text:
In the frontier of internet technology, blockchain has emerged as a transformative force. Among its innovative applications, blockchain-based domain names have received considerable attention, giving rise to a competitive landscape where companies vie to dominate this nascent space. Two of the most prominent entities in this field, Unstoppable Domains and Ethereum Name Service (ENS), have found themselves locked in a potentially pivotal dispute over the patents related to these digital properties. The contention highlights not only the increasing value of blockchain domains but also the intricate challenges of intellectual property within decentralized networks.
Unstoppable Domains, a company that enables the creation of domain names on the blockchain, has been pushing aggressively to establish its place in the market. These domains, which often end in extensions such as .crypto or .zil, offer distinct advantages over traditional domains, including resistance to censorship, enhanced security, and direct integration with cryptocurrencies. As Unstoppable Domains sought to secure its innovations, they filed for patents that would solidify their hold on certain technological implementations of blockchain domain names.
On the other hand, ENS, a decentralized domain name provider anchored on the Ethereum blockchain, operates on a different philosophy. The ethos propagated by ENS is one of open standards and community governance. ENS domains typically end in .eth and are deeply integrated with the Ethereum ecosystem. ENS’s approach to technology focuses more on collaboration and less on exclusive ownership. This has led to friction when their open model clashed with Unstoppable Domains’ patent filings.
Critics argue that patenting aspects of blockchain domain technology may stifle innovation and restrict the open-source nature that forms the foundation of the blockchain community. The decentralized aspect of blockchain technology, by design, resists monopolistic control, and patents could be seen as antithetical to this ethos. Supporters of patenting, Contend that these legal protections are necessary to foster innovation and ensure that companies can recoup their developmental investments.
The clash over blockchain domain patents also throws into sharp relief the differences in business models and philosophical underpinnings of the companies involved. While Unstoppable Domains defends the necessity of patents to protect its business model and revenue stream, the ENS’s reliance on the broader Ethereum community and its principles of decentralization casts doubt on the necessity—or even the morality—of enforcing exclusive rights over what could be considered communal technology.
As the battle over patents continues, the legal status of blockchain domain names comes under scrutiny. Traditional domains are regulated by organizations such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which oversees the domain name system (DNS). Blockchain domains, Fall outside ICANN’s purview, residing instead on public blockchains which are inherently global and not subject to any single entity’s jurisdiction. This raises complex legal questions about the enforceability and scope of patents in the realm of blockchain.
The controversy also raises the spectre of potential ‘patent wars’ similar to those witnessed in the smartphone industry, where companies can end up spending as much time in court as they do innovating. Such conflicts can lead to a fragmented market, where interoperability and user experience suffer, showing that the outcome of this clash could have far-reaching implications for the development of the blockchain domain industry.
The increasing interest from traditional companies and investors in blockchain domains adds to the urgency of resolving these disputes. As mainstream companies seek to establish their presence in the decentralized web, clarity on patent rights will be crucial for them to navigate these new waters and for the industry to continue attracting investment.
It is important to recognize that the conflict between Unstoppable Domains and ENS isn’t just a high-stakes corporate battle; it reflects larger debates within the cryptocurrency community. Discussions regarding centralization versus decentralization, commercial interests versus communal innovation, and the role of intellectual property in an industry built on openness continue to rage on.
In seeking a resolution to the patent dispute, both companies and the wider blockchain community will need to engage in earnest dialogue. Balancing the protection of proprietary technology with the ethos of decentralization will prove challenging. Still, it is hoped that a middle ground can be found which allows for continued innovation without resorting to stifling norms from more traditional industries.
As the dust settles on the Unstoppable Domains and ENS patent clash, the decisions made now could set precedents that help shape the future relationship between blockchain technology and intellectual property law. The outcome will not just impact these two companies, but also signal to the world how the innovative potential of decentralized technology is best harnessed — whether shackled by traditional constraints or allowed to flourish in an open environment.
It is clear that the Unstoppable Domains and ENS dispute encapsulates a collision of worlds: the nascent blockchain domain industry and the veteran system of intellectual property rights. The future of this sector now hangs in the balance, and interested parties across the globe will eagerly await the resolution, hoping it leans in favor of innovation, inclusiveness, and a more open internet for all.


text:
Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry Article
Join 62,000+ members. Yes, it's completely free.
June 19, 2018
The International Olympic Committee has joined forces with Lacoste to create the first exclusive Olympic Heritage lifestyle apparel line, in a deal that will continue through 2020.
The new line will feature men’s garments and accessories that embody the legacy of the Olympic Games. The initial launch will celebrate the 50th anniversaries of both the Olympic Games in Mexico City 1968 and the Olympic Winter Games Grenoble in 1968.
The two-year agreement will see a collection developed around each season that will be sold in 10 countries including Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain and the U.K.
“We are delighted to announce the launch of this new collection, which marks the beginning of an exciting licensing agreement with Lacoste to further connect people with Olympic history and legacy,” says Timo Lumme, managing director, IOC Television and Marketing Services. “The collection celebrates the iconic designs of Olympic Games Grenoble 1968 and Mexico City 1968 on their 50th anniversary. These Games not only represented a turning point for the art and design of the Olympic Games, they also left a strong sporting and cultural heritage that is still acknowledged today.”
Read more about:Lacoste
License Global is the leading news source for the brand licensing industry, delivering award-winning editorial content including news, trends, analysis, and special reports about the global consumer product and retail marketplace.
Through its print edition, website, daily e-newsletter and event publications, License Global reaches more than 150,000 executives and professionals in all major markets. The magazine also serves as the official publication for the sector’s trade events, which include Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, Licensing Expo Japan, Licensing Expo Shanghai and the Licensing Leadership Summit.
Subscribe for updates directly into your inbox.
You May Also Like
Mattel Appoints Brian Fitzharris SVP and GM, Fisher-PriceApril 19, 2024
Taco Bell Teams Up with Secret Aardvark Hot SauceApril 19, 2024
Manly Bands Partners with The Jeep BrandApril 19, 2024
Jonnie x PBR Collection ReleasedApril 19, 2024

domain: news


text:
Hospitality giant Hilton officially joined the food hall club Wednesday, November 15, with the debut of the Social, a new suburban dining hub that takes its cues from some of the hottest quick-service eateries in the area.
The 10,000-square-foot facility, located in the ground floor of Hilton’s headquarters in McLean (7930 Jones Branch Drive), was specifically designed to cater to the roughly 800 Hilton employees on site, as well as hotel guests, mall shoppers, and office workers in the surrounding office buildings. Hilton staff was allowed in a day early, enjoying a private reception November 14.
Shawn McGowan, senior director of food and beverage brand initiatives and programs at Hilton, tells Eater that the nearly year-long undertaking involved extensive research into what types of foods would most appeal to staff and the general public. He cited homegrown chains such as modern Mexican eatery Taco Bamba, rapidly expanding salad-slinger Sweetgreen — “It’s a very popular place for our team members to go,” McGowan says of the outpost in neighboring Tysons Galleria — and Mediterranean meal-maker Cava as key starting points. Sodexo chef Eric Phipps said his research led him to a number of iconic food halls including Union Market in D.C., Chelsea Market in New York, Eataly in New York, and Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.
The end product features six built-in eateries plus a standalone coffee shop. The dining options include:
- Starbucks: the Seattle-based chain has set up a full-service coffee shop, with nitro cold brew on tap, as well as cold case filled with pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, and cold drinks.
- Char: all-American grill with a house burger, French dip-style prime rib sandwich, chicken sandwiches, specialty chips (chipotle, cheddar, and Old Bay flavorings are available), and rotating specials.
- Mangia: Italian option featuring flatbread pizzas and pressed-to-order paninis.
- Home: upscale hot bar stocked with seasonally inspired, locally sourced specials (free-range chicken, butternut squash).
- Graze: made-to-order salads and grain bowls topped with select proteins (marinated chicken, roast salmon).
- Central bank: a combination make-your-own salad bar and soup station. There’s also pre-packaged snacks (chips, pre-packaged sushi, sparkling water) in a temperature-controlled case.
- Sammies: deli counter specializing in classic sandwiches (corned beef, roast beef), salads, and specialty sides (potato salad, Sriracha coleslaw, pickles).
- Spice: open kitchen with two circular griddles that’s expected to focus on different world cuisines (Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American) each week. Phipps says his team has worked up 12 different themes that will cycle through the space.
While there is no standalone dessert option, Phipps said Spice will incorporate different sweets into the breakfast offerings; he mentioned custom crepes, cinnamon rolls, and French toast stuffed with Nutella and strawberries, specifically. Phipps also mapped out plans to roll out assorted baked goods every Wednesday morning. Hilton is also expected to supply one of its standard treats: the complimentary chocolate chip cookies dispensed at Doubletree by Hilton hotels.
The adjacent dining room features a mix of booths, tables, and stadium seating (for team meetings, and such), as well as a ping pong table that doubles as a communal table. There is also a private dining room for corporate events. D.C.-based Core architecture and design spearheaded the renovation.
The embedded Starbucks is scheduled to operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Hilton-controlled eateries are currently scheduled to operate from 7 a..m. to 3 p.m, Monday through Friday — though McGowan said those hours could change based on demand.
In addition to beating other hotel operators to the punch in the race to dominate food service, Hilton also got the jump on restaurateur Mike Isabella. His take on mall dining, Isabella Eatery, continues to take shape inside Tysons Galleria.
Scroll down to look inside the Social.
Status: Certified open. 7930 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Va.
A ping pong table at the Social. Photo: Hilton Worldwide


text:
Kinect: Microsoft's accidental success story
What happens when Microsoft applies a Google-like model to an Apple-like gadget? We're going to find out.
Computerworld - Microsoft introduced a peripheral device for gaming in November called Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360. The product turned out to be a brain-dead simple-to-use, innovative and completely new user interface. It became the fastest-selling consumer electronics product in history, and has now sold more than 10 million units.
Kinect's reception has been more akin to an Apple product like the iPod, iPhone or iPad than a Microsoft one. Usually Microsoft has to spend hundreds of millions of marketing dollars just to become a second-tier player. Think of Bing, or Windows Phone 7. But not the Kinect. It just took off. Everyone loves it. The Kinect is Microsoft's iPad -- the hot consumer appliance with no significant competition.
Then something really unusual happened. Kinect became the hottest platform in the industry for bold new inventions. Scientists, hobbyists and inventors started "hacking" the Kinect to build crazy new contraptions, all without Microsoft's knowledge or permission.
Microsoft is used to battling pirates, counterfeiters, hackers and users who want to use without paying. So it was even more surprising when the company embraced and encouraged the movement. Microsoft's approach to Kinect reminds me of Google's approach to Android. In both cases, the companies have no idea where others will take the platform and take a hands-off approach to the direction of innovation.
Microsoft Kinect in the enterprise: Not just for gaming
Microsoft officially sanctioned such "hacks" this week by releasing a software developers kit (SDK) for Kinect. What's unusual about the release is that Microsoft says it's "a free beta release for noncommercial applications." In other words, it's for hobbyists, tinkerers, hackers, scientists and inventors, rather than industry partners, software developers and OEMs. The company plans to release a commercial version later, which can be used for third-party applications that will be sold to the public.
Microsoft's SDK is very exciting for one major reason: People have already done mind-blowing things with Kinect even without the SDK. Kinect has been hacked to make serious breakthroughs in technology for marketing, medicine, business, computer science, entertainment and robotics.
A Russian company called ARDoor has created an in-store "mirror" called the AR Door Kinect Fitting Room that superimposes clothes on shoppers. They can quickly cycle through different outfits to see how they'll look.
An academic researcher at the Technical University of Munich created something he calls the "Magic Mirror." Designed for teaching anatomy, the system creates the illusion of a mirror that shows the user's insides through a "hole" in the body.
A graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill created a 3D video conferencing system using four Kinect devices. The system uses head tracking to simulate reality. For example, with a conventional videoconferencing system, the other user is just flat on the screen. If you're looking at the user straight on, the view doesn't change when you move to the side. But with the Kinect-based 3D system, if you move to one side, you see the side of his or her face, rather than just the front.
- Market Overview: Digital Customer Experience Delivery Platforms Forrester states that businesses today struggle to understand and use the tools necessary to create and manage unified, multichannel digital customer experiences across...
- The Growing Demand for Rich Media This white paper discusses how IBM Customer Experience Suite Rich Media Edition can automate rich media workflows, from collaborating with creative agencies and...
- Three Best Practices to Help Enterprises Overcome BYOD Challenges The new Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) environment presents challenges for IT managers and business leaders. This paper discusses how IT managers can address those challenges,...
- Intelligent Imaging for Improved Banking Performance and Profitability A new generation of "Intelligent Imaging" solutions has emerged that is helping banks remove the burden of paper in legacy processes, like loan...
- Keep Servers Up and Running and Attackers in the Dark An SSL/TLS handshake requires at least 10 times more processing power on a server than on the client. SSL renegotiation attacks can readily...
- On Demand: Mastering the Art of Mobile Content Management Mobile device usage in the enterprise has skyrocketed, and it continues to escalate. IT must answer to users who demand access to their... All Emerging Technologies White Papers | Webcasts
Our new bimonthly Internet of Things newsletter helps you keep pace with the rapidly evolving technologies, trends and developments related to the IoT. Subscribe now and stay up to date!


text:
The researchers at the University of Tokyo’s Ishikawa Oku Laboratory have created a new robot which specializes in rock-paper-scissors where it is guaranteed to win the game 100 percent of its matches by using common human trait known as cheating. The researchers have developed a program for the “Janken” robot to recognize the hand shape of the human opponent and counter it within millisecond.
The program that the robot utilizes is called the human-machine cooperation system. It relies on a high-speed vision to stay one step ahead of its opponent. There is no way that a human can win the game for it can move 33 times faster than humans.
According to Professor Masatoshi Ishikawa, the human eye can only process 30 frames per second at most, but the robot can process 1,000 frames per second. As a consequence, the robot responds at a lightning speed for it has the capability to read the hand of the opponent faster that the human eye.
A Japanese TV station wanted a robot that is easier to understand and they have requested to build this rock-paper-scissors machine. Maybe this news is a bit old but… ‘Go-Go-Gadget’ Janken!
This terrible catastrophe has inspired many in the art community to help. FABLES FOR JAPAN is a collection of stories and artwork donated by writers, artists, animators, and students.
These talented people from around the world, ranging in age from fifteen to eighty-six, have come together to raise money and help rebuild Japan. The book brings together a fascinating mix of styles – fiction, poetry, painting, illustration, and comic book art – all connected by the theme of Japanese Folklore.
FABLES FOR JAPAN, BOOK 1 (of 3) is now available as an e-book download. 124 pages! 28 contributors! 24 amazing stories, all for $4.95!
All Proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross in care of Japan.
If you’ve been to any clubs lately you’ll notice that Korean pop music and fashion in Japan is growing in popularity. 2NE1′s new single in Japan “I Love You” should be released 2012.9.12 following up on their debut album ‘Collection’ and check out 2NE1′s Official Website Japan at http://www.2ne1.jp/
The Japanese stars will be showing off their acting skills along with Hugh Jackman on the next Wolverine movie that is going to be released on summer of 2013. Since the new movie is acting as a standalone and the co-stars from the X-Men Origins: Wolverine won’t be showing up, it means that it needs a whole new to cast to surround Hugh Jackman as Wolverine travels to Japan to train with a samurai warrior.
From news sources, the story is based in Japan and the production will take place in Jackman’s native Australia and will also spend some time in Japan. The Wolverine cameras will start to roll next month (UPDATE: See video below) and it will be released on July 26, 2013.
The Japanese stars who are lined up to join the cast of the new Wolverine adventure are Hiroyuki Sanada, a big deal in Japan who has casted in the American films The Last Samurai, Revenge, Lost, Rush Hour 3, and Danny Boyle’s underseen Sunshine, he will be playing Shingen; Hal Yamanouchi, who appeared in The Way Back and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, will be playing Yashida; Tao Okamoto and Rila Fukushima, the two newcomers who are playing Mariko and Yukio.
If you’re going to compare the Facebook users on Japan to other countries, only 30 percent of Japanese internet users have an account. It’s quite different compared to the U.S. where 67.2 percent uses Facebook and even 39.3 percent in nearby South Korea. It’s comparatively low but 30 percent is a huge increase on May’s figures where just one year ago the figures were around 16 percent using Facebook during the beginning of 2011.
According to a Nielsen/Netratings report, 17.2 million unique visitors from Japan were recorded on Facebook the other month, more than double the 8.2 million in May 2011. On a separate poll, Mixi has seen a loss of about 60 million users at the end of 2011.
Mixi is Japan’s longest dominant social network where most users are anonymous or use nicknames and only reveal themselves to people they know and have met in person and it operates more as an online notice board where they can discuss topics on public forums.Because Mixi allows anonymity, as well as other social networks sites such as Gree and Twitter, has gained popularity in Japan.
Mixi’s Vice President said that he didn’t feel that the rise of Facebook meant the inevitable downfall of Mixi. Facebook is becoming popular in the country because of the social aspect, but it’s still too early to tell if it will surpass Mixi.
In the past, tattoos have been a sign of rebellion and in Japan it has traditionally been associated with yakuza or gang membership, especially large, intricate designs, but not anymore. However, they might get you demoted in Japan’s third largest city the Osaka.
In May, a full-scale crackdown on tattoos was launched by a rising political star, Mayor Toru Hashimoto. In a mandatory survey, he demanded that public employees (including teachers) to disclose their tattoos, both visible and concealed. They will also need to detail how long they had had them.
According to results that were released, 113 of the over 32,000 city workers and ten of 17,000 teachers admitted to having tattoos. Body art is hugely banned from gyms, some major companies, swimming pools, and popular onsens or hot springs. There are also places where people are asked to cover up their ink to avoid any speculation.
With all the tattooed workers found in the survey, the city is now considering what to do with them. According to a welfare officer, those employees with positions that require daily interaction with members of the public will be transferred to a “behind-the-scenes” role. And for the teachers, they will not be expelled, instead they will be asked to remove any tattoos that are visible to students.
Times are changing, and more and more people of the younger generation are getting tattoos to follow a fashion trend. Disregarding if you like or dislike tattoos in general – do you think tattoos should be more accepted in the country of Japan?
At first glance, Japan seems like it would be a good place to hide money because of the cultural differences and language barrier, but that’s not the case.
An agreement has been made between the U.S. Treasury Department and the countries of Japan and Switzerland to help banks in those countries comply with upcoming U.S. tax regulations and to track down American tax evaders hiding money abroad.
Under the agreements, the foreign financial institutions or banks in those countries would deal directly with the U.S. government to provide the American accountholders’ information, such as reporting to them the identities, account balances, and other information on U.S. accounts in 2014 and 2015.
When I hear about things like this it shows me more and more how America seems to care more about money than people. It’s too bad the country doesn’t focus on foreign custody cases when it comes to marriage and child custody and work with Japan regarding child abduction before it looks for stashed cash.
According to research firm Data Vendor MM Research Institute, throughout the year of 2011, the Apple’s iPhone has been the top selling smartphone in Japan having a sales figure of 7.25 million units and this makes Apple the single biggest smartphone seller in Japan, driving its sales far ahead from its main rival Samsung.
From the research, 30% of the 24.2 million smartphones shipped in the country were iPhone while Samsung accounted for only 8.3%. This data makes it clear that the Apple is the leader in this cell phone category.
iPhone fashion accessories on display at Softbank event
Who are the big players? The smartphone market in Japan is dominated by Apple and Samsung. These two companies have traded the lead as they release new models. In terms of sales figures the iPhone led the market but in terms of platform Android is still in the lead. The Android OS phones have taken 69 percent of the entire market but still no one vendor could overtake Apple.
Apple’s sales were boosted by the launch of its iPhone 4S late last year having 26.6 percent market share in Japan and have picked up even more after the release of iOS 5.1 update because it brought Japanese language support to Siri. Siri is the popular personal assistant and knowledge navigator application that is proprietary to Apple. Also this is the first time where an Apple phone has been carried by the two operators in Japan, au/KDDI and SoftBank.
Source:Telecommunications Carriers Association Data Processed by SR Inc.
Smartphones made up 57% of total mobile shipments during the fiscal year according to the data showed by MM, bringing Apple to be the 2nd in the entire Japanese handset market, behind Fujitsu. Another set of data showed that Apple is considered to be the top consumer brands in the country for beating out 999 other brands to the top position.
Rumor has it that Apple will use low-temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) touch-screens with a resolution of 326 pixels-per-inch and the companies Sharp and Japan Display could be the main suppliers.
On a side note as an iPhone user, I’m excited about the new 0.25mm soft waterproof case (¥3,000). The case carries an IPX-8 Waterproof Standard. IPX-8 is the highest rating for a waterproof product based on the IEC 529 Specifications. Check out the video!


text:
Fucking with small businesses:
experts in trading and advertising working for the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) are heading the biggest brand protection operation staged in the UK. Under legislation specially introduced for the London Games, they have the right to enter shops and offices and bring court action with fines of up to £20,000.
Olympics organisers have warned businesses that during London 2012 their advertising should not include a list of banned words, including "gold", "silver" and "bronze", "summer", "sponsors" and "London".
At the 40 Olympics venues, 800 retailers have been banned from serving chips to avoid infringing fast-food rights secured by McDonald's.
Fucking up transport from day one:
Traffic crawled into London today as the opening of the first Olympic Games lane coincided with an accident on the M4 to create the 'perfect storm' of travel chaos leading to 32 mile queues.
Former head of traffic at the Metropolitan Police Kevin Delaney, now head of road safety at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "The problem with the Games lanes is that London's road network runs at, or very close to, capacity almost all day, almost every day of the year."
Treating workers badly:
10 Cleaners to a crate, 25 to a toilet, 75 to a shower. They have to *pay* for the accommodation £18 pn / £550 a month.
My condolences to any of you that are in London and anywhere near the games.
I know people who don't give a fuck about social issues or landlords turfing out tennants to make a quick buck on accomodation, but now they're fucking with transport and small businesses, it's as if they're going all out to annoy people. When the case for them coming here hinged largely on economic growth, they're doing all of the above, and sponsors get to operate in a temporary tax haven, that's pretty fucking awry. Pretty much everyone I know now, from the most ardent free market advocates to the crustiest protestors, hate LOCOG and everything they're doing.
A business owner I know had a run in with LOCOG three or four years ago, so I already knew they were septic cunts. The extent of it is amazing me though. I could totally get behind the Olympics, if they were actually imbued with any of the values they claim to embody.


text:
Trump said he will raise tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods to 30%, and hike duties on another $300 billion in products to 15%.Politicsread more
Stocks dropped after Donald Trump ordered that U.S. manufacturers find alternatives to their operations in China.US Marketsread more
Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said Friday that the global economy has deteriorated in the past month.Marketsread more
The latest escalation in the trade war ups the odds the economy will fall into recession and that the Fed will aggressively cut rates.Market Insiderread more
Here are the products that stand to be the most affected by China's new tariffs on $75 billion worth of U.S. goods.Marketsread more
"We don't need China and, frankly, would be far better off without them," Trump tweeted.Politicsread more
"My only question is, who is our bigger enemy, Jay Powell or Chairman Xi?" Trump wrote amid a series of tweets that rattled markets Friday.Politicsread more
The final week of August could be highly volatile as markets fret over the economy and the latest developments in trade wars.Market Insiderread more
The death comes as federal and state health officials investigate a slew of lung illnesses in connection to e-cigarette use.Health and Scienceread more
Bank of England Governor Mark Carney says trade war has a confidence effect on business around the worldMarketsread more
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has completed a three-week course of radiation therapy for cancer, the top court said in a statement Friday.Politicsread more
Hong Kong's richest man has just sold his 73-storey office tower to a Chinese consortium for a reported world record fee.
CK Asset Holdings, owned by billionaire Li Ka-Shing, sold the "The Center" for HK$40.2 billion ($5.2 billion), the highest transaction ever recorded for a single office building.
Li, who turns 90 next July, has been seeking to sell the building for at least a year.
Following the deal, shares in CK Asset Holding closed the Thursday session higher by 3.55 percent.
According to analysis by financial research company Dealogic, the sale easily eclipses the previous record of $2.95 billion paid in 2016 for the Century Link complex in Shanghai. That sale was also made by Mr Li.
The buyer of the building is identified on the official market announcement as "C.H.M.T. Peaceful Development Asia Property Limited," incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.
The identities behind the purchasing vehicle are not officially revealed in filings, but the South China Morning Post has reported that the consortium's largest shareholder is Beijing-based China Energy Reserve & Chemicals Group.
In turn, the Chinese Communist party is reported to have a sizable stake in the energy firm.
Rents for prime offices in Hong Kong's financial district are already the most expensive in the world at $269 a square foot, according to property experts CBRE.


text:
Clerkenwell Design Week: Altro
10 YEARS of CDW, 100 years of Altro! CDW 2019 will be the setting for an immersive celebration of the brand through creativity, how it has inspired over the years and an exciting look to the future.
Founded in 1919 by a small group of individuals with a big idea, Altro says it now has more than 900 employees globally, ‘with a heritage of innovation including inventing safety flooring and a hygienic walls system and creating the world’s first adhesive-free safety floor’.
Altro shares its centenary with the Bauhaus design school, which was also founded in 1919 and is based in Dessau just a few hundred metres from Altro’s German site. In developing the new Altro Ensemble modular flooring collection, the design team reportedly took inspiration from the Bauhaus philosophy of bridging the gap between form and function, aiming to engineer products that meet the customers’ biggest challenges, such as the need for aesthetics, cleanability, sustainability and flexibility.


text:
- Subscribe NowLimited Time Offer
Sign Up for the Atlanta Business Chronicle Afternoon Edition Newsletter
Send this story to a friend
Fry names new Buckhead restaurant
Atlanta Chef Ford Fry has released the name of his newest restaurant: King + Duke, named after characters in the classic American novel “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
King + Duke is set to open March 2013 on the ground floor of One Buckhead Plaza, in a space that once housed Nava. The build-out for the restaurant is costing about $1.5 million, according to a permit filed in Atlanta. New York-based Meyer Davis Studio Inc. is designing the space.
King + Duke will feature colonial American cuisine. A feature of the restaurant will be a large open-hearth oven for wood roasting meats, fish and vegetables. Fry said it will be similar to “an early American public house.”
It will be open for lunch and dinner. It also will have a private dining room called The Drawing Room, which will be a throwback to the days when gentlemen retired after dinner to smoke cigars and drink brandy, according to an announcement.
“I’m really excited about bringing a brand new look to the corner of Peachtree Street and West Paces Ferry,” Fry said in a statement. “Nava was an amazing restaurant and I can only hope to fill the big shoes left by the beloved Buckhead institution.”
Fry is emerging as a top restaurateur in Atlanta. Today, he operates JCT. Kitchen & Bar and The Optimist, both in Westside Atlanta, and No. 246 in Decatur. Esquire magazine recently picked The Optimist its “Best New Restaurant of the Year.”
Fry plans to open several more restaurants in Atlanta, Fry told Atlanta Business Chronicle earlier this year. That could include another eatery in Buckhead, and possibly one in Inman Park. He's also signed on for a new concept at the Alpharetta mixed-use project called Avalon.
Amy Wenk covers hospitality, retail and restaurants.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
- Most popular
- How does Bubba Watson celebrate Masters win? At Waffle House (PHOTO)
- WSB traffic reporter Captain Herb Emory has died
- Bubba left big tip at Waffle House
- Braves' Uggla sells Buckhead condo
- Porsche tops out new American HQ in Atlanta (SLIDESHOW)
- USA Today: Coke’s Freestyle machine at critical crossroads
- Simon announces Phipps renovation
- Verizon Telematics to add up to 250 jobs
- Novare eyes key Midtown corner for new tower
- Lowe's using hydrogen-powered lift trucks at Ga. distribution center
Email Newsletter Signup
Afternoon Edition: The latest local business news delivered to you each afternoon.
- President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta and Faculty Position Georgia State University- Robinson College of Business | Atlanta, GA
- Sales Executive BridgeHealth Medical, Inc. | Atlanta, GA
- Senior Vice President, Financial Services / Assistant Treasurer Boys & Girls Clubs of America | Atlanta, GA
- Multimedia Consultant Jacksonville Business Journal | Jacksonville, FL
- Director of Development Georgia Historical Society | Savannah, GA


text:
Glendora, July 23, 2011/Indonesia Media
Almost a hundred guests attended the Indonesian American Business
Council, IABC, dinner networking event in the hall provided by
Indonesia Media located in Glendora. The event, which started at 5:00
PM and ended at 10:00 PM, allowed Indonesian business owners the
chance to network and get in contact with fellow business owners in
The event opened with a statement from the IABC
President, Riff Wiguna, in which he explained the mission and vision
of IABC and how he hoped the event would not only encourage business
relations, but also membership into IABC.
IABC is an organizationÂ looking to enrich the growth of business trade between Indonesia and
America. Riff Wiguna also expressed that the future of IABC will allow
more events and opportunities to enrich a business.
Also in attendance were Consul General of the Republic
of Indonesia Los Angeles Mr. Hadi Martono, Consul of Economic Affairs
Edi Suharto, guest speaker Director of the Unites States Department of
Commerce and International Trade Administration Fred Latuperissa, and
School Board Member of La Puente School District Norman Shu.
Guests were treated with a buffet-style dinner, provided by Simpang
Asia Restauarant, and given time to mingle and network with one
another. After the dinner The Honorable Consul General Hadi Martono
expressed his support for the organization and how he is excited to
see action being taken to stimulate the growth of local Indonesian
While reflecting on the past IABC event involving discussions with
the Minister of Trade Mary Pangestu, he said that Indonesians
currently residing in America want to support their birth country and
that seeing America and Indonesia further enrich their relations will
encourage them to also enrich their relationships with fellow
Director of the Unites States Department of Commerce and International
Trade Administration Fred Latuperissa gave a speech on how the
significant growth of the Indonesian economy is making it a player in
the global economy. He said, however, that the Indonesian population
itself is being more discreet by not branching relations and putting
itself out there. If local businesses would branch out and create
trade then the role Indonesia will play will become more noticeable
and benefit both America and Indonesia.
Fred Latuperissa was born in Timor Kupang and associates himself as an
Indonesian American who is eager to see the two countries act together
through trade, granted there is no trade deficit from the U.S.
As the event came to close, guests introduced themselves and stated
their business. The variety of businesses in the room showed that just
with local Indonesian businesses connections and contacts business can
grow and expand in many directions. Many businesses came from San
Diego, Los Angeles, Nevada, and even Indonesia.
Guests continued toÂ mingle until the end of the event when they were entertained with not
only karaoke, but also a band featuring the IABC President, Riff
The guests were excited to be a part of the IABC event and Steve
Chiang President of the Asia-Pacific Rims Chamber of Commerce,
suggested that such events should even be widened to others andinclude all US-Asian business owners.


text:
Almost a week after the Joburg CBD erupted into chaos, the police have cranked up the pressure and continued with raids, confiscating goods from illegal traders.
On Wednesday, the sight of police trucks and teams of officers created tension in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, an area notorious for its illicit drug activity.
What caused the riots in Joburg CBD?
It has also been identified as a hotspot for illegal trade, where counterfeit goods make their way past our borders and into the hands of foreign nationals who, in turn, retail these knock-offs for cheap.
Six days ago, social media was rocked by video footage of a riot that took place after police attempted to raid illegal traders’ stores. Scores of rioters believed to be foreign nationals took up resistance against the police and pelted their trucks with rocks.
Fearing a situation that could turn deadly if they responded offensively, the police were forced to withdraw from the situation. While a number of officers sustained injuries from the violent encounter, they were able to make key arrests.
Official from SARS injured during yesterday’s lawlessness in the Inner City. Why no arrest is beyond belief @SAPoliceService @CoJPublicSafety @AsktheChiefJMPD @MichaelSun168 pic.twitter.com/z0cUQ0p4mC— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) August 2, 2019
Police fight back in second Joburg CBD raid
On their return to raid illegal traders, the police made a note that, with the help of CCTV footage and other videos that surfaced on social media, they have targeted a number of suspects that were directly involved in last week’s riots.
Police spokesperson, Mathapelo Peters, stated in an interview with SABC News, that they were building prosecutable cases against all of those implicated in the violent riots.
“We want to be sure that when we do arrest people that the cases are prosecutable and that they will be able to face the might of the law…Our picture analysts are going through those pictures to make sure that when we do arrests, we arrest the people responsible for that violence,” Peters said.
What’s the latest on the raids?
At the time this article was published, police officials were still on the ground, confiscating counterfeit goods with no resistance from illegal traders.
#BuyaMthetho Intensified— David Tembe (@AsktheChiefJMPD) August 7, 2019
Counterfeit goods threaten the economy of our country. We'll continue to conduct these operations.
30 undocumented foreign nationals detained at Joburg Central SAPS. #SaferJoburg #ZeroTolerance pic.twitter.com/RBRdXbQw2S


text:
What’s next for luxury?
Global – The luxury sector is evolving – fast. This week at The Future Laboratory and LS:N Global is Luxury Week (4–8 September), with the launch of three new reports and strategy frameworks ensuring our clients can successfully navigate this change and stay at the forefront of luxury innovation.
As Millennial and Gen Z affluents prepare to inherit an unprecedented £42 trillion ($53 trillion, €49 trillion) of wealth by 2045, their politics, attitudes and increasingly activist mindsets will affect their views on how to spend their wealth. We will be unveiling our new executive summary and report, The Great Wealth Transfer, at the Modern Affluence Summit on the morning of 5 September.
In the face of this, the luxury consumers – or rather the collectors – of tomorrow will expect luxury to signal status not through excess, but by acting as a guardian of craftsmanship and provenance, an ESG champion and a cultural compass. We will be presenting the executive summary of our new luxury macrotrend, Luxury Recrafted, on 5 September at 4:30pm. You still have time to book tickets here, or if you are a member, login to LS:N Global to RSVP at no extra cost.
Last, but not least, The New Codes of Luxury 2025 is the latest foresight research into the changing luxury landscape – applying The Future Laboratory’s proprietary Luxury States framework to address evolving perceptions of luxury and unpack the key shifts that set the scene for what’s new and next. From today, you can book our team of strategists to deliver a high-impact presentation and workshop for you and your team. If you are interested, please get in touch here.
What the experts say
‘The rich aren’t just different; their relative wealth and the position they inhabit within this wealth ladder also mean that each wealth cohort need to be spoken to and dealt with differently’ – Chris Sanderson, The Future Laboratory co-founder and luxury expert
Diesel unveils playful Find the D campaign inspired by Where’s Waldo?
Global – Diesel has re-imagined the classic Where’s Waldo? game with a high fashion twist. Find the D invites fans to spot the brand’s items in the artfully crowded shots and to win prizes in the process.
Launching on 8 September, the autumn/winter 2023 campaign is promoting Diesel’s denim line, and comprises six shots featuring a slew of models and brand executives, including the founder Renzo Rosso. Shot on the street in Breganze, Italy, the pictures are styled mimicking Where’s Waldo?‘s carefully orchestrated chaos that makes the viewer stop and examine details.
Beyond its entertaining nature, Find the D is also engaging. For eight weeks, the brand is challenging fans to partake in interactive games and rewarding winners with prizes such as a 1DR bag, Diesel’s viral Oval belt skirt, caps, sex toys, sneakers, watches and more.
In our attention economy, interrupting the scroll is a challenge for marketers. Activations that weave entertainment into fashion like Diesel’s can effectively pique viewers’ interest, thanks to a winning combination of playfulness and engagement that tap into what we call Coterie Consumerism.
Diesel’s Find the D is a prime example of community-centric activations. Taking cues from the campaign, consider whether the CTAs in your marketing strategy are optimised to start organic conversations among viewers
Cox Media Group launches hyper-local streaming service
US – Cox Media Group (CMG) has officially introduced Neighborhood TV (NTV), a free ad-supported local streaming news service, which began its roll-out in Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, in August 2023. CMG’s beta test in these markets generated over 100m monthly impressions. The service will expand to Orlando, Florida, later in 2023, followed by further expansion primarily in Southeast markets. NTV focuses on about 70 neighbourhoods in Georgia and 30 in North Carolina, with plans to launch in 50 additional zones by 2026.
Neighborhood TV aims to tap into the growing trend of consumers migrating online for local news and community engagement. NTV intends to provide advertisers, particularly local small and medium-sized businesses, with a unique platform to connect with local communities.
CMG is partnering with local newspaper company McClatchy to distribute its hyper-local streams on the homepages of McClatchy’s newspapers, such as The Charlotte Observer. The service will cover various neighbourhood events, including local government updates, elections, weather alerts, school activities, business openings, cultural events and more.
As explored in Local TV Market, disruptors are launching regional alternatives to streaming giants, telling hyper-local stories to reach small yet highly engaged audiences.
As niches become the mainstream and distrust in news and billionaire-owned media conglomerates continues to grow, local and citizen-led tv could take cues from radio to transform into a 24/7 source of information or public service in cities
Stat: New study finds that anger drives climate activism
Global – A study of more than 2,000 Norwegian adults reveals that anger is a powerful predictor of participation in climate protests, and is seven times stronger than hope. Researchers found that for every two steps a person took along the anger scale, they moved up one step on the activism scale. The impact of other actions was smaller, but fear and guilt were found to be the best predictors of policy support, while sadness, fear and hope were found to be the best predictors of behavioural change.
The study also found that intention to act does not always align with actual behaviour. While doom-laden news headlines can contribute to climate anxiety, the gloom often reflects a lack of faith in societal institutions and leaders. While such messages can induce anger – thereby facilitating action – it can also make individuals shut down if they feel powerless.
Interestingly, the study also found inconclusive evidence that increasing hope leads to greater climate engagement, suggesting that hope may arise from taking action rather than the other way around. This is interesting to note when thinking about how the younger generation are driving purposeful social media storytelling, as revealed in Why Generation Z are Creating Activist-tainment.
As explored in our Subversive Sustainability Ad report, consider how to create sustainability campaigns that tap into the power of emotions, particularly anger, to mobilise consumers towards sustainable actions


text:
2022: Turning up the volume on a quiet EVolution
For most of us, the start of 2022 represented a new year like no other, and the transport industry is no different. Just as the vaccination programme looked set to put Covid-19 firmly in the UK’s rear-view mirror, the Omicron variant arrived on our shores with a bang, triggering further uncertainty for people and businesses across the nation. The semi-conductor shortage and Brexit also continue to place our industry under strain. In the climate change battle, COP26 has been and gone with some progress made, such as the 2040 zero emissions transport pledge, although this was tinged by the failure of some major carmakers and superpower nations to sign the declaration. Despite these challenges, I have more more hope and optimism than ever before. Here is why.
Here at Connected Kerb we are determined to play our role in helping to push the green recovery in the right direction. For us, that means trying to tackle the inequality in access to charging infrastructure that many observers and research reports highlighted pre-Covid. By ensuring lower-income areas don’t get left behind in the EV transition, reaching out to educate communities on EV with our engagement programmes and deploying charge points that can support IoT (such as air quality and parking sensors) and other digital technologies, we hope to deliver an accessible-to-all EV network that will protect the UK’s net zero aspirations. If ‘levelling up’ is what the government wants to achieve, then turning up the volume on our quiet, nationwide ‘EVolution’ will help ensure that electric vehicles can be enjoyed by everyone.
Connected Kerb faces the same pandemic challenges as many businesses. These include budget and resourcing pressures on our friends at local councils, who are now tasked with the challenge of deploying charging infrastructure fit for residents and businesses today and for the long term – a challenge that we’re delighted to say we’re now helping many to overcome. In 2021 we agreed successful long term contracts with councils in Kent, Milton Keynes, West Sussex, Lambeth, Northumberland, Warrington, Coventry, Cambridge and many more, all of whom are pursuing policies of greener, sustainable transport – and by the end of Q1 this year we expect to add more to this list. So it is true to say that Covid has dominated council priorities for the past 2 years, and rightly so, but the appetite and ambition for EV is certainly growing.
Meanwhile, our residential developer clients have risen to the challenge presented by Covid imposed delays to their construction and sales activities and are now looking to prepare for new legislation to provide a minimum level of EV provision in new build properties. The pandemic has reshaped our daily lives from the way we work to the places we go. A significant trend during the pandemic has been an increase in interest from home-buyers for properties in more rural areas. As a result our developer clients are expanding their portfolios in out-of-city locations which in turn will see increased demand for charging infrastructure outside city and urban areas.
As the pandemic has pushed trade out of city centres to edge-of-city retail parks and shopping centres, demand for EV provision from commercial landlords has also increased. The case for this is clear – according to RetailCo Solutions Inc. customers charging an electric vehicle spend up to 50 per cent longer at a retail site, which in turn translates into average increased spending of up to £80. As landlords look ahead to 2050 and plan for the needs of future tenants, they are increasingly focused on Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) issues and achieving net zero – with the provision of long life electric vehicle charging infrastructure a key factor within those plans.
The transition of fleets (large and small) to EV is key to the mass adoption of EVs across society. In a recent survey by Fleet World, more than one in four respondents (27%) cited coronavirus as one of the biggest challenges the industry faces. What did they say was THE biggest challenge? Electrification – particularly for fleet vehicles parked away from centralised depot locations. But their challenge is our collective opportunity to bring a full EV transition to every corner of the UK. That’s why we are in deep conversations with major fleet managers across the country.
Looking at the bigger picture, I am also optimistic. EV sales have increased in 2021 with more battery electric cars registered last year than 2016-2020 combined. Attitudes have started to slowly shift in a favorable direction and I am confident that fears over range anxiety and the cost of an EV will wane as technology continues to improve and manufacturing scale grows. Episodes such as October’s fuel crisis have played a small part in whetting the public’s appetite for electric, although education efforts need to be increased and the reliability of charging networks improved.
With millions of home workers spending more time in their local areas and exploring the pleasures of cleaner air and lower pollution levels, the pandemic has crystallised attitudes toward the environment. Landlords and tenants alike are more conscious of the environment — 78% of potential non-combustion car buyers say that COVID-19 has heightened their level of environmental awareness — and crucially, that awareness is now reflected in intentions to purchase more sustainable vehicles. We will shortly be releasing our major research report which will provide a full picture of what users need and want from their EV and what needs to be done to facilitate uptake.
I have spoken about the need for EV charging to be accessible to all. Aside from the need to facilitate cheaper charging – which we are doing through projects such as Agile Streets, an on-street smart charging trial, bringing agile public charging tariffs to the UK for the first time – we need to make sure charging points cater for the more than a million blue badge holders in the UK with accessibility needs. That’s why we continue to work with disability charities to increase the accessibility of our network as greater accessibility is good for all of us. The Covid recovery needs to be green, but to deliver on our long term carbon goals, it must also be inclusive.
And I know that championing equality means keeping our own house in order. Our workforce of just over 60 boasts talent from across the globe from Brazil to South Africa and New Zealand to France. Of course, we want to do more and certainly the EV industry as a whole needs to do more to recruit more women, particularly into senior positions. I believe it is such diversity which adds a wonderful personality and depth of experience to our business that translates into a personal service for our customers, from our technicians and installers to our account managers and customer service agents. Of course, there will be challenges and bumps along the way like in any business but I am determined, as we grow and expand internationally, not to lose that intimate yet innovative culture which set us on our way, back in 2017. My endeavour for 2022 is to continue to recruit the best talent from every background to make sure we treat every customer like it is our first. Only by doing this and striving to make EV accessible for all, can we turn the dream of a full electric vehicle transition into a reality.
Connected Kerb is one of the UK’s leading providers of EV charging infrastructure solutions which combine power and data at kerbside to deliver convenient, reliable charging and fast fibre connection. Connected Kerb work with councils, developers, fleets and other organisations to provide tailored solutions that will help to accelerate the transition to EVs for all people.
The company has installed 1,000 chargers in 2021 and expects to have 5,500 installed across the UK, with contracts secured for 30,000 more, by the end of 2022. By 2030, the company plans to have 190,000 chargers installed, worth up to £1.9bn.
In 2021 alone Connected Kerb has secured new partnerships for 10,000 public on-street EV chargers across the UK, the majority of which will be deployed across West Sussex and Kent. The West Sussex tender is believed to be the UK’s largest ever deployment by a local authority.
The company is proud to be involved in the UK’s first smart charging trial called Agile Streets. The project aims to bring cheaper charging to EV users using a business model where they can charge their vehicle when energy is cheapest, saving them hundreds of pounds a year.
Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO is speaking on 14 June, Focus Day in:
8.15 – 9.40, Public and Residential EV charging panel
12.30 – 13.15, Robust public charging networks to service consumers and fleets Partner panel
17.00 – 18.20, Funding and Financing panel
Isabel James, Account Director and Ashleigh Braund, Account Director from Connected Kerb will be hosting roundtable discussions with participants on 15 June, Ambassadors’ Day:
15.05-15.50 Hybrid Presentation / Roundtable For Local Authorities
- How to manage power load leveraging the innovation project we’ve been part of, Agile Streets, presenting use cases for it
- Recognising the recommendation around accessibility and how to manage it / handle it.
15.50-16.35 Hybrid Presentation / Roundtable For Residential and Commercial Developers
- How to navigate electric vehicle charging challenges and gain an advantage in the process
- We’ll present a short 10-15 min case use about the Wichelstowe development that we work with Barratt on
The team from Connected Kerb will be exhibiting on 14 and 15 June.


text:
SEOUL, March 16 (Korea Bizwire) — Uncertainty is escalating over first-quarter corporate earnings in South Korea due largely to the global spread of the new coronavirus, a report said Monday.
The consensus operating income of listed firms, for which three or more earnings estimates are available as of Thursday, is estimated to reach 28.2 trillion won (US$23.1 billion) for the January-March period, down 4.8 percent from an estimate a month earlier, according to the report from Daeshin Securities Co.
The latest forecast also represents a 1.5 percent decline from a week earlier, Daeshin Securities said, without disclosing how many listed companies the figure covers.
Hotel operators and leisure companies have suffered the biggest drops in their first-quarter operating income, hammered by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, dubbed COVID-19.
In particular, Hotel Shilla, a luxury hotel chain affiliated with South Korea’s top conglomerate Samsung Group, is estimated to have seen its duty-free sales shrink on-year in February, with negative growth threatening to last till April, the securities firm said.
The flu-like disease is fast spreading in Europe and the United States, though the number of new infections continues its downtrend in South Korea. Last week, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic.
As of Monday, South Korea reported more than 8,200 infections of the respiratory virus that emerged in China late last year, with the death toll reaching 75.
Daeshin Securities, meanwhile, said a recent tumble in oil prices has raised expectations for improved first-quarter earnings for South Korean shipbuilders, including Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co.
International crude prices tumbled last week, sparked by a price war between Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, and Russia. This year, crude prices have fallen nearly 50 percent from last year.
The brokerage house also forecast home electronics giant LG Electronics Inc. to keep up its good earnings in the first quarter thanks to disruptions in Chinese rivals’ production and greater demand for health care products due to the virus outbreak.


text:
While the announcement of the Pixel 7 and Pixel Watch may have diverted some attention away from Samsung, the company is still hard at work building its flagship phone for early 2023 – the Galaxy S23 series.
While the business continues to dominate the Android smartphone market, its tablet sales have not been as successful. Whether it’s owing to the widespread appeal of Apple’s iPad lineup or the availability of less expensive, flagship-grade Android tablets on the market, Samsung’s high-end Galaxy Tab S series has failed to make an impression.
According to a new rumor, the conglomerate may be reacting to broader market conditions by extending the development cycle for the Galaxy Tab S9 tablet family, which was initially scheduled to begin late this year.
The uncertain global economic future is said to be to blame for the delay in the creation of Samsung’s next flagship tablets. According to The Elec, a lack of demand for electronics following the loosening of pandemic restrictions was another factor in the company’s decision.
Samsung was supposed to start developing the new tablet series in December, with the company envisioning three Galaxy Tab S9 variations similar to its predecessor.
This drop in demand is also expected to have an impact on Samsung’s tablet sales this year. According to DSCC, the tablet segment will see an 8% reduction in shipments this year. This is despite a 22% increase in premium product shipments (which include tablets with OLED and mini-LED displays). As a result, the number of premium tablets on the market is likely to expand somewhat, from 3% in 2021 to 4% this year.
It’s worth mentioning that we don’t yet have an expected release date for the tablet, but based on this latest claim, the Galaxy Tab S9 will most likely appear somewhere in the second half of 2023, maybe alongside the successors to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 in August.
Continue to read more current news
220 total views, 2 views today


text:
Developing countries have more than double the amount of people positive that the Metaverse will impact their lives and they’d use it daily in comparison to developed countries.
Excitement for the Metaverse and virtual or augmented reality (VR/AR) is much greater in developing countries than in high-income countries according to a survey conducted for the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Market research firm Ipsos released the results of the survey on May 25 showing the concept is now widely recognized: 52% of more than 21,000 adults surveyed across 29 countries are familiar with the Metaverse and 50% have positive feelings about engaging with it in daily life.
China, India, Peru, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia were the top five countries where two-thirds or more of respondents said they had positive feelings towards it.
China had the highest, with 78% harboring positive feelings toward using a metaverse daily followed by India at 75%.
The lowest scoring countries with less than one-thirds of respondents positive about the Metaverse were also countries with the highest incomes.
Japan scored the lowest with just 22% exhibiting positive feelings followed by the United Kingdom (26%), Belgium (30%), Canada (30%), France (31%), then Germany (31%).
Interestingly the concept was less familiar in those high income countries too, with fewer than 30% in France, Belgium and Germany.
Turkey was most familiar with the Metaverse at 86%, followed by India (80%), China (73%) and the higher income country of South Korea (71%). Poland scored the lowest at 27%.
Respondents were also surveyed on the areas of life they agree the Metaverse will impact the most. Developing countries such as South Africa, China and India agreed areas like virtual learning, entertainment, digital socializing and even applications like remote surgery would make an impact on people’s lives.
Again respondents from high income Japan, Belgium and France had the lowest percentages of those who agreed that Metaverse applications would significantly change people’s lives.
Developing countries seem to be more enthusiastic about crypto and blockchain across the board, according to an April report from cryptocurrency exchange Gemini which pointed out half of respondents in India, Brazil and the Asia Pacific region purchased their first cryptocurrency in 2021.
The report made the case that inflation and currency devaluation are the drivers of crypto adoption in those regions stating that residents of countries that experienced 50% or more currency devaluation were five times more likely to plan to purchase crypto over countries that experienced less inflation.


text:
RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - It’s estimated about 31 million Americans have eczema. Characterized by inflamed, scaly, itchy skin, it is most prevalent in children. But nearly half grow out of it.
For Carl Braun it came back later in life.
“When I got in my 50s it came back with a vengeance,” says Braun. “Didn’t have the treatment we do today. I actually got staph infections. Because it came back with a vengeance all over my body.”
Patients with eczema usually know what triggers outbreaks.
It could be fragrances in products. It could be metals, stress, or fabrics. The skin is already compromised. And researchers say air pollution could cause outbreaks in the eczema patients as well.
Specifically, isocyanates found in building materials, may have an impact on a patient’s skin.
“Isocyanates might be infiltrating the skin creating the inflammation,” says Dr. Cindy Lamerson with Nevada Center for Dermatology. “But also altering the bacteria that promotes healthy skin.”
Pollution from cars and manufacturing may be a contributor. But so can smoke from wildfires which have become so prevalent in our area.
“Polyurethane in woods…in furniture and that type of thing,” says Dr. Lamerson. “So, if those are burned certainly you are going to get more in the air.”
While there’s been an increase is eczema over the last ten years perhaps caused by air pollution, there’s also been an increase in effective medication recently. Many of them are blocking the proteins which cause inflammation.


text:
Have you ever wondered why Massachusetts farmers markets don’t allow the sale of beer, even though vendors are typically welcome to sell hard cider and wine? So have state lawmakers. Early last month, the Senate passed a sweeping agricultural bill (S.2258) intended to help boost and promote local farms through, among other initiatives, the inclusion of brewers at farmers markets.
The bill, which passed by a vote of 36 to 1, is now in committee in the House. It would allow for markets to run seasonally on state-owned land, and for farmers to deliver raw milk. It would establish programs to help veterans get farm jobs, and to create community gardens on state-owned land. And it would tweak several aspects of how farmers markets are run, most notably a new ban on disposable plastic bags that would require vendors to provide free paper bags instead.
As it currently stands, the Senate bill would provide a big leg up to the state’s agricultural sector — Massachusetts has 7,755 farms, which employ about 28,000 workers, according to the state’s Department of Agricultural Resources. But it’s that “beer at farmers markets” headline that’s been getting the most press this past month.
Justin Korby, for one, is happy about that attention. Korby runs Stoneman Brewery, a small-batch brewery and beer CSA on a 74-acre farm in Colrain. The project is essentially a one-man operation for Korby, who says he uses nearly 100 percent local ingredients in his beers (most of his grain comes from Valley Malt in Hadley). Stoneman beers are available at a handful of Valley stores, but access to farmers markets, Korby says, would significantly improve his ability to sell at retail price.
“I need to expand in order to make a living,” he says, adding that CSA shares have dipped lately, but that expanding into more stores would take more labor than he can afford. “This would change the game for me. I’ve been hanging on with hope that it will happen, because it would allow us to become more sustainable. Small family businesses are what farmers markets are for.”
Korby founded Stoneman about two and a half years ago, intending to become “the neighborhood brewer.” With such a small operation, he says, he would be able to make limited batches of beer specifically for the farmers markets, sold in bottles but also — for the first time — in growlers. Shoppers would benefit, he explains, but so would the local beer movement. “If market managers say that brewers need to use local ingredients in order to participate, then those unique products also link together small businesses.”
Would the introduction of brews like those from Stoneman turn local farmers markets into biergartens? Hardly, says Devon Whitney-Deal. She manages the Greenfield Farmers Market, which runs on Saturday mornings, and is a program manager at the Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) in South Deerfield.
Each local market sets limits on the number of spaces reserved for agricultural foods that aren’t produce, she says, “and it’s a very small percentage of the number of spaces. It’s not beneficial for every vendor to come every week.”
Still, Whitney-Deal would be happy to see brewers able to apply for vendor licenses. “In Justin’s case,” she says, referring to Korby, “he’s a farmer who’s growing food, then making a value-added local product, and right now he’s not able to sell at market. I think it would be exciting to really let people in the community know that the breadth of agriculture in our backyard includes beer making.”
If the legislation changes, Whitney-Deal says she will not be actively recruiting breweries to the market, but that she will encourage any curious parties to apply. A local focus, she adds, is always crucial. “It’s extremely important that we sell locally-sourced, Pioneer Valley products. Nothing’s getting shipped in from Budweiser. We’re there for farmers, first and foremost.”
Contact Hunter Styles at firstname.lastname@example.org.


text:
Kidscreen has unveiled the list of potential winners for best childrens website, apps, e-books and more!
Kidscreen is excited to unveil the shortlist for its third-annual iKids Awards, which recognizes and celebrates the market’s best digital media products and platforms for children. Winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony taking place February 24, during Kidscreen Summit in Miami.
To see the list of potential winners and the judges, check them out on KidScreen!
Leave Your Comment


text:
2020 has been an exceptional year. From lockdowns to layoffs, stock lows to highs, and from apprehensiveness about virtual working to embracing it, companies have gone through a lot. While it may seem that the year is through, there remain challenges. And, in this article, I share three key challenges I see in the context of privacy and data protection because one thing that has emerged from this crisis is that data protection is the default option.
If the privacy related discussions in pandemic are any indication of relevance of privacy, privacy is here to stay, and consumers are demanding it. Of course, this is only if you were skeptical and needed a validation that privacy was for real. As companies come to terms with the new world, it is essential that we focus on privacy challenges that are awaiting us. So, let us look at three such challenges from my perspective.
1. Companies need to review and assess all data transfers from EU to outside
The Court of Justice for the European Union has recently invalidated the privacy shield and reiterated that EU data protection standards and rules will travel with the personal data when it is transferred outside of EU. And, if that was not enough, it also said controllers are accountable to assess and take corrective actions. This is easier said than done. For companies struggling to cope up with shrinking margins, uncertainty into future and new ways of working, how does one expect a company to review all its data transfers outside of EU. In my opinion, this will be a key challenge in next 6-12 months that companies will need to deal with it through changes in locations of data, changes in contracts and assessments of existing data transfers. And, the work won’t end after that, but we may have new version of Standard Contractual Clauses then.
2. Companies need to review and mitigate risks from employees working remotely
Before pandemic, companies had just about completed changes (due to recent privacy laws like EU GDPR) in their data management and businesses processes. And now, companies need to deal with almost all employees working from home. Whilst this is a technological and organizational challenge of unparalleled scale, it is also a challenge to identify the privacy risks from employees working remotely. The last few months may have been spent in focus on business continuity but identification of privacy risks and mitigation of such risks need to be prioritized now because hackers now are aware that they do not need to hack into a corporate network but can exploit vulnerabilities of home networks. Even in post pandemic word, majority of your staff may work from home. Employees would ask flexibility that they would have gotten used to. So, you will not only need to address privacy risks when an employee works remotely but also when the employees works at different locations e.g. two days from office and three days from home. This requires adaptation of your privacy and security strategy. In my opinion, this will be a key challenge as to how does one protect data while it is accessed from anywhere.
Whilst we all are busy with the pandemic world, there will be an end to pandemic in sometime. We all hope that it ends sooner than later. But, one thing is certain and that is “things may not be same” even when pandemic eases. So, if you are relying on privacy risk evaluations from the old world, it is time to review things in a world wherein you will be selling products and services online. Yes, even if you think your product cannot be sold online. The new world will have greater component of online. So, you need an online privacy strategy. So, the sooner we pivot, the easier it will become. In my opinion, it is best to take a proactive approach and start to review the risks of delivering products and services online and may be offline. This likely change in business model and the uncertainty around it means privacy risks identified previously are in need for a review.


text:
Last Updated Jul 2, 2010 11:30 AM EDT
As it did with the Ad-Mob deal, Google has created a propaganda site to bolster its case. "The acquisition will benefit passengers, airlines and online travel agencies by making it easier for users to comparison shop for flights and airfares and by driving more potential customers to airlines' and online travel agencies' websites," it states. I thinks it's disingenuous for Google to claim that buying ITA will help drive more customers to other businesses. Google intends to keep users on its site longer by offering shoppers a suite of tools that would enable them to compare prices, times, and connections. Only once customers have settled on a ticket will they be directed to a third party site to finish the transaction.
A large part of this purchase is a direct challenge to Bing, which is taking on Google's more traditional link-based search by positioning itself as a "decision engine." As veteran tech scribe Stephen Levy wrote in his recent profile of Google search algorithm,
"Team Bing has been focusing on unique instances where Google's algorithms don't always satisfy. For example, while Google does a great job of searching the public Web, it doesn't have real-time access to the byzantine and constantly changing array of flight schedules and fares. So Microsoft purchased Farecast -- a Web site that tracks airline fares over time and uses the data to predict when ticket prices will rise or fall -- and incorporated its findings into Bing's results. Microsoft made similar acquisitions in the health, reference, and shopping sectors, areas where it felt Google's algorithm fell short."The last sentence from Levy might help to answer a big question: why would Google bother to purchase ITA, and risk incurring anti-trust scrutiny, when it could simply pay for ITA's services like everyone else? Google will have to be very careful not to use its position as parent company to gain an unfair advantage in the travel sector, at least for a while. But ITA's software and engineers will provide valuable insight and support as Google looks to extend this model into other sectors where delivering simple web links is no longer enough.
Image from Flickr user Colin_n Related Links


text:
Every Month the DTC releases a sight of diamonds to a select group of about 80 DTC Sightholders. These sightholders are world leading diamantiers, and are chosen based on their expertise in diamonds and marketing. This is an article from Rappaport, that we thought was worth a mention.
The Diamond Trading Company's (DTC) eighth sight of 2006 ended October 6. Estimated value of rough on offer suggested a range of between $600 million and $625 million. According to a DTC spokesperson there were no price changes.
"We have listened very carefully to the feedback from our sightholders over the past few months and have endeavored to ensure that the boxes available at the October sight represented good value," the spokesperson said.
The DTC confirmed too that it has accommodated sightholder requests to defer and/or reject goods.
Special Thanks to the DeBeers Group.


text:
Apple’s planned retail store in the United Arab Emirates could be the company’s largest retail location built to date, claims a new report from Middle East lifestyle website EDGARDaily.com. Apple began posting job openings last week for a future store in the UAE.
EDGARDaily, via MacRumors:
Our undisclosed source said that the store – which will be the biggest Apple has ever built – was originally planned to replace the current cinema complex. The timing of the recent job adverts suggest the store could have a planned opening for the first quarter of 2015.
The Mall of the Emirates, located in Dubai, opened in September 2005, boasts 700 stores, and comes in at over 2.4 million square feet. The mall also includes two 5-Star hotels, and the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East.
Apple CEO Tim Cook was spotted visiting the country in February, posing for photos at Apple resellers and meeting with UAE Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Based on Apple’s usual retail store hiring patterns, we could expect the Mall of the Emirates Apple Store to open around February 2015.


text:
The FBI has revealed that there were $700,000 worth of fraudulent credit card charges after hacktivist group Anonymous stole nearly 200 gigabytes of data, including credit card numbers, from security firm Stratfor. Anonymous hacked Stratfor back in December and fed the resulting emails to Wikileaks for publication.
Anonymous stole a large amount of user names and passwords, in addition to some 60,000 credit card records, after exploiting vulnerabilities to reach Stratfor's servers. At the time, Anonymous said it would use the credit cards to make charitable donations money that would obviously never see the hands of the needy.
FBI's Milan Patel said that the $700,000 figure "does not reflect any of the charges that may have been incurred on cards associated with the Stratfor Hack for which records have not yet been reviewed."
Cracking the Code: Learn How Cyber Attackers Exploit Human Psychology
Ever wondered why social engineering is so effective? Dive deep into the psychology of cyber attackers in our upcoming webinar.Join Now
In addition to the credit card numbers and other personally identifiable information, Anonymous also stole emails from Stratfor executives, including chief executive George Friedman.
The damages may still be growing, however. The FBI explained that the $700,000 figure did not include any charges on credit card records that have not yet been reviewed. The number Patel offered the judge only referenced records reviewed between December 6 and early February.
That news might disappoint the conspiracy theorists, but not nearly as much as it does Stratfor and its subscribers, whose personal and financial information was compromised as a result of the attack.


text:
AT&T announced three days ago that it would start charging content providers for the right to bypass data caps that might otherwise prevent smartphone owners from using data-hungry services like streaming video or music.
The plan is opposed by those who say it violates the principles of net neutrality, that Internet service providers should treat all data equally, and that AT&T shouldn’t pick winners and losers by forcing content providers to pay for the best path to consumers.
AT&T’s plan is very likely legal, however. For one thing, the Federal Communication Commission’s Open Internet Order, which lays out the country’s net neutrality rules, places fewer restrictions on wireless Internet (your cell phone provider) than wired (your cable and/or other home Internet service).
via Ars Technica http://feeds.arstechnica.com/~r/arstechnica/index/~3/DVgDzh-xsks/


text:
Source : coinquora.com
- Forbes’ crypto billionaire list grows 58% as 7 new individuals make their way to the list.
- Binance’s CEO still remains at the top of the list with a net worth of $65 billion.
- New entrants include the CTO and co-founder of FTX, and the co-founders of Alchemy.
The number of individuals who have made substantial fortunes in cryptocurrency has increased significantly, according to the updated Forbes crypto billionaires list. The Forbes list was released on April 5 and now has 19 crypto billionaires on it – 7 more than last year, expanding the list by 58%.
Although 7 new crypto billionaires made the Forbes list, the crypto billionaire with the highest net worth has not changed. Binance’s CEO and founder, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao is still the richest man in the cryptocurrency industry. In addition, CZ is also now the 18th richest person in the world as a result of the wealth he has generated over time, which currently stands at $65 billion.
Next on the list after the Binance CEO and founder is Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO and co-founder of FTX, who’s crypto fortune is estimated to be worth $24 billion. Dubbed the “Crypto Robin Hood,” Sam Bankman-Fried has repeatedly stated how he wants to give a majority of his crypto fortune away.
Third on the list is Coinbase’s CEO and founder, Brian Armstrong, with $6.6 billion. The Winklevoss twins from Gemini and Ripple’s Chris Larsen remain on the list with approximately $4 billion each to their names. Michael Saylor has also remained on the list.
Newcomers to the list include Gary Wang, the co-founder and CTO of FTX, with $5.6 billion. The co-founders of Alchemy, Nikil Viswanathan and Joseph Lau, who have a reported combined net worth of $2.2 billion are 11th on the list.
Other notable names that have joined the list include the co-founders of OpenSea, Devin Finzer and Alex Atallah, and the founder of the Upbit exchange, Song Chi-hyung. Kim Hyoung-nyon has also been added to the list.


text:
1. Mondo is selling 340 limited edition copies of this poster starting Oct. 24.
You can follow @MondoNews for the exact sale time.
2. This gold “variant” version will be even more rare: Only 160 copies will be available on Oct. 24.
- A magnitude-6.2 quake hit central Italy. The mayor of Amatrice, near the epicenter, said "the town isn't here anymore."
- Donald Trump has often claimed to be "the largest real estate developer in New York," but he isn't.
- Facebook says it mistakenly suspended two libertarian groups. It's the network's latest case of suddenly removing content.


text:
We all know that the coolest thing to happen in recent year is possibly the jet suit from Gravity Industries. But do you know what’s cooler than the jet suit invented by real-life Tony Stark, British entrepreneur Richard M. Browning? Head tracking shoulder turret.
Adam Savage, one-half of Mythbusters and the man behind YouTube channel Tested, is back on Discovery in a new exciting build series called Savage Builds. If 14 years of Mythbusters wasn’t enough a prove that Savage is the coolest tinkerer of all types of contraption, then perhaps, this latest series, Savage Builds, should. The first […]
Yes. That is the same real-life Iron Man flying suit you saw last year, as demoed by British entrepreneur and its inventor, Richard M. Browning. As it turns out, Mr Browning is not content in just having the fun all to himself and decided to sell limited number of this “jet suits” to anyone who […]
While businesses all over the world are looking to drones for delivery, America’s meat produce chain Oscar Mayer who is more noted for its hot dogs and its food truck), has embarked on something a little faster and more personal. Meet the Super Hotdogger, a hot dog superhero who will deliver hot dogs to customers […]
Human’s fantasy of flight never cease since before the Wright Brothers. Now that we have realized flying, mankind is looking toying with other ways to take flight. Wait, what? You mean there are other ways to flying other than an aeroplane? Of course, there are. Why ‘are’? Because besides the various audacious plans like Martin […]
After having a hovercraft as his golf cart, American pro golfer Bubba Watson has once again stir up the air on the fairway, this time with a jetpack golf cart, specially prepared by Martin Aircraft Company – the New Zealand aviation company that’s rooting on its jetpack to be the personal air transport of choice. […]
while jetpack that takes to the sky is slowly becoming a reality, a jet pack that gives you same freedom underwater is unheard of. but that is set to change if UK-based startup SCP Marine Innovation has their way and the device which the firm is touting is the X2 Underwater Jet Pack – if the firm’s equity crowdfunding campaign is a success.
in what seems like an infinite phase of development and testing, James Bond-wannabes finally will have a glint of hope of seeing the Martin Jetpack taking to the sky next year. the latest prototype P12, seen here clad in a new striking paint job, features various tweaks including changing the position of the ducts for enhanced
before our dream of speeding through the air on a speeder bike like the one featured in Star Wars flick becomes a reality, we have to be content with the Jetovator, a wheel-less bike-like vehicle propelled by water similar to those of the Jetlev and Zapata Racing Flyboard…
the Zapata Racing’s Flyboard created by French jet ski champion, Franky Zapata is the gear that you will need for your “fly like Iron Man…


text:
Hornets to wear red uniforms on Valentine's Day
Tuesday, February 6th 2007, 11:37 am
By: News On 6
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The New Orleans Hornets will wear red uniforms when they host Sacramento in Oklahoma City on Valentine's Day.
The uniforms are both part of the team's ``Valentine's at the Hive'' promotion and an effort to promote heart health in conjunction with ``Heart Awareness Month.''
All jerseys worn by Hornets players for the game will be autographed and auctioned off on Hornets-dot-com beginning February 15th at noon. Money raised from the auction will benefit the American Heart Association and Hornets Charities.
Also _ Hornets guard Chris Paul will provide roses to first 1,000 women through the doors for the game and eligible bachelors ages 18-to-25 can enter the ``Win a Date with a Honeybee'' contest at halftime.


text:
2021 Industry Appreciation Awards Applications now open
By: CONRIC PR & Marketing
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County EDO have added a special award category for the 2021 IAA event. The Business Resiliency and Innovation Award will recognize a business that successfully pivoted their operations, products or services to be resilient and help the community during COVID-19. These companies have proved their resiliency by not only surviving but thriving during a crisis and may be companies that shifted to focus on a different set of customers in a new horizontal or vertical market. These businesses embraced challenges, listened to customers and conducted careful research in order to successfully shift operations for the betterment of the company, employees and the community.
Businesses will be honored in six additional categories:
Community Steward of the Year - Awarded to a company that partners with nonprofits, community organizations and programs to improve the quality of business and civic life in Lee County through its financial or volunteer support.
Innovator of the Year - Recognizes a local business that develops innovative advanced technologies in its own business or in its industry and has had a positive economic impact in Lee County.
Manufacturer of the Year – Awarded to a Lee County manufacturing business that exhibits excellence in leadership, performance, profitability and workforce relations.
Start Up of the Year - Awarded to a company founded in Lee County in the last three to five years that has overcome challenges and demonstrated continued growth in revenue and staffing to emerge as a business leader.
Large Business of the Year - Awarded to a Lee County company that has been in business six or more years under the same corporate name and ownership. The company must offer high-quality products and services, provide superior customer service, demonstrate strong ethical standards, be community minded, actively support employee development, and exhibit exemplary leadership within its industry and with its clients, contributing to the economic growth and free enterprise of Lee County. The Large Business of the Year category is for companies with 51 or more employees.
Small Business of the Year – The same criteria apply as the Large Business of the Year, but companies may not have more than 50 employees to be eligible.
To access applications or for additional information please visit IndustryAppreciationAwards.com.


text:
WTB released a new, gravel-specific tire named the Nano 40c during day one of Quality Bicycle Products’ Frostbike product expo. The tire employs a high volume 40mm casing, rounded profile, and centerline tread pattern designed for speed, consistency, and ample cushioning aimed at the rapidly emerging gravel market.
“The inspiration for this tire actually came directly from this show one year ago,” stated WTB’s Product Manager, Chris Feucht in reference to Frostbike 2013. “We were blown away by the number of requests we received for a gravel tire last year so we took a long, hard look at our tire line and decided to use the Nano tread pattern as a starting point. We wanted something that would appease racers due to its speed and light weight, yet also appeal to those wanting comfort over the long haul. By simplifying the pattern slightly, we’ve actually created a more durable tire while maintaining speed and the unique Nano handling characteristics, making for a winner.”
WTB Nano 40c tires will be available in Race and Comp versions starting April of 2014. Nano 40c Race tires will feature a folding Aramid bead, Lightweight Casing, DNA Rubber, weigh in at 470g, and retail for $49.95. Nano 40c Comp tires will feature a wire bead, Durable Casing, DNA Rubber, weigh 550g, and retail for $31.95.