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- New Distribution Software Opens Up B2C Jan/San Market
Distributors Can Find Both Business-To-Consumer And Business-To-Business Sales
- Don't Ignore Website User Experience
This is the second part of a three-part article about business-to-consumer distribution software.
Several software firms offer B2C solutions that fit the needs of most janitorial and sanitary supply distributors who are venturing into the market. Some software solutions fit into existing ERP programs and allow distributors to extend their reach past B2B and into the B2C market through various forms of marketing, such as email blasts and mailings.
Software solutions currently on the market also offer an array of functions geared to the consumer market. One function allows consumers to choose among various shipping and payment options that are less likely to be needed by clients with contracts, who are regularly invoiced and have set shipping preferences.
Other consumer-based functions seen in the software include search engine optimization, which helps distributors modify their websites so they are more easily found by consumers searching the Web, and Google Analytics, a tool used to understand website users and glean valuable information about the relationship between marketing campaigns and sales.
T. Frank McCall’s, a distributor in Pennsylvania, began in 1876 as a feed store. Those early roots as a consumer retailer are still visible throughout the organization, which still operates a small retail store and serves many small businesses in Chester, where it is located, says Andy Parker, the company’s vice president of sales.
Consumer customers already constitute a lot of T. Frank McCall’s business. The decision to focus more on the consumer market comes at a convenient time, since the company is upgrading its business systems, which will allow it to offer online ordering, stronger analysis and more control over inventory. Although Parker looks forward to the prospect of increased revenue from the consumer market, he believes distributors need to strike a balance with their reliance on technology.
“Technology will enable us to deal with consumers more, but the one way we, as a small to mid-size independent distributor, compete with the Staples and W.B. Masons is service, and that’s what we need to continue to do,” says Parker. “If we lean too much on technology and we lose touch with the customer, then we will lose customers.”
Software should not decrease the flexibility of an enterprise, says Parker, especially when dealing with individual consumers and issues that arise with minimums and discounts on shipping and overall pricing.
Pricing products is the “elephant in the room” for Central Sanitary Supply as it adapts to a B2C model, given that online pricing is extremely competitive, says Carson.
“We can’t just all of a sudden start shipping product nationally at an aggressive online price while we are still charging a higher premium to our local customers, where we actually have account reps serving,” he adds.
One way for distributors to deal with this pricing dilemma is to take on two identities, one that takes on business-to-business customers and the other that deals in the business-to-consumer realm, says Carson.
“I am not entirely sure how we are going to breach that,” he says. “I think that it will become an issue for anybody making the transition.”
New Distribution Software Opens Up B2C Jan/San Market
Don't Ignore Website User Experience
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This week Amazon.com Inc. shared subscriber numbers for its music service, surpassing 55 million global customers, trailing Apple Music at over 60 million – but still far behind streaming leader, Spotify, at 113 million paying users worldwide.
While Amazon tends to keep their numbers close, V.P. of Digital Music, Steve Boom, told the Financial Times, “we felt like getting to this level of scale was something worth talking about.” Growing by more than 50% in the latter half of 2019 alone, according to a statement by the company, Amazon Music may be breaking through to the masses.
Amazon Music has taken on hip-hop and rap rather strategically over the past year staffing up the music team with connected industry insiders – some from competing services, and adding human curators to the mix, creating real connections (and content) with artists directly.
Employing the “Amazon Original” approach on the music side of the business, creating original music content with global artists who have built in, highly engaged audiences seems to be a tactic that will fare well considering music is globalized in 2020.
With the rise in popularity of afro wave music, artists like Burna Boy from Nigeria – who has collaborations under his belt with American pop star Ed Sheeran and UK soul singer Jorja Smith, this sound has crossed over to global audiences creating entirely new lanes for excited fans and the music industry at large.Amazon Music
Leading the Afrobeat strategy at Amazon Music, Rochelle Balogun and Sharon Bako brought to life “Amina” by Afro B. featuring Wande Coal produced by Team Salut as an Amazon Original song with a worldwide audience in mind. UK-based artist Afro B is behind the wildly successful anthem “Drogba” dubbed “Joanna” which has over 60MM views on YouTube and continues to be a sure-shot for DJ’s and dancefloors around the globe.
Amazon.com Inc. continues to expand into the lifestyles of consumers worldwide with Amazon Prime’s original streaming content, the ability to buy items with one-click and instant delivery, and increasingly through vocal-recognition via smart speakers on Amazon’s Echo app, Alexa. Options are something built with Amazon customers in mind, and with 5 tiers for subscription, the barrier to entry is low creating a friction-less experience for a variety of users. With this versatility in mind, we may see the company emerge as a notable player in the music vertical.

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Please join us for the Downtown Art Walk debut of Coral Forest, an interactive art installation by Los Angeles-based artist Doron Gazit, on Thursday, July 14th, 2016.
Coral Forest Artist Reception with Doron Gazit
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Coral Forest is an interactive installation made up of 10 giant “sea forms” that are moved and rearranged to create a new shape every time the installation is displayed. The inflatable art uses air as a medium and explores how people interact with the element. The inflatables were inspired by the Fashion District and made of fabric that was hand dyed to create the impression of texture. The public is invited to walk through, touch, and take selfies with the art.
Coral Forest is part of the Fashion District’s space activation initiative. Our goal is to take ordinary public spaces and use art and culture to bring the community together around public space. In doing so, we hope to illustrate the full potential of these streets and show what a truly vibrant Downtown L.A. community looks like.
Coral Forest was commissioned by the LA Fashion District Business Improvement District (BID) and curated by Carmen Zella of NOW Art LA. Coral Forest is a mobile art piece and will be installed at various locations throughout the LA Fashion District this summer. In the meantime, it will be on display Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Wall Farmer’s Market, between 7th and 8th Streets in the LA Flower District.
About the Artist
Doron Gazit is an environmental artist and industrial designer who focuses his art on air, line and color. Gazit and his design company, AirDD, work on high profile events worldwide, including Olympic Games and World Expos, from Dubai to Tokyo, Sydney, Lisbon and Jerusalem. Gazit’s current ongoing art project, which he named “The Red Line Project”, has recently been featured at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. This is a series of temporary environmental art installations travelling worldwide bringing attention to areas devastated by global warming and human’s misuse of the environment.


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NAFTA renegotiation could severely impact many areas of business; this article focuses on its effect on small businesses.Read more »
For the success of TPP, US participation is extremely important, and now, as things lie, TPP deal won't proceed ahead in its original avatar. Let us have a look at a few ways in which TPP withdrawal will affect global trade.Read more »
Despite impressive industry growth, 3PL companies face several challenges while serving customers globally. Some of those challenges are listed in this article.Read more »
Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary, joint government business partnership which adds to the supply chain and increases border security. Despite major advances made against terrorism on different fronts, the corporate supply chains are at maximum risk to security threats than before.Read more »
When you are shipping goods through a shipping company or a third-party logistics (3PL) service provider, make sure you opt for full truckload (FTL). Read this article to know why.Read more »
per the report, RFID market which was worth $8.8 billion in 2013, $9.5 billion in 2014, and $10.1 billion in 2015, is expected to reach $13.2 billion by 2020 and $186.8 billion in 2026!Read more »
There are many reasons to outsource logistics services, but you first need to understand how outsourcing will affect your business and whether it will save you costs or not.Read more »
Feel free to contact us for any logistics related outsourcing requirements.
Decide in 24 hours whether outsourcing will work for you.
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Deloitte has launched Unlimited Reality, a new offering that helps clients harness emerging technologies like AI to create engaging virtual worlds as part of the metaverse.
The term “metaverse” was first coined in the 1992 science fiction novel Snow Crash but interest has skyrocketed in recent years. Long-term, the metaverse is expected to essentially be a new version of the web—a network of interconnected virtual worlds that can even combine elements of the real world.
The pandemic saw everyone scramble to find new ways to connect, work, socialise, and just live. While we’re hopefully now reaching the endemic stage, no-one really knows what’s around the corner. In such an uncertain world, it’s unsurprising that interest in the metaverse remains high.
Dan Helfrich, Chairman and CEO of Deloitte Consulting, said:
“We are excited to launch Deloitte’s Unlimited Reality Offering and the Dimension10 Studio to help our clients take advantage of the exponential growth in virtual worlds and economies.
There is huge potential for digital realms to benefit business and society at large and we are pleased to offer access to connected virtual worlds that may exceed the economics of our current physical economy.”
Unlimited Reality provides guidance to businesses and how they can transform their operations with shared virtual experiences, physically-accurate digital twins, the monetisation of digital assets, engagement with customers using Web3 architectures, and imagine workplace models that combine humans and machines.
To achieve this goal will require Deloitte to provide guidance to clients across a number of emerging technologies including AI, IoT, blockchain, AR/VR, and 5G.
Emerging technologies are, by their very nature, often difficult to get started with and businesses may have to juggle a number (if not all) of them in order to create a great experience.
Using AI to create value in the virtual and physical worlds
Deloitte is launching Dimension10 Studio, a virtual and physical innovation space where the firm’s professionals can help clients to build AI-powered metaverses.
Dimension10 Studio is built on a technology foundation of NVIDIA-Certified Systems with NVIDIA RTX GPUs to power Omniverse Enterprise. It will be complemented by Deloitte’s in-house NVIDIA DGX supercomputer that powers its AI, analytics, cloud and digital practices.
In August 2021, Deloitte unveiled ‘The AI Dossier’ to help business leaders understand the value AI can deliver so they can make smarter decisions about when, where, and how to deploy AI within their organisations.
A recent study by Deloitte found that 74 percent of businesses are still in the AI experimentation stage and without a clear vision. Deloitte says its Unlimited Reality offering enables clients to explore and simulate cross-industry AI use cases outlined in The AI Dossier in a virtual world.
Deloitte believes AI creates value for businesses in six key ways:
- Cost reduction: Reducing low value and often repetitive tasks
- Speed to execution: Minimising the time required to achieve results
- Reduced complexity: Enhancing decision-making through proactive and predictive analytics
- Transformed engagement: Improving how people interact with technology
- Fueled innovation: Enabling innovative new models
- Fortified trust: Bolster security against threats
“While AI adoption rates and maturity vary widely across industries, AI is driving new levels of efficiency and performance for businesses of all sizes,” explained Irfan Saif, US AI co-leader, Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory, and principal, Deloitte & Touche LLP.
“Organisations have the opportunity to unlock the full potential of AI when they embrace it and deploy it at scale throughout their enterprise.”
Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo. The next events in the series will be held in Santa Clara on 11-12 May 2022, Amsterdam on 20-21 September 2022, and London on 1-2 December 2022.
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.


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The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 series is on the headlines for the past few months on a regular basis and the company will be launching the flagship lineup next year and it is expected to be announced on January 17. Today we got a new piece of information about the vanilla variant of the smartphone series and that will disappoint the fans. Without making any further delay let’s get into the article to check out the new information.
According to the latest information, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphone will be available with only 8GB of RAM on the board. If this information is correct then we will not get an additional amount of RAM and that is a disappointing element.
Bad news: Galaxy S24 is only available in 8GB RAM version.
— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) November 30, 2023
The upcoming smartphone is expected to feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2x LTPO panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is expected to come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and Exynos 2400 SoC in selected markets. The upcoming device will be available with the latest Android 14 out of the box.
It is also reported that the devices will come with a 50 MP primary lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The devices will also feature a 12MP front facing camera. The devices will come with a 4,700mAh and 4,900mAh battery respectively along with 45W wired charging and wireless charging.
So let’s wait for more details in the coming days and you guys are recommended to stick with us for more updates from the world of technology.
Read interesting news, reviews as well as tips & tricks on TechnoBugg website, and stay updated with the latest happenings of the tech world on the go with Technobugg App. Also follow on Google News and join our Telegram channel as well as WhatsApp Channel for the latest updates.


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Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, Gojek on Monday officially unified its brand across four countries. The service was launched in Vietnam in 2018 and in Thailand a year later under the localized brand names GoViet and GET. With the integration, the same Gojek app can be used in Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Co-CEO Andre Soelistyo said that the brand proves how competitive Gojek is internationally. “The core mission of Gojek in Indonesia is to continually create positive social impacts through community development, to create opportunities by opening new channels of income, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises. This also a key to success in other countries,” he said in a statement.
Gojek claims to be the leading super app in its home country Indonesia. While it only offers GoCar in Singapore, it provides the motorbike ride-sharing GoRide, last-mile delivery service GoSend, and food delivery GoFood in Vietnam. In Thailand, Gojek offers motorbike ride-sharing, food delivery, and parcel delivery service.
Growth has been significant in Thailand and Vietnam. International group head Andrew Lee said last month that the apps and brands have established themselves as part of the fabric of the communities they operate in. “Uniting all operations under Gojek will help us take what we’ve already achieved to new heights, accelerate our growth across Southeast Asia and ensure we make a lasting impact to benefit all users, partners and stakeholders,” said Lee.


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We see an opportunity to be a first mover into an area that is much larger than just coupons alone, and with very little competition. This coupon shopping hybrid is the future.
Naples, Florida (PRWEB) February 05, 2014
Over two-thirds of Coupon Divas® website traffic now comes from mobile devices reaching a record 81% over cyber weekend. The company largely credits it's recently launched "coupon shopping" makeover which offers a responsive mobile design making it easier for visitors to browse through popular deals on their phones and tablets. The company's new content concept also combines coupons with retail offers for shoppers in an easy to browse catalog style format.
While many coupon sites offer the ability to search for coupons, Coupon Divas® takes it a step further by matching the latest coupons to popular products and stores. The site also provides walk-through examples of how the coupons can be used on various deals. "This is a model that we've successfully used for many years with our grocery coupons on the site. The redesign simply puts the focus on this type of content, specifically retail coupons, since it's what our shoppers want to see the most. They absolutely love it," said Co-Founder Denny Rosu.
The recent pivot is paying off. The site expanded this month by adding six new curated retail categories in its main shopping section with plans for more in the future based on user feedback. "We launched our new curated coupon shopping concept on cyber weekend and it was an instant success, so much so, that we decided to convert our grocery section to the same design last month," Rosu said. "We see an opportunity to be a first mover into an area that is much larger than just coupons alone, and with very little competition. This coupon shopping hybrid is the future."
The online coupon space has become crowded in recent years and the company acknowledges that there are now large players that are well established in the space. "We are not trying to be the next RetailMeNot. They've done a great job dominating the digital coupon space both online and on mobile,” Rosu said. “It's safe to say that they have saturated that market. We have a different strategy. We've seen great traction with it in the past few months that we hope to continue to expand on this year." Said Rosu.
A huge part of the company's success comes from behind the scenes where the deals are selected with the help of a coupon curation algorithm. Over the past two years the company has developed and refined an elaborate in-house coupon search engine to parse and rank coupons and deals from thousands of sources from around the Internet. The algorithm instantly identifies hot offers for editors and writers on a daily basis allowing them to quickly create the uniquely vetted content; often times days before many other sites can spot them manually.
Coupon Divas® is privately held and will not disclose specific numbers, but says that shopper engagement is up sharply for this time of year in large part due to the improved flow and usability of the new design. Although the site is optimized for mobile shopping and mobile coupon search, plans are already underway for a native mobile app to be released in the coming months.
Boasting almost 1.5 million Facebook fans, Coupon Divas® has become one of the largest coupon brands on any social network. The company also has plans to expand its social couponing experience for shoppers through a new community section currently in development.
Coupon Divas® has established itself among the top performing partners to numerous merchants and online shopping brands and has been profitable each year since its inception over five years ago. The company is self-funded and currently considering raising its first investment round this year to further fund expansion and accelerate shopper acquisition.


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September 30, 2020 8:30:59 pm
Just a number of months after the launch of the OnePlus 8, OnePlus 8 Pro and OnePlus Nord collection smartphones, the corporate is gearing as much as launch the OnePlus 8T on October 14. The cellphone just lately obtained listed on Geekbench additional substantiating the rumours rife out there and confirming many new options that the cellphone could flaunt.
According to OnePlus CEO Pete Lau, the OnePlus 8T will change into the primary smartphone, apart from Google Pixel collection, to pack Android 11 out-of-the field with excessive pores and skin of Oxygen OS 11. Additionally, the benchmark web site Geekbench additionally confirmed that the cellphone shall be powered by 12GB RAM together with Snapdragon 865 chipset on the efficiency entrance.
Last week OnePlus in a tweet confirmed that the OnePlus 8T will come full of a 65W quick charging capability enabled via the corporate’s all-new Warp charging expertise. This charger would be capable of cost the system inside 15 minutes for a day’s utilization as claimed by the Chinese smartphone manufacturing firm.
Furthermore, Lau additionally confirmed in an interview cited by The Verge that the cellphone is not going to assist wi-fi charging. Also, the cellphone may have round 12 temperature sensors to verify the system’s warmth dissipation whereas getting charged.
Lau additionally mentioned that One Plus has launched a brand new format making contact controls’ entry from thumb simpler whereas new modifications have been introduced in gestures and Always on show permitting much-wider vary of customization. The firm additionally confirmed that the cellphone may have a show of a 120 Hz refresh price.
On the specs entrance, the cellphone is predicted to launch with 6.55 inches AMOLED show with Gorilla glass 5. Previously, AndroidCentral reported that the system could clad in a quad digital camera setup with a 48MP major digital camera together with ultra-wide, macro and portrait digital camera lenses. Several different rumours trace in the direction of an under-display optical fingerprint scanner as effectively.
📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and keep up to date with the newest headlines
For all the newest Technology News, obtain Indian Express App.


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To keep their households well-stocked during a disruptive time, people are buying in bulk and purchasing food and beverages that are packaged in larger quantities—and they can now even buy five-pound bricks of Impossible Burger patties directly from restaurants. Due to current conditions, the FDA relaxed its labeling rules, which allows direct-to-consumer sales of Impossible Foods' plant-based meat. Thanks to this new flexibility, Impossible Foods states that "all operators are eligible to sell the Impossible Burger 5 lb bricks, 1/4 lb patties or 1/3 lb patties to customers." With a purchase, restaurants supply customers with a printed copy of Impossible Burger’s ingredient list and allergens.
With this plant-based patty from Impossible Foods, consumers have the potential to make everything from vegan-friendly meatballs to lasagna and tacos with the protein-packed meatless alternative.


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The fallout between the two countries has started. Following the executions of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, Indonesia has come under attack from the UN, and especially Australia. Australia has retaliated by recalling their ambassador Paul Grigson, and it seems certain that foreign aid to Indonesia will be slashed considerably. On the internet, thousands of Australian social justice advocates have sworn to never visit Indonesia again, culminating in the boycott Indonesia campaign.
Now that the media’s attention has waned, let’s talk about the economic implications and leave politics and ethics to one side. What is the real economic impact of the executions upon Australia–Indonesia trade?
The first item that will be affected tourism in Indonesia, particularly in Bali. Judging from the current situation, it seems that this year there will be a significant decrease of Australian tourists in Bali. However, we need to look at the bigger picture. I’m sure many of us remember that Australians also avoided Bali after the 2002 bombings. The fact is Australians return to Bali year after year.
Bali’s tourism office has noted that annual foreign tourist arrivals increased from under 2m in 2008 to almost 4m in 2014. In fact, between January and March 2015, around a quarter of million Australians visited Bali despite the impending executions. I personally believe that the effect of the Boycott Indonesia campaign is overestimated. Tourism in Bali will survive, and Australians will still spend money in Bali, even though they may not come in greater numbers this year. Even if fewer Australians come to Bali, other nations will fill the void. Chinese tourists are predicted to usurp Australians as the number one consumers of Balinese tourism, as they will come in greater numbers and carry more spending money.
Additionally, Australians’ boycotting of travel to Bali may be a poor choice. As we know, most of the foreign money spent in Bali usually stays in Bali. Indonesians living outside Bali will not suffer negative consequences should the boycott take place. In reality, most of Indonesia will not even notice the impact, as Bali is an isolated market in Indonesia’s tourism industry.
At home, the executions may also impact Australia’s higher education sector. In 2013, there were about 17,000 Indonesian students pursuing education in Australia—mostly at universities. Needless to say, international students pay big money: an average student pays $30,000 or more per year. If we take to account accommodation and living expenses, an Indonesian student could spend $40,000–50,000 annually. Australia’s retaliation to the killings may deter future Indonesian students from studying in Australia. Sure, Australians could say that it’s not a big deal, as they can be replaced by other students, say from China. Nevertheless, extra education revenue will be forgone should wealthy Indonesians boycott Australia. Now, some Australians have suggested that, to make a statement, we cease all trade with Indonesia. That’d be very foolish as lots of goods that Australia imports must pass through Indonesian airspace and waters.
It seems Australia has decided that it can inflict maximum hurt to Indonesia via foreign aid cuts. According to DFAT, Australia gave Indonesia around $600m in 2014, and roughly the same in 2015. This aid funds programs that are meant to improve Indonesia’s education, health and infrastructure. Prior to the executions, cuts to aid in the 2015 budget were already expected; with the passing of the executions, it is now almost certain that aid to Indonesia will be cut severely. Certainly, this will be very harsh for the poor Indonesians who really need aid. Foreign aid cuts will be sufficient to hurt the Indonesian people, but it will fail to punish Australians’ real target: the Indonesian government.
As I said in my previous article, there is no way that Australia will cut ties with Indonesia, or vice versa. Too much is at stake should one country turn its back on the other. Australia’s two way trade with Indonesia is valued roughly at $15b, as Australia is a major exporter of wheat and live cattle to Indonesia. Considering that Indonesia’s middle class will grow substantially in the next decade or so, it is arguable that Australia cannot afford to lose Indonesia’s business and money. As for bilateral discussions, it’s very clear that the removal of Paul Grigson will jeopardise the IA–CEPA negotiations, which is a very important free trade agreement to both countries, should it materialise. The executions have ensured that this FTA will not come to fruition in the coming years.
In summary, the media has exaggerated the economic implications of the executions. In the short term, Australians will demand fewer of Indonesia’s goods and services, and vice versa. It is also possible that trade agreements between both countries and bilateral negotiations may be impeded. However, time heals most things and the relationship will be repaired even if only out of necessity.


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It’s apparent that the world’s appetite for electronics has never been greater. That has increasingly taken the form of mobile electronics, including smartphones, tablets and tablets and the new “phablets.” People want to watch movies and live sports on their phones. They want their mobile devices to be “situationally aware” and even capable of monitoring their health through sensors. That drives higher bandwidth (6G is on the drawing board), faster data rates and a demand for reduced power consumption to conserve battery life. At the same time, “big data” and the internet of things (IoT) are here, which drives the demand for server networks and high performance semiconductors, as well as integrated sensors and inventive gadgets such as flexible displays and human biosensor networks.
All of this is pushing the semiconductor manufacturing industry and related industry (MEMS, displays, packaging and integration, batteries, etc.) in new directions. The tradeoffs that chipmakers must manager between power, performance, area and cost/complexity (PPAC) are now driven not by PCs, but by mobile devices.
In a keynote address at Semicon West 2013, Ajit Monacha, CEO of Global Foundries, expanded on his Foundry 2.0 concept, talking about how the requirements of mobile devices were, in fact, changing the entire semiconductor industry. He noted that the mobile business is forecast to be double the size of the PC market in 2016. The mobile business drives many new requirements, said Manocha, including power, performance and features, higher data rates, high resolution multicore processors and thinner form factors.
Manocha presented the audience with what he sees as today’s Big Five Challenges: cost, device architectures, lithography and EUV, packaging and the 450mm wafer transition. I don’t recall when cost wasn’t an issue, but an audience poll revealed that most people believe economic challenges will be the main factor limiting industry growth, not technical challenges. I agree, but I’m also thinking new applications will emerge particularly in the health field that could push the industry in yet another new direction.
Peter Singer, Editor-in-Chief


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I’ve been vaguely reading the hype regarding water bottles and a potential cancer link. Recently I decided to do some digging into the topic.
Here’s what I found:
BPA is the chemical causing the concern.
Bisphenol A is used to make hard clear water bottles (not the opaque ones), baby bottles, five-gallon water bottles and it is used to line the inside of some food cans.
Identifying BPA plastic containers:
If you pick up a plastic container it will have a triangle with a number in it. This identifies the type of plastic.
The Green Guide lists all plastics and their correlating recycling numbers (1-7), including those which may cause or are listed as potential carcinogens through the leaching out of chemicals.
By the way, those listed to avoid are:
#3 PVC Polyvinyl chloride. Used for clear cling wraps.
#6 PS Extruded polystyrene. Used to make Styrofoam.
#7 PC Polycarbonate which contains BPA.
Recent concerns regarding BPA:
- “National Toxicology Program, an office within the National Institutes of Health, acknowledged in a draft report that the chemical might cause cancer and other serious disorders. The chemical mimics estrogen in the human body, scientists say.” Source: The Washington Post.The report also indicates the chemical BPA may have effects on fetuses, infants and children at current exposure levels.
- Per the May 2008 issue of Consumer Reports: In 2005, 109 of 119 recent research studies showed harmful effects from low level exposure of BPA. The 11 studies which found no harm were conducted by chemical companies. The FDA response was to claim no indication of safety concerns and was based on two chemical company research results.
- Degradation of the plastic increases leaching of BPA. Degradation is caused by heat, and chemicals, and acidic materials (like apple juice). Avoid sun exposure, and utilizing the dishwashers.
In the meantime, it is recommended that consumers utilize a stainless steel water bottle, not unlike this one that supports breast cancer, that is available on Amazon.com for less than six dollars.
Or per recommendations from Consumer Reports, use plastic bottles that are considered safe: those without the #7 PC markings or those with the ” recycling codes 1 (PET) or 2 (HDPE), and polypropylene, 5 (PP). ”
Or stick to glass containers.
Headline News on this topic:
The Washington Post, April 19, 2008. Canada Bans BPA from Baby Bottles. “Canada yesterday became the first country to ban a widely found chemical from use in baby bottles, spurring a leading Democrat in the U.S. Senate to call for legislation that would prohibit use of bisphenol A, or BPA, in a number of everyday consumer products.”
FoxNews, April 18, 2008. Company Says It Will Pull Water Bottles Made With Bisphenol-A From Stores. “The company says it is responding to increasing consumer concern over bisphenol, an ingredient known as B-P-A, and whether the chemical poses a health risk. The manufacturer says it will substitute its Nalgene Outdoor bottles, a line that does not contain B-P-A.”
ABC News, YouTube , Chemical Threats in Plastics.
Bisphenol A Free Portal provides the latest information on Bisphenol A and baby products.


text: It is being observe that Tourism is evolving the Property industry via Short Term Rental, along with the rise of Airbnb. As the sharing economy on the rise, renting your property to tourist is becoming a norm in Malaysia and even the whole Southeast Asia. Malaysia is reported to be the highest year on year growth in terms of numbers of listing in 2018 & 2019 in Airbnb, amongst the other countries in SEA. Why is this ? Is this a short term solution ? Or will this be a long term solution? And how will it impact the industry and economy.


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naging her company’s “day-to-day operations,” The Washington Post reported.
Now, one of Canada’s largest department stores has said it will stop carrying her clothing, shoes, and accessories. Hudson’s Bay Co. yanked all of Ivanka’s items off of its website. It released a statement saying that it will no longer sell her products in its “90 bricks-and-mortar stores.”
The company also owns Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor stores. Saks does not carry her items, but Lord & Taylor does.
In a statement, a company spokesperson wrote that Hudson’s Bay Co. based its decision to pull Ivanka’s merchandise due to its “performance:”
‘As part of our regular course of business, we review our merchandise offerings and make appropriate changes.’
Other major stores, such as Nieman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Marshalls have cut way back on Ivanka’s items. Since her father became the 45th president, her brand had taken a real beating.
Carolyn Handley has been an Ivanka Trump apparel fan. She was married in Ivanka’s shoes, but threw away about two dozen Ivanka items in a personal boycott after Donald Trump became president. She told CNN:
‘It was all about not wanting to put my dollars behind a brand that was a part of such a distasteful campaign.’
Another women spent $3,000 on Ivanka’s apparel every year. Yet, that is over:
‘I felt really, really helpless, I felt really, really sad. It feels like the only way to have any kind of impact on this family is just to pull financial support.’
The Grab Your Wallet campaign has boycotted the first daughter’s retail merchandise and other Trump family businesses. The name was a take-off on The Donald’s comment that he enjoyed grabbing women “by the pussy.”
Featured image screenshot via YouTube.


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2 Marijuana Stocks For Your 2022 Watchlist
It seems that marijuana stocks are starting to see more momentum right before Christmas. In the last few days, the sector is starting to show better trading. As mentioned above this could be due to the holiday season. Or it could do to the optimistic anticipation of what will happen in 2022. This upcoming year many feel that 2022 will bring with it some upward consistency. Which could come from many different variables.
The main one is enacting federal cannabis reform. Next could be the success and continued progress of other cannabis companies. In addition to more legal states. With all this combined there is more than enough fuel to keep upward momentum consistent this new year. The big fear is not just another failed attempt at reform but having a repeat year. Meaning that the cannabis sector will face an even longer downtrend. No one wants this to happen yet many are leaning on federal reform to restore hope. Now if more states do vote to go legal hopefully this will resonate well among MSO and pure-play marijuana stocks.
Seeing how they are typically the first companies to enter new markets. The cannabis industry is growing and thriving at a fast rate. With how low the sector has dropped there is still time to find top marijuana stocks to buy. This is how the last 10 months have been one big buying window. To which many have done in preparation for the next possible run in the sector. Yet during this past year, some moments of increased trading did happen. But it was nothing that was able to be sustained. As well not everyone was able to capitalize on this short rise.
Marijuana Stocks Are Soon To Begin A New Year Of Trading
Furthermore with a bulk of investors buying the dips and most of them holding this new year could be one of big returns. Especially if the sector runs back close to levels that were seen in early 2021. So with 2022 almost here investors and shareholders await to see what the new year will bring. Just make sure like always to do your homework on each possible cannabis stock to buy. Some pot stocks may be down for now. But with further success out of the market things may change in 2022. The companies below are just a few marijuana stocks to watch this upcoming year.
The Best Marijuana Stocks To Watch Right Now
Columbia Care Inc.
Columbia Care Inc. cultivates, manufactures, and provides cannabis-based health and wellness solutions, and derivative products. The company holds licenses in 18 jurisdictions in the United States and the European Union. As of October 13, 2021, it operated 130 facilities, including 99 dispensaries and 31 cultivation and manufacturing facilities.
Recently the company announced it’s the first to formulate cannabis extract vaporizer pen products from a UK-based manufacturer. The products launched under its flagship medical Ceed brand and are comprised of four formulations. These will be available for patients throughout the UK when prescribed by a specialist consultant. These new vaporizer pens complete Columbia Care’s initial medical product portfolio.
Which includes tinctures, launched in April 2020, and its proprietary solid-fill powder capsules, launched in April 2021. These in particular remain unique in the UK market. This portfolio of products offers clinicians and patients in the UK the broadest range of medicinal cannabis products. Along with the capability to target different onset periods and duration of effect.
Words From The Company
“Columbia Care’s mission has always been to provide patients with access to the highest quality, safest medicinal cannabis products available. There are 28 million people suffering from chronic pain in the UK and this range of formulations offers pain doctors the best and most comprehensive selection of cannabinoid treatment options for their patients. We are proud to leverage our proprietary IP, formulation expertise, safety surveillance and patient reported data from the U.S. to bring innovation and precision to the growing UK medical cannabis market. We are witnessing increasing numbers of leading doctors integrate the use of medicinal cannabis into their practice evidencing growing acceptance in the UK of the clinical value of cannabinoids,” said Nicholas Vita, CEO, Columbia Care.
IM Cannabis Corp.
IM Cannabis Corp. engages in breeding, growing, and supply of medical cannabis products in Israel, Germany, and Canada. It offers strains under the Roma, Dairy Queen, London, Tel Aviv, Paris, and Pandora Box brands; and CBD oil products under the IMC brand. In recent news, the IM Cannabis Corp made some updates to its new products. The company announced plans to launch its popular Canadian WAGNERS brand. Which will soon be available in the German medical cannabis market in 2022.
In addition to exporting premium, indoor-grown dried flowers from IMC Canada’s cultivation facility in 2022. Which is still subject to regulatory approval. These plans are consistent with the company’s vertically integrated, multi-country strategy. And it follows the company’s recently announced launch of WAGNERS in Israel. As well as the receipt of an import permit for Canadian cannabis products from the Israeli Ministry of Health.
Words From The CEO
“With the rapid growth in demand for premium indoor-grown Canadian cannabis and an increasing number of German medical patients not relying on government re-imbursement, we are excited to launch our popular WAGNERS brand to medical patients in Germany. We continue to lay our foundation in Germany, currently one of the largest medical cannabis markets in the world, which is expected to rapidly expand as Germany’s new elected government enact broad regulatory reform of cannabis use.


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Camo Women’s Activewear Trends for 2016
- April 29, 2016
- By Stephanie Mallory
You don’t have to venture into a gym, yoga class or CrossFit box to see women decked out in athletic wear. Clothing that was once relegated to sweat-inducing physical activities such as running, biking, lifting weights and yoga, has now become a favorite as day and weekend wear among women of all athletic persuasions.
This athletic look mixes form-flattering style with utility, comfort and versatility, reflecting an increase in the health-conscious, active lifestyle. Specialty classes, such as SoulCycle, CrossFit, Barre and Pilates have drastically risen in popularity in recent years, and with it, this active-wear style.
According to a 2015 report by Morgan Stanley, sports apparel and active footwear sales jumped 42% to $270 billion over the past seven years, and the prospects for growth are getting stronger.
In fact, the active sports category is now the fastest-growing segment of the apparel market. In a piece published by Businessoffashion.com, Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at Port Washington, N.Y.-based market research firm NPD Group, said, “This is not a fashion trend; it’s a lifestyle trend. The difference here is that there’s functionality mixed with fashion, not just solely fashion.”
The activewear trend melds cohesively with those living an active outdoors lifestyle. Comfort, style, performance and versatility are all qualities the active outdoorswoman considers when she purchases her lifestyle apparel.
Recognizing the upward trajectory of this trend, Realtree licensees, such as SPG and Aimee Lynn, have jumped onboard. The SPG line of Realtree Girl active lifestyle apparel includes sweatshirts, tank tops and yoga pants boasting the athletic look and features coveted by the active outdoors woman.
Thanks to the growing popularity of incorporating sporty elements into every day style, the activewear trend is most likely here to stay, and forward-thinking apparel companies are wasting no time revealing their own lines of athletic apparel in the gyms, cafes, shops and anywhere else the active and even not-so-active woman spends her time.
Editor’s Note: Realtree invites apparel designers to take advantage of both the fast-growing fitness wear trend and the hot camo market through a mutually beneficial partnership. Contact a Realtree Licensing Account Manager to learn more!


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Investment News – Base Interest Rate And Money Supply On Hold – Sky News Online – 14 Jan 2011 – by James Sillars
The base rate of interest has been kept on hold for a 22nd consecutive month by the Bank Of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.
It means the record low bank rate of 0.5% is maintained.
There was also confirmation that there would be no extension of quantitative easing to boost money supply.
The decision not to raise rates was expected, despite soaring inflation and commodity prices which are set to feed into the market place.
The Government’s target measure of inflation – the consumer prices index – hit 3.3% in November, driven by the rising cost of food, clothes and oil.
Most members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) are banking on these pressures being a problem in only the short-term.


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WORLDWIDE “CREEPING DOUBTS”:
Apparently, creeping doubts about the worldwide economic recovery from the near collapse of the financial system in 2007 (which collapse we recall was mostly due to lax regulation between 2001 and 2007), is not limited to 2H 2010 semiconductor sales.
As this Electronics IP Commentary “goes to press,” we observed a widespread decline on August 11, 2010 of all three major stock markets based in New York (The Dow lost 2.49%, the S&P 500 gave up 2.82% and the NASDAQ Composite suffered a drop of 3.01% of their respective values).
Each of the three indexes mirrored the NASDAQ:
From a New York Times article on August 11, 2010 by GRAHAM BOWLEY and CHRISTINE HAUSER, entitled, “Market Drop Signals Fears About Global Recovery”, we have the following (paraphrased) text:
As economic recovery wavers in the United States, evidence is mounting that growth abroad is also slowing and may be unable to sustain the fragile rebound here.
Concerns about flagging global growth weighed heavily on Asian stocks today, while European markets opened flat. Japan's Nikkei index dropped more than 2% before recovering some of those losses, which came after steep declines August 11 in American and European equities.
Those market drops followed a spate of developments signaling a slowing economy both in the United States and abroad. On August 10, Federal Reserve officials warned that the pace of recovery in the United States had slowed. Then on August 11 came news from China suggesting its fast-growing economy was cooling. And later that day, the Bank of England reduced its already diminished forecast for the British economy.
Finally, new trade figures from Washington showed that American exports were faltering, a sign that hard-pressed domestic manufacturers could not rely on overseas markets to ease their pain at home.
Given the uneven rebound in the United States, and now signs that the world's other economic engines are slowing, economists say Americans may confront high unemployment and lackluster growth for some time to come.
“This is going to be a long slog,” said David H. Resler, the chief United States economist at Nomura Securities International.
How did the Electronics IP G5 perform in Q2 2010?
Table 1 reveals that the combined G5 total revenue in Q2 2010 fell nearly 33% from its sequential predecessor Q1 2010 quarter, which was not surprising when one recalls Rambus' gargantuan revenue result in Q1 2010, mostly from the Samsung settlement. Year over year, however, Q2 2010 was close to 45% larger than Q2 2009 for the combined G5 revenue total, with all 5 vendors contributing to that growth.
Table 2 below shows that three vendors delivered positive earnings in Q2 2010, enough to offset losses from MoSys and Rambus. Of course, it was not enough to allow the group to deliver in Q2 2010 a sequential profit improvement vs. Q1 2010, once again due to the Rambus Q1 earnings anomaly. However, the Q2 2010 G5 combined profit was more than enough to outclass the loss total of Q2 2009 by some $46 million improvement.
Q2 2010 Results of Individual G5 Electronics IP Providers:
On July 27, 2010 ARM Holdings plc announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended 30 June 2010, demonstrating continuing progress in executing its strategy with multiple design wins taking ARM further into new markets.
Revenues in Q2 2010 converted to US dollars were approximately $149.9 million, up 4.6% over sequential Q1 2010 and up some 42 % year over year compared to Q2 2009.
Total dollar license revenues in Q2 2010 increased by 22% year-on-year to $47.0 million, representing 31% of group revenues. License revenues comprised $36.6 million from PD and $10.4 million from PIPD.
Total dollar royalty revenues in Q2 2010 increased by 67% to $82.3 million, representing 55% of group revenues. Royalty revenues comprised $72.5 million from PD and $9.8 million from PIPD.
Royalty revenues are recognized one quarter in arrears with royalties in Q2 generated from semiconductor unit shipments in Q1. PD royalty revenues in Q2 2010 included a catch-up royalty payment of $9.0 million in respect of certain shipments made between 2007 and 2010. This catch-up royalty was identified by the customer as part of ARM's ongoing royalty auditing process. PD underlying royalties of $63.5 million increased 54% year-on-year. This compares with industry revenues increasing by less than 40% in the shipment period (i.e. Q1 2010 compared to Q1 2009), demonstrating ARM's market share gains over the last 12 months.
Total PIPD royalty revenues of $9.8 million included $0.2 million of catch-up royalties. Underlying royalty revenues increased by more than 80% year-on-year, reflecting the rebound in the foundry industry.
Sales of development systems in Q2 2010 increased 30% year-on-year to $13.4 million, representing 9% of group revenues. Due to seasonality, revenue for development systems in Q3 is often 10% to 20% lower sequentially.
Service revenues in Q2 2010 were up 4% to $7.6 million, representing 5% of group revenues.
Earnings in Q2 2010 reached $32.8 million, up 8.3% sequentially over $30.3 million in Q1 2010 and up 46.4% year over year vs. Q2 2009.
ARM progress against strategy in Q2 2010
Growth in mobile applications - ARM opportunity increased as smartphone growth continues and ARM technology-based mobile computers begin to come to market
- Average of 2.6 ARM®-processor based chips per mobile phone
- 4 processor licenses signed for mobile phone and computing applications
- Major semiconductor company becomes the third lead-licensee for the “Eagle” Cortex-A™ class processor.
Growth beyond mobile - Increased share in target markets such as consumer electronics and embedded products
- Strong year-on-year growth for shipments of ARM-based chips into digital TVs, disk drives and microcontrollers
- 13 processor licenses signed for a broad range of applications including intelligent sensors, networking, smart energy meters and solid state drives
- Leading microcontroller company, Freescale, announced their first major family of ARM-based microcontrollers
Growth in new technology outsourcing
- 3 licenses for royalty-bearing platforms of physical IP at both advanced nodes and mature nodes
- TSMC licenses physical IP for 28nm and 20nm early in Q3
- 3 companies further their commitment to Mali™, ARM's graphics processor
- Microsoft signed a multi-year architecture license to be at the forefront of working with ARM technology, across a broad range of businesses, addressing multiple application areas


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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Yum Brands Inc., Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., Anadarko Petroleum Corp. and Sysco Corp. are among the stocks expected to see active trading during Monday’s session.
Monthly auto sales data will also be released Monday, so shares of Ford Motor Co. F, +0.43%, General Motors Co. GM, -0.54% and U.S.-traded shares of Toyota Motor Corp. TM, +0.64% may also see sizable moves to start the week.
Yum Brands YUM, -1.69% will report fourth-quarter results after the market closes on Monday. Analysts expect the parent company of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut, to post earnings per share of 79 cents for the quarter on revenue of $4.26 billion, according to consensus estimates from FactSet.
Also after Monday’s close, Take-Two Interactive TTWO, -0.90%, an interactive entertainment developer, is expected to report earnings per share of $1.40 on revenue of $707.4 million for its third quarter.
Oil and natural-gas exploration and production company Anadarko Petroleum US:APC is set to release fourth quarter results, with analysts forecasting earnings per share of 91 cents on revenue of $3.93 billion.
Before the bell Monday, Sysco SYY, +0.72% is poised to issue quarterly results for its second quarter. Analysts expect the food seller, marketer and distributor to post earnings per share of 40 cents on revenue of $11.35 billion.
After the close Monday, fourth-quarter results are due from the Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. HIG, +0.65%, which is projected to report earnings of 90 cents per share, Edwards LifeSciences Corp. EW, -0.43%, expected to post earnings per share of 82 cents and General Growth Properties Inc. US:GGP, expected to report a profit per share of 35 cents. For its first quarter, Hologic Inc. HOLX, -0.20% is expected to post earnings per share of 31 cents.
Monthly auto sales data are also on tap for Monday.
While January is typically a slow month for auto sales, analysts are predicting overall light vehicle sales will rise about 0.9% to 1.05 million from a year ago, carrying momentum from 2013 into the new year. That would put the seasonally-adjusted annualized sales rate, or SAAR, at 15.6 million vehicles.
Chrysler, now fully-owned by Fiat IT:F is expected to show the biggest gains, up about 6% at 121,000 units, according to Truecar.com. General Motors GM, -0.54% sales are seen coming in around 190,000, down 1.7% from a year ago, while Ford Motor Co.’s GM, -0.54% sales are seen slipping about 4% to 153,000.


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New York and Mexico City are launching an initiative to encourage travel between the two cities.
NYC & Company -- New York’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization -- and Mexico City's promotional company Fondo Mixto de Promocion Turistica del Distrito Federal (FMPT) and Aeromexico announced the first-ever city-to-city partnership to boost tourism between the two cities.
The two groups signed a media asset-sharing agreement valued at USD $250,000 each.
The one-year agreement includes a reciprocal multimedia marketing exchange between the two destinations and a limited-time Aeromexico $399 roundtrip airfare deal on its four daily flights, including the recently launched luxury 787 Dreamliner.
New York City is a very valuable market for the airline, says Andres Conesa, CEO Aeromexico.
With four daily nonstop frequencies from Mexico City and one daily nonstop flight from Cancun, it allows the airline to offer more than 1,400 daily seats to New York, NY.
“That's why the carrier is so pleased to be part of actions like these that drive tourism and business travel not only between these two cities, but also between both nations." Conesa said in a release.
The limited-time Aeromexico fare must be purchased by Nov. 22 for round-trip travel to either destination now through March 31.
The city-to-city advertising exchange through November includes a swap of media. In Mexico City, New York, NY promotions highlighting the energy and vibrancy of all five boroughs will appear in newsprint, radio and digital media from Oct. 30 through Nov. 20.
In New York, 83 bus shelters promoting travel to Mexico City will generate an estimated 36 million impressions throughout the city. Those ads will run for four weeks.
Additionally, as part of the new agreement, New York and Mexico City will also share best practices in tourism management in an effort to increase the number of visitors between both markets in the year ahead.
In 2012, New York City welcomed 387,000 visitors from Mexico, a 3% increase over the previous year. Visitors from Mexico spent an average of $1,706 per person per trip and collectively $660 million in 2012.
In 2012, 325,000 passengers traveled to Mexico City using New York as a point of origin compared to the 279,363 that traveled during 2011.


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U.S. online jewelry sales have increased rapidly in recent years, but observers note that thin profit margins and consumers’ reluctance to buy jewelry online have prevented the Internet from becoming a major sales channel for jewelers.
“Many customers still need to see, feel and fall in love with the stone instead of just focusing on a diamond’s specifications,” explained Susan Posnock, the director of public affairs and education at Jewelers of America (JA). “They want to go to a retailer who can help them feel confident that they are making the right purchase.”
Much of the excitement about online diamond jewelry sales is due to the dramatic growth witnessed in recent years. De Beers estimates that 13 percent of women’s diamond jewelry purchases in the U.S. were made online in 2013, compared with an estimated 5 percent bought online in 2006.
Posnock noted that Internet sales are not only growing for pure-play online jewelers but also among traditional bricks-and-mortar jewelry retailers. Brick-and-mortar retailers are going online in order to meet the expectations of their customers and remain competitive regardless of the specific channel that customers use to shop, she said.
However, McKinsey & Company cautions that despite this growth, ecommerce will remain a small fraction of total jewelry sales during this decade. In a survey of 20 leading jewelry executives, the consulting company concluded that ecommerce would constitute no more than 10 percent of fine jewelry sales and 15 percent of fashion jewelry sales worldwide by 2020.
While the major U.S. jewelers are all selling online, Simeon Siegel, an analyst at Nomura Securities, suggested that they are aware of these limitations as online sales account for a very small portion of their total revenue. Signet Jewelers, the largest specialty jeweler in the U.S., reported that its online sales accounted for less than 4 percent of its $3.52 billion total country sales in 2014. Moreover, Siegel points out that between 30 percent and 40 percent of those online customers chose to pick up their purchases in the store.
“Ecommerce would constitute no more than 10 percent of fine jewelry sales and 15 percent of fashion jewelry sales worldwide by 2020.”
“What that tells you is that even many Internet savvy customers view part of the jewelry purchasing experience as something that cannot be done entirely online,” he said.


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BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – In the early morning hours of Friday, March 15, Donnell Ford’s showroom went up in flames. Eight months later, the rebuilding process at the Boardman car dealership continues.
“It was overwhelming,” said Todd Dauterman, Donnell’s general manager. “None of us have been through a fire.”
After the fire was put out, Donnell workers saved what they could.
“We started moving some of the stuff out that we could save and we started getting set up in our extra showroom to get started to sell the next day,” Dauterman said.
Everything else was thrown away.
“Then they torn down the walls and we had to build from the ground up,” Dauterman said.
Due to safety reasons, our news crew couldn’t go inside. But from the outside, you can still tell some work needs to be done.
“Of course, we’ve got the front still to do,” Dauterman said. “We should be on the roof in about two weeks.”
There are now steel beams out front, which will eventually be the new showroom on Market Street.
“The rest of the building is completely finished, from the sales office back to services. Services and parts and body shop are all up and running,” Dauterman said.
The rebuilt showroom floor will have a new look.
“It’s going to be the whole new Ford stainless front with the big arch and the Ford sign on it,” Dauterman said. “Brand new showroom. It’s going to be up to Ford specs.”
The amount of space they’ve had to work with has slimmed down but Dauterman said they’ve still been able to run a full crew.
“We’ve got the same employees here when the fire happened until now, thankfully. The Flynn family has made sure that everyone has been taken care of since the fire. Customers have been wonderful and taken care of all of us.”
Finally, we had to ask about the showroom cat, Shelby, that was saved from the fire.
“The cat is in great shape,” Dauterman said. “She’s actually staying with our office manager until our building is done.”


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“JioPhone Next” announced in partnership with Google
It will launch as one of the most affordable 4G phones!
In India, there are still almost 300 Million users that are using the 2G network, and one of the reasons for not upgrading to a 4G phone is the pricing of 4G devices. Also, there are millions of users that still use feature phones in India, and spending a lot on a smartphone is something that’s not easy for them. Well, Jio has planned something big for such users. Today, Jio, in partnership with Google, announced the JioPhone Next. It is an upcoming 4G phone by the company and will launch as one of the most affordable 4G devices in the world!
Along with the announcement, Jio also gave us our first look at the phone. Since it is going to be a super affordable 4G phone, there isn’t anything fancy in terms of the design. It has a single camera on the back, a camera for selfies, and a display with the old 16:9 aspect ratio. It most likely runs on Android Go, and some pre-installed Google services include Google Camera Go, Google Assistant, Maps, YouTube, Gmail, Google Translate, Google Lens, etc.
It comes with a “Listen” feature so the users can listen to the content on the screen, for example, while reading news online. Just with a tap of the “Translate” button, the content will be translated to their preferred language, and they can even choose to listen to it in that language. The “Translate” and “Listen” features are integrated so well in the OS that users will be able to translate and listen to content even in the images.
With Google Assistant, users can do things such as asking for the latest match scores, knowing their Jio balance, listening to some song on JioSaavn, getting the weather update, etc. The Google Camera Go app in the phone also comes with Night Mode to take better low-light images. Google has also partnered with Snapchat to add Snapchat Lenses directly in the camera app. Android and Security updates will be provided to this phone as well.
So, when will the JioPhone Next be available to buy in India? Mukesh Ambani announced that the phone would be available from the 10th of September in India, the same day when the country celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi. There is no information regarding the specifications or the pricing, so we have to wait. There are still more than two months left for the launch, so we will surely get to know more about the phone during this time.


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Try our new AI powered Smart-Search!
iZotope has released RX Post Production Suite 3, the flagship of the RX family product line of software. This refreshed collection provides solutions across the full spectrum of audio post production, from dialogue editing to mixing to delivery for film, TV and other new media.
German processing systems developer Jünger Audio will continue its recent strategy of moving away from dedicated hardware at IBC 2018 with the launch of a new range of software programs on the company’s existing server platforms. The flexAi (Flexible Audio Infrastructure) is designed to offer broadcasters a range of audio applications with no physical constraints.
Looking to help broadcasters with future-proof solutions that support uncompressed IP workflows, at the IBC 2018 Show TSL Products will showcase the latest advancements for its audio monitoring solutions,
Linear Acoustic has been helping broadcasters meet FCC regulations with audio processing and loudness control for the past 15 years. These devices are used extensively across the broadcast community to ensure compliance and avoid costly fines. However, they themselves can be expensive and out of reach for many regions of the world.
Waves Audio has announced the availability of V10, a new version of Waves plug-ins.
Røde is now shipping its SoundField NT-SF1 360-degree Surround Ambisonic Microphone internationally at the opening of IBC.
Blue Microphones has introduced the Yeti Nano, a premium USB microphone designed for broadcast-quality podcasting, YouTube productions, game streaming, Skype/VoIP and voiceover work.
Zaxcom will demonstrate its new internal ZaxNet transmitter for Deva 24 at IBC.
Audio-Technica unveiled a pair of new shotgun microphones. The BP28 and BP28L combine low-noise, large diaphragm condenser elements in shotgun models with extremely tight polar patterns.


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T-bill lows: Interest rates on short-term Treasury securities fell in Tuesday`s auction to the lowest level in 29 years. The Treasury Department sold $11 billion in three-month bills at an average discount rate of 2.91 percent, down from 3.17 percent last week. Another $11 billion was sold in six-month bills at an average discount rate of 2.95 percent, down from 3.26 percent last week. The three-month bill rate was the lowest since they sold for 2.90 percent May 13, 1963. The six-month bill rate was the lowest since they averaged 2.93 percent March 11, 1963.
Copyright © 2018, Chicago Tribune


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Tick, tock, tick, tock – that’s the sound of time counting down to the implementation date of Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)1 in the UK on 14 March 2022.
With phase 3 of UK Finance’s ramp-up to compliance with SCA imminent, the time to act is now. As of 18 January 2022, the sprint phase of the ramp-up will commence.
If you are yet to implement 3DS2 the below dates highlight the volume of transactions that will be subject to soft declines at key dates over the next two months.
|Date||Dec 2021||18 Jan ’22||1 Feb ’22||15 Feb ’22||1 Mar ’22||14 Mar ’22|
|Soft decline volume||3%||10%||30%||50%||75%||100%|
Source: UK Finance Revised SCA Ramp Up Plan, November 2021 available at UK Finance Revised SCA Ramp Up plan
We recently wrote about why you should implant 3DS2 today and gave three key reasons merchants should act now. The acceleration in potentially affected transactions provides a fourth compelling catalyst; failure to act will see an increase in customer dissatisfaction the potential loss of revenue and reputational damage.
How Do I Implement 3DS2?
In many cases implementing 3DS2 is a relatively straightforward process that may help protect your revenue, maintain customer satisfaction and aid in fraud prevention.
At TNS we have been helping our customers enable 3DS2 for their eCommerce websites. If you need help implementing an SCA compliant solution before the March 2022 deadline, contact our team today.
1What is Strong Customer Authentication?
SCA is a new requirement for additional layers of security in electronic payments. Merchants now need to ask consumers to provide additional information to prove their identity when making an electronic payment which includes:


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Park and then Pay!
CBU is introducing a new, more efficient way to pay for parking.
The new park and pay system will allow drivers to park and then pay on their way into the building.
Step 1- park your car
Step 2 – visit a display terminal and enter your license plate number
Step 3 – pay for parking via coin, Visa or Mastercard and take your receipt
Drivers will no longer have to display a printed ticket on their dashboard. The new technology will allow Campus Security Officers to monitor payment at the terminals via a synced handheld device.
Installation of the six new display terminals will begin today, Tuesday, June 14, and be complete by Friday, June 16. The terminals will be installed in parking lots 1, 2, 5 and beside the library, replacing all but two of the current pay and display terminals.
As part of this process individual parking meters are also being replaced with new meters that will accept payment by VISA, Mastercard (secure) and coin.
Term and annual passes can still be purchased at the CBU book store.


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Microsoft have had to pay out €561m, after the EU competition authority fined the operating system giant. They said Microsoft had failed to give at least 15 million customers a choice of web browser, a violation of a voluntary antitrust pact that was spotted and raised by Google and Opera, according to people familiar with the case.
According to the FT, Joaquín Almunia, the EU antitrust enforcer was behind the ruling. It will certainly hurt Microsoft, especially in regards to public perception.
Microsoft had already paid around €1.6bn in fines in Europe during a decade long battle with Brussels. The FT add “Lately it has largely shed its image as antitrust delinquent to become the main cheerleader for regulatory action against Google’s search business.
Brussels has never before punished a group for breaching a settlement. Mr Almunia said the €561m fine was intended to “punish and deter”, saying companies “must do what they committed to do or face the consequences”. It represents about 1 per cent of Microsoft’s global turnover.”
Microsoft apologised last year for breaching a deal set out with Brussels to end a long running investigation. The company then provided a Windows OS update which flagged a screen on their computer to show them other options to download alternative browsers. Internet Explorer is bundled with the operating system.
Almunia added that ‘a lapse’ was brought to his attention by a Microsoft rival. Insiders claim that Google and Opera provided the ‘tip-off’.
Microsoft said after the fine was issued “We take full responsibility for the technical error that caused this problem and have apologised for it.”
Other reports have indicated that this was the reason that Steve Ballmer only received half of his potential bonus last year.
Kitguru says: Microsoft under watch by rivals.


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Weekend Unlimited Inc. has entered into an arms-length agreement that allows the company to acquire 49 percent of the Northern Lights Supply retail cannabis store in Nisku, Alta.
The parties have entered into a convertible secured six percent interest loan facility for as much as $1.2 million, of which Weekend Unlimited will initially advance $500,000, explains a statement from the company, which aggregates and scales small to medium brands, primarily in the categories of flower, extracts and edibles.
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Weekend Unlimited broadens its portfolio to add Canna Candys and Canna Medibles
Weekend Unlimited Inc. to acquire R&D Pharma in Jamaica
Modern Grower | Edibles with Altai Brands
At any time during the term ending Dec. 31, 2022, Weekend Unlimited has the option to convert the full amount of the loan facility into 49 percent equity of the retail store. “The option may only be exercised once Weekend has received approval from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission after going through required due diligence,” the press release points out.
“The store was designed to take advantage of the upcoming edible and infused cannabis products schedule to be legal in the fall of 2019,” the statement notes.
The entire retail space—one of Alberta’s largest approved retail cannabis stores at 6,500 sq. ft.—is located at the intersection to Canada’s largest oilfield industrial park, along the province’s busiest highway and opposite the airport, says Cody Corrubia, president and CEO of Weekend Unlimited.
“We look forward to working with the team at Weekend Unlimited in growing our brand in Alberta. Their experience will be invaluable in recognizing the numerous opportunities in this new and emerging industry,” says Northern Lights Supply president Derek Shields.
Want to keep up to date on what’s happening in the world of cannabis? Subscribe to the Cannabis Post newsletter for weekly insights into the industry, what insiders will be talking about and content from across the Postmedia Network.


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Debenhams has issued a fresh profit warning, admitting sales are falling short of already lowered expectations amid the crisis facing the high street.
The chain said "increased competitor discounting and weakness in key markets" meant it endured "below plan" trading in May and early June, despite weak comparisons with the same period in 2017.
Debenhams said it now expected pre-tax profits for the year to 2 September to come in between £35m-£40m.
The market had been expecting an already weaker £50.3m.
It reported a 2.1% increase in group like-for-like sales during the 41 weeks to 16 June - a performance that failed to meet its own expectations.
It issued its first profit warning after poor Christmas trading - which it blamed on bad weather.
Debenhams later revealed an 85% slump in half-year profits, with the so-called Beast from the East and restructuring costs taking their toll on its bottom line in the six months to March.
A string of big name retailers have either sought help or gone to the wall since.
Earlier this month one key rival, House of Fraser, announced a rescue plan involving the closure of dozens of stores.
M&S is also trimming its store estate as it bids to catch up in the digital sales sphere.
Debenhams said digital sales growth of 11.5% in the financial year to date was a bright spot but it would accelerate cost-cutting to help limit the impact, explaining that a "new leaner operating model will unlock further opportunity to drive efficiencies in the future."
Chief executive Sergio Bucher said: "It is well-documented that these are exceptionally difficult times in UK retail and our trading performance in this quarter reflects that.
"We don't see these conditions changing in the near future and, because it is our priority to maintain a robust balance sheet, we are making very careful choices about how we deploy capital.
"We see clear evidence of progress as our digital growth outperforms the market and customers respond positively to our product improvements and format trials.
"We have also put in place a leaner operational structure and made a number of important hires so that we are well-equipped to navigate the market turbulence."
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The Department of Heavy Industries (DHI), the implementing ministry for the plan, is anticipated to shortly element the eligibility standards to determine ‘scalable champions’ on the metrics of turnover, exports, and progress historical past. Companies assembly the factors can be eligible for incentives supposed to spice up native manufacturing unit output and exports, stated a senior trade government.
“The industry was eagerly awaiting this scheme to increase its competitiveness and take the growth of the sector to the next level,” stated Kenichi Ayukawa, President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). “We look forward to the details of the scheme that would be rolled out by the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises.”
To develop presence globally, automakers within the native market have been working at doubling exports within the subsequent 5 years. Although the PLI particulars are but to be revealed, trade insiders anticipate the incentives would assist make manufacturing automobiles in India extra aggressive and scale up exports.
Automakers exported 4.77 million automobiles in FY20.
“The announcement of the approval of the PLI scheme for the auto and auto component sector is indeed a very welcome step to make the industry ‘Atmanirbhar’ and globally competitive,” stated Deepak Jain, President, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA). “We are hopeful that the outlay announced will encourage the industry to become net-exporters and help reduce import dependence. We eagerly await the detailed contours of the scheme for the auto and auto component sectors.”
India exported auto parts valued at $14.5 billion within the final monetary yr. Imports final fiscal additionally declined 11.4% to $15.Four billion. Jain added that whereas the auto part trade exports over 25% of its manufacturing, the trade goals to seize a big proportion of the worldwide commerce.
“This will also improve exports and will make better economies of scale,” stated Vinkesh Gulati, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Association (FADA). “With increasing auto production and the government giving incentives, I am sure that our principals will trickle down the benefits to the end customers. This will, therefore, help in demand generation.”
For the report, India Wednesday accredited a monetary outlay of Rs 145,980 crore for enhancing manufacturing capabilities and exports in 10 recognized sectors. The highest allocation – amounting to 39% of the general outlay – has been made to the auto and auto part sectors.
“The automotive industry is a major economic contributor in India. The PLI scheme will make the Indian automotive industry more competitive and will enhance globalization of the Indian automotive sector,” the federal government stated in a press release.
An extra Rs 18,100 crore has been earmarked underneath the scheme for corporations engaged in manufacturing advance chemistry cell (ACC) battery. The proposal can be formulated by Niti Aayog and Department of Heavy Industries.
“ACC battery manufacturing represents one of the largest economic opportunities… for several global growth sectors, such as consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy,” stated the federal authorities assertion. “The PLI scheme for ACC battery will incentivize large domestic and international players in establishing a competitive ACC battery set-up in the country.”
The last proposals of PLI for particular person sectors can be appraised by the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) and accredited by the Cabinet.


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You know the auto pilot is starting to kick in when you reduce your marketing spend by over $3m and your revenue jumps by $2m anyway. Such was the case in the December half year for ASX listed online screening and verification company CVCheck. Revenues for the half year jumped from $2.9m to $4.9m and costs appear to be well and truly under control.
You know the auto pilot is starting to kick in when you reduce your marketing spend by over $3m and your revenue jumps by $2m anyway.
Such was the case in the December half year for ASX listed online screening and verification company CVCheck.
The company reported serious revenue growth for the six months ending December 31 on the back of a surge in corporate clients.
Commenting on the results for the six months to December, CVCheck said it had made significant progress in the first half of FY17, including the integration of its New Zealand business, a significant uptick in users and a surge in corporate revenue.
In a statement to the ASX, the company said it was particularly pleased with continued strong revenue growth after finishing the first half with revenues of $4.9m representing a 42 per cent uplift from the $2.9m posted in the previous corresponding period last year.
CVCheck achieved these stellar results despite dropping their marketing spend from $4.1m down to just $800k, perhaps a sign that the company’s business offering is now starting to get a life of its own in the market place.
Losses for the half year dropped from $6.6m in the corresponding period last year to just $2.4m for the December half and the company says it is still on track to break even by the end of calendar year 2017.
In addition, CVCheck said it continued to streamline its cost base and boost users during the period.
Company management said “Alongside the integration of the New Zealand business, the Company experienced strong growth in users, wins of high value recurring corporate revenue, and delivered significant technology enhancements and improved workflows,”
“The Company also overhauled operational processes and completed a company-wide review, which resulted in the streamlining of the ongoing cost base.”
In addition to former employment reference checks, police record checks and university degree verifications, CVCheck are also able to tell an employer if a job applicant has ever been bankrupt, laundered money, lost his or her drivers license or failed a credit check.
The company’s shift in focus from individual job seeker clients to corporate employer clients is already starting to pay dividends and should make for an interesting set of full year numbers.


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LONDON (MarketWatch) -- U.K. pub operator JD Wetherspoon JDW, -1.02% said Wednesday that its comparable sales rose 5.5% in the twelve weeks to Jan 21. The company said that comparable sales in January showed lower growth than in previous months of the year. Year-to-date, which covers the 25 weeks to Jan. 21, comparable sales rose 7.5%, with total sales up 8.3%. In the current financial year, the company expects to increase the number of pub openings to 20, compared with 9 last year, with the number increasing to around 30 next year. England and Wales are due to introduce a smoking ban this year and the company said that the 61 pubs outside Scotland which have opened as non-smoking pubs, or have been converted to non-smoking pubs, continued showed improving sales. In Scotland, which has already introduced a smoking ban, comparable 12 week sales rose 3.9%.
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There is an outcry in the car market of Pakistan which is facing financial crisis. Due to the crisis of electricity, water and bread, the prices of cars and bikes are also skyrocketing in Pakistan. Due to the falling Pakistani rupee, the condition of the country’s car market is that companies are increasing the price of vehicles twice in a month, as a result of which the vehicles are becoming expensive in Pakistan. People have to pay huge amount even for bikes like Splendor and Pulsar. Entry level cars also seem to be out of the budget of the people.
Due to the decreasing demand for vehicles, brands like Toyota and Suzuki have also had to stop production in their plants. Recently, Suzuki Pakistan and Toyota had announced to stop the production of vehicles. According to Pakistani media reports, Suzuki Pakistan had stopped production in the early week of January, the company said at that time that the management decided to shut down due to conditional permission to import auto parts and Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits. Have done. Apart from this, the company also cited the supply chain being affected due to the ban by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Toyota cars became costlier for the second time in a month:
Indus Motor Company (IMC) is an assembler and seller of Toyota-branded vehicles in Pakistan. The company has increased the prices of its cars for the second time in January 2023 due to the sharp fall in the Pakistani rupee. The price of Toyota vehicles was increased by about Rs 11.5 lakh. The price of the Corolla 1.6 CVT has been increased from Rs 5.369 million to Rs 5.749 million, an increase of Rs 380,000. The Corolla 1.8 CVT is now priced at Rs 6.07 million after an increase of Rs 430,000.
A Toyota showroom in Karachi, Pakistan. Pic – Reuters
The highest hike has been seen in the prices of the Fortuner range, with the Fortuner Diesel Legend getting a price hike of Rs 1.16 million and will now be available at Rs 17.07 million (around Rs 1.7 crore). The IMC says that economic uncertainties and extreme volatility in the value of the Pakistani rupee against the dollar have adversely affected the cost of manufacturing for the company and that is the reason why the price of the vehicles has been hiked.
Suzuki bikes became expensive, bookings closed:
According to Dawn’s report, Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited (PSMCL) has announced an increase in motorcycle prices by Rs 20,000-25,000 from February 1. Although the company has not given any reason for the increase in prices in its letter issued to the authorized dealers. PSMCL has stopped new bookings for the bike from January 20 for the time being due to the constraints in the import supply chain and uncertain production prospects in the current economic conditions.
Suzuki cars also became expensive:
According to Business Recorder, Pak Suzuki’s cheapest passenger car Alto VX has now cost Rs 18.59 lakh after an increase of Rs 160,000 since January 25. Meanwhile, the top-end variant of the Swift will sell for Rs 4.115 million after a price hike of Rs 3,55,000. Different variants of the Wagon R have seen a jump between Rs 2,08,000 to Rs 257,000. Now an amount of Rs 26.29 lakh will have to be paid for WagonR.
Honda CG 125
125cc bike for 1.35 lakh:
Honda Atlas sells both cars and bikes in Pakistan. The cost of the brand’s cheapest bike CD-70 is Rs 1.21 lakh and the price of 125 cc segment bike like Splendor CG 125 Self Start has been priced at Rs 2.19 lakh and CB125 has been priced at Rs 2.83 lakh. Although it was being claimed in some media reports that the company has recently increased the prices, but the prices given on the official website are according to the increase made in the month of October last year. The starting price of the CB 150F series coming in the 150 cc segment has reached Rs 3.53 lakh.
Note: The price of vehicles mentioned here is according to Pakistani rupees. At present (till the time of writing the news), the value of Pakistani rupee is much less than the Indian currency. 1 rupee of India is equal to 3 rupees 20 paise of Pakistan.


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Ocean Choice International, owner and operator of seafood processing plants across the province, has announced this afternoon that it is closing its operations in Marystown and Port Union.
Just last week an external audit performed by Deloitte confirmed the company’s assertion that processing yellowtail at the Marystown plant has cost the company nearly $10 million in just the past three years. A strong Canadian dollar and high fuel costs were the primary causes.
Meanwhile, the shrimp processing plant in Port Union has been closed since the Fall of 2010 after severe damage was caused during Hurricane Igor. As the company cited delays in working with its insurance companies as a cause, rumours have been circulating that OCI would not reopen the plant at all. Lower shrimp quotas and availability at other Newfoundland plants have perhaps made the plant redundant.
Recently Ocean Choice CEO Martin Sullivan has been very outspoken about the state of the fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador, calling the industry “broken” on Tuesday night. The Telegram reported Wednesday that Sullivan’s problem with the industry’s model was that while market requirements are changing with growing demand worldwide, minimum-processing requirements in Newfoundland and Labrador are hamstringing his company.
Sullivan has said that other competitors around the world — or even in Canada — don’t face the same restrictions, and has suggested that his company has lost hundreds of millions in potential revenue, and that jobs lost in plants would be made up by jobs in the water, and better wages.
Sullivan has called on the provincial government to relax legislation to allow the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador to restructure itself on the industry’s dime.


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Microsoft Build 2013: Complete Coverage
The 2013 Microsoft Build Conference has begun and we’re on the scene in San Francisco getting a first look. Microsoft is taking a page out of Apple’s playbook with the announcement-heavy event, and we’ll be reporting on all the Windows desktop and mobile news from the scene.
Microsoft's Build conference is in full force. The company officially released its preview version of Windows 8.1 today. Here's what you need to know about MIcrosoft's updated operating system.
Microsoft unveiled a Windows 8.1 preview edition at this year's Build event, and now we're learning that a new photo application feature will come packed with the OS. Panorama view lets you take sphere-like panoramic photographs.
At the Microsoft Build conference, CEO Steve Ballmer announced that an official Facebook app is on the way to Windows 8. It's been a long, hard wait, W8 users - and now it's over.
The Microsoft Build conference is underway, and we have a first look at everything packed inside Xbox Music for Windows 8.1. The app includes all the streaming goodness we'd expect, plus a few surprises.
Steve Ballmer announced at this year's Microsoft Build conference that the general public would be able to preview a version of Windows 8.1. The preview is free, available to anyone, and offers a good glimpse at what we can expect in the future.
Today, Sprint announced the summer launch of two new Windows Phone 8 devices, the HTC 8XT and Samsung Ativ S Neo. The phones, with yet-to-be-announced released dates, will be on the affordable end of the spectrum, with two-year agreement and rebate.
What’s still missing from Windows Phone 8? We round up a wish list of tweaks, fixes, and new features we’d like to see in the next version of Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform.


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Quick-fashion big Shein is quickly ramping up manufacturing judi bola online in Brazil, with 100 factories already producing for the web retailer because it introduced plans to take a position $148 million within the area a month in the past.
It’s a part of a much bigger plan to broaden manufacturing outdoors of China and to embrace speedy development in Latin America, stated Shein’s chairman for the area and a shareholder within the firm, Marcelo Claure.
“I’m investing in firms that I may help,” Claure stated in an interview with Bloomberg Information. “Shein match the profile of the kind of firm that I used to be on the lookout for, which was a world firm, a extremely disruptive firm.”
Shein, which presently manufactures virtually all of its merchandise in China however sells just about nothing to Chinese language prospects, is seeking to localise manufacturing in fast-growing areas to chop distribution prices and velocity up supply occasions. The corporate stated in April that it could accomplice with 2,000 Brazilian textile factories within the subsequent 5 years, and it has introduced related plans in India and Turkey.
“Latin America performs an essential a part of Shein’s income. It’s undoubtedly one of many fastest-growing areas on the earth,” stated Claure, who invested $100 million within the firm. He famous that Shein’s is among the most downloaded apps in Brazil.
Claure, 52, served as deputy to SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son till January 2022, when he left the Japanese funding agency over a dispute about compensation. As SoftBank’s chief working officer, he steered the turnaround efforts at a number of of the agency’s rockier Imaginative and prescient Fund investments, together with Dash, now T-Cell US Inc., and WeWork.
Born in Guatemala to Bolivian mother and father, Claure moved to the US to attend school in Massachusetts. After he graduated, an opportunity alternative to purchase a cellphone store spawned Brightstar, a world telecom gear supplier he bought to SoftBank a decade in the past.
Since splitting with Son, Claure has been pursuing offers by means of his household workplace, Claure Group. He began a division inside it final 12 months, Claure Capital, that focuses on private and non-private investments.
Claure Group, which manages $3.3 billion, will spend money on Latin American firms which might be “disruptive to conventional enterprise fashions,” Claure stated. Shein, which is headquartered in Singapore, was Claure’s first vital funding following the cut up with SoftBank, he stated.
Whereas Shein has been lauded for its fast-growing enterprise mannequin, it has additionally confronted scrutiny for poor manufacturing facility situations and its giant carbon footprint. Claure stated he took a two-week journey to China previous to investing in Shein to speak to employees and tour the factories to which it outsources manufacturing. He added that Shein “units up very clear guidelines” associated to wages, labour and supplies sourcing and that Brazil will replicate the mannequin utilized in China.
“It was reassuring to see that the persons are proud of Shein,” Claure stated.
Report: Shein Raises $2 Billion at a Decrease Valuation
The most recent funding spherical for the Chinese language quick style behemoth places the corporate at two-thirds of its $100 billion valuation from final 12 months, in response to the Wall Avenue Journal.


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Yandex’s corporate logo is well known to users of the Russian-language Internet. Source: Getty images/Fotobank
Russian Internet giant Yandex is taking its competition with Google to the next level. At the end of October, Yandex launched two different services for mobile application developers: an analytics system for mobile applications and a cloud-based system for app developers the company has dubbed “Cocaine.”
The analytics tool is actually an expansion of the Yandex.Metrica for Apps, which the company launched in 2009. The original Yandex.Metrica for Apps allowed website owners to analyze the behavior of users and the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
Metrica for Apps, however, is designed to make it easier for developers to get feedback from users of their products on both Android platforms and Apple products. The service collects information on how apps are used and can sort the data with various filters including geo-location, application version, type and version of operating system, type of device (tablet or smartphone), model and the manufacturer, screen resolution, language, mobile provider, connection type, and the user’s actions and session.
In addition, the tool can identify any drawbacks of running the application on mobile devices. For example, it can show how many glitches Russian users experience per week when running the application on a tablet. App developers can receive data from Yandex.Metrica in real time or over a long period.
At that time, Segalovich was experimenting with different derivatives of words that described the essence of the technology. As a result, the team came up with “yandex” — adding the Russian letter “Ya,” which translates as “I,” to index. The name originally stood for “yet another index.”
Today, Yandex is synonymous with Internet search in Russia.
Unlike Google Analytics for mobile apps, Yandex.Metrica does not yet provide data on conversions (number of installations following a click on an ad) or performance (such as the number of users who make a purchase with an app). Yandex does plan to offer these features in the future.
“The next step in developing the service will be to offer marketing tools. With their help, developers will be able to see the traffic sources, funnels, conversions and much more,” a representative of the company’s press service said. Yandex.Metrika for applications is available for free to developers worldwide in English and Russian.
Cocaine, the name of Yandex’s new cloud service, is an acronym for Configurable Omnipotent Custom Applications Integrated Network Engine, but also reflects company hopes that the service will become addictive. The service, which will be used to create individualized cloud hosting applications, is an open source platform (PaaS) similar to Google App Engine or Heroku.
Nicholas Turubar, an expert on mobile technology, considers the new Yandex products the company’s attempt to increase its market position vis-à-vis Google. “By creating mobile metrics, Yandex seeks to consolidate its position on the international market of mobile applications and to support its own Yandex.Store,” Turubar said. “However, no one can predict how Google will react. There is a risk that the company will attempt to prevent its competitor from developing its own app store.”
Should this happen, Yandex will not be able to integrate with GooglePlay, the largest app store for devices with Android operating systems. Yandex.Store, launched in 2012, consists of two parts: one for developers and one for users. The store currently offers more than 85,000 applications, according to its official site.
There is a precedent for blocking Yandex applications. Facebook banned Yandex’s Wonder mobile app from receiving information about Facebook users within hours of the app’s launch.
At the beginning of this year, Yandex had 62 percent of the Internet search market in Russia, compared with 26 percent for Google. Yandex issued an I.P.O. on the Nasdaq exchange in 2011 and is currently valued at more than $11 billion.
All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
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