text:
Marcus Noland and Stephen Haggard of the Peterson Institute for International Economics have been studying North Korea's economy for a book tentatively titled "Hard Target: Sanctions, Inducements, and the North Korea Problem".
Their research appears to have revealed something unusual — North Korea, despite being an economic basket-case, may be running a trade surplus. If that's true, sanctions may well a losing tactic for the international community.
The chart below, posted by Noland to the Institute's blog earlier today, shows some of their findings on the rogue state's balance of payments:
As you can see, this data (which includes estimates of illicit activity) shows that for much the last 20 years North Korea has likely run current account deficits — consuming more than it was producing, and using foreign finance to make up the shortfall. However, in the last couple of years this appears to have changed, and the country seems to be running a trade surplus.
Crucially, a lot of the trade from the past few years appears to be above board, despite North Korea reputation for illicit industries (we've heard reports of fraudulent money abroad, which are believed to include widespread counterfeiting of US dollars and even reports of gold smuggling and drug trafficking).
Another chart from the Institute's research appears to show North Korea's illicit trade is less important to the country in recent years.
Instead, it appears that commercial trade estimates have dramatically increased. A lot of this legitimate trade appears to be with China, despite signs of political tension between the two countries. Other sources seem to confirm this — China's Ministry of Commerce reported that trade between the two countries reached an all-time high of $1.37 billion in the first quarter of last year.
As Noland argues in his blog post today, this is a bad sign for pretty much everyone involved.
"It is bad news for North Korea because as a relatively poor country, they should be running a current account deficit," Noland writes, "importing capital, and expanding productive capacity for future growth. Instead, our calculation suggests that they are exporting capital."
So where is the money going? Unfortunately, rather than being spent internally on North Korean citizens, it appears to be going overseas to be spent by elites. Last week some reports in the South Korean press suggested Kim Jong-un could have as much as $5 billion stashed in overseas accounts. This money is believed to be used to buy luxury goods for Kim himself or others in the Pyongyang elite.
This is a problem for the international community, as it means that punishing North Korea economically — such as through sanctions — will be less effective. The country has excess money, and it's economic links with China are only strengthening.


text: Painting and hiding rocks for strangers to chance upon is an international trend that started two years ago with a woman in Massachusetts. People paint the stones with colorful images or inspiring messages, then hide them at parks or outside stores — just about anywhere strangers are likely to find them. But the craze isn't catching on with American parks officials. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for example has asked visitors to refrain from hiding painted rocks in state parks and recreation areas, saying it violates a regulation against disturbing the natural landscape. For many visitors, encountering painted rocks "diminishes the land's beauty and the experience of being in nature," state parks administrator Jim Swenson said in a news release. Other state and national parks across the country have also asked guests not to hide painted rocks.

domain: news


text:
Amazon Instant Video is now available on Sony’s PlayStation 3, The Verge reports. If you are in the US, it means that you can already download the app from your PS3’s Video/TV menu and go through Amazon’s three-step registration process.
While the addition of Amazon Instant Video to the PS3 is pretty big news in itself, the most interesting part is that the app also lets you access fresher content.
To do so, the first option you have is to rent or buy movies and TV episodes individually, via Amazon’s VOD offer. The second option is to subscribe to Amazon Prime. Once you do, you will be able to access your subscription content on your PS3 – read: on your big TV.
In other words, today’s news will likely please PS3 owners and Prime subscribers. While several devices already let users stream Amazon content on their TVs, Sony’s PS3 is definitely more mainstream than smart TVs, Google TV and other connected devices.
The fact that the app opens access to Prime content is also a huge asset; while Amazon Instant Video’s catalogue boasts 100,000 titles, Prime’s offer is more recent and can be streamed without ad breaks.
At $79 a year with a one month free trial, it makes it a fairly attractive entertainment option – and a very solid competitor for Netflix and Hulu Plus.
According to Amazon, the app also plays nicely with your other gadgets – if you start watching a show on your PS3, you can resume the video where you left off on your Kindle Fire and other devices.
Finally, a detail that may cheer you up if you are in the UK. As you may remember, Amazon acquired a London-based TV app company called Pushbutton last July. According to Amazon’s VP of Video and Music, Bill Carr, this PS3 app is the result of its work:
“Pushbutton, which we acquired specifically for their expertise in TV entertainment app development, has done a fantastic job of developing our best video app yet.”
Will today’s news have an impact on your entertainment choices and subscriptions? Let us know in the comments.


text:
Pakistan, UAE agree to promote economic, trade ties
UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi called on Adviser on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in Islamabad on Tuesday and discussed bilateral relations.
Both the sides emphasized to further promote economic and trade relations between the two countries.
The Adviser on Finance said both the countries should realize full potential of their ties by encouraging the private sector to come and invest in Pakistan.
Abdul Hafeez Sheikh also thanked the UAE government for providing financial support to Pakistan under the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
The Ambassador said both Pakistan and UAE needed to work together to further upgrade their ties and develop strategic partnership.
The ambassador said that there are many companies in UAE which were keen to invest in Gwadar and they recently visited Pakistan for the purpose. He reiterated his country commitment to stand by Pakistan.


text:
|Bid||16.11 x 1100|
|Ask||0.00 x 4000|
|Day's Range||19.67 - 20.03|
|52 Week Range||13.62 - 23.28|
|Beta (3Y Monthly)||0.94|
|PE Ratio (TTM)||N/A|
|Earnings Date||Apr 25, 2018 - Apr 30, 2018|
|Forward Dividend & Yield||N/A (N/A)|
|1y Target Est||15.00|
Under Armour Inc (NYSE: UAA) announced Monday that it hired Kasey Jarvis as its new chief design officer, replacing longtime designer Dave Dombrow, who focused on mainly footwear development. The change in design leadership is a clear acknowledgement that UAA’s creative output was sorely lacking and needed repositioning, Lyon said in a Monday note, reiterating that this has been Canaccord's contention all along and the main reason for its Sell rating.
Nike Gears Up to Deliver Its Q3 2019 Results(Continued from Prior Part)Revenue expectations Nike (NKE) has exceeded analysts’ revenue expectations for the last five consecutive quarters. The company’s revenues rose 9.7% and 9.6%, respectively, in
Nike Gears Up to Deliver Its Q3 2019 ResultsYTD movementFootwear and apparel maker Nike (NKE) is scheduled to report its earnings results for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 (which ended on February 28) after the market closes on March 21. Nike
To the company's credit, Adidas (OTCMKTS:ADDYY) managed to convince investors that its disappointing 2019 outlook wasn't quite as bad as it initially seemed, unwinding the stumble Adidas stock took in the middle of last week.Source: Shutterstock Still, the athletic apparel and footwear maker is fighting an uphill battle, including against rivals like Nike (NYSE:NKE) and Under Armour (NYSE:UAA, NYSE:UA), that investors may want to sidestep until there's more certainty in its story. Its plans may or may not pan out as well as hoped, or take shape as soon as hoped.Never even mind that ADDYY stock is still dancing with a turn out of 2018's uptrend into a downtrend.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 7 Small-Cap Stocks That Make the Grade Looking AheadOn Wednesday, Germany-based outfit Adidas reported its fourth quarter and full year results. Currency-neutral revenue grew 8% in 2018, boosting margins higher to the tune of 110 basis points, to 10.8%. Operating income was up 20%.Investors, however, were less than thrilled with what the company said lies ahead.For 2019, Adidas anticipated revenue growth of between 5% and 8%, held back by (among other things) supply chain woes.The first half of the year now underway will see even slower growth before accelerating, as the company reconfigures capacity to accommodate solid demand in North America, where Adidas has doubled the size of its business in just three years.Adidas CEO Kasper Rorsted put it like this:"Right now there is no way of mitigating it [the impact of supply chain problems], but if you look at the overall outlook we're still looking at a 10 to 14 percent net earnings growth which is very strong, (and) taking the margin to 11.5 (percent) in 2019, which was the original target for 2020… so we're pretty much one-year ahead of our plan and our targets for 2020." Doubts Remain over Adidas StockNot all analysts are convinced the company will be able to snap out of its slowing growth trend, however.Wedbush analyst Christopher Svezia noted following the posting of the Adidas' 2019 outlook:"Adidas is facing aggressive competition from brands small and large, including Nike, which is expanding the market [and] gaining share in the company's home turf. Furthermore, positive reception of new merchandise is also not a given, particularly in the face of intense competition from the likes of Nike, Puma, Champion and more."Adidas CEO Kasper Rorsted even conceded, "There's no doubt that the bigger competitor [Nike] has come back," during the conference call, acknowledging that Nike's 8.5% improvement in North American sales last quarter was a clue that the iconic Nike had reclaimed some of its past mojo.Perhaps worse, European sales were off by 6% last quarter, while Nike mustered 8% growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Adidas gets roughly one-third of its business from Europe.Whatever Adidas is going to do, it must do more of it, and do it faster. Adidas Stock to Drive RhetoricThe data and outlooks paint a mixed picture for current and prospective owners of Adidas stock. This is a scenario, however, where the headlines may be guided more by the stock's action than the stock is guided by headlines.And, ADDYY stock has quietly been transitioning out of an uptrend and toying with the prospect of a sizable pullback.For the past twelve months, Adidas shares have made no net progress. During that period though, the stock has logged its first lower low and lower high since 2014, officially ending a rally that's coincided with the company's North American rival. The stock's slowdown preempts the headwind rooted in nearing its maximum potential in North America and its declining sales in Europe. Click to EnlargeThe waning pace of progress may also reflect the market's perception that Adidas is losing an edge against Nike.Cowen managing director John Kernan suggested that innovation could restore a more Nike-like valuation premium for Adidas stock. Kernan even thinks that could happen."We think (Adidas head of global brands) Eric Liedtke and team are ready to step up innovation, as Prophere, Deerupt, Solar Boost, POD and Pure Boost look promotional and less competitive to us," he said.If ADDYY shares end up making a lower low, however, it will be the market's way of saying it believes Adidas continues to lose ground to its rivals. A breakdown could make the narrative turn decidedly bearish.In other words, pay as much attention to the chart as the headlines themselves. The company raises more questions than it answers, and its revival efforts may or may not get the full traction they need.As of this writing, James Brumley did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. You can learn more about James at his site, jamesbrumley.com, or follow him on Twitter, at @jbrumley. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 5 of the Best Stocks to Buy Under $10 * 7 Single-Digit P/E Stocks With Massive Upside * 7 Best Quantum Computing Stocks Trading Today Compare Brokers The post Adidas Stock Is Going Sideways or Lower for the Foreseeable Future appeared first on InvestorPlace.
Under Armour has more schools in the NCAA men's basketball tournament than rival Adidas for the second consecutive year but still trails Nike.
Kasey Jarvis will start at Under Armour in early April, succeeding Dave Dombrow who recently departed the company.
BALTIMORE, March 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA, UAA) today announced the appointment of Kasey Jarvis as its new Chief Design Officer. With nearly 20 years of experience in apparel, footwear, equipment, industrial and automotive design, Jarvis brings proven talent and expertise to the company. "We are thrilled to welcome Kasey to Under Armour.
Dick’s Sporting Goods shares fell after the company announced earnings that were hurt by the Under Armour brand and the hunting category.
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fair Labor Association (FLA) today announced that its board of directors has accredited the social compliance program of Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA,UAA). The accreditation confirms the company has strong policies and practices in place to set goals, monitor, and remediate problems to improve conditions for the workers within its global supply chain. "I applaud Under Armour's commitment to embedding international labor standards and best practices into its global sourcing operations. The people who make the products that bear Under Armour's name deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness," said Sharon Waxman, FLA President and Chief Executive Officer.
"We’re enthusiastic about our Under Armour business going forward but it will remain in the floor space that it has today," CEO Edward Stack told analysts during a conference call.
After Dick's Sporting Goods saw prior success with removing hunting gear from 10 stores, it plans to remove hunting gear from 125 additional stores.
Under Armour Inc NYSE:UAView full report here! Summary * Bearish sentiment is moderate and declining * Economic output in this company's sector is expanding Bearish sentimentShort interest | PositiveShort interest is moderate for UA with between 5 and 10% of shares outstanding currently on loan. However, this was an improvement in sentiment as investors who seek to profit from falling equity prices reduced their short positions on February 20. Money flowETF/Index ownership | NeutralETF activity is neutral. ETFs that hold UA had net inflows of $778 million over the last one-month. While these are not among the highest inflows of the last year, the rate of inflow is increasing. Economic sentimentPMI by IHS Markit | PositiveAccording to the latest IHS Markit Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data, output in the Consumer Goods sector is rising. The rate of growth is strong relative to the trend shown over the past year. Credit worthinessCredit default swapCDS data is not available for this security.Please send all inquiries related to the report to firstname.lastname@example.org.Charts and report PDFs will only be available for 30 days after publishing.This document has been produced for information purposes only and is not to be relied upon or as construed as investment advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, IHS Markit disclaims any responsibility or liability, whether in contract, tort (including, without limitation, negligence), equity or otherwise, for any loss or damage arising from any reliance on or the use of this material in any way. Please view the full legal disclaimer and methodology information on pages 2-3 of the full report.
Scotland-based Baillie Gifford had been Under Armour's biggest institutional investor from December 2016 to December 2018.
A short list of consumer stocks is uniquely positioned to outperform the market as consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of economic activity, remains strong. Even as the economy slows, sales in 2019 should grow of 4%, excluding gasoline and autos, while e-commerce sales could rise 15% for the 10th straight year, according to Kiplinger.
Under Armour (NYSE:UA) likes to compare itself with Nike (NYSE:NKE). Under Armour makes athletic gear. Nike makes athletic gear. Under Armour has big-name endorsers. Nike has big-name endorsers. Under Armour supports the University of Maryland. Nike supports the University of Oregon. But Under Armour stock isn't in the same class as Nike stock.Source: rodrigofranca via FlickrPut it this way. Walmart (NYSE:WMT) and Big Lots (NYSE:BIG) are both retailers but they don't compare, either.Am I being unfair? Maybe a little. But only a little. Put it this way. Nike has a market cap on March 6 of $134.4 billion. Under Armour's market cap is $9.3 billion.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsOne is an investment. The other is a speculation. Nike Stock Is SuperiorNike earned $1.93 billion last year on revenues of $36.4 billion. That wasn't even a great year. It paid out 88 cents in dividends last year to 1.24 billion shares and covered that dividend with earnings twice over.The price to earnings ratio is about 64, because it's expected to do better this year. It brought in nearly $5 billion in operating cash flow during its last fiscal year and at the end of November had about $4 billion in the bank, including short-term investments.Nike put the era of founder Phil Knight in the history books long ago. While CEO Mark Parker is approaching retirement, the company has a deep bench behind him, led by CFO and executive vice president Andrew Campion, who is not yet 50.Yes, one of its shoes exploded with Zion Williamson's foot in it. Paul George, who likely will be the NBA's most valuable player this year, has the endorsement deal for the infamous shoe.Nike has literally hundreds of big-name athletes and athletic teams under endorsement contracts in any sport you care to name. Cricket, anyone? They've got India. Rugby? They have the Argentina national team. Australia rules football? The Carlton Blues.Over the last five years the value of your Nike shares has doubled, and 21 of 33 analysts following the stock say you should buy it. That's up from 17 three months ago. Under Armour Stock Doesn't CompareUnder Armour lost $46 million last year on sales of almost $5.2 billion. Let's not even talk about a dividend. This stock doesn't even have a price to earnings ratio. The company had a little over $550 million in the bank in December and had operating cash flow of $628 million. This was considered a pretty good year.Under Armour is under the absolute control of founder Kevin Plank. I say absolute because in 2016 he "split" the stock, taking the shares with voting control and leaving his shareholders to the rest. If a bus ran over him in Baltimore tomorrow (god forbid) his wife or kids would be in charge. His relationships and corporate culture draw negative attention from the press.Under Armour is a speculation. Since 2019 started its stock has done better than that of Nike. It's up 22%. But you're starting from a much lower base. Over one year, or two years, or five years, Nike has been a much better performer. The Bottom Line on Nike StockSpeculators might like Under Armour. The shares are volatile, meaning you can make money on trades and options. Last year saw a one-month spike from $14 to $22 per share in May, and another spike in November from $16 to $20. There was also a December fall from $22 per share to $15.Nike shares, by contrast, move with the market. You buy it, you put it away, you ignore it. It's the kind of stock you can give your kids. Under Armour is the kind of stock you give your bookie.Dana Blankenhorn is a financial and technology journalist. He is the author of a new mystery thriller, The Reluctant Detective Finds Her Family, available now at the Amazon Kindle store. Write him at email@example.com or follow him on Twitter at @danablankenhorn. As of this writing he owned no shares in companies mentioned in this article. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Stocks That Should Be Worried About a Data Dividend * 5 Cheap ETFs Worth Considering * 7 Cheap Stocks Under $5 That Could Soar Compare Brokers The post Why Nike Stock Is for Investors and Under Armour Stock Is for Gamblers appeared first on InvestorPlace.
Just when it looked like the executive suite at Under Armour (NYSE:UAA, NYSE:UA) was getting to the point of being drama-free we get a new story that isn't great for Under Armour stock.Source: SandyDover via Flickr (Modified)According to the Wall Street Journal, CEO Kevin Plank had perhaps a "problematic" relationship with MSNBC anchor, Stephanie Ruhle. It looks like she gave business and political advice and also took rides on his personal jet. The board learned about this through a discovery of email communications. * 9 Trade War Stocks to Sell on U.S.-China Deal News Yet the good news is that not much has come out of this story. And hopefully for the sake of Under Armour stock, there are no more unexpected surprises.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips A Look at Under Armour StockKeep in mind that the company's turnaround has been a success. Since UAA stock dropped below $13 in October, there has been a powerful bull run, with return at 92%. Granted, the stock price is far from the all-time high of $50 in 2015. But hey, not long ago Wall Street had little hope for Under Armour stock.However, the turnaround process has certainly taken time - it began in 2016 - and has been choppy. A big reason is that UAA has had to transition from being a startup operation to a more mature company. This can be challenging, especially for a CEO who does not have a background in running a large organization.But Plank has proven that he can adapt. For example, he has been willing to make tough cost cutting decisions that have involved layoffs and has been effective in bringing down the long-term debt load, lowering the interest costs.In the meantime, Plank has still been focused on finding opportunities for growth. This has mostly been the result of investments in international markets, which have paid off.So in the latest quarter, sales rose by 3% (when factoring out currency movements). UAA also showed progress with margins, about 1.5% during the past year.All this is great, right? Definitely. But investors should still consider that there remain some tough challenges, which could weigh on UAA stock. Let's face it, the competitive environment continues to be intense. The company must fight against mega companies like Nike (NYSE:NKE) and Adidas (OTCMKTS:ADDYY). For a company like UAA, it is tough to rise above the noise.Next, the turnaround will likely get tougher as there is not much low-hanging fruit left. For the most part, UAA has cleaned up its inventory and streamlined its cost structure.And finally, the North America market remains in a funk, with sales off a horrible 6% in the latest quarter. It does highlight that its pricing approach at retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE:DKS) and at a discount at Kohl's (NYSE:KSS) has been off-the-mark, as Vince Martin said in a recent post. Bottom Line Under Armour StockNow Plank's turnaround has been impressive. Yet it does appear that much of this is already baked into UAA stock. Keep in mind that the forward price-to-earnings multiple is about 46X.This is fairly steep given that the company is in the low-growth phase (the estimate is that the top-line will increase at about 3.5% for the year). What's more, Wall Street's consensus price target is at $21, which is at a 9% discount to the current valuation.But I think the real issue is that the company has yet to find ways to improve its product line. Some of its long-time advantages, like its expertise with performance ware for example, has faded. As InvestorPlace.com's Luke Lango has noted, Under Armour is losing relevance and popularity within its industry.All in all, this will probably not involve a quick fix - and could mean that the stock price will have a tough time finding upside.Tom Taulli is the author of High-Profit IPO Strategies, All About Commodities and All About Short Selling. Follow him on Twitter at @ttaulli. As of this writing, he did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 9 Blue-Chip Stocks That Will Lose You Money * 7 Cheap Stocks Under $5 That Could Soar * 7 Stocks Under $10 You Shouldn't Buy Compare Brokers The post Future Gains Might Be off the Table for Under Armour Stock appeared first on InvestorPlace.
BALTIMORE, March 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- After a long and impressive professional skiing career, Lindsey Vonn may be retiring from competitive racing, but her career as an athlete lives on. As a longtime Under Armour sponsored athlete, Lindsey Vonn plans to continue her partnership with the brand to expand it beyond the ski slopes and into the gym. "I am so excited to be on team Project Rock," said Vonn.
Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ:LULU) has been on a tear in the past 12 months, and it looks like it's in great shape to continue this pace for at least the next year or two.Source: Shutterstock LULU makes what is considered to be the sine qua non of "athleisure" apparel -- basically workout clothes that extend beyond the gym or yoga mat. While the brand solely targeted women in the beginning, it has now branched out to men and children as well.While Nike (NYSE:NKE) is a brand associated with baby boomers in particular, LULU is the next generation's brand. Gen Xers and millennials are the core demographic and their lifestyles have been built around this athleisure concept by all athletic retailers, including NKE.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsIt's just that Lululemon has built a loyal following because it is focused on quality clothing with unique styles. The bigger athletic wear companies find it hard to pivot as quickly and are more broadly diversified.For example, while LULU stock trades at a market cap around $20 billion, Nike's market cap is around $135 billion, nearly 7x the size. Yet in the past 12 months, NKE is up over 30% and trading at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 66, while LULU is up 84% over the same time and it's trading at a trailing P/E of 53. * 7 Top-Rated Stocks to Buy for March And all this growth comes at the expense of the most recent up-and-comer in the sector, Under Armour (NYSE:UA, NYSE:UAA). It was touted as the brand that was going to bring down NKE, the giant killer in the sector. LULU Stock vs. UA StockUA also started from simple beginnings, selling performance compression gear to athletes. But then its growth was constrained by its focus, and as a publicly traded company, it was encouraged to keep growth alive and expand.But the thing is, UA's growth was so big and fast that it was spread too thin. Since its IPO highs in 2016, its stock has only floated lower. Granted, it's up nearly 40% in the past 12 months, but that's off lows.It's a cautionary tale of niche players' "Icarus syndrome" when successful focused players go big but lose their brand and uniqueness through it all. Then they're stuck with massive amounts of inventory they don't know what to do with and scrap it or sell it at discounts. Either way, margins, revenue and earnings suffer.This, however, isn't the case with LULU stock. It has stuck to its knitting, even if it has slightly expanded the space to athleisure from a fundamentally yoga-focused brand.But it focuses on its brand and its strengths, and that is what is selling it to old and new customers alike. Because it is the only retail option for its clothing, it controls pricing and availability, which is key to strengthening margins.It is becoming a core lifestyle brand that is also getting passed on to parents' children as well. That means Gen Zers will keep this growth path in motion.Louis Navellier is a renowned growth investor. He is the editor of four investing newsletters: Growth Investor, Breakthrough Stocks, Accelerated Profits and Platinum Growth. His most popular service, Growth Investor, has a track record of beating the market 3:1 over the last 14 years. He uses a combination of quantitative and fundamental analysis to identify market-beating stocks. Mr. Navellier has made his proven formula accessible to investors via his free, online stock rating tool, PortfolioGrader.com. Louis Navellier may hold some of the aforementioned securities in one or more of his newsletters. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Reasons Kraft Heinz Stock Is a Contrarian Buy * 5 Housing Stocks to Buy for Renewed Homebuilder Confidence * 7 of the Best ETFs to Buy for a Rock-Solid Portfolio Compare Brokers The post Stay on the Marketas Good Side with Lululemon Stock appeared first on InvestorPlace.
Admittedly, the turnaround story Under Armour (NYSE:UAA, NYSE:UA) is piecing together hasn't always been pretty; at times it's been difficult to comprehend. You're not crazy, however, if you find yourself increasingly interested in owning Under Armour stock.Source: Shutterstock But that's not the consensus opinion on Wall Street. Indeed, analysts' consensus target price of $20.96 is actually below the current value of UAA stock. Meanwhile, analysts' average rating on Under Armour stock is a "Hold," but that's likely due more to courtesy than anything else. The pros generally don't give any stocks "Sell" ratings, and they've certainly shown no interest in upping their targets on UAA stock as the shares have risen meaningfully above their December lows. That's a bit unusual, since analysts usually raise their price targets on stocks that are rallying. * 10 Blue-Chip Stocks to Lead the Market This may be one of those relatively rare cases, however, in which individual investors are going to have to make their turnaround bets without the support of analysts.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Slowly But SurelyUnder Armour's turnaround began in 2016, though it didn't fully gel until a year later. The turnaround is still fluid, with UAA recently cutting 400 jobs and implementing other cost-cutting measures. Under Armour has also created different strategies for different geographical markets.The reasons why the turnaround is necessary have never really changed, though. Those reasons are competition from the likes of Nike (NYSE:NKE) and Adidas (OTCMKTS:ADDYY) in an environment in which consumers' preferences are shifting.Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank's work on the turnaround has borne occasional, but uneven, fruit. Some analysts still doubt that the turnaround is working at all.Canaccord Genuity analyst Camilo Lyon is one of those doubters. In December, he wrote: "Investor expectations already appear elevated, suggesting the company will rapidly return to high-single-digit earnings before interest and taxes margins on high single to low double-digit revenue growth over the outlook period (most likely three years)," but added he has "serious doubts about…how Under Armour will get there."The company's fourth-quarter report, however, once again indicates that UAA is lurching forward. Its sales increased 3%, excluding currency fluctuations, and its gross profits improved from 43.4% of its revenue to 45.0% of its revenue after UAA cut down on the discounts it offers.Also noteworthy was the reduction of its long-term debt, which totaled $703.8 million last quarter versus $765.0 million as of the end of 2017. Consequently, its interest expenses fell from $9.3 million in Q4 of 2017 to only $7.3 million last quarter.Perhaps most encouraging of all is how much Under Armour was able to grow its overseas business, offsetting the 2% decline in its revenue from North America, whose athletic-apparel market is becoming saturated.UAA is rethinking everything from the top down, including its marketing and product-development efforts in North America.UAA's turnaround is not perfect. But it was never going to be. As Oppenheimer Funds analyst Brian Nagel commented after the company's fourth-quarter results were released, "… here's Under Armour turning its business around and getting back on its footing, it's not doing that in a vacuum. It's doing that against the likes of some very strong companies that are innovating in their own right."Still, the pros seem oddly insistent that the turnaround just isn't working, and that the few flashes of brilliance seen in recent quarters won't last. Pessimism AboundsHere are a couple of examples: Bloomberg Intelligence's analysts wrote "The first phase of Under Armour's turnaround -- inventory reduction and margin expansion -- is near completion, and focus shifts to reigniting the brand, which in our view could prove more challenging." B.Riley's Susan Anderson pointed out "Today's report showed a worsening top line both from DTC (direct-to-consumer) and international, which are UAA's two top growth drivers, and deteriorating international profit, which is expected to be a margin driver longer term."Both concerns, and other, similar warnings, are valid. But UAA's turnaround was never going to be quick or easy.Meanwhile, there's friction between analysts and investors when it comes to analyzing Under Armour stock. It's possible that analysts have so much time and energy invested in viewing Under Armour stock through a lens of doubt that the pros are struggling to see, or believe in, the turnaround effort's traction.Institutional and even individual investors, conversely, sometimes have better vision than the professional stock pickers, who, by the way, despite their reservations, are still calling for respectable (even if not riveting) revenue and earnings growth this year and next. The latter situation is unusual, though not unheard of. What's Ahead for Under Armour StockThere could soon come a time when many analysts have to upgrade Under Armour stock or face the risk of missing out on an opportunity.When and if that happens, however, will largely depend on how UAA stock performs in the foreseeable future.Though Under Armour stock is up since late 2017, the shares' rally has been thwarted a couple of different times. The bears have drawn a clear line in the sand, though. A technical ceiling has taken shape around $24.60. If Under Armour stock can get past that hurdle, a breakout thrust could ensue and spark some upgrades, which often fan the bullish flames. Psychology remains a key factor in the performance of UAA stock. Kevin Plank and the rest of the company, in the meantime, have already been doing what they're supposed to be doing to support such a rally. The Bottom Line on Under Armour StockInvestors arguably should not sweat analysts' lackluster outlook on Under Armour stock. The analysts may have a jaded view of UAA based on the company's past, and they may not have their fingers on the pulse of the company's consumer-facing changes.As of this writing, James Brumley did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. You can learn more about James at his site, jamesbrumley.com, or follow him on Twitter, at @jbrumley. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Strong Buy Stocks Top Investors Are Buying Now * 7 Cheap Stocks That Make the Grade * 5 Clinical-Stage Biotech Stocks to Buy Compare Brokers The post Analysts May Be Underestimating Under Armour Stock appeared first on InvestorPlace.
Kevin Plank has cultivated a wide circle of celebrities since founding Under Armour Inc. more than two decades ago. As the company has grown from a small startup to a global force in athletic apparel, some have even accompanied the chief executive on the private jet he leases to Under Armour. Often in recent years, said a number of current and former executives, he has turned to one in particular for business advice: MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle.
Back in November, 9-year-old Riley Morrison wrote a letter to Steph Curry, saying that she couldn't find Under Armour Curry sneakers online in her size, and Curry responded and ultimately presented her yesterday with a brand new pair. Under Armour's VP of Global Brand, Attica Jaques, skypes in with the details.


text:
New South Wales introduces Voluntary Assisted Dying
This week, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) can now be accessed in New South Wales. VAD is now available in every Australian state, with legislation still under consideration in the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. Each state and territory is responsible for its own laws.
While eligible people with terminal illnesses will be able to choose the time and manner of their death, they must have decision-making capability, the ability to choose to end their own life without coercion, and have an ongoing request to end their own life. Two medical professionals must approve the application.
Advocacy group Dying with Dignity NSW CEO Shayne Higson has said it’s a “huge relief” for all the people in this state who have been waiting for the change.
New survey reveals the need to change discourse in the creative industry
The results from the Drop the Shade survey have been released, following an International Women’s Day campaign sparked threatening industry comments on trade media. The survey aims to address and understand feedback in the creative industry, whether it be negative, unsolicited or anonymous, and the impact it has on individuals and the creative community.
The survey revealed 57 per cent think other people are mainly harmful in their feedback and 54 per cent have been personally affected by it. A large majority has also suggested that negative feedback is impacting retention and discouraging new talent. Even though criticisms are unavoidable, the industry should look to build up their peers.
The full report will be made available in the new year.
H2coco and ThirstTrap’s sustainable collaboration
H2coco has partnered with a new Australian-made and owned water brand, ThirstTrap, to create a plastic-free, aluminium can of 100 per cent locally sourced spring water, a more sustainable way to quench thirst.
With H2coco being an established coconut water brand, they help manage ThirstTrap’s bottling and distribution. To celebrate the launch, a social media movement calling on Australians to share their own PG-rated thirst traps, used for good.
A host of influencers and talent, including Red Wiggle Murray Cook, trans advocate Aysha Buffest, and R&B artist Chanel Loren were engaged to share their own thirst traps, encouraging follows.
For every post between 18 October and 1 November, ThirstTrap donated $1 to the Ocean Crusaders crew, who helped clear more than 275 tonnes of waste.
Cultural disconnect in recent Oatly campaign
Oatly, a plant-based alternative milk has created an out-of-home advertisement that bent Parisian rules around commercial wall murals. In Paris, advertising on murals must be more art without any products or logos. Many in the creative industry praised the advert for being able to “challenge” and get around the rules, with some praising it as “a marketing loophole at its finest”.
However, Oatly’s aim to connect with the French audience had failed with many graffitiing over the advertisement. Those outside of the creative industry have stated there is extreme dissonance between what the industry believes is great and respecting cultural or community boundaries. This begs the question, how effective is the campaign if those targeted have the opposite reaction?


text:
Google Zeitgeist 2012: The top searches on the world’s top search engine
By Ian Paul
PCWorldDec 12, 2012 10:03 am PST
You’ve seen the top queries from Yahoo,Ask and Bing, now it’s time to see what the world was like in 2012 as reflected through searches on Google, the world’s most popular search engine. Google’s end-of-the-year lists focus on trending topics that had the highest amount of traffic over a sustained period in 2012 such as PSY’s Gangnam Style, Hurricane Sandy, the third-generation iPad, and HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”
This year’s Google Zeitgeist includes the top trending searches for gadgets, people, events and Google+ hashtags from around the globe and similar lists specific to the U.S.
Google says 2012 saw 1.2 trillion searches in 146 languages worldwide. So what was everyone searching for in 2012? Here are some of the highlights.
The tragic death of singer Whitney Houston in February topped the world’s trending searches list for 2012, followed by PSY’s hit song Gangnam Style, which Google says also became the most watched video in YouTube history. Rounding out the top 5 were Hurricane Sandy, iPad 3, and Diablo 3.
When it comes to gadgets, Apple captured the imagination of the world with the third-generation iPad, which featured 4G LTE connectivity, Retina display and a better camera. Coming in second place was theSamsung Galaxy S III, followed by theiPad Mini,Nexus 7, and Galaxy Note 2. Surprisingly, the iPhone did not rank in the top 10 consumer electronics for 2012, according to Google.
Since she was at the top of the worldwide trending list, it’s no surprise to see Whitney Houston at the top of the world’s trending people searches. The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, was the second person in the trending people searches list, followed by Amanda Todd, a Canadian girl who tragically took her life after enduring bullying at school. Actor Michael Clarke Duncan, who passed away in 2012, was fourth on Google’s trending people, and English-Irish pop boy band One Direction took fifth. Daredevil skydiver Felix Baumgartner also made the top 10, coming in in sixth place. NASA’s mohawk guy did not make the list.
Michael Clarke Duncan
Hashtags on social networks such as Twitter and Google+ can give you a sense of the issues and moments that people were sharing with one another during the year. In 2012, Google+ users worldwide were obsessed with SOPA, Awesome, Hurricane Sandy,Google I/O 2012 and the Mars Rover Curiosity.
Just like the rest of the world, Americans searched more for Whitney Houston than anything else among trending searches in 2012. Hurricane Sandy was the second trending topic, followed by the presidential election, Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games,” and Houston Rockets superstar Jeremy Lin.
Michael Clarke Duncan
Events of 2012
Hurricane Sandy was the top trending event in the U.S. for 2012. The Category 2 storm’s impact was estimated at more than $65 billion in damage and affected millions in the U.S. The presidential election that saw President Barack Obama win reelection came in second, followed by the Super Bowl, Olympics, and UEFA Euro 2012.
UEFA Euro 2012
Trayvon Martin case
The top trending gadget in the U.S. was thethird-generation iPad, followed by the iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy S III, Kindle Fire, and Nexus 7. Only one phone made it into the top 5 trending gadgets, but overall the list was split between phones and tablets.
The top five trending phones on Google for 2012 were all about Apple and Samsung. Even though the Galaxy S III was the only phone in top 5 trending overall gadget searches, the iPhone 5 topped the trending charts for mobile phone searches. Apple’s iPhone 4S came in second place, followed by the Galaxy S III, the Galaxy Note, and the Galaxy Note 2. Proving it still has some life left, BlackBerry devices took sixth and seventh place, followed by Windows Phone topics, and Motorola’s Droid Razr rounded out the top 10.
The top 5 trending searches for people in the U.S. was almost exactly the same as the global trending list with Whitney Houston, Kate Middleton, Amanda Todd, and Michael Clark Duncan making the list. The U.S. was more interested in Jeremy Lin (who came in second), and less interested in One Direction.


text:
HOURS 1-3: Dave and his team break down the events from the 2021 virtual edition of the Consumer Electronics Show, which took place from January 11-14, 2021.
Weekends: 10 AM Eastern/7 AM Pacific (9 AM Central)
Revised live broadcast from the weekend starting January 29, 2021 on the Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, online at heartlandnewsfeed.com, Spreaker, the Heartland Newsfeed Alexa radio skill and other platforms. And now on Google Assistant speakers!
Listen Live: https://www.heartlandnewsfeed.com/listenlive
Follow us on social media
Support us with your financial support
Square Cash: https://cash.app/$heartlandnewsfeed
Crypto via 1UpCoin: https://1upcoin.com/donate/heartlandmedia


text: Veteran Apple designer Christopher Stringer is leaving the company after 21 years, The Information reports. Stringer has been involved in the creation of some of Apple’s most iconic products, including the first iPhones and iPads. He was also a crucial witness in Apple’s defense against Samsung’s claim that the company stole the iPhone design from them. Stringer is one of a handful of long-time employees who have left the design team after Jony Ive accepted a promotion and turned over day-to-day operations to Richard Howarth. Apple declined to comment on the move.


text:
Flipkart Group company Myntra on Friday announced the appointment of Manohar Kamath as head of Myntra Fashion Brands (MFB). A seasoned leader in the fashion and retail industry with over 25 years of ...
In a report published Thursday, ISI Group analyst Omar Saad upgraded Hanesbrands (NYSE: HBI) from Neutral to Buy, and raised the price target from $55.00 to $70.00.
In the report, ISI Group noted, “We are upgrading Hanesbrands to Buy from...
The following are the M&A deals, rumors and chatter circulating on Wall Street for Wednesday July 24, 2013:
HanesBrands to Acquire Maidenform for $23.50/Share in Cash
HanesBrands (NYSE: HBI) announced Wednesday an agreement to...
Zhone Tech (Nasdaq: ZHNE) 24.2% HIGHER; back at it again today following positive blog commentary saying the stock will rip to anywhere from $8 to $12 per share.
Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDTI)
; moving back above the...
Oops! Unable to complete your request. Please refresh your browser.
The article on this company has not been written yet. If you're the first person to write this article, it's a sure thing that you'll be credited as a Top Contributor. For tips on getting started, check out the sample article.
You may also be interested in articles related to Maidenform Brands (MFB):


text:
The just-food briefing - the food safety challenge
The safety of food has made headlines in Europe and the US in 2011. A fatal E. coli outbreak in Germany hit the produce sector across the EU, while in the US, Washington is looking to reform the country's food safety network. This briefing looks at the challenges companies and regulators face in improving traceability in the supply chain.
On both sides of the Atlantic, 2011 has proved to be a significant year with regard to food safety. This month's just-food briefing examines the response to the E. coli outbreak in the EU, the reforms instituted in the US under the Food Safety Modernization Act, and looks at the challenges food companies and regulators face in improving traceability in the supply chain.
This has been a momentous year regarding food safety in the US not because of any single, high-profile contamination but because the country has witnessed the first comprehensive reform of its food safety laws for 70 years.
US reform of the country's food safety network is aimed at making the Food and Drug Administration focus more on prevention, rather than being a reactive on the issue. This part of the just-food briefing looks at the problems of passing and implementing the planned reforms.
The E. coli outbreak in the EU this year brought a stark reminder of how important accurate traceability is in modern food supply chains, and also suggested that the current level of traceability capability in the supply chain is below what might be expected.
- just-food 2017 Survey - your thoughts on growth
- 2017 - what will shape the UK food sector?
- Food market in 2017: big foodservice trends
- Could BRF's Turkey move pave way for OneFoods IPO?
- Food market in 2017: need-to-know US trends
- Ferrero insists Nutella not pulled from shelves
- UK's Bakkavor plays down IPO "speculation"
- PepsiCo launches Walkers Mediterranean in UK
- Mondelez plans "selective" UK price hikes
- Kellogg names Fareed Khan as incoming CFO


text:
Florida's Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning consumers about reports of a new multi-layered scam involving skimming, spoofing and stealing financial information.
According to the state attorney's office, the scam works like this: a scammer uses a skimmer to steal credit or debit card information, then uses spoofing technology to pose as the representative of a financial institution. Once the scammer reaches the target, they inform the target that an account is compromised and the CV2 security code is needed to freeze the account. The scammer then takes this information to make purchases, withdraw funds or sell the stolen account information.
"This scam incorporates some of the worst uses of modern technology to drain victims’ bank accounts and ruin their credit," Moody said. "Floridians must arm themselves with the latest information and take steps to avoid these fraudsters to protect their hard-earned money.”
You can guard against skimming by:
· Paying with cash or a credit card with chip technology instead of a debit card. Most credit cards offer additional fraud protections;
· Monitoring transactions on financial accounts regularly to spot any unauthorized charges;
· Reporting unauthorized charges immediately and closing down compromised accounts; and
· Inspecting card readers, especially at outdoor locations such as gas pumps and ATMs, to see if a skimming device is placed over the card reader or if the security seal is broken.
To guard against spoofing:
· Never automatically trust the number listed on caller ID;
· Just hang up if a caller claims to be from the consumer’s financial institution asking to verify or confirm account information. Then call the phone number listed on the back of the card or on account statements;
· Not provide any financial account numbers, pins, Social Security numbers or other personal information in response to a solicitation; and
· Tell the financial institution to cancel the affected card or account, if it is determined that a caller is in possession of sensitive account information.
Anyone who may be the victim of this scam should contact local law enforcement and report the scam to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by clicking here or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.


text:
In March, a report circulated that claimed Peugeot's PSA Group . Now, there's a new report that lends even more credence to the idea.
PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler are currently investigating a partnership in Europe, Bloomberg reports, citing sources close to the matter. PSA Group did not immediately return Roadshow's request for comment, and a PSA spokesman declined to make additional comments to Bloomberg. A Fiat Chrysler spokesperson declined to comment to Roadshow. Bloomberg's source said an official plan might be unveiled by the halfway point of 2019.
According to Bloomberg's sources, the two automaker groups are focusing on the idea of a "super platform" that could be used as the underpinning for both future PSA and FCA vehicles. Platform sharing, which is not an uncommon move in the industry of late, helps automakers divvy up the hefty cost of developing a vehicle platform from scratch. As cars continue to grow in complexity, automakers have expressed more concern about trying to minimize costs where possible.
Electrification is also a likely sticking point for these two groups, provided the report's claims are true. Developing electric vehicles is a costly endeavor, one that FCA has largely kept on the back burner to date, so finding the right partner in that arena could help the automaker expand its portfolio in the face of ever-tightening regulations in various markets.
The partnership could also provide a boon to PSA Group as it prepares to reenter the US market. By teaming up with a domestic automaker, PSA Group could lean on FCA's experience with the US market to better position its own launch. PSA CEO Carlos Tavares told The Wall Street Journal recently that its acquisition of Opel has already given PSA Group valuable information about the US market.
Neither automaker has been shy about the idea of finding a new partner. Bloomberg's report points to prior comments from Tavares, who told WSJ that the company is in "continuous discussions" but it has "no specific, deep, ongoing negotiations." FCA CEO Mike Manley has made similar comments recently, saying that he is interested in partnerships that will strengthen FCA's position.


text:
Nintendo’s just announced it’s to distribute Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition for 3DS in Europe.
Capcom announced the news on Nintendo’s website.
Under the agreement, Nintendo will distribute and market the title in Europe and Australia. Capcom will remain as publisher, and will distributed the game in the Middle East.
The fighter will form part of 3DS’s launch period when it releases on March 25 in Europe and March 27 in the US.
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. For more information, go here.


text:
There are frequent leaks for Samsung phones from the “Galaxy S21” family, the most recent of which
revealed by the “BGR” website, and included many technical specifications.
The two phones, “Galaxy S21” and “Galaxy S21 Plus”, will be equipped with flat screens of the type
“Infinity – or Dynamic AMOLED”, and the screen size of the first will be 6.2 inches, while it will be 6.7
in the second.
According to “BGR”, according to the “Win Future” website, both phones will support ultrasound
The two phones will combine triple-lens 12-megapixel cameras and 12-megapixel wide-angle cameras,
while the third will come with 64-megapixel resolution, with an optical zoom of 3s.
The two phones are capable of recording video at 8K resolution, at a rate of 30 frames per second, and
60 frames per second at 4K resolution.
The two models will contain 8 GB of random access memory, while the internal storage capacity
will reach 256 GB, noting that it will adopt the “Snapdragon 888” or “Iksynos 2100” processor.
With regard to the battery, the “S21” will integrate a 4000 mAh battery, while the battery capacity
in the “S21 Plus” will be 4800 mAh.
As for prices, the leaks revealed that the “S21” will be sold for $ 1,038, while the price of the “S21 Plus”
will reach $ 1,283, noting that the expected launch date will be on January 14th.


text:
The loading times of Sony's next-generation hardware, presumably the PlayStation 5, have been shown off during a meeting in Japan. Compared with its predecessor, it blows the PlayStation 4 Pro out of the water.
Video Games May 21, 2019
According to 'Anthem' players, the game is shutting down their PS4 or PS4 Pro. To make things worse, one user even says that it bricks their console.
Video Games March 4, 2019
The 'Kingdom Hearts III' PlayStation 4 Pro bundle previously announced for Japan is coming to the west. The $400 bundle comes with a physical copy of the game, a 1 TB unit, and some fresh-looking decals.
Video Games December 15, 2018
Bethesda announced the arrival of the 4K patch to 'Doom' on the Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro. With the patch, the gaming experience is about to get more immersive and good-looking.
Video Games March 29, 2018
Sony is launching a special edition PlayStation 4 Pro bundle on the same day as the release of the new 'God of War' title. It comes with a custom design console and controller, plus a physical copy of the game.
Video Games March 7, 2018
Sony prepared a new ad for the PS4 Pro complete with an opera singer and theme music. The short commercial highlights upcoming games like 'God of War' and 'Far Cry 5.'
Video Games February 5, 2018
Between the PlayStation 4 and PS4 Pro, it's obvious that the latter can run 'Monster Hunter: World' better. However, the question is, how big is the gap between the Sony consoles in terms of performance?
Video Games January 23, 2018
PlayStation 4 Pro deals for Cyber Monday 2017 are trickling out, and Walmart is one of the places to be. To be exact, the retailer is putting the console up for sale at $350.
Video Games November 25, 2017
Now that the Xbox One X is official, gamers have now gotten the chance to see how Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro stacks up to Microsoft’s new beefy machine. Here’s how the two powerhouse consoles compare.
Video Games June 13, 2017
Cat’s out of the bag: the full and official specs for Microsoft’s Project Scorpio have now been revealed. But how does it stack up to Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro?
Video Games April 7, 2017
The Sony PS4 Pro media player has received support for 4K videos as promised. Users will be able to access 4K VR videos if they own the PlayStation VR headsets.
Gadgets March 28, 2017
Popular game 'Rocket League' is getting a big boost later this month, running at both 1080 on the PS4 and 4K on the PS4 Pro at 60 fps. Sony confirmed that the update will land on Feb. 21, and more treats are in the mix.
Video Games February 16, 2017
Microsoft teases you some more about the Xbox Project Scorpio. Will we finally see the 4K Xbox at E3 2017?
Video Games February 15, 2017
If you have been waiting for another PS4 sale, the Sony PS4 Slim price cut starts today. Here are the details you need to know.
Video Games February 12, 2017
Cyber Monday 2016 is almost upon us. Here are our top tech deals for the big online shopping day, Nov. 28.
Gadgets November 28, 2016
PlayStation gamers are seemingly receiving $10 in PlayStation Store credits out of nowhere. Players have since figured out that the promotion includes those who have purchased a PlayStation 4 Pro.
Video Games November 19, 2016
Digital Foundry has put 'Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare' to the test, seeing how it stacks up in 4K resolution. The game is one of the early titles to support the 4K capability of the recently released PlayStation 4 Pro.
Video Games November 14, 2016
PlayStation fans can get the best gaming experience on their new PS4 Pro with just a few adjustments to the settings. Here's our quick guide on how to set up and optimize your console for 4K HDR gaming.
Gadgets November 13, 2016
Sony has followed up the PlayStation 4 Pro release with an official teardown video examining the machine's innards. Inside the machine is the boosted processor powering the 4K capabilities of the console along with other interesting parts.
Gadgets November 12, 2016
If you're getting a brand new PlayStation 4 Pro, you can easily transfer all of your game data, settings and data quickly and painlessly. Here's how to transfer data from the PS4 to the new PS4 Pro.
Video Games November 10, 2016
Sony is ready to bring 4K or a close variant to 4K to all gamers who are interested, and so far, critics are pleased, although not fully sold. The system known as the PS4 Pro uses a technique known as checkerboarding to upscale titles to 4K resolutions.
Video Games November 8, 2016
Sony is set to release the PlayStation 4 Pro on Nov. 10. Here is a quick summary of what you need to know about the upcoming $399 console, including its specs and launch games.
Video Games November 7, 2016
Sony replaced the standard PS4 with the PS4 Slim and is readying to launch the PS4 Pro in November. Take a peek at the comparison between the two consoles to know which to buy.
Gadgets October 31, 2016
Sony's PlayStation 4 Pro is set for a November 2016 release with almost the same price tag as the standard PS4. Microsoft's Xbox One Scorpio, on the other hand, is coming in 2017, but other details are still to be confirmed.
Microsoft October 25, 2016
Sony launched the PlayStation 4 Pro console almost one month ago, and it contains a neat feature. Users can swap its default HDD with another storage drive, which gives Sony an edge over both Microsoft and Nintendo.
Video Games October 22, 2016
PS4 Slim hands-on reviews are already pouring in. The device has not attracted glowing accolades so far because of specific changes and features and also partly because tech reviewers seem to be more interested in the upcoming PS4 Pro variant.
Video Games September 27, 2016
'Rocket League,' the popular soccer racing game, will be available for the PS4 Pro thanks to backward compatibility. The question is, will the developers update the game to take advantage of the system's unique features? Psyonix doesn't seem to be too sure.
Video Games September 21, 2016
The PlayStation 4 user interface is getting a facelift tomorrow.
Video Games September 12, 2016
Game developer Naughty Dog reveals that 'The Last of Us Remastered' can run at 4K on the PS4 Pro. Ability to switch between 1080p and 4K was added, along with toggling the HDR on and off.
Video Games September 12, 2016
'Deus Ex: Mankind Divided,' 'Final Fantasy XV,' 'Watch Dogs 2' and other games are coming to PS4 Pro. The new gaming console will have a price tag of $399.99 and will hit the shelves on Nov. 10.
Video Games September 11, 2016
Sony unveiled the upgraded version of the PS4 called the PS4 Pro, which will hit the shelves in November this year. The PS4 Pro is not a major upgrade but its enhancements cannot be ignored.
Video Games September 8, 2016


text:
.... It was the biggest faller on the FTSE 100. Nick Train, who runs the investments of the Finsbury Growth & Income investment trust
, told his investors on Monday: "It seems certain that the growth of tracker products has accelerated and this brings challenges, possibly existential challenges, for some traditional 'active' managers. ...
[Read full article on BBC
Tuesday 16th of May 2017 12:45:12 PM


text:
Chipotle customers are complaining about receiving 'tiny' burritos even as the chain says it's raising prices squib
Chipotle is raising menu prices to make up for increased employee wages, it said.
Continue reading on BusinessInsider...
Facebook Share Trend
Squibs You Might Like


text:
Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Cancelled For 2020
It was inevitable, but it's now been made official. The 2020 Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is officially cancelled.
While assessing Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we determined that many of its hallmarks stage shows, parades and fireworks - are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. With that in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
While Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets were yet to go on sale, Disney have said they were not cancelling that party yet.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, this may spark questions about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party....We are monitoring our new environment closely, and will make a decision on these events as we continue to learn more from government and health officials. As always, our goal is to explore every option and look at ways in which we can still host events and festivals full of Disney magic, while still operating responsibly with the health and safety of our guests and cast members in mind.
Book your Disneyland Paris trip today and travel in safety and comfort of your own car and receive FREE crossing with P&O Ferries with your package booking for stays between 1st January 2024 - 27... Read more >
Welcome to a magical world that swings, slides and rocket-rides your mood until you start to feel a little more... you. Welcome to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Welcome back to being you.
... Read more >
Disney has today announced that the gold Walt Disney World 50th statues situated across the Walt Disney World theme parks will be sticking around a little longer! Disney will be removing the 50th... Read more >
In a new SEC filing, The Walt Disney Company disclosed a 10-year plan to "expand and enhance" its domestic and international parks, and cruise line capacity. Nearly double the amount spent in the... Read more >
Disneyland Paris and McDonald's have announced a new location will be constructed to host a new restaurant at Disney Village, Disneyland Paris.
Work on the new restaurant will begin in Septem... Read more >
Disney Parks live-streamed Disney Treasure event showcased the upcoming new ship. During the presentation Disney Cruse Line announced:
The three rotational dining restaurants will be Worlds Of... Read more >
Disneyland Paris has announced that much loved drone show called "Avengers: Power the Night" at Walt Disney Studios will return on select dates from 1st September, 2024, through January 7th, 2024... Read more >
With the 30th celebrations coming to the end, the much loved "Dream... and Shine Brighter" show (a show we highly praised) is coming to an end. Disneyland Paris today has announced that starting ... Read more >
Disneyland Paris has announced "Disney Symphony of Colors" will be coming to Disneyland Paris starting January 8th, 2024. Over the first few weeks of the new year, Disneyland Paris will gradually... Read more >
Disneyland Paris has announced an exclusive new Alice in Wonderland-themed stage show coming to Walt Disney Studios Park next Spring.
In the spring of 2024, guests of Walt Disney Studios Par... Read more >


text:
Rising prices are affecting people's daily expenses and some experts predict that this trend may continue due to supply chain disruptions and other factors.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 10, 2023. It has since been updated.
Inflation in the US has been hitting record highs, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising by 7% in February 2023, marking the highest increase since 1982. It has led to concerns about the impact of rising prices on the economy and on consumers, particularly those with lower incomes. From gas prices to groceries, many people are feeling the pinch of higher prices. Moreover, some experts are warning that this trend may continue for the rest of the year as supply chain disruptions and other factors contribute to inflationary pressures. With the rising inflation, people are worried about what their future beholds.
Furthermore, in a time such as this, when all of us are continuing to struggle with the cost of basic living, we might use a little humor to help cope with our next grocery bill. Surviving in the crashing post-pandemic economy might seem impossible right now, but the only respite is that you are not alone, as reported by BuzzFeed.
Here are 16 tweets about money and inflation that will make you laugh through the tears:
Me: i need to save my money because i had to work hard to earn it— Tatty H. (@tattyhassan) July 5, 2022
Also me: what’s the point of working hard for money if i dont get to spend it
due to the increase in gas prices a man hanging from the passenger side of his best friend’s ride is no longer a scrub, he is a man making smart financial decisions and I’m intrigued— stoned cold fox (@roastmalone_) July 4, 2022
you want me to be mad about inflation…..the thing that makes my bouncy houses possible?????— kylie brakeman (@deadeyebrakeman) July 5, 2022
guys I cancelled my netflix subscription im so excited to finally own a house who knew it was this easy 🥰— Meg (@MeganLong24) February 8, 2022
no sir I’m not “declaring bankruptcy” I’m just in my flop era— kurtis conner (@kurtisconner) June 17, 2022
I SAID we supposed to be saving our money!!! pic.twitter.com/zPMecvUDPe— Speed 🥀 (@Speedfromtx__) June 4, 2022
🎉Made my last car payment 🎉— MAJひ⁶𓅓 (@ykmaj6) July 6, 2022
I still owe a lot but I'm just not paying anymore
You become an adult twice.— Matt Kiebus (@mjkiebus) April 13, 2022
When you turn 18.
And when you find out how much it costs to professionally frame something at Michael’s.
Congress when they see a bill that benefits poor people: https://t.co/zLk1qsb6ga— Troll/Trapper of the Year (@Tashiee_J) June 5, 2022
Thankfully gas prices can never go above $9.99 since most of the signs only have three digits— greg (@greg16676935420) June 21, 2022
Fully furnished flat in London to rent. Six grand a month. pic.twitter.com/WlfRCT7K4h— No Context Brits (@NoContextBrits) June 4, 2022
my bank blocked my card because of a security threat. it was me, buying a mattress, at 2 am. i am my own biggest threat— ꧁Madimoiselle꧂ (@drivingmemadi) February 22, 2022
me at any house party: 💃🏾 how much is ur rent ?????— shar (@sharloola) April 4, 2022
Our system is shit. I’m 24 and only have two years left on my moms health insurance. Then, I have to find a new mother— Hanna Ljungholm (@hannaljungholm) February 3, 2022
You: Flights are ridiculous. Let’s take a road trip— The Fit Nurse (@Denita_fit) July 7, 2022
Gas prices: pic.twitter.com/M2g7hLSBI8
I love going out and not spending my money 😩 I just bring my wallet just in case— Ms.Rich ♕ (@itssaniibabie) July 6, 2022


text:
A large proportion of around 100 million Volkswagen Audi Group vehicles manufactured since 1995 can be remotely unlocked by hackers, research by the University of Birmingham and German security firm Kasper & Oswald has revealed.
VW vehicles produced between 1995 and 2016 are affected, including those from VAG companies such as Audi, Seat and Skoda.
The report suggests that a homemade radio costing as little as £30 would be all that a criminal would need to spy on key fob signals and potentially gain access to target cars.
Volkswagen have stated that not all of their vehicles are affected, with the current-generation Golf, Tiguan, Touran and Passat amongst those which cannot be broken into in this way.
Researchers cloned digital keys which allowed them to reverse-engineer the keyless entry system in affected models, providing them with some master cryptographic keys. This allowed a variety of VW Group vehicles to be unlocked.
The research team contacted Volkswagen before making their findings public, and agreed not to release certain key pieces of information.
A spokesman for Volkswagen made it clear that starting the car's engine via this type of attack was not possible.
Security experts have stated that it would take an academic-level knowledge of cryptography to be able to exploit the vulnerability, reassuring owners of affected vehicles.


text:
Most Recent Articles In Fashion Scoops
Latest Fashion Scoops Articles
HULANICKI’S NEW GIG: Barbara Hulanicki took to Miller’s Residence, an antique-filled hotel in London’s Notting Hill, to celebrate the launch of her new collection for Topshop on Tuesday night. The collection — which Hulanicki said was designed “not to look like Biba” — is made up of floaty shapes and cheeky prints. Pieces in the collection — which is themed around a good girl/bad girl idea — include a coral animal print silk minidress with pointy shoulder pads, an off the shoulder skintight mauve jersey dress and peach bikinis printed with Hulanicki’s illustrations. “I can’t wait to see how it sells,” said Hulanicki. “To me that’s the exciting thing, it’s just seeing that thing walk out.” Judging by the reaction of guests at the launch party, there may well be a scrum for the pieces when they hit Topshop stores — including the New York flagship — on April 28. Jo Wood bought wide-leg jersey trousers and T-shirts from the collection, while Christopher Kane said his sister Tammy “has picked out lots of pieces for the beach,” ahead of the siblings’ planned vacation to Tulum, Mexico, in May. Prices for the line range from $38 for a cotton hat through to $250 for a suede jacket. Hulanicki, who in recent years has been working in interior design, said she’s working on a second collection for Topshop to launch in the fall.


text:
Inc. 500 | 5000 Ranks e-Cycle the Fifth Fastest Growing, Private Environmental Services Companies in the U.S
Mobile phone buyback, data protection and recycling company ranked in nation’s fastest growing, environmental services companies after achieving 558 percent growth
Hilliard, Ohio, August 24, 2011 – Inc. magazine ranked e-Cycle LLC the fifth fastest growing environmental services company in its 2011 Inc. 500 | 5000 list of privately held, for-profit companies in the U.S.
e-Cycle is the leading provider of wireless buyback, data deletion and recycling services for businesses and major organizations. The company achieved 558 percent business growth between 2007 and 2010 and created more than 75 green jobs at it’s Ohio headquarters and throughout the U.S. e-Cycle ranked the 587th fastest-growing company in the U.S. overall.
“The entire e-Cycle team is excited and proud to be one of the top five environmental services companies this year,” said Christopher Irion, founder and CEO of e-Cycle. “Our rapid growth is due to the passion and dedication of our employees, as well as the increasing commitment from enterprises to implement environmentally responsible wireless recycling programs. What sets e-Cycle apart is the ability to offer our clients sustainable e-waste asset recovery and recycling solutions that are environmentally beneficial, protects their sensitive mobile data, and profits their bottom line.”
e-Cycle helps organizations take a more responsible, secure and cost-effective approach to wireless recycling. The company collects wireless phones from businesses and major organizations, reimbursing them for devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge through an ISO Certified, EPA-registered facility. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed through the industry’s most rigorous data security measures. e-Cycle is the market share leader among the Fortune 1000, serving financial institutions, manufacturers, healthcare organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and technology companies, among others. Since its founding in 2005, e-Cycle has managed secure wireless buyback and recycling for nearly 7,000 organizations, purchasing millions of dollars of retired wireless phones and recycling more than one million devices.
e-Cycle is based in Hilliard, Ohio. Please visit www.e-Cycle.com.
About Inc. Magazine
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,961, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at Inc.com.


text:
Poppy’s Boutique is locally owned by self-described “dynamic mother-daughter duo” Angie Komm and Whitney Lawrence, who say they have taken their love for fashion to another level.
For years the two worked in sales for other large companies, moving as their companies relocated them to stores in different states, they shared. Having both grown up in the West Plains area, Komm and Lawrence decided no place is quite like home, so together they decided to create their own unique brand.
Poppy’s, at 1208 Porter Wagoner Blvd., Suite 6, in West Plains, melds trendy fashions with classic style, while keeping quantities small and quality high — but, most importantly. affordable.
“We want to create the best boutique shopping experience in this area for our customers,” they said. “We recently relocated from 304 Washington Ave to our current location at the end of March, and couldn’t be happier with our decision to move.” In May, Poppy’s celebrated its first anniversary.
“We are excited to be back open and able to serve our community,” the duo added.
Business hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.


text:
After piling on the pixels with the Meizu MX4 Pro, Meizu bosses have now taken a change in direction and confirm a 1080 panel will be used on their next phone.
For the foreseeable future all Meizu phones will abandon the use of 2K panels and focus on 1080 screens. The news mirrors Meizu’s desire to become more Apple-like in their approach to phone design and specification.
Bosses state that users shouldn’t just be concerned with hardware parameters and should look at the user experience as a whole. They go on to say that even the best CPU’s can’t take full advantage of 2K panels and a 1080 screen is still more than up to the task of living on a flagship phone.
If we look back at the history of Meizu we can see that this is actually nothing new for the company, and instead of moving forward to new goals they are actually taking 2 steps back. For example the Meizu MX3 sported features that weren’t deemed ‘flagship’ at the time of launch, in the same way iPhones don’t match Android flagships on paper.
Gizchina News of the week
It appears to us that Meizu used the most recent product launches as a means to boost Meizu’s fan base and popularity, and are now moving back to their original focus. But these switches in direction aren’t great news for the end user, who will soon get bored with Meizu changing direction with every gust of wind.
Back to their next phone. The upcoming Meizu flagship is believed to be called the Niux. The phone will come with a 1080 display, and use a Samsung Exynos 7420 processor and either 3-4GB RAM. Camera specifications will remain similar to current phones with a 5 mega-pixel up front and 21 mega-pixel camera on the rear.


text:
Since a electric car is a computer on wheels, this article by Alistair Charlton posits that all electric cars will look the same (for much the same reason that all laptops and all tablet PCs look the same): “The future of car design is all about skateboards and top hats. The former refers to the flat, often self-supporting chassis of an electric vehicle, housing a large battery pack in the middle and motors at either end, along with the suspension, brakes and wheels. Upon this sits the top hat, which is car designer-speak for the body and interior of a vehicle.
With far fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine, the battery pack and motors sat in this skateboard chassis perform in a near-universal way, no matter which manufacturer the vehicle comes from.”
Leaving aside the superficial issue of how these cars will look, the homogeneity of the contents of an electric car has important implications for the car construction process and the supply-chain behind it: “…in a not-so-distant future, car manufacturers could well buy these electric skateboard chassis from a third party, like how Dell or HP source processors from Intel, then attach its own body, or top hat. “We are positioning to be the ‘Intel Inside’ for EV,” says Daniel Barel, CEO of Ree Automotive, an electric vehicle platform startup. “What we bring is a blank canvas… any shape [of vehicle], any size, any weight, any kind of body technology and autonomy.””
And just as the boring, unglamorous, boxy look of all PCs created an opportunity for Apple to give us PCs with superior aesthetics, 15 years out the electric car industry could also evolve around aesthetics rather than the performance of the car: “So what happens in 2035, when the sale of new internal combustion cars in the UK is to be outlawed? Unless there is an explosion in electric motor diversity between now and then, bold new design and a renewed emphasis on brand identity through aesthetics, rather than drivetrain character, will take centre stage. Car brands that used to rely on engineering superiority will no longer have such an advantage. Simply put, the car’s power plant will no longer be the key battle ground.
“It’s a designer’s dream, really,” says Mark Stubbs, design director at Radford and alumnus of Bugatti, Lotus, Ford and Lego. “Everyone is going to be using a similar, if not the same, skateboard chassis, so there’s very little differentiation. Trying to leverage these skateboards gives us the freedom as designers to push the boundaries and create unique proportions and shapes.””
Before ambitious Indian parents rush to send their equally ambitious wards to design school, it is worth remembering that whilst the Apple analogy for electric cars evokes glamour and big bucks, there is a less glamorous analogy which can be used to describe how electric cars will evolve – white goods. Just as it has proved very difficult for any white goods company to create a radically better looking (or better functioning) fridge or washing machine than its rivals, it could well be that competition leads the car industry in the same direction. So 120 years after Henry Ford launched the Model T-Ford (which, famously, could be any colour as long as it was black), we could be heading in that direction once again as our cars become a little more than a big PC on wheels.
If you want to read our other published material, please visit https://marcellus.in/blog/
Note: the above material is neither investment research, nor financial advice. Marcellus does not seek payment for or business from this publication in any shape or form. Marcellus Investment Managers is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India as a provider of Portfolio Management Services. Marcellus Investment Managers is also regulated in the United States as an Investment Advisor.
Copyright © 2022 Marcellus Investment Managers Pvt Ltd, All rights reserved.


text:
Good morning. Here’s what you need to know.
- Asian indices were down in overnight trading with the Nikkei plummeting 1.7%. Major European indices are in the red and U.S. futures indicate a negative open.
- It has been reported that Germany may be pushing to delay the second rescue package for Greece until September. Olli Rehn, the European commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, however said that a tranche of cash will be delivered in July. Meanwhile, shares in Athens are down over 1%, Greek CDS hit a record 1,900 bps, and 2-year yields are modestly higher. Don’t miss the 21 countries most likely to default >
- More terrible economic data from the UK. Retail sales for May came in at -1.4% month-over-month missing expectations. Year-over-year the figure is 0.2% missing projections of 1.5%. Now here are 12 countries where consumers are about to spend like crazy >
- India’s central bank raised benchmark lending rates by 25 bps. The repo rate was raised to 7.5% and the reverse repo rate increased to 6.5%. This has been the tenth rate hike since March 2010 and comes after inflation remained high at 9.06% in May. Now here are 15 facts about India that will blow your mind >
- Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. will acquire diversified natural gas company Southern Union Company for $7.9 billion, under a definitive merger agreement. This would include about $3.7 billion of existing Southern Union debt.
- Terex Corp has offered German Demag Cranes AG €45.50 per share a deal that would value the company €963 million, and has agreed to give Demag autonomy after the deal. In May, Demag rejected Terex’s €41.75 bid, that would have valued the company at €883 million. Check out the shale gas revolution in twelve slides >
- Initial jobless claims fell to 414K slightly better than expected. Housing starts for May beat expectations as well, with building permits hitting 612K, up 8.7% from 551K >
- It has been reported that private equity giant Carlyle Group is expected to file its IPO prospectus with the SEC in the third quarter. The IPO is expected to raise around $1 billion.
- American meat producer Smithfield Foods Inc posted higher than expected Q4 profits. The company earned $0.85 a share, on revenue of $3.12 billion compared with $2.91 billion a year ago. Profits were driven by higher prices in its hog and pork units. Check out the 10 economies that will crumble if food prices keep surging >
- The Philadelphia Fed’s general business conditions index had a huge miss. The -7.7 reading for June came in below expectations of 7, and lower than 3.9 from the previous month >
- BONUS – Gwyneth Paltrow was honored for her contributions to Yoga, at the Bent on Learning benefit in New York.
Business Insider Emails & Alerts
Site highlights each day to your inbox.


text:
Snellville - Gwinnett Crime
A blog of Gwinnett County crime news, with focus on the Snellville area.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Police: 2 sold counterfeit goods out of trunk
Two arrested for allegedly selling fake designer goods
by Staff reports
GWINNETT COUNTY — Two Lawrenceville residents were arrested Dec. 1 in the parking lot of a Burger King in Lawrenceville while allegedly ...
Post a Comment
Post Comments (Atom)


text:
By Alys Hewitt
The lack of sustainable practices ingrained in the high street fashion industry is hardly a revelation; it is a subject that has been discussed for years, from the use of exploitative, low paid labour to the constant and cyclical waste it produces. But in an age riddled with warnings and ultimatums surrounding climate change, the connection between the production and consumption processes of the fashion industry and environmental harm rings more resonant than ever.
This week the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has shed light yet again on the detrimental impact that ‘fast fashion’ – our culture of rapidly changing trends and over-consumption when it comes to clothing – has upon the environment, claiming that the fashion industry is a major source of carbon emissions. MPs involved have urged the UK’s top players in high street fashion, including Primark, M&S and Next, to pursue more environmentally-friendly processes of production.
I believe that the Committee has made the right choice in targeting corporations and holding them accountable. That is not to say that we as consumers don’t have a responsibility to shop less or at least more ethically, but shoppers are not to blame for the problem. The rampant consumerism of the fashion industry doesn’t help anyone but those at the very top. We are tricked into thinking that cheap, mass-produced clothing is of good value, forgetting the fact that it rarely lasts a substantial amount of time before we must buy something new to replace it.
Admittedly, we are buying more and more – the Environmental Audit Committee states that Britons are buying twice as many clothes as we did a decade ago – but is this because clothes aren’t built to last anymore? Fashion is also becoming an increasingly trend-driven economy, with trends moving faster and faster with the times, spurred on by the prominence of social media.
While it could be argued that high street chains are only responding to demand, the disproportionate amount of clothing that ends up in landfill suggests a widespread problem of over-production and disparities in quality. According to the Committee’s report, 235 million items of clothing were sent to landfill in 2017 alone. If both companies and consumers strived even to recycle or donate this excess of clothing, the state of affairs may be far less bleak.
There is a fear that these efforts to hold companies accountable have come too little, too late. It is obviously difficult to reverse the damage already created, and no real change will be made unless these production processes are structurally reconfigured, if corporations come clean about their errors and make tangible efforts to harm the environment less, rather than relentlessly prioritising profit both over the state of the environment and the workers employed to produce their clothing.
This pressure on companies needs to be sustained and continued, not simply forgotten about. And, as consumers, we have a duty to contribute to this pressure – perhaps by creating less demand for mass-produced clothing, through turning to more sustainable companies or buying second-hand. We are a generation that is becoming increasingly environmentally aware in many other ways, but still seem somewhat complicit in the wrongs of the high street’s biggest companies. When will we cease to buy into an industry that gives us nothing back?


text:
Thin hair? No problem.
Continuing to be the Margot Robbie has revealed the secret to her covetable red carpet hair: extensions.
"Readers are being so misled, I have fine, boring hair - my hair is actually totally shit,” the 26-year-old actress told Glamour.
Robbie told Glamour her “glam squad” use extensions to give her hair volume.
"Every time I go to an event they have like clip in hair extensions to thicken it up, not necessarily for length but just to thicken it up to make it look fuller than it is. So it's not me, it's a magical hair stylist making it look good. The glam squad!"
Robbie also opened up about the nerves she gets before a big photo shoot, saying her comfort zone line is drawn once the camera stops filming and starts taking still photos.
“I've never done modelling, I feel at home on a film set. Photo shoots kind of make me nervous but the video side of it I didn't feel nervous,” she said.


text:
Italian restaurant chain Prezzo is now offering income streaming to all of the company’s 3,000 staff to help them access their furlough pay early during the pandemic.
Income streaming gives workers early access to their accrued pay when they need it and provider Wagestream has extended its service to cover furlough pay from the Government during the crisis.
The restaurant chain has chosen to make income streaming available across the business to help staff cope with any unplanned expenses and relieve the additional financial pressure the coronavirus crisis is placing on many UK households.
Wagestream’s new solution designed for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme means it will pay furloughed workers 50% of their accrued ‘furloughed pay’ on demand. Prezzo saw the value of expanding income streaming so all staff could take advantage of this. Income streaming was previously available to a third of the company’s staff, all occupying front of house roles.
Wagestream — in partnership with Fourth — allows staff to draw down, or ‘income stream’, a percentage of their earned wages any day of the month for a flat £1.75 fee, without impacting employers’ cash flow. There are no loans involved and therefore no interest is charged.
Income streaming will reduce the financial stress associated with unexpected expenses thrown up by the coronavirus lockdown, with tens of millions of people nationwide facing mortgage payments, rent and utility bills alongside the very real prospect of job losses within households. This will be putting the finances of many households under intense pressure, creating an immediate need to release funds to workers.
Wagestream works with businesses across the leisure, pub, bar and restaurant sector and has been responding to the Covid-19 outbreak by making its income streaming service free to the NHS and its staff.
It has also introduced a fast-track on-boarding process for new clients, which means any employer can launch the service for its staff in 24 hours, as opposed to three weeks.
Wagestream is producing a webinar for workers that teaches them how to look after their money and has built an online resource hub that identifies what information and entitlements are relevant to them.
Peter Briffett, CEO and co-founder of Wagestream, commented: “Companies concerned about the impact of the pandemic on the financial health of their staff are contacting us every day to ask how quickly this furlough solution can be bolted on to their payroll systems.
“It is not just unexpected expenses that will be having an impact. A great many employees will have partners who have lost their jobs, lost income or been effectively locked out of the government’s furlough scheme altogether if they are recently self-employed or their employer has decided to make them redundant instead.
“We’re pleased that our service is useful at a time like this and we will continue to look for ways to help UK businesses affected by the pandemic.”
Jacqueline Rouse, people director, Prezzo UK, commented: “We are currently doing everything we can during these difficult times to support our Prezzo people whilst they are furloughed. Wagestream is a really great way of being able to provide that support by giving our people access to their pay earlier than they would otherwise receive it and helping to ease their money worries as much as possible. Wagestream is extremely simple to use and the team are a pleasure to work with – they care as much as we do.”


text:
More details have emerged about the tablet that Amazon is rumored to me building. According to a report in DigiTimes, Amazon has added a third supplier for its 7-inch touch screens.
DigiTimes has more: “Amazon, considering that the supply of 7-inch touch panels by Wintek and JTouch may not be sufficient for use in its tablet PCs, has decided to add TPK Holding as a third supplier, according to industry sources. In response to reported concerns about Amazon shifting orders to TPK, Wintek and JTouch clarified that orders have not been lost, and that clients selecting additional suppliers when supply is tight is reasonable. Wintek stressed that it will start production of touch panels for Amazon as originally scheduled, with shipments to begin in September.”
Prior rumors have hinted at a 10-inch touchscreen as well. Amazon chief Jeff Bezos has not denied the existence of the new device. In an interview with Consumer Reports back in May, when asked about a Kindle tablet, he said to “stay tuned.”
Via The Digital Reader.


text:
NEW YORK Gerdau Long Steel North Americas melt shop in North Carolina has resumed normal production after an earlier power curtailment caused by cold weather conditions, a company spokeswoman confirmed to AMM.
Tampa, Fla.-based Gerdaus mill was notified that there was a high risk of power shortages Jan. 23 and Jan. 24 due to the Arctic cold weather, and as a result shifted its production schedule.
"The company made a business decision to shift production at the melt shop (Jan. 23-24) to the weekend. The rolling mill is operating as normal," she said via e-mail.
The Charlotte, N.C.-based mill, which has a melt shop capacity of 450,000 tons per year, produces reinforcing bar and merchant bar products, including flats, squares, miscellaneous channels, angles, unequal angles and rounds.


text:
The federal government of Canada wasn’t given all the information regarding the final restructuring plans of General Motors and Chrysler Group when it green-lighted a C$13.7-billion ($12.1 billion) bailout for them in 2009, the Auditor General of Canada said in a report. The submission of the final restructuring plans was one of the conditions agreed during negotiations for the loans.
Both the United States and Canada bailed out GM and Chrysler from financial collapse as they race to save the North American auto industry. The Canadian and Ontario governments granted C$10.8 billion in total loans to GM and another C$2.9 billion to Chrysler.
The government has since recovered C$3.8 billion from GM and C$1.7 billion from Chrysler and converted around C$9.8 billion of the loans to GM into equity, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The government still own 110 million shares at the carmakers.
According to the audit, government officials only made limited analysis of the concessions accepted by stakeholders like unions and the extent of the carmakers’ health care and pension liabilities, as well as the ability of GM and Chrysler to repay the loans.
The audit emphasized that C$1 billion that was supposed to be used for GM Canada's pension plans was instead sent the parent company in September 2009.
The audit noted that since Industry Canada and Export Development Canada don’t have documents related to the use of the funds, they don’t know how the financial aid contributed to the viability of Chrysler Canada and GM Canada.


text:
New Haven electricity retailer Aequitas Energy will sell 30 percent of its business to a Detroit clean energy firm.
Viper Networks of Detroit signed a letter of intent with Aequitas in May to purchase nearly one-third of its business.
As part of Connecticut's deregulated market, Aequitas sells electricity to utility ratepayers who want to contract with a business other than the utility, such as Connecticut Light & Power, for the generation portion of their bill.
Aequitas plans to expand to other deregulated markets in other Northeast states and also plans to enter the deregulated natural gas market in the near future.
Viper Networks, which sells energy efficiency technology, wanted to buy part of Aequitas to create synergies with its suite of products, as well as enter the energy retail market.