text:
Rising costs and weak demand have forced UK manufacturers to cut jobs in a bid to relieve tight profit margins, according to the latest quarterly survey of industrial trends by the CBI.
Manufacturing jobs fell by an estimated 25,000 in the last three months as employers sought to counter rising costs and stagnant prices by seeking greater efficiency and productivity. The total number of jobs lost in the sector in the past twelve months is 106,000.
The survey also reveals the rate at which costs are rising is accelerating - the balance of 23 per cent of manufacturers reporting an increase follows 20 per cent the previous quarter and 13 per cent before that.
Weak demand, meanwhile, kept prices flat and squeezed already tight profit margins further still as companies were unable to pass on the extra costs to their customers.
The weakness in demand is primarily in the home market - a balance of minus 15 per cent of firms recorded a quarter-on-quarter reduction in domestic orders - while the improving international economy meant export orders fared less badly (a balance of -5%).
Manufacturing output in the three months to January was also down - a balance of minus six per cent of firms indicated it was lower than in the previous three months, the fourth successive quarterly decrease.
Sixty-two per cent of companies are now working below capacity, four points above the long-term average of 58% and the highest number since April 2004 (65%).
The percentage of firms citing a lack of demand as the factor most likely to limit output was 84 per cent, the highest figure since July 2003, and a jump from 71 per cent in October.
Manufacturers plan to raise productivity levels by investing more in product and process innovation and skills training in the next 12 months than in the last.
Further reflecting the downturn in manufacturing capacity requirements, investment plans in buildings, plant and machinery remain very weak, the report says.
Only 27 per cent of manufacturers cite expanding capacity as a reason for capital expenditure - a figure which has fallen consistently since January 2005 when it peaked at 39 per cent.
Ian McCafferty, CBI Chief Economic Adviser, said: "Conditions for manufacturers are getting increasingly tough as costs continue their seemingly inexorable rise but weak demand keeps prices down, squeezing already thin profit margins even further.
"The sustained high level of oil and sharply increased gas prices have driven up energy and raw material costs and manufacturers are continuing to respond by cutting employment to curb the wage bill and boosting investment in efficiency-improving measures.
"Economic growth remains below par, partly because of the slowdown in consumer spending, and this has continued to hit manufacturers' domestic order books although exports are slightly more healthy. Investment intentions are also very weak and what is clear from the survey is that manufacturers have very little cause for optimism."
Month-on-month, the January balance for the level of total orders compared with 'normal' was minus 28 per cent, the largest negative figure since August 2005. The last noticeable positive balance, indicating 'above normal' orders, was in June 1995.
Manufacturing directly accounts for 3.3 million jobs in the UK - around 16 per cent of total employment - and a further 3 million jobs are dependent on the sector. Manufacturing accounts for nearly 60 per cent of all UK exports of goods and services.
The CBI survey follows last week's report by the Office of National Statistics which revealed manufacturers are facing the biggest squeeze between input and output prices for almost 30 years because of rising oil and gas prices which they have been unable to pass on to customers.


text:
Increased shipments boosted Dell's second quarter profit by 28 percent, but revenue fell below Wall Street expectations as the company blamed...
Increased shipments boosted Dell’s second quarter profit by 28 percent, but revenue fell below Wall Street expectations as the company blamed overly aggressive pricing of its low-end desktop and notebook computers.
Revenue at the world’s largest PC maker rose 15 percent to $13.43 billion from $11.71 billion last year.
The results reported yesterday matched analyst forecasts of 38 cents per share but fell below projected revenue of $13.71 billion, according to Thomson Financial.
Dell shares, which fell 15 cents to close at $39.58 yesterday, tumbled 7.7 percent, or $3.03 in late trading. Dell released the profit report after the market closed.
Dell said it achieved industry-record shipments of 9.1 million computer systems — including 2.7 million mobility products — and company-record revenue of more than $2 billion from software and peripheral products, including printers and displays.Target
but estimate beaten
Discount retailer Target yesterday posted a steep decline in second-quarter profit from a year-ago period inflated by a hefty gain, but strong sales carried the company’s results ahead of Wall Street estimates.
Net income fell to $540 million, or 61 cents per share, from $1.41 billion, or $1.53 per share, the year before, when the sale of its Marshall Field’s chain boosted earnings by $1.11 per share. On a continuing operations basis, Target’s earnings grew 50 percent over last year’s $360 million, or 39 cents per share.
Revenue in the latest quarter totaled $11.99 billion, up nearly 14 percent from $10.56 billion a year earlier, driven by a 6.7 percent rise in sales at stores open at least a year, as well as store expansions and higher credit sales.
Target’s quarterly results topped the average estimate for earnings of 59 cents per share and sales of $11.95 billion from analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial.
Target shares rose 11 cents to close at $55.65 yesterday.
Loss not as bad
as analysts expected
DreamWorks Animation SKG swung to a loss in the second quarter, although results were better than analysts had expected.
The studio behind such animated hits as “Shrek” reported a net loss of $3.7 million, or 4 cents per share, compared with a profit of $146 million, or $1.89 per share, in the same period last year.
Revenue fell to $35.4 million from $300.3 million in the same period last year.
Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had expected a loss of 7 cents per share.
The company said its latest computer-animated release, “Madagascar,” has earned $432 million in worldwide box-office sales. Its next film, “Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” is set for Oct. 7.
Company shares rose 2.9 percent, or 69 cents, in after-hours trading yesterday after closing the regular session 33 cents higher at $24.11.
Compiled from The Associated Press

domain: news


text:
McHenry businesses partner up to bring a true vintage Cruise Night to life
Local McHenry business owners, Paul Letizia of Financial Dynamics, Inc, and Scott Dehn of McHenry Outdoor Theater are partnering up to bring McHenry and regional residents and event like no other.
The new Skyline Cruise Night (formerly Green Cruise Night) will be a stellar retro night out for the whole family.
In the past, the classic car show featured vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles, theme nights, food vendors and family games and entertainment. This year, with the move to the drive-in, Cruisers and onlookers will have enhanced parking space (the Outdoor Theater can hold up to about 900 cars at full capacity), a vendor show, live music and entertainment throughout the season, family games, a full food menu offered by the drive-in's own concession stand, and the option to follow the show with the nightly movie double feature.
American English, a local Beatles tribute band, will kick off the opening night on June 7. They are also looking to potentially add in a swap meet.
Many improvements are being made to the McHenry Outdoor Theater this year by both partied including a full new screen and painting of the tower, plus the paving of the perimeter of the drive-in to insure that classic car owners have a safe place to drive and park their cars to keep them in pristine condition.
The season will run every Monday, beginning June 7, and going through Oct. 11 (except for the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends).
The season will wrap up with their time-honored "Trunk-or-Treat Night," where participants are encouraged to dress up, decorate their cars and bring goodies for the kids. Admission will be a $5 per carload for the cruise night, or, $20 per carload that will include the $5 for the cruise night, plus $15 for the movie double feature.
There also will be a weekly 50/50 raffle that will benefit four local community organizations.


text:
From its dull business origins, the PC has become the home entertainment centre par excellence, outperforming dedicated consumer electronic devices, claimed Intel at the European Computer Trade Show in London this week.
But for the majority the PC is too expensive and complex, and lacks one killer application to make it a must-have for every household.
"The PC can do linear media on a par with any consumer entertainment device," said Ron Whittier, senior VP of Intel's content group. "But it can also do a whole spectrum of interactive entertainment as well."
Despite the variety of entertainment available on the PC, vendors struggle to justify the price of a PC over other consumer devices. Asked what is the biggest inhibitor to the sale of PCs into homes, Whitter replied, "showing value".
"You have to have a good selling proposition - a set of applications significantly better than prior platforms or unique to the new one," he said.
Whittier's comments were part of a keynote speech entitled "The PC: it's where the fun is", plugging the Pentium II processor for consumer PCs.
Elsewhere in the show, Sony was promoting the superiority of its Playstation console for computer gaming. Sony Computer's European head, Chris Deering, emphasised the simplicity and stability of the console in contrast to the complexity and shortening life cycle of the PC.
Sony has sold about four million Playstations in the UK and expects to sell a further two million before next summer. There are hundreds of titles published for the platform, all of which play without customisation or configuration.
Apart from its price, the Playstation has remained unchanged since its launch in September 1995, whereas the PC has evolved through several iterations since, a factor which inhibits consumers fearful of rapid obsolescence.
Part of Whittier's presentation claimed that the visual computing performance of the average PC sold to consumers will increase ten-fold in the next three years.
"Such statements are only more likely to make consumers wait three years and not buy now," said one computer retailer attending the show.
"We have to find an application which overcomes that barrier of waiting for the next great thing," said Whittier.
Both protagonists - Intel and Sony - said that the PC and console are more complimentary than competitive. But the uniqueness of the PC to handle a multitude of home entertainment could be under threat from set-top boxes, such as NetProducts' Netstation and Microsoft's WebTV, which promise Internet access, online gaming and basic computing from a #300 - #400 console.
Furthermore, games console vendors such as Sony, Nintendo and Sega already have or are piloting Internet access from their consoles.
Cotton seedling freezes to death as Chang'e-4 shuts down for the Moon's 14-day lunar night
Fortnite easily out-earns PUBG, Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018
Meteor showers as a service will be visible for about 100 kilometres in all directions
Saturn's rings only formed in the past 100 million years, suggests analysis of Cassini space probe data
New findings contradict conventional belief that Saturn's rings were formed along with the planet about 4.5 billion years ago


text:
Fans of film director Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Machete, Dusk to Dawn) will be pleased to know that he’s now entered the field of 360-degree cinematography, releasing The Limit in collaboration with virtual reality (VR) studio STXsurreal.
Starring the talent of Michelle Rodriguez and Norman Reedus, The Limit is a high-octane, 20-minute action movie where the viewer is a character. The story goes that you play a rogue agent with a mysterious past who enlists the help of enhanced super-assassin M-13 (Michelle Rodriguez) to retrieve your identity and strike against the deadly organization that created you.
“The launch of The Limit is a watershed moment in VR, and gives fans of premium scripted entertainment a compelling reason to put their headsets back on,” said Andy Vick and Rick Rey, co-presidents of Virtual Reality & Immersive Entertainment at STXsurreal in a statement. “In keeping with STX’s talent-driven model, we enlisted Robert, Michelle, and Norman, who collectively have millions of passionate fans across the globe, to break new ground and bring this category-busting cinematic VR film to life.”
The Limit will support Oculus Rift, Oculus Go, HTC Vive, Samsung Gear VR, Windows Mixed Reality, PlayStation VR and Google Daydream, available to purchase today from their respective retail platforms. For a limited time, there’s a 50 percent discount available, dropping the cost from $9.99 USD to $4.99 for PC-based headsets, and $3.99 instead of $7.99 for mobile platforms.
To celebrate the launch Robert Rodriguez will participate in a fireside chat via Oculus Venues on Friday, 23rd November to discuss The Limit through Oculus Go and Samsung Gear VR.
STXsurreal has further immersive content planned including a Jay and Silent Bob project from writer and director Kevin Smith, a crime-thriller from director Christian Gudegast, an untitled Dave Bautista action-comedy, and an underwater Sci-fi-thriller from Johannes Roberts. As further details are released on these projects, VRFocus will keep you updated.


text:
Consumers getting wrong electricity bills
Wrong electricity bills are being raised to consumers and department isn't taking responsibility for this.
Beware of the electricity bills that you receive since it has been reported that consumers are being sent wrong bills i.e. bills sent to them are actually not theirs.
Electricity department is sending mobile messages to consumers with the wrong outstanding amount. This has been discovered at the electricity bill payment counters when consumers who went to make their payments were informed that the outstanding bill was not in their respective names.
When the matter was reported to the department, they denied making any such error on their part. Clarifying the situation, the officers reportedly said that consumers keep changing their mobile numbers and do not intimate the department on time. Hence the confusion of wrong bills…
It has also been reported by consumers that electricity bills are not being delivered on time. This way bills are being paid late by consumers and that again becomes an issue. Some people even reported that they do not get hard copies of bills at all. Bills are paid only on the basis of messages received on mobile. It also happens that wrong messages are delivered to consumers but as accused by the department they haven’t changed their mobile numbers at all and the numbers are the same as registered in the department.


text:
Canonical has launched a new Ubuntu tutorials website to help make ‘development and devops activities on Ubuntu machines’ easier.
Random Article You May Like
- Cockpit Project: Cockpit 161
Cockpit is the modern Linux admin interface. We release regularly. Here are the release notes from version 161. New VMs […]Apple Shares 'Home' App Ad on Refreshed 'Home' Webpage
Apple tonight debuted an ad for its Home app on the Home app webpage on its site, showing off what […]Augmented Reality Teddy Bear From Seedling Now Available Exclusively at Apple Retail Stores
Seedling today announced the launch of Parker, which it says is the world’s first augmented reality teddy bear. Parker the […]LUX Launches $149 Smart Thermostat With HomeKit Support
LUX Products today announced the release of its new KONO Smart thermostat with support for HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google […]


text:
The Chairman, Transition committee of Odeda Local Government , Ogun state, Alhaji Semiu Bola Lawal, on Tuesday reiterated his unwavering commitment to continually implement and support initiatives targeted at empowering women and youths to become useful and responsible citizens.
Lawal gave the assurance at the official launch of the SPEED UP OGUN Project of NEMAPP — NECESSARY MEASURES AGAINST POVERTY AND PERVERSITY for Nigeria., designed to train over 200 Women in vocational training on Production hair shampoo, Car washing soap, Annoting oil, yam flour, rice flour , cosmetology, bead making, Bridal Make up and other small and medium scale business enterprises that require both little start up capitals
which took place at the local government secretarial, Odeda.
According to the caretaker chairman the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun would spare no effort to equip women and young persons with the r equisite skills aimed at transforming them into wealth creators and key contributors to national development.
He said, “Empowering women and young persons has been a major focal point of this present administration led by our able governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
“It is in line with this that the State Government has Established Functional Skills Acquisition Centres under the supervision of the Commissioner for Woman Affairs and social Development.
“Twenty vocations are being taught here and these include cosmetology, Production hair shampoo, Car washing soap, Annoting oil, yam flour, rice flour , cosmetology, bead making, Bridal Make up to mention a few.”
Lawal commended the partners, NEMAPP — NECESSARY MEASURES AGAINST POVERTY AND PERVERSITY for Nigeria. and SPEED UP OGUN Initiators for championing the unique women-focused initiative designed to build up and empower young women on life enhancement skills.
He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the golden opportunity to start up their business and equally impart the knowledge gained on others.
Alhaji Lawal added because we live in changing times, women have no choice but to take on secondary skills to enable them fend for their families and shake off poverty.
Earlier, Convener of the initiative and Executive Director, SPEED UP OGUN PROJECT., Princess Gbemisola Ajetunmobi, said the SPEED UP OGUN PROJECT was birthed to groom, mentor and equip young women with technical and business skills.
Advising them to eschew fear, Princess said all businesses have their attendant risk urging them not to give in to fear but to start and let things take care of themselves, adding that women must be wealth creators and not consumers only.
The Olu Of Osiele, who represented by Chief Jinadu isiaka enjoined the Beneficiaries of two-week free skills acquisition programme to use the knowledge acquired during the training to improve their lives and make positive impacts on the society
One of the beneficiaries, Temitope Akande from Alabata, appreciated the chairman for the gesture.
“We want to appreciate our chairman for the ability to empower us and he has promised to support us financially in buying equipment. We promise that the skills will be used to better ourselves, people around us and the state at large,” she added.
No fewer than 200 women of various tribes and background are participants at the workshop.


text:
Cargill introduced Feeding Intelligence, a new platform the company says is aimed at helping animal farmers navigate the changing food production landscape.
Feeding Intelligence provides resources for farmers on the latest intelligent animal production practices aimed at helping them improve their operations — across all species. Resources, support, and stories of commitment and care are featured on www.feedingintelligence.com. Farmers can find information on a variety of topics including technological advancement, animal health and well-being, performance, sustainability and much more.
Through Feeding Intelligence, Cargill says it is opening a new front in the effort to help animal farmers succeed. This comes after recent years in which Cargill’s support for modern-day farmers has repeatedly been called into question, from its ties to PETA to its partnership with the Non-GMO Project. The introduction of Feeding Intelligence is a chance for Cargill to recognize the tough road farmers face and to help the company’s customers succeed.
A recent Cargill study found that 55 percent of consumers think farmers should care most about providing safe, healthy, affordable, and abundant food. Other noted responsibilities for farmers included sustainability, animal well-being, and providing for their employees and communities. These demands from consumers — who have never been more interested in their food yet are so far removed from the farm — are in direct alignment with farmer goals. Yet there remains a tension between both parties.


text:
Slant 3D has developed a technical innovation for a centuries-old sport: An American football that does not require air pressure thanks to 3D printing. In contrast to the inflatable original, a complex internal structure provides the necessary stability.
As Slant 3D explains in a new video, conventional footballs are subject to a constant loss of air pressure due to temperature fluctuations. This can change the flight characteristics of the ball – a serious problem, especially in outdoor sports such as football.
To eliminate this shortcoming, the start-up relies on additive manufacturing. Using 3D printing, delicate support structures can be created inside the ball to provide the necessary support.
The result is a football that hardly differs from the normal original – both visually and haptically. The big advantage, however, is the consistency of the air pressure. The startup believes that this could prevent failures such as “deflategate” in the future. The technology also opens up new possibilities for special training balls.
The 3D-printed football made of TPU can be pre-ordered from the company for just under 90 US dollars. Delivery is planned for April.


text:
The next Galaxy Fold will cost around 1000 dollars; will have hidden hinge
5 (100%) 1 vote
According to a new report coming from the middle The Korea Heraldthe next Samsung's Galaxy Fold 2 be much cheaper than the current model. This is due to several factors, including a significant change in design.
The Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 will be much cheaper than the original
Sources familiar with the matter say that the future Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 adopt a cover design. This will have a vertical fold format like the new Motorola Razr with folding screen. The smallest area of the folding screen, combined with the each in the production cost of the folding screen in s can potentially carry the final price at around 1,000 dollars. In addition, it seems that the form factor similar to the classic cover phones It is more popular among users for modern folding devices.
In fact, according to the source, The Samsung Fold 2 cost about $ 840 in its home country, South Korea. The price will rise to around 1,000 dollars when it reaches the global market. We can see the debut of the phone during the 2020 MWC in Barcelona along with the Galaxy S11 flagship device series. However, even if we see it ah, its availability will be scheduled for later in the year.
Will use a new design with the hidden hinge
During the Samsung Developer Conference in October 2019, the company introduced a concept of folding phone that features a vertical folding mechanism. The device in question It could be the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 or other independent phone in the series. It is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2020 and count with a "hidden hinge" design.
From what is known so far, Samsung is expected to launch two phones smart foldable this year. One of these terminals is expected to be the direct successor of the original Galaxy Fold. When observing the designs, one of the next phones have a vertical folding mechanism, which will also make it look different from its predecessor Because of his new hinge.
The original Galaxy Fold had a Notable vertical line that divides the phone into two halves. However, the Next generation present a new type of hidden hinge in the device housing, making it less visible. The Korean giant has registered the mechanism as “Hideaway Hinge”At the Intellectual Property Office of the European Union (EUIPO). It should be noted that the new design It can also be used on both phones and tablets. In fact, Samsung is also Working on folding tablets.
Sources: 1, 2
Te ha parecido interesante esta noticia? Puedes dejarnos un comentario con tu opinin, te lo agradeceremos.


text:
Combined media research – do we know the details?
This week Gemius, Nielsen and Millward Brown announced that they are preparing to implement a joint project, involving the launch of research combining consumption of the internet, television, newspapers and radio. The integration of existing standards for the measurement of media in a single database has the potential to revolutionise the Polish advertising market. Are the details of the project available yet?
Firstly, the integration of research results for television and the internet
According to the company representatives, the project involves combining existing standards for the measurement of media into one database, rather than creating a new research project. Work is currently being undertaken to merge research into a single set of data. The deadline for providing data to the market and the method of distribution are not yet known. These are issues to be coordinated between the research companies and their partners, namely the trade organizations, i.e. PBI, PBC, KBR, and the TV companies.
One of the first stages of the project will be the combination of data on television and the internet. In July this year, Gemius will begin the daily production of website viewing results, adapting to the production cycle of television research.
Reconciling the specificities of different media is the biggest challenge
Those responsible for implementing the project at Gemius, Nielsen and Millward Brown believe that the biggest challenge is to reconcile the specificities of different media. ‘We are dealing with data of varying detail and published at different frequencies,’ say the project coordinators.
They add that the integration of data on different media has proven successful in many countries. Moreover, each type of research is also standard on the Polish market. The combining of results in a common database means that they can be analysed together. However, the analysis will also be available for each type of media separately. This will ensure the complete reliability of the information provided.
The combined research will serve to determine the total reach and the time spent by consumers on different types of media. As a result, publishers and their customers will be able to find out the number and socio-demographic profiles of consumers of their TV and radio channels, websites and newspapers. The combined research of all media will also include information from Target Group Index (TGI) surveys, meaning that these indicators will also be available to consumer groups.
Benefits for advertisers, broadcasters and publishers
Modern marketing communication raises new challenges for the media industry. One of these challenges is increasing the effectiveness of reaching a specific consumer group with an advertising message. Having access to a single set of data will significantly simplify the daily work of advertisers, broadcasters and publishers alike, allowing both the flexible and effective selection of a particular type of media for an advertising campaign. In addition, the enrichment of the database with the results of surveys measuring the consumption of goods, services and media (TGI) will facilitate the work of all interested parties.


text:
Google’s HD map know-how might be used within the upcoming Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 to enhance the efficiency of their superior driver help know-how.
Each electrical SUVs will use Google’s exact lane-level and localisation information, along side their LiDAR, cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors, to energy options like Pilot Help, a degree 2 autonomous driving characteristic.
Jorgen Behren, VP and basic supervisor of Geo Automotive at Google claims the know-how is “essential to powering the subsequent technology of assisted and autonomous driving methods”.
The Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 share their SPA2 platform, quite a few security options and infotainment working system, the latter additionally powered by Google.
The Android Automotive working system options Google Automotive Companies, with embedded Google Assistant, Google Maps, and a variety of different apps from the tech large, in addition to wi-fi Apple CarPlay.
The infotainment system helps over-the-air software program updates to constantly enhance the know-how inside the two automobiles.
The Volvo has additionally been confirmed to incorporate security options like sub-millimetre radar sensors contained in the automotive, to warn you in the event you go away kids or pets behind.
MORE: Android Automotive: Who’s partnering with Google?
At this stage we’re set to see Volvo’s new flagship SUV in Australia within the second half of 2024.
The introduction of the all-electric Volvo EX90 into the market brings it one step nearer to the model’s objective of being totally electrical by 2026 in Australia and by 2030 globally.
Polestar already completely sells electrical automobiles, and can launch the three SUV in Australia in 2024.
Each manufacturers fall beneath the umbrella of Chinese language large Geely.
In 2010, the Geely Holding Group acquired 82 per cent of Volvo Automobiles and in 2015, Volvo Automobiles bought 50.5 per cent of Polestar possession over to the Chinese language firm
MORE: 2024 Volvo EX90 revealed: Electrical seven-seat SUV particulars
MORE: Polestar 3 electrical SUV revealed


text:
GUELPH, ON (March 16, 2011) – Grain Farmers of Ontario is excited to announce Kevin O’Leary as a late addition to the March Classic conference line up for Monday next week.
O’Leary is well known for his ruthless grilling of entrepreneurs on the popular CBC show Dragon’s Den and is now a judge on the ABC show Shark Tank. As an “Eco-preneur,” O'Leary specializes in investments that make money while being environmentally friendly and is the co-host for Discovery Channel's Discovery Project Earth, which explores ways we can reverse global warming.
“Some last minute changes to the agenda for the day have made it possible to add this knowledgeable and opinionated business leader to our lineup,” says Barry Senft, CEO. “I enjoy Dragon’s Den each week and look forward to O’Leary’s insight into our industry and his no nonsense style of delivery at the March Classic.”
In 1993, with no money, O’Leary launched The Learning Company, which developed software that helped kids with reading and math. Six years later, he sold it to Mattel for 3.7 billion dollars, one of the largest tech deals in Canadian history. In 2003, he co-founded Storage Now, Canada's leading developer of climate controlled storage facilities; in 2007, it was acquired by In Storage REIT, for $110 million dollars. He is currently the chairman of O’Leary Funds, a company that offers a global perspective and investment intelligence to deliver high-quality, actively managed global investment portfolios.
With candor and unmatched business smarts, Kevin O'Leary will draw on his encyclopedic knowledge of finance, investing, economics and business to discuss a variety of topics relevant to our members’ farm businesses.
Registration to the Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic on March 21st in London, Ontario is still open but tickets are selling fast. Contact Kristyn Kline at 1-800-265-0550 to reserve your seat today.
Grain Farmers of Ontario
Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 corn, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.


text:
Fox News' Dana Perino draws crowd to Melbourne
Say what you will about Fox News personalities, they're certainly a popular draw in Brevard County.
Saturday morning crowds packed the Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Melbourne for a chance to meet Dana Perino, former press secretary to George W. Bush and now a Fox News commentator.
Perino was in Melbourne to promote and sign her new book "And the Good News Is ... Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side."
"It's absolutely packed," said Bobby Socks, who drove from West Cocoa for Perino's book-signing event. "It's great business for Barnes & Noble."
People began lining up just as the store opened Saturday.
Perino was scheduled to be in Melbourne from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. but the store quickly ran out of her books. It had nearly 400 copies in inventory to sell.
An employee at Barnes & Noble said the crowd was larger for Perino than it was for Greg Gutfeld, who sits on a panel with Perino on Fox's weekday show "The Five."
Gutfeld was at the Melbourne Barnes & Noble last year to sign his book "The Joy of Hate: How to Triumph over Whiners in the Age of Phony Outrage."
Perino was off to another book-signing event in Kissimmee following her visit to Melbourne.
Contact Price at 321-242-3658 or email@example.com.


text:
World’s most popular search engine –Google – has recently released the list of top ten searches (Google Zeitgeist) for 2011. Zeitgeist is a German word which means “spirit of the times.”
John Waley, the lead designer for Google search said: “What we’re trying to find the fast rising search terms. These are the things that typified, or were the hot items in 2011.”
- The most searched for 2011 is Rebecca Black – an American pop singer – who gained extensive media attention with the 2011 single “Friday.”
- Google’s newly launched product G+ is the second most search in 2011.
- In the third place is an American reality television personality and Jackass star – Ryan Dunn.
- A scandal around Casey Anthony with killing her two-year-old daughter, however found not guilty by a jury, made her the Google’s fourth search.
- The fifth position takes highly anticipated shooter video game, Battlefield 3. It’s just striking that 5 million copies of the game were sold in its first week!
- The next one, the sixth search for 2011 is Apple’s product – iPhone 5.
- Adele, British singer-songwriter, sold 208,000 copies of her somophore album “21” in its first week and reached international acclaim. Adele, 22 year –old UK singer is the seventh in the Google’s top searches list.
- Tepco (東京 電力) is Tokyo electric power company. After the 2011 earthquake badly damaged several nuclear reactors, tens of thousands of people who lived near Tepco were displaced, making the town uninhabitable.
- American businessman and creativity genius – Steve Jobs – is ranked 8th. Jobs who served as Apple’s CEO, died on October 5, 2011 at the age of 56.
- The tenth place in Google top searches belongs to iPad 2. 500,000 of iPad2 were sold on the debut weekend.
My next post will be about Google Panda and the most important SEO tips for 2012.


text:
Etisalat celebrates 10 years in Egypt
New OOH campaign from Etisalat Misr celebrates their 10th anniversary as a communication network provider in Egypt.
The Emirati company, who entered Egypt as a technology leader with 3G services back in 2007, has maintained a stable reputation throughout these ten years. Though their outdoor campaigns usually focus on a specific segment of their customer base, this campaign addresses everyone with a special offer and what has become their default slogan since last year: “Imagine Tomorrow”.
With colorful artwork, the ad copy offers 10x the value of the recharge for users and their friends and informs audiences that this Ramadan the company proudly celebrates their 10th anniversary.
The campaign, which was launched just in time for the Holy month, uses Gates, Double-decker poles and Large and X-Large uni-poles across the Greater Cairo.


text:
Meijer will double match every customer's $10 Simply Give donation made Nov. 15-16 to celebrate five years of feeding hungry families through its program that aims to restock the shelves of food pantries in the communities it serves.
"This holiday season marks a milestone for the Simply Give program," Co-Chairman Doug Meijer said. "We've been feeding hungry families in the communities we serve for five years, thanks to the continued support and generosity of our customers, team members and pantry partners. We are pleased this program has helped fill a void by providing 39 million meals to our hungry neighbors."
The supercenter retailer began its Simply Give program in November 2008 as a way to help local food pantries throughout the Midwest achieve their missions of feeding hungry families.
Since then, Meijer's program has generated more than $6.5 million, which equals 39 million meals for those partners to distribute to hungry families. And, more importantly, those meals stay local, said Janet Emerson, Meijer executive vice president of retail operations.
"We know how important it is to our customers that their generous donations remain in their local communities," Emerson said. "That's why each of our stores partner with a local food pantry during theSimply Give campaign."
According to Feeding America, one in six Americans – or more than 50 million people – are considered food insecure, which means they don't know where their next meal will come from. Here's the food insecurity breakdown within the Meijer five-state footprint:
• Michigan: More than 1.7 million people
• Indiana: More than 1 million people
• Illinois: More than 1.9 million people
• Ohio: More than 2 million people
• Kentucky: More than 749,000 people
"Hunger is a problem that continues to increase in all of our communities," Doug Meijer said. "The Simply Give program gives everyone a chance to work toward ensuring no one has to go to bed hungry."
During each Simply Give campaign, customers are encouraged to purchase $10 Meijer Food Pantry Donation Cards that are then converted into Meijer food-only gift cards and given to the food pantry selected by the store. The Simply Give program runs three times per year; the holiday campaign will run through Jan. 4.
Simply Give Double Match Days held Nov. 15-16 will stretch those donations even further: For every $10 donation card purchase, Meijer will give $20 to the program, resulting in a total $30 donation.
Customers can find the donation cards on fixtures near the checkout; they will also be near the Meijer Taste of the Holidays in-store sampling stations Nov. 16. The sampling events, which are held at each Meijer store, will feature a variety of Thanksgiving menu items, including Purple Cow pumpkin pie ice cream, harvest artichoke dip and sweet pepper crostini bread.
Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer Inc. donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and wellness initiatives.


text:
For Japanese consumers, there is some benefit to a stronger yen: walk into a local supermarket and one might see imported items that are specially marked down, giving new meaning to a "yen appreciation" sale. But a major concern for the Japanese economy is that currency rates, the dollar-yen in particular, are pummeling Japanese exporters as their products lose competitiveness abroad. Coupled with a general decline in global demand, the weak dollar-yen is dumping ice water on corporate profits at titans like Sony and Honda.
With the exchange rate hovering just below 90 yen to the dollar, and having risen to 87 on Wednesday after the U.S. cut interest rates, the Bank of Japan decided on Friday to cut its benchmark rate to 0.1%. The move was done on a near unanimous vote among policy makers. However, with its overnight rate already at 0.3%, it is unclear what such a small rate cut could achieve.
Despite Friday's move, currency experts say that the yen could possibly climb to 85, which could trigger direct government intervention to halt the rise. Upon speculation that the lower 80s could be reached within weeks, Japan's Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa confirmed Thursday that Japan was prepared to intervene and sell the yen, something the Japanese government has not done since March 2004.
A 10% appreciation of the yen slashes Japan's GDP growth rate by 0.3% to 0.4% points, says Masafumi Yamamoto, head of foreign exchange strategy for Japan at Royal Bank of Scotland. "Yen appreciation is also causing the Nikkei [stock index] plunge," he says. And that's affecting the confidence of Japan's businesses. On Monday, figures of the Bank of Japan's tankan survey, a quarterly survey of business sentiment in Japan, fell to a seven-year low. The tankan figure showed the steepest quarter over quarter decline in 34 years. The economy is expected to decline 0.8% for the fiscal year ending in March 2009.
Any company betting on a yen reversal may have a long wait. Tohru Sasaki, chief currency strategist in Tokyo at JPMorgan Chase & Co., believes the dollar-yen exchange is reaching a sustainable average. "The yen's level until last year was abnormally weak. Now it's coming back to normal," he says. Compared to the mid-1990s, he says, the strong yen's negative impact on the Japanese economy is "not that large." To have the same effect as the postwar peak in 1995, the exchange rate would have to reach 48 yen to the dollar, he says, because the U.S. economy has experienced 40% cumulative inflation while Japan has remained relatively flat. "If we think about the inflation rate differentials, the yen is not that strong right now."
Satoru Ogasawara, economist for Credit Suisse in Tokyo who covers foreign exchange, expects the yen to advance to 85 to the dollar within three months and to 83 over the next year. Intervention, he says, will come at the 85-level, but even then it is difficult to predict what will happen. "What we're seeing is the unwinding of the yen carry trade," says JPMorgan Chase's Sasaki, referring to the practice of buying low-interest yen and investing it in high-yield currencies. "It's a very strong and powerful movement and it's difficult to stop it. I think that Japanese officials understand that and that's why they haven't intervened."


text:
Did you rush to give -- and reap the tax benefits -- at the end of the year?
With the potential for changes to the charitable giving deduction, income and estate tax rates, some big philanthropists made 11th hour contributions to take advantage of the existing tax breaks, according to The Washington Post. Smaller donors -- old clothes and household goods in tow -- acted quickly, too. Traditionally, wealthy donors make year-end donations, with many high profile people doing so in 2012. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg gave almost $500 million to a foundation; producer David Geffen earmarked $100 million for medical scholarships and publisher Mort Zuckerman added $200 million to Columbia University’s coffers. Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, told the Post that “some people have accelerated …
A handy guide to donating toys this holiday season.
- VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEWS
- Ben Gross
Sunday, November 18, 2012
In 1947, Diane Hendricks made a doll and asked her husband, Maj. Bill Hendricks, a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, to find a local charity in the Los Angeles area that would give it to a needy child. When he was unable to locate one, she suggested that he start one. That year, Maj. Hendricks teamed with other Marine reservists, collecting and distributing 5,000 toys to children that year. In 1948, the Marine Corps adopted the Toys for Tots program and it has been running steadily since, with the help of celebrities such as Bob Hope, Kenny Rodgers and First Lady Michelle Obama. One little known fact – Walt Disney designed the organization’s logo. You can drop off toys at Toys and/or Babies R Us, or one of the locations listed below. You can …


text:
Dairy creates huge revenue for India. Last year, about 700 billion rupee (or $11.6 billion American dollars) came from dairy products. However, as most of this export is milk or yogurt, as India is not particularly known for its cheese — at least, perhaps, not for long.
According to Wall Street Journal writer Shanoor Seervai, independent cheesemakers and cheese shops offering European-style cheeses are popping up all over India. One of these is The Spotted Cow Fromagerie, owned by food photographer Prateeksh Mehra. Cheese had long been the subject of Mehra’s photographs, and eventually he became curious and wanted to try some of the cheeses himself. The Spotted Cow Fromagerie uses resources found in India to make European-style cheeses, naming them in ways that play on the cheeses they are based on — “Bombrie” instead of Brie, for instance.
Mehra is not the only Indian cheesemaker inspired by his experiences with cheese. Mansi Jasani started The Cheese Collective after returning to India after working for Murray’s Cheese and learning about cheesemaking in Vermont. The Cheese Collective uses goat’s milk from Kanataka to create three different types of cheeses: plain, herbed, and fruity.
“I wanted to get other people to love cheese to appreciate its flavors and textures,” says Jasani.
This is very different from the cheese India is used to. Traditional Indian cheeses consist almost entirely of paneer, a non-melting cheese that tastes a bit like ricotta. It’s made by curdling the heated milk with lemon juice, and then draining the excess fluid. (Learn more about paneer here.)
One of the main reasons paneer has held such a monopoly over the Indian cheese industry is because it’s incredibly expensive to import cheese into India, and its hot climate makes it very difficult to store. However, as many of these cheesemakers are using materials found in India, it is clear that cheesemakers are starting to work around these hurdles.
But don’t think these artisan cheeses are limited to specialty cheese shops — major grocery chains like Godrej’s Nature Basket have begun selling artisan cheeses as well. In addition, large Amul cheese sellers like the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Foundation have been adding cheeses like mozzarella and gouda to their repertoire over the past fifteen years.
“We have seen [gourmet cheese] sales grow exponentially,” says Mohit Khattar, managing director of Godrej Nature’s Basket. “It contributes to just short of a tenth of our revenues.”
Though the revenue of this type of cheese is still relatively small, making about 10 million rupee last year (of the 700 billion made from dairy products), it is a growing industry. Cheesemakers, like Mehra and Isani, are expanding the palates of the people of India. In addition, larger grocers and cheesemaking companies are seeking ways to make different cheeses with the resources they have.
Paneer is a wonderful cheese. The process of making it is unlike any other type of cheese, and it has a rich history behind it. It will always be a huge part of India’s culture, but now their cheese culture is expanding, and seeing where it goes from here will be incredibly interesting.
Photo Credit: Wall Street Journal


text:
In the midst of economic challenges, the global prepaid card market is defying the odds with a projected surge, expected to soar to a staggering $64 billion by 2023. This remarkable growth story is set to continue throughout the decade, with the market poised to reach an impressive $84 billion in 2027, boasting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8%.
But amidst this flourishing landscape, Amsterdam-based Recharge has made waves with a pivotal announcement - the successful acquisition of Startselect, a European digital gift and gaming card company based in Eindhoven. This strategic move catapults Recharge into the fast lane, positioning the company on a trajectory to achieve €750 million in annual sales by 2024.
This acquisition is more than just a milestone; it's a cornerstone in Recharge's overarching M&A strategy. It's a strategy that aims to consolidate the digital prepaid payments market and fortify its position as a global leader. This announcement comes on the heels of Recharge's recent entry into the United States and Canada through its acquisition of Blackhawk.
The addition of Startselect to Recharge's portfolio signifies the company's ambition to expand its global network of digital marketplaces offering prepaid payment products. Startselect, renowned for its extensive array of gaming products with a special focus on catering to gamers, brings with it a reputation for delivering top-notch digital marketplaces.
Furthermore, this acquisition augments Recharge's already robust prepaid product lineup, which includes the global shop Recharge.com and region-specific labels like Beltegoed.nl, Recharge.fr, Guthaben.de, Herladen.com, and Mobiletopup.co.uk. And this is just the beginning. Recharge has its sights set on closing another 2-3 acquisitions in the next 12 months, signaling its determination to stay at the forefront of the prepaid payments industry.
Günther Vogelpoel, CEO of Recharge, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Consolidation has been a theme in fintech in the recent period, and I have no doubt in the value of this combination for our company. I'm also excited to welcome the Startselect team to the Recharge family. Combining our strengths and capabilities leads to a powerful competitive position in the industry. Together, with our larger scale, we can offer an even better service to prepaid users worldwide."
Max Gudden, Founder of Startselect, shared his pride in the achievement, saying, "I feel proud of the whole team at Startselect that made this milestone possible. Being a part of Recharge starts a new chapter for us, where we can reach new heights. We are eager to continue our growth path together."
Recharge, founded in 2010 by Robin Weesie and Dirk Ueberbach in the Netherlands, entered the scene with a mission to 'Make Prepaid Easy.' Over the years, it has transformed the digital call credit market and expanded its offerings to include over 16,000 digital vouchers and prepaid solutions. These offerings encompass gift cards, gaming cards, prepaid money cards, and mobile phone top-ups.
What sets Recharge apart is its pioneering approach, being one of the first companies to offer convenient online purchases of digital prepaid cards through its webshops and apps. This dedication to ease and accessibility has resulted in over 100 million transactions processed for satisfied customers worldwide, cementing Recharge's status as a driving force in the prepaid payments industry.


text:
PRS experts are always writing articles and taking part in conferences. Here we’ve posted the latest announcements and news to make it easy for you to stay abreast of the upcoming PRS speaking engagements, new articles and developments.
PRS Retail Lab & Office in Chicago...Continue
Using body language, people can
Perception Research Services (PRS) announced the launch of a joint-venture with Anovax, its long-standing research partner in China. This venture will include theopening of a Shanghai office, to be led by co-directors Vincenzo Ciummo (of PRS) and Jacky W ong (of Anovax), which will serve both the Chinese teams of PRS’ global clients and Anovax’s many regional and local clients. ...Continue
2014 Speaking Engagements...Continue
Results from the latest shopper research survey conducted by PRS indicate that shoppers are motivated by "Made in the USA" claims on packaging as most say that they are more likely to purchase a product after noticing the "Made in the USA" claim on it. ...Continue


text:
Number of high-tech Jobs:
Intel, Oregon Health & Science University
In a hopeful sign for the area, chipmaker Intel (INTC
) recently said it will build a new plant in Portand, Ore. The semiconductor manufacturing industry by far outstrips any other in Portland, which lost 4,100 high tech jobs from 2007 through 2009. Last year the area's average high-tech worker earned 96 percent more than its average private sector employee.


text:
Tweet to Win a Samsung Galaxy Tab!
Oct 25, 2010 11:58 AM –
Hot of the press! Today at 12pm CST Samsung Mobile will launch a Twitter sweepstakes for a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab™ from the carrier of your choice. Starting today through November 8th, Samsung is giving away a total of seven Galaxy Tabs.
How to Tweet to Win a Samsung Galaxy Tab:
- Go to http://twitter.com/samsungmobileus
- Become a follower and tweet your response to the question posted
- Include #WINGALAXYTAB hashtag in your response. You must include the hashtag to be eligible to win!


text:
Activist group pushes Hormel for better antibiotic reporting in shareholder proposal
The Shareholder Commons brought a similar proposal to McDonald's and Yum Brands last year.
By Brooks Johnson, Star Tribune (MN)
January 7, 2022
A shareholder activist group wants Hormel Foods to issue a report on "the external environmental and public health costs" of antibiotic use in the meat it sources and how those costs could affect the company, investors and the global economy.
"Hormel is aware that overuse of antibiotics puts the global health system at risk," the Shareholder Commons, a Delaware-based nonprofit, wrote in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing this week. "The company must make decisions about how much to invest in fighting AMR," or anti-microbial resistance, which can reduce the effectiveness of certain medicines in animals and humans.
The group wants shareholders to vote for the proposal at Hormel's annual meeting later this month.
The Austin, Minn.-based company's board of directors is recommending a vote against the proposal, saying such a report "would not be beneficial given the company's already robust antibiotic stewardship, continuous improvement and environmental sustainability efforts within our supply chain."
"The study requested by the stockholder proposal would incur unnecessary expense and divert management's attention from what the company is in the best position to control — ensuring stewardship of antibiotics within our supply chain," the board wrote in its proxy statement...
more, including links


text:
Cadbury reveals US soft drinks figures
Thursday 01 May 1997
The figures for the first quarter of 1996 showed that while sales of Dr Pepper rose by 5 per cent, sales of the Seven Up brand fell by 2 per cent and other brand sales declined by a similar figure.
The company said that Seven Up sales were affected by the delisting of the drink by certain Coca Cola and Pepsi bottlers. Another factor has been aggressive marketing of rival brand Sprite by Coca Cola.
Commenting on the figures, John Brock, managing director of Cadbury Schweppes' beverages division, said: "Overall, our plus 1 per cent volume growth performance in US soft drinks is better than in the same period last year and we are encouraged by these results."
Cadbury is ranked third in the US soft drinks market behind Coca Cola and Pepsi.
Its figures followed an 8 per cent rise in earnings from PepsiCo, whose figures were announced on Tuesday. The rise was led by strong sales of US drinks. Case sales grew by 6 per cent, boosted by double digit growth from Mountain Dew and solid growth from Pepsi.
Cadbury Schweppes shares slid back 10p to 513.5p on the quarterly figures. One analyst said: "The Dr Pepper figures weren't good enough after the Pepsi report on Tuesday."
The Americas account for 60 per cent of Cadbury's soft drinks sales and 30 per cent of group turnover.
In March John Sunderland, the new Cadbury Schweppes chief executive, announced a 16 per cent increase in full year profits to pounds 592m. The company then said that it could afford a pounds 1bn-pounds 2bn acquisition following the pounds 623m sale of its stake in Coca Cola Schweppes Beverages.
Cadbury increased its advertising spend from pounds 681m to pounds 738m last year with a large amount of the increase put behind the Seven Up brand.
- 1 What happens to your body when you give up sugar?
- 2 Licence fee: What is the BBC charge – and how will the changes affect you?
- 3 This is what the photographer has to say about the picture of a weasel riding a woodpecker
- 4 Delhi bus rapist blames dead victim for attack because 'girls are responsible for rape'
- 5 Have sex with your iPad thanks to the new sex toy no-one asked for
Bill Clinton portrait features Monica Lewinsky reference, artist admits
Japanese island overrun with cats after population explodes
Delhi bus rapist blames dead victim for attack because 'girls are responsible for rape'
Pornhub turns masturbation into energy in bid to save the planet
The 'sex selfie stick' lets you FaceTime the inside of a vagina
'Jihadi John': CAGE representative storms off Sky News accusing Kay Burley of Islamophobia
Durham Free School: 'Creationism taught at' free school facing closure
Ukip would cut billions from Scottish budget to fund English tax cuts
Nearly 100,000 of Britain's poorest children go hungry after parents' benefits are cut
End of the licence fee: BBC to back radical overhaul of how it is funded
Ukraine crisis: Top Chinese diplomat backs Putin and says West should 'abandon zero-sum mentality'
iJobs Money & Business
£15000 - £18000 per annum: Recruitment Genius: This is a great opportunity for...
£50000 - £60000 per annum + Excellent Salary: Austen Lloyd: An outstanding new...
£20000 - £21000 per annum + uncapped commission: SThree: As a graduate you are...
£25000 - £30000 per annum + benefits: Ashdown Group: A global leader operating...


text:
Netflix reported its Q4 2022 financial results yesterday, topping 230 million global subscribers, up from 223.09 million, thanks to the addition of 7.7 million subs. During the earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the company is “keeping an eye” on a free ad-supported TV (FAST) option, a move that many media companies are considering as more consumers shift to FAST services.
“We're open to all these different models that are out there right now, but we've got a lot on our plate this year, both with the paid sharing and with our launch of advertising and continuing to this slate of content that we're trying to drive to our members. So, we are keeping an eye on that segment for sure,” Sarandos said.
While a Netflix FAST channel offering probably won’t happen anytime soon, Sarandos isn’t dismissing the possibility that there’ll be one in the future. When and if Netflix goes through with a FAST option, the move will most likely boost its ad business significantly. According to nScreenMedia, the FAST industry will reach 216 million monthly active users in 2023, driving $4.1 billion in ad revenue.
Netflix is known to be slow to follow industry trends. It took many years for former co-CEO Reed Hastings, who just announced he would step down, even to consider launching a cheaper ad-supported plan. Hulu is the third-oldest streaming service next to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video (formerly Amazon Unbox) and has offered an ad tier for over a decade.
Netflix is counting on its ad business to be a big source of income. Overall, it estimates $8.17 billion in revenue for Q1 2023.
However, it’s looking like Netflix’s “Basic with Ads” plan isn’t paying off as much as it anticipated, according to a recent Kantar report. Despite being satisfied with the growth of its ads business, which Netflix President of Worldwide Advertising Jeremi Gorman noted during an interview at Variety’s Entertainment Summit at CES, Kantar data shows that Netflix “Basic with Ads” now accounts for 12% of its subscriber base. Although Netflix intended for the new tier to entice new subscribers, it appears only a few current customers traded down to the $3 plan.
In the letter to shareholders yesterday, Netflix wrote that the launch of its ad-supported tier was successful; however, the company admitted it had “much more still to do.”
It’s likely that more subscribers will consider the cheaper tier when the company adds all its content to the plan. As of now, 85% to 95% of Netflix’s content is available. The company is currently renegotiating deals with studios.
Also, the ad tier is not available in every region. “Basic with Ads” is only available in the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Canada and Mexico. The company has no immediate plans to expand, but it has future plans to target larger ad markets.
Netflix CFO Spencer Neumann said in yesterday’s earnings call, “We wouldn’t get into a business like this if we didn’t believe it could be bigger than at least 10% of our revenue and hopefully much more over time in that mix as we grow.”
Overall, the company admits that “2022 was a tough year,” Netflix wrote in its letter to shareholders. The streaming giant had two painful quarters in 2022, losing more than a million global subscribers.
In Q4, the company reported $7.85 billion in revenue, adding to its recent trend of slowing revenue growth. For comparison, the company brought in $7.93 billion in Q3 2022 and $7.97 billion in Q2.
“We believe we have a clear path to reaccelerate our revenue growth: continuing to improve all aspects of Netflix, launching paid sharing and building our ads offering,” the company added in yesterday’s letter.


text:
The legal industry is experiencing important dysfunction. A number of hedge funds have got entered the sector through private equity deals and are bit by bit eroding market share from existing firms. These firms currently have deeper compartments and can invest technology and efficiency advancements that many lawyers have been decrease to put into action. Moreover, they will afford to attract top-tier talent that a lot of law firms could not.
In addition to challenges, the legal industry is facing increasing pressure to lower fees and improve customer outcomes. It has led to a substantial decline in law firm income. In fact , as per to a new survey, just one quarter www.smartsolutionsdata.net/multiple-ways-for-legal-experts-to-stay-profitable-in-2022 of firms reported money increase.
1 reason for this diminish is that the potential of guru lawyers to perform legal work of increasingly sophisticated scope finally outstrips what most consumers need and are willing to pay with regards to. As a result, these kinds of firms possess priced themselves out of the majority of legal do the job. This is especially true of document review, where the complexity of digitally stored details has created a new business model to get companies which experts claim not provide you with legal advice – like the eDiscovery company CIRCULO whose earnings grew 774% between 2015 and 2018.
The good news is that there are ways to increase profitability in the legal industry without sacrificing quality or perhaps compromising consumer service. For instance , using a legal practice software like MyCase allows legal professionals to improve how they capture billable time and decrease the volume of unbilled hours that glide through the cracks when balancing emails and calendar situations. Additionally , reducing fees can help pull in more customers and produce it less difficult for lawyers to collect repayment on their bills, thus enhancing revenue.


text:
Kamen Rider Amazons Available in English on Amazon Prime
Kamen Rider Amazons is now available to stream on Amazon Prime US, as well as other territory’s platforms.
Amazon has officially released the first season of Kamen Rider Amazons for their Amazon Prime service, under the new name Amazon Riders. This features episodes 1-13, with English subtitles. It is has been confirmed to available on US, Brazil, UK, Germany, and Mexico platforms at this time.
Kamen Rider Amazons was originally released on Japan’s Amazon Prime service in 2016 and ran for two seasons. It will be seeing movie releases based on these two seasons, followed by a final movie that concludes the story on May 19th.
Latest posts by Malunis (see all)
- Shout Factory Streaming Sentai on Tubi - October 18, 2018
- Toei Director Shirakura Comments on Western Kamen Rider Fanbase - October 17, 2018
- Kamen Rider Zi-O’s SG Zi-O Watcher: Vol.9 - October 17, 2018


text:
While 2019 is in full swing, it’s important to take a look back at the events that impacted the global electronics supply chain. It’s equally important to consider how those events will shape the year ahead.
Image by mohamed_hassan on Pixabay
The explosive progression of Internet of Things (IoT) and the automotive industry has led to higher than anticipated demand for electronic components – creating unprecedented shortages and some whose end is still uncertain. However, we can be certain of a few trends that can aid us in our preparation for this year. These are: supply chain disruptions resulting from mergers and acquisitions (M&As); the continuous push for electric vehicles; and the impending resurgence of cryptocurrency.
Residual effects from M&As
The last few years have been abnormally busy with mergers and acquisitions. In fact, according to IC Insights, about 100 M&A agreements were reached between 2015 and 2018. This could cause residual effects in the industry such as line obsolesce and availability, operational issues, supplier reduction, and a reset in direction within semiconductor companies that could present supply chain risks.
We expect that M&As will continue in 2019 and catalyze supply chain disruptions, though the current political climate and global trade concerns will likely limit the amount of mega-deals we’ve seen in the last 10 years. Qualcomm’s terminated bid for NXP Semiconductors, for example, would have been the biggest semiconductor takeover globally but is now the latest high-profile casualty of the trade spat with China.
The future of the electric road
As evident by General Motors’ recent development and Ford’s announcement earlier this year to end sales of sedans in North America, U.S. automakers are starting to pave the way for a low carbon future by leveraging today’s popular SUVs to fund tomorrow’s electric vehicles. This supports the Worldwide Electronic Systems compound annual growth rate (CAGR) prediction, where automotive electronic system sales are expected to increase by 5.4% from 2016 through 2021. In fact, the automotive segment will be the strongest end market for semiconductor chips and account for 9.8% of the global electronic systems sales by 2021, according to IC Insights. As we move to a more eco-centric automotive market, we can anticipate that the high demand for automotive components we’ve witnessed over the past couple years will maintain throughout 2019 and beyond.
Shortly after the explosive growth of the crypto market in early 2018, the digital currency dipped in Q2 and again in Q3 after a slight resurgence. Consequently, the value of graphic cards (often utilized by crypto miners) has also risen and fallen in accordance with the market, causing fluctuating demand across the supply chain. However, with the rapid adoption of blockchain platforms across the world, used as the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies and much more, cryptocurrency will need to meet this demand in an effort to stabilize it.
Perhaps the most significant indicator that cryptocurrency will surge in 2019 is the long-awaited institutional demand which will have a direct influence on Wall Street’s decision to back crypto. Therefore, it seems likely that we’ll witness another crypto miner gold rush where graphic cards will enjoy a significant rise in demand, especially if a digital currency exchange traded fund (ETF) is made available to U.S. investors. Electronic component distributors would be wise not to rule out another spike in graphics card demand in 2019.


text:
15 December 2014 | News | By BioSpectrum Bureau
Austrianova inaugurates its Thailand facility
This is the world's first encapsulated cell production and research facility'
Singapore: Austrianova, a Singapore-based cell-encapsulation company recently announced the opening of its manufacturing facility at Thailand Science Park, Bangkok. The inauguration ceremony that showcased scienitific presentations also included a site visit of the built facility.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Thailand Science Park management, the Thai National Science and Technology Development Agency and the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS) as well as guests of honor Mr Kenneth L Waggoner, CEO and Mr Gerald C Crabtree COO of Nuvilex Inc and various other Austrianova partners and friends including the Austrian Trade Commission, Betagro, CDIP, Erber AG, Siricell, Mahidol University, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi and the team from Austrianova Singapore plus some key investors in Austrianova.
Speaking at the event, Mr Brian Salmons, CEO, Austrianova, mentioned, "Our new facility includes a unique, state-of-the-art and custom-built, controlled environment isolator for cell production, which we believe to be the first in Asia. This isolator system, housed in a newly built conventional Class D cleanroom, will ensure that all Cell-in-a-Box products are manufactured according to the highest international pharmaceutical production standards."
The chairman of Austrianova, Mr Walter, said, "In association with TCELS we have developed this world-first encapsulated cell production and research facility. This allows Austrianova to produce Cell-in-a-Box encapsulated cell products for partners such as Nuvilex as well as other key partners. We would like to thank all of our friends for making the opening ceremony such a great success."


text:
Urban Outfitters Pilots In-Store Mobile Point-of-Sale Technology
Urban Outfitters CEO Glen Senk has confirmed that the retailer is testing mobile point-of-sale technology in its stores, and he foresees starring roles for consumers' own mobile devices in the near future.
"We believe it will be just a few short years before customers walk in the store, scan a product to learn about it or locate a size or color, perhaps share the product with a friend or read a review, then walk out of the store with a product in hand, automatically charged to the account that links with their mobile device," said Senk during a recent conference call.
While Senk did not provide details on the mobile POS tests, Urban Outfitters has been working with Starmount to develop a mobile POS solution since mid-2010, and the in-store pilots began late last year. According to a Starmount statement released in June 2010, the mobile POS solution includes the full functionality of a fixed-base POS system as well as integration with in-store databases. Urban Outfitters' store POS, Oracle Retail Point-of-Service, features open interfaces that simplify additions such as mobile technology.
Read the article here


text:
Alexander Gailunas, arrested for masturbating in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Avon, Connecticut. He did it in front of the Girl Scouts, who were selling their cookies. Wow! Something strange happening at a Wal-Mart, now that’s a new one.
Why do so many bizarre things always happen at Wal-Mart? Must be the low prices that attract all the weirdness.


text:
Free demos for Bulletstorm (single-player) and Crysis 2 (multiplayer demo) are now on Xbox Live. That's demos of two upcoming first-person shooters for the price of none. The Bulletstorm demo should be downloadable today for PlayStation 3 as well.
Crysis 2 And Bulletstorm Demos Are Live
Trending Stories Right Now
In the past few months, a video game has become popular among young people, prompting experts and commentators around the world to decide that there must be something dangerous about it.
We're conditioned to expect console manufacturers to be bitter rivals, constantly at each other's throats in a battle for market supremacy. But sometimes, the enemy of an enemy can be a friend.


text:
French Journalist Jordan Pouille recently visited the Foxconn campus in Shenzhen and returned home with a series of photos and video that highlight the conditions and morale at the notorious plant. Foxconn, which manufactures gadgets for a variety of major electronics companies including Apple, HP, Nokia, Sony and Palm, has been scrutinized over the past year following a string of worker suicides and allegations of exploitative and abusive practices among management. Pouille details the scene at the Foxconn factory, and speaks to workers who describe the conditions as being similar to a labor camp.
At the production line, none of them could speak or even look at each other while trying to achieve the christmas production targets. They had to leave their mobile at the entry. However, their managers tried not to insult them, after all the bad publicity they got last spring when the 13 Foxconn suicides hit the headlines. A big improvement has been made after 30 glorious years of economic reforms: more workers are now allowed to sit down (depending on the good will of their managers) while working.
Hit the break for a video and visit the read link for a first-hand account of the conditions at Foxconn.
[Via Business Insider]


text:
Jotun Paints achieves 12 per cent increase in sales for first half of 2007 in Saudi Arabia
Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of paints and powder coatings, has announced that it has achieved a 12 per cent increase in sales of its paints and coatings in Saudi Arabia for the first half of 2007, compared to the corresponding period last year. Paint sales showed a growth of 10% while Protective / Marine sales grew by 40% over same period last year. The company has also recently announced plans to increase the capacity of its manufacturing plants from the current production of 50 million litres per year in Jeddah & Yanbu to satisfy the demand for paint in Saudi Arabia, which is growing at a rate of 6 per cent per annum.
The outstanding results can be attributed to the company’s increased focus on dealer support; the formation of a dedicated sales team to target Saudi Arabia’s booming construction industry and the ongoing expansion of its dealer network, which currently covers 160 major outlets across the Kingdom. The paint market in Saudi Arabia is currently valued at SAR 2.7 billion and the demand for paint is growing at a rate of 6 per cent per annum, due to the rapid developments in the construction industry.
“Saudi Arabia represents the single largest market in the Middle East as current active construction projects in the country have crossed USD 200 billion in value or 20 per cent of the GCC regional value of USD 1 trillion. Further, the number of development projects in the country has doubled in the past 12 months, and this year, the total value of new ventures is expected to reach USD 80 billion,” said Gunnar Thoresen, Managing Director, Jotun Saudia Co Ltd. “Jotun has been actively involved with a majority of the mega projects in Saudi Arabia and the formation of a dedicated sales team to address the specific requirements of such projects will certainly boost our sales in the coming months.”
Jotun has been operating in Saudi Arabia for the last 22 years, and has been involved with many prestigious projects including the Kingdom Tower, Prince Bandar palace, Kobar Lakes, Red Sea Village Resort within King Abdullah Economic City and several Ministry of Education projects. Looking ahead, Jotun plans to have seven Inspiration Centers up and running in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2007 and 25 by the year 2010. The company also plans to increase the number of its tinting machines in the country from 174 at present to 236 in 2010.
“We have charted an ambitious growth strategy that involves further expansion of our dealer network of single brand shops and the establishment of Inspiration Centers, which when combined with huge number of mega projects in the pipeline, gives us confidence that the positive sales trend will continue for all segments,” concluded Thoresen.
Jotun has been at the forefront of developing paint products that are specifically formulated to suit local weather conditions including a variety of conventional and specialized coatings that can withstand the extreme heat of the Middle East region. Utilizing the latest technological innovations in paint production, the company has offered a diverse range of solutions including decorative, protective, marine, floor/concrete protection and intumescent coatings, for high profile projects in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and KSA.
About Jotun Paints:
Founded in 1926 in Norway, Jotun - one of the world's leading paint manufacturers established its presence in the Middle East in 1974, with Jotun UAE Ltd. Ever since, Jotun has expanded dramatically throughout the region and is the first paint manufacturer to be awarded the ISO 9001 certification. Jotun has consistently invested in state of the art factories including the recently opened plant in the Al Quoz area of Dubai, UAE - the biggest worldwide for Jotun and the Middle East.
© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
- Brother Gulf achieves 19 per cent regional growth in first half of 2007
- AS Marine targets 50 per cent increase in luxury boat sales in 2007
- Jotun Powder Coatings targets 15 per cent growth in the UAE for 2011
- grapheast records 40 per cent increase in revenues and channel breadth for first half of 2007
- Gulf International Bank reports 14 per cent increase in first half profits


text:
The latest (2015) Gunn Report shines a light on NZ’s and Colenso BBDO’s places on the global creative excellence ladder.
NZ comes in as the 16th ranked country in the world (#10 last year) and Colenso BBDO – the only NZ agency to make the list – at 34th. USA, UK and Australia took the top three country spots.
The report will summarise the overall performance of the advertising industry in the year January to December 2015 based on the results of 45 global, regional and national creative award contests.
Clemenger BBDO Wellington also made the list – in the Most Awarded Commercials section, where the agency is ranked #35 for NZTA Mistakes.
In the Print/OOH category Colenso ranked #35 for NZ Breast Cancer Foundation for A Cream That Gives You Wrinkles, and #19 in the Digital category for Volkswagen Reduce Speed Dial.
Finch Auckland Sydney, Auckland and Melbourne was ranked the 22nd most awarded production company in the world.
BBDO Worldwide was named the most creative agency network in the world (no other agency network has ever won more than twice).
“The great thing about the advertising industry is how quickly it evolves,” said report founder Donald Gunn. “With so many great ideas coming from all over the world, it’s sometimes hard to keep track of all the inspirational break-through work and who’s behind it.
“We’ve analysed the results of the most important awards to bring valuable insight, data and clarity of the best creative ideas of 2015. Ideas and trends that will no doubt impact on this coming year and beyond.”
Jeremy Craigen, the Gunn Report 2015 guest editor and global chief creative officer of Innocean Worldwide, said: “I’ve always been a huge fan of the Gunn Report. It gives you a far broader picture of the industry that no one award show alone can do. And judging by the work I’ve seen, I’d say 2015 was a pretty good vintage.”
The ranking tables, accompanying ads and commentaries as well as country comparisons (population and ad market size/ranking) are now available to view online at www.gunnreport.com. The 100 top commercials appearing on the Showreel of The Year will follow shortly.
The Gunn Report for Media 2015 will be released shortly and The Gunn Report Book and Showreel of the Year 2015 DVD will be available in mid-March.
Share this Post


text:
You have searched for "MATTA"
Showing 1-10 of 1877
The Selangor chapter of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) will be hosting the inaugural Matta Fair Selangor Carnival from July 27 to 29 at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) in Serdang.
Matta launches one-stop online travel portal to bring together homegrown travel packages for both Malaysian and international travellers.
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents will donate RM1 to Tabung Harapan Malaysia for every visitor at the next Matta Fair in Kuala Lumpur.
Buy travel packages and get the chance to win attractive prizes at the first ever Matta Fair Selangor Carnival 2018.
Matta calls for new Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry under Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi and Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik to uplift the country's travel industry.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president praises the implementation of electronic visa for Chinese tourists from China.
Matta calls for moratorium on aviation fee hike by the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia until market conditions improve.
Malaysian Association Of Tour And Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang shares more on the outlook of the local tourism industry.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang has renewed calls for the Tourism Tax (TTx) to be abolished as it is counterproductive to tourists.


text:
Hackers pose as bank customers by stealing OTPs, making $500k in fake credit card payments
Posted on 20.09.2021 at 14:24
SINGAPORE – Hackers abroad have been able to pose as 75 bank customers here to make about $500,000 in fake credit card payments.
This was done by a sophisticated method of hijacking the one-time passwords (OTPs) sent through SMS text messages by banks.
The hackers had diverted the SMS OTPs from the banks to overseas mobile network systems, explained the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and Singapore Police Force in a joint statement on Wednesday (Sept 15).
They said the SMS diversion method “requires highly sophisticated expertise to compromise the systems of overseas telecommunication networks”.
The fraudulent transactions happened between September and December last year.
The bank customers said they did not initiate the transactions and did not receive the SMS OTPs needed to complete the transactions.
The authorities gave an assurance that Singapore’s banking and telecommunication systems were not compromised.
Dr. Pavel Melnichenko
Chief Technology Officer
SMS is a technology invented in the 1970s. Today, you can use equipment that costs about $1500 to intercept any SMS in the world. It became possible after independent researchers found a vulnerability in the SS7 protocol. This protocol is used to transfer SMS messages. So it is obvious to say, that this method for authentication and transaction conformation is greatly outdated.
We offer to replace outdated technology and implement 2FA based on encryption and device-based authentication.
Look at short video how to confirm operations via your phone https://youtu.be/IuRnMJCt4mo
or reference from WWPI https://youtu.be/82ishqYQvkA
More about the solution https://airome.tech/retail-banking/
Affected customers who had taken steps to protect their credentials will not have to pay for any of the fake transactions as a gesture of goodwill by the banks, “given the unique circumstances of these cases”, said the authorities. The identities of the banks involved were not revealed.
So far, UOB has said that it has “proactively reviewed” the cases involving its affected customers and will work with each of them on a case-by-case basis to offer the payment waiver.
It is understood that customers of DBS and OCBC, as well as some foreign banks, were affected too. The banks would have informed affected customers.
The method used by the cyber criminals in this incident involved their getting hold of the victims’ credit card details and mobile phone numbers.
They also hacked into the systems of overseas telcos and used them to change the location information of the mobile phones used by the Singapore victims.
By doing so, the hackers tricked Singapore telco networks into thinking that the Singapore numbers were roaming overseas on the networks of other countries.
The hackers then used the victims’ stolen credit card details to make fraudulent online card payments.
So when the banks sent out SMS OTPs to the victims to verify the transactions, the crooks were able to divert these text messages to the overseas mobile network systems.
The stolen OTPs were then used to complete the fraudulent card payments. This matches with the victims saying they did not get the OTPs.
The compromised overseas telecommunication networks have been identified and notified, but the agencies did not reveal who they were or where they were from.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the criminals and bring them to justice. It is also unclear where the hackers are from.
Mr Eric Nagel, general manager for the Asia-Pacific at cyber-security firm Cybereason, said SMS OTPs rely on third-party technology on an operating system that is not immune to sophisticated attacks.
One such technology that can be hacked is that used for text-messaging management services.
Such services can be hired by businesses for US$16 (S$21) in the United States to redirect SMSes, business news outlet Business Today reported. So besides hacking them, cyber criminals can also hire these services.
Mr Nagel added that the discovery of the SMS OTP diversion here is not surprising.
Earlier this year, Cybereason found that three Chinese threat groups, which recently attacked telcos in Asean, had previously carried out cyber attacks in other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
But Mr Nagel said that banks and telcos are trying to reduce reliance on third-party vendors.
“This should diminish these types of attacks over time, as they take back control (of systems),” he said.
While Singapore’s telco networks were not compromised, IMDA has told them to put in place additional safeguards. They include specialised firewalls and system safeguards to monitor and block suspicious SMS diversions.
IMDA had earlier consulted the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) on the additional telco measures.
When contacted, CSA said it has assessed that the controls in place are adequate to address the hackers’ current methods.
“Cyber criminals are constantly developing new and sophisticated methods and tools to target their victims,” said the agency. “Organisations and individuals must continue to stay vigilant and take steps to keep their assets and information secure.”
The authorities’ statement comes after the Government said in July that a review would be done by the end of the year to provide clearer guidelines on what happens to consumers and banks in the event of scams.
MAS will be working with financial institutions to fine-tune the existing framework on fraudulent payment transactions, covering the responsibilities and liabilities of banks and consumers in such situations.
At the time, it was reported the police had received 89 reports of fraudulent card transactions performed with SMS OTPs, where the victims said they did not make the transaction or receive the OTP to authorise it, between September last year and February this year.
The amount stolen in these cases was $550,500.
Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, who is MAS’ deputy chairman, said in Parliament that while these cases represented less than 0.1 per cent of fraudulent online card transactions reported, and the number of cases has come down since March 2021, “it is nevertheless concerning”.
IMDA, MAS and the police urged the public to be alert and vigilant against malware and phishing attempts that seek to steal their personal details, since the incident involved stolen credit card information.
For instance, consumers should keep their bank account, credit and debit card details safe at all times. They should never disclose to anyone these details, as well as their personal identification numbers, passwords and codes like OTPs.
They can also set low thresholds for payment transaction alerts, which can allow unauthorised activities to be detected early. Consumers should alert their banks as soon as possible if there are any discrepancies or unauthorised transactions.
They should keep their devices updated with the latest security patches and anti-virus software.
Consumers should use only credible online services, download apps from official app stores, and make online purchases through trustworthy platforms.
Members of the public should also never click on suspicious links from unknown sources.


text:
In 2013, Columbus Vegetable Oils made a business decision the company’s general manager, John Healy, would classify as one marked by peace of mind and reliability: signing a full-service leasing contract with Aim.
“It’s a win-win,” Healy said. “They give me so much ease-of-mind that I know they’re watching my trucks, and I don’t have to worry about it.”
Healy goes on to mention the added value like scheduled maintenance, shop proximity and the overall dependability, like that of his salesmen, Aim Senior Account Executive John Matthews.
“If I need something, they’re right on it,” Healy said.
The Chicago-headquartered company, is a family business, like Aim. With humble beginnings dating back to 1938, its rich, tenured history is a direct reflection of their dedication to consistently delivering high-quality fats, oils and dressings to grocery store chains, food service distributors and manufacturers. For distribution, they run on a fleet of around 20 trucks in the Chicagoland area, all maintained under full-service lease with Aim.
When Mr. Healy talks about not having to worry about his equipment, that’s one of the often overlooked—but no less important—perks of leasing. That is, companies don’t have to spend as much time, money and resources taking care of their fleets. As a result, they can pour that extra effort into their core business. This is something Columbus Vegetable Oils, as a go-to distributor in the food-service industry, has taken advantage of.
Even amidst the pandemic, which has left has left many industries in tatters, the folks at Columbus Vegetable Oils have seen a considerable uptick in business among their food manufacturing and retail customers, triggering them to outpace their 2019 business levels. Being able to focus more on their core business and less on managing their fleet has gone a long way in helping them stay in step with surging demand while maintaining the high level of customer service their clients have come to expect.
Just like Columbus Vegetable Oils, so much of what sets Aim apart from its competitors is being able to provide that personalized family-owned attention and care to each and every customer without ever sacrificing service or capability. If you think you and your business could benefit from the added value and peace of mind of a full-service lease with Aim, reach out to us at email@example.com or 330-269-5329.


text:
Intel is turning software into a new revenue-generating business division, based primarily on the AI obsession.
Intel is the first to bring a true AI accelerator to a PC with Meteor Lake.
Intel Xeon processors of the fifth generation will also debut on December 14.
Next year, the Sierra Forest E-core processor will be available with 288 cores.
Intel has revealed plans to launch an AI PC, set to be released on December 14, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The new processors, codenamed Meteor Lake, will include Intel's NPU for AI acceleration and local inference on the PC, representing an inflection point in client processing. The move is part of Intel's effort to compete with Nvidia and expand its presence in the AI space across various compute needs.
CEO of Intel, Pat Gelsinger, noted ‘AI Everywhere' in a keynote address, surprising some who haven't been paying attention with a December 14 launch date for the AI PC running Intel Core Ultra processors with a comparatively new acronym, NPU, for Neural Processing Unit. In July, he first described the upcoming AI PC era.
The AI PC is expected to launch worldwide, with Acer already planning to unveil a laptop powered by the Core Ultra processor. Intel's AI PC represents a significant development, as it brings a true AI accelerator to a PC. This allows for generative AI tasks to be performed locally, faster, and with higher levels of privacy and security. The AI PC is expected to play a crucial role in supporting AI workloads on local devices, such as PCs, mobile devices, and edge devices.
Analyst at J. Gold Associates, Jack Gold, stated,
The significance of AI on a PC is not to be overlooked, this is a big deal. Intel is the first to bring a true AI accelerator to a PC with Meteor Lake. Microsoft is even adding capabilities in next-gen Windows to access the NPU.
[Source: Fierce Electronics]
Local processing power becomes crucial as AI workloads increasingly run on local devices. This shift reduces the need to transfer data to the cloud, improving efficiency and reducing latency. It aims to leverage AI to transform the PC experience, emphasizing the synergy between cloud and PC. This will allow for personal productivity and creativity enhancements. Intel's Core Ultra processors will include Fovoros packaging, combining the NPU, Intel 4 process technology, and graphics capabilities with Intel Arc graphics.


text:
Technology is very much a theme this week, with innovations across all sectors of the industry showing just how advanced the CV Sector really is.
From features that enable refrigeration systems to operate in harmony with stop-start systems, to advanced telematics that have improved operator compliance by a significant margin, the aftermarket is thriving.
We have a new prototype bus that reduces urban emissions even further, and two innovative HGV concepts that will make their debut at the IAA Show in Hannover, and point the way towards a fully autonomous future.
We also welcome a new player into the van market, which continues to thrive as operators further embrace the downsizing trend.
Together, these developments show just how much the HGV and LCV sectors are clear leaders, delivering revolution and foresight that feeds down into other areas of the automotive sector. The transport industry isn’t just about delivering the goods to your door, but also delivering them to the worlds of automotive innovation and future technology. We should take pride in that.


text:
Music Gear News
Last.fm to become more social
Last.fm is shifting its focus on being just a music streaming service as it enters the online social media world.
The online music software company announced new developments like the ability to sign in from Facebook and share music with extended online networks, reported BBC Radio 1.
Still a successful company, attracting some 30 million global users each month, it has seen increasing competition from Spotify, iTunes and Amazon.
With Google and Apple entering the "cloud" world, rivalry is fiercer than ever.
Speaking to Radio 1, Matthew Hawn, vice preside of Last.fm, recognised that there were shortcomings in some of its current approaches and that they still had "a lot of work to do".
He added: "We now need to focus on making the service more mainstream and plugged into people's other music experiences and social networks."
Part of their strategy will include the promotion of its "scrobbling service", which allows users to basically be able to publish their taste in music. When a person listens to a track, the information is sent to Last.fm, which then adds it to the user's profile.
According to Forbes, Spotify is rumoured to be developing an integrated online music streaming service with Facebook that would allow users of the social networking site access to Spotify's music library directly from their pages.
Posted on 27 May 2011 12:04 to category : Music News
Related Music News
With the advent of various new files formats and the cancelling of several licensing programs, the MP3 is speculated to soon become a thing of the past.
JBL Professional has launched a competition that gives aspiring musician the opportunity to record in a professional facility with renowned producer Steve Levine.
Delivered by Choreographer and Theater Director Arlene Phillips, The Bacc For the Future campaign has acquired support of over 100 hundred influential figures
On the 22nd of April, Pink Floyd will be releasing an unheard version of the iconic classic 'Interstellar Overdrive' in celebration of world record day
With an increased quality of specifications right across the board, Apple's eponymous 'iPad' will host a whole generous selection of great new features.
Supported by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Royal Blood, Wolf Alice and many more, Fanfair Alliances new educational guide is available for free download online.
Recent Music News
Roland VP-03, TR-09 and TB-03 boutiques now up for grabs. Perform an original composition for 60 seconds and be in with a chance to win a model of your choice.
The third piece of software from Toontrack's run of Superior Drummer products, Superior Drummer 3 offers a whole range of brand new and enhanced features.
Alesis' II Mesh Electronic Drum Kit is a kit geared specifically towards advanced drummers looking to explore a variety of different timbres and sounds.
Celebrating 50 years since his iconic performance at Monterey pop festival, Fender's Jimi Hendrix Monterey Stratocaster recreates the sound of a cultural icon.
Building upon the already established fan favourite DJ-808 DJ Controller, Roland have now announced the launch of the portable and compact DJ-202 DJ Controller.
Coinciding with the launch of its brand new DJ-202 counterpart, the Roland DJ-505 DJ Controller breathes a breath of new life into Roland's renowned DJ range.