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SavvyShopperToday.comGet ready for the string of mattress commercials as Memorial Day nears. But is it really the best time to buy? The experts at dealnews.com say that aside from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the end of May is a good time to buy a new mattress. They point...
Tags: Memorial Day, Sears, Holidays
Domino’s Pizza is using a new ad campaign to tell consumers "No," specifically so they'll stop trying to add or substitute ingredients on "Artisan Pizza" orders. The pizza company has four varieties of the artisan pie, which now include a new...
SavvyShopperToday.comThe permanent sales tax holiday for Amazon.com shoppers in Virginia is on the verge of ending. The “Retail Sales and Use Tax” bill (SB597) passed through the House Finance Committee in a 17-2 vote Wednesday. With Senate approval and a vocal...
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Gov. Bob McDonnell's administration has reached a deal withAmazon.com Inc. for the giant online retailer to start collecting sales taxes in Virginia. The agreement calls for Amazon to start collecting the taxes of purchases made by...
South Bend Tribune CorrespondentFar-reaching changes in global commerce and cyberspace sales are driving new opportunities in the logistics industry, with Michiana positioned to reap substantial benefits. With manufacturing increasingly performed offshore, the stretched delivery...
Most of us have heard of eBay, but what about Etsy? The online marketplace has taken off in the last year and has become a hit with crafty types across the world and in West Michigan. Lindsay Petersen from Grand Rapids is one of them. When she's not...
Tags: E-Commerce Industry, eBay Inc., Consumers
KIAHBlack Friday and Cyber Monday sales were up from last year and that’s good news! People seem over the shell shock of hard times and feel like spending money. There's still a fair amount of economic doom and gloom being talked about, but it’s...
Tags: Radio, Pandora Media, Inc., Facebook
In a more economically naive time, making reference to the Friday after Thanksgiving as Black Friday was something of an insider's comment. Most definitely, it had become a major shopping day long before the promise of door busters (another term once...
The 33 NewsBonnie Burgett admits that she is a luxury brand shopper, but she is also careful not to buy a fake when she buys online. "It may be a bargain, but often it won't last and won't be worth the price." But, not all internet shoppers are so savvy. Experts...
On a day expected to be the busiest in FedEx's 40-year history, Diane Maleski got to work extra early — at 4:30 a.m. That was long before the first trucks arrived from the airport bearing parcels that would be piled onto conveyor belts, sorted by...
ReutersAmazon.com Inc said it has extended the order deadline on one of its Christmas shipping options as it seeks to stay competitive in a holiday season that has seen more retailers offer free shipping. Amazon will let customers place orders as late as...
May 14, 2012 |Story| Savvy Shopper Today
Apr 5, 2012 |Story| Los Angeles Times
Feb 23, 2012 |Story| Savvy Shopper Today
Feb 22, 2012 |Story| WDBJ7
Dec 7, 2011 |Story| South Bend Tribune
Dec 6, 2011 |Story| WXMI
Dec 1, 2011 |Story| KIAH-LTV
Dec 1, 2011 |Story| Baltimore Sun
Dec 12, 2011 |Story| KDAF-LTV
Dec 12, 2011 |Story| Baltimore Sun
Dec 5, 2011 |Story| Los Angeles Times
Dec 14, 2011 |Story| Reuters
Original site for Cyber Monday topic gallery.


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Logistics firm Howard Tenens has put two 26-tonne rigid dedicated gas vehicles on the road, believed to be among the first to operate in the UK. The operator ordered the vehicles in February this year. The two CNG fuelled rigid trucks, delivered this month, will be used by Howard Tenens in the Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial, funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) in partnership with Innovate UK. The 18-month trial, which runs until the end […]
Volvo Group has announced the appointment of former Scania president and chief executive officer Martin Lundstedt (pictured) as its own new president and CEO.
Scania has appointed a new chief executive and president, Christian Levin, from 1 May.
The RHA is to launch legal action against the major truck manufacturers, after they were found guilty by the European Commission of price fixing and fined €2.9bn (£2.5bn).

domain: news


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- OPPO MagVOOC 40W and 20W magnetic charging technology demoed.
- The company has introduced the MagVOOC power bank that can push up to 20W speed.
- OPPO has demoed the Air Charging technology that can transfer up to 7.5W power to a phone at a small distance, and at various angles too.
Days after Realme introduced its magnetic wireless charging solution, called MagDart, OPPO has now demonstrated its own magnetic charging technology at the Smart China Expo 2021. OPPO’s magnetic charging system is called MagVOOC and it includes a 40W charger and a 20W charger. There is also a MagVOOC power bank. This means they’re completely different from Realme’s tech that offers 50W and 15W charging speeds, in addition to the Realme MagDart power bank, wallet, and case. OPPO has also shown off a prototype of a truly wireless charging system that can send power to a phone that is several inches away.
The 40W charging stand can hold the phone magnetically and can push out 40W to supported devices. A 4,000mAh battery on the OPPO Ace2 is claimed to be fully charged in 56 minutes, while older models like the OPPO Find X3 can be charged at 30W. The OPPO charger also supports the Qi standard and has an output of 15W without MagVOOC. The 40W charger is similar to the Pixel stand, where the phone is placed vertically on what looks like a stand.
Moving on, there’s a 20W MagVOOC charger that also supports Qi charging at up to 10W speed. It is circular in shape and is extremely slim for a charger.
The MagVOOC power bank has 4,500mAh capacity internally and can charge supported phones at 20W speed. There’s Qi wireless charging support as well, meaning you can charge accessories like smartwatches and TWS earbuds. Users can get 10W through the USB Type-C port. However, the 4,500mAh capacity takes two hours to charge up completely. It uses a magnetic alignment system to ensure precise alignment between phone and charger. OPPO hasn’t mentioned when the MagVOOC charging technology will make its way to commercial phones.
Lastly, the company has introduced the OPPO Air Charging that can transfer up to 7.5W power to a phone at a small distance and at various angles too. Interestingly, OPPO says that users can continue using the phone without cables. the company has multiple patents and functioning prototypes but it doesn’t seem like OPPO has plans to launch it commercially.


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Retailers, consumers and prices
Jimmy John’s workers in Minneapolis unionize
Here’s a Labor Day story for you: Newly unionized workers at nine Jimmy John’s sandwich shops in Minneapolis took to the streets over the weekend to protest minimum-wage pay, inconsistent daily schedules (some as short as one hour), and a lack of sick days.
“We formed a union to fight for change, starting at Jimmy John’s today, and throughout the entire fast food industry tomorrow,” David Boehnke, a union member said.
Only a handful of fast-food workers are unionized in the United States. They are highly likely to earn minimum wage and to be employed on a part-time basis, which makes them ineligible for benefits like health insurance and paid vacations. (Full-time workers who earn the national minimum wage of $7.25 per hour would make $15,080 a year — just above the federal poverty line of $14,570 a year for a family of two.)
The newly minted Jimmy John’s union members are part of the Industrial Workers of the World, which has grabbed headlines for its efforts to unionize Starbucks workers.
This week, they are calling on IWW members in other states to help them pressure Minneapolis Jimmy John’s franchise owners Rob and Mike Mulligan to negotiate.
“We are very proud of our employment record in Minneapolis and take issue with the claims by the IWW. We value our relationship with our employees and offer competitive wages and good local jobs,” the franchise owners said in a statement. They declined to elaborate, a spokeswoman said.
Jimmy John’s is a 995-restaurant chain with its headquarters in Champaign, Illinois, according to the company’s web site.
(Photo: Jimmy John’s Workers Union)


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More surprising than the lack of courses and golfers in Rory McIlroy PGA Tour has been EA Sports’ failure to detail any post-release support plans for the game. Sales of McIlroyÂ were dramatically affected, mostly due to having only eight licensed courses, yet it took until two weeks after release forÂ the company to announceÂ anything to do with additional content. TheÂ first info has come now and it’s underwhelming to say the least.
One new course is on the way for Rory McIlroy PGA Tour and it’ll be free around the end of September: East Lake Golf Club. Additionally, the course that came with pre-ordering the game (TPC Scottsdale) will go out to anyone who didn’t on August 11.
If EA had immediate plans to add considerable content including courses and/or golfers they would have announced that prior to release of the game. While the company claims they’llÂ support Rory McIlroy PGA TourÂ for quite some time, potentially comparable to the nine months they did with EA Sports UFC, the news today won’t be very encouraging to those who bought the game for full price on day one.
Another week has gone by and the (promised for All-Star break) sweeping reevaluation of ratings for the entirety of the league in MLB 15: The Show is still nowhere to be found. In its place today is just a typical roster update, with the highest rated players affected being in the mid-80s.
Noah Syndergaard is the big winner this week rising from 75 to 82 with Kyle Hendricks (+10 to 76) also getting a strong push. There’s more in the way of downward movement this week with Tanner Roark (-4 to 80), Ian Desmond (-5 to 79), Justin Verlander (-5 to 79), and Bartolo Colon (-3 to 79) among those headed the wrong direction.
With the trade deadline approaching a couple major deals have been struck, but only one of the two have been applied in today’s update. Scott Kazmir has made his way to the Astros, but Johnny Cueto remains on the Reds roster and Royals fans will now have to wait until next Monday to get him.Â Read more
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didnâ€™t necessarily warrant their own postings.
â™¦Check out articles written and videos recorded for Sporting News and Hit The Pass:
Â Â Â â€˘NBA 2K16 will feature the return of colleges
Â Â Â â€˘Will NBA 2K16 be the rebirth of college sports games? (video)
Â Â Â â€˘All-time Lakers vs All-time Bulls simulated in NBA 2K15
Â Â Â â€˘NBA 2K16 soundtrack revealed, available on Spotify
Â Â Â â€˘The best sports gaming highlights of the week – submit yours for next time!
Â Â Â â€˘Alex Morgan to appear on the cover of FIFA 16
Â Â Â â€˘What’s next for Rory McIlroy PGA Tour? (video)
Â Â Â â€˘The sports game release schedule is broken
Â Â Â â€˘Top rated players in Madden NFL 16: Rookies, RB, QB, WR, TE
â™¦Amazon is now offering $5 off FIFA 16 on XB1/PS4 for Prime subscribers.
â™¦Amazon continues to offer $10 off Madden NFL 16 on XB1/PS4 for Prime members.
â™¦MLB 15: The Show on PlayStation 4 is on sale for $30 at Amazon.
â™¦New screenshots have been added to the FB album for NBA Live 16.
â™¦EA Sports has answered more questions about NHL 16 on the game’s official site.
â™¦EA Sports announced a three year FIFA marketing partnership with Real Madrid.
â™¦PES 2016 will run at 1080p on both systems this year rather than just PS4.
â™¦Turn 10 has revealed the Ford carsÂ and a new track for the upcoming Forza 6.
â™¦The first patch for Rocket League is expected out sometime this week.
â™¦Electronic Arts’ stock hit a lifetime high last week, up $62 since its low in late 2012.
â™¦A look atÂ the new alternate uniforms for the upcoming NBA season has been leaked.
â™¦An Xbox One bundle, with 1TB hard drive and Madden NFL 16 will be out August 18.
EA Sports has released a new video that detailsÂ the various enhancements made for user-controlled goalies,Â including newÂ controls, coming with NHL 16. The improvements will be experienced sooner than anyone would have anticipated, with the EA Sports Hockey League beta set to open on Thursday.
The fate of your team is at your fingertips with all-new enhanced goalie controls. Precision Skating captures the authentic look and feel of a goaltenderâ€™s momentum and precise movement as you control them in the crease. When the shots start flying, decide whether to make controlled positional saves or commit to high risk athletic saves that may leave you vulnerable to secondary chances.
From the end of August, to the end of September, there are nine sports-related games releasing. Five of them are major league licensed titles. How is it that all these games will release at practically the same time, when there’s only a handful of them distributed over the other 11 months out of the year?
This situation has become of major concern to sports gaming fans, particularly as the genre has contracted so significantly over the past decade. There’s only so much money to go around, and consumers are being asked more than ever before to prioritize, and pick and choose based on criteria they may not have considered otherwise. NBA 2K16 unnecessarily moving up into September, and NBA Live 16 following it there, has made things even worse.
With that in mind I wrote up a piece over at Hit The Pass on the topic, and how it could be fixed in a perfect world. It’s an important discussion for consumers to have, and for publishers to consider, because if no changes are made even more sports franchises are going to inevitably end up getting axed.


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The Caribbean will “come back with vengeance” from the Covid crisis, says Sandals’ deputy chairman, as the all-inclusive resort group sets its sights on further expansion.
Sandals announced plans to open a new resort in Curacao on Thursday (11 December) – the company’s first foray into the Dutch Caribbean.
Adam Stewart, deputy chairman of Sandals Resorts International, told TTG that the Curacao property was due to open after refurbishment in November 2021 in time for the winter 2022 season.
Stewart also hinted there would be news of further expansion for Sandals in early 2021 which he said would “send a signal that the future of Caribbean tourism is going to be very strong”.
Sandals is also set to open a new Beaches property in St Vincent and the Grenadines by taking over the former Buccament Bay Spa and Resort. A date for the opening has yet to be announced.
Stewart praised the Caribbean tourism industry for the way it had introduced Covid-19 protocols to allow the safe resumption of travel to the world’s most tourism dependent region. Sandals has introduced its own Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness initiative.
“The demand is absolutely there – there’s pent-up demand, people want to travel,” he said. “The five-day quarantine is a great win and customers are signalling they would be opting in.
“We feel the worst is behind us and we know so much more about how to safely travel. It’s going to come back with a vengeance.”
Stewart said occupancies at its resorts over Christmas would be “in excess of 80%” with guests paying non-discounted rates.
He predicted that 2021 would be a “pretty good year”, although they were unlikely to get back to 2019 levels until 2022.
Stewart also stressed the importance of travel agents who he called the “back bone of the company”.
He said he hoped there could eventually be direct flights to Curacao from the UK, although there was already “strong connectivity” by flying to the island with KLM through Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.


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Minneapolis Target Corp. announced Tuesday the opening of 27 stores, including its first two locations in the state of Hawaii.
The new stores, which include 21 general-merchandise locations and six SuperTargets, will hold a grand opening on Sunday, March 8.
In other news, Target announced Monday that Prince is releasing a three-disc CD through the retailer at the end of this month.
The Target deal makes Price the latest music legend to release new music exclusively through a major retailer. AC/DC and the Eagles were among the acts who sold millions of CDs through their partnership with Wal-Mart.


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Latest figures from NBR’s report for the year 2021/2022 released on 31st October, shows that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 8.9% in 2022 from 4.4% of the previous year registered in June 2021.
The report also indicates that Rwandan franc depreciated by 3.8% in June by the end of June 2022, compared to 5.3 percent depreciation recorded in the corresponding period of 2021.
On another note, the banking sub-sector’s aggregate net profits increased by Rwf18.5 billion to Rwf74.4 billion during the first half of 2022 from Rwf55.9 billion during the first half of 2021.
BNR indicates that transfers through mobile banking channels increased by 35 percent from 6 million to 8 million transactions and the value of transactions increased by 140 percent from Rwf917 billion to Rwf381 billion.
Meanwhile, funds transfers through internet banking increased by 42 per cent from 1,552,080 to 2,205,107 transactions and the value of transactions increased by 57 per cent from Rwf2,672 billion to Rwf4,200 billion.
The number of mobile banking subscribers increased by 18 per cent from 2,080,549 in June 2021 to 2,244,652 and Internet banking subscribers increased by 32 per cent from 106,312 to 140,662 in June 2022. Active mobile payment subscribers also increased by 9 percent from 5,079,232 in June 2021 to 5,528,109 in June 2022.
Among others; the number of card based Point-Of-Sales (POS) increased by 14 percent from 4,635 POS in June 2021 to 5,263 POS in June 2022 while the number of mobile POS increased to 49,975 in June 2022 from 45,627 in June 2021. On the other hand, Virtual POS (QR based POS) moderately increased from 4,280 in June 2021 to 4,295 in June 2022.
The number of agents providing banking services increased by 33 percent from 6,555 to 8,720 agents while mobile payment agents slightly increased by 2 percent, from 144,250 to 146,930 agents. The number of automated teller machines (ATMs) remained stable with only 1 percent of increase from 338 to 344 ATMs at end June 2022.
As per released report, the overall value of retail e-payment to GDP increased by 16.4 percent during the period to reach 111.9 percent.
The usage was dominated by mobile payment (transfer and acquiring services) and internet banking services, which account for 67.4 percent and 35 percent of the GDP respectively.
Transfers through mobile payment channels occupied the largest share of the total number of cashless transactions with 70 percent followed by transfers via mobile banking with 26 percent.
In terms of value, transfer through mobile payment represented 51 percent followed by internet banking with 32 percent of total value of transactions.


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Proxibid, a way to connect buyers and sellers of highly valued items, and RES Auction Services have joined forces to bring RES Auction Services’ equipment auctions to online bidders exclusively via Proxibid. The inaugural RES Auction Services equipment auction will take place November 18 at 10 a.m. at RES Auction Services’ new auction facility and equipment yard in Wooster, Ohio, and on Proxibid.
The November 18 auction will feature tractors and agricultural implements, as well as construction equipment and related items. Everything you need for your next farm or construction project can found in this auction.
Bidders who cannot attend the auction in person can participate via Proxibid’s robust online bidding platform which enables anyone in the world with an internet connection to log on, bid, and win just as if they were at the live event. Proxibid’s bidding platform is backed by the industry’s most advanced risk management system, designed to ensure buyers are safe when transacting online. Bidders can rest assured; their purchases are safe on Proxibid.
“We selected Proxibid as our online partner because of the company’s experience in selling farm and construction equipment to buyers located across the globe, its reputation as a leader in the industry, and because Proxibid’s technology solution is second-to-none,” said Andy White, RES co-owner. “With Proxibid, we can leave the online bidding portion to the experts, and focus on what we do best — sell equipment — and know the online bidders are having the same high-quality experience as our onsite buyers.”
Proxibid offers the industry’s most robust online bidding platform for both live and timed auctions. All purchases made via Proxibid are backed by the company’s sophisticated risk management system and integrated payment solution, designed specifically to facilitate high dollar transactions like the farm and construction equipment sold in RES Auction Services’ auctions.
Originally posted on Work Truck Online
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The Apple Watch Series 8 could be just a few months away from debuting at the next Apple event, which is expected to take place in September.
But what if you want to buy an Apple Watch beforehand? Right now, the Apple Watch Series 7 is the best smartwatch you can buy. However, if it’s due for a replacement any time soon, you might be wondering whether it’s worth buying one now or waiting for the Apple Watch Series 8. Buyer’s remorse is a real thing, after all.
We’ve seen the best Apple Watch deals drop the price of the Apple Watch 7 significantly this summer, making it an enticing buy – and with good reason. The current Apple Watch is the best Apple Watch ever, thanks to a larger display and faster charging, among other small upgrades.
However, there could be some key differences between the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Series 7 that would make the wait worthwhile. Thanks to the Apple Watch 8 rumors we’ve heard so far, and what we know about the Apple Watch after all these years, we can give you an idea of which move is better for you: onto the Apple Watch Series 8 wait or buy the Apple Watch Series 7 now.
Apple Watch Series 8: Rumored new features
We’ve heard a handful of Apple Watch 8 rumors telling us that some changes could be planned for this year. Here are the top things we think you should know if you’re wondering whether to wait or buy.
Skin Temperature Reader: While the Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch 6 didn’t introduce a new health sensor, the Apple Watch 8’s rumored body temperature sensor could bring new wellness tracking abilities to Apple’s next smartwatch. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested this Temperature sensor could be used to inform selected features like fertility, although we’ve seen it used for sleep tracking metrics on other wearables. Finally, your skin temperature could be used to tell you when you might be getting sick by detecting a change in typical readings.
Power saving mode: As it turns out, a surprise watchOS 9 upgrade could be the best thing about the Apple Watch 8. Another report from Mark Gurman states that Apple is working on a power saving mode for the Apple Watch that could potentially extend battery life beyond the 18 hours we’ve come to expect. Chipset improvements or small changes to the display, GPS, or even the battery cell itself could help make this rumored power saving mode possible for the Apple Watch Series 8. We envision it working in a similar way to how battery saver works for the iPhone – fewer notifications and less demanding screen settings.
Flat-edged redesign: Rumors of a flat-edged Apple Watch started before the Apple Watch Series 7, and while we’re not optimistic they’ll materialize, tipster Jon Prosser has shared renders of a redesigned Apple Watch Series 8. The drastic change would make the next Apple take a closer look at the design of the iPhone. (That’s something the Apple Watch could borrow from the iPhone, since the iOS 16 lock screen appears to be watch face-inspired.) So there’s a chance the Apple Watch 8 might not look like an Apple Watch before it, although we’re like would say it’s a relatively small chance.
What about the Apple Watch 8 Pro?
We still have to mention the Apple Watch 8 Pro or the rumored rugged Apple Watch. Mark Gurman was also the source for Apple Watch 8 Pro tips and said we’ll be seeing an extreme sports smartwatch from Apple this year alongside the Apple Watch 8 (and Apple Watch SE 2).
Compared to the standard Apple Watch 8, the 8 Pro might feature premium or ultra-durable materials suitable for outdoor adventures. They would try to complement the largest Apple Watch display yet with several tips for a 2-inch screen.
It could also achieve battery life better on par with the best GPS watches or the best Garmin watches. Because the last thing you need on a road trip is a smartwatch that can’t keep up.
Those increased specs will reportedly come with a hefty price tag. Rumor has it that the Apple Watch 8 Pro could cost $1,000 – possibly the same as the iPhone 14 Pro.
Buy Apple Watch 7 or wait for Apple Watch 8?
If you want a new smartwatch right now, get the Apple Watch Series 7. It’s a great device that’s built to last for years thanks to software updates. In the fall, it will be eligible for watchOS 9 or the same software that ships on the Apple Watch Series 8. Plus, get a great piece of tech for less with the current discounts.
However, if you’re the type who likes to own the latest and greatest, it might be best to wait for what the Apple Watch Series 8 has to offer. Rumors of a new sensor, improved battery life, and refreshed design could be true. And if they’re sounding like you’d expect from a smartwatch, it might pay off to be patient.
For the latest offers from Apple, visit our Apple Store Coupons page.


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GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
CCEA approves city gas distribution in Kolkata
City Gas Distribution networks in cities are to be developed by GAIL in collaboration with the concerned state governments.
Working to expand Mutual Fund distribution channels: Sebi tells Amfi
Expressing satisfaction over the overall growth of domestic mutual fund industry, Sebi has also emphasised that it is not against distributors.
CESC starts power distribution in Rajasthan
“At Kota we will follow CESC’s customer-centric initiatives to provide best-in-class services to power consumers by developing and modernising the city’s distribution systems.”
US-developed weapon system may cause global warming: Government
"The US has developed a type of weapon called High Frequency Active Auroral Research Programme. HAARP strikes the upper atmosphere with a focussed and steerable electromagnetic beam," Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave told the Rajya Sabha.
UP polls: Akhilesh Yadav wants larger say in ticket distribution
A proposal to create a committe to screen candidates before they are selected headed by Akhilesh Yadav is also being floated but Mulayam Singh Yadav is yet to make up his mind
Sebi working on more distribution channels for mutual funds: U K Sinha at Amfi AGM
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is working on ways to further deepen the distribution network for mutual funds.
Rashi Peripherals to be the distribution partner of Fitbit
Fitbit said the first year operations in India has led to a positive response to Fitbit products. The products are currently available online exclusively on Amazon.
Boeing to supply 22 harpoon missiles system to India
In 2014, India requested the US government for the Harpoon missiles for Shishumar class submarine. The request was made under Foreign Military Sale.
Excel Entertainment eyes strategic partner in distribution
The production house has tied up distribution for two with an external studio while it plans to release the other two on its own, Sidhwani told ET.
Sun Pharma strikes distribution alliance with Mitsubishi Tanabe in Japan
Sun’s products are part of the long-listed and established prescription brands and includes Parlodel, Lamsil, Nitroderm and Lopressor.
CM Akhilesh Yadav announces distribution of free smart phones in Uttar Pradesh
The distribution of smart phone will start in the second half of 2017 on the basis of first come/registration, first serve basis. In 2012, Samajwadi Party had secured complete majority.
Federal Bank to start distribution of Indian gold coins
"Through this tie-up with MMTC, the bank becomes the first among the private sector banks to offer this product to its customers," said Jose K. Mathew.
TripXOXO ties-up with CyberPlat for content distribution across India
The company seeks to reach out to over 5,00,000 touch points across the country using CyberPlats' wide network of distributors with this partnership.
IT-enabled power distribution to save Rs 10,000 crore annually
Moving in this direction, the Power Ministry is likely to award the works to have IT-driven power distribution in as many as 2,636 towns across the country.
Better immune system may help prevent cancer
The body's immune system is capable of intercepting pre-malignancies and preventing cancer.


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At FIS’s banking conference in Orlando last month, the talk was of digital disruption. As if Dodd-Frank financial regulations and blockchain technology weren’t enough to contend with, here comes the “two guys from Ireland” to eat their lunch. Brothers Patrick and John Collison grew up in a remote part of Ireland and didn’t have internet access until they were teens. But they created Stripe, which is being heralded as “a far simpler method of processing payments” that could wipe out banks’ credit card processing business. Stripe was recently valued at $5 billion, and the brothers have relocated to Silicon Valley.
The Collisons are part of a new breed of digital disruptors sending shudders through the banking sector. With names like Stripe, Square, AimLoans, Zopa, Mint, and Wonga, they are targeting every revenue category that banks rely upon for profits: home loans, consumer credit, asset management, deposits, and credit cards. Accenture expects disruptive business models to gobble up 32 percent of banks’ revenue stream by 2020. And banks are hardly alone. Here are five ways to disrupt the disruptors in your market:
- Understand the nature of disruption in your market. To understand the nature and pace of disruption, look at the exponential rate of technological advancement. When the term “disruption” first entered the business lexicon in the late 90s, the phenomenon was confined to the disk drive industry and a few others. Today, it’s an ever-growing threat to virtually every industry. Banks and bookstores and brick and mortar retailers of all stripes are endangered. Already in 2016, the shift to online shopping has decimated big box retailer Sports Authority and regional chains across America. The college textbook industry has essentially stopped acquiring new titles, and laid off thousands of editorial employees. Moore’s Law predicted a doubling in storage and processing capacity every two years, and that’s what’s occurred. Combine Moore’s Law with the enabling power of The Cloud, and the entrepreneurial zeal of Collison brothers around the world looking to make their mark, and you get a glimpse of what is to come over the next three to five years. And what you must do to prepare.
- Understand what’s really going on with your value proposition. In my work across industries, I regularly see numerous forces and factors triggering dislocation, not just technological. Among them: lifestyle changes, demographic shifts, and new regulations, to name only a few. Scientific breakthroughs can be triggers. Dentists are having a hard time because better preventive measures (fluoride, for example) means people are getting fewer cavities so there’s less drilling and filling to do. Consumers are drinking 36 percent less fluid milk, as an array of alternative beverages such as almond and soy milk, become available. More and more Americans are opting for cremation, disrupting the traditional funeral industry in the process. People are writing fewer and fewer letters, and the envelope industry is idled. Who will need auto insurance when driverless cars arrive? The age of disruption demands that we develop a closer understanding of what’s producing value for our customers, and how today’s value proposition might be obsoleted by new offerings that give customers greater choices.
- In the age of disruption, being in denial is not an option. Kodak had 16 years to fend off digital disruption before declaring bankruptcy in 2012. After the iPhone was introduced in 2007, Blackberry saw its market share plummet from 53 percent to three percent in only five years. Clearly the time to respond is diminishing, and delay can be costly. With disruptive forces afoot, the natural tendency is to downplay their significance, or to make incremental moves to regain position. As a leader, it’s vitally important to not get caught focusing on the wrong things. Gather data, talk to outsiders and pick their brains for insights and advice. Study history, and develop a point of view about where things will be three to five years from now under various scenarios. Regardless of your industry or your title, you can make yourself indispensable to your organization by chasing the storm, rather than hiding in your bunker. Having studied the downfall of once-powerful companies like Kodak, Blockbuster, Radio Shack, Blackberry and others, my conclusion is that we have less time than we think to take action.
- Assault industry assumptions. Every industry makes assumptions about things like “how we operate” and “what customers want.” These assumptions are unchallenged, and become canonical. A disruptor comes along and sees the buyer-seller relationship afresh, and doesn’t harbor the same assumptions. And while these attackers toss conventional wisdom aside, industry incumbents can fight back if they wake up in time, and do some unfettered thinking. Questions like these can be good for getting started: If we were going to go after our business model, where would we start? If we unbundled our value proposition, what would that look like? What business are we really in? What aggravates our customers such that, if we could eliminate it, would create a stronger bond with our customers? What are some core assumptions about how our industry creates value that may no longer be valid?
- Experiment constantly. Test and try out new business models, new products and services and marketing methods and see what appeals to post-disruption consumers. Consider various scenarios and allow nothing to be sacred and untouchable. Look to other industries for business models to borrow and adapt to yours. A global hotel-booking company used speeded up feedback cycles on multiple offers to gauge consumer reaction. Software maker Adobe recalled the old saying “if you can’t fight them, join them” and no longer licenses versions of its software in one-off transactions; today it provides software as a service. The ski industry’s star innovators, such as Killington Resort in Vermont, realized that aging, affluent Boomers weren’t going to engage in the sport nearly as much as before so they beefed up their conference business instead. Whistler Resort in British Columbia rethought the idle summer months of no snow and created a series of summer festivals and competitions that fill beds at its resort. Instead of trying to play catch-up to disruptive competitors, ask what you might do to add value and truly delight customers by adding new, unique or exceptional value. People glommed on to Uber because the typical cab experience (provided you could find one) was less than desirable. They shifted to digital photography because the old way was so expensive and cumbersome. The age of disruption demands that we develop a better understanding of what’s producing value for our customers, and what’s not. Yet the established players in any industry are not sitting ducks. They can disrupt the disruptors with enough moxie, creativity and willpower.


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Google has introduced that its Android, Google Nest, and Google Home gadgets will, beginning at this time, be interoperable with good ecosystems from different manufacturers. This has been made doable by the search large via help for the Matter protocol on the aforementioned gadgets. Matter is an open-source, royalty-free, next-generation unifying protocol for good house machine connectivity developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). The alliance, first conceived in 2019 has round 300 corporations onboard together with main gamers Apple, Samsung, Amazon, and Huawei.
According to an official weblog publish from the search large, Google Nest and Android gadgets, have been robotically up to date to with help for the Matter protocol. The listing of gadgets which are already Matter-enabled, as of at this time, embody Google Home gadgets just like the Google Home Smart Speaker, Google Home Mini Smart Speaker. Google Nest gadgets just like the Google Nest Mini, Google Nest Audio, Google Nest Hub, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, and the Nest Wifi Pro additionally get help for Matter, as per the corporate.
Google has additionally added Matter help for Fast Pair on Android which is able to permit customers to shortly hook up with Matter-enabled gadgets to their house community, Google Home and different good gadgets.
Matter utilises a wi-fi know-how primarily based on a mix of web protocol (IP), and the Thread protocol. Smart gadgets from totally different manufacturers have been utilising totally different applied sciences or protocols to construct their good gadgets which resulted within the good gadgets being incompatible with one another.
The Matter good house commonplace additionally permits gadgets that have been beforehand closely depending on web connectivity and the cloud for functioning, to work even when offline. The lower in reliance on web and cloud connectivity additionally reduces the latency between human motion and good machine response. This might be probably the most vital benefits that Matter brings into the good house ecosystem and one that might really revolutionise good machine adoptability and ease of use at massive.
Google additionally introduced that it’s constantly working with business companions in enhancing the good machine working protocol.
The search large additionally confirmed that it’s working with South Korean conglomerate Samsung to develop a built-in Multi Admin function that can permit customers to have cross-platform management over their good gadgets and good house ecosystem. The multi-admin function will arrive someday in 2023, confirmed the corporate.
Meanwhile, Google additionally introduced that it’ll carry Matter help on iOS via the Google Home app. However, the search large shied away from mentioning a timeline for a similar.


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The Customer Effect
Inside UK startup bank Revolut’s revenue model
- The growth of Revolut, which has broken even for the first time as of December, is based on payments revenue and a partner strategy to offer add-on services like travel and smartphone insurance and loans
- Revolut's premium offering resembles an Amazon Prime-style checking account model, a subscription-based checking account customers would be willing to pay for in exchange for value
In the war for market share among challenger banks, U.K.-based Revolut has hit a big milestone. The three-year-old startup announced this week that it broke even for the first time in December, with 1.5 million customers and a monthly transaction volume of $1.5 billion -- a 700 percent increase in 12 months. The company, which currently operates in Europe, lets customers hold up to 25 currencies. Its growth is based on payments revenue along with a strategy to partner to offer add-on services including travel and smartphone insurance and loans. "Our revenue model globally is payments-centric," said Dan Westgarth, head of Revolut USA. "We receive renumeration every time our card is used; that's what keeps our business afloat, and we're wrapping around on top of that third-party services, and we have a business and corporate product." Revolut claims to be the first U.K. challenger bank to reach break-even status (OakNorth, however, reportedly reached profitability in 2016). Monzo, a top U.K. challenger bank, hasn't yet broken even while Tandem and Starling Bank have yet to see a month without losses. Revolut's business model built off a multi-currency account, a foreign currency transfer service, instant credit through the Revolut app, and low-fee insurance (for example, travel medical and dental insurance costs less than $2 per day). Offering core banking products with add-on products is a way Revolut can set itself apart in a market where digital-only banking startups closely resemble one another and incumbents try to copy them. The layering of third-party services on top of a core banking product allows for multiple revenue streams as the company grows its product offerings and expands to other markets, with the U.S. in its sights later this year. It's also letting customers hold cryptocurrencies. In December, it started to let customers buy, sell, trade and hold three cryptocurrencies (bitcoin, ethereum, and litecoin) within the platform alongside 25 fiat currencies. The company didn't say how many of its customers hold cryptocurrencies. "[Digital banks] need something to differentiate, especially in more developed North American markets," said Mark Atherton, group vice president of financial services at Oracle. "The heart of banking is lending, and if you can get into lending or other profitable products like insurance and able to do that with a very low cost infrastructure, then you're able to offer fees and products the biggest banks can't." Revolut said it can offer cut-price fees due to lower overhead costs. Its fee structure is transparent -- a fresh counterpoint to many banks. It's based on a "freemium" model, with a free basic account whose customers can opt to pay for add-on services, and a premium tier that costs just under $10 per month that offers unlimited currency transfers, free travel insurance and other promotions. [caption id="attachment_23013" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Revolut fees (Source: Revolut)[/caption] Revolut's free offering can draw in new customers, who could be enticed to move to the premium service -- a powerful lead generation technique. The startup's premium offering resembles an Amazon Prime-style checking account model, which is a subscription-based checking account that includes services like insurance, identity theft protection, roadside assistance and product discounts for a modest (under $10) fee. A recent Cornerstone Advisors report concluded that customers are willing to pay an account fee if they feel they're getting value from the add-on services, and customers with fee-based accounts are more likely to refer friends and family. "Why would consumers show more interest in a fee-based account from Amazon than a free account? One reason is surely the value-added services bundled in," the report says. But there’s another reason: consumers have learned (the hard way) that a free checking account isn’t really free. [caption id="attachment_23016" align="aligncenter" width="703"] Source: Cornerstone Advisors[/caption] Revolut's focus has been on growth rather than profitability, Westgarth said. Its product diversification strtegy is a way to keep customers engaged in its ecosystem, and to generate referrals. The company said it has minimal marketing spend and its plan is to continually evolve the product to customers' expectations. In a tight challenger bank space, a digital-only bank that doesn't offer opportunities to cross sell doesn't have much hope of survival. "There's definitely going to be consolidation [among digital-only banks]," Atherton said. "The issue is customer capture -- how are you going to do something different and leverage your better economic model?"


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Ever since, iOS 6 was released, and brought with it Apple’s own controversial Maps application, it has been rumored that Google will save us all by reintroducing its beloved maps onto our iOS devices through the App Store.
But as is the way with rumors, things were overlooked. Notably, it appears that nobody took into consideration that Apple can simply disapprove Google’s app for inclusion in the App Store. But now, as The Guardian reports, Google employees doubt that Apple will allow the Google Maps application to be available on its App Store:
“Sources at Google familiar with its mapping plans say they are “not optimistic” that Apple will ever approve a dedicated Google Maps iOS app. Though the app is reportedly in development and should be ready to ship by the end of the year, the sources say their plans are only proceeding in “the unlikely event” that Apple will choose to approve the app.”
Although Apple does offer alternatives to its wretched mapping system on the App Store, it would come as no surprise if Google Maps never features among them, due to the forever ongoing Apple vs. Google war. However, Tim Cook himself has suggested using the Google’s web-based maps as an alternative to Apple’s own service, so who knows?Perhaps the app will be welcomed with open arms by Apple.
One quick side note, however. Apple is offering alternatives to its own Maps application in the App Store while it works on ironing out the many creases in its shoddy service, so perhaps, by the time Google finishes its speculated Maps application, Apple may have made its mapping system better, thus removing the need for Google to feature on the App Store. However, it’s been said before that this could take years, so perhaps that’s an impractical solution to the problem.
UPDATE: The folks over at CNET are saying that “every developer” fears not having their app accepted by Apple, and that it isn’t surprising that some employees over at Google doubt Apple will approve the app. Apple is very opaque in its approval process, so anyone that has developed for iOS knows it is a “scary” experience waiting to see if your app is approved or not. Not only that, but CNET points out that The Guardian must be forgetting that Tim Cook even advised users to use Google Maps in his open letter. Oh, and don’t forget the “public outcry” that a rejection would cause. Via: CNET


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Samsung has just revealed a new device joining the S20 series, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition (FE), and haters of fingerprint magnet, glossy back phone will be thrilled because, it ain’t got a glossy back. It has a textured haze effect. Brilliant. And it is a whole 300 dollars cheaper than the standard S20 […]
Sometimes it helps not to jump into new products everything they get launched. Case-in-point: the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 Titanium. Perhaps, procrastinating may not be a bad thing after all.
Forget about tethering or hunting for free public WiFi when you are using your laptop on-the-go because, there is a much faster and hassle-free solution, and it is the Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 5G 2-in-1 Laptop.
There is a lot to take it here. Samsung has a bunch of new devices to coax your bills out of your wallet. In the 2020 Galaxy Unpacked event earlier today (or yesterday, depending on where you are), Samsung has introduced the new Galaxy Note20 and Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Tab S7 and S7+, Galaxy Watch3, […]
The goal of a sound bar is very simple: to give your TV a boost in the audio department without being complicated. That is it. But things have changed and it seems, we are a taking a step back by giving sound bars two extra rear speakers.
A new budget smartphone will be joining Samsung’s successful budget Galaxy A series lineup. Set to land in June is the Samsung Galaxy A21s that boasts a new budget system-on-chip with octacore processor, Infinity-O display, a quad-camera setup, and long-lasting battery. For the uninitiated, Infinity-O would be Samsung’s fancy way of saying the display has […]
After having the enterprise covered with a rugged Galaxy, Samsung is now eyeing on the Department of Defense (DoD) and federal government. And the device? A new variant of Galaxy S20 which it calls Samsung Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition. Before you military heads get all ga-ga over it… you have to know this “mission-ready” smartphone […]
Personally, I do not put my trust in smartwatches’ heart rate monitor. It is one those ‘for reference’ data. However, for those who trust a smartwatch to watch out for your health parameters, you will be glad that Blood Pressure Monitoring is coming to Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2.
In an age where home appliance makers are striving to make machines smaller, Samsung has this: Samsung Cube AX9500 Air Purifier. While the notion of ‘cube’ is often small, the Samsung Cube AX9500 Air Purifier is not.
After having kept the bulky cardboard packaging of my Xiaomi 55-inch Android TV for nearly two years, I finally sent it into the recycling bin because, I simply have no room in my sub-1,000 square-feet abode.


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The “new now” leads to the “new normal” which seems to be about two years out—so what do we do “now” to get there? As businesses, what messages do we get out there, what behaviors do we encourage, what bridges do we build?
The coronavirus pandemic has shut down the American marketplace as we know it. The shops on Main Street and within the malls are boarded up, restaurants have become take-out only, and tens-of-millions have been laid off. Eventually, some semblance of an economy will return—but what kind of economy will it be? Derek Thompson, staff writer at The Atlantic, asks these questions and expects that the pandemic will radically reshape American consumption—from the components of our diets to the composition of our cities.
The new normal—America 2.0—what will it look like? So far it seems there will be greater distances and protective shields between us. So how does that work in a restaurant? At a football game? Or a wedding? We’re figuring it all out right now, designing the new economy by necessity.
So, how should businesses best communicate and conduct themselves? A recent study from Kantar reveals that 75% of respondents felt that companies should not exploit this health crisis to promote their brand…. 8% felt that companies should stop advertising altogether… and 77% expect brands to be helpful during this pandemic. So aim needs to pivot from brand promotion to looking at ways you can help and support your customers. Whole Foods, for example, now gives free disposable face masks to customers at all its stores.
And what might the future hold for businesses that don’t see this catastrophe as a time to shift strategies? Mark Cuban said it well on WBUR’s OnPoint radio program:
Their brand is going to get destroyed. How you treat your employees today will have more impact on your brand in future years than any amount of advertising, any amount of anything you literally could do. Because, again, we’re all suffering from this. Every single person is looking to see how their company is treating them, how their employers are treating family members and friends.
Let’s first examine how some companies are pivoting their approaches by reshaping their messaging. Dell Technologies, for example, in a new campaign says their “advisors are here to help, standing by you every step of the way.” Branson says his Virgin Atlantic planes and crews are “ready when you are.” Ford says they know we have “a lot to take care of,” and that they are “built to lend a hand,” so we should buy a car online and pay 90 days later with touchless delivery. NBC says that we “come together by staying apart.” And Quicken Loans lets us know their “first priority is the health and safety” of their “team members, clients and communities,” so if you need assistance with your home finances, you can contact them.
Ride-hailing drivers saw their regular income disappear overnight as stay-at-home orders decimated their businesses, making it impossible to take people to and from offices, airports or nightlife. So what Uber did is pivot. Their drivers are still working, but they are now shuttling health-care professionals to work and delivering food to people through the company’s Uber Eats service.
Domino’s Pizza also pivoted and is now doing “contactless delivery,” where customers don’t have to interact with a delivery person. The delivery people wear gloves, so they’re not actually touching the product. And they don’t even touch the doorbell. They simply leave the item and then send a text message that it’s there waiting. The customer doesn’t have to sign anything or chit chat at the door. The concept responds to the situation, which is that people need to stay away from each other.You can see unique aircraft models on our partner’s website. You can also buy jewelry at Kate Jewelery and Antha Jewelry shop!
Realize that businesses that are most sensitive and adaptable to keeping people healthy will do the best. Attention to public safety is imperative.
MESSAGES AS ACTIONS
For Merrow Manufacturing in Fall River, MA, their response was to convert their factory so it could produce personal protective equipment. During a press conference held at the facility, Governor Baker said he thinks the company will “become the largest manufacturer of PPE in the country,” while highlighting the “bravery” and the “commitment” of the employees. Part of the initiative is that the fabric comes from Massachusetts manufacturers, which means that this governor is proactively building a home grown supply chain which can produce goods when the borders close.
In the media world, hundreds of publications, such as the New York Times, The Economist, and the MIT Technology Review took down their paywalls on COVID-related content.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car lowered the minimum age for rentals; pre-COVID-19 it was 25, post COVID-19 it’s 18. In an email, the company explained that the reason was because so many colleges and universities were closing and kids needed to get home with their belongings. Other car rental companies followed, pivoting in similar ways to acknowledge the realities of the situation.
LVMH, a French multinational corporation specializing in luxury goods, stopped production of perfumes and pivoted to making hand sanitiser, which they distributed for free to hospitals. Fashion brand Christian Siriano pivoted its mission, and now their factories make face masks and other protective equipment for healthcare workers. The coffee brand Kopiko donated beverages to hospitals in Manila. And the Malaysian burger restaurant myBurgerLab is lending their staff to help the elderly and those with restricted mobility to shop and run errands.
And it’s encouraging to also see large corporations—such as Kraft-Heinz, KFC, and Bacardi—donating millions to recovery and research efforts.
The aim for everyone is to get back to normal as soon as possible without putting anyone at risk. The instant rise of Zoom is an indicator of how fast things are changing, so it’s important for businesses in their messaging to acknowledge that the situation is constantly changing. But, even though it’s changing, assure them that you remain dedicated to them by offering assistance, applauding their efforts to keep us all safe, and above all by showing empathy—and that is done by acknowledging the reality of a very hard situation. But your point is that we are all in it together, and our efforts today will be what shapes the future.
And to help us all learn how to adapt to these changes and get to that future, YouTube is offering us lessons on everything from sewing face masks and cutting your own hair to growing your own food and baking from scratch; and their messaging that “we’re all doing our best to get by” and that “we’re all just figuring it out, together” is accompanied by one of the recently used hashtags to reassure us that “right now getting by is more than enough.” Get by #WithMe
So, this Memorial Day, let’s all go with the idea of the “front yard cookout” from Oscar Mayer… let’s roll the barbecue from the backyard to the front, so we can grill with the neighbors on the street and all be a healthy distance apart as we celebrate safely in America 2.0.
Rolling out America 2.0 will not be the “same old” template. Communication will be the key for both returning employees and customers. Companies need to embrace a new mindset, and utilize the thought process to carefully craft public and internal messages that both re-spark interest in goods and services as well inspire employee confidence. Let BVM help you restart your business.
For a good resource on writing your COVID-19 related emails see: How To Adjust Brand Communications During COVID-19
For copywriting guidelines see: Marketing During COVID-19: 4 Essential Copywriting Guidelines


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The months-long inquiry into Apple's handling of stock option irregularities could come to a head this week, as the company will be required to issue a report to the SEC on its findings by Friday, December 29th. In an insightful piece on Law.com, it is said that federal prosecutors are especially interested in "documents that were apparently falsified by company officials to maximize the profitability of option grants to executives."
The article says that the alleged falsification of records indicates the executives knew their activities were wrong, and that such behavior shows intent to defraud the public. While no individuals have yet been named as wrong-doers, most of the speculation has surrounded the company's former general counsel, Nancy Heinen, and former CFO Fred Anderson, who resigned from Apple's board in October.
The central issue around the stock option scandal is that Apple knowingly inaccurately dated option grants to make the stock issuances more favorable. While CEO Steve Jobs has so far remained above the fray, saying he was aware of some of the grants, but did not benefit from them, or understand their accounting impact, he has also retained the services of independent counsel.
AppleInsider also writes on the topic. Apple is not alone in this crisis, as the stock option backdating scandal has hit companies across Silicon Valley, including notables such as Brocade Communications and Computer Associates. Most believe that Apple will not be required to delist from the Nasdaq, given the company's prominence, though that remains a possibility.


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Published Friday, 31 August 2012
It is hoped the new code will help prevent binge drinking. (© Getty)
The industry code to monitor the responsible sale of alcohol has been drawn up amid growing concern about binge drinking, particularly among young people.
It outlines the basic standards expected of those involved in the production, promotion, retail and service of alcohol in Northern Ireland.
When the procedure goes live on Saturday, any member of the public who thinks the cheap price of alcohol may breach the code can complain to an Independent Complaints Panel.
Enforcement of the Joint Industry Code for the Responsible Promotion and Retail of Alcohol in Northern Ireland will be overseen by a panel chaired by Duncan McCausland, former PSNI assistant chief constable.
The panel will then meet to discuss the complaint and if is upheld, the press, police and council will be informed.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said he welcomed the opportunity to end irresponsible drinks promotions which "encourage the excessive consumption of alcohol".
"I have been concerned for some time about the way in which alcohol is promoted and marketed, in particular promotions involving very cheap alcohol and its availability to young people," he explained.
The code has the backing of the drinks industry and it is hoped the self-regulatory measure will eventually become a condition of granting or renewing liquor and entertainment licenses across NI.
Colin Neill, chief executive of the representative body Pubs of Ulster, said, "We believe irresponsible drinks promotions have no place in our industry and will provide members with on-going support and advice to ensure they do not accidently breach the code."
The scheme will be rolled out following a three month adjustment period, and Duncan McCausland said those in the drinks industry are aware of the consequences of breaching the code.
"I have been very encouraged with the positive approach taken by the industry and its willingness to work with other key stakeholders and the larger community and hope that the roll out of the code will confine irresponsible drinks promotions to the past," he added.
© UTV News


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In a recent earnings call with analysts, CEO Kim Ann Mink said that the company, which is based in Cranbury, NJ, is moving aggressively into the human nutrition space as part of her so-called Vision 2022. Mink put this plan into place in 2016 shortly after being named CEO. Mink characterized the plan as, “Our strategic roadmap targeting $1.25 billion in revenue and a 20% adjusted EBITDA margin by 2022. Vision 2022 is focused on establishing Innophos as a leading specialty ingredient solution provider to attractive food, health and nutrition or FHN market.”
This past year saw significant progress on the plan, including two rapidly executed acquisitions in the ingredient supply space. Moving into this value-added segment will help the company forestall the commoditization of the phosphate sector, which the company has in the past identified as a drag on sales and on future growth potential.
“In the second half of the year, we successfully closed and integrated two strategic acquisitions—Novel Ingredients and NutraGenesis. These deals are important steps towards strengthening our growth profile and creating a nearly $1.5 million FHN platform within enhanced branded ingredients portfolio,” Mink said
“The integrations of both companies are well underway and we remain confident in our ability to deliver the $4 million of identified cost synergies from Novel,” she added during the call, which was posted in transcript form on the site seekingalpha.com.
CFO Han Kieftenbeld said the acquisitions were an immediate boost for the company, and helped boost fourth quarter earnings by $24 million, or 15% over the same period a year previously. Sales in the FHN sector were $116 million in the quarter, and accounted for 60% of overall sales. For the full year, the company recorded $722 million in sales, which was down slightly from the $725 million it recorded in 2016.
Kieftenbeld said the company is projecting strong upcoming growth, which is driven almost exclusively by the FHN side of the business:
“We expect full year 2018 revenues to grow 12% to 14% due to the annualized contribution from Novel Ingredients and NutraGenesis, favorable growth in nutrition end markets and the stabilization of the base business,” he said.
Novel Ingredients supplies a wide range of ingredients, including some branded ingredients, in the areas of botanicals, amino acids, antioxidants and fish oils. Nutragenesis also supplies a wide range of branded ingredients for many condition specific categories such as anti-aging, immune support, cognition and sports nutrition.


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This morning, Wikileaks released thousands of documents the organization alleges to describe tools and tactics the CIA uses to break into smartphones, computers, and even your TV. If the documents -- the first of a series labeled "Vault 7" by Wikileaks -- are legit, they offer a broad look at what the intelligence organization's hacking capabilities are and represent, in Wikileaks' words, "the largest ever publication of confidential documents on the agency."
Among the purported revelations: The CIA has managed to hack encryption on messaging services like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. The CIA has developed an arsenal of malware that it can use for its hacking purposes on a wide variety of consumer goods from the Apple iPhone to the Android and Microsoft Windows operating systems to Samsung TVs -- which can be turned into microphones to help users listen in on conversations even when they seem like they're turned "off." The CIA has been hoarding, instead of disclosing, "zero day" exploits -- nerdspeak for vulnerabilities and chinks in the armor of software -- from entities like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and others in the U.S. tech industry, despite assurances from the Obama administration that it wasn't doing that. And that's just the tip of the iceberg from a dump that covers a time period between 2013 and 2016.


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This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women to our communities, nation, and economy. Madame Vice President Harris exemplifies how women continually shatter glass ceilings and demonstrate incredible resilience and dedication. Powerful female leaders show us that anything is possible with courage and dedication, despite unequal pay, unequal contracts, unequal access, stereotypes, and societal expectations.
Women business owners represent one of the most powerful forces in the modern American economy. As we embrace a new day under a new administration, we recognize women-owned businesses’ incredible potential for growth and economic impact. According to the American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, as of 2019, women-owned businesses represented 42% of all businesses and employed 9.4 million workers generating revenues totaling $1.9 trillion. Minority women leaders were at the front of this growth surge, representing 89% of new women-owned businesses from 2018 to 2019. We proudly call many of these minority women- business owners Council members.
This year, however, we must address the new circumstances women-owned businesses face because of the pandemic. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), minority and women-owned businesses disproportionately suffer because of the pandemic. By April 2020, the number of Black-owned businesses fell by 41% and women-owned businesses dropped by 25%. NBER warns that these early losses may portend extended economic inequality, reversing decades of progress for minority- and women-owned businesses.
Where do we go from here? The Council reaffirms our mission to help diverse entrepreneurs create resilient and successful enterprises. We continue to provide educational webinars and connect certified MBEs with each other and our corporate members.
This Women’s History Month and throughout the year, I ask you to match our efforts:
- Never stop learning
- Refine your goals for this new day
- Reach out for help
- Navigate the new administration
- Work with another MBE
- Try something new
Together, we can help to regain lost ground and build a thriving minority business community that uplifts our entire country.


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Almost a decade after its launch, The Sims 4 is going to be free. Today, EA announced that the base game – meaning it won’t include the many expansions – will be free to download on October 18 on PC (Origin and Steam), PlayStation, and Xbox.
The news doesn’t seem to impact the pace of updates to the game, which regularly receives new features and expansions; just this year The Sims 4 expanded its sexual orientation options and added a virtual thrift store. EA states that “the team is more dedicated than ever to developing new and meaningful experiences for players, and will continue to develop and release Sims packs, kits, and express deliveries for the foreseeable future.” As part of today’s announcement, the publisher said it will release a “special edition stream” on October 18, airing on both YouTube and Twitch.
Those who already own the game – or buy it before October 17 – will receive a free “Desert Luxe Kit”, with new furniture and other in-game items.


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Banks were more willing to approve credit card applications in the first three months of 2011, according to a new survey from the Federal Reserve, but it was less than clear whether consumers really want them.
According to the Federal Reserve's latest survey of senior loan officers -- a quarterly poll of U.S. banks regarding their lending practices -- credit card issuers were much more likely to approve applicants in the first quarter of this year, as banks continue to ramp up the flow of credit after slowing it to a trickle during the economic recession. "We're definitely seeing more and more offers going to households," says Andrew Davidson, senior vice president at Mintel Comperemedia, which tracks credit card mailings.
There were mixed signals when it came to demand, however. The Fed noted that "demand was little changed for credit card loans" in the early months of 2011, ultimately showing a net decrease of about 3%. However, when the survey asked about both new credit card accounts and increases in existing credit lines, respondents said demand had gone up substantially (a net 16%.) Those two results would seem to indicate that while people aren't really looking for new credit cards, they want access to more credit on the plastic they already carry.
To create its quarterly survey, every three months the Fed requests feedback from banking executives about changes in the supply and demand for loans to businesses and households over the previous quarter. The latest survey included responses from 55 domestic banks and 22 U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks. This survey marks the first time the Fed has divided its questions among credit card, auto and other consumer loans.
Lending Standards Keep Easing
The Fed's latest data showed that 20.5% of banks reported easing their standards for approving credit card applications. That's more than double the percentage that relaxed standards in the fourth quarter of 2010. It's also the most significant easing since the Fed began separating out credit cards from other loan types back in 1996.
In response to other questions about changes to terms and conditions for new or existing cardholders over the past three months:
*About 6% of banks increased credit card limits for new or existing cardholders, while about half that number (2.9%) lowered them.
*About 9% of banks increased interest rates on new or existing cardholders; an equal number of banks decreased them.
*About 6% of banks lowered the minimum credit score required to get a card, while no bank increased the required score.
In addition, more than 10% of banks said that the overall credit quality of applicants for new cards or extended credit lines is improving. That means that banks are seeing more customers with higher credit scores, stronger household incomes and other such indications that they would be a low-risk borrower.
They also seem to be targeting a higher quality of borrower, too, Davidson says. "Most of these offers are still targeting the most creditworthy consumers who have multiple cards and are getting the most offers," he added.
Demand Still Question
Still, how receptive consumers are to these new offers remains a question. About 11% of respondents said that demand for credit card loans fell in the first quarter of 2010, while 8% said it increased.
When asked about the combined demand for increased credit lines and new card loans, the responses changed. In that case, nearly 1 in 4 banks (24.3%) surveyed says that demand has grown. Fewer than 1 in 10 (8%) said it decreased.
Good News for Borrowers
Overall, much of the change in the last quarter came from larger banks, the survey showed. For example, none of the small banks surveyed indicated that they had significantly changed their lending standards in the last quarter. Meanwhile, more than 1 in 3 large banks said that their standards had eased.
As a whole, the survey seems to bring good news for consumers seeking credit. Amid an ongoing economy recovery, it appears they are more likely to get approved for new plastic.
"I do have a general feeling that credit cards and store cards are easier for my clients to obtain now," says Natalie Pankow, a credit adviser with the Jewish Vocational Service in Chicago. "I am hearing more success stories with clients applying for these cards and getting approved."
More from CreditCards.com:


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In an interview with Computerworld that was conducted before the FTC announced its decision, Marc Rotenberg, executive director of Washington-based EPIC, contended that the combination of Google and DoubleClick would give the search engine giant "the deepest and broadest profile of Internet users of any company in the world" -- with virtually no legal limits on how it could use that data. Excerpts from the interview follow:
What red flags does Google's planned acquisition of DoubleClick raise from a privacy standpoint?
EPIC has been involved in most of the major privacy campaigns in the United States going back to our founding, and I don't think there has been a campaign that we pursued since then that has been more significant than the effort to block this deal. It speaks directly to whether the Federal Trade Commission can meaningfully protect consumer privacy in the online world. I don't think there is any doubt that Google being the Internet giant search company that it is, and DoubleClick being the leading banner advertising company that it is, this is the single biggest privacy meltdown that the Internet is currently facing.


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LONDON — Less than two weeks after being stripped of its license in London, Uber has gone on a charm offensive to win it back.
Even as the ride-hailing company’s board grappled with internal divisions and a major investment hung in the balance, the company’s new chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, flew to the British capital, its biggest European market, to hold talks with the city’s transport chief on Tuesday.
After the meeting, Mr. Khosrowshahi tweeted a picture of himself with more than a dozen smiling Uber drivers, writing, “Determined to make things right in this great city!”
Great meetings in London, including w some of the drivers who rely on our app. Determined to make things right in this great city! pic.twitter.com/QLgqon30yT— dara khosrowshahi (@dkhos) October 3, 2017
There had been much hype ahead of the talks, but neither side gave much away. Uber and Transport for London, which oversees much of the city’s public transport system, issued separate brief statements after the meeting between Mr. Khosrowshahi and Mike Brown, London’s transport commissioner. Both described the talks as “constructive” and said they would have further discussions in “the coming weeks.”
Mr. Khosrowshahi visited London as the company he was chosen to lead just weeks ago continued to grapple with a new set of issues. Uber’s board is considering proposals to limit the power of its co-founder and former chief executive, Travis Kalanick, as it courts a major new investment.
The push to win back London is also part of a wider effort to move past Mr. Kalanick’s often-combative style and change Uber’s reputation from ruthless disrupter to responsible corporate citizen.
No one expects a quick resolution to the dispute between Uber and Transport for London.
The regulator revoked Uber’s taxi license last month, citing an array of issues in deciding that the company was not “fit and proper” to operate in the city. Uber’s appeal of the ban could take months to resolve, and even if the company lost a second appeal, it could take the case to the highest court in the country. It can continue to operate in London throughout that process.
In the meantime, the ruling has highlighted divisions within the city.
Critics are led chiefly by London’s black-cab drivers. They must earn their licenses by memorizing 100,000 landmarks across 25,000 streets in London, an extremely difficult test known as The Knowledge. They argue that Uber drivers are underregulated and that the service systematically underprices competitors to win customers.
“Their entire business model is based on predatory pricing,” said Steve McNamara of the powerful Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, which represents the British capital’s centuries-old black-cab sector. “Uber wants to undercut competitors, establish a monopoly and then raise prices when they have a monopoly.”
Supporters of Uber, however, are plentiful. The company has garnered nearly 850,000 signatures for a Change.org petition called “Save Your Uber in London.” Proponents argue that satellite navigation has rendered The Knowledge obsolete, that black cabs are too expensive and that Uber’s detailed tracking of drivers enhances passenger safety.
That most black-cab drivers are white, native-born Britons and many Uber drivers are immigrants serves only to complicate matters.
Meetings between Uber and Transport for London have long been controversial affairs. Under Mr. Kalanick, Uber responded to regulators’ concerns by mobilizing consumers to drown them out and by lobbying politicians at the highest level.
When the previous mayor of London, Boris Johnson, a Conservative, tried to clamp down on Uber two years ago, he was told to stand down by the prime minister at the time, David Cameron, and his chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, also Conservatives.
One of Mr. Cameron’s senior advisers at the time, Steve Hilton, is married to Rachel Whetstone, who was the head of communications for Uber. The couple are godparents to one of Mr. Cameron’s children. The meetings often took place at 10 Downing Street and were chaired by Daniel Korski, Mr. Cameron’s technology adviser.
If there have been changes at the highest level at Uber, the dynamics in London have changed, too. The new mayor, Sadiq Khan, is a member of the opposition Labour Party and not beholden to the Conservative government of Prime Minister Theresa May, Mr. Cameron’s successor.
For Uber, the London ban is but one of several headaches around the world that the company’s leadership must confront.
While Mr. Khosrowshahi is on his diplomacy mission, Uber’s board is scheduled to discuss proposals that would limit Mr. Kalanick’s power. That meeting will include two new directors named by Mr. Kalanick late last week, a surprise move that escalated tensions with other board members.
The proposals are tentatively linked to a pending $10 billion investment in the company from a group led by SoftBank of Japan, a potential deal that Uber’s board has worked on for weeks.
It is a sign of the importance of the London ban that, even with Uber’s board meeting set to take place, Mr. Khosrowshahi flew here to meet with the authorities. With 40,000 drivers and 3.5 million customers, the city is Uber’s biggest market in Europe, and one of its largest in the world.
“London is the Champions League of transportation,” Mr. Kalanick told the British newspaper City A.M. three years ago, referring to a top European soccer tournament. “It has got a more dynamic, more competitive transportation system than any other city in the world.”
The effort on Tuesday is meant to show that Uber is adopting a more conciliatory approach to working with cities. Such a change in attitude is important as Uber continues to expand globally and justify its sky-high $68.5 billion valuation ahead of an initial public offering that Mr. Khosrowshahi has said could come in 2019.
There are plenty of challenges, though.
The company’s most senior executive based here, Jo Bertram, recently resigned. And elsewhere, Uber continues to face pressure from both governments and competitors. It gave up its ambitions to expand in China last year when it sold its operations there to a venture run by Didi Chuxing, a homegrown rival. It also sold its Russian business this summer to a new joint venture run by its main competitor in that country, Yandex.
Uber has also faced criticism over the treatment of its drivers. Last month, the company appealed a British court decision in which judges ruled that Uber drivers should be classified and treated as employees. The company argues that its drivers are self-employed contractors.
That claim has come in for scrutiny from Europe’s highest court as well. Any shift in how Uber treats its employees would have wide-reaching implications not just for the company but also for the so-called gig economy, forcing “on demand” businesses to offer workers the payments, protections and benefits that full-time employees are typically entitled to.
Notably, however, Transport for London’s ruling revoking Uber’s license here made no mention of the company’s labor practices.
“It’s absolutely extraordinary that workers’ rights have not come into it,” said Caroline Russell, a Green Party member of the London Assembly, a mini-legislature that scrutinizes City Hall.


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Tell your roadies to take their time with the sound check. According to CrunchGear, the Rock Band 2 bundle for the Xbox 360 has been delayed a month.
Originally slated for September 14, it now looks like 360 users won’t be able to rock out even more extremely until October 19. October 19 is, coincidentally, the same day the game comes out for the rest of the platforms.
It’s still going to fly off shelves, no matter what day.


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On April 11, Odyssey Software announced the release of Athena Configuration Manager v5.0, a remote mobile device management (MDM) solution that offers several functionalities, including security, asset inventory, remote assistance and software distribution.
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SSQ spoke with Odyssey Software CEO Mark Gentile last week, who shared a couple of mind-boggling statistics: “A recent statistic says that every second there are two iPhones activated. Also, as of two months ago, there were a reported 300,000 Android activations per day.” With numbers like these, mobile security has become increasingly important.
In recent months the market for smartphones and tablets has been experiencing enormous growth. While in the past enterprise IT personnel were primarily focused on desktop and laptop management, there is a growing need to shift focus to phones and tablets due to the sheer number of these devices that employees now use.
Mobile devices often enable access to more than just corporate email, opening up a host of security issues. It’s important for enterprises whose employees use corporate devices remotely to look for solutions that support multiple platforms as well as scalability.
Athena offers several features, which Gentile explained in detail. Since Odyssey Software offers an add-in for Microsoft systems centers, IT staff can manage mobile devices from the same environment as the in-house servers and desktops, so they can control what is happening with all the company’s devices at the same time.
In addition, Athena works to secure all the hot platforms, including iOs and Android. Enterprises can monitor asset inventory and detailed data about each device such as signal strength and software installed. Users can also access remote assistance and other self-service functions.


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- Camera price declines prompted a cut in Nikon's annual profit forecast. Junichi Itoh, Nikon's CFO said this: "Tough competition for entry-level single-lens-reflex models has led to a large price decline since around mid- November. Demand in Europe is starting to slow, while business in China was worse than expected the past quarter"
- Nikon's net income will probably be 38 billion yen ($405 million) for the year - 37% less than the previously forecasted 60 billion yen.
- Nikon also cut its second-half dividend estimate to 12 yen per share, down from 22 yen.
Update: as a result of the latest financial results, the stock of Nikon Corp. fell 19% - the biggest drop since 1985.
Summary for the 3rd quarter of the year ending March 31, 2013 for Nikon Imaging Company:
Inventory level at the end of 1st half of fiscal year was raised to cope with the Thai floods risk. As Q3 started seeing the reduction of the inventory, the market condition got abruptly worsened from late November. That led a substantial reduction of assumed unit price of Digital camera ― Interchangeable Lens Type, resulting in deterioration of the Q3 operating income ratio compared to 1st half.
Summary of financial estimation for the year ending March 31, 2013 for Nikon Imaging Company:
Due to sluggish economy, sales volume forecast is cut 100k units for digital camera with interchangeable lenses and 200k units for interchangeable lenses.


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Investor optimism in the cannabis sector is waning with several of the biggest names declining more than 50 per cent since the spring. The retreat has presented a buying opportunity for company insiders to snap up battered shares.
Beacon Securities highlighted a list of five recent transactions that underscore management’s enduring conviction. The findings were based on data from CanadianInsider.com.
“While many cannabis stocks have struggled of late, we have observed insider buying in several cannabis stocks that merits discussion, particularly given that the transactions are generally not press released by the issuers,” Beacon analyst Doug Cooper wrote in a research note. “We believe this buying bodes well, as it demonstrates insider confidence in their respective business outlooks.”
Executive chairman Boris Jordan purchased 100,000 shares at an average price of $8.21 per share in late September.
Price target: $25 per share
Four directors have purchased, in aggregate, 46,000 shares of CL at an average price of $7.96 per share since Sept. 17. This includes Dominic Sergi, Randy Podolsky, Brian McCormack and John Walter.
Price target: $24 per share
Following purchases by other members of management, the company’s COO (Leo Gontmakher) purchased an aggregate of 264,200 shares at an average price of $0.75 per share in the latter half of September.
Price target: $5.50 per share
Following sales by several insiders in mid-September, CEO Kim Rivers purchased 31,000 shares at an average price of $10.81 per share in late September.
Price target: $36
The company’s CFO, Paolo De Luca, purchased 6,495 shares at an average price of $4.68 per share late last week. This follows purchases by two directors (Sherry Porter and Derrick West) of an aggregate of 4,450 shares at an average price of $5.69 per share during September.
Price target: $15 per share


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LAS VEGAS: Nvidia on Sunday announced its long-rumoured Tegra 4 processor for smartphones and tablets, which it claims is the world's fastest mobile chip.
Unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, the Nvidia Tegra 4 retains the firm's so-called "four to one" standard featuring four processors alongside a fifth battery saving core. There's also 72 GPU cores onboard for powerful mobile gaming, alongside built-in LTE support.
Nvidia showed off the processor on a Google Nexus 7 tablet, which took 27 seconds to load 25 unique web pages, compared to a 50 second load time on the Samsung Nexus 10 - currently the fastest Android tablet on the market. Nvidia boasted that the chipset is also faster than the Apple iPad 4, and three times as fast as the Amazon's Kindle Fire HD tablet.
"If you load a webpage using Tegra 4, it comes up in a second," Nvidia explained. "With this processor, there's no more waiting around."
It's not just quick at loading web pages, as Nvidia claims the processor has been boosted for taking perfect images and videos too. Nvidia chief executive Jen-Hsun Huang claimed the Tegra 4 processor takes images 10 times faster than previous-generation processors, making HDR images look much more impressive - adding that it'll be even more impressive than images shot using an iPhone 5.
"We want your phone to be able to take images as good as a DLSR," Huang said at Sunday's press conference, at which V3 was in attendance.
We're at CES in Las Vegas, so check back soon for a hands-on with the world's fastest mobile processor.
Dark matter holds the Universe together - and gravitational waves could help identify it
Addison Lee is working on autonomous taxis for commuting and pleasure


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President, Sales & Marketing
Media/ Cinema Service!
National CineMedia Purchases Biggest Competitor
July 10, 2014
National CineMedia’s recent acquisition of its biggest competitor, Screenvision, gives the company the opportunity to display ads and trailers in almost every local market, dominating the incinema advertising industry. In addition to the acquition, National CineMedia is in the process of changing viewer experience by encouraging in theater cell phone use with new and exciting social media initiatives.
read more connect with this member


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Oct 29 (Reuters) - The biggest U.S. maker of navigation devices Garmin posted better-than-expected third-quarter results but lowered its 2008 outlook, citing slowdown in economy and the continued weakening of the euro against the U.S. dollar.
For 2008, Garmin now expects adjusted earnings of $3.78 a share on revenue of $3.6 billion, against its earlier expectation of $4.13 a share on revenue of $3.9 billion.
"The new targets are not exciting, but they are not awful," said analyst Yair Reiner of Oppenheimer & Co, adding that the targets seemed achievable.
On Tuesday, Garmin's Dutch rival TomTom lowered its 2008 outlook, giving strength to expectations that Garmin will follow suit.
Garmin, which has been facing inventory issues, said it was taking steps to reduce inventory levels by about $150 million by the end of the year.
Garmin also said the development of its smartphone, nuvifone - whose launch has already been delayed twice due to carrier issues - is on target for launch in the first half of 2009.
The company faces stiff competition from longer established players such as Nokia , Research In Motion Ltd's BlackBerry, Apple's iPhone and newly-launched G1 phone by HTC Corp.
For the third quarter, Garmin topped market estimates by 4 cents a share, before items, and its revenue rose 19 percent to $870 million.
"The Street had clearly been girding for the possibility of a meaningful shortfall. This slight beat may therefore feel like a big victory," Reiner said.
The company posted revenue growth in all its segments, except marine, which declined 8 percent. While Garmin posted revenue growth in North America and Europe, its revenue in Asia was down 21 percent. Garmin shares have lost more than 80 percent of their value since touching a 52-week high of $124.75 in October last year, as intense competition weigh on its prices and margins. They rose 3 percent to $22.15 in trading before the bell. They closed at $21.43 Tuesday on Nasdaq.
Shares of TomTom were trading up 1 percent at 5.76 euros on the Amsterdam exchange. (Reporting by Purwa Naveen Raman in Bangalore; Editing by Anil D'Silva, Amitha Rajan)
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Currently self-isolating at Number 10, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently made the announcement that the UK would be entering a new three-tiered system to replace the lockdown that is set to expire on December 2. The new system will essentially be a more rigid version of the tiered system we had in October, but with some exceptions. There is also the prospect that the measures will be loosened for the Christmas break to allow people to visit their families.
The original version of the three-tier system said that areas under Tier 1, the least restrictive tier, included what was known as the "rule of six", which meant that groups of up to half a dozen people from different households could meet together. Pubs and restaurants could stay open but were forced to shut by 10pm, a decision that was widely criticised by the rest of the Conservative party. Under the new system, hospitality businesses can stay open until 11pm (but last orders must be made by 10). Spectator sports are allowed to resume, but with social distancing and a maximum capacity outdoors of 50% of the stadium or 4,000 people, whichever is smaller. Indoors, the maximum capacity is 1,000.
Under Tier 2 — which previously meant people were not allowed to mix indoors with other households and could only go to pubs and resturants with people from their own households, although outdoor meetings were fine — the new rules state that although pubs and restaurants will be able to open until 11pm as before, only those that serve "substantial meals" can operate. As before, social mixing outside of households or support bubbles will not be allowed indoors. The rule of six will still apply outdoors. Again, spectator sports are allowed to resume, but with social distancing and a maximum capacity outdoors of 50% of the stadium or 2,000 people, whichever is smaller. Indoors, the maximum capacity is 1,000.
The most strict tier, Tier 3, pubs, restaurants and hotels will all have to close, except for delivery and takeaway services. Outdoor sports will be allowed to continue, but not spectator sports. You will still not be allowed to mix socially indoors with other households, but up to six people can meet outdoors in some public places like parks.
Finally, shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector are set to reopen across all tiers. Collective worship and weddings — with a maximum of 15 in attendance — can also resume.
In an address to MPs on Monday afternoon, the PM said: "From next Wednesday, people will be able to leave their home for any purpose and meet others in outdoor public spaces, subject to the Rule of Six. Collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume, and shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector can reopen."


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A watchdog group has linked Amazon to forced labor of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, an autonomous region in northwest China.
The Campaign for Accountability’s (CfA) Tech Transparency Project (TTP) published a report Monday that shows five of Amazon’s suppliers use forced labor from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). (RELATED: Western Companies Are Happy To Cut Ties With Russia, But Stay Silent On Uyghur Genocide)
Amazon has continued to work with companies in China accused of using forced labor despite public warnings about their work practices, according to a report by a nonprofit watchdog group. https://t.co/E4YJ5J2oP1
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 7, 2022
All five companies listed in the report are connected to forced labor through news reports or publicly available reporting about connection to forced labor, a CfA spokesperson clarified to The Daily Caller.
Luxshare Precision Industry, AcBel Polytech and Lens Technology directly use forced labor, the report states. The other two—GoerTek and Hefei BOE Optoelectronics—receive supplies from factories that use forced labor.
“The findings raise questions about Amazon’s exposure to China’s repression of minority Uyghurs in Xinjiang—and the extent to which the e-commerce giant is adequately vetting its supplier relationships,” TTP researchers wrote.
Amazon spokesperson Erika Reynoso told The Verge, “Amazon complies with the laws and regulations in all jurisdictions in which it operates, and expects suppliers to adhere to our Supply Chain Standards. We take allegations of human rights abuses seriously, including those related to the use or export of forced labor. Whenever we find or receive proof of forced labor, we take action.”
Tech Transparency Project Director Katie Paul told The Daily Caller, “Amazon’s response is yet another broad assurance made to distract from credible evidence without actually addressing it. With the enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) soon in effect, we will be interested to see if the company’s public response changes to mirror the additional private scrutiny that they will surely be under from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.”
Effective June 21, the UFLPA will make it illegal to import products from XUAR.


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Beason said he gets a lot of visitors from those areas because the Springfield location is the closest place people can find an arcade as big as the one he offers. Local visitors are also fans of the party room expansion, which offers big screen televisions and modern consoles.
» READ MORE: Bon-Ton store closing sales start this week
But the store has more than just an extensive arcade game library. Beason said the store also has a wide assortment of video games and consoles, dating back as far as the Atari, released in 1976, and includes rare finds like the ColecoVision, which released in 1982.
“We’ve pretty much got every console ever made,” he said.
Beason said since he started his new advertising campaign, traffic has been steadily increasing to the store.
“We’re busy from open to close, especially on the weekends,” he said.
» READ MORE: Big spikes in construction last year in Springfield, Champaign County
Beason said he’s looking to open his new location within the next six months, providing he finds the right space. He said he would like to situate the new store somewhere off I-75 to provide easy access to customers.
“I’m just waiting for the weather to break right now,” he said.


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MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — The team at Casey’s Grill Bar asked customers for online feedback with regard to its next seasonal offerings, and, after sifting through 13,000 votes, the Casey’s Fall Food Fight menu is set to launch Oct. 17.
Grant Cobb, senior vice-president, Brand Management for parent company, Prime Restaurants Inc., was delighted by the customer response.
“When we announced we were putting Canadians in the driver’s seat and letting them build Casey’s fall menu, buzz spread from coast to coast, and participation in the battle far exceeded our expectations,” he said of the menu, which was compiled after Canadians voted on their favourite five from a list of 10 dishes.
Executive chef Niels Kjeldsen’s new fall menu, which is available until Nov. 27, will feature shrimp tacos, roasted fall vegetable salad, pulled-pork grilled cheese, lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and pork tenderloin medallions.