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The bank, which has a total annual marketing budget of £40m-£50m and is reported to have spent £6m online in 2004, has appointed Agency Republic to drive online direct response activity, focusing mainly on the Egg Card, but with increased spend on insurance, mortgages and savings.
It conducted the pitch through agency selection group AAR to find an agency with digital skills to meet its direct needs.
Together, the agencies will have specific responsibility for online and offline direct response activity, working alongside Egg's other agencies, Mother and MediaCom.
Richard Taylor, head of brand communications at Egg, said: "It is an important time for Egg with the financial market place becoming increasingly competitive. We are extremely pleased to have Agency Republic and Claydon Heeley Jones Mason alongside us to help us consolidate our position as leading online bank in the UK."
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum here.

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If you are a fan of President Donald Trump and wish to reveal your support, you may consider purchasing a Trump coin. Despite the fact that the president has actually not yet minted a new coin, the US Mint is currently releasing $1 gold coins to commemorate the president.
It’s possible that you’re not aware of this truth, so let’s take a look at a few of the realities about Trump’s presidential dollar coins.
The former first lady of the United States, Melania Trump, has actually revealed the launch of a brand-new non-fungible token (NFT) endeavor. This NFT platform will include a series of digital antiques. It will likewise include physical art work and a distinctive accessory.
According to a declaration provided by her office, the collection is designed to highlight “iconic minutes” from the administration of President Donald Trump. In addition to the collection of NFTs, the former first lady said the earnings will be used to help kids aging out of foster care. She will donate an unspecified amount to the effort.
The NFT will be offered through a payment platform called MoonPay. Charge card payments will be accepted. Payments using the SOL cryptocurrency will likewise be accepted.
The collection will be sold for a price of $50 per token. Each NFT will include an image of the former first lady’s blue eyes. An audio recording of her voice will accompany the images. They will be readily available for purchase between Dec. 16 and Dec. 31.
In December, the previous first lady revealed that she would be offering NFTs on her brand-new platform. While the sale went efficiently, the job has faced criticism. Some have actually called it a scam while others questioned her intentions.
Melania Trump began her modeling profession at age sixteen. She has appeared in lots of prominent ad campaigns. Her newest NFT venture is her very first openly revealed endeavor because leaving the White House.
She has mentioned that she was “motivated” by the American spirit. She believes that the NFT is a method to return to kids aging out of foster care. However, her press contact has actually not responded to questions about contributions.
In addition to releasing NFTs on her website, the former first lady is likewise developing a series of ad campaigns. She mentions the Be Best effort as the factor for creating her NFTs. As part of the campaign, she will be contributing a part of the proceeds to the National Foster Care Association.
Aside from her new NFT endeavor, the former first lady has actually launched a line of handmade Christmas ornaments.
The LGBcoin has been in the news for a while now, however one of its most noteworthy champs is its magnate developer, Madison Cawthorn.
For all of his flaws, Cawthorn has actually proven to be a gentleman of the highest order. He’s been a good sport in the media and has apparently even rolled the dice on the chore in the past.
One of his more notable achievements is the truth that he’s been named to the House of Representatives as one of the most eligible men in the land. That means, as the old saying goes, there’s no informing what he’ll be carrying out in the next four years.
If he’s fortunate, Cawthorn could be relegated to the minors for the rest of the decade. Not a bad deal for a person with a studful of prizes to his name. Besides, a bit of hyphy is never a bad thing.
When it comes to the rest of us, we’re a little concerned with the prospect of a lil ditty like Cawthorn in our midst. Fortunately for us, he’s not the only dubious congressional alumno on the loose.
Presidential Gold Coins
The US Mint began releasing Presidential $1 coins in 2007. This series honors former United States presidents. They are golden colored and include a portrait of the former president on the obverse and an image of the Statue of Liberty on the reverse. A slogan, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, is inscribed on the edge of these coins.
These coins are implied to be used in vending machines, parking meters, and other areas where they can be acquired. The Federal Reserve Banks distribute the coins to their members, banks, and cooperative credit union.
A group of officials met the United States Mint to talk about production, product packaging, distribution, and other issues. Based on this feedback, the Federal Reserve established methods for future issuance and management of the coins. In the past, celebratory flowing coin programs have actually come across difficulties. To prevent comparable problems, the Federal Reserve has carried out market research and has consulted with the Mint to establish a program.
The Federal Reserve has incorporated feedback from other celebratory flowing coin programs into its method for the Presidential $1 Coin Program. It has likewise executed changes to its distribution practices, that include automated messages for depository organizations. Eventually, the Federal Reserve will determine the level of demand for the coins prior to figuring out how to handle them.
The very first coin to be provided under the Presidential $1 Coin Act was the George Washington coin. It was released 2 weeks prior to the John Adams coin was provided.
This was the first in a series of four one dollar coins to be provided each year. The styles on these coins have changed in time. A few of the previous coins have actually featured the motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” on the obverse. Since 2009, the slogan has actually been relocated to the obverse of all presidential dollar coins.
The Presidential $1 Coin Program has actually launched a number of promotional materials. It has actually performed outreach to regional companies, schools, and customer groups. There are free academic materials offered for anybody thinking about the coins.
Nevertheless, it will depend on the Mint to work with these companies and schools to guarantee that these brand-new coins get the public attention and media coverage that they deserve.


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Thursday, March 14, 2013 02:44 pm
Springfield small business owner lobbies in Washington, D.C.
Local retailer says “Marketplace Fairness Act” is anything but fair
Selling online is Tolley’s full-time job, and her selling handle on eBay, buy_big_from_brandi, has more than 8,900 transactions and a 100 percent positive rating. She says being her own boss allows her to spend time with her special-needs child.
But Tolley believes small Internet-based businesses like hers could be in jeopardy because of legislation pending in Washington, D.C. Tolley visited the nation’s capital last week with a group of online retailers from around the nation to lobby against a bill that would require online retailers to collect sales tax.
“I just really think that a lot of the politicians see dollar signs,” Tolley told Illinois Times by phone from Washington.
Currently, Illinois and many other states and municipalities charge sales tax on goods sold both in brick-and-mortar stores and over the Internet. However, a state can’t enforce its laws on retailers operating outside of the state’s borders.
Illinois law already requires residents to report and pay taxes on their online purchases, but only about 4 percent of tax filers paid the tax last year, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue. That’s about 260,428 tax filers with an average payment of $46.65. The Department of Revenue estimates that the state will miss out on $212 million in Internet sales tax in 2013.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, is pushing for a solution, in the form of a bill known as the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013.
“Store owners regularly tell me how devastating it is to watch their online competitors offer lower prices for the exact same product because they don’t have to collect sales and use taxes,” Durbin said during a Feb. 14 press conference in Washington, D.C., announcing the bill.
It would require online retailers with more than $1 million in annual sales to collect state and local sales taxes.
Previous versions of the Marketplace Fairness Act contained lower annual sales limits, which Durbin said had been raised to exclude small businesses. While Brandi Tolley’s annual online sales are below the $1 million limit, she says having the system in place at all would take away her incentive for growth.
“I wouldn’t even want to try and grow my business any more, for fear of hitting the cap that they’ve set,” Tolley said.
The legislation attempts to address the concerns of business owners by urging states to simplify their sales taxes according to a standard called the “Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement.” If a state wants to compel an online retailer outside its borders to collect sales tax, the state must become part of a centralized computer database that allows online retailers to automatically collect and remit taxes for Internet purchases.
Tolley says she’s doubtful that a simplified tax software like the kind included in the Marketplace Fairness Act would work well enough to ease the burden on businesses.
“Is it anything like the State of Illinois program that takes me several hours every month just to file for that one jurisdiction?,” Tolley said. “I really think if the people who are backing this could come sit in my shoes and watch me file that once, I think it would be more realistic for them to see how difficult it’s going to be to track and maintain these 9,000 jurisdictions.”
Brian Bieron, senior director of global public policy at eBay Inc., says eBay opposes the bill on behalf of its sellers, partly because it raises questions about interstate law enforcement powers. Bieron explains that the State of New York currently can’t sue an Illinois-based online retailer for failure to follow New York tax law, but that would change under the Marketplace Fairness Act.
“Governments like New York might want to focus on small businesses that are located far away, because they would know that those businesses would have the hardest time defending themselves,” Bieron said. “Therefore, you create a scenario in which state law and tax enforcement power becomes unlimited.”
Contact Patrick Yeagle at firstname.lastname@example.org.


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TechCrunch writes about a rumor out there that Google will buy YouTube for around $1.6 billion. Hmmm, haven’t we heard this story before: (Fill name) will buy YouTube for $X Billion. At this point, we are going to wait for the fat lady to sing. Anyway the deal has as much chance of happening as me dropping 40 pounds. Google folks have to be aware of the fact that the minute they buy YouTube, they are going to have to deal with lawsuits by truckloads, which could cost them money, but more importantly distract them from their core business.
WSJ is reporting the story, so there might be sparks if not a fire here. Still they are sourcing it to one person and with the usual disclaimers. Here is an open URL for the WSJ story. I just got off the phone with Google spokesperson who declined to comment saying that it is company policy to not comment of speculation and rumors.
29 thoughts on “YouTube, Google … fuggedaboutit”
“Google folks have to be aware of the fact that the minute they buy YouTube, they are going to have to deal with lawsuits by truckloads, which could cost them money, but more importantly distract them from their core business.”
Om, Google Video is very similar to YouTube and I haven’t seen any lawsuits.
Well, well… if Wall Street Journal backs a rumour, it usually is a STORY.
Google Is in Talks to Buy YouTube
By KEVIN DELANEY
October 6, 2006 12:46 p.m.
Google Inc. is in talks to acquire popular video-sharing site YouTube Inc. for roughly $1.6 billion, according to a person familiar with the matter. The discussions are still at a sensitive stage and could well break off, this person says.
it is a story based on information from “a person” so not sure if i am buying this one for now. if it happens, we shall see. but then i also didn’t see the ebay/skype deal happening.
This is very unlikely going to materialize. Base on some common sense.
Google has put a lot of work into Google video, partnerships, etc, I agree that a merger would be beneficial but not unless these issues get resolved first
Watch Jim Cramer on Mad Money pump Level3 on the rumor of Google and YouTube.com joining hands in Video Nirvanna
Level3 carries BOTH Google and YouTube and A Sugar Daddy Like Google to Level3 is like music to my portfolio!
If anyone has ever dealt with the clowns that developed and run Google Video – they would know these two copyright violating entities belong together. RIP!
here’s a quote from Peter Chane at Google Video in a Wired Magazine Interview… http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.05/google.html
This is the best line of all …
Who’s your competition? iTunes? YouTube? Yahoo?
I’m not viewing those as competitors. I think the competition is content providers that haven’t looked at online as a distribution channel. Google Video and these other sites are saying, “Hey, you can make money online!”
Yup, boy genius thinks of his supply chain as his competition… way to go buddy!
And when there is enough money to be made from lawsuits – OH YES – those copyright holders will be there to collect.. you just wait and see… a good lawyer always counsels his clients to wait till the bounty is big enough for all to feast on…
And OM I agree with your odds… but again – you seen these crazy thing happen in the past…
I bet it’s actually Mark Cuban buying YouTube. His previous Advertising Week comments were just an attempt to drive the price down.
Om, I’m only looking to drop 30lbs.
Oh wait, your post wasn’t about a new Web2.0 weight lost thingy. Nevermind.
I must admit, I’ve been a whole lot less confident in saying “That is so crazy it will never happen” ever since the eBay-Skype deal.
its not common sense that defines a good deal. Actually in the web 2.0 bizz, there is no common sense at all, same as web 1.0.
1.5 billion is not such a big number for a big company like google. Take a look at google’s shareholder value and think about an acquisition – how much would such an nonsense deal push the stock’s prize… (usually, shareholder like nonsense).
Anyway, there will be a boom and bang in the future and many companies will hopefully be punished for their greed.
better get that gym membership to shed those pounds!
If anbody says to me Google is buying youtube.. then i think that person shouldnt be taken seriously. Anti youtube lobby is waiting for youtube to be bought and than file a suit against that big pcoket company. I think more youtube breaks copyrights it
cant sell itself. Unless youtube changes it contnet uploading policy it will always be worth billions but nobody will buy, which means no value.
I don’t know if anyone at Google have read Robert Kiyosaki but YouTube doesn’t look like an asset at all. Did they come up with some wicked business model noone else did? If not, buying YouTube would bring GOOG down (if stock markets were reasonable anyway).
A partnership is more likely. An agreement to use Google’s Advertising platform would follow the company’s current strategy of form partnerships that utilise the company’s platforms.
I voted “weekend is here”. Yet, it definitely makes sense for Google to buy Youtube. Their Google Video service is lagging too far behind for anyone’s comfort.
I think this is just the start.. Watch the wave move to China and I bet Cool8.tv is next
I’m still caught up in this whole “I don’t need a business plan to make money” Web 2.0 thing. Now, if Google had some sort of targeted ad system to analyze the video and give matching ads (I don’t know how you’d do this and think it’s not possible). But even then I’m just pulling this out of my ass…
Hi Mr. Malik,
Just wanted to let you know that I agreed with you on this post for the following reasons:
1.) First of all is the obvious: $1.6 billion is a lot of money. Even if Google’s market cap is over $100 billion, why should they spend so much on acquiring a company and then dealing with the courts and lawyer fees after acquiring it when they already have the technology available. Have we all forgotten about Google Video?
2.) Apple and Google are partnered now. What does Apple and Google have in common? They charge $1.99 for videos!! YouTube is completely for free. Buying YouTube would not help ripen the relationship Google and Apple are developing (like my “ripen” pun?).
3.) How does YouTube currently make money? Three ways. First there is sponsored channels such as Paris Hilton’s and NBC’s. Second there is funding coming in from VC firm, Sequoia Capital. Third of all, they’re depending on Google Ads to make money, but in this same process, Google is making a lot more money from their Adwords program generated by YouTube hits and clicks.
4.) If Google buys YouTube and attempts to converge it with their own business and it flops, think about how much money Google loses. Right now the YouTube model works for them and Google is making money already from their site. However, YouTube can always threaten to side with other advertising programs and switch away from Google Ads to possibly speed up talks (if they are actually talking right now).
It sounds like the stupid rumor from two weeks ago that Facebook was being sold to Yahoo for about the same price.
Every two weeks a stupid rumor will pop up… but really, earnings are almost here so there is no chance of an acquisition just infront of earnings.
Google has been a rumoured suitor for a while, and the rumoured price has been $1 – $2bn for months now.
Question is – if you have Google Video already, why spend $1.6bn rather than build it yourself?
What does that say about Google capability, despite Google having, according to The Economist this week, a recruiting machine that scours the Earth for the brightest and best?
Still, it is only a Rumour 😉
Amit – from your #3 point – in the beginning YouTube did run Google ads but that stopped a while ago. The main source of ads currently is Doubleclick. It’s not clear why the Google ads stopped – maybe the hefty % of video that is obviously in copyright violation was the reason. In fact, the same reason why ads have not showed up on Google Video.
Done deal folks. Better luck next time.
What do you say now?


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How Inflation Has Impacted Local Chain Businesses
As if local businesses hadn’t already been dealt with enough challenges in the last few years, inflation has enjoyed a steady run of raising operating costs, shrinking profit margins and putting pressure on consumers to spend less.
Even as economic experts start to see signs that inflation in the U.S. is cooling, today’s businesses must find a way to deal with the ugly aftermath. While no business has been immune to the effects of inflation, small businesses have been disproportionately affected by the increasing cost of materials and labor, as well as the increased economic anxiety that has prompted many consumers to tighten up their spending.
To preserve their business model, retain customers and preserve a path to profit, local chain businesses must find creative, cost-effective solutions to many of the business disruptions that have been brought by rapid inflation.
Here’s a look at the most persistent of these disruptions—and how local businesses have been forced to adapt.
Unreliable Supply Chains Have Forced Local Businesses to Scramble
Supply chain disruptions are hardly a new challenge for businesses, which have been navigating unreliable materials and product availability since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
But inflation is now disrupting these supply chains in new, frustrating ways. As high fuel prices and economic uncertainty increase supply chain costs and force some suppliers out of business, longer supply chains now present increased risk and expense for small businesses.
In response, some local chains are attempting to shorten their own supply chains by working with local suppliers and distributors. While this approach can insulate them from certain disruptions, it also typically leads to higher supply costs—although the rise of shipping costs is helping offset some of this expense.
Profit Margins Have Narrowed
One of the benefits of building a local chain business is creating an opportunity to achieve economies of scale. Unfortunately for those businesses, inflation has wiped out some of those gains in efficiency.
Increased operating costs, from labor expenses to supply chain costs, are compounding the loss of revenue caused by reduced consumer purchasing power. When inflation is squeezing both businesses and consumers, small business profits get caught in the middle—and for a local chain business, this hardship is multiplied across every location.
Business Expansion Has Become More Difficult to Fund
The long-term growth goals targeted by local chain businesses have been compromised, if not completely upended, by the impact of inflation. Rising interest rates on small business loans have made lending more costly while reducing the borrowing power of local businesses.
Meanwhile, businesses are facing a need to maintain more cash-on-hand to weather unexpected new expenses and/or dips in revenue. And, with new business locations struggling to match the profit margins achieved prior to this latest wave of inflation, businesses have less incentive to increase their overhead—which will change the risk/reward balance for businesses eager to expand their footprint.
The Customer Experience Has Suffered
One bit of good news for local businesses is that customers largely recognize the hardship that inflation places on small businesses: 81 percent of consumers are more empathetic toward small businesses raising their prices due to inflation than larger businesses.
At the same time, though, those increased prices are also met by increased expectations: 62 to 68 percent of consumers expect the customer experience to improve as prices rise. That can be a slippery slope as local chain businesses navigate the landscape of obstacles brought by inflation.
When you add together reduced business staffing, ongoing inventory shortages and more limited business cash flows, you create a perfect storm where the customer experience is ultimately neglected. Even businesses that want to prioritize strong customer service and customer satisfaction can find themselves pinched by the realities of economic hardship.
In the end, businesses must walk a fine line between finding creative solutions to improve that customer experience while making sure their spending is sustainable.
As your local chain business confronts the challenges of inflation head-on, a localized advertising strategy can help you address labor shortages, grow your customer base, and cultivate a more satisfying brand experience.
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In a stunning reveal at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, Honda showcased a series of exhibits that had car enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. Among the lineup, the spotlight was firmly on the 2024 Honda Civic RS Prototype, a preview of the future of sporty hatchbacks.
Dressed in a sleek full-black design, the Civic RS Prototype immediately stands out with its revamped front bumper and stylish red RS emblems. The manual gearbox adds an extra thrill, especially for Japanese buyers waiting for this feature. Unlike the standard automatic, the Civic RS with a manual gearbox is set to hit the Japanese market in fall 2024, filling the gap between regular versions and the high-performance Type R.
While Honda hasn’t spilled all the beans about what’s under the hood, there’s a lot of excitement about potential refinements that promise an enhanced driving experience. Speculations suggest that the Civic RS might share similarities with its US counterpart, the Civic Si, known for its impressive turbocharged engine delivering 200 horsepower.
ALSO READ: Say hello to the Honda 0 series EVs
The prototype, recently unveiled at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, is generating quite a buzz. With a satin black exterior and privacy windows, the Civic RS Prototype exudes a cool vibe. The red RS logos on the grille and trunk lid add a touch of flair, making it easily distinguishable.
For those wondering about the technical side, the Civic RS is expected to feature a coveted six-speed manual transmission, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate a hands-on driving experience. Although the exact powertrain details are still a mystery, the front-wheel-drive model aligns with its more aggressive sibling, the Type R.
As for its availability, the Civic RS is slated to hit the Japanese market later this year. While there’s no official word on a US launch, hopes remain high among enthusiasts for a potential surprise down the road.


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NEW YORK (Infobae) – The world’s big brands joined the world’s financial blockade and decided to apply harsh restrictions to the country led by Vladimir Putin
Since the war between Russia and Ukraine broke out last Thursday morning, hundreds of countries have expressed their rejection of the actions of the armed forces commanded by Vladimir Putindemanding that he withdraw his troops and back down from his plans to invade his neighboring country.
In addition to having applied economic and financial sanctions, the countries grouped in the European Union, the United States and Canada, have closed their air spaces to all aircraft of Russian origin, in an articulated attempt to isolate Russia from the world and generate greater pressure so that leave Ukraine.
But this is not all, in the last days, an increasing number of international companies have decided to stop operating in Russia. In the list that increases with the passing of the days are large companies in the automotive, aviation, technology, energy and finance sectorsamong others.
Infobae made up the list of the 50 largest international companies that ceased operations or reduced their presence in Russia to the maximum:
Google – Since last Sunday, the internet giant has prevented Russian state media from monetizing their content on their platforms.
“In response to the war in Ukraine, we paused the monetization of Russian state-funded media on our platforms”a Google spokesman said in a statement.
Manzana – The manzanita also stopped operating in Russia, preventing their products from being purchased on their website in that country from March 1.
According to a company statement, this started a few days earlier, limiting the Apple Pay service.
Youtube – The largest video platform in the world, also belonging to Alphabet, the parent company of the aforementioned Google, has prevented Russian state-owned media outlets, such as the international broadcaster RT, from earning revenue by displaying ads on their website, apps and videos.
Disney – Mickey’s company paused the release of his films in Russia.
Through a statement, the American entertainment company indicated that in its most recent materials, as well as those of the subsidiary Pixar -such is the case of Turning Red-, they will not be part of the catalog that can be seen by the Russians.
Goal – He confirmed last Monday that will restrict access to the RT network and the Sputnik agency, media affiliated with the Russian Government, on its social networks, which include Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, due to a request from the European Union.
Nick Clegg, responsible for global affairs at Meta, assured in a statement that the company has received multiple requests from European governments in relation to the media controlled by the Kremlin.
Netflix – The audiovisual content platform also joined the blockade of Russia, refusing to accept the country’s new audiovisual law, which forces streaming services with more than 100,000 users to broadcast 20 Russian TV channels that include propaganda.
“Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our serviceA company representative confirmed in a statement.
microsoft- The company he founded Bill Gates said will remove Russian state media apps from its Windows app store and will not post ads on Kremlin state media websites.
Twitter- The little blue bird’s net decided to temporarily suspend advertisements in Ukraine and Russia to minimize the “risks associated with the conflict” in the country that is being invaded. The company detailed that they also paused these ads “to ensure that critical public safety information is elevated and the ads do not detract from it.”
Mastercard – The credit card blocked several institutions from its payment network to comply with the international sanctions that are being imposed on Russia.
The New York-based financial company said in a statement that it will continue to “work with regulators in the coming days to fully comply with our obligations” in relation to these sanctions.
“Given the unfolding emergency, we are also working with our partners to direct funding and humanitarian aid where it can have the greatest impact.”specified Michael Miebbachthe first director of the company.
Visa – In the same way as the previously detailed company, has decided to block a number of Russian financial institutions from its network, to comply with government sanctions imposed by the invasion of Ukraine.
In addition, from the company they communicated that they are willing to comply with any additional sanctions as the conflict progresses.
The rest of. top 50 of companies that ceased to operate in Russia is completed with the following:
-Amazon- Banned all retailers of Russian origin.
-Instagram- He blocked Russian propaganda.
-Shell- It terminated its agreement with Gazprom.
-Spotify- Canceled the option to pay for the service.
-TikTok- He banned the publication of content from aggressive Russians and also from Russian media.
-Toyota- The Japanese automaker suspended factory operation in Russia and lays off 2,600 employees
-Nike- He closed his stores.
– PayPal – Blocked all outgoing payments from Russia.
– LinkedIn – He announced that he is making preparations to leave the country.
-Ford- He suspended his sales.
-Boeing- Left the Russian market.
-Adobe- Completely blocked their services.
– General Motors – It suspended its exports.
-Intel- Banned the supply of microchips.
– Nintendo – It does not allow paying for services with rubles.
-Paramount- He blocked all his premieres and the distribution of his movies and series.
– PlayStation – It does not allow paying for services.
-Pornhub- It canceled access to all its content and services.
-Mitsubishi- It laid off employees at 141 service centers.
-Renault- He left the market.
– Mercedes Benz – He left the country.
-HP- It suspended the shipment of products to the country.
– Exxon Mobil – Withdrew from all the experts of the Russian oil companies.
-Dropbox- He assured that it will stop working in a short time in Russia.
-Eurovision- Russia cannot compete.
-Harley-Davidson- He suspended his shipments.
– Nestle – It closed its six factories.
-Porsche- He left the local market.
-Sony- It blocked the distribution of films.
-Lenovo- He left the local market.
– Jaguar – He left the local market.
-Ericsson- He left the local market.
– Formula 1 – Canceled the Sochi Grand Prix.
-FedEx- He suspended his shipments.
-Maersk- Suspension of deliveries to and from Russia.
– Jooble – He closed his service.
– Megogo – He took out service to Russian films.
– Subway – He laid off 10,000 employees.
-Snapchat- It stopped operating in Russia and Belarus.
– Paysera – He closed the accounts of his Russian clients.
© 2019 Infobae
UyPress – Uruguayan News Agency


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Allbirds Zeroes In On Nothing
A 19% reduction in its average product carbon footprint in 2022 marks the footwear brand’s largest single year reduction yet
San Francisco, April 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allbirds has announced that it spent 2022 working on nothing — and has now published how little it does… when it comes to climate impact, of course.
In the 2022 Flight Status released today, Allbirds revealed its biggest year-over-year reduction in its average product carbon footprint—cutting that figure by 19%, from 8.76 kg CO₂e to 7.12 kg CO₂e. This means that Allbirds is already more than 60% of the way towards its 2025 science-based targets, and on track to reach near zero product carbon emissions by 2030, per its Flight Plan. This reduction is thanks to 27 different initiatives across the business.
Allbirds is also adding the ‘carbon cost’ to its customer receipts, alongside the financial cost in a bid to increase awareness and education surrounding product carbon footprints. After becoming the first fashion brand to label all of its products with their carbon footprint in 2020, Allbirds has been on a relentless mission to empower consumers with information to make more informed purchasing decisions. In 2021, the brand also open-sourced their carbon footprint methodology in an effort to spur on the industry to adopt carbon accountability.
“With our Flight Status, we want to show all of the work we do every day of the year when it comes to our commitment and journey towards zero carbon emissions – and we want to print it on our receipts for everyone to see,” said Hana Kajimura, Head of Sustainability at Allbirds. “Real leadership in sustainability means following through on what you say you’re going to do. Taking small steps that add up to something big.”
Allbirds sharpened its focus on three key areas to cut carbon emissions in 2022:
Regenerative Agriculture - In 2022, Allbirds created more products with regenerative wool. During the 2022 holiday season, it launched the Regen Collection—two new shoes, plus a revival of a regen beanie and scarf, made with ZQRX Regenerative Wool. And in 2023, Allbirds is leveraging that material again in new styles like the SuperLight collection. It also partnered with New Zealand Merino and Made For Good, a software company that provides companies farm-level traceability and emissions data. Together, they are working to baseline net emissions across all of Allbirds’s wool suppliers, which will give greater insight into where and how to reduce in the future.
Renewable Materials - In 2022, renewable materials accounted for a reduction of -0.25 kg CO2e of Allbirds’s overall per unit reduction of -1.64 kg CO2e*. Allbirds updated its footwear packaging to reduce weight and lower its footprint; transitioned from virgin nylon to recycled nylon in its wool fabrics; and updated the sockliner in its lifestyle Tree styles to utilize more recycled materials.
Responsible Energy - In 2022, responsible energy accounted for a reduction of -0.93 kg CO2e of Allbirds’s overall per unit reduction of -1.64 kg CO2e*. This was achieved by significantly increasing ocean shipping to 96%, up from 80% in 2020 and bringing its renewable energy approach to facilities in China, where some of Allbirds’s rubbers and foams are molded. Allbirds is also continuing to advocate for policies that support more renewable energy in Vietnam, where the brand’s primary factories are located.
While the 2022 Sustainability Report is laser-focused on carbon reduction goals, the brand also recognizes that true sustainability means much more than just that. Outside of climate-related goals, Allbirds has additional Flight Plan commitments across five foundational areas: Fair Labor, Water, Chemistry, Animal Welfare, and Traceability & Transparency. In 2022, strides were made across all of these foundations, with key wins including getting richer audit data from factories; sharing more details on facilities and workers; and implementing a much more comprehensive Environmental Program at factories.
“Sustainability has been a cornerstone of the business since we founded Allbirds, and it’s something our consumers and the industry continue to look to us to lead. While we are proud of this year’s progress and of the talented teams that brought these sustainability initiatives to life, our work isn’t done. To bring our carbon footprint to near zero, we have to continue driving this work forward,” says Allbirds Co-Founder and Co-CEO Tim Brown. “Beyond these efforts, it’s not enough to do the work on our own—we need to inspire and empower the industry to follow suit in order to generate real change, and that is why we’re committed to open-sourcing our toolkits and collaborating with other brands to join us.”
To learn more and read the complete 2022 Flight Status, please visit: www.allbirds.com/sustainability
About Allbirds, Inc.: Dreamed up in New Zealand, Allbirds launched in San Francisco in 2016 with the ethos of using natural materials to create the world’s most comfortable shoes. With carbon reduction as its north star, Allbirds is paving the way for a more sustainable approach to business through product innovation, industry collaboration (like open sourcing its footprint calculator) and being the first footwear brand to carbon label all of its products. Allbirds serves customers in 35+ countries across 55+ retail stores. www.allbirds.com
*Note: The carbon footprint reduction values (-0.25 kg CO2e and -0.93 kg CO2e) do not add up to the -1.64 kg CO2e total because there was also a reduction associated with a style mix shift (i.e., Allbirds produced a lower mix of wool footwear styles). For more information, please visit the full 2022 Flight Status document.


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Disney World’s Magic Bands – a travel industry model for seamless travel
On Monday, the Disney World theme park in Florida began allowing all visitors to use its new $1 billion system of electronic bracelets, which enable visitors to enter their hotel rooms and ride attractions wirelessly.
NB: This is a viewpoint on seamless travel is an excerpt from the report, Shaping the Future of Travel: Macro trends driving industry growth over the next decade, released today by Oxford Economics, a consultancy, commissioned by Amadeus, the travel IT giant.
Disney’s system is an ideal example of “seamless travel”. Disney World is “a model village”, not just for families wanting an idealized escape but for the entire global travel industry looking for ways to innovate.
Walt Disney World, in late 2013, took a bold step in the direction of seamless travel.
Before this move, Disney, by virtue of its multiple offerings across the entertainment, accommodation, and dining spheres in one area, was already able to offer a somewhat seamless travel experience. Disney has now taken this concept a step further with the introduction of MyMagic+.
Read full story at: http://www.tnooz.com/article/disney-magic-bands-seamless-travel/


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Major Report on Human Trafficking, Forced Labor and Slavery Issued
June 23rd, 2010
Global NGO Shows Evidence of Widespread human trafficking across sectors and countries, including the United States
Verité, the global non-profit organization known for its state-of-the-art, ‘worker interview’ social audit, CSR training, labor rights research and supply chain expertise, launched a ground-breaking initiative today entitled HELP WANTED: Hiring, Human Trafficking and Slavery in the Global Economy. As part of the HELP WANTED initiative, the organization released a major report based on a year-long investigation that illustrates the prevalence of forced labor and human trafficking across many businesses across the globe. The group has launched a website to help stakeholder groups with the questions needed to be asked and steps needed to be taken in order to eradicate forced labor and slavery in supply chains around the world. To download a copy of the report and visit HELP WANTED, visit www.verite.org/wellmade.


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A new GoDaddy ad featuring racer Danica Patrick will air during the 2014 Super Bowl. Suffice it to say, we'll be seeing her in a whole new light.
The NASCAR driver was asked to don a full body muscle suit for her thirteenth Super Bowl ad. Her latest commercial also features a veritable army of body builders of the male persuasion.
When Danica first saw the muscle body suit that she was being asked to wear, she responded, "Holy crap!"
Patrick and her man posse take to the streets in mass on their way to a spray tanning salon. As they press their flesh against the shop window, attractive shop owner Selena picks up her sprayer, a sure sign she is ready for the onslaught of new business. She whispers, "It's Go Time."
Previous Super Bowl ads have shown Danica in a more sexual light but this year the brand has decided to go in a totally different direction. GoDaddy's new CEO, Blake Irving acknowledges that previous ads were "provocative, sexy, crazy, gutsy."
They have decided this year to showcase the 'little guy' looking to compete with the 'big guys.' In the new ad we see small business owner Selena welcoming the opportunity to work with her new clientele.
The Web-hosting company has purchased two 30-second slots that will allow them to showcase their new theme in each half of Super Bowl XLVIII on Fox.
Irving stated emphatically, "We've matured. We've evolved. Our new brand of Super Bowl commercials will make it crystal clear what we do and who we stand for. We may be changing our approach, but as we've always said, we don't care what the critics think. We are all about our customers."
Check it the behind the scenes shots followed by the ad and let us know what you think:
Photo: Video Screen Grab


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 5, 2014
Anne LeZotte, Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Lauren Miller, Moxley Carmichael
Email: [email protected]
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America, is giving away a year of free coffee and commemorative travel mugs to Congressional Medal of Honor recipients at the Medal of Honor Knoxville Convention.
As a Hero Sponsor for this year’s convention, Pilot Flying J is offering the free coffee in order to continue to show its support of and appreciation for the United States military and the Medal of Honor recipients.
“As an Army veteran myself, I understand and appreciate the sacrifices these heroes have made,” said Jim Haslam, Pilot Corporation founder and chairman. “Free coffee is a unique way Pilot Flying J can show the Medal of Honor recipients our gratitude for their brave actions.”
Pilot Flying J frequently implements new programs to improve the driving and working experience for veteran drivers. Last September, Pilot Flying J gave free gas to nearly 1,600 veterans, active soldiers and their families for Operation Tank Full of Love. The Knoxville-headquartered company also has celebrated Veteran’s Day by offering free services for professional drivers who are veterans and offers favorable employment provisions for those in the military.
“It’s a privilege to be able to give back to our service men and women,” Haslam said. “They do so much for our country, and Pilot Flying J is proud to be able to do something for them.”
For more information on Pilot Flying J, visit www.pilotflyingj.com.
About Pilot Flying J
Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America, is committed to making life better for professional drivers. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Pilot Flying J has more than 650 retail locations. The Pilot Flying J network provides drivers with access to more than 65,000 parking spaces for trucks, 4,400 showers and more than 4,400 diesel lanes offering DEF at the pump. Pilot Flying J subsidiary Pilot Logistics Services is one of the fastest growing independent energy logistics companies in North America. Together, Pilot Flying J and Pilot Logistic Services employ more than 24,000 people. Pilot Flying J is currently ranked No. 7 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies. Visit www.pilotflyingj.com for more information.
About the Medal of Honor Knoxville Convention
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is comprised solely of Medal of Honor recipients including men of all races, social classes and economic levels. The Society exists to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal of Honor, maintain a bond of brotherhood among living recipients and promote patriotism and principles on which our nation was founded. Each year the Society holds its annual convention in a different city in the U.S. Knoxville, Tennessee has been selected to hold this year’s convention September 10 – 13, 2014.


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According to a Eurogamer report, Rage 2, the latest development from id Software, will not have multiplayer and will instead include some form of “social component.”
In an interview at QuakeCon, Tim Willits of id Software told Eurogamer that “[Rage 2] will have a social component but it’s not your typical multiplayer”. Although the studio is aware of the need for multiplayer in this day and age, not to mention how important it is to the community, Willits would not go into exact details with Eurogamer during the interview.
As the interview continued, the outlet asked Willits regarding micro-transactions, to which the id Software studio head replied, “Ah… I don’t know yet.” Although he didn’t flat-out decline the existence of loot boxes in Rage 2, Willits did mention that the company is trying to “figure out how it will work” in the game.
Yesterday, Bethesda’s YouTube channel posted an extensive look at Rage 2, which actually looks really cool. You can see that video here.
There is no official release date for Rage 2, but it is expected to launch in Spring 2019 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.


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Suspects from Ulta theft identified and arraigned on charges
Five women have been charged in connection with an organized retail theft incident and police shooting at the Ulta Beauty store Thursday in Green Oak Township.
Prosecutors this week charged Shanel Webster, 29, Tirezah Scott, 50, Joya Williams, 36, — all of Detroit, and Laronda Chase, 25, and Kari Williams, 27, whose addresses are not clear, with multiple felonies in connection with the incident.
According to court records, Webster has been arraigned on 11 charges: organized retail crime, first-degree retail fraud, stolen property, uttering and publishing counterfeit bills or notes, assault with a dangerous weapon, two charges of fleeing a police officer in the third degree, two counts of assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer and two counts of malicious destruction of fire or police property. She is being held at the Livingston County Jail in lieu of a $500,000 bond.
Scott has been arraigned on five charges: organized retail crime, first-degree retail fraud, assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer, stolen property and deactivation/removal of a theft detection device. She is being held in the Livingston County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
Williams has been arraigned on four charges: organized retail crime, stolen property, first-degree retail fraud and driving while license was suspended/revoked/denied. She is being held in the Livingston County Jail with a $100,000 bond.
Chase and Williams were both arraigned on three charges: organized retail crime, stolen property and second-degree retail fraud. They have posted $100,000 bonds and are not currently in the Livingston County Jail.
All five women are all scheduled for probable cause conferences Jan. 31.
Livingston County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Carolyn Henry and Green Oak Township Deputy Police Chief Jason Pless could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
The incident began when officers "…responded to a report of four suspects, later determined to be five, who entered Ulta and were filling a bag with merchandise," at about 8 p.m., Green Oak police said in a press release.
As officers arrived, one suspect fled on foot and was pursued by officers. Other suspects made it to two separate vehicles and were able to drive away.
One vehicle was stopped in the parking lot by officers, including Michigan State troopers.
While one trooper was attempting to arrest the woman who fled on foot, a vehicle involved drove directly at the trooper, according to Michigan State Police. The trooper fired his weapon at the vehicle and the car was struck, but no one was injured.
Then, the vehicle was stopped in the parking lot after colliding with the back of the Men's Wearhouse store in the mall.
State Police First District Public Information Officer Lt. Rene Gonzalez said there has been a string of incidents across the country at Ulta Beauty stores, but police did not yet know if this incident was connected. Ulta stores sell cosmetics and other beauty products.
Employees at the Ulta store declined to comment, but the company issued a statement.
"Organized retail crime impacts manufacturers, consumers, employees and communities," Ulta Beauty Director of Public Relations Crystal Carroll said in a statement Friday. "As our assortment, store footprint and brand awareness have grown, Ulta Beauty has increasingly become a target for these criminals."
Sophia Lada is a reporter for the Livingston Daily. Contact her at firstname.lastname@example.org or 517-377-1065. Follow her on Twitter @sophia_lada.


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First, I should tell you that the incidence of precocious puberty has been rising in recent years. In girls this includes the development of breasts, armpit or pubic hair and the onset of menstruation before the age of 9. In rare cases, precocious puberty in girls is caused by tumors of the pituitary, hypothalamus or ovaries, but it is widely believed that obesity is responsible for most of it. We’ve long known that overweight girls mature into puberty earlier than slim ones.
That said, there is evidence from a new study performed at the University of California, Berkeley that prenatal exposure to chemicals in cosmetics and other personal care products may lead to early puberty in girls. (Boys don’t seem to be affected.) The chemicals include diethyl phosphate and triclosan, both known endocrine disruptors. They are found in toothpaste, soap, fragrances, and shampoos as well as cosmetics. The FDA banned the use of triclosan in hand soap in 2017, but it is still used in one line of toothpaste (Colgate Total). Exposure to triclosan is so pervasive that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it can be found in the urine of 75 percent of all U.S. residents, as well as in plasma and breast milk.
The Berkeley researchers measured concentrations of phthalates, parabens and phenols, including triclosan, in the urine of pregnant women twice during pregnancy and took urine samples from their children at age 9. Then they followed 338 youngsters to see whether their exposure to these chemicals would affect their development. They found that a doubling of paraben levels in girls was associated with the onset of breast and public hair development one month earlier than usual.
The team also reported that every time concentrations of diethyl phthalate and triclosan in a mother’s urine doubled, the timing of developmental milestones in their daughters also occurred about one month earlier than usual. When triclosan levels doubled, the daughters first menstrual period began one month earlier than normal. And when blood levels of phthalates in the women doubled, their daughters’ pubic hair began growing 1.3 months earlier than usual.
Girls who had higher concentrations of parabens in their urine at age 9 also experienced puberty at young ages. It isn’t clear that the chemicals were solely responsible for these changes or whether the girls who reached puberty earlier were more likely to start using personal care products themselves at younger ages. The investigators suspect, however, that many chemicals in personal care products can interfere with natural hormones, leading to early puberty. (Studies have shown that exposure to these chemicals can affect reproductive development in rats.) Early puberty can have a big health downside: it has been associated with increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer in girls, testicular cancer in boys and mental illness in both.
The FDA does not require proof of safety before cosmetics products reach the market. You can help avoid phthalates by choosing fragrance-free products. (But be aware that those labeled “unscented” may still contain phthalates.) And you can learn how to avoid other chemicals in personal care products by following the Environmental Working Group’s guide to personal care products called SkinDeep.
Andrew Weil, M.D.
Kim G. Harley et al, “Association of phthalates, parabens and phenols found in personal care products with pubertal timing in girls and boys.” Human Reproduction, December 4, 2018, doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dey337


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The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a diabetes-detecting chip to monitor blood sugar levels by analysing breath.
The breath analyser technology aims to supplement, and eventually replace, the current invasive ‘finger prick’ glucometer for monitoring diabetes in patients.
The breath analyser technology was among some of the technologies displayed at the media briefing held in Pretoria with select female researchers from the CSIR. They briefed the media on some of the health research being undertaken to improve the country’s healthcare system.
Speaking at the media briefing, one of the researchers working on this technology, Valentine Saasa, said finger pricking remains one of the most painful methods of monitoring the diabetes.
“The new solution is non-invasive and hence alleviates pain, as well as opportunistic infections. Many diabetes sufferers would prefer to monitor their sugar levels in a pain-free manner. The new technology is a direct response to these challenges which our citizens face daily. The breath analyser is based on a micro-nano chip composed of nanostructures,” said Saasa.
Stem cell research
Dr Janine Scholefield, a senior researcher in synthetic biology, gave a status update on stem cell research. Dr Scholefield is using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) models to study health issues relevant to Africa, such as those caused by HIV, by looking at people with different susceptibility to the virus, including elite controllers. This group of individuals is able to control the viral levels without antiretrovirals; so Dr Scholefield has genetically engineered iPSC-derived blood cells that cannot be infected by HIV.
Through her research, Dr Scholefield is also making genetically engineered liver cells with the aim of designing drugs suited to the African population to avoid adverse drug reactions, which are becoming an increasing issue across the continent.
“Brain cells, liver cells, heart cells and white blood cells are a few of the cells that we can genetically engineer using a skin biopsy. Research that focuses on creating stem cells, one African mutation at time, is important, as a model that works in another continent may not work in Africa,” said Dr Scholefield.
Skin care products
The CSIR is also working on the safety and development of skin care products. According to the CSIR, South Africa is facing a crisis with illegal products that damage consumers’ skin. The research will focus on new product development to ensure safety of the ingredients used in cosmetic products, such as lotions, creams and cleansers.
Product development technician, Vivey Phasha urged consumers to be aware of the ingredients that go into their cosmetic products to ensure the safety and protection of their skin.
“Each cosmetic product must have an ingredients list at the back panel, which then gives information on what has been added to the product. With this information, a consumer will be able to know what goes into their product,” said Phasha.
“Safety, stability, usability and efficacy are some of the most important traits of a good skin product. To ensure this, considerations such as the careful selection of ingredients and clinical testing are a priority in our laboratories,” continued Phasha.
Development of probiotics
Senior researcher, Ghaneshree Moodley, shared her research on the development of probiotics for use in the production of broiler chickens, dusky-cob and abalone. The research will assist the country in the production of natural animal products, free of antibiotics, chemicals and growth stimulants.
“Consumers are demanding naturally produced animal products, free of antibiotics, chemicals and growth stimulants. A key opportunity lies in developing probiotics for the production of both commodity and specialty foods,” said Moodley.
“Unique locally sourced probiotics offer an alternative biological strategy to improve farm productivity by improving digestibility and feed conversion, achieving a higher growth rate, attenuation of disease and improving vigour,” concluded Moodley.


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Bolton-based business broker Hilton Smythe Business Sales is urging the Government to consider the impact on independent high street retailers if the UK becomes a cashless society, and to support the transition for cash-only businesses if these predictions are realised.
Following the recent Access to Cash Review, politicians including Nicky Morgan and Matt Warman, and money experts including Martin Lewis, have issued warnings on behalf of consumers, particularly older people and people living in rural areas.
The report suggests that cash could account for only 10% of all transactions within the next 15 years.
However, Gareth Smyth, CEO of Hilton Smythe Group, has issued a warning to the Government to consider the impact on small, independent high street shops.
Gareth said: “Many small, independent high street retailers, particularly ones such as butchers, laundrettes, greengrocers and takeaways, still deal in cash. If we moved to a cashless society, this would be devastating for them, as they would have to spend a great deal of money upgrading their systems, and this may be money they don’t have.
“Many of these businesses are passed through families and run by the owners up until their retirement. They may not be as tech-savvy as younger entrepreneurs and having to cope with a big technological shift in their last years of employment can be damaging to their mental health, on top of any financial implications.”
In 2018, the number of free to use cashpoints declined by, on average, 250 per month, and by the end of the year, the Office of National Statistics found that nearly 6,000 local bank branches had closed since the start of the decade.
Gareth added: “We must also consider how the business people who operate with cash-only or predominantly cash are impacted by the closures of branches and the removal of ATMs. They need to be able to deposit their money somewhere, and, if a customer arrives without cash, they need to be able to get some money out to pay for the services.
“If customers can’t use these retailers because there is nowhere convenient to go and get cash, they will go elsewhere, and this would be a huge shame. Local independent retailers are the lifeblood of the high street, and care should be taken to ensure we don’t lose them forever.
“If we do head towards a cashless society within the next 15 to 20 years, the Government has a duty to support these businesses that currently run on cash-only, to preserve the heritage they provide.”
"If customers cant use these retailers because there is nowhere convenient to go and get cash, they will go elsewhere, and this would be a huge shame."
Gareth Smyth, CEO of Hilton Smythe Group
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Members of the British Security Industry Association’s Export Council have given an exclusive preview of what visitors can expect to see at this year’s Moscow International Protection, Security and Fire Safety (MIPS) exhibition, which takes place from 26th – 29th April.
As the trade association representing the UK’s private security industry, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and its dedicated Export Council play a vital role in forging productive trade links between UK security companies and overseas buyers from around the world. This year’s MIPS event will be no exception, with the BSIA and many of its members on hand to provide advice and guidance on the latest products and services that the UK has to offer.
“With UK security exports growing steadily year-on-year, creating and maintaining links with overseas buyers and distributors is essential to our industry,” comments Caroline Strickley, Export Services Executive at the BSIA. “MIPS is a key date in our calendar, providing an opportunity for our members to engage with these audiences and position the UK as a leading force in global security provision.”
Members of the BSIA’s Export Council will be showcasing a range of products and services at this year’s event, including:
Tristram Young of Pyronix: “Pyronix provides superior quality security products to a global market; therefore the MIPS exhibition in Moscow provides us with a fantastic platform to showcase the Enforcer, our new two way fully wireless alarm system, to an international market. With over 400 companies in attendance from 23 countries, the 17th annual MIPS exhibition will be an extremely beneficial event for both our potential customers and Pyronix.”
Bradley Podbur, Head of Export Sales at Geoquip: “Geoquip are pleased to announce that once again they will exhibiting at MIPS 2011, Moscow. Geoquip have been providing perimeter protection solutions in Russia & FSU through local partner, BIS Engineering, for over 20 years and the market forms an important part of Geoquip’s export strategy. Amongst the products being presented will be Geoquip’s new Geozone fence mounted detection system, and Peristop / Perifence from Sister company Orep. Geoquip can be found on stand F705 within the UK Pavillion, and we would like to thank BSIA Export Council for their invaluable support in getting the event off the ground.”
Greg Stuttle, Sales Director of GJD Manufacturing Ltd: “GJD has been consistently growing its export business over the last 6 years, and now we feel the time is right for us to target the Russian market. Exhibiting at MIPS seemed to us to be the obvious first step.
We specialize in the manufacture of external movement detectors and our main objective for attending the exhibition is to find a Russian distributor for our products. As always we have found our involvement with the BSIA Export Council invaluable. We have been able to get advice from other companies that are already trading in the Russian market and book our stand as part of the UK Pavilion.”
Steve Clarke, Managing Director of ComNet Europe: “This is the first time ComNet are exhibiting and a great way to reach the valuable Russian market. “We recognise the potential Russia and the surrounding countries present for ComNet and this trade show is an essential part of our business strategy for reaching key decision makers, and our involvement at this year’s show was made possible with the assistance of BSIA, through who the whole process of exhibiting was made easy. ComNet will be showcasing a range of Fiber Optic transmission equipment and Ethernet networking products designed for the Security, Intelligent Transport Systems and Communication markets.”
With the stringent checks that the BSIA conducts on its members, overseas customers can rest assured that they will receive only the best service, despite being located in a different country, with the BSIA Export Council an ideal first port of call for anybody interested in developing a relationship with a UK company, either as a customer or distributor.
To find out more, visit the BSIA’s stand at MIPS, which will be located in the Forum Hall, Stand F708. Alternatively, those who are unable to attend the event can learn more about the work of the BSIA’s Export Countil by visiting www.bsia.co.uk/exporting


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The long-awaited mobile port of Shadowrun Returns rolls out on Android tablets and iPad later today.
Harebrained Schemes announced a September 26 release date via a Kickstarter update today; depending on what region you’re in, one or both versions may have already unlocked, while others will have to wait a few hours as the international date line trundles on.
“When Jordan created the original world of Shadowrun, he didn’t predict that people would one day interact with that world on touch-screen computers more powerful than the one that took us to the moon,” Harebrained said.
“It is extremely gratifying that the enthusiasm for this game setting has stood the test of time and that we are now able to deliver it on mobile devices to a new generation of gamers.”
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Jillian Madison isn’t afraid to call her mother what she is: a “notoriously bad gift giver.
“My sister and I still laugh about the junk we’d find under the tree ... ,” recalls Ms. Madison. “When I was 11, I got a miniature decorative wooden harp that you couldn’t even pluck or strum. When my sister was 14, she got a tape dispenser with no tape. Every child’s dream!”
Today, Ms. Madison and her sister Michelle have given other disgruntled receivers a voice on WhyDidYouBuyMeThat.com, a site that lets people post photos of their most heinous gifts.
A sampling of the Christmas offerings reveals much trauma: frumpy Christmas sweaters from grandma, an inexplicable crab ornament covered in non-functioning bulbs, a “smug-faced” Santa tin littered with crumbs but no actual cookies and a nun that shoots sparks from her mouth – for an aspiring priest named “Joseph” who posted the photo and seethed that “Both gifts were trashed.”
WhyDidYouBuyMeThat.com is just one sign that the end of gracious receiving may be nigh.
Last year, North Americans were titillated by news of a “gift conversion” patent from Amazon that would have allowed customers to exchange gifts they didn’t want – before the gifts were shipped, and without arousing the suspicions of the gift-giver.
Less boorish a culprit is the gift card, which takes the guess work, and care, out of the custom, arguably turning the holiday exchange into a financial tit-for-tat. “The intent of gifts is to strengthen or affirm a relationship, and in that case, gift cards really don’t do that because there’s nothing tangible you’d associate with the person other than, ‘Sally gave me 50 bucks for Christmas,’” said Tim Jones, an associate professor of marketing at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
One-third of Canadians were planning to buy gift cards in 2011, with women more likely than men to rely on them, according to research from the NPD Group. Another 40 per cent were undecided, since “gift cards are often purchased at the last minute after other ideas are exhausted,” said Rick Brown, NPD’s director of custom research. While eight in 10 Americans said they’d be opting for gift cards this year, 26 per cent admit they feel “impersonal,” according to the U.S.-based National Retail Foundation.
“It’s become, for many people, a convenient way not to have to think a lot about what to do. You leave it up to the person,” said John-Kurt Pliniussen, associate professor of eMarketing and innovation at Queen’s School of Business.
Citing his own North American research, Dr. Pliniussen said 22 per cent of all Christmas gifts are now card-based, up from 15 per cent two years ago. He said that spike has to do with the proliferation of gift-giving occasions, at least 16 possible occasions annually, by his count. “For every Hallmark card occasion, there’s now a gift-card occasion,” said Dr. Pliniussen. “If we feel awkward about saying specifically what we want – and sometimes we don’t know what we want, but someone feels obliged on one of these 16 occasions – it’s a nice alternative.”
Aside from the mushrooming of these milestones, the list of folks on our gift lists has also ballooned, from kindergarten teachers to mail carriers. This means obligations have swelled just as free time has shrunk. Enter the Starbucks/Chapters gift card.
“It’s not a gift for a gift’s sake. It’s become more of, ‘I have to do this. I don’t have time to put thought into what this person really wants.’ It’s a desacralization process. Christmas becomes an obligation to provide,’” said Prof. Jones, adding, “It’s not any different than tipping.”
Heather Evans, an English professor at Queen’s University who also looks at Christmas conventions, said we are moving away from the term “gift giving” to “exchanging gifts.
“[It’s]a critical rhetorical shift that implies a change from an act of generosity to a transaction that implicitly – and perhaps agonizingly – quantifies the relationship: Is this someone with whom I have a relationship that warrants a $10 token, a $25 present or a $100 gift?”
Complicating this dynamic is the growing distance between giver and recipient since the Victorian era, when people exchanged gifts with just the members of their household. The commercialization of Christmas, Prof. Evans said, has “brought with it an expansion of the number of people to whom we feel compelled or obligated by etiquette and custom to give gifts.”
This is where careful gifting rituals fall apart: “We can’t possibly maintain among more than a few of these people the kind of intimacy necessary to select a gift for a particular recipient that will be especially welcomed or appreciated. How often does anyone receive a gift to be treasured in the dreaded office Secret Santa exchange?”
The popularity of gift cards suggests a desire for control – and a lack of trust in the giver to get it right. It also spares recipients the embarrassment of having to lie when the slipper socks come out.
“If you don’t know what to get someone, go with a gift card. Really, it’s okay,” said Ms. Madison, of WhyDidYouBuyMeThat.com infamy.
Otherwise, your gift might end up on her site, which the Connecticut native is unapologetic about. “Anyone saying the submitters on the site are cruel or rude really needs to take a step down off of the horse they’re sitting on,” Ms. Madison said. “A bad gift is a bad gift. It’s not the thought that counts. That’s just something people say to make themselves feel better about the junky gift they just received.”
Cindy Post Senning, great-granddaughter of Emily Post and co-director of the eponymous institute, is predictably unimpressed with sites like Ms. Madison’s, finding their spirit “disappointing.
“Maybe your grandmother isn’t right on top of things and those slipper socks are a little outdated but oh my gosh, does she love you! She made you those slipper socks,” Ms. Post Senning said.
Her advice on gracious receiving? “Thank people for their thoughts. Find the positive truth, we say.”Report Typo/Error


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People Ditching New Balance After Trump Comment
They are upset about the Vice President's recent statement.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Sara Germano of the Wall Street Journal tweeted some words from the Vice President of popular brand New Balance, which outraged some anti-Donald Trump viewers interpreted as support for the recent president elect.
Trump opposes the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), as does Boston-based New Balance, one of the only shoe brands that manufactures their product in the United States at one of their five New England-based factories. TPP slashes taxes on imports, making it easy for companies to manufacture outside of the United States. Although the comments from New Balance were made in reference to their opinion on TPP, they cite Trump as “going to move in the right direction,” stirring up more negative noise.
Many angry NB customers displayed their outrage by lighting their sneakers on fire, throwing them out and tweeting their NSFW thoughts at the company.
The quick-to-go-viral tweet was clarified later in the morning by the company, saying that in the context of trade, it is an accurate statement.
“‘As the only major company that still makes athletic shoes in the United States, New Balance has a unique perspective on trade and trade policy in that we want to make more shoes in the United States, not less,’ the statement reads. ‘New Balance publicly supported the trade positions of Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump prior to election day that focused on American manufacturing job creation and we continue to support them today,'” cited Solecollector.com.
They also posted a follow-up message on their social accounts to reassure people they are for the people (and still one of our favorite shoe brands):
If you are considering lighting a torch to those shoes, some people are calling for donating the sneakers to those in need, which is considered a more peaceful, humane approach to still display your opinion but also help a fellow human.


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Alliance Franchise Brands Names Suppliers of the Year
“Our Allegra Marketing Print Mail, KKP, Insty-Prints and American Speedy Printing franchise members cast their ballots for these annual awards,” said Mike Dye, vice president of Franchise Member Support for Alliance Franchise Brands. “One of the benefits of being in our franchise network is that we are able to build strong relationships with our partners to be an integral part of the conversations that lead to advancements in their products or services. Their dedication to driving sales in our franchise locations is acknowledged and appreciated by those they support.”
The following categories were recognized:
- Outsourcing Partner – Signs 365
- Business Services – Print Reach
- Technology/Equipment – Ricoh USA
- In-Network Supplier – Brad Naghtin, Allegra, Lansing, Mich.
“We are honored to have been chosen this year,” said Chris Huber, CEO of Print Reach. “Alliance Franchise Brands and its franchise members take full advantage of our software eco-system, and we view them as strategic partners as we continue to develop new features. Their strong work ethic and sharp minds have helped generate a number of great enhancements,” Huber added. “We look forward to even stronger relationships as we help each other grow through these unprecedented times.”
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions.


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It is most interesting to note how popular social media platforms are in various countries. When it comes to Ireland, it has certainly gained in popularity and puts this country as one of the leaders in regards to its use. It has been determined that out of every 10 adults in Ireland, eight of them make use of the social network channels. Added to this it has been discovered that most of them do so through their mobile devices. Aside from using social media for enjoyment many online users will experience the fun that can be found at the android casino which offers some exciting gaming activity.
For those involved in social media, most of the usage relates to those adults that use Facebook and then this is followed with YouTube, then Twitter, and LinkedIn. For individuals that like to use the Facebook platform about 80% of them do so using their smart phone or their laptop or tablet. For Twitter users in Ireland, they tend to use their smart phone app, and when it comes to the usage of a PC only about 20% use this device for logging into their Facebook account.
The statistics also show that about one quarter of the individuals using the social media platforms have indicated that the amount of data that they are uploading is increasing. There is a lot of benefits and important aspects to this increase of the social platform use. These statistics show businesses in Ireland the viability of tapping into this market by setting up the proper social media campaigns.
It also shows those that are looking at a technology career, that getting into digital marketing may be a viable choice. There is no doubt that just as the Internet has grown in leaps and bounds over the years that social media will continue to grow, and there is every chance that users will continue to see new types of social media platforms being added on a constant basis


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Lotus is recalling its Emira sports car for three separate issues.
The first sees 76 examples of the 2022-2023 Lotus Emira being recalled to fix an issue with the windscreen wipers.
“Due to a software issue, the windscreen wipers may operate at half the required speed,” said the company in its recall notice.
“In the event of heavy rain this may lead to poor visibility for the driver.”
If you own an affected vehicle, you’ll be contacted directly by your Lotus dealer to arrange a replacement for the windscreen wiper motor assembly, free of charge.
Lotus is recalling 101 examples of the 2022-2023 Emira because the side curtain airbags may cause the A-pillar covers to detach in a crash.
“Due to a manufacturing defect, the driver and passenger side A-pillar trims may have been fitted incorrectly,” said the company in its recall notice.
“As a result, in an event of the side curtain airbags deployment the force from the airbag could cause the A-pillars cover to detach.”
If you own an affected vehicle, your Lotus dealer will contact you directly to arrange a replacement of the vehicle A-pillar trim assembly, free of charge
Lotus is recalling 26 examples of the 2022 Emira due to an issue with the seatbelt locking mechanism.
“Due to a defect during assembly, the driver and passenger’s seatbelt locking mechanism may engage at the incorrect point,” said the company in its recall notice.
“As a result, the seatbelt could engage tightly across the chest and waist and limit movements which may lead to restricted visibility.
“Additionally, the seatbelt could require increased effort to unbuckle.”
If you own an affected vehicle your Lotus dealer will contact you directly to arrange a time to have the seatbelts replaced, free of charge.
MORE: Everything Lotus Emira


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Photo: Santiago Mejia, The Chronicle
Bill Harris is CEO of Personal Capital, which offers consumers free personal finance software and then sells them investment advice and products like retirement accounts. In 2010 Harris, the former CEO of PayPal and Intuit, sought a federal charter to start an online bank. But regulators denied his application, he said, because the country was still trying to recover from the global financial crisis.
Silicon Valley startups working on payments and peer lending, as well as financial aspects of cybersecurity and data analytics, might soon call banking giants like Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Citigroup industry peers.


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Welcome back to Baby Breakerdom! This week's quest to uncover budding Rule Breakers finds $100 million under the sun and more than 300 new Chinese babies.
First up this week is Nanosolar, which recently secured $100 million in new financing from a combination of sources, including both the government and institutional investors. Why so much attention? It may have something to do with who bootstrapped the firm: Google
Or it could be that alternative energy is attracting more customers than ever. Take California, for example. The state government there has pledged nearly $3 billion to harness 3,000 megawatts of power over the next 11 years. With its bigger bank account, Nanosolar is now poised to help. VentureWire reports that the company aims to use most of the proceeds to construct the world's largest solar cell production facility. When completed, it will be capable of manufacturing and shipping 200 million photovoltaic cells annually, equivalent to 430 megawatts of power.
Impressive as that is, it's technology might prove most frightening to existing power providers and budding sun hoarders, including Chinese manufacturer Suntech Power
Next up is a slew of new Chinese investments. According to VentureSource China, domestic venture firms have funded more than 300 Sino start-ups over the past two years, spending more than $2.8 billion.
Frankly, this isn't too surprising. When we recently went round and round in our Foolish Investing World Cup, China came up often as a model for how the developing world can offer generous returns. Consider a company like NetEase
Of course, there are risks to investing in China or any developing market. Among other qualms, there aren't nearly as many securities available to Western investors, which makes diversification difficult for stock-pickers. But those days may be coming to an end, now that American VCs are spending heavily in the region. Call it yet another sign that 2016's Rule Breakers are more likely to be found in Asia rather than here.
And that's all for now. See you back here next Friday, when we continue our quest to find the next ultimate growth stock.
For more Rule Breaking Foolishness:
- Check in with our last litter of infants.
- Look! It's a growth-stock fire sale!
- Should you stay away from these three Kryptonite stocks?
Suntech and NetEase are Motley Fool Rule Breakers selections, but it's four others that have earned the title "multibagger" in less than two years. Want to know who they are? Try the service for 30 days. All it costs is the price of a click .
Fool contributor Tim Beyers wonders when the sun will stop burning him and start paying him. Tim didn't own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this story at the time of publication. You can find out which stocks he owns by checking Tim's Fool profile . The Motley Fool has an ironclad disclosure policy .


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April 13, 2018
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced the government of Argentina has finalized technical requirements that will allow U.S. pork to be imported into Argentina for the first time since 1992. A move that was strongly supported by the National Pork Producers Council and U.S. Meat Export Federation.
“Argentina has tremendous potential for U.S. pork exports,” says NPPC president Jim Heimerl, a pork producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “This is great news for America’s pork producers, who last year exported almost $6.5 billion of pork around the world.”
Argentina, which had a de facto ban on U.S. pork, has a population of more than 44 million and a per capita income of $17,250 — higher than Mexico’s — making it an attractive market for U.S. pork. Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes has noted that fresh pork consumption in the country has increased from about 2 pounds in 2005 to 22 to 26 pounds today. The Argentine pork industry estimates that by 2020 consumption will increase to 35 to 44 pounds.
“U.S. pork exports have achieved excellent growth in South America in recent years, with most of the volume destined for Colombia, Chile and Peru. U.S. pork is also eligible for export to Ecuador and Uruguay, and recently gained access to Paraguay. Expanding the range of export opportunities for U.S. red meat is especially important at a time of increased uncertainty in some of our leading markets. Argentina is an exciting addition with solid growth potential, and USMEF thanks USTR and USDA for their steadfast efforts to regain access to the Argentine market,” says USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom.
According to the USDA estimates, Argentina’s per capita pork consumption is rapidly growing, increasing nearly 60% since 2011. As the third-largest pork-importing country in South America, an opening market for the first time in 25 years could be a potential $10 million-a-year market for U.S. pork producers.
Since the White House announced an agreement with Argentina last August, technical staff from the USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have been working with Argentina’s Ministry of Agro-Industry on new terms for market access that are practical, science-based and consistent with relevant international animal health standards. The finalization of these technical requirements means that U.S. exports of pork and natural swine casings can now resume.
“This breakthrough is the result of efforts by this administration to help America’s farmers and ranchers reach new markets and ensure fair trade practices by our international partners,” Perdue says. “Once the people of Argentina get a taste of American pork products after all this time, we’re sure they’ll want more of it. This is a great day for our agriculture community and an example of how the Trump administration is committed to supporting our producers by opening new markets for their products.”
NPPC helped the USDA address concerns raised by Argentine officials, and in October, the organization urged the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to reinstate Argentina’s eligibility for the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, which allows some foreign products into the United States without tariffs, after the country in August agreed to re-open its market to U.S. pork imports. The export certificate allows the shipment of fresh, frozen and processed pork to the South American country.
“This development demonstrates the Argentine government’s commitment to expanded and more open trade with the United States,” says Heimerl. “And it will help us grow our exports, which the U.S. pork industry is very dependent on. Last year’s exports, for example, added more than $53 — representing almost 36% of the $149 average value of a hog in 2017 — to the price we received for each animal marketed.
“The United States can’t sit on its hands when it comes to trade. Opening new markets, such as Argentina, and expanding existing markets is imperative.”
Sources: National Pork Producers Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation and USDA
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