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BOULDER – Noted tech entrepreneur Godard Abel and his wife, Stacy, have purchased a Mapleton Hill home in Boulder that proved to be the most expensive home sale in the Denver metro area for November.
That’s according to the latest luxury homes report released by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. The report bases its figures on multiple-listing service data for all homes sold for $1 million or more.
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The report noted the sale of 1002 Mapleton Ave. – a six-bedroom, five-bathroom, 6,900-square-foot home on a half-acre lot – as the metro area’s most expensive last month at $7,755,285.
According to Boulder County property records, the Abels bought the home from BMD Ranch LLC, an entity registered to Gillespie Law Offices, which has offices in Basalt and Boulder. In September, BMD Ranch bought a 35-acre ranch southwest of Longmont that wound up being the region’s most expensive home sale that month at $6.25 million.
Godard Abel co-founded software company BigMachines, which was acquired by Oracle for more than $400 million in 2013. He subsequently co-founded G2 Crowd, and served as chief executive of California-based SteelBrick, which sold to Salesforce earlier this year for more than $300 million.
Denver metro luxury home sales in general were up significantly in November compared with the same month a year ago, according to the Coldwell Banker report. There were 136 million-dollar sales during the month, up from 77 a year earlier. The total included 27 sales of $2 million or more and 10 sales that eclipsed the $3 million mark.
Boulder boasted 21 million-dollar sales in November, second in the region only to Denver’s 39. Greenwood Village and Castle Rock had eight each.
“As more high-end listings came on the market this fall, we saw a big bump in home sales with buyers finally getting some inventory to choose from,” Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage president Chris Mygatt said in a news release. “We’ll have to wait and see how the recent uptick in interest rates affects the market. But we’ve been on a nice roll as we close out the year. Hopefully that will continue into the New Year.”


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SAP has announced almost €6.02bn in third quarter 2018 revenue, of which €1.304bn was for cloud subscription and support – or 22% of the total.
Total revenue increased 8%, comparing the third quarters of 2017 and 2018, with cloud revenue increasing by 39%.
Bill McDermott, SAP chief executive officer, said in a statement: “SAP is the fastest growing cloud company at scale in the enterprise software applications industry. Our growth drivers are firing on all cylinders – especially SAP C/4Hana and SAP S/4Hana as foundations of the Intelligent Enterprise.”
C/4 Hana is the suite of customer relationship management products the company brought under one umbrella at this year’s Sapphire customer conference. S/4 Hana is the supplier’s full enterprise resource planning [ERP] suite.
Luka Mucic, chief financial officer at SAP, said: “I am proud of SAP’s excellent business momentum: our accelerating cloud growth shows our strategic priorities are exactly on track. Our non-IFRS operating profit was up double digits even with a higher share of cloud and services revenue. As promised, SAP’s business is growing its resilience with a constantly increasing share of more predictable revenue.”
The company announced that growth in new cloud bookings was 36%. However, operating profit was down by 6%, at least by IFRS guidelines.
The supplier stated: “Amid a higher-than-expected share of cloud and services revenue, third quarter operating profit declined 6% year over year to €1.24bn (IFRS) and was up 11% (non-IFRS at constant currencies). The IFRS operating profit was mainly impacted by higher share-based compensation expenses.”
S/4 Hana has been at the core of the company’s strategy since launch in February 2013. SAP claimed 9,500 customers in the Q3 statement.
Some 50% of the additional customers were said to be net new, but Mucic said, in a financial analyst earnings call, that Q4 would likely see more new customers drawn from the installed base. He also said they expect "roughly half" of the 30,000 customers of SAP’s older ERP system ECC6 to have transferred to S/4 Hana by 2020.
New customers for S/4 in the quarter included Wipro, Bombardier and McKesson, while Osram Continental went live.
The new front-office complement to S/4, branded C/4 Hana, was said, in the quarter, to have “achieved triple-digit growth in new cloud bookings and cloud subscription revenue year-over-year.”
Customer Experience was up 54% to €232m. This business segment encompasses software from the 2013 acquisition of Hybris, as well as from the 2018 acquisitions, with cash software as a service supplier Callidus Software and customer identity management platform provider Gigya.
C/4 Hana suite popular
Giorgio Armani, Dubai Expo 2020, Colgate-Palmolive, HP and Döhler were among those who opted for C/4 Hana suite products in the quarter.
George Lawrie, an analyst at research firm Forrester, commented of C/4 Hana that it is off to a good start. “It is at the heart of SAP’s strategy to integrate back and front office applications, driving agile execution as well as helping create a compelling customer experience,” he said.
“As a result, customer experience revenue increased significantly, which was helped by sophisticated clients like Giorgio Armani and Colgate-Palmolive choosing C/4 in Q3. This is encouraging for other SAP clients on their own journeys to customer centricity.”
SAP Leonardo – the branding used for the supplier’s “digital toolbox” of artificial intelligence, internet of things, advanced analytics and blockchain technologies – was adopted by Deloitte and Chint Group in the quarter, said the supplier.

domain: news


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Wheat Exports Slow Down and Bayer Court Victory
**U.S. wheat exports are slowing due to high prices and rising global production, according to the USDA’s latest monthly WASDE report.
According to www.agriculture.com, the report is forecasting the smallest wheat export total, 840 million bushels, in seven years, and U.S. export prices are expected to remain elevated for the rest of 21/22, further diminishing U.S. competitiveness.
Australia will harvest a record wheat crop of 34 million tons, thanks to abundant rainfall and near-record yields.
**A California jury found Bayer's Roundup weedkiller was not the cause of a woman's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, delivering the chemical giant its second trial victory over claims the popular herbicide causes cancer.
www.agrimarketing.com reports, the jury in San Bernardino County found Donnetta Stephens' cancer was not caused by her exposure to Roundup and its active ingredient glyphosate.
Bayer says the verdict was consistent with the evidence.
Stephens’ attorney plans to appeal.
**October was a strong month for U.S. red meat exports.
USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation shows beef export value continued to soar.
October’s pork exports were well below last year’s large total, but year-to-date shipments remained slightly above the record pace of 2020.
Beef exports reached 115,700 metric tons in October, while export value climbed 48%, the second-highest total on record, behind only this past August.


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Figures released today show the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached 4.0% in December, up from November’s 3.9%, prompting reactions from various sectors.
Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), expressed disappointment at the uptick in inflation, characterising it as an unwelcome start to 2024. Having faced challenges at the end of the previous year, businesses are now bracing for more difficulties. McTague highlighted the temporary relief for householders following the reduction of the consumer energy price cap in October. However, he noted that business tariffs remained unaffected, leaving many grappling with heightened utility bills. Proposing solutions, he suggests raising the Employment Allowance to counter rising labour costs, increasing the VAT threshold to £100,000 to enhance business potential, and implementing tax-free shopping to attract international visitors. Additionally, he cautions the Bank of England against maintaining interest rates too high for too long, as this could exacerbate the burden of business debt on small enterprises.
Neil Rudge, Head of Enterprise at Shawbrook, acknowledges the frustration conveyed by the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, citing a global trend of increasing inflation observed in developed economies like the US and France. Despite the challenges presented by the current inflationary environment, Rudge points to positive indicators such as falling food inflation, reductions in wage growth, and robust GDP figures. He emphasises the importance of business leaders hoping for rate cuts and expresses concern about potential rate hikes in the coming months. Importantly, he highlights the impact of disruptions in the Red Sea on shipping prices, which would affect importers.
Greg Marsh, CEO and co-founder at Nous, a money-saving expert, added his insights, labeling today’s inflation figures as troubling for businesses. He draws attention to core inflation remaining unchanged, adding pressure to maintain high interest rates. Marsh warns businesses about potential mid-contract price hikes by mobile and broadband providers, impacting both business contracts and employees’ lives. Marsh’s analysis suggests that households could be over £450 worse off due to these price hikes over the last two years. Acknowledging the relentless changes in bills amid economic turmoil, Marsh urges responsible employers to invest in their team’s financial well-being, introducing support to enhance their financial situation and maintain an engaged and loyal workforce.
In conclusion, the escalating inflationary pressures, exemplified by the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to 4.0% from November’s 3.9%, have set the stage for widespread concern across various sectors. The collective sentiment remains one of vigilance and adaptability in the face of dynamic economic challenges.


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CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2014--
Hillshire Brands (NYSE: HSH) today announced that its review of second
quarter and first half of fiscal year 2014 results will be broadcast
live via the Internet on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. CST.
The webcast will feature comments on the results by Hillshire Brands’
President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Connolly and Chief Financial
Officer Maria Henry, and will include an update on the business. The
webcast can be accessed in the Investor Relations section of the
company’s website (www.hillshirebrands.com).
The company plans to report results for the second quarter and first
half of fiscal 2014 the morning of January 30, prior to the webcast.
A replay of the webcast will be available in the Investor Relations
section of the company’s web site from 2:00 p.m. CST on January 30, 2014
through 12:59 p.m. CDT on July 31, 2014.
About The Hillshire Brands Company
The Hillshire Brands Company (NYSE: HSH) is a leader in focused food
solutions for the retail and foodservice markets. The company generated
approximately $4 billion in annual sales in fiscal 2013. The company’s
more than 9,000 employees work together every day toward a common
purpose – fulfilling the hunger for a life well fed. Hillshire Brands’
portfolio includes iconic brands such as Jimmy Dean, Ball Park,
Hillshire Farm, State Fair, Sara Lee frozen bakery and Chef Pierre pies,
as well as artisanal brands Aidells, Gallo Salame and Golden Island
premium jerky. For more information on the company, please visit www.hillshirebrands.com.
Source: The Hillshire Brands Company
The Hillshire Brands Company


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Easter is coming up and that means the return of those yellow, blue, and pink marshmallow treats called Peeps.
The popular, chick-shaped candy has been around for more than 60 years.
Thanks to the USA TODAY Network for sharing some surprising facts about these iconic marshmallow confections:
Peeps were once made by hand and took nearly 30 hours to create.
Peeps are owned and made by Just Born Inc., a candy company located in Bethlehem, Pa.
The company is named after Sam Born, a Russian-born founder and confectioner, who started the brand in 1917 after immigrating to the United States. His candy company grew and eventually acquired Rodda Candy Company in 1953.
"They were primarily interested in that company for the jelly bean technology," Matt Pye, the vice president of corporate affairs for Just Born, told USA TODAY Network.
"But while the family was touring the Rodda Candy Company, in the back part of the factory were these women with pastry tubes squirting these marshmallow chicks by hand," Pye said. It took the women 27 hours from start to finish to make the Peeps mostly because it took the marshmallow a long time to cool before it could be packaged for consumers.
The Born family figured out a way to automate the process and quickly cool the Peeps. By 1954, the company had shortened the manufacturing time to only about six minutes.
Today, Just Born makes about 5.5 million each day in a variety of shapes and colors
Original Peeps had wings.
The original Peep had two small wings coming off the back of each bird.
Just Born initially included those wings in the process as well, but it made the automation process more complicated, according to Pye.
In 1955, the company decided to skip the wings to streamline the process, he said.
Peeps stores exist.
You can find Peeps on grocery store shelves and in candy stores, but there are also several brick-and-mortar shops specializing in Peeps.
The first Peeps-theme store opened in 2009 in Oxon Hill, Md., right outside Washington, D.C.
Since then the company has opened two other locations: one in Bethlehem, Pa., and another in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. The stores carry Peeps of all colors, flavors and shapes in addition to Peeps-brand merchandise such as T-shirts and plush toys. They also sell other Just Born candies such as Mike & Ike's and Hot Tamales.
There are bunny Peeps. Yes, bunnies.
Even from the very beginning, the company made bunnies in addition to chicks and very quickly introduced other shapes by the 1960s, Pye said.
Today there are bunny and chick Peeps available in a number of colors including yellow, blue, lavender, orange, pink and white. That being said, chicks still rule supreme. Four out 5 Peeps purchased are shaped like chicks, according to a statement from Just Born.
An estimated one-third of all Peeps purchased are not eaten but instead used for decorations or for craft projects like dioramas, according to Pye.
"We think there are more people who love the brand whether they eat it or not," he said.


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CHICAGO (AdAge.com) -- It didn't work out real well for Anheuser-Busch, but can a branded online TV channel help cure what ails Adidas?
The footwear giant, which has been bleeding market share to rival Nike in recent years, launched a beta version of Adidas.TV on its basketball website last week. The player is designed to encourage Hulu-style sharing and can be embedded in blogs and other social-networking sites via an Adidas-branded video-player module.
That's a key difference from Bud.TV, which officially shut down last night. That site was hamstrung from the start by age-verification restrictions that prevented most of its videos from achieving the sort of viral buzz A-B had in mind. When they announced plans for Bud.TV, A-B executives said they ultimately hoped to draw more than 2 million unique visitors per month. But, six months later, the site was drawing so little traffic that it often didn't even register with tracking services such as ComScore.
Learning from A-B's missteps
Calls to two Adidas spokeswomen were not returned, but the marketer's online-video entry seems to apply lessons from A-B's missteps. It's built for sharing, and, of course, it has no age-verification issues to wrestle with.
Beyond that, sports content has a long record of creating online frenzies. A Nike video of Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho lacing up new sneakers and performing jaw-dropping tricks with a soccer ball has drawn more than 27 million YouTube views, for instance, making it one of the most-watched online videos ever. Adidas, with its large stable of superstar-athlete endorsers, including Orlando Magic Dwight Howard, who stars in the effort's first video, likely has something similar in mind.
The initial videos on the player, which was created by digital agency EVB, San Francisco, feature Mr. Howard and other Adidas NBA endorsers showing off various Adidas-branded wares.
'Creates a good hub'
Jon Cohen, co-founder of Cornerstone, a branding and entertainment agency that helped Nike match Pharrell, Santogold and the Strokes' Julian Casablancas with Converse, said Adidas.TV was a good distribution maneuver for the company. "It creates a good hub for them to showcase nontraditional content and gives them a platform to establish the off-court personality of their athletes," he said.
While Mr. Cohen said he doesn't expect the project to yield "Hulu-like numbers," he added, "The success will depend on how strong their content offering is."
Adidas is generally seen as having been outmaneuvered in the digital space -- and virtually everywhere else -- by Nike in recent years. The 2008 U.S. results for both companies bear that out: Nike-brand sales climbed 9%, and Nike-owned sibling Jordan Brand and Converse each saw 13% increases, according to SportsOneSource. Adidas sales, by contrast, fell 16%.


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The President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Kweku Obeng, has criticized the three new taxes being considered by Parliament.
The taxes include the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, Excise Duty and Excise Tax Stamp (Amendment) Bills, and the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill.
According to Dr Obeng, the re-introduction of these taxes that were previously scrapped in 2017 will put an additional burden on the already struggling business community.
He suggested that the government widen the tax net and review policies on tax exemptions, warehousing, and free zones instead of burdening traders with new taxes.
Dr Obeng argued that the new taxes would suppress local productivity, hindering the government’s efforts to enhance local productivity.
He also stated that only a few traders currently pay taxes, and the new taxes would overburden them.


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After Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador, disclosed that El Salvador currently holds 400 Bitcoins, global adoption of Bitcoin received an important boost this week. El Salvador was the first country to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender.
“El Salvador just bought 200 new coins. Today, we now have 400 bitcoins,” Bukele shared today on Twitter. Bukele’s latest announcement received tremendous support from the crypto community.
“El Salvador holds 400 bitcoins, President Nayib Bukele said. Today, the country officially adopted bitcoin as its legal tender. “Congratulations to all Salvadorians. This is history in making,” Ciara Solar, Vice President of Global Business and Head of Listing & Investments, Huobi Global said.
A recent survey by the Central American University found that most El Salvador citizens are opposed to Bitcoin being used as a legal tender. Despite criticisms from leading financial authorities around the world, El Salvador still went ahead with its BTC plans, despite the results of the survey.
Bitcoin Price Impact
The most recent announcement from El Salvador had a positive impact on the price of Bitcoin. Bitcoin, the world’s biggest digital asset, climbed above $52,600 for its first time since May 2021. BTC’s total market capital now stands at $990 billion. This is just $10 billion short of the crucial $1 trillion mark. Bitcoin’s price saw a significant jump even before El Salvador’s announcement. In the past seven days, cryptocurrency prices have risen by more than 12 percent. BTC currently accounts for almost 42% of total crypto currency market capital.
Large amounts of the most valuable digital asset are held by institutions around the globe. Tesla purchased $1.5 billion worth Bitcoin earlier this year. MicroStrategy is a US-based business intelligence company that holds $5.5 billion of Bitcoin.


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FRAMINGHAM, 3 NOVEMBER 2009 - Cisco and EMC this week unveiled their anticipated collaboration, which will provide integrated products and services for customers building private cloud computing infrastructures.
The partnership, which also includes virtualization software vendor VMware, is set up in two parts: one is a Virtual Computing Environment coalition to develop the new products; the other is a joint venture, called Acadia, to train customers and partners on how to install and use the products.
Cisco and EMC are lead investors in Acadia, while VMware and Intel are minority investors. Acadia will have its own CEO, which the companies are searching for, and an initial staff of 130. Acadia's main mission will be to accelerate product sales and deployment, perform initial operating and then transfer operations to customers or partners.
"It will be a repository of knowledge transfer and best practices," said EMC CEO Joe Tucci, during a Webcast announcing the coalition and joint venture.
The collaboration between the three companies is targeting a market the companies say -- citing data from McKinsey and Company -- exceeds $350 billion annually. Half of that amount is spent on capital expenses -- product acquisition -- and half on operating expenses.
Roughly 70 per cent or more of those costs are allotted to maintaining existing infrastructures, leaving 30 per cent or less for new technology purchases. The companies also say that approximately $85 billion can be addressed with data center virtualization and private cloud technology by 2015.
"When we look back on this in five years from now, we'll see that this was the most major change in data centers and cloud computing made in this decade," said Cisco CEO John Chambers on the coalition's potential impact.
Some analysts say the collaboration between Cisco, EMC and VMware could further strain relations and partnerships each company has with other major vendors in the data center market -- notably, IBM, HP and Dell.
"They're putting themselves in direct competition" with those powers, says Deni Connor, principal of Storage Strategies NOW. "And this may jeopardize VMware's relationship with its server and operating system partners," which include IBM, HP, Dell, CA, NetApp and Sun Microsystems. Connor sees the division widening between these camps as they all compete for the lion's share of data center expenditures.
VMware CEO Paul Maritz downplayed the impact to his company's relationships during the Webcast.
"We remain in our commitments," he said. "We're not denying technology to anyone. There's no reason for our relationships to change."
The products being developed by the coalition are called Vblock Infrastructure Packages. They are pre-integrated, tested and validated packages combining virtualization, networking, computing, storage, security and management products from the three vendors.
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CSIA – ICCAD 2020
December 09, 2020
返回到 活动返回到 活动
CSIA – ICCAD 2020 Annual Conference & Chongqing IC Industry Innovation and Development Summit (ICCAD 2020) will be held Chongqing International Expo Center on December 10-11, 2020.
ICCAD conference will discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by the IC industry, especially the IC design industry, and enhance the innovation capability and the integration capability of China’s IC industry chain to meet market demands and improve international competitiveness.
Secure-IC’s team will take part in the exhibition on booth 125, hall S2.
In parallel, Shengnan WANG, Sales & Marketing Manager for Greater China at Secure-IC, will give a talk on SecuryzrTM, Secure-IC’s security solution for automotive chipset on Dec. 11 at 15:10.


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Woolworths seen as having the best green credentials
Woolworths tops the list of businesses moving to improve social or environmental issues in Australia, according to consumers, who credit the supermarket’s move to ban single-use plastic bags in 2018 and its support for farmers.
Woolworths was closely followed by Coles and Cotton On was third among businesses viewed as leading the sustainability charge, according to a study by research firm Mobium, sustainability specialist Republic of Everyone and PR agency The Bravery.
The research found three in four Australians failed to name a single brand or business that they believed was helping improve social or environmental issues, representing an opportunity for organisations to fill the space.
“There’s a disconnect happening between what brands and businesses are actually doing in relation to their initiatives and how they’re communicating it to Australians,” The Bravery director and founder Claire Maloney said.
“I do think it is a communications challenge.”
Of the one in four Australians who could name a brand, one in five favoured Woolworths, one in 10 chose Coles and one in 20 picked Cotton On.
Coles’ focus on being 100 per cent carbon-neutral and its efforts to convert its stores to solar power paid off with consumers, They also noted its ban on plastic bags, its responsible packaging and its offer of soft plastic recycling in stores.
Cotton On was recognised for its in-store charity drives, its push to sell sustainable clothing and its commitment to go carbon-neutral, which helped it stand out in the memories of consumers. The Cotton On Foundation ranked 22 in the AFR’s 2019 Corporate Philanthropy list.
It must be the real deal
Filling out the top 10 brands, as ranked by consumers, in helping to improve social or environmental issues were Aldi, BHP, Telstra, Lush, The Body Shop, Qantas and McDonald’s.
While Ms Maloney said it was a communications challenge for brands, organisations should be aware of the need to act before they advertise, with the research finding 86 per cent of Australians are sceptical about the social or environmental claims made by brands and businesses.
Republic of Everyone founder Ben Peacock said brands and businesses must ensure their actions are genuine and linked to stated goals.
“Everything begins from there,” he said, suggesting marketers wait before launching shiny TV ads spruiking sustainability goals and only when there is something more tangible to communicate.
Woolworths’ 2021 Olympics ad that focused on the supermarket’s sustainability efforts among kids eating fruit for free and its commitment to shift to renewable electricity by 2025 is an example of this, after having already made changes such as the 2018 ban on single-use plastic bags.
“Spend the time to do the actions, put things in place,” Mr Peacock said. “If they’re big enough, the media will talk about it for you and over time you’ve earned the right to run the TV ad.”
Consumers are prepared to reward brands that make waves in the sustainability space as 78 per cent consider social and environmental actions when they make a purchase.
“Over half consider a brand’s social and environmental actions when choosing a place to work,” Mr Peacock said.
He said both these areas jump higher among younger generations, Millennials and Gen Z.
“Any brand who does the right thing, does act on social environmental issues and then is effective in its communications, had a huge market opportunity. It’s not just a niche opportunity, it’s the majority of the market, especially in younger generations,” he said.
Mr Peacock said sustainability as an issue had moved beyond communications and now drives investor relations, employee engagement, consumer preference and innovation.
“The message for people not doing this, they’re simply going to get left behind,” he said.
“And you’re already seeing that in the smaller, more agile start-up brands and products that are taking market share off the bigger ones by having this embedded right from the start.”
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SAUDI ARABIA – The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has signed an agreement with the Saudi Endeavor Network (SEN), the local representative of Endeavor International, which aims to improve opportunities for entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.
This allows local and international entrepreneurs to benefit from funding programs, financing and investment solutions and services from both parties.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will help promote the development of entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. The MoU aims to enrich tourism experiences in the Kingdom, positively reflect the prosperity of the tourism sector and create high-quality projects for tourism destinations by increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs, thereby promoting the Kingdom’s economic development.
The agreement was signed at the third edition of the Future Hospitality Summit, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the presence of Wahdan Alkadi, Chief Business Officer of TDF, and Latifa Al-Waalan, CEO of Saudi Endeavor Network.
In addition, the two parties will build on their existing integration for mutual benefit to support local and international entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. It will also give the targeted entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet and meet with investors in the Kingdom to create new investment opportunities in the tourism sector that match the nature of the entrepreneurs’ businesses.
This networking opportunity will also facilitate marketing opportunities for the entrepreneurs within the tourism ecosystem. Endeavor will identify entrepreneurs within Endeavor’s global network and equip them with the Fund’s various programs and products. The network will promote investment opportunities and schemes offered by TDF and produce research and reports on entrepreneurship in the tourism sector in the Kingdom.
Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri, CEO of TDF, said: “Through this MOU, TDF reaffirms its determination to support and empower entrepreneurs, to offer the best global experiences in entrepreneurship and to enhance the tourism experience by creating high-quality projects. TDF’s goal is to connect the private and public sectors to jointly support tourism development in the Kingdom and develop Saudi Arabia as a global tourist destination, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and National Tourism Strategy.”
Saudi Endeavor Network CEO Latifa Al-Waalan said, “Saudi Endeavor Network aims to empower entrepreneurs by providing technology and innovation to build successful projects that positively impact the economy.”
“Working with TDF is an important opportunity to nurture and support promising entrepreneurs in this sector, especially as tourism development is one of the keys to the success of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” she added.
TDF is attending the Future Hospitality Summit for the second time as a supporting partner, demonstrating that the tourism and hospitality sectors are the future economy of the Kingdom. The Fund’s sponsorship of the Summit is a qualitative opportunity that enhances its close communication with the target audience of investors and developers for the tourism and hospitality industry.
The Fund will also promote its key financing solutions and programs on offer through its exhibition at the Summit, and introduce support mechanisms and benefits to investors and entrepreneurs.
Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).


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- What is a farm bill and why is it important?
- What was the first farm bill?
- Why are the Indian farmers protesting?
- What does the farm bill cover?
- What is the problem with farm bill?
- What is the latest farm bill?
- Who does the farm bill benefit?
- Why is the farm bill important?
- What are the 3 bills passed for farmers?
- Why do farmers protest against farm bill?
- Does the government still pay farmers not to grow crops?
- How much of the farm bill is snap?
- How long does the farm bill last?
What is a farm bill and why is it important?
The law also provides provisions for contract farming, meaning farmers and buyers can reach an agreement before procuring harvest.
The laws also allow the Centre to regulate or impose stock limits on supply of certain food items under extraordinary circumstances or steep rise in prices..
What was the first farm bill?
the Agricultural Adjustment ActThe first farm bill, the Agricultural Adjustment Act, was enacted in 1933, in response to the economic hardships faced by U.S. farmers as a result of a pair of major catastrophes.
Why are the Indian farmers protesting?
The government, however, maintains that they will make it effortless for farmers to sell their produce directly to big buyers, and stated that the protests are based on misinformation. … Over 50 farmer unions have been protesting, whereas the Indian Government claims some unions have come out in support of the farm laws.
What does the farm bill cover?
The 2018 farm bill contains 12 titles encompassing commodity revenue supports, farm credit, trade, agricultural conservation, research, rural development, energy, and foreign and domestic food programs, among other programs.
What is the problem with farm bill?
One of the biggest issues pointed out by farmers is the fact that the bills exclude a price guarantee mechanism like MSP. “The government says there will be an MSP, but can it assure whether procurement will be done at MSP.
What is the latest farm bill?
The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020, seeks to remove commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion and potatoes from the list of essential commodities. This will end the imposition of stock-holding limits except under extraordinary circumstances.
Who does the farm bill benefit?
Funds much-needed trade development; Invests in the future with funding for ag research and beginning farmer programs; and. Continues nutrition assistance (three-quarters of total farm bill funding) for lower-income Americans.
Why is the farm bill important?
“The importance of the farm bill is majorly focused on providing the safest, the least costly, the most secure and most abundant food supply in the world,” Schafer says. … Also important to ensuring an adequate food supply are research programs funded by the farm bill, he says.
What are the 3 bills passed for farmers?
There is currently widespread farmers’ protest going on against the three reforms — Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act.
Why do farmers protest against farm bill?
They fear the government will no longer continue the procurement of farm produce at MSP. Mandis, where farmers have been selling their produce until now, will cease to function as big private players will dictate prices of farm produce. As a result, these very big companies will be in advantage in case of disputes.
Does the government still pay farmers not to grow crops?
The U.S. farm program pays subsidies to farmers not to grow crops in environmentally sensitive areas and makes payments to farmers based on what they have grown historically, even though they may no longer grow that crop.
How much of the farm bill is snap?
approximately 76%According to the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO’s) projected costs at the time of the 2018 law’s enactment, the Nutrition title makes up approximately 76% of farm bill spending. SNAP is the vast majority of the title’s spending.
How long does the farm bill last?
five yearsThe U.S. Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that covers most federal government policies related to agriculture in the United States. The Farm Bill is typically renewed every five years.


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Revenue seen at Rs50.746 million, PAT at Rs6.253 million
Target Price: Rs5,000
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (Dr. Reddy’s) could experience 3% sequential revenue growth in the US in the March 2022 quarter. It captured ~13.5% market share in Vascepa during the quarter under review, up from ~9% in Dec 2021, i.e. its market share nearly tripled from ~4.5% in the June 2022 quarter. According to IU data, Dr. Reddy’s launched Vasostrict AG on February 22 and achieved a market share of approximately 8% in the Vasostrict injection vial market. This product will be key to US revenue growth in the quarter.
The company’s revenue could increase by 7%, EBITDA by 8% and profit after tax (PAT) by 15% compared to the year-ago quarter.
Important management information to monitor:
Generic API business insights
New launch pipeline
Likely total contribution of new launches
Strategy to gain market share
March 2022 estimates
|Profit after taxes||6,253||15%||(12)%|
Source: IIFL Research


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Get the latest Barbie headlines straight from Barbie Headquarters!
'Art' Barbie pays homage to Klimt, Van Gogh and more
If Barbie found that "math class is tough," what will she think of art school? With the recent release of a new set of art-themed dolls, the leggy doll is making a bid for high-culture respectability and perhaps a new moniker, something along the lines of "Let's go to a museum."
Barbie Collector Pirates of the Caribbean Dolls Collection
For Movie Aficionados: Movie lovers can collect Penelope Cruz and Johnny Depp’s characters in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides directly from the hands of Mattel, the famous maker of Barbie, $34.50 each. Barbiecollector.com
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Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) doubled in 2021 and remained strong in the first quarter of 2022, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA)’s latest Global Electric Vehicle Outlook report.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic and associated supply chain snarl-ups across the globe, more and more drivers were able to respond to the need to address the climate emergency and rein in carbon emissions by backing sustainable motoring and switching to a fully electric or plug-in hybrid model.
Last year, 6.6m EVs were sold worldwide, with more bought globally every week (130,000) than in the whole of 2012, a trend that continued into the first three months of this year when another 2m were purchased.
The US, Europe and China led demand, with 16.5m EVs taking to the world’s roads by the end of 2021, more than triple the number in 2018.
Together, they consumed an estimated 30 terawatt-hours of electricity per year, “the equivalent of all the electricity generated in Ireland,” according to the IEA.
Other major markets like India and Brazil were more disappointing, with EVs making up less than one per cent of total auto sales, but overall the picture was bright.
While national charging networks are still a relatively new phenomenon, UK prime minister Boris Johnson has pledged to lead an “electric vehicle revolution” to prepare the country for the phasing out of petrol and diesel sales in 2030, a major commitment to cutting emissions and realising a net-zero economy.
Speaking in March, he pledged to help businesses roll out 300,000 public EV charging points by 2030, the equivalent of almost five times the number of fuel pumps on our roads at present, at a cost of £500m.
Mr Johnson said clean transport was not just about the environment and would also serve to reduce dependence on foreign energy supplies, an increasing concern since the outbreak of Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine earlier this year.
That conflict has played a role in driving up prices on petrol station forecourts this spring and lent further urgency to the argument that the world must break its fossil fuel dependence, especially with a ready-made alternative on the market and raring to go.
Motoring groups like the RAC and AA broadly welcomed the PM’s plans to boost Britain’s charging infrastructure but did question whether it would be sufficient in view of the anticipated switchover to EVs en masse by the end of the decade.
Britain’s commitment to green motoring is clearly the right course for the climate but, now that the cost of living crisis is squeezing household finances and domestic energy bills are climbing, are EVs still cheaper to run than conventional petrol or diesel cars?
The short answer is yes because, while the upfront costs of EVs may be marginally steeper – think purchase price or monthly leasing fees and home charger installation – they should work out considerably cheaper over the course of the car’s lifespan.
“Just like traditional fuel engine vehicles, the cost of running an electric vehicle varies depending on the model, make and specifics of the vehicle – it means there’s an option for everyone and this includes buying an electric vehicle too,” explains EDF Energy.
“Electricity costs much less than petrol or diesel and electric cars require less maintenance than an internal combustion engine. In addition, there are various incentives offered such as government grants or schemes, vehicle excise duty discounts or exemption, and also exemption from fuel duty.”
Perhaps the most notable financial incentives that EVs benefit from are a government grant that discounts up to £1,500 from the cost of every green vehicle, which is automatically included in the dealer’s price, and their exemption from the London Congestion Charge and Ultra-Low Emission Zone tolls, considerable advantages if you are required to drive in the city with any regularity.
The exemption from road tax for purely electric cars on the grounds that they produce no CO2 is also a distinct advantage, although it is possible that such generosity from the Treasury may not last forever, particularly when the eventual goal is for all cars to have minimal environmental impact as standard.
In theory, the maintenance costs of EVs should also be lower given that their motors, batteries and transmission all have fewer moving parts than conventional models, making them cheaper and simpler for mechanics to repair, while their batteries typically come with long, five to eight year warranties, meaning they will be replaced at the manufacturers’ expense should a problem arise.
That said, EVs are typically heavier, meaning their suspension and tyres are likely to be subjected to greater wear.
One area in which eco-vehicles have proven more expensive in recent years has been insurance, due to lingering questions about their reliability, although that is now understood to be changing as any such fears have largely been allayed by their performance on the road.
Another common cause for concern among car owners is depreciation and the extent to which an EV’s resale value might be tied to battery longevity, in which case leasing might be the way to go for those still unconvinced or reluctant to commit.
But perhaps the central question remains whether the savings made by not having to pay for fuel are meaningful once the cost of charging is factored in.
Having a home charging point installed typically costs around £1,000 but the government’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme will cover up to £350 of that upfront expense.
Once your new car is plugged in, it is vital to ensure that you are on an appropriate tariff with your energy supplier so as not to end up paying extortionate amounts and find yourself effectively being punished for making a commendable ethical choice.
The likes of British Gas, EDF, Gridserve, BP Pulse, Ionity and Ovo energy all offer specific tariffs to encourage off-peak or overnight vehicle recharging.
Using public charging points when out and about can be more expensive, depending on what network you are using and where the point in question is situated, be it beside a lamppost, in a car park or at a motorway service station, the former far slower than the latter but perhaps more convenient.
All in all, so long as you do your homework and ensure you have the right vehicle and charging arrangement to meet your specific needs, owning an EV should ultimately yield considerable savings while supporting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint, no small contribution as the world races to address an increasingly urgent crisis of its own making.


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The U.S. debut of the new From Dusk Till Dawn video slot from NOVOMATIC Americas took place at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee, Wis. The machines were rolled out to the property and available to play on May 2.
The iconic theme resurrects the Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez classic on the casino floor as the cult film last year celebrated its 20-year anniversary. Presented on the NOVOSTAR V.I.P. 3.50 and V.I.P. Lounge 2.32 cabinets, the game has all the elements to inspire players with its fiery gameplay, Dusk and Dawn jackpots and exciting features and bonuses.
Potawatomi Casino is the first in North America to offer the game with subsequent launches to follow across the U.S.
“We love to provide our guests with the latest in gaming entertainment and are thrilled to offer them an exclusive opportunity to play From Dusk Till Dawn,” said Rodney Ferguson, CEO and general manager at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. “As one of the hottest titles from the 2017 G2E, our partnership with NOVOMATIC is already proving to be a fruitful one with the introduction of exciting new slots like this one.”
The title provides all the sounds and imagery made famous by the Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez classic. From Dusk Till Dawn is the first premium license offering as part of a strategic partnership between Miramax and NOVOMATIC.
“This is the first premium brand we have ever offered at NOVOMATIC Americas,” said NOVOMATIC Americas Rick Meitzler, president and CEO – North America. “Potawatomi has been an outstanding promotional partner. The game looks fantastic and it’s designed with bonuses that will entertain and entice slot players. We are thrilled to introduce the product at the beautiful Potawatomi Hotel & Casino.”
From Dusk Till Dawn offers players an assortment of mini bonuses that can trigger on any base game spin, two engaging bonus features and a two-level standalone progressive jackpot. The game features a Dancing Bonus feature as well as a Mugshot Bonus feature and a progressive jackpot.
For more information, visit novomaticamericas.com.


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Upcoming multiplayer fighting game Final Fury debuted a new trailer at the Upload VR Summer Showcase today, announcing that a closed beta is on the way.
After Kluge first unveiled Final Fury this time last year at the previous UploadVR Summer Showcase, we got a fresh look at gameplay during today's showcase, this time featuring a more natural, rockier environment. There's some cool moves on display, and what look to be some pretty hectic finishers too.
When announced last year, Kluge said that Final Fury would be coming in 2023 to "all major VR platforms." There's still no updates on the platform front, but here's hoping for Quest support alongside PSVR 2 and Pico headsets.
The closed beta is coming soon though, so we'll surely know more within due course. Those interested in the beta can sign up over on the Final Fury website.


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News By Tag
News By Place
Pollo Campero Debuts New Location in New Orleans
Fresh Latin Flavors from Beloved Chicken Restaurant Arriving in New Orleans
By: Power Public Relations
The restaurant will be located at 2810 Williams Blvd, in Kenner, La. Owner Hiren Shah and general manager Gustavo Chavarria can’t wait to bring the signature taste of Pollo Campero to the city that embraces big flavor.
“New Orleans has a thriving Latin American population. El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Pollo Campero’s home country of Guatemala are all well represented. We know people are going to love the delicious taste of Pollo Campero, and we can’t wait to open our doors,” says Chavarria.
Chavarria was born in Nicaragua and moved to New Orleans with his family when he was two years old. Before teaming up with Shah, Chavarria worked at his family’s restaurant making tacos and burritos. The two men started working together nine years ago with Shah’s International Market and International Wholesale Club.
The men’s shared love of international food is what first attracted them to Pollo Campero, a brand that has brought the true taste of Latin America to the entire globe.
Founded as a small family restaurant in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero quickly grew to become the world’s largest Latin chicken restaurant chain. Now, it’s embraced by more than 85 million people worldwide every year.
The restaurant chain is famous for its marinated grilled and fried chicken, which is hand prepared exactly the same way it is every day in Latin America using a signature blend of Latin spices.
Pollo Campero is also known for its Campero beans, flavorful rice, crispy yucca fries, and sweet plantains. Pollo Campero’s hard-to-find Latin specialty drinks are fan favorites and including the horchata, tamarindo, and guava.
The new restaurant will bring up to 45 new jobs to the area. Chavarria plans to hire workers of all ages, from students to adults, and is looking for people with bilingual skills to serve every facet of the community.
A grand opening party is being planned for a few months after the restaurant’s official opening. The celebration will be a VIP event with tickets given away through radio contests. There will be a band as well as radio station in attendance, and the lucky ticket winners will enjoy free food and giveaways.
“New Orleans is a chicken town, and Pollo Campero makes the best Latin chicken there is,” says Chavarria. “We feel like we’re making history in bringing the restaurant to this great city.”
About Pollo Campero
The world’s largest Latin chicken restaurant chain, Pollo Campero offers its customers a wide array of fresh, Latin-inspired dishes made with Pollo Campero’s proprietary blend of Latin herbs and spices. Pollo Campero’s signature fried and grilled chicken is loved by millions of customers around the world who have known the brand for decades.
Founded in Guatemala in 1971, the family-owned company now operates more than 300 restaurants in 12 countries around the globe. This includes more than 50 locations presently open in major cities throughout the United States with plans for further expansion. For more information, visit www.campero.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/


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Lessons from MakeMyTrip fiasco: Look before you tweet is the new business rule
As part of an organisation, an individual’s public statement is perceived as part of the organisation
When MakeMyTrip’s co-founder and former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Keyur Joshi tweeted that he was in favour of freedom of food and not in favour of the beef ban, wasn’t Joshi aware of the consequences of the current mood in the country?
Was it recklessness or just a ‘Trump’ moment where he tweeted out his support for a cause without thinking of the repercussions as co-founder of the travel portal, Make My Trip?
The retaliation from Twitter was swift and acidic. More than Joshi, it was the travel portal MakeMyTrip that was targeted with a hashtag #boycottmakemytrip trending on Twitter.
Not surprisingly, Joshi’s account has been deleted and later he tweeted out a series of unconditional apologies.
Make My Trip soon distanced itself with its co-founder and put out a tweet to that effect. Not that the critics were buying that either.
Mahesh Murthy, co-founder, Seedfund says that every company wanting to do business in India has to choose between being principled or pragmatic. “It's important to train your leaders - and all your folks who are active on social media - on what they should and should not say. And also on what you may likely do if they say something that they shouldn't.” It is not just the new rules of doing business in India. It is the new rules that apply in much of the world, he says.
Notwithstanding Joshi’s and MakeMyTrip’s tweets, the fury against the portal and Joshi continued unabated on Twitter. Will MakeMyTrip’s brand image be damaged by the personal comment of its co-founder? Santosh Desai, managing director and CEO, Future Brands, said: “There are consequences of making public statements. As part of an organisation, an individual’s public statement is perceived as part of the organisation.”
He cites the example of Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra who is careful about his statements and what he tweets.
The incident brings to mind the controversy surrounding Snapdeal when its brand ambassador Bollywood actor Aamir Khan said at an event that his wife Kiran Rao had asked if they should move out of the country as she feared for the safety of their child in a climate of rising intolerance. The first to drop the actor was the tourism ministry from its signature campaign ‘Incredible India’. A month later, Snapdeal chose not to renew Khan’s contract as its brand ambassador.
However, the incident holds a mirror to the business environment in India. Though the PM has been forthcoming and has launched programmes to woo investors to come to India and participate in the Make in India programme, the reality is that there is a section among his ardent fans who is damaging that intent.
“Seen through a ground-up lens, it might be disappointing to some that doing business in India has come to this. But to any multinational or Indian business with ambition, it is no different from how it must behave in China - with deep respect to the ruling Politburo and their decisions, or in Russia - where it has no option other than to be openly pro-Putin, or in the Arab world, where the business and its employees have to be deeply deferential not only to the rulers but also to the religion there,” says Murthy.
The issue is that any personal remark blowing up in the face of the company when it is has nothing to do with the employee or the brand ambassador or anyone linked to the company is slowly becoming a norm in the country. “The thinking here is pragmatic: that it's more important to live and fight another day than to die today. This is especially true in companies like MakeMyTrip which are publicly listed and have significant Chinese ownership. Chinese firms perhaps understand better than most the need to be deeply supportive of local governments wherever they are,” says Murthy.
Some companies who were caught in similar situations in other countries chose to leave that country than do business there. Murthy cites the examples of Google which chose to leave China because it didn't agree to modify search results - and this helped Baidu grow to a market cap of $65 billion - much of that could have gone to Google instead if it was cooperative with the Chinese government. As they say a principle is a principle only if it costs you money. And it can be costly having principles, he says.
Sometimes the effect is positive like in the case of Google. Its employees in their personal capacities played a part in toppling dictatorships in Egypt and elsewhere during Arab Spring. “In those cases Google was clear to differentiate between its official stand and the personal views of their employees. That stand hasn't impacted Google in those territories,” points out Murthy.
India is now merely another of the countries on the list where you cannot offend some, so to say, sacred cows, says Murthy. “It's not the first, and it won't be the last. Is this ideal? Probably not. Is this pragmatic? Quite likely yes.”
As an ordinary citizen, Joshi would have been battered for this remark by trolls. As a co-founder of an established travel portal, the backlash was vitriolic.
One of the Modi government’s poll promises was jobs. In one of his poll campaigns, Modi has said his party would create one crore jobs. But with the angry trolls boycotting companies and uninstalling apps, the bridge between getting a job and being jobless is too far to cross.
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Ravi Kishan shares he had to read many of Osho's books to prepare for the film, directed by Ritesh S Kumar.
Vijay Sethupathi said that he had several Telugu projects in the production stage after the lockdown lifted and could not accommodate Laal Singh Chaddha's schedule


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13 Nov 2015 --- Australia is experiencing a shortage of infant formula, said to be as a result of Chinese buyers bulk-buying and sending it back to China where demand is so high it can’t be met. Problems were exacerbated this week as China’s Singles Day, the world’s largest online shopping event, encouraged more consumers to buy large amounts of baby formula.
Now, some Australian supermarkets have run out of infant formula, leaving Australian parents worried about how to feed their babies. Those supermarkets that do still have some formula are limiting sales to just a few units per purchase, with one supermarket chain, Coles, limiting shoppers to two units.
Premium brands such as Aptamil and A2 are the worst affected as bulk purchasers have taken to Ebay and other auction sites selling individual units at up to €78.
Many formula producers have been increasing production in order to try to keep up with demand, however in recent months they have not been able to cope. A few of the producers, including A2 and Bellamy’s Organic, are relatively new on the market and are struggling to produce enough formula fast enough, but they also encourage Chinese consumers to trust their brands on Chinese markets. The over-riding reason for China’s interest in foreign formula is that its own formula market was rocked in 2008 when traces of melamine were found in local formula, leading to serious illness and death among Chinese babies. Since then there has been an inherent mistrust of baby formula made or sold in China.
Most formula makers have stressed that production is running at full pace and that most brands are available to buy online. They think that supermarket shelves will be well-stocked by the end of November.
To contact our editorial team please email us at


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According to RE/MAX of Georgia, home prices and sales dipped in September, but were much stronger than in the same month a year ago.
The median sales price for the month was $205,000, down 2 percent from August, but 4 percent higher than the median in September of 2014, RE/MAX said in its monthly report today.
There were 5,247 closings during the month – 20 percent fewer than a month earlier and 20 percent more than during September of last year.
“Home sales slowed down in September, which was expected as we head into the fall season,” said Jeanette Schneider, senior vice president at RE/MAX. “What is encouraging is that activity was up over last September, home prices are stable and mortgage rates remain low. This provides good home affordability to those looking to get into the market.”
Those first-time homebuyers have, in general, been lacking.
As for the supply of homes for sale – something the experts have decried as insufficient for more than a year – that improved a bit from August and from a year ago as well. That inventory was up 5 percent from a year ago, RE/MAX reported.
That supply of listings for sale represented about 4.1 months of sales. In a healthy market, there is typically six or seven months worth of listings, experts say.


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Food activist Nancy Huehnergarth tweeted this troublingￂDairy Reporter item last Friday, which indicates that International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) are asking the Food & Drug Administration for permission to add aspartame and other artificial sweeteners to the flavored milk sold in U.S. schools without certain front-label disclosures. The trade groups cite the current childhood obesity crisis and the popularity of flavored milk among kids as justifications for their request.
Now, keep in mind that the milk industry always had the ability to add artificial sweeteners to dairy products, including flavored milks sold in schools. So what's going on here?
Under current FDA regulations, dairy products containing artificial sweeteners (with a recent exception carved out for ice cream)ￂmust not only disclose those sweeteners in their ingredient listings, but also bear prominent front label notices -- such as "reduced calorie" or "reduced sugar" --ￂas part of the products' so-called statements of identity. Yet now the dairy industry is getting a hearing on its 2009 citizen's petition (PDF linked here) asking FDA for permission to abandon those front label disclosures for artificially dairy sweetened products -- ￂand not just on flavored milk, but also on seventeen other dairy products having nothing to do with schools, including whipping cream, sour cream, nonfat dry mik and more.
It may well be that American school children really are the motivation for the dairy industry petition. The school dairy market is a lucrative one (nearly 430 million gallons of milk were reportedly distributed in schools during the 2005-2006 school year) and IDFA has beenￂremarkably candid in admitting that the labeling change, if successful, might stem the current decline in student milk consumption. And in support of its citizen's petition, the industry's main arguments, offered without a shred of supporting evidence, do focus on children.ￂIt argued that: "use of the phrase "reduced calorie" is not attractive to children," and also put forward this (silly and rather circular) contention:
Children and adolescents are the largest consumer of flavored milk, but as consumers, they are not inclined to recognize that the milk they drink contains added sugar. Milk flavored with non-nutritive sweetener, which has less sugar than other flavored milk, provides the same nutritional benefits as other flavored labeled "milk," but with fewer calories. Thus, milk flavored with non-nutritive sweeteners should be labeled as "milk" without further qualification so that consumers can more easily identify its overall nutritional value.
But given that the dairy industry is also asking for changes with respect to seventeen other products, one wonders if it's not using the appealing image of "school children drinking wholesome, lower calorie milk" as a Trojan horse to quietly overhaul the labeling of the entire dairy aisle.
Whatever the motivation for the petition, it's hard for me to express how bad I think this idea is.
First of all, the front label "reduced calorie" or "reduced sugar" disclosures have always been prominent and useful tip-offs to purchasers that a product may contain artificial sweeteners or other artificial ingredients that many find questionable. To remove those designations from the labels of milk and seventeen other dairy products will leave many American consumers in the dark about what they're actually buying. (Even I, an avid label-reader, have occasionally put into my shopping cart products like flavored water thinking they were entirely unsweetened, only to find later that they contained stevia, aspartame or one of the other non-nutritive additives I choose to avoid.)
Moreover, I've long objected to the notion that artificial sweeteners are some sort of a panacea with respect to childhood obesity. Putting aside concerns about the safety of these additives (and some experts are concerned), artificial sweeteners do nothing to wean children off the sugary food and beverage habit -- and may even heighten a desire for sweet tastes given that artificial sweeteners are actually sweeter than sugar. Even more troubling, new Yale University research indicates that the regular consumption of artificial sweeteners may interfere withￂbrain chemistry and the hormones regulating appetite and satiety, and may also pose in increased risk ofￂType 2 diabetes and obesity.
Do we really want these additives appearing more frequentlyￂin the milk offered in school cafeterias around the country, without adequate labeling?
I answer that question with a resounding NO. If you care to comment on the proposed rules, as I certainly intend to, you may do so here.


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War of words between Verizon and Netflix heats up
Verizon Communications' war of words with Netflix escalated Thursday, as what began with a tweet is now pulling in the lawyers.
The telecom giant sent a cease-and-desist letter to Netflix, demanding that the popular streaming service stop sending messages to customers saying Verizon's crowded network is to blame for slow download speeds.
"There is no basis to assert that issues with respect to playback of any particular video session are attributable solely to the Verizon network," wrote Verizon general counsel Randal Milch to Netflix's chief lawyer, David Hyman. "Verizon demands that Netflix immediately cease and desist from providing any such further 'notices' to users of the Verizon network."
Verizon also demanded that Netflix submit evidence documenting its claim within five days. "Failure to provide this information may lead us to pursue legal remedies," Milch wrote.
Responding to the letter, Joris Evers, a Netflix spokesman, tweeted Thursday: "This is about people not getting what they paid for from their Internet service providers. Netflix is transparent, (Verizon) is shutting that down."
Netflix declined to comment further.
The kerfuffle began with a tweet Tuesday evening from a Netflix customer, Yuri Victor. The user-experience designer had tried to stream a movie when Netflix flashed a message on the buffering screen: "The Verizon network is crowded right now. Adjusting video for smoother playback."
Victor tweeted the screen image to his followers, and Netflix soon confirmed that it had sent the message. "We are testing ways to let consumers know how their Netflix experience is being affected by congestion on their broadband provider's network," Netflix spokesman Jonathan Friedland said via e-mail. "At present, we are testing in the U.S. in areas serviced by many broadband providers."
Verizon called the message "a PR stunt" by Netflix. But with social-media chatter seemingly tilting in Netflix's favor, Verizon issued a more specific response with the letter, arguing that "there are many different factors that can affect traffic on the Internet, including choices by Netflix in how to connect to its customers and deliver content to them."
The connections between multiple networks, in-home wiring, Wi-Fi and device settings may also contribute to slowing speeds, Milch wrote.
The dust-up comes as a surprise, since the two companies signed a deal about a month ago to improve their customers' experience in watching Netflix movies.
The deal, similar to the one Netflix signed with Comcast, which caused furor among network neutrality proponents, would have Netflix pay to connect directly to Verizon's network.
Verizon says the agreement will go forward, and it's installing equipment in 13 cities, with a small group trial taking place now in Dallas. Verizon plans to complete the work this year.
"Netflix relies on a panoply of content-distribution and other middle-man networks to reach its customers, trying to lower its costs as much as possible," Milch wrote. "The cost/quality trade-off is one Netflix has chosen."
Internet service providers say their financial arrangements with content providers and other third-party content distributors are routine and have been around for years. But net neutrality proponents have criticized such deals, arguing that they embolden ISPs to increasingly force popular video and audio content providers to pay to ensure a smoother traffic flow.
Netflix conceded that it had entered the agreement with Comcast reluctantly, but it hadn't criticized Verizon publicly until now.
"Netflix's false accusations have the potential to harm the Verizon brand in the marketplace," Milch wrote. "I sincerely hope this is not a harbinger of things to come in terms of how Netflix treats its network partners and our mutual customers."


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Many of us associate Mary Kay with easy-to-wear lipstick shades and prettily-packaged gift sets that our mom's best friend used to sell, but we'd be remiss not to acknowledge its growing presence in the skin-care game. Though the brand is over half a century old, its latest launch — which protects skin from UV damage and beyond — proves that it's nothing short of cutting edge.
New this month, the Mary Kay TimeWise Miracle Set 3D collection "reflects...an understanding of how today’s environment impacts the look of skin aging," Lucy Gildea, the chief scientific officer at Mary Kay, tells Allure (Gildea has a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology and previously worked at Procter and Gamble for 15 years). The collection includes a cleanser, SPF 30 day lotion, eye cream, and nighttime moisturizer; used in tandem, this squad protects skin from, well, life.
"More than just UV rays, other environmental stressors, such as car exhaust, air pollution, stress, lack of sleep and more can lead to the production of free radicals," Gildea notes. "It’s been known that free radicals contribute to the look of premature skin aging, but it’s a broader scope of what triggers free radicals that have come to light in recent years." According to Gildea, the majority of skin aging (think sagging, fine lines, etc.) can be attributed to external lifestyle factors, while only 20 percent comes from the natural, internal aging process.
The antidote? Antioxidants, in part. The TimeWise collection contains some of the most potent ones on the market, including resveratrol. And while there are tons of products out there that promise to protect skin from pollution, Mary Kay's secret sauce (officially dubbed the patent-pending, proprietary Age Minimize 3D Complex, infused throughout the collection) has been proven to "reduce the damaging effects of diesel exhaust particles on human skin cells," Gildea shares. City-dwellers, take note.
While the research behind the formulas is complex (the line took five years to create), the products themselves are distilled into a super-simple, straightforward format. Even the packaging exudes breezy minimalism that would make a welcome addition to any medicine cabinet, which makes sense since the collection is targeted towards an incredibly broad demographic. "This skin-care solution is not about a person’s age — it's about the age of their skin," Gildea explains. "Everybody’s skin ages at a different rate based on how they live their lives." (Since we're not planning on skipping the late nights and/or happy hours anytime soon, we're totally on board with an arsenal of products that helps mitigate the damage.)
You can snag the new TimeWise Miracle Set 3D on Mary Kay's website for $110 per set. Cheers to protecting our skin from the perils of modern day living.
For more skin-care launches, keep reading:
- The Best Skin-Care Brands Created by Dermatologists, According to a Cosmetic Industry Expert
- Exclusive: Peach & Lily Is Bringing the Korean Skin-Care Brand Ground Plan to the U.S.
- Exclusive: Fresh Is Launching Its First Skin-Care Collab With French Fashion Brand Sézane
Ready for some feel some feels? Check out what girls under 16 had to say about beauty:


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The team of Pundi X, a crypto payment service platform, announced it has been granted an exemption from Singapore regulator MAS for holding a license to operate in the country until July 28, 2020.
Earlier this year (January 28, 2020) the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) commenced a new Payment Services Act (PS Act) to enhance the regulatory framework for payment services in Singapore. The goal is to strengthen consumer protection and promote confidence in the use of e-payments, including cryptocurrency payments.
“MAS has permitted us to continue providing account issuance and digital payment token services in Singapore until such time we make our license application. In compliance with the PS Act, we will be filing our license application to operate account issuance and digital payment token services by 28 July 2020.”
– David Ben Kay, Chief Legal Officer at Pundi X Labs
The published list of the applicants receiving the exemption can be found on the MAS website.


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In case you haven’t heard, a security flaw was found in Intel Chips (and others) dating back over a decade. Even the latest chips have it. The hardware can’t be “patched” / fixed with a microcode update with a result that the operating system designer has to modify their O/S or kernel to accommodate / mitigate the hardware error. A side-effect of this may be a knock in performance in some situations.
Regarding the security flaw. Your PC won’t (necessarily) slow down 30%. Performance knock should not that big a deal and it’s not only Intel. It’s pretty much EVERY chip manufacturer. PC’s, phones, tablets, notebooks.
Just as the printed and social media (your friend Bob eager to share the latest gossip – from 1997) has a tendency to often get other things dead wrong #FakeNews and make a huge mountain of hype out of a molehill regarding Internet Related stories (eg. #BITcoin) – it’s not only Trump – it’s a actually a “thing” on the internet – the rush to be the FIRST (click-bait) and not necessarily factually correct. It’s a case of “share first”, “fact check” later. We’re looking at you “Wall Street Journal” #PewDiePie
You would swear it’s Intel PC Armageddon the way the media are carrying on and the youtube video click-bait is forming about a 30% knock in performance.
This patch should be coming out on the next “Patch Tuesday” for Microsoft. Mac O/S has partially implemented a fix. No news on the Apple phones yet, though. Who knows “when” with Linux and how many distributions are actually affected. Google’s official android and Chrome O/S should see a patch on about the 5th January 2018 or so.
“FRANKFURT/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Security researchers on Wednesday disclosed a set of security flaws that they said could let hackers steal sensitive information from nearly every modern computing device containing chips from Intel Corp, Advanced Micro Devices Inc and ARM Holdings. “
This is the second time a security flaw has been found this year – and it won’t be the last, CPU’s are complex things with billions of transistors. Expect more cross-platform product design “contamination” as there are not a heck of a lot of CPU architecture designers and as they flip-flop between companies, good ideas and bad ones will be shared. It’s only human.
I do, however, find it amusing that Apple may actually have another reason to slow down not only your phone, tablet this time, but also their PC’s. ~CC


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More and more owners of industrial property are converting their old smoke stacks into distribution-type premises, and new developments in industrial areas have a lighter industry and warehouse feel to them.
While elsewhere in the world the increasing demand for warehouse space is driven partly by the rise of online retail, in South Africa the warehouse boom is more the result the replacement of locally manufactured goods by imported items, which needs warehouses for repacking, sorting and shipping, says Padayachy.
Local manufacturing, which for years has been suffering from low productivity, labour unrest and in the recent past electricity-supply problems, may well see an uptick as the low value of the rand makes South African exports more competitive and imports more expensive. But the result of any turn-around is unlikely to affect the property market in the foreseeable future.
For now, times are good for property owners with warehouse space close to markets and in popular distribution nodes.
Meanwhile, the warehouse boom is feeding into another prominent property trend: the rise of mixed-used developments. The conversion of noisy and dirty old factories into warehouses and light industry space fits well into the increased demand for living, working and playing in close proximity, says Padayachy.
Industrial areas are not turning into fully fledged mixed-use areas yet, but the fact that the edge is being taken off the worst of the old smoke stacks means that companies in industrial areas are increasingly adding retail outlets to their distribution operations and coffee shops are sprouting in old factory corners.
Many new developments are being planned as fully integrated residential, retail, office, workshop and educational spaces. The drivers of the move towards mixed-use areas are the need for security and the convenience of not having to commute through increasingly congested city streets.
Less commuting also means fewer harmful vehicle emissions. At least part of the trend to mixed-use areas is due to modern environmental awareness, which is the main reason for a third prominent property trend this year: green buildings.
There is a lot more to environmentally friendly developments than just the proximity of work, school, shopping and living space. Building materials are chosen for their low carbon impact and their insulating properties. Buildings are designed to maximise the use natural lighting and to reduce the need for cooling or heating. Solar energy facilities and water recycling infrastructure have become part of the architecture.
Padayachy says lower maintenance and energy costs over the long term should offset the higher short-term construction costs of green developments for both landlords and tenants.
Recent research has shown, however, that the cost premium of green buildings is actually lower than initial estimates. Figures released by the Green Building Council of South Africa and the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors indicate that green buildings cost on average only 5% more than traditional buildings – much lower than the previously held view that they are up to 50% more expensive to construct.
In South Africa, the green building trend is part of the international movement towards sustainability, but here the idea has also been boosted by electricity supply concerns. Load shedding may no longer be part of the business reality for many entrepreneurs, but concerns over the increase in the price of electricity have certainly fuelled the demand for space in green buildings that require much less energy for heating, cooling and lighting.
Padayachy says a stubborn feature of the South African property market in recent years – the glut of office space – is likely to remain for the rest of the year.


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Due to the recent rise in new Covid-19 cases in the state, and a significant rise in cases in Lane County, the State has mandated more stringent rules regarding the wearing of masks for the entire State of Oregon. This necessitates a change to our current mask policy for the club.
The primary changes are a mandate for wearing masks indoors, anywhere in our facility. In a press release it was stated, “The statewide requirements starts on July 1st, and will require residents to don facial protection at locations like grocery stores, shopping centers, and restaurants and bars while not eating or drinking.”
This means that all members will be required to wear a mask in the clubhouse, the pro shop, and in all indoor dining areas. Masks are also suggested for outdoor dining with larger groups, but will not be required.
In a written statement Tuesday, Governor Brown stated, “I do not want to have to close down businesses again like other states are now doing. If you want your local shops and restaurants (and businesses) to stay open, then wear a face covering when out in public.”
While we acknowledge the inconvenience of wearing a mask, due to the influx of members traveling to and from other states and social situations, we also want to err on the side of caution. Please honor this request. We have no choice in the matter, and do not want to ask a member to leave the premises over non-compliance.
Your cooperation for the safety of others, and in protecting our club, is greatly appreciated.
This Week’s News You Need to Know for 09-24-2020 ~ POOL Open for Final Weekend of the Season! ~ First Hazelnut Harvest- JOIN IN THE FUN! ~ Food, Golf, Practice Facilities All Back to Regular Schedules ~ Couples Champions and Senior Men’s Champ Posted ~ This Week’s Dining Room Specials POOL Open for Final Weekend […]
John Schulte advanced out a pack of highly competitive, highly skilled (but over the hill) group of 58 Shadow Hills Senior Men golfers and won the prestigious 2020 Shadow Hills Senior Men’s Mason Cup on Friday September 4th! The 12th annual Shadow Hills Senior Men’s tour ended with the two day finals and a dramatic […]
After rescheduling twice due to Covid/Weather/Fires and anything else 2020 could throw at us, the Shadow Hills CC Couple’s Classic Championship was finally played on Sunday, 9/20 (take that 2020!). Bruce and Cheyenne Burbank took the overall Couples Club Champion Honors, with Rob and Tricia Johnson claiming the “Senior Club Champions” title. The weather was […]


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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico auto production and exports plummeted in April, data from the national statistics agency showed on Friday, as the coronavirus pandemic forced shut car manufacturing plants and sapped consumer demand for new vehicles.
Production plunged 98.8% in April from a year earlier to just 3,722 units, while exports fell 90.2% to 27,889 units.
The Mexican Automotive Industry Association estimates that the automotive industry makes up about 4% of the country’s gross domestic product and generates nearly 1 million direct jobs.
Reporting by Anthony Esposito; Editing by Steve Orlofsky
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


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The City Council is to hold a special meeting tonight to consider taking the first step toward developing a 33-acre auto mall.
Sitting as the Redevelopment Agency, the council will consider giving its staff permission to conduct an environmental review of the project.
In addition, the council will decide whether to negotiate further with a group of Long Beach auto dealers who want to move their firms to Signal Hill as part of the project.
City officials estimate the auto center, planned for a parcel at Spring Street and Cherry Avenue, would pump about $2 million in sales taxes into city coffers each year.
If the council gives the go-ahead during the 7 p.m. meeting at City Hall, it would be the "beginning step" of a lengthy process of reviews before the auto mall could be built, said Tim O'Donnell, assistant city manager.


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For 3Q15, all merchandise divisions of $JCP had positive comp sales gains over last year. Men's, Home, Footwear, Handbags, and Sephora were among the Company's top performing divisions. Geographically, all regions experienced sales growth with the best performance in the southern and western regions of the country.
I haven’t seen a drop in banks like this in a long time. Looks like $WFC is still facing pressures from its sales practices scandal..!!
Helping President-elect's America first focus, $WMT set to create 10,000 retail jobs in the US in 2017.
Looks like Trump has his eyes on the $MON and Bayer merger next. He had a meeting with the CEOs and apparently got job promises from them.


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With each passing day, rumors of a new PlayStation 5 (PS5) are more than numerous. The real name is really going to be the PS5 and it will arrive in 2020, according to Sony.
Recently, the website revealed that the PS5 will cost € 499.99 and will arrive on December 4, 2020.
The new PS5 will arrive in the 2020 holiday season. The information belongs to the Slovak website ProGamingShop, which already has a wealth of information on one of the most popular consoles in the world. In addition to the arrival date scheduled for December 4, 2020, the site announces that the PS5 will cost € 499.99.
So far, Sony has confirmed only a few details of its next console.
New PlayStation 5 information
- The PS5 arrives in late 2020, but the date is not known for sure;
- It will have Ryzen 3000 CPU, AMD Radeon Navi GPU, SSD drive and 4K Blu-ray drive;
- With the PS5 will come a new one DualShock (Fifth Generation)
- It will be retro compatible with PS4;
- Rumors say the price will be between 400 and 600 euros;
Recently in a video posted on YouTube shows a photo of what is believed to be the PS5 development package. As an interesting point, we can see that it has a PlayStation logo in front of it, as well as some USB-A ports.


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Friday, June 18, 2021
Westside is beginning its journey with RTP by receiving instant credits on behalf of customers. "Every FI starts with that," Steve Ledford, senior vice president of product strategy and development at TCH, explained in an interview. "It's really a prerequisite for sending."
This stepping stone approach to boarding banks to RTP is necessitated by several factors, including the reality that many banks use different back-end processors for different products. "We think most FIs will end up with multiple providers and multiple links to RTP because of the way they put together their product offerings," Ledford said.
Westside's connection to RTP means it now can offer consumers and businesses immediate availability of payments, 24/7/365, with instant clearing and settlement.
Headquartered in Iowa, Shazam is a regional EFT network (ATMs and POS PIN debit) that also provides core processing services to community banks and credit unions. It was a pioneer of PIN-debit POS payments, and lays claim to being the only nationwide independent, member-owned EFT network, processor and core provider to community banks and credit unions.
Shazam has developed an API that allows any financial institution using it for core processing services to link to RTP via Shazam. Westside is the third community bank to connect to RTP using Shazam, according to Janet LaFrence, vice president at Shazam.
"Our core is certified [with RTP] so we can rapidly onboard core clients," LaFrence said. "Our integration with the RTP system extends and enhances our EFT processing and core solutions with a new set of account-based, real-time payment transactions and related value-added services."
In addition to Westside, Wells River Savings Bank, in Iowa, and First Bank, in Florida, are using Shazam to offer real-time receipt of credit payments sent via RTP. Shazam is also preparing to pilot FedNow, the Federal Reserve's faster payments network, which is slated for general availability in 2023. "We're making sure that community banks get the benefit of faster payments, not just the big banks that own RTP," told The Green Sheet.
Bankers' Bank, is "a bank for bank," headquartered in Madison, Wisc., and serving banks primarily throughout the Midwest.
"Settlement matters," Todd Koehn, vice president of faster payment solutions at Bankers' Bank, said in a statement announcing the Westside connection to RTP. "Westside's implementation of real-time payments receive shows that any community bank can utilize instant payments to help customers in our 24/7 digital world."
RTP was built and is operated by The Clearing House, which operates networks (ACH, electronic check, wire transfer and real-time) that clear and settle payments totaling in excess of $2 trillion a day. Over 130 financial institutions currently are moving payments across RTP, including some of the largest banks, like Bank of America, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.
Other core processors connecting to RTP include FIS, Fiserv, Finastra and Jack Henry. RTP charges a flat fee of $0.045 per credit transfer. A request for payment transaction (common with billers) costs $0.01, Ledford noted, adding that RTP's fees are "very cost-competitive with same-day ACH" payments. Plus, there are no implementation or monthly fees. "Our pricing is very simple," he said.
Ledford added that "Shazam's technology and Bankers' Bank funding agent expertise are very helpful when it comes to bringing community financial institutions of all sizes onto the RTP network."
Looking forward, Shazam plans to provide links for its EFT network clients to RTP. "We have thousands of EFT clients, and we plan to offer this to them," LaFrence said. "There are some really good potential use case out there."
For example, Shazam is working on a plan to support clearing and settlement of QR code-based payments via RTP. QR payments are initiated by scanning QR codes from mobile apps. "We will probably be doing that in a sandbox environment soon," LaFrence said.
RTP can also be used to support faster merchant account funding, LaFrence said. Currently, most merchants receive funds from credit and debit card payments via the ACH. "With the ACH, merchants have to wait one to three calendar days to get their money," LaFrence said. "With real-time payments [banks and acquirers] can provide daily merchant payments."
One of the first merchants benefiting from faster payments supported by Westside is a hairdresser in Iowa, LaFrence noted. "They are getting payments to their merchant account every day, including weekends and holidays," she said.
The Green Sheet Inc. is now a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals. Click here for more information.
Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact names or information may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.


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As Americans gear up for Thanksgiving later this week, many are figuring out what to prepare for the big feast. According to new data from YouGov Omnibus, Nine out of ten (90%) US adults say they enjoy Thanksgiving to some extent, while a majority (75%) who celebrate say they have a tradition of eating a special meal on Thanksgiving Day. Nearly all (95%) are planning to eat with other people — including family members (88%), friends (35%), and neighbors (7%).
One-third (33%) of people planning to celebrate Thanksgiving say that either they or someone they plan to celebrate with have a dietary restriction, such as lactose intolerance (12%), a gluten-free diet (11%), or a vegetarian diet (8%). Millennials between the ages of 18 and 34 are more likely (42%) to say someone at their Thanksgiving table has a food restriction.
Over half of all Americans celebrating the holiday with diet-restricted friends and family say they plan to make special accomodations for them. Nearly six in ten (57%) say they plan to modify recipes to accommodate certain people; 52% plan to prepare special “safe” dishes for them.
Women (59%) are considerably more likely than men (45%) to say they plan to prepare special “safe” dishes, and slightly more likely to say they’ll modify recipes.
The discrepancy between genders might be because many men aren’t planning to cook in the first place, and thus aren’t thinking about how to modify recipes or meet unique needs. Women (22%) are more than twice as likely as men (9%) to say they cook the entire Thanksgiving meal themselves. More than one-third of men (35%) aren’t planning to cook at all on Thanksgiving, while only 19% of women chose the same response.
As for the kind of food people will be eating on Thanksgiving, turkey (86%), mashed potatoes (82%), and stuffing (77%) were the most popular options. Other dishes likely to make the spread are rolls (76%), pumpkin pie (62%), green beans (61%), yams (60%) and cranberry sauce (60%). The dish option that got the least love was brussels sprouts (13%) — though people residing in the West (19%) are more likely than any other region to have it at their table.
Learn more about YouGov Omnibus.


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Nokia, it seems, is slowly ridding itself of all the services which made all its Smartphones unique. The latest in that line of products is HERE maps, which have been sold to a consortium of automakers, including Audi, BMW and Daimler AG (the parent company of Mercedes) for $3.1 billion. The service will likely be used in the dashboard systems for the companies’ automobiles, and is likely to be closed by the first quarter of next year.
The three groups will have equal stake in this new service. The technology used by HERE is seen as an alternative to conventional navigation solutions employed by Google and Apple in that it collects real-time data from cars on variables such as traffic and parking, which is then shared with others.
Nokia had hinted earlier that it might be looking for partners to sell the service. Despite its comparatively-limited reach, HERE was seen as one of the more accurate and precise mapping services around. A change of priorities meant however that its future grew uncertain and it was clear that its time was up.
Satellite navigation is widely recognized as a growing market. With around 17 million cars worldwide being fitted with such systems, the number is said to bloat to 25 million by 2021. With driverless cars gaining momentum, it is no wonder that systems such as HERE are in demand.
The service, originally called Navteq was brought by Nokia for $8.1 billion in 2007. That was a time when Nokia used to be the largest mobile phone maker in the world. By selling HERE, Nokia will be focusing more on its networking services, which have long been the most-successful in its portfolio. Its recent merger with Alcatel-Lucent further consolidates the fact that these services are Nokia’s primary operations.
Figures via IHS/The Guardian


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NEW YORK (Real Money) -- You know what was lost in the shuffle of all of the reports last night? How about spending? Specifically, how much are consumers worldwide spending on their devices, particularly when it comes to their expensive cell phones? How about: How much are advertisers spending online, and what results are they are getting? Those were the twin takeaways from Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report and Facebook (FB) - Get Free Report, and I think they are still just beginning to materialize.
We talk a lot about how there are regions of the global economy that are waxing and waning, but given the secular growth in consumer spend and advertising spend online, this remains the fastest-growing sector in the world. You just don't get the kind of growth that Apple and Facebook are getting without spending by the Chinese consumer, the Russian consumer, the Brazilian consumer, the Indonesian consumer, the European consumer and the U.S. consumer.
The implications of this then flow right back to the advertisers -- who recognize that there is such a wholesale shift in habits of consumers, and where they spend their time, that they have to follow the eyeballs away from every other form of media right to the computer. Plus, the sheer numbers of credit cards on file makes it so that the cell phone truly is going to be the fulcrum of all consumer activity. Facebook dismissed the payments issue as too nascent, but Apple highlighted it because it has 800 million credit cards.
That's what came out as you stepped back from the minutiae of all the calls. The shift in "consumer time and attention" is the essence of last night's calls, to quote Facebook chief financial officer Sheryl Sandberg in that company's triumphant conference call. It's 4.5 hours per day watching television vs. 5.75 hours watching mostly the cellphone.
It is the consumption pattern worldwide that is so exciting. You upgrade your phone to faster phone lines so you can watch Facebook six out of seven days, as more than 50% of the people do -- thank you, Mark Zuckerberg. And, because of the strong user graphics and terrific interface courtesy of Apple, you read good ads, chiefly from the news feeds, and then you buy goods using the payments system that are advertised directly and through brand forms. It is a seamless world, and it is a world driven by a consumer who wants to spend and has the money to do so, particularly as it pertains to the young consumers worldwide.
It is also clear that Facebook's deal to buy WhatsApp, at least to me, will be as successful as Instagram has been -- which, like Google's (GOOG) - Get Free Report YouTube, still isn't even being monetized. When you think that Instagram in two years has gone from 22 million users to 200 million, you can tell that user engagement globally is endemic, if not pandemic!
Device to apps to ads. The Apple-to-Facebook ecosystem is based on consumer wealth and where it is going. It is going right to these companies and, to another extent, Google, for search and watch.
I think, in the midst of this downturn, we've forgotten that this is what's happening.
May these quarterly numbers remind us what's really going on in the world's economy: banking, talking, spending, watching, communicating, showing. These are at the heart of the surge we are seeing, and it is still early, or at least earlier than we what we thought had been possible at this seemingly late date.
At the time of publication, Action Alerts PLUS, which Cramer co-manages as a charitable trust, was long AAPL, FB and GOOG.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published at 8:09 a.m. EST on Real Money on April 24.


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Johnson & Johnson is set to increase its adspend in Germany on the various brands affected by its recent decision to merge its national pharmacy and retail sales operations.
Due to benefit are the Penaten baby-care range, o.b. tampons and Carefree protection shields – all of which will become available in German pharmacies for the first time – as well as handcream Neutrogena, set for its debut in non-pharmacy retail stores. The latter has failed to replicate the high profile it enjoys in the US, UK and France, where distribution has not been so limited.
Backing the brands’ wider distribution will be a television, cinema and print ad campaign and an event marketing push, which are set to raise J&J’s German adspend beyond last year’s total of $28 million.
Rubbing their hands in glee at the prospective billings bonanza are J&J’s agencies – Lowe Lintas & Partners in Hamburg, which handles o.b. and Carefree; Change Communications in Hamburg, a Lowe Lintas unit servicing the Penaten account; and Heye & Partner in Munich, owned by DDB Worldwide and responsible for Neutrogena.
News source: Advertising Age - International Daily