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RDB, Google to Map Rwanda’s Tourism Attractions
The Rwanda Development Board in partnership with Google, commence a mapping exercise with the objective of increasing access to information and visibility of Rwanda’s tourism attractions on the web.
This event dubbed Rwanda Tourism MapUp from March 23rd to 24th 2012, started with team’s road trip from Kigali where key touristic features were mapped and continued to Musanze and Rubavu whose attractions were also added to the Google map list.
The Head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, Rica Rwigamba said that Rwanda is proud to be the first African country to work with Google.
“Citizen mappers and tourism operators to systematically map all tourism facilities and attractions to increase discoverability through search engines. Today, more than ever, more tourism destinations are chosen through online searches and recommendations by other travelers,” she said.
The Rwanda MapUp brought together 40 participants including professional mappers, GIS experts, university students as well as tourism operators to map all the major tourism features in Rwanda.
As stressed by the Sustainable Tourism Development Master Plan for Rwanda, the internet is now firmly established as the most important means of communication in the global travel industry.
Estimations state that around 70% of travel decisions are made using websites to research information and Google Maps is identified as the major one.
This exercise will be held regularly so as to preserve the accuracy of the maps.


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Starbucks announced to its U.S. employees that it will make the company discretionary match to the Future Roast 401(k) Savings Plan for the 2009 plan year. In December 2008, Starbucks made its 401(k) match discretionary, to be based on the company’s performance over the year.
“Our progress over these past few months has given us the opportunity to fund the company discretionary match for the 2009 plan year,” says Howard Schultz, president, chairman, and CEO of Starbucks. “Make no mistake, we remain humbled by the uncertain economic environment and know we have a long journey ahead. While we have more work to do, we are making progress and I want to take this opportunity to recognize the important role that all of our partners play in creating the Starbucks experience and fundamentally driving our performance."
In the same communication, the company also announced that it will fund merit increases for eligible partners for fiscal 2010, and that it will continue to provide comprehensive and affordable health care benefits to all eligible employees.

domain: news


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Despite being available for quite some time now, Wordle continues to be a very popular and fun social game. The only “problem” is that the game was only available via the web, although many Wordle alternatives have tried to launch themselves as a mobile app.
For those who might prefer playing via a dedicated app on their phone, then you’re in luck because The New York Times has recently added Wordle to its Crossword app that will be available for download for both Android and iOS devices.
Also, the good news is that in addition to it being an app, Wordle via the Crossword app will continue to remain free to play. The rest of the app’s games will continue to require a paid subscription of $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year, but you can still download the app and play Wordle for free if that’s the only game you’re interested in.
Keep in mind that you will be required to create an account with The New York Times, which is free anyway, but the upside is that you’ll be able to sync your Wordle scores across devices, so if you play on your PC and on your phone, your scores and daily streaks will be synced with each other.
Source: Android Police


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None of this would matter so much except that we grow a LOT of food around here. 15° F hotter than usual is amusing in January. In July, it would cause a catastrophic crop failure. Last year, we had a difficult growing season. Spring was cold and wet. Some planting didn't get done until June. Then heavy rains washed out many low spots. Finally, by the end of July when the corn began to pollinate, the weather turned very hot. It turns out corn does not pollinate when the temps are above 90° F. So when the sweet corn came on the market in August, you could see the damage cause by that "minor" heat wave—the ears were not filled out with about 2" of the tip un-pollinated. Three days of excessive heat and the corn yield suffered by 10-20%. It turns out we don't actually need enough climate change to turn Minnesota into the Sahara. Just a small change is enough to cause tremendous problems. This also applies when a 2" rainfall becomes a 5" flash flood or when a 30 mph windstorm becomes a 60 mph blow.
And you watch—even with these looming catastrophes, neither Peak Oil nor climate change will rate even a passing mention in this fall's elections.
A Punch to the Mouth – Food Price Volatility Hits the World
Perfect Storms 05 JAN 12
2011 was an abysmal year for the global insurance industry, which had to cover yet another enormous increase in damages from natural disasters. Unknown to most casual observers is the fact that during the past few decades the frequency of weather-related disasters (floods, fires, storms) has been growing at a much faster pace than geological disasters (such as earthquakes). This spread between the two types of insurable losses has moved so strongly that it prompted Munich Re to note in a late 2010 letter that weather-related disasters due to wind have doubled and flooding events have tripled in frequency since 1980. The world now has to contend with a much higher degree of risk from weather and climate volatility, and this has broad-reaching implications.
And critically, it has a particular impact on food.
Many factors seen over the past decade have produced higher food prices: population growth, urbanization, the decline of arable land per person, and the upgrading of diets for example. But more damaging than food inflation has been the pushing of global food prices out of their long, quiet envelope of stability. From the recently released UN Report on the World Food Situation:
The FAO Index (Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N) shows that, while prices are once again down from a peak, a troublesome volatility started to affect food prices this decade. These are the very prices that caused social instability in countries like Mexico in 2007-2008 (pressure on corn prices, owing in part to US corn ethanol mandates) and more recently in northern Africa (Arab Spring).
Commodity observers will note the rough correspondence with oil prices, and of course that’s no mistake. Inputs to food production are heavily composed of fossil fuels. In the same way that both high (and highly volatile) oil prices play havoc with economies, food prices and marginal speculation in food have done the same.
2011 also saw the highest average oil prices since 2008, at $94.81 per barrel. That is not far below the average high of 2008, at $99.67. In between was a crash in oil prices — and most commodities — which unfolded at a rate almost as rapid as the original run-ups from 2006-2008. What happens next?
The USDA has just released its Food CPI readings for 2011, along with their forecast for 2012.
With 11 months of data recorded, the outlook for the 2011 Consumer Price Index (CPI) and food price inflation has become clear. The CPI for all food is projected to increase 3.25 to 3.75 percent. Food-at-home (grocery store) prices are forecast to rise 4.25 to 4.75 percent, while food-away-from-home (restaurant) prices are forecast to increase 2 to 2.5 percent. Although food price inflation was relatively weak for most of 2009 and 2010, cost pressures on wholesale and retail food prices due to higher food commodity and energy prices, along with strengthening global food demand, have pushed inflation projections upward for 2011.
For 2012, food price inflation is expected to abate from 2011 levels but is projected to be slightly above the historical average for the past two decades. The all-food CPI is projected to increase 2.5 to 3.5 percent over 2011 levels, with food-at-home prices increasing 3 to 4 percent…With non-existent wage growth and a dearth of investment opportunities, these price advances in food costs have much more impact than it appears. What asset classes are keeping pace with the year-over-year increases in food? Certainly not stocks, as the S&P 500 has gone nowhere in a decade. Moreover, a 3.5% increase in Food CPI this year, with more to come next year, falls on top of a deeply under-utilized US economy in which tens of millions derive income from government transfer payments, most of which are not sufficiently ratcheting higher from “inflation-adjustments.” Food Stamp recipients, for example, are not seeing food inflation adjustments in their benefit checks that would compensate for the price increases. Not even close.
As you may have heard, milk was the top commodity performer in 2011, up 40% on the year in the futures market. A question: do you think milk is a central staple in American family diets? There’s more. On a year-over-year basis through November, according to USDA, beef prices are up 9.8%, egg prices are up 10.25%, and potato prices are up 12%. (This partly explains why junk-type grocery foods make up an ever-larger portion of food-stamp purchasers’ shopping carts. Sadly, people are buying caloric content, not nutrition). more


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By: Raymond Hackney
Go Daddy has been known to have some ads that pushed the borders, especially back in the day when former WWE Diva Candice Michelle appeared in their videos.
Australian registrar CrazyDomains.com.au is taking it to another level that went so far as to be banned. The ads with Baywatch Babe Pamela Anderson appear to be too hot for tv.
Great Britain's Advertising Standards Authority
ruled that the ad could no longer be broadcast in its recent form after
receiving four complaints that it was "sexist and degrading to women."


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IEOs Boost Exchange Tokens, But Cannot Tinder the Next Bull Run
Since Binance restarted its Launchpad platform in 2019, the exchange has recorded gains of over 270% from three initial exchange offerings (IEO). As the new fundraising model is starting to gain popularity, many other green-eyed major crypto exchanges, including Huobi Global, KuCoin, and ZB.com have launched their own IEO derivatives, which were both exceed market expectations.
Recently, Huobi Global has launched its first “selective token sale” of TOP Network on its exclusive token launching platform Huobi Prime. Although the token was sold in the three “Price Limit” rounds, every round sale ended in a few seconds, many investors were not able to purchase the token. Clearly, there is much more demand than supply in this market. Many believe that this new model may tinder the next bull run.
Compare to the traditional initial coin offering (ICO), IEO has less investment restriction, however, most of the IEOs have excluded the U.S. and Chinese citizens due to the regulation issue.
To the crypto exchanges, IEO is a grand innovation: it can be a solution for blockchain projects to raise fund, meanwhile, exchanges can promote their native tokens through the token listing platform.
As thus, many have expressed their concern of the ICO tokens, for example, Ethereum. This speculation is reasonable, at present, the traditional ICO model will be gradually eliminated, and the IEO would become the first choice for project financing. The financing advantage of Ethereum will be nibbled up by exchange native tokens.
For Ethereum, the work team should focus on improving its performance and waiting for the decentralized exchange to rise.
In addition, according to 8BTC, the craze of several IEO project and the short-term market speculation cannot boost the entire crypto market.
We can see that the recent IEO booms only lead to a price surge of exchange native tokens but have no significant effect on the prices of mainstream cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
IEO is not powerful enough to tinder the next bull run, but undeniable, it is an innovation.


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'Shazam' Movie Casts Zachary Levi as Captain Marvel
New Line is eying a February 2018 start for principle photography in Toronto and a release date of April 5, 2019 has been given. Finding someone to play Captain Marvel is all well and good, but there are still so many unanswered questions we have.
Bloodhound supersonic vehicle on display during test
The "Bloodhound Supersonic Car", which is fitted with a Eurofighter jet engine has been in development for nine years. The team behind the vehicle say it is a combination of a fighter jet, a Formula One auto and a spaceship.
Astros Player Rebuked for Racist Gesture at World Series
A Cuba native, Gurriel played 15 seasons in the Cuban National Series and Japan Central League from 2001-16. "Yes, of course. And yet, the suspension beginning next season means Gurriel is back in the Astros' lineup tonight.
"Live" photos of the smartphone, OnePlus 5T published online
There have been several leaks and rumours about the OnePlus 5T , but the company has still yet to officially confirm the phone. The OnePlus 5 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, along with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.
National prescription drug disposal event this Saturday
Officials also cautioned people about potential health hazards when they flush medicines in the toilet or throw them in the trash. The Drug Take Back events are the safe, popular and responsible way for the public to legally and dispose of prescription drugs.
Amazon Wants To Enter Your Home When You're Not There
Will my package actually be on my porch when I get home? Delivery via this method is available at no extra cost for Prime members. The online retailer will alert customers when the delivery is about to happen so they can watch it live on their phone.


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Detroit, September 20, 2016 —
The Mars Agency announces that Tammy Brumfield, SVP Retail Marketing Practice Leader,
Kris Abrahamson, VP Client Leadership and Maureen O’Hare, VP Growth & Connections,
have been named to the inaugural class of Women of Excellence, which recognizes 132 brand marketing, retail and agency professionals for effectively influencing shoppers along the path to purchase. They will be celebrated at a reception during the 2016 Path to Purchase Expo tomorrow night.
Hired by The Mars Agency earlier this year, Brumfield, a veteran of ConAgra Foods, spent the last 13 years leading its shopper marketing and retail innovation teams, across all U.S. channels, and driving increased shopper conversion and growth. Since joining The Mars Agency, she has successfully advanced its already best-in-class retail, shopper insights and innovation capabilities.
Ms. Abrahamson, hired in 2014, and currently leading a number of client engagements, brings 20-plus years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, including manufacturer-side positions in shopper marketing and shopper innovation at PepsiCo’s Global Nutrition Group, Sara Lee and Kraft Foods. Unique to the industry, Kris has been an adjunct professor at NYU, where she co-developed the first shopper marketing curriculum for the university. She is also a current and long-standing faculty member at the Path to Purchase Institute, where she trains senior brand executives in the discipline of shopper marketing and how it applies to their respective businesses.
Ms. O’Hare, hired in early 2015, joined after various senior client leadership, channel marketing and shopper marketing positions at Moxie, Momentum Worldwide, Acosta Sales & Marketing and manufacturer, Georgia-Pacific. A member of the Who’s Who in Shopper Marketing in 2011, 2015 and 2016, she brings an unexpected point of view to cross-vertical clients, evident in her support of brands, Coca-Cola, Sony, General Mills, South Beach Diet and Heinz, across commerce channels.
“We are very proud of the work that Tammy, Kris and Maureen do and the recognition that they are receiving,” said Ken Barnett, Global CEO of The Mars Agency. “Importantly, they are just three of our 151 female employees (68% of our staff), leading the charge for innovation in the shopper and consumer marketing disciplines. My mother, Marilyn Barnett, was the first woman to open and lead a shopper marketing agency, which has grown into the leading shop it is today, recently named the #5 Most Effective Independent Agency in North America by the 2016 Effie Index. Maintaining a diverse profile was of utmost importance to her and to me. Women tend to be the decision makers for many of our Clients’ brands, which has always been reflective in our staffing profile.”
About The Mars Agency
The Mars Agency is a full-service, global shopper and consumer marketing leader, operating in 11 offices in North America and Europe. For nearly 45 years, the agency has been consistently recognized as a thought-leader and growth-driver in the shopper space, attracting an impressive client base which includes Walmart, Hallmark, Coca-Cola, Campbell’s and Pfizer.


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People are realizing that not all face masks have the same efficiency to reduce transmissions during this difficult health crisis. While fabric masks were undoubtedly a lot better than wearing no face mask at all, it is high time now to step up the game and stop contagious coronavirus variants from spreading rapidly. The new crop of American made N95 masks are widely considered to be the gold standard closely followed by surgical masks to give people control over their safety and prevent virus attacks. However, it is more than important to find reliable sources for buying authentic face masks as we progress in this pandemic.
ALG Health stands out in the marketplace with reliable N95 face masks for optimal protection against coronavirus. The trusted platform facilitates buyers with authentic products to let them avoid the bootleg versions floating around otherwise on other websites. It has been over a year into the corona virus pandemic that we stand confused about the difference between real and fake face masks which has led to having more counterfeit options floating around. At ALG-Health.com, the availability of top-rated options for face masks is the priority to save buyers from compromising on quality.
Strict Safety Guidelines
American mask manufactures have proved the caliber and skills this nation has with a prompt response to the critical shortage of PPEs at the beginning of this pandemic. With many companies formed to answer the call, some have contributed significantly to thank frontline medical heroes with ramped up production of N95 particulate respirators. Buying from a well-reputed company ensures that the high-quality product meets the strict safety requirements and guidelines set forth by NIOSH. The best of which include ALG Health, Moldex, Protective Health Gear, 3M, The external markings on the masks show that each mask has been approved by NIOSH for safety purposes and you can very conveniently assure yourself of the genuineness of masks by tallying the numbers from the CDC website.
Secure and Comfortable Fit
Nothing can beat the efficiency and comfort of American-made masks as they are designed with utmost care for a secure and comfortable fit. The multilayer spun-bond material feels super soft just like a tissue with an adjustable nose piece to sit perfectly on the nose while securing a snug fit. The masks feature dual head straps unlike the ear loops in Chinese-made KN95 mask designs with similar filter efficiency otherwise. Being able to expand production facilities and support the growing demands of the front-line health care workers and the general public, American manufacturing companies have gained acknowledgment worldwide to invest for the future as well. So, it is worth supporting and promoting these brands for their efforts put up amidst this challenging crisis to provide the nation with high-quality face masks just like ALG Health has initiated a platform with premium quality products for personal care.


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Microsoft’s proposed 68.7 billion US dollar (£59.7bn) takeover of games publisher Activision Blizzard is to face an in-depth investigation amid concerns the deal is anti-competitive, the UK’s competition watchdog has confirmed.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it has referred the takeover for a so-called phase two probe after Microsoft said it would not be offering any proposals to address the regulator’s concerns.
It comes after the CMA said on September 1 it was concerned the proposed deal could lessen competition in gaming consoles, multi-game subscription services and cloud gaming.
The CMA said it has given the two firms five working days to submit proposals to address its concerns or the deal would be referred for a more detailed phase two probe.
Phase two investigations allow an independent panel of experts to look in more depth at the risks identified in phase one.
The CMA said on Thursday that Microsoft told it on September 6 that it would not be putting forward proposals and had therefore made the referral “on the basis that, on the information currently available to it, it is or may be the case that this merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom”.
As well as being one of the world’s biggest computer companies, Microsoft is a key player in the gaming market, most notably through its Xbox range.
Activision Blizzard is best known as the maker of popular gaming series such as Call Of Duty and World Of Warcraft.
Following its initial inquiry, the CMA said it was concerned that if the deal is completed, it could harm rivals by refusing them access to Activision Blizzard games or providing access on worse terms.
The watchdog said it also received evidence about the potential impact of combining the broader ecosystems of the two companies, and that Microsoft could leverage Activision’s games alongside its own strengths in consoles, cloud computing and PC operating systems to damage competition in the growing market of cloud gaming services – where players are able to stream video games.
Sorcha O’Carroll, senior director of mergers at the CMA, said at the time: “We are concerned that Microsoft could use its control over popular games like Call Of Duty and World Of Warcraft post-merger to harm rivals, including recent and future rivals in multi-game subscription services and cloud gaming.”
The all-cash deal is also understood to be facing a full-blown investigation in Brussels, with the two companies reportedly having been in talks with regulators there since the acquisition was announced on January 18.
It is expected to likely to lead to a lengthy investigation in the EU once Microsoft officially files its case in Brussels.
Microsoft declined to add to a statement made earlier this month by president and vice chairman Brad Smith, who insisted the group was “ready to work with the CMA on next steps and address any of its concerns”.
He said recently: “Sony, as the industry leader, says it is worried about Call Of Duty, but we’ve said we are committed to making the same game available on the same day on both Xbox and PlayStation.
“We want people to have more access to games, not less.”


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New Delhi: The wholesale price-based inflation rose to an eight-month excessive of 1.48 p.c in October, as manufactured merchandise turned costlier.
The WPI inflation was 1.32 p.c in September and 0 p.c in October final yr.
That is the best degree of Wholesale worth index-based (WPI) inflation since February when it was 2.26 p.c.
Whereas meals article costs softened in October, manufactured objects witnessed hardening of costs, based on knowledge launched by the Commerce and Business Ministry on Monday.
Meals inflation in October stood at 6.37 p.c, as in opposition to 8.17 p.c within the earlier month.
The speed of worth rise in greens and potato remained excessive at 25.23 p.c and 107.70 p.c, respectively, in the course of the month.
Inflation in non-food articles and minerals was greater at 2.85 p.c and 9.11 p.c, respectively.
Within the manufactured merchandise class, inflation stood at 2.12 p.c in October, in comparison with 1.61 p.c in September.
Costs in gasoline and energy basket softened to (-) 10.95 p.c in October.
The retail inflation, primarily based on the buyer worth index, was 7.61 p.c in October, knowledge launched final week confirmed.
The Reserve Financial institution in a report on the state of financial system final week had additionally flagged unrelenting strain of inflation as a draw back threat confronting the prospects of financial restoration.
“The foremost is the unrelenting strain of inflation, with no indicators of waning regardless of provide administration measures…There’s a grave threat of generalisation of worth pressures, unanchoring of inflation expectations feeding right into a lack of credibility in coverage interventions and the eventual corrosion of the nascent development impulses which are making their look,” the RBI stated.


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The November read on consumer prices (CPI) is out and the numbers were a tad cooler than expected.
CPI fell 0.3 percent versus economists' estimates for a 0.2 percent decline.
Excluding food and energy, prices climbed by 0.1 percent, which was lower than expectations for a 0.2 percent gain.
On a year-over-year basis, CPI climbed by just 1.8 percent.
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve said that it would keep interest rates exceptionally low as long as the inflation rate stayed below 2.5 percent and the unemployment rate was above 6.5 percent.
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) declined 0.3 percent in November on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 1.8 percent before seasonal adjustment.
The gasoline index fell 7.4 percent in November; this decrease more than offset increases in other indexes, resulting in the decline in the seasonally adjusted all items index. The energy index fell 4.1 percent in November despite increases in the indexes for natural gas and electricity. The food index rose 0.2 percent with the food at home index increasing 0.3 percent, the same increases as in October.
The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.1 percent in November after a 0.2 percent increase in October. The indexes for shelter, household furnishings and operations, airline fares, recreation, new vehicles, and medical care all increased in November, while the indexes for apparel and used cars and trucks declined.
The all items index increased 1.8 percent over the last 12 months, a decline from the 2.2 percent figure in October. The index for all items less food and energy rose 1.9 percent over the last 12 months, slightly lower than the October figure of 2.0 percent. The food index has risen 1.8 percent over the last 12 months, and the energy index has risen 0.3 percent.


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Budget Wearables Marketing materials for Nothing's CMF-branded smartwatch have been leaked, revealing its design, specs, and price.
CMF by Nothing Nothing's new sub-brand has its devices registered and approved in India ahead of a late 2023 launch.
Nothing update Nothing OS 2.0.2 has started to arrive on the Phone (2) with a strong focus on improving its camera experience.
A smartwatch is coming Nothing CEO Carl Pei announces the company's new affordable sub-brand called "CMF."
New software Carl Pei promised that Nothing's older phones will not be left out when receiving the latest Android updates.
Swedish House Mafia The personalized ringtone maker introduced with the Phone (2) gains new customized ringtones that sync with the Glyph interface on the back.
Monochrome icons Nothing has released its very own icon pack onto the Play Store, but it's not available for everyone.
Be an expert in 5 minutes
Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android


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Cannabis consumers travelling over the holidays will be pleased to know that the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has now relaxed its regulations regarding travelling with medical marijuana.
Here’s Why You Need A Cannabis Concierge Next Time You Travel
Five cannabis accessories to take your travels to the next level
How to pack your cannabis for air travel 101
tap here to see other videos from our team.
According to its website, passengers can now transport FDA-approved medications containing CBD, as well as any other products containing CBD. These products can be transported in both carry-on and checked luggage.
However, these regulations apply only to hemp-derived CBD that’s in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. These regulations do not apply for those who need a cannabis product containing more than 0.3 percent THC.
While federal law still prohibits flying with weed or transporting cannabis containing more than 0.3 percent THC across state lines, the TSA website states that its “screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs.”
If any illegal substance is discovered during security screenings, the TSA’s website notes it will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer. Anecdotal stories indicate that TSA officers in states where cannabis is legal tend to look the other way. They may confiscate any cannabis and paraphernalia they find, but then send travellers on their way. However, depending on state and local laws, those caught travelling with cannabis may find themselves facing harsher penalties, including fines and jail time.
Consume cannabis discretely
For those who decide they will take the risk and consume cannabis en route, consider leaving flower at home. A cannabis-infused edible or capsule are two very discrete methods of consumption that do not require any paraphernalia, which can be confiscated. Also, they can be consumed before boarding one’s plane, train or bus.
Be mindful, though, of the dosage as airline terminals, train stations and bus stops have the right to refuse passengers who are clearly under the influence. Also, those who exhibit clear signs of being stoned are much more likely to face scrutiny by security.
Avoiding cannabis odours when travelling
For those who prefer flower, simply putting one’s paraphernalia and cannabis into a baggie will not keep the smell of cannabis at bay. Dr. Alison Draisin, psychologist at the AIMS Institute in Seattle and CEO/founder of Ettalew’s Edibles, solves this problem by placing her flower in her trusty carry on Skunk (smell-proof) bag. Another option is the Cannador, which functions similar to a humidor for cigars by keeping one’s cannabis fresh and the surrounding area odour-free.
Either option will prevent one from developing a strong cannabis smell while using local public transportation, as well as keeping one’s car free from the smell of cannabis.
Be mindful that a qualified budtender will not give recommendations regarding how to circumvent the laws pertaining to travelling with cannabis. Hence, consumers are advised to check the laws for all those states they plan to visit prior to their journey. Those travelling internationally are advised to check the laws, such as those issued by Air Canada for those countries on their itinerary. Armed with this information, travellers can decide for themselves the degree of risk they want to take when travelling with cannabis.
The FreshToast.com, a U.S. lifestyle site that contributes lifestyle content and, with their partnership with 600,000 physicians via Skipta, medical marijuana information to The GrowthOp.
Want to keep up to date on what’s happening in the world of cannabis? Subscribe to the Cannabis Post newsletter for weekly insights into the industry, what insiders will be talking about and content from across the Postmedia Network


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Mortal Kombat 11 - Fujin trailer released
In a week's time there will be an official release of the "Aftermath" add-on for Mortal Kombat 11 fighting game announced in the first half of May and everyone will have a chance to find out what happened to the heroes of the game after the main narrative line.
However, in addition, the upcoming extension will introduce users to several other characters, one of which will be Fujin, already familiar to fans of the series. To properly present the new fighter, who is going to become a direct participant in the future DLC events, NetherRealm studio has published a small video, where Johnny Cage himself tells about what a great warrior in front of the audience.
"Aftermath" will be released on May 26th and with it the roaster will also be added to Shiva and RoboCop, which means that in the near future we should expect a few more videos from the creators.


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Tempur Sealy International has signed a multi-year extension to its current supply agreement with Mattress Firm, the largest specialty mattress retailer in the U.S. The new extension is on the same terms as the current agreement.
Tempur Sealy entered into a mutually beneficial agreement with Mattress Firm in 2019, to supply them with Tempur Sealy’s portfolio of highly innovative and highly sought-after products. Distribution of the Company’s Sealy and Tempur mattress brands, now the number one and number two top-selling brands in the U.S.*, through more than 2,300 Mattress Firm stores provides consumers with additional purchasing options consistent with the company’s strategy of ensuring its products are available now and where the customer wants to shop. The relationship has resulted in strong sales for both Tempur Sealy and Mattress Firm.
Tempur Sealy International Chairman and CEO Scott Thompson commented: “Mattress Firm is a valued retail partner and we are thrilled with the growth potential the extension of our agreement provides for both companies. We believe it also creates a stronger domestic bedding industry, which since 2019 has realized increasing average selling prices and experienced growing advertising share of voice for bedding products engaging consumers and driving foot traffic to all stores.”


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Brian Caulfield, Forbes Staff
Covering the intersection of new things and mass markets.
Apple has apparently lost an iPhone prototype. In a bar. Again.
An Apple employee reportedly lost the handset at a Jose Valle’s San Francisco tequila bar, Cava 22, setting off a mad scramble by police and Apple security that led them to a house in the Bernal Heights neighborhood in San Francisco, where a search turned up nothing.
Cnet’s Greg Sandoval and Declan McCullagh have put together the tale, and it is quite a tale:
In an interview this afternoon, Jose Valle told CNET that neither the police nor Apple security ever contacted him. Valle, who owns the bar with his family, said however he does remember a man calling multiple times about a lost iPhone about a month ago. He told the man he would call him back if he ever found the phone.
“I guess I have to make my drinks a little less strong,” Valle said.
Of course, this is the second time this has happened. Last year an iPhone prototype lost at a Redwood City, California beer garden was sold to gadget blog Gizmodo for $5,000 in an incident that led to a police raid on Gizmodo editor Jason Chen’s house.


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Despite losing nearly a billion dollars in its third fiscal quarter,
Though Nike lost nearly 12% of its overall value in the past year, it retains over $28 billion USD in worth, ensuring its stranglehold as the world’s most valuable clothing label. Its closest rival,
Outside of sportswear, scandals have rocked H&M to the point where only $2 billion USD separate the Swedish fast fashion powerhouse from Spanish competitor Zara. Meanwhile, Japan’s Uniqlo dropped from #5 to #9, widening the gap between its nearest challengers.
In the luxury sector, Hermès leads
Check out the top 10 global apparel brands below and head to Brand Finance’s website for the full list along with an explanation of its ranking methodology.
Elsewhere, Louis Vuitton made major waves by recruiting Virgil Abloh as its new menswear designer.


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The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has published Update on the US Regulatory Landscape for Mobile Payments, a summary of the latest meeting of the Mobile Payments Industry Workgroup (MPIW). “The industry and regulators are still trying to come to a common understanding about the different mobile technology solutions and how they impact the payments system,” the report found.
- Apple marks Earth Day with Apple Pay donations
- WeChat Pay and offline mobile payments see “incredibly high” uptake in China
- Visa EMV transactions pass 1bn in the US
- Singapore banks add in-store QR code payments to mobile apps
- US Bank ties credit card points to mobile payments


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MTV Music Meter Scans Social Sites for Rising StarsAndy Fixmer
Viacom Inc.’s MTV is starting a Web service to showcase up-and-coming bands as the cable channel adds online and mobile features to fend off Vevo.com and News Corp.’s MySpace.
MTV Music Meter, a service that scans social networks for bands generating an increasing number of comments, is available starting today, Dermot McCormack, who oversees digital operations at MTV Networks, said yesterday in an interview.
“We want to re-associate and new-associate the MTV brand with music,” McCormack said. “This is aimed at finding those artists who are rising fast in the social-media conversation.”
A version for devices using Google Inc.’s Android software and Apple Inc.’s iPad and iPhone will be available by the end of January, McCormack said. Music Meter provides music videos and 30-second samples of tracks. Full songs can be purchased at the site and MTV is working with Rhapsody International Inc. to provide full tracks in the near future, McCormack said. Internet radio will be added in a subsequent edition, he said. Clicking a “similar” button provides a list of related bands.
The channel is working with “one or two big brands” on sponsoring the site, McCormack said, without providing specifics. Ads during the first two months will be limited, he said. Companies will be able to associate with a particular genre or place ads next to a particular style of music. With the mobile version, companies may provide coupons or other promotions to users based on their location, he said.
MTV began in 1981, one of the first cable channels to air music videos. During the past 10 years, it provided fewer tunes as it shifted to episodic programming such as “The Real World” and “16 and Pregnant.” The reversion to its roots in music began last year when the channel started an Internet version of its “Unplugged” concert series.
Vevo.com, a collaboration of Vivendi SA’s Universal Music Group and Sony Corp.’s music division, is challenging MTV online with music videos. MySpace Chief Executive Officer Mike Jones shifted the site in October to focus on entertainment and has started online and mobile music products.
Viacom, based in New York and controlled by Chairman Sumner Redstone, rose 4 cents to $39.30 at 12:39 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The Class B shares had gained 32 percent this year before today.
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According to Zacks, “AVX Corporation is a leading worldwide manufacturer and supplier of a broad line of passive electronic components and related products. The company’s passive electronic component sales include ceramic and tantalum capacitors, both in leaded and surface-mount versions, film capacitors, ferrites, varistors and non-linear resistors manufactured in the company’s facilities. The company also manufactures and sells electronic connectors and distributes and sells certain connectors. “
Separately, ValuEngine upgraded shares of Valmont Industries from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, July 12th.
AVX (NYSE:AVX) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, April 22nd. The electronics maker reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the Thomson Reuters’ consensus estimate of $0.39 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $439.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $449.00 million. AVX had a net margin of 15.17% and a return on equity of 11.74%. AVX’s revenue for the quarter was down 1.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.19 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that AVX will post 1.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
In other AVX news, SVP Evan M. Slavitt sold 8,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.14, for a total value of $129,120.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 28,872 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $465,994.08. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.
Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AVX. Investors Research Corp purchased a new stake in AVX during the first quarter worth about $29,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in AVX by 1,007.7% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,717 shares of the electronics maker’s stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 1,562 shares during the last quarter. Advisor Group Inc. increased its holdings in AVX by 117.8% during the fourth quarter. Advisor Group Inc. now owns 2,428 shares of the electronics maker’s stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 1,313 shares during the last quarter. Quantamental Technologies LLC purchased a new position in shares of AVX in the first quarter worth about $49,000. Finally, Meeder Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of AVX in the first quarter worth about $107,000. 25.16% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
AVX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, supplies, and resells various electronic components, interconnect devices, sensing and control devices, and related products worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Electronic Components; Interconnect, Sensing and Control Devices; and Kyocera Electronic Devices Resale.
See Also: What causes a recession?
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Nakefit offers adhesive pads that attach to the bottom of the foot, allowing you to walk freely.
The “Starboy” singer’s sneaker collaboration is expected to arrive soon.
They’re expected to release fall ’17.
The stolen shoes won the 2017 Vans Custom Culture Technology in Design honor.
The limited-edition look arrives July 1.
Three styles to choose from release next month.
Only 50 pairs will be released to the public next month.
But you can still find pairs on eBay.
The Golden State Warriors star was wearing designer items from head to toe.
Frisk’s appointment is just one of the executive moves the brand announced today.


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The Food and Drug Administration is punishing a number of business that make and disperse kratom, a supplement with psychedelic and pain-relieving qualities that's been connected to a current salmonella break out.
In a letter launched on Tuesday, FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb gotten in touch with 3 business in various states to stop selling unapproved kratom products with unproven health claims. In a declaration, Gottlieb stated the business were taken part in "health fraud rip-offs" that " posture severe health dangers."
Obtained from a plant belonging to Southeast Asia, kratom is frequently offered as pills, powder, or tea in the US. Advocates say it assists suppress the signs of opioid withdrawal, which has led people to flock to kratom recently as a method of stepping down from more effective drugs like Vicodin.
Since kratom is classified as a supplement and has not been established as a drug, it's not subject to much federal policy. That implies tainted kratom tablets and powders can easily make their method to keep shelves-- which appears to have actually happened in a current outbreak of salmonella that has up until now sickened more than 130 people throughout numerous states.
Extravagant claims and little clinical research study
The FDA's recent crackdown seems the current step in a growing divide in between supporters and regulatory firms regarding the use of kratom The business the firm has named are Front Range Kratom of Aurora, Colorado; Kratom Spot of Irvine, California and Revibe, Inc., of Kansas City, Missouri.
The claims Discover More these three companies have made consist of marketing the supplement as " really effective against cancer" and recommending that their products might help minimize the signs of opioid dependency.
There are couple of existing scientific research studies to back up those claims. Research on kratom has discovered, nevertheless, that the drug take advantage of some of the exact same brain receptors as opioids do. That stimulated the FDA to classify it as an opioid in February.
Experts say that because of this, it makes good sense that people with opioid usage disorder are relying on kratom as a means of abating their symptoms and stepping down from more effective drugs like Vicodin.
Taking any supplement that hasn't been evaluated for safety by medical experts can be unsafe.
The threats of taking kratom.
Previous FDA testing found that numerous products dispersed by Revibe-- one of the three companies named in the FDA letter-- were polluted with salmonella. Last month, as part of a request from the company, Revibe ruined several tainted products still at its center, but the business has yet to validate that it recalled products that had actually currently shipped to stores.
Last month, the FDA released its first-ever necessary recall of kratom products after those produced by Las Vegas-based Triangle Pharmanaturals were found to be contaminated with salmonella.
As of April 5, a overall of 132 individuals throughout 38 states had been sickened with the bacteria, which can trigger diarrhea and stomach discomfort lasting up to a week.
Besides handling the risk that kratom items might bring damaging germs, those who take the his response supplement have no trustworthy way to determine the appropriate dose. It's also tough to find a verify kratom supplement's full component list or represent potentially damaging interactions with other drugs or medications.
Kratom is currently banned in Australia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and several US states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee, and Wisconsin). Throughout the US, a number of reports of deaths and addiction led the Drug Enforcement Administration to put kratom on its list of "drugs and chemicals of issue." In 2016, the DEA proposed a restriction on kratom but backtracked under pressure from some members of Congress and an outcry from kratom supporters.


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Trade negotiations between China and the United States continue early next week in Washington D.C., but analysts say after the first round, the differences between the two sides are huge. Some believe the differences are so fundamental and big that an escalation of tariffs is unavoidable.
According to a widely circulated copy of Washington’s demands, President Donald Trump’s delegation not only asked Beijing to cut its trade deficit with the United States by $200 billion by 2020, but to also sharply lower tariffs and government subsidies of advanced technologies.
Beijing wants the United States to no longer oppose granting China market economy status at the World Trade Organization, amend an export ban against Chinese tech company ZTE Corp and open American government procurement to Chinese technology and services among other demands.
View to escalation
Scott Kennedy, a China scholar at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the first round made it clear just how far apart the U.S. and China are in their views of what’s fair, what they want and expect the other side to do.
“I think we’re still headed toward escalation with both sides adopting tariffs in the next few weeks, but at least now we know what the fight is about,” Kennedy said. “It’s about whether or not China should be a market economy, or what you know whether it should be able to maintain its state capitalist system without any constraints.”
China joined the WTO in December of 2001 as a non-market economy and after 15 years it was expected the granting of the status as a market economy would naturally follow — along with its opening up.
But that is not what has happened, and the United States and European Union have refused to grant China market economy status.
Beijing insists it should be regarded as a market economy regardless of whether other countries believe it fits the definition. Under Xi Jinping, the Communist Party has moved to assert greater control over business and the economy.
Competition vs. compensation
It has also become increasingly clear that China’s definition of reform and that of the West are strikingly different.
In an interview with VOA earlier this year, William Zarit, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce, said that while many used to assume China would continue to carry out Western style economic reforms initiated in the early 2000s, that is no longer the case.
“In the last four or five years, we’ve seen that reform has taken a different direction, that the Chinese economy is on a different trajectory and that is more support for state-owned enterprises,” Zarit said. “And when I hear reforms now, it is more about making state-owned enterprises more efficient and not necessarily competitive in a fully market-based economy.”
But Song Hong, an economist with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, argues that China has fulfilled its WTO obligations and it is the United States and European Union that have broken their promises to grant the country market economy status.
He said Washington’s demands to slash the trade deficit by $100 billion a year does not make economic sense. He also said the demand for China to lower tariffs and put the two countries on equal footing is impossible.
“The market in China is of course not as open as the U.S. market because China remains a developing country, which is no match to the U.S.,” Song Hong said. “The per capita income level in China around $10,000 vs. the U.S.’s some $50,000. How can both countries be equal?”
Talks as clock ticks
Some Chinese state media reports have tried to sound upbeat about the meetings focusing on the two sides agreed to keep talking, despite their differences.
On Monday, the White House announced a Chinese delegation led by Liu He, China’s vice premier and a top aide to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, will visit the United States early next week.
At the same time, however, the clock is ticking on U.S. threats to implement up to $150 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. A day after Liu arrives in Washington, there will be a public hearing to discuss tariffs and the Trump administration’s investigation into China’s trade policies and practices.
If no agreement is reached by May 23, Washington would be well within its right to go ahead with the tariffs, analysts note. To which, China has promised to promptly reply.
Kennedy said that while the United States has used unilateral penalties in the past, this time around the chances of escalation are a lot higher.
“Not only are the disagreements deeply fundamental, China is much more powerful and ambitious than it used to be. And so it’s not likely to cave easily,” he said.
Brian Kopczynski contributed to this report.


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Daimler is withdrawing its Car2go car-sharing scheme from Britain as of tomorrow (Friday), citing "the UK's strong culture of private vehicle ownership" as the reason why the project hasn't worked in this country.
The city-based Car2go scheme – a collaboration between Daimler and Europcar – provides a pool of Smart Fortwo micro cars that can be accessed at any time by registered users.
Drivers locate vehicles using a smartphone app, access the cars via a card reader on the windscreen, pay for usage by the minute and are free to park the car anywhere within the city centre limits at the end of their rental.
The first pilot scheme was launched in Germany in 2008. It reached London in December 2012 and Birmingham in May 2013, the latter as a one-year trial. UK users paid 35p per minute to use the cars.
The scheme operated across three boroughs in London, and in a statement Car2go said it had encountered logistical difficulties in co-ordinating across the capital: "The unique challenges we encountered were more significant than expected".


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In what is turning out to be one of the most interesting quarterly earnings reporting seasons for some years, Apple, Zynga, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Intel have all “surprised” the market with their “low” numbers — but there are fundamental differences in why these firms have had a tough quarter. (I’m going to use calendar quarters rather than financial quarters to avoid things getting far too complicated).I can think of four main reasons (I’m sure there are more):
- The tough product transition period, part 1: Apple. Apple had a pretty good Q2 2012 — far better than a year ago — but unfortunately it came on the back of a huge Q1 2012 (largely thanks to iPhone 4S). Citing poor demand in Europe among other factors, Tim Cook also made some interesting comments on the earnings call alluding to anticipation of iPhone 5 reducing demand for current products. Pent-up demand for the new phone seems unprecedented; once this device hits the market, Apple numbers should “improve.” It’s a testament to the financial markets’ belief that Apple can do no wrong that this shock miss of Wall Street’s inflated earnings estimates (albeit more in line with Apple’s own projections) shaved 5% off the share price overnight.
- The tough product transition period, part 2: Nintendo. Another firm whose current products are looking tired but whose shiny new products aren’t quite ready is Nintendo. The Wii has dropped off console sales charts in the past year, and while the 3DS is doing good business in the portable space, the release of new Wii U consoles is still (probably) several months away. It’s going to be a tough 2012 for Nintendo; crucially, there isn’t that guaranteed pent-up demand for the new console that Apple enjoys with the iPhone 5.
- Great business but bad investments coming home to roost: Microsoft. In many ways, Microsoft is also in a transition period — Windows 8 OS and accompanying Surface devices won’t arrive until October 26, 2012 — but luckily the rest of its products haven’t run out of steam. In fact, Q2 2012 was a good quarter with rising revenues; it’s just a shame that its on-going fruitless attempts to build a consumer media/advertising strategy led to a $6.2 billion writedown.
- A changing market causing (hopefully) short-term pain: Intel, AMD, PC OEMs. As expected, a tough global economy and the on-going consumer (and business) infatuation with tablets is hitting traditional PC sales numbers. Ironically, the solution to the tablet challenge may also be causing consumers to delay PC replacements while they wait to see a proper tablet + Windows solution, which won’t happen until the end of October.
- Wow, we did not expect that! Zynga. Cracks started to appear in Zynga’s “grinding games without the fun game bit” business model some time ago; its valuation at IPO (in November 2011) was based on the continuing stratospheric growth of user numbers (and the accompany microtransaction revenues) seen with early hits like Farmville and Mafia Wars. Unsurprisingly, like every other videogaming market, social games have turned out to be a hits-driven industry, with relatively low barriers to entry and a fickle audience. It also highlights the danger of relying on someone else’s platform (Facebook) over which you have no control. And the strategy of buying a rival “star” product/ firm (Draw Something by OMGPOP) for top dollar just as it became a “dog”(entirely bypassing the “cash-cow” phase) didn’t help . . . see this if that last sentence didn’t mean much to you.
Of course it’s not all doom and gloom: ARM and Samsung have reported excellent results of late — and even Facebook did moderately OK, even if that didn’t stop the markets from punishing its share price for not doing better, probably due to the fact that the firm still hasn’t worked out how to really ramp up revenues.
So, while Q3 is typically a quiet period for consumer firms, Q4 is shaping up to be a litmus test for firms like Apple, Nintendo and Microsoft – new products that will need to succeed (and fast), landing at a time when consumers still seem unwilling to recommence their profligate spending ways.


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By Robbie Webber
Electric vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce emissions and the climate impact of transportation. But the global increase in SUV sales—led by but not exclusive to the U.S.—is more than neutralizing these reductions. That is the message from an analysis of the World Energy Outlook 2019, due out on November 13th.
Electric car sales are booming, from 2 million vehicles in 2018 to an expected 20 million in 2030. But the projected 2030 numbers will still only represent 7 percent of the global car fleet at that time. And electric cars tend to be small and medium-sized vehicles. Meanwhile, SUV sales are also booming. Today, 40 percent of global car sales are SUVs, up from 20 percent a decade ago. Two-hundred million SUVs are on the road, up from 35 million in 2010.
The analysis points out:
On average, SUVs consume about a quarter more energy than medium-size cars. As a result, global fuel economy worsened caused in part by the rising SUV demand since the beginning of the decade, even though efficiency improvements in smaller cars saved over 2 million barrels a day, and electric cars displaced less than 100,000 barrels a day.
In fact, SUVs were responsible for all of the 3.3 million barrels a day growth in oil demand from passenger cars between 2010 and 2018, while oil use from other types of cars (excluding SUVs) declined slightly. If consumers’ appetite for SUVs continues to grow at a similar pace seen in the last decade, SUVs would add nearly 2 million barrels a day in global oil demand by 2040, offsetting the savings from nearly 150 million electric cars.
We already have seen the dangers of larger vehicles with regard to the safety of those outside the vehicle. No matter how many electric vehicles are sold, climate goals will never be met if the world continues to love the SUV.
Robbie Webber is a Senior Associate at SSTI.


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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE expected to launch in January 2022. The launch of the Samsung galaxy s21 fe continues to be doubtful. While various rumours believed that it’d be launching soon, the latest reviews have stated otherwise. Now, new records have advised that the cellphone can be arriving in January 2022.
According to a sammobile document, the South Korean tech massive might be launching the galaxy s21 fe in January 2021. However, the device gained’t announced on a major occasion or even a digital unpacked conference, as a substitute it’d quietly released thru an easy press launch. On the other hand, this means that the launch of the galaxy s22 collection, which formerly anticipated to release in January, will in all likelihood be not on time.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE expected to launch in January 2022
it’s miles incredibly unlikely that Samsung would launch too high give up smartphones along with each other, so a minimum hole of a month can anticipated between the two releases. Drastically, the report added that the galaxy s21 fe might handiest be availability is probably restrained at release, with a few nations receiving gadgets in January whilst the rest might face in addition delays for its sale.
As of right now, the worldwide chip scarcity predicted to be the number one motive for the not on-time launch of the galaxy s21 fe. However, a delay inside the plan can be good for the corporation as it would be able to comfy more chips for its subsequent-gen flagship lineup. Furthermore, Samsung would possibly even conduct an unpacked event for the galaxy s22 collection previous to mwc 2022 this set to start from February 28. Even though that is nonetheless unconfirmed so take this file with a pinch of salt for now.


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Saudi food sector growing by 5.9% annually
The food industry in Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in the Arab world, is expected to grow by 5.9 per cent annually from 2016 to 2020, according to consultants Frost & Sullivan.
The food industry already accounts for 12 per cent of GDP in the Gulf State, but the further growth will be fuelled primarily by sales of chocolate confectionery, frozen foods, chilled processed foods and snacks.
Frost & Sullivan sees a number of business opportunities in the food industry in Saudi Arabia that include targeting specific needs such as convenience and ease of preparation. There is also scope for businesses to make money in the field of product innovation and differentiation through new flavors, formats, healthy options and cooking processes.
The Saudi Arabian food industry is being revolutionised as the impact of the internet, social media and changing consumer behaviours take hold in the Arabian Peninsula.
“With all major supermarkets and hypermarkets in expansion mode, the private label segment is poised to experience significant growth over the next four years. An increase from 5 per cent to 10 to 15 per cent is expected by 2020,” said David Anil Kumar, visionary science consultant at Frost & Sullivan.
“Major hypermarkets such as Danube and Carrefour are starting to promote their own private label-branded products that carry a perception of quality, while still being affordable.”


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After practicing for more than 20 years as a family physician in underserved areas of Los Angeles, Luis Pacheco, MD, sees a “tidal wave” of Hispanic consumers building in the United States. “It’s coming, and there is no stopping it,” says Pacheco, a former faculty member at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.
NewHope360.com recently spoke with Pacheco, who is a medical celebrity on Spanish-language radio and television and the creator of the supplement brand Dr. Pacheco Naturalmente, about how this tidal wave could shape the future of wellness in America.
Why should organic, natural and healthy product companies and retailers be paying attention to the U.S. Hispanic community?
Luis Pacheco, MD: The United States is now home to at least 50 million Latinos. To put this in perspective, there are more Hispanics in the United States than there are people in Canada. To really bring it home, there are more Hispanics in the United States than there are people in Spain. So, the United States is now the mother country for Hispanics. The U.S. Hispanic community is also the fastest-growing population by far because of very high birth rates, and it is a very young population. In the next 50 years, the Latino population in the United States is expected to triple and make up about 30 percent of the U.S. population. The spending power of Hispanics in the United States is now over a trillion dollars, even with the recession.
How would you describe people’s relationship with health and wellness within the U.S. Hispanic community?
LP: Unfortunately, what we have seen with most immigrant groups over the years going back to the turn of the century is that these communities do not tend to engage in prevention. For the most part, they wait until there is a big problem—until they are really feeling poorly—before seeking care. In general, within the U.S. Hispanic community, there is a mistrust of the conventional healthcare system on the one hand. But, on the other hand, amongst Hispanics, the doctor is still a respected figure, much more revered than in other cultures. Yet, there is also that fear, well, if I go to the doctor he is going to find something wrong with me, so I won’t go to the doctor. Hispanics tend to underutilize the healthcare system for a number of reasons—obviously cultural, as well as economic. Unfortunately, many Hispanic people live without health insurance coverage. It is expensive for them to seek medical care if they have to pay cash because they cannot get to some type of free clinic.
Developing a culturally relevant message
If most immigrant groups tend to wait until a big problem pops up before seeking care, how do you take a prevention message to this community?
LP: It’s all about being able to communicate effectively in a culturally relevant way. That is the challenge here.
A growing number of natural product companies realize they need to reach Hispanic consumers, but some think that translating their packaging and collateral into Spanish is enough.
LP: It’s not. It won’t do anything. Years back, I was asked by the pharmaceutical industry to help them revise their brochures for the Hispanic population because the companies realized they were just having the brochures translated into Spanish and the content made no sense culturally or from an idiomatic standpoint.
What’s the key to being culturally relevant to Hispanics?
LP: That’s the million dollar question. It’s really about knowing how to communicate and knowing how to gain people’s attention and get your message through. Then you have to earn the Hispanic consumer’s trust. Obviously, when it comes to products, you have to give them products that produce results and help them to feel better and that they perceive as being high quality, safe and free from contamination. Remember, with a lot of folks who come from immigrant nations—Latino countries, in this case—unfortunately, there are a lot of bad products that are made with very low-quality control. There are no GMPs or standards and very little oversight. So these people will want to know whether your products are high-quality products.
Hispanics prefer supplements to RX drugs
How do Hispanic consumers tend to perceive herbal products and other supplements?
LP: The Hispanic community is much more inclined to use natural products, including herbs and teas. Alternatively, we have seen with our customers and I have seen with my patients that there is a definite mistrust of prescription medications within the Hispanic community. A lot of folks will fill the prescription, but never take it. They are much more prone to use natural products. Over the past 25-some years that I’ve been in medicine, this has been very, very consistent.
What role will U.S. Hispanics play in the country’s future of wellness?
LP: Unfortunately, when I look at the Hispanic community, I’m not seeing the future of wellness—I’m seeing the future of illness. That is going to be an enormous problem—not just for those individuals and their families, but for the whole country. The two greatest health problems within the Latino community are obesity and diabetes. The rates of these problems are much higher in the U.S. Hispanic community than in the white population. The U.S. population with the highest prevalence of diabetes is the Native American population. Number two is the Hispanic population.
The thing about diabetes is that, unless you die from a heart attack, you can live with it for years—but you also have to live with things like foot ulcers, which cost billions and billions of dollars each year to treat. Diabetics also have a higher rate of stroke and are at a much greater risk for kidney failure and dialysis, which can go on for years and is extremely expensive. They are also at significantly higher risk of developing blindness. When you combine all of these things, it is hundreds of billions of dollars a year.
What needs to be done to address this?
LP: We need to get a message out there to Hispanics—a message they can understand in terms of what their health means, what steps they can take to live a healthier life and why that is important. Number one is communicating this type of message over and over and over to hopefully get the adults to change a little bit. But I would focus a lot of effort on kids. It is much easier to educate kids and to convince kids to do things than it is adults. Hopefully the kids will start exhibiting some more positive lifestyle, eating and exercise habits, which they can pass down to their children.
Addressing this problem is going to take a lot of communication and a lot of leadership. Unfortunately, it is also going to take legislation. We are basically moving toward legislating wellness and nutrition through things like the trans fat bans and sodium-reduction initiatives. I look at health care as having to be legislated; otherwise 25 to 40 years from now, the health care costs associated with diabetes complications alone are going to be astronomical.
I’ve been talking about this diabetes epidemic within the Hispanic community for 15 years. At first people thought I was crazy, but I was seeing it happen in the clinics. The problem is, we are now seeing younger and younger diabetics. Before, if they were young, they were 25 or 30, instead of the usual 45 for type 2 diabetes. Now we frequently see 16 and 18 year olds with type 2 diabetes. I don’t know if this will bankrupt our health care system, but it will put an enormous strain on it. If you have millions of people on dialysis, who have amputations and are blind and are having heart attacks and strokes, who is going to take care of them?
One silver lining seems to be that the Hispanic community is so young, so you can have an impact by educating Hispanic children.
LP: Absolutely. The upside is that there will be tremendous opportunity to reach out and communicate with this rapidly growing demographic group. There will be an enormous opportunity to provide them with high-quality products that they trust and believe in and that they will take—especially on the natural products and dietary supplement side, because of the general mistrust of conventional medicine and prescription medication. There will be opportunities for those companies that can really effectively communicate a message and the reliability of their brand to Hispanic consumers. They are certainly going to be in the driver’s seat. And for those companies that don’t see it yet; well, they are just going to make more opportunity for the companies that do.


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Ford's Big Pickup Trucks Evolve To Save Fuel
Pickup trucks are icons of a can-do America that works hard and believes that bigger is better. Now, as WSJ's Joseph B. White reports, some pickup buyers are reconsidering the bigger is better part, opting for a high-tech V-6 instead of a big V-8.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
I ... the American pickup truck is a throwback to the days when bigger was better ... now it's evolving ... and nowhere is that more evident than the Ford F one fifty ... Ford's F series of large pickup trucks and the best-selling vehicles in America until recently nearly all sold would be the engines under the hood ... now Ford is offering a new turbocharged the six EcoBoost engine for the F one fifty ... the delivers more power than the standard Kiat and gets better mileage ... despite the fact that this is the sex and none of the day ... before he EcoBoost engines delivers three hundred and sixty five horsepower which is five more horsepower than the five liter be a bid for has packaged in the struck in the past ... that's impressive to people who bought trust in this class before ... the two fingered if There's No VA there's no sale ... Ford says the EcoBoost and another piece expansion accounted for more than half of all F one fifty sales in May ... less than two years ago all in one fifty sold within the a ... the new EcoBoost engines saves an average of three mpg compared with the aid engines Ford sold six years ago ... good for the consumer and the environment ... because while three mpg might not seem like a lot ... over the course of the year you're talking upwards of six hundred dollars in savings ... Sunday we may all drive electric cars and hybrids ... but that day is a long way off ... until then getting more mpg on a big race like this ... is gonna be an important factor in reducing the U S consumption of oil ... for The Wall Street Journal this is Joe White ...


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Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a flexible, self-powered armband that will sound an alarm when the wearer runs a temperature.
The fever alarm armband starts beeping when a thermal sensor detects a pre-set body temperature of between 36.5 and 38.5C.
The device combines a flexible silicon solar panel, piezoelectric speaker, temperature sensor and power supply circuit with organic components in a wearable armband.
"Our fever alarm armband demonstrates that it is possible to produce flexible, disposable devices that can greatly enhance the amount of information available to carers in healthcare settings,” Professor Takao Someya, a lead researcher, said.
"We have demonstrated the technology with a temperature sensor and fever alarm, but the system could also be adapted to provide audible feedback on body temperature, or combined with other sensors to register wetness, pressure or heart rate."
The wearable fever alarm will be presented at the International Solid State Circuits Conference in San Francisco this week.
The research group was led by Professor Takayasu Sakurai of the Institute of Industrial Science and Professor Takao Someya of the Graduate School of Engineering.
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TAMPA, USA: Mascus, the world's leading online marketplace for transportation vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural and forestry equipment is pleased to announce a new licensing agreement in China with ANB, a company based in Xiamen.
"Mascus China and Taiwan will be our 40th and 41st territories, marking one of the most significant milestones in our history," says Managing Director Fredrik Larsson.
"The sheer size and speed of growth of the economy makes it a vital step in our globalization plan. It is the first of the BRIC countries to sign with Mascus and we are working hard on deals in Brazil, India and Russia next, as well as other key territories such as South Korea and Mexico."
Already present in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, with sites in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, the new Chinese office will strengthen Mascus' position in Asia and open up new opportunities for customers across the world to break into the huge Chinese marketplace.
Mascus China will cover Greater China, including the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong and Macau; as well as the Republic of China (Taiwan).
"Unlike our competitors, Mascus has a truly global presence," said Tomasz Odrobinski, Internationalization director. "Establishing a permanent base in China opens up the world's biggest market to our Customers, as well as helping Chinese customers reach local and global markets more effectively."


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New vehicle sales in China fell 48 percent to 1.18 million in April, a 10-year low for the month, as the coronavirus outbreak negatively impacted production and shipments, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said Wednesday.
SAIC Motor Corp., seeking to ease investor fears about the negative impact on its operations from the latest wave of coronavirus outbreaks, plans to spend 1.6 billion yuan ($240 million) to 3.2 billion yuan to buy back shares on the Shanghai stock exchange.
Audi, the luxury brand of Volkswagen Group, continued to lag behind its two German archrivals, BMW and Mercedes Benz, in first-quarter sales. All three German luxury brands posted lower sales in the first three months, with output and demand undermined by the resurging coronavirus outbreak and supply-chain bottlenecks.
Wholesale and retail sales of new vehicles contracted sharply in the first two weeks of April with production, shipping and deliveries severely disrupted by spiking coronavirus cases and other supply-chain bottlenecks, according to the China Automobile Dealers Association.
CATL, China’s largest battery producer for electric vehicles, has become the first EV battery maker to provide domestic battery swap services. The first batch of four battery swap stations went into operation in the east China port city of Xiamen this week, CATL said.


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HTC have launched their flagship handset recently and the subdivision in Taiwan has now posted an image on their Facebook page with the title of Spring Is Coming.
At the same time they have revealed that there is going to be an unexpected surprise heading your way on March 20.
At the moment they haven’t given away any clues as to what that surprise might be. It could be related to a new handset, but that doesn’t seem very likely as they have only just revealed the HTC U Ultra along with the U Play. Along with that they have revealed that they are leaving the low-end market.
In the teaser image they have used the colour green and some people have suggested that this could be a big hint about what is coming our way. The report has suggested that it may be the sapphire display that was previously revealed. It could be the 128GB version of the HTC U Ultra edition or it may be the green colour choice for other handsets.
HTC did use the word unexpected though so the above may not be likely. March 20 is just a few days away but what are your thoughts about the unexpected surprise?


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LOS ANGELES -- Hyundai Motor is launching a global battery-electric brand using the Ioniq name from its current hybrid and EV hatchbacks. It plans to release three electric vehicles from the new brand in the next four years, starting in early 2021 with a midsize crossover.
Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Kia and Genesis, has said it aims to sell 1 million battery-electric vehicles and take 10 percent market share to become a leader in the global EV field by 2025. Hyundai Motor plans to become the third-largest maker of eco- friendly vehicles, including fuel cell EVs.
The Ioniq 5 coming next year is based on the concept 45 vehicle from the 2019 Frankfurt auto show, the automaker said in a statement. The Ioniq 6 -- to be launched in 2022 -- is a sedan that takes its inspiration from the Prophecy concept shown in March. It will be followed in early 2024 by a large SUV, the Ioniq 7.
The naming of the vehicles is based partially on body style. Crossovers and SUVs will use odd numbers and sedans will use even numbers, Hyundai said in a press release. The current Ioniq vehicles will be known simply as Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and Electric.
The new Ioniq brand will be sold through the existing Hyundai dealership network.
"To fulfill Ioniq's brand mission, Hyundai will combine its current EV capabilities — such as ultra-fast charging, spacious interior and battery-supplied power -- with future innovations that combine design, technologies and services to integrate in-car and out-of-car experiences," the company said.
Hyundai said that additional Ioniq models will follow after the first three are launched by 2024.
"The creation of the Ioniq brand is in response to fast-growing market demand and accelerates Hyundai's plan to lead the global EV market," the company said.
Separately, the automaker's luxury Genesis brand has said it will sell an EV after the launch of its upcoming gasoline-powered crossovers this year and in 2022.


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Global supply chain finance solution TwinCo Capital has just raised $12m in equity and debt.
On a mission to reduce the world’s estimated $1.7tn trade finance gap, the Amsterdam and Madrid-based fintech was founded in 2019 by CEO Sandra Nolasco and COO Carmen Marín.
The round was led by Quona Capital with participation from Working Capital Innovation Fund alongside existing investors Mundi Ventures and Finch Capital.
The company plans to use the funds to accelerate its expansion within its major sourcing countries as well as to strengthen its technology and data capabilities, with a focus on ESG.
“If we are to have competitive and socially responsible supply chains on a global scale, suppliers need access to affordable financing from the very beginning of production, starting with the purchase order,” Nolasco said.
“Extraordinary events, such as those experienced these past years, have revealed the fragility of supply chains, which are historically unable to adapt to the complexity of global production networks.
“At Twinco, we propose a radical change in how to use finance as a tool to proactively transform global supply chains, to foster the participation of SMEs, improve efficiency and ensure responsible sourcing practices.”
Twinco provides affordable loans to factories, particularly small and medium-sized companies in emerging countries which are disproportionately affected by the trade finance gap, and acts as a stopgap for suppliers.
It advances up to 60 per cent of a purchase order value upfront in a process that is designed to be “fully transparent” and “no hassle”.


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Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer of Arland, a Japanese Role-Playing Game released to the country in 2012, is now come to North America for PlayStation Vita devices, Sony announced today.
Strangely, the title was given no official announcement beyond this. The Vita launch was first rumored last year when a listing on the Australian Classification Board revealed the title would feature an R-18+ rating, a leap from the original PS3 game's PG rating. Before the launch of this Vita port, the original PlayStation 3 release of The Adventurer of Arland first came to North America in 2012.
The Gust-developed title is available for $39.99 and is bundled with DLC, in addition to new skins, as part of an offer running until April 16.
Gust today announced Atelier Escha & Logy, a direct RPG sequel to Atelier Ayesha. The game will release in Japan on June 27 for PS3; However, it is unclear whether it will receive a North American release any time soon.


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After being out of work for nearly four months, what 50-year-old Norma Ramirez of Glendale most wants for Christmas is a paycheck, specifically from a seasonal sales position at JCPenney during the retailer's busiest time of year.
"I want this job a lot," Ramirez said as she filled out an application earlier this month at a computer kiosk inside the Glendale Galleria's JCPenney store.
The former bus driver, who job-hunts nearly every day, may not know until the week before Christmas whether she has landed a position. In fact, the holidays may not bring much cheer to Ramirez or to other Southern Californians looking for work. When the big shopping season kicks off Friday, many employers will have only modestly beefed up their ranks.
Although stores operating in Southern California and across the country say they are taking on seasonal help, the number of applicants is outpacing the number of jobs. Those who do get hired for the short term, economists and others say, may find it tougher than ever to stay on after the holidays.
Even as the U.S. economy starts picking up steam -- the government reported Tuesday that the nation's gross domestic product grew at an 8.2% annual rate in the third quarter -- American employers in general aren't increasing their hiring.
The National Retail Federation, which represents 100 retail associations, is expecting a 5.7% boost in holiday sales this year, yet many merchants aren't hiring any more help than usual. Rather, they probably will have employees work longer shifts, said Washington-based spokeswoman Ellen Tolley.
Nationwide last year, retailers added about 750,000 workers to their payrolls in November and December, a 3.2% increase over 2001, she said.
This year, she expects an increase of 3.5% to 4%.
"If sales are up, employee hours will increase. If traffic is up, employee hours will increase," Tolley said. "If traffic and sales are down, employees will be working less."
In California, retailers added about 100,000 jobs in November and December of 2000 and 2001. But last year, the total holiday hiring slipped to about 65,000, according to the state's Employment Development Department.
And this year, retail hiring around the state has been flat, the state department said.
Although general merchandise and home improvement sellers in the state have added jobs, the increases have been offset by losses among specialty retailers of sporting goods, books and electronics and appliances.
John Challenger, chief executive of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., said retailers nationwide were taking a cautious approach to adding holiday staff.
"I think employers are preparing for a slight increase in hiring but don't want to go overboard until they see 'the whites of their eyes,' the customers in their stores and actually purchasing," Challenger said.
On the other hand, retailers need to be wary of being understaffed and turning away customers who are frustrated by a lack of good service, shopping experts say.
"There can be a trade-off for certain retailers where customers have an expectation of a certain level of service," said Aubie Goldenberg, a retail consultant with Ernst & Young in Los Angeles.
"A lack of staffing isn't going to hurt Target in the same way it would hurt a retailer like Nordstrom."
Seattle-based Nordstrom Inc. said it would hire "slightly more" workers nationwide, spokeswoman Deniz Anders said. But in California, hiring will be about equal to last year.
Target Corp.'s Hayward, Calif.-based Mervyn's chain plans to hire about 10,000 holiday workers, about 40 people at each of its 267 stores. That number has held steady for the last four years, Mervyn's spokeswoman Melinda McRae said.
Many merchants have reported an increase in job applications this holiday season, with more from students and unemployed adults hoping to supplement their income with a second job.
"They're seeing more applications this year than they have in many years," said Tolley, of the National Retail Federation.
This year, Plano, Texas-based J.C. Penney Co. is accepting applications for seasonal help at its in-store kiosks, on a 24-hour phone line or on the company's Web site, which sends the paperwork directly to a Penney store.
Penney's, which has about 228,000 employees, normally will add 10% to 15% more staff at each store, spokeswoman Christi Byrd Smith said.
At a store as big as the Glendale Penney's, which has about 280 workers, the company might add even more, she said.
So far, Penney's phone applications are up 5% over last year and walk-in applicants are up "significantly," Smith said.
Although the number of strong applicants is up from last year, the number of seasonal hires will not be, Penney's said.
And the jobs that are available may not be what Norma Ramirez and others are looking for.
The additional staff for this year will be concentrated in supporting roles, including stockroom help, cashiers, sales floor replenishment teams and extra help in straightening up the merchandise after waves of customers mess it up.
KB Toys relaunched its annual nationwide campaign for holiday-season help, which doubles the mall-based toy seller's ranks from 15,000 to 30,000, KB spokesman John Reilly said.
"Elves wanted," reads signs inside a KB store in the Glendale Galleria. "Now accepting applications for seasonal employment."
But the closely held retailer, based in Pittsfield, Mass., also is keeping staffing levels even with last year's numbers. And the applicants keep coming, the company said.
"Because of the way unemployment is, there is a little larger pool to choose from," Reilly said. "For the most part, we don't have trouble finding people."
Even some retailers that have been posting the strongest results are taking a more restrained approach to hiring. Industry-based teen retailer Hot Topic Inc., for example, said it would have about the same number of workers in its stores this year as last, Chief Financial Officer Jim McGinty said.
Should retailers get hit with a wave of shoppers, they know they can beef up their ranks without much trouble, Challenger said.
"They feel they can gear up quickly," he said. "There are a lot of people out of work."
Not all retailers are planning for a lean season.
Gap Inc., the nation's largest specialty retailer, expects to boost hiring by almost one-third over last year in some Gap stores, adding more than 20,000 holiday workers in that division, spokeswoman Jordan Benjamin said.
The San Francisco-based retailer also has increased the training hours of new workers, in some cases by 30%.
"There's more of an emphasis on customer engagement and providing exemplary levels of service for our shoppers during the holiday season," Benjamin said.
And Los Angeles-based Forever 21 Inc., a chain that caters to trendy teens and young women, intends to have about 5% more workers in its stores this holiday season than last year in anticipation of greater demand, Chief Financial Officer Larry Meyer said.
"We really feel business is stronger relative to the same time last year," he said.
"So we want to make sure we match our product with great service and, hopefully, higher consumer demand."
At Penney's, Ramirez struggled with job application questions about how she learns best and how well she is able to do multiple tasks at once. When she finished, a Penney's employee thanked her for applying and said she might get a response in 30 days. If she doesn't hear, the Penney's employee told her, she is welcome to reapply.
Although she hasn't had much luck in her job search so far, Ramirez says she tries to stay positive.
"If you're a good worker, you can find a job wherever you go," she said. "I'm not afraid. I like to learn new things."
Times staff writer Don Lee contributed to this report.


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While Scottsdale hotels saw modest growth in occupancy and strong growth in revenue last year, they still have a ways to go to reach the peak numbers from five years ago, according to the latest data from STR.
Hotels in the ritzy Phoenix suburb raked in $517.4 million in revenue for the year, an increase of 4.2 percent from 2011. The average occupancy rate in 2012 rose a modest 0.9 percent, to 61.8 percent.
While the numbers for Scottsdale’s hotels have been improving since 2009, when they bottomed out at 56.5 percent occupancy and $438 million revenue, those numbers remain far below their highs of 68.9 percent in 2006 and $587 million in 2007.
However, with steady recovery over the past three years and some positive signs so far in 2013, Scottsdale’s hotel industry likely continue its return to peak numbers.
“Scottsdale’s hotels saw incremental year-over-year increases in hotel occupancy and revenues,” Rachel Pearson, vice president of community and government affairs for the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, told me in an email.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess posted 5 percent growth in revenue per available room last year, said Pamela Gilbert, director of sales and marketing for the resort. Overall occupancy in 2012 remained even with the prior year, she added, meaning the majority of revenue growth was attributable to increased rates.
“This was the third year in a row the resort enjoyed significant revenue per available room growth, growth that trended above market growth,” she told me in an email.
The resort’s new Palomino Conference Center was under construction and its existing Princess Conference Center was undergoing renovations for much of last year.
“We anticipate we could have enjoyed another 1 to 2 percent in revenue per available room growth if we had not been under construction this year,” she said.
Pearson said Scottsdale hotels reported record-high occupancy during the January 2012 auto auction week and drew more than 500,000 fans during spring training season last March.
Last year also saw construction begin on the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center at WestWorld, which Pearson said will be an additional lure for new events to Scottsdale.
“We’re seeing positive signs for a more robust 2013 as group meetings continue to rebound and leisure travel demand increases,” she said.
The Fairmont has had a strong opening to this year with its new ballroom directing growth in group occupancy, Gilbert said. The hotel expects to close out January with a nearly 20 percent increase in revenue per available room. Group bookings also are up more than 40 percent for the year so far.
She added that the Fairmont expects double-digit gains in revenue per available room for 2013.
While group occupancy is on the rise, Gilbert said individual travel into the area has softened since early 2012 -- a result of changes in airline seat availability, airline rate hikes and warmer weather in key snowbird feeder markets.
“Short-term leisure has less availability and higher rates,” she said. “Leisure guests are encouraged to book early to get the best deals for air and hotel rooms.”
Occupancy and total revenue through the recession
Year | Occupancy rate | Total revenue
2006 | 68.9 percent | $549 million
2007 | 66.1 percent | $587 million
2008 | 61.6 percent | $563 million
2009 | 56.5 percent | $438 million
2010 | 59.3 percent | $453 million
2011 | 61.3 percent | $496 million
2012 | 61.8 percent | $517 million


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Reliance Retail marked its foray into the standalone affordable fashion apparel format, Reliance Trends. The store, in the national capital region of Gurgaon, is spread across 30,000 sq. ft. and is the first of 100 such stores that the company plans to set up over the next three years. The second and third stores will be opened in Delhi and Mumbai shortly. In the next one year, the company plans to set up to 20-30 such stores.
Through its Reliance Trends format, the company is aiming to capture a significant share of the rapidly expanding apparel industry in the country. "The apparel industry is expected to be at around Rs 1, 00,000 crore in the next three years and Reliance is targeting a fair share of the market," said Mr. Arun Sirdeshmukh, Chief Executive, Apparel and Luggage Business, Reliance Retail. The apparel industry in India is currently growing at 12-14 per cent on a year-on-year basis, he added.
Reliance Trends, besides housing a variety of international brands such as Wrangler, Reebok and Lee, will also have a number of indigenous brands John Players, Peter England, Indigo Nation and designer labels such as Anita Dongres AND.
However, Mr. Sirdeshmukh said keeping with Reliances commitment towards private labels, almost 30 per cent of Trends collection will comprise private labels such as Sparsh (Indian women wear), Networks (formal office wear), Netplay (casual collection for an evolving workplace) and Panda (kidswear).


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That compares to orders totalling 41,970 in the third quarter of 2007. Global orders for Volvo slumped 55% in the last three months while Scania, of which Volvo has majority control, said its western Europe truck orders collapsed by 69%.
Volvo, which also makes trucks under the Renault and Mack brands, reported a 37% plunge in third-quarter earnings to £230 million.
"The downturn in the economy has been significantly exacerbated by the global financial crisis," the company said. "The important European market has declined significantly while North America and Japan continue to show weak demand."
Volvo indicated that there could be thousands of job losses. It has already said 1400 jobs are going, and yesterday revealed that 850 jobs would be axed in its division making heavy construction vehicles.
French carmaker Peugeot-Citroë* today announced "massive" production cuts as part of an "exceptional action plan". Peugeot said its sales have already tumbled 3.5%, and it is warning of a 17% reverse in car sales across western Europe in the final quarter of 2008. Shares in Peugeot dived 12%.Reuse content