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Blockchain Reigns Supreme for Data Integrity and Data Sovereigntybr>
For many different industries, consumer information in the form of medical research, location-based services, business transactions and financial information are becoming a liability, with many of the regulatory bodies passing sweeping laws to protect people from incessant digital tracking. Consumer information gives few “data brokers” control over user generated content, yet the data brokers are the only ones monetizing that very data. The data gives companies insight into the type of person, their behaviors, giving these companies more predictable conversions to sales. However, users are understandably becoming more concerned and skeptical of how their data is being used and rightly so.
With many of the global compliance regulations, like Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the CA Consumer Data Privacy Act of 2018, data has gone from being a real liability to impacting the bottom line. Businesses across industries such as Medical/BioTech, Advertising and Supply Chain are all concerned about spending additional funds in order to comply with the different regulatory agencies and the fines and enforcement on the rise.
European companies are expected to spend an average of $1.4 million to comply with GDPR, and U.S.-based companies are setting aside anywhere between $1 million to $10 million each for this compliance, according to Gartner’s newly released tech trends. Facebook, Yahoo and Equifax are being fined large amounts $1.5 billion, $100+ million and $80 million, respectively, if they don’t comply with the EU’s GDPR.
Distributed Ledger Technology, or blockchain, inherently provides secure, transparent and scalable environments for storing immutable transactions and consumer information. We at Dispatch believe that anonymizing consumer information not only preserves but improves the ability for companies across many industries to store and access sensitive consumer information, creating a mutually beneficial community between users and companies using, managing and accessing data.
Here are a few examples where blockchain technologies can impact specific verticals, keeping in mind that many industries across the spectrum stand to benefit from adopting blockchain technology.
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
The medical industry could benefit immensely from a transition to DLTs. Sensitivity around processing and storing research and patient data has always been an issue, but now, information can be securely stored off-chain where medical records can immutably be stored and tracked within the ledger. And patient data can be safely stored and managed within the ledger.
- Supply Chain: For example, companies such as Walmart are requiring their food suppliers to adopt blockchain technology by September of 2019 to improve traceability and food-safety. Immutable records going back to the grower gives everybody along the supply chain an instantaneous snapshot to track contaminated produce and goods, dramatically lowering liability and reducing time to resolution.
- Advertising: The AdTech industry is projected to hit $335 billion annually by 2020 with billions of users creating content for more targeted marketing. Yet, increasingly, end users are reluctant to share their information because “data brokers” were not transparent about how the information was being used. Distributed Ledger Technology provides transparency of how user information is being used and Zero-Knowledge Analytics anonymizes and protects data, removing the liability for AdTech firms using the information.
In a newly published investigative story, The New York Times took the lid off just how much consumer data is being shared, examining a sample of 1,000 popular mobile apps that include location-sharing code. Despite some apps indicating that data would be “anonymized,” the data presented exact longitude and latitude coordinates and specific street addresses, revealing users’ travel patterns with alarming accuracy — up to a few yards. These app publishers then sell, use or analyze the data to collaborate closer with advertisers, retailers or hedge funds, all of who seek deeper insights into consumer behavior.
With consumers reaching a tipping point on the wholesale exploitation of their private data, regulatory bodies and government have also reached a point of no return, where they are calling for more regulatory actions and penalties. Companies either need to start planning that the cost of doing business is going to become even more expensive due to even more regulations, or they should strongly consider how blockchain technology could provide a new avenue to proceed quickly in a way that addresses consumers’ and regulatory bodies’ calls for improved data privacy.
About the author
Matt McGraw is the co-founder and CEO of Dispatch. He is a serial entrepreneur, adviser and investor, with several successful exits under his belt. Matt’s current focus is on disruptive technology that supports more sustainable, equitable business models, particularly around the issues of data sovereignty and data privacy.


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Adding new features, keeping content updated and providing on overall face-lift can often be crucial to maintaining the ongoing interest of consumers, issues KamaGames had in mind when the firm set out to give Pokerist one of the biggest updates it has ever received.
Which, considering the game is updated more or less every other week is no mean feat.
Among the V27 introductions is a revamp of its scratch card feature to add more mechanics, such as various categories, top winners and increased chances for coming out on top, as well as a new subscription model and all-new Alice in Wonderland slot.
Furthermore, the launch of a new casino guide has been designed specifically with new players in mind, while users will also be able to bet their virtual chips on esports games too including Counter Strike, DOTA 2, StarCraft 2, League of Legends and Overwatch.
Most pleasing for the firm though is the announcement of a completely new feature, social sports betting, allowing players to use their chips on real-life sport events and a variety of bet types.
Andrey Kuznetsov, KamaGames CEO, has been speaking to CasinoBeats in some detail about the plethora of updates and the benefits they will bring for consumers worldwide.
“We are positive we can give them the best social sports betting experience possible”
CasinoBeats: Why should users be excited about this latest update?
Andrey Kuznetsov: We have no doubt that this update will appeal to the majority of our players thanks to the sheer volume of exciting new features we’ve included. Firstly, we’ve greatly improved our lottery section. Our players have always enjoyed this feature and now that we’ve significantly upgraded the quality of the prizes they can potentially win, we predict a strong increase in our success metrics.
Our unique slots games have a great following amongst our players with all of the games released so far being warmly received, and we expect this latest slot to be no different.
Our latest offering is based around the world of Alice in Wonderland and is titled Wonderful Tales. Boasting some unique and engaging game mechanics, accompanied by the usual top quality graphics players have come to expect, we are positive this will be a fast favourite among our slots fans.
The KamaGames casino guide is a particularly interesting new feature which will ensure not only new players but also existing ones get the most out of Pokerist. Specifically, players can win lucrative in-game bonuses by making their way through specific tasks, which could range from winning a particular game or even just with a specific hand. Having a number of high-quality titles is already part of KamaGames’ resounding success, and this feature further highlights the variety contained within our social casino app.
While our sports betting feature was soft launched earlier this year, we have now completely updated and refined this innovative new section of Pokerist. Thanks to the extensive feedback we received from our players during the soft launch phase that saw over 30 million bets placed in six months, we are positive we can give them the best social sports betting experience possible.
“We have an ongoing objective of having the most comprehensive portfolio of social casino and card games”
Notable inclusions in the update are the opportunity to partake in live betting, the inclusion of a more extensive range of leagues and sports and also an increase in the types of bets a player can place.
Generally speaking, we develop all of our new updates based around player’s feedback and also by analysing how players from all over the world interact with the app. As a result, these updates are typically met with excitement and support however we will of course continue to further improve the game in the future as this is one of the key contributing factors to Pokerist’ s success.
CB: Introducing social sports betting is an interesting new feature, how key do you believe this move, and also that to offer esports too, will become for KamaGames?
AK: We already soft launched a more “modest” version of the social sports betting feature into the Pokerist app this year and from that we managed to compile some interesting data. The data we collected suggested that interaction with the feature was high and players enjoyed the addition to our portfolio which was quite a departure to that of our usual offering.
This positive response led us to develop social sports betting even further, ensuring that there is a catalogue of sports and leagues to satisfy every sporting fan.
As an operator, we have an ongoing objective of having the most comprehensive portfolio of social casino and card games, which currently stands at 11 games, and now the full launch of our 12th game, social sports betting will add another engaging and innovative element to Pokerist.
“We were happily surprised by just how popular the esports element of this new feature proved to be”
We have an extensive development roadmap ahead of us for the sports betting feature and the inclusion of esports was an important focus for us. Esports has established itself as a growing presence in the gaming landscape and we strive to be ahead of innovation by incorporating these types of popular trends which will enhance the entertainment value of Pokerist.
By including esports in social sports betting we are not only thinking about the current interests of our players but also where their interests will lie in five or even ten years’ time and how we can accommodate them.
That said, we were happily surprised by just how popular the esports element of this new feature proved to be among players right now, how well they knew the teams as well as the volume of bets they placed in fact, esports bets are already ahead of the more traditional sports such as volleyball and handball and are growing at a strong pace.
CB: How difficult has the process been, after working on the introduction for such a significant amount of time?
AK: Well, it was definitely hard work. Not least because we’ve included more than 20 different types of sports, catering to the many various countries where our audience is located. In this latest update we also included a number of different types of bets that our players can place.
For example, a player can bet on who they predict will score the next goal, which team will take the next corner, what the final score will be or even how many yellow cards will be given by the end of the match.
“It’s of the utmost importance that we place an emphasis on socialisation opportunities”
Not only was it difficult because we were committed to include such a strong level of variety but we also had to translate everything into 28 different languages to make it accessible to our global audience.
CB: Offering a deep level of social interaction seems to becoming increasingly more important, alongside that of gamification, how crucial are those aspects for yourselves?
AK: For social casino, it’s of the utmost importance that we place an emphasis on socialisation opportunities for our players. We have an entire host of features that facilitate socialisation, including a chat option at the tables, instant messenger for players, quick phrase templates for ease of communication and animated emoticons.
Within this latest update we’ve built on this socialisation by including a new invite feature which will allow players to invite their friends into the game and subsequently, they will receive various bonuses based on their friends activity in the Pokerist community.

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With Safari and Firefox browsers already putting measures in place to protect its users’ privacy, Google Chrome is soon to be following suit.
As of 4 February 2020, Chrome users will be given more control over third-party cookies, allowing them to opt out more easily.
What are third-party cookies?
Third-party cookies are most often used to collect user data for marketing purposes by tracking activity, and then using this data to deliver targeted ads and content to individuals based on their search history across different domains.
They are third-party because they are created by domains other than the one being visited directly – for example, you could be on a publisher website, but when you perform specific activities on that domain, such as clicking on a sponsored link, a cookie is fired that passes data to a third-party, most commonly an AdTech platform. This platform can then use this data to retarget the user with ads or content that they are likely to be more interested in which has an increased chance of them taking action (i.e. clicking an ad to buy a product they have read a review about on another domain).
A brilliant explanation of the differences between first and third-party cookies can be found here.
Why should digital advertisers and publishers care about browsers changing the way they treat third-party cookies?
For those using ad platforms that sit under the wider reach of a big tech company like Facebook, Google, Bing, or Amazon, there isn’t going to be much of an impact. These companies have masses of user data and targeting is likely to be more accurate than those utilising third-party cookies, because users who visit their sites often remain logged in. This allows big tech companies to collect huge amounts of user behaviour data to build targeted audiences with – no third-party cookies are needed.
AdTech platforms and publishers reliant on collecting user data via third-party cookies to build audiences, however, are going to have to rethink their business models as more and more browsers shift toward protecting consumer privacy.
Is this the end of cookie-based ad targeting?
To lessen the impact already felt by Firefox and Safari cracking down on third-party cookies completely, Google has released its ‘Privacy Sandbox’ – an API that will build functionality to replace third-party cookies before they phase them out completely, which is due to happen sometime in the next two years.
What’s next for ad targeting without third-party cookies?
Third-party cookies will no longer be able to collect data and build profiles without a user’s consent. So with this method of collecting user data being removed, what other options are out there?
According to Digilant, there are a few things that digital advertisers can consider.
Re-Engineering cookies: If consumers are opting-out of tracking, think about re-engineering your site’s third-party cookies so they can operate in first-party environments. By doing so, opting-out isn’t an option and your operations will not be so easily blocked.
Find alternate identifiers: Google is advising advertisers to look into the power of email addresses and log-in information. These identifiers are going to become crucial for those hoping to serve targeted ads in the future. The upside is that these users have already provided their personal information and are opted in. The downside is that you have to capture this data before it can be leveraged.
Third-party cookies cannot be tracked on mobile apps, and are limited on many mobile web browsers. With more and more users browsing across multiple devices, targeting users using data collected via third-party cookies is already becoming less effective, especially for businesses who invest heavily in omnichannel strategies/attribution models that rely on targeting users at many different touchpoints.
Target content: If third-party cookies are blocked, remarketing becomes tricky. Instead, utilise contextual targeting methods. Focus on the keywords, topics, locations, and different channels that are relevant to your creative assets and offerings.
Contextual targeting methods are nothing new, but when done right, they can be highly effective. This often means targeting a broad range of users to start off, and eventually whittling down the targeting methods by removing those that do not yield good results meaning only the audiences most likely to convert remain.


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Halloween’s over. Daylight saving time has expired. Holiday lights and trees already are up.
It’s ugly sweater season. And for the fifth consecutive year, Miller Lite is all in. The beer brand this holiday season is releasing a record nearly half million pieces of branded collectible knitwear into the market, aiming to have a little fun during the most wonderful time of the year.
Anchored by its fun and festive ugly holiday sweater, Miller Lite this year will debut three new knitwear items: a holiday sweater vest, slippers and, for Spot and Rover, a custom dog scarf. They join Miller Lite-branded socks, beanies, beverage wraps and (human) scarves.
“This is hands down one of Miller Lite’s favorite annual programs, and each year we refresh our design and add new items to keep the program interesting,” says Allison Wallin, marketing manager for Miller Lite. “This year, we’re especially excited about the program’s evolution because it will help us bring ‘It’s Miller Time’ to life during the holiday season. Our holiday sweater is a symbol of Miller Time, and wearing one means you’re confident and comfortable being yourself and connecting with family and friends over a beer.”
The brand this year also is extending its holiday program to its packaging. Aluminum pints of Miller Lite and its packaging will carry the knitwear theme, with the Lite logo and “It’s Miller Time” slogan accompanied by holiday trees, reindeer and snowflakes – all of which look like they’ve been cross-stitched into the brand’s white cans. The 16-ounce pints, which began rolling into retail stores late last month, are expected to be available through the end of the year in nine-packs, 15-packs and 24-packs.
The pints, along with plastic stadium cups in select bars and restaurants, will have a unique Snapchat code that legal-age drinkers can use to enter a promotion in which Miller Lite will give away some 10,000 knitwear items nationally over the next two months, where legal. Consumers also can enter in the promotion at mluglysweater.com for a chance to win.
Knitwear also will be available as part of promotional giveaways at retail, including at grocers, liquor stores, bars, taverns and restaurants, where legal. Some 40 chain retailers across the country are participating, Wallin says. “This is such a fun and festive take on the holidays that our system gets behind in a big way, and never bigger than this year.”
A limited number of items are available for consumers to purchase at Miller Lite's e-commerce website through Dec. 31.
Miller Lite will support its holiday program with out-of-home advertising and a paid social media campaign that kicks off later this week. It also is partnering with two so-called dog influencers, Simon Sits and Popeye the Foodie, to promote the knitwear collection on media tours and on social media.
The campaign is aimed at reminding consumers and retailers that beer, and Miller Lite in particular, is relevant during a season when wine and spirits get a larger-than-normal share of feature and display activity, Wallin says. “Our goal is to win our fair share and then some in both on- and off-premise accounts and connect with consumers in a memorable way.”
Riding an extended period of momentum, Miller Lite has gained share of the premium lights segment for 20 consecutive quarters. Miller Lite has picked up 1.1 points of share in its segment and has nearly held share in total beer year-to-date through Oct. 26, per Nielsen all-outlet and convenience data.
Sales volume over its most-recent four-week period was up 1%, bringing its year-to-date figure to -0.2%. Sales dollars, meanwhile, are up 0.7% year-to-date, Nielsen data show.
“Holidays are the perfect time for Miller Time because it’s when you want to reconnect in real life with friends and family,” Wallin says. “And Miller Lite’s knitwear program is a fun way to close out the year and continue the momentum for the brand."


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African leaders asked to boost trade and share knowledge
African leaders have been urged to boost trade and learn to share knowledge and infrastructure in order to develop the continent to a desired standard.
Discussing how African countries can partner with other countries around the world and the private sector to create jobs, discussants stressed the need for African countries to explore all sectors in order to open their economy more and create needed jobs for the youth.
At Thursday’s session on “Partnering for Prosperity” US Trade Representative, Michael Froman, stressed the need for African countries to explore the agriculture sector, which he said was capable of opening the economy of many African countries, since Africa has at least 20 per cent of the world’s land.
He also stressed the need to implement the World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreement reached in December on trade facilitation, which is aimed at reducing bills at the border and harmonising customs, making it easier for countries to trade with each other.
He also emphasised the need for security in the continent.
Lack Of Political Will
The Deputy, Director-General, WTO, Geneva, Yonov Fredrick Agah, stressed the need for African governments to take advantage of free trade rules and enhance trades within and outside Africa.
He suggested that profits made from trades could be channelled to other sectors of the economy in order to develop other sectors.
“Trade rules are not bad. It enables you to work for your own economy and for the economy of the trading partner.
“Trade is part of the solution to Africa’s development. A trade led growth strategy is compatible with other strategies that would grow the economy. From trade, you direct resources into manufacturing to create more jobs and reduce poverty level.
“With the increasing importance of free trade agreements, Africa should begin to think of how it will take advantage of the free trade in order to reduce the number of the unemployed in the continent,” Mr Agha said.
He also insisted that lack of political will on the part of the leaders was affecting growth.
Conducive Investment Environment
For Mr Jabu Mabuza, chairman, Telkom Groups, South Africa, educating Africans would go a long way in bringing the needed development in the continent.
He also stressed the need for Local domestic investments to be encouraged in order for foreign investments to come in.
“We need to recognise that we are at various stages and we need to sort out our own regional issues first,” he said.
Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, told the discussants that the challenge Africa had at the moment was not the political will to move the continent forward, stating that African leaders were doing all they could to ensure that the investment environment was conducive for investors.
He said that Nigeria was open for investment, with adequate consideration given to the private sector’s interest in order to ensure that the purpose of opening the economy, which is to create jobs, would be achieved.
“There is the political will in Africa now for us to properly integrate. And that is why a committee has been established in the African Union level to look at how Africa can facilitate intra-Africa trade, having discovered that it is easier for countries in Africa to trade within the continent,” he said.
President Jonathan also stressed the need for African countries to also consider growing the manufacturing sector.
The discussants also pointed out that African governments should reduce bureaucratic process, which President Jonathan said “an abuse of the process was a challenge that should be tackled”.
The discussion was the last for the Thursday’s session of the WEFA that started on Wednesday.
The forum with participants from over 80 countries will end on Friday.


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A developer is stepping back from a hotel project in middle Georgia, citing competition and economic uncertainty.
Miller Heath III tells local news outlets that he and partners won’t move forward with a plan for a 122-room Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Macon.
Earlier this month, Macon-Bibb County and Macon’s Urban Development Authority terminated their agreement to support the development by building two parking decks as part of a proposed $20 million bond issue.
The hotel would have been part of the proposed Central City Commons project, a plan for two hotels, restaurants, shops and apartments that would have remade an entire block in downtown Macon.
“With the new Marriott project going on across the street and COVID, it’s just not an opportune time to move on with more hotels in the market, particularly with that price point,” Heath said.
Instead, developers say they want to move forward with 93 apartments and retail space, asking Macon-Bibb County and the authority to build one parking garage.
Heath and partner Tim Thornton say about $9 million is needed to build the first parking deck, which will provide 350 parking spaces.
Heath said Tuesday that he is actively working with the development authority on a plan to build the first deck and lofts once the market recovers.


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Spent a fortune on a flashy new Web site but still no one visits it? Tired of seeing your company slide down search engine listings?
Firms in India are now turning to the ancient philosophies of vaastu shastra and Chinese feng shui, used for centuries to bring balance and harmony between man and the environment, in a bid to boost their businesses through "balanced" Web pages.
Believers in vaastu shastra say the Indian science, which seeks to create harmony between nature's five elements — earth, fire, water, air and space — man and objects, can be directly applied to the Web, just as it is to home design.
"Just as the world comprises of the five basic elements, each Web site has five elements and these need to be in balance with one another," says Dr. Smita Narang, author of Web Vaastu, a new book that marries vaastu laws with the Internet.
The book has proved popular with businesses.
"Earth is the layout, fire is the color, air is the HTML, space is name of the Web site, and water is the font and graphics," says Narang, adding that each must be chosen carefully and strike a balance with the other.
Narang, a vaastu expert who has spent four years analyzing around 500 sites, says a Web site that is not designed according to vaastu rules will have few hits and will negatively affect the business.
Followers of feng shui, which promotes the idea of the removal of unnecessary objects to allow free flow of energy, say this Chinese science can also be used for the same purpose.
"A Web site where the colors hurt your eyes, the music offends your ears or has too much information is probably too cluttered and does not give a positive flow of ch'i," says Vikram Narayan, a Mumbai-based feng shui practitioner.
The trick, Narayan said, is to remove things in your life or on your Web site that serve no purpose, and keep those things that serve you well.
But how does this apply to your Web site?
Experts say using a combination of astrology and numerology, the ancient sciences will help you choose the right colors, font, placement of graphics and navigation bar to make the perfect Web site.
Brijesh Agarwal of Indiamart, a company offering business solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises, says he has had mixed results on the five sites that his company has designed according to vaastu principles.
From Reuters – http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060626/wr_nm/india_websites_dc
Do you believe in Vaastu Shastra? Does anyone have any experience trying this? Please let me know at hindumommy at yahoo dot com


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A UCLA professor examined the causes behind the Great Depression and published some startling findings. It is "common knowledge" that President Herbert Hoover's non-intervention in the economy and pro-business stance caused the Depression, which lasted from 1929-1941.
Instead, Professor Lee Ohanian has stated that interventionist and pro-labor policies undertaken by the Hoover Administration helped cause and prolong the economic disaster. Ohanian was quoted as stating: "These findings suggest that the recession was three times worse — at a minimum — than it would otherwise have been, because of Hoover."
Hoover responded to the initial economic downturn by placing a freeze on wages-- causing them to stay artificially high and accelerating layoffs. Increasing unemployment further damaged the economy as money evaporated. With less money in the market, less goods were demanded and thus less were made, and employment declined further.
Further, Hoover was afraid of a massive backlash from Big Labor: And because of a series of recent legislative and court decisions that had expanded the power of organized labor, he also worried about the possibility of crippling strikes if such wage cuts were to come to pass.
Perhaps our current leaders could take a note from Hoover, who is widely believed to be one of the worst Presidents in American history.
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A young woman who was fed up with ruining her bed sheets with fake tan stains has found a simple solution to keep her linen clean for only $3.
Belle, from New South Wales, has been slathering tan on her skin for the past four years, only to find an uninviting shade of orange all over her white bed sheets.
But she recently discovered a $3 sleeping bag liner from Kmart that has since protected her sheets overnight after applying fake tan.
‘This sleeping bag liner has saved my white sheets. It also has a pocket for a pillow and has also saved my white pillows,’ she said in a Facebook group.
‘I can even put my white quilt over the top of me without worrying about tan getting all over it. I highly recommend this.’
The woman simply places the sleeping bag liner above her sheets, in which it prevents the tan from coming off on her bedding.
‘It’s so breathable! It will definitely be good to use in the summer,’ Belle said.
‘Halfway through the night I put my blanket on top as it gets cold in my room in the morning but still super comfortable and I could still change positions and sleep spread out.’
She said the liner, which comes with a carry bag, is made from polyester material so it’s ‘super convenient for storage’ and easy to wash in the washing machine.
The budget product is currently on sale for half price at just $3 from Kmart stores and online.
Many fake tan users quickly responded to the thread, describing the product as a ‘great idea’ and the ‘perfect solution’ to avoid stained sheets.
Others said they were keen to try the sleeping bag liner as they have used similar products in the past that cost upwards of $60.
‘I remember buying a specialty tanning bag liner for bed. It was like $60 and made of this awful poly satin fabric. I sweated like crazy, made my tan patchy,’ one woman said.


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Maritimo, one of Australia’s leading builders of long-range, luxury motor yachts exports boats worldwide – around half of its annual production.
This week, six Maritimo boats, around 180 tonnes worth, to the value of US$18 million will be shipped to the US from the Port of Brisbane where they will be welcomed by Maritimo’s dealers across the country, before being delivered to their proud owners.
In January, another shipment of seven Maritimos will head to the US, valued at over US$21 million.
Outside Australia, the US is the next biggest market for Maritimo. New Zealand is also an important and growing market. The majority of Maritimos travel across the Tasman to New Zealand on their own hull, which is a testament to the offshore cruising capabilities of these Australian-designed and built vessels.
Tom Barry-Cotter, Managing Director at Maritimo, says the appetite for Maritimo boats in the US and Americas is only increasing.
“Whether owners cruise the west coast, the east coast, the Caribbean, the Great Lakes or the Great Loop, they appreciate the quality construction and Maritimo hallmark features such as wide-walkaround decks, unparalleled engineering and fine craftsmanship,” Tom said.
“We have a healthy production schedule for 2023/4 and are looking forward to releasing new models at the 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May, before exhibiting at select US and other international shows during 2023.”
According to a 2017 KPMG report, Australia’s marine manufacturing industry contributes $1.7 billion to the Australian economy, delivers $575 million in exports and directly employs 14,600 workers.
The Gold Coast’s boat building industry is estimated at GRP $846 million and employs 3,377 people directly, and many thousands more contractors and suppliers. The City’s marine industry has leaped ahead in the past few years and is the busiest it has been in the past 40+ years.
The Gold Coast is home to the largest concentration of marine trades in the country and has firmly established itself as the marine capital of Australia.


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The Jakarta Post
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) television will remain the main advertising media until 2021 with a 53.8 percent market share compared to 53.6 percent in 2016.
PwC, in its “Perspectives from the Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2017-2021” report, stated that the revenue of Indonesian media and entertainment would see a 10.3 percent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the period between 2016 and 2021.
The total revenue of the industry in 2021 is expected to reach US$8.17 billion.
Moreover, PwC estimated that the CAGR of Internet advertising would reach 21.8 percent in the same period, the highest of all segments, while TV advertising was predicted to have a 10.4 percent CAGR.Read also: Only online media with loyal readers can charge customers: PwC
"The Indonesian Internet advertising market is showing stronger growth than other segments," PwC Indonesia telecom, media and technology leader Mohammad Chowdhury said in a statement on Thursday.
Internet based advertising is predicted to hold 21.5 percent of the market share by 2021 compared to 13.1 percent in 2016, he added.
Meanwhile, paper based publishing – magazines and newspapers – are predicted to hold 20.4 percent of the advertising market share by 2021 compared to 28.4 percent in 2016. (bbn)


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Central Coast automotive dealership, Brian Hilton Motor Group, has achieved a half century in business, and is set to celebrate the golden jubilee in fine style.
From humble beginnings in 1967, Brian Hilton Pty Ltd was registered when Brian Hilton set up his dealership in Wyoming.
Half a century later, it’s still a family business with Brian’s son Josh now in the driving seat.
Today, Brian Hilton Motor Group is the Coast’s biggest new and used car dealership, with a portfolio of five brands across six sites, a motor sports operation at Lisarow and an off road accessories store.
According to dealer principal, Mr Josh Hilton, the milestone is a testament to the business acumen of his father who had an unwavering commitment to the region’s motoring needs.
“Brian Hilton Motor Group’s mission has always been to be a business admired and respected by its own staff, our community and our peers.
“To be celebrating 50 years of business is a clear demonstration that we are achieving our goals,” Mr Hilton said.
“It’s incredible to see how much we’ve grown, even just in the past 10 years, with the inclusion of new brands and a state of the art body and paint facility.
“I don’t think my father would have ever imagined the footprint the organisation has today when he first set up in the 60s.
“We continue to look at new ways to meet the motoring needs of the Central Coast, and I’m excited to say during our golden jubilee we will be announcing a range of new services.”
The group has also grown beyond the Central Coast, with the acquisition of Sydney Motor Group in Alexandria and a stake in Mid Coast Automotive Group in Forster and Taree.
The group is also giving back to the community next week to help raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation’s annual World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser, with Brian Hilton’s Drive for a Cure
The day consists of a mystery tour taking participants on a scenic drive around the Central Coast with clues along the way, leading them to a barbeque lunch at the North Gosford dealership.
The team hopes to raise $4,000 on the day.
“Giving back to the local community is something we take great pride in at Brian Hilton Motor Group.
“We understand the importance of supporting those who support us, and this is just one initiative along with local sports sponsorships and our involvement with Central Coast schools that we will undertake this year,” Mr Hilton added.
“It’s been a great 50 years for Brian Hilton Motor Group, and we look forward to being the big local for many more years to come.”
Mar 14, 2017
Tom Worsley, Thomson PR


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Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley tossed the case without prejudice, calling it woefully short on detail. Although the antitrust lawsuit suggests Microsoft may break its promise to keep popular games like the Call of Duty franchise available on competing platforms, that possibility isn’t enough, the judge said.
“Why? How?” she wrote. “Is it possible Microsoft will make Activision’s game catalog fully or partially exclusive? Yes. Have plaintiffs alleged facts that make it plausible Microsoft is reasonably likely to do so? Without more factual context, no.”
The ruling late Monday handed a setback to the gamers. But Corley gave them 20 days to file an amended complaint in the US District Court for the Northern District of California with more detail about the video game markets in which they claim the planned transaction would distort competition.
The proposed class action, filed in December, is just one in a wave of challenges confronting the enormous merger, which came on the heels of a high-profile sexual harassment scandal at Activision. Leaders of the game publisher have been accused of fostering a toxic “frat house” workplace culture.
The deal also faces antitrust claims brought by the Federal Trade Commission, scrutiny in Europe, and a shareholder suit on behalf of Activision investors who say the company’s CEO and his cronies—with assistance from an opportunistic Microsoft—engineered the transaction to save their jobs.
Corley acknowledged in a 12-page opinion that Microsoft appears to have previously broken pledges about keeping newly acquired content on rival gameplay and distribution platforms such as the Sony PlayStation. She cited the tech giant’s 2020 acquisition of another game publisher, ZeniMax Media.
But on the whole, the claims are at best “equally consistent” with an inference that Microsoft will keep or break its promises about Activision, and “equality of possibility is insufficient,” the judge said.
“While the allegations support an inference Microsoft is willing to break its public promises, why would it do so as to Call of Duty?” Corley wrote. “The complaint does not allege facts that support a plausible inference it is reasonably probable.”
The judge also rejected part of the case on other grounds, saying the gamers lack standing to claim the merger would have an anticompetitive impact in the labor market for video game developers.
Microsoft is represented by Alston & Bird LLP and Wilkinson Stekloff LLP. Joseph Saveri Law Firm LLP and the Alioto Law Firm are counsel for the gamers.
The case is DeMartini v. Microsoft Corp., N.D. Cal., No. 22-cv-8991, 3/20/23.
To contact the reporter on this story:
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Europe's food industry searches for growth
This week, Europe's food industry met in Brussels to discuss how to ride out the economic downturn - and how to grow in a world of volatility, pressure on resources and global competition.
The food industry is not making it easy for consumers to buy healthier products and is not doing enough to reduce salt and sugar, the World Health Organisation has claimed.
The EU's regulation of the food industry could lead manufacturers to shift their R&D investment outside the bloc, UK food manufacturers have warned.
This week, European industry association FoodDrinkEurope is holding a two-day conference in Brussels discussing how the sector can ride out the tough economic conditions on the Continent and the longer-term future for the industry. Day one focused on the economy, on EU regulation and on the challenge of innovation. Here is a flavour of the first day of the event.
EU rules on nutrition labelling and on the health claims food companies can put on their products benefit the industry, the European Commission has claimed.
Executives from General Mills, Tate & Lyle, French retailer Auchan, plus drinks giants Diageo and Heineken, head to Brussels today for an industry conference to discuss ways Europe's food and drink sectors can ride out the very challenging economic conditions on the Continent. And just-food will bring you the latest news and views from the event.
- What US companies might Nomad Foods buy?
- Challenges for General Mills with The Good Table
- Why investors are concerned about water risk
- Competition intensifies among UK burger chains
- Greek crisis: The impact on shopper behaviour
- Just Mayo under fire from US FDA after complaint
- B&G Foods "front-runner for Green Giant"
- FrieslandCampina H1 earnings up despite flat sales
- Brownes Dairy "attracts eight suitors"
- General Mills to work on artificial ingredients
- Management briefing: just-food’s industry outlook for 2015
- Food Flavourings & Colourings (UK) - Industry Report
- Nestle USA, Inc.: Consumer Packaged Goods - Company Profile & SWOT Analysis
- Bakery Market in Japan: Forecast, and Market Analysis 2015-2019
- Probiotic Ingredients Market by Function, Application, End Use, Ingredient, and by Region - Global Trends & Forecast to 2020


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As electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly commonplace in the UK and beyond, businesses are having to adapt to these changes in a big way. Scotland is already leading the pack due to its Government’s ambitious targets to increase the number of EVs on its roads, as well as its 2045 Net Carbon Zero target.
Aiming to phase out new, traditionally fuelled vehicles by 2032, the Scottish Government is already making strong headway towards achieving this goal. With a 46% increase in the registration of new electric vehicles in the last year, the highest rate in the UK, as well as a £20m investment from the Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund to develop the EV infrastructure in five key locations across the country.
Despite having close to 1,000 charge points across the country, there is still only one hotel in Ayrshire, The Park Hotel in Kilmarnock, offering rapid chargers to its clients.
The Park Hotel currently has four EV chargers - two regular and two rapid. Kinect Energy was instrumental in negotiating a deal for the hotel with the energy supplier NPower and arranging installation of the meter.
The increased demand for rapid charging ports stems from a combination of an increase in the number of visitors with electric vehicles and the number of companies who are now offering EVs as company cars.
Situated next to the Kilmarnock Football Club, The Park Hotel is a popular destination for both holidaymakers, football fans and businesspeople. The opportunity to fulfil the need for a rapid charging port and set the hotel up for the future was too good to miss.
Gordon Anthony, General Manager at The Park Hotel said: “Having these EV charging ports means that we are ready for the future, right now and are able to contribute to the nation’s targets. Being able to offer this facility to our guests is fantastic and allows us to keep up with the increased demand for charging ports in the country.
“As electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as company cars, we had to take note as a large number of our clients are businesspeople travelling for work so require a charger nearby. It is extremely beneficial to have these facilities onsite rather than three miles away; the distance to the next port after ours.
“Kinect Energy were a massive help throughout the process, negotiating a great deal on the energy supply to the charging point and arranging the installation of the meter.
“As it stands we have no plans to add anymore ports as of yet. The four ports we have are fulfilling current demand so we’re set for the foreseeable future.”
The port is currently being used by guests of the hotel as well visitors to the neighbouring football ground. According to ChargePlace Scotland, since its installation in August 2018, the charging ports have attracted over 100 vehicles to the hotel.
For more information on how we can help you integrate EVs into your business, contact us today on firstname.lastname@example.org.


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TransUnion Completes Acquisition of Verisk Financial Services
TransUnion completed its acquisition of Verisk Financial Services. Together, our combined capabilities will help us better serve customers through enhanced insights into customer behaviour. Read More.
Five supermarkets in Brazil are at the forefront of a potentially game-changing new move by Mastercard as it trials a point-of-sale payment method that bypasses both traditional plastic and the new breed of virtual cards to leverage live, biometric interactions for transaction completion: a camera-scanned smile or wave of the hand is all that is required of shoppers availing of Mastercard's network for their grocery shopping. All going well, the biometric technology could be rolled out worldwide, with more tests to come in Asia and the Middle East before the year is out. There is no indication yet when cardholders in Europe or North America will be able to avail of the service, but privacy advocates are already watching these developments closely. Partners in the current phase include Brazilian fintech Payface and California's PopID, both specialists in facial recognition. "It's important that we make sure that data is handled properly and the transaction is safe," Ajay Bhalla, Mastercard's president of cyber and intelligence, told the press, noting that customer consent was always obtained before use.
Another name is lining up in the tech-driven 'Pays' stable of Google Pay, Apple Pay and so on: Mark Zuckerberg's group of companies led by Facebook are now pooling their commerce and fintech solutions into a new product called Meta Pay, which can be used for P2P payments and bill splitting, with a unified identity-credentials and payment-methods wallet in the works that will work equally in the metaverse as well as the world in which all of us are currently living. At the same time, Meta has added a simple 'Pay' button to WhatsApp's contact menu in two emerging markets with massive demonstrated potential: India and Brazil. There are no fees to use the service.
In common with their colleagues across the world, regulators in Ireland are playing catch-up with the rise of digital instalment-based lending: however, according to an official announcement in Dublin this week, this and other forms of indirect credit are now to come under the authorisation umbrella of the country's central bank. The new regime also brings with it a cap on the interest rates set in connection with credit agreements: APRs for companies extending credit facilities to private borrowers cannot exceed a 23 percent threshold. "This move is squarely centred on consumer protection", commented David Hickey of Argus Advisory Research. "It extends existing protections to reach newer forms including BNPL. The regulator is telling market participants that they have to be responsible for what they do, whatever their business model and however much they feel they are reinventing consumer finance."
With financial apps making a strong impression here even as high-street retail banks dramatically shrink their presence thanks to cost-cutting and market exits, Klarna (currently on the hunt for fresh funding as its valuation dips) is now adding financial-management tools to its app in Ireland, leveraging the well-advanced Open Banking infrastructure in a way that incumbent banks have so far proved incapable of. This week too MultiPay and Mastercard have teamed up to bring a pay-later option for Mastercard-branded credit cardholders to retail outlets in the Republic. As noted in AAR's forthcoming cards and digital payments report for Ireland, issuers will need to bolster incentives such as rewards and cashback if they want Irish consumers to reach for their credit rather than debit card or BNPL solution.
In other BNPL news this week, London-headquartered Zilch is launching its tech-powered pay-later offering in the United States : 150,000 Mastercard users pre-registered in advance of the launch.
Other stories of interest this week...
Europe: Digital euro could be launched within four years
Global: Shopify merchants now accept instant crypto payments
India: Apple stops card payments ahead of card-on-file deletion deadline
UK: FCA to ensure banks provide access to cash across the country
The Payments News Digest from Argus Advisory Research is also distributed by email newsletter sign up here.
The Weekly News Digest from Argus Advisory Research highlights significant developments in payment cards, digital payments, acquiring, processing, retail banking and consumer credit. Our writers and researchers frame these items in contexts such as historical, sectoral and regional trends, adding a layer of value often missing from the rolling news cycle.
About Argus Advisory Research The market-leading online, interactive database and data dashboards covering the global cards and payments industry in detail, plus a range of data-packed country and regional reports. Leveraging financial cards data going back to 2010 – and forecasts up to 2025 – our unique datasets cover countries around the world and feature more than 250 metrics per market.


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Primark has released another range of a family PJ set for the festive season. The British fast fashion brand posted a picture of a red reindeer PJ collection being worn by a family of five plus a Jack Russell dog.
The 'Fam Jam' set is in-store across the UK and potentially in outlets internationally. Items from the collection are priced from £6/€8/$10.
Primark posted the cute picture on their main Instagram page this week (November 28) to their 10K followers. In the caption, it wrote: "That's the Christmas card sorted [camera emoji] [heart emoji].
"Shop our Fam Jams in-store now from £6/€8/$10 #Primark #WorstKeptSecret." Many followers commented on the collection, which some were eager to get their hands on it.
@lorraine_collins75 said: "Got ours yesterday super comfy and great value [hand raised up emoji]." @meg.swatton posted: "Love these [heart emoji] x2"
While @adrienn.szarka wrote: "@awad.elbday i will buy this one [smiley face emoji]."


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Flurry breaks down the use of mobile apps in Canada2
16% of the time they were using a mobile device, Canadians accessed an app in the Music, Media and Entertainment category. That was double the amount of time that those in the U.S. used those apps. But U.S. mobile users love games much more than their counterparts up north. 32% of the time that they spent on a mobile device, U.S. users were playing games. That compares to just 14% for those in Canada.
In the year from March 2014 to March 2015, the number of mobile device sessions by Canadians rose 26%. Four app categories were being used during those sessions at a rate 2.5 times faster than other categories. The fast growers included Health & Fitness, Sports, Finance, and Utilities & Productivity.
Lastly, Flurry found that Phablets had a 14% penetration in Canada during March, compared to 20% globally. But as Flurry points out, considering the country's above average use of Music, Media and Entertainment apps, phablet penetration should pick up since media and entertainment usually look better on larger-screened devices.
Flurry keeps tabs on 38 million mobile devices in Canada each month. For the data used in this report, 92,000 devices were looked at during March.
source: Flurry via MobileSyrup


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V-Guard Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of electronic and electrical equipment reported a sales growth of 36.79% for the third quarter of the current financial year. During the quarter net revenue of the company increased from Rs 477.32 million to Rs 652.94 million as compared to the same period of the pervious year.
The net profit of the company has grown by 87.98% during the quarter. The profit after tax for the third quarter of the current financial year is Rs 20.04 million as against Rs 10.66 million during the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
For the first nine months of the current financial year the company reported net revenue of Rs 1,972.63 million registering an increase of 29.56 % over the corresponding previous period`s revenue of Rs 1,522.53 million. The Profit after tax of the company for the first nine months is Rs 338.32 million as against Rs 92.64 million during the corresponding period of the previous year. Non recurring income of Rs 227.79 million reported during the period was the reason for the sharp increase in PAT.
The company is the largest manufacturer of voltage stabilizers in India. The other products which company deals are insulated cables, pumps& motors, solar & electric water heaters, electric fans and UPS. During the period under report the company had opened eight new branches, making the total branch network in India to 24 including factories.
The company came out with initial public offer during February 2008 and raised Rs 656 million by issuing 8 million equity shares of Rs 10 each at a premium of Rs 72 a share to finance the ongoing expansion projects. The equity shares of the company are listed both in BSE & NSE.
The new factories of the company namely Building cable unit at Uttaranchal and LT Power cable manufacturing unit at Coimbatore are fast progressing. According to Kochouseph Chittilappilly, promoter and managing director, both these factories are expected to commence commercial production during the third quarter of the next financial year.
The other projects, pilot production centers for water heaters and fans at Himachal Pradesh and for pump at Coimbatore, distribution centers at Bangalore, Hubli and Vijayawada are also expected to complete by that time.


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The wait is over. More Mick McMahon masterful art to savour!
Sneak peeks at new comics
Coming Soon: Hocus Pocus – The Complete Collection (the comic that may read your mind!)
The amazing part Eisner-nominated comic series has been collected into a hardback edition
New Commando comic offers red-hot action… in outer-space!
Get set for a war for survival in the 23rd century!
Chinbeard Books gets set to celebrate 50 years of The Tomorrow People with new books and Look-In collection
Great news for fans of ITV’s classic SF TV series, Look-In and the art of Mike Noble and John M. Burns!
Coming Soon from NoBrow: “Vern: Custodian of the Universe”, by Tyrell Waiters
This new graphic novel looks crazily weird, on sale soon!
All-new Battle Action miniseries landing soon!
Attention! Don’t miss out on this new miniseries, landing very soon in comic shops across the UK and beyond
Werewolves and Warplanes! New Commando comics land tomorrow
Four more acton-packed issues of Commando go on sale tomorrow in newsagents
Ian Gibson’s “Lifeboat” comic project gets set to launch
Ian Gibson fans will not want to miss this online event!
Titan Comics teases its Doctor Who – Doom’s Day mini series
Titan Comics will launch a two-issue Doctor Who comic series on Wednesday 5th July 2023
Indie Comics in the Spotlight: New Africa Comics – founded in Cambridge by scientist Osarenkhoe Ogbeide
New Africa Comics launched during the pandemic, its flagship title, Shango, recently reaching its third issue


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Dell is launching a new desktop virtualisation competency for solution providers this week at VMware's VMworld conference.
It's a certification designed to integrate Wyse partners into Dell Partner Direct after Dell acquired Wyse in May. But the new competency also aims to bring Dell's other VARs an opportunity to get more involved in desktop virtualisation through a series of training programs, said Bob Skelley, Dell's executive director of global certified partner program and channel.
The certification is the second addition to Dell's portfolio this month, having previously announced a new Cloud Services Enabler program.
"We wanted to provide partners with another area to grow their business. This gives current partners a chance to do that, and it also gives us a home for the Wyse partners that joined Dell in the last several months," Skelley said.
Legacy Wyse partners will be grandfathered into the program and given a year to complete any additional training necessary to fulfill Dell's desktop virtualisation competency, Skelley added.
Last week, Dell unveiled new zero-client devices and reference architectures for virtual desktop infrastructure implementations, as well as new EqualLogic storage arrays designed to improve the performance of virtual desktop deployments.
Dell's Desktop Virtualisation Solution competency requires VARs to have two sales people and two technicians complete a training curriculum, but the training is free and available online for self-paced learning, Skelley said.
"They're investing time out of their day, but there's no extra cost to them," Skelley said, adding that there are three courses to complete per individual, but the total time needed is about six hours plus an assessment, per person. "It's hours of investment, not days," he said.
The desktop virtualisation competency provides benefits similar to other certification programs from Dell: financial incentives, discounts, market development funds and more, based on volume and investment, Skelley said.
The company also plans to recognise training and certification investments that solution providers may have made in VMware, Citrix Systems or Microsoft to help complete the virtual desktop competency, Skelley said.
"It's pretty straight forward for Wyse partners to achieve the competency, and we also want to build a program to enhance the skills of all partners. We're trying to help partners sell a full desktop virtualisation solution across the entire Dell stack," Skelley said.
Competency programs grow
Meanwhile, Dell's Greg Davis, vice president of global commercial channels, said the company's competency programs continue to grow among all solution providers. Dell delivered 47,000 training courses in the second quarter and 87,000 year to date, Davis said.
"That's ahead of last year and well on pace to deliver our goal of 200,000 for the year," Davis said. "With the announcement of our cloud services solution competencies, we are giving partners more reasons to log on and take training."
Dell's channel business grew 14 percent globally in the second quarter and now accounts for 34 percent of Dell commercial business, Davis said.
"That [14 percent] is a bit slower growth in the past, but given economic challenges around the world, we're still 2x market growth in all countries and continue to take share," Davis said.


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Fresh from picking up a majority stake in Europe-based The Next Web, the Financial Times is buying another tech blog. The newspaper, which was founded in 1888, is adding Singapore-based Deal Street Asia to its roster with a deal expected to close in April, according to three sources with knowledge of discussions. Founded in 2014 […]View More The FT is buying another media startup: Deal Street Asia
Two years ago, Paytm Canada launched a first-of-its-kind, mobile bill payment application in Canada. In that time, Canadians have made it the #1 app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store finance category. Paying your bills on your smartphone is not only easier — it’s also more rewarding with Paytm’s generous rewards program.
Paytm Canada is celebrating its second anniversary by offering you lots of chances to earn big rewards from brands like Tims, Uber, Sephora, Starbucks, Cineplex, Winners, and so many more.
5x the points
From now until April 18, 2019, Paytm is offering 5x Bonus Paytm Points, on top of their regular Paytm Points, when you use the app to make a credit card bill payment of at least $1,000. To break that down: let’s say you pay $1,000 on your Mastercard bill through the app using your linked bank account or Paytm Cash. You will instantly collect 1,000 Paytm Points (1 Paytm Point for every $1), then you will get an additional 5,000 Bonus Paytm Points credited to your Paytm account on April 25, 2019 (Terms & Conditions apply).Paytm is known for giving its customers several ways to earn rewards on the same bill payment transaction. Read more…View More Get 5x the points for paying your bills the painless way with Paytm
Pi Day is apparently New Job day for tech execs and VCs these days. Leaving: Lee Fixel It’s not every day that one of the top VC investors heads out from their shop. TechCrunch’s @cookie aka Connie Loizos has the story: Lee Fixel, the low-flying head of Tiger Global’s private equity business, is leaving at […]View More Pi Day wasn’t pleasant for a lot of tech execs
Sapphire Ventures launches a dedicated sports and entertainment fund as investment in esports skyrockets.View More Sapphire Ventures bets big on esports and entertainment with new $115M fund
Ola, the ride-hailing service battling Uber in India, is introducing credit services to its users as it moves closer to a major new funding round. Today the company took the wraps off Ola Money Postpaid, a service that builds on Ola’s existing payment service — which can be used to pay rides and also third-party […]View More India’s Ola is adding a monthly billing option for its ride-hailing customers
In India, startups are quietly building the tools and platforms to enable a different kind of gig economy: one that allows ‘micro-entrepreneurs’ to tap growing access to the internet to sell goods and services online. One such figure helping this burgeoning economy is Instamojo, a seven-year-old Bengaluru-based startup, has pulled in a $7 million Series B […]View More Instamojo raises $7M to help SMEs and ‘micro-entrepreneurs’ in India sell online
If you’ve conquered China, then India — the world’s second-largest country based on population — is the obvious next port of call, and that’s exactly what has happened in the world of consumer apps. Following the lead of Chinese smartphone makers like Xiaomi and Oppo, which have dominated mobile sales in India for some time, […]View More Chinese app developers have invaded India
Do you love that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from seeing your loved ones light up when they receive a thoughtful gift from you? Well, a new payment app called Paytm Canada wants to reward you for getting into the holiday spirit by giving away redeemable points in daily contests running throughout December and January.
During the contest period, anytime you make a bill payment of at least $50, you will automatically be entered into a daily draw to win 50,000 Paytm Points. That’s a $50 value, which works out to one gift for them and one gift for you. That is incentive for even the biggest Scrooges to move everyone from their naughty list to their nice list. Read more…View More Gift yourself with free rewards this holiday season
Truecaller, the app that helps screen spam calls and messages, is becoming a chat app as it continues to develop into a social service. The company announced today that it is introducing a chat feature to its Android and iOS apps, although it is already live for Android beta users. The move follows Truecaller’s recent foray […]View More Anti-spam service Truecaller is now a messaging app too
Alibaba is doubling down on Russia after the Chinese e-commerce giant launched a joint venture with one of the country’s leading internet companies. Russia is said to have over 70 million internet users, around half of its population, with countless more attracted from Russian-speaking neighboring countries. The numbers are projected to rise as, like in […]View More Alibaba goes big on Russia with joint venture focused on gaming, shopping and more
Berkshire Hathaway has reportedly agreed to buy a stake in One97, the owner of India’s largest digital payments service Paytm . This would mark the first time the investment firm has invested in an Indian startup. According to Indian financial news site Mint, which first broke the news, Berkshire Hathaway, the investment firm headed by […]View More Berkshire Hathaway reportedly agrees to buy stake in One97, owner of Paytm
SoftBank’s Vision Fund is backing Chinese online insurance giant ZhongAn through its latest investment, which could take the company — which has struggled for stability following a monster IPO last year — into international markets. The Vision Fund announced today it has made an undisclosed investment in ZhongAn International, the global arm of the five-year-old company created by $200 […]View More SoftBank’s Vision Fund to help Chinese online insurance giant ZhongAn go international


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Tesla’s Electric Vehicle plants are closed down due to the coronavirus. Tesla Builds Ventilators like the rest of the automakers and they are adjusting their facilities to build those ventilators. Tesla decided to be transparent and release a YouTube video showing us the prototype built with their EV parts. This even includes the Model 3’s display and infotainment system. This was first seen on TechCrunch.
From a car part used in Tesla vehicles, Hospital-grade oxygen is pushed. The oxygen is pumped through one of Tesla’s custom manifold designs. It is of course powered by the vehicle’s computer and controlled by the infotainment system. The patient’s parameters are then displayed on the main display of the Model 3.
Tesla is not alone as we mentioned. Ford and Gm have also stated that they will donate as well as build ventilators. CEO Elon Musk said recently that the New York factory could reopen soon to produce ventilators. The company has already donated 1,000 ventilators, critics said that the non invasive models are the wrong kind of ventilator. It has been reported that patients that test positive for Covid-19 need ventilators that will inflate the lungs with air intubation.
“We want to use parts that we know really well, that we know the reliability of, and we can go really fast and they are available in volume,” said Joseph Mardall, Tesla’s engineering directory. “We’ve used a lot of those.” As well as developing its own ventilator design, Musk says that he’s also purchasing FDA-approved “ventilators” and shipping them to organizations that need them. However, when NYC Health and Hospitals tweeted to thank the CEO for the “essential” equipment, others pointed out that what was pictured were BPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machines, which aren’t as useful for intensive care units, according to The Financial Times.


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Sears Holdings Corp. and Whirlpool Corp. have agreed to pay for repairs and post public warnings to settle a class action accusing the companies of hiding a defective circuit board that caused name-brand dishwashers to burst into flames. The full estimated value of the proposed settlement hasn’t been made public, but the companies agreed to pay out about $200 apiece to owners of Kenmore, KitchenAid and Whirlpool home dishwashers to cover repairs or rebates to use toward buying a new dishwasher, according to the joint motion for preliminary approval. The parties have also proposed an arrangement in which the Defendants would also pay for repairs of dishwashers that aren’t part of the class but still had fire problems, according to the filing. Some customers can have the full cost of their repairs covered, according to the proposal.
The Plaintiffs filed suit in November 2011 saying that the Defendants knew, or were reckless in not knowing, that certain household dishwashers contained defective electronic control boards that spontaneously overheated, which caused them and other components in the dishwashers to melt, emit smoke and fumes, and combust.
The 10 named Plaintiffs – residents of California, Maryland, Georgia, New Jersey and Massachusetts – all purchased Kenmore, KitchenAid or Whirlpool dishwashers for their homes from 2002 to 2007 that subsequently malfunctioned due to a defective circuit board, the component that performs all the major control functions of the dishwasher and enables the consumer to operate the dishwasher.
In the case of California residents David and Bach-Tuyet Brown, their KitchenAid dishwasher overheated while they were sleeping in April 2010, filling the house with smoke and causing them to spend $70,000 to replace the entire kitchen and to lose an additional $3,000 in rental income as a result of having to vacate the property for three weeks, according to their complaint.
The proposed settlement calls for different answers to different Plaintiffs, according to the filing. For example, people who have already had to repair or replace a dishwasher that caught on fire will get $200 minimum, but if they kept documentation of the costs of repairs they can ask for more, according to the proposed settlement.
The Plaintiffs are represented by Charles F. Fax and Liesel J. Schopler of Rifkin Weiner Livingston Levitan & Silver LLC, Jeffrey M. Cohon and Howard Pollak of Cohon & Pollak LLP, David H. Weinstein and Robert Kitchenoff of Weinstein Kitchenoff & Asher LLC, Steven A. Schwartz and Timothy N. Mathews of Chimicles & Tikellis LLP, and Nicole Sugnet of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP.


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Draya Michele may have said goodbye to reality TV, but she hasn't stepped away from the spotlight.
The former Basketball Wives Los Angeles star is known for driving her 7.6 million Instagram followers wild with photos that show off her bombshell curves, and her post Thursday was no different.
In the snap, Draya is rocking a skintight hot-pink mini dress with a cold-shoulder neckline. As the caption indicates, the garment is from her new collaboration with retailer Superdown. According to the brand's website, the dress is called "Icing On The Cake" and retails for $82. The sequins give the dress its sparkly look.
It looks like the design is a hit with her fans; rave reviews flooded the comments section of her post.
"This is soooo cute babe," one fan wrote.
"I want this dress!!!!" another added.
"Such a doll! Congratulations Queen," a third follower commented.
"Gorgeous," a fourth gushed.
And this pink dress isn't the only design from Draya's collection that's won praise from her loyal fanbase. As The Inquistr reported, she received similar comments from a photo of herself wearing a faux leather bustier from the line in a recent Instagram post. It retails for $52 on Superdown's website.


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As coronavirus fears mount, cruise lines are shifting their policies to allow those booked on upcoming sailings to switch dates with less penalty, but also offering incentives to stick with their plans.
Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises brands as well as both Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises announced the temporary changes for sailings in the next few months to deal with the threat of COVID-19, the deadly disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Princess Cruises became the center of a coronavirus outbreak when its ship Diamond Princess was placed into quarantine in February in Yokahama, Japan. 706 of more than 3,700 passengers and crew were diagnosed with COVID-19, and six passengers died. A second Princess Cruises ship, Grand Princess, is at sea off the coast of San Francisco, with 21 confirmed cases of coronavirus including 19 crew members.
Test results came back Friday afternoon after news of a person who had been on a previous Grand Princess sailing had died of COVID-19. Vice President Mike Pence announced that the federal government is working with California officials on a plan to bring the ship to a noncommercial port this weekend and the 3,500 passengers and crew members will be tested for the virus.
Its parent company, Carnival Corp., is also the parent company to Carnival Cruise Line.
Bother Carnival Cruise Line and Princess announced the changes that apply to departures through May 31. Changes vary by sail date:
If sailing is set for April 3 or earlier, passengers can cancel up to 72 hours before sailing and receive a future cruise credit of 100% of the cancellation fee. For sailings from April 4-May 31, people can cancel by March 31 and receive a future cruise credit of 100% of the cancellation fee. For sailings from June 1-30, final payment is now moved to 60 days prior to sailings instead of 90 days.
Also, for guests that choose to keep their bookings as scheduled from March 9-May 31, those taking 3- to 4-night cruises will receive $100 per cabin in onboard credit, 5-night cruises will get $150 per cabin and those on cruises 6 nights or longer will get $200 per cabin.
Princess Cruises changes apply to both cruises and land-based cruise tours. Full details can be found at princess.com
Carnival Cruise Line sent a letter to booked passengers stating, “We continue to implement increased monitoring, screening and sanitation protocols to protect the health of our guests, crew and the residents of the destinations we serve. Our measures are designed to be flexible to adapt to changing conditions and recommended best practices.”
While it is offering the same incentives and change options, it stated that guests booked on the Carnival Radiance European itineraries will be receiving a special offer that is being finalized in the next few days.
For those shifting Carnival Cruise Line sailings to future dates, the future date has to be before March 31, 2021.
For Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea, the group rolled out a “Cruise With Confidence” policy that allows for cancellation up to 48 hours before a sailing before July 31, 2020, in which guests can receive full credit for the fare on a future sailing in 2020 or 2021. The policy applies to both new and existing bookings.
“Our previous policy set earlier deadlines for guests to cancel their cruises, and that added unnecessary stress,” said RCCL Chairman and CEO Richard Fain in a press release. “Trying to guess a month or more in advance where areas of concern about coronavirus might be is challenging for medical experts, much less a family preparing for vacation. When circumstances are as fast-changing as they have been recently, it’s good to know you have the option to take a rain check."
The Health Report
Norwegian Cruise Line rolled out its “Peace of Mind” policy for existing and new cruises, that lets people cancel up to 48 hours prior to the sail date for itineraries through Sept. 30, 2020 that can receive a future cruise credit for any sailing through Dec. 31, 2022.
Disney Cruise Line has also adjusted policies. For Disney Dream and Fantasy, which sail out of Port Canaveral as well as Disney Wonder currently sailing from New Orleans, guests with sailings planned through May 31, 2020 can change their reservation up to the day before embarkation with a 100% cruise credit for a future sailing taken withing 12 months of the original sail date. The same goes for Disney Magic sailing from PortMiami through May 8.
For Disney Magic’s European itineraries, guests are also allowed to cancel up the day before sailing and rebook through July 25 for sailings up to 15 months from the original sail date. Guests also can wait until 30 days before the July 13, July 18 and July 25 European sailings of Magic for final payment. At this time, Disney Cruise Line has not adjusted any of its planned Mediterranean sailings.
In addition, Disney Cruise Line will be stepping up screening by taking guest and crew temperatures with a non-touch thermometer prior to boarding. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will require additional medical screening and they along with their party may not be able to sail. Other updates note that the Bahamas has restrictions for debarkation for anyone who had with 20 days visited China, South Korea, Italy or Iran and that Jamaica also is not allowing people who have traveled through Singapore within 14 days.
The cruise industry with a set of guidelines set up by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is already not allowing people who have within 14 days traveled from, visited or flew through airports in China (including Hong Kong and Macau), South Korea, Iran and the parts of northern Italy currently under lockdown measures.
The Sentinel has reached out to MSC Cruises to see if any similar policy changes are coming and will update this story with any new information.
This article originally appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com.


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The USPS will eliminate Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground services, which offer very low rates for large or heavy packages (up to 70 pounds). And it will reinvent First Class Package Service, which is currently limited to lightweight packages (up to 15.999 ounces), to consolidate the three services into one.
The two disappearing Ground services are alternatives to costlier Priority Mail.
According to Wednesday’s announcement, “USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground will be incorporated into one enhanced FCPS product” – the USPS is looking to roll out the changes on January 8, 2023.
The Postal Service submitted filings to the Postal Regulatory Commission on July 13, but blithely omitted such key information as pricing, knowing the PRC has largely an advisory role in rate setting.
“The pricing for the newly expanded First-Class Package Service product will be dealt with in a subsequent Governors’ Decision and Commission filing, and the Postal Service fully expects that First-Class Package Service will continue to meet the standards of 39 U.S.C. § 3633,” the USPS wrote in its filing for changes in classifications for competitive products available on the PRC website (Docket No. MC2022–82).
The USPS Board of Governors said it intends to maintain the Retail and Commercial price categories within First-Class Package Service – notice it used the word categories, not prices.
Strangely, just months ago, the USPS filed its intention to speed Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground service standards. Just months later on June 22, the USPS Board of Governors formally decided to eliminate those offerings to merge them into FCPS.
The USPS is rapidly changing offerings available to mailers and shippers. And in a move right out of Corporate America’s playbook, the Governors cited “simplification” as the benefit to shippers when in fact online postage services automate the process of finding the cheapest method of shipping an item.
The USPS Board of Governors wrote, “The classification changes established herein are designed to simplify and streamline the Postal Service’s ground competitive package offerings under one product.” And the USPS press release announcing the news on Wednesday was titled, “USPS Simplifies Package Shipping Options.”


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Disney Plus Confirms A New, Cheaper Tier Is Coming
| Last updated
Featured Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney+
It’s no secret that we’re in the midst of a cost of living crisis. It’s not a cheery topic to talk about, but it is necessary given how many people are struggling with price rises in all aspects of our lives. In a bid to cut down on costs, people are reassessing what’s truly important - and streaming subscriptions aren't always making the cut anymore.
Netflix recently experienced a record fall in subscribers leading to a $50 billion drop in value. Disney+ clearly doesn't want to follow in Netflix’s footsteps, so they’ve now announced that a new cheaper subscription tier is coming, although there is one catch.
The next big release to hit Disney+ later this month is the long-awaited Obi-Wan Kenobi series. Take a look at the latest trailer below.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek revealed during this week’s quarterly earnings call that Disney+ would receive an ad-supported tier in the US by the end of this year, with international markets receiving the update sometime during 2023.
Chapek said, “Expanding Disney+ access to multiple price points is a win for consumers and advertisers." He’s not wrong. There are plenty of people who will welcome adverts in exchange for a cheaper bill.
It’s not yet known how much the tier will cost. Currently, Disney+ costs $7.99/£7.99 so we know it’ll certainly be below that. Given the exchange rate, UK-based subscribers to Disney+ are already paying more than their American counterparts so the cheaper tier could be particularly welcomed here.
Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, also spoke out on the announcement. He said, “Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone. [..] More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families."
With the cheaper tier still several months away at least, it remains to be seen if the subscriber count of Disney+ will be affected in the meantime.


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Renault unveals Captur, estimated to cost Rs11-15 lakh
25 September 2017
French carmaker Renault has unvealed the all-new SUV, Captur, which is expected to be priced between Rs11 lakh and Rs15 lakh depending on the variant.
According to commentators, the Captur wears a strong and bold fascia, which enhances the appeal of the vehicle as an SUV. They point out that despite being based on a completely different platform, the Captur resembles the Kaptur, which is being sold in the other markets.
Over the past few years, Renault has notched sterling success in the Indian car market with the launch of compact SUV Duster and consolidated its position in the country with the massive success of its compact car Kwid. The Kwid averages monthly sale of about 7,500-8,000 units even two years post launch.
The carmaker, at one time held 5 per cent market share, although its share has recently slipped. Between April-August 2017, Renault commanded a market share of 3.29 per cent at 43,572 units, recording a decline of 24 per cent in sales against the same period last year.
According to commentators, the carmaker needs a product that can help it sustain and take the growth moment forward. The all-new Renault Captur is based on B) (pronounced as B Zero), the same platform used in the new Duster.
The Indian Captur measures 4,329 mm in length, it has a width of 1,813 mm and stands 1,619 mm tall. The crossover has the same wheelbase (2,673 mm) and ground clearance (210 mm) as the Duster. The production of the Captur has started at the Renault-Nissan alliance plant in Oragadam, Chennai.
According to commentators, the Captur is a feature-rich vehicle, which should cause competitors to take serious note.
They add, the Captur's stylish look gets a dash of elegance with Sapphire LED DRLs, dynamic turn signals (front only), satin finished skid plates, and 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheels, ripple tail-lights and dual-tone body colours.
Renault Captur can be personalised with a wide range of fashion-inspired dual tone body colours. There's also the option of enhancing the car's interior and exterior with 2 exclusive themed personalistion packs, along with a choice of elegant interior finishes, 16 unique roof crowner designs and 25+ aesthetic add-ons, including chrome embellishments and designer mats.


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CNET's Marguerite Reardon explains how three key phenomena could reshape the wireless industry in the next few years and pave the way for more-affordable mobile services.
Is your unlimited data plan really unlimited? Use an app to find out.
Elemental Path and ToyTalk hope to pioneer interactive toys. But will kids and parents want Internet-connected Barbies and dinosaurs?
As a key deadline approaches, the US Senate votes against extending a controversial National Security Agency program -- but votes down a bill designed to reform it.
Taking on the tech industry's biggest companies might seem a fool's errand, but Russia's Yandex has reason to think its Web browser has a chance challenging Chrome.
The Light Phone bills itself as your "phone away from phone," and does nothing but make calls. Think you need one?
The new Mazda MX-5 Miata's cabin is compact, but it's full of quirks and surprises, including a Bose audio system that hides speakers in the headrests and Lego-like cupholders.
The company, which already offers free mobile phone service via Wi-Fi networks, is trying to make a name for itself with the introduction of a $99 Android handset.
Microsoft appears to be building an app for real-time conversations called Flow, which will likely debut on the iPhone, according to leaked information.
Whether you're more the practical type that just wants standard messaging features or someone who loves spicing up your conversations with something extra, this collection has the app for you.


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The Justin Bieber Music Video Collection Singing Figures have been nominated for a 2011 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award in the Girl Toy category! This year consumers will be able to vote at ToyAwards.org now through January 14, 2011.
The dolls are manufactured by The Bridge Direct through a partnership with Bravado.
Jay Foreman, the President and CEO of The Bridge, said about the Justin Bieber dolls TOTY nomination:
We are thrilled that the Justin Bieber singing dolls were recognized with a nomination from our peers in the toy industry based on the interest and excitement they have brought to the market. We’re counting on Justin’s millions of fans to let us know how much they love the dolls by voting for them to take home the award in February!
The TOTY 2011 Award winners will be announced on February 12, 2011 in New York City. Let us know if you vote for the Justin Bieber dolls!


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Alltel achieved record customer growth in the first quarter, adding more than 1 million gross customers for the second consecutive quarter. Net customer additions also hit a new high with a 63 percent increase year-over-year.
"We are pleased with our results across the board, and I am extremely proud of our team for staying focused in our first full quarter under new ownership," said President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Ford. "We are off to a strong start for the year, with consolidated EBITDA up 18 percent year-over-year."
Alltel completed its merger with an affiliate of TPG Capital and GS Capital Partners in November 2007 and ceased trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Among the highlights for the first quarter:
* Revenues were $2.3 billion, an 11 percent increase from the same period a year ago. The company reported a net loss of $125 million, due primarily to significant increases in interest costs and depreciation and amortization expense following the completion of the merger.
* Alltel added just over 1 million gross customers through internal growth, a 26 percent increase from a year ago. Post-pay net additions were 163,000, up 50 percent year-over-year, and pre-pay net adds were 183,000. Reseller net adds, which Alltel is including this quarter in order to be consistent with industry practice, were 39,000. Total net adds were 385,000, an all-time high.
* Post-pay churn was 1.34 percent, essentially flat year-over-year, and total churn was 1.83 percent, up 6 basis points year-over-year.
* Average revenue per wireless customer (ARPU) was $53.64, up 2 percent from last year. Data revenue per customer reached a new high of $7.50, a 60 percent increase year-over-year.
* Consolidated EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) was $847 million, an 18 percent increase from the same period a year ago.


text: Citing unnamed sources, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the so-called BlackPad could be unveiled as early next week at RIM's developer conference in San Francisco. Initially, RIM's tablet was to be called the BlackPad but now appears to be "SurfBook." No official confirmation from RIM but they applied for a trademark on that name. Rumors abound that the device may be delayed until early 2011 due to additional software development. As you may know, RIM will not be using the BlackBerry 6 OS but opting instead for a QNX-built OS. QNX Software Systems was acquired by RIM earlier this year as a possible replacement to its antiquated BlackBerry OS.


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Hustler Now has the Official FernMark Seal of Approval
The team at Hustler is excited to announce that Hustler Equipment has just become a licensee of the official FernMark Licence Programme.
The FernMark Licence is a programme designed to protect and promote Kiwi brands and products to the world, which is why it’s a great move for the reputation and credibility of Hustler the world leader in livestock feeding solutions.
Equally, being a licensee now makes Hustler Equipment an ambassador for New Zealand, which is both a privilege and an exciting opportunity to promote New Zealand’s reputation in sustainable pasture based farming which is well know around the world.
A TICK OF APPROVAL THAT BUILDS TRUST.
The FernMark Licence Programme is the New Zealand Government’s official ‘country of origin’ accreditation programme. That means Hustler Equipment products that display the FernMark have met the New Zealand Government’s eligibility criteria and requires that licensed Hustler Equipment products are designed and made in New Zealand, which is why the Government is happy for them to represent New Zealand around the world.
Carrying the Government’s tick of approval gives companies a big advantage overseas. Sarah Morgan, Marketing Manager at NZ Story, says:
“It’s great to see successful exporters, like Hustler Equipment, recognise the value associated with being from New Zealand. As a country, we have a reputation for developing ingenious products and services that meet the needs of customers. Hustler is a prime example of this. And to know they are supporting our collective mission to help drive preference for New Zealand products & services by carrying the FernMark is exciting for all exporters.”
Sarah Morgan, Head of Engagement, NZ Story
The Programme employs a global monitoring service, Yellow Brand Protection. The service trawls over 800 online trading sites to check for illegitimate use of the FernMark. That protects the Programme by maintaining its credibility and integrity – and protects consumers by giving them the confidence that when they see the FernMark, it’s an authentic New Zealand product.
Asked why Hustler Equipment applied to become a FernMark Licensee, explained,
Ultimately, the FernMark Licence Programme delivers consumer trust. Carrying the FernMark means Hustler Equipment are able to authenticate their products as being from New Zealand, while consumers can trust that they’re buying authentic products. And in turn, the Programme entrusts us to represent New Zealand at its best. It’s a win-win situation.


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CHINA: Wal-Mart pledges investment in China food safety
Wal-Mart has been piloting the lab over the last six months in 33 stores across Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dongguan
US retail giant Wal-Mart Stores is to invest CNY100m (US$16.3m) over three years to improve food safety in China.
Part of the investment, announced over the weekend, will be used to expand a mobile food-inspection lab programme in the country to cover 70 stores in Guangdong Province on the South China Sea coast.
The food lab programme is a measure designed to process food testing in stores "more quickly, more flexibly and more professionally", Wal-Mart said. Equipped with professional facilities and four third-party technicians, each lab has an investment of around CNY2m per year.
Wal-Mart has been piloting the lab over the last six months in 33 stores across Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dongguan. Its official debut will now see the lab also cover more than 70 stores in the Guangdong Province. Wal-Mart said it is considering bringing another mobile lab to eastern China.
In addition to the lab investment, the retailer will also increase supplier training, improve store standards, recruit more food-safety experts and expand its fresh-food distribution, it said.
"Food safety management is a systematic work that needs constant innovation and improvement," said Rob Chester, chief compliance officer for Wal-Mart's Chinese operations, said.
"Walmart China's investment of CNY100m shows that the importance the company attaches to and its determination in food safety. We hope we are able to guarantee better food safety and provide commodities at higher quality to our customers through continuous effort."
Wal-Mart will be looking to bolster its image in China after a series of food-related incidents in recent years.
In October 2011, police reportedly arrested Wal-Mart workers in Chongqing amid a probe of allegations the retailer mislabelled ordinary pork as organic. At the same time, a separate report claimed a Wal-Mart store in Beijing was found to be selling sesame oil with carcinogenic ingredients, and fresh squid with "too much heavy metal".
In June last year the retailer also removed a number of products from its shelves in the country following accusations it was selling "sub-standard" food. The grocer was accused by The Animal Husbandry and Foodstuff Bureau of selling pork sourced from "diseased pigs".
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