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by Lisa Tome
Mark Hyman can see his future.
All he has to do is look across Route 40.
Hyman, owner of Ramsey Ford's Rising Sun and Elkton car dealerships, has received approval for a new dealership on westbound Route 40, Elkton.
"We’re moving. Dirt is moving," said Hyman.
The current dealership is on eastbound Route 40. It will move across the street to the new location. He bought the 2.860 acre parcel in 2008.
The initial plans approved by the Town of Elkton include a 24,602 square foot building. Hyman is planning to ask for additional approvals.
He now hopes to expand that plan to add a Quicklane Lube no appointment necessary lube, oil, filter, brakes, batteries, and tires service center.
He said he wants to add the quick service area because
some people like the "dealership" service option, where they make an appointment. Some want a faster experience. The new dealership will double the service bays to 16.
He has been in business in the county since 2000 in Rising Sun. He took over the Elkton location in 2008. "We're ready to grow. We owe it to the community. We will have state of the art technology in the new dealership. I am nervous and excited," said Hyman.
The expanded space will allow Ramsey to offer four times as many new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles for sale. Hyman will also hire more people. He said the staff will increase by 40 percent.
The new location will also allow Hyman to expand his business. He is part of the Ford Business Preferred Network which allows him to sell bigger trucks, up to and including the 650 and 750 models. Ramsey also has a partnership with Roush Racing and will sell three models of electric cars. There will be charging stations at the new dealership. "I sold hybrids. But this is the new technology. This is huge," said Hyman.
The new dealership is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2015. "I'd like to be open by Christmas," said Hyman.
His move across Route 40 will mean that there will be three vehicle dealers within a mile stretch of road. "This is not unlike Cleveland Avenue (in Delaware). The mission is to make this a destination," Hyman added. "A lot of good things are happening to make this a nicer corridor."


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Provision Holding Inc (OTCMKTS:PVHO) has seen a recent pop after the alert from several online newsletters. PVHO saw a huge run at the beginning of last year from under a dime to highs of well over $0.50 a share.
PVHO is one exciting story developing in small caps with huge recent developments; the Company recently formed a major partnership with FUJIFILM North America, is busy rolling out its 3D kiosk network in select Rite Aid stores in LA and NY and was recently endorsed by Intel.
Provision Holding Inc (OTCMKTS:PVHO) is a small company with a big hand in the 3D digital technology space. The Company is focused on the development and distribution of three-dimensional (3D) holographic interactive video displays primarily for advertising and product merchandising markets. Its products include HoloVision displays and 3D Savings Center kiosks.
Provision’s 3D holographic display systems represent a revolutionary technology that provides the projection of full color, high-resolution videos into space detached from the screen, without any special glasses. Provision is currently the market leader in true 3D consumer advertising display products being implemented by innovative, consumer-focused companies.
Clearly PVHO has the right product at the right time; digital advertising has reached historic levels with over $27 billion spent in the first half of 2015. The 3D digital space is one of the fastest growing sub-sectors in the digital advertising space. 3D digital draws upon a fully interactive and immersive end-user experience; its virtual reality coming one step closer to the five senses but without the need for 3D glasses.
In October of last year PVHO announced a major partnership deal with FUJIFILM North America Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, Fujifilm will provide installation and ongoing maintenance services for PVHO’s 3D Savings kiosks in Los Angeles and New York.
Recently PVHO announced 200 3D Savings Center Kiosks have been successfully installed. These installations represent continued penetration of the New York City and Los Angeles markets for its key retail partner, one of the largest retail drugstore chains in the United States. Provision’s 3D Savings Center Kiosks generate eye-popping, three dimensional, holographic videos and will include exclusive loyalty card information and promotions.
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Currently, the kiosks are featuring ads for store brand products. Going forward, the kiosks are expected to provide unique on-site advertising and promotion for a variety of major brands.
PVHO has been growing its network of kiosks at a rapid rate; the Company recently said that based on current installation trajectory, PVHO could have more than 1,000 kiosks installed by early April 2016. Citing “blue sky” opportunities, PVHO has set its sights on bolstering the existing network with an additional 3,500 locations.
On July 17 PHVO announced the July 13 presentation from Curt Thornton, Founder and CEO, is now available for on-demand viewing at VirtualInvestorConferences.com. Provision’s presentation will be available 24/7 for 90 days from July 13th. Investors and advisors may download shareholder materials from the “virtual trade booth” for the next three weeks
Recent Company Highlights
In June 2017, Provision entered into a multi-year partnership agreement with Discount Drug Mart, Inc. to install Provision’s proprietary 3D Savings Center kiosks inside Discount Drug Mart stores across its 70+ location footprint.
In May 2017, the Company earned a new patent for its 3D holographic product known as “Holovision”, which boosts Provision’s intellectual property in the U.S. and will allow Provision to protect and drive the application of 3D holographic technology in the self-service kiosk market.
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Currently trading at a $7 million market valuation PVHO does have 1.8 million in the treasury and significant revenues reporting $1.17 million in sales for the 3rd quarter 2015 compared to just $49k last year. PVHO is one exciting story in small caps; the Company is becoming an early leader in the exploding 3D digital technology space already scoring a major partnership with FUJIFILM North America as well as a massive endorsement by Intel. As the Company continues to roll out its 3D kiosk network with an eye on bolstering the existing network with an additional 3,500 locations investors continue to bid up the price of PVHO to new highs. We will be updating on PVHO when more details emerge so make sure you are subscribed to Microcapdaily so you know what’s going on with PVHO.
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Disclosure: we hold no position in PVHO either long or short and we have not been compensated for this article.

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April Showers Did Not Bring May Flowers
The June Consumer Reports Trouble Tracker Index measuring financial difficulties faced by consumers in the past 30 days, worsened, rising to 63.5 from 53.0 in May. The most troubling increase is in missed mortgage payments, which reached 3.9%, its highest level since tracking began in April 2009. The latest numbers show consumers have taken a step back facing increases in financial difficulties and a soured employment picture, says the report.
Some of the key findings include:
In June, more consumers reported difficulty in affording medical bills or medications versus the prior month,and faced lost or reduced healthcare coverage
- The Employment Index has dropped, pointing to an increase in the ranks of the unemployed, at least temporarily. The decline was led by the proportion of Americans that lost their jobs in the past 30 days
- Despite the high job losses posted in June, 7.4% of Americans reported starting a job in the past 30 days, well above May, and achieved its highest level recorded since April 2009.
- Consumers have scaled back their interest in shopping as well. The past 30-Day Retail Index for June, reflective of May activity, is 10.8, unchanged from the prior month
- May's next 30-Day Retail Index, reflective of planned purchases for June, is down slightly from the prior month. Per capita spending for the index categories in the past 30 days was $234, down slightly fromay ($248)
The Consumer Reports Index report comprises five key indices: Sentiment, Trouble Tracker, Stress, Retail and Employment. Here are the key findings:
Consumer Sentiment is unchanged from the prior month. The most optimistic consumers are between the ages of 18-34 (52.3), and with a household income of $100,000+ (54.9). The most pessimistic are households with an income less than $50,000 (39.2) and Americans 65 or older (41.7).
The Sentiment Index captures respondents' attitudes regarding their financial situation, asking them if they are feeling better or worse off than a year ago. When the index is greater than 50, more consumers are feeling positive about their situation. When it is below 50, more consumers are feeling worse.
The Trouble Tracker Index addresses the proportion of consumers that have faced difficulties and the number of hurdles they have encountered. This index has shown a significant increase this month, pointing to more troubles for consumers, rising to 63.5 in June from 53.0 in May.
Key financial difficulties faced by consumers this month included:
- Unable to afford medical bills or medications (16.4%), up from 13.7% in May
- Missed payment on a major bill - not mortgage (9.4%), up from 8.7% in May
- Lost or reduced healthcare coverage (9.3%), up from 7.9% in May
Lower-income households, earning less than $50,000 a year, have been disproportionately affected. In the past 30 days:
- 28.1% Have been unable to afford medical bills or medications
- 15.9% Lost or have reduced healthcare coverage
- 13.7% Missed payment on a major bill - not mortgage
The Consumer Reports Trouble Tracker Index is calculated as the proportion of consumers that have experienced at least one of the negative events comprising the index, multiplied by the average number of events encountered.
Consumer Reports Retail Index: Past 30-Day - 10.8, Next 30-Day - 8.5
- The past 30-Day Retail Index for June, reflective of May activity, is at 10.8, unchanged from 10.9 in May.
- June's next 30-Day Retail Index, reflective of planned purchases for June, is at 8.5, down marginally from 9.0 the prior month
- Major appliances, small appliances, major home electronics, personal electronics, major yard/garden equipment were down slightly from the prior month. Personal electronics registered a small gain in June (22.8%) versus May (20.8%)
- Past 30-day purchases, reflecting May activity, were up slightly for new cars (3.2%) and used cars (5.8%) from the prior month. Home purchases were up slightly in June (3.1%) relative to May (2.7%), capping three straight months of increases
Consumer Reports Stress Index: 57.6
- According to the Stress Index, the level of stress consumers feel they are under (57.6) is down slightly compared to both the prior month (59.6), and is unchanged from one year ago (57.0). When the Stress Index is more than 50, consumers are feeling more stress compared to a year ago.
Consumer Reports Employment Index: 49.4
- The Consumer Reports Employment Index fell back to 49.4 from 50.6 in May. The decline was led by the proportion of Americans that lost their jobs in the past 30 days (8.6%)
- Despite the high job losses posted in June, 7.4% of Americans reported starting a job in the past 30 days, well above May (6.0%), and achieved its highest level recorded since the start of the Index in April 2009
The Consumer Reports Employment Index examines the change in employment of those that reported starting a new job versus those that have lost their job or were laid off in the past 30 days. An index below 50 indicates more jobs were lost than gained.
For more information about the Consumer Reports Index, please visit here.
The Consumer Reports Index, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center is a monthly poll of a nationally representative probability sample of American adults. The margin of error is +/- 2.8 points at a 95% confidence level.


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Jun 25, 2014, 10:20 AM
The meeting was convened following the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act in April 2014.
The commission and consumer groups were given the opportunity to discuss the Consumer Protection Act, and charted the way forward for fruitful collaboration.
Speaking at the press briefing, Ousman Bojang, Senior Trade Economist, congratulated the GCCPC for a great achievement by establishing the consumer protection unit, appointing its officers and the effective functioning of the unit.
He also said the commission is proud to acknowledge the efforts of the consumer groups, and commended them for their hard work.
It is important to note that the commission by nature has a special obligation to be alert to the needs of consumers to advance consumer interest, he added.
Under the Consumer Protection Act, the main objective of the commission is to “protect consumers from unfair and misleading market conduct,” Bojang went on.
“Given the history of consumer protection in The Gambia and its fragmented approach, we are now very fortunate to see that the rights of consumers is contained within one exhaustivedocument outlining consumer rights and duties,” he stated.
He said consumers for the first time in the history of The Gambia are being protected from dangerous goods that may be flooding the Gambian markets.
Consumers are now given the right to make informed decisions, and right choices in accessing goods and services, he further stated.
The main objective of the Gambia Competition Act 2007 is to prevent anti-competitive conduct, thereby ensuring competition and efficiency in business, resulting in the greater choice for consumers in price, quality and service, he said.
These two strong legal tools afford to the consumers a complete and effective protection, he added.
“We are all consumers, and we are the largest economic group in the economy, affecting and affected by almost every public and private economic decision,” he noted.
He added: “This consultative meeting between the GCCPC and the various consumer groups in The Gambia is a very important forum, and a very positive step in the right direction.
It gives the commission the opportunity, he continued, to welcome itself to consumers and be very clear about its mandate under the Act.
Furthermore, he went on, it gives the consumer groups the confidence to know that their various aims and objectives have a supporting umbrella body working hand in hand with them to enforce the Consumer Protection Act.
Amadou Ceesay, Executive Secretary of the GCC, said the consumer Protection Act 2014 was enacted by the National Assembly in April 2014 and assented to by the President on 12 May 2014.
Consumer protection is a necessity for The Gambia, and the GCC would not attempt to take credit for the introduction of consumer protection Act, Ceesay added.


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Chinese dealers and homeless people in New York were the first buyers of iPhone 6 [Video]
Journalist Casey Nistat in the transfer of “gray market occupied the queue for iPhone 6” was removed by a report on the first day of sales of the new Apple’s smartphone in New York. He found that many buyers “apple” of new products in the United States were bogus.
Popularity of the iPhone is so high that in the first days of sales traditionally long queues. But this year the number of people willing to buy the novelty was especially great. Crowd advanced youth and residents of average variety is the real New York homeless. Many people in the queue were of Asian appearance.
During the investigation, the journalist found out that in order to buy the latest model of the popular smartphone, enterprising businessmen traveled disadvantaged areas and brought back the poor. They stood in long lines for gadgets Apple. To wait for the start of sales of the iPhone 6, wishing to earn were forced to sleep on the sidewalks near the Apple Store. All this provoked fights and clashes with the police.
Bogus buyers accounted for a significant part of the stretched for hundreds of meters of the “tail”, says the journalist. Coming out of the Apple Store with smartphones in hand, they immediately handed gadgets intermediaries.
Obtained iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus dealers forwarded to the Celestial Kingdom for resale at inflated prices. This year, Apple has not managed to get permission for the sale of new products, and this benefited the enterprising businessmen. They believe that not doing anything illegal, since buying phones at the retailer at retail prices, as ordinary buyers.
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P-EBT $375 Benefits NYC Public School Families Will Receive This Summer
This summer all families of New York City public school students will receive $375 per child in P-EBT food benefits under a federal COVID-19 relief program to help cover meal costs from last year, whether they attended summer school or not. The money will be given regardless of income.
New York State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, or OTDA, is continuing to distribute the Coronavirus Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (or P-EBT for short), to all households with eligible children who receive free school lunch under the National School Lunch Act. Since New York City is a universal free lunch district, all public school students are eligible to receive the benefit. The state began distributing the benefits earlier this month.
The P-EBT program was created to help families pay for meals during remote learning while schools were closed due to the pandemic.
Families do not—and can not—apply for the P-EBT food benefits. The benefits of $375 per child will automatically be issued to eligible children. Recipient households should receive a text message alert when their food benefits are distributed. Families can check connectebt.com to see if their summer benefit was deposited.
P-EBT Food Benefits: What You Can Buy
Although P-EBT food benefits are not Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, they can only be used to purchase the same food items that are covered under SNAP. According to the USDA, the benefits can be used to buy food for the entire household, such as:
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
Families can not use the benefits to buy items such as beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, vitamins, medicines, foods that are hot at the point of sale and nonfood items like pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, hygiene items and cosmetics.
The benefits do not have to be used right away. They will be available for at least 274 days from the date they were issued.
“As we head into summer and the hungriest time of year for many NY students, P-EBT has helped families meet nutritional needs with vital flexibility,” No Kid Hungry New York, an advocacy group that works to end childhood hunger, stated on Twitter.
Psst..the NYC School Calendar 2022-2023: NYC DOE Calendar is now out!
Free Summer Meals
In related news, the DOE announced its Summer Meals program will start June 28 and run through Sept. 2. The program is available throughout the city to anyone ages 18 years and younger. Designated public schools, community pool centers, parks, and food trucks will be open for service. No registration, documentation, or ID is necessary to receive a free breakfast or lunch meal.
The meals will include a variety of fresh fruit, whole grains, vegetables and salads.
“Breakfast and lunch meals reflect the NYC Department of Education’s commitment to the highest standard of nutrition,” the DOE states on its website. “Our meals meet or exceed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards and do not use food additives such as artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.”
Lost P-EBT Cards
According to New York State SNAP COVID-19 Information:
You can order a replacement P-EBT Food Benefit card by calling 1-888-328-6399. Please be prepared to provide security information, including the 19-digit card number that was printed on the front of the P-EBT Food Benefit card you are replacing.
If you do not have that number, you will be asked for the cardholder’s Social Security number; however, when ordering a replacement P-EBT Food Benefit card (and only when ordering a P-EBT Food Benefit card), you must enter 999-99 and then the 2-digit month and 2-digit day (MM/DD) of the cardholder’s birthday.
For example, if your child’s date of birth is July 4, you would enter 999-99-0704 when asked for the child’s Social Security number.
Find 2022 Summer Meals locations at schools.nyc.gov/summermeals.


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Republic of Indonesia
Indonesia, the largest state-archipelago in the world, abounding in natural beauty, rich in culture, art and culinary tradition, has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination. Even the unfavorable conditions in international economy, mainly in Europe, has not diminished the interests of tourists worldwide to come and enjoy the holiday in this vast country in the South East Asia with over 17 500 islands, more than 240 million inhabitants belonging to over one hundred ethnic and linguistic groups and six official religions whose ancestors have lived in Indonesia for tens of thousands years.
In 2013 Indonesia expects to receive around 9 million foreign tourists. It is a significant increase of 12.5% compared to 8.05 million foreign visitors registered in 2012, as stated in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. The number of domestic travels has increased reaching the number of 250 million.
The confidence of Indonesian tourism professionals is based on the fact that this year the summit of Asian-Pacific Economic Community (APEC) is to be held on the island of Bali preceded by meetings of ministers of APEC from more than 20 countries. Besides, a meeting of ministers of the World Trade Organization will take place in Indonesia this year, while Bali and Jakarta will host The World Beauty Contest. That is why the airports on Bali and in Jakarta, as well as in other destinations, are being modernized and enlarged and a large number of roads are being constructed.
This is an example of the information that could be learned at the College of Tourism in Belgrade, on 23rd April 2013, during an event entitled “The Day of Indonesia”.
After presenting the tourism potential of Indonesia, the Ambassador of Indonesia, Samuel Johnson, expressed his hope that scholarship programs for students in both countries would enable insight into each others` culture and tradition. He stated that this couldgreatly enhance intercultural understanding and international relations of these two geographically distant but traditionally friendly countries.
Before this, the Head of The College of Tourism, Dr Milan Skakun emphasized that through the program “Ambassadors As Our Guests” the students of this college had had the opportunity to get to know the culture, tradition, tourism industry and economic potential of around 600 million people whose representatives had taken part in this event so far.
In Indonesia, the last year`s number of 8.04 million foreign visitors meant an increase of over 5% compared to 2011, which accounts for the satisfaction of Indonesian government, as an average global increase in tourism was between 3% and 4%. It is estimated that in 2012 Indonesia foreign currency inflow exceeded 9 million dollars which is a rise of around 6% compared to the previous year.
Today tourism in Indonesia holds the fifth place in foreign currency income, after the export of oil and gas, coal, palm oil and rubber products. Tourism has a better rank than the production and export of clothes, electric devices and textile and paper products. There was also an estimated rise of 3.81 % in the number of domestic tourists in 2012 compared to the previous year. If it is taken that an average tourist spends about 700 000 rupees (around 70 dollars) during one trip, the sum of domestic tourist expenditure amounts to 171.5 billion rupees (17.67 million dollars), which is an increase of 9.31% compared to 2011.
In 2013 Indonesian authorities will focus on the development of conference tourism (MICE), cruises and yachting, health and wellness tourism, developments in cuisine and creating facilities for sports such as golf, cycling, marathon races and diving, as stated by the officials in Jakarta. It is estimated that during the last year health tourism in Indonesia brought around 2 million foreign visitors. The rise of 30% of the cruise ships and its passengers was recorded on a yearly basis. It is expected in MTCE that 308 luxury vessels with 147.134 passengers arrive in Indonesia this year.
"As a country with a vast archipelago, we are blessed with an abundance of breath-taking destinations which possess unique attractions and culture which satisfies the cruising market. We are a significant market for all kinds of ships, from large cruisers to expedition boats, as we have a lot to offer". States Riziki Handajani, director for MICE in MTCE. Handajani states that further expansion of cruise tourism is about to happen, as during the prestigious Cruise Shipping Miami 2013 exhibition lots of new “players” showed interest for visiting this country in the next years. Cruise Shipping Miami has been the largest world conference and trade fair of buyers and sellers on the global cruise industry. It is expected that 320 cruise ship with 200 000 passengers will reach Indonesian shores in 2014. Benoa, a port on Bali, as well as other harbours have been enlarged so as to be ready to receive a larger number of cruise ships. Paralelly, some Indonesian air companies have bought fleets of new planes which fly to distant destinations. Less known domestic destinations have been linked via air, and connections with China and other countries of Southeast Asia and Australia have been established. National air company Garuda plans to establish direct flights from Jakarta to London.
It is expected that Indonesian middle class which is booming, will travel increasingly by air. It will create greater demand for attractive locations, transportation, hotels and restaurants in the archipelago.
n the meantime, investment into hotel construction in Indonesia has reached their peak. Hotels are being built throughout the country, in large cities as well as in remote tourist destinations. Foreign investment in hotels and restaurants has reached record 729.7 million dollars, along with 86.1 million dollars of domestic investment.
In Indonesia, a new tourist campaign called “Wonderful Indonesia. The World`s Heart of Wonders” has been launched. Symbolically this is an invitation for visitors to experience true beauty of Indonesia which comes from the hearts of its inhabitants. Namely, it is believed that the major attractiveness of this multiethnic country comes from its people who are always friendly, hospitable and smiling.
As rich as its natural beauty and as diverse as its peoples and cultures, Indonesia is blessed with lots of different specialties, from the sweet taste of Jogjakarta cuisine in central Java to strong taste of Padang food from the surroundings of the capital of west Sumatra. The most delicious Indonesian dishes are Padang Rendang (caramelized beef curry), Sate Madura (grilled meat with sauce), NasiTumpeng (the cone shaped yellow rice surrounded by assorted Indonesian dishes), Soto Lamongan (traditional Indonesian soup with meat and vegetables), Nagasari (banana cake) and Kue Lumpur (a sweet similar to pancakes with fruit).
Trying to encourage the arrival of larger numbers of foreign guests, Indonesian authorities encourage the coming of Muslims from other countries. Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, and the authorities in Jakarta consider it a great potential for arrivals of tourists belonging to this religion.
Providing the tourists with the surroundings which complies with Muslim tradition, Indonesian government has started a cooperation with Muslim theologians so that they can turn the country into the center of “Sharia tourism”. “In fact, “Sharia tourism” meansleasure in compliance with religious values”explainesFirmansjahRahmin, the head of MTCE.


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BERLIN (AP) — The head of an organization representing German police is calling for the consumption of cannabis to be decriminalized.
Germany has allowed some patients to get marijuana as a prescription medication since last March, but officials have stressed that doesn’t mean it will be legalized for non-medical purposes.
The head of the BDK organization, which represents criminal police, told Monday’s edition of the Bild daily that the group favors a “complete decriminalization of cannabis consumers.” Andre Schulz argued that the current system stigmatizes people and “allows criminal careers to start.”
Schulz argued that “the prohibition of cannabis was, viewed historically, arbitrary” and is “neither intelligent nor expedient.”
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New PS5 as Seen by Digital Foundry; Cooling Passes the Test
Jacob Blazewicz, 17 September 2021, 17:40
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Black PS5 Would be a Good Match; Sony Unveils Pulse 3D Headphones Midnight Black
Sodar, 16 September 2021, 15:37
Sony has unveiled a new color for its Pulse 3D wireless headphones. As with the DualSense pad, they will be available for purchase in Midnight Black. Maybe a black PS5 to match them will be coming next?
Firmware 9.0 Enables Us to Browse PS5 Trophies on PS4
Hubert Sledziewski, 15 September 2021, 16:51
PlayStation 4 has received system update 9.0, which adds a highly anticipated feature. Starting today, you can view trophies from PS5 on PS4.
Big PlayStation 5 Update Coming Tomorrow With M.2 SSD Support [UPDATED]
GRG, 15 September 2021, 15:35
Tomorrow, the latest and second major system update for the PlayStation console will be available for download. It will introduce significant new features.
New PS5 Not as Hot as Suggested
bachehe, 10 September 2021, 12:48
Thanks to the new cooling system, the CPU in the refreshed PS5 will be slightly cooler, but at the expense of RAM temperatures.
PS5 Exceeded PlayStation 4 Sales in Japan
Adrian Werner, 09 September 2021, 14:10
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SSDs Tested in PS5; No Major Differences in Performance Found
Paul Musiolik, 08 August 2021, 19:17
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Nostalgic Gamer Repainted PS5 in PS1 Grey - See Photos
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PS5 System Update Solves DualSense Battery Problem
Patryk Lukasz Kubiak, 10 June 2021, 13:53
PlayStation 5 and the DualSense controller got a software update. The list of changes introduced by Sony is short, but the update should positively affect the experience of owners of the company's latest console.
Sony Said to be Working on New PS5 Revision; Console is to Break Even Soon
Qskan, 28 May 2021, 14:12
There are many indications that a new PlayStation 5 model is about to hit the market. Last month, Sony filed a patent that may suggest that an improved revision of the console is already in the pipeline.
Sony's New Patent May Enable PlayStation to Detect Your Smile
Adrian Werner, 24 May 2021, 14:10
The patent applications suggest that Sony is planning a system to recognize players' facial expressions and send emotes based on that knowledge. Another idea from the company is to automatically detect when we're not doing well in a game and give us help in the form of video content.
PS5's DualSense Will Get Two New Color Variations
Nicek, 13 May 2021, 19:32
The requests of gamers around the world have apparently been heard. The DualSense controller known from PlayStation 5 will receive new alternative color variants. What versions will join the standard white model?
PS5 Will Be Hard to Buy Even in 2022
Eklerek, 11 May 2021, 18:57
PlayStation 5 is still hard to buy even though it's been more than six months since its release. New predictions have emerged that Sony won't be able to meet demand for the PS5 in 2022 either.
Leak Suggests PS VR 2 With 4K Support
Bart Swiatek, 11 May 2021, 18:37
A leak published by UploadVR suggests that the new VR goggles from Sony will display images in 4K resolution. We will also get a lot of interesting features and improvements.
PS5 May Get Cheaper CPU and New Design in 2022
Nicek, 06 May 2021, 18:53
The previous generation of consoles set a new trend with refreshed versions of hardware and the current generation may continue it. However, no one expected that a new version of the PlayStation 5 with a cheaper AMD processor could go into production so soon.
Discord Coming to PS5, Sony Invests in App's Stocks
Eklerek, 04 May 2021, 14:38
Discord and Sony are teaming up. The popular messenger is to be integrated with PlayStation Network, making it easier for gamers to communicate. Sony has acquired Discord's shares, but the company will remain independent.
PS Plus in May: Battlefield V, Wreckfest and Stranded Deep
Przemyslaw Dygas, 28 April 2021, 21:05
We already know what games Sony has prepared for PlayStation Plus subscribers for May. In the coming month we will play Battlefield V, Wreckfest and Stranded Deep.
PS5 Shortages Until 2022; Sony Considered Redesign
Jacob Blazewicz, 28 April 2021, 20:28
PlayStation 5 shortages will continue for a long time to come. Sony's Hiroki Totoki confirmed in an investor call that there's no chance of a drastic increase in shipments this fiscal year, even after the company considered redesigning the console.
PS5 Sells Better Than Sony Anticipated
Bart Swiatek, 28 April 2021, 11:33
Sony has released another financial report, which includes information on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 console sales.
New PS5 Firmware Update Said to Boost Console Performance
Milosz Szubert, 27 April 2021, 18:19
Sony has released a new firmware update for the PlayStation 5, numbered 21.01-03.10.00. It weighs in at just over 900 MB and its main purpose is to improve the console's performance.
AI Will Complete Games for Us Thanks to Sony's Patent
Jacob Blazewicz, 21 April 2021, 22:05
Sony has patented another interesting solution. The company wants to allow AI to learn the habits of the player, so that it can later help him complete the game.
Sony Poland Accidentally Reveals PlayStation Plus Video
Jacob Blazewicz, 21 April 2021, 16:01
Sony's Polish branch has accidentally revealed the company's new service. It's about PS Plus Video, a movie pass for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
Sony Caves In - PlayStation Store Will Remain on PS3 and PSV
Jacob Blazewicz, 19 April 2021, 20:34
Sony backpedaled on its plans to close the PS Store on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita consoles. CEO Jim Ryan confirmed that the decision was based on player feedback.
How to Update PS5 Controller and Fix Issues
Bart Swiatek, 19 April 2021, 15:06
Recently, PlayStation 5 users have received software updates for the console, as well as its controller – DualSense. If you do not know how to install the update for the controller, we will help you.
PS5 Also Has CMOS Problem Like PS3 and PS4
Paul Musiolik, 18 April 2021, 23:13
The PlayStation 5 has the same CMOS battery issue as the PS4 and PS3. Thankfully, not in such a broad way, which may suggest that Sony has approached the solutions used in the PS5 a little better.
PS5 With Record Sales Results in US Market
Paul Musiolik, 17 April 2021, 15:14
The PlayStation 5 is now the best-selling console in U.S. history if we consider the first five months since the device's debut.
PS5 Update Silences Drive, Adds 120Hz Support and New HDR Options
Sodar, 15 April 2021, 16:05
The PlayStation 5 console has received a new software update. In addition to the major improvements we have described earlier, there are a few unusual or harder to spot things.
PS4 Update Lets You Share Games With PS5
Hubert Sledziewski, 15 April 2021, 10:53
PlayStation 4 software update 8.50 is now available for download. Along with adding some new features, Sony has taken away users' access to the Communities tab.
PS5's First Major Update is Live
Hubert Sledziewski, 14 April 2021, 17:59
PlayStation 5 receive its first major software update today. On the occasion, Sony announced new features for the dedicated mobile app.
Without CMOS PS4 Blocks Access to Games; Internet Investigates
Jacob Blazewicz, 12 April 2021, 22:03
Internet user known as Forest has confirmed rumors of a problem with the PlayStation 4 console's CMOS battery. It seems that after it fails, the PS4 really does block access to all games, even those on disc.
PS Vita Was a Disaster for Sony, Failing to Meet Any Expectations
Paul Musiolik, 10 April 2021, 17:20
An AMA session on Reddit brought up some interesting information about Sony's perception of the PS Vita. According to a former Sony employee, the hardware was a complete failure and did not meet any of the company's expectations.
PlayStation 5 Sales Beat Other Consoles in UK
Mikolaj Laszkiewicz, 09 April 2021, 13:23
Despite shortages, PlayStation 5 is selling great and exceeding the results achieved by other consoles.
Production of PS5 is Stalled by Lack of Parts for $1
Hubert Sledziewski, 08 April 2021, 20:09
In May, it will be half a year since the launch of PlayStation 5, and the purchase of Sony consoles remains difficult. The blame for the lack of hardware on the shelves turns out to be small chips, the production of which costs only a dollar.
Sony Japan Studio is Officially History; Farewell to Devs of Bloodborne and The Last Guardian
Jacob Blazewicz, 02 April 2021, 12:55
Sony has officially ended the life of Japan Studio. Thus came to an end the history of the team which contributed to the creation of Bloodborne, The Last Guardian and many other memorable titles. Gavin Moore, director of the remake of Demon's Souls, has also left Sony.
Sony Provides PS Store Shutdown Schedule for PS3, PS Vita and PSP
Jacob Blazewicz, 29 March 2021, 22:05
Sony has confirmed plans to close the PlayStation Store on older devices. The store will be unavailable on PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita in a few months.
PS5 Has Serious Problem With Displaying SDR Image
Bart Swiatek, 29 March 2021, 20:25
According to Digital Foundry experts, SDR content on PlayStation 5 is not displayed properly. Dark colors blend together and details present in a scene are lost.
Sony Employees Get a Hefty Bonus for PS5
Ewelina Krzykala, 29 March 2021, 14:30
PS5 sales have remained at record levels for months. More than 4.5 million units were purchased in 2020 alone, and Sony wants to produce another 18 million in 2021. This will benefit Japanese company's employees, who will receive hefty bonuses due to the good sales of the 9th-gen console.
Frustrated Parents Sold a PS5 Drawing to Bots
Capitalny, 26 March 2021, 12:16
On the German version of eBay, a couple managed to sell a hand-drawn image of the PlayStation 5. The buyer was probably one of the owners of the hated bots.


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According to a recent report from Adobe, COVID-19 has massively accelerated the growth of e-commerce; total online spending in May 2020 reached $82.5 billion, up 77% from May of 2019. Adobe estimates that under normal circumstances, that much growth would have taken four to six years.
"With this enormous increase in online sales will come an enormous increase in chargebacks," says Monica Eaton-Cardone, co-founder and chief operating officer of Chargebacks911. "In addition to the customary friendly fraud, we're seeing an unprecedented uptick in chargebacks related to delivery and service issues—a situation that could become the 'new normal' in retail."
The growth of service-related chargebacks, says Eaton-Cardone, stems from a combination of heightened e-commerce volume, an expectation of timely fulfillment of these new orders, and merchants' struggle with COVID-based personnel shortages. Since the onset of the coronavirus crisis this spring, chargebacks based on service have overtaken friendly-fraud chargebacks, which represent 60% to 80% of all issuances.
Another factor that could be worsening the situation, notes Eaton-Cardone, may be contactless payments, which have risen sharply in the U.S. since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both consumers and merchants, she says, need to be aware of the potential for illegitimate charges as fraudsters become more adept at stealing contactless access to accounts.
Despite these caveats and the still-difficult surrounding circumstances, says Eaton-Cardone, there is good news in today's situation for merchants and their customers alike. While U.S. retail sales for the second quarter of 2020 were 8.1% below those of the third quarter of last year, sales for June 2020 were up 7.5% over June 2019.(5) "This is a new day for retail," she says. "Merchants, banks, and consumers need to adopt, and abide by, updated procedures that are fair to all concerned."
Merchants, says Eaton-Cardone, should first and foremost emphasize clarity in their customer relations, communicating effectively about potential delays or other issues, and being accessible at all hours across all channels of interaction. At the same time, she says, merchants need to take steps to mitigate risk wherever possible. "This means optimizing practices to prevent avoidable delays, as well as using tools, like our proprietary technology, to screen transactions effectively and stop fraud."


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SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new study released today by AppDirect®, the leading subscription commerce platform company, details the pace and pressures of digital transformation in the COVID-19 era. As the global pandemic speeds an enterprise-wide shift to digital commerce, more than two-thirds of companies (69%) report that they have accelerated digital plans or launched new projects, according to the AppDirect study “The State of B2B Subscription Commerce in the New Normal.”
The report reveals that companies are stepping up to meet the skyrocketing demand for subscription products. The survey found that 95% of companies offer at least one subscription-based product, and the majority of those who don’t are considering it. Additionally, 67% of senior executives said most of their products are subscription-based, demonstrating the role recurring revenue streams already play in the digital economy. However, while the majority of companies have subscription products, only about a third feel completely prepared to launch new digital offerings, a fact that underscores the complexity of scaling a recurring revenue model.
“It’s clear that companies today face unprecedented challenges, and embracing a recurring revenue model is key to driving resilience in uncertain times,” said AppDirect CEO Daniel Saks. “This report shows that many organizations recognize just how critical subscriptions are, but significant challenges to implementing and scaling a digital subscription business remain. We hope this data will help business leaders understand how to move forward and succeed in the ‘new normal’ that we are facing.”
“The State of B2B Subscription Commerce in the New Normal” report surveyed senior executives to uncover the trends organizations are seeing as they launch new projects to enable digital business and what concerns remain for launching, scaling and sustaining such initiatives. While the full effect of COVID-19 has yet to be truly understood, the report shows that its impact on business has been swift and extensive. Additional key findings include:
- Anxiety about keeping up with pace of change. Nearly all (97%) of those surveyed said that the pandemic affected their digital commerce initiatives and 83% are concerned about sustaining their rate of digital transformation.
- Subscriptions increase concerns about digital transformation. Whether or not a company has subscription products plays a deciding role in how concerned organizations are about various issues, particularly legacy technology and making the right investments to drive digital transformation. In fact, of companies that worry that their digital transformation efforts don’t go far enough, 32% have all or mostly subscription products while 4% have no subscription products.
- Investing for the long haul, and the new normal. 77% of business leaders are focusing their digital strategies on long-term responses to current challenges and preparation for future business needs rather than reacting short-term to weather economic uncertainty.
- Software ecosystem partners are key. Despite uncertainties, there is clarity around the tools and technologies organizations are utilizing in digital transformation initiatives and launch of digital products. Nearly all (97%) noted that they rely on ecosystems to bring digital products to market and to do so faster than they could accomplish on their own. Over two-thirds said they would use a third party to scale or create a new digital channel, or launch third party products through an existing digital channel.
- Fortune favors the prepared. Just 37% of organizations said they were completely prepared to launch a new digital offering, but those that were ready had a clear headstart on competitors who were unprepared. Among “completely prepared” companies, 64% launched a new initiative in response to COVID-19, while only 25% were forced to delay.
“The State of B2B Subscription Commerce in the New Normal” report can help enable enterprises in any industry to chart a path to tackling challenges in order to plan, launch, and scale a successful digital transformation strategy in the era of subscription commerce. You can learn more and download the report here.
For ongoing information and best practices on driving transformational change within your organization, you can listen to Decoding Digital, a new podcast series hosted by AppDirect co-founder and co-CEO Dan Saks. The podcast features insights from a range of business leaders, including Eric Ries, author of “The Lean Startup,” and Michele Romanow, president and co-founder of Clearbanc.
AppDirect commissioned Wakefield Research to conduct an online survey of 500 senior executives who have participated in the launch of a new digital product to enable digital business. The survey was conducted in June 2020.
AppDirect offers a subscription commerce platform that removes the complexity of building a recurring business model. Sell any product, through any channel, on any device—as a service. Our platform opens up endless opportunities for commerce innovation, giving businesses the freedom to grow. We power millions of subscriptions worldwide for organizations like Jaguar Land Rover, Comcast, Sage, Keller Williams, ADP, and Deutsche Telekom.
©2020 AppDirect, Inc. AppDirect is a registered trademark of AppDirect, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other brand and product names are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holder(s).


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Energy Tomorrow Blog
Posted August 26, 2019
News item: China announces retaliatory tariffs on $75 billion worth of U.S. goods, including a first-ever tariffs on U.S. crude oil imports. In response, President Trump says previously announced tariffs on Chinese goods will go up. The U.S.-China trade war churns on and with it, there’s significant collateral damage.
We discussed the impacts before – the way trade restrictions threaten U.S. competitiveness and global energy leadership, the drag on the U.S. economy and how the administration’s tariffs hurt U.S. consumers, not China. The latest trade tit-for-tat is similarly damaging.
Posted August 21, 2019
U.S. crude oil exports are reaching a record 31 countries, and exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) are set to jump a projected 63 percent this year – boosting American jobs and adding stability to global markets.
But the ongoing trade war puts growing markets for U.S. energy exports at risk.
Posted May 14, 2019
Winning on trade looks like this: 12 million U.S. jobs supported in all 50 states; commerce with neighbors Mexico and Canada was nearly $1.3 trillion in 2017 – four times what it was 25 years ago; in the energy space, trade helps the U.S. natural gas and oil industry, which supports 10.3 million jobs – many of which exist thanks to free North American trade
For these reasons and more, Congress should approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). From an energy standpoint, the case for USMCA approval is strong.
Posted August 7, 2018
Recently, we discussed how natural gas and oil production and energy exports were major contributors to robust second-quarter growth by the U.S. economy – by themselves generating nearly half of the increase in U.S. real exports in Q2.Yet, there’s concern that escalating U.S. trade restrictions and looming disputes could threaten global trade and economic growth. We’ve talked about tariffs and quotas directly impacting the natural gas and oil industry – China last week announced a 25 percent tariff on U.S. liquefied natural gas – but the potential effect is broader than just our industry, as indicated in last week’s post on possible food price impacts.
Posted November 15, 2017
Posted March 22, 2017
Exports of finished petroleum products – including finished motor gasoline, propane, distillate fuel oil and others – to Canada and Mexico are a big part of the North American energy market that we posted on here, a market that is providing economic and security benefits to all three countries.
Posted January 25, 2017
American energy also should be able to reach new markets abroad. Freely trading U.S. crude, LNG, petrochemicals and finished products made from petroleum and natural gas is key to strengthening U.S. competitiveness around the globe, economic growth and domestic energy production.
Posted January 6, 2017
Sometime in the mid-2020s, U.S. energy officials project, two key lines measuring energy imports and exports will cross, and the United States will have achieved something quite special – the advent of an era in which America is a net energy exporter. That’s one of the big projections contained in the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s newly released Annual Energy Outlook for 2017 (AEO2017).
Posted December 28, 2016
Posted November 30, 2016


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History: Evansville-based ZeroCarb Lyfe was launched by co-founders Omar Atia and Mohamed Aly in April 2020. But the company’s origin story begins in 2006 when Aly, who is diabetic, developed a chicken-based pizza crust as an alternative to carb-heavy traditional crusts. Atia, who was born in Chicago but grew up in Indianapolis, has engineering degrees from Purdue University and work experience at large food manufacturers. When the two met and Atia learned of Aly’s invention, the idea for ZeroCarb Lyfe was born. “Once I met Mohamed, I realized that there was something there, and we could invent more foods together,” Atia said.
Indiana footprint: The company manufactures its products in the Elkhart County city of Wakarusa. Its offices are in Evansville and Fishers. Atia lives in Fishers, and Aly lives in Evansville.
Product lineup: The company started out selling pizza crusts wholesale to restaurants in August 2020. It added frozen pizzas in April 2022 and shelf-stable snack chips this June. The company plans to focus next on launching additional flavors of snack chips, which now come in House and Barbecue flavors. The company is also looking into developing new products, possibly taco shells.
Availability: Currently, Atia said, 350 restaurants across the country offer ZeroCarb Lyfe crusts on their menus. The frozen pizzas are available at small retailers as well as the Missouri-based Schnucks and Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market grocery chains. The grocer Fresh Thyme recently began carrying ZeroCarb Lyfe’s snack chips in its Indiana stores. ZeroCarb Lyfe also sells its products online.
Fun fact: ZeroCarb Lyfe is not the only Evansville-based and pizza-related company with Purdue connections. ZeroCarb Lyfe’s first customer was Evansville-based Azzip Pizza. The restaurant chain’s founder, Brad Niemeier, is a Purdue grad.


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In today's digital age, where brands constantly clamor for attention on social media platforms, Apple's silent approach stands out. This tech behemoth's strategic reserve on platforms like Facebook and Twitter leaves many intrigued.
Understanding Apple's Silence
Apple, globally recognized for its innovative products, remains notably reticent on social media:
- Facebook: With 78 million followers, Apple's presence is limited to occasional cover photo updates. Strikingly, the tech giant does not respond to comments, relying instead on its fan base to handle queries or criticisms.
- Twitter: Here, Apple maintains a passive account with 13 million followers. The notable exception lies in service-specific accounts like Apple Support, where they actively engage with customers.
- Instagram: A break from its typical strategy, Apple's Instagram is more dynamic. However, the focus remains on user-generated stories and experiences with Apple products rather than direct brand promotion.
Behind the Strategy
Given this limited online engagement, it's speculated that Apple keeps its campaigns in-house, safeguarding its well-known penchant for product secrecy. This control reflects in their content strategy as well. Unlike competitors, Apple isn't in a content race. On platforms like Instagram, the narrative isn’t about the technical prowess of their devices, but the stories these gadgets facilitate.
Apple's influencer engagements are equally subtle but strategic. While there are occasional collaborations with YouTube influencers, Apple's true genius shines in its product placements within pop culture, offering the brand a quiet yet impactful visibility.
- Quality Over Quantity: Apple's strategy underscores the value of exclusive, impactful content rather than a barrage of daily posts.
- Brand Consistency: Even with minimal content, Apple’s branding remains clear and consistent across all platforms.
- User-Centric Approach: Apple’s content primarily revolves around genuine user experiences, highlighting the brand’s consumer-first philosophy.
Is Apple's Approach a Universal Fit?
Apple’s strategy, while intriguing, is tailored to its stature as a global tech leader. However, the underlying principles—focusing on quality, ensuring consistent branding, and putting customers at the forefront—can serve as valuable lessons for brands of all sizes.
Rewinding to 2010, an accidental iPhone leak made headlines due to Apple's legendary product secrecy. Fast forward to today, Apple's approach to social media remains a study in contrasts. By maintaining controlled interactions and service-focused accounts, Apple ensures a direct, meaningful connection with its users.
In the vast cacophony of the digital world, Apple’s minimalism serves as a refreshing reminder: sometimes, less is indeed more. In Apple’s case, their silence on social media speaks volumes, strengthening their brand aura and amplifying user loyalty.


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The country faced a trade deficit of $3.104 billion in the first month of the fiscal year 2021-22, which surged by 85.53 percent in July 2021 as compared to a deficit of $1.673 billion recorded in July 2020.
According to the data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on Monday, the exports from the coun-try witnessed an increase of 16.44 percent during July 2021-22 as compared to the corresponding month of last year.
According to PBS data, the exports from the country stood at $2.330 billion during July 2021 against the exports of $2.001 billion recorded during July 2020, showing growth of 16.44 percent.
On a month-on-month basis, the exports from the country witnessed negative growth of 14.59 percent during July 2021 when compared to the exports of $2.728 recorded during June 2021.
On the other hand, the imports into the country dur-ing the month under review also went up by 47.90 percent by growing from $3.674 billion in July 2020 to $5.434 billion in July 2021. Likewise, the imports into the country during July 2021 also witnessed 14.45 percent decline when compared to the imports of $6.352 billion in June 2021, according to the PBS data.
The government’s battle against bloated trade defi-cit is reversing as it widened 85.53 percent in the first month of the current fiscal year (FY22), driven largely by almost double the increase in imports compared to exports from the country.
Trade deficit reached an all-time high of $37.7 bil-lion in the fiscal year 2017-18. However, the gov-ernment’s measures led to a drop in trade deficit to $31.8 billion in 2018-19 and $23.183 billion in 2019-20 . —TLTP


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Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central unboxes the Sony Bloggie Live with WiFi connectivity at the Sony Event on January 9th. The Bloggie Live is available on the 10th starting at $249.
Sony came out with the Bloggie a few years ago, which was a great handheld device that can let you create live video. This year, the next itteration is the ability to forgo the computer and directly upload video via WiFi. The Bloggie Live itself is an update of last years Bloggie Touch. You do […]


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Property Taxes Are Rising -- Here's A List Of Who Pays The MostThe difference between high-tax states and low-tax states has narrowed, resulting in a smaller gap between the states than in previous years.
Why Cable Bills Are Rising Again And What You Can DoCable and satellite TV providers are ringing in the new year with an unwelcomed gift: higher cable bills.
Social Security Recipients To Get Tiny Increase In BenefitsMillions of Social Security recipients and federal retirees will get only tiny increases in benefits next year, the fifth year in a row that older Americans will have to settle for historically low raises.
NFL Close To Implementing New Football Inspection RulesThe NFL is preparing to send out instructions to game officials and teams explaining new rules for inspecting footballs.
Texas Families Looking To Downsize In Hot Real Estate MarketLooking to downsize, the Sunderlands put their Southlake home on the market expecting to have time to find a smaller place. But, just hours into the open house, the plan changed… quickly. A realtor says the trend is helping fuel “the new bubble.”
US Consumer Prices Tick Up As Rental Costs RiseRising food costs and higher rents offset a drop in gas prices last month, leaving consumer prices only slightly higher in October compared with the previous month.
Consumer Prices Up As Gas, Clothing Costs RiseConsumer prices rose in January for only the second time in four months. The price of food, gas, rent and clothing all increased.
Rising Food And Gas Costs Push Consumer Prices UpConsumers paid more for gas and food in April, lifting inflation to its highest level in two and a half years. But inflationary pressures have begun to ease this month, and analysts say some prices could taper off.


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Property investment group Great Portland Estates has appointed Timon
Drakesmith as finance director.
Drakesmith previously served as group FD of financial operations at Novar,
and has held a managing director’s role at Credit Suisse First Boston. He
qualified as a chartered accountant at Deloitte Haskin & Sells in the
‘We are very pleased to welcome Timon to the Great Portland board as finance
director, bringing with him strategic and corporate finance skills that will
complement the existing management team,’ said chairman Richard Peskin.
Accountancy Age Jobs is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new look website for finance and accountancy professionals
The UK gender pay gap will not close until 2069 unless action is taken to tackle it now, according to new research by Deloitte
Three former Tesco executives, including the former finance director of Tesco UK, have been charged with fraud by the Serious Fraud Office in relation to a £263m accounting scandal at the retailer.
Deloitte chief executive David Sproul is among 11 chief executives to take part in global executive search firm Odgers Berndtson’s CEO for a Day scheme


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The UK International Jewelery London (IJL) event will take place from 1 to 3 September 2019. This event is an important showcase for luxury jewelers from all over the world. It also helps unveiling current and future trends in the jewelery industry.
By Luxus Plus
International Jewelery London was created in the 1950s to showcase the best of British jewelry.
Thus, pursuing its international development strategy with determination, the event is now held every year to bring together the greatest players in the field of luxury jewelery.
It also allows visitors to discover the latest collections and innovations of a technical nature but also from the point of view of marketing or merchandising, for example.
This year’s highlights of the gathering will be diamond culture in laboratory, distribution network advices and ethical business practices.
Others topics will also be on the agenda, such as the future of the jewelry industry and the links with ecology.
The show is also a place for exchange of experience for professionals who can find inspiration or just do business.
For this year, nearly 500 exhibitors from 40 different countries will be attending.
There will be New York jeweler LJ West Diamonds, Beverly Hills Jewelers, and Kohinoor Jewelers of India.
The meeting is often an opportunity for brands to launch new products and organize conferences on different topics around jewelery.
This year’s edition will inaugurate the first collaboration with Graduate Fashion Week which is the leading event for fashion graduates, also reknowed for having helped to launch careers of famous designers like Stella McCartney or Christopher Bailey.
Six graduates will present their work, including the winner of the 2019 GFW award, Hannah Stote.
This collaboration will be an opportunity to demonstrate the existing synergies between the world of fashion and jewelery.
The International Jewelery London event will be held for three days from the 1st to the 3rd of September 2019 at the London Olympia located at Hammersmith Road, Kensington London.


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California may increase subsidies for battery-electric vehicles that are sold in the state by $2,000, reports Bloomberg.
The state will hold a hearing on offering a $4,500 subsidy for electric vehicles that are sold in California, according to Bloomberg. The federal government’s current $7,500 tax credit on electric vehicles will start to fall once companies have grown enough to sell a total of 200,000 vehicles each.
Late last year, no automaker reached the 200,000 cap, however, Tesla passed this threshold in July and GM may soon as well, according to Bloomberg. For Tesla, this means the federal tax credit on its models will drop to $3,750 for vehicles sold in the first half of 2019, reports Inside EVs. The credit will then be reduced to just $1,875 for units sold beginning July 2019, and will be eliminated altogether by the end of 2019.
At the end of 2017, congressional negotiators spared the current $7,500 federal tax credit that supported sales of plug-in electric vehicles, which could have been eliminated as part of a $1.5 trillion House tax bill. The credit was initially put in place in 2008 and 2009 for plug-in and converted plug-in electric vehicles.
The higher rebates in California follow President Trump’s argument that only the federal government can regulate tailpipe emission standards or mandate electric-car sales.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet


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The contract was awarded to Microsoft in October. But Amazon alleges there was "unmistakable bias" in the bidding process.
Veterans and their likeness are often implicated in social media disinformation campaigns. Experts say without action, this problem could grow bigger.
The biggest advantage for Disney and Apple TV Plus? Viewers are already familiar with streaming.


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By Maximilian Clarke
Digital album sales in the UK have already surpassed their 2010 total, as more than 1 in 4 albums purchased is online, The British recorded Music Industry (BPI) have said.
The news follows the success of Coldplay’s hotly anticipated new album, Mylo Xyloto, which sold more than 80,000 digital copies in week one, breaking the record for the highest number of digital copies to be sold in a first week of release — and becoming the latest album to pass 100,000 downloads. Digital accounted for 40% of the band’s first week album sales.
Digital albums now represent 26.2% share of total album sales, up from 17.5% during 2010, according to the Official Charts Company data. This year, the Top 10 biggest digital albums have all sold more than 100,000 digital copies, including albums by Lady Gaga, Jessie J and Ed Sheeran.
“It’s encouraging to see such strong sales in the digital albums market before the Christmas gifting season gets properly underway,” BPI Chief Executive, Geoff Taylor. “For the last five consecutive years, the final week of the year has been the biggest in terms of digital album sales, as consumers spend digital music gift vouchers received at Christmas and try out legal digital music services on their new iPods, tablets and laptops.
“In the last week of 2010, digital album sales topped a record 800,000. This year we may see the 1 million weekly sales barrier broken for the first time, despite the adverse impact of illegal sites and tough economic conditions. “
In an attempt to stem the increasing damages from music piracy, BPI are calling on BT to block access to The Pirate Bay- a resilient peer-to-peer bit torrent host that enabling users to freely download and share pirated music.
Join us on


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Now that Android 10 is officially out and it has been 10 days since then, smartphone brands are working towards pushing the Android 10 to its smartphones although the timeline varies drastically. Realme has just posted a tweet featuring its Android 10 roadmap which contains expected if not exact dates for Realme smartphones to get their Android 10 update.
According to the tweet that was released alongside Realme XT, there are 8 smartphones from Realme that are in tow to get their update. Note that no smartphones are slated to get Android 10 as of this year.
Realme 3 Pro, Realme 5 Pro, Realme X, and Realme XT which are basically the new ‘Pro’ variants will get their Android 10 update in Q1 i.e. between January to March. Further, Realme 3, Realme 5, and Realme 3i are slated to get their piece of Android 10 update in Q2 2019 which is between April to June.
Finally, the Q3 2019 will welcome Android 10 to Realme 2 Pro users which takes the total to 8 smartphones from Realme. The tweet excludes both Realme 1 and Realme 2 from Android 10 roadmap which could basically mean that these two smartphones might not be able to get their Android 10 or there could be something else the Chinese smartphone maker is not disclosing at the moment. We expect to get the exact time frame for the Android 10 roadmap soon but at least we now know that most of the phones from Realme are eligible to get their Android 10 upgrade no matter the time frame.
Realme XT was recently launched with a 64MP sensor. Although it was announced before Xiaomi’s major announcement, Xiaomi took the slip by releasing its Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with 64MP sensor before Realme could do it.
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text: Xinhua news writes that the Chinese government is planning to intensify efforts to crack down on crimes committed using unregistered SIM cards. There are currently more than 130 million unregistered SIMs – so-called ‘black cards’ – in use in China, despite the introduction of regulations in September 2013 requiring all SIMs to be registered with proof of identity. Sector regulator the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) notes that the black cards can be used for a range of illegal activities, as they are far more difficult for authorities to track and trace: the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) added that there were 157,000 reported cases of phone scams involving the sale of personal information to third parties online in 2014 alone. As such, Chinese authorities will accelerate identity confirmation of SIMs throughout the year to reduce the number of black cards in circulation. China Mobile, the world’s largest cellular provider by subscribers, admitted that it was most to blame for the issue, estimating that around 16% of its more than 800 million users were not registered.


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On Wednesday night, the Swedish fast fashion mega retailer celebrated its upcoming collaboration with the French brand Kenzo by merging a fashion show, a modern dance recital, and a marching band performance with what was possibly the world's most stylish mosh pit. As the kids say, it was lit. Here's a quick look:
On the off chance this is the first time you're hearing about this collaboration (or the event itself), we've broken it all down for you below.
H&M and Kenzo have been teasing their collaboration for about five months now, and by the time the party started we'd already seen all of the clothes. But we'd never seen them in motion until the models and other performers walked them down the runway. Here's a look at all the men's pieces from the collection.
Chance the Rapper stars in the Jean-Paul Goude-shot ads for the collection, alongside Iman, Rosario Dawson, Chloë Sevigny, and an international cast of characters. You can watch him talking about his love of movies and volunteering with kids in Chicago (while wearing an insane tiger-printed lime green jumpsuit) in the campaign video.
Joe Jonas and his bandmates from DNCE joined director Spike Jonze, Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyongo, Die Antwoord, (as well as Chance, Dawson, Sevigny, and Iman from the campaign) in the front row for the show. By all accounts, it wasn't so much a traditional fashion show as it was a dance performance that took place on a massive square runway. After all the clothes paraded by, Ice Cube performed short set for all the stylish people assembled.
And while the party's over, the clothes aren't even in stores yet. You'll be able to relive the magic when the land in select H&M locations around the world (plus on its website) on Nov. 3.


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Spring has not brought welcome news for many nonferrous metals dealers, with many reports forecasting little improvement in markets for most nonferrous metals in the next several months.
Multiple reports indicate that copper stocks on the London Metal Exchange (LME) are increasing on an almost daily basis. Adding to oversupply concerns, stocks on the Shanghai Futures Exchange increased by 3.36 percent in late March to reach roughly 250,000 tons. While domestic orders for copper scrap are “decent,” according to one wire chopper operator, it isn’t enough to offset the increased supply of copper cathode material on the market. New copper cathode capacity has increased during the past 12 months, reducing demand for copper scrap and softening prices for this material.
This new copper production capacity is coming online despite the bearish general economic news from North America, Europe and China. Figures from the U.S. Institute of Supply Management show that the U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in March for the fourth consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 46th consecutive month. However, the March Purchasing Manager Index (PMI), which stands at 51.3 percent, decreased from the previous month’s 54.2 percent, indicating slower expansion of the manufacturing sector in the U.S.
The situation is more pessimistic throughout Europe, with manufacturing continuing to contract in many regions. Even China, whose consumption has been a key driver for a number of metals, has been slowing as of late. China’s manufacturing activity improved in March, though not as much as expected. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 50.9 in March from February’s 50.1, slightly lower than the estimated 51 forecasted by a Dow Jones Newswires survey.
Despite the current oversupply situation, news points to a potential shortage in the near future. Labor problems at one of Codelco’s copper mines shut down production for several days in March. More recently, labor problems at ports in Chile, a major copper producing country, have made it more difficult to ship copper out of the country. Reuters reports that Chilean government officials say the strike is cutting copper exports by around 9,000 metric tons per day. If this continues, it could create a floor on copper prices and limit the oversupply situation.
Copper is not the only grade struggling; most nonferrous grades are feeling downward pressure. A scrap dealer in the Midwest says aluminum also has been trending downward “as fundamentals are starting to kick in.” Supply is healthy but there doesn’t appear to be much of a push by many consumers that could help drive prices forward.
One source notes that aluminum prices on the LME have been declining pretty steadily since the second half of February, when the price reached roughly $2,100 per metric ton. As of April, the price fell to less than $1,850 per metric ton.
One of the biggest recent concerns has been the aggressive enforcement of quality specifications by Chinese customs officials. The restriction on imports is not only causing problems for scrap dealers in the U.S., but several sources also say that a number of consumers in China are struggling to get enough material to meet their needs.


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Euro Global Food and Distilleries Limited, a member of the Sona Group of Companies, has announced the completion of a critical phase of its N3bn ethanol plant as part of its backward integration drive.
The firm, in a statement on Monday, said the plant had reached 90 per cent completion, adding that it would enable the company to boost its local production.
It announced its readiness to produce premium products for consumers in the spirits sub-sector, with less dependence on imported raw materials.
The Chairman, Euro Global Food and Distilleries Limited, Mr. A. K. Mirchandhani, was quoted as saying that it took the company six years to put the plant in good shape, describing it as the largest single ethanol plant in Nigeria with a capacity to produce 120,000 litres of ethanol daily.
He said, “Euro Global and its parent company, Sona Group, are in Nigeria for good. Satisfaction to us is knowing that our customers and distributors are happy. This is why we are constantly researching to ensure that we manufacture quality products that meet our customers’ needs and make good business for our distributors to market.
“We have taken giant strides in the last few years, from increase in product portfolio to increase in the quality of our packaging. We want to assure our partners that we will make our product available to them.”
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The highs and lows of legal pot
Colorado saw its first sales of legal marijuana earlier this year, while retail cannabis sales in Washington State are on track for June debut with the blessing of state authorities.
Both states made history when voters resoundingly approved the legal sale of marijuana — creating a brand new legal industry overnight in both states.
Colorado collected$3.5 million in tax revenue from the pot industry in January 2013. The state now expects to collect $98 million in revenue from sales in 2014 — up 40 percent from original projections.
Meanwhile, approval for legalization and decriminalization of marijuana have hit new highs, and activists are hoping to expand legal pot into other states in 2014, 2016 and beyond.
In honor of 4/20 — a longtime stoner holiday of unknown origin — POLITICO’s M. Scott Mahaskey traveled to Colorado to take a look at this fascinating and growing legal industry, and the challenges facing some of its small business owners.


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NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski has joined the ranks of entrepreneurs in the metalworking industry while continuing his successful racing career.
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We all know the buzzwords circulating around digital data and the factory. You have heard them—Industry 4.0, smart factories, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI). The question we all have is how will this impact workers in the long term? What do these terms really mean? Nevertheless, both traditional software suppliers and makers of advanced manufacturing equipment are offering digital solutions.
For machine shops in a competitive global marketplace, keeping spindles running and making product is the only way to stay in business. Still, adding a new piece of equipment, even with the promise of improving the efficiency of your existing ones, may be a difficult sell to management.
Changes in health care are driving more innovative tooling, including new machining strategies and complex cutting tools that help deliver more patient-centered solutions.
One of the key advantages of additive manufacturing is its digital thread, which allows for rapid communication, iteration, and sharing of a design model and its corresponding physical representation. While this enables an efficient design process, the flow of data opens vulnerabilities to cyber-attack.
The U.S. auto industry has been automated for decades. Production of cars and trucks is associated with large, hulking robots fenced off from human employees. Inside those fenced off areas, tasks such as welding are performed. The industry, though, is advancing on the automation front.
Efficient creepfeed grinding can remove material quickly and produce a precision ground surface on challenging materials. However, since creepfeed grinding applications typically draw more power and have higher forces, there are important considerations to pay attention to during application setup.
The growing skills gap is causing trepidation among manufacturers and the lack of millennials building careers within the industry is part of the concern.
The world of additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing, is quickly changing. The technology allows companies to manufacture products faster, with greater variation, and often with entirely new forms and functions.
The state of manufacturing is always a combination of tried and true methods; improvements (sometimes dramatic) in traditional processes; and brand new technology few people even conceived of a few years ago.


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QVC shoppers are loyal, and multi-channel. Hopefully that sounds familiar to your brand, too!
A multi-year long effort to understand, articulate and act upon the voice of the customer has led to increased sales across channels, and a rich – and actionable! – understanding and appreciation of the customer. John Hunter, CMO of QVC, gave our keynote today and it was a very generous look into the way that a data driven marketing approach can transform the relationship between brand and consumer. The brand wins, but more importantly – the consumer wins.
Isn’t that what data driven marketing is all about? That win-win for both!
John started out by sharing a video about the relationship between brand and consumer. The ending is inspiring: “It’s a personal connection. Don’t just shop. Q.” The point is that it’s not just shopping, it’s about personal stories, personal choices, access across channels, global product lines and very unique deals.
“At a time when most people take the social recommendation of a stranger over the promise of a company, we realize that Marketers are no longer in charge. Get over it,” Hunter said. In-the-moment data consumption now drives the QVC engine. In fact, John said that during a TV broadcast, the host is watching sales figures by product in real time. He or she adjusts the sales pitch based on the sales success in the moment – extending some offers and skipping ahead on others.
We are now in the time of the “pervasively connected customer who is always on,” John said. QVC aims to empower the customer to “co-create” the retail experience. “Access is the theme of this decade,” he says. Meaning access to brands, products via the explosiveness of social media. The goal is to allow customers to “make buying decisions when you want, at your convenience.”
We’ve all either done it or seen someone do it in a retail store. John shared examples of customers saying that when they reached a buying decision, they pull out their mobile phone, tablet or PC and search for a price comparison. “Where the purchase is made is not where the sale is made,” he said. So QVC has expanded their use of transactional data to track the entire customer journey across day parts, situations and devices. “We needed to drop our own pre-conceived notions of how she shops with us.”
After a major effort to listen to the customer – a project that John recommends for every marketer – QVC can now adjust the buying experience and the customer journey based on those different wants and needs. They found that engagement is not consistent even among the same group of customers. “Shoppers have new tools. Different wants and needs. One shopper can shop 10 different ways, Ten shoppers may shop hundreds of different ways,” he said. “You hear key gems to highlight and then you know to make that aspect accessible to your customers across channels.”
He noted that the infrastructure of technology, people and process was not an overnight or simple thing to construct. “We focused on one aspect each year and so we able to move in a positive direction without overwhelming the business,” he said during the Q&A.
Welcome to the world of the omni platform customer. Customers shop and interact with brands as it is convenient for them. Don’t fight this trend – embrace it. For QVC, they found that the customer did not want to buy from the brand, they wanted to participate in the brand. QVC is a wonderful example of strong data driven marketing resulting in a delightful and welcome customer experience.
John’s Top Three Takeaways:
- Voice of the customer and preference data are key to developing a deep understanding of your customer ;
- Develop your multi platform startatgy around how the customer or groups of customers want to access your brand ;
- Define your customer and their experience with your brand.
Thank you, John, for an excellent and insightful keynote!
– Stephanie Miller, VP, Member Relations, The DMA (@stephanieSAM)


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Despite record snowfall across much of Europe this winter, the northern hemisphere ski season is currently drawing to an end. While a few high-altitude resorts will remain open until early May, skiers who want to pursue their passion throughout the summer will be left with just a few options: glaciers in France, Switzerland and Austria, which offer skiing 365 days a year, or an expensive trip to South America.
A little-known ski resort in emerging Europe however can also now add its name to the list of summer skiing destinations. Kopaonik, in Serbia, recently unveiled the longest artificial ski slope in Europe, nearly a kilometre in length and served by its own chairlift.
The piste is made of Neveplast, a product used on artificial slopes around the world made of synthetic bristles designed to resemble a similar surface to hardpack groomed snow.
“Neveplast was born with the intent to give everyone the possibility to ski year round, close to urban centers and at very low cost. Neveplast slopes in cities and on the mountain are considered gyms for skiers where novices can learn to ski and snowboard, enthusiasts can practice their preferred discipline, and where the competitive athlete can train exactly like they do on snow,” reads the Italian manufacturer’s website.
The company is also behind a ski track in Jelenia Gora, Poland, used for year-round cross country ski training and a dry slope on the roof of a power plant in Copenhagen, which will open to the public this summer.
Kopaonik is on the border of Serbia and Kosovo, and in winter offers 55km of tree-lined pistes. There are few crowds: the resort is very well designed and the lift system, which has seen investment in recent years, including a new six-seat chair-lift, keeps queues to a minimum. Accommodation is good value, and there is plenty to choose from. Access, however, could be a problem: it’s almost five hours from Belgrade, longer from Podgorica. Prishtina is in theory far closer, but as you are not allowed to cross the border directly from Kosovo to Serbia, you need to go via Montenegro.


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News and Tech Blog
Stay tuned for the latest news about trade fairs, product releases, technical blog, and other announcements.
Fraunhofer IIS and Spin Digital Showcase Next-generation Live Streaming and Broadcasting using VVC and MPEG-H Audio
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Toyota gauging customer interest for its B-SUV in Malaysia.
The Toyota C-HR went on sale in Japan last year and Toyota is now working on introducing it in new markets. Last week, the company showcased the Toyota C-HR at the Carlist.my MAA Test, Drive & Buy Event in Malaysia.
Toyota has not finalised plans for the Toyota C-HR's Malaysian launch yet. It was gauging the customer interest for the small Toyota crossover, which local reports say will happen only in 2018. The C-HR seen in the images is an AU-spec entry-level front-wheel-drive model with the 8NR-FTS 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and 7-speed CVT combo.
Besides the aforementioned 1.2-litre petrol engine, Toyota C-HR buyers get 3ZR-FAE 2.0-litre petrol and 2ZR-FXE 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid options. Earlier this year, it was reported that Toyota could offer the C-HR with the 2NR-FE 1.5-litre petrol engine from the Toyota Vios in Indonesia.
LED headlamps with LED light guide and sequential LED turn signals, LED (front) fog lamps, 18-inch machined-face alloy wheels, two-tone body colours, roof mounted spoiler, LED tail lamps, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, 9-speaker JBL premium sound system, 4.2-inch multi-information display, ambient lighting and dual-zone automatic climate control are some of the key features of the Toyota C-HR. The B-SUV is currently produced in Iwate, Japan and Sakarya, Turkey.
Also Read: 2017 Toyota Wigo (facelift) launched – Philippines
Following no new launches in the mass market segment after the Etios in 2011, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is content meeting the demand for the Fortuner and Innova and introducing pricier variants of the utility vehicles.
[Image Source: Paultan]


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In California, researchers suggest that the U.S. could realize approximately 50 to 75 percent of its GHG reduction targets for the year 2020, if only Americans would eat beans instead of beef. Researchers from four American universities, headed by Loma Linda University researcher Helen Harwatt, PhD, explained that beef cattle are the most GHG-intensive food to produce and that the production of legumes (beans, peas, etc.) results in one-fortieth the amount of GHGs as beef.
In addition to reducing GHG, the team concluded that shifting from animal-sourced to plant-sourced foods could help avert global temperature rise. The study also found that substituting beans for beef production would free up 42 percent of U.S. cropland under cultivation — a total of more than 400 million square acres.
Harwatt applauds the fact that more than a third of American consumers are already purchasing plant-based products that resemble animal foods in taste and texture.


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MCN and Telstra help bring HTC gigs to life
Biggest integrated campaign to date for MCN and Telstra
Tuesday, 23 April, 2013: Multi Channel Network (MCN) in collaboration with Telstra’s BigBond Music, is today announcing a number of live music events across Australia as part of a new integrated campaign with HTC for the launch of the new HTC One, in stores today.
The Live@HTC campaign will host a series of intimate gigs at Hi Fi bars around the country, showcasing a selection of internationally acclaimed home grown talent such as Temper Trap and Birds of Tokyo. Since tickets went on sale last week, Temper Trap has already sold out.
All music events will be filmed by Speaker TV and then distributed across the MCN network and Tbox.
The new HTC One campaign showcases the smartphone’s innovative features and pioneering technology, which helps consumers bring ideas to life.
MCN Strategic Integration Director Elizabeth Minogue said Live@HTC is the largest integrated campaign rollout for MCN and Telstra since the deal to manage Telstra’s online assets took place last year.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our relationship with Telstra with this exciting new campaign,” she said. “Live@HTC demonstrates the power of an integrated, multi-platform network and how this approach can help build significant brand awareness.
“By distributing content on-air, online and via mobile assets to a targeted audience, we’re building huge interest around the gigs that’s already resulted in one selling out.
“We look forward to working with Telstra on many more similar campaigns.”
Telstra Media Director – Digital Media and Content, Adam Good, said: “The HTC campaign is a fantastic demonstration of the cross-platform partnership and collaboration that we’re building with MCN.
“The calibre of artists and integrated content across all screens is yet another strong example of the direction we are moving in to create bespoke solutions for our clients,” he said.
Temper Trap will be playing in Brisbane on Monday, 6 May. Birds of Tokyo will be performing two shows – Melbourne, Wednesday 22 May and Sydney, Thursday 23 May. HTC will hold a further five shows featuring smaller acts. Tickets cost approximately $50-$60 each. Fans can follow the gigs on facebook.com/HTCAU, where they can also have the chance to win FREE tickets.
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Sarah Tsiros, Launch Group email@example.com (02) 9492 1034 / 0466 805 364
About Multi Channel Network (MCN): Established in 1997, MCN is a joint venture between FOXTEL and FOX SPORTS. MCN is responsible for the advertising interests of 55 national STV channel brands, 72 websites, 61 mobile sites, 40 apps and 3 IPTV services. In addition, MCN is the only media company to offer the complete range of advanced television advertising solutions via the remote control. MCN delivers optimum campaign results for clients by combining high value audiences with an unmatched choice of premium content. MCN specialises in creative solutions, which bring life to ideas and deliver clients a better advertising experience. In addition to being the third largest television network in Australia by commercial audience, MCN has Australia’s largest combined online and mobile network in Australia with a monthly online reach of 8.1m unique audiences and a monthly mobile audience of 4.7m. For more information: www.MCN.com.au