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LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Rihanna have been talking about launching a luxury fashion label using her Fenty brand, sense of style, social media savvy and millions of followers to make a ready-to-wear splash. Women’s Wear Daily broke the story about the “secret talks” yesterday and the New York Times’ Vanessa Friedman confirmed the late-stage discussions with a lede that asks: “Is Rihanna the Coco Chanel of the 21st century?”
It would be the first fashion brand the parent company of Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Emilio Pucci, Fendi and more than 60 other “distinguished Houses” has launched from scratch since Christian Lacroix in 1987.
“LVMH has already handpicked a clutch of employees from within, including some from Louis Vuitton and Celine, to work on the project in tandem with Rihanna and some of her key associates, sources said,” the unsigned WWD piece reports.
“The combination of Fenty and LVMH will be the clearest expression yet of how celebrity, social media and influencers have redefined the power balance between culture and consumption, changing the way brands of all kinds relate to their audience,” the NYT’s Friedman writes.
“It is not insignificant that despite the number of well-known and respected designers currently unemployed in the fashion world, including Alber Elbaz, Stefano Pilati and Peter Copping, the dominant luxury group decided to put its money where a pop star was,” she continues.
Rihanna’s “public appearances generally stir the paparazzi, and her fans, into a frenzy, with outfits ranging from sultry off-the-shoulder styles to streetwear to, at the Met Ball, show-stopping numbers that are the highlight of the occasion. In May, for example, she wore a Maison Margiela crystal-encrusted gown and bolero jacket, complete with a hat resembling a bishop’s mitre,” WWD observes.
“Rihanna has already proven her mastery at dominating most consumer markets, from her sportswear collaboration with Puma to her inclusive beauty line and body-positive lingerie collection,” Emily Kirkpatrick points out for Page Six. “Leave it to Rihanna to find a brand-new way to take all our money,” she concludes.
“Very few celebrities have made the lucrative transition to head high-end fashion labels. There's Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's The Row, Victoria Beckham's eponymous line and U2 frontman Bono co-founded the Kate Middelton-loving brand, EDUN in 2005 which eventually sold to LVMH in 2009 and sold back in 2018,” writes AOL.com's Laura Galvin.
“The ‘Love on the Brain’ singer might have several fashion collaborations under her belt … however the success of her Fenty Puma line has exceeded all expectations of a celebrity branded partnership,” she adds.
“It certainly seems like everything Rihanna has touched turns to gold, so it’s no surprise that LVMH would be interested in adding her talents to their stable of blue-chip brands,” Tyler McCall concurs for Fashionista.
Meanwhile Rihanna on Tuesday filed a trademark suit against her father, Ronald Fenty, in federal court in Los Angeles.
“Rihanna, 30, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, alleges in the suit against Ronald Fenty and his business partner, Moses Joktan Perkins, the two men ‘have egregiously and fraudulently misrepresented to third parties and the public that their company, Fenty Entertainment, LLC, is affiliated with Rihanna, and has the authority to act on her behalf,'” NBC News’ Janelle Griffith reports.
The singer claims that she has used the name for her cosmetics brand and other businesses since 2012. Fenty Entertainment, a talent and production company, was founded in 2017.
According to the FAQ on the Fenty website, “Before she was BadGalRiRi: music, fashion and beauty icon, Robyn Rihanna Fenty was a little girl in Barbados transfixed by her mother’s lipstick. The first time she experienced makeup for herself, she never looked back. Makeup became her weapon of choice for self-expression -- a way to radiate her ever-changing mood -- and it powered a fearless take on beauty that helped her become the boundary-breaking icon she is today.”
Rebecca Bengal traced Rihanna’s evolution as a fashion trendsetter -- one able “to do highbrow and lowbrow fashion with equal aplomb” -- in a piece for Pitchfork last June.
“Rihanna’s most radical act as an artist is her ability to own her fame, to make her autonomy not only creatively daring but commercially viable. Her albums become more unpredictable; her outfits grow bolder. And, as she takes more artistic gambles, she invites her fans to follow suit and take their own risks. She connotes courage and confidence; she reminds them they’re beautiful,” Bengal writes.


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Some grocery stores struggle in a tough economy, but not the discount ones — like Swann’s Pantry in Quakertown.
Business is so good, Swann’s, which also has a store in Exton, Chester County, is about to open a third location in Levittown.
The details on the site aren’t finalized, but expect to see Swann’s Pantry coming to Lower Bucks soon with prices that are more than 50 percent less than you’d find in your regular grocery store.
Popular cereals are $2 instead of $4.
Gourmet cheeses are $1.99 instead of $6.
Whole foods, like rice chips or blue corn chips, cost 99 cents.
I could go on.
Why are they so cheap? Some of the products have expiration dates that have elapsed, but the store’s owner, Francis Swann, says he’ll stand by what he sells.
“The manufacturers may not stand behind it, but we as a company who buy it do,” he said of the expired products.
Also, many items come from stores that can’t keep the products on the shelves because of label or packaging changes.
“Our whole purpose is to save people money,” Swann said. “There are many types of grocers out there, and we’re always seeing people struggling looking for ways to save money as best they can. We offer quality products at discount prices.”
It helps that some products are seasonal.
He said the store’s brokers specialize in buying overstocked items, especially after the holidays.
“After Christmastime is a perfect example; regular grocers don’t want these products in the stores, but they have nine to 10 months of shelf life in them,” he said.
Stephanie Wilson of Quakertown heads to Swann’s Pantry for snacks.
One day, she was stocking up on crackers, Little Debbie treats and cake mix.
“This cake mix is 99 cents, and at the grocery store, it’s $2.49,” said Wilson, who shops for a family of five. “That’s $1.50 I can spend on something else.”
Ashley Salyer of Souderton shops at Swann’s for the discounted health food and organic products. She picked up 99-cent rice chips that are typically $4 at a traditional grocery store.
“The products are organic and all natural,” said Salyer, holding a $5 bottle of olive oil she said would cost $15 elsewhere. “I would buy these anyway outside of Swann’s, but the price is awesome here and it’s good for me. You can’t beat it.”
Christina Roman is grateful for the store, where she boasts she can fill up a shopping cart for less than $20.
One recent day, she picked up three boxes of macaroni and cheese for $1 and a lasagna kit with sauce for $1.99.
“It gives me the ability to get the extra stuff that you normally couldn’t afford on a tighter budget,” she said. “I’m blessed to have this in Quakertown. It helps out.”
Marion Callahan: 215-345-3060; firstname.lastname@example.org, Twitter: @marioncallahan

domain: news


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They sell sexy undies — but for the ultra-religious owners of a Manhattan lingerie company, one curvaceous clerk was too hot to handle.
Busty blond Lauren Odes says the Orthodox Jewish owners of Fifth Avenue lingerie company Native Intimates canned her because she was “just too hot” for their Midtown showroom filled with skimpy satin and lace underthings.
“I was working in a business that is not a synagogue but is instead selling thongs with hearts that are placed in the female genitalia area and boy shorts for women that say ‘Hot’ in the buttocks area,” fumed Odes yesterday in announcing her explosive Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint against the wholesaler.
“Given their business product, I don’t understand why I would be told I was just ‘too hot,’ ” said Odes, 29, who alleges she was sacked by Native Intimates after just a few days of working there last month.
The buxom beauty said she was “appalled” when she was given a red bathrobe to hide her ample figure — and when a female supervisor “suggested that I tape down my breasts.”
“It was very shocking, very humiliating,” she told reporters.
Odes — backed by media-savvy lawyer Gloria Allred — yesterday showed off her impressive physique as she announced her EEOC gender- and religious-discrimination complaint against Native Intimates.
“The company’s treatment of Ms. Odes was particularly ironic considering that it sells women’s undergarments and keeps a showroom with bras, lingerie and other intimate clothing,” Allred said.
“No woman should be told that her breasts are too large, her body too appealing and her appearance too attractive for the male leadership of that company.”
The 5-foot-2 New Jersey woman said the problem began soon after a temp agency placed her at Native Intimates’ offices as a data-entry clerk and office assistant in late April.
The office features female mannequins decked out in thongs and skimpy bras.
On the company’s blog, there are postings that make clear Native Intimates hopes that its merchandise appeals to the woman looking to show off her assets — and to raise the temperature of her partner.
“Even the way you walk changes when you wear something secretly sexy,” one blog posting drools.
“Wearing corsets and bustiers is sure to get anyone’s heart racing, no matter what the color,” another company posting lustily points out. “Lingerie is a great way for any woman to feel sexier in her own skin. Of course your partner will greatly appreciate it, but it will boost your own confidence knowing you look great.”
Despite such frank, sex-laden marketing, Odes said that from nearly the start of her brief employment, she was criticized by a female supervisor for wearing tight clothing that showed off her ample body.
“When I was first told that I was too hot and that my breasts were too large, I was shocked,” Odes said.
“After I was told to tape down my breasts, I cried.”
Odes — who is listed as the member of a Web site that helps aspiring reality-show performers find work — said the supervisor even suggested that she “wear my boyfriend’s oversize sweat pants and T-shirt” to the office instead of a tight purple dress she wore on the second day.
“Her supervisors warned that the company’s Orthodox Jewish owners saw what she was wearing and disapproved,” Allred said.
“She was told she was drawing attention from others and she should not wear the outfit for her own safety. She was told by supervisors, ‘You are just too hot for this office,’ ” Allred said of Odes —who is herself Jewish.
Odes said her boss’ hectoring about her hefty chest reached a fever pitch when she went to work wearing a tight black dress with a plunging V-shaped back that exposed her bra strap and stockings.
That day, she said, her supervisor’s ire “escalated to the point of walking me over to a closet and suggesting that I put on a bright- red bathrobe and then sit at my desk and wear it all day.”
“I returned to my desk wearing it,” Odes said. “I felt ridiculous and extremely embarrassed.
“Others in the office were laughing and asking me why I was wearing a bathrobe. It was a crazy experience, unlike anything I’d ever been through,” Odes said.
Finally, fed up with the looks she was getting from co-workers, Odes told her boss that she would prefer to go buy another outfit.
While she was out shopping, she said, her boss called her and told her she was fired.
She added that, right after she was fired, Native Intimates sent out an e-mail to workers reminding them of the company’s conservative dress code.
A woman at the front desk of Native Intimates said, “We’re not commenting at this time.”
A male worker, who refused to give his name, said of Odes’ choice of clothes, “It’s not appropriate.”
“The women here, they dress nicely but covered up. Most are Orthodox. There are a lot of married men here, and it’s not OK to have a woman dress like that.”
When it was pointed out to the man that there is lingerie displayed throughout the workplace, he said, “It’s what we sell, but it’s not the work environment.”


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Cloran to present on the importance of ideas and failure in fostering entrepreneurship
September 24, 2015
Entrepreneur Michael Cloran will be this year's speaker for the University of Southern Indiana Romain College of Business Entrepreneur's Perspective Speaker Series Monday, September 28 in Carter Hall in University Center West. His presentation, "Ideas Matter" will be held at 10 a.m., and a second topic, "Failure is a Feature," at noon. Both events are free and open to the public.
Cloran is a founding partner of DeveloperTown, a designer and developer firm focused on using technology for a strategic advantage. Existing firms and entrepreneurs turn to DeveloperTown's talented and experienced team to transform ideas into winning web and/or mobile products.
Prior to founding DeveloperTown, Cloran was a software developer and co-founded a number of startups, including Quant Trading, a wall street bond trading software firm; EnterAct, an innovative internet service company; Interaction, which has raised over $100 million to transform the way major companies utilize automated voice systems; and StuffRaiser, a company devoted to helping not-for-profits benefit from recirculating valuable goods.
The Entrepreneur's Perspective Speakers Series highlights speakers who provide insights on entrepreneurship and the connection between education and entrepreneurial outcomes.


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The manga onslaught continues, as PW reports that the 800-900 outlet strong Trans World Entertainment chain had contracted with wholesaler Bookazine to add manga to such places as F.Y.E, , Coconuts, Sam Goody, Suncoast and Planet Music.
Bookazine established its separate pop culture program, Popazine, two years ago and hired John Davis, former director of book sales at Central Park Media, to head it. Since then Bookazine’s sales of pop culture-related titles, including manga and graphic novels, have jumped, according to Bookazine executive v-p Richard Kallman. In 2006, pop culture/graphic novels were 5% of the company’s overall business. This year, Davis projects, Popazine will grow to 7% or 8%.
In some ways the story is a reminder of how far we’ve come in five or six years — in the olden days the idea of ANY mass market retailer carrying comics, manga or Bazooka Joe bubble gum comics would have been clutched at by every comcis true believer as the straw that showed there was life outside the world of longboxes. Now, the story comes with its own history of ups and downs — you may recall that Suncoast/Musicland went bankrupt in 2006, causing all sorts of problems for anime and manga companies. TWE eventually acquired Suncoast, and now they are back in the manga business.
It’s this cycle of bust and boom in the retail market that really shows how entrenched comics, manga and graphic novels really are now. There is no one setback that will hold us back, only a continuing march.


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Golf With Your Friends was a hit with players last year. Though we didn't have the strongest opinions on it – giving it 6/10 stars – we thought it made for a decent mini-golf multiplayer game, though one which suffered from fiddly controls. Evidently, it's been a success for publishers Team17, who've now bought the game's rights and assets from developer Blacklight Interactive for £12 million.
Golf With Your Friends' purchase will be split into two segments, consisting of an initial £9 million payment, followed by a further £3 million after 12 months. Speaking about this directly, Team17 revealed plans to "create additional opportunities to extend the life cycle of the existing game". That includes further DLC, with a potential sequel also being looked into.
During this announcement, Team17 also shared its financial results for 2020, advising these have been "ahead of expectations" and witnessed a 34% increase.
Team17 CEO Debbie Bestwick had this to say about the news:
We are delighted to start 2021 with the announcement that we have acquired GWYF and see great potential in this IP. Over the last two years, GWYF has shown strong consumer demand and mass market appeal, doubling its owner base and achieving success on multiple gaming platforms.
GWYF is the type of IP we believe is right for ownership, it is successful and proven but still at the start of its journey. The team at Blacklight Interactive can be assured that we will take great care of this amazing IP.
Just what 2021 will bring Team17 remains to be seen, but we're certainly excited to see what they've got planned.


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It might have been a damp first day for Burger King in Dover - but that didn't stop crowds arriving at the St James Shopping Centre restaurant in their masses.
The new burger joint opened its doors for the first time yesterday (October 30) at 9am and despite torrential rain many locals were there to enjoy a fast food fix.
Cllr Sue Jones, the Mayor of Dover , also turned out for the unveiling and enjoyed a breakfast burger alongside residents.
As the day went on many took to social media to announce their excitement at the new burger chain finally opening in the town.
Others though were less positive and moaned of long queues, items taken off the menu and even accused the restaurant of running out of, well... burgers.
But when asked if the restaurant used up their burger supply in yesterday’s mad rush, Sherif Ibrahim, district manager for BK UK, chuckled but denied they were eaten out of stock.
He did admit to Kent Live the wait might have been longer for some customers than he would have liked, due to the immense crowds.
“We got absolutely hammered with hundreds of customers coming in yesterday,” he said.
“It was so busy it made me think the place was too small!
“We have been overwhelmed, but we didn't have any complaints, I think people understand that it was the first day and they might have to wait a little bit longer.
“We chatted with lots of customers in the dining area and all were happy to have to us open and were pleased with their food.
“Today has been similar, but hopefully we will get used to it and get organised.
“The first two weeks of opening it will be hammered, but it should die down after then and be normal.”
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Multinational Companies face challenges especially in developing countries or in early markets. Challenges emerge due to less or no corporate social responsibility in the MNCs. Multinational companies plunder the wealth and resources of developing nations and the developing markets. Due to inferior quality of technological and educational advances in developing nations, MNCs misuse the law and regulations to their own benefit by implementing sweatshops, polluting the environment, and causing social instability in local regions surrounded by the factories. MNCs are only interested in their sheer profits but not interested in the wellbeing and development of the people of developing nations. Coke and Pepsi are example of MNCs in India who exploited the resources with no proper corporate social responsibility. These both companies only saw the opportunity in developing market such as India with huge population of 1.27 billion, only to make money by providing less quality products to local consumers, which they wouldn't dare to perform in their own home country. Initial allegations were opened on Coke and Pepsi in 2003 by India's Center for Science and Environment (CES), by providing the details for proof of high level of pesticide content from both the company drinks, and later followed by India Resource Center (IRC) accusing the beverage companies of over-consuming scarce drinking water in the regions, and polluting the water sources.
Initially, both companies faced charges that their products contained unsafe amounts of pesticide which is 24 times more than permitted and also the companies were polluting India's drinking water. This is an issue to be managed by both companies that developed into a crisis when many Indian states, starting with Tamil Nadu started banning the sale of drinks manufactured by them. Furthermore, state-mandated warning labels contributed to the crisis.
The international focus was on Coke and Pepsi, whether the companies had less strict standards for their quality in India than other European countries. Clearing the crisis that developed in India became the companies first priority, as failure to manage this crisis could have resulted in the total ban of the companies' products. Managing the consumer and government stakeholders allowed the companies to address the issues raised by the special interest groups, including the allegations that the companies weren't meeting certain global safety standards. Firstly, Pepsi did it by issuing an advertisement in the front page of newspapers stating that their product is safe and put it through all the tests required and also helping the worker families of their company. And then Coca Cola replied to this by sending an invitation to all the neighborhood people and the stakeholders to visit its safe and clean factories and ensure themselves with how they make their products that they sell, boosting confidence among the people.
Both companies have lately accepted their economic, legal and ethical responsibilities in India. By entering into Indian market, both Coke and Pepsi have tapped new consumers to boost corporate profitability. The criticisms faced by the companies fall within the proper jurisdiction. Both companies faced allegations that their products contained high amounts of pesticide and that the companies were polluting water sources in the country. The map below indicates the bottling facilities of Pepsi and Coca Cola, these factories are using the water and polluting the source by which many people surrounded by it are getting affected. My personal experience was, when I studied in a school for just one year and had to transfer to a different branch due to nearby Pepsi bottling factory created lot of sound pollution.
However, both companies attempted to show that these allegations are false and have
created philanthropic activities to pursue clean water projects, in which companies said that they will replenish the used water through their purifying program and restore the quantity they used for bottling.
Both the companies have been attacked due to their foreign roots. As mentioned in the case, some Indian produced milk products and teas contain more pesticides than Coke and Pepsi products.
When the allegations were in rage, I would say that making an Indian-born as the CEO helped remove Pepsi from the focal point of criticism. Consumers are more likely to relate to “one of their own” and Indra Nooyi's visit to India, strengthen the product in her fellow citizens' eyes.
The steps taken by both companies to prevent further damage, seem to have met some success. The response in the media, the hiring of popular Indian-born spokespeople to support the products seem to work on some consumer concerns. Using grassroots efforts to determine consumer concerns and developing a targeted marketing campaign based on the information obtained in those efforts proved to be helpful in the improvement for Coke and Pepsi. Stakeholder management, specifically management of consumers and government, is key to addressing these issues. In fact, successful attempts to solve the allegations faced by Coke and Pepsi involved both companies identifying ways to manage the expectations of both these stakeholders.
MNCs must be prepared for resistance that they will meet in the global marketplace from special interest groups. This can be done successfully by proper research and Companies should be prepared to respond to these groups prior to entering a new country with Corporate social responsibility. If the companies anticipate the response by special-interest groups and addressed stakeholder management issues, including an importance on managing the consumer and the government as stakeholders, Coke and Pepsi may have been able to prevent the issue from developing into a crisis.
...(download the rest of the essay above)


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West Central Tribune
AnglingBuzz: Catching Largemouth Bass feeding on suspended bluegills
Video: Fire destroys Bird Island home
AnglingBuzz: The Walleye - Mayfly Connection
Records published July 3
Obama jabs Republican candidates in Wisconsin
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NWL Baseball: Stingers sweep Express
NWL Baseball: Stingers stay hot in Eau Claire
Stingers outlast Express
Gibson, Twins stymie Royals
West Central Minnesota celebrates July 4th with a bang
Willmar library exhibit promotes its music catalog, summer reading program
Fan builds collection as a tribute to garage rock bands of the 1960s
Surreal Life: Willmar artist draws inspiration from sub consciousness
Video: Musical production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' opens at the Barn tonight
Slide Show: Spicer Indendence Day Parade
Video: KMS band selected for 75th Pearl Harbor anniversary
Arugula: Green & White Pizza
Video: 2015 Willmar Fests Grande Parade
Video: crowning the new Willmar Fests Ambassadors
Live it: Chill out this summer with these beverage classics
Latest issue of Live it! Magazine now available online
Live it!: Stay-at-home moms and their changing role
Lee E. Gerhardson
Roger L. Smith
Mary Ellen (Lundquist) Risewick
Jeanette Jean Saunders
Commentary: It is time to remember the Korean War
Editorial: Council member Christianson’s isolated city view hurts Willmar
Editorial: Willmar City Council should not try to restrict free speech
Commentary; Charleston and its politics
Commentary: What makes a heavy drinker?
September 23, 2013
Apple says it has sold 9M iPhone 5C and 5S models since new phones went on sale Friday
(Reuters) - Apple Inc said it sold 9 million iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c models in their first three days on the market, the most successful iPhone...
September 23, 2013 - 9:00am
September 18, 2013
Apple iPhone fingerprint scanner gets plaudits in early reviews
(Reuters) - The fingerprint reader on Apple Inc's top-end iPhone 5S received an early thumbs up for ease of use from two influential reviewers,...
September 18, 2013 - 8:55am
June 11, 2013
Apple revamps look of iPhone, iPad software (videos)
AN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Apple is throwing out most of the real-world graphical cues from its iPhone and iPad software, like the casino-green "felt"...
June 11, 2013 - 6:00am
June 10, 2013
Update: Apple revamps look of iPhone, iPad software (video)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple is throwing out most of the real-world graphical cues from its iPhone and iPad software, like the casino-green "felt"...
June 10, 2013 - 2:12pm
Music service, mobile software announcement today from Apple
NEW YORK (AP) -- Apple is expected to reveal a digital radio service and changes to the software behind iPhones and iPads on Monday as the company...
June 10, 2013 - 6:00am
April 17, 2013
Facebook brings 'chat heads' feature to iPhone app
NEW YORK (AP) -- Facebook has updated its iPhone and iPad applications to let people keep using its chat feature even when they are doing other things, such as reading friends' updates. Facebook Inc. also said Tuesday that it's bringing its "chat heads" feature to its Apple apps....
April 17, 2013 - 7:00am
April 22, 2011
Heat grows on Apple over iPhone location tracking issue
Privacy watchdogs are demanding answers from Apple Inc. about why iPhones and iPads are collecting location data on users -- records that cellular...
April 22, 2011 - 11:01am
February 5, 2011
Verizon sees 'record' first-day sales with iPhone, starts ad war with At&T (see videos)
NEW YORK (AP) -- Verizon Wireless on Friday said its first day of taking online orders for the iPhone produced record sales, and it's stopped...
February 5, 2011 - 8:17am


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Some Vitafusion brand gummy vitamins have been recalled following reports of a “metallic mesh material” contamination. Church & Dwight Co., the company behind the recall, says consumers who have one of the impacted products should stop using it immediately and instead contact the company for a refund. Multiple Vitafusion products are covered, including kids’ melatonin, Fiber Well, SleepWell, MultiVites, and more.
Church & Dwight announced the voluntary recall on April 20, stating that the impacted products were made over the duration of only four days: from October 29, 2020, to November 3, 2020. There haven’t been any reports of injuries or illnesses related to the recall, which was initiated following two consumer reports about potential metallic mesh contamination.
A total of seven different Vitafusion products are covered by this recall. Consumers can identify the products by checking the Lot Code and UPC numbers on the bottles. The recall notice includes pictures of the bottles that have been recalled, as well as related details like gummy counts and expiration dates.
The potential contamination was due to an ‘isolated manufacturing issue,’ according to Church & Dwight, which didn’t elaborate on the issue. Though the products were manufactured late last year, they all have expiration dates into 2022, meaning many consumers may still have the bottles in their cabinets.
Assuming you own some of the recalled product, Church & Dwight says you should contact its Consumer Affairs team before throwing it away. The same team will provide the consumer with a product refund and will be available to answer any questions about the recall.


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There are over 750 regulators globally issuing on average 201 daily regulatory alerts. The regulatory calendar captures the major regulations on the horizon for the next 5 years; however, the list could grow as new legislation is passed.
The Industry Standard
CB Insights data is the most trusted by those in the industry and the media. A few recent hits.


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UK police have noticed a sharp spike in drone-related incidents over the past year, with the flying gadgets allegedly being used for crimes such as sexual offences and ferrying drugs.
According to police figures obtained by The Guardian, Thames Valley police recorded 21 incidents last year, rising to 80 in 2015. The Metropolitan police noted 21 cases this year, up from just one drone-related incident in 2014.
So what have people been doing with these drones? Well, the incidents logged range from ferrying drugs into prisons to hovering outside bedroom windows.
While you may wonder why someone would be bothered about a drone near their house or garden, The UK Drone Show’s founder Oliver O’Brien told PCR: “Drones have gone from flying RCs to flying cameras, and now they are flying mini computers.
“Some of the algorithms that are being written for them are very impressive, and they’re getting easier and easier to fly.”
While there seems to be genuine criminal drone activity going on, innocent consumers may also find themselves breaking the somewhat unclear drone laws. For instance, did you know that you are not allowed to fly a drone within 50 metres of a person or within 150 metres of a congested area?
As well as this, a special license is required if you want to use a drone for aerial work such as filming or photography. A filmmaker discovered this recently when he tried to fly his drone over Hyde Park to shoot some video. He was fined £1,125.
“Whether it’s photography or checking oil rigs, you have to obtain a training qualification, which gives you permission for aerial work,” warned O’Brien.
The first ever UK Drone Show, which takes place on December 5th at the NEC Birmingham, will have a dedicated training section to educate consumers and professionals on drone laws.
In other drone-based news, last month Maplin launched its own drone academy.
Drones are not the only emerging tech products to catch the eye of the UK law makers. The Metropolitan Police has today announced that riding a two-wheeled Segway or a hoverboard scooter on the streets of Britain is now illegal.
PCR will be delving into the world of drones, why retailers should get involved in selling them, and how drone racing in growing in popularity in the upcoming November issue of PCR, so check back here from November 1st to read the article.


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Jersey Post are blaming new price increases on higher costs from Royal Mail and the fall in value of the pound.
The cost of a local letter is going up by 1p and letters to the UK, Isle of Man and other Channel Islands by 3p.
The company say less post being sent, as well as the rising number of houses they deliver to are also responsible for the hikes.
The cost of some international letters has gone up, but those weighing up to 100g are now cheaper to send.
Tim Brown, Jersey Post’s Chief Executive, says the business tries "to minimise the financial impact of our business and industry change on customers" but they "face a number of major challenges".
Discounted rates at Christmas will still be available.
Changes come into effect from 11 April.


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Dacsee to expand operations in SEA, Korea
By Digital News Asia February 6, 2019
- Will expand its services to other Southeast Asian countries this year including Thailand
- Operates in the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching
DACSEE is making a mark in Malaysia’s ride-sharing market having seen steady growth in the number of drivers and users since its official launch in July 2018. In six months, the number of bookings has jumped almost 800%.
Dacsee will expand its services to other Southeast Asian countries this year including Thailand. Korea is also another market in which Dacsee will be launching its platform.
Ride-hailing services in Southeast Asia are expected to surge to almost US$30 billion (RM122.69 billion) by 2025 from US$7.7 billion (RM31.49 billion) in 2018, according to a Google-Temasek report.
“We are expecting fast market expansion to capitalise on the large Asean market with a systematic approach,” said Dacsee chief executive officer Lim Chiew Shan (pic).
Affirming its stance in providing a community driven service emphasising the sharing economy, Dacsee provides ride-sharing services utilising the advantages of blockchain technology and decentralisation to reduce platform (middleman) fees and create a self-sustainable ecosystem.
Dacsee’s blockchain-based ride-sharing app is getting widespread attention among investors with the company value exceeding US$100 million (RM409 million).
The startup recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with two public listed companies from Korea, Hanryu AI Centre Co Ltd and Sports Seoul Co Ltd to start services in Korea. The companies will also be developing a unique artificial intelligence (AI) technology to be embedded on Dacsee’s platform.
Hanryu AI Centre Co Ltd develops AI software and network security products while Sports Seoul Co Ltd is in the media and entertainment industry.
Dacsee is actively operating in major cities in Malaysia namely in the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in creating a safe and community-centric environment for drivers and passengers. For more information on becoming a driver, log on to Dacsee’s website at www.dacsee.com
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Davy revises up its growth forecast for next two years, but warns of Brexit danger
Davy stockbrokers has revised up its growth prospects for the economy this year and next, but warned the possibility of a British exit from the European Union is the top threat to the figures.
The Dublin-based firm had predicted growth this year of 4pc and 3.7pc in 2017. But now it expects GDP to increase by 6pc in 2016 and 4pc next year.
Davy economist Conall Mac Coille said the decision to upgrade was taken due to the exceptionally strong momentum in the economy that has been maintained into early this year.
"However, the possibility of Brexit, coupled with political uncertainty in Ireland, poses a threat," Mr Mac Coille said.
He added that the revised forecasts reflected the 7.8pc growth last year.
"This momentum means that even if GDP flat-lined through 2016, the economy would still expand by 3.3pc in the calendar year," Mr Mac Coille added.
"However, retail sales data, PMI surveys and unemployment benefit claimants have all continued to point to rapid growth in Q1 2016."
Davy said the Irish economy was still in "catch-up mode", with consumers and domestic companies only recently joining the recovery.
Retail sales are still below their peak. The domestic recovery, Mr Mac Coille said, is being sustained by tax cuts and falling oil prices, helping boost the spending power of households.
"Should the UK vote in favour of Brexit on June 23, the two-year exit period under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty will ensure no immediate change to trade arrangements," Mr Mac Coille said.
"However, uncertainty could cause companies to put off investment plans.
"Exporters could also be faced with a sharp sterling depreciation, close to parity with the euro."
He warned the agri-food sector could be particularly hit, as the UK accounts for about 50pc of agricultural exports.
Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has warned that global financial risks have heightened because of higher economic risks, falling commodity prices and concern about the slowdown in China's economy.
The IMF said in its latest Global Financial Stability Report that financial system risks have risen since the last report in October and market turmoil could easily recur and intensify if no action is taken to clean up bank balance sheets.
"If the growth and inflation outlooks degrade further, the risk of a loss of confidence would rise. In such circumstances, recurrent bouts of financial volatility could interact with balance sheet vulnerabilities," the IMF said in the report.


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Earlier today, I went to the drug store to buy Halloween candy. It was fun, but it also reminded me that it's almost fall, which is also the end of launch season. As far as release years go, I think 2016 will go down in the books as being one of the more interesting: The subtle creep of the $400 powerhouse; Samsung's incredible beginning and disastrous end; along with Huawei's and Xiaomi's increasing dominance in every market they enter.
If you think the mobile market maturing is a sign that phones are getting boring, you're neglecting to think about how many more things we rely on phones for that we didn't just a year or two ago. I have a feeling that next year is going to be yet another banner time for phones, especially as they continue to drop in price, making them more accessible — and essential — to people in developing markets.
What do you do on your phone today that you didn't, or couldn't, a couple of years ago?
Stick a fork in it, the Note 7 is done
As of today, the Note 7 is officially finished, recalled by the CPSC for a second time. Sure, it's a formality after the actions of the past few days, but this does have some practical consequences for users stubbornly holding onto their Note 7s: It is now illegal to bring the phone onto a plane, since it is considered a "damaged good."
The CPSC notes that "Samsung has received 96 reports of batteries in Note7 phones overheating in the U.S., including 23 new reports since the September 15 recall announcement. Samsung has received 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damage associated with Note7 phones." More
Get $100 off a Galaxy S7 when you turn in your Note 7
Yes, there's more Note 7 stuff, but this is a good thing: In both the U.S. and Canada, Samsung is offering $100 bill credit towards a Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, or $25 if you're changing brands. Either way, the company is really sorry — DJ Koh, Samsung's head of mobile, held a press conference today at which he profusely apologized for the Note 7 debacle, and vowed to spare no expense at getting to the bottom of it. More
Google wants you to get out and vote
English and Spanish speakers can open the Google search app or visit Google.com in their web browser and ask "Who's on my ballot" to get information about the candidates as well as polling locations and general voting info. Asking "Where to vote" will open your current polling place in Google Maps and let you know what you need to bring with you.
Facebook adds cast support for videos
Starting today, users on the web can cast Facebook embedded videos to Chromecast, Android TV or Apple TV. The process is the same as we're used to, because they're using the same Cast protocols many other sites and apps use. Support for the Android and iOS apps is coming very soon.
Google's first-party smartwatches may debut next year alongside Android Wear 2.0
Google may have had more than one reason to keep Android Wear 2.0 in a developer preview state until early 2017: It will likely launch first-party smartwatch hardware alongside it. According to Evan Blass, Google will release two sizes of its watch in Q1 of next year.
An Android-powered pancreas could revolutionize diabetes management
Android is in a lot of things. Phones, TVs, microwave ovens and clothes dryers to name but a few. Now, it may be coming to an artificial pancreas. A closed-loop pump and everything needed to keep it running well, all controlled by your Android phone is in development. Awesome.
Signal for Android now supports disappearing messages
Today's update for Signal — a secure and encrypted messenger app for Android and iOS, brings along a feature many have asked for — messages that self-destruct. Much like the Snapchat feature, you can tell your messages to delete themselves after they are read to make sure the wrong eyes never see them.
A lucky Australian got his Pixel a week early
Well, this doesn't happen everyday, but when it does it's big news. A lucky Australian got his Pixel a week early thanks to carrier Telstra, which reportedly has a history of this kind of thing. Photos, software screenshots and camera samples abound, but don't blame us when you faint from jealousy.
Nokia's D1C mystery device turns out to be a 13.8-inch Android tablet
According to NokiaPowerUser, the Nokia D1C you might have been hearing about recently isn't a Windows device at all. It's a 13.8-inch 1080p Android tablet! Data garnered from various benchmarking utilities tells the tale of a giant slab with entry-level hardware. It should make for an interesting centerpiece on your coffee table if nothing else.
Google News wants you to know when news is actually news
Google is rolling out a new feature to users in the U.S. and UK to qualify particular pieces of news as fact-checked. When a third-party site has investigated a particular article, Google News will show the "fact check" tag next to it, which should help when you're not sure whether that story about an artificial, Android-powered pancreas is the real deal.


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Apple has posted a new SEC filing to report that Vice President and Corporate Controller Betsy Rafael will be retiring on October 19, 2012. Rafael is a crucial member of Apple’s finance team, managing the company’s finances and serving as the Principle Accounting Officer. Apple is yet to name a replacement.
Rafael previously worked at several companies, including Cisco and Sun Microsystems, all in management or financial positions. Apple typically does not announce departures of Vice Presidents, but they appear to have been required to do so due to Rafael’s high-level accounting position.
Rafael reports to Apple CFO and Senior Vice President Peter Oppenheimer. While Apple has several other financial directors, who work under Rafael, Vice President of Finance Jim Bean could make a replacement given his existing VP-status.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


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Every month Disney+ subscribers are delighted with new content! Check out what’s coming and when you can watch everything new here. Disney+ Disney+ is the streaming home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. From new releases to your favorite classics and exclusive Originals, there’s something for everyone. With Disney+, you can […]
The post Check out all the new shows coming to Disney+ in June appeared first on KennythePirate.com.


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A digest of important news from sources selected by our local editors. Delivered weekday mornings.
Caterpillar Inc. said Monday that fourth-quarter profits plummeted 55 percent, with lower dealer inventories hurting sales and a recently discovered accounting scandal at one of Caterpillar’s acquisitions digging a chunk out of earnings.
Peoria, Ill.-based equipment manufacturer Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT), which has its global mining equipment unit based in Oak Creek, said profit in the fourth quarter was $697 million, or $1.04 per share, compared with $1.5 billion, or $2.32 cents per share, in the year-ago period.
Sales and revenue declined 7 percent to $16.1 billion, down from $17.2 billion in the same period last year. Caterpillar said changes in dealers’ new machine inventories lowered sales by about $1.4 billion as dealers reduced inventories about $600 million in the fourth quarter, compared with an increase of about $800 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Caterpillar took a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $580 million, or 87 cents per share, for the accounting misconduct it discovered at its Chinese subsidiary Zhengzhou Siwei Mechanical & Electrical Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Net income was also hurt by the cost impact from sharply lower production and the $2 billion decline in Caterpillar inventory, partially offset by a $300 million positive impact related to the settlement of prior-year tax returns.
Caterpillar said the 2011 acquisition of Bucyrus International Inc., formerly based in Oak Creek, accounted for $1.5 billion in fourth quarter sales, up from $1.4 billion in fourth quarter 2011. For the full year it contributed $4.7 billion in sales, compared with $2.5 billion in 2011.
Jeff Engel is The Business Journal's reporter covering the manufacturing industry and technology.


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Glasgow office building’s new marketing suite has ‘sustainability at its heart’
Real estate investment firm AM alpha unveiled its new marketing suite on 8and floor at 200 Broomielaw in Glasgow.
The 80,000 square foot Grade A office building in Glasgow city center is currently undergoing renovation.
Reinforcing its strategy to create one of Scotland’s most eco-friendly office buildings, AM alpha has revealed it has commissioned interiors and architecture firm C2 Concepts to create a marketing suite designed with sustainability in mind, with all furniture second-hand or made from eco-friendly materials.
Produced by small businesses, the cushions are made from recycled or reclaimed fabrics, including upcycled coffee bags, while the vases are made from recycled glass. The plant pots are 3D printed using recycled plastics and there’s a cocoon chair made from felt constructed with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles pulled from Amsterdam’s canals.
AM alpha’s Martin Lemke said, “We are delighted to unveil our brand new marketing suite at 200 Broomielaw, showcasing the quality of the space and offering a glimpse of what can be achieved. As with the rest of the building, it was designed with the planet in mind and we are proud to say that it only features recycled or second-hand furniture, supporting our overall approach to sustainability.
AM alpha previously announced that 200 Broomielaw was to be fully electric from 100% renewable sources. The firm has also committed to achieving an EPC A rating for the building, which it says will make 200 Broomielaw the first gas-free refurbished building to achieve the rating in Scotland.
Martin Lemke added: “The combination of renewable energy, smart building design, high quality specifications and smart technology will make 200 Broomielaw one of the most energy efficient office developments in Scotland. We are aiming for an EPC A rating and have installed sustainable technology to help our occupants reduce their carbon footprint and meet future environmental goals.
As well as being fully electric, 200 Broomielaw features new M&E services, electric car charging stations and LG7 LED lighting. Facilities to support active travel have been included and a Platinum CycleScore certification has been achieved. There will also be a wellness suite complete with a yoga studio and gym-style locker rooms in the basement.
JLL’s Alex Mackay, co-letting agent alongside Reith Lambert, added: “With market-leading environmental credentials including EPC A lens, unrivaled views, wellness facilities and quality of space, 200 Broomielaw is arguably the best office building available in Glasgow. It will provide the city with much-needed Class A office space when complete, and given the demand we can make the 8and floor available for occupancy now that the work is complete, allowing quick access for fittings.”


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Ford has announced that a refreshed version of the Ford Explorer utility vehicle, a 2016 model, will make it's global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, with a new look, and a peek at Ford's newest technology.
Celebrating the Explorer's 25th anniversary next year, this mid-cycle freshening of the long-running SUV nameplate, comes in the middle of it's fifth generation, which was introduced in 2010 as a 2011 model. That year, the Explorer changed from a body-on-frame truck to a car-based crossover. Since debuting in 1990 as the successor to the Ford Bronco, and as a derivative of the Ranger, nearly 7 million Ford Explorers have been sold.
Ford is saving the surprises for the show, but recent spy shots have revealed that the Explorer will receive revised styling, including new fascia, headlights and grille in the front, and new fascia and taillights in the rear. It's rumoured that the refreshed Explorer will be styled similarly to the redesigned 2015 Ford Edge crossover. It will probably receive a new infotainment system with tactile interface and under the hood, it may receive the 2.3-litre EcoBoost I-4 engine found in the Lincoln MKC crossover, at least as an option.
"The innovative 2016 Ford Explorer will reach showrooms with a new look, added capability and additional driver-assist technology," the automaker said in a statement. "It will continue to underpin the company's utility vehicle line-up — from the hot-selling Ford Escape to the newly updated, full-size Ford Expedition."
The Explorer faces rivals Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot and the Chevy Traverse in this very competitive segment. Crossovers are exceptionally popular, offering the convenience of a SUV with the fuel economy and nimbleness of a car. Utility vehicles are the fastest-growing segment around the world, comprising 19 percent of the global vehicle market and crossovers are the largest segment in the United States.
Ford has not yet disclosed any technical specs or pricing, but we can expect it to arrive at North American dealerships next year.
By Linda Aylesworth - autoExpert.ca


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HOBO hifi makes a new start with five stores and also focuses on automation
HOBO hifi makes a restart with five stores. The online store of the chain remains the same name active. That made the specialist for hi-fi equipment on Friday to Tweakers after the company was declared bankrupt earlier.
The electronics chain focuses on hi-fi equipment, and there is now in home automation. According to spokesman Roger Gulicher comes to home automation that focuses on audio and video. Additionally HOBO fidelity will focus on more exclusive and expensive electronics brands. “That we want our more distinguished.”
Fifteen of the sixty employees keep their jobs at the chain. The majority of those employees is in five stores in Arnhem, Apeldoorn, Amersfoort, The Hague and Den Bosch. In the last city will open the shop in the short term at a different location the doors.
HOBO hi also continue the operations of the store. Who last summer still thoroughly updated and the next time will be expanded further, says Gulicher against Tweakers. In Geldermalsen is a large warehouse where customers can view orders in a showroom and also can retrieve.
HOBO hi was just last month declared bankrupt. Therefore had all the matings employees to stay home. All fifteen of the Dutch retail chain, which was founded in 1975, closed the doors. In 2009, the chain took another establishment RAF camps on.
Update, 19:40 pm – initially stood here that bankruptcy was passed by the restart, but HOBO fidelity is indeed declared bankruptcy last month. The article has been adjusted accordingly.Viewing:-106
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A day ahead of quarterly earnings, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) managers have made comments internally that the new Windows 8 operating system will be released on October 26. Windows remains the flagship product of the world’s largest software company, and earnings will be helped, or hurt, over the next four quarters, based on the acceptance of Windows 8.
The new product will not only be up against the success of its predecessors. More and more computing is done on portable devices–particularly tablets and smartphones. Windows has very little market share in either of these sectors.
The Windows Blog reports:
October 26th, 2012! That’s right! Just a few minutes ago, Steven Sinofsky announced at Microsoft’s annual sales meeting that customers will be able to get Windows 8 – whether in upgrade fashion or on a new PC – starting on October 26th. Earlier this month at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference, Tami Reller told attendees Windows 8 would be available in October. But now everyone has a specific date to mark on their calendars. It’s on mine!
Douglas A. McIntyre


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Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific has promised to honour $23,000 ($US16,000) airfares mistakenly sold to travellers for just $960 ($US675).
Return, business-class flights from Vietnam to the US, which normally cost more than $20,000, were selling at economy prices on New Year’s Eve.
There were also first-class return flights from Hong Kong to New York offered for $2000 ($US1450) instead of the normal price of $44,000 ($US31,000).
Lucky travellers managed to snap up the cut-price tickets after bloggers shared the details online.
Social media users speculated that Cathay Pacific may not honour the flights.
But about 24 hours later, the airline came through.
"We made a mistake but we look forward to welcoming you on board with your ticket issued," a tweet to customers said.
"Hope this will make your 2019 'special' too!"
An airline representative denied it was a publicity stunt.
"No airline would ever want that to happen to them," they wrote.
The South China Morning Post reports several thousand tickets are believed to have been sold.
According to the Post, a worker entered the wrong fares into the airline’s system.
The bungle comes after Cathay Pacific misspelled its own name on a plane in September.
A month later, a data breach exposed the personal information of up to 9.4 million Cathay Pacific passengers.


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TelecityGroup: Data centres and the digital economy – John Hughes
TelecityGroup is one of the leading providers of carrier-neutral data centres for financial institutions, operating facilities in city locations across Europe. Future Banking sits down with the company's executive chairman, John Hughes, to discuss his long-time work in the tech industry and why banks can rely on his company to provide data centre services for the financial services industry of today.
When people were first trying to break into the data centre industry in the late '90s, John Hughes, now executive chairman of TelecityGroup, jokes that it was with something of a Field of Dreams-inspired model.
"The strategy was pretty much 'build it and they will come'," he says, as we sit down at the company's headquarters in London. "Well we did, and they didn't."
The result was predictable - when the tech bubble burst in the early 2000s, TelecityGroup and many of its competitors were delisted and taken private. But it wasn't the model that was wrong, Hughes argues, but the timing, and a lot has changed since then. Namely, demand has shifted and the customer base has transformed substantially.
"When I joined in 2007, it felt like a business for which the time very much had come," he says. "It was doing interesting stuff, with a good group of people and it had a strong future."
He was right. Since Hughes took over, the company's revenues have increased from £98 million to around £350 million in 2014.
"That's several times the scale and profitability, and it's a company doing incredibly relevant stuff," he says. "It's a great opportunity to be chairman of something like this.
"Our customers range from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. We have over 2,500 clients with most of our growth coming year on year from the existing base."
When the company was rebooted into its current form, it was a business that centred around big telecommunications companies - which all sought to be located in the same physical location. In more recent years, there has been a shift towards customers from a wider horizon of markets, including the financial services sector, requiring, resilient, secure and connected data centre locations in which they can run increasingly demanding applications, such as the delivery of real-time data and information to, for example, a trader's screen.
Now, TelecityGroup has become a company with international reach. It's no exaggeration to say that the company sits - almost literally - at the centre of the digital economy, running major data centres across Europe, in Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Istanbul, Manchester, Milan, Paris, Sofia, Stockholm, Warsaw, and London, of course. Hughes points one out just across the street from the office where we are sitting in the Isle of Dogs.
"We became the logical place for the telecommunications companies to terminate networks, and the content-delivery networks came with them," says Hughes. "Over the past few years, the business has continued to serve those two communities; they make up a big part of our revenue streams.
"This transition fits with what we've built, which is a network of high-quality data centres near each of the major financial districts in the continent. So we have data centres located in the major internet hubs, many of which host the important internet exchanges."
TelecityGroup is constantly enthused by the exciting work that their partners are up to, says Hughes. He's frank, admitting that some of the work it does is not as colourful and exciting as that of its customers, conceding that the business is to provide what he describes as "internet plumbing for the online infrastructure".
"The stuff that's really interesting and glamorous is what our customers are up to - we make it possible for them to do this," he says. "Whether it's providing real-time data to people doing online trading or distributing video, applications and content in real time, we've got 2,500 customers around Europe, doing a range of work, from household names to speciality businesses."
TelecityGroup has an increasingly diverse range of financial services companies choosing to locate their network-intensive IT infrastructure in its data centres - 13% of colocation revenues in FY2014 came from financial services, Hughes says.
"These customer deployments support a wide range of banking and insurance services, trading platforms and also companies' in-house IT systems," he adds.
Lock and key
With the complex implications of the Edward Snowden NSA revelations still ringing in everyone's ears, it makes sense that TelecityGroup's customers are increasingly talking about digital privacy and concerned about data sovereignty - the idea that data in a cloud system must stay in the jurisdiction of the territory where it is created.
"What typically matters to these customers more is the question, 'Is my data secure?'. Because they are proprietary, they are sensitive," says Hughes. "It's staggering to me, the effect that Snowden has had on the whole industry's outlook in this area
"We have continued to strengthen our integrated quality management systems, enabling ISO and related certi?cations across the business for security, quality and environmental management, together with occupational health and safety."
The delivery of these systems is coordinated by an operational standards team that comprises a group of experts in each specialist area. They then provide support to TelecityGroup's country managers to ensure they are fully conversant in what needs to be done to maintain performance improvements for customers across all sectors, says Hughes.
Product for the environment
TelecityGroup is also stepping up efforts to mitigate its environmental impact. Data centres can require the power supply of a small town to run on a daily basis, and they come under significant pressure from clients to manage energy efficiently. TelecityGroup has responded with an ambitious corporate social responsibility programme, taking a leadership role, and also paying attention to its consumption of water usage and carbon emissions. It was also the first data centre provider to publicise long-term and clear carbon-efficiency management targets.
For example, TelecityGroup wanted to develop a way to achieve more effective air-flow management in its facilities, with an aim to maintaining segregation between the cooling air and the waste heat generated by IT equipment. The solution has seen significant improvement of the operating environment temperatures, helping maintain equipment longevity and improving the resilience of the data-cooling systems.
"This isn't about some marketing spin; this is about driving up the efficiency of our data centres using free air cooling, so the impact on the environment is lower," says Hughes. "We spend a lot of time worrying about these kinds of things, and it's borne out: last year, we were recertified to the Carbon Trust Standard in the UK, achieving a best-in-sector score of 92.5% for carbon management.
"We also ensure our clients are fully engaged and advised on the most energy-efficient set-up for their equipment - our ongoing aim is to develop solutions that actually set the standard for innovative data centre design now and in the future."
Hughes makes no secret about having been around for a while, but he still marvels about finding himself working at the forefront of the tech business. For one thing, he's also a non-executive chairman at Just Eat, the pioneering website that streamlined the online takeaway delivery service, showing that the art of good business really is all about being a good middleman.
"I essentially find myself sitting on both sides of the fence," he says. "But it gives a useful understanding of what's driving the typical customer that TelecityGroup has, which I think is a useful place to be.
"Just Eat was a very different proposition, it was a much smaller business, but it was a fascinating one. The notion of these 'marketplace' businesses intrigues me a lot."
After more than 30 years working at the forefront of the tech and telecommunications industries, Hughes says he remains passionate about the transformative power that technology can have, and is constantly thrilled by how much has changed.
"The thing about tech is that you never get bored," he says. "30 years since I started, it's changed beyond all recognition, and I find all that fascinating, and coming to the intersection between technology and what it gets used for, and understanding what the business drivers are, it's still an interesting place to be."


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02 October 2014 09:12
Skyscanner has revealed what it believes will be the holiday trends of the future
Travel comparison website Skyscanner has revealed what it believes will be the holiday trends of the future.
The Future of Travel 2024: Destination and Hotels report predicts that people will travel to space in 10 years' time or spend their holidays in underwater hotels.
Travellers will be able to personalise their hotel rooms via their mobile phones to help them get a feel of home - or any other place they wish to be.
Skyscanner says a wide range of "intuitive and embedded technology" will be available for holidaymakers, such as interactive walls that can display beaches, mountains or other landscapes.
Other innovations will include pillows that help travellers sleep better, and pyjamas fitted with sensors to monitor the wearer's health.
The company even predicts that hotel rooms will soon feature sonic showers that can remove dirt from people's bodies through ultrasonic vibrations.
Space tourism will be "well-established" by 2024, the report adds, and travelling to far-away planets will have become much more affordable.
Underwater hotels, a few of which can already be found in exclusive resorts in Dubai or the Maldives, will be much more mainstream in 10 years' time.
The views are bound to be special regardless of whether you take a trip above the earth or below it, Skyscanner adds - but one thing that's not going to change is the need to take out travel insurance before you set off on your trip.
The 2024 report also features a range of new destinations that are likely to emerge as trends in 10 years' time.
People are likely to take more trips to regions which are home to endangered species, for example in sub-Saharan Africa or South America.
Peer-to-peer travel, where people spend their holidays with locals and away from hotels, is also expected to emerge as a trend - along with new "collaborative online travel tools" that will help travellers make more authentic experiences on their trips.
21 October 2016
A union is warning of travel chaos over the Christmas period at four major UK airports, unless a baggage carrier transfers staff to other companies.
20 October 2016
Thousands of passengers faced travel chaos yesterday after rail service through the Channel Tunnel was suspended because of a power failure.
19 October 2016
People planning holidays from Gatwick Airport in the run up to Christmas could face travel chaos as unions threaten to strike over a pension dispute.
18 October 2016
Eurostar has said it will cut 12 services from London St Pancras to Paris and Brussels.
15 October 2016
Tourists in Thailand are being advised to "behave respectfully" and wear "sombre" clothing as the country mourns King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
14 October 2016
Holidaymakers are being warned to buy currency in advance as exchange rates being offered are as little as 0.96 euro to the pound at airports.
13 October 2016
Scientists say there is strong evidence air pollution and vitamin D deficiency can cause dementia.
12 October 2016
More people are going on holiday than at any time in the past five years despite terror attacks and the impact of Brexit, according to a study.
11 October 2016
People from across North Carolina had to be rescued from their homes as the downgraded Hurricane Matthew blew out to sea - leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
04 October 2016
People travelling abroad is on the rise, according to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
08 October 2016
A hurricane pelting the coast of Florida and described as a 'monster' by a local official has brought chaos to the state, with flights cancelled, homes evacuated and theme parks shut.
07 October 2016
Low-cost airline easyJet says its profits will nosedive as terrorist attacks and air traffic control strikes are taking their toll on the company.


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Huda Kattan — the vlogger and influencer best known for her wacky, often viral beauty hack videos — has just landed a major investment for her four-year-old eponymous makeup brand, Huda Beauty. According to WWD, the company has received a minority investment from TSG Consumer Partners, a private equity firm which has also invested in brands like Smashbox and It Cosmetics (both of which are now owned by major beauty conglomerates — Estée Lauder and L'Oréal, respectively).
The Dubai-based company first launched in 2013 with a small line of false eyelashes, but has since expanded into multiple color cosmetics categories, including highlighters, lip colors and eye shadow palettes. In the US, it's distributed by Sephora, while UK shoppers can purchase Huda Beauty products at Harrods, Selfridges and Cult Beauty.
This investment is significant because it will make Kattan the first beauty influencer to obtain this type of a deal. Much of the success of her company hinges on her 22 million Instagram followers, four million YouTube subscribers and 1.5 million unique monthly blog visitors. Where other influencers such as Michelle Phan, Jaclyn Hill and Patrick Starrr have seen success through collaborating with existing makeup brands, Kattan is regarded as the first to have built her own independent company without relying on traditional, established channels. And it is indeed successful: According to WWD, Huda Beauty is expected to bring in $200 million in retail sales for 2017.
Whether this investment may mean that a sale to a beauty industry giant, such as Lauder or L'Oréal, is in Huda Beauty's future remains to be seen. But it's clear Kattan that still sees plenty of room for expansion with the business she's built so far. "There's so much more we want to do right now," she said in an interview with WWD. "We've only hit 40 Sephora doors in the U.S. and our productivity is really high. We want to go into more Sephora doors — that’s really important. We've not going to be in every single store, that's never our goal, but we want to be in more places and more accessible." She also noted that international markets are a current focus for the company, with consideration toward expanding into Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries.


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Following a year-over-year decline during the first half of 2009, spending on Internet display advertising grew by 6.3 percent in the U.K. during the first six months of 2010, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau U.K. biannual ad expenditure survey. Overall, online ad spend for the same period grew 10 percent, year-over-year, reaching a total of £1.97 billion ($3.1 billion.)
The report, collated in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers, attributed the growth to increased investment in search advertising – which grew 8.9 percent – but also to a rebounding display ad market, which grew by 6.3 percent.
According to the report, spending on pre- and post-roll video advertising drove much of that growth, increasing 82 percent, year-over-year. Meanwhile, advertising on social media sites also contributed to the growth, the IAB said, accounting for 13 percent of all online display ads between January and June.
Overall, however, paid search continued to dominate U.K. digital marketing budgets, accounting for 60 percent of all online ad spending in the first half of the year. Display accounted for 19 percent, the report estimated, with lead-generation and classified ads representing 1 percent and 19.2 percent of spend, respectively.
Guy Phillipson, CEO of IAB U.K., placed emphasis on the contribution from consumer packaged goods and entertainment brands to the increase in display ad spending. The CPG vertical upped its share of digital ad spend from 9.4 percent in the first half of 2009 to 11.8 percent in 2010. Meanwhile, the entertainment sector grew its spend from 13.2 percent to 14.4 percent.
“The return to double digit growth in UK online advertising is characterized by increased investment by major brands – particularly in [CPG] and Entertainment. The effectiveness of social and video ads for classic brand building is reflected in these formats enjoying exponential growth,” Phillipson said in a prepared statement.
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Shares in Beyond Meat tumbled after the maker of plant-based burgers revealed it was to slash nearly one-fifth of its workers, thanks to a decision by cash-strapped consumers to switch to animal meat.
The California-based group – which uses pea, rather than animal, protein to make vegan versions of the likes of meatballs and sausages – announced that it was “significantly reducing expenses”, in the face of “headwinds” which had undermined its sales prospects.
Beyond Meat said it had been “negatively impacted” in part by enhanced competition, but also by “ongoing softness” in the plant-based meat sector, particularly in demand for refrigerated products, as mounting cost-of-living pressures force consumers to switch to cheaper foods.
“Inflation is believed to be an underlying factor exerting pressure on the [plant-based meat] category as consumers trade down into cheaper forms of protein, including animal meat,” the company said.
Shares in the group slumped by 7.9% to $13.61 in afternoon deals in New York.
The shares floated in May 2019 at $25, and reached a high of $239.71 two months later, amid a boom in interest on plant-based meat alternatives to animal protein.
Indeed, the group said that the “global climate crisis underway dictates greater, not less, urgency in the adoption of all solutions”, including its products, which avoid the emissions and feed conversion issues surrounding livestock sectors.
“Our mission, brand and long-term opportunity endure,” said Ethan Brown, the Beyond Meat chief executive.
The group said it had cut to $400m-425m, from $470m-520m, its forecast for its 2022 revenues – ditching hopes of an increase from last year, when revenues totalled $464.7m.
The downgrade implied weaker profits expectations too, with Beyond Meat saying that it “expects gross margin to be negatively impacted as a result of the reduced revenue outlook”.
It announced that it was to axe about 200 employees, equivalent to 19% of its global workforce, with reductions made “throughout the company, including our leadership group.
“We believe our decision to reduce personnel and expenses throughout the company… reflects an appropriate right-sizing of our organization given current economic conditions,” Mr Brown said.


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Over the last decade, it's estimated nearly 30 toy and doll museums closed across the United States. The Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City provided an update yesterday on its capital campaign to sustain the museum and its collection.
As the winter holidays approach, toys are on the minds of children and parents alike.
Thirty years ago, the Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City opened its doors, with a display of dollhouses, toys, and miniatures mostly collected by two Kansas City women.
In the second half of this Thursday's Central Standard, get to know an illustrator and toy designer who’s built an international brand around his name: Jeremy “MAD” Madl.


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Highland Heights, Kentucky --General Cable Corp., which manufactures copper, aluminum and optical fiber wire and ca...
May 28, 2002
Highland Heights, Kentucky –General Cable Corp., which manufactures copper, aluminum and optical fiber wire and cable products, is closing two of its seven North American manufacturing plants.
The plants, located in Monticello, Illinois and Sanger, California, employ approximately 200 associates and utilize more than 350,000 square feet in the production of service wire sold to the telecom industry.
The company has also sold its small, non-strategic, UK-based specialty cables business, and has formed a joint venture company to manufacture and market fiber optic cables. General Cable plans to record an additional charge related to its discontinued building wire and retail cordset operations in the second quarter of 2002.
As a result of these actions, the company expects to report in its second quarter 2002 results for its continuing operations a $20 to $25 million non-recurring pre-tax charge of which approximately $7 million will be cash costs, and a $6.0 million pre-tax charge for discontinued operations, of which approximately $2.6 million will be cash.
“The prolonged downturn in the demand for communications cables provided the opportunity for us to further enhance our cost leadership in these products,” said Gregory B. Kenny, president and CEO of General Cable. “We believe that the relocation of the productive capacity from these plants to other existing facilities will allow us to significantly reduce our fixed costs while also retaining productive capacity for the eventual rebound in demand for communications products. At the current levels of production, the plant closures are expected to generate a net cash positive result in less than one year.”
Kenny said that if the company’s current level of telecom spending for exchange cables extends through the summer, it would reduce production levels in its two domestic telephone exchange cable plants beginning in the third quarter.


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2019 Lexus UX
Lexus will debut its production-spec UX compact crossover at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show on March 6. This new, highly stylized, five-seat crossover will slot under the NX crossover, meaning it will be the most affordable and most dimensionally tidy vehicle in Lexus’ lineup.
The UX will accompany Lexus’ new three-row version of the RX, the RX L, along with the new two-row and less expensive version of the LX 570. Sitting atop Lexus’ range of crossovers and SUVs is the LF-1 Limitless – a concept crossover that will soon be Lexus’s flagship vehicle.
Yes, times are indeed changing as Toyota’s luxury brand revamps itself from a sedan-heavy automaker to one that specialized in cushy crossovers. We’ll know more about the 2019 Lexus UX come March 6 at the Geneva Motor Show, but until then, check out what we know below.
Continue reading for more information on the 2019 Lexus UX.
Kia Teases the K900 Sedan Before it Debuts at the New York Auto Show
Kia has released a teaser image of its upcoming K900 flagship sedan. The redesigned model is due to hit dealerships and showrooms sometime this year as a 2019 model. Despite only being introduced in 2015 in the U.S., the need for an update became important after the model went through a rocky 2017 that saw only 455 units find new owners for the whole year. The new K900 is expected to debut at the 2018 New York Auto Show in late March.
2019 Volvo V60
After several years with slow sales and dated products, Volvo began to revive its vehicle lineup with a new architecture and a fresh design language. It started things off with the XC90 in 2014, but several models followed suit until 2017. The V60 remained the oldest car in the lineup to still feature the old design, but this just changed ahead of the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, as Volvo unveiled a new compact station wagon. After struggling to compete against similar offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi for nearly eight years, the V60 finally has what it takes to climb higher in the compact premium segment.
Essentially a shrunken V90 on the outside, the V60 boasts the same tech and safety packages as the larger Volvo models. This makes it the most advanced vehicle in its class, despite both the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon still being relatively new. It also gained most of the V90’s drivetrain lineup, which includes both gasoline and diesel mills, as well as a hybrid. But unlike the V90, the V60 gets a second, less powerful hybrid drivetrain for customers looking for a more affordable electrified vehicle. But let’s find out more about that in the review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the Volvo V60.
2018 Pininfarina HK GT
The gearheads out there will likely recognize the first part of that title. Pininfarina is best known for its hot-blooded sports car designs, which include hits like the ’67 275 GTB/4, ’72 Dino 246 GTS, and the modern Sergio, as well as a slew of models for Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, and Maserati. If you’re still drawing a blank, I’ll just sum it up with this – Pininfarina is a legendary design house in Italy, one which has produced truly head-turning work since 1930. It’s latest effort is this new concept GT car, but it’s not exactly what you’re thinking. You see, while Pininfarina is on tap the sketch the sexy bits outside, a Hong Kong-based technology firm known as Hybrid Kinetic Group tackled the technical bits under the skin. The result of this partnership is called the Pininfarina HK GT, a title which is a little matter-of-fact for our taste, but that’s beyond the point. The point is this thing is headed for a reveal at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, and it promises a tech-heavy and eco-friendly take on the ’ole sporty Italian gran tourer formula.
Teased a month prior to the show with a pair of shadowy images, we’re still waiting for the full rundown on this thing. That said, the Pininfarina HK GT looks to be somewhat of a break from nearly 90 years of Pininfarina tradition. In a post to its Facebook page, the Italian design house states that “Time has come for a new Pininfarina masterpiece combining stylistic research with environmental sustainability.” The HK GT is the fourth such collaborative effort we’ve seen from Pininfarina and the Hybrid Kinetic group, with the other three examples being the H600 from the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, as well as the five-seater K550 SUV and seven-seater K750 that showed in Shanghai last year. With four of these types of reveals in just two years’ time, it’s looking like a new chapter at Pininfarina.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Pininfarina HK GT.
Cupra’s first model, the Cupra Ateca, comes to the market with 296 horsepower, a new seven-speed DSG transmission, all-wheel-drive system, and it even has an Otto Particulate Filter System to combat those pesky emissions. This is the first model from the Cupra brand now that it has split away from SEAT, and it will be followed by models like the Cupra Arona, Cupra TCR race car, and the Cupra Ibiza.
Corbellati – it’s not a brand you’re probably familiar with, but it is known to artists, art enthusiasts, and jewel collectors. History aside, the family brand has decided to branch out into the automotive world, and its first attempt is a big one. I’m talking about, of course, the Corbellati Missile – a car that’s billed with the high expectation of being the world’s fastest car, Buggati, Koenigsegg, and Hennessey be damned. Little about the car is known at this point, but it does sport a purely Italian design and promises 1,800 horsepower and a top speed that breaches the 310-mph range. The power credentials are certainly there, but whether or not it will live up to the hype remains to be seen.
Skepticism aside, the Missile is set to make its debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show this March, and we’ll certainly learn more about these very bold claims from a brand that’s relatively unheard of in the automotive world. Before that happens, let’s take a quick look at the teaser images we have and talk a little more about it.
2018 Giugiaro EV Saloon
Giorgetto Giugiaro, along with his son, Fabrizio Giugiaro, is debuting an all-new, fully electric luxury sedan at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show on March 6. The yet-named concept car will hail from GFG Style – a family company named after the father and son duo – and will showcase the marriage of beauty and technology.
The four-seater was jointly developed with Envision; a Chinese energy management company focused on cutting-edge technology. Together, the pair designed the car to operate autonomously using the Internet of Things, while also offering a fun driving experience when the driver wants to take the wheel.
In a statement about the car, Giorgetto Giugiaro said, “As my 80th birthday gets closer, I’m preparing a car to commemorate it. The prototype is a full four-seater electric salon, combining luxury, sportiness, space, and dynamism, along with a steering wheel, as I could not bring myself to eliminate it.”
Continue reading for more information.
Leaked: 2019 Cupra Ibiza
Like a teenager that had to navigate through rocky adolescent years, the Seat Ibiza Cupra has evolved from an ugly duckling to a fierce swan, if such a thing existed. The hot hatch’s impressive evolution shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, because Cupra is now going at it alone after breaking off from the Seat mothership to become a standalone performance brand. As far as first impressions go, Cupra is on the right track because leaked photos of the Cupra Ibiza reveal a hot hatch that looks ready to steal some thunder from its rivals.
2018 Smart ForTwo EQ
Mercedes-Benz’s eye toward the future boldly saw a fully electric, fully autonomous concept car debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show. Hailing from its Smart division, the concept took cues from the production Smart ForTwo and injected predictions of what the future might hold. Less than a year later, the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show will be the launch pad for a production version of the car. It’s called the Smart ForTwo EQ and its ramifications to big city car sharing could be felt for centuries to come.
Smart is set to debut the car on March 6 at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. We’ll know much more when the time comes, but until then, let’s look at what we can expect.
Continue reading for more information.
2018 Morgan Plus 8 50th Anniversary Edition
If you enjoy wearing a cap, leather jacket, and driving gloves to break the brisk English air whilst on an open-air drive to afternoon tea at the local Lord’s manor, then perhaps a Morgan is the proper automobile for you.
Steeped in British automotive history, Morgan is a holdout to the legacy days of automobiles. Its Plus 8 model features a hand-built body that harks back to designs of the 1930s while its aluminum chassis and 4.8-liter BMW V-8 add modern reliability and performance. But the days of this naturally aspirated V-8 are coming to a close at Morgan. To celebrate the free-breathing engine’s last hurrah, Morgan is building 50 special edition models of the Plus 8, appropriately called the Plus 8 50th Anniversary Edition.
Morgan is set to debut the Plus 8 50th Anniversary Edition at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show on March 6. In anticipation of the debut, the British automaker released a teaser video showing only a few dimly lit details.
Continue reading for more information.
2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Launched in 2015, the 991-generation GT3 RS was a significant update over the GT3 and a big departure from the previous car design-wise, having borrowed base bodywork from the Turbo model. On the other hand, the 4.0-liter inline-six was pretty much identical to the 997-generation GT3 RS 4.0 model, as was the 500-horsepower output, a bit of letdown for those expecting a more powerful car. This minor inconvenience was fixed with the upgraded GT3 RS, which gained a more potent engine now that the standard GT3 has been updated to the same 4.0-liter mill. Set to make its public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the 991.2 GT3 RS might just be the last naturally aspirated GT3 model.
Unleashed on public roads in early 2017 as a prototype, the new GT3 RS isn’t exactly new. Heavily based on the GT3, it shares many features with its non-RS sibling and it takes a closer look to spot the differences inside and out. But it’s the engine that sets the RS apart thanks to an extra 20 horsepower, as well as the fact that you can’t get it with a manual transmission. The chassis setup is also different, so the RS is bound to be quicker on the race track. Just don’t expect it to be very different on the outside. Let’s find out more about that below.
Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
2018 Italdesign Zerouno Roadster
Founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1968 in Turin, Italy, Italdesign is a creative powerhouse with a long history of beautiful creations. Standouts include a variety of notable performance machines like the Maserati MC12, the BMW M1, and the Lotus Esprit, but the house also has several more commonplace vehicles to its name, such as the Audi Q2 and VW Golf, plus oddities like the DeLorean DMC-12. Italdesign’s latest creation is the Zerouno Coupe, which we first saw at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, and later again at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Limited at just five units total, Italdesign managed to move all five examples of this high-dollar (that is, seven-figure) supercar in just a matter of months, a testament to its unique styling and performance potential (not to mention the insanely hot modern supercar market). Now, it appears as though Italdesign is prepping a new drop-top iteration, as revealed by a single shadowy teaser image. Once again, the Italians will showcase their latest wares at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, and they’re saving the details for the big sheet drop. However, before they blow the roof off the coupe in Switzerland, we’ve got the details on it right here. That’s right – we fully expect the Roadster iteration to mirror much of what you get in the coupe, so we put together the following speculative review to whet your appetite. Expect V-10 power, a top speed over 200 mph, lots of carbon fiber, and more wings than an air show.
Offered as part of Italdesign’s 50th Anniversary this year, which officially begins March 6th with an event at the Geneva Motor Show, the Zerouno Roadster enjoys unquestionable status as a mid-engine supercar. It offers tons of customization opportunities, it’s highly exclusive, and it’s very, very expensive, which is perfectly befitting of a low-production model from Italdesign Automobili Speciali. Thing is, Volkswagen bought Italdesign back in 2010, and the Zerouno is made mostly of Lambo-sourced parts. Which begs the question – is it worth the extra outlay over a Huracan or R8?
Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Ialdesign Zerouno Roadster.
Lexus Will Debut the all-new Lexus UX at the Geneva Auto Show
Lexus is all set to introduce the UX crossover at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The arrival of the small crossover bolsters what is already an impressive lineup of Lexus crossovers and SUVs. The UX is being seen as the company’s answer to models like the BMW X2, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and the Jaguar F-Pace. There’s no timetable for the crossover’s launch, but details should be made available as soon as the UX introduces itself to the world in Geneva.
2018 Ferrari 488 Pista
Ferrari has developed a fairly predictable pattern when it comes to releasing mid-engine V-8 models. First, we get the "regular" one, and then the lighter, faster, more powerful road-racer variant follows. In 2015, Ferrari replaced the iconic 458 Italia with the turbocharged, 488 GTB. Three years later and the successor to the 458 Speciale is here with more power, less weight, and improved aerodynamics. It’s called the 488 Pista, and it’s set to make its global debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March.
The successor to Ferrari’s much acclaimed, V-8-engined special series, which includes the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, and the 458 Speciale, the 488 Pista is yet another homage to Ferrari’s outstanding heritage in motorsport. Much like its predecessors, the Pista was also developed using knowledge from the company’s involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship, in which it has won five manufacturers’ titles. Both the race-spec 488 GTE and 488 Challenge served as inspiration for the Pista, also "donating" some of their dynamics and aerodynamic developments.
The 488 Pista is described as Ferrari’s most powerful and most advanced special series model so far. Let’s find out if it’s true in the review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the Ferrari 488 Pista.
2018 Fiat 500
One of Fiat’s most iconic nameplates, the 500 was originally introduced in 1957 and kept in production for almost two decades, until 1975. The nameplate was revived in 2007 as a neo-retro design based on the first mini car. It was Fiat’s answer to the modern Volkswagen Beetle and Mini Cooper, introduced in 1997 and 2000, respectively. The new 500 was received with great enthusiasm, and the addition of convertible and Abarth models made it that much more popular. However, unlike the Mini Cooper, the 500 soldiered on unchanged for years, with its first update launched in 2015. Three years have passed, and Fiat is again updating the small hatchback.
Unveiled at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show alongside the rest of Fiat’s North American lineup, the update is far from spectacular, but it does add a few new features to the 500’s cute exterior. The interior carries over unchanged, which is somewhat disappointing, but the drivetrain department has a new engine to brag about. It’s not as new as it is rehashed from an old model, but it’s significantly more powerful than the outgoing unit. More about that in the review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the Fiat 500.
Ssangyong is returning to the Geneva Motor Show this year with another SUV concept in tow. This time, we’re going to see the e-SIV – a concept that looks suspiciously familiar to the XAVL concept that the brand showcased at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Right now, we don’t have a lot to go on aside from a few teaser shots and a few tidbits of information, so it’s not really fair to pass judgment quite yet. So, with that in mind, will Ssangyong make the same play it has in the past and present itself at the show with another rehashed concept from years past or will it show up with something that’s at least somewhat new to look at? Let’s find out…
Mazda introduced the 6 nameplate in 2002 as a replacement for the highly successful Mazda 626. Offered as a near-premium mid-size four-door model, the 6 is now considered Mazda’s flagship model. Three generations have arrived since the 6 first hit the scene, the latest of which showed in 2012. Back in November, Mazda brought out a refreshed iteration at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS), dropping cover on a tweaked exterior style, a newly updated interior, fresh technology and equipment, and even a new turbocharged engine package. Suffice to say, we thought the whole thing looked great, so much so that we gave it a spot on our Best In Show list for the 2017 LAAS. Given the extensive updates seen for the 2018 model year, you could consider this latest iteration as the 3.5-gen vehicle. Now, the 6’s more practical Tourer wagon body style looks set to receive the same good stuff when it arrives in Switzerland with a debut at the 88th Annual Geneva International Motor Show.
All told, the 2018 Mazda6 Tourer should look and feel more premium than before, just like the latest sedan version that appeared in Southern California. Full details are still forthcoming, but for now, read on for the lowdown on what we know, plus a splash of speculation along the way.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Mazda6 Tourer.
2019 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the first Merc to sport the vintage "Maybach" badge since the brand was revived for the second time in 2015. But unlike it predecessor, offered between 1997 to 2013, the current Maybach isn’t positioned as a stand-alone name. But the principle is pretty much the same, as both vehicles are mildly revised versions of the familiar S-Class. After three years on the market, the Mercedes-Maybach was updated with the same modifications seen on the regular S-Class in 2017. The official debut will take place at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March.
The mid-cycle facelift includes only minor tweaks inside and out in terms of design and layout, but it’s more significant in the tech department. Just like the standard S-Class, the Maybach model now benefits from the features introduced with the smaller E-Class sedan. Highlights include semi-autonomous drive, big displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, and extra convenience features. The upgrade is supposed to keep the Mercedes-Maybach ahead of the competition, which is likely to happen with both the Rolls-Royce Ghost and the Bentley Flying Spur being significantly older.
But the big news is that the Mercedes-Maybach brand is working far better than the previous Maybach attempt. While the 57 and 62 models offered between 1997 and 2013 were built in only 3,000 units, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class model already sold more than 25,000 units since its introduction in 2015.
Keep reading to learn more about the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.