text:
J2 Global (NASDAQ:JCOM) is in a real interesting space at this point in history, but that doesn’t necessarily make JCOM stock a buy. Every industry goes through predictable bouts of hype, growth, investment and consolidation.
With the consumer internet now approaching its 25th anniversary, it has clearly entered its consolidation phase.
A primary feature of consolidation is the “roll-up,” companies built from a collection of parts they intend to wring maximum profit from before the business models die. Interactive Corp (NASDAQ:IACI) may be the best known of these companies, with sites such as Ask.Com, HomeAdvisor, and Match.Com. It regularly buys, sells, and spins-out sites to maintain profits.
But there are other, smaller companies built on this model, and one of the most interesting is.
A Brief History of JCOM Stock
J2 dates itself to 1995, when a German musician named Jaye Muller and a music producer named Jack Rieley launched JFax, which used the internet to replace the functions of a fax machine. It still does that business, as eFax, but it’s an obscure part of an obscure division it calls business cloud services.
JCOM may be best known as the owner of Ziff Davis, the old computer magazine chain bought in 2012 for $167 million. Ziff had previously been split from its own digital unit, ZDNet, now owned by CBS (NYSE:CBS), but J2 rebuilt it with IGN Entertainment, a games magazine publisher it subsequently bought from News Corp., then part of 21st Century Fox (NASDAQ:FOX).
Since then, under CEO Vivek Shah, who came to the company with Ziff Davis, J2 has been acquiring small companies on the periphery of computing left-and-right, including computer publishers like Computer Shopper, online news sites like Mashable, and software companies like iCritical. Its biggest deal was Everyday Health, then publicly traded, acquired in 2016 for $465 million.
Taking Apart JCOM Stock
What these acquisitions all had in common was cash flow that could be squeezed for profit from sound management. It’s the equivalent of a small businessman who builds a fleet out of used cars and trucks and keeps them running for profit for as long as possible.
The company didn’t come onto my investment radar until it bought Downdetector, a Dutch site, early this year. It’s one of five companies JCOM bought in the last quarter. Downdetector tracks site outages like the recent YouTube failure at Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL).
At last count Downdetector was only bringing in a few thousand dollars a week on its own, but as outages increase, and interest in them increases, it could make a profit.
Put it all together and J2 revenue nearly doubled from 2014 to 2017. Operating earnings have been growing steadily. Operating income for the first two quarters of 2017 came in at $205 million, against $264 million for all of 2017. This has built a market cap of nearly $3.7 billion.
Investors may worry about the debt used to do this, which now exceeds $1 billion, but management has been beating earnings estimates.
Also, while the group is vulnerable to a recession that takes out weaker businesses, many of the company’s niches have already outlived their competitors. These global internet niches can be maintained in the developing world long after they become obsolete in the West.
The Bottom Line on JCOM Stock
J2 is due to report its September quarter on Nov. 5, with analysts expecting earnings of $1.41 per share on revenue of $294 million. Only eight analysts currently follow the stock but six have it on their buy lists.
JCOM stock is one of those hidden gems that investors are constantly seeking, either as a growth story or as a collection of assets that could itself be acquired by a larger player. It’s worth looking into closely.
Dana Blankenhorn is a financial and technology journalist. He is the author of a new mystery thriller, The Reluctant Detective Finds Her Family, available now at the Amazon Kindle store. Write him at email@example.com or follow him on Twitter at @danablankenhorn. As of this writing he owned no shares in companies mentioned in this article.


text:
Probably the most
widely used online buyers guide for the UK convenience food industry
and its suppliers
Let your company shine out from the crowd
with a listing and press release package on the ReadyMealsinfo Buyers
HERE for details about promotion packages with ReadyMealsinfo
or email email@example.com.
Health, Convenience and Choice Drive Fruit Snacks NPD
One of the key growth areas in the snacks category in recent years has been fruit-based snacks.
Their share of global tracked snack launch activity recorded by Innova Market Insights has more than doubled from less than 8% to nearly 18%, over the past five years. This makes it the number three snacks sub-category overall after savory/salty snacks and snack nuts/seeds.
“The market is now very diverse,” notes Lu Ann Williams, Director of Innovation at Innova Market Insights. “But it can generally cover a number of categories, led by dried snacking fruit, fruit bars and processed fruit snacks. There is ongoing activity in emphasizing the snack positioning of fruit products, with more user friendly packaging such as resealable stand-up pouches and small pots and trays, making them more suitable for anytime snacking. There has also been growth in the availability of multi-packs of individual snacks.”
The latest grocery market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel, for the 12 weeks ending 4 December 2016, reveal a particularly strong performance for premium own label ranges in the run up to the festive period.
Shoppers are spending 13% more on these lines than they did last year against a backdrop of continued slow growth for supermarkets overall, where year-on-year sales increased by just 0.7%.
Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar Worldpanel, explains: “Top-tier private label finds its way into 12% of shopping trips, with 88% of consumers now buying from these lines. In the past 12 weeks, 6.3% of own label purchases were from premium lines such as Tesco Finest and Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference, well ahead of the 5.7% recorded last year. We’ve seen particularly impressive performances from Morrisons’ The Best, which saw sales increase by 35%, and Asda Extra Special which grew by 15%. Over Christmas it’s likely that premium lines will record their highest ever sales figures as even more shoppers trade up to treat their loved ones.
“Despite widespread anticipation of higher prices shoppers are yet to feel the pinch of rising inflation, with a typical basket of everyday groceries 0.1% cheaper than this time last year. However, some categories are beginning to see prices increase, with fresh fish up 5.3% year-on-year, chilled ready meals up 2.3% and beer up 2.1%.
“Prices are still falling overall despite shoppers now spending less on promoted items than they did this time last year. Some 36.9% of spending was on offers during the past 12 weeks, down from nearly 40% in the 12 weeks to December 2015. Promotional activity has dipped across all five of the biggest retailers, reflecting ongoing efforts to simplify shopping and offer more of an everyday low pricing model, which relies far less heavily on promotions.”
Aldi was the only retailer to record double-digit sales growth over the past 12 weeks: its premium Extra Special brand helped the discounter increase sales by 10.0% year on year. As a result, Aldi’s share of the grocery market has increased by 0.6 percentage points to 6.2%. The next fastest-growing retailer was Iceland, with an 8.6% sales uplift contributing to a 0.2 percentage point increase and bringing the grocer’s share of the market to 2.2%. Other retailers growing sales over the past 12 weeks include Lidl, which saw a 5.7% uplift, Co-op, which saw an increase of 2.0%, and Waitrose, up 1.1% year on year.
Fraser McKevitt continues: “Tesco’s volumes sales are growing faster than its value sales, particularly in the meat and fresh produce categories. Its value sales remain ahead of the market, increasing by 1.6% year on year as the retailer grew its market share to 28.3%. Sales at Sainsbury’s fell by 0.6%, with market share down 0.2 percentage points to 16.5%, while Asda saw sales fall by 4.7% at a marginally slower rate than in recent months. Reflecting a smaller store estate, Morrisons’ overall sales declined by 1.4%, but the retailer saw particularly strong performance online – recording its highest ever sales in that channel.”
Rise in Consumer Health and Sustainability Concerns Drives Food and Beverage Trends
The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, reports a 25 percent increase in vegetarian and a 257 percent rise in vegan global food and drink product launches between Sept. 2010–Aug. 2011 and Sept. 2015–Aug. 2016.
PMMI explores the steadily growing consumer focus on health and wellness as well as sustainability in the association’s latest infographic “What’s Next: Food and Beverage Trends Impact Industry Growth.”
“Increasing consumer demand for more healthful foods and beverages continues to fuel the rise of organic, vegetarian and vegan products,” said Jorge Izquierdo, vice president of Market Development, PMMI.
“Meanwhile, growing demand for convenient, on-the-go and single serve options underscores the need for brand owners to accommodate more active consumer lifestyles.”
In addition to their own health and wellness, consumers are also showing greater concern for the environmental impact of the supply chain—particularly, the 1.3 billion tons of food waste representing one-third of food produced for human consumption. Meanwhile, interest in greater packaging sustainability remains strong.
“Shifting consumer preferences for natural, healthy and Earth-friendly brands place new demands on the manufacturing operations of food and beverage processors,” Izquierdo said.
“These companies must fine-tune product lines to accommodate new ingredients, implement alternatives to chemical preservatives and often build or modify lines for greater flexibility. Additionally, they must do it all while minimizing changeover times and learning curves for operators.”
To help food and beverage processors find the solutions they need to adapt their production lines, ProFood Tech will offer a wide range of processing technologies and educational programming. The new, biennial show, powered by three of the world’s top trade show leaders—PACK EXPO, Anuga and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)—ProFood Tech is the only food and beverage focused event in North America that will cover all sectors, including the baking and snack, dairy, frozen foods, prepared foods, meat, poultry and seafood industries. The show will bring together more than 6,000 attendees to view innovations from 400 of the world’s top food and beverage industry suppliers across more than 150,000 net square feet of exhibit space. Additionally, the ProFood Tech Conference Program presented by IDFA will address market changes, trends and regulations with a 36-session program.

domain: news


text:
Portugal's consumer price inflation accelerated to the highest level in four months, as initially estimated in January, the latest data from Statistics Portugal showed on Monday.
Consumer price inflation accelerated to 2.3 percent in January from 1.4 percent in the previous month. That was in line with the flash data published earlier.
Further, this was the highest inflation rate since September 2023, when prices had risen 3.58 percent.
The core inflation rate, which excludes energy and unprocessed food products, softened to 2.4 percent in January from 2.6 percent in December.
Housing and utility costs rebounded sharply by 4.28 percent annually in January, versus a 6.14 percent decline a month ago.
Prices of food and alcoholic beverages rose at a faster pace of 2.70 percent, while clothing and footwear costs dropped by 3.02 percent.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices remained unchanged from December, when they dropped by 0.4 percent, as estimated.
EU-harmonised inflation also accelerated to 2.5 percent from 1.9 percent in the prior month.
For comments and feedback contact: [email protected]
What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.


text:
She’s serving up more looks on TikTok!
More and more YouTube channels are generating sustainable content.
There’s no denying that YouTube, like other social media platforms, is extremely influential, given its worldwide reach and the freedom it gives users to create their own content. This gives vloggers a substantial amount of power in their hands, especially those with
Suffice to say, we want Shaira's closet for ourselves!
In celebration of Kathryn Bernardo's 24th birthday, resident fashion photographer and ukay queen Shaira Luna just recreated a few of the actress' iconic Instagram outfits. Much like her past video featuring Julia Barretto, the challenge includes only using (mostly) thrifted pieces from the
They choose their investments well!
Even though we love a good drugstore steal as much as the next girl, we absolutely can't fault the act of splurging on a few things. Pardon the cliché, but it's true that some beauty products are worth the investment. If you
Listen up, universe!
Listen up, universe! Catriona Gray has an important announcement about the COVID-19 pandemic, and it's not something you should miss.Together with the Department of Health, the beauty queen created an informative guide to protecting yourself against COVID-19. It features essential virus prevention
"Free mass testing is just as important as the quarantine."
With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the whole world, local celebrities are joining the call to implement free mass testing here in the Philippines. On March 14, Bianca Gonzalez wrote: "I really hope budget is released for the production of more testing kits
She admits being very "matipid" when it comes to her cleansing wipes.
"When I remove my makeup, I usually use wipes. But for some reason, gusto ko siyang tinitipid," reveals 20-year-old actress Bianca Umali. Makeup-removing wipes are perfect for girls who are always on the go, and for Bianca, it's a must-have after a
She definitely made a statement for her 24th birthday!
Turning 24 isn’t as monumental as turning 16, 18, or 21, but if you think about it, you’re inching closer and closer to being in your late twenties, and that’s a pretty big deal. Actress Kathryn Bernardo decided to celebrate her 24th
"I was in a very dark place for two years, almost three years...I didn't have feelings. I just felt like a robot."
On March 26, 31-year-old actress Ellen Adarna opened up about her battle with mental illness, which affected her gravely for nearly three years."I was in a very dark place for two years, almost three years. I thought I wasn't gonna snap out of
She's been working behind the scenes and doing what she can to help!
Kathryn Bernardo is celebrating her 24th birthday today! And while we all know how awesome and kindhearted she is, what we didn't know—until today—is that she has been low-key sending food to hospitals and barangays amid the COVID-19 crisis. In a birthday greeting for the Kathryn, spoken word
She's still waiting for the results of her test.
Actress Iza Calzado shared in Instagram that she has been hospitalized for pneumonia and has also been tested for COVID-19. She is currently waiting for her test results. "Hello, everyone. It’s been a while but I thought I’d update you all. I'm currently hospitalized
Dressing up will be so much easier!
If you're looking for ways to keep you busy when you're stuck at home, tidying up your closet is always a good idea. An organized wardrobe is not only pleasing to look at, but it ultimately makes it less stressful for you to
She's been playing dress-up to cope with the quarantine blues.
We're almost 10 days into this month-long quarantine, and we've seen celebrities cope with it in many different ways. They've been catching up on their reading, watching their favorite shows, doing makeup challenges, and of course, spending quality time with their family
"First, is it worth it?"
While some girls would instantly want to buy big-ticket fashion items like a pair of red-soled Christian Louboutin pumps or an Hermès Birkin, 20-year-old Bianca Umali is very level-headed when it comes to her designer shopping.In this episode of Designer Favorites, our March
Call it social distancing in the time of Instagram.
Don't feel so glum about having to stay home (it's the least we can do!). After all, it's easier to beat boredom than you think—you don't even need to put your Instagram posting schedule on hold. In fact, creating #content could be
"Nobody deserves to [worry about] where they should get their next meal while worrying about a pandemic."
Seeing angst and a whole lot of self-exertion online isn't new. We're three months into the new decade and it's becoming increasingly clear that this is a season of hard lessons for the whole world. And given the enhanced community quarantine, we've
New moms, take notes!
Leave it to Solenn Heussaff to motivate us to work out at home. Despite being only two and a half months postpartum, the new mom is already getting back on track with her fitness routine!According to Solenn, she started exercising again two
"I will personally see to it that the money we raise will go to the right people."
The world is currently going through a seriously difficult time with the continuing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though everything seems so bleak right now, there still is good happening in the world. Case in point: Bela Padilla using her influence
Event stylist Gideon Hermosa reveals what happened behind-the-scenes.
Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez surprised the internet by proceeding to hold their wedding on March 14, the day before the Metro Manila community quarantine began. The newlyweds were originally set to stage a grand ceremony, but the affair turned out to
A light, classic look perfect for any bride!
Last week, Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez made the difficult decision of postponing their church wedding in light of the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. That said, the couple decided to tie knot anyway, opting for an intimate civil ceremony instead.We've


text:
Kingdom Hearts series protagonist Sora faces off with Link of the Legend of Zelda series in a battle of rhymes to decide who is the better fantasy game hero. Who wins? You decide!
Well, this is exciting! Telltale Games - the team behind the superb The Walking Dead and Fables series' - are apparently now working on a games based on George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones! Hit the jump for further details.
Could of Sony finally bought the rights of Crash Bandicoot back from Activision..well find out.
EA's Blake Jorgensen has confirmed that EA and Disney's Star Wars deal will last for the next ten years, and while that means we should expect to see plenty of new games set in that universe, none of them will be directly based on Star Wars Episode VII or its sequels! Read on for details.
Hit the jump to check out a brand new trailer for the film adaptation of the popular racing video game, Need For Speed. it stars Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad") and Michael Keaton (Batman Returns).
Listen to impressionist Jason Stephens does his best Morgan Freeman impression as he narrates a LEGO Marvel Super Heroes trailer. Hit the jump to check it out!
The numbers are in and it appears that Sony has a winner in the Em>PlayStation 4. In the console war this Holiday Season, who gets your cash, Sony or Microsoft's Xbox One?
As well as confirming that new single player DLC is on the way for the critically acclaimed The Last of Us, Naughty Dog have released the first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated fourth instalment of the Uncharted franchises which will be coming exclusively to the PS4.
The creators of Mortal Kombat bring us a DC-based fighting game!
GET READY! TT and WB games team up for the first LEGO game taking place in the Marvel Universe
While we don't have many details or a Release Date yet, we do know that sometime soon, Warner Brothers and Monolith will resurrect Middle-Earth in an all new third-person game, that while in the same universe as Peter Jackson's films, it seems to hardly be connected, according to the plot.
Vote for the sexiest girl in Batman: Arkham Origins.
Daniel Kvasznicza, Senior Concept Artist at Warner Bros. Games Montreal, has released his conceptual designs for Steambot Studios' Batman: Arkham Origins. They include interior and exterior designs for Blackgate prison, and Enigma props. Check them out!
This time the protagonist of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is Edward Kenny the charming and roguish hero who is adamant to explore wild seas and unravel their mysteries. And as he goes further gets more and more dazzled by the adventurous life and freedom of open sea.
Conceptual designer, Nicolas Ferrand, worked on on Steambot Studios' new video game, Batman: Arkham Origins. He has released his artwork, including designs for Batcomputer, Batcave, GCPD, Mad Hatter's props, and so much more. Hit the jump to check them out!
Meinert Hansen, a Senior Concept Artist on Steambot Studios' new video game, Batman: Arkham Origins, has released his designs for Batman's Batwing and various gadgets. Also, hit the jump to see his cool designs for Deathstroke’s sword and staff, and New Gotham.
Conceptual artist, Virgile Loth ("Rainbow Six Patriots"), worked on Steambot Studios' exciting new video game, Batman: Arkham Origins. Hit the jump to check out his moody concept art for the game's environments and cinematics.
The crew over at BioWare have tweeted multiple photos regarding the next chapter in the Mass Effect franchise. Hit the jump to see what the next galaxy-spanning adventure could potentially hold.
Batman: Arkham Origins is the latest game in the Arkham trilogy as part of Warner Bros.' core Batman franchise. However, did WB Games Montreal craft some as special as Rocksteady, or was it more of the same? Click ahead for my take on it.
WB Games has taken hold of Rocksteady's critically acclaimed Arkham series, and their prequel detailing the early days of the Dark Knight has arrived. Is this new game a worthy instalment in the successful franchise, or is it a disappointing cash-in? staypuffed reviews!


text:
The SPCA of Texas presents the 27th annual Home for the Holidays event at NorthPark Center from November 13 through December 23, 2017.
This signature event brings shoppers and pet lovers together to raise awareness for homeless pets, and to help these wonderful animals find a forever, loving family.
Adoptable pets are available for adoption at NorthPark Center from Friday, November 24 through Saturday, December 23. To view available pets online, visit http://www.spca.org/findapet.
Home for the Holidays kicked off on November 13 with more than 20 custom made dog houses that were auctioned to benefit the SPCA of Texas. These one of a kind dog houses, which were on display at NorthPark Center until Sunday, December 2, were built by American Institute of Architects and TEXO, The Construction Association members through their Bark + Build competition. Please use #dallasbarknbuild and tag @spcaoftexaspage, @AIADallas and @TEXOAssociation on social media and help spread the word!
Questions? Please email us!


text:
HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Privately held U.S. fashion retailer J Crew Group Inc. will open stores in Hong Kong and Beijing this autumn, snubbing Europe in establishing its first physical retail outlets outside North America under a partnership with department store Lane Crawford, the Financial Times reported Monday. J Crew will open within Lane Crawford's department stores, according to the report, which cited comments by J Crew Chief Executive Millard Drexler.
Have breaking news sent to your inbox. Subscribe to MarketWatch's free Bulletin emails. Sign up here.


text:
Here’s How Facebook’s Digital Assistant Fares Against Siri, Alexa
Digital assistants are not just a craze. This certain technological innovation is here to stay, as software gets smarter and more capable of helping users. But when talking about voice-enabled command readers, it is always Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa and Google's own Assistant that come to mind. Plus, there is the new addition of Samsung's Bixby. However, there is one other entity that has joined the race but is mostly underwhelmed-Facebook's M. But how does it compare to the other stalwarts?
Amazon Alexa is capable of many things. For example, it can do something useful like hail an Uber for the user. For children who like to play around with their guardian's devices, they can have Alexa make farting sounds. It can also answer questions and adjust the thermostat like Siri does. The two digital assistants are being used by millions of users each day around the world. But according to MIT Technology Review, Facebook's M is by far the smartest yet. And is only available to use for about 10,000 people.
How can an AI voice assistant with few users trump Alexa and Siri? Both are able to retrieve information from the cloud and do various tasks. However, what they offer are simple compared to Facebook M. That is because Mark Zuckerberg's developed a digital assistant that can answer to complex instructions. It is able to recommend and reserve a hotel in Morocco that is friendly to little children. It can also book tickets to a theater production and ask for price quotes from local landscaping contractors.
Unfortunately, Facebook M is not yet available outside of the United States. While Siri and Alexa are already serving millions worldwide, M is still gearing for a roll out to 99.99 percent of Messenger's 1.2 billion active users. Nevertheless, Nasdaq writes users from other countries will be able to use M "in the near term."
Although it may be a while yet before millions or even billions of users get to see the power of Facebook's digital assistant, it has already proven itself to be smarter and more reliable. And once it is integrated fully with Messenger, then it can also work together with other features like financial transactions.
Amazon Echo vs Google Home: Compatible Services Is Key
The battle for the best smart home speakers is on between Amazon Echo and Google Home. Both of them have their own advantages but the only one can truly offer homeowners and their family of their needs.
LG G6 Review: The Good, The Bad And The Takeaway
LG G6 is the latest flagship smartphone coming from the South Korean electronics stalwart. It is drastically different from its predecessor and can stand against other rivals.
2016 MacBook Pro 15 With AMD Radeon Pro vs. 2017 Dell XPS 15 With Nvidia GTX 1050: Reviewers' 15-Inch Pick
Professionals dig performance and as of late, there are two heavy contenders vying for their attention. These are the 2016 MacBook Pro 15 with AMD Radeon Pro and the 2017 Dell XPS 15 with Nvidia GTX 1050.
Google Home Proves It Is Better Than Amazon Alexa in 3,000 Question Test
A test conducted by a digital agency showed that Goggle Home is six times better than Amazon Alexa in answering 3,000 questions.
Siri Sounds More Human In iOS 11
This will work with any iPhone or other device running iOS 11, but there's one downfall to this: You can only do one or the other via the home button shortcut — type or talk.
MORE IN ITECHPOST
How to Keep Your Remote Team Engaged
Keeping remote employees engaged is especially important given the current state of the world, as COVID-19 continues to spread across the country and impact the economy. Many businesses have quickly adopted the "work from home" model that has been gaining traction for quite some time.
Wellness Technology is a Billion Dollar Industry. Here Comes the Next Wave: Death Positive & Grief Wellness
The World Health Organization estimates that 25% of all people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives, with roughly 450 million individuals currently struggling with a condition.
Find the build that’s right for you in the Metamorph League and experiment with other playstyles.
Defeat bosses in the Metamorph League and get tons of PoE currency like PoE orbs by knowing what the right build for you is in our Metamorph build guide!
Design Trends you Should Know
For everything from product labels to websites, the right design has a huge impact on people. Keeping up with the latest design styles is important because it lets organizations present a trendier and more modern vibe to their audience. Here are some of the biggest trends you can expect to see in the upcoming years.


text:
August 19, 2023
WWE's marquee event Wrestlemania 40, is headed to Philadelphia next April. Tickets for the two-day spectacle at Lincoln Financial Field surpassed the all-time gate record for money brought in off ticket sales, Darren Rovell of Action Network reported.
Although WWE, which confirmed over 90,000 tickets were sold, did not disclose how much money it made for events on April 6 and 7th, it surpassed the $21.5 million record set in Los Angeles for Wrestlemania 39, according to Philadelphia Business Journal. WWE also set a new record for tickets sold on Friday's first day of sales.
JUST IN: WrestleMania 40 went on sale today and has already broken @wwe’s all-time gate record ($21.5M at WrestleMania 39 in LA).— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 18, 2023
More than 90,000 tickets sold so far to the two-day event at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in April 2024.
On a press tour this week leading up to tickets on sale, WWE wrestler Cody Rhodes said that a trip to Philadelphia in 2013 made him believe in Philly magic.
"I was here in 2013 at Wells Fargo, and (Philadelphia fans) just jumped on board. And it was legit a lightening in the bottle moment where that became my favorite arena," said Rhodes. "I don't know if I earned their respect or if it was just some Philly magic," Rhodes told 6ABC.
This year, WWE's primetime event generated $215 million in economic impact for the Los Angeles region. Since 2016 there has been more than $1.2 billion in cumulative economic impact for the cities that have hosted the event, WWE reported.
In 1999 Philadelphia hosted Wrestlemania at the Wells Fargo Center, which was the First Union Center at the time, with a crowd of 20,276 and reported gross ticket sales of $1,437,050.
The cheapest two-day ticket at Wrestlemania is $610 on the secondary ticket website Stubhub. A ticket for day 1 is $199, and for day two, it is $207.


text:
(From left) N Chandrasekaran, chairman, Tata Sons; Ratan Tata, Chairman- Emeritus; Guenter Butschek, CEO- Tata Motors and Shailesh Chandra, President – Electric Mobility Business & Corporate Strategy at the Nexon EV launchPhoto: Aditi Tailang
Making an electric vehicle (EV) is only one part of the challenge. Equally important is getting reasonably priced battery packs, installing charging infrastructure around the country and lowering the cost of loans taken to buy them.
In short, getting an ecosystem in place is critical and India’s oldest conglomerate, the Tata Group, has taken its first step in putting it together. “Without the infrastructure in place even the best [electric] cars cannot become bestselling,” said Guenter Butschek, chief executive at Tata Motors.
At the launch of the Tata Nexon EV, it was clear that this push had the backing of the highest levels in the Group. “We see the shift towards EVs as a megatrend… one that is not just restricted to building cars,” said N Chandrasekaran, chairman, Tata Sons. His aim is to see Group companies move to occupy a pivotal position in its development. Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of the Group was also seated in the audience.
The development of an electric vehicle ecosystem in India is still at its infancy, but what is clear is that it would require collaboration from a diverse set of businesses that have expertise in various parts of the EV value chain. At the Tata Group, the aim is to draw on Group companies to develop parts of the EV ecosystem. It is also a shrewd business call to keep as much of this opportunity within the group.
For now, the numbers of electric vehicles sold in India are tiny (there is no official data available for how many electric cars were sold) and the government still has to subsidise buyers. Still, Tata Motors is hopeful of increased sales as an internal study has shown that buyers are willing to pay up to 25 percent more for electric cars. Over the lifecycle of a car, the total cost of ownership works out to the same as that of an internal combustion (IC) engine car, as the cost of running an electric car is only 20 percent.
The logic is likely to be tested soon, as the Nexon EV has been priced at Rs13,99,999 to Rs15,99,999, or 40 percent more than the IC version. Getting prices down will depend of higher localisation levels. Tata Motors hopes to get to 60 to 80 percent localisation in the next three years. Financing options usually range between 12 to 14 percent for electric vehicles, and while Tata Motors Finance declined to state how much they would charge, they did acknowledge that the installments would be kept low at first and rise after three years. The cars will be displayed at Croma in addition to existing Tata Motors dealers.
To counter range anxiety, the Group has brought in Tata Power to set up a network of charging stations across the country. At present, there are 100, with plans to take that to 650 by the end of the year. The charging stations would provide a full charge in 30 minutes. Electric vehicle owners usually charge their cars overnight at their homes and Tata Power would install these charging stations at residences.
The Group will rely on Tata Chemicals to get the battery chemistry right. It plans to invest Rs800 crore for a battery manufacturing plant at Sanand, and will work on getting battery prices down to $100 per kilowatt hour, which is when electric vehicle prices should come to rival their IC counterparts. “At current levels, it is difficult for us to match the total cost of ownership of IC vehicles,” admitted R Mukandan, managing director at Tata Chemicals. The government has given car makers three years to get localisation levels up and the Group plans to stick to those timelines.
The next 12 months should see Tata Motors launch four more electric cars – two SUVs, a sedan and a hatchback. Also under development are multiple powertrains for them to mix and match their offerings. Butschek declined to reveal how much Tata Motors or other Group companies have invested in getting the building blocks of an EV ecosystem in place but he did acknowledge that it is still early days and this is “just the start”.


text:
Ah, CES – the only Consumer Electronics Show that matters (i.e., the most media coverage). Our visit to CES began with a simple inquisitive question of not only what’s the next thing that will be integrated into our daily usage patterns.
Spurred by our burning curiosity, we resolved to arrive at CES on the closing weekend, only to be met with lights and displays of such ferocity that it begs us to ask – has CES gotten brighter every subsequent year?
But before we get to what technologies we saw that can add value to our clients, especially in the space, here are some of the major themes that popped up within the first day:
- Drones are going to be everywhere – including becoming our Uber rides. There was an entire hall dedicated to automated and controlled drones, with all shapes and sizes, and aiming to augment or replace various functions from transportation to industry. What we noticed was different from last year however, is that most of the drones are no longer platforms for video cameras, but rather they were outfitted with advanced stabilization, flight, and visual scanning sensors – capable of shape detection – producing, in this case, advanced obstacle avoidance and surveillance capabilities.
- Wearables are no longer cool – what’s cool is infusing toys and every day devices with baseline artificial intelligence to add functionality to our everyday tools, and to spark creativity within us to code and create something that interacts with the physical world – an example below, where we see assembled building block toys that are programmable to move, or respond to commands.
- Automation – from home to toys and transportation, automation will become more mainstream, as we see the evolution of artificial intelligence permeate our existence’s every nook, cranny, and interaction – another example which is below, where we see a table full of automated lights, scents, and other household accessories, all controlled by a single iPad like device.
- Displays, such as the ones below integrated into a wall cabinet or masquerading as a piece of art, will become interactive, and near invisible, as we begin melding technology into the background, and no longer view it for technology’s sake, but as a necessity.
- Augmented reality and virtual reality is a definite value add to businesses as well as our everyday lives – and expect the technology to be in use soon. A brief glance within the AR halls revealed to us that by merging advanced scanning and detection techniques with other data sources (e.g., infrastructure, identity, or location) creates a world that’s more involved, informative, but ultimately distracting. Virtual reality evolved into more than an independent device that displays movies, or plays games, but utilizes the existing technology within our phones to create worlds around us – instantaneously, and cheaply. We found ourselves mesmerized by the integration of technology within the retail space, as we believe the next major computing platform would influence consumer retail the most and flip the paradigm on how we browse, shop, and purchase, as we move seamlessly from digital to physical.
Key Takeaway – VR/AR Is the Next Big Thing
In a 2015 interview with Vanity Fair Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained that “every 10 or 15 years there is a new, major, platform that comes along,” and predicted that “virtual reality is going to be that with augmented reality.” Just three months later virtual and augmented reality stole the show at CES 2016, and again in 2017, with dozens of booths displaying headsets and accessories and several creators launching or previewing new immersive experiences.
Although VR today has mostly only gained traction in fully immersive gaming and entertainment (due to the heavy equipment cost and footprint), industry leaders are beginning to develop new strategies to merge virtual reality with the physical world, broadening its use case and offering a multifaceted value proposition to consumers. With this, it’s likely that AR will indeed be the true revolution Zuckerberg referred to.
Pokémon Go, the 2016 summer smash hit that spawned over 500 million downloads in a matter of weeks, serves as early validation of consumer interest and the mass appeal of AR inspired interactions. Per Ericsson’s consumer lab, 38% of internet users would be interested in utilizing AR glasses to pick-up items related to gaming with another 41% already interested in AR glasses transforming their environment to include birds, flowers, or even mimic a favorite movie. This is great news for the AR investors that poured over 2.5 billion into the industry in 2016 with the hope that by 2020 the market will be worth 150 billion.
Moving Beyond Entertainment
With consumer interest in these types of interactions on the rise, online marketplaces can now offer customers something they presently lack – the ability to experience a product before purchasing. The idea of trying on an outfit or standing in a hotel room before running your credit card is becoming less and less farfetched with this new technology. Gap has taken steps to make this experience a reality with its app, Dressing Room, and companies like YouVisit providing virtual experiences to Starwood Hotels, real estate groups, restaurants, and city tourism groups. It’s only a matter of time before major online retailers like Amazon, Macy’s and QVC follow suit.
This does not, however, represent the death of brick and mortar; here too, there is opportunity to enhance the physical shopping experience by adding an additional layer of information to the experience. With AR a consumer can have reviews, product information and sale prices immediately available upon picking up an item. Consumers are already doing this by cross-referencing Google and Amazon on their smart phone, but AR offers a greater sense of control to retail brands in this environment.
What does that mean for you? In a world where everyday devices are becoming more capable, interconnected, and available – where the world around you can be virtualized, or augmented to your desire? What does that mean for a business? We think it means preparing to embrace it, for the eventual future is one where we do not serve information on screens and allow consumers to choose when and where they’d like to consume it. We should prepare for a world where information is constantly available, pushed to the consumer, but also useful – where knowledge and desire intersect and pass through virtual and physical hands. Where we can play and experience the object of our desire, and have it delivered via a drone in the next 40 minutes.


text:
Headline image: Honest Photography
One of the greatest benefits of technology is its ability to transform lives.
A great example of this is how Umthunzi Farming Community uses SnapScan to economically empower small-scale farmers in the Western Cape.
Umthunzi Farming Community was established in March 2018 to provide capacity building, sales, and logistics support to small-scale farmers to distribute their vegetables across Cape Town.
Over the last few years, Umthunzi Farming Community has been developing an end-to-end digital and practical business management solution that empowers small-scale farmers to sell their fresh produce to individuals and other local businesses.
Technology underpins everything Umthunzi Farming Community does, as well as how customers are able to pay for their vegetables.
As Umthunzi Farming Community has grown, they’ve evolved their online shop to include a SnapScan ecommerce integration where people can buy weekly Harvest Bags of fresh, seasonal, and organic produce, as well as other pantry items.
Through increased sales, Umthunzi Farming Community has injected almost R3 million into the communities in which they work.
How SnapScan helps
SnapScan is a core part of Umthunzi’s ecommerce platform.
On the Umthunzi website, customers can use the SnapScan app to pay for their Harvest Bag, a handpicked variety of organic, seasonal vegetables. According to Umthunzi Farming Community, SnapScan is used by most of their customers.
“It’s a really simple process – you go through to your cart, you check out, and then you can choose to use SnapScan to make the payment,” said Emma Hosking, co-founder and director of Umthunzi Farming Community.
“If you’re on your browser, it brings up the QR code – it’s a super easy process to take out your phone and snap the code.”
The SnapScan app ensures prompt payment, so that Umthunzi has accessible cash flow to pay the farmers quickly and regularly once sales are made.
Hosking also noted that the SnapScan payment process is incredibly secure, which is another big benefit of using this method.
Users must enter a PIN, use FaceID, or fingerprint recognition to protect against fraudulent transactions.
SnapScan also encrypts your card details, and these details are never shared with merchants.
Use SnapScan for your business
Umthunzi Farming Community is just one example of the many businesses which are receiving major benefits by using the SnapScan service, and there are many merchants nationwide who use the SnapScan platform to make payments simple for their customers.
The fact that SnapScan is so widely used is a major advantage of the technology, as it means there are many South Africans who have already installed the app.
Using SnapScan as a shopper is as simple as downloading the free app, adding your card details, and then scanning a QR code.
SnapScan is used by businesses of all sizes and in all industries – click here to join the ecosystem.


text:
These are all the posts that have been tagged with dairy.
In response to a perceived lack of tea options for those observing specialist diets, PG tips has debuted two new hot beverages: The Tasty Decaf and Perfect with Dairy Free.
UK shoppers continue to show their support for Fairtrade, with new independent sales figures revealing that retail sales for Fairtrade grew by 7% in 2017, alongside increased business engagement.
The PFF Packaging Group announced the appointment of Kenton Robbins as group managing director in January 2018. With an in depth understanding of the food manufacturing and supply chain, he discusses the pressure on plastic and presents for the princes.
A new label identifying fair milk prices has been launched in the Zürich area in Switzerland.
Tesco CEO Dave Lewis has set out the challenges facing the UK food industry and called for the whole supply chain to work together in order to step-change the way food is produced in the UK.
Here is your weekly round-up of processing news. Next week’s round-up will focus on Shelf Life news.
Twelve of the UK’s leading food and drink manufacturers visited India for a week-long trade mission in January, organised by Santander UK, in conjunction with the Food & Drink Federation (FDF) and the Department of International Trade (DIT).
The world’s first plastic-free aisle has been unveiled at an Amsterdam supermarket.
According to the European Dairy Association (EDA), the EU dairy industry supports the sustainability commitments and the role of the dairy sector in meeting its development goals.
Organic dairy brand Rachel’s has expanded its popular Greek style range with the launch of its new Limited Edition Strawberry and Marc de Champagne Greek style yogurt.
The Soil Association has released its Organic Market 2018, with results showing that dairy accounted for 28.7% of the UK’s total organic spend in 2016-17, and saw an increase of 3.1% in value for that period.
In this interview, Wyke Farm’s managing director Richard Clothier discusses the Good Energy/Wyke Farms renewable electricity story
Here is your weekly round-up of Shelf Life news. Next week’s round-up will focus on ingredients news.
Arla Foods has announced that it will acquire Yeo Valley Dairies, a subsidiary of the Yeo Valley Group. T


text:
TELUS, Canada’s second-largest telecom, is investigating a potential data breach after a threat actor claimed to have employee data and private source code repositories belonging to the company. The threat actor posted screenshots showing payroll records and private source code repositories for sale. Although TELUS has not found evidence of corporate or retail customer data being stolen, the company is monitoring the situation.
On February 17, the threat actor put up what they claimed to be TELUS’ employee list for sale on a data breach forum. The seller stated that they had over 76,000 unique emails and additional internal information associated with each employee scraped from TELUS’ API. By February 21, the same threat actor created another forum post, offering to sell TELUS’ private GitHub repositories, source code, and payroll records. The seller claimed that the source code contained the company’s “sim-swap-api” that would enable adversaries to carry out SIM swap attacks.
TELUS stated that they are investigating the claims and have not identified any corporate or retail customer data so far. TELUS employees and customers should be cautious and avoid entertaining phishing or scam messaging targeting them.


text:
March 12, 2008 > Washington Hospital Seminar Focuses on Poison Prevention
Washington Hospital Seminar Focuses on Poison Prevention
Common Household Items Pose Serious Health Risks
Common household items like prescribed medicines and cleaning solutions have the potential to hurt or even kill you or your loved ones. These items can be extremely dangerous if not used properly or get into the wrong hands. But there are steps you can take to prevent accidental poisonings.
"It's important to read labels and keep children away from medicines, cleaning supplies, and other potentially dangerous chemicals," says Dr. Thomas Luck, an allergist and immunologist with Washington Township Medical Group.
Dr. Luck will be sharing useful tips to prevent poisonings at an upcoming Washington Hospital Health & Wellness seminar titled: "Poison Prevention Awareness" on Tuesday, March 18, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at the Conrad E. Anderson, M.D., Auditorium at Washington West, 2500 Mowry Avenue, in Fremont. To register for the seminar, call (800) 963-7070.
Dr. Luck will talk about some of the common household dangers and ways you can protect yourself and your family. He will also explain what to do if there is an accidental poisoning.
A poison is any substance that is harmful to your body when eaten, inhaled, or injected through the skin. Almost any substance can be poisonous if you take enough of it. Nearly 20,000 deaths occur in the U.S. each year from unintentional poisonings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Believe it or not, a large number of poisonings come from commonly used painkillers aspirin and acetaminophen, according to Dr. Luck. They can be poisonous when taken in large doses.
"Aspirin can be very toxic to the central nervous system," he said. "It can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and ringing in the ears."
Cough syrups are another widespread source, especially among children. Small children can drink enough to cause alcohol poisoning.
"An adult dose of medication can be particularly dangerous for small children," Dr. Luck said. "Children can also mistake pills for candy and eat them."
Medications also pose a danger for grownups. Adults can poison themselves with their own medications by not taking them properly.
Dr. Luck will also talk about other common sources of poisoning, including cleaning solutions, pesticides, lead, mercury and carbon monoxide. Lead was in the news recently after a number of toys imported from China were found to contain lead-based paints.
"Children put these toys in their mouths and can absorb a significant amount of lead," Dr. Luck said. "Lead is highly toxic substance that can damage the central nervous system."
He will talk about the health risks associated with these substances and steps you can take to prevent accidental poisonings, including the following.
Read labels. Whether you are dealing with medications, cleaning supplies, or pesticides, always read the label. Learn about the risks and follow directions carefully, including the expiration date. Safely dispose of all outdated medications and chemicals.
Use the original containers. Never put medications, cleaning solutions or pesticides in different containers. That way it can't be mistaken for something else. Also, the original warning label stays with the product and children won't confuse it with candy, soda or juice.
Take precautions. When using pesticides, cleaning solutions, and other chemicals, wear protective clothing and avoid breathing in the fumes. Turn on a fan or open a window. Never mix household products together.
Keep children safe. Keep medicines, household cleaning supplies, and pesticides away from children. Put chemicals in a childproof cupboard or closet and lock the medicine cabinet. Never call medicine candy and turn on a light when preparing doses for children to make sure you are giving the correct amount.
Post the poison hotline. If you do have a poison emergency, call the poison hotline at (800) 222-1222. Keep the number posted where it can easily be found.
To learn more about poison prevention, register for the Poison Prevention Awareness seminar by calling the toll-free Health Connection line (800) 963-7070 or register online at www.whhs.com. National Poison Prevention Week (March 16 - 22) is a week nationally designated to highlight the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. For more information, visit www.poisonprevention.org.


text:
Gap Inc. has signed a franchise agreement with Imex Pan Pacific (IPP), one of the largest conglomerates in Vietnam, to open its first Gap and Banana Republic stores in the country.
The company said in a statement Tuesday that it will open its first two Gap stores in Ho Chi Minh City this October, followed by additional outlets in Hanoi next year. Banana Republic will make its debut in late 2012.
"Vietnam provides a uniquely favorable environment in which to open Gap and Banana Republic stores," the company said. "The country boasts a relatively young population, with more than 90 percent of its 86 million people under the age of 65, a rapidly growing upper middle class consumer base, and a strong demand for international retail brands."
Gap said the expansion is part of its global strategy as it is focused on growing its share of the US$1.4 trillion global apparel market. Besides Vietnam, the company also plans to open its first stores in Guam.
"These openings will mark yet another important step for the company as we accelerate our growth into international markets," said Stefan Laban, managing director of strategic alliances for Gap Inc. "Vietnam's rapidly growing economy and Guam's well developed tourism industry both provide ample opportunity to introduce the Gap and Banana Republic brands to local consumers."


text:
By Egon Cossou Editor, Africa Business Report, BBC World
Think African economies and you may think commodities, like oil and gas. But it may be time to start thinking tech innovation.Countries around the continent have identified technology as a key weapon in the battle to boost prosperity – and that has sparked a tech revolution.
Sky high ambition
The continent’s biggest economy has sky high ambitions.
South Africa is a serious contender to be home to a massive deep space telescope project called the SKA – or Square Kilometre Array. If the country beats off competition from Australia, its aerospace industry would receive a massive boost.
In fact, science and technology minister Naledi Pandor says the project would be “the largest science-based capital injection” Africa has ever seen.
That could mean more jobs and training in a cutting edge sector.
But Africa’s tech revolution could run out of steam unless it produces a new generation of innovators. That is why Kenya is taking steps to develop the talent that could help it get ahead of the game.
It is doing so with projects like m:lab – a consortium of stakeholders, including Nairobi University, which aims to hothouse talented mobile application developers.
Manager John Kieti says he is convinced Kenya is now a major world technology hub.
“[The mobile] is much cheaper to get, plus it can be used outside where there is no infrastructure like power,” he says.
“Essentially, the mobile is going to be huge for us in terms of innovation, much more than the PC was a few years ago.”
But it’s not enough just to come up with good ideas – m:lab encourages innovators to focus on “demand driven” applications so they can be turned into viable businesses.
Pay it forward
Kariuki Gathitu is one of the hottest properties in Kenya’s tech sector.
He is a 27 year old software developer who has come up with an application to build on the country’s already sophisticated mobile payments market, called M-Payer.
“It has come into the mobile money scene to solve a huge challenge,” he says. “This challenge is basically the interoperability, aggregation and integration of mobile money.”
It streamlines the whole process from start to finish and so aims to benefit consumer and business operator alike.
Mr Gathitu demonstrates how subscribers can pay bills, receive cash and transfer funds with just a few taps on a mobile, and cash will clear in minutes, not hours or days.
M-Payer claims it can end the ‘cheque in post’ culture that has ruined many small African firms, often operating on tiny margins, with little or no access to bank credit.
But the revolution is not only happening in Kenya.
Right across the continent, developers are coming up with applications designed to reflect local needs. In Ghana, it is now central to the health of both companies and individuals.
The country has no shortage of enterprise, but smaller operators can struggle to gain access to wider markets.
And that access can make the difference between stagnation and prosperity.
One company in Accra is itself making a living by using technology to boost the prospects of other businesses.
ShopAfrica53 is a kind of web-mall – advertising goods and services from a range of small businesses in Ghana.
This means the tiniest and most remote operator now has access to an international market. The website also handles logistics like collection and delivery of goods, and takes payment on behalf of the vendors.
The technology being used by ShopAfrica53 can be a lifeline for small entrepreneurs ranging from tailors to artists.
Fighting the fakes
IT is even being used to protect the health of individuals by tackling the potentially deadly problem of fake medicines. An application called mPedigree allows you to check the authenticity of drugs.
You simply examine a special verification code on the bottle or packaging and send it, via free text, to a central online registry. An automatic response confirms whether the product is the real deal.
So far, only two of Ghana’s major pharmacies have actually joined the system, but mPedigree says others have expressed interest.
“The drug industry in Ghana is worth about $750m (£465m) a year,” says mPedigree’s Selorm Branttie.
“Assuming about 10% of those are counterfeit drugs, we are talking about $75m a year going into the wrong hands… being invested into the wrong industries.”
So whether it is fighting fake medicines or developing cutting edge telescopes, it’s clear that Africa’s technology is increasingly important in changing the lives of people across the continent.
“We cannot miss this train,” says ShopAfrica53’s chief executive Herman Chinnery-Hesse. “It’s the only way to go.”
via BBC News – Africa’s business technology revolution gathers pace.


text:
Copeland grip on downtown SLO nightmare for some
March 11, 2009
By DANIEL BLACKBURN
There are nicknames aplenty for the city of San Luis Obispo, and many have a commonality, the name Copeland: “Copelandville,” “Copelandburg,” “Copeland Kingdom,” and of course, “Cope-Land, ” to list but a few.
References to the Copeland family, and its out-front principal, Tom, as the reigning royalty of downtown San Luis Obispo are delivered with alternating respect and sarcasm, but Tom Copeland’s influence is undeniable. He and his reclusive brother Jim have developed the Downtown Centre, the Court Street shopping center, and will construct the controversial Chinatown project. He also has purchased a two-story building and parking lot at Higuera and Morro streets, and recently told SLO Realty.com that he has not yet determined a use.
But is the county’s largest city, known and appreciated nationally for its small-town ambiance and its quaint, casual character, selling out to bigness? More importantly, are city officials giving special consideration to Tom Copeland?
And is it still the intention of city officials to “maintain and expand on the unique pedestrian character and small-town feel” of San Luis Obispo as trumpeted by the local downtown merchants’ group?
That stated objective is being altered irrevocably by actions of those city officials and the Copelands, according to a number of local business owners who spoke to CalCoastNews.
If Tom Copeland’s position in the city as its premiere developer and favorite son wasn’t solidified by December 22, 2003, it was in the immediate aftermath of that day’s big story, the San Simeon Earthquake. For in the wake of that deadly temblor, cities all over the county began to consider the issue of retrofitting older buildings to conform with modern engineering principles.
With that, opportunities loomed for some in the San Luis Obispo downtown area. But for others on a long list of downtown business operators — people who had staked their business futures to the health, vitality and cultural reputation of the downtown center — certain disaster loomed.
“A lot of business owners were forced to make really quick decisions because of the [retrofit] timeline,” recalled Bill Hales, a San Luis Obispo business owner. “And if they couldn’t make the deadline, they would be forced to sell to someone who could afford to make the changes. And who is there, waiting in the wings? The big developers of downtown.”
The city’s top staffer, Chief Administrative Officer Ken Hampian, said the Copelands get no special treatment from officials. But he also said San Luis Obispo “is fortunate to have that kind of individual investing in it. But he doesn’t run this city.” Copeland also is chairman of the city’s Economic Development Board.
Kathi Main, then president of the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association, wrote in a 2002 bulletin for members, “Retrofitting buildings [is] on the minds of many business owners and property owners, [and] there are feelings of excitement and well as trepidation. While change most often creates concerns, it can also create new opportunities; opportunities to work on our businesses in areas that will bring out the uniqueness of downtown. [Then] it will continue to be a desirable shopping destination.”
Actual earthquake damage to San Luis Obispo properties was limited, unlike that which occurred in the North County where two women were killed in a building collapse, and much of the Paso Robles downtown core was affected. But officials in San Luis Obispo quickly joined in the jump to readiness, asserting that safety was the primary reason for examining the issue of retrofitting, and for the city council’s eventual order to that effect. That decision originally called for staged implementation of the completed retrofit by 2010 and 2017, a schedule that would have offered local business owners a longer period of time in which to make decisions about their future. But that deadline was amended by the council and rolled back to 2008.
The retrofit is coming with a high cost, both in dollars and in business mortality.
With the higher accompanying price tag of the retrofit are evolving higher rents, and the smaller, more vulnerable stores — often the most eclectic and unique — are being priced out. But those are not the only businesses to be adversely affected by the city’s map for downtown.
“Our downtown was vibrant and successful because of the business owners who take the risks every day,” Sean Fitzpatrick, a San Luis Obispo Realtor and owner of CornerStone Real Estate, wrote in 2006. Fitzpatrick was responding to an October 2006 “Viewpoint” in The Tribune penned by SLO chief Hampian and Community Development Director John Mandeville, in which they appeared to be opening the door to an increase in height limits in the downtown area. In that piece, the pair also argued that downtown SLO is successful because of property owners.
Not so, said Fitzpatrick, who insisted, “Every day, it’s the business owners who make the decision to stay in business rather than take jobs with guaranteed paychecks. The success of our downtown is not due to property owners, most of whom do not own downtown businesses.”
Fitzpatrick noted then that he and others were seeing “just too many longtime businesses moving out of the city.”
Fitzpatrick related conversations he’d had with what he calls “many” small business owners “who don’t have the time to speak out, are afraid of speaking out because of repercussions from their landlords, or don’t trust the Chamber of Commerce or the city enough to let them know how they feel about the situation. Now that I know that I was not the only person to be damaged by this [the city’s development and retrofit plans,” wrote Fitzpatrick, “I am speaking up.”
And he still is. “That’s what I was seeing in August 2006,” said Fitzpatrick this week. “What I have seen since then is that those people, those businesses, have now closed their doors. And there is no new retail coming into this town. Whatever this town was — vital, active, vibrant — it’s not happening now. And that’s very sad.”
Hampian told CalCoastNews that downtown San Luis Obispo “is a living, breathing thing, and as such, it changes. That works for some, and for some, it doesn’t.”
Hampian also said that downtown commerce is “hanging in there in a tough time,” which he suggested is an indication that the right decisions are being made.
“I know a lot of people cherish the downtown area,” he added. “That’s why our controversies get a lot of attention.”
The process of retrofitting is having a significant impact on the downtown area and its merchants, Hampian agreed. “There is a lot of change going on downtown, and that can be alarming to some people.”
Innkeeper Hales and his wife are part owners of the Frog and Peach and The Library, two popular downtown saloons and eateries, and he manages a growing group of other bars and restaurants in the city. Hales wondered aloud if the city’s downtown area is headed toward a productive future.
“I really don’t think we are,” said Hales, suggesting instead that “we are headed in the direction of Santa Barbara — pretentious.”
Copeland apparently doesn’t share that notion. He told attendees at a 2005 SLO Downtown Association economic activity meeting that such a goal was a good thing.
“In Santa Barbara during their retrofit, they rebuilt to accommodate department stores downtown. And they are already feeling the impact,” he said. (Attempts to contact Copeland for comment, including messages left with his attorney, were unsuccessful.)
One of the impacts of Santa Barbara-style development is a higher rent scale, said Hales.
“The mom and pop businesses that made our downtown area so unique are being forced out by the high rent,” he noted. “Only the national chain stores can afford it. But a vital downtown needs a real mix of small businesses.”
Another business owner who has managed to survive in the newer, pricier atmosphere said the high rents are self-defeating, because “no one can really afford to pay five dollars a square foot for rent. They won’t even pay four-fifty.”
The ideal but elusive municipal aura remains the subject of debate among those who depend on downtown for a living. For years there has been discord among SLO business owners regarding preservation of the town’s character. While any definition of that quality might be arguable, some have tried. Just last year, Sunset Magazine gushed about San Luis Obispo: “Between colorful rolling hills, close-to-perfect climate, a bustling downtown culture, and the famous wineries and vineyards, San Luis Obispo is about as close to the ‘California lifestyle’ as you can get.”
For backers of Copeland and his particular vision of downtown San Luis Obispo, all that can be done to preserve its aesthetic and commercial appeal is being done.
The San Luis Obispo Downtown Association, of which longtime member Copeland is a previous president, is an ardent supporter of the Copelands. Its board believes that Copeland’s direction is right for the city.
“The Downtown Association … has looked to uphold ‘smart growth: principles for the community to ensure that the delicate balance of the downtown be preserved. This is our mission,” wrote Deborah Cash, association administrator, in a May 2002 memo to her board of directors.
In that memo, she wrote of the downtown district’s position as the city’s primary shopping area and its unique character while describing a perceived threat posed by Ernie Dalidio’s proposed Marketplace project south of the city. Cash suggested, “We don’t need two downtowns, and it’s not a question of competition.”
Downtown Association members were clear in their published bulletins that downtown’s future development path was to be determined in large part by the eventual outcome to the long, but to this point successful, battle against Dalidio and his development.
But before Dalidio’s plans were eventually buried, Cash wrote in the association’s April 2005 bulletin, “Whichever way it [the Dalidio Marketplace proposal] goes will determine how we’ll develop our work plans and strategy for the next five years. If the project fails, we’ll chart a course that focuses on dealing with retrofit and managing tenant mix….”
The Downtown Association was established in 1975 as an advisory board to the city council to address needs of downtown businesses. In 2006, after its lobbying status as a city panel was questioned, board members began considering a simple solution consisting of “revising its organizational structure… to be able to serve its members without constraint.”


text:
At the first FEME Forum last October 8, about 50 people were gathered to listen to four personalities share their experiences and best practices on the topic ‘How to promote your business.’ Fifty percent of the guests were entrepreneurs, including the managing director and majority owner of the hosting venue, Itamae Japanese Restaurant in Deira.
Gil Herico led the panelists as the most senior person in terms of years living in the Gulf and scope of responsibilities as Philippine Agriculture Attache in the Middle East and African Region, including Iraq, Syria, Iran, CIS countries, Russia, India and Pakistan.
The Office of Agricultural Attache was established in July 2008 to promote export and investment of Philippine agricultural products. Herico disclosed that direct foreign investments in banana and pineapple farming in the Philippines by Kuwaiti and Bahraini groups have amounted to US$ 60 million.
“Destination of our bananas and pineapples are mostly to the Iranian market with a share of 50 percent of our total export of the said fresh fruits totaling US$ 650 million dollars last year,” he added.
Herico and Commercial Attache of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, Eric Elnar, offered their offices to assist potential entrepreneurs.
“As Commercial Attache, we promote franchising of Philippine brands through seminars, business matching to bring together franchise owners and franchisees, due diligence advice for both Filipino franchisor and overseas franchisee, and promotional activities for franchise events both abroad and in the Philippines. We work with various stakeholders in the franchising sector, such as the industry associations, in promoting franchising to overseas Filipinos as part of the micro, small, and medium enterprise development in the country,” Elnar explained.
The slow and silent movement of Filipino professionals transforming into entrepreneurs will gradually be noticed in the mainstream UAE English media. That is if the entrepreneurs know how to promote their brands, products and services using publicity as a marketing tool.
Though there are now Filipino-centric newspapers, radio programs and TV news in the UAE, Filipino companies and entrepreneurs should aim to be covered by the UAE English media to be exposed to other expatriates as a way to expand their market reach.
Jay Hilotin, one of the web editors of Gulf News and an experienced newspaper journalist in Saudi Arabia and UAE encouraged the entrepreneurs to get involved in socially-relevant activities. “Every business is part of the community so one way to promote is to become a part of the community. It enhances your brand. It boosts your standing in the eyes of the customers. Be a part of a community campaign. Take part in things that are seen by society as important.”
This was echoed by freelance broadcast journalist Rachel Salinel of The Filipino Channel of ABS-CBN and Tag 91.1 FM radio of Arabia Radio Network. She said in order to be covered and reported a business story should have the elements of what comprise a compelling news item such as the presence of a prominent person, a human interest attraction and even an unusual or odd feature.
When asked about what they learned from the forum, these were some feedbacks:
JR Papel, founder of the Innovation Fund or I-Fund which supports aspiring entrepreneurs from the Ateneo School of Government’s Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Program:
“It was a great initiative catering and showcasing Pinoy businessmen in the UAE. The room was full and packed and engagement was so high. As mentioned and supported by Eric Elnar, we can create groups and investment circles to be able to pool resources and connections and set up businesses. With these, investment risks are lessened and business opportunities are optimized.”
Ken Peralta, Brand Manager, Little Manila:
“Media plays a big part in the success of a business whether it be radio, TV, newspaper and social media. It is creating the right approach and making the correct calendar in promoting your business.”
Malou Prado, Managing Director and CEO of MPQ Tourism:
“I like what Rachel Salinel said about protecting your business integrity and sharing your business story with the media.”
Gemmy Lontoc, Head – Corridor Marketing – Southeast Asia, UAE Exchange:
“From Rachel, I learned the importance of any business to have a story behind a news feature for it to have audience appeal. From Sir Gil, I learned that agriculture is one area where global Filipinos can invest in. From Sir Eric, I learned that global Filipinos can strive to have multiple income streams by having both active and passive income. From Jay, I learned the importance of social media in any business.”
“For Filipinos who want to set up a business in the UAE, we help them by sharing information on the registration process, giving them tips on how to do business in the Middle East, introducing them to reputable business partners, helping them in doing background checks on potential buyers or suppliers, and any other assistance they may require in starting their enterprise here,” said Elnar.
Herico added that they conduct OFW Investment Forum as part of the Reintegration Program for those based here and returning Filipinos to be involved in agricultural farming in closed cooperation with DOLE/OWWA and DTI.
It was a very good gathering because the three Filipino business groups were also present, namely Philippine Business Council-Dubai, Philippine Business Council-Abu Dhabi and Filipino Association of Middle East Entrepreneurs.
See you at the next FEME Forum to be hosted by Fiesta Pinoy and New Cabalen. FEME stands for Filipino Excellence in the Middle East which is an advocacy I started in September 2008 when I conducted a PR Seminar for Filipino professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders. In October 2010, the FEME radio talk show commenced on Dubai Eye 103.8 FM with myself and Rachel Salinel as co-host.
This year the FEME Connect Directory was launched at the Philippine Independence Day celebrations on June 3 in Dubai. It is a free directory listing of Filipino professionals and entrepreneurs. In partnership with Dagaz HR Consultancy, the next edition will be launched in January 2017. You can register your name as a professional or entrepreneur via the websitewww.femeconnect.com.


text:
In the last 30 years, the world of marketing has shifted from traditional practices (TV,…
There’s been so much news in digital marketing in August 2022! From updated shopping trends to new tools created to improve the online shopping and marketing experiences…
Here’s an update on all things new in digital marketing in August 2022!
We’re loving the rise of shoppable content! Shopify is the newest platform to implement the widely successful marketing tool. In mid-August, Shopify launched Shopify Collabs, a new feature that will connect content creators with Shopify merchants. This is a great tool for content creators to more easily make profitable shoppable content and for merchants to capitalize off of this successful content! The feature will match creators and merchants based on shared passions, sensibilities and career goals. It will be exciting to see how this feature could help Shopify compete with giants like TikTok as they continue to grow!
Shoppable content is not going anywhere…but live shopping is. Earlier this August, Facebook announced that their live shopping feature would shut down on October 1. Short-form shoppable content continues to dominate; although live streaming had its day, user trends continue to move more toward content from TikTok and content that could be on TikTok. Live features aren’t going anywhere, but the ability to create product playlists and tagging products in the live feed are soon to be no more.
Ulta Beauty just made a HUGE announcement – UB Media is live! Using the data from their rewards program, Ultamate Rewards, UB Media takes Ulta Beauty’s relationship with their brands to the next level. By tapping into UB Media, advertisers will have access to data drawing on over 37 million consumer profiles that can better inform campaigns in display, video, social media and influencer marketing! Like shoppable content, retail media networks are on the rise because of the marketing precision and audience tailoring they provide. Ulta Beauty claims that Ultamate Rewards is the largest in the beauty category, too – there’s so much potential with UB Media!
— Adweek (@Adweek) May 19, 2022
What’s the most exciting news you heard about digital marketing in August 2022? There’s so much going on with shoppable content and improving marketing precision, we want to hear it all!


text:
Practically 13 per cent of grownup are within the first three months of beginning a brand new enterprise or are already working a younger enterprise, in keeping with the World Entrepreneurship Monitor.
This compares to simply 8 per cent of adults in 2020, the nadir of the pandemic.
Certainly, greater than 70 per cent of Britons consider it’s straightforward to begin a enterprise within the UK, however lower than one in ten has any intention of doing so.
>See additionally: 6 finest small enterprise concepts for 2022
Though nearly all of Britons (51 per cent) consider they’ve the abilities and data to star their very own enterprise, and 61 per cent stated there have been good alternatives for beginning a enterprise of their space, 52 per cent cited concern of failure as a motive for not doing so.
Comparatively few of these beginning or working a brand new enterprise anticipate to make use of six or extra individuals in 5 years’ time, the report stated.
Nonetheless, the report discovered that the proportion of UK adults who’re nonetheless owner-managers of companies after greater than three-and-a-half years fell to five.3 per cent final yr, in contrast with 8.2 per cent in 2019.
Fall in self-employment
Oddly, the rise in entrepreneurship contrasted with the autumn in self-employment over the identical interval. Official statistics present a decline of 124,000 within the numbers of self-employed between the second and third quarters of 2021. Because the begin of the pandemic, the ranks of the self-employed have fallen by almost 600,000, the researchers stated.
>See additionally: Variety of self-employed falls one fifth since Covid-19
Report co-author Dr Sreevas Sahasranamam stated: “It’s heartening to see that greater than 50 per cent of entrepreneurs within the UK are pursuing new alternatives as a result of pandemic and greater than 60 per cent are utilizing extra digital applied sciences to promote services and products, indicating flexibility and flexibility.”
Aston Enterprise College surveyed 2,000 adults about their attitudes to entrepreneurship.


text:
With thousands of visitors passing through Chattanooga's hotels and shopping malls during the holiday season, these signature properties roll out an extra measure of ambiance to set a festive mood. Swags of garland, bowers of greenery and thousands of twinkling lights provide coziness in wide open spaces and selfie backdrops for social media.
Decking the halls to create that outsized ambiance is not unlike the burst of activity that happens at the North Pole this time of year.
"Installing mallwide holiday decor is a time-consuming task, especially when it's on top of the other daily responsibilities of the mall team, so we start installation in late October to ensure that's ready well before Santa arrives in November," says Stacey Keating, vice president of corporate communications for CBL Properties, which owns and manages Hamilton Place in East Brainerd and Northgate Mall in Hixson.
At two-story Hamilton Place, the centerpiece is a 22-foot Christmas tree that beckons visitors toward Santa's Village at Center Court, Keating says. Visitors also will notice that Santa has an oversized chair that can accommodate multiple people, "especially if parents have little ones a bit shy or fearful of Santa," she says.
The decor at both shopping centers is traditional, she says, with bright red, green and gold as primary colors. Elements include oversized gift boxes, Christmas trees and ornaments.
Keating says the vibrant color scheme is consistent each year, though pieces are refurbished as needed "to give them new life" and new elements are seamlessly incorporated to enhance the look.
"We want [the decor] to stand out against the backdrop of the mall and help customers get into the holiday spirit throughout their holiday shopping experience," she says. "The sights (decor), the smells (cookies) and sounds (holiday music) combined create peace, joy and a sense of community."
Also taking a traditional tour through the holidays is the Read House, with a collection of "classic, timeless decorations," says Kris Altman, vice president of marketing for Avocet Hospitality, which owns the historic hotel on M.L. King Boulevard.
The decorations span the public places of the hotel, he says, with the most attention paid to the grand lobby, the main hub of activity. Multiple Christmas trees dressed in white lights and gold ribbon rise up to meet gold beaded chandeliers. Old World Santas stand sentinel near doorways.
A $27 million renovation completed in 2019 put a shine on the architectural features of the 150-year-old hotel. Special attention was given to restoring the public areas to retain the hotel's historic nature. All of the plaster and silver leaf in the Silver Ballroom was redone. The original Russian walnut in the grand lobby was restored, stripped, cleaned and polished. Holiday decorations only serve to enhance the property's period charm.
Unlike retail's quickening of the holidays, the Read House aligns with a more traditional read of the calendar, installing decor right before Thanksgiving and removing it just after the new year, Altman says.
Guests are treated to special events throughout the season, including a Holiday Jubilee on Dec. 9 that features visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and an elf-led craft workshop, as well as Breakfast With Santa on Dec. 10 and 17. A Roaring '20s New Year's Eve Party will usher in the new year.
Altman says these seasonal events, as well as themed room packages, complement the decorations. Guests love the added features, he says.
"The staff gets comments all the time about the decorations and the ambiance it creates," he says.
If the Read House offers a revival of its 1920s heyday, Chattanooga's Moxy hotel on King Street celebrates time and place in the here and now.
Though its contemporary vibe could be attractive to any generation, the Moxy brand is designed with millennials in mind -- those born from 1981 to 1996.
"Our target demographic is millennials, so the decor is pretty progressive," says Kacey Swindell, director of sales at the Chattanooga location. "It's almost like set design. We want our interactive spaces to be Instagram- and photo-worthy."
Selfies posted to social media figure prominently into how the Moxy operates, she says. So the vibrant, playful colors found at any time during the year are simply amped up for the holiday season.
"These are not Olan Mills family photos," she says. "We have textured wall fringe in orange, pink, green and black. It's joyful and fun."
Moxy lobbies are designed as not only public spaces but communal spaces where guests will want to hang out and engage with each other. A digital sign near the front desk is a signature selfie spot at check-in. During the holidays, it might include a cheekier message than guests might encounter at more traditional lodging.
"We might do something like 'Santa, I've been good. Maybe not. Never mind. I'll buy my own presents,'" Swindell says.
Swindell says the decor changes in tone and color scheme each holiday season, though disco balls have been a recurring element the last two years. Front of mind, she says, is always, "How do you thread that needle between what's festive and holiday appropriate but not something you've seen at Target or in a storefront window?"
Though she has complete freedom to determine what works in the local market, Swindell says she operates by the Spider-Man maxim: With great power comes great responsibility.
"Our space is highly decorated and curated every day," she says. "Adding too much on top of that can be overwhelming. For the holidays, we utilize the same color and texture but pull out that extra sparkle."
Except for perhaps a small treat in a card or stocking for guests staying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the hotel's holiday efforts don't extend to private rooms.
"The idea is that guests wake up with the standard experience in 54 hotels globally," Swindell says.
It's not until they enter the public spaces that they get a feel for the city they're in.
"The effort to do the decor is part of our extended marketing effort," Swindell says. "The idea is that someone might see us tagged in social media and think 'I want to go take a picture there. That looks like a fun night out.' It helps extend our messaging."


text:
The Game of Thrones star – who played Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane – amassed a huge following during his strongman days.
Bjornsson – nicknamed Thor – had three warm-up fights before his exhibition in Dubai against Hall – billed as ‘the heaviest boxing match in history’.
Bjornsson, 33, beat fierce rival Hall, 34, who he called out in March 2020 after he broke the Brit’s 501kg deadlift record two years ago.
He also claimed he would love to fight his boxing idol one day, even if he knows he has no chance of winning.
Bjornsson told Muscle and Health: “I know I’d get my ass beaten against Tyson Fury today, but if I was offered that opportunity, I would not turn it down.
“The opportunity to fight someone that great would be an honour for me and I just couldn’t say no to that.
“But I would get my ass beaten, that’s for sure.
“I’d need far more experience and a few more years under my belt to stand a chance against someone that good.”
What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s net worth in 2022?
Bjornsson has one of the most recognisable faces on the planet – and with that fame comes a hefty bank balance.
According to WealthPersons.com, Bjornsson is worth $2 million (£1.6 million) as of 2022, thanks to numerous revenue streams.
Bjornsson has around 4 million followers on Instagram, has his own clothing brand and even has his own brand of yoghurt.
Thor’s Skyr is a traditional Icelandic skyr produced in the US with higher protein and less sugar than regular yogurt.
Bjornsson unsurprisingly has also had plenty of brand deals over the years thanks to his incredible physique.
The Icelander has worked with brands such as Karate Combat, Monster Energy and car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz in the past.
In addition to endorsements, Bjornsson also won prize money for competing in the World’s Strongest Man.
He famously broke the record in the Arnold Strongman Classic, Europe’s Strongest Man and World’s Strongest Man competitions – all in a year, no less.
Standing a whopping 6 ft 9 in tall, he also spent time playing basketball in Iceland before he ultimately decided to pursue a career as a professional strongman.
No official purses have been disclosed for Thor vs Hall, but Bjornsson revealed they ‘both gave away $100,000 for charity‘.


text:
Dwayne Johnson in Talks to Produce and Star in "Big Trouble in Little China" Remake
Showing results 16755-16774 of 22062
Marvel has released images and solicitation images for new comics on sale in October including more from "Dark Reign: The List," "Amazing Spider-Man," "Fantastic Four" and a wide variety of collected editions.
Activision has provided CBR with a 360 screenshot from “Marvel Ultimate Alliance” 2, the forthcoming video game based on the Marvel Comics superheroes. For the QuickTime-impaired, we've got some stills too.
DC Comics has released images and solicitations for new comics and products on sale in October 2009, including the latest from "Blackest Night," "Superman: Secret Origin," "Shazam - The Monster Society of Evil" and much more.
Aspen Comics unveils brand new titles and debuts a host of exciting Comic-Con International exclusives and more for the largest comic book convention in the world.


text:
What you need to know
- Apple released iOS 13.3 yesterday.
- It adds the ability to remove Memoji stickers from the emoji keyboard.
- Now you can forget Memoji stickers ever existed.
Apple has done the world a good deed with the release of iOS 13.3. Not only does it add a couple of features and fix some bugs, but it also finally gives users the chance to remove Memoji stickers from the emoji keyboard. Finally, finally.
Memoji stickers have previously lived to the left of the emojis in their own keyboard, and it was a constant source of frustration for anyone who just wanted to send that winky smiley face. But now we can banish the Memoji stickers for good.
Doing that is deed easy, Once you've updated your iPhone to iOS 13.3, head into the Settings app and tap General followed by Keyboard. Scroll down a little and you'll see a new option for Memoji Stickers. Toggle that off and you can pretend that our great national nightmare never happened.
I'm not saying that you'll sleep better at night, get promoted at work, and find love because of a keyboard setting. But you might. It's that awesome!
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Apple releases the first public beta of watchOS 7.1
Apple has released beta 1 of watchOS 7.1 for its public beta testers. Here's how to download it.
Ted Lasso's AFC Richmond has a Twitter account and now you know it exists
"Ted Lasso" is an Apple TV+ show that's taken social media by storm. So it stands to reason that Lasso's team is doing the same.
Report: Apple U1 chip coming to AirPods Studio, AirTags more than tracking
Apple's rumored AirPods Studio will include the U1 ultra-wideband chip, according to an anonymous leaker. They also suggest that we will see Apple's AirTags do more than just track things.
Which Apple Watch color should you buy?
Silver, gold, space gray, space black, graphite, blue, or (PRODUCT) RED — Here's how to pick the perfect Apple Watch color for you.


text:
There's a lot of discussion right now about more and more smartphones creeping towards the $1000 price point, but one company that's been soaring well beyond that is Vertu. Vertu's released a number of multi-thousand dollar Android phones in the past, and now the company's returning with the $5,000 Aster P.
While luxury phones from Vertu aren't anything new, this is the first new phone from the company since it reportedly closed up shop in July 2017 and cut around 200 employees.
So, what kind of phone are we getting with the Vertu Aster P? More or less what we've come to expect from past Vertu phones. The phone is handmade in England and features a titanium frame and display that's covered by a measly 133-carat sapphire crystal glass panel. You can outfit the back with a variety of materials, including the likes of crocodile and lizard leather.
Also similar to other Vertu phones is the red ruby button that contacts your own personal concierge. Pop open the winged-panel on the back and you'll find the SIM card slot and a signature of the person that actually crafted your phone.
You'd expect such a luxury phone to come with top-notch specs, but that's not the case. The AMOLED display measures in at just 4.9-inches, the Snapdragon 660 and 6GB of RAM power everything, and there's 128GB of onboard storage. You'll also find a 12MP rear camera and 20MP selfie camera.
The Vertu Aster P is only being sold in China and has a cool starting price of just $5,167. If you want to splurge for the model that's outfitted with gold, you'll see a modest increase to $14,146.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The Echo Buds are just $80 right now and that’s a great deal
Alexa's 6th birthday is coming up, and our favorite AI voice assistant is discounting all of her favorite Amazon devices. I recommend that you rush to grab a pair of Amazon's underrated Echo Buds which are on sale today for $50 off!
Where's Android 10 for my smartphone?
Android 10 has been kicking around for more than a year now, but not every phone has received the big update yet ahead of the launch of Android 11. Here's a breakdown of which phones are confirmed to get the Android 10 update and when you can look forward to it.
Google's Pixel 5 is now on sale in the U.S. and Canada
Google's Pixel 5 is finally available to purchase in the U.S. and Canada. The phone was released in seven countries earlier this month, including Australia and the U.K.
These are the best Nokia 8.3 5G cases you can find today!
The Nokia 8.3 5G has finally arrived! With a beautiful design, 5G connectivity, and some impressive specs this phone might be one of the best phones this year. But with a phone that looks this great, you'll want to keep it safe from life, so we've found the best cases.


text:
Pret A Manger coming to city shopping centre this summer
Property investor and car parking operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), says coffee and fresh sandwich operator Pret A Manger is set to open at the Merrion Centre, in Leeds.
Pret has signed a lease to occupy 4,510 sq ft of space over the ground and first floor at 42-44 Woodhouse Lane. The outlet is set to open this summer.
Pret, which employs over 8,500 people in the UK, confirmed in September 2021 that it was aiming to double the size of the business and open more than 200 new stores in Britain within the next five years.
Charles Newman, associate director at Town Centre Securities (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pret to our eclectic offering at the Merrion Centre.
“This latest deal will enhance our fantastic current range of food and beverage operators and we are confident that it will prove a welcome addition for the surrounding office workers and students alike.”


text:
Cyberpunk 2077’s PS5 and Xbox Series X|S upgrades have been delayed to Q1 2022 after originally being set to release this year. Announced by CD Projekt Red in a press release, this delay isn’t too surprising to hear as we haven’t heard anything about the new-gen upgrade for months.
However, what is more interesting is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s upgrade for new-gen consoles has also been delayed, but to Q2 2022. That version of the game has already been rated in multiple countries but will release after Cyberpunk’s upgrade which hasn’t yet been rated.
This could be due to the content in Cyberpunk 2077’s upgrade not changing with this upgrade, whereas The Witcher 3 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S will have new content based on the Netflix show. Either way, the next-gen Cyberpunk 2077 release will add to an already packed early 2022, with new releases like Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands all set for the first three months of the year.
In the press release, CD Projekt Red confirms the delay and says that “it has decided to allocate additional time to both projects.”
IMPORTANT PRODUCTION UPDATE pic.twitter.com/KOnaIVOt4v
— CD PROJEKT RED (@CDPROJEKTRED) October 20, 2021
While you wait for the new-gen upgrade for both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, why not check out some of the best PS5 games and best Xbox Series games available right now instead.