text:
With an Asics collaboration already on the horizon, Sean Wotherspoon has confirmed he also has a project with Adidas on the way.
The Round Two co-founder seemingly confirmed his forthcoming collab with the Three Stripes after posting a now-deleted image on his Instagram early last month that features both the Trefoil branding along with his "SW" flower logo underneath. The post also includes a caption that reads "Deleting this in 60 seconds you know I can barely keep secrets..."
Although Adidas has yet to reveal the collboration, Wotherspoon has confirmed with Complex that the sneakers are in the works and will put an emphasis on his passion for sustainability and eco-friendly materials. According to Wotherspoon, the unannounced model will include embroidery and floral print—likely similar to what was seen in his deleted Instagram.
"It’s going to be a huge step forward in sustainability and a lot different than what you have seen from me in the past as far as materials," Wotherspoon said. "Can’t wait to start the roll out, this is going to be a fun one! I grew up playing soccer, it was actually my first love before skateboarding. Always wore Adidas, head to toe, I LOVE Sambas, used to buy them at Modell's and Sports Authority. Started wearing Nike when skateboarding came in to my life so it’s fun digging even further into my own memories and finding that Adidas love as well that existed."
Since confirming he was no longer making product with Nike, Wotherspoon has been seen frequently wearing Adidas, including models such as the Human Race x Solar Glide Hu and Yeezy Boost 700 V2.
Check back soon for the latest details on the upcoming Sean Wotherspoon x Adidas collab.
UPDATE (02/25): Sean Wotherspoon has officially shared the first look at his upcoming Adidas collab on Instagram dubbed "SUPEREARTH." According to Wotherspoon, the model in question will feature sustainable materials making use of recycled paper laces, a sock liner is made from recycled ortholite material, cork insole with recycled composite padding, and a rubber sole made from 10% recycled waste. As of now, release info surrounding Wotherspoon's upcoming Adidas collab has yet to be revealed but check back soon for updates.
UPDATE (04/30): With his upcoming debut Adidas Originals collaboration on the horizon, Sean Wotherspoon continues to share teaser looks at the sneakers, which can be previewed below. Check back for a confirmed release date as soon as it's available.


text:
NEW YORK — PepsiCo plans to jump into the premium bottled water market with a drink called Om, following the popularity of Coca-Cola’s Smartwater.
The soda and snack food company, which also makes Aquafina bottled water, plans to launch the line next year, according to the trade publication Beverage Digest. PepsiCo Inc. has so far been on the sidelines when it comes to the premium water segment.
Guidelines: Please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Comments that violate these standards, or our privacy statement or visitor's agreement, are subject to being removed and commenters are subject to being banned. To post comments, you must be a registered user on toledoblade.com. To find out more, please visit the FAQ.

domain: news


text:
Restaurant chain Col’Cacchio has served its first batch of cannabis pizza to Cape Town residents. Col’Cacchio teamed up with CBD oil maker africanpure to bring South Africans its first dagga pizza.
Col’Cacchio co-founder Kinga Baranowska said two gourmet pizzas will be drizzled with africanpure CBD oil, which contains no Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or synthetic chemicals, “making it absolutely safe to enjoy”.
The department of health announced CBD can now be legally purchased in the country, provided the maximum daily dose of CBD is under 20mg. The pizza company’s “Green Goddess” and the “Not-So-Plain Mary Jane” will be sold at R125 and R140. Customers will also be able to add CBD oil to any other dish from its menu at an additional cost of R25. Col’Cacchio said the dagga pizza has no age restrictions and is suitable for children.
Italian inspired pizza franchise Col’Cacchio have teamed up Cannabidiol (CBD) oil maker africanpure, to bring South Africans its first ever dagga pizza. From 25 June 2019 customers can get a little more than what they bargained for with a dash of CBD, the non-hallucinogenic chemical derivative of cannabis used for medicinal treatment, splashed onto their pizza for an additional R25. Three sprays makes the dose under 20mg.
Two new gourmet pizzas will feature on the menu, the aptly named Green Goddess (grilled baby marrow, feta, fresh basil and CBD oil) R125 and the Not-So-Plain Mary Jane ( chicken, peppadews, roast mushrooms, avo dressing and CBD oil) R140.
Companies across South Africa have been coming up with innovative ways to bank on this growing industry, after the Department of Health (DOH) announced CBD can now be legally purchased in SA, provided the maximum daily dose of CBD was under 20mg, and as long as the product did not claim to cure or treat any specific condition. Higher doses still require prescription.
In April, four South African companies obtained licences to supply medicinal dagga from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the regulatory body responsible for granting cultivation and export licences.
Earlier this year, the City of Cape Town freed vacant land in the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for the production of medical cannabis. “At Col’Cacchio, we have always aimed to be innovative with our menu offering and provide our loyal fan base with the latest health positive trends. We love to stay ahead of the curve and are extremely proud to be the first restaurant in SA to launch a Cannabis pizza and look forward to seeing old and new faces in our restaurants coming in to try this exciting new range,” said Kinga Baranowska, Col’Cacchio co-founder. The range will be available at all Col’Cacchio restaurants, excluding the Windhoek and Halaal restaurants.


text:
Sportswear firm Puma and Indian Premier League cricket team Royal Challengers Bangalore are releasing a range of 'athleisure' clothes
India cricket captain Virat Kohli has agreed a deal to become an investor and brand ambassador for athlete recovery technology brand Hyperice
The Indian state of Odisha has agreed a deal to sponsor the men’s and women’s national hockey teams for an additional 10 years after its current deal ends in 2023.
Sports marketing company Rise Worldwide has signed up Indian international cricketer Ishan Kishan as the recently-rebranded group grows its catalogue of cricket stars
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has offered Rs10 crore ($1.35m/€1.1
As India began reopening from its first national lockdown in late October 2020, soap brand Lifebuoy leveraged its partnership with IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore to promote habits like wearing a mask, social distancing and maintaining proper hand hygiene.
The Indian Olympic Association has dropped Chinese sportswear maker Li Ning as its official kit partner after a public backlash in the country
Asian betting and gambling firm W88 has agreed a multi-year endorsement deal with former West Indies cricket star Brian Lara
Dream11's wide-ranging activation program for 2020, its first year as IPL title sponsor, included a GIPHY Channel strand that gave locked-down Indian cricket fans a library of social meme fuel.
With fans stuck at home during Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020, Midea ran a three-month social media engagement campaign that saw Man City players and legends encourage fans to take part in a series of at-home skills challenges.
Swiggy’s IPL 2020 activation spanned national and regional television, digital and social with humorous content reinforcing its brand benefits of convenience and simplicity.
Edtech startup Unacademy leveraged its IPL 2020 partnership – including title rights to the ‘Unacademy Fan of the Match’ and the ‘Unacademy Cracking Sixes’ – to target potential and current students aged 14 to 32.
The centrepiece of DHL’s Hero Indian Super League activation during the pandemic-affected 2020-21 season saw the international logistics brand deliver the match ball to every game via drone to minimise unnecessary contact.
Through India’s 2019-20 I-League season, Real Kashmir FC and kit partner Adidas rolled out an influencer-led campaign to boost second team support for the club (which had to play all its matches away from home due to security issues in Kashmir).
Internet search giant Google will show Indian Premier League match highlights this year via its Web Stories feature under a tie-up with Indian media group Disney Plus Hotstar
The Association of Mutual Funds in India leveraged its associate partner status of the 2020 IPL to drive investment in mutual funds through a cricket commentary style campaign on audio streaming services and social media.


text:
LivingSocial, the company behind Facebook apps Visual Bookshelf, ReelSocial, DiningSocial, and their corresponding websites, has closed a $5 million round of Series A financing led by Grotech Ventures and Steve Case. The LivingSocial team, led by Tim O’Shaughnessy, are Revolution Health expats, which is chaired by the AOL co-founder.
LivingSocial is a great example of a company that got its start on the Facebook Platform and has since launched on MySpace, Bebo, hi5, Orkut, and now their own websites. The company did not disclose what portion of is traffic comes from each platform.
What is clear is that the company took advantage of the opportunities for user acquisition on social networks – over 6 million users have created more than 80 pieces of content on the LivingSocial network since its launch less than 1 year ago. Achieving those kinds of numbers out of the gate before the Facebook Platform would have been unheard of.
“The support of Grotech Ventures and Steve and Jean Case will help establish LivingSocial as the leading social discovery and cataloging network, a centralized, user-managed community where people can organize, review and share what they are most passionate about,” Tim O’Shaughnessy, CEO and co-founder of LivingSocial, said in a statement. “Based on the sheer number of reviews we already have on our site, there is no other interest-based community with the volume of user-generated cataloging, and we’re just getting started.”


text:
Microsoft pulls a rabbit out of a hat with their new Natal Xbox motion controller, and we get flashbacks of Nintendo's Power Glove and shonky 90s virtual reality
This is innovative but add-ons if not bundled with the console don't usually do well. So I can see this failing. In fact, I believe that Microsoft knew that Sony's presentation was going to be amazing (their motion technology demonstration was just phenomenal) so Microsoft rushed to present this on the floor. Their exclusives are not exclusive but also appear on the PS3 and PC so they needed something to add essence to their presentation. It worked. The 360 owners fell for it. Smart gamers and people however, know the truth and read in between the lines. That's why I could see the more effective use of Sony's motion devices in games. I would rather hold a tangible object while playing games than to hold a "air bat" while trying to hit a virtual ball.
N4G is a community of gamers posting and discussing the latest game news. It’s part of NewsBoiler, a network of social news sites covering today’s pop culture.


text:
Mobile Devices Will be Able to Beam 4K Content Straight to TVs Next Year
by Stephan Jukic – July 6th, 2014
Thanks to corporate purchase of Chip maker Wilocity by Qaulcomm communications, smartphones and tablets will be able to transmit 4K video straight to big screens by next year.
The key reason for this lies in the fact that Wilocity manufactures chips that are based on something called WiGig technology, which can wirelessly transmit large loads of data between connected machines at enormous speeds of 7 Gps over short distances.
Since 7 Gbps is more than enough to cover the rather large broadband needs of 4K video resolution in 4K TVs, Wilocity’s technology will be incorporated by Qualcomm into its 64 bit Snapdragon 810 mobile chips which themselves will be integrated into mobile devices ready for shipping to customers by the second half of 2015, according to Cormac Conroy, vice president of product design management and engineering at Qualcomm.
Although the final decision on whether or not to use the WiGig chip in their mobile devices rests with manufacturers of smart phones and tablets, most name brand producers such as Samsung LG and others are expected to try the new technology out. Given that 4K resolution is gaining enormous traction as a must have new technology, competitive pressures will likely ensure WiGig integration.
A major benefit of the WiGig technology is that it could lead to the end of connectivity clutter in devices and cables via HDMI ports which are currently needed to transmit data heavy loads such as 4K video content. Furthermore, WiGig is much faster than ordinary WiFi 802.11ac and the existing LTE broadband technology that current Snapdragon chips use.
Ultimately, 4K technology, whose 3,840 x 2,160 pixel resolution is much larger than conventional 1080 pixel HD, is growing more popular day by day despite the problems it faces with full integration in consumer devices and data transmission channels. Because of this, technologies such as WiGig are badly needed for further spreading UHDs popularity and ease of use.
Currently, Netflix is already streaming a limited selection of 4K video content to users whose internet connections and TV or computer display screens are capable of handing it, but the broadband power still lags behind for many potential consumers of 4K. WiGig has the capacity to turn smartphones and tablets into wireless transmission stations that can then transmit the data they receive into computers or web connected TVs in their near vicinity.
Moving beyond this, the possibilities for WiGig also extend into the redesign of desktop PC s and other web connected machines, which could be freed from the need to use wires as a means of integrating their screens and data hardware.
Intel is already working on this latter development and would like to have wire free PCs on sale by 2016 thanks to WiGig integration.
If mobile devices are given the short distance PC like transmission capacity that WiGig offers, they could come much closer to becoming full computers in miniature and be more easily used to control and coordinate larger devices.
Story by 4k.com


text: German equipment supplier Siemens Mobile has developed a new mobile handset that it claims will detect bad breath. According to a spokeswoman at the company the new phone will use a tiny chip which will sense anything from bad breath, alcohol and atmospheric gas levels. It will then alert users. Meanwhile the company has also introduced another new handset, the S66 camera phone which is the first Siemens handset with an integrated 1.3 megapixel still and video camera. The camera includes a five-step digital zoom and the ability to capture 15 frames per second.


text:
Brands have released over 500 exclusive limited collections for Valentine’s Day on Alibaba’s Tmall Luxury Pavilion, leveraging high-tech tools to engage digitally-savvy consumers.
Gen-Z users represent the fastest-growing cohort at Tmall Luxury Pavilion, and these digital natives under 28 years old made up nearly 40% of purchases on the platform during last year’s 11.11 Global Shopping Festival.
Cartier launched a rose gold version of its Santos-Dumont model featuring an emerald green strap available with a run of 300. Meanwhile, Swiss watchmaker Piaget hosted a pre-Valentine’s Day livestream on Tmall Luxury Pavilion that attracted over 500,000 views.
For its part, Coach has a variety of love-themed items ready for Chinese consumers, including a heart-printed tote bag and rose gold jewelry.
In China, we look at each of these holidays as a way to engage and potentially look at brand customer acquisition, particularly Gen Z.– Renee Klein, Vice President of Global Digital Experience and Customer Marketing, Coach
Love-struck Luxury Pavilion users can take it a step further by tapping bespoke services such as engraving, wrapping and audio gift cards to personalise products.
This year, Valentine’s Day landed near the Lunar New Year, and many brands merged the two campaigns in the China market to amplify their influence.
Italian designer Prada raffled off 20 limited-edition digital collectibles in red and gold to lucky Luxury Pavilion shoppers who purchased select handbags. Michael Kor’s rabbit-engraved timepiece was also available as a Valentine’s Day gift.
Chinese shoppers have had a long love affair with niche special collections centered around festive occasions from the Lunar New Year in January to Chinese Valentine’s Day in August.
When you know that that audience represents 1.4 billion consumers, it’s something that you and your product teams want to invest in.– Mei Chen, Director of Fashion and Luxury, Alibaba
It’s expected that luxury consumption in China will resume its upwards trajectory before March and reach pre-pandemic levels between the first and second half of 2023.


text:
As part of a broader deal with exhibition planner AE Ventures, CEDIA will partner with CE Pro on the education and marketing for the CE Pro Summit upcoming Nov. 2-4 in Atlanta.
Jan 27, 2016
Consumer Technology Association Integrator of the Year award winner Gerry Lynch of System 7 in Boston says taking risks in his business has paid off.
Jan 13, 2016
Integrator BNC Technology in Johannesburg handles rapidly growing wealthy class in South Africa with fiber optic deployments pushing the market forward. What can U.S. integrators learn from this?
Dec 30, 2015
CEDIA lays out its 2016 plans for members, including consumer-facing events, bundled education for newly hired technicians, global certification, plans to reach 5,000 members, potential partnership with Coldwell Banker, and possibly a new headquarter
Dec 22, 2015
Home automation leader Control4 has teamed with GreenSky to provide consumer financing for smart-home products and installation, including Control4’s own products and services, as well as third-party solutions.


text:
All the people in Emily Szymborski's e-mail address book received the e-mail.
She was in Nigeria, got robbed and needed help: $1,800 wired via Western Union, to be exact.
Then she could pay her hotel bill and buy a plane ticket back to the States. She would never make the same mistake again.
The message came from the Milwaukee woman's Yahoo e-mail account early this summer. But 26-year-old Szymborski teased that she doesn't even know where Nigeria is. When the e-mail was sent, she was working on her laptop at home. Calls from her family and friends rolled in. Nigeria? What was this all about?
Szymborski tried to log in to her Yahoo account to check things out, but her password didn't work. Her e-mail account had been hijacked. And she has no idea how.
Szymborski is one of a large but unknown number of computer users targeted by online scammers each year. In 2006, the FBI's Internet crime division received 207,492 complaints, nearly 3,000 of which came from Wisconsin.
The FBI's Milwaukee office, in fact, was notified in the past month about a case in which a Wisconsin woman was bilked out of $550,000 over two years in Nigerian scams, according to supervisory special agent David Gorr.
The 60-year-old woman wired money to at least six banks overseas and is now filing for bankruptcy, Gorr said. Once money goes overseas, there is almost no chance of retrieving it, he said.
The Milwaukee FBI office is also investigating a case in which a 77-year-old Brookfield man wired at least $230,000 to a scammer who said he was based in Nigeria.
Paul Bresson, a spokesman with the FBI, said such scams have been around for ages but have moved to e-mail and the Internet.
Szymborski insists she never answered one of those increasingly common inquiries from an "African prince" wanting to share a cool fortune, if only she would forward her bank account and personal e-mail information.
The scammers, claiming to be in Nigeria, kept the scam going when her boyfriend's sister, Wendy Sobczyk, started to play along.
"E, what the heck is this?" Sobczyk wrote.
"I'm sorry Ma'am . . . she's lost consciousness for hours now and she might probably not look too good when she wakes up," wrote "Sandra," a hotel receptionist, who claimed to be writing on behalf of Szymborski. "I can understand your being cautious. . . but Emily needs you more than ever now."
None of Szymborski's family or friends fell for the fraud, but Szymborski was left to worry about the security and safety of her bank accounts, credit cards and other personal information.
"I just had a bad feeling in my stomach all the time," she said.
The worst part was, no one could help her.
Szymborski said she e-mailed Yahoo about a dozen times but didn't hear back. The first two weeks after her e-mail account was taken over, Szymborski said she spent a few hours each day, calling her bank and credit card companies to see if anyone had emptied her account or bought a yacht in the Caribbean.
Szymborski called the Milwaukee resident office of the U.S. Secret Service, but it couldn't investigate because no one had actually fallen for the scam and sent money.
Karen Mahon, a spokeswoman for Yahoo, said Szymborski's situation is an industry problem, not something unique to Yahoo.
The practice, known as "phishing," is an attempt to steal a computer user's password and other account information. Phishers send e-mails that link to fraudulent Web sites. Users are then tricked into disclosing their log-in names and passwords on the Web sites. Yahoo created a safeguard called a sign-in seal to protect against this problem. The seal is a unique image saved on users' computers and pops up with legitimate Yahoo Web sites, not those posing as such.
Computer users are also reminded not to reply to unsolicited e-mails asking for passwords or personal and financial information.
Bill Frantzen, resident agent of the Milwaukee Secret Service office, said he has not heard of many scams in which hackers swipe someone's e-mail password but said these techniques represent "crimes of the future." The Secret Service is training more agents in computer-network intrusion, as criminals become more sophisticated.
Szymborski's computer also might have been remotely fitted with a key logger - a device that records keystrokes and stores them. Hackers could have picked up her password.
Szymborski still has not been able to reclaim her old e-mail address. She has since set up a new one and hopes scammers stay away.
John Diedrich of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.


text:
In a note to clients — as noted by AppleInsider — UBS analyst Steven Milunovich says that the premium smartphone market returned to growth in the December quarter at up 8% with Apple outgrowing the market with a 19% growth.
In Europe, the premium market grew 4%, with Apple climbing 16%. Apple's market share in Japan is up to 70%. Apple’s numbers in China numbers remain impacted by Vivo, Oppo, and Huawei claiming a combined 45% of the market. While the market grew 9%, the iPhone declined 19%. However, Apple remains the largest vendor in China, with 47% of the market.
For the remainder of the 2017 calendar year, Milunovitch predicts a "bulge" of iPhone 6 owners to upgrade after the expected September "iPhone 7s" and/or "iPhone 8" releases.


text:
Eastman Kodak and Skype have announced the “latest innovation in digital storytelling”, Kodak Photo Voice, a new free online service that combines live voice and online photo sharing.
The Kodak Photo Voice service lets Internet viewers simultaneously view a customised slideshow online and chat away to each other at the same time – making it harder for people trying to avoid sitting through their friend’s awful holiday snaps.
“Today’s families and social networks are scattered around the globe. Staying connected through photo sharing remains an important element in maintaining closer personal relationships,” said Sandra Morris, general manager of Consumer Imaging Services at Kodak.
Morris noted that traditional social gatherings that used to take place around the radio, television or telephone are now taking place around the computer, mobile phone or camera.
Once a user has downloaded Kodak Photo Voice and Skype, they can select photos from a Kodak Easyshare Gallery album or from their computer, compile them into a Kodak Photo Voice presentation and “call” a friend over Skype to watch the slideshow live.
If their friend likes some of the photos, the host can order prints and other merchandise via the Kodak Gallery and have them mailed directly to their friend’s home.
Currently in live beta, the KODAK Photo Voice is the first Skype certified “online photo sharing experience” (we’re currently enjoying a “live coffee drinking experience”, btw) and is available as a free download at kodakgallery.com/photovoice.
As the curious talking octopus on the homepage explains, the service is absolutely free.


text:
UF Football games Sold Out
The Seminoles and Volunteers have a limited block of tickets to sell to their fans.
Florida single-game tickets go on sale Wednesday for the Gators’ other four home games. Fans can purchase tickets for UF’s game against Toledo Aug. 31, Arkansas Oct. 5, Vanderbilt Nov. 9 and Georgia Southern Nov. 23.
Source: Edgar Thompson, Orlando SentinelUF Football games Sold Out by Blake Bass
Tags: Florida Gators


text:
News about Phones
If you're hoping to pick up a foldable phone this holiday season, our shortlist of the best from Samsung, Google, and Motorola are worth checking out.
With Smart Search, Google Files is getting a massive search boost so finding documents and images should be a lot easier.
The imminent iOS 17.2 update is promising to improve the telephoto focusing on your iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
Some iPhone users have noticed an annoying iOS 17 bug, with the App Switcher launching while they’re trying to type.
It seems as though Best Take and Top Shot might be joining forces in a future version of the Pixel Camera app.
An under-display iPhone camera is apparently in "advanced development", but still a long way off.
Fast Qi2 wireless charging support is coming to the iPhone 14 line and the iPhone 13 line with iOS 17.2.
The iPhone 14 Plus has some of the best battery life out there and this ongoing discount means you can pick it up for less in time for the holidays.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox
Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.


text:
POPSUGAR today announced that POPSUGAR Play/Ground will return this summer on Friday, June 2, in Los Angeles. With an endless supply of high-energy activations, relaxing treatments, and soul-restoring self-care, POPSUGAR will build an entire world around the things to indulge in to curate the ideal “day off.” Save the date for the event which will include workout classes with A-list trainers including Megan Roup and Kaleila Jordan, luxury spa treatments at the Zen Zone and a pop-up beauty bar with live music.
“This will be the first Play/Ground since 2019, so we wanted to bring back a brand new, reimagined version of the event,” says Angelica Marden, Publisher at POPSUGAR. “We want to immerse our attendees in a world created and curated by POPSUGAR where they can discover new products, experience the latest fitness and wellness trends, and truly enjoy the perfect day off, all in one place.”
POPSUGAR is the #1 most-engaged with women’s lifestyle site in the U.S. The brand reaches young women through its positive and purpose-driven content across multiple platforms, spanning entertainment, fitness, style, and shopping. POPSUGAR is part of Vox Media, the leading modern media company.


text:
Some people are addicted to love.
Others are addicted to drugs.
I'm addicted to Target. Seriously....
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Target's "Bonus Black Friday"
Just as they've done in years past, Target is having a "Bonus Black Friday" in July. This year's sale is hitting a week earlier than last year's (starting July 12th) and you can click here to sign up for exclusive bonus deals.


text:
Corporate “snowy” profit margins
It’s not just families who are upset.
Many business owners said they felt rising cost pressures in several aspects – manpower, logistics, raw materials, and electricity.
With many retailers forced to go online as a result of COVID-19, digital marketing costs have also skyrocketed.
Ms. Ling noted that these increased costs are occurring against a backdrop of eroding financial support from the government, such as the Jobs Support Scheme, which provides wage subsidies to businesses, and rent waivers.
Each cost component has gone up two or three times on average, and costs have gone up 12 to 15 percent across the board, said Terence Yu, managing director of shoe retailer Enviably Me.
He said that while the economy is recovering from its worst during the height of the pandemic, revenues are still low between 30 and 40 percent.
“Those (companies) that have survived so far… I think we’re just trying to adapt to every wave that comes… What can we do about shipping charges, labor costs, and GST?,” said Yu, who is also the CEO of a company. Singapore Tenants United For Fairness, which represents more than 770 business owners, “The alternative is exit”.
Bernard Tai, managing director of Jinjja Chicken, said operating costs for the Korean fried chicken business increased by 20-30 percent last year, compared to 2020.
Describing food costs as “crazy,” Tay said the price of one can of cooking oil has gone up 40 percent.
It has traditionally relied on workers from Malaysia, and border restrictions have also made it difficult for it to hire workers, so manpower costs have risen to attract them.
“For the first time in my business, I got the quota (to hire foreign workers) but I don’t have workers…You walk into a mall, what food and beverage establishment (F&B) does not give notice of employment? And the salary offered is higher and higher. People can Literally quitting here today, and tomorrow working at the same mall in another outlet next to mine,” he said.
While the return of dining for a maximum of five people has helped improve business, Mr. Tay said the safe distancing requirement means revenue is still below pre-pandemic levels.
“The margin is very thin like ice,” he added.
Another retailer, Keason Lim, director of toy distribution company Being Kids, said his business costs had jumped by a similar amount, by 20 to 30 percent.
In addition to rising shipping costs, he has to contend with a shortage of manpower. Besides the difficulties in hiring foreign workers to replace those who quit in order to return home, Mr. Lim said his traditional reliance on part-time workers has taken a hit, with many of them now working as recruiters or safe distance ambassadors.


text:
Amazon Prime are turning 10 years old, and to celebrate the milestone, they're giving a year's free membership to every household in ten rural villages across the UK.
Each household in every "Prime Village" will get free Prime membership for one year, including existing Prime members, who will receive 12 months on top of their current subscription.
The ten villages have been identified by Amazon as amongst the most frequent Amazon customers over the past decade, with Amazon giving away the freebie as a thank you to some of its most loyal customers.
The households in ten following villages will receive a unique code to unlock their free one year Prime membership this week are:
- Calvert Green, Buckinghamshire
- Churchover, Warwickshire
- Daresbury, Cheshire
- Garvald and Bara, East Lothian
- Holwell, Hertfordshire
- Kirkton of Tough, Aberdeenshire
- Llanwern, Newport
- Marloes and St. Brides, Pembrokeshire
- Roughfort, County Antrim
- Rubane, County Down
As well as free memberships, select households in the Prime Villages will also be chosen at random to receive a trip to London and a pair of exclusive Amazon Lounge tickets to a popular show at The O2, courtesy of Amazon Tickets.
Doug Gurr, Amazon's UK Country Manager, said “We’re thrilled to be giving Prime membership to these residents, who are some of our most loyal Amazon customers."
"It’s our pleasure to reward those who are already members with 12 additional months on us, and for those that haven’t yet tried Prime we hope they will enjoy a chance to experience all the great benefits that come with it.”
Since its birth, Amazon Prime's famous one-day delivery has revolutionised home delivery for millions of households across the UK, with the online retail giant now revealing their best-selling products over the last decade.
The news comes in the big lead up for Christmas, and just as the retail giant begins gearing up for Black Friday, having just announced ten days of deals, and its first ever pop up store in London.


text:
Real Madrid’s football star Cristiano Ronaldo’s Lamborghini has recently broken down in Spain, one month after the Portuguese has bought it.
Being bought as a present to himself for turning 27 last month, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t get to enjoy his latest supercar too much because it broke down in Madrid while he was on his way to a party, his teammate Pepe’s birthday. Ronaldo’s assistant called the mechanics who has nothing else to do than tow it, while the football player had to call a cab in order to make it to the party. Cristiano Ronaldo has a passion for cars and he already owns models like the Ferrari F430, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Bentley Continental GT Speed, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Audi R8 Spyder (free from Audi) and a Porsche 911 Turbo.
As a small reminder, the Lamborghini Aventador is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 engine which is generating a total output of 690 horsepower, being mated to a seven-speed single clutch transmission. The Italian two-door, two-seater supercar can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 349 km/h (217 mph), while burning an average of 17.2 liters of fuel every 100 km (13.5 mpg) and emitting 398 g/km of CO2. The Aventador LP700-4 has a suggested retail price in Europe of 255,000 euros (379,700 USD).


text:
What Trade War? China’s Factory Hub Can’t Hire Enough Workers
Date: Friday, March 8, 2019
Source: Sourcing Journal
At a plastic factory in the city of Dongguan, the recruiting manager says that it’s the most difficult hiring year in two decades. An electronics firm is losing employees to package couriers in the same neighborhood. Executives are trying to coax manpower to the assembly lines with wage increases, one-off referral bonuses, and are even combing inland villages for would-be workers.
China’s Factory Heartland Braces for Trump’s Big Tariff Hit
The evidence, gained from interviews with 20 managers in the southern city, conducted during the busy hiring season following Chinese New Year, suggests that the nation’s labor market is still robust, despite the economic slowdown.
Yet their responses also signal some of the pressures ahead for the manufacturing sector, grappling with Trump’s tariffs, rising domestic wages, and the slow bleeding of competitive advantage to neighboring countries like Cambodia and Vietnam.
“Package delivery, food delivery and online stores have all absorbed many workers who would otherwise have come to us, said Wu Huaquan, a recruiter at Dongguan Sumida (Taiping) Electric Co., which makes electronic components for mobile phones. “The services sector is sending huge shocks to the factories.”
On the face of it, the impact of Trump’s tariff war has been manageable so far. The higher 25 percent tariffs have not been imposed, and exports to the U.S. reached a record last year. A deal to manage the standoff is reportedly near.
The official jobless rate has barely budged as the economic slowdown deepened, hovering around 5 percent throughout 2018. Wage restraint, and the growing number of jobs available outside the manufacturing sector have helped.
“We have not seen any slack overall across the country,” said Helen Qiao, chief Greater China economist at Bank of America Corp. in Hong Kong. “When the Chinese economy is in a downturn and hiring demand slows, you might see slower wage increases, but not necessarily substantial pay cuts or mass lay-offs,” she said.
The added pressure from the trade war has helped highlight the challenges facing factory managers in Dongguan, a 90-minute drive from the Hong Kong border. Profitable factories can offer salary inducements, whereas firms with tighter margins are facing closure or relocation, testing the ability of the rest of the economy to absorb laid-off workers.
Online shopping and delivery services have boomed in China in recent years, with more and more people needed to deliver food and merchandise for companies like Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Meituan Dianping. The express delivery sector alone hired more than 1 million people in 2017.
Manufacturing in general is under pressure, in China as elsewhere in the global economy. The official China manufacturing PMI has been below the 50 mark that denotes contraction since November.
Wu Huaquan’s factory output, electronics, has been hurt by the tariff war, though he says his firm has been able to expand market share by making better products and cutting prices.
Wu hired about 500 workers this spring by offering them 9 percent more than what he paid last year — costing millions of yuan a month that many competitors couldn’t afford. “Other factories hate us because we scooped their workers,” he said.
That was echoed by He Wenyue, a recruiter for Dongguan Ruyi Clothing, which offered a 10 percent to 20 percent salary increase and said the company may have to automate more production or relocate to cheaper places. Mr. Peng at toy maker Yingfeng Plastic & Electronics Products, plans to go further than waiting for people to come to his gate. “We’ll go directly to remote villages in inland areas,” said Peng, who only gave his last name, adding that he plans to collaborate with the officials there.
Yet despite the labor shortage, almost half of the managers said they are not offering a pay increase, citing wafer-thin profits. Overall wage inflation across the manufacturing sectors as well as the overall economy will be 2 to 3 percent this year, according to Li Qiang, executive vice president at Zhaopin Ltd, an online recruitment platform.
Even with those modest wage gains, much of the lower end of China’s manufacturing sector is facing growing pressure to relocate to places with dramatically lower costs, either inland or elsewhere in Asia.
After losing many workers last year, Hongding Leather Goods is not close to filling the 60 openings this spring, according to operational manager Zhang Guojun, and the firm isn’t hiking wages either. Exporting most of the leather belts they make to the U.S., Zhang was worried about the trade war throughout last year.
“The factory needs to stay open and we are just getting by,” Zhang said. “We don’t have any options.”
Policy makers are working to help firms like Zhang’s. Premier Li Keqiang this week announced an “employment first” policy, and the top economic planning body said it will prioritize supporting firms affected by the trade tensions and stabilize jobs there. For Zhang though, those policies might be too late.
His company is, in fact, building a factory in Cambodia, and has been recruiting 2,000 workers since September. “We don’t need to worry about the tariffs there, and the workers aren’t that expensive.”


text:
A new Mercedes-Benz S-class cabriolet will be launched later this year, it has been confirmed.
Speaking at the first drive of the Mercedes-Maybach S600, Martin Hulder, project manager for the S-class, said: "I can confirm that there will be a car for star gazers later in the year."
The car had only previously been seen in disguised form. Spy shots reveal that the S-class cabriolet will make use of a folding soft-top roof.
The Mercedes S-class cabriolet will open up a fresh niche for large luxury 2+2 soft-tops, occupying territory close to the Bentley Continental GTC.
The camouflaged prototype pictured here fails to disguise the heavily raked windscreen (shared with the S-class coupé) and the large rear quarterlight window, which gives an indication that the rear cabin will be relatively generous for a soft-top.
Compared with the E-class cabriolet, the S-class will have a roomier, higher-quality cabin, which will be part of its appeal to owners who want the space to carry a pair of adult passengers in open-top luxury.
Mercedes has previously floated the idea of a luxury soft-top in the shape of the 2006 Ocean Drive concept, although that experimented with four-door styling.
Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:


text:
Three years after explosive allegations of graft and corruption brought down the government of Asia’s fourth-largest economy, South Korea’s chaebol culture will again come under the microscope when Samsung Electronics Co. heir Jay Y. Lee returns to court.
The billionaire’s retrial over expanded corruption charges begins Friday at the Seoul High Court, rebooting a landmark case that led to the impeachment of then-president Park Geun-hye and inflamed popular anger over the power of Korean conglomerates, also known as chaebols. It threatens to potentially throw the de-facto leader of Korea’s biggest company back in jail.
“This is problematic for Samsung as it seeks to elevate and portray him as a Silicon Valley-minded reformer,” said Geoffrey Cain, author of an upcoming book about Samsung. “He won’t be able to shed the image of corruption that easily.”
The appeals court that decided to release Lee in early 2018 from jail, where he’d spent about a year after his initial arrest, will decide his final sentence over the course of the next few months. Factoring in the trial’s social and economic implications, Park Sang-in, a professor at Seoul National University, warns it could take longer than usual and stretch beyond six months.
Unless new evidence emerges during the retrial, the appeals court is expected to rule in line with the decision of Korea’s Supreme Court, which found that Lee had used three horses and additional funds, via an intermediary, to bribe President Park while seeking political support for his succession as Samsung chief. This would mean altering Lee’s presently suspended prison sentence.
Why the Fate of Samsung’s Billionaire Heir Turns on Horses
The total amount of alleged bribery determined by the top court, including all three equines, carries a minimum sentence of five years, which cannot be suspended in the same way that Lee’s existing sentence has been. Media coverage in Korea, however, has centered on Article 53 of the Korean Criminal Act, which stipulates there could be a discretionary mitigation of the punishment “when there are extenuating circumstances.” In Lee’s case, the damage to Samsung — crucial as it is to Korea’s economy — could be presented as grounds to keep him out of prison.
Even in the event of an unfavorable ruling, the 51-year-old Samsung scion would still be able to appeal at the Supreme Court one more time, which could take another year. To avoid such a protracted legal battle, people in and out of Samsung have expressed hope that the court may reduce the punishment and slash the sentence to a suspended 30-month term.
But close observers of Korean politics and its mighty family-run conglomerates argue there is little chance that Lee will avoid imprisonment, saying Samsung should brace for the worst case scenario.
“If this company had a normal corporate culture, it could start a process of searching beyond Jay Y. Lee, just as Steve Jobs and Jack Ma spent time designating their successors,” said Seoul National University’s Professor Park. “Samsung, however, sticks to an idea that only a controlling family member should manage its overall business. If Lee can step back to stay as a major shareholder and find a ‘real’ professional manager, it may light the fuse for changes.”
Samsung, the world’s largest memory chip and smartphone maker, has an army of business experts and senior managers who can run its day-to-day operations, according to Park Ju-gun, president at corporate research firm CEOScore. Lee could continue his management even while in prison and then come back as a leader when he’s out, emulating the example of his chaebol peers including SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won and CJ Group chairman Lee Jay-hyun, who today are active leaders of their conglomerates in spite of having spent years in jail.
Samsung Billionaire Heir to Cede Board Seat Before Legal Probe
Under pressure, Lee gave up on extending his three-year term on the Samsung board, which is set to expire on Saturday. Although he’s keeping his title as vice chairman, it will be the board that drives overall management decisions, according to people familiar with the matter. Board Chairman Lee Sang-hoon and Samsung President Chung Hyun-ho — who’s managing Samsung’s business task force and is known to be an ally of Lee’s — are likely to take the lead in management in the absence of the heir, according to CEOScore’s Park and Samsung officials.
Yahoo Finance | October 24th, 2019


text:
-Burlesque star Dita Von Teese has released a capsule collection of five dresses inspired by her retro-glam personal style.Telegraph
-Beyoncé has signed with Pepsi for a hybrid project that will include an exclusive ad campaign starring the singer. NYTimes
-Paire, a new online boutique for exclusive designer jewelry, has launched. Check it out to see and shop BAZAAR's Kerry Pieri favorite picks. Paire
-Opening Ceremony is having a sample sale this weekend. Head to the Mercer street store in New York to get amazing deals on amazing designers. OpeningCeremony
More From Harper's BAZAAR
-Today, Amazon's MyHabit.com is partnering with jewelry designer Dana Lorenz to offer a selection of home items at up to 60% off. MyHabit
-See the best looks from the pre-fall collections.


text:
Emulators have been doing some great work in getting Breath of the Wild just playable on the Switch, let alone to a nice state. But if you haven't checked in with their progress lately, wow have they come a long way.
Tagged With cemu
We've seen GTA, Mario and Minecraft modded into Breath of the Wild on PC, but now we are getting into the good stuff.
Now that Zelda: Breath of the Wild is running pretty well on the PC, it's time for people to start messing it with. Like turning Link into Carl Johnson from GTA: San Andreas, or Steve from Minecraft.
As we've seen, you can play Breath of the Wild on a PC using an emulator. It isn't exactly optimal, but there's a tiny bright side to the struggle: You can open a busted treasure chest that on both Switch and Wii U is inaccessible.
In October, the Cemu emulator -- which allows Wii U games to be played on a PC -- could barely boot Mario Kart 8's menu. Now, just two months later, it's doing an OK job of actually running the game.


text:
Few businesses are happy when employee turnover is high. It’s usually a sign of lackluster employee engagement, and it’s expensive to hire and train new workers. Keeping an eye on employee turnover rates and what may be causing them to rise is generally a good business practice.
The global pandemic of COVID-19 has impacted our country in ways that were unimaginable months ago. It is changing how people across the U.S. and around the world are working, shopping, even interacting with one another. States have ordered many stores and businesses to close. Businesses that...Read More


text:
To say GreenLancer has been on a growth streak in recent years might be a bit of an understatement.
The alternative energy startup watched its revenue jump 340 percent last year, including a 1,440-percent spike in permit-ready plan sets for solar projects produced in that time. That allowed GreenLancer to hire a couple dozen people, going from 10 employees in January 2015 to 34 today. The new hires included solar engineers, software developers, human resources, and accountants.
"Really all across the board," says Zac MacVoy, CEO of GreenLancer
The downtown Detroit-based startup, with offices in the Ford Building
, facilitates the design and execution of permit-ready plans for installing solar panels. Its software platform and team provides its customers with everything needed to install alternative energy infrastructure. That ranges from feasibility studies to concept designs to permit packages to installers.
"GreenLancer helps solar panel installation companies scale and be more efficient," MacVoy says. "We help them sell and install more, and improve their inefficiencies."
GreenLancer works primarily in solar energy, which has become increasingly popular now that costs to install a solar array have dropped significant in recent years
. Almost all of GreenLancer’s projects are on the residential side, but GreenLancer is looking to generate more work from commercial projects in 2016.
"It's all going to depend on the traction we can get," MacVoy says.
MacVoy came onto the GreenLancer team as CEO early last year shortly after the startup raised a $5 million Series B round. The company is currently looking to raise a "substantially bigger" Series C in 2017, but MacVoy wants to spend more time in the interim on building up the company's clientele and fine-tuning its business model.
Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
Enjoy this story? Sign up
for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.


text:
Durbin Praises CU's Checking Disclosures
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), longtime critic of banking fees and debit card interchange, has written a letter to praise an Illinois credit union for its check fee disclosures.
“I am heartened to see a financial institution from my home state lead the way in providing transparency for student checking accounts,” Durbin wrote in the Feb. 28 letter to Greg Anderson, chief operating officer at the 41,000-member, $264 million University of Illinois Credit Union.
“While access to transparent and honest information about checking fees is important for all consumers, it is particularly important when it comes to checking accounts marketed to college and university students, many of whom are opening their first account,” Durbin wrote.
Durbin noted that the CU is the first “small” credit union to adopt the checking fee approach advocated by the Pew Charitable Trusts. That approach uses a simple, easy-to-read form to notify consumers about fees on their checking accounts, the letter said.
“Your decision to adopt this disclosure form at your four local branches and on your website will benefit your student and community member customers, and it will help advance the cause of fee transparency to the benefit of consumers nationwide,” Durbin added.


text:
In 2005, One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) promised to deliver rugged $100 laptops to poor children around the world, linking them to the world’s knowledge.
The New York Times welcomed The Laptop That Will Save the World.
What happened? Adi Robertson explains in a fascinating story in The Verge.
The non-profit would “make literally hundreds of millions of these machines available to children around the world,” MIT Media Lab founder Nicholas Negroponte promised. “And it’s not just $100. It’s going to go lower.”
At the time, laptops sold for more than $1,000, writes Robertson.
By the time…
Continue reading at:


text:
Andy Kocemba has his finger on the pulse of Minnesota’s small-business community.
In 2011, he and his father, Wally, bought Calhoun Cos. — a business brokerage firm founded in 1908. The younger Kocemba, now the president, has been working there since 2003, helping people buy and sell small businesses.
Before the recession, the firm — which has 25 employees — brokered about 100 deals per year. Now it’s doing about 70 annually, mostly businesses with annual revenue between $500,000 and $15 million. The typical sale price is between $300,000 and $10 million.
He spoke at the firm’s offices in Edina.
Q: What are the last five businesses Calhoun has sold?
A: A precision manufacturing company, a home personal care business, a real estate-owned construction company. We sold a printing company, a restaurant and then a promotions and marketing company. Some of them were a little smaller, some of them were good-sized deals. I guess that’s six.
Q: What’s a hot type of business right now?
A: Home health care. It’s a huge need out there, and it will continue to be. Another area would be manufacturing. Buyers always like the idea of hard assets — they’re buying something, they’re buying a patented product, machines, stuff. That’s always attractive. And then there would be service-related businesses. It’s the other end of the spectrum. We always do well with those. There’s low overhead expense. You’re just going out with your tools and doing something. Very high profit margins. The numbers look good for those types of businesses. They typically sell for more, relative to revenue.
Q: What’s the demographic of people who are likely to sell a business right now?
A: The typical seller would be a baby boomer, primarily looking to retire. It’s most often the type of person who grew the business, built it themselves, they’re the owner-operator and they’ve gotten it to the point where it’s maxed out their level. They’re the wrench-turner and all of the sudden they’re managing a large organization. It’s not what they’re cut out for. A lot of business owners, essentially this is their one basket full of all their eggs, so they need to make it pay off, just from their own retirement point of view. Interesting fact is baby boomers are also the largest buyer group. We’re really excited about the baby boomers. In the next five to 10 years, we’re going to see a lot of good businesses come to market.
Q: If someone owns a business where much of the value of the company resides in the owner’s relationships, how valuable is that company to someone else?
A: It’s something we like to get people thinking about as early as they can. There’s the idea of bringing in an employee to help take on some of those relationships so at least there’s some connection there. For smaller businesses, where it’s primarily just the owner, every deal we put together has a transition period negotiated into it, wherein the owner will stay on for X amount of months or a year to help transfer those relationships. It’s all negotiable.
Q: Do buyer and seller have to hit it off?
A: Not necessarily, but it always helps. It is a personal relationship, much different than buying a house these days where they keep you apart as long as they can. From the beginning of the process, we’re bringing people together. It doesn’t mean they have to be best friends, but there needs to be trust there.
Q: What are the financing options for people looking to buy a business?
A: Most commonly it’s a combination of cash down payment from the buyer, and then the seller will carry a portion on a note that’s paid over time. Another option would be bank financing, which is done through the Small Business Administration. It’s a government program where they will guarantee a portion of these loans, designed to encourage banks to lend on business acquisitions based on blue sky — goodwill, the cash flow stream — not hard assets. In that situation, the bank will bring 70 percent of the deal, buyer will bring 20 percent, and seller will carry 10 percent. So the seller’s walking away with 90 percent of their cash.
Q: Do you ever have to talk people out of buying a business?
A: It’s a long process. A person has to be pretty determined to get to the finish line, and that weeds out a lot of people who aren’t cut out for it. There are stops along the road for the gut check. That’s one way that you prevent the catastrophe. Another way we do that is we really focus on listing businesses that are profitable, that are good businesses. We’re not setting anybody up to buy a lemon. And we always advise people to bring in their own attorneys, their own CPAs. We want to make sure these people are doing all their background work to make sure it’s all good for everybody involved.
Q: What are some red flags?
A: If it’s losing money. It’s a hard situation, because a business maybe had been making money in the past. A seller will come in and say we’ve had a tough few years but I know it can be something. But the hard fact is, buyers will come in and look at it and say, I’m not going to pay for that. Our emphasis is really on profitable companies. Other issues are old or declining technology, dated practices, or an industry that’s hit hard or becoming obsolete.


text:
Let the Easter bunny bring you ethical chocolate
If you're looking for an ethical, peanut-free chocolate Easter bunny, Camino has the treat for you.
|Report an Error|
Share via Email
Camino has launched what it’s calling Canada’s first ethical, peanut-free, organic, solid milk chocolate Easter bunny. Made with just four ingredients (golden cane sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder and cocoa mass), the bunnies retail for about $4.99 at major grocery and natural health food stores.
- NEW St. Michael’s Hospital health team offers prescription for poverty
- Video NEW Gay marriage legalization in Ireland on way to resounding ‘yes’
- NEW ‘The rich do better’: ethics and Eugene Melnyk’s new liver
- Photos NEW Survivors still haunted by Brampton Centennial shooting rampage
- NEW Why a city boy’s first fish was a keeper: Keenan
- NEW Why Iraq is America’s new Vietnam: Burman
- Councillors want legislation to place police, agencies under public oversight
- Toronto's chief planner wants Gardiner east taken down


text:
The Xbox One is expected to sell 100,000 units in China, where it is scheduled to launch in July.
That forecast was revealed by BesTV, the Chinese media company that Microsoft has partnered with to tackle the country's emerging console market.
In a recent earnings call - as reported by QQ Games - BesTV detailed their joint venture, stating that Microsoft would be in charge of appointing the new company's CEO, and that it would produce a variety of content specifically for the Chinese market
BesTV also suggested that Xbox One games will cheaper in China than in more established markets - comparatively, at least. A new Xbox One game will retail for around 300 RMB - equivalent to $48 - but the joint venture would create content for a variety of business models.
The Chinese government announced plans to relax its decade-long console ban in September last year. So far, Microsoft has been more aggressive than both Sony and Nintendo in its plans for the new market.
Thanks Games in Asia.


text:
Men's Wearhouse Fires Its Face and Founder
Men's Wearhouse released a press release Wednesday that it had fired the company's face and founder, George Zimmer.
Many recognize Zimmer from the Men's Wearhouse TV commercials where Zimmer states the company slogan, "You're going to like the way you look. I guarantee it."
Zimmer founded Men's Wearhouse more than 40 years ago and began appearing in the company's commercials in the mid-'80s. With more than 1,140 stores located in the United States, Men's Wearhouse has since grown to be one of the top retailers in the country for specialty men's clothing, according to reports.
Sources say Men's Wearhouse did not release a reason for the firing.
Zimmer exhibited anger toward the board of directors about his termination.
"Over the past several months, I have expressed my concerns to the Board about the direction the company is currently heading," he reportedly said in a statement. "Instead of fostering the kind of dialogue in the Boardroom that has, in part, contributed to our success, the Board has inappropriately chosen to silence my concerns by terminating me as executive officer."
However, Sheldon Stein, the CEO of Glazer's Distributors who serves on the board of Men's Wearhouse, said he was optimistic about the direction the company was heading.
"All I can say is that, as a Board member, I am very excited about the future of The Men's Wearhouse," he reportedly said. "I totally support our CEO Doug Ewert and our entire management team."
Sources say Zimmer's role at the retailing company has diminished over recent years. He stepped down as chief executive officer in 2011 and then hired Ewert to be his replacement. Then, in 2012, he hired Joseph Abboud as fashion director.
Some said Zimmer had trouble giving up his power, including Richard Jaffe, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus.
"We believe that despite Zimmer's planned transition to a smaller role at the company, he had difficulty letting go of the reins and the leadership of the business," he reportedly said. "We believe this led to a conflict with the board and his subsequent termination."
Jaffe added that board members had been questioning the effectiveness of Zimmer's use as a spokesman among what he called the "millennial consumer," according to reports.
Sources say the company even listed Zimmer's presence as a risk factor in its annual report filed in April.
"George Zimmer has been very important to the success of the company and is the primary advertising spokesman," the company reportedly said. "Although we believe we have a strong management team with relevant industry expertise, the extended loss of the services of Mr. Zimmer or other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the securities markets' view of our prospects and materially harm our business."
Jaffe added he felt confident in the company's current management team.
"We believe current management has been running the business effectively and will continue to do so," he reportedly said.
Reports say board members plan to discuss with Zimmer the extent of his future relationship with the company.


text:
NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Parthenon Capital, along with Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, unveiled plans late Wednesday to take control of Atkins Nutritionals, the food company founded by diet guru Dr. Robert Atkins.
Parthenon will have the controlling stake in the company, in partnership with Goldman, senior management at Atkins Nutritionals, and the Atkins estate.
Goldman Sachs Capital Partners is the private-equity arm of Goldman Sachs
Atkins Nutritionals Chief Executive Officer Paul Wolff and President Scott Kabak will remain in their positions and they will be members of the board, Parthenon said in a statement.
Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed but the value of the transaction is estimated at $600 million to $800 million.
Atkins is known for pioneering a low-carbohydrate lifestyle and authored the best-selling "Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution" book. He founded Atkins Nutritionals, which provides supplements, snacks and foods, in 1989. Atkins died earlier this year after a fall.
Atkins Nutritionals will be Parthenon's third investment in the food sector, said co-CEO Ernest Jacquet.
Boston-based Parthenon, a private equity firm, is the largest distributor of bulk cooking oil with Restaurant Technologies Inc. Parthenon also invests in Wolverine, Proctor & Schwartz, the largest manufacturer of ovens.
Controlled carbohydrate diets are a growing segment of the food industry. With obesity and Type II diabetes on the rise, Atkins Nutritionals CEO Wolff and President Kabak "sincerely want to change the way Americans eat," Jacquet said.
Parthenon's goal is to make Atkins a $1 billion company in two years, he said.
"This fits Parthenon Capitals business model perfectly because we buy a portion of company and the existing shareholders of the estate of Dr. Atkins and the Atkins Foundation retain a significant position in the company," Jacquet said.


text:
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – No doubt - electric vehicles are slick.
They’re not only seen as eco-friendly and nifty, but they’re fast and fun! For this story, we rode in several electric vehicles to determine the pros, cons and the future.
As a journalist and someone who loves the environment, I’ve always wanted to know more about electric vehicles and their viability. Are they truly practical? Can Americans really get around without stopping at gas stations? To find answers, I embarked on an electric vehicle voyage, testing out the practicality and challenges first-hand.
EVs traditionally cost more than vehicles with combustible engines, but prices are dropping. A new Chevy Bolt EV has an MSRP of $26,500 before potential tax rebates. From there, EVs run all price ranges into costing more than a hundred thousand dollars. However, they save owners fuel costs and typically cost much less to charge than it would cost to fill a tank with gas.
We met Felix Feliz, a Tesla owner, who shared his experience: “It drives smooth. The performance. I mean, there’s really nothing bad about it. If I’m honest.”
He was traveling from Orlando to Charlotte with his wife and children. He said he had no concerns about running out of battery, noting he planned his charging stops ahead of time.
However, Mickelson Civil, another Tesla owner, pointed out a major concern: “When you’re on U.S. 17 going to Green Cove Springs, there’s a lack of chargers there.”
He’s referring to a commute just outside of Jacksonville, where EV infrastructure is lacking.
This raised the question: Is there enough infrastructure to support these green machines?
I had the opportunity to test drive Volkswagen’s ID.4, one of more than 50 electric vehicle models flooding the market. The small SUV starts around $42,000, with some drivers being eligible for a tax break of up to $7,500. Erik, the dealer representative, highlighted the learning curve for those transitioning from gas-powered cars. But it didn’t take long for me to hit the road and experience an emissions-free weekend.
Driving the ID.4, I couldn’t help but wonder about the charging infrastructure and range limitations.
That’s where Bill Bortzfield comes in. He is a long-time journalist turned EV blogger who took us in his Ford Mustang Mach-E. He shared his passion for electric vehicles, which began on a story and a test drive while reporting for The Florida Times-Union.
“I never felt anything kick me in the hands like that Tesla,” he said of the ride, which was nearly a decade ago. “I couldn’t afford to run out and buy a Model S, but I could afford to get a [electric] motorcycle. So that’s how I got started.”
Bortzfield now has two electric cars -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Mini Cooper SE -- and an electric motorcycle made by Zero. He also writes reviews on other EVs.
Bill’s experiences piqued my curiosity further. He explained the convenience of planning routes using charging apps.
“You punch in your destination, and it’ll plot out the route, adding the chargers along the way,” he said. “It thinks I would have two charges that would take a total of 55 minutes for a trip of 380 miles.”
While planning ahead seemed relatively easy, I learned the hard way that not all chargers are equal. Many are level 1 or level 2, providing only a trickle charge of 4 to 5 miles per hour. “Range anxiety” quickly crept in as I realized a full battery could take days to charge using these slower options. That would essentially deem the car useless for a weekend.
Relying on superchargers became essential, but my first attempt turned out to be a disappointment. The charger I had planned to use in Jacksonville Beach was out of order, leaving me scrambling to find an alternative. I found a good one operated by Florida Power & Light in Yulee, Florida. There’s another well-reviewed supercharger between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. However, there are few between, save for a few lone stations and car dealerships. It was clear that charging infrastructure still has room for improvement.
To address the issue, the White House aims to have half a million electric vehicle charging stations nationwide by 2030. The recently passed bipartisan infrastructure law allocates $7.5 billion for charging station networks, and automakers are also investing heavily to alleviate range anxiety.
Brian Bush, VP of the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships, believes in the future of EVs. He said companies across the country, including his, are investing in chargers and infrastructure.
“The range is getting better, the prices are getting cheaper. And the infrastructure gets better every day,” he said, adding that most of the charging concerns should be fixed within the next several years. He said plug-in hybrids, which use battery then gas, are good options for families who worry about going fully electric.
Throughout my electric vehicle journey, I discovered the significance of personal charging infrastructure.
Bortzfield, the experienced EV blogger, emphasized the convenience and efficiency of installing chargers in his garage.
“We have no trouble keeping all three charged, and the electric bill is not crazy,” he said, noting he has no desire to go back to gas-powered vehicles.
This article is part of “Solutionaries,” our continuing commitment to solutions journalism, highlighting the creative people in communities working to make the world a better place, one solution at a time. Find out what you can do to help at SolutionariesNetwork.com.


text:
Operated by SK Planet, the e-commerce arm of communication giant SK Telecom, OK Cashbag was launched in 1999 to reward users who purchased goods and services from SK affiliated merchants. In an interview with CoinDesk Korea, SK Planet said a plan to introduce a blockchain system to tokenize cash points had been shared with the company’s top-level management.
One aspect of the plan would involve the creation of a so-called stablecoin, or a cryptocurrency that maintains a fixed value, given that the points in question are tied to the Korean won.
While the bid – temporarily called OKX – is subject to further research ahead of any formal debut, it’s a notable development given the existing user base of OK Cashbag and the number of merchants that accept the usage of OK Cashbag points.
According to the report, the program now has over 35 million users with more than 50,000 affiliated merchant stores where consumers can spend their rewards. They can also exchange points for cash if they earn more than 50,000 points…


text:
What you need to know
- Apple's rumored AirPods Studio headphones will reportedly be built in Vietnam.
- This as Apple continues to reduce its reliance on China.
- Shipments to Apple are expected to start arriving as soon as next month.
Rumors of an Apple-branded over-ear headphone project have circulated for months with recent rumors claiming the company has gone with the AirPods Studio branding. Now a new report claims that Apple has two manufacturers ready to get production underway in Vietnam.
The report from The Information has Apple partners Luxshare and Geortek lined up to begin production soon enough to potentially have shipments in Apple warehouses as early as next month.
Apple has been trying to reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturing since the United States administration went into a trade battle with the company last year. The recent coronavirus outbreak hasn't slowed Apple's plans, either.
AirPods Studio are set to be impressive, $349 studio-quality headphones that feature Apple's W1 chip for instant pairing and device switching. Active noise cancellation technology will also be included. One Bloomberg report has also claimed that interchangeable earcups will be part of the design, too.
Leaker Jon Prosser has previously said that a launch as soon as next month's WWDC isn't out of the question.
Master your iPhone in minutes
iMore offers spot-on advice and guidance from our team of experts, with decades of Apple device experience to lean on. Learn more with iMore!
Oliver Haslam has written about Apple and the wider technology business for more than a decade with bylines on How-To Geek, PC Mag, iDownloadBlog, and many more. He has also been published in print for Macworld, including cover stories. At iMore, Oliver is involved in daily news coverage and, not being short of opinions, has been known to 'explain' those thoughts in more detail, too.
Having grown up using PCs and spending far too much money on graphics card and flashy RAM, Oliver switched to the Mac with a G5 iMac and hasn't looked back. Since then he's seen the growth of the smartphone world, backed by iPhone, and new product categories come and go. Current expertise includes iOS, macOS, streaming services, and pretty much anything that has a battery or plugs into a wall. Oliver also covers mobile gaming for iMore, with Apple Arcade a particular focus. He's been gaming since the Atari 2600 days and still struggles to comprehend the fact he can play console quality titles on his pocket computer.


text:
Texas Roadhouse (TXRH -1.75%) delivered strong results for its third-quarter earnings announcement in late October. Total revenue was up 9.4% year over year to $650.5 million, while net income increased a hefty 25.4% year over year to $36.5 million, or $0.52 per share. The casual dining chain also reported that comparable-restaurant sales increased 4.4% at company restaurants and 3.2% at domestic franchised restaurants, a very good result considering the weak results from its peers.
Texas Roadhouse has a strong track record of delivering good food at affordable prices. CEO Wayne Taylor also emphasized that labor productivity had boosted restaurant margins, and the company had shifted focus on labor scheduling and efficiency in order to make this happen.
Moving forward, can investors expect even better performance from the company? There are several initiatives and plans afoot that make me confident Texas Roadhouse can continue to outperform.
Opening more stores in 2019 and 2020
For the first nine months of 2019, Texas Roadhouse has opened a total of 17 new stores, with one being a Bubba's 33. Management expects to open a total of 22 new stores for the whole of 2019, with three being Bubba's 33. Given that we have about a month left in this fiscal year, management seems on track to hit their target.
For 2020, there are grand plans to open more than 30 restaurants, including as many as eight Bubba's 33 locations. Of these new store openings, franchise partners are expected to open as many as eight international Texas Roadhouse locations in both 2019 and 2020. The company has signed on area development and franchise agreements in nine countries such as Taiwan, the Philippines, and China, to name a few. These ambitious expansion plans should drive further top-line growth for the company and deepen its presence among the population.
New hours and menu prices
Earlier this year, management tested the concept of serving lunch at Bubba's 33 at five outlets. The restaurant's operating hours are usually from 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., so dinner would be the main revenue generator. For the quarter, Bubba's 33 saw impressive comparable sales growth of 8.8%, 2.5% of which was contributed by the lunch introduction (these trial restaurants are now open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Due to this success, there are now plans to roll out the lunch concept to other Bubba's 33 outlets.
Meanwhile, the issue of inflation has always been a headache for businesses, as the cost of inputs and staff salaries face an almost inexorable rise. The inflation rate for Oct. 2019 was around 1.8%. Texas Roadhouse will introduce a menu price increase of approximately 1.9% in late November, ensuring that the business continues to adjust prices in tandem with rising costs.
Another restaurant concept
Finally, next year, Texas Roadhouse intends to introduce a new restaurant concept known as Jaggers that specializes in chicken sandwiches and burgers. Jaggers was a brand started by the company back in 2015 with two stores opened in Indianapolis -- those remain the only branches of this concept to date.
Texas Roadhouse is not alone, though, as Outback Steakhouse also recently opened two units of a fast-casual dining concept called Aussie Grill back in Jan. 2019. However, the company behind Outback, Bloomin' Brands, recently announced that it may be exploring a strategic sale of the company. If Bloomin' changes hands, it may lessen the competitive pressure for Texas Roadhouse in the interim and give the company more breathing room.
Starting a new restaurant concept always involves some risk, but management had successfully launched Bubba's 33 in May 2013, so extending Jaggers' presence beyond merely two stores seems like a natural progression for the business.
With so many plans afoot, investors should look forward to better numbers from the company in 2020. Texas Roadhouse offers tantalizing future prospects as it slowly expands its presence around the country. Investors can look forward to more delicious returns from this restaurant stock.


text:
Digital marketplace opens up access to government ICT spend
Local ICT suppliers will find it easier to get access to some of the Australian Government's $5 billion annual ICT spend, following the creation of a promised Digital Marketplace.
The marketplace was among a number of promises made during yesterday's Innovation and Science Agenda announcements, which also included plans for promoting collaboration in cyber security and plans for a data policy statement to formalise Government requirements to make openly available appropriate data.
The Government is investing $15 million in the new digital marketplace – an online director of digital and ICT services from which government agencies will procure solutions – which will be developed by the Digital Transformation Office.
The Government says the marketplace will ‘break down barriers to entry and make it easier for startups and small and medium businesses to compete for the $5 billion government spends on ICT each year'.
It admits currently startups and small to medium suppliers of digital services ‘find it difficult' to participate in Australian Government procurements for large scale ICT solutions.
Based on a successful UK model, the Digital Marketplace ‘will result in a broader base of suppliers being considered, more competition, more innovation and more jobs' the Government says.
Large ICT requirements will be broken down into individual components, scaling down the procurement and allowing for greater scope for innovation solutions.
Business suppliers of ICT software and hardware will be able to join the directory ‘easily' and government buyers will be able to easily search for services, identify suitable suppliers and procure the best value option for a project.
A prototype version of the marketplace is due to be available next year.
The Government is also investing $30 million to establish an industry-led Cyber Security Growth Centre ‘to create business opportunities for Australia's cyber security industries'.
The Growth Centre will include industry, researchers and governments, and aims to develop a national cyber security strategy and coordinate research to reduce overlap and maximise impact.
The initiative, the first to be delivered under the Government's Cyber Security to be released in 2016, aims to help all Australian and businesses ‘be safer and more secure online', with the Government noting attacks on Australia's cyber network costs billions of dollars to the economy each year.
The Government has also pledged to release a Public Data Policy Statement to formalise its commitment to open data and data-driven innovation.
Government agencies will now be required to make appropriate data openly available by default through data.gov.au.
“Spatial data, in particular, is becoming increasingly important to the economy given the rapid take-up and use of mobile devices in Australia,” a statement from the Prime Minister says.
One of the most requested high-value datasets, PSMA Australia's Geocoded National Address File and their Administrative Boundaries datasets will be released under open data terms, removing barriers that restrict the data's use.


text:
Introducing the new 2021 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition, otherwise known as the most track-focused Vantage ever. It’s inspired by the official Formula 1 safety car.
The special edition is being launched to help celebrate the brand’s return to Formula 1, after a 60-year hiatus. It is also launched as the first core model with direct input from Aston Martin’s recently-appointed CEO, and former Mercedes-AMG boss, Tobias Moers. Speaking about the new model, Moers said:
“Vantage was already the most focused sports car in our range but in the development of our official safety car of Formula 1, it had to be a true athlete: more powerful; more agile; more immediate and more exciting to drive. And – of course – quicker and more capable in a race-track environment. I set the engineering team a tough target, as I was insistent that gains in performance came via genuine improvements in the car’s dynamics, and not by fitting track-optimised tyres.”
Although, the Vantage F1 Edition does come with some serious tyres. For the first time the Vantage is presented with 21-inch wheels, and these are wrapped in specially-developed Pirelli tyres featuring a lower profile than ever before. The company says these provide greater levels of feedback to the driver and maximum confidence.
Under the bonnet, the Mercedes-AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is tuned to produce 393kW (535PS), which is up from 375kW on the standard Vantage. Peak torque remains at 685Nm, and this is all channelled through a revised eight-speed automatic transmission. The transmission features optimised torque cuts during upshifts to help speed up shift times, while also enhancing track performance during downshifts.
Various enhancements have been made to the suspension and steering, including an increased spring rate for the rear and improved lateral stiffness to help provide a sharper turn-in. Changes have also been made to improve rear-end traction over bumps, while the steering setup is tuned to transmit feedback more clearly.
As you have probably noticed, the Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition also sports a fairly dramatic aero package, including a big rear wing, more aggressive full-width front splitter complete with dive plates, and special under-body channels to help suck the car to the ground. Speaking of which, the car is now able to generate 200kg of downforce at the car’s top speed.
The new model is on sale now, with the first international deliveries set to commence in May. It’s available in coupe and roadster form. Australian details are yet to be confirmed.


text:
Samsung announced Galaxy S21 will be launched soon. It has been rumored that the touchscreen display of the phone is going to be 6.30 inch. And will have an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor or Exynos 2100. Also, we are expecting that the phone will come with Android 11 with the latest security patch update. Aad we are expecting that the device will have a very powerful battery of 4000mAh. The Galaxy S21 will have wireless charging with a proprietary fast charger. The rumors say that Samsung Galaxy S21 will be having a pack of 12-megapixel primary camera; a second 12-megapixel camera and a third 64-megapixel camera in the back. It will also be having a front camera for selfies. The phone will be having an in-display fingerprint sensor, proximity sensor, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, and accelerometer.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S21 PRICING
The leak says that Galaxy S21 will be available in the store at a price range of EUR 849(approx Rs 76,400) for the base model of 128 GB. And the higher variant of 256GB will be available at the price of EUR 50 more than the base variant i.e. EUR 899(approx Rs 80,900). One of the most expensive mobile phones of Samsung would be the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 521 GB model with a huge price of EUR 1,529(approx Rs 1,37,600). One more variant which is Galaxy S21+ may be available at a price of EUR 1,049(approx Rs 94,400). However, we think that this pricing a bit higher and should be reduced but let’s wait and see open your thoughts on this down in the comments.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S21 RELEASE DATE
We are expecting the launch of the device in the mid of January and will be available for pre-order on January 14. We are expecting that the device will be available in the Samsung store by 29th January.
SAMSUNG GALAXY EXPECTED SPECIFICATIONS
Galaxy S21 will come with the 6.2-inch FHD+LTPS with a 120Hz frame rate
Galaxy S21 will come up with Samsung One UI 3.1 based Android 11 support.
Galaxy S21 will have the powerful processor of Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888
The device will come up with two 128GB and 256GB storage.
Rear Camera: –
- Ultra-wide: 12MP
- Main: 12MP
- Telephoto: 64MP
For more news Stay Tuned with Next News Update


text:
By Emeka Aginam
The global leader in mobile communications, Lenovo, at the weekend added flavor to the Nigerian smart market with the introduction of VIBE series – the Lenovo VIBE P1m and Lenovo VIBE respectively.
Featuring premium design, powerful processors, full high definition displays and innovative camera technology, the new devices are designed to satisfy the communication needs of the most demanding of consumers.
The Lenovo VIBE S1 is the company’s first dual selfie camera smartphone. The device combines the ability to take creative selfies with a fashionable exterior, with its two front cameras and attractive curved-glass back design.
The device’s 8-megapixel primary camera captures high quality images while the 2-megapixel secondary camera provides detailed information on images and backgrounds so users can re-focus on photographs using editing tools.The smart product also houses a 13-megapixel camera on its rear side.
Other innovative features of the Lenovo VIBE S1 included a 5.0-inch full HD display for an immersive viewing experience, an aluminium frame to give users a firm grip and a 2420 mAh battery that can power the device for close to 11 days in standby mode.
Similarly, the VIBE P1m’s exceptional battery life lets users stay constantly connected, productive and in control.
The device boasts a long-lasting 4000mAh battery, a Quick Charge feature and energy saving software alongside a splash-proof Nano coating that protects it from rain and spills.
It also features a manual power saver switch that instantly extends battery life as well as an OTG (On-The-Go) charging function that lets it charge other USB-connected devices such as Bluetooth headsets and portable speakers.
Equipped with high-performance processors and 4G LTE capabilities, the VIBE P1m not only runs apps and games seamlessly, it also supports blazing-fast connectivity and smooth access to online content.
Executive Director, Mobile Business Group at Lenovo Middle East and Africa (MEA), Shashank Sharma while speaking during the unveiling of the product reiterated the company’s dedication to fast-tracking the growth of Nigeria’s smartphone market by providing consumers with access to its latest mobile devices.
“As lifestyles and everyday habits become more mobile, consumers today are looking for devices that can deliver both performance and long lasting battery life in sleek, stylish designs. These are some of the driving forces behind our new VIBE smartphones that offer faster processing speeds, innovative new features and extended battery life to enhance the mobile experience of even the most demanding users,” he said.
He explained that the Lenovo VIBE P1m and Lenovo VIBE S1 are already available for purchase at accredited dealers in the country.
In another development, Lenovo also announced that it has gathered hundreds of entries for its ongoing nationwide promotion tagged Lenovo National Promo, just one month after its launch.
Grand prizes at stake in the promotion include a brand new Kia Rio and 10 education grants worth N200,000 each.
The first in the series of the promo’s electronic raffle draws took place at the weekend and saw two winners from different parts of the country emerging as winners of the education grants.
The lucky winners include Mr. Abimbola from Lagos and Mr. Abalu Evarist from Enugu. Names of winners of consolation prizes including blenders, deep freezers and much more were also revealed at the event.
The Lenovo National Promo is coming on the heels of the company’s recent announcement of new pricing for its P70 and A5000 smartphones towards enabling a larger set of consumers to enjoy the optimal mobile experience that smartphones provide at even more affordable rates. One more draw for the selection of winners of education grants will take place, followed by the Kia Rio Grand Prize draw.


text:
Google has launched a free tool allowing websites and blogs to offer customisable searches to their users.
Site owners signing up for the service can ‘paste’ it into their webpages and select the sites they want included in searches.
In return, they share revenue with Google from text-based ads tied to the service, although government and non-profit groups can use it without ads.
However, Google’s VP of search products Marissa Mayer told the FT that the launch would be “the most significant… that Google would announce in the final months of this year.”
Mayer also said: “We want to make it easy for anyone to create a search engine about all of their favorite topics, without needing a Ph.D. Everyone can harness the power of Google technology to create a personalised search experience that reflects specific knowledge and interests.”
Here are some examples of sites already on board.


text:
Expected to draw thousands of cruise industry professionals, Seatrade’s 2022 program highlights emerging trends, interactive technology and introduces optimized B2B networking
MIAMI (5 April 2022) – Seatrade Cruise Global, the industry’s leading annual business-to-business event, returns to Miami Beach Convention Center, 25-28 April 2022. The four-day gathering will focus on the resiliency of the cruise sector with visionaries, experts and thousands of like-minded professionals collaborating on advancements towards recovery and building a blueprint for a reimagined future.
“Celebrating resiliency, this year’s show will be very special and a long overdue homecoming for our global cruise community,” says Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand and Event Director for Seatrade Cruise. “We’re elated to welcome back our broader international community to reconvene – our dynamic line-up of programming will ignite powerful dialogue, fostering a renewed spirit of excitement for our industry’s path ahead.”
All-new Conference Programming
The Seatrade Cruise Global program will feature expert speakers delving into topics and trends shaping the cruise market. Headlined by the highly anticipated annual State of the Global Cruise Industry keynote address, sponsored by Fincantieri, the conference offers thought-provoking forums and workshops exploring the latest developments across health and safety, hotel operations, technology and beyond. Sector-focused content allows visitors to plan their trip based on their professional roles or interests.
New sessions added to the conference program include:
Bucket-list Voyages: Spotlights how cruise lines are building memorable itineraries and delivering remarkable experiences, both onboard and in destinations around the world.
A Look at Cruising PR and Communications: Addresses lessons learned in a new era for cruising media communications.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Panel: Explores diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to hiring strategies and business initiatives.
With expedition cruising rising on the list of the most sought-after leisure travel pursuits, a half-day has been dedicated to unlocking the growing sector. Sessions include An Insider’s Guide to Expedition Cruising; Expedition CEO Panel; Staffing and Crewing Challenges and Opportunities; Hybrid Luxury – Expedition Cruising.
Introducing the Interactive Tech Zone
Debuting this year is the Interactive Tech Zone providing attendees the chance to learn about the latest advances in science through an information technology playground. In partnership with theICEway, delegates are encouraged to engage with VR headsets, emotion recognition technology, dynamic digital displays and AR crew training. Joining the space is software engineering company Sourcetoad, holding a rapid prototype exercise seeking ideas to build an application or software solution to present to the industry.
Revamped, AI-enabled Matchmaking
Further debuting in 2022 is an advanced matchmaking service for optimized networking opportunities. Seatrade Cruise Global’s new AI driven matchmaking software simplifies the process allowing attendees to easily confirm meetings in advance, streamline scheduling and sort contacts by sector, title and business type, providing automatic suggestions to strategically pair attendees with viable leads. The service is complete with a dedicated matchmaking lounge and an on-site concierge team to facilitate the networking experience.
For the full schedule of Seatrade Cruise Events visit seatradecruiseevents.com. Follow Seatrade Cruise on social media: @SeatradeCruise on Twitter and Instagram, and @SeatradeCruiseEvents on Facebook. #StrongerTogether #STCVirtual #STCTalks #STCGlobal #STCMed #STCEurope #STCAsia #STCAwards #STCME
SAVE THE DATE:
Seatrade Cruise Med 2022 | 14-15 September 2022
Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific 2022 | Q4 2022
Seatrade Cruise Global 2023 | 1-4 May 2023 (Expo 2-4 May)
Seatrade Europe 2023 | 6-8 September 2023
About Seatrade Cruise
Serving the international cruise community since 1970, Seatrade Cruise is the industry’s leading platform for collaborating, innovating and connecting. Comprised of the largest cruise events and trades shows, news channels, virtual programming resources and coveted awards programs, the Seatrade Cruise portfolio reaches more than 20,000 professionals, 4,000 suppliers, 80 cruise line brands and 140 countries.
For more information on Seatrade Cruise Events visit www.seatradecruiseevents.com. For access to the latest news and industry updates visit www.seatrade-cruise.com.
Seatrade Cruise Events are organized by Informa Markets, a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organizer in the world. To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit www.informa.com.


text:
Southsea Bathing Hut, a soap manufacturing microbusiness based in Portsmouth, has been selected as one of 100 firms to be recognised during this year’s Small Business Saturday, the UK’s biggest SME campaign.
Southsea creates and distributes elegant, handmade soap using the traditional cold process methods, keeping in with Portsmouth tradition.
‘‘In Victorian times, Portsmouth was world-famous for its soap manufacturers – and we are proud to be bringing back a heritage industry to the city,’’ explained Samantha Worsey, director at Southsea Bathing Hut.
‘‘The business is less than a year old, though our online shop is already handling orders from across the country, retailers are starting to get in on the action, and we are working with a range of companies that are looking for high quality gifts for their customers,’’ continued the microbusiness owner.
Samantha and her employees have become part of an elite group of SMEs that will receive mass exposure leading up to this year’s Small Business Saturday, which is set to take place nationwide on December 5th.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.
The day itself takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.
This year, the selected 100 companies get the chance to meet George Osborne during a Small Business Saturday reception at Downing Street.
‘‘The first Small Business Saturday last year was an exceptional example of collaboration and co-operation with small businesses teaming up in communities around the UK,’’ said Michelle Ovens, national campaign director for Small Business Saturday.
‘‘Although the campaign focuses on one day, the goal is to have a lasting impact on small businesses by changing mind-sets, so that people make it their mission to support small businesses all year round.’’
‘‘Most people in this country own a small business, work for a small business or know somebody who does, so supporting a small business on Small Business Saturday is absolutely personal.’’


text:
Today, Mashreq Bank launched its full-service digital offering Mashreq Neo.
The new digital bank, which will be completely branchless, is targeted toward younger audiences who are digitally savvy and avid mobile users. Mashreq Neo will be the first digital bank in the GCC to provide access to international markets for investment opportunities including foreign equities, gold trading and foreign currency accounts, claims the company in a press statement.
Explaining the rationale behind the new offering, Mashreq Bank’s head of retail banking group, Subroto Som, says, “Mashreq Neo was created in response to the fast-evolving customer behaviors which we observed in the UAE. Today, we see customers of all ages spending significant amount of time on their mobile smartphones, and they demand convenience. They are active on social media, make purchase decisions based on recommendations, and they rank flexibility and convenience as their top reasons for choosing a bank”.
Customers can open an account through a mobile app, which will also be the primary platform for all banking services. Other than the mobile app, the new offering also features a dedicated call center, Neo Online, and the New Chatbot, which will be integrated with Facebook Messenger. It will also be synced with online and mobile payment solutions including Samsung Pay wallet, Mashreq Pay wallet, Cardless cash from ATMs, and mobile-to-mobile transfers.


text:
Experts at Sophos demonstrate how hackers are planting bogus anti-virus software on websites, in the hope of scaring people into handing over their credit card details.
Learn more about this threat on Sophos's website at sophos.com/blogs/gc/g/2008/12/10/video-of-a-fake-anti-virus-attack/ and sophos.com/security/blog/2008/11/2038.html
Loading more stuff…
Hmm…it looks like things are taking a while to load. Try again?