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On the one side: The iPad. On the other: The upcoming HP, LG, and BlackBerry tablets, each having its praises sung loudly, and each to a different tune–so that it stands apart from Apple’s million-selling runaway success.
HP Bought Palm for a reason: WebOS tablet in 2011
People have been pondering what HP’s tablet PC strategy will be after its first effort got a glitzy show-and-tell by Microsot’s Steve Ballmer himself, before being indefinitely delayed. With HP’s surprise purchase of the ailing Palm–and the subsequent talent flight from among Palm’s top team–the mystery deepened.
Now Todd Bradley, head of HP Personal Systems Group, has said “You’ll see us with a Microsoft product out in the near future, and a webOS-based product in early 2011.” That’s a direct confirmation that HP will be using Windows 7 in a slate PC as well as a Palm-based system. Windows 7 is, according to Microsoft, ready to be integrated into touchscreen computers straight away, but the more relaxed timescale for the Palm-based device suggests HP is having to tweak webOS to run on tablets–perhaps to maximize the sort of performance you can get from it.
The two-tone strategy from HP is interesting, though. It suggests that neither webOS or Windows 7 tablets represent an absolutely ideal tablet operating system, and HP’s running with both so it can cover all the bases. It’s also an effort to capture those consumers who are anti-Apple, and pro-MS or pro-Palm … an audience it makes sense to appeal to, as it seems the average Joe Public (who doesn’t particularly care about an OS flavor) is buying iPads as fast as Apple can make them.
RIM’s BlackPad may not run BlackBerryOS
While HP struggles to build an MS-powered tablet that runs a “full” desktop operating system (albeit one that’s been squeezed and manipulated and tweaked and band-aided to run on a touchscreen) on a tablet, alongside a tablet running on an up-rated smartphone OS, BlackBerry is also planning a tablet. When this news hit, the natural assumption was that RIM would take the core of its latest and greatest (iPhone-est) operating system BlackBerryOS6 and polish it up to run on the rumored BlackPad.
But now there’s news that a different strategy may be in action. Back in April, RIM bought QNX Software Systems which makes software running inside the dedicated computers in car entertainment units, nav units, and so on, as well as military hardware. The current hot rumor is that QNX is building a new OS for the BlackPad, since this obviates having to deal with legacy BlackBerry code in the operating system, and could allow existing third-party QNX developers to put apps together for the device.
This, if true, is a bold move for RIM. In one step it would squash many of the criticisms leveled at the firm’s latest smartphone offerings, which is that its operating system and user experience are looking increasingly outdated-because RIM has failed to innovate.
LG’s Android tablet will be “better” than iPad, apparently
And then we come to Android, which is possibly the most powerful challenger to Apple’s iOS devices, and an ingredient in many upcoming tablet PCs. LG will be using it inside its tablet PC, which LG is hoping will turn around its advanced mobile devices business (which has been lagging its dumphone sector). And now the head of this unit inside LG, Chang Ma, has been up-talking the device: It is going to “be better than the iPad” he thinks, since the iPad is primarily a consumption device, versus a productivity device.
It’s an interesting stance, given the news that many business folk around the world are buying iPads, and the fact that there are close to 900 “productivity” apps for the iPad in Apple’s App Store, over 600 “news” apps, and over 600 dedicated “business” apps. There’s also the fact that both iOS and Android are specially designed operating systems that target mobile devices–versus the full desktop OS that would run on a Windows 7 unit, delivering familiar software like Word–so we’re wondering exactly how Ma is going to achieve his promise.
LG’s PR team probably slapped a collective palm to their forehead on hearing Ma’s words, so we can expect some more carefully constructed press data on the matter at some point soon.
To keep up with this news, follow me, Kit Eaton, on Twitter.


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Uber announced this week good news for users suffering to identify the model of the car that is on the way to get them for a race. Starting next week, the app will show the color of the vehicle that is coming to catch the passenger diratemente in the virtual map of the cell phone.
The novelty should help those people who do not understand much about makes and models of cars. “This means that on a busy street, for example, the user will no longer need to worry about what model of the car is on the way: he will only need to keep an eye on color,” Uber told the announcement .
Uber application wins internal chat for drivers and passengers
The icon that shows the car on the application map will change color according to the painting of the vehicle that is coming to get the passenger. The driver badge identification, however, will continue to appear in the application normally. The novelty should arrive at the app by the end of next week, through an update for Android and iOS.

domain: news


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NEW DELHI: Shares of NDTV, Amrutanjan Healt, Clean Science & Technology Ltd., Seamec Ltd and Share India Sec, hit their fresh 52-week highs during Tuesday’s trade on NSE.
Benchmark NSE Nifty closed 165.1 points up at 17562.0 amid buying in frontline bluechip counters.
However, stocks such as Suvidhaa Infoserve Ltd., Shanti Overseas (Ind, Generic Engg, Intnl Conveyors and CarTrade Tech Ltd., touched their fresh 52-week lows.
Overall, 40 shares ended in the green in Nifty50 index, while 10 closed in the red.
In the Nifty 50 index, JSW Steel, ONGC, Bajaj Finance, IndusInd Bank and Bajaj Finserv were among top gainers during the day, while Maruti Suzuki, BPCL, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto and Nestle India ended in the red.
The BSE Sensex closed 363.81 points up at 58854.74.
Traders piled up positions in Diversified, Rubber, Tobacco, Airlines and General sectors, while selling was witnessed in IT – Hardware, Petrochemicals, Power, Agriculture/Horticulture/Livestock and IT Enabled Services sectors during the day.


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Search is dead; long live real-time search. Twitter playing such an integral role in the Iranian election protests that the U.S. State Department asked its management to delay a maintenance shutdown only hastened the inevitable. Like it or not, Twitter is here to stay, and competing search engines know it.
Twitter is a public forum that can be searched in real time, for anything from political news to brand sentiment. Brands like Pepsi, Comcast and Dell already understand the value of this capability, and have begun using Twitter to measure their popularity, troubleshoot customer complaints and drive traffic to e-commerce sites -- all in real time. Real-time search isn't something that traditional search engines can provide at this point, which is why it has Google co-founder Larry Page in a cold sweat. And for good reason, because the feature brings marketing people that much closer to achieving their holy grail, which is to reach "the right people at the right time with the right offer." As technology and culture blogger Robert Scoble noted during dinner at the New York Stock Exchange last night, "real-time search is where the money is."
The flare-up in usage since the election protests in Iran has provided Twitter with a significant boost, but as Scoble noted, Facebook is itself growing by the size of Twitter every thirty days. Scoble, who had drinks with Twitter co-founder Evan Williams over the weekend, yesterday reported that Williams "sees Facebook as their most serious competition."
Facebook is currently testing a real-time search feature with a small fraction of its users (bearing in mind that a small fraction of 200 million is still a pretty significant number). Facebook keeps users glued to its pages because it allows people to track and communicate with members of their extended community of family, friends and colleagues (also known as "the social graph" in Web 2.0 circles) in a way they can easily control. Facebook CEO "Mark [Zuckerberg] has already built the White Pages, and now he's working building the Yellow Pages, and if he can build a social graph around business, that will be wildly successful," Scoble said.
Google isn't resting on its laurels, however, and some reports indicate a Google real-time search isn't very far off:
Google ... seems to be preparing to release its own microblogging search engine... [that] will sort results by relevancy, will be integrated with standard Google search, and will appear based on frequently-used keywords or current events. It also looks like its main source of results will come from Twitter.Then there are the start-ups, one of which may emerge from the primeval ooze as the next giant-killer. One getting some attention today is CrowdEye, a real-time search engine, headed by former Microsoft chief search engineer Ken Moss, that aims to allow users to better mine Twitter to get a pulse on hot topics.
Twitter also suffers from one significant disadvantage: its current share of the search market is a less than one percent. But as Peter Kafka writes, "the nice thing about owning .001 percent of the market is that it gives you plenty of room to move up."
The real challenge for Twitter, Facebook, Google and all other comers is to find a way for their advertising partners to interact with users without being creepy. If consumers of those social services find that their virtual worlds have become saturated with brands looking to engage them in "meaningful conversations," they're likely to pick up their social graphs and move them somewhere a little more sociable and a lot less commercial.


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From quite a long time there are rumors over internet about LG’s Optimus G2. Today our very popular leakster @evleaks has posted images of the Optimus G2.
As per leak it will have 5.2 inch of display screen with full HD 1080p screen resolution. At back you will find a 13 MP rear camera. It will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU along with 2 GB of RAM.
Earlier Qualcomm and LG has stated that they are working on a new phone which will be powered by Snapdragon 800 CPU. There are news that LG is hosting an event on 7th July to announce this phone.


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Spice has launched Android One series in Indonesia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In Indonesia, the phone will be sold under the brand name Nexian Journey One.
The Android One phone being launched in these countries is essentially the same device launched in India and Bangladesh. Only difference is that it now comes with Android 5.1 Lollipop pre-installed.
The phone will be priced less than 1.5 million Indonesian rupiah.
It came in 2014 September.
In Indonesia Pre Order Now for Android One with three Vendor Mito Impact A10 Android On, Evercoss One X A65Android One, dan Nexian Journey One Dual SIM Android One
ind(ia) is different with ind(onesia). (from the wikipedia) it's indonesian brand -_- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nexian


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Shops Near Downtown Hope To Entice Holiday Shoppers To Spend Locally
Several stores in the Short North and Grandview Heights are encouraging folks to keep it local this holiday season.
With the clock ticking away until Christmas, independent storeowners hoped to beckon shoppers on “Small Business Saturday.”
“We feel like it’s a good way for the community to get to know us,” said Sara Guice, of Thread on Grandview. “But also for us to support other local, small businesses.”
Many shop owners know their businesses put distinctive touches on the city of Columbus.
“They make our city unique, they drive our city,” Claire Lowe, of Rowe Boutique said. “They are owned by people who live in the city and really care about the city.”
Shops that took part held special sales and offered bonuses like gift cards for minimum purchases.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for more information.


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SINGAPORE: For generations, the handing out of red packets - or hongbaos - containing cash has been a tightly held tradition in the Chinese culture, especially during Chinese New Year.
The red envelopes are typically printed by banks and businesses and given to clients and customers to use.
But technology is changing how Chinese families are giving away hongbaos to their relatives, with the gifting of 'cashless' red packets gaining traction, according to some banks.
Standard Chartered and Citibank began offering a cashless red packet function over PayNow this year, while DBS Bank has seen the use of its eAng Bao function in its mobile wallet app PayLah! rise sixfold over the past year.
The local bank has also upped the ante this year by piloting what it said is the world’s first loadable QR red packets.
After users load a cash value into unique QR codes on a physical ‘red packet’, they can give it away to a recipient who can then scan the same QR red packet to automatically transfer the amount into their mobile wallet.
“If you put it on a scale, the eAng Bao is (on one) extreme where it’s totally digital,” said Jeremy Soo, the head of DBS Bank’s consumer banking group (Singapore).
“You send everything on a digital format, a nice message, but it’s not accompanied by a face-to-face interaction,” said Mr Soo. “However on the other extreme, you see consumers say, ‘no, I must use red packet and new notes’.
“With this QR angbao, we’re able to bridge this gap where we can marry traditional customs … with a QR angbao with value inserted in there So you preserve this whole greeting and exchange and the giving practices that’s been embraced by not only by the Chinese, but any Singaporean today who celebrates Chinese New Year."
Another business merging technology with tradition this festive season is Hotel Jen at Tanglin, which teamed up with its adopted charity The Little Arts Academy to develop digitally animated red packets.
When scanned using a mobile app, the designs on the red packets digitally animate through the use of augmented reality technology, making the birds printed on the packets come to life.
INNOVATING WITH TRADITIONAL RED PACKETS
But will digital red packets replace their physical counterparts? Red packet printer Caston, which has been in the business for 30 years, does not think so.
During its heyday, the company printed nearly 70 million envelopes during the Chinese New Year season, and has seen the envelope design trends evolve over the years.
"Twenty, thirty years ago hongbaos are quite simple - just normal paper and gold stamping, gold and red only,” said Caston’s creative director Alvin Tan.
The printer was the first to experiment with more colourful designs and premium paper, raising the bar for the traditionally red and gold envelopes, according to Mr Tan. But competitors quickly caught up, with most red packets now designed with more elaborate embellishments, boasting laser cut designs, gold dust and different textures on each envelope.
This year, Caston halved its production of red envelopes, due to stiffer competition from other market players, digital hongbaos and with fewer foreign banks distributing red packets to customers this year as well, said Mr Tan.
Currently, the printer has about 50 clients, including banks, retailers and airlines.
In a bid to better compete, the printer is exploring innovative methods and technology to create more eye-catching red packets, such as the use of three-dimensional designs. Its chief designer added that the art of creating red packets remains invaluable.
“I personally still think that high technology, regardless of how advanced it is, this hongbao is still traditional for the new year,” said Mr Tan.
“This is our Chinese culture - this is the only thing that celebrates our new year. It’s the happiness and fun.”


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We're all about saving you energy and have rounded up the latest solar, climate and energy news so you don't have to.
Solar and batteries
Alongside Panasonic, solarcity is a finalist in the 2018 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards for helping Kiwis shift to cleaner, cheaper and more reliable power with our solarZero energy service.
Germany now has one million homes with solar 100,000 with battery storage systems, reports Quartz.
Solar coatings on houses and cars may have a large role in a future with high amounts of electrification, says the head of Transpower, reports Energy News (paywall).
Horizon Research released results of a survey that show 71% of New Zealanders like the idea of Government subsidies for residential solar power as a way of reducing global warming.
Renewables and fossil fuels
Z Energy will pay $46 million for a 70 per cent shareholding in Flick Electric, the retail electricity supplier that was the first in the country to offer customers access to the spot price of electricity, reports the NZ Herald.
Genesis Energy says it can guarantee gas for its customers into the 2030s but is not making plans beyond that, reports the NZ Herald. Last week Genesis announced natural gas price increases for about 54,000 customers.
New Zealand Oil & Gas says the government’s decision to stop issuing offshore exploration permits has convinced many overseas investors that the country is closed for business, reports Newsroom.
Bioenergy production using wood from locally grown and sustainably managed forests can provide one of the lowest carbon energy options for New Zealand, says Scion.
Energy sector leaders from around the world will meet in Wellington at the end of October to share insights and lessons about key energy sector trends, and the challenges and opportunities they imply, reports Business NZ.
New Zealand would need to reduce livestock methane emissions by up to 22 per cent by 2050 to stop any additional global warming. This would likely require a serious reduction in the number of livestock farmed, unless new and untried technologies can be shown to work, reports Stuff.
And, in a separate story, Stuff looks at the true cost of dairy farming on the environment including the greenhouse gas emissions from stock and production processes.
Insects consume about 10 percent of the globe's food, but that could double by the end of the century if climate change isn't stopped, reports the NZ Herald.
Families in some parts of NZ are paying up to 40% more for their power than Aucklanders? See part 3 of our video series to see if we found anyone who thought that was a good idea.
Profits dropped by 83% for Genesis Energy, NZ's biggest power retailer and owner of the coal and gas fired power station at Huntly, reports RNZ.
Sales of electric vehicles will increase from a record 1.1 million worldwide in 2017, to 11 million in 2025 and then surge to 30 million in 2030 as they become cheaper to make than internal combustion engine cars, predicts Bloomberg New Energy Finance. And there are now more than a million electric cars in Europe after sales soared by more than 40% in the first half of the year, reports the Guardian.
Meanwhile, the NZ Government will have to offer up more carrots if it wants motorists to swap petrol for power, a survey of electric vehicle owners has found, reports the NZ Herald.
Retro is in. Check out these concept electric cars unveiled by luxury automaker Infiniti, a unit of Nissan, and Kalashnikov, maker of the AK-47 assault rifle. And Jaguar has decided to put the E-Type Zero - used by Harry and Meghan as their wedding car - into production, reports Stuff.


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Shares of Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN), the company best known for providing TV ratings and other data on consumer habits, were heading lower on Thursday after The New York Post reported that The Blackstone Group, the private-equity giant, was losing interest in a potential takeover of Nielsen. The Post also said that Apollo Global Management, another private-equity group, also seemed to be deciding against making a bid for the consumer research company.
As a result, the stock was down 9.8% as of 11:43 a.m. EDT.
Nielsen said last July that it would seek strategic options, including a potential sale, as the company is contending with increasing competition and difficulty raising its prices as its customers tighten their belts. The decision also came from pressure from Elliott Management, a hedge fund and major shareholder in Nielsen.
In January, Blackstone Group expressed interest and was reportedly putting together a $10 billion bid with the help of buyout firm Hellman & Friedman. Now, Blackstone appears to be balking at an acquisition due to Nielsen's $8 billion debt burden and dim growth prospects.
Nielsen's revenue actually slipped 0.9% in 2018, and a $1.4 billion impairment charge in its buy division caused the company to report a loss of $712 million for the year. Nielsen's search for a prospective buyer will continue, but the seeming decision by both Blackstone and Apollo Global to pass on a potential acquisition doesn't bode well for a future sale.
10 stocks we like better than Nielsen HoldingsWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has quadrupled the market.*
David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Nielsen Holdings wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.
*Stock Advisor returns as of March 1, 2019


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Redfall Creators Revisit Single-Player Focus: A Step toward Enticing Gaming Experiences
The gaming world is set for a significant shift as developers double back to single-player games, and so it goes for Arkane Studios, the developers behind Redfall. The industry-known cooperative and multiplayer-focused company is hinting at a possible focus shift back to single-player gaming. This move is anticipated to bring exciting new developments in the gaming world.
IdleSloth84_ on Twitter has pointed out that the studio is actively seeking a lead technical engineer. The job description hints at the studio's next move, stipulating that applicants should have a "familiarity with single-player action RPGs and immersive sims."
This decision coincides with the heightened popularity and demand for immersive and lengthy single-player games. Arkane Studios, through their games like Prey and Dishonored, have shown they have what it takes to create fascinating open worlds. With the refocused efforts, gamers can expect something extraordinary.
While multiplayer games and cooperative modes have been the center of entertainment for many, there certainly exists a thirst for single-player games where one can immerse in the intricacies of the story and characters. With Arkane's potential return to single-player-focused games, there is renewed hope for enthralling storylines, immersive gameplay, and personalized gaming experiences. We can only wait to see what unique and magnetic games the developer has in store for us.


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Dr. Martens Plc saw a slight dip in its stock on Thursday morning after it warned that shipping delays in the U.S. would continue into next year. Despite this news, the UK-based footwear company reported strong results for the first six months of fiscal year 2022. Revenue was up 16% to £369.9 million, or $487.9 million at current exchange, in the first half, while profit before tax was also up 46% to £61.3 million, or $80.89 million.
Notably, the first six months also resulted in DTC growing to 40% of revenue, driven by retail recovery and strong e-commerce performance with continued double-digit growth. Plus, wholesale revenues grew by 6%, despite the impact in the second quarter by supply chain disruption which delayed approximately £20 million of revenue into the second half.
“We benefited from our decision to enter the year with relatively high inventory levels, meaning that availability was less affected overall,” Dr. Martens CEO Kenny Wilson said in a statement. “In addition, the continuity and carryover nature of the majority of our product range also reduced the impact from supply chain disruption.”
“This meant that DTC availability levels remained relatively high and gross margin was not impacted, despite the supply chain disruption and global shipping delays experienced across the industry,” Wilson added. “Our Americas performance was again particularly strong, notwithstanding our wholesale business here being most impacted by these delays.”
The company said that it sold 6.3 million pairs of boots, shoes and sandals in the first half of the year, up 13%, or 700,000 pairs, year-over-year. Dr. Martens also said that it opened 13 new stores in the same time period including its first store in Barcelona, Spain, taking the total to 147. The company said it plans to open 20 to 25 stores this fiscal year.
Looking ahead, the British boot maker said it remains confident in achieving market expectations for fiscal 2022. “This assumes that we do not experience material country-wide lockdowns on either the demand or supply side for a significant period of time,” it said in a statement.
From fiscal year 2023 and over the medium-term Dr. Martens said it continues to anticipate mid-teens revenue growth and are targeting e-commerce to grow to at least 40% mix, with total DTC, including retail, of at least 60% mix. Its medium-term target of a 30% EBITDA margin is also unchanged.
“Our strong first half performance combined with the continued momentum in DTC trading into the second half gives us confidence in achieving market expectations for the full year,” added Wilson. “I remain hugely excited about the growth potential of the Dr. Martens brand.”


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(May 14, PACKER WEB EXCLUSIVE) TORONTO — Whether it’s environmental or economic reasons motivating their decision, Toronto’s wholesalers and retailers strive to take advantage of the Canadian seasons and sustain local growers.
“Canadians, especially people from Ontario, support our local growers in a very big way,” said Jeff Hughes, president of Gambles Ontario Produce Inc. “A lot of our vegetables come from Ontario year-round within a 150-mile radius. That’s the origin of our business.”
Indeed, tomatoes and cucumbers are harvested nearby 10 months out of the year, while from May to November, Gambles yields numerous other local products, such as lettuce, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, carrots, apples, tree fruits and pears, Hughes said.
Streef Produce Ltd. also is a huge proponent of the local grower — being a farm-based operation itself — and dedicates much of its busi-ness to promoting other area growers, said Peter Streef, vice president.
Streef owns seven farms and leases the majority of its land but still produces 2,000 acres of mainly potatoes and beans for the fresh market, Streef said.
The firm also represents between 25-40 local growers, handling sales, marketing, distribution and logistics for their operations, and during the summer, 98% of its supply is Ontario grown, Streef said.
“We really focus on supporting local producers and giving local producers access through us,” he said. “It’s politically correct to support local producers.”
As a result of new relationships with three local growers, National Produce Marketing Inc. expects to carry watermelons year-round for the first time in 2008, starting in July and wrapping up by the first frost, said Mike Wilson, National Produce Marketing’s watermelon buyer.
National expects to receive between 100 and 200 loads this season from the farmers, who recently switched from tobacco to watermelon production. The remainder of the year, watermelons will be imported from Mexico, Wilson said.
Veg-Pak Produce Ltd. is capitalizing on tobacco growers who now grow other commodities as a result of government grants distributed to growers willing to convert tobacco fields to other products to offset the tobacco industry, said Vic Carnevale, Veg-Pak’s president.
“We’re trying to help the economy, of course,” Carnevale said of the local products Veg-Pak carries, including sweet potatoes, yams, greens, beets, kale, Swiss chard, parsley, basil and hard squash.
The Ontario Produce Marketing Association’s grower-retailer campaign — which unites local growers, wholesalers and retailers — continues to strengthen in its ninth year, said Matt Eckerd, who works on the newsletter and regulatory issues for OPMA and on the standardiza-tion and grades project for the Fresh Produce Alliance.
In 2007, bosc pears, asparagus and nectarines were added to the program’s commodity list.
Wal-Mart Supercenters has joined the OPMA-driven initiative, which collaborates with the Toronto Wholesale Produce Association, Sobeys Inc., Loblaws and A&P to annually raise $150,000 for the Ottawa-based Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s 5 to 10 a Day campaign.
Other programs that benefit from the money include the OPMA’s Gimme 5 program, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundations, Eckert said.
“It’s an example of what can be done when people work together to increase overall consumption and a healthy lifestyle,” Eckert said.
The program generates revenues by requiring that growers and retailers add several cents to each package per purchase order, coupled with a direct donation from the Toronto Wholesale Produce Association, which represents 23 wholesalers and the credit association, Eckert said.
The grower associations and commodities now involved in the program include:
- Apple Marketers Association of Ontario, apples;
- Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, greenhouse cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes;
- Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board, peaches, nectarines and bosc pears;
- Ontario Potato Board, potatoes;
- Canadian Mushroom Growers (Ontario), white mushrooms; and
- the Ontario Asparagus Growers, green asparagus, Eckert said.
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT GROWERS
The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers also is making strides to strengthen relationships between local growers and independent grocers.
The federal government provided a $250,000 grant to CFIG in 2007, which enabled the retail organization to bring 24 local producers and 24 independent grocers together at its fall trade show — Grocery Innovations Canada — in Toronto to facilitate business, said John Scott, CFIG’s chief executive officer and president.
“We believe every independent needs to be significantly differentiated from the competition, and the consumer needs to be able to identify the reason,” Scott said. “Local produce gives a differentiation for the consumer. Some farmers grow a great product, but are terrible marketers and our idea is to put the two together.”
Networking plans for 2008 have not been identified, but Scott said CFIG expects to coordinate three or four meetings between growers and retailers in five different Canadian markets, including Toronto.
Longo’s is one independent retailer focused on enhancing its locally grown program, which is available year-round, said Mimmo Franzone, produce category manager for Mississauga, Ontario-based Longo’s Bros. Fruit Markets Inc.
“We’re trying to build more relationships with local growers,” Franzone said.


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En continu brève
Malaisie : Cadbury rappelle deux produits à cause de la présence de porc
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27, 2014 (AFP) – Chocolate maker Cadbury has recalled two products in mainly Muslim Malaysia after traces of pig DNA were found during a routine check for non-halal substances, Health Minister S. Subramaniam said Tuesday. « Cadbury has voluntarily removed two of its products from the shelves, » the minister told AFP. The tests were conducted by the ministry which over the weekend announced that two Cadbury products contained pork traces. Chocolate products are popular in Malaysia and can be found in most shops nationwide. Pork and its by-products, alcohol and animals not slaughtered according to Islamic procedures are not considered halal(permissible) and are forbidden to Muslims.


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After going through the trauma of being lied to about Tomb Raider: Anniversary's release date (September anyone?) Eidos has again taken the podium and announced official release date details. Tomb Raider: Anniversary will be available on retail shelves in the US this October 23rd and in the UK a few days later on October 26th. Then, later in November, the Anniversary episodes will be released to the XBLM as two separate purchasable downloads for those who would rather buy the content in digital form. Pricing for the DLC version has yet to be announced.
There you have it Lara Croft lovers ... your Anniversary dates are now confirmed, official and your content will be available in two distinct flavors. Go ahead and crack a smile already.
Official Tomb Raider: Anniversary release date
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Price action: Corn futures benefited from light short-covering to wrap up the week, and the market ended near session highs with gains of roughly 5 to 7 cents. Nevertheless, futures posted slight losses for the week.
5-day outlook: USDA's Crop Progress and Condition update Monday will likely reflect more deterioration and accelerated development with the corn crop that could encourage light followthrough short-covering to start the week, but then attention will shift to Thursday's Crop Production and Supply & Demand Reports. FSA prevented-plant acreage data will likely not be included in the report, but heat and dryness in recent weeks could cause USDA to lower its production estimate.
30-day outlook: Bulls have struggled to gain any traction since the market has largely discounted the impact of late-season heat and dryness on a late-planted crop. The October Crop Production Report, which will incorporate FSA prevented-plant data, and early harvest results could "surprise" traders as the true impact of a poor start and finish to the growing season in major production regions like Iowa become known.
90-day outlook: Another reason the corn market has struggled to rally is because 2012 illustrated that the corn exporters are sensitive to high prices and the market is still working to rebuild its demand base. There is still a lot of uncertainty as to what prices are needed to encourage more active use.
Hedgers: 100% sold on 2012-crop in the cash market. 25% of expected 2013-crop production is sold via cash forward contract for harvest delivery.
Cash-only marketers: 100% sold on old-crop. 25% of expected 2013-crop production is sold via forward contract for harvest delivery.
Price action: September soybeans ended 14 cents higher today, while the November and January contracts were 1/4 and 1 cent higher, respectively, and farther-deferred futures were weaker. For the week, November beans posted slight gains amid highly volatile trade.
5-day outlook: Weather will remain a focal point for soybean traders next week as much-above-normal temps and limited rainfall is expected across the western Corn Belt, while cooler and wetter conditions are anticipated in the far eastern Corn Belt. USDA's second crop estimate on Thursday will also be key for price action next week. The old adage is that big crops get bigger, but stressful late-season conditions could cause USDA to trim its estimate from last month.
30-day outlook: The recent heat wave has pushed crop maturity and largely eliminated the risk of a killing freeze ending the growing season early. But the rapid crop maturity over the past several weeks also means top-end yield potential has likely been trimmed. If late-season conditions remain stressful, we may have to lower our crop estimate.
90-day outlook: A strong demand base continues to limit the downside in the soybean market. While corn demand was dramatically cut by last summer's runup to record prices, soybean demand declined just modestly. Historically, Chinese demand for U.S. soybeans has been very strong through the first two quarters of the new marketing year as new-crop supplies come available. We expect that to be the case again this year.
Hedgers: 50% of expected 2013-crop production is sold via a forward-price cash contract for harvest delivery. 100% sold on 2012-crop in the cash market.
Cash-only marketers: 50% of expected 2013-crop production is sold via a forward-price cash contract for harvest delivery. 100% sold on 2012-crop in the cash market.
Price action: Wheat futures closed out the week with modest corrective gains. Wheat futures still posted slight losses for the week.
5-day outlook: Wheat will continue to turn to the corn market for price direction. Unless corn finds sustained short-covering interest or gets a bullish report from USDA on Thursday, the upside is limited, and therefore, so is the upside for wheat futures.
30-day outlook: Export demand for U.S. wheat has improved, but traders are still concerned about Black Sea origin supplies being priced below U.S. wheat. Until those concerns are erased by a large purchase of U.S. wheat or a flurry of smaller purchases, export demand won't be strong enough to rally wheat on its own.
90-day outlook: Much of the key HRW wheat areas of the Plains remain gripped with drought, though the severity has declined. Still, with soil moisture conditions across the Plains the best they have been in years, winter wheat seeding should be relatively successful and it's unlikely traders will get concerned with the crop this fall.
Hedgers: 50% of 2013-crop is sold in the cash market. 100% sold on of 2012-crop.
Cash-only marketers: 25% of 2013-crop is sold. 100% sold on 2012-crop.
Price action: Cotton futures closed 69 to 101 points higher. But for the week, cotton futures finished slightly lower.
5-day outlook: Much of the price action next week will be determined by preparations for USDA's Crop Production and Supply & Demand Reports on Thursday and then the reaction to that data once its released. Informa Economics reportedly expects USDA to raise its cotton crop estimate by 406,000 bales from August.
30-day outlook: The move into the lower end of the extended, choppy price range triggered an increase in export demand, signaling there's still solid demand under the market. The problem, however, is that demand wanes if prices rise. To trigger sustained buying interest in futures, another source of support must be found.
90-day outlook: The market is eagerly waiting to see what China does with its cotton policy. There is an expectation China will end its government stockpiling program and switch to a farmer-subsidy policy. If that happens, how China deals with its massive stockpiles -- more than 50% of world supplies -- will be key to global prices.
Hedgers: 50% of expected 2013-crop production is hedged in December cotton futures at 83.87 cents. 50% of expected 2013-crop production is also sold via cash forward contract for harvest delivery. 100% sold on 2012-crop in the cash market.
Cash-only marketers: 50% of expected 2013-crop production is sold via cash forward contract for harvest delivery. 100% sold on 2012-crop.


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HOME IMPROVEMENT WITH ANDY LINDUS What is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is collecting the run-off from a structure in order to store it for later use. Traditionally, it involves harvesting the rain from a roof. The rain that falls will collect in yo... Posted on 7/20/12 at 2:00 AM
AMERICAS MRS RIGHT BY SANDY GEHRKE OUR BIG FAT GREEK BAILOUT
Hey, if you havent heard about this, Greece is being bailed out, and this week the stock markets responded with glee. Investors must think the worlds financial problems are over.
Greece is the birthp... Posted on 10/30/11 at 2:43 PM
The president of a political watchdog group claims the public is being denied access to campaign finance information because of difficulties with the state's new campaign finance Web site.
St. Croix County Finance Committee members heard updates on building projects July 3 but delayed action until the County Board begins to address related problems or until the committee meets with contractors.
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|By Business Wire||
|February 11, 2013 03:29 PM EST||
Go Daddy, the Web’s top platform for small businesses, has acquired M.dot Inc., the leading mobile app for small business website creation and management. The addition of M.dot to Go Daddy’s extensive product offerings gives Go Daddy’s 11 million customers an easy way to create and manage compelling mobile websites right from their smartphones.
“We’re pleased to welcome M.dot to our growing Go Daddy family,” said Go Daddy CEO Blake Irving, who made the formal announcement at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Go Daddy office located in Sunnyvale, Calif.
“M.dot’s global vision of a mobile future for small businesses fits beautifully with what our customers need right now,” Irving said. “Go Daddy wants to help businesses connect with their customers wherever they are in the world, and that means providing killer mobile technology. It also means helping our customers manage their business from anywhere, anytime with the simplicity of their smartphone or tablet. With M.dot, small businesses can compete on a big-time level without spending big-time money. We’re completely stoked to have M.dot on board.”
Over the last three years, mobile Internet traffic has grown more than 10 times from one percent to 13 percent of total Web usage1. In that same time period, smartphone and tablet shipments surpassed PCs. Go Daddy customers are using their smartphones to manage their online presence more and more every day as a means to find and acquire customers. The M.dot acquisition provides Go Daddy’s customers with an innovative platform to capitalize on these trends.
M.dot was founded by Dominik Balogh and Pavel Serbajlo in June 2012. They have the backing of leading Silicon Valley investors including Floodgate, SV Angel and Archimedes Labs, and have been featured by Apple in the iTunes App Store on multiple occasions. The company will operate from Go Daddy’s Silicon Valley office, which is a major new center of engineering and product design for the company. Over the next year, Go Daddy plans to double its current Sunnyvale-based staff, from 40 to 80.
“We’ve been impressed with Dominik and Pavel throughout this process,” said Go Daddy President of Products and Technology Jason Rosenthal. “These guys understand, like no others we’ve seen, how mobile is top-of-mind for small businesses right now. They’ve solved some very important usability and technology problems around mobile site creation and management, which make them unique. Dominik and Pavel embody the kind of creativity and entrepreneurial drive we value at Go Daddy and most importantly, they’ve built the foundation for an extraordinary product our customers will love.”
M.dot co-founder Dominik Balogh pointed out the shared values of the two companies. “Go Daddy is exactly the kind of technology company we wanted to join because they cater to and understand the small business customer,” Balogh said. “We’ve always believed small business is essential for a healthy economy, and Go Daddy has extensive experience as the industry’s leading platform for small enterprises. Joining Go Daddy means our mobile software will now be accessible through much larger distribution channels and will help even more small businesses achieve greater success. It also gives us the benefit of integrating with Go Daddy’s immense customer support foundation, which I believe is a significant competitive advantage in this segment.”
“Go Daddy was built from scratch and is now a multi-billion dollar company – their industry expertise and achievements are inspiring,” said M.dot co-founder Pavel Serbajlo. “We're looking forward to taking mobile software for small businesses to the next level with Go Daddy. We share the same vision for mobile. We’re passionate about small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs … we all want to build software products that enable our customers to succeed online.”
The M.dot app offers mobile website creation based on pre-loaded templates with easy-to-use custom features, such as store location, driving directions, tap-to-call, galleries, business hours and price lists, all in a user-interface designed for mobile device screens. It also includes a blog feature, which allows users to write and insert photos and video with rich text capabilities. It integrates with Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and Dropbox.
M.dot is available in the iTunes App Store at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/m.dot/id565017826?ls=1&mt=8
Financial terms of the M.dot acquisition have not been disclosed.
In late 2011, Go Daddy received an investment from KKR, Silver Lake and Technology Crossover Ventures designed to build upon Go Daddy’s commitment to providing high quality products and services to its customers.
Since then, the company has also embarked on international growth, including expansion into India. Go Daddy also has facilities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Toronto, Amsterdam and Singapore.
To apply to join the Go Daddy team, please visit www.GoDaddy.com/Jobs.
Read why our customers recommend Go Daddy.
About Go Daddy
Go Daddy is the world's largest domain name provider, Web hosting provider and new SSL certificate provider, focused on helping small businesses grow larger. Go Daddy provides dozens of cloud-based services and is the largest worldwide mass-market hosting provider by annual revenue, according to 451 Research (Mass-Market Hosting Report-Fall 2012), and is the #1 provider of net-new SSL certificates for 2012, according to the Netcraft, LTD Secure Server Survey. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com/PR.
- Go Daddy Operating Company, LLC -
Copyright © 2013 GoDaddy.com, LLC All Rights Reserved.
The Internet of Things will challenge the status quo of how IT and development organizations operate. Or will it? Certainly the fog layer of IoT requires special insights about data ontology, security and transactional integrity. But the developmental challenges are the same: People, Process and Platform. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Craig Sproule, CEO of Metavine, demonstrated how to move beyond today's coding paradigm and shared the must-have mindsets for removing complexity from the develo...
Jul. 30, 2016 03:00 AM EDT Reads: 1,637
SYS-CON Events announced today that MangoApps will exhibit at the 19th International Cloud Expo, which will take place on November 1–3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. MangoApps provides modern company intranets and team collaboration software, allowing workers to stay connected and productive from anywhere in the world and from any device.
Jul. 30, 2016 02:45 AM EDT Reads: 1,483
The IETF draft standard for M2M certificates is a security solution specifically designed for the demanding needs of IoT/M2M applications. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Brian Romansky, VP of Strategic Technology at TrustPoint Innovation, explained how M2M certificates can efficiently enable confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity on highly constrained devices.
Jul. 30, 2016 02:15 AM EDT Reads: 1,184
“delaPlex Software provides software outsourcing services. We have a hybrid model where we have onshore developers and project managers that we can place anywhere in the U.S. or in Europe,” explained Manish Sachdeva, CEO at delaPlex Software, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at @ThingsExpo, held June 7-9, 2016, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY.
Jul. 30, 2016 02:00 AM EDT Reads: 1,685
The IoT is changing the way enterprises conduct business. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Eric Hoffman, Vice President at EastBanc Technologies, discussed how businesses can gain an edge over competitors by empowering consumers to take control through IoT. He cited examples such as a Washington, D.C.-based sports club that leveraged IoT and the cloud to develop a comprehensive booking system. He also highlighted how IoT can revitalize and restore outdated business models, making them profitable ...
Jul. 29, 2016 10:15 PM EDT Reads: 2,075
Internet of @ThingsExpo, taking place November 1-3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA, is co-located with the 19th International Cloud Expo and will feature technical sessions from a rock star conference faculty and the leading industry players in the world and ThingsExpo Silicon Valley Call for Papers is now open.
Jul. 29, 2016 08:00 PM EDT Reads: 2,749
We all know the latest numbers: Gartner, Inc. forecasts that 6.4 billion connected things will be in use worldwide in 2016, up 30 percent from last year, and will reach 20.8 billion by 2020. We're rapidly approaching a data production of 40 zettabytes a day – more than we can every physically store, and exabytes and yottabytes are just around the corner. For many that’s a good sign, as data has been proven to equal money – IF it’s ingested, integrated, and analyzed fast enough. Without real-ti...
Jul. 29, 2016 07:45 PM EDT Reads: 1,186
SYS-CON Events announced today that 910Telecom will exhibit at the 19th International Cloud Expo, which will take place on November 1–3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. Housed in the classic Denver Gas & Electric Building, 910 15th St., 910Telecom is a carrier-neutral telecom hotel located in the heart of Denver. Adjacent to CenturyLink, AT&T, and Denver Main, 910Telecom offers connectivity to all major carriers, Internet service providers, Internet backbones and ...
Jul. 29, 2016 06:00 PM EDT Reads: 936
Big Data, cloud, analytics, contextual information, wearable tech, sensors, mobility, and WebRTC: together, these advances have created a perfect storm of technologies that are disrupting and transforming classic communications models and ecosystems. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Erik Perotti, Senior Manager of New Ventures on Plantronics’ Innovation team, provided an overview of this technological shift, including associated business and consumer communications impacts, and opportunities it ...
Jul. 29, 2016 05:15 PM EDT Reads: 396
You think you know what’s in your data. But do you? Most organizations are now aware of the business intelligence represented by their data. Data science stands to take this to a level you never thought of – literally. The techniques of data science, when used with the capabilities of Big Data technologies, can make connections you had not yet imagined, helping you discover new insights and ask new questions of your data. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Sarbjit Sarkaria, data science team lead ...
Jul. 29, 2016 04:45 PM EDT Reads: 1,257
WebRTC is bringing significant change to the communications landscape that will bridge the worlds of web and telephony, making the Internet the new standard for communications. Cloud9 took the road less traveled and used WebRTC to create a downloadable enterprise-grade communications platform that is changing the communication dynamic in the financial sector. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Leo Papadopoulos, CTO of Cloud9, discussed the importance of WebRTC and how it enables companies to focus...
Jul. 29, 2016 04:15 PM EDT Reads: 1,090
ReadyTalk has expanded the capabilities of the FoxDen collaboration platform announced late last year to include FoxDen Connect, an in-room video collaboration experience that launches with a single touch. With FoxDen Connect, users can now not only engage in HD video conferencing between iOS and Android mobile devices or Chrome browsers, but also set up in-person meeting rooms for video interactions. A host’s mobile device automatically recognizes the presence of a meeting room via beacon tech...
Jul. 29, 2016 04:15 PM EDT Reads: 447
Manufacturers are embracing the Industrial Internet the same way consumers are leveraging Fitbits – to improve overall health and wellness. Both can provide consistent measurement, visibility, and suggest performance improvements customized to help reach goals. Fitbit users can view real-time data and make adjustments to increase their activity. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Mark Bernardo Professional Services Leader, Americas, at GE Digital, discussed how leveraging the Industrial Internet a...
Jul. 29, 2016 03:15 PM EDT Reads: 679
On Dice.com, the number of job postings asking for skill in Amazon Web Services increased 76 percent between June 2015 and June 2016. Salesforce.com saw its own skill mentions increase 37 percent, while DevOps and Cloud rose 35 percent and 28 percent, respectively. Even as they expand their presence in the cloud, companies are also looking for tech professionals who can manage projects, crunch data, and figure out how to make systems run more autonomously. Mentions of ‘data science’ as a skill ...
Jul. 29, 2016 03:00 PM EDT Reads: 527
IoT generates lots of temporal data. But how do you unlock its value? You need to discover patterns that are repeatable in vast quantities of data, understand their meaning, and implement scalable monitoring across multiple data streams in order to monetize the discoveries and insights. Motif discovery and deep learning platforms are emerging to visualize sensor data, to search for patterns and to build application that can monitor real time streams efficiently. In his session at @ThingsExpo, ...
Jul. 29, 2016 02:00 PM EDT Reads: 1,213
"delaPlex is a software development company. We do team-based outsourcing development," explained Mark Rivers, COO and Co-founder of delaPlex Software, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at 18th Cloud Expo, held June 7-9, 2016, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY.
Jul. 29, 2016 01:00 PM EDT Reads: 2,130
Amazon has gradually rolled out parts of its IoT offerings in the last year, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to optimizing their back-end AWS offerings, Amazon is laying the ground work to be a major force in IoT – especially in the connected home and office. Amazon is extending its reach by building on its dominant Cloud IoT platform, its Dash Button strategy, recently announced Replenishment Services, the Echo/Alexa voice recognition control platform, the 6-7 strategic...
Jul. 29, 2016 11:15 AM EDT Reads: 696
SYS-CON Events announced today that LeaseWeb USA, a cloud Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider, will exhibit at the 19th International Cloud Expo, which will take place on November 1–3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. LeaseWeb is one of the world's largest hosting brands. The company helps customers define, develop and deploy IT infrastructure tailored to their exact business needs, by combining various kinds cloud solutions.
Jul. 29, 2016 11:15 AM EDT Reads: 1,352
The cloud market growth today is largely in public clouds. While there is a lot of spend in IT departments in virtualization, these aren’t yet translating into a true “cloud” experience within the enterprise. What is stopping the growth of the “private cloud” market? In his general session at 18th Cloud Expo, Nara Rajagopalan, CEO of Accelerite, explored the challenges in deploying, managing, and getting adoption for a private cloud within an enterprise. What are the key differences between wh...
Jul. 29, 2016 09:45 AM EDT Reads: 2,162
For basic one-to-one voice or video calling solutions, WebRTC has proven to be a very powerful technology. Although WebRTC’s core functionality is to provide secure, real-time p2p media streaming, leveraging native platform features and server-side components brings up new communication capabilities for web and native mobile applications, allowing for advanced multi-user use cases such as video broadcasting, conferencing, and media recording.
Jul. 29, 2016 09:45 AM EDT Reads: 1,043


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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Google Inc.
"I would hope not," said Schmidt, when asked whether Levinson, who is also chairman at biotech giant Genentech Inc. (DNA), should step down from one of the two tech companies' boards. "I don't think it's necessary."
Asked whether his recent resignation from Apple's board was prompted by increased regulatory scrutiny, Schmidt replied: "Certainly not."
In May, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission launched an inquiry into whether the companies' two shared board members could present opportunities for collusion.
The CEO of the Mountain View, Calif.-based search company made his comments in a wide-ranging discussion at The Atlantic's First Draft of History conference in Washington, D.C., which was Webcast.
Schmidt said the amount of revenue that Google and Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple generate in overlapping businesses does not meet regulatory thresholds that would require the two companies to eliminate overlapping directorships.
Schmidt stressed the partnership that existed between the two companies, noting that Apple's iPhone was the largest source of mobile search queries. "We love the iPhone," he said.
Schmidt resigned from Apple's board in August, with Apple CEO Steve Jobs saying the decision made sense as Google moves to develop mobile software, an Internet browser and soon a computer operating system, markets that are core to Apple's businesses.
"Eric's effectiveness as an Apple board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest," said Jobs at the time.
Schmidt also acknowledged that while he doesn't see any innovation barriers that could affect Google's growth, increased regulatory scrutiny "does affect us." He said earlier this year that increased regulatory scrutiny had not had a chilling effect on the company.
Google's dominance in Internet search - and its ambitions to expand into new businesses, like mobile advertising and cloud computing - has sparked concern among media companies, advertising groups and telecommunications firms and prompted regulators to take a closer look at the company's activities.
Google continues to lead the U.S. search market with a market share of about 65% in August, according to research group comScore. Rival Yahoo Inc.'s
share was about 19%, while Microsoft Corp.


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12m ago - Dolmen is available now on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. Watch the slick launch trailer for this third-person action RPG. Dolmen takes place in a sci-fi universe where humanity has colonized several star systems using space travel technology and genetic manipulation. The Revion star system is distant from the main inhabited area of the galaxy, but it drew the attention of Zoan Corp. by emitting different radiation than other systems, suggesting the existence of other universes. Mysteriously, there is only one planet in this distant system: Revion Prime. Dolmen has players battling across Revion Prime while trying to unravel a mystery of an alien species, corrupt corporations, and unknown dimensions.
34m ago - Get another look at Marvel Studios' Ms. Marvel in this latest teaser for the upcoming Disney+ series starring Iman Vellani. Ms. Marvel starts streaming on Disney+ on June 8, 2022.
Presented by Windows 11
How to Get a Job in Gaming as a Composer
46m ago - Check out the trailer for Star Citizen's Invictus Launch Week 2952 and free fly event, which runs from May 20 (today) through May 31. The event will be held in a new location--Orison Landing Zone. The Invictus Launch Week 2952 also features 66 vehicles available that players can test fly for free, a tour of the Aegis Javelin, the reveal of the Anvil Legionnaire Boarding Ship, and more.
Catch up on Master Chief's battle against the Covenant, now streaming exclusively on Paramount+
56m ago - With Top Gun: Maverick taxiing down the runway towards its theatrical release, it's time to relive the events of the 1986 original. Here's the Top Gun story in five minutes.
1h ago - NBA 2K22's Season 7 is available now. Check out the trailer for Season 7, where you can compete to earn new rewards.


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Consoles are offering the Portal to hackers
Forget the NSA; it’s your shiny new console which could offer the biggest threat to cyber-security in your home. According to security firm Kaspersky Labs, hacking attempts against consoles have rocketed since this year’s big new releases.
The company is estimating around 34,000 attacks per day, and is aware of around 4.6 million pieces of gamer-focused malware.
Spain currently gets the most unwanted attention; with 138,786 attacks so far...


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First Fashion Gala 2022
On October 12,2022, Diplomacy and Fashion put Washington DC on the map as a First Ladies fashion hub in one of the most influential cities in the world. As the most prestigious non-partisan fashion event in Washington DC, First Fashion Gala showcased 40 designers who have dressed First Ladies, First Gentlemen, Kings, and Queens from around the world. In addition, there was a retrospective exhibit that included original pieces from Edith Wilson, Brigitte Macron, Imelda Marcos, Ethel Kennedy, Kersti Kaljulaid and Princess Reema Al Saud. First Fashion Gala was a premier Black Tie Event chaired by Anne Simonian Totah that funds scholarships for low-income or single-parent students who want to study diplomacy or fashion in the nation or abroad. 350 guests attended the event to see the creations inspired by First Ladies from around the world.
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022 The Conrad Hotel, Washington DC
NOMINATED FOR EMMY AWARD
Mini TV series about Madeleine Albright’s pins
THE PINS OF
Last year, Diplomacy and Fashion collaborated with Events DC, the premier host of cultural events in Washington DC, on mini tv series about the role of diplomacy and fashion and gave first ever award to former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
She was known worldwide for her wearing fashionable pins to convey political messages.
This year, one of the film mini tv series about Madeleine Albright’s pins was nominated for
Emmy awards. I hope we’ll win.
The film is available on
FOOD FILM AND FASHION INITIATIVE
Diplomacy and Fashion Presents New Initiative:
3Fs: Food, Film and Fashion
Fashion in the garden
Bold Looks by Petra Ptackova was on view in the garden of the Embassy of the Czech Republic Washington DC from September 29 to October 15, 2020.
Diplomacy Nano Mask
Limited Edition | Free*
Wearing a face mask is protective, responsive, kind, stylish, and even a new diplomatic event.
Made from cotton, the exterior of each mask is sprayed with a photo-catalytic nanotechnology coating based on non-toxic titanium dioxide (TiO2). This revolutionary innovative science makes sure that the mask treated with TiO2 nanocrystals' coating destroys and decomposes all bacteria and viruses that come into contact with its surface.
This face mask shouldn't be sterilized in boiling water. The mask disinfects itself automatically only with exposure to sunlight or any UV light which activates TiO2 (titanium dioxide molecules). Please note, once it is washed, the mask is reusable but it loses the coating effect of nano technology.
This is NOT an N-95 mask, or surgical mask, nor is it for medical use. The use of this face covering is not a guarantee against infection or the transmission of viruses or diseases, and it SHOULD be used in addition to practicing CDC recommendations on hand washing and social distancing.
This is a personal use item and cannot be returned or exchanged.
Diplomacy & Fashion is a celebration of global nations and cultures, bringing together diplomacy, fashion, and philanthropy.
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GREENWICH VILLAGE — A sweet new addition is joining the gelato, chocolate and macaron shops on Bleecker Street.
Sugar and Plumm Purveyors of Yumm, the pastry and chocolate seller that Upper West Side residents initially criticized as too "cutesy," is set to open its second Manhattan location at 257 Bleecker St. on Thursday.
A "grab-and-go" version of the uptown restaurant on Amsterdam Avenue, Sugar and Plumm will sell breakfast pastries like almond croissants, Easter candy like chocolate bunnies (starting at $17.50) and macarons in flavors including rosewater, pistachio and banana chocolate ($20 for an eight-piece box).
Owner Lamia Jacobs said she looked forward to joining the foodie-friendly strip of Bleecker Street that includes Murray's Cheese and Amy's Bread.
“The new location will bring the charm and whimsy of the Upper West Side’s location along with our hand-crafted chocolate creations and confections to the infamous New York area," she said in a statement.
The 1,000-square-foot shop at Bleecker and Cornelia streets has purple striped awnings outside and will have purple and white floor tiles inside, to "evoke the feel of French patisseries," a statement from the New Jersey-based company said. Construction was still underway this week.
Before Sugar and Plumm's uptown location opened in August 2012, neighbors slammed its initially planned candy-colored storefront design as "tacky" and "too suburban." The company toned down the facade with more neutral colors, which the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved.
To serve the daytime and late-night crowds, the Village shop will operate Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight.


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If you haven't sampled Popeyes new chicken sandwich yet, you're going to have to wait a little longer.
The sandwich craze that has gone viral since being introduced by Popeyes on August 12 has exceeded expectations to the point that the restaurant says it expects to sell out of them nationwide by the end of this week.
In a statement by the company that was shared on Twitter by sports business reporter Darren Rovell, Popeyes revealed that they had forecasted demand for the chicken sandwich through the end of September and that inventory has already been sold.
"We along with our suppliers, are working tirelessly to bring the new sandwich back to guests as soon as possible," the company writes in its release.
Popeyes put out a social video announcing the news and recommending that people download their app to be among the first to know when the sandwich will be back.


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After months of isolation, we're ready to start exploring Britain on a staycation again but can we visit Scotland yet?
On 23 June, the government announced that people in England can have overnight stays in hotels, holiday accommodation and campsites from 4 July.
In Scotland, the public was told that garden attractions, zoos and shops would be allowed to open from 29 June but you'll have to wait a little longer to check into a B&B or holiday rental as staycations are still banned.
For day trips, the Scottish government says that people "should continue to stay in their local area as much as possible and should not travel more than around five miles for leisure or recreation."
If you're in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and asking 'when is Scotland reopening for tourism?' you'll have to wait before planning a trip.
Can we have a holiday in Scotland?
The answer is no, for now. The government says: "Travel to holiday accommodation, even with members of your own household, is not yet possible except in certain cases, such as to attend a funeral.
"We expect to see this change in Phase 3. As we move through the route map, and as public health advice allows, we will give an update on whether it is possible to go on holiday."
It adds: "When restrictions are lifted, we would encourage people to holiday at home to support Scotland’s tourism industry. The proposed resumption for Scottish tourism is 15 July."
What will be the coronavirus rules for tourism in Scotland?
VisitScotland is yet to announce the guidelines for visiting Scotland on holiday, but it's likely that you'll need to bring a mask and social distancing will be in place.
"We will continue to support Scottish businesses to ensure they have the right information, support and guidance to open safely".


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Euro crisis continues
The European crisis worsens this week as the euro continues its downward spiral, actually dropping to its lowest point in the past six weeks in comparison to the US dollar. Since February, the euro has lost six months’ worth of capital gains according to European Central Bank President, Mario Draghi, which is a large drop in accumulated profits. It is also unusual for the American dollar to outperform the euro at this level; even though the crisis may seem far removed, it does affect businesses in the U.S.
With several countries in Europe facing economic uncertainty and no sign of a prompt reprieve, the effects of the crisis will likely slow the volume of exports brought into the region from the U.S. and other countries. In an effort to cut costs, decision makers could decide to forgo bringing in products from outside countries, and instead focus all efforts on promoting growth from within.
U.S. business owners who rely on European business will have to adjust their revenue projections, as they will likely take a hit if the euro continues to drop. The situation will cause many business owners to rethink their EMEA strategy and sales cycle, as this could affect demand for U.S. goods, and the timeline for an economic turnaround is uncertain at this point.
Combine the Euro crisis with the U.S. financial cliff
In addition the economic slump in Europe, the decline in the value of the euro, coupled with possible sequestration on the first of March, could be cause for concern for U.S. residents and business owners; proposed cuts for U.S. government programs and employees means less money for vital services, as well as both necessary and discretionary consumer purchases – all of which could slow economic growth.
Therefore businesses that bring in sales from European residents will need to pay close attention to economic issues in this region, as the decline in the value of the euro can greatly affect the success of businesses that rely on sales opportunities from consumers in those countries. It may seem like a world away, but poor economic performance in the Euro-Zone does have lasting effects on businesses in the U.S.


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Can you imagine if Deadpool did join the Avengers? Resident snark master Tony Stark would have finally met his match. I can’t even imagine how Captain America would deal with Deadpool’s utter lack of basic morality.
Latest Ryan Reynolds Articles
Lately, rumors that they’ve been going through a rough patch has been circulating in online tabloids, and it’s no surprise that the claim might actually worry fans of the two. After all, we’ve seen plenty of our favorite celebrity couples break off under the weight of fame, and it never gets easier.


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The deluxe electric auto manufacturer has a great deal of job to do if it prepares to end up being a sector leader in the years to comply with.
The electrical car (EV) market is forecast to climb up at a compound annual development rate (CAGR) of 18.2% from 2021 with 2030, approximately an unbelievable $824 billion. By 2040, EVs are predicted to stand for two-thirds of vehicle sales around the world, equal to 66 million devices, indicating a significant boost from the 3 million devices marketed in 2020. Those growth forecasts are overwhelming, however financiers will still need to effectively distinguish between the nonreligious champions as well as losers moving on.
Lucid Group (LCID 3.15%) is a budding pure-play electric automobile manufacturer tapping into the deluxe EV market. The firm presently has four vehicle designs, with its most inexpensive edition, the Lucid Air Pure, bring a cost of $87,400. Its most costly automobile, the Lucid Air Fantasize Edition, sets you back $169,000 to purchase. On Aug. 3, the young EV company uploaded a second-quarter earnings report that didn’t exactly please financiers.
However with lcid stock price today down 55% because the beginning of 2022, is now an excellent moment to put a long-term bank on the business?
A tough, lengthy flight in advance
In its second quarter of 2022, the firm created $97.3 million in profits, especially up from its $174,000 a year back, but disappointing experts’ $157.1 million assumption. Monitoring cited supply chain problems as the vital vehicle driver behind its unsatisfactory second-quarter performance. Though it declares to have 37,000 customer appointments, equal to $3.5 billion in possible sales, the firm has actually just produced 1,405 cars in the very first half of 2022 as well as delivered simply 679 vehicles in Q2.
Lucid Team, Inc
Today’s Adjustment (3.15%) $0.57.
To add fuel to the fire, administration lowered its original financial 2022 manufacturing advice of 12,000 to 14,000 lorries in half to 6,000 to 7,000. The firm has $4.6 billion in cash, cash matchings, and also investments, as well as has actually ensured investors that it has sufficient liquidity well into 2023, regardless of its strategy to spend about $2 billion in capital investment in 2022. Even if that holds true, administration’s absence of visibility around business is disconcerting from a capitalist’s standpoint.
Competitors is just rising also– pure-play EV rival Tesla has actually delivered 1.1 million vehicles over the past year, and typical car manufacturers like Ford Motor Company and General Motors have actually begun to make hostile investments into the EV sector. That’s not to state Lucid Group can’t order a piece of the pie, yet the clock is absolutely ticking. The next few quarters will certainly be vital in figuring out the lasting trajectory of the high-end EV maker’s business.
Should financiers gamble on Lucid Group?
The long-lasting photo isn’t looking excellent for Lucid Team presently. It’s one point to cut manufacturing forecasts, yet it’s another thing to do so by 50%. That reveals me that monitoring has little to no visibility of its company at this moment, which definitely shouldn’t sit well with sensible investors. Integrate that with extreme competitors from giants like Tesla, Ford, as well as General Motors, as well as I do not see exactly how business will continue smoothly. So with these facts in mind, it ‘d sensible to put your hard-earned money right into a better business today.


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WHEN IS IT TIME TO RENEGOTIATE WITH YOUR CARRIER?
By Josh Dunham
n the daily conversations I have with shippers across the country, including customers and prospects, there is increasingly a feeling that something fundamental changed. Many, particularly industry veterans who refined their expertise over decades, consider the carriers they do business with to be true partners and extensions of their distribution centers and warehouses. That feeling is often even stronger among shippers at small businesses, where FedEx and UPS are not known as conglomerates or by their stock price, but instead by the drivers and
28 PARCELindustry.com JULY-AUGUST 2022
sales reps employees know by name and care about. Many are friends they’ve worked with for years. Over the past two decades, I’ve seen these sentiments influence many negotiations. Most shippers wanted the best deal they could get, but they wanted it to be fair. It is for precisely these reasons that the current shipping landscape — one in which carriers’ revenues are skyrocketing and even long-term relationships are being jettisoned in the name of network efficiency — is more than a business challenge. It’s often personal. Shippers in every industry are encountering a new reality. Our largest carriers are doing three things with unprecedented regularity: First, they are increasing their prices more and with greater frequency than ever before. Second, they are making it more difficult for shippers to know exactly what their costs will be by being less transparent. Third, they are actively walking away from business, even accounts that have been in place for many years. Most strikingly, they are willing to do this when it causes real harm to the customer. No shipper wants to consider a scenario when holiday purchases, packaged up and ready to go, remain on a loading dock because the carrier won’t pick them up. But that’s a possibility more than a few shippers encountered in conversations with their carrier rep last winter. As for price increases, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Last fall, our data scientists analyzed how much the 5.9% rate card increases FedEx and UPS announced for 2022 would really cost businesses when you included the numerous new surcharges, fees, and rules both carriers unveiled the year before, but did not include on their rate card. When we ran the resulting model on shipments our customers made the year before, the results were eye-opening. They were also accurate, as we now know. What did we find? Fewer than three percent of shippers will see their costs increase by 5.9% — the annual rate card increase — or less this year. The average company using UPS will see an increase of 10.25% and the average company using FedEx will see an increase of 12.86% in 2022. Some businesses will also be hit much harder. Those that use FedEx Ground Economy, previously the most affordable option for many small businesses, will see a whopping 26% increase this year. All of this is reflected in earnings. FedEx achieved its highest operating income ever this past December, a point driven significantly by higher revenue per piece (RPP) — in other words, price increases. UPS achieved its single highest quarterly profit ever in Q4, with an RPP that increased 10.5%. And the increases continue. In its last earning report for Q1 2022, UPS’s RPP grew by 9.5% in the domestic market. Notably, nothing is off limits in the quest for profits. FedEx recently changed the table used to calculate its fuel surcharges — a move that, on its own, delivered another 1.75% of revenue on top of the fuel surcharges the company already unveiled since the war in Ukraine began. The takeaway is that shippers absolutely have to renegotiate with their carriers if they don’t want to absorb what has become an unprecedented and seemingly never-ending litany of overt and


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Call 03332 207 677
Unlike 08 numbers, 03 numbers cost the same to call as geographic landline numbers (starting 01 and 02), even from a mobile phone. They are also normally included in your inclusive call minutes. Please note we may record some calls.
Companies have been told that writing header tags is important to achieve successful search engine optimisation (SEO).
According to Peter Crisafi, vice president of dzine it, concentrating on headlines as part of SEO services could help improve consumer traffic to websites.
He said that as well as alerting readers to the page by giving them an indication of what the site is about, header tags have a “greater purpose”.
Mr Crisafi said that they are able to highlight the content for search engines.
“Since header tags are noticed both by website visitors and search engine spiders, the way header tags are worded is important,” the expert noted.
He added: “Relevant keywords and key terms should be included in header tags.”
Earlier this week, Search Engine Watch columnist Mathieu Burgerhout told businesses that indexing fewer pages could improve conversion rates.
He noted that only having meta tags on “important” pages is more effective.
Computer Keyboard via BigStock
The UK Search Awards is an exciting night for all; brimming with excitement, anticipation and pride, these awards showcase the very best in Digital Marketing. Our pride was overflowing as we watched our very own Sam Noble be honoured with the top prize of the night: UK Search Personality 2016.
The UK Search Awards are here and we’re pleased to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for three awards at this prestigious ceremony.
What an incredible year 2016 has been for us so far. We’ve celebrated turning 10 as a company, and in the last few months alone we’ve been nominated for a range of campaigns, won a bunch of awards and now we’ve been shortlisted for even more success.


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Acast podcasts win big at Irish Podcast Awards — including Podcast Of The Year
Committed to international expansion, Acast’s launch in Singapore is its first venture in Asia
Timi Siytangco, Key Account Director
Acast, the world’s leading independent podcast company, has announced its move into Asia with the appointment of Timi Siytangco as Key Account Director. Siytangco’s hire is the next iteration in Acast’s ambitious international growth strategy, following investment in Spain earlier this year.
With two decades of creative and commercial experience in digital media — including Head of Brands & Agencies Southeast Asia at Outbrain, and leadership roles at Splice Newsroom, Possible Worldwide, and Branded — Siytangco will be responsible for leading commercial growth in Singapore and establishing Acast’s first on-the-ground presence in the region.
According to Acast data, Acast-connected podcasts in Southeast Asia gain upwards of seven million listens per month — with Singapore representing one of the largest audiences. Indonesia is responsible for the most significant surge over the past 12 months, growing 344% in monthly listens compared to May 2021.
Unsurprisingly for a region where the technology, business and finance industries are thriving, Acast data shows the most popular content categories consumed were News & Politics, Society, Culture, Business, and Education. With 47,000 podcasts hosted by Acast — including content from The Economist, Financial Times, BBC, TED, and other major global publishers — Acast’s slate of shows aligns perfectly with both consumer interest and advertiser opportunity in the region.
Megan Davies, Acast’s International Managing Director, said: “Podcasts are now a mainstream media worldwide, firmly built into the consumer psyche. With listens surging in Asia and extensive proof of podcasts’ validity as an advertising channel, it’s a natural step for Acast to lead the way in the region — and Timi’s passion for podcasts and extensive experience make her the ideal person to get us going in Singapore.”
Siytangco added: “Podcast listeners are growing at an exponential rate in Singapore and across Asia, making this the right time for Acast to move into the region. Acast’s pioneering podcast ad technology, thoughtful ad formats and commitment to great storytelling make me certain it’s the right company to drive podcast monetization growth in this part of the world.”
In the first quarter of 2022, Acast totaled 1.2 billion listens globally, across a footprint of 14 countries — and the company is now looking to replicate its success in other APAC markets.
Acast entered the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2017 and its presence has grown significantly, with high-profile podcasters such as Osher Günsberg and Meshel Laurie joining the Acast Creator Network and blue-chip brands such as Google, Samsung, McDonalds and Microsoft investing in podcast advertising with Acast. Its Australia and New Zealand team has grown to 26 employees and is the most comprehensive insights, strategy and sales unit solely dedicated to podcasting in the region.
Acast announces first ever Acast United line-up to unlock even more opportunity for advertisers
“Magic + math(s)* in marketing to podcasters” or “7 things we’ve learned in 7 months of testing creative”
Rio Ferdinand and FIVE join the Acast Creator Network, launching their first podcast, Vibe with FIVE
WTF with Marc Maron launches Acast+ podcast subscription, bringing paying fans bonus content and exclusive benefits
Acast strengthens product leadership team to accelerate listenership and revenue growth for podcasters
3ShotsofTequila joins the Acast Creator Network, ensuring the podcast can be heard by fans everywhere
45% of podcast listeners started listening to podcasts in the past year, according to new research from Acast and Nielsen
John Harrobin and Samantha Skey join Acast board as company strengthens commitment to growing US market share
Acast to mark International Women’s Day with global initiatives to ‘break the bias’ in tech and podcasting
Anna Faris partners with Acast to supercharge podcast growth and expand monetization capabilities
Acast launches Acast Amplifier, a podcast incubator to discover the next generation of UK podcasters
Acast launches Aclass Essentials, a free toolkit with everything you need to know to start a podcast
John Kasich and Jordan Klepper to launch original podcast ‘Kasich & Klepper’ with Acast, produced by Treefort Media
Acast teams up with Samsung in global deal to distribute its 30,000+ podcasts directly to Galaxy users
Scott Aukerman to launch ‘Comedy Bang! Bang! World’, a slate of premium podcast programming, in partnership with Acast


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China has responded to India’s initiation of an anti-dumping investigation relating to solar cells and module imports from China, Taiwan and Malaysia, labelling it an “abuse of trade remedy measures”, but also seeking to cooperate in resolving the trade issue.
Wang Hejun, director of the Trade Relief Investigation Bureau of China's Ministry of Commerce, said in a statement that the Chinese government was highly concerned about the investigation, which relates to both thin-film and crystalline solar cells, including those within modules.
Hejun noted the importance of solar in addressing climate change, promoting rural electrification and eradicating poverty. Futhermore, as solar is an emerging industry, states should be working together to promote its sustainable growth rather than disrupting normal trade order, he added.
Hejun noted how India’s impressive 370% growth in solar deployment over the last three years had benefitted from the price of Chinese equipment coming into India – adding: “The adoption of trade restrictions on photovoltaic cells and components is not conducive to the development of photovoltaic industry in India.”
He said such restrictions would also hinder solar's development across the globe as well as hitting trade cooperation between China and India.
Finally, Hejun advised India to carry out its investigations with a “cautious attitude” to avoid abuse of trade remedy measures, before expressing China’s willingness to cooperate in resolving the trade issues and maintaining development of both the upstream and downstream PV industries.
However, despite the rapid increase in Indian solar deployment, Indian domestic PV manufacturers have been struggling to compete with cheaper Chinese imports in recent times, hence the anti-dumping petition filed by the Indian Solar Manufacturer's Association (ISMA) last month.
Bridge to India told PV Tech last week that India has also been considering the introduction of safeguard duties.
Major Chinese module manufacturers such as JinkoSolar, Trina Solar and JA Solar, amongst others have been major suppliers of modules to India’s rapidly expanding downstream PV sector.
However, the inclusion of Taiwan and Malaysia in the investigation broadens the scope of potential sanctions to non-Chinese producers.
In Malaysia, Korean firm Hanwha Q Cells has its largest single solar manufacturing facility as well as CdTe thin-film leader, First Solar, with both supplying modules to key markets such as the US and Europe – as well as India in the case of First Solar. Hanwha Q Cells has typically used its crystalline module production in China for highly competitive markets such as India and China.
The Indian investigation is unlike previous trade disputes in the US and EU, where thin-film products had been excluded from countervailing duties, including the latest case at the US ITC under a Section 201 complaint by bankrupt manufacturer, Suniva and added petitioner, SolarWorld Americas.
First Solar has a long history of supplying utility-scale projects in India.
Additional reporting by Mark Osborne.


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THE market for smart TVs is growing globally, with global research firm Gartner expecting nearly 85% of all flat-panel TVs produced in 2016 to be smart TVs, it said on Tuesday.
Smart TVs combine traditional television functionality with a web browser and other interactive media, such as games, offered via downloadable software applications (apps). They can be described as smartphone devices on big screens, but without the voice-call option.
According to Gartner, smart TVs can pick up live TV broadcasts and connect to a range of other devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs.
Samsung and LG are some of the main players in the smart-TV market.
Gartner predicts worldwide production of flat-panel smart TVs to grow from 69-million units last year to 108-million this year and 198-million in 2016.
But Gartner analysts said that smart TVs alone would not spur demand in the market. TV manufacturers must offer compelling reasons for consumers to choose their brands over their competitors’.
"In the end, the choice may be all about the extra content that one TV brand offers over another," said Paul O’Donovan, principal research analyst at Gartner. "Consumers will be asking questions such as: which internet TV services can the TV access? Are these the sites I think are valuable? Can I use my smartphone or tablet with this TV?"
Mr O’Donovan said it was critical for the TV industry, amid a global economic downturn and a decline in consumer confidence, to sustain sales and maintain or grow market share — especially in emerging markets.
"This is difficult when demand has slowed, so the extra functionality offered by smart TVs becomes the product differentiator if prices are already competitive and all other variables are equal between brands," he said
Gartner said the TV market was evolving, with the TV becoming the central component bringing together the multiple screens now present in the home. Smart TVs offer consumers greater access to a range of content in their living rooms that had, until recently, only been available on PCs, smartphones and tablets.
"With connectivity to smartphones and tablets comes the ability to pull content from the internet on one device and push that content to the TV," said Mr O’Donovan.
"For those TV manufacturers that also make smartphones and tablets, the marketing advantage of the smart TV makes educating the consumer a lot easier," he said.


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Google chief executive Eric Schmidt gave gadget fans a rush today when he showed off an unannounced Android phone — which definitely looks like the rumored Samsung Nexus S — with a cool new mobile communications technology. Dubbed near-field communications, the technology lets you wave a cell phone over a reader and use your phone to pay for something.
Near-field communications chips are built into Japanese cell phones. But the technology has been very slow to take off in the U.S. Part of the reason is that so many merchant locations have traditional credit card readers in place and are loathe to upgrade the 1970s technology without a clear benefit.
Schmidt made the announcement in an opening talk with John Battelle and Tim O’Reilly at the Web 2.0 Summit today in San Francisco.
The fact that the upcoming Google Android phone, which will be made and sold by unnamed Google partners, has near-field communications built into it shows that the chicken-and-egg problem may be overcome soon. After all, a phone maker wouldn’t add the unnecessary cost of the near-field communications chips if it felt there wouldn’t be any readers around to read them.
Schmidt said that the new phone would run the upcoming Gingerbread version of the Android operating system. Asked when Gingerbread would arrive, Schmidt said a few weeks. He wouldn’t comment on the name of his phone and stressed that the company did not plan to do a Nexus Two phone (but it seems there’s room for other Nexus devices).
Update: Video of Schmidt’s panel has been uploaded. Check it out below:
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Siraj Ahmad Khan, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Tanzania, stated that increasing bilateral commerce between the two nations is Pakistan's top objective. He made mention of this during the 76th anniversary of Pakistan's independence.
He claimed that increasing bilateral commerce was one of the main topics covered when he submitted his accreditation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“I am only four months in Tanzania as a Pakistan High Commissioner. My hope and vision are to double the trade volume and value for both countries. I met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs to discuss ways and means to further enhance cooperation, not only in trade but also in defense, culture, and education,” the high commissioner said.
The ambassador claims that the two nations have realized the value of trade and economic cooperation as a result of which, bilateral commerce has continuously developed and grown steadily, reaching $224 million in 2021/22.
“Pakistan has become an important trading partner for Tanzania, particularly in textiles, surgical, sports goods, and agricultural products. The establishment of a Joint Business Council has facilitated closer commercial ties, benefiting entrepreneurs and businesses on both sides,” he said.
Mr. Khan said the two countries are mulling establishing joint economic meetings in the near future to boost interactions between the two governments. According to Mr. Khan, the two nations are considering holding joint economic talks in the near future to improve communication between the two administrations.
“Pakistan has been providing training to Tanzanian officials, so we hope to increase the scope of that as well. Educational exchanges have also played a significant role in promoting people-to-people contacts. Tanzanian students have always been welcomed in Pakistan universities and institutions, thus contributing to the knowledge exchange between the two societies,” he said.
He remarked that it has been amazing to see how both nations have proudly shared and kept their unique cultural legacies. "Cultural exchanges will deepen understanding and appreciation for each other's traditions, music, art, and literature," he declared. He was hopeful that Tanzania's government would establish an embassy in Pakistan as the two nations work to develop their respective corporate sectors.


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A death in the walk-in clinics market
CheckUps is dead. What about its competitors?
(FORTUNE Small Business) -- Walk-in clinic operator CheckUps, the resident provider for Wal-Mart, (WMT, Fortune 500) closed its doors last month. What does the company's demise tell us about the walk-in clinic industry, hitherto fertile ground for entrepreneurial small companies?
Walk-in clinics appeal to patients who want basic care without an appointment. Patients visit the clinics, most of which stay open seven days a week, for basic health screenings and treatment for routine ailments. Most clinics are busiest during evenings and weekends when doctors' offices are closed and emergency rooms are the only other treatment option.
Walk-in clinics tend to treat about 25 to 30 common ailments, which tend to be upper respiratory ailments in the winter and rashes in the summer, says Tine Hansen-Turton, executive director of the Convenient Care Association (CCA), which represents 95% of clinic operators. She estimates that about 30% of the walk-in clinic patients don't have a primary care physician.
There are currently a total of 920 walk-in medical clinics in U.S. drugstores and supermarkets, up from 160 last year, according to the CCA. The industry leader, MinuteClinic, dominates the market with 476 clinics, mostly housed inside CVS (CVS, Fortune 500) drugstores.
Backed by private investors, CheckUps started running clinics out of Wal-Mart stores in August 2006. Last year CheckUps added 20 new clinics to stores in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, but the company quickly ran out of cash and stopped paying its bills in December 2007.
For obvious reasons, consumers tend to be conservative about their healthcare choices. Successful clinic operators spend time educating consumers and medical professionals about how the walk-in model fits into the health care system.
"A lot of companies came out thinking they could break even in 12 months, but we really learned as an industry that it takes two years," said Hansen-Turton.
MinuteClinic started out in 1999, running clinics based in Target (TGT, Fortune 500) and CubFoods stories in Minnesota. In 2005 CVS approached the chain about operating clinics in its stores and decided to buy them the next year.
When CEO Michael Howe joined the 81-person company in June 2005, MinuteClinic ran 19 clinics in two markets. Now it's in 25 states and 50 markets with 2,100 employees.
"We wouldn't have grown nearly as fast without CVS," said Howe.
Economies of scale matter a great deal in the walk-in clinic industry. With experienced back office and construction teams, CVS quickly built out the clinics, which can cost up to $600,000 a year to run. Each clinic must serve 25 to 30 patients a day to cover its costs. MinuteClinic broke even at the 400-clinic mark.
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Gone in 60 Seconds: FSB's 2005 profile of MinuteClinic