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HDD shipments for the quarter decreased by 2.1%, dropping below the level of 100 million units
Once the HDD issue was involved in dozens of companies, but for the past few years as a result of the departure of some producers and the consolidation of others, the market was divided between only three participants.
In the second quarter of 2016, they shipped a total of 98,46 million drives. This is 2.1% less than in the first quarter, equal 100,54 million.
Note that not all manufacturers have reduced the supply. Toshiba released within three months from April to June 21,55 million HDD, 18.5% more than in the first quarter, when it was released of 18.18 million HDD.
However, it was not enough to fully compensate for the reduction in the supply of products to Seagate and Western Digital 6.2% and 7.0%, respectively. In quantitative terms, the supply of Seagate for the quarter declined from 39.24 to 36.8 million units, Western Digital hard drive — from 43.12 to 40.11 million pieces.
If you look at the distribution by segment, the supply of HDDs for desktop PCs decreased by 17.3%, and for mobile — by 7.8%. Supplies in the corporate segment grew by 3.7% in the segment of consumer electronics — 31.4%.
Source: Storage Newsletter


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TVS Motor Company's new flagship model for the Apache series -- Apache RTR 200 4V -- has started arriving at the dealers of the company in southern states. If the emerging reports are to be believed, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, which is open for bookings now, commands a waiting period of up to two months.
A report of Rushlane says that TVS has started dispatching the Apache RTR 200 4V to its dealers and the dealers in Bangalore and Chennai have received the first consignment of the model. The company, which has plans to launch the model across the country in next two months, will complete the shipment to the dealers in South India first and then later move to other cities like Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, among others.
Since the initial roll-out of the Apache RTR 200 4V models is limited, the bike is expected to have a longer waiting period in the country. The waiting period of the Apache RTR 200 4V is likely to go down later once the company launches the model in all states.
According to the report, the Apache RTR 200 4V, which was launched at a price of Rs 88,990 (ex-showroom, New Delhi), now costs about Rs 2,000 more as the company has added features like higher quality switches and more. The Apache RTR 200 4V was launched in both carbureted and fuel-injected variants. The report says that in Bangalore, while the carbureted variant is priced at Rs 1.08 lakh, the fuel-injected version comes for Rs 1.27 lakh (on-road).
Based on the double cradle split Syncro stiff frame, the Apache RTR 200 4V is powered by a 197.75cc oil-cooled engine available in both carbureted- and fuel-injected variants. The carbureted version makes 20.3bhp, while the fuel-injected versions churn out 21bhp at 8500 rpm. In both variants, torque output remains the same at 18.1Nm at 7,000 rpm. The engine is mated to five-speed gearbox. While the carbureted version needs a minimum of 3.95 seconds to reach 60kmph before topping out at 128kmph, the FI model requires 3.9 seconds and comes with a top speed of 129kmph.
[1 lakh = 100,000 | 1 crore = 10 million | 100 crore = 1 billion]

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Tag archive for "metal-gear-solid"
Sony has announced via their blog that Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection finally has a release date. The Collection contains every canonical release of the Metal Gear ...Read More
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Hideo Kojima confirmed that Metal Gear Solid 5 is in the works and being built with the Fox Engine, according to an interview in French magazine IG. Kojima ...Read More
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Metal Gear Solid HD Collection will be coming to the Playstation Vita this June. Konami released some new screenshots to show off the improvements that will be available with the release of the game. ...Read More
Are you jonesing for that gorgeous snakeskin Metal Gear Solid themed 3DS? Good luck with that. You can thank Konami for any future bouts of rage your quest inspires. ...Read More
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The HD remake of the Metal Gear Solid games comes out later this year, but before it does, the classic tactical espionage series will be involved in another ...Read More
This week, Konami took the opportunity to share some new details and clarify some others on the amazing Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. The classics in collection, which ...Read More
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Independent No.1's Christmas Special Vol 8 makes chart re-entry at #1 on Christmas Day
WOA Records' 8th edition of the Christmas Special Album made headlines when it debuted at #1 on the iTunes UK Easy Listening Album Charts at the start of the Christmas Holidays. The chart topping album has now made a re-entry at #1 on Christmas Day.
As a highly anticipated and requested album by fans and WOA retail partners every December, the compilation consistently hits the top of the charts during the holidays on iTunes and Amazon, across different regions. This year however is the first time the album hit #1 on Christmas Day, and in fact the same album has had back to back #1's on the chart, within the span of a month. The Independent No.1's, Christmas Special Vol.8 also hit the iTunes top 10 charts in the US and Switzerland earlier this month.
"I am overjoyed that we have a Christmas #1 album with the Christmas Special Vol.8, and it being a compilation album, every artist on this album can now boast a #1 song" says WOA Entertainment Group Founder Oliver Sean, "to me, when an independent artist hits the charts, be it iTunes, Amazon, the Billboard charts, or any other significant chart, it is a matter of pride for the entire Independent Music community".
Find out more about the Independent No.1's Christmas Special compilation at http://www.christmasspecialalbum.com and http://www.woaentertainment.com. Artists can submit their music for next year's Christmas Special at http://www.woarecords.com/


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An Indian dairy company, Universal Dairy Products, has purchased the National Dairy Board plant in Uganda.
A report in India's Financial Express newspaper says the acquisition is part of Universal Dairy's plan to expand its presence in the overseas market. The company recently set up a dairy plant in Mauritius.
MS Parikh, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Dairy Products, says that in Uganda his organization will look at integrated operations for the production of skimmed milk powder, flavored milk, juices, packaged water and the Cream Bell brand of ice cream. Parikh did not however disclose the financial details of the acquisition.
Current capacity at the Uganda plant in Kampala is 1.5 million liters of milk per day and the company would be investing additional money to double capacity there.
Universal Dairy Products plans to use Uganda as a base to cater to the East African markets and projects that operations on the project are likely to commence in a year's time.
Universal Dairy, a joint venture between C K Jaipuria and Ravi Jaipuria group, owns the Cream Bell ice cream brand in India.


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Apple has a reputation for its premium products that sell at a premium price. Every year, the iPhone costs keep rising, and this year the Cupertino tech giant set a new pricing record with the iPhone X at Rs 1,02,000.
Despite a lot of debate on the pricing of iPhone X, the handset remained in popular demand by consumers. For weeks after its release in India, the handset wasn't available due to an overwhelming demand. But the price, nevertheless, remains on the higher end of the segment.
But when Apple's plans to make its products in India were revealed last year and approved earlier this year, there was hope that the company would lower prices of its iconic smartphones in the country. Alas, it hasn't happened yet, which is logical considering Apple has chosen iPhone SE to be assembled in India. If you are still hopeful that the iPhone pricing would go down in the future, there's a new development to shatter your anticipations.
With the implementation of GST this year, it was made pretty clear that all mobile phones will become expensive even if they're made in India. But the government's duties on phones and their components imported into India will result in higher price tags compared to those made in India. Now the government has hiked the import tax on various electronic products including mobile phones and TVs, PTI reported on Friday.
The move is to promote and strengthen the domestic industry, as companies from China and other countries have enjoyed favourable response for their devices in India. According to Counterpoint Research, eight out of 10 phones sold in India in 2017 were made locally.
The import tax was initially 10 percent, but the latest hike pushes the limit to 15 percent, which takes a dig into Apple's revenues amid slowing growth in India.
Since Apple imports all of its iPhones except the iPhone SE, the import duty hike is likely to impact the current prices of the iPhones. Apple imports 88 percent of its devices into India, which makes the impact of government's new move severe.
"It will impact Apple the most as the company imports 88 percent of its devices into India," Tarun Pathak, an associate director at Counterpoint Research, said of government's new change in tax duties. "Either this will lead to increase in iPhone prices or force Apple to start assembling more in India."
It remains to be seen how Apple responds to government's hike on import duties. Stay tuned for updates.


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Concerns about the labor market and high inflation forecasts dominate the latest findings
Inflation, that persistent economic specter, continues to cast a shadow over US expectations, with the latest survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York showing growing concerns. The survey released Monday reflects the unshakable belief among Americans that high inflation will continue in the coming years.
Inflation expectations remain high
According to the New York Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Expectations, the average expectation that one-year inflation will be 3.6%, a noticeable decline from the peak of 7.1% in June 2022, but a slight increase compared to the 3.5% just recorded. last month. Moreover, consumers expect inflation to remain high in the coming years, with an expected increase of 3% over three years, up from 2.9% in July, and a modest slowdown to 2.8% over five years.
These projections significantly exceed the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, indicating that persistent inflation may persist, contrary to the central bank’s forecast that inflation would fall to 2% by 2025. Americans are bracing for higher costs for several necessities, including rent, gas, medical expenses, food and even college tuition. House prices are also expected to rise by 3.1%, the highest since July 2022.
Consumer expectations shape policy
The New York Fed survey, conducted among a rotating panel of 1,300 households, plays a critical role in influencing Fed policymakers’ response to the inflation crisis. This influence stems from the concept that actual inflation may depend on consumer expectations; if everyone expects a 3% price increase over the next year, companies may feel justified in raising prices by that margin, causing workers to demand higher wages to cope with rising costs.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has repeatedly emphasized policymakers’ commitment to reining in inflation, with strong indications that interest rates will rise several times by the end of the year. Nevertheless, the recent tightening campaign, which saw the Fed Funds rate hiked 11 times in 16 months to its highest level since 2001, could pause at the next meeting in September to assess its impact on the economy.
The concerns extend beyond inflation
The New York Fed survey also highlighted growing concerns about the labor market and household finances. The perceived probability of job losses over the next 12 months rose 2 percentage points to 13.8%, the highest level since April 2021. Average unemployment expectations, which measure the likelihood of higher U.S. unemployment a year from now, rose 1.8 percentage points to 48.5% in August.
At the same time, households became more pessimistic about their financial situation and access to credit. Median expected household income growth fell by 0.3 percentage points to 2.9% in August, the lowest figure since July 2021. In addition, perceptions of access to credit deteriorated compared to the same period last year, with the share of households indicating that it is more difficult to obtain credit that reaches a new series high.
As inflation expectations persist and labor market concerns loom, the Federal Reserve faces a challenging path to navigating the economic landscape and achieving its inflation targets.


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Two McDonald’s customers who were unhappy with the £25 order limit verbally abused staff before blocking the drive-thru with their car.
Police are now appealing for witnesses after the customers drove off towards the town following the incident.
A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to get in touch with us on 101, quoting crime reference number CRI00270610.”
The burger giant started reopening its drive-thru restaurants on June 2 as coronavirus lockdown restrictions eased.
Customers were warned there would be a £25 per-car limit on orders as branches reopened.
The company said safety is "top priority" and has called for customers to be "patient and supportive" of staff.
It has also said the service "will not be as quick as you might be used to" as workers adjust to the changes.
Thousands of drivers joined lengthy queues to get their hands on a burger for the first time in two months.
Motorists at Dalton Park in Murton, County Durham told ChronicleLive they had queued for more than 45 minutes for chicken nuggets.
Perspex screens have been added at Drive-Thru windows and employees wearing protective equipment, as well as Perspex screens and floor markings in specific areas in the restaurant and kitchen.


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Facing greater competition from savvy competitors such as Telefonica (NYSE: TEF), Carlos Slim plans to spend more money to beef up his wireless and wireline networks in Mexico under the America Movil (NYSE: AMX) brand.
Slim announced this week that he will dedicate about $820 million to the group in addition to spending another $820 million on incumbent wireline operator Telmex.
Although Slim has managed to create a wireline/wireless powerhouse in America Movil, the one goal he has yet to reach is being able to offer video as part of a triple play bundle service package. Already, Slim has been building a technology foundation to possibly support an IPTV-based video with a program to upgrade Telmex's wireline broadband network infrastructure to support 20 Mbps services.
Although Slim offers video and triple play packages in other Latin American countries, Reuters reports that the Mexican government has been "reluctant" about letting Slim move into the video business because they are worried he'll create yet another service monopoly.
Right now, Telmex only offers billing services for rapidly growing satellite provider DISH Mexico. But when asked whether he would make an investment in DISH Mexico, Slim said "we are not focused on that, we are waiting (for the authorization) to offer triple play."
- Reuters has this article
Cofetel wants Telmex to reduce phone service prices further
Mexico's Cofetel leader Hector Osuna won't seek another term
America Movil: Broadband access and wireless boost Q3 results
America Movil delists Telint from Mexican stock exchange
Mexico: Telecom industry rose 11 percent in Q3
Telmex to up Mexico's broadband speeds to stay competitive with cable
Telmex Internacional's Q2 profits down, but sales were up
Check out our Latin American telecom eBook


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Square Enix is celebrating 30 years of their franchise of action RPG games. I’ve never actually played any of the Mana games but I’ve heard they’re great.
Back on topic! To celebrate 30 years of the Mana series, Square Enix has announced a few big pieces of news for fans to take in.
Trials of Mana
The first is that the hit 3D remake of the classic Trials of Mana is coming to mobile devices. Android and iOS hardware owners will be able to purchase and download the game on July 15th 2021. If you’re like me and rather forgetful, you can pre-register for this today on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Pricing will be £22.99 on iOS and no price against the Android version of the game just yet. I imagine it’ll be in the same region as iOS though at £22.99. Download sizes are going to weigh in at 3.4GB on iOS and 6.1GB on Android devices.
Echoes of Mana
Echoes of Mana is a new entry in the Mana franchise. This will be a new free-to-play action RPG and it’s coming to mobile devices in 2022. Echoes of Mana will have an original story that will weave new and old Mana series characters. You will also be able to play with friends thanks to a multiplayer mode.
You can watch the announcement trailer for Echoes of Mana further down the page.
Legend of Mana – The Teardrop Crystal
This is an anime series that follows on from the story of the recently released Legend of Mana video game. This anime series is from Warner Bros. Japan, Graphinica Inc and Yokohama Animation Lab.
Yokohama Animation Lab created the opening cinematic for the Legend of Mana game.
Legend of Mana – The Teardrop Crystal is planned to air worldwide.
This is some great news from Square Enix. Are you a Mana fan? Let us know in the comments!


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Sourcing stands to be further upended as the industry faces an increasingly uncertain trade environment, the need to digitize or die trying and a move out of China that could see sourcing costs climb globally.
With brands and retailers fleeing China for fear of sudden new and, in some cases, debilitating tariffs sending their sourcing costs skyrocketing, 2019 could bring much fallout for supply chains.
In light of apparel’s exodus, factories are expected to shutter following Chinese New Year in February and it will cause ripples across the supply chain—including price spikes.
Having summed up sourcing in 2018, we’ve again turned to Li & Fung executive director and group president Marc Compagnon, Synergies Worldwide president and CEO Guido Schlossman and Luen Thai CEO Raymond Tan, to tell us what’s set to transpire in the year ahead.
What will be the key challenge facing sourcing in 2019? And is the industry prepared to face it?
Compagnon: Most of our customers are impacted by the ongoing U.S.-China trade war to some degree, and while there is a temporary truce in place now, we know the situation remains fluid and can escalate at any point. Monitoring the trade war is a priority because that is definitely a key challenge for our customers and all players in the industry heading into 2019. Li & Fung exports out of 50 countries, we have a global sourcing network that is the largest of its kind in the world, so we are best positioned to help our customers navigate this trade war and migrate production out of China to other production countries. Trade aside, the other key challenges facing the industry continues to align with our Three-Year Plan goals of bringing more speed to supply chains and continuing to digitalize the supply chain at every step.
Schlossman: For one, we’ll see differentiated supply chains. E-commerce, low-price and fast-fashion players continue to dominate retail. However, one universal supply-chain configuration won’t be able to successfully meet the specific needs of those players anymore. The supply chain for e-retailers needs to be different to the one servicing low-price players. Elements and factors that need to be differentiated are: culture, technology, skillsets, overhead structure, manufacturing base, and logistics. Therefore, new supply chain companies that are focused are emerging and taking away market shares of established trading and sourcing firms. Very often these days, we come across companies that define themselves as virtual manufacturers, for instance, and offer specific sourcing solutions for a specific retail segment (i.e. Oculas Virtual Manufacturing Ltd).
We’ll also be facing the capacity battle. The trade dispute between China and the U.S., rising wages in production countries and differences in exchange rate have led to tremendous sourcing shifts in 2018 and this will continue in the year 2019. We are witnessing many factories running full or even overbooked capacities, in countries that benefited from those shifts. (i.e. Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan). The challenge will be, one, to place new orders to those countries, two, to manage on-time deliveries and, three, eventually to assure quality. The role of own buying offices or intermediaries (i.e. virtual manufacturers, sourcing companies), who have a local presence in those countries may become more important than ever.
Lean organization will also be required to stay cost competitive. Full capacities paired with wage increases will put tremendous pressure on prices in 2019. Although own sourcing organizations may be helpful to better manage manufacturers/production in these times, they may on the other hand become challenging. Own sourcing organizations, may be confronted with high overheads, especially if operated in expensive cities such as Hong Kong or Shanghai. But even if located in low-wage countries such as Bangladesh, operating cost could be a challenge, due to high salaries paid to attract talented (local) executives. It will be of key importance to have a lean organization and to apply technology where it makes sense.
Middlemen (virtual manufacturers, etc.) could (re)-emerge and gain market share if they are able to operate a low-cost business model with smart usage of technology.
Tan: Most brands with a U.S. presence will continue to move production out of China. It will also be time for brands to rethink their supply chain model as reducing their China production could mean a huge change in the way how they work with “non-China” production. This is going to be a huge challenge but also a great opportunity for change. Brands with international markets will start to look at how to manage U.S. vs. non-U.S. sourcing, taking advantage of the Chinese manufacturers’ excess capacity with the most mature supply chain in the world.
We had seen a few rounds of consolidations in the past two decades from both sides of the supply chain. I expect to see another round of consolidation especially from the manufacturing side. U.S. brands need to partner with those who are strategically positioned to address their China sourcing concerns. Smaller manufacturing players will be forced to merge with the bigger players to survive or be eliminated.
The biggest challenge from the manufacturing section is that some had been working on downsizing their Chinese operation while expanding outside China. However, they haven’t reached a point whereas their non-China production is matured enough to replace their Chinese capacity. Downsizing Chinese factories costs a lot of money and it also means reduction of profit while one has to invest outside of China with beginning losses. To make things worse, many of these players do not have the experience operating outside of China so there is a long learning curve for them. Brands are now demanding multi-country manufacturing capabilities so they expect their vendor partners to have more than one “non-China” option; this poses a great challenge for many OEM players as they do not have the management team to deal with China downsizing and expanding to more than one “non-China” countries.
I am sure our industry is ready to face it as many brands had been executing their supply chain strategy for years, but they now need to execute it faster, acknowledging that they cannot push for more competitive prices during this period as OEM players need the margin for re-investments. To be frank, those who did not do much to change in the past few years had either been eliminated or will be gone soon.
Bigger players will just take up more market share but isn’t this something we had been seeing for the past two decades?


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Poll: Next big "green" powertrain
What will be the next big "green" powertrain in the U.S.?
Tag: bmw i3
15 April, 2014 03:00:00BMW has increased production of its i3 electric car 43 percent to meet demand that has exceeded the carmaker’s initial expectations.
05 April, 2014 03:27:00The first production model of the BMW C evolution, the all-new e-scooter, rolled off the assembly line at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau.
28 March, 2014 08:37:00Under the theme of “Energy efficiency and its contribution to sustainable economic growth”, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Johnson Controls and The Climate Group held the fourth Euro-Mediterranean Energy Efficiency Forum (EEF) on 24 and 25 March 2014.
21 March, 2014 03:57:00ENGEL AUSTRIA has won another contract to supply system solutions to BMW's Leipzig factory, where ENGEL duo injection moulding machines are used to manufacture car body shell components for the BMW i3 electric vehicle.
11 March, 2014 02:58:00Nissan’s IDx and BMW’s i3 have won the coveted Car Design of the Year award for 2013 cars in the concept and production categories respectively.
28 February, 2014 01:55:00The BMW i3 has lifted the top prize at the first-ever UK Car of the Year Awards.
17 February, 2014 03:45:00With several world and European premieres on its agenda, BMW is using this year’s Geneva Motor Show to present a selection of fascinating new series-production models which are geared to fulfilling present-day customer requirements and in some cases usher in all-new market segments.
08 February, 2014 03:18:00BMW of North America, the Official Mobility Partner of the United States Olympic Committee, showed off its BMW i brand during the opening ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.
06 February, 2014 01:55:00For many fleet decision-makers this year’s Fleet World Fleet Show on April 9 will be their first opportunity to test-drive one of the exciting new electric vehicles on the market, such as the BMW i3, to discover why electric power is set to meet the fleet mobility needs of the future.
22 January, 2014 02:00:00BMW Group announced partnership with Bridgestone, in which one of the world’s largest tire manufacturer has been selected to develop a range of tires for the BMW i3 electric car.
- Geneva 2008: New Diesel Engines for Ford Mondeo, Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy
- MIT Scientists Find New Way to Generate Electricity
- SolarCity, Rabobank to Build Fast-Charge Electric Car Charging Corridor
- High Performance, 92 Mpg High Mileage 3 Wheel Sport Car
- Coskata Opens Semi-Commercial Feedstock Flexible Ethanol Facility


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About 10 people mounted pedal-less bikes and coasted downhill in front of the Anacostia Library on Saturday.
Once they had their balance, they earned one pedal. Then, two. Within an hour, almost all were riding bikes, thanks to two Washington Area Bicyclist Association instructors.
Some of the students in WABA’s adult riding class, like 59-year-old Mary Buckley, hadn’t been on a bike since childhood. Others, like 32-year-old LaStar Matthew, had never learned how to ride a bike in the first place.
Over the past three weeks, WABA has offered free classes instructing adults on how to ride bikes and how to ride them confidently in the city. But usually whenever the organization advertises such classes, which are enormously popular, “our core contingency follows us,” WABA executive director Shane Farthing said. People from Northwest D.C., or even Maryland and Virginia, fill up the classes rather than the Ward 7 and 8 residents the classes are intended to serve.
So this time around, WABA limited its advertising to posting fliers and other materials around the neighborhoods where the classes were to be held. And it worked: although the turnout was comparatively low, as expected by WABA, the participants were mostly from the neighborhoods. The last class had the highest turnout. Matthew saw a flier posted at her bus stop. Others found out at the library or via word-of-mouth.
The outreach is part of Farthing’s goal for the year. He wants to push bike advocacy in Wards 7 and 8, and WABA is doing it through grassroots methods such as these classes, setting up mobile bike shops and sending bike “ambassadors” to ride daily East of the River and encourage cyclists living in the neighborhoods.
“Especially where economic conditions are a little tougher, I think having a bike is a way to remove that expense of a car” or remove the uncertainty of depending on public transportation, Farthing said. “[Biking] is such a solution to all of the problems there, but until you have enough folks riding, you don’t have enough of a demand to get the facilities to make it safe.”
Saturday’s students were sold on the idea of bikes benefiting them. Buckley said she planned to start riding around Anacostia Park and encouraging a neighbor to join her. Elan Dawkins, 41, said she wanted to learn to ride because “of the easy access” bikes offer. “Most people take the bus here,” she said.
“So it could be a real benefit to people in this neighborhood if they were able to carry groceries [on the bikes],” she said.
There could be more facilities, soon: Capital Bikeshare, a partnership between D.C.’s Department of Transportation and Arlington, is looking to expand its system by 25 stations this summer, and five of the possible additions are in Wards 7 and 8. But the list of possible stations is 55-long and there is plenty of demand in other parts of the city to contend with the relatively low usage of the existing stations East of the River.
“We see a citywide expansion as something that’s good for us” Capital Bikeshare general manager Eric Gilliland said. “But it is a balancing act between serving existing customers and encouraging new ones.”
Muhammad pointed out that her neighborhood needs more stations to make a feasible alternative to other modes of transportation.
“If you don’t live or work near one of these, then how would you get here to ride the bikes? It’s good to have it here but it’s just not the whole piece,” she said.
The bikeshare system does work best when there are multiple stations clustered together, which is not the case in these parts of D.C. Also, you need a credit card to sign up, and even if you take a bike out for a day – daily memberships cost $5 – a $101 security hold is placed on your credit card in case the bike isn’t returned. Such a hold could push some people over their credit card limits.
DDOT spokeswoman John Lisle has said that his agency is currently working on a program that would give bikeshare-specific credit cards to some users.
During the class, the teachers provided instruction on how to properly care for and maintain a bike. One of the lessons included getting the right kind of lubricant for bike chains.
“You can go to a bike store to get that,” instructor Marya McQuirter said. But then she acknowledged that the closest shop was on Capitol Hill.
“Maybe we could open one up here,” said instructor Sarah Miller.
Perhaps. Or maybe as more adults ride bikes in the neighborhood, there will be enough of a demand for a bike shop to open independently. That’s the goal, anyway.


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Apple had 16.1 percent of the smartphone market in the first quarter, up from 10.9 percent a year ago, according to IDC data released on Friday.
The news comes as Apple's iPhone rollout in China and other international markets accelerates its share gains. IDC on Friday released its global smartphone market share standings. The big growth move comes from Apple, as indicated with its stellar earnings report last month. International demand led the iPhone to better than expected results.
Overall, smartphone vendors shipped 54.7 million units in the first quarter, up 56.7 percent from a year ago. Smartphones accounted for 18.8 percent of all mobile phones in the first quarter, up from 14.4 percent in 2009.
For more on this story, see Apple iPhone smartphone market share surges; RIM slips on ZDNet.com.


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Cloud Computing Accelerating Among Tire Dealers
ASA Automotive Systems, the industry leader in providing software systems and services to independent tire dealers and automotive service centers, continues to expand resources and support services for its cloud-based business management software systems due to ever-increasing demand.
More and more ASA customers considering a new system or upgrade are opting to put their ‘heads in the cloud’. Over the past two years, ASA has experienced a 94% increase in cloud-based users, with the total number of companies adopting ASA’s safe and secure private cloud-based hosting services soon to reach the 100 mark, representing about 500 locations and nearly 2000 users. To accommodate this new reality and trend away from on-premise software, ASA continues to adjust their business models and strategies, and has invested nearly a quarter of a million dollars in the past year alone in its data center and off-site storage technology for redundancy. The trend ASA is seeing in in line with what the industry experts are saying.
According to Gartner Research, more than 60 percent of all enterprises will have adopted some form of cloud computing in 2013. In a study by the IBM Institute for Business Value, almost three-fourths of business leaders surveyed said that their companies have already piloted, adopted or substantially implemented cloud technologies. Ninety percent expect to have done so within three years.
Commercial Tire in Meridian, Idaho made the move to ASA’s data center in 2012. Ageing hardware and the need for business continuity and a reliable disaster recovery plan drove their decision to move to the cloud. “I had to spend time maintaining our old system server. Now that we are operating on the ASP virtual server, most of that maintenance has gone away,” said Jason Morony, IT director at Commercial Tire. “We wanted the peace of mind that our financials were protected in a secure data center. You never know when fire or a natural disaster will strip everything away from you.”
“Our clients want private, secure and economical cloud-based services that provide the same or better quality and service levels as an on-premise IT environment,” said Scott Hopkins, vice president of operations at ASA Automotive Systems. “With that assurance, they are able to focus more on driving business value from their data and operations, and less on managing their hardware.”
About ASA Automotive Systems
Headquartered in Merrimack, NH, ASA Automotive Systems develops licensed and cloud-based software solutions, delivers support and services, and enables leading independent tire dealers and automotive repair shops to achieve a maximum return on their information technology investment. ASA’s software tools help tire dealers and auto repair shops manage all facets of their businesses and can be tailored to suit the order processing, accounting, e-commerce and business management needs of any size retail, commercial, wholesale, or retread operation.


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FedEx Express has increased the coverage of its SenseAware service, which monitors the conditions needed to transport environmentally-sensitive goods. The service, which has previously been operating in the UK and Ireland, has been expanded to cover deliveries to, from, and within 14 more countries on the Continent. It is aimed at customers in the healthcare industry and monitors temperature, light exposure, relative humidity, shock, and barometric pressure. Parcels can also be tracked as the expansion coincides with the roll-out of […]
A quarter of internet shoppers have a next-day delivery subscription, Royal Mail has found, and warned retailers that they must keep up with demand for fast, free delivery to retain their customers.
UPS UK, Ireland and Nordics president Cindy Miller has been promoted to president of UPS Europe.
Hermes is set to roll out an improved delivery window service this year, which will narrow its delivery slots down to just a couple of hours.


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Cannabis Europe conference to be held in Madrid in February
Cannabis Europe is at the forefront of the budding cannabis industry in Europe. With conferences all over the world lead by expert industry leaders, it is shaping the future of medical cannabis. Cannabis Europe is coming to Madrid, Spain, next month, and will focus on discussions on cannabis science, policy-making and business strategy with both European and international audiences.
The ‘Cannabis Europe’ Conference will be held in Madrid for the first time on February 10th, with several internationally renowned doctors and researchers to discuss cannabis for medical use. The conference will take place at the InterContinental Hotel.
A variety of subjects will be discussed at the background of European regulatory changes. Although there is strong social support for cannabis in Spain, the legal framework in the country is not yet defined.
Stay up to date with the latest news from cannabis and CBD sectors with CBD News mobile app.
Cannabis Europe started in 2018 with the intent to bring Europe to the forefront of the emerging cannabis market. The legalization of medical cannabis is a point of discussion in many European countries, and policymakers are calling for more research, to be able to work on proper legislation around the substance. Cannabis Europe is at the forefront of this movement.
Main objective of the Cannabis Europe conference
Cannabis Europe arrives in Spain in February 2020, one of Europe’s largest cannabis markets that has yet to legalize cannabis. According to the event organizers, the NOBL Group, who also own the international consultancy Prohibition Partners, the main objective of the conference is “to share knowledge and shape the future of medical cannabis in Spain and Europe.”
The event will bring together over 250 politicians, business leaders, and health professionals to discuss how to unlock Spain’s potential for access to medical cannabis. Several speakers will be present to share their vision and knowledge, from research to medicine, politics, and patients.
Bruno Maia, Neurologist at the “de São José Hospital”, and founding member of the OPCM – Portuguese Observatory of Medical Cannabis, will be one of the speakers of the event along with Janosch Kratz, MD, also a member of the Advisory Board of OPCM.
Regulatory cannabis models in Spain
Deputy Piernicola Pedicini will give an overview of the different regulatory models in Spain and Europe. This will be followed by the President of the Spanish Federation of Pharmaceutical Companies, Luis de Palacio, who will be exploring how the infrastructure of a neighboring country can be channeled to support the development of Spanish medical cannabis.
Spain has been instrumental in the development of recreational cannabis culture in Europe. The first clubs were opened in 1991 and it’s estimated that there are more than 400 cannabis clubs throughout the country, including Catalonia, which placed Spain in the 3rd place in Europe for cannabis consumption, and 13th in the world.
Medical cannabis legalization in Spain
However, despite pioneering policies with regard to recreational consumption, Spain is still waiting behind the scenes for the legalization of medical cannabis, despite the fact that 84% of the population is in favor of its use. Spain, therefore, represents a strong commercial industry and has one of the most innovative biomedical sectors in the world, making it one of the most promising markets for cannabis in Europe, assuming a huge investment potential.
Cannabis Europe’ is one of Europe’s leading conference series on medical cannabis, with events around the world, that aims to be a platform for thought leadership, and an opportunity to connect influential leaders in science, politics and business.
(Featured image by Esteban Lopez via Unsplash)
DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.
This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.
First published in CANNA REPORTER, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.
Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.
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text: Instructions are now available for the LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express mini build. On Saturday, August 4, Barnes & Noble held a LEGO make and take event, allowing attendees to build a mini Hogwarts Express model and take it away. The Brick Fan has shared the instructions for this tiny version of 75955 Hogwarts Express, which launched as part of the new wizarding theme, giving fans a new opportunity to own the memorable locomotive. The LEGO Harry Potter sets are available now at shop.LEGO.com. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald will be released in cinemas on November 16.


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That’s the next step for Zalando’s growth at an international level
Adyen and Zalando expand their partnership, as the global payments provider is set to process Zalando’s credit card payments in all European markets.
They started the collaboration in 2019 when Zalando chose Adyen for its 3DSecure 2 solution. That enabled Zalando to implement two-factor authentication in accordance with PSD2 Strong Customer Authentication.
Afterward, Adyen acted as an acquirer for Zalando in France and the Benelux. As a result, that allowed them to implement local payment methods such as Cartes Bancaires and Bancontact.
The report also states that Zalando can link directly to all major card systems and local payment methods with Adyen’s international acquiring and end-to-end solution.
We’ve reported that Adyen has announced the launch of its acquiring solution in Malaysia. It will help businesses achieve higher authorization rates, better customer experience, and deeper data insights as the Malaysian market shifts to online payments.


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Fonterra says it will cut prices for its Anmum brand milk products in China after the government started a probe into possible price-fixing.
The products include specially formulated milks for women planning to start a family, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, as well as products for infants and young children.
The farmer co-operative will reduce prices by 9% next month, the sixth foreign company to cut prices since the probe began.
Fonterra says the move is meant to ensure its products remain competitive.
The Chinese government said it had proof foreign companies were selling products at high prices.
It said prices had increased about 30% since 2008, the same year melamine-tainted baby formula killed six infants


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We use our phones for everything. To text a friend, to call our parents, to play a game and even to write documents on that small screen. We take our iPhones, Androids or Windows Phones everywhere: to school, to the subway, to the cinema and even to – let’s admit it – the bathroom.
In the digital era, most people consider time spent on the toilet a waste, thinking to themselves: why don’t I check my Facebook or Twitter while stuck in here? Why reading the same old magazines on the bathroom shelf when I can just take out my phone and find out the latest technology trends on iJailbreak?
Understandable, but maybe not that hygienic. Studies from the University of London and Stanford University have found the presence of Escherichia coli – bacterium found in fecal matter – on touchscreens. That’s why Corning, the company behind Gorilla Glass screens used nowadays in most tablets and smartphones to protect them from scratches, is working on a solution to keep our beloved devices clean.
According to Jeff Evenson, senior vice president and operations chief of staff at Corning, over the next two years devices will have an anti-microbial glass cover that will be able to kill bacteria and viruses.
At the MIT Technology Review’s Mobile Summit, Evenson showed a comparison of two pieces of glass covered with E. coli bacteria. One was a standard glass and the other one was using the new anti-microbial cover. Within two hours, all the bacteria was gone from the glass with Corning’s new technology – as you would expect, nothing happened on the glass with no protection. And if that wasn’t good enough, Corning is developing new antirreflective screens (good news for upcoming iPads, don’t you think?). You can watch Corning’s full presentation here.


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Scottish Premiership football club Rangers has released a “limited number” of half-season tickets after revealing that more than 43,000 season tickets have been sold for the ongoing 2017-18 campaign.
The half-season tickets have been priced from just £30 (€33.88/$39.28) for children and £155 for adults at the club’s Ibrox stadium in Glasgow.
Tickets are also available in the Broomloan Front section of the stadium, starting from £175 for adults, £115 for concessions and £35 for juniors.
With the packages available from the match at home to Motherwell on December 27, the half-season tickets are being released so they can be sold as Christmas presents.
“On behalf of all the players and staff I would like to thank our fans for their continued support,” Rangers defender Danny Wilson said. “It is fantastic more than 43,000 season tickets have been sold so far this year and that level of support will never be taken for granted.”
Tickets can be purchased over the phone, through the website or at Ibrox.
The club is currently fourth in the table, six points adrift of city rival Celtic.


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Line on InnovationMay 02, 2017 08:16PM ● By Makayla Gay
By John Jeter
The Palmetto State may not have a Triangle or a Valley, but South Carolina’s innovation/tech sector is forming a…Line. With the steady growth of the so-called knowledge economy, entrepreneurs here are drawing an increasingly identifiable link connecting the state’s largest population centers, as well as arousing the interest of homegrown investors willing to finance the future.
Take these companies, for example—just three among dozens, if not hundreds, of forward-looking startups statewide, all within the last several years:
• A Columbia firm building an eBay-like shopping app specifically for college students
• A Charleston software developer creating an enhanced-reality program that helps manufacturers show products in 3D to potential customers.
• A Greenville company offering home gardeners and urban farmers a new way to buy seeds
“Greenville’s got a great kind of culture and vibe here, the creative energy it needs, and a business community it needs,” says Aaron von Frank, 37, who with his wife, Susan, 30, started GrowJourney Seeds of the Month Club; with its tech-heavy backend, the company’s a hybrid of, say, Blue Apron and a monthly wine subscription service. “One of the most stressful times of year is thumbing through seed catalogs, and we curate this stuff for you.”
The von Franks started GrowJourney in 2014. They “went kind of public” the next year, raising $85,000 in, yes, seed capital from private investors and from the Upstate Carolina Angel Network (see sidebar). While South Carolina’s innovation ground here may not be the Southeast’s—or the nation’s—most fertile, von Frank says, “It’s ideal for startups. It can always be better, and it’s certainly improving, but it’s great for us.”
As for any additional investment, von Frank says: not yet. “Right now, we’re going to focus more on an unconventional approach, a grow-organically type model, as best we can. We’re not seeking outside capital at the moment. Certainly, that might change, but we’re working with the resources we have to take it as far as we can.”
In Columbia, Mike Meyers, founder and CEO of Tradeversity, says much the same thing.
Meyers, 25, started his company before graduating in 2014 from University of South Carolina. The app is designed, he says, “to give students another way to find what you need without having to leave campus.”
In November 2015, he closed on a round of financing for $345,000. He also says the South Carolina Research Authority, a $6 million state-chartered fund whose flagship SC Launch program has supported more than 300 companies since 1983, invested $100,000 last year.
Echoing von Frank, Meyers says his focus isn’t financing as much as it is growing revenues and increasing his nationwide presence.
“Right now, I think we’re a little early for venture capital,” he says. “It has nothing to do with giving up equity, it’s better to have a smaller piece, and equity has been a great tool for us. But the reason we have shied away from venture capital is I’d like to see us nail down our sales model and scalability. There are a lot of shiny objects around for investors, and we’re trying to stay laser-focused.”
Marc Murphy agrees with the other two.
He’s CEO of Charleston-based Atlatl Software, whose platform creates three-dimensional renderings of complex products. Manufacturers use the tool to give customers a virtual-reality look at what they’re buying, through a “visualized selling experience.”
Atlatl started primarily with funds from independent private investors. Tranche financing came over the years, starting at $500,000; investments currently total $12 million.
“We’re in a constant process right now of working on our next round of financing,” he says. “I think, for good businesses, capital’s out there. There are less large-scale (venture capital) firms located in the Southeast. I think that’s growing slowly, so the access to capital is there, it just takes hard work when you’re located in a smaller city like Charleston.”
At the same time, though, like the others, Murphy concentrates more on growth. “When you build a great company, there are a lot of different options, like IPOs or mergers, but right now, we’re very focused on building a great company here in Charleston.”
South Carolina’s also interested in building innovation, but a new state report says the Line remains a bit … dotted.
“Tech companies may have a look at South Carolina, but they will see few of their kind,” says The South Carolina Innovation Plan, a 19-page report the state Department of Commerce released in January. “The perception is beginning to shift, but there is still much of an isolated feeling with innovation companies.”
At the same time, though, the plan says, “The sector’s impact in the state goes unrecognized.” Citing numbers in the state’s computer and mathematical occupations, the report shows more than 10,500 employed in Columbia; 6,900 in Greenville; and in Charleston 9,250, a workforce larger than Boeing’s.
Nevertheless, the report sees itself as “an impassioned call to action for stakeholders to go beyond half-measures, to engage with and invest in the many extraordinary startups that will transform the ecosystem. Innovation is not merely a boon to a healthy state economy — it is a requirement.”
Murphy, who took over as Atlatl’s CEO last year, sees promising growth down the Line. “It’s a really robust, dramatic increase just in the past five years, just in technology companies and the ecosystem surrounding them, like co-work space and accelerators. We should be very excited about that.”


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At the end of 2016 Ecoforest announced the acquisition of more than 13.500m² for the construction of their new headquarters in the Industrial Park of Porto de Molle. With this acquisition, Ecoforest changes his HQ for the second time in less than five years.
The need to a new HQ represents the continuous growth of Ecoforest in all his departments: new and innovative products, increase of production volume, a higher number of clients and incorporation of new collaborators. This represents the increase of Ecoforest international presence, we are now present in more than 36 countries, and having as a short term objective to expand Ecoforest presence to new countries and to increase our presence in the markets we are represented.
We will keep you updated on the construction progress. The factory will have a usable surface of 13.500m² where all the manufacturing and office services will take place. Due to our innovative character and our commitment with the environment and renewable energies, the Ecoforest HQ will be totally self-sufficient and with top of the art technology.
The HAVC system of the factory will be done with our geothermal heat pumps, which will be powered by a PV installation, using our new patented energy manager’s products, e-manager and e-system, a product that we believe will revolutionize the energy market in the incoming years.
In these new facilities we will keep putting a lot of effort in Research and Development. The new laboratory will have more than 1.400m² of space, equipped with numerous test benches, latest technology and all necessary material for our technical team to keep doing what they know best, products that are innovative and high efficient.
Our production plant will count with a significant increase, nowadays at the current factory we have four lines of production, two for pellets stoves and boilers and the other two for ground source and air source heat pumps. The new factory will count with seven production lines already prepared for the new products that are being developed, Energy managers and Industrial heat pumps.
Stay connected to our website, social media and newsletter to keep track of the latest news regarding the new Ecoforest headquarters. Our goal is to bring Ecoforest environmental friendly products closer to you and for that we believe the best way is through transparency and clear communication.


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Toyota Launches In-house EV Development
Long a proponent of fitting vehicles with hybrid/plug-in power and ultimately hydrogen fuel cells, Toyota Motor Corporation is moving in a slightly different direction with the establishment of a group specifically charged with developing electric vehicles. Set to launch next month, the group initially will consist of just four individuals, one each from Toyota Industries Corporation, Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., Denso Corporation and TMC itself. Although designed to function as a fully independent entity, this new organization will be able to draw on the technical assistence of the entire Toyota Group.
TMC President Akio Toyoda believes fuel cell vehicles remain the ultimate form of eco-car. But the broad range of global energy and infrastructure issues coupled with tighter regulations focused on increasing sales of zero-emission vehicles are forcing Toyota to take this action with an eye towards expanding its product lineup to include dedicated EVs as early as possible. Reports out of Japan hint that the first of these new Toyota electrics could be introduced in connection with the 2020 Olympic games that will be held in Tokyo.
Toyota is banking on the small size of this new “virtual venture company” to foster implementation of unconventional work processes that will reduce development times and fast track upcoming EV products into showrooms. Akio Toyoda also hopes it will generate ancillary benefits in other areas -- notably “to serve as a pulling force for innovation in the work practices of Toyota and the Toyota Group."
More Toyota News…


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Crane Plaza Set For Business In June 2015
Kampala’s Sky line is changing day by day with new commercial posh buildings set up more than before. The latest being the new Crane Plaza owned by Meera Investments under Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s Ruparelia Group and it is the state of art building.
How the Crane Plaza will look like when its complete
The building that cost billions of shillings is set to open to business in June this year. The building has five floors with three available for commercial business renting. Booking of space for commercial purposes is already underway. The building has ample parking space, security. Supermarkets, forex bureaus and retail shops are expected at the place. This becomes the second building to be added to Sudhir’s empire with in a few months after Kampala Boulevard was opened late last year.


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The Glamorous Luncheon Has Been Postponed to May 22, 2021
Due to COVID-19, The Glamorous Luncheon has been postponed. COVID-19 has sure changed our lives and has forced us to live with uncertainty and fear. We know it’s been hard, but it has been proven that social distancing has helped flatten the curve, and the Glamorous Moms Foundation Board and I want to do our part in keeping everyone in our community safe and healthy. This is why we’ve postponed the May 16, 2020 event and have rescheduled it for May 22, 2021.
The event will be held at the Townsend Hotel from 10 am – 2 pm. Our theme, “Get Back Your Power” will remain and will mean so much more after the trying year we’ve just experienced.
The event will include shopping opportunities with local Michigan vendors, a fashion show featuring Michigan fashion designers, a motivational presentation from local speaker, Kim Boudreau Smith of Her Bold Voice Speaks, and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will support the Glamorous Moms Foundation, and our New Mom Baskets, created for Moms in need, and life necessity bags for the homeless in both Detroit and Pontiac.
Admissions are still available for $100/person. Table reservations are available for $600 each. Admissions can be purchased by clicking HERE via Eventbrite.
Due to the Governor’s current mandate of allowing 50% room capacity, we have moved the event to the Ballroom to allow plenty of room for social distancing. Masks are mandatory at the event. Free masks and hand sanitizer will be available for each guest at check in. Social distancing rules will apply during the event.


text: On Thursday, Activision announced that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, which launched for the Xbox One, PC, and PlayStation 4 this past October, is already the franchise's most played game of the current console generation. \n \nIn a press release by Activision, the gaming publisher confirmed that the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare relaunch is ahead of all previous titles in terms of total hours played, hours per player, and average daily players. They also claimed that the game is the top-selling premium game of 2019, as it's made more than $1 billion worldwide. \n \nFollowing the press release, Activision provided some numbers to help back up their claim, revealing that 500 million multiplayer hours have been invested by the game's player base. In terms of how much gameplay that is, well, it works out to just about 300 million completed multiplayer matches. \n \nByron Beede, who is Modern Warfare's general manager, said the following after Activision revealed that the game is the most played Call of Duty title of the current generation. \n"It's great to see the fan response to the hard work from our development teams led by Infinity Ward." \nThe game's success will likely continue to grow in the coming weeks and months, as Infinity Ward is constantly working on adding additional content to the game. Rumor has it that they're even working on a 200-player battle royale mode, which will be added to Modern Warfare in January of next year. \n \nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=l8MfrNy3E6c \n \nAlso, there was an unconfirmed leak that showed the map for the rumored battle royale mode, which was a combination of multiplayer and spec ops maps. The map is gigantic, which you'd probably expect in a mode that is rumored to be capable of hosting 200 players. \n \nInfinity Ward recently released an update for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, which brought back the traditional Gunfight mode. In addition to that, a game mode called Crank, which was featured in Call of Duty: Ghosts and Infinite Warfare, where players have to get kills rapid succession or their operator will explode and die. The mode is directly inspired by the action movie Crank, hence the name. \n \nIt looks like all of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's post-launch content will be free to download, except the battle pass, which can be purchased for $9.99. The pass, which features 100 levels of progression, grants players unique items, skins, and weapons for completing challenges, and for progressing through its leveling system. However, most rewards won't have an impact on gameplay.


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Nations have pointedly declined to take up a recommendation from scientists, made several years ago, that they set a cap on total greenhouse gases.
Car dealers are showing scant enthusiasm for putting consumers into electric cars, despite large fan clubs and governmental pledges.
The equation that describes fundamental workings of the universe is as compact and mysterious as a Viking rune.
New techniques have made previously impossible goals fast and cheap enough for many to find worth pursuing.
Two planetary scientists believe that large objects passed the moon repeatedly over tens of millions of years and tipped its orbit, some hitting Earth and leaving precious metals behind.


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New National Consumer Credit Regime picks up FSU Charter of Responsible Lending
Thursday, 30 April 2009
The Federal Government has released its new Consumer Credit Bill for consultation this week with many of the key elements of the bill reflecting the FSU’s Charter of Responsible Lending.
In fact, the key features of the proposed legislation mirror the call by FSU members for a focus on customer needs, their ability to repay and a focus on increasing the professionalism of the credit industry.
The bill seeks to:
- Establish one national set of regulations for the provision of credit;
- Introduce a responsible lending requirement – including a requirement to assess the suitability of products and the capacity to repay;
- Introduce a new licensing regime for the providers of credit which will include standards of conduct and improved education and training requirements;
- Make it compulsory for credit providers to members of independent, low-cost dispute resolution bodies;
- Require commissions and fees on products to be revealed to consumers;
- Provide greater resources to the ASIC to monitor the new regime;
- Provide greater assistance to consumers both through further emphasis on financial literacy and financial hardship assistance.
The bill ticks 6 of the 10 points that the FSU was seeking through its Charter of Responsible Lending.
The points that still require address are:
- the need to stop unsolicited, pre-approved credit offers – such as credit card or credit limit increases;
- providing consumers with an “opt-out” facility that informs the service provider not to pitch products;
- expanding the requirement to disclose commissions on products to include bonuses, incentives or other remuneration implications;
- addressing the overemphasis on sales targets in determining remuneration outcomes.
The FSU will be making a further submission on the proposed bill advancing the arguments for why these measures should also be adopted, either as part of this bill or in the second round legislation due next year.
The bill should be welcomed by finance workers as it aims to ensure that we rid our industry of shonky practitioners, increase the professionalism of the roles we play in the community and help Australia avoid the practices in the US that have brought about the global financial crisis.
It should also mean a greater emphasis on proper training and accreditation of members involved in the provision of credit.
Employers in the industry should also welcome the bill. Most are already compliant with the general thrust of the bill. For those that are not, predominantly the non-ADI (the non-bank, credit union and building society) sector it will mean a lifting of standards that protects both the consumer and the industry.
Copy of FSU media release in relation to the bill
Exposure draft bill
FSU Charter of Responsible Lending
Member Rights Centre
Ph: 1300 366 378
Authorised By: Leon Carter, National Secretary


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Japan is the first country in Asia outside Australia to sell the 16-gigabyte device, which went on sale online Tuesday for 19,800 yen and will be available in retail stores on October 2. The device is already available in France, Germany, Spain, Canada, the UK and the United States, according to Google.
Japan has rapidly embraced the smartphone, with devices running Google's Android operating system tripling in the past year, according to Google. Google said that Japan now ranks third in terms of downloaded applications from its Play store.
Google makes most of its money from advertising and with the rise of mobile users, is seeing increasing traffic to its YouTube video website. In Japan and South Korea, more than half of YouTube downloads are from mobile devices, some of the highest ratios in the world.
Google's executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, attended the launch and later told a briefing that growth in the smartphone market would lead to a boom in new startup companies in Japan focused on shopping.
"It is the defining platform and the defining battle in our industry," he said.
While Google has long lagged Yahoo Japan in the domestic search market, in launching the tablet and downloadable content, it has stolen a march on Amazon.com Inc , which has yet to launch its own Kindle in Japan. Local player Rakuten Inc launched its own e-reader device, the Kobo, in July.
The primary challenge has been persuading local content providers to share content. Google said that in addition to the movies for rent it has offered Japanese consumers, it would for the first time sell movies from Sony Corp and Paramount.
In addition, Google will begin providing Japanese-language book titles on Google Play. The Android system allows users to read the same titles and pick up where they lift off on another device.
The global tablet market is dominated by Apple Inc and its iPad, which represented about 70 percent of global sales in the second quarter, and also includes Barnes & Noble Inc's Nook and Samsung Electronic's Galaxy Tab.
Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012


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Sales grew 8.7% for the full year as focus turns to Asia-Pacific
L’Occitane International has announced robust trading figures for the year ended 31 March, with net sales up 8.7% and growth in China at 12.1%.
“We continued our solid growth momentum through to the end of financial year 2019,” said Reinold Geiger, the group’s chairman and CEO.
“Looking forward, uncertainties are still present in some markets, such as the UK. However, there are still tremendous opportunities in other regions, such as the Asia-Pacific, where we will soon launch Elemis.”. . .
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Production of the new iPad mini with a Retina display, and that’s assuming the device will actually launch with a new high-res screen, is said to be right in-line with production levels for the original iPad mini. The report was published by IHS iSuppli, which keeps a hawk’s eye on the component industry for major gadgets. There were some early reports that indicated the iPad mini 2 was facing manufacturing issues, which could have suggested that production was slower.
“Based [the data] we are seeing in the [manufacturing] pipeline, the volumes are similar to the iPad Mini that we saw in Q4 of last year,” IHS iSuppli director of mobile and emerging displays Vinita JKakhanwal told CNET. If Apple does indeed add a Retina Display, which may be provided by LG and AU Optronics, to the iPad mini, the device could have a super sharp 2,048 x 1,536 resolution, though there are numerous reports suggesting that Apple will not include the technology in its next model.
The iPad mini 2 is expected to launch sometime before the holidays, which means Apple will likely hold another event following its Sept. 10 iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C announcements.


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ROBYN CHESHIRE AND WES RHEA ARE THE MASTERMINDS BEHIND STOCKTON'S RESTAURANT WEEK.
RESTAURANT WEEK TURNS 11 STOCKTON RESTAURANT WEEK IS BACK BY JESSICA ZIMMER / D
Stockton Restaurant Week is serving up an enticing blend of old and new as it celebrates its eleventh year January 17-26 with approximately 40 participating restaurants. Restaurants include first timers and those who have been involved since it began, all offering an array of edible specials. “Restaurant Week encourages customers to try out something unique, from a signature cocktail to a new dessert,” says Wes Rhea, chief executive officer of Visit Stockton, the organization that puts on the event. “It’s a great time to sample the local restaurant scene and support our restaurants.” Rhea says this year’s lineup includes Swagat Indian Cuisine, the event’s first Indian restaurant, as well as returning favorites Go Falafel, Yujin Ramen & Noodle Bar, Market Tavern, and Prime Table. “Cast Iron Trading Company’s vegan night was very popular, so that will be coming back. We’ve asked restaurants to showcase gluten-free and vegan offerings. Fat City Brew & BBQ will have several theme nights, with beef ribs one night and a Texasstyle plate with beer can chicken another.”
Whether you’re visiting a new place or frequenting an old favorite, you’re guaranteed something new. Participating restaurants will be cooking dishes that aren’t usually on the menu, introducing guest chefs, and occasionally “flipping” the menu to showcase entirely different cuisines. After 11 years, restaurant week has become something people look forward to. Some participants even print out the menus ahead of time and create a sort of meal plan for the week. The event supports more than insatiable appetites. “The restaurant benefits by making new customers,” says Steve Copello, owner of Angelina’s Spaghetti House. He estimates volume that week is up by 20 percent. "I am a huge fan and promoter of Restaurant Week. It opens my taste buds to new experiences and it supports local businesses. I think that there is something for everyone's budget,” says Stockton District 5 Councilmember Christina Fugazi. Like last year, she plans to eat out every night of the 10day event.
STOCKTON RESTAURANT WEEK JANUARY 17-26
You can eat your way through Stockton by dining at participating restaurants between January 17 and 26. The list, as well as menus, prices, and maps, are available online at StocktonRestaurantWeek. com. For extra perks and a chance to win gift cards from participating restaurants, tag food photos with #StocktonRestaurantWeek on Instagram.


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If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can now get alcohol delivered directly to your door in an hour. However, you need to be in New York City or Seattle.
Starting today, Amazon Prime members in Manhattan can order beer, wine, or other spirits through the Prime Now smartphone app and have it delivered in one hour. The service costs $7.99, but if a customer can wait two hours or more, the delivery is free.
Manhattan is the second city in the U.S. to have the service. Amazon has been delivering alcohol to Prime members in Seattle since August.
Unlike Amazon’s hometown, New York City is not requiring Amazon to obtain a liquor license. According to a Manhattan ordinance, Amazon is only required to have a “delivery service provider” permit since they are transporting product on behalf of an authorized merchant.
Amazon is not the only alcohol delivery game in town. Many local booze retailers already offer the service to customers. Furthermore, other companies like Delivery.com, Drizly, Minibar, and Thirstie also have phone apps that help meet the demand of Manhattan liquor stores.
“We will continue to learn from customers and if they love the offering of alcohol in the service, we will look to continue to expand it,” wrote an Amazon spokesperson in an email to Re/Code.
With an already crowded market, the e-commerce giant is betting that the unique selection of alcohol products offered to Amazon Prime Members will be the edge they need to effectively compete. The cost to operate the Prime Now service is high, but Amazon believes in its viability. Having the ability to offer a same-day delivery service closes the gap between the traditional brick-and-mortar stores and the online retailer.
“We are excited to continue to expand our offerings whether that’s adding beer, wine and spirits in Manhattan starting today or continuing to increase the number of local stores and restaurants in the service,” said the worldwide director of Prime Now, Stephenie Landry.
Should adding the booze service to the Amazon Prime membership be a hit, the company’s goal is to jump any necessary regulatory hurdles in order to offer the same deal in the 20 cities where Prime Now is currently available.
However, according to the New York Post, the Amazon alcohol delivery service has already had a hiccup.
The service is supposed to be available from 6 a.m. to midnight. Yet, when a customer went to order some beer as soon as the alcohol delivery service went live, the app sent a notification that the one-hour service was not available for that zip code.
Although, the Prime member would get free delivery if he waited until 8 a.m. As it turns out, the one-hour delivery only works if the merchant that sells the booze is open. Some of the Amazon retail partners do not open until 10 a.m.
It appears Amazon has some bugs to work out. Until then, Amazon Prime members will need to use the app and verify the liquor store’s hours before knowing just how fast the booze will show up.
In a relate Inquisitr report, Amazon anticipates their new Prime Air delivery service to be up and running soon. The service will be using flying drones to deliver light packages. The expected delivery time to customers who use Prime Air is estimated to be 30 minutes or less.
The online retail juggernaut is putting another nail in the coffin of traditional stores. This year, Amazon Prime members who use the mobile app will be able to get deliveries all the way up to midnight on Christmas Eve. Prime Now only represents a very small share of Amazon’s total business, yet offering delivery to last-minute shoppers will certainly put some fear in retail competitors.
The company also added Manhattan Italian grocery store Eataly to the Prime now delivery service. Thanks to Amazon Prime, members can now get an Italian dinner as well as wine delivered to their front step in an hour.
[Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images]


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DOD building smart card foundation
- By Colleen O'Hara
- May 17, 2001
The Defense Department this week kicked off the next phase in its plans to roll out 4 million smart cards to its employees.
On May 14, DOD began upgrading and expanding the worldwide infrastructure that will enable it to issue smart cards to military and civilian employees, selected reserve duty personnel and selected DOD contractors.
This phase, which lasts until August 2002, involves installing hardware and software upgrades to the existing 1,300 workstations known as Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS).
Also during this time, DOD will add 200 new workstations to the RAPIDS infrastructure, said Mary Dixon, director of DOD's Access Card Office, speaking at the CardTech/SecurTech conference in Las Vegas. "It's a 15-month process to bring them all up," Dixon said.
DOD uses the RAPIDS workstations to issue paper identification cards, but the department must upgrade the machines to issue smart cards, which contain an integrated circuit, a magnetic strip and a bar code.
The smart cards will become the new military identification card and will also provide access to buildings and systems and will store a security hardware token to support public-key infrastructure.
The RAPIDS workstations tie into an existing database dubbed DEERS — the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. The database contains 23 million records that provide information on all uniformed service members, their families and DOD civilians who are eligible to receive benefits.
Early on, DOD struggled to reduce the amount of time it took to issue a smart card, said Rob Brandewie, deputy director of the Defense Manpower Data Center, also speaking at the conference. But the time has improved considerably. It takes about 12 minutes to issue a smart card now, which is nearly the same amount of time it takes to produce the old identification card.
DOD has issued 15,500 smart cards through its program, which is still in beta testing at 70 sites. By the end of 2002, the department expects to have completed the initial card infrastructure and to have issued 4 million smart cards, Dixon said.
DOD has purchased its smart cards from two vendors — Schlumberger Ltd. and Oberthur Card Systems — but it wants to expand its choices. "We want to engage multiple card vendors," Dixon said, adding, "we need roughly equivalent capabilities and roughly equivalent costs." She anticipates issuing another request for proposals this summer or fall.


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Morgan Stanley has soft-closed its Global Brands fund to retail investors in a bid to preserve the performance of the top-performing portfolio.
The fund, run by Peter Wright, William Lock and team has become increasingly popular among leading multi-managers - including Jupiter's Merlin team - in recent months. Aiming to outperform the MSCI...
The sectors that have weathered the storm over the years
UBS and iShares provide extensive ranges
All UK assets recorded negative sentiment
Eight new entrants
Will promote DFM solutions


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Throughout the world South Africans have developed a reputation for having the greatest level of compassion for others. This was proved true once again as local retailer Pick n Pay (PnP) set up a nationwide initiative to donate food items, blankets and clothing to the injured and displaced families in Knysna. Shoppers may either leave items at collection points in Western Cape stores or use the online shopping tools to have parcels made up and sent to community centres.
On Thursday 8 June 2017 PnP tweeted images along with a confirmation that R100k had been donated by the company, itself:
The retailer is widely known for its commitment to assisting with social development projects on a regular basis, and has also shown outstanding support for communities during previous disasters. One such example is the continued collection of pet food for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The big-hearted business has made clear that it will deliver all online orders to places of safety for the Knysna fire victims.
While videos of the destruction and mayhem have made the rounds on social media, PnP has welcomed this as a call to the unaffected South Africans to step forward to donate. Aware that not all areas of the blaze are under control yet, many have expressed appreciation for this outstanding show of concern from fellow citizens. A list of priority items has been uploaded to PnP’s website where shoppers can donate baby food, blankets, non-perishables, clothing, pet food and basic medication to help combat the symptoms of exposure and close proximity to the fires.
Other incredible initiatives to help the affected families include DHL’s free delivery to Knysna, for any relief items being sent from across the country. Closer to the region of the blaze, a local businessman has converted his coffee shop into a space where victims may use Internet facilities to contact their loved ones, since the storm and fire destroyed the supply of electricity and telephone services as well.
Click and use any of the links in this article to help make a difference to the 10 000+ people, displaced by the Knysna fire. Share as many times as you like and encourage friends and family to join the movement and continue the support for those in need of our kindness and compassion.


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Will the Company Live up to the Rhetoric?
At an event in New York City yesterday, Acer CEO Jason Chen introduced a series of new products including activity trackers, smartphones and two-in-one computers. The Taiwanese company has been building its device portfolio to address the market for connected lifestyles. Acer says that several of its new PCs are aimed at enterprise users, but its product range and pricing have a clear consumer focus.
The computers introduced at the event tread the hazy dividing line between laptops and tablets, with all performing double duty in some way. Touch-based laptops are becoming a norm, and the use of magnets and 360-degree hinges are making two-in-one devices more common.
The company’s new line of keenly priced Windows-based hybrid devices should grab the attention of all laptop and tablet makers. Acer’s new Aspire R11, for example, is foldable in a similar way to Lenovo’s Yoga series. However, with prices starting at $250, the R11 isn’t a premium product. Acer’s new Switch 10 is a magnetic-based detachable priced at about $280, bringing it into the same price range as the company’s tablets.
Acer has successfully established its brand as a consumer electronics maker. It’s been particularly strong in the PC market, ranking as a top-five player for more than a decade. Mr Chen declared that his company would “be the last man standing in the PC industry” — it’s fighting talk, but a reminder of how the ranks have dwindled over the years. PC brands like Compaq, DEC, IBM and Siemens have been absorbed, and others have folded. Even top brand Hewlett-Packard is breaking itself up to concentrate on services rather than hardware.
Commoditization has led to low margins and extreme concentration in the PC market. Acer doesn’t appear quite so bothered by this, competing on cost while driving higher-end features down to lower price bands. The company’s push into smartphones and wearables will be important to track: its share is still small, but sharp strategies of a player like Acer can affect the entire market. The company’s success in adjacent markets will take more than bold talk, but it continues to cement its position in PCs. It’s becoming a hybrid leader in many respects.
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The startup uses sophisticated technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing to help enterprises make informed decisions
Einsights, a Singapore-headquartered B2B analytics startup that aims to “democratise data and simplify the corporate decision making process”, has bagged an undisclosed amount in funding from Wavemaker Partners, a cross-boarder VC firm with dual headquarters in Los Angeles and Singapore.
“What excites us the most about the Wavemaker Partners‘ investment is their amazing network,” said Sandeep Rao, CEO of Einsights. “Their connections will help us accelerate our channel strategy and growth in Asia and beyond.”
Started in 2012, Einsights aims to help companies simplify their journey from data to decisions. The startup uses sophisticated technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing to help them make informed decisions.
The firm has offices in the US, Australia, the UK, Hong Kong, India and Vietnam, besides Singapore.
“Wavemaker Partners are pleased to business intelligence accessible to SMEs and help them benefit from it. We will work with enterprise businesses with clear insight into the markets they serve, enabling them to create real, sustainable value. Einsights was an easy fit,” said Paul Santos, Managing Partner at Wavemaker.
Wavemaker is mainly looking for startups building disruptive enterprise products. It has been investing in Southeast Asian companies since 2012 and its portfolio companies include TradeGecko and Zumata. In the last quarter alone (Q3 2015), the VC firm has invested in seven startups.
It has achieved two successful exits this year, including Luxola (acquired by LVMH).
The post Wavemaker Partners invests in data analytics startup Einsights appeared first on e27.
from e27 http://ift.tt/1NvVNOv


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UK: Allied Domecq – Diageo decides
Diageo has chosen a side in the battle for Allied Domecq.
Following comments last week by CEO Paul Walsh - that the company was prepared to side with either Pernod Ricard or the Constellation-led consortium in the race to acquire the Bristol-based company - the drinks giant has decided to run with Pernod. Diageo is also set to buy one of Pernod's spirits brands.
In a statement issued this afternoon (6 June), Diageo confirmed that it has "undertaken to cease discussions with any third party in connection with any of the assets or businesses currently owned by Allied and not to (and to procure that none of its concert parties will) acquire or dispose of any shares in Allied Domecq without Pernod's consent."
At the same time, Diageo said that it has entered into an agreement with Pernod to purchase its Irish whiskey brand, Bushmills, for approximately GBP200m. "The acquisition of Bushmills represents an important opportunity for Diageo as Irish whiskey is a category in which, currently, Diageo does not participate," the company said in the statement. "Diageo expects that the proposed acquisition will be economic profit positive during the fourth full year after completion using a 9% weighted average cost of capital."
In addition Pernod has granted Diageo an exclusive no cost option to purchase Allied's Montana wine business with the exception of the Corbans, Stoneleigh and Church Road wine brands for 11 x 2004 contribution after marketing expenditure (CAMP). The purchase price, of approximately GBP320m, may be adjusted to reflect information relating to the Montana CAMP, which will be available following completion of the acquisition of Allied by Pernod. Diageo said that it will exercise the option subject to determining that the acquisition of Montana can achieve appropriate growth and returns for shareholders.
In the statement, Paul Walsh said: "Since 2000, Diageo has built a focused, premium drinks company which is now a world leader. The business has grown organically and through targeted acquisitions. The acquisition of Bushmills and the option we have to acquire Montana continues that strategy.
"The acquisition of Bushmills is a particularly pleasing opportunity. This is one of the industry's oldest Irish whiskey brands and gives Diageo, for the first time, an important presence in this growing category. Montana is one of the leading New Zealand wine brands and the number one New Zealand export brand. The option gives us the opportunity to establish whether it could deliver the same growth that we have seen from our existing wine business."
In a seperate statement issued by Pernod, Patrick Ricard, the French company's chairman and CEO, said: "I am very pleased with this agreement which is good for the two companies and underpins the confidence which both we and Diageo have in the success of Pernod Ricard's recommended offer for Allied Domecq."
The US consumer goods group Fortune Brands has confirmed it is in talks about launching a joint bid with Pernod Ricard for Allied Domecq....
Diageo is to launch a new global advertising campaign for Smirnoff Ice. The first ad in the global campaign, 'Garden', launches in Great Britain on April 11th on terrestrial and satellite TV. ...
Pernod Ricard is looking to acquire Allied Domecq....
Allied Domecq and Pernod Ricard have both been downgraded....
Diageo has completed another share buyback transaction....
Fortune Brands has started making moves to acquire in the European drinks industry, according to press reports....
E&J Gallo has announced a number of appointments within its European division....
Diageo's Smirnoff Signatures line of premixed cocktails is now available nationwide in the US....
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Apple CEO Steve Jobs said a while ago that the company had lots of goodies in the pipeline and it’s a sure bet that one of these will makes its appearance for the Christmas buying season.
Even Apple, one suspects, has been pleasantly surprised by the success of iPad, with millions sold already around the world and Rupert Murdoch saying it’s going to save his newspapers.
Soon there’ll be lots of competitors from the likes of Samsung and they will already be thinking along the lines of a tablet computer that’s the same size as a phone. So it clearly makes sense for Apple to do it first.
But what about an iPad that can double as a phone? That would cause obvious problems for Apple which would be cutting into its iPhone market but there’ll be one eventually surely.