text:
With our motto in mind, Ever Researching for a Brighter World, NICHIA will continue to contribute to the world.
NICHIA strives for customer satisfaction by manufacturing various line-ups of High Luminous Efficacy, High Quality, and High Reliability LEDs.
Together let's revolutionize the use of light and energy using earth-friendly materials!
- Oct. 15, 2014
- [NSSW304D-HG-V1][NSSW306D-HG-V1]Nichia released A Small Packaged Side Emitting LED.
- Aug. 21, 2014
- [NVSU233A]Nichia released Ultra High Power, High Reliability, 1,4mm dice UV-LED.
- Jul. 2, 2014
- [NCSU276A]Nichia released high power, high efficiency, resin enculsulated UV-LED.
- What's New Archives


text:
Leading South African Supermarket Chain Now Accepts Bitcoin Payments
Crypto Comeback Pro is a crypto trading tool for investing in the crypto market with an %88 average win rate on trades and is the #1 trading software for crypto traders from all around the globe in 2022. Try it For FREE Today.
The ongoing Crypto Winter has mellowed down the enthusiasm towards cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin. However, some good news has arrived from a Superstore in South Africa.
Pick n Pay is a leading grocery and appliance store in South Africa that has recently added payment support for Bitcoin. The shoppers will be able to make payments for their purchases using Lightning-network wallets such as Zap and BlueWallet.
To make the announcement, the parent company of the store has also issued a public statement informing the masses about the new adaptation.
The press conference suggests that the Bitcoin integration is the celebration of the completion of the first phase of the pilot mobile purchase application with success.
To make Bitcoin payments possible for their consumers, Pick n Pay has partnered with a secure mobile application platform.
The company also declared that it has been trying to introduce the same feature for its other stores. As per the company statement, shoppers can process their transactions with debit or credit cards.
On the other hand, the consumers can also scan the QR code generated by the application and use it to make conversions in RAND or legal tender in SA.
In addition to fast transactions, the transaction charges for these payments are also only 70 cents, and the time required to process them is smaller than 30 seconds.
Bitcoin Payment Option is now Available at Pick n Pay Stores
According to the local media reports, Pick and Pay has introduced the service in Western Cape Area. The pilot phase has been going on for around five months.
The company has claimed that it is planning to make more integration around the globe in more than 29 stores and has intentions to make it universally available among all branches.
Chris Shortt, company executive of IT at Pick n Pay, has told the media that by adding Bitcoin payments, the company has managed to deal with high and low-value transactions with equal efficiency. He further claimed that it would also set the trend for financial inclusion in SA.
Furthermore, the organization aims to open its doors to the latest innovations and technology. The Bitcoin community sees this news as positive addition and an extension of its use case.
Deep Into Blockchain is not responsible for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products or any other content posted on the site. Some of the content on this site (namely Branded Content Posts) is paid content that is not written by our authors and the views expressed do not reflect the views of this website. Any disputes you may have with brands or companies mentioned in our content will need to be taken care of directly with the specific brands and companies. The responsibility of our readers who may click links in our content and ultimately sign up for that product or service is their own. Cryptocurrencies, NFTs and Crypto Tokens are all a high-risk asset, investing in them can lead to losses. Readers should do their own research before taking any action.

domain: news


text:
Intel in the Final Stages of the Bidding Process for Mellanox
On Wednesday, Calcalist reported that Intel is in the bidding to acquire the Israeli chipmaker
For daily updates, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here.
Intel declined to comment.
Mellanox stated it "does not comment on rumors."
JP Morgan has yet to respond to a request for comment.
Intel is both a customer and a competitor of Mellanox.
In October, CNBC reported that Mellanox contracted a financial adviser in response to takeover interest from at least two companies. Piper Jaffray analysts named chipmaker Xilinx Inc., Intel, and Broadcom Inc. as potential buyers in a note later that month. In November CNBC reported that Xilinx is one of the interested parties, with Barclays as an advisor.
The first half of 2018 has seen Mellanox plagued by a boardroom control struggle with activist investor Starboard Value LP. Starboard acquired a 10.7% stake in the chipmaker in November 2017 and proceeded to try and overhaul the board with its own candidates, accusing management and board members of excessive spending and poor governance practices. The two came to an understanding in June. Starboard currently has an 8.3% stake in the company.
Mellanox published its fourth quarter and full year results for 2018 Wednesday evening, announcing record revenues of $1.08 billion for 2018, a 26% increase year over year. The company reported GAAP net income of $134.3 million for the year, compared to a net loss of $19.4 million in 2017, and GAAP earnings per (diluted) share of $2.46, compared to a net loss of $0.39 in 2017.
For the fourth quarter, Mellanox reported revenues of $290.1 million, an increase of 22.1% year over year, and GAAP net income of $42.8 million, compared to a net loss of $2.6 million in the same period in 2017. For the first quarter of 2019, Mellanox forecasts revenues of $295 million to $305 million.
Mellanox was up 7.19% on Nasdaq on Wednesday market close.


text:
On the same day the San Bernardino mass shooting captured our attention, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill to ban the use of what are called microbeads in cosmetics.
"The worst part of this stuff goes right through our sewage treatment plants and right into the ocean," said Kahi Paccaro of Sustainable Coastlines.
Weeks later, during his Hawaii vacation, Pres. Obama signed the bill into law.
"The ban the president put through is for the betterment of all of our health," said Paccaro.
National research shows exfoliating face wash could contain more than 350,000 microbeads with an estimated 2.9 trillion beads entering U.S. waterways each year. Local environmentalists showed KITV the problem filtered and exposed. Companies convincing consumers those little tiny beads equals a cleaner scrub and other warning of the real price to our environment.
"The interesting thing about microbeads is you almost don't see them at all, but the fish see it and they're the ones that are eating it and we don't even realize it," said Paccaro.
"Having this law apply in all 50 states, of course, is huge because it's going to protect human health and the environment across the country so my hats off to President Obama and Congress," said Sen. Mike Gabbard.
The Microbead-Free Waters Act bans manufacturers from using synthetic plastic microbeads starting July 1, 2017 and must stop selling those products by the following year. It goes further than bills introduced locally by also banning so-called biodegradable plastics, which researchers have found, for the most part, don't actually biodegrade.
A correction to a man-made problem finally in the works.
"In the meantime, don't buy that stuff," said Paccaro.
Sustainable Coastlines wants to give you a chance to help clean up our beaches. They've got another clean-up event next week on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Click here for more information.


text:
Gatorade drops Tiger Woods-endorsed drink
Where it has taken him, specifically, is to December 2009, the month in which, thus far, the number of Woods' rumored mistresses continues to exceed the date. (Writing on December 9, we're at 10, according to gossip site TMZ.) In this week's special at local Kroger (KR) Fred Meyer stores --10 32-ounce containers of Gatorade Tiger for $10 --Tiger's eyes stare out from bottles of Cool Fusion citrus blend and Quiet Storm grape blend with the famous steely gaze that now seems a little creepy.
What's most unusual about this story is that, despite all appearances to the contrary, the move by Pepsi seems to have absolutely nothing to do with Tiger's very public marital problems. The drink's discontinuance was reported in industry rag Beverage Digest in the issue dated Nov. 25, 2009, as part of a major story about Pepsi's planned changes to the line, titled "Major Changes Coming For Gatorade. PepsiCo Creating New Three-Part Product Line. Company Plans to Refocus Gatorade Beyond Sports Drinks to 'Sports Performance Innovation.'"
According to Beverage Digest's editor, he learned of the changes at Gatorade on Nov. 9, before Elin Nordegren had even gone through Tiger's phone, sparking the infamous voicemail message. A company representative said in a statement, "We decided several months ago to discontinue Gatorade Tiger Focus along with some other products to make room for our planned series of innovative products in 2010." Furthermore, Pepsi says sales of Tiger Focus were down 34% in 2009, through October.
In fact, according to Gatorade's Nov. 30 statement, the company's relationship with Tiger will continue despite the end of the Tiger Focus brand. Gatorade's PR representative told DailyFinance that Woods and his management team had been informed that the product line would be changing before the scandal sparked by his Escalade accident began; asked what his opinion of the change was, we were told, "I cannot comment for Tiger Woods."
Sports drinks are becoming less attractive as consumers have become increasingly suspicious of high fructose corn syrup and other chemically-altered ingredients, and Pepsico as a whole begins to look toward "real sugar" (typically, cane sugar syrup) to sweeten its drinks. Although Gatorade Tiger Focus only contains 25 calories per eight-fluid-ounce serving, high fructose corn syrup is the second ingredient; a red flag for many consumers looking for more natural sweeteners. Gatorade wouldn't comment on speculation that removing HFCS is one of the reasons for the changes to the product line.
Some more critical sources call this "only the first" of the losses of Woods' many lucrative endorsement deals; others believe it's simply a coincidence of timing. If anything, it points to a decrease in the effectiveness of Woods' brand equity even prior to his scandal; and it's anyone's guess how the ever-greater number of marital sins will impact his future cachet in the eyes of consumers.


text:
Japan's Finance Ministry says the country's trade surplus grew 1.3 percent in fiscal 2004 from the previous year. That is the third straight annual increase.
For the year that ended March 31, exports rose slightly more than 10 percent to $618 billion. Imports were also up, but only to about $504 billion leaving a surplus of around $114 billion.
Most significantly, according to the ministry's preliminary report, Japan's trade surplus with the rest of Asia grew by more than 14 percent.
A team of U.S. agriculture experts is to arrive in Japan next week, hoping to redress the trade imbalance with the United States somewhat by pressing Tokyo to lift its 16-month ban on the import of American beef.
Japan banned American beef in December 2003 after the United States reported its first and only case of mad cow disease. Prior to that, Japan was the largest importer of American beef - a $1.3 billion annual market.
U.S. Ambassador Thomas Schieffer says the objective fact is that American beef is safe. "We hope that people can step back a little bit from the emotion of the issue to look at it on scientific grounds. And when they do that we think that they will find that American beef is safe," he said. "After all, 300-million Americans are eating that beef every day and there are no health concerns in the United States."
For the first time since the bursting of Japan's economic bubble in the early 1990's, a major bank in the country is forming a full-scale tie-up with foreign financial institutions.
Media reports say Mizuho Bank next week will unveil details of its comprehensive retail banking tie-up with Wachovia and Wells Fargo - the number-four and number-five banks in the United States in terms of assets.
The alliance comes as a surprise, since in the past decade Japanese banks have retreated from overseas markets, instead focusing on disposing of their mountains of bad loans.


text:
A Bangladeshi garment-makers' trade body is threatening to stop production for EWM over claims millions of pounds are owed to factories. But EWM said most stock has been paid for and deals reached on other orders.
A Rolls-Royce Ghost, Hermès handbags and rare paintings were among the luxury items seized from fugitive billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi that raised $7.65 million for India's tax authorities at an auction Thursday.
Philip day’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group has reported higher profits and expansion in its luxury ops. The multi-brand group made net profit of £23.4m in its latest period with operating margins up to 10.25% from 8.27%.
Bonmarché went into administration as the week ended, with tougher-than-ever trading conditions making a turnaround unlikely. Nearly 2,900 jobs are at risk but its 318 stores will stay open while a buyer is sought.


text:
Experts have issued a warning to shoppers as the price of bread in UK supermarkets is set to soar in the coming weeks.
Those who shop in the UK's largest supermarkets, including Asda, Aldi, Tesco and Sainsbury's, will be impacted when they purchase bread with their weekly grocery shop.
The price has increased 26.7 per cent over the past year, due to a rise in demand for the key ingredient.
Other staple foods have also been impacted by the price increases, with the price of pasta also beginning to increase in the recent weeks.
Experts have said that retailers will absorb some of the price increases but that higher price tags on supermarket shelves will be unavoidable for shoppers, as global food prices are now at a ten year high.
Earlier in the month, it was reported that the the costs of fuel for transport and gas used in baking ovens had also continued to increase.
The wheat used for animal feed has also risen, though not by as much, currently running at around 16.2 per cent more than a year ago, reported trade journal The Grocer.
The news of the price increases on the staple household food items comes as the price of living has also begun to increase, with soaring gas and fuel prices.
The rising fuel costs combined with the lorry driver shortage and higher wages to battle the recruitment process have been attributed to the rising costs.
Alice Jones, analyst with agricultural body, AHDB, said: "Global wheat prices keep climbing each week on the back of supply concerns, and UK prices are following global trends."
She added: "As long as global prices keep rising there is scope for domestic prices to keep rising."
In a recent review of global food market, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization reported a 'recent surge in agricultural input prices" adding: "Higher prices of these inputs will inevitably translate into higher production costs, and eventually into higher food prices."
Gordon Polson, CEO of Britain's Federation of Bakers, told The Grocer: "Energy pricing is also on the rise, while HGV driver shortages and recruitment are resulting in increased wage rates."
And Allied Bakeries, which owns Kingsmill, said the industry was "exposed to inflationary pressure in relation to the cost of flour, as well as the gas we use in our ovens and fuel for our delivery fleet."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletterhere.


text:
Wearable heels, a fun hat to shield against the sun and a pop of colour: Sartorial queen Nicole Richie shares her fashion tips as ambassador for Golden Slipper Carnival
She's inspired by the ’60s and ’70s and has designed her own fashion label House of Harlow 1960.
And as an ambassador for Toohey's New Golden Slipper carnival, American designer and TV star Nicole Richie has shared her top fashion tips for the races ahead of her arrival in Sydney this week.
The 33-year-old daughter of legendary singer Lionel will celebrate the three-week event at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday and advised racegoers to: 'Wear a comfy heel – it’s a long day!'
'Have fun with your look': Nicole Richie shared her top fashion tips as ambassador for Toohey's New Golden Slipper carnival advising race goers to wear manageable heels and a fun hat
She added: 'Have fun with your look – add a splash of color, a fun hat or a great piece of jewellery (House of Harlow of course!)
'The sun is very strong in Australia so I would try and keep my face protected with a hat....a fashionable one.'
Citing Toni Maticevski and Kym Ellery as her favourite Australian designers for race days, the mother of two and husband of Australian singer Joel Madden, says this year's trackside trends are mid to full length hemlines.
Stylish: Nicole showed off her sartorial excellence at the Tom Ford Autumn/Winter 2015 Womenswear Collection in Los Angeles last month
'Grey tones are big this season... And for millinery I’m loving tones of burgundy red and berry.'
The Simple Life star, who will judge Australian racegoers' sartorial efforts at the event on Friday, added in a statement: 'It is such an honor to be asked to come to Sydney for such an iconic sporting and social event.
'The Golden Slipper Day is Sydney’s biggest race day and I look forward to seeing everyone trackside.'
Flamboyant: The doe-eyed star, who currently flaunts a pixie pink hairstyle, is well acquainted with Sydney having spent extended periods in the country as husband Joel fulfilled his work duties on The Voice
Tony Partridge, COO of Australian Turf Club added: 'Nicole Richie is the perfect ambassador for the new look Golden Slipper Carnival. Nicole is very popular in Australia and we know so many fans will want to see Nicole at the races.
'We hope Nicole will entice and excite a new breed of racing enthusiasts to our home in Sydney's West for the best three days of racing, fashion and hospitality on offer.'
He added that the former reality star 'epitomises' what the new look Carnival represents 'nurturing strong relationships with her children, rockstar husband and friends - all with her unique style and zest for life.'
Devoted mother: Nicole and Joel Madden and their kids Harlow and Sparrow enjoy a family day out on holiday, St Tropez, in 2013
The star, who now flaunts a pixie pink hairstyle, is well acquainted with Sydney - having spent extended periods in the country as Joel fulfilled his work duties on The Voice.
Joel, 35, and brother Benji will team up to mentor on the new season, which will see Delta Goodrem and Ricky Martin return as coaches, and Jessie J join the panel from the UK version of The Voice, which she appeared on for two seasons.
Writing on Instagram last week, Joel told fans: 'Headed down under to start work on the @thevoiceau I can't wait to hang with my fellow coaches and to work with all the great people behind the scenes at NINE! Gonna be the best season yet!'
Most watched News videos
- Terrifying moment family leap out of car as it rolls off cliff edge
- Meghan launches '40x40' mentoring project with Harry juggling cameo
- Driver frantically slaps dazed motorist face after cars crashed
- Teen 'possessed' after her drink was spiked at a nightclub
- Thief jumps into father's Mercedes with three children still sat in
- 'Help!': Drunk Frontier passenger gets duct taped to seat
- 'Push him now!' Shocking moment group of men ram car off road
- Shocking daylight machete attack in Salford leaves man fingerless
- Gentle and loving Doberman brings baby girl his favourite toys
- Migrants trudging ashore at Dungeness led by figure of a child
- Shapps says amber plus was 'temporary' whilst recognising Beta variant
- Moment playful alligator escapes zoo enclosure at feeding time


text:
Earlier this year, Lauren embarked on her own get-fit mission and was determined to shape up after seeing unflattering pictures of herself on the beach in a bikini.
Since then, she has undergone a lifestyle overhaul and embraced a healthier diet and strict fitness regime. After losing four stone and five dress sizes (impressive, right?), Lauren is now sharing her fitness secrets with her fitness DVD, Lauren's OMG! Workout...
Following in the footsteps of Big Brother star Josie Gibson, Kerry Katona, I'm A Celeb winner Vicky Pattison and Geordie Shore's Charlotte Crosby, Lauren is sharing her training programme with fans and has filmed her workouts for us to try out at home.
Her DVD includes a series of high-intensity training exercises that Lauren now swears by to keep herself in shape. Speaking about her DVD in a short clip posted to her Instagram, the starlet has said: "Oh my god, I needed to lose weight. At my biggest I was huge.
"I tried for years to lose it, but nothing worked. This system has done it for me. I've lost four stone and dropped five dress sizes."
Alongside her video post, she told fans: "So excited to announce my New Fitness DVD Laurens OMG! Workout is now available to preorder- Here is how I lost weight and got fit."
Lauren's OMG! Workout will be released on Boxing Day and will see the 29-year-old go head-to-head with Geordie Shore's Charlotte, as she too is releasing a new fitness DVD, 3 Minute Bum Blitz, on 26 December.
As a follow up to her hugely successful 3 Minute Belly Blitz, Charlotte is now tackling our derrières with her new workouts.
Still, there's nothing wrong with a little healthy competition and Lauren has already had a slew of fans share their excitement over her latest project.
Sounds like her DVD may just be a hit!
Check out the reactions below:
@LaurenGoodger omg girl u look.amazing bbe..im.v down bt my weight atm n ur defo my inspiration xx— clareisaprincessscot (@scott19801) December 8, 2015
@LaurenGoodger just ordered you DVD can't wait to start losing some serious weight! Thanks for the inspiration— Claire Holmes (@clholmes1987) December 8, 2015
@LaurenGoodger I'm all over that dvd pre ordered— Hollie (@hotlips_hollie) December 8, 2015
For exclusive competitions and amazing prizes visit Reveal's Facebook page NOW!


text:
Some of Facebook's timeline app partners are apparently giddy with the relationship so far, according to a post on the company's developer blog today.
Let's start with the much-hyped Pinterest, one of 60 launch partners announced last month. Since starting its open graph integration, the virtual pin-up board has seen its daily visitors increase 60 percent.
Retail brand Fab.com's traffic originating from Facebook grew 50 percent. According to Facebook, the jump has come from Fab.com's shopping app and new live feeds via the timeline.
Menlo Park, CA-based Facebook disclosed only percentage increases, not raw numbers. The timeline apps let Facebook developers create social media actions such as "want" or "own," which represent descendants of the lesser descriptive "Like" button. Theoretically, since the actions are more colorful, they are helping drive more Facebook.com eyeballs to the timeline app partners.
Here are other factoids from Facebook's blog post:
Last Week to Save on SES London Tickets!
SES London takes place February 10-13, 2014. Learn to engage customers and increase ROI by distributing your online marketing efforts across paid, owned & earned media. Join the leaders of today's digital marketing & advertising industry. Find out more ››
*Saver Rates expire this Friday, Dec 13.
Christopher Heine was a senior writer for ClickZ through June 2012. He covered social media, sports/entertainment marketing, retail, and more. Heine's work has also appeared via Mashable, Brandweek, DM News, MarketingSherpa, and other tech- and ad-centric publications. USA Today, Bloomberg Radio, and The Los Angeles Times have cited him as an expert journalist.


text:
Digital TV News: Kantar Media
Next-Gen TV audience measurement pioneered in Phoenix Model Market project
Apr 4, 2019 – Five audience measurement firms are working to help Phoenix broadcasters understand the capabilities of Next-Gen TV, providing information that will someday help viewers tailor the programming they want to watch and enable broadcasters and advertisers to reach viewers with messages that will interest them.
News categories: Pearl TV, Phoenix Model Market, Anne Schelle, Chuck Shuttles, Steve Davis, Scott L. Brown, Joe Winograd, Raj Patel, Advertising, ATSC 3, Big Data, Digital TV, USA
SMPTE publishes standards for adding audio watermark-based IDs to media assets
Jul 9, 2018 – SMPTE has announced published standards for binding Ad-IDs to commercials and Entertainment ID Registry (EIDR) codes to programming content. The standards specify use of Kantar Media's audio watermarking technology, an open solution available for licensing.
News categories: SMPTE, Kantar Media, Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement, Jane Clarke, Advertising, Big Data, Content Distribution, Content Identification, Digital TV, USA, Worldwide
Kantar Media publishes annual DIMENSION report
May 1, 2018 – Kantar Media has published its annual DIMENSION report. The study reveals that while consumer attitudes towards advertising have stayed consistent, there remains an opportunity for marketers to improve creativity and holistic cross-platform measurement.
News categories: Kantar Media, Richard Poustie, Advertising, Ireland, Market Research, Mobile, UK
Kantar Media and TechEdge create audience analytics software unit
Oct 2, 2017 – Kantar Media and TechEdge have announced the creation of a dedicated audience analytics software unit. The team will enhance Kantar Media’s software portfolio and cements the organisation’s audience software analytics offering to bring new innovations to market.
News categories: Kantar Media, TechEdge, Andy Brown, Andreas Velter, Advertising, Big Data, Digital TV, Worldwide
Kantar Media adds programmatic ad data to its media intelligence
Jul 13, 2017 – Kantar Media has announced the expansion of its cross-platform ad intelligence capabilities with the availability of programmatic advertising data. The data includes digital ads monitored on display, mobile and online video platforms.
News categories: Kantar Media, Manish Bhatia, Advertising, Big Data, Digital TV, Market Research, Mobile, USA
BARB awards Dovetail Fusion contract to Kantar Media
Feb 17, 2017 – BARB has announced that the Dovetail Fusion contract has been awarded to Kantar Media. Dovetail Fusion allows customers to evaluate the total reach of programmes and advertising campaigns across TV sets, personal computers and tablets.
News categories: Kantar Media, BARB, Margo Swadley, Justin Sampson, Big Data, Digital TV, Market Research, Mobile, UK
Kantar retains Turkish TV Audience Measurement contract
Dec 15, 2016 – TIAK, the joint industry committee for TV ratings in Turkey, has awarded Kantar Media the contract to continue delivering the official TV trading currency until at least 2020, with the option to extend until 2022.
News categories: Kantar, TİAK, Mesut Sakal, Ibrahim Eren, Advertising, Market Research, Turkey
Movistar+ signs with Kantar for audience measurement
Oct 13, 2016 – Movistar+, a major Spanish telecoms operator owned by Telefónica S.A, has signed an agreement with Kantar Media to design, deploy and manage a proprietary audience measurement service.
News categories: Kantar Media, Movistar, Richard Asquith, Felipe de Lucas, Advertising, Digital TV, IPTV, Set Top Box, Spain
BARB to release UK OTT viewing report
Jul 24, 2015 – BARB has announced that a beta version of its TV Player Report is to be released in September, providing figures on the level of viewing to on-demand and live-streamed content in the UK through online TV Player apps.
News categories: BARB, Justin Sampson, Apps, Digital TV, Market Research, Mobile, OTT, UK
- HBO Max to expand into Latin America and Europe in 2H 2021
- SpotX releases 2021 video advertising trends report
- Comscore and MediaMath offer programmatic contextual ad targeting
- NetRange cloud app portal selected by itel for new Smart TVs
- Vewd integrates support for BML and Hybridcast
- Nordic streaming market approaching 14 million subscriptions
- Discovery announces global launch of discovery+
- VUALTO DRM selected to protect France Télévisions' AV content
- FreeWheel and NBCUniversal automate linear ad decisioning
- Deltatre AXIS to power BritBox for a further five years
- Zappware enables WIND VISION on PCs in Greece
- InterDigital and Futuresource release video sustainability report
- Local broadcasters collaborate to launch NextGen TV in Florida
- Highest ever Samsung Smart TV sales in 3Q 2020
- Orange France delivers targeted ads with SoftAtHome video player
- Velocix unveils cloud-native video personalisation service
- DIRECTV GO now available in Brazil
- VR consumer content revenue to exceed $7 billion in 2025
- Inverto first with EICS TV distribution equipment certification
- XroadMedia to power hyper-personalization at ZEE5


text:
Unified Communications and Collaboration
Microsoft has created a classroom assistance application for OneNote and SharePoint Online in Office 365, soon after Google released a similar one for its Apps email and collaboration suite.
With OneNote Class Notebook Creator, teachers can set up individual notebooks for each student, a common library for class documents and materials, and a group collaboration space for collective activities, hosted in SharePoint Online and using OneNote as the front-end interface.
Extreme Networks announced the availability of an integrated solution for Microsoft’s Unified Communications platform, Lync. The announcement is well timed, as there is no hotter UC platform today than Lync. Over the past few years, Microsoft has been aggressively getting Lync into its customers’ hands. However, the majority of customers have been using Lync for its desktop features, such as chat, presence, and web conferencing. Over the past year or so, Microsoft has been much more aggressive in getting its customers to adopt Lync voice and video.
Polycom and Microsoft continue to offer an integrated solution, this time with Polycom’s introduction of RealConnect for Microsoft Lync. The solution is designed to unify video collaboration across Lync and non-Lync environments by simplifying the end-user video experience. RealConnect brings Lync and non-Lync users together, allowing users to choose the platform they prefer.
Evernote is in a good position coming into its fourth annual Evernote Conference here in San Francisco. With 100 million users, plenty of people are using the note-taking, memory-augmenting app across their smartphones, tablets, and computers at home and at work. A year ago, Evernote launched the Evernote Market, a shop for physical goods (like notebooks, scanners, and a stylus) designed to make it easier to get stuff into the system.
Google's Slides presentation app can now be used without an Internet connection on iOS devices, joining the two other core office productivity tools in the company's suite, the Docs word processor and Sheets spreadsheet software.
With the move, announced Monday, Google also offers an alternative to Microsoft's native Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps for iPhones and iPads.
Cisco last week acquired Assemblage, a maker of browser-to-browser collaboration tools that do not require downloads, plugins or installations.
Assemblage offers real-time collaboration applications for shared whiteboarding, presentation broadcasting and screen sharing. Its products can set up inter-browser collaboration with just one mouse click, Cisco says. Assemblage provides WebRTC and HTML 5 based solutions.
Under pressure from Microsoft's Office 365, Google has launched a premium edition of Apps with unlimited cloud storage and extra IT controls, and it has improved the Docs office productivity suite.
Although this new edition is essentially Apps for Business with an extra set of features, Google has branded it differently, shifting the spotlight from "apps" to storage by calling it Drive for Work.
Microsoft has overcome Cisco’s lead in enterprise collaboration sales in the first quarter of 2014, taking in a slightly higher percentage of sales for the first time, according to Synergy Research Group.
Unify, a joint venture between Siemens and the Gores Group, will cut 50 percent of its staff and refocus its product roster away from hardware, following a shift in the overall unified communications market toward software and cloud services.
The company, which is announced the massive restructuring on Monday, and said it would also boost its channel strategy to work better with reseller partners.
Offres convergentes (communications unifiées et collaboration), cloud privé et objets connectés (M2M/IoT), services à valeur ajoutée : SFR Business Team a cerné ses relais de croissance pour les prochaines années.
Une nouvelle ère s’ouvre pour SFR Business Team.


text:
Chinese battery and automaker BYD Co Ltd is planning large-scale layoffs of its workforce to weather a sharp dive in sales and earnings in the first half, said a Chinese website on Tuesday.
The Shenzhen-based company, backed by US billionaire Warren Buffett, will downsize its automotive sales division by up to 70 percent, according to eeo.com.cn, a website owned by the Chinese business newspaper the Economic Observer News.
The news comes after the company last week reported an 88.6 percent year-on-year decrease in net profit in the first half.
Revenue during the period also fell by 10.77 percent to 22.5 billion yuan ($3.53 billion) from last year.
The automaker’s financial report also showed that sales in the first six months dropped 23 percent to 220,000 units, sending its market share diving from 6.34 percent in 2010 to 4.69 percent. The figure is far below its previous sales target of 800,000 units for the whole year.
BYD will close its marketing and sales divisions by Sept 30, the website said.
The move is expected to eventually cut its employment force from 2,600 to 800, starting with the termination of 1,000 jobs in the first round of layoffs, the website said, citing anonymous BYD employees.
The website also said that BYD’s other departments are considering cuts.
BYD executives and public relations representatives could not be reached by China Daily on Tuesday.
However, Li Yunfei, assistant of general manager of BYD’s sales unit, denied the reports on his micro blog and said that the company is just restructuring its sales force and will not close its sales divisions.
BYD’s shares dipped 0.77 percent to HK$15.48 ($1.99) apiece in Hong Kong, while the stock closed at 25.72 yuan a share with a 0.47 percent uptick on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on Tuesday. That’s compared with the peak price of HK$85.5 a share last year.
Wang Liusheng, an auto analyst with China Merchants Securities Co Ltd, said that BYD’s waning auto business in the first half can be attributed to sluggish sales of its flagship F3 model as well as a lack of new models to drive sales.
He also said that the resignation of Xia Zhibing, the former head of BYD’s sales unit who stepped down earlier this month citing “personal reasons”, will further affect slumping sales as many in the industry took the resignation as an indication of a dispute between BYD and its dealers.
Jia Xinguang, an independent auto analyst based in Beijing, said that dealers should decide the size of their sales departments, not BYD.
“BYD’s dealers recruited an excessive number of sales representatives last year as a result of the company’s ambitious sales target of 800,000 units for this year,” said Jia.


text:
Readers have reported that Sprint has begun deploying PRL updates over-the-air without any need to contact customer service. This currently is limited to only the latest devices. Most users reporting success are PPC-6700 owners, with some reader reports of the LG LX-550 Fusic also receiving PRL updates.
These PRL updates are sent automatically to the handset, without any need to call customer service or a special phone number. There is zero user interaction required in the process. Verizon Wireless users have also reported the same activity within the past month, however Verizon customers can call *228 at any time to receive a PRL update. In fact, Verizon encourages all customers and promotes the monthly use of *228 to ensure the best experience on their network. Sprint customers have felt embattled for years, spending upwards of a half-hour to ensure their roaming coverage is in-sync with each release.
This comes at a crucial time for Sprint. Sprint has begun to deploy data roaming nationally with Alltel, and will need an easy method to provide millions of customers with access to this new coverage. With IOTA/DOTA-based PRL updates, newer handsets will be able to be on-par with GSM phones, which have never needed user interaction to update roaming data on the handset.
This week also marked the release of two new PRL updates for phones, PRL 10035 and 20224 for 1xRTT and EV-DO phones, respectively. Both updates make minor corrections, including a major bug fix for the Treo 700p.


text:
IBM announced the launch of LotusLive, what it calls an integrated social networking and collaboration cloud service designed for businesses.
One of the first features of the service is LotusLive Engage, a platform that includes profile and contact management, online meetings, file sharing, instant messaging, and lightweight project management capabilities, according to IBM’s press release.
The services sounds a lot like Cisco’s WebEx platform delivered via telecoms operator partners, but IBM says the LotusLive platform is ‘built using open, Web-based standards and an open business model.’ The LotusLive services will enable ‘Click to Cloud’ access through integration with on-premise Lotus solutions, which helps extend a company’s existing investment with Lotus. What the services do is enabled Lotus applications and capabilities ‘outside the firewall,’ IBM said.
“Due to the economy, we don’t travel as much. But it doesn’t mean we have to stop business,” said Leslie Moore, Colgate-Palmolive. “Using the collaboration tools allows us to communicate quicker, more effectively, and actually be more proficient working with our employees, and also reaching out to our customers.”
According to IBM, the LotusLive Engage will be priced on a subscription model, not an advertising model. Pricing will be comparable with other offers in the market today.
“In a challenging economic environment, it’s more valuable than ever for companies to come together in the cloud quickly and easily, using powerful communication and collaboration tools that integrate with their existing applications,” said Sean Poulley, Vice President, IBM Online Collaboration & Cloud Services.
Using tools beyond simply email can help companies collaborating on a project work more smoothly and efficiently, the company said. “For example, a construction company could use LotusLive Engage to work with various vendors. The developer, job site managers, architects and others could use LotusLive tools such as an online Meeting to review design changes; File Sharing to store the design documents and updates to those designs; and an Activity to keep track of various components of the project — such as tasks associated with electrical, plumbing and landscaping. All of this information is easily accessible by anyone working on the project, at any time.”
IBM adds that its business partners will also be able to resell the LotusLive services.


text:
Azure users will be able to create blockchain applications “in a few clicks” and avoiding losses of money
The technology giant Microsoft Corporation launched its Azure Blockchain self-management service, which will be a space for corporate users to develop decentralized applications efficiently and safely, even if they have much or little knowledge in the area.
The company founded by Bill Gates recently gave the information through a press release. In the publication it is detailed that, with this new tool, users will be able to create blockchain applications in a preconfigured network and “in just a few clicks”.
According to Frank Shaw, Director of Corporate Communications at Microsoft, Azure Blockchain, the new platform Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) will allow users to simplify “the creation, management and governance of the chain of blocks of the consortium”.
Alliance with JP Morgan
The important media The Wall Street Journal detailed that the financial company JP Morgan will use the services of Microsoft Azure to promote its blockchain platform based on Ethereum. In this way, Quorum is the first platform based on blockchain technology available through Azure.
Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Microsoft, said: “As digital transformation extends beyond an individual organization, companies need solutions that enable them to securely share their business and data processes to drive new business models and reinvent industries. We are delighted to partner with a leader such as JP Morgan to establish a base for companies and partners, and build blockchain networks”.
Microsoft and JP Morgan also agreed to continue working in the near future to solve common problems in the corporate sector, as well as to respond to developers and independent software providers for the creation of blockchain apps in Quorum through Azure. In this sense, Microsoft will offer its engineering knowledge and support for Quorum.
Mark Russinovich, CTO of Microsoft Azure, said that the decision to partner with JP Morgan is because Quorum is based on a popular protocol which offers confidential transactions to customers and allows the creation of trusted applications.
In May 2018, Microsoft launched the Azure Blockchain Workbench, a platform also designed to automate aspects of work related to blockchain technology, in this case, to accelerate and improve the development of blockchain applications, providing a simple infrastructure for developers.
Microsoft has tested Workbench with important clients that have adopted or are adopting blockchain, such as Hapoalim Bank in Israel, which uses the tool to simplify the manual process of issuing guarantees for real estate acquisitions. Nestlé, in Italy, also partnered with Microsoft Digital to pilot a traceability solution for Bacio Perugina.
In the United States, Apttus, a company that automates business, uses Workbench to help banks and asset managers quickly deploy smart contracts. Similarly, in October 2018, Nasdaq integrated Azure technology into its financial framework by allying with Microsoft in order to accelerate its business transactions.
Since the aforementioned companies made said alliance, good references and expectations have been made. Corporate customers who decide to use the Microsoft service, backed by JP Morgan, will have the possibility to boost their blockchain networks quickly, without spending a lot of money. The advantages will make grow the customers list.
By María Rodríguez


text:
Milt Stegall used to tell us there were only six guarantees in life, most of which had to do with either his looks or his physical conditioning.
Yesterday, No. 85 added a seventh, regarding Saturday's CFL East semifinal against Edmonton.
"If we sell out the game, we're guaranteeing a win," Stegall said.
"I'll say that much. If it's a sold out game, Milt Stegall, personally, has guaranteed a victory."
So this is what it's come to for the future hall of famer.
His game-breaking touchdown catches fewer and farther between, the Winnipeg Blue Bomber receiver has taken on the role of marketing director.
The carefully planned "announcement" after yesterday's practice, orchestrated by the Bombers to appear to be major news - Stegall's official retirement, perhaps? - comes at a time when ticket sales aren't exactly setting box office records.
Still thousands of seats from a sellout, the Big Blue are obviously green with envy, as they look to Regina, where Saskatchewan's West semifinal sold out in 35 minutes on Monday, their 18th consecutive packed house.
So while the Riders are fielding complaints about tickets being scalped for hundreds of dollars on the Internet, the Bombers are forced to parade their players in front of the cameras to generate some hype.
Stegall is even offering to give away his game-worn jersey and gloves to a lucky fan - again, if there's a sellout.
What's wrong with this picture?
Well, something better than a spotty 8-10 regular season record from a team fat with its own press clippings much of the year might have been helpful.
I know, last year's 10-7-1 outfit couldn't even draw 23,000 for the division semi. But the Bombers made a change this season, including playoff tickets with season-ticket packages.
That means some 15,000 playoff seats were gone, automatically. The rest have been on sale for nearly three weeks.
Hmmm ... 35 minutes in Saskatchewan, three weeks here.
"We can't believe it," Stegall said. "How could Saskatchewan fans sell out, and we didn't sell out the game? This is unbelievable.
"We're going to let these folks from out west outdo us? There's no way.
"I know we've got the best fans in the CFL. And we're going to sell this game out."
After his "official" announcement, Stegall was asked about the difference between Bomber and Rider fans.
"Are they more passionate? I don't want to say that," he said. "We sold out some games during the season. But the playoff game should be sold out automatically."
Even if it's cold, and the game's on TV?
"This is Winnipeg," Stegall said. "That's what the fans expect."
I'll be the first to admit that Winnipeg fans can be fairweather. Give 'em rain or cold -- or a lousy team -- and they'll stay at home.
Up until the last home game, crowds were actually better than expected this season. Now this.
Will the Bombers' marketing ploy work? Maybe.
But with the rain and snow coming and the mercury dropping later this week, it would have been wise to put some hay in the barn during those beautiful days of summer.
Underachieve on the field, and chances are you'll underachieve at the gate.
Who knows, the Bombers may yet fill the place on Saturday.
But if they don't, if a few thousand empty seats are there for a nationwide TV audience to see, the people who should be embarrassed aren't the ones at home in front of their sets.
It'll be those who'll be on the field.


text:
Lower-income Shoppers More Likely to Pay Small Premium for Green
Lower-income shoppers, including Gen Yers and Millennials just coming into the broader economy, are more likely to pay up to 10 cents more for green products, according to a new report from Miller Zell. In total, the report found that half of all shoppers are willing to pay a premium for green items.
The “Green” Scene is part two of a series of mini reports from Miller Zell’s larger report, “Gone in 2.3 Seconds: Capturing Shoppers with Effective In-Store Triggers.”
Grocery stores are most likely to benefit from these trends, as the report found that 79 percent of shoppers are more likely to pay a premium for green items in supermarkets.
Overall, women are more likely than men to pay a premium for green items. Nearly two-thirds of all women will pay a premium, versus about half of men.
Stay Up-to-Date On Environmental Management, Energy & Sustainability News with EL's Free Daily Newsletter
Energy Manager News
- Chicago Archdiocese to Energy Benchmark 2,700 Buildings
- IBM Tests Heat-Pump Cooling of Data Centers
- Bosch, Toyota Join CalCharge Energy Storage Effort
- CHP Projects Increase in the UK
- Building Retrofitted with Air-Duct Delivery System for Roof-top Units
- Refurbished Air Coils Save Energy for Four Seasons Hotel
- Trane Expands Series of Cold Generator Scroll Chillers
- Cooling System Eliminates Chemicals by ‘Pulsing’ the Water


text:
The UK’s expanding electric vehicle charging network received a further boost yesterday with the news Lidl is to become the latest supermarket to install rapid charge points at some of its stores.
Charging point supplier POD Point announced it has inked an exclusive partnership agreement with the supermarket chain that will see rapid charge points installed at 40 selected Lidl stores, allowing customers to charge their electric vehicles (EVs) free of charge while they shop.
The Triple Standard Rapid Charge points are designed to deliver an 80 per cent charge to an EV such as a Nissan Leaf in around 30 minutes.
Erik Fairbairn, chief executive of POD Point, said the expansion of the network of public charge points would make EVs even more attractive to prospective customers.
“While most electric vehicle charging happens where drivers live and work, we know that a fast, reliable public charging network is also a vital component – and a real shop window for EV,” he said. “We’re excited to be working with Lidl to ensure its customers get a faster and better charging service.
“Our partnership with Lidl is also an important element in the wider rollout of the Open Charge Network, and a significant step towards our target of putting a POD Point everywhere people park for an hour or more by 2020.”
The deal is the latest in a series of high profile contracts for POD Point, which last year inked agreements to install its charge points at Birmingham and Luton Airports and secured deals to become an approved charge point supplier for Motocorsa, Volkswagen, and Nissan GB.


text:
Awesome IPhone Accessories To Check Out
For example, a cheap hair dryer caddy might need a really nice-wanting basket, however a poor wall mount. Accordingly, he desires you to understand the words of the Bible which he gave to us that we might know him and his ways. However, in case your time has come and you do not know why to resolve, it is best to know that there is a present that will never go out of fashion: a bouquet. It declined to explain to Reuters why it was profitable in Puerto Rico however made losses within the United States, or to debate its tax preparations more broadly. Air kick boots are extraordinarily snug to wear and thats why many people select to have them, when having to go long distances in little time. Companies will not be obliged to disclose they paid a GILTI levy — many don’t, say lecturers who study the issue. Reuters used the latest out there financial info for around 420 publicly traded companies that have utilized for the forgivable loans, which was collated by data provider FactSquared. In all, Reuters’ evaluation of public knowledge discovered round a hundred and ten publicly traded companies have each acquired $four million or more in emergency support from this system.
In all, the Reuters evaluation discovered greater than 20 corporations that applied for emergency assist had used offshore subsidiaries to reduce their tax. That’s the reason most of us have all types of shoes within our collection from flip-flops, tennis shoes, excessive-heels, rain shoes and lots of more. The radio/CD player/stereo are the most typical and familiar sorts of automotive audio systems that are referred to as the head unit. The program, which offers low-interest loans which might be forgivable if firms use most of the cash to pay employees, has been widely criticised for issues starting from early bottlenecks that prevented small businesses from receiving cash, to confusion that led hundreds of thousands of dollars to be handed out to comparatively affluent companies. The company’s state of affairs is one among several that reveal a beforehand unreported facet of the government relief program: The fund is giving hundreds of thousands of dollars in American taxpayer money to a lot of companies which have avoided paying U.S.
These basic pieces mix nicely in a informal house, giving an eclectic look to any room. You possibly can determine to put rugs to cover the flooring that can mix nicely with the furnishings and other accessories. Some tennis accessories protect you from the heat and Home dangerous UV rays. Experts advocate the usage of wide physique rackets with smooth tennis strings. Whitehouse, who sits on the Senate’s subcommittee on taxation and IRS oversight, launched laws final 12 months to close loopholes that allow firms to use tax havens. Companies applying for loans must certify they need the money, commit to buying American the place potential, and promise to make use of the money to pay workers who stay in America. 21%, it should pay an extra charge. After you may have made your buy of the golf accessory, you need to be sure that it feels pure and correct. The Times has since added a lengthy word editor’s word to the op-ed saying that “the essay fell short of our standards and mustn’t have been revealed.” While Cotton’s “basic arguments” represent a “newsworthy half of the present debate,” the observe reads, the “life-and-demise importance of the topic” and the Arkansas Republican’s “influential position” warranted further substantial revisions.” Editors additionally lamented the “needlessly harsh” tone of the essay and singled out several claims Cotton makes which they said ought to have been reality-checked.
Senate majority chief Mitch McConnell on Wednesday accused the new York Times of mendacity concerning the substance of Senator Tom Cotton’s controversial op-ed for which the paper later apologized after an outcry from readers and Times journalists. During a ground speech, McConnell mocked the Times for bowing to criticism of the paper’s determination to publish Cotton’s opinion op-ed, titled “Send within the Troops,” which referred to as for army intervention to quell the rioting across the nation in the wake of the death of George Floyd. The company, whose manufacturers include a telephone display protector called InvisibleShield, employs 628 folks, including 479 within the United States. Notably, CMS states that to the extent that it doesn’t discover a physician self-referral violation primarily based upon the results of the DFRR, this shouldn’t be taken as an affirmative statement that the monetary relationships are in compliance, and the federal government won’t be estopped from figuring out that there is such a violation.
A full reconciliation to our GAAP outcomes can be found in our press launch issued earlier as we speak. Sandals are prohibited, but if you are wearing socks, they’re Ok. The perfect example of casual wear could easily be the sandal, and it’s not unusual to go to a beach and see many individuals sporting sandals. Unlike the final and other causes of people following vogue, fraternity apparels are not worn to look better, be a look-a-like of a celebrity or recreate a person. These accessories are perfect for professionals on every level. Zagg, which sells its accessories in stores, on-line and through Tv, declined to comment on its tax affairs but stated separately it wanted the cash from this system to maintain its group together. Culp, contacted by Reuters on May 13, declined to touch upon its tax arrangements. As well as, the retailer lately opened its in-home showroom on May 15, 2010 in Georgetown, Ontario.


text:
West Africans love to look good. From Ghanaians to Nigerians and Cameroonians, they all take great pride in their appearance – from their designer shiny pointy shoes to their perfectly styled hair. They’re not shy to spend big bucks on luxury items to look their best, even traveling miles to make sure they do.In “Nigerians Spend Top Dollars in London” CNN takes you to Oxford Street. Walking through one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets lined with hundreds of stores, you’re bound to pass by Nigerians – lots of them. It’s not unheard of for Nigerians to make a monthly shopping pilgrimage to London. It’s a trend that has seen them clinch the bronze medal as the third largest retail spender there. They’re after China and the Middle East and ahead of Russia and the United States.
London is not the only one cashing in on Nigerians’ growing spending power. Dubai is fast becoming the preferred shopping mecca. A $900 flight ticket buys entry into the world’s largest shopping mall – and the worlds largest shoe store – an irresistible draw card for the West African country’s well-heeled men and women. And when a weekend shopping spree just doesn’t cut it, buy property there. According to Dubai’s Land Department, quoted in a local paper, Nigerian’s spent more than $50 million on property in the first half of last year. It’s just one example of the extravagance by some of the country’s super rich – and there are many of them. Add that to Nigeria’s growing middle class and you’re left with the kind of spending power that’s every retailer’s dream.What would make you spend at least $800 for a flight ticket, and spend 5 hours aboard a plane from Nigeria to London? It’s cheaper. And you have more choice. UK shopping service Global Blue estimates that Nigerian visitors spend an average of around $700 per transaction on everything from clothing to perfume – products that they won’t find at home, or if they do, it comes at a much higher price.


text:
Home > News > Meet a future jewel of technology
December 17th, 2003
Meet a future jewel of technology
This Australian beetle really is a gem: the greenish scales on its back are identical to opal. Scientists have already had some success copying nature, recently creating artificial mother of pearl by mimicking the way abalones build up nanolayers of different materials to make their shells. But the beetle's method for making perfect opals posed a bigger challenge than this, because it probably used clever pieces of tiny machinery, such as molecular motors, and templates to extrude the nano-spheres, Dr Parker said.
Editorial: Choices for Congress September 9th, 2010
Stephen Hawking - 'Don't Talk to Aliens' April 26th, 2010
Itís about damn time: Medvedev bans nanodemocracy April 15th, 2010
Savor maple syrup time in Ohio: Travel in 3s February 20th, 2010


text:
Despite a slow start to the year, a more optimistic economic and business outlook is expected to boost transaction activity for the rest of 2013, according to the latest unquote” Regional Mid-market Barometer, published in association with LDC.
New fund has €25m committed to date and hopes to close in Q1 or Q2 next year
GP expects to consolidate CRM's position in the baked goods market and enhance its product offering
Plant-based cheese specialist Arivia is valued at around €500m, says a Sky News report
AIMC recently co-invested in operations management company Davies, which is headquartered in the UK


text:
With the arrival of its newest fleet vehicle, “Growver”, Hoosier Hills Food Bank (HHFB) has launched Project GROW – the Garden Route On Wheels to distribute more fresh produce to agencies in Monroe County. “Growver” joined the HHFB fleet Monday after delivery last week by Curry Auto Center to Signs Now for graphics installation.
GROW is being initiated with a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC), which supported the purchase of the van and the addition of staff hours to handle deliveries. Further support was provided by Curry Auto Center and the City of Bloomington Community Farmer’s Market. Community response to HHFB’s Feeding America/Hussman Challenge grant last winter is also helping the food bank to procure additional fresh produce.
“Getting more fresh produce out to our partner agencies has been a major goal for the past several years,” said HHFB Executive Director and CEO Julio Alonso. “We’ve been able to break down barrier after barrier to make that happen and this project represents a major step. We often have produce to offer but many of our agencies haven’t been able to access it because of resource or logistical limitations. This project will take the produce to them at times when it is convenient – so they don’t have to come get it and they don’t have to store it for extended periods.”
On Tuesday, “Growver” will make his first deliveries, offering fresh kale grown in HHFB’s Garden, purchased fresh carrots and watermelons, and produce from weekly Farmer’s Market vendor donations to the Salvation Army of Bloomington, Bloomington Township Food Pantry, Stepping Stones, and New Hope Family Shelter. Future weekly deliveries will include about 7 other agencies including Area 10 Agency on Aging, Richland Township Food Pantry, Perry Township Food Pantry, First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, Monroe County United Ministries food pantry and child care program, and Middle Way House.
Additional agencies will be brought on as the project evolves, said Alonso. “We’re trying to tailor this around when the agencies need the food, but also have to factor in when we have product and when staff is available to deliver, so we’re starting with about a dozen and will add as time goes on. Some of our larger agencies, like Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Community Kitchen and Shalom Center already receive deliveries because they’re so large and we can move large quantities of other products to them. Up to now we haven’t really had the capacity to deliver to smaller agencies. We distributed over 756,000 pounds of fresh produce last year and we want to do more so clients have healthy options. ”
“Growver” will also get an introduction to the Bloomington community this week, with two opportunities to support the food bank. The van, a refrigerated 2014 Chevrolet Express 3500, will be part of HHFB’s entry in Friday’s Bloomington 4th of July parade, when the food bank will collect non-perishable food donations from parade goers. On Saturday, July 5, “Growver” will be at the City of Bloomington Community Farmer’s Market to collect fresh produce donations from market patrons and vendors and help promote the Plant a Row program.
Like all HHFB programs, support from across the community is making GROW possible. “The Community Foundation’s grant is the lynch pin for this program,” said HHFB Director of Development and Administration Jake Bruner.
“They’ve funded some additional staff time for the first year, and more importantly they funded the cost of the van. But we wouldn’t have been able to get the van we needed if Curry Auto Center hadn’t stepped up and made sure the price fit our budget. Signs Now helped keep the graphics costs down and since the van is tied in with our weekly Farmer’s Market collections, the Market helped with those costs. Of course, we also need ongoing support to keep the produce flowing. It will come from our garden and gleaning programs, from Plant a Row, from local retail donations and from purchases and all of that involves volunteers, food donors and financial support.”
CFBMC President and CEO Tina Peterson expressed excitement about the Foundation’s role in supporting GROW, “Hoosier Hill Food Bank is an organization that is never satisfied with business as usual. They constantly strive for new and better ways to serve our community by helping to support and catalyze others who work on the front line of addressing hunger and food insecurity in our community. Given that HHFB supports essentially every organization serving those in need of food support, it becomes apparent that progress and innovation at the food bank translate to progress and innovation for hundreds of other organizations too. The Community Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to continue partnering with HHFB and you can bet we will be applauding every time we see “Growver” making deliveries around the community!”


text:
As beer drinkers start gravitating more and more toward craft beers, another trend is emerging in the beer and spirits industry. Those evolving palates aren’t specific to beer drinkers. In fact, craft cocktails are expected to gain popularity this year according to experts cited in the Detroit News. But it’s not just a trend that impacts regular bar patrons. Even homebodies are getting in on the craft cocktail trend, thanks in part to the growing popularity of sites like Pinterest. So how many are interested in craft cocktails? We asked 1,000 respondents their thoughts on the trend and the spirits industry in general.
In Ask Your Target Market’s latest survey, 8% of respondents said that they’ve enjoyed cocktails or mixed drinks within the past day. 15% have done so within the past week. 13% have had them at some point over the past month. 8% have had them in the past three months. 9% have had them in the past year. 12% said they last enjoyed cocktails or mixed drinks over a year ago. And 36% never do.Of those who enjoy cocktails at least on occasion, 54% said they normally have those drinks at home. 38% have them at restaurants. 30% have them at bars. 28% have them at parties or special events. And 4% enjoy them in other places, like at casinos or friends’ homes. In general, just 22% of cocktail drinkers said that they enjoy cocktails more often now than they did five years ago. 38% enjoy them less often now. And 40% said their habits haven’t really changed in that time. Those respondents who have enjoyed cocktails at least within the past month were more likely to enjoy those drinks at their homes, and also more likely to say that they enjoy cocktails more now than they did in the past.
There are, of course, many different considerations for cocktail drinkers when it comes to choosing those drinks or recipes. Taste is considered most important for cocktail drinkers, with 21% listing it as an important factor. 19% said that cost is important to them. 18% care about quality. 15% are particular about the type of alcohol in their cocktails. 13% care about the creativity behind the drink or recipe. 9% care about the aesthetics. And 5% care about the nutritional value of their cocktails.
Overall, just 8% of cocktail drinkers said that they often look at or save cocktail recipes online. 29% said that they look at those recipes sometimes. 31% rarely do. And 32% never do. Google, Pinterest, Facebook ant Allrecipes were the most popular websites listed for people who like looking at cocktail recipes online.More specifically, 45% of overall respondents said that they currently have a Pinterest account. 35% of those respondents said that they regularly look for or save drink recipes on Pinterest. That was one of the least popular categories among Pinterest users. Food recipes, DIY content and home items were the most popular categories that respondents said they regularly look for on Pinterest. However, Pinterest users were more likely to say that they enjoy cocktails at least on occasion.
While cocktail drinkers as a whole might not be increasing their consumption of those beverages, it does seem like there could be a subset of those consumers who are interested in craft cocktails they can make at home on a regular basis. For companies that make craft cocktails and ingredients, online tools like Pinterest can certainly be effective for reaching those consumers. However, since few Pinterest users currently look for that type of content, it seems that there’s even more potential for increased reach in that area, especially since Pinterest users are fairly likely to enjoy cocktail beverages. In addition, other online platforms like Facebook and Allrecipes can also be useful.You can view the complete survey results in the widget below and be sure to click “Open Full Report” to take advantage of all the chart and filter options.Photo Credit: Cure cocktail bar by Chelsea Marie Hicks under CC BY 2.0What do you want to know? If you need some consumer insights on a particular topic, let us know in the comments below and we’ll consider it for an upcoming survey post.
Results were collected on July 9 via AYTM’s online survey panel.


text:
If you follow VentureBeat but don’t regularly check our GamesBeat site, here’s a list of the best video game stories we ran over the last seven days that you may have missed.
This week, Ubisoft delays two of its next-gen launch games (Watch Dogs and The Crew) perilously close to the new console launch dates, mobile games are on the rise as developer Supercell gets a $3.5 billion valuation, and Zynga might still be in trouble after a cofounder splits.
You’ll also find reviews for Skylanders: Swap Force and Sonic Lost World.
Announcements and reveals:
Above: Star Wars: Tiny Death Star for iOS and Android.
Image Credit: Disney
All this funding:
Above: The calorie-rich Des(s)ert Ruins level.
Image Credit: Sega
Pieces of flair:


text:
Australian distributors have met the news of Ingram Micro's $700 million buyout of Tech Pacific with optimistic talk of potential opportunity as well as misgivings for smaller players' future in a less competitive channel.
Angela Coronica, general manager at Dicker Data, said the acquisition had created a near-monopoly in IT distribution. However, opportunities existed for smaller players if they struck while Ingram Micro and TechPac were distracted by the resulting restructure.
“There were just two big fish – they weren't piranhas – in a fairly large pond and now one fish. So I don't think it will bring any more business into the channel. We're all still fighting over the same pieces of pie,” she said.
TechPac would be integrated with Ingram's systems and processes and people over the next six to 12 months. But they were two “very similar” organisations, so the buyout would put pressure on vendors to find more incremental revenue, she said.
“That equals opportunities for Dicker Data,” Coronica said. “Because we're nimble. We don't have huge expensive systems that have to be followed in transactions with a reseller.”
Dominic Whitehand, managing director at niche security distributor WhiteGold Solutions, called the new entity a “super-distributor” with incredible buying power. The result could threaten smaller distributors but good service and proactive support should mitigate that.
“There will always be room for distributors that truly add value and support their resellers effectively,” he said. “I don't feel it is a huge threat for us [as a niche player].”
The new entity might enjoy consolidation benefits, such as cost savings but WhiteGold would watch “with interest” to see how that might affect the merged entity's resourcing locally, Whitehand added.
Wendy O'Keeffe, GM at LAN Systems, said the takeover was likely to remain “pivotal” in the channel environment for the next half-decade.
“TechPac and Imagineering merged in the early 1990s and so this is another amazing moment in our history,” she said.
TechPac's merger back then had catapulted the distributor into a retail business growth phase. And retail was forecast to increase in importance for the channel in coming years, she said.
“Ingram probably bought TechPac to become number one globally and to get retail,” O'Keeffe said.
Whether the merger would be good or bad for the industry was a good question. It would depend on how distributors used any opportunity that might ensue from the different shape of the market. “My experience in the past 15 years is that this type of change helps,” O'Keeffe said.
Meanwhile, Ingram would gain strength in Asia and Australia that it did not previously have. However, the scale of any benefit would depend heavily on how well the merger was managed, she added.
“There's a really good management team in TechPac and Ingram Micro, and I'm sure they will work really well together to make sure it's done profitably,” O'Keeffe said.
Ross Cochrane, GM at Express Data, wondered if competition regulators would take an interest in the deal. He pointed out that while having fewer competitors could be seen as a good thing, for suppliers it could constrain credit availability.
“It's unlikely that we'll keep the limits we had with two separate entities,” he said. “So it might constrain some credit facilities – although other people might step up and provide that.”
Resellers and customers would have less choice in general. The channel would understandably have some concerns, Cochrane said.
However, Ingram Micro would find it had large amounts of resources in Australia to consolidate. That would be costly for the merged entity and might limit its ability to take up opportunities in Asian growth markets such as China and India, he said.
Express Data's view was that Ingram and TechPac had been getting broader and broader. Yet Express Data felt its own needs were served best by “adding significant value” and growing the market, rather than doing lots of fulfilment in games and consumer electronics, he said.
“Ingram came into the market with a bang many years ago but the local guys have shown they are pretty nimble and can find ways to compete pretty effectively,” Cochrane said.
John Wellar, director of advanced storage systems at distributor LAN 1, said the merger signified interesting times. “I believe the Chinese consider that a curse,” he said.
That said, such a buyout was bound to happen sooner or later as the pond simply wasn't big enough. However, large vendors and retail chains would now have somebody bigger to deal with and smaller vendors will wonder what's going to happen with their product lines, he said.
“I would also be worried if I was a small place-and-time distributor, but as specialised as we are, it will be a positive for us,” Wellar said. “Whether it's a 900 pound gorilla or a 700 pound gorilla, we've still got a big company to deal with.”
Ingram Micro might be able to ease its own margin pressures somewhat as a result. “And I guess it's time somebody made some money,” he said.
Wellar said he expected the local restructure to result in redundancies, as both companies were already so large. That would likely happen in the next few months as Ingram moved to maximise its edge.
Consolidation was starting to happen right across the IT industry. It had happened with VARs, such as Volante and Ipex, and was now happening in distribution with sectors such as networking, security and storage to come, Wellar said.


text:
2007-2009: Chrysler Under Cerberus
On May 14, 2007, Cerberus announced that it would buy 80.1% of Chrysler Group, including Chrysler Financial. The private-equity firm had signed on ex-Chrysler people as advisors, including lauded designer Tom Gale, former sales chief Gary Dilts, past Chrysler Financial president Jerry Farrell, past Chrysler Financial CFO Thomas Gillman, and Mercedes ex-pat Wolfgang Bernhard (who ended up returning to Mercedes).
Daimler kept the rest of the new “Chrysler Holdings LLC,” but Tom LaSorda, Eric Ridenour, and Tom Sidlik left the Daimler Board of Management, and DaimlerChrysler quickly renamed itself Daimler AG.
Just before the transfer took place (on August 3, 2007), another 13,000 jobs were eliminated. However, on August 4, the new Chrysler web site declared “Get ready for the next hundred years.”
The plant signs were changed, slowly, starting on August 1, 2007, often by local employees or managers covering up the “Daimler.” Labels (including on parts and boxes), brochures, and stationery were updated as they ran out, so that cars were labelled DaimlerChrysler in numerous places until Fiat took over.
In an Automotive News interview, Frank Klegon said that Daimler and Chrysler would share electrical architectures (with a new, jointly engineered architecture due around 2011) and SUV chassis components. Mr. Klegon seemed very happy that Chrysler would have more freedom to work with other automakers and suppliers.
There were three major competitors for Chrysler. Cerberus was most likely chosen partly for their political pull, and partly because they were most promising for continuing joint projects with Mercedes. A cynic may say that Juergen Schrempp wanted a company that would destroy Chrysler rather than making it into a success, which would make Daimler look bad and give them another competitor. (Daimler allegedly kept access to the Viper design, and to the next-generation “Pentastar” V6 engines.)
Kirk Kerkorian met with plant workers in Toledo who wanted to take Chrysler over in an employee buyout. Their joint plan was advanced when the Ceberus deal was announced.
Canadian parts-maker Magna had wanted to go into the full-on auto business, and had experience in automotive assembly in Europe. They were working with a private equity firm with a less controversial background.
In February 2008, according to Detroit News, private equity firms including Apollo Management, Blackstone Group, Carlyle Group were also invited to purchase Chrysler before the announcement that the division was for sale.
Initial Reactions and Reality
Employees, dealers, and potential buyers were excited by the deal. Allpar experienced an unusually favorable response to the buyout, with many breathing a sigh of relief that the Daimler nightmare was nearly over. Reactions were overwhelmingly positive on other forums, with the most notable dissenter being autoextremist.com. Employees were excited, customers were excited, even some normal Americans had heard that Chrysler was coming back.
Those who were not involved at the time are probably unaware that, from early in the “merger of equals,” Chrysler had been run for the benefit of Mercedes, rather than DaimlerChrysler as a whole. Chrysler was cut to a third of its size, its cars altered to provide Mercedes with increased purchasing volumes (or royalties), even its advertising changed to emphasize “German Engineering” — which cut Chrysler sales but benefited Mercedes (and Volkswagen).
In May 2007, it appeared that Cerberus would run Chrysler to make money, not transfer profits to another division's budget line. Allpar and others also believed the “cost-cutting experts” who had made Chrysler’s cars less competitive would be dismissed.
That positive reaction died out nearly completely when Robert Nardelli was hired on as CEO, replacing Tom LaSorda just days after the papers were signed (August 6, 2007). It seemed that few people within Chrysler were not dismayed and frightened by this choice. He and his team shared a common desire to outsource manufacturing to China.
Well-respected executive Eric Ridenour left just after Bob Nardelli came in.
Hiring Toyota North America’s Jim Press as co-President and co-Vice Chair, Tom LaSorda, and the former head of Lexus marketing, helped to counter the gloom.
Though the Cerberus people often portrayed themselves as patriots rescuing a great American automaker, Cerberus CEO and multi-billionaire Steve Feinberg did not invest his own money to rescue the company from bankruptcy, and tried to link up with numerous Chinese companies. Talks with Nissan started in 2007; in 2008, Nissan and Chrysler exchanged term sheets, but Nissan could not get the needed financing. (Allpar has been told that Chrysler executives nearly closed down the Pentastar V6 project in favor of buying Nissan V6 engines.)
One source wrote; “Nissan was taking Ram, Volkswagen the vans, one of Chinese companies was taking Jeep. Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep would be divided up and dumped.”
Tom LaSorda, in a court statement, wrote:
Chrysler sent letters to parties, primarily in China, whom we thought would be potentially interested in purchasing our assets [note that he did not say purchasing the company, but purchasing the assets. This may have simply meant intellectual property and trademarks.] Over the next two months, several companies, including Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Tempo International Group, Hawtai Automobiles, and Chery Automotive Co., expressed interest in purchasing specific vehicles, powertrains, intellectual property rights, distribution channels and automotive brands.
Mr. LaSorda said that Chrysler also tried to form alliances with Volkswagen, Tata, Magna, GAZ, Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota. The alliance with Toyota suggested by LaSorda and Jim Press would have had Toyota using Chrysler factories to build new products. Toyota quickly rejected the proposal, as did Honda, both preferring to build on farmland in remote areas.
Detroit newspapers wrote that Cerberus also tried to join Chrysler to GM, whose conditions essentially would have involved the loss of nearly all jobs at Chrysler and the dissolution of most of the brands; Tom LaSorda refused to go along with this, according to the reporting.
Around a week after the Cerberus takever, Chrysler announced it will open engineering centers in China, Poland, and India, and would explore expanding relationships with Hyundai and Mitsubishi. Chrysler product chief Frank Klegon said the company would bolster its collaboration.
Amusingly, the same day, the company said it would sell a diesel Ram 1500 in 2009. Dodge was already working with Cummins to package a new V6 diesel engine.
By the end of the month, there were reports in the Wall Street Journal that Chrysler was seeking to sell the Mopar division.
An economic crash late in 2008 combined with high fuel prices slashed demand for Chrysler vehicles, and rumors of the company’s inevitable bankruptcy became self-fulfilling. George W. Bush, then occupying the White House, loaned Chrysler and GM billions to keep them alive until Barack Obama was inaugurated. (He had initially put off a meeting with auto industry leaders, including Mr. LaSorda, to meet with American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and Tom DeLay (later booked on conspiracy and money laundering charges), and to attend a tee-ball game. His indifference reflected the mood of many Americans, despite the large number of jobs that rode on the auto industry.
Bob Nardelli reportedly called Rick Wagoner in January 2009 to try to restart the merger. GM was not interested. However, talks with Fiat, like those with Nissan, had seemed promising; Fiat expressed interest in March 2008. By the time the deal actually came, Cerberus only wanted to hold onto Chrysler Financial, which was a predictable moneymaker.
President Obama quickly set up a team of people to deal with the problem of GM, Ford, and Chrysler, all of whom testified in front of Congress. Ford was able to survive with several billion dollars in low-interest loans; GM and Chrysler were put into a brief bankruptcy, shedding billions in debt along with unprofitable and unwanted properties. Both paid off their new loans (though not the Bush loans) ahead of schedule — these were not by any means low interest loans, either — and the government profited handsomely from their post-Bush investments in Chrysler.
Cerberus and its people
Cerberus was somewhat controversial before the Chrysler deal. Intensely tied to the Republican Party, hiring on Dan Quayle, former Treasurer John Snow, and other politicians with dead careers, they allegedly were in the “pay to play” contracts game; they owned IAD, the company accused of mistreating wounded veterans at Walter Reed. A timely $110,000 donation to congressman Jerry Lewis was quickly rewarded with the renewal of a controversial $1 billion contract; US Attorney Carol Lam, who was investigating Lewis’ contributors (presumably including Cerebrus), was fired. Bob Nardelli himself was a major fundraiser for the GOP, and some said this may have been the reason he was rewarded by being put in charge of Chrysler despite backfires at Home Depot.
Cerebrus did sometimes turn companies around, and publicly boasted of being in the game for the long run. They also owned 51% of GMAC Financial Services (now Ally Bank) and several large parts suppliers. However, their behavior during Chrysler ownership did not provide any evidence of any regard for American jobs or actual patriotism; they refused to invest in the company after buying it, with personal or company funds, and actively sought to sell whatever they could, other than the loan company.


text:
- 3 min read
Storing personal, financial information digitally increases risk of data breach: Report
Financial experts say that one of the most common ways for hackers to commit cybercrime is by phishing an individual’s email account, text messages on mobile, to access their personal financial details, either ATM pin-based or OTP-based.
NEW DELHI: The manner in which people in India store their confidential information comprises major risk of data theft, according to a report.
The Per Unisys Security Index 2020 report measures consumers’ concern around personal financial security.
In the last few years, incidents of ATM frauds, unauthorised use of debit or credit cards or mobile numbers being issued on false identities have drastically risen. Similarly, large-scale data thefts where hundreds of millions of personal records have been stolen has also risen.
The report highlighted that bank frauds via unauthorised access to individual's credit and debit card details as well as those around online banking and shopping were the top most concerns.
However, people continue to rely on storing their sensitive personal financial details like banking passwords and information of their ATM debit and credit cards on their smartphone, email, or computer.
The reported noted that hackers have tried every method to find the loose end and breach any underlying securities, with the motive to siphon off funds by accessing these details.
LocalCircles conducted a survey to understand how people in India store and share their ATM, debit or credit card, Aadhaar and PAN card details.
It studied responses from over 24,000 people residing in 393 districts of the country and made the following observations:
* 29% share ATM, debit card pin with close family members
About 29 per cent of the respondents share their ATM or debit card pin details with their family members.
While 4 per cent have given it 1 or more office staff and 2 per cent have given it to one or more close friends.
However, majority of 65 per cent people said no other than themselves have access to their ATM or dent/credit card details.
Aimed to make digital payments using debit cards and credit cards more secure, new rules by RBI mandate that cardholders of both debit and credit set up transaction limits.
It has also directed banks to allow people to register for preferences such as opt-in or opt-out of services, also on spending limits, and other services for online transactions, international transactions, and contactless transactions.
* 33% store confidential information on mobile, computer or e-mail
The report noted that generating a strong password is easy, but it's a pain to keep track of them all between multiple bank accounts, websites and apps demanding their unique log-in criteria.
Therefore, 33 per cent of citizens store their credentials in their digital means, especially on mobile phones, email/ computer.
While 7 per cent of the people store such data in their phone, 15 per cent store it in their email or computer.
* 11% store private data in mobile contact list
Many people in the community discussions on LocalCircles also indicated that they rely on their smartphone’s contact list to store banking passwords and details of ATM, bank account, email, etc.
The report states that it is a very unsafe way to store such credentials as most online apps ask for permission to access one’s contact and text messages.
The survey indicated that 11 per cent of citizens store ATM, bank account, email and other online account passwords in their mobile phone’s contact list.


text:
The Texas state government has already released guidelines for restaurants to reopen safely amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Does this mean an Asian Mint reopening is in the works?
This article on Thrillist, in which Asian Mint was mentioned, does a great job of breaking down exactly how businesses in Dallas should reopen. It also describes perfectly the challenges that restaurants and bars have to tackle to maintain social distancing within their premises.
But, as stated in the article, inasmuch as we miss y’all Mint Fanatics, an Asian Mint reopening isn’t in the works yet. Your health and safety, and that of our staff, remain our highest priority.
So, for the time being, we’re offering your Asian Mint favorites for curbside pickups and deliveries. You can order them online here. We’re also re-releasing some ChefMint kits by popular demand, so check them out too.
We really miss you, Mint Fanatics, and we want you to stay safe and healthy always.
See you soon!


text:
Government should implement existing laws for the benefit of stakeholders
At a period the country needs all the resources it could muster for economic development, it is losing billions of dollars annually in the maritime sector. In the last three years, importers and exporters in Nigeria have paid over $25.3 billion to foreign ship owners as freight charges on goods imported and exported out of the country. According to statistics from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian shippers paid a total sum of $9,0878 billion as freight for dry and wet cargo to foreign ship owners in 2015. In 2016, Nigerians also paid $7,55b to foreign-owned ships while a total of $8,602b fright charges were lost to foreign vessels in 2017.
The NIMASA data also shows that in 2016, a total of 2,047 vessels brought in dry cargo import; 987 vessels lifted dry cargo export while 2,468 vessels lifted wet cargo import and export cargoes. In 2017, 1,967 vessels of dry cargo import were received at the port; 1,145 vessels of dry cargo export while 2,294 vessels of wet cargo import and export were handled in Nigerian ports. Besides, between 2004 and 2017 Nigeria recorded total vessel traffic of 25,256 with gross freight of $39 billion but the country earned a paltry sum of $1 billion as levies for NIMASA.
This massive loss can be blamed on the failure of Nigerian ship owners to acquire standard oceangoing vessels in order to have the needed capacity to compete with their foreign counterparts. However, equally important is the failure of government over the years to implement laws put in place to protect Nigerians and ensure fleet development aside the fact that the Cabotage Act, the NIMASA Act and the Local Content Act are not being implemented. By the Local Content Act, indigenous operators are supposed to be considered for any job before foreigners but over the years, government agencies have been breaching this law without any consequence.
Meanwhile, a major obstacle to fleet development in Nigeria is the lack of national carrier by indigenous operators. The national carrier is supposed to carry 70 per cent of all the cargoes coming in and out of Nigeria. Even though cargo preference laws are embodied in NIMASA for indigenous players to play in lucrative fields such as oil and gas, no country without a national carrier benefits from such cargo preference. The operators are supposed to demand implementation of the laws or seek redress in the courts because they contributed to the funds meant for fleet development. Sadly, instead of seeking ways to enforce their rights, indigenous operators prefer running to Abuja and bringing politics into matters that are purely technical.
For there to be any meaningful change, the government must draw a line between the political and professional space and urgently take steps to implement existing laws for the benefit of stakeholders. The federal government must also allow experts to run the system efficiently for the benefit of the people of Nigeria. Besides, NIMASA must urgently design a well-thought out indigenous fleet development programme, which will not involve government ownership and funding of vessel acquisition. If the agency wants to make any difference, it must create the necessary atmosphere that would encourage local and private investors to invest in vessel acquisition with the assistance and cooperation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Finally, there is need for the government to audit the three per cent benchmark rate of the value of goods for import and export which NIMASA collects from vessels calling in Nigeria to ensure accountability.


text:
Toyota says it tripled its global net earnings to $3.2 billion for the quarter ended Sept. 30 compared with the same period last year. For the first half of its fiscal year that began April 1, profit rose 572% compared with last year -- to 548.2 billion yen ($6.9 billion) from 81.5 billion yen -- pushed along by a sales rebound in the U.S.
It said that much of its better profit performance was due to cost-reduction efforts.
The huge profit jump came on a 36% increase in revenue, to 10.9 trillion yen ($138 billion) Toyota said in a release from its headquarters in Japan. The increased sales came as Toyota was back at full production compared with the period a year ago when it still was recovering from the March tsunami in Japan and the Thailand floods later in the year.
"We have seen a significant increase in production in all regions compared to the same period last year when we suffered a parts-supply shortage," said Satoshi Ozawa, executive vice president of Toyota Motor, in a statement.
Toyota also raised its earnings forecast to 1.05 trillion yen (about $13.2 billion) for the full fiscal year ending March 31, from a previous prediction of about $9.5 billion. The forecast assumes an exchange rate of 79 yen to the dollar.
Toyota reported higher sales in every one of its units around the world. Highlights:
North America. With the U.S. leading the way, Toyota sold 1.3 million vehicles, up by 572,000. In the U.S., Toyota has scored with its mainstays, the Camry and Corolla sedans, and with its Prius hybrids, which now come in four different versions.
Japan. Vehicle sales totaled 1.2 million, an increase of 395,000.
Europe. It sold 412,000 vehicles, up 51,000. That's against a shortage-depressed period a year ago, but still an accomplishment in an overall European market headed for a 20-year sales low.
Likewise, it saw big increases in South America, Africa and elsewhere in Asia, as well.
While the recovered Toyota is on pace to reclaim the crown of world's No. 1-selling automaker from General Motors this calendar year, it trimmed its forecast slightly for total sales in its fiscal year to 8.75 million vehicles from 8.8 million earlier.
Most Popular Stories
- Chobani Counters Competition With Expanded Lineup
- Twitter Offers App Install Ads
- What to Expect From an Amazon Smartphone
- Coachella's Young Audience a Marketers Paradise
- Asia Seeks Obama's Assurance Over Spats
- Nevada Range Showdown Draws Armed Supporters
- Putin: No Blocks to Boosting Relations With West
- NASA's Space Station Robonaut Finally Getting Legs
- National Energy Boom Blurs Political Battle Lines
- Auto Parts Plant Opening in Pa., Jobs on Tap


text:
Posted on: 02/04/2020
Now that National Grid have published the confirmed Winter 2019/20 Triad periods, Strategic Account Manager, Mark Cox looks at the savings businesses would have made from reducing their consumption during these peak periods and how they can take the next steps to make the most of their flexibility.
Triads are the three highest half hourly periods of demand, 10 days apart, usually between 4pm-7pm throughout November to February. These three half hourly periods cover the cost of running the transmission network, also known as Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges.
Triad Periods confirmed
National Grid have confirmed the three Triad periods for winter 2018 occurred on:
- 18th November 2019, 17:00-17:30, where the highest level of peak demand for this winter was recorded at just above 44.3GW,
- 2nd December 2019, 17:00-17:30, where peak demand reached just over 44.1GW,
- 17th December 2019, 16:30-17:00, where peak demand hit 43.54GW.
This peak figure represents a reduction of around 2.6GW on the highest demand recorded for winter 2018/19 (46.9GW). The reduction has been caused by both ‘demand destruction’ where users are either removing or shifting peak load, and continued deployment of embedded generators helping to reduce the strain on the transmission network.
With our Triad warning service, we successfully notified our customers ahead of all these three confirmed triads periods. Our Energy Management Centre send a text or email notification to our customers when they predict a possible, likely, or very likely triad, so they can take action to reduce demand.
Triads remain for next winter
With Ofgem’s Targeted Charging Review set to come into effect in 2021, there are plans to introduce fixed charges for TNUoS, which could have a big impact on the value of the cost saving opportunities presented by Triads. As a result, consumers are already looking at other ways to replace these cost savings with revenues from suitable Balancing Services and short-term wholesale market opportunities.
That said, businesses will still be affected by Triads next winter (and following the withdrawal of CMP332, the winter after that too. Look out for our next blog covering that in more detail). This means that it’s still important for consumers to reduce their consumption as much as possible in order to mitigate Triad costs in winter 2020/21, as those that can limit their demand can secure savings of around £50,000 for every MWh they reduce on average across these periods.
There’s no silver bullet to avoiding rising costs, or to future-proofing your business in this ever-changing energy landscape. But looking at how you can make money from the flexibility you have within your business is one way you can become a smarter energy consumer.


text:
When it reopens on May 17, Duke Street Food and Drink Market will welcome a new operator to the Liverpool venue offering sandwiches inspired by Middle Eastern flavours and dishes. Tony McDonough reports
Duke Street Food and Drink Market will reopen on May 17 and will welcome a new food operator to the venue.
Sabich is a new casual food concept created by the team behind one of Liverpool’s best known restaurant brands, Maray. It will offer sandwiches, rotisserie chicken and sides all of which have been inspired by Middle Eastern flavours and dishes.
Named after the concept’s signature sandwich, Sabich is a combination of aubergine, eggs, tahini, and amba, served in a soft, pillowy pitta. It will add to the outlets the market is home to, including Cuban-inspired Cahita, Italian Cucina Di Vincenzo, seafood specialist Kelp, Asian-inspired Ginger and steakhouse kitchen Bone and Block.
Sabich’s rotisserie chicken is another menu staple. Slowly cooked in its signature harissa butter marinade, and served in either a baguette with chicken shmaltz aioli, pickles and slaw, or as a quarter/half/whole chicken with a selection of sides including tahini, zhug, pickles, turmeric eggs, amba and pitta bread.
Lee Bannon-Smith, general manager of Duke Street Food and Drink Market, said: “Sabich is completely different to any of the other food vendors at the market and we pride ourselves on providing a really varied offering and Sabich further adds to that.”
Thomas White, co-founder of Sabich, added: “Having been patrons of Duke Street Market for a long time, we are extremely excited to join their already stellar roster of operators.
“The Sabich concept is something we have wanted to explore for a while now and the market is the perfect environment to launch the brand. Fans of Maray will undoubtedly love what we are going to do here but it’s a wholly different offering and experience which we cannot wait to share.”