text:
StockAxis Market Intelligence (Commentary for August 2017; Outlook for September 2017)
We are pleased to present to you our monthly market commentary and outlook for the forthcoming month. The ‘StockAxis’ Market Intelligence’ is a quick update on the markets for the month gone by and our view for the next month. Use our sharp and crisp synopsis to continue building your wealth!
- U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3% in the second quarter, its quickest pace in more than two years.
- The UK trade body, the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF) has stated that the UK government must permit EU workers to work in the UK; about 2/3rds of UK firms hire EU nationals because of insufficient UK applicants and unavailability of requisite skills.
- Ahead of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that both the Asian giants have great potential for cooperation.
- The last week of August witnessed a fall in oil prices as a result of Hurricane Harvey destroying nearly a quarter of US refineries. However, gasoline prices rose to their highest since mid-2015.
- India's factory output rose in August; this was evident from the Nikkei/Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index which increased to 51.2 in August from 47.9 in July. This is the biggest one-month rise recorded in 5-1/2 years.
- The government has informed sugar mills that they can hold a maximum of 21% of their sugar output by end of September in order to prevent sugar price rise ahead of the festive season.
- The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has decided to remove Tata Power, ACC Ltd, Bank of Baroda (BoB) and Tata Motors DVR from the Nifty 50 index and add Bajaj Finance Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd (HPCL) and UPL Ltd. These changes will take effect from 29 September 2017.
- State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest lender, is expecting a surge in home loans’ demand resulting from the government’s focus on affordable housing; it is preparing to meet this demand with additional resources and a speedier approval process.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed banks to refer 20 defaulting companies to the bankruptcy court if no resolution is arrived at by mid-December 2017. RBI also sent a list of 40 large corporate defaulters to be referred to the National Company Law.
- The Indian Rupee strengthened vis-à-vis the dollar over the month ending August at 63.93 (66.6074 at end-July).
- Markets were volatile during the month due to upheavals such as the CEO of Infosys, Vishal Sikka’s resignation, North Korea’s missile launch over Japan saw the markets, which led to speculation of the possibility of US retaliation.
- FIIs recorded a net outflow from the Indian stock markets to the tune of Rs. 14,293.49 crores in August 2017 as against a net investment of Rs. 10,321.42 crores in July.
- On the last day of trading in August 17, the Nifty closed at 9917.90, down 159.2 points over the previous month-end.
- The Nifty 50 P/E ratio was at 25.62 at end-August 2017.
- The good: Continuation of global recovery, good monsoons, low interest rates, GST impact stabilized, NPA resolution
- The bad: Geo-political risks, possibility of Fed rate hike
StockAxis’ Outlook for September 2017
To protect the Indian industry from predatory pricing from imported products, especially imports from China, currently anti-dumping duty is in force on over 90 products. Broadly these products fall in the category of chemicals, metals, yarn, rubber, plastic, capital goods and electronics. These duties aid Indian businesses to maintain reasonable margins in the backdrop of a highly competitive environment.
Also, after an industrial boom fueled by government spending and easy money, China has been cracking down on industries that have contributed to large-scale environmental violations. Strict penalties have led to several plants shutting down thereby providing an opportunity for Indian firms to pick up the slack, especially in chemicals, petrochemicals, steel and rubber industries.
We, at StockAxis, are constantly on the lookout for great businesses run by honest promoters that are available at the right price with sufficient margin of safety. Our stringent stock selection guidelines and clearly stipulated entry and exit points make equity investing a ‘rich’ experience for our subscribers!


text:
Aluminium futures extend gains, up 0.79% on global cues
Aluminium prices advanced by 0.79 per cent to Rs 134.20 per kg in futures trading today as speculators engaged in building up positions amid a firm trend overseas and rising demand from consuming industries.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, aluminium for delivery in August went up by Rs 1.05, or 0.79 per cent, to Rs 134.20 per kg, in a business turnover of 376 lots.
Likewise, the metal for delivery in September was trading higher by 95 paise, or 0.71 per cent, to Rs 134.70 per kg in 77 lots.
Analysts said expanding of positions by participants, tracking a firm trend in base metals in global markets amid rising demand from consuming industries in the spot market, mainly kept aluminium prices higher at futures trade.
(This article has not been edited by Zeebiz editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.

domain: news


text:
Epilepsy Foundation: CBD for Epilepsy. Jacqueline A French MD. Professor of Neurology, NYU School of Medicine. Chief Medical Officer, Epilepsy Foundation Jan 15, 2020 What You Should Know About Using Cannabis, Including CBD, When Pregnant derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy Nov 25, 2019 The FDA has approved only one CBD product, a prescription drug forms of epilepsy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not Jun 26, 2018 Epidiolex is the first cannabidiol drug, made from marijuana, to win approval from the FDA. It uses CBD to treat two rare forms of epilepsy.
FDA warnt vor CBD - Leafly Deutschland
Oct 31, 2019 The stance taken by regulatory agencies against marketing of CBD CBD is the active ingredient in an FDA-approved medication for epilepsy. Dec 3, 2019 FDA is raising new safety concerns about products containing showed the drug reduced seizures in children with two rare forms of epilepsy. May 27, 2019 TSA now permits FDA-approved epilepsy drug containing cannabis on CBD oil for children who experience seizures from pediatric epilepsy. Dec 21, 2019 The only CBD product approved by the FDA is the prescription drug Epidiolex, which treats pediatric epilepsy. It's illegal to market CBD as a Jan 7, 2020 FDA has only approved a single CBD product—a prescription drug that can treat two rare forms of epilepsy. In granting its approval, the agency Experience the possibility of significant seizure reduction with EPIDIOLEX®, the 1st and only FDA-approved prescription CBD for Dravet & LGS. See Important Nov 19, 2019 There is currently one FDA-approved drug comprised of CBD. legal relief for parents of children with uncontrolled epilepsy to obtain CBD oil
Epilepsy Foundation: CBD for Epilepsy. Jacqueline A French MD. Professor of Neurology, NYU School of Medicine. Chief Medical Officer, Epilepsy Foundation
It's used to treat seizures caused by two forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome Epidiolex is the first FDA-approved drug made with cannabidiol (CBD). Jun 26, 2018 The FDA approved the use CBD, derived from marijuana, to treat two rare forms of severe epilepsy. Nov 1, 2018 “Despite the use of multiple epilepsy treatments, the majority of LGS formulation of highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) now FDA approved for Apr 12, 2019 Keywords: cannabidiol, treatment-resistant epilepsy, clinical trials The pure CBD used during treatment is not approved by the FDA, therefore
Jan 15, 2020 What You Should Know About Using Cannabis, Including CBD, When Pregnant derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy
CBD ALS WIRKSAME BEHANDLUNG GEGEN EPILEPSIE. Um Epidiolex grünes Licht zu geben, zog die FDA drei große klinische Studien heran, in denen die Forscher starke Belege vorlegten, dass CBD einige der schlimmsten Symptome von zwei der am schwersten zu behandelnden Formen von Epilepsie, nämlich Lennox-Gastaut-Syndrom und Dravet-Syndrom, signifikant reduzieren kann. FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived FDA approved Epidiolex (cannabidiol) oral solution, the first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana, to treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy. CBD für die Gesundheit - Wirkung & Anwendung | CBD-Portal


text:
Over the past three months, vendors at the Berea Farmers Market have sold more than $30,000 of fresh local fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats, breads, arts and crafts, said Therese Hildebrand, market manager. “This is cause for celebration.”
On Sept. 15, the Live Large Live Local community festival is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their location on Estill Street in front of St. Joseph Berea.
A buffet-style lunch will be served, created with fresh goods from local farmers and prepared by three of Berea’s local restaurants, Main Street Cafe, The Blackfeather Cafe and Berea Coffee and Tea, Hildebrand said.
Chicken, stuffed vegetables, a variety of side dishes and sorghum sweet tea is on the menu, she said, along with some vegetarian options.
The festival will feature speakers and information about building strong local economies. Activities for children — pony rides, an obstacle course and a dinosaur cave — are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Market farmers also will participate in a sack race during the event.
Activities are free, but lunch ticket prices are $8 (individual), $15 (couple), $25 (family of four) and children under two are free. Tickets may be purchased during market hours Tuesdays 3:30-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in front of the hospital.
“These farmers work very hard and we want to celebrate that,” Hildebrand said. “If you think about it, that much food is not having to travel across the country to make it to your dinner table.”
The number of vendors and customers seem to have grown this year, she said. Although she thinks this is the first time vendors have compiled their profit totals since the market began in 1972.
More than 20 vendors are regulars at the market. While many of them sell locally grown fruits and vegetables, the market offers a wide range of products, such as: Baked goods, granola, flowers, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, baskets, art, natural soaps and body lotions.
The market is always looking for more vendors, Hildebrand said. Potential vendors may access it online at bereafarmersmarket.org.
Membership is open to persons who grow and produce their own consumable products and artisans who produce unique work, according to their website.
Once a vendor is approved by the board, membership for the entire season is $60, or $10 per visit (until $60 is reached).
For details, visit bereafarmersmarket.org or call Therese Hildebrand at (859) 302-6424.
- Local News
Quilting stitches history, friendships together
Within the first two hours of the 10th annual Quilt Extravaganza at Berea Community School, more than 200 people had already signed the guestbook.
Colorful displays of quilt collections lined the school’s gymnasium.
Dizney gift lets EKU begin $15M stadium addition
Eastern Kentucky University athletics has received its largest-ever single gift.
President Michael Benson announced Friday that Donald R. and Irene Dizney, of Ocala, Fla., have committed a lead cash gift toward a $15 million multi-purpose facility to replace the grandstands on the east side of Roy Kidd Stadium.
Arabic letter N painted on church door
Throughout its history the Roman Catholic Church has been associated with Latin language and lettering, so passersby on West Main Street were surprised Thursday to see a strange symbol emblazoned on the church’s door.
Some were even more surprised to learn it was an Arabic character.
Fire damages Southern Hills building
A building in the Southern Hills shopping center at the corner of Commercial Drive and Gibson Bay Drive was damaged by a Thursday afternoon fire.
Contractors had been working to update the vacant building but were probably not the cause of the fire that began in the bathroom, Richmond Fire Chief Buzzy Campbell said after the fire was extinguished.
Demolition derby at the county fair
The emcee, firefighters and paramedics race to help the driver of an over-turned car in Wednesday night’s Madison County Fair demolition derby. The driver was unhurt and the vehicle was quickly righted.
Royalty crowned at Madison County Fair
Bee-ing in the know
Bee lovers were buzzing around Eastern Kentucky University this week for the Eastern Apicultural Society’s 2014 conference.
Hobbyists, scientists and apiarists traveled from as far as Canada, France and New Zealand, as well as many states, to spend the week exploring numerous aspects of bees.
Store employee charged with taking $10,000
Tanya R. Horn, 33, of Darlene Court, pilfered $10,196 in cash from Posh Tots on Meridian Way over the course of two years, according to a Richmond Police report.
Madison County Fair paid admissions total 10,000 by Tuesday
Approximately 10,000 people had purchased tickets to the Madison County Fair by Tuesday evening, Billy Tudor, fair board president said Wednesday morning.
The count does not include Sunday’s Family Fun Day, which offered free admission, Tudor said.
Babies, toddlers crowned at Madison County Fair
- More Local News Headlines
- Quilting stitches history, friendships together


text:
The Hallmark shop in Liberty Square under new ownership
Businessman Rich Edwards hadn’t planned on owning a Hallmark store when he visited the one in Liberty Square in Putnam County a little more than a year ago. The owner of the Village Heirlooms furniture store near Hurricane, and several other businesses, had simply stopped in to do some shopping.
“I was looking for some things, and I knew one of the ladies that works here. I found out when I was here that the owner might be interested in selling it,” Edwards said. “I asked for his name and phone number.”
Edwards, a Lincoln County native, contacted the owner, and, after some negotiations, he and his wife, Jennifer, decided to purchase what is now known as JRE’s Hallmark Shop. They became the new owners on March 1 of this year.
The shop started out in the nearby Putnam Village Shopping Center more than 35 years ago, but moved to Liberty Square when it was built. Liberty Square is just off the Teays Valley exit of Interstate 64.
In purchasing the Hallmark store, Edwards saw some “synergies” between it and his Village Heirloom furniture store, which specializes in Amish-made furniture. His Amish connections are a resource for JBE’s Hallmark store.
“I saw some synergies in being able to sell some of the Amish-made gift items, which we’ve done,” Edwards said.
Edwards said his wife does most of the buying for the shop.
“She’s very involved in the buying for this business. We’ve doubled our inventory,” he said. “She just got back last month from a very large buyers’ show in Atlanta.”
Although Amish-made gifts have been added, visitors to JBE’s Hallmark store at Liberty Square will still find familiar Hallmark cards, gifts and the company’s signature line of Christmas ornaments, which are popular with collectors.
“We still have the card section, and that’s typical of most Hallmark shops.”
As the owners of JRE’s Hallmark, the Edwardses are free to stock their shop with other gift items of their choosing. It’s the Amish-made gift items, though, that help to make JRE’s Hallmark store unique.
Among the Amish gift items available are wooden baskets that can fold flat to make trivets or hot plates.
“It’s really cool -- it’s one, continuous cut. The guy who makes these makes them in about 30 different shapes,” he said. “We’ve got several of those here.”
Other items include Amish-made bird feeders, solid oak TV tray sets, quilt display stands, rocking chairs, vegetable bins, artworks and hall trees on which to hang hats and coats. A hand-carved, wooden black bear is also on display in the shop.
“This is hand-carved by a 14-year-old Amish boy,” he said. “Anything you see in here that’s made of wood is Amish-made.”
Another example of an Amish-made gift at JBE’s Hallmark store is a mirror/jewelry case.
“It has a place to hang your necklaces and slots to put rings in. So basically, you have a beautiful dressing mirror that doubles up as a place to store jewelry.”
For those looking for Hallmark’s collectible Christmas ornaments, JBE’s Hallmark store has them in stock. In fact, this year’s collection was introduced last month during Hallmark’s “Christmas in July” event.
JRE’s Hallmark hosted a Christmas ornament “premiere party” the night before the ornaments were offered for sale.
“At the stroke of midnight, we had an unveiling of the ornaments. Christmas is a big deal with Hallmark,” Edwards said.
JBE’s Hallmark store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.


text:
The sneakers will be colored with shades of Regal Pink, Ghost and Copa. No official photos have appeared yet, but we expect that these Air Jordan 5s will have, in addition to delicate spring, pastel shades, some thematic details such as translucent soles.
Air Jordan 5 “Easter” release date
Air Jordan 5 “Easter” will be released on May 27, 2022 in some retail stores and on the Nike website. The retail price will be 210 US dollars.
Air Jordan 5 "Easter" Color: Regal Pink/Ghost-Copa Code: DV0562-600 Release date: May 27, 2022 Price: $210 Buy: Nike.com
UPDATE 05.04.22. New detailed photos of the future Air Jordan 5 “Easter” have appeared. However, according to the latest data, the release will not take place by Easter, but only on May 27.


text:
Earn 3% cashback on most household bills with a Natwest/RBS current account
Natwest is offering 3% cashback on household bills
RBS and Natwest will woo dissatisfied customers fed up with rival banks who hike fees.
Next week it will launch a current account paying 3 per cent cashback. Customers will earn money on broadband, council tax, electricity, gas, mobile phone and water bills provided they pay by direct debit.
Money earned will be paid automatically into a customer’s account every month if they’ve earned at least £5. They can request the cash is paid in shopping vouchers.
However, there is a £3 monthly fee — that’s £36 a year.
The launch of the new RBS account follows Santander’s decision to increase the fee on its popular 123 account from £2 a month to £5 from January next year.
The account pays 1 per cent cashback on water, council tax and Santander mortgage direct debits; 2 per cent on electricity and gas bills; and 3 per cent on mobiles, phone and broadband deals. Customers also earn up to 3 per cent interest on balances.
Santander says the average cashback is £114 a year. After the £24 annual fee is taken off, that leaves a profit of £90. But with a £60 annual fee it falls to £54.
According to RBS and NatWest, the average Reward Account customer will earn £90 a year after the fee has been deducted, but there is no limit to how much you can earn.
In the past two years, Barclays has also increased the cost of its Bank and Premier Accounts, with extra gadget and mobile phone insurance, from £7.50 to £9.50 a month — a £24 annual increase.
Natwest and Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks have also raised the fees on a number of their packaged current accounts.
Most watched Money videos
- Renault show off AIR4 retro drone version of Renault 4 without wheels
- Skoda unveil fourth-generation Fabia hatchback set for spring release
- Nissan creates electric Newbird using battery from a Leaf EV
- New Nissan concept car uses same powertrain as family-designed SUV
- Citroen unveil doorless beach buggy designed for adventure
- Incredible Lewis Hamilton's GP winning McLaren sold at auction
- Renault unveils retro drone based on classic 4 for 60th anniversary
- Kia creates an electrical storm with all new battery-powered EV6 GT
- Britishvolt gigafactory to come up in Blyth after £1.7bn funding
- Citroen C5 Aircross moves firmly upmarket with mature makeover
- What can investors expect from 2022?
- Renault Zoe scores zero stars in crash tests after airbag removed


text:
After some speculation it seems the rumours are true: AOL has added gadget review site gdgt to its list of online properties for an undisclosed amount.
No ad to show here.
The review site announced the acquisition via a blog post saying it “couldn’t be more excited”.
The post also further stated that “gdgt, its team, its technology, and perhaps most importantly its DNA, were a natural fit for AOL’s world-class lineup of tech sites.”
Under the leadership of Tim Armstrong, AOL has managed to net itself some nice online real estate. The company has focused heavily on blogs such as TechCrunch and Engadget and its biggest purchase to date is its acquisition of The Huffington Post for US$315-million.
“At AOL, gdgt will only continue to grow and evolve as the best premium destination for purchase intelligence, recommendations, user reviews, shopping data, and community-driven content about personal technology,” says gdgt co-founder Ryan Block. “gdgt’s product database (still arguably the best around, in my highly biased opinion), community (ditto), and core technologies will serve as a crucial foundation for all kinds of great new products and services we’ll be building in the coming months.”
The acquisition will see some role changes for Block and co-founder Peter Rojas. According to a TechCrunch report, Rojas will carry on running gdgt while taking on a new role as executive editor-at-large at Engadget. While Block, will reportedly take on the role of head of product for AOL Tech Media. These changes are similar to role changes that occurred when AOL bought HuffPO and made Arianna Huffington as AOL Content Chief. It will be interesting to see how Block’s new role affects AOL’s other tech blogs.
Block, in the acquisition blog post, assures users that nothing will change regarding data currently in gdgt’s user base.
“It should go without saying that we continue to completely respect your personal data and privacy, as we always have. For example, AOL has never asked us to hand data over any user for any untoward uses, so gdgt users’ email addresses aren’t going to wind up on some random mailing list after the dust settles. Makes sense, right? AOL isn’t acquiring gdgt to drive away our users. Nor would we let them.”
The site will also expand its events series and team up with Engadget on tour this year.


text:
More South Korean men become stay-at-home dads
Number of surgeries halved as hospitals suffer from strike
N. Korean missile used against Ukraine contained US, European parts: CNN
Man takes 7-hour bike ride to rob pensioner in her home
Meta CEO to visit Seoul next week possibly on AI partnership
3 more Paris Baguette stores open in IndonesiaBy Kan Hyeong-woo
Published : May 18, 2022 - 15:43
According to SPC, two of the new stores are located at shopping malls in the country‘s capital Jakarta and the other is in South Tangerang.
The latest opening of the bakery cafe came two months after the company’s fourth Paris Baquette store began operation in Bekasi in March.
The first Paris Baguette in the Southeast Asian country opened in November 2021, shortly after SPC established local joint venture Era Boga Patiserindo with Indonesia’s Erajaya Food and Nourishment in October that year.
“Paris Baguette is quickly increasing its brand awareness in Indonesia. We will continue to speed up in expanding the market by entering various regions and launching new menus specialized for local consumers,” said an SPC official.
Key doctors’ group to hold mass protest on March 3
Yoon bets big on nuclear energy
Gender Ministry on course for disbandment


text:
Posted by Jerry Hildenbrand on 2 Apr 2014 11:23 pm
The articles from today that you don't want to miss
The Mobile Nations Newsroom is in full swing, and the news is coming hard and heavy — just the way you told us you like it. That means things may slip off the front page before you get a chance to see them, and that's not something we want to happen!
If you look at the top of the Android Central homepage, you'll see the featured stories....
Posted by Jerry Hildenbrand on 27 Nov 2012 12:15 am
Another day full of Android news that no sane person could keep up with. No worries, we're here to help. Here's a quick recap of what you might have missed.
The devices in the news
Daily Steals site gets their hands on some Nexus 4s
HTC Germany says no Deluxe for Europe
The Kindle Fire was a blockbuster on Black Friday
SIM free Xperia T in white coming next week


text:
Recommends / Delivery by rocket could change the game for UPS and FedEx
The rationale for this hypothesis from Morgan Stanley analysts is the plan by Elon Musk’s ...
Recommends / Amazon said to be testing delivery service to rival FedEx & UPS
Well, it had to happen sooner or later: this report from Bloomberg today suggests that ...
News / FedEx chief says 'we will come out stronger' after $300m cyber attack
FedEx believes the the cyber attack which hit its subsidiary TNT will cost $300m. It’s the same amount fellow ...
News / Most powerful hurricane to hit the US in a decade wreaks havoc with supply chains
Hurricane Harvey continues to wreak havoc on Texas and Louisiana supply chains, with land, sea, ...
People / FedEx veteran Mark Allen to take over from Christine Richards in October
FedEx has appointed Mark Allen its executive vice-president, general counsel and secretary, following the news that Christine ...
Recommends / The dark side of digitalisation
Post on Cathey Morrow Roberson’s blog from her website Logistics Trends and Insights, on the recent ...
Recommends / Belgian pilots’ union challenges FedEx European air operations
Cargoforwarder has come up with an interesting story, looking at FedEx and its supplier ASL ...
Comment / Express operators have invested millions to support US battle against smugglers
We read with interest The Loadstar article US Customs steps up battle against drug gangs ...
People / Christine Richards to retire as FedEx general counsel
Executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of FedEx Christine Richards (pictured above) has announced ...
- 1.Analysis: is FedEx planning to put its stamp on a vulnerable Royal Mail?
- 2.Uli Ogiermann quits Qatar for return to Europe
- 3.K+N gets back to profit growth, but to hit 2017 targets, it must do better in Q4
- 4.Don't believe the hype - there is a long way to go before digitisation revolutionises container shipping, says Alphaliner
- 5.Forwarders warned: 'It's the 21st century, step up or lose out'
- 1. taparish on Delivery by rocket could change the game for UPS and FedEx
- 2. Jaye on Quit Weining, you're a species bound for extinction
- 3. Jason h on West Africa becomes the new pirate hot spot as ships fight back in Somalia
- 4. Anthony on Uli Ogiermann quits Qatar for return to Europe
- 5. email@example.com on Uli Ogiermann quits Qatar for return to Europe


text:
- Subscribe NowLimited Time Offer
Starbucks' new coffee product doesn't taste like coffee
- Staff Puget Sound Business Journal
Starbucks Corp.'s next coffee product doesn't taste anything like brewed coffee. The Seattle coffee giant said its new line of "Refreshers" made from unroasted coffee beans and fruit juice are now available.
Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) said in a statement that the two "Refreshers" flavors, Very Berry Hibiscus and Cool Lime, are a "delicious, low calorie refreshment with a boost of natural energy from caffeine — tasting nothing like traditional brewed coffee."
To entice customers to the new beverage, Starbucks is giving away 12-ounce samples on Friday from 12-3 p.m. local time.
At the March shareholders meeting, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said "Refreshers" was part of the company's growth strategy, along with a big push in Europe and Asia, and new products such as Via instant coffee, espresso machines and single-serve coffee packets.
Finance Business Manager Vulcan Inc. | Seattle, WA
Workforce Initiatives Specialist - Sector Strategies WA State Employment Security Department (ESD) | Olympia, WA
UX Designer American City Business Journals | Charlotte, NC
Division Controller Zetec, Inc. | Snoqualmie, WA
Buyer PCL Construction | Bellevue, WA
- Most popular
- Alaska Airlines doesn't want to pay for Sea-Tac facility, help Delta
- Alaska Airlines strikes back against the empire of Delta
- Paul Allen's custom Seahawks amp goes all the way to 12
- Boeing fights back as momentum builds to unionize So. Carolina plant
- Legendary 125-foot Boeing-built Taconite yacht for sale at $2.49M
- Seattle's hottest residential neighborhood in 2015 will be in Bellevue
- Anheuser-Busch will 'use Elysian as a weapon,' Seattle brewers warn
- Taiwanese company pays jaw-dropping price for Seattle property
- Anheuser-Busch just bought Seattle craft brewery Elysian Brewing
- Boeing's flying Jumbotrons could light up future jetliners with
A look at the day's business stories from media outlets around Seattle


text: While revenues continuing to drop, easing of lockdown measures is expected to improve sales for XpresSpa. The company is heavily dependent on the airline industry because most of its spa centers are located in airports across the US. XpresSpa has initiated XpresCheck pilot program at JFK International Airport, aimed to screen 500 people for coronavirus. We could see revenues surging if this model is replicated across other terminals in the US. Additional testing capabilities will also drive sales. The future trajectory of the stock will depend a lot on how investors perceive the stimulus package targeted for providing relief during the pandemic. Looking at the balance sheet, the company is making efforts to improve its liquidity level and has deleveraged some of its liabilities. The company has a net worth that is negative and can be attributed to the losses it accumulated over the period. We should expect to see conditions improve as spa services open up and the testing facilities launched have given the company a new stream of revenue.


text:
For Immediate Release Contact: Todd Ruehs 1.781.213.3501, email@example.com
The Phillips Screw Company® Introduces Lightning™ Pro-Contractor Labor-Saving Screws
The construction industry is facing a severe labor shortage. Fasteners are the most used construction material & poor performing fasteners waste time. Lightning™ High-Performance Screws with Stick-Tight™ for 1-handed installation, reduces labor.
WAKEFIELD, MA … During the 2007 recession, construction jobs in America disappeared and many workers left the industry never to return. Today, construction demand is booming, but the industry is still suffering from those missing workers. To combat this issue, industry veterans have begun looking at various solutions such as pre-fab, partially pre-fab, and additive manufacturing as ways to reduce labor and help speed the building process. The Phillips Screw Company®, who is the original inventor of the Phillips Head Screw, has also found a solution.
According to Ken Hurley, CEO for The Phillips Screw Company®, “Fasteners are the single most used construction material on any job. For example, it takes 48 screws to install a single sheet of drywall, 42 screws to install one sheet of subflooring, 22 screws to install your typical cement board, and at least four screws per plank on just about any deck. It only makes sense that to solve a labor issue you start with the item that the contractor uses most.”
Phillips studied the industry and found that the biggest three time-wastes for contractors were slow-starting screws, slow-driving screws, and dropped screws. According to industry reports, on certain applications such as dry-wall, upwards of 24% of screws on a project are dropped and swept away as waste. While the cost of the screw does not amount to much, it is the 24% wasted time that is the real drain.
Phillips realized if they could eliminate dropped screws and speed the insertion rate, they could help contractors increase their productivity. They set out to redesign the screw from the bottom up. They incorporated best-in-class features, such as a super-sharp fast-starting tip, patented Low-Energy threads for rapid-insertion, a shank-slot shaft to prevent splitting, as well as utilizing a patented engineered drive system that creates a Stick-Tight™ wobble-free fit for true 1-handed installation.
“We watched contractor after contractor using two hands and an elbow to install the competitor’s screws. We noticed that what the contractors wanted was to be able to stick a screw on the driver bit, use a single hand to drive it, all while keeping the other hand free so they could go back into their belt to quickly reload. And that’s exactly what we created.” Hurley went on to say.
Phillips is introducing their new screw, Lightning™ on May 16, 2018 by offering a contractor site-case. The hard-sided case contains 805 of the yellow zinc coated high-performance wood screws in eight popular sizes. The screw features Stick-Tight™ wobble-free frustration-free driving. Their motto is “Never A Dropped Screw!”. Phillips is looking to partner with pro-dealers, hardware stores, and specialty retailers and have created a no-risk program to ensure retailer success.
For more information, contact Todd Ruehs at 781-213.3501, or email firstname.lastname@example.org.
Lightning™ and Stick-Tight™ are trademarks of The Phillips Screw Company®


text:
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SubscriberWise, the nation’s largest issuing CRA for the communications industry and the leading protector of children victimized by identity fraud, announced today three individual witness subpoenas to appear and testify at the civil theft hearing, Howe vs. Enterprise Holdings, Inc., in the County Court of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in and for Lee County Florida. The trial is scheduled for August 22, 2018, in Fort Myers, Florida, Honorable Archie B. Hayward, Jr.
“The witness list is complete,” commented David Howe, National Car Rental ‘ding and dent’ fraud victim. “And it’s far from substantial in terms of the number of witnesses needed because the Lee Port Authority Police official report effectively contains all the sworn testimony necessary to prove intentional negligence and fraud well beyond the preponderance which is required of the plaintiff.
“In addition to two local managers who had involvement with the ‘ding and dent’ predatory encounter at the SW FL Fort Myers International Airport National car rental counter, I have asked the Lee Clerk of the Court to command CEO Pamela M. Nicholson to appear and testify. I’ve also spoken with the St. Louis Sheriff today and have advised their office to expect the subpoena for personal service in Clayton, MO.
“From my perspective – as a victim like the myriads and myriads of others across this nation – it’s critical to know if the CEO is aware of the harmful practices, including but not limited to predatory arbitration clauses and unfair adhesion contracts that effectively ensnare wholly innocent consumers with ease at virtually any opportunity and without a shred of evidence of liability. It’s critical to know if the CEO is planning fundamental changes to internal processes for not only USA citizens, but also for our sisters and brothers from around the globe who have also been victimized with ease.
“And it’s critical to obtain the CEO’s sworn testimony so that lawmakers can be better informed about the state of the industry, including the problems and the solutions that only common sense regulation can resolve,” Howe added.
“Yes, it’s time for the car rental industry – and Enterprise Holdings in particular, to move beyond the inadequate protocols of asking individuals to record vehicle damage on rudimentary ‘damage’ slips as evidence of condition,” continued Howe. “It’s time to expose and mitigate the remarkable financial risks associated with the so called ‘Expedient’ rental process that virtually guarantees victimization against consumers who merely expected the good faith and fair dealing covenant when they drove off with a rental chock full of pre-existing ‘wear and tear’, as well as other minor conditions for which civil theft is perpetrated with incredible frequency and ease.
“Yes, it’s time to progress to the digital age and provide both consumers and rental agencies high-resolution digital photographic evidence of vehicle condition so that there’s no longer a doubt…and no longer a huge financial motive by predatory agencies to fleece innocent victims -- which is exactly why the industry prefers to operate in the dark ages, literally,” concluded victim Howe.
“Enterprise has been accused of running a ding-and-dent scam so often by readers of this site, I’ve lost count.” — Christopher Elliott, Consumer Advocate at Elliott.org
“There’s literally hundreds of these [Enterprise consumer complaints]. It’s truly remarkable.” — Lindsey Sablan, Anchor/Call for Action Reporter at Wink News
SubscriberWise® launched as the first issuing consumer reporting agency exclusively for the cable industry in 2006. The company filed extensive documentation and end-user agreements to access TransUnion’s consumer database. In 2009, SubscriberWise and TransUnion announced a joint marketing agreement for the benefit of America’s cable operators (http://newsroom.transunion.com/transunion-and-subscriberwise-announce-joint-marketing-agreement). Today SubscriberWise is a risk management preferred-solutions provider for the National Cable Television Cooperative.
SubscriberWise contributions to the communications industry are quantified in the billions of dollars annually.


text:
Strong North American sales and a weak domestic currency lifted
) second quarter earnings. The company's total revenues surged 27%
to 2890.2 billion yen (~$29 billion) while the operating income
climbed 70% to 171.4 billion yen ($18 billion). The company's net
income stood at 120.3 billion yen (~$12.5 billion), up 46% from the
previous years figure.
The company reaffirmed its guidance of selling 4.43 million
units and generating a net income of 580 billion yen (~$5.9
billion) in fiscal 2014. Note that Honda has a fiscal year
from April to March.
We have a $42 price estimate for Honda Motors
. We are in the process of revising our estimates in order to
incorporate the latest earnings.
Weak Yen Boosting Profits
Honda and other export dependent Japanese automakers' profits
are getting boosted by the yen devaluation. Ever since the Mr.
Shinzo Abe stepped into the PM's office late last year, the yen has
depreciated ~25% against the dollar. This has benefited the
country's automotive companies since the overseas profits now
translate back to more yen.
To take advantage of a weak currency, Honda added a new
manufacturing plant in Japan, which recently became functional. A
greater proportion of production in Japan will only benefit Honda's
margins now that the yen has depreciated against the dollar.
U.S. And Japan Lead The Way
Total automobile sales jumped 5.1% to 1.05 million units, helped
by strong sales in the U.S. and Japan. North American customers are
responding positively to the Accord, the Civic and the CR-V, all of
which were refreshed in 2012. Sales in the region were up 11% in
the latest quarter. North America is Honda's biggest market and
accounts for more than 40% of the unit sales.
In Japan, sales were buoyed by the introduction of the latest
version of the Fit (or Jazz as it is known in some countries).
Honda introduced the third generation Fit during the quarter and
received a staggering 62,000 orders within four weeks of its
launch, almost four times the company's expectations.
Fit Can Provide Impetus
Honda wants to sell 6 million vehicles annually by 2017 and the
vehicles refreshed/introduced on the Fit platform will account for
a majority of the incremental sales. In fact, Honda expects
the model's sales to pip those of Civic to become its largest
selling vehicle. The sales could even surpass 1.5 million units by
2016 as per the company's estimates.
The global launch of the Fit will be next year. Honda is
building a new manufacturing plant in Mexico that will be complete
by spring 2014. Once complete, the new plant will be able to churn
out 200,000 Fits annually and will act as a hub for distribution to
North America and Brazil. Honda's unit sales could accelerate in
the second half of 2014, when the model has been launched in major
markets across the world.
Uncertainty Still Looms In China
In China, things are still tricky for Japanese automakers as the
public is still hesitant to buy Japanese cars after a wave of
anti-Japanese sentiment spread out throughout the country following
tensions between the two nations over claims on the disputed
islands. Honda's sales through September are up 5.8% but they keep
fluctuating from month to month. It's still not clear whether sales
have normalized or not.
But Honda is optimistic about China in the long run. It has
already introduced two China specific models, namely the Crider and
the Jade, this year. Earlier in the year, the automaker also
announced that it will step up R&D expenses in China in order
to develop vehicles tailored to the needs of the Chinese people.
Before the end of 2015, the automaker plans to roll out 12 new
models in China.In fact, Honda is so confident about the success of
its upcoming models that the automaker intends to double the sales
to 1.3 million units annually by 2015.
See our complete
analysis for Honda stock here
How a Company's Products Impact its Stock Price at Trefis


text:
The number of businesses accepting bitcoin continued to increase. In January 2017, NHK reported the number of online stores accepting bitcoin in Japan had increased 4.6 times over the past year. BitPay CEO Stephen Pair declared the company's transaction rate grew 3× from January 2016 to February 2017, and explained usage of bitcoin is growing in B2B supply chain payments.
Behind the scenes, the Bitcoin network is sharing a massive public ledger called the "block chain". This ledger contains every transaction ever processed which enables a user's computer to verify the validity of each transaction. The authenticity of each transaction is protected by digital signatures corresponding to the sending addresses therefore allowing all users to have full control over sending bitcoins.
Well I haven't forgotten or forgiven you Mr Major; for the ERM debacle. I suffered 2 years of unemployment because of that nonsence. I was 50 at the time; in those 2 years my savings, insurance and pension plans were all decimated. And because of my age I never ever got back to my previous earning or job status. I think your judgement is flawed. I voted to improve the future quality of life for my grandchildren, confident that the UK, in rejoining the whole world, is fully capable of giving them the benefits that (according to the Baby Boomer haters); we enjoyed, prior to our memebership of the ECM EEC EU etc!!
One of the first supporters, adopters, contributor to bitcoin and receiver of the first bitcoin transaction was programmer Hal Finney. Finney downloaded the bitcoin software the day it was released, and received 10 bitcoins from Nakamoto in the world's first bitcoin transaction on 12 January 2009. Other early supporters were Wei Dai, creator of bitcoin predecessor b-money, and Nick Szabo, creator of bitcoin predecessor bit gold.
Bitcoin's blockchain can be loaded with arbitrary data. In 2018 researchers from RWTH Aachen University and Goethe University identified 1,600 files added to the blockchain, 59 of which included links to unlawful images of child exploitation, politically sensitive content, or privacy violations. "Our analysis shows that certain content, eg, illegal pornography, can render the mere possession of a blockchain illegal."
Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, a concept that was discussed in the late 90s. The first Bitcoin specification and proof of concept was published in 2009 in a cryptography mailing list. The concept was presented by a person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto. The real identity of Nakamoto has been a mystery since that time, with various theories on who the individual or group may be.
In December, 2013, Techcrunch published an interview with researcher Skye Grey who claimed textual analysis of published writings shows a link between Satoshi and bit-gold creator Nick Szabo. And perhaps most famously, in March 2014, Newsweek ran a cover article claiming that Satoshi is actually an individual named Satoshi Nakamoto – a 64-year-old Japanese-American engineer living in California. The list of suspects is long, and all the individuals deny being Satoshi.
This is particularly problematic once you remember that all Bitcoin transactions are permanent and irreversible. It's like dealing with cash: Any transaction carried out with bitcoins can only be reversed if the person who has received them refunds them. There is no third party or a payment processor, as in the case of a debit or credit card – hence, no source of protection or appeal if there is a problem.
The price of bitcoins has gone through cycles of appreciation and depreciation referred to by some as bubbles and busts. In 2011, the value of one bitcoin rapidly rose from about US$0.30 to US$32 before returning to US$2. In the latter half of 2012 and during the 2012–13 Cypriot financial crisis, the bitcoin price began to rise, reaching a high of US$266 on 10 April 2013, before crashing to around US$50. On 29 November 2013, the cost of one bitcoin rose to a peak of US$1,242. In 2014, the price fell sharply, and as of April remained depressed at little more than half 2013 prices. As of August 2014 it was under US$600. During their time as bitcoin developers, Gavin Andresen and Mike Hearn warned that bubbles may occur.
Our second assumption is that the supply of bitcoin will approach 21 million as specified in the current protocol. To give some context, the current supply of bitcoin is around 17 million, the rate at which bitcoin is released decreases by half roughly every four years, and the supply should get past 19 million in the year 2022. The key part of this assumption is that the protocol will not be changed. Note that changing the protocol would require the concurrence of a majority of the computing power engaged in bitcoin mining. (Related: How Does Bitcoin Mining Work?)
Researchers have pointed out at a "trend towards centralization". Although bitcoin can be sent directly to the bitcoin network, in practice intermediaries are widely used.:220–222 Bitcoin miners join large mining pools to minimize the variance of their income.:215, 219–222:3 Because transactions on the network are confirmed by miners, decentralization of the network requires that no single miner or mining pool obtains 51% of the hashing power, which would allow them to double-spend coins, prevent certain transactions from being verified and prevent other miners from earning income. As of 2013 just six mining pools controlled 75% of overall bitcoin hashing power. In 2014 mining pool Ghash.io obtained 51% hashing power which raised significant controversies about the safety of the network. The pool has voluntarily capped their hashing power at 39.99% and requested other pools to act responsibly for the benefit of the whole network.
In July 2013, a project began in Kenya linking bitcoin with M-Pesa, a popular mobile payments system, in an experiment designed to spur innovative payments in Africa. During the same month the Foreign Exchange Administration and Policy Department in Thailand stated that bitcoin lacks any legal framework and would therefore be illegal, which effectively banned trading on bitcoin exchanges in the country. According to Vitalik Buterin, a writer for Bitcoin Magazine, "bitcoin's fate in Thailand may give the electronic currency more credibility in some circles", but he was concerned it didn't bode well for bitcoin in China.
In 2013 and 2014, the European Banking Authority and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a United States self-regulatory organization, warned that investing in bitcoins carries significant risks. Forbes named bitcoin the best investment of 2013. In 2014, Bloomberg named bitcoin one of its worst investments of the year. In 2015, bitcoin topped Bloomberg's currency tables.
To heighten financial privacy, a new bitcoin address can be generated for each transaction. For example, hierarchical deterministic wallets generate pseudorandom "rolling addresses" for every transaction from a single seed, while only requiring a single passphrase to be remembered to recover all corresponding private keys. Researchers at Stanford and Concordia universities have also shown that bitcoin exchanges and other entities can prove assets, liabilities, and solvency without revealing their addresses using zero-knowledge proofs. "Bulletproofs," a version of Confidential Transactions proposed by Greg Maxwell, have been tested by Professor Dan Boneh of Stanford. Other solutions such Merkelized Abstract Syntax Trees (MAST), pay-to-script-hash (P2SH) with MERKLE-BRANCH-VERIFY, and "Tail Call Execution Semantics", have also been proposed to support private smart contracts.
The bitcoin blockchain is a public ledger that records bitcoin transactions. It is implemented as a chain of blocks, each block containing a hash of the previous block up to the genesis block[a] of the chain. A network of communicating nodes running bitcoin software maintains the blockchain.:215–219 Transactions of the form payer X sends Y bitcoins to payee Z are broadcast to this network using readily available software applications.
Bitcoin is an increasingly popular cryptocurrency that utilizes blockchain technology to facilitate transactions. Basically, a user obtains a Bitcoin wallet that can be used for storing bitcoins and both sending and receiving of payments. The blockchain technology used by Bitcoin is really just a shared public ledger that is used by the entire public network. The technology used is secured through cryptography, a branch of mathematics that provides a highly secure means of facilitating and recording transactions on the network.
Exchanges, however, are a different story. Perhaps the most notable Bitcoin exchange hack was the Tokyo-based MtGox hack in 2014, where 850,000 bitcoins with a value of over $350 million suddenly disappeared from the platform. This doesn’t mean that Bitcoin itself was hacked; it just means that the exchange platform was hacked. Imagine a bank in Iowa is robbed: the USD didn’t get robbed, the bank did.
“So if you look at a $100 billion market cap today, now last week it might have been more like 200, so it’s actually a buying opportunity, we think that there’s a potential appreciation of 30 to 40 times because you look at the gold market today, it’s a $7 trillion market. And so a lot of people are starting to se that, they recognize the store of value properties.”
On 5 December 2013, the People's Bank of China announced in a press release regarding bitcoin regulation that whilst individuals in China are permitted to freely trade and exchange bitcoins as a commodity, it is prohibited for Chinese financial banks to operate using bitcoins or for bitcoins to be used as legal tender currency, and that entities dealing with bitcoins must track and report suspicious activity to prevent money laundering. The value of bitcoin dropped on various exchanges between 11 and 20 percent following the regulation announcement, before rebounding upward again.
According to the Library of Congress, an "absolute ban" on trading or using cryptocurrencies applies in eight countries: Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. An "implicit ban" applies in another 15 countries, which include Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Lesotho, Lithuania, Macau, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan.
On 19 June 2011, a security breach of the Mt. Gox bitcoin exchange caused the nominal price of a bitcoin to fraudulently drop to one cent on the Mt. Gox exchange, after a hacker used credentials from a Mt. Gox auditor's compromised computer illegally to transfer a large number of bitcoins to himself. They used the exchange's software to sell them all nominally, creating a massive "ask" order at any price. Within minutes, the price reverted to its correct user-traded value. Accounts with the equivalent of more than US$8,750,000 were affected.
Welcome to the Investopedia Bitcoin Center, where you can find the current price of Bitcoin as well as real-time updated news on the world’s most important cryptocurrency. For good or for ill, Bitcoin is being explored by every major world bank and may very well be the backbone of our global financial system in the near future. Use charts, watch videos, learn new Bitcoin related terms, and get all of your questions answered about Bitcoin here at Investopedia.
The use of bitcoin by criminals has attracted the attention of financial regulators, legislative bodies, law enforcement, and the media. In the United States, the FBI prepared an intelligence assessment, the SEC issued a pointed warning about investment schemes using virtual currencies, and the U.S. Senate held a hearing on virtual currencies in November 2013. The U.S. government claimed that bitcoin was used to facilitate payments related to Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.
Speculation drives numbers. Many Bitcoin users are holding onto their bitcoins in hopes of selling them off for an enormous profit one day. With news articles portraying Bitcoin millionaires as lucky kids who got in early, you can’t really blame them. For example, if you had spent your $5 latte money on 2,000 bitcoins one morning in 2010, they would be worth about $5.4 million today. Makes you really wish you’d managed your Starbucks budget better, doesn’t it?
Bitcoin turns 10 — how it went from an abstract idea to a $100 billion market in a decade CNBCBitcoin is 10 years old today — here's a look back at its crazy history Business InsiderFactbox: Ten years of bitcoin Reuters10 years later, we still don't know what Bitcoin is for Telegraph.co.ukIt's Bitcoin's 10th Birthday. Here's What People Are […]
Computing power is often bundled together or "pooled" to reduce variance in miner income. Individual mining rigs often have to wait for long periods to confirm a block of transactions and receive payment. In a pool, all participating miners get paid every time a participating server solves a block. This payment depends on the amount of work an individual miner contributed to help find that block.


text:
As part of its plan to maintain its stellar position in the luxury car segment and hopes to compete favorably in the all-electric car market, the 2022 Porsche lineup is a mixture of fresh updates, new models, and new designs.
2022 Porsche Cayenne
Made for shoppers that appreciate driving satisfaction, the Cayenne is set to return to the 2022 Porsche lineup with some fresh updates. Available in coupe and SUV body styles, the new Cayenne comes with Porsche’s latest infotainment software that features an Android Auto. Its coupe body style is also set to get a new trim level, Turbo GT. The Cayenne Turbo GT will improve the twin-turbo V8 to pump out 631 horsepower and 626 pound-feet torque. Trim specific front elements, 22-inch rims, and a center-exit exhaust will be available in the 2022 Cayenne.
2022 Porsche Macan
Easily one of the best Porsche luxury SUV lease deals out there, Porsche has moved to maintain the Macan’s position by adding some significant updates. The 2022 Macan now gets an updated front and rear bumpers, new wheels, restyled interior, and an enhanced powertrain. Porsche has also dropped one trim from the 2022 Macan lineup.
2022 Porsche 911
If you can afford it, the 2022 911 is an almost flawless sports car. Porsche has added the GTS to the 2022 911 lineup. Also, this new Porsche sports car now boasts a specially tuned suspension, a 20-inch on the front, 21-inch rear wheels, and center locks. It also sports its brand’s latest infotainment software that includes loads of exciting features. The new 911 is available in coupe, convertible, and quasi-convertible Targa body styles
2022 Porsche 718 Cayman
The Cayman, while sporting no significant change for the 2022 model year, will get some minor updates to keep up with its already higher pedestal image in its class. This sports coupe will be offered in two new colors, several leather accessories, and a swath of new customization features.
2022 Porsche 718 Boxter
For shoppers that enjoy open-air driving, the 2022 Boxter will not only offer just that but will add thrilling handling and peppy powertrains. And like its coupe cousin, the 2022 Boxter will sport minor changes. Porsche will be offering two new colors, several new leather accessories, and loads of customization options.
2022 Porsche 911 GT3
Back and better, the 2022 911 GT3 is set to offer a unique feel and slightly distinct look than the 911. From what we know so far, the 2022 911 GT3 will return with a unique suspension setup, no turbocharged powertrain, and track-focused tire options.
2022 Porsche Taycan
Porsche is set to thrill its fans with a new all-electric car in its 2022 model lineup. While the regular Taycan will continue to be an all-electric sedan, Porsche will release an all-new electric wagon with the name Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo. This all-new electric four-door car will come standard with the brand’s big Performance Battery Plus.
2022 Porsche Panamera
While it’s not yet official, reports show that Porsche is gearing up to give the Panamera a facelift in the 2022 model year. We are hopeful that the refreshed Panamera will sport a new front bumper, restyled interior, and tweaked features.
Porsche offers a pricey lineup that needs and excellent lease deals. To get the most outstanding lease bargain on a new Porsche, call VIP Auto at 1204 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305 https://viplease.com/.


text:
Under the theme The Spirit of The Time, the conference, which also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Master Innholders, will highlight how the hotel industry has evolved and overcome challenges over the last four decades, even in times of adversity and disruption.
Conference sessions will focus on the industry’s learnings from the past and how hoteliers can prepare for customers of the future, with the industry’s passionate and determined spirit celebrated throughout the two-day event.
Registration is now open for the conference on 15 and 16 January 2018 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London, with special rates for Master Innholders and St Julian Scholars, and group discounts for hoteliers bringing their teams.
Confirmed speakers include Rio 2016 Gold Medallist hockey player Crista Cullen MBA, who will share her experience of running a medal winning team and successful business; leadership and business expert Nigel Risner and TEDx speaker Paul Martin, who will discuss the art of brilliant customer service.
Mindfulness and wellness expert Katie Sheen of Soul Nutrition will share her tips and practises on how food can be used to bring people together, while branding consultant Tim Watson will help delegates understand the fundamentals of creating a great brand and be inspired to make changes within their business.
The event will be chaired by the enigmatic Pride of Britain Hotels chief executive Peter Hancock FIH MI on day one and by award-winning photographer and hotel consultant Jeremy Rata FIH MI on day two.
Danny Pecorelli FIH MI, Chairman of the Master Innholders Conference Committee, said: “As we reach a landmark year for the General Managers’ Conference and the Master Innholders it feels right to reflect on the past and use the present to push forward into the future.
“In times of adversity and disruption, the industry has continued to evolve service, overcome challenges creatively and push the boundaries of conventional hospitality, while ensuring the traditional art is not lost. We are looking forward to celebrating that passionate and determined spirit at the conference with an inspiring and informative line-up of speakers.”
As the only event created for hoteliers by hoteliers the Master Innholders Conference is the foremost networking event for hospitality professionals.
Master Innholder & St Julian Scholars: £350
Hoteliers bringing their teams can take advantage of the four tickets for the price of three offer, valid until 30 November 2017.


text:
Newspaper and magazine share tips
Every day we round up share tips from national newspapers and investment magazines - see all this week's recommendations and don't miss our Midas column
Yesterday's first-half trading update from Marston's, the Midlands brewer and pub operator, contains plenty of cautionary comments about the trading environment in the light of the smoking ban, subdued consumer spending and the credit crunch. First-half like-for-like sales rose by 0.3% in its managed pub division, although there was a 1% fall in the last eight weeks. The trading environment is far from ideal, but Marston's has a solid business model and, with £200m of firepower, it is well-placed to use the situation to its strategic advantage. Buy
Mothercare's trading report revealed yesterday that like-for-like sales in the UK in the past three months were up a solid 2.9%, which though slower than the 3.4% gain in the third quarter, is still respectable. Direct sales continue to grow strongly – up 25% on a comparable basis – while tight stock control helped gross margins up 0.7 percentage points.
Mothercare is clearly more resilient than other retailers – births don't fall in a downturn – and May's update on the overhaul of its property portfolio could bring further gains. However, short-term investors may wish to take profits.
The Daily Telegraph
Mothercare, which has stores in 48 countries, revealed yesterday that like-for-like sales grew strongly over the last quarter. Last year's acquisition of Early Learning Centre, its smaller rival, has set the company up as the UK's biggest retailer of almost everything to do with children. The stock trades on a high price –earnings ratio of around 14 times. Buy.
Small oil and gas companies are notoriously hard to value. This is particularly true of Afren, which has yet to make a profit after four years. The company has steadily been acquiring assets in Africa. Yesterday, it placed another 95m shares, raising over £118m at 125p a share, to fund the development. Analysts believe the shares could leap but this is not a stock in which to invest one's life savings. High risk buy.
It is not the first time that Anglo-Dutch oil giant Royal Dutch Shell 'A' has had problems replacing its oil reserves. Like its poor reserves base, Shell's declining production is a well-worn theme – but the backdrop has shifted. At $100, the oil price may no longer be on Shell's side. Of course, there is a nice dividend yield to support the share price, but that's no longer a rarity. Sell.
Shares in Dimension Data have kept their sector-premium rating while those in similar companies have seen their prices collapse. Given the high profile of South Africa's power supply problems, it's hardly surprising that DiData's shares have fallen from their peak at the start of the year, at around 66p. Additionally, further downgrades could put pressure on the shares' high rating, so investors should sell.
Since September when Tate & Lyle, the sugars and sweets producer, issued the last trio of alerts its shares have risen by 35%. Yesterday's trading update, like its predecessor in February, did much to assuage in containing nothing that alarmed. Tate has stepped back from repurchasing its shares, it has not picked up any stock for nearly two months. A 4% dividend yield provides support, however there is the £1bn debt to deal with and little to drive the shares higher in the short term. Take profits.
The Aim-listed recruiter, Morson is back to where they started, despite pre-tax profits rising by 40% over the past two. Only yesterday's solid full-year results saw their issue price tick through 2006's 160p. However, the company carries debt worth £35m, a legacy of private equity ownership, which means interest charges are £2.2m, a fifth of pre-tax profits. Avoid.
The Daily Telegraph
Severn Trent has started to get some of its boring-but-safe appeal back. Yesterday came welcome news that mopping up the mess left by the floods will cost Severn slightly less than the worst-case scenario it had outlined.
The company is now focused on water operations after the demerger of waste disposal business Biffa and the sale of other businesses, including its property arm. Yielding a prospective 4.3%, rising to 5% for 2009, the shares are worth keeping, supported as they are by the outside possibility of a bid. Hold.
Woolsworths has had a torrid time since 2006 when the Questor column told investors to hold the shares when they were trading at 32.5p. The shares have recovered somewhat and closed at 11p yesterday after the announcement of full-year results – which saw the retailer slash its full-year dividend despite boasting that the retail arm of the business had returned to profit. Hold
Kentz Corporation is a fast-growing hybrid engineering/construction group with oil and gas expertise. There is no sign of the oil boom – which has fed its growth thus far – abating and record prices based on record demand fuelling record order books.
Profit margins jumped from 4.8% to 6.3% last year, and the target is to edge them up a tad to 7%, which is near the top of its sub-sector. Buy.
The Smiths Group is an unloved stock that is not expensive and has the potential to surprise, either through improved financial performance or radical surgery on its portfolio of assets.
Investors welcomed changes in senior management and December's arrival of Philip Bowman saw shares run up in anticipation but they have sagged from £10.66 to 934p.
A break-up would be a powerful catalyst for share price performance but, if the new chief can simply deliver a more consistent financial performance, he should silence any sceptics. Buy.
The latest news, charts, share tips and more...
Invensys shares rose 11% as the FTSE 250-listed maker of industrial controls and signalling equipment disclosed that Bombardier of Canada will pay it £95m as compensation for £550m of contracted work on the London Underground (LU) for the collapsed Metronet consortium, from which it has now been excused. The company has a £550m hole in its long-term order book that it needs to fill. However, Invensys has been partly protected from the sector downturn by the ability of its highly pragmatic management to address past inefficiencies. Buy on weakness.
The recent collapse of talks between Whitbread and Travelodge may have ended in an unseemly spat over who approached whom but the mooted deal did at least highlight the attractions of the Premier Inn chain. While the economic climate may yet put a brake on trading, the strong pipeline of new sites in the UK and its ambitious international plans provide comfort. Despite rumours that Asif Aziz, the property entrepreneur, is sitting on a stake of about 8% and is sounding out potential investors interested in a break-up, Whitbread still looks like a solid buy.
The Daily Telegraph
With Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton deep in the midst of a takeover battle, the City's attention has once again turned to iron ore. The miner has doubled its profits, boosted production 9% and kept its cost inflation to a manageable 8% which, given an increase in the Ukranian retail price index of more than 20%, is no mean feat. On around 13 times 2008 earnings, falling to just eight times for 2009, Ferrexpo is among the cheaper iron ore producers around. Buy.
There is something about recessions and dancing that just don't go hand in hand. Compared to its peers, Luminar the UK's biggest nightclub operator with more than 100 clubs, is well positioned. However, the company's share price took its latest hit last month when Luminar said it would slow its expansion. Yesterday's disclosure that the company faces a £4.9m liability after rival operators holding former Luminar leasehold sites went into administration should not weigh heavily on the shares. There is value in Luminar but it's no time to put on your dancing shoes just yet. Avoid.
Plays on an appreciating euro don't come much purer than Shanks Group. The £600m waste management specialist must be alone among British-based constituents of the FTSE 350 in drawing virtually all its operating profits in the currency. Shanks sits in a defensive niche and after the completion of the private equity takeover of Biffa will be the last fully listed representative of its sector. However, after yesterday's 8% rise to 260p, or 19 times current year earnings, the near-term potential is priced in. Hold.
First-half revenues from YouGov have risen from £1.3m to £18.8m, it has extended its reach from one country to five and its shares have risen more than fivefold. Further efficiencies should emerge from YouGov's increased overseas presence. Its securing of a European Commission contract for research across seven countries is encouraging. YouGov also has a comforting £14m of cash. At 149p, or 19 times current-year forecasts, its shares are inexpensive given 25% earnings growth.Buy on weakness.
The Daily Telegraph
Yesterday's trading statement from VT Group said that its order backlog has jumped by more than 25% to £4.7bn. The stock has risen by around 39% over the past 12 months, even as the rest of the market has suffered in the doldrums, which places the company on a rather toppy multiple of 19 times earnings. Investors should avoid any rush to take profits and should hold for the long run. Hold.
If there was ever an argument to be made for Air Partner, the much anticipated opening of T5 made it pretty strongly last week. In the six months to the end of January, sales grew 21% to £109m and pre-tax profits were 12% higher at £3.9m, as globalisation and geopolitical instability reinforced the need for the company's core offering. Questor tipped Air Partner at £10.10 a year ago and, after a rise to £13, the stock stood yesterday at 925p. Buy
Most watched Money videos
- German car giant BMW launches its first ever M3 Touring model
- Take a first look at the brand new Juke Hybrid from Nissan
- McMurtry fan car sets new Goodwood Hill record as fastest car
- BMW selling features of its car as separate subscriptions
- Hyundai announces all-electric IONIQ 6 taking aim at Tesla's Model 3
- MG's new scalable battery-powered Modular Scalable Platform
- Ford unveils 2,000bhp electric Supervan its fastest transit yet
- Mini Aceman: All-electric crossover due to go on sale in 2024
- Take a look at the all-new Vauxhall Astra in action
- Michael Schumacher's undefeated 1998 Ferrari is to be auctioned
- German start-up Sono Motors unveils solar powered electric car
- New £400k electric Rolls-Royce Spectre snapped testing in France


text:
(CN) – The U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in a copyright dispute involving a 1984 photo of Michael Jordan dunking a basketball in which the photographer claimed Nike ripped him off with its famous “Jumpman” logo.
At issue are an alleged reproduction of the photo, and the silhouetted “Jumpman” logo used in Nike advertising.
Photojournalist Jacobus Rentmeester sued Nike in 2015, claiming the company infringed his copyright of photo he took of Jordan, then a student at the University of North Carolina, for a Life Magazine feature on the 1984 Summer Olympics.
A federal judge in Oregon granted Nike’s motion to dismiss the action, and Rentmeester appealed to the Ninth Circuit.
According to court filings, the photographer arranged his photo in a way that would “trick the viewer into thinking that Mr. Jordan was performing a gravity-defying dunk.”
“Creative expression does not become unprotectable if the artist plans it in advance, or if the artist succeeds in expressing what she tries to express. This is absurd,” the brief states.
Last year, the Ninth Circuit panel concluded the pose itself is not entitled to copyright protection.
While it is possible that Nike copied Rentmeester’s photo, the panel found that the photographer could only claim copyright on creative choices like lighting and camera angle.
“If a subsequent photographer persuaded Michael Jordan to assume the exact same pose but took her photo, say, from a bird’s eye view directly above him, the resulting image would bear little resemblance to Rentmeester’s photo and thus could not be deemed infringing,” U.S. Circuit Judge Paul Watford wrote for the panel.
Rentmeester petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari, which the court denied without further comment Monday.


text:
A ruling was reached today in an Epic Games vs Apple court case and legal battle that effectively started back in August of 2020. Apple is likely to appeal the part of the decision that’d otherwise allow additional permissions for iOS app developers. For now, the ruling is that app developers will not be prohibited from adding purchasing mechanisms in their apps.
The ruling from the Epic Games vs Apple trial by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers sets an injunction that’ll require Apple to allow developers in the USA to include their own in-app payment systems through a variety of means. These include metadata buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms.
This ruling also prohibits Apple from stopping developers from communicating with customers through “points of contact obtained voluntarily from customers through account registration within the app.” This was all due to the court finding that Apple engaged in “anticompetitive conduct under California’s competition laws.”
In all other counts, the court found in favor of Apple. The court could not conclude that Apple was a monopolist under federal or state antitrust laws. Judge Rogers ruling included the following: “While the Court finds that Apple enjoys considerable market share of over 55% and extraordinarily high profit margins, these factors alone do not show antitrust conduct. Success is not illegal.”
It was ruled by Judge Rogers that Epic Games will need to pay damages equal to 30% of revenue collected by the company via the Fortnite app on iOS through direct payment options. This ruling included the months between August and October 2020 (each of these being months when the app was available for iOS with said direct payment options), PLUS any more iOS-based profit from Fortnite collected between November 2020 and September 10, 2021, with interest.
In the three months mentioned, Epic Games reported revenue from iOS of $12,167,719 USD. Approximately 30% of that is $3,650,315 USD. It is likely that Epic Games will need to pay Apple an immense amount of cash, in any case. If you’d like to investigate this case further, head to the US District Court for the Northern District of California, or just tap in to the timeline of earlier investigations below.


text:
Igloo Coolers Joins REI Outessa Summit
First-of-its-kind event series offers women outdoor education, recreation
and adventure in stunning mountainous settings
KATY, Texas, and Boise, Idaho – April 28, 2016 – Igloo Products Corp. (“Igloo”) today announced its sponsorship of the REI Outessa Summit (“the Summit”) — a series of outdoor weekend getaways for women which offer authentic outdoor adventures led by professional athletes and guides. Two weekend-long events will take place in the Summit’s inaugural year. The two events will be held at Kirkwood Resort near Lake Tahoe, Calif. from Aug. 19 to 21 and Powder Mountain near Salt Lake City, Utah from Sept. 9 to 11. Registration opens to the public today.
Igloo will keep participants hydrated with water bottles and stocked with Igloo coolers at various locations during the event. The centerpiece of the activation will be the Trailmate, the ultimate all-terrain wheeled cooler and the brand’s latest product introduction. In addition to the hydration stations, a fleet of Igloo’s festive Party Bars and Party Buckets will take center stage at the firepit socials and dinners.
“We are thrilled to participate in the inaugural REI Outessa Summit series,” said Candi Whitsel, Igloo senior vice president, marketing and product management. “At Igloo, we believe that amazing things happen when people come together, and we make products for life’s celebrations—both large and small. What better way to celebrate women, friendship and connecting with the great outdoors than by partnering with the REI Outessa Summit?”
“Through the REI Outessa Summit, we are offering women the opportunity to try something new and experience some unforgettable outdoor adventures,” said Julia Stamps Mallon, co-founder and vice president business development of the REI Outessa Summit. “We are excited that Igloo has signed on to keep our participants fueled and hydrated throughout their entire adventure.”
These weekends boast flexibility and variety. With more than 200 options available, each attendee can customize her schedule and tailor her activities to match her individual interests and skill level. Camping, backpacking, kayaking, outdoor cooking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, yoga, hiking and trail running are some of the offered activities.
Mallon added, “After three days, Outessa women will find inspiration in their peers as well as in their own new-found abilities. We want them to connect with the outdoors and each other during these unforgettable weekends.”
About Igloo Products Corp.
Texas-based Igloo Products Corp. is an international designer, manufacturer and marketer of coolers, drink containers and supporting accessories. For 69 years, the Igloo brand has been synonymous with quality, durability and innovation since originating the cooler category in 1947 and remains the number one cooler brand worldwide today. Offering more than 500 different products, Igloo products are sold by more than 110 thousand retail storefronts around the world. For more information, visit www.igloocoolers.com.
About the REI Outessa Summit
The REI Outessa Summit Events are custom-tailored outdoor weekend getaways for women offering immersive outdoor experiences, hands-on product trials, and education from professional athletes and expert guides. The first two events will be held at Kirkwood Resort near Lake Tahoe, CA from August 19 to 21, and Powder Mountain near Salt Lake City, Utah from September 9 to 11. The event series was created in collaboration with REI. Additional sponsors include: prAna, Osprey, Cannondale, BIC SUP, Petzl, Big Agnes, Trigger Point, ENO, ORU Kayak, Salomon, Nuun, Taylor Maid Farms, Goal Zero, Amy’s Kitchen, GCI Outdoors, Smarty Pants, Lagunitas, ProBar, Clif Bar, Picky Bar, Honey Stinger, Hint, Dirty Gourmet, World Peas, Tandem, Rinse, GoMacro, Stance, Native, ElliptiGO, Igloo and Dandies. To learn more about REI Outessa Summit, visit www.outessa.com. For the latest news, sign up for email updates, follow on Instagram and Twitter, and like on Facebook.


text:
Following the rejection in 2018 of the controversial plan to increase the Sandbanks Ferry toll, the operating company is now proposing a new price increase.
The Sandbanks Ferry Company has just made an application to the Secretary of State for Transport to increase the Maximum Tolls Chargeable amounts and for future annual increases to rise, up to the rate of inflation.
5 per cent to 5.56 per cent increase
The proposed cash tolls, or single trip ticket prices are, according to the company, between a 5 per cent to 5.56 per cent increase on the last approved Maximum Tolls Chargeable amounts agreed in February 2015.
This means that the single trip price for a car would rise from £4.50 to about £4.75. The company says this represents an increase of less than half the rate of inflation since that point in time. The previous controversial application, that was rejected following a public enquiry and angry protests from passengers, proposed an increase to £6 for a car.
The company is also applying for all future single trip toll increases to be capped annually at the rate of inflation. This could see the tolls increasing every year at the rate of inflation, which is currently 1.8 per cent.
Books of tickets
The application also proposes freezing the price of the books of tickets at the current level until at least 2021. These tickets, that are mostly bought by local residents are available to buy in multiples between 10 and 50. It’s proposed that their price remains unchanged until it reaches 26%-30% less than single trip tickets.
However, many local residents, anticipating future toll increases, stocked up on books of tickets last October 2019, when the company offered a special promotional rate of a 48 per cent discount on the full ticket price, following the suspension of the service over the summer.
Managing Director of the Sandbanks Ferry Company, Mike Kean said:
“We have held detailed discussions over the past 12 months with local residents, councillors and MPs and have incorporated their feedback into the application proposals. These include increasing the discounts applied to bulk purchase of tickets and pledging not to pay dividends until the Ferry Replacement Fund is at the required level in any given year. We are incredibly grateful for their time and input.
“Toll increases are a necessary part of the mix in ensuring that our vital service to local businesses, residents and tourists is maintained long into the future, and we look forward to the application progressing over the coming months.”
It’s not yet known when the proposed toll, if approved, could come into effect. The Department for Transport and the Ferry Company will publish further details of the application consultation in due course.


text:
Sweden's retail sales rose 2.4 percent from a year earlier in May of 2020, following an upwardly revised 1.4 percent decrease in April, as many shops reopened amid easing containment measures. A sharp increase in sales was observed for cultural & recreation goods (15.3 percent vs 3.6 percent in April). Also, those via mail orders or via Internet continued to rise markedly (33.6 percent vs 28.8 percent). On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail trade went up 0.5 percent, after an upwardly revised 0.4 percent increase in the previous month.
Retail Sales YoY in Sweden averaged 2.80 percent from 1992 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 10.90 percent in May of 2000 and a record low of -7.70 percent in December of 1992. This page provides the latest reported value for - Sweden Retail Sales YoY - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. Sweden Retail Sales YoY - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on July of 2020. source: Statistics Sweden
Retail Sales YoY in Sweden is expected to be -4.70 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate Retail Sales YoY in Sweden to stand at 2.00 in 12 months time. In the long-term, the Sweden Retail Sales YoY is projected to trend around 3.00 percent in 2021 and 2.20 percent in 2022, according to our econometric models.


text:
NBW planning is in full swing. The NBW team has been travelling to various provinces in preparation for on the ground events from 5-11 September. All nine provinces will be hosting official NBW events this year!
National Book Week has compiled the highlights of activities from the #GOINGPLACES bus tour which travelled throughout four of South Africa’s provinces (Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape).
This campaign has been celebrated in seven provinces, aiming to mitigate the findings in the 2007 study that revealed that only 14% of South Africans read books and over half of South African households (51%) do not have a single leisure reading book.
Now in its sixth year, the country’s most successful annual national reading campaign has mobilised some of the best storytellers, musicians, and ambassadors such as Lupi Ngcayisa, Stoan Seate, Refiloe Mpakanyane, Jena Dover, Pearl Thusi and Aaron Moloisi to name a few to get Mzansi travelling again through books. Along with the mascot, Funda Bala, the ambassadors will continue to support and bring the world of books to people.
CLICK HERE to view the highlights.
You can help spread the love of reading by buying selected books for just R20 each at Exclusive Books and Bargain Books stores countrywide. Buy it and place it in the in-store donation bins. Please support our #BUYABOOK campaign which ends this Sunday, 20th of September 2015.
South Africa’s 6 years running and most successful national reading campaign, National Book Week, will be celebrated across the country from the 7th – 13th September 2015
What can YOU do during National Book Week?
• Participate in the programme in your province
• Visit your local Bargain Books or Exclusive Books stores and participate in the #BUYABOOK campaign.
• Donate books – to organizations working with women, children, youth, and the disabled.
• Corporates are encouraged to #BUYABOOK or two
• Create your own activities and let the NBW team know about it.
• Promote NBW on your social media platforms.
• Communities, churches, social groups, schools and libraries and anyone with an interest in promoting reading, are encouraged to participate in the campaign to bring awareness of the joy and value of reading books.
REMEMBER there’s a Special Offer on books which starts during National Book Week on Monday, 7 September. You can buy selected titles by local authors for just R20 a book. Then please donate it to someone who doesn’t have one. The aim is to get the nation reading. Exclusive Books and Bargain Books are participating stores countrywide.
To find out more about programmes around the country, connect with NBW on social media for regular updates.
- Twitter: @NBW_SA
- Instagram: @nationalbookweeksa
- #GOINGPLACES / #BUYABOOK
Reading statistics reports that only 14% of the South African population are active book readers, and a mere 5% of parents read to their children. National Book Week is an important initiative in encouraging the nation to value reading as a fun and pleasurable activity and to showcase how reading can easily be incorporated into one’s daily lifestyle.
The commemoration coincides with International Literacy Day on 8 September
Most towns have libraries where ratepayers can lend books.THE COUNTDOWN to National Book Week has begun. On the 7th of September, going places tour bus begins to spread the love of reading.
Official events will be held in seven provinces: Gauteng, North West, Free State, Western Cape, Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Activities include distributing books, reading stories, word games, motivational talks, and interaction with children favorite mascot Funda Bala.
The programmes cater for children aged 2 and up. There’s also something for the adults: training to encourage parents and guardians to be reading champions in their homes. Some of the events are open to the public. Check more information on that using #BuyaBook hashtag on social media. Of course, National Book Week also encourage you to host your own reading events from the 7th to the 13th of September, and to #BuyaBook for someone who doesn’t have one.
Join the conversation and support leisure book reading using 2015 theme #BuyaBook #GoingPlaces


text:
As James Cole watched Covid-19 grind the cruise industry to a global halt, he’d have been forgiven for wanting to delay – or even abandon – his sector return.
But despite the prolonged shutdown, crippling uncertainty and barrage of negative publicity for cruise, the Cruise118 co-founder felt even more determined to make his comeback with a new retail venture.
“I wanted to come back in and make a real difference,” he tells TTG. “I’ve been in cruise since 1998, I’m so passionate about it… yes there have been some isolated [Covid] incidents but I’ve found a lot of the criticism hard to take.
“Seeing former colleagues treated so negatively made me even hungrier to come back, and I decided to pull things forward and launch now.”
Cole’s new brand – Panache Cruises – officially opens its call centre phone lines for business today (6 July), offering “elite” ocean, river and expedition lines alongside luxury yacht cruising with a team of “cruise connoisseurs” on hand to deal with clients’ every whim.
In spite of the strange tides the industry finds itself in, Cole has his eyes on calmer waters.
“Panache is a long-term venture and I see us being around in 10, 15, 20 years time. We’ll get over these initial few months – whether it’s six or 12 months – and we’ll do what we have to do to position ourselves as being one of the very best UK cruise retailers.”
A bold aspiration amid turbulent times, but coming from someone with a proven track record of doing just that – you wouldn’t bet against him.