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Developer Picroma has announced that Cube World, its very-long-in-the-works voxel-based action-RPG, will be making its way to Steam in the next month or two, six years after its controversial alpha release.
Cube World first surfaced all the way back in 2013, and immediately dazzled thanks to its striking, procedurally generated world. It promised to deliver a unique, exploration-focussed take on the action-RPG genre, with players able to adopt a variety of different classes and embark on an open-world adventure that would be different with every play-through.
Interest was strong enough that developer Wolfram von Funck agreed to release his hobby project Cube World as a paid alpha, with players able to pick up the game for $15 USD. Following a rocky launch, in which purchases were temporarily suspended as a result of DDOS attacks on the developer's servers, only one further update was released.
Although Cube World's alpha was an enjoyable experience in its own right, purchasers, who were expecting regular updates to the game, understandably grew wary when von Funck embarked on an extended period of radio silence not long after launch. Since then, although the developer has resurfaced intermittently to confirm that development is still progressing and to guarantee eventual release, communication has been sporadic at best, with whole years passing between social media posts.
Occasional blog updates and development videos, as rare as they've been, have gone some way to reassuring fans that progress on Cube World has continued behind the scenes, no matter how slowly, so the only real questions seemed to be if and when the community might get to experience the fruits of those six-year labours first-hand. And the answer, according to a new tweet from von Funck, is October or November this year.
When Cube World comes to Steam, it'll be the first chance to see what's changed in the years since alpha release. According to the game's recently launched Steam listing, the new version will feature four classes - Warrior, Ranger, Mage, and Rogue - plus, combat, spells, magic artefacts, weapons, armour, potions, elixirs, and food, as well as tameable pets that will fight alongside heroes and can be used as mounts.
The procedurally generated world itself will feature quests that task heroes with helping residents, exploring dungeons, and fighting huge monsters, and the whole thing is playable solo or via online co-op. There are a few more details on Steam.
Notably, and probably wisely, it looks like this is being pitched as a full release, rather than another early access launch, and von Funck has confirmed that everyone that purchased the Cube World alpha in the halcyon days of 2013 will be given a Steam key.
Speaking as one of those players that bought and thoroughly enjoyed their time with Cube World's alpha back in the day, despite its mechanical limitations, I'm genuinely intrigued to see if the intervening years have resulted in a completed experience that fulfils its early promise. We'll know more when Cube World's very-long-awaited release occurs soon.


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Srinagar, January 22, 2018 (PPI-OT):In occupied Kashmir, with electricity supply erratic this winter, kangri – the traditional earthen firepot woven in wicker has emerged as useful means to fight subzero temperatures. Sales of kangri have almost doubled this winter compared to last year, people associated with this trade claimed and attributed it mainly to the erratic power supply.
The capping of subsidised LPG cylinders per household over the years and soaring prices of wood were listed as other factors that have forced the people to revert to use of kangris to keep themselves warm during winter.
“The sale of kangris was dipping every year over the past decade due to introduction of modern gadgets like heaters that used electricity, kerosene or LPG as fuel. However, as these fuels are not available readily now, people have started buying kangris again,” Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Charar-e-Sharief who sells kangris, told media men.
Many areas of Kashmir, including Srinagar, face electricity outages ranging between six and 12 hours every day while only 12 subsidised LPG cylinders are provided to each household every year. “I used to sell 10 to 15 kangris every day at the start of the winter season, which was definitely not enough to make a proper living. However, the sales this year improved and I sell anywhere between 20 and 25 kangris each day.” An average kangri costs between Rs 150 and Rs 200 but the price of a good quality firepot ranges from Rs 300 to Rs 500.
The 65-year-old artisan spends summer buying the raw material for kangris and makes them during autumn months so that his merchandise is ready for sale at the onset of winter. The increase in sale has rekindled his hope that the art of making kangri, unique to Kashmir, can be preserved and passed to the next generation.
For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Phone: +92-51-4435548, +92-51-4435549

domain: news


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Loans – As PM pushes for reforms it s time to introduce differential rates of interest on company loans-ANI
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], December 14 (ANI/NewsVoir): Undeterred by stress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his authorities’s robust will for reforms to spur financial development and create an surroundings conducive in the direction of making India a developed nation.
As a pro-growth authorities, its intentions are in the suitable route. It’s, nevertheless, additionally vital that it introduces different measures which have the potential to play a catalytic function. Little doubt, the Centre has proven foresight and iron will whereas combating a worldwide pandemic, described as essentially the most difficult this century. In the course of the COVID-19 disaster, he prolonged a serving to hand to the widespread man, and in addition took measures in the direction of creating a greater surroundings for companies and corporates concurrently.
“The federal government has launched measures to spice up development and take the financial system out of recession. The stimulus packages are anticipated to launch the much-needed liquidity out there. The federal government has additionally inspired monetary establishments to lend to the corporates. It could even be a welcome measure if the federal government resolves the problem of differential rates of interest to company. This can scale back their monetary duress and spur higher financial exercise within the nation,” stated Sarvesh Tiwari, President Raws.
Landmark measures like common monetary inclusion and the slashing of company tax charges present that the federal government firmly believes in “sabka saath, sabka vikas”. However, then, the Modi authorities’s dedication to general inclusive development has by no means been in query. Within the rapid context of COVID-19, the federal government has responded properly, and given a name for “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, ensured meals safety for the poorest, and introduced a much-needed fiscal stimulus bundle.
The RBI introduced a moratorium on bank loans for all, together with the corporates. The transfer has been hailed by all. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as additionally Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, have usually stated that the wealth creators should be inspired and revered. This welcome sentiment ought to lead to a level-playing subject for the corporates as they rebuild a pandemic- ravaged India and assist notice the USD 5 trillion imaginative and prescient. There are some areas of concern, nevertheless, that want the federal government’s pressing consideration and the RBI’s intervention.
Whereas the federal government has been encouraging banks to lend to corporates, at occasions they face some unlikely roadblocks – a problem that’s greatest addressed urgently.
Banks now observe differential rates of interest to corporates, primarily based on their credit score scores. In precept, this may seem like logical, however in apply, the distinction between rates of interest for a highly-rated company and a moderately-rated company may be as enormous as 5-6 per cent.
Contemplating that we’re figures ranging in 100s and 1000s of crores of loans, the distinction in rates of interest may, thus, be huge. Whereas credit standing is vital, we additionally know the situations of Enron and IL&FS that had been rated very very extremely however went bust, throwing up a spread of challenges. In any other case, too, there have been situations of AAA-rated firms fumbling and struggling.
Logically, a company could be rated reasonably (and never extremely) due to its perceived poor monetary well being. A excessive fee of curiosity would then solely hasten its downslide! Certainly the banking ecosystem, the RBI and the federal government don’t desire that! In any case, collaterals and different securities are secured whereas disbursing loans, so the banks may certainly be extra thoughtful. The banks, maybe, may take a cue or two from retail loans, or how bank card firms consider their prospects, whereas devising a construction for corporates.
After the RBI directed banks to hyperlink retail loans to an exterior benchmark, some public sector banks have begun providing differential rates of interest, guided by the customers’ CIBIL scores. The rate of interest differentiation goes as much as 2 per cent in choose classes, whereas it normally varies between 0.5 and 1 per cent.
Why should not then company loans’ rate of interest differentiation must be, say, as much as 1 per cent, and never the unreasonable 5-6 per cent? Bank cards, then again, have a look at the previous and rapid monitor file, whereas providing playing cards, card limits, and different presents. This supplies a viable model for the banks whereas providing company loans. Plus, banks ought to do their very own scores of consumers and corporates, primarily based on their data.
There have been many situations the place credit-rating businesses have been seen to be doing half-baked jobs. Why go away the way forward for corporates within the fingers of those businesses alone? Banks ought to have a look at the businesses’ efficiency, enterprise model and monitor file.
Like a involved and valued regulator, the RBI ought to deal with these considerations. Measures must be taken to make sure that corporates do not slide into the crimson. A authorities nudge could be well timed right here. Companies and trade, on their half, will make sure that India recovers from the pandemic actual fast, extra employment alternatives are created, and India will get again its “fastest-growing giant financial system” tag quickly.
This story is offered by NewsVoir. ANI is not going to be accountable in any manner for the content material of this text. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Disclaimer: The views expressed within the article above are these of the authors’ and don’t essentially symbolize or replicate the views of this publishing home. Except in any other case famous, the writer is writing in his/her private capability. They aren’t supposed and shouldn’t be thought to symbolize official concepts, attitudes, or insurance policies of any company or establishment.


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Spotlight: Distance Education for Africa
Nails Chic: Personalized Care from Hand to Toe
Natalie Koltun • June 20, 2014
Hidden above a Wisconsin Avenue yoga studio, unbeknownst to many, is another oasis of relaxation.
Since November 2012, Nails Chic has offered nail care and waxing services – from the classic manicure and pedicure to a paraffin foot treatment – to Georgetown residents, business people and students. Though the name says nails, the salon offers 16 types of waxing services for both men and women. Prices start at $8 and go up to $60.
The quaint salon features exposed brick and an excellent view of one of Georgetown’s main avenues. Lining the far wall is a row of plush massage chairs to further pamper customers getting a pedicure.
Owner Linh Nguyen is an expert in the art of nail care. Born in rural southern Vietnam, she immigrated to the United States at 17 and immediately began her career in the nail industry in Texas. Two years later, she moved to northern Virginia with her husband. With over 13 years of experience under her belt, Nguyen was encouraged by her business partner to open her own salon in Georgetown in 2012, just a year after her daughter was born.
“I love D.C. The people are so nice here,” said Nguyen.
Nine months after the salon opened, her business partner pulled out, leaving Nguyen to manage things on her own. Instead of closing her doors, she chose to continue to provide a variety of nail services to the Georgetown community.
Customers can choose from Nails Chic’s large selection of OPI, Essie and China Glaze nail polish. The salon’s most popular service, a gel manicure priced at $35, lasts at least two weeks and is resistant to chipping and fading.
“The gel is good for busy people because it lasts long and the customer doesn’t have to get their nails redone as often,” Nguyen said.
Just a short walk from Georgetown University, Nails Chic offers a student discount, and many students frequent the salon, according to Nguyen. To give the business people of Georgetown an opportunity to relax after a long workday, she keeps her store open until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday (when it opens at 10 a.m.). It is also open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Business INS + OUTS
Georgetowner • June 18, 2014
OUT: 1055 High Sell-Out
The Georgetowner’s most recent featured property – 1055 High – located at 1055 Wisconsin Ave., NW, is no longer on the market. The seven luxurious condominium units were priced at $3.6 million to $5.5 million, more than $1,000 per square foot, and were sold in just three weeks to seven all-cash buyers, according to the Washington Business Journal. Developed by EastBanc, Inc., the mostly residential complex overlooks the C&O Canal and is still under construction. The building’s completion is expected in the fall.
IN: The Grace at Georgetown Condos on Sale Soon
Just half a block west of the sold-out Wisconsin Avenue condos, the Grace at Georgetown is a Capital City Real Estate condo project under construction at 3220 Grace St., NW. At the corner of Grace Street and Cecil Place, the four-story complex will hold seven units. Prices begin around $450,000. Project architect is Dale Overmyer.
IN: Carlisle Wide Plank Floors
Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, which specializes in luxury wide plank hardwood floors for residential and commercial spaces, has opened a showroom in the upper courtyard of Georgetown Court at 3251 Prospect St., NW. Carlisle also specializes in wide plank reclaimed flooring and antique flooring. Its engineered wood flooring and solid wood flooring is also available unfinished and prefinished.
Business INS + OUTS
Georgetowner • June 4, 2014
IN: Donghia Celebrates Move to Cady’s Alley
Donghia — which specializes in decorative fabrics and furniture – celebrated its move to Cady’s Alley last week with a standing-room-only party. The 3,413-square-foot retail property is at 3334 Cady’s Alley, NW. Founded by the late Italian-American designer Angelo Donghia, the luxury contemporary home furnishing collection sells exclusively to interior designers and architects through its showrooms. Its furniture is made in the U.S. and accessories are handmade in Italy in Murano, next to Venice. [See Social Scene on page 30 for photos from the May 29 event.]
OUT: Serendipity 3 Shuts Its Doors
Georgetown’s Serendipity 3 closed its doors June 3. Since its opening in 2011, the home of the $1,000 “golden opulence” sundae, has had a bumpy ride. Health code violations and a disagreement among the owners caused temporary closures in 2012 and 2013. There is no word yet as to why Serendipity closed, but rumors quickly arose regarding a lawsuit from the landlord of the M Street restaurant, who is allegedly owed more than $98,000 dollars in rent, utilities, and other fees.
IN: Carine’s Bridal Atelier Acquires Second Location
?Carine Krawiec, owner of luxury bridal salon, Carine’s Bridal Atelier, has acquired a 4,200-square-foot second location in Georgetown, set to open a two-floor boutique at 1623 Wisconsin Avenue, former home of Georgetown Cafe, by Winter 2014-15.
Krawiec plans to provide a fresh take on the bridal shopping experience through the boutique’s cutting-edge design while enhancing its exceptional customer service and wide-array of high-end inventory.
“Our store has grown so fast over the past seven years, I wanted to provide a more spacious and luxurious atmosphere for our brides, while maintaining the welcoming and intimate reputation our store has become known for,” says Krawiec. The expansion into 1623 Wisconsin Ave., NW, will welcome rising stars, Zuhair Murad and Inbal Dror, to the boutique’s designer repertoire. The existing location, 1726 Wisconsin Ave., NW, will remain a part of the bridal retailer’s growing empire.
Since its establishment in 2006, Carine’s Bridal Atelier became home to legendary designers, such as Monique Lhuillier and Carolina Herrera, after Krawiec was encouraged by leaders in the industry to open a couture bridal atelier in the D.C. area.
OUT + IN: Bangkok Joe’s to Become Mama Rogue
Bangkok Joe’s, the Thai restaurant at the entrance to Washington Harbour at 3000 K St., NW, closed June 1, as its owners transform the space into a French-Southeast Asian restaurant, named Mama Rouge.
The new restaurant will open in September, owners — chef Aulie Bunyarataphan and Mel Oursinsini — told their patrons in a May 27 email. They also cited the changing tastes of customers. The same team runs Tom Yum District across Key Bridge in Arlington as well as T.H.A.I.
The self-described “dumpling bar and cafe” — reviewed by Zagat as having “dumplings “to die for” and “great cocktails to boot” — has attracted the likes of such boldface diners as Nicole Kidman and Nicholas Cage.
Opened in September 2003, Bangkok Joe’s is getting a re-boot, so to speak, to stay current with its guests. Along with a revamped menu, the space will be redesigned and get a new kitchen.
IN: Orange Anchor Coming to Washington Harbour
Restaurateur Reese Gardner is expanding to Washington Harbour with a nautical-inspired eatery, Orange Anchor. Next to Nick’s Riverside Grille and in front of the fountain, the new restaurant takes over the former Cabanas space and is set to open in August. Gardener runs other spots, such as the Might Pint, Cooperwood Tavern and Irish Public House.
Here’s how the Orange Anchor describes itself: “Our menu consists of seasonal small bites, Maryland crabs, a la cart proteins and shared sides, all sourced locally. The bar program will be highlighted by fresh squeezed orange cocktails and a large selection of rare rums.”
IN: Café Deluxe Opens on M Street in West End
Known for its spot up Wisconsin Avenue near Macomb Street, Cafe Deluxe has opened another place in the West End in the new Hilton Garden Inn at 22nd and M Streets, NW, across the street from the Ritz-Carlton.
Part of the hotel and restaurant in the neighborhood, Café Deluxe, according to the company, “will accommodate up to 130 people in the dining room with seating for 38 at the bar, about 50 in the private dining room area and an additional 2,500 square feet of event space in the hotel that can seat up to 225 — ideal for holiday parties and special occasions. Room service from the kitchen of Cafe Deluxe will be available nightly to all 238 rooms of the Hilton Garden Inn.”
IN: EverFi Celebrates New Offices on K Street
The educational tech firm, EverFi, which started in 2008 on Potomac Street, has moved again to 3299 K St., NW. Co-founded by Tom Davidson, EverFi has steadily expanded. The company occupies two floors and has a balcony overlooking the Potomac.
IN: Sushi Keiko Taking Over Sushi Ko Space
A restaurant named Sushi Keiko has leased 2309 Wisconsin Ave., NW, the former home of Sushi Ko, according to the Hyperlocal Glover Park blog: “The Sushi Keiko menu will feature a variety of Asian foods, including sushi and sashimi, small plates such as grilled baby octopus, and entrees including roasted Maine salmon.” One of the first sushi spots in D.C., Sushi Ko closed last summer in Glover Park but has another place up Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase, Md.
Business Ins & Outs: May 7, 2014
Georgetowner • May 16, 2014
IN: Manuel Cabellos, formerly of his own salon at 1231 34 St., NW, is now at Mon Salon, 1620 Wisconsin Ave., NW.
OUT: Marvelous Market at Wisconsin Avenue and P Street, NW, has closed. The property is still owned by the Neams brothers, who ran Neams Market for decades and are patient to find the right tenant and business for this prime location with parking spaces.
Kimberly Robinson will be opening a new bakery at 1826 Wisconsin Ave., NW, called Makin’ Whoopie! – as in whoopie pies. The space formerly housed the Homemade Pizza Co.
COMING in September
Women’s clothing boutique Alice and Olivia has signed a 10-year lease to make its mid-Atlantic debut at 3303 M St., NW, EastBanc, Inc., announced April 28. The 2,400 square-foot retail space on M Street has been vacant since Qdoba Mexican Grill closed its doors
The high-end apparel company is slated to open in September. According to EastBanc, Inc., the lease begins immediately and Alice and Olivia will start renovations right away.
Yamanair Creative Opens at Canal Square
Yamanair Creative, calling itself the first “anti-ad agency” in the U.S., threw a grand-opening party April 30 at its Georgetown headquarters on 31st Street, which featured a live performance of “the Star-Spangled Banner” by the a cappella singers of The District, which brought the crowd of 100 to tears. Guests included diplomats, such as Arif Yeter of the Turkish Embassy, Chris Broullire, D.C. chapter president for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and CBS vice president Scott Herman, along with Georgetown business owners and friends.
I-Thai Celebrates Grand Opening on M Street
I-Thai, a new Southeast Asian Restaurant and Sushi Bar, at 3003 M St., NW, celebrated its recent opening with a grand-opening party April 29. Along with the party-goers were i-Thai owner Debbie Ratanaprasith and Damon Banks of Damon M. Banks Freelance Writing and Consulting.
Roosters Holds Grand Opening May 1
Roosters, a men’s grooming center at the new retail space next to Safeway on Wisconsin Avenue, held its grand opening May 1. Among those attending was councilman Jack Evans shown in photo at right with proprietor John Santanella. Offering hair cuts, shaves and more, Roosters is at 1815 Wisconsin Ave., NW.
Online Retailer Models the D.C. Woman
Fashion duo Alvaro Roche and Elsa Arcila have deep roots in the industry, but it wasn’t until they found each other in D.C. that their brand Aroche was born.
“We love D.C. because it has all this international influence,” Roche said.
Created after years of Roche’s work around the globe – which included six years with Italian designer Gionfranco Ferré and the co-founding of children’s clothing line EPK, now sold all over Latin America – Aroche is the product of a perfect pair. Roche and Arcila shared a passion for creating a brand that was simple, sophisticated and, most importantly, practical.
“Understated and getting it done; like the DC woman,” is how someone described Aroche in a tweet. And Roche agreed.
“We’re trying to create something well-designed, understated, minimalist, but at the same time a little sexy,” Roche said. “Getting it done and practical.”
Combining their international experiences, Roche and Arcila have seen the industry shift in a huge way. When the two began working on the brand in late 2012, they first started talking about the industry’s move in the direction of online sales. They have watched major design brands rethink flagship stores and open fewer, larger stores.
“The online presence is bigger and that’s what is important,” Roche said.
After splitting his time among Europe, Latin America and China, Roche was looking for something more manageable and personable. Coming from a time when fashion was brick and mortar only, Roche is having fun with his new online venture.
Arcila lived in Venezuela before attending school in Los Angeles at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where she studied marketing and brought her knowledge to Roche’s vision of starting a brand from scratch.
“We always say ‘enjoy the process,’” Aroche said. A year and a half of detailed work later, Aroche’s debut spring collection featured three styles of nylon bags and three pairs of flats. The bags can be monogrammed and the fall collection is expected to include even more items. Find more at Aroche.us.
Fred Maroon’s ‘Far Out Fashions’ at Artist’s Proof
Nicole Cusick • May 9, 2014
Fred Maroon might be famous in D.C. for his notable photographs around the Capitol and Georgetown, but how many know that he traveled the work to produce spectacular fashion editorial spreads?
Peggy Sparks, owner of Artist’s Proof, is currently working with her team on an exhibition of Maroon’s editorial work at the intimate gallery, located just off M Street in Cady’s Alley. The show, “Far Out Fashions: An Exhibition of Fashion Photography by the Late Fred J. Maroon,” will be open to the public from May 16 to June 1. “We try to create a space for artists from around the world to come and share the stories they so very strongly put into their art,” said Sparks. She believes that Artist’s Proof is a place where the public can step into these stories.
Maroon’s story began when he was sweet-talked by the editor of London’s Weekend Telegraph Magazine in 1966. This first series was meant to highlight the cashmere wool made from the underbelly of Mongolian goats. Maroon traveled to the outskirts of Mongolia for the shoot. Look magazine (which stopped publishing in 1971) also bought the photos. The New York Times even dedicated half a page to displaying these ambitious photos of models in elaborate wool outfits in snowy landscapes. Maroon’s next destination was Leningrad. However, the clothes the group had brought with them could not be used. Maroon was only allowed to take the photos with a Soviet woman as the model and clothes from a Moscow designer. He agreed, and produced the series “Furs in Russia.”
Afghanistan was next, with a feature on the native silks of the region. A local prince who took a liking to a model granted them access to temples and religious locations where the group would not ordinarily be allowed to photograph. The photos from this trip are also important because they document locations that no longer exist, a result of the country’s war-torn recent history. Several feature models walking in lush green fields, an image of Afghanistan unfamiliar to most Americans.
One of Maroon’s final international stops was Japan, when he shot in several different temples and more remote regions. Maroon worked to record contemporary Japan and its natural features, avoiding the stereotyped, “Madama Butterfly” conceptions of the country.
Fred’s wife, Suzy, and his son, Mark, both Georgetown residents, were the ones who approached Artist’s Proof with the idea of displaying his unpublished editorial work. The current plan is to display different series of Maroon’s photographs, according to Sparks.
Old Town Editions of Alexandria is printing the enlarged prints. Patrick McMahon, co-owner of the studios, said that he is excited about the project and aims to create prints with colors as close as possible to the original slides. Since the photos were originally published in magazines and newspapers, the work is being displayed as it has never been before. The larger-than-life prints will allow the public to see the world through Maroon’s lens with a fresh perspective, said Sparks.
Look for the opening of the Maroon exhibit on May 16 and check out the other works, events and artists displayed at Artist’s Proof at www.aproof.net.
[gallery ids="116748,116745" nav="thumbs"]
April 9 Business Ins & Outs
Georgetowner • April 11, 2014
In: After Peacock Room, a cafe with coffees and teas with pastries and savory light meals, at 2622 P St., NW; open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The design and name of the restaurant is a homage to James Whistler’s “Harmony of Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room.” The actual room is at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery on the National Mall.
In: Simply Banh Mi, specializing in “Fresh Vietnamese Baguette Sandwiches,” newly arrived at 1624 Wisconsin Ave., NW.
In: Another frozen yogurt place, Little Penguin at 3001 M St., NW, is now open and also offers fresh yogurt. The space used to be an IceBerry shop.
In Soon: Ike Behar, a men’s clothing store with beginnings in Cuba and headquarters in Miami, is coming to 2900 M St., NW.
In: Roosters Men’s Grooming Center, 1815 Wisconsin Ave., NW, is now open. “We believe you deserve to have a space of your own to relax while you get a haircut and a shave,” the company says. It is near Safeway and Jos. A. Bank and occupies 1,400 square feet.
Roosters’s motto is “The Classic American Barbershop for the 21st Century Man.” Go and check ‘em out, guys.
In and More: Il Canali Restaurant at 1063 31st St., NW, is expanding to the space left vacant by Cannon’s Seafood Market.
Out: Capitol Prague Restaurant at 3277 M St., NW, has closed. The Eastern European eatery made its debut in May 2013.
Congratulations: to the T.H.E. Artist Agency, celebrating 29 years and for bringing style to Georgetown and Washington, D.C. [gallery ids="101696,143926,143922" nav="thumbs"]


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19th Aug 2019
Scientists at the Purdue University have developed a new technology for fabrics which allows wearers to control electronic devices such as turning on lights and music through clothing. The technology also protects wearers from rain, stains, and bacteria. The technology is being patented and the team is looking for partners to test and commercialise it.
6th Aug 2019
Fraunhofer researchers with industrial partners have developed textile-based solar cells which could add a new dimension to photovoltaics, complementing the conventional silicon-based solar cells. Currently, solar panels on building roofs are used for energy generation. New solar cells could open way for use of other surfaces for photovoltaic...
18th Jul 2019
NUS scientists have devised a new method for interconnecting wearable devices. They have incorporated conductive textiles into clothing to dynamically connect several wearable devices at once. This 'wireless body sensor network' allows devices to transmit data with 1,000 times stronger signal than conventional technologies, improving the battery life.
10th Jul 2019
Covestro and Holst Centre, which is known for its expertise in printed electronics and wearables, have developed skin-friendly wearable electronic patches (wearables). Wearables are already being used in many areas of medicine, including patient monitoring, and diagnosis. Covestro is among the world's largest polymer companies from Germany.
8th Jul 2019
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Ltd (HKRITA) and International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster research development and knowledge exchange. Prof Edwin Keh, CEO of HKRITA and Prof Paulo Freitas, deputy director-general of INL signed the MoU on behalf of the...
3rd Jul 2019
Marking a significant step towards development of comfortable wearable electronic devices, scientists at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have constructed a fibrous transistor which has the characteristics of a textile. This fibrous transistor can be incorporated into clothing and remains functional even after being washed.
10th Jun 2019
Jenax, inventor of the first ultra-thin, ultra-flexible, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, is coming up with the second in a series of Lunch & Lab events. The event which is slated for July 8, 2019 will provide a forum for Chicago’s product designers, engineering leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss how battery advances can spur next-generation...
3rd Jun 2019
Sensors manufactured by Berkeley, California-based smart fabric sensor technology company Bebop Sensors comprehend force, location, size, weight, bend, twist and presence across any size, resolution and geometry, according to founder and chief executive officer Keith McMillan, who feels India is a natural market for many of its applications.
28th May 2019
Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a highly flexible, high-energy textile lithium battery that offers more stable, durable and safe energy supply for wearable electronics with applications in healthcare monitoring, intelligent textiles, smartphones, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and Internet of Things...


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Grocery delivery charges could skyrocket
19 September 2012 - 11:37Tweet
People who purchase their groceries online can expect to pay a relatively small fee to cover the cost of delivery.
The sheer volume of items which are being transported from a local shop or depot to your home when you place an order with a major supermarket, means that in many cases the retailers are actually taking a loss, in order to support cheap delivery fees, according to market analyst, Dr Clive Black.
The Daily Mail reports that Dr Black believes we could see delivery charges for e-commerce deliveries of weekly shops increase to 15 or more, as retailers struggle to cover the costs associated with this type of service.
He believes that in real terms, a single delivery could cost the retailers around 20 for each customer, which means that they are having to subsidise this feature with increased prices in other areas.
Dr Black argues that because retailers are putting up the price of their food products in-store, so that losses from deliveries made after safe shopping online can be offset, the poorer families are having to suffer. Lower income households tend to shop in-store, while those who can afford the standard 5 delivery charge required by most retailers for grocery deliveries, are usually more affluent.
The demand for online grocery services is growing at a rapid rate, with more and more people taking advantage of the services offered by the likes of Tesco and Asda. However, if there is a sudden increase in the amount that people are having to pay for the delivery, then this could curtail the growth.
Of course, retailers might find a way to make sure that they are not having to fork out quite so much for delivery, which would, in turn, allow for lower costs to consumers.
17 May 2013 10:58
The results of a survey published this month, suggest that there are still many improvements which retailers can make to modern m-commerce platforms, to enhance customer satisfaction.
16 May 2013 10:19
The spread of new retail experiences to emerging nations is an intriguing process to watch and one which throws new light on the way that things work here in the UK.
This week an article in the [...]
15 May 2013 16:00
Although Morrisons is the fourth biggest supermarket retailer in the country, it has seen its sales slide for yet another time over the past three months, according to Management Today.
A 1.8 per [...]
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Amazon earnings report
Amazon announces 35% drop in profits
Analysts got a slightly better outcome than they expected Thursday as Amazon.com announced its first-quarter net income dropped 35 percent to $130 million, or 28 cents per share, from 44 cents per share in the same period last year.
The Seattle e-commerce giant said net sales increased 34 percent to $13.2 billion in the first quarter of 2012.
Despite the earnings drop, Amazon’s stock price was up 12 percent to $220 per share in after-hours trading on the news.
Last year, net income was down nearly 60 percent for the year after the company spent enormous amounts of money expanding its operations across the country. That spending spree caused the share price to plummet earlier this year, as investors looked to the company to increase revenue from digital media. Net sales were up 35 percent last year.
This year, the company is continuing its expansion and even announced last month it was buying Kiva Systems for $775 million. The Boston-area company makes robots that automate warehouse distribution systems.
The company has come under pressure from states that want it to collect sales tax from customers. Amazon announced this week it would begin collecting sales tax in Nevada in 2014 and is in talks with Texas about collecting sales tax there.
Amazon’s Kindle Fire, an Android-based tablet, is the fastest-growing Android tablet on the market, according to digital market watchdog comScore. The Kindle Fire has almost doubled its market share in the past two months, from 29 percent in December to 54 percent in February. The next closest Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy family of tablets had only a 15 percent share in February.
Emily Parkhurst covers technology for TechFlash and the Puget Sound Business Journal. She can be reached at 206-876-5441 or firstname.lastname@example.org. Follow her on Twitter: @emilyparkhurst
Emily Parkhurst covers the technology industry for the Puget Sound Business Journal/TechFlash.
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Philippines bans Laos pork imports due to African swine fever
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) imposed a temporary ban on pork imports from Laos, the latest Southeast Asian country to be hit by African swine fever (ASF).
In a memorandum order signed last Monday, June 24, the DA said the importation ban will cover domestic and wild pigs as well as pork products like pork meat, pig skin, and semen for insemination. The import ban will immediately take effect.
The memo also immediately suspends the evaluation and processing of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for pork products coming from Laos.
DA veterinary quarantine officers and inspectors at all major ports were also instructed to block and confiscate shipments of pork goods from Laos. (READ: PH tightens importation of plant-based feeds from ASF-hit nations)
The Food and Drug Administration earlier issued its own temporary import ban on processed pork products from 16 countries. The Philippines remains free of ASF, but hog raisers still want tighter import restrictions. – Rappler.com
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Cleveland police are looking for a man who allegedly used pepper spray on a jewelry store owner last month on the city's east side.
Police said the assault happened inside a store at Asia Plaza, 2999 Payne Ave., on Jan. 31.
According to authorities, the jewelry store owner had just walked into his business when he was approached from behind by an unknown man who sprayed him in the face and head with pepper spray.
The suspect ran out of the store after the incident.
It's not unclear what prompted the man to spray the jewelry store owner. According to the police report, it appears the man was specifically waiting for the owner to show up.
Anyone who is able to identify the man or has information regarding the incident is asked to call police at 216-623-5318 or Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463.


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|By PR Newswire||
|March 28, 2014 12:01 AM EDT||
OAK BROOK, Ill., March 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Wake up and taste the free coffee! McCafe invites coffee drinkers across the U.S. to stop by their local participating McDonald's restaurant for a freshly brewed small McCafe coffee during McDonald's first-ever national Free Coffee Event. Free McCafe coffee is available during breakfast hours starting March 31 through April 13 in participating restaurants.
"We take a lot of pride in our breakfast offerings and our McCafe coffee is a great complement to our breakfast lineup. That's why we're excited to share it with our guests, on us," said Greg Watson, senior vice president, McDonald's US Menu Innovation. "This event is McDonald's way of encouraging new guests to try McCafe Coffee while giving our breakfast lovers even more reason to enjoy the great taste of our signature blend."
To kick off the two-week campaign, McDonald's will host "Make Friends with McCafe" sampling events at high traffic locations and transportation hubs in multiple cities across the country. The events will provide busy commuters with free McCafe coffee and a few surprises along the way, such as live musical performances, spontaneous comedy experiences and more.
"McCafe enthusiasts can count on us surprising them in unexpected ways all year long," said Watson. "We know our guests are busy, and we hope McCafe can provide them with a taste they'll enjoy at the moment when they need a pick-me-up to keep going with their day."
Starting in mid-April, McCafe will also surprise a Twitter follower every day this year with McCafe coffee and prizes. Fans can also keep up with the conversations using the hash tag #McCafe or by following @McCafe.
McDonald's launched its McCafe line-up in the U.S. in 2009. The collection included McCafe's signature blend coffee and quickly expanded to include iced coffees, espresso-based drinks, such as lattes and mochas, blended-ice beverages including smoothies and frappes, triple thick shakes as well as limited-time seasonal offerings.
ABOUT MCDONALD'S USA
McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 27 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebookwww.facebook.com/mcdonalds.
McDonald's collection of coffee and espresso based McCafe beverages are made with 100 percent Arabica beans sourced from the rich soils of Central and South America. In addition to the existing variety of McCafe beverages, McCafe also introduces limited-time seasonal offerings at participating restaurants throughout the year. For more information and to keep up with flavors of our McCafe line, visit www.mcdonalds.com/mccafe, or follow us on Twitter (@McCafe).
For more information:
Jenina Nunez, McDonald's USA
Kathryn Peevey, GolinHarris
The age of Digital Disruption is evolving into the next era – Digital Cohesion, an age in which applications securely self-assemble and deliver predictive services that continuously adapt to user behavior. Information from devices, sensors and applications around us will drive services seamlessly across mobile and fixed devices/infrastructure. This evolution is happening now in software defined services and secure networking. Four key drivers – Performance, Economics, Interoperability and Trust ...
Apr. 23, 2017 09:30 PM EDT Reads: 3,515
In recent years, containers have taken the world by storm. Companies of all sizes and industries have realized the massive benefits of containers, such as unprecedented mobility, higher hardware utilization, and increased flexibility and agility; however, many containers today are non-persistent. Containers without persistence miss out on many benefits, and in many cases simply pass the responsibility of persistence onto other infrastructure, adding additional complexity.
Apr. 23, 2017 08:45 PM EDT Reads: 1,964
Bert Loomis was a visionary. This general session will highlight how Bert Loomis and people like him inspire us to build great things with small inventions. In their general session at 19th Cloud Expo, Harold Hannon, Architect at IBM Bluemix, and Michael O'Neill, Strategic Business Development at Nvidia, discussed the accelerating pace of AI development and how IBM Cloud and NVIDIA are partnering to bring AI capabilities to "every day," on-demand. They also reviewed two "free infrastructure" pr...
Apr. 23, 2017 08:45 PM EDT Reads: 580
Cloud Expo, Inc. has announced today that Aruna Ravichandran, vice president of DevOps Product and Solutions Marketing at CA Technologies, has been named co-conference chair of DevOps at Cloud Expo 2017. The @DevOpsSummit at Cloud Expo New York will take place on June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, New York, and @DevOpsSummit at Cloud Expo Silicon Valley will take place Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2017, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Apr. 23, 2017 06:45 PM EDT Reads: 2,280
Most companies are adopting or evaluating container technology - Docker in particular - to speed up application deployment, drive down cost, ease management and make application delivery more flexible overall. As with most new architectures, this dream takes a lot of work to become a reality. Even when you do get your application componentized enough and packaged properly, there are still challenges for DevOps teams to making the shift to continuous delivery and achieving that reduction in cost ...
Apr. 23, 2017 05:30 PM EDT Reads: 3,584
The explosion of new web/cloud/IoT-based applications and the data they generate are transforming our world right before our eyes. In this rush to adopt these new technologies, organizations are often ignoring fundamental questions concerning who owns the data and failing to ask for permission to conduct invasive surveillance of their customers. Organizations that are not transparent about how their systems gather data telemetry without offering shared data ownership risk product rejection, regu...
Apr. 23, 2017 05:30 PM EDT Reads: 829
Translating agile methodology into real-world best practices within the modern software factory has driven widespread DevOps adoption, yet much work remains to expand workflows and tooling across the enterprise. As models evolve from pockets of experimentation into wholescale organizational reinvention, practitioners find themselves challenged to incorporate the culture and architecture necessary to support DevOps at scale. In his session at @DevOpsSummit at 20th Cloud Expo, Anand Akela, Senior...
Apr. 23, 2017 05:15 PM EDT Reads: 1,473
The Internet of Things is clearly many things: data collection and analytics, wearables, Smart Grids and Smart Cities, the Industrial Internet, and more. Cool platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Intel's Galileo and Edison, and a diverse world of sensors are making the IoT a great toy box for developers in all these areas. In this Power Panel at @ThingsExpo, moderated by Conference Chair Roger Strukhoff, panelists discussed what things are the most important, which will have the most profound e...
Apr. 23, 2017 03:30 PM EDT Reads: 1,917
In his keynote at 19th Cloud Expo, Sheng Liang, co-founder and CEO of Rancher Labs, discussed the technological advances and new business opportunities created by the rapid adoption of containers. With the success of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and various open source technologies used to build private clouds, cloud computing has become an essential component of IT strategy. However, users continue to face challenges in implementing clouds, as older technologies evolve and newer ones like Docker c...
Apr. 23, 2017 03:30 PM EDT Reads: 2,433
SYS-CON Events announced today that Twistlock, the leading provider of cloud container security solutions, will exhibit at SYS-CON's 20th International Cloud Expo®, which will take place on June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY. Twistlock is the industry's first enterprise security suite for container security. Twistlock's technology addresses risks on the host and within the application of the container, enabling enterprises to consistently enforce security policies, monitor...
Apr. 23, 2017 03:30 PM EDT Reads: 3,275
Automation is enabling enterprises to design, deploy, and manage more complex, hybrid cloud environments. Yet the people who manage these environments must be trained in and understanding these environments better than ever before. A new era of analytics and cognitive computing is adding intelligence, but also more complexity, to these cloud environments. How smart is your cloud? How smart should it be? In this power panel at 20th Cloud Expo, moderated by Conference Chair Roger Strukhoff, pane...
Apr. 23, 2017 03:15 PM EDT Reads: 1,843
The goal of Continuous Testing is to shift testing left to find defects earlier and release software faster. This can be achieved by integrating a set of open source functional and performance testing tools in the early stages of your software delivery lifecycle. There is one process that binds all application delivery stages together into one well-orchestrated machine: Continuous Testing. Continuous Testing is the conveyor belt between the Software Factory and production stages. Artifacts are ...
Apr. 23, 2017 03:15 PM EDT Reads: 782
Blockchain is a shared, secure record of exchange that establishes trust, accountability and transparency across supply chain networks. Supported by the Linux Foundation's open source, open-standards based Hyperledger Project, Blockchain has the potential to improve regulatory compliance, reduce cost and time for product recall as well as advance trade. Are you curious about Blockchain and how it can provide you with new opportunities for innovation and growth? In her session at 20th Cloud Exp...
Apr. 23, 2017 02:45 PM EDT Reads: 1,409
@ThingsExpo has been named the Most Influential ‘Smart Cities - IIoT' Account and @BigDataExpo has been named fourteenth by Right Relevance (RR), which provides curated information and intelligence on approximately 50,000 topics. In addition, Right Relevance provides an Insights offering that combines the above Topics and Influencers information with real time conversations to provide actionable intelligence with visualizations to enable decision making. The Insights service is applicable to eve...
Apr. 23, 2017 02:15 PM EDT Reads: 2,362
SYS-CON Events announced today that Grape Up will exhibit at SYS-CON's 21st International Cloud Expo®, which will take place on Oct. 31 – Nov 2, 2017, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. Grape Up is a software company specializing in cloud native application development and professional services related to Cloud Foundry PaaS. With five expert teams that operate in various sectors of the market across the U.S. and Europe, Grape Up works with a variety of customers from emergi...
Apr. 23, 2017 02:00 PM EDT Reads: 1,590


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DeFi has become a popular application in the blockchain field, and decentralized exchange platforms are a fundamental part of the foundation. On a decentralized exchange platform, users take full control of their assets by controlling their private keys, with no fear of the risk of small central exchanges being hacked or closed, and naturally with ...
NewMall, a blockchain online retail mall developed by Newton team, will be released soon.
Newton is positioned as “infrastructure for the community economy.” The difference between the community economy and the traditional corporate economy lies in incentive models. In the latter, many participants add value to the corporation or platform, but only a ...
1. Project positioning (necessity, feasibility, market)
2. Pain points (blockchain logic, competitive advantage)
3. Framework (product, progress)
4. Technical achievements (innovation, code update)
5. Token model (distribution, incentives, circulation, value)
6. Team (authenticity, community activity)
7. Summary (“Infrastructure for the Community Economy: An Analysis of the Newton Project”)
1. Project positioning
This July, Jeff Bezos — founder of Amazon — became the world’s richest person, and pursuit of E-commerce innovation by global capital reached an all-time high. It can be said that Blockchain and E-commerce are a match made in heaven. For blockchain, E-commerce is a natural liquidity pool; and for E-commerce, blockchain can help ...
by Ke Jack On September 19, 2018, Jeff Bezos, the famous founder of Amazon and world wealthiest man sat down for an intrepid interview with David Rubenstein of Bloomberg. During this wide ranging and fascinating discussion, it was revealed that Mr. Bezos would be donating 2 Billion or roughly 2% of his reported 165 billion ...
By Ke Jack
Imagine you are one of those forward-thinking kind souls who values the benefits of interacting with your family across the globe through commercial intermediaries such Facebook and Instagram, yet you also remember a few lessons from your college microeconomics class and question why the economic rewards from your privacy data harvested by ...


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AYRTONLIVE ISSUE 11: KoЯn tours Europe
Welcome to AyrtonLIVE issue 11.
First and foremost in this issue we pay tribute to our dear friend Valère Huart Gyors, who left us in early February to add another star to the firmament. Tributes have been paid across the industry to the man who exported Ayrton across the world after joining us in 2010 at the start of what became a new age for Ayrton.
In 2017 Ayrton reaches its 15th anniversary and, by way of celebration, we are proud to introduce a new line of luminaires, with product names that evoke the winds of the world. The new names symbolise the lightness embodied in the fixtures, along with the fluidity of design and breath of innovation that Ayrton brings to the marketplace of entertainment lighting.
The first luminaire in this new line is a technological marvel called Merak™ which will make its debut at Prolight + Sound 2017, alongside the latest ArcaLine™ model, ArcaLine™3, and the fabulous new MagicBlade™FX. Full details of all three of these new products can be found in the pages of AyrtonLIVE 11.
Also in this issue, we have a bumper crop of show reports which showcase Ayrton products as they put to spectacular use by some of the world’s top lighting designers. Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga rub shoulders in these pages with Korn, Florida Georgia Line, Rob Thomas, Silly and Opeth – a fantastic line up by any account! With such a diverse range of artists, designers LeRoy Bennett, Mitch Schellenger, Bob Barnhard, Cory FitzGerald, Thomas Christmann, Klaus Bolte, Magnus Boyd and the team from Silent House, demonstrate in their immense creativity in putting the incredibly versatile Ayrton product range to so many different uses.
The show reports are interspersed with in-depth interviews conducted by SoundLightUP: the first is with Jean-Philippe Bourdon, director of photography, regarding his work on a televised production of Les Enfoirés; the second is an exclusive interview with electro-dance sensation, Vitalic, and the team from All Access Design who sent him on the road with his own spaceship!
We hope you will enjoy the read, and look forward to another successful year together.


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PARIS — Saint Laurent plans to unveil its spring 2021 men’s collection with an online presentation on Sept. 9, the brand revealed in a teaser on Wednesday.
The short film shows puffs of fuchsia pink and blue smoke trailing over salt flats, though the location is unclear. Another set of visuals shows flags printed with pastel dégradé colors planted on a beach. The Kering-owned brand is also advertising the event with physical billboards in Los Angeles.
In recent years, Saint Laurent has skipped Paris Fashion Week Men’s, instead staging annual itinerant shows in New York City and Malibu. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, it has adjusted the format of this year’s men’s show and cancelled its participation in the women’s ready-to-wear shows in Paris later this month.


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Intel/Mobileye making splash in Beijing
Baidu Create 2018 this week in Beijing, the second annual AI developer conference sponsored by China’s Internet giant, is looking more and more like Google I/O or the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in Silicon Valley.
Certainly, for thousands of local tech developers in China, this conference is a must. But it’s also turning into an event of choice for Intel, where the company can promote its own technology, unveil partnerships and tout the inroads it’s blazing in the Chinese market.
Mobileye & Baidu’s Apollo
Timed with this year’s Baidu Create, Intel/Mobileye announced that Mobileye’s Responsibility Sensitive Safety (RSS) model will be designed into both Baidu’s open-source Project Apollo and commercial Apollo Drive programs.
Mobileye sees its proposed RSS model as critical to providing “safety assurance of autonomous vehicle (AV) decision-making” in the era of artificial intelligence.
More specifically, Mobileye recently acknowledged that because AI-based AVs operate probabilistically, they could make mistakes.
To mitigate unsafe operations by AI-driven vehicles, Mobileye said that under the RSS model it is installing two separate systems: 1) AI based on reinforcement learning, which proposes the AV’s next action, and 2) a “safety layer” based on a formal deterministic system that can override an “unsafe” AV decision.
Intel told us that Baidu is the first company to “publicly” announce the adoption of the RSS model.
Now that Baidu’s Apollo program “has a huge backing from the Chinese government,” Egil Juliussen, IHS Markit director of research and principal analyst, for automotive technology, told us, “This will make [the RSS model] real, and help speed up its adoption, initially in China.”
At Baidu Create, Baidu also announced plans to adopt Mobileye’s Surround Computer Vision Kit as its visual perception solution.
Apollo’s impact on global auto market
In one short year, Baidu’s Apollo platform has signed more than 100 companies, while making major advancements by enabling a host of new features that include telematics updates on its open AV platform.
Juliussen noted that Baidu’s Apollo recruits include many technology powerhouses in the West — including Nvidia, Intel, ZF, Bosch and Continental. “It’s an impressive list,” he said.
Aside from the list of tech vendors who support Baidu’s open AV platform design, how significant is Apollo in the global automotive industry? By promoting an Android-like open platform among car OEMs and tier ones, can Baidu — and by extension, China — really leapfrog the Western AV/EV industry?
One Chinese semiconductor industry executive, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, recently told us, “Yes, Baidu is making headway with Apollo. But here’s the thing. Does Baidu make cars? Who will actually make Apollo-based cars?”
Juliussen doesn’t think this is a big problem. With leading tier ones and tech companies in the West already eager to make Apollo-based modules, local Chinese automotive manufacturers will find it easy to build Apollo-based AVs/EVs, he explained.
“Initially, they will be Chinese cars for the Chinese market. But local Chinese OEMs will start exporting them in the next five years or so. First, they may be just focused on the low-end segment, which would allow them to capture only a sliver of the market. But over the next decade, they will move onto the high-end market.”
Important to remember is that the Apollo program isn’t just about a hardware platform. Baidu is adding a software platform on top of that, where apps will abound. This opens the door not just to Western tech companies but also Chinese software companies. They can add their own vision-type algorithms, Juliussen explained, allowing China to have its own AI-based autonomous vehicles using their home-grown AI technologies.
AI camera, FPGAs, PaddlePaddle
Separately, Intel used Baidu Create to showcase a host of its own AI-related technologies. These include Xeye, a new AI camera powered by Intel’s Movidius vision processing unit, Baidu’s plan to offer workload acceleration as a service which leverages Intel FPGAs, and Baidu’s deep learning framework, called PaddlePaddle. Intel says Baidu’s PaddlePaddle is now optimized for Intel Xeon scalable processors.
— Junko Yoshida, Chief International Correspondent, EE Times


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Be aware of all developments relating to cryptocurrency, track trends and rates ups and downs, learn all about Mining and complexities of the Bitcoin system and be sure you will be aware of the most urgent and important news of World Mining company.
"The World - that is, information that grows over time."
"He who owns the information, owns the world."
Nigeria has witnessed a recent spike in bitcoin adoption, with the P2P markets setting a new record for trading volume thus far during the week of the 16th of December. Nigeria comprises the most recent African nation to experience a spike in cryptocurrency adoption, with Zimbabwe’s bitcoin prices having been among the highest worldwide for a large portion of 2017. Also Read: Nigerian NDIC Warns That Cryptocurrencies Lack Consumer Protections
In today’s edition of Bitcoin in Brief we feature stories that show how fast and nimble banks that support cryptocurrency-based businesses are benefiting at the expense of the larger players that have yet to enter the market, how more financial institutions want to join and how crypto ventures...24.05.2018, 11:51Read more
On Wednesday, May 23 the San Francisco based exchange Coinbase announced the acquisition of a decentralized digital token relay-trading platform called Paradex. Alongside adding the decentralized exchange (Dex), the firm has also revealed it is retiring the name GDAX and that platform will soon be k...24.05.2018, 10:40Read more
Partnership announced in same week as Energi Mine launches promotion with OKEx, the world’s biggest exchange London – Energi Mine, the blockchain platform that financially rewards energy saving behaviour using EnergiTokens (ETK), and Simply EV, a leading provider of EV accessories today, announced a...24.05.2018, 09:30Read more


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USA, Italy and Spain named as the most popular destinations for travel among users of social network Instagram, reports the Los Angeles Tmes a link to a new study.
In compiling the list took into account the posts with the hashtag #vacation published in 2016.
At the same time, the three most popular cities were new York, Orlando and Paris.
It is also noted that more than a quarter of Instagram-travellers travelled alone.
47% of trips were by road, 27% water, 19% included flights on the plane.


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Motoroyale by Kinetic, the exclusive distributors of MV Agusta in India, has launched the MV Agusta Dragster Series. The series includes three variants, 800 RR, 800 RR America and 800 RR Pirelli.
Yokohama India announced the launch of two new additions to its popular Geolandar series of tyres– the Geolandar X-AT and Geolandar M/T G003. These cutting-edge tyres are engineered to deliver unparal...
Volkswagen Passenger Cars India launched the new “My Volkswagen” app, a one-stop solution that offers a seamless, convenient and immersive digital experience for prospective and existing customers.
Delhi-based leading auto-tech company Rosmerta Technologies Limited introduced a cutting-edge AI-based Driver Monitoring & Alert System integrated with a vehicle tracking management system.


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- 2 min read
As economy opens up, hiring increases in September: Study
As businesses reopen, the job market is showing recovery and the competition for open vacancies is easing, and the opportunities gap between those with and without digital skills is narrowing.
CHENNAI: As businesses reopen, the job market is showing recovery and the competition for open vacancies is easing, and the opportunities gap between those with and without digital skills is narrowing.
LinkedIn’s latest labour hiring rate market for September was up 18 percentage points over August.
Hiring rate — defined as number of hires divided by LinkedIn membership — in India reached 30% in September. The rate reached a low of (-)50% year-on-year in April, before starting to slowly recover and reaching 12% in August and 30% at the end of September, LinkedIn said.
The professional networking portal expects the recovery to continue as companies continue reopening and industries approach near normalcy. In an indication of a recovering job market, the competition for jobs is also lower compared to several months ago, the study shows.
“After nearly doubling in the middle of 2020, the applications per job dropped down 1.3x in August and stayed at a similar level in September,” it said.
As the pandemic has impacted specific sectors more than others, job seekers continue seeking opportunities in other industries, but are under less pressure compared to June. Job seekers currently in sectors such as travel and recreation are 4.2 times more likely to look for jobs in a different sector, compared to pre-Covid.
But this stress has abated from June 2020, where the likelihood was as high as 6.8 times. Similarly, the stress for the retail sector reduced from 2.4 times to 1.1 times.
The study noted that during the height of the pandemic, even as the job market was affected, those with digital skills saw less stress and recovery was faster for them.
However, indicating recovery of non-tech sectors, this digital divide narrowed from over 20 percentage points difference in April and May, to 2 percentage points difference in September.
LinkedIn measures digital divide based on talent with advanced disruptive digital skills such as artificial intelligence and robotics. LinkedIn’s labour market study is built by analysing actions of LinkedIn’s 69+ million members in India.
This is the second India Labour Market edition.


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Textiles and apparels maker Raymond Ltd has exited its home retail business after two years of operations, as part of a consolidation move, the company said today. Raymond operated the home retail business under the Be: Home brand selling home textiles and related accessories.
Raymond said it had withdrawn the Be:Home brand from the market in line with its ongoing continuous strategic evaluation of its brand portfolio and to serve customers better. This was part of a brand rationalisation and consolidation exercise to enhance corporate performance, it said.
According to analysts, the segment would not have even contributed one per cent to the company's business and since it was not working as the company had anticipated, the company closed it down.
According to media reports, only four stores, including two in Mumbai, were operational at the time of discontinuation of the operations.


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Legendary actress Lauren Bacall died on Tuesday morning, causing everyone, especially in the fashion world, to reflect on her amazing life.
Lauren Bacall’s sultry eyes, waved hair and red lips became iconic features for the star, who made it big with roles in films such as “To Have and Have Not” and “The Big Sleep.” But before finding herself in film, those features, along with her effortless glamorous style, brought her to the fashion world as a model. Bacall landed her first big break in fashion in March of 1943, when she covered Harper’s Bazaar. Looking absolutely stunning with her stoic face, Bacall made this cover one of the glossy’s most memorable.
Her elegance and confidence when it came to beauty and fashion has inspired some of today’s biggest designers and fashionistas. Diane von Furtensberg, Zac Posen and Vera Wang have all taken to Twitter to remember Bacall. It’s hard not to realize what a great loss this is for the world, especially when Bacall inspired so many people from so many backgrounds.
Bacall was found dead at her California home on August 12th after reportedly suffering from a massive stroke. Our thoughts are with her family at this time — she will be greatly missed!


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Sculpteo, the Paris-headquartered 3D printing service bureau, has released the sixth edition of its annual international survey, “The State of 3D Printing”.
The report aims to provide a complete overview of the additive manufacturing world to help improve 3D printing business strategy. With over 1,600 respondents answering the survey, the latest edition is Sculpteo’s biggest and most representative report.
The findings suggest that 3D printing continues to have an impact on the landscape of industrial manufacturing, with many manufacturers taking notice. Many respondents agreed that 3D printing offers a major asset in improving their whole production process and boosting their business strategies. Although implementing the technology has led to more spending for many companies, the firms are also under the impression that the materials and the technology itself will substantially evolve over the upcoming years.
The evolution of additive manufacturing
Founded in 2009, Sculpteo has been providing 3D printing services for over a decade through its online platform. Customers can manufacture prototypes, individual objects, and serial production components using a number of 3D printing processes, with over 75 materials and finishing options available. The company has locations in Paris and San Francisco, and factories across Europe including the UK, Spain, Germany and Switzerland. In late 2019, Sculpteo was acquired by BASF, the largest chemical producer in the world.
Each year Sculpteo collects data about the additive manufacturing industry, in order to highlight key trends about the industry as it develops and evolves. Other organizations also developing reports on the state of 3D printing and additive manufacturing includes Wohlers Associates, which recently published its Wohlers Report 2020. Fellow 3D printing service provider 3D Hubs also released its 2020 3D Printing Trends report earlier in the year.
In Sculpteo’s survey, 48.1 percent of respondents came from Europe, whereas 13.1 percent were from Asia. North America increased by 11,6 percent in one year reaching nearly 30 percent of participants. 62 percent of respondents have an engineering background and 22 percent are CEOs. They come from a variety of industry segments ranging from industrial goods to education or healthcare.
According to Clément Moreau, CEO and co-founder of Sculpteo: “No doubt that 3D printing is changing the manufacturing landscape. Our sixth study shows that many industries are consolidating their use of 3D printing as its role becomes more defined within their manufacturing processes. Users are becoming more mature, but also more eager to try new applications, technologies and materials. With additive manufacturing evolving at such a rapid pace, the best is yet to come!”
The State of 3D Printing: Key findings
Key findings from Sculpteo’s State of 3D Printing survey include a maturing user base; 80 percent of respondents have used 3D printing for more than 2 years (+7 percent vs 2019) and 31 percent use it daily. 33 percent of the respondents expect up to a 50 percent increase in investments this year. The study shows that nearly 30 percent of users invested more than 100k in 3D printing this year, up 5 percent than 2019.
Production with 3D printing has demonstrated a continued upwards trend, reaching 52 percent in 2020 compared to 48 percent in 2019. In 2015, this figure was 17 percent. However, 68 percent of respondents still use 3D printing for prototyping.
Across all continents, there are two central factors commonly viewed as limiting the potential for adoption of 3D printing. This includes the knowledge gap at 51 percent, and cost of entry for 59 percent of respondents, which is 10 percent lower than last year. 67 percent of respondents from North America also see budget as the greatest barrier to expanding the use of 3D printing versus 44 percent in Europe.
Many of the companies that participated in the survey are confident in the benefits provided by additive manufacturing; 70 percent see it as a strength and competitive advantage. 68 percent of respondents demonstrated eagerness to use 3D printing for more applications and 44 percent will begin to leverage additive manufacturing technologies. 80 percent of users agreed that machine capabilities and consistency of 3D printed parts must also develop to accelerate the adoption of 3D Printing in any manufacturing ecosystem.
For the full report, click here.
The nominations for the 2020 3D Printing Industry Awards are now open. Who do you think should make the shortlists for this year’s show? Have your say now.
Looking for a career in additive manufacturing? Visit 3D Printing Jobs for a selection of roles in the industry.
Feature image shows Sculpteo software. Photo via Sculpteo


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Hundreds of UK jobs will be lost as Nestlé prepares to move its sweets and chocolate factory away from Newcastle and to the EU, it has emerged.
It comes after the food giant announced its intentions last April.
Toffee Crisp bars will now be produced in Poland and Fruit Pastilles will be made in the Czech Republic, according to The Guardian.
The Fawdon plant was initially Rowntree’s factory, before the UK firm was acquired by the Swiss multinational.
‘Devastating impact on workers and their families’
The factory, which manufactured chocolate since 1958, will now close and cause 500 job losses.
“This will have a devastating impact on workers and their families,” GMB union national officer Ross Murdoch said.
He added: “Meanwhile, transporting finished products from sites in Europe back to the UK – where they are consumed – will result in significant additional road and sea miles, increasing pollution and environmental damage.”
Meanwhile, the BBC has reported that a Nestlé spokesperson argued the majority of the North East production will move to Halifax in West Yorkshire.
GMB and Unite are reportedly both speaking to their union members about what the next steps will be.
A Nestlé spokesperson said: “The consultation around the changes we proposed in April 2021 is still ongoing.
“We said from the outset that we wanted to provide adequate time and space for these discussions and it is only right that they are held directly with our employees and trade unions and not in public.
“It remains a priority to support our people and their families through this process and we thank everybody for their patience. We will provide an update once the consultation is complete.”
Various other sectors showed signs of Brexit damage
Food isn’t the only sector which was affected by Brexit.
In December last year, it emerged that EU financial companies seem uninterested in staying in the UK after Brexit.
Only half of European firms who had temporary licenses to operate in London had applied for full authorisation at the time.
EU firms were given the temporary licenses immediately after Brexit by the Financial Conduct Authority, to encourage them to continue their activity during final negotiations.
Although financial watchdog FCA contacted dozens of firms over the summer of 2021, applications did not increase according to City AM.
Last month, UK manufacturers warned Brexit will add to rising costs facing British industry.
Make UK, an industry body representing 20,000 manufacturing firms across the country, said Brexit’s effects undermined optimism among its members and the changes it involves amount to a “possible death of the just-in-time supply chain business model”.
In the 2022 MakeUK/PwC senior executive survey, company leaders said Brexit is one of their biggest concerns – with key issues being a lack of access to EU migrants, additional costs to meet different regulatory aspects and delays at customs.


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It is pretty much a certainty that Motorola has been developing a sequel to its Moto X flagship from last year, and the so-called Moto X+1 will be launched at the company's big event in Chicago on September 4th.
We have just received an invite for a Motorola Moto event in Chicago on September 4th, where the company is going to launch a new device.
An unknown Motorola device has shown up on GFXBenchmark and arrives with a codename we have seen before "Shamu". That codename has cropped up previously through the summer and there seems to be a few possibilities as to what it could be, especially as it is running top end hardware like a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801.
Motorola is launching its new flagship, the Moto X+1 at the end of September, but fans of the American company will not have to wait until then to get their next Moto device. Yes, we are expecting the Moto 360 soon as well, but the new Moto G is also in the pipeline, and according to GSM Arena it will be landing in the coming weeks before the Moto X+1.
The replacement for the Motorola Moto X smartphone flagship has been discussed numerous times in the last few weeks as the imaginatively called Moto X+1 is due to land this summer. The details about the launch of the handset and its finalized specs have become a littler clearer today as it showed up on benchmarks.
Serial leaker Mr. Gadget has revealed some of the specs and software features that will arrive with the Moto 360 smart watch later this summer.
In terms of flagship devices, the Motorola Moto X is getting a little long in the tooth, so much so that the flagship is due to be replaced by the Moto X+1 sometime at the end of this summer. However, thanks to Motorola's soon to be severed ties to Google, the device is still extremely close to the Android platform and the company has confirmed it will be one of the non-Google handsets to get the Android L update.
With Motorola's Moto 360 smart watch surely due to land anytime, the anticipation for the wearable people actually want is growing. Since being revealed earlier this year, the Moto 360 has gained consumer recognition like no smart watch before it, with much of the demand coming from its round face and seemingly high end build.
If you own the Moto X in the US and are using the country's biggest carrier Verizon, then you should take a gander at the devices update page. That?s because Big Red has been given the Android 4.4.4 update from Motorola and just needs to approve it before rolling it out.
If you have been craving some information about the upcoming Moto G sequel then you should take a look at this reported rear cover from the device.


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The Weather Channel’s Targeted Predictions Help Advertisers Move Merchandise
With the weather getting dicey out there (at least here in Aurora, Illinois), a weather-related blog post seemed timely. Instead of focusing on the snow or temperatures, I thought I’d shine some light on what The Weather Channel has been doing these past few weeks in terms of their advertising.
Paul Walsh, a former U.S. Air Force meteorologist, came to the popular channel about six months ago as a VP of weather analytics. Surprisingly, that’s not the most notable thing about him; he’s spent over ten years helping companies determine how changing weather patterns could affect their business. What’s his job at The Weather Channel, exactly? He’ll sell targeted weather predictions to advertisers on the channel so they can better reach their target markets.
“Get ready Chicago, for some chilly weather – with a sweater from Kohls!”
Does this seem confusing and jargon heavy? Essentially, if weather patterns hint toward abnormally cold weather in Chicago next week, then The Weather Channel could tell companies to start advertising their heavy-duty products like sweaters or coats. This will help the stores move their inventory faster and help TWC sell advertising quicker.
In an interview with AdWeek, Walsh said: “Understanding what kind of retail behavior the weather is influencing gives us the ability to help our advertisers deliver the precise, right message at the precise, right location.”
Makes sense to me. Why advertise a sale on hats and scarves in Iowa during December if they’re experiencing a warmer-than-normal winter? Or, on the flip side, if rain is headed toward New York in July, then it’s probably a good time to stop airing commercials on your swimsuit sale and focus on the fantastic umbrellas you have.
If you dislike the weather, just wait 20 minutes.
Barry Lowenthal, president of the media agency The Media Kitchen, said, “Weather-triggered media is nothing new; we’ve bought it before. But usually, that advertising is done on a daily basis. So the idea that we’d have more time to plan and adjust inventory accordingly could be a nice opportunity.”
We’ve all probably noticed that the ads next to an online weather report change daily, just like the weather. This same idea will be applied to advertising on the actual weather station, too.
Not only will Walsh’s position help The Weather Channel maintain their advertisers to pay for all their programming, but he’ll also help companies sell more of their merchandise. Even though only one undisclosed company has signed up to test this new service, parties on both sides have high hopes for ‘Weather on Demand,’ which is the current name they’re going with.
What are your thoughts with this new service, do you think it’ll help stores and companies move their inventory? Would you pay more attention to ads featuring coats if you knew colder weather was coming rather than just airing commercials when winter “officially” started? Will you watch The Weather Channel now because of this service? Sound off below!


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It seems social media has bent us over a couch and penetrated every facet of our lives. Well, the U.K isn’t going to take it lying down anymore, as they have launched plans to regulate the advertising practices of social media. Read more.
Selfie Psychosis: The sickness of social media
October 9, 2017


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ImmerVision, the inventor of the 360-degree panomorph lens and worldwide expert in immersive optical and imaging technology, announced recently that AxxonSoft Next is certified ImmerVision Enables 2.0. AxxonSoft joins more than 50 security industry ImmerVision-certified solution providers around the world in integrating The 360° Video Standard which gives the ability to instantly capture and navigate within 360-degree panomorph images. Equipped for future innovations 360-degree panomorph video from certified ImmerVision Enables 2.0 mini-domes, cameras, smartphones, tablets, wearables, and drones, can now be instantly processed by AxxonSoft Next VMS; allowing users to navigate 360-degree video content through a closed circuit or the cloud. In addition, users are provided with automatic recognition of new and existing panomorph lenses, cameras and mini-domes; automatic calibration; and automatic orientation recognition, without any extra software configuration. These innovative features accelerate the configuration process for integrating 360-degree panomorph hardware; enabling large scale deployments to be operational faster with the most effective 360-degree video coverage. “When the integration process is straightforward, our clients can focus on more important things. ImmerVision Enables 2.0 helps achieve this fluidity.” said Alan Ataev, Global Sales Director at AxxonSoft. “Also, as mobile devices converge with video surveillance, we can now dewarp 360-degree panomorph videos captured by certified ImmerVision Enables mobile devices like body worn cameras. We’ve taken the necessary steps to prepare for future innovations.” “AxxonSoft is synonymous with performance, reliability and efficiency.” said Joel Schaffer, Manager, Business Development, OEM/ODM Video Surveillance Applications at ImmerVision. “Now you can add panomorph compatibility to that list of descriptors as well.”
DIGIEVER, a world leading company of Linux-embedded IP video surveillance system, is delighted to announce that DIGIEVER NVR has been certified ImmerVision Enables, the 360° Video Standard. DIGIEVER customers are able to select certified 360° panomorph cameras and lenses from DIGIEVER compatibility list in which DIGIEVER has integrated over 100 network camera brands and more than 3,600 IP camera models. Ability to display 360° images captured with certified panomorph lenses ImmerVision Enables certification ensures DIGIEVER’s ability to display 360° images captured by cameras equipped with certified panomorph lenses. The complete integration between DIGIEVER and ImmerVision Enables allows users to select appropriate viewing modes from 360°panomorph bird eye view, 180° panorama/ perimeter view, quad and more. On both liveview and playback interface, users can monitor all areas within the image without any blind spots but also navigate to see any detail within the image via digital zooming into specific areas. In addition, users are able to directly install any brand of certified ImmerVision Enables 360° panomorph lenses on IP camera that is compatible with DIGIEVER NVR to capture all actions around the camera, which greatly saves user’s installation time to deploy IP video surveillance system. "DIGIEVER delivers effective video surveillance by providing the necessary features for optimum video coverage.” said Joel Schaffer, Manager, Business Development, OEM/ODM Video Surveillance Applications at ImmerVision. “Instant compatibility with 360° panomorph IP cameras allows their user to get the best 360° video coverage simply and quickly." "As the leading company of IP video surveillance open platform system, we are dedicated to integrating diverse software technology and IP cameras, especially ImmerVision Enables, 360° panomorph dewarping standard." said Allen Tseng, Product Director of DIGIEVER. "We believe our fully integration with ImmerVision will give customers enough freedom to select the best IP video surveillance solution."


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Markets: Latest News
Staff, 8:36 pm
Pension funds are good news for infrastructure projects in Africa. Development banks and private equity funds are targeting pension funds in Africa as sources of investment capital. Four African countries hold 90 percent of Africa’s pension fund assets. Despite challenges, African pension funds are likely to make a substantial impact on infrastructure investment in the next few years. One promising trend is the rise of regional funds targeting pensions. They’re making a new source of African capital available to address the region’s infrastructure deficit.
Staff, 1:00 am
By moving manufacturing to Ethiopia, Chinese textile companies are moving closer to their raw material base, the cotton-producing countries. This is part of their value chain repositioning, a strategy most Chinese companies are adopting. They’re are also using Africa as a gateway to emerging markets on and off the continent. Products made in Ethiopia can be exported duty- and quota free to the U.S. under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The same benefits apply to the E.U. Ethiopia also offers cheap electricity at US$0.04 cents per kilowatt hour. It’s now the second-largest electricity producer in sub-Sahara due to its hydropower dams.
Staff, 12:01 am
The fall in African private equity investment in 2016 could be a short-term blip. Among the losers was US-based Carlyle, one of the world’s winningest investment firms. Carlyle invested $147m in Nigeria’s Diamond Bank in 2014. The bank’s market cap fell by 90% over the subsequent two years. Bob Geldof’s PE firm 8 Miles just invested in Blue Skies, a British fruit firm that operates in Africa. Utilities including telecoms were the most popular target for private equity investment in 2016. West Africa was the most active region.
Reuters, 1:00 am
Africa’s informal alcohol market is about four times bigger than its $11 billion commercial market, analysts say. Home brews have a strong tradition rooted in centuries-old African rituals. AB InBev needs to develop products affordable enough to tap the informal beer and alcohol markets, says InBev’s new Africa head. AB Inbev’s big rivals in Africa – Heineken and Diageo – have also launched lower-priced drinks made with local ingredients that are affordable for more people.
Staff, 11:08 am
Data from the big 12 retailers in South Africa show that they are putting their money into store refurbishments and IT instead of African expansion. Compare this to five years ago. The picture was very different. There was talk of aggressive store rollouts. Some South African companies have expanded into Europe and the U.K. to diversify earnings, but when the rand strengthened, those companies lost out. The customer focus is grounded in technology for the Big 12. IT is playing a critical role in investing in customers — building online capability, enhancing efficiency across supply chains and distribution, and reward programs to enhance client insights.
Kurt Davis Jr., 9:54 am AFKI Original
As commodity prices have fallen, African manufacturing has increased leverage — and the attention of investors — to garner more foreign investment. Tanzania is probably one of the easier bets if you are following the crowd. Success stories include Kenya-based Catalyst Principal Partners, an East Africa-focused private equity firm which invested in Zenufa Laboratories, a leading Tanzanian pharmaceuticals manufacturer. Catalyst also invested in Chemi Cotex, which makes toothpaste, skin and hair products. Both involve non-food and beverage consumer goods that are manufactured locally. Both have taken market share due to quality products and competitive pricing.
Reuters, 9:48 am
The pool of potential buyers is shrinking that Barclays’ can sell shares to in its African business. Some institutional investors, including pension funds, do not allow them to hold an asset that’s sliding on credit ratings. Barclays is struggling to find one strategic buyer that will satisfy South African regulators and is looking to sell its remaining 50% stake in chunks. More than 80% of its revenue is in South Africa. “Banks are paying the price for political uncertainty that we’ve seen in the country over the past two weeks,” a fund manager said.
Peter Pedroncelli, 1:19 pm AFKI Original
Following the turmoil of the last few weeks in South African politics, and an unpopular cabinet reshuffle imposed by president Jacob Zuma, the country has a new finance minister, with Malusi Gigaba now in charge of treasury. Popular previous minister Pravin Gordhan was axed from the role, and Gigaba is expected to fill the void left by the hard-working MP who Zuma saw as a threat. We take a look at 12 things you might not know about South Africa’s new finance minister, Malusi Gigaba.
Staff, 4:02 pm
When their Kickstarter campaign failed, a brother-sister team switched gears and ran a successful social media campaign selling Africa-inspired swimsuits online. Their swimwear prints include the Apremo-Canon pattern, a Kente design symbolic of resisting foreign domination — something Ghanaians fought beginning in the 15th century against English colonizers. The Ashanti Swimwear platform helps women in the diaspora and Africa dominate in the online e-commerce space so they can be location-independent, said British-Ghanaian Yasmeen Opare, co-founder of Ashanti Swimwear.
Dana Sanchez, 9:34 am
There are just 37 black-owned wine brands in South Africa, the world’s seventh-largest wine producing country. The industry employs 290,000 people at 550-plus wineries. Empowerment and transformation has been slow to increase black ownership and leadership. Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first black female winemaker, is a role model and symbol of change. She recently launched her own brand, Aslina wines, named after her grandmother in a rural KwaZulu-Natal village of 1,000 people. The wines are set for export to the U.S. later this year.
- Real Estate


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A member of the ruling council for Jehovah's Witnesses warned members during a recent sermon to avoid "metrosexual" fashion trends because they are part of a plan by gay designers to get people to wear what he considers indecent clothing, PinkNews reported.
"What's happened now is that it's really caught on more, the tight suit jacket and the tight pants," Anthony Morris III says in an audio clip posted online on Saturday. "Better known as tight pants. They are tight all the way down to the ankles. It's not appropriate. It's not sound of mind."
Morris, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses since 2005, reportedly delivered the remarks during a Nov. 8 sermon. He said that younger men were more prone to follow the "tight pants" trend than older members. He also accuses women who wear Spanx leggings or other tight exercise clothes in public of betraying their faith.
"It's not modest and it's certainly not sound of mind," he says. "It's really not appropriate. There's really nothing else to say about it. Now you want to be in your home or your room and wear that stuff that's your business. But don't go out like that and say you worship the true God."
After asking the women in the audience if they felt the trend was "attractive," Morris tells the group, "The homosexuals that are designing these clothes, they'd like you in tight pants."
The remarks are similar to another sermon Morris gave this past July.
"Do you remember that many, many, many homosexuals are in the clothing industry and doing the designing," he said at the time. "Don't you know they love it when you're wearing tight pants? Oh yeah, you chuckle. I don't think it's funny. I think it's disgusting."
Listen to Morris' latest statement, as posted online, below.


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According to The Peruvian Times, a group of 27 leading businessmen from Thailand is scheduled to be visiting Lima May 9-12, to explore trade and investment opportunities in Perú.
The visit, led by Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, director general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, includes a business networking session organized by the Lima Chamber of Commerce, a brief call on the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Magali Silva, and on officials at the Ministry of Foreign Relations.
The business leaders are primarily from the sectors of auto-parts and accessories, construction materials, and food services.
COMMENT: Independently of the business delegation, representatives of Thailand’s Blue Elephant restaurant group and the Surín Restaurant Group will be in Lima at the same time, looking into the possibility of opening Thai restaurants in Lima as a joint venture with local partners.
The Blue Elephant Group currently operates twelve restaurants, in Bangkok, Dubai, London, Paris, Brussels and Moscow, while the Surín group has expanded to operate restaurants in the US since 1990, in Atlanta and in Tennessee.
Thailand and Perú have most recently signed a Free Trade Agreement, following visits by President Humala and a Peruvian trade delegation in October 2013.
Trade between both countries in 2013 totaled US$ 634 million.


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Tata Aria facelift to be launched in August 2015?
Very frequently, we have been encountering information related to Tata Motors plans to launch new cars. The automaker has put its Zest and Bolt (both manufactured earlier under the codename ‘Falcon’) on sale, testing its set of sedan and hatchback under the project named ‘Kite’ and is also in plans to launch it’s ‘Pelican’. Now, Tata Motors is in plans to launch the facelifted version of Tata Aria in August 2015, says a Motoroids report.
Codenamed ‘Eagle’, the Aria facelift is all set to get into a new look with its front fascia getting new grille, bumper and headlamps and its rear being redesigned thoroughly by Tata Motor’s design team. The interiors are also expected to sport some changes.
The Aria facelift is expected to continue with the same 2.2 litre VariCor four cylinder common rail diesel engine that has been tweaked to produce peak power of 150PS at 4,000 rpm (that is 10 PS more than the power churned out by the engine in the pre-facelift model) and a peak torque of 320Nm within 1,500 rpm and 3,000 rpm. The engine will be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. That seems to be the USP of the facelifted Aria.
Few days back, Tata Aria was caught testing and the company had also showcased the car’s production ready concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show.
The current model of Tata Aria was launched in October, 2010. Collaborating with its subsidiary, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Tata Motors had designed the Aria that is a blend of SUV, MPV and sedan.
Though Tata Aria facelift was scheduled for 2015 launch, reports on the company’s plans to postpone the launch of facelifted Aria to 2016 had cropped up before.
For more updates on Tata Aria facelift, stay tuned to GreasePress.
(Note: The images used are for representation purpose only. Tata Aria facelift is yet to be launched)


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Axis Bank launches ripple-powered instant payment service for retail and corporate customers
Private sector lender Axis Bank has recently launched instant international payment services using Ripple’s enterprise blockchain technology solution for retail and corporate customers. The bank has launched a service for its retail customers in India to receive payments from RAKBANK in UAE and for its corporate customers in India to receive payments from Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore. Ripple makes international remittances faster and transparent for customers while ensuring security and improving efficiencies. The transactions reach their destination account in minutes, with the certainty of settlement, and with end-to-end visibility over the journey of the payment.
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