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- 2 min read
Panasonic to diversify into IoT products in India; charts out broad IoT strategy
Panasonic is looking to diversify into a new Internet of Things (IoT) category in the mobility space with the launch of new products like location trackers, even as it continues its focus to create a complete IoT product ecosystem, including mobile handsets.
“We large focus on both IoT and intelligence. Our IoT strategy is very clear. We want to create and the ecosystem of smart connected and energy efficient. The global push is also in the direction of AI…soon, there will be significant diversification of product category, in the mobility domain,” Manish Sharma, President and CEO, Panasonic India, told ET in a recent interaction.
The company is leveraging its newly setup India innovation center in Bangalore to develop new IoT products and solutions based on Artificial intelligence. For the center, it is investing a total Rs 240 crores in five years.
“A part of this investment will be utilized for solutions of mobile phones, like Arbo,” Sharma said.
Unlike other handset companies, Panasonic is looking to use its handset business to create synergies within existing consumer businesses in the country. It is planning to use the handset as the hub along with the Arbo platform to build an ecosystem of various connected products.
“For other top brands, mobile plays a bigger role in their thought process. It is completely another way around for us. Our intention is the very long term, and objective of the smartphone business is not to chase revenue. Our strategy is how we can build an ecosystem which is the more long-term,” Sharma explained.
Sharma said that the connected product strategy will take another 2-3 three years to take shape in India. “It will continue to evolve, therefore mobile phone is extremely strategic from the point of view of revenue contribution,” he added.
Currently, the handset business contributes about 10% towards the total revenue of consumer appliances for Panasonic India. It sells around 1.5-1.6 million devices annually.
Panasonic had previously outsourced its handset business to a third-party vendor, but to realize its connected devices strategy, it decided to bring it under own control. “In last few years, we have made a significant transition of managing this business by ourselves.”
Sharma further added that Panasonic is not looking at direct competition with players that are exclusively into the handset business.
Panasonic is now aiming to work with developers and form tie-ups with technology companies to build AI-specific solutions and IoT products in India.
“We are looking out for partners. It would be extremely difficult for any organization not only Panasonic to look at these kinds of developments in isolation…it's an era where masters of trades are needed. However, the core technology has to come from your side,” he added.


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conversational commerce news search results
Developer news items we found relating to conversational commerce
AI driven database platform Travelsify raises 5M
Friday, September 28, 2018 by Christian Hargrave
Travelsify has closed 5 million in a new funding round, led by AccorHotels, with participation from existing investors. Founded in April 2016, the startup raised more than 8 million to date and created a unique AI-driven database of more than 1 million Hotel DNA, Restaurant DNA, and Vacation Rental DNA worldwide.
Travelsify will use the capital to help hospitality gr...
Pinxter Digital's predictions for 2017
Wednesday, December 21, 2016 by Richard Harris
Pinxter Digital thinks about mobile nonstop. With 2017 creeping in, they've put a lot of thought into what the year will hold for mobile technology. 2016 was great for mobile and the success isn't stopping there. 2017 will spark all new waves of innovation. Mobile Bot CommerceBlack Friday shopping – a joyful experience for some, scary for others. Consumers are increasin...
Is Your Brand Developing a ChatBot Strategy
Friday, June 17, 2016 by Brian Heikes
Marketers and Customer Service professionals are now paying a lot of attention to ChatBots. Whereas the web, mobile marketing and smartphone apps were at one point the “next big thing”, ChatBots are now becoming a pervasive part of a brand’s digital toolkit.“Bots”, as they’re known, are being talked about as the next evolution of messaging interaction between brands and...

domain: news


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|Volume 53 Number 16, June 3, 2023
Three of the largest international car firms have urged the British government to renegotiate the Brexit agreement. Ford and Jaguar Land Rover have joined Stellantis in calling for Britain and EU to postpone tighter "rules of origin" that are to impose taxes on auto exports that, they claim, may derail the move to electric vehicle production. These rules, by which exports of British-made cars would be subject to 10% tariffs, are set to take effect in the new year. Britain would lose its competitive edge, they say, as a location for vehicle manufacturing, if the government cannot agree to maintain the current regulations until 2027.
Stellantis, the parent corporation of Vauxhall, Citroen, Fiat, and Peugeot, has issued a warning that it might be forced to shut down its British factories if the government does not renegotiate the Brexit deal. The monopoly claims that tariffs will make it more expensive to construct cars in Britain than in Japan or south Korea, casting doubt on the profitability of its facilities in Ellesmere Port and Luton. It has urged ministers to reach a deal with the EU that will keep things as they are until 2027 and review the arrangements for parts manufacture in Serbia and Morocco. Additionally, it has warned that the absence of British-made batteries will put the auto sector "in trouble" and deter people from purchasing the vehicles.
Consumers, say the monopoly, would be less likely to purchase the vehicles because it is no longer able to comply with Brexit trade rules regarding where parts are sourced. Due to rising prices for energy and raw materials, electric vehicle manufacturing in Britain is becoming uncompetitive, and unsustainable operations will cease to exist, they warn. Stellantis met with Kemi Badenoch to discuss its issues with the 2025 renegotiation of Britain-EU trade agreement.
Meanwhile, the government is pleading with the EU to delay a change in manufacturing rules in the Brexit trade deal, and has reported "productive" talks with the EU on tariffs and rules of origin. Andy Palmer, a former chief operating officer at Nissan, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that it is impossible to comply with local content regulations unless the battery is sourced from Britain or EU.
Taking advantage of this context, and stressing that the automotive sector in Britain employs some 800,000 people, the large car manufacturers are pushing for further pay-the-rich schemes. The government already supports the industry through the Automotive Transformation Fund and the Advanced Propulsion Centre. The big firms are citing the example of the US, where the government there is providing money as an additional incentive to car producers. Jaguar Land Rover have requested the British government assist its construction of a battery plant. At the same time, Elon Musk and the Spanish government are attempting to persuade Jaguar Land Rover to construct "gigafactories" in Spain.
Such pay-the-rich schemes come about as governments do the bidding of the monopoly cartels and big investors, who will only invest their huge sums of accumulated social value if an agreement for state subsidies can be reached. In this case, the demand is that the government pays much of the price for new battery production facilities. The industrial and financial oligarchs demand constant and fast returns, and in the absence of such pay-the-rich schemes, will only invest in new facilities as lenders, and then only if they can be certain that interest payments start immediately.
The debate over prices and supply chains leaves out monopoly ownership of the industry, where the largest players both exercise control over the market price of what they produce and compel suppliers further up the supply chain to lower the prices that these monopolies pay. The resulting price inflation means additional profit for these monopolies, but it also puts pressure on the reproduced-value (wages) claimed by workers and the purchasing power of that value, and in general in adds to disruption across the interconnected, socialised economy.
Attacks on the working class call for them to concede part of their reproduced-value in the form of wages and benefits. The threat of closure is a significant part of this pressure, and serves to disrupt workers from organising and fighting to catch back up with price inflation and to regain the dignity of their labour. The working class faces the challenge of taking a unified, comprehensive stance to defend its rights and claims given the actual circumstances of monopoly control within the socialised economy, so as to defend its rights and claims on the social product it produces. Workers' Forum echoes the call of the working class as it loudly declares: Enough is Enough!
(Sources: BBC News, The Guardian, The Independent, Sky News, The Telegraph)


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The demise of the mini car in Europe
30 July 2019
30 July 2019
By Neil King
The A-segment is an increasingly challenging area of the automotive market in Europe. Low prices and margins of minicars mean manufacturers are struggling to add the technology needed to meet EU CO2 targets, while still maintaining profitability. There are already casualties.
- Ford will end sales of the Ka+ minicar in Europe as the carmaker strives to improve profitability, Automotive News Europe reports.
- Opel said in October 2018 that the Adam and Karl minicars will not be replaced after the end of their life cycles, but will remain on sale until the end of 2019. The likelihood is that the Peugeot 108 and Citroen C1 will not be replaced either.
- Volkswagen Group (VW) is not expected to introduce new versions of the VW Up, Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii minicars as it makes a strategic push for affordable battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
VW CEO Herbert Diess has previously warned about the higher costs of small electric cars. Speaking at the Detroit Motor Show in January, Automotive News Europe reported Diess saying: ′the retail price of a VW Up minicar could rise in price by about €3,500 to €14,500 to be compliant with the 2030 emissions target. The price for the small Polo model could rise by €4,000.’
Diess added that ′I am not sure how many customers could still afford our entry-level models. Those models are really under threat.’ he said.
Small cars in jeopardy
Autovista Group analysis has already revealed that small, B-segment, BEVs are struggling to compete in terms of total cost of ownership (TCO) against their internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalents. This is jeopardising the future of small cars as they need to be electrified to meet emissions targets and the outlook is even bleaker for mini cars.
Battery costs are still too high to be absorbed at the lower price point of smaller cars and therefore smaller BEVs cannot offer buyers a competitive TCO, even before any discounting of petrol and diesel counterparts is applied. The irony is that smaller cars will need to rely heavily on ICE engines for the foreseeable future and will, therefore, increase the average fleet emissions of brands if/when consumers of larger cars go electric.
Larger BEVs such as the VW e-Golf can offer a competitive TCO in Germany, albeit only if discounts for petrol and diesel variants of the Golf are not factored in. Nevertheless, battery costs and, in turn, prices and TCO need to come down for BEVs to gain widespread appeal.
Carmakers may be forced to rationalise their whole small car portfolio as they seek to meet increasingly stringent emissions targets. The Financial Times recently even wrote about ′an unintended consequence of the EU’s 2030 emissions targets being the death of the small car.’ The latest evidence suggests that the demise of the mini car is already underway in Europe.
An alternative solution may be simply to reduce the prices of smaller BEVs in an effort to boost demand and therefore lower battery costs through greater economies of scale. However, this will further erode carmakers’ profits at a time they are investing heavily in electric and autonomous technology.
The only other alternative for carmakers is to pay the fines for not meeting the emissions targets.
Ford and VW plans
Ford is launching a new business model in Europe alongside a fresh vehicle line-up, which will see a number of location closures and job cuts.
′The most comprehensive redesign in the history of its business in Europe’ comes as the company is on track to significantly improve its financial results in Europe this year, paving the way to sustainable profitability and its longer-term goal of delivering a 6% EBIT margin.
The redesign will see around 12,000 jobs cut on the continent by the end of 2020, including 2,000 salaried positions. These loses are part of the company’s plan to cut 7,000 salaried positions globally by the end of August.
Ford is freshening its vehicle line-up, concentrating on its popular models and SUVs. The company is committed to introducing at least three new nameplates in the next five years as it continues to grow its utility vehicle portfolio, including the Mustang-inspired electric performance utility vehicle. The new nameplates are in addition to the all-new Kuga, Puma and Explorer Plug-In Hybrid that are coming by early 2020. Every new nameplate will also include an electrified option.
However, Ford is lagging behind other carmakers when it comes to electric mobility and earlier this month, Ford and VW announced details on their joint development of both electric and autonomous vehicles.
The carmakers’ global collaboration sees Ford gain access to VW’s MEB platform for electric vehicles. Conversely whereas VW will invest $2.6 billion (€2.3 billion) for an equal share in Ford’s autonomous business Argo AI and will develop autonomous platforms and technology alongside the company to use in its own future vehicles.
‘Ford will become the first additional automaker to use Volkswagen’s dedicated electric vehicle architecture and Modular Electric Toolkit – or MEB – to deliver a high-volume zero-emission vehicle in Europe starting in 2023. Ford expects to deliver more than 600,000 European vehicles using the MEB architecture over six years, with a second all-new Ford model for European customers under discussion,’ according to statements simultaneously released by Ford and VW.


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News & Events
For Faculty & Staff
Clarkson Freshman Brian Senesac Presents Virtual Clarkson Apparel In Second Life
[A photograph is available for media use at http://www.clarkson.edu/news/photos/senesac.jpg]
Clarkson University School of Business freshman Brian Senesac has combined his computer design, open source programming and business skills to establish himself as an innovator in Second Life, a Web-based virtual "metaverse" with more than three million "Lifer" residents and daily commercial transactions of more than $1 million U.S.
Inspired by discussions in his freshman business course in Innovation and Entrepreneurship on how traditional marketing techniques are evolving rapidly to include Internet-driven multidimensional campaigns, Senesac purchased property in Second Life, assumed a virtual identity and began looking for opportunities to develop a profitable virtual business.
His keen interest in the site grew when Linden Labs CFO and Clarkson Alumnus John Zdanowski '89 returned to campus last month. "Linden Labs has been generating headlines in all the major business publications for the company's development of Second Life," says Senesac. "I wanted to find out more about the people who are driving the site's success and changing the way companies are marketing their products and services online."
The Web-based platform, touting some of the most visually advanced graphics and user-driven interfaces in the online gaming industry, has drawn the attention of major corporations including American Apparel, Scion, Cisco, Adidas and Reebok, Pontiac, Nissan and Toyota, among others, which have purchased virtual land to market virtual goods, with the ultimate goal of increasing brand recognition among Lifers.
Demonstrating value to potential employers, advice he learned from instructors early in his Clarkson experience, Senesac was quick to demonstrate the skills Linden Labs is seeking. He created a virtual Clarkson T-shirt and hockey jersey as an official thank you gift to Zdanowski for his campus visit and his virtual alter-ego (in Lifer lingo an "Avatar") presented the gift, Clarkson's first official emblemized virtual ware, to Zdanowski's Avatar online. As visitors to the site can attest, there have been numerous sightings of Zdanowski's avatar donning his alma mater in this newsworthy-virtual parallel universe.
Clarkson's program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is ranked #22 in the nation by Entrepreneur magazine and The Princeton Review. The School of Business focus provides an experiential approach to the process of fostering, developing and propelling innovative products and services into commercialization and in the creation of value-added new ventures.


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|La Aurora Broadway|
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that Alec Bradley was launching a new cigar line that would be exclusive to the New York market. It looks like Alec Bradley is not the only ones doing this. Miami Cigars’ has just announced the new “Broadway Line” that will be sold under the La Aurora brand.
The Broadway, like the Alec Bradley New York will only be available at New York Retailers. As I mentioned in my Alec Bradley post, while this may disappoint many, this is a much needed jolt for New York tobacconists. New York has been hit hard by high taxes and the city has to deal with the Pleasure Police General himself, Mayor Mike Bloomberg/New York could really use a jolt as this is still an important market – and a market that needs protection. However, this could be a double-edged sword. If these sticks are not home runs, they may end up sitting on the shelves – especially given the price points.
The Broadway looks promising. Right now it will only be available in one Vitola (5 3/4 x 54). The blend features a double Ecuadorian Sumatra and Nicaraguan wrapper with a Dominican Corojo binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Peru. The stick will be priced in the $12.00-$13.00 range (including the NY State tax) and unlike the Alec Bradley, it is expected to hit shelves around year end, early next year.
Click Here to Read more about this.


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This was an April Fools’ Day Post, published April 1, 2011…
Pre-NAB 2011: Canon announced a firmware upgrade for the 1Ds Mark III today unlocking a hidden HDSLR video capture feature. Firmware v1.3 enables HDSLR video shooting in 1080P at frame rates of 25P and 24P, and in 720P at frame rates of up to 60P and 50P.
The firmware utilizes a new algorithm which, similar to Panasonic GH2, allows for HD video without line skipping reducing the risks of artifacts and moire. The 1Ds Mark III does not have an HDMI out but Canon will be releasing an accessory, the Video Transfer Attachment VTA-E1A, which adds HDMI and BNC ports to the side of the camera.
The firmware upgrade and VTA-E1A will be available in early May. The firmware upgrade is free and the VTA-E1A is expected to retail for a street price of $500.
Breaking with tradition, a Vincent Laforet movie using the 1Ds Mark III is not available at the time of this announcement. Canon had sent Laforet the firmware update and VTA-E1A two days ago but Laforet had liquidated the bulk of his HDSLR gear earlier this year.
In related Pre-NAB HDSLR news: Zacuto USA, a Chicago-based film, grip, and accessories manufacturer, has announced that they are purchasing Really Right Stuff, the San Luis Obispo-based manufacturer of Arca-style camera quick release plates and accessories. The new company will be called Zacuto Stuff.
Steve Weiss, president of Zacuto, called this a match made in heaven and cited both companies expertise in making high quality expertly crafted anodized aluminum products. Joe Johnson, president of Really Right Stuff, has stated that Really Right Stuff products will be sold with red accents effective immediately.
Update 5/31/11 – Please note: This story continues to get translated via Google searches into many languages. It was posted on 4/1/11, April Fools’ Day in the United States. Everything in the story is true except for the parts about Canon, Zacuto, and Really Right Stuff.
Update 8/11/12 – Wow, this post continues to get tons of hits and has recently jumped to one of the most popular on my site. I also get many emails asking me if it is indeed true. Thinking that there was more than enough clues above, including the 5/31/11 update, but realizing that somethings may got lost in translation (especially automated Google Translate) I cannot emphasize enough that it is not true. You cannot upgrade the 1Ds Mark III to have video features via a Canon firmware update. This was a 2011 April Fools’ Day post…


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On the pulse updates about the halal F&B industry in Singapore.
Affordable Japanese fusion curry rice from S$7.90 at this food court stall in Jem and Bedok South
East side got. West side also got.
February 21, 2023
Malaysian desserts brand Honeybee in S’pore with real honeycombs on ice cream, popcorn & more
February 20, 2023
More Batter launches new fried chicken delivery-only concept with Korean-inspired flavours
Fried chicken in your area.
February 15, 2023
Anna’s, the sourdough-centric cafe at Punggol Oasis Terraces, is officially MUIS halal-certified
An oasis of sourdough in Punggol.
February 14, 2023
Prima Deli has new limited edition Ondeh Ondeh Waffle for S$2.80 till 30 April, 2023
February 9, 2023
Hidden bakery at Woodlands MRT Station on Thomson-East Coast Line sells affordable artisanal pastries like pistachio croissants & matcha cream puffs
Cheaper than going to cafe in town.
February 6, 2023
Don Don Donki’s latest outlet in Jewel Changi Airport will feature over 100 halal Japanese products
Opening 20 December 2022.
December 15, 2022
Famous Amos Singapore now MUIS halal-certified
Guaranteed plus chop halal.
November 15, 2022
Wingstop & PUBG Mobile collab brings “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner” from VR to IRL￼
Time to re-download the game.
September 13, 2022
Newly halal-certified Amoy Street braised duck stall sells traditional Hokkien braised duck since 1976; now run by group of young hawkers
July 11, 2022


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Hospitality | Lifestyle
While restaurants and hotels across the City are all suffering due to COVID-19 closures and limited services, this is not stopping some local organizations and small businesses from giving back to the community and, in some cases, their employees, during this crisis.
The Dorchester Hotels, which includes the Hotel Bel-Air and Beverly Hills Hotel, have been providing meals to local hospitals and homeless veterans in VA facilities. “We have pledged to take care of all of our team members across Dorchester Collection, and we also are committed to supporting the community with hundreds of care packages each week going to local hospitals, first responders and those in need,” Edward Mady, Regional Director of West Coast USA and General Manager told the Courier.
Moët Hennessy USA, the U.S. entity of the LVMH Wines & Spirits division, has made financial donations to the U.S. Bartender’s Guild and the National Restaurant Association Education Fund (NRAEF), which aids workers who have lost their jobs in the sector. The brand is also making thousands of liters of alcohol for health care uses and hand sanitizer through its Woodinville Whiskey distillery in Washington state.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills is giving back through donations and meals provided to local firefighters, police officers, and hospital workers. Next week, almost 400 hourly employees at the hotel, will receive a “family dinner” for four created by Chef Codney. The hotel is also providing a bag of groceries to each employee.
Maude owner and Australian-born chef Curtis Stone has transitioned both his Beverly Hills and Hollywood restaurants to marketplaces. He is devoting the resources for philanthropy to his #Commit2One partnership, which has benefited the National Young Farmers Coalition, Chrysalis, Adopt Together, Share Our Strength and most recently, Drought Angels, which helps Australian farmers in need. https://www.mauderestaurant.com
Popular Pizzana cafe with locations on Robertson Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood, is providing free gourmet pizzas to frontline medical staff including doctors and nurses. Visit their GoFundMe page to make a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-support-our-emergency-medical-workers.
Wally’s Wine and Spirits on Canon Drive is still keeping a steady retail pace with take-out and delivery even if the typically buzzing restaurant and store are now both empty. They are also giving back to the community during this time. According to Wally’s president and principal owner Christian Navarro, “We are sending food every week to Cedars-Sinai ICU, St John’s ICU and the Beverly Hills Fire and Police departments.”
The fast-casual Fatburger chain has hit the road with a food truck that will be providing 10,000 free meals for healthcare heroes on the frontlines this April. The truck made one of its first stops at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and continues to stop at regional hospitals, serving up to 500 meals at a time.
Andy Wiederhorn, CEO, FAT Brands said, “Los Angeles is a city of dreamers. Right now, our healthcare workers are fighting on our front lines to protect our city. We’re humbled to help them in a small way as they fight to keep that dream alive for all of us.”
Innovative Dining Group has set up an IDG Relief Fund to help support their employees who are currently out of work. The company is donating 50 percent of every gift card purchased directly to their employees. Customers can purchase at shop.innovativedining.com or for pickup daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at their local restaurants such as Sushi Roku, BOA Steakhouse and Katana all on Sunset Boulevard.
Suzanne Goin is partnering on a new initiative with Dine11.org to help feed healthcare workers with delicious market-driven food from her restaurants, a.o.c., Tavern and Lucques. Goin will be including produce from local farmers as well as breads and cookies. The Larder Baking Co (also owned by Goin) and Dine11.org are also partnering to feed frontline healthcare workers with a buy-give one promotion with Tock. https://www.exploretock.com/thelarderbakingco.
The Sushi Nozawa Group, which owns Sugarfish in Beverly Hills, intends to keep 100 percent of the over 600 people — both salaried and hourly — at all of their restaurants (this includes Nozawa Bar, KazuNori and sister restaurants HiHo Cheeseburger and Uovo). They have reopened the phones to take orders for pickup and delivery, and whenever possible, have their staff do the delivery. https://sugarfishsushi.com/locations/la-bh/.
For more information on how you can help restaurants, visit https://www.restaurant.org/Home.


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The gloom in the crypto market has turned firms operating in the space risk aversive. Many of them are looking to trim their payroll size in order to conserve funds amid a freefall in the digital token market.
Not only this, even stringent taxations and regulatory frameworks are hurting crypto players. The pessimism has affected deal size and volumes in the crypto industry.
Market experts are divided on the future funding of the industry as they believe that the crypto industry is very nascent and its journey has remained turbulent. Short-term pain, however, is unavoidable, they add.
Did you Know?
SAP has launched a new enterprise on the Metaverse with the aim of accelerating cloud adoption among Indian firms. The interactive and immersive ‘cloud on wheels’ platform will enable customers to experience the full range of SAP’s offerings and reimagine processes for improved business outcomes.
"Even in the longer run, VCs have been funding crypto startups on the back of rising retail interest in India. India has the potential to become a leader in the crypto ecosystem. If the growth rebounds, VCs would be willing to fund," he added.
However, not everyone agrees on this. Other experts believe that funding activities are likely to slow down and valuations of the crypto players may take a hit. Though, they see enough potential for Web 3.0 space.
Vineet Budki, Managing Partner & CEO, Cypher Capital believes investing in later-stage startups may slow down due to a liquidity crunch in the market.
"However, early-stage crypto companies with an actual use case of tokens and unique products will raise maximum funds in the current scenario. We expect some moderation in the valuations of these companies."
Market experts believe VCs will have to trim their return expectations or increase the time horizons of their investments. The deep-pocketed players need to be selective about their investments and look for companies that solve real-life problems. Even the company management would be a significant factor to consider.
The new taxation rules announced in the union budget 2022 have come into force. This has hurt the domestic crypto projects and trading volumes have plunged about 90 per cent on some platforms.
The government implemented levying a 30 per cent tax on gains from the sale of crypto assets without any exemption from April 2022. The rule of 1 per cent tax deducted at source (TDS) on crypto transactions also came into force on July 1, Friday.
Market players believe India's tax rules would hurt the topline of crypto exchanges and may drag the bottom line further.
Agarwal from C4D Partners said customer participation in the market is highly correlated with market performance. High taxes, unclear norms and muted market sentiments are slowing down the growth, he said.
However, he believes that the long-term growth story for domestic crypto startups remains intact. "Many Indian startups are building new products and platforms using blockchain technology," he added.
Lauding the tax steps, even VCs requested the government to clear the ambiguity over the legitimacy of the crypto space as it would further hinder the growth of the industry.
Budki from Cypher Capital said India has become ground zero for innovation in the Web 3.0 space and we are still seeing amazing founders solving problems with blockchain.
The government should have a long-term strategy for creating an amicable environment for the industry, he said. "This will mutually benefit the government and the Indian innovators who are able to secure capital for the growth."
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)
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- As Micron Unit Kicks off, Govt says 2 More Proposals Likely
US chipmaker Micron broke ground for its $2.75-billion (₹22,854 crore) chip packaging plant at Sanand in Gujarat on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in India’s goal to emerge as a hub for global semiconductor manufacturing.In Balancing Act, US says Working With Both India & Canada
The United States is engaging in a fine balancing act as it seeks to maintain its alliance with Canada on the one hand and expand strategic partnership with India on the other, said political observers as the secretary of state Antony Blinken said the US expected India to cooperate with Canada in the investigation into the killing of separatist Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June.‘MDBs Need Discontinuous Change’
Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) need discontinuous change rather than merely continuous evolution for their transformation, former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers tells Deepshikha Sikarwar in an interview. Summers co-chairs the Independent Expert Group on strengthening MDB reforms, set up by the G20 under India’s presidency.
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Posts tagged with Sales Tax
The up and down trend of retail spending in Lawrence is continuing.
The latest sales tax report out of Lawrence City Hall shows retail spending for the period of mid-August to mid-September, about the time students returned to campus, was down about 1.6 percent compared to the same period a year ago.
The decline comes after a whopping 17 percent increase in the previous month's reporting period. The city has received 10 of its 12 sales tax checks from the state this year, and thus far retail sales have been up in five of those months and they have been down in five.
The forward steps, however, have been just a little bit bigger than the backwards steps. Through the first 10 reporting periods, retail spending is up about 2.5 percent compared to the same period a year ago.
The bottom-line is that retail sales in the city are still growing but not nearly at the rate they were in 2012. At this time in 2012, sales tax collections were up 6.1 percent compared to 2011 totals.
Looking at a little bit broader picture, the large increase in 2012 came after Lawrence consumer spending hit some pretty pitiful levels in 2009 and 2010. Consumers started to ramp up in 2011, but it appears that 2012 is when consumers unleashed their pent up demand. That period of pent-up demand, it appears, is now over. Once you adjust for inflation, consumer spending in Lawrence is up only about 0.6 percent for the year. This year's sales tax collections are on track to meet the city's budget estimates, but if this moderation continues, it will make 2014 an interesting year to watch.
It also is interesting to watch what is going on in other major retail markets in the state. Lawrence is faring slightly poorer than many of the major retail areas in the state, with a few notable exceptions. Lawrence's 2.5 percent growth rate thus far in 2013 is better than Topeka at 1.6 percent; Manhattan at 1.1 percent; and far better than Hays, where something is either amiss with the reports or else a significant spending slow down has occurred. Sales tax numbers in Hays are down 9.9 percent for the year.
Here's a look at other major retail areas in the state:
• Emporia: up 3.6 percent
• Johnson County: up 4.3 percent
• Kansas City: up 5.7 percent
• Lenexa: up 6 percent
• Olathe: up 4.7 percent
• Ottawa: up 6.7 percent
• Overland Park: up 3.1 percent
• Salina: up 2.5 percent
• City of Shawnee: up 4.9 percent
• Sedgwick County: up 3.6 percent
Here's one other piece of data for you. The state periodically provides statistics on the type of consumer spending taking place in the state. The latest report shows spending by industry through the first six months of 2013. I don't have access to numbers specifically or Lawrence, but these statewide numbers may give glimpse at what sectors of the market are rising of falling locally.
Sales tax collections for sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores were the largest gainer in the retail sector, by percentage increase. Sales in that sector were up 5.2 percent during the first six months of the year. Other retail categories included:
• Vehicle and parts sales: up 4.3 percent
• Furniture and home furnishing: up 1.8 percent
• Electronics and appliance stores: down 2.8 percent
• Building material and garden supply stores: down 2.7 percent
• Grocery and food and beverage stores: up 2.8 percent
• Drug stores and personal care stores: up 3.0 percent
• Gasoline stations: down 1.9 percent
• Clothing and clothing accessories: up 3.6 percent
• General merchandise stores: up 0.8 percent
• Miscellaneous retailers: down 6.4 percent
• Restaurant and drinking establishments: up 1.7 percent
• Hotels and accommodations: up 2.1 percent
Retail sales in the city up 3 percent for the year; SLT opponents organizing “occupation” event at the wetlands
There must have been a lot of families with back-to-school shopping lists this season much like mine: pencils, erasers, notebooks, diamond earrings. (What's that? I was told it is a necessity that mothers looks stylish at PTO meetings.)
Regardless, the latest sales tax report from Lawrence City Hall shows that something caused a spike in sales during that back-to-school season. The city's September sales tax report — which actually includes sales data from the mid-July to mid-August time period — shows taxable sales in the city were up a whopping 17 percent from September 2012.
I never make too much of one month's worth of data because statistical anomalies can pop up, but the bigger picture also is looking more positive than it did for the city just a few months ago. With nine months of sales tax checks in the bank, retail sales in the city are up 3 percent from the same period a year ago.
Bottomline: Retail sales are growing at a decent clip in Lawrence, but not nearly as fast as they did in 2012. At this time last year, retail sales were up 6 percent. But I can tell you that City Hall officials who rely on sales tax collections for a big part of their budgets are breathing a little easier now. At the midway point of 2013, retail sales were up just 1.7 percent for the year, and it was uncertain whether the city's sales tax collection would meet budget for the year.
It appears more likely that the city will make its budget at this point. With just three more checks to collect in 2013, collections in the city's largest sales tax fund are about 1 percent over budget projections. So, the fourth quarter still will be key, but City Hall budget-makers feel better about their chances than they did a few months ago.
As for how Lawrence stacks up with other cities, it is a mixed bag. The data indicates Lawrence's retail sales growth may be a little bit behind the statewide average. For all jurisdictions that collect a local sales tax, the average growth rate thus far for 2013 has been 3.7 percent compared to 3.0 percent for Lawrence. Here's a look at how some of the larger retail markets in the state have fared year-to-date:
• Emporia: up 3.6 percent
• Hays: down 8.3 percent
• Kansas City: up 5.7 percent
• Manhattan: down 0.1 percent
• Olathe: up 4.5 percent
• Overland Park: up 3.2 percent
• Salina: up 2.9 percent
• Shawnee: up 5.1 percent
• Topeka: up 1.7 percent
Here's a look at some of the smaller markets around Lawrence. The sales totals in these communities are much smaller, so wilder swings are possible. But with nine months in the books, most are having a strong year:
• Baldwin City: up 1.4 percent
• Basehor: up 16 percent
• Eudora: up 14.2 percent
• Ottawa: up 6.9 percent
• Tonganoxie: up 10.0 percent
And finally, here's a look at how Lawrence's retail sales totals year-to-date compare to the same period in past years, and how they have been growing once adjusted for inflation. The number in parenthesis is the inflation-adjusted total for the year:
2013: $1.03 billion 2012: $1.00 billion ($1.02B) 2011: $947.9 million ($985.5M) 2010: $916.5 million ($983.0M) 2009: $930.7 million ($1.01B) 2008: $966.2 million ($1.04B)
So, once adjusted for inflation, Lawrence's retail sales are up about 1 percent for the year, and we're still lagging behind where we were before the economic downturn that hit in late 2008. But don't worry, we'll catch up. I think there is another PTO meeting coming up.
In other news and notes from around town:
• From PTO to WPO — the Wetlands Preservation Organization. As I've been telling you, get ready for some protests out at the Baker Wetlands as roadwork on the South Lawrence Trafficway likely will begin in the wetlands next month. Well, the WPO — which includes a lot of students from Haskell Indian Nations University — is beginning to show its hand in that regard. The organization's Facebook page is advertising an "Occupy the Wakarusa Wetlands" event on Oct. 25 and Oct. 26. According to a flier on the site, the group is encouraging people to camp at the wetlands and "help us protest this atrocity." The website also says the group is trying to "organize resistance and awareness in any way possible," and it even makes reference to the large protests that have gripped the Arab world. "There is an Indian Summer coming this fall," an organizer wrote on the page. "It looks a lot like an Arab Spring."
It will be interesting to watch the changing of the seasons at the wetlands in the coming weeks.
• In the category of notable commercial sales: It looks like one of Lawrence's more renowned music venues has taken a step to secure its future in downtown Lawrence. According to a filing at the Douglas County Register of Deeds, a company led by Brett Mosiman, owner of The Bottleneck, has purchased the building at 737 New Hampshire, which houses the The Bottleneck. The building was owned by a trust in the name of longtime Lawrence attorney Lance Burr.


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League of Legends: Wild Rift, the mobile version of Riot Games’ hit MOBA title, has reached an important milestone. The game has surpassed $1 billion in lifetime player spending.
- According to mobile analytics platform data.ai’s new report, League of Legends: Wild Rift is now among 101 other games and 26 apps that have crossed the $1 billion mark.
- It took Riot Games’ title less than three years since its global launch in October 2020 to reach this milestone.
- LoL: Wild Rift has also generated 111 million downloads globally, with its top markets being China, Vietnam, and Brazil.
- In the first half of 2023, the game reached $188 million in revenue, with China accounting for $141 million of total player spending. The US follows with $8.2 million.
- League of Legends: Wild Rift currently ranks as the 4th mobile game in the MOBA genre by lifetime revenue. The top 3 highest-grossing titles are Tencent’s Honor of Kings, Moonton’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Arena of Valor (global version of Honor of Kings).
- Wild Rift is also the fourth most downloaded MOBA title, only behind Arena of Valor, Honor of Kings, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
- It is worth noting that Riot Games is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tencent, meaning the Chinese tech giant completely dominates the MOBA genre on mobile. Not to mention that Honor of Kings is still the highest-grossing mobile title globally.


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Step aside,Taylor MomsenKelly OsbourneMaterial Girl
– 's the newest face of !
After a successful launch last summer, Madonna's fashion line (with her daughter, Lola), Material Girl, is set to take on new looks for the spring. With its fresh spring collection, comes the fresh face of Kelly Osbourne because she represents the epitome of a Material Girl – edgy, cool and unique!
The multi-media campaign (which launched TODAY!) will debut in the April issues of fashion and lifestyle magazines, including Seventeen! But don't wait 'til April to get your hands on the celebrity-designed fashion collection – Material Girl is now available exclusively at Macy's and macys.com!
More From Seventeen
What do you think of MG's newest campaign?


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- Expert panellists discuss best practices for business development and growth in the fast-growing CLMV regionSingapore, 27 May 2015 – BuildTech Yangon 2015, Myanmar’s definitive trade show for the building and construction sector, opens today with a stellar showcase of the latest offerings that will support the accelerated pace of construction in the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam (CLMV) region. Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings, and co-organised by Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), the event is held at the Myanmar Convention Centre in Yangon, Myanmar, from 27 to 29 May 2015.The event is officially opened by Yangon’s Minister of Electric Power & Industry, Science & Technology, H.E.U Nyan Tun U. Trade and business associations, industry leaders and exhibiting companies from more than eight countries across the region including Australia, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam converge at BuildTech Yangon 2015. The trade show places a spotlight on the industry’s latest products and technologies for infrastructure, transportation, trade development as well as residential and commercial buildings in Myanmar. In addition to the exhibition, a three-day business seminar series provide a conducive platform for industry experts to debate and discuss the challenges that the industry is currently facing amidst the rapid growth.Mr Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, said: “BuildTech Yangon is ever more relevant today with the robust growth in building and construction in Myanmar. ASEAN countries have shown keen interest to come together at this platform. Not just to showcase their latest technologies and innovative solutions, but also to engage in the industry dialogue on a regional stage. We are heartened to see the continued interest in BuildTech Yangon for the second consecutive year.”Exhibition highlights To equip Myanmar’s building and construction sector for the growing vertical construction trend, the 12,000 square metre exhibition space features leading global and regional players in construction machinery, new materials, electrical and mechanical equipment among others. JCB Southeast Asia debuts the world’s renowned JCB Dancing Diggers show at BuildTech Yangon 2015. The legendary JCB Dancing Diggers from the UK demonstrate their latest construction equipment with intricate and spectacular routines. The unusual entertainment is a graphic demonstration of the machines’ remarkable manoeuvrability, precision and power.
“We have created a special Dancing Diggers showcase with our innovative Telescopic Handler and versatile Backhoe Loaders as we believe that the who’s who of Myanmar’s construction industry are gathering at this year's BuildTech Yangon", said Mr Tom Cornell, Managing Director of JCB Southeast Asia.PDS International showcases innovative personal protective equipment products that are customised for Asian sizes and climates. Korea’s Kumkang, one of the world’s largest formwork system manufacturers, brings to the event its latest aluminum formwork, auto-climbing and self- climbing systems, steel pipe, scaffolding products and modular building systems. Other leading exhibitors include Bautek, DGL International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, FT Technologies Pte Ltd, Jenmon, Peri Asia, Mines, Poh Cheong, Minerals Resources and Modern Building Materials. U Tha Hthay, Chairman of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association, said:“The construction industry in Myanmar is key to the success in rebuilding the country whilst boosting economic development for Myanmar. Infrastructure projects are an essential prerequisite in building up a modern developed nation. Myanmar needs to provide a medium of approach for such projects to develop in such a way that will foster and rapidly facilitate for the momentum of development. Against this backdrop, trade exhibitions such as BuildTech Yangon are important drivers to equip the building and construction industry as we continue along the path of upward development of key infrastructure, residential homes, roads and town in the near future.”Business seminar series pave industrial development in MyanmarThe series of business seminars and networking sessions over the three days aim to encourage discussion, knowledge-sharing whilst fostering new business partnerships. As the preferred industry platform, BuildTech Yangon’s seminars drive key industry discussions on the challenges posed by the accelerated construction growth. Some 23 speakers from industry-leading companies and trade associations across the region are sharing latest trends, technologies and best practices to cope with the challenges of a rapidly growing industry. CPD Points, certified Myanmar Engineering Council (MEngC), is offered to participating local industry professionals in the built environment sector to encourage local professionals to upgrade their skills and expand their business networks. This is the first time that CPD Points have been offered to a seminar platform at a trade exhibition. The three-day business seminar series focus on the most current topics that are relevant to industry professionals, such as construction investment, town planning, sustainable energy and more. Seminar on construction law covers sustainability regulations for high-rise buildings among other legal topics, while the Project Management Series explore the latest in BIM and building automation. Expert panellists from Surbana and MCEA are debating on the topic, ‘Affordable Housing in Mega Cities’ and MEngC is presenting on a case study on the role of Myanmar’s women engineers in road and bridge construction. Trade mission groups from Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam are leveraging the comprehensive trade platform and outdoor site visits to explore business opportunities and network with regional peers to strengthen bilateral ties between their countries and Myanmar. BuildTech Yangon 2015 is supported by the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI), International Power Access Federation (IPAF), Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), Myanmar Engineering Council (MEngC), Myanmar Engineering Society (MES), Myanmar Industries Association (MIA), Singapore Business Federation (SBF), Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL), The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (UMFCCI), Vietnam Association for Building Materials (VABM), Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA), Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA), Vietnam Electrotechnical Industry Association (VELINA), and the Workplace Safety & Health Asia (WSH Asia). For more information, visit www.btyangon.com. Issued by Singapore Press Holdings Limited Co. Regn. No. 198402868EFor media queries, please contact:Rabita JamalSenior Manager, Trade MarketingSphere Exhibits Pte LtdDID: + 65 6319 1675Email: email@example.comVanni CheongAssistant ManagerCorporate Communications & CSR Singapore Press HoldingsDID: +65 6319 1553Email: firstname.lastname@example.orgAbout BuildTech Yangon 2015 The second edition of BuildTech Yangon returns to further serve construction development in Myanmar with a focus on infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, trading as well as residential and commercial buildings. Organised by SPHERE Exhibits and co-organised by Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association, BuildTech Yangon 2015 is the leading trade exhibition that showcases cutting-edge technologies and products to address the growing needs for building and construction across different vertical industries within the built environment sector in Myanmar. This three day event provides a conducive platform that explores business opportunities and market share expansion into Asia’s next economic frontier. About SPHERE Exhibits Pte Ltd A wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), Sphere Exhibits, which stands for "SPH Events, Roadshows and Exhibitions", aims to be the leading events company catering to a diverse mix of trade and consumer clientele. Backed by a committed and experienced team of professionals and SPH's comprehensive range of media platforms, Sphere Exhibits’ shows, events and exhibitions centre on unique concepts that attract local audiences and regional participants. Among the 20 Sphere Exhibits' events are The IT Show, COMEX, Licence2Play, Asian Masters and Kidz Academy. Leveraging on its expertise in event conceptualisation, planning and execution, Sphere Exhibits delivers memorable and quality events that meet the objectives of its clientele and partners. For more information, please visitwww.sphereexhibits.com.sg About Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Incorporated in 1984, main board-listed Singapore Press Holdings Ltd (SPH) is Asia’s leading media organisation, engaging minds and enriching lives across multiple languages and platforms, ranging from print, digital, radio and out-of-home media. SPH owns award-winning newspapers, magazines and best-selling books in both print and digital editions, as well as online classified businesses in the region. In addition, SPH has two English radio stations and one Chinese radio station, an out-of-home digital advertising unit, a regional events and conferences arm, and runs a chain of modern retail convenience stores. SPH also has a 20 per cent stake in MediaCorp TV Holdings Pte Ltd, which operates free-to-air channels 5, 8 and U, and a 40 per cent stake in MediaCorp Press Limited, which publishes the free newspaper, Today.
SPH REIT comprises Paragon, a premier upscale retail mall and medical suite/office property in Orchard Road and The Clementi Mall, a mid-market suburban mall. SPH's latest retail development is The Seletar Mall located in Sengkang. For more information, please visit www.sph.com.sgAbout Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs AssociationMyanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association has been associated with development of the country nationwide, evolving the development of economic, social and civil sectors as well as assuring the people’s ownership of housing facilities. In addition MCEA set up cement factories for supply of cement for construction programmes, established Industrial zones for development of industries and also continuously endeavoured in the construction projects for the development of Nay Pyi Taw, establishment of new satellite towns, hotels, settlements, highways, the New Yadanarbon City development, High Rise Building project in Yangon, public infrastructures for states and Regions and construction programmes for Special Economic Zones (Thilawa Special Economic Zones, Dawel Special Economic Zones).


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The rumours of a potential sequel to Facepunch's insanely popular "Rust" have been around for years, but today they may have just been confirmed. A controversial announcement from Unity resulted in Garry Newman, owner of Facepunch Studios, subtly hinting that Rust 2 is in the works. We discuss all the details we know in this post.
Unity Price Changes
Unity is a popular game engine that has been the backbone behind some of the biggest games in the industry. Unity happens to be what has powered Rust for the past 10 years.
The Rust team's long-term commitment to Unity might be coming to an ugly end as Unity has just released its updated pricing plans, starting January 1st 2024. Along with the usual pricing changes they have introduced a "Unity Tax" which has sent shock waves across the game development world.
To summarize this "Tax" is applied to all game studios that fall within a certain revenue and download threshold. There will then be a fee charged to the studio every month depending on the number of installs their game receives. These fees can be as high as $0.20 per install which adds up quickly especially if it includes users reinstalling their game on a new PC.
There are still a lot of unknowns so it is hard to say how this will affect other games. Many users are concerned this could be drastic for free games such as Unturned who may not have the income required to comfortably cover the monthly fees.
How Will This Affect Rust
Garry Newman has taken to Twitter and his personal blog to express his thoughts about the news.
Many players may be concerned that this could force Rust to change the engine before the price changes are implemented. This is a pretty reasonable concern considering Garry is estimated to pay quite a hefty sum per year to Unity with the new pricing.
Thankfully, everyone can breathe a sigh of relief as Garry mentioned on his blog that the cost is not a big concern for them.
Let me be clear.. the cost isn't a big issue to us. If everything worked out, the tracking was flawless and it was 10p per sale, no biggy really. If that's what it costs, then that's what it costs.
So it seems that the original Rust will be around in Unity for a while and players shouldn't worry about their favorite open-world survival game suddenly disappearing.
Garry Newman's Opinions
Garry has been known to not mince his words and certainly isn't afraid of voicing his opinions on things. After the news dropped about the Unity price changes he quickly took to his blog to express his concerns. Titling his article "Unity can get f*cked" he has clearly drawn in some attention, with his blog post already sitting at over 200,000 views!
His opinion about the changes seems to be one that is shared by many other game publishers. They feel that Unity has broken their trust and while Rust might not be affected by the prices, who is to say this will be the only price hike Unity tries.
But that's what happened. And now we know they can do that, and that they're willing to do that. Unity is the worst company to be in charge of the Unity Engine.
The trust is gone.
Confirmation Of Rust 2
Ending off his blog, Garry reflects on the past 10 years that they have been using Unity and regrets not working on their own game engine.
To close off his blog he left the Rust community in shock as he subtly dropped a hint that Rust 2 is in development, or at the very least being thought about.
Let's not make the same mistake again, Rust 2 definitely won't be a Unity game.
While it may seem like a well-deserved jab at Unity, it is also the first (somewhat official) announcement that Rust 2 might be on the horizon.
Nobody is quite sure if development on Rust 2 has already begun or if it is simply an idea that the Facepunch team have been discussing but it is certainly exciting to know that the creator of Rust is thinking about it.
Whatever direction Rust 2 is taken in we have faith that the Facepunch team will be able to deliver something extraordinary. While we might not have any screenshots or information to share with you yet we do have a community-made trailer of Rust in Unreal engine. This might give us an idea of what Rust 2 might look like in the future
For now, all we can do is wait and see how Garry and the team handle this situation. Maybe you can spend some time on your favorite Rust server or even build your own server. It seems like Rust will be here for a while and the Unity changes won't change much for us players.


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Sony PS4 sales hit the 7 million mark earlier this month. Microsoft has some work to do if it wants to stay competitive.» Read More
Hewlett-Packard reported a $8.8 billion accounting charge relating to allegations of fraud tied to the acquisition of its Autonomy software unit.
Oprah Winfrey sent out a tweet Monday in which she gushed about her love for Microsoft's Surface tablet. Just one teensy problem: It was from her iPad.
CNBC's Seema Mody explains which tablet device will be on the top of consumers' wish lists. What does Twitter reveal?
Apple's iCloud suffered an outage over the weekend and apparently its issues lingered into Monday.
System launches from Nintendo tend to be smooth running affairs, but the ambitious nature of the Wii U has presented a few stumbling blocks for the company.
Being in the Billion-Dollar Club limits how, and if, a start-up can get out. For one thing, when you’re the most expensive product on the shelf, very few companies can afford to buy you.
Holiday shoppers with a tablet computer on their gift list this year might be forgiven for feeling a bit overwhelmed. This year, it's no so simple to make a choice.
Mining the boom in data for new insights and undiscovered relationships has created demand for new software and solutions and both major tech companies and start-ups are looking to take advantage of the emerging trend.
Google may be toying with the idea of getting into the wireless business, according to a report.
The U.S. at war, a cyber war, and businesses and government are simply outgunned in the battle, said Eric Rosenbach, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy.
The personal-computer maker reported quarterly earnings and a full-year outlook that fell short of analysts' expectations on Thursday.
Amazon.com started shipping a larger version of its Kindle Fire HD tablet computer on Thursday. Here's a look at how it compares with the iPad and other tablets with similar screens.
We've traditionally thought of Internet access as skewing toward the affluent. But now that PC penetration is so high, could online surveys beat the phone.
Spotify has raised about $100m from a group of investors led by Goldman Sachs in a round that puts a $3bn valuation on the company and completes its eight-month search for new funding, according to two people familiar with the situation.
It's shaping up to be a very Nintendo holiday season, but what happens once the holidays are over?
Two thieves skirted security at JFK International Airport and got away with part of a cargo shipment of Apple's iPad minis worth $1.5 million, according to a report from the New York Post.
Facebook rolled out its job-board application Wednesday allowing users to access more than 1.7 million job opportunities from five different recruiting companies.
Government demands for user data worldwide from Google have "increased steadily," the search giant says in a new report: "One trend has become clear: Government surveillance is on the rise."
Microsoft has updated the password-resetting process for its Skype service after it was revealed that a flaw in the system made users' Skype accounts vulnerable to hacking.
The fact that Facebook's stock jumped after shares were unlocked Wednesday doesn't really matter because the share price will ultimately take a hit because the social network still has a big mobile advertising problem, said Richard Greenfield, BTIG analyst, Wednesday.
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Matt Hunter is the senior technology editor at CNBC.com.
Cadie Thompson is a tech reporter for the Enterprise Team for CNBC.com.
Working from Los Angeles, Boorstin is CNBC's media and entertainment reporter and editor of CNBC.com's Media Money section.
Jon Fortt is an on-air editor. He covers the companies, start-ups, and trends that are driving innovation in the industry.
Lipton is CNBC's technology correspondent, working from CNBC's Silicon Valley bureau.
Mark is CNBC's Silicon Valley/San Francisco Bureau Chief covering technology and digital media.


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HARRISBURG, Pa. – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin highlighted the efforts of Whirley-DrinkWorks!, a second-generation, family-owned business specializing in design and manufacturing of plastic products that pivoted its production to make face masks in response to the state’s critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE) through DCED’s Pennsylvania Manufacturing Call to Action Portal (MCAP), which mobilized manufacturers producing COVID-19-related products and supplies or could pivot to producing COVID-19-related supplies.
“Longstanding Pennsylvania business Whirley-DrinkWorks! has been invested in the wellbeing of its community for decades, so it’s no surprise they stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic with solutions for our commonwealth,” said Sec. Davin. “Not only have they developed masks, but they continue to create innovative technologies that will protect their consumers throughout the country as we continue to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus.”
Whirley-DrinkWorks! is listed on DCED’s Business-2-Business Interchange Directory (B2B). As of the end of July 2020, the MCAP received 3,285 submissions for face mask production.
The company began producing reusable and disposable masks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the safety in touchless options, in May Whirley-DrinkWorks!’s technology team also developed a concept for touchless fountain valves. The valves are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified and Whirley-DrinkWorks! will begin shipping orders to colleges, universities, and schools within the month. Additionally, the company is developing a UV sanitization device that will sanitize drinkware and destroy all harmful pathogens in less than 20 seconds. This concept planning began at the end of March when Whirley-DrinkWorks! learned that people were feeling unsafe refilling cups or using refill stations and is currently in its testing phase for estimated shipping to begin in October.
“From the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Whirley-DrinkWorks! recognized the need for properly sourced and manufactured PPE products. As we implemented our COVID-19 practices and procedures, it was apparent that PPE would be an integral part of creating a safe work environment. After selecting our manufacturing partners, we were able to successfully supply high quality PPE to other Western Pennsylvania businesses, in addition to customers outside of the region looking to reopen their operations,” said Whirley-DrinkWorks! President Mark Charbonneau. “Like so many businesses, we have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we continue to develop innovative, new products and equipment. We truly appreciate the support received on this endeavor, and our expectation is the B2B Portal will provide us with a platform to successfully market our products and manufacturing services.”
Whirley-DrinkWorks! was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania. The company is renowned for being a pioneer in initiating the mass marketing of plastic travel mugs to convenience stores that promoted “coffee club” memberships.
The B2B Interchange was created by DCED to directly connect organizations and businesses searching for COVID-19-related products and supplies and was the third web application developed by the Wolf Administration to serve the critical supply needs for Pennsylvania.
Company and product information provided in the directory is gathered in good faith as a means of connecting Pennsylvania businesses and organizations that are seeking various PPE and other related items to combat the COVID-19 crisis. The information made available is from those entities who voluntarily contacted the commonwealth through the Manufacturing Call to Action Portal or the Pennsylvania Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal.
Currently included in the directory are manufacturers of N95 masks, KN95 masks, fabric and other masks, surgical masks, thermometers, hand sanitizer, face shields, medical gowns, and cleaning and disinfectant products. Additional supplies and materials can be added as DCED identifies potential manufacturers. Businesses that would like to be added to the directory or those with questions should contact [email protected].


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Punjab Mazdoor Card Online Apply
The Punjab government has introduced a Mazdoor card for the first time in the history of Pakistan after the health and farmer card. The issuance of Mazdoor card for working brothers is an honor of Punjab government. The scope of Mazdoor card will be extended to the whole of Punjab and online apply through PESSI App.
The Punjab Mazdoor Card will ensure the provision of minimum wage to the workers. Industrial workers will benefit from the housing scheme and fraternity through labor cards, while up to 30 per cent discount will be given on the products of 150 companies. Workers will be given concessions by railways, stores and private schools. A proposal to link the health facility card with the labor card is also being worked on.
The Mazdoor Card can be used for ATM, Debit Card, Vault Account and Identity Code. Punjab Mazdoor Card will also have data related to the worker and his family. The Punjab Mazdoor Card will be used in social security hospitals and dispensaries across the province. The Mazdoor Card will also be used in government and private hospitals on the panel. 11 Cash Benefit facilities will be available through this card.
punjab mazdoor card banwane ka tarika. With the help of Punjab Bank, 1.1 million workers will get labor cards and about 6.8 million members of the workers’ families will also benefit from this card.


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Blind Squirrel Games has laid off 13 staff members.
2K releases a thank you video for fans.
Are they overpriced?
PES 2017 and NBA 2K17 stay in 2nd and 3rd.
There were seven new releases in the top 20 last week.
FIFA 17 and PES 2017 go head-to-head. Sort of.
You’ll have to work harder for these Platinum trophies.
Games include Dead Rising remasters, the BioShock Collection, PES 2017, and much more.
No Gods or kings. Only man.
BioShock: The Collection, XCOM 2, FIFA 17, NBA 2K17, NHL 17, and much more await.
There’s about 35 minutes of in-game footage revealed today.
Collect golden reels in BioShock to unlock the video series.
Time to free up some space…
Are you ready to visit it again?
All single-player DLC is included.
Announcement appears to be imminent.
Still yet to be officially announced.
From sea to sky.


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Lock 9 turns fries into pizza
ZANESVILLE - Among the most popular appetizers at Lock 9 Pizza are the pizza fries, which are exactly what they sound like — waffle fries topped with pepperoni, cheese and anything else that could go on a pizza, with a side of marinara sauce.
The pizza fries started with the restaurant owners' son, JC Glaub, who came up with the idea of a mound of fries topped with anything they could think of, said Marcia Glaub, who owns Lock 9 with her husband, Todd Glaub.
It was an interesting idea, Marcia Glaub said, and so they experimented with the dish. Originally, the pizza fries were made with shoestring fries, which ended up becoming too mushy from the toppings the owners wanted to include.
The waffle fries are crispy enough — and stay crispy — for a large number of toppings. The fries also are buildable, and customers can ask for whatever they want on them. One family comes in every Thursday and orders the pizza fries, Marcia Glaub said. There are also a large number of takeout orders that include the pizza fries, and she said they stay crispy on the drive home.
"Actually, of our appetizers, it is out most popular appetizer dish," she said.
Of non-pizza items, only the chicken wings beat the pizza fries in popularity.
But the pizza fries are not always ordered as an appetizer, Marcia Glaub said. Customers can order them as a meal, or as a side dish, which is becoming more common. Most of the time, customers will order appetizers but request that they be brought out with the main course.
"(The pizza fries) are not only an appetizer, definitely," she said.
About Neighborhood Fare
The Times Recorder will feature a local eatery and what fare makes it unique each week. If you have a suggestion or are a restaurant owner who would like to be featured, let us know at email@example.com.
If you go
What: Lock 9 Pizza
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: 175 Main Street, Duncan Falls


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Editor’s Note: The following article appeared in Baron’s online edition.
Travel trailers and motorhomes are regaining favor among their Baby Boomer fans. Investment researcher Mark Roberts isn’t one of them.
Roberts is perplexed by the strong sales and stock performance of Thor Industries Inc., the recreational vehicle industry leader that produces iconic brands such as Airstream. Revenue has grown at a double-digit pace for three years at Jackson Center, Ohio–based Thor, and that’s revved the shares from under $20 to a recent high of $45. They were trading at about $38 last week.
RVs like Thor’s aluminum classic Airstream camper definitely appeal to retirees. At issue is how much.
Since March, Roberts’ research boutique, Off Wall Street Consulting Group, has recommended that its clients sell shares in the RV maker. The idea hasn’t yet worked out. But Roberts’ group has proved correct in 80% of its Sell recommendations since 1995, on average beating a short of the Russell 2000 Index. Roberts watches the RV industry’s own survey data, and those numbers suggest that overall manufacturer sales to dealers have been running ahead of retail sales for more than two years for the “towables” RV segment, where Thor gets 70% of its revenue. Whether those industry numbers portend a retail glut for Thor or just its rivals, an oversupply of trailers won’t be good for the company’s unit sales or pricing.
“There’s this puzzling gap between strong wholesale shipments and tepid retail sales,” says Roberts. At RV industry trade shows this fall, Off Wall Street researchers heard about manufacturers offering handsome discounts to dealers who increased their orders. Thor’s October-quarter revenue jumped 30%, but pricing was unimpressively flat. “Unless things are picking up amazingly,” surmises Roberts, “they are stealing from next year’s orders.”
Signs of a Possible Glut
Thor stock has jumped this year, though industrywide “towables” shipments have outpaced retail in the U.S. and Canada since 2010.
Thor executives and RV-industry financiers contend that dealer inventories are in line with consumer demand, which has been reviving from a harrowing plunge in 2008. Dealers have rightly been rebuilding inventory from emaciated levels, they say. “Camping is a lifestyle,” observes Bob Martin, Thor’s president and chief operating officer. “Many Baby Boomers are coming into our industry…. For the next few years, we foresee slow and steady growth.”
But wholesale “sell-in” to dealers can’t run ahead of retail “sell-through” to consumers forever. Short interest in Thor has risen lately to about 10% of the company’s 50 million free-trading shares. By Roberts’ estimate, the next sales slowdown will send Thor stock back to the low $20s.
Click here to read the entire article.


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This is the fuel tank on the F-150. Get used to seeing nylon fuel lines everywhere.
A heat shield protects the spare tire from damage from the heat coming off the exhaust. Once upon a time, maybe a spare tire popped or the rubber just degraded from the heat.
The nylon fuel hose is PA9T compound in 12.50mm diameter and made on Nov. 23, 2015, at 07:14 from the looks of it.
A couple of plastic loom separators help clean up the spaghetti of fluid and electrical lines around the rear axle.
Rivian is the new big name in the EV revolution. They made a smart play and are attacking the truck market where there is minimal competition. While Audi, Jag, Porsche, etc have to battle Tesla, Rivian basically has the big truck market to themselves at this point. Ford did just announced they are making an EV F150, but who knows how far along they are. I seem to recall Tesla is launching a truck at some point, but there’s also the semi-truck and roadster they have launch first. So Rivian could be the first to market with a truck at reasonable volumes. On the same truck platform is this SUV design.


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Proponents say delivery robots relieve congestion and reduce accidents on city roads.
But some pedestrians in San Francisco have complained that they crowd sidewalks and present a hazard to humans.
Autonomous delivery robots began toting food to waiting customers in San Francisco earlier this year after a company called Marble partnered with Yelp Eat 24 to test its flagship delivery bot.
The Marble/Yelp trial was confined to select San Francisco neighborhoods.
“I resolutely believe that our sidewalks should be prioritized for humans,” he told the San Francisco Examiner.
San Francisco restricts the use of delivery robots on its sidewalks
Complaints were first brought by a group called Walk San Francisco, which campaigns for the safety of pedestrians.
The group was concerned that these autonomous robots, which use lasers and sensors to navigate, would pose a hazard to the elderly and young children on the city’s crowded sidewalks.
After all, San Francisco is known as a tech-forward city, with its proximity to Silicon Valley.
Still, it’s one of the first places that delivery robots first began operating, so it’s a little surprising that the city would make moves to restrict them so drastically.
It’s a challenge for companies like Marble, which have been operating as a test in San Francisco’s Mission and Potrero Hill districts (with human handles to help).
San Francisco to restrict goods delivery robots
referring to Image copyright Marble Image caption The Marble robot is being tested in San Francisco but currently has a member of staff walking behind it San Francisco officials have voted to restrict where delivery robots can go in the city, in a blow for the burgeoning industry.
Robotics company Marble – which describes its machines as “friendly, neighbourhood robots” – began testing in San Francisco earlier this year.
San Francisco supervisor Norman Yee, who originally proposed a ban on such robots, has previously said that the city’s streets “are for people, not robots”.
Despite its proximity to Silicon Valley, San Francisco is falling behind other states such as Virginia and Idaho where there are already laws permitting delivery robots to operate.
The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce lobbied against an all-out ban of such robots, saying that “could create a massive barrier to future innovation in the industry”.
collected by :Molly Tony


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On a Thursday night, it’s not hard to find a beer tasting room open for business.
“It’s just a a crazy explosion right now and I think people want quality and local,” said Chris Spinelli, co-owner of Roc Brewing Co.
“I think it’s great! I say the more, the merrier,” said Jon Mervine, co-owner of Roc Brewing Co.
Tourists flock to the Finger Lakes region for the wine.
Now they are flocking for the craft beer.
“You are looking at nine to twelve breweries by the end of the year in the greater Rochester area and if you spread to Finger Lakes you are pushing up into the fifties.”
This beer is brewed in small batches.
Many times local ingredients are used like hops.
“They are the personality behind every beer,” said Mervine.
They turn to farmers like the guys from Bluebell Hopyard in Victor.
“We grow a premium product, we hand touch every plant almost on a daily basis, we are out there literally talking to the plants so they are ready in the spring to grow,” said Kurt Charland, a partner in Bluebell Hopyard.
On nearly two acres of land, Bluebell Hopyard is growing several varieties of hops.
They plan to harvest their third season this summer.
“It seems like literally, every couple of weeks there is a new brewery opening up somewhere, do you have hops do you have hops form this year’s harvest,” said Fred Armstrong, a partner in Bluebell Hopyard.
Armstrong said many people don’t realize the rich history of hops in New York State.
Before prohibition, 85-percent of the nation’s hops were grown in New York.
New York is booming again with hops and beer.
This August the hope is that thousands will come to the Hopsfest in East Bloomfield at the new brewery, Nedloh Brewing Co.
“It allows the breweries to show their wares,” said Mervine.
More details about the Hopsfest will be unveiled Friday morning. The goal is to make it not just a beer festival, but an educational event on beer-making as well.


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This article is over 5 months old
Coin inspired by King Midas’s star, used on how to gain success and earn coins, is now sold for $114 in bitcoin
The fortunes of Shiba inu coins are rising further. In recent months, one of the most popular bitcoin assets has experienced a dramatic increase in their market price.
The cryptocurrency has risen more than 12-fold over the past five years and now has a market capitalisation of $45bn.
But its rise is no longer solely tied to Wall Street speculation. Instead, cryptocurrencies are also enjoying a major boost from Shiba inu coins.
Meet Shiba inu, the cash-strapped Siberian cats that need your help Read more
Thousands of Shiba inu fans have now joined the Shiba inu Coin creation page, inspired by the story of how King Midas was able to obtain his riches.
Petitioners have suggested a strategy for “empowering and educating” Shiba inu owners by increasing their coins.
Over $100 has been spent on buying the coins to date, which are now sold on for $114 in bitcoin. The success of the petition highlights the incredible value of crypto assets, attracting huge amounts of awareness through popular Internet chatrooms and social media campaigns.


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Mark Walker is the UK sales director of Dubai-based bathroom manufacturer Bagno Design. Mark has held his position at the company since its UK launch in 2012, and has many years experience in the bathroom industry, having previously worked for leading names such as Vado and Ambiente Design.
The new tradition
Posted 23rd Aug 2013
Hands up, who will admit to having a few pairs of flares, or shirts with big collars lurking at the back of their wardrobe, just waiting for a 1970s revival of that most outlandish of fashions? Chances are you'll be dusting off the mothballs again soon, as fashions come around again more frequently than many of us care to remember. The same can be said for bathroom design.
The trend for traditional styles appears to be taking something of a back seat in favour of a more modern, contemporary design, yet it never disappears completely. Take the freestanding bath as one very good example. As much as we like to redesign it to make it more sleek and contemporary, there will always be a market for the classic roll-top, claw-feet option.
The fact is, there is more than just a subtle yearning for yesteryear happening in the bathroom world at present, with a new take on traditional styling coming ever more into focus. While the temptation may be to go down the less-is-more, modern minimalism route, retailers not taking stock of more traditional ranges are at risk of missing a trick.
A new era of classic design is dawning, taking its influence in some part from the trend for vintage styles seen throughout the rest of the home and the passion for Art Deco interiors. The result is the 'new traditional' – a bathroom design that blurs the lines between classic and modern, with traditional cast iron freestanding baths now crafted from stone, washbasins mounted on legs rather than pedestals, and brassware available in a greater variety of finishes.
Let's face it, ripping out a bathroom and starting afresh is a big investment, regardless of the budget available, and consumers are looking for assurances that the fittings they choose will stand the test of time above all else. Of course they need to look the part, and it goes without saying that they need to be durable and hard-wearing, but with the average bathroom being re-fitted around every 15 to 20 years, homeowners also want something that won't date too quickly.
So here's a prediction for you. By the time the chimes of Big Ben ring out to mark the beginning of 2014, retailers will be taking more and more orders for bathrooms that hark back to the 'good old days', albeit with a nod to our very modern way of living.


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Driving the 2015 Hyundai Sonata is bound to be an exciting experience, since the Korean car manufacturer has announced that it’s completely overhauling the model. With six variants available, the Sonata has pushed both its interior and exterior design out of the box, hoping to make waves in its market.
This year, Hyundai has been shooting for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rating, and the Hyundai Sonata is its prize competitor. Knee airbags are in all models, and consumers have the option to pick from a number of other safety features, including Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Forward Collision Warning.
Hyundai has chosen to depart entirely from six-cylinder engines, opting in for three different options for four-cylinder engines. While most Hyundai consumers have not reported any dissatisfaction with the engine, Driving the 2015 Hyundai Sonata on the highway while handling heavy stresses does take some punch out of the engine. If the driver isn’t trying to outrun a souped-up V6, however, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata satisfies its purpose. Hyundai has also been working on improving its suspension and the smoothness of its drive, and the Sonata shows that it’s on the right track.
The Sonata has a full range of features and accessories, including all standard outputs, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. The generous eight” color display found in the higher models allows for full control and entertainment while driving.
Overall, Driving the 2015 Hyundai Sonata shows that this entry into the Sonata family is just what its manufacturer promised: a foray into new territory with a solid overhaul of a familiar model. Reports have been positive, and Hyundai is still holding out for that IIHS award.
The new Hyundai Sonata will be coming to dealers, including Larson Hyundai, with a number of additional optional features, including leather upholstery, a moon roof, and radar-based cruise control. Call to find out which will be the best for you.


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If you’re not feeling a big night out this Halloween then perhaps a bit of gruesome gaming is just what you need. The culture team offer up their favourites.
The latest football games are out, but which one is the best? David Wrigglesworth compares the two on a number of key factors.
With Kinect and the Nintendo 3DS months away, there’s one new way to play that’s in stores right now. Jonathan Cresswell tries Sony’s motion controller.
There’s a big change with the next Nintendo DS as it introduces 3D gaming without any glasses. Jonathan Cresswell tests the new console.
Leave your dignity at the door – as you become the controller with a new gadget for the Xbox 360. Jonathan Cresswell tries the new 3D camera from Microsoft.
The next revision of the Nintendo DS has been revealed. The Nintendo 3DS will be the first handheld to include 3D gaming without the need for any special glasses.
After celebrating the best in film and TV, BAFTA held their 6th video game awards ceremony on Friday, and Jonathan Cresswell predicted the winners. But was he right?
A new Nintendo Wii-inspired controller for the Playstation 3 has been revealed alongside a lineup of new games to be released this autumn.
The allure of having virtual farm “Farmville” on Facebook is baffling to many. Jonathan Cresswell spent two weeks playing the game loved by millions to find out what makes it so addictive.
Games BAFTA nominations have been announced, with ‘Uncharted 2: Among Thieves’ topping the list with a total of nine awards, closely followed by controversial top-selling ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2′ with eight nominations.


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Voting has officially opened! SXSW Interactive is now taking votes for panel topics at its conference in March 2011. We proposed a panel on “Branding Reinvented: Creating Engagement in the Digital World.” Our CEO/Creative Director, David Lai, will address how to break through the noise in the ever-expanding digital landscape today, and effectively get consumers interested and engaged with brands.
We’ll share our thinking and strategy behind recent brand-building initiatives for our clients, such as Herman Miller, Sony and the LA Philharmonic. Interested? Vote for us here.


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Aldi is to create around 1,000 logistics roles across the country over the next 12 months.
The UK’s fifth-largest supermarket, which currently has more than 960 stores and employs around 38,000 people, is looking to expand its distribution, transport and maintenance teams at its 11 Regional Distribution Centres nationwide.
This includes both full-time and part-time positions, with salaries of up to £19.80 per hour.
The recruitment push forms part of Aldi’s nationwide expansion drive, with the supermarket expected to create 2,000 permanent roles across the UK this year.
Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi UK, said: “As we continue to grow and make Aldi accessible to even more shoppers, we need more amazing colleagues at our distribution sites across the country to make that possible.
“As well as market-leading pay and benefits, being an Aldi colleague means a great working environment and real opportunities to progress within the business. We look forward to welcoming even more great people to our distribution centres to become a part of our success.”
Those interested in applying for a career with Aldi can visit www.aldirecruitment.co.uk.
Aldi has introduced new plastic-free packaging on its everyday own-label toothbrushes.
The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket has replaced the plastic and card packaging with a cardboard alternative, making it easier for customers to recycle at home without the need for separation.
Aldi has extended its fundraising target for Teenage Cancer Trust to £15 million by 2027 after already hitting its £10 million goal ahead of schedule.
In July 2020, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket pledged to raise £10 million by 2027 after reaching its initial £5 million target over 18 months early.


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Local brands get $1m-a-year FairPrice boost
NTUC FairPrice scheme helped 302 SMEs last year, up 30 per cent from 230 in 2012
It is not by accident that Singapore brands like BoBo fishballs, Khong Guan biscuits or Sing Long sauces are displayed prominently at NTUC FairPrice outlets.
This is part of a scheme started in 2009 by Singapore's largest grocery chain to promote local brands.
The number of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) benefiting from this Suppliers Support and Development Programme has gone up by about 30 per cent - from 230 in 2012 to 302 last year.
Under the scheme, NTUC FairPrice invests more than $1 million a year to offer a 50 per cent discount on product and listing fees and organise knowledge and networking seminars, said Mr Victor Chai, the chain's director of fresh and frozen, purchasing and merchandising.
In addition, NTUC FairPrice pays the firms within a month, instead of two months, which is the norm.
One of the key concerns of smaller businesses is a healthy cash flow, said Mr Chai.
"The programme alleviates the firms' financial burden and they in turn, have used savings and higher profits to launch a product earlier, or invest in technology to boost productivity," he said.
The programme is open to Singapore-owned companies or foreign companies here that have local employees and local productions or distribution facilities with an annual turnover of less than $5 million.
Currently, the supermarket chain, which has more than 140 outlets across the island, carries more than 4,500 local products, which makes up about 10 per cent of its range.
"We see an increase in awareness and support for locally produced goods over the years," said Mr Chai.
Sing Long Foodstuff, which has supplied NTUC FairPrice since 1983, is one of the SMEs to see business grow since joining the scheme in 2012.
The scheme reduces the need for Sing Long to take bank loans and helps it save on interest fees.
Its managing director, Mr Ng Chin Nyan, said: "We are able to use the savings to invest in technology and manpower to tackle challenges, and to scale up the business."
His business has grown 6 per cent year on year since 2012. Sing Long hopes to expand overseas.
It exports to countries like Malaysia, Australia and Canada but hopes to also open factories in neighbouring countries.
Association of Small & Medium Enterprises president Kurt Wee said SMEs are capable of manufacturing house brand products, which tend to be no-frills products, and should be roped in more.
He said: "The initiative is welcome and useful. The help in cash flow is extremely good because it is material to SMEs."
FairPrice's Mr Chai is happy to do his bit to help Singapore products.
"I am proud that our locally made products are able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international brands in terms of quality and value, and I am happy to support them," he said, adding that his kitchen is stocked with goods from these SMEs, from cooking oil to coffee and eggs.


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A collection of more than 200 Roman, late Roman, British and world coins has sold for just under £30,000 at auction.
The coins were passed down through the generations of a Sussex family for more than a century after being originally bought as an investment.
They were sold by Bellmans Auctioneers in Wisborough Green near Billingshurst with Roman solidi and Islamic gold coins forming a large part of the collection.
Other highlights included a gold £5 Victoria coin, dated 1887 and depicting the Jubilee head and with St George on the reverse.
The sale also included coins from the time of Theodosius I, also known as Theodosius the Great, who was Roman emperor from 379 to 395.
An auction house spokeswoman said the coins were bought by a combination of buyers in the sale room, on the telephone and online, with just two failing to sell.
- Nearly 2,000 bottles of wine stolen from Shoreham shop
- Retail giant creates 100 jobs
- Chancellor announces major theatre boost on Brighton stage
- Green councillor changes mind on boycott of Israeli good and services
- City schools lead fight to safeguard UK’s fish stocks


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Vietnam offers cut-price paradise to lure local travellers post coronavirus
In Phu Quoc, a Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia, posters warning tourists of the dangers of COVID-19 have long since faded in the powerful sunshine, along with the throngs of international travellers that used to dot its beaches.
Vietnam recorded a 98% fall in visitors this April compared to 2019 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but its success in fighting the virus, posting only 324 cases and no deaths, now sees it set to breathe life back into its tourism industry.
Vietnam will be one of the first Southeast Asian nations to start to revive its economy, but with a ban still in place on foreign visitors, and many of their major tourist markets under lockdown, hotels and resorts are discounting paradise to make it more attractive to local travellers.
At the Mango Bay resort in Phu Quoc, staff in surgical masks served icy cocktails and chilled glasses of white wine to small groups of guests, many of them young urban tourists, from Hanoi or from Ho Chi Minh City.
General manager Ronan Le Bihan said the resort now needed to adapt to local tastes.
“Tourist businesses targeting foreign tourists will be in trouble for a long time,” said Bihan. “We can now focus on the Vietnamese market. But that is a very large term. And not all Vietnamese are interested in what we offer.”
By James Pearson – Reuters – May 19, 2020


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Shopify cancels annual developer conference Unite amid concerns over COVID-19(BETAKIT)
On Friday, Shopify announced it is cancelling the “in-person elements” of Shopify Unite, its annual conference for partners and developers.
Managing SaaS Metrics Throughout the Company Growth Life-cycle(SAGE)
Fast growth requires fast decisions made with the right information. But SaaS companies face more challenges. What if you could easily capture and instantly access the detailed metrics you need, right when you need them? What if these metrics shed light on the pitfalls and opportunities ahead, as well as the root causes of performance trends? Learn about the key metrics needed to fully understand organizational health and determine the best ways to optimize your business to scale.
VC firm Oxx says SaaS startups should avoid high-risk growth models(TECHCRUNCH)
“The companies that best meet their customers’ needs always end up winning.”
Microsoft launches scale-up programme for B2B SaaS startups in India
Microsoft has rolled out a first-of-its-kind initiative for early-stage enterprise startups in India. Here’s what it entails.
Inside Planswell’s messy relaunch, three months after bankruptcy(BETAKIT)
Documents obtained by BetaKit trace a path from Planswell Holdings to a relaunch under Planswell Corp., a journey involving Planswell co-founders, Carrot Insights, and Optimity.
SambaNova Systems raises $250 million for software-defined AI hardware(VENTUREBEAT)
SambaNova’s products — and its customers, for that matter — remain largely under lock and key, but the company previously revealed it’s developing “software-defined” devices inspired by DARPA-funded research in efficient AI processing.
The benefits Of SaaS for managing cloud security threats(FORBES)
The shift towards SaaS brings several clear benefits for securing cloud and multicloud deployments. Let’s take a look at what those are.
Today in healthtech: Cyclica case study validates platform, RBC acquires Dr. Bill(BETAKIT)
Two healthtech companies have made announcements on the growth of their firms, announcing new partnerships and key milestones. Here’s the latest on these company updates.
SaaS earnings bump Dropbox, Box and Sprout Social(TECHCRUNCH)
Their results are worth unpacking as they paint a good picture of what the markets are hunting for in modern software companies.
Cioplenu, the SaaS for ‘deskless’ staff on the manufacturing ground, raises €4.2M seed(TECHZIMO)
Cioplenu, an Augsburg-based startup that’s constructing what it dubs an “working system” for the manufacturing ground, has raised €4.2M in seed financing.


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Twitter enhances photo experience for mobile apps
Twitter this week is updating its mobile apps for Android and iOS with enhanced photo features. First, users can now attach up to four images to a tweet when composing a status update. What’s more, users can also tag up to ten friends in a photo; friends will be notified if tagged. For what it’s worth, tagging pictures does not affect your 140-character status limit. Feel free to upload and tag away! Whereas the iOS version of the app already has the new features, the Android client is expected very soon.
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