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Yahoo Music signed Chrysler to sponsor four commercial-free channels on the free version of its LAUNCHcast online radio service. Yahoo dubbed the program “Listen Now!” and is promoting it across the portal.
Four “stations” will present Chrysler-sponsored music programming free of commercial interruption. Chrysler branding appears on the player window and on the LAUNCHcast front page. Additionally, at the start of each audio stream, a 21-second spot identifies Chrysler as the stream sponsor.
Listen Now! Launched last month. The companies wouldn’t discuss financial terms, but called the ad deal one of the biggest buys ever on Yahoo’s Internet radio service.
Each month will feature three or four Chrysler-sponsored channels. For July, the stations include “Classical,” sponsored by Chrysler Convertibles, “Today’s Big Hits,” which has Chrysler SRT branding, and two more stations featuring the Chrysler 300.
The program will be promoted across several of Yahoo’s applications and content offerings, including the Yahoo Music Engine, Yahoo Messenger and in the left hand navigation on all LAUNCHcast pages.
For Yahoo, the commercial-free experiment with Chrysler also functions as a teaser for LAUNCHcast Plus, its premium ad-free subscription service.
Election 2016 is already like no presidential race before it, and one of the most striking aspects of this year’s race is the disparity ... read more
Can Snapchat make tech-enabled glasses cool? It’s going to try. Last week, it was revealed that the company behind the ascendant social app ... read more


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Southern Cross and PaperAct open device testing lab
- 07 December, 2015 15:11
Southern Cross Computer Systems along with document management provider, PaperAct, have created a not-for-profit testing device lab in Melbourne.
The lab, based in Hawthorn East, aims to provide developers, businesses and consumers with access to connected devices (smartphones and tablets) for testing of platforms, software and network connections.
“We believe developers can save thousands of dollars by testing in our shared community pool of devices. We’d like to hear from anyone who has a device to donate,” Southern Cross executive director, Mark Kalmus, said.

domain: news


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Lil Wayne‘s mythical Tha Carter V album will finally be released on Friday. To celebrate the freeing of C5, Weezy has collaborated with 14 talented designers for a limited-edition merchandise collection that will be released over the course of nine days, starting Wednesday (Sept. 26).
The exclusive collection is fully curated by Bravado, which has worked alongside Kanye West, Travis Scott and Justin Bieber in the past. Each drop contains Wayne merchandise that will only be available for 24 hours, much like the approach Scott took with his Astroworld collection.
The first pieces are slated to be released at 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday over at Tha Carter V‘s official online shop. Weezy taps innovative designer Heron Preston for the collection’s debut collaboration. Highsnobiety got a sneak peek at Preston’s airbrushed white T-shirt, featuring a graphic of a youthful Lil Wayne inhaling a joint. The backside includes famous bars from 2008’s “A Milli,” emblazoned with “What’s a goon to a goblin” in a bold green font.
“I wanted to do an airbrush theme that was very unique to the South where he’s from,” Heron told Highsnobiety. “I looked for amateur airbrush artists, and I found a bunch of them on Etsy. I didn’t want something that was super polished or professional; I wanted to capture that amateur skill level — which is the same kind of skill level that I saw when looking at old airbrush artwork back in the ’90s.”
Check out a preview of the Heron Preston-designed Tha Carter V shirt below.
Lil Wayne is dropping 14 fire merch collabs for ‘Tha Carter V’:
— Highsnobiety (@highsnobiety) September 26, 2018


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How Can Your Company Harness The Power Of Electromobility?
Although electromobility is still in its infancy, it expands rapidly, and it undoubtedly can change the way we think about many sectors and industries within just several years. And we don’t talk here only about the motor industry or taxis. Electromobility has everything it takes to become a massive shift in almost every business and our mobility in general. Is your company ready for the next revolution?
Electromobility matters everywhere
Courier services, taxis, carsharing, transportation, shipment, shopping, restaurants and clinics, energy production, marketing and commerce, mineral excavation, travelling, recycling–these are just a few examples of businesses and sectors that electromobility will transform in no time. It may be difficult to imagine it right now when we are just at the doorstep of this revolution, but it definitely is at the door and knocks loudly. Naturally, there are many obstacles in the way, and Total Cost of Ownership of EV is one of the biggest. Currently, electric vehicles are still expensive. But as the technology popularizes, prices will also go down, and TCO will no longer be a concern. The first signs are already visible–at the beginning of 2019, Great Wall Motor company introduced “the World’s Cheapest Electric Car” which costs less than $9,000!
The petroleum-derived fuels are the thing of the past. Our known oil deposits will run out in about 53 years. The same gas–around 52 years. That begs the question, what next? The answer is electricity and electromobility. In fact, it already happens. According to Statista.com research, the worldwide number of battery electric vehicles in 2012 was around 113,000. In 2018, this number was 3,290,800. That’s over 2800% increase! And it goes up every day.
The infrastructure grows along with car sales
Even though in 2017 electric vehicle sales accounted for only 1% of total car sales, this growth is predicted to speed up. For instance, the UK has set growth of EVs to accelerate up to 2030, when EVs could account for 69% of passenger car sales and 57% of light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales.
The number of EV charging points grows simultaneously with electric car sales. In mid-November, Boris Johnson pledged an investment in Britain’s electric car charging network–with a vision that no electric vehicle owner should be more than 30 miles (48 km) away from their nearest charge point. And these words were not said in vain. In 2011, there were around 1,500 EV charging stations in the UK. In 2019, there are over 26,000! That’s over 1600% growth!
I think you get the picture. Oil runs out, and electric mobility enlarges. Soon your company will have to adopt this technology as well. The electric revolution will cover almost every industry and create new business opportunities. You can’t afford to overlook this opportunity!
Is your company ready for the electromobility revolution?
“The spread of electric cars will entail the beginning of the new business models related to the charging infrastructure of these vehicles. Shopping centres or restaurants can install chargers in their parking spaces to attract electrified drivers. What’s more, it seems natural in a such situation that businesses should offer special loyalty programs for EV owners. While shopping centres can use the infrastructure of the chargers to expand their offer, gas stations will be forced to develop new business models. We can predict that traditional gas stations will no longer be as necessary as they are now, due to many alternatives to charge your car. The challenge that gas stations will face is to provide a satisfying consumer experience during several minutes of charging a car. Simultaneously, they will have to maximize the revenue from each charge. It will be possible mostly by offering many additional services. Shortly, you will spend a dozen or so instead of just a few minutes at the gas station.”says Marcin Zioło, Product Management Specialist at Innovatika
In the near future, every company will have to acknowledge and respect EV owners and their needs much more than it happens today. EV chargers by the entrance to every shop, clinic or restaurant will be a common sight. Company vehicles will mostly be 100% electric, and every company will have its own charging stations. The network of charging stations based on sharing economy will be in every house and apartment building. Urban charging stations will be on every corner of every street.
It’s time for you!
Now, you face a big question – is your company ready for this silent electromobility revolution? Now is the right time to think about developing the necessary infrastructure, and, perhaps, new business models as well. Today, you still have a significant time advantage. Turn it into a success and become a groundbreaker in your industry!
We are always keen to talk with you about implementing new technologies and modern solutions to your business. Just drop us a line and let’s talk about your challenges. Together, we will harness electromobility in your company!


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Opel's troubles are well-documented and it will take years before it is expected to start making money again, but at least there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Firstly, in a recent interview at the Detroit Motor Show (NAIAS), General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said, "Opel is not for sale." ...
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- 70-years old man uses 11 smartphones to play Pokemon Go
- Chen San-yuan also known as ‘Uncle Pokemon’, mounts the phones on his bike, charged by a bag of batteries to catch virtual monsters.
- He loves the mobile game so much and wants to increase his smartphones to 15.
Pokémon Go raise to fame in 2016, the mobile game promotes location-base, AR technology and physical activity helping local businesses grow due to increased foot traffic.
Despite the controversy for contributing to accidents and creating public nuisances, a 70-year-old man didn’t stop him from enjoying the game.
In fact, Chen San-yuan from Taiwan, uses 11 smartphones to catch the virtual monsters.
He mounts the phones on his bike and spends all his spare time catching Pokemon on streets or in parks in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Chen is so hooked in the game that sometimes he doesn’t return home until 4am and apparently, wants to increase his smartphones to 15 which would cost him more than £1,165 a month.
His love for the game since 2016 after his grandson taught him how to play dubbed him “Uncle Pokemon”.
And according to him it’s all worth because the game prevents him Alzheimer’s disease.
Via: Metro, Image credits: EPA


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Article highlights commercialization of two letter country code domains.
The New York Times published an article today about the commercialization of country code top level domain names.
Colombia’s .co will get major attention after a Go Daddy commercial plugs it today, and .co was front and center in the article.
.Co Internet CEO Juan Calle noted that Colombia gets 25% of revenue from sales of .co. This is the first time I’ve seen this number published.
.Co grossed $20 million last year thanks to higher prices for sunrise and premium domain names. Calle thinks the number will be $30 million this year. He hope to hit five million .co domain names within five years, according to the article.
Last month I somewhat humorously suggested that the new “south Sudan” could name itself for domain name profits. I was a bit surprised to get a note from someone working on the renaming the next week asking for my opinion.
Other popular commercialized ccTLDs include .tv (Tuvalu) and .me (Montenegro).


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In a significant move to bolster the export capabilities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have joined forces. This collaboration aims to streamline trade facilitation, fortify export activities, and propel the country’s economic growth.
During a recent meeting in Abuja, Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, underscored the pivotal role of strategic collaboration. Ayeni disclosed NEPC’s introduction of the “Operational Double Your Export” program, designed to elevate both the volume and value of Made-in-Nigeria products.
The program outlines a comprehensive plan that spotlights the development and promotion of 20 key products with global market potential, targeting 15 markets. The objective is to facilitate exports by engaging with companies capable of competing on the global stage.
Charles Odii, the Director General of SMEDAN, emphasized the critical role of capacity building in the export business, particularly for the 96 percent of businesses classified as Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs). With a presence in all 36 states, SMEDAN aims to complement NEPC’s efforts by aligning with the One State One Product (OSOP) initiative and proposing a joint capacity-building program.
Odii further advocated for the reduction of trade barriers, the stimulation of market access, and the encouragement of special funding for SMEs by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance exports within the regional bloc.
This strategic partnership between NEPC and SMEDAN signifies a concerted effort to empower Nigerian SMEs, foster global competitiveness, and navigate the evolving landscape of international trade. As both agencies collaborate to enhance trade facilitation, the “Operational Double Your Export” program emerges as a pivotal initiative poised to propel Nigeria’s economic prowess on the global stage.
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An Apple iPhone Lock Screen is viewed in this image illustration on September 24, 2018.  Chinese and Russian spies routinely intercept personal phone calls President Trump does on their iPhones, one of which is not different from the smartphone millions of other people use. The US President’s temporary approach to electronic security has made several current and former officials so frustrated that they leaked the details of The New York Times
as reported in phone calls Wednesday night.
Trump, reported Wednesday’s article, has two official iPhones that have been modified by the National Security Agency to limit the types of hack they are susceptible to. The president has a third iPhone without any changes that he uses as a personal device, because, unlike the official iPhones, he can store personal contacts on it. In addition, while Trump is replacing his two official phones every 30th day for new, he rarely does that. Trump agreed to give up his Android phone, as most security experts believe is more vulnerable than Apple’s iOS, and Trump has also agreed to the more casual arrangement of having the two official iPhones. One is for Twitter and other apps while the other handles calls.
But when Trump uses mobile phones to call friends, Chinese spies often listen in the hope of gaining insight into how to influence him on the slow trade issue. Russian spies also listen routinely to Trump’s talks, although the Russian spies do not seem to be as advanced as an influential campaign like their Chinese counterparts. Aides has repeatedly warned the president that mobile phone calls are particularly susceptible to the supervision of opponents. Aides has pushed him to use landlines instead, but he has refused to give up his devices.
How is it done?
NEW NEWS does not describe the interception in much detail than saying “calls from the phones are intercepted when traveling through cellular turrets, cables and exchanges that make up national and international mobile networks. Calls from all mobile phones, iPhone, Android and old school Samsung flip phone is vulnerable. “
Based on that description, there are a number of ways that spies can listen. The most likely method, former Facebook security chief Alex Stamos said on Twitter is the passive decryption of the call because it goes from a cell phone to a carrier’s cell tower, often as it uses Voice over the LTE standard.
“Russian and Chinese embassies are likely to suck up all GSM / LTE bands in the district,” Stamos wrote. “Modern iPhones would make the most voice as VoLTE, which means that this would require a passive attack on handshake or KASUMI cipher. Seems likely. “
Concerned with this theory, as Stamos continued to note, there are currently no known practical attacks that decrypt LTE calls. In order for this theory to be correct, governments must now be able to delete a standard that hundreds of millions of people use every day to protect their most sensitive personal and business secrets.
Stamos also held the possibility that the reported Trump interception could use weaknesses in Signal System No. 7, the four decades. -Sold network protocols that allow mobile phone users to connect easily from network to network while traveling worldwide. While technically possible, Stamos discounted SS7 as the likely interception method, as carrier would probably be aware of it used to monitor phone numbers assigned to the president. Stamos also has discounted phone problems damaged into the baseband and the use of stingrays for the man-in-the-middle call.
Others have increased the possibility that the interception is done by monitoring the connections of the people who receive the president’s call. It is certainly possible, but it would not explain why aides are so frustrated by Trump’s continued use of mobile phones and his resistance to using landlines.
Wednesday’s article contrasts Trump’s attitude toward mobile phone security with its predecessor. During his second term, President Barack Obama used an iPhone, but it could not call and could only receive emails from a particular address to a selected group of staff and close contacts. The iPhone had no camera or microphone and could not be used to download apps by will. Texting was not allowed because there was no way to collect and store messages as required by the presidential record. Often when Obama needed a cell phone, he used someone who was a helper.
Trump, on the other hand, has insisted on having a more skilled device. The president usually uses his mobile phones when he does not want a call to be directed through the White House onboard and log in for help.


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- China improved the provincial approval on existing drinking water related products by introducing a new streamlined timeframe, reducing documentation requirements and introducing reducing
- As of Nov. 30, 2018, four official files about the new CBEC policy have been released by MOFCOM and MOF after the State Council meeting last week.
- On Nov. 26, 2018, National Food Safety Standard Review Committee opened the consultation period on the draft of GB 7718 General Rules for Prepackaged Food Labeling. Comments should be
- Fabricated or fraudulent advertising content including misleading information, illegal function claims etc. are major problems according to data released by SAMR.
- On Nov. 7, 2018, Qian Fangli, director of E-commerce and digitization department of the Ministry of Commerce, said during a CIIE press conference that the administration
- On Oct. 26, 2018, China GAC and Japan Customs bureau officially signed “Agreement on Mutual Recognition between Chinese Enterprise Credibility Management System and Japanese Authorized
- 173 and 106 batches of food were rejected in August and September respectively, and it is worth noting that complementary baby food produced by Heinz Italia has been blacklisted 5 times
- On Oct. 18, 2018, Taiwan FDA announced the revision of the Administrative Measures for Imported Food Inspection


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UK-based fashion chain Jaeger is in trouble. Founded in 1884, Jaeger has counted actresses, royalty and Arctic explorers among its fans. However, its now faced with intense competition on high street and a dipping sales graph. It has struggled to keep up with rivals such as Burberry and fast fashion chains including Zara and H&M.
Jaeger's problems are partly because it has struggled for years to truly understand its core clientele. The firm also relied too heavily on special offers. Discounts account for over three quarters of Jaeger’s sales. Constant stream of sales and offers discouraged shoppers from paying the full price and lessened their trust in the quality of the Jaeger product.
Last year Jaeger’s annual sales fell four per cent. Jaeger started by selling woolen long johns and its clothes were worn by the explorer Ernest Shackleton on an Antarctic expedition.
In the 1950s and 1960s its celebrity fans included the actress Marilyn Monroe and the model Twiggy, before more recently being worn by the Duchess of Cambridge. Jaeger has 46 stores, 63 concessions, a head office in London and a logistics centre in King's Lynn.
The situation is such that most of Jaeger’s stores are moving towards closure, although the brand is likely to survive as part of the EWM stable, which includes Jane Norman, Peacocks and Austin Reed.


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Party's Over: No Chrysler press conference at Detroit Auto Show
This year Chrysler is practically avoiding the hubbub entirely, in that it will have no press conference at next month's Detroit Auto Show. It won't be for lack of cars: they'll have items from all four brands, including some limited-edition models. Chrysler's head of marketing, Olivier Francois, said that after the big event last month to reveal the long-term plan, "We presented our plans and the next step is to present the cars."
Understandably, industry observers seem to think that it's a bad idea for Chrysler to go mum in Detroit. Chrysler's a private company and no outsider knows what the real situation is inside the castle walls. If Chrysler does go for the splash of a press conference, with no new models to show or even talk about they'll be ripe for charges of "All that's great talk now show us the cars!" That makes it sound like a case of being damned either way. But at least they'll be there, unlike Saab...
[Source: The Detroit News]
- Most and least efficient car companies
- Fastest-depreciating cars in the United States
- Find and compare 2017 Models


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SPHMBO, the out-of-home advertising arm of Singapore Press Holdings, has spread its advertising network to VivoCity, Singapore's largest retail and lifestyle mall.
The collaboration between SPHMBO and VivoCity has made it possible, starting this month, for advertisers to...


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The frenzied Bitcoin boom has sparked comparisons to a financial bubble, with its price soaring to more than $14,000 (£10,500). But the cryptocurrency craze has also resembled something of a digital gold rush.
With a finite supply of 21 million Bitcoins, tech-savvy individuals and a handful of fast-moving companies have jumped in to harvest as much of the new gold as possible, using powerful computers to hoard as much of the supply as possible.
Bitcoin mining explained
As opposed to buying Bitcoin, "mining" is the process of creating fresh units of the digital currency.
Bitcoin runs on the blockchain, a decentralised network that all its transactions are recorded on. This means it is maintained...
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Nestlé South Africa has transformed its Mossel Bay dairy factory into a “zero water” manufacturing site. Over the past six years, the company has installed new water recovery, treatment and recycling technology at the factory which will enable it to re-use and recycle water from its dairy operations.
Between 2008 and 2010, the Mossel Bay Municipality and surrounding areas experienced one of its worst droughts in recorded history. The region was subsequently declared a disaster area and municipal water-use restrictions had to be put in place. In supporting the town’s’efforts to manage this crisis and ensure efficient water usage, Nestlé introduced a water saving initiative at its Mossel Bay factory.
Through this initiative, Nestlé says it will be able to reduce the factory’s water consumption by more than 50% during the first year of implementation, by simply re-using the water recovered from the milk evaporation process. Nestlé’s vision for this initiative, which is known as Project ZerEau, is to become a zero water intake facility by means of reusing milk water.
The factory processes fresh cow’s milk, normally containing around 88% water, through an evaporation process. The evaporated water is captured and treated and used to various applications within the facility eliminating the need for municipal water intake for these processes.
The Mossel Bay factory produces milk products such as Nespray, Nido, Klim, condensed and culinary milks.
Remy Ejél, Nestlé South Africa’s chairman and managing director, comments: “Project ZerEau is a perfect example of our commitment to enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future of individuals, communities and the planet. This project will have a positive impact on the treatment, recycling, conservation and water use efficiencies in our Mossel Bay factory. It will also link our business directly with local dairy farmers, suppliers, local government and the broader Mossel Bay community.”
The manufacturing site was inaugurated by Minister of Water and Sanitation Gugile Nkwinti earlier this month.


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Babson College Start-ups have advanced as finalists in this year’s MassChallenge Startup Accelerator, a global business competition that provides entrepreneurs with resources to launch their ventures successfully.
As finalists, the startup teams will participate in a four-month incubator immersion program where they will have access to high profile mentors, work-space resources, and the chance to win over $1 million in cash prizes.
The 2013 class was selected over a six-week evaluation process led by hundreds of industry professionals in the Boston community and dozens in Israel. Out of over 300 Semi-finalists, 12 of which were Babson startups, only 128 advanced to be a part of the 2013 class.
At the announcement of the finalists this past Wednesday, Babson College was specially recognized and awarded the “Trendspotter of the year award” by MassChallenge for the high numbers of referrals and participants’ in the program.
“The Trendspotter of the Year award goes to one of our partners, Babson College. This year they referred the most applicants of anyone for our 2013 Accelerator, and there are an amazing 33 Babson-related teams that have been MassChallenge finalists in 2010, 2011 and 2012, “ said Joanna Meisles, Senior Director of Programs and Operations at MassChallenge.
Babson College is a proud sponsor of MassChallenge, the world’s largest startup competition, as the organization provides exciting and unparalleled opportunities for Babson’s entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow.
See Babson Start-up finalist below
1. 88 Acres- Started by Robert Dalton MBA Candidate 2014 and Nicole Ledoux, 88 Acres aims to disrupt the notion that allergen free foods aren’t delicious. 88 Acres is a healthy snack food company that offers organic, nut-free products. The company plans to launch this summer and will be the only of their kind on the market.
2. Nyopoly - A members-only shopping experience where every price is personal. Conceived by Shawn Harris M’ 03, Nyopoly allows the consumerto negotiate prices on fabulous and unique finds in fashion, getting coveted styles on consumer terms.
3. Footnote Inc. Joesph Morone M'09, Diana Brazzell, and Jon Warman are the founders of Footnote, an online media outlet that showcases academic expertise. Footnote translates research created by the academic community into accessible and engaging content for a mainstream audience.
4. Car Care Check- Noah Gordon M' 04, Joshua Napoli, and Warren Paul Anderson provide a 100% consumer-focused automotive maintenance authority that provides real-time automotive diagnostics for any car built since 1996. Car Care Check aims to help car owners save time, money, and ultimately drive a safer car. The company offers owners unlimited diagnostic services and car knowledge to keep their cars the safest and most fuel efficient on the road.
MassChallenge connects entrepreneurs with the resources they need to launch and succeed immediately. The organizations primary activities include running an annual global accelerator program and startup competition, documenting and organizing key resources, and organizing training and networking events.
About Babson College
Babson College is the educator, convener, and thought leader for Entrepreneurship of All Kinds®. The College is a dynamic living and learning laboratory, where students, faculty, and staff work together to address the real-world problems of business and society -- while at the same time evolving our methods and advancing our programs. We shape the leaders our world needs most: those with strong functional knowledge and the skills and vision to navigate change, accommodate ambiguity, surmount complexity, and motivate teams in a common purpose to create economic and social value. As we have for nearly a half-century, Babson continues to advance Entrepreneurial Thought and Action® as the most positive force on the planet for generating sustainable economic and social value. For information, visit www.babson.edu


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Kris Hudson joined the Wall Street Journal in 2005. He covers hotels and retail property from a real estate perspective. Prior to joining the Journal, he worked for numerous newspapers in Colorado and Florida.
The spring home-selling season is off to a strong start when judged against last year, with a double-digit sales increase this March and growing builder optimism offering the latest signs that the housing market is moving past a sluggish stretch.
D.R. Horton sold roughly 2,000 of its entry-level Express brand homes in the first three months of 2015, or 18% of its total sales, according to the company’s second quarter fiscal results released Wednesday. That’s big, considering that D.R. Horton is the largest U.S. builder by unit sales.
On Friday, the Atlanta Board of Realtors reported 3,993 finalized home sales in March, up 13.8% from a year earlier. The San Antonio Board of Realtors reported a 17% sales gain in that span, and the Realtor association in Washington, D.C., disclosed a 5.7% gain in sales of single-family homes.
Home buyers in Jacksonville, Fla., and others across the U.S. are finding a different market this spring than in past years. Resurgent job growth, low interest rates and robust consumer confidence has expanded the ranks of would-be buyers.
With the likes of Lennar Corp. and KB Home last week posting sales-order gains of 18% and 24%, respectively, for their quarters ending Feb. 28, can a bearish case be made on new-home sales so far this spring? Yes, but not much of one.
The Commerce Department’s data for February home starts, released Tuesday, is an anomaly born of harsh weather in many parts of the U.S. last month. Residential building permits provide a better view of the market’s trajectory.
Home builders are getting bullish about this spring home-selling season. A leading survey indicates that February new-home sales were up 12% on a per-community basis from a year earlier. And various big builders report double-digit percentage gains in February orders.
Lawmakers in several states, led by Nevada, are moving to rein in construction-defect laws, a change that would curtail allegedly frivolous litigation but also make it more difficult for homeowners with legitimate claims to sue home builders over flaws.
Home builders are reporting that sales of newly built homes so far this year are going gangbusters. But other gauges of the housing market, such as sales of existing homes, are far more tepid. So, which view is more reliable as the busiest months of the spring home-selling season approach?


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When you think of MC Hammer in the 1990’s, you will think of U Can’t Touch This, flashy pants, 2Pac, Death Row Records, etc. Almost two decades later, MC Hammer has made an image of himself as being big in the tech scene. MC Hammer started a company called Dance Jam, he is one of the most followed Twitter users, and he even has an iPhone application called Hammer Time. Since A&E is starting a program called Hammertime, they were looking for creative ways to promote the show. The TV network decided to go with the promotional power of viral videos.
A&E set up an event where a group of about 100 flash mob dancers would run into a trendy fashion store and wear the same parachute pants that MC Hammer is known for in the U Can’t Touch This music video. The dancers emulated the U Can’t Touch This dance for about a minute and then run out of the store. Flash mob videos were recently used to advertise T-Mobile UK recently.
The Hammer Time reality TV show will also revolve around dancing and singing. MC Hammer’s DanceJam web company has about $8.42 million in funding from Ron Conway, Michael Arrington, Alex Algard, Michael Tanne, Geoff Ralston, Alex Welch, Ariel Poler, Rustic Canyon Partners, and Softbank Capital.


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Last week Pandora announced it would no longer sell mined diamonds, and instead launched a collection using lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), as a part of their sustainability strategy. The announcement caused leading diamond and jewelry organizations to lash out as they believe the retailer misrepresented natural diamonds and caused harm to the industry.
Jewelry brand Pandora launches a new collection using lab-grown diamonds (LGD). According to the brand, the decision is part of their sustainability strategy which includes the plan to ensure its operations are carbon neutral by 2025. Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik stated the LGD collection stands as a testament to the company’s ongoing and ambitious sustainability agenda and proves “Diamonds are not only forever, but for everyone.”
And it’s especially the last part of the sentence that seems to be key in the brand’s decision.
The Copenhqgen-based cotume jewelry giant Pandora has announced the temporary closure of all of its owned & operated stores in the U.S., Italy, Germany, France and Spain, and in most other European markets in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus. They have additionally temporarily closed many of our stores around the world, along with most of their offices. Office staff is working from home. Pandora employs 28,000 people worldwide.
Jewelry maker Pandora, known for its charm bracelets, intends to make another 1,200 workers in Thailand redundant while speeding up its marketing spend as its new CEO looks to turn around the struggling jewelry maker after another disappointing quarter. The company already laid off 700 of their nearly 14,000 employees in Thailand, which is almost half of its 32,000 global workforce.
Pandora's Chairman of the Board Peder Tuborgh has told the company to start looking for someone to take over his position in 2019, as he plans to end his nearly five year tenure as the Danish jewerly maker's chair. "Once our new CEO, Alexander Lacik, has been onboarded and we start to see traction from [the new marketing and merchandising strategy] Programme NOW, the foundation for a successful brand turnaround will be in place. it will be time for me to hand over the baton to a new chairman,” Tuborgh said.
Jewelry maker Pandora, known for its charm bracelets, reported Tuesday that Q3 sales in the U.S. fell 12% year-over-year to $153.2 million (DKK 1 billion), while worldwide revenue decreased 3% in local currency to $765.8 million (DKK 5 billion). The "unsatisfactory" results prompted the company to reduce its sales and profit margin guidance for this year following revenue declines in consecutive quarters, and is now saying it expected sales in local currencies to increase by between 4 and 7 percent this year, compared with the 7-10 percent it previously projected.
Following publication of their Q2 Interim Results, shares in Pandora, the Danish maker of charm bracelets, slumped 8 percent "after the company missed analyst expectations for revenue and profits in the second quarter", writes Financial Times, adding that this makes it currently, "the worst performing stock in Europe." Despite revenue improving 12% to $767 million (DKr 4.83 billion) in the second quarter, it fell well shy of analysts’ expectations of $780 million (DKr4.91bn.
Shares in Pandora have slipped after the maker and retailer of popular jewelry reported a sales and profit miss. The firm is known for raising forecasts due to the ongoing strength of sales. Revenue for the second-quarter rose 20 percent to $645 million, but that was less than the average analyst estimate and the first such miss in more than two years. A 23-percent jump in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization was also less than expected, and that led its stock to fall by almost 7 percent on the Copenhagen exchange.
In a strong indication that jewelry demand worldwide is growing strongly, Pandora reported soaring revenues and profits for the first quarter. Consequently, it raised its revenue guidance as sales soared in Europe and Asia Pacific. Revenue surged 34 percent to $725 million while profit rocketed more than threefold to almost $200 million. Pandora expects revenue in excess of $3 billion this year which would be a 19-percent increase on 2015 from a year ago.
Global jewelry giant Pandora combined social media app Snapchat with Mother’s Day in Britain to boost awareness and promote its products. Pandora asked mothers and daughters to take pictures of themselves together and to add a Pandora geofilter which was a branded Mothering Sunday message. The brand also offered users a chance to win £500 to be spent in Pandora’s flagship store in the U.K. by asking fans to share their favorite selfie with the Pandora geofilter on Twitter. Pandora has been using Snapchat to expand its user base, according to a report in Professional Jeweller.
Jewelry maker Pandora announced that the Eastern High Court in Copenhagen has acquitted the firm on all counts in a case concerning potential breach of the Securities Trading Act. The verdict concerns a case dating back to 2011 and relates to Company Announcement No. 30 of 2 August 2011, when Pandora announced a downward adjustment of its revenue growth expectations, two weeks earlier than the ordinary reporting date for the Q2 2011 results.
Company announcement: Based on the preliminary reporting, Danish jewelry designer and manufacturer PANDORA’s revenue for 2015 increased approximately 40% compared to 2014 to DKK 16.7 billion ($2.41 billion), which compares to a financial guidance of above DKK 16 billion.


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Toyota has unveiled its next-generation battery electric vehicle (BEV) production line and introduced several new technologies in Japan. The new demonstration line, located at the Myochi plant, showcases Toyota’s efforts to compete with its American and European counterparts in the EV market.
One of the key highlights of the new production line is the implementation of giga casting technology. Giga casting involves the use of large, single-piece castings for major structural components of a vehicle. This technique reduces weight, improves structural integrity, and streamlines the manufacturing process. Toyota has leveraged its extensive knowledge of molds used in low-pressure molding and die casting to develop this innovation. With giga casting, the time required for mold change has been significantly reduced from 24 hours to just 20 minutes. Additionally, Toyota employs a proprietary analysis technology to enhance the quality of the castings and minimize defective products.
The automaker has also introduced a modular structure for its BEVs, comprising three parts for the front, center, and rear of the vehicle. This modular approach simplifies the production process and increases overall productivity. Furthermore, Toyota has implemented self-propelled production, where finished EVs are guided through the assembly line using sensors at an extremely slow speed. This enhances line layout flexibility and optimizes efficiency.
Toyota’s commitment to solid-state battery development is evident in its image release of a solid-state battery development line. The company aims to produce a breakthrough solid-state battery capable of delivering a range of 745 miles and recharging in just 10 minutes by 2027-2028. This technology holds exciting prospects for the future of electric vehicles.
Under the leadership of CEO Koji Sato, Toyota plans to launch 10 new EV models by 2026 with a target of selling 1.5 million EVs annually thereafter. The company’s strategy includes the production of a three-row electric SUV in the United States, assemble at its Georgetown Kentucky manufacturing plant. Furthermore, Toyota plans to invest an additional $2.1 billion in its North Carolina battery plant.
Despite being the largest carmaker by volume, Toyota’s BEV sales currently fall behind its competitors such as Tesla, Ford, and General Motors. However, with its new production line, use of innovative technologies, and aggressive EV strategy, Toyota aims to bridge the gap and establish itself as a significant player in the electric vehicle market.
– Toyota unveils new battery EV production line and technologies (https://www.just-auto.com/news/toyota-unveils-new-battery-ev-production-line-and-technologies)
– Images courtesy of Toyota.


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The profit margin for energy firms has risen to £125 per customer per year, from £15 in June, says regulator Ofgem.The profit margin figure measures the amount suppliers would make if energy prices and bills were to remain unchanged for the next year.
Ofgem predicts these profit margins, which apply to dual-fuel bills, will fall to about £90 a customer next year.
Ofgem has also confirmed it will force suppliers to simplify tariffs to make it easier to compare prices.
As part of the simplification plan, suppliers will be forced to have no-frills tariffs, which would consist of a standing charge - fixed by the regulator - plus a unit charge for energy used.
It means that the only number consumers would have to compare between suppliers would be the unit energy charge.
"The process of trying to switch from one supplier to another is hideously complicated - very off-putting even for quite intelligent people," Tim Yeo MP, chair of the Energy and Climate Change Committee told the BBC.
He also criticised the rise in profit margins to a three-year-high as, "evidence of absolutely crass behaviour by the energy companies, with a jump in prices announced in the last few months ahead of what will be a winter in which most families face their highest ever electricity and gas bills".
Market reforms More complicated tariffs would still be available, but they would have to be for a fixed period, with price increases not being allowed for the duration of the deal.
The regulator will publish its detailed proposals for consultation next month and hopes to have implemented some of its reforms in time for winter 2012.
The average dual-fuel bill is now £1,345 a year following recent price rises from all the big suppliers.
"When consumers face energy bills at around £1,345 they must have complete confidence that this price is set by companies competing in a fully competitive market," said Ofgem's chief executive Alistair Buchanan.
"At the moment that is not the case."
In addition to trying to boost competition by simplifying tariffs, Ofgem is looking at how to reform the wholesale energy markets, which are the places suppliers go to buy their energy.
Ofgem wants to reform those markets to allow greater competition with the big suppliers and will publish proposals in December.
The bigger suppliers have an advantage because they generate their own power, selling most of it to consumers, with little of it going to wholesale markets.
But earlier in the week, Scottish and Southern Energy announced plans to auction all of its power on the open market.
Ofgem has proposed that utilities must auction 20% of their electricity by 2013.


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Google Pay and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced on Tuesday that users would be able to make UPI payments using RuPay credit cards. Therefore users can now conveniently pay at any online and offline merchant that accepts RuPay credit cards by linking their RuPay credit cards to Google Pay.
Speaking about the rollout, Sharath Bulusu, Director of Product Management from Google, said, “Google Pay is a partner to India’s financial ecosystem – enabling millions of users to safely and conveniently make digital payments every day. This latest announcement is a reflection of our commitment to contribute to the Government’s vision to boost digital payments in India and play a significant role in the country’s credit journey. This feature will give Google Pay users more flexibility and choice in making payments, and will drive greater adoption of digital payments in the country.”
Google Pay and NPCI have introduced the option for customers to make UPI payments with RuPay credit cards, capitalising on the rising popularity of UPI and the rising need for dependable credit in India. Users will be able to now link their RuPay credit cards to Google Pay to pay easily at any online and offline merchants that accept RuPay credit cards as a result of this improvement.
According to reports, UPI transactions increased significantly in India. The number of UPI transactions reached 8.7 billion in March 2023, according to NPCI, which caused a significant increase in monthly transactions. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) additionally permitted the linking of RuPay credit cards to the UPI platform in June 2022 in order to further support the expansion of digital payments in the nation.
According to Google, this feature is currently rolling out to RuPay credit card holders of Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, Indian Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank and Union Bank of India. More banks will follow very soon.
This initiative is believed to be a huge step for the nation’s millions of RuPay credit card users towards gaining access to the ease of digital payments.
How to activate RuPay credit cards on Google Pay
In order to activate RuPay credit cards on Google Pay, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, Indian Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank and Union Bank of India customers need to add the RuPay credit card to Google Pay. They are required to tap on the “RuPay credit card on UPI” option in their profile and select the bank which issued their RuPay credit card.
After this RuPay credit cards holder will need to set a unique UPI PIN by (a) entering the last six digits of the card number and expiry, (b) entering the OTP from their bank
For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App. You can find the latest car and bike news here.


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After announcing a new $85 million fund, starting Distro Dojo in London and setting up a pre-accelerator in Scandinavia called 500 Nordics, startup accelerator and seed fund 500 Startups is today announcing a slew of new investments partners and mini-funds around the world (e.g. Japan).
You can check the announcement for all the details, but here we'll focus on its news for Europe. Disclosure: 500 Startups is an investor in tech.eu.
Apart from London and the Nordics, there are four European regions where 500 Startups is focusing its attention on in the coming years: Eastern Europe, Germany, Israel and Turkey.
In Germany, 500 Startups has (finally) brought on board Philipp Moehring.
Previously an investor at Seedcamp and now responsible for spreading Angellist's wings in Europe, Moehring explains in a blog post that he will invest in European startups as a 500 venture partner, but continuing at Angellist as his 'main activity', to roll out syndicates in more countries in Europe (in addition to the UK, where it launched earlier this year).
As part of his new plans, Moehring now runs an Angellist syndicate of his own (and as an added twist, 500 Startups is actually an investor in Angellist).
In Eastern Europe, the groundwork for 500 Startups will be done by Diana Moldavsky, a former executive at companies like Yandex, OLX and Zeptolab (maker of Cut The Rope).
In a blog post, Moldavsky writes:
"I'm looking for promising new seed-stage tech startups with functional products (not just ideas), customer usage & revenue, and most importantly talented, crazy, passionate founders. My interest is in Eastern Europe, Russia/CIS, Israel, Central Asia particularly in consumer internet and consumer mobile startups especially marketplaces, shared economy and on demand services, educational apps and games, health and wellness apps, communication, advertising and monetization, SAAS."
In Israel, 500 Startups' frontman will be Adam Benayoun. The entrepreneur co-founded Binpress, a marketplace for software that helped developers sell licenses to enterprises and startups prior to 500 Startups, and was actually part of its accelerator program in 2013.
500 Startups has invested in 10 Israeli companies to date, and says it is looking to make between 10-20 additional investments here in the next 12 months.
Finally, in Turkey, Erhan Erdogan has joined the 500 team as venture partner. He previously worked at Webrazzi, fring and Yandex.
Question remains when (and if) 500 Startups has plans for other regions in Europe where there are tons of opportunities for aggressive early-stage tech investors, such as France and Spain, two major markets that don't have a dedicated 500 Startups venture partner on the ground today.


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SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Apple Computer AAPL, +0.62% said Thursday that downloads from its iTunes store have totaled more than 150 million songs. The current pace of downloads is at 4 million songs a week, or more than 200 million a year. Apple also said it will sell iTunes gift cards at Best Buy BBY, +1.54% stores.
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Plant-based ingredients: market growth, investments and new product development
Whilst it’s difficult to correctly identify the number of people following a vegan lifestyle or a plant-based diet, according to statistics, 1% of the global population define themselves as vegan or plant-based. 1% may not seem like a big number, but when we consider that there are 7.9 billion people in the world, 1%, – or 79 million – equates to a slightly smaller population of Germany, the second most populated country in Europe.
The demand for plant-based products is not just driven by vegans, but also flexitarians, those who want to cut down their meat, dairy and fish consumption for health or environmental reasons, and those with allergies and intolerances, such as lactose malabsorption.
With more people following a plant-based diet and many omnivores swapping meat-based meals for vegan ones, it’s no wonder the vegan food sector grew by 11% in 2019 (compared to the overall food market which grew by 2%) and in 2020 was worth $15.4 billion.
According to GFI (Good Food Institute), 43% of overall plant-based meat was sold in Europe in 2020 and its global value was of $4.2 billion, up 800 million from the previous year.
Despite the growth of sales, production and consumption of plant-based food, a study by vegetarian food company Quorn found that 54% of Brits eat meat almost with every meal, whilst 17% will have it every single day. 20% tries to swap an animal-protein meal with a plant-based one and 60% of those trying to reduce their meat consumption do so for health reasons.
MMR Research Chief Ideas Officer and Food Matters Live June 2021 speaker Andy Wardlaw, writes that although the vegan food market is growing, most people are not currently interested in embracing a plant-based diet – 60% in fact, according to the British Nutrition Foundation. The sections of the British population most engaged with vegan food are Gen Z and the over 65s.
According to AHDB, the sale of meat rose by 8% in 2020, and up again by 1% in the first 12 weeks of 2021. With the coronavirus pandemic preventing people from going to restaurants and pubs, it’s likely that the sale rose because consumers were purchasing more beef, pork and poultry to cook at home.
Investment in plant-based food at an all time high
Despite the sale of meat growing in the first 12 weeks of 2021, the plant-based market shows no sign of slowing down.
According to the GFI in 2020 investment in the alternative protein industry reached a record high, with $3.1 billion invested in the alternative protein industry – including plant-based meat, dairy-free, fermentation and cultivated meat companies. $2.1 billion was invested in vegan meat, egg and dairy.
“Investment firm UBS forecasts that the global plant based meat market will grow by 28% a year and reach 85 billion dollars by 2030 presenting huge opportunities for those innovating within this space.”, says Tasting the Future Founder and Director Mark Driscoll.
Mark Driscoll, who’ll be giving a talk on Emerging sustainability trends in food and drink at Food Matters Live in June, sees two trends going from strength to strength:
Immune System Boosting Plant Ingredients and Diets
“There are signs that citizens are increasingly making the link between gut and immune health with an increase in the purchase of probiotics for example. Recent research by MMR found that immunity was the top health concern for people in China and South Africa.”
High Protein Leguminous Crops
“Legumes are valued worldwide as a sustainable and inexpensive meat alternative and are considered one of the most important food sources of plant-based proteins and micro-nutrients.”, says Driscoll. Legumes are nutritionally valuable, providing proteins (20–45%) with essential amino acids, complex carbohydrates (approx. 60%) and dietary fibre (5–30%). In addition, their ability to fix nitrogen and improve soil health, offers a significant opportunity to improve both human and planetary health whilst contributing to food security, particularly within low- and middle-income countries.
Most popular plant-based meat ingredients
Soy has been one of the first ingredients used to mimic the taste and texture of meat. Seitan (wheat gluten) is also hugely popular as are mushrooms, grains and legumes such as pea protein and beans.
Ingredients made with mushroom proteins have gained popularity in the last few years, thanks to their texture and meaty umami flavour.
Herbs, spices and fats such as coconut and olive oil are added for flavour and texture.
According to Deloitte, the UK is the country in Europe with the highest appetite for meat substitutes, counting for 40% of the market.
Dairy-free milk, cheese and ice-cream
The sales of plant-based milk grew by 28.3% in the UK in 2019, with 32% of households choosing a vegan option instead of a dairy one. According to The Lancet, 68% of the global population are lactose intolerant (ranging from an average of 28% in Europe to 70% in the Middle East), so it’s easy to see why dairy-free products have become so attractive.
The NPD of oat, soy, almond, hazelnut, cashew, coconut, rice and hemp milks has been very successful and also easy – after all, vegans were already making their own plant-based milks at home using nuts in the 1930s and 1940s, when the product wasn’t yet available to buy in Britain.
What’s proved more challenging has been developing and manufacturing good dairy-free cheese.
In the last few years many plant-based cheese alternatives have appeared on the market. Whilst commercial vegan cheese found in supermarket can have a high fat and starch content, its artisanal counterpart is often made with nuts, and whilst still high in lipids, it tends to have a lower carbohydrate content.
One of the issues with premium free-from plant-based cheese is the price, which can often reach £10 for just over 100 grams. Commercial alternatives however rival the price of dairy cheese, costing around £2 for 200 grams. Melting point with dairy-free cheese also varies from brand to brand, with some melting easily and some not at all. This is still an area that needs more product development, especially as its demand is high.
On the other hand, other dairy-free products such as ice-cream and yoghurt are very successful and their taste and texture easily rivals that of their dairy counterparts.
The value of the global vegan ice cream market was $520.9 million in 2019 and by 2027 is expected to rise to $805.3 million. Brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and Häagen-Dazs have followed in the footsteps of plant-based companies such as Alpro and launched vegan ice-cream in 2017 – a move that’s proved very successful.
Plant-based fish alternatives: an opportunity
Plant-based fish has been a challenge in terms of product development. Whilst there are some products on the market – mainly the breaded variety such as fish fingers, fillets and goujons – there stil more that needs to be done to replicate the taste and texture of fish.
In April, plant-based food manufacturer Planteneers announced the launch of new products, including sushi style raw fish and smoked salmon, however vegan fish alternatives are still few and far between, meaning that this section of the market is still very much up for grabs.


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The innovative gift show takes place May 27 and 28 in Toronto.
The ‘bed-in-a-box’ sleep brand will open stores across the country, and it has chosen one of Canada’s top malls for its first store.
The upscale outerwear and premium leather goods brand is making a push into new markets, both online as well as with its first bricks-and-mortar retail outlet.
The American retailer has commenced its Canadian store expansion with a uniquely appropriate location.
Canada’s biggest retail conference, which will host more than 2,500 retail leaders from across North America, is only a few weeks away.
DeRucci specializes in beds and mattresses that are designed to provide a better night’s sleep
By Michael Gilburt and Horatiu Porime of prominent law firm Blaney McMurtry.


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Hugh Hefner to hold art auction
on Monday,November 08,2010 20:11
Playboy has been considered one of the more risqué magazines of the past century, but founder Hugh Hefner has always had a different opinion than his critics on what his creation represents. Now, the Playboy editor-in-chief may finally be able to shift the perception of his empire with an art auction, according to the Associated Press (AP).
On December 8, Hefner plans to hold an auction titled, "Year of the Rabbit." Of the items to be sold off include an original Salvador Dali piece and another 125 collectibles. More than a dozen contemporary pieces, 24 cartoons and 80 photographs make up the bunch. Snapshots of starlet Marilyn Monroe and musician Duke Ellington are included in the collection.
"Before Playboy and a few other places, commercial art was essentially Norman Rockwell, very realistic," Hefner told the AP. "And we introduced into commercial illustration the whole notion of everything from abstract, to semi-abstract, to stuff that you found on a gallery wall."
Art-related jobs are projected to increase by 12 percent over the next eight years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Latest Articles & News
It is no secret to many that music artist Kanye West is no stranger to fashion, and now he will be showing his new collection during Paris Fashion Week later this week, according to the Elle Magazine.
Teenlike.com, an ongoing online competition for young home decor designers, announced its second winner. Brandon Dover of Apply Valley, California, was this year's winner, as he created an abstract pen and inkwork design for a bedspread.


text: She's only 27, but Rihanna has already set plenty of records during her pop star tenure: She had the most No. 1 pop songs in 2013, had the most digital-music sales in 2012, and she boasts the profound ability to wear tomboyish basics like a total boss. Well, everyone's favorite bad girl has just nabbed another honor, and it's a big one. This morning, WWD announced that Rihanna is the latest face of Dior, making the singer the first-ever Black spokeswoman of the French fashion house. Over the years, the company has recruited everyone from Jennifer Lawrence to Natalie Portman to front its campaigns, but the choice of Rihanna marks an important step in Dior's — and fashion's — history. Although designers have recently used their platforms to make statements on gender equality, diversity in campaigns and on the runway has remained lacking. According to WWD, Rihanna will star in the fourth installment of the brand's hugely popular "Secret Garden" videos, in which she'll take over Versailles and frolic through the palace. Keep an eye out for the video and accompanying campaign (shot by Steven Klein) this spring, and in the meantime, we're giving major props to Rihanna. If her past partnerships with Balmain, Puma, and MAC are any indication, this Grammy winner is always ready to make a statement. Only this time, her statement will make history.


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Despite the fact that a tough workout might make you want to eat enough for a family of four, your exercise routine probably isn't making you consume extra calories, according to a new research review.
As Runner's World points out, this is especially good news for fitness fans who have weight loss on the brain. Despite an
By Laura Schwecherl News Flash: Exercise burns calories. And while running off that breakfast burrito will probably spark


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As we told you last week
, Microsoft is indeed sitting on a new major franchise for the Xbox Live Arcade service. And as you'll already be aware, that franchise is Doom, id Software's beloved first-person shooter!
Doom should be released to Live subscribers within the next few hours and will cost a mere 800 Market Place Points. The rework of the PC classic will feature such new-world goodies as full Dolby 5.1 sound, split-screen co-op and multiplayer modes, as well as tagging single-player achievements to active Live accounts.
Multiplayer hosts up to four players per session - some compensation for those who would have hoped for a chance to relive their days of LAN glory with users around the world. We'll bring you further details as we get them.


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The Celtic Corner used to call the Ferry Landing home, but in 2012 headed to 916 Orange Avenue, a spot where one can enjoy gelato next door while listening to the unexpectedly alluring live bagpipe music during the pandemic.
Coronado resident Dave Samara graces the storefront late Saturday afternoons.
“It really helps,” said Celtic Corner owner Trish Locke of Samara and his musical contribution. “He’s such a sweetheart.”
Locke said Samara offered to start playing when the pandemic hit and now comes practically every weekend, taking a short break between melodic stints. Samara plays with the House of Scotland Pipe Band.
“This tears at your heart actually,” Locke said of the pandemic business situation.
For 24 years, the Celtic Corner has been a warrior in retail, Locke having been in the shop just over 20 years now, her parents starting the business.
“To watch what has happened in the last year is just devastating,” she said. “You’re just grasping at every straw.”
The shop-owner said she keeps pondering what grant she can apply for next; “it’s just constant.”
Locke described that one of the hardest parts about managing a business during the pandemic is how sometimes you can sell well but you may not have enough money from beforehand to buy more product, which was especially a concern at Christmas. Always her busiest month, she wasn’t sure if she’d have enough stock to get through the holiday.
Locke would get what she could last-minute when things started to pick up. She would look around the shop and try to order what was needed. Then things would get terrible and she would have to stop ordering again.
“I’m just devastated,” she reiterated about what’s going on right now; it reminds her of last June when they first reopened and it was a horrific month. “I’m just hoping for Valentine’s sales.”
Locke is also working hard on her website, putting as much as she can into figuring out how to have a strong virtual presence. Usually she does about a dozen Scottish events a year on the road with the shop and never had time for the website before. Nearing 60, she admits it’s a very difficult transition during a challenging time for so many.
916 Orange Avenue, 619-435-1880
11 am – 4 pm Sunday | 10 am – 4 pm Monday-Friday | 10 am – 6 pm Saturday


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Christmas 2020 Travel – a temporary easing of social distancing rules across the UK. What could this mean for our roads and rail?
Christmas 2020 Travel – A Transport Guide is written by James Hetherington
The latest nationwide lockdown
The number of daily cases in the UK appeared to plateau and fall towards the end of the four-week nationwide lockdown, while Office for National Statistics data suggested that the percentage of people testing positive fell in all regions except for the North East England. However, the Government was criticised by the UK Statistics Authority for the modelling and data used to justify the lockdown, which mandated the closure of all non-essential shops, restaurants, pubs, and gyms.
Where are we now?
On December 2nd, following a four-week lockdown, the UK returned to a tiered system designed to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus. Most of the country is currently under Tier 2 (High Alert) or Tier 3 (Very High Alert) rules, both of which prohibit households from mixing indoors.
You can find more guidance on these tiered restrictions here.
Tis this season to be jolly careful! So what are the rules this Christmas?
There will be fewer Christmas 2020 travel restrictions – but only for five days.
In November, the Government confirmed that up to three households will be able to mix between December 23rd and 27th. These households will be known as ‘Christmas bubbles’.
Until December 23rd – and from December 28th until further notice – the existing tiered system will continue to apply.
You can fine further guidance for the Christmas period here.
Why some are concerned about the temporary easing of restrictions
We’re probably all familiar with what the big Christmas rush looks like in a normal year.
Crowded stations, packed trains, gridlocked motorways – you name it!
This is despite the fact that the festive getaway is usually staggered over several days anyway.
But this year is different
Unless there is a change in policy, it is likely that the vast majority of the UK population will remain in Tier 2 or Tier 3. Restrictions will stand until December 23rd and then again from December 28th. This will mean most households will not be allowed to mix indoors before December 23rd.
What this might mean for public transport
In theory, this might mean that the millions of Britons who rely on public transport would only be able to travel on December 23rd or the 24th to visit another household for Christmas – unlike a normal year when they might travel before those dates (i.e. the last Sunday before Christmas, which falls on Dec 20th this year).
What public transport is running on Christmas day 2020?
Like every Christmas, trains will not be running on Christmas Day, and only a small number of routes will be operating on Boxing Day. However, National Express and Megabus will operate a limited number of coaches on Christmas Day.
And what about returning home via public transport after Christmas Day?
Due to the limited number of train services operating on Boxing Day, most, if not all of those reliant on public transport, would have no option but to return home on December 27th, after which the tiered system will resume.
Trains and buses are still operating at reduced capacity
All trains and buses must comply with social distancing guidelines, which means no more than 50% of seats can be occupied at any time.
And for trains, that’s not the whole story.
Think of a time when you had to take a last-minute train to visit family at Christmas?
There’s a good chance it was standing room only. Well, this year, trains are only able to operate at about a fifth of their capacity – although this doesn’t take into account the number of carriages, engineering works or train frequency, all of which can obviously affect the number of passengers that can travel each day.
So will there be extra carriages and services to compensate for this?
Just before the Christmas rules were confirmed, the Transport Minister, Grant Shapps, urged people to avoid travelling by train and to ‘look very carefully’ at the route they take over the festive period.
However, in a statement to the House of Commons on December 3rd, about a week after the Christmas guidelines were confirmed, he expressed a somewhat more optimistic tone.
To help compensate for the increased demand for rail services, Mr Shapps confirmed the the Government would institute the following measures to help people travel safely during the festive period:
- 778 miles of roadworks will be cleared
- 95% of the rail network will be unaffected by engineering works
- The number of coach services will treble
- Trains will operate with more carriages
- Trains will operate at greater frequency
- Rail companies such as Avanti and CrossCountry will relax their peak fares
- Sir Peter Hendy will be appointed as’ Christmas Travel Tsar’ to scrutinise transport operators and support passengers
But will all of this be enough to keep people moving, safely?
Despite these measures, the Campaign for Better Transport has urged the Government to allow two additional ‘travel days’ to help even out the demand for rail services and reduce road congestion. Technically, this recommendation is already set down in Northern Ireland’s rules, which will permit up to three households to mix between December 22nd and 28th.
It is difficult to predict whether an increase in public transport frequency will be enough to compensate for the reduced capacity of coaches and train carriages. In London, for example, almost half of households don’t have a car, so there is no option but to use public transport, or to rely on friends or family members who have a car, when travelling long distances. But if many Londoners decide to stay at home this Christmas, the demand for trains and coaches from London stations won’t be as high as anticipated.
However, the AA suggests Christmas 2020 Travel might not be as busy as some fear
Surprisingly, the AA has projected that congestion will only be about half the usual level for the Christmas period. In a poll of 16,500 motorists, only just under a quarter (24%) intended to drive between December 18th and January 4th 2021 – less than half the percentage for the same period in 2019-2020.
The AA also welcomed the decision to remove hundreds of miles of roadworks on motorways and main roads during the festive period. This should help reduce congestion on the busiest routes, such as motorway junctions near big shopping centres, the association said.
But on the busiest days, won’t roads still be busier than a normal Christmas?
That is the golden question. Even if there are fewer journeys overall this Christmas, that doesn’t mean there won’t be congestion on the dates when people do travel.
Think of it like rainfall. 1 inch of rain is going to be far less problematic for a transport network if it falls over many hours. But if the same amount of rain falls in just half an hour, it could quickly overwhelm a transport network.
Or think about how social distancing is designed to slow the spread of the Coronavirus so that healthcare services don’t become overwhelmed by a rapid increase in hospitalisations.
The truth is, we just don’t know how busy the Christmas getaway will be
The AA says millions of Brits still don’t know whether they will stay at home or visit other households during the festive period.
About a third of drivers have yet to decide whether to travel at all this Christmas – and this ‘could make all the difference’, says AA President Edmund King.
Could our recent shopping habits give us a clue about what Christmas might be like?
During the weekend of December 5-6th, shortly after the nationwide lockdown ended on December 2nd, many high streets across the UK were busy as people flocked to the shops for their Christmas shopping. This caused a great deal of alarm on social media, with people sharing photos of packed shops and streets, but when you dig into the data, you’ll notice that overall footfall was still lower than the same period in 2019. The number of people visiting the high streets on December 5th. About 38% lower compared to Saturday, December 7th, 2019.
When you consider most shops in England were closed since 5.11.20, you may have expected the footfall to be much higher. So this suggests many of us are limiting the amount of time we spend at the shops – and doing more of our shopping online. Indeed, 17 million of us had already finished our Christmas shopping online before the shops even re-opened on December 2nd!
But while many of us have gone ‘virtual’ for our shopping’, that doesn’t necessarily mean we all want a ‘virtual Christmas’ in its entirety
It’s not yet clear how many Britons will be visiting family and friends over the festive period – but it’s reasonable to assume that it will be in the millions. Some may opt for a ‘virtual Christmas’ in the form of Facetime and Zoom meetings – typically with extended family members and friends who live far away. For others, though, that just won’t be an acceptable substitute for a face-to-face Christmas with all the trimmings.
However, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has warned that Coronavirus infections could double over Christmas. Showing that up to 50% of people in one household can be infected by one infected member.
You can read more guidance here on how to reduce your risk of catching and spreading Coronavirus when forming a Christmas bubble.
Luckily, thanks to the latest vaccine developments, we’re one big step closer to normality
The great news is a vaccine is being distributed rolled out. Something which seemed like a distant dream when the pandemic began in the spring. While it is unlikely to have any measurable impact on curbing infections until later in the winter, it gives us the certainty that this pandemic will come to an end and that normal life will resume once again.
When that happens is still open for debate! The Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he hoped that life would return to normal in the UK by Easter.
Let’s hope so too.
In the meantime, here are a few final points for your Christmas 2020 Travel:
If you’re planning to take public transport:
- Book your ticket now (many tickets may sell out due to reduced capacity)
If you live in Northern Ireland
- Remember that you may travel and mix with up to two other households (in Northern Ireland) from December 22nd to 28th
If you’re planning to travel by car or coach
- Allow extra time for your journey, as motorways and roads could be very busy.
- If travelling by car, try to avoid the busiest hours if you can
From the whole team at Solutionlabs we wish you a Merry Christmas.


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Infinitev, a leading innovator in sustainable energy solutions, is proud to announce its title sponsorship of the inaugural Battery Recycling and Manufacturing Summit, set to take place in Sydney on August 31st.
The Battery Recycling and Manufacturing Summit aims to address the pressing need for sustainable practices and solutions in the rapidly growing battery industry. With the global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles on the rise, battery technologies have become an essential part of our daily lives. However, the increasing usage of batteries also raises concerns about their end-of-life management and environmental impact. This summit serves as a vital platform to explore innovative approaches for battery reuse, repurpose, and recycling, promoting a circular economy model.
Australia's battery recycling and manufacturing sector is establishing itself as an innovation hub for the nation (source: www.australianbatterysummit.com/)
As the title sponsor, Infinitev is proud to support this important industry event and showcase its commitment to sustainable practices. With a robust infrastructure for battery reuse, repurpose, and recycling, Infinitev has set new standards in sustainability. Through their advanced technologies and expertise, the company ensures the efficient recovery of valuable materials from used batteries, minimising waste and reducing environmental impact. Infinitev's participation in the summit will provide invaluable insights into their innovative approaches and industry-leading best practices.
"We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of the Battery Recycling and Manufacturing Summit," said Dickson Leow, General Manager at Infinitev. "At Infinitev, we firmly believe in the importance of a circular economy, and this event allows us to engage with industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to collectively address the challenges and opportunities in battery recycling and manufacturing. We are committed to driving sustainable mobility solutions, and this summit perfectly aligns with our vision."
The Battery Recycling and Manufacturing Summit will feature a lineup of renowned industry speakers, engaging panel discussions, and interactive sessions covering various aspects of battery recycling, manufacturing, and sustainable practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry peers, learn about the latest advancements, and explore potential collaborations.
About Infinitev: Infinitev is a pioneering company dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovative technologies. With a strong focus on the circular economy, Infinitev develops cutting-edge solutions for EV and hybrid battery reuse, repurposing, and recycling, contributing to the preservation of valuable resources and the reduction of environmental impact. By championing the transition to cleaner energy, Infinitev is driving positive change for a greener and more sustainable future.
For more information about the Battery Recycling and Manufacturing Summit, including the detailed agenda, speakers, and registration process, please visit the official website at www.australianbatterysummit.com. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be a part of the conversation and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.


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- Courtesy / Barcel USA, Takis
- Texas-based Takis has launched a lineup of five new snack categories and a new look.
The brand, known for its iconic rolled shape, is now offering an expanded array of shapes and spice vessels, including popcorn, peanuts, cheese snacks, corn snack sticks and ridged potato chips. Naturally, all are doused in the spicy, slow burn of the chip maker’s proprietary spice blend.
According to officials with the Coppell, Texas-based company, the expansion also will usher in a new packaging design, including the return of the Takis Heat-O-Meter — an icon designed to help consumers understand just how intense the product is.
The new snacks can be found in grocery and convenience stores nationwide.
So many restaurants, so little time. Find out the latest San Antonio dining news with our Flavor Friday Newsletter.


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Smart Toothbrush Philips Adapts to the User
Medical technology company Philips unveiled a self-learning electric toothbrush during consumer electronics trade show CES.
The toothbrush adapts to the brushing style of the user, such as which movements it makes and how much pressure is applied to the brush. The brush adjusts its movements accordingly utilizing artificial intelligence (ai).
According to Philips, oral health is now extra crucial because people cannot go to the dentist due to lockdowns in many countries. The company has long argued that a healthy mouth can prevent many other health problems and that good brushing can reduce healthcare costs.
To encourage good brushing, the new toothbrush also has its app that tries to encourage users daily, weekly, and monthly reports on brushing frequency and duration.
Competitor Oral-B also came up with a new top model electric toothbrush during CES, held virtually this year. It is equipped with a sensor that warns users if they apply too much or too little pressure.
This toothbrush also uses AI and has an app that the user has to coach. Furthermore, the app will again try to teach users other good behaviour such as turning off the tap while brushing and not frequently leaving the charger’s toothbrush.


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You may note that both Snapchat and LinkedIn are not listed here – Snapchat only releases daily active user stats (191 million), and LinkedIn lists total members (562 million). Neither publish official MAU counts.
Instagram’s come a long way since being acquired by Facebook back in 2012 for $1 billion. At the time, Facebook was criticized for spending so much on the then basic image sharing app, but Instagram is now estimated, by some projections, to be worth around $100 billion, with the platform slated to generate around $5.48 billion in U.S. ad revenue in 2018 - up 70% year-over-year.
That ad potential will only be boosted by their latest video efforts, while the growth of Instagram Stories has also broadened the app’s potential beyond what anyone could have anticipated.
Indeed, with the addition of Shopping Tags and other eCommerce related tools, Instagram is on track to become a major player in digital marketing (if it’s not already), while the platform’s growth momentum has also held firm – the platform’s 5% quarter-over-quarter user growth rate is better than Snapchat and Facebook.
And that’s where Instagram has provided some of the most significant benefits for Facebook – in beating out a potential rival in Snapchat. Snap saw huge increases in popularity amongst younger users, which is a key demographic as an indicator of future potential. But Instagram, through Instagram Stories, has helped quell the Snapchat threat, stealing most of the app’s best features and then making them available to its much larger audience base.
Now, more people would be aware of these Snapchat-like tools through Instagram, and with Facebook advancing its AR tools every day, Insta is on track to become the clear leader of the pack for such – and a clear winner in usage among younger audiences.
And as noted, that also opens up significant opportunity for brands. With younger users turning away from Snap, particularly after its recent redesign, Instagram is looking to step in with new features, like IGTV, which keep them on a Facebook-owned property.
What was once a criticized deal is now seen as a stroke of genius from Zuck and Co, and as Instagram’s offerings expand, it’s only set to become more important.


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Ford has been spied testing its new Evos crossover on Australian roads.
These images of the Ford Evos were sent in by CarExpert reader Danielle, and show a left-hand drive engineering prototype wearing Chinese badges.
Don’t get your hopes up for an Australian debut, though.
At launch Ford confirmed the Evos is for China only, and there’s been no movement on that stance since.
Ford’s proving ground in the You Yangs and its Broadmeadows design studio are used to develop global vehicles in the Blue Oval family, so it’s not uncommon for foreign cars to find their way to Melbourne.
It’s believed the Evos rides on a variation of the CD4 architecture underpinning the Mondeo and related North American Fusion sedan, as well as the S-Max and Galaxy people movers, Chinese-market Taurus sedan, and the Lincoln Nautilus crossover.
What will power it hasn’t been revealed, but it’s likely Ford will offer petrol, hybrid, and pure-electric drivetrains in China.
Although it’s not pictured here, the cabin is dominated by a 1.1m-wide slab of screens. It encompasses a 27-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch display ahead of the driver.
As for whether the Evos will be offered overseas? What looks like a non-SUV version of the car has been snapped testing in Europe, but Ford is keeping its cards close to its chest.
Before it was tied to China, the Evos was expected to succeed the Mondeo, which is being phased out around the world on the back of low demand for traditional mid-sized sedans.
“The market segment in which the Mondeo competes has been dwindling for years and is down about 80 percent since 2000,” a Ford Europe spokesperson told Automotive News Europe in 2020.
Exactly what will fill the Mondeo and Fusion’s shoes in Europe and North America remains to be seen.
The Mondeo was introduced to Europe in 1993 as a replacement for the Sierra, and has a strong place in popular British culture.
The UK equivalent of an Aussie Battler is sometimes colloquially known as the Mondeo Man, and the car is driven by “Mr Inconspicuous” in When the sun goes down by the Arctic Monkeys.
It also took on the Holden Vectra and its short-lived Epica and Malibu successors in a slightly lower-octane spin on the classic Red vs Blue battle between the Commodore and Falcon.
Thanks to Danielle for the images!


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Phoenix police officers have arrested a candy thief so prolific that detectives dubbed him the "Candy Man."
According to police, the "Candy Man," 23-year-old Jordan Newman, pocketed nearly $3,000 worth of candy from Circle K stores over the past 10 months.
Detectives teamed up with Circle K security to catch some people who keep stealing from the stores over and over again, and the "Candy Man" is one of those guys.
Turns out, police don't even think the "Candy Man" is a sugar fiend. Apparently, he stole the candy and sold it to an individual who specializes in buying and selling stolen property in exchange for drug money.
Still, that's a lot of candy. Phoenix PD notes that detectives are looking for 66 other people who repeatedly steal from Circle K stores.
Below, find what appears to be video footage of the "Candy Man" in action:
Send feedback and tips to the author.
Follow Matthew Hendley on Twitter at @MatthewHendley.


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Contact the communications team
11 Dec 2023
In Dubai, the two organisations signed a new agreement emphasising their shared commitment to promoting sustainable supply chains and enhancing the value addition of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), smallholder farmers and workers.
DUBAI, UAE – Despite being crucial for inclusive and sustainable industrial development, global supply chains still feature widespread human rights and environmental sustainability shortcomings. Workers and small-scale producers, especially women and young people, often face hazardous working conditions and low wages and incomes.
Demonstrating a firm commitment to fostering sustainable supply chains, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Fairtrade International inked a new Joint Declaration at the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Dubai. The declaration, signed on 10 December by Gunther Beger, Managing Director of UNIDO, and Sandra Uwera Murasa, Global CEO of Fairtrade International, marks a promising step in addressing the growing challenges facing global supply chains.
In the Joint Declaration, UNIDO and Fairtrade emphasise their shared commitment to promoting sustainable supply chains and enhancing the value addition of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), smallholder farmers and workers. The partnership will prioritise supporting suppliers in producer countries in key areas such as market access, impact investment, corporate sustainability, the implementation of human rights and environmental due diligence - including technical support to transition to agroecology and build climate resilience.
“This partnership comes at a crucial time for producers facing growing pressure from legislative measures while their costs of sustainable production are escalating, together with climate risks affecting their production and profitability”, said Sandra Uwera Murasa, Global CEO of Fairtrade International.
The Joint Declaration underscores the parties' intent to collect and share best practices in order to fortify the resilience and sustainability of global supply chains. UNIDO and Fairtrade aim to jointly raise awareness of the critical issues and engage in new projects, offering tailored assistance to producers and other relevant stakeholders in global supply chains.
“Addressing the challenge of making supply chains more sustainable requires strengthened cooperation among all actors and an increased commitment to support producers, particularly at the beginning of the supply chain. UNIDO and Fairtrade are building a coalition of partners dedicated to these shared goals”, emphasised Gunther Beger, Managing Director of UNIDO.
In this vein, the Declaration highlights the need for collaboration and for an inclusive process, developed with SMEs, farmers and workers, as well as other relevant public and private stakeholders, to equitably share the burden and benefits of the sustainable transition in global supply chains.
UNIDO is the specialised agency of the United Nations with a unique mandate to promote and accelerate sustainable industrial development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the overarching global framework for UNIDO's work. UNIDO plays a crucial role in accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 9, along with all other industry-related goals of the 2030 Agenda.
First established in 1966 and transformed into a specialized UN agency in 1985, UNIDO has 172 Member States. In addition to its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, UNIDO has liaison offices in Brussels, Geneva and New York. The UNIDO field network consists of 48 regional and country offices. UNIDO also maintains ten Investment and Technology Promotion Offices.
UNIDO provides its support through four mandated functions: technical cooperation; action-oriented research and policy-advisory services; normative standards-related activities; and fostering partnerships for knowledge and technology transfer. Find out more at: https://www.unido.org/.
Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions, and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in developing countries.
Fairtrade International is an independent non-profit organization representing two million small-scale farmers and workers worldwide. It owns the FAIRTRADE Mark, a registered trademark of Fairtrade that appears on more than 30,000 products. Beyond certification, Fairtrade International and its member organizations empower producers, partner with businesses, engage consumers, and advocate for a fair and sustainable future. Find out more at http://www.fairtrade.net.


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Centre for Fashion Enterprise (CFE) – owned by London College of Fashion (LCF) – is offering fashion and fashion technology small to medium-sized enterprises free studio space for up to two years, as part of its new partnership with Poplar Housing and Regeneration Community Association (HARCA).
CFE will take on eight studio spaces in East London development Poplar Works – a new district that offers workspace, manufacturing and education facilities for fashion employees. It has been developed by Poplar HARCA, LCF, University of the Arts London (UAL) and social enterprise Trampery.
Work is currently under way and due to completed by September.
CFE is calling on fashion and fashion technology SMEs to apply for a studio before the 28 July deadline.
If successful, they will receive up to two years’ free studio space, business support, coaching sessions from CFE’s executive coaches, access to UAL libraries as well as membership to a new community of SME fashion and fashion technology businesses.


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Tweel named a top new product
It isn’t currently available on this side of the pond, but in the US Michelin’s Tweel has been available for almost a year and is expanding its collection of accolades. In April the airless tyre won a Silver Edison Award and now it has been named one of the 2013 contractors’ top 40 new products by publication Equipment Today.
“We are honoured that the Tweel was chosen as one of Equipment Today’s top 50 new products,” said Tim Fulton, head of Michelin Tweel Technologies. “In today’s competitive construction market, we are addressing the contractor’s need for efficient and reliable mobility solutions.”
In North America, the airless radial is currently sold for use on skid steer loaders in the construction, landscaping, contracting, refuse/recycling and agricultural industries.
The Tweel first saw light of day in 2005 and was commercially launched in October 2012.


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NEWPORT — The Port of Newport hopes to begin exporting logs from its newly renovated International Terminal in a couple of months.
Port Manager Kevin Greenwood said Thursday that Alcan Forest Products, one of two companies wanting to export logs from Yaquina Bay to Asia, plans to begin shipping partial loads (50-60 percent of full) in May.
For the complete article see the 03-28-2014 issue.
Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 03-28-2014 paper.
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Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. first-quarter adjusted EPS and net income fell short of estimates Jan. 8 as the pharmacy confirmed its 2020 guidance.
Adjusted diluted net EPS for the three months ended Nov. 30, 2019, of $1.37 missed the S&P Global Market Intelligence mean consensus estimate for normalized EPS of $1.41. Adjusted net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance of $1.22 billion were lower than the Market Intelligence estimate of $1.25 billion for net income excluding exceptions.
Walgreens confirmed its previous 2020 guidance, saying that adjusted EPS growth would be "roughly flat" but could be higher or lower by 3%.
Sales for the quarter increased 2.3% on a constant-currency basis to $34.34 billion. Adjusted operating income declined 15.6%, or 15.4% in constant-currency terms, to $1.46 billion.
Shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance declined 4.1% to $56.87 in premarket trading Jan. 8. The retail pharmacy chain reported results before U.S. markets opened.