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Paris-based hospitality giant AccorHotels has completed its acquisition of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. The enterprise value represents €482 million and encompasses 100 percent of Mövenpick’s share capital, as well as ownership of the Mövenpick brand for all activities related to the hospitality business.
Mövenpick’s portfolio includes 84 properties with more than 20,000 rooms and a pipeline of 42 hotels slated to open before December 2021. The Mövenpick network consolidates AccorHotels’ footprint in Europe and Asia while accelerating growth in Africa and the Middle East, where Mövenpick has significant brand awareness. AccorHotels, meanwhile, has a portfolio of more than 4,500 hotels, resorts and residences and 10,000 private homes.
“With a footprint in more than 20 countries, we strongly believe Mövenpick represents a strategic opportunity to bring synergies and new developments in key areas,” said Sebastien Bazin, CEO of AccorHotels, in a statement. “Mövenpick’s European-Swiss heritage and its combination of modernity and authenticity embodied by committed and talented teams fit perfectly with AccorHotels’ core value. Along with our new partners and thanks to our strengthened brand offering further enhancing the variety of experiences available to our clients, we look forward to a rewarding future together.”
With the close of this acquisition, AccorHotels has become the largest operator by room number in the Middle East and Africa with a committed network (operational and pipeline) of over 400 hotels representing almost 100,000 rooms across the region.
It's been a busy summer for AccorHotels, which announced plans to take a 50-percent stake in Sam Nazarian's SBE Entertainment Group (owner of the Morgans Hotel Group) in June, and signed an agreement to acquire 85 percent of 21c Museum Hotels, the Louisville, Ky.-based hospitality management company that combines museums and hotels into a unified concept. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to acquire Atton hotels across Chile, Peru, Colombia and Florida as well as a 50-percent stake in South Africa’s Mantis Hotels; and completed its integration of Australia’s Mantra Hotels.


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At the Intel Developers Forum in San Francisco, California, Intel announced 'Joule' as a powerful and "sophisticated maker board" with a RealSense depth-sensing camera and showcased one potential use for the technology in a pair of smart glasses.
As demonstrated by Intel, the Pivot Head augmented reality safety glasses powered by Joule could be used in aircraft manufacturing. The glasses could be worn by an employee throughout tasks like attaching bolts in all the right places and the smart glasses would be able to verify that the job has been done correctly by supplying real-time feedback on a person's performance.
This is just one of the many potential applications of Intel's Joule. The tiny maker board could be used to power a variety of robotics, AR, VR and IoT devices.

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BlackBerry OS 10 and Windows Phone 8 each want a slice of the Android/Apple-dominated smartphone pie. We take a look at the BlackBerry Z10 and the Nokia Lumia 920 side by side to see how the flagship phones compare.
From Nokia's new music service to new iPad rumors, here's what you missed over the weekend.
A $3.99 monthly fee unlocks unlimited song-skipping and downloading for Lumia owners.
Smartphone sales skyrocketed last year, thanks in large part to Samsung and Apple, but Huawei and ZTE also made gains as Nokia took a tumble, according to new stats.
Together, Samsung and Apple account for 15 percent of semiconductor consumption as orders from Nokia, PC makers drop sharply, Gartner reports.
The Windows Phone-based Samsung Ativ Odyssey will be available from Verizon, starting tomorrow, while new colors for the Lumia 822 and Droid Razr M arrive on Valentine's Day.
Nokia has released a 3D-printing kit that will allow those with a 3D printer to create their own case for the Lumia 820.
Nokia's restructuring efforts continue with today's announcement that it will lay off another 300 employees.
Topping tech headlines Thursday, Apple's Tim Cook met with China Mobile's chairman to reportedly discuss a future partnership while Phil Schiller dismissed the notion of a cheap iPhone for emerging markets, Google chief Eric Schmidt tried to convince North Korea to loosen its Web restrictions, and Nokia sold 4.4 million Lumia smartphones in a better-than-expected fourth quarter.
Nokia today announced that it sold 4.4 million Lumia smartphones in the fourth quarter, up from 2.9 million in the months before.
Samsung continues to rule the mobile market, carrying 27 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers as of November, more than it did in the three months prior, and almost 10 percent more than Apple.
Mobile messaging application WhatsApp ended 2012 on a high note —very high: The service processed a record-breaking total 18 billion messages on Dec. 31 alone.
Over the past few weeks, I've been carrying around two Windows Phones: the Nokia Lumia 920 and the HTC Windows Phone 8X. Both run Windows Phone 8 and, on the surface, the two phones are quite similar.
One of the first handsets shipping with Windows Phone 8, the big, beautiful Nokia Lumia 920 is the most powerful, versatile option available. But the phone itself is overgrown, and the platform has some growing to do.
How Nokia uses electron microscopes and 3D X-Rays to find out what killed your phone.
As a platform for the upcoming generation of mobile communications devices, MeeGo shows considerable promise. As the next great netbook app it shows less; it's dependent on developers to fill in the missing pieces, which leaves the vanilla download a bit shaky. But it could be the start of something big for seriously casual users who find Windows or Mac OS intimidating.
The Nokia 7705 Twist isn't a great performer, but it offers Verizon subscribers looking for a messaging device a way to stand out from the crowd—and you can even see through it.


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Austin has been at the top of several lists in the past decade. Most recent, the University of Texas System ranked 7th among Reuters’ 100 “World’s Most Innovative Universities” and our booming tech sector ranked first among cities for starting a business in June 2015. In spite of the positives, the threat of patent trolls looms ominously overhead for many innovators, especially in Texas where we — yet again — are in the lead as most “patent troll-friendly.” Having spent the last 25 years founding and growing tech companies and as a co-founder and mentor at Capital Factory, I’ve seen a wide range of technology companies at all stages of growth. I’ve witnessed hundreds of tech startups flocking to Austin with groundbreaking ideas and entrepreneurial inspiration.
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The new cellulosic bio-coating for fresh produce dramatically reduces both packaging and food waste by coating produce with, well, produce.
the Swiss Federal Laboratory for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) and reseller Switzerland collaborated to develop a protective cellulose coating for fruits and vegetables.
Plastic packaging in grocery stores protects fruits and vegetables from spoilage, but also creates significant amounts of often non-recyclable waste. In collaboration with Lidl Switzerland, Empa researchers have developed a protective cover for fruit and vegetables made from renewable raw materials. If used at scale, the innovation could significantly reduce both packaging and food waste.
In Empa’s Cellulose & Wood Materials laboratory, researchers then spent more than a year developing a special protective coating made of cellulose that can be applied to fruits and vegetables. Result: coated fruits and vegetables stay fresh much longer. In tests, the shelf life of, for example, bananas and cucumbers has been extended by more than a week, which could significantly reduce wastage of fresh produce.
“The big goal is that these bio-based coatings can replace many petroleum-based packaging in the future,” said Gustav NystromHead of the Cellulose and Wood Materials Laboratory at Empa.
Empa’s process takes a substance called pomace – the solid residue left after juicing fruits, vegetables or plants (in this case, carrots) – and turns it into fibrillated cellulose. Previously, this by-product was disposed of in biogas plants or directly in the field; in the future, it can be used to create a protective coating for fresh fruit.
“We have developed a process that allows us to extract the cellulose naturally contained in these vegetables which cannot be sold otherwise”, explains Nyström.
The coating is either sprayed on the fruit or applied to the produce as a dip and is easy to wash off, although it is safe to eat. The potential of cellulosic coatings is still being explored, including, for example, the possibility of adding vitamins or antioxidants. Building on similar food waste reduction solutions offered by companies such as Apeel Sciences — and the growing move by retailers towards reusable, compostable and other circular packaging solutions — Empa/Lidl innovation could help significantly reduce food and single-use packaging waste for the retail detail.
The bottom of these 10-day-old bananas is protected by Empa’s cellulose coating. | Image credit: Manifesto Films/Lidl Switzerland
“Our new coating technology is a milestone in our company’s history,” said
Torsten Friedrich, CEO of Lidl Switzerland. “With this protective film, we will not only make a significant contribution to reducing food waste and packaging materials, but we will also help to extend the expiry dates of food products for our at-home customers.”
France has just become the first country to ban individual plastic packaging for cucumbers and 30 other types of fruit and vegetables. The law has just come into effect, with a complete phase-out of other products by 2026. The government estimates that it will eliminate more than a billion plastic packaging per year.
According to fast business, the researchers concede that plastic probably still protects fruit better: “Plastic creates an almost perfect barrier; and it is difficult to replicate with natural, biodegradable or edible material like we have,” Nyström said. “So it’s not really a fair comparison.”
Still, the solution holds great promise – and as more countries and companies follow France’s lead and ban more and more types of plastic food packaging, solutions such as cellulose liners are expected to be a game changer for food shippers and retailers.
Empa says the cellulose layer will be tested and further improved over the next two years, together with Lidl Switzerland and a fruit and vegetable supplier – with the aim of rolling out the new technology to all 150 Lidl Switzerland stores after the success of the main trial.


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Google announced that it’s next update to Android carries the moniker “KitKat” and will soon find its way to a smartphone and tablet community that’s officially hit one billion activations. Google’s competing with Apple for attention. The iPhone maker announced […]
- Huawei CFO awaits extradition hearing as Asian markets register disappointing gains
- Can matter be digitised? Crypto-guru Vinay Gupta is banking on it
- New artificially intelligent drones programmed to have anguished existential thoughts when soaring above landscapes
- Gadgets Galore: New Improved Google Home and Three New Smartphones
- When Will Computers Take The Quantum Leap?


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Delta Galil Industries Ltd. is investing in the future of fashion and textile design in Israel with a $300,000 donation to Shenkar College.
The donation, which is described by the company as an “investment in the future generation of designers and textiles development in Israel,” will commemorate Dov Lautman, the late founder of the global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private-label apparel products for men, women and children.
Alberta Ferretti's "Rainbow Week" sweaters are back. The designer closed her #MFW show with a few day-of-the-week sweaters, which first debuted on the catwalk last January as part of the pre-fall 2017 collection. #wwdfashion (📷: @delphineachard)


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Montana Lawmakers Score Big Win, As Small Gaming Taverns Qualify for PPP Loans
Posted on: April 15, 2020, 06:31h.
Last updated on: April 15, 2020, 11:39h.
Few gaming states celebrated Tuesday’s announcement by the US Department of Treasury that officially expanded the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan initiatives for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. However, Montana’s gaming establishments certainly had reason to celebrate.
On Tuesday, the federal government changed the rule regarding gaming income for PPP loans. Previously, any business that generated more than a third of its revenue from gaming could not apply for the program designed to help small businesses keep employees on their payroll during the coronavirus pandemic.
The new rule capped gaming revenue at $1 million for 2019. However, gaming revenue cannot exceed half of the total income for the business.
So, why is this good news for Montana?
Most gaming states license casinos that generate the majority of their revenues from offering hundreds of slots and possibly table games. While Montana does have 13 tribal casinos and 150 card rooms, it also has 1,418 taverns and other businesses that offer electronic gaming devices, according to the American Gaming Association. Those licensed businesses have about 17,500 machines, or an average of 12.4 games per location.
Montana taxes those terminals at 15 percent, and for the 2019 calendar year, according to the state Department of Justice, it collected $63.8 million. That works out to a combined gaming revenue of $425.3 million.
Based on that, the average gaming income of Montana’s licensees was just less than $300,000 last year.
So, if a Montana tavern made $700,000 in total revenue last year, and $300,000 came from gaming, it was ineligible for a PPP loan under the old rule.
Now, however, it qualifies.
Montana Elected Leaders Elated
While one Nevada lawmaker lambasted the move, all three members of Montana’s Congressional delegation issued statements Tuesday hailing the change.
US Sen. Jon Tester (D) noted that the previous gaming provision would have kept many of the state’s small businesses that offer more products than just gaming from getting the assistance they need to keep the doors open.
Montana’s Main Street taverns are important small businesses that provide jobs and food, especially in frontier communities,” Tester said. “I’m glad the Administration heard us loud and clear and reversed course, giving these employers much-needed relief as we deal with the effects of COVID-19.”
Republicans US Sen. Steve Daines and US Rep. Greg Gianforte also applauded the move. While Tester contacted SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza, Daines and Gianforte both sent letters to President Trump asking for his help.
Daines said the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted more than 40,000 jobs in the state.
“I fought hard to ensure Montana’s taverns and bars are eligible for the same relief as other small businesses across the state to keep their workers employed,” Daines said. “I’m glad the Small Business Administration acted quickly on my request to protect jobs and get this done for Montana workers.”
Is It Too Late?
The question now becomes, is there enough time and money left for Montana’s taverns?
When Congress passed the $2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief package last month, it included $349 billion for the PPP loan program. The SBA opened the application process earlier this month, and small businesses clamoring for assistance have pounced on the opportunity for the first-come, first-served funding.
According to the American Bankers Association, as of Monday, more than 1 million PPP loans have been approved for a total of $248 billion.
Small businesses with no more than 500 employees are eligible to apply. They can qualify for a loan that would cover two-and-a-half months of payroll, with a cap of $10 million. The loan is forgivable if businesses use at least three-quarters of it to cover payroll. The remainder can be used to cover rent, utility, and other essential costs.
Trump has been calling for an extension of the program, requesting another $250 billion to be added when Congress takes up the next COVID-19 relief package. However, with the House of Representatives not expected to reconvene until next month, it may be several weeks before that round of funding becomes available.
“Money is going out,” Trump told reporters Tuesday. “It’s been a tremendous program, really. It’s been, and obviously it was at a point where we’re almost… the money will be expired, and we could use a refill for the workers. We want to be able to make sure that small businesses stay open.”


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Our most recent video shoot for the “I Fly UltraCam” customer testimonial video series took us to Sabah, one of the two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. There we visited with Mr. Robert Cheng, Senior Director of the Sabah Lands & Surveys Department who told us about the agency’s 5-year quest to acquire an aerial camera system that finally concluded with the decision to purchase an UltraCam Osprey nadir/oblique system from Vexcel Imaging. In the video, Cheng explains their reasons for purchasing the Osprey and why he can now boast “I fly UltraCam!”
Check out the video with the informative interviews as well as fantastic footage of the island.
Congratulations to Mr. Cheng and the entire team at Sabah Lands & Surveys Department. Welcome to the UltraCam Family!
-Jerry Skaw, Vexcel Imaging


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A Focus on Sustainability
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, consumers are increasingly turning to sustainable products and services. Companies are taking notice and making changes, too. From fast fashion to food waste, sustainability practices are becoming more common across industries. And it’s not just about corporate social responsibility; consumers are actively seeking out eco-friendly options. According to a study by Nielsen, nearly three-quarters of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products. This shift towards sustainability represents not just a trend, but a movement towards a more responsible and conscious future.
Smart devices, wearable tech, and virtual assistants are just the beginning of the technological advancements that are shaping consumer behavior. From drones to self-driving cars, from AI to blockchain, technology is changing the way we interact with products and services. This has led to a more streamlined, efficient, and personalized consumer experience. It’s not just about convenience, either; technology is making products and services more accessible to people with disabilities, for example. As we continue to innovate, the possibilities are endless.
Local and Independent Business
While big-box stores and online shopping still dominate the market, consumers are showing more interest in supporting local and independent businesses. This trend isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s about investing in communities and the people who live in them. When you shop local, you’re more likely to find unique products, support local jobs, and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, it feels good to know that you’re contributing to the local economy. This trend is particularly important as small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. By shopping local, we can help to keep our neighborhoods thriving.
Wellness and Self-Care
As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced and stressful, many consumers are prioritizing their mental and physical health. This has led to a surge in interest in wellness and self-care products and services. From meditation apps to fitness tracking devices, from organic skincare to CBD supplements, consumers are looking for ways to take care of themselves. This trend has been particularly important during the pandemic; with many people feeling isolated and anxious, self-care has become an essential part of maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
Consumers are demanding that brands and companies not only acknowledge diversity but celebrate it. This trend is reflected not just in advertising and marketing but in product development as well. From inclusive sizing to diverse product lines, consumers are looking for companies to reflect the diversity of their customers. This trend isn’t just about optics; it’s about creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By celebrating diversity, we can ensure that everyone feels seen and valued. If you loved this article therefore you would like to obtain more info with regards to https://redfood24.de/ generously visit our web-page.
As we move forward into the future, it’s clear that consumer trends are shaping the way we live, work, and shop. By staying positive and focusing on the trends that promote sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, we can create a better world for ourselves and for future generations.
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The latest Nokia flagship from HMD Global – the Nokia 8 was recently launched in different countries across the globe. Now, key sources suggest that the premium handset is all set to receive the new Android 8.0 Oreo update by the end of October.
That said, a specific rollout date or release schedule for Nokia 8’s Android Oreo update still remains unknown at the moment. However, HMD officials have promised that the handset will get the Android 8.0 update.
Android 8.0 or Android Oreo brings forth a wide array of new features and improvements. These include support for Android Instant apps, improved battery management, more streamlined Notification channels as well as support for enhanced Picture-in-picture mode. Not to forget, Android 8.0 also brings faster boot speeds which should make supported Pixel devices load twice as twice compared to Android Nougat.
Elsewhere, Android 8.0 or Android Oreo also brings notifications badges for app icons, which essentially allows users to quickly skim through what’s new. While with Android Instant Apps, you can jump right into new apps directly from your browser without having to install that app.
Android Oreo 8.0 also comes with a Wi-Fi Assistant feature to help users quickly connect their devices to open Wi-Fi hotspots, which will be secured with a Google-backed VPN. Others features included are support for adaptive icons, ambient screen support, downloadable fonts, full color management support, along with an along with an accessibility volume and button.
Apart from these changes, Android 8.0 arrives with over 60 new emojis.
Meanwhile, the Nokia 8 flagship was unveiled at an event in London last month which came with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. Now, sources suggest that new variant of the handset is geared for its US release. The handset was apparently spotted on US FCC listing with 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage.
In addition, the Nokia 8 will also get support for ANT+feature and WCDMA Band IV listings which allows users to keep track of health and fitness data in real-time directly on the smartphone.
Key specs on the Nokia 8 include a 5.3-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Under the hood, the smartphone gets powered by the latest Snapdragon 835 processor and runs Android 7.1.1 OS out-of-the-box. The highlight of the Nokia 8 is its dual-lens primary camera with Zeiss Optics. The Nokia 8 comes with a dual-lens camera setup featuring a 13MP RGB sensor and a 13MP monochrome sensor.


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Global HDD capacity expected to be restored to 80% in 1Q12
Ocean Chen, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES
The global production capacity of hard disk drives (HDDs) will increase to 140-145 million units, about 80% of the level before flooding hit Thailand in late 2011, in the first quarter of 2012, according to industry sources.
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Insomniacs, technology journalists and Apple fans in Australia will be up at 3am AEST on Wednesday, September 16, to tune into the live stream of Apple's iPad, Apple Watch and Apple One event.
We should learn about more watchOS 7 features and the differences between the more affordable Apple Watch SE model and the flagship Apple Watch Series 6 model.
The SE model is expected to be plastic and lose the ECG feature and the always on display, while the flagship model is expected to offer more battery life because of the sleep tracking feature - along with other surprises.
The standard, 8th-gen iPad is expected to get an Apple 12X processor, while the 4th-gen iPad Air is expected to get an Apple 14X processor and to look more like an iPad Pro with very small bezels, along with a Touch ID sensor in the power button.
The Apple One bundle is expected to offer a range of services such as Apple News+, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and Apple Music at a cheaper, bundled price, with a range of bundles expected if you want more iCloud storage. I'm certainly hoping for a great price here as I do subscribe to some but not all of Apple's services.
Of course, no-one except Apple's inner circle truly knows what will be launched on the day, but numerous leakers and rumour-mongers have said that the new iPhone 12 models will be launched in October instead.
Apple's CFO, Luca Maestri, did state during Apple most recent earnings call that the iPhone 12 would be delayed by a few weeks, so it seems clear that there will definitely be no iPhone 12 news this week - but as with all things Apple, expecting the unexpected during a launch event is always fun.
So, how can you watch the September 2020 Apple "Time Flies" keynote?
The absolute easiest way for everybody to watch on just about any modern connected device is via YouTube and Apple's official page. We've embedded the upcoming stream below for your convenience.
If you have an Apple TV, you can launch the Apple TV app, which has an "Apple Event" section, and you'll find a "What to Watch" section inside. The "Time Flies" logo will be within - select it and you'll be able to tune in once the keynote starts.
Of course anyone with an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Mac can visit Apple's website where a link will take you to the live stream - or just watch via the YouTube link above.
If you're using macOS Catalina, you can watch via Apple's site or YouTube too, but the Apple TV app is another way to watch.
Windows PC users can watch using the Edge browser or the YouTube app.
Android smartphones and tablets can watch via YouTube, as can Chromebook users.
Macworld notes that Apple fans in China, who obviously don't have easy access to YouTube but presumably could still watch via the Apple website, are able to watch via "Bilibili, iQIYI, Tencent, and Youku".


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Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 15
By Elnur Baghishov – Trend:
Iran’s Gilan province holds 21st place in the country in the area of exports, the ISNA news agency quoted the Customs Controller of Iran’s Gilan province Abulgasim Yusifnejad as saying.
Some 680,000 tons of products were exported from this province in the first 8 months of the current year (beginning from March 21, 2018), he added.
He noted that the volume of the exported products have increased by 139 percent in terms of weight and by 67 percent in terms of value expressed in US dollars.
Yusifnejad added that the mentioned statistical indicators decreased by 1 percent in terms of weight as compared with the same period of the last year, but 14 percent growth was recorded in economic terms.
The customs controller of Gilan province said the products valued at $ 534 million were imported this year. Although the volume of imports increased by 37 percent in terms of weight, it decreased by 9 percent in terms of value expressed in US dollars.
Yusifnejad said 62 percent of Iran’s exports to Russia fall to the share of Gilan province, and the total value of exports to Russia exceeded $100 millions. Some 27 percent growth has been recorded in terms of weight, and 33 percent growth in terms of economic indicators.
“This year, we imported 1325 railcars of goods in the volume of 80,000 tons and in the value of $14.4 million. In addition, we exported 1007 railcars of goods valued at $11.4 million, and we carried out 123 transit operations,” he noted.


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Finovate's Day of More: Onsite Reporting
NEW YORK — More security. More loyal members.
Call the second day at the Finovate fin tech innovation conference a day of more, as the record-setting audience of more than 1,400 heard 35 companies attempt to leave a powerful impression in seven minutes.
One that succeeded was longtime credit union favorite Malauzai, the Austin, Texas-based mobile apps developer that has a marketing relationship with Catalyst Corporate FCU.
The Malauzai message was different: Less is more, said co-founder Robb Gaynor, who predicted a "marginalization" of online banking as more members switch to mobile.
At Finovate, Gaynor sweetened that pot by introducing what Malauzai called smart web apps, which are designed to let institutions bypass Internet banking and its expense. Instead, members using a desktop or laptop access a mobile banking platform that, Gaynor said, would be so good members wouldn’t miss Internet banking.
Significant cost savings would be the benefit to credit unions that go this route, Gaynor said.
For more member loyalty, the loudestpitch came from Larky, a Michigan company with backing from Filene Research. The firm promised to deliver targeted discount offers at point of sale that would save participating members $1,000 or more per year, Co-founder Andrew Bank said.
Bank pegged the cost to smaller credit unions at perhaps eight to 12 cents per member, per month. Larger credit unions would pay less, he said.
To collect their discounts, members would use debit and credit cards issued by the institution, meaning there would be interchange income to offset those costs.
Members would receive smartphone alerts whenever they are near a participating merchant.
Larky, Bank said, would enroll the merchants and said it would be receptive to suggestions from credit unions of which merchants to recruit.
Read more: Expect another big card breach in a few weeks ...
Rippleshot, a cloud-based breach detection startup, came to Finovate with bad news. Within a few weeks, CTO Lucas Ward predicted, consumers will hear of new credit card breaches that rival Target and Home Depot.
How does Rippleshot know? It uses its own big data analytics to monitor fraud reports. The upshot is that the firm can often know when a breach occurred before the victim discloses it; perhaps, even before the victim knows it. That would let card issuers who are Rippleshot customers take early, informed actions, thus reducing losses.
Still more security is the promise of BioCatch, an Israeli security company that demonstrated the unique ways in which consumers interact with their devices: They swipe distinctively, click a mouse uniquely and so forth. The BioCatch promise is that it can study a user, note the user's interaction style, use that info to confirm users and spot fraudsters.
Digital infrastructure company Hoyos Labs, based in New York and founded by tech innovator Hector Hoyos who presented at Finovate, attacked security in a different way. On stage, Hoyos demonstrated how he signed into multiple bank accounts by delivering biometric readings via a smartphone. Facial, fingerprint and iris readings were all sent off in seconds and Hoyos logged in.
Except when he tried to trick security by using a video of himself. To the naked eye, the video seemed little different than real life; but, Hoyos showed, the system was smart enough to bar its doors when he tried to enter via video.
The upshot, Hoyos said, is that the end of passwords, PINs and usernames will soon become a reality.


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A.E. Outfitters to open in Japan
PITTSBURGH - American Eagle Outfitters announced its plans for American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie by American Eagle stores in Japan, in partnership with Sumikin Bussan Corporation. The first store is slated to open in Tokyo’s Harajuku shopping district in the first half of 2012.
AEO said it has signed an exclusive franchise agreement with Sumikin, a leading marketer, importer and exporter with extensive experience in the fashion industry, among other lines of business.
“Japan is one of the most important international markets for retail and home to millions of fashion-conscious young people,” said Jim O’Donnell, CEO American Eagle Outfitters Inc. “Sumikin Bussan Corporation is the ideal partner for this region, given their extensive experience, industry leadership, and commitment to creating lasting value for customers.”


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Sustainability has been a contentious topic in recent years, becoming the focus of companies, business strategies, and consumers. And then, quickly and shockingly, came COVID-19.
The emergence of COVID-19 has acted as a reset button for all of us. What used to be loud, bustling streets and long nights at the office have all of a sudden turned into silent and uneasy nights cramped up at home.
One would assume that we would redirect our attention from sustainability toward survival in an alarming and unprecedented pandemic. However, the exact opposite has occurred. The pandemic has actually exposed us to what we have taken for granted in our world.
With this, it has shown us the change that needs to occur so we, our children, and our children’s children can live in a healthy, non-toxic environment.
So, how exactly does COVID-19 have a causal effect on sustainability? As I am sure you, our reader, can relate to, the pandemic has caused us to rethink minor aspects of our lives – how we do groceries, whether or not we can send our children to school, whether or not we can visit a coffee shop to study, and even how we see our friends.
Most importantly, it has brought on larger financial, health, and lifestyle issues that we have all had to adjust to accordingly. Our experiences with COVID-19 have shown us how easily our lives can change and how we all have the ability to shape what happens next.
Whether it is by social distancing, wearing a mask, sharing information on the pandemic, supporting local businesses, or even just washing our hands.
Ultimately, the emergence of the pandemic has also led to us knowing the value and impact we can have. The threat is no longer in a foreign country or just on the news – it is at our favourite clothing store, our schools, and our neighbourhoods.
It has caused us to actually care about the world we live in because we have now actually experienced how dreadful, frightening, and harmful this way of living is. COVID-19 has made us more attuned to our health and wellness and socially conscious of our actions.
In fact, more than half of respondents to a recent survey conducted by management consulting firm Kearney said that as a result of their COVID-19 experience, they are more likely to buy environmentally friendly products! Similarly, companies want to make a difference and address the concerns people have for the future of our world and our quality of life.
As a popular Brazilian cosmetic company, Natura, perfectly says: ‘We can’t run a business on a dead planet’. This highlights how there has been a shift in how companies perceive sustainability as many CEOs have now planned to prioritize green issues post-coronavirus.
Furthermore, during the pandemic, people were actually taking advantage of the time they had at home by decluttering their closet, pantry, and more.
By donating these items to charities, they are contributing to the circular economy where things are manufactured, used for as long as possible, then recycled. This ensures that things do not go to waste that easily, therefore creating a more sustainable environment.
Additionally, COVID-19 has encouraged people to get outdoors where there is lots of room for social distancing. By gardening and picking up garbage at a local park more often because of the pandemic, we are promoting a sustainable lifestyle as we are subsequently taking care of our environment and cleaning up after others.
Think about the last purchase you made! Well, chances are it was probably made online. Being stuck at home has allowed e-commerce businesses to thrive, and the environment has followed.
When you make a purchase at a brick and mortar location, there are a lot of negative pollutants and wasted energy associated with the purchase. Just think about the electricity being used to keep the store open! Or how about the gas you use driving to the store. And on top of that, how about all of the emissions released with every employee coming to work at the store.
You might not think of these things right away, but shopping online is proven to be more sustainable and saves a lot of time and energy.
Now, on the topic of the environment, check out this video that aired on CTV News about the beneficial side effect that COVID-19 has had on Canada’s air quality and climate.
As you can see, the pandemic has changed the way we complete everyday tasks. I believe that this more sustainable lifestyle will continue not only throughout 2020, but for the next few years, and even longer.
We can all do our part to save the planet during this unprecedented time. And remember, wear a reusable mask, stay home, and maintain social distancing. Together, we will overcome this virus!
This article was inspired by the Eco Garden Future Sustainability Scholarship. Check out their website here: https://www.ecogardensolution.com.


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Data from Eurostat showed that Eurozone inflation soared to its highest rate on record this month on surging energy costs. The Eurozone consumer price inflation is expected to accelerate to 4.9% year-on-year in November, from 4.1% in the previous month. This would be the highest rate of inflation since July 1991.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the U.S. central bank likely will discuss speeding up tapering large-scale bond purchases at its next policy meeting, amid a strong economy and expectations that a surge in inflation will persist into the middle of next year. The Fed decided to cut its USD 120bn/month bond-buying stimulus programme by USD 15bn this month, and again in December. At that pace, the tapering would end in June.
India grew at the fastest pace of any major economy in the July-September quarter but economists said disruptions from the emerging Omicron coronavirus variant risked slowing the recovery, especially given India’s low vaccination rates. India’s economy grew 8.4% year-on-year in September, while manufacturing went up 5.5% in the previous quarter. Economists fear that the new COVID-19 variant and inflation pose new risks.
The 6M Euribor is unchanged at -0.54% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap decreased with 2 basis points to 0.14% compared to previous business day.
In the attachment, today’s market data on money and capital market rates as well as other rates are presented.
Managed by Sluijmer Multimedia and hosted by True.


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NEW DELHI: Reliance Jio has overtaken Vodafone India to become the second largest carrier by revenue in the Indian telecom space, generating revenues of Rs 6,217 crore in the quarter ended March 2018, up 15% on-quarter.
The new entrant has also quickly narrowed the gap with leader Bharti Airtel whose revenue was Rs 7,087 crore, down about 10% on-quarter, as per data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai).
The Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio has been able to dislodge the No. 2 carrier by subscribers within 19 months of launching services where it offered free voice and low-cost data, triggering a price war that shows no signs of abating. The razor-edged competition has created more financial difficulties for the already stressed sector saddled with debt of more than Rs 7 lakh crore.
The new carrier has, in fact, escalated the fight of low tariffs, expanding it from the dominant prepaid segment — it makes up 95% of the country’s subscriber base — to the post-paid segment, which makes up the remaining share but contributes around 20-25% of the industry’s revenue.
As per the Trai data, the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of Reliance Jio — it has secured more than 200 million customers to date — was higher than Vodafone India’s Rs 4,937 crore for the quarter ended March, and also of Idea Cellular at Rs 4,033 crore.
The details have come as Idea and Vodafone India prepare to merge to create a Rs 63,000-crore annual revenue entity with some 430 million subscribers.
Together, the AGR of the combined entity would be higher than those of Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio.
Overall, the industry AGR from access services fell by 12.6% on-year and 7.4% on-quarter for the March quarter to Rs 35,697 crore, with all private players but Jio showing a degrowth. For access services, the revenue decline was12.2% on-quarter to Rs 25,448 crore as of March 2018.
Revenue of carriers such as Reliance Communications, Tata Teleservices, Quadrant and Telenor declined the sharpest in that order, since they’ve either closed operations or are in the process of doing so. Barring Jio, BSNL is the only carrier to have shown an increase in revenue collection, by a healthy 18% on-quarter to Rs 2,128 crore.
License fee and spectrum usage charges (SUC), which accrue to the government as a percentage share of AGR, have also reduced in quarter ended March 2018. Revenue from license fee fell by 12.8% on-year and 5.5% on-quarter to Rs 2,932 crore and that from SUC fell by 23.4% on-year and 8.8% on-quarter to Rs 1,051 crore as of March end. Goldman Sachs attributed the sequential fall in industry AGR during the March quarter to price cuts in January, reduction in international long distance termination rates and revenue consolidation among large players.
The escalated competition among incumbents and the new operator has led to reduction in average revenue per user (ARPU), a key metric for determining profitability of a telco and of the industry. Trai data show that the blended ARPU per month declined 4.2% on-quarter from Rs 79.4 in the quarter ended December 2017 to Rs 76 in the quarter ended March 2018.
Overall ARPU declined 8% on-year. ARPU of pre-paid segment declined from Rs 67 to Rs 62 in the same period, while ARPU for the post-paid segment increased from Rs 348 to Rs 360.
As the industry players deal with low ARPU rates, customers are making the most of the free voice offers. Minutes of usage per subscriber have reached 584 minutes per month, up from 495 minutes a month in December 2017.


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Crop2cash, Lentera & Acquahmeyer have emerged regional finalists of the 2019 Innov8Agric Challenge. All three agritech startups will vie for the $5000 grand prize at Meet the Farmers Conference 2019 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Meet the Farmers Conference is an annual agro event that aims to enhance economic diversity, promote technology in agriculture, and to create a sustainable agro-economy for global food security. It achieves these by promoting trade relationships between Africa and the Middle East.
Innov8Agric Challenge is a major highlight of Meet the Farmers Conference – an initiative of Crenov8 DMCC, a multinational digital and management consulting firm. The Challenge is aimed at promoting innovative ideas for early-stage Agric entrepreneurs from all sectors of the agriculture ecosystem.
It is for startups who are applying creative and innovative methods to improve the state of agriculture across Africa. The challenge will help the participants raise funds from investors, pitch their solutions to a global audience and open investment opportunities for Agritech startups in Africa.
The startups selected to pitch at the Grand Finale are;
Crop2cash – Nigerian- based startup that connects farmers to capital and profitable markets;
Acquameyer Drone Tech, – Ghanian- based AgTech startup that provides farmers with drones to spray, plant, and analyse soil and crops in real-time
Lentera Africa – a Kenyan- based AgTech startup that uses technology to enable farmers to adapt to climatic changes.
Over 1000 startups submitted applications for the 2019 edition of Innov8Agric Challenge. The selected finalists will get all-expense-paid trips to Dubai for the Grand Finale, access grants and other funding opportunities, and mentorship from Agribusiness experts. The pitch contest will hold during Meet the Farmers Conference which is scheduled to hold on 27th and 28th November 2019 at the Address Hotel Marina, Dubai, UAE.
Interested Agro stakeholders and startups interested in attending the conference can visit the conference website via this link to register.
More on TechGist Africa
- Nigeria’s SmartFarms Wins MTFC Innov8Agric Challenge, Bags Home 5,000USD
- Crenov8 launches Meet the Farmers Conference 2019 in Lagos Nigeria
- Farmcrowdy and Oyo State Government Partners in new Agro Deal
- AfricaCom 2019 Awards; See List of Winners
- CNBC Lists Flutterwave & Helium Health on 100 most Promising Startups of 2019
Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.


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Autotrader is conducting a new marketing effort that envisions the Nordic Bronze Age so consumers can see that sled owners were also feeling like they overpaid just as consumers do today.
In the ad, the hero unexpectedly appears, using Autotrader to find the right vehicle at the right price and driving a solid off-road truck into the arctic elements.
The main message of the ad: “Finally, it’s easy.”
Highlighting moments in transportation history, the campaign aims to show how simple the car-shopping process can be. The company wants people to see that thanks to the Autotrader marketplace, second-guessing the deal is now a thing of the past.
The campaign aims to show that from times of sleds, horse-drawn carriages and up to today’s modern vehicles, people have always been challenged to find the best deal for their mode of transportation. Autotrader says it is taking a “satirical play on the once-treacherous task of car buying” and is working to make history relevant and enjoyable.
With the launch of the “Finally, It’s Easy” national campaign, Autotrader seeks to bring excitement and ease back into the car-buying experience. To create what it describes as “a hilarious new advertising campaign,” Autotrader worked with global creative agency, 72andSunny New York and Emmy-nominated director, Derek Waters.
The “Finally, It’s Easy” campaign launched recently and will appear nationally on cable, network and streaming television platforms. It will appear in major programming such as the Major League Baseball playoffs, NFL Monday Night Football and the kickoff of the NBA season. Taking a digital-first approach, the campaign will appear on social media, paid search, custom sponsorships, content on Roku and Twitch, and other platforms.
Read more here
Join us November 12-15 for the Property Portal Watch Conference Madrid 2019.


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Inflation in Germany is scratching the eight percent mark. In May, inflation continued to rise from what might already be a record level: consumer prices were 7.9 percent higher than in the same month last year. This was announced by the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden on Monday based on preliminary data.
This means that inflation in Germany has remained above the seven percent mark for the third month in a row. In March, the annual inflation rate jumped from 5.1 percent to 7.3 percent, in April the annual inflation rate was 7.4 percent. According to preliminary figures, prices rose by 0.9 percent from April to May 2022.
Inflation rates at this level had not previously existed in reunified Germany. In the old federal states one has to go back in the time series to the winter of 1973/1974, in the new federal states to 1981 to find similarly high values. At that time, mineral oil prices had risen sharply as a result of the first oil crisis.
Interest rate hikes in Europe are on the horizon
The sharp rise in energy prices is currently also driving inflation in Germany and in the euro area as a whole. This trend, which has been observed for months, has been exacerbated by the Russian attack on Ukraine. In addition, as during the Corona pandemic, the industry is struggling with the fact that supply chains are not working smoothly.
Higher inflation rates reduce the purchasing power of consumers because they can then afford less for one euro. The federal government has put together two billion-dollar packages to relieve people.
In the meantime, the first interest rate hike in the euro area in eleven years has been targeted: the European Central Bank (ECB) has announced that it will end the currently negative deposit interest rate of minus 0.5 percent with two interest rate increases in July and September. (SDA)


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One word best describes the US supply chain: BROKEN. There is the sense among supply chain experts that it’s too late for any meaningful solutions to be implemented that will positively impact getting goods delivered to store shelves for the upcoming holiday season. If such solutions existed, they would have already been implemented.
Six months ago, it was thought that adding more capacity was a viable solution to the space shortage. Shippers have been struggling since July 2020 to find sufficient space on ships to move their cargo. It made sense that adding more ships was the simple solution that would fix the supply chain problems. Considering there are over 100 ships waiting to be unloaded at Southern California ports, more ships was not the answer. Adding more ships did allow more product to move out of Asia but it has also created a gigantic congestion problem at US ports.
All stakeholders agree that the industry must come together as a group to fix the US supply chain moving forward. Yet, steps are still being taken by individual stakeholders that seem to suggest otherwise. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have reacted to their severe congestion problem by announcing an “emergency fee” of $100 per container. Effective November 1st, the ports will begin charging the carriers $100 per day for local containers that remain at the terminal longer than nine days. Containers that are scheduled to be loaded on the rail will have even less time to be moved out of the terminal. Rail containers will be charged $100 per day once a container has been at the terminal longer than three days.
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are so congested, experts believe the $100 emergency fee will have little impact on the situation. In fact, some experts believe this new fee is going to make port congestion even worse. The fee also puts the carriers in a difficult position. The carriers can either absorb the emergency fee or pass it along to their customers. Based on past decisions, it is safe to assume the fee will be passed on to shippers.
The shipping industry has been warning of a potential US infrastructure meltdown for years. The meltdown was going to happen sooner or later. The Pandemic was the catalyst and accelerated the meltdown. Stakeholders have tried different tactics to keep cargo flowing. Unfortunately, the tactics being employed today are the same band-aids that have been used over the last thirty years. The magnitude of the current shipping crisis is not going to be fixed by using short term solutions. Real change will only occur when all stakeholders decide to work together for the good of the industry. If you are familiar with the shipping industry, you understand that is a tall task.


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Iran’s exports of agricultural products up 13% in value terms
Iran’s exports of agricultural products surged by 13 percent in value terms in the eight months to November 20 compared to the similar period last year, says an official.
The IRNA news agency cited Mehrdad Jamal from the Iranian customs office (IRICA) as saying on Monday that total agrifood exports from Iran in the first eight months of the current calendar year had reached $3.842 billion.
Jamal said that agrifood shipments from Iran had reached nearly 5.5 million metric tons in volume terms over the same period.
Pistachio, tomato, watermelon, tomato paste, pistachio kernel and apple topped the list of main export items, said Jamal, adding that those products had accounted for nearly $1.312 billion in hard currency revenues, an increase of 30 percent year on year in November.
Pistachio exports boomed this year as shipments rose 82 percent in value terms to $675 million for 109,000 tons of cargoes, said the official.
Increased agrifood exports from Iran come despite restrictions imposed at borders earlier this year to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Farming products accounted for nearly 18 percent of Iran’s total non-oil exports in the eight months to late November, according to IRICA figures.
Iran has introduced various schemes to encourage agrifood exports as it seeks to diversify the economy away from oil to compensate for losses suffered in direct oil exports because of American sanctions.
Iranian agricultural products are popular in neighboring countries, especially in Iraq and in Arab states of the Persian Gulf region.
A recent trade agreement signed between Iran and a Russia-led economic bloc in the Eurasia region has also bolstered Iran’s farming exports.


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Mid October became known about leaving Ubisoft the game director of the remake Splinter Cell by David Grivel.
According to the LinkedIn profile, the developer worked at the French publisher until the end of last month, after which he immediately moved to a new place.
Grivel is now listed as a full-time employee Electronic Arts in the newly opened indoor studio Ridgeline Gamesbased in Seattle.
Greevel has taken over as design director and will now be working on the story campaign for the new shooter in the series. Battlefieldthe production of which is headed by one of the authors Hello Marcus Leito.
The reason for the change of work is unknown. Grievel has not yet commented on his departure from Ubisoft.
Read also: Activision is delighted: Modern Warfare II broke the franchise record and became the biggest entertainment premiere of the year.


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Gemini Incorporated was presented with the Vendor of the Year Award at the 2013 Signs By Tomorrow National Meeting held February 14-16 in Savannah, Georgia.
According to Gemini President Frederick Oss, the company was able to achieve the award through its excellent products, customer service, pricing, reliability, and delivery.
“We are proud of being named vendor of the year by the Signs by Tomorrow franchise group. Gemini works hard to partner with all of our customers to be their source for dimensional letters, logos, & plaques,” he said. “Winning this award shows that our commitment to continuous improvement in quality, delivery and customer service makes it easier for our customers to make a professional presence for their customers. Offering our products at the lowest possible prices also means that our customers can more easily make a profit. If we can do that, if we can continue to take care of our customers, they will continue to take care of us.”
Now in its fiftieth year of business, Gemini Incorporated is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of dimensional letters, logos and plaques for the sign and recognition industries. With seven manufacturing locations across North America, Gemini uses the finest technology available and partners with sign professionals to create some of the best signage in the world, including formed, injection molded and laser-cut plastic letters and cast, flat cut, and fabricated metal letters as well as cast, architectural, and etched plaques.
Gemini uses a variety of earth-friendly materials and manufacturing processes to make its products. The company takes great pride in being a “Green” company and is committed to manufacturing products from recyclable materials.
For more information about Gemini, call 800/538-8377 or visit www.signletters.com.


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The Vermont Retail & Grocers Association is disappointed that that a federal court judge didn’t block the state’s GMO labeling law until a lawsuit is resolved.
That’s because retailers, manufacturers and other members of the supply chain will need to prepare for the July 2016 implementation of the law even though there’s still a chance it can be overturned.
“It’s costly to the industry,” Jim Harrison, president of the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association, told SN. “Retailers and manufacturers will have to start making provisions, like labeling, record-keeping and creating in-store signage.”
The VRGA’s comments come after a federal judge in Vermont Monday denied a request for an injunction to halt implementation of Vermont's GMO labeling law.
As reported, the regulations require food sold in Vermont stores that contain genetically modified ingredients be labeled as such starting July 2016. Vermont’s attorney general formally approved the rules April 17.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association, Snack Food Association, International Dairy Foods Association and National Association of Manufacturers filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law, known as Act 120. Vermont filed an appeal to dismiss the industry lawsuit.
The judge partially granted and partially denied the state's move to dismiss the industry lawsuit, meaning the case may now go to trial. Until then, the law stands.
In a statement, the GMA said it was pleased the court "found us likely to succeed on several of our claims." For instance, the judge took issue with the law’s definition of "natural."
But the GMA is disappointed that its request for a preliminary injunction was denied.
The GMA said it is reviewing the decision and considering legal options.
“Manufacturers are being harmed, and they are being harmed now,” the GMA statement reads, in part. “Act 120 is unconstitutional and imposes burdensome new speech requirements on food manufacturers and retailers. It will also set the nation on a path toward a 50-state patchwork of GMO labeling policies that will be costly and confusing for consumers.”
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Source: Gentle Giant Ltd.
Get Ready for Premier Guild 2018!!
Spring is in the air, Infinity Wars are almost being waged and Wookiees are starting to form life-bonds with scoundrels. That means it's time for us to launch Premier Guild 2018! May 1st is the day the 2018 Premier Guild sign-up will go live on www.gentlegiantltd.com.
In the video linked here we give you the basics of how the 2018 Premier Guild will run as well as revealing the first of the 2018 Premier Guild exclusive gifts.


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Island Central Mactan: Five Exciting Projects to Watch Out for This 2019
Island Central Mactan (ICM), Mactan Island’s most happening mall, is set to make 2019 an amazing year for every Cebuano. During their Tenants Appreciation Night on December 8, ICM CEO Mr. Edwin Lim said that the mall will have a line of exciting new offerings that will surely make headlines. The mall will have a grand opening at the end of the first quarter of 2019.
Let’s take a look at each one of these exciting developments:
Island Central Mall Cinemas
ICM will soon have its very own cinemas. Once these cinemas open, the residents of Mactan no longer have to brave the horrible traffic to cross the channel just to be able to watch a movie.
Island Central Mall Food Hall
ICM is set to open its food hall which is located on the top floor of the mall. The food hall will house some of the biggest names and will offer a wide array of choices for the mall’s international guests.
During the Tenant Appreciation Night held on December 8, 2018, Island Central Mactan CEO Edwin Lim announced that the brand will soon start working on the Mactan Wharf expansion. The development will have a boardwalk, commercial units, and even a hotel.
As a waterfront hub for transport and lifestyle, Island Central Mactan just recently unveiled its new ferry passenger service Topline Marina. The ferry service will have 2 vessels for its initial operation. It will have 32 trips from Mactan to Pier 3 in Cebu City (and vice versa) during its daily 16-hour operation. Fees are initially set at Php25 (regular,) Php22 (students,) and Php20 (senior citizens.)
Island Central Mall Sky Lounge and Bar
Island Central Mactan is also set to open on their roof deck one of the biggest sky bars in the country. The ICM Sky Lounge and Bar will house 10 themed resto-bars and will offer an amazing view of the Mactan Channel and the whole Metro Cebu.


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America's largest retailers are faced with the problem, which is not so much written today - student dale g - Materials AMarkets.
Each year, US consumers pay from their income of $ 80 billion that goes to pay off student loans. That $ 80 billion - an amount that is minus potential profits from Walmart, Home Depot, Costco, etc. The total amount of payments on all types of loans (student, consumer, auto, mortgage, etc...) - Is $ 160 billion per year.
Returning to the issue of American students ... In the last 7 years, the university graduate salaries rose by only 3%. The level of debt load of student education has risen by 53% - Bloomberg data. Current cumulative (unpaid) amount of student debt is $ 1.3 trillion. According to online retailer Retail Dive estimated that young people are so burdened with loans, they become much more economical, thrifty, more modest than the previous generation.
Millenialy spent their early years a lot more, despite the high level of debt, which had. And we spend the maximum and bought on credit, without fear that they would be bankrupt. With the current young people it is not so. Those. protracted crisis seriously corrects consumer behavior - "genetics" buyer mutates, so to speak, towards a greater stinginess. Offline retailers demonstrate low sales. Many sale of players fell by 4-8% in the last quarter (examples - Macy, Nordstrom, Kohl). And shares of some retailers sagged by nearly 40-50% for the period - BusinessInsider data.


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Walmart announced it is reimagining its Live Better U (LBU) education benefit to focus on skills that make associates more hirable for key roles within the company. The goal is to help fast-track Walmart and Sam’s Club associates into approximately 100,000 in-demand jobs that will need to be filled over the next three years.
The job number represents roles the company identified as critical to how customers are served, including salaried management and hourly supervisor roles in Walmart stores, clubs, and supply chain facilities. The company will also focus on helping associates develop the skills to move into roles in technology, health and wellness, Walmart’s private fleet of truck drivers, and other growing parts of the business, Walmart said.
The LBU program has given over 126,000 associates the opportunity to learn from academic institutions, like the University of Arkansas, Purdue Global, and Spelman College. The company is removing college degree requirements for many management roles, and says that its new LBU approach will help emphasize skill-based hiring.
Walmart will more than double the number of short-form certificates and courses offered to over 50 options. These short-form certificates typically take about four months to complete.
“Associates are telling us they want shorter options, and for good reason,” said Stomski. She added: “The quicker they learn new skills, the faster they can move up.”
Some of the certificates offered include frontline manager leadership, people and business leadership, data science, software development, and project management. Walmart is also producing its own certificates, including a supply chain operations course created in tandem with the University of Arkansas.
In January, Walmart announced increased pay and incentives for its store managers.


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HONOLULU (KHON2) — The future of fashion is digital and it could involve spending a lot of cash for clothes you can’t even wear.
More and more people are investing in digital clothing, shoes and accessories in video games. Why? When you purchase a piece of digital clothing for your online avatar, you’re using a non-fungible token or NFT. And for many designers NFT’s are the future of fashion.
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON’s morning podcast, every morning at 8
Large fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Burberry are hopping on the bandwagon for virtual games.
And some gamers are selling their digital clothing, earning tens of thousands of dollars along the way.


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Officials for EIBTM 2013, scheduled Nov. 19-21 in Barcelona, Spain, have announced plans to increase the size of the show’s Technology Village as a direct response to high demand received from international technology suppliers and exhibitors.
Exhibitors in the Technology Village can benefit from the opportunity to demonstrate their products to buyers in a dedicated innovation showcase. Leading global technology companies that already have signed up to make the most of the benefits of pre-show publicity and exposure include Shocklogic Global, Ungerboeck Systems International, Soft Congres, Goomeo, EventPlatform, Amiando, Meta-fusion, etouches, Conference Compass, Spotme(shockfish), PSAV Presentation Services, Psideo SA and key4events.
EIBTM organizers also will continue the Technology Watch award program. Now in its 14th year, The Technology Watch award is the longest running and most high-profile technology-recognition scheme for the meetings and events industry worldwide.
Chaired by meetings technology expert Corbin Ball, the Technology Watch judging panel will select an organization that has demonstrated a new and innovative technology solution they believe will make a significant contribution to shaping the future of the industry, giving visitors and exhibitors an insight into the progression of meetings and events technology.
Entries for the annual EIBTM Technology Watch Award can be submitted online at www.eibtm.com/techwatch. Entries close on Sept. 6.
Companies interested in booking a stand in the Technology Village at EIBTM 2013 may contact Shane Lewis at email@example.com or visit www.eibtm.com/tech.


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Jackson & Foxley bring the catwalk to Sittingbourne
The Jackson & Foxley exhibition is a collaboration of ideas, designs and the creations of two young business entrepreneurs, Claire Jackson and Emma Foxley who want to showcase their combine talents for both Fashion and Textile design in one place.
Emma says the inspiration for the exhibition came from seeing how people had previously utilised the space (upstairs at Bourne Creative) for art and we thought that we could transform the room into something completely different, in a fun, wacky and unregimented way.
Asked about the ideas and aims behind the exhibition Emma said “I had tons and tons of tons of material back at home and no one ever sees it and it’s a shame so I just felt like exploding and letting out all my creativity.”
Claire added “If you want to see anything fashion and textile orientated you really have to go to London and we wanted to show people that Fashion and Textile happens here too.”
Impressed that both Claire and Emma have set up their own businesses at such a young age I asked how that had come about.
Emma said “While I think there is a lot more opportunity out there now, and I had support from Kent Foundation who taught me some business basics whilst I was still studying and I been able to develop on that and pass on some of my skills to others.”
Claire on the other hand explained that her course at University did not have a business element so she has had to learn as she goes, which is not uncommon in my experience.
I think that the exhibition, which incidentally has just been extended for a further week, is a great success and certainly creates an awareness of the capabilities of the talent right on our doorstep.
Here are some comments left by visitors
“An inspirational collection”
“Really like your ideas and design and the sketch books are fab.”
“What can I say but Wow”
“Thought provoking use of both the space and materials”
The exhibition now continues until Saturday 14th November at Bourne Creatives in the Forum Shopping Centre.
If you want to find our more ...
Claire Jackson Printed Designs
Tall Fox Dot.


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Dyson wins nod for FDI in single-brand retail
The Centre on Wednesday said it had cleared two foreign direct investment proposals — that of Dyson International and MM Retail in the single brand retail sector. Dyson International got approval to carry out single-brand retail trading of ‘Dyson’ branded products in India, with the investment envisaged in the range of £5 million-£10 million. MM Retail Pvt. Ltd. also got a post-facto approval for FDI pursuant to RBI’s direction.


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Craigslist founder Craig Newmark testified on Thursday he decided to trust eBay after a key 2004 meeting in which then-CEO Meg Whitman and other executives said the Internet giant shared the small private company’s core values.
But he compared his feelings to that of a cheated spouse when he later learned that eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) had launched a rival online classifieds site, Kijiji.
Newmark said that during stalled negotiations between the two parties, he was called to a July 21, 2004 meeting with eBay’s Whitman and other executives.
“She insisted that she was very happy at that point in time moving forward with a 28 percent share of Craigslist,” said Newmark. “She insisted convincingly that she shared our values and what she said was real. She’d follow through on that.”
“We decided eBay could be trusted and we proceeded with the deal,” he testified.
Newmark took the stand in Delaware’s Court of Chancery to defend the online classified ads company against accusations that it later unfairly diluted eBay’s stake in Craigslist to 24.85 percent and stripped it of a board seat.
Craigslist has meanwhile sued eBay in San Francisco, claiming the larger rival never disclosed its intentions in creating its own classified site and used its board seat to glean information for developing Kijiji.
eBay is fighting to reinstate its full stake and board seat. However, since the lawsuits were filed, eBay has vowed publicly to overtake Craigslist’s dominance in online classifieds in the United States.
eBay told Reuters last year that its U.S. classifieds business could take the top spot from Craigslist within five years through growth in its Kijiji business and acquisitions.
Newmark said Whitman told him that Craigslist was “the play in classifieds” and said the companies would “part amicably” if the partnership did not work.
Testimony from the trial, which began on Monday, has revealed a clash of cultures between Craigslist, known for its anti-corporate culture, and eBay, whose executives took the stand and mocked Craigslist executives for their “amateurish board meetings” and inability to use Power Point.
Newmark, who described himself as “not that comfortable with luxury” said that eBay founder Pierre Omidyar once joined him for a board meeting at a fancy San Francisco restaurant that Newmark described as “way too fancy for my taste.”
“Pierre showed up with guys with things in their ears and I thought, ‘This isn’t my lifestyle.'” he said. “I remember Garrett talking about making enormous amounts of money.”
Newmark referred to Garrett Price, eBay’s liaison with Craigslist, who took the stand Wednesday and Thursday.
eBay executives, including Price, have characterized Newmark as overly protective and resistant to eBay’s input.
Newmark denied he had ever referred to eBay as a “white knight” in buying the shares of a disgruntled former Craigslist shareholder, as was presented in an internal eBay e-mail.
“I know a little about medieval history and even the good knights weren’t all that good,” said Newmark.
Newmark said he was disappointed to learn that eBay had launched a U.S. classifieds site and denied that he had ever been informed of plans to do so.
“eBay, specifically Meg Whitman, made commitments and broke them,” he said. “Basically this is the equivalent of a ‘Dear John’ letter. You thought you were dating and they show up with someone else.”
Under cross examination, attorneys for eBay sought to shed doubt on Newmark’s integrity, questioning him repeatedly about an $8 million payment he took as part of eBay’s investment but did not disclose to the Craigslist community.
Earlier Thursday, Price — who was eBay’s principal deal maker in acquiring its $32 million stake in Craigslist — said the decision to buy a stake in Craigslist was partly to block a sale to Google.
Whitman, who testified on Monday, said her management team identified classifieds as an important area to expand and originally considered Craigslist as eBay’s “play in classifieds.”
But the relationship quickly soured and e-mails presented in court showed eBay executives considered the relationship as “dead” within a year of becoming a shareholder.
E-mails also showed eBay executives expected they would violate provisions of their shareholder agreement with Craigslist when eBay launched Kijiji in United States, and anticipated losing their Craigslist board seat as a result.
Price testified that eBay was partly to blame for losing its board seat: “Both parties have some responsibility.”
The trial is being broadcast over Courtroom View Network. The case is eBay Domestic Holdings Inc v Newmark, et al, Delaware Chancery Court, No. 3705-CC.


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The news follows a dip in packaging sales reported in the firm’s Q3 results, attributed to a rising number of clients insourcing.
Speaking to Outsourcing-Pharma.com, the firm’s VP of global marketing and strategy, Elliott Berger said development and advanced drug delivery technologies – specifically oral fast dissolve, softgel, controlled release and cell line engineering tech – is the new name of the game.
“In short, we are focusing on areas where we have leading expertise, capabilities and position and where the industry has the biggest need for sophisticated scientific solutions in long-term mutual partnerships,” he said.
According to Berger, three areas in particular – oral dose forms, clinical supply solutions and biologics – are expected to be the real nuggets.
He said however, that Catalent will still retain blow-fill-seal operations at the plants – based in Philadelphia and Woodstock – which currently handle other packaging services in America.
Of growth in the oral dose arena, he told us: “One is drug development and delivery for challenging oral dose forms, particularly in areas of enhancing bioavailability, therapeutic, release or delivery profiles. Accordingly we made investments into new technologies like OptiMelt hot melt extrusion, including an alliance with BASF.”
He added that an increase in the number of large global clinical trials means big bucks for big clinical trials suppliers like Catalent, saying: “After our Aptuit CTS acquisition and other investments into our facilities in the US, UK and Germany, we are strongly positioned to benefit from and even drive this trend.”
And with a trend towards the biologics development area, Berger said the company’s new focus on biologics development includes a new US facility in Wisconsin, aimed at integrating its GPEx cell line engineering tech with its biomanufacturing, bioanalytics and fill & finish solutions.
As for the near future, Catalent confirmed it will launch a range of new services in the areas of nanotech, challenging APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients), and delivery and manufacturing processes.
The key regions for growth? “We are also rapidly globalising our business, with particular focus on Asia Pacific and Brazil,” said Berger.
“The industry is grappling with significant challenges in delivering a strong pipeline of innovative treatments that meet the needs of patients, doctors and payers globally. Our technologies and solutions are focused on providing solutions for these tough challenges.”


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A Hong Kong company is set to issue 100,000 “cryptocurrency Visa debit cards” over the next two months, in what it claims will be a first for Asia.
Per newspaper the South China Morning Post, the company, Crypto.com (formerly known as Monaco) has partnered with Germany’s Wirecard Bank for the project, and will begin issuing the cards in Singapore, with a view to spreading “globally.”
“To holders of cryptocurrencies, having the peace of mind that you can readily convert back into fiat currencies and cash out is very important,” Kris Marszalek, Crypto.com co-founder and chief executive, was quoted as saying by the report. The company will take an unspecified cut of the transaction-processing fee as revenue. It will also earn revenue from its cryptocurrency trading services and an automated cryptocurrency buying and selling service that is still undergoing internal testing, the report added.
Crypto.com says it will first apply for money lending licenses in both Singapore and Hong Kong. It will then look to roll out its cryptocurrency debit cards, which will allow cryptocurrency-backed lending. The company says cardholders will be able to take out Bitcoin-backed loans, or use its native MCO token.
The project has obtained a stored-value facility license from the regulatory Monetary Authority of Singapore.


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Coronavirus has all but killed any fashion shows at least until fall, and even that's look up in the air at this point. However, Shanghai Fashion Week wasn't going to let COVID-19 steal its thunder, and went ahead with a new digital approach pioneered in partnership with Alibaba's Tmall. In the first three hours of the new online viewing format, Shanghai Fashion Week managed to attract 2.5 million viewers.
Leveraging Alibaba’s technologies, the weeklong show is the first-ever global fashion week event to host its entire roster of runway shows online and go fully digital. All shows are exclusively livestreamed in China on Tmall, China’s B2C marketplace, and Taobao Live, Alibaba’s dedicated livestreaming channel.
More than 150 brands ranging from U.S. designers like Diane von Furstenburg to rising Chinese independent designers like Shushu/Tong all showcased their latest fall/winter collections via Alibaba's digital platform. After coronavirus forced the cancellation of many fashion events, Alibaba stepped in to help Shanghai Fashion Week with a digital solution.
“We have integrated some of Alibaba’s most-advanced technologies to bring a new and elevated experience to consumers," said Mike U, general manager of Tmall Fashion and FMCG, in a statement. "This partnership with SHFW allows us to leverage our experience in digitizing brick-and-mortar retail stores and explore a new format for brand and product launches, bringing together technologies like livestreaming, short-form videos, DingTalk and Tmall Flagship Store 2.0 in a full-chain solution.”
Tmall has also made a see-now-buy-now format more accessible for designers this season. Watchers of this year's Shanghai Fashion Week can immediately purchase the items they see on the runway without having to wait another season for collections to hit the shelves.


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Analyst Note| Richard Hilgert |
Narrow-moat-rated Lear reported third-quarter earnings per share before special items of $0.53, missing the $0.61 FactSet consensus estimate by $0.08 and dropping $3.20 from EPS of $3.73 reported a year ago. Results were smacked by sporadic customer production caused by the chip crunch. Revenue declined 13% to $4.3 billion from $4.9 billion last year. Year-over-year organic revenue was down 15.0% due to favorable currency but represented a 9-percentage-point outperformance versus production adjusted to Lear’s customer base.


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A Glasgow University study researched the amount of sugar people perceived were in a range of so-called healthy drinks that were included in their weekly intake.
Surprisingly those questioned overestimated the amount in fizzy drinks, but also underestimated the amount of sugar in supposed healthy drinks such as fruit juices and smoothies, with participants underestimating the amount of sugar in pomegranate-based juices by 18 teaspoons.
When participants were then asked to incorporate these amounts into their daily diets they found that soft drinks accounted for a quarter of their daily calories.
Lead researcher Professor Naveed Sattar said: Some varieties of drinks such as pure fruit juices and smoothies, which are perceived as 'healthy' options, are also very high in sugar.
Perhaps it's time we stuck to water.
If you need inspiration for what to eat tonight check out some of our delicious recipes.


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B-to-B Marketers Leaving Social Media in the Cold
A new study from Accenture, Making Social Media Pay: Rethinking Social Media’s Potential to Bolster B2B Interactions, Customer Loyalty, Revenues and Brand Reputation, found that a majority of B-to-B companies aren't using the full potential of social media despite a strong opinion that social media is important to their business.
Of the 212 B-to-B marketing executives surveyed, only 8 percent feel their company extensively leverages social media, despite the fact that 65 percent claim social media is an important part of their marketing strategy. Only 5 percent integrate social media with other marketing initiatives, while 26 percent admitted to being slightly or not engaged at all with social platforms.
Twenty-four percent of the respondents said their company has invested in social media. The following reasons were given for their investment in the channel:
- to increase engagement and create positive customer experiences (60 percent);
- influence brand reputation (59 percent);
- create new revenue opportunities (52 percent);
- respond to customer demand (40 percent);
- reduce costs (25 percent); and
- keep up with what competitors are doing (24 percent).
Yet 19 percent of respondents said they have no confidence in their investment. Twenty-three percent blame their CEO, claiming he/she wasn't convinced of the long-term success of social media as a marketing channel. Confusion surrounding the return on investment for the various social platforms is also a factor. Only 11 percent said they have a program in place to measure and track the ROI of their social media activities.
"It’s clear that B-to-B companies think social media can make a big difference to business; however, few have a social media plan in place that will help them achieve results, and many are still not sure what those results should look like,” said Kevin Quiring, managing director of customer relationship management at Accenture, in a company release. “Companies need to be able to make a clear connection between social media and broader customer initiatives while clearly defining and measuring results.”


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It said it would not be able to replace some of the 6.4 million tyres for up to a year.
Almost immediately after the announcement in Washington, worried motorists seeking information and appointments for tyre replacement jammed phone lines to Firestone dealers' stores.
In southern California, some drivers were being told just an hour after the recall announcement that because of heavy demand it would be late next month before replacement tyres could be fitted.
Firestone created a potentially explosive situation on Wednesday when it acknowledged it did not have enough supplies to replace all of the suspect tyres immediately.
The tyres have been linked to at least 46 deaths and nearly 300 accidents. The tyres, the subject of a federal inquiry since March, are being recalled because of a problem of tread separation that can result in loss of traction and control.
Some consumers might have to wait a year or more for replacement tyres, said Bridgestone/Firestone executive vice-president Gary Crigger.
He said the company would use competitors' tyres if customers insisted, but the preferred replacement, by agreement with Ford Motor Co, maker of most of the affected vehicles, is a Firestone product.
Analysts estimate the recall will cost about $US300 million ($A519 million) - not counting any liability associated with pending and expected lawsuits.
"Firestone will likely carry the brunt of the liability," said J.P. Morgan Securities analyst David Bradley. "The long-term issue for them is the public relations black eye."
By agreeing to the recall, Bridgestone/Firestone reluctantly opened the door to what could be an avalanche of litigation, potentially costing the company hundreds of millions - perhaps billions - of dollars, lawyers say.
A similar Firestone recall of eight million tyres in the late 1970s cost the company more than $US155 million, hurt sales for several years, and resulted in hundreds of lawsuits.
Firestone executives declined to comment on the lawsuits or potential liability.
Already, Firestone customers have filed about 100 lawsuits in the past four years. Forty have been settled and 60 are pending, lawyers estimate.
Most of the remaining suits involve drivers who were killed or seriously injured.
"The potential liability could be staggering," said a Pasadena lawyer specialising in product liability, Kevin Meenan.
West Palm Beach lawyer Don Fountain said each wrongful death suit could cost up to $US2million - not including punitive damages.
Injury claims could vary from several hundred thousand to several million dollars, based on severity.
The real wild card is punitive damages. If victims can prove Firestone or Ford knew about the dangers and took no action, juries may opt to teach the corporations a lesson.
- Los Angeles Times


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One of the last big buyouts of 2007 is seeking an exit.
HD Supply Holdings was bought for $8.5 billion in August 2007 by a club of private equity firms: Bain Capital, Carlyle Group, and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Now the company is seeking to raise as much as $1 billion, the biggest IPO filing in the current pipeline, according to Dealogic.
The filing, which has been expected, doesn’t say who is selling or how many shares will be offered in the deal, but currently Bain, Carlyle and CD&R each own 27.9% while Home Depot continues to hold 12.4%.
Home Depot reached a deal to sell the industrial supply company in June 2007, the height of the buyout boom, for $10.3 billion. But when the credit markets started tightening, the private equity firms and lending banks forced a re-do. J.P. Morgan’s CEO Jamie Dimon and Lehman Brothers’ Dick Fuld engaged in the negotiations over a frantic weekend to restructure the deal and cut the price to $8.5 billion.
The company still carries a heavy debt, with $7.3 billion in long term debt and just $141 million in cash and equivalents, and another $936 million in cash restricted for paying debt. The IPO funds are aimed squarely at its debt, according to the filing.


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$BWA narrowed its 2016 net sales growth expectation to range of 13.7-17.5% from previous forecast of 12.7-17.5%. $BWA now expects 2016 EPS of $3.16-3.32, of which 12 cents are expected to be contributed by the Remy acquisition. Excluding impact of foreign currencies and Remy acquisition, net sales growth are now expected to be 3-5.5% range.
$NFLX a monster move, going up. Expect making some money on Monday.
$AMD down more than 6% even after posting above consensus third quarter results.
$MCD stock rose more than 2% after it posted better than expected 3Q16 results, driven by global same-store sales growth. Meanwhile, earnings and revenue were lower than last year, hurt by refranchising efforts.


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Blazing Chrome Launching July 11
Joymasher and The Arcade Crew announced today that Blazing Chrome will launch for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on July 11.
This run-and-gun is a throwback to the glory days of side-scrolling shooters, all while packing modern touches. Players will be able to unlock ‘Suhaila,’ a razor girl with a robotic arm and the deadly ninja ‘Raijin.’
See these two characters in action below:
Blazing Chrome – Hidden Characters Trailer
The heroic exploits of Prince Marth will make their way to the Nintendo Switch with the localized release of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light on December 4, 2020
Players will be able to take advantage of a number of themed rewards, discounts, and unlockable clothing this week in GTA Online