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Some people were not happy with Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot’s first attempt at a slow walk on the company’s AI Day in 2022, but most people are in favour of the “feat.”
The purpose of AI Day is to demonstrate Tesla’s enormous depth and breadth in AI, computer hardware, and robotics. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, tweeted on Saturday about the company’s AI Day 2022 celebrations.
The event has elicited a mixed reaction from social & news media.
According to the American daily The Boston Globe, on Saturday, Optimus uncomfortably walked onto a stage, turned, and waved to the cheering audience.
The report stated that CEO Elon Musk’s concept of a human-like robot that can alter the world was quite different from the basic tasks carried out by the robot with exposed wires & electronics, as well as a later, next-generation version that had to be carried onstage by 3 men.
Critics vs. supporters
Tesla’s well-known critics used harsh words on Twitter, which were widely reported by a variety of media platforms.
“The cringiest day ever for Tesla AI. Complete and total swindle. Who on earth still believes this garbage anymore?” Researcher Filip Piekniewski, who focuses on computer vision and AI, tweeted on Saturday about occasion as it was happening.
However, supporters did not remain silent and responded to critics.
“Tesla Bot really is fantastic. It’s the beginning of a revolution in how AI and robotics fit into human civilization. The Tesla crew has accomplished some truly amazing things over the past few months.” A researcher at MIT, Lex Fredman, posted on Twitter.
I am so inspired beyond words as someone who adores robotics & AI.
Another Twitter user made the following reference to the Tesla humanoid robot: “In months, they managed to construct a working humanoid robot. They are also using the FSD training model, which is undoubtedly years ahead of the competition.”
“This is objectively a remarkable accomplishment.”
Future Tesla models will have a full self-drive (FSD) mode that will help the autopilot system become even more autonomous.
Tesla AI Day 2022: Optimus Unit 1
Musk introduced the event by stating that its main goal was to include the public in Tesla projects, especially the Optimus Tesla Bot.
The AI Day 2022 examined the procedures needed to mimic humans, drivers, & workers. Engineers described the self-driving car & robot.
The Optimus robot and the Tesla autopilot system, which are both powered by autonomous systems and are intended to revolutionrise society with autonomous robots and autonomous automobiles, were the main focus of the event.
At the event, which was held at the Tesla headquarters in Palo Alto, California, Musk stated, “Our goal is to develop an usable humanoid robot as rapidly as possible.” To perfect Optimus & prove it, there is still much work to be done.
Musk imagines a robot that is ready for mass production. To that end, the body of Optimus Unit 1 had several meticulously planned manufacturing steps. The Optimus Tesla bot’s joints were made up of 27 actuators, while Optimus Unit 1 has six, all with similar abilities & parts. Standard parts and systems could be mass-produced throughout Optimus Unit 1.
The Optimus might cost less than $20,000, making it more affordable than any other humanoid robot on the market, according to its inventors. It is almost 75% less expensive than the closest rival.


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Dec 17, 2014 12:59 PM by News Staff
With the holiday season in full swing and people reporting a rise in vehicle burglaries, area police departments are warning residents to be aware of their surroundings.
In Paradise alone, there have been 10 vehicle burglary reports in just the last 10 days. The majority of burglaries have occurred in the parking lots of local businesses.
Police also say a major concern around the holiday season deals with the thefts of packages. Authorities recommend that, when possible, people should arrange to pick up packages at delivery service locations, or requesting a signature or package delivery notification that lets you know exactly when your package arrives.
The Anderson Police Department has provided the following 12 tips for holiday season vehicle safety:
1) Do not leave your vehicle unattended when warming it up. It takes less than five seconds to steal an unattended running vehicle. Many vehicles are stolen from the driveway or street fronting one's residence.
2) Keep your vehicle locked with the windows up at all times and ensure the doors are locked before walking away.
3) Never leave your keys inside your vehicle.
4) Don't leave packages and presents inside your vehicle in plain view. This creates an opportunity for thieves to target your vehicle.
5) Park in well-lit areas.
6) Never leave children unattended inside your vehicle.
7) Park as close as you can to your destination and remember where you parked.
8) Locate your keys and have them in hand when approaching your vehicle.
9) Do not approach your vehicle alone if there are suspicious people around it; ask for assistance from store security for an escort before leaving the store.
10) Keep your purse secured to your person and don't set it down in your shopping cart or on your vehicle when loading/unloading items.
11) Be aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of what is going on around you and stay alert.
12) When possible shop with a friend or family member. (Strength in numbers)
1 day ago

domain: news


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The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday launched a specially-produced loaf made from coconut, known as `Eko Coconut Bread’ to encourage the coconut value chain in the state.
The Eko Coconut Bread is produced by the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA) in Badagry, Lagos.
Mr Ganiyu Okanlawon, Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Food Security, who represented the governor at the occasion said that the production of the loaf proved the state government’s commitment to boost food security in the state.
“The production of the specially-made loaf from coconut is a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to promote the coconut value chain in the state.
“This development is a step in the right direction in realising the full potential derivable from coconut and making the state a food secured place,’’ he said.
Okanlawon said that Coconut had been scientifically proven to have a lot of medicinal value when consumed on a regular basis.
According to him, Coconut can be used for quick healing of wounds, cough and the prevention of cancer.
“However, the consumption of coconut products is still limited thus making its medicinal value less exploited.
“But with the introduction of coconut in bread production, it will go a long way in ensuring the consumption of coconut by a large proportion of the populace,’’ he said.
Okanlawon listed coconut oil, coconut cream, soap, coconut water, hair cream, coconut body cream, coconut candy and many others, as other products that could be produced from coconut, aside bread.


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For Virgin Mobile, True Mobility Means No Contracts
The $40 Virgin Broadband2Go plan is aimed at capturing the small-business market, which has mobile broadband needs but not necessarily a large pocketbook to pay for them. A recent Department of Labor study found these workers, which include to a large extent small-business owners and freelancers, make up 30 percent of the overall workforce. This large market of consumers wants e-mail and Internet browsing while they are on the road.
"Many unlimited broadband offerings require a contract or are on networks with limited range, so they don't meet the need for flexibility or true mobility," said Neil Lindsay, chief marketing officer, Virgin Mobile USA, in a statement.
In addition to the flat $40-per-month broadband plan, Virgin still offers a $10 option for 100 MB, good for 10 days from purchase, for less frequent Internet users. Prepaid business is gaining momentum for carriers, while contracted business is eroding. For example, Sprint's Boost Mobile division, which lets customers pay for cell phone service month to month, has seen success in attracting customers.
Two mobile broadband devices on both the $40 and $10 plans are part of the Broadband2Go portfolio: The Ovation MC760 USB device connects to a single personal computer or laptop and is available at retail for $79.99; the $150 MiFi 2200, the nation’s first prepaid Mobile Intelligent Hotspot, lets up to five users at a time connect via a variety of Wi-Fi-enabled devices.


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OnePlus is launching its first foldable phone in India on October 19, and there’s a lot of buzz around it. The company has been sharing sneak peeks of the phone’s features, design, and unique qualities on social media recently.
We may have just caught a glimpse of the possible price for the OnePlus Open in India. There’s been some debate about how OnePlus will price their foldable device. Some think they’ll compete with brands like Samsung and Google at a premium level, while others expect a more aggressive pricing strategy.
So, what’s OnePlus planning? According to a recent report, it seems they’re leaning towards the premium market, where there’s less competition but also lower demand. In fact, the Tecno Phantom V Fold, priced under 1 lakh, is the only foldable device in this category.
OnePlus Open Price in India Expected:
The OnePlus Open’s price in India is expected to be less than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. However, it’s still a substantial Rs 1,39,999, which is not considered affordable. At this price point, you’d naturally expect top-notch performance and features, and from what we can see in the specs, it looks quite impressive.
OnePlus Open’s hints about its camera system suggest it may feature Hasselblad technology, possibly including a periscope lens. The device is also rumored to sport a high-resolution 2K AMOLED display, which offers excellent visuals but can consume battery power more quickly. To offset this, the OnePlus Open is expected to support 100W fast charging, which should help mitigate the battery drain.
Based on the leak, the phone is likely to have a triple rear camera setup. This setup may consist of a 48-megapixel dual-layer transistor primary camera, a 64-megapixel periscope sensor with 3x optical zoom and 6x lossless zoom, along with a third 48-megapixel ultrawide camera.
Global Launch Event Date:
OnePlus has made it official that the OnePlus Open will be revealed in India on October 19, and the event is set to start at 7.30pm IST.


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Facebook-owned messaging platform, WhatsApp, isn’t giving up on its new terms of service just yet. The company has submitted a new update to the Google Play Beta Program, which offers some details on what its next moves will be. Needless to say, the company isn’t pulling the update. Instead, it will try to give users more details on how the new updates work and what kind of data is being shared, used or seen by others. Amongst these are assurances that messages aren’t read by the platform and the platform is trying to find new ways to ensure users can see the updates.
The update was first noted by WABetaInfo. As the publication points out, the company will try to inform users that it cannot read their personal conversations or listen to voice messages, which are still end-to-end encrypted. The company says this “will never change”. It also informs users that “chatting with businesses” remains optional, though it doesn’t mean that users can opt out of accepting the new terms and conditions the platform is imposing. The question remains as to why the company won’t just allow users to opt out of WhatsApp Business altogether.
Perhaps most importantly, the company is informing users that information processes after the new update will not be used for profiling users and for targeted advertising by its parent company, Facebook. The terms of service will go into effect from May 15, 2021, and WhatsApp highlights that all chats with businesses that use solution/cloud providers will remain optional. However, it is unclear whether WhatsApp will be informing users which businesses are using these services.
While the update does seem to make some things clearer, it still could leave some questions. Privacy advocates have questioned why the platform won’t just allow users to opt out of the new ToS altogether and hence not use business features. Of course, the reason could be that it would drastically reduce WhatsApp’s ability to monetise its platform, since many or even most of its two billion plus users may opt out of the service. Additionally, it is unclear how the company plans to have businesses inform users which businesses will be using Facebook’s hosting services, which remains an issue.


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As the coronavirus swept through nations and brought a rush to lockdowns, drive-thru fast food chains emerged as heroes. During these trying times, the decades-old drive-thru service has proven its worth, with fast food restaurant managers also called upon to provide their expertise for drive-thru COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
While the doors of the sit-down restaurants closed, the fast food chains closed only their dining space and flourished only with drive-thru orders. In fact, doing 100 percent of sales through drive-thru service worked perfectly amid the mandates for fast food closings. These chains remain profitable while employees stay a safe distance from customers and others in the kitchen.
The influence of the pandemic on food service has highlighted how unnecessary the engagement is in fast food – so much so that fast food chains are rethinking their plans to reopen their dining areas under any circumstances.
Is Dine-In Fast Food a Thing of the Past?
There is a practical reason why consumers prefer fast food drive-thru – convenience. Drivers can roll down their windows, place their order, pay and zip away with a hot meal in minutes. Even unlikely chains that have shied away from the fast food label have embraced the drive-thru, from Starbucks to Panera Bread and Panda Express.
In reality, the need for fast food dining has become a thing of the past with more choices for drive-thru service. While some generations spent time eating at these restaurants, fewer people do now. This is partly due to fast food chains choosing not to reopen their dining space, but why is this?
A considerable component of reformatting the fast food service is the labor shortage. According to the National Restaurant Association, despite recent growth in hospitality jobs, the food service industry was still down by 794,000 jobs in April 2022 – about 6.4 percent below what it was before the pandemic.
The restaurant industry isn’t exactly famous for its wages, benefits and working conditions. Currently, employers rely on offering higher wages to hire and retain employees. They have to decide what is most important to their bottom line without the staff available to assign to drive-thru services and maintain dining areas. As a result, the drive-thru proved its worth and popularity.
The end of Dine-In Space changes the Drive-Thru
The influx of fast food establishments choosing not to reopen for dine-in has finally changed the drive-thru experience. Consumers craving a Big Mac and fries may be surprised to see some of the changes at play.
With the fast food dine-in considered obsolete, the chains are developing the plan for the future of the fast food service. Recently, a new Taco Bell in Las Vegas opened in a much smaller location than the chain’s other establishments across the country, offering only drive-thru service.
Of course, one of the benefits of transitioning exclusively to drive-thru service is paying for a smaller footprint—fewer people at home require less commercial space. In contrast, fast food chains can focus less on catering to a few patrons who slip away and instead aim to improve the efficiency and accuracy of drive-thru services.
According to a recent QSR Drive-Thru Study, these two components matter most to consumers buying fast food – 89 percent of respondents named accuracy as somewhat or most important, with speed of service at 88 percent . Additionally, 75 percent of respondents stated that convenience was their primary reason for visiting the drive-thru.
Eliminating fast food dining space means optimizing the drive-thru experience with fewer idle cars. Finding a way to cater to customers using mobile ordering also requires consideration in terms of fast pick-up. As a result, multiple drive-thru lanes have become the new norm, with consumers likely to see widespread adoption of this format soon.
Fast-casual chains like Panera Bread traditionally use assembly-line command and prep stations to serve their patrons. In many places, food is delivered to customers wherever they choose to sit.
However, even Panera Bread has integrated a dual drive-thru concept – one lane for new orders and a separate lane for its Rapid Pick-Up service. The change comes as Panera Bread shifted gears toward an enhanced digital guest experience focusing on contactless dining and delivery, kiosk ordering and a fully digitized menu.
However, Panera Bread isn’t the only restaurant exploring multiple avenues. McDonald’s has long implemented dual order courses, while other fast food establishments are trying three and four courses to meet demand and provide better customer service.
Fast food owners know that successful ghost kitchen operations require savvy planning, but it’s a risk many chains seem willing to take. After the coronavirus pandemic and the rise of third-party delivery applications such as GrubHub, DoorDash and UberEats, some fast food establishments are turning to these kitchens to satisfy requests for off-site meals.
There is no storefront, dining room or front staff in a ghost kitchen. Instead, a team works only to fulfill online orders that require delivery – the space is rented to prepare food orders made for third-party apps.
The adoption of ghost kitchens is not new, as Chick-fil-a has experienced before. More recently, Wendy’s has embraced the idea with plans to open 700 ghost kitchens in the US, Canada and the UK by 2025.
Dine-In Space could never be the same
There will probably be a handful of consumers who are sad to see dinner in fast food meet its death, especially those who used the restaurants to socialize or take a break from everyday life. However, times dictate changes. While dining space may no longer be available at some establishments, the result will be improved drive-thru service.
Emily Newton is the editor-in-chief of Revolutionized Magazine. He has over five years of experience writing for the food and beverage industry.


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Is your sex life in a need of a little connectivity?
Well, a number of companies think they have the answer -- sex toys that can be controlled from your smartphone.
With items ranging from light bulbs to watches now "connected", it was perhaps only natural that vibrators followed suit. The firms behind the toys are trying to solve a number of problems such as long-distance relationships.
"If one partner is away and the other is at home they can connect and share intimacy remotely," Frank Ferrari, president of standard innovation at We-Vibe, told CNBC by phone.
We-Vibe sells several devices that connect your smartphone with aspects such as vibration able to be controlled from your handset. It works over distance too, allowing someone in another location to control the sex toy. The app that is used to control the device also comes with a videolink feature allowing people to see each other too.
$16 Billion Market
The opportunity for these devices to take off could potentially be big. The global sexual wellness market, which includes the likes of condoms, lingerie and sex toys, is worth around $16 billion and set to reach $21 billion by 2019, according to research firm TechNavio. And firms are jostling to get a slice of the pie.
But are people even comfortable using these features yet?
"No, not yet," Soumyadip Rakshit, CEO and Co-Founder at MysteryVibe, told CNBC at an interview ahead of the Web Summit technology conference in Dublin.
U.K. start-up MysteryVibe produces a vibrator made up of modular blocks to allow users to manipulate the shape of it to their liking.The next edition of its "Crescendo" device will have motors in each module in order to customize the vibration pattern via the app.
But Rakshit said that his focus is on this device being used as a normal toy with the connectivity an extra option for people if they want.
"People are not looking for more apps. They don't want a tracker on their sex life but they do want more pleasure," the co-founder said,adding that the ability to connect to the smartphone is to let people find the right settings for them.
Rakshit said he is trying to market the £129 Crescendo as a luxury product, that comes with a discreet travel bag and upmarket looking box, so people don't feel this is necessarily a tech device.
We-Vibe however said its app was seeing traction. Last year,1.5 million people used the app and 25 percent of those used it eight or more times.
Bad for Relationships?
But could the increasing use of tech in the bedroom be to the detriment of relationships? A campaign has already been launched to highlight the potential "harmful" effects of having sex with robots, as companies rush to develop robots that can be used as sexual substitutes for humans.
However, one expert said that these devices will increase intimacy between couples, as long as they are not used as a substitute.
"Toys connected to the smartphone are encouraging intimacy. It's using what we have to enhance experience rather than in place of human contact," Rebecca Dakin, author and sex expert who runs the "Great British Sexpert" website, told CNBC by phone.
The Connected Bedroom
MysteryVibe's Rakshit said that his sex toy and others can fit into the broader "Internet of things" -- or connected devices -- world. He said the company is looking into ways to incorporate sensors into the sex toy that could detect heat, for example, in order to measure arousal. This could in turn connect to a smart air conditioning system and trigger it to come on, or even a music system in order to play music.
"Everyone likes songs they like to have sex to, if we can take that song, turn it into a vibration then that's what we want to do," Rakshit told CNBC.


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The finalists for the 2019 Asia Food Innovation Awards have been announced.
Free From Functional & Health Ingredients 2019, Europe’s leading platform for the free from industry, will sho...
Vitafoods 2019 showcased a range of new product solutions for the nutrition space, with a strong focus on sust...
The 28-29 May sees the seventh edition of Free From Functional & Health Ingredients (FFF&HI) Expo return to Ba...
The judging panel for this year’s World Dairy Innovation Awards, taking place at the Global Dairy Congress in...
The judging panel for this year's Asia Food Innovation Awards, taking place at Suntec Singapore in July 2019,...
Christine Renier launched a new drink called Nuva at the Natural & Organic Products Europe show at ExCel in London. Read more
There is no way that the Natural & Organic Products Europe exhibition could fit into London's lovely old Olympia for another year. NOPE, as it is now known, is destined for greater... Read more
A selection of images from the Natural & Organic Products Europe event in London. Read more
At the British Water Cooler Association annual meeting in Nottingham, in March, FoodBev Media’s Andreas Exarheas talked to keynote speaker Alastair Campbell about ‘winners’, the up... Read more
Held on March 19 at the Nottingham Belfry in Nottingham, UK, the BWCA Conference and Trade Show is one of the most important events on the water cooler calendar. Read more
The FoodBev team discovered all the highlights from Anuga Foodtec, which took place in Cologne from 24-27 March 2015. Read more
At Anuga Foodtec 2015, in Cologne, Germany, FoodBev Media’s Andreas Exarheas talked to Marcel Veenstra from Sealpac about the company's recently launched EasyLid. Read more
The FoodBev team descended upon the Excel London as we discovered all the highlights from International Food & Drink event 2015. Read more
Packaging group Seda UK has sponsored a design competition for its cups, which will run as part of this year’s London Coffee Festival. Read more
Artisan food champion Sourced Market has launched an innovative new promotional campaign that draws on people’s perceptions of craft beer. Read more
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2019


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The Commerce Department just handed the U.S. solar industry a lump of coal as a holiday gift.
In a preliminary finding issued December 1, the Enforcement and Compliance arm of the International Trade Administration found that imports of certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules (solar cells and modules), that were exported from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam using parts and components produced in China are circumventing the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders on solar cells and modules from China.
The preliminary decision applies to the Thailand operations of Canadian Solar and Trina Solar, as well as BYD Cambodia and Vina Solar Vietnam. Other companies also under investigation — New East Solar Cambodia, Hanwha Q CELLS Malaysia, Jinko Solar Malaysia and the Vietnam operations of Boviet Solar — were found not to be violating AD/CVD rules.
Calling the preliminary finding a “mistake we will have to deal with for the next several years,” Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), said the trade group was “obviously disappointed that Commerce elected to exceed its legal authority.” She said that solar cell and module manufacturing greatly exceed the anticircumvention statute’s “minor or insignificant processing” limitation.
“The only good news here is that Commerce didn’t target all imports from the subject countries,” she said in a statement. She predicted that the decision would strand billions of dollars’ worth of American clean energy investments and result in a “significant loss” of clean energy jobs.
In June, President Joe Biden granted some relief by pausing any new tariffs on modules imported from Southeast Asia for two years. The reprieve came after a $5 million pressure campaign that urged the president to step in.
Ross Hopper said that while President Biden “was wise” earlier this year to provide a two-year window before any tariff implementation, “that window is quickly closing.” She said that two years is “simply not enough time to establish manufacturing supply chains” to meet U.S. solar demand.
In prepared remarks delivered November 30, Commerce Secretary Gina Raymond said that as China’s economy has grown in size and influence, so too has its “commitment to using non-market trade and investment practices in ways that are forcing us to defend our businesses and workers.”
She said “While we watched China become a world leader in manufacturing and reap the massive benefits of manufacturing-driven innovation, the U.S. economy became less competitive and overly dependent on China for an increasing number of critical technologies and goods.” She noted that China achieved its success through “massive state support of its industries.”
In December 2012, Commerce published in the Federal Register AD and CVD orders on U.S. imports of solar cells and modules from China. This past February, domestic solar module producer Auxin Solar alleged that solar cells and modules completed in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam using parts and components manufactured in China were circumventing the orders and should be covered by their scope. On April 1, Commerce initiated the requested circumvention inquiries.
In an exclusive interview with Renewable Energy World‘s podcast Factor This!, Auxin Solar CEO Mamun Rashid said “We want to make sure investing in American manufacturing is a safe bet. Once we saw the data (regarding solar modules produced in Southeast Asia), it looked very suspicious.”
Auxin was formed in 2008 and produces solar modules for other companies as a contractor. Its products include highly-customizable solar modules and some of the first bifacial solar modules in the U.S.
Commerce said its circumvention inquiries covered crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells whether or not they were partially or fully assembled into other products that were produced in the four Southeast Asian countries from wafers produced in China.
The scope also included modules, laminates, and panels consisting of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and where more than two of the following components in the module/laminate/panel were produced in China: silver paste; aluminum frames; glass; backsheets; ethylene vinyl acetate sheets; and junction boxes.
In mid-November, SEIA sent a letter to Raimondo on behalf of more than 240 solar and storage companies urging her to issue a negative determination.
Go to Source
Author: David Wagman


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BBX Capital Acquires Helen Grace Chocolates
BBX Sweet Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BBX Capital Corporation ("BBX Capital") (NYSE: BBX), announced today that it has acquired the assets of Helen Grace Chocolates.
Headquartered in Lynwood, California, Helen Grace Chocolates has been creating premium chocolate confections, chocolate bars, chocolate candies, and truffles for 70 years.Â Helen Grace has built a national brand by combining a proprietary blend of premium chocolates, the freshest ingredients, and time-honored recipes.Â
"The story of Helen Grace Chocolates is a story of the American Dream.Â Starting with nothing, Bill and Helen Grace opened their first chocolate shop in San Pedro, California in 1944.Â Eventually they opened additional stores, began selling candy to schools for fund-raising campaigns, and grew to be a Southern Californian candy legacy," commented Jarett Levan, President of BBX Capital.Â
"Helen Grace Chocolates established its heritage through outstanding quality, value, and commitment to tradition.Â After my 24 years with Helen Grace I am very pleased to join the family of BBX Sweet Holdings companies and to carry on the Helen Grace devotion to its product and customers," said Greg Power, General Manager of Helen Grace Chocolates.
"For many years Helen Grace Chocolates has helped schools and other organizations reach their fundraising goals through sales of their premium boxed chocolates, chocolate Easter eggs, and chocolate bars sold exclusively through the national fundraising programs of Innisbrook Wrapsâ„¢.Â As part of theÂ transaction, Helen Grace will continue to be the exclusive provider of chocolate and chocolate gift items to Innisbrook, and Helen Grace Chocolates will continue to be enjoyed by customers, including parents and students in their fund-raising campaigns, across North America," furthered Jarett Levan.
"The addition of Helen Grace Chocolates to the suite of premier brands at BBX Sweet Holdings creates the potential for a new pipeline of synergies, product choices, and offerings to Innisbrook," commented David Worth, President of Innisbrook.Â "We are excited about the new brands and products Helen Grace Chocolates and BBX Sweet Holdings can offer to our fundraising customers."
Helen Grace Chocolates was represented by the investment bank 41 North Advisors LLC as their exclusive advisor in the transaction.
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


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Wind propulsion technology developer SkySails has applied fibre manufacturer DSM Dyneema’s proprietary ultra- high molecular-weight poly-ethylene fibre, reputed to be one of the strongest known synthetic fibres, to create a sustainable propulsion solution, in the form of towing kites for the maritime industry.
The manufacturer reports that it invented the fibre about 20 years ago and that the fibre is versatile, with virtually limitless applications. This has prompted SkySails to collaborate with DSM Dyneema and rope specialist Gleistein to form a technology partnership to develop a supplementary propulsion system for ocean-going vessels.
The manufacturer reports that the fibre is manufactured by means of a gel-spinning pro-cess that combines extreme strength, with significant soft-ness. The resulting fibre has a high strength:low weight ratio, making it 15 times stronger than steel, and 40% stronger than aramid fibres, another strong synthetic fibre, on a weight for weight basis.
The DSM Dyneema fibre also has a low specific gravity of about 0,97, which allows it to float on water, and is ideal for lightweight applications. The fibre also has significant chemical resistance. The manufacturer reports that the fibre is chemically inert and that independent studies have confirmed that it performs well in dry, wet, salty or humid conditions, as well as other situations where chemicals are present.
Further, the fibre is ultra-violet (UV) resistant, giving it a strong resistance to photo degradation when exposed to UV light. It is also reported to be moisture resistant, or hydrophobic. The fibre resists water absorption, providing an extra level of protection and durability.


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Quattro Trading and Services is the sole distributor of the US Polo Assn. brand in Egypt, and this is the second branch of US Polo Assn. owned and operated by the company.
The first was opened at Dandy Mall, located on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, earlier this year.
US Polo Assn. is a retail store which carries the US Polo Assn. brand, an authentic line of casual wear officially sanctioned by the United States Polo Association (USPA), the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States since 1890. The US Polo Assn. brand is available in men’s, women’s and children’s clothing as well as a full range of accessories, including luggage, watches and footwear.
Quattro was chosen by the Turkish based Aydinli Group to represent US Polo Assn. in the Middle East and Africa, with Egypt acting as the hub of business operations.
“Quattro Trading and Services Company is very proud of this achievement, the US Polo Assn. brand is authentic and has a long and well established history. We believe that through bringing this brand to the Egyptian market, Quattro has added value to the fashion industry as a whole for the elegant and discernible customer,”
said Mr Ayman Seoudy, Managing Director of Quattro Trading and Services Company.
The conference was headed by Mr David Cummings, President and CEO of USPA Properties, Mr Farouk Younes, President of the Egyptian Polo Federation, Mr Mustafa Kavurmaci, Chairman of Aydinli Group and Mr Ayman Seoudy Managing Director of Quattro Trading and Services.
The conference was followed by a cocktail reception held at the US Polo Assn. flagship store to celebrate the official opening.
Tuesday, July 1- 2008 @ 10:41 UAE local time (GMT+4) Replication or redistribution in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Mediaquest FZ LLC.


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Jojoba Desert, a company specializing in the production of jojoba oil, has announced the opening of its new factory at the company's Israel site.
According to Jojoba Desert, the factory is fully integrated and brings the entire manufacturing process under one roof. The factory's capabilities include cleaning, extraction, R&D and double the production capacity.
Lee Reuveni, CEO of Jojoba Desert, said, "The opening of our new plant is a major step in solidifying our market leadership position. It is unlike any factory of its kind in the world when it comes to size, innovation, automation and integration. With greater capacity, end-to-end production coverage and traceability, and a state of the art laboratory and R&D innovations, the new facility enables us to offer a stable supply of quality, innovative products and standard-compliant that deliver peace of mind to our cosmetics manufacturing and laboratory customers worldwide."
Jojoba Desert Ltd. is represented in the US and Canada by Extracts-Unlimited LLC.


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If you’re considering playing the online lottery, you might be wondering what laws and regulations are involved. Since online lotteries are relatively new, only seven states offer them. Federal legislation on the issue will likely clarify the status of online lotteries. But for now, you can use your credit or debit card to make purchases. MasterCard and Visa are both widely accepted, and some online lotteries even accept PayPal. In any case, you should read the rules carefully before buying tickets online.
While the federal government is still skeptical, several Northeastern states are making progress in implementing legislation that would legalize online lotteries. Last year, New Hampshire legalized lottery online games, offering e-Instant games that can be played from a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey are in the process of legalizing online lottery sales. The lottery market is expected to expand in the next few years as these states battle budget deficits.
When playing an online lottery, it’s important to understand the different laws, rules, and privacy policies. Online lotteries differ from traditional lotteries in many ways, but if you’re familiar with these laws, playing the lottery is safe and easy. Online lotteries also differ from offline ones in terms of how you can deposit money, withdraw it, and collect your winnings. By understanding the legalities and regulations surrounding online lotteries, you can prevent potential headaches and ensure a hassle-free online lottery experience.
Online lottery websites are becoming increasingly popular, and they offer players the convenience of purchasing lottery tickets without the hassle of visiting a brick-and-mortar store. However, some states are moving slowly. Only Massachusetts and New Hampshire have implemented legislation to regulate lottery sales online, and there are many more states pursuing the same goal. And in the end, it’s the state of the customer who decides if online lottery sites should be legal in their state.
Another way to play the online lottery is by visiting the customer service counter and printing out a ticket with your desired numbers. Or, you can opt for the automated choice known as quick pick. This method involves choosing numbers from a pool of numbers chosen by the computer. In both cases, the smaller the pool, the higher the chances of winning. This method can save you time and money and may even increase your odds of winning. However, it may come with a higher fee.
Some scams have evolved to take advantage of the ease of online lottery play. Some scammers use blackmail to trick lottery players by promising big prizes, but never paying out their prize. Some even threaten to sue you if the prize isn’t paid. While some online lottery scams are completely legitimate, others are downright fraudulent. Be sure to stay away from scam lottery sites to protect yourself. It’s worth taking the time to learn how to spot the real winners and avoid being a victim of lottery scams.


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The snail-paced mobile money operations have finally hit the N815.46 billion and 76, 852, 409 marks in total value and volume of transactions respectively, with 24, 389,263 subscriber-base as at September 2015.
The development, which marked a new feat, was however, despite the rapid growth of the country’s mobile telephony, put at over 120 million subscriber-base.
The transactions were recorded with the scheme’s product offerings like the cash in/cash out; bills payment; funds transfer (to other accounts); and airtime top up.
The Director of Banking and Payments System Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), ‘Dipo Fatokun, disclosed this yesterday at a three-day workshop organised by Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for Business Editors and Finance Correspondents, in Ilorin, Kwara State, with the theme: “Development in E-banking, Mobile Payment System and Deposit Insurance in Nigeria.”
Represented by the Assistant Director, Banking and Payment, Shola Agboola, he lamented that while the majority of the unbanked have access to mobile phone, they remained outside the mobile payment system.
He pointed out that several challenges that have bedeviled the initiative also prevented the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises from creating jobs through mobile payments system.
Fatokun, however, assured that efforts are being made by CBN in collaboration with various stakeholders to surmount hitches such as epileptic power supply, poor telecommunications connectivity, lack of synergy between MMOs and telecommunications, need for enhanced customer awareness and lack of awareness of the various policies and products.
Meanwhile, CBN may be inching close to the adoption of a framework to license super agents for mobile money operations as indications have emerged that the process is at its final stage.
The move, aimed at consolidating and deepening the mobile payment system to drive financial inclusion and economic growth, would also be a response to requests by three major telecommunications firm in the country to become super agents.
The licence, when finally approved, would act as catalyst to widespread adoption of mobile money services across Nigeria, as the telecommunications network coverage and footprints would cover the rural areas.
Fatokun expressed hope that immediately they are approved to go commercial, other telecommunications companies would follow.
According to him, there is need to leverage existing business network infrastructures as a practical and well thought out strategy for driving financial inclusion of the unbanked individuals.
He noted that the primary objectives of the adoption of the mobile money were to foster financial inclusion, efficient monetary policy management, deliver on employment, efficiency in payment system, facilitation of domestic and international remittances, transaction cost reduction and facilitate economic growth in the medium to long run.
On employment generation via mobile money operation, he hinted that about 98, 158 agents have enrolled across the country as Mobile Money Operators (MMOs).
On challenges affecting MSMES in the process of job creation via mobile payments system, Fatokun assured that efforts are being made by CBN in collaboration with various stakeholders to surmount hitches such as epileptic power supply, poor telecommunications connectivity, lack of synergy between MMOs and telecommunications; who are the super agents and lack of awareness of the various policies and products.
He reiterated that there was huge untapped potential for financial services at the micro level of the economy, adding that banks require the co-operation of all stakeholders to achieve the nations Vision 20:2020 project.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria


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The Rise of Esports: A Deep Dive into Competitive Gaming
- on Dec 09, 2023
Esports, once a niche hobby relegated to basements and LAN cafes, has exploded into a global phenomenon. Competitive video gaming now boasts millions of dedicated players and viewers, rivaling traditional sports in popularity and viewership. This article will delve into the rise of esports, exploring its history, current state, and future prospects.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Phenomenon:
While competitive gaming has existed since the early days of video games, it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that esports began to gain mainstream traction. The widespread adoption of the internet and the rise of online gaming platforms created a fertile ground for competitive play. Games like StarCraft, Counter-Strike, and Quake saw the emergence of skilled players and dedicated communities, fostering a culture of competition and spectator interest.
The early 2010s witnessed the exponential growth of esports. The rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube facilitated the access and reach of esports content, making it easier for fans to watch tournaments and professional players. Evolving technology and internet speeds enhanced the viewing experience, further fueling the growth of the industry.
Today, esports is a multi-billion dollar industry, boasting a global audience of over 400 million viewers and professional players earning millions in prize money and endorsements. Major brands and traditional sports franchises are now actively investing in esports, recognizing its potential to reach young and diverse audiences.
What Drives the Rise of Esports?
Several factors contribute to the meteoric rise of esports, including:
- Accessibility: The rise of affordable gaming hardware and free-to-play games qqalfa has made it easier for people from all backgrounds to participate in esports.
- Technology: Advancements in streaming technology and high-speed internet have improved the viewing experience, making esports more engaging and accessible to a wider audience.
- Community: Esports boasts a passionate and dedicated community that fosters a sense of belonging and shared passion. This community actively participates in online forums, social media, and live events, further contributing to the growth of the industry.
- Professionalization: The emergence of professional leagues, teams, and tournaments has legitimized esports, attracting sponsors and investors and establishing a clear career path for aspiring professional gamers.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Despite its impressive growth, esports faces challenges. One key issue is the fragmentation of the industry, with various games, leagues, and platforms competing for attention and resources. Additionally, the development of sustainable revenue models and establishing esports as a truly mainstream sport remain ongoing challenges.
However, the future of esports remains bright. The increasing viewership, young and engaged audience, and growing investment from established brands present immense opportunities for the industry. With continued innovation, collaboration, and strategic development, esports has the potential to become a major force in the global entertainment landscape.
The rise of esports is a testament to the power of technology, community, and passion. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon, esports has redefined the way we view and interact with video games. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain: esports is here to stay, and its impact on the world of entertainment is just beginning to unfold.


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More agencies (at least, publically) are standardizing on programmatic video platforms as brand advertisers seek to extend their digital reach. Mediahub/Mullen partnered with Videology to inform planning, buying and measurement with Nielsen GRP equivalents. Independent media agency Harmelin committed its programmatic video buys to a single platform.
“There certainly has been a lot of that recently, with Electronic Arts and others bringing all of their (programmatic) in house,” Kent-Uritam said. “I don’t think you necessarily have to be Walmart to do that, but it makes sense at a certain scale and not a lot of companies have that much first-party data.” Brands must also figure out how to allocate resources to build the necessary internal systems and develop in-house expertise.
In the case of specialty candy client Jelly Belly, a brand that roughly skews 60:40 female-to-male ages 25-49 years old, Nice wanted to work with a DSP that could help identify the best data segments for jelly-bean eaters.
“We wanted to stay top of mind with people who are not just buying candy, but not buying chocolate and we specifically do not target children,” Kent-Uritam said. “Using TubeMogul helped us find data segments around non-chocolate candy purchasers, various different demographic segments and other behavioral data.”
Gathering completions rates can be a challenge in short-form video since these videos are often shared socially and users bounce in and out of apps. The agency was able to increase Jelly Belly’s short-form video completion rates by 10% by improving the quality of targeting and aligning that with creative.
“We’re interested in the full-episode video space as well and I’d love for more of that to come onboard programmatically,” Kent-Uritam said. “I don’t think that will happen yet, because I see it heading more into the linear side of things and it’s more bundled in the upfronts, but that’s a piece of the video space I’d love to become more programmatic.”
Additionally, while television is one of the most efficient mediums to reach older demos at the national level, digital video “really shines at the local level, so we’re doing a ton more on the local campaign level for our CPG brands.”


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GREENVILLE, SC (WSPA) – A former salesman at an Upstate car dealership is wanted by Greenville Police Department on theft charges related to altering customer contracts.
According to a police department news release, Kenneth Galloway, Jr., 50, of Simpsonville, is wanted for stealing in excess of $80,000 by altering customer purchase and lease contracts.
Galloway is charged with three counts of breach of trust, 10 counts of forgery $10,000 or more and 10 counts of FTC fraud of $500 or more.
According to the release, the 23 warrants were issued for over 119 different cases between July 2016 and October 2018.
Police said Galloway took cash given to him for down payments on purchases and leases for dealership vehicles, and reportedly hid his actions by changing customer contracts to show reduced payment amounts. He then allegedly forged customer signatures on the contracts.
“Galloway would then take money paid by a different customer on a later date and “re-contract” the original sales agreement under the adjusted terms with forged client signatures,” from the release. “In some cases, Galloway would change terms and leave the customer with a higher monthly payment on their financed purchase.”
Investigators learned that Galloway altered 129 transactions and stole $83,401.32.
Police said Galloway was fired by Lexus of Greenville and said the car dealership cooperated with the department’s fraud detectives on the case.
The dealership told police they’ve since contacted the impacted customers.
A Lexus of Greenville spokesperson released the following statement:
Last fall, Lexus learned of an issue related to a customer purchase. Lexus immediately responded to the customer’s concerns and addressed the issue with the responsible employee, terminating his employment. Lexus also alerted the Greenville Police Department of the issue and implemented corrective measures for impacted customers. Lexus has zero tolerance for the alleged misconduct.
Greenville Police spokesperson Brandon Lavorgna said Wednesday that the police department has received some tips, but said they are still actively looking for Galloway.
“We’re still encouraging people that may have information regarding his whereabouts to contact us,” Lavorgna said.
Anyone with information on Galloway’s whereabouts is asked to call CrimeStoppers of Greenville at 23-CRIME (864-232-7463) or call Greenville Police investigators at 864-271-5333.


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This mammoth report was published last week featuring a whole host stats from around the world on internet usage, social media consumption, e-commerce and more.
It highlights a massive year for the digital world in 2014 and points towards even more growth in the year ahead. The report from WeAreSocial covers more than 240 countries around the world, and profiling 30 of the world’s biggest economies – it’s one of the most comprehensive industry reports around right now.
The Digital, Social & Mobile in 2015 report starts with some great global insights and then drills down into continent specific, followed by country specific – thanks to alphabetisation Australia is second up, so you won’t be clicking through for too long, unless you really want to find out about Vietnam’s stats…
Some of the key findings from the report are:
- Worldwide social media users exceeded 2 billion back in August.
- Worldwide penetration of mobile phones passed 50% in September.
- The number of global internet users passed 3 billion in early November.
- The number of active mobile connections surpassed the total world population just last month.
And excitedly for all immersed in the digital world, it shows no signs of slowing down for 2015.
Take a look through the entire report below…


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JPMorgan (JPM) has broken out to new highs this week, but sits near a perilous technical level, writ...
Update PepsiCo (PEP)
10/08/2009 1:23 pm EST
The earnings number was 5 cents a share above Wall Street earnings estimates, but the revenue number was $170 million light. Revenue indeed declined by 1.5% from the third quarter of 2008. Earnings were up just slightly from the $1.06 reported in the third quarter of 2008.
Two factors held down results.
First, the world may be emerging from recession but growth was still very low or even negative in the biggest parts of PepsiCo's market (North America and Europe) for much of the quarter. Beverage volume fell by 6% in the Americas and snack volume was down 1% in Europe. Asia/Middle East/Africa revenue climbed 13% and operating profit was up 52% but volume in these market is still so much smaller than that in the company's developed economy markets that this performance wasn't enough to make up the difference.
Second, currency effects hurt revenue and earnings. PepsiCo said that in constant currency terms--correcting for changes in the exchange rates in the markets where the company does business--revenue would have been up by 5% (instead of down by 1.5%) and earning would have been up by 8%.
Going forward PepsiCo anticipates that currency effects will take a "mid-single digit" percentage bite out of earnings growth. In constant currency terms the company is looking for 11% to 13% earnings growth in 2010. (Those projections include cost-cutting achieved by PepsiCo's acquisition of its two largest North American bottlers. PepsiCo said it expects that deal to close in the first half of 2010.)
So why did the stock tumble? Because it had climbed going into earnings and this is a sell on the news kind of market. PepsiCo disappointed momentum investors by merely affirming its previous guidance on earnings and revenue for the rest of 2009. Without new good news, they sold.
If' you've been looking to get into PepsiCo, this drop is a good entry point. I'm not changing my current price target at all today. I raised the target price to $68 a share on October 2. I'm leaving it at that level.
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When it comes to gearboxes in battery-electric vehicles, the more may be the merrier. That's one theory, and Plug In Cars says that the standard, single-gear EV configuration may eventually go by the wayside as engineers figure out how to better use multi-gear configurations to improve performance and range. It's an argument we've heard time and time and time again, but the added weight and complexity of a transmission means it's not been a popular choice in real-world used.
Multi Speed Transmission
UK-based transmission engineering and control specialist Vocis wants to take electric vehicles in another direction, one with dual clutch transmissions. Vocis says its dual clutch transmissions provide seamless shifting and up to 15 percent improvement in EV efficiency. Vocis' DCT is currently on display in a Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus demonstration vehicle.
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The High Human Cost of Cheap Chicken
Editor’s note: as part of our ongoing Meatrix action campaign, we joined Oxfam America in calling our audience to demand fair, safe working conditions for poultry workers. Mary Babic, Communications Officer for Oxfam America, wrote the following post to describe her organization’s critical work on this issue.
Consumers like you have the power to change a booming poultry industry that treats its workers as disposable commodities.
Chicken is the most popular meat in America, at a per capita consumption of nearly 90 pounds a year. And the poultry industry is booming: profits are soaring, executive compensation is skyrocketing, and the array of poultry products expands daily.
Join us in taking action on The Meatrix website!
But one element remains trapped at the bottom: the poultry workers who stand on the lines in cold plants every day, hanging and trimming and cutting and packaging those convenient products. They earn low wages of diminishing value, suffer extremely high rates of injuries and illness, and endure a climate of fear inside the plants.
In 2015, Oxfam America, together with a broad coalition of organizations, launched a campaign to expose the dirty secret in the poultry industry: the high human cost of cheap chicken. We’re rallying consumers to call on the top four poultry producers — Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s, Perdue and Sanderson Farms — to pay their workers fairly, ensure their safety and give them a greater voice in the workplace.
Backing this campaign is Oxfam’s report, Lives on the Line, based on research and interviews with poultry workers about the grueling conditions they endure day after day in plants that are cold, wet, and dangerous. Most of the workers — considered disposable commodities by the industry — are minorities, immigrants, refugees and even prisoners.
Working in a poultry plant is arduous and dangerous. Workers commonly suffer injuries and illnesses from the thousands of repetitive motions they perform every day. They process around 30 birds every minute: nearly 2,000 chickens each hour and over 14,000 chickens each day.
A Latino poultry worker in Montgomery, Ala. repeatedly hangs recently slaughtered, de-feathered chickens on the constantly moving poultry line. Once they are de-feathered, the chickens are plunged into nearly freezing water to cool; the temperature in the processing rooms hovers around 40 degrees. Photo: Earl Dotter/Oxfam America
By one conservative estimate, workers carry out the same motion more than 20,000 times a day. Repetitive strain injuries, with swelling, numbness and loss of grip, are the inevitable result. The injuries can be long-lasting and sometimes permanent.
“As soon as the first shift leaves, around six o’clock, that’s when it speeds up and starts to get hard. You can’t stand the pain in your shoulders, your hands because of that repetitive movement,” said one poultry worker Oxfam interviewed in North Carolina.
“There are some people with hands so swollen that their gloves don’t fit,” another North Carolina worker said.
Two Cents on the Dollar
For every dollar consumers spend on McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, only about two cents goes to workers in the processing plants — an amount that looks even smaller when compared to what the top executives earn. In the last four years, the chairman of the board at Tyson Foods has seen his pay skyrocket by 260 percent to $8.8 million.
The typical poultry worker earns a fraction of that: wages average about $11 an hour (about $440 for a 40-hour work week). Over the course of an 8-hour workday in 2014, the CEO of Sanderson Farms made the entire average annual salary of a line worker.
Climate of Fear
Still, most workers are reluctant, or afraid, to speak out about the speed of the line and the injury rates. Many workers are undocumented; companies may take advantage of their tenuous immigration status through harassment, discrimination and even threats of deportation.
“[The companies] keep a climate of fear where the employees believe that at any moment they can and will be fired,” said Mary Goff, a former staff attorney with Legal Aid of Arkansas. “Then they are able to treat people as a commodity that can be done away with when they want.”
What Can You Do?
As a consumer, your voice counts. Companies have listened to concerns about how chickens are treated and the safety of food; the result has been reduced use of antibiotics and an increase in cage-free hens. They’ll listen when you speak up for the ethical treatment of workers as well.
We’re not asking you to stop eating chicken. But do learn what it takes to bring it to your plate — and then tell Big Poultry to treat its workers right. Sign the petition calling on the top four companies to provide a safe working environment, offer fair pay and benefits and give their workers a voice.
Guest posts are contributed by (you guessed it!) guest contributors and the views and opinions expressed within them do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Ecocentric blog or GRACE Communications Foundation.


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US: Tough Q3 sees Coca-Cola Enterprises target function "restructure"
- YTD net profits slide by 9.3% to US$577m
- Net sales in nine months to end of September dip by 3.8% to $6.15bn
- Operating profits fall by 8.8% to $778m
- FY net sales, operating profits both forecast to rise in low- to mid-single digit range
Coca-Cola Enterprises has seen its Q3 figures struggle, despite the London Olympics
Coca-Cola Enterprises has seen its Q2 demons return in the third quarter, with sales and profits for the year so far staying in the red.
The firm, which produced a poor set of numbers for its second quarter in July, said earlier today (25 October) that net profits in the nine months to the end of September fell by 9.3% year-on-year to US$577m. Net sales in the period were down by 3.8% to $6.15bn, as operating profits decreased by 8.8% to $778m.
In the third quarter of 2012, net profits came in 7.4% down on the corresponding period a year earlier at $263m, on the back of a 3.3% dip in net sales, which totalled $2.07bn. Operating profits in the three-month period were down by 7.3% at $306m.
CCE highlighted "the challenges of ongoing macroeconomic weakness" as playing a part in its third quarter. "Despite difficult operating conditions, we believe the third quarter was an important success as CCE employees responded ... to the significant opportunities and demands of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Hubert Patricot, executive VP and president of CCE's European group.
"We will build on the long-term benefits of our involvement with the Games while working diligently to enhance efficiency and maximise effectiveness."
Looking to its full-year performance, the firm said that it now expects its net sales and operating profits growth to come in in the low- to mid-single digit range.
CCE used the results announcement to launch a "business transformation programme", which it expects will include restructuring charges of around $200m by the end of 2014.
"This programme, which is subject to consultations with workers' councils, includes initiatives to restructure portions of our finance back-office functions and new initiatives to restructure portions of our go-to-market model," CCE added.
The company hopes the move will result in around $100m "in ongoing benefits" by 2015.
Separately, CCE said late yesterday that it will pay a regular quarterly dividend of $0.16 per common share on 6 December to shareowners of record on 23 November.
UK trade body the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has appointed a new chief executive....
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Disney Is Working With an Adviser on Potential Twitter Bid
Walt Disney Co. is working with a financial adviser to evaluate a possible bid for Twitter Inc., according to people familiar with the matter.
After receiving interest in discussing a deal, Twitter has started a process to evaluate a potential sale. Salesforce.com Inc. is also considering a bid and is working with Bank of America on the process, according to other people, who asked not to be named because the matter is private.
Representatives for Twitter and Disney didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Speculation that Twitter will be sold has been gathering steam in recent months, including last week’s news of Salesforce’s interest, given the social-media company’s slumping stock and difficulties in attracting new users and advertising revenue. Disney, the owner of ABC and ESPN, could obtain a new online outlet for entertainment, sports and news. Jack Dorsey, chief executive officer of Twitter, is on the board of Disney.
Twitter rose as much as 2.1 percent to $23.09 after being down earlier. The stock soared 21 percent on Sept. 23 following reports of the talks with Salesforce. Disney fell, dropping as much as 2 percent to $91.40.
“It’s a video distribution play,” said James Cakmak, an analyst at Monness Crespi Hardt & Co. “What Disney has to think about is what is its place in a post cord-cutting world. They are investing in technology for distribution — and this would give them the platform to reach audiences around the world.”
Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger has a reputation as a strategic thinker with an appetite for bold bets, such as the $7.4 billion acquisition of animation studio Pixar in 2006, just months after he became CEO.


text: Financial Engines, a 401(k) investment advice-giver, has released a version of its advice software directly to participants in 401(k) plans. The company was marketing its software mainly to Fortune 500 companies that have 401(k) plans, said Jeff N. Maggioncalda, president and CEO. Now participants whose companies do not provide investment advice can purchase online advice, he said. Individuals who purchase the service will have to input their 401(k) plan and financial information, he said. Support will be offered by e-mail exchanges with Financial Engines representatives through visiting the companys online support center, Mr. Maggioncalda said. Telephone support will be available for an additional fee, he added. Separately, John Thibault joined Financial Engines as vice president of marketing. He will be in charge of product marketing, marketing communications and customer development. Before filling this new position at Financial Engines, he was vice president at eBay.


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FDA also supports the removal of the HeartWare HVAD System from the market.
Nearly 32,000 stent systems have been recalled in the United States.
A product issue could cause keys to become unresponsive or stuck, leading to infusion delays.
Reported issues related to the device include two injuries and one death.
There have been 29 complaints, including 19 serious injuries and two deaths, related to the device issue.
All commercial, clinical, R&D and manufacturing activities surrounding the product will end.
A product issue could lead to serious health consequences, including loss of consciousness, bleeding, fluid buildup around the heart and death.
After prompting from the agency, Allergan issued a worldwide recall of its BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders.
A product malfunction could cause potential over-infusion or unintended delivery of medication.
The agency is recommending that patients replace their affected pumps with models that can better protect against the risks.


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Express delivery-logistics groups XLA and CLDA merge for more political clout
THE US Express Delivery and Logistics Association (XLA) has merged into the Customised Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) in a move designed to establish a single voice to bolster both groups' advocacy capabilities on regulatory matters
THE US Express Delivery and Logistics Association (XLA) has merged into the Customised Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) in a move designed to establish a single voice to bolster both groups' advocacy capabilities on regulatory matters.
The CLDA is a professional association that represents 3,500 providers of time-critical logistics, delivery and express air cargo logistics services. The XLA covers similar grounds, representing companies engaged in providing and procuring services within the global air express cargo and logistics industries.
Both groups represent their members before regulatory bodies such as the US state and federal governments, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customers and Border Patrol (CPB).
Following the January 21 merger, all former XLA members will become full members of the CLDA, plus three members of the former XLA will sit on the CLDA board, including one on the CLDA executive committee, reported DC Velocity, North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
'With this merger, we will enhance our advocacy efforts in Washington and state capitols around the country,' CLDA president Chuck Moyer was cited as saying in a release.
'We will be representing, under one roof, the entire express air cargo logistics and logistics chain, including shippers and carriers. By joining together, we have a stronger voice to address critical regulatory issues and promote the continued growth of our industry. That will be of special importance particularly when dealing with Congress, the TSA, DHS and CPB.'
Through their new partnership, the two groups plan to also enhance their members' turnover by presenting them with greater business opportunities to work with some of the biggest shippers in the air cargo sector and members of the last mile delivery industry.


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Yet another Taiwanese brown sugar bubble tea shop is coming to New York City. Xing Fu Tang — which has rapidly expanded in the last few years with more than 100 stores in Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, and Canada, though not without some bumps — is opening its first U.S. outpost at 40-52 Main Street, in Flushing, Queens, on January 27.
It’s the latest in a series of Taiwanese brown sugar bubble tea shops that have opened in NYC in the last year including Tiger Sugar — which now has locations in Flushing, Chinatown, and Sunset Park — and the Alley in the East Village. Both chains have been flooded with customers at all their locations, which means the demand for brown sugar bubble tea has far from waned in the past year.
At Xing Fu Tang, the tapioca pearls are typically stir-fried in brown sugar in a large wok in front of the customers before it’s added to the milky beverage. The signature brown sugar drink also gets a little flame torch action on top, where a sprinkling of brown sugar is melted before the drink is served. The recipe is inspired by a dessert that the founder Edison Chen’s grandmother used to make. Aside from the brown sugar concoction, Xing Fu Tang serves several other other drinks including a strawberry pearl milk tea, a grapefruit green tea, a rose tea with lime, and two kinds of soft serve ice cream.
Eater has reached out for more details on the Flushing location’s menu. Prices at the Canadian stores start at $6.50 Canadian dollars for the signature drink, so they will likely be on par over here.
Bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, and has since slowly spread across the world. Today, there are a staggering number of bubble tea shops spread throughout the city offering a wide selection of drinks aside from boba such as fresh fruit smoothies and sweet cheese foams.
Xing Fu Tang opened just over two years ago in Taiwan and has expanded at a rapid clip, though not without some hiccups: The brand is currently fighting a legal battle in Hong Kong over copyright infringement, and has received numerous complaints from its franchisees in Malaysia. Xing Fu Tang’s Flushing outpost is located below Japanese barbecue chain Gyu-Kaku’s neighborhood location.


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Microsoft has announced a slew of top Hollywood talent bringing Xbox Originals to a number of the company’s platforms. Interactive features will accompany the dramas, comedies, documentaries, animation, reality and live shows on offer. Microsoft will also tag some big franchise names to the content, from Halo to ET.
Doom Beta and more Wolfenstein action, there looks to be plenty of retro-action tied up in a new package with Wolfenstein: The New Order
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How hopeless is ACMA?We've had mobile phone number porting for 18+ years,with all the fraud and problems,yet it's finally being[…]


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Starting today, advertisers of all sizes will be able to create full screen video ads in less than two minutes using just a web browser, thanks to a slick new creative tool called Snapchat Publisher.
The tool comes on the heels of a particularly brutal week for Snapchat’s parent Snap, with its stock sliding and several banks cutting their price targets on its stock. The company faces intense pressure to grow its ad business as a newly-public company, with both investors and advertisers being worried about slowing user growth as Instagram ramps up its efforts to crush Snapchat.
Snapchat made it possible for brands of all stripes to buy ads via a self-serve buying option called Ad Manager just last month. Now, with Snap Publisher marketers have a new set of tools that they can use to quickly craft Snapchat-oriented ads.
Here’s how it works: Brands can open the Snap Publisher tool and click on the “Create a Snap” option. They can then choose their desired template, and easily upload their own photos, videos and logos to the templates, before saving and publishing their ads to Snapchat’s Ad Manager.
Brands -- particularly small businesses -- haven’t had it easy when it comes to advertising on Snapchat so far. Until now, they were forced to spend considerable time and resources to reformat and convert their existing assets into Snapchat’s vertical video format.
The Publisher tool theoretically levels the playing field, allowing brands to quickly and efficiently create Snap ads by importing their existing brand assets and trimming their horizontal videos for the vertical format. One feature, for example, even uses computer vision to detect when a video switches scenes, and allows brands to automatically cut videos along these scene changes or select just one scene for the ad.
"Not all creative agency partners are used to creating videos just for platform," Sherwin Su, associate social director at digital agency Essence, had told Business Insider in an earlier interview.
Snapchat isn't the first only digital media player to provide ad creation tools geared toward ad agencies and brands. Snap’s rival Facebook, for example, has the tools Ads Manager, Power Editor and Creative Hub.
But in Snapchat's case, marketers can both build and buy ads in a single web-based interface.
"The user interface and user experience is fairly intuitive, and it was pretty easy to get ads up and running," Adrienne Gaines, head of marketing at Function of Beauty, an up-and-coming beauty brand that participated in a beta test for the new tool, told Business Insider. "Snap Publisher removes the barriers to entry and makes it easy for smaller brands to advertise on the platform."
Gaines added that the brand had pushed Snapchat aside as a part of its marketing mix until now, because it had a limited marketing budget and not a ton of video creative. But the tool allowed Function of Beauty to test out ads just by animating and enhancing its existing product images.
The brand targeted a female millennial audience using these ads, testing them out over a period of two days. The ads drove viewers to its website for a quiz, and the brand was able to pay 50% less than what it pays for ads on its other social media channels, said Gaines.
According to Gaines, Function of Beauty’s beta-test was successful. But she wondered what might happen to ad pricing on Snapchat as more marketers come on board.


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Department store chain House of Fraser has appointed accountancy firm KPMG to advise...
UK department store Debenhams has blamed an 85% fall in profits on the ‘Beast from the East’ cold weather phenomenon, which forced the retailer to temporarily shut almost 100 stores.
Associated British Foods (ABF), the owner of discount fashion retailer Primark, has reported a 30% decrease in profits despite increased sales across its businesses during the first half of the financial year.
MGA Entertainment CEO Isaac Larian has placed a formal bid of $890m to acquire Toys R US stores in the US and Canada.
April 13 is D-day for youth fashion retailer Select as its creditors vote on a company voluntary agreement (CVA) proposal.


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Tesla has just released brand-new footage of its humanoid robot autonomously sorting objects and doing yoga.
In the video, we can see Optimus sorting blocks according to their colors before going on to do a series of bizarre-looking stretches.
While it’s obviously made leaps and bounds since first unveiled at Tesla AI Day in 2022, Elon Musk had an ulterior motive for posting the video.
Alongside the footage, Tesla called for new recruits to help to develop the bot, even directing people to its AI department.
So, the company clearly knows it’s got a long way to go if it wants to compete on the main stage.
Currently, there’s a list of humanoid robots that are already quite advanced, including Ameca by Engineered Arts, which can hold full conversations with humans.
But in true Musk fashion, the billionaire claims Optimus will be the most advanced of its kind.
“It’ll be a fundamental transformation for civilization as we know it,” Musk said.
That’s ambitious considering where the bot started.
You can watch the footage here!
When Tesla first announced plans to launch a Tesla bot, many didn’t really take it seriously.
That was largely in part due to the presentation starting with an actual human pretending to be a humanoid robot and performing robot moves and dance routines.
Since then, Musk has made it clear he’s incredibly serious about the project, drip-feeding us with new footage of Optimus performing increasingly progressive tasks.
The Tesla bot was reportedly built to have the same AI software and sensors used in Tesla’s autopilot system.
It also runs on a Tesla chip, and has Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity.
When speaking at the AI Day event, Musk said the robot would be priced around $200,000.
But there’s no word on when it will be available to buy.


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Treasury Wine won't sell this wine: It's destroying $33 million worth
Well, Treasury Wine Estates has a different strategy. Faced with a lingering wine glut and a mess of white wine that's getting old in the tooth, it plans to dump half a million cases worth $33 million. The news hit some of the wine press earlier, when the company warned investors of its plans, but made it into the Santa Rosa Press Democrat Wednesday evening.
One of my editors thought they should have just kept it on the shelf until it met the Orson Welles' test, but that only works with red wine. And typically with red wine — some reds, anyway — that is worth the wait.
In any case, Australia-based Treasury, which owns local brands and wineries including Chateau St. Jean, Cellar No. 8, Stag's Leap Winery and Beringer Vineyards, is pulling the plug on up to 600,000 cases it deemed too old.
Most of the wine in question — roughly 80 percent — sells for $10 or less per bottle.
"Most of it is commercial inventory and it is made to be consumed young," CEO David Dearie told the Press Democrat.
The destruction of $33 million worth of white wine isn't the worst of Treasury's troubles, however. The Brisbane Times, in the Land Down Under, headlined a story on its financials thusly: "Glut gives Treasury an earnings hangover."
Profits slid just slightly, to $42.3 million, the Times reported Aug. 23, but pre-tax earnings missed the company's guidance "made just last month."
And the "dour conditions" in its U.S. operations are perhaps the biggest concern, the Aussie paper noted, with flat sales, a 15.4 percent dip in U.S earnings, "and weak consumer confidence."
Chris Rauber's beats include health care, insurance and the wine industry for the San Francisco Business Times.
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On June 20, law darknet market enforcement took over the Hansa marketplace after These efforts have taken two of the largest darknet markets offline. The now-defunct Wall Street Market (WSM). Image: Dark Web Reviews. A complaint filed Wednesday in Los Angeles alleges that the three. Dark web takedowns by cross-border law enforcement operations have a "This report has shown that darknet markets are complex. The darknet market. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Tuesday on a prominent Russia-based darknet market site and a cryptocurrency exchange that it said. Do you like Safe Darknet Markets? Samsara Darknet Market Samsara Market Darknet Silk Road Darknet Market Silkkitie Darknet Market Silkkitie Market. German police have shut down Hydra, the world's oldest and largest dark web marketplace.
Authorities have seized and darknet market shuttered the world's largest and longest-running darknet marketplace on accusations it functioned as a criminal. #1 Darknet Markets List 2022 The Versus Market CannaHome Market AlphaBay Market DarkFox Market GammaGoblin Pushing Taboo (2022) Vice City Market Abacus. On June 20, law enforcement took over the Hansa marketplace after These efforts have taken two of the largest darknet markets offline. Darknet Markets.Jordan Pearson. darknet market.Jason Koebler. darknet market.Joseph Cox. darknet market.Theresa Locker. darknet market.Kari Paul. darknet market. One of the web's most notorious darknet markets was taken down by tracing its bitcoin transactions. But that doesn't mean others will. A darknet market is a website that facilitates the sale and exchange of illicit goods and services on the dark web.
Germany closes Russian darknet market Hydra. Federal police say they have shut down the German servers for the darknet hub, which saw its. The administrator relaunched the dark web market and plans to set up a platform that can be used for darknet markets. The major darknet marketplace known as the Wall Street Market have been seized and its alleged operators arrested in a joint operation. Darknet markets exist with the purpose to provide vendors and buyers with a platform to find each other and strike a mutually beneficial deal. The onion link. Darknet Markets Darknet Market News, Reviews and Unbiased Information. German authorities seized 25 million in bitcoin (BTC) as they shut down Hydra Market, incognito link saying they had closed one of the world's largest darknet.
Police shut down darknet market's servers and seize bitcoin worth 25M. Germany Shuts Down Russian Darknet Marketplace Hydra. Darknet markets are dark web incognito darknet market black markets that offer illicit goods for sale, often using cryptocurrencies as a method of payment. Anything you do on the Darknet is up to you. The links come from the markets and we do not vouch for any service. White House Market. Though not the first darknet market to operate, the Silk Road was by far the The Silk Road dominated the darknet until October 2022. For example, one URL of the Silk Road marketplace, a defunct black market and the most famous dark web site, was silkroad7rn2puhj.onion. While defining the. Darknet Markets Darknet Market News, Reviews and Unbiased Information.
Darknet Market News
August 13, 2021 August 13, 2021 BrianKrebs AMLBot, Antinalysis, Elliptic, Incognito Market, Nick Bax, Tom Robinson, Web Fraud 2. Canna_Bars is guilty of distributing drugs on a black network May 28, 2021, 12:38 am The biggest darknet market right now after Dark Market went down. If you’re going to buy drugs online, make sure that you take time to research your facts. For example, it could be markets whose administrators have made an exit scam or platforms that the police have managed to seize. Liquidity refers to the ability to buy or sell an asset at the current market price without affecting it. Bizarrely, darknet market even reptiles are more popular on Twitter than cats (35 million vs. Lists the top 10 vendors which are the most trustworthy, least scam-probability vendors.
Click here if you want account balance to be cashed directly into your Bitcoin wallet. The upside is it feels so far away, because life is so much better now. The wave of terrorist attacks that characterized 2015, including Paris terror attacks in November 2015 and recent event in Brussels, provide mounting evidence to suggest that the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons (including their parts, components and accessories), ammunition and explosives is an existential threat to security and public safety in Europe.


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Here at Food Republic, we know our way around savory puddings and blood sausage. From boudin noir in France to Chilean ñache to soondae found in the markets of South Korea, it’s all good to us when it comes to stuffing casings and boiling the lesser bits of the animal. But our hands-down favorite is the Scottish delicacy, haggis. Simple put, haggis is oats, onions, suet and sheep’s “pluck” (lungs, liver and heart), sewn into a sheep’s stomach and boiled. It’s typically served with neeps and tatties (that would be Scottish for rutabaga and potato). This all sounds a little Game of Thrones, we realize. But it is actually really delicious — wonderfully gamey like North African merguez, but with a unique texture that is almost pudding-like.
Though here’s the thing about haggis. As of this writing, you have to travel to Scotland to actually eat the authentic stuff. Why? Because the United States has banned haggis from being imported to our shores. The consumption of sheep lung, a key ingredient, has been banned in the US since 1971 — while all British lamb has been banned since 1989 following the mad cow disease outbreak.
Scottish haggis producers, with government-backing, hope to change this and have entered talks with the Obama Administration to nullify the ban. "With the huge popularity in the US of all things Scottish, hopefully these negotiations will allow American consumers the chance to finally taste authentic, high-quality Macsween haggis very soon," says James Macsween, director of his namesake haggis producer in an interview with the Guardian.
The Scotish government is pushing for a lift of the British lamb ban, as part of a European Union-US trade deal currently being negotiated. This follows the end a ban on UK beef exports to the US earlier this year.
Of course any homesick Scot living in America will tell you that haggis can be found in some restaurants in the United States. New York City gastro pub Highlands serves a version, as does the Duke Of Perth in Chicago (they also advertise something described as haggis wings, which we aren’t going to think about too much). But nothing is like the real thing from the motherland, which unfortunately is not available until some paperwork is signed. But it looks like somebody will be buying a round of drams in Washington D.C. in the near future. Until then, get yourself to Scotland.
Read more about Scotish food and culture on Food Republic:


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HYDERABAD: Ecommerce logistics company Xpressbees plans to use the Rs 85 crore it has raised from existing investors to build capacity in the Northeast where it wants to encourage buyers from smaller towns to visit the service centres it is setting up to collect the goods they have ordered.
The move comes at a time when online marketplace Flipkart has announced a partnership with Apollo Pharmacy network as a pickup point for ecommerce shipments. Amazon had partnered with Vakrangee for pickup in rural and semi-urban areas last year.
The logistics arm of baby and mother care product etailer FirstCry was spun off last year into a separate entity to service third party ecommerce orders. The company is building its network in high margin regions with underwritten commitments from its e-commerce partners, starting with the seven sister states.
Apart from India Post and Warburg Pincus backed Ecom Express, which had forged regional partnerships to serve the Northeast, very few companies have served the region by delivering to stocking points and distributors.
Experts said the high shipment costs, which ecommerce players are willing to pay, are a major attraction for third-party logistics companies to create a network in the region and has attracted new players.
At present, 10 per cent of about 100,000 orders serviced by Xpressbees daily are generated from the Northeast.


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Speakers that break the reality barrier are extremely rare, but that's exactly what the Raidho C 3.1 does.
At CES 2015, USB Implementers Forum demoed USB Type-C, while MSI announces its first gaming laptop and motherboard that support this new connection standard.
CNET editor Dong Ngo explains the USB standard and the significance of the latest USB Type-C.
DisplayPort technology lost out to HDMI in the marketplace, but it could get some help from next-gen USB connectors coming in 2015. Don't kiss those copper cables goodbye just yet.
The official design for the next-generation, reversible USB has been finalised, and it can be plugged in upside down.
Gal, recruited six years ago by former CTO and short-lived CEO Brendan Eich, brings continuity to the nonprofit organization's top techie job.
Thunderbolt 3 is coming with a smaller connector -- but not for a while. It's tied to Intel's Skylake chips, and those aren't due until 2015.
Miss a few stories this week? We'll bring you up to speed with this rundown of all the tech news.
The upcoming USB cable design is reversible, has no right-side-up or upside-down problems, and will click when you plug it in. Expect the new design on the market as soon as this year.
McLaren's first road car in decades has a tough job to do - it's got to take on Ferrari, Lamborghini and co. Does it have what it takes?


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A Belgian Court bans the social network to collect data from non-members. Failure to comply threatens a fine of 250,000 euros per day.
A Belgian Court has banned the world’s largest online network Facebook, to collect data from non-members. If Facebook respond within a period of 48 hours, a fine of 250,000 euros per day will be due, a court in Brussels. Personal data should be recorded by Internet users in Belgium clear consent of the persons concerned.
The dispute involves a small file the controversial years identity cookie “datr” -, the Facebook in a Web browser of the user stores. Collects some information about the behavior of users on pages with the “like”-button. The Belgian Privacy Commission wants to have to ban the use of this “datr” cookies.
A thorn in the side is you that also non-members get installed the cookie when you visit the Facebook site. The privacy advocates upset also that remains the “datr” cookie for two years on the computer when a user deactivates his Facebook account. The authority had the social network accused in June’s record also the surfing habits of Internet users who search on Facebook pages for information, without being a member.
Facebook repeatedly rejected the criticism. Security Chief Alex Stamos recently argued the “datr” cookie help to filter out false profiles and prevent cyber-attacks. When hundreds of pages about a Web browser within five minutes, it was a clear sign that the computer had been hijacked by online criminals. The data that collect the cookie, would be attributed to individual persons and could not also be brought with them in conjunction.


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Sparkle Bridal Boutique in Fredericton files for bankruptcy
Fundraiser to help "Girls Without Gowns" planned for June 14
A Fredericton bridal boutique, at the centre of a heated battle with its customers in recent weeks, has filed for bankruptcy.
A bankruptcy notice and "for rent" sign have now been placed in the window of Sparkle Bridal Boutique on York Street.
Grant Thornton Poirier Limited has been appointed the trustee.
Last month, more than a dozen brides and bridesmaids gathered outside the boutique demanding answers, when they learned the store had abruptly closed its doors.
Some brides told CBC News they were hearing too many excuses for their late dresses and questioned whether the orders had been placed at all.
Some customers have since managed to get help from other boutiques, but many have lost thousands of dollars on dresses, or dress deposits, said Simon Bowser, who has a friend who was among them.
Bowser has created a Facebook page called Not Without My Dress and is raising money to help the "girls without gowns who fell victim to the closing of Sparkle Bridal Boutique" recoup some of their losses.
The Not Without My Dress Charity Bridal Buffet will be held on June 14 at the Delta Fredericton.
It will include dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction and a "buffet" of items geared towards brides. Tickets are $45 and only on sale until June 8 through Reads Newsstand and Cafe, and Infinity Cheer.


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Hero MotoCorp sales rise by nearly 9% in May; commences production at Bangladesh plant
Hero MotoCorp finally see a positive growth in May and sees positive growth on good rural demand due to normal monsoons.
- Hero MotoCorp records 8.7% growth in sales in May
- Two-wheeler sales rise to 6,33,884 units
- Hero MotoCorp also announced the commencement of commercial production in the manufacturing facility at its subsidiary HMCL Niloy Bangladesh Ltd
Hero MotorCorp on Thursday announced that its sales in the month of May had grown by 8.7% as it's two-wheeler sales rose to 6,33,884 units in comparison to 5,83,117 units in the same month last year.
This is yet another month where the company reported sales of over 6 lakh units. This growth in sales marks a recover in the company's sales from the after-effects of demonetisation and the impact of the Bharat Stage III vehicle ban by the supreme court.
Besides this, Hero MotoCorp also announced the commencement of commercial production in the manufacturing facility at its subsidiary HMCL Niloy Bangladesh Ltd on Thursday. This plant which is located at Jessore in Bangladesh has an installed capacity of 1,50,000 vehicles per annum.
This is Hero MotoCorp's second manufacturing facility at an overseas location.
The company has its first overseas manufacturing plant at Vila Rica near Cali in Columbia, which became operational in 2015.
Hero MotoCorp remains positive of the months to come saying that the industry is expecting a boost in demand and consumption in the rural markets as monsoons have already hit some parts of the country and the forecast of normal rains this year.
The company said it remains confident of maintaining the growth trajectory in the coming months with a line up of a slew of new launches across various segments.
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Samsung Electronics is investing 2.25 trillion Korean won (US$1.92 billion) to expand its mobile processor manufacturing capabilities, the company said on Thursday.
The money will mainly go towards producing advanced mobile application processors on 300 millimeter wafers using 20-nanometer and 14nm production processes. The expansion will break ground in Hwaseong, South Korea this month and be completed by the end of 2013, if everything goes according to plan, Samsung said.
Moving to 20nm and 14nm processes will likely result in a big performance jump for Samsung, as transistors become smaller and less power-hungry. Samsung's Exynos 4 Quad processor, used in its Galaxy S III smartphone, is built using a 32nm process.
Also, earlier this week ARM said that 20-nanometer processors could appear in smartphones and tablets by the end of 2013. Samsung's processors are based on ARM technology.
Samsung is stepping up its chipset push in both technology and manufacturing.
Besides the investment at Hwaseong, the company is also planning to build a new NAND Flash plant in Xi'an, China. Last week, Samsung acquired Nanoradio, a Swedish company that develops energy-efficient chipsets for Wi-Fi, as well.
The overall market for mobile processors -- used in e-readers, handheld game consoles, mobile PCs, portable media players, smartphones and tablets -- will reach 1.9 billion units annually by 2016, growing by an average of 22 percent per year, according to market research company In-Stat.
Smartphones and tablets represent the greatest opportunity for growth with a combined 75 percent growth in 2011 and an annual growth of about 29 percent through 2016, it said.
The overall market value for smartphone and tablet semiconductor chips is forecast to be $59.4 billion by 2016, compared to $23.4 billion in 2011, according to market research company Gartner.
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