derives from different combinations of vitamins and minerals than those the vegetable typically features. So, cheddar cauliflower gets its orange coloring from high doses of beta carotene, the stuff that makes carrots look like carrots. In fact, only carrots have more beta carotene than this new cauliflower variety.
Unless, of course, those carrots are purple. Purple haze carrots, another AAS winner, sport a brilliant purple hue that draws on the same ingredients that make blueberries blue, Turner says. The color only penetrates a bit beneath the skin, leaving the carrot core a bright orange. It’s not a color combination you might choose for your next evening out, but it does make for a striking salad. The color dulls with cooking, so serve it raw for best effect.
Though their appearance may be unusual, these new varieties should pose no added challenge to even inexperienced gardeners, experts say. In fact, some could have even greater harvest rates than tried-and-true versions because of the added research attention they’ve received.
“Usually newer varieties are easier to grow because there’s constant improvement in breeding,” Turner says. “And hybrids have increased vigor. Home gardeners can pretty much guarantee success with that.”
The one downside to hybrid planting, however, is that seeds from this year’s crop can’t be used to duplicate success next year. Instead, with these varieties, gardeners will have to buy new seed packets when planning future crops.
Safe to eat: Not a science project, this prickly, yellowy-green object is, in fact, a vegetable: a Romanesco variety cauliflower. Image courtesy Park Seeds
For new, non-hybridized varieties, some seed sellers are looking overseas, discovering long-successful crops that are still exotic to U.S. growers. Frank Mangan, a University of Massachusetts assistant professor, is leading efforts to introduce such vegetables as taioba squash and a cucumber called maxixi, familiar to the state’s many Brazilian immigrants.
“They’re going to want to start growing things that are popular in their cuisines,” he says of the importance of new immigrants to expanding U.S. produce options. “With some of these crops, I think there’s definite possibility for crossover.”
And crossover is definitely behind the success of Johnny’s Selected Seeds. The Winslow, Maine-based seed producer and merchant has seen success in marketing seeds for Asian vegetables, including gr,eens such as Chinese bok choy and slender Suyo Long cucumbers, Red Giant Japanese mustard and Thai Kermit eggplant As U.S. taste buds open to more international cuisine, home cooks are seeking fresh sources for sometimes hard-to-find ingredients.
“I think there’s more interest, especially in the Asian greens,” says T.J. Vinci, vegetable products manager at Johnny’s Seeds. “Our greens section is one of our best-sellers.”


text:
China Petrochemical Group (Sinopec) has made another venture into the growing South American energy industry by agreeing to pay $3.54 billion (22.5bn yuan) for a 30% stake in Galp Energia's deep-sea oil assets in Brazil.
The deal comes just one year after Sinopec purchased a 40% stake in Repsol's Brazil division for $7 billion (44.5bn yuan). Galp's primary assets in Brazil include four deep-water blocks of BM-S-11, BM-S-24, BM-S-8 and BM-S-21, from which Sinopec expects to receive 21,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boedp) by 2015, which would then peak at 112,500 boedp by 2024.
Many Chinese energy firms are keen to expand production capacity abroad as traditional domestic upstream oil and gas sectors do not offer many opportunities for growth, according to industry analyst Yan Shi. Nonetheless, China's outbound mergers and acquisitions are down this year to $37.6 billion (239bn yuan) from $54.1 billion (344bn yuan) last year, according to data collected by Thomson Reuters.
The influx of capital will also help Galp Energia finance the development of deep-water oil fields in Brazil's 'subsalt' region, which is the site of the largest oil discovery in the Americas in the last 30 years. Furthermore, the cash will help strengthen Galp Energia's capital structure, allowing it to ensure future expansion of its upstream activities.
In a busy month for Sinopec, the Chinese state-owned oil giant has also recently completed a purchase of an 80% stake in a Cameroonian oil firm for $538 million (3.4bn yuan).
Published 16th November, 2011
Looking for more information about OATS products and services?
additives Africa And finally Asia Australia automotive industry Aviation base oil bio fuels bio lubes BMW BP Brazil Castrol Chevron China China and finally China Internet Marketing China Lubes Marketing China lubes news China Lubes Tech China OEM Equipment CNOOC CNPC CO2 emissions ConocoPhillips Corporate News e-commerce electric vehicles Environment and Regulatory watch Environment, regulatory and standards Europe ExxonMobil Ford Forecasts Fuchs GM Great Wall India innovation Inovation and environment Internet marketing Japan Lubes marketing Lubes news Lubes tech Lubricants marine Middle East Mobile technology motorsport N America Nissan North America OATS OEM and automotive OEM Equipment PetroChina Russia S America Scandinavia Shell Sinopec social media Total Toyota View from the Bridge Volkswagen Volvo


text:
Lululemon hit $2 billion in revenue in its fiscal first quarter, helping the Vancouver-based athleisure brand beat Wall Street expectations — and even its own lofty predictions.
Sales rose by 24% over the previous period, buoyed by a 79% spike in revenue in China. The brand will keep capitalizing on growth there, as the majority of the 30-35 new stores it plans to open will be located there.
Full-year revenue is now expected to potentially reach $9.51 billion, an increase from previous predictions of as low as $9.31 billion. Lululemon stock is up over 10% since the earnings report.
There was no update on the state of Mirror, the at-home fitness equipment company Lululemon bought in 2020 for $500 million but is now considering selling.
The positive news for Lululemon builds on a strong run for the brand. In 2022, the company’s net revenue rose 30% to $8.1 billion, and the strong start to 2023 “shows the continued momentum in the business,” according to Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald.
On the earnings call, McDonald highlighted the “top- and bottom-line results that exceeded our guidance.”
Lululemon’s success is impressive as competitors in the athletic apparel space continue to see mixed results. Nike posted a strong report in its most recent earnings period, while Adidas saw a slight dip.


text:
Early Monday morning, five armed men disguised as police officers broke into Kim Kardashian's hotel room in Paris, held her at gunpoint, and stole over $11 million of jewelry. Few criminals have the wherewithal to pull off a heist like that and leave no trail, so it's already rumored that the infamous Pink Panthers were behind the robbery.
The Pink Panthers are a notorious network of jewel thieves. The group was formed over three decades ago, and is said to be made up of close to 200 men and women, mostly Serbians and Montenegrins. According to law enforcement agencies they have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars worth of jewelry from different locations around the world.
The thieves are known for their smash-and-grab technique, in which they enter a store by any means necessary (like driving a car through the window of the Graff boutique in Dubai) and take as much jewelry as they can before running off.
More From Town & Country
Here are some of their most renowned heists.
This robbery gave the group their name. A man entered the Graff store on New Bond Street posing as a customer, asked to see some jewelry, then took out a gun. An accomplice then entered, and the two of them grabbed 47 pieces of jewelry worth over $30 million and fled. While Scotland Yard was investigating the crime, a detective found a blue diamond ring from Graff hidden in a jar of face cream in one of the thieve's homes, echoing a plot line from the 1975 film The Return of the Pink Panther.
In the biggest jewelry heist in Japanese history, armed robbers stole the famous Comtesse de Vendôme necklace, worth over $30 million, from the boutique where it was on display. In less then a minute, they entered the boutique, disabled the security system, smashed the display case, and ran off with the necklace.
Two Audi cars smashed through the glass walls of the Wafi Mall and drove straight to the Graff store, where they broke the doors. Two men ran into the store armed with guns and axes, and broke the display cases. 170 seconds later, they got back into their cars with over $3 million of stolen jewelry and drove away.
Two men altered their appearance using prosthetics and entered the Graff store on New Bond Street posing as customers (once again!). They took out handguns, forced the staff to open the display cases, and fled with 43 pieces of jewelry worth over $50 million. At the time it was the largest jewelry heist to ever take place in Britain.
An armed thief entered a private salon at the Hotel Carlton, where the Israeli billionaire Lev Leviev was displaying his collection of jewelry. In less than 30 seconds he made off with close to 72 pieces, worth over $100 million. It is the largest heist that has ever taken place in France, and possibly the world.


text:
JSP issued a warning last month about the bogus PPE which was made in the Middle East or Asia.
The company has now launched the online JSPCheck service which allows contractors and operatives to check the authenticity of the Mk Evolution range of safety helmets.
Every JSP Mk Evolution safety helmet is manufactured in Oxford, England with its own unique manufacturing barcode.
The barcode reveals everything about the individual “DNA” of that helmet – from the date and time of manufacture to the very second, the materials used, the machine settings and the relevant batch testing information.
Matthew Judson, JSP’s Technical Director, said: “With JSP you buy assured protection – the unique online JSPCheck system enables health and safety officers to truly validate that fact.”


text:
DENNIS A. UY-led Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. continues to expand its business within Southeast Asia as it plans to enter into a partnership with a unit of Indonesia’s state-owned oil company for fuel supply marketing.
The independent oil company on Thursday told the stock exchange that its board signed off its plan to team up with the Singaporean unit of PT Pertamina Indonesia.
“The strategic partnership covers supply and potential cooperation in the downstream [oil] business in both Philippine and Indonesia[n] markets,” said Raymond T. Zorrilla, Phoenix’s senior vice president for external affairs.
The Indonesian state firm opened Pertamina International Marketing and Distribution Pte. Ltd. in Singapore just last year in part of its regional expansion. Phoenix also trades and sells refined oil products in the country through Phoenix Petroleum Singapore Pte Ltd. since 2017.
Phoenix said the upcoming tie-up is “part of the company’s growth plans” in the region. It has yet to disclose further details about the deal.
Recently, it listed P3.1 billion worth of commercial papers in the Philippine Dealing and Exchange (PDEx). Proceeds from the 332-day debt papers will be used for its procurement of imported fuels and lubricants.
To recall, the company found it difficult to recover in the second quarter due to credit tightening, which restricted it from replenishing its inventory. In the period, it incurred a net loss of P5 million, reversing its income of P489.27 million a year earlier.
Aside from fuel products retailing, the company is also engaged in logistics services, transport, and convenience store operations.
Shares in Phoenix were unchanged at P11.00 each on Thursday. — Adam J. Ang


text:
One of the most difficult aspects of owning a trim shop is managing employees, especially when there’s conflict.
To help shop owners deal with such problems, SEMA is hosting a free webinar titled “Effectively Managing Conflict.”
“Conflict in the workplace is a common occurrence,” SEMA says on the event page. “When confronted with a challenge from a direct report, colleague or manager, knowing how to effectively handle the situation can save one from unnecessary work disruptions, decreased productivity, project failure, and even termination.”
The webinar will teach owners, managers and employees methods for how to handle challenging situations. The event will feature Executive Coach Julie Couret and be moderated by Rebeca Olavarietta of Roco 4×4.
The free webinar will be held on July 27 at 2 pm ET. Register here.


text:
The full-size Cadillac XTS has finally gotten its high-power Vsport version priced.
Read This Article
Cadillac adds a coupe to its ATS lineup.
Earlier this month, we posted how Americans have adjusted to the $4+ a gallon gasoline prices to the point they're buying so-called "gas guzzling" mid to full-sized SUVs at steady numbers.
Cadillac Master Coachbuilder, Caddy's unit responsible for livery vehicles, limos, and even funeral coaches, will build a leggy XTS available later this fall.


text:
Passkeys – Passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) have recently become the most popular methods for securing accounts and data.
Despite the fact that 2FA is secure, hackers continue to discover new ways to bypass it. Google is putting into place a better system of protecting Google accounts to get around this.
Google Passkeys Feature
Passkeys are a novel and practical way to sign in to all of your accounts and devices.
The “FIDO Alliance,” a coalition of multiple businesses including Microsoft, Apple, Google, and many more, led the effort to make passkeys the “norm”.
Passkeys are intended to completely replace passwords rather than just replace them.
Passkey are more harder to breach than passwords and 2FA codes, which can both be readily cracked or phished. A public and a private key are generated when a passkey is formed.
The public key for the account is kept on the website, but hackers cannot gain access by using this.
Your device has the private key, which is encrypted and accessible only with biometric information. All of the information necessary for you to access your account is contained in this private key.
This means that under no circumstances should anyone else be able to access your data.
The new passkey feature is also very easy to enable. You’ll see there is a pre-made passkey for your Android phone or tablet if you have a recently released model.
Passkeys must still be enabled on your account, though. Follow these steps to locate the setting:
- Go to myaccount.google.com on your device.
- Click the “Security” tab located on the left side of the screen.
- Click the “Passkeys” tab located within the “How you sign in to Google” category.
- Click “Use passkeys” and you’re good to go!
Additionally, this is not Google’s first foray into the passkey world. Google added passkeys to its Chrome browser in December.
Although there is currently very little passkey support on websites, Google anticipates that this will change significantly over the next few years. The websites that currently use passkeys are listed here.
Overall, it’s encouraging to see Google prioritise consumer security and privacy. The trusted password and 2FA protection are starting to feel less secure as hacking techniques have become more complex.
We can only hope that Google’s efforts to establish passkey as the new standard encourage other businesses, including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and others, to adopt these superior solutions.
RELATED CTN NEWS:


text:
Yes, really. Just like a cheese or wine club, the US President’s campaign is launching the “Big League Box” for just $69 a month.
An email, obtained by the Center for Public Integrity, says the boxes will contain “a hand-picked bundle of exclusive and vintage official Donald J. Trump merchandise delivered to your door every month as a recurring donor”.
It’s the latest marketing move to raise funds for the Don’s re-election.
Trump’s campaign already sells a range of merchandise including t-shirts, hats, buttons, bumper stickers and mugs.
The products haven’t always gone to plan though. Back in March, the President’s committee released a green ‘Make America Great Again’ hat for St. Patrick’s Day.
But when social media picked up that the hat featured a four-leaf clover – not a three-leaf shamrock, the official symbol of Ireland – it quickly disappeared from sale.
So what will be in the boxes? We’re guessing steak knives.


text:
At CES 2014 in Las Vegas, Sony has launched the Xperia Z1 Compact, which it says is filling a gap in the market where users want a smaller smartphone but without compromising on the features of its flagship Xperia Z1 smartphone.
2013 was a return to form for Sony's mobile division as it benefitted from a core position amongst Sony's many consumer electronics divisions following the end of its partnership with Ericsson.
Sony says 2014 will be a transformative year for its smartphone division and the Z1 Compact is the first step.
However the phone is also clearly looking to attract the growing number of consumers out there looking for something different to the traditional black or white smartphones, offering the Z1 Compact in both lime and pink, as well as the more typical monochrome colours.
In terms of hardware the phone has a 4.3in screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and uses Sony's own Triluminous and X-Reality technologies borrowed from its television division.
The phone features the powerful Snapdragon 800 chip, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage.
One of the big selling points on Sony's Xperia smartphones is the camera, which has been enhanced with technology from Sony's camera division.
Sony is promising the same photographic quality in it mini model as its Z1 flagship phone, with the Z1 compact featuring a specially built version of the 20.7 megapixel sensor and a bright F2.0 lens.
In terms of design, the phone follows Sony's OmniBalance design language with a fully-flat design, using premium metal and glass materials. The phone's chassis is made from a single piece of aluminium, and, like the Z1 and Ultra, has all ports covered (except for the headphone jack) making the phone water and dust proof - something Sony obviously sees as a big selling point, though its unclear if it matters that much for consumers.
The phone will run Google's Android operating system, but rather than using the latest version (4.4) it will be running Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean). Sony has added its own proprietary skin on top of this adding pre-loaded apps for its own music and movie services along with a PlayStation app which will let owners of the new PlayStation 4 use the phone as a second screen.
The phone will be launched in the Uk and while Sony wouldn't commit to a specific price, a spokesperson said it would be in line with smartphones from other manufacturers in the same market segment.


text:
According to the latest Consumer Reports results, touted as the most durable of the S7 product line, ended up being the most fallible of them all. Marketed heavily as a water-resistant heavyweight that could withstand 5 feet of water for over 30 minutes, the S7 Active failed twice to survive the immersion trials that tested the model.
Both of the Active phones that were tested failed the plunge test. The first phone was infiltrated with water into the camera lenses and SIM card slot, the second still turned on, however, green lines filling the touch screen surface rendered the phone broken. In its response to Consumer Reports, Samsung said it has had “very few” customer complaints about the phone’s water-resistance and speculated that the magazine had gotten its hands on defective devices. If the results of the test leave you worried, Samsung added, in all events, the phone is covered by warranty.
If the Active S7 tempers your expectations, ironically, the Active was the only phone out of the S7 product line to fail the water test. The standard S7 and S7 edge exceeded its expectations and lives up to the Lil-Wayne champagne pouring hype. If you’re the owner of either phone, I still suggest not conducting your own test.


text:
The sale of cannabis derivatives is still a subject of debate, with different countries taking different views of and approaches to the marketing of cannabidiol (CBD) products. In spite of that, cannabidiol — one of the compounds contained in hemp — is proving a hit around the world, with a market that could reach $13.4 billion by 2028, according to Grand View Research. But this active substance could now be joined by another, even less well known compound called CBG, which stands for cannabigerol.
Available in smaller quantities
Like cannabidiol, CBG is one of the hundred or so cannabinoids present in cannabis. It’s just that, for the moment, it’s much less known than CBD. That said, it’s starting to interest scientists and manufacturers who are currently exploring its potential in order to introduce this compound to the realms of wellness and beauty. Non-psychotropic, like CBD and unlike THC, it is, in a way, the basis of its counterparts since it transforms into other cannabinoids — including the latter two — during the growth of the plant. This can explain why it is found in relatively small quantities, and in low concentrations. But its properties are no less useful.
Just as CBD has now found its way into many bathrooms — in forms as diverse as oils, serums, creams, cleansers, scrubs and even deodorants — we could soon see the same lines of products enriched this time with CBG. Some players are already working on the virtues highlighted by scientific studies — namely anti-inflammatory, soothing, antibacterial and antioxidant properties... Note too, that since 2021, CBG has been included in the European Union’s database of cosmetics ingredients (CosIng).
CBG oils are already available in specialist stores, promising relaxing virtues that can help combat stress and fatigue. But the cosmetics industry could quickly seize on this new ally to offer a wider range of products for the skin. For its part, the France-based network of specialist CBD boutiques, Purple Store, this week announced that it is "embarking on the development of CBG-based products," which could range from wellness products to cosmetics. In any case, it’s a trend to follow closely.


text:
The Metaverse has become a hot topic over the past few months. Most people didn’t pay much attention when Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, announced that the company is changing its name to “Meta” because they didn’t realize what he was referring to.
However, a number of controversies and specific events triggered a discussion that isn’t ending anytime soon. The drastic growth of metaverse coins is one of the major reasons why everyone is talking about the metaverse.
Similarly, some intellectuals made some controversial statements about Meta claiming that Mark’s company is trying to take control of the metaverse. In today’s article, we’ll be highlighting some most important points about Meta, the Metaverse, and Metaverse coins.
What is the Metaverse?
Some people believe that “Metaverse” is a new term introduced by Facebook but that’s not entirely true. The term Metaverse was actually coined by Neal Stephenson, a famous author, in his science fiction novel “Snow Crash” in 1992. And he chose this term pretty wisely because the term itself describes this entire concept.
The Metaverse is a combination of 3D holographic avatars, virtual reality, augmented reality, and other means of communication. It’s worth noting that a number of small metaverses already exist in the digital world where people meet each other, play games, and enjoy other activities.
Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft are some of the most common examples of small metaverses where our next generation is building a completely different universe of its own. It’s also important to understand that metaverse isn’t just about gaming but it can be anything one can expect to do in the virtual world.
What is Meta?
Meta is the new name of a tech giant formerly known as Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, announced in August 2021 that they’re working on establishing a metaverse where people will be able to connect with each other virtually.
He also clarified that the metaverse is the next chapter of the Internet where people will work, travel, and enjoy entertainment.
The company received backlash after this announcement because some tech experts believe that Facebook is trying to take control of metaverse so they may dictate terms for everyone.
Vishal Shah, the Vice President of Meta countered this argument saying that his company is just providing a platform where anyone can build anything they want. He also said that it’s the next version of the Internet so, nobody can claim its ownership.
But he went on to say that Meta is designed to provide the backbone for the metaverse. It’s one of the reasons why some tech experts aren’t happy with this new development.
Regular users of metaverse are also seriously concerned about this because they think that the future of our next generation shouldn’t be controlled by a company that puts profits over people.
However, Meta isn’t paying much attention to such statements and they’re swiftly moving towards establishing a metaverse where everyone can play a role. The company is planning to hire almost 10,000 people over the next five years to make this project a success. And they’ve also announced that they’re going to spend around $10 billion on the project this year.
The main purpose of making such a large investment is to stay on top of the next big technology trend to increase their user base.
Are there any other examples of metaverses?
As we’ve mentioned, The Meta isn’t the only company working on enhancing the metaverse but there are many other companies that are applying this technology. For instance, Microsoft is creating a bridge between the real world and virtual/augmented reality using its Microsoft Mesh platform.
The company has developed several mixed and extended reality applications. They’re also planning to bring virtual avatars and holograms to the Microsoft Team in 2022.
Epic Games, the company that launched Fortnite, is also a leading name in this league. The company has organized a number of virtual concerts and music debuts recently. MetaHuman Creator is a remarkable discovery because this system helps with developing photorealistic digital humans.
Roblox is another famous company dedicated to contributing to the metaverse. Brookhaven and Bloxburg are the most popular creations of this company where users can build homes and perform other activities.
Minecraft, a game with more than 140 million users, also allows users to build whatever they want in a virtual environment. This game is quite popular among kids because it’s a digital version of Legos. It’s one of the leading companies that has introduced humans to the metaverse.
There are many other companies working on this project at different scales. We can expect to see multiple metaverse projects being launched at an accelerating rate over the next 5 years.
What are Metaverse Coins?
Metaverse coins are digital currencies that are used to make transactions in metaverses. The metaverse tokens are designed like other cryptocurrencies but the distinguishing factor is that metaverse coins are targeting the virtual universe while other cryptocurrencies are trying to facilitate the users in real life.
We can say a metaverse is like a country where people can buy and sell products using native currency. The metaverse coins are the native currencies of different metaverses where users can buy/sell virtual items using those currencies. Currently, the users need to exchange their metaverse coins if they’re going to buy/sell products in a different metaverse.
It is expected that metaverse coins will show more growth in the future compared to other cryptocurrencies because tech giants are swiftly working on the expansion of metaverse. The SandBox, Mana, Axie Infinity, Star Atlas, and Enjin Coins, are some of the most popular metaverse coins that have showed massive growth.
It is believed that metaverse tokens will offer exceptional growth potential in the crypto industry over the next few years.
The Metaverse has become a hot topic since Facebook changed its name to Meta. The concept of the metaverse has been around for many years. Meta (formerly known as Facebook) isn’t the only participant in this industry. Many other tech giants like Microsoft, Epic Games, and Roblox are also contributing to this new trend.
Meta, the metaverse, and metaverse coins represent an important part of the future for technology businesses.


text:
The Canadian Automobile Association South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) has implemented signage in its new store at CF Shops in Toronto to test new products and enhance the shopping experience.
The location features curated lifestyle merchandise, modular signage, digital displays, and a virtual reality (VR) hub. The store is three times the size of the previous CAA store.
“All of our CAA stores are uniquely designed to support the diverse lifestyles of the membership base and community we are in,” said CAA SCO’s, director of retail and merchandise marketing, Chiriga Derrick. “Our new home is a space where we can experiment and explore new ways to connect with our customers.”
The home-inspired design comes complete with a living room where customers can sit back and take in the view or browse through a tablet while they wait to speak to a CAA associate.


text:
PFW: Louis Vuitton × Supreme
Louis Vuitton and Supreme come together for a legendary collaboration.
Larry Clark’s Kids by Supreme
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Larry Clark’s Kids, streetwear brand Supreme are set to release a capsule collection on Thursday.
Supreme × The North Face SS15
We’re not sure when hiking gear got cool but we’re not arguing. Bring on Supreme and The North Face’s collaboration, we’ll take two of everything.
Supreme × UNDERCOVER® SS15
Cult skate connoisseurs Supreme have collaborated with UNDERCOVER® for an anarchic SS15 capsule collection.
Supreme × Stone Island
Streetwear connoisseurs Supreme announce an AW14 collaboration with iconic brand Stone Island
Sharp layers and punchy tailoring reigns supreme in this brand new fashion editorial.


text:
"We are not your typical American burger joint!" said general manager Rocio Calvillo. "We offer more than just made-to-order comfort food…we also provide a sparkling bright dining atmosphere with a vivacious staff and lively music. It's where you go to have delicious, high-quality food, listen to some of your favorite classic tunes and, really, just have a good time."
The restaurant welcomed the public with a special grand-opening event, complete with live music, dancing and one free hamburger, per week for one year, which was offered to the first 100 guests. The state's governor also stopped by.
Since Johnny Rockets first opened in Mexico City in 1993, it has continued to expand in Mexico with locations in airports, coastal resort destinations and Six Flags theme parks. The chain plans to open several more restaurants in the country during the next few years.


text:
Jurisdiction Extended to Non-Broadcast Members
MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8 July 2014
Online Media Standards Authority Turns One And Extends Jurisdiction to Include Non-Broadcast Members
The Online Media Standards Authority, “OMSA”, which oversees online news and current affairs content standards for its members, is celebrating its first full year of operations by opening its doors to new non-broadcast media publishers.
OMSA was developed by the broadcasting industry to fill a gap in the existing regulatory model. It provides a cost effective and consumer friendly solution to regulate online news and current affairs content.
Effective immediately OMSA will now accept any media proprietor who publishes news and current affairs content online as a member. The conditions for new members will be identical to those of the founder members - that is, that they seek at all times to maintain proper and generally-acceptable standards and that they submit to the jurisdiction of OMSA’s complaints process.
OMSA Chair Clare Bradley said:
“For over a year now online consumers of news and current affairs have been able to seek independent resolutions for their complaints, fast and free. We are now at a point where we can confidently accept other digital publishers, such as bloggers, as members of OMSA.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the members of our Complaints and Appeals Committees. Without their diligence and commitment we would not be taking this next step in OMSA’s evolution.”
Non-broadcast media publishers can find membership application forms and more information on the OMSA website. Anyone concerned about the reporting of news and current affairs online can find full information about the complaints process on the OMSA website.


text:
You have searched for: Maggie MacInnes
- Maggie Trinidade
1st Death Anniversary Masses will be held on 22nd December 2015 at 1) St Francis de Sales Church, Janakpuri at 6.00 pm, 2) Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Sec 19, Dwarka at 6.30 pm, 3) Shrine of Our Lady of Health, Masihgarh, Okhla at 8.30 am. May her soul rest in peace.
- 4 cases against Maggi in Nainital court
The food safety department of Haldwani has registered four cases, including two of misbranding, against multinational food major Nestle’s Maggi noodles in the court of the chief judicial magistrate of Nainital district
- Maggi effect: FSSAI plans specific regulations for noodles
New Delhi, May 18 () In the wake of Maggi controversy, food safety regulator FSSAI is working on new regulations for quality standards of instant noodles to better regulate the quality of taste-maker and other ingredients.
- Where was Maggi tested?
The original sample from Uttar Pradesh, which raised the alarm in the first place, was tested in a Barabanki and Kolkata labs of FSSAI. Later, in June, Maggi was tested in a lab in Singapore which reported that Maggi noodles were safe. Later Bombay HC agreed that the test results by the earlier labs were unreliable and mandated that Maggi be tested at three specific laboratories in Punjab, Hyderabad and Jaipur. These tests found Maggi to be safe for consumption. Another test performed by the US health regulator FDA in August 2015 gave Maggi noodles a clean chit.
- Uttarakhand okays Maggi sales
Uttarakhand has finally approved the sale of Maggi. A letter has been received by principal secretary of health, Om Prakash, on Friday, in which the Centre has asked the state to give the go-ahead to allow sale of Maggi in the state
- Snapdeal to sell Maggi atta, oats noodles
New Delhi, Apr 22 () Online marketplace Snapdeal today said it will exclusively sell Maggi atta and oats noodles on April 24. The company started the preregistration today that will continue till 1100 hrs on April 23.
- Welcome Maggi with caution
Welcome Maggi with caution
- Nestle relaunches Maggi noodles in atta, oats variants
New Delhi, Apr 19 () Looking to claw back its market share in instant noodles segment, Nestle India has relaunched vegetable atta noodles and oats variants of Maggi.
- Maggie Smith: Acting is scary
Actress Maggie Smith insists she is still "scared" of acting.
- Maggi issue: Mysore lab submits report to SC
The government laboratory in Mysore, which was asked to determine whether the presence of MSG/Glutamic Acid in Maggi noodles were within permissible limits, submitted its report to the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
- Nestle lines up 25-products’ launch to beat Maggi blues
Swiss food giant Nestle is launching around 25 products across categories, its largest consolidated launch ever, to offset the gaping hole left by the Maggi controversy.
- After Maggi, Patanjali Atta Noodles found “substandard”
After alleged adulterants were found in Maggi noodles, leading to the brand being withdrawn by its maker, a team of Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FSDA) based in Meerut has now found a Patanjali Atta Noodles sample "sub-standard", with ash content in the tastemaker exceeding the prescribed limits by nearly three times, even higher than Maggi or Yippee samples.
- Samples of Maggi will be tested again
The controversy over Nestle's Maggi noodles refuses to die down in Karnataka.
- When was the Maggi ban struck down?
On August 13, 2015, the nationwide Maggi ban was struck down by the Bombay HC. Bombay HC called into question earlier test results, as the samples were not tested at authorized laboratories accredited to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
- Maggi tasting different in new avataar?
The Supreme Court on Friday sought a response from Nestle India on an appeal by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) against lifting the ban on Maggi noodles


text:
Are you ready to find a bargain or two? The Vinton County Chamber of Commerce has just released the booklets for this year’s Countywide Yard Sale. Held the first Saturday of June every year, it will be on Saturday, June 2 this year.
We have numerous yard sales registered again this year plus a number of tasty treats from Chamber restaurants and other businesses that sell food that are offering great specials. So while you are out looking for a bargain be sure to stop for nourishment!
We are busy getting the booklets out to local businesses this week but you can also view and print a pdf of the booklet here – Yard Sale Booklet 2012
Thanks for supporting our Countywide Yard Sale and good luck with the search for bargains!


text:
The Log Lane Village Board of Trustees on Wednesday night approved 6-0, with Trustee Robin Mastin absent, a third medical marijuana establishment license, this one for Nature’s Herbs & Wellness Center II.
But before they did that, the trustees also held multiple public hearings and approved several measures that allowed them to give the license for John and Alicia Rotherham’s medical marijuana center their approval.
First, the board held a public hearing on the proposed zoning for Rotherham Annexation Phases 1, 2 and 3, which includes 17216, 17222, 17224 and 17280 N. Frontage Road, all now part of Log Lane Village.
“This is sort of the next logical step in bringing this annexed land under the jurisdiction of the town,” Town Attorney Carmen Beery said over speakerphone.
The Rotherhams requested commercial zoning for their land, and Beery agreed this seemed “consistent” with the neighborhood, although she advised the board to hear all the evidence at the hearing and then decide.
For their part, the Rotherhams reiterated what they previously told the board, that they wanted to “come in and benefit the town.”
One of those benefits could be helping the town gain the money to pay off its water tower debt, John Rotherham said, drawing sounds of approval from the board.
Alicia Rotherham said their plans included making their establishment “look good” before they open.
John Rotherham added that they also would seek a recreational marijuana license from the board with a goal of opening that end of their business by Oct. 1.
After hearing that Marshal Fred Cook had no concerns about the proposed commercial zoning and there being no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Ed Parker closed the hearing.
The board proceeded to vote and approved the commercial zoning designation for the Rotherham Annexation.
Then the board held a second public hearing about the Rotherhams’ application for a license for a medical marijuana center and an application for an optional premises cultivation operation at Nature’s Herbs & Wellness Center, 17216, 17222, 17224 and 17280 N. Frontage Road in Log Lane.
The official street and mailing addresses of this land in Log Lane Village are still pending, according to Town Clerk Kim Alva.
This time, not much more was said beyond what was legally required from the town clerk, town attorney and the board.
The Rotherhams did reaffirm what they said at the first public hearing only minutes earlier, and town resident Bert Brown said he thought the Rotherhams’ marijuana center would be “a great thing for John (Rotherham), for the town and for all of us.” With that, the mayor closed the hearing.
The board then voted to approve the Rotherhams’ license for the medical marijuana center and cultivation operation, as well as approving the written findings about the related applications.
The state still has to approve those applications, though.
Medical marijuana dispensary and cultivation licenses start with the local government and then move to the state. Recreational retail marijuana licenses first go to the state, and then come back to the local authority if given state approval.
Rotherham said they have an appointment Friday with the state authority about their application for a recreational retail marijuana license in Log Lane.
The board also directed Beery to prepare one ballot question for a coordinated election in November, but it would not be about seeking a new tax.
Instead, if approved by town voters, it would be to allow Log Lane to keep and spend the money generated by the town sales tax that is already in place, instead of having to issue refunds to taxpayers once collections reached limits set under the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights.
Adding a new tax specifically related to marijuana was something the board previously discussed and had been considering for Wednesday night’s meeting, they heard compelling reasoning that night to change directions — at least for this election.
Rotherham asked the board to “give us a year’s chance” and “let us get our doors open before you start taxing us.”
He pointed to the 1.5 percent excise that Garden City imposes and where he owns Nature’s Herbs & Wellness Center I, which already has been in business for multiple years.
“I don’t mind a small excise tax, but it’s going to take a while to get my plant count up,” Rotherham said, pleading his case to the board not to seek to add more taxes related to sales or transactions right away. “If it’s immediate, they’re going to go back to the black market. The town’s already going to reap the benefit on everything sold here.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” Trustee Martha Manion said.
Beery pointed out that the board should consider the effect any potential new tax may have on industry, but make the choice that is right for the town.
“It’s strictly a policy choice for you,” she said.
“I think we ought to give them a year,” Manion said.
Trustee Shawn Greenwell agreed with her: “If we scare them out, they’ll go to another town.”
Rotherham added that “every bit of money I make goes back into my business.”
The board decided not to have Beery pursue drafting a ballot issue for a new tax.
But the trustees did direct Beery to draft the other ballot question, commonly called a de-Brucing measure, which would “authorize the town to retain and spend money in excess of what the TABOR limit would be.”
That refers to Douglas Bruce, the author and main proponent of TABOR, which is an amendment to the Colorado Constitution.
“It would permit the town to retain the money without having to do very complicated math every year,” Beery said. “I think it’s a good idea.”
That was especially due to how that complicated math from TABOR’s formula includes a “ratcheting-down effect,” she said, which was likely to mean lower sales tax collections this year without marijuana sales would lead to the town being able to keep and spend less of next year’s higher sales tax collections with pot sales included in totals.
The board agreed that it was a good idea and asked Beery to put the de-Brucing ballot question together.
The board also directed Beery and Alva to get everything set for the town to hold a coordinated election with Morgan County in November.
Because of looming deadlines for this, the board set a special meeting for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Town Hall, although this date is subject to change.
The board also:
• Approved spending up to $380 to have Albatross Inspection inspect the town’s backflow preventers.
• Approved having Public Works Director Bert Kammerzell get the fire extinguishers inspected, as required by the town’s insurer, CIRSA; no specific dollar figure was attached to this in the approval motion.
• Approved paying up to $900 for parts and repairs to fix the town’s Bush Hog.
• Approved the the July 9 regular meeting minutes.
• Approved the July 30 special meeting minutes.
• Approved the July 9 to Aug. 12 payables.


text:
Lamborghini, one of the manufacturers of sports cars most reputable in the world meets 60 years since its foundation in 1963. The Italian brand has announced that, on the occasion of its sixtieth anniversary in 2023, reopens its car museum, of which the remodeling works that began a few months ago have recently been completed. Is found in Sant'Agata Bolognese, province of Bologna and municipality where its factory is also located. It is built taking advantage of part of the structure of the first building where the development of its industrial and commercial activity began.
The signature says that the layout and design of this space have radically changed and that, in addition to housing a total of 19 units of different historical and contemporary models, will serve to carry out different commemorative activities throughout this year. The exhibition, calledThe Future Began in 1963″ (The future began in 1963), tour the most emblematic times of the company and the most representative moments of it through classic and modern vehicles. This is how the evolution of the company created by Ferruccio Lamborghini over six decades is narrated.
The exposed products are, from the oldest to the newest and ending with the most special and exclusive, the following: 350 GT, Miura S, Espada, Countach LP 400, Urraco, LM 002, Diablo GT, Murciélago SV, Gallardo Performante Spyder, Hurricane performant, Fan SVJ, Urus, Hurricane GT3, Reventón, Sesto Elemento, Veneno, Centenario, Sián, Countach LPI 800-4. In addition to the legible information on signage, different audiovisual solutions support both the experience and the learning of visitors, who can get to know the technical and artistic heritage of Automobili Lamborghini.
«2023 will be a year full of original activities and novelties that we inaugurate with this exhibition. We will celebrate our first 60 years by international events, initiatives and unexpected activities that we will be revealing throughout the year," he said. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, at the official inauguration.»We started from a challenge that Ferruccio Lamborghini took up in the early sixties and that the company developed with pioneering and revolutionary ideas to write history and offer innovations that have marked the path of luxury supercars. Lamborghini has always been and will be a firm that looks to the future."
One of the innovations that Winkelmann referred to for such a special year, although not expressly, is the presentation of the successor to the Lamborghini Aventador. His debut is expected in the spring and part of its design is already known thanks to a series of leaks of his patent. It is also suspected that it could equip a plug-in hybrid propulsion system consisting of a turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric one. It will be the prelude to the birth of the first 100% electric model of the brand.
Source - Lamborghini


text:
iOS 11 introduced new features to Apple devices, but due to some bugs and issues, it received a mixed reaction from the audiences. However, with the launch of iOS 12 around the corner, Apple users and application developers gear up for a set of exciting new features, which among various other benefits are expected to significantly improve security in comparison to previous iOS versions.
Let us take a look at what iOS 12 has on offer:
Get in touch!
Are you looking for iOS app development services that feature the best of the technology and expertise? You might be interested in what we have to offer. Write to us at firstname.lastname@example.org and we will be happy to help.


text:
PointCrow’s Zelda: Breath of the Wild multiplayer mod likely releasing this year
In an interview with Dexerto, PointCrow details how his highly anticipated multiplayer mod for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will likely release later this year.
In November 2021, popular Nintendo-centric content creator PointCrow posted a $10,000 bounty for whoever could create a multiplayer mod for Breath of the Wild. He also set a number of parameters the mod would need in order to qualify for the bounty.
The main requirements were that the mod would eventually be free for everyone to play, but PointCrow would have exclusive access for 1-2 weeks beforehand. He has done this with similar projects in the past, i.e. the Pokemon Universal Map Randomizer.
Point Crow announced the bounty two months ago, and he feels confident that the mod will be done this year. In fact, he has a team of paid developers working on smoothing over the mod’s rough edges.
BOTW multiplayer mod is playable
Eric ‘PointCrow’ Morino is not confident that BOTW 2 will release in 2022, but he does seem to think his BOTW multiplayer mod will. According to Morino, on top of the $10,000 bounty, he is paying a team of developers an hourly wage to incentivize working on the mod.
“I posted the bounty… and then a couple months later, a video gets sent to me on YouTube. It has 20 views, and it’s a prototype of a working BOTW multiplayer mod.” Morino states that he got in contact with the developers to discuss the bounty.
Provided that they finish the mod, PointCrow ensured them they would receive the promised bounty. He also stated that not all of the parameters had to be met, but it would need to be a functional and smooth experience. “Because they’re working so hard on this, and because I want it to be ‘PointCrow’s Breath of the Wild Multiplayer’, I told them I’d pay them per hour to continue to develop this mod more than they already have.”
The mod will allow up to four players, and the developers have just fixed an issue with movement stuttering. PointCrow states that, while the devs are working on fixing kinks, the mod is functional and you can play with someone else. “It’s more complete than you’d think.”
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Esports, Gaming and more.
When will the BOTW multiplayer mod release?
breath of the wild multiplayer is coming.
just thought I'd let you guys know 🙂
— eric (@PointCrow) February 1, 2022
While Nintendo hasn’t announced the official release date for BOTW 2, PointCrow states that he expects the mod to be finished before the sequel’s release. Many Nintendo fans, PointCrow included, aren’t convinced BOTW 2 will release this year. But Morino thinks the multiplayer mod will be finished in 2022.
“I say ‘this year’ as this is what I think will happen provided there aren’t any huge major roadblocks. But the major roadblock we already passed was getting somebody else to be seen in the game. I’m not a developer myself, but I don’t see any other major roadblocks.”
PointCrow didn’t give a timeline for its release, just that it will probably be done “soon.” But giving the public access to the mod is an entirely different issue.
Morino still plans to make the mod free to the public, but the ramifications of the mod may impose on Nintendo’s intellectual properties. “It’s a little more than just a mod. I want to make it free for everybody, but it depends on what Nintendo thinks.” He went on to explain how he will probably release the mod, but there’s still fear that Nintendo will take it down.
We will continue to keep this piece updated as more information regarding PointCrow’s BOTW multiplayer mod is made available. Until then, check out everything we know about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2.


text:
Twitter Traffic Declining
ComScore, Compete and Nielsen all report traffic to Twitter.com declining, after months of continuous growth. Has Twitter reached it's plateau of users?
Video Game Marketers Use Social Media
Great insights into how social media is providing value to video game marketers, not just in reaching players, but understanding them.
More Mobile Commerce: REI
Yet another retailer is enabling mobile commerce. REI has now added the ability to buy through their iPhone app.


text:
Home Tags Comcast Ventures
Tag: Comcast Ventures
Aporeto, a provider of identity-powered security services, has bagged $20m for its Series B round.
BigID, a provider of enterprise data protection and privacy solutions, has raised $30m in Series B funding.
With GDPR just months away from implementation, New York and Tel Aviv-based BigID has raised $14m to protect data.
Online credit marketplace Camino has raised $2m in a new round of venture funding. The investment was led by Collaborative Fund and Hunt Holdings with Comcast Ventures and Impact America also contributing.
Axial, a New York-based online capital marketplace, has raised $14m in its Series C round. The companyâ€™s platform is designed to match private companies...


text:
Steve Ballmer finally shows who's in charge of Microsoft
In his 11th year as chief executive and third outside the shadow of Chairman Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer is asserting surprising control over Microsoft. There were signs in 2010, but events over just the last week, particularly the public execution of Bob Muglia, show a different side of Microsoft's CEO. Competitors, you've been warned.
Over the last week, Ballmer did two things that spotlight this change in his leadership style, something already seen in other executive ousters (including Robbie Bach and Ray Ozzie in 2010). The first: Ballmer rightly resisted making tablets a major part of his Consumer Electronics Show keynote last week. The second: Muglia's demotion, and in real substance firing, as Server and Tools Business president.
Gates' debuted Microsoft's Tablet PC concept in November 2000, during Comdex, and announced the first devices two years later with 20 partners. But not until last year's Apple iPad debut did the category get moving. Now, anyone and everyone is blabbering non-stop about tablets' future and iPad's overwhelming dominance (ignoring, by the way, that it's still a nascent market compared to PCs or cell phones).
Rumors going into CES had Ballmer pegged to make a major tablet OS announcement during his CES keynote and to show off a rack of supporting devices in response to iPad. Instead, in an event held hours earlier, Microsoft announced the next Windows version would support ARM processors and System-on-a-Chip technology.
Ballmer was right not to make any major tablet announcement, showing off something that wasn't ready. Any zealous tablet push would have led to bloggers, journalists and Wall Street analysts making iPad comparisons. By staying away from Apple and iPad, Ballmer kept the message pure, which is good marketing. Ballmer set the keynote agenda on his terms rather than taking the position of following a competitor. Surely there was temptation, and pressure, to directly respond to iPad. Ballmer showed leadership by waiting.
Muglia's ouster is Ballmer extraordinaire, and I say that with a big lump in my throat. Muglia is a big huggy bear executive; it's hard not to like his unpretentious manner. But Muglia also is a sacrifice to Microsoft's future, and one Ballmer rightly made. Ballmer's e-mail about Muglia's departure, which was posted on Microsoft's PressPass website, is remarkable for what it states:
Bob Muglia and I have been talking about the overall business and what is needed to accelerate our growth. In this context, I have decided that now is the time to put new leadership in place for STB...In conjunction with this leadership change, Bob has decided to leave Microsoft this summer. He will continue to actively run STB as I conduct an internal and external search for the new leader. Bob will onboard the new leader and will also complete additional projects for me.
Ballmer essentially humiliates Muglia, by asserting the executive who helped build up the very successful Server and Tools business and who now runs it isn't qualified enough to lead future advances. It's an unusually public admonishment of a loyal, long-time Microsoft employee (since 1988). I've read lots of speculation among pundits that Muglia and Ballmer had some personal falling out. I won't speculate but instead focus on what the public ouster communicates: Don't frak with Steve Ballmer.
Captain, My Captain
Ballmer has something to communicate here to other Microsoft executives, employees, partners, Wall Street analysts and investors: He's in charge and will do whatever is necessary to make Microsoft more competitive in the decade 2010. No Microsoft leader is sacred enough; anyone can and will be sacked if they put personal agenda or perceived Microsoft agenda ahead of the company. Nearly all the major executives exiting Microsoft over the last year -- J Allard, Bach, Muglia and Ozzie, among others -- share something in common: They had a following within the company; purposely or not, they had established mini-fiefdoms.
The public nature of Muglia's departure also communicates to Wall Street just how serious Ballmer is about the cloud and transforming the server business to embrace it -- the same way Allard's and Bach's departures showed renewed commitment to transform the mobile business. Nothing is sacred now, not even loyal, long-time executives who succeeded in the past -- there Bach shares something with Muglia. Microsoft will even search outside the company to find the right leader for the responsibility.
Whether or not Wall Street analysts and investors can believe in Ballmer, that he is the right man to continue running Microsoft, is another matter. But there's no question about who is in charge. Many commentaries and punditries treat recent executive departures negatively -- rats fleeing the sinking ship. Just the opposite is true. The captain is taking the helm of the ship and throwing overboard suspect or disloyal officers ("You're walking the plank there, matee!"). There's only one captain on the good ship Microsoft.
Ballmer may have been chief executive since early 2000, but not until Gates' summer 2008 semi-retirement did the CEO escape the Chairman's shadow. The company made plenty of mistakes during the transition years, particularly falling behind in mobile and the horribly botched Windows Vista release.
But there is something different now in Ballmer's leadership style, which started soon after the September 2008 stock market collapse and became more apparent in actions taken in 2010. No one should underestimate Microsoft in 2011. Whether the good ship Microsoft breaks up on a reef or outmaneuvers competitors during the next two years, Ballmer will be at the helm. Accountability starts and ends with him now, like never before in his 11-year tenure. He's communicated that he is absolutely in charge. It's now deliver or die.
Steve Ballmer became Microsoft CEO 11 years ago today.


text:
It is expected that the flagship model will be a production-ready version of the LDV T60 Off Road - a sort-of Ranger Wildtrak model to the Chinese brand's brigade of utes, offering buyers a range-topping model that has rough-and-tumble looks and extra all-terrain cred.
The concept model that debuted at the Shanghai motor show earlier this year was an extensively modified version of the T60 dual-cab, with a matte black grille and heavy duty bumper with winch and extra lighting.
Other add-on highlights included wheel-arch flairs, alloy wheels with off-road tyres, tow shackles at the rear, a roof-rack with light bar, and a snorkel.
The T60 Off Road concept rode on raised adjustable suspension, and featured strengthening beams in the tray and under the bonnet, while heavy duty underbody protection ran from front to rear, with the extra ride height and underbody cladding improving the approach angle at the front.
It has been confirmed for the Chinese market first and foremost, and will go on sale there before the end of this year, with Australia set to follow in 2018.
"We will launch it to the Chinese market first, by the end of this year,” said SAIC Motor vice president and global head of LDV, Lan Qingsong.
"We will review and discuss with [Australian distributor] Ateco for the Australian market, to see if there are any further requirements or standards required by local policies, before it goes on sale."
It is currently unclear as to what sort of real-world modifications will flow through to the production model, but it is almost certain they won't be quite as extreme as the concept.
One thing is for sure: we won't be seeing a price-tag in line with the likes of the Ford Ranger flagship model, with pricing for the dual-cab 4x4 ute range starting from just $28,990 drive-away for the entry-level manual through to $34,990 drive-away for the range-topping auto (for ABN holders).


text:
Peach Cobbler Pop-Tarts are the Southern snack food we didn't know we needed
You can now have a classic Southern dessert -- peach cobbler -- for breakfast, and you have Pop-Tarts to thank (blame?) for it.
Pop-Tarts released a trio of fruit-inspired flavors, Peach Cobbler, Lemon Creme Pie and Tropical Mango -- in March, according to Delish.com, and those summer-y sweets are now up for grabs at stores across the country.
The Peach Cobbler flavor serves up some sweet peach-flavored filling alongside the pastry crust and frosting we've all come to expect from Pop-Tarts. We can't guarantee it's going to be as good as grandma's, but it'll be easier to eat in the car on the way to work.
You can grab a box at Target for $1.99 online or buy them at your local stores.


text:
Sept. 20, 2023 – The Pulse is back! The latest edition of The Pulse, the quarterly economic report from Allen-Villere Partners and Rock Products, is now online.The Pulse is the construction-materials industry’s premier economic report, focusing on the most current data points; aggregates and ready mix concrete demand; and insightful market analysis. The lead author of the report is Rock Products’ columnist Pierre Villere, who’s “The Strategist” column is must-reading every month in the magazine.
You can also sign up to receive The Rock Report, the construction-materials industry’s only quarterly economic e-newsletter here. Anchored by The Pulse, The Rock Report is a one-stop shop aggregating the latest economic stories and markers impacting the construction-materials market.


text:
Tech giant Apple has released new support documents detailing fixes and widgets for two minor bugs in the company’s new lineup of devices, including the iPhone 13.
Both bugs affect iPhone 13, ninth-generation iPad, and iPad mini 6 models that have been restored from an iCloud backup.
On Friday, the devices officially started arriving on customer doorsteps and store shelves, report AppleInsider.
The first bug affects widgets, the report said. Apple has discovered an issue that causes widgets to revert to their default settings after an iPhone or iPad is restored from a backup.
Apple said the bug has only affected a “limited number” of iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPad 9, and iPad mini 6 models.
The company said there isn’t a quick fix for the problem and users will need to manually edit their widgets.
In a second support document, Apple said that some iPhone 13 and new iPad users may be unable to access Apple Music on devices restored from an iCloud backup.
More specifically, the bug prevents users from accessing “the Apple Music catalog, Apple Music settings, or (the) Sync Library”.
To fix this issue, Apple has released a minor update for iPhone 13, ninth-generation iPad, and iPad mini 6 users running iOS 15.


text:
by Maureen O’Gara – SYS-CON
RPost, the Los Angeles inventor of Registered Email services, has gotten a patent on the little invisible web bugs – also called web beacons or pixel tags – that companies – in this case service companies – use to see if their e-mails are opened to measure the success of their marketing campaigns.
The widgetry is thought to be use in more than 40 billions of e-mails a year and has gotten particularly popular in Big Data analysis.
RPost means to license US Patent 8,161,104 to tens of thousands of e-mail marketers, social media companies and cloud-based businesses, and pursue any infringers. Licensing terms are unknown.
The company is no stranger to the law courts. It is currently defending its proof-of-delivery patent in infringements suits brought against Swiss Post, Canada Post, ZixCorp, Docusign, Adobe Echosign, RightSignature and Farmers Insurance in federal courts in California, Texas and Virginia. The cases are set to go to jury trial in the Eastern District of Texas in August of 2013.
It reckons the tracking methods covered by its new ‘104 patent are being used by nearly every e-mail marketing service, task management platform and social network service as the basis of their analytical offerings.
RPost will probably target big third-party e-mail senders such as ExactTarget, Responsys, Yesmail and Experian’s Cheetah Mail. It will also doubtless look at billing schemes like Pitney Bowes’ promised Volly system, doxo and manilla.com. Transactional e-mail obviously have a high open-rate and are a cross-sell or up-sell opportunity.
“The link tracking patent is based upon technology specifications RPost submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office in 1999,” RPost CEO Zafar Khan said in a statement. “To date, RPost holds the most complete set of patents around e-mail tracking and proof. We intended to vigorously assert our intellectual property rights to this new patent; and the 35 other patents we have obtained.” RPost has been using this technology within its Registered Email services since the early 2000s.
According to Wikipedia researchers estimate that US firms alone spent US $1.51 billion on e-mail marketing in 2011 and will grow to $2.468 billion by 2016.
February 21, 2023
February 09, 2023
February 03, 2023
January 12, 2023
January 05, 2023


text:
Starcom India appoints Navin Lalchandani as Vice-President, Buying
Lalchandani will steer media buying operations for all offline media, namely television, print, radio, and cinema across Starcom offices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru
In a significant development, Starcom, part of Publicis Media India, has appointed specialist Navin Lalchandani as Vice-President of its media buying operations. Lalchandani moves from Carat Media Services, Denstu Aegis Group and will steer media buying operations for all offline media, namely television, print, radio, and cinema across the Starcom offices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
Mallikarjun Das, Group CEO, Starcom India, says, “Navin is talented and versatile and comes with the rich experience of having bought media for some of the largest marketing organisations such as Mondelez, L’Oréal, and Vodafone. Navin brings in an amalgamation of buying skills spanning across media and has the smarts to work in Starcom’s data-predicated media product. He will drive a buying culture that is about best-of-class in rates, rigour, fair play, and trust.”
Lalchandani says, “I believe in long-term, sustained partnerships and this has certainly been the case in my career span. I began my career with media planning for Marico and it has been a greatly rewarding and exhilarating journey since then. The decision to join Starcom was easy, considering its body of good solid work, for marquee brands and its reputation of being a future-facing, high-growth agency. In an age of proliferation of channels and offerings, a sound media strategy makes all the difference to business goals. I look forward to delivering genuine value to Starcom’s clients.”
Lalchandani’s previous experience spans media buying firms such as GroupM’s Maxus and Madison Media.
Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook & Youtube


text:
Brands have been encouraged to learn from popular news providers when it comes to reaching their target audience.
According to Sam Wise, Head of Planning at Saatchi & Saatchi, newsbrand content is particularly compelling as it is relevant to society and imparted by people with honed storytelling skills.
Furthermore, he said news providers are often highly trusted by their readers.
As a result, Mr Wise believes marketers could learn lessons from news organisations when it comes to attracting and maintaining the interest of readers.
“People are making choices all the time when they’re reading news,” he observed.
[…Unless you have plenty of time to spare] …you’re not reading cover-to-cover. The news itself is so compelling that the marketing suffers by comparison.”
Mr Wise therefore believes marketers could benefit from trying to make their content more like the news by producing campaigns that are more topical and immediate.
He highlighted Oreo’s eclipse cover wrap on The Sun newspaper two years as a particularly good example of a brand taking a current event and using it to push its brand in an eye-catching way.
Make marketing like the news, urges Saatchis’ head of planning, Campaign