text:
“Don’t get the wrong idea that I like wars. I only like jet fighters because of their beauty and uncompromising design and performance,” the soft-spoken bespectacled middle-aged man said at the media briefing of the CX-3 crossover in Melbourne, Australia recently.
Over the years of attending airshows, Tomiyama has built up a large personal photo and video library of fast jets.
He counts the Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) F/A-18 Super Hornet among his favourites.
Working for the Mazda Motor Corp since 1986, Tomiyama said the CX-3 was designed as a new segment of its own and does not conform to any current ones.
He said the CX-3 was created to be compact on the outside and yet spacious inside while having a stylish outlook.
While the CX-3’s original target buyers were couples and young families with active lifestyles, Tomiyama said the vehicle’s smartlooks could also attract car buyers from other segments.
He said the seating position of the CX-3 was deliberately set at an “ideal” height so drivers would have good visibility of the road ahead, and make for an elegant entry and exit for women.
Also, the slightly higher seating position and cozy interior would make it easy for front and rear passengers to hold conversations.
The seats, Tomiyama said, were made of vibration absorbing urethane-based materials with appropriate firmness to provide comfort and support.
He said the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine used in the CX-3 is fuel efficient, has 30% less friction and is 9% lighter compared with the previous Mazda engine.
In addition to good driving dynamics, Tomiyama said the CX-3 has a strong SkyActiv interior structure and a host of electronic safety devices, ranging from anti-lock braking system, traction control to smart auto-braking to make it a safe vehicle.
Mazda Motor Corp chief designer Youichi Matsuda said the CX-3 is not a smaller version of the CX-5 although both vehicles share a crossover body style in general.
“The CX-3 gets the next generation Kodo - Soul of Motion styling that is more intense, judging from the vehicle’s taut and energetic body lines,” he said.
He also said Mazda’s Shinari sports coupe concept had played an important part in shaping the aggressive looks of the CX-3.
The Shinari, the first vehicle to feature the Kodo styling, has a long nose, short front and rear overhangs, large wheels and a tight cabin.
“By adapting the Shinari’s key styling, we were able to inject a sporty feel and appearance into the crossover,” he said.
In addition to the energetic exterior, Matsuda said the interior of the CX-3 had to have a similar level of vigor to maintain an overall premium feel and sophisticated packaging.
He said a multi-colour interior with soft-touch materials, quality stitching and metallic inserts were used to heighthen the CX-3’s interior appeal.


text:
Google is doing another one of their research studies! The company sometimes holds public studies and invites everyday users like you and I to help shape their future development efforts.
This time around, the company is specifically calling on owners of Live Cases, which as of right now should only consist of those owning recent Nexus and Pixel phones as those are the only phones Google has released them for. There are no details on what the research study entails, but we imagine Google is looking to see how they can make Live Cases even more interesting or useful.
Read: Are Live Cases Worth It?
If you want to sign up for the study, be sure to head here and input your details. Google admits that you’ll be more likely to be chosen if you live in the Bay Area of California (San Francisco and surrounding areas), but sign up anyway just in case as they do studies at other offices and even remotely. Don’t forget that Google also accepts general signups for other studies that may happen down the line, so if you aren’t already signed up for those then you should get on that.
As for this particular Live Case study, Google says a thank-you gift will be in order once you complete it. What that gift is? We don’t know, but free is free and it’s always nice to be surprised!

domain: news


text:
As national gasoline prices shoot higher each day, signs of motorists rationing gas purchases have begun springing up around the country. The national average for a gallon of unleaded regular gas hit $3.37 on Monday. But In the key auto state of California, prices have already spurted past $3.75, which many analysts believe is a key threshold that could begin to hurt the U.S. economy.
Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at the Oil Price Information Service, says he expects gasoline prices to keep rising into the $3.50 to $3.75 range nationally, with the peak likely to be hit between March 15 and May 15.
"There is a tremendous amount of money being made by people who are invested in oil," Kloza says. "There has been a panic among buyers, particularly in the speculative crowd."
"We Will Meet Any Shortage"
Crude prices appear to have stabilized on Monday, although rioting in Oman, the Persian Gulf's largest oil exporter outside of the OPEC (with about 880,000 barrels of daily output), made Middle East experts increasingly uneasy about the possibility that violence could spread next door -- to Saudi Arabia.
The markets have been in tumult since an uprising in Libya against the rule of Col. Moammar Gadhafi led to a sharp reduction in the country's oil exports, normally about 1.5 million barrels a day.
Saudi Oil Minister Ali Naimi told a forum in Riyadh on Monday that his country is prepared to use its spare capacity to substitute for oil production lost in Libya. "We have enough credence to tell you that we will meet any shortage," Naimi said.
While that has temporarily calmed international markets, it hasn't stopped the steep increase in prices at U.S. gas stations as retailers catch up to soaring wholesale prices. And consumers are feeling the sharply higher fuel prices, says Joseph H. Petrowski, CEO of Framingham, Mass.-based Gulf Oil.
"Less Discretionary Driving"
Petrowski says in Florida, where the company has 100 service stations from Boca Raton in the south to Orlando in the north, sales are down 3% to 4% after prices went up to $3.40 a gallon. In the Northeast, sales are also off, but to a lesser extent.
"When we asked managers what the reason was, the No. 1 response was less discretionary driving," Petrowski says. "That's usually a sign that instead of driving 20 miles to a restaurant, retired people are driving around the corner."
The average sale nationally has fallen from 11.5 gallons to 11.1 gallons, and customers are shifting from branded products to unbranded, he says. Another indicator that consumers are being hit in the pocketbook is that more sales are in cash rather than credit cards, which he says is a sign that credit is being maxed out.
"There are some small signs that rationing of gasoline is definitely going on," Petrowski says. "We're seeing signs of distress as the gas price goes to $3.30." But he adds that things still aren't as bad as in 2008, when prices hit $4 a gallon.
Petrowski says an increase to $3.75 nationally, as Kloza and other analysts predict, could impose a huge financial burden on many drivers. He says in Massachusetts, for example, the average family uses 1,500 gallon of fuel per year. At $3.75, a $1 increase over last year, the average family will be spending about 25% of its discretionary income on the gas hike, he says.
"I don't think the bottom 60% of wage earners can handle $3.75 gasoline without a serious cutback in their expenditures, and that to me is a problem," Petrowski says.
Don't Blame the Station Owner
He added that most gasoline retailers own five or fewer stations and have seen their profit margins fall from the range of 15 cents to 18 cents a gallon to under 10 cents. Most station owners gross about $180,000 a year but must pay labor and other costs.
"I think that's going to get cut in half for a period of time," he says. "If [the price of gas] were to stay there, there's no way you can run a modern site making only $90,000 on fuel. You really do need more income."
So don't get angry at the station owner. Get angry at the oil producers who are reaping their greatest profits in years. "Gasoline retailers aren't doing well under this scenario," says Kloza. "They like it when prices fall like a rock."


text:
WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) - The U.S. economy slowed sharply in the second quarter, following a deeper-than-we-knew recession, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.
The nation's gross domestic product rose at a 1.1 percent annual rate in the quarter. The economy grew 5 percent in the first quarter, a revision from the earlier estimate of 6.1 percent.
All of the growth in real GDP in the second quarter was due to inventory changes. Excluding inventories, real final sales fell 0.1 percent. Read the full release.
Economists had expected GDP growth of about 2.4 percent. See Economic Calendar.
Meanwhile, in a separate report, the Chicago purchasing managers index sank to 51.5 percent in July, barely above the 50 percent mark that indicates expansion of activity in the manufacturing sector.
The weak Chicago report casts doubt on the strength of the rebound in the factory sector. The national purchasing managers index will be released on Friday. Economists are looking for the national index to fall to about 55.4 percent from 56.2 percent. See Economic Calendar.
The twin weak economic reports helped drive the stock market to its lows of the day. But by the close of business, the broad market eked out a 1 percent gain. See Market Snapshot. Bonds were rallying on the weak economic news, with the 10-year yield falling 13 basis points to 4.46 percent. See Bond Report.
In a third release, the Federal Reserve reported in its Beige Book that its business contacts around the nation say the economy is growing moderately, with "uneven" performance across sectors. See full story.
In the GDP report, consumer spending flagged in the April through June quarter, advancing just 1.9 percent after growing 3.1 percent in the first quarter.
Meanwhile, despite its best performance in nearly two years, business investment declined for the seventh straight quarter, sinking 1.6 percent. However, investments in equipment and software rose 2.9 percent, the first increase since the third quarter of 2000.
"This is a positive trend," President Bush said. "But growth isn't strong enough as far as I'm concerned."
"This is a very disconcerting development," said Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D. "That substantial drop ... says as clearly and conclusively as anything can, we need economic leadership."
GDP estimates revised to 1999
The government also revised its estimates of GDP back to 1999, revealing for the first time that the economy contracted for three quarters - not just one - during last year's recession.
Some commentators and officials had suggested that the economy had not really endured a recession last year because the economy had not contracted for at least two quarters.
However, economists do not judge recessions by the GDP alone but by more detailed monthly figures on job growth, consumer spending, personal income and business investment. The debate about the recession is academic at this point.
The economy grew just 0.3 percent in all of 2001, not the 1.2 percent previously estimated. Growth in 2000 was revised to 3.8 percent from 4.1 percent. Growth in 1999 of 4.1 percent was not revised.
From the trough in 1991 to the peak in late 2000, the economy grew at an annual rate of 3.5 percent.
"These numbers may well lead to some re-estimation of the sustainable growth rate for the U.S., and ultimately imply that the current upswing might have to be curtailed by higher interest rates sooner than currently expected - but not yet," said Ian Shepherdson, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics.
"A silver lining is that the personal saving rate was revised up to 4.0 percent, implying that more of the adjustment for the huge drop in wealth has already occurred," said John Youngdahl, economist at Goldman Sachs.
The quarterly GDP figures reveal a slightly weaker economy than pictured before. While economists have been warning of an expected slowdown in GDP due to a smaller change in inventories, they were hoping final sales would remain healthy.
Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan has said repeatedly that the Fed will not consider the recovery firmly in place until policymakers see signs of persistent growth in final sales to consumers and businesses.
"We would expect this news to reinforce the Fed's inclination to keep short-term interest rates low for some time to come," Youngdahl said.
The Fed has no worries on the inflation front. The personal consumption expenditure deflator - the Fed's preferred gauge of consumer inflation - rose 2.5 percent, but core inflation was up at just 1.7 percent.
Consumer spending slows
The GDP report shows weakness in the economy is rotating slightly from the business sector to consumers. While business investment is improving, consumer investment in residences slowed to 5 percent growth from 14.2 percent in the first quarter.
Consumer spending, which represents about two-thirds of final sales, also slowed.
Spending on durable goods rose 2.4 percent after falling 6.3 percent in the first quarter, thanks to continued incentives to buy autos. Spending on nondurable goods fell 0.6 percent, the largest decline in 10 years.
Spending on services rose 3 percent.
The growth in business investment ought to be a signal for U.S. producers to crank up their output. However, imports of goods jumped 28.9 percent in the quarter, soaking up some of the increased demand from U.S. businesses.
Exports rose 11.7 percent, including the first increase in exports of goods in seven quarters.
Federal government spending remained healthy in the quarter, growing 7.4 percent. Defense spending increased 8 percent. Spending by state and local governments, on the other hand, fell 1.1 percent, reflecting tight budgets due to falling tax receipts.


text:
Despite several challenges witnessed in the past years, Egypt’s tourism sector managed to navigate choppy waters and started to bounce back. Invest-Gate interviews Christopher Lund, associate director at Colliers International MENA, to discuss his insights on the tourism market in Egypt and his future outlook.
Where does Egypt stand on the world tourism map?
Egypt has everything in terms of tourism infrastructure; hotels, tourism destinations, and airports.
In the past six years, the country had been through a number of ups and downs. However, 2017 was a year of combating the consequences of the EGP devaluation; hotels did fairly well and achieved higher occupancy rates compared to previous years. Tour operators and travel agents also started to feel that it is safe again to bring tourists to Egypt’s resort destinations.
Are we moving forward to top in the world ranking?
Egypt is a big tourism destination; 2010 has witnessed 14.7 mn tourists, which is a sizeable figure. Currently, the country has started to recover and is already on the path to regain its position.
Developers and hotel operators should diversify their portfolios even more. The country also should not only rely on Europeans–who usually represent a high percentage of tourists- and should instead aim to diversify the risk. The country should actively target the Middle Eastern travelers and GCC tourists who would love to visit Alexandria and Cairo. China and India are also huge tourism source markets that should be targeted.
Generally, Egypt’s resort destinations are very attractive to Europeans due to affordability, available facilities, and perfect weather, a combination that is not easily available in Europe. It is a question of time for the tourism to come back as long as there are no more incidents. The positive outlook for the market today is the best since before 2011.
Do you think Egypt has become a good competitor in the tourism sector especially following the EGP devaluation?
Egypt has always been a great competitor because it is a more affordable destination for tourists to visit. There are big projects with entertainment facilities in attractive destinations that offer a good value for money such as Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Sahl Hashish. If you compare other international destinations that compete with Sharm El Sheikh, you will find them generally more expensive and the facilities within are not that great.
Do we need more hotels in Egypt?
If we look at the big picture, the occupancy rates now in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are not very high so that tells us that Egypt does not need more hotels. But I think it is all about what kind of hotels that need to be added. Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, or Sharm El Sheikh lack mid-scale segment hotels (three- and four-star branded hotels); the trend in the region is going more and more towards affordable tourism.
How do you see the sector’s performance nowadays especially after Egypt’s efforts to promote tourism?
In the next two years, we expect the online visa program to be introduced and this kind of change will normally have big implications. For example, when the UAE introduced Visa on Arrival for Chinese visitors, the following year saw an increase in Chinese tourists by 41%.
Regulators of the tourism industry need to always try -within what makes sense- to make travel and accessibility to Egypt easier and facilitate anything to do with the visa process for all nationalities.
What is your forecast on Egypt’s real estate market and economy in general?
My outlook is positive but the question is about the timing. I believe 2018 will be the year of transformation and getting things to function normally especially after Russia and Italy resumed flights to Egypt, preparing for the sharp rise in tourism in 2019-2020.
As for hotels in specific, the occupancy is expected to further increase in 2018.
Egypt’s efforts are expected to further increase the number of tourists in the coming years, and this will fuel demand for hotels.


text:
Washing your face can be a chore at the end of a long day. But you should. Here, beauty editors share their top picks.
Warmer weather is here, and many young motorists will head out for solo drives. Here's what to know before buying a used car for your teen.
Watching your parents age can be tough, but harder still are the decisions you may have to make on their behalf if you're unprepared.
A new study by WalletHub reveals the most and least stressed states in the country.
The owners of Utah Woolen Mills know that getting a great job requires more than an amazing resume.
One of life's certainties is that job interviews are nerve-wracking. Glassdoor revealed some of the toughest questions shared by candidates.
TripAdvisor just released its list of the 10 best beaches in the U.S. and the world.
Selling a car successfully takes planning and organization. Here's how to get the highest price possible while minimizing potential hazards.
Cassie De Pecol, who visited all 196 countries in the world in the shortest amount of time on record, reveals how she made it happen.
Use these smart tips for shopping at membership warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's and big box stores like Walmart and Target.
U.S. News & World Report revealed its annual list of the country's best cities to live in.
Remedy, a tech startup, helps people identify errors and negotiate health care bills.
These airlines are the best and worst when it comes to mishandled luggage according to a new report by RewardExpert.
Nicola Thorp, who was fired for refusing to wear high heels, got action from the government after starting a petition.
Mary Tyler Moore, as Mary Richards, "reflected the new age and the modern woman and that was incredibly empowering."
Looking to live a simpler life, personally and financially? Jean Chatzky shares tips on how to downsize and adopt the RV lifestyle the right way.
Whether you're happy at work or looking for a fresh start, careers website Glassdoor has ranked the 50 Best Jobs in America for 2017.
Planning to keep working instead of retiring? Jean Chatzky shares tips to prepare yourself for this next chapter.
Private jet company JetSuiteX just announced they will offer fares starting at $29 for certain one-way flights.
Forget about returns that require 30 days with a receipt. These retailers typically have the most generous return policies.
U.S. News & World Report just revealed its list of the best jobs of 2017.
An Atlanta meteorologist was tracking an incoming storm Thursday when his daughter texted to say her weather app didn't agree with him.
Here's how ask for that raise, negotiate to get what you're worth, and earn more money.
New mom Arielle Noa Charnas says she was asked to move out of first class when her baby started crying on a recent Delta flight.
A customer who bought a shirt and vest from the Gap more than a decade ago managed to get a refund for the items recently, according to a viral post.
CNBC correspondent Seema Mody shares five tips to help you get your money in order after the holiday season, including how to cut back on daily expenses, negotiate...
The top three financial fears for people heading into retirement are: running out of money, maintaining their lifestyle and rising health costs.
Black Friday is nearly upon us and this year we got an early peek at the best Amazon deals you can buy straight from the couch.
FairyTail Pet Care offers pet wedding packages designed to make sure your critters can be part of your big day, without the stress.
TripAdvisor released a list of 10 experiences of a lifetime, along with the most budget-friendly options.
Some 48.7 million Americans are expected to travel this year for Thanksgiving, according to AAA. Here are 13 tips to navigate your trip.
Only 1 in 3 parents of young working men and women get what their kids do to earn their paychecks. Major companies want to change that.
Companies across the U.S. — including Krispy Kreme, 7-Eleven, Gold's Gym and more — are offering freebies and discounts to voters on Nov. 8.
Christmas is just around the corner, and to kick off the holiday season, Neiman Marcus has released the 90th edition of its legendary Christmas Book.
TripAdvisor revealed their list of the best restaurants in the United States and the best bargain spots too.
World traveler Karen Edwards feared her globe-trotting days might be over when she found out she was pregnant — but she was wrong.
The Rossen Reports team checked out the three largest cities in the U.S. to see if they passed the 'germ test.'
It's a saga that dates back centuries. A struggle that pits parents against their own children. It's...the annual thermostat war.
A new study by career website Glassdoor reveals the 29 best jobs for work-life balance.
Shopping around is usually a good way to find the best deal on a used car. But how far afield should you go?
They look clean and bright, but it's what you can't see that could be a problem with new garments.


text:
Volume 48, Issue 12- December 2013
A Hidden GEM
Glass Expo Midwest Blows Through the Windy City
Despite some heavy rain and dreary weather, attendees and exhibitors made their way to the 2013 Glass Expo Midwest Show at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, to see some of the latest products and discuss hot topics in the commercial glazing industry. From keynote speakers to innovative doors, there was much to be seen at this year’s show.
Between the trade show floor and educational seminars, attendees took in a lot of information about the industry. Most importantly, they shook hands and met people face-to-face.
“I can get hands-on being able to talk to some people who have other items such as shower doors and commercial openings … I can find other suppliers,” said Jon Davis of J.D. Glass and Mirror.
We’ve always been a part of sponsoring it we’re a big believer in small local shows,” said Mary Hester of JLM Wholesale, sponsor of the event. “I think it’s important for the small shows to be out there because it allows people who don’t get to go to the national shows to come out and they get to meet the people they’re speaking with on a daily basis. So that’s one of the main reasons we sponsor is because we believe in the show.”
If you weren’t able to attend the event, take a look at some of what you missed. If you’re interested in attending any future Glass Expos visit www.glassexpos.com to learn more.
The Glass Detective
The show “Mystery Detectives” has nothing on glass expert Dr. Paul Duffer. “Glass will tell you its secrets if you listen,” said Duffer, technical adjunct for the Glass Committee, International Window Cleaning Association, and noted authority on glass and glass cleaning. Duffer is also retired from PPG Industries after 31 years there.
“And its biggest secret involves water. We see glass stored not only where it is rained upon, but next to machinery that’s cleaned with water from hoses. People think nothing of it because, after all, ‘it’s just water’” he said, “but tap water can stain the glass and render it useless.” Duffer’s presentation included example after example of glass that had been stained, discolored, leached or otherwise aesthetically destroyed along with the conditions that caused the problem.
Richard Voreis likes to look at the future—not in a fortune-teller type of way, but with an eye toward strategic planning. The chief executive officer of Consulting Collaborative and USGlass magazine columnist provided attendees with a look into the future. Among his predictions:
• The U.S is the fastest growing PV user in the world through
• Building integrated project delivery will grow;


text:
Snap may launch a gaming platform to let you play games in Snapchat
Everybody knows Snapchat even if they don’t use it. The social media giant is built upon one simple premise – disappearing photographs and messages. You send a photo and it’s gone 10 seconds later. Simple, right? Well on Android, Snapchat has a long, much-disliked history. So much so that the company pledged late last year to rewrite its Android application with a focus on performance and ease of use. While we haven’t seen much of that, we have seen a brand new UI (that users begged to be rolled back). Now there’s even more news, but it’s not quite an application performance-oriented re-write. You’ll soon be able to play games within Snapchat according to a report from The Information.
According to the report, Snap Inc. has already signed deals with multiple game publishers to launch its own gaming platform later this year. It does make sense given that the company has been toying with augmented reality games for the past few months. You can use special filters called “Snappables” which can turn your surrounding environments into an AR game. As a result, it’s likely that other games on the platform will also utilize the camera to create their playing environments. It’s not clear if Snap intends to compete with Google’s ARCore or not, but it’s unlikely as the end goal of both services appears to be very different. Snapchat is focused around entertainment, while ARCore is replacing Project Tango which was for a whole lot more.
While Instagram and Snapchat have been going toe-to-toe in features as of late, both have deviated to create their own thing recently. Instagram recently launched IGTV, a YouTube-like competitor. CEO Evan Spiegel in the report from The Information expressed his admiration for Tencent’s business model and how it makes money from in-game payments. Snapchat already tried that before with replays, charging $0.99 for 3 before quietly making them free afterward. The company has had trouble monetizing its application. Through augmented reality games, they may just have found the solution.
Source: The Information Via: TechCrunch


text:
Sports data and analytics company Stats Perform has signed a five-year contract renewal with sporting event promotion company Matchroom Sports, in a deal which will see the existing partnership exceed twenty years in its total length.
William Hill’s US business has announced the launch of its online and mobile sportsbook in Colorado, while the bookmaker has also rolled out the first selection of content and products through its new partnership with CBS Sports.
Puerto Rico has taken a step towards launching legal sports betting over a year after legalizing the vertical, beginning a 30-day consultation on sports betting regulations developed in partnership with Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).
B2B fantasy sports supplier Scout Gaming announced it will launch a follow-on from last year’s Premier League season-long fantasy contest, The Quarter Million, by offering a guaranteed prize pool of €1m for the 2020-21 season.
New York-based free-to-play and fantasy sports developer and technology provider Boom Sports its to move into B2C sports betting after striking a market access agreement with Penn National Gaming (PNG).
Flutter Entertainment reported a 16% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2020, though growth slowed as a result of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic suspending sports and closing of venues.
Fantasy sports solutions provider Scout Gaming Group has said it expects year-on-year growth in revenue for the first quarter, despite its business being impacted by the ongoing novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
DraftKings has struck a deal that will see it acquired by a special purpose acquisition company alongside betting and gaming technology provider SBTech, with the combined entity to be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange.
Fox Sports has rolled out a new, national free-to-play sports prediction game for US customers, the second major component of the broadcaster’s partnership with The Stars Group after its real-money sports betting brand Fox Bet.


text:
Peer to peer telecommunications payments company Telx Technologies, has developed the first cryptocurrency SIM card wallet – which will allow Telx customers to send cryptocurrency transactions via SMS to any phone number around the world. Telx does this by providing the customer with a SIM card and a phone number that have cryptocurrency wallets linked to them.
“Our goal at Telx is to natively embed peer to peer transactions into the world’s most widely used communication method, SMS messaging,” stated founder & CEO, Mark Penovich.
The founder continued:
“All of us in the cryptocurrency community want mass adoption. With Telx we aim to bring this technology to the masses by not relying on the end-user having significant technical knowledge. Integrating cryptocurrency transactions natively into the SMS interface and tying your crypto identity to a phone number will simplify the process and bring in new participants from around the world.”
Telx SIM cards work in over 180 countries and can be used with any phone having an open SIM card slot. The company has a catalog of worldwide enabled phone numbers from which the customer will choose and use as their new wallet identity. This replaces long, confusing public keys.
Telx customers will be able to send cryptocurrency transactions to Telx phone numbers, regular phone numbers or cryptocurrency addresses themselves.
Because the Telx SIM card works over telecommunication networks instead of internet networks, there is no need for an internet connection, smartphone or application. This allows users who are in parts of the world with an unreliable internet connection to participate in the fast-growing blockchain industry.
A similar service for fiat currency exists called “M-Pesa” which allows users to send money to other phone numbers via SMS. Since the launch of this product, it has grown quickly at becoming the most widely used phone-based peer to peer money transfer system. Telx aims to be the cryptocurrency version of this service but with global unfettered access.
Telx SIM cards use industry-standard security protocols including multi-sig wallets. Because the SIM card is a hardware product, Telx is able to ensure only transactions being sent by the users specific SIM will be accepted. Transactions are also secured by a confirmation pin number.
For more information visit https://www.telx.tech


text:
• 4 months on, banned plastic bags found aplenty
• Consumers unaware of other alternative
• Eco-friendly bags struggling to get a foothold
Dimapur | February 4
Plastic waste management has for years been a global concern with countries the world over grappling with the problem. Banning sounds easy enough but finding economically viable alternatives have turned out to be problematic, especially in a developing economy like India.
While in Nagaland, the state government made a bold move prohibiting single-use plastic beginning September 18, 2019. The items that made the banned list included all single-use plastic products such as plastic carry bags (with or without handles, irrespective of thickness and size), plastic cutlery, including plates, plastic cups, straw, stirrer etc, cutlery and other decoratives made of styrofoam (thermocol), polythene, nylon, poly-vinyl-carbohydrates, poly-propylene and poly-styrene.
Enforcement units known as District Task Force (DTF) were subsequently set up in the districts.
A ban only on paper
Four months on, there are signs the ban would end up like the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act (NLTP). Plastic plates and cups, plastic water bottles in the 300-500ml range are still available in the market; find its way to ceremonial dinners and ultimately to an already overwhelmed landfill in Dimapur.
Polythene is still the preferred carry bag, while paper bags are rare. Poly-propylene bags (also known as PP bags), which is on the banned list, are openly sold and another type of polythene bags stamped 51+ microns are also found.
Proscription on one hand and open use on the other has put a question mark on the effectiveness of the former. State government officials however maintain that regular checks are undertaken.
As reported in the news, in Dimapur, the DTF, along with Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been conducting checks at regular intervals since the ban took effect. A member of the DTF informed that the most recent was conducted in January during which penalties were imposed on defaulters. According to the official, further checking will be conducted in the coming days.
Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi, who is also the DTF head, maintained that the job of the team also includes promoting alternatives like paper bags.
According to the DC, the DTF is collaborating with NGOs to produce and promote paper bags and is in touch with the business community. While stating that sensitisation campaigns have been taken to schools and colleges, he said that there will be an impact only when every individual limits plastic use.
The battle against plastic can be sustained only when the consumers are aware of its hazards, he added.
“Let’s try an alternative to plastic bags. People should also cultivate the habit of carrying their own bags.”
No takers for alternative
Meanwhile, private ventures with potential to replace the conventional single-use plastic bags are already in the works but unheard and struggling.
Two Dimapur-based entrepreneurs— K Lilian Sema and Kabinlo Kent were optimistic of promoting eco-friendly alternatives in Nagaland in the backdrop of the state government’s seemingly firm move to ban single-use plastic.
They began importing compostable carry bags certified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) when the ban took effect. However, the organic-based bags have still to make its presence felt largely for a lack of governmental support, disinterest from businesses and little or no awareness among the public on the availability of eco-friendly alternatives in the market.
Lilian, who is the proprietor of KL Enterprise, said that her imported carry bags are struggling to get a foothold in a market that still prefers the traditional plastic bags despite an existing government ban. Kabinlo, who runs KR Enterprise, is also facing the same challenge.
Price seems to be coming in the way of an eco-friendly alternative. According to her, non-biodegradable bags sell cheap, for as low as Rs 120 a kg, while the CPCB certified organic bags costs a little over Rs 400 a kg.
According to Lilian, the imported carry bags are made from natural plant materials and can easily biodegrade once disposed when it comes into contact with soil and moisture through microbial activity.
“The material is thin but strong and durable. It takes about 180 days to degrade once buried under the soil,” she said.
She added that setting up manufacturing plants here would reduce price considerably.


text:
Proenza Schouler inks fragrance deal with L’Oréal
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have yet to disappoint when it comes to initial offerings. Back in 2002, Barneys New York purchased their thesis collection pre-graduation from Parsons The New School of Design, a collection that also marked the duo's initial and lasting collaboration. The brand's first bag, the PS1, catapulted to it-bag status despite deliberately designed to subvert that very notion itself.
Next in line of initial offerings from the brand is the announcement of a License Agreement with L'Oréal for the development and creation of fragrances, marking the beginning of Proenza Schouler's foray into scents. "We are incredibly excited to embark on this new adventure with L'Oréal. Working on a fragrance has always been a dream of ours, and we could not have imagined that one day we would be given the chance to do so with the world leaders in the field. We look forward to translating our visual aesthetic into the subtle and highly emotional world of scent," said McCollough and Hernandez.
If their stellar track record is any indication of what's to come, the promise of a fragrance debut in the pipeline is highly anticipated.


text:
While one Lee Cooper store opened in Pune, the other was opened in Manipal
Mumbai: London-based English-American clothing and footwear brand, Lee Cooper has opened two new stores in India, one in Pune and Manipal.
The stores offer a wide range of denim collections, footwear and accessories for kids and adults.
The brand opened a store in Indore last week and its first store in Gwalior last month.
Last year, Reliance Retail and US-based Iconix jointly acquired the Lee Cooper brand’s rights for India. Prior to this, the manufacturing rights of the brand were held by Kishore Biyani’s Future Lifestyle Fashions.
Lee Cooper apparel was being sold at various retail formats owned by the Future Group including Central, fbb, Brand Factory along with many e-commerce platforms.
Known for its apparel and denimwear collections, Lee Cooper was introduced as a footwear brand in India by M&B Footwear in the year 1995.
Founded in London’s East End by Morris Cooper in 1908, the brand has a presence in many countries across the globe.


text:
On July 24th, Jonas Schnelli, a member of bitcoin core development team, failed in online shopping and he angrily asked BitPay why his order was rejected on Twitter.
Even in the bear market of 2018, the bitcoin prices have fallen by about 85% from the peak, however, the bitcoin is still worth about US $3,000 in the market. Therefore, all the investors must be very concerned about the security of bitcoin.
So, is bitcoin safe? In other words, can hackers easily steal the bitcoin away from the wallet?
As a well-known saying goes: If you want the world to know you’re ignorant about bitcoin, the best way is to use the “tulip bubble” as a metaphor, and the second is to claim bitcoin as a “Ponzi scheme.”
Today, we’d like to talk about why bitcoin is not a “Ponzi scheme”.
The market value of bitcoin has been over US$200 billion, accounting for nearly 70% of the cryptocurrency market. According to cryptographer and trader Rhythm, the market value of bitcoin has surpassed the legal currencies in South Korea, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and Australia to become the 11th largest currency in the world.


text:
How to watch the Jon Stewart show on Apple TV
Fast Company website back online after obscene Apple News alerts; poor password security
Is this bumper case for the Pixel Watch cause for worry?
Daily Authority: 😲 Massive Pixel 7 series leak
Concept imagines a dedicated Apple Sports app for iOS and watchOS


text:
Microsoft Surface Enters the Radar in U.S. PC Market
The Microsoft Surface is becoming a factor in the U.S. PC market, according to market researchers.
Gartner this week published its preliminary quarterly results for PC unit shipments in the third quarter of 2018.
On the U.S. list, Microsoft ranked fifth for the quarter, with a 4.1 percent share of the market.
It's a long way from No. 5 to No. 4. According to Gartner, Microsoft shipped 602,000 units in the quarter. Apple, by contrast, moved more than 2 million units in the quarter for fourth place and a 13.7 percent share. The top vendor for the quarter, HP Inc., sold more than 4.5 million units and held a 30.7 percent share in the U.S. market.
In terms of movement, Microsoft is heading in the right direction, with 1.9 percent year-over-year growth for the quarter, a period when Apple dropped by 7.6 percent.
Lenovo, powered by its joint venture with Fujitsu, vaulted 22 percent in the United States, and a 10.7 percent gain worldwide put the computer maker in first place on Gartner's global list for the quarter. Dell rounds out the U.S. top five in second place.
The backdrop is a relatively flat U.S. PC market, where overall shipments dropped 0.4 percent, with business PC demand nearly offsetting declines in mobile PC shipments. Because Gartner defines Google Chromebooks as outside the PC market, its figures don't include the double-digit growth of those devices in the United States.
Across all Windows PCs, not just Surface devices, Gartner expects business demand to remain strong. Referring to the global market, analyst Mikako Kitagawa said in a statement, "The PC market continued to be driven by steady corporate PC demand, which was driven by Windows 10 PC hardware upgrades. We expect the Windows 10 upgrade cycle to continue through 2020 at which point the upgrade demand will diminish."
Extended support for Windows 7 formally ends on Jan. 14, 2020. That operating system retained a narrow lead over Windows 10 for the most popular operating system in September, according to Net Applications. That measure and recent Microsoft statements suggesting enterprises were about halfway through their Windows 10 migrations both indicate that there is a lot of remaining potential for Windows 10-based hardware upgrades.
Posted by Scott Bekker on 10/12/2018 at 11:14 AM


text:
Stanbic Bank Uganda has launched a campaign aimed at rewarding 100 customers with UGX 100 million for making transactions through its digital channels. This means clients who make transactions through Mobile Banking, Agent Banking and the Stanbic App will stand a chance to win UGX 1 million every day for the next 100 days.
This is in line with the bank’s DiGiCashBack campaign that promotes digital solutions for customers with the aim of enhancing convenience and continued value to customer experience.
According to Stanbic Bank’s Head of Digital Banking, Veronica Sentongo, there is improved customer awareness of the bank’s digital platforms which has led to an increase in the number of users from 8,000 in 2016 to 100,000 today.
“The campaign’s aim is therefore to continue to encourage customers to utilize all the alternative digital platforms and increase the usage of our digital banking offering as a preferred service to facilitate convenience. We have understood our customer needs and through providing low-cost self-service digital channels, we are able to put our customers in control of their overall banking experience. We want to equate this experience to walking into a branch. We have taken seriously, the increasing need and use of technology and the Internet in facilitating convenience and continue to invest through innovative means,” she said.
The bank has throughout this year increased its service offering on its digital channels to better achieve the objectives with this campaign. Customers will soon be able to open accounts online as well access more services through Agent Banking. This will address the need to define and demonstrate the value of digital banking and drive high value transactions.
“We are looking at migrating most of our routine transactions to digital platforms and leaving the bank branches as value addition points for more complex transactions. Already more than 50 per cent of our bank transactions have been digitized and we are encouraging all our customers to continue utilizing all our digital platforms which are available to them 24/7,” she said.
She concluded, “Customers are encouraged to participate in the DiGiCashBack campaign and be rewarded for paying their bills, sending money and applying for a small overdraft using Instant Cash advance through the alternative Digital Channels.”


text:
Better-than-expected jobs and services data lifted stocks Wednesday. Some upbeat earnings reports also helped.
Want To Hear IBD's Analysis Of Today's Market And Emerging Stocks?
Click here to watch the latest Market Wrap video!
Meanwhile, the S&P 500 rose 0.6%, NYSE 0.5% and Dow 0.4%. Volume fell on the NYSE and rose a tad on the Nasdaq.
OpenTable (OPEN) rallied 8% to a new all-time-high in triple its average volume. Late Tuesday, the provider of restaurant reservation services served up a 150% surge in Q2 earnings, beating views. Sales grew 37% the fourth straight quarter of acceleration. The stock came public in May and has more than doubled.
Acme Packet (APKT) gapped above its 50-day moving average and climbed 7% in more than twice its average volume. The stock has recouped more than half of its recent losses.
Thinly traded JinkoSolar Holding (JKS) climbed 6% to a new record high. The May IPO cleared its first base in early July and has surged more than 50% since. JinkoSolar, which makes solar cells and wafers, reports earnings Aug. 16. Analysts are expecting 58 cents a share, up from 3 cents a share in the year-earlier period.
Iconix Brand Group (ICON) rose 4% in nearly twice its average volume. The stock cleared a 17.48 buy point from a cup-with-handle base. The structure is part of a base-on-base pattern.
On the downside, Whole Foods Market (WFMI) gapped down and lost 8% in almost four times average trade. Late Tuesday, the organic grocer delivered fiscal Q3 earnings that matched views and boosted its full-year profit outlook. But the company expects same-store sales to slow in the current quarter.
DG FastChannel (DGIT) staged a big downside reversal. The stock turned a 7% gain into a 6% loss. But the stock managed to close above its 50-day moving average. Earlier Wednesday, the provider of digital advertising services delivered Q2 earnings and sales that blew past views.
After the close, MercadoLibre (MELI) reported Q2 earnings and sales above views. But shares fell 3% in extended trading.
99 Cents Only Stores (NDN) delivered fiscal Q1 profit above views, but revenue missed estimates. Still, shares rose 5% in after-hours trading.
Data on weekly jobless claims will also be out Thursday.


text:
MITCHELL – The Mitchell Parks Board is excited to host its first annual Christmas Market, complete with breakfast with Santa!
The event will be held on Saturday, December 3 at the Mitchell Community Building from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Children 12 and under can visit Santa, enjoy muffins and a hot cocoa bar, and receive a free gift (while supplies last).
All proceeds from vendor fees go right back to the Mitchell City Parks.
Please come out and support local vendors and this worthy cause.


text:
Outsourcing makes Romania one of the fastest growing economies in the EU
Romania is establishing its claim as one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union, and a large part of that is due to its rapid growth as a destination for outsourcing and nearshoring.
This fact was one of the focuses at “Outsource Romania”, an event hosted by the embassy of Romania, where Romanian Ambassador to the UK H.E. Mihnea Motoc spoke on the country’s prominence as an “outsourcing valley for BPO”.
He added that Romania also flourishes in terms of “research programmes, information technology outsourcing [and] contact centres, either shared services and/or outsourced”. He continued: “The new age of outsourcing is more about innovation and outsourcing certain capabilities, cost-effectiveness has replaced pure lowest cost.”
Paolo Marcattilj, UK Director of Global Remote Services (a Romania-based multi-lingual contact centre), commented: “Some of today’s leading UK and European businesses are choosing to outsource to Romania… Romania is becoming a top outsourcing destination.
“The cost efficiencies are really a by-product to the work we are doing to help grow global businesses through building great customer relationships and experiences. We were delighted the Ambassador from Romania to the UK highlighted the benefits of our language abilities and highly skilled work force, still widely underexploited by many UK companies.”
For weekly news updates, subscribe to our email newsletter.


text:
- Member Since: September 8, 2017
Ads / Latest items listed
The wait is almost over for the iPhone lovers… With less than a week to go until the launch of the iPhone 8, we've already heard an abundance of rumours about ...
No views yet
US Open in the Flushing Meadows, New York is the year’s last grand slam Tennis tournament. The 2017 event has been marred by injuries, too many huge names in th...
3 total views, 0 today
Posts / Recent blog posts
Sorry, no posts could be found.


text:
After a 7-year distribution partnership with Siker Sports, the Swiss sneaker brand will take direct control of its operations on the Spanish market on January 1, having named Jens Ullbrich as sales director Spain.
Japan's retail sales rose for the first time in three months in October, though less than expected, data showed on Monday, a sign private consumption has yet to pick up strongly despite the easing of COVID-19 curbs.
A senior Amazon.com Inc executive said it remains too early to predict how the Omicron coronavirus variant will impact consumer spending during the holiday season but suggested that shoppers will press ahead for now.
Amazon has partnered with Abu Dhabi Investment Office to establish a fulfilment centre by 2024 to be built in accordance with the company's carbon-reduction strategies, the Abu Dhabi government's media office said.
U.S. shoppers spent less online during Black Friday this year, with many venturing back to physical stores despite coronavirus fears, tight supplies, and retailers' efforts to encourage earlier holiday purchases.
Fast-expanding high-end trainers retailer Kick Game is continuing its physical and digital stores growth in its bid to help it achieve revenues of £50 million by 2022. It's latest store opens in Manchester in December.
As pop-up stores go, this is one of the briefest but brightest. For two days (26-28 November) emerging designer Mowalola Ogunlesi hosts her first (albeit temporary) store at the Dray Walk Gallery in Shoreditch, London.


text:
North Central to launch new on-campus Coffee Lab
From picking coffee cherries off plants in Guatemala to packaging beans for local sales, North Central College students have been using hands-on practices for more than a decade to learn about the coffee industry.
Program leaders now are hoping to round out the experience by launching a facility with a professional-grade coffee roaster on the Naperville campus.
The 450-square-foot Coffee Lab, slated to open next month, will be among a handful of college-operated roasteries in the country, Professor Matthew Krystal said.
What makes North Central's program unique, he says, is that it's centered around the business of coffee, including sourcing, logistics, cost accounting, marketing and sales.
"We have beginning-to-end supply chain engagement with the students," he said. "There's a big focus on practical, interdisciplinary learning experiences."
The concept originated in 2005, when students in the college's chapter of an entrepreneurship organization, now called Enactus, started importing coffee beans from Guatemala. It wasn't long before Krystal and Professor Jerry Thalmann began leading biannual trips to the country's highlands to personally connect with farmers.
As the program developed through the years, Krystal said, students and professors have learned best practices for creating a high-quality product. Too much lag time between roasting the beans and drinking the coffee, for example, can have a negative impact on its taste.
The college previously roasted its beans at a Naperville shop that has since gone out of business, prompting officials to begin discussing a potential next step for the program: acquiring its own roastery.
Krystal and Thalmann sought counsel from North Central board Chairman Jim McDermet, a former Starbucks executive who introduced them to Probat Inc. The company's equipment is responsible for roasting 70 percent of the world's coffee -- and its North American headquarters are located 50 miles north in Vernon Hills.
Probat ultimately donated a top-of-the-line P12/2 coffee roaster to the new Coffee Lab. Through other industry partners, the college received donated coffee makers, coffee scales, roasting software and additional equipment.
In addition to roasting and sampling the coffee, business and entrepreneurship students will use the Coffee Lab to study the economics of production, manage shipping and supply chain logistics, and create marketing and sales plans.
The program is expected to integrate students from other academic backgrounds, too, Krystal said. Chemistry students can analyze different stages of the roasting, brewing and storage processes, while aspiring engineers can learn about the mechanics of the equipment. Students studying social sciences, accounting, graphic design and art also could have a hand in the action.
The college roasted its first batch of beans earlier this month during an event called "First Crack." When operations officially begin mid-May, Krystal said, the Coffee Lab is expected to roast 75 to 100 pounds of beans per week. On top of their in-store sales, students and faculty are preparing to sell the coffee online.
The lab will be used for all Enactus coffee operations, as well as various student educational workshops and tastings that eventually could extend to the rest of the community.
"Coffee is ubiquitous in our daily lives, but most people don't think about all that goes into getting the coffee from its source and into your cup," McDermet said in a written statement. "The new Coffee Lab will enable North Central students to explore the many facets of this multibillion-dollar global industry, all with an eye toward social impact."


text:
April 13, 2022 |
The Bank of Canada hiked its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point to one per cent on Wednesday in its latest move to rein in high inflation.
April 6, 2022 |
We finished the month of April with more new inventory than this time last month, but less than this time last year. Market has definitely shifted. More and more properties are not receiving multiple offers and are taking offers as they come.
March 30, 2022 |
The market is adjusting rapidly and even a weekly update has many fluctuations. Still a great time to sell your home! Call me and let's get your home sold!
March 23, 2022 |
If you’re a buyer who’s been waiting for prices to drop, you may be out of luck. Even if home prices dip slightly (and most economists expect them to rise), any savings are likely to be offset by higher mortgage rates.
March 16, 2022 |
If you're an active buyer and decided to take a break, now is a great time to get back into shopping as multiple offer scenarios have diminished, if not gone with most listings.


text:
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables plays an important role in semen quality, according to new research from Spain.
The study included 61 men-30 with reproductive problems and 31 who did not have such issues. It appeared online in the journal Fertility and Sterility.
The study found that "men with good semen quality ate more vegetables and fruit (more vitamins, folic acid and fiber and less protein and fats) than those men with low seminal quality," said the lead author, Jaime Mendiola, PhD, a researcher at the University of Murcia.
Antioxidants, found mainly in fruits and vegetables, lower the level of oxidative stress that can affect semen quality, the researchers explained, and also improve sperm concentration and mobility.
Meat And Dairy Lower Semen Quality
An earlier study by the same team "showed that men who eat large amounts of meat and full-fat dairy products have lower seminal quality than those who eat more fruit, vegetables and reduced-fat dairy products," Dr. Mendiola said.
But the new study "found that people who consume more fruits and vegetables are ingesting more antioxidants, and this is the important point," Dr. Mendiola said. "A healthy diet is not only a good way of avoiding illness but could also have an impact on improving seminal quality."
Food Versus Supplements
"What we still do not understand is the difference between taking these vitamins naturally and in the form of supplements," the researcher added. "In the studies we are going to carry out in the United States (where the consumption of vitamins in tablet form is very common), we will be looking at the role of supplements."
Want to Keep Reading?
Continue reading with a Health Confidential membership.
Sign up now
Already have an account? Sign in


text:
One of the first private hire and taxi firms to embrace electric car technology has added five new fully-electric MG5 estates to its fleet.
Blackpool-based Premier Taxis, which began operating electric taxis in 2015, says the MG5s will replace Toyota Auris Hybrids on its fleet and be used around Lancashire, as well as for transfers to Manchester Airport where the large luggage capacity is useful.
Premier Taxis is gradually converting its entire fleet to electric-only due to the large reductions in running costs as well as positive feedback from passengers.
The MG5 went on sale in autumn 2020 and is the UK’s first and only all-electric estate, with a luggage capacity of up to 1,456 litres – 578 litres with rear seats up – and an EV-only range of 214 miles.
MG Motor’s commercial director, Guy Pigounakis, said, “The private hire and airport transfer market is one where MG5 EV has an amazing opportunity thanks to its unique market position as the only EV station wagon on the market.
“It also has the potential to offer huge savings to operators regardless of fleet size.”
Premier Taxis driver Steve Foster added, “I have already been managing more than 200 miles on a single charge. I plug the car in at home at 5pm and that will last me until the following day at 5pm.
“Our old cars cost £22 to get to Manchester Airport. With the MG it will cost hardly anything to complete the same trip so they make great sense for a taxi driver.”


text:
Yesterday, the Chinese company Chongqing Lifan Industry Group Co. Ltd (known as Lifan) announced that it would use powertrains developed by Ricardo in its upcoming cars. Ricardo's engines for Lifan are going to be in the range of 0.8-2.4 liters displacement, and have new transmissions with technologies such as AMT (automated manual transmission) and DCT (dual clutch transmission). The end result is supposed to be a completely new family of cars for Lifan. Why is this green news?
It's green because of the potential. Lifan is a growing automaker in
(obviously a growing auto market) and Ricardo has a lot of history making cleaner and cleaner engines. Ricardo has experience with powerful
, low-emission diesel and diesel-hybrid engines, as the links below can show you. Let's hope Lifan makes use of the cleanest sensible technology for their new family.


text:
An alliance between Microsoft Corp. India Private Limited and International Computers (India) Limited (ICIL) is all set to grab a piece of the e-commerce pie in India.
Under the terms of the tie-up, ICIL will develop e-commerce solutions based on
Microsoft platform and technologies and will address the growing domestic
and international e-commerce markets, says Microsoft India.
and ICIL alliance would drive market growth enabling companies to implement
the right e-commerce strategies and connect to customers and partners with
world-class solutions,” say Sanjay Mirchandani, Microsoft India’s managing director.
“The Internet has defined a new way of doing business, and e-commerce helps
companies of all sizes take advantage of potential that lies therein,”
explained Sanjay. The industry estimates put electronic commerce revenues at
over $ 15 billion in Asia-Pacific by the year 2002 and Indian companies are
poised to be significant contributor to that number, he pointed out.
According to a recent NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service
Companies) report, the web market in India is slated to cross US $ 714
million (Rs 3000 crore) mark by 2002.
ICIL, which is jointly owned by Fujitsu Japan, ICL UK, RPG India and Jardine Fleming of Hong Kong, will set up Microsoft Centers of Excellence in Pune and New Delhi where it will conduct research and development and training on products and solutions based around Microsoft’s Digital Nervous System concept.
“As Microsoft’s premier electronic commerce solutions associate in India, we
expect to leverage the company’s rich domain expertise along with the latest
Microsoft technologies and tools to create a top-level consulting service on
Microsoft platforms, products and branded solutions for e-commerce market
worldwide.” said LC Singh, president and CEO of ICIL. ICIL expects at least
40 percent of its revenue to come from e-commerce in three year’s time.
Though Singh said that ICIL was working on several product ideas for launch
on the Internet for the global market, he did not specify the nature of the
products. However, he said that a product enabling retailers to sell
merchandise on the Internet was likely to be among the first offerings by
As a Microsoft certified solution provider, ICIL will deliver the expertise
required by customers to develop, deploy and host commerce systems, and will
jointly work with Microsoft on strategic accounts. Microsoft Consultancy
Services will train ICIL personnel on a range of e-commerce products and
Meanwhile Microsoft will extend support to ICIL in marketing their e-commerce solutions in India as well as in international markets.


text:
New hotel rooms drive growth in commercial laundry services
The commercial laundry industry is closely tied to the fortunes of the hospitality sector. A survey by MECTW revealed a hotel’s commercial laundry services 1,500 pieces of linen on a weekday and an average of 2,000 on weekends.
Virtual Info Services Chairman Jayaraman Nair said expanding hotel chains and new units are driving demand for commercial laundry services.
“Through MECTW, industry players gain an opportunity to share their insights on the latest innovations and commercial laundry solutions that will help the hospitality and health care experts understand the importance of our industry and its impact on the grand scheme of operations," Nair said.
MECTW, which takes place Nov. 2-4 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition, offers laundry companies the opportunity to promote scientific cleaning practices and the latest products, technologies and services to potential buyers in the Middle East and North African region. For the first time, MECTW will offer two new platforms – laundry and car wash – and a special outdoor section dedicated to street cleaning solutions and equipment.


text:
Abu Dhabi smelter claims record fastest production for new aluminium project
Emirates Aluminium’s (Emal) Taweelah smelter has now produced 1.5 million tonnes of aluminium since it was commissioned in December 2009. It is the fastest a new smelting operation has reached that milestone, the company says.
The company, a joint venture between UAE-based Dubai Aluminium (Dubal) and Mubadala Development Company, has produced 500 tonnes in the past seven months.
Emal started the construction of its phase two smelter expansion earlier this year. The $5bn project will expand the smelter’s capacity to 1.3 million tonnes a year (t/y) from 750,000 t/y.
You might also like...
A MEED Subscription...
Subscribe or upgrade your current MEED.com package to support your strategic planning with the MENA region’s best source of business information. Proceed to our online shop below to find out more about the features in each package.


text:
Nearly 60 years of production and use safely in Vietnam
In around 100 years of use and 60 years of production in Vietnam, fibre cement products have become popular with people due to affordable price and superior durability. Today, solid AC roof sheet with decades of service life can be easily found across Vietnam. Despite being covered with moss, the products are still used for house, farm, auxiliary works and storeroom.
The industry of fibre cement was formed in 1963 with 02 factories of Dong Nai and Navifico. The Hatschek technology or wet technology has been used widely. With the development of science and technology, companies have improved their production line with high automation to increase productivity, protect the environment and health of employees.
Through scientific researches of reputable organisations such as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Health, the Construction Hospital, the Vietnam Institute for Building Materials and 57 years of production and use in Vietnam, fibre cement products have been claimed to be safe.
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Luong Duc Long – Former Director of Vietnam Institute for Building Materials said: “Chrysotile fibre is very porous, which help cement particles to easily absorb into. After a period of production and use, if there are debris or dust from the products, it is cement dust containing a small part of fibre. We have directly examined with electron microscopy and applied various methods of analysis. It can be seen that there is no concern to use or live under AC roof sheet.”
There is no need to label a warning on fibre cement products
The industry of fibre cement product is allowed to develop under the Law on Investment, the Law on Chemical, the Law on Technology Transfer, the Strategy to develop building materials in Vietnam for the period of 2020 – 2030, with a vision towards 2050 and the Law on Environmental Protection.
Regarding the labeling on product, the Vietnamese Government does not stipulate that chrysotile-containing products must have a warning. In the Circular no.36/2015/TT-BTNMT “On hazardous waste” under the Decree no.38/2015/ND-CP dated April 24 of 2015 of the Government on waste and scrap management also specifies the waste of fibre cement products such as AC roof sheet are not hazardous.
The regulation is consistent with that of other countries around the world. Mr. Ngo Vinh Bach Duong – Institute of State and Law shared: “Through surveying the law of countries, we see the labeling a warning on fibre cement products are not necessary if chrysotile fibres are pressed tightly in natural and man-made adhesives or limited with less than 1 percent by weight.”
According to Mr. Duong, developed countries such as the Russia, the US, China and other Southest Asian or CIS countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Armenia, Ajerbaijan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan do not require a warning label on these products. Many countries do not consider them as a kind of hazardous waste.
At the seminar, a number of experts argeed that a warning label is unecessary for fibre cement products. Instead, the State should create a stable legal framework and workable competitiveness for businesses to improve product quality, implement diversification to bring more choices for the market.


text:
“The end-to-end supply chain” has been a buzzphrase for decades. Is it finally becoming a reality?
It was Apple CEO Tim Cook who called inventory “fundamentally evil.” But a lot of manufacturers and retailers don’t seem to agree with him.
There’s $1 trillion worth of untapped federally funded intellectual property, just waiting to be put to work by supply-chain entrepreneurs.
LeBron James nearly sank Nike’s supply chain.
Enjoy curated articles directly to your inbox.


text:
Phil: Sally, what's the latest move to fight childhood obesity and how it's focused on the supermarket?
Sally: Well, this is a really great study. That's come out of the NYU Grossman school of medicine and what the researchers did was they picked eight stores that had recently been renovated. There are city grants that are available to help these stores with these renovations. And so they picked, picked these stores that were also within a half mile of a school. And they, um, looked at the difference over seven years of this new store being there or renovated store and how it affected childhood obesity rates. And they found that the obesity rates dropped. There was a decline by 1%, which doesn't sound like a lot. But when you think of that, in terms of applying that to the 14 million children in America that are obese and you add other policy changes, it could make a huge difference.
Phil: Absolutely. And even if you look at Jeff Brown and his ShopRite stores in Philadelphia, you know, same kind of situation where when they build these new stores, full size supermarkets, not little bodegas or dollar size stores, but full service, full size supermarkets, the community gets healthier. They have more accessibility to fresh foods. They're not overpay for them. This is terrific. And also Jeff Brown and his wife ,actually help other supermarkets around the country, get those grants as they did from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the federal government to do this. So, you know, there's no question that the combination of a supermarket, the retail dietitian, everything can really change child obesity a lot better than a lot of these other schemes that people keep on talking about.
Sally: I just said I was agreeing and I hope that they will find more funding for some of these stores to make these renovations
Phil: Yeah, I agree. I agree, that's the key to it, not putting more dollar stores and more overpriced stores in these markets.


text:
Japanese retailer MUJI to open flagship store in Việt Nam
HCM CITY — MUJI, the renowned Japanese home-and lifestyle-goods company, openned its first store in Việt Nam yesterday at the Parkson Saigontourist Plaza Shopping Center in HCM City's District 一.
With an area of more than 二,000 m 二, it will be its largest store in Southeast Asia.
As a flagship store, it will have features such as a coffee counter serving a selection of fine teas, coffees, pastries, and Japanese confectionery.
Among the products it will sell are natural honey and unique local products from the Cờ Tu Ethnic Minority Cooperative in Quảng Nam Province's Nam Giang District. — VNS


text:
Why did Nokia lose the wireless market
Nokia's crisis is worsening
The world's largest cell phone manufacturer Nokia is rapidly losing ground in the cell phone market. According to Gartner, the market share of the Finns was only 22.8 percent in the second quarter. In earlier years, up to 40 percent of all cell phones worldwide came from Nokia.
The key to the decline of Nokia is the advance of computer cell phones, known as smartphones, in which the long-time world market leader has lost touch with rivals such as Apple and Google. Smartphone sales shot up by 74 percent year-on-year to just under 108 million devices, as Gartner calculated. This means that every fourth cell phone currently being delivered is a smartphone. A year ago this proportion was only 17 percent.
Competition in the smartphone market is more a battle of platforms than individual manufacturers. The top position went to the Google operating system Android, which is used by various manufacturers. According to Gartner, Android now has a market share of 43.4 percent - after only 17.2 percent a year ago.
Market share halved
Nokia's Symbian system collapsed from 40.9 to 22.1 percent during this time. In February, the group decided to rely primarily on Microsoft's Windows operating system; the first devices from this partnership could not come onto the market before the end of the year. According to Gartner, smartphones with Microsoft's operating systems recently fell back to a market share of 1.6 percent, after 4.9 percent a year ago.
A clear winner is Apple with its iPhone. The group not only controls the associated iOS operating system, but is also the only device manufacturer for this platform. With the high-priced iPhone, Apple makes billions in profits. In the smartphone market, the share of iOS rose from 14.1 to 18.2 percent. In the Gartner ranking of mobile phone manufacturers, Apple is in fourth place with a market share of 4.6 percent after only 2.4 percent a year ago.
Samsung remained the second largest cell phone manufacturer in the world with a market share of 16.3 percent, followed by LG with 5.7 percent. Both South Korean companies lost some weight in the process. In contrast, the Taiwanese manufacturer HTC advanced from 1.6 to 2.6 percent.
Fully set on Windows 7
The current Gartner figures and poor quarterly results fit the fact that Nokia intends to restart the USA. As North America boss Chris Weber announced to AllThingsD, the Meego-Smarthone N9 should no longer come on the market there. The company wants to take simple devices with the Series 40 operating system (S40) and Symbian smartphones off the market. Weber announced that it would fully rely on devices with Windows Phone 7. Nokia announced the start of a corresponding alliance with Microsoft in February. Nokia closed its online shop in the US at the end of June. Anyone who has since wanted to buy a Finnish device there is referred to Amazon. Most cell phone users buy their devices subsidized by the provider. However, Verizon does not have a Finnish cell phone, AT&T one and T-Mobile USA two in its range. How things will continue with the once undisputed industry leader will be found out at the Nokia World in-house exhibition in London at the end of October.
On the subject
- How do I kill red ants naturally
- Does it help to be Google AdWord certified?
- What is LinkedIn for?
- How to become a writer 3
- Can CBD cause insomnia
- Where does Pakistan import gasoline from?
- Is Blockfolio safe for Bitcoin and Altcoin
- Are buffalo hot
- How old was Itachi when he died
- Will Home Sitting Affect My Homeowners Insurance?
- Is cannonball tenor saxophone good
- Which element is used in fluorescent lamps
- How do I improve your website impressions
- What is url mapping in seo
- Is a boiler from which water leaks dangerous
- What is the correct pronunciation of vedolizumab
- Android Studio bug
- Is Kanatal good to visit in August
- Might the elves defeat Morgoth
- Did asteroids ever hit Jupiter's core?
- What are semiconductors used for?
- Why do lions sometimes eat their young?
- How submarines flush toilets
- What are cool commerce jobs


text:
Doncaster Racecourse has won a coveted award in a national scheme that celebrates excellence and innovation in the racing industry.
The Town Moor venue was recognised by this year’s Racecourse Association Showcase & Awards for its ‘truly spectacular’ Christmas Live events, which offer party-goers the chance to enjoy a three-course meal to a backdrop of live entertainment.
The racecourse was crowned best in the country in the events category, beating competition from racecourses at Haydock Park, Goodwood, Hexham and Royal Windsor. Judges were impressed with the scale of the Christmas Live events and the ‘overwhelmingly positive’ feedback from customers.
The series of six events, which includes a dazzling lights and dancing show, disco and funfair is set to return this December and expected to attract more than 7000 visitors.
Kieran Gallagher, executive director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious national award, which recognises our efforts in staging one of the most popular festive events in Yorkshire. Christmas Live has grown in stature since we first launched it five years ago and now it is a firm fixture on our entertainments calendar.”
Maggie Carver, RCA chairman, added: “The awards have again proved that British racecourses are constantly innovating to ensure that the customer experience is as good as it can be.”


text:
Let’s do some quick math: put together the first maker of a consumer multi-touch product (also the first real multi-touch music product), and one of the world’s biggest suppliers of touch tech, who sells to companies like Apple. Mark your calendar for the first of June. That adds up to … something, definitely. So, when a publicity rep for Stantum points CDM to teaser news, we take note.
And yes, that means an official announcement is coming the week before Apple holds its WWDC keynote, which should at the very least add some drama (and will no doubt over-excite Apple watchers). Notably, the same company is a supplier to Nintendo (E3 is about to launch), and companies like HP and Motorola (think non-iPad tablets). This could wind up being relevant to all of those products.
Oh, and for the record, DigiTimes recently ignited the rumor mill by suggesting Apple was employing thin-film touch tech in a new product, partnering with … one of these two companies. Except this isn’t the rumor mill, and in this case, we’ve been talking to the multi-touch company for the past seven years. (DigiTimes claims the product in question is a 7″ iPad, but I lend more credence to the touch tech itself.)
In general, what you might expect as touch sensors evolve:
1. Improved touch in more products. (See above: Apple, Nintendo, the tablet market, the PC market, the phone market are all contenders.)
2. More responsive performance (lower touch sensor latency, in particular).
3. Pressure sensitivity. Some sensors actually read this sort of data, but they aren’t typically a standard part of the touch suite because of reliability issues – even on the iPad. It’s an area in which sensors could improve.
4. While I don’t expect it from the Stantum announcement – at least, they haven’t talked about it as an area of research or interest – tactile feedback is a clear area for exploration.
Behind all those sexy gadgets are suppliers and underlying technologies that can remain fairly obscure. So, you’d be forgiven for not knowing – or much caring – that companies called Stantum and Nissha Printing are introducing a new touch tech next week at a display trade show. Here’s who these players actually are:
Stantum is the Bordeaux, France-based multi-touch research firm; they created the Lemur multi-touch display, which went on sale in 2005 and was used by artists like Bjork, and they’ve been developing touch tech ever since. While the Lemur is well known to computer musicians (and now available as an app on iPad), it generally flew under the radar of the tech world. But it really was the first generally-available consumer multi-touch display product, at least in the form we now know it, years before the introduction of the iPhone.
“Nissha Printing, Ltd.” may not sound like one of the world’s leading technology makers, but they are. They’re involved in digital printing, but they also make everything from molds to films to, crucially, touch input tech. (Think about what a touchscreen’s most essential part is: it’s a thin, printed film, photographic printing reimagined for a digital age.) And Nissha are no small player in this market; they’re a huge global player who supply, according to company documents and Wikipedia Japan, GM, Nokia, HP, Nintendo, and, yes, Apple. They’ve been in the business since immediately after World War II, tracing their founding back to 1929.
The announcement: We don’t know much. But we know Stantum’s main skill is in making touch surfaces that are both highly responsive to multiple touches and to objects like pens, without sacrificing either one. (Unless you have a finger with a sharp, 0.38 mm tip, that could still be an advantage.) And we know what Stantum and Nissha have each teased: they will introduce a “disruptive touch technology” some time next week, during the Society for Information Display’s Display Week 2012 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, June 3 – 8. (Okay, “Display Week” may not set your heart aflutter, but I’d say displays are likely to be involved somehow. Those displays could be on anything, from the rumored mini iPad to tablets, phones, and screens from other vendors.)
Stantum says the announcement will be an “industry-changing technological advancement”; Nissha says that they believe it will “significantly impact the market.” Now, of course, people always say these darned things in press releases, but Nissha is actually big enough that it could be.
This also coincides with Apple’s developer keynote on the 11th of June. That could mean technology involved in an Apple product (though it’s atypical for such a thing to happen before Apple’s announcement), or it could be a PC-sector product with those companies hoping to steal some Apple thunder by getting out first. Or it could be both: Apple may have quietly integrated the core technology into their own, industry-beating design and supply chain engine, for an iOS and/or Mac product, as other PC and consumer electronics makers scramble to work on their own products. From the essential microprocessor to camera sensors to displays, we’ve already seen Apple integrate technologies as they’re hitting the rest of the industry, so it’s not unheard of for these things to coincide.
What it might be: The best clues as to what to expect come from Stantum.
Their tech lists a number of advantages, including passive input (from objects, especially pens), simple physical implementation (which can allow devices to be thinner, argues DigiTimes), immunity to EMI from wireless systems, pressure sensitivity (something missing on iPad and iPhone), and high responsiveness.
Also, it’s worth noting that Nissha, for their part, have some interest in the iPad; they’ve even built a unique little app for the thing playing with touch and expression called TimeController:
The Future of Multi-Touch: Behind the Scenes with Stantum, JazzMutant Co-Founder [here on CDM, 2010]
A few choice quotes from that interview, by Guillaume Largillier, co-founder and CEO of Stantum:
He notes that, while seeing the technology’s potential long before the iPhone announcement, Stantum planned to turn quickly from making their own product (Lemur) to licensing and partnership, the likes of which would lay the groundwork for whatever is next:
We licensed the technology to tier-one semi-conductor companies such as ST Microelectronics to embed our multi-touch know-how into dedicated chips. We also teamed up with some of the largest and most trusted touch panel makers to bring our solution onto the consumer market place.
He argues that ten-finger “finger painting” is just the beginning:
At JazzMutant/Stantum, we’ve always considered the multi-touch technology as a milestone, not the final destination.
Coming from a music background, he also notes the importance of responsiveness. (“Time” has been a key metric on iOS versus Android: iOS both features a higher-framerate UI, running at 60 fps while Android APIs run at a fraction of that, and also behaves more responsively with lower latency and more consistent response. Musicians are often the most attuned to this issue, though; it seems Android’s engineers, either willfully or as a concession to cost and practicality, were comparatively “tone deaf” to the factor of time.)
The responsiveness of a touch system is the most under-estimated parameter, even though it tremendously influences the perceived usability, transparency and trustworthiness of an input device. This is why a vast majority of Multi-touch systems available fails to meet music makers’ expectations.
Why music matters (again): Musical applications remain some of the most sophisticated proving grounds for touch interfaces, covering the gamut from writing music notation – hello, Ludwig van Beethovens of the world – to wild, new, touch interfaces that embody real-time expressivity at the most human level. Music applications also were among the first touch experiments in research and consumer products, including the ground-breaking Lemur. And Stantum has special competency in that area. Also, Stantum has told Create Digital Music in interviews to keep an eye on what they’re doing.
And all of this is why Apple will introduce a 7″ iPad at WWDC. Joking. Seriously, I’m just joking. In fact, even the rumor mill appears to peg any new iPad for fourth quarter, not June. I think, though, it’s not any particular iPad that matters – it’s the ongoing evolution of the technology. Apple has done a great job of being on top of that and making usable, ground-breaking designs. It’d be great to see some of their competitors earn some hits, too. Either way, what those hardware and software makers use depends on the advancement of the underlying technologies, the ones that connect your fingers (and pens) to the machine and make the results visual and expressive. Seeing what happens next could be great. We’ll be watching.


text:
Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange is piloting a system for making foreign currency payments via the Internet.
Thomas Cook customers in New Zealand and Australia are trialling the system, dubbed the virtual trading desk (VTD), with a launch planned for next year.
Nathan McCracken, Thomas Cook product manager for commercial foreign exchange, says the VTD system was designed as an additional delivery channel to make international foreign currency payments — not as a service replacement. He says it is not designed to compete with the major trading banks' forthcoming online system.
"It's a new way of delivering foreign exchange to small and medium[-sized] enterprises. It's aimed at our niche market of clients, which is small to medium-sized importers and exporters."
McCracken says when the system laun-ches, there will also be the ability to buy using foreign currency and Thomas Cook is working on compliance with the euro mone-tary unit.
Thomas Cook claims VTD, which is currently offered in the US, UK and Canada, is the world's first online foreign exchange trading system. Authorised customers will be able to make international payments by either foreign currency draft or telegraphic transfer (wire). They will logon with a password, select a transaction and enter payment details. The transaction is confirmed and then processed. All transactions can be viewed and reports of previous transactions can be generated.
McCracken says using the system, as opposed to current methods of phoning and faxing, will also encourage good business practice. Customers can take reports and management information off the system, there is added security not only in terms of encryption (40-bit until the US government allows exportation of 128-bit encryption) but also in terms of password protection and ease of use.
"People who have to send hundreds of drafts and telegraphic transfers will be able to use templates.
"Because it uses email, payments are confirmed within two minutes. Usually this takes about an hour."
A further benefit is that VTD is available 24 hours a day online from any computer. "So if the financial controller is travelling or away on business they can still make payments as long as they have access to a PC," he says.
Meanwhile, ANZ New Zealand with ANZ Australia and the BNZ — through its owner National Australia Bank — are also piloting Internet-based foreign exchange dealing. The banks are using a service based on the global foreign exchange network Reuters DealWeb.
A demo of the Virtual Trading Desk is available at www.fx4business.com/vtddemo


text:
Tuesday June 13, 2006
Japan-Malaysia FTA to take effect on July 13
(Kyodo) — A free trade agreement between Japan and Malaysia will take effect on July 13 to scrap tariffs on essentially all industrial goods and most agricultural, forestry and fishery products within 10 years, the Japanese government said Tuesday.
Official documents on the FTA’s entry into force were exchanged between Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Tadashi Imai and Rastam Mohd Isa, secretary general of the Malaysian Foreign Ministry, in Kuala Lumpur, it said.
Japan and Malaysia signed the bilateral FTA last December following nearly two years of negotiations. Malaysia is the third FTA partner for Japan following Singapore and Mexico.
In 2005, Japan’s exports to Malaysia totaled $12.6 billion and imports from the country stood at $14.8 billion, according to the Japanese government.


text:
Jack in the Box posts mixed Q4 results in the wake of labor shortages, supply chain woes
Quirky San Diego Fast Food chain saw slowdown in same store sales trajectory amid cost pressures but promotional items like Spicy Tiny Tacos remain popular
Jack in the Box posted mixed financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter as the quirky San Diego fast food chain was weighed down by labor shortages and supply chain hiccups.
While the company said supply chain headwinds have eased through the first six weeks of the current quarter, it expects cost pressures to linger.
Executives expressed confidence that the brand maintains pricing power to address higher costs — in part because it hasn’t raised prices as aggressively as some of its fast-food competitors.
“We are very fortunate to be a brand known for variety, which enables us to be agile with our promotional calendar and navigate the supply challenges many are facing in the industry,” said Chief Executive Darin Harris in a conference call with Wall Street analysts.
Still, the mixed results — particularly slowing store sales momentum — spooked investors. The company’s shares slumped 6 percent since financial results were released Monday evening. They ended trading Wednesday at $89.47 on the Nasdaq exchange.
Jack in the Box reported quarterly revenue of $278.4 million and net earnings of $39 million, or $1.80 per share. Wall Street analysts had forecast sales of $290 million and earnings per share of $1.73.
Net income benefited from one-time gains on property-related transactions, said David Tarantino, an analyst with Baird Equity Research, in a note to clients. Without those, earnings would have fallen 7 percent below analysts’ projections.
Same store sales gained just 0.1 percent in the quarter, below analysts’ estimates of 3.1 percent. During the company’s third fiscal quarter, same store sales rose 10.3 percent.
The company blamed the slowdown on labor shortages, which forced some restaurants to reduce operations, particularly during the late night hours. Analysts speculated that the end of federal stimulus payments to consumers and increased dining competition as more regions lifted COVID-19 restrictions also may have played a role.
On a positive note, the company said digital advertising and rewards programs continued to gain traction with consumers. Its Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack and Bacon Barbecue Cheeseburger promotions were successful, and Spicy Tiny Tacos remain a popular add-on menu item for consumers.
“Looking ahead, we see opportunity for (same store sales) momentum to improve as Jack in the Box resolves staffing issues and implements additional pricing actions to address inflation, although we acknowledge that visibility to improvement is somewhat low,” said Tarantino.
For its 2021 fiscal year that ended in October, Jack in the Box reported that revenue increased nearly 12 percent year over year to $1.14 billion. Net earnings surged more than 80 percent to $166 million, or $7.37 per share.
The company had 2,218 franchise and company-operated restaurants at year’s end. It suggested that new openings might be largely offset by closures next year. But it has a growing development pipeline beyond that. The company said it has signed 23 agreements covering 111 restaurants in coming years.
Get U-T Business in your inbox on Mondays
Get ready for your week with the week’s top business stories from San Diego and California, in your inbox Monday mornings.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune.