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|By PR Newswire||
|December 10, 2012 11:00 AM EST||
SAN MATEO, Calif., Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Lattice Engines and an esteemed group of more than 20 Big Data, sales and marketing leaders announced their predictions for what's to come in 2013. The predictions center on the arrival of Big Data to sales and marketing organizations and its projected impact.
"Sales and marketing is the next frontier for Big Data," said Shashi Upadhyay, CEO of Lattice. "The last generation of cloud-based sales and marketing technology delivered massive improvements, but was designed in a world of data scarcity. Today's data-intensive world offers every business the opportunity to translate Big Data into big sales."
Lattice Predictions for 2013
- Big Data injects information science into relationship selling. While many large companies today leverage internal data to aid their selling efforts, in 2013, companies will take it to the next level by combining internal data (e.g. purchase history, customer service data and marketing automation data) with external data (e.g. firmographic data, company growth indicators and third party data sources such as Lexis Nexis) to make stronger predictions about which customers and prospects are most likely to buy.
- Sales and marketing professionals learn to trust predictions made by Big Data. Most organizations will start small by experimenting with new products or prospecting for new customers, but over time, they will gain the confidence to run a large part of their marketing and sales efforts informed by machine-driven predictions.
- Big Data dramatically increases the value of CRM technology. Companies using Big Data technology will increase adoption of their CRM systems by transforming them to actually help sales teams sell more as opposed to primarily being used as a tool for management. Analytics identify each sales rep's most receptive customers/prospects, recommend what to sell them and prompt them on what to say.
Industry Leader Predictions for 2013
Following is a sampling of more than 20 different predictions from Big Data, sales and marketing leaders featured in this new ebook from Lattice.
- Greg Alexander, CEO of Sales Benchmark Index: Sales rep prospecting will be a top challenge. In 2012, companies over rotated towards lead generation being the exclusive responsibility of the marketing department. Sales has to generate their fair share of the leads. These muscles have not been used for a while and reps currently are not very good at generating their own leads. Sales departments got caught up in the hype cycle of marketing automation.
- Dave Brock, president at Partners in EXCELLENCE: High performance sales hone in on prospects. In 2013, high performance sales organizations will provide their sales people with "intelligent leads." Today, these companies are leveraging marketing automation systems, lead nurturing, lead scoring and other techniques to provide high sales accepted leads. By incorporating rich analytics, these organizations will make quantum leaps in lead quality/conversions.
- Brad Feld, a managing director at Foundry Group: Big Data is miniscule. Twenty years from now, the thing we call Big Data will be tiny data. It will be microscopic data. The volume that we're talking about today is a speck. The key for 2013 with Big Data is to figure out how you can make a difference. Don't let marketing noise obscure what's real and what isn't.
- Heidi Melin, CMO Eloqua: Companies will continue to seek a deeper understanding of buyers and the foundation for achieving this will be Big Data. Marketers will leverage their ecosystem of technology and the insight it provides to further understand their buyers' 'digital body language.' The explosion of available data, beyond demographics, that captures a prospect's online behavior will help organizations move potential customers through the buying stages by delivering the right information at the right time in their journey from awareness to consideration to ultimately, purchase. If marketers can take advantage of Big Data, companies will benefit from the insights necessary to drive revenue.
- Anneke Seley, CEO and founder of Reality Works Group: Without the sales insights made possible by Big Data, sales teams will waste a lot of time and alienate a large number of buyers who aren't ready to buy or will never buy. Forward-thinking "Sales 2.0" companies have recognized that selling strategies informed by data and enabled by technology lead to measurably better business results and happier customers. Big Data and analytics have already contributed to major advances across industries and functions and it's time for sales to reap these rewards as well.
More 2013 predictions from thought leaders across the industry are available in this new ebook.
About Lattice Engines
Lattice is revolutionizing sales and marketing through the power of Big Data. The company's Big Data for Sales platform, salesPRISM, delivers real-time, predictive and actionable insight to sales and marketing professionals wherever they are so they can engage the most receptive customers in the most compelling ways. Fortune 5000 companies such as ADP, Dell, EMC and SunTrust rely on Lattice to generate 75 percent more pipeline, triple conversion rates, and double win rates. Lattice is privately held and backed by NEA and Sequoia Capital with headquarters in San Mateo, CA. Learn more at www.lattice-engines.com and follow @Lattice_Engines.
SOURCE Lattice Engines
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Michael B. Jordan production company Outlier Society Productions has inked a first-look television deal with Amazon Studios for original series. According to Variety, Jordan’s Outlier Society projects will contain an inclusion rider, an inclusive-hiring clause for casting and crew. The series will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
In a statement following the announcement, Jordan said:
“It’s an exciting moment for Outlier Society. On behalf of myself and President of Production, Alana Mayo, we are thrilled to be entering into this partnership with Amazon Studios. In just a few short years they have become home to some of television’s most groundbreaking series and an extraordinary place for talent to create, with a cutting-edge business model that speaks to today’s audiences. Alongside the expert leadership at Amazon Studios, we can’t wait to unveil the fruits of this union. ”

domain: news


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US consumer prices were unchanged in June and retail sales fell for a second straight month, pointing to tame inflation that could diminish prospects of a third interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve this year. The soft domestic demand could also temper expectations of strong acceleration in economic growth in the second quarter. The Labor Department said on Friday that the unchanged reading in its Consumer Price Index came as the cost of gasoline and mobile phone services declined further. The CPI's drop of 0.1 percent in May and the lack of a rebound in June could ...
US consumer prices unchanged as retail sales fall again
Soft domestic demand temper expectations of strong acceleration in economic growth in 2nd quarter


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Kanye West’s Yeezy collaboration with Adidas has been one of the most successful in the brand’s history.
But that’s now over, as the clothing giant has dropped the rapper – known as Ye – over anti-Semitic comments.
Cutting the partnership means Adidas will make a net loss of £217m in 2022, with many other brands also ending their relationships with him.
For fans of the fashion and music, and the wider sneaker world, the big question is what comes next?
“I was a fan of him,” James Drury tells BBC Newsbeat. “He is a genius in the fashion industry and in the music industry.”
But the 28-year-old is no longer a fan and says he can’t stand by Ye after anti-Semitic comments.
“It does feel like he’s almost attention seeking to stay relevant,” he says. “And he’s just a little bit too far out there with me now.
“There’s certain things that you just can’t agree with.”
James, from Shropshire, has been collecting Yeezys since 2016, when he first got into the range.
“It was more so the rarity,” he says. “Seeing images of various celebrities wearing them, it instantly pulls you in.”
But when it comes to being a Yeezy collector, he will continue despite Ye’s comments.
“I almost see Yeezy as a brand separately from Kanye West. Obviously, he controls much of it, but for some reason I see Yeezy as separate. So I will continue with it.”
Emily Atkins from The Sole Supplier, a specialist trainer website, labels it “the biggest story in the sneaker world”.
And while cutting the partnership has cost Adidas money, Emily is interested to see the wider impact.
“We’ve been seeing that people have rebelled and boycotted Adidas because of Kanye’s comments,” the shoe expert says. “And I think his influence is on the whole brand.”
As for Ye, he’s lost his position in Forbes magazine’s list of billionaires. It estimates that the loss of the Adidas partnership cuts Ye’s net worth from $1.5bn to $400m (£1.3bn to £349m).
In the world of fashion, Emily feels the rapper no longer has “the positive inputs he had all those years ago”.
“It’ll be interesting to see his next move. And which brands are brave enough to take him under their wing.”


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The government has approved a total of 33 applications with a committed investment of Rs 5,082.65 crore under the production linked incentive scheme for active pharmaceutical ingredients, an official release said on Thursday.
Setting up of these plants will make the country self-reliant to a large extent in respect of these bulk drugs, it noted.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals has launched a PLI scheme for the promotion of domestic manufacturing by setting up greenfield plants in four different target segments with a total outlay of Rs 6,940 crore for the period 2020-21 to 2029-30.
In total, 215 applications have been received for the 36 products spread across the 4 target segments, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said in the release.
Nineteen applications with a committed investment of Rs 4,623.01 crore have already been approved under Target Segment I, II and III, it added.
Besides, 174 applications were received for 23 eligible products under Target Segment IV.
Out of 174 applications, 79 applications received for 11 eligible products were considered as per the decided evaluation and selection criteria by the Empowered Committee in its meeting held on February 27, 2021, the release said.
The applications of 14 companies that have committed minimum/more than the minimum proposed annual production capacities and fulfil the prescribed criteria have been approved, it added.
The setting up of these plants will lead to a total committed investment of Rs 459.47 crore and employment generation of about 3,715 by the companies, the release noted.
The commercial production of these plants is projected to commence from April 1, 2023, onward.
It has been further decided to take up the remaining 95 applications under the Target Segment-IV till March 31, 2021, for scrutiny and approval, as per the release.
The government on February 25 also approved a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the pharmaceutical sector, entailing an outlay of Rs 15,000 crore.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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States are now leading the way on the issue of labeling genetically modified food. In the absence of federal law, 14 states are now considering whether to require labeling of such food, The Washington Post reports.
The state action comes as the federal government is considering whether to allow genetically altered salmon to be sold for human consumption.
|A genetically altered salmon, back, and normal salmon of same age (AP)
Lawmakers in Alaska, California, Oregon, and Vermont are considering labels for altered fish. Other states, including New York, are considering labeling for all genetically altered food.
California Assembly member Jared Huffman told that Post that “the fact that you see these measures popping up is kind of a response to the vacuum in Washington.” Genetically altered salmon grow at twice the normal rate and have been dubbed “Frankenfish” by detractors.
“If you’ve got a product on the shelf next to wild salmon and it’s genetically engineered, raised in pens in a factory facility — probably priced a lot less — and you don’t even label it, the consumer will think it’s salmon,” Huffman said.
The Food and Drug Administration first approved genetically altered material for use in food in 1992. Today, genetically altered soybean products can be found in everything from cereal to chocolate.
About 80 percent of processed food in the United States contains genetically altered ingredients according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
© 2017 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


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The direct-to-consumer augmented reality and virtual reality industry has generated significant investment from leading tech companies including Meta, Sony, and Apple. However, the global AR hardware market has yet to return even a fraction of the money invested in it, which begs the question: Are AR and VR headsets worth garnering major focus from retailers?
According to Statista Market Insights, global AR hardware revenue is expected to reach only $3.2 billion in 2023. To put that figure into perspective against other major hardware segments in the CE space, in 2022, the global smart TV market generated an estimated revenue of $204.4 billion and the gaming console market accounted for $38.5 billion.
Meta’s Big Gamble
Meta is treating AR and VR technologies in tandem with the metaverse as the next frontier of consumer technology. Between 2019 and 2022, Meta poured $36 billion into its metaverse and VR division, Reality Labs, and only saw a return of roughly $5 billion in revenue, according to reporting from Business Insider.
Meta is far from the only company investing heavily in AR and VR solutions; it is estimated that Apple, which filed over 5,000 patents in developing the Apple Vision Pro headset, spent nearly $20 billion on the device, which retails for $3,499.
However, Meta’s willingness to accrue a $30.7 billion operating loss on Reality Labs over a three-year period suggests that the company views the segment as a long-term investment with little regard for short-term profitability.
Angie Gifford, VP of EMEA at Meta, confirmed this sentiment in a conversation with journalist Andrea Smith at IFA Berlin 2023, saying, “Technology, it takes time, and we see the metaverse in the next eight to 10 years. Point number one. Point number two is what are we working on? We’re working on software. We’re working on hardware, and we’re working on research.”
This bold strategy culminated in the company’s stock reaching a 5-year low of $88 per share back in November 2022 before seeing a steady resurgence over the past year back to $305 per share at the time of writing.
Meta is betting big that VR and AR hardware will be the key to unlocking the metaverse for consumers. “I think the key component of the metaverse is having the 2D experience that we have today and turning (it) into a 3D experience so you don’t feel you’re looking at the Internet,” continued Gifford, “You really have an immersive experience to be in the Internet.”
Meta’s vision for a fully immersive next-generation internet that will touch billions of people is— as of this moment— ambitious to say the least. However, one dynamic is certain, the AR and VR industry is in the midst of an exploratory boom, as companies ranging from automakers to the NHL experiment with use cases for the technology.
The Technology Behind the Meta Quest 3
In terms of hardware quality, AR and VR headsets have come a long way in just a few short years. For example, the Meta Quest 3, the company’s latest mainstream option that was released on October 10, is almost unrecognizable when compared to earlier generations of the product.
The Quest 3 boasts two LCD screens with a 2,064 × 2,208-pixel resolution per eye, compared to the Quest 2, which features a 1,832 × 1,920-pixel resolution per eye. Beyond sharper visuals, another major advancement is the presence of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, which can support a 2.5 times better graphic performance than the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1, which is used in the Meta Quest 2.
What is Lacking
While hardware is steadily improving, the sector still faces plenty of hurdles. Consistent knocks on AR and VR headsets and part of the reason direct-to-consumer sales of headsets have yet to take off are twofold: bulkiness, and latency issues.
Latency issues are nothing new to the gaming world, but they are especially pronounced with AR and VR headsets. If you press a button on a console controller and your character jumps a split second later it is frustrating; however, if you jump with a VR headset on and your avatar is delayed in jumping it is downright disorienting.
According to Varjo, the meaningful latency threshold for VR and AR is around 20 milliseconds. This means that any delay above the 20-millisecond threshold is a perceptible nuisance to the user. Latency tests conducted on the Meta Quest 2 by Mixed, an XR news platform, found the delay to be quite perceptible at 54.8 milliseconds.
Latency is far from the only frustration for consumers. The most popular VR headsets weigh roughly 1.5 pounds on average, and while this might not sound like much it can lead to significant discomfort over long sessions.
At the moment, sentiment towards VR and AR devices isn’t “gotta have it” as much as it is “that’s nifty,” a dynamic that makes the segment as much a marketing tool as it does next-generation technology. And, until consumers see the value or need in using a headset in their daily lives, the direct-to-consumer aspect of the market is likely to struggle, which is why, as we have previously reported, most consumers are likely to have their first experience with AR and VR headsets in a work setting.
The future for AR and VR is murky and the timetable behind mass adoption of these technologies is unclear but I wouldn’t bet against the sector. At the end of the day, given all the money invested, it is “too big to fail.”


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While start-ups and new-age companies are cloud-first or cloud-native, larger organizations are adopting multi-cloud (use of two or more cloud computing services that enable migrating between cloud providers or operating concurrently across the cloud providers) as well as more specialized industry-specific cloud solutions.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation has informed that the OMCs (IOCL/BPCL/HPCL) have decided to discontinue 0.75 per cent incentive on fuel purchases across all digital modes of payments, according to a PNB notification on its website.
The lender said it has discontinued to pass on the 0.75 per cent petro incentives from May this year.
The government had asked Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) to give a 0.75 per cent discount on card payments for fuel purchases after a widespread cash crunch in late 2016 following demonetisation of 86 per cent of currency notes in circulation.
Digital payments include making payments through credit cards, debit cards, online payment and other modes such as UPI (Unified Payments Interface) applications of Paytm, Google Pay and PhonePe.
Initially, the 0.75 per cent petro incentive was removed while making payments through credit cards following withdrawal of such facilities on debit card payments.
The OMCs have now withdrawn the petro incentive facility on all other digital payments as well.
From December 13, 2016, a discount of 0.75 per cent was offered to those using plastic money to buy petrol and diesel. This discount was given by way of cashback, which was credited to the buyer's account within three days of transaction.
A month later on December 8, 2016, the government announced a raft of measures, including discounts on online payments for insurance policies, rail tickets and highway toll charges as it looked to promote digital cash post note ban.


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By EVAN MCMULLEN
SPECIAL TO THE P-I
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As Seattle slogged through near-record rainfall last month, the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction was shattering records and making big rain in the desert.
Pacific Northwest sellers did well at Barrett-Jackson — again. Well-known collector Gordon Apker’s 1952 Chrysler d’Elegance show car commanded a cool $1,188,000 in an impressive follow-up to last year’s record-setting bid of $3.24 million for his Oldsmobile F-88 concept car.
An old-school hot rod known as the “Avenger,” a 1932 Ford coupe built in 1960 by the late Don Tognotti, was sold for $216,000 for Peter Hageman, the well-known Kirkland collector-car dealer. Bellevue’s Park Place Ltd. brought a total of 41 cars to the sale, all at no reserve.
With an estimated gross of more than $100 million, the annual international event effortlessly topped its previous record take of $62 million, drew a crowd of more than 200,000 and poured about $2 million into the coffers of Childhelp USA, the event’s designated charitable beneficiary.
Propelled by a billion-dollar buying pool and a 24-hour Speed Channel cablecast, the brilliantly illuminated block featured a number of million-dollar sales and an impressive, eclectic and seemingly unending selection of rolling stock.
For six days, nearly 1,000 muscle cars, street rods, classics and concept cars rolled toward the record, cementing Barrett-Jackson’s industry-leading position and confirming the health of the collector market.
Records and Rolling History
The top seller of the auction was a 1950 General Motors Parade of Progress Futurliner show bus, which sold for $4.32 million including bidder’s fees. Other highlights included the 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Motorama dream car ($3,024,000); a 1953 Corvette, the third ever built and the oldest in existence ($1.08 million); a pristine 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible ($2.16 million); and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS-6 convertible ($1,242,000). Full results on the Web: www.barrett-jackson com/auctionresults/common/ bj06results.asp.
Barrett-Jackson isn’t just billed as “the world’s greatest auction”; it has established an increasing reputation as a leading Southwest “lifestyle event.” This year’s record-breaking crowds included celebrities such as Carroll Shelby, Edsel Ford II, Sammy Hagar, Bob Seger, Michael Anthony, Alice Cooper, Billy Gibbons, Bill Goldberg, Ian Ziering, Luis Gonzalez, Randy Johnson and Chip Foose.
The annual Scottsdale event serves as a nexus for a constantly growing cluster of meat-and-potatoes auctions — Kruse, Silver, RM, Russo & Steele — that attract thousands more vehicles and millions in sales. Each year, these closely scheduled events largely define the industry’s trends.
Barrett-Jackson reaches the upper limits of the market, and the competing secondary auctions frame the “real” story of value on the ground.
Barrett-Jackson is a no-reserve auction: Everything sells. Desperate sellers are frequently forced to buy back their cars (and pay 16 percent of the hammer price for the privilege) to prevent them from evaporating at a fraction of their acquisition value. Beneath this year’s bullish run, there were more than a few quiet complaints — mostly from mainstream sellers — that buyers were tight and squeezing for a deal.
Other auction results:
Dean Kruse again gets the record for the greatest distance from the rest of the events with his sale in Avondale, nearly an hour from Scottsdale. Staged the weekend after all the other craziness, and located at the Phoenix International Raceway for the third year in a row, the event drew nearly 500 cars, and many were more exotic than spectators might have guessed. From a 1960 BMW Isetta micro car sold for $18,200 to a 1935 Auburn Boattail Speedster sold for $375,000, Kruse’s selection was eclectic and mainstream. Sales totaled $6 million.
The intimate setting and friendly staff made this auction more approachable and bidder-friendly than others. Significant sales included a 1954 Buick Skylark convertible ($185,500), a 1970 Dodge Challenger Hemi ($125,000) and a fabulous custom 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air ($95,400). Total sales: $5.8 million.
Not just meat and potatoes, RM tops it off with crème fraiche and black truffles. RM has taken over the bulk of the high-end European sports cars and big American classics from the ’30s and ’40s. Though smaller than Barrett-Jackson, its event is consistent, with all sales being strong and the average buyer or participant more sophisticated than many of the “first-timers” who flock to Barrett-Jackson. Sales totaled $37 million.
The highlight of the show was the sale of the 1965 “James Bond” Aston Martin DB5 coupe used in the movie “Thunderball.” One of four built for the movie, this car still has its movie modifications in place, including the rotating number plates, retractable bulletproof shield behind the rear window and radar tracking screen in the center console. It sold for $2.09 million.
Other significant cars were a 1930 Duesenberg Model J long-wheelbase dual-cowl phaeton ($1,001,000); the 1954 Packard Panther Daytona roadster concept car ($363,000); a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis drop-head coupe, one of six produced ($1,045,000); and a 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt show car, one of five concept cars built by Chrysler that year ($1.21 million).
Russo and Steele
Located near the Barrett-Jackson site, Russo and Steele continued to focus heavily on 1960s and 1970s cars. Four hundred cars were offered, with sales topping $20 million. Highlights: A 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda ($715,000), a 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra ($605,000), a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 ($412,500), a 1970 Plymouth Super Bird ($379,500) and a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC ($195,800). This makes the sixth year for Russo and Steele, founded by former Barrett-Jackson manager Drew Alcazar. Drew’s wife, Josephine, is known to put on the slickest presentation and catering in the industry. This year was no letdown.
Gooding & Co.
For the first time this year. Gooding & Co. put on a kind of “Scottsdale East” event in Palm Beach, Fla., providing East Coast sellers a chance for action during the Scottsdale auctions. The event was held in conjunction with Cavallino, the Ferrari Club of America’s national concours and meet.
Highlights included a 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 SS Teardrop Coupe ($3,905,000), a 1951 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith long-wheelbase drop-head coupe ($137,000) and a 1962 Chevrolet Corvette fuel-injected convertible ($489,500). Surprisingly strong prices were seen for more common collectible cars, too, such as a 1966 Volkswagen Deluxe Microbus ($44,000) and a 1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 ($19,500).
Evan McMullen is proprietor of Cosmopolitan Motors in Seattle. He writes occasionally for the P-I about collector-car events.


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How India’s First Online Kids and Teen Sportswear Brand is Disrupting India’s Billion Dollar Unorganized Market
Author: Team Nettyfeed
At a glance
Schoolay is addressing a market that has been ignored by today’s established brands: Children’s sportswear. Here’s how India’s first online mono brand for schooling supplies is using technology to create customised children’s sportswear and solving fitment problems.
It was a thrilling time to be a sports fan in India in 2017. The IPL was at its peak, stadiums were brimming with colorful jerseys, supporting their favorite teams. Excited men and women, and little children–in their over-sized jerseys–looked forward to the sporting event of the year.
Wait. Now read that once again. Yes, children in over-sized jerseys. You probably missed that.
At a time when sports is becoming mainstream, when children and students between 3-16 years of age are aspiring to be Cricketers, Football, and Tennis players, nobody is really paying attention to the fact that there are hardly any brands creating sportswear exclusively for children.
For Kiran Hiriyanna—an alumni of NIFT Bangalore, someone who built the supply and category for the Sequoia backed e-commerce firm Voonik and having previously worked in developing activewear ranges for brands like Wildcraft and Max fashion—this looked like an opportunity.
“With the growing presence of international brands for kidswear in India, the demand and expectations of today’s aspiring little sports stars is increasing. But none of it is really available online at the right fit. That’s a huge market. That’s the idea behind Schoolay. We would like to position ourselves as India’s first online kids sports casual brand,” says Kiran.
Schoolay is using technology to create customised and personalised sportswear that ensures optimum sports performance–with the right fit for kids between 3 to 16 years of age. It’s reaching kids in two ways: One, through schools (K-12, Montessori, and Residential) to help them create a brand identity with sports apparels and accessories. And two, by targeting parents. But how does Schoolay ensure the best fit without taking measurements of children–all online?
“We are encouraging schools to use our 3D body mapping tool (which is a request-based service) to get the best fitted patterns to ensure our kids are comfortable,” Kiran says.
The Problem Schoolay is Trying to Fix
Schoolay’s products aim to create anti-static, micro-fiber, breathable, light-weight, and quick-dry sportswear to ensure children are comfortable and their performance isn’t hindered.
Schoolay is also providing schools with customised school uniforms and other schooling supplies that are created from scratch, depending on the school’s needs–can be ordered online– and delivered to either schools or to parents at their door-step.
With Schoolay, parents don’t need to stand in long queues half-way across the city and drag their children along to get their measurements. Then repeat the whole exercise to collect the uniforms.
“I thought when groceries are going home to customers, why not schooling supplies? And why not use the active-wear specialisation for kids? Why are there multiple vendors for multiple items? Why not a single platform for all?” says Kiran.
How Schoolay is Different from Its competitors
“Our major differentiator is we are controlling the supply chain from the very beginning, unlike our competitors who depend on other brands and other sellers in a marketplace model. We have had a good 2 quarters and are focussing on retaining existing clientele and achieving a growth rate of over 40% to the next quarter,” says Kiran.
Numbers and Growth
Currently in its growth phase, Schoolay is looking to raise anywhere between 250K-300K USD and expand to other cities and to launch B2C services full fledged. Schools are a go to market strategy to build as a brand for the end consumers. “We want to grow to reach about 100 schools by 2021 and establish Schoolay as a kid’s wear sports brand in the market. We want to reach an overall revenue of 5 Million USD by 2021,” Kiran says.
Incorporated in November 2017, today Schoolay has catered to over 6,000 kids, 22 schools, presence in across five cities, a complete online prepaid revenue of 23,000 USD and an overall revenue of 1,50,000 USD in just 9 months of incorporation.
Those incredible numbers speak for themselves. There’s no doubt that Schoolay could just be the schooling and children’s markets answer to Decathlon.
We wish, “All the best to the Team-Schoolay for new heights and successes”


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CLEVELAND — It may not yet be Halloween but for Northeast Ohio beer lovers, the Christmas season is now upon us with today’s first pours of Great Lakes Christmas Ale and Market Garden’s Festivus and the earlier release of Thirsty Dog’s 12 Dogs of Christmas.
“Ohio's a hot bed of Christmas Ales,” said John Najeway, co-owner of Akron’s Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. “If you looked at a store shelf seven years ago there were a handful of us with Christmas Ales in Ohio and if you go in the next couple of weeks and look, you're overwhelmed because you'll see 20+ Christmas Ales,” he said of the beers often infused with a mix of ginger, cinnamon and honey, along with other spices unique to each breweries secret recipes.
“If you look nationally at seasonal beers, the data from last year shows that "seasonals" continue to go down in sale numbers, but in Ohio they're up,” he said.
While there is competition among Northeast Ohio brewers, there is also camaraderie and a tip of the cap to Great Lakes for wetting the region’s collective whistle in 1992 when they first brewed Christmas Ale.
“Dan and Pat Conway (founders of Great Lakes) were on the forefront of being the first craft brewery in Ohio since Prohibition and when they came up with this recipe it definitely started kind of a title wave if you will of great beer in Ohio City,” said Sam McNulty co-founder of Market Garden Brewery.
In 2011 when Market Garden first opened its Brew Pub, it didn’t take McNulty and his partners to realize the holiday brew world was something they needed to get in on.
“We were kind of working on recipes and we knew we needed a holiday ale that was different from the pack, kind of set itself apart and we devised this recipe eight years ago.”
In that time Festivus has grown to be one of the brewery’s biggest year-round sellers despite only being available for part of the year.
“One of our biggest challenges with Festivus is keeping up with production. So even as we speak, we're bottling, we're working multiple shifts a day just to keep up with demand and the minute we have a series of pallets stacked up in our coolers they are hauled away in semi-trucks and we re-fill the cooler and it's like a constant process.”
For Thirsty Dog’s 12 Dogs of Christmas it’s the same thing. “It's a seasonal but it's always our number one,” said Najeway. “It's amazing, it's a beer that's only out there for 10 or 11 weeks, people are waiting for it.”
As a result, they haven’t tinkered with the original recipe but rather added other variations of it.
“We've been making that since 2007, in 2011 we started making 12 Dogs and bourbon barrel aging it for 11 months. That's now available in 4-packs as well,” he said. “Last year we did some 12 Dogs and we aged it in rum barrels so this year we've got it again in Rum barrels, it's very limited.”
In Ohio City McNulty has found with the opening of the Market Garden Brewery building a short walk away from Great Lakes the two have become a holiday destination.
“People come from out of state, they'll book hotels for an entire weekend and this is their plan,” he said raising a pint of Festivus.
At Great Lakes those festivities begin each year on the day of the first pour, an event that has a growing cult following where lovers of all things Christmas Ale start lining up around 8 a.m. for the brewery’s doors to open at 11 a.m. and the first pour of the first pint at 11:30 a.m.
“It’s an un-official holiday of Cleveland,” said Great Lakes Communications Coordinator Adam Ritterspach. “Christmas Ale is definitely kind of considered to be the OG of the Christmas Ales that you find today.”
Last year the brewery poured 7,533 pints of Christmas Ale on the first day of availability, that comes to about a pint every five seconds over a 12-hour period.
And if you’re looking for a two-fer McNulty is quick to point out their first pour of Festivus at Market Garden will be at 11 a.m. “I won’t tell anybody if you skive off work early and come down and enjoy a few,” McNulty said.
Enjoy a little of his, a little of Great Lakes’, a little of Thirsty Dog’s and all of the others said Najeway.
“Try all of the Christmas Ales of Northeast Ohio, there's plenty of them.”


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Rob Handfield Advises Waiting to Buy a Home Amid Decreasing Lumber Costs
Rob Handfield, professor of operations and supply chain management, warns potential home buyers against purchasing during the initial decrease in lumber costs at it is still at peak price.
“I would advise people, if you’re building, hold off,” said Handfield. “Don’t do it just yet. You’re going to pay peak prices if you do it today.”
Read more on WRAL.


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Qualcomm Inc. on Thursday said it won antitrust approval in the European Union and South Korea for its $39 billion acquisition of NXP Semiconductors NV after agreeing to a package of measures to assuage regulators' competition concerns.
The approvals move Qualcomm closer to completing its acquisition of Netherlands-based NXP, a deal that would make it one of the top suppliers of chips used in cars at a time when auto makers are increasingly embracing digital technology. The deal, which was announced in October 2016, won U.S. approval the following April.
The latest clearances come as Qualcomm fends off an unsolicited bid from Broadcom Ltd. An enlarged Qualcomm that folds in NXP could make it more challenging for Broadcom to take over the company, given that that prospect has already stirred speculation about antitrust obstacles.
"We are pleased that both the European Commission and the Korean Fair Trade Commission have granted authorization of the NXP acquisition, and we are optimistic that China will expeditiously grant its clearance," said Qualcomm Chief Executive Steve Mollenkopf. China is the last regulator to review the deal.
Even if approved by China, the deal could face an uphill battle with NXP investors. NXP's stock price has exceeded Qualcomm's $110-a-share offer since the summer, and shareholders had tendered only 1.7% of outstanding common shares as of Jan. 12, when Qualcomm last extended its offer. Investment manager Ramius LLC, a unit of Cowen Inc., on Tuesday joined activist investor Elliott Management Corp. in seeking a higher price.
Qualcomm has said it expects to close the deal early this year at the original offer price.
In Nasdaq trading Thursday, NXP shares were ahead 0.6% at $120, while Qualcomm was virtually flat at $68.05.
The EU opened an in-depth investigation into the merger in June, citing concerns about higher prices and less choice in the semiconductor industry. To address those issues, Qualcomm agreed to grant rivals for a period of eight years licenses to NXP's fare-collection technology used by transportation authorities in Europe, the EU said.
The San Diego-based company also committed to ensure that its own baseband chipset and NXP's near-field communications and secure-element products would continue to function with those of competitors for a period of eight years. The baseband chips allow smartphones to connect to cellular networks while near-field-communications and secure-element chips enable short-range connectivity, which is used in particular for mobile payments.
In addition, Qualcomm agreed not to acquire NXP's standard essential patents as well as some nonessential patents for near-field communications services, the EU said. NXP will instead transfer those patents to a third party that would be obliged, for three years, to grant others royalty-free licenses to use those patents.
So-called standard essential patents are those deemed crucial to compliance with an industry standard, such as 3G wireless communication, and must be licensed on a fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory basis -- known as FRAND.
Qualcomm would acquire some of NXP's other nonstandard essential patents for near-field communications, but be obliged to grant royalty-free licenses for their use.
Regulatory review of the NXP deal is only one of several antitrust hurdles confronting Qualcomm. In Brussels, the EU formally accused Qualcomm in 2015 of illegally paying Apple Inc. to exclusively use its chips and selling chips below cost to force a competitor, Icera Inc., out of the market. Qualcomm has said its sales practices comply with EU competition law.
In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission sued Qualcomm a year ago alleging it engaged in unlawful tactics to maintain a monopoly on cellular-communications chips. Qualcomm has said the suit is based on flawed legal theory and misconceptions about its business.
Broadcom is also currently under investigation by the FTC over whether it engaged in anticompetitive tactics in negotiations with customers, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. Broadcom in response said the review was "immaterial to our business, does not relate to wireless and has no impact on our proposal to acquire Qualcomm."
Broadcom, which is co-headquartered in San Jose, Calif., and Singapore, launched a bid in November for Qualcomm that was rejected by the latter's board. Broadcom has since proposed replacing Qualcomm's board of directors and the matter will be put to a shareholder vote in March.
--Ted Greenwald contributed to this article.
Write to Natalia Drozdiak at email@example.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 18, 2018 13:57 ET (18:57 GMT)


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Safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless. That’s why while its development, Xiaomi brings every possible security patch update for users’ better experience.
Xiaomi releases MIUI October 2020 Security patch update for Redmi 10X 4G users in China. The update comes on Android 10 with MIUI version Stable (Beta Recovery) V22.214.171.124.QJOCNXM, the update is rolling out via OTA for Android 10 users.
You can also download the latest update from the link mentioned below.
Redmi 10X 4G (China) – V126.96.36.199.QJOCNXM
- [Control center]
- Optimization: Control center layout in landscape mode
- Updated Android Security Patch to October 2020. Increased system security


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March 3, 2017–The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau today solicited comments on a petition filed in December by Wilson Electronics LLC asking the agency to launch a further rulemaking to repeal or modify the personal-use restriction on consumer signal boosters (TRDaily, Dec. 21, 2016). “The personal-use restriction should be amended or repealed in a notice-and-comment rulemaking for two basic reasons. First, the Commission has never entertained public comments on the fundamental question of whether wireless subscribers should be limited to operating consumer boosters for personal use,” the company argued in its filing. “Second, and more problematic, the personal-use restriction does not provide clear and adequate notice of what conduct is possible.”
Wilson asked the FCC to replace the personal-use restriction with a mandate that wideband boosters have to be registered with multiple local service providers. It said that the action would not adversely impact wireless carriers. The FCC adopted new booster rules in 2013 (TRDaily, Feb. 20, 2013). It adopted a further notice of proposed rulemaking in 2014 (TRDaily, Sept. 23, 2014).
“By this Public Notice, we seek comment on the Wilson Petition,” the Wireless Bureau said in a public notice today. “We also seek comment on whether this change to the rules would increase the risk of harmful interference to wireless networks; whether licensees (the wireless carriers) would retain sufficient control of their licensed spectrum under the proposal; and how the proposal would affect consumers, businesses, and public safety and other entities seeking to use consumer signal boosters. Finally, we seek comment regarding the benefits and costs of removing the personal use restriction on only wideband consumer signal boosters, on only provider-specific consumer signal boosters, or on both.”
Comments are due March 23 and replies April 3 in WT docket 10-4. – Paul Kirby, email@example.com


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Tesla is rumored to introduce a couple of adjustments to the Mannequin 3, including a recent heart console, steering wheel, adding a warmth pump and more, in step with a known leaker in China.
Whereas Tesla’s Mannequin Y is in step with the identical platform as Mannequin 3, it is in a couple of programs a bigger electric automobile than Mannequin 3.
The automaker utilized a couple of improvements to the electrical SUV in step with what it learned from the older electric sedan.
Albeit older, Mannequin 3 will not be any longer precisely feeble.
Tesla first started Mannequin 3 deliveries slowly in 2017, nevertheless volume deliveries didn’t initiate until 2018.
It’s miles a little bit too early for a refresh, nevertheless it surely isn’t to devour Tesla’s easiest-selling automobile decide up to the Mannequin Y with some skills that the automaker launched in the electrical SUV this year.
A known leaker in China has shared alleged contemporary updates coming rapidly to Tesla’s made-in-China Mannequin 3:
Fresh steering wheel
Heart Console 2.0
Fresh headlights and abet lights
Powered trunk gate
Octovalve and warmth pump
Fresh house windows with double panes
The adjustments are supposedly also coming to Tesla’s Mannequin 3 autos being built at Fremont factory, which offers Mannequin 3 autos for all diversified markets exterior of China.
Whereas restful a most productive rumor, these forms of updates devour rather a couple of sense.
Tesla objective recently updated the Mannequin 3’s frunk and it has been rumored to be in anticipation to devour room for Tesla to install its contemporary Octovalve and warmth pump, which Tesla first launched in the Mannequin Y.
With the frunk update, Tesla was also rumoured to update Mannequin 3’s headlights and add a powered trunk gate.
Mannequin Y is already equipped with a powered gate and Tesla objective recently updated the electrical SUV’s abet lights.
Chrome delete is also known to be coming in step with a deliberate update Tesla submitted to authorities in China.
Tesla has been known recently to first introduce adjustments to Mannequin 3 autos produced in China earlier than introducing the identical adjustments to Mannequin 3 autos built in the US.
Earlier this year, Tesla upgraded Mannequin 3 autos with contemporary wi-fi cell phone chargers and USB-C ports in China, and a month later, we saw the identical parts in Mannequin 3s built in the Fremont factory.
Whereas it remains a rumor for now, most of it makes rather a couple of sense to me.
Especially the issues we heard earlier than or issues which may perchance perchance maybe presumably be on Mannequin Y already, just like the headlights and abet lights, powered trunk gate, chrome delete and warmth pump.
The others are more suprising.
It’s unclear if by “heart console” they’re relating to the heart camouflage camouflage unit or the storage plot between the seats.
Many of us use the time period to confirm with each and each.
I don’t are searching to get somebody’s hopes up too powerful, nevertheless I am hoping a recent steering wheel ability better sensors for hand detection. That may perchance well presumably be a game changer.
Fresh house windows would enhance cabin noise and isolation, which is one thing Elon has talked about they’re working on objective recently so I wouldn’t be vastly bowled over if it’s objective.
What raise out you suspect? Let us know in the comment allotment under.
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Real estate innovators Azizi are introducing the second-tallest skyscraper in Dubai with a $1.5 billion investment.
The development of the second-tallest skyscraper in Dubai by Azizi Developments is truly a significant and ambitious project. While the exact height is yet to be disclosed, considering it’s intended to be the second-tallest in Dubai, it will likely make a remarkable impact on the city’s already super impressive skyline.
With a whopping investment of US$1.5 billion, the project seems to be promising not only in height but also in terms of amenities and features. The inclusion of a vertical shopping complex, a seven-star hotel, residences, and upscale dining options makes it a multifaceted and luxurious development.
The addition of an observation deck suggests that it will offer breathtaking views of the city, potentially becoming a popular spot for social media enthusiasts seeking that perfect Instagram moment. The project appears to be aiming for a blend of modern architecture, lifestyle offerings, and high-end experiences. It will be interesting to follow the development and see how it contributes to the ever-evolving Dubai skyline.
The announcement of details on January 19th via social media adds anticipation to the development, especially with the promise of a formal ground-breaking ceremony to be announced soon.
Mirwais Azizi’s statement reflects a deep personal connection to the project, highlighting it as a dream endeavour and a way of giving back to the emirate that has provided opportunities and abundance to his family. The philanthropic sentiment is notable, and the tower is positioned not only as a landmark but also as a legacy for Azizi Developments.
With an expected completion time of four years, residents and visitors can look forward to witnessing the rise of the second-tallest skyscraper in Dubai, featuring a blend of luxury amenities, a vertical shopping complex, a seven-star hotel, residences, and more. The project’s impact on the city’s skyline and its role in shaping Dubai’s future landscape will undoubtedly be significant.
Dubai continues to be a city of blink-or-you’ll miss it developments, each more exciting than the last.


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The Thailand Nightlight and Entertainment Business Association and representatives of artists, singers, entertainers, and night workers meeting General Supot Malaniyom, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), today, May 19th.
Association President Katawut Thongthai, or Ajarn/Artist Kai Marijuana, told the Associated Press yesterday, May 18th, that the meeting aimed to discuss the potential of business reopening and government assistance for entertainment venues.
He stressed that the government had responded and provided financial aid on some issues previously, such as a 5000-baht remedy for business entrepreneurs and employees, but such treatment did not solve the root cause. The only way to solve it was to allow the reopening of the nightlife business in full and not as converted restaurants with many restrictions and limited operating hours, which is the current situation.
“The establishments wished to resume normal service and drive the country’s economy without relying on government assistance. The Association also noticed that the Covid-19 situation in Thailand was getting better. Therefore, we would like to discuss ways to help operators of entertainment venues and measures to open entertainment venues, pubs, and bars with the government agencies,” Katawut addressed.
Meanwhile, local media also reported that the Ministry of Public Health would propose the color-rezoning of provinces and the reopening of such businesses in the green zone at the general meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday, May 20th.
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Video sharing site YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc.’s Google, is exploding in terms of popularity. The recent expansion of YouTube TV sounds like a viable replacement for cable television. Since the YouTube service came into existence, watching live television from major broadcasters has been one of its major highlights.
YouTube TV did exist in few cities like New York, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia and Chicago for the past few months, with a recent expansion into a few more cities. The company has announced its expansion to ten new markets over the past week.
The new service is said to be welcomed by the younger crowd that spends more time on online videos than the traditional way of watching television. The service was unveiled in April to new cities, with 40 channels for $35 per month. The services include the big four networks – ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN.
The new markets include Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Orland-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, Phoenix, and Washington DC. Those markets join Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, the original group.
The first-week response was quite impressive, with more than 150,000 smartphone and tablet users downloading the YouTube TV app. The price was competitive enough to compare with the options available from DirecTV and Time Warner. Additionally, the offers include unlimited cloud storage for DVR and up to six individual accounts on its plans.
While we appreciate its expansion, it is time to have its own native app similar to its rivals Hulu and Sling. The app is available on mobile, tablets and computer but streams to your TV only through Google Chromecast or through Apple AirPlay.
More advancements in YouTube TV and similar live-streaming options are already shaking up the traditional cable and satellite TV industry. More than fifty percent of the consumers that are live-streaming TV content is between the age group of 18 to 34 years, though no breakdown of the numbers was shared.


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The dark mode of the system that everyone wants on the iPhone finally arrives … on Mac – BGR
After revealing that iOS 12 will support the iPhone 5s earlier today, 9to5Mac is back with another surprise. While digging into the WebKit source code (which is the engine that powers Safari), the site has stumbled upon an intriguing piece of code that seems to imply that Apple will add a dark system-wide mode to Mac.
As 9to5Mac explains, the new code implemented in WebKit in March indicates that Apple will introduce an official dark mode in macOS 10.14, which will be the next major release of the operating system after High Sierra. The code that 9to5Mac discovered "is designed to fit WebKit rendering of a website based on the actual appearance of the application." This could allow macOS to change the appearance of the components of the user interface.
"Dark Fashion" of all kinds has been present in macOS since El Capitan in 2015, but app developers have to opt to use it to make it work. This new code will theoretically give macOS users the ability to activate dark mode at will, which will then be applied to all system applications. Apple has not yet confirmed such a feature, and the inclusion of a dark mode is not guaranteed, but it seems that macOS is gaining a long-awaited feature in the near future.
Unfortunately, there were no such references for iOS 12, which means that iPhone and iPad users will likely continue to wait for an official dark mode. IPhone users have been clamoring for years for the addition of a …
+ Read more From Original Source


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According to a new survey by BDO, CFOs of middle-market companies are expecting a year of record growth compared to last year. While only 38% of CFOs reported strong financial performance in 2021, a full 66% of U.S. CFOs are anticipating a year of substantial improvement in 2022.
What Are the Drivers for Financial Growth in 2022?
CFOs expect that opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies, as well as continued improvements in technology, will result in higher profits and overall company performance in 2022. 99% of CFOs involved in the survey indicated that they have at least one stated ESG objective for 2022.
ESG is a philosophy that seeks to emphasize sustainability and socially responsible investing. It may be measured in metrics that indicate how a company is positively serving a social purpose.
Companies that have adopted new environmental policies seek to improve:
- Energy efficiency
- Climate change and pollution mitigation
- Waste management
They also aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage.
A movement towards establishing strong social policies in corporations has grown over the past two years. These include policies related to:
- Labor standards
- Wages and benefits
- Racial justice
- Talent management
- Privacy and data protection
- Supply-chain management
In addition to the above-mentioned policies, many corporations are now tackling a range of other social justice issues.
Corporate Governmental Policies
Governmental policies involve the management of a company’s environmental and social initiatives. It’s geared towards corporate board compensation and structure, strategic oversight and compliance, and eliminating bribery and corruption.
Acceleration of Digital Innovation
In addition to adopting a mindset of sustainability, successful businesses will continue to adapt to and embrace digital innovation strategies. In the energy sector, companies expect to confront challenges related to cyber security. Similarly, a large portion of the technology sector will be focusing on improving data protection and strengthening overall public trust in their companies.
What Financial Risks Do CFOs Anticipate for 2022?
Surveyed CFOs indicated that they anticipated some risks to growth in 2022. Risks cited include:
Supply Chain Disruptions
Supply chain disruptions were cited by 84% of CFOs as a moderate or significant business risk. 2021 saw a number of supply chain disruptions, driven by lingering effects of COVID-19, as well as a decline in available workers. The so-called Great Resignation has driven millions of individuals to quit their jobs in favor of new opportunities with higher pay and better benefits.
The Great Resignation has been a hard hit for the warehouse and trucking industry. There is a shortage of drivers available to transport goods from one location to another and fewer warehouse workers to ensure that goods are properly monitored and shipped. Experts believe that supply chain disruptions should begin to taper off in 2022.
Talent Shortages and Retention of Talent
The Great Resignation has resulted in the loss of talent across a number of different sectors in the economy. Thus, companies have to address the reasons why and re-attract their workers. There has been a significant increase in companies offering flexible working arrangements, higher salaries, and better benefits to build up their staff and attract highly skilled workers. This trend is expected to continue throughout the year.
Taxes remain a concern for businesses. Potential changes to the tax system proposed by President Biden under the Build Back Better initiative include an increase in C-corporation taxes from 21% to 28%. There may also be changes to capital gains and qualified dividend tax rates.
Potential COVID-19 Resurgences
We’ve seen multiple variations of COVID-19 since it first spread in 2020. The most significant have included the Delta and Omicron variants, which have led to increased regulations around the world as they spread. The potential for additional variants that may cause business interruptions to appear in 2022 cannot be ruled out.
What Strategies Will CFOs Pursue in 2022?
The key buzzwords present in the survey were M&A, collaboration, and joint ventures. 31% of CFOs intend to pursue M&A this year, up from 25% in 2020. The strategic goal for doing so is enhancing digital capabilities and undergoing a digital transformation.
Within the energy sector, companies seek to prioritize M&A for capital fundraising. Similarly, the life sciences sector is seeking to increase technological investments and pursue collaborations with other businesses as a means to propel growth. Outside of obtaining capital investment, CFOs have indicated a desire to prioritize innovation as a key reason for pursuing joint venture strategies.
The healthcare sector has been battered due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and debt obligations. Nevertheless, 82% of healthcare CFOs anticipate that their business will thrive during 2022. Those who have taken loans to cope with the pandemic may struggle with debt repayment. However, healthcare CFOs seem positive and ready for financial issues that they may face.
Join the Controllers Council
Controllers Council is a national community and platform of Controllers, Accounting and corporate Finance professionals focused on career development, information and resources, recognition and networking. Both individual and corporate memberships are available. Membership has many features and benefits to propel your career and expertise, and to be an active participant in our exciting community. Questions? Contact Controllers Council via email or call Neil Brown, Executive Director at 312-869-2180. Click here to join.


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WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators debating a five-year farm bill have voted to uphold current policy that protects the nation's sugar growers with price supports and import restrictions.
The vote was 50-46 to block an amendment to end the Depression-era program that benefits about 5,000 beet and sugar cane growers.
The farm bill, while ending some subsidies such as direct payments to farmers, leaves the sugar program intact. Those backing changes said the program keeps sugar prices nearly twice world averages, costing businesses and consumers some $3.5 billion a year.
But Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, the Agriculture Committee chair, said it creates a stable marketplace for American producers at no price to taxpayers.
Growers support the existing program while food and beverage companies that use sugar oppose it.


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News tagged ‘ios 6’
Friday, 21 Dec 2012
Apple's latest iOS 6.0.2 update may be reducing the battery life on the iPhone 5 and iPad mini.
Thursday, 20 Dec 2012
The release of Google Maps saw the adoption of iOS 6 jumps up to 29% in five days.
Thursday, 13 Dec 2012
Google Maps will finally make a return on iOS devices later today.
Tuesday, 11 Dec 2012
Australian police have warned against using Apple's iOS 6 Maps, after having to rescue six people within a spate of two months who became lost while attempting to locate Mildura in Victoria.
Friday, 2 Nov 2012
Apple has released the iOS 6.0.1 update to the public, while also seeding the beta version of iOS 6.1 to developers.
Friday, 5 Oct 2012
A Gizmodo reader has taken the effort to create renders of what the iPad mini might eventually look like. Check them out after the jump.
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2012
One day after the October 17 announcement, tech website UkrainianiPhone managed to get their hands on two mockup versions of the iPad mini that have yet to surface, a black/slate variant and a nano SIM alternative.
Wednesday, 26 Sep 2012
Apple's Maps app for iOS 6 has been receiving a lot of feedback lately and very few of them seem to be good. However, Apples seems to be alone on this one as Google will not be stepping in to help with the situation.
Thursday, 20 Sep 2012
Following last week's iPhone 5 event, new photos and a hands-on video of the iPad mini have trickled online, with the 'assembled' unit showcasing a pretty complete exterior, one that's in line with previous rumors about it resembling the iPod touch.
While many have updated their iOS devices to the latest iOS 6 update, not all compatible devices will be getting the promised 200+ features. We take a quick look again at what iOS 6 offers for the different Apple devices.


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Money flowing into the natural hair industry
Los Angeles TimesMoney flowing into the natural hair industry is a blessing and curse for those who built it upLos Angeles TimesBefore its acquisition, Carol's Daughter signaled a transition with a 2011 ad featuring singer Solange and multiracial models Cassie and Selita Ebanks. “What we're doing now is moving into a polyethnic space," investor Steve Stoute told Women's Wear ...
Posted on 10 August 2017 | 3:01 am
07.20.17 - Okayafrica
Okayafrica07.20.17OkayafricaThe sickening red skies, supernatural essence of nature, awkward, all-white dinner party, lonely dark roads and, of course, the stunning Phoenix (Selita Ebanks), all contribute to a sublime, yet symbolic, world that critiques our views on love ...
Posted on 20 July 2017 | 9:42 am
Celebrity hairstylist Pekela Riley has the
Rolling OutCelebrity hairstylist Pekela Riley has the secret to 'good' hairRolling OutRiley has styled many of Hollywood's finest, including Gabrielle Union, Nia Long, Chrisette Michele, Selita Ebanks, and more. Not only is she a stylist to the stars, but she is also a successful entrepreneur, as she is the founder and owner of the ...
Posted on 20 July 2017 | 9:09 am
A Special Evening Presented by Rémy Martin
Los Angeles ConfidentialA Special Evening Presented by Rémy MartinLos Angeles ConfidentialOn June 15, Rémy Martin presented a special evening celebrating the One Life / Live Them Campaign, hosted by brand ambassador Jeremy Renner. Fellow ambassadors Jackie Cruz and Laz Alonso and guests including Selita Ebanks and Taye Diggs ...
Posted on 23 June 2017 | 12:52 pm
Brandy fuels pregnancy rumor with social
The GrioBrandy fuels pregnancy rumor with social media postThe GrioThe pregnancy talk comes after Brandy also made headlines for apparently throwing shade at her ex-fiancé Ryan Press and his new girlfriend, Selita Ebanks. Though Brandy and Press have never spoken publicly on why they broke things off back in 2014, on ...Brandy Posts Pic of What Looks Like A Baby Bump, but it's Not Clear if She's Pregnant (LOOK)Eurweb.comBrandy Norwood Might Be Pregnant – Her Daughter Sy'rai Iman Smith Says No, But Countess Vaughn Seems To Say ...Celebrity Insider (blog)all 13 news articles »
Posted on 22 May 2017 | 10:30 am
Caribbean’s Next Top Model returns in
“Caymanians have definitely been carving a niche in the world of entertainment and fashion for themselves. From Selita Ebanks to Grace Gealey, and our very own season one winner Treveen Stewart, the Cayman Islands definitely have that “it ...
Posted on 21 August 2015 | 2:23 am
Victoria's Secret Model Selita Ebanks And
Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks, Chloe Green and Jo Wood were just a few of the famous faces at the launch today of a charity road-trip to Cannes. Seventy influential women, including Jodie Kidd, Sports Illustrated model Ashley Graham and DJ Zara ...
Posted on 14 May 2015 | 10:00 am
Coco Rocha & Selita Ebanks Help
On Tuesday night, models Selita Ebanks and Coco Rocha joined Alison Brod, Rachel Zalis, Sarah Bray, Chantal Fernandez, Lise Evans and other fashion insiders to celebrate the Escada + Thilo Westermann collection and collaboration that can now be viewed at ...
Posted on 4 February 2015 | 2:22 am
Common & Selita Ebanks Are Absolutely
Disclaimer: Common and Selita Ebanks are not a thing. But they should be. We mean, do you not see how hot they are together? The rapper, the model, and their ridiculously good looks teamed up to cover the August/September issue of Uptown Magazine‘s ...
Posted on 19 August 2014 | 1:58 am
Common And Selita Ebanks Sizzle On Latest
Selita Ebanks is still carrying the sexiness over from being a Victoria's Secret model and adding it to the coolness of influential rapper Common on the latest issue of Uptown magazine. Uptonw reports that one of their writers had a sit down with Common ...
Posted on 19 August 2014 | 12:18 am


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We’re pleased to announce the release of London Runway issue 13! Click here to buy a print copy This issue features coverage of Top Model 2018 and Najla Abdulaziz’ new collection. Plus, an interview with designer Agnes Krivanics; diversity in modelling; an editorial shoot from photographer Mehmet Hassan; logos on children’s clothing; and London’s best […]
The latest buzz in online shopping is not a particular dress of uncertain colours, or this season’s must-have statement accessory. No – it’s a web retail portal’s decision to change the way that they feature their models.
We’re pleased to announce the release of London Runway issue 12! Buy your print copy here! This issue features coverage of London Hat Week, including the Great Hat Exhibition, with Heart Fashion and Nylo Studios. Plus, an interview with milliner Giulia Mio; ASOS and their new take on inclusivity; hats in film; and Lacoste’s attempt […]


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Why More Than 100,000 Attend Annual Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show
Top Reasons to Visit and Cover World’s Premier Boating Event: Recreational Boating is Big Business in U.S., thousands of boat debuts, all-access pass to enjoy boating lifestyle
MIAMI, FLA. – January 9, 2013 – For the last 72 years, one of the world’s largest boat shows has been held annually in Miami. The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show returns President’s Day Weekend, Feb. 14-18, 2013 – an event that draws more than 100,000 visitors from around the world to explore the best of boating, and generates big business in Florida and for the U.S. recreational boating industry.
Here’s a breakdown of boat show facts, a look at the state of the industry, big visuals, and other stories not to be missed at the 2013 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show:
- Biggest boating business news in the industry in years.TheU.S.recreational boating industry is seeing the tide begin to turn for new powerboat sales with an estimated 10 percent increase in 2012, according to theNational Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).Early projections indicate the industry will see additional increases in 2013 by as much as 5-10 percent.
- At the ProgressiveInsurance New York Boat Show (first boat show of the season), dealers and manufactures reported increased hiring and sales, another solid positive industry indicator.
- The showfeatures more than 2,000 local, national and international companies showcasing more than 3,000 of the newest boats, many making their world debuts, plus thousands of new gadgets, engines, gear and marine accessories. Be one of the first to board,review and report on the newest boats and more!
- Economic impact:The Miami Boat Show generates $817.8 million annually in gross sales and wages and supports more than 9,000 full-timejobs inFlorida.
- The Miami Boat Showoccupies three locations, uses2.5 million sq. ftof exhibition space at theMiami Beach Convention Center and1 million sq. ft.of carpet –enough to cover 20 football fields
- National and international make-up:More than 45-percent of visitors that travel to the Miami Boat Show are from outside the state ofFlorida.
- Why more than 100,000 attend annually: The five-day show is an all-access pass to experience the boating lifestyle, with a chance to shop thousands of the newest in recreational boats and marine accessories while also participating in premier hands-on learning opportunities on-land and in-water.
- There’s a boat for every budget and lifestyle. Boats of all shapes and sizes are for sale at some of the best deals of the year – from luxury motor and sailing yachts to sport fishers, family cruisers and performance boats.
- There arehundredsof hourly boating clinicsfor seasoned captains and new boaters covering sailing, big game fishing and Boating 101 from the top industry boating experts.


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Posted by Caroline Smith on November 15, 2010 04:00 PM
The majority of retailers seem to jump right from Halloween to Christmas with nothing more than a mere nod towards Thanksgiving and a few glittery gourds in the window display. Based purely on the gathering together of family, it is a holiday which does not require much decoration, dressing up or gift-giving.
But this is America, and we cannot let that slide!
Luckily, Macy’s saves the day on Nov. 25 with its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, chock full of tethered (and untethered) commercialism. After all, the retail giant has a Black Friday sale the day after to promote — and holiday shoppers to excite, of course.
Cue its child-oriented marketing machine, including the extended commercial that is Yes, Virginia — its animated special airing on CBS on Dec. 17.Continue reading...
Posted by Sheila Shayon on May 10, 2010 10:35 AM
"See something, say something." Simple, catchy and, it turns out, very, very effective.
The recent containment of the potential bomb debacle in Times Square was due in part to citizen action—spotting a suspicious SUV and promptly alerting authorities—as a result of New York's ubiquitous anti-terrorism slogan.
The slogan, part of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s security campaign, went into effect post-9/11 to encourage the public to report unattended packages and suspect behavior on public transport.
Credit for "If you see something, say something," goes to Korey Kay & Partners, the MTA's ad agency, whose CEO Allen Kay drew his inspiration from an earlier war's public education campaign—"Loose lips sink ships"—which came out before he was born.
Instead, says Kay, think of the MTA campaign as "Loose lips wanted." Continue reading...


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Edinburgh: new Whiski Bar concept
Edinburgh retailer Whiski Bar is opening new premises which will incorporate a whisky shop, tasting room and bar.
The firm opened its original bar on the Royal Mile three years ago and now plans a “new concept in whisky retailing”.
It has bought the freeholds of a former bar, gift shop and bank for an undisclosed sum and plans to convert them into three connected trading areas.
Anne Still, who owns the store along with her husband Gary, said there was “no limit on how many whiskies they would stock”.
She said they took the decision after bar customers kept asking where they could buy the whiskies, prompting them to set up an online store, thewhiskystill.com last month, and begin looking for premises.
“Currently we have just under 300 whiskies we are selling through our online store — and we haven’t put any blends online yet. Space has been at a premium, so now we’ll have room to expand,” she said.


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Apple has recently removed another useless feature on Apple Watch
Either you love the Apple Watch or you absolutely hate it – there is simply no in between. However, Apple is now trying to make it more useful by removing useless features. Wondering what Apple is bidding farewell to? Time Travel. The all new Apple Watch (watchOS 5) will not offer its users time travel, sounds disappointing because who in the world would say no to a time capsule; however, those who have actually seen what this app does will be rejoicing!
So, what exactly did Time Travel do to deserve this? Back when watchOS 2 came out, it offered this feature that allowed users to quickly see past and future events by simply turning the digital crown. For instance, you could see how the Earth is rotating throughout the day on a watch face – cool, but then again, how many people in the world would actually use this feature? Therefore, the removal of this feature by Apple doesn’t come as a shock, unlike the headphone jack’s removal in the iPhone, as many considered it to be a waste of space and time. Thankfully, Apple is now focusing more on practicality.


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Kyle Glanville, 2008 US Barista Champion and Charles Babinski, this year’s 2nd place US Barista Championship finalist both recently left their former employer, Intelligentsia Coffee to begin their own endeavor in L.A.
While details are still sparse—I have on good authority that it will to be pretty fantastic—it’s poised to create interesting discussions within the industry as well as among future customers. Beginning with their plan to offer absolutely no disposables.
One of the most salient differences this coffee bar will have from others will be its policy of using no disposables. This means no paper cups, napkins, perhaps even coffee filters. Glanville mentioned the “elephant in the room,” as the coffee industry’s dependance on paper and other disposable products that causes a lot of environmental waste as well as a detrimental effect on the flavor of coffee served to customers. –Eater
I’ve been a vocal advocate against disposables and I’m excited to see a shop put these principles in place. Time will tell if customers will adapt and more cafés will follow suit.
Read the rest of the article on Eater.


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Microsoft last week demonstrated OneNote, a new application designed to bridge the gap between paper-based note-taking and PC text input. OneNote lets PC users take notes in a more natural way than with...
Introducing VideoProc, a new video processing toolkit
Data orchestration can produce accurate, continuously updated, multi-channel customer insight for marketers
Global interest in AI is rising, but Brits are afraid that Brexit will hold us back
Hyperledger is key to blockchain avoiding the challenges of the IoT
But will all of that data be a problem when the GDPR hits?


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ABOUT THE COMPANY
* Name: Riverside Transport
* Chattanooga location: 6400 Cornelison Road
* Business: Logistics
* Employees: 48
* 2014 revenues: $70 million
* Growth plans: 100 employee by the end of the year in Chattanooga
Source: Riverside Transport
About three years ago, Riverside Transport officials looked at the talent pool Chattanooga has in the trucking business, coupled with the nation's unrelenting need to move more freight, and saw opportunity.
Today, the company has leveraged that cluster of skills along with a dearth of truck drivers nationally into a logistics business here that's expected to hit revenues of about $88 million this year, officials say.
"Customers need what we're offering," says David Ferguson, who heads the Chattanooga logistics operation.
Ferguson says Riverside Transport basically helps companies move freight. It works to find trucking firms to haul goods, or in some cases will move the items itself, in the most efficient and cost-effective manner, he said.
"If a customer has several loads and doesn't have the trucks, they call us," Ferguson says, adding that Riverside arranges both long and short hauls.
He says that since June 2012, the company in Chattanooga has grown from four employees to 48. Within a year or so, he hopes to have about 100 employees working in expanded space at its offices near Eastgate Town Center and even grow that number.
"We have 45-plus customers," Ferguson says. "We do over 200 loads a day."
Riverside Transport is owned by Bill Grojean of Kansas City and Terry Wallace of Nashville. They also own carriers Transco Lines and Mid-American Specialized Transport.
In all, Riverside Transport has access to more than 800 trucks and 2,400 trailers.
Ferguson cites the slow down in the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, saying that Riverside is helping companies move freight from there. Ferguson says Riverside has about 100 trucks on the West Coast ready to haul shipments across the country either off the ports or locally.
"We're there to be the backup," he says.
A failure to resolve labor problems at the ports caused widespread pain for shippers, retailers, meat and poultry companies, and manufacturers across the country. For months, a growing lineup of ships sat at anchor outside the ports.
Ferguson said that Chattanooga has a strong cluster of transportation-related businesses and grown its talent pool.
Among those companies are U.S. Xpress Enterprises and Covenant Transportation Group, two of the biggest trucking companies in the nation. Ferguson, 48, is a former U.S. Xpress vice president.
Also, Chicago-based Coyote Logistics' has a major Chattanooga office after it bought home-grown Access America Transport last year.
In addition, Chattanooga's Kenco Group is one of the largest third-party logistics providers nationally, offering those services and supply chain solutions such as warehouse and transportation management and sequencing.
"We've got a training ground," Ferguson says of Chattanooga.
At the same time, Chattanooga's location is a plus, being centrally located in the Southeast, he says.
Helping drive the logistics business is what Ferguson terms "an all-time low" when it comes to truck drivers.
"We just don't see people going into the driving force," he says. Some people say a truck drivers' lifestyle doesn't fit that of young people, Ferguson says.
Connie Vaughan, McKee Foods Corp.'s government relations manager and head of the transportation panel for the Chattanooga region's long-range growth initiative dubbed Thrive 2055, also mentions the driver shortage.
She adds that a lot of small trucking companies went out of business during the last recession, and federal regulations have clamped down on driver hours of service.
"There's more freight to be moved than trucks," Vaughan says, noting that 70 percent of all freight is moved by trucks nationally.
Riverside Transport is working with Chattanooga State Community College to help start logistics training at the school, Ferguson says.
All the on- and off-road factors are combining to help grow Riverside's logistics business in Chattanooga, Ferguson says.
He says there's "a need for additional transportation. Somebody has got to supply that need."
Ferguson says that, on average, Riverside's logistics employees earn a salary in the mid-$40,000 a year range. There's also an opportunity to earn more in commission, he says.
"The owners have got a vision to become the largest logistics provider in the Southeast," Ferguson says.
This article appears in the March edition of Edge magazine.