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Topps Tiles has issued a profit warning after a steep trading downturn in recent weeks.
Like-for-likes plummeted 10.4% in the first seven weeks of the fourth quarter, Topps Tiles reported.
The slide represented a sharp fall on the 1.9% third quarter like-for-like decline reported only last month.
Topps blamed plunging consumer confidence for the sales fall and said : “Based on these trading levels management believes the full year earnings are likely to be below the current range of analysts’ estimates.”
The retailer said it would push on with its existing strategy to protect and extend its position in the market.
Topps said: “This will include driving gross margin gains through increased direct sourcing, further developing the customer offer, growing our store estate and continuing to invest in marketing the best range of tiles in the UK
“We will also maintain our focus on prudent cost controls and improving operational efficiencies wherever possible.”


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The Tesla supercharger network has cracked 500 locations worldwide in three years.
In total, 502 quick charging locations are currently operating around the world, offering a total of about 2,800 individual charging stations. Superchargers allow owners of the Model S sedan to regain roughly 80 percent battery life in just a half hour.
Tesla has vowed to keep the Superchargers free of charge to owners and has honored that promise so far, although recently the brand sent out letters to some owners asking them not to overuse the superchargers, as they are meant for long-distance travel and not day-to-day charging.
The U.S. claims 42 percent, or about 200 of the worldwide Supercharger network. Tesla is still pushing to expand the network and is currently installing Superchargers at a rate of roughly one per day in countries such as the UK, Australia, China, Spain, Italy and Korea.
[Source: Business Finance News]
Discuss this story at our Tesla Forum

domain: news


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The One Thing Billionaires Do to Avoid Burnout
Other than running grossly successful companies and being pretty rich, what do billionaires like Richard Branson and Bill Gates have in common?
Unlike many hard workers, who just won't take time off, they know how to shut it off and go on vacation.
"When you go on vacation, your routine is interrupted," superstar entrepreneur Richard Branson has told Entrepreneur. In addition to a personal fortune of $5.1B, his Virgin brand has over 400 businesses, reports Business Insider.
The growing idea that working 24/7 is better—also known as "Work Martyr Complex"—is actually counterproductive. A no-time-off policy puts people at risk for damaging their health, relationships and overall happiness.
In fact, one of the most valuable—and rare—skills in the workforce is the ability to just drop everything and migrate somewhere warm. "The places you go and the new people you meet can inspire you in unexpected ways," Branson says.
You don't have to be a high-powered CEO to reap the benefits of a little Vitamin D either. According to nonprofit US Travel's Project: Time Off, those who take more vacation days get promoted more often.
"As an entrepreneur or business leader, if you didn't come back from your vacation with some ideas about how to shake things up," Branson, "it's time to consider making some changes." [BI]


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Alstom Joint Venture to Manufacture On-Board Transformers in Kazakhstan
Alstom has said that it is launching manufacturing of on-board transformers at Electrovoz Kurastyru Zauyty (EKZ), a joint venture between Transmashholding and majority shareholder (75%) Alstom, in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital. This launch will make EKZ a key producer of on-board transformers for Alstom globally. Manufacturing output is estimated at 300 transformers annually with 100 members of staff working at full capacity.
Alstom has once again taken a step towards building up the EKZ factory in Astana, making it a manufacturing site for world class products with great exportability. EKZ is thus a key driver of the country’s economy and a centre where locomotives are produced and sold around the world, particularly to member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS – Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan).
Bernard Peille, Alstom Managing Director for the Western and Central Asia Cluster, said:
“Start of the new production demonstrates solid and long-term partnership with Kazakhstan. We are proud contributing to Kazakhstan’s machinery-building industry through localisation of technology and production, creation of new working places and training for the local personnel.”
EKZ employs 440 people. Its portfolio includes supplying and maintaining the Alstom Prima electric locomotives ordered by KTZ, the national railway company of Kazakhstan. 49 KZ8A freight locomotives and 20 KZ4AT passenger locomotives are currently operating in Kazakhstan.
Alstom’s second joint venture in the country is KEP in Almaty, which manufactures point machines.


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Sears Canada is not exiting the Canadian market, said president and Chief Executive Officer Calvin McDonald, after announcing that two more stores will be closed next March, at Yorkdale Mall and Square One in Mississauga. The location at Scarborough Town Centre might also be closed.
“This is not Sears giving up and leaving Canada. We’re still the largest department store in the country,” said McDonald.
The deal with Oxford Properties Group is worth $191 million. In addition, Oxford Properties paid $1 million for an option to buy out the Sears lease at Scarborough Town Centre for a fixed price of $53-million. It has five years to exercise the option.
The 657 employees at the Yorkdale and Square One locations, full time and part time, will be offered work at other local Sears locations, said McDonald.
The news pushed Sears Canada stock to its biggest gain in more than a year, according to Bloomberg, rising 12 per cent to $10.60 at 11:22 a.m.
Last year, Sears Canada returned three leases to mall owner Cadillac Fairview, giving up prime locations at malls in Ottawa, Vancouver and Calgary for $171-million. It later sold back another lease at the Deerfoot Mall in Calgary.
Seattle-based department store retailer Nordstrom will open stores in those three former Sears spaces, and new locations at Sherway Gardens and at Yorkdale. It hopes to eventually operate as many as ten department stores in Canada and at least 15 Nordstrom Rack discount locations.
The first Nordstrom is schedule to open in Calgary in 2014.
McDonald said there is no plan to exit urban centres, but Sears is seeing a lot of success in suburban stores.
“We grew up in rural Canada, back in 1953. We grew from suburban into urban locations. I’ll trade in any area if it complements our trade model,” he said.
Oxford Property CEO Blake Hutcheson said no decision has yet been made about the future of the spaces at Yorkdale and Square One.
He said they may replace Sears with a single tenant or redevelop the locations for a mix of new tenants. Although tenant anchors are important at malls, in particular smaller malls, properties as successful as Yorkdale and Square One become draws on their own, he said.
The Yorkdale location is 185,000 square feet. Square One is 175,000 square feet. The Scarborough Town Centre location is the largest, at 240,000 square feet
The properties are co-owned by Oxford Properties Group, the real estate arm of the Ontario Municipal Employment Retirement System, and the Alberta Investment Management Corp., also known as AIMCorp.
McDonald said the strategy is another way to leverage the real estate assets of Sears. It has also applied to the City of Burnaby to build on a nine-acre property it owns near the Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest shopping mall in British Columbia. The proposed project includes seven residential and office high-rises, along with ground-level retail space.
“Shutting stores is not a go-forward strategy,” said retail consultant Ed Strapagiel.
“All these stores are in prime retail properties where Sears would have long-term leases with renewal options and likely very favourable rates. It appears that Sears can’t make these locations work in terms of sales and profitability – and that speaks volumes,” said Strapagiel.
“I think Calvin McDonald well understands where Sears Canada needs to go and he’s moving as fast as he can. But it was always going to be a difficult and perhaps impossible journey.”
Strapagiel pointed out that discount retailer Target is rolling out across Canada, with Walmart and Costco expanding to compete, along with smaller new competitors including Marshalls and Crate & Barrel.
The Yorkdale Sears opened in 1991 and the Square One store in 1973.
Sears operates 116 full-line department stores across Canada and six distribution centres.
McDonald, 41, was brought in by Sears Canada in 2011 to manage a three-year transformation of Sears Canada.
Sears Canada posted a $31.2 million loss as well as lower revenue in its latest quarter announced last month. In January the retailer cut 700 jobs, primarily at its distribution centres.
Sears Canada has had declining revenue for the last seven years.
But McDonald, who is fighting in an increasingly competitive environment at a time when debt-laden consumers are spooked about spending, said Sears is seeing important successes. Accessories and apparel have grown for two quarters in a row compared with the previous years, and stores that have been updated with new fixtures, product mixes and a newly energized staff are trading well.
Retail analyst Keith Howlett of Desjardin Securities rated the sale as positive.
In a note to clients, he said Sears will only monetize a select few of its leased locations, when presented with a financial offer that is substantially higher than what the store would earn if it stayed open. He predicted that Sears will declare dividends of $1 a share before year-end, subject to any change in operating performance.
“We continue to view 2013 and 2014 as pivotal years for Sears Canada as it implements its revival and rejuvenation plan in the context of ongoing expansion of U.S. retailers, such as Target and Bed Bath & Beyond. Our view is that the plan is well constructed and cohesive. Early signs are positive that consumers are receptive and still engaged with the brand. Nonetheless, the challenge is considerable.”


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- Ikea franchisee Ingka Group has named Interpublic Group’s McCann as its first global brand marketing partner, a pivot from the Swedish retailer’s past approach of employing a patchwork of agencies, in accordance with a press release.
- Madrid-based McCann Spain will spearhead the operation, which matches into effect this month. Ikea said recent creative ought to be expected in spring 2024. However, the corporate is preserving relationships with some regional shops.
- Ikea is angling to streamline its agency strategy, a standard goal amongst marketers that want to scale back complexity of their work with marketing services providers. The news marks a win for McCann, which has previously worked with the furniture store.
Ikea desires to develop a more consistent, refined brand voice for its global business, an aim it hopes to attain by delegating more work to a single agency partner. The streamlining bid was guided by the insight that the needs of the retailer’s customers are fairly universal — eating, sleeping and sharing quality time together — and may resonate across cultures and demographics. Ikea can also be emphasizing a positioning around value as many consumers proceed to contend with inflationary challenges.
“As some of the trusted brands on this planet, we’ve got the responsibility to point out how we’re leading from our vision and purpose; that we’re siding with the numerous through our inexpensive range and actions we take as an organization for people and the planet,” said Licca Li, acting global marketing manager at Ikea parent Ingka Group, in a press release. “I’m excited to see how this shift gives us the chance to connect with more individuals with a stronger voice.”
Ingka Group is the world’s largest Ikea franchisee, with lots of of stores across 31 markets and answerable for around 90% of the retailer’s total sales, giving McCann a large remit. Ikea has been attempting to speed up growth within the states, an expansion plan that may very well be complemented by a fresh approach to marketing. The retailer in April announced it could invest over $2.2 billion within the U.S. over the subsequent three years, with resources focused on opening recent stores and improving its success network.
Ikea has ramped up its activity on channels including social to attach with consumer groups like Gen Z. The brand this summer ran a slice-of-life anime series on TikTok targeted at school students, considered one of its bread-and-butter audiences. The campaign was created with Ogilvy New York and studio Clubcamping.
McCann is aligning Ikea’s messaging around “universal truths” with its own Truth Well Told ethos. Securing a large swath of the Ikea business comes as a lift for McCann parent IPG, which has struggled amid the tech downturn. The ad-holding group reported that organic net revenue declined 1.7% within the second quarter and slashed its full-year forecast.
Read the total article here


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From Yahoo India
The Nano may have been driven out of Bengal before it set up shop in Gujarat but a major Chinese company ‘ First Automotive Works (FAW) ‘ is considering both states as a possible location for its first plant…Read More →
Luxury car maker Fisker are pushing back their plans for a China launch until 2013 according to Reuters reporter Nichola Groom who managed to corner Fisker’s Roger Ormisher on the floor of the LA Auto Show which opened this week.
Fisker said earlier it would launch in China by the end of this year. But the company encountered a slight delay…Read More →
Volkswagen’s plan to capture the Southern Chinese market where Japanese brands rule the roost took a step forward earlier today when the first Audi Q3 came off the Foshan production lines.
The Audi Q3 is currently imported into China from Europe and is nearly on par with the Audi Q5 in terms of pricing thanks to import taxes which boost…Read More →
Western companies moving into China usually did so through equity joint ventures, which were the predominant entry mode at least until Chinaâ€™s entry into the WTO in 2001 (Kasperk et al. 2011). This entry mode also facilitates the development of personal relationships or ‘guanxi‘ which is of great importance in conducting business in…Read More →
Late last week the UK taxi companyÂ Manganese Bronze announced that it was going to enter into bankruptcy protection and this week it would end 156 jobs at the UK plant. The company is partly owned by Geely who have a roughly 20% stake in the company and a joint venture in Shanghai, according…Read More →
China exported a total of 278 940 vehicles in from January to April this year, 24% more than exports over the first four months of 2011, chinanews.com reports, citing figures from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Year-on-year growth rates for passenger and commercial automobile exports over the four month…Read More →
From Biz Journal:
Johnson Controls Inc. announced on Wednesday plans to build a $200 million automotive battery plant in Tianjin, China, pending final approval.
The state-of-the-art facility will supply automakers and the aftermarket in China with maintenance-free lead-acid starter batteries and advanced batteries for start-stop…Read More →
The new generation of Ford Focus is taking the claim for boosting Ford’s China sales by 24% in April 2012. Ford has striven to introduce and widen its product range for the Chinese market over the past 6 months, the move is likely to pay dividends as sales are likely to continue to increase this year.
Sales of the new Focus reached 9,400 units in…Read More →
Swedish car maker Volvo, owned by Chinese group Geely, said it was on track to meet its long-term goal of boosting sales more than four-fold in China after reporting a fall in 2011 earnings due to costs related to its expansion.
Volvo was bought by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd from Ford Motor Co in 2010. It plans…Read More →
Shanghai VW has apparently received approval to build a new car plant in Xinjiang province, China’s most Western territory. Looking over a map it appears that Geely’s Lanzhou facility is the most Westernly automotive plant in China but SH-VW obviously smells a market in Xinjiang. News of the approval has been leaked out via Chinese automotive site,…Read More →
From China Daily:
German tire manufacturer Continental, a world-leading auto parts provider, kicked off the construction of a two wheel tire plant in the eastern Chinese city of Hefei on Friday.
The plant, expected to be put into operation in December next year, will mainly manufacture tires for mountain bikes and racing bikes for…Read More →
Kia have taken the world auto market by storm over the past 24 months, gone are the odd, quirky designs that were only able to rival second hand cars and in are sleak, slender designs that are enough to make the Bavarian’s blush and the Japanese worry themselves to sleep at night. Kia’s unique selling point for the longest time was that they are cheap…Read More →
Insiders reveal that the partnership talks between Chery and Jaguar & Land Rover has achieved substantial progress after Cheryâ€™s partnership plan with Subaru was rejected. The two sides have reached agreements on many key aspects, and now they are waiting for the approval from the government authorities who are key to getting the plan approved….Read More →
To the outside eye, the Indian auto market looks like a sweet low hanging peach – a market that could potentially be the same size as the Chinese market in the next five to ten years and has the same needs as the Chinese market, albeit with the steering wheel on the other side of the dashboard, so it will be no shock to hear that commercial vehicle…Read More →
Battery maker Boston Power is shifting its operations to China to capitalize on the booming electric-vehicle market.
The Westborough, Mass.-based company today announced that it has raised $125 million from Chinese venture capital firm GSR Ventures as part of an expansion into China. In addition to the private equity,…Read More →
Wescast Industries Inc., a Brantford-based auto parts maker with plants in Strathroy and Wingham, is being bought by a Chinese company for about $180 million.
The company announced a preliminary agreement with Sichuan Bohong Industry Co., which is paying $13.60 a share.
Wescast makes exhaust manifolds for cars and…Read More →
Chery Automobile is to become the second Chinese vehicle maker to build an assembly plant in Kenya, joining truck manufacturer Beiqi Foton Motors in a move to tap east African demand and further strengthening Chinese links with the continent.
“They (Chery) are discussing with the (Chinese) government so that they can get…Read More →
Chinaâ€™s auto market slowed down considerably in the first half of 2011 and grew only 3.35% from a year earlier in the first half of this year due to several unfavorable factors such as the expiration of government stimulus policies, Beijingâ€™s license plate lottery policy, and continuous fuel price rises. Many domestic Chinese brands even…Read More →
The SC6 SUV was first unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show in April last year in concept form, however this particular model is practically heading down the production lines at Great Wall’s Bao Ding plant after our most recent visit to their factory. The SC6 has been sent to the Chinese patent office ahead of official production runs later this year which…Read More →
From China Daily:
Nissan Motor Co’s joint venture with Dongfeng Motor (Group) Co, the largest Sino-foreign auto partnership, on Monday announced in Beijing that it plans to invest billions of US dollars and double its annual sales over the next five years.
The 50-50 joint venture, Dongfeng Motor Co Ltd, said it will invest 50 billion…Read More →
Karl-Thomas Neumann, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, recently announced his first strategic plan for Chinese market since he took the position, i.e. Go West strategy.
Volkswagen Group China has made progress in the southern Chinese market. Its market shares in southern China increased 1.3% from a year earlier in the first five…Read More →
For many Chinese car companies the Indian market displays a great allure, but can they tackle it using the same methods to entice China’s 1.3billion consumers? It seems that the odds are stacked against them, but if perhaps they can manoeuvre themselves into a strong position by inking strategic deals with the right partners.
From: Read More →
GM’s Bei Sheng plant in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, is about to gain from a 7 billion RMB upgrade over the next few years. The factory expansion will take GM’s production capacity to a new high in China.
GM’s plans for the factory expansion have already been approved by the Ministry of Environment and will see the factory’s capacity increased…Read More →


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The rules of the game in Israel's cellular market are about to change.
Toward the end of the year, Virgin Mobile will begin marketing cellular instruments in Israel. It will become, for all intents and purposes, the country's fifth cellular provider, alongside
(Nasdaq, LSE:PTNR), Pele-Phone Communications, Cellcom, and Mirs.
Cellular providers like Virgin are known as "virtual operators". They do not operate networks. They market services provided by another company, under a brand name that is not always associated with the original network.
Such is the case with the British One 2 One cellular network, the services of which are sold by both Virgin and Carphone Warehouse. In Israel, Virgin will sell cellular services based on the Pele-Phone network.
From airlines to airtime
Virgin is an international marketer of brands - airlines, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, music and communications. The company's cellular brand may only be 15 months old, but in the past year, Virgin Mobile has recruited more than one million subscribers in Britain.
The character of Virgin Mobile is very like that of the Orange brand in Israel: young, "cool" and sophisticated. Orange is the brandname of Partner, which must be appalled by Pele-Phone's deal with Virgin. Lehman Brothers recently reported that Partner could well overtake Pele-Phone as the second largest cellular provider in the country. Richard Branson's entry could rock everyone's boat.
Virgin owes its coolth largely to the exploits of its founder, Richard Branson - the eternal uninhibited youth. His last antic was an attempt to circumnavigate the world in a hot air balloon. (He failed.) A few months later he announced his intentions to turn Virgin Mobile into an international cellular brand.
In December 2000, Virgin announced negotiations to establish networks in 30 countries. News of its advent in Israel hit the press on December 8.
Branson is not a household name in Israel. His best-known products among Israelis are the huge music stores in London, New York and Paris. But is this enough to compete with Orange in the Israeli cellular market? Pele-Phone refuses to divulge the business plans and Virgin still won't officially confirm the company's pending involvement in Israel.
"Wireless is a market of a homogeneous product, and the power of a brand in such a market is likely to be limited," says Shalom (Shally) Tshuva, the CEO of the Foresight consulting firm. "Success depends, to a large extent, on values that are attributed to the brand. Yes, McDonald's came to Israel with a standard product, but sold something else too - the feeling of being abroad that the Israelis love so much. It is not yet clear what Virgin's added value will be." Another problem facing Virgin, Tshuva says, is penetrating an already-saturated market.
Virgin's young, sophisticated image is a far cry from that of Pele-Phone. It has strived to change its image of a high-quality, but expensive, service provider focusing primarily on business executives and the middle class.
Sources at Partner and Cellcom sneer that the Virgin deal-in-the-making attests to the failure of the Pele-Phone brand, and stems from a decision to invest in the development of a new brand rather than the enhancement of the old one. In fact, sources in the industry say that, within a few years, the Pele-Phone brand could disappear entirely, clearing the way for Virgin.
Pele-Phone sneers back. "The Pele-Phone brand name will remain the company's primary brand, regardless of the success of the Virgin brand," according to an official statement from the company.
Virgin will need a license. Enter the regulator
But the road to success will be long and arduous. For five months now Virgin Israel has been operating shrouded in secrecy from the offices of Poalim Communications, a publicly-traded company belonging to the Shrem Fudim Kelner group. Poalim Communications is expected to be the financial backer for the deal.
Virgin Israel will have to get an operating license from the Communications Ministry. The bureaucracy does not have to delay Virgin's launch, as the terms of Pele-Phone's license dictate how it can place its network at the disposal of other service providers. But this doesn't mean that Communications Minister Reuven Rivlin will be in any hurry to sign a Virgin license.
Other obstacles are expected to arise. Sources close to Virgin say it has no intention of being a mere sticker on Pele-Phone handsets. The agreement between the two companies, they say, will include establishing an independent marketing network. The deal will involve allocating switches and a special infrastructure for the Virgin subscribers.
The agreement will also allow Pele-Phone to free itself of a significant portion of the burden of promoting a brand that will capture the hearts of the youth and concentrate on investing in the establishment of an infrastructure for broadband cellular Internet and the acquisition of spectrum.
The deal, however, does come at a price, and a risk - the price being the sharing of revenues between Pele-Phone and Virgin. In Pele-Phone's case, this is a relatively low cost: The company's technology gives it an almost unlimited capacity to take on new subscribers without having to invest much in infrastructure; thus, a large portion of the revenue from the new subscribers will become net profits.
The biggest risk is the failure of the brand. Virgin has indeed amassed more than one million subscribers in Britain within a year, but taking into account the British population (60 million) and the fact that average GDP per capita in Britain is 33% higher than that in Israel, the company's achievement is no more impressive than that of Partner, which has recruited one million users in Israel in 27 months.
Talks with individuals involved in the project indicate that Virgin will try to create a brand for the data communication services (cellular Internet) that Pele-Phone is hard at work developing. Virgin's focus on data communication services, however, could prejudice Pele-Phone's independent cellular Internet brand, Go Next. Pele-Phone holds a 51% stake in Go Next, with the remaining 49% in the hands of Sunycom.com, controlled by Ilan Ben Dov. Ben Dov has already been pressing Pele-Phone for a share in the deal with Virgin. For now, it appears that Pele-Phone is withstanding such pressure admirably.


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Sanyo To Break Into European e-Bike Market
Last Friday Sanyo Electric Co. revealed plans for a full swing start in Europe in 2010 during a press conference held in Tokyo. The focus will be on components for e-Bikes but, the renowned electronics maker also
TOKYO, Japan – Last Friday Sanyo Electric Co. revealed plans for a full swing start in Europe in 2010 during a press conference held in Tokyo. The focus will be on components for e-Bikes but, the renowned electronics maker also presented some striking new electric bicycles during the press conference.
Here Takahiro Wada, vice president of Sanyo Electric, said: "With regard to global operations for electric bicycles, there is demand in Europe, but it will be difficult to market the complete bikes given the circumstances in each country," Wada said, referring to the existence of local manufacturers. "So we would like to break into their markets gradually," he said.
Sanyo Sales & Marketing GmbH based in Munich is at the upcoming Eurobike show. It is expected that the European HQ for the Japanese company will show the components for e-Bikes Sanyo manufactures at its stand EE-3. At the Tokyo conference it was said that Sanyo hopes to begin supplying to bicycle manufacturers in various countries the key parts needed for electric bicycles – hub motor, battery and control system – as a complete package from the fiscal year beginning next April.
At the Tokyo conference Sanyo presented two more Eneloop models after rolling out the first one last February. One of the two new models is the world’s first electric power assist bicycle with a carbon composite frame which retails in Japan for about 4,500 euro. The other is a compact, folding bike to be sold at about 750 euro.


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Join us on Saturday 09 June to celebrate the opening of our new show home at Strawberry Grange, Cockermouth.
Story Homes is inviting visitors to come along and look around the four-bedroom detached ‘Balmoral’ home and chat to our Sales team to find out more about the exclusive development – which includes a range of three, four and five-bedroom family homes.
Located in the Georgian town of Cockermouth, the homes at Strawberry Grange boast a high specification throughout. A mixture of stone, brick and render have been used to give each home its individual personality, while blending perfectly into the local area and creating the attractive street scenes for which Story Homes is renowned.
Hayley Blair, Head of Sales at Story Homes, said: “The homes at our Strawberry Grange development are finished to the highest specification, including features such as designer fitted kitchens with AEG appliances, Porcelanosa tiling and oak banisters with white spindles. All properties have turfed gardens ensuring that there is plenty of green open space, and either a single garage, a double garage or driveway parking.”
The show home has been styled by our interior designer, Suzanne Webster, and will allow potential homebuyers to see the space, quality features and attention to detail that set these homes apart.
Hayley continued: “Our new show home at Strawberry Grange gives a real insight into the luxury lifestyle that a Story Home can provide. We look forward to meeting potential buyers and showing them around the beautiful show home.”
Prices at Strawberry Grange start from £144,950*and to celebrate the launch of the new show home, we’re offering customers a wide range of bespoke incentives, including:
- Cash discounts
- Flooring package
- Part Exchange
- Help to Buy
To mark our show home opening, please join us at Strawberry Grange from 10.30pm – 4.30pm on Saturday 09 June. Come along to take a look around the Balmoral show home, meet our Sales team and enjoy a celebratory drink and canapés.
For more information call our Sales Executive Debbie on 07980749151 or email firstname.lastname@example.org.


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The world-famous luxury fashion brand Calvin Klein shared a new video series last week, including Noah Centineo and Shawn Mendes. The second wave of the series, part of the giant campaign called ser My Calvins “, was released yesterday. This time, Kendall Jenner opens a new window. , Bella Hadid Opens a new window. , A $ AP Rocky Opens a new window. , Indya Moore, Kevin Abstract, Troye Sivan and Yoo Ah-In.
Calvin Klein's official YouTube accounts of the video series published by the prominent names of the course was Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. In videos directed by Jonas Lindstroem, we see Bella Hadid on a black horse in an abandoned gas station. Bella, who wears fishnet stockings, jean shorts and a black bra, is once again fascinated by her fit. The brunette beauty Kendall Jenner stands out with her flawless body as she heads to the camera with her red dress, lace detailed swimwear and white lingerie set.


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According to reports, an exchange firm in Dubai is attracting crypto traders from various nations. This includes mostly those living in sanctioned countries like Iran and Russia.
The Dubai exchange firm, Coinsfera, is an over-the-counter (OTC) crypto platform. It allows users to carry out large trading volumes under the radar of the public market.
Afterward, it converts the cryptocurrencies into cash in the city. This process only takes a few minutes and requires the user to have an identity card.
Coinsfera Does Not Use The KYC Process
Furthermore, the platform will ask the user some questions which are not the same for most platforms. Most crypto firms make use of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.
After the invasion of Russia on Ukraine, several Russian citizens fled to Dubai. This was because the United Arab Emirates remained neutral in terms of sanctions.
The country has not melted out sanctions on Russia or its users. However, popular crypto firms such as Coinbase and Binance have blocked the accounts of Russian users.
According to Bloomberg, several Russian users have been able to bypass restrictions by moving on Coinsfera. This crypto platform allows users to carry out sizable transactions.
Furthermore, the exchange firm has offices in London, Kosovo, Istanbul, and Dubai. It was created in 2015 and is serving several users in the country.
According to Coinsfera, the exchange is a cash point that allows customers to trade without restrictions. The firm’s official statement stated that users could easily transfer large amounts of funds at a low cost and in a short time.
Coinsfera Allows Users To Carryout Huge Transactions
The statement added that users could buy and sell BTC in Dubai using the original ID issued in any country. However, this raises suspicions about whether customers are using such processes for money laundering.
Meanwhile, an official of the government said the nation is working to combat illegal transactions and money laundering. This is to promote the financial stability of the country.
Also, Dubai is now growing as a digital hub for crypto users worldwide. In the past months, several firms have moved into the country.
Binance, one of the largest crypto exchange platforms, has gained a license to operate in the region. It has also made Dubai its headquarters.
At the start of the year, the FTX exchange also received permission from Dubai’s VARA to operate in the country. According to a representative for the company, Dubai offers credibility and certainty to exchange firms and the crypto sector.
As a result, FTX can offer its services and products to Dubai citizens while abiding by regulations.


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Cablevision Will Sell Sprint PCS Service
Cable Guy Alan Breznick, Cable/Video Practice Leader, Light Reading 5/3/2005
Following in Time Warner Cable's footsteps, Cablevision Systems has become the second major North American MSO to start hawking cellular phone service. Cablevision unveiled a deal with Sprint Corp. Mon. to offer Sprint PCS wireless service through the MSO's Optimum Store Online site. Cablevision's New York customers who buy Sprint wireless service from the online store will receive a $70 rebate for each phone line that they order. Only Cablevision subscribers can access the site. But Cablevision is not offering the wireless product as part of its cable bundle of services, at least not yet. Company officials say they're still exploring a converged wireless service. Time Warner is now trying out a linked wireless product with Sprint in the Kansas Cty market.


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We get to see some "gameplay visualisation" powered by their engine, so they air a reel of "extended cuts" from the initial pitch video. 5 Lives also thank Chris Roberts.
"We’ve had a quite a few requests to see gameplay footage, the dilemma for us being that it’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation," read the latest Kickstarter update.
"To accurately portray the kind of immerse, simulated and emergent world we want to create, we need to actually create it for reals! And that’s what this Kickstarter campaign is for, to create the game."
"We’d love to be able to demonstrate a mission played numerous different ways to sell the idea to you but that would require several months and a lot of money to produce," they continued. To satisfy the call for more gameplay footage they have released more 'gameplay visualisation' powered by their engine of choice; Unity.
5 Lives also write up a lengthy gameplay walkthrough to explain what's going on.
In other news on the project the studio offer a 'special thanks' to Wing Commander's Chris Roberts, who is currently heading Cloud Imperium Games on space sim Star Citizen.
"A special thanks goes out to Chris Roberts from Roberts Space Industries/Star Citizen for the shout-out on Facebook and Twitter. It got us all very excited to have one of our favourite gaming icons merely acknowledging our existence!"
Roberts slapped his money down on the 'Director' reward tier ($1000) so Satellite Reign players will be meeting "Chris Roberts' digital doppelganger in Satellite Reign as a VIP NPC!" Check out the latest Kickstarter update for more.


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The payment giant’s 1.8 million Irish customers can now pay for taxi rides with Free Now in an increasingly cashless society.
PayPal and the Free Now taxi app have partnered for digital payments and travel tips.
Free Now customers will have the option to add their PayPal account as a payment method in the Free Now application. PayPal has 1.8 million active accounts in Ireland.
Niall Carson, General Manager of Free Now Ireland, said the partnership provides comfort and safety for drivers and passengers “while allowing both of them to maintain their social distance.”
“As Ireland’s leading passenger transport app, we are constantly looking for ways to innovate our service to ensure that we are providing the smoothest possible experience for our users,” said Carson.
“2021 has accelerated the adoption of digital services in every aspect,” added Anthony Rafferty, PayPal’s senior director of global business services. “As a leading technology player globally and in the region, we have a role to play in enhancing digital experiences and making it simple, safe and secure for people in Hail Ireland.”
According to PayPal research in November 2020, customers are moving further away from physical cash. In the survey, 42% of people said they believe there will be no cash transactions by 2023.
Free Now said that cashless payments have increased 10% on its services since January this year.
Across the economy, cashless payments have accelerated and physical cash has fallen out of favor. The pandemic accelerated trends in digital payments due to social distancing measures and people reluctant to pass paper notes around.
Last week, figures from the Irish Banking and Payments Federation showed that contactless payments increased 12.9pc in the last quarter with withdrawals at ATMs that were down 44%.
PayPal’s partnership with Free Now follows a similar one from taxi app Bolt, which recently entered the Irish market, and fintech startup Strike. The startup allows users to tip a service like a taxi driver via mobile payment instead of cash. He also recently signed a cashless tipping agreement with Camile Thai.


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Ethernity Chain (ERN), which addresses the segment of non-fungible tokens, has released a series of digital collectibles issued by Bitcoin (BTC) veterans Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.
Winklevii twins issued NFTs on Ethernity Chain (ERN)
According to the official announcement by the product team, the drop with a series of three NFTs was released on May 29, 2021. Digital cards memorialize Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, an Olympic Rowing pair and the founders of leading crypto exchange Gemini.
Three series of NFTs, "Legendary," "Epic" and "Common," were created in a collaboration between Ethernity Chain (ERN) and Visual Labs, a team of digital artists.
More than 100 cards out of 350 released initially have been sold in the first two days after release.
Cameron Winklevoss stressed that by participating in this release, he and his brother demonstrated their support of the NFT movement yet again:
We are honored to be 'turned' into NFTs with this collection on Ethernity Chain. We firmly believe that NFTs are here to stay, and being immortalized on blockchain is perhaps the most fitting way to express our support to this revolutionary movement.
These collections were released as part of its Authenticated NFT (aNFT) offering. This sort of NFT release protects buyers and the marketplace from selling counterfeit tokens.
"Tokenizing" celebrities for charity
With the aNFT release, every token in the offering is authenticated by the Ethernity team, which guarantees that a specific NFT comes from its intended creator.
As usual, the majority of funds raised in this offfering will be donated to non-profits. Namely, 90 percent of revenues will be donated to Row New York, an NYC-based charity foundation tasked with expanding accessibility to rowing throughout the New York area.
As covered by U.Today previously, Ethernity Chain (ERN) has already commemorated soccer player Pele and boxing legend Muhammad Ali in their early NFT auctions.


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We are grateful and proud to share that a few days ago, CompanyWeek featured co-founders Psyche and Vontoba Terry’s journey with Urban Hydration. Initially, Psyche had developed the idea for this company while in college for a competition. Although some called it “a terrible idea”, Psyche and Vontoba persevered and started Urban Hydration with a mission to provide affordable products that are clean and safe for all skin types. We are so proud of how far they have come and are looking forward to seeing where Urban Hydration will grow in the future!
Click here to read the full article on their journey!


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Bitcoin founder death
Bitcoin: Too Big to Fail - Newsweek - News, Analysis
Ross Ulbricht, Creator of Silk Road Website, Is Sentenced
Blockchain: The Invisible Technology That's Changing the
Australian entrepreneur Craig Wright has publicly identified himself as Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto.Autumn Radtke, bitcoin entrepreneur,. but was also struggling with other issues prior to her death,.Get started with Bitcoin: find a wallet, buy bitcoin, shop with bitcoin, read bitcoin news, and get involved on the forum.Hal Finney, a cryptographer and one of the earliest users and developers of the virtual currency Bitcoin, died on Thursday in Phoenix. He was 58. Mr.
Founder of Mt.Gox Bitcoin Exchange Arrested in Japan
Dave Kleiman of Riviera Beach: Is He Bitcoin Founder
The Future Of Bitcoin And Will It Ever Fall? | Dark Web NewsExperts warn about a sudden Bitcoin crash which could leave.
Gary Fung, the founder of the popular torrent site Isohunt, believes that Bitcoin will put an end to online piracy in the future.
A Brief History of Blockchain: An Investor’s Perspective
The death hoax came amid a rocky few days. which has emerged this year as a serious rival to bitcoin,.A U.S.-born Bitcoin currency executive was found dead in an apparent suicide in her Singapore home, the company said in a statement.
Gox left investors in the crypto-currency feeling robbed, disillusioned, and angry.John Light is founder of PawnCoin, a new way for bitcoin users to unlock the value of their currency.
The identity of an Australian man killed in a motorcycle smash in Thailand has been confirmed by his colleagues as bitcoin entrepreneur Adam Tepper.Having launched the bitcoin project with the publication of a paper in 2008, and then the first release of bitcoin software in 2009,.
Bitcoin News - WeUseCoinsBitTorrent founder reveals plans for rival crypto-currency. 2017 by 247 Bitcoin. 24 7 Bitcoin.CNET Founder Halsey Minor talks about his depression for the first time.A young American CEO who apparently committed suicide in Singapore was involved in the world of the bitcoin,. prior to her death,. founder of GoCoin.
The young woman in question was actually the head of the Singapore-based startup First Meta.
Proof-of-Vitalik: Ethereum’s Buterin Immutably Counters
What Are Bitcoins? Virtual Currency Explained (Like You'reBlockchain is the data structure that allows Bitcoin (BTC) and other up-and-coming cryptocurrencies such as Ether (ETH) to thrive through a combination of.
4chan's Vitalik Buterin Death Hoax Crashes Ethereum Price
US Drops Felony Charges Against Calvin Ayre, Bodog FounderThe road of innovation is paved with the corpses of outmoded technologies.
Australian Craig Wright claims to be Bitcoin creator - BBC
The founder of a prominent Bitcoin exchange company has been arrested and charged with running an illegal scheme to sell the digital currency to customer.Autumn Radtke, a 28-year-old American CEO of bitcoin exchange firm First Meta, was found.


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The richest man in the world — arguably the smartest and most successful investor — just committed to spending $163 million to buy 63 daily and weekly newspapers. Additionally, he loaned the company who sold him the newspapers — Media General — an additional $400 million. So why would Mr. Buffett invest in an industry that so many have already written off for dead? If the future of “media” is now only digital as so many seem to believe, should we suspect that Mr. Buffett is not quite playing with a full deck?
Well, let me ask you. Would you want to bet against this guy? No, I didn’t think so.
So, it is well known that Mr. Buffett is an ultra-conservative investor. He likes to invest in industries that he understands and which have strong competitive advantages. In fact, if he had his druthers, he would only buy companies with dominant or near monopoly positions in the marketplace. His recent purchase of railroad Burlington Northern comes to mind, as do some of his large holdings in IBM, Intel and DirecTV.
So what exactly does Mr. Buffett see in newspapers? While he concedes that newspapers are no longer, as he puts it, “the only megaphone in town,” they continue “to deliver news and advertising information that people can’t find elsewhere.” He goes on to say that “there are still a lot of things that newspapers can do better than any other media.”
“They can not only be sustained, but are important,” he states.
Of course I agree with Mr. Buffett. How could I not? But there are so many examples that I can offer that support Buffett’s confidence that people still need, want and read newspapers in a big way. In the course of a month at our newspapers we are usually inundated with requests for publicity — literally hundreds of requests sometimes. Folks go to the trouble of sending us all those press releases because they know how well-read the papers are. If it were not so, they simply would not go to all the trouble to reach out to us. And it is not something that they even have to think about — “OK, we need a publicity chairman to contact the newspapers.” It is still the default. And the leap from linking something that is a known quantity — that local newspapers are still incredibly well-read — to realizing that the advertising in those newspapers must also be exceedingly well-read and used is a short one.
Another competitive that Mr. Buffett is well aware of is the simple fact that local newspapers, now more than ever, are one of the few remaining media that can effectively deliver a broad audience. For example, if you want to reach 90 – 95 percent of every single-family household in Johns Creek at once, it’s easy; one ad in the Johns Creek Herald does it — fast. Cable can’t do it; there are hundreds and hundreds of cable channels. Same thing goes with network TV and DirecTV because they compete with all those cable channels. You can Facebook until the cows come home and never ever reach a significant percentage of households in any specific geographic area. Same thing with Twitter, Pinterest or all the Google ad words you can buy. They cannot reach a large geographically targeted audience effectively. Newspapers still can.
And we all recognize the following companies or their products because they invest a large percentage of their marketing budgets in building and supporting “brand awareness” — Nike, Coke, John Deere and products (all belonging to Proctor and Gamble) Tide, Pampers, Kleenex, Cascade and Scope to name just a few. The Internet and “digital” cannot build “brand,” but newspapers and “print” can and do.
Every day, the Internet offers more and more choices for consumers — millions of new Web pages created every day, 365 days a year. Another way to say that is that every day, the probability that your Internet ad or site will be seen diminishes. But there are only a couple newspapers out there and the probability of your advertising being seen and read is great.
I recently reviewed our readership surveys from 2004 to the most recent one in 2011. Same questions and same scientifically valid sample. Readership, use, utility, interest and “effectiveness” of both news and advertising remained constant — virtually unchanged despite the rise (some would say “fragmentation”) of the Internet — including social media. Frankly, I was somewhat surprised, but pleased nonetheless.
Maybe Buffett is right again. He says that newspapers “tell me everyday things that I can’t find elsewhere...Most of those items, overwhelmingly, are local. They do tell me a lot about my city, about local sports, my neighbors, about things I want to know.”
Who am I to argue with the world’s smartest investor?


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updated 04:43 pm EDT, Fri May 25, 2012
Slimmest smartphone to date bound for Chinese market
Chinese electronics manufacturer Oppo appears to be readying to release the Finder, a smartphone that is claimed to snag the title of World's Slimmest at just over a quarter of an inch in depth. A video showing off the slim handset was released yesterday, and specs for the device have been appearing on numerous tech blogs.
The Android 4.0.3 device is said to pack a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, and 16GB of internal storage into its skinny frame. The device will feature a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera capable of 720p video capture, and an eight-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of 1080p recording.
Images of the Finder were previously leaked in April, and there was some speculation that Oppo was holding a contest to allow customers to name the forthcoming phone. Given the similarity of Finder to Oppo's Find 3, though, it seems unlikely that the contest was for the Finder. The Oppo Finder will reportedly be available for pre-order in the Chinese market for 3,999 yuan ($632) starting June 6. Availability for other markets is currently unknown. [via TGBUS.com]


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SIG's plants in China, Thailand and Saudi Arabia have achieved FSC chain of custody certification.
This follows the successful certification of SIG's European production plants in mid-2009.
SIG Combibloc's multi-site certificate now covers facilities and sales organizations in 10 countries around the world. With the expanded certificate in place, all of SIG's production facilities worldwide are now able to supply FSC certified carton. SIG is following a strict policy ensuring that it now exclusively sources wood fibers from responsibly managed forests and controlled sources.
SIG Combibloc requires all its suppliers of unprocessed cardboard to operate production facilities that are certified according to the FSC CoC standard, in order to cover the value-added chain from forest to carton.
The journey of SIG towards responsible sourcing of wood fibers has been fast and impressive. SIG obtained its first FSC chain of custody certificate only last year. Only a few months later, SIG launched FSC-labeled fruit juice and ice tea cartons in all of Lidl's German stores. joined the WWF Global Forest Trade Network (GFTN), a further token of SIG's commitment to responsible forestry.
Rodrigo Steinvorth, Head of Production and Supply Chain at SIG Combibloc in China said: “We are proud to support the expansion of exemplary forest management through the FSC Chain of Custody certification of our global production sites, thereby actively helping to ensure that wood as a renewable resource can continue to be used not only in an environmentally friendly way, but also well into the future”.
The FSC multi-site certificate held by SIG Combibloc (SW-COC-004130) is issued by the Rainforest Alliance.
Source: SIG Press release
Lidl and SIG launch FSC-labeled beverage cartons (16/10 2009)
Certification of SIG boosts FSC certified packaging (17/8 2009)


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Since its inception, Google Maps has proven a popular method for travelers to figure out how to get from one place to another (in fact, we here at LongIsland.com have even implemented the service in the pages of many of our businesses and restaurants so you can find your way to them right from the site). With integration into the company’s Android platform the program blossomed from a convenient route mapper to a full-fledged GPS. Unfortunately, Google’s efforts still suffered from the same shortcoming that any map, digital or physical, would have difficulty compensating for- real time traffic and delays.
Any Long Islander planning an excursion to the City will be happy to know that the maps are now getting an overhaul to deal with one of the State’s more regular cause of headaches- its public transit system. More specifically, planned service changes for the New York City subway system will now be incorporated into Google Maps’ website and Android app. Now when a line is rerouted or skipping stops, Maps can alerts users of the situation and find alternative paths for them to take.
While the improvements to Google Maps are already rolling out this week, changes to the Internet-giant’s intriguing media streamer will result in an indeterminate delay in its official launch. Announced early this summer, the Nexus Q was briefly listed as available for sale in Google’s own Play Store, from which it has since been pulled in order to, in Google’s words, “make it better.”
In a notice sent to those who have already placed an order for the device, the developer explained it is working to add more functionality to its somewhat limited list of capabilities. This is likely the result of complaints from those lucky enough to preview the Nexus Q that while it was an impressive piece of hardware which served its purpose well, a hefty $300 price tag made it less attractive than many alternative streaming devices. While competitors such as Roku, Apple TV, or even the company’s own Google TV can stream any number of services—including Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, and many more—the Nexus Q was initially designed to be limited to proprietary services such as Google Music and Youtube. Presumably the Q will return with a similar lineup when it is again put up for sale, but those who were fortunate enough to preorder this unique spherical streamer will be happy to know Google intends to send them each a piece of their original vision at no charge.
Have trouble navigating the tunnels of New York’s transit system? Leave a comment below or let us know on the Long Island Lounge.


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A version of this column was published on February 3, 2013 in USA Today.
I’m seeing more patients than ever consume so-called “energy drinks,” a rapidly emerging class of beverage which promise to increase energy, improve alertness, and boost attention span. The energy drink business is booming, with more than $12 billion sold last year, eclipsing established beverage categories like iced tea or sports drinks. 6 billion energy drinks were consumed nationwide in 2010, and it’s estimated that 31% of teenagers drink them regularly.
But the popularity of energy drinks is leading to some serious health consequences that I’m seeing more frequently in my primary care clinic, and others are seeing in the emergency room.
It’s no secret how energy drinks work: caffeine. Consider that just two ounces of a popular brand, 5-Hour Energy, contains 207mg of caffeine, which is almost as much as six cans of Coca-Cola or four shots of espresso. It is more than double the recommended amount of daily caffeine intake for teenagers, who are often targeted in advertising campaigns. Dr. Roland Griffiths, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University who studies energy drinks, rightly calls them “caffeine delivery systems.”
Most energy drinks also contain herbal ingredients such as ginkgo, taurine, or milk thistle. Although scientific studies show that these additives have little value, their presence allow energy drinks to be sold as dietary supplements, rather than drugs. It’s an important distinction. Supplements don’t have to disclose the amounts of caffeine they contain, while over the counter drugs that contain similar doses of caffeine, do. So in the majority of cases, those who consume energy drinks don’t know how much caffeine they’re ingesting.
Energy drinks can lead to serious health consequences, including palpitations, rapid heart rates, dehydration, elevated blood pressures, or even heart attacks. Their high caffeine content, along with “natural” additives, can interact with prescription drugs. Worse, 56% of college students report mixing energy drinks with alcohol, which studies show increase the risk of committing or experiencing a sexual assault, riding with a drunk driver, or becoming involved in an alcohol-related car accident. According to a recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there were over 20,000 emergency room visits involving energy drinks in 2011, double the number from 2007. Last year, the Food and Drug Administration received reports of 18 deaths and over 150 injuries that may have been associated with the drinks.
These safety concerns require energy drinks to be more closely scrutinized. Beverage manufacturers should clearly label the caffeine content on their drinks. Adults should limit their caffeine intake to about 500mg per day, less for teens and older patients and those with heart or liver problems. Young children should stay away from these drinks altogether. Doctors need to do a better job screening for and counselling those who consume high amounts of energy drinks, especially young men and college students. And finally, we should consider the approach taken by our neighboring countries. Canada will soon cap energy drink caffeine content to 180mg per can or bottle, which, if instituted in the United States, would require reformulation of a substantial number of drinks. Mexico is seeking to ban the sales of energy drinks altogether to those younger than 18.
Perhaps most effective would be to stop seeing energy drinks as beverages, and instead view them as liquid stimulant drugs. Because that’s what they really are.
Kevin Pho is co-author of Establishing, Managing, and Protecting Your Online Reputation: A Social Media Guide for Physicians and Medical Practices. He is founder and editor of KevinMD.com, also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com


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Carrier co-chairman served as chairman of the American Trucking Associations and chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association.
A long-haul cross-border Mexican trucking program is proposed, Dart buys Fil-More assets, trucking groups back ATA's appeal against the Port of Los Angeles and many other industry news items are featured.
U.S. Xpress executives are optimistic the trucking industry will gain momentum in the future despite hurdles.
Engine problems worsen, FedEx Ground wins key case, APU grants offered to OOIDA, truck-related fatalities drop and more industry issues are featured.
Freight plan bill favors rail, bill would increase truck weight, a milestone truck is delivered, carrier safety rataings are available and much more industry news items are featured.
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The first phase of a plan to replace the Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre with a mix of new retail and commercial space goes before the city’s planning committee this Thursday
How Ottawa's GGFL helped Iron Horse secure growth capital
Tech firm expects to employ 45 staff members by year-end.
Ottawa-based grocery chain said Tuesday it expects to open eight new stores in southern Ontario over the next two years.
- A $12.4-million construction management contract for EllisDon Corp. leads the latest roundup of local firms winning work with the federal government
- Canopy Growth Corp.'s appointment of a veteran Constellation Brands executive as its new chief executive gave the cannabis producer's shares a lift…
Community leaders are stepping up to support ‘Business on a Mission’
Embotics, which helps brands the likes of NASA and HBO manage their cloud-based services, has been acquired in an all-cash deal
- As it builds out its own fulfilment network, Ottawa’s Shopify is planning to launch its own distribution facility in the National Capital Region as a…
- Ottawa’s Trinity Development Group has launched the first stage of its ambitious plan to build 2,700 new rental units near light rail stops over the…
CANADA - WORLD
HBC shareholders are set to vote on a privatization bid next week.
Since its launch in Ottawa over a year and a half ago, operating as a socially responsible company has been a primary focus of San Francisco-based rideshare company Lyft.
Earnings from the parent company of Sobeys and Farm Boy are among the business stories to watch this week


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IAS on the ad industry’s brand safety uproar: ‘Not sure this is going away this time’
Integral Ad Science CMO Maria Pousa talks brand safety, ad fraud and using time exposure to evaluate digital media buys.
Integral Ad Science is one of the third parties Google is bringing in to help monitor ad placements on YouTube in the wake of advertiser backlash over brand safety concerns.
The 400-person firm topped the $100 million revenue mark last year and works with more than 4,000 publishers, advertisers and ad tech vendors, including Facebook, AOL, Nielsen and TradeDesk, in addition to Google.
Ahead of the release of the company’s Media Quality Report for the second half of 2016, Marketing Land spoke with Maria Pousa, Integral Ad Science’s CMO, last week about recent events, including the Google ad boycott, whether the industry is at a turning point and how the company anticipates advertisers will start thinking about evaluating their digital ad buys.
On YouTube and brand safety
IAS and the other third-party monitors like Moat, Double Verify and comScore are emerging as winners in the wake of advertiser concerns over fake news, ad fraud and walled gardens, and the recent protests over ads being shown alongside racist and extremist content on YouTube.
Is this a real turning of the tide in which the YouTube crisis is just the last straw? Will there be a real course correction in the way the industry approaches programmatic and brand safety, as the IAB’s Randall Rothenberg since declared in a letter Tuesday? Pousa says it’s still too early to tell.
She knows there has been a cycle of flare-ups around brand safety that the industry has been dealing with for years. “What’s changed,” says Pousa, “is the environment. Usually, the attention was from within the trade, now it’s moved to mass media outlets. First it was fake news, now it’s The Times [coverage of YouTube]. We’ve been getting calls from mainstream press — from politics, society and business press — that don’t usually cover these things.”
With the growth of programmatic, some media buyers and brands have focused on audience and reach more than on contextual experience in order to maximize media spend. “Some might be reconsidering the right place for the brand,” says Pousa. “The level of confidence is different from brand to brand. Some look for scale and reach and feel like they can weather the storm.”
But, she says, “I am not sure this is going to go away this time. It’s tied to a socio-political climate with global news impact. Even our Australia office, our Singapore office, is getting calls about [YouTube and brand safety].”
Pousa has commended Google for taking steps to address the issue and look for a solution. Whether this is truly a turning point for the industry, Pousa says, let’s chat again in six to eight weeks.
IAS’s Media Quality report analyzed brand risk across programmatic campaigns vs. publisher direct campaigns that run through its systems. (IAS looks at seven content categories: adult, alcohol, hate speech, illegal downloads, illegal drugs, offensive language and violence.)
While noting the current climate, the report also found that the volume of impressions flagged on objectionable content in the second half of 2016 in the US was actually down from the first half of the year from 9.5 percent to 8.6 percent across all buy types. In the second half of 2016, 9.5 percent of impressions were flagged for brand risk content on programmatic campaigns. For publisher direct campaigns it was less than half, at 4.6 percent. Adult content, offensive language and violence were the top sources of objectionable content flagged for both buy types.
On Methbot and ad fraud
In January, White Ops reported a giant botnet that spoofed premium publisher domains on which to capture video ad revenue. It was estimated to be siphoning $3 million to $5 million a day from publishers. That impact was disputed by many in the industry who said they’d quickly identified and isolated the threat. Pousa says it was a good PR effort, but “From our perspective, we see billions of impressions and only saw 0.03 percent of impression volume [from those URLs]. And others had a similar response. It was basically insignificant.”
It had the effect of scaring customers without real cause, says Pousa. “We see bots all the time and are constantly fighting an arms race. We see the same types of behavior from other bots.”
Still, the Methbot news can be viewed on a continuum of heightened awareness about fraud, fake news, Russian hacking and hyper-partisan propaganda on sites like Breitbart since election season. Methbot wasn’t just perpetrated by an old hacker group; it was perpetrated by Russian hackers. That fact likely added to the traction that report gained.
The IAS report does show several trends in ad fraud. One is that fraud is 88 percent higher on home pages than on article pages, but that the likelihood of fraud increases as articles age and bots have time to discover them. Two is that fraud risk increases between midnight and 4 a.m.
On optimizing for time and frequency
“If we start looking at time as the currency, we can start doing platform and publisher standards of time exposure. That starts changing the conversation,” says Pousa, because the MRC viewability baseline of one second is clearly not a indication of effectiveness.
The IAS report finds that most campaigns leave the vast majority of consumers underexposed to messaging, with 60 to 80 percent of users getting served just one or two impressions and 70 to 85 percent served just one viewable impression. Further, 50 to 65 percent of users are exposed to ads for a total of five seconds or less.
A new focus on time exposure, coupled with heightened awareness of brand safety, could reframe the way advertisers buy and evaluate digital media. IAS expects “advertisers will move past impression- and media-based metrics to consumer-based measurement,” with time exposure being the “new digital currency.”
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily MarTech. Staff authors are listed here.


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Motorola set to unveil something “exciting” on Wednesday
United States phone producer Motorola seems to have something rolled up its sleeves and which might see the light of the day very soon. The company said they will be handing out boxes to media men after an “exciting announcement” on Wednesday 25th February.
What lies in these boxes we do not know but the Moto Maxx maker promised to deliver a device “smarter than smartphones” very soon, we might be looking at the launch of a new smartphone, perhaps a flagship at that.
Motorola could also be on the way to unveiling the next generation Moto E but we’ll have to wait till Wednesday to confirm that.
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MUMBAI, Nov 1 ( KINS): The online application process for Haj 2022 began on Monday with Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi announcing significant reforms and enhanced facilities for the pilgrimage.
While announcing Haj 2022 at Haj House in south Mumbai, Naqvi said the entire Haj process will be 100 per cent digital/online. The last date of applying for Haj 2022 is January 31, 2022. People can also apply through the Haj mobile app, a statement quoting the minister said.
Indian Haj pilgrims will promote ‘vocal for local’ and go there with indigenous products, Naqvi said. Haj pilgrims used to buy bed sheets, pillows, towels, umbrellas and other items in Saudi Arabia in foreign currency but this time, most of these goods will be bought in India in Indian currency.
These goods will be available at almost 50 per cent lower prices in comparison to their cost in Saudi Arabia and will be given to pilgrims at their respective embarkation points in India. India sends 2 lakh Haj pilgrims every year and this arrangement will help save crores of rupees of Indian Haj pilgrims, the minister said.
The selection process of Haj pilgrims will be done as per coronavirus protocols and norms to be decided by Indian and Saudi Arabian Governments, he said.
The embarkation points have been reduced from 21 to 10 for Haj 2022, Naqvi said. These are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Cochin, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Srinagar.
Over 3,000 women had applied for Haj 2020 and 2021 under the “without Mehram” (male companion) category, he said. Their applications will be eligible for Haj 2022 also, he said, adding other women can also apply for Haj 2022 under the “without Mehram” category, under which they will be exempted from the lottery system. ( KINS)


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US: VTrips has purchased Carolina Retreats, Silver Sands Vacation Rentals, Tybee Vacation Rentals and Miss Kitty’s Fishing Getaways.
The latest acquisitions will see VTrips add more than 1,200 properties to its portfolio, taking its total to 7,000. As a result, VTrips will expand its presence in North Carolina (Carolina Retreats), Texas (Silver Sands Vacation Rentals and Miss Kitty’s Fishing Getaways), and Georgia (Tybee Vacation Rentals).
According to VTrips founder and CEO Steve Milo, the purchases were supported by the company’s profits and commercial bank debt.
Carolina Retreats in Topsail, North Carolina, comprises the largest of the four acquisitions by property count (435). Mike Harrington, founder and former president of the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), said in a statement: “As of June 1, Carolina Retreats has partnered with VTrips Holdings, a Florida-based vacation rental management company led by my good friend, Steve Milo.
“Steve and I go back over a decade when Steve was an early mentor of mine as I was getting started in the vacation rental management industry. We served on the board of the VRMA together, where Steve was instrumental in helping me bring back innovative ideas to help improve our homeowners’ revenue and property care and delight our guests.”
Harrington will serve in a business development role at VTrips and will retain ownership of his hotel business, VRM Intel reported.
Carolina Retreats, Tybee Vacation Rentals, and Silver Sands were advised by Ben Edwards of Weatherby Consulting on the deal.
Milo said: “Having Ben and the team at Weatherby Consulting involved ensures a professional process and that a deal can be moved at lightning speed. We also know Ben and his team have personally vetted the companies, making them more attractive.”
President of C2G Advisors, Jacobie Olin, represented Miss Kitty’s Fishing Getaways. Olin said: “It was a pleasure representing Dawn Huff at Miss Kitty’s Fishing Getaways through the acquisition. She has built a strong brand in Rockport, and we’re happy to see VTrips lead the company into the future. It was a seamless and professional process working with the VTrips team throughout the transaction.”
The four additions to VTrips portfolio come at a time when the company is rapidly expanding. This year, VTrips has announced the acquisition of Southern Vacation Rentals and Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacation Rentals.


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Web.com, the parent company of Australian domain registrar and online solutions provider Dreamscape Networks, has acquired Kiwi domain and web hosting provider Freeparking, an Umbrellar Group premium brand.
Established in 2000, the Freeparking Group has grown to be a leading player in the New Zealand domain name and web hosting space, claiming over 90,000 unique customers.
The company’s brands include Freeparking, Openhost, Discount Domains, Domains4less and a dedicated online marketing agency, Synapse.
“The team at Freeparking are pleased to announce that we are joining forces with Web.com Group,” Freeparking Group general manager Robert Rolls said.
“In doing so, we will be positioned to provide our customers with even greater service and an international standard of market leading online services, unlocking further growth potential for our customers’ businesses,” he added.
The acquisition sees Web.com, a major US-based domain name and web technology provider, round out its expansion across Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, following its A$105 million acquisition of Dreamscape Networks last year.
The deal also sees Dreamscape Networks CEO Mark Evans step in to manage Freeparking, post-acquisition, as part of the Dreamscape portfolio of brands, which includes Australian domain and web hosting provider Crazy Domains and Singapore-based internet solutions provider Vodien Internet.
“New Zealand is a nation built on small and micro businesses, making up 97 per cent of firms,” Evans said. “This acquisition with Freeparking reflects our commitment to growing New Zealand as a core market.
“With Web.com Group, Dreamscape Networks and Freeparking joining forces, local businesses can expect more innovative online solutions to take them through these extraordinary times and beyond. Our product portfolio is growing and we’ll continue with our ‘best-in-world’ service,” he added.
For Sharon Rowlands, Web.com Group CEO and president, Freeparking represents a natural extension for the company’s web technology brands.


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Good news for Motorola DROID Bionic owners this weekend, as word has begun circulating that a soak test for an impending Bionic update is in the works. According to a report out of Droid-Life, Motorola is prepping a soak test for the Bionic, which will involve the company sending an update to a batch of testers to make sure it's working as it should before unleashing the new software to the public.
So what might this mystery update be? We'll have to wait until more details on the soak test leak out before we know for sure, but Droid-Life suggests that it may be build 5.9.902, which is reportedly an update of the maintenance variety. That may not be quite as exciting as a bump up to Ice Cream Sandwich (which Moto has said the Bionic will eventually be getting), but hey, a bug fix update is better than no update at all. As usual, you Bionic folk can bet that we'll pass along more details as we get them. Stay tuned!


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NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple on Thursday handed a big victory to publishers by dropping demands they sell subscriptions through its App Store, a rare reversal for the iPad makers.
Apple now allows publishers to set pricing for subscriptions while no longer requiring them to sell subscriptions within the App Store.
IPad and iPhone users can now read magazines and books, or play music and videos bought outside of Apple’s App Store as long as there is no button or external link to purchase the content, the company said on Thursday.
Apple will not receive any of the revenues for approved content purchased outside the app.
The move is a huge win for media conglomerates at odds with the tech company over what they considered rigid standards.
“I am a little surprised they took this long,” Gartner media analyst Mike McGuire said about Apple’s change of heart. “I think it makes sense.”
Apple started its subscription service for magazines, newspapers, videos and music in February with little support from major publishers.
Publishers initially blanched at Apple’s terms to take about 30 percent of revenue for apps purchased in its store and its control of subscriber data, the lifeline of newspapers and magazines used to entice advertisers to their pages.
Publishers were allowed to set the price and length of subscriptions. They could also offer subscriptions through their own websites, but had to offer the same terms to anyone signing up through Apple. Publishers had until June 30 to comply with the guidelines.
“They could see that, if they continued in their old policy, they could lose a central advantage, which was the iPad becoming a central reading device of our time,” said Ken Doctor an analyst with Outsell Research.
In recent months, some publishers, including Conde Nast, which owns titles such as the New Yorker and Vanity Fair, made a deal with Apple to sell subscriptions in the App Store.
Earlier this week, the Financial Times put up a Web-based version of its mobile application for smartphones and tablet computers, essentially freeing itself from the App Store.
“We will be giving consideration to Apple’s terms within this context,” said FT.com Managing Director Rob Grimshaw. “While it’s certainly positive that they have made concessions, the FT still wouldn’t be able sell subscriptions within a native app using our own payment system.”
Reporting by Jennifer Saba in New York and Poornima Gupta in San Francisco; editing by Maureen Bavdek, Lisa Von Ahn and Andre Grenon


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15 Sep: Rebirth of the MINI
Rerun. BMW unveiled its redesigned MINI for the first time, on 15th September, 1997; the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Its predecessor had been in production for 41 years.
Reborn as a ‘city’ car, rather than a micro compact, and with Union flags painted on its roof, this was the moment the iconic brand became seen as cheeky, sporty and British – but not, actually, especially small.
In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how the MINI has its roots in the Suez Crisis; ask why the similar VW Beetle reboot was discontinued in 2019; and reveal how many people can officially squeeze into a ‘new’ Mini…
• ‘ROVER SHOWS NEW MINI; LAUNCH IS 2000’ (Automotive News Europe, 1997): https://europe.autonews.com/article/19970915/ANE/709150811/rover-shows-new-mini-launch-is-2000
• ‘The history of the Mini in pictures’ (Daily Telegraph, 2013): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/picturegalleries/10457166/The-history-of-the-Mini-in-pictures.html?frame=2737732
• How the BBC covered the launch (1997):
‘Why am I hearing a rerun?’ We’re planning exciting new things for the autumn, and we’re banking that most of you haven’t heard it yet. So stick with us.


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Amazon Forest on Fire!
Some will take time away from navel gazing to observe that there is a fire raging in the Amazon forest.
Some of us fondly remember all those years ago studying that tropical rain forest in geography classe.
The blogmaster – if he could – would like to know how many Barbadians- adults and children- understand the effect this fire is wrecking on the global ecosystem of which Barbados is a part.
Macron Calls on G7 Countries to Discuss Amazon Forest in SummitBy
French President Emmanuel Macron is calling on G7 countries to discuss what he described as an emergency in the Amazon rainforest.
In a tweet, Macron said the issue should top the list of topics on the agenda of a summit scheduled to start this weekend.Brazil’s policy toward the Amazon has been under scrutiny over the past few days as data from the country’s National Institute of Space Research show an 84% year-on-year increase in forest fires in 2019.


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Rohde & Schwartz has released a software package that allows its range of oscilloscopes and spectrum analysers to be used to measure and analyse NFC radio signals. The company’s R&S FS-K112PC software tool measures and displays detailed information about NFC signals from polling and listening devices and works with NFC-A, NFC-B and NFC-C (Felica) protocols.
- Discover joins effort to speed up EMV checkout
- Amex bot notifies purchases through Facebook Messenger
- Walmart Pay arrives in 15 more states
- ABN Amro takes payments to WhatsApp
- EMV claims more than a third of global card-present payments


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2013 Lexus GS to Debut with a First Super Bowl Commercial [VIDEO]
Lexus is going to be one of the most successful brands this year, hosting new vehicles coming to market in 2012. To kick off the product onslaught, the company has decided to make an impressive debut with its first-ever Super Bowl commercial for Super Bowl XLVI. It will be aired for the fist time on Sunday, February 5 on NBC, so stay tuned.
Moreover this year Lexus is going to introduce nine new or updated models. The Super Bowl has given the luxury brand the great opportunity to reach a highly engaged audience of 50 million people. In the commercial, is put highlight on the all-new 2013 Lexus GS which will be launched in February. In details, the 0:30 seconds commercial is scheduled to run during the first half of Super Bowl XLVI. You can have a sneak peak of 0:15 seconds of the advertisement on Lexus social media channels.
Leading up to its Super Bowl commercial, Lexus is undertaking unique social media activation under the name TweetDrive Engineered by Lexus, which airs live on NBCSports.com. Moreover it offers the fans the opportunity to earn yardage, move their "team" down the field and score a touchdown during the actual playoff games and throughout the week. The object of the game is to gain enough yards to score a touchdown. For more details about the game you can visit all official Lexus online sources.
But, let's have a quick look at the above mentioned commercial:
Video Source: YouTube


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Epic, Improbable start $25 million fund
“Unity has clarified to us that this change effectively makes it a breach of terms to operate or create SpatialOS games using Unity, including in development and production games,” Improbable said today.
As soon as I read the news earlier today about Unity’s decision regarding SpatialOS games, I knew it was only a matter of time before another engine partnered with them. I just wasn’t expecting them to put forth such an absurdly large amount of money.
Now maybe a portion of that can be used to invest in some proper documentation.


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More than fifteen years on from the release of the last MechWarrior game, a sequel, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, has been announced.
The title will be the series’s second outing under developer Piranha Games, the first being the poorly-received multiplayer game MechWarrior Online. Unlike that game, however, Mercenaries is currently expected to only feature a single-player campaign.
As in previous titles in the series, the bulk of the gameplay will take place in the cockpit of a bipedal war machine, with the game offering more than the typical first-person shooter through its squad command system. Furthermore, players will also be tasked acquiring, maintaining, and enhancing additional BattleMechs, ensuring customisation is present in a genre that so readily deserves it.
Familiarity with the series will not be necessary as the game seems to have few links to the past. Players will step into the shoes of a mercenary caught up in a war between various factions, though how much freedom this setting offers in terms of allowing players to choose their allegiances has not been made clear. Despite this, the developers have promised an “immersive” campaign “driven by player choice.”
A brief gameplay trailer, showcasing the process of entering the BattleMech and engaging in combat, was released alongside the announcement:
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is the latest entry in a series that stretches back to 1989’s MechWarrior, by Dynamix. Several developers, including SOCOM studio Zipper Interactive, have worked on previous entries. Furthermore, the MechWarrior series is only one part of the larger BattleTech franchise, which has its origins in tabletop wargaming. Another video game in this larger series is also in development, BattleTech, a turn-based strategy game from Shadowrun Returns developer Harebrained Schemes, scheduled for release in 2017.
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is currently set for release on PC in 2018. You can find out more about the game at its official website.


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Carphone Warehouse has revealed this weekend that earlier in the week the company’s IT systems got hacked and up to 2.4-million of its customers’ personal information including names, addresses and bank details may have been compromised.
An investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Met Cyber Crime department is under way to find out the severity of the breach of security during the cyber-attack which was spotted by Carphone Warehouse (now part of Dixons Carphone) on Wednesday. Customers of the main brand and subsidiaries such as E2Save were informed via a precautionary email on Saturday with details on how to proceed.
The email reads in part: “We take the security of your data extremely seriously, and we have put in place additional security measures to prevent further attacks. Nevertheless, we felt it was important to let you know as soon as possible.” – However, it did take three days for this news to reach customers, causing outrage on Twitter and social networking sites.
The reports so far suggest that up to 90,000 of the affected customers could have had valuable credit card information accessed and customers are advised to check their online banking to ensure no fraudulent activity has already taken place, and also to contact the bank so they can flag any unusual transactions in the near future.
Customers are also being advised to be wary concerning any phone calls asking for banking details or passwords and to also contact Experian or Equifax to make sure credit and loans have not been taken out in the customer’s name using information obtained in the hack.
Carphone Warehouse also provides the number for Action Fraud which is 0300 123 2040.


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LAHORE (APP): Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) Sunday urged the government to take concrete steps for increasing country’s exports in the international markets.
Carpet Training Institute (CTI) Chairperson Parvez Hanif, PCMEA Group Leader Abdul Latif Malik, Vice Chairman Ejaz-ur-Rehman, Senior Executive Members Riaz Ahmed and Saeed Khan told the media here that previously, Pakistan earned millions of dollars through carpet export. However, they demanded of the government to support all types of exports of Pakistani handmade carpets to the world market.
They mentioned that PCMEA has since long been calling for solving solving carpet sector’s problems to increase its exports. “We want the government to play a key role in solving the long-standing problems of the handloom carpet industry,” CTI Chairperson said.
Pakistan’s handmade carpet products has a unique identity around the world; therefore, manufacturers and exporters, who had been working for decades, were emotionally attached to it despite unfavorable conditions. “Despite having small resources, our carpet exporters are taking all steps to compete with their competitors especially India,” said Abdul Latif Malik.
The PCMEA leaders said that handloom carpet industry can also provide employment to people in rural areas at their doorsteps. It urged the government to assign special tasks to all Pakistani embassies across the globe to help exporters promote ‘Made in Pakistan’ products. They urged the government to appoint commercial attaches in Pakistani Missions abroad with a special task to help increase Pakistani exports.
The post Give carpet industry priority for increasing exports: PCMEA appeared first on The Frontier Post.


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With the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S3, industry watchers have started to speculate on the capabilities of the latest smartphone offering of the South Korean company. Among the features of the Samsung Galaxy S3 that piqued the interest of industry watchers was its latest application for its camera. The smartphone comes with an eight-megapixel camera that offers crisp and colorful images with its auto mode offering similar results as the Samsung Galaxy S2.
However some have indicated that some of the colors on the images produced using the camera of the Samsung Galaxy SIII may be a bit too saturated for their tastes.
The camera of the Samsung Galaxy S3 also gives users the capability of shooting in burst and HDR mode. The device also features friend tagging as well as Buddy share which allows users to email or text an image to a person who was tagged in. However one industry watcher who was able to test the camera of the Samsung Galaxy SIII was not able to send some images that were taken immediately.
Face-tagging is also possible using the camera of the Samsung Galaxy S3. Even as the camera of the latest Samsung smartphone appears impressive, it may take some time before users will be able to fully optimize as the features of the device. Integrating the camera of the Samsung Galaxy S3 has also impressed a number of industry watchers which would allow users to share their photos easily.
Although the specific release date of the Samsung Galaxy S3 in the US market has remained unannounced, it appears that users who may not want to sign up for a two-year contract that typically comes with devices that are offered through the different mobile service providers, they can opt to pre-order it through Expansys.
Recent reports have indicated that the Samsung Galaxy SIII is reportedly already available for pre-orders through Expansys although it will cost more than the carrier-subsidized devices. The smartphone, which is the international version of the device, is reportedly priced at around $695.
For consumers who find the price tag a bit too steep, they can opt to wait for the US version of the Samsung Galaxy SIII to be released after its debit in Europe and save up a good amount of cash.