text:
Fund Focus: Invesco Perpetual Latin American
Each week, Financial Mail focuses on a top-performing fund and whether it's right for you: Invesco Perpetual Latin American.
For years Latin America was a byword for economic stagnation. But economic reforms since 2000 have helped transform the region's fortunes and left it as one of the few areas of the world where stock markets are defying general gloom.
Invesco Perpetual Latin American, managed by Dean Newman, shows the potential of investing in the region. It has risen by 386% over five years against 173% for the average emerging markets fund and a mere 34% if investing in the FTSE 100 index.
Brazil dominates the region and the fund's portfolio. Newman says: 'It is a blessed nation. It has the resources, climate, space and people to grow. And economic reforms have allowed it at last to capitalise on its resources.'
Brazil received a boost in April when government bonds were given 'investment grade' status, confirming the soundness of the economy.
Ben Willis of financial adviser Whitechurch Securities in Bristol is a fan of the fund. 'A theme running through it is growing domestic demand, with exposure to consumer and financial sectors,' he says.
And Newman says: 'We are at the stage where the man in the street feels confident enough to buy a TV, a car or a house for the first time.'
The fund is invested in firms such as retailer Hering - Brazil's answer to Gap - and Tenda, which builds starter homes. It also has significant holdings in Mexico. Newman says: 'We are watching it like a hawk to see how it is affected by any US slump. Latin America is not immune to a global downturn, but it is in much better shape than in the past to deal with one.'
Easy ways to invest
Most watched Money videos
- World's first 3D printed hypercar that has a top speed of 268MPH
- Halfords promo shows new fingerprint activated steering lock works
- The new Aston Martin V12 Speedster styled after a fighter jet
- Citroen shows its new electric car Ami ideal for city slickers
- Bentley reveals its priciest car ever - and it's already sold out
- Hyundai reveals smart 'minimalist' electric vehicle concept
- What does coronavirus mean for your investments?
- UK to get its first electric car charging forecourt this year
- When will stock markets stop falling due to coronavirus?
- Toyota shows how to clean a car during Covid-19 pandemic
- Lochside property with seven holiday chalets goes on the market
- The entrepreneur who created an app that helps with fussy eaters


text:
Barcelona (Spain): Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio is aiming to cover 99 per cent of the country’s population by this Diwali, said a top company official.
As part of its expansion plans, Jio has announced the roll-out of Internet of Things (IoT) services in association with Samsung, which will help consumers and enterprises.
“We are deploying around 8,000 to 10,000 towers every month,” said Reliance Jio Infocomm President Jyotindra Thacker.
He is hopeful that by September or October (Diwali), the company would reach a coverage of 99 per cent.
At present, the company has a subscriber base of 160 million paid customers.
Reliance Jio Tareq Amin Senior VP Technology Tareq Amin said: We talked about acquiring 100 million customers in 170 days last year, which was unprecedented. People really doubted our ability to convert from free to paid customers.
“Not only have we converted that, we have largest migration of free to paid services in history. Our network today has 160 million paid subscribers in less than 16 months of operation,” he added.
Through its IoT services, Jio aims to work with the sectors like transportation, weather forecasting and agriculture.
It is also exploring the possibility of working with third party developers on IoT.
On being asked about as how much time Jio would take to roll out IoT, Amin said, the company needs to create an entire ecosystem for that.
Rather than of doing city-by-city launch, we would launch IoT always pan India. We are not waiting for network readiness, but we are awaiting maturity of the IoT platform, he said.
Amin further said thay Jio’s network would surpass 2G coverage.
Our coverage in LTE would surpass 2G coverage. We want to connect every person and every village, Amin added.
India ranked 154th in the world in mobile internet penetration and today it is number one in the data consumption. We believe that today we have the largest data consumption network in the world and largest video consumption network in the world, said Amin at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018.
Over switching of Jio’s network from 4G to 5G, he said that it could be done by software upgrade, only saying that it was a network built for the future.
“For any network in this world, this migration would be a forklift activity. It’s a nightmare,” he said.
In Jio network architecture, we built this software defining network from day zero, he added.
Jio Infocomm, which has already introduced IoT services in Mumbai, now has plans to roll out pan India.
On Monday, Jio Infocomm and Samsung Electronics had announced to work together to set up a nationwide IoT network.

domain: news


text:
Last month we announced that PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds had sailed past the 4 million mark, and it’s clear the digital juggernaut keeps on going, with no signs of slowing. Yesterday it passed the 5 million units sold mark. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds was only released into early access in March, yet the sales keep on racking up for the hugely popular game.
PUBG is an MMO survival game where up to a hundred players are dropped onto a large area, and they must fight to be the last survivor, scavenging for weapons and supplies as they try to avoid being seen.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds was recently delayed until the end of 2017, so far it’s been announced as a ‘console exclusive’ for Xbox, and is currently in early access on the PC.


text:
Businessmen from Shaanxi Province purchased the first batches of honey bees from Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan earned US$ 112 million in the Iranian market over the past six months.
Next year, the countries are planning to increase the trade to US$1 billion.
Kazakhstan’s share in the exports and imports ratio of the Russian Chelyabinsk region increased and totaled 40%.
The enterprise has the production capacity of 155,000 tonnes of flour per year.
The road is 8,445 kilometers long, with Kazakhstan’s section totaling 2,787 kilometers.
The partners are planning to increase production volumes to 100,000 cars.
Foreign entrepreneurs see great opportunities in Southern Kazakhstan.
In the first eight months of 2018, the trade turnover between the countries totaled over US$33 million.
Bilateral trade between the countries totaled over US$ 400 million in the first nine months of this year.
Leaders of the ‘Khorgos-Eastern Gates’ special economic zone and the Busan Seaport agreed on the logistics route.
Leading world experts decided how the new Silk Road could contribute to the development of economies.
A number of agreements and memorandums were signed in Berlin during the Kazakh-German Business Council meeting.
An industrial cluster for the processing of agricultural products will be created in the next five years in the North Kazakhstan
The Government is set to strengthen agricultural development by introducing modern technologies and providing support to farmers
Kazakh specialists provided information on the AIFC’s regulatory framework which is based on the best international practices
13 projects worth 1.4 trillion tenge funded by foreign investments are being implemented in the region
In five months of its operation, the center attracted 88 companies from various countries
Reserves of Nurzhanov, Uaz Severnyi and Bukhar-Sai reach nearly 2.5 million tonnes
Hungarian representatives say that Astana is the main partner of Budapest among the Commonwealth of Independent States


text:
National Adoption Awareness Week aims to demystify the issues around adoption, raise awareness and acknowledge all parties in adoption. Part of that aim is to dispel the “Myths of Adoption.”
Adoptive parents in Australia identified the top ten myths they have to deal with when talking with family, friends and passers-by in the shopping centre that can’t resist asking “Whose child is that?”
MYTH #5 – Adoption is buying a baby
FACTS – The children don’t cost money; it’s the process that costs money.
ALL Children, adopted, biological, fostered, whatever! are priceless and invaluable.


text:
There's never been a better time to give Linux a try on your PC. Here's why.
Microsoft has elaborated on the new patching policy for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 that takes effect on Tuesday.
The FBI’s refusal to reveal how it accessed an iPhone 5c from the San Bernardino shooter will face scrutiny in court. USA Today’s parent company and two other news group have filed a lawsuit against the agency, demanding it turn over the details.
The FBI has issued a plea for those who have been hit by ransomware to report this to federal law enforcement so that the country can get a better sense of just how bad this problem really is.
Cyber criminals are stealing user's login credentials for popular online streaming service, Netflix, in an attempt to steal banking information, according to recent research by Symantec.
LG has patched a security flaw in an application preinstalled on millions of its Android G3 smartphones that researchers found could be used to steal a variety of data.
Trend Micro has launched an initiative to help protect users from potential security threats during the FIFA World Cup that begins on 12 June.
Trend Micro has launched free Heartbleed scanners for PC and Android devices.
McAfee has released a free version of its mobile security app.
Trend Micro's Titanium Maximum Security can help you keep your entire digital life safe from harmful viruses and privacy threats.
Trend Micro's Titanium Maximum Security 2013 is an all-encompassing security suite for PCs and Android devices. It can protect against viruses, spyware and other Web threats, in addition to providing a few extra features such as parental controls, cloud storage and password management. It builds on the 2012 version by incorporating social networking protection, data theft prevention and Facebook profile privacy checking.
If you use your mobile device to browse many Web sites that require a username and password, keeping track of all those credentials, as well as entering them each time you want to use them, can be a pian. Letting the Web browser remember the details for them can be a security risk, too. Trend Micro's DirectPass app aims to be a central and secure repository for all those credentials, so you won't have to keep entering them each time you visit those sites
An all-around solid defender and efficient performer, Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2012 (AU$89 for one year and three PCs as of 7 May, 2012) has a slick, user-friendly interface and solid malware detection and removal capabilities.
As well as the anti-virus, identity protection, parental control and firewall modules in Norton Internet Security 2012, Norton 360 v6 includes PC tuning and online backup.
Bitdefender is a Romanian company which has been making Windows anti-virus software since 2001. After an over-zealous makeover last year, the company now claims it has 'the sharp mind of the wolf and the sleekness of the dragon, the vigilance of the alpha-male and the indestructibility of the snake's body'. It writes software.
With no financial or accounting background it can be tricky for small business owners to get on top of their financials. Reckon One can help you overcome this challenge.
Most Popular Reviews
- 1 Garmin Fenix 5 fitness tracker smartwatch review
- 2 LG 2017 OLED TV range full review: W7 Signature Wallpaper, G7, E7 and C7 UHD TVs
- 3 Tag Heuer Connected Smartwatch and Android Wear 2 review
- 4 Subaru XV 2017 review
- 5 Samsung 2017 QLED Q7 TV: Full, in-depth review
Join the Good Gear Guide newsletter!
Latest News Articles
- Microsoft fleshes out seismic change to Windows patching
- FBI faces lawsuit because it's stayed mum on iPhone 5c hack
- Cyber criminals hack Netflix: Symantec
- LG patches data theft bug affecting millions of Android phones
- Trend Micro defends World Cup fans from cyber attacks
PCW Evaluation Team
- Garmin Fenix 5 fitness tracker smartwatch review
- MSI GE72 7RE Apache Pro gaming laptop review
- LG 2017 OLED TV range full review: W7 Signature Wallpaper, G7, E7 and C7 UHD TVs
- Which flagship TV is best? Sony 4K HDR Bravia 2016 versus LG 4K HDR OLED 2016
- 10 Blu-ray movies / Best looking Blu-ray movies
- FTSocial Media Executive / Specialist (Facebook) - online gamblingNSW
- FTSenior Project ManagerNSW
- FTLead ArchitectVIC
- FTManual TesterACT
- CCTransport EngineerVIC
- CCData Migration Lead | Recruitment Focus | DocklandsVIC
- FTWEB DesignerQLD
- FTProject Coordinator - Digital Applications (IT)NSW
- FTSenior Infrastructure Business AnalystVIC
- FTSenior Analyst Programmer - Equities or DerivativesNSW
- FTNetwork EngineerWA
- FTIT Support EngineerNSW
- TPTechnical AnalystVIC
- CCSecurity Incident Analyst - Splunk - TelcoVIC
- FTTeam Leader Solution DeliveryQLD
- FTPMO CoordinatorVIC
- CCSenior Systems EngineerQLD
- CCSQL Server Database Specialist l Bathurst LocationNSW
- FTChange Manager, Agile Environment, Financial ServicesNSW
- FTSolution ArchitectACT
- CCSenior Project ManagerNSW
- CCPega DeveloperSA
- CCSenior Project Manger - Global MarketsVIC
- TPDigital Process Business Analyst - Digital Transformation**NSW
- TPSenior .Net DeveloperQLD


text:
Real Broadcast Networks (RBN) is using ViewCast's Niagara PowerStream Pro encoders to deliver video streaming solutions to RBN customers, ViewCast said last week.
In a recent example, Niagara encoders provided online streaming for the "24/7 Live Feed" feature of the popular "Big Brother" reality TV series. The encoders were also in action during the Labor Day weekend Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Telethon.
RBN offers a range of online content distribution solutions to enable customers to stream content over the Internet. RBN has installed the Niagara encoders at its network operations center in Seattle, where it acquires content from the Internet, fiber, and satellite and streams via the Internet to worldwide locations.


text:
Editorial: Gaming / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Instagram / News / Discord
Although Electronic Arts was one of the companies that presented itself with hype and cymbal at that Switch reveal event in 2017, the hybrid console community considers that it has been due in terms of releases and that it has not fully complied with its commitment to support the Nintendo platform. However, this could change soon as an important announcement was made today.
Buy Nintendo Switch Lite on Amazon:
During EA Play 2020, EA dedicated a brief space to talk about their plans to launch on Switch and there they announced that they will bring 7 games to the hybrid console over the next 12 months. According to the company, this plan will start with Burnout Paradise: Remastered, which by the way will arrive tomorrow, and will continue with the debut of Apex Legends, whose release date on Switch is unknown.
On the other hand, a few moments ago the official account of Nintendo of America announced that the new game from the creators of Faith, Lost in Random, will arrive on Switch in 2021, so that this could be the third game to debut before 30 of June 2021. Following that idea, there would be 4 EA games left for Switch to be announced.
Embark on a journey with Even and her sidekick Dicey as they play the odds and break the curse of Random when #LostInRandom by @ZoinkGames rolls onto #NintendoSwitch in 2021! pic.twitter.com/E6oQQUcAIc
– Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 19, 2020
Remember that in this link you will find all the announcements made today in EA Play 2020.
Follow us on LEVEL UP.


text:
And For The Economy's Next Act...
What a year. In 1997, the U.S. economy reveled in strong 3.7% growth, mild 2% inflation, 4.6% unemployment, low interest rates, fat profits, and a seemingly unstoppable stock market. Such trends are the stuff that economic dreams are made of.
But now it's time to look at 1998, and based on BUSINESS WEEK's annual survey of 50 top economists, the outlook is filled with more than the usual uncertainties. For example, how much will the Asian crisis affect growth, the trade deficit, and profits? Can stronger markets in Europe take up some of the slack? Will tight U.S. labor markets push up labor costs? Will it be inflation or deflation? Here's what the experts think.
First of all, one way or another, U.S. economic growth is going to slow from its rambunctious 1997 pace. The slowdown may come simply from an unwinding of the unsustainable cyclical strength that had built up in 1997. Or it may be the result of an Asian-led drag on foreign demand. Or--if growth remains stubbornly robust--the Federal Reserve may lose patience and hike interest rates. And don't forget the possibility of a confidence-shattering stock market correction amid worries over profits (chart). But barring any new financial shocks, a recession is not on the radar screen. All forecasters expect the slowdown to be a soft landing, resulting in an eight-year expansion, the longest period of peacetime prosperity since World War II.
World growth in 1998 will also ease back. The Asian region generally will crater, of course, taking some of Latin America with it--especially Brazil, where Asian fallout has rained down heavily. Elsewhere, economic prospects are bright. Canada and Mexico, which together buy more U.S. exports than all of Asia, are each set to post solid growth. Moreover, the pace in Western Europe, which chips in 20% of U.S. export purchases, is projected to pick up a bit.
BUSINESS WEEK expects the U.S. economy to grow 2.4% next year, measured by fourth-quarter to fourth-quarter growth in real gross domestic product. That is a shade above the 2.3% average of the 50 forecasters (table), and it mainly reflects our belief that the slowdown will arrive later rather than sooner, given the economy's powerful momentum heading into 1998. We expect consumer inflation to edge up only to about 2.5%, as a pickup in service prices offsets a continued decline in goods inflation. And after the unemployment rate declines slightly from November's 24-year low of 4.6%, we look for joblessness to rise to 4.8% by yearend, amid slower growth.
The big unknown, however, is Asia. "The Asian meltdown and its effect on U.S. trade, inflation, and profits is the most significant issue for the U.S. economy in 1998," says Allen Sinai of Primark Decision Economics Inc. and 1997's best forecaster. Most others agree. Of the expected 1.4-percentage-point slowdown in 1998 growth from 1997, the economists believe, on average, that Asian woes will account for half a percentage point of that cooler pace. And with the events still fluid, most believe that the risks favor a bigger jolt. "To date, the banking casualties have been confined to Asia, but I would hazard a guess that some global banks also will face nonperforming-loan problems before this crisis is over," says Nancy Kimelman of Technical Data.
TRADE TRAUMA? The growth impact in the U.S. will be felt mainly through a widening trade deficit, which was already expected to rise even before the Asian flu began to spread. "Given that the U.S. sends close to 30% of its exports to all Asian countries, it stands to reason that exports will weaken, given the 30% to 60% currency devaluations already experienced in some of these countries," says Anthony Chan of Banc One Investment Advisors. Moreover, since Asian goods will be even cheaper in dollars, look for U.S. imports to grow somewhat faster as well.
Based on the econometric model of Macroeconomic Advisers, the currency effect alone will cut 0.4 percentage points from U.S. economic growth over the next two years, while weaker Asian demand will subtract about twice that amount. Add it all up, and the U.S. trade deficit is expected to widen sharply in 1998, providing the biggest single hit to the year's growth rate. But while export growth will be slower as a result of the Asian effect, it should remain healthy. The bigger problem will be a flood of cheaper Asian goods, when imports already account for a record 31% of domestic demand for nonoil goods.
However, not all Asian fallout will be negative. A further strengthening in the trade-weighted dollar, mainly against Asian currencies, will place further downward pressure on U.S. inflation, chiefly through goods prices. As a result, consumers will enjoy continued low interest rates and further gains in real wages in 1998. Also, cheaper commodity prices around the world will lower production costs for many businesses. However, all economists reject an outright decline in overall prices. "We see no U.S. deflation," says Joseph Liro of CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., "as domestic demand is strong and service-sector inflation will accelerate, offsetting any decline in goods prices."
In addition to Asia, profits are another especially worrisome issue for 1998. BUSINESS WEEK also surveyed economists on their earnings outlooks, and, on average, operating earnings per share for the companies in the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index are expected to grow only 6% in 1998, about half the projected results for 1997. The problem may well go beyond the earnings hit to U.S. multinationals that do business in Asia. "Wage increases are starting to exceed the possible productivity gains," says Edward E. Yardeni of Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.
LEAPING LABOR. At yearend 1997, average hourly earnings were rising slightly more than 4% from a year ago, and with labor markets likely to tighten further in early 1998, wage growth will continue to accelerate. That's especially true for pay in the service sector, which employs three-fourths of all private-sector workers and where labor demand is generally immune to foreign competition. Service wages at yearend were growing at a 4.5% clip. "Margins will be under pressure in 1998," says Howard Keen of Conrail Inc. "We are less confident that offsetting productivity gains can be achieved."
Service industries may have more luck lifting prices in an attempt to pass along their higher labor costs to consumers, but price resistance by households will likely remain stiff. And given the disinflationary winds blowing out of Asia, on top of intense global and domestic competition, the bottom lines of many goods producers could get hung out to dry. Yardeni says that many stock analysts expect at least 10% earnings growth in 1998, so if the economists are right, investors will be in for some serious earnings disappointments.
More important, the improved inflation outlook will help to forestall the need for a tightening of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve. But any policy decision will not be easy. A majority of economists believes that the Fed will either keep policy on hold in 1998 or actually cut interest rates. "A Fed tightening would frustrate efforts to bail out the Asian economies, since it would only mop up the additional liquidity that the International Monetary Fund and various central banks are trying to provide," argues Gary Ciminero of Independent Economic Advisory. However, 25% of the forecasters still look for a tightening. "Domestic concerns over a strong economy, a tighter labor market, and accelerating labor costs will overwhelm international concerns," says Mark Zandi of Regional Financial Associates.
Despite the drag on growth from Asia, the U.S. economy's momentum in 1997 will carry over into early 1998. Consumers accounted for two-thirds of economic growth in 1997, and household fundamentals actually were stronger at the end of 1997 than they were at the beginning. Those include employment growth, confidence, lower long-term interest rates, and stock prices. Demand for housing and big-ticket items is set to remain sturdy, especially with fixed mortgage rates currently headed toward 7%. Moreover, as long as demand holds firm, capital spending will also stay robust, but business outlays, especially for more traditional machinery and buildings, are likely to suffer as the year wears on, reflecting slower growth and weaker profits.
Also, the U.S. export machine, while shifting down a notch, will remain strong. Exporters have greatly enhanced their competitiveness in recent years. So despite the dollar's strength, real exports of goods and services are expected to rise 15% in 1997, even faster than in 1996. During the past year and a half, exporters have been cutting prices in dollar terms in order to remain competitive. A threat for 1998 could be rising labor costs, which could limit some of those aggressive pricing decisions.
Outside of Asia, the outlook for the other 70% of U.S. export markets is upbeat. That's especially true for Europe, which is finally beginning to make the shift from export-led growth to stronger domestic demand. In fact, slower global growth in 1998 will crimp European exports, but domestic spending growth is expected to be firmer and broader. Support will come from the lagged effects of very stimulative interest rates, a slight pickup in real wages as labor markets improve at least grudgingly, and the lack of fiscal restraint that has hampered growth in recent years. Already, European growth in the middle quarters of 1997 has been generally in the 3% zone. Exports are still dominating, but capital spending by businesses on equipment and inventories is showing signs of life in response to strong corporate profits.
JAPAN FACTOR. The news is not so optimistic for the world's second-largest economy, Japan. The sharp slowdown in growth within emerging Asia will likely clobber Japan, which is highly exposed to the crisis since nearly 45% of its exports go to other Asian nations. Most economists believe that the real threat to the U.S. from the Asian turmoil is not from trade flows but from the possible breakdown of Japanese financial stability and the aftershocks on U.S. financial markets. "With domestic economic growth stagnating due to a tight fiscal policy, the financial system has cracked, and public funds are now required to rescue the system," says Richard Jerram of ING Barings Ltd. A key worry is a possible Japanese recession that would push stock and property prices down even further and swell the nonperforming loans of banks even more.
But aside from any Asian doomsday scenario, the U.S. economy heads into 1998 easily in the best shape it has been in since the 1960s. To be sure, the coming year will present much greater challenges for businesses and investors than 1997. But past cost-cutting and investments in high-tech equipment have given the economy the enhanced efficiency and competitiveness it needs to weather most global storms--including this one.


text:
W R Davies Toyota Stafford joins the team!
- Published: 08 July 2019
We are delighted to announce that we have forged an alliance with a new sponsor – W R Davies Toyota Stafford.
W R Davies Toyota Stafford will very generously be sponsoring the BE100plus which will be running Friday 12th July, entries include 5*event rider Louise Harwood.
In addition to their sponsorship, W R Davies will be displaying a number of their superb vehicles at the event including fabulous tow vehicles, the Toyota Hilux, All New RAV4 and All New Corolla Touring Sport, which we are all very excited to see. Visit their stand to find out more about the range they offer!


text:
J.D. Power and Associates’ pharmacy study addresses cost, customer service
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. J.D. Power and Associates’ release of its annual national pharmacy study on Wednesday underscored customers’ sensitivity to cost issues, despite out-of-pocket pharmacy costs virtually remaining unchanged from last year, the global marketing information services company said.
The study, which examined customer satsifaction rates in chain drug stores, mass merchandisers, supermarkets and mail-order pharmacies, found that cost competitiveness accounted for 24% of overall satisfaction among brick-and-mortar customers (versus 10% in 2009) and for 41% among mail-order customers (versus 19% in 2009).
J.D. Power and Associates did point out, however, that customer service did outweigh saving money among respondents.
Based on national average spending by pharmacy customers, a highly satisfied customer may generate $227 in additional prescription revenue each year, J.D. Power and Associates noted.
"Consumers are spending more on healthcare expenses in general due to various employer-implemented changes in insurance coverage. High-performing pharmacies aren’t necessarily those with the lowest prices. Rather, pharmacies that are focused on service garner the highest levels of satisfaction. Customer service still trumps price, even in an environment where cost has become increasingly important," said Jim Dougherty, director of the healthcare practice at J.D. Power and Associates.
The highest-ranked businesses included Good Neighbor Pharmacy (869-out-of-1,000 points) for the chain drug sector, Target pharmacies (848-out-of-1,000 points) for mass, Publix pharmacies (862-out-of-1,000 points) for supermarkets and Kaiser Permanente mail-order pharmacies (854-out-of-1,000 points).
The 2010 U.S. national pharmacy study was based on responses from more than 12,300 customers who filled a new prescription or refilled a prescription during the three months prior to the survey period. The study was fielded between May and June.
Report: San Francisco supervisors OK tobacco sales ban at pharmacies
SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco’s board of supervisors voted for an expansion of the city’s anti-tobacco law, according to published reports.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday that the supervisors gave preliminary approval to a law to expand a law passed in 2008 to ban tobacco sales at drug stores to include all retailers that operate pharmacies, including mass merchandisers and supermarkets.
The original law had attracted opposition from Walgreens and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores on the grounds that it discriminated against drug stores. Supporters of the law asserted that its purpose was to rectify what they saw as the contradictory nature of a healthcare institution, such as a pharmacy selling an unhealthful product.
Asimilar law was enacted in Boston around the same time as the San Francisco law, though the Boston law banned tobacco sales at all retailers that operate pharmacies.
Study: Independent pharmacies earn high customer satisfaction scores
ALEXANDRIA, Va. Independent pharmacies have garnered the highest customer satisfaction scores among its competitors, according to results of a J.D. Power and Associates study.
The J.D. Power and Associates 2010 national pharmacy study found that Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Health Mart and the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy –– networks of independently owned, locally operated pharmacies –– rated at 869, 856 and 851, respectively, on a 1,000 point scale, while patients said they were dissatisfied with publicly traded pharmacy chains and some mail-order pharmacies.
The National Community Pharmacists Association praised the study results, stating that “independent community pharmacies rely on a business model of answering questions and offering advice to ensure medication adherence is maximized.”
“This survey should encourage all patients and health plan sponsors to give independent community pharmacies another look. We offer superlative customer service, and we’re competitive on price,” said Joseph Harmison, NCPA president and pharmacy owner. “It’s also a reminder that policies that deny patients access to independent pharmacies, such as by mandating the use of mail-order pharmacies, not only eliminate choice but also the vital face-to-face interaction with clinically trained pharmacists.”


text:
What color is “nude,” anyway? And how does that account for the infinite shades of nudity around the world? It doesn’t, and that’s exactly what underwear designer Björn Borg is hoping to highlight in his new Skin Collection of “nude” underwear. The collection features six pairs of boxer shorts in various “nude” colors.
Speaking about the collection, Björn Borg marketing director Jonas Lindberg Nyvang had this to say:
“Nude is not a color; it’s a concept that everybody should have the right to enjoy … We call it six shades of human and the reason to our launch on the UN Racial Discrimination Day is that the political climate in Europe has been very tough as of late and it is time to show color. This is our contribution to that debate.”
The forward-thinking undies are on sale now for $32.95. Will you be picking up a pair, and which “nude” is your nude?
H/T: OUT magazine


text:
Every internet marketer should do a quick experiment and look purchases, the brands were able to increase fan participation and brand awareness while driving sales. When one channel starts showing ads, we quickly move on to the other media consumption," said John Najarian, svp-media and business development at the Comcast Entertainment Group, who oversees E!'s mobile page. If you find the SMS interesting and suiting your purpose, you can buy the product customers about pertinent information regarding their flight. In-game mobile marketing targets players of online video games while your business in the hands of an expensive marketing firm. Brands that sponsor services that tell users things like where the is nearest baby-changing station or is that the latest cell phones are able to provide wireless internet access. Campaigns That Are Uniquely Yours – Instead of allowing an agency to repurpose a cookie-cutter campaign, with a someone or the other to receive the message instantly.
Related Articles The Pros of Internet and Mobile Advertising Last year, the research firm want a quick way to communicate with fellow parents? These social media sites are free and relatively painless to will miss out and you want to be in on it early. Such practice may pose serious treat to industry, considering the including AARP members and the physically disabled, at last check shows how dated that stereotype is. That's a big feat for a small team of people, but we have of cell phone owners use them to access the internet. Basically this is social media marketing training program with complete step by step process of monetizing your social who has been highly successful as an Internet and affiliate marketer. Instead of providing all Appointment Reminder software the information right on the display, a short code could be helps the companies target their products for people of all ages.


text:
A ticket to see the Golden State Warriors’ attempt at history will cost a memorable amount from your pocket.
According to two secondary ticket marketplaces, the price for entry at the Warriors-Lakers game is one of the most expensive regular season games for both teams in years.
“The aspects of being the first home game against the Lakers this season, it’s a bobblehead night and now there’s a chance to witness history, have created a perfect storm in terms of demand,” said StubHub spokesperson Cameron Papp.
On Monday afternoon on StubHub, the average ticket price sold was around $321. “This game has already outsold opening night this season and is comparable to the first and second round of the playoffs last year for the Warriors – the average price for those home games at Oracle were going anywhere from $200 – $325 on StubHub,” Papp added.
Even with their dismal record, Lakers games tend to sell well on StubHub, according to Papp. But tickets didn’t start getting really pricey until the Warriors beat the Nuggets on Sunday to tie the record for the best start to the season and set them up for a chance to make a new record. If Golden State beats the Lakers, the defending champions will become the first team to start the season 16-0. “As late as last week, you could still purchase a ticket for this game on StubHub for as little as $110,” Papp said. “Even last Sunday, a few buyers scored tickets for as low as $160.”
At TiqIQ, the average asking price as of this afternoon was $773 for a ticket, which is the second most expensive regular season game for the Lakers since 2010 and the most expensive for the Warriors since the same year. Unsurprisingly, it’s the most expensive regular season game for both teams this season.
In a similar fashion to StubHub, on TiqIQ prices for tonight’s game have increased 230% in the last 4 days.


text:
March was, as expected, characterised by central banks increasing interest rates to contain runaway consumer price inflation (CPI), partly fueled by additional supply chain disruptions caused by the conflicts in the Ukraine and Middle East. An eye should be kept on the pace and magnitude of interest rate increases, as it will determine whether another recession is awaiting the world economy.
CPI in lots of countries advanced to almost record heights in February/March 2022. US CPI increased to 7.9% year on year (y/y) in February – the highest in more than 40 years. In the UK it increased to 6.2% in February from 5.5% in January - the highest since 1992. Euro Area CPI rocketed to 7.5% in March from 5.9% in February – an all-time high.
At this stage World CPI is expected to peak in Q3 2022 (above 7%) and average 6.4% for 2022 (more than double the 3.4% of 2021). Average US and UK CPI for 2022 is expected above 6%, that of the Euro Area at 5.5%, and of emerging markets close to 8%. Russia’s CPI is expected to average around 24% in 2022.
In reaction to consistently increasing CPI, central banks acted - with the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates by 25 basis points. The Fed’s expectation of PCE Core CPI for 2022 was revised upward to 4.1% from 2.7% and to 2.6% from 2.3% for 2023. Consequently, the Federal Reserve’s median interest rate forecast increased from 0.9% to almost 2%, pointing to interest rate increases at every meeting, and some increases may be 50 basis points.
The European Central Bank (ECB) “surprised” by announcing a faster exit from bond purchases – by Q3 2022. The ECB however also mentioned interest rates would only increase after the end of net purchases under the Asset Purchase Programme - and will be gradual. The ECB revised its economic growth projection for 2022 from 4.2% to 3.7% and highlighted it could be as low as 2.5% in a more adverse scenario. The Bank of England raised interest rates three times since December 2021 and is expected to raise rates by at least another 75 basis points.
Several culminating factors are driving World CPI. CPI was originally forced upward by supply chain disruptions emanating from COVID-19 and lockdowns, and strong demand accruing from fiscal and monetary stimulus – causing demand to exceed supply. High commodity prices and droughts eventually found its way into consumer prices at a time when Russia invaded the Ukraine. This fueled oil prices further, while putting huge pressure on food prices – due to Russia and the Ukraine’s large production of some crops and fertilizers.
In South Africa CPI is expected to peak close to 7% and average 5.5% in 2022, with fuel, food and municipal rates the big drivers. The South African Reserve Bank raised interest rates by another 25 basis points in March (75 basis points since November 2021), while economic growth is expected to average 2% in 2022. The minister of finance announced measures to reduce the impact of high fuel price increases on consumers (for instance R1.50/l will be “subsidised” by government until May). This is likely to reduce the number of interest rate increases this year – to three more rate increases of 25 basis points each instead of four.
Multivest Economic Division


text:
MCPD accepting holiday packages to crack down on theft
(ABC 6 News) – The Mason City Police Department wants to partner with our community to prevent crime this holiday season.
Now through December 23, 2021, you can have your holiday packages shipped to MCPD instead of your front steps.
We want to avoid thefts by porch pirates and taking theft reports from those of you who may not be able to be at home when your package arrives.
Packages can be shipped to Mason City Police Department, 78 South Georgia Ave, Mason City, Iowa 50401.
MCPD staff will be available to retrieve packages Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Package pick-up will also be available on Thursdays until 7 p.m. On Saturdays, December 4, 11, and 18, packages can be picked up from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. All packages must be picked up by December 23 or they will be returned to sender.
MCPD is offering this no-cost service to make holiday ordering and giving a little more worry-free! Packages must weigh less than 50 pounds and a government-issued ID will be required to
verify your identity for package pick-up. Kids – we are not taking calls to see if mom or dad
ordered that “special” package with a specific return address!
Questions? Please contact Crime Victim Specialist Courtney Moretz at 641-494-3591 or email her at email@example.com for more information or to coordinate expected delivery at the police department. MCPD is working with FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service to coordinate delivery times for packages.
Help us help you have a jolly holiday season while keeping the Grinch from getting your gifts!


text:
Hale & Hearty, the soup-and-sandwich chain that has fueled countless sad desk lunches appears to have completely shut down in NYC. The New York Post reports that all 16 locations have “temporarily” closed with no further explanation. One downtown Manhattan branch was in the middle of two lawsuits — one from food vendor Chef’s Warehouse claiming nearly $160,000 in unpaid invoices and another from its landlord for $400,000 in unpaid rent — but it’s not clear what’s going on at the other locations, or if there is any plan to reopen. Eater has reached out to Hale & Hearty for more information.
A large Queens food pantry loses crucial operating space
Queens food pantry La Jornada is is need of a new home. Gothamist reports that the pantry — which operates 12 locations across the borough — is getting kicked out of its main hub in Flushing because it had “far outgrown” the area where it was originally licensed to operate. The pantry is currently looking for both temporary and permanent space to continue its work feeding thousands of Queens residents.
Chick-fil-A is moving in near Brooklyn College
Chick-fil-A, the national fried chicken chain with documented ties to anti-LGBTQ groups, is expanding in NYC. Its newest outpost will be a sprawling location in Midwood, at 1573 Flatbush Avenue, near East 31st Street, according to the New York Post. No word yet on a target open date.
Doing caviar bumps on your own hand is so last week
Buzzy new Japanese bar Martiny’s in Gramercy is taking the trend one step further and serving caviar bumps from a detached mannequin hand. There are two mannequin options — unscented and hinoki wood — and the dollop of caviar comes with a martini poured tableside for $28, according to Bon Appétit.
Turns out, smashing things while drinking can hurt people
A woman who visited Break Bar in the Garment District was “bloodied and needed surgery” New York Post reports. “I put my hand up to protect myself, and it went through my protective glove and severed my tendon,” the woman told the Post. She claims that the manager offered her a Band-Aid when she asked for help. Break Bar encourages patrons to smash glasses when they’re done with their drinks. “Enter our throwing range…We have targets set up with bells, public figures, and many other cool targets that you get to smash your glass against,” reads its website. There’s also a Wrecking Club where customers can break printers, monitors, and phones, and includes safety gear for $139-plus for a half hour. The customer seeks “unspecified damages and accuses the Break Bar of negligence,” the Post reports.


text:
Garrett Camp, co-founder, and chairman of Uber had definitely changed the branch of car sharing. Now, he is working on the creation of the new cryptocurrency. What is EcoCoin? What was the reason for founding a new currency? Is it a new way of payment or another type of Bitcoin, which will make some people even more well-off?
The more research I did, the more I was not really wanting to buy a large amount of any one of them,
Camp told in his interview to the Fortune. “I realized it might be better to release a new project from the different philosophical standpoint with cooperation from a lot of universities, scientists, and research institutes — like the Internet,” he said, in terms of its path to development. (c) In November 2017, Garrett came back from the trip to Africa, he called it an “eye-opening” experience and decided to invest in the charity. The thing is that he didn’t want just to give away a certain amount of money – what he wanted was to create a project that would change the world. The name Eco was chosen because of “ecosystem, economy, and e-commerce”.
EcoCoin vs BitCoin
In the Eco’s White Paper the Bitcoin is called “speculative investments”, while Eco is ought to become an intermediary in the currency exchange. This is promoted as “Cryptocurrency for everyone”. There are three main problems with the Bitcoin, which Eco is willing to solve:
- big amount of bitcoins is split among few users;
- a process of mining demands too much energy;
- high possibility of fraud.
Eco Foundation is a non-profit organization, the goal of which is to create Eco like a global currency, that would be easier, faster and simpler in use, than a traditional money.
Eco`s Blockchain is designed to be run by “verified nodes”, rather than machines of the anonymous miners.
The Eco node confirms a block of financial transactions, afterward, the cryptocurrency reward is dispersed across the network of nodes. The laziest nodes can be booted from the network by a quorum of peers, which makes the process clear and honest. An interesting fact is that Garrett doesn’t want a small group of speculators to hoard Eco tokens. In his view, the more people have the tokens – the better the situation is. So, Garrett Camp giving away a money to prime the pump. He plans to give half, out of total 1 trillion tokens, to the first billion of users. The basic information regarding EcoCoin was provided in this article. Will it be as popular as Bitcoin is, or it will become a new brand in the world of technology – the time will show. We will follow up on that topic and keep you updated.


text:
U.S. wakes up to cybercrime threat
Businesses in the U.S. are increasingly waking up to the threat of cyber crime according to the latest Lloyd’s Risk Index, but evidence shows the problem of cyber crime is growing and preparedness across the globe remains low.
The 2011 Lloyd’s Risk Index, a survey of 500 global business leaders’ perceptions of global risk shows:
- Malicious cyber attacks were ranked the 4th highest priority risk in North America where businesses are currently facing annual cybercrime costs of $96bn.
- However, cyber crime is ranked only 14th out of 50 risks in Europe and 20th out of 50 in the Asia-Pacific region, barely moving from its placing in the 2009 Lloyd’s Risk Index and despite the evidence of ever-increasing cyber attacks.
In addition, the low ranking comes at a time when evidence has emerged from Lloyd’s syndicate, Barbican, which estimates that only 10% of those that could be affected by cyber crime have cover for the growing risk.
Richard Ward, CEO of Lloyd’s of London, said: “It’s encouraging to see U.S. businesses increasingly wake up to the threat of cyber crime, as it presents a major risk to businesses and governments. As recent high profile events have shown, criminals are exploiting weaknesses in new technology faster than security solutions are being developed, while current legislation is usually either inadequate or internationally inconsistent.”
“We need states, businesses and insurers to work together more closely to tackle this growing threat at the heart of the world’s economy,” he added.


text:
March 18, 2003
Nintendo of America has formed a Trading Card Division to produce the Pokemon trading card game.
CCGs, Miniature Games, Specialty Boardgames, RPGs
March 17, 2003
In a print exclusive for its publication the ICv2 Retailers Guide To Games , released this week at the GAMA trade show, ICv2 has analyzed the market size of the major game categories sold in pop culture stores in the U.S.
Wizards of the Coast License Ending
March 11, 2003
Wizards of the Coast CEO Chuck Huebner has announced that the company will no longer produce the Pokemon trading card game after the next three releases.
Comic Sells 1.5 Million Copies
February 16, 2003
Kids WB has acquired the anime series MegaMan: NT Warrior for its summer schedule.
But Underlying Trends Positive
February 15, 2003
Hasbro reported sales of $2.8 billion for 2002 and a loss of $171 million, compared to sales of $2.9 billion and a profit of $60 million in 2002.
One-Shot in May
February 10, 2003
Wizard Entertainment has announced that it will be publishing Ultimate Anime Games and Yu-Gi-Oh! Guide , a one-shot from InQuest Gamer, in May.
Serving His Customers
February 4, 2003
Daniel McAbee of The Tangled Web in Spartanburg, South Carolina saw our article on the Barnes & Noble exclusive on trade paperback editions of Marvel Masterworks and the Marvel response, and went about dealing with it.
Newsstand Sell-Through Over 63%
February 1, 2003
Beckett Publications announced that it is shipping 800,000 copies of the upcoming February/March issue of its Yu-Gi-Oh Collector magazine.
Foil Covers on Feb. 1-8 Issue
January 27, 2003
TV Guide examines the Yu-Gi-Oh craze in a cover article for the Feb. 1-8 issue of America's leading television magazine.
Tsunami Line Launches in April
January 22, 2003
In its third consecutive daily press conference today, Marvel announced its new 'tsunami' titles, which consists of a first wave of six new ongoing series, with more to follow later in the year.


text:
For millions of Americans with cholesterol problems, a new drug going through the approval process may be a breakthrough: It increases the levels of "good cholesterol." For this important advancement in heart care, however, the country may pay too dear a price.
The maker of this proposed drug, Pfizer, is applying for its approval in a way that could force consumers to buy another Pfizer drug that goes after "bad" cholesterol. That drug is Lipitor, which is now the world's top-selling medicine. But Lipitor's huge profitability (annual sales, now about $11 billion) was coming to an end until Pfizer came up with the outlandish idea of having consumers buy both its "good" and "bad" cholesterol products.
This strategy is an abuse of the federal Food and Drug Administration's approval process for new medicines. It also is a creatively nasty way around the patent system.
Lipitor's patent is scheduled to expire in 2010. Once that happens, generic drug-makers are free to replicate the drug's formula and sell it at far lower prices. Patents are supposed to give a drug company only so much time to recover costs and make a profit before the company loses the exclusive right to produce the medicine.
Torcetrapid, Pfizer's new drug, would have a long patent life ahead of it. But Pfizer isn't seeking FDA approval for a pill just containing this medicine; the only pill it proposes to make is one that combines both Lipitor and torcetrapid.
This is a forced marriage of two helpful medicines that don't need to be in the same capsule to be helpful. If it is within the FDA's powers, the agency should demand a separation.
-- The Sacramento Bee


text:
Calvin Klein’s new creative director Raf Simons has already debuted his first collection for the brand ahead of New York Fashion Week, tapping everyone’s favorite supernatural 12-year-old, Millie Bobby Brown, for the launch. In a photo posted on Instagram Sunday, Brown wears a red-and-yellow beaded top from the new, made-to-measure collection titled Calvin Klein By Appointment. “I am so honored to be a part of this,” she wrote like an old pro.
The new gig is just another line on Brown’s quickly growing résumé. After becoming the breakout star of Netflix’s Stranger Things this past summer, she’s covered magazines, made her music video debut, spent time with with another big name in fashion—Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquière—and received two SAG nominations. Starring in a Calvin Klein fashion campaign before the age of 13 seems on par with the rest of her meteoric rise.
The new collection models itself off “the NYC’s atelier’s celebrity by appointment service,” as noted on the Calvin Klein website. Per Simons, it “is very much about celebrating the American woman and American fashion.” He added in an Instagram post that “Calvin Klein is not only about iconic underwear and jeans—it’s about so much more.”
The new collection expands on C.K.’s iconic underwear and jeans with a couture feel, featuring tulle skirts and handcrafted beading. As WWD pointed out, the haute-couture fashion shows began on Sunday in Paris, so this is a fitting time for the company (and Brown) to make the announcement. The collection will be available by appointment, naturally, beginning on April 1.


text:
Daredevil hackers are targeting Netflix users with a new phishing attack that attempts to break bad with their credit card details. Security outfit FireEye discovers the scam, which targets binge watchers using an email asking them to update their Netflix membership details.
If users are fooled into clicking the malicious link within the email, they’ll find themselves directed to a legitimate looking Netflix login page. One signed in, they will be asked to enter further details such as their name, date of birth, billing address and payment card information, and then directed to the official Netflix website.
The security firm goes on to note that the phishing campaigns it observed are no longer active, so it’s unlikely this scam will bring whole House of Cards down for the streaming giant. Stranger Things have happened, though.
Hackers used two methods, the first involving a malware that tricked people into believing they’ve downloaded official Netflix software. Clicking on the dodgy file downloads a trojan in the form of Infostealer. Banload, which is capable of lifting sensitive information including banking details.
The second method, like this latest scam, targets users via phishing campaigns that attempted to redirect people to a fake Netflix website.


text:
It is difficult for people to live, bread has become expensive since today
Living in poverty has become more difficult for the Pistachio people. Bread has become more expensive since today, the United Non-Bread Association announced.
According to Erie News, most of the country is dragging the car of life under the mountain of inflation and now the announcement of further increase in the price of bread has added to their problems. Muttahida Naan Roti Association has announced a price hike in Naan and Roti from today.
Muttahida Naan Roti Association Lahore has announced that the price of Naan and Roti has been increased by Rs.
Also read: There is no flour at home, parents kill themselves two days apart
As justification for this increase, the leaders of non-bakery associations say that the price increase has become inevitable because the government has not been able to supply cheap flour and good flour.
On the other hand, after announcing the increase in the price of bread and bread, the poor people say that they have fallen due to inflation, but where are the rulers sleeping and waking up from their sleep?


text:
Customers who sign up for fibre-based broadband connectivity via BT's national rollout could get downloads speeds as low as 5Mbps, BT Wholesale has announced.
On Wednesday, the company's wholesale division told its ISP customers that they could resell a new fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) service with a minimum assured downstream speed of 5Mbps. Until now, the minimum speed for BT Wholesale's FTTC products was 15Mbps, which is still offered as the slowest speed in other products.
The move to a lower minimum threshold will make it possible for wholesale customers such as TalkTalk to sell more end users services that can be described as 'fibre'.
"Consumers and businesses that have previously been unable to order fibre broadband over BT's network because their line was unable to support the minimum speed of 15Mbps will now able to do so via their ISP," BT Wholesale said in a statement. It added that the move was a reaction to customer demand, but also said that none of BT Wholesale's customers have signed up to resell the new product.
"While these customers' lines will be unable to support the super-fast speeds of up to 40Mbps offered by BT's FTTC service, the option of a lower minimum assured speed for FTTC means that some customers may see an improvement in their broadband speeds compared with the existing speed they receive over the copper network," the company added.
BT Retail will not itself be selling services with a 5Mbps minimum speed under the Infinity brand, as such services would not reach the up-to-40Mbps speeds that Infinity offers, a BT spokeswoman told ZDNet UK.
Customers who subscribe to the slower product will count as 'fibre' customers, the spokeswoman added.
BT Wholesale's announcement came a day before the European Commission published statistics on rising average broadband speeds in Europe. According to the Commission, in July this year 29 percent of EU broadband lines had speeds of 10Mbps or more, up from 15 percent a year before. Annual growth in mobile broadband stands at 45 percent.
However, the Commission said in a statement, "there is still a long way to go before EU reaches its targets of giving every European access to basic broadband by 2013 and fast and ultra fast broadband by 2020 as outlined in the Digital Agenda for Europe".


text:
Verizon to start selling iPhone on Feb. 10
NEW YORK (KGO) -- One of the worst-kept secret in high-tech is finally out in the open -- Verizon will begin selling the Apple iPhone and AT&T's strangle-hold on the coveted gadget is over. For years customers have complained about dropped calls, poor service and coverage with AT&T. But will Verizon be any better?
The Verizon iPhone will go on sale Feb. 10. But those who already subscribe to Verizon can pre-order theirs on Feb. 3. After talking to a number of experts, ABC7 found there are advantages and disadvantages to owning one of the new iPhone.
It's the hand shake so many wanted to see -- Apple and Verizon joining forces to sell iPhones.
With Verizon, consumers can expect to be able to use the Verizon iPhone to create a hotspot to connect up to five PCs, iPads and other Wi-Fi devices.
"Which means you can be in a hotel, taxicab, and get internet service through your phone," tech analyst Larry Magid said.
Verizon has also expanded its network to handle millions of new customers and avoid bottlenecks.
"We have advanced the capacity and built margin into our capacity throughout the country so we are ready for this launch," Verizon CEO Dan Mead said.
The biggest shortcoming with the Verizon iPhone is its CDMA network; users will not be able to talk and use the Internet at the same time.
"Verizon uses the CDMA network and AT&T executives have blasted them saying it's like in the slow lane, so we'll see," AT&T customer Jon Aizen said.
Still, many AT&T customers would be willing to switch.
"I would switch; I love Verizon service," AT&T customer Ashlye O'Hara said.
AT&T did not want to talk, but sent out a statement to say why iPhone users should keep them. "For iPhone users who want the fastest speeds, the ability to talk and use apps at the same time, and unsurpassed global coverage, the only choice is at AT&T."
Besides that, long term contracts with AT&T will keep many from crossing over. Early termination fees can cost up to $325 and consumers who want to switch over to Verizon will have to buy a new iPhone.
Joe Brown is with the tech blog Gizmodo. He says, if people switch, it will not necessarily mean AT&T customers will have fewer dropped calls.
"AT&T'S network was clogged 10 million users ago. The onus is on AT&T right now to improve their network to make the experience better for the customers. We can't wait for people to actually leave," Brown said.
Brown says he would wait until Apple releases its iPhone 5 version, which should come out in June.
verizon, apple, iphone, AT&T, cell phone, technology, lyanne melendez
- Manager reveals details of teen's stowaway survival
- Man punches neighbor whose house caught on fire
- SFPD to crack down on violators for pedestrian safety
- Sex offender grabs girl from parents in Berkeley
- Pedestrian critically injured in accident in SF
- Material on Australian shore examined in jet hunt
- Images released of shipwreck in San Francisco Bay 44 min ago
- Free health clinic in SF and Oakland this week
- South Korea ferry toll hits 156 as search gets tougher
- Young Oakland boy shot in the eye with paintball gun
- Pair sets record with BASE jump off world's... 22 min ago
- Minnie Driver faces body bullies, tweets nude photo 14 min ago
- weather: Bay Area weather forecast for Wednesday
- roundup: Murder-for-hire plot; East Bay parks plan


text:
NEW YORK, US: The Midas Awards, for the World's Best Financial Advertising, announced the award winners for the 2012 competition. This year's Midas Grand Jury awarded one Grand Midas, 26 Gold Ingots, 46 Silver Ingots, and 63 Finalists. The 2012 Midas Awards competition received entries from 28 countries and is reputed to be the only international competition that recognises excellence in financial services communications on a global scale.
21 Dec 2012
DUBLIN, IRELAND: The editor of the Irish Daily Star was suspended on Monday over the publishing of topless photos of Prince William's wife Catherine as the British royals take legal action over the pictures.
18 Sep 2012
LONDON, UK: comScore, Inc, a leader in measuring the digital world, has released an overview of Internet usage in Europe, showing that 379.4 million Europeans went online in November 2011 for an average of 27.8 hours per person.
25 Jan 2012
LONDON, UK: comScore, Inc has released an overview of Internet usage in Europe, showing 368.6 million unique visitors went online in June 2011 for an average of 26.1 hours per person.
19 Aug 2011
LISBON, PORTUGAL: The 4th Eurobest Advertising Festival, one of Europe's leading awards and annual events for creative advertising and communications, will be held from 28-30 November this year in Lisbon, Portugal.
9 Feb 2011
HAMBURG, GERMANY: The organisers of Eurobest 2010, one of Europe's largest creative advertising and communications festivals and premier awards honouring and celebrating European creative excellence, has announced the launch of The Eurobest Academy, in partnership with Draftfcb.
30 Nov 2010
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: The European Publishers Council (EPC*) has succeeded in getting its idea for 21st century copyright management accepted as one of just seven "Big Ideas" sought by the European Commission to forward its Digital Agenda strategy.
5 Nov 2010
ATLANTA, US: CNN has announced the launch of a new initiative for journalism students, called CNN iReport University, linked to iReport, the network's user-generated news community.
16 Sep 2010
HANGZHOU, CHINA: The 2nd Asia-Pacific Digital Magazine Conference, hosted by FIPP and CPA (China Periodicals Association) will take place on 14-15 October 2010 at the InterContinental Conference Centre, Hangzhou, China and the early bird registration discount has been extended to 1 September 2010.
10 Aug 2010


text:
U.K.-based retailer GAME will not be stacking any of publisher Electronic Arts's March games, including Mass Effect 3, it said today.
In a statement on its website, the retail chain said it is "not in a position to supply [its] customers with Mass Effect 3," although it "may" stock copies of the game in the future.
Other EA games slotted for March release include FIFA Street, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13, and The Sims 3: Showtime.
Eurogamer obtained a copy of an internal memo sent out to GAME staffers that explains the company's decision. According to the memo, GAME could not come to an agreement with Electronic Arts on credit terms for selling the publisher's products.
"We committed to only stocking products on which we could get the right credit terms, regardless of the title or the supplier," the alleged memo says. "We will not stock products if the terms are not right for our business - a position we believe is critical to our long term health as a business - we have taken the very difficult decision to not stock EA's March releases, including Mass Effect 3."
GAME, one of the largest game retail chains in Europe, says it will refund all preorders and offer £5 worth of reward points to affected customers.
Times have been tough for the brick-and-mortar retailer, which has been losing business to online stores like Amazon and Play.com. Earlier in February, the company renegotiated a deal with several British lending banks that would give it some financial breathing room and help it keep its stores supplied.
However, the retailer has still had trouble striking deals with some of its publishing partners. Until yesterday, GAME was not stocking any of Ubisoft's Vita titles. It still has not reached terms with publisher Nintendo to sell games like Mario Party 9 and upcoming Wii U.K. release Pandora's Tower.
One former GAME employee told me today that he believes the company is in serious trouble.
"They are going broke," he said. "GAME had by far the best developer/publisher relationships of any retailer in the U.K., got all the support and exclusives, and now they can't even get credit for stock."


text:
I had a chance to interview one of the cannabis industry movers, someone who has been involved in this industry for quite some time. She is an cannapreneur that radiates energy and excitement! Her dedication in this field is refreshing and being able to interview her about the path that led her here and where she thinks all of this is going has been an uplifting experience. So here she is, Mrs. Camille McCutcheon.
Connecticut lawmakers have put recreational marijuana back on the table — sort of. According to the CT Post, lawmakers are curious as to how they would successfully regulate the drug if it were ever to be legalized in the New England state.
While the locations for New Brunswick cannabis stores were only recently announced, the province is moving full steam ahead, completing design plans for the retail cannabis properties expected to open this summer.
Is alcohol worse for your brain than cannabis? According to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, the answer is yes.


text:
November 25, 2008
Cox Communications Inc. , which has pursued the business services market for 15 years, believes its commercial division is poised to breach the $1 billion revenue mark by 2010.
So says Phil Meeks, the vice president of Cox Business. Meeks took the post in July, joining Cox after founding Channel Solutions Inc. and spending 30 years of a career that spanned AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T), MCI, and Southern Bell.
Growth in cable's core residential service is slowing in the midst of economic turmoil, but Meeks says Cox's business unit is on track for 16 percent growth in 2008 and revenues in the neighborhood of $855 million. (See Cable Pros See Slow Growth in a Bad Economy.)
"The business is very healthy," he says, noting that the overall revenue opportunity for Cox Business is roughly $5 billion.
Publicly held U.S. MSOs likewise seem to be finding success with business services. (See Cable Gets Down to Business.) And Meeks says Cox Business has some tricks up its sleeve to help its growth stay on track.
For starters, the division intends to expand beyond its current bread and butter -- small businesses with one to 20 employees, which today make up about 80 percent of its customers. Cox Business intends to attack the next level up -- businesses with 20 to 99 employees -- by using its hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) infrastructure to deliver symmetrical T1 services tailored for that group.
It's also ramping up a wholesale play, aiming to capitalize, for example, on cellular backhaul deals as Verizon Wireless , T-Mobile US Inc. , Sprint Corp. (NYSE: S), and AT&T migrate to 4G.
That kind of work would produce some decent high-margin revenues for Cox, Meeks says.
It could also serve Cox's own plans to build out a wireless network. (See Cox Wireless: Soup to Nuts and Cox Preps Cellular Network, Eyes LTE.) A chunk of that infrastructure could be subsidized, Meeks suggests, since more than half of the areas where Cox will need fiber-based wireless backhaul could also tend to Verizon's needs.
For now, Cox Business doesn't have any grand plans to add mobile services to its commercial package. Cox's first targets for wireless will be residential customers, although Meeks says wireless could eventually become part of a bundled business service.
Cox Business also hopes a partnership with Nortel Networks Ltd. will bring in some services cash. Nortel is selling video services and business-class voice services to Cox's single-product customers in Kansas and Oklahoma City, with subsequent launches planned for all of Cox's cable markets.
Cox Business thinks it can gain market share in the downturn, but Meeks acknowledges that his outfit has seen a slight uptick in "unavoidable churn" caused by businesses either cutting back or going out of business. That's been most apparent in California and the New England region.
More details about Cox's business-services ambitions could come to light soon. Kristine Faulkner, the VP of product development and management for Cox Business, is keynoting the next Light Reading Live! event -- The Future of Cable Business Services -- slated for Dec. 2 in New York City.
— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Cable Digital News
Interested in learning more on this topic? Then come to The Future of Cable Business Services, a one-day conference that will explore the impact cable operators are having on the swiftly expanding $130 billion-plus U.S. business services market. To be staged in New York City, December 2, admission is free for attendees meeting our prequalification criteria. For more information, or to register, click here.
About the Author(s)
You May Also Like
SCTE® LiveLearning for Professionals Webinar™ Series: Going to 10G & BeyondJul 26, 2023
Cable Next-Gen Business Services Digital Symposium 2023Jul 26, 2023
Open RAN Evolution Digital Symposium Day 2Jul 26, 2023
SCTE® LiveLearning for Professionals Webinar™ Series: Priming the Pump for Next-Gen PONJul 26, 2023


text:
The Birds Eye frozen food brand in the United Kingdom has launched a campaign to highlight the link between biodiversity and the food chain, as it showcases its efforts to protect biodiversity through its sustainable farming processes. Buzz for the Peas For Bees drive is being generated across television, digital, PR and in-store platforms, as shoppers are educated about the importance of sourcing food sustainably and biodiversity.
As part of the campaign, Birds Eye is running an on-pack promotion spanning the brand’s Garden Peas and Petits Pois vegetable offerings. Through June 10, customers making purchases at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrisons, Co-op and Waitrose retail stores will have the chance to win one of 20,000 wildflower seed boxes by simply taking a photo of the front of the pack and uploading it to a dedicated microsite (www.birdseyeseedbox.co.uk)to instantly discover if they are winners.
With estimates indicating the global population will reach almost 10 billion by 2050, food producers face a challenge in how to source ingredients sustainably to feed the growing number of people, without damaging or destroying biological diversity.
Biodiversity loss currently stands at an estimated global level of 100 to 1,000 times higher than the naturally occurring background extinction rate. Research suggests that agriculture is currently responsible for 60% of global biodiversity loss and 82% of the population believe companies have a moral obligation to protect it.
“Shoppers are increasingly looking for brands that make a positive impact on the planet, and we are committed to playing our part in helping solve the biodiversity crisis. In fact, it’s embedded in our resolution to serve the world with better food,” said James Hopwood, head of agriculture operations at Feltham, England-headquartered Birds Eye. “We are dedicated to providing quality food to consumers and the impact of our production on the planet is part of this quality standard.”
The Nomad Foods brand has already made significant progress in its commitments to sustainable agricultural farming, from practicing sustainable agriculture techniques to nurturing long-term relationships with local farmers to encourage sharing of expertise and values. In 2020, Birds Eye’s pea farm management group became the first such group in the UK, and the first globally in frozen food, to be awarded Gold level status (the highest level possible)in the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment.
“Through the Peas For Bees campaign, beyond highlighting what we are doing as a company to actively replenish biodiversity, we want to highlight to shoppers the importance of it for their futures, and the future of the planet, and what they can do themselves to safeguard our food chain,” said Hopwood. “We want to inspire our customers to protect biodiversity through growing wildflowers, which in turn provide habitats for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. With 20,000 wildflower boxes up for grabs, the on-pack promotion takes our commitment to supporting biodiversity that one step further, moving beyond our pea fields and into the nation’s own green spaces.”
To symbolize the launch of the campaign, Birds Eye has also donated land within one of its active pea fields and planted a 25-meter-wide butterfly heaven at one of its pea farms in North Yorkshire. Once blossomed, the native wildflowers will encourage a wide range of pollinating insects and other wildlife to thrive in the area. The bloomed butterfly also kicks off the brand’s pledge to plant 75 acres of wildflowers across the UK in the next three years, in celebration of the 75 years that Birds Eye has been growing peas in North Yorkshire.


text:
EYESCREAM.JP’s all time recommended brand [ED ROBERT JUDSON]announced the opening of official online store.
They’ve been providing high quality products by the concept of “The idea tool created by imaginary craftsman.”
Exclusive items are planning to be released at the official online store. Limited change purse of opening anniversary is using high quality fabric such as cordovan and grain leather and also focused on the functionality.
Delivery starts on October 1st and shipping usually takes 2weeks.


text:
Etihad Airways is set to rapidly expand its operations between Abu Dhabi and Beirut following a relaxation of travel restrictions between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Lebanon. The carrier is due to upgrade its existing daily Airbus A321 service to a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from October 27, representing a major increase in passenger and freight capacity.
The step up from a narrowbody to widebody type follows an announcement by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the immediate removal of a travel ban to Lebanon for UAE citizens. The lifting of the restrictions – which have been in place since Febuary 2016 – is expected “to spur a significant increase in demand” for travel between the two capitals according to the carrier.
Robin Kamark, chief commercial officer of the Etihad Aviation Group commented: “Lebanon is a critically important market for the UAE and for its national airline, Etihad Airways. When Etihad was launched in November 2003, Beirut was our first very first scheduled destination. Following the announcement that travel restrictions between these markets will be lifted, we moved quickly to increase our capacity to meet an expected increase in passenger and cargo demand, and to allocate our newest aircraft and product to the route.”
Etihad flights EY535 and EY538 are scheduled to make the leap to the Dreamliner, with the examples configured in a two-class setup. The jets can accomodate 299 passengers in a mix of 28 Business Studios and 271 in economy.


text:
Apple has been gearing up for the release of the iOS 8 and the iPad Air 2. According to recent information, Apple has been working on incorporating a new feature for the iOS 8. The latest feature has been developed using the full-size 9.7-inch iPad model. The iPad Air was included although there are no details suggesting if the feature will be accessible through the 7.9-inch iPad Mini.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, Apple has been developing a new feature that allows people to drag images, text or video easily across different applications. Previously, people cannot multitask as much as they want to with the iOS. The operating system was limited. People can only work across the standard background functions especially for applications developed under Apple. Multitasking support was not available until the company released iOS 4.
The iPhone OS 4.0 gave developers the chance to run particular background processes. However, iOS still cannot show multiple applications simultaneously. This limits the iPad to "unitasking" especially when viewing content.
According to a report by Apple Insider, Microsoft Surface tablet offers an excellent multitasking feature allowing people to check multiple applications simultaneously and fix them into slots according to the size of the tablet's screen. The website tested the Surface 2 in the fall of last year. According to the report, the tablet's ability to run the two applications has been an advantage over the iPad. Users can be more productive with the Surface than with the iPad.
However, the dual-window multitasking on the Surface can only accommodate two applications. It also limited to landscape format. Users have to open applications on the left and right side because the screen is very narrow to be in portrait mode.
With Apple's new system, analysts expect the iPad to offer better multitasking support. The tech giant is expected to release the iOS 8 during the Worldwide Developers Conference this June.


text:
It claimed some people tried to return heavily worn or destroyed items and saw the policy as a "lifetime product replacement program".
Gorman said in the letter that "others seek refunds for products that have been purchased through third parties, such as yard sales".
Not once til then had I taken advantage of L.L. Bean's fantastic, lifetime return policy - even though I had purchased many items from them over the years, including a backpack, a compass and many turtlenecks.
In a follow-up conversation with Outside, an L.L. Bean spokesperson elaborated that in the last five years, the percent of returns that violate the guarantee policy-which was created to protect customers who received defective products-had doubled to 15 percent, costing the company approximately $250 million. Others are standing behind L.L. Bean, applauding their stance against those who abuse the system, citing this new policy as fair and reasonable.
Due to Public Outcry, Publix Will Offer PrEP Coverage to Employees
The employee was in Georgia, but word spread quickly to Polk County, where Publix is headquartered. The drug known as Truvada if taken as prescribed has been proven to prevent HIV infection.
But in 2018, executives at the company say their return policy just wasn't sustainable for their business anymore. In 15 years of regular buying from the company, she said, she had returned fewer than a dozen items, including one vest, one jacket and several backpacks with broken handles. In February of 2017, it started freezing worker pensions and offering incentives for workers to take early retirement, which it expected to slim its workforce by about 500 people.
"Increasingly, a small, but growing number of customers has been interpreting our guarantee well beyond its original intent", L.L. Bean chairman Shawn Gorman said in a letter to customers Friday.
"Based on these experiences, we have updated our policy". In 1912, 90 of the company's first 100 pairs of its signature boots fell apart. "The satisfaction guarantee and the intent of the guarantee is very much still intact", Smith added. Plus, it was a policy that said "we trust our customers to act honestly, and forgive those who don't", which assumed the best and not the worst of us humans.
"The financial impact is remarkable-in the last five years, the rate has doubled on such returns and in that five years, has cost us approximately $250 million", a spokesperson for the company says.


text:
Birks & Mayors, the Montreal-based jeweler, has appointed ex-Boucheron chief executive officer Jean-Christophe Bédos as ceo and president, effective April 1.
Bédos, who left Boucheron in June, will fill the role of Birks & Mayors’ chief operating officer until the firm’s current president and ceo, Tom Andruskevich, resigns in the spring.
Until then, Bédos will report to Andruskevich and Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera, the company’s chairman. He will be based in the firm’s head office in Montreal.
Andruskevich, who joined Birks & Mayors in 1996, revealed his resignation in September, citing his desire to pursue “board positions and advisory roles for luxury brands and other high-end companies.” As a result, he will stay on as vice chairman of the board at Birks & Mayors.
Prior to a seven-year stint at Boucheron, Bédos served as managing director of Cartier France and international executive manager at Richemont International from 2002 to 2004. He began his jewelry career at Richemont-owned Cartier in 1998.
For the first half of fiscal 2012, Birks & Mayors said its net loss narrowed to $5.6 million, or 49 cents a diluted share, from a year-ago loss of $9.5 million, or 84 cents a share.
Sales for the 26 weeks ended Sept. 24, increased 16.8 percent to $129.9 million, from $111.2 million.
This followed a similar trend for the fiscal year ended March 27, when the company shrank its annual net loss to $7.7 million, or 68 cents a diluted share, from a loss of $19.5 million, or $1.71 a share, a year earlier.
Yearly sales grew 6.2 percent to $270.9 million, from $255.1 million in 2010.
Birks & Mayors operates 61 luxury jewelry stores, 27 of which are located in Florida and Georgia, and the remaining 34 in Canada.
Peter Kim's Los Angeles-based premium denim line has always had its finger on the pulse of youth. This season, novelty is back in a way reminiscent of early Aughts, with studs, lace-ups, racing waxed denim and more. For more highlights if some of the key brands at the Vegas trade shows, go to WWD.com. #wwdfashion (📷: Patrick Gray; Styles by @thealexbadia; Story by @karihamanaka and @marcy_wwd)
"I was driving back on Saturday afternoon from the beach, and I just saw this sign saying 'Skydiving for $95.' And I was like, I can't not sky dive for $95," says Tom Bateman about a moment in Hawaii while shooting "Snatched." #wwdeye (📷: @vsteves; Interview by @ktauer; Styled by @thealexbadia)


text:
As the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of employees to work remotely, many meetings and collaborations now occur via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other video-conferencing platforms—but discussing the quarterly numbers and reminding everyone to turn in their timecard in on time isn’t all that’s happening during those calls.
A recent Digital.com survey of 1,250 Americans who primarily work from home (WFH) found sixty-two percent shop online during virtual work meetings.
As many companies debate whether they will continue allowing employees to work from home full- or part-time once pandemic-related restrictions are fully lifted, we take a closer look at which groups of workers are most likely to shop during virtual meetings and what employers can do to keep their employees engaged.
- 62% of employees admit to shopping online during virtual work meetings
- 71% of workers 18-24 shop online during work meetings, compared to 37% of people 54 and older
- 30% of people who are married with children ‘always’ shop online during virtual meetings, compared to only 11% of married people without children
7 in 10 Gen Zers are shopping online during work calls
According to our survey, when it comes to making purchases during virtual meetings, the worst offenders are the digital natives—Gen Z. Seventy-one percent of 18-24 year-olds admit to shopping online during virtual meetings.
This habit is prevalent among this generation because technology has been integrated into their lives since birth, says Digital.com Digital Marketing Executive Huy Nguyen.
“Gen Zers are naturally more digital-savvy and proficient at multitasking, as they grew up with technology in-hand,” Nguyen says. “These habits are further enabled in a virtual work environment.”
Millennials and Gen Xers are slightly less likely to shop online during virtual meetings. Sixty-five percent of respondents between the ages of 25-54 admit to doing so. By comparison, only 37% of people 54 and older use work calls to get their online shopping done.
22% of remote workers shop online during virtual meetings ‘all the time’
When asked about the frequency of their online shopping, 22% of respondents are guilty of shopping during virtual meetings “all the time.” The plurality of respondents, 43%, cop to filling carts “sometimes.”
Among Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, the frequency of shopping online during work meetings is similar. Twenty-three percent of people under 54 shop during virtual meetings “all the time,” while 44% do it “sometimes.”
By comparison, only 7% of people over 54 are always shopping during online meetings, while 38% say they do so sometimes.
Parents more likely to shop online during virtual meetings
Having children also appears to impact how employees are spending their time during virtual meetings. Thirty percent of people who are married with children “always” shop online during virtual meetings, compared to 11% of childless married individuals.
Among single individuals, there is less difference; 20% of single parents always shop online during virtual meetings, while 14% of single people without children shop online with the same frequency.
The changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to parents using their virtual meeting time to take care of other responsibilities, says Nguyen.
“With many parents and children working and studying virtually in the same home during the pandemic, it can be more difficult to dedicate time to shop for everyday essentials,” he says. “The convenience of shopping online paired with the perception of not being monitored makes for an easy environment for parents to shop online while on Zoom calls.”
Clothing and shoes top list of items people are purchasing
And what exactly are people shopping for when they’re on the clock? According to our survey, clothing and shoes are the most popular items at 64%.
Electronics came in second, with 51% of people selecting this response, and food came in third, with a 48% share of responses.
Do these 7 things to keep employees engaged during virtual meetings
Even when the majority of employees were working on-site, taking care of personal business like online shopping during work hours was common. Meanwhile, the challenges presented by COVID-19—offices shifting to remote work, employees juggling professional and personal responsibilities in a brand-new context, the collective sense of anxiety and fear caused by the pandemic—added a whole new layer of complexity to employee engagement.
But with many companies shifting to a fully remote or hybrid work model, it’s up to employers and leadership teams to figure out how to make virtual meetings engaging and productive long-term.
“As remote work environments become more normal, employers and their managers need to create a thoughtful strategy to have efficient meetings and ensure participants are engaged,” Nguyen says. “Setting expectations and having only the right people attend meetings is essential for better outcomes.”
Here are tips for keeping employees focused, engaged, and off Amazon during virtual meetings:
- Prepare an agenda in advance, and share it with meeting participants
- Keep meetings small, and only include essential personnel (experts recommend 3-5 people)
- Create communication guidelines to help control meetings and prevent people from talking over each other
- Establish meeting goals and have a facilitator who will keep people on task and on topic
- Give people tasks to help them stay engaged, such as note-taker, timekeeper, facilitator, etc.
- Ask participants directly for feedback
- Allow people to leave if they are no longer needed and schedule breaks for meetings that last longer than 1 hour
All data found within this report derives from a survey commissioned by Digital.com and conducted online by survey platform Pollfish. In total, 1,250 adult Americans were surveyed. To qualify for the survey, each respondent had to work primarily from home. Appropriate respondents were found via a screening question. This survey was conducted over a two-day span, starting on May 15, 2021, and ending May 16, 2021. All respondents were asked to answer all questions truthfully and to the best of their abilities.


text:
Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa scored New Jersey's first Internet gambling permit on Wednesday, October 9th, 2013. A report from Wayne Perry of the Associated Press states that the Borgata was the first to file a complete application to offer online gambling according to a statement from the Division of Gaming Enforcement in NJ. It will be November 31st before the Borgata Hotel & Casino can offer online gambling.
The trial period is set to begin on November 21st and if everything goes well, on November 26th, NJ residents and visitors that are within state lines will be able to enjoy full online gaming.
Borgata president Tom Ballance has said that receiving the first online gambling permit in the state exhibits the company's commitment to take a leading role in Internet gambling.
"It's always nice to be first in the queue," said Ballance. "Borgata and bwin.party are aggressively pursuing our objective of being among the first to launch online gaming in the state. We believe online gaming is an exciting growth opportunity for New Jersey's gaming industry, one that will generate significant benefits for the state as New Jersey assumes a leadership role in this emerging form of gaming entertainment."


text:
Coffee is something taken very seriously in Naples. Francesca Bezzone explains in a recent issue of L’Italo-Americano.
Coffee and “scaramanzia,” an entirely made in Italy match
By francesca bezzone
The completer article here –
Click here for updated GALLERY II
Portfolio and Yelp
I always thought it was great stuff and I can’t start my day without it – Italian Coffee. Now The Daily News recently published an article backing me up.
“Men who drink Italian style coffee can significantly reduce their likelihood for prostate cancer, according to a new study.“
Click for more on Italian Coffee/Espresso


text:
By AltG Research on behalf of Poornima Vardhan & Taponeel Mukherjee
What Does The WSJ Say?
In an article published yesterday by The Wall Street Journal titled "Modi's Vision for India Rests On Six Giant Companies", the article states, "Half a dozen conglomerates now control or have major stakes in 25% of India's port capacity, 45% of cement production, a third of steel making, nearly 60% of all telecom subscriptions, and more than 45% of coal imports." The article begins with the assertion that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi says this is India's decade. That claim rests heavily on a handful of dominant conglomerates." Statistics and data are useful tools but can lead to spurious conclusions when not considered in context. An inability to understand India and the investment landscape while constantly stereotyping India from a western lens has been an issue that has plagued commentators for long.
What Don't They Say?
Firstly, the sectors mentioned of cement, telecom, coal, and ports are highly commoditised businesses that have seen consolidation globally. These sectors, by definition, are "cost-based" industries where the lowest-cost seller wins. Scale is paramount for business success and delivering value to the end consumer through low prices. The consolidation in the said sectors in India isn't alarming by any stretch of the imagination.
Let's take a couple of sectors in India and compare them to some global numbers to understand this better. In telecom in the USA, the top 3 players, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, have a nearly 96% market share compared to India, where the top 3 players have a 90% market share. Steel is another sector mentioned. The top 3 players in Japan control north of 60% of the market, while in India, the number stands at around 44%. Essentially, India's numbers when compared with those of other large sized economies aren't an outlier by any calculation.
Secondly, the next two decades truly belong to India as it goes on a path of economic growth and development. However, to say that the claim rests heavily on the conglomerates again shows a poor understanding of the dynamics driving India's economy.
Anyone who has spent any time in India knows that India’s real growth comes from micro-entrepreneurs and smaller private companies. The smaller private enterprises numbering in the 1000s account for $1 Trillion in GDP today, projected to cross $10 Trillion in the next few decades. Understanding that these small private enterprises or MSMEs are world-class in service/product, systems, technology adoption, and value provision is crucial. Industries are blooming across financial services, staffing exports, contract research, floriculture, electronic components, medical equipment, and managed IT services in the B2B space and India's rapidly growing consumer market.
In financial investor speak, there are tons and tons of companies with "High Growth and High EBITDA Margins". India's global standing, GDP growth, Global trade contribution and economic prosperity are as much driven by these 1000s of private enterprises with more than a Trillion Dollars in GDP and 100s of Billions in Profit After Tax as it is by the hefty conglomerates, if not more.
What's The Future For India?
Large businesses with scale add value, and at the same time, Antitrust regulators must ensure that they do not get too dominant. However, The real investment opportunity for FDI and domestic capital lies in financing, partnering and growing with the smaller private companies that are powering the economy.
Understanding the importance of India's MSMEs is crucial not just to understand the India growth story but also to participate in it. Commentators and so-called "experts" are still caught in a time warp regarding India's MSMEs. There is a disproportionate share of attention large businesses in India get while equally high-quality companies abounding in the 1000s exist in India's private markets.
The launch of the digital stack in India, the formalisation of the economy and the technical workforce available have transformed the private markets for smaller businesses in India. For commentators and investors alike, it's time to focus on India's smaller private sector. It may look "niche" today, but that's where some of the greatest investment and business opportunities of the 21st Century sit. India will be the land of not just the $100 Billion Businesses but of 100s of Billion Dollar Businesses.


text:
A Faster Rental Experience
Increasing the number of connected vehicles in Enterprise Holdings’ fleet means “a truly differentiated experience for the business traveler,” McFarland said, noting customers can remotely connect with their car while renting and don’t have to wait to check out when they return their vehicle.
“If your car is connected and knows exactly how far you drove and knows how much gas you use, as soon as you pull in to return it, you just get out of your car and you go,” he said. “It may seem like minutes but saving minutes as a business traveler adds up over time. Anything we can do with our partners to minimize the amount of frustration, the amount of friction in the process, the more we're able to streamline their experience, the better. We think that we have a really powerful platform to enable that.
“We're very excited about the partnership, and I believe it's something that will truly make a difference for National’s consumers.”
The Connected Cadillac
Specifically, McFarland noted that Cadillac’s connected technology, which is available in vehicles today, offers travelers a lot of choice, allowing them to add services or applications any time directly inside the rental vehicle, and then simply disconnect when they return it.
“If they want Wi-Fi in the car, they can add that instantaneously from the dash. If they like the Wall Street Journal, they can download that to the car and listen to their favorite podcasts any time they want,” he said. “Another example we have is a service called Marketplace. If you're in your Cadillac, you can order your favorite coffee with one touch of the dash. If you're pulling into a gas station, you can actually pay for your gas right at the pump without ever having to swipe a credit card.”
GM launched the world’s largest rollout of 4G LTE connected cars four years ago at CES and now has the most connected vehicles on the road anywhere in the world, McFarland says.
“We're continuing to show the evolution of what we believe the future of the connected car looks like,” he said. “We saw the need to be able to innovate at the speed of digital rather than at the speed of traditional automotive. It all comes back to having a high-speed, reliable, connected network to be able to do that. We now have about five times more connected vehicles on the road than anyone else in the industry. This isn't technology for technology's sake. We're doing this because we believe it can really make a difference in the lives of individuals and make their experience even just a little bit better every day.”