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Wedgewood Partners 2Q16 Letter – BrexitVW Staff
Wedgewood Partners letter to investors for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016.
Brexit: The Vote Heard ‘Round The World
“I think a lot of the market reaction is less about the financial impact and more about populism and what it means for the liberal economic order. The Brexit vote reflects a deep distrust of the benefits of the global economic system among a wide swath of voters in Europe and the United States, and a broadly held view that government institutions – whether in Washington or Brussels – are calcifying and don't work well. Both of these forces have a lot of wind at their back.” — Glenn Hubbard, Dean of Columbia Business School
“The people have spoken…the bastards!” — Dick Tuck, Political Consultant 1966
Wedgewood Partners – Review and Outlook
Our Composite (net-of-fees) declined -1.82% during the second quarter of 2016. This decline compares unfavorably to the gain of +.61% in our benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index and the S&P 500 Index’s gain of +2.46%.
Top performance contributors included Kraft Heinz, Express Scripts, Schlumberger, and Qualcomm. Absolute performance detractors during the quarter included Apple, Perrigo, Stericycle, and Cognizant.
During the quarter, we trimmed our positions in Qualcomm and Express Scripts. We sold shares of Perrigo and initiated new positions in TJX Companies and Ross Stores.
Kraft Heinz Company was a top performer during the quarter. First quarter adjusted EBITDA grew 21% year over year and earnings per share grew 38% year over year, as the Company’s consolidated adjusted EBITDA margins reached 30%, up a staggering 600 basis points from the year ago period. We estimate that these margins are best-in-class for the large-cap food products sub-industry, and nearly twice the median. In our view, the vast majority of large capitalization food product competitors, despite possessing great brands, are improperly incentivized, and are content to generate revenues at the expense of profits and long-term shareholder returns. In contrast, we continue to be impressed by Kraft Heinz’s new management culture, as recently brought to bear by 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway, which aggressively aligns management and employee incentives with shareholders. For example, rather than simply cutting overhead costs, the Company is intently focused on eliminating financial promotions for retailers (that frequently resulted in profitless revenues) and then reinvesting the savings into alternative product support, such as new products, form factors, and ad campaigns. We are seeing nascent evidence that this profit-focused strategy can be successfully executed without sacrificing revenue growth, as the Company posted low single-digit constant-currency organic revenue growth. As Kraft Heinz continues its aggressive new approach of reinvestment, we expect organic revenue growth to accelerate, along with continued margin expansion.
Express Scripts was a top contributor during the quarter. The stock recovered some of the poor performance from the first quarter after Anthem management noted that, despite filing a lawsuit over Express Scripts’s pricing, they believed any ruling on the lawsuit would take several years and were still open to negotiations. Express Scripts is the sole, independent pharmacy benefits manager (PBM), which we think is key for maintaining their alignment with customers. We continue to expect Express Scripts to drive mid-to-high single-digit EBITDA growth using its scale to negotiate better pricing with drug manufacturers and service providers, while increasing patient adherence. We think earnings per share can continue to grow at a double-digit rate as shares are repurchased at what, in our view, are attractive valuations. That said, as shares rallied from their previous lows, we reduced the stock's weighting to better reflect the risk/reward of Express Scripts’s growth and valuation.
Schlumberger contributed .42% to composite performance during the quarter. Despite the dramatic decline in exploration and production (E&P) capex budgets during the past 18 months, Schlumberger continues to reinforce its competitive positioning relative to other integrated oil service companies. With one of the largest, most highly-skilled upstream workforces in the private sector, and nearly $7 billion in cumulative research and development spent during the previous up-cycle, we think Schlumberger is poised to take an increased budget share of E&P spending as the Company’s customers outsource more services to improve returns in a “lower-for-longer” oil price environment. We expect Schlumberger’s earnings to significantly rebound in 2017, driven by increased market share as well as the release of over two years of pent-up E&P spending.
Perrigo detracted –1.04% from the composite's absolute performance. A surprising decline in Perrigo’s normally staid generic prescription (Rx) business had the company reduce full-year guidance by almost 15% in a late April pre-earnings release. In addition, the Company disclosed further write-downs and organizational changes in their nascent Branded Consumer Health (BCH) segment. Last, the Company announced the abrupt exit of long-time CEO, Joe Papa, who joined embattled Valeant Pharmaceutical. Immediately after this slew of data points, we decided it prudent to liquidate our Perrigo stake.
Stericycle was also a top detractor during the second quarter. Stericycle’s earlyyear bounce reversed itself and then some after management lowered forward earnings expectations for the second time in three quarters. Management noted further weakness in their small (~3% of revenues, we estimate), industrial hazardous waste business, and pushed the timeline of about $20 million of expected synergies from their newly acquired document destruction business into next year. Taken alone, we think the stock’s -21% reaction following the earnings release was an overreaction.
We think Stericycle’s core business of regulated waste management continues to be very attractive, throwing off strong free cash flow, with historically steady results. The Company has consistently reinvested these cash flows into smaller, regulated waste management acquisitions, as well as entering new verticals. Secure document destruction is a relatively new vertical for the Company, but we think the demand characteristics (driven by regulatory requirements) and hub-and-spoke collection and disposal model should fit well over the long term. While management noted a longer than expected timeline for converting on-site processing into off-site processing (similar to the way that medical waste is handled), we expect the Company will be successful in this conversion. As for the Company’s industrial hazardous waste business, it has proven to be highly cyclical. However, we expect the benefits of the Company’s overall hazardous waste platform (acquired in 2014) to more than outweigh the risks, as we estimate that retail and medical hazardous waste have grown to over 5% of revenues, from close to zero in 2014 – more than offsetting industrial waste declines. So while we understand investors’ concerns over the Company’s near-term earnings disappointments, we continue to be patient because we think Stericycle’s long-term opportunity for double-digit growth is intact as returns on reinvestment take hold.
Apple has been a significant underperformer not only during the recent second quarter (-11.8%), but also for nearly a year now. The stock has fallen about -28% on an absolute basis, from its high set back on July 20, 2015. This is the second time that the stock has been put through the wringer since late 2012 on fears of “peak” iPhone growth and the concomitant lack of innovation out of the skunk works in Cupertino. Given the surge of sales of the iPhone 6 in 2015 (pent up demand for a larger iPhone, plus significant demand from China), we are not surprised by the weaker year-over-year earnings comparisons.
The Apple stock advance-and-decline narrative has been pretty straightforward over the past half-dozen years. Given the consented narrative that Apple is “The iPhone Company” – and nothing but the iPhone – when forward analyst estimates of iPhone sales increase, the stock typically advances. When estimates are being cut, well, the stock typically declines, also. Mr. Market really is that binary on Apple’s stock price movements. We would argue, too, that Mr. Market is quite obtuse when it comes to the totality of Apple. Everything else that a rational investor would consider in accessing Apple as an investment is literally put in a vacuum when it comes to the stock. Valuation seems to matter not a wit. By any traditional valuation measure, both absolute and relative to other technology hardware companies, Apple’s stock, in our view, has long been cheap – but it gets cheaper still on estimate cuts. In fact, we would argue that Apple’s stock is currently valued (6.5X FCF ex-cash)2 as if to assume that the Company’s business prospects are little better than a coal mine in 10-year run-off mode.
Here are a few elements of the superiority – and we would argue, rarity – of the Company’s business model via their platform trifecta of hardware, software and services that should matter to investors: iPhone user base estimated at +450 million. Smartphone industry gross profit take of approximately 95%. An installed ecosystem base of over +1 billion sticky users. 13 million active App Store developers. 130 billion downloaded Apps. Relatedly, software services gross revenue business is at an annuity-like run-rate of $40 billion – with profit margins greater than Company average. Company operating margins of 30%. Connected software platforms that include iOS, MacOS and Watch OS. The Company’s near fanatic commitment to user privacy. Apple Watch unit sales of 11-13 million since launch. Over the past four calendar years the Company has generated nearly $216 billion in free cash flow, including $55 billion over the past four quarters. $250 billion in balance sheet liquidity. Tens of billions of stock buybacks, in our view, below intrinsic value.
It could be argued that Apple’s only significant competitor is itself. Sure, Android vendors such as Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi, are competitors in that each does sell high-end smartphones, particularly to first-time smartphone buyers. However, it's also the case that once one experiences the differentiated nature of a true high-end smartphone, many of those Android customers do find their way to Apple for a significantly better user ecosystem. At this juncture, the consensus on Apple is that the iPhone 7 will be a boring upgrade and thus a flop. Again, the current valuation of the stock implies that Apple is once again a permanently impaired growth company. Given that Apple is our second largest position, we certainly don’t share such dire views.
Wedgewood Partners – Brexit
June 23rd, 2016 will go down as one on the most politically historic days for England and Europe since the end of World War II – politically, thus far. The winning Brexit vote for the Leave campaign to exit the European Union has sent shock waves across global financial markets. The profundity and consequences of the Brexit vote – economic, financial, and political – are just now in their infancy. The unintended consequences will likely be as severe in the months and years ahead. The Brexit vote was – for just the first 48 hours – an earthquake in magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale. The immediate visible damage was financial. At the epicenter of the Brexit quake, the British pound made a 6-month high and a six-month low over an eight-hour time frame, finally crashing to 1985 lows. Both U.K. and other European bank shares declined sharply – all from near bear market, multi-year lows before the vote. Over $3 trillion in global paper wealth evaporated in the first two trading days. A global flight to safety, plus the immediate fears of a U.K. and Pan-European recession have sent sovereign bond yields crashing. The 10-year U.K. Gilt yield has fallen to just .96%. The 10-year German Bund yield has gone negative to -.13%. (Of note, the 30-year German Bund yields just .36%. Maybe “free” money does exist.) The 10-year U.S. Treasury has fallen to a record low, 1.37%. In a world starved for yield – and now safety and certainty – a crush of U.S. bond buyers could easily push the U.S. 10-year to 1.00%. The entire yield curve in Switzerland now sports negative interest rates. Post-Brexit, nearly $1 trillion of sovereign debt has been added to the roster of negative interest rates. The word “bubble,” in our view, is thrown around much too often in a cavalier manner by financial pundits. That said, 40-year Japanese bonds (JGB) have gained +50% year-to-date (+77% in U.S. dollars).
The U.S. stock market of course did not go unscathed. The immediate reaction in the first two trading days post-Brexit was to sell those companies with significant business line exposure to the U.K. and Europe, notably exposure to older, more Western E.U. countries – including those companies whose repatriated earnings were unduly exposed to a renewed increase in the U.S. dollar. “Sell now; ask questions later” seemed to be the operative strategy. During those first two kneejerk trading days, a few of our portfolio holdings were torched in the selling deluge. Within our portfolio of 19 stocks, only three of our holdings have zero exposure to the U.K. or E.U. – Charles Schwab, Express Scripts and Ross Stores. Our singular holding with significant exposure to the U.K. is LKQ. Other holdings with meaningful exposure to the U.K. include Verisk Analytics, PayPal, Stericycle and Schlumberger. Those holdings with meaningful exposure to the E.U. include The Priceline Group, Core Labs, LKQ, PayPal, Qualcomm, Stericycle and Schlumberger. If the first two trading days were panic induced, the trading since has been nothing short of euphoric. Stock and bond prices have ripped to the upside. All it took was the promise of more “helicopter money” from the European Central Bank.
See full PDF below.


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Remember the story earlier this week about police in Mildura, Australia issuing a warning to motorists about Apple Maps when it was found that the app was taking people into the heart of the bush? Apple fixed the issue, pointing the pin for the town into the correct spot. But now, it appears that ...
Update: Per The Guardian & Cult of Mac, this geocoding error has been quietly remedied by Apple. Australians may now safely drive just as they did before. The town of Mildura in the Australian state of Victoria is home to some 30,000 people and is known for its agricultural bounty, ...
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Fourth Hotels and Restaurants fair in Managua
Róger Solórzano Canales | Oct 10, 2017
Hotel and restaurant business representatives will meet more than 60 provider enterprises and brands.
The fourth edition of the “Feria Hoteles y Restaurantes. Equipos, alimentos y servicios” (Fourth Hotels and Restaurants: equipments, food and service) will be held in Managua old center next Oct 18. Organizers started a call to all hotel and restaurant sector businessmen in Nicaragua to come and meet offers by more than 100 brands and 60 business.
The event will not be open to the public; it would be a meeting fair between exhibitors and owners, managers, purchasing agents and similar from the signaled sector: hotels and restaurants, where are included cafeterias, bars, sodas, bakeries and ice cream shops.
In addition to the meeting area, there will be some conference and speaks by national and international specialists, according to the organizers press release. As of yet, the talks are being arranged and details will be announced soon, said the organizers office asked by ViaNica.com.
For this year event, organizers are offering transport and food for businessmen interested in participating but located in region like Rivas, Granada, Leon, Chinandega, Carazo, Esteli and Matagalpa. “We have a coordinator in each of the mentioned department of Nicaragua, so anyone interested could confirm attendance to our phone number, and we will put them in contact with our local coordinator”, mentioned Grethel Rivera, form the AC Comunicaciones y Eventos office.
The fair will take place at 8 AM – 5 PM on Wednesday October 18 at Crown Plaza convention center in Managua old center area. According to the facts included on the press release, last year fair generated more than 2 million dollars in sales and contracts. Organizers are Asociación de Hoteles de Nicaragua (ASHOTNIC), AC Comunicaciones y Eventos and joining this year event the Asociación de Restaurantes de Managua.


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From new research into nutritional psychiatry to learning to be savvy when it comes to food labelling, this is a summary of the food news that has caught our eyes this week.
Nutritional Psychiatry: Can you eat yourself happy? ‘What we stick in our mouths matters to our mental health,’ says a leading light in this new field. So what should we be eating?
Inside the impossible burger: is the meat-free mega trend as good as we think? Makers of animal-free products aim to revolutionise the very idea of meat – but is their hi-tech approach really the answer?
Want to eat well? Learn to be label savvy. There’s more to smart food shopping than the traffic light system, say Graham Allock and Colette Heneghan.
Kenny Tutt: ‘Masterchef is stressfull, but the real pressure starts afterwards’. Last years’ winner Kenny Tutt is about to open his first restaurant. He still has nightmares about John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
CHOCS WAHEY! Marks and Spencer Easter Egg goes viral as stunned customers claim bunny chocolate resembles rude pose. The ‘yoga bunny’ has been interpreted as something a little ruder.


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CREDIT REPORT: Americans cut back using cards; borrowing up
Published 8:40 pm, Thursday, November 7, 2013
WASHINGTON >> Americans cut back on using their credit cards in September for the fourth straight month, but boosted borrowing in the category that covers auto loans and student debt.
Consumers increased borrowing by $13.7 billion in September to a seasonally adjusted $3.05 trillion, the Federal Reserve reported Thursday. That is a record and follows a gain of $14.2 billion in August.
The increase was driven entirely by higher borrowing for auto and student loans, which rose $15.8 billion. Credit card debt fell $2.1 billion following a decline of $885 million in August.
The string of declines in credit card debt will likely hold back consumer spending.
The measure of auto loans and student loans has risen 8.5 percent from a year ago and has increased in every month but one since May 2010.
But credit card debt is essentially where it was a year ago. And it is 17.2 percent below its peak hit in July 2008.


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Medicaid high volume prescriptions are mostly branded products, Walsh America profile finds.
BRANDED PRODUCTS ARE SIX OF TOP 10 MEDICAID SCRIPTS, according to Walsh America Source data, which encompasses prescriber-level data from all channels of distribution. The Source data are a composite of data from 1993 to 1995 across a "majority" of states, Phoenix-based market information firm Walsh America says.
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Newly released Medicare Part D data sheds light on the sales hit that branded pharmaceutical manufacturers will face when the coverage gap discount program gets under way in 2011
FDA appears headed for a showdown with clinicians and the pharmaceutical industry over the proposed new clinical trial endpoints for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, the guidance's approach for justifying a non-inferiority margin and proposed changes in the types of patients that should be enrolled in trials
Specialty drug maker Shire has quietly begun scouting deals with a brand-new $50 million venture fund, the latest of several in-house investment arms to launch with their parent company's pipelines, not profits, as the measure of their worth


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Following weeks of increasing public demand, it seems the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Exhibition may soon be heading home to London. The exhibition, which showcases the work of deceased British fashion icon Alexander McQueen, set attendance records at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art all summer long.
More than 660,000 folks hopped on trains, buses, and flights to New York City to catch a glimpse of McQueen’s finest work. Since Savage Beauty wrapped up in New York City earlier this month, McQueen fans in the UK have been on a crusade to bring their beloved designer’s exhibition home to London.
It appears they may soon get their wish. According to a statement released by the Alexander McQueen label, negotiations are currently taking place with several venues that wish to feature a London version of Savage Beauty. Though nothing is official just yet, the McQueen label promised a swift announcement if and when a deal is finalized.
Source: Style Clone


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Ruler of Dubai, HRH Sheikh Mohammed, opens Arabian Travel Market
HRH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2012, in the presence of senior government of
HRH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2012, in the presence of senior government officials, leaders of the regional and international travel industry, as well as high-profile participants.
The event program for day one of ATM brings together some of the most prominent travel and tourism organizations in the Middle East and internationally, from both public and private sectors.
Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market, said: “As the first promising signs of democratic progression emerge in the Middle East in the wake of the Arab Spring, the region’s tourism figures show that it is growing once again.
“This year’s ATM serves as a timely reminder and strong indicator of the vital role the travel and tourism industry plays in the region’s socio-economic development.
“A recent World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report showed the direct contribution of the travel and tourism trade to GDP is forecast to increase by 4.6 percent to over US$250 billion over the next decade.”
The 2012 installment of ATM has seen a 46 percent rise in visitor pre-registrations, against 2011 figures, for its 19th edition, as well as travel agent registration up by a whopping 213 percent.
“The record figures we’re receiving for this year’s event reflects the region’s positive approach to the tourism sector as a major economic driver. Eighteen months on from the Arab Spring, we have seen a significant jump in interest from within the gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, which is confirmed by the positive pre-show figures we have seen across the board,” remarked Walsh.
HRH Sheikh Mohammed toured the exhibition with other dignitaries including HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, and Akbar Al Baker, CEO Qatar Airways. This year, ATM features representatives from 87 countries, with 54 national tourist organizations exhibiting at the International Exhibition Center floor over the next four days.
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Among international officials participating in the event are Alain Azouaou, Ambassador, French Embassy Abu Dhabi and Gonzalo De Benito Secades, Ambassador of Spain. Jean-Paul Tarud Kuborn, Chilean Ambassador to the UAE, also joined senior figures from tourism ministries in Cyprus, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
ATM is a comprehensive four-day travel trade event held from April 30-May 3, 2012, comprising exhibition, conference, and seminar programs, along with specialist industry days including travel agents day and careers day.
Topics discussed on day one included bouncing back from the “Arab Spring one-year on” and “Luxury hospitality in the modern age of globalization,”
Speakers on the first day included some of the region’s most influential business leaders, such as Akbar Al Baker, CEO Qatar Airways, and Rudi Jagersbacher, President, Hilton Worldwide.
Highlights of the sessions tomorrow will include challenges facing aviation growth in the Middle East, attracting the Chinese traveler to the UAE, the Euromonitor travel industry global overview, along with the impact on tourism of the holy month of Ramadan.
With a diverse range of international participants, ATM unlocks business opportunities within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals.
Now in its 19th year, the show has grown to become the largest showcase of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in the world.
PHOTO: HRH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, cuts the ribbon to mark the opening of Arabian Travel Market 2012.


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A Kmart customer has shared a bizarre discovery in a recent home delivery order.
Posting on a popular Facebook page, shopper Lara took to reveal how a “tiny” pack of 4 Button Cell Batteries was sent to her.
Despite being the size of a small, thin wallet, a photo shows that the $5 purchase was sent in an enormous box with a huge amount of plastic padding.
“Gotta protect the batteries!” wrote Lara on the Kmart Hacks & Decor page.
Many shoppers were left in stitches over the discovery.
“Wouldn’t delivery cost more than the batteries?!” said one.
Added another: “What a disappointing box to open!”
Said a third: “Safety first!”
But others were frustrated by the shopper’s delivery photo.
“Now that’s just so ridiculous (and so wasteful)! Come on Kmart!” wrote one.
“I had a delivery today for a camping chair and it was only wrapped in thin, clear plastic,” said another.
“Seems like it’s either too much packaging or too little!”
Wrote one more: “This is wrong on so many levels, such waste of resources.”


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If you follow this space, you’ll know I think the following about Tuition Aid as a benefit:
1–It’s one of the most powerful benefits you can provide.
2–It will never cost you as much as you think it will because it is incredibly hard to use. People have families, people have lives once they get above the traditional age of a college student. Going back to school while working full time takes an incredible amount of focus, grit and discipline for those without kids – and even more for those with youngsters.
So when you put Tuition Aid on the company brochure, you get a tremendous amount of credit without the spend some would expect it costs you.
A recent trend we’ve seen is the corporation stepping in to develop deeper relationships with universities related to Tuition Aid. Starbucks famously did this in 2015 by creating a deep, singular relationship with Arizona State to help its associates pursue undergraduate degrees. At the time, Starbucks said that it believed it would spend $250 million across 25,000 employees on this education benefit by the year 2025.
You might expect that type of benefit from Starbucks. Would you expect an even richer benefit from Walmart? Most of you would say no, right?
Surprise! Walmart, the nation’s biggest private employer, announced last Wednesday morning at the start of its annual shareholders meeting in Bentonville, Arkansas that it will begin subsidizing the cost of higher education for its employees who’ve yet to earn a college degree. Starting Wednesday, they will be able to enroll and study at either the University of Florida, Brandman University or Bellevue University. Details below:
Employees will contribute $1 per day, for 365 days every year, toward their education, so long as they’re enrolled. Walmart will cover the rest of the tab. Workers will be able to choose from the three nonprofit schools and have the option of taking classes online with the flexibility to study during the evenings or on weekends.
Currently, Walmart helps workers complete their high school education and take the GED. With the new program, they will be able to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in either business or supply chain management (with more degree options expected to be added over time). And unlike some other programs, Walmart hasn’t set a minimum GPA requirement, so long as employees pass their courses.
Critics will say that the degrees are too limited, but let’s think about that. By creating this program, Walmart has given a degree to the masses (business degree, highly portable out of Walmart, btw) and helped itself (supply chain degree, I’m sure a spot of recruiting pain). In any case, Walmart has helped itself and its employees with the program.
I love the trend of big corporations teaming with non-profit, well known institutions for these types of degree programs. Think about it – the University of Florida is now a school that many smart kids in Florida can’t get into due to admissions competition – now you can work at Walmart and gain a degree from that real world, well-known institution? Madness, but good madness – and indicative of a trend as big corporations approach well known universities to develop something unique and unheard of.
Imagine the parent in Florida who’s kid has a 26 ACT and a 3.7 GPA and can’t get into to Florida. That person walking the aisles in a Walmart vest when they slum and just can’t make it to Publix to shop?
You guessed it. Florida undergrad.
Sometimes change in this world creates opportunities for what some would consider the underclass.
The critics will wax poetic about Walmart wages, etc. Don’t be fooled – Walmart has created a benefit for the most motivated in their workforce to improve themselves – and also those who hold similar motivations that will join the company shortly with the express purpose of the using the benefit.
Well done, Walmart. It’s not perfect, but the upside is there for anyone who wants to display the focus, grit and determination necessary to go back and get a degree – while working full time.
It’s not easy. But for the folks who see the game beyond the electronics department, it’s enough. And those folks will win.
Kris Dunn is a Partner and CHRO at Kinetix, a national RPO firm for growth companies headquartered in Atlanta. He’s also the founder Fistful of Talent (founded in 2008) and The HR Capitalist (2007) – and has written over 70 feature columns at Workforce Management magazine. Prior to his investment at Kinetix, Kris served in HR leadership roles at DAXKO, Charter and Cingular. In his spare time, KD hits the road as a speaker and gives the world what it needs – pop culture references linked to Human Capital street smarts.


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If you’ve been the victim of a scam and don’t know where to turn, we’re here to help! Volunteers from our Fraud Watch Network Helpline will be standing by to talk to you live during our first-ever, online “Fraudcast” – a special event we’ve planned just for you!
Help Stop Identity Theft & Fraud: Free Shredding in Newnan at the Summit Family YMCA from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20!
Identity theft affects millions of families every year totaling billions of dollars in losses. The safe disposal of documents containing sensitive information, such as medical history, Social Security numbers and banking information, is one of the best ways to prevent identity theft and fraud.
It is becoming more common for people to look for ways to supplement their income, and job listings for “work from home” jobs are becoming more popular because they are so convenient.
Computer viruses are scary, and scammers exploit this fear to gain access to your personal information. They do this by tricking you into thinking your computer or other device has been compromised, and that you need their help to fix the problem.
Want to hear from the expert about how to being scammed in an online relationship? Check out AARP's Kathy Stokes!
Fraud Watch Network’s campaign on online relationship scams released results of a new survey about consumers’ experiences with online friendships and dating.
At this time of year, don’t be surprised to hear about home repair salespeople going door-to-door looking for work. Are they reputable and licensed? Maybe, but don’t take any chances.
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Sibuya Urban Sushi Bar, the new Japanese restaurant in Huelva
Sibuya Urban Sushi Bar expands its presence in Andalusia, opening a new store in Huelva capital.
The new restaurant Japanese foodwhich can be enjoyed from the night of next Thursday, May 4, will be located at number 2 Plaza Alcalde Coto Mora, in the heart of the city, and will offer a new concept of sushi“much more daring and original”.
And it is that in his letterloaded with different touches to a traditional Japanese, we can find the most innovative recipes, among which stand out the Flamed Rolls (flambéed sushi).
“Sibuya is innovation, trying new things even in Japan. Tuna? Salmon? Chicken? Shrimp? You will always find an option that will surprise you, and there will always be something for everyone. For the most daring and for the most traditional, for the healthiest and for those who prefer a little more sauce”, they underline from the restaurant chain.
Also, if you don’t feel like leaving home, they also offer delivery and take away service.


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Actual Estate Technology News Trends
Electric automobile maker Tesla Motors is working on many new cars, which includes heavy trucks and buses that could be unveiled as early as subsequent year. And the communications capabilities that expanded to include not only old text messaging and e-mail but also telephony and videophone capability enabled app developers to give smartphones and tablets myriad amusing, informative and transformative capabilities.
We appear back at Tech's role in the 1996 Olympics as Residence of the Olympic Village, and how hosting the Games changed Georgia Tech forever. Researchers have created a new technique for identifying promotional infections of sites operated by government and educational organizations. Nine years and over 2 million apps later, the App Store has turn out to be a spiralling behemoth. The app has turn out to be an inconvenience and I'd rather just form the URL into my browser.
Here are 10 such head-scratchers that candidates were asked through job interviews at Google, Apple, Microsoft, and other key tech firms. This week's try what she says's Cool in Tech looks at video editing, artificial intelligence, acquiring a new hiking trial and a new way to shop your stuff.
Click on the button below to subscribe and wait for a new Facebook message from the TC Messenger news bot. I can't use this if I have half dressed females advertising crap in the bottom portion of the app all the time. Bonnett, a seasoned technology sector veteran, will shape the vision for the future of Georgia's statewide technologies startup incubator. Georgia Tech staff will be asked to confirm their identity online when accessing all capabilities of the employee self-service region of TechWorks. It's in all probability as well early for everyone, even Warren Buffett, to guess how IBM will do in 2016.
There's a whole lot of competitors in the tech globe, from computers to smartphones, in tablets and gadgets, and that is just scratching the surface. Final bids for the company's online organization had been anticipated Monday, but no news came out of the company's fiscal second-quarter earnings. Does it matter to the tech customer?+Darren Kitchen and +Tom Merritt talk about why it does not, but when it will. The amount of capital being invested in technologies begin-ups in Europe by VC funds has has plummeted amid uncertainty surrounding Brexit.


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While some scored a pair of the coveted adidas Originals YEEZY Boost 350 V2 “Zebra” restock on Wednesday via the Confirmed app, it seems hackers may have won the majority of the stock in China. As posted by Pinoe77 on Instagram, a video shows an altercation occurring involving a customer and a mountain of YEEZY sneakers and boxes, scattered across a mall floor. As captured, the individual is shielding himself while being barraged by angry individuals. A caption of the post is as follows:
The story goes like this. Some hackers broke adidas confirmed over in China and won 80ish pairs of Zebras. The squad wasn’t happy about that and fucked up the plugs. #greed
This is not the first time Asia in particular has seen violent behavior for adidas’s highly-sought-after sneakers; a video last year in March showed a mob of individuals racing into stores for the hyped adidas Originals NMD_R1s with no regard for safety.
Watch the video below. Warning: The footage may be considered graphic for some.


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Sprint bundles free Hulu with its Unlimited Freedom plans
You'll get a free Limited Commercials subscription with a Sprint line.
Hulu cancels 'Difficult People' after three seasons
The series was among the first crop of scripted shows to hit the streaming service.
Hulu's Live TV service is now much easier to browse on the web
New features include more collections and a dedicated browsing menu.
A 'Hitman' series is coming to Hulu from the creator of 'John Wick'
Let's hope it's better than the 'Hitman' movies.
Shepard Fairey documentary ‘Obey Giant’ hits Hulu this weekend
The influential artist discusses his inspirations and what drives his art.
Hulu is Nintendo Switch’s first streaming app
Your Switch just got an upgrade.
Hulu CEO departs to run Sony Pictures Television
In his place will be Randy Freer, who was president and COO of Fox Networks Group.
Nielsen is tracking streaming services like it does broadcast TV
Amazon Prime and Hulu are expected to join the rating service next year.
Hulu’s VR content is now available on Windows Mixed Reality headsets
The streaming service has also made two new VR shows available for Windows headset users.


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To the Sports Editor:
In his haste to shower praise on Michael Jordan as citizen, sportsman and role model (''Jordan Has the Game, the Values,'' The Times, Nov. 5), Ira Berkow fails to mention that Jordan spends much of his spare time hawking food loaded with fat, salt and sugar, and touting grossly overpriced shoes made by terribly overworked, underpaid, harassed and oppressed workers in third world countries.
Michael Jordan is in a unique position to do something about thousands upon thousands of workers who toil under horrendous conditions in the world's sweatshops, yet he has steadfastly refused to do so. Is this elegance? Is this a role model?
Bucksport, Me.Continue reading the main story


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25 February 2020
Stadia, the game streaming service now allows you to shop for games directly from the web. Previously, browsing and buying the compatible games was only possible via the Stadia mobile app. You can now go to the Stadia website and simply click on the tab that says “Store” to be redirected to it. The service is reportedly working fine on Google Chrome on Windows 10.
Browsing through the web client version of the store is as easy as you do it using the mobile app. It is great to see that the game streaming service from Google is continuously getting updated with new capabilities and features. Google announced the new support via the official Twitter account of Stadia.
Just like the app, the web-based Stadia store includes details of the specific games. Clicking on a game takes you to the title’s dedicated page, which includes screenshots, videos, a description, information, and a Buy button.
In other Stadia-related news, Google Assistant has been launched on Stadia controllers, but with a couple of limitations, with one being its working tied with Chromecast only. According to those for whom the service is enabled, the function only works when connected via Chromecast to your TV on the main Stadia screen. The controllers already had the Google Assistant button but the service was disabled. But now, reportedly from December 3, pressing the button will invoke Google Assistant for your service. Previously, pressing the button would display a "coming soon" message. However, it is currently part of an early access program and only works when Stadia is being shown your Chromecast-connected TV.
However, Google does make mention that soon it will be available "while playing games as well as in the Stadia app and website." Another limitation is access to limited commands. Currently, the Assistant which has been made available is not fully-featured and can only answer simple queries such as “what’s the weather?” “What time is it?” It can, however, come up with some personalized results if you have enabled the necessary settings. The commands such as playing music, videos, or controlling your smart home are not yet available.
You can enable Google Assistant on your Stadia controller by heading over to the settings inside the Stadia app on Android or iOS. Under the Settings menu, look for Display, open Google Assistant, and toggle on Enable Assistant button on Stadia Controllers.


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Embedded World, the reference trade fair in embedded electronics
As in previous years, all the embedded players will gather in Nuremberg to take part in the biggest international trade fair of the sector. No less than 1000 exhibitors from 65 different countries are expected in Embedded World so as to introduce their products and technologies to over 22,000 visitors.
Preparing this Embedded World event for weeks, Clairitec will reveal its latest innovations available for test and will show demonstrations on its stand 252 located in hall 1. This international trade fair is the ideal strategy for the professionals to keep up with the latest technological innovations as well as future trends and stakes of embedded electronics.
Clairitec HMI solution, the new trend in embedded electronics
Clairitec has demonstrated to be in its proper place at big international trade fairs such as Embedded World and Electronica with its graphical and touch turnkey HMI solution (hardware, software and graphic design) which enables companies to create their own HMI in 4 weeks at a lesser cost.
Thanks to its expertise, this electronics engineering SME is well-qualified to offer a constantly evolving bespoke HMI solution according to the precise needs of its customers (graphic boards compatibility with any display on the market for example).
Presentation of the “IK 10 version” of the latest graphic display module
Running for the title of “Embedded Awards 2014”, the new version of Clairitec’s “plug&play” graphic display module will be presented on our stand in Embedded World. The Intelligent Display already had the strong advantage of being EMC certified so as to be easily incorporated within a constraining electromagnetic environment but the latest version goes even further. It now benefits from an IK10 protection certifying a high level of robustness for a safe outdoor use and a protection against vandalism.
The Intelligent Display combines the HMI board technology with a TFT-LCD display connected to a resistive or capacitive touch panel. From now on available with the sizes of 4,3” WQVGA, 7” and 9” WVGA, this module is protected by a stainless steel case and fulfill exactly the expectations of customers as regards of graphic display.


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Apple may have suffered big losses from iPhone sales thus impacting Largan, but the glass supplier isn't worried and is focusing on more applications.
Much like how the iPhone can sense depth with its selfie camera system to do things like Face ID, LG says its G8 ThinQ can do the same.
Also, rumors of a third camera coming to the iPhone are echoed here, with the push on 3D depth-sensing as a gateway to an Apple VR headset.
The cinematography company has teased its community on what looks to be a 3D cinematography machine that can be controlled by the phone.
The OPPO R17 Pro has no more secrets. The manufacturer published all the details of the phone, and it packs a ton of killer features.
If you're a little more serious about your VR content creation than what the Gear 360 can handle, check out the professional-grade Samsung 360 Round.
Still stuck on pre-order status in a number of European markets, the HDR-capable, 3D image-creating Sony Xperia XZ1 is officially available stateside.
What will likely be known as the 'iPhone X' is not going to get out to the masses with a quickness, one industry analyst thinks.
The Taiwanese manufacturer, which specializes in glasses for mobile cameras, is a noted Apple client, but didn't mention Apple in this announcement.
With Touch ID possibly out of the equation, Apple needs a killer iPhone 8 facial recognition feature, and LG Innotek may help get it done.
While augmented reality doesn't seem ready for primetime yet, Apple may start to integrate 'moderate' 3D mapping on this year's iPhone 8.
In addition to no screen bezels or home button, the redesigned face of the groundbreaking iPhone 8 should bring a 3D-capable selfie cam to the table.
Add 3D photography to the already long list of potentially revolutionary, albeit gimmicky rumored iPhone 8 upgrades for next year.


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Because of Ebola concerns, several cruise lines with voyages that stop along the West African coast have chosen to steer clear of the region, even, in some cases, avoiding bordering countries where no outbreak has been reported.
Holland America canceled stops at ports in Ghana, Gambia and Senegal (so far, there has been just one case reported in Senegal and none in Ghana and Gambia) during a 35-day “African Explorer” voyage on the Rotterdam planned for November and December.
Those ports have been replaced with overnight calls in Cape Town, South Africa and Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands and a stop in Tangier, Morocco. Seabourn Cruise Lines, Fred. Olsen and Regent Seven Seas have made similar changes to itineraries. Read more…
The permanent collections of European museums can often feel ignored and stale, but the Pera Museum in the Beyoglu district in Istanbul has dusted off its Kutahya Tiles and Ceramics Collection, repurposing the display to tell the history and rituals of Turkish coffee as its popularity spread from wealthy households to the general public.
The exhibition focuses on the types of colorful ceramic coffee pots, sugar bowls and other accessories produced as early as the 17th century by the Ottoman-era masters in Kutahya, the second most important Turkish center for the craft after Iznik.
But the small and charming display goes beyond the floral motifs of turquoise-and red-glazed cups, ewers and saucers to show the importance of public spaces like local coffee houses as an early form of social media. Read more…
The last 150 years of America’s work-force history is being celebrated in Cedar Key, Fla., at “The Way We Worked,” a new traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibit, until Oct. 24.
The installation, on view at the public library, includes photographs of workplaces from the National Archives, interactive kiosks and an accompanying cellphone tour for more in-depth stories.
The small Gulf Coast city — one of the leading producers of farm-raised clams in the United States — is offering a variety of concurrent programs to complement the exhibition.
The Cedar Key Arts Center is showcasing the works of five contemporary award-winning local artists, as well as displaying the “Faces of Cedar Key,” a wall of photos taken by residents of the town’s boat builders, clammers, factory operators and others workers from the past 100 years. Read more…
To promote quick and easy transfers between flights — with a particular focus on those bound for Asia — Helsinki Airport is the host of a pop-up skateboarding invitational from Oct. 12 to 13.
The event will turn the airport into a temporary playground featuring the Finnish skateboarding star Arto Saari, along with the United States skaters Curren Caples and Louie Lopez.
The first skating session on Oct. 12 will be held in Finland’s biggest building: one of Finnair’s aircraft maintenance halls. The session on Oct. 13 is in the terminal building at Helsinki Airport.
More than 250 video entries of skateboarders from over 50 different countries were submitted on the site #matchmadeinHEL.com in late September; from this pool, four skaters will be selected and will have skating sessions with Mr. Saari’s crew. Read more…
Shaken or stirred, the cocktail has long been embraced by those with a taste for complicated concoctions served in the appropriate stemware, and now they can do so at a discount during London Cocktail Week, which runs through Sunday.
What began as a bartending trade fair in 2010 has become a bustling festival with 250 participating venues, special dining offers and master classes in all things cocktail-themed.
Bars are offering signature cocktails for 4 pounds, or about $6.40, or about half the normal price range of £8 or £10, organizers say.
A weekly capsule of travel news curated by our writers and editors.
Not for the Acrophobic A two-year, 30-million euro makeover of the Eiffel Tower is scheduled to be unveiled Monday. The most notable addition is a solid glass first floor — not exactly the viewing platform at the top, but still pretty dramatic. (Yahoo)
Food on the Go Several carriers are serving their in-flight meals on the ground. (CNN)
Dealmaking Hilton agreed to sell the luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan to Beijing-based Anbang Insurance Group Co. for $1.95 billion. (Bloomberg)Read more…
The three-night package, beginning on Friday, Oct. 17, includes access to the Blue Moon Burger Bash with Rachael Ray as host and where more than 30 notable chefs compete for the title of best burger; the Big Apple’s French Revival with Alain Ducasse as host and where guests can try French classics such as steak frites and cassoulet; and a Celebrity Cruises wine pairing seminar.
They also have entry into the festival’s final and largest event: the Grand Tasting on Sunday at Pier 94 where they can sample dishes from more than 40 New York City restaurants such as Crave Fish Bar and also try drinks from 60 wine and spirit brands like American Harvest Vodka and the tequila company Partida. Read more…
With its tourism up nearly 27 percent from July 2013 to July 2014 over the year before,there are more tourists in Reykjavik — and in its coffee shops — than ever.
The capital’s newest specialty coffee shop opened on Sept. 25 in the city’s West End. Kaffihus Vesturbaejar will feature 80 percent of its coffee from Icelandic roasters.
In a nation with one of the world’s highest coffee consumption rates, coffee purveyors say there is room for shops like that one.
“Tourism has increased so much this year and the last that there’s been enough space for everyone to work,” said Tumi Ferrer, co-owner of Reykjavik Roasters, which plans to expand to a second location by 2015.
G Adventures, a small-group adventure travel company with a focus on sustainable travel, is introducing a tour in Haiti. The 10-day “Highlights of Haiti” trip aims to offer insight into the country’s condition since a magnitude 7.0 earthquake nearly five years ago.
“It is ready for a certain type of traveler – the person who wants to get places first, that early adapter,” said Jeff Russill, the vice president of innovation at G Adventures.
Highlights of this art-and-culture-heavy trip include meeting a voodoo priest and learning about the art and artifacts surrounding the religion; touring Port-au-Prince and Jacmel’s art communities; traditional rum tastings; a cooking demonstration of local kasav flatbread; a visit to the Unesco World Heritage site Citadelle Laferrière; cliff diving; and cave exploring. Read more…
Wine-themed vacations aren’t usually suited for kids, but Viña Vik, a winery and spa in Millahue, Chile, is changing that with its new children’s programming.
The 22-room property now has a more than dozen activities for no extra charge for 5- to 18-year-olds including a “Smell Don’t Taste” course in which they learn about the winemaking process, try different grape varietals and when possible, help cut grapes off the vines in the vineyards.
Also offered are cooking classes, paintball, biking, horseback riding, games on the grounds and hikes with naturalists to learn about the native flora. Read more…


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Maker Studios said Disney’s $500 million-plus offer for the YouTube multichannel network has already been approved by the majority of its shareholders — leaving Relativity Media’s eleventh-hour opposing bid dead in the water.
“As per the announcement made on March 24, Maker Studios has entered into a merger agreement with The Walt Disney Co.,” a spokeswoman for the MCN said. “The agreement has been approved by Maker Studios’ board of directors and the majority of its shareholders and is expected to close in the next few weeks, subject to regulatory approval.”
Ryan Kavanaugh’s Relativity Media on Sunday submitted a surprise bid to acquire Maker. Under the proposed transaction, Relativity was offering up to $1.1 billion in mostly stock with a cash component, promising Maker execs and creators better financial rewards than with Disney’s cash bid of up to $950 million. Jefferies & Co. was Relativity’s banker advising the studio on the Maker bid.
SEE ALSO: Why Disney Is Taking the Huge Risk of Buying Maker Studios
In a statement, Relativity exec VP David Shane said, “We made a compelling offer and believe Maker Studios, its employees and its roster of talent would have greatly benefited from Relativity’s platform, its entrepreneurial approach and promising growth potential. We will continue to aggressively explore future opportunities that align with our strategy to accelerate digital content creation and distribution.”
Also Monday, the Superior Court for the State of California in L.A. rejected a request by Maker ex-CEO Danny Zappin and three other former execs seeking to block a shareholder vote on the Disney acquisition.
Zappin and the others last summer sued Maker Studios, alleging breach of contract and fraud over Zappin’s “ousting” as chief executive and that Maker Studios board members and officers “illegally issued shares to themselves and diluted the common stock for their own financial gain to the detriment of other Maker shareholders and take control Makers’ board so that they could ‘rapidly create a “liquidity event”‘ so that they could sell Maker and obtain significant returns on their investments.” The court on Monday denied the plaintiffs’ request for a temporary restraining order, which sought to halt the Maker shareholder vote on Disney pending the disclosure of “material” information about the prior lawsuit.
SEE ALSO: Is Disney’s Big-Game Hunting Paying Off?
Maker Studios claims to have more than 5.5 billion monthly video views and 380 million subscribers across its channels. As evidenced by the bidding war for Maker that broke out, Hollywood studios are eager to tap into MCNs to reach younger audiences, and they also see potential for developing TV shows and movies based on digital entertainment properties.
Disney, for its part, said it is acquiring Maker Studios to bring it “advanced technology” and insight into how millennial audiences discover and interact with short-form online videos, including Disney content. “Short-form online video is growing at an astonishing pace and with Maker Studios, Disney will now be at the center of this dynamic industry with an unmatched combination of advanced technology and programming expertise and capabilities,” Disney chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger said in announcing the deal last month.
Founded in 2009, Maker Studios has about 350 employees. After the Disney deal closes, they are all expected to join the Mouse House. Disney also said it has signed employment agreements with Maker’s senior management team, including exec chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz.
Under the current plan, Kreiz will report up to Disney CFO Jay Rasulo — rather than having the MCN housed in the Disney Interactive division — because Disney wants to integrate Maker into all parts of the company, according to Kevin Mayer, Disney’s exec VP of corporate strategy and business development.


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Sonoco increases prices for plywood reels by 9% with immediate effect, citing escalating plywood costs, which executive says are highest since last economic rebound in 2004-2005
HARTSVILLE, South Carolina
March 12, 2012
– Sonoco (NYSE: SON - News) is increasing the price of its plywood reels by nine (9) percent as a result of its decision to roll the surcharge for reels into base prices. The increase, which is the direct result of escalating market costs for plywood, is effective immediately.
“Plant closings in late 2011 by a key plywood producer, along with an increase in overall demand for plywood, have significantly driven up prices,” said James Harrell, vice president of Sonoco’s Industrial Converting Division. “We are seeing plywood costs at levels we haven’t seen since the last economic rebound in 2004 and 2005.
“Since implementing the plywood surcharge a year ago, we have worked diligently to maintain stable pricing to our customers. We’ve now reached a point where base prices must be adjusted to reflect this fundamental shift in plywood input costs.”
Sonoco Reels is the most comprehensive provider of reels produced from nailed wood, plywood, polyfiber, molded plastic and steel materials. Reels produced by Sonoco are used by the wire and cable industry to serve the power transmission and distribution; telecommunications; commercial and industrial building; oil and gas; mining and marine industries.
For more information about Sonoco’s complete line of reels or to learn more about current pricing, please visit the Company’s Web site at http://www.sonoco.com/productsservices/reelsspools.aspx or contact Sonoco Reels at +800/633-3962.
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging and packaging supply chain services. With annualized net sales of approximately $4.5 billion, the Company has 19,600 employees working in 349 operations in 34 countries, serving some of the world’s best known brands in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the 2011/2012 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.
© 2021 Business Wire, Inc., All rights reserved.


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Esports news: The French organization Team Vitality has announced its planned expansion into Indian Esports with the launch of a special Instagram page for the team’s efforts in the country. The organization raised $15.7M USD in November 2019 from Indian investor Mr. Tej Kohli’s gaming fund, Rewired.GG. This was the second fundraiser via Rewired after an initial $22.7M in November 2018, which allowed Vitality the capital to enter the LEC. One of the key takeaways from the second round was Vitality’s plans to expand Esports into China and India.
The announcement comes from Team Vitality India’s official Instagram. The team will share more details about its plans in India soon, as of now not much is known about which game they are looking to pick up a roster from. Vitality to be one of the “world’s first billion-dollar eSports team.”
While things are looking good for Indian eSports, it still remains to be seen what will be the business model these international eSports organizations incorporate for India, and whether it makes a significant impact on the scene.
Speaking to The Esports Journal, CEO Nicholas Maurer had explained why the organization is looking to expand in India. Maurer said, “We are totally convinced that there’s a lot of potential in India, because there is a very big interest, not only in esports, but in gaming. A lot of people are very passionate there, but it’s hard to predict the time it takes for a European brand to be seen as legitimate to an Indian audience.” It’s also difficult to predict how mobile esports will get a really solid competitive structure.”
“It’s moving pretty fast right now, but we need to see how the market moves and in which Tempo. We will do our own things and establish the Vitality brand in India – that is the goal. However, the pace of this growth is difficult to predict. “ , particularly in the mobile space, although India’s recent ban on PUBG Mobile suggests there are unique hurdles to overcome as well. Fnatic, TSM and Nova Esports have also planted a flag in the country, and there will certainly be more global organizations entering India in time.
Vitality’s entry at a time like this is certainly going to make some noise as the community and industry are actively searching for a new direction.
Get the latest Esports news and updates on Indian Esports on Insidesport twitter handle.


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Ever since Apple revealed their new Apple iPhone X with the notch on the top, more and more Android smartphones are coming with that ugly notch in the front but luckily, the upcoming Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S will not be one of them.
The new Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S that Xiaomi revealed this week does not look that different from the previous model but does come with a fair amount of upgrades. The device will come with an edge to edge display.
The device will be sporting a 5.9inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display screen. Unlike most device, the front-facing camera will actually be fitted at the bottom of the device. In the back will be two 12MP rear cameras.
Overall, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S does look great and it does come with most of the premium features like wireless charging. It will run on the Snapdragon 845 processor. The 6GB Ram model will also come with 64GB /128GB storage option.
Price will start from $525.


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International News Detail
Chinese farmers to grow up to 15 pct less soy in 2015/16 -analystsChinese farmers to grow up to 15 pct less soy in 2015/16 -analysts
Thu Apr 23, 2015 4:34am GMT
Print | Single Page
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* Farmers switching from soy due to subsidy uncertainty -analysts
* Could boost imports of the oilseed
* Beijing scrapped soy stockpiling scheme last year
By Niu Shuping and Dominique Patton
BEIJING, April 23 (Reuters) - Farmers in China, the world's top buyer of soybeans, could slash the amount of land they use to grow the oilseed by as much as 15 percent in 2015/16 due to uncertainty over how a new subsidy scheme will work, industry analysts said.
A sixth straight annual drop in soy acreage could boost imports by a country that already accounts for 65 percent of global traded volumes, buoying international prices <0#S:> that are hovering near four-year lows on ample global supply.
"Farmers will reduce soy acreage as they so far have no idea how they will be subsidised," said Liang Yong, a Galaxy Futures analyst based in Heilongjiang, the country's top soy growing province.
Beijing scrapped a soy stockpiling programme last year, and said it would subsidise farmers if domestic prices dropped below a target price of 4,800 yuan per tonne. But it is yet to reveal the size of those subsidies, even as farmers begin sowing this month with prices currently around 3,600 yuan S-DVDHRB-DOM.
Galaxy said acreage could fall by 15 percent, while initial estimates from the China National Grain and Oils Information Centre (CNGOIC) and Beijing Orient Agri-Business Consultant Co. Ltd put the drop at more than 10 percent.
Analysts said that acreage in Heilongjiang could decline as much as 30 percent in the 2015/16 marketing year, with farmers shifting to corn and rice.
Farmers can make 5,000 yuan ($806) more per hectare of corn than by growing soybeans, said Liu Min, a farmer with Sunwu Soybean Association in the far north of Heilongjiang, bordering Russia.
"Farmers here now have more choice and they are choosing to grow corn instead of soy," he said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has forecast China's 2014/15 soy imports at 74 million tonnes, up from 70.36 million tonnes the year before.
(Reporting by Niu Shuping; Editing by Joseph Radford)


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A record increase is being seen in the prices of bananas. This has given some relief to the farmers. They are to some extent making up for the fall in production due to rising prices. But only a few farmers are benefiting from this. Pre-monsoon rain a few days back (Monsoon Rain) The reason for this was massive damage to the banana orchards in Jalgaon. In Hingoli district of Maharashtra, orchards were destroyed due to strong storm and rain, due to which there is a huge decline in the production of bananas. At the same time, now farmers are getting a record rate of bananas, the way it was shown in the case of cotton, now the same bananas (Banana)is happening in the case of.
Due to decrease in arrivals, the price may increase further. Jalgaon district and Raver block, which are considered to be the stronghold of banana, are ahead in terms of banana production. The banana which was Rs 300 to 400 a quintal at the beginning of the season has now increased to Rs 1,800. Despite the high demand in the market, there is a shortfall in supply. This year there has been a decrease in banana production due to the uncertainty of nature. Banana orchards were destroyed due to rain in Vidarbha including Marathwada.
Farmers getting record rate
Banana prices are increasing day by day. At the beginning of the season, there were many differences between the traders and the farmers regarding the rates, but now the picture has changed. The price of Rs 1,670 per quintal was on June 15 in the Ravar Bazar committee of the district. On June 14, Thane got the highest price of up to Rs 4000 per quintal and the maximum rate was more than Rs 4500. Apart from this, the price is Rs 1500 per quintal in Solapur and Rs 2200 per quintal in Pune. Farmers are not happy despite the sharp rise in prices. They say that when there is no production, how will they get the benefit of rising prices, the farmers who already have bananas left, they can get some profit.
Banana is a perennial fruit which is available in the market all the time. Farmers say that at the beginning of the season, traders started arbitrarily by giving low rates. Banana growers say that the price of bananas had to be fixed like grapes. The traders had stopped the farmers at various places, but now the situation has changed. Traders are going directly to farmers’ fields to buy bananas.
Get the latest news updates on Agriculture


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Gov. Jared Polis signed a new law this week barring most Colorado retailers from adopting no-cash policies.
The law, HB21-1048, was sponsored by two Denver Democrats, Rep. Alex Valdez and Sen. Robert Rodriguez, who argued that the policy is important for the roughly 7% of Coloradans who according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation do not use banks or have a credit or debit card.
Many businesses have gone cashless during the pandemic, though there is no clear accounting of how many.
The law applies to any retail business providing a good or a service, with some exemptions — businesses with no in-person cashiers and businesses like hotels that require customers to provide credit card numbers for security deposits or to cover unforeseen expenses.
Otherwise, as of 90 days after the legislative session ends, all retailers must comply or face a $250 fine.
Democrats won just a handful of GOP votes as they pushed this policy, as Republicans argued that the rules and the threat of a fine are excessively onerous. Polis, too, is worried about the fine. Though he signed the bill, he also issued a letter of caution to the legislature.
“(I)t is unclear who would be charged with the petty offense created by HB 21-1048. Does it apply to the retail establishment? The manager on duty? The individual at the counter who refuses to accept the cash?” Polis wrote. “This type of ambiguity is unhelpful and may render this bill practically unenforceable. I have concerns that the language could cause confusion amongst retail establishments, their employees, and consumers as they partake in these transactions and welcome clarification in future legislation.”


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Sporadic jobs and lack of compensation or benefits result in some self-employed artists living below poverty line, in need of rental assistance
Ottawa Community Housing, PAL Ottawa enter into show-stopping partnership to create affordable housing for aging artists
The city’s central business district remains virtually empty more than a year into the pandemic, leaving a legion of forgotten retailers searching for answers, writes Ron Corbett
Plus, news about other Ottawa-area executives, managers and professionals starting new positions.
Participants to hear from Dare to Dream Bursary recipient on how financial support helped them to achieve dream of post-secondary school education.
Seasoned copywriter and graphic designer team up as partners of new Ottawa-based creative service studio
Local musician has been performing from home throughout pandemic to entertain public, support nonprofit groups.
From lawyers to landlords, Ottawa entrepreneurs continue to rush into increasingly crowded cannabis retail market
With more than 100 cannabis shops either operating or poised to open, business owners are looking further outside Ottawa's core to 'underserved' markets
A milestone that’s been built one relationship at a time
Acclaimed musician Kathleen Edwards set to premiere new music video Thursday for Shepherds of Good Hope
Sing for Hope musical experience marks community’s first-ever virtual concert fundraiser featuring local artists
'This is something we need to do': Ottawa-Gatineau Youth Foundation to help kids experience summer camp
Aries Contracting announces plans to match, dollar-for-dollar, the next $15K in donations made to the OGYF Summer Camp Fund


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Just over a year after it successfully became the first DIY brand to master Snapchat, Lowe’s is back at it, having hacked Instagram Stories with DIY videos in a tiny vertical room.
The new campaign, led by BBDO, consists of 64 micro videos. Together, they form 35 seconds long Instagram Stories that show the transformation of a tiny vertical (of course) room, whose dimension match perfectly the Instagram window on your phone.
Here’s how one of the stories looks like:
This amazing campaign was born out of a creative hackathon hosted by Facebook Creative Shop.
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Instagram announced a new calendar tool with a reporting timeframe doubled from 30 to 60 days; promises to increase to …
Instagram has released a new in-app tool that helps users recover hacked Instagram accounts, directly from the app.


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40 jobs go as call centre shuts down
Published: 14 December 2003
BEST Western International, the world’s biggest hotel chain, is planning to close its reservation call centre in Dublin next year with the loss of 40 jobs.
Staff were informed of the decision last week with the company announcing its intention to shut the office in mid 2004. It is believed to have made an early announcement of the closure as it had informed the landlord of its Lower Hatch Street base that it would not be renewing its lease.
The group, which also operates 20 hotels in Ireland, blamed the closure on an industry-wide increase in hotel reservations being booked through the internet, which has undermined the role played by call centres.
Will Jansen, vice-president of global reservations at Best Western, said: “This was a business decision made purely on the overcapacity in our current reservations operations.”
Best Western declined to comment further but it is understood that the decision


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Monica Varman has joined G2VP‘s investment team. Previously, she worked at McKinsey & Company.
MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Today G2VP, a venture capital firm dedicated to scaling technologies that enable sustainability in traditional industries, announced Monica Varman as the newest member of its investment team. Varman joins at a time of significant momentum for the firm, which has made 9 investments to date from its first $350M fund.
Varman brings a unique perspective to G2VP, having worked with both incumbents in industries facing seismic shifts and also the companies disrupting those sectors. She was most recently a core member of the sustainability practice at McKinsey & Company, where she advised senior executives in the energy and infrastructure sectors on decarbonization and growth strategies. Varman was previously part of the business operations team at Tesla, where she helped scale Model S manufacturing. She also worked at off-grid solar company Zola Electric, where she developed its distribution and logistics strategy in Tanzania and Rwanda.
“Multiple secular trends are creating large, investable opportunities in traditional industries, including the falling cost of energy technologies, the ability to collect and analyze massive amounts of data, and the urgency among investors, businesses and consumers to solve the sustainability challenge,” said Varman. “The strength of G2VP’s network creates a multiplier effect for emerging companies looking to tackle these and other hard problems, and I am excited to join a team committed to making them successful.”
“At G2, we continue to believe in the enormous business opportunities related to sustainability,” said David Mount, G2VP co-founder and partner. “Monica’s experience with both large global corporates and emerging technology companies is an exciting addition to our team, and we look forward to working with her to support the innovators and incumbents who will drive efficiency, sustainability and the technological transformation of the industrial economy in the years ahead.”
At G2VP, we invest in emerging technology companies that digitize traditional industries and drive market transformations. Tapping into global industries from transportation, energy and agriculture to manufacturing and logistics, G2VP was founded around a multi-trillion dollar trend: the digitization of industry. As this trend takes root, and industries worldwide transition from traditional analog to digital processes, G2VP sees tremendous opportunity for value creation, economic growth, and sector disruption. By aligning companies, purpose and profit, we aim to unlock previously unidentified paths to sustainability and resource efficiency.


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MakerDao, the blockchain startup behind the ERC-20 based stablecoin DAI, declared it has begun a test case program with the inventory network administration startup Tradeshift to accelerate the installment procedure for private ventures by means of blockchain.
In a declaration on Friday, MakerDAO said its stablecoin is presently being tried with the Tradeshift Trade arrangement out an offer to tokenize unpaid solicitations of independent companies which could be sold at a markdown to crypto financial specialists so private companies can get installments upfront.
Launched in December 2017, MakerDAO’s DAI token is one of a developing number of stablecoins. It was intended to modify its supply as the market moves with a specific end goal to keep enduring its U.S. dollar-pegged price.
According to Tradeshift’s site, the Tradeshift Money arrangement right now enables independent ventures to offer their extraordinary solicitations as a benefit compose to conventional speculators at a markdown. Financial specialists could then gain the edge when an installment is in the long run discharged by a payer.
In a meeting reaction, Rune Christensen, author of MakerDAO, disclosed to CoinDesk that by acquainting a stablecoin with Tradeshift’s current framework, the pilot would convey this sort of benefit class to more cryptographic money investors.
He clarified that amid the testing stage, a private venture utilizing Tradeshift will have an alternative to change over a pending receipt into a DAI token at a markdown that can be obtained by a crypto speculator. The store will then be traded into a fiat cash and along these lines credited to the private company’s account.
As a stablecoin’s cost can remain generally consistent, the expectation is that the pilot could enable all the more independent ventures to have the alternative to pitch their pending solicitations to get installments faster.
“The exchange receivables showcase has tight edges, which rules out an unpredictable computerized cash as instrument for settlement, ” Tradeshift’s fellow benefactor Gert Sylvest said in the announcement.
In expansion, MakerDAO said it is additionally intending to dispatch an open stage with Tradeshift where private companies can specifically cooperate with cryptographic money financial specialists keeping in mind the end goal to additionally build the market liquidity.
“It will be extremely modest in light of the fact that there will be a ton of cash accessible for the private ventures, and furthermore there will be a great deal of independent companies accessible for the speculators to look over,” Christensen said.
The pilot likewise comes only multi month after Tradeshift declared plans to venture into blockchain following its $250 million Arrangement E subsidizing round drove by Goldman Sachs.
Rachel Rose O’Leary added to reporting
MakerDAO picture by means of Shutterstock


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Another week, another brewery, and this one’s coming for you, Germantown.
Bearded Iris Brewing Co. is slated to open at 101 Van Buren St., in a warehouse that will connect to the artist enclave at 100 Taylor St.
The brewery’s co-founders, Kavon Togrye and Paul Vaughn, are light on details right now as lease negotiations are underway, but they expect to open a 1,200-square-foot taproom in the 10,000-square-foot space, with seating for about 50 people. They will focus on brewing Belgian and French farmhouse style beers, Togrye said.
Bearded Iris will be one of several local craft brewery startups slated to open in the next year, competition that Togrye views as a plus.
“It’s exciting,” he said. “A lot of people are worried about how many beers are on the shelf. I myself don’t worry about that. I think Tennessee in particular is behind the curve. … If you look at some other countries on a per capita basis how many breweries they have, I think we have room to grow.”
Both Togrye and Vaughan started as home-brewers, although Vaughan spent time working at Atlanta-based Sweetwater and a few other startup breweries after finishing undergrad, while Togrye went on to law school.
“I went to law school, passed the bar, and sort of decided I would make that more of the back-up plan because if not now, then when? We were talking about it for years and years," Togrye said.
Although he doesn't have an opening date yet for the public, he said they hope to have beer in tanks by the end of the year.


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Duffy Electric Boats, Torqeedo Electric Motors and Seafari Electric Boat Tours Featured at Suncoast Boat Show
—Steve Trkla Torqeedo President
SARASOTA, FLORIDA, USA, April 21, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — With Earth Day celebrations in the region and increased interest in EVs (electric vehicles), ULTRA YACHT today made a series of announcements regarding other electric vehicles, electric ships.
ULTRA-YACHT today announced the launch of ULTRA-DUFFY.com, a website focused on providing information about Duffy electric boats that are now available to Florida boaters. Duffy has been known as the first and best electric boat for over 50 years. The Duffy All-Electric, Zero-Emission boat has been very popular in California; however, this is the first time Duffy electric boats have been on display at the Suncoast Boat Show. The exhibit will include the popular Sun Cruiser 22 and a Bayshore 18 with a solar-powered charging system. ULTRA-YACHT is pleased to be the authorized dealer for Duffy Boats in Florida and looks forward to seeing this electric vessel gain popularity in the state.
For customers who want to enjoy an electric vessel, but are not ready to purchase an electric boat, ULTRA-YACHT today introduced Seafari Electric Boat Tours and Seafari Private Adventures which will include Duffy All-Electric Boats. Customers will soon be able to charter a private adventure for up to six people for $499 or take a group tour for $99 per person with pickup from Sarasota and Anna Maria Island. Staff will be on hand at the Suncoast Boat Show to discuss Seafari Tours and Adventures or for more information go to www.EcoSeafari.com.
ULTRA-YACHT also announced today that it will showcase a range of electric drive systems from Torqeedo, the world leader in high-quality, German-engineered electric motors. Interested boaters will be able to see popular electric motors including the Torqeedo Travel and Torqeedo Cruise, which will be featured on Zodiac boats at the Suncoast Boat Show. Steve Trkla, President of Torqeedo USA said, “We are delighted that ULTRA-YACHT is taking a strong interest in promoting Torqeedo electric drive systems.
Innovation in the boating world is not limited to electric boats. ULTRA-YACHT today announced the introduction of ULTRA-Zodiac.com, a new approach to purchasing a new range of state-of-the-art vessels. ULTRA-Zodiac will present the new range of Zodiac Open and Zodiac Medline boats. Zodiac, which has been known for its quality, safety and reliability for over 100 years, has used its engineering expertise to introduce several new boats that offer stylish, safe, practical and fuel-efficient alternatives to the rather traditional heavy-duty boats that were available in the market. Since many of these models are so new and have never been seen in the Sarasota Bay area, ULTRA-YACHT representatives will be on hand at the Suncoast Boat Show to explain the features of the exciting new boats that will will arrive soon. Zodiac North America CEO Kevin Fletcher said, “Zodiac is excited about these new boats that are fun, fast and designed for the efficiency and safety boaters demand in today’s environment.
ULTRA-YACHT Founder and CEO Ed Kolodzieski said, “ULTRA-YACHT is excited to showcase innovative products and services to help people enjoy the natural beauty of Florida’s waterways, while adopting new responsible ways to navigate. In addition to the Suncoast Boat Show, ULTRA-YACHT representatives will be attending the April 22 Earth Day Extravaganza at the Florida House in Sarasota and the Earth Day Walk and Talk at the Island Chapel on Longboat Key.
Florida Yacht Adventures, LLC was founded in 2013 by Ed and Terry Kolodzieski as a small charter company based on Longboat Key. In 2019, the company plans to rename itself ULTRA-YACHT and expand its operations. Today, ULTRA-YACHT has a fleet of vessels offering private luxury charters that start and end where you want and when you want.
ULTRA-YACHT is an authorized dealer for Duffy electric boats, Zodiac boats and Torqeedo electric drive systems. ULTRA-Yacht offers online shopping complemented by a multimedia in-store experience and on-water demonstrations of quality, responsible products that represent the future of boating.
All Florida Yacht Adventures staff and operations share a passion for protecting our precious marine environment and for being good stewards of the space we share with our communities and nature.
Duffy All-Electric Bayshore 18 with Assisted Solar Charging
Electric Tours and Seafari Adventures
Zodiac Medline 7.5
Torqeedo Electric Cruise Motor
write to us here
ULTRA-Duffy Bayshore 18 with assisted solar charging


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The annual sale of Christmas trees by the 67th Winnipeg Scout group will launch Nov.21, albeit with a pandemic-related twist.
This is the 56th year the Scout group is holding its tree sale in the parking lot at the River Heights site of the Corydon Community Centre, according to group commissioner Doug Strang.
"This is, by far, our biggest fundraiser of the year, and if it goes like last year, we’ll sell around 2,000 trees and a good number of wreaths," he said.
The 67th has seen its fair share of struggles due to the pandemic. After a complete shutdown of Scouting activities for several months, the group has slowly restarted meetings. Planning is week to week, and meetings are either in-person and outdoors or online, depending on the level of gathering restrictions in place, Strang said.


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UK to ban the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles by 2035
The United Kingdom (UK) will ban the selling of petrol and diesel engines by the year 2035 under a proposed policy announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson that would bring the due date for banning internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles sales forward by five years.
Mr Johnson originally announced the UK’s intention to ban selling ICE vehicles by 2040 at a United Nations climate summit in November last year but revised the date on the back of advice from scientific experts.
Under the Johnson government, they have set the target of emitting virtually zero carbon by the year 2050. However, scientists have warned Mr Johnson that allowing ICE vehicles to be sold until 2040 would make this target difficult to achieve.
In an interesting development for the future of clean mobility, hybrid vehicles will also be included in the ban, with automakers only allowed to sell vehicles that are either battery electric (BEV) or hydrogen.
BEV sales have risen dramatically in the UK in the last 12 months, with 37,850 new vehicles being registered in 2019, an increase of 144 percent from 2018. However, this figures equates to a market share of just 1.6 percent, well below that of petrol (64.8 percent) and even diesel (25.2 percent) sales, proving significant work must be done if the 2035 goal is to be achieved.
The proposal has also been met with strong criticism from those in the automotive industry, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) asking whether the local industry had been consulted prior to announcing the amended proposal.
“We need to hear how government plans to fulfil its ambitions in a sustainable way, one that safeguards industry and jobs,” said SMMT CEO Mike Hawes.
“If the UK is to lead the global zero emissions agenda, we need a competitive marketplace and a competitive business environment to encourage manufacturers to sell and build here.
“A date without a plan will merely destroy value today.”
While the 2035 ban date is certainly optimistic, the UK are by no means the first to set such lofty goals when it comes to taking ICE vehicles off the road.
Norway, a shining global example when it comes to the uptake of EVs, are on track to ban ICE vehicle sales by 2025, which would make them the first country to do so. Plug-in vehicles accounted for 56 percent of all new car sales in the Nordic country in 2019, with BEVs alone making up 42 percent of all sales. This electric charge has been led by the Tesla Model 3, which was the best-selling vehicle in Norway for 2019 with 15,683 sales.
Elsewhere, seven countries – Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands, Slovenia and Sweden – have committed to ending ICE vehicle sales by 2030, while France and Sri Lanka are among the countries looking to implement a 2040 ban.
However, unlike the UK’s proposed ban on hybrid vehicles, it appears many other countries looking to phase out ICE vehicles will still allow hybrids to be sold, with the low emission technology still an essential component in delivering climate action goals according to experts.
This is a relief for auto manufacturers such as Daimler, who have agreed to spend US$11.7 billion building 10 new all electric and 40 hybrid models.
Australia have also been vocal about including hybrids in any low emission vehicle targets, with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) urging local lawmakers against following the UK’s proposed policy.
“To this point, the automotive industry has achieved significant gains in the increased efficiency of internal combustion petrol and diesel engines, and they will continue to play a significant role for many years to come,” read a statement released by the FCAI.
“To ensure Australia achieves the best outcome, the FCAI urges strong Federal and State Government support to encourage both CO2 targets and the adoption of all low emission and energy efficient power trains in the Australian market.”
Australia have largely failed to adopt EV technology so far, with minimal government support or intervention slowing progress. Due to this, there is no set date proposed of banning the sale of ICE vehicles yet.
A mere 2,925 BEVs and plug-in hybrids were sold in Australia in 2019, excluding the number of Teslas sold (Tesla does not release sales numbers in Australia). Petrol-electric hybrids, meanwhile, managed 30,641 sales, or just under 3 percent of the market share, thanks to the addition of numerous new models such as the Toyota RAV4 and Corolla hybrid.
So while the UK marches on ahead with their vision of banning all petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, it appears that Australia will continue to rely on hybrid technology to reduce vehicle emissions for the foreseeable future, at least until more is done to grow EV sales.
11 Feb 2020


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Local boutiques offering deals on Small Business Saturday
"We offer a lot of local designers and personalized service, and things like free gift wrapping, which is an experience hard to find in any mall store," Turkell said. She's offering customers a free wallet ($40 value) with a purchase of $100 or more.
"Our fellow small businesses can only remain strong with the support of many consumers," said Kara Maser, director of operations. "We're doing our part to keep that spirit strong both economically and socially."


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Pakistan is currently grappling with significant economic challenges that have put its stability and growth prospects at risk. The country’s economy has been under strain for many years, and the recent Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation. The economy is facing a severe balance of payments crisis, with the rupee depreciating against the dollar, inflation at an all-time high, and an unsustainable debt burden. If not addressed urgently, the country could slide into a crisis similar to that of Sri Lanka, where the economy has been struggling to stay afloat.
Pakistan’s economy has great potential, given its vast natural resources, a large domestic market, and a young, talented workforce. However, the challenges facing the country’s economy are significant and require urgent attention. In this article, we discuss some of the strategies that could be implemented to revive Pakistan’s economy and put it on a sustainable growth trajectory.
Addressing the root causes of inflation: Inflation is the primary concern of the economy, and it must be tackled through structural reforms. To achieve this, the government can focus on implementing policies that encourage productivity and investment in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. This will help to reduce the cost of production and create jobs, thereby reducing inflationary pressures.
Fiscal consolidation: Pakistan’s fiscal deficit has been widening in recent years, and this has contributed significantly to the country’s debt burden. To address this, the government needs to implement policies that will enhance revenue collection and reduce expenditure. This can be achieved through the introduction of a more progressive tax system, cutting down on wasteful spending, and reducing subsidies.
Improving the investment climate: Pakistan needs to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) to support its economic growth. This can be achieved by implementing policies that improve the business environment, such as streamlining regulations and reducing bureaucracy, protecting property rights, and improving infrastructure.
Boosting exports: Pakistan’s export sector has been underperforming for many years, and this has contributed to the country’s balance of payments crisis. To boost exports, the government can provide incentives to exporters, improve trade facilitation, and diversify its export markets.
Pakistan’s economy faces significant challenges that require urgent attention. Implementing the strategies discussed above could help the country to revive its economy and put it on a sustainable growth trajectory. However, this will require political will, commitment, and collaboration from all stakeholders.


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Median shell out for major U.S. CEOs rose 31% final year to a document $20 million, a new analyze identified, surging after a slight decrease all through the COVID-19 pandemic, as companies showered leaders with inventory awards and hard cash bonuses.
Chief executives receiving large fork out boosts provided the leaders of tech giant Apple and semiconductor manufacturer Broadcom Inc,, according to the study released Monday by research company Equilar.
It protected the 100 greatest U.S. companies by revenue that filed proxy statements by March 31. The identical research a yr in the past uncovered median CEO fork out was $15.5 million, 2% reduce than in 2020.
Equilar director of written content Amit Batish reported businesses appeared to reward leaders who steered them via difficulties like supply shortages. Increasing revenue and share rates also boosted payment. “A whole lot of these organizations did very well all through the pandemic, that was surely driving the raises in pay out,” he said.
The increased pay could prompt significant shareholder votes, Batish added, however other traders treatment extra about returns. Among S&P 500 companies, normal help for advisory votes on executive pay out fell to 88.3% past year from 89.6% in 2020, according https://semlerbrossy.com/wp-content material/uploads/2022/03/SBCG_2022-SOP-Report_04-14.pdf to pay back consultancy Semler Brossy, and was at 85.6% this yr so much.
The tendencies also to pushed up the ratio of CEO pay back to the pay out of companies’ median workers to 254:1 from 238:1 a 12 months ago, Equilar’s review claimed.
It cited executives like Apple CEO Tim Cook dinner, who obtained $98.7 million last year, up from $14.8 million in 2020, including a significant inventory award. Investors cast 64% of votes in favor of the fork out at the firm’s March 4 annual conference, a very low amount of assist.
Apple declined to comment.
At chipmaker Broadcom, CEO Hock Tan received $60.7 million very last calendar year, up from $3.7 million the yr prior to. On April 4, buyers forged 80% of votes in favor of the fork out.
Broadcom declined to remark.


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“Financial technology startup TransferWise will allow users around the world to send money internationally through its service using Apple Pay, in a bid to make transfers easier and more secure,” Anna Irrera reports for Reuters.
“The London-based money transfer company said on Thursday that it was joining with Apple Inc’s payments service in the U.S. and a handful of other countries, following a similar move in the UK in 2015,” Irrera reports. “This means users on Apple devices will no longer have to insert their payments card or bank account details to send money via TransferWise, but will be able to transfer funds through their Apple Pay account, speeding up the process.”
“The company says Apple Pay usage on TransferWise in the UK has been encouraging. Over 10 percent of all TransferWise transactions to and from British Pounds carried out on Apple IOS devices are funded via Apple Pay, the company said,” Irrera reports. “The other countries in which the integration is being rolled out are Australia, Switzerland, France, Spain, Ireland, [and] Italy.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple Pay continues to grom inexorably. Lately, we’ve found ourselves using Apple Pay pretty much everywhere in the U.S. that has it; better signage at the register would increase its usage even more.


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EA and DICE have announced that Star Wars Battlefront II’s last piece of content, Battle of Scarif will be arriving on Apr.29.
Detailed in a new blog post, Creative Director Dennis Brännvall has announced after 25 free content updates, the vision for Star Wars Battlefront II is now complete. The last piece of DLC, Battle of Scarif is set to release on Apr. 29 in a free update. The newest content update will bring iconic locations from the Age of Rebellion that will be added to Supremacy, along with a new way to play Instant Action.
In addition, the new update will see the appearances of the Rise of the Skywalker’s Rey’s Yellow Lightsaber, Kylo Ren’s forged mask, and Emperor Palpatine’s menacing robes identical the latest film. This is a neat touch that fans of the newest film will enjoy as fun scenes to replicate.
Star Wars Battlefront II’s Battle of Scarif free update arrives tomorrow on all platforms.
What are your thoughts on this DLC pack? Will you be diving back into this title to check out this new content? Let us know in the comments down below and be sure to stay right here at Gameranx for the latest gaming news releasing.
Source: EA Blog


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Apple has announced its new Free App of the Week program and for the new program’s roll out is giving away Cut the Rope Experiments absolutely free. Android users have enjoyed Amazon’s free app of the day for quite some time now and it seems that Apple has realized iOS users also like free stuff. This is also an attempt by Apple to increase the profile of certain apps in its monstrous stable of digital goodies at the App Store. Check this link out to download Cut the Rope Experiments now. Apple App Store
Filed under: Cut the Rope News
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