text:
Many in the beverage industry are raising funds for and glasses to Ukraine in its brave struggle for independence
Much of the free world is standing by Ukraine as its leaders, military and citizens bravely battle for the country’s independence. Across the world’s business sectors, corporations and companies have signaled their support in various ways, from pulling back on business in or with Russia to grassroots campaigns helping with humanitarian aid. The beverage industry, too, has stepped up with statements of their own or creative ways to show support in tangible ways. Here’s a rundown of a few of those efforts:
In New York’s Finger Lakes region, the Dr. Konstantin Frank winery devoted weekend sales to Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen, which has been on the ground in Ukraine and adjacent countries feeding those displaced by the war. It’s a cause that hits close to home: Dr. Frank, founder of the winery, emigrated from Ukraine, his own family having been refugees during World War II. His winery’s efforts raised nearly $42,000 over the March 4-6 weekend.
The Sonoma County-based Russian River Brewing Co. will produce a special golden ale, the sales of which will be dedicated to a Ukraine relief aid fund. The brewers responded to a fundraising appeal on social media from the Pravda Brewery in Lviv, Ukraine, which offered to send one of its own recipes to other in exchange for using it to raise funds for relief. Priced at $10 per can, Russian River’s brew will be released on March 25 and called Putin Huylo, a Ukrainian and Russian phrase that translates to “Putin is a (expletive that rhymes with brick).”
On March 11, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, a major alcoholic-beverage distributor based in Miami, announced it will match 100% of all employee donations made during the next 90 days to three organizations providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine: World Central Kitchen, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE).
The Decanter World Wine Awards, the largest—and one of the most prestigious—wine competition in the world, announced that it will waive entry fees for Ukrainian wineries that are able to participate. Further, it will cancel the entries for Russian wineries that have entered the competition, and their wines will not be judged
Numerous bars, restaurants and drink brands in the UK have created fundraisers for humanitarian aid, from #CookforUkraine and special cocktails events at top London pubs to a guided virtual whisky tasting with all proceeds flowing to Ukrainian relief. Others are branding cocktails or packaging with the colors of the Ukraine flag and tagging proceeds from sales for relief efforts.
From Feb. 24 to March 10, Royal Wine Corp., a New Jersey-based importer of specialty wines, whose Herzog family roots go back eight generations in Czechoslovakia, donated 100% of the proceeds of the sales of two vodka brands, the Ukrainian Xdar and the Polish Lvov (named for the Ukrainian border city, Lviv, where many Ukrainians fled in the past weeks). The donation was set be at a minimum of $30,000.
The Drinks Business reports that Asian drink companies are on the scene, too, with Japan’s Suntory Group donating nearly $800,000 to relief and refugee programs. The Daiichi Sake Brewery in the northern Tochigi Prefecture, released a “No War” 300-bottle, special-edition sake, which sold out quickly after its March 14 release. The brewery plans to produce more. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Japan will conduct a charity sale of Ukrainian wine in five venues, with partial proceeds for Ukrainian food support. In Hong Kong, the much-lauded Hemingway-inspired “The Old Man” bar is donating 100% of sales of select drinks on the take-away menu for humanitarian relief.
The French-based Association de la Sommellerie Internationale is launching an employment platform specially dedicated to helping Ukrainian refugees find jobs in the drinks sector. All job offerings/postings will be vetted by the association.
Among the numerous charity wine auctions underway is “Wine United for Ukraine,” headed by Masters of Wine Tim Atkins and Sara Jane Evans, and slated for online bidding April 1-3.
“Wine for WCK,” is fundraising project that supports Andres’ World Central Kitchen composed of wine societies such as the Comanderie de Bordeaux, the Comanderie des Cotes du Rhone, Societe des Amis du Champagne, Chein de Rotiseur, and Wine & Spirits magazine. The fundraiser will auction bottles in April via Acker, which notes it will donate the full premium on every lot designated for the relief effort.
iDealwine, the fine-wine auction platform, will conduct a fundraising auction in collaboration with Bordeaux’s Château Dauzac, which is spearheading the collection of wines to go on the block. The 10-day virtual auction will begin March 30, and the catalogue will be available for viewing online. All profits, including the buyer’s commission, will go toward the Ukraine Amitié association, and iDealwine will handle shipping to top bidders.
Walla Walla, Wash.-based Nocking Point Wines, launched a GoFundMe campaign featuring a specially branded wine to support #StandWithUkraine, collaborating with Ashton Kutcher on package design in the Ukrainian flag colors, and linking to the actor’s similarly oriented GoFundMe, which so far has raised nearly $35M. (Kutcher is married to Ukrainian-born actor Mila Kunis.)
Crurated, a London-based wine club, conducted “The All Heart Auction” of rare wines March 14-20, partnering with more than 50 winemakers who contributed a pre-auction inventory value of $100,000. Lots included bottles from Biondi Santi, Cristal, Dujac, Giacomo Conterno, Salon among others. The proceeds ($134,000) are to be distributed to The Red Cross, Save The Children, UNHCR and UNICEF for Ukraine relief.


text:
Eighteen months ago, his company, Roxio, was a successful, if unspectacular, player in the CD-burning software market. Then, in a rapid-fire corporate transformation, he purchased the Napster brand name at a bankruptcy auction, bought the record-label-backed Pressplay subscription service and relaunched the Napster brand as an iTunes song store rival and online music subscription service.
A few weeks ago, he took the final step, selling off the old Roxio business and changing the company's name to Napster altogether. The move has won him kudos from those who saw the old business slowing down, along with head-shakes of disbelief from those who think Napster is outmatched against bigger rivals such as Apple Computer, Microsoft and Sony.
That chutzpah is being thrown into relief this week, as Microsoft prepares to launch its MSN digital music store. Gorog has been one of the most vocal backers of Microsoft media technology, but the new Microsoft store will compete directly with his download business.
Still, he says he's no more worried about this than he was about Sony or Wal-Mart Stores. Both are big competitors, but Gorog claims that neither has cut into Roxio's market share.
CNET News.com recently spoke with Gorog about his company's radical bet on digital music and his potentially conflicted relationship with Microsoft.
Q: Your decision to sell your old business in favor of Napster was a big one. What helped make the final decision?
A: Well, this move enables us to focus 100 percent on the online music space, which is the primary strategic focus for our company. Obviously, it's an area that has had explosive growth, and is expected to be a multibillion-dollar industry over the next handful of years. We have secured a very prominent position in the early development of the space, and we wanted to make sure that we had the opportunity to bring 100 percent of our focus to this.
Had this been the idea ever since buying the Napster name?
I wouldn't say it was a plan that began to gel 18 months ago. But it is certainly something that has been on our minds for the last year or so. The online music sector is growing fast, the optical recording sector for consumers has really begun to mature, and growth has slowed down considerably.
Were there any specific events that tipped the scale--that made you decide to get out of the old business and into the new?
No, there wasn't any event that was a catalyst. It was the recognition that a small company has to be laser-focused on its primary objective, and our company's primary objective is to remain very dominant in digital media.
Right now, you've got Sony as a competitor, and Apple is dominating the space. You've still got Virgin, you've still got Microsoft, you've still got a lot of potentially very powerful brands coming into this space. Is that worrisome to you?
Well, I'd like to first address one of the comments you made--that Apple is dominating the space. Currently, Apple is not even in the subscription business. It's not even on the playing field yet. I think that's very significant and very important for anyone following this space to remember.
Currently, Apple is not even in the subscription business. It's not even on the playing field yet.
Secondly, as to our competitive position, one of the things I think that is very noticeable is that Sony and Wal-Mart--obviously two massive global organizations--have both entered the online music space in the last few months, and our market share, as reported weekly by Nielsen SoundScan, has not declined an inch.
That's market share of downloads, or market share of revenue?
Market share of downloads, because there is no market share report on revenue.
What is your market share right now?
In downloads, Apple claims to have 70 percent. We have approximately 15 percent. That leaves about 15 percent to all the other players.
You said margins on subscription services are about 40 percent, compared with just 10 percent on downloads. Is that correct?
How do you see those margins evolving, and why?
We think that the margins for downloads and subscriptions will be stable. We think that it is incumbent on us as a company to grow the top line as aggressively and as fast as possible so that we can get into a profitable position. We also are doing things that are helping add higher-margin products to our portfolio.
What kind of products would those be?
We have a number of things in development--but nothing that we're publicly disclosing.
You said you do want to keep focused on the music space, as opposed to other downloadable subscription content, however.
Right now, we're going to stay focused on music. Clearly, with the Napster brand, it gives us the opportunity to be electronic distributors of motion pictures, spoken work, electronic games, etc., all of which are very likely on our road map. But our concentration right now is doing an exceptional job in music.
There's been a big tussle over technology and interoperability. You've said you're comfortable using Windows Media, because it's the most widely used player. Do you believe there needs to be more interoperability, or is the market OK as is?
I think that it is certainly bad for consumers that Apple has not opened up its platform with the iPod to other services. I think that it's also bad for Apple and the iPod that they are trapped in the very limited experience that iTunes brings.
I think that a strategy like that will ultimately catch up with Apple, if they continue to cloister their customers in an environment that is not competitive and limits choice. In the meantime, I think that it has stunted the growth of other services in their early days to not have access to what is currently the most popular player on the market.
I am highly confident in our decision to build all of our technology around Microsoft Windows.
Do you have any concern, as a Microsoft technology customer, that Microsoft is now becoming a competitor to you on the store front?
We're no more concerned about the entry of MSN than we were about the entry of Wal-Mart or the entry of Sony. We take all of these competitors very seriously, but we wouldn't rate the level of threat higher from the MSN service.
You've been one of the biggest backers of Microsoft's Janus technology, which allows the subscription-based downloads to be played on some portable devices. Do you see that being a large part of your business in the next 12 months?
We just returned from doing focus groups, and it validated what we all intuitively knew--that portable subscription-based music really looms as being the potential killer app for digital music. We already know that the experience of a music subscription is infinitely better than a download store.
Any users of a subscription service would tell you that the only thing missing is the opportunity to move those tracks onto their MP3 player. In our recent focus groups, our individuals polled overwhelmingly identified the portable subscription content as the No. 1 thing they'd like to see.
So you do indeed think that Janus will be a large part of your business fairly soon?
Yes. I think that, certainly a year from now or a year from the release of the Janus technology, that the lion's share of our subscribers will be using portable subscriptions. It will be very important to us.

domain: news


text:
Under Armour's Problems Are Far More Serious Than Spieth: Morgan Stanley Is Worried About What New SportScan Data Shows
Under Armour Inc (NYSE: UA) is worth going Underweight on, Morgan Stanley's Jay Sole said in a new analysis (reiterating his previous bear thesis) over the weekend. No, it's not because Jordan Spieth -- an Under Armour athlete -- had one of the worst collapses in golf history at the Masters on Sunday.
Two Real Reasons For Bearishness
According to Sole, women's apparel growth is slowing, along with "soft" trends in the running footwear market as a whole. Both of these headwinds will likely cause a future quarterly sales miss and a contraction in Under Armour's valuation, the analyst added.
Sole cites data from SportScan, which shows that first quarter wholesale apparel sales fell 2 percent year-over-year, something that also happened last quarter. "Many assumed the soft 4Q data was due to warm weather.The fact it has persisted when weather was more normal is a troubling sign," he warned.
The slowdown is striking.
The reason, it appears, could be something far worse than seasonal trends. "We think a large part of the issue is UA is fully penetrated in its traditional sporting goods channel and perhaps more importantly, the industry is experiencing a slowdown," Sole explained.
Under Armour's focus on apparel (73 percent of sales) and its 65x P/E means it must continue to outperform the industry, not experience slowing growth, he added.
Aggregate sales at Dicks Sporting Goods Inc (NYSE: DKS) and Hibbett Sports, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIBB) have also appeared to plateau of late, boosting the argument that at least part of Under Armour's problems are industry-related.
Morgan Stanley holds a split-adjusted $32 price target on Under Armour, predicting about 25 percent downside from early April levels.
Latest Ratings for UA
|Jan 2017||CLSA||Initiates Coverage On||Buy|
|Nov 2016||Stifel Nicolaus||Maintains||Hold|
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


text:
Laika Debuts First Fully 3D Printed Puppet in “Kubo and the Two Strings.”
Next week, our Portland neighbor, Laika, premiers its newest project, “Kubo and the Two Strings.” The animated film features its first fully 3D printed puppet, the Moon Beast. According to 3D Printing Industry, the character’s physical requirements – and 130 separate pieces – demanded a different approach…
The film, which took 94 weeks and 70 rapid prototyping specialists to complete, shows in theaters on August 19.
View Latest Posts
RapidMade is manufacturing COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Orders under 30 units should be placed via the Amazon product links below. Fluid Barrier Face Masks
From prototyping to industrial-strength parts and products, additive manufacturing (AM) offers an innovative solution for accelerating production timelines and keeping costs low amid rising inflation


text:
It appears that the first Windows Phone 7 “Mango” smartphone may available a bit sooner than expected.
The Next Web reports that the Fujitsu IS12T smartphone will have the honor of becoming the first "Mango" phone scheduled to be released in August. The phone will come with a 3.7 inch screen and is waterproof, not much else is known about the product.
The phone is currently scheduled for release only in Japan, so its not clear if the phone will ever be released here in the US. Other Mango based Windows Phone 7 smartphones are scheduled to be released later this fall. That includes the first WP7 devices made by Finland-based Nokia.
Microsoft has used Microsoft Points as a way to purchase downloadable games for the Xbox 360 game console, for purchasing movies and TV shows from Zune Marketplace and DLC for both Xbox 360 and games that use Games For Windows Live. Now, according to reports Microsoft Points are being used in a new Windows Phone 7 game for in-game microtransactions.
The Electronic Theatre web site reports that the Windows Phone 7 game with the microtransaction support is called “Birds and Beaks.” Developed and published completely in house by Microsoft Game Studios, the game has the player controlling a group of gnomes who’ve to deal with a hostile group of crows that’ve invaded Gnome Town.
The game gives the player a number of special powers and abilities to help defeat the crows. However, those gnome powers are fueled by mushrooms. While the game lets the player get a new batch of mushrooms when they complete levels, the player could run into a situation where his or her mushroom supply runs out before that happens. In that case the game allows the player to dip into his or her Microsoft Points to refresh their mushroom supple. While the first mushroom resupply using this method is in fact free, additional mushroom packs must be purchased by using 40 Microsoft Points (equivalent to 50 cents).


text:
Juul is laying off 650 people as part of its $1 billion cost-cutting plan. That's 150 more than it previously announced. This is the e-cigarette company's latest effort to restructure amid criticism of its product and its marketing practices.
The jobs being cut make up 16% of the company's global workforce. Juul's also making changes at the top: It says it will not replace its chief marketing officer, who stepped down last month. The company's chief financial officer, senior vice president of advanced technologies and chief administrative officer, have all recently stepped down as well.
The restructuring also involves focusing on direct marketing. The company stopped its TV, print and online ads in September.
Juul has been trying to regain public trust amid scrutiny over its role in the vaping epidemic. Critics say the company targeted minors with its advertising and flavors like mango, creme and cucumber. As of Nov. 5, the CDC had received reports of over 2,000 lung injury cases and 39 deaths related to vaping. Some patients have reported using black-market THC products, some reported using nicotine products like Juul, and some reported using both.
K.C. Crosthwaite, Juul's CEO as of September, said in a statement, "As the vapor category undergoes a necessary reset, this reorganization will help JUUL Labs focus on reducing underage use, investing in scientific research, and creating new technologies while earning a license to operate in the U.S. and around the world."
The company just stopped selling its mint-flavored pods last week and stopped selling its non-tobacco and non-menthol-based flavors last month. Juul says it will explore "new technologies to combat underage use" and continue to invest in its product team.


text:
King Abdullah Economic City, March 2017
King Abdullah Port has signed an agreement to sponsor Sea Asia 2017, the event’s sixth edition, to be held 25-27 April 2017 in Singapore. The event will be part of Singapore Maritime Week and will host logistics experts and influential leaders in the maritime transport industry. Long a platform for top-tier players in transport services, trade, shipping and ports worldwide, Sea Asia offers a unique opportunity to explore business prospects and unveil new products and services. Sea Asia 2017 is co-organized by Seatrade and the Singapore Maritime Foundation.
The announcement of this unique sponsorship arrangement on the part of King Abdullah Port coincides with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz’s Asian tour. Accompanied by a number of government ministers and officials, King Salman expects to conclude multiple investment agreements during his visit, which will contribute to the Kingdom’s global financial and economic status.
“The announcement of King Abdullah Port’s sponsorship of Sea Asia 2017 at the time of the Asian tour of King Salman, may Allah protect him, emphasizes the overall goals of the King’s visit to this part of the world,” explained Eng. Abdullah Hameedadin, Managing Director at the Ports Development Company, owner and developer of King Abdullah Port. “This fortunate confluence of events bolsters the visibility and reputation of the port’s contribution to the economic development of Saudi Arabia through its role in the expansion of trade between the Kingdom and the rest of the world, while benefiting from the port’s strategic location on the Red Sea coast.”
King Abdullah Port’s sponsorship of Sea Asia 2017 falls within the framework of establishing new horizons for investment partnerships in the maritime shipping industry, which has a major role to play in support of the Kingdom’s strategies for economic diversification. Economic diversification is one of the main principles of Vision 2030.
“Our presence at international events,” continued Eng. Hameedadin, “heightens our visibility on the world sea ports map while informing the international community of the major role played by King Abdullah Port. It also gives us invaluable opportunities to meet with experts in the maritime transport field, to exchange expertise and to learn about the latest global market trends.”
Sea Asia 2015 drew 16,185 participants from 85 countries as well as 426 exhibiting companies. There were also seven country pavilions: China, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Panama and Singapore.
By the end of 2016, King Abdullah Port significantly enhanced its capabilities, which contributed to the increase of its annual throughput to 1.4 million TEU and its annual capacity to 4 million TEU. This year, King Abdullah Port’s management expects to finalize the first phase of bulk cargo terminals, which have a capacity of three million tons, in addition to the RORO (roll-on/roll-off) terminals with their capacity of 300,000 CEU. The RORO facilities are made possible through a partnership agreement with NYK Group, one of the largest car shipping companies in the world.
Run by the Ports Development Company, King Abdullah Port is the Kingdom’s first port to be fully owned, developed and operated by the private sector. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art technologies, all managed by national and global experts who strive to offer the best possible services, King Abdullah Port has earned its place at the heart of the world’s major shipping lines, all within a solid plan that will bring to reality its vision of becoming one of the largest ports in the world.
About King Abdullah Port
Strategically located on the Red Sea coast on one of the world’s busiest maritime shipping lanes and with direct access to extensive transportation networks and urban centers, King Abdullah Port is the first fully privately owned, developed and operated commercial port in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
King Abdullah Port occupies a total area of 15 square kilometers and enjoys close proximity to King Abdullah Economic City’s Industrial Valley and the bonded zone. The port makes an increasingly important contribution to the Kingdom’s regional and global role in trade, logistics and shipping. Once fully built, King Abdullah Port will be able to handle 20 million containers (TEU), 1.5 million vehicles (CEU) and 15 million tons of clean bulk cargo every year.
With state-of-the-art processing facilities, the world’s deepest 18-meter water berths, expanding roll-on/roll-off operations, and a fully-integrated Port Community System, King Abdullah Port is capable of receiving today’s diverse mega cargo ships, fulfilling the growing needs of the young and fast-growing population of the Kingdom and the region.
King Abdullah Port is testament to the important role of the private sector in realizing Saudi Vision 2030 and is well on its way to meeting its goal of becoming one of the top ports worldwide.« Back to All News


text:
Manufacturing software provider QAD reports net loss
Santa Barbara-based manufacturing software provider QAD reported a $2.6 million net loss for the fiscal first quarter 2018, ended April 30.
Revenues grew 9.1 percent compared to the same period the previous year to $71.4 million, despite a $1.2 million impact from currency. This was primarily driven by a 34 percent increase in subscription revenue to $15.3 million.
Operating expenses grew 4.5 percent to $37.9 million for the quarter, primarily in sales, general and administrative expenses, but fell as a percentage of total revenue. Net loss per share fell from 15 cents for the first quarter of 2017 to 14 cents in the most recent quarter.
“We were pleased to see strong bookings performance in our cloud business, combined with continued improvements to our subscription gross margin,” CEO Karl Lopker said in a news release. “Our services business continues to increase as demand for upgrades and cloud implementations remains strong. The environment for global manufacturing remains positive and we are well positioned for ongoing success.”
The company had cash and cash equivalents of $153.3 million, with $136 million in current liabilities. Shares for the company fell 1.9 percent May 25, before the announcement, ending at $25.50.
QAD stated expectations of $71 million-$73 million in revenue for the second quarter, for a pre-tax loss of $1 million-$1.5 million. Full year revenues are expected to be in the range of $288 million-$292 million.
• Contact Marissa Nall at firstname.lastname@example.org.


text:
F.d.a. will propose new regulations for e-cigarettes, Washington — the food and drug administration will propose sweeping new rules on thursday that for the first time would extend its regulatory authority. A whole new mind: why right-brainers will rule the future, The title of the book is very appropriate. for the age that we are in, we need a whole new mind. however, the book promised a mansion, but ended up giving us an. This is what happened when i drove my mercedes to pick up, Darlena cunha is a former television producer turned stay-at-home mom to twin girls. she writes for the washington post and time. sara bareilles played.
Food stamps put rhode island town on monthly boom-and-bust, In woonsocket, r.i., a third of the residents use snap, formerly known as food stamps, to pay for groceries. that means the businesses in the struggling. The disney food blog | food is a theme park, It’s finally here! we are reporting to you live from the 2014 epcot food and wine festival! we’ve been busy for the last couple of days gathering information and. Fda’s proposed changes to the nutrition facts label, Questions & answers. general. 1. what changes are you planning to make on the label and how did you decide to make them? the fda’s proposed new nutrition facts.
Supplemental nutrition assistance program - wikipedia, the, According to the united states department of agriculture (based on a study of data gathered in fiscal year 2010), statistics for the food stamp program are as follows. Recipelion - everyday food recipes, quick easy meals, About recipelion.com recipe lion welcomes all aspiring cooks, foodies, and busy moms looking for quick and easy recipes for everyday foods or gourmet meals.. Women’s health magazine: recipes, cooking tips & meal, From delicious recipes to top-notch nutrition information, we have the best advice on healthy eating for women..


text:
SAVANNAH, Ga.—Authorities are investigating after a shooting at Savannah State University killed a student and prompted a lockdown at the Georgia school.
A statement posted on the university’s website identified the victim as Christopher Starks, a junior from the Atlanta area. The statement says he died at a hospital from gunshot wounds sustained during an altercation at the student union Thursday evening.
Up to 60% off - Target Promo Code
Macy's coupon - Sign up to get 25% off next order
Michaels coupon code for senior - Extra 10% off
- Saks Fifth Avenue:
$20 off sitewide + free shipping - Saks Fifth Avenue coupon
Up to 15% off + free shipping at Wayfair
Extra 25% off eBay coupon for your purchases


text:
Pensioners moving into residential care will be given state loans so they do not have to sell their property immediately, under new plans.
People will be able to borrow money from councils at nominal interest rates, with the sum being paid back after their death.
The scheme, being introduced across England in April 2015, is intended to help around 40,000 people each year who are forced to sell their homes to cover care costs. Some local authorities already operate similar arrangements, but provision varies widely across the country.
The announcement is part of a raft of proposals being published by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. It emerged over the weekend that cross-party talks on reform of social care for the elderly had broken down after ministers made clear funding decisions would not be taken until next year's spending review.
Labour has insisted the coalition's pledges are "meaningless" without concrete plans for meeting the estimated £1.7 billion cost. But Mr Lansley is to press ahead with the release of a white paper and draft bill on social care, as well as a report detailing progress towards solutions on key issues.
Ministers want to cap the amount anyone pays towards care during their lifetime at £35,000.
Mr Lansley said: "It is hard enough for people to come to terms with needing to pay for extra help when their circumstances change - whether their health has suddenly deteriorated or age has started to take its toll. The last thing people want to think about is having to immediately sell their home to pay for residential care.
"That is why, from April 2015, we will ensure that people will be able to delay selling their home to pay for residential care. This will give people greater flexibility and peace of mind at what can be a very traumatic time."
The "universal deferred payment" scheme for care homes was first proposed by a Royal Commission more than a decade ago. Since then, councils have been able to offer interest-free loans to people who face having to sell their home to pay for care. But the new scheme will order councils to provide the loans.
The social care proposals are also expected to include initiatives to help carers and give people far more control over their own care. The Government is keen for more pensioners to be looked after in their own homes, rather than go into nursing homes.
10 of the biggest consumer rip-offs
Government unveils pay after death care plan
Using a mobile phone to make and receive calls, send texts and browse the web while abroad can be extremely costly – especially if you are travelling outside the European Union (EU), where calls can cost up to 10 times as much as at home.
To avoid high charges, Carphone Warehouse suggests tourists ensure a data cap is in place, use applications to check data usage, turn off 'data roaming', avoid data-intensive applications such as Google Maps and YouTube and use wi-fi spots to update social networking sites.
Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) is supposed to help people to continue meeting their loan, mortgage or credit card repayments if they fall ill or lose their jobs. However, policies are often over-priced, riddled with exclusions and sold to people who could not make a claim if they needed to.
At one point, sale of this cover - which was often included automatically in loan repayments - was estimated to boost the banks' profits by up to £5 billion a year.
Now, though, consumers who were mis-sold PPI can fight back by complaining to the bank or lender concerned and taking their case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (08000 234567) should the response prove unsatisfactory.
It could be you, but let's face it, it probably won't be. In fact, buying a ticket for the Lotto only gives you a 1 in 13.9 million chance of winning the jackpot.
With odds like that, you would almost certainly be better off hanging on to your cash and saving it in a high-interest account.
No-frills airlines such as EasyJet may promote rock-bottom prices on their websites. But the overall fare you pay can be surprisingly high once extras such as luggage and credit card payment fees have been added - a process known as drip pricing.
Taking one piece of hold baggage on a return EasyJet flight, for example, adds close to £20 to the cost of your flight, while paying by credit card increases the price by a further £10.
It may therefore be worth comparing the total cost with that of a flight with a standard airline such as British Airways.
Cash advances, which include cash withdrawals, are generally charged at a much higher rate of interest than standard purchases.
While the average credit card interest rate is around 17%, a typical cash withdrawal of £500, for example, is charged at more than 26%.
What's more, as the interest accrues from the date of the transaction, rather than the next payment date, costs will mount up even if you clear your balance in full with your next payment.
Supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda often run promotions under which you can, for example, get three products for the price of two.
However, it is only worth taking advantage of these deals if you will actually use the products. Otherwise, you are simply buying for the sake of it, which is a waste of your hard-earned cash.
Buy a train ticket at the station on the day of travel and the price is likely to give you a shock - especially if you are travelling a long distance at a busy time of day.
However, you can cut the cost of train travel by 50% or more by going online and making the purchase beforehand - especially if you book 12 weeks in advance, which is when the cheapest tickets are on sale.
Other ways to reduce the price you pay include avoiding peak times and taking advantage of so-called carnet tickets, which allow you to buy, for example, 12 journeys for the price of 10.
Most High Street banks offer packaged accounts that come with monthly fees ranging from £6.50 up to as much as £40, with a typical account charging about £15 per month.
Various benefits, such as travel insurance and mobile phone insurance, are offered in return for this fee. But whether or not it is worth paying for them depends on your individual circumstances.


text:
LUCKNOW: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath launched the e-Nivaran app
on Friday. The app will help consumers across the state generate their own electricity
bills and pay the amount online. Consumers would also be able to register their complaint as well by clicking on the ‘grahak seva’ icon of the app.
“Nobody will charge you an irrational amount of bill. With this app, you can generate your own bill
,” said the chief minister. One can download the app from google playstore. Consumers who already pay their bills online can use the same password while others will have to create a new password.
As soon as one gets registered by providing one’s account number and password, one can see consumption details of the past six months. To generate the bill, one will have to click a picture of the meter reading and submit it. The bill will be generated in 24 hours which one can pay online. The app also allows for payment of bills of relatives and friends.
Besides, consumers can complain on 1912 helpline by making a call or by sending an SMS through the app. Complaints can be made against poor supply, erratic bills and other services of the energy department.


text:
Barclays Launches £10m Digital Safety Campaign
Barclays will lead a £10m campaign against digital fraud as research reveals the scam hotspots for adults.
According to the new national Digital Safety Index London, Bristol and Birmingham have the largest gaps in public resilience to fraud scams – based on a Barclay’s survey of 6,000 people across the UK.
The East Midlands emerged as the most resilient region for digital safety scores.
The survey also revealed that Londoners with a master’s degree and aged 25 to 34 are the UK’s most vulnerable group. The data shows people in this age group are twice as likely to be victims of online fraud as older generations.
Only 17% of people can identify basic digital threats – such as social media messages intended to trick users into sharing personal details or downloading malware.
The Barclays-led digital safety campaign is aimed at raising the public’s awareness of financial fraud risks and keeping them safe with information, tools and tips.
The campaign also includes an online quiz for people to assess their own digital safety level and get tips on how to strengthen their defences, as well as a multi-channel national advertising campaign to alert people to the risk of fraud.
Ashock Vaswani, CEO of Barclays UK, said: “Fraud is often wrongly described as an invisible crime, but the effects are no less damaging to people’s lives.
“As a society, our confidence in using digital technology to shop, pay our bills and connect with others has grown faster than our knowledge of how to do so safely. This has created a ‘digital safety gap’ which is being exploited by criminals.
“I believe the need to fight fraud has now become a national resilience issue, and we all need to boost our digital safety levels in order to close the gap.
“That is why we are launching this new national campaign on digital safety, and we will do everything in our power to arm people with the tools and information they need.
“I want to help make digital safety as commonplace as locking your front door. I want businesses, the police, and the public to unite and stand shoulder to shoulder to block and frustrate the bad guys at every turn.”Return to internet news headlines
View Internet News Archive


text:
Voice control technology, driver health monitoring, or self-examination cars are predicted to be trends that will “invade” the automobile industry in the coming years. The automotive industry is undergoing unprecedented changes and bringing tremendous impact on technology trends and consumers as well as many different sectors.
Among the most promising trends in cars is voice control technology through “virtual assistants” similar to Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant.
Ozgur Tohumcu – CEO of Tantalum technology – said: “You can interact with” driver love “through voice commands. For example, when you are driving and want to search for a parking space, all you need to do is issue a “Find a parking spot” request. Then the car will automatically guide you to the nearest location, the safest and the lowest cost. Users pay via credit card. ”
The other interesting thing about voice control technology is that it allows users to perform functions “beyond the car”. Technologies like Alexa or Google Assistant are expected to play an important role in helping users control various functions in the house even when behind the wheel.
Auto car “examination”
Mr. Tohumcu said that in the near future, cars have the ability to “diagnose” technical problems that they encounter, even automatically overcome if the error is not too serious. On the contrary, in the event that a doctor is needed, the facility also automatically evaluates the options and makes an appointment with the technician. Further, they can renew their insurance contracts as well as find better insurance packages.
Diverse map services
As map services are increasingly upgraded, users can choose routes based on a variety of criteria, such as the least polluted route, the safest route, or the route with the best views. … Mr. Tohumcu cited evidence that people will move from location A to location B on “cleaner” roads. This is especially helpful for older people with asthma.
Share self-driving cars
In recent years, self-driving cars have become one of the topics that attract the attention of many “big companies” in the car industry. Alan Brown, executive vice president of automotive startup NuVinAir, who spent 27 years working at Volkswagen, said that in the future, people will switch to carpooling. Currently, the free time of cars accounts for 80%. If they can operate on their own, people will have the opportunity to co-own and pay only for the part they use.
However, after the incidents with self-driving cars, especially the fatal accident between Uber’s test car and a pedestrian in the United States, the user has the peace of mind of “surrendering” to safety. The computer system or not remains a mystery.
Doctor on car
Transparency Market Research publishes a market prediction report for car health monitoring systems that will grow 67% between now and 2026. According to the research firm, the demand for such systems is prevalent first in Europe, followed by North America and Asia-Pacific.
Report segmentation of health monitoring systems by region as well as vehicle location. Technology will be applied first in the seats, but by 2026, integrated systems on the dashboard will prevail.
Ford is currently leading the driver health monitoring technology. The company developed and tested a device that monitors cardiac functions via a built-in sensor in the seats, which do not require direct contact with the human body to perform its task. .
Many unfortunate accidents can be prevented if the driver promptly steers the steering wheel or brakes. Therefore, some manufacturers “cherish” plans to develop systems that can read the driver’s brain waves to “turn” that goal into reality, typically Nissan.
The company’s system requires the driver to wear a helmet that measures brain activity, then transmits the readings to the steering wheel, the brakes, the throttle, etc. These parts will react before the driver. “act”.
Lucian Gheorghe – a researcher responsible for overseeing the project at Nissan – said: “ In fact, the driver still hits the steering wheel or press the accelerator pedal, but the system is predictable and implemented early. more than 0.2 to 0.5 seconds.
Virtual reality screens are now available on some BMW models. Industry experts predict that by 2020, about 70% of new vehicles will apply this technology. Information about speed, turn direction … shown on the windshield in front of the driver. Therefore, drivers do not need to take their eyes off the road, thereby reducing the risk of accidents due to distraction.
The era of automated technology
Over the past few years, the term self-driving cars have become commonplace in the media. In addition, there are many auto technologies built into cars that can replace the driver’s role in certain cases, such as automatic braking or auto parking. This trend is expected to continue to boom in the future, especially after legal issues related to such technologies are removed.
The internal combustion engine is still trusted but it won’t be long
With limited performance, only about 30%, along with huge emissions to the environment, ICE is increasingly being ‘anti’ by environmental activists as well as governments in many countries. GIA. Although the above limitations have been improved partly by forced air intake systems and a series of advanced technologies, it is undeniable that ICE is entering the final days of life.
In essence, technologies like hybrids are only a temporary solution, allowing carmakers to delay the death of this hundred-year-old engine. Because, for most car brands today, it is impossible to convert in a short time. But despite trying to delay, many brands still make comments about the end of the ICE.
At large corporations such as VW, PSA, or BMW Group, the development of modular platforms has become a fairly typical trend. With this platform, manufacturers can increase production, reduce costs, and develop new models more easily. For example, VW’s MLB Evo platform not only appears on small sedans like A4 and A5 but also larger tall models like the Q7, Q8, or even the Urus super SUV.
So what are the benefits of this trend? The answer is that both producers and consumers benefit. On the manufacturers’ side, the first benefit they aim for is profit, which in turn leads to greater stability in the future. As for consumers, they will also experience more advanced products with more features. If you consider the modular platforms as a basic Lego set, new equipment and features like additional pieces can be easily integrated.
And the platform is not the exposed component, so car manufacturers can still express their identity in the interior and exterior design. So, there are still facilities to make a difference between platform sharing models.


text:
Europe Must Seize Opportunity For Change
Five Key Issues For EU Pharma Strategy Cited By Medicines For Europe
The EU’s upcoming pharma strategy offers an important opportunity for change, according to Medicines for Europe. The off-patent industry body has set out five key issues that should be priorities for the EU Commission.
You may also be interested in...
Medicines for Europe has highlighted the need for an improved digital strategy across the EU in order to improve patient information and access to medicines, among other benefits like reducing the risk of supply disruptions, especially in the context of the current pandemic.
Partners Apotex and Ambio have announced approval of a second US teriparatide generic from the FDA, adding another Forteo rival to the market and removing hopes that Teva’s recently approved first generic could benefit from 180 days of market exclusivity. Further competition is also in the works with Amphastar awaiting FDA action on a further teriparatide ANDA.
Partners Fresenius Kabi and Formycon have submitted a US filing for their FYB202 ustekinumab biosimilar rival to Stelara.


text:
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif.- - For too long residents of the Coachella Valley have had to travel at least as far away as Menifee if they wanted a Krispy Kreme doughnut. Soon, those days will be a distant memory.
The highly anticipated Krispy Kreme at 72787 Dinah Shore Drive in Rancho Mirage will finally open its doors at 5:30 a.m. on April 16.
Be sure to set your alarms on April 16 as the first 100 guests to walk through the doors will receive free doughnuts for an entire year (plus a T-shirt!).
The first guest will receive a punch card that will ensure they get a free dozen every single week for an entire year. The next 99 guests who walk through the doors will receive a punch card for a free dozen every month for a year.
The store's opening happens in between the two weekends of the Coachella Music & Arts Festival. Store officials say those on their way back from the Empire Polo Club can stop by the store receive a free glazed doughnut. Just show them your wristband.
Stay with News Channel 3 for updates on the store's opening and any other special offers.
More: I-Team investigations
Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3
Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ
We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3
Noticias en español: Telemundo 15


text:
Duluth Cider Tap Room Grand Opening On Wednesday November 14th
Duluth Cider is ready to pour it's first glass! The new craft cider brewery will be holding it's grand opening of the Duluth Cider Tap Room and production facility on November 14th!
For the opening weekend, they will have 6 new ciders on tap to try out. You can order a full pour cider, a flight of 4 smaller ciders, and you can even take home a growler at the end of the night.
They posted the update on the grand opening on their Facebook page:
Duluth Cider is located at 2307 West Superior Street in Duluth's Craft Beer District. They explained their back story and why they were starting the business with a YouTube video earlier this year.


text:
Adobe Tech Partners Offer Insights, Offers, and Resources in Response to COVID-19
by Adobe Communications Team
posted on 04-20-2020
We at Adobe remain heartened by the continued efforts that Adobe partners everywhere are taking in response to the unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Adobe Exchange, Adobe’s technology partner ecosystem, represents over 2,000 independent software partners delivering business-critical integrations and services to customers and employees worldwide. Many partners are creating compelling offers and content for customers and employees to help them evolve and thrive in this unprecedented time in our economy.
Our Premier Partners bring the highest levels of technical commitment, product innovation, and customer orientation to Adobe Exchange and integrate with at least one or more major Adobe solutions. They work across all of Adobe’s regions and industries, making this list of COVID-19 insights, offers, and resources relevant to all businesses. Many are sharing new data sets compiled from thousands of recent digital engagements in order to help businesses make better decisions. Others are giving free or discounted services to small businesses and non-profits that have been disproportionally impacted. We thank them for these initiatives and for persisting in putting the customer first.
Akeneo – Product Information Management platform integrated with Adobe to streamline commerce experiences
Akeneo has launched a new live web series for its customers and community to support each other with product information management (PIM) tips, tricks, and best practices.
Amadeus – Travel and hospitality solutions
Amadeus, Premier Partner and global leader in travel solutions, has accelerated the delivery of products and services that help airline customers be in constant contact with travelers and travel agencies, such as chatbot-driven FAQs related to the outbreak, data services to help monitor their business, and dedicated support teams where customers are experiencing high transaction volumes in the current environment. Amadeus has also produced a number of thought leadership articles to help airline customers stay resilient in this time of change.
Appsflyer – Mobile deep linking and attribution provider
Appsflyer has opened its unique data insights about app installations and usage, bringing a global and industry perspective to the role of mobile in the current crisis. Additionally the company has donated $500K toward scientific progress against COVID-19.
Branch – Mobile deep linking and attribution provider
Branch has shared new data on app usage, impact on vertical markets, apps that help us keep in touch during social distancing, how brands are getting creative and pushing customers to their apps and online stores, and an inspirational call for hope.
DHL – Worldwide Logistics services
DHL’s logistics services and worldwide network play a critical role – from medical equipment and supplies delivery to solutions for private customers. During this time DHL has implemented new protocols and services such as Non-Contact Deliveries, enabling Signature Release options for all business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments.
dotdigital – Marketing Automation Tool with a bundled Commerce Cloud extension
dotdigital has built several compelling offers for commerce merchants of its Engagement Cloud. All M2 merchants have access to a free live chat account, which currently includes 10 free agent seats to help keep on top of customer queries and supports merchants as we see a further shift from offline to online. Existing customer are supported by an additional child account with 10,000 free email sends for employee engagement as effective internal communications are key in times like this. For new customers in Americas and APAC, free onboarding and in the UK reduced onboarding and setup charges. These offers expire 30th June 2020.
Drift – Conversational Marketing solution
Drift partnered with Adobe solution partner Perficient to build a chatbot assessment service for the health industry, allowing hospitals and health plans to engage with at-risk populations in a digital format.
Hootsuite – Social Media Management platform
Hootsuite, Adobe’s Premier Partner for social marketing, is offering Hootsuite Professional for small businesses and nonprofits at no charge until July 1, enabling businesses to build stronger direct communications with their customers during the impact.
Invoca – Call Tracking, Analytics, and Performance Marketing solution
Invoca has opened their industry insights into how COVID-19 is affecting call volumes across industries, and how businesses are responding to these changes.
Medallia – Customer Experience Management Platform
Medallia has assembled curated offerings to help customers stay connected with their employees and customers deliver insights for changing conditions, and innovate with speed. Additionally, they’ve shared insights on how to modify customer and employee programs during COVID-19.
Nosto – Ecommerce Personalization Platform which helps merchants create personalized online shopping experiences
Nosto is offering pricing options for those affected by COVID-19. For additional details, email, COVID_relief@Nosto.com
ObservePoint – Digital analytics testing and tag governance
ObservePoint created an ebook to help customers recession proof their marketing investments.
PayPal – Payment System integrated with Magento Commerce
PayPal is working with government bodies to facilitate small business loans, eliminating certain chargeback and transfer fees, and extending dispute resolution times and seller protection benefits.
Persado – Text Optimization and Personalization platform
Persado has built a Language and Communication Resource Center enabling financial services and other affected industries to develop an appropriate brand and communication plan to navigate the extreme complexities of this unique period.
Siteimprove – Quality Assurance and SEO solution
Siteimprove is focusing on helping businesses improve their digital site accessibility, discoverability, and performance. They have aggregated multiple ideas to help workers be more productive, efficient, and inspired in the new home work setting environment. They also created a guide that shows customers how to create a dashboard for COVID-19 web pages.
Translations.com – Global Translation solution
Translations.com has created a free customizable COVID-19 prevention video in 11 languages available to businesses globally and in use by over 500 companies in efforts to keep employees healthy.
Vertex – Tax Management Automation integrated with Adobe Commerce Cloud
Vertex has compiled country-by-country tax changes and resources to help businesses cope and understand the tax implications of COVID-19.
Yotpo – Reviews & Recommendations, Loyalty & Rewards
Yotpo, a leading ecommerce marketing platform, has expanded its loyalty offering to help customers create a new revenue channel and increase short-term cash flow through paid membership programs. In addition, they have built a COVID-19 Resource Center to provide helpful findings and practical strategies to help the community navigate market shifts caused by COVID. Yotpo’s COVID-19 Resource Center
Topics: News, COVID-19
Products: Premiere Pro, Creative Cloud


text:
When Sanad Yaghi tried to order an ice cream from his local baqala grocery shop in Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic, he ended up with a tomato, because of a language barrier.
“It was unclear to me why these stores were yet to have any kind of digital presence. I realised quickly that they would need an operating system to facilitate both online ordering and digital payments,” says Mr Yaghi, who has a background in venture capital with Mubadala Ventures.
Sensing a market gap for a digital store management platform, Mr Yaghi, Ali Al Sayegh and Shadi Joulani decided to launch Dukkantek — dukan is the Arabic word for corner shop — to drive much-needed digital transformation in the traditional retail space.
“We founded Dukkantek in January 2021 during the pandemic to meet the growing demand for digital advancements within the community retail sector,” Mr Yaghi says.
“Our company aims to solve the technological challenges stores may face by not having an existing digital presence. We have seen phenomenal growth to date, highlighting a severely underserved market and reaffirming the local demand for such a solution.”
The coronavirus pandemic hastened digital adoption in the Middle East and North Africa, leading to an increase in online shopping, in particular.
The region’s e-commerce market is expected to reach $49 billion in 2025, up almost 55 per cent from 2021, a report by EZDubai, an e-commerce zone in Dubai, and Euromonitor International showed last month.
The UAE’s e-commerce market alone is forecast to grow 60 per cent to more than $8bn by 2025 from 2021.
Community retailers in the UAE without a digital presence, who were unable to accept online payments during the pandemic, were severely affected due to the drop in customer footfall.
“Our company was created to assist businesses without a digital presence and support smaller businesses to continue operating efficiently,” says Mr Al Sayegh, an angel investor who has worked at SoftBank Vision Fund and Mubadala Ventures.
“Dukkantek is able to reduce certain financial losses a business may incur by not providing customers with the option for cashless payments.”
Their clients range from small grocery shops and florists to electronic stores, Mr Al Sayegh says.
“What ties them all together is that they are micro, small and medium enterprises and typically non-chain stores that have been the backbone of their communities for years,” he adds.
The Dukkantek platform offers advanced in-store boxes fitted with a point-of-sale system that can be accessed online from anywhere in the world.
It uses cloud computing to offer predictive analytics and transparency on operations, and helps manage retailers’ digital presence, says Mr Joulani, who previously worked in procurement and cost-optimisation at the Royal Bank of Canada.
“We provide our merchants with various online and in-store payment options. Dukkantek facilitates card payments, manages the merchant’s online presence and enhances in-store operations,” Mr Joulani adds.
The company’s software allows business owners to keep track of transactions, monitor sales, calculate value-added tax, generate reports and evaluate profit margin.
Additionally, the cloud inventory management system helps merchants to track stock, manage stock value, organise inventory, co-ordinate fast-moving products and generate reports for analysis, according to the co-founders.
Mohammad Khaimudeen, owner of Al Dalal Grocery in Ras Al Khamiah, recorded each transaction manually in a notebook before he signed up with Dukkantek.
“I did not have an idea of how much stock I was selling, which products sold well and those that did not. After registering with Dukkantek, I use their online system regularly for transactions and sales data. I also have a good idea about stock now,” Mr Khaimudeen says.
Dukkantek’s co-founders, who met as students in 2006 at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, initially bootstrapped the start-up.
The business, which started off with just the three of them, has since expanded to 140 employees with operations in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. It has more than 3,000 businesses registered in the UAE.
“We are now live across five markets in the GCC and are excited to further grow to provide our services internationally,” Mr Yaghi says.
To support its expansion, the start-up closed a seed funding round in March, raising $5.2 million. Global Founders Capital led the round, with participation from Colle Capital Partners, Wamda Capital, Plug and Play and Comma Capital. Other strategic investors in the round included Nowais Capital, Annex Investments and AMK Investment Office.
Start-ups in the Mena region registered record venture capital funding worth $2.6bn last year through 590 transactions, according to a report by data platform Magnitt. About 35 start-ups announced exits in 2021, indicating a maturity in the region’s start-up landscape.
UAE start-ups accounted for 26 per cent of all deals closed across the region and 45 per cent of all funding raised in 2021, Magnitt said.
“In order to ensure all merchants have the ability to partner with Dukkantek, we run a capex-opex business model that ensures no merchant is priced out of a partnership. This revolves around charging a software fee for the Dukkantek POS and applications,” Mr Yaghi says.
The main challenge faced by Dukkantek is technology adoption among traditional retail merchants.
However, its competitive advantage is its ability to support digital usage in a segment that typically includes “late adopters by having a laser focus on developing user-friendly interfaces and technology”, according to Mr Al Sayegh.
“We redefine the conventional way of managing tasks and sales. Dukkantek aims to strengthen local community stores and power digital transformations with end-to-end technology that enhances and streamlines all business processes.”
Q&A with Dukkantek’s co-founders
What already successful start-up do you wish you had started?
Sanad Yaghi: Uber, it is a true disrupter.
What is your next big dream?
Sanad Yaghi: [Currently] focused on Dukkantek, but I think food technology is a very exciting space.
What new skills have you learnt in the process of launching your start-up?
Sanad Yaghi: If I were to pick one, it’d be grit.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
Sanad Yaghi: I wouldn’t change a thing, as I truly believe everything that has happened has helped us get to where we are today. We have learnt important lessons that we use to continue to grow and scale.
Who is your role model?
Sanad Yaghi: Oliver Samwer, founder of Berlin-based tech incubator Rocket Internet.
Ali Al Sayegh: Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chief executive and managing director of Mubadala Investment Company.
Shadi Joulani: Fadi Ghandour, co-founder of Aramex.
Where do you see yourself after 10 years?
Sanad Yaghi: As the only solution any small business needs to operate their business.
Founders:+Sanad Yaghi, Ali Al Sayegh and Shadi Joulani
Number of employees:+140
Sector:+B2B Vertical SaaS(software as a service)
Funding stage:+Seed round
Investors:+Global Founders Capital, Colle Capital Partners, Wamda Capital, Plug and Play, Comma Capital, Nowais Capital, Annex Investments and AMK Investment Office
Updated: April 11, 2022, 4:30 AM


text:
← Back to: "2014 Chevrolet SS Walkaround [Video]"
2014 Chevrolet SS
"Revealed more than two months ago at the Daytona International Speedway, the 2014 Chevrolet SS was introduced to the public at last month’s New York Auto Show. Overshadowed by the Camaro Z/28 and the Corvette Stingray Convertible at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, the company’s new performance sedan got its official walkaround just two weeks after the event was over. “The 2014 Chevrolet SS is really a rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. It’s based on the next ge..." Continue Reading →
Photo credits: screenshot from Youtube
Showing picture: #1/1


text:
Streetwear designer Heron Preston, who rose to fame thanks to a clothing line inspired by the uniforms of New York City’s Department of Sanitation, has surprised the fashion world once more. Preston has developed a capsule collection to celebrate NASA’s 60th anniversary. The pieces, which resemble the pressure suits astronauts use when on duty, features “the worm”, the iconic NASA logo used from 1976 to 1992.
To promote the collection, Preston released a short film titled “Above the Clouds”. Shot in the course of six months with the help of film producer David Laven, the movie documents the creative process behind the collection and ends with the designer launching a mannequin wearing one of his pieces into the Earth’s stratosphere. “It all started with a text to Laven, saying that I wanted to shoot a video of my collection in a zero gravity plane. We eventually decided to take it higher”, said Preston on Instagram.
The pieces are available on Preston’s website. Prices range between 266 US dollars (205 pounds) and 1548 US dollars (1195 pounds). Some items are already sold out.
Photos: courtesy of Heron Preston/NASA, Heron Preston website


text:
- GlobeNewswire•5 days ago
YOKNEAM, Israel, Feb. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumenis Ltd. , the world`s largest energy-based medical device company for surgical, aesthetic, and ophthalmic applications, announced that it will be ...
- GlobeNewswire•5 months agoLumenis Announces Participation in First Educational Course at the 17th European Burns Association Congress
YOKNEAM, Israel, Sept. 26, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumenis Ltd. , the world`s largest energy-based medical device company for surgical, aesthetic and ophthalmic applications, announced it will be the ...
We're sorry this is all we were able to find about this topic.
LMNS : Summary for Lumenis Ltd. - Yahoo Finance
Lumenis Ltd. (LMNS)
NasdaqGS - NasdaqGS Delayed Price. Currency in USD
Add to watchlist
At close: 2:59PM EST
|Day's Range||0.00 - 0.00|
|52 Week Range|
Trade prices are not sourced from all markets
|PE Ratio (TTM)||N/A|
|Dividend & Yield||N/A (N/A)|
|1y Target Est||N/A|


text:
‘Pouring gasoline where it needs to be poured’: Why a DTC seafood company is rethinking its ad spend
Get Maine Lobster, a direct-to-consumer seafood company, diversified its media plan throughout 2020 to be less reliant on Facebook and Instagram. The company plans to carry on with that approach in 2021, as DTC marketers say the diversification conversation has continued to heat up.
“There are only so many impressions available from the top of the funnel for Facebook — [inventory] will run out of people to hit from that perspective, however it may become a great remarketing tool,” said Mark Murrell, Get Maine Lobster CEO and founder, when asked why the diversification strategy will continue this year. Murrell added that the company needs to “meet consumers where they are and those channels are ever-changing.”
Early on in 2020, the company was spending approximately 70% of its ad spend on Facebook and sister company Instagram. In April, after the on-set of the pandemic, Get Maine Lobster began to reduce its reliance on the platform and now allocates roughly 55% of its ad spend to Facebook and Instagram. Another 30% is spent on paid search via Google’s Ad Words and 15% is reserved for experiments with affiliate marketing, programmatic display and podcasts. Previously, nearly 95% of the budget was allocated to paid social (mostly Facebook and Instagram) and search (Google’s Ad words) and another 5% for traditional. “What I think will happen is that the bottom 15% will slowly become like 50% and then Facebook will eventually become a remarketing tool,” said Murrell. “It’s hard to say. Programmatic is doing really well.”
While DTC marketers and media buyers have been talking about the need to diversify for years, doing so started to become more commonplace last year. “People are realizing they don’t want all their eggs in one basket,” said Nik Sharma, DTC investor and advisor and founder of Sharma Brands, of the trend. That will continue to accelerate this year, according to DTC buyers, who say that issues with Facebook’s Ads Manager as well as higher costs due to increased competition amid Covid. Another issue, according to buyers, is the impact of Apple’s iOS 14 update.
That’s contributing to Murrell’s continued shift away from Facebook as well. “Apple did an iOS update where you can change advertising settings — this impacted Facebook as well — we saw that [customer acquisition cost] started to rise and reporting started to skew,” said Murrell. “We weren’t able to tell how well things were performing — this encouraged us to continue diversifying advertising platforms and revenue sources.”
“Everyone is monitoring the iOS 14 issue,” said Brandon Doyle, founder of Wallaroo Media, adding that the overall impact of the update is still yet to be determined. “At this point it’s undeniable — you need to be diversified or you’re doing yourself a disservice.”
As brands like Get Maine Lobster continue to diversify their ad spend, the marketers behind those brands will need to know their “risk/reward tolerance,” said Kevin Simonson, former vp of social at Wpromote, adding that new channels take time to learn.
Overall, Murrell suggests that marketers need to take a data-centric approach to diversification. “We’re very data-heavy and always analyzing every dollar spent,” said Murrell. “That’s why our marketing has evolved. It’s really analyzing the data and where customers are in the journey. We’re pouring gasoline where it should be poured and pulling back as needed.”
‘Going above and beyond usual benefit norms’: Companies are starting to give employees time off for pregnancy loss
In an effort to better support working parents, companies across the industry are ramping up family leave policies for everything from miscarriage to adoption.
How (and why) agencies are adapting to stay relevant in the metaverse
To get more comfortable in this new environment, some agencies are getting involved in experimental projects to stake their claim to the metaverse.
‘Reach a totally different audience’: With Sundance virtual once again, marketers pivot to online experiences
Until earlier this month, this year’s Sundance was meant to be a hybrid festival with attendees returning to Park City to participate in-person as well as virtual elements for attendees to tune-in online.
SponsoredHow the relationship between live events and mobile devices is evolving in 2022
Sponsored by AdColony The pandemic has accelerated changes in the way people consume content — and live events are part of that transformation. For advertisers, the questions are the kind on which campaign success depends: In what ways (and numbers) have people returned to watching sports, e-sports and events such as the Grammys? Are they […]
Pepsi launches app and short ‘trailer’ to hype Super Bowl halftime show
The soft-drink giant will promote its Super Bowl Halftime show with a newly launched app and a short film directed by F. Gary Gray.
‘The business is at a level of scale now’: The Brandtech Group CEO David Jones on building a business for the ‘post-advertising’ world
Not only is the holding group past the hype cycle peak these businesses usually encounter, it’s skipped right over the trough of disillusionment that tends to follow and is straight into growth mode.


text:
Used Class 8 Sales Decline 16.3% Year-Over-Year in July
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
Used Class 8 vehicles in July were, on average, younger, cost less and had about the same mileage compared to a year earlier, and entered the freight market amid spot rates that have climbed to peaks last seen in 2018, ACT Research reported.
Sales hit 18,000 compared with 21,500 a year earlier, a decrease of 16.3%, and were flat compared with June’s volume, according to ACT.
The really interesting development is the market is doing better than almost anybody anticipated, ACT Vice President Steve Tam told Transport Topics.
“I think a portion of what’s happening is you’ve got folks who are unemployed, some from even outside the industry, who are looking at what is happening and being quite encouraged,” he said. “Specifically, I am thinking about spot freight rates, which are approaching record highs that we saw in the 2018 time frame.”
Licensing, of course, presents a hurdle, but some of the buyers were formerly truck drivers with commercial driver licenses, Tam said.
Separately, ACT issued a release noting that CDL issuance this year is tracking about 40% below the normal level — and that underscores what Tam said was a shortage of drivers, not trucks, contributing to the climb in spot rates.
The used truck market has some really decent vehicles for sale at a really reasonable price, he added, “so the barriers to entry are quite low.”
The average price of Class 8 used trucks fell 15% in July to $36,670 compared with $43,383 in July 2019 — marking the 15th consecutive monthly year-over-year decline. The average mileage of the trucks increased slightly to 455,000 compared to 453,000. The average age fell to 6 years, 8 months, compared to 7 years, 8 months.
Each month, ACT surveys a sample of dealers, wholesalers and auctioneers as well as a few large fleets to determine average price, age and mileage, and estimated industry volumes.
Not all used Class 8 buyers were after a single truck, Tam said. One dealer told him of negotiations for 25 trucks with one first-time buyer and with another for 50, as each wanted to start a small trucking company.
“You have to take advantage of the conditions while they exist,” Tam said. “Freight is coming back very solidly from that April-May time frame. It certainly hasn’t gotten back to year-ago levels, but it wants to move in that direction.”
Tam said dealers sold about two-thirds, “if not more,” of all used heavy-duty trucks.
There’s no shortage of supply on dealers’ lots, said Chris Visser, J.D. Power’s senior analyst of commercial vehicles, “but it’s being worked through thanks to a mild cyclical decline in trades combined with a greater number of check-writers showing up at dealerships.”
Visser said an increased number of fleet bankruptcies will add trucks to the supply this year and next, “but the general inventory trend will remain downward as long as the economic recovery doesn’t pull back dramatically.”
He added: “The firms that track freight metrics are showing the dry van segment to be in its third month of full recovery, with reefer and flatbed segments not far behind.”
If a Class 8 vehicle is running less or parked at a used truck lot, and inventory is higher than normal, that has a negative effect on the aftermarket, said John Blodgett, vice president of sales at MacKay & Co.
“We have seen the percentage of trucks parked by fleets increase slightly this year,” he said. “For the Classes 6-8 truck, school bus and trailer aftermarket in the U.S., we estimate that 47% of parts demand comes from subsequent vehicle owners, a significant chunk. Those who bought a truck and still own it drive 53% of aftermarket parts demand.”
Blodgett pointed out sometimes fleets that can’t fill all their trucks are likely to use newer ones, which are more efficient and need fewer repairs.
“Owner-operators typically are first to be impacted by an economic slowdown and last to feel the positive effects when things turn around. Owner-operators own more used trucks than other vocations,” he said.
ACT estimated total used Class 8 sales in the U.S. in 2020 will be 210,000 compared with 235,000 in 2019. Tam said this forecast has “potential on the upside.”
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing:


text:
MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants to take hemp off the government’s controlled substances list. That would mean farmers would no longer need permits to grow the plant.
Hemp does not get you high but its fibers can help make clothes, rope and paper, while hemp oils are used to make CBD products.
In the past, there has been confusion about the differences between marijuana and hemp. McConnell says the government is past that.
“I think most of the members of the Senate now understand it’s two very different plants. There may be some continued discussion of that but I think most everybody over the last course of the current Farm Bill now understands that this is a totally different plant,” said McConnell, R-Kentucky.
So how would hemp’s legalization affect farmers here in Vermont? Dom Amato spoke with the Agriculture Agency and found out hemp is gaining popularity by the week. There are 150 registered hemp farms in the state growing the crop on more than 1,200 acres. And there are a couple of


text:
Littlewoods last reviewed its remuneration philosophy 20 years ago and has now decided to remove its top six grades and associated salary bands as part of the move to a more flexible remuneration package. This will give employees a greater say in how they receive benefit, and prevent the 'perk car' drivers from replacing their company cars with new ones when they come up for renewal. Instead, they will have a non-pensionable cash allowance which they will be able to use to source a car through a nominated PCP provider or privately, or spend the money on other benefits such as dental care or extra holiday.
Rod Rees, director of remuneration, said the new system was designed to combat hierarchy within the benefits package and to reflect a 'flatter' management structure.'I would expect the majority to use the PCP scheme because they will still need a car for normal business and personal use. Cars should still fit with the company image and be able to be used for business purposes.'


text:
LOS ANGELES — Working in Hollywood for years, actress and writer Erika Alexander has suffered her share of rejection. But one stung deeply — ultimately making her more creative and determined.
By the early 2010s, Alexander was well-known for her role as attorney Maxine Shaw on Fox’s “Living Single.” The actress was later hailed for her confident, nuanced portrayal of Detective Latoya in the Academy Award-nominated film “Get Out.” She had the credentials, the experience and track record to be taken seriously at a Hollywood pitch meeting.
At one, she pitched a new TV series called “Concrete Park,” about black teenagers who awaken on a distant, desert world known as Kepler 56-B, where they have to fight for freedom against hostile forces. She had maps, character sketches and a detailed storyline.
The executives were uninterested. One executive told her: “Black people don’t like science fiction because they don’t see themselves in the future.”
The executive was wrong. African Americans make up a large share of the sci-fi movie-going audience — 72 percent as of December 2018, according to data from Statista. Plus, Alexander found the comment about African Americans’ perceptions of the future deeply offensive.
“[The executive] became very abrasive after we pushed back,” Alexander said of the meeting. “We told him, ‘black people were the ultimate futurists and had created the future he lived in—blues, jazz, rock n’ roll, hip-hop; we told him about sci-fi icons Octavia Butler and Samuel Delany, and topped it off with the number one sci-fi star in the world at the time — Will Smith. For us the past is painful, the present precarious, but the future is free.”
After that meeting, she was still determined to tell her story.
If television wasn’t open to her ideas, she would find another outlet for “Concrete Park.” Eventually, Alexander and co-creator Tony Puryear (also known for writing “Eraser”) found their way to graphic-novel publisher Dark Horse Comics. It’s the same banner responsible for smash hits “The Mask” and “Sin City.”
Seven years later, with Alexander’s writing and Puryear’s illustrations, “Concrete Park” continues to gain legions of diverse fans worldwide.
This month, Alexander and the “Concrete Park” series will team with leading NFT (non-fungible token) platform Curio to break into the emerging market with a new collection of NFTs, based on the groundbreaking comic series.
An NFT is a digital collectible bought and sold on blockchain. Like memorabilia, a painting or a sports-trading card, an NFT is unique. In fact, it is rarer than the rarest baseball card because there is only one NFT per item. It is computer code that gives the owner the exclusive digital rights to a physical object, even if that object is publicly displayed elsewhere.
NFTs gained mainstream notoriety earlier this year when a series of eye-popping sales made global headlines. An NFT linked to a single Lebron James video segment recently sold for over $200,000, and a one-of-a-kind piece by digital artist Beeple brought in $69 million at auction.
Since the pandemic has left many confined to the digital world, it was only a matter of time before rare digital goods were sold to a market of homebound people.
Creators like Alexander and Puryear consider the NFT scene as a new way to connect with fans.
“It’s all about engagement. We’re not just do-it-yourself in our creative approach, our business model has been DIY as well,” Alexander said.
“We’re a sci-fi series, we’re about the future, and early on, we saw NFTs as the future of getting cool ‘Concrete Park’ collectibles into the hands of our fans.” The exclusive, limited-quantity collectibles will debut on Curio’s NFT platform in two series based on “Concrete Park” characters and cover art.
“Building connections to audiences is the most important thing for any fandom,” said Curio CEO Juan M. Hernandez. “This collaboration presents an entirely new digital experience that allows fans, collectors and NFT enthusiasts to embrace a direct relationship with the artists.”
Their aim is to create an environment where NFTs act as “digital passports” to new online and offline experiences. “People like to show off their collections,” Hernandez said on a recent podcast.
Alexander and Puryear are working with Curio to create a program of collectible items and timed drops throughout April and May.
Of course, some people have dismissed NFTs as just collecting expensive JPEGs. But part of being an enthusiastic collector and devoted fan is accepting that many people won’t understand what the collection and affinity means to you.
Puryear said throughout his life he has collected comics, baseball cards and obscure Prince records. Alexander favors fabric, old locks and lost family photos.
Alexander and Puryear have come a long way since their TV pitch meeting with an out-of-touch executive. In an interview with The Breakfast Club, Alexander recalls keeping her chin up in the face of discouragement, taking inspiration from the success of many sci-fi films starring Will Smith (“Independence Day,” “Men in Black,” “Cloverfield”). Entering the comic-book world was a big risk, with Alexander learning and honing the writing style, and Puryear taking up illustrating in his 40s. There were plenty of growing pains along the way, but it paid off.
The duo’s optimism is reaching new heights in anticipation of the upcoming “Concrete Park” NFT sales of rare covers and characters, and the overall excitement surrounding a new market conducive for art.
“In every generation, art undergoes a transformation,” Alexander said. “The Impressionists, Cubists and Surrealists challenged representational art, but for those movements, the canvases were in the physical space.”
After a career of connecting with fans via TV, film and radio, Alexander is looking forward to her fans collecting digitally. “Now, digital art and its creators are ascendant, and their presence challenges the status quo,” Alexander said. “Curio’s NFTs are the missing link. The future has arrived — on a pixel.”
(Edited by Judith Isacoff and Fern Siegel)
The post Rejection Was The Mother Of Creation For ‘Concrete Park’ Co-Creator appeared first on Zenger News.


text:
Verify Turned-Off Apple Wireless Keyboard
Can't tell if you've turned off your Apple Wireless Keyboard to prevent it from waking up an iOS device or running down its batteries? Tap the Caps Lock key, and if it illuminates, the keyboard is on; otherwise not.
Seen on an envelope from MacConnection recently: "Rush. Dated material. Dated for freshness. Blind dated. Updated. Open immediately. Open really soonShow full article
We've heard that, in an unexpected move, IBM plans to purchase Lotus Corp. IBM isn't telling how much it will pay, but we're betting that it will be an obscene amount of money, considering that Lotus is one of the largest software companies after MicrosoftShow full article
This is weird. We heard of a new computer from small startup company in Texas called TechnoWizards. Well, OK, that's not so weird. What's strange about this particular machine is that it's a hybrid, which accounts for its name, the Hybrid/3Show full article
We've all been waiting for Apple to announce a 68040 Mac and a lighter, faster portable. Well, it looks like the wait will soon be over, but there is an unanticipated twistShow full article
Most everyone is in favor of networks these days. But current networks are quite stupid - they're nothing more than pipes through which information flowsShow full article


text:
High consumption of vitamin E either from diet or vitamin supplements may lower the risk..
Scientists have found new clues about the health-damaging molecular changes set in motion by eating..
Epidemiologists have long warned that, in addition to causing obesity, eating too much fat and..
A high-fat diet, followed for even a short time, injures the brain, a new study..
Enter your email address:
Delivered by FeedBurner
Artificial sweeteners are good for diabetics
© Copyright Sify Technologies Ltd, 1998-2014. All rights reserved


text:
YEC founder Scott Gerber talks to Upstart Business Journal editor J. Jennings Moss about his new effort to offer various health insurance plans to entrepreneurs, SMB owners and freelancers.
Scott Gerber, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council. J. Jennings Moss/Upstart Business Journal
The UpTake: Scott Gerber has dedicated his life to helping young startup founders be successful. And now he's taking the big step of keeping them healthy too.
Scott Gerber has a plan he believes will be 'game-changing' for the startups conserving every penny for their product. He also thinks he can entice millions of would-be entrepreneurs to leave their corporate cubicles.
Tomorrow, the founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council will unveil StartupInsurance, a suite of three websites that curate and customize insurance plans for entrepreneurs and startups, freelancers and small business owners.
It's his best bet at simplifying the complex, frustrating and soon-to-be federally mandated process of securing health insurance. And he thinks he can make it more affordable too.
Why does it matter?
Because Gerber believes entrepreneurs shouldn't risk their health to start a company—it might not be all that productive or cost-effective to risk getting sick without coverage. And he believes a simpler, more affordable set of insurance options might give aspiring entrepreneurs enough confidence to finally go out on their own.
And why Gerber?
The 30-year-old man—who claims never to have held a typical job—has become a spokesman for a movement of young people away from corporations and into business for themselves. A 2005 New York University graduate, Gerber's first business failed and he vowed then that if ever he found success, he'd devote himself to helping other young entrepreneurs find the resources and network they needed to succeed too.
In 2010, he created the invite-only Young Entrepreneur Council and published the book, Never Get A "Real" Job. In 2011, he co-founded Gen Y Capital Partners, an early-stage venture fund that invests in Gen Y startups and provides them access to the YEC. (Editor's note: the YEC is an Upstart Business Journal editorial partner.)
Laura Baverman is a business journalist newly relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina. Before her move, Laura spent nearly four years tracking Cincinnati's growing technology and startup scene for the Cincinnati Enquirer.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
Sign up to receive Upstart Business Journal’s free daily email newsletter, weekend edition and breaking news alerts.


text:
- Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has Apple shares and cash worth 52% of its entire market capitalization.
- The billionaire investor's company owned $113 billion in Apple stock and $147 billion in cash at the last count, representing more than half of its $499 billion market cap.
- Berkshire's market value suggests the rest of its business is worth less than $240 billion, even though it generated more than $250 billion in revenue last year.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway owned about $260 billion in cash and Apple stock at the last count, representing an astounding 52% of its $499 billion market capitalization.
The famed investor's conglomerate held about 245 million Apple shares as of June 30, giving it a roughly 5.7% stake in the iPhone maker. Apple's stock price has soared about 57% to an all-time high this year, boosting the value of Berkshire's position by more than $40 billion, to about $113 billion as of Tuesday's close.
Buffett's company also boasted a record $147 billion in cash and US Treasuries at the end of June, an increase of about $19 billion from the end of December.
Meanwhile, Berkshire's stock price is down about 9% this year, weighing on its market cap. By comparison, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes both closed at record highs on Wednesday.
Read more: Warren Buffett's bet on Barrick Gold isn't as strange as it looks. The miner models itself on Berkshire Hathaway.
The outcome of Berkshire growing its cash pile and its Apple stock climbing in value while its market cap remains depressed is that its cash and Apple shares are now worth more than half of the entire company.
Berkshire has also ramped up its spending since the end of June. It agreed to pay about $4 billion in cash for Dominion Energy's natural-gas assets, plowed about $2.1 billion into Bank of America stock in the three weeks to August 4, and appears to have repurchased roughly $2 billion of its own stock in July.
However, that would still leave it with about $139 billion in cash and a total of $252 billion in cash and Apple stock, representing more than 50% of its market cap.
Berkshire's market value implies that without the Apple shares and cash, the rest of its business is worth less than $240 billion. That's hard to believe given the massive scale and diversity of its operations.
Read more: A $5 billion chief market strategist shares 5 post-pandemic stocks to buy now for gains as COVID-19 cases level off — and 2 big-tech winners to start cashing out of
Buffett's company owns scores of businesses, including Geico, See's Candies, Dairy Queen, Duracell, Fruit of the Loom, NetJets, Precision Castparts, PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, the BNSF Railway, and Marmon, which itself owns more than 100 manufacturing and services businesses.
Berkshire also generated about $254 billion in revenue and $69 billion in pretax income last year, excluding a roughly $34 billion gain on its Apple stock and about $750 million in dividends from the tech titan.
Moreover, strip out Berkshire's cash and Apple stock and it still boasted about $160 billion in net assets as of June 30.
Berkshire's market cap doesn't seem to reflect its size, asset base, and financial health. The company is exposed to the pandemic through its numerous insurance, manufacturing, retail, industrial, and service businesses, but its valuation still seems disconnected from reality.
Read more: A JPMorgan equity chief sees stocks staying range bound for another year, even if there's a vaccine breakthrough — but says investors can still get big returns in these 11 regions and sectors


text:
NEW YORK (CNNfn) - The initial public offering market was active Wednesday night, with the biggest name pricing shares and the largest deal delaying another day.|
Leather product company Coach Inc. raised $118.08 million by selling 7.38 million shares at $16 a share, the high end of its price range of $14-to-$16.
But Asia Global Crossing Ltd. ("AGCX"), the pan-Asia telecommunications carrier that expects to partner with GlobalCenter, a specialist in hosting Internet site infrastructure and managing e-commerce, decided to wait another day after drastically reducing its offering Tuesday night from $993 million to about $530 million.
Coach is being spun off by food and apparel company Sara Lee Corp. (SLE: Research, Estimates), and analysts said the profitable company is a good "old economy" IPO which should see solid gains, though not the runs tech stocks continue to see.
Coach, led by top-tier underwriter Goldman Sachs, plans to trade under the symbol "COH."
The New Power Company raised $504 million, pricing 24 million shares at $21 a share, above its previously stated range of $18-to-$20.
TNPC plans to sell electricity and natural gas over the Internet, below market prices.
Read CNNfn.com's IPO Focus story on New Power
The Greenwich, Conn.-based company will trade as "NPW" and the deal is co-managed by Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette and Credit Suisse First Boston.
Biotech company Kosan Biosciences raised $70 million by selling 5 million shares at $14, the bottom of a price range of $14-to-$16.
Hayward, Calif.-based Kosan, "KOSN," which lost roughly $4.4 million last year, focuses on creating pharmaceutical products out of organic materials called polykeptides. Lehman Brothers is serving as the deal's lead underwriter.


text:
INDONESIA: Aeon to launch Ministop in Indonesia
Aeon has signed an accord with PT Bahagia Niaga Lestari for the roll-out of the Ministop stores
Japanese retailer Aeon has announced plans to launch its Ministop convenience store network in Indonesia.
Aeon has signed an accord with PT Bahagia Niaga Lestari, a local retail unit of Udinda Co, to enable the roll-out of the stores, it said last week.
Under the contract, the first store will open in Jakarta by the end of February 2013, and Aeon estimates this will reach around 300 stores by February 2018.
Aeon hopes that the move will enable it to capitalise on the growth of the middle class and urbanisation in the market. The company predicted the number of middle income consumers in Asian countries will double to about 2bn by 2020 and the number of people living in urban areas to grow by 400m to 2.2bn in a decade.
The Ministop store format will offer products that meet local preferences, the retailer said.
Aeon's Ministop convenience chain currently operates in China, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines. Ministop has 2,124 stores in Japan.
French retail giant Carrefour has denied reports it is in talks with Hong Kong-based China Resources Enterprise about a potential partnership deal in the Chinese retail sector....
- Premier Foods to push on with range revamp
- Focus: Why Dairy Crest needs to offload dairies
- Sweets & Snacks Expo: just-food's pick
- UK Responsibility Deal must solve credibility gap
- USDA's GMO move may block mandatory labels
- JBS "seeking M&A" in Americas, Australia
- Dairy Crest earnings fall
- General Mills launches Greek yoghurt in Australia
- Cadbury to cut Australian jobs
- Mars launches "healthy" snacks Goodnessknows


text:
The popularity of content marketing shows no signs of abating. But marketers who use content as part of their marketing mix must ensure that their content is meaningful for their audience. Building a robust content strategy will help, because creating compelling content takes planning, time, and people—an investment that can be too easily overlooked.
Liya Sharif, senior director of marketing at technology manufacturer Qualcomm and publisher of its digital content platform, Spark, says investing in personnel is her number one priority when it comes to content. “My goal [is] to hire the right people, who really understand not just marketing and PR, but what it takes to create compelling content that people want to come and read,” she explains.
Spark uses a mix of brand marketers, PR professionals, journalists, and analysts to create its content. These include an editor-in-chief and executive producer, with a full-time staff of about five people.
Qualcomm has put its marketing muscle behind the venture, but it’s possible to take a lower-cost approach. “A lot of people don’t take advantage of the amount of freelance writers out there,” says Casie Gillette, director of online marketing at B2B marketing firm KoMarketing Associates.
To maximize the investment in content, it’s vital to build out an editorial calendar as part of a content strategy. “Putting even a loose content schedule in place around key events, like product launches and innovations, keeps you on track and holds you accountable,” Gillette says.
Format is also an important part of any content strategy, with marketers having to think carefully about the preferences of their target audience. Would customers prefer blogs, videos, whitepapers? What’s the right mix?
“Brands need to create and keep producing new, fresh content, but if they do this with an eye on repurposing the content across platforms…they’ll be ahead of the game and cost-efficient,” says Lynn Baus, creative director of cross-channel marketing services provider Responsys.
She recommends including video and other visual content, like infographics, since they “up the engagement and relationship quotient exponentially.”
In addition to format, marketers need to understand where their target audience consumes content and adapt it accordingly, whether that means making it sharable for social networks or optimized for mobile.
Finally, as with all marketing tools, there should be metrics in place to measure the success of the content strategy. For Qualcomm’s Sharif, having a good measurement system helps justify investment. Since Spark launched eight months ago it has seen a 13 to 15% rise in repeat visitors to the website per month, helping the brand achieve its goal of building awareness with “cutting-edge” consumers, she says.