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DETROIT – Since its admission in 1985, the Nike Air Jordan sneakers accept been added than a basketball shoe in the atramentous community. They accept become aggregate from a appearance accent to a cachet sym.
“Jordans came out as a insubordinate sneaker,” said Jason Johnson, a shoe able and buyer of Bob’s Classic Kicks in city Detroit. “They were banned from the NBA because of the color. It came in as a rebel. Over the years, (Jordan) afflicted the accomplished game.”
When Nike debuted the red and atramentous Air Jordan shoes during Michael Jordan’s amateur year in 1985, the alliance fined him $5,000. Nike paid the fines because of all of the acknowledgment Jordan gave the shoes.
“Jordan had that attendance with the youth,” Johnson said. “He became a pop icon. Nike saw that in him. He allowable that attendance back he came in the room.”
Jordan’s iconic cachet fabricated the shoes a must-have item, alike amidst a accumulation of kids who never saw him comedy in his celebrity canicule in Chicago: “These kids accept apparent the Washington Jordan, not the Chicago Jordan,” Johnson said.
WATCH THE REPORT OF MAYHEM OVER SNEAKERS
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In the aboriginal 1990s, at the acme of hip-hop’s Renaissance period, the shoes became alike with rap music and hip-hop culture. In abounding cities — including Detroit, Chicago, and New York — the shoes became accepted targets for thieves as bodies were generally mugged, and in some cases killed, over Jordans.
“You saw it on all the Spike Lee movies and the hip-hop ability best up on it,” said Antonio Jones, a DJ and “sneaker head” from Detroit. “Once they accepted Jordan like that, it was like if you got his sneaker, you were the man.
“Because all the blockhead boys had them. You couldn’t allow that shoe as a approved alone in 1984 and 1985.”
When Nike debuted the Air Jordan 11 Concords — a awakening adaptation of the best accepted Jordans — on Dec. 23, letters of fights, abuse and added disturbances advance beyond the nation. The pre-Christmas arcade blitz had a Atramentous Friday feel to it as huge crowds of shoppers afflicted food and about spawned riots from Seattle to Atlanta.
“Nowadays, alone assertive Jordans are gonna actualize the affectionate of (disturbance) that you saw the added day,” Johnson said. “The ‘Space Jams’ didn’t alike do that. It’s alone assertive kinds of Jordans that are gonna actualize that affectionate of pandemonium.”
For the third beeline year, Nike appear the newest awakening Jordans appropriate afore Christmas. In 2009, the Air Jordan 11 Awakening ‘Space Jams’ were released, while the awful accepted ‘Cool Grey’ Jordans came out aftermost year, admitting neither came with the commotion that followed the Concords.
“We’re adults, it’s annihilation for us (to get shoes),” Johnson said. “We’re not continuing in band and cat-and-mouse for them. We’ll get online and do our thing. But these kids that are aloof continuing in line, that’s authentic.”“Back in the day, we stood in the Jordan band and skipped school. We skipped aboriginal hour, additional hour aloof so we could appearance up at academy with the Js on. Now, they’ve apparent us do it and they appetite to actor it.”
In burghal Seattle, badge acclimated pepper aerosol on about 20 barter who started angry at the Westfield Southcenter Mall, and an 18-year-old boy was arrested. The army started acquisition at four food in the capital about midnight and had developed to added than 1,000 bodies by 4 a.m., back the food opened. Over the aing hour, angry and blame amid bodies in band bankrupt out.
A 20-year-old man in Jersey City, N.J. was stabbed back a affray bankrupt out amid several bodies cat-and-mouse in band buy the new shoes. In Taylor, Michigan — about 20 afar southwest of Detroit — about 100 bodies affected their way into Southland Capital about 5:30 a.m., damaging Christmas decorations and aishment benches. Badge arrested a 21-year-old Detroit man for attempting to abet a riot.
Carlisa Williams said she aing the army in Seattle for the acquaintance and bought two pairs of Concords, one for her and one for her brother. She said she would never do annihilation like it again.
“I don’t accept why they’re so important to people,” Williams told NBC associate KING-TV. “They’re aloof shoes at the end of the day. It’s not account risking your activity over.”
Williams is not the alone one who doesn’t get the shoe obsession. In Detroit, shoes are not the alone control that has acquired a few agitated outbursts; as Cartier sunglasses are generally prime targets for thieves.
“I absolutely don’t affliction about their sneaker passion,” said Marcelle Bryant, a business administrator in West Lafayette, Ind. and Detroit native. “I accept my own passions & things I ‘have to have’, but sneakers aloof don’t do it for me. It amazes me that bodies blitz out to get article they apperceive bodies will annihilate for in the streets.
“I feel the aforementioned way about Cartier glasses. I additionally don’t accept the argumentation of cat-and-mouse in band all day back you apperceive they will be awash online and that anniversary abundance has a bound accumulation of anniversary side. Then bodies riot, fight, and get all kinds of apprenticed over a shoe?”
The actuality that assertive segments of African-American adolescent bodies appoint in accumulation agitation over a mass-marketed artefact ability be allegorical of added amusing wounds.
“The aforementioned affidavit that abet so abounding poor atramentous adolescence to column up in hallways and on artery corners to advertise banned and clutter for address additionally abet agriculture frenzies for added accouterment of success and cachet like awakening Air Jordans,” said Jody Armour, Roy P. Crocker Professor of Law at the University of South Carolina.
“When cutting poverty, crumbling schools, a acquisitive cultural acceptance arrangement that defines self-worth and address in agreement of possessions, and about hopeless affairs of accepting the actual altitude of self-respect,” Armour told theGrio, “when all these factors assemble in the acquaintance of atramentous youth, adolescence grab on to annihilation that can accommodate alike cursory self-esteem and cursory recognition.”
To some atramentous kids, big-ticket sneakers accommodate that glimpse of self-worth. To sneaker heads, Jordans are added than artlessly sneakers. The shoes, which advertise for $180, are beat as afar of outfits, and alike as dress shoes.
“The acumen there are the apparent covering Jordans are because Mike said he capital some shoes he could abrasion with his suit,” Johnson said. “I wore them with a tuxedo. I didn’t abrasion them into prom, but back I absolved about downtown, I was in my Jordans.”
“For me it’s the fit and the look,” said J.B. Batchel, an ardent “sneaker head” from Jackson, Mich. “They fit like a shoe should. They attending arch and go with annihilation in my closet.
“Shoes accomplish the outfit, and a candied shoe makes me feel good. It’s like a candied tie with a bada** suit. The tie makes or break the look. Shoes are the aforementioned way.”
More generally than not, the shoes are not aloof actuality bought accurately to be worn, but to be flipped. On eBay, the must-have shoes are affairs for $200 to $1,000.
This is generally done with the assorted brands of Jordans as able-bodied as added shoes such as the accepted Nike Dunks and Air Force Ones. This has helped advance the sneaker arch ability in the close cities, area the shoes are apparent as collector’s items.
“You’ve got the stick-up kids, you’ve got the sneaker heads, you’ve got these subcultures and the associates of the groups got abate and smaller,” said Matthew Morris of Detroit, who works at Bob’s. “Everybody capital to be afar of that subculture because it was so exclusive.
Morris already lined up in advanced of a bounded shoe bazaar bristles canicule advanced of time to buy absolute pairs of $315 Air Jordans. He addled the shoes on eBay for a absolute accumulation of $5,000.
“Everybody capital to be a sneaker arch because everybody didn’t accept 300 pairs of sneakers,” Morris said. He acclaimed that the sneaker active are a abate accumulation that understands the ins and outs of the shoe game.
“They’re calamity the market,” Johnson added. “If you can get the (shoes) from Foot Locker, it ain’t no exclusivity to it. I can go in there and get some of them.
“But back you accept boutiques such as this and you accept all these types of places, it causes that demand. It’s no altered from bodies lining up at 8:00 at night for Atramentous Friday for a $200 Acer computer.”
The sneaker ability has taken on a audible activity of its own over the accomplished 25 years, with altered cities about the country, and internationally, accepting their own accent rules and customs. While it is not absolutely bright how it started — they are quick to agenda the acceptance of Adidas shoes in the aboriginal 80s — they appetite it accepted that it did not appear from skateboarders.
“It pisses me off back I’m in affairs and I apprehend that (sneaker culture) comes from the skateboard culture,” Johnson said. “Hip-hop created sneakers. Basketball is what created this lane for these sneakers.”
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Apple Allowable iOS App Size Just Went from from 2GB to 4GB
Monday, February 16, 2015
Of obvious interest to iOS developers is the news that Apple has increased the allowable app size from 2GB to 4GB. That’s a big jump and while most app developers won’t want to take up that much room on a users phone, its does provide more flexibility.
Here is what Apple says: The size limit of an app package submitted through iTunes Connect has increased from 2 GB to 4 GB, so you can include more media in your submission and provide a more complete, rich user experience upon installation. Please keep in mind that this change does not affect the cellular network delivery size limit of 100 MB.
In other iOS news Swift 1.2 and Xcode 6.3 beta have been released. You can learn more about that announcement here.
Read more: https://developer.apple.com/news/#article-02122015...
Making your apps accessible to those with disabilities Monday, July 16, 2018
Mobile blockchain SDK helps devs integrate the new tech Monday, July 16, 2018
Euro Truck Driver 2018 drops for Android Friday, July 13, 2018
Parallel ad bidding solution launches by PubNative Friday, July 13, 2018
Game streaming and the live streaming movement according to LiveCamp Friday, July 13, 2018
Stay UpdatedSign up for our newsletter for the headlines delivered to you

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Requirements in the metalworking sector are increasing, while digitalisation and networking are gaining momentum.
At the same time, users' demands for holistic concepts along with corresponding digital services continue to grow.
Walter sees itself as the partner of choice for its customers when it comes to complete solutions,
and therefore offers an ever-increasing portfolio of digital solutions that are far more than just tools.
The company will be demonstrating what this means in reality at EMO 2017, the leading international trade fair for
the metalworking industry in Hanover, from 18th to 23rd September 2017.


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Delta-8 THC, a cannabinoid derived from hemp, has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the form of vape pens. However, its legality has been a subject of debate and confusion due to variations in state and federal laws of the delta 8 vape pen.
At the federal level, the legality of Delta-8 THC is somewhat ambiguous. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, including cannabinoids like CBD. However, the legislation didn’t explicitly mention delta 8 vape pen, leading to a gray area in its legal status. Some argue that Delta-8 THC derived from hemp is legal under the Farm Bill since it’s a hemp derivative, while others contend that it’s a synthetic form of THC and therefore falls under the Controlled Substances Act.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has yet to issue specific regulations or guidelines regarding Delta-8 THC, further adding to the uncertainty. Without clear federal regulations, states have taken different approaches to regulating or banning Delta-8 THC products.
As of now, several states have explicitly banned Delta-8 THC, either by categorizing it as a controlled substance or by explicitly mentioning it in their cannabis laws. States such as Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah have implemented bans or restrictions on Delta-8 THC products.
However, in some states where cannabis laws are more lenient or where specific regulations regarding Delta-8 THC are lacking, the legality of Delta-8 THC products remains unclear. It’s essential for consumers to research and understand their state’s laws regarding Delta-8 THC before purchasing or using such products.
Even in states where Delta-8 THC is technically legal, consumers should exercise caution when purchasing vape pens or other products containing Delta-8 THC. Quality and safety standards can vary significantly between manufacturers, leading to concerns about product purity and potential contaminants.
Furthermore, the lack of regulation in the industry means that consumers may encounter products with inaccurate labeling or misleading marketing claims. It’s crucial for consumers to purchase Delta-8 THC products from reputable manufacturers who prioritize quality, transparency, and compliance with state regulations.
The legality of Delta-8 THC vape pens and other products varies depending on state laws, and the federal stance on the matter remains unclear. While some states have explicitly banned Delta-8 THC, others have not yet addressed its legality, leading to confusion among consumers. Regardless of state regulations, consumers should prioritize safety and quality when purchasing Delta-8 THC products and seek out reputable manufacturers who adhere to strict quality standards.


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BEYOND THE NUMBERS
Just two weeks after House Republicans released their poverty plan with the principle that all “should have the chance to make the most of our lives” and “break free” from poverty, they’ve proposed legislation that would do the opposite. Among other impacts, the bill, scheduled for a House vote tomorrow, would undercut the Federal Communications Commission’s rule that modernizes its “Lifeline” program by letting it subsidize broadband services.
Lifeline now provides low-income households with monthly subsidies to help cover basic telephone services, but a new FCC rule expands its reach to broadband, which would help many low-income households and their children clear a large hurdle to advancement. The House bill, however, would prevent the FCC from providing such subsidies for mobile devices and would restrict its current program for mobile phones. (Under the House bill, the FCC could subsidize broadband services provided through landlines, but in part due to the cost of computers, a significant — and growing — share of low-income and other households rely on mobile phones for Internet services.)
Less than half of low-income households have a high-speed Internet connection at home, despite mounting evidence that Internet use is now central to fully participating in modern society. As detailed in this CBPP report, it is especially essential to promoting upward mobility.
- Broadband access is critical to learning opportunities. Homework increasingly demands Internet use; 94 percent of school districts serving low-income populations reported that at least “some of their teachers assign Internet-based homework” and 27 percent said “more than half of their teachers do so,” a 2007 study found. (The proportion may have grown since then.) Yet 40 percent of households with school-age children and incomes under $25,000 lack a high-speed connection at home.
- Broadband access is central to job search and work performance. The federal government and over 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies — including Target and Walmart, which are large employers of low-income individuals — use online applications. Unemployed people conducting Internet job searches between 2005 and 2008 found work about 25 percent faster than workers with comparable skill levels and other characteristics who didn’t search online. Broadband access at home and Internet skills are also important for job training, employment scheduling, and job performance, studies find.
The CBPP report also describes how access to broadband is increasingly fundamental to other aspects of life as well.
- Health care. “Broadband provides consumers the ability to research health issues, obtain and share their personal health information with third parties, and to communicate with doctors, including specialists who may work in a different city,” a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) study found. Telemedicine (where patients connect with health professionals remotely) and Internet use to research health issues may also reduce health costs.
- Government information and services. Information ranging from consumer financial education to product safety to nutritional guides is increasingly Internet-centered. Further, “Broadband provides an opportunity to obtain information about and apply for most government public assistance programs, such as Social Security, and to complete tasks such as tax filing,” a GAO study found.
- Electronic commerce. Home broadband use facilitates online sales transactions, which let consumers compare prices, search for discounts, and consequently pay less for goods and services. Particularly for low-income people in smaller and rural communities, some important products they may need, such as assistive devices for people with disabilities, may not always be available in brick-and-mortar stores.
- Civic participation. The diversity of information online makes Internet access essential to informed voting and other civic participation. Also, federal, state, and local laws are available online, enabling low-income people who can’t afford legal assistance to better understand their rights and responsibilities.
The House bill would undercut the rule’s ability to subsidize broadband services, making it harder for many to get ahead and violating the House Republican poverty plan’s principle objective.


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There is a second that will be hallelujah we seen about the sector economical cover Bureau
You really must be thought precisely what I’ve planning for some time seriously is not they the matter that try liable creditors to learn that folks pays the income back?
Additionally becasue so many people are nonetheless in a bind which is monetary paying down the loan, the two get another loan. Routine credit is actually busine this is good the lenders. The CFPB found that a lot more than 80 percent of cash advance payday loan are typically accompanied by another home loan within week or two.
usually in a months. The lending obligations can be hugely lean — a bank account and returns. Consumers may give lenders document outdated certain tests or approve an electric powered budget travel. The shopper that will be typical five days on the payday hamster controls and will pay $520 in charges with an funding of $375, centered on findings within the Pew charity Trusts, that is working on great testing on the dangers of these types of financial products.
Pay day loans are actually big busine — $7.4 billion yearly, based on Pew. Every single 12 months, 12 million people remove these borrowing products from shop areas, web sites and a raising quantity of financial institutions.
The CFPB proposition challenges some other financing, way too, most notably automobile strategy lending options, that individuals borrow secured on his / her paid back vehicles. When a consumer doesn’t return an identity finance, the lending company can repoe the car. In a written report definitely previous Pew announced a payday loans NH lot more than 2 million both women and men need big fascination automotive headings financial loans, producing $3 billion in money for creditors. The label that is definitely average is actually $1,000. The typical debtor devotes an estimated $1,200 12 months in costs.
The businees that peddle these loans point out they have been creating an used option. Also some people which happen to be payday talked about to see they in this manner — or to start a lot of was able to carry out at the beginning.
“Most people aren’t in search of funding,” defined Nick Bourke, movie director in regards to the small earnings lending products undertaking at Pew. “They want a financial option for an extended monetary nightmare.”
According to the CFPB’s tip, collectors would have to look at profits that’s person’s various other debts to determine their capability shell out the interest, main and rates. The office could be picking out imposing restrictions on how most lending products individuals might take outside in yearly.
“For collectors that truly want to offer accountable selections for owners that happen to be in need of these accounts to control disaster problems, we have been creating mindful operate retaining those available alternatives,” CFPB manager Richard Cordray reported. “But creditors make use of setting up upward spending and income from ensnaring parents in future obligations snares will need to change their unique busine framework.”
Just what is the service are offer delivers the compounds completely improvement, as outlined by Bourke and other consumer supporters, this customers coupling and also the buyers Federation of this u . s .. They also are worried with a loophole that finance institutions normally takes benefit of. The suggested regulation characteristics a provision allowing various inflate transaction loan which wouldn’t can payback need, Bourke pointed out.
“None from the is focused on in rock, but supplying financial institutions pre-owned to make three financial loans within a-row without necessitating an easy, seem decision ability to shell out evaluation ought not to ever be part of one last process,” described Tom Feltner for that Shoppers Federation associated with the united states of america.
I realize that individuals might get right into an economic jam. But if a brief label funding product weren’t supplied, they might take care of their own profit a fashion that does not catch-all of those into a great deal more obligations.
Pew found out that both wages and idea debts customers normally have actually other options, such as acquiring the cash from nearest and dearest or pals, marketing poeions or decreasing on cost.


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Business Wire India
More than 300 businesses across 51 industries and 29 countries have now joined The Climate Pledge and committed to pursue ambitious carbon-reduction activities across their business operations and supply chains
New signatories also include Climate Pledge Fund investees BETA Technologies, Infinium, and Pachama
Today, Amazon and Global Optimism announced that more than 300 companies have now signed The Climate Pledge, a nearly 600% growth in signatories over the past year. Among the nearly 100 new signatories joining today are the world’s largest container shipping company, Maersk; the leading enterprise software developer SAP; the North American timberland company Weyerhaeuser; the largest residential solar company in the U.S., Sunrun; and the leading brand in connected car and audio services, HARMAN. Pledge signatories in total generate over $3.5 trillion in global annual revenues and have more than 8 million employees across 51 industries in 29 countries.
Signatories to The Climate Pledge must agree to:
Measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis.
Implement decarbonization strategies in line with the Paris Agreement through real business changes and innovations, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy, materials reductions, and other carbon emission elimination strategies.
Neutralize any remaining emissions with additional, quantifiable, real, permanent, and socially beneficial offsets to achieve net-zero annual carbon emissions by 2040.
“The effects of climate change are becoming more and more apparent in our surroundings and daily lives, and we firmly believe that the private sector must continue to innovate and collaborate across regions and industries in order to decarbonize the global economy at scale,” said Andy Jassy, Amazon CEO. “It’s an encouraging sign that more than 300 businesses have now signed The Climate Pledge, which commits them to confronting climate change head-on by incorporating real business changes that will make a lasting impact on our planet. We can only do it together.”
Many of the new Pledge signatories are already making great strides toward reducing their carbon emissions:
Maersk is providing industry-leading green customer offerings across the supply chain, including Maersk ECO Delivery, which targets emission reductions in ocean shipping. Amazon began participating in this service in 2020 and continues today. Amazon’s participation reduced emissions by approximately 20 KTonnes of CO2e (the equivalent of 50 million average passenger vehicle miles) in 2021.
SAP recently accelerated its target for achieving net-zero carbon emissions to 2030—20 years earlier than originally targeted.
Weyerhaeuser is sustainably managing forests and manufacturing wood products across North America to provide a sustainable supply of wood for homes and countless other products, while protecting wildlife habitat and serving as a natural climate solution through carbon sequestration and storage. Weyerhaeuser reforests 100 percent of its timberlands after harvesting—planting between 130 and 150 million trees each year.
Sunrun’s systems have prevented 8.1 million metric tons of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to negating 20 billion miles driven by an average passenger vehicle.
With a long-standing focus on purpose, sustainability is one of HARMAN’s key strategic business pillars. As part of HARMAN’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2040, it’s working toward ambitious, measurable shorter-term targets that aim to reduce emissions, energy usage, and waste across its value chain. HARMAN has introduced new product lines made from responsibly sourced and recycled materials and has committed to 100 percent renewable energy in all HARMAN factories by 2025.
Today, The Climate Pledge also welcomes several companies that have previously received investments through the $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund, Amazon’s corporate venture capital fund that invests in companies that can help accelerate a path to meeting The Climate Pledge. These companies include BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company, and Infinium, a renewable fuels technology company, which both aim to support decarbonization efforts in the global transportation sector. The sector was responsible for approximately 7.3 billion metric tons of carbon emissions in 2020. In fact, nearly 13% of signatories represent transportation, aviation, and logistics sectors, sending an important signal that there will be rapid growth in demand for products and services that help reduce carbon emissions in this key sector. Additionally, Climate Pledge Fund investee and new signatory Pachama is bringing quality, transparency, and scale to nature-based carbon markets. Pachama uses remote sensing and machine learning to measure carbon stored in forests and monitor them over time, allowing organizations and individuals to compensate for their emissions with confidence by supporting reforestation and forest conservation projects.
Today’s announcement underscores the findings of the latest report from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which emphasizes the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to invest in natural climate solutions to limit warming to close to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and to mitigate damages.
“In the face of great peril, which is what the latest science depicts, the business community must have a clear path forward: Step up and accelerate emissions reductions so that we might avoid the worst of the damages yet to come,” said Christiana Figueres, founding partner of Global Optimism and the United Nations’ former climate chief. “It’s encouraging, therefore, that 300 companies are committed to working together to achieve net-zero by 2040 or sooner through The Climate Pledge. But 300 companies are not enough to deliver the transformations we need. I encourage all business leaders to get to grips with the science, translate it for their businesses, and enable the changes we need without delay.”
Amazon and Global Optimism welcome the new signatories to The Climate Pledge:
4 Cladding Services
Aberdeen Laundry Services Ltd.
Harmony Music School
Accordant Solutions Ltd.
Premier Packaging LLC
Augenklinik Dardenne SE
Infinium Holdings, Inc.
ROBUR Industry Service Group GmbH
BetaCarbon Pty Ltd.
Clif Bar & Company
Kayamut Ve Shefa (KVS)
Schumacher Packaging Werk Schwarzenberg
Cognizant Technology Solutions
Kin and Carta Plc
Croatian Post Inc.
Dynamic Consultants Group
E Ink Holdings Inc.
Syncro Technology Corp
Ellers Farm Distillery
TBM Co., Ltd.
Tea Venture Limited
euNetworks Group Ltd.
Teleon Surgical BV
Flow Water Inc.
The Vella Group
Network Archaeology Ltd.
TransACT Technology Solutions
Gienanth Group GmbH
OAC Services, Inc.
Ground Control Ltd.
GRUPO GRANSOLAR SL
Xnrgy Climate Systems
Hammam Al Andalus
Pallet LOOP Ltd.
Hardscape Group Limited
Information about all 95 new signatories that have committed to The Climate Pledge and the actions they are taking to decarbonize their businesses is available at The Climate Pledge website, including:
A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) is an integrated logistics company and the world’s largest container shipping company. As a global provider of end-to-end logistics services across all transport modes, the company is committed to playing an integral role in enabling global decarbonization of long-distance transport. In addition to reducing all direct and indirect emissions across its entire business by 2040, Maersk is also committed to expanding its green customer offerings, including a commitment to achieve 25% of ocean cargo transported with green fuels, 90% green operations for contract logistics and cold chain, and at least 30% of air cargo transported with sustainable aviation fuel by 2030. To achieve these ambitious targets, Maersk is exploring, testing, and investing in sustainable innovations to enable transformation across the supply chain. Maersk is currently investing in innovative new fuels, vessels, electrical trucks, network planning software, information sharing technology, and many more areas. This includes the order of 12 vessels that will be capable of operating on green methanol—these vessels will be operational in 2024.
“Solving the climate emergency and decarbonizing our customers’ supply chains is a strategic imperative for Maersk,” said Soren Skou, A.P. Moller – Maersk CEO. “Hence, back in January 2021 we accelerated our decarbonization commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040—a decade ahead of our initial 2050 ambitions and the Paris Agreement. To drive the massive scale up of green fuels, we all must move now and take action. If we are meant to see changes this decade, we cannot afford to wait, and in that context, we look forward to joining The Climate Pledge, an opportunity to team up with some of our major customers, learn from them, and share best practices and solutions.”
SAP is a world leader in enterprise application software and services. SAP has the vision to help companies of all sizes and industries become intelligent, sustainable enterprises by managing business data and processes to be more efficient, resilient, and competitive. SAP offers sustainability-specific solutions for corporate sustainability performance management and reporting, carbon accounting, waste management for circular economy processes, and responsible and inclusive value chain management. SAP recently accelerated its net-zero emissions commitment from 2050 to 2030. The company is setting science-based targets to achieve net-zero along its entire value chain in line with a 1.5-degree Celsius future. SAP is driving a long-term strategy of sustainable operations around the world including using 100 percent renewable energy for SAP’s own data centers and buildings worldwide since 2014. SAP is also directly investing in renewable electricity as well as nature-based and technical-based funds to neutralize residual carbon emissions.
“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and the time to act is now,” said Christian Klein, SAP CEO. “Technology provides us with an opportunity to create a lasting, positive impact for future generations and SAP is proud to join The Climate Pledge to help drive this change.”
Weyerhaeuser manages millions of acres of timberlands and operates 35 manufacturing facilities and 18 distribution centers for wood products across North America. For more than 120 years, Weyerhaeuser has been growing, harvesting, and regrowing forests on a continuous cycle. Its timberlands provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, renewable energy, and a sustainable supply of wood for homes and countless other products communities depend on every day. Weyerhaeuser’s forests and mills provide great jobs and support local economies in rural areas across North America.
“Sustainability has been a guiding principle at Weyerhaeuser for well over a century, and we have long believed that our company has an obligation to make a positive impact in our communities and for society more broadly,” said Devin W. Stockfish, Weyerhaeuser president and CEO. “Our working forests and the sustainable wood products we produce play a critical role in helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. And as part of our ongoing sustainability efforts, we have published our inaugural, peer-leading Carbon Record and established a leadership position among our North American industry peers by setting an ambitious, science-based greenhouse gas reduction target. Signing on to The Climate Pledge reflects our commitment to achieve these goals and to help lead on the path to net-zero emissions globally.”
Sunrun is the nation’s leading home solar, battery storage, and energy services company. Founded in 2007, Sunrun pioneered home solar service plans to make local clean energy more accessible to everyone for little to no upfront cost. Sunrun’s innovative home battery solution brings families affordable, resilient, and reliable energy. In 2021, the company installed 792 megawatts of clean energy for more than 110,000 customers, increasing total Networked Solar Energy Capacity to 4.7 gigawatts. Systems added in 2021 alone are expected to offset more than 17 million metric tons of CO2 over the next 30 years. According to the company’s most recent Impact Report, Sunrun has generated more than 11 billion kilowatt hours of clean energy since 2007.
“At Sunrun, people and the planet are our north star,” said Mary Powell, Sunrun CEO. “Since our founding, we’ve helped more than 660,000 customers across the U.S. switch to clean energy and reduce their carbon emissions through our home solar and battery storage systems, and we’re just getting started. We’re laser focused on finding more ways to electrify homes and enable all Americans to take action on climate change, reduce energy costs, and gain energy independence. We are proud to demonstrate this commitment by signing the Climate Pledge alongside other sustainability leaders.”
HARMAN designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions, and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, and Revel, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians, and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. HARMAN’s software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated, and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. In March 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
“At HARMAN, we know that driving sustainability is an ongoing journey that benefits from constant collaboration,” said Tom Mooney, HARMAN senior director of Government Affairs and Sustainability. “Each of the other Climate Pledge signatories is as committed as we are to building a more sustainable future and understands the value of working together toward our common goal. We’re excited to be joining forces with this community of innovators and thought leaders to create meaningful change.”
About The Climate Pledge
In 2019, Amazon and Global Optimism co-founded The Climate Pledge, a commitment to reach the Paris Agreement 10 years early and be net-zero carbon by 2040. Now, 312 organizations have signed The Climate Pledge, sending an important signal that there will be rapid growth in demand for products and services that help reduce carbon emissions. For more information, visit www.theclimatepledge.com.
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.
About Global Optimism
Global Optimism exists to precipitate transformational, sector-wide change. Achieving a zero emissions future is not a far-off challenge. It’s one we must get on track for now. Every scientific assessment shows that to meet the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, to keep global heating below 1.5 degrees Celsius, we must halve our emissions between 2020 and 2030. Tackling the climate crisis is only possible when everyone, everywhere plays their part. We work with like-minded collectives from all sectors that are willing to invest in the choices required to be on this challenging—and life-affirming—journey. For more information, visit https://globaloptimism.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220314005211/en/


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Opontia, a startup that acquires and grows eCommerce brands, announced that it has raised $42 million.
The Series A funding round was a mix of equity and venture debt, with STV, the largest venture capital fund in the Middle East and North Africa, leading the equity investment.
Further testament to Opontia’s potential and strong expansion since launch, existing investors Raed Ventures and Global Founders Capital (GFC) doubled down in the Series A round. Moreover, other new equity investors joined the funding round, including Upper 90, a New York-based fund, and VentureSouq, a Dubai-based venture capital fund. Ahmad Alshammari, General Partner of STV, and Saed Nashef, Founding Partner of Read Ventures will join the board of Opontia.
Solidifying the robust growth potential of Opontia is the venture debt raising, which comprises just over 50 per cent of the $42 million Series A round. The venture debt has been funded by Partners for Growth (PFG), a globally focused billion-dollar San Francisco-based venture debt fund.
The Series A investment follows nine months of sustainable, fast-paced growth since Opontia launched, during which it has expanded from Dubai to launch offices in the three other largest eCommerce markets in Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA), namely Poland, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. In the coming months, Opontia is to incorporate offices in more high-potential growth markets including Egypt, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Commenting on the successful funding round, Philip Johnston, CEO of Opontia, said: “The successful completion of our Series A round supports our robust investment case and will enable us to expand our presence in key growth markets for the eCommerce sector. With prestigious cornerstone investors choosing to expand their holdings, and new entries to Opontia from leading equity and debt venture capital and angel investors, we are extremely thankful to our partners who show confidence in our business model. We are committed to continuing to support eCommerce entrepreneurs in realising the potential of their brands. Through Opontia’s support, entrepreneurs can achieve scale and development as we lead on daily operations while we enable them to continue to benefit from the growth in their brands.”
Manfred Meyer co-CEO of Opontia, added: “The eCommerce market is rapidly augmenting across Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa markets. The pace of innovation, entrepreneurship and growth is reaching new heights but remains less mature than in some western markets. As such, entrepreneurs are increasingly seeking support in scaling-up brands and that is where Opontia has a pivotal role to play. Through the Series A investment, Opontia will continue to enable entrepreneurs and brands to grow and solidify their market share, while generating sustainable economic returns that will enable Oponita to continue to grow and support more brands.”
Ahmad Alshammari, General Partner at STV, stated: “With Philip and Manfred at the helm, joined by a fantastic team of hard-working eCommerce experts, we believe that Opontia is in a unique position to be a sector leader in the fast-growing e-commerce market. eCommerce in MENA is still underpenetrated compared to other markets, but we have seen significant growth, especially when it comes to new D2C brands that are popping up and uniquely cater to local tastes. With its disruptive business model and vision, Opontia really is in the right market at the right time.”
Saed Nashef, Founding Partner of Raed Ventures added: “We’ve made an early bet on Opontia in their first institutional round purely on the strength and experience of the founding team, and the size of the opportunity in the consumer goods aggregator category. Philip, Manfred, and their team have done an amazing job at establishing Opontia as the leading sellers’ roll-up player in MENA. We’re excited to be following on our initial investment with them as they take the company to the next level.”
Launched in March 2021 by Philip Johnston and Manfred Meyer, Opontia enables eCommerce entrepreneurs to realise the full potential of their brands, both in terms of getting an exit as well as profiting from future growth. Furthermore, Opontia aims to nurture and build the entrepreneurial eCommerce ecosystem in the region. Since launch, the company has grown its headcount to over 50 people, acquired four brands, and signed term sheets with a further 15 brands.
Opontia will use the funds to acquire exceptional eCommerce brands and to invest in a team of experienced eCommerce experts in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa who will be responsible for managing and growing brands after acquisition. The company has already recruited a top-tier team with notable experience from Amazon, Noon, McKinsey, Uber Eats and Namshi.


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Single-use plastic bags will be phased out from all South Island Countdown stores in less than a fortnight.
Sixty-seven stores will make the change on October 8, the most ditching the bags at any one time. That includes North Island stores in Napier, Hastings, Waikato and Auckland's North Shore.
To have an entire island phase out plastic bags is a "milestone", said Countdown general manager of corporate affairs and sustainability Kiri Hannifin.
- Single-use plastic bags to be phased out by the Government
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- Warehouse to phase out single-use plastic bags
- New World follows Countdown's lead to phase out plastic bags
"We're really proud to be continuing to lead the way for supermarkets in New Zealand when it comes to phasing out single-use plastic carrier bags.
"With our stores using on average around 6000 bags every day, the faster we can make this change, the sooner we can make a difference for the environment."
Countdown started phasing out single-use bags in May, saying it's already removed 22.5 million from circulation.
The supermarket plans to completely rid single-use plastic out of all its 180 stores by the end of the year.
A single-use plastic shopping bags ban was announced by the Government in August.
Even biodegradable and compostable plastic bags will be phased out as the Government believes they are no better for the environment.
Over the next year the Government will phase out the bags nationwide. Retailers could face a $100,000 fine if they are found selling plastic bags once the ban is in place.


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Everyone wants a chicken dinner these days
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is an unprecedented success. The popular battle-royale style game came out of nowhere back in March of this year, and has since taken the industry by storm, with over 13 million purchases, and the highest concurrent player record on Steam yet.
There’s a version of PUBG coming to Xbox One later this year, and the game will depart from early access sometime in 2018, finally getting a proper release on PC, but there’s something else lying in wait for PUBG: a potential version of the game on this generation’s best-selling console, the PlayStation 4.
In a recent feature with Bloomberg, Chang Byung-gyu, Bluehole’s founder, said that his company is in talks with “all of the major console companies about bringing PUBG to a broader audience.” He mentions the Xbox version that will be launching later this year, and specifically states that Bluehole and Sony are thinking about a release for the PS4 after that.
Bringing the PUBG craze to consoles makes perfect sense from a business perspective, but I’m curious how far the notion of “all of the major console companies” truly goes. Could this mean that Bluehole is courting the likes of Nintendo about a Switch version? It seems possible, given that even behemoth games like DOOM are hopping on the Switch these days.
One Man’s Journey From Welfare to World’s Hottest Video Game [Bloomberg]


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by Jac La Tour
For all the negative impact of the Great Recession, one upside is that more ministry leaders are attentive to economic trends. They’ve learned that churches and other ministries aren’t as insulated from economic downturns as they once were.
So what’s happening with the economy today? To find out, ECCU CFO Mike Koch posed some questions to economist Stuart Strother, a professor at Azusa Pacific University (APU).
Mike: Popular opinion about whether the economy is improving varies widely. What do the numbers say?
Stuart: The macro economy is definitely improving. GDP continues to grow as American companies continue to do well selling their products at home and abroad. Consumer spending is strong and consumer prices haven’t risen much. Housing markets have rebounded. Stock markets are on fire. Although these and other macroeconomic indicators paint a picture of a country that has recovered, none of us live in the macro economy. We all have our own micro economy.
While U.S. companies are doing well, they’re in no hurry to increase hiring. This stems partly from lingering fears that the recession may return, and partly from uncertainty about the effects of Obamacare on businesses. So unemployment remains higher than what we economists call a “natural rate of unemployment,” which is about 5 percent. For those of us lucky enough to have a job these days, it’s important to remember that many remain underemployed, meaning they are working below their skill level and for lower wages. There is tremendous downward pressure on labor markets these days. My students face this harsh reality after graduation.
While housing markets have rebounded (which is good news for homeowners), young people hoping to buy their first home are, once again, being priced out of the market. And though we are all excited about rising stock prices, especially as our retirement accounts improve, this offers little help to the typical middle-class American household in the short term.
Mike: As ministries budget for 2014, how should they expect the economy to affect charitable giving?
Stuart: I don’t think charitable giving will change much. Young people continue to struggle, so they will not be a significant revenue source for ministries. Middle-aged and elderly churchgoers should continue to give as they traditionally have. In the long term, however, don’t expect the generation in their 20s and 30s to replace the giving levels of those older people who currently give the lion’s share of donations to ministries. Generation X is cynical, and Generation Y questions everything. Ministry leaders will have to re-evaluate their fundraising strategies to reach these generations.
Mike: How might economic trends outside the U.S. affect the work of ministries that operate internationally?
Stuart: This is a tough question! Economies in Europe appear fragile, while the developing world continues to, well, develop. I’m very encouraged that in countries such as China and Vietnam, where markets are becoming increasingly free, the standard of living for most people is steadily increasing. While economic growth in the U.S. and Europe is minimal, it is robust in much of the developing world.
Mike: What do you see as a troubling economic indicator today?
Stuart: I am troubled by two interrelated factors: the continued expansion of the inefficient public sector and high unemployment. As we put more resources in the hands of government bureaucrats, these resources are pulled out of the private sector, where they would have been utilized for their highest and best use. As government expands, private firms are less likely to hire. In the U.S., we have a skilled workforce that is ready to work.
Mike: An encouraging one?
Stuart: Inflation remains low, so families can continue to purchase goods and services that improve their quality of life. Many household goods are cheap today due to improved production technology and international trade. While many Americans are underemployed, at least our consumer goods have not become overly expensive. Macroeconomic conditions, however, suggest rising prices in the future. So long as The Fed keeps increasing the money supply (i.e., “printing money” through Bernanke’s Quantitative Easing program), prices must eventually rise. An increased money supply equals higher prices. That’s economics 101.
Stuart definitely knows his economic stuff. He and APU colleague Roger Conover will present a 2014 economic forecast at the upcoming 2013 Financial Forum for Ministries. They’ll also talk with Mike and ECCU Finance Director Brian Barbre about what ministries can expect in light of current economic trends.
To learn more and register, visit www.eccu.org/resources/events.


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Alldays buys back more stores
Convenience store chain Alldays said on Tuesday it has either acquired or conditionally agreed terms to acquire 23 of the 32 holding companies which operate nearly half its stores.
The company recently secured a £200 million rescue plan to finance the purchase of these regional development companies (RDCs). Alldays said it decided to buy the RDCs as soon as possible when it discovered that only seven were making money.
The company said it has signed terms with another RDC operating 26 stores and two RDCs have already been purchased which add 36 more stores to the number acquired. 'The completion of the acquisition of 23 RDCs will result in a network of 604 stores under direct company management, 168 within the remaining RDCs, and 30 operated by individual franchisees,' Chairman George Duncan said.
Alldays believes buying-in the holding companies is the key to improved profitability but two of the franchisees, Richard Gibbs and Ron Kirk have criticised the plan. Kirk and Gibbs said they have a total lack of confidence in the strategy which will leave the company with a sizeable level of debt. They claimed to have the support of 18 of Alldays RDCs.
The franchisees had also been calling for the removal of former Chief Executive Colin Glass since the group plunged to a £27 million loss in the first half of the year.
Last month Glass left the company and David Clapham became its managing director. Clapham formerly worked for J Sainsbury and was responsible for its convenience store division.
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40 news items tagged Huga
LED chipmakers, packaging houses report mixed results for 1Q10Monday 10 May 2010
Players in Taiwan's LED industry have reported mixed results for the first quarter of 2010.
LED chipmakers and packaging houses see growth in November revenuesThursday 10 December 2009
LED chipmakers Epistar, Formosa Epitaxy (FOREPI) and Huga Optotech have all seen their revenues grow more than double on year for November, while packaging houses Everlight Electronics...
Taiwan LED players raise funding of NT$26 billion in 2009Wednesday 25 November 2009
Taiwan LED players have raised funding of an estimated total of NT$26 billion (US$806.39 million) in 2009 in anticipation of strong demand in 2010, according to market sources.
LED chipmakers see October revenues increaseWednesday 11 November 2009
LED chipmakers saw their October revenues increase on the high demand for high-brightness blue LEDs, while LED packaging houses saw sequential drop for October revenues.
Taiwan LED chipmakers expanding capacity on strong backlight demandTuesday 3 November 2009
The total blue LED chip capacity of Taiwan-based LED chipmakers Epistar, Formosa Epitaxy, Tekcore, Arima Optoelectronics, Genesis Photonics and Huga Optotech is expected to increase...
Huga wins LED patent lawsuit against EpistarTuesday 22 September 2009
Taiwan's intellectual property court has ruled in favor of LED chipmaker Huga Optotech in a patent infringement lawsuit filed by its competitor Epistar, according to Huga's filing...
Taiwan LED players post 7% revenues growth for August, says LEDinsideMonday 14 September 2009
Taiwan's listed LED manufacturers recorded total revenues of NT$6.41 billion (US$196.25 million) in August 2009, a 7.2% growth from July and a 8.3% growth on year, according to LEDinside...
Huga, Edison post record revenues for AugustWednesday 9 September 2009
Taiwan-based LED chipmaker Huga Optotech and LED packaging house Edison Opto both have reported record revenues for August.
Epistar, Formosa Epitaxy report profits for 1H09, other Taiwan LED chipmakers see lossesTuesday 1 September 2009
Epistar and Formosa Epitaxy (FOREPI) are the only two of Taiwan's major LED chipmakers that have reported profits for the first half of 2009, but the latter's profit was minimal.
Taiwan LED chipmaker Huga to set up joint venture with Seoul Semiconductor and Seoul OptodeviceThursday 2 July 2009
Taiwan-based LED chipmaker Huga Optotech is going to set up a joint venture with Seoul Semiconductor (SSC) and Seoul Optodevice (SOC), according to a company filing at the Taiwan...
LED chipmaker Epistar seeking to acquire Huga, says paperWednesday 6 May 2009
Major Taiwan LED chipmaker Epistar is seeking to take over fellow competitor Huga Optoteck so as to have sufficient capacity to meet clients' demand, according to a Chinese-language...
LED chipmakers report sequential increase in March revenuesMonday 13 April 2009
Taiwan-based LED chipmaker Epistar has reported revenues of NT$910.19 million (US$27.03 million) for March, up 32.14% on a monthly basis but down 3% on a yearly basis.
Epistar files LED patent infringement lawsuit against HugaWednesday 8 October 2008
Taiwan-based LED chipmaker Epistar has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against competitor Huga Optotech, seeking NT$200 million (US$6.16 million).
Q&A with Dennis Chen, chairman of LED chipmaker Huga OptotechMonday 23 June 2008
While upstream LED companies did not see their revenues grow as much as expected in the first half of this year, LED chipmaker Huga, founded by Inventec and Yulon, maintained growth...
Taiwan LED chip maker Huga Optotech plans to list on TSEMonday 9 June 2008
Taiwan LED chip maker Huga Optotech plans to apply to be listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) in the third quarter of this year, according to sources. Chairman Dennis Chen indicated...


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Town of Acton Received Massachusetts Municipal Association's Innovation Award for Work Supporting Businesses Throughout COVID-19
The Town of Acton was awarded the Kenneth Pickard Municipal Innovation Award on Friday, Jan. 22 for its widespread programs and initiatives that have helped to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The award, given by the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), recognizes municipalities that have developed unique and creative projects and programs to increase the effectiveness of local government.
"This award is recognition of the hard work and dedication of Director Selby and our town employees who have found many creative and impactful ways to provide support and assistance to our local businesses throughout the pandemic,” Town Manager Mangiaratti said. “I would also like to thank the Board of Selectmen for its leadership and strong demonstration of support for Acton businesses as we implemented these initiatives and programs.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Town of Acton has worked to assist local businesses by creating promotional campaigns, easing restrictions to assist business operations and offering funding programs.
When the first statewide order to close bars and restaurants for in-person dining went into effect in March 2020, town employees compiled a list of establishments still open for takeout and delivery. The Acton Restaurant Week website was re-purposed to include the list of establishments, their hours, takeout or delivery menus, contact information and more. The list was also shared in the daily COVID-19 update by Town Manager Mangiaratti.
In April 2020, the town launched a #TakeOutSelfie Challenge social media campaign to encourage residents to support local businesses. Customers were prompted to post a “selfie” with the #TakeOutSelfie hashtag and tag the Town of Acton’s social media accounts to help promote Acton’s restaurants.
The town also worked with the business community and the Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce on a buy local campaign. The campaign included banners placed across Route 27, sandwich boards and lawn signs across town that read: “Support your community. Shop local. Eat local.”
Earlier this month, the town shared its new Acton Video Tour which has been in the making for the past year. The video contains six parts that highlight the community and businesses -- a welcome message, Economic Development, History & Culture, Quality of Life, Community Organizations/Community Services and Resiliency -- and describes what makes Acton a vibrant and inviting community. Click here to watch the video.
In May, an emergency order was approved that allowed restaurants to sell groceries during the local state of emergency. Restaurants were also able to expand their outdoor dining areas to accommodate customers within health and social distancing guidelines. Liquor licenses were expanded for outdoor seating following Gov. Baker’s executive order on June 1 authorizing local licensing authorities to expand alcohol licenses for such a purpose.
The town also provided local establishments with a partial refund on their liquor licenses. Acton charges $5,000 annually for an all-alcohol pouring license and $2,000 for a beer and wine license. A total of 19 establishments with all-alcohol licenses and five establishments with a beer and wine license were given a refund of 25% for their 2020 licenses due to COVID-19 closures. The Board of Selectmen also waived 25% of the liquor license fees due in 2021.
The town also relaxed zoning bylaws related to temporary signage and waived permit fees for temporary signs.
After hearing significant comments about allowing expanded drive-up windows as a result of COVID-19, the Board of Selectmen directed staff and the Planning Board to conduct a public engagement process regarding the concept of allowing drive-up windows for pharmacies and restaurants. Acton currently allows drive-ups for banks only. Virtual public forums were held in October and December 2020 for Acton residents and businesses to discuss expanding drive-up windows in Acton. The Board of Selectmen is now considering feedback from the public forums and may decide to bring zoning changes to an upcoming Town Meeting.
In September 2020, Acton residents voted in support of a COVID Small Business Grant Program. The approximately $165,000 grant program was funded using the town’s free cash. Grants of up to $4,000 each were provided to 43 small businesses to help cover rent and other fixed costs. The program targeted small, local businesses with less than 35 employees, less than $1.5 million in annual revenue and that demonstrated a loss of 50% or more in revenue since the closures began in March 2020. The COVID Small Business Grant Program and how it came to be was featured in a video, which can be viewed here.
The town also utilized its website and email lists to conduct extensive outreach to Acton businesses regarding additional local, state and federal grant opportunities. Through the recent Mass Growth Capital Corporation grant program, 17 businesses in Acton were awarded grants through the four rounds of this program. In total, $890,000 was distributed to Acton businesses by the Baker-Polito Administration.
Earlier this month, the town launched a micro-enterprise grant program through a partnership with the Towns of Boxborough, Littleton, Maynard and Westford. The program will provide eligible businesses a one-time grant of up to $10,000 to help cover costs such as rent, staffing and utilities. The program will be funded by a $1.6 million Community Development Block Grant awarded to the Town of Acton as the lead for the program.
“Local businesses contribute to our community in many different ways, and they were hit especially hard by restrictions brought on by the pandemic,” Director Selby said. “We’d like to commend the Acton business community on its resiliency and adaptability during the many significant changes and challenges it experienced during the greater part of the past year.”


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|Bid||66.62 x 900|
|Ask||67.01 x 1200|
|Day's Range||66.13 - 67.49|
|52 Week Range||52.91 - 69.47|
|Beta (5Y Monthly)||0.72|
|PE Ratio (TTM)||21.21|
|Forward Dividend & Yield||1.40 (2.11%)|
|Ex-Dividend Date||Dec 30, 2021|
|1y Target Est||N/A|
A new way to enjoy AMERICA'S FAVORITE COOKIE® is coming to the freezer aisle! OREO® is launching a line of OREO® Frozen Treats ranging from scoopable tubs to snackable bars, cones, sandwiches and more.
January 19, 2022 /3BL Media/ - Mondelēz International announced the launch of the third annual State of Snacking™ report, a global consumer trends study examining year-over-year insights on how con...
CHICAGO, Jan. 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) will release its fourth quarter 2021 financial results on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 4:05 p.m. ET and will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET that day. Investors and analysts may participate via phone by calling 877-876-9173 from the United States and 785-424-1667 from other locations. To ensure timely access, participants should dial in approximately 10 minutes before the call starts. A listen-only web


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India based FMCG Company, Dabur has recently announced the appointment of Mohit Malhotra as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the company which will be effective from April 1, 2019. Mohit Malhotra is now the CEO of the company’s India’s business who will be replacing the present CEO of the company Sunil Duggal, who has been serving the company since almost past 16 years.
"During the past few years, the Board of Directors of Dabur India Ltd. had established a succession forecasting exercise in order to recognize the new CEO towards taking over the responsibilities from Mr. Sunil Duggal. Mr. Duggal was delegated with the accountability of guaranteeing a suave transition. Thus, the company found that Mr. Mohit Malhotra was the perfect successor of Mr. Duggal. Hence, with the commendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, the board agreed the employment of Mr. Malhotra as the new Chief Executive Officer of Dabur India Ltd," stated by Dr. Anand C Burman, Chairperson of Dabur India Ltd.
“I, on behalf of the Dabur Board, thank Mr. Sunil Duggal for his invaluable contribution of over 24 years with the organization, including 17 years as the CEO. I also wish Mr. Mohit Malhotra all the best, and we are confident that under his leadership, the Company will continue to grow,” Dr. Burman added to his statement.
Mr. Malhotra, who had also been appointed as a full-time Director of the company which was effective from January 31, 2019 and will now work as CEO-Designate till March 31, 2019, under the leadership of Duggal. Accordingly, Duggal will be holding the position as the CEO of the company till the end of the fiscal year 2018-19 and will continue as a Full-time Director till May 15, 2019.
Furthermore, Dabur India stated that Duggal will then endure as a Non-Executive Director upto July 30, 2020.
A Bit about the New CEO
49-year old Mohit Malhotra is a management graduate from the Pune University as well as has completed executive masters in International Business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in New Delhi. He was associated with Dabur as the management trainee in the year 1994 and was handling crucial assignments of sales and marketing. Besides, he had been the CEO of Dabur International, which is based out of Dubai, before he was appointed as the CEO of company’s homegrown Business.


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Uber is working with BBVA bank and Mastercard to launch a debit card for their drivers in Mexico in a gambit to promote banking in a country that runs on cash.
“Uber supports the extension of financial services in the country,” said Federico Ranero, Uber Mexico’s general manager.
The launch marks the first time that Uber has offered such a card outside of the United States, Ranero said. The free debit card will be rolled out in Mexico City, Tijuana, Monterrey, Puebla, Merida and Guadalajara, and will eventually be extended to the rest of Mexico.
Uber and other tech companies have had to find new ways to do business in Mexico, where more than half of the population is unbanked. Even Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador frequently says that he does not use a checking account or credit card.
Uber already lures people into the financial system, Ranero said. Uber drivers must have a bank account to receive their earnings, and about 35% of the company’s workforce in Mexico opened an account to do just that, he said.
Drivers will open their accounts in the Uber app without setting foot in a bank, said Carlos Lopez-Moctezuma, head of open banking at BBVA.
Uber has also sought to reach riders who do not have bank accounts by accepting cash fares, but the policy has been met with resistance. In late April, Mexico City’s government issued rules that prohibit cash payments for ride-hailing services like Uber and require drivers to register with the city, among other measures.
Ranero said the company is seeking to discuss the issue with city regulators but will continue to accept cash fares in the meantime.
“We believe this is a constitutional right of our riders and drivers,” he said.


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The winners of Creative Review’s annual photography showcase were announced last week. All the winning work can be found in the December issue of CR as well as in our digital showcase here. However, our Best in Book winners are getting a huge amount of extra exposure (sorry about the pun) thanks to Out of Home Media specialists JCDecaux.
Selected work is being featured on JCDecaux’s huge digital screens at both Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. Up to 7 million passengers will be passing through Heathrow during the festive period. If you are one of them, look out for the winning work.


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Chilean grape importers and port associations are asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to push back inspection requirements following an earthquake there.
A coalition of the Delaware River port community and importers asked the department to move back the April 10 inspection date by as much as 20 days and to exempt restrictions on crimson seedless grapes.
“The fact that all three ports, which compete with each other, are in agreement on this matter shows how important the topic really is,” said Ricardo Maldonado, executive director of the Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, in a news release.
But California grape shippers, who lobbied for the USDA to establish the date as the Coachella, Calif., spring grape harvest starts, say the facts don’t support an extension.
“All the information we have coming out the growing area is that the impact of the earthquake — which certainly is devastating on people — has not had a significant negative impact on the ability of growers to harvest their fruit and get it shipped,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the Fresno-based California Table Grape Commission.
The disruption caused by the earthquake may be the equivalent of a three-day harvest delay,” she said. “There isn’t, as far as we can tell, a humanitarian issue here.”
The letter from the ports and fruit traders asked the USDA for a 10- to 20-day suspension from Import Regulation 4 from April 10 to April 30, according to the release.
Beginning in 2009, standards imposed for imports by the California desert grape marketing order required all imported grapes to meet minimum U.S. No. 1 standards by April 10, ten days earlier than in 2008.
Exporters say the inspection standards make it too risky for exporters to ship seedless grapes to the U.S. arriving after that date. If the grapes fail the quality inspection when the marketing order is in effect, there is no chance to move the fruit to another market and they must be dumped.
California desert grape growers have expressed concern that heavy volume of Chilean grapes — particularly crimson seedless — can have a negative effect on their market.
The ports of Philadelphia, Gloucester and Wilmington petitioned the USDA for the extension, arguing the 8.8 magnitude earthquake caused damage to infrastructure needed to transport the grape harvest.


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Kannadi, the beautiful metal mirror
fashioned in a small village in Kerala
, is much sought after. And traditional artisans now are reinventing themselves, with help from The Crafts Council of India (CCI) to keep the craft alive. The innovative new collection of Aranmula Kannadi
will be unveiled on January 10.
In 2018, when Kerala battled severe floods, the village of Aranmula was one of the worst-hit areas, with the Pampa flooding over. It destroyed the entire stock of the artisans, who had to struggle to earn a livelihood.
That’s when the CCI stepped in with an initiative to develop the craft of making the Aranmula Kannadi through design intervention for better marketability. The team from the CCI, along with Jaipur-based designer Ayush Kasliwal, drafted a strategy for the project after taking stock of ground realities with the help of the Aranmula Society.
Along with the documentation of the mirror making process, the project also focussed on improving the quality of the brass frames around the mirror and introduced other materials for the frames.
The new collection will be unveiled during the webinar, which will be held from 11.30am to 12.30pm on January 10 at www.facebook.com/CraftsCouncilofIndia


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VW Scirocco fans that we disappointed when VW decided to not bring the current Scirocco to the U.S. may finally get their wish. VW launched the current VW Scirocco in Europe in 2008, but decided to not bring the coupe to the U.S. Jonathan Browning, CEO of VW Group of America recently told the Automotive News that he is now lobbying to bring it here.
At the 2012 New York Auto Show Browning stated, “That’s a piece of the lineup that I would dearly love to see here.”
The Scirocco was last sold in the U.S. in 1988. The current Scirocco launched in 2008 during the financial crisis, so VW did not want to take the risk to bring it back to the U.S. at that time. A facelifted Scirocco is due in Europe in 2013.


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Yelp Sets Up Sting to ID and Label Businesses Who Manipulate Reviews
Yelp is certainly an Internet success story. Part of how we know just how successful it is involves the level of controversy that is often associated with the company directly or those who are looking to use the review site to their best business advantage.
The local business online review space is rife with abuses, allegations, misuses, and more and Yelp is a major player so may look to how they handle the more troubling aspects of the local review space as an industry standard or, often much more accurately, that lack thereof.
The most recent action taken by Yelp to help ‘clean up’ after those businesses that are trying to game the system comes in the form of a sting operation to catch businesses trying to buy reviews in the act then giving them the Yelp equivalent of a scarlet letter to make that point to Yelpers everywhere.
The New York Times reports
Like every Web site that depends on consumer critiques, Yelp has a problem with companies trying to manipulate their results. So it set up a sting operation to catch them. The first eight businesses — including a moving company, two repair shops and a concern that organizes treasure hunts — will find themselves exposed on Thursday.
For the next three months, their Yelp profile pages will feature a “consumer alert” that says: “We caught someone red-handed trying to buy reviews for this business.”
Businesses have learned to work the Yelp system quite effectively so Yelp simply played along with the game in their sting operation.
To have the best shot at getting a solicited review onto a profile page, a sneaky business needs to find someone with a track record on the site, whom Yelp has called an “elite” reviewer. It does this by advertising on classified sites like Craigslist.
That was where Yelp went to conduct its sting. A Yelp employee posed as an elite reviewer and got the businesses to reveal themselves. The size of the promised payments varied widely, and so did the work required.
From that point on for the eight lucky winners of “Let’s Play Catch the Review Scammer!”it will only get worse. They will be tagged with a consumer alert when their profile comes up that looks like this
There will also be a history of the email correspondence that went on between the undercover Yelpers and the businesses that were offering anywhere from $5 to $200 for a review when soliciting reviews. I guess it’s less harmful than soliciting other activities but it sure sounds bad, doesn’t it?
The eight businesses are being publicly shamed starting today for a 90 day period.
Do you think this kind of threat will slow down the use of these tactics or will people simply take the risk as a ‘cost of doing business’ with Yelp? Personally, I don’t think this can scale to become enough of a threat to those employing these tactics to feel truly at risk.


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Correlation between NVIDIA’s profitability and cryptocurrency
So far, we’ve learned that NVIDIA’s (NVDA) gaming revenue has slowed due to the end of the cryptocurrency boom, whereas its other businesses have continued to witness strong growth. The crypto trend has also affected the company’s profits.
NVIDIA’s profit margins expanded in the fourth quarter of 2017 as it witnessed strong demand from crypto miners, creating a GPU (graphics processing unit) supply shortage and increasing GPU prices. The company had to increase its supply to replenish the channel inventory.
In the fourth quarter of 2017, NVIDIA’s non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) gross margin expanded to more than 62%, whereas its operating margin expanded to over 40% for the first time. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) didn’t report strong profit margins like NVIDIA did.
However, NVIDIA’s margins contracted slightly in the second quarter as the crypto boom faded and the retail channel was stuck with excess inventory. On NVIDIA’s earnings call in the second quarter, its management stated that its profit margins had normalized from the windfall gains arising from the crypto boom.
NVIDIA’s third-quarter margins
In the third quarter, AMD and Intel (INTC) reported strong expansions in their margins because of an unexpected increase in PC CPU (central processing unit) sales. However, NVIDIA’s profit margin could fall in its third quarter due to overall weakness in the GPU market and problems with its RTX 2080 Ti GPUs.
NVIDIA expects its gross margin to contract 70 basis points sequentially to 62.8% and its operating margin to contract 100 basis points to 40.3% in the fiscal 2019 third quarter.
NVIDIA does not provide EPS guidance. However, looking at the developments in the consumer GPU market, analysts have lowered their fiscal 2019 third-quarter EPS guidance for the stock from $1.82 to $1.72.
NVIDIA has been beating analysts’ EPS estimates by a wide margin for more than two years. If it succeeds in doing so in the third quarter, its stock price could rise following its earnings release on November 15.
NVIDIA’s higher margins have resulted in higher returns, attracting many long-term investors. We’ll look into this development next.


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A company in Auckland that makes cotton covered waterproof mattress protectors, is in the export business with its 'Brolly Sheets'.
'Brolly Sheets' are the brain-child of Diane Hurford, who came up with the idea four years ago when she was toilet training her youngest child.
"I thought: there's got to be an easier way to change a bed in the middle of the night," she said.
The sheets are made in China, using cotton which is absorbent enough to be used by adults and children.
They are priced from $44.95 and come in three sizes. The range has recently been expanded to include duvet covers and top sheets.
Ms Hurford says the company now sells 40,000 sheets per year.
About 70% of the sheets are going to Australia. They are also sold in Britain, but Ms Hurford says most orders come via a website.


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Russia’s central bank, which has been an instrumental participant in the upcoming Russian crypto regulation is considering to use gold-backed cryptocurrencies for future transactions as mutual payments.
Although the bank voiced its opinion by supporting the regulation, they are still very much interested in using the new digital assets. And it looks like foreign remuneration could be their best bet of implementing it in the economy.
The head of the Central Bank of Russia, Elvira Nabiliullina, has mentioned that at this point it’s much more important for the country to conduct foreign transactions in the national currency, so as to strengthen it for the trying times ahead.
The bank doesn’t want cryptos?
The central bank confirmed once again that no matter how much more value cryptos can possibly bring to the economy they are not ready and are against the notion of replacing fiat RUB for cryptos.
Although, the idea of using gold-backed cryptos is vaguely similar to the economic system Russia has at this point, therefore the head of the Bank is somehow contradicting herself with that notion.
Nevertheless, the gold-backed crypto is a long ways off, as the regulation is being drafted as we speak. Most likely, by the end of June, we’ll see a crypto regulated market in the Russian Federation, and only after that can the proposed crypto be considered as a possible reality.
However, Nabiliullina did mention that Russia is benefiting from their national currency payment strategies in the Eurasian region, and are not considering to alter it anytime soon.


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The Bush Administration opposes FCC Chairman Kevin Martin's proposal to put free Internet access conditions on the auction of spectrum for advanced wireless communications services.
Martin has proposed encouraging the use of 25% of the spectrum won be used for a lifeline free broadband service with content filtering so that kids' access could be controlled.
According to a letter to Martin from Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, the administration fears that would discourage bidders.
Martin has argued the plan would help further the administration's goals of universal, affordable broadband, but Gutierrez says that "Spectrum allocation decisions that promote a level regulatory playing field and the flexible use of spectrum are the best means to further the success achieved to date in expanding wireless broadband choices for consumers."
Gutierrez says that the free broadband plan could favor one particular business model and "would likely lead to congested and inefficiently used broadband, and it would be inconsistent with the Administration's view that spectrum should be allocated by markets rather than governments."
"The history of FCC spectrum auctions has shown that the potential for problems increases in instances where licensing is overly prescriptive or designed around unproven business models," he told Martin.
That appeared to be a reference to the FCC's inability to draw a bidder in a previous auction for spectrum that the FCC put various conditions on in an effort to create a public-private partnership creating an interoperable communications network.
"The Administration believes that the AWS-3 spectrum should be auctioned without price or product mandates," said Gutierrez.
Martin has scheduled a Dec. 18 vote on the spectrum plan.
'We are reviewing the letter and it appears to be very similar to what the National Telecommunications and Information Administration had put forward recently," said FCC spokesman Robert Kenny. "We agree that free market forces should drive competition, but we also believe that providing consumers with free basic broadband is a good thing."
"Auctions are not just about raising money, they are about setting policies that support increased benefits for consumers and ensure the most efficient use of the spectrum."


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We’re here to help you keep your finger on the pulse of the ever-changing world of social media. Start off your week on the right foot by catching up on the latest changes and updates to your favorite social media platforms.
Facebook wants to provide the most relevant ads on News Feed
Last week, Facebook announced two changes to the News Feed. Now when users indicate they don’t want to see an ad, Facebook will ask why. These answers will help Facebook serve the best ads. Facebook also announced that they would begin prioritizing feedback from users who hide advertisements less often than others.
Posts that self-delete may be coming to Facebook
Catch them while you can. Facebook is currently experimenting with self-deleting posts. Certain users on iOS devices can set posts to self-delete after a set period of time. We’ll see if self-deleting posts become a reality. For brands, self-deleting posts could be useful for specific sales, coupon codes, contests, events and much more.
Twitter ads show impressive results
Where are you spending your ad dollars on social? One new study found that promoted tweets convert 160 percent more customers than organic tweets. For some brands, Twitter may be a great place to spend ad dollars. Learn more about Twitter advertising.
A “Buy” button debuts on Twitter
Speaking of spending, Twitter announced that they are beginning to test a new way to buy products directly through Twitter. A small percentage of U.S. users will see tweets from test partners featuring a “Buy” button, letting you buy directly from the Tweet. After tapping the “Buy” button, users will get additional product details and enter shipping and payment information.
I personally am extremely excited to see how Twitter’s “Buy” button impacts ecommerce. On September 15, Burberry became the first brand to test out the new feature – announcing a new line of nail polishes available exclusively through Twitter.
What do you think about the new changes? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out to me on Twitter, @carolaskyn.
tags:facebook, social media, Twitter


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World leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles BMW has joined forces with Honda and Yamaha to enhance and promote the Cooperative-Intelligent Transportation Systems (C-ITS) for powered two-wheelers.
In a bid to increase safety for riders, the companies will establish the Connected Motorcycle Consortium and cooperate on Intelligent Transportation Systems designed specifically for motorcycles.
“In order to speed up more motorcycle-specific safety developments, we intend to cooperate to promote a successful implementation of C-ITS in motorcycles and scooters,” said Mr Tetsuo Suzuki, Operating Officer at Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
“Our companies are already active members of the Car2Car Communication Consortium, in which we work with car and truck makers and other stakeholders on common specifications and standards. We came to realise that the specific requirements of motorcycles are beyond the scope of this consortium, however. The next logical step is to enter into a cooperation dedicated solely to the challenges relating to powered two-wheelers,” added Mr Takaaki Kimura, Chief General Manager of Technology Centre and Executive Vice President and Representative Director of Yamaha Motor Co.Ltd.
The three partners also encouraged other motorcycle manufacturers to join the consortium so as to further increase safety in powered two-wheelers.
“Our aim is to promote a timely and comprehensive use of cooperative ITS systems in powered-two wheelers offering the potential to improve safety. We therefore encourage other companies to join us,” said Professor Dr Karl Viktor Schaller, Executive Vice President Development BMW Motorrad.
The European Motorcycle Manufacturer Association welcomed the initiative, with Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, stating that the initiative is fully in line with the ACEM road safety strategy.
“The initiative shows the willingness of the motorcycle industry to increase safety for riders based on very concrete and practical developments,” said Mr Perlot.
The BMW Group sold approximately 123,000 motorcycles worldwide in 2014.


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What do Pepsi and United Airlines have in common?
The common denominator among the two is that they failed spectacularly in crisis management online in 2017. Pepsi’s poorly thought-through ad campaign featuring Kendall Jenner and United Airlines’ terrible treatment of a paying passenger seem easy to condemn in hindsight, but it’s important to address how a business can mismanage a campaign or incident to the point of creating an online firestorm.
April 4th, 2017 was a historic day for the internet – as this date marks the day that Twitter users took down Pepsi and Kendall Jenner for an offensively transparent ad campaign. The ad in question features Jenner, posing for a photoshoot, quickly shifting gears to social-justice activist, by joining a racially diverse peace protest and ultimately saving the day by handing a police officer a can of Pepsi. Twitter users quickly drew comparisons between the Pepsi campaign and Black Lives Matter, the Women’s March, among other protests that took place in 2017.
The backlash against the ad was strong, with Twitter users creating memes satirizing the absurdity of the Pepsi protest, journalists writing think pieces, and PR and crisis management professionals offering their two-cents. By April 6th, the campaign had gone completely south, with Pepsi pulling the ad and issuing a formal apology to those who they caused offense as well as to the face of the campaign, Kendall Jenner.
Where did it all go wrong?
When reflecting on the situation, it is easy to criticize the campaign, Pepsi, and Jenner for woeful mismanagement. However, we can break it down to its bare bones and isolate the reasons why this campaign went so wrong:
- Pepsi trivialized important social issues
Politics, social issues, and other emotive topics should be thoroughly researched, handled with care and ultimately convey an understanding of the topic as a whole. While a really great idea for an advertising campaign, a video or smaller content might seem exciting and captivating at first, it’s important to consider whether your audience will appreciate using a controversial issue to sell your product. Always ask the following questions: Is this capitalizing on an emotive, meaningful topic? Is this approaching that topic in an offensive way? What sort of conversation do I want this ad/content/video/etc to produce? What sort of conversation will this ad/content/video/etc likely produce?
- They didn’t listen to their audience
Pepsi referred to their ad in a statement to BuzzFeed News as an ad that “…reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony”. We can agree that this is an important message in a vague sense, however, it emphasizes no real meaning, understanding or coherent message apart from, ‘drink Pepsi – end protests’. Considering the topical nature of the ad campaign, Pepsi showed a lack of research of recent protests and social issues in 2017. Had Pepsi researched more thoroughly, they could have addressed social issues in a more meaningful way, like Heineken, with their ‘Worlds Apart’ campaign. In short, they didn’t listen to their audience about the issues that matter most and why they matter.
- Jenner was a poor choice
Jenner, an extension of the Kardashian clan, has little relevance to the world of politics, social justice or protests. Although she is a famous figure, she’s associated with fashion, glamour and reality television. Unfortunately, most people made this connection and focused their backlash on Jenner. Had Pepsi chosen a politically active celebrity, their ad campaign may have had more credibility.
- They seemed disconnected & out of touch
Each of these reasons brings us to this conclusion – Pepsi showed themselves as disconnected and out of touch with social issues of importance to large portions of the population. It begs the question, how many levels of authorization did this idea pass through? What we can learn from this final reason is that it is always important to source diverse opinions on your ad campaign. A diversity of opinions will allow you to stay several steps ahead of potential backlash your campaign may encounter.
What did they do right?
Although the reaction to the ad campaign was mostly negative, Pepsi ultimately addressed the situation in a timely manner, whereby they took full ownership and responsibility for the campaign and issued a genuine apology. While the negative discussion and backlash surrounding the campaign reached crisis level, what we can take away from this case is the necessity for a timely, genuine and authentic response, which can mitigate the negative press, dull the discussion, and finally reduce the level of information produced surrounding the controversy.
Just as the dust began to settle on the Pepsi controversy, United Airlines did one better and became the centre of a controversy that obtained global coverage for the mistreatment of a paying passenger on one of their flights. On the 9th of April 2017, video footage was captured of David Dao being violently removed from a United Airlines flight bound for Louisville, Kentucky, by aviation police officials at O’Hare international airport, Chicago.
In the video, guards can be seen dragging Dao down the aisle of the plane. United Airlines issued a statement that the flight was overbooked and no passengers volunteered to give up their seats. In turn, United Airlines representatives made the decision to remove four passengers at random, and that one man, Dao, refused to leave his seat.
The video footage went viral worldwide, placing United Airlines under immense scrutiny. Initially, United blamed Dao for the situation, as he was “disruptive and belligerent”. Predictably, this initial response was received poorly by both media and the general population. No less than a day later, however, their reputation had already suffered a high degree of damage. The incident had spread across social media, other companies used it as an opportunity for clever marketing, and many media agencies reported the incident.
Where did it all go wrong?
With United, it all went wrong the moment they implemented their disastrous policy by force. A solid rule of maintaining a great company reputation is by delivering fantastic customer service – something which United failed to do.
To further complicate the situation, United’s initial response was dismissive, out-of-touch and failed to recognize the severity of the incident. Although they eventually replied with a more sincere apology, people had already made up their minds about United Airlines.
What can learn from these cases?
We can learn some very useful tips from these cases:
- Always do your research! Conduct research on your target demographics and obtain diverse opinions about the topic at hand.
- Approach sensitive topics with understanding and empathy. Don’t make a mishap like Pepsi – your campaign idea should be in touch with reality.
- In the case of a crisis, assess the situation and publish a timely, genuine response. – We can take this point away from both Pepsi and United Airlines. Delaying your response to the situation can only complicate the situation and increase your problems. Take responsibility and don’t dismiss what your audience says!


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SINGAPORE: The Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) will not scrap the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) it has organised for nearly 30 years.
But going forward, the trade body will act only as a “coordinating partner”, said SRA president Ernie Koh.
During a media briefing on Monday (Sep 18), Mr Koh said the SRA had previously organised the GSS “quite extensively”, with activities such as an Orchard Road fashion parade.
But starting from 2024, the association “will announce the date and be just a coordinating partner”, he said.
“Whoever as a retailer wants to come in together, we (are) just coordinating (for them). There (will be) no activities for us as a retail association for the Great Singapore Sale.”
On this role as a coordinator, Mr Koh said it meant that SRA could not “invest” in the GSS in terms of marketing campaigns, but it will still welcome sponsors and “do a bit of social media” for the event.
NOT SCRAPPING GSS
The return of GSS this year had appeared to be up in the air, with the annual sale extravaganza not listed on SRA’s calendar of events for 2023.
Since beginning as a month-long event in 1994, the GSS had been a hotly anticipated affair. But it started losing its lustre in the early 2010s due to shifts in the retail landscape brought about by e-commerce.
During the pandemic years, GSS incorporated livestreaming, virtual showrooms and a partnership with online shopping platform Lazada.
Last year’s was a hybrid event with deals available both online and offline.
On Monday, Mr Koh confirmed that SRA “did not announce” the GSS for 2023, although it took place from June to September.


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The other day when I was surfing the web for news on Japanese fashion, I came across a particularly amusing article found on the New York Times website.
It seems that the Japanese are getting concerned about the rising crime rate in the country and are taking drastic measures to combat the problem. No, they're not passing a law to make guns legal or stocking up on mace. That would be too predictiable. Instead, they've gotten the idea that if they dress up as everyday objects found on the street potential robbers will never notice them. Don't believe me? Check out these crazy pics:


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A new Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies cinematic has debuted ahead of the game’s launch tomorrow.
Earlier today on November 4, publisher Activision and developer Sledgehammer Games unveiled the intro cinematic for the Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Vanguard via the game’s official YouTube account (opens in new tab). This is the cinematic that all players are going to see when they step into the horde-based mode of the new game for the very first time.
The cinematic sets up the big bad of the Zombies mode: Oberführer Wolfram Von List. Simply put, Von List has been tasked with scouring the globe in an effort to turn the tide for the Nazi regime back in Germany, and to that end he’s made a pact with a demonic entity that allows him to literally raise the dead. You know, as one does in a World War Two shooter.
Earlier this year, we actually learned from developer Sledgehammer that the new story featured in the Zombies mode would be a prequel to the story of the horde-based mode seen in 2020’s Black Ops Cold War. Not only that, but the Zombies mode of Vanguard is actually developed by Treyarch, the studio that launched the 2020 entry in the Call of Duty franchise.
However, the story that’s being set up here might not actually be going live in Vanguard until at least a month after launch. When Call of Duty: Vanguard launches around the world tomorrow on November 5, the Zombies mode won’t actually have a story-based campaign, as this is instead being held back until early December, when the debut season of the new game launches. We’ll have to wait until December 2 to continue the fight against Oberführer Wolfram Von List.