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Continuing with their strategy of sponsoring major sporting events and thus reaching millions of young consumer base, APL Apollo Tubes Limited, India’s leading branded structural steel tube manufacturer has announced its 3rd consecutive association with team Delhi Capitals in the ongoing season of IPL 2021. APL Apollo is the Principal Sponsor of Delhi Capitals and this association will help APL Apollo gain even deeper market penetration on the back of the huge popularity of this team among the youths. As a part of this association, Delhi Capitals players have put the brand APL Apollo logo on the right side of the chest of their jerseys.
APL Apollo Official Principal Sponsor of Delhi Capitals
Already in the last two seasons of IPL, team Delhi Capitals has been empowered by the inner strength of APL Apollo, and now with the support of APL Apollo, it further aims to continue its glorious winning streak in IPL 2021 as well. Leading to a big boost to the brand recognition of APL Apollo, the team ‘Delhi Capitals‘ has already won the hearts of all the cricket lovers with its ecstatic performance in all the earlier editions of this most exciting cricket tournament.
Announcing their proud association with Delhi Capitals, Mr. Sanjay Gupta, CMD, APL Apollo said, “We are delighted to be continuing our long association with ‘Delhi Capitals’ and I wish the team all the best for their performance in the ‘IPL 2021′ tournament, the most exciting cricketing extravaganza. Our B2C franchisee model has always been about connecting our products and principles with the consumers in every way possible. So, it was kind of obvious that this year in 2021, as like 2019 & 2020, we are back as “The Principal Sponsors” of Delhi Capitals for the third time in a row. “
Nothing in India gets as many eyeballs as the T20 league and for almost two months in a year, IPL becomes the national pastime. For the cricket-crazy population of the country, Delhi Capitals has given enough reasons to rejoice with their ecstatic performance just like brand APL Apollo. Apart from Cricket, APL Apollo has been associated with another mega sport ‘Kabaddi‘ in a big way. APL Apollo was the Principal Sponsor of the team “Haryana Steelers” in Pro Kabaddi League 2019. APL Apollo enjoys a vast product portfolio of over 1500 varieties of Structural Tubes to be used for Residential and Commercial Construction and Infrastructure development.
The Companys vast distribution network of over 800+ distributors is spread all across India, with warehouses cum-branch offices in over 28 cities. APL Apollo is further looking to strengthen its pan-India presence on the back of the growing popularity of its state-of-the-art product range. As per the plans, APL Apollo is in the process of launching several new products in the coming months. APL Apollo is the first-ever company to move from commoditized products to branded products particularly in the structural steel pipes segment. APL Apollo is constantly moving up the ladder with its strong pan-India network of over 50,000 dealers & 2,00,000 fabricators.
This content comes to you under an arrangement with NewsVoir. Source


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Campaign have released their annual Top 50 Media Agencies and in what has been a testing year, we are thrilled to have climbed from 50th to 39th. A fabulous team effort and huge thanks to our clients who have trusted us with their money. See the full list hereRead More
Mostly Media North have been working with Jamie Laing and the team behind his Private Parts podcast to promote it on TV. Sean secured airtime in Made in Chelsea on E4 alongside All4 to boost reach. Keep an eye out for the ad and check out the brilliant Private Parts podcast.Read More
Our Digital Team have put together a brilliant guide to Privacy Sandbox, Googles alternative to 3rd part cookies….. Privacy Sandbox – what is it & what does it all mean? With so many up-coming changes road mapped by Google for 2021, we have put together the following guide to help advertisers and brands de-bunk the […]Read More
Mostly Media have welcomed Group Account Director, Kieren Mills, to the company’s board. Kieren joined the business in February 2020 from Bray Leino, where he was head of broadcast. Managing Director, Stuart Smith said ‘following what can best be described as a turbulent year, we absolutely believe that Kieren adds a huge amount of value […]Read More

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Op-Ed: The long journey of ‘local’ seafood to your plate
Another glorious Golden State summer is upon us. San Joaquin Valley peaches are at their height and rolling in to farmers markets from Silver Lake to Mar Vista. Alice Waters’ foragers are plucking Napa zucchini blossoms for the chefs at Berkeley’s Chez Panisse. Barbecues in Sonoma are primed for grilling Niman Ranch grass-fed steaks.
And California squid are being caught, frozen, sent to China, unfrozen, processed, refrozen and sent back to the United States in giant 50,000-pound shipping containers.
That’s right: Every year, 90% of the 230 million pounds of California squid (by far the state’s largest seafood harvest) are sent on a 12,000-mile round-trip journey to processing plants in Asia and then sent back across the Pacific, sometimes to seaside restaurants situated alongside the very vessels that caught the squid in the first place.
Even as the locavore movement finds ever more inventive ways to reduce the distance between farm and table, the seafood industry is adding more and more food miles to your fish. And it’s not just squid. Overall a third of what is caught in American waters — about 3 billion pounds of seafood a year — is sold to foreigners. Some of those exports, such as California squid, wild Alaska salmon and tons and tons of Bering Sea pollock, make the round trip to Asia and back into our ports, twice frozen.
Why? To begin with, Americans want their seafood recipe-ready, and seafood distributors here don’t want to clean it. It’s messy, it takes time and, of course, it costs money. For many processors, the much lower labor costs in Asia make it less costly to pay for transporting squid to China and back than to clean it here.
Moreover, seafood processing plants are typically located close to the shore, which is exactly where well-heeled people like to build homes. Across the country, processing plants, oyster farms and canneries have been pushed out of their valuable shorefront locations by residents who didn’t want them next door. As a fisherman in Gloucester, Mass., told me recently: “Fish houses are getting turned into hotels all the time. But you never hear about a hotel getting turned into a fish house.”
So are we to let our seafood production infrastructure vanish entirely and watch dumbly as American fish and shellfish slip down the maw of the vast churning seafood machine of Asia? Moreover, do we really want to intermingle our food supply with the apparatus of China, a nation that is cruelly stingy with its labor force and that had such severe problems with food safety in 2007 that it executed the director of its food and drug administration for accepting bribes?
I would argue no.
And there are finally starting to be opportunities for keeping our seafood here — from net to table. In the last five years, dozens of community-supported fisheries, or CSFs, have been formed along U.S. coasts. Like community-supported agriculture co-ops, CSFs allow consumers to buy a share in the catch at the beginning of the season and receive regular allotments of guaranteed local seafood. CSFs help fishermen enormously by giving them start-up capital before they get out on the water. They also lock in a good price for fish that helps fishermen exit the ruthless price-crunching commodity market.
A few CSFs are even taking on squid. Alan Lovewell of Local Catch Monterey Bay CSF is collaborating with Del Mar Seafood of Watsonville to micro-process 1,000 pounds of squid for the Local Catch buying coop. This summer, for the first time, Local Catch members will get fully fresh (instead of double frozen) squid tubes and tentacles that make for fabulous grilling, stir-fries and Italian zuppa di pesce.
Yes, they’ll pay more for it. But if all Californians were to do it this way, economies of scale would prevail. It costs processors about $1.50 extra per pound to process squid here in America. Wouldn’t you be willing to pay that kind of premium to keep your squid fresh and out of China?
And even if you don’t have access to a CSF, there’s always the option of cleaning the squid yourself. Currently, the 10% of unprocessed squid that doesn’t go to China often gets used as bait. If you ask your fishmonger, you might be able to get some of that whole squid yourself. It’s really not that hard to clean it. And if you mess up the first time around, it’s not a big deal. Squid are actually incredibly cheap compared with most seafood, and it is high in omega-3s and minerals to boot.
The next time you fire up the backyard barbecue, consider buying a pound or two of California’s tentacled native seafood, getting out your knife and cutting board and experiencing squid as it’s meant to be eaten: fresh from the ocean and bursting with flavor.
Paul Greenberg is the James Beard award-winning author of the bestseller “Four Fish” and the new book “American Catch: The Fight for Our Local Seafood.”
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Apple supplier, Foxconn Technology Group, reeling from a crisis triggered by China’s strict zero-Covid-19 policy, is offering new incentives to entice back workers who fled its major iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, the capital of central Henan province, reports the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Employees who left between October 1 and November 10, when thousands fled over Covid-19 fears, could qualify for bonuses adding up to US$1,672. On top of the hourly rate of 30 yuan (US$4.2), relatively high pay for Chinese workers, Foxconn promised a bonus of 3,000 yuan if they stayed for 30 days and another 3,000 yuan if they remained in the “closed loop” compound for at least 26 days in December, according to the SCMP.
The hourly rate for January remains 30 yuan, while workers will receive a Lunar New Year “gift package” of 6,000 yuan if they turn up for work for at least 23 days in January. Foxconn has been plagued by worker protests as well as COVID-19 restrictions in China.


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Magnetic said Thursday it will merge with MyBuys to expand its focus on multichannel marketing and personalization. The combined company will enable marketers to better connect with people by creating one view of the purchase journey across devices and channels during all stages of the buying process.
The combined entity will operate under Magnetic’s name led by James Green, Magnetic’s CEO. MyBuys CEO Rita Brogley will join the Magnetic Board of Directors. The new Magnetic will have $100 million in revenue and a global footprint of 700 customers.While Magnetic’s platform collects search and purchase intent signals from shoppers looking to make a purchase on hundreds of thousands of sites. MyBuys leverages deep knowledge of consumers’ online and offline purchases and shopping behaviors to deliver personalization solutions. This combination helps marketers to prospect, acquire, convert and reactivate customers across a variety of channels, including display, email, on-site, and mobile, from one platform in real-time.


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VIVO Cannabis (TSX.V: VIVO) (OTCQX: VVCIF), a leading provider of premium cannabis products and services for the medical and adult-use markets and holder of licenses under the Cannabis Act through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Canna Farms Limited, Abcann Medicinals Inc. and Harvest Medicine Inc., this morning announced the release of its Q4 and 2018 annual financial and operating results. “The VIVO team achieved significant milestones in 2018, leading to substantial increases in net revenue, cash position, production capacity, organizational effectiveness and customer development,” VIVO CEO Barry Fishman said in the news release. “The strategic acquisitions of Canna Farms and Harvest Medicine were important drivers of our improved financial results. Through the acquisition of Canna Farms, we have added an award-winning BC craft brand, are leveraging best practices, and have dramatically increased capacity. Harvest Medicine provides a scalable network of medical cannabis clinics offering industry-leading patient care and access to critical data to shape our innovative product development efforts. VIVO remains committed to changing the way people view cannabis and to ensuring medical patients and adult-use consumers have access to our premium cannabis products and services.”
To view the full press release, visit http://cnw.fm/YAkM6
About VIVO Cannabis(TM)
VIVO Cannabis(TM), based in Napanee, Ontario, is recognized for trusted, high-quality products and services. It holds production and sales licenses from Health Canada and operates world-class indoor cultivation facilities with proprietary plant-growing technology. VIVO has a collection of premium brands targeting unique customer segments, including Beacon Medical(TM), FIRESIDE(TM), Canna Farms(TM) and Lumina(TM). In August 2018, VIVO acquired Canna Farms, a premium cannabis company based in Hope, British Columbia. Canna Farms was B.C.’s first Licensed Producer and has several years of craft cultivation experience and expertise, as well as a significant patient base and positive cash flow. The Company is significantly expanding its production capacity and pursuing partnership and product development opportunities domestically, as well as in select international markets, including Germany and Australia. VIVO also operates Harvest Medicine, a patient-centric and highly scalable network of specialty medical cannabis clinics as well as a free telemedicine app. VIVO has a healthy balance sheet and is well-positioned to accelerate its growth in Canada and internationally. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.VivoCannabis.com.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to VVCIF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/VVCIF
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Americans now say they approve of free trade by 64%-27%, a margin of better than two to one. That's up from 57%-37% early in Trump's presidency, and 51%-41% near the end of...Politicsread more
The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note briefly fell below the 2-year rate on Wednesday, a phenomenon in the bond market known as yield curve inversion, which is...Marketsread more
The MacBook Pro recall and its subsequent ban from flights underscores the increasing brand risk from problems with lithium-ion batteries.Technologyread more
Experts say the timing of Amazon executives' contributions to Rep. David Cicilline likely reflect the company's heightened urgency over growing regulatory scrutiny.Technologyread more
CNBC combed through Wall Street research to see which stocks are still a buy after their earnings reports.Marketsread more
Despite aggressive strides, Waymo needs one thing before their self-driving cars become a seriously useful transportation system: people. We talked to the ones closest to it.Technologyread more
Coinbase security chief Philip Martin explains, "Possession of a key is possession of your currency. What that means is that you can't revoke a cryptocurrency key, if that key...Technologyread more
Fraud investigator Harry Markopolos' accusations extended beyond GE's management to actuaries, auditors and analysts who he claims overlooked billions in liabilities.Marketsread more
The Supreme Court could strike down the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency Elizabeth Warren has likened to her child and which Justice...2020 Electionsread more
Bianco Research's James Bianco suggests Wall Street is desperately looking for a signal that a 50 basis point cut is coming next month.Trading Nationread more
The company's S-1 lays the groundwork for what is widely expected to be one of the largest initial public offerings of the year, second only to Uber's IPO in May. It's also...Technologyread more
Lifestyle authority and television personality Martha Stewart has entered a business partnership with Canopy Growth, one of the globe's largest marijuana producers, to develop hemp-derived CBD products.
Stewart will play an advisory role at Canopy and will assist in developing a broad new line of animal health products, the company said Thursday. The partnership includes Sequential Brands Group, a consumer brands company in the fashion, active and home categories that works with Stewart.
With several clinical trials underway, the company said it plans to leverage Stewart's consumer experience while exploring the effects of CBD on human and animal health.
"I am delighted to establish this partnership with Canopy Growth and share with them the knowledge I have gained after years of experience in the subject of living," said Stewart. "I'm especially looking forward to our first collaboration together, which will offer sensible products for people's beloved pets."
The collaboration comes as Canada's major cannabis producers scramble to secure market share in the nascent U.S. and Canadian markets. Demand for marijuana and THC products has skyrocketed in Canada following its decision to legalize recreational use in October, leading to supply shortages across the country.
Interest in CBD, or cannabidiol, is already booming. That will likely only increase as more recognizable brands introduce their own CBD products into the market. Although companies are prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration from adding CBD to food, beverages and dietary supplements in the U.S., many are doing so anyway.
For weed growers, partnerships with iconic names like Stewart are key to building consumer trust. Even though people are becoming more comfortable with cannabis, there's still some taboo they'll need to overcome. And that's where celebrity partnerships and joint ventures come in handy. Tilray, another Canada-based pot grower, recently collaborated with Authentic Brands to develop cannabis-infused foot creams, cosmetics and other consumer products.
"As soon as you hear the name Martha, you know exactly who we're talking about," said Bruce Linton, Canopy Growth chairman and co-CEO. "Martha is one of a kind and I am so excited to be able to work alongside this icon to sharpen our CBD product offerings across categories from human to animal."
For Canopy, Stewart's name graces hundreds of products at more than a dozen retailers. One can buy Martha Stewart shoes at Aerosoles, Martha Stewart organization products at Staples, Martha Stewart roses at BloomsyBox and a Martha Stewart rolled and stuffed hampshire porchetta roast at Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, to name a few.
Based in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canopy Growth operates 10 licensed marijuana and hemp production sites with over 4.3 million square feet of production capacity. In the company's most recent quarterly earnings report, Canopy said it sold 10,102 kilograms (10.1 tons) of pot and pot equivalents in October through December alone.
Stewart isn't Canopy's first celebrity partnership.
Canopy subsidiary Tweed unveiled a partnership with entertainment and cannabis icon Snoop Dogg in February 2016, complete with curated content and brand strategy. Later that year, Tweed began selling three varieties of cannabis in Canada under the "Leafs by Snoop" brand, including varieties dubbed "Sunset," "Ocean View" and "Palm Tree" in a nod to the rapper's California heritage.


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Kelly’s Printing Works or KPW as it is now known, was founded by the late Sylvester Kelly in St Michael’s Square in 1949. Starting in a 200 sq. ft. workshop, the business purchased the old “East Galway Democrat” premises in Society Street in 1950 and in 1983 they moved to Poolboy Industrial Estate where they now operate from a 30,000 sq. ft. unit, catering for all types of printing for the home and international markets. Now trading under the name KPW Print Management with Brendan and Michael Kelly as directors, the company now employs over 30 people and it proudly boasts the third generation of the Kelly family employed in the business.
Celebrating its 70th Birthday this year is truly a momentous milestone in the history of Ballinasloe after a 33-year-old man had the foresight to establish a “New-look Printing” outlet. Unfortunately Sylvester passed away inside six months of its opening but his brother Michael took over the reins when he purchased “The Democrat” in 1950. He was joined by his sons, Ken in 1955, Michael S. in 1969 and Brendan in 1980 before modern technology forced the family to seek more space. They became the first occupants on the new Poolboy Industrial Estate, when in November 1983, they moved into a 5,000 sq. ft. specially designed plant.
Soon the company was employing for the first time and as the business grew they were forced to add new equipment and enlarge their factory space to a massive 30,000 sq.ft. over a few years. They became the first printers in the West of Ireland to introduce computer continuous printing, with the installation of a £1.2million machine, which attracted customers from every county in Ireland as well as overseas. KPW was even contracted to print Electricity Bills for the Ugandan Government as well as customers in South Africa and Australia. Now employing over thirty workers, the company have six graphic designers to meet the needs of its medical and corporate customers nationwide.
“Customer relationships are paramount here in KPW” said MD, Brendan Kelly. “We have a great team here who can cater for all types of designs, printing and delivery. Our 24-hour express colour printing service is in big demand while our range of Memoriam, Wedding and Baby Cards is comprehensive” he explained. Brendan further added “Printing has changed a lot over the past seventy years and we have moved with it. We have now one of the most modern plants in Ireland, producing everything from a raffle ticket to programmes, hardbound books, cheques, continuous stationery, all-weather outdoor signs, rollup display signs etc. The recent elections saw up print for candidates in ten constituencies which was an indication of our quality service.”
KPW have kept abreast with many changes in its industry – an industry that has claimed the demise of so many print companies over the past 12 years. KPW has invested wisely and conservatively over the same period and has made crucial decisions to partner with like-minded companies where they share expertise and particular types of work that is to each other’s satisfaction. While KPW now boasts a major producer in the production of Pharmaceutical and medical life instruction leaflets to many of Ireland’s leading companies, it still relies on commercial print work and continues to design, print and stock hold products for Ireland’s biggest hotel chains, supplying not only their Irish sites but also their UK outlets.
To meet the needs of their loyal customers, five years ago KPW made a significant investment in the production of sign making equipment. In particular for the past month they have been very busy producing Election signage for all the parties in the Local and European elections. “KPW wishes to acknowledge the loyalty shown by so many politicians who continue to support their local printer. Likewise we are fully aware of all the local businesses who have supported KPW since 1949. The company makes every effort to support local businesses and to buy locally and to always offer our own customers any business we can!” concluded Brendan Kelly.
Find out more by visiting www.kpw.ie
CLICK HERE to read the Latest Ballinasloe News Articles


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Dead Cells ‘Fatal Falls’ DLC Revealed to Release in 2021 and Main Game Revealed to Have Sold 3.5 Million Copies
Motion Twin and Evil Empire have announced that their award winning rougelite, Dead Cells will be receiving its 22nd major DLC update in Quarter 1 of 2021. Additionally, this marks the second paid DLC that the game will have received in its lifetime. This paid DLC, dubbed ‘Fatal Falls’ will cost $4.99 and will introduce a great variety of new content.
A teaser trailer for this upcoming DLC has been uploaded by Motion Twin. You can view this teaser trailer below:
Two new biomes, The Fractured Shrines and The Undying Shores are confirmed to appear as well as a new boss. These new additions are parallels to the Stilt Village, Clock Tower and Timekeeper areas and their alternate paths. A cache of new weapons is also confirmed for this upcoming DLC and details on those will be revealed in the near future. All of these additions aim to provide players with new exploratory gameplay options, and difficult to overcome challenges.
The first paid DLC for Dead Cells, ‘The Bad Seed’, dropped earlier this year for $4.99 and also granted players an impressive slew of new content.
Additionally, it was revealed that Dead Cells has now sold over 3.5 million copies, a truly landmark accomplishment.
Dead Cells is currently available on a multitude of platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox, iOS, Android and PC via Microsoft Windows and Steam.
This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate Noisy Pixel earns from qualifying purchases.


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Rise in purse snatchings seen in Salem
Fosters Daily Democrat
SALEM, N.H. (AP) — Police in Salem, N.H., are warning shoppers about a sudden rise in purse snatchings.
Six people have had purses or wallets stolen out of shopping carts at six different stores in Salem: The Christmas Tree Shops, Marshalls, Kmart, TJ Maxx and Market Basket.
Police said they're not sure if the crimes are connected. They're urging shoppers to zip up purses and don't leave pocketbooks unattended in carts.
Police also plan to put undercover detectives in store parking lots during the holiday season.
Information from: WMUR-TV, http://wmur.com


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Charlotte Region’s best showing on Fortune 500 since 2007
The Charlotte Region is now home to nine of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States, and 18 of the largest 1,000. Fortune Magazine’s Fortune 500/1000 list, released Monday, showed Charlotte adding three companies to the Fortune 500 list and two to the Fortune 1000 list in one year alone.
Charlotte newcomers Honeywell (92) and Truist (217) joined longtime Fortune 500 headquarters like Bank of America (25), Lowe’s (44), Duke Energy (123), Nucor (139) and Sonic Automotive (301). Hickory-based telecommunications company CommScope jumped into the Fortune 500 at No. 381 after ranking 569 in 2019. Brighthouse Financial (457) joined for the second year in a row.
Dental equipment maker Dentsply Sirona, the produce of a merger between German-based manufacturer Sirona and Pennsylvania-based Dentsply, ranked 642 on the list after officially moving its headquarters to Charlotte in 2019. Davidson-based Ingersoll Rand also rejoined the list at 881. Domtar (532), Coca-Cola Bottling Company (562), JELD-WEN (618), Albemarle (683), Curtiss-Wright (875) and SPX Flow (999) round out the Charlotte Region companies on the Fortune 1000.
It was the Charlotte Region’s best showing on the list since 2007, when the region also had nine Fortune 500s. Since then, many classic Charlotte Region companies had fallen off the list, despite maintaining employment and operations in the Charlotte area. This was mostly due to consolidations and private equity buyouts – such as Wells Fargo’s purchase of Wachovia, Kroger’s merger with Indian Trail-based Harris Teeter, Sycamore Partner’s purchase of Belk and Campbell’s merger with Snyder’s Lance.
The addition of new Fortune 500/1000 companies shows the Charlotte Region remains an attractive location for business expansion, particularly as larger metros have become more and more expensive.
Posted by: Chuck McShane, Senior Vice President, Economic Research @ 4:32:00 pm


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adidas and Nike revealed as most visible brands on social media platforms
- adidas most visible brand on social media, with 6.6 million logo images posted a month
- Burberry revealed as most positively perceived logo, with FedEx most negative
- Report finds that bank brand logos are regularly used by fraudulent accounts
The brand logos which appear the most on Instagram and Twitter posts have been revealed, with sports brands adidas and Nike leading the pack. The results, which are included in a new report by Brandwatch, are a reminder of the challenge that rights holders face in controlling their intellectual property on social networks – and the need for brand protection practitioners to continually evolve their practice in the online space.
The insights are from the latest study by Brandwatch – entitled “2018 Brand Visibility Report” – which analysed over 250 million images posted online to find which brand was pictured the most. The leader, by a wide margin, is adidas with over 6.6 million unique images including its logo posted to Instagram and Twitter every month. To put the sheer scale of that into perspective, that equates to three images featuring the adidas logo being posted to Instagram and Twitter every second. Next on the list is Nike, at 5.1 million unique images posted every month, with sports apparel brands (eg, Puma, Under Armour) and major sports sponsors (eg, Emirates, Coca-Cola) dominating the top 20:
|Rank||Brand||Average unique images per month|
The report also studies how the top 100 brand logos used on social media are perceived when posted. The brand that has the most positive image is Burberry, with nearly 100% of uses of the logo being alongside approving text. This result is in contrast to a decade ago, when the brand was fighting a reputation battle in the UK after Burberry products – spurred by a rise in counterfeit goods – became synonymous with so-called “chavs”. On the flip-side, over half of uses of the FedEx logo on social media is in a negative context, with the report noting: “FedEx’s association with the NRA has generated a swell of online abuse – since December 2017 the volume of negative images containing the FedEx logo has grown by 185%.”
There is also information on logos posted by influencers (defined as social media users with over 10,000 followers). It might be expected that this ranking would be led by brands that are well-known for partnering with social media stars, such as those in the fashion or entertainment sectors, but the report reveals it is led by financial brands:
|Rank||Brand||% images from influencers|
However, the reason such brands figure highly is not because of canny social media marketing campaigns by banking brands – it is actually due to more nefarious activity. “These brands have appeared in pictures shared by fraudulent individuals who claim they can make their followers thousands of dollars,” the report notes. “These images are so prominent, they’ve propelled three banks to first, second and third on our influencer chart.”
Indeed, reports of significant negativity and fraud associated with logos being used on social media is a reminder of the challenge faced by rights holders online. In all, brand owners face a number of core problems when it comes to social networks, specifically:
- Links contained in social media status updates and profiles to websites and social media pages selling counterfeit goods;
- Pages offering fake money, gift cards and promotions associated with a brand;
- Malware, spyware and ransomware distribution through fake social media profiles;
- The registration of user names, profiles, handles or avatars that contain brand names, trademarked terms or copyrighted images; and,
- Threatening, defamatory or false content that proliferates at high speed.
As we’ve written about extensively in the past, trademark owners have – for the most part – lost control of brand usage on social media platforms. It can often feel like knocking out one infringing account only leads to five others taking their place, with scammers and counterfeiters using increasingly sophisticated strategies on social networks. But as infringers evolve, so too must brand protection practitioners.


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A flurry of IPOs big and smaller have gone general public during the pandemic, and some have been battling extra than other folks. Better inflation and the chance of tighter financial plan has beaten down the shares of quite a few organizations which went public final calendar year, some of which have but to report a financial gain.
The most important IPOs of 2021 and 2020, calculated by the quantity of funds lifted, reveals shares of the leading five initial community offerings of past yr have fared even worse than the kinds in 2020.
Program business Snowflake (SNOW), household sharing system Airbnb (ABNB), supply services Doordash (Dash), health care organization Royalty Pharma (RPRX) and enjoyment and history label Warner Songs Team (WMG) all went public in 2020. Some of these shares are down year to day and effectively off their intra-day 52-7 days highs. Nonetheless all five are buying and selling increased than their first general public presenting selling price.
The exact same can not be mentioned for 2021’s leading five IPO’s. All of those names are now trading beneath their first general public providing selling price.
This is the checklist of previous year’s greatest choices, ranked by how much their share cost has declined from their IPOs.
*Stock down 75% from IPO price tag of $14/share
The Chinese experience-sharing giant, before long to delist from the New York Inventory Exchange (NYSE), is the most overwhelmed down name among the the most significant IPOs of the pandemic. Soon after boosting $4.4 billion in its public debut in June of 2021, Chinese regulators opened a information- and privacy-associated investigation into the company backed by Uber (UBER). In early December, Didi declared it would delist from the NYSE and move to Hong Kong’s trade, a indicator of China’s expanding clench on businesses.
*Stock down 60% from IPO price tag of $38/share
The trading app at the center of the GameStop (GME) saga previous year went public in late July, raising $2.1 billion. The stock rose to an intraday high of $85 in early August. The stock arrived at new intraday lows of just down below $10 for each share, but has because then jumped to trade all around $15. Robinhood’s 2nd quarter past year smashed anticipations amid history crypto investing, but the organization noticed a slowdown in the third and fourth quarters of 2021.
*Stock down 40% from IPO cost of $35/share
Shares of the South Korean e-commerce enterprise are about 40% from their IPO price of $35. The enterprise elevated $4.6 billion in March of final 12 months. The inventory surged on its to start with working day of buying and selling, providing the enterprise a valuation of all-around $109 billion. The company’s valuation now hovers previously mentioned $36 billion.
*Stock down 35% from IPO value of $43/share
The courting app wherever only women can initiate a dialogue raised $2.15 billion when it went public on Feb 10, 2021. Shares of the Austin-based mostly enterprise reached an all-time high of $84.80 quickly immediately after going general public. They have declined a lot more than 40% given that November.
*Stock down 21% from IPO rate of $78/share
Rivian elevated $11.9 billion after pricing its stock at $78 a piece on November 10, 2021. Shares of the electric powered car (EV) startup, backed by Amazon (AMZN) and Ford (F), soared on their initial day of buying and selling, closing just higher than $100 each and every. The inventory continued to increase in the times pursuing its community debut. The enjoyment surrounding the IPO highlighted trader urge for food for all items in the electric powered automobile room, just after a long time of EV giant Tesla (TSLA) currently being the only recreation in city. Rivian’s market place cap improved up to $153 billion by mid-November, but has considering the fact that declined. Quite a few electric auto players have declined not too long ago amid the prospects of bigger curiosity costs to overcome inflation. Rivian’s valuation presently sits all over $55 billion.
Ines is a marketplaces reporter masking shares from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Observe her on Twitter at @ines_ferre
Study the most current economical and organization information from Yahoo Finance


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SINGAPORE: Singapore wants to attract more market-leading manufacturing firms to anchor their operations in the country, as it works towards its new goal to grow the manufacturing sector by 50 per cent over the next 10 years.
Having top companies set up shop here will enable Singapore to be entrenched in the global value chain, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing on Monday (Feb 1).
At the same time, it will help to grow the local business ecosystem and provide workers with better jobs, he told reporters after visiting gene sequencing company Illumina’s manufacturing facility in Woodlands.
Last week, the minister announced a new target to achieve 50 per cent growth in manufacturing over the next decade, while keeping the sector’s share of the economy at 20 per cent in the medium term.
More than just a quantitative target, this aims to pave the way for a “qualitative transformation” of the sector with more emphasis on innovation and producing higher-value products, as well as hiring more local workers.
One part of the strategy is to attract “frontier” or best-in-class companies to Singapore, Mr Chan said at the time.
These include market leaders in new growth areas like agri-technology, biotechnology and urban mobility, and not just those in manufacturing sub-sectors.
READ: Singapore aims to grow manufacturing sector by 50% over next 10 years
Illumina - an industry giant estimated to hold a 75 per cent share of the genetic sequencing market worldwide - is one such example, according to the minister.
Since starting operations in Singapore in 2008, it now counts its Woodlands' facility as the company's biggest manufacturing site around the world.
With a 1,300-strong workforce here, Illumina produces 95 per cent of the global demand for microarray bead chips and 85 per cent of global core sequencing consumables which are used for the diagnosis of diseases.
“This is what we mean by having the sort of companies in Singapore that will make us harder to be displaced from the global production and supply chain,” Mr Chan told reporters via a Zoom press conference.
“We are not here in the mass market, whereby we are competing on price. They are competing on the quality of their ideas, the quality of their research, the quality of their production.”
READ: IN FOCUS: After COVID-19, where are the Singapore economy, workforce headed?
Illumina also works closely with local enterprises and this, according to Mr Chan, illustrates how leading global firms can “catalyse a generation of supporting industries that can help to grow (Singapore’s) manufacturing sector”.
“As these frontier companies or frontier investments continue to grow, they will also bring along a wave of small- and medium(-sized) enterprises in Singapore to grow with them so that's very important,” he said.
Workers also stand to benefit as jobs that these next-generation manufacturing firms offer are “no longer about working in a dirty, dangerous, repetitive environment”, the minister added.
Based on what he observed at Illumina’s production floor, Mr Chan described that impression as “totally passe”.
“What we are seeing now are people who are working at the cutting edge of technology, in clean rooms,” he said.
“The kind of consumables they are able to produce, from enzymes to chemicals, are all if you like 'secret recipes', of which many are developed in Singapore.”
He added that the manufacturing jobs being created for Singaporeans are “not just about repetitive work”, and will require “cross-disciplinary skills”.
“It is constantly trying to look for new solutions and new products, (and) require people to have an agile mindset to combine R&D with production.”
READ: Singapore can be 'a more digital, more resilient advanced manufacturing base' for the world: DPM Heng
Lastly, Mr Chan noted that Singapore will “have to keep advancing (its) work” so as to keep pace with the latest demands of the industry.
To position the country as an advanced manufacturing hub, Singapore will adopt three strategies: Invest in infrastructure with the Jurong Innovation District as a “one-stop” advanced manufacturing campus; build a strong research ecosystem through initiatives such as the Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy to identify new skills and coordinate training efforts; and support firms in Industry 4.0 transformation projects.


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Designer News is where the design community meets.
almost 4 years ago from Serdar S
Apple 101: Instead of just releasing a newer version, they call it pro for that you shell out extra cash.
Noise cancellation and water resistance seem like nice upgrades IMO.
It's the type of upgrade you would get from the iphone basic model as well, starting at 7, without the pro markup.
Where the design community meets.
Designer News is a large, global community of people working or interested in design and technology.
© 2023 Designer News Ltd.


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Stunning beauty Samantha Akkineni has recently been in news for her photoshoot with Upasana Konidela’s health website. Sam is promoting URLife website and even became a guest editor for it. In her recent click, Samantha once again tagged Upasana and her website.
She is in awe of her fashion designer and she is not wrong. Samantha looked beautiful in the marvelous black saree with an Arabic word written all over it. With a sleeveless jacket and white sneakers on, she is looking delightful. The beaming smile on her face is worth a million bucks. Isn’t it?
Samantha who is active on social media a lot has focused on growing flowers and vegetables in the lawn. Her web-series ‘Family Man’ is gearing up for release in the next few months. She will also be a part of a triangular love story featuring herself, Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara. It will be directed by Vignesh Shivan.


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(NASDAQ:WBA) during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
During last 5 trades the stock sticks nearly 0.37%. Through this figure traders can analyze that WBA show whether or not a stock now most active and standing in buying side or sell side. This marks the 42nd consecutive year that Walgreens Boots Alliance and its predecessor company, Walgreen Co., have raised the dividend. Howe & Rusling Inc. boosted its position in Walgreens Boots Alliance by 209.2% in the first quarter. Over the last three months, the shares of the company have changed -5.52% and performed -7.60% over the last six months. Walgreens Boots Alliance's revenue for the quarter was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. Putnam Investments LLC now owns 4,090,605 shares of the pharmacy operator's stock valued at $338,539,000 after buying an additional 804,863 shares during the period. RB Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Walgreens Boots Alliance during the fourth quarter worth $261,000. The current share price indicates that stock is -11.91% away from its one year high and is moving 3.11% ahead of its 52-week low. However the price at the close of last session was -1.00% lower than its 50-day moving average and -0.78% under its 200-day moving average.
The P/E ratio is 19.70 and market capitalization is 83.47B.
Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:WBA) opened at 77.72 on Friday. The pharmacy operator reported $1.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $1.30 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $30.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $29.72 billion. However it has a net margin of 3.70%.
Conagra Brands, Inc. (CAG) have shown a high EPS growth of 2.30% in the last 5 years and has earnings decline of -37.10% yoy. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.18 earnings per share.
Analysts reviewing Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. have recently updated their recommended buy/sell ratings and price targets on the stock.
The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 18th will be paid a $0.40 dividend. A statistical measure of the dispersion of returns (volatility) for WBA producing salvation in Investors mouth, it has week volatility of 1.05% and for the month booked as 2.02%. This is a boost from Walgreens Boots Alliance's previous quarterly dividend of $0.38. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 16th. Walgreens Boots Alliance's dividend payout ratio is now 37.78%.
ILLEGAL ACTIVITY NOTICE: This piece of content was originally published by Transcript Daily and is owned by of Transcript Daily. If you are accessing this piece on another site, it was illegally copied and reposted in violation of US & global trademark and copyright legislation. Shares of WBA have sank -5.52% in the past three months, while the S&P 500 has dropped -9.89% in that time. Zacks Investment Research upgraded Walgreens Boots Alliance from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Wednesday, March 29th.
The Target Price for Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:WBA) is $92.24/share according to the consensus analysis of analysts working on the stock. Jefferies Group LLC reiterated a "buy" rating and issued a $95.00 price target on shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance in a research report on Friday, March 31st.
03/27/2017 - Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. had its " rating reiterated by analysts at Robert W. Baird. Barclays PLC set a $79.00 price objective on Walgreens Boots Alliance and gave the company a "hold" rating in a research note on Saturday, April 1st.
The collective rating of 2.5 for The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) also leans strongly towards the neutral end of the spectrum. Analysts pegging the company with a rating of 3 would be indicating a Hold recommendation.
In other news, Director William C. Foote sold 2,736 shares of the business's stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 3rd. Moving averages are considered to be lagging indicators that simply take the average price of a stock over a certain period of time. Institutional investors own 61.22% of the company's stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 21,887 shares of the company's stock, valued at $1,879,874.43.


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B$Z: Remedy Communications To Happily Assist SPY Through PR Support In 2014
Remedy Communications To Happily Assist SPY® Through PR Support In 2014
"As SPY turns 20 this year, we couldn’t be more excited to act as an extended part of their team in showcasing their innovations to a broader audience,” commented Bill Byrne, account director for SPY at Remedy Communications.
Press Release from Remedy Communcations
SAN DIEGO, C.A. (March 25, 2014) — Remedy Communications is happy to announce they will be supporting SPY® Inc. (OTCBB: XSPY) in their public relations and earned media efforts throughout 2014. SPY has been on a major upswing the last few years with the introduction of its patent-pending Happy Lens™ and new product lines such as the premium Crosstown Collection, both greatly increasing the brand’s appeal to media outside of the action sports landscape. Based in San Diego, the Remedy Communications team has decades of experience helping action sports and similar lifestyle brands broaden their editorial coverage, making it a solid choice for helping SPY increase its media exposure in 2014.
“In the few months we’ve been working with SPY we’ve already seen a great amount of interest and editorial exposure with mainstream and tastemaker media. As huge as action sports culture is today, there’s a still a massive amount of media out there who are either unaware of the major players in this world or simply haven’t taken a look at what they have to offer lately. As SPY turns 20 this year, we couldn’t be more excited to act as an extended part of their team in showcasing their innovations to a broader audience,” commented Bill Byrne, account director for SPY at Remedy Communications.
Remedy Communications was founded by senior-level public relations professionals to provide an alternative PR partner for brands looking to broaden their exposure through earned and social media channels. With experience that includes some of the biggest brands in action sports, as well as startups, consumer electronics manufacturers, defense contractors, hospitality groups and Fortune 500 companies, the Remedy team has the diverse background needed to help brands succeed in the constantly changing media landscape.
To learn more about SPY and its innovative Happy Lens, go to www.spyoptic.com.
Media looking to connect with Remedy on the latest offerings from SPY can email Bill Byrne directly at email@example.com or 858-366-4827, ext. 111.


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Investors in European retail property funds have a major test coming up. According to the European Association for Investors in Non-listed Real Estate Vehicles, there’s a sizable glut of these funds reaching their scheduled termination phase between now and 2020.
In its annual INREV Funds Termination Study 2018, an eyewatering €5 billion of retail vehicles are slated to be winding up over the coming 18 months, more than half the overall €9.6 billion of funds scheduled for termination during the period. We are talking about a significant dump of retail property.
Rightly, the association has highlighted conditions are hardly timely for so many exits. “At a time when retail is facing multiple challenges, liquidation of these funds could add further pressure to the sector,” it said as it announced the findings of the study this week.
Indeed, according to its own Retail Funds Index, the total return for European retail funds is worsening. The index has registered a five-year annualized return of 7.44 percent; a three-year return of 7.23 percent; and a one-year return of 5.11 percent. Looking at its performance over a tighter, and more recent, timeframe: 2.02 percent in Q4, 2017 has become 1.32 percent in Q1, 2018 and 1.02 percent in the second quarter.
INREV still sees reasonably consistent institutional loyalty to retail property from its Investor Intention Surveys: in this year’s poll 75 percent of respondents wanted to continue investing in the asset type, down marginally from 75.9 percent last year and 77.9 percent the year before. But while aspirations have ticked along for this traditionally stalwart property food group, they have moved considerably elsewhere. Logistics appetite moved from 54.4 percent in 2016 to 58.6 percent last year and 64.3 percent in 2018. More profound, investors have wanted way more exposure to residential: 58.8 percent in 2016 became 73.2 percent this year. From a relativity standpoint, investors are saying ‘yes please’ to sheds and beds, while they plod on with their retail engagement.
But it will take episodes like the coming wave of fund terminations to discover whether even plodding will remain the case. Typical to most funds, there are provisions to extend. So the litmus test comes in whether these provisions are actually evoked or whether losses – or lower returns – are cut.
UBS said in its latest UK market outlook paper, published this week: “Performance of assets is becoming more intrinsically linked to the quality and dominance of retail offers and proximity to prime pitch.” The Swiss bank has recorded dwindling investment volumes in the asset class each year from 2015 as only the most trusted retail asset types change hands. One private real estate secondaries buyer told PERE this week, most of the assets contained in a fund near termination time are the worst of the portfolio. Consequently, he will not be holding his breath for meaningful volumes of purchases – unless, of course, the discounts are compelling.
To be sure, a gloomy outlook is not a UK-only thing. Sentiment in Germany, Europe’s other major retail market, is similarly downcast. In a game played at PERE’s Germany roundtable this month, managers from Corestate Capital, Aviva Investors, Europa Capital, Savills Investment Management and Ardian each picked a retail type when asked to identify a ‘falling knife’ in today’s marketplace.
Given the current trajectory facing arguably property’s most disrupted asset class, it would take a brave investor to approve extensions in the hope of a brighter future for their current exposures. Come 2020, we will know for sure. We will see by then how many investors ultimately took the decision to take a haircut today to avoid a head shearing tomorrow.
To contact the author, email email@example.com.


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Hardcore tech company Tesla is in the process of building a Dojo supercomputer that is faster than stacks of GPUs. It will become a single accelerator for AI training by rapidly processing millions of hours of video.
At AI Day 2022, the AI team, including Dojo Project lead Ganesh Venkataramanan and Tesla director Peter Bannon talked more about the company's supercomputer. Tesla has begun building a massive, specialized hardware stack called Dojo in order to train its AI through video that the company's vehicles assemble and feed back to Tesla. To get the performance needed by the AI team to work with the 30 petabyte footage storage, the manufacturer went dense with its hardware.
A key step towards reaching its goals was the training tile that the company unveiled during AI Day in 2021. Tesla was trying to figure out how to make its Dojo design scalable, and ran into some issues along the way, which is an integral part of the process. Venkataramanan said that no limits philosophy was the guiding point for Dojo. Dojo Principal System Engineer Bill Chang explained that the vision for the supercomputer is to build a single unified accelerator, “a very large one.”
The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is important in supercomputer assembly. So Tesla worked with vendors to deliver power solutions. As a result, according to Chang, CTE has been reduced by more than 50% and Dojo's performance has tripled compared to the original expansion. He added that solving density at every level is the key to achieving performance. Tesla Principal Engineer Rajiv Kurian shared images of Cybertruck on Mars generated by stable diffusion running on Dojo.
Important information is that Tesla could loan Dojo to companies to train their APIs. Of course, the company is building Dojo to first and foremost train its own AI, but in response to a question from one of the event attendees, Musk said the company probably would not sell its custom cabinets as a business. Instead, Tesla will probably sell compute time on a Dojo.
© 2022, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.
We appreciate your readership! Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
About the Author
Eva Fox joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover breaking news as an automotive journalist. The main topics that she covers are clean energy and electric vehicles. As a journalist, Eva is specialized in Tesla and topics related to the work and development of the company.


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The coronavirus has displaced millions of workers across the country. In order to recover, companies must focus on re-skilling their workforces in a measured and sustainable way. However, training and recruitment can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for companies, a heavy investment that is hard to explain during volatile times.
To Bharani Rajakumar, the founder of Transfr, the dilemma of displaced workers is the perfect use case for virtual reality technology. Transfr leverages virtual reality to create simulations of manufacturing-plant shop floors or warehouses for training purposes. The platform’s entry-level gives workers a way to safely and effectively learn a trade, and companies a solution on mass up-skilling needs.
At its core, Transfr is building a “classroom to career pipeline,” Rajakumar says. Companies have influence over the training they need, and students can turn into entry-level employees within vocational schools, on-site or within training facilities. Below is a presentation from the company highlighting the trainee experience.
Transfr’s core technology is its software. Hardware-wise, the business uses Facebook’s Oculus Quest headset with Oculus for Business, not the generic customer hardware available in stores.
Transfr makes money by charging a software-as-a-service licensing fee to companies, which can go for up to $10,000 depending on the size of the workforce.
Transfr started as a mentor-based VR training programming play. The business sold courses on everything from bartending to surgery skills, as shown below:
The shift to displaced worker training, Rajakumar says, came from realizing who had the purchasing power in the relationship of entry-level employees. Hint: It was the companies that had the most to gain from a higher-skilled worker.
Virtual reality has gotten an overall bump and better reputation from the coronavirus pandemic, but is yet to massively be adopted among edtech founders. Rajakumar thinks that it could be revolutionary for the sector. He first saw virtual reality when he attended a gaming conference in San Francisco in 2017.
“I can’t believe that gaming and pornography are the two big industries for this technology,” he said. “I don’t think anybody understands what this is gonna be for teaching and learning.”
Labster, which offers schools VR simulations of science class, had product usage grow 15 times since March. The company raised money in August to expand to Asia.
Labster CEO and co-founder Michael Jensen says that Transfr’s gamification and simply UX is good for adoption, but noted that production costs could be the biggest barrier toward making the company scale.
“It’s simply too expensive to build a stable, well-polished VR application still today, and all players, us included, need to think about reusability, testability and scalability to be able to truly succeed.”
Transfr is trying to lower costs by creating a catalog of work simulations, a Transfr virtual reality training facility of sorts, that it can then repurpose for each different customer. Each month, it adds to the training facility with new jobs that are in demand, helping it scale without needing to start from scratch with each new customer. Since March, Transfr’s customers have quadrupled.
Most notably, though, is Transfr’s recent work in Alabama. The company is behind a statewide initiative in Alabama where its software is being used in the community college system and industrial workforce commission for re-skilling purposes. It’s through these large contracts that Transfr will truly be able to scale in its mission to train workforces. Rajakumar hopes to sign 10 to 15 similar contracts in the next year.
It’s an ambitious goal, and one worth raising financing to achieve. Transfr today announced that it has raised $12 million in a round led by Firework Ventures. The money will primarily be used to grow Transfr’s catalog of virtual reality simulations. While the company is not yet profitable, Rajakumar says that Transfr “could be” if they wanted to move at a slower growth rate.
“Before COVID, people would say we’re such good Samaritans for working on workforce development,” he said. “In a post-COVID world, people say that we’re essential.”


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Google’s upcoming mid-range offering the Pixel 4a has been doing the rounds on the internet for a long time and now it would appear that a launch date has been revealed. Google has made no official announcement regarding the Pixel 4a, like it did months before for the Pixel 4-series, new information leaking from one of Germany’s telecom carrier puts the launch of the Pixel 4a on 22 May.
A German website has revealed the Pixel 4a sale date as May 22nd, courtesy some internal documents of Vodafone. This means that the Pixel 4a could launch a week or two before going on sale. The smartphone is expected to take on the iPhone SE 2020, which is Apple’s new affordable iPhone. The latter has been priced in the US starting at $399 (Approx Rs 32,500 in India) and the Pixel 4a is also rumoured to start with the same price tag.
It would still be wise to take these rumours with a pinch of salt since nothing has been officially confirmed and the release date has been spotted in internal documents at Vodafone.
There has been a significant amount of leaks surrounding the Pixel 4a which has gives us a picture of what we can expect from the device. The handset is tipped to sport a 5.8-inch flat display with a 443ppi screen and a rather disappointing 60Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 4a design is widely rumoured to include a punch-hole display on the front and squarish camera bump on the back with a single camera and an LED flash. This means there will be no space to place the custom Soli Radar chip, a feature which incidentally blocked the Pixel 4 from selling in India.
In terms of processing, a dated Snapdragon 730 chipset is being touted for the Pixel 4a. The phone will have the Titan M security chip and will feature a 3080mAh battery. RAM and storage configurations for the device include up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage with no option to expand using a microSD card.
On the back, the Pixel 4a has been seen to have a single camera layout in square housing alongside the LED flash. The headphone jack is likely to be retained on the Pixel 4a.


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Former manager Kaitlyn Lukehart, who is now a manager at the company's Wyomissing location, attributed the closure to slow foot traffic.
The business debuted July 31 amid a sea of other frozen yogurt shop openings, which included Mixies in Emmaus, Frozenlandia in Easton and Menchie's in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.
But fear not, sweetFrog fans! According to the company's social media associate James Denison, sweetFrog is in final negotiations with a franchisee to open a shop at Dorney Park in South Whitehall Township. The company hopes to finalize the agreement within the next two weeks, he said.


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Every week I bring you the latest Adwords News. This week’s stories are about ads killing the web, AMP landing pages, advertising for launches and Google’s response to Safari updates.
Google rolling out support for AMP landing page in AdWords search campaigns globally
In May, Google announced it was running a beta test with advertisers to test driving traffic from mobile search ads to AMP landing pages. On Thursday, the company said all advertisers will be able to point mobile search ads to AMP landing pages beginning in two weeks.
This Adwords news was shared by Ginny Marvin on the Search Engine Land blog. Although AMP pages are ugly (in my opinion), they load almost instantly and that should be good for user experience. Some Adwords advertisers will benefit from this, some won’t but the best Adwords advertisers will test to see which format converts better. What do you think about the ability to use AMP pages and do you think this means AMP will become a ranking factor for SEO?1
How advertisers can score big on the next device launch
We’ve all seen the news headlines. They queue, they camp, they chant. And sometimes, they even stampede. Just to get their hands on a new device.
This is an interesting article shared by Purna Varji on the Search Engine Watch blog. Purna works for Bing ads, who have crunched their data to tell advertisers the best way to advertise for new mobile phone launches. This is obviously very hand information if you’re in the mobile phone market but I think the data will still give insights for other launches. If you’re involved in product launches or events this article should be a good read.2
Ads Are Killing the Web: Are You Part of the Problem?
A plague of bots has brands paying to have their ads clicked by non-humans. Wildly varying “viewability” standards allow ads few humans can view, while other ads make it impossible for humans to see anything but the ad. Programmatic buys fund fake news and hate-speech sites, damaging both society and the brands unwittingly writing the checks. Media-buying agencies take kickbacks. And so on.
Wow this is a passionate article written by Kirk Cheyfitz on the Content Marketing Institute blog! Of interest to me was Kirk pointing out that Facebook and Google are monopolies… and monopolies get to charge premium prices. That’s certainly true for Adwords and I guess Facebook ads will head in the same direction. What are your thoughts on digital monopolies – should they be broken up, curtailed, supervised?3
Google responds to Apple’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention with AdWords tracking update
In June, Apple introduced Intelligent Tracking Prevention, an initiative aimed at limiting third-party trackers from capturing cross-site browsing data, in the next version of Safari, coming out this fall. The move has implications for ad performance tracking for Google and others. On Thursday, Google sent an email to AdWords advertisers outlining changes it is making in response to Intelligent Tracking Prevention.
This news from the Search Engine Land blog describes Google’s response to Apple’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention. The crux of this story is that Apple’s change will impact conversion attribution in Google Adwords. Therefore Google are having to developing a new cookie to capture this information. I personally don’t think this will impact Adwords advertisers as I think Google will realise how important this data is to advertisers and ensure there is a workaround. Perhaps there should be a standard that all browsers follow – thoughts?4
Well that’s it for Adwords news this week. Hope you have a great week and if you want to reach out for help with your Adwords Advertising please contact me.
- Google rolling out support for AMP landing page in AdWords search campaigns globally, Google rolling out support for AMP landing page in AdWords search campaigns globally, http://searchengineland.com/adwords-amp-landing-pages-rolling-out-globally-282206, Ginny Marvin, 2017-09-07
- How advertisers can score big on the next device launch | Search Engine Watch, How advertisers can score big on the next device launch, https://searchenginewatch.com/2017/09/08/how-advertisers-can-score-big-on-the-next-device-launch/, Purna Virji, 2017-09-08
- Ads Are Killing the Web: Are You Part of the Problem?, Ads Are Killing the Web: Are You Part of the Problem?, http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2017/09/advertising-killing-web/, Kirk Cheyfitz, 2017-09-08
- Google responds to Apple’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention with AdWords tracking update, Google responds to Apple’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention with AdWords tracking update, http://searchengineland.com/google-analytics-adwords-response-apple-intelligent-tracking-prevention-282233, Ginny Marvin, 2017-09-08


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Google has announced it has added a new attribute to Google Alternate Profiles for LGBTQ+ owned corporations. This new attribute will also be added within your verified Google Alternate Profile and it makes it more uncomplicated to gain LGBTQ+ owned corporations in their very have community.
What the attribute appears luxuriate in. Right here is what the new LGBTQ+ owned attribute appears luxuriate in in a industry listing in Google Maps or Google Search:
The pleasant technique so that that you must add the attribute. Right here are the steps so that that you must add this attribute to your Google Alternate Profile:
- Whisk to your Alternate Profile. Be taught the ability to gain your profile.
- Steal out Edit profile Alternate data.
- Design the head, fetch out the More tab.
- Steal out the class that you must must exchange.
- Subsequent to the attribute, fetch out Sure or No.
- Must you’re done updating your attributes, fetch out Put.
Varied attributes. Express has had this form of attribute since Could presumably 2021, here is one other case of where Google is taking part in take as a lot as Express. In 2018, Google launched family-led (which is no longer accessible), outmoded-led and ladies folk-led attributes, in 2020 Google added sunless-owned attributes and in 2021 Google added a latino-owned attribute in industry profiles.
One be conscious, Google did salvage the LGBTQ+ Honorable and Transgender Safespace abet in 2020, this new attribute is more aim and is designed to correct highlight LGBTQ+ industry dwelling owners a lot luxuriate in Sunless-owned and Latino-owned attributes pause
Pleasure month. Google added that the “LGBTQ+ community represents nearly 8% of the American inhabitants, with 20% of Gen Z figuring out as a member of the community. Because the replace of LGBTQ+ americans enlarge, so does our presence and prominence in our communities. In fact, there are 1.4 million LGBTQ-bustle corporations in the U.S., accounting for $1.7 trillion a year in earnings too. Over the previous decade, Google has partnered with the Nationwide LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and 30 local affiliate chambers to pork up and develop LGBTQ+ owned corporations and organizations. On the current time, Develop with Google’s partnership with the NGLCC has helped thousands of LGBTQ+ owned corporations develop their digital abilities and thrive on-line. As we celebrate Pleasure, it’s principal to be conscious visibility and illustration are crucial, all year round. A flag in the window of a tiny industry has the energy to bellow weird and wonderful americans collectively, to celebrate our pleasure, honor our history, and fight for our various community. It’s our hope that this attribute will allow industry dwelling owners to celebrate their identity and community with the sector.”
Why we care. Attributes luxuriate in these can abet generate visibility in your profile, so whilst you qualify for any of these Alternate Profile attributes, that you must add them to your profile – and at least test it out. Firms must leverage any advantage they’ll to abet develop their earnings and their customer faulty. Plus, it is high-quality to seem for Google to continue to promote range.
New on Search Engine Land
About The Creator
Barry Schwartz a Contributing Editor to Search Engine Land and a member of the programming crew for SMX events. He owns RustyBrick, a NY essentially essentially based web consulting firm. He also runs Search Engine Roundtable, a preferred search blog on very stepped forward SEM issues. Barry will also be followed on Twitter here.


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BELOIT, Wis., Feb. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As Presidents' Day deals roll out early online, FatWallet aggregates hundreds of store-wide sales and exclusive coupons from dozens of the top big name brands and stores to help shoppers quickly find the biggest savings. The annual promotion features a one-stop resource to compare some of the largest discounts of the year (20-80% off) on clothing, outerwear, home furnishings and winter travel deals. Presidents' Day sales and coupons can stack with increased cash back from Sears, Carter's, Expedia, Orbitz, Hotels.com and other stores, creating additional savings for smart hoppers.
Much like Cyber Monday, Presidents' Day has evolved into a full week of discounts from most major retailers. "The best savings in February happen during Presidents' Day sales, rivaling some of the deepest discounting we see all year," states FatWallet spokesperson Brent Shelton. "It's a great opportunity for families to stretch their upcoming tax refunds by finding savings on a variety of big ticket items they can buy now, and pay off later by taking advantage of 0% financing."
Presidents' Day shoppers can also capitalize on February's traditional electronics clearance as retailers reduce prices on last year's inventory to make room for new 2015 products that launch early spring. Top tech stores like Dell, Lenovo, HP and Rakuten offer significant discounts with cash back for online shoppers in the market to purchase big screen TVs, wearables, cameras and electronics accessories. These sales are part of winter clearance with limited quantities and sell quickly. Shoppers can increase their chances to score these limited deals by setting alerts in the FatWallet Hot Deals forum.
About FatWallet: The one-stop shopping resource for millions of smart consumers, FatWallet.com publishes thousands of current store discounts and coupon codes that stack with Cash Back rewards from 1,700 online retailers, including Kohl's, Amazon, Target, and Ebay. The much celebrated FatWallet forums represent the pulse of an evolving online marketplace where smart consumers gather to share and learn. The new FatWallet Express is the "easy button" for online shoppers to assure cash back on every purchase, and FatWallet Deal Hunter app helps mobile shoppers compare thousands of current deals on-the-go.


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Olympics get blue Wii with Mario, Sonic
Bundle includes a Wii, Wii Remote, nunchuck, and the two biggest characters in gaming putting aside their high-octane platforming hijinks to compete in horse-riding and rowing competitions.
On your marks, gamers. Nintendo is applying a lick of Sonic-blue paint to its Wii console as part of a new bundle celebrating Mario and Sonic's latest outing at the London Olympics.
The Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (snappy title) limited-edition pack is out on November 18, and we hear it comes with a copy of the game, a blue Wii, Wii Remote and nunchuck, and some stickers. Yep, stickers.
Read more of "" at Crave UK.


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eToro and FinTech Acquisition Corp V have agreed to terminate the merger agreement first announced in March, ending eToro’s planned public listing.
There will be no termination fee due to a failed agreement. The merger was announced in March 2021, and the transaction completion deadline is June 30.
eToro co-founder and CEO Yoni Assia said of the development:
“While this may not be the result we expected when we started the process, eToro’s underlying business remains healthy, the balance sheet is strong, and we will continue the future balance growth with profitability. We ended Q2 2022 with 2.7 million accounts funded, an increase of more than 12% compared to the end of 2021, indicating customer acquisition and retention rates have continued to increase over time.”
Fintech Acquisition Corp V is a special purpose acquisition company dealing with mergers, stock exchanges, asset acquisitions, and share purchases in the fintech industry. Such companies are also known as blank check companies.
Both companies will be disappointed with the final result, but the crypto market has been experiencing much worse incidents lately. eToro appears to be facing the effects of the recent market crash as it saw the layoff of 100 employees, about 6% of its workforce.


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HILLSBOROUGH, NJ – Regina Egea, president of the Garden Sate Initiative, a non-profit “think tank” that provides analysis and commentary on issues and events impacting New Jersey will join a panel of local business owners and central New Jersey business advocates to examine the local economy as New Jersey slowly emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic and begins to recover.
“Our goal is to connect state and local issues,” she said. “We take broad research at the state level and talk about that at the local level to see how state policies are affecting their economy.”
Residents and the business community are invited to join “Hillsborough and the Economy: What is Next After COVID?” on Thursday, June 3 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The virtual event is sponsored by the TAPinto Hillsborough news website and the Garden State Initiative.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwudeGgrjksGdwrd30BGbot-ZqgNnuSCeb7
The forum will focus on the long-awaited Route 206 bypass and its impact on local business and the creation of a passive restaurant and retail district along the “old” Route 206 which is to be designated “Business Route 206.” A ribbon-cutting to commemorate the opening of the 3.6-mile bypass is scheduled two days after the forum on June 5.
The forum will also take a look at local businesses and how they survived the damaging effects of the pandemic and the township’s decision last week to ban the sale of marijuana on the retail level, warehousing and farming.
Critics at the May 26 public hearing said the township was being short-sighted, eliminating potential tax revenue from legal cannabis businesses, but the Township Committee, by a vote of 4-1 said it was under the gun, facing an Aug. 21 deadline to “opt in” or “opt out” of state mandates that would impose a five-year commitment to the rules and regulations still being promulgated by the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
The township does have the option of reevaluating its decision once the rules and regulations are finalized by the commission.
“Leadership and foresight at the local level is necessary in any partnership with the state,” Egea said. “If you want to foster new business, the town should be in control of that economic development.”
Other panelists include:
– Chris Edwards, president and CEO of the Somerset County Business Partnership, which represents nearly 900 businesses large and small and 70,000 employees;
– David Kois, Hillsborough Township Business Advocate who works with over 600 businesses in the township;
– Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani and owner of Central Jersey Nurseries, a third-generation business that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020;
– Jeremy Lees, owner of Flounder Brewery which continued its expansion and relocation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The online forum will be moderated by veteran journalist Rod Hirsch, owner and editor of the TAPinto Hillsborough news website.


text: Houston’s oldest operating Half Price Books location will soon likely be on the move to the Westchase Shopping Center. According to the Houston Chronicle, HPB leased space at 10915 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042. This portion of the shopping center was originally part of the mall space, between Target and Weingarten. The space to be developed into the bookstore has most recently been Spirit Halloween and Mattress One. Prior to this, it was a Shoe Carnival, originally serving as a Walgreens in the mall days, and for a few years after. Attempts by Houston Historic Retail to confirm the move, ended with the answer “it’s a possibility” from the store Kirkwood store staff. The current location is 11960 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077 which is just about a mile and a half from the leased space. This move comes only months after HPB left Houston’s other former Weingarten mall, in an unrelated matter. According to the site plan for the current store, this move will cost the bookstore just over 2,000 Square Feet of space.


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By Chanyaporn Chanjaroen, Bloomberg |
June 24, 2013
At a time when the LME is poised to enter China, the rival Shanghai Futures Exchange wants a bigger share of the global market.
By Bloomberg News |
May 28, 2013
The Shanghai Futures Exchange said it will open its delivery warehouse network to overseas investors while adding depots.
U.S. has most to gain, least to lose
Institutional interest in bitcoin surges as trading products mature
CFTC charges California resident with fraud, unauthorized trading
Currency pairs test supports
Simplifying fibonacci for traders
Central banks take center stage
Getting into gold with bull spreads


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BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Water District (BWD) assured residents and visitors that there will be substantial water supply that will be distributed to the consumers during the expected prevalence of the dry months that is expected to extend up to June this year.
BWD general manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca said that consumers in the city need at least 50,000 cubic meters of water daily that could increase to 55,000 cubic meters daily during the peak tourism months compared to the production of some 47,000 cubic meters of potable water daily from available water sources in the different parts of the city.
Currently, BWD has a total number of 42,870 residential and commercial consumers with a growth rate of more or less 1,500 consumers monthly.
“We do not want that our deep wells will be over used in producing adequate water supply for our growing population that is why we continue to resort to looking for additional and alternative sources of water which will be equitably distributed to the consumers in the city’s barangays,” Royeca stressed.
The BWD official admitted that by forcing existing deep wells to produce water will not do good to the city’s aquifers that is why some of the water district’s deep wells have stopped operations considering the depleted supply in the said areas, thus, the water reserve from the existing rain catchment basin in Mount Sto. Tomas is being used to augment whatever inadequacy in the existing supply.
According to him, the presence of the catchment basins will allow some of the water district’s deep wells and other sources to recover until the rainy months so that the same will be able to produce adequate supply of water for the increasing population triggered by rapid migration of people from the countryside.
Royeca admitted that one of the challenges being confronted by the water district is the proliferation of illegal deep wells that tend to compete with its existing deep wells in the production of water thereby affecting the vibrance of the city’s aquifers.
He added that BWD continues to look for other potential sources of potable water which they could distribute to the consumers to help address whatever inadequate supply that will be created, especially during the dry season when the supply in the city’s aquifers becomes limited.
Royeca admitted that the provision of water supply to the residents and visitors is actually challenging because of the need to provide adequate water supply to people living in highly elevated areas in the city considering that there are sources of water that are situated below the highly elevated areas, thus, the need to pump up the water and bring the same to the residents living on top of the mountains in some of the city’s barangays.
BWD is supportive of the proposal to establish the Department of Water that will be provided with sufficient powers that will regulate the operation of illegal deep wells so that the same will not compete with the water production of legitimate deep wells operated by the water district so as to ensure the stability of water supply in the city during the dry months.
Royeca asserted that water districts are empowered to address the occurrence of water shortages in their areas of jurisdiction for the consumers to be assured with abundant water supply year round even if it will be on a rationing basis./Dexter A. See


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NEW YORK -- Shock, the hyper-caffeinated coffee containing over 50% more caffeine than traditional coffees, was featured yesterday morning on NBC's The Today Show.
Hosts Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, Natalie Morales and Al Roker sampled the brew, said to be the first coffee of its kind, created with the most potent blend of coffee beans ever assembled, according to the company.
Among the Shock items displayed during the segment on The Today Show coffee table were airpots, Shock-a-Lots candy, several Shock chilled beverages and the [image-nocss] actual coffee poured into cups featuring the Shock logo.
After drinking one of the Shock chilled beverages, Roker jokingly began to announce the weather forecast with an unusually rapid-fire delivery. The hosts spent several minutes talking about the product.
Shock coffee is comprised of beans selected for a combination of taste and caffeine content, the company said. The blend was created over a long testing period with secret roast specifications. The product's catch phrase is Sleep Is Overrated.
Currently distributed in more than 25 states, New York City-based Shock Coffee will soon be rolling out in many additional markets including the New York metro area, said the company.
With the introduction of Shock Coffee and its related products, we have created an entirely new niche category within both the hot and chilled beverage industries, said Jeff Rosen, president and CEO. The beverage is targeted particularly toward a young, upwardly mobile and very active demographic.
The Shock Coffee product line includes four ready-to-drink chilled coffee beverages including Shock Latte and Triple Latte as well as Shock Mocha and Triple Mocha. Also, Shock distributes Shock-a-Lots, a chocolate covered, hyper-caffeinated coffee bean candy.
We are taking specialty coffee to a higher level, touted Rosen. You might say we are the Red Bull of coffee.
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Payday loan providers see by themselves as a choice for those who have woeful credit that have nowhere else to get. Often, they argue, an online payday loan could be the «smartest choice whenever customers look at the usually greater expenses of bouncing a check, having to pay overdraft security charges, or incurring belated re re re payment penalties,» Amy Cantu, spokeswoman for the munity Financial Services Association, a trade team that represents payday loan providers, penned in a contact.
There clearly was a great dependence on short-term credit to greatly help an incredible number of Us citizens that are residing paycheck to paycheck, she explained. Industry figures help that claim. CFSA analysts estimate that 19 million American households simply take away $38.5 billion in payday advances yearly.
«Lenders who’re people of CFSA are regulated and certified, and so they uphold a strict group of mandatory top practices that ensure important defenses for customers,» Cantu stated. «this consists of a long payment plan вЂ” at no charge вЂ” for any debtor whom might want more hours to cover back once again their loan.вЂќ


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During Microsoft's Windows 10 hardware press event today in New York City, the company has confirmed that Windows 10 has been installed on over 110 million devices since it launched on July 29.
Microsoft also announced some other stats related to Windows 10:
- There have been over 650 billion webpage views on the Microsoft Edge web browser
- Gamers have streamined a total of 120 years of cumulative gameplay from Xbox One to Windows 10
- 1 billion questions have been asked to Cortana on Windows 10
- Share of Windows 10 retail sales has grown every month since launch
- Over 1.25 billion visits to the Windows Store have happened on since Windows 10 launched
- Windows 10 app usage is up, with users spendingg more time using the Netflix Windows app than with the Netflix website
- Over 8 million business PCs are already running Windows 10, and businesses are moving faster to Windows 10 than any previous release.
- 50% of managed business customers are already trialing Windows 10
Stay tuned for more news from today's Windows 10 hardware event from Microsoft.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.


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Businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy can get help and possibly financial assistance through the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency.
The county is establishing a center dedicated to assisting the reconstruction and recovery efforts of those businesses, according to a statement from County Executive Ed Mangano.
“Getting Nassau County businesses reopened is an absolute priority and we believe our dedicated program will assist those affected businesses with their recovery and reconstruction, efforts,” Mangano said in the statement. “I urge any affected business in Nassau County to call or email a soon as possible. We will have economic development professionals available to provide the necessary instructions.”
Eligible small businesses may receive up to $99,000 to be used toward their recovery efforts through the IDA’s Local Enterprise Assistance and Development Services program. The program provides eligible small businesses with help through a sales tax exemption on any furniture, fixtures, equipment and material purchased for repair and reconstruction.
The storm assistance program will be staffed by the Nassau County IDA and can be reached via (516) 571-1745 or by email at email@example.com.


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Polser International was founded in Izmir, Turkey in 1980 by entrepreneur and civil engineer Abdulkadir Cinar. His sons, Ahmet and Alpay oversee the company today. Polser designed and produced polymer bath tubs at first, but in the 1990s innovated glass fiber reinforced plastic in transparent corrugated sheets. The company grew rapidly and expanded throughout the world. Today, Polser is a leader in FRP materials, selling to customers in 70 countries around the world.
As a global leader in FRP products with headquarters in Turkey, Polser International is investing in a warehouse distribution facility in Elkhart, Indiana. They are an innovation leader in the design and development of FRP and composite fiber reinforced plastic materials used in the production of recreational vehicles, buses, commercial trucks and other transportation industry vehicles.
Ahmet Cinar, managing director and owner of Polser International says it is a wise and advantageous decision to invest in Polser USA. “Our customers will benefit from shorter lead times, better interaction with engineering and sales, and the most competitive pricing.” Speaking of leadership at the new Indiana location, Cinar says, “We’ve hired an Elkhart native to be President of Polser USA. Greg Glanders brings over 27 years of supplier-side experience, and we are confident that he can help build our quality brand as we serve the RV market.”


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The Diamond Princess — the cruise ship that became the epicenter for the coronavirus outbreak outside of China — was not owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL). However, the entire cruise industry quickly felt the effects of the crisis. Cruises are on hold globally, and cruise lines are lobbying for a bailout. At this point, RCL stock is down 82% in 2020.
With taxpayers up in arms about the prospect of an industry bailout, multiple cruise ships still unable to find a port willing to let them dock, and the global coronavirus pandemic worsening, is it game over for Royal Caribbean? Or is this the opportunity of a lifetime to snap up RCL before the stock recovers?
Few sectors have been hammered as badly over the past month as the cruise industry. Since the Diamond Princess was quarantined in Japan over confirmed coronavirus cases on February 4, cruise lines have seen their stocks sink in value.
RCL is down 82% so far this year. Carnival (NYSE:CCL) — the parent company of Princess Cruises (operator of the ill-fated Diamond Princess) — has slumped 80%. Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH) is down by 84% so far this year.
At this point, 21 cruise ships are known to have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Passengers are ill with the virus, there have been passenger deaths, or the ships are sailing the oceans in a futile attempt to find a port willing to let them dock.
A Global Perspective on RCL Stock
Most global cruise lines have announced they are suspending operations for at least the next month. Headlines are beginning to speculate the coronavirus may well spell the end of the $45 billion U.S. cruise industry.
Speaking to The Guardian, Boston University school of hospitality administration professor Dr. Christopher Muller explains why this is a disastrous time for the cruise industry. He says cruise lines will feel the impact even worse than airlines:
“When you have 3,500 people booked on one of these mega cruises and the boat doesn’t go, it’s an enormous expense. Someone’s paying for that boat that’s sitting idle in the harbor and it’s very hard to recapture those ongoing fixed-cost losses. Airlines have much smaller capacity vehicles, so while grounding a 150- or even 400-seat airplane is expensive, they can react much quicker.”
What about talk of bailouts? While the President favors financial assistance for the struggling cruise industry, Democrats are pushing back.
A big problem is the way cruise lines have operated. American cruise lines have employed various strategies including flying their ships under foreign flags specifically to avoid paying U.S. taxes and to pay workers lower wages.
That hasn’t endeared companies like Royal Caribbean to the public, especially when they turn around and ask for government assistance using taxpayer dollars.
Bottom Line on RCL Stock
The knee-jerk reaction is to write off cruise lines as toast in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
Massive cruise ships were front and center during the early stages of the coronavirus crisis, with images of quarantined passengers on the front page. Cruises are on halt for at least a month. Ships full of anxious passengers are still in the headlines as they sail from port to port, looking for a country willing to let them disembark.
It definitely looks bad for the industry.
But there is still room for hope for Royal Caribbean. There’s the possibility of financial assistance from the U.S. government. Even without that, cruise patrons have an infamously short memory.
Do you even remember the 700 passengers sickened by a norovirus outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas in 2014? If history repeats, the image of passengers trapped on the balconies of the Diamond Princess as it was docked in Japan — while harboring hundreds of coronavirus infections — will likely fade.
That’s why investment analysts have an average 12-month price target of over $100 for Royal Caribbean. They don’t necessarily see RCL stock recovering fully to its record highs any time soon, but they don’t see this cruise line going under, either.
InvestorPlace’s Will Ashworth has Royal Caribbean featured as one of his seven service stocks to buy on coronavirus weakness. He notes that “RCL stock is cheaper than it has been on a valuation basis since 9/11,” and points out that the company remains under the direction of a capable CEO who’s been tested by crisis before.
In short, RCL stock is bound to continue feeling the impact of the coronavirus for some time to come. It may not have hit bottom yet. However, this cruise line is well-positioned to set sail again — as is RCL stock.
As of this writing, Brad Moon did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.


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Tucson Water toilet rebate aims to reduce water usagePosted: Updated:
As the summer heat hits Tucson, another thing this city doesn't doesn't want to lose: water. But the key to conservation could come with a simple flush of the toilet.
Tucson Water hopes a toilet rebate program will help prompt more people to replace those old pieces of porcelain.
"Toilets are just one of those fixtures that everybody uses everyday, several times a day, whether they're at work or at home."
That's why Tucson Water's encouraging people to trade in their old toilets for high-efficiency models. They use just over a gallon of water per flush, which the company estimates they can help the city conserve as much as 40,000 gallons of water each year.
"We actually rely on the reductions in water use through the increases in efficiency we gain whenever we do something like change out an old toilet and put a new one in."
Since July 2008, Tucson water has handed out rebates to people who replace their old toilets.
To qualify, participants must use Tucson water service and replace a toilet installed before 1991 or one that uses more than 3.5 gallons per flush.
The most basic high efficient toilet costs around $150. Residential customers can get back half of that money. For commercial customers it's even more, 75%.
"Its a no brainer. Its a really great idea."
Ernie Guthrie, who has sold toilets for years, says in the past some customers have been skeptical of the high efficiency toilets saying they take a few flushes. But he says the newer models are similar to older toilets and now more dependable, "The manufacturers are very particular about making sure they flush adequately, its to their benefit not to put something out that's going to flush one or two times."
Last year Tucson Water replaced more than 3,200 high water use toilets. This year it plans on replacing more than 3,700.


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Not too long ago, Audi confirmed that it is working on an electric crossover to launch in 2018. The car will join the Q1 and Q8 in the German firm’s ever expanding fleet of SUV models.
According to newly emerged reports, a concept of the car will be unveiled at September’s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2015. The car could reportedly be dubbed the Audi Q6 e-tron and in initial concept specification, could feature an all-electric powertrain. When the car reaches the market however, it’s possible that it could also be produced with a plug-in hybrid system or even as a hydrogen SUV.
Whatever powers the Audi Q6 e-tron, it will be based around the company’s MLB Evo architecture featured on the latest Audi Q7. When it hits the market, it will directly rival the upcoming Tesla Model X. The car will have an electric range of at least 500 km and possibly even more.
The Q6 e-tron will act as the most expensive and efficient variant of the broader new Audi Q6 range. The range more generally will rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and BMW X6. Consequently, it will also be offered with a number of different petrol and diesel-powered engines.
The launch of the Audi Q6 and all of its preceding variants will play a major part in the German marque’s plan to increase its range from 52 cars to 60.
[Via Automotive News Europe]