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11 Nov Li-Fi: Turning Light Bulbs Into Next Gen, Super Fast Wireless Networks
For those of you frustrated with a slow wireless network, a new wireless standard named Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) hopes to bring to light a solution.
The issue with current Wi-Fi technology, is that there is a limit to the bandwidth (set by the physics of electromagnetic waves), which limits the amount of data that can be transmitted at a given frequency. Because of this limit, current Wi-Fi technology only uses the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, which cause a large amount of noise in these ranges in densely populate areas. This, of course, slows the speed of the connection.
Transmitting data using waves of higher frequencies would result in much faster Wi-Fi, however, currently you need to acquire a spectrum license from the telecom regulator to use these higher frequencies.
That’s where light comes in.
Numerous research groups hope to solve the problem of slow, unreliable Wi-Fi networks, by transmitting data using light. While light is also an electromagnetic wave, it has about 100,000 times the frequency of a Wi-Fi signal, which means Li-Fi potentially could offer a wireless network 10 times faster than current wireless technologies.
How Does It Work?
Data is transmitted to a LED lightbulb, much like the ones we use everyday. The lightbulb will then flicker up to billions of times per second, so fast that the human eye cannot perceive it. A receiver on a computer or a mobile device (essentially a small camera that can detect visible light), then takes that flickering and extracts the data that was transmitted.
Because LED lightbulbs are solid-state electronics, meaning they can be controlled in much the same way as other electronic components, they can be flicked on and off quickly enough that they are capable of transmitting data around 10 times faster than the fastest Wi-Fi networks at present.
Current Advances In Li-Fi Technology
Not a complete newcomer, the Li-Fi standard was actually proposed two years ago.
In an effort to address consumer demand for faster wireless connectivity, the Li-Fi Consortium was created made up of an international group of technology innovators. The Consortium aims to promote new high-speed topical wireless usage models both indoors and outdoors.
However, Li-Fi technology has only just recently seen significant technological progress.
We’re already seeing other technology being developed in the realm of wireless technology, with chip company Wilocity having already showcased their WiGig (Wireless Gigabit) technology at the Consumer Electronics show earlier this year. In a similar fashion to Li-Fi, WiGig Wi-Fi chips use a higher frequency to transmit the data. While conventional Wi-Fi uses the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, WiGig will use the 60GHz band which can theoretically hit speeds of up to 7Gbps. However, this too can be blocked by walls, which limits its real-world application.
Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland revealed how they were contributing to the development of Li-Fi technology. Because Li-Fi depends heavily on light, it makes sense to start with source of light itself: lightbulbs. At present, commercial LEDs don’t get much smaller than 1mm2. However, the team at the University of Strathclyde are developing LEDs that are just 1um2, which is a thousand times smaller.
This means that, not only can you fit more LEDs into the same space as a larger LED, but theoretically, they can also flicker on and off 1,000 times faster, which translates into data being able to be transferred a million times faster than a normal LED.
In addition to this, a team of researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai, unveiled an experimental Li-Fi network in which four PC’s were connected to the internet via a one-watt LED lightbulb. Chi Nan, an Information Technology Professor at the university, who heads the research team, stated that a lightbulb with embedded microchips can produce data rates as fast as 150 megabits per second.
Unfortunately, as with any new technology, there are bound to be some limitations.
For devices to be able to connect to the internet via Li-Fi, the connected light needs to be on and the device needs to be within sight of the light. So, this means that these wired LED lightbulbs will have to be installed in every room you plan on connecting to the wireless network, and the light needs to remain on as long as you are using it. So, if the light is blocked or absent, the signal would be cut off, meaning the signal would not be able to penetrate walls or work without the LEDs turned on.
As a result, researchers admit that there is still a long way to go before Li-Fi can become a commercial success.
Future Of Li-Fi
While Li-Fi won’t completely replace other wireless networks, particularly with current limitations, it could certainly supplement them. In dense urban areas with high amount of noise, or places where radio signals need to be kept to a minimum (i.e. hospitals, planes), Li-Fi would be incredibly useful. Add this to its ability to reach speeds faster than current Wi-Fi networks, and the future of wireless connectivity looks very bright indeed.


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Dragons' Den star Doug Richard offers free places to new stars in his School for Creative Start-ups
Dragon Doug: The American entrepreneur is offering help to the next generation.
Dragons' Den star Doug Richard is expanding his School for Creative Startups to help aspiring entrepreneurs make their business ideas reality.
The scheme is a one year programme consisting of bootcamps, workshops and events designed to help people launch a creative venture from the business plan upwards.
Those taking part in the programme, which is not full-time, will have access to well-known business figures including fashion designer Paul Smith and Harvey Nichols fashion director Paula Reed, 24 hour online support and access to a business angel network.
There are 100 places available on the scheme, which is being funded by Kent County Council.
Richard said: ‘We are delighted to be working with Kent County Council to deliver the first School for Creative Startups programme outside of London.
‘Kent County Council is a great example of a forward thinking council taking a bold and innovative approach to encouraging it’s entrepreneurial community. There is a huge amount of creativity in Kent and this is a unique opportunity to capitalise on its potential.’
Applications to the course have been coming in thick and fast, demonstrating that there is a real demand for this kind of support in the county.’
Mark Dance of Kent County Council said: ‘Over the past five years we have seen a 20 per cent increase in the number of creative ventures being set up in Kent, yet there are certain areas where there is little happening. We want to help people set up sustainable creative businesses that can help to create jobs and drive the economy forward.’
The school will start in October and run until June.
For more information go to schoolforcreativestartups.com.
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Imoforpcs.com – With their global domination in the music industry, it’s no surprise that fans are curious about the financial success of the Korean boy band, BTS. So the question remains: Is BTS a billionaire? In this article, we’ll explore the wealth of each member and the group as a whole, shedding light on their impressive earnings and assets.
Exploring the Wealth of BTS: Are They Billionaires?
BTS, also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan or the Bangtan Boys, is a South Korean boy band that has taken the world by storm. With their catchy tunes, impressive dance moves, and unique style, BTS has amassed a huge following of fans, known as the ARMY. But with their massive success, many fans have been wondering: is BTS a billionaire?
BTS’ Success and Earnings
Since their debut in 2013, BTS has released numerous albums, won multiple awards, and gone on several world tours. Their success has not only earned them a massive fanbase, but also a significant amount of wealth.
According to Forbes, BTS’ estimated earnings in 2020 were $50 million. This includes revenue from album sales, merchandise, and touring. In fact, their “Love Yourself: Speak Yourself” tour grossed over $170 million worldwide in 2019 alone.
Individual Net Worths
While BTS as a whole may not be billionaires, some members have significant personal wealth.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, the wealthiest member of BTS is Jungkook with a net worth of $20 million. This is followed by RM and Suga, both with a net worth of $16 million. The other members – Jin, J-Hope, Jimin, and V – have a net worth ranging from $8 to $10 million.
Future Earnings and Investments
BTS’ success is not slowing down anytime soon, and their future earnings potential is immense. They have recently signed a new contract with their management company, Big Hit Entertainment, that will keep them together until 2026. In addition, they have invested in several businesses, including a record label and a mobile game company.
BTS’ global appeal and influence have also opened up opportunities for them in other industries, such as fashion and advertising.
While BTS as a group may not be billionaires just yet, their success and earnings are nothing to scoff at. With their massive fanbase, continued success, and smart investments, BTS’ wealth will only continue to grow in the future.
bts forgetting that they are millionaires and bts Video
Everything You Need to Know about BTS and Billionaire Status
BTS, the globally renowned South Korean boy band, has taken the world by storm with their music, style and charisma. The band has been consistently breaking records and setting new milestones in the music industry. With their massive popularity, the question on many fans’ minds is whether BTS is a billionaire or not.
The Truth about BTS’s Net Worth
Although BTS is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the music industry, the band is not yet a billionaire. In fact, as of 2021, the members’ individual net worths range from $8 million to $20 million. These figures are impressive, but they are still far from the billionaire mark.
Factors Affecting BTS’s Net Worth
While BTS’s current net worth might not be in the billions, several factors could potentially change this in the future. One of the most significant factors is the band’s continued success in the music industry. With their massive fanbase and consistent chart-toppers, BTS’s revenue streams are only going to increase over time.
Another factor that could affect BTS’s net worth is their expanding business ventures. The band members have already launched successful solo careers, and they have several collaborations and brand deals under their belts. As they continue to expand their business ventures, their net worths are likely to rise.
Tips for BTS to Achieve Billionaire Status
If BTS wants to achieve billionaire status, there are several tips and tricks that they can follow:
- Diversify their income streams
- Invest in profitable businesses
- Expand their global reach
- Continue to innovate and create new music
- Collaborate with other successful artists and brands
While BTS is not yet a billionaire, the band’s massive popularity and consistent success mean that they are well on their way. By continuing to innovate and expand their business ventures, BTS has the potential to achieve billionaire status in the future.
Is BTS a Billionaire?
BTS, also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan or Beyond the Scene, is a global phenomenon that has taken the music industry by storm. With their catchy tunes, mesmerizing performances, and loyal fanbase, they have become one of the most successful boy bands in history. But the question remains, are they billionaires?
Net Worth of BTS
As of 2021, BTS has a net worth of around $50 million. While that may seem impressive, it is nowhere near the billion-dollar mark. However, it is important to note that their net worth is constantly increasing as their popularity and success continue to soar.
Sources of Income
BTS’ income mainly comes from their music sales, merchandise, concert tours, and endorsements. In 2020, they released their album “Map of the Soul: 7,” which sold millions of copies worldwide. They also have a wide range of merchandise, from clothing to phone cases, that is popular among their fans. BTS is also known for their extravagant concert tours that sell out within minutes. In addition to this, they have multiple endorsements, including deals with Hyundai, Samsung, and Coca-Cola.
Comparison to Other Billionaires
While BTS may not be billionaires (yet), it is interesting to compare their net worth to that of other famous billionaires. According to Forbes, the net worth of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is $177 billion. The net worth of Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is $151 billion. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has a net worth of $124 billion. These numbers are staggering and highlight the immense wealth that some individuals possess.
In conclusion, BTS is not a billionaire (yet). However, their success and popularity are constantly growing, and it is possible that they may reach that milestone in the future. Regardless of their net worth, BTS has made a significant impact on the music industry and has inspired millions of fans around the world.
Unraveling the Mystery: Is BTS a Billionaire?
As one of the most popular K-pop groups in the world, BTS has been making waves within the music industry. With their chart-topping hits and record-breaking albums, many fans and curious individuals alike have been wondering whether the group has reached the status of being billionaires.
What is the net worth of BTS?
As of 2021, the combined net worth of the seven members of BTS is estimated to be around $100 million USD. While this is an impressive amount, it is still far from being a billionaire. However, it is worth noting that BTS has been consistently growing in popularity and generating more revenue over the years, so their net worth may increase significantly in the future.
Where does BTS’ income come from?
BTS’ income primarily comes from their music sales, concert tours, merchandise
sales, and brand endorsements. In 2019 alone, the group’s revenue was estimated to be around $4.65 billion USD. This makes them one of the highest-earning musical acts in the world.
What is the breakdown of BTS’ income?
According to reports, BTS’ income is divided as follows:
|Source of Income||Percentage|
Can BTS become billionaires in the future?
While it is impossible to predict the future, it is not entirely improbable for BTS to become billionaires in the future. With their massive fanbase, consistent growth in popularity, and multiple revenue streams, it is possible for them to accumulate enough wealth to reach the billion-dollar mark. However, it is worth noting that being a billionaire is not the sole measure of success, and BTS’ impact on the music industry and their dedicated fanbase is already a significant achievement in itself.
Although BTS is not currently billionaires, the group’s impressive net worth and enormous success speak for themselves. With their hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent, BTS has become a global phenomenon and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.


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Honda Motor Co Ltd will notify about 1,200 owners of 2011 model year Accords and CR-Vs of possible engine oil leaks due to a manufacturing problem, a company spokeswoman said on Monday.
The automaker also has notified dealers that some 5,000 of its 2011 model year Accords and 4,300 of its 2011 model year CR-Vs on dealer lots must be inspected for the part that could lead to engine oil leaks, spokeswoman Gina Cappelletti said.
The moves come at a time when Honda has seen its US market share decline despite massive recalls at rival Toyota Motor Corp and newer vehicles such as the Honda CR-Z hybrid have received a tepid response from critics.
Honda also announced earlier in December that it would end production of its boxy, slow-selling Element crossover.
Honda notified dealers of the potential problem in the 2011 model year Accords and CR-Vs in a service bulletin dated December 3. A copy of the technical service bulletin was obtained by Reuters. Customers will be notified of the problem in mid-December, Honda said in the notice.
The vehicles in dealers' inventory "must be repaired before they are sold," Honda said in the notice.
Most of the vehicles will require only an inspection to determine whether a part was cast incorrectly, Honda said.
The notice followed a separate notification dated November 24 in which Honda told dealers excess paint was a possible cause of engine oil leaks by the cylinder head cover in 2006 to 2010 model year Accords, Civic Si models, CR-Vs and Elements.
The repair for that separate issue, sanding away the extra paint, would be covered under warranty, the Honda notice said.
Honda began to sell the 2011 model year Accords in August. The notice covers some two and four-door Accords. The automaker began to sell the 2011 model year CR-Vs in October and the repairs cover some two and four-wheel drive CR-Vs.
Automakers use a system of notices to dealers for repairs that are not in their judgment considered to be safety issues. Problems that are considered safety issues require formal recalls under US auto safety rules.


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When President Donald Trump’s administration announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers struggling under the financial strain of his trade dispute with China, the payments were capped. But many large farming operations had no trouble finding legal ways around them, records provided to The Associated Press under the Freedom of Information Act show.
The Trump administration’s Market Facilitation Program is meant to compensate farmers for income they’ve lost due to the U.S. trade war with China.
What happens if President Donald Trump carries out his threat to impose tariffs on the remaining $300 billion in Chinese goods that he hasn’t already hit with 25 percent import taxes?
In a rare confrontation, Republican senators are declaring deep opposition to President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs on all goods coming into the U.S. from Mexico. But it’s unclear they have the votes to stop him, and Trump said they’d be “foolish” to try.
Chairman Jerome Powell said Tuesday that the Federal Reserve is prepared to respond if it decides the Trump administration’s trade conflicts are threatening the U.S. economy.
China fired back at the U.S. Sunday over the two nations’ trade dispute, issuing a report that blamed the conflict on the Trump administration but refrained from escalating the trade war.
Facing new trade sanctions and a U.S. clampdown on its top telecommunications company, China issued a pointed reminder Wednesday that it has yet to unleash all its weapons in its trade war with the Trump administration.
Iowa farmer Tim Bardole survived years of low crop prices and rising costs by cutting back on fertilizer and herbicides and fixing broken-down equipment rather than buying new.
President Donald Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill are scrambling to soften the blow from his trade war with China amid mounting anxiety from farm-state lawmakers that the protracted battle and escalating tariffs could irreparably damage their local economies.
President Donald Trump said that “there’s a possibility” he would extend a March 2 deadline in trade talks with China if the two countries are closing in on a deal.


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Buckle up, world – the rice crisis is just getting started.
As India, the world’s biggest rice exporter, wrestles with soaring food inflation and the damaging effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon on farmlands, Bloomberg reports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is mulling whether to restrict even more exports of the grain that is causing global tightening on an alarming scale.
The first round of export restrictions was applied to shipments of non-basmati white rice last month. Now the government is considering an export tax on parboiled rice to deter shipments abroad to ensure domestic supplies are ample to prevent a hyperinflationary spike in food prices that would ultimately spark social unrest.
People briefed on the government’s review of the possible export tax said, “There’s no certainty deliberations will lead to the implementation of duties.”
Soon after news of the rice export ban happened, Thai white rice 5% hit its highest level since 2008.
Meanwhile, the latest report on global food prices from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations showed the global food index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of globally-traded food commodities, jumped the most in 18 months.


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In 2022 & 2023, market players expected to sail in rough waters; might incur losses due to huge gap in currency translation followed by contracting revenues, shrinking profit margins & cost pressure on logistics and supply chain. Further, U.S. economy is expected to grow merely by 3% in 2022. Purchasing power in the country is expected to fell nearly by 2.5%.
On the other hand, European countries to see the worst coming in the form of energy crisis especially in upcoming winters!! Right after COVID-19, inflation has started gripping the economies across the globe. Higher than anticipated inflation, especially in western world had raised concerns for national banks and financial institutions to control the economic loss and safeguard the interest of the businesses. Increased interest rates, strong USD inflated oil prices, looming prices for gas and energy resources due to Ukraine-Russia conflict, China economic slowdown (~4% in 2022) disrupting the production and global supply chain and other factors would impact each industry negatively.
Upon the outbreak of the disease COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus, throughout the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated an advisory to the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub, so as to restrict the spread of the dangerous Coronavirus disease. As such, the demand for the supply of health care safety products, such as masks, gowns, hand sanitizers and others have grown tremendously worldwide, leading to a shortage of several products, including hand sanitizers around the globe. Eventually, the WHO also estimated that to meet the rising global demand for all the health care supplies, the industries around the world must increase their manufacturing by 40%.
Several retail outlets around the world, such as Kroger, operated by The Kroger Co., has set a limit for sanitization, cold and flu related products to 5 each per order so as to make these products available to all of their customers.
May 2019: GOJO Industries, Inc. announced the launch of its range of professional multi-surface sanitizing and disinfecting products into the market of Canada under its brand name “PURELL®”.
Hand sanitizer is referred to an antiseptic liquid which is applied on the hands to decrease the infectious agents that might be present in the hand surface. As humans perform several activities with their hands, the surface of the hand might encounter contamination with numerous diseases, such as cold and flu, including the Coronavirus, alongside other numerous diseases, which are not visible to the naked eye. Hand sanitizers, when applied to the hand surface acts on the microorganisms that might be present on the hand surface. These consumer goods do not require the usage of water or soap to wash as they evaporate when applied to the hands.
The global hand sanitizer market is thriving on the back of growing concern for the outbreak of communicable diseases around the world, such as Coronavirus (COVID-19), Ebola virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and others, which requires individuals around the globe to take advanced precautionary measures so as to avoid the contamination to these diseases and also to restrict the spread of these diseases. Additionally, shifting preference of consumers towards convenient hygiene products along with the increasing demand for health and wellness products worldwide are some of the factors anticipated to promote towards the growth of the global hand sanitizer market. According to the statistical report GWI Global Wellness Economy Monitor of the Global Wellness Institute, the preventive and personalized medicine and public health sector, under the wellness industry, contributed to USD 575 bn or around 12.7% share of the global wellness economy during the year 2018.
The global hand sanitizer market is anticipated to record a significant CAGR throughout the forecast period, i.e. 2020-2028. The market is segmented by product form into liquid, gel, wipes, spray, foam and others, out of which, the gel segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share on the back of gel sanitizers providing the convenience of getting spread easily for its thin and watery formulation, along with high penetration rate into the skin, which helps to reduce the different types of microbial germs easily. Additionally, the raw materials required for the manufacturing of these type of sanitizers are easily available and accessible, which is also anticipated to contribute towards the growth of the segment in the global hand sanitizers market. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE
There is a rising concern amongst governmental health organizations for the sudden outbreak of epidemic communicable diseases, which not just affects individuals around the globe, but also impacts the economy across several nations. Over the ages, some of the most dangerous diseases that spread all around the globe at a very fast pace, such as MERS-CoV, Nipah Virus, SARS, Chikungunya, Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and others, have drastically changed the habits amongst individuals for personal hygiene and safety for health. Governmental organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and CDC amongst others have raised the awareness for such epidemic communicable diseases around the globe, and the precautionary measures one needs to take to stay safe. Amongst all such measures, one such measure includes washing the hands frequently with soap and water or rubbing with a sanitizer. The rising awareness amongst individuals for such precautionary measures is thereby anticipated to drive the growth of the global hand sanitizer market in the coming years. According to the WHO, some of the most pandemic, epidemic diseases include the following:
Initially, hand sanitizers were meant for use by healthcare providers in hospitals and other healthcare centers. Owing to rapid innovation brought into the product, such as portability, skin moisturizing capability, addition of varied flavor of fragrances and several others, the demand for these chemical disinfectants have grown massively over the years. Consumers have started accepting the product in its varied form and shape. For instance, the demand for squeeze pet bottles of hand sanitizer amongst individuals who are a frequent traveler, along with corporates and school going children have grown massively. Moreover, the increasing deployment of automatic hand sanitizer dispensers and smart soap dispensers in hospitals and corporates are also contributing to the increasing demand for hand sanitizers, and in turn the growth of the market.
Many forms of hand sanitizers contain several chemical ingredients that might affect individuals with numerous skin related problems. Such a factor is anticipated to hamper the sales of the product and in turn act as a key restraint factor towards the growth of the global hand sanitizers market.
Our in-depth analysis of the global hand sanitizers market includes the following segments:
On the basis of regional analysis, the global hand sanitizers market is segmented into five major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa region.
North America is anticipated to hold the largest market share on the back of increasing concern for health and maintenance of hygiene amongst the population in the region, coupled with presence of several key players in the region and the willingness of consumers of the region to spend on personal care and hygiene products.
Asia Pacific is anticipated to gain significant market share on the back of increasing awareness for hygiene amongst consumers along with the outbreak of the epidemic communicable disease COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus, in Wuhan district of China, which has spread all across the globe since its detection. According to the statistics by the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed cases for Coronavirus reported amongst individuals until 4th of March 2020, constituted to 93,090 numbers, out of which, 80,422 numbers were reported from China.
The global hand sanitizers market is further classified on the basis of region as follows:


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A report from eMarketer has estimated YouTube’s 2013 ad revenue will shoot up by 51.4 per cent to $5.6bn, signalling the massive appeal of online video content for advertisers and marketers.
Increased mobile activity along with the explosion of Smart TVs with YouTube connectivity has afforded YouTube incredible opportunities to create a valid revenue stream via advertising. Every LCD/LED on the market today offers connectivity, and if they don’t, just take a look at the integration of YouTube on Apple devices right through to Apple TV. Streaming is now also the norm, with adults and young people alike viewing video content they’ve searched for or have been sent to view.
Although advertising opportunities for brands on YouTube are plentiful, caution is certainly required. Banners are accepted and are either ignored or absorbed subconsciously. Furthermore, if users have to view an advert before viewing a brand’s video content, this becomes dangerous territory. Power to you, YouTube.
Daniel Todaro, Gekko
Read the full article at http://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/12/12/youtube-ad-revenue-surge-industry-reaction-carat-ebuzzing-gekko-iprospect-mec


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Instagram, on Thursday, has announced that they are opening a hacked hub to aid accounts that have been experiencing access troubles. According to ANI, hacked is nothing more than a new, comprehensive place where consumers can report and resolve account access difficulties.
According to a note on Instagram’s announcement blog, it is said that, “To support accounts that are suffering access issues or may have been hacked, we developed Instagram.com/hacked – a new, comprehensive place people can rely on to report and address account access concerns.”
The site went on to say, “If you can’t log in to your account, go to Instagram.com/hacked on your mobile device or desktop browser. Following that, you will be able to decide whether you believe your account has been hacked, if you have forgotten your password, if you have lost access to two-factor authentication, or if your account has been disabled. You will then be able to take a number of actions to assist you restore access to your account. If you have numerous accounts linked with your data, you will be able to select which account requires assistance.”
additional access to features
According to a report by the US-based tech portal TechCrunch, Instagram is also broadening access to a tool that can provide users with a variety of options to restore access to their account if they lose access. It is also rumored that it intends to issue warnings if users get a Direct Message (DM) from an account impersonating a company.
Instagram is now trying to deliver warnings if an account they suspect of impersonating someone requests to follow you. This is because bad actors don’t always utilize accounts maliciously right away. In the coming months, the media giant also issue alerts whenever an account that may be impersonating a company sends you a Direct Message (DM).
Furthermore, Instagram now presenting the blue verified mark for verified accounts in more places across Instagram, according to the statement. This allows you to rapidly identify whether the account with which you are dealing is genuine. In addition to Profiles, confirmed blue badges may now be found in Stories, DMs, and, eventually, Feeds.


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IBM’s software catalogue is now eligible to run on the Google Cloud Platform
As part of Oracle, cloud software provider NetSuite plans to localize its products for many more countries while expanding its data-center capacity, sales operations, partner ...
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A Kiwi activist has scored one against tobacco
industry giant, Philip Morris.
Director of the Maori Smokefree Coalition, Shane
Bradbrook, scammed some proxy shares for the company and got admitted to the
Philip Morris AGM in New York overnight. He then proceeded to lambast
Morris CEO Louis Camilleri, for the company’s sale and marketing of a brand of
cigarettes cringingly called “Maori Mix”.
Targeted mainly at hot young
things in Israel, Bradbrook told the meeting that the fags, which featured a
wannabe Maori motif, exploited and insulted Maori and were a prime example of
Apparently visibly flustered, chief exec
Camilleri apologised on behalf of Philip Morris, saying Maori Mix had been a
“mistake.” He then promised to make sure that all remaining stock was
recalled, saying he regretted any offence caused.
Bradbrook says that
while he doesn’t see how a carefully crafted cigarette brand marketing campaign
could be classed as a mistake, he’s happy the ciggie peddlers have said they’re


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Restaurant Brands International reports strong unit growth, digital sales in first quarter of 2021
By Canadian PizzaCOVID-19 Updates News Business and Operations Finance
Toronto – Restaurant Brands International Inc. reported strong unit growth for the company overall and strong digital sales for Tim Hortons, along with its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.
System-wide sales were up compared to 2019, the company reported. RBI added 148 net new restaurants, nearing “best-ever” first-quarter unit growth.
The company highlighted the following bright spots:
- Tim Hortons posted 31 per cent digital sales in the first quarter in Canada and reported two million app downloads in March 2021 alone.
- Burger King’s U.S. launch of $1 Your Way value menu is providing encouraging results, the company reported.
- Popeyes announced plans to add more than 1,000 restaurants over 10 years across the U.K., India, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
“Our first quarter results signal our return to growth with system-wide sales surpassing Q1 2019 and net restaurant growth nearly matching our best-ever Q1 performance in 2018,” said José E. Cil, chief executive officer of RBI.
“Our home market recovery from the pandemic is well-underway, including at Tim Hortons in Canada where our business fundamentals have continued to improve as we execute on our Back to Basics plan, which included exciting product launches in Q1 like our new dark roast coffee and fresh cracked egg breakfast sandwiches. Our C$80-million investment announced during the quarter to supercharge our advertising and digital platforms is a further indication of our strong confidence in Tim Hortons’ market-leading position as the Canadian economy fully reopens later this year.”
RBI reported that, as of the end of March, 95 per cent of its restaurants were open worldwide, noting that Canada, Europe, Brazil and other regions that had eased restrictions during 2020, re-imposed lockdowns and curfews.
For full results, see the company’s news release.
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- Three ways to quickly recover for small pizzerias: Making Dough with Diane


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Toyota, Buick and Mercedes-Benz rounded out the top five most dependable brands, while Fiat, Jeep and Infiniti were the least reliable, according to the survey.
Kings of Extremes - a unique premium SUV expo - was organised at a mall in Noida to help prospective buyers get an insight into their favourite cars - all under one roof. Nine Indian and global brands showcased their premium SUVs to help prospective buyers make informed decisions.
India will be only the fourth manufacturing hub globally for the model — apart from Brazil, Mexico and China — and the Compass manufactured in Ranjangaon will not only be sold in India but also exported to right-hand drive markets like UK, Japan and Australia.
The 284 PS 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine, which powers more than 5 million Jeep SUVs worldwide, is now available in India in the iconic Jeep Wrangler. This Petrol version expands the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited range in India along with the 200 PS 2.8-litre TurboDiesel, which was already launched in August 2016.
Diesel still produces better mileage than gasoline engines, so it can bolster the fleet-wide fuel economy average, which is critical to meeting US regulatory requirements.
Trump may press Abe to do more to level the trade imbalance with Japan during a White House visit or a round of golf,. But the two leaders are unlikely to change the fact that the big cars and trucks that America makes do not sell in Japan.
Rome had sent a separate report to German authorities refuting their allegations and showing that three FCA models -- Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade and Fiat Doblo -- were compliant with regulations.
A recent study by the State Crime Record Bureau (SCRB) states that 7,329 road accidents that occurred in the state in 2015, involved jeep and tempos.
The investigation, launched in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions test-cheating scandal, revealed emissions from Fiat Chrysler models that were several times higher than regulatory limits.
FCA India has already invested $280 million at its plant Ranjangaon facility to roll out the new Jeep Compass SUV.
January is typically the weakest month of the year for US auto sales, and last month appeared to live up to that reputation. Sales fell 2 percent to 1.1 million, according to Autodata Corp. General Motors, Toyota and Ford all reported declines.
Jaguar Land Rover never made any public announcement on manufacturing a baby SUV in India, but company executives and parts vendors have extensively talked about such a plan. The project, according to people in the know, was codenamed L860.
Germany last year raised concerns over certain Fiat Chrysler Automobiles models, including the Fiat 500X, Fiat Doblo and Jeep Renegade, alleging that hidden software allowed excessive emissions by their diesel engines.
The EPA has accused FCA of illegally using hidden software to allow excess diesel emissions to go undetected, resulting in increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Volkswagen's admission that some of its diesel vehicles were fitted with devices which hid their true level of emissions has sparked a global regulatory push to combat excessive pollution and intense scrutiny of the carmakers.
Fiat Chrysler Automobile will begin the local manufacturing of its Jeep Compass SUV soon at its Ranjangaon plant in Maharashtra.
Mike Manley who has led the Asia Pacific region until now, will continue serving on the Guangzhou Automotive Group and as the Head of Jeep and Ram brands globally.


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Costco, the largest grocery store chain in the United States, is selling more than 500 varieties of dried fruit in its online store.
But some consumers are upset by the low prices.
More: Costco says dry fruit will cost you $3.59 more per container if you buy from a single source, but the new pricing is not as low as advertised.
Read more: Costco shoppers complain about low prices on dry fruitsThe company is offering to lower prices for some items, including frozen or canned fruit, in an effort to compete with rivals such as Kroger, but it is not lowering prices for all items.
Costco says that while the company will try to lower the price of its dry fruit by 30% in the coming weeks, it is unlikely to offer lower prices on all items on the Costco website.
In an email to the ABC News network, Costco spokesman Chris McNeill said the company does not provide prices for dry fruit in any way.
“We have made our intentions clear on this issue, and will continue to do so,” he said.
However, many shoppers are unhappy that Costco has not lowered the prices for dried fruit, especially the items that are frozen or have a low salt content, such as apple, pears and strawberries.
The retailer has a list of products on the website that are only available online.
There is no way for Costco to keep up with demand for dried fruits online, according to one Costco shopper, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the situation.
When asked about the prices of dried fruits at Costco, a representative for the company did not respond to an email requesting comment.
A Costco spokeswoman said the online prices for frozen or dried fruit are lower than what is advertised on the store’s website.
But Costco said the changes would not affect the prices customers see when they shop online.


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HomeAway's Brian Sharples isn't worried about online travel agencies getting into vacation rentals. InterContinental, Marriott and Hilton have the OTAs on a relatively tight leash, and won't stand for a serious flirtation with those dreaded vacation rentals.
The largest hotel-booking company on earth, Booking.com, has been adding vacation rentals in Europe, but HomeAway CEO Brian Sharples seems unfazed by it, and in fact he’s learning some lessons from Booking.com’s practices.
On the advertising front, HomeAway is in the midst of an about-face. The company that offered TV and digital advertisements for Super Bowls in 2010 and 2011, is basically giving up on off-line advertising for now in favor of display and SEM ads.
That is the model that Booking.com has traditionally used, Sharples acknowledges, adding that Priceline.com/Booking.com is Google’s largest advertising customer. [Booking.com, however, recently launched an offline advertising campaign in the U.S.]
Sharples says HomeAway spent about $10 million last year in off-line advertising, and will take that money “and spend a year getting really good at search-engine marketing.”
The new strategy coincides with HomeAway’s decision to transition to an optional pay-per booking model for vacation rental owners, starting in the third quarter of 2013, instead of its single-minded reliance on subscription revenue.
It didn’t pay to arbitrage traffic to HomeAway’s sites in the past because traffic was adequate and increased traffic didn’t translate into buffed-up margins, but all that changes with the pay per booking model, Sharples explains.
Not fearing Booking.com and other OTAs
Sharples notes that Booking.com has been adding some vacation rentals in Europe, and also offers hostels and apartment hotels in addition to traditional hotels, but he doesn’t think Booking.com will get into vacation rentals in a major way.
He thinks Booking.com will continue to “play on the margins of vacation rentals” because the amount of vacation rentals in a given destination would overwhelm the number of hotels, hurting Booking.com’s core business.
At the same time, Sharples observes that none of the major online travel agencies have vacation rental tabs, and even Expedia only decided to launch vacation rentals through TripAdvisor, when the latter was still an Expedia subsidiary.
It’s always the same old story, Sharples explains: When it comes time to ink a partnership deal on vacation deals with HomeAway, an OTA’s vice president of hotels always walks in and says the big chains will never go for it.
Case closed, and deal gone.
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Photo credit: HomeAway is keenly aware of Booking.com's push into vacation rentals, but feels confident that Booking.com won't go all-in. Booking.com


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reported that the rate of car sales was higher than the national inventory. Industry experts predict that consumers might have to endure the effects of the tight supply throughout 2021.
The news cited the shortage in resupply, coupled with a buildup in demand during the pandemic, as the reason for the high sales margins. Additionally, the boosted demand was attributed to the exponential economic recovery, high savings, low-interest rates, and government stimulus as factors that have boosted demand.
But as the supply of semiconductor chips continues to dip, car sales are steadily going down due to disrupted production. That has significantly impacted demand, with many car shoppers waiting until the supply steadies up to consider making a purchase.
indicated that about half of consumers wanting to purchase a car are willing to wait until the global computer chip-controller crisis clears up. The consumer perception about the industry's status quo, impacted by the high prices and low supply, has also led to the drastic dive in demand.
The study determined that 48% of in-market consumers have considered pushing forward their purchases due to the chip shortage. Those who were adamant about purchasing cars said they'll have to review their plans to ensure they buy a car sooner.
Among the sample population, 25% said they would switch brands, 19% considered buying a car from another vehicle category, while 18% think of purchasing a used car instead of a brand-new one.
on imported cars is usually more expensive. Such factors influence many consumers to now consider purchasing locally manufactured vehicles to alleviate the financial stress.
Despite the chip crisis, some improvements are taking place. "Soon, the auto market will show recovery, and car prices and supply fall back to normality, though it may not match pre-pandemic levels," said Ford CEO Jim Farley.
The major challenge is tied down to TSMC, the automotive industry's primary chip supplier, based in Taiwan. However, the company is now focused on revamping microcontroller production to offset the shortage.
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Carlos has a BA in Media Production and Marketing from Loyola University of Chicago, as well as almost 5 years of content editing and writing experience. He has operated his own freelance creative studio over the past 5 years and aspires to be a Creative Director for an Creative Agency. He is currently located in Chicago, IL and enjoys creating digital art and taking bike rides along the lakefront during his free time!


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US criticism of China's WTO compliance falls flat as it doesn't have a leg to stand on: China Daily editorial
The United States has once again pointed an accusing finger at China for allegedly failing to comply with the norms and principles of the World Trade Organization, which, as well as being "false", as China's Ministry of Commerce immediately made clear, displays some chutzpah given the US' actions.
In a report to Congress on China's WTO compliance released on Friday, the Office of the US Trade Representative warned of the "very serious challenge" that China poses for the international trading system, claiming that the country still embraces a "State-led, nonmarket approach" to the economy and trade. China's practice, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said, has caused "serious harm" to workers, businesses, and industries in the US and around the world.
This year's report is the 21st of its kind, but it is essentially another rinse and repeat that harps on the same old string about China's so-called exploitation of WTO loopholes and disregard of the world trade body's rules. Such allegations are contrary to the facts, given that China, as the largest developing country, has always supported the multilateral trading system and earnestly fulfilled its WTO commitments.
Since its accession to the WTO more than two decades ago, the country has continuously advanced its opening-up, firmly opposed unilateralism and protectionism, and contributed its due part to the development of economic globalization in a more open, inclusive, balanced and win-win way. All this has won the country acclaim from the overwhelming majority of WTO members.
Rather than doing harm, as the US claims, China's steady economic growth has brought tremendous benefits and opportunities to the rest of the world. Thanks to China's WTO accession, US consumers have been able to enjoy two decades of relatively inexpensive consumer goods imported from China. "Each US household saw its annual purchasing power increase by $1,500 thanks to lower prices caused by increased trade with China from 2000 to 2007", according to a 2019 analysis by the London School of Economics. And the US-China Business Council's 2021 member survey revealed that "95 percent of respondents report that their China operations were profitable over the last year".
In comparison, the US has been counterproductive to the development of the multilateral trade system with its unilateralism and protectionism and its abuse of WTO rules. It has also paralyzed the WTO's dispute resolution mechanism after years of blocking the appointment of new judges.
The US should stop politicizing the world trade body as it is causing irreparable damage to global economic and trade ties.


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By Jen Wieczner
Loyal users of Groupon (GRPN) may soon find that the site’s deals of the day increasingly resemble the deals of yesterday or last week.
Groupon used to offer mostly one-time-only coupons to stores and restaurants. But now 41% of its merchants have already held other, similar deals in the past, according to daily deal analytics firm Yipit. With the stock price down 36% in the past quarter, and as the company continues to struggle to boost its revenue, analysts say Groupon may start dealing in even more déjà vu.
The company reported revenue of more than $568 million in the second quarter, an increase of 45% over the year before but short of Wall Street estimates of nearly $575 million. Investors have raised questions about the future prospects for the company, the validity of its accounting practices and whether daily deals will continue to attract consumers.
By developing longer-term relationships with merchants and working with them to offer deals over and over again, some experts say Groupon can derive more revenue from the same merchants rather than starting from scratch to recruit new clients for each deal. The merchants, in turn, will benefit from analyzing past deals to see what worked and what did not, says Jack Vonder Heide, the president of research firm Technology Briefing Centers. “It’s a long-term formula for success,” he says.
So far the model seems to be working: Repeat merchants performed 21% better than new merchants between the third quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of this year, according to Yipit. But figuring out which merchants should run multiple sales and how frequently the sequel deals should follow the originals will require advanced analysis of Groupon’s data, something the company is still struggling to utilize, analysts say. A Groupon spokesman said the company’s growing use of repeat merchants shows that the coupons works for businesses looking to gain customers, and are a “good thing” in spite of criticism that vendors have been hurt by offering Groupons.
As for the repeat-merchant strategy, Tom Jacobson, senior executive of pricing and profitability at consulting firm Accenture, says that while customers often gravitate to familiar brands, there may be a point at which they get sick of shopping there — something that only a more detailed breakdown of the data would show. “It’s the scalpel versus the ax — how many deals with that vendor will breed more deals?”


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KPMG is celebrating 30 years supporting businesses in the Solent region through its Company of the Year award.
The advisory, audit and tax firm has sponsored the category in the Solent Business Awards and previously in the Hampshire Business Awards, giving it 30 years of unbroken support in prestigious awards schemes on the South Coast.
KPMG says of the Company of the Year award: “The Solent region boasts some of the most dynamic and successful companies in the UK. This award recognises the most successful Solent and South Coast companies with a turnover above £10 million, and judges will take into account profitability, innovation and employment growth, as well as the contribution made to the local economy and the provision of support to culture in the region.”
This year’s Solent Business Awards, which takes place on October 17 at Hilton at Ageas Bowl, Southampton, will be headlined by special guest speaker Tracy Edwards, MBE, and presented by BBC South’s Sally Taylor.
The SBA is the leading multi-category awards event for the South Coast. The campaign is sponsored by KPMG, NatWest, BDB Pitmans, Taylor Made Computer Solutions, James Cowper Kreston and Lee Peck Media and is organised by The Business Magazine.
The awards campaign is now open for entries – with a deadline for nominations of July 5.
Companies can enter a maximum of two categories – to download an entry form go here.


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‘SENSEX dropped over 1000 points’, ’NIFTY hit a low of 7,800’, are commonplace news during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a matter of weeks, the deadly virus threat has sliced off close to one-third of the global market capitalization. This has got investors in a nail-biting situation. The spread of the virus has resulted in national shutdowns in many countries with all its citizens in quarantine. Factories are at a full-time halt, bringing production down to base levels. As the infection metastasizes among the human population, medical and economic challenges for investors and policymakers worldwide have been posed.
Most investors at this point, have begun dumping safe-haven assets such as government bonds and cash to stock up on cash. India has witnessed a sale worth about $4.4 billion by FI’s in March alone.
Here’s an update of the impact of the pandemic in the Automobile, Pharma, Electronics IT, Tourism & Aviation, and Textile industry.
The automotive sector has taken a major hit owing to its dependency on the Chinese market. The pandemic induced shutdown in China has affected the Indian auto manufacturing and component industry as imports of various components have been prohibited. As of the 5th of March, inventory levels seemed to suffice the Indian industry. However, as of the 19th of March, the sector has seen an 8-10 percent contraction. It is noteworthy that the fledging Electronic Vehicle industry has been impacted most as China is dominant in the battery supply chain, accounting for over two-thirds of the global manufacturing capacity.
India prides itself on being one of the top quality drug exporters in the world. However, the domestic industry relies heavily on the import of intermediates that give medicines their therapeutic value. As of FY19, India imported over Rs. 24,000 cr worth of these bulk drugs, which accounts for 40% of the domestic consumption. Given that these imports were from China, importers have now run their risk of supply disruptions and unforeseeable price movements. This, in turn, has resulted in turbulence across the industry.
India is a growing consumer of products from this sector while China is the end-to-end manufacturer. From raw material to finished goods the virus affected country plays a major part in the sector. The unfortunate impact of the pandemic has hit the consumers of this industry the most. Sales of top company smartphone makers and electronic companies which have most of their end consumers in India have taken a beating.
IT companies are heavily human resource-driven. Restriction in the movement of people as a result of lockdowns and quarantines are culminating into incomplete projects and non-deliverables of completed ones. The Indian IT industry is also declining new projects from its clients. This has motivated existing global customers of the Indian IT sector to look for service providers in substitute locations such as Vietnam, Malaysia, etc.
Tourism & Aviation:
Tourism and aviation are the worst-hit sectors. The outbreak of coronavirus has forced all domestic carriers to suspend flight operations from India. Although this suspension has been imposed only for passengers, lack of man-power due to the quarantine issue has rendered the remaining flights pointless. Owing to the threat of the virus pan India, tourism has also been halted altogether, resulting in a standstill of all inward and outward travel of tourists.
India exported a major chunk of raw materials to countries’ pan globe. Owing to halting operations the global textile industry has been adversely affected. Factory shutdowns and production stalling have disrupted the export of fabric, year, and other such raw materials from India. This disordering is expected to slow down the export chain by 50 percent, further leading to a severe impact on domestic spinning mills. The slow down is a consequence also expected to impact cotton farmers and man-power in the line.
It’s obvious that the corona pandemic has had and is continuing to have a rippling effect on industries across the board. Further slow down is also expected soon.


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Compared to an optimal uniform price, charging different customers different prices in online markets has limited effects on profits, finds new research from ESMT Berlin.
Price discrimination – charging different customers different prices for the same goods – is common in offline markets as it allows companies to increase profits. Despite its promises, price discrimination has however not been implemented on a large scale in the monetisation of digital products, where examples remain limited. This is surprising because price discrimination could be implemented at comparably lower costs in the digital realm where consumer data that is prerequisite for individualised pricing is routinely collected.
To analyse how much profits digital companies forego by not charging individualized prices for different users, Stefan Wagner, associate professor of strategy and innovation at ESMT Berlin, and colleagues analyseddifferent pricing strategies in the online video gaming industry. Specifically, they studiedpricing strategies employed in a highly popular mobile game similar to Candy Crush Saga.
For their study, they have obtained detailed data tracking how around 300,000 players interact with the video game over a 15-day period. The data not only contains player characteristics but, more importantly, in-game purchase decisions of the players. Exploiting this data, the research team was able to identify a structural model of player decision making factoring in player characteristics, progress in the game, and different pricing mechanisms employed by the gaming company. Such a decision model allows simulating consumer choices under different pricing regimes and thus allows to link alternative pricing strategies to firm profits.
At the time of data collection, the gaming developer charged the same (uniform) price from all players and was not engaging in any form of price discrimination. Simulating different pricing strategies, the authors found that the price initially set by the game developer was not optimal. Setting a uniform price at a higher and optimal level can boost profits by 340%. Professor Wagner suspects that the gaming company overestimated the price responsiveness of players and thus shied away from charging higher prices. Interestingly, and contrasting conventional wisdom, the results also showed that first-degree price discrimination, i.e., charging individualised prizes, would have only very limited effects on profitability. Compared to an optimal uniform prize for all players, discriminatory pricing strategies would lead to slightly larger profit (+3%).
Professor Wagner says, “Our results indicate that the game developer can substantially increase profit by using basic information readily available on player characteristics and in-game behaviour. However, a simple uniform pricing strategy may already guarantee most of the profit implied by elaborate forms of price discrimination, which might explain why price discrimination has been used sparsely in online markets.”
Keep in mind that price discrimination has been met with animosity in the past; Amazon’s early attempt to price discriminate buyers of DVDs based on purchase history was met with resistance and negative publicity. The minimal gains made through price discrimination when compared with uniform pricing might not be considered worth the potential backlash, explaining the lack of price discrimination online.
The original paper can be found here.


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- The San Francisco-based startup is joining with Chase, the first major US bank to go on the company's platform.
- Several fintech auto-financing firms are now in the space, trying to streamline lending for modern, digitally astute customers.
The car-buying experience isn't one that a lot of people look forward to. But even after you've found a vehicle to buy or lease, a additional ordeal lies at the end of the process: financing.
A number of new fintech startups are working to ease this pain point and make it possible for consumers to seek out loans and leases using mobile devices. They have also begun expanding their partnerships with major automakers and banks, as both have figured out that more financing applicants can equal more business.
AutoGravity recently added Audi Financial Services to its platform, and now San Francisco-based AutoFi has joined with Chase.
"We share a common vision of using technology to deliver a delightful consumer purchase experience," Kevin Singerman, AutoFi's CEO, said in a statement.
AutoFi has worked with Ford, but Chase is the first major national bank to ally itself with the company.
"AutoFi helps dealers provide a fast and easy digital car-buying experience that consumers want," Chase Auto Finance CEO Mark O'Donovan said in a statement.
Dealers were initially concerned that opening up financing to a wider range of technologies might reduce their role in that process, but as more fintech firms have entered the space, they're learning that anything enabling customers to have a more seamless and speedy experience is an advantage.


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Parents up and down the country are at their ‘wits end’ over breakfast battles as a new survey reveals 65% of children in the UK miss out on their morning meal.
Hands up if getting your little one to eat breakfast each morning is a battle. Well, it turns out you’re not alone. Kids skipping breakfast is a nation-wide problem.
As parents across the country prepare for their kids to go back to school, a new study by Flora reveals the struggle families face every morning. It turns out it’s kids skipping breakfast. A staggering 65% of parents admit that their child often skips breakfast entirely.
Children wriggling away from the breakfast table unfed is an anxiety-stirring affair for mums and dads up and down the country. The survey also shows a large proportion of parents admit to feeling like bad parents as a result of their child’s diet.
What are the biggest battles parents face at breakfast time?
The NHS recommends that children eat three meals and two healthy snacks a day. However, polls suggest that parents encouraging their little ones to head off to school with a belly of nutritious and healthy breakfast, is often to no avail. Mums and Dads everywhere express despair regarding their child’s refusal to eat breakfast, in some cases causing them to lose sleep.
Common anxieties expressed include worrying that if their child skips breakfast, they will be hungry before lunchtime; worrying about their child’s school performance; concerns that their child will be grumpy; and some parents (22%) even worry that the teacher will judge their parenting.
Children are notoriously good at talking their way out of things and breakfast is no different! Arguments about the first meal of the day ensue and before you know it, you’re rushing to get to school on time. Polls show that for families, this happens at least five days every month. Children sleeping in too late for a nutritious breakfast before school is also a much-cited problem.
Another common argument is that they are not hungry and the classic complaint that they just don’t like what they have been given. In fact, parents admit to having caught their children hiding healthy food and putting it in the bin to pretend they’ve eaten it. A quarter have even been caught giving it to their pets!
Research finds that primary school children only eat the recommended portion of fruit and veg four days a week and a fifth of parents confess to using sweets and treats as a bribe. Polls also point the finger at grandparents for spoiling their grandchildren with sugary treats when they visit. Despite this, nearly 70% of parents are confident that their children eat a better diet than they did as a child.
Additionally, the survey found that for children who were eating breakfast, more than half of them eat sweetened cereal and just under a third eat jam or chocolate spread on toast for breakfast. Shockingly, 6% are even reaching for a packet of crisps to set them up for the day!
Butter and bread is a timeless classic but one that parents aren’t comfortable feeding their children every day, for health reasons.
So, how about a healthy alternative? Flora is a 100% plant-based solution which can be used for spreading, melting and even baking. A spokesperson for the brand commented “At least 60% lower in saturated fat than butter, and naturally containing omega-3 and 6, a simple switch to Flora’s plant-based spread is a great way to set your family up for the day.”
Containing no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, Flora spreads use just seven simple ingredients to create a versatile and delicious addition to families’ morning routines. And judging by over 90% of parents that worry that their child eats too much sugar, this should be a welcome change. No more skipping breakfast.
Parents looking for inspiration for quick, nutritious breakfasts for their families can visit www.flora.com for a range of delicious recipes rooted in 100% plant goodness.
Want More? Read Here:
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- Top Places to Visit in London With Your Kids
- Pastel Stripes for Your Child’s Summer Wardrobe


text: Secaucus, NJ…Some of the names of Kosherfest exhibitors this year (November 13-14) will be the same as they were in 1989, but they are much larger than they were in the very first kosher food trade show. Some of the original exhibitors are now brands owned by other major brands. Yet others are no longer in business. But perhaps the biggest story will be the newcomers over the last few years who while no match for the iconic brands managed to find their place on kosher shelves. Kosherfest 2018 will be the showcase of this fascinating mix, most notably from countries around the world, including Israel, the UK, Canada, South Africa, the Czech Republic, France, Finland, Hungary, Mexico, Italy, Argentina, Poland, Switzerland, Lithuania, Spain, Japan, and Australia, 17 countries in addition to many states around the country. Major kashrus agencies from the US and abroad will again be represented at the show but according to Kashrus Magazine, the number of worldwide certifications (hechsherim) is well over 1500. When the show was first launched, an estimated 16,000 items were said to be kosher; today well over 200,000. Many major brands like Manischewitz, Agri, and Empire went through ownership changes over the 30 years while Kedem continued to be family-owned and it has been a major driver of the growth of kosher in its wines and in recent years in its foods through Kayco. Other family businesses that were in the early shows like Quality Frozen Foods, Alle, Paskesz, Setton’s, Reisman’s, Gabila’s, World Cheese, Golden Fluff, Bloom’s, Bertram’s, Shindler’s, Benz’s, and Dagim all thrived over the three decades as the kosher world greatly expanded.


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PUERTO Princesa City recently forged ties with FirstCarbon Solutions, a pioneer and industry leader in environment and sustainability solutions for business, to boost its development goals, including balancing economic growth and sustainable development.
This article was published on Business Mirror.
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9/9/2009 3:06:00 PM
Lycamobile hits target of 1.2 million prepaid customers in first year
Lycamobile, the MVNO operation aimed at the ethnic market, has hit its target of 1.2 million customers within one year of launching.
The MVNO, which operates on the Orange network, has been confident about gaining share in the prepay market.
The company said it believes that it is benefiting from a trend of consumers seeking ‘no commitment’ mobile services.
Lycamobile chairman Subaskaran Allirajah said: ‘In September 2008, we set out to achieve the target of activating over 1.2 million Lycamobile UK customers in our first year. I am absolutely delighted to announce that we have achieved this milestone for the brand.’


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COTTONDALE, Ala. — Alabama’s growing automotive industry will get a little bigger this year, with a new company bringing 650 more jobs to the state.
SMP (Samvardhana Motherson Peguform Automotive Systems Alabama Inc.), an India-based automotive parts supplier, is getting ready to break ground on a new 100-acre site in the Cedar Cove Technology Park in Cottondale, right outside Tuscaloosa. The 700,000-square-foot factory, which will cost $154 million, was originally announced in August last year, but now the groundwork is finally getting started.
SMP is also starting to hire the first team of employees for the new facility. The first round of employees will include of industrial engineers, robotics technicians, administration, and managers in logistics, supplier quality, maintenance, and other areas of plant production.
These employees will have the opportunity to receive special training in other SMP facilities in Mexico and Germany.
“Due to the fact that this plant will be newly established, it will be a great opportunity for employees to be part of it from the beginning and help shape the business,” said a statement from Kenneth Suda, the Tuscaloosa plant’s general manager.
The first round of employees will primarily be salaried, and the hourly workers will be hired later, with the help of AIDT.
The facility will primarily make bumpers, interior and exterior door panels, and other parts for Mercedes-Benz.
SMP is one of the 50 largest automotive suppliers in the world and has factories on four continents. It is the largest auto supplier to come to Alabama since Mercedes-Benz came to Tuscaloosa nearly 20 years ago.
Since then, Alabama has become a national leader in the automotive industry. Last year, the state’s three global automakers – Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Hyundai – produced over 1 million vehicles. Alabama is now the fifth largest auto producing state, and employment in the sector is approaching 40,000. Vehicles and parts have become the state’s top export category, reaching $6.6 billion in 2014. New auto-related investment in the sector during the past four years tops $5.5 billion.
SMP’s decision to join Alabama’s dominant auto industry was made easy by the staggering numbers the state has already produced and the lure of a willing and skilled workforce.
“The Alabama economic development team has targeted growth in the state’s auto supply chain because it serves to strengthen the industry’s foundation here,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Developing partnerships with global suppliers like SMP reflects this strategy and sets the stage for additional job-creation and growth in Alabama’s advanced manufacturing sector.”


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iSuppli Trims 2010 Semiconductor Forecast Amid Softening Demand, Rising StockpilesThursday, September 30th, 2010
With consumer demand slowing and inventories rising, the market research firm iSuppli Corp. is trimming its 2010 semiconductor revenue forecast to 32 percent, down from its previous outlook of 35.1 percent.
Global semiconductor sales now are expected to amount to $302 billion in 2010, up from $228 billion in 2009. Despite the reduced outlook, 2010 still will be a year of impressive growth and record-setting revenue for the semiconductor industry. Revenue in 2010 will rise by $73 billion compared to 2009 and be almost $28 billion higher than 2007, the previous last peak year for semiconductor revenue, according to iSuppli’s semiconductor industry analysis.
iSuppli now expects that revenue in the fourth quarter will decline by 0.3 percent compared to the third quarter, the first sequential decrease since the market collapse in the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009.
“There has been a significant slowdown in the second half in consumer demand for some electronic devices, including PCs,” noted Dale Ford, senior vice president at iSuppli. “Meanwhile, inventories have been building throughout the semiconductor supply chain. These factors will conspire to cause a small sequential decline in semiconductor revenue in the fourth quarter.”
Largely because of this fourth-quarter decline, global semiconductor revenue in the second half of 2010 will rise by 7.8 percent compared to the first half of the year. This is down from 10.7 percent growth in the first half of 2010 compared to the second half of 2009.
The leading electronic equipment market driving demand for semiconductors in 2010 will be the data processing area, a category dominated by PCs. With shipments of mobile PCs–including tablets–continuing to soar in 2010, semiconductor sales to this area will rise by 38.6 percent.
The second-strongest growth area will be wireless communications, fueled by booming demand for smart phones. Global semiconductor sales to the wireless communications area will rise by 30 percent in 2010.
Even the lowest-growth markets are expected to generate impressive semiconductor consumption in 2010. Wired communications and consumer electronics will drive semiconductor revenue growth of 25.4 percent and 26.5 percent, respectively, in 2010.
In terms of specific semiconductor products, the hottest items in 2010 will be DRAM, voltage regulators, LEDs, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) and data converters. Revenue for each of these products is projected to grow by more than 43 percent in 2010. DRAM will lead the group with 87 percent growth on the strength of the soaring PC market.
While the industry outlook remains cloudy and revenue will contract in the fourth quarter, iSuppli does not believe this signals the start of a significant downturn in the global semiconductor market.
“Unstable economic conditions and worrisome market reports continue to create an environment of poor visibility and ongoing uncertainty in the electronics industry,” Ford said. “This has led to frequently expressed concerns regarding a potential double-dip downturn in both the overall economy and in the electronics and semiconductor industries. However, based on its most recent analysis of the electronics supply chain, iSuppli expects the chip business to experience a soft landing in 2011 and not to suffer the kind of dramatic downturn seen in 2009.”
Global semiconductor revenue in 2011 will rise by 5.1 percent, iSuppli predicts.
Sequential quarterly growth in 2011 is projected to follow a more normal seasonal pattern compared to 2010, with declining revenue in the first quarter followed by improving sales that will reach a peak in the third quarter. The long-term growth expectation is for average annual growth of slightly more than 4 percent between 2010 and 2014.
More: Semiconductor Sales Projected to Avoid the ‘Double Dip’ Scenario


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“Cutting-edge trade show gives a sneak peek at what’s on the technology horizon”
The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas can be overwhelming at times. With more than 5,000 trade-show booths spread out over multiple hotels, you can’t possibly see them all in just a few days. You end up picking areas of interest and focus just on those sections.
Driverless cars? Drones? Tablets? Robots? Home electronics? Smartphones? You meet the most interesting people from all over the world. I especially liked the Chinese salesperson from Shenzhen who did not speak a word of English. When I asked her a question, she asked me to speak into her “phone,” which then translated English into Chinese. This went on for about five minutes and worked surprisingly well, to my amazement.
The show is a great opportunity to see what’s hot, what people are thinking and doing with technology, and what you might see a year from now. It is entrepreneurial creativity at is best from companies and people worldwide.
Self-Driving Delivery Vehicles are Not Far Away
While they would not let me test ride in a fully automated 18-wheeler at the show (left), there is zero doubt that any business that has to deliver products (e.g., flowers) will adopt this emerging technology. Major companies such as Uber, Google and Tesla are pouring billions of dollars a year into perfecting unmanned vehicles.
It appears this will start with the trucking industry – which is woefully short of drivers – with some pay rates now pushing more than $85,000 a year plus benefits for long-haul routes. Even Tesla has jumped in the game with a all-electric semi truck that runs on the freeways only at night, between midnight and 6 a.m., when there is less traffic.
It’s expected this new technology will reduce labor rates by more than 75 percent when fully optimized for interstate trucking. Today, trucking companies operate fleets of trucks run by human drivers; tomorrow, the same companies will operate fleets of electric trucks run by robotic dispatch systems. The drivers will be needed only to get the trucks to the freeway and pick up the trucks at the other end of the freeway exit ramp 1,000 miles away.
The drivers won’t have to be on the road for weeks at a time. A win-win for all involved: the drivers, the environment and the companies transporting goods. In addition, smaller driverless vehicles are being employed to make personal deliveries to consumers’ homes and offices. Stop & Shop launched electric remotely piloted vehicles in the Boston area this spring that bring a selection of produce, meal kits and convenience items (will it be long before they add flowers?) directly to consumers at their doorsteps (see the vehicle on the opposite page). Consumers summon a Robomart vehicle with a smartphone app., and upon its arrival, they head outside, unlock the vehicle’s doors, then select the fruits, vegetables and other products they wish to purchase. When finished shopping, they close the doors and send the vehicle on its way.
The vehicles’ RFID (radio-frequency identification) and computer vision technology automatically records what customers select, and receipts are emailed within seconds.
Should florists jump on this robotic bandwagon? Is this the next generation of flower trucks, pop-up shops or street-corner flower stands? Is this the kind of convenience your customers are looking for?
Droids and Drones Everywhere
There was no shortage droids and drones for home delivery (above). While most of us have started to see small droids on sidewalks in major cities, there are still legal and technology hurdles to overcome when it comes to fully autonomous droid delivery.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is still many years away from approving or issuing licenses for aerial drone delivery, especially after the recent mishaps at major airports worldwide, with drones flying into restricted airspace. Drone delivery will take a bit longer to become a reality, but droid delivery is already here now and works just fine on city sidewalks.
What can florists learn from this technology, and how can they utilize it to their benefit before their competition does? It deserves some consideration.
BreadBot Steals the Show
“How can a nation be called great if its bread tastes like Kleenex?” – Julia Child
I think Julia Child would be very impressed with the BreadBot from the Wilkinson Baking Company of Walla Walla, Wash. They developed a new automated, unmanned bread-making machine that allows you to order your bread from a mobile app (before you go to the supermarket). Then by the time you get to the store.
your freshly baked loaf of bread is waiting for you with your name on it. No more day-old bread.
“A truly brilliant idea packaged into a futuristic-looking machine that helps increase average bread sales by 30 percent,” according to the marketing director for the company.
“The BreadBot is the first opportunity for consumers to get continuously fresh-baked bread throughout the day in the grocery store,” Wilkinson Baking Company co-founder and CEO, Randall Wilkinson. You can see more at wilkinsonbaking.com/the-mini-bakery.
In this new type of futuristic modern bakery, consumers purchase a personalized product at a higher quality for the same prices as bread trucked in from hundreds of miles away. This is what people are talking about when they refer to “unmanned retail,” which is becoming more and more a reality in our everyday lives.
The Breadbot was, by far, the most talked about booth at the show and garnered press worldwide. The creators have tested this in three supermarkets and hope to see it in a thousand more a few years from now.
You can easily see them coupling this concept with unmanned droid delivery in a few years, bringing us full circle, back to the days when the local bakery truck delivered fresh baked bread to each home.
Do You Really Need Paper Anymore?
Still think paper is cheaper? Think again. The price of consumer tablets has been dropping through the floor the last few years, and the show featured a number of new tablets ready to hit the consumer and business markets.
You can now pick one up for $50 or less, in many cases, which begs the question: Why are we still printing paper in flower shops? Paper gets lost; paper is outdated once it prints (and the order changes); paper takes time to print and consumes expensive laser cartridges, which clog up our landfills. It is now cheaper to give each designer his or her own personal tablet and “assign” the orders through your point-of-sale (POS) software.
These employee tablets have no cellular-plan fees because they run on local Wi-Fi networks. Designers no longer have to move from their stations to see what is next. They can pull up the recipe list and even see items in full color. Of course, all tablets are locked down at the firewall level so there is no surfing around the internet. This is so much more efficient than what we observe in most flower shops these days.
We’re sure that if someone did a formal time-and-motion study of floral designers, they would find that individual designer tablets probably save more than 100 hours a year, on average, per designer. At a average labor rate of $12 per hour, that is more than $1,200 savings per designer per year, so if you have 10 designers, that’s more than $12,000 per year in savings.


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Just ahead of E3 2015, the Xbox One is getting a small update today. According to Major Nelson on Twitter, the small update has no new features or content, only that it is "just a few behind the scenes changes to prepare for the future." I can only assume that Microsoft is getting the Xbox One ready for Windows 10. No one knows yet what exactly Microsoft plans to announce for the Xbox One at E3, so this is just my own speculation at the moment.
Read more: Xbox One to get small update today, preparing for possible Windows 10 integration


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For those on a tighter budget, it looks like the company has something more affordable in mind: the Samsung Galaxy A53. And a new TENAA listing for the handset has confirmed what the phone will look like when it finally goes on sale.
As spotted by Android Authority, the images shown are pretty much exactly what was promised by the prolific tipster OnLeaks and Digit.in late last year. If you compare the renders from the leaker at the top of the page, and the pictures from the Chinese regulatory filing below, there’s very little difference between them, with a rear camera bump housing four lenses and a punch-hole camera on the front.
Just as the imminent Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus handsets are said not to be as big as their predecessors, the Galaxy A53 looks a touch smaller than the A52 with dimensions of 159.5 x 74.7 x 8.1mm (6.3 x 2.9 x 0.32 inches), compared to the previous generation’s 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4mm.
The listing states the phone will have a 6.46-inch display and maintain the 2,400 x 1,080 resolution. While there’s no mention of refresh rate, the A52 included a 120Hz display, so you’d imagine that would also persist for its successor.
Internally, it’s listed as including 8GB RAM, 128- or 256GB of storage upgradable via microSD and a 4,860mAh battery. While the specific SoC powering things isn’t named, the listing does state that it’s an octa-core chip with a speed between 2GHz and 2.4GHz. Android Authority points out that while this sounds like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G, it could equally be the unreleased Exynos 1200.
That quad-camera array apparently features a 64MP, a 32MP and two 2MP sensors. If confirmed, that’s an interesting change from the A52 as it suggests an upgrade to the ultra-wide sensor (previously 12MP) and a downgrade to the macro and depth lenses (previously 5MP).
That may be a sensible shift as in our Samsung Galaxy A52 review, we highlighted the ultra-wide lens as a weak spot in the setup. And while it’s no doubt disappointing to see any reduction in specs, macro and depth sensors are certainly used a whole lot less. Whether or not that means the A53 will rise higher on the list of the best Samsung phones remains to be seen.
There’s no official word on a release date, but given the A52 first appeared in March 2021 and the presence of an official regulatory listing, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Galaxy A53 emerging in the next month or so. It’s unlikely to get a full launch event like the S22 handsets, but for those on a tighter budget, it could well prove to be an appealing alternative for those looking for one of the best Android phones.


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Google’s betting big on user security and privacy as it was evident at the I/O 2021 event. At the event Google introduced a slew of new features that will make using its services safer and secure. Here are some of the new features coming for Google users: New features to Password Manager Google will introduce a new tool makes it easy to import passwords from other password managers. Further, Google will have “deeper integrations” with Chrome and Android to seamlessly fill your passwords across sites and apps, regardless of whether you’re on desktop or on mobile.
Also, password alerts feature is being introduced that will warn you if it detects one of your saved passwords has been compromised via a third party breach. Notably, this feature is already available on Apple Safari.
Google is also introducing a one tap method to fix compromised passwords in Chrome. For supported sites and apps, whenever Password Manager finds a password that may have been compromised, users will see a "change password" button from Assistant. When users tap the button, the Assistant will not only navigate to the site, but also go through the entire process of changing your password. This feature is available on Android devices and will be rolling out to more sites and apps in the future.
Google said that it is working on a “password free” future. “One of the biggest security risks is still the continued reliance on passwords — they’re often easy to crack, used across multiple sites, or stolen in phishing attacks,” the company said.