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Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) stock popped around 8% after reporting 2Q23 earnings, despite missing revenue expectations. The Chinese tech and e-commerce giant has had its roughest year since going public, facing pressures from COVID-19 lockdowns, weakening consumer spending, and macroeconomic headwinds. Still, the company stays afloat. Our bullish sentiment on the stock is based on our belief that the worst of the macroeconomic headwinds and lockdown restrictions have been priced in, leaving the company’s valuation too attractive to ignore.
We recommend investors buy the stock pullback because we believe Alibaba’s core fundamentals remain intact. We expect the company to recover and grow meaningfully in CY2023 on the back of Alibaba Cloud and easing lockdown restrictions in China.
Headwinds are priced in, for the most part
Alibaba has been under significant pressure in its money-making department: China E-commerce. While Alibaba has expanded its business to integrate tech, the company remains a retailer at heart. The devaluation of the yuan currency, alongside the global weakening consumer spending, took a bite out of Alibaba’s revenue this past quarter. Alibaba reported revenue of $29B, achieving a 3% Y/Y growth but falling short of expectations by $490M. Despite the 2Q23 earnings report, we believe Alibaba is well-positioned to grow in the e-commerce business in the long run. We believe Alibaba’s customer base is more resilient than the market is giving it credit for. While 2Q23 reported a decline in the number of total buyers, we believe the company’s Business-to-Business (B2B) model provides Alibaba with high-spending customers that will support sales even during market downtrends. We believe the company is trading cheaply for its position in the e-commerce market in China- with over 60% of the market share in 2021. We believe most of the weak consumer spending and lockdown restriction headwinds have been priced into the stock.
The following graph outlines Alibaba’s annual revenue distribution between 2018-2022.
The stock has taken a hit- but we expect e-commerce to recover when 1) global consumer spending picks up and 2) as China eases the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. The latter has already taken effect with China announcing restrictions are being lifted– despite China reporting that 25,353 individuals tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. We expect China’s ‘Zero-COVID’ policies to remain uncertain towards the end of the year, but we believe the government is taking measures to fine-tune the restrictions so they do not disrupt business and daily life. We’re more constructive on Alibaba’s e-commerce business going forward and believe the stock’s valuation is too attractive to ignore.
Alibaba Cloud is the third-largest cloud provider
Alibaba Cloud was the company’s second revenue driver in its 2Q23 earnings report, growing 4% Y/Y. Alibaba is expanding its position as a cloud provider investing $1B in a “global partner ecosystem upgrade.” The Chinese Cloud provider is now the world’s third-largest cloud provider after competitors Amazon (AMZN) and Microsoft (MSFT), with a worldwide market share of 9.5% in 2021, according to Gartner.
The following graph outlines Alibaba’s position among the top cloud providers globally.
We like Alibaba’s position in the cloud market forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 19.9% between 2022-2029. We expect Alibaba cloud to be at the core of advancing China’s digitalization and expect the stock to benefit from the upward trend in the cloud market. The company’s cloud business is already growing significantly.
The following graph outlines Alibaba Cloud’s growth between 2018-2022.
Alibaba stock is down around 63% over the past five years. YTD, the stock is down almost 35%. YTD, Alibaba is down alongside most of its peer group, with JD.com (JD)(HKG: 9618) dropping nearly 25%, Microsoft (MSFT) almost 28%, and Amazon (AMZN) around 56%. Our bullish thesis on the stock is based on our belief that the stock pullback creates an attractive entry point to invest in the company’s 2023 growth.
The following graphs outline the company’s stock performance over the past five years and YTD compared to the competition.
Alibaba is exceptionally cheap, trading at 1.2x C2024 on a P/E basis EPS $66.17 compared to the peer group average of 17.7x. The stock is trading at 0.2x EV/C2024 Sales versus 4.0x. Alibaba’s valuation is central to our buy thesis. The stock is down around 44% from its 52-week high of $139, and we believe the company provides an attractive entry point into a major retail and tech company.
The following table outlines BABA’s valuation compared to the peer group.
Word on Wall Street
Wall Street is overwhelmingly buy-rated on the stock. Of 47 analysts covering the stock, 41 are buy-rated, five are hold-rated, and the remaining are sell-rated. The stock is trading at $78. The median and mean price targets are set at $136 and $134, respectively, with a major potential upside of 72-74%.
The following table outlines BABA’s sell-side ratings and price targets.
What to do with the stock
Alibaba stock dropped 75% from its high of $317.14 in October 2020. We believe the stock provides an attractive entry point into one of the world’s largest e-commerce and cloud providers at a discount. We expect Alibaba to grow on two fronts: cloud and e-commerce. We believe Alibaba Cloud will benefit from the global shift to the cloud. We’re also constructive on the company’s e-commerce business once consumer weakness and lockdown restrictions in China ease. We recommend investors buy the stock before it rallies.


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Do women care about technology in their cars? Yes, say manufacturers, and they're banking on new technology and safety features along with a healthy dose of style to appeal to women car buyers.
A Ford marketing survey found that women buy 45 to 50 percent of all new cars and influence up to 80 percent of all automotive purchases. To target this powerful demographic, carmakers are highlighting the female-friendly technology that makes their busy lives easier.
Gone are the days when manufacturers thought women only cared about mirrors embedded in the visor. Research shows women car buyers are interested in safety technology, such as backup cameras, airbags, and warning systems, and they're also looking for seamless communication technology that keeps them connected to their families, work, and social lives.
At a recent promotional event for women automotive journalists, 11 auto manufacturers demonstrated vehicles they're marketing toward female car buyers. Showcased vehicles ranged from compact fuel sippers to family haulers, and each offered technology features that make life easier for the woman on the go. The following is a slideshow of the showcased vehicles and their tech offerings:

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Ethics review sought after Trump adviser touts Ivanka Trump products
[WASHINGTON] A Congressional committee said on Thursday it was seeking a review into whether senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway had violated ethics rules by using her position to promote product lines of President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, a day after he attacked a retailer for dropping them.
Federal ethics rules prohibit executive branch employees from using their positions to endorse products or for the private gain of friends. The law does not apply to the president.
"Go buy Ivanka's stuff ... I'm going to go get some myself today," Ms Conway told Fox News in an interview from the White House. "I'm going to give a free commercial here: Go buy it today, everybody."
Republican Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House of Representatives Oversight committee, said late on Thursday in a statement he had agreed to a request by a member of the panel to ask the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) to review Ms Conway's comments and recommend disciplinary action against her if warranted.
Mr Chaffetz and Elijah Cummings, the top Democrat on the committee, said in their letter to the ethics office: "Conway's statements appear to violate federal ethics regulations, which prohibit actions that imply a government endorsement of the'personal activities' of another person." "In this case, there is an additional challenge, which is that the president, as the ultimate disciplinary authority for White House employees, has an inherent conflict of interest since Ms Conway's statements relate to his daughter's private business," they said.
The OGE did not respond to requests for comment.
Asked at a press briefing on Thursday if Ms Conway had crossed an ethical line, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said,"She has been counseled on that subject, and that's it." Ms Conway, asked in an interview on Fox News on Thursday evening how she had been counseled, replied: "I'm not going to comment on that."
She said she was aware of the letter from Mr Chaffetz and Mr Cummings and that it was being reviewed internally. "I'm just really happy that I spent an awful lot of time with the president of the United States this afternoon and that he supports me 100 per cent," she added.
The non-profit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and Public Citizen have both filed complaints with the OGE and the White House Counsel's Office. "It's a violation of the rule," Norman Eisen, who served as an ethics adviser to Democratic President Barack Obama, told MSNBC. "It's a serious matter." On Wednesday, President Trump attacked department store chain Nordstrom Inc for dropping his daughter's products, drawing intense criticism for using a White House twitter platform to intervene in a commercial matter involving his family's business ties.
Nordstrom said it dropped the brand for its poor performance.
Online sales of Ivanka Trump branded products fell 26 per cent in January 2017 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to retail analytics firm Slice Intelligence which shared its findings with Reuters. The company analysed data from email receipts of over 4 million US online shoppers.
The data also showed sales of the Ivanka Trump brand declined in the second half of 2016 at all online retailers including Amazon.com Inc, which sells most of the brand's merchandise. In-store sales of the Ivanka Trump brand was not available.
Ivanka Trump had said she would step away from her company when her father took office in the White House.
Retailers that have dropped Ivanka Trump products include Neiman Marcus and HSN Inc.
An ongoing campaign called #GrabYourWallet encourages shoppers to boycott products with ties to President Trump and his family. Supporters have launched an alternative social media campaign called #BuyIvanka.
President Trump has pledged to ensure that products sold in America are actually manufactured on US soil, but a New York Times report in December found that many of Ivanka Trump branded products were made in China, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Ivanka Trump's company declined to comment where her goods were manufactured.
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On May 16th, 2023, Canada will celebrate National Seal Products Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the important role that sealing plays in the culture, economy, and environment of Canadian coastal communities. While the seal hunt has long been a controversial issue, Canada still recognizes that sealing is a sustainable and humane way of utilizing a valuable natural resource. This article explores the significance of National Seal Products Day for every single Canadian.
National Seal Products Day
National Seal Products Day was established in Canada in 2017 as a way of recognizing the important role that sealing plays in Canadian culture and the economy.
Organized by the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, this event features traditional Inuit throat singing, as well as a booth showcasing seal products including seal fur accessories, seal oil omega-3 for humans and for pets as well as healthy seal meat treats for pets. Canadian Seal Products will be present at the reception, and we will exhibit seal products from Canadian Seal Products vendors and Proudly Indigenous Crafts & Designs artists.
The reception also features a catered menu that includes seal meat. The catering is provided by Nathan, the owner of the restaurant Pollennation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Cheryl Fennell from Snowfly and Aija Komangpik, representatives from Proudly Indigenous Crafts & Designs, will also be present at the event to showcase different seal products and educate about the importance of sealing for Indigenous communities. Their presence at the event highlights the important role that sealing plays in Indigenous culture and the need for Indigenous voices to be heard in the ongoing discussion about the seal hunt.
The significance of National Seal Products Day goes beyond just celebrating the cultural and economic importance of sealing. It is also an opportunity to promote sustainable and humane sealing practices and to educate the public about the role that sealing can play in conservation and environmental stewardship. For thousands of years, human beings have relied on ocean resources, including seals and other marine animals, as a source of nourishment. As such, we keep preserving our food traditions and continue to utilize these valuable marine resources.
- Date: May 16th
- Time 5:30-7:30 pm. (By invitation only)
- Location: The West Block
History of the Seal Hunt in Canada
Sealing has been a part of Canadian culture for thousands of years, with Indigenous and coastal communities relying on seals for food, clothing, and other essential goods. The commercial seal hunt also emerged as an important industry, with Newfoundland and Labrador becoming major hubs for seal processing and export. In 2007, Newfoundland and Labrador estimated that the sealing industry was worth approximately $55 million. At that time, sealers stated that their income from sealing could represent 25% to 35% of their total income.
In recent decades, the seal hunt has faced increasing opposition from animal welfare groups, who argue that it is cruel and unnecessary. However, seal population must be regulated. Seals consume large quantities of fish. The total Canadian seal population eats roughly 30 million tons of fish each year. That’s 53x more fish than the entire Canadian Atlantic fishing fleet catches, which has a devasting impact on our fishery LEARN MORE . This is a concern that affects all Canadians, as the health of our oceans and fisheries are important for our economy and food security. With responsible management practices and sustainable hunting, we can ensure that both the seal population and the fishery can thrive in a healthy way.
National Seal Products Day is an important day for Canada to celebrate the cultural and economic significance of sealing. It is also a day to educate the public about the sustainable and humane practices that are used in the seal hunt and to highlight the important role that sealing can play in conservation and environmental stewardship. While the debate about the seal hunt is likely to continue, events like National Seal Products Day provide an opportunity for all Canadians to come together to celebrate a longstanding tradition and to promote a more informed and fact-based discussion about Canadian sealing industry.


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Target has been accused of trivializing mental illness by stocking a holiday sweater that reads: “OCD Obsessive Christmas Disorder.”
We first spotted this story on Adweek, which points out that Target isn’t the only retailer selling goods with the slogan this season.
However, given the size of Target, it appears to be the company that has drawn the most ire by stocking the item.
Target says it has no plans to de-list the item.
Twitter users have been complaining about the sweater and have asked Target remove the product from its stores and online.
— Allison Raskin (@AllisonRaskin)November 9, 2015
— erina (@erinamcsweeney)November 10, 2015
— @BipolarPlus (@BipoIarPlus)November 7, 2015
— Dani Poole (@DPoolePR)November 8, 2015
@Target OCD? Very ignorant sweatshirts.1. Open on Thanksgiving. 2. Makes fun of mental illness. = Not a dollar of my money this season.— jali cook (@jali_cook)November 10, 2015
can we please have target remove this shirt? this could be really offensive to people who actually have OCD. pic.twitter.com/A1j8Q4czoG— alli (@grandesgarden)November 10, 2015
Target sent Business Insider this statement: “We never want to disappoint our guests and we apologize for any discomfort. We currently do not have plans to remove this sweater.”
The retailer has been responding on Twitter to some of the criticism, telling users it is sharing their comments with its merchandise team and adding that it is never the company’s intention to offend.
@dat_maya_tho02 We never intend to offend our guests with the items we sell. We’ve shared your comments with our Merchandise team. Thanks.— AskTarget (@AskTarget)November 10, 2015
@erinamcsweeney We never want to offend you with the items we carry. We’ve shared your thoughts with our Merchandise team to review. Thanks!— AskTarget (@AskTarget)November 10, 2015
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This 18-year-old won $400,000 for a video that makes Einstein’s relativity theory seem simple
Aaron Rodgers angrily threw a Microsoft Surface tablet after throwing a crucial interception
The son of London billionaire Lord Paul has died after falling 8 storeys from his luxury penthouse


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Juicy Couture has opened a 1,726-square-foot boutique in Malibu, the affluent Southern California beach community that helped put the brand's signature sweatsuits on the map.
The two-level boutique opened Thursday at the Malibu Country Mart, an outdoor shopping plaza that's seen its share of Juicy Couture-clad shoppers.
"[The brand] is a natural fit for the Malibu lifestyle," said company co-founder Pamela Skaist-Levy, who lives in Malibu with her family. "Malibu is my favorite place in the world."
The Country Mart also is home to James Perse, Ralph Lauren and specialty stores Ron Herman and Planet Blue.
Juicy Couture, which is owned by Liz Claiborne Inc., is in the midst of an aggressive retail expansion that included the launch of flagships in Milan and New York this year. Next up will be a flagship on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills this fall. The Malibu location is Juicy's 21st unit, and the company plans to almost double that total to 40 locations by the end of 2007.
The cozy Malibu boutique, which carries Juicy Couture apparel, accessories and kids' wear, is classic Juicy girly-meets-rock 'n' roll. There are stripped-down French antiques, hardwood floors and glass jars filled with candy.
"Think modern fairy-tale girl meets rock star, and they move into an old English manor house to become Juicy Royalty," said co-founder Gela Nash-Taylor.
Surfing, an integral part of the Malibu mythology, is also given its due in the decor. Dressing rooms resemble mini cabanas and are topped with striped awnings. The phrase "Live to Surf" is emblazoned across the back wall.
@tradesy is turning the concept of a showroom upside down with its new space in Santa Monica. Here, the company plans to hold events, art exhibits and a showcase rare fashion pieces like this Louis Vuitton boxing set. Get all the details on Tradesy’s first showroom on WWD.com. #wwdnews
Spotted last night at the @erdem x @hm launch event: Kate Bosworth, Rashida Jones, Kirsten Dunst and Selma Blair. The party, which took place in LA, also marked the opening of their pop-up shop. “I was interested in creating a collection that wasn’t in any way disposable. It was about pieces you’d create and keep forever, things that have a permanence to it,” designer Erdem Moralioglu said. #wwdeye (📷: Katie Jones)
Renee Zellweger in yellow in 2001 and again in 2017. Chosen as one of the 12 @pantone Leading Spring Colors (and dubbed “Meadowlark”), it only makes sense that the bright hue stands the test of time and is making a resurgence this season, seen already on stars like @blakelively and @gigihadid. (📷: Donato Sardello & @rexfeatures) #wwdfashion #tbt
Dior’s 70th anniversary celebration continues with a new exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. “Christian Dior,” which is scheduled to run through March 18, takes a look at the founders tenure from 1947 to 1057 and feature 40 designs. Pictured here is an evening gown from the Ailée, fall 1948-49 haute couture collection. #wwdfashion (📷: Brian Boyle)
As one of the most recognizable models in the world, Christy Turlington Burns has an insider’s view of the fashion industry and the allegations of sexual harassment swirling around it. “I can say that harassment and mistreatment have always been widely known and tolerated in the industry. The industry is surrounded by predators who thrive on the constant rejection and loneliness so many of us have experiences at some point in our careers,” Turlington told WWD, along with her suggestions for how the modeling world should protect younger women and men. Read more on WWD.com. Link in bio. (📷: Tony Palmieri) #wwdnews
@asics America has tapped a new brand ambassador: famed DJ/record producer @steveaoki. This initiative is intended to set the tone for the new brand identity and philosophy and will include partnerships with influencers and in-store and off-line activations that will continue into next year. This is Asics’ most significant marketing effort in two decades, and is expected to attract younger consumers to the brand. #wwdfashion
24-year-old Jean Prounis is redefining the rules of jewelry. Formerly a studio assistant to Jemima Kirke and a design apprentice at Ghuran, she focuses on handcrafted subtleties and ancient goldsmithing techniques. “There was a really sterile feel in the environment and I wanted to have jewelry with character that shapes how you wear it everyday,” Prounis said. Each piece is hand made in New York, either by Prounis or three other jewelers in the district. #wwdfashion
“These collections continue to build on that vision, empowering differently abled adults to express themselves through fashion,” said @tommyhilfiger of his line of adaptive apparel, which launches today. The line consists of 37 men’s and 34 women’s styles based upon the pieces from the spring Tommy Hilfiger sportswear collection. #wwdnews


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Miami Swim Week saw its most inclusive and diverse casting yet with a host of shows that put women of all sizes, shapes and ethnicities on the runway. Now, in the aftermath of the shows, people are praising the brands that made strides in redefining what beauty can look like and are reflecting on what that might mean for younger people watching the shows today.
PrettyLittleThing kicked off the week with a show that had plenty to celebrate, including transgender models, those with disabilities and one with a baby on the way.
Kayla Maria G, a dancer and model from New York, opened the show with a splash as she performed choreography down the runway. When posting about the moment to Instagram, she wrote about growing up with a limb difference and how it made all of her dreams seem "unrealistic," until now.
"Being asked to not only model but open up @prettylittlething's Miami Swimwear Week is an iconic moment for me," she wrote. "Inclusion campaigns are the first step to normalization and extremely proud of being part of that barrier break."
Anna Sarol, a disabled model who took to the catwalk in her wheelchair, echoed a similar sentiment in her social media post.
"This is DISABILITY PRIDE," she captioned a video that featured some of her first moments in a wheelchair after suffering a spinal cord injury before showing a clip of her on the PrettyLittleThing's runway. "What better way to celebrate Disability Pride Month than by walking Miami Swim Week."
"I’m still processing last night! First time walking Miami swim week with @prettylittlething," Candray wrote on Instagram. "An absolute honor and a dream come true. I got emotional after the show because I couldn’t believe this was my life."
Bruna Rangel Lima also took to the runway in a beautiful bikini that showcased her growing baby bump, just days after posting a 30-week portrait to her Instagram.
Fans, new and old, of PrettyLittleThing praised the brand for the inclusive show. Many even thanked the brand via Instagram comments.
"REAL PEOPLE, real bodies!!!!" one person wrote with the hashtag "inclusion matters."
"PLT really just changed the whole game with this! Thank you," commented another.
The representation in Miami didn't stop there.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's runway show also took center stage with its efforts to highlight different types of beauty on the runway on Saturday with the inclusion of women like Kathy Jacobs, Natalie Mariduena and Natalie Gage.
"This is what Runway domination at 57 years old and 5'2" tall looks like on the surface," Jacobs, who is Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's oldest rookie, captioned a video on Instagram. "What you don't see are the years of hundreds of rejections, discipline, heartbreak, and balls to the wall perseverance behind what it took to be in this short video! Fake it till you make it. If you fall down get back up and try again!"
Mariduena, who was praised for representing "normal" body types when she was announced as a 2021 rookie, also shared her disbelief on social media.
"Pinch me," she captioned a slideshow of photos from her moments on the runway.
"I love seeing not only healthy but realistic body types in fashion shows like this," someone commented.
Gage, who embraced her natural body and natural hair, continued the conversation about acceptance of diverse body types with her own post.
"Regardless of what size I've been, I've always had a resounding love & respect for my body. Full acceptance of every inch of my body inside & out," she wrote. "Trends come & go but what will never go out of fashion is true self acceptance & self love. It's an energy, it's a feeling, it's a continuous journey, it's contagious, it's mind & more importantly it's yours to have too. I found it a long time ago & I hope you all find it too as it's truly liberating."
And while Gage was praised for being a "queen," Honey Birdette scored brownie points for showstopping appearances by some RuPaul's Drag Race favorites, including Aquaria, Violet Chachki and Carmen Carrera.
Boohoo was also celebrated for highlighting different body types in its first ever fashion show.
The brand even ended with a bang by having Nikita Dragun — a transgender YouTuber who spoke out about Victoria's Secret's lack of transgender models — close the runway.
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LinkedIn has invited a security researcher to join its private bug bounty programme after he identified a novel exploit involving the site's cascading style sheets (CSS).
Researchers at Malwarebytes spotted a video malvertising campaign that highlights the ad industry's lack of security.
Already a scourge on personal computers, as well as personal websites, ransomware is now going after Linux web servers.
Dell computers can be tinkered with to expose the number employees use to identify customers
Dell reported that it has been shipping Inspiron 14 laptops since August that inadvertently contained the security certificate, eDellRoot, that essentially gives hackers complete access to the system.
In what a researcher in India called "a very quick turnaround," LinkedIn implemented a fix for a persistent cross site scripting (XSS) vulnerability he discovered.
In an environment in which cyber professionals are overwhelmed by rapidly changing security threats, industry pros generally agree that a remediation plan must involve difficult decisions about the security issues that companies are willing to accept the risk rather than take action.
Further security and privacy risks to users of Siri, Apple's personal assistant, have been revealed that could allow anyone to gain entry to personal data on someone else's iOS device.
A new variant of the notorious banking trojan Dyreza has been detected by researchers at Heimdal Security.
Adobe released security updates that address three security issues affecting its ColdFusion, LiveCycle DS, and Premiere Clip 9 products.
Researchers at Malwarebytes spotted a malvertising campaign performing drive-by-downloads on unsuspecting victims
When it comes to what security professionals need to do to protect their organizations not much has changed in a couple of decades, though perimeters have all but dissolved and the timeframe for taking action has become more compressed, according to members of a Tuesday panel at SC Congress in Chicago.
Researchers found a bug that could have potentially exposed the personal data of every customer.
It's not the chip cards themselves but the slow adoption of the platform in the U.S. that is leaving consumers vulnerable to credit card fraud, an FBI representative said recently.
Researchers at Tencent's Xuanwu Lab demonstrated attacks using barcodes that could deliver commands to systems that read them.
Some hackers are implementing a combination of old-school tactics tied to cutting-edge automation to spread their mayhem, according to a new report by Imperva.
There is no air gap between IT and OT that was the key message for oil and gas sector CISOs coming out of the Black Hat Amsterdam talk by Alexander Polyakov and Mathieu Geli
Google will no longer offer Chrome support for Windows XP, Vista and several older versions of Mac OS X, the company announced, along with releasing several Chrome and Chrome OS updates.
Malwarebytes spotted malvertising on the Barclays Premier League official fantasy site that redirected users to Nuclear Exploit Kits that exploited Flash vulnerabilities.
A security update patches a critical flaw in the management console for Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager.
Adobe has released security updates that address 17 critical vulnerabilities in Flash Player, that could let attackers seize control of affected systems.
Microsoft's November Patch Tuesday security bulletin lists 12 notifications, four of which are critical updates being issued for Internet Explorer, Edge and two other applications all repair a vulnerability that would allow remote code execution.
After reporting last week that it had issued banned certificates that could facilitate man in the middle (MitM) attacks, Comodo has fixed the "subtle bug" that the company's Senior Research and Development Scientist Rob Stradling wrote prompted the problem.
Despite an ever-growing stream of information demonstrating the difficulties enterprise companies face securing mobile applications, consumers maintain trust in the security of their mobile applications, according to a new survey.
Microsoft is set to bring the date after which its Windows browsers will no longer accept SHA-1 to the middle of next year after new research has shown the cryptographic hash function to be even more vulnerable than previously thought.
Onapsis Research Labs uncovered 21 vulnerabilities - eight of them critical - that affect SAP HANA-based applications.
A just-released report surveying endpoint security across the federal government highlighted some dire lapses.
While most consumers say they don't believe their Internet of Things (IoT) devices are secure, Kaspersky Lab researchers set out to accurately assess the vulnerabilities in common items.
Researchers have identified a new strain of malicious adware that is impossible for affected Android device owners to uninstall.
More than 2,000 iOS apps stocked in Apple's legitimate App Store reportedly contained backdoored versions of an ad library, which could have allowed for surveillance without users' knowledge.
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SC Magazine Articles
- Anonymous hacks, 'Rickrolls' ISIS
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- Algebraic Eraser, the algorithm running the 'Internet of Things' is broken...again
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Pet Age announces the 2015 40 Under 40 award winners.
Petco Holdings, Inc. is to become public again nine years after the pet store operator was purchased by two private equity firms.
Sleepypod has introduced CLEO, an innovative crash test cat for testing pet safety in cars. CLEO features a camera that records video footage from the pet’s point of view. It is the next member of Sleepypod’s family of crash test pets designed to help the company gather safety data for the development of pet travel.
PISC’s Green Paw Program highlights sustainability in the pet industry.
Big or Small, Serving the Customer Drives Animal Supply Company.
Petco plans to go public again almost nine years after two private equity firms bought the pet store operator.
Phillips Pet Food & Supplies held its Mid-Atlantic Buying Show on August 3-4 at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch, N.J.
There are cat people and then there is Jackson Galaxy, also known as the Cat Daddy.
Pet Age held its second annual Distributor of the Year awards Monday, July 20 at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Las Vegas.
More consumers, retailers and manufacturers are pledging their allegiance to pet products made in the USA.
More owners seeking GMO-free pet foods.
From its beginning as a single bakery in Kansas City, the company has grown to 36 boutique bakeries for dogs.
It is the only made in the USA dog kibble that the Glycemic Research Institute has certified.
Some of our favorite social media posts from last week’s Global Pet Expo.
The film will open the Sonoma Film Festival on April 2, but, the media were treated to a special screening of it during the Global Pet Expo.


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Norway’s trillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund has thrown its weight behind the worker freedom of association audit proposal at US coffee giant Starbucks.
The disclosure by Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) comes as the New York State Common Retirement Fund revealed that in addition to backing the proposal it will also vote against Starbucks’ outgoing CEO, Howard Schultz, and all the current members of the company’s Compensation and Management Development Committee.
Starbucks has “failed to appropriately manage and address numerous ESG risks, including lack of oversight and failure to uphold the company’s corporate policies on human rights and freedom of association”, the $233 billion US public pension fund stated.
On Monday, Starbucks revealed that its incoming CEO Laxman Narasimhan had taken up his new role, nearly two weeks earlier than expected. Narasimhan will reportedly lead the annual meeting on Thursday.
The proposal calls on Starbucks to undertake an independent assessment of its labour practices, including whether it is adhering to its “stated commitment to workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights”.
It was filed by the Office of the New York City Comptroller, Brad Lander; UK proxy adviser PIRC and Canadian responsible investment association SHARE, representing investors including US-based Trillium Asset Management.
In the resolution, the proponents highlight allegations that Starbucks has interfered with workers’ attempts to unionise, despite the commitments in its Global Human Rights Statement.
Earlier this year, Comptroller Lander told Responsible Investor that Starbucks has not engaged in good faith negotiations with it over its anti-unionisation concerns.
The same proposal filed at Apple by the group was withdrawn in January after the tech giant agreed to undertake a third-party assessment.
Pressure on Starbucks has been mounting. Last week’s news that influential proxy advisers Glass Lewis and ISS were backing the resolution is likely to substantially buoy support.
ISS stated in its advice that there “seem to be credible reasons that may lend support to various accusations raised by the NLRB [National Labor Relations Board], Starbucks, and Workers United.”
“The proposed third-party assessment would benefit shareholders by cutting through some of the noise and helping them evaluate the company’s management of any related risks,” it added.
Investors have ramped up efforts to engage on worker rights at US companies in recent years. In May, a proposal filed by SHARE asking Amazon for greater disclosure on its approach to labour rights and freedom of association drew support of close to 40 percent. That proposal was also backed by ISS and Glass Lewis.
Amazon is facing a similar proposal to the one at Starbucks this year. That proposal was filed by SHARE and US-based SOC Investment Group, with UK fund manager CCLA and Canada’s British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCi) acting as co-filers.
“We respect our partners’ rights to organise and engage in lawful union activities and we have fully honoured the process laid out by the NLRB to ensure that partners can trust the process is fair and their voice is heard,” a spokesperson for Starbuck’s told RI.
“We believe our direct relationship as partners is core to the culture and experiences we create in our stores and are actively engaging with shareholders on a variety of matters related to our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.”


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Business owners have still to capitalise on the power that social networking provides. At the moment companies and Internet marketers are largely using social networking sites to advertise their products and services. Some businesses are using social networks to help communicate with customers and colleagues, but that’s about all.
However, online social networking has a huge advantage compared with offline social networks. The activities of the network are visible and trackable by anyone. This is not the case with offline networks. For example, across the world there are people in bars, restaurants and at dinner parties chatting about their favourite film, for instance. However, Hollywood producers don’t know what they are saying. The world over, people could be saying nice things about a movie, or nasty things.
Online, of course, what they say is there for all to see. So, Hollywood producers could track what’s going on in social networks to find out what people think of their latest film. This could guide them to produce the next blockbuster. Equally it could guide them towards legal action against the negative comments.
Other businesses could do the same. Social networks provide a huge opportunity for market research. They also open up the floodgates for lawyers to take actions which previously they could not have done as the damaging comments said in offline public settings are not easily identifiable.
Business analysts in Australia expect automatic tracking software to be available in the next couple of years. In the meantime, if you are an Internet marketer you can use social networks to find out what the latest trends are, what people are discussing and use that information to help you decide what products and services you can roll out in the future.


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Chapel Walk’s transformation is set to continue as Sheffield City Council awards £1.24 million to local businesses to create a vibrant city centre destination.
Two organisations will receive grants to improve shop fronts and increase accessibility to the upper floors of property on Chapel Walk whilst small or new businesses will be able to apply for funding to move into empty shop units.
The funding comes from the Fargate Front Door Scheme, a £4.015million investment in shop fronts, access, and environmental improvements to make the area more attractive and fill empty shops. It forms part of the Future High Streets Fund plan to regenerate Fargate and surrounding streets.
The scheme has already funded improvements to 33-35 Fargate, Orchard Square, The Montgomery Theatre and small businesses through ReNew Sheffield.
The latest round of funding will focus on Chapel Walk and make the area more appealing and accessible to visitors, increasing footfall and supporting businesses.
The funding is part of plans to regenerate Fargate into a lively and vibrant place to meet, eat, shop, work and play.
The Future High Streets Fund project also includes plans to turn 20 – 26 Fargate into an events and cultural hub, and investment in public realm to create space for events, reduce crime and improve walking and cycling routes. Funding was approved by Sheffield City Council’s Finance Committee on 10 July.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee said: “Chapel Walk has a proud history as one of the city centre’s most loved shopping streets and this funding will give a new lease of life to the area, attracting new visitors and providing a boost for businesses.“By enabling local organisations to upgrade their shop fronts, installing new public art, and providing grants to encourage small and new businesses to move into empty units, this funding will transform Chapel Walk into a fantastic place to visit in the city centre.“Fargate is a hive of regeneration activity, with an incredible amount of work going on through the Future High Streets Fund projects. Once complete, Fargate will be a vibrant, welcoming and thriving city centre space that Sheffielders can be proud of.
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “This is further positive, welcome news for the city centre. These latest investments will play a key part in continuing the regeneration story of the wider Fargate, High Street and Chapel Walk area.
“Anyone who has visited this part of the city centre recently will have seen that the whole area is going through a rapid period of change as the city centre continues to adapt to changes in visitor and consumer behaviour. The businesses in and around the area continue to deliver a first-class retail experience during the works on Fargate. We’re confident that the end results will speak for themselves and Chapel Walk will once again be a ‘must visit’ destination for city centre visitors. These are exciting times for the city centre and, as funding partner to ReNew Sheffield, we’re delighted to be playing a direct role in this transformation.”
Read the full story on the Sheffnews website.


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Microsoft Garage’s Ear Hockey game uses 3D audio so you can play without sight
by Lewis White
Microsoft’s in-house Microsoft Garage program has released a new video game. Titled Ear Hockey, this free release recreates the classic game of air hockey but with a twist. Instead of relying on the game’s visuals to p...


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Tags: Jack Tang president of Sany America
Chinese equipment manufacturer Sany entered the U.S. excavator market on Feb. 27 with the completion of the first excavator assembled at the company’s North American headquarters in Peachtree City, Ga., rolling off the production line. A 21.5-ton SY215 tracked excavator on ...
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We celebrated the new, now it’s time to highlight the stores that have been through it all – and survived.
In the final entry of MCV’s Indie Retail Month in association with Gem, the spotlight is on five of the UK’s most established independents.
Our first indie in the category is Chips, and MD Don McCabe talks to MCV about de-franchising an indie chain that’s been around for 27 years.
Chips opened in the mid-1980s and at the height of its powers had its own magazine and an annual manager’s conference.
Unfortunately for the chain, the recession hit and ChipsWord had to close all 12 of its company-owned stores. But CHIPS Franchise Ltd, the sister company, lived on and now Chips is in the process of getting back to basics.
We’ve been in the process of defranchising ourselves,” MD Don McCabe tells MCV.
So effectively, we’ve closed the franchise company down and decided to focus back on what we do. The franchise was good, but the recession hit it hard. We’ve seeded the UK market with some good ex- franchisees. Now we’re unshackled we can start doing what Chips does best – being a bloody good independent retailer.”
The Chips franchise legacy is a string of other indies: Xpress Games, Joypad Games, Games Dojo, ThatGameShop, Shogun Games, M&MGames. The focus for the year ahead is very much to get Chips back to former glories.
We closed the franchise company down last month. We’re currently down to four stores, and we’re just putting a bit of meat on the bones and getting ourselves sorted to see what we can do next year,” added McCabe.
This year has very much been about consolidation and building ourselves back up again. It’s been a tough few years thanks to the recession and we’ve not been immune from it unfortunately. I think we’ve been hit as hard as GAME, Blockbuster, HMV – we’ve all been kicked in the goolies several times. A couple of good indies have survived, like Games Centre in Scotland. But then Scotland seems to be in perma-recession so maybe they weren’t affected as much. But we’re good, we’re back on track, and we’re moving forwards.”
With a new focus and pared down store count, McCabe sees a bright future for the long-running indie.
He says: We want to end the year with a very positive bank balance. That’s aim number one. We know we can make money; it’s just a case of not spending it and getting back to being a good retailer.
The problem is when you’re franchising and so on, it shackles you. There were several mistakes we made, but you learn from them and we won’t make those mistakes again.”


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In a move that has caught the attention of industry insiders and consumers alike, Delivery Hero, the owner of foodpanda, confirms discussions regarding a partial sale of their Asia business. This development comes at a time when the food delivery giant has been facing stagnated growth in the region since the easing of Covid-19 lockdowns.
- Delivery Hero in Negotiations: The company has confirmed that it is in talks for a partial sale of its Asia business.
- Value Under Negotiation: The exact value of the deal is still being discussed.
- Stagnated Growth: Delivery Hero has experienced slowed growth in Southeast Asia post-Covid-19.
- Impact on Asian Market: The partial sale could have significant implications for the food delivery market in Asia.
Delivery Hero Confirms Discussions: What We Know So Far
According to multiple reports, including those from Reuters and Bloomberg, Delivery Hero is in advanced talks for a partial sale of its Asia business. The exact details and value of the deal are still under negotiation, but the news has already sent ripples through the industry.
Why is Delivery Hero Considering a Partial Sale?
The food delivery market in Asia is a competitive landscape, teeming with local and international players. Delivery Hero’s growth in Southeast Asia has been sluggish since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. This could be a strategic move to either focus on more profitable markets or to form alliances that could bolster its position in Asia.
The Stagnation Challenge
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the food delivery market saw an unprecedented boom. However, as restrictions eased, the growth curve for Delivery Hero in Southeast Asia started to flatten. This stagnation could be a driving force behind the company’s decision to enter into negotiations for a partial sale.
What Could This Mean for the Asian Market?
A partial sale of Delivery Hero’s Asia business could open doors for other players in the market or lead to a consolidation of services. Either way, the impact on consumers and local businesses could be significant. It could lead to changes in pricing, service quality, and even the introduction of new, innovative services.
As Delivery Hero confirms discussions regarding a partial sale of their Asia business, all eyes are on what the final deal will look like and how it will reshape the food delivery landscape in Asia. While the value and specifics are still under negotiation, the implications of this move are far-reaching and could set a precedent for other players in the industry.
The news that Delivery Hero confirms discussions regarding a partial sale of their Asia business has set the stage for potential shifts in the Asian food delivery market. Whether this move will prove to be a game-changer or just another blip on the industry radar remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the food delivery landscape in Asia is on the cusp of change, and Delivery Hero’s next steps could very well dictate the direction it takes.


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A young but fast-growing Schenectady business is jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon with a little help from friends, family and strangers on the Internet.
Gatherer’s Granola is looking to launch three additional products to its current line of granolas. They will be certified gluten-free granolas made from local, non-genetically modified ingredients.
Such certifications are expensive, though. So perhaps it’s no surprise that the company led by young entrepreneur Alessandro Gerbini turned to the Internet for help. In particular, Gatherer’s has launched a campaign to raise $15,000 through Kickstarter, an online crowdfunding website that raises money for creative projects. It has grown in popularity over the past several years, drawing projects dreamed up by big names like TV host Whoopi Goldberg, Veronica Mars producer Rob Thomas and Scrubs actor Zach Braff.
“Kickstarter is a really interesting way to test the waters to see who would even be interested in the ideas we come up with,” said Gerbini. “It gives us an opportunity to see whether or not our ideas have any legs with the general public.”
Gatherer’s doesn’t have the name recognition of others using Kickstarter, but the site thrives more on creativity. A project creator sets a minimum fundraising goal and a deadline. If that goal is not met by the deadline, then no funds are collected. Anyone can invest in a project, but the only return they see is in rewards like custom t-shirts or one-of-a-kind experiences like a cameo in a film.
With just seven days to go in its 30-day campaign, the company has raised more than $14,000 of the $15,000 needed to print new bags and get needed certifications. It expected to meet its goal Friday.
More than 210 backers have pledged anywhere from $1 to $300 or more. Prizes include exclusive recipe books, custom-designed batches of granola, mascot buttons, custom t-shirts, baseball caps, oven mitts, chef hats, aprons and chef jackets.
“I would say we know just over half the people who have backed us,” said Gerbini. “The rest, we don’t know by name. Some come from the Capital Region, some are from outside the area and outside the country. About a quarter of the people who have backed us are outside of the area that we sell and have probably never had our product.”
So why gluten-free and why now?
Gerbini said that for a long time, granola lovers with gluten sensitivities have had few methods of satisfying their crunchy cravings. A handful of wholesalers have gone out of their way to create gluten-free granola lines, like Udi’s Artisan Granola in Colorado or Bakery on Main in Connecticut. Additionally, the Internet has its own collection of make-your-own granolas for the gluten intolerant.
But his will be the first-ever “truly delicious certified gluten-free granola on the market,” he said.
The trick is finding the right bonding agent to replace gluten that adequately holds ingredients together. Other granolas have replaced the use of oats altogether, which can become cross-contaminated when grown in rotation with wheat or during distribution or processing. Gatherer’s will use the Kickstarter funds, and an additional $10,000 of its own capital, to purchase certified gluten-free ingredients that are made in facilities with no possible cross-contamination from wheat.
Gatherer’s always was planning on introducing more products to its current line of three granolas — Chipmunk’s Choice (peanut butter, almonds and maple syrup), Squirrel Bait (pecans, maple syrup and toasted coconut) and Fox’s Fancy (apple, spices and honey).
The company started just three years ago after Gerbini brought some of his mother’s granola to college and it was snatched up in no time by friends. It moved from Albany to the Broadway Commerce Park in Schenectady last year, added employees, and expanded its product lines to 10 states.
“We’ve been expanding so fast that we haven’t been able to legitimize new products,” said Gerbini. “About 10 months ago we looked around the bakery and realized we had no place to put them. Since then, we’ve grown 24 percent a month in the volume of product we’ve sold.”
Luckily, Gatherer’s had leased a building in the park that included an option to lease an additional 3,000 feet of space, in which it has since expanded.
“Gluten-free became obvious to us really when it first became popular to diagnose about two years ago,” said Gerbini. “That’s when we started having our customers ask us, ‘Is this gluten-free?’ After hearing that regularly, we put a plan in motion to come up with these products.”
The new gluten-free granolas will use an eclectic mix of ingredients.
Bee’s Knees will be a mix of pistachios, walnuts, orange blossom and local honey. “If you don’t like this flavor there’s something seriously wrong with you,” says Gerbini in an update video posted to his Kickstarter page Thursday.
Turtle Tracks will be a mix of dark chocolate, pecans and cranberries. “It’s incredible,” he said. “I’ve been having it for breakfast for weeks.”
Badger’s Best will use dark chocolate, quinoa flakes and coconut. “This one is really interesting,” he said. “We’ve been meaning to use ancient grains for a while now and quinoa’s a great one because it is a nice, whole protein. I was never a quinoa fan, though. It took me a long time to be won over. But after six iterations of test batches, we got it properly toasted and it is quite delicious.”


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Consumer products will hit stores next year
Planeta Junior adds another animation classic revision to its portfolio: the Italian branch of
the company has been appointed as the licensing and merchandising agent for The Jungle Book in Italy, Italian speaking Switzerland, Malta, Greece and Cyprus.
This 3D animated series has 52 episodes of 11 minutes each, and has already been broadcasted it Italian TV Rai Due. The show produced by the Indian animation company DQ Entertainment is addressed to children between 6 and 9. Licensing programme will include partners in several categories including toys, apparel, back-to-school, gifts and stationery. Distribution should begin in 2012.


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Trewithen Dairy, Cornwall’s third largest milk buyer, is is set to increase production by 80% over the next four years.
With the help of a record £5.7m grant from the Rural Development Programme for England, Trewithen, of Greymare Farm, Lostwithiel, will increase its annual throughput to 44m litres.
More than 80% of that will be directly supplied from farmers who will be paid above-average milk prices, based on the higher cream content required.
“We are tremendously excited to have been awarded such a big grant, which will facilitate major investment resulting in win-win all round – for Trewithen Dairy, for Cornish farmers, for all our customers and for the Cornish economy,” said managing director Bill Clarke.
The phased expansion would create 40 new jobs and increase the dairy’s production capacity for fresh milk, clotted cream and buttermilk, with additional development of new products like soft cheese.
The programme includes a larger processing area and improved infrastructure. The business would strive to meet the requirements of big supermarket chains, said Mr Clarke, but independent and corner shops would remain at its core.
“Trewithen Dairy’s plans offer an extremely important boost for the Cornish dairy sector,” said Nick Buckland from the South West Regional Development Agency.
“This project will develop the dairy supply chain in Cornwall and mean that less milk has to be transported out of the county. It is a huge commitment that will help Trewithen, and its suppliers, become more successful and competitive.”


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(Adding video, comments from Greenlee Roofing, solar roof homeowner)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A new way to do solar roofing has arrived in Central Oregon, and it's backed by Tesla, the high-profile electric car maker.
Jake Hermeling is the first Central Oregon homeowner to have a Tesla solar roof built on a house.
“I think the beauty of the product is that you can’t tell it’s solar,” Hermeling said Monday.
The roof has solar tiles that are designed to look like shingles, instead of the typical solar panels.
“Most people come by, they have no idea,” Hermeling said.
The roof was installed by Greenlee Roofing, a Bend-based company that received clearance from Tesla last January.
The company's website said the solar roof tiles are "are more than three times stronger than standard roofing tiles."
A few other companies have clearance throughout the state, but Director of Sales Hobie Smith said Greenlee is “the first and only in Central Oregon.”
Smith said a roof like Hermeling’s would roughly cost $18,000 to $20,000 for typical shingles. The solar roof is close to $25,000 to $30,000 more.
But Hermeling said having a "net positive house," with the opportunity for a tax rebate, is worth the upfront cost.
“As I was factoring it into my build cost, it was not a difficult decision for me, on the financial side,” he said.
Smith said the solar roof could eliminate a homeowner's typical monthly energy cost.
“Everything that he would be spending per month, whether it be $150 to $200 per month, he’s gaining back,” Smith said.
However, not every tile on the roof is solar. The roof is made up of solar tiles and dummy tiles.
Smith said the dummy tiles have the same glass structure, but without the solar technology to avoid wasting money and resources in areas that wouldn’t produce enough energy.
Hermeling explained to NewsChannel 21 how he tracks the roof's energy consumption.
“Tesla has an app that shows what the roof is producing, in real time,” he said. “It shows what the house is consuming, and how much is going to the grid.”
Hermeling said it's the amount of sun his house gets that makes him confident he’s in the right place to go solar.
“One of the unique things Central Oregon has, in regards to solar in the state of Oregon in general, is 300 days of sun, right? That's usually the biggest factor you need with solar panels,” Hermeling said.


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Google is preparing to sell mobile phone plans directly to customers and manage their calls and mobile data over a cellular network, according to three people with knowledge of the plans.
The new service is expected run on Sprint and T-Mobile’s networks, two people familiar with the product say. Google is expected to reach deals to buy wholesale access to those carriers’ mobile voice and data networks, making it a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, they say.
This could be huge (The Verge verifies it). Of course, this is US-only.


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Consumer products retail—the footwear category in particular—is generally thought to be conducted either online or in brick-and-mortar stores. Red Wing Shoes has both of those, but also sells its work and lifestyle footwear via a third venue, which consists of two axles and a transmission.
Yes, the Minnesota-based company has a fleet of about 100 mobile shoe stores, in addition to its on-site and online stores. The mobile shoes stores are outfitted on light-duty trucks that go where consumers can be found. As the company researches the consumer makeup of different geographies, it asks: does this consumer prefer to buy via brick-and-mortar retail stores, mobile shoe trucks, or online?
“Our shoe stores on wheels help us serve commercial accounts,” says Jaime Lenczewski, director of global retail projects for the century-old, vertically integrated, global manufacturer and seller of shoes, work wear, and accessories. She explains that many employers provide vouchers to their workers that make the brand’s shoes a likely preference. “We find consumers at their jobs.” The strategy is not new: company’s first mobile shoe truck hit the road in 1963.
Lenczewski is tasked with expanding the company’s number of brick-and-mortar retail, which might be related to the reshoring of manufacturing jobs to the US, as well as the strong construction sector that now begs for workers.
According to the Association of General Contractors, construction employment grew in 45 US states in 2022, with job growth in places such as Texas (34,800 jobs added that year), Florida (23,600 jobs), New York (21,900 jobs), and Tennessee (14,000 jobs) leading the pack. Job growth is occurring also in manufacturing, albeit at a slower pace but with the winds of government and private sector investment in renewable energy and infrastructure-supply industries at its back.
That’s a lot of feet needing a lot of shoes.
In fact, the company plans to significantly grow its unit count over the next 5 years, largely through its dealer-owned opportunity model. “We used to build about 10 stores per year,” Lenczewski says. She says they are in a “assess and prepare” phase in 2023, building rapid-growth can-do plans for what’s to come. She heads up a core team of planners who represent 15 functional areas that will be needed to support this rapid growth.
“We look at the work streams and evaluate what needs to be done,” she explains. The expansion is focused on every US state and Canadian province. Red Wing Shoes distributes hundreds of products in 110 countries, with physical retail locations in a handful of European and Asian cities.
The family-held company has a well-established culture in which Lenczewski has been immersed since joining the company in 2015. With her own Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, she applies her education to the company’s expansion, one store at a time.
“Each new location goes through four stages,” she says. “It starts with initiation, identifying the location and the [independent store owners], followed by planning, execution [construction], and closing tasks. We have to know what is in our scope and what is not.”
The store design format may be standardized, but no two locations are the same. Convenience is important to Red Wing Shoes customers, and as the company sights real estate, it considers the proximity to where consumers live, work, and shop in order to secure retail spaces that are 1,500 to 1,800 square feet. One exception to this, however, is its flagship store in Manhattan, with 3,300 square feet. “That was fun to build,” Lenczewski says. “We’re always evolving.”
Replicating multiple steps and expanding the company culture while scaling up the planned expansion is a challenging task but one that is possible to achieve on a larger scale. “It’s very important to have a purpose, with transparency, integrity, and trust,” she says, adding that the organization knows it must maintain this culture in the growth phase.
One part of that long-standing culture—addressing thoroughly modern needs and sensibilities—is how Red Wing Shoes repairs products it sold years before (for a fee). To date, about 1.2 million pairs have been taken back to the store where purchased or mailed for resoling, heel or gusset replacements, eyelet repairs, dyeing, restitching, tuff toe adds, relining, and zipper installation. It’s a real sustainability move that, since 1985, has been part of how the company knows its consumers and holds their loyalty.
Lenczewski herself collaborates with the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) team, which includes supporting environmental and outdoors causes and providing footwear in the wake of natural disasters, as well as several other philanthropic initiatives.
As Red Wing Shoes expands its footprint across the globe, Lenczewski will be there to support its loyal customer base and its employees alike.
Dating back 20 years, National Awning and Sign and Red Wing Shoes have partnered on hundreds of projects. It has been our pleasure to work with Jaime and her team over this period growing their brand and ours. We look forward to continued expansion with their global retail department and the opportunity to support their Ramp Up Retail vision.


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May 15, 2013 in Latest News
Two bills currently before the New York State Legislature would require labeling of GMO foods (foods produced from genetically modified organisms). The right to know where the food we are buying comes from is an issue that should concern us all.
Senate bill #S3835. Assembly bill #A3525 are scheduled for a vote on June 20. Each provides for the labeling of food or food products that contain a genetically modified material or that are produced with a genetically modified material. Kenneth LaValle, our East End’s State Senator is the State Senate sponsor. Contact Senator LaValle, your Assembly Member and as many legislators as possible,even in other districts. A majority of 65 legislators is needed to pass the bill.
To find your representatives’ contacts information, to GMO Free NY. You can also subscribe to get updates and sign a petition. New York has allied with Right to Know GMO, a coalition of 37 states with the common goal of winning mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods in the U.S.


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DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group will present Shalini Govil-Pai, VP and General Manager of TV Platforms at Google, with the 2023 Hedy Lamarr Award for Innovation in Entertainment Technology. In its seventh year, the Hedy Lamarr Award recognizes female executives in the fields of entertainment and technology who have made a significant contribution to the industry. The Hedy Lamarr Inspiration Award will be presented to Dean Elizabeth Daley of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, for her pioneering adoption of cutting-edge technology into curriculum and practice. The 2023 Hedy LamarrAchievement Award for Emerging Leaders in Entertainment Technology, honoring a female college student whose studies in the fields of entertainment and technology have shown exceptional promise, will be presented to two students for 2023: Lily Chen, an undergraduate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology majoring in Mathematics with Computer Science; and Memphis Grace MacPherson, an undergraduate student at the University of Southern California who is majoring in Art, Technology, and the Business of Innovation in the Iovine Young Academy, with a minor in Themed Entertainment in the School of Cinematic Arts.
Universal Pictures’ expedited offering of current 2023 box office champ The Super Mario Bros. Movie into digital retail channels underscores Hollywood’s attempt to rejigger content distribution across multiple channels to an evolving fragmented consumer.
The strategy aims to transition away from an all-consuming streaming endgame and jumpstart “old-school” transactional opportunities beyond theatrical, including re-releasing related catalog content, and altering streaming service bundles.
Disney is now bundling Disney+ and Hulu into a single app, on top of the existing Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ bundle.
“We’re in the middle of the ‘great re-bundling’ … which means broader [content] distribution,” John Buffone, VP, industry advisor with research firm Circana, said May 16 on the DEG: Digital Entertainment Group’s “B-L-D Hour” webcast.
Facing a mature streaming market and significant direct-to-consumer fiscal losses, studios and media giants are looking for ways to cut costs while maximizing viewer engagement and content monetization opportunities, including non-exclusive content license agreements with third-party platforms.
While domestic SVOD services gained more than 6 million combined subscribers in 2022, the streaming market through the first quarter of this year has largely stabilized, with daily usage levels only changing marginally among the top 10 subscription streaming video services, Buffone said.
Indeed, just Netflix, Paramount+ and NBCUniversal’s Peacock saw incremental (1%) engagement increases through March compared to declines among their competitors (Hulu, Disney+, Discovery+, Prime Video, ESPN+, and Apple TV+). HBO Max remained flat.
The analyst said the outlier days of the pandemic when Netflix saw an increase of 3.5 billion hours in viewership year-over-year are over, with Q1 SVOD revenue growth largely driven by price hikes among the streaming services.
At the same time, U.S. SVOD household penetration continues grow slowly, reaching 88%, or about 100.3 million homes, which is up 2% from six months ago. Another 62.4 million households use free, ad-supported platforms. The average video consumer uses 4.8 SVOD platforms and 3.6 free ad-supported services — the latter up 3% from six months ago.
Buffone said that 52% of households use both SVOD and FAST, which is up from 49% six months ago, adding that both services are generally reaching many of the same viewers.
He added that while there are incremental usage changes between the platforms, in reality the data suggests that the subscriber bases across the services are watching a similar amount of content and time spent on a platform as they were before.
“As the streaming market is moving through the backend of the adoption curve [and] engagement is stabilizing, there are some opportunities here,” Buffone said. “There’s more avenues for distributing programming. There’s more avenues for non-exclusive licensing — part of that is the proliferation of free, ad-supported streaming in the market place.”
Notably, Warner Bros. Discovery earlier this year inked non-exclusive license deals for legacy HBO content, including “Westworld,” for distribution across The Roku Channel and ad-supported Tubi platform.
Buffone said recent data shows that among viewers aged 35-54, an identical 37% of consumers use SVOD, FAST, buy/rent premium and standard digital movies.
“This is a pretty significant demo,” said the analyst. “This is a result of [an older demographic] stepping up” to embrace wider content distribution. “This continues to be a bright spot.”
DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group on Aug. 12 unveiled its new board of directors, with Paramount Global chief content licensing officer Dan Cohen elected chair and prior chair Jim Wuthrich, president of content distribution at Warner Bros. Discovery, moving to chair emeritus.
Jonathan Zepp, head of media and entertainment global partnerships at Google, is the home entertainment trade association’s new vice chair.
DEG is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and says it aims to drive membership “that reflects the diverse, global and fluid digital entertainment marketplace.”
The new officers of the DEG board were elected to two-year terms and will serve through July 2024.
Andrea Downing, president of PBS Distribution, returns as CFO, with Rick Hack, head of media and entertainment partnerships at Intel Corp., re-elected secretary.
Returning DEG member Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) and Amazon Web Services (AWS), a new DEG member company, are each represented with new DEG board directors: Jason Spivak, EVP of distribution for North America at SPE, and Chris Blandy, global leader of strategy and business development, media and entertainment at AWS.
A+E Networks and Fandango/Vudu are longstanding members returning to the board. They are represented, respectively, by Mark Garner, EVP of content licensing and business development, and Mark Young, SVP of strategy, business and corporate development for Fandango and Vudu and GM of Rotten Tomatoes.
The new DEG board also includes two seats representing DEG’s two alliances, the D2C Alliance (D2CA) and the Advanced Content Delivery Alliance (ACDA), which the trade group says “play increasingly important roles in focusing DEG membership for the future and broadening the organization’s membership.”
The D2CA director is Adam Lewinson of Tubi. The ACDA director is Bill Neighbors of Xperi Holding Corp. Both Lewinson and Neighbors serve as chief content officer of their respective companies.
DEG directors also appointed Robin Tarufelli of Deloitte as a special board advisor for the 2022-23 term, a role “intended to provide diversity of input from membership sectors and companies that might not otherwise be represented on the board,” the DEG announced.
DEG arrives at its quarter-century mark with an expanding global membership that includes 81 member companies encompassing all areas of digital entertainment, with diverse business segments and from a wide range of geographical locations. Examples include Israel’s Deepdub, a localization service provider; Argentina’s BB Media, a data science company specializing in media and entertainment; South Korea’s Blintn, a global content marketplace; and U.S.-based TreeTrunk, which introduces a new standard for NFTs that enables blockchain royalty collection and distribution.
“I’m delighted that DEG membership is evolving to reflect the increasingly global nature of the digital entertainment ecosystem,” new board chair Cohen said in a statement. “The new board is committed to serving all DEG members and to providing the membership even more opportunities for collaboration, education and networking across industry sectors and across borders.”
“We welcome all of our new DEG board directors and are thrilled about our expanding base of companies based outside the U.S.,” said Amy Jo Smith, DEG president and CEO. “I’m grateful that they see the value of membership in DEG, which is committed to continuing to deliver high return on investment for members evolving into global providers of direct-to-consumer entertainment.”


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The reward behind an award
You can build two brands with one award: one is the award property, the other the presenting brand sponsor. How exactly are award managers hitting bulls-eye? Rather, bulls' eyes.
When it came into being, the Cannes Lions, now the gold standard in global advertising, was nothing but a vignette to the larger Cannes Film Festival. Started a few years after the Cannes Film Festival, it was initially meant to reward only feature film advertising.
Naturally, Cannes Lions had a limited following with only 200 delegates attending the first edition. Five decades later, 10,000 delegates came for this year's Cannes Lions. To increase its popularity in each country without running a huge publicity bill, Cannes ropes in leading media houses in each country as its official partner. "If we had to talk about the awards in various markets it would be a very difficult task. So we choose to partner with media houses that help spread the word," explains Philip Thomas, CEO, Cannes Advertising Festival.
That might be a global view. But how does the work behind those glittering ceremonies work in India? The list of awards being instituted in the country are not just a mile-long, they are also growing. In the past, it was mainly media houses who created awards properties to recognise achievers in their sphere of publishing. So, film magazines honoured the film industry, business newspapers toasted business excellence and so on.
Now, everyone is chasing awards. And we are not talking about the aspirants who are eager to get their hands on the cold metal. From event management companies to consulting outfits and even consumer goods companies, the battle is to create an award that lasts forever. Are there rules to this game?
Staying power can attract some amount of pedigree. But that's no guarantee against warding off competition. After all, you need to not just polish your act every year, but also constantly take a hard look and redefine, when necessary.
Take the case of Filmfare, the awards for honouring achievers from the Hindi film industry. In its 56-years of existence, Filmfare has seen competition from several quarters like the Screen Awards, Stardust Awards, Zee Cine Awards and the IIFA awards, the last being promoted by event management company Wizcraft.
While Filmfare covered more than adequate ground in India, with the Hindi film industry showing up in strength at the annual awards shows in Bollywood's capital, Mumbai, later-entrant, IIFA, decided to catch a flight to international locales.
But why would a sponsor come on board, particularly if they were brands that did not address the international market that IIFA targets? Idea, the cellular phone services company, that's been sponsoring IIFA for three years, seems to have some answers. For Idea, finding a medium to cut the clutter, particularly when larger competitors like Vodafone, Airtel or Reliance were outspending them, was the predominant task. Pradeep Shrivastava, CMO, Idea Cellular says, "Cricket, and Bollywood are religions in India and create engagement across the spectrum. IIFA has a mass appeal plus a lot of movie content being downloaded using mobile phones."
If IIFA was chasing numbers, Filmfare chose to reposition itself a notch higher a couple of years back. From the past, where size defined everything, Filmfare chose to make its awards show a Black Tie event. Anupama Bhalla, general manager - marketing, Worldwide Media (a joint venture between the Times Group and BBC Worldwide) says, "Filmfare awards has a rich heritage attached to it. The comparison has always been with the Oscars and event coverage has moved beyond just wins to what was worn by the stars for the event, which is similar to the 'red carpet' of the Oscars. The shift in positioning of the awards is reflective of that."
But the battle is not just restricted to that one on-ground event. After all, sponsors pay to be seen during the telecast. "The IIFA awards is broadcast across 120 countries and is viewed by 600 million people," claims Sabbas Joseph, director, IIFA. "Sponsors will align themselves only if there is an assurance of getting good TRPs," agrees Bhalla. For Filmfare, the exclusivity tag helped boost TRPs and the Filmfare Awards telecast on Sony Entertainment Television last year had a TRP of 4. Bhalla says that even for its repeat telecast, new sponsors came on board. IIFA says it got a TRP of 6.18 for its telecast on Star Plus last year.
Not everyone is looking at TRPs, though. When consumer goods major Marico chose to make a corporate statement out of innovation, primarily as a talent attraction exercise, the message had to go beyond advertising campaigns. So the Marico Innovation Foundation partnered with a consulting outfit, Erehwon Consulting to set up the Marico Innovation Awards. "The purpose of the award is to identify innovators, recognise them and share their best practices with a larger audience, thus enabling learning," says a spokesperson from the Foundation.
Every year, the Foundation contacts 5,000 companies and social organisations to invite entries to the award. It also interacts with institutes like the IIMs and industry body CII to spread awareness from the innovation research findings. An innovation course designed by Erehwon is also included in the curriculum of about a dozen business schools to encourage B-school graduates to take up live business challenges and try solving it. Marico claims that the awards are a part of the company's CSR initiatives.
Sometimes, a strong award property could also undergo a dilution of identity, simply because the company that owns the award decided to extend the scope of the exercise. In many parts of India, bravery and Red & White were hand-in-hand. But when the company that owns the Red & White cigarette brand, Godfrey Phillips India, decided to increase the scope of the awards, beyond existing geographies and even beyond awards, a name change was imminent. With the scope of the awards going beyond acts of physical bravery to include social bravery and social lifetime achievements and other categories, the awards are now called Godfrey Philips Bravery Awards.
Harmanjit Singh, general secretary, Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards however denies that the name change was prompted by changes in legislation. He says, "In the 1990s when the award was started, there was no need for surrogate advertising, as advertising of tobacco was permitted. Also, we rebranded the property as Godfrey Phillips long before the legislation came into existence."
There are other categories where it's virtually raining awards. The automobile industry is a case in point. Apart from individual industry magazines having their own product of the year awards, they also have a collective Indian Car Of The Year (ICOTY) award. To increase credibility, auto magazines like Overdrive have tied up with industry bodies - SIAM, ACMA and CII- and even include these members in the jury. That need not mean it could race ahead of the rest.
The awards show has just begun.


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Forget Tesla! 3 EV Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years
Among the top EV stocks investors are watching right now, most eyes are on the market leader, Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA). There are good reasons for that, as Tesla has grown incredibly, and it essentially jump started an auto market that was dead in the water for decades. However, given the impressive growth rate of EVs relative to conventional vehicles, a huge amount of competition has arisen, and TSLA stock price tumbled 63% over the past year. As a result, it’s time to look for other, better EV stocks to own.
Indeed, after the International Energy Agency reported that the number of electric vehicles worldwide had tripled in the three years that ended in 2021, it’s clear that buying the shares of up-and-coming EV makers will be profitable for longer-term investors. But the question is: which of the dozens of those companies out there will take a relatively large slice of this pie? Here are three EV makers that I think have the potential to do just that.
Since its inception in 2014, Chinese EV company Nio (NYSE:NIO) has captured the attention of the market. The company still generates less revenue than Tesla in China, and it is by no means the largest China-based EV maker. The latter distinction belongs to Nio’s rival, BYD (OTCMKTS:BYDDF).
That said, there’s plenty to like about Nio’s position in China’s fast-growing EV market. In fact, analysts, on average, predict that Nio’s sales will jump at an incredible rate 75% in 2023.
In 2021, Nio’s unit sales jumped 109% to 91,429 EVs, and analysts predict that its losses will decrease in 2023 as its sales rise further.
Over the past year, NIO stock has shed around three-quarters of its value. However, its business continues to be a major force in the rapidly expanding Chinese EV sector.
Moreover, after falling for more than a year, NIO’s shares have been climbing lately. The stock may appeal to bargain hunters looking for foreign growth companies, since it is currently trading close to 70% below its all-time high.
Nio’s vehicle deliveries jumped 29% in the third quarter of last year versus the same period a year earlier to 31,607 vehicles . And in Q3, its sales jumped 32.6% YOY to $1.83 billion, as it raised its prices. That’s in stark contrast to Tesla, which is lowering its prices (and therefore its margins) right now.
Li Auto (LI)
Sticking with Chinese EV makers, Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI) is among the EV stocks that I think is worth looking at right now. This company offers a selection of high-end, luxury SUVs.
In 2023, analysts, on average, expect the company’s revenues to climb by roughly 84%, enabling them to surpass the important $5 billion annual sales threshold. In 2021, Li’s vehicle deliveries soared 177% to 90,491. Some analysts predict that the company’s earnings per share will be positive this year.
Li also noted that in the final month of 2022, it delivered more than 10,000 of both its L8 and L9 hybrid SUVs. These models “have cemented our market position in the RMB 300,000 to RMB 500,000 price bracket,” according to the company.
Despite constant supply chain restrictions and production issues connected to the pandemic, Li Auto delivered 133,246 vehicles in 2022, up nearly 47% from 2021.
This article was originally published on this site


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Carrie Bradshaw has a lot to answer for. Pre-Sex and the City, candles were a feature mostly of churches, birthday cakes, and romantic dinners. Then along came Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic television character, who single-handedly turned the candle into a self-care accessory: the ideal way to create moments of calm and indulgence in a chaotic life.
There’s nothing wrong with that goal, nor with using fragrance to set a tone and create an atmosphere. The problem here is the tool, because there is conclusive, incontrovertible evidence that burning scented candles produces substances that could be harmful to our health.
“It’s very clear cut, when you think about it,” says Dr. Karen Bartlett, a professor at the University of British Columbia who specializes in inhalation toxicology. “When a candle burns, it produces particulate matter: solids in a tiny size range of 2.5 microns or less that are invisible and can travel deep into the lungs. Picture a candle that’s been burning for several hours; it’s now three or four inches shorter. All of that doesn’t vanish—it goes into the atmosphere, and you can breathe it in.”
When Bartlett talks about the subject with students, she references the days when people smoked cigarettes indoors (another Bradshaw habit). “Back then, you would go for a night out and the following day when you blew your nose, you’d find lots of black gunk,” she explains via phone. “All of that is particulate matter.”
In 2013, the World Health Organization produced a report about particulate matter that linked it to cancers, respiratory diseases, and heart problems, stating that “there is no evidence of a safe level of exposure.” Of course, that’s not to say that burning a scented candle will instantly cause serious health issues. “The majority of particulate matter exposure comes from industrial pollution and cars, and also from the wildfires such as the Amazon fire that’s currently burning,” says Bartlett. “You’re probably not going to damage your health much because of a candlelit dinner.” Still, she believes it’s sensible to reduce your exposure to the risks you can control.
All candles produce particulate matter—not to mention smoke, which you also breathe in—but paraffin ones produce the most, while beeswax versions produce the least. The more highly scented a candle is (especially if the fragrance is synthetic), the more likely it is to do harm, because it creates more soot. And contrary to popular belief, burning a candle won’t eliminate a nasty smell, but rather add another note to it—so if your teenager burns some macaroni and cheese on the stove, it can be far better to just open a window.
Bartlett says if you do want to use candles, it’s best to do so in a well-ventilated area (so forget those 1990s TV moments where someone takes a petal-strewn bath surrounded by flickering flames). And while lung problems are the most well-known issues with burning candles, they’re not the only ones. Bartlett speculates that the particulate matter could enter our pores and even our bloodstream, causing skin problems and potentially other health issues, too.
So sans candles, how do we create those little scented moments of peace? Diffusing essential oils doesn’t produce particulate matter because you’re not burning anything (which also eliminates any fire risk), so replace that votive with a chic diffuser, and then you can truly relax.


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Plano, TX-based Airport Lounge Development (ALD), a premier developer and operator of airport lounges around the world, announces that Chris Gwilliam has joined the company as vice president of business development and Jeffrey Denmon is coming on as director of operations, while Laura Banse has been named director of facility management.
“Chris, Jeffrey and Laura’s experience and proven expertise across the hospitality and airline industry further strengthen ALD’s leadership position in the industry,” says Nancy Knipp, ALD senior vice president. “In their positions, each will play an integral role in ALD’s continued growth and our focus on enhancing the airport experience for millions of travelers.”
Gwilliam brings decades of experience to ALD, most recently as vice president of strategy and projects at Snap Kitchen where he developed strategy for business development and improvement, and lead cross-functional project teams.
Denmon comes over from CRU Food & Wine Bar, where he was vice president of operations, helping the chain successfully open 19 new restaurants and wine bars. Banse joins ALD after spending most of her career at American Airlines. Her most recent role was senior manager of customer experience delivery where she helped lead the American Airlines Next Generation Airport automation and ticket counter design development and implementation.
ALD currently operates 18 global lounges, with planned expansions into new locations across the U.S. by the end of 2019.


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Restoration 1 Names New Chief Operating Officer
WACO, Texas—June 23, 2020—Restoration 1 recently appointed Sherry Rose as Chief Operating Officer. Sherry Rose joins Restoration 1 with more than 15 years of industry experience, and as COO, she will play a key role in expanding the brand’s presence on a national level.
“Sherry brings years of service industry experience to the table that will help ensure the future growth of Restoration 1,” said Gary Findley, CEO of Restoration 1. “As we continue to attract a record number of prospects who want to be a part of our successful and fast-growing company, Sherry will focus on operations, strategy development, and customer experience to ensure we meet our ambitious goals.”
Prior to joining Restoration 1, Rose worked for ServiceMaster, a billion-dollar global business consisting of company-owned locations and franchised multi-unit organizations. For 15 years she served in various leadership and support roles for brands including Terminix, ServiceMaster Restore, and Merry Maids.
“This is an exciting time to join Restoration 1 and build on the incredible track record and solid foundation that Gary and the team have started,” said Rose. “I look forward to playing a part in Restoration 1’s expansion to continue to serve communities nationwide and achieve new milestones every year.”
Founded in 2008, Restoration 1 is an award-winning franchise that specializes in a wide array of emergency mitigations, restoration, and reconstruction services for both residential and commercial properties that have been damaged due to water, smoke, fire, mold, storms, and more. There are nearly 300 locations open and in development throughout the U.S. with plans to expand to more than 500 locations nationwide in the next three years. Restoration 1 has earned numerous rankings from Entrepreneur and is featured in “12 Amazing Franchise Opportunities – Second Edition” by franchise expert Dr. John Hayes. For more information about Restoration 1, visit https://www.restoration1.com. For information about opening a Restoration 1 franchise, visit restoration1franchise.com.


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Head on down to the bay under the protection of our trusty lifeguards Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron in BAYWATCH and get ready for a whole range of hilarious twists and turns. To celebrate the digital release on September 21 and with the DVD release coming up on September 25, as well as the extended version on Blu-ray™ and 4k Ultra HD™, we are giving 2 of you the chance to win a beach-ready merchandise bundle that includes a beach towel, hoodie, beach ball, tote bag, water bottle and a whistle!
When a dangerous crime wave hits the beach, legendary Lt. Mitch Buchannon (Dwayne Johnson, Fast & Furious 8) leads his elite squad of badass lifeguards on a mission to prove you don’t have to wear a badge to save the bay. Joined by a trio of hot-shot recruits including former Olympian Matt Brody (Zac Efron, Bad Neighbours 2), they’ll ditch the surf and go deep undercover to take down a ruthless businesswoman (Priyanka Chopra, TV’s “Quantico”), whose devious plans threaten the future of the bay.
Like Baywatch on Facebook and follow #Baywatch on Instagram for all the latest news and information
Baywatch – See It First on Digital on September 21, out on Blu-ray™, 4K Ultra HD™ and DVD September 25
Baywatch © 2017 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved
The Small Print
- Open to UK residents only
- The competition will close 28th September 2017 at 23.59 GMT
- The winner will be picked at random from entries received
- No cash alternative is available
The usual T&Cs can be found here. Good Luck!


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The departure comes as the cereal maker continues to struggle to boost UK sales.
Peterson worked in seven countries during his 16 years at Kellogg. As UK managing director, he was responsible for cereal brands such as Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, All-Bran, Rice Krispies and Crunchy Nut.
Flemming Sundo, who headed Kellogg’s Scandinavian operation, will step into the role for a six-month interim period.
In February, Kellogg flagged up the ‘difficult environment in the UK’ to investors. According to one source, the UK business ‘is not performing well’.
Separately, Kellogg is set to extend its bite-sized Wheats range with the launch of Mini Wheats. A campaign is planned to promote the variant.


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The recent directive from the Spanish data protection regulator, AEPD, has brought attention to the data collection practices of Worldcoin. The regulator has instructed Worldcoin to cease the collection of personal data in Spain and to refrain from using any data that has already been obtained. This decision came after receiving numerous complaints about Worldcoin, including concerns about the adequacy of information provided, data collection from minors, and the lack of provision for withdrawing consent. The regulator has given Worldcoin a 72-hour deadline to demonstrate compliance with the directive.
Spain’s decision to take action against Worldcoin marks the first instance of a European nation addressing the controversy surrounding the project. AEPD director Mar España Martí highlighted particular concerns regarding the company’s data collection practices involving minors. She emphasized the importance of coordinated action across all European countries to address data protection issues effectively.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs the processing of personal data within the European Union and requires entities handling personal data to have a legitimate legal basis for their activities. Failure to comply with GDPR regulations can result in significant fines, amounting to up to 4% of annual global turnover. Worldcoin’s approach to data collection and processing has raised concerns about potential violations of GDPR requirements.
Apart from facing scrutiny in Spain, Worldcoin is also under investigation in Hong Kong. The Privacy Commissioner’s Office has initiated inquiries at various locations across the city associated with the project. The focus of the investigation is on potential breaches of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive personal data by Worldcoin.
In addition to regulatory challenges, Worldcoin and its leadership have faced legal disputes and allegations from notable figures in the tech industry. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, sued OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman, and President Greg Brockman, alleging deviations from the original contract and a shift towards irresponsible AI development. OpenAI, on the other hand, claimed that Musk’s actions were motivated by unsuccessful attempts to integrate the company into Tesla Inc.
The controversy surrounding Worldcoin highlights the complexities of data protection, privacy regulations, and responsible AI development in the digital age. As regulators, privacy advocates, and industry leaders navigate these challenges, it is essential for companies like Worldcoin to prioritize transparency, compliance with regulations, and ethical considerations in their data collection and processing practices. Only by addressing these issues effectively can companies avoid legal disputes, regulatory actions, and reputational damage in the long run.